Names Are For Friends
It was a mess in here as well; I had been forced to enter through the parking lot thus decimating two Dobermans once inside plus infected policemen within the precinct. Some doors were either electronically locked or required a key to open, a few had been broken down rendering them inoperable. The door leading to the morgue also required a key but it's not like I needed to go in there. I peeked in through the small rectangle window in the door; the place was overfilled to the point that black body bags occupied the floor too. No doubt they soon realized how futile it was to pack the corpses in there as they succumbed fast to death, and came back from it...
Normally I'd use my many skills against foes in order to either be silent and/or save ammunition; but performing CQC techniques with the likes of zombies could soon lead to disaster, hence unadvisable. Just aim for headshots and it'll be fine. Making my way through this almost desolated place I eventually heard more gunshots, wait a second, do I really want to end up face to face with a cop that'll be hell bent on 'saving me'? I was pondering on that when said officer came running through a door consequently ending in the same corridor as me, he shut it behind him and immediately glanced around to see if there was any potential threat; doing so we both ended aiming at each other.
However he was the first to lower his handgun, «Wait I'm a police officer!»
Bit premature since he doesn't even know me, could also be a tactic on his part in order to fool me into lowering my guard. Therefore I kept my Desert Eagle aimed, «The uniform indicates so but are you really? »
«What? »
«You wouldn't be the first person I encounter who would use that ploy. Things really turned to disaster here so how do I know you're not one of whoever perpetrated such a thing? »
«Listen I-»
«Make one more move and I'll shoot. », my voice now icier, his clear gaze currently as steady as my aim, «You'll do as I say slowly, grab your badge and toss it over here so I can have a look. »
«Alright, let's do this calmly, I don't know who you think I am but I'm not lying; besides those things are right on the other side of that door, do you really want to waste more seconds near it?»
«They can't turn handles; do it now, I won't ask again. »
«And how do I know you're honest? What says you won't shoot me once you've had your proof? »
«If you're who you say you are then you have my word; you can count on that. »
He gave me a long appraising look, «...Well you seem to know what you're doing...»
I kept him under my aim as he executed himself good-naturedly, holstered his H & K VP70 to his right thigh, then unclipped the badge from his gray belt so it fell on the floor before he sent it my way with his right foot. It knocked on my boot and I bent to take it while staring at him; held the ID right in front of my eyes so I could still have one on him. «Tell me your name and ID number; if you get anything wrong this might be slightly problematic...», I saw his nostrils widen briefly as he inhaled noisily.
«Leon Scott Kennedy, 687509. Twenty one years old, blood type A. Height 178cm, weight 70.2kg. Satisfied? »
I momentarily lifted a brow to his retort while holding his gaze, «Not in years. », I lowered my gun and tossed him his badge which he caught, «Good reflex, you'll need them. Are you related to that huge explosion which occurred in the streets? »
He kept his eyes locked on me while putting the objet back where it belonged, «Yeah..., was fleeing from a maniac driving a flammable truck, literally. »
I was reminded of my own encounters, «Must have turned into one of those things. »
«If you know something about that then you've got to tell me. » His voice was solid yet mellow, young yet determined.
«I don't, yet; end of story. », next I opened another door poking my gun and headed through, he saw I was going in so he called to me.
«Hey! Where do you think you're going?! », followed me in.
«Investigating; you on the other hand, do what you want. »
«Hold it right there, don't you think you owe me an explanation? Especially after that little display of authority you showed back there. Just who are you? »
Next a couple of barricades that had been nailed across the broken windows exploded, letting in a massive crowd of contaminated. No time to talk anymore, if I wanted to get passed them to reach that one door at the end of the corridor then I needed to do it now. Some of them were already getting up with all their clumsiness so I darted among them, the officer right behind me. I opened the door only to get welcomed by another horde, workforces had hidden in here but one of them must have been infected since they were all part of the same group now.
I heard my follower shut our only escape and I fired at the closest zombie, Kennedy started doing the same; the man was only equipped with a smaller piece but mine packed more punch, still with that many creatures he was of help. He and I got a couple of headshots, and soon afterwards we had put an end to the immediate threat; however there was no time to look the place over as for the door behind us broke down. The earlier crowd had been pushing on it so the fragile doorframe had given way; now they flooded in like a vicious river.
