I am already here for an update :-D Looks like things are going very well on this fan fiction's future! I am very excited about this story… I think I will make it darker, and hopefully, smutty towards the end (with an obvious change of rating). But for now, it is okay where it is: T
Summary: From Leon's POV: She is his duty, her fate, in his hands. He wants to live and will not let her die. She is his mission, his objective, his obligation. Why, when all seems lost, does she spring to life and help him? How exactly how do her particular actions affect the young American?
Warning: It can get violent. There are no strong sexual references in this chapter, so there are no worries :-D But please don't flame me bout OOC characters, because- thinking of it rationally- wouldn't you feel the same way? Thanks and adios!
Luky
(P.S- Thank you, all of you who took the time to review! It made me very happy, and distracted me even during exam time simply because I was constantly thinking of what to do for Leon's side of the equation! I promise to not let you down!)
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Chapter Two:
She Needs Me
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Leon:
…
She needs me.
I drag her behind me, only because we have been running ever since we entered the shrine and we are both exhausted. I tell her to stay and drop her hand as I run to the end of the hallway I see that there were two openings for an enemy to attack, so I inch along the wall and peer through the left side. Seeing no one in sight, I pause; then quickly spin around the right corner, bringing the heavy shotgun with me.
I see a foul creature and I don't hesitate for an instant: I fire. Out of the corner of my eye I see her drop to the floor, her hands grabbing at her head as the sound echoes in the hall. That same sound stings my ears slightly, but I have long since become accustomed to the sound of gun fire- I don't need to duck or cover.
In an instant, the Ganado is on the ground and I take the advantage of this as I whip my pistol out in a flash and fire four bullets into the monsters chest. Each bullet caused a geyser of blood to wash against the walls. It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of blood that could be spilled from these creatures.
I call for her, and she rises from her crouched position to come to my side. I don't need to look at her face to see her disgust; because I know her eyes are on the carnage behind me. As she runs to my side, rounding the corner, I see a hand outstretched towards her. A moment later, the hand erupts in a shower of blood, and Ashley's eyes widen as she stops in her tracks. She begins to turn instinctively to see what had exploded behind her.
"Follow me!" I yell, and even in my own mind I can hear the strain and fatigue dripping from the command. She starts moving again, slowly, and I see behind her the creature, devoid of a right hand, lumbering past the two way stop. I feel a twist of something in my abdomen before I yell at her again.
"Behind you!" I yell breathlessly as she again turns to gaze at the danger. I don't have time to bite my lip and sigh at her foolishness, although the urge to do so comes upon me regardless. She screams and drops to the floor, covering her face- just in time for my bullets to hit home. The creature is thrown back, but it's only the last four bullets in the clip; not enough to destroy it. I prepare to yell for her again when-
I'm surprised when I find her already sprinting to my side. I don't get the chance to speak, but I mentally congratulate her on being a bit more assertive. I don't know what I would have done if she had sat there, dumb as a dog, looking death in the face. I probably would have shot my gun, but the sound, and the blood would have paralyzed her further. She didn't need any more of that.
She needs me.
'Then again, do I need any more of this?'
For a moment it's just the sound of gunfire as I shoot behind me. I can hear Ashley as she trails behind, her breathing harsh and uneven. I know that she is not the only one who is exhausted. However, it is obvious that she is more fatigued then I. I try to think of something helpful to say, although nothing motivating comes to mind Just the ceaseless commands of: run, save Ashley, keep running.
We enter another room, only this one is far bigger then the last. The walls are high, and in front of me is what looks like a lake. It's probably some booby trap since god knows what exactly lived in it. After the other lake experience I was reluctant to go head first into the water. My tired mind tried frantically to come up with a solution to the newest problem. There had to be some other way- I just needed a break to find it-
Something grabs at my shoulder, and I hear Ashley shriek, darting away from me quickly. I wince as the demon's nails sink into my skin. I shrug my shoulder hard, and the hand comes slightly loose- dragging its claws down my arm. I give a disgusted cry as it hooks onto my glove, its greasy fingers diving into the tight cloth.
