Author: Chapter 50, finally here! We're halfway through Part 3 and still sooo much to do before it concludes for Part 4. I'm so excited. n_n Without further adieu here's this chapter. Enjoy!
Toasty: Yesss. A surprise, muwahaha. This chapter is where you see what happens to Eny. Read to find out.
[September 22, 1998 {Tuesday} 7:00 PM]
My eyes had widened upon the discovery. Alex, or Nico, smiled at me. I reached inside to shut off the engine before focusing on him.
"Alexandria.." He called, a hand raising to extend toward me. I could see the blood that covered his back, sides, face and hands. He was covered in it more or less like I was. He chuckled, a happy and yet throaty sound. "How good to run into you. I was hoping to find you."
I pointed at him, my hand shaky. "I saw you.. get killed by Wesker.. how are you alive?"
He lowered his arm and shifted his weight to his left leg. "Funny story actually. I'd rather not go into my history, but I'm infected, like you, Saria." Of course he knew my real name. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out grey contacts, holding them out for me to see. "The perfect means to conceal these." He said, gesturing to his red eyes before putting the contacts away.
"But.. your family.. I don't understand."
"The persona of 'Nico' was crafted when I left Umbrella permanently. I even had an adopted family. Who knew Albert would kill them." He mused.
"So you're Roman and Nico?" I questioned, unsure what he knew. He was probably unaware that he had been communicating with me in my dreams.
He nodded. "Roman Jay was my birth name as Saria Wesker was yours. Much as you donned Alexandria Miller I did the same with Nico Pierce. I-" He paused, moving toward the jeep.
"Stay back!" I snapped, clinging to the door.
He stopped several feet away, red eyes locked on me. "I won't hurt you.. but what happened to you? You're all.. bloody like me." He said, gesturing with a finger toward my red-stained outfit.
I flinched, looking away, thankful that the glasses concealed my changed eyes. "I.. was.. I fell into some blood at the hospital, no biggie." I tried to say nonchalantly, but it came out weak.
"You can't lie very well, you know that, right? Tell me what happened." He said, folding his arms against his chest.
I sighed, dipping my head down. "I was shot.. here." I lifted a hand to point to the hole at the front of my attire, the yellow tank-top pretty much red. It was the same for my green sweatpants. I looked like a mess.
His eyes darkened and his next words came out as a whisper. "Did you pass?" I looked away again. "Let me see."
He stepped forward, this time no protest slipping from my lips.
He reached up to take hold of my chin, forcing me to look at him. He then grabbed the glasses, slipping them off to examine my face. His eyes widened when he saw the sharp gold that was now my eye color. I closed them, embarrassed, but he poked at my eyes. "Open them." So I did so, opening my eyes to glare at his curious expression.
"Like liquid gold." He muttered.
I scoffed. "And yours are like liquid fire."
His lips lifted into a smile. He winced and stumbled, leaning against the door.
"What's wrong?"
He growled sharply, a sound that held a bitter trace to it. "The bullet did a lot of damage. I tried removing it myself, but.. I lost a lot of blood before I finally got it out." He sighed as the pain vanished from his features.
"Get in." I said, wrapping an arm around his waist to pull him around to the passenger side of the jeep. He didn't argue as I pushed him into the seat, buckling him in.
I slid into the driver's seat and off we went.
I would occasionally peer over to him and catch his eyes on me, but he usually looked away. I sighed. "So, you're Alex?" At this he froze, glancing quickly to me.
"How much do you know?" He muttered, red eyes glittering curiously.
I chuckled. "A lot.." An idea sprouted in my head and I slowed the jeep, pulling over to the side before killing the engine. I turned my body sideways to look at him, taking off my seat belt.
He arched a brow and I lifted a hand to extend over, pressing it against his forehead. "If what I'm thinking is true, I can show you just what I know." I had the gift of foresight, to see into the future and to communicate with people from my future. Why couldn't I project my visions into others?
"How?"
"I realized something just now. The virus in me is the master piece. I control it.. and through it I might be able project my 'power'. I'm not sure how to explain it, but that fact is in my mind. Let me try." At my words he reached over to take my free hand and placed it against his cheek, smiling.
"Go on, then. Try."
