The characters from the game belong to Capcom. The OC's and story background belong to me.

A/N: I'm not English native speaker, so you might find some typos or grammar mistakes, I do apologize for that.


21st Century

"This dream…Again…"

And he woke up with a start when it was still dawn. Christopher Redfield, the now Captain of the BSAA looked at the window and checked the clock over the bedside table of his bedroom in a spring day of 2010. He sat on the bed still thoughtful about the dream of a young couple in a house at the shore of a beautiful lake. He turned on the television to distract himself as the sleep had escaped him.

Navigating through the channels, he didn't find anything interesting. Starting to feel hungry, he stood up from the bed and headed to the kitchen to prepare his breakfast. That day he had the day off and when he finished his meal, he started some home chores before his house cleaner arrived. That day was special as he was expecting the visit of his sister Claire. It had been a while since they had seen each other in person.

It was a good change in routine. Since the incident of Raccoon City, his life turned upside down and whatever he ever thought about himself and his career had changed dramatically turning him into a workaholic and loner in his personal life. The fight against the bioterrorism had become the purpose of his life and he was fine with that. He still found time to do few things he liked such as working out at the gym, training his skill and occasional nightstands and few other things. He was fine with that. He enjoyed that routine.

Some close people used to say he didn't have a life, that he was a robot, gym's freak. Those comments used to bother him when he was younger. Not anymore. He had become a pro in ignoring people's bullshit about him. Those people could not see the bigger picture and it would be a waste of time and effort to try to make them understand otherwise.

The hours passed, the house cleaner arrived and thanked for his anticipation and to not disturb her with the remaining chores, he headed back to his bedroom. The television was still on in a History Channel. His cellphone buzzed. It was Claire telling him she was at the airport.

"Do you want me to pick you up there?" he asked

"No, I'm alright. I'll get a cab"

"A cab? I thought you come driving your car"

"Oh no. I'm coming from a short trip and I've got you some souvenirs!"

Chris didn't reply as his attention was dragged to the television screen and the paradisiac landscape of a lake house.

"Chris, are you there? Chris?"

The hazel-eyed man shook his head bringing his attention back to the call, "Yeah, sorry. I saw something here…" he spoke apologetic still keeping his eyes on the documentary

"Alright. We'll talk more later"

The Redfield brothers disconnected and Chris walked closer to the television and sat on the armchair paying attention to the screen and the weird sensations passing through his body. Without taking notice of the time, Chris watched it attentively.

"I was in that place"

Chris looked back in scare with the sudden familiar female voice in the bedroom, "Claire! I didn't hear the doorbell…"

"Yeah, I know! Thank god Eliza was home"

Chris laughed awkwardly and stood up to greet and hug his beloved little sister, "So you were on a trip huh? What a miracle is that? I thought the Redfield's were only workaholics" he spoke jokingly

Claire laughed, "Like you said, a miracle! But it was good. I needed that break from all the sadness and the things you know so well…"

"Yeah… it's been a while I don't travel for just the fun…"

"My tip trip for you, Bohma! It's a very beautiful place. So many castles and a rich history! Beautiful parks, stunning architecture. You should take your girlfriend for a honeymoon there!"

He chuckled, "What girlfriend?"

She gasped, "The tech girl… weren't you two dating?"

"Were! A long time ago."

"You broke up with her too?"

He nodded in confirmation

She shrugged, "And I thought you two were getting married and the Redfield's would finally get their next generation and me be a lovely auntie"

Chris laughed, "No next generation from my side sis. I'm not a marriage material!"

"Sure you are! I remember all the girlfriends you had back in the days!"

"Yeah and I broke up with all of them!"

"You were young…"

"Maybe… but now older I know I'm not a marriage material! So you are the one in charge to continue the Redfield family…"

She shook her head, "I won't do that alone my brother. I'm sure you are the finest marriage material a patient girl could get… you just hide it behind your objection and apparent trauma. I wonder if you suffered in someone's hands…"

He laughed, "There is no trauma sister. I just don't have time for marital drama! I've got enough of drama at work!"

"Yeah, someone's is definitely traumatized with love!... maybe you had a bitchy wife!" she teased him again

He shook his head in denial, "I know we spend a lot of time without seeing each other, but I'd never hide from you a wife. No way I had a bitchy wife! Your theory is wrong"

She shrugged, "Maybe in another life…"

He laughed loud, "You don't really believe that, do you?"