I wrench away, lifting up my gun at the same time. I bite the growl of satisfaction as the barrel sinks into the putrid flesh of the monsters face. I only fire once. It's head explodes in a spray of flabby decaying skin and I watch the disgusting display with little emotion. The hand hooked on my glove finally jerks away, taking my glove along, as the creature blindly gropes for its missing appendage.
I turn and see Ashley now looking around the room. I think frantically think to myself, 'no time, we'll have to swim across.' Yet, I see her hand wave in the air as her eyes must have caught on something, but I don't care what she's looking at. Most likely she was pointing at more enemies, and although that was a bit helpful, I did not want to hear about it. I sprint towards her and take her soft hand in my own. I take notice of the softness of it but start running forward without thinking too hard into it.
My eyes look for another way out, other then this lake; I just didn't want to get into any water that I couldn't see the bottom in. Just then I feel Ashley's welcomed flesh slip from my own as she stops, jerking her hand away. My first impulse was to admonish her for acting childish; how many times did she call me a pervert? I was prepared to throw her over my shoulder when, I saw her eyes swivel towards something to my left.
It was in the same direction that she had been pointing to earlier.
"Look, there is a lever!" She yells to me, and I can see in her eyes that she is trying to be helpful.
My eyes follow the direction of her hand and my hopes lift instantly. She had found what looked like a lever. Most likely it would make something rise up out of the water so they could cross without getting their feet wet.
'Maybe she isn't so useless after all?' I wonder thoughtfully, already making my way closer to the device.
She and I run towards to the wall, and it is then that I notice, that hanging on the side is a replica of the painting she and I had seen in the church when we first met Saddler. I pull on the frame but it is securely fastened. The only other option was to climb the wall, but it was much too high for me to get there on my own. I look at Ashley, and see in her eyes that she has already decided to climb up there herself.
She needs me.
'She's learning…' I think leaning over. I lace my fingers together tightly and tense my whole body for a moment. Her shoe, (which is bathed in grime of origins I did not want to imagine), hits my hand and I lift her up over the ledge. I wait for the expected comment about being a pervert, but it doesn't come. I'm surprised further when I hear her call (she had hoisted herself the rest of the way) "I'll pull the lever, Leon! Cover me!" I gladly comply, backing away from the wall to get a better position to fire at the monks that followed us, and were now heading towards her.
Before I could gain enough distance to cover her, I spy, in the dim light, a shadow falling across her figure. I back pedal with speed I had not know I possessed and swing the gun over in her direction, probably holding the wrong gun, and fire. I hear her scream and duck, but for once I don't really mind her fear. Another creature is heading her way, and I dispose of it from a distance; just to make certain it didn't get her.
I see her hands reaching for the lever, and I am amazed as she screams again, yet still manages to turn it when I shoot another monk next to her. I wanted to curse when I realized that it wasn't just a lever to pull, it needed to be spun. I was worried if she had the strength for but a second, and then I watched her swiftly turn it, her frail arms shaking.
It seemed like she wasn't so much of a burden- not like I really minded her anyway. She was my motivation to get out of here. She needed me to help her live; proving she was not really a coward--just a frightened girl.
'And it's not like I don't need her with me, I actually…'
'Whoa!' My thoughts had taken a quick and wicked spiral into nowhere at the wrong time; a monster was at my left and heading my way. I quickly dispatch of it. The gun was wasting ammo, so I grabbed out my rifle and shoved the base into the face of another lumbering monk. It collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, and started to spasm. I heard a splash and then something that could have been a whimper, but was loud enough to be a groan of pain.
I twist around to look at Ashley, my thoughts angry and frightened as I see her curled in a fetal position, her hands fisted over her eyes- I yell her name desperately, breathlessly, fear striking my heart like a lightning bolt, freezing my limbs as I watch a monk shambles closer.
"Ashley! Get up!" I cry, the same fear in my heart as another ganado is inches away from her. I start to lift the rifle, but a gurgling behind me makes me turn away- although I didn't want to, and whip out my knife.
I slash at the monsters fingers that were outstretched towards me, and they fall to the floor in a spray of blood. Unfazed, the creature tipped back its oily flesh and smiles at me from behind its rotting teeth. I lift my knife to its face and watch as the blade dips into the flesh, the skin peeling away like sliced butter. Now blind, the creature flops over, and I hear Ashley call my name; loudly.
