Chapter 9: The Beginning of the End
Edited by: Naoko Suki
Cerena outstretched her arm towards the woman as the hand shook slightly.
"Claire knew you couldn't be trusted. You wanted to use her, but now…" her eyes snapped to the taller woman in front of her.
Excella stared back but the concentration was broken when she heard glass shattering and a sharp pain in her stomach began. She looked down, a large shard of glass protruding from her stomach. Her eyes went sideways to the glass door to the right of her, not understanding how it could have happened; her body falling to her knees.
"But now, comes the payment." Cerena cast her gaze down at the fallen woman.
"H-How is…Claire needs to tou—"
"Cerena is controlling the virus now with its full power. Claire does not know yet, but Cerena will guide her to the top."
Excella gripped around the shard in her stomach before turning her head behind her. "Sergei…get her!"
Sergei had already begun to escape, leaving the downed woman behind. Cerena noticed him turning the corner and within a second was next to him.
"You have already been seen. You tried to kill Claire." Without warning her hands shot out and gripped his head. Then in one swift pull and a short cry from the prey his head was torn from the body. Blood instantly flowed to the ground as the head hung by its hair in the girls' hand.
Excella wasn't able to scream no matter how hard she tried. She stared at the creature before her, now knowing she had must of lost control. The sound of the body collapsing and the head dropping to the floor echoed the hallway. Her body turned to the woman on the floor and slowly walked up to her; body covered in the Colonel's red fluid.
"No!" The woman yelled, her feet kicking against the floor to crawl backwards. "Stay away!"
"Our payment." She replied to the screams in a monotone voice, her leg rearing slowly.
"No! No!"
The cries did nothing as she was kicked, sent flying through the corridor. Her body hit the wall in an instant, her body breaking in every area possible. Even still, the woman instinctively tried to sit up, but Cerena crossed the gap and kneeled in front of her, landing a hard punch every second the woman took a breath until no more came.
"Claire may get mad, but Cerena had to let out her fury." Her hands searched the woman's corpse, pulling out a thin but glamorous wallet from her back pocket. She placed it into the front of her bra, standing up from her place when she finished.
"What have you done now?" Cerena turned to the voice that came from behind her.
"Just protecting Claire. This is Cerena's job, after all."
"Cerena? I have read about you, but to think your extent would be this…successful." He hear the woman snort.
"Claire doesn't know yet. Excuse me, but Cerena must go." She began to walk, just passing him before he grabbed her forearm.
"I don't seem to remember you being allowed to leave."
"Cerena wasn't asking for permission." But the hand on her arm wrung tighter.
"Wasn't it I who created you and let you free? You must obey me."
"Negative. Mr. Spencer created me, so he is the one Cerena should obey. When he is gone, Claire is the one who can." The man's brow furrowed, dipping below his sunglasses line.
"Does she know what is happening to her?"
"Wouldn't you like to know," She tried to walk again, but he grabbed both of her arms, pinning her back to his torso.
"I suggest you be cooperative and come with me."
Her face twisted into a scary one once more as she ripped one of her arms free, giving him a hard bow to his chin. She easily broke free and stood a few feet before the man as he gripped his jaw. It had broken, but he easily snapped it back into place though his neck still had an open wound where his skin tore from the impact.
The man growled, "Where is your power coming from?"
She said nothing and instead bit her finger. If real life could be put into slow motion, would you have seen Cerena run to Wesker and place her now bleeding finger to the cut on his neck. His reaction was almost instant. He back off a little, coughing and holding his neck before falling to the ground. His body seemed to gasp at air as he stopped trying to resist, finally lying on his back.
"It feels satisfying, making someone like you fall. It's our blood." She said quietly, standing with her legs on either side of his torso before sitting atop of him. "You can't even move after a split second contact. What would happen with just a few more drops?" She leaned closer, their noses almost touching. She smirked, tempting his anger. "Don't worry too much; you should be fine in a few hours."