She made a face, "I didn't believe the dead could get back to life, people turn into monsters and vice-versa and look what happens… so I'm in a point of life that I don't doubt things that much anymore"

He gasped, "Nah, this is other life thing is bullshit! The reality is that there are people for everything. Some are born for marriage and family, others don't. And that's my case and I'm fine with that!"

"So why do you even date?"

"Because I like have one partner at a time, different of your friend Leon"

She laughed, "Leon is a marriage material too! He doesn't deny he used to dream he would have a family. He just didn't find the right girl yet… just like you!"

"I thought I was traumatized. What happened to your theory of suffering?"

She smiled, "I hadn't finished telling you my theory that if it's not trauma, it's just that you didn't find the special one. And I emphasize the Special because your girl shall be very patient and understanding of your work and often absence!"

At that statement he only shrugged not agreeing nor disagreeing with his sister's words. Maybe there was a logic in her opinion. Maybe he just didn't find the right one yet. But the question that would always linger is that: how can we know the other person is The One?
Maybe he might had met the one and dropped her like in the most recent longstanding relationship he ever had since his fight started, the tech girl. They stayed together for over 3 years.

The siblings continued talking and changed subjects to the redhead's great trip to Bohma, an old country, famous for its old castles, tradition in Arts, preservation of the old architecture and influence in Europe since it's glory dated from early 18th century after the Great War when a particular two men made history by dedicating their lives with brilliance in combat, diplomacy and strategies who helped in the separation and settlement of Bohma as its own kingdom, later on a consolidated country and the most advanced country at that time in all over Europe.

Claire showed her brother the pictures she had taken in the country and the National Park where the Lake House situated, the same place Chris had seen on the television and also in his dreams…

"What's so special about that house?"

"It's history!"

"And what's the history?"

"Do you really want to know old history?"

"Sure, why not?"

The young Redfield inhaled deeply letting out a heavy sigh, "I don't know… There are some details that got me sad when I was there"

"Your girly side?"

She gasped, "I don't know, I guess it's my human side…"

"Hey, I'm a human too!"

"Are you? Sometimes I have doubts…" she teased him jokingly

"Hahaha!" he rolled his eyes and she laughed, "So, what's the story?"

Claire Redfield rested her back on the armchair, taking another long breathe. "That house used to belong to a young girl. A young painter, famous for her paintings and diaries. Her art lived ahead of her and they say that there are still out there lost paintings of her work, missing diaries. Especially the materials of her final years that preceded the Great War."

"How can they be so sure of her lost treasure?"

"Because of the incomplete sets of paintings and diaries. They have some that are evidently incomplete because her differential work was that she used to paint and portray things like a movie, or a book. She really used to tell people's and the society's story in a row. Some say her greatest rival and enemy set fire on her work in an outburst. Others say it was lost with the time and nature… Either ways, they know the material is incomplete and her faithful registers of that time would get into history"

"I see… Was she a noblewoman or something?"

"No! You can she say she was medium class, but she lived more like a poor woman because of her family who rejected her in every ways. Her tragic fate started when her mother died when she was 16."

"Tragic fate?"

Claire nodded with a saddened expression

"Well, life back in the days wasn't easy, especially for women! If nowadays is still not that great, imagine in what… 17th – 18th century?! No wonder her fate was tragic…"

"Yeah… all she had was her art…"

"So what's the girl's name?"

"Angelique"

"Angelique…" he repeated almost in a whisperer

"Yeah… Angelique R. Stafford, the girl who unveiled the devil"

"The girl who unveiled the devil?" he asked making a face

"Yeah. There was a part in the museum – the Lake House – that referred to her like that"

"Why?"

"Because she was the girl who faced Lady Katarina O'Gregon, an influential noblewoman, mischievous and spoiled woman… Tragic story!"

"So tell me more…"


17th Century

Three days passed since I returned home and back to my old routine. I must confess this time was more difficult to leave the lake manor. Christopher courts me like a queen; his queen. I wonder if that's the education given in the court. No one has ever treated me so kindly and warmly like that before. I never had felt so special to anyone. It's even hard to believe this is real. I only thought a man loving so devotedly a woman only happened in the books.

The lake manor has a total different and new meaning for me - I have become a woman there - at least that's how I feel it.