I closed my eyes and focused on my hands, his skin, his body. I tried to visualize pushing my mind into his.. and nearly screamed at what occurred. I was pushed back against the door, but his arms shot out, grabbing me to re-place my hands on his skin again. My eyes squeezed shut as a mental pain radiated through my skull. Where was it coming from?
A few seconds later he forced my hands away, my body screaming from the strain. His posture was relaxed, his attitude calm.
"Well. That was interesting.." He said with a cool touch to his words.
I glared at him, one hand holding my aching head. "What did you do?"
He held up a hand, studying it impassively. "I looked into your brain and saw everything you knew.. It's quite fascinating what one can accomplish when they take something from others.. such as their virus'."
At this my body shifted loser to the door, a sharp gasp escaping. "Wait, you stole their virus? Who?"
"The other Wesker children. I took samples from each while I was at Umbrella's main facility in Raccoon City years ago and added each to my own.. all but your future seeing and Miles' speech ability."
I bristled, turning to yank open the jeep. I jumped out and made a dash. I heard his door click and footsteps echo behind me. I was no match. He had Ken's speed.
Arms circled my waist, drawing me back into a firm chest, the hold tightening as it held me there.
"Woah, woah! Alexandria, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. I only did what I did to get it over with quickly. I hadn't expected you'd be that effected and pull away." He said in a soothing voice as I squirmed furiously.
"Let me go!" I snapped angrily, eyes shining brighter in my anger.
"Not until you relax and get back in the jeep. I'm not going to hurt you, Alexandria." He grumbled.
My struggling just tired me out and finally I gave up, letting him maneuver me toward the silent parked vehicle. He forced me into the passenger seat and took the driver side, locking the doors automatically.
I folded my arms against my chest, huffing, staring out the window with a dark scowl.
"Alexandria, just hear me out. I told you in the visions I'd never harm you or use my powers against you, at least my emotion one." He started, sighing. "I need you."
I turned to glare at him. "Why the heck do you need me? You have ten people's viral capabilities. Mine and Miles aren't important."
He chuckled and shook his head. "I'm planning something, but I need your help. We're going to stop Albert and get rid of Umbrella for good."
My eyes rolled in their sockets. "I tried. It's easier said than done. You can't kill Albert. He'll just come back like you did." I said.
"That's where you come in. Do you still have that vial Shiloh gave you?" Of course be also seen my memories if he knew that.
"According to Birkin this chemical can paralyze an infected host, so long as the virus is dormant, without effecting said virus." Shiloh's words replayed in my mind from when he gave me the vial on my birthday in '97. I had such excellent memory.
I shook my head, frowning. "That chemical won't help. I have it, but all it does is paralyze a host if they have a dormant virus."
He smiled. "I'm a scientist." Where had I heard THOSE words before? Heavy sarcasm intended! "I can study it to create an anti-virus and then use it to rid Albert of his, thus killing him as the virus is completely molded to his system." He explained softly.
Wait.. was this my chance to stop Wesker before be unleashed the other virus'?
I nodded and reached back, rummaging through my bag before pulling out the capped syringe, handing it to him. He stored it in his jacket.
He started the jeep and we were once more on the road. "We have to make a little stop before we head to Raccoon City."
If memory served me correct Claire and Leon didn't arrive in Raccoon City until the 29th of September. That was seven days away.. six considering it was probably one o'clock in the morning.
"We have to hurry.. and stop the destruction before it happens." I sighed lightly, furrowing my brows as I leaned against the door frame.
"We'll make it in time." He answered.
Hours passed in silence as the car drove in a steady rhythm. We passed several towns but only to get gas did we stop. Neither of us needed to eat and neither were sleepy.
[September 23, 1998 {Wednesday} 6:00 AM]
It wasn't until 5:40 AM did we reach our destination. I was surprised as I recognized the farmland around us.. and the brick house that I had stayed in briefly. Why were we at Eny's house?
A shiver raced down my spine and I turned to look at Alex, who was already getting out of the jeep.
He strolled into the house, uncaring about anything and I tried to follow, but the seat belt halted me. I undid it just as I heard pistol rounds being fired. I hurried and threw open my door, running inside. The door was kicked in and Alex stood over a fallen form that I realized seconds later was the Irishman Eny.
A few feet away was Dimitri.. both had gun shot marks decorating their body. Alex turned, red eyes flaring.