She needs me.
I turn towards her and see her being carried away, trying in vain to push herself up and out of the creature's arms. She is crying, mumbling, and banging her fists against the thing carrying her. From behind me another monk babbles incoherently, I grab my rifle with my left hand, turn, and toss my knife at it's forehead with my right. It lands with a sickening "thunk" just as I turn to bring the rifle into position.
They were almost through the doorway!
I was about to fire, to free her, but a sudden pain surged through my veins. I gasp, and lower the gun long enough to cough wildly. I feel something moving in my chest- literally squirming around in my lungs. I wheezed feebly as I press one supportive hand against the thundering of my heart, and I slowly come back to my senses. A bitter fury fills me again; only this time the irrational feelings almost consumed me.
Briefly I wondered what had jut happened to me but I had no time to consider; I raised the rifle.
A sound like thunder fills he cavernous room, and my shot hits true, but deadly close to Ashley. She is instantly dropped and I watch her roll away; glad that she still has a few instincts. My heart begins to relax a small fraction of its tension, and I can't keep my eyes off her for a second. The monk, whose head still houses my knife, buried to the hilt, is lumbering towards. I lunge forward and yank the knife out. It makes a wet popping noise as it comes loose but I don't pause for a second- the blade pierces the monks neck and a hissing sound paired with the sound of shredding cloth enters my head and reverberates there.
For a moment, there are no enemies near me to be dispatched. My attention is on Ashley again, and this time I am poised and ready, rifle in hand. From this distance I can see that she's smiling, and rubbing at her eyes. For a moment I wonder why in the world she would be crying, and then I realize that I must have blinded her with the creature's blood.
Guilt comes next and I feel the pang in my chest, resonating where it ached from my earlier attack. Yet, I don't let the feeling stay for very long, and I watch her get up; only to teeter and begin to fall again. It was at that moment that I heard something that made my whole body freeze, my heart most of all. She yelled: "So I'll be strong and do this, for HIM!"
More then a little surprised, I watch her stumble to the lever. I was still reeling, uncertain if she was referring to me or not. I was almost positive that she was, and for some reason that excited and renewed me. And the feeling was akin to the surge of emotion I had experienced after my earlier episode.
I watch as she starts to turn it and then I dispatch of the monsters that get in my way. She holds on for dear life, and I can almost hear her muscles straining and for a moment I can imagine the agony. I feel for her but I also have feelings for her. I can't name them because I fear that if I did, there would be too many repricusions to face. Many of which, I would be unfit to handle in this situation.
She needs me.
'Letting my mind wander- what kind of protecter am I?' I think angrily at myself, dislodging the previous thought from my mind without even blinking.
Through my scope I can see her determined face. It was filled with fear, and also very dirty- but still determined and brave. Up until this moment, her turning of the lever had shown no promise. I was beginning to lose hope that it would actually move at all, but then suddenly, a positive result was finally beginning to show.
My back is to the water, but I hear a rumbling as if something was rising quickly out of the depths. I want to laugh when I turn and see a platform breaking the surface. It is a far distance from this side to the platform, but I know that I can make it- and then help Ashley across. It's coming along slowly, but excitement fills me.
She is doing it- she is really doing it!
"Leon…" I hear the whisper, so soft that I thought I was imagining it. I looked up at Ashley and I wanted to smack myself for being foolish. I see her being grappled with by a monster, and the only thing keeping her safe is her arms still holding tight on the wheel.
"Shit!" I mutter under my breath, loading the rifle as quick as I can- snapping the bolt into place and aiming quickly. Through the scope, I catch a glimpse of her and my breath falters; as through the lens I see her mouthing my name. I quickly regain my composure when I see the hand gripping her shirt cruelly. I move the gun an inch and fire at the creatures arm. I watch it fall, as the tension in Ashley instantly is released. She hits the ground on her knees and an echoing thud fills the room.
I can't help it; I give a yell of triumph for her, almost delirious in my fatigue. I quickly scan the rest of the room and see only two more monks heading my way. I didn't need to look at Ashley to hear the joy in her voice: "Leon!"