We had to shoot the first ones that rushed on us thanks to being pushed, hence raised our voices over the gunshots, «I thought you said they couldn't open doors! »
«This building must be older than it already looks! », in between two of my shots I heard the distinctive 'click' of his empty gun, thus I was already shoving my hand inside my pants pocket before he shouted.
«I'm out! »
«Hey blue angel! Take this. », and tossed him a pistol magazine I had found.
Again he caught it right away and slid it inside, we fired some more but if we kept this up we'd waste all our ammo, «There's way too many; retreat in here! »
I looked his way and saw he was holding a door open, it had been on his side so I hadn't seen it earlier; I ran to him then inside and he slammed it shut behind us. We then had the same idea and pushed a shelf across the entrance, he sighed then I handed him one more clip, he took it, «Thanks, anymore present hidden? Like a bazooka by any chance? »
«I wish. » I was looking for an exit hoping we just didn't run into a dead end; else I'd create one through a goddamn wall. Fortunately there was a window giving to the lower floor and into a staircase, «We'll have to escape from here. », and blasted it to pieces.
«Nice, you know how to make a point. », he neared me as I was removing bits of dangerous shards where we'd need to cross over. We could clearly hear the famished zombies frantically rubbing against the wood back there.
I evaluated him out loud, «You seem to know what you're doing yet your movements are way too choreographed, like you're following step by step what you've been told rather than your guts as if you just straight out came from police academy. »
«You're also good at this I see. I merely arrived here thirty minutes from now to take on this new job at the RPD; had my things packed and sent here one week ago. Got separated from my Jeep right when I arrived in town, first day on the job and it's like this. »
I couldn't help but look his way lifting a brow, «Wow, that's something. Either your luck is worse than mine, or better; depends on one's perspectives. », then started moving through and jumped down, I was scanning the surroundings when he dropped at my right.
«By the way, 'blue angel'? »
I glanced downstairs, «Would you prefer I called you 'rookie'? »
«Charmed. I actually have a name and you know what it is. »
«Names are for friends. » I kept my eyes fixed straight ahead unto a moving creature below who was too dumb to ascend anyway; no need to waste ammo on that one. I reloaded my gun before holstering it and then unsheathed my knife, when I sensed he was still staring at me. «Problem? »
«Well, does the secret elite operative have a name? » I briefly looked his way, he added, «I noticed your firearms, ones only an expert would have, plus that combat knife now in your hands. I also observed how well you handle your weapons and yourself, only someone specialized would get that kind of training. Your reflexes equal my own. », his handgun capable of holding 18 rounds, he removed the magazine to see how many bullets were left then shoved it back in, expectant eyes now following my movement.
Ignoring his inquiry I started descending, making the decomposing male below quite eager, I share your enthusiasm. «And you perceived all that while we battled for our lives? »
«I can be quite observant myself, it's one trait required in my career. »
The moaning man was taken care of and I wiped the blade on his pants. «Well then maybe you'll figure other things out for yourself; like I said, names are for friends meaning I don't need one. »
We eyed the three infected to your right but they were far enough not to be a threat, besides they were busy consuming something.
The cop argued again, «Look, you can obviously take care of yourself but it's my job to make sure I can do everything to help, including you or others. I say this bizarre situation is a suitable one for people like us to team up. »
«Then get to it, but without me. » and I started walking away, ears and eyes pricked.
«You're fine with those odds? », seeing I didn't respond he kept following me, «Just what are you doing here exactly? »
I turned half-around, «Listen, I play solo. Don't ask questions and you won't be told lies. »
«And what if you get injured, or die? »
I frowned, «What's it to you anyway? »
«Well for starters this uniform isn't just for show, and if things are even worse than I surmise then I think we should help each other out; and not just for our mutual benefit. »
I scrutinized him quickly. His blue eyes were oddly bright through the semi-darkness, they convey his youth but solid determination as well similar to his voice; they also tell me he's innocent, hadn't killed anyone until tonight just as he had previously revealed. His whole demeanor and bit of witticism from earlier indicative that he's taking it well enough, so a professional although still warm enough at heart. He's young yet not dumb, also polite; a man but not just a bag of testosterones and clearly not one of those exceedingly annoying alpha males.
