Chapter Ten

"Do you want to go in or do you want to wait?" Luis asked.

"I have to face it sooner or later," I replied. "Besides we can't enter just yet. We need a key to unlock it. I think the key is somewhere near by."

"How do you know all of this?" Ashley asked, stepping forward. Luis and Ashley both looked at me, waiting for a answer.

I sighed. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I had trouble believing it myself when I received the package at my door yesterday."

"What do you mean?"

I turned away from them, facing the door. I didn't think it was the time nor place to tell them. I didn't want Saddler or Salazar to tell them the truth, either. I ran a hand over my face, thinking hard.

"Lark what in the hell is exactly going on? How do you know about this place? I'm a researcher hired by the bloody man and I even don't know all the nooks and crannies this place has," Luis replied, suspiciously. He looked at me as if I was a total stranger. Ashley gave me the same look.

"I'm not who you think I am," I began.

"What do you mean by that?" I closed my eyes, sighed and gritted my teeth in agitation. I kept my back to them, trying to figure out the best course of action. Ashley, surprisingly grabbed me by the shoulder and spun me around, forcing me to look at them.

"Then who are you really?" she demanded.

"My full name is Lark Storm Kennedy. I was raised in a army base since I was 3. I lived by myself since I was 14 and I worked for a private detective since I was 16 and still work for him," I said. "I'm no secret agent or anything. I only came here because I thought there was a Resident Evil 4 convention whitch turned out to a big fat lie."

"Whoa wait a minute," Luis said. "What are you talking about and what the hell is Resident Evil 4?"

"It's a game about a man named Leon Scott Kennedy who works for the president and was sent to a rural village somewhere in Europe. His goal is to save the president's daughter, Ashley Graham, who was kidnapped by a religious cult known as the Los Illuminados. Ring a bell?"

Luis and Ashley stared at me in disbelieve.

"What are you saying, Lark? Are you saying that we're based on a game is that it? Are you saying that we're game characters? That we don't really exist?" Ashley asked, really confused. I walked toward her and pinched her on the arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Did that hurt?" I asked flatly.

Ashley nodded, not sure where this going. "Than your made of flesh and blood just like me."

"I'm confused here. You just said..."

"All I said that there was a game that's similar to what we're going through and I've played it so many times I know exactly to know where to look for keys that we'll need in the future. I'm sorry I kept that info from you but would you really believe me if I told you the whole truth when we first met? Believe it I'm still having trouble with this myself. I'll understand if you want to leave to go your separate ways."

"What are you nuts?" Luis said, taking a step toward me. "Yes, I'll admit we're confused but we're staying. I told the truth when I said I loved you, Lark and I'm not leaving your side." Axel barked in agreement.

I gave him a sad smile.

"I'm not really sure I deserve your love, Luis," I said. "I lied to you too many times and I'm surprised that you trust me at all. But I'm glade your still here with me and I mean that."

"Your still the same person to us, Lark even if you lied. You had a good reason for it" Ashley replied, smiling warmly at me. I returned it just as warmly.

"So, tell us exactly why we have to get a key for the cell?"

"In the cell is a lever that will turn off the fire that is being shot out of the horses mouth."

They looked at me as if I was nuts. I sighed. "Come with me, I'll show you," I said heading down the hallway that lead to more hallways with various small corners. In one corner was a painting that held the key. I took the key and showed them the room that held the horse heads the spite fire. Luis and Ashley looked at the horse's that blocked the entrance to another room.

"Oh," they said together. I nodded.

"When we enter the cell, I have to warn you about the monster that will be there," I said taking out my gun. "It's a Garrador or Clawer in Spanish because of the retractable claws they have on their hands. Their these big guys that wear armor similar to Gladiators. They're completely blind but very good hearing and will become enraged at the loudest noise they hear."

"Okay, how do we kill them?" Luis asked, inserting the key into the door. The door rose up, revealing the stairs you had to take to reach the cell.

"There's a huge plagas on it's back. Aim for that but they are hard to kill like Mendez and the Bella sisters."

The cell was a small room with two large brass bells that hung from the walls on either side of the room. 2 large crates leaned against a single wooden pillar that held up the ceiling of the room. In the back of the room was a even smaller cell that held the chained Garrador and the lever that would turn the fire off. Next to the bell on my right were the chains that held me. On the floor was dried blood and other bodily fluids. Ashley's face turned white and looked like she was ready to lose her lunch. Luis just turned his face away, his face flushed with disgust and anger.

"Stay on the stairs while I'll deal with claws," I said, heading toward the cell door.

"Be careful Lark," Luis whispered. I waved my hand to let him know I heard. The Garrador breathing was slow and even. The cell door fell to the ground after I kicked it and the Garrador woke up. The Garrador lunged toward me, claws out. I jumped back and aimed for the plaga on it's back but didn't have the time to pull the trigger. I felt one of the claws nick my arm as I landed 10 feet away from the monster. Ashley was ready to scream when Luis put his hand over her mouth, silencing her. I nodded my thanks to Luis as I aimed at the bell and shot. The Garrador went nuts as it ran toward the nearest bell. The claws cut through the rope that held the bell and the bell was smashed to pieces by the claws. I took aim fired 3 times before the monster turned on me.

"Shit" I muttered, backing away slowly and quietly. The claws retracted and the monster took slow steps toward where I was standing.

No sudden movements, Lark or your dead, I thought, still backing away, turning slightly. I slipped on a stone and I fell to the ground with a loud thud.