The lake brought me the love of my life and every time I think of our sweet memories made in that manor, brings a large smile to my face.

I love when he calls me Angely, his angel. The sweet memories watching the lake from our chambers, in the barn, in front of the fireplace. The love letters he writes to me, the love declarations and the promises for our bright future…

All my life I used to watch the lake and the forests in the other side at dawn, the sunrise or the sunset and my favorite season of full moon, or the nights full of stars in the sky. When I was a kid I remember I made wishes to the shooting stars and now I feel like they have granted me the warming and cheerful days of my life. Unfortunately, my mother and grandmother are not here with me, but I believe they might be watching over me wherever they are. The lonely year is gone, and now I admired the night sky and the stunning landscape alongside my love whenever we are at the shore fishing or walking holding hands wherever we go in our hideout. I love when he brings me flowers and places one on my hair over my ear. His precious angel. And then the sweet kisses and all the cuddles or waking up in each other's arms every time we become one.

There's no better feeling than that! Waking up in the arms of the one you love the most. To exchange gazes, caresses, feeling each other's heartbeats, skin against skin. The electrifying shivers and the butterflies in the stomach always makes me forget the harsh reality and the fact that we still didn't validated our banns by consecrating our union in a church, our souls already belong to each other and I look forward to when we don't have to hide ourselves anymore. Love is divine.

For now, I stay home dedicating myself to my paintings and diary usually in my bedchamber while the days pass as I wait for my father to return from another trip. What a punishment! And I thought I wouldn't have to wait so much to introduce Christopher to him in person under the vigilant watch of the "royal guard" of my stepmother... she thinks I don't know, but I act like I haven't noticed her constant observing wherever I go alone.

The special painting is almost finished. This one I made with all my love. I wonder what face Christopher will do when he sees himself in my work!

She smiled largely at the thought locked in her own paradise.

Knock; knock.

Angelique hid quickly her diary as she heard the noises on the door. What an unexpected act. Her stepmother never bothered to knock before invading her space and privacy.

"Is there anything wrong?" she asked the serious woman staring at her

"No, nothing wrong. I just came to inform you that tomorrow a midwife will come to attend you"

"Attend me? What for?"

"To inspect your virginity. Your husband might want to be sure his bridegroom is virgo intacta…"

Angelique remained in silence avoiding eye contact, pretending to be drawing on her notebook.

The woman observed the redhead girl's reaction having doubts of how to interpret her, "Unless he has bedded you already"

Angelique remained in the same behavior. She was already used to the woman's teasing to trap her. However, inside she was freaking out. Thank god, that woman didn't have the ability to look in her inner side or she would be sure of Angelique's real situation.

"Won't you say anything?"

"What should I say? It's already decided, no?"

"Yes, it is decided"

The woman didn't prolong her presence and left the bedchamber. Angelique kept her demeanor until she was absolute sure the woman wouldn't return and get her busted in nervousness.


Northwest Palace

"My brother, what an unexpected and pleasing surprise your presence here"

"Yes, I managed to return before I expected too. Is Lady O'Gregon here?"

"Yes, she is… locked in her bedchamber"

"Is she feeling alright?"

"Yes, she is."

"How is the wedding preparations? Did she like her new accommodations?"

The woman cleared her throat discreetly, "You should ask that to her"

"Why? Aren't you helping her as I ordered?"

"With all the respect my brother. All I can say is: just ask her. Excuse me" the spoke leaving the main hall

The man frowned at her behavior sensing things between them weren't friendly as he expected. On his way to Katarina's bedchamber, he greeted briefly the other O'Gregon women, and then entered the brunette's bedchamber who was looking out at the window.

"So beautiful like the sunrise…"

Katarina had a scare looking quickly in the direction of the man

"Good morning, milady!"

"Good morning…"

"How are you feeling?"

"I am good."

"Surprised?" he asked taking her grip to kiss the palm of her hand

Katarina forced a smile with difficulty as a wave of disgust cored through her body at the touch of that man. His beard causing her goosebumps.

"As a matter of fact I am" she replied removing her hand from his as she stepped away

"I hope you're happy to see me, your groom"

"Did you finish your work at the other location?"