His juvenile handsome face adorned at ear-height by ginger hair, some locks touched his cheeks mid-way or stood closer to his eyes but the back of his head was cut shorter. He's almost the same height as me but one index taller, he seems slim through his armored uniform; it and his belt wraps around him perfectly, showing no fat overflowing out whatsoever. His posture reveals that he knows how to use his authority but yet doesn't overdo it. Knowing he's new here then he can't be of help when it comes to the way this precinct is made; not that I really need to know since I like to figure things out on my own. All in all he seemed to be a good man; but I knew better than most how appearances could be deceiving. For now his voice was genuine enough supporting his plea for cooperation, he truly wanted to help any way he could. This inspection took less than seven seconds and I resumed my walk.
«So I guess that's a no? »
«Nice observations. », and looked over a corner before advancing that way.
Five seconds later I heard his footsteps behind me, I exhaled through my nose but kept my sight ahead, he said, «In case you didn't notice this is the only route out of this backyard that isn't barricaded. Besides you may wish to face all this alone for whatever reason, but that doesn't mean I have to obey your orders; we're both adults and I'm acting like one. One more thing, threaten me at gunpoint again and I won't be so kind next time; I might be generous but not a pushover. »
I grinned; putting his feet down increased his value in my eyes, a bit. «Clear enough. »
We treaded side to side for a while, both focused on the task at hand and I was enjoying the "silence" although not his company. After all, I didn't know him and felt I could never truly be myself whenever another human being was around. However with an additional pair of eyes near me I allowed myself a glance upward, the moon was shining bright on us, you never cease to amaze me, silver friend. The noise of hordes of zombies came to us from afar; the whole town was filled with that same macabre soft melody.
«Beautiful, isn't it. »
I knew he was referring to the Moon, his voice lower than before; I reported my attention in front of me. We made it back to a door and I inched it open to peek in; the smell of rotting meat flew to me, I entered followed by the cop. We both disposed of one officer each; he took the time to look at the woman's face for three seconds while I was already moving onward. I suppose he was telling himself that they shouldn't be meeting like this; he didn't even know them but was now shooting them dead. An old ceiling fan squeaked above us as we walked among the desks; near another door laid a mutilated body, no doubt the meal of the two officers we had shot back there. I lay a hand on the doorknob when his voice came to me, «I wish to investigate this place further, who knows maybe there'll be some papers with information about what's going on in this town. »
He was right; if there was something then I wished to know as well, without another word I started searching. He appeared surprised that I so easily agreed to his actions, two seconds later he began looking through cabinets and shelves too. I had been staying at the hotel for two weeks therefore had caught sight of the rumors in the Raccoon Times; I had an idea what this was about although many blanks were still to be filled. He not knowing what was happening supported the story he had told me, so unless he'd been here before tonight then he had no means of knowing. Being busy with all the gory unexplained murders, no one had thought to call in the new recruit to fill him in; and why would they since he knew no one here yet.
I heard him let go of a soft 'hm', my eyes settled on him; he was standing over a desk glancing at a torn sheet of paper, right in that line of sight I vaguely noted how his buttocks was small, then he started typing at the computer. I continued my own investigation when seconds later I heard him curse under his breath before saying, «There's no internet, similar to the roads outside been blocked, I think they really tried hard to keep the crisis contained.», he lifted a phone's receiver, «And maybe by the looks of things, also wanted to prevent anyone from reaching for help outside Raccoon... but, why...? »
I swear I could sense the gears in his mind turning, little green Kennedy had apparently chosen the right line of work for himself. At least I'm not stuck with a dumbass, or someone who doesn't know how to defend himself. Plus he's not unpleasant to look at? I shoved that aside right away, I'm not here for any of what that implies, stop bothering me. Still that said a bit about me right there, not many person who'd notice those kinds of things in such an emergency. Takes an analytical mind, someone used to violence thus calm but also one who's been single for way too long; not that I think being unattached is wrong at all in the first place, moreover I don't mean sexually speaking since that is often not even on my list.
Besides what attracts me in an individual is always their intelligence first, then if they're capable in combat hence useful they gain more value points; also it's always a plus when they're neither black nor white in their "moral codes" just like me, and then maybe I get attracted to their physical attributes once all the above has been checked. Him and me weren't at that point, I had merely just noticed how his small ass looks in his pants; for me it didn't mean anything but a fact. But still you can't deny how really well-shaped he is... I growled internally. Fucking mind wandering off on useless shit I'm better without.