Her blood spattered face then met with his in a quick but deep kiss, breaking it faster than it had even thought to have happened. She took his sunglasses and Claire's notebook before disappearing into the elevator.
The strongest man in the world was left almost lifeless on the floor.
It was only a few minutes later when security arrived and examined the scene. Bodies, broken walls and Wesker.
"Sir, would you like us to give chase?"
"That would be futile. Let her go."
He would let her have her time for now. Beware Claire, your clock is ticking…
She had been running for miles now. The woods surrounding her kept her hidden from anyone above and on land. She needed to find a safe place to bring Claire back and explain everything. Cerena knew that she would be able to hear her now. Damn, why can't this be any easier?
Cerena ran a bit further before her eyes caught a wooden cabin, almost missing it by a few seconds. Her feet rounded her towards the structure. She arrived and stepped inside the unkempt home. The entire place was covered in dust and webs. She pulled a small chair from its upside down state and placed it on its legs before sitting on it. Putting the notebook and wallet on the table, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
XxX
Before I opened my eyes, my nose took in the scent of my surroundings; different and not sterile like I was used to. I had been sitting on something hard and uncomfortable.
"The hell?" I nearly jumped from my seat when I saw where I was; some old, worn-out pit. I was confused. There's no way I could be here. I was just in the corridor, walking out and I bumped into Excella and…
"Oh…" I slapped my hand to my forehead. "Did it happen again?"
"Yes, it happened again."
I actually stood from my seat this time, looking around. "Who's there?" my body was in alert, ready to tackle any intruder.
"It is Cerena. You cannot see, because she is only in your mind."
"What? What do you mean in my mind?" Claire continued to look at the corners of the room.
"Everything is explained in the notebook. Read it, please."
"You know this is awkward right? Talking to myself and all." I grabbed the notebook and opened it, searching the pages. "I wonder if Wesker caught and drugged me." I scoffed, and opened the book to the latest page.
'At first you may have problems controlling your temper. To be sure you will not mutate I had to take some steps. There is a personality in your mind and I'm sure she is active now if you are reading this. If your anger rises, Cerena is to take over your body to calm you down until your state is stable. I'm sure you've felt her presence before in your youth, giving you a very reliable intuition.'
I reread some of the parts of the paragraph once more. It was hard to believe, but out of everything she's seen so far, it didn't seem so unlikely. Could I talk with it too?
"Cerena cannot hear your thoughts. You must say it out loud."
"What am I suppose to call you? Just Cerena?"
"Guardian, or the name will suffice."
"Okay, so why don't I remember what happened? I need to know what the hell's been going on."
"Your adaptation level is low right now, but you will remember everything eventually. Your anger was at a very high level, so it was Cerena's time to control you. Your hate towards Excella was felt and the other man, so she killed them and—"
"Wait wait—what did you do?"
"Cerena knew you would not like it, but your hate had to be let out. Mr. Wesker then came, tried to stop Cerena's escape but she knew you wanted out, so he was put out."
"Wait how? You killed the Albert Wesker?"
"His neck was cut, so she put some of your own blood into it. He fell to the floor immediately. He is not dead though, he will take a while to recover though."
I was dumbfounded. She was able to take him down with little to no effort. "So…he will be tracking us?" Why did I say us? It's just me, right?
"Negative. If we were to be tracked, we would have been found already. You are safe for now. I was able to retrieve Excella's wallet, enough to make a call and disguise you."
I looked down, and realized my entire outfit had been covered in blood.
"Do you wish to know those details?"
"No thanks, Cerena." I sighed. This just got weirder by the second. Here I am, standing in some old cabin talking to myself. If anyone were to stumble in here… "Where are we anyways?"
"300 miles from Paris." I heard her reply and clutched the notebook while picking up the wallet before leaving the house. It was when I stepped into the sunlight that I realized I was wearing sunglasses.
"You will not be accustomed to sun. Also, Cerena forgot to mention she touched Wesker's body, s oyou will feel its presence when it's near."