"Yes I did"

"Good…"

"How are the wedding preparations?" he asked walking closer to her

"It is progressing… there are many details yet. I am sorry I could not arrange everything before your return as you expected…" she walked away again

"I didn't expect any less details coming from you. You don't have to apologize milady. As a fact, you deserve a ceremony like a queen's"

Katarina smiled at the compliment. Her first natural smile, "You will make me blush that way…" she spoke covering her cheeks a little bit

"Am I saying too much?"

"Not really"

"So… do you like your new manor and accommodations?"

"Yes I do. Thank you milord. You have a good taste for decorations"

"You deserve the best! After our marriage, you will have much more, my future Duchess of Northwest!"

Katarina smiled faintly. That title sounded good for her ambitions side, but when she looked at the man from head to toes and his lack of appeal made her feel that title was too much of a burden and nothing pleasing to carry on. She deserved more and better than that.

He stepped closer to her, "Where's your famous radiance? I feel like I'm doing a monologue"

"Pardon me please. I am just tired…"

"I'm sure I can make you feel better…" he spoke in a charming tone taking her grip with one hand and her waist with the other

"What are you doing?" the woman spoke outraged walking away

"I'm going to make you feel better"

"I will feel better when you leave!"

The man frowned at her words' tone, "May I remind you that you're still not my wife legally, but you are my woman already. You shall respect my wishes and not turn me down!"

"I am a virgin who shall remain chaste until the honeymoon!"

The man laughed with a smirk, "You a virgin? You may fool your father and there's nothing worse than a man who doesn't want to see the truth and remain blind! You don't fool me! a woman who has bedded the king have no right in such order"

"What? Bedded king? Is that the new rumor?" she rolled her eyes in annoyance

"Not a rumor when the Queen herself confided me that"

She couldn't help her loud laugh and smirk, "A despicable ugly and insecure woman has no credibility to say that!"

"She's the Queen!"

"A miserable insecure woman! A shame to femininity! To hell the title of… queen!" she spoke with mock

A mischievous smile formed on the man's face, who seemed delighted with her scene, "Now I can see the real you. I like that!"

Katarina let out a heavy annoyed sigh as she placed her hands on her waist, regaining her composure

"So you're a virgin? All the cleavage and radiance is just…"

"Yes, I am a virgin! Is just my friendly way makes that the gobermouch think wrongly and tell a bunch of lies! Those people shall go sard themselves and the horse they rode in on."

The man laughed loud, "Those words aren't for a classy woman!"

"I am sick and tired of all the lies the dastards spread about me! Because of them you have insulted me by touching me in that inappropriate way! You still are not my husband and shall not touch me ever again!"

"You don't have the virginal aura"

"And you do not have respect for me!"

"I do respect you and a lot… reason why I'm looking forward to wed you very soon!"

"If that is your respect towards a noblewoman like me, I do not want to know how you treat the whores"

He stepped closer to her and stared into her eyes, "I could never treat you like an ordinary whore!" he spoke with a threatening way

Katarina didn't back down and faced the man staring back at him. no one could stood up for her besides herself and that was her strongest trait that in the others' mouth sounded like arrogance. She was an impetuous woman and tired of the Duke's family. She was already having enough tolerance with his sister and her insults. Her limit of patience was decreasing day by day, minute by minute as her staying in that place prolonged. She was at the verge to explode after listening up to everything like the ethical and nobility code demanded from a woman of her status. But that was getting too much and combined with her disgust for the Duke, her anger only increased giving her more courage to stare back into the man's eyes as if she was an equal or even superior to him.

Soon their duel ended, the man left the bedchamber. In his eyes, no one won that battle and the more ferocious that woman could be, the more interested he became. She was a woman who could go to both extremes, from the who to the prude. From the classy to the peasant. A polyglot who could speak not only foreign languages, but one who could speak the nobility dialect and the lower classes dialect. From the diplomacy to the beast. A unique woman who wasn't just one woman, she was several women into one. She ought to be his!

Katarina remained restless in her bedchamber. Her brain working on fire in how she could escape that fate. She was her own domain.

Her name was Katarina R. O'Gregon, the fierce Duchess


"GOBERMOUCH": An old Irish word for a nosy, prying person who likes to interfere in other people's business.

"Sard" was the medieval period's F-word. A 10th-Century Old English translation of the Bible contained the immortal phrase: "Don't sard another man's wife." It can't really get clearer than that.

Thank you Herpderp for the review, you rock! :D

Stay Tuned!