After another two minutes of silence he looked my way, «Anything on your end? »
I merely shook my head negatively while stepping inside a small office, probably the bureau of a higher ranked officer; the sign on the door read Marvin Branagh. Rookie followed me in, «A woman of few words, huh. », also glanced around for anything useful; there was a small safe in a corner on the floor but we didn't have the combination. On the desk stood a family portrait picturing a tall black man next to some relatives; the cop stared at it longer than I yet again. I opened the drawers and looked through them, contained nothing more than useless desk objects and some reports. When I straightened up thirty seconds later I noticed he had picked the red frame in his hand. I looked at him while he stared at it, his eyes continuously shifting between the three faces. I tried to imagine what he must be feeling since what he was currently doing was foreign to me...
He felt my gaze, «He's the one who interviewed me... gave off a nice vibe, warm voice and smile; a competent man with an almost flawless record. », he placed the picture back down with solemnity, «Sorry Sir, I couldn't get here in time...»
I didn't know what to do or say, and perhaps it was none of my business; I made my way around the bureau and he then was out. «Nothing here after all, I don't know about you but I'm out to search the other areas. No doubt they have a meeting room so I might find some clues over there. », I didn't wait for an answer, wasn't expecting one, so I was already leaving but left the door open behind me. I was now in another corridor, and not alone; there was something on the ceiling. Brain protruding outside, all red ligaments visible since skinless, clawed 'hands' and feet; it also had a long tongue that was presently moving slowly through the air. I stood motionless, analyzing it; the creature gave out a deep elongated sigh. I noticed it didn't seem to have eyes when rookie stopped behind me, the creature tilted its head towards the subtle sound of his boots.
I guess he followed my gaze since I heard his quick intake of breath; he was clever enough not to say anything nor move, even though we'd eventually have to. The creature sighed once more and started moving leisurely up there, advancing towards us but it was unsure whether it knew of our presence or not. The recruit laid a hand on my shoulder to get my attention, I looked to my left and he pointed towards a double door, blue in color. Silently, we moved towards it and he turned the handle with as much concentration; while he did so I kept the creature in check with the muzzle of my gun. Despite his aptitude, he had no control over what occurred next, years of usage made the hinges screech and it sounded like a loud alarm right now.
The skinless foe shrieked before leaping our way so my index pulled the trigger right then, one bullet pushed it backward and a second removed a chunk of brain as the creature flew back some more from the double blast; cried out and tore slices off the floor as it thrashed about then died. We walked to it with both guns aimed its way ready to fire at the slightest quiver. There was no explanation for what was at our feet, its blood was red and it could have been a human once judging by its physiology; but the how was a complete mystery.
«What's going on here...?! »
«...Fascinating...»
He gazed at me, frowning, «'Fascinating'? »
«Look at it; nothing like this comes naturally so someone must have created it... It could also be linked to what's going on. », I bent to its level, «It also smells...something chemical, somehow. », and touched it with my left index, «Warm. », then got up, «Well this makes everything all the more entertaining. »
«Do you mean to say this doesn't bother you at all? »
«Not really since it makes me excited. »
«...Are you even human...? »
I slowly moved my eyes on his, a lock of hair standing in between his nose and left eye since his head was tilted, «Believe me, you're not the first to actually ask me that. And I'll offer you the same answer; which is nothing. », I turned around and started walking towards the door.
«With that many thick layers you don't need a bulletproof vest, do you. »
I smirked, smart ass. «When you learn the hard way, you can grow up into many different things; considering the rest of the human filth on this planet then I'm really not that bad at all.», the blue door gave into the main hall which was immense.
The cop closed it behind us, and to my surprise had changed the subject, «...It used to be a library which explains its warm colors, rich arches and space. », and he pointed to the womanly statue in the middle, «As for that, I heard the many arts included in most places were placed there by the chief; seen some myself during my brief visit last month. »
So he has been here before... perfect, that way I won't feel so bad once we separate. I leveled my eyes to the second floor and the ceiling, «A building like this must be hard to keep under maintenance, and I'm not even talking about the cost to keep it warm in winter.» I sighed, he was still tagging along.