"…Right." I whispered and looked towards the direction my mind told me to go. My feet began to run through the forests faster than any speedster I've seen on the highway. It should only take me a few hours to reach the main city.
But of course, the forest ended much before the city, landing me into some countryside home. My eyes spotted an old coat on the fence and I walked closer, not hearing anyone nearby. I took the coat and quickly put it on.
"I'm taking it because I'm covered in blood. Don't want people to be scared of me. I may look a little weird, but it's better than looking like a criminal." I spotted an old motorbike by the shed and smirked. "Tell me, Cerena, would mind if I took this thing?"
"It's not about Cerena's likes. Cerena is your guardian, not mother." I had to laugh.
"And here I thought you'd be stiff and robotic."
"Cerena was made with effort, she is not some bubble."
"I sure am glad about that." I looked around as I made my way closer to the motorbike. There was no key in the ignition so I patted my pockets instinctively.
"I am terribly lucky today," I smirked as I pulled out the tagged key. The engine then roared to life.
XxX
I arrived in Paris a little after 3pm, if the tower's time was indeed correct. I had looked awful, like some homeless beggar. I quickly entered the nearest casual clothing store and sent the cashier a quick smile before diving through the racks. Picking out a black shirt, blue washed jeans and black boots, I made my way to the change room and grabbed a long black bag before dipping inside. I quickly changed into the new clothes and threw my old things into the bag before emerging from the tiny room. The cashier was staring at the door I was in, but quickly looked away when I came out.
"American?" The woman asked with a strong accent.
"Is it that obvious?" I replied and the woman laughed. "I'll take these," I said and handed her the price tags that I tore from my outfit I wore. I paid and left, tossing out the bag and keys in the trash one store down.
"What are you up to now, Claire?"
"I need to make…a call."
"Your brother?"
"Good guess, but no. That's too reckless. But I do know someone who will do just fine."
"You have been missing for two months. Don't you worry about his reaction?"
"Nah, he's used to me being missing. Besides, this is the first time I saved myself." I walked to the nearest phone booth and hesitated before quickly dialing the number. Jesus, I can't believe I still remember it. I heard three tones and then his voice.
"Kennedy."
I smiled and opened my mouth, but no sound came.
"Hello?" I held my breath as I kept listening to his voice.
"Reply to him!" I heard Cerena yell into my mind.
"Only a few people have this number, so say who you are or I hang up and find—"
"Okay! My…My name is Spencer, and I just escaped from a forest." I slapped my forehead.
"Not that clever, Claire."
"What? Claire is that you? Jesus you're alive? Where the hell are you?" I should have known there was no reason to try and hide.
"In Paris. Do you think that you could possibly come and get me? I don't have any papers and calling Chris would just be…chaotic."
"Oh, I see," he said with a stern voice. I disliked this tone. "I'll have to take a helicopter and the flight will take a while. Where do you want to be picked up?"
"Maybe at the main airport?"
"Got it. And you're sure you don't want me to tell Chris?"
"Don't tell anyone," I snapped quickly.
"I understand. You'll probably need some rest, so wait and I'll find you when I get there."
I confirmed the plans with an 'OK', but before I hung up, his voice cut in. "I'm really glad you're alive, Claire." I just smiled.
"See you soon, Leon." I hung up and stepped out of the booth.
"That was interesting."
"What do you mean?" I asked as I walked down the somewhat empty street. "you were quite cocky when you talked to him."
"Cocky? I'm like that to a lot of people." I scoffed, keeping my voice down.
"Yes, Cerena has noticed. You're usually cocky with males, especially with ones you find attractive." I gasped. " Males like Kennedy, Dev, Burnside, Wesker…"
I had to stop her. "It's just who I am. I feel better being cocky rather than a bitch."
"Other humans like the cockiness in you."
I shook my head and began organizing my thoughts. First of all was whether or not I should tell Leon about my infection. I'm thinking I should, since Chris told him I had fallen off that cliff. I'll tell him in the helicopter. Maybe Cerena could help. I smiled, finding that I did enjoy her company. She seemed very intelligent even if she was just a creation. She was – in her current state- the only one she could really talk to.