"Eny shot Dimitri minutes before we arrived. We were too late. I'm sorry, Alexandria." The German said in a soft tone.
My body began to shake. No.. no, no. Dimitri wasn't supposed to die.. not like this..
I stepped over to my friend, my movement wobbly. Tears trailed paths down my cheeks while I stared blankly at his corpse. I started to sob. Alex didn't move to comfort me, merely bent to retrieve something from Eny's suit-jacket. It was a letter that he stored inside his own jacket.
Then he stepped over to wrap an arm around my shoulders, drawing me to his chest as I cried so openly. It was like a knife was cutting out my heart. Everyone was dying.. or was already dead. Why did the people I care about have to die? Why? It wasn't fair. I had no one to turn to.
Mom had cancer and wouldn't live long, Adela had a family, Dimitri and Derick were dead, I had no clue where Nolan was, Shiloh and Skyler were in hiding.. so many people so far away from me. Alex seemed to be the only one near me and he knew my pain. He too was infected with a dangerous virus (or in his case virus').
"I'll dig a hole to bury the two. You should sit and try to relax.. We'll be leaving soon." I nodded to him and moved away from his arms to go take a seat in the kitchen. I waited patiently, sniffling, while he tended to the bodies.
Several times fresh tears would spill, but I gained control each break.
Finally Alex returned, covered in dirt, to inform me that they were buried before leading me outside to see the graves. The only one I cared about was Dimitri. He had paid the ultimate price.
"Alex.. Can I.. be alone for a little while?" I whispered, looking at him.
He nodded, smiling sadly. "Of course. I'll be in the house, getting something to wear. You should do the same after you've said your peace to Dimitri." He turned and walked away.
I took a shaky breath, studying the mound of dirt. "Dimi.." I started to say, sniffling.
"You were one of my best friends.. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.. I should have been stronger.. I failed you. I failed everyone. Mom, bubba, you, Adela, Shiloh and the rest. I can't stop anything.. and I can't save anyone." Another sniffle escaped. "I hope you're in a better place. I love you, Dimi.. and I'll always miss you.." I took a deep breath before crouching to pat the dirt. I got up and headed inside.
The first thing I noticed was that the shower was running. I hugged my waist before heading out to the jeep to get my bag. I showered often, but I hadn't since the night I was at Marissa's house. I needed one.
I waited patiently before finally the water cut off and the door opened minutes later. Alex smirked as he noticed my waiting form, a towel draped around his waist. He headed to the guest room, obviously to get dressed.
I rolled my eyes and stalked into the bathroom to take a shower. How long did I spend in the bathroom?
An hour. I hopped out when I was tired of the water and dried, pulling on my clothes. That had felt so heavenly.
I stepped out to head to the kitchen.. and saw the oddest sight. Nico- Alex, I mean, was making food on the stove.
I moved over to observe, noting the eggs and bacon on the skillet. "What.. are you doing?" I questioned. I thought we wouldn't need to eat to survive.
"I've lost a lot of blood, thus energy. Food will give me the energy I need. You should eat to. Oh.. yeah, you'll need to eat at least once a week now. Especially around normal people you'll have to pretend. It's called blending in." He winked at me.
I scoffed before taking a seat at the table. Soon he set a plate of bacon and eggs before me and one at his seat. We ate in silence, mostly.
"After we eat we should head straight to Raccoon City. By now there will be chaos flowing, sightings popping up. We don't have much time. I'll head straight to the facility and work on the anti-virus. You'll do what you can on the streets." He had said after swallowing a piece of bacon.
I nodded, shoveling a spoonful of eggs into my mouth. "And Leon? Claire? Sherry?"
He gestured to me with his fork. "Don't get involved. It's their lives. We're just passing through. No more, no less."
I frowned. "But with my knowledge of the future we could save people. Save the Redfield siblings, Jill, Barry, Rebecca.. Sheva and Josh.. so many people."
He snorted, setting his fork down. "It's better to know the future than to re-write it and learn things anew. We know what will happen and we'll play as back stage puppet masters. We can't risk Wesker changing his tactics. I'll create the anti-virus and you'll use it in Kijuju. We can at least fix things from that point on." He responded, a stern look on his youthful face.
I returned to eating and thus that was the only conversation we had while eating. Man, things kept getting weirder and worse for me. When would I catch another break from all the activity?