The Garrador heard the sound and went ballistic. The monster ran toward me, claws out and was ready to shove the claws into me. I rolled out of the way as the claws sunk into the stones. I stood up and was ready to run when I felt the sharp pain of a arm crashing into my chest. The force sent me flying through the air and I crashed against a wall. I slide down and my rump landed on the cold stones. I was gasping for air and holding my chest. I looked up just as the Garrador came after me with it's claws. I ducked again as the claws sunk into the stones that was 2 inches from my head! I gulped and scooted away but wasn't fast enough as I was greeted with the Garrador's boot to the back. I coughed again, spitting up blood. A shadow flew over head and I just barley raised my head to see who it was.

"AXEL!" I cried, still spitting up blood, stunned to see the wolf flying through the air and landing on the monsters back, biting and clawing at the plaga on it's back.

Axel sunk his teeth into the monsters back, tearing at the plaga. The monster roared in pain, thrashing around trying to dislodge Axel. I stood up on shaky feet and aimed my gun at the monster, trying to get a good shot. I gritted my teeth in agitation.

"Axel release!" I commanded. Axel jumped off the monsters back and I shot at the plaga. Blood and some other liquid spurted from the plaga as it exploded. The monster fell tot he ground and money fell from it's tight pockets. I sighed in relief as I leaned against the wall. The sound of Luis and Ashley's footsteps running down the stairs comforted me. Axel trotted over to me and nuzzled his head against my shoulder. I smiled and ran my fingers through his fur.

"Lark, you okay?" Luis asked bending down next to Axel.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Wish I had some water, though."

Ashley grinned as she pulled out a water bottle from her boot. I raised a silver brow at this.

"May be a little warm but it'll help," she said handing it to me. "Here drink."

I took the bottle, uncapped it, sipped some of the water, gargled, and spat the water out, cleaning my mouth of blood. I did the 2 time times before taking a real sip. I sighed and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

"Thanks, I needed that," I said handing the bottle back, smiling. "I could tell that you had it for a while. It's definitely warm."

Ashley just grinned as she took the bottle and put it back in her boot. Pain washed over me and I gringed, hissing slightly. Luis looked at me worriedly.

"Mover your hands and I'll chek for broken bones," he said. I did what I was told and moved my hands. I felt his hands touching my ribs, tenderly.

"Does this hurt?" I shook my head.

"Does this hurt?" I shook my head again. Luis nodded but continued his probing.

"Does this hurt?" he asked, his hands resting on my left rib cage. Once again I shook my head and muttered a "No."

"No broken bones which is good. Now can you stand on your own?"

"I think so," I said raising to my feet slowly but steadily. I took a step away from the wall. Nothing happened and I grinned at them.

"I think it's safe to say that I can walk on my own."

"Just wanted to make sure." I smiled up at him and kissed his cheek. Luis blushed slightly and Ashley giggled. I walked into the cell and pulled the leaver. The sounds of fire stopped from over head. Exiting out of the cell and entering the hallway, we were greeted by a group of Zealots with cross bows and dynamite. I ducked back in the hallway, back pressed against the wall.

"So, now what?" Luis asked. Ashley and Axel were right behind him.

My answer was a smirk.

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"THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A PLAN!!!!!?" Luis and Ashley yelled together as they ran toward the door down stairs. Axel and I were right behind them. Zealots ran after us, screaming in Spanish. I turned and shot at them with my shot gun. 4 fell down and died but more came. The room that we entered held 2 chairs, a table that held a single green herb, some money, and ammo. There was a square shaped hole in the ceiling. On either side of the small wall in the room was 2 yellow platforms.

"Ashley, stand on 1 of the platforms. Luis, go stand on the other. Axel and I will take care of these guys," I said.

"Why do we have to stand on the platforms?" Ashley asked, taking the 1 on the right, leaving the 1 on the left for Luis.

"It'll unlock a crank that will lower a stair case. On the other side of that is another room with a broken walkway we have to take to get to the other room."

"Great, more broken walkways," Luis murmured. "If I live through this I'm going back to Madrid and become a gardener."

I smirked at the thought but said nothing. The door slammed opened and the Zealots came rushing in. I opened fired. 10 minutes we were in the room with the broken walkway. I had gathered whatever I could find and split it with Luis. There were stairs that headed to the broken walkway. Before that there was two walls that stuck out with pictures of women painted there. Over head was a walkway that held 2 cranks on either side the will raise the 2 broken walk ways. That meant Ashley had to go alone. I turned to look at her. She noticed my look and saw the cranks, knowing what I wanted her to do. Ashley nodded.

"Think you can do it?" I asked.

"Yeah" she answered. I nodded. I gave Ashley a lift up the wall. Once Ashley was up there, Zealots appeared.

Luis and I backed up till our backs touched. We turned our heads and nodded to each other.

"Let's play!"

It seemed like forever waiting on Ashley to raise the walk ways and the Zealots just kept on coming. My shoulder wound has reopened and is now bleeding like hell. (Saddler at least had the manners to bandage me properly before he raped me. Damn Bastard!) The Zealots, seeing me in similar garments to theirs only hesitated for a second, wandering if I was one of them but came foreword again when they realized I wasn't like them.

"LARK!" Ashley called from the cat walk. I looked up quickly and nodded.

"Cover me!" I called to Luis before running off to get Ashley. I got to the wall and braced myself as Ashley prepared to jump. I caught Ashley and sat her on her feet, grabbed her hand, and dragged her toward the walk way where Luis waited. Ashley staggered slightly, trying to match my pace. Finally Ashley fell flat on her face and I had to stop. I help Ashley to her feet and saw that she had twisted her ankle.

"Damn," I growled. I saw that the Zealots were coming after us. We were at the gate when Ashley fell and twisted her ankle. I hefted Ashley to her feet and helped her onto my back.

"Are you sure you can carry me?" she asked.

"Are you sure you want to carry her when