"Tell me Cerena, do you think I still have to eat? I haven't felt hungry at all."
"You won't require it that often like you normally did. But you will still require energy."
"I see, Spencer programmed you well."
"He calculated he would not be with you during your adaptation. You can always turn to Cerena. Just like in Raccoon, she will help you."
Raccoon?
"What do you mean like in Raccoon? How..?"
"Cerena was just a voice in your head, but you did read it very well."
"Kinda creepy…" I was quiet for a while before another question popped into mind. "Do you think you'll always be in here?" I poked my head to mark the location.
"The more you adapt, the less Cerena will be required. You will eventually remember what Cerena did in the facility, and you will see what she does when she overtakes you. Then someday, she will just disappear." I frowned at the thought. "That is how it was meant to be for Cerena."
I was able to get a hold of a taxi when I was deeper in the city and it took me to the airport. I somehow got used to the crowd and all the noises people were making. I had even heard some couple having at it in the bathroom across the room. I just took a seat and tuned it out.
I don't know how my life will look now. With me eyes? I'll have to wear sunglasses all the time. Sometimes I wish I could have just died out there like I should have.
Many hours passed as I sat there, my mind zipping through random things. This was my second time in France and I still haven't done any sightseeing besides the forest. I talked with Cerena too, although people gave me weird looks as if I were some nutcase. It's understandable, but I wasn't worried. I'll never see them again.
I stretched my arms up and let my head hang backwards.
"It's so fucking boring here."
"Why don't you do some exercises?"
"Exercises? People think I'm crazy enough as is, if I just started working out—"
"Train yourself. Listen to other people and try to pick out someone who uses English and listen."
Oh. I rolled my eyes, but did as she suggested. First one I found was some man talking on the phone.
"-plane is late…I know baby, I wanted to fuck you tonight, but these damned French…"
"Does every male only think of sex?"
"Almost everyone, Cerena." I then found two women talking with each other.
"-I was only in a towel, and then he opened the door anyways, just like that!"
"-No way! What did he do?"
"He walked closer-"
"My god," I grimaced. Sometimes humans were disgusting. Great, I'm pretty sure I stole that line from Wesker.
"What's wrong? Your anger has risen."
"Nothing," I lied, standing then walking towards the large 3-story windows. I touched the glass, and felt the coolness of the pane and the wind blowing on it from the outside. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, "This is unbelievably amazing." I muttered, opening my eyes and looked out to the now night sky. Man it would be wonderful if—
"You are unable to fly." I let out a short laugh.
"I wasn't thinking that. I know, I'm not some winged zombie." I placed my forehead on the glass and hit it a little.
"Careful, you could break it."
I rolled my eyes and turned around wanting to make my way back to the chairs. But I stopped as I looked left.
There he was, with his always perfect hair and brown leather jacket. But his face was stiff, and that was not something I really liked. But it lit up a little when he spotted me. I gave a smile as we walked closer to one another. I offered him my hand first.
"Long time no see, agent Kennedy."
"Cocky…" I ignored Cerena, and then felt his fingertips brush my hand before he grasped it. It was incredible. I was sure I could tell with closed eyes, even from Antarctica, where he was on earth. My arms almost broke out in Goosebumps. He let go of my hand and smirked.
"It's good to see you safe and sound, Claire."
"Look around," I whispered, and his brow furrowed slightly. "We've been here for three minutes and there's no sign of an outbreak!" We both smiled.
"That's what I call a miracle," he replied, "Come on, your ride awaits." I nodded and followed closely behind him.
I heard the wings of the helicopter much before we arrived outside. The sound just got louder and louder. My palm pressed against my temple.
"Should Cerena take you?"
"What's the fucking difference?" I hissed, forgetting about Leon who gave me a strange look. I just shook my head.
"The noise is making you angry, but Cerena will be quiet as well now." I sighed in relief. At least she understood she didn't need any more snarky comments when her head was already banging.