He heard me but didn't look my way, «I know better than to think this means you're tired. I'm going to look for survivors so we can split up in order to cover more grounds, but I don't suppose you'd help me in that endeavor. However I'd appreciate it if you weren't that selfish especially in a moment of crisis. »
«It's not egotism. »
He looked at me, his voice more solid than usual, «Then, please, enlighten me because I'm lost here. »
I sustained his gaze for three seconds then looked away at the sculpture in front of us, «I don't think you'd understand, not many could even if they wanted to. »
«Try me. »
I approached the statue; it looked as though something round had to be inserted at its base, «You'd be best to mind your own business. »
«Is that a threat again? »
I frowned back at him, «NO, it's an advice. Stay away from me, I'm like poison, people get hurt and often even without me wanting it. »
His voice returned to its original tone, «...So you're working hard to keep people at bay not because you're heartless, but rather in wanting to protect them? »
«...Think what you want, people always do that. Life is shit and death equals freedom. », I moved towards the door at my left.
«Hell, you really believe that...? »
«I'm still alive because I'm practical more times than not. »
«Plus broken. »
«Who isn't? But I'm also not blind like most. »
«So you don't take kindly to friendship or affection? »
I sighed heavily and darted my head his way, «Can we just shut up here? Any noises can give away our position. »
«And any secrets between a team can be the death of one. »
«Then don't consider me your partner. Conversation's over. », and I opened the door, now facing two officers; a woman and a man whose shitty fate was now over as they fell. I heard the door shut behind me but didn't sense him there; I glanced over the small area realizing it was a reception room. Not far from my position I heard a door closing, there he goes. He's wrong though, you are heartless. No, that's what people have called me before and even worse but I do have a heart...what's left of it. He's better off without me, and likewise. He's only known me for a couple of minutes and it's obvious he's already suffocating as I'm siphoning light out of him. So what if he thinks you're coldhearted? Won't be the first and he'll probably die soon like the rest of them, so move the hell on.
I neared a wall and lay my forehead on it, closing my eyes, the cadavers bleeding at my feet. But he's done nothing wrong, who says he deserves this? He's been a real gentleman so far moreover even despite your chilly attitude. I know that! But it's just everything else that I can't be bothered with! I'm not here to save people and in everyday life I'm forced to act "normal", so now that something interesting is going on I don't want to have to keep that façade up just so as not to hurt his feelings. I removed my forehead from the wall a bit before ramming it against it twice. Fucking conscience, fucking everything! And damn him for being so...
Worth saving.
My lids arose slowly, fucking worth caring for. DAMN ME.
Really? You've met him some minutes ago but you're already feeling protective...? That's unlike you...or maybe after years of pushing people away, I'm becoming sicker of that pattern; perhaps I'm becoming more human...
Or I'm full of shit and don't know how to act and think anymore, not so certain of what I've been, who I am...
Author Note: Now I've had one complaint so far that I portrayed Leon as a ''loser'', but keep in mind that he is only twenty one years old; we make many mistakes at that age and aren't as experienced as we like to think we are. I respect Leon for who he is and doesn't underestimate him at all; so when I wrote about him years later he has definitely matured accordingly and is more skilled as well. Just like in the games, he has lost his naivety and is more apt in many domains, even drops more jokes.
Furthermore, I am glad that some of you like what I do. I write stories about women that are skilled, intelligent and strong emotionally too; they are in control of what they feel/think and how they act. The way they are built is entirely intentional, meaning I didn't ''fuck up'' by not giving them enough ''personality''. Women like that exist in real life so it's not that I lack skills as a writer, rather it's a conscious choice to show them the way I do. I like my women strong and capable just as I like my men; I don't see the problem in that.
I yet come across story reviews that are bashed on just because there is a skilled female in it. Men don't like it when men are portrayed ''weak'' and ''stupid/worthless'', but then it should be fine when women are? Not all men are strong or clever and not all female are weak or brainless, so they should stop that goddamn bullshit. My original character doesn't have ''super extra skills'', it's not like she shoots lasers out of her fucking eyes or is as powerful as Hulk; she learned combat and firearm techniques like any HUMAN IS CAPABLE OF. Plus if they had bothered to read further than one chapter then they would know that despite her being strong, she IS capable to develop feelings and is a human too. So those people can go bitch somewhere else about their biased view of how genders should act/think/feel.
That being out of the way; thank you and hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