Something in her voice makes a part of me feel lighter, although I still have worry. I swing my arm in a wide arc as I near my opponent, and feel my hair against my face as I fight. I swing my knife again, and I almost close my eyes to revel in the feeling that I was working with her- together, her and me. It was great to have such a heavy burden lifted, even if it was only a slight change in the pressure.
I turned to Ashley and see her come to a halt at the ledge. I run towards her, momentarily forgetting all about what could possibly be creeping up behind me. (although I was pretty certain there was nothing) My mind and gaze were all for her. Her expression, I had never seen anything quite like it. The way she stood, flushed, breathless, a small smile on her face and her eyes dancing and hot on mine.
'Beautiful…' the thought escapes before my mind can squelch it.
She needs me.
'And I think… I need her too.'
A sound disturbs my thoughts, and I whip my gun out from my side to empty an entire clip into the chest of a monk. It shrieks, falls back, but doesn't die. My magazine is empty, and I pull the trigger until it gives a loud click. That doesn't stop me though, and I holster the gun to pull out my bloodstained knife; stabbing the advancing creature behind me in the neck and pulling it to the side with a viscious grunt. I feel the hot blood wash over my remaining glove as the rotting skin parts. I cannot be distracted though, and before I have fully decapitated the creature, I turn back to Ashley.
My eyes latch onto hers, and the feeling comes again, of what nature I do not yet understand. I suddenly realize I am not the only one who has started to feel differently. She was getting stronger- and more brave. Ashley's sheer bravery made me see something in her that I had always admired in a person. I already liked her simply because she was in my charge- but as a "person", I now had—
From behind her, I see the lumbering figure of a monk, its feet dragging on the ground. I cry out in alarm, waving my arm towards her in sudden, heart wrenching fear.
"Look OUT!" I yell, dragging my hand to my gun and thrusting it out in front of me, aiming my shot just a little too late. I watch helplessly as her head is jerked back by her short blond hair- her eyes loosing their shine and her mouth opening in a gasp of pain. Her hands fly to her head, and I watch her grunt in pain as she is forced to take a step away from the edge.
"Ashley! Ashley! Ashley!" I scream furiously. I can't get a clear shot at all, and desperation fills my entire being. Horror washes away all my reason as I watch her struggle against the ganado's grip. I can't reach her, help her--anything!
A mindless guilt consumes me like a wild fire and my thoughts spin through like a fierce wind.
'I can't believe I let her get caught again- why exactly did I let her go up there alone anyway? By doing that, I had completely jeopardized this mission, everything I had worked for. I could have easily found another exit, another way- Why? Why did I put her through that? I made her feel useless- even though if it wasn't for her, I would have stopped fighting long ago!'
She needs me.
An insane rage fills me. My hand clenches the gun, and I reluctantly holster it. I brace my legs apart and force my mind to go blank. How many times had I done that during this mission? Exactly how objective and cruel had I been? I wanted to be sincere, yet I felt like I hadn't been. Most of all- I wanted to be sincere with her; a slip of a girl who had shown great courage in the face of fear and death.
I couldn't help it- I was worried about her. For whatever reason, other then my mission, I wanted her to live. I wanted her to need me…
A Thought:
'I want her.'
My eyes bulge as I watch the tears building in her eyes. Without realizing it, my hands clenched so hard that blood on my ungloved hand sputtered out from between my fingers.
"Ashley!" I yell one last time and it appeared to be enough for her- she screamed so loud that the sound filled the room with its single word-
My name.
I watched as she dropped to her knees and pulled. I knew what she was doing instantly and I rolled to the side, dodging the monk that crashed to the ground beside me. I quickly came to my feet, drawing my knife upwards to slam it into the head of the Ganado, and then whipping out my shotgun and unloading three rounds into its chest. A crazy, delerious joy filled me as I mutilated the beast- but the moment passed in the blink of an eye and I would not remember it.
I didn't spare it a second glance, although I was panting from fury and relief (very glad to dispose of it), and turned to Ashley. I watch as she swings her legs over the side of the wall and I lift my arms to catch her. Without realizing it, I call to her gently, and my mind is filled only with her safety.