I glanced to Leon who's face looked somewhat puzzled. "What?" I grumbled, trying not to be too harsh.
"Nothing at all, just thought our next meeting would have been different." He replied turning his head back forward.
"Damn it, Leon, you're acting as if I fell from the cliff on purpose. I'm sure Chris filled you in on what happened." He finally stopped in his tracks and looked to me. I followed suit and put a hand on my hip.
"I never said that, but it sure doesn't explain why you called me, alive." I took a deep breath. If he wants to know, fine, I'll tell him. If anything I could run if anything went badly.
"I almost died out there;" I started monotonously, "But Wesker used Umbrellas hospital facility to save me. At first I wanted to die," I chuckled at the memory, "I almost did again though, when some Russian tried to kill me because of my 'family roots'." Leon's face stayed unchanged as I continued. "But this time simple medicine wasn't enough. My real father, tried to create a God's offspring." I looked at my hands. "He killed my mother and destroyed himself. Only my body was strong enough to cope with it. I've been in Hibernation all my life, but Wesker had awakened it, too interested in the power I could probably give him."
I looked at him, his face stern and seemingly angered. It was night out, so I took off my shades and looked at him. His face didn't move as his eyes darted across mine. I was just getting annoyed with his silence, so I put them back on.
"So…Can I trust you, or should I start running? I have no clue because you're not telling me anything!"
I heard him chuckle, and I gasped as I saw him smile and turn to walk towards the helicopter again.
"Let's go Redfield. I gotta get you home."
I smiled and shook my head before catching up to walk beside him. He sure was living proof that friends will always be friends, even after years of no contact. The Leon from Raccoon City was still there, somewhere inside, saving me once again.
It was early in the morning when we arrived back in Chicago. The helicopter left us and the pilot gave a wave. Leon told me he will deliver me in person. I thought it was bullshit, I knew my way home.
But it was then when he told me Chris was very…empty right now. He blamed himself for everything that happened. I felt guilty; perhaps he'd think I wasn't real if no one else saw me. I saved him though so he could live his life, not waste it. It was hard to concentrate with all the noises of the city.
We had finally arrived to Chris' apartment. His 5th floor balcony hung high above the entrance as we walked into the main lobby. I hid behind the wall when Leon braced himself to knock. I noticed Leon had changed. He didn't ask questions that much anymore. Perhaps he didn't want me to be uncomfortable? His fist rapped on the door, and she heard her brothers' breaths when the door opened.
"What do you want Kennedy? I'm not really in the mood for saving the world."
"I've come here to save yours, but you will have to promise to co-operate."
"What is it?" Chris grumbled, obviously annoyed.
"Promise?"
"What are we, ten?" I let out a noiseless chuckle at my brother. I could see Leon's face unchanged as he waited for his response. "Fine, promise."
"Alright, come on out."
I walked from around the corner of the door and smiled sheepishly. Chris' eyes went wide, and I couldn't stop the tears that happily escaped my eyes. His jaw just moved up and down a few times, his body clad in his favorite baby blue boxers. I dropped my bag and walked up to him as his arms quickly grabbed onto me, hugging me tightly.
My hands felt his heat, the love, and the protection that I missed. It really felt like home.
"You're alive…sis…" I laughed as more tears escaped.
"Oh, damn." I whined now, but I didn't care. Leon leaned against the wall watching us. His arms crossed and his lips upturned. I looked to him as my shades began to droop down my face. I gave him a wink, and he just nodded.
I thought everything was perfect before but damn I was wrong.
The adventure was just starting.
Yes, I love to do this :D
I know last update was in... December, and I am sorry. I tried with Fullmetal Alchemist fanfiction, but the idea was to mixed for people to get it, so I removed it. I am back to Resident Evil fanfiction! Hehe... The next will be Same Team and then... maybe... Stolen Memories Sequel! I got idea this morning! So this thing is still fresh, but I hope it will... grow :D
Thank you for your patience! Review for me!