She lands in my arms and I don't even notice the weight. It feels like an eternity that I stared down into her face, relieved and incredibly anxious. She wasn't looking at me at all- was something wrong?
I gasped slightly when I felt her shaking arms wrap around my neck. She was cold, incredibly cold, and shook with a force I did not yet understand. A moment later I felt the soft press of her lips and heard her hysterical sob. Mixed in her voice was fear, sadness, relief- so many things I couldn't even begin to describe.
When she began to cry, I felt something swell in my chest- it was tight, and burned likewhiskey. For a moment I felt like I was in incredible pain, unbearable- but so sweet and toxic. With her sobs against my neck and her hair against my cheek-
She needs me.
'I don't care anymore about duty!' I thought wildly, and felt the stir of rogue emotions inside me build to a breaking point. I can't take it any longer.
"Ashley." I choke out, and suddenly grip her as tight as I can. I feel my hand come up from her back, trailing across the dirty cloth there, to grip her head in my big hand; I realize how frail and womanly she is. I press her face harder against my chest with the force of my emotions. My arms shake as my heart falters- and yet I press her closer still, until I can feel the softness of her chest meshed against my own.
Why do I feel this way all of the sudden? I don't want to let her go- yet there is so much I have to think about. She is still…
"Ashley, are you alright…?" I ask, despite myself. I am unable to say anything about this moment. If I had my way where would we be? Would I have given her a second look if she had been a ditzy college girl laughing with her friends? I don't know…
I watch her hair pool on either side of her face, and the delicate line of her neck that it exposed made my lips twitch. I felt my breath tighten, and the rampant pulse of her heart echoed in my mind like a mantra. Her cries slowly abate, but I silently will her to continue- I don't want the moment to be over with- I needed more… so much more…
Did she feel this same way? Why was I so relieved? I have trouble remembering anything really- nothing is easy anymore. Nothing I am feeling is even sane… There is no way I could possibly…
My heart aches, and I realize exactly why, when her grip loosens. I let my arms relax (a difficult thing) as she starts to pull away. I watch as she bows her head, and reaches up one pale hand up to tuck a blond strand of hair behind her ear.
Lust.
I felt it like a demon's claws across my body. It was unexpected, and I wondered if there were any other things that might be influencing that thought. All I knew now was that I wanted her- and that we were still both in very real danger. Rational, trained, and emotionless thought took over as I set her lightly on her feet; for fear that she might collapse. I try to look into her eyes, but she avoids them readily, and I feel tension enter me once again. We are still in danger- we needed to think rationally now. But first…
I take her hand in mine, and I take a little bit of pride in the way she gasped at the sudden touch. In a moment I was off, dragging her with me again, heading towards a cluster of monsters on the other side of the water. I whip out my gun and start to shoot…
"Wait!" I yell, quickly jumping across. The distance is far but I can make it. There are more monks coming, attracted by the gunshots. I land and slide, my boots making a scratchy sand sound on the gritty stone. It was still wet, and I started to slip, but I righted myself in time to turn towards Ashley.
She is standing on the other side of the water, her legs visibly shaking, and I reach out my hand- there was no way she was going to make it… Her legs are shaking like a new born calf's from the fear.
She needs me.
'We are over our heads; I have to get her out of here!' I think, and watch as more zombies clad in robes stumble in our direction. I hold my hand out, stretching as far as I can go and urge her to cross over quickly.
Her eyes give my hand a glance, and I realize that there was blood on my hand- staining the tan color of my flesh. I don't see her face as she jumps, but even as she does, I can tell she isn't going to make it. Her hand slips into mine as her legs cart wheeled in the air behind her. I grasp her hand and tug with all my might while she is still in the air. I brace both my legs and catch her as she slams into my chest.
I can hear the deep whoosh of her air as she is crushed against me. For a moment I can feel her wicked heartbeat against my chest, and my arms tighten around her. This only lasts for a moment, and I pull away- simply because they monks were almost to the edge of the water. I take her hand firmly in mine and for a moment I am shocked to find that her skin was burning.
'Oh shit, not now!' I think wildly, just as the platform begins to shake. Ashley at my side give s a weak shriek as she begins to fall, but I grip her shoulders firmly, holding her in place, only confirming my fears when her big wide eyes look into mine with glazed vision. She was crashing, just like I had earlier. I didn't need to think twice before I realized I just might be doing the same thing- but the thought was squelched as the pillar gave another jerk.
Without considering I leap over to the next platform; a much shorter distance to cross, thank god. I watch as Ashley pauses before she jumps, her hand taking mine almost instantly. This time, when she is in the air, I feel something that could only be described as a flutter in my stomach. I am proud as her first foot touches the side and the next lands quickly after its companion. My pride is short lived though, because as soon as she lands, she doubles over and forces me to drop my hand from her side.
I watch in horror as her face ripples; literally. She grips her mid section as if in excruciating pain, and over her body, I see zombies climbing across the platforms, getting closer and closer. I turn to her, kneeling at her side and watch as her face contorts with pain. I put my hand on her shoulder, but the words of encouragement die on my lips- I remember when my first attack occurred- I had not been able to stay awake…
'Shit! She's going to pass out!'
I go to my knees before her and grip Ashley's face in my hands, bringing her close to my own as I peer into her eyes. I am shouting at her- but she can't seem to hear what I am saying; her eyes are glazed with a thick white fluid that is slowly solidifying. I feel horror crawl up into my stomach, as I see her mouth open wide as she gasps for breath; her beautiful lips dripping with saliva.
She needs me.
'Oh GOD.'
A moment later and she is retching all over my shirt. It spews from her mouth and nose in a stream of steamy liquid. It pours over my body, burning my chest and sending the strong scent of blood to my nose. In horror I grab her shoulders, turning her body so her back is resting against my upraised knee. I can still see the ganado in front of us- coming ever closer.
Her head lolls on her neck, and a bloody lump of vomit is on her lips as her mouth moves soundlessly. If I didn't know better, I would think she was dieing. There was no real answer for why her reaction was so different from mine, but at the moment, there was no way of really finding out either. Her eyes are still glazed but they were clearing up slightly with the steady stream of tears that were leaking out through her eyes.
I look at her face and the worry consumes me. Never before had I been so concerned about a person-to the extent that my stomach was in knots just looking at her. She vomited blood, which means she was bleeding internally- what could have caused it? There were so many questions- too many to answer. I had to defend us soon, swiftly dispatching the rush of oncoming enemies before I could even hope to bring us both to safety.
"Ashley," I yell into her face, my hand coming up to cup her cheek tenderly. As soon as my hand touched her face, I could feel the unhealthy heat of her. Her skin was a horrid and pallid color, very sickly. Again I feel a wave of protectiveness as her eyes fall closed.
'She passed out.' I observed silently.
I allow myself a moment to stare at her face, although why the need to do so is beyond me, and then stand to face the oncoming swarm of monsters. Filled with purpose and a little bit of fear for the girl behind me I pull my shotgun out from my case at my side. Loading it carefully, I heft the big gun up to my chest and take a wild aim at the nearest upcoming swarm and pull the trigger.
The bullets cause loud explosions.
One swarm.
…
Two swarms.
…
Three swarms.
…
…
…
She needs me.
…
…
END OF CHAPTER AUTHOR COMMENTARY:
Yay! Finally got this finished! I've been really worried about whether or not Leon was in character, but I feel like I have him pretty well done, so far :-D
I would like to thank all of those people who have reviewed for me! Your love and devotion to commenting was a great joy and motivation for me. I am hopeful that the next chapter (as well as this one, lol) will be as well celebrated, if not more so, then the first!
No bad comments please! If you have point then share it- a question, then ask it! But please don't flame me about the pairing, it isn't all that unnatural!
The next chapter will be Leon again, only this time, watch what changes happen with him while he fights! And then of course, we get to some nice Lime- although- how bitter, I have not yet decided :-D
Comment PLEASE!
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I do not own or ever will own these characters! It was my joy to buy the game, enjoy it to the fullest, and then think of small off shoots! I make no profits as this work is done for the enjoyment of myself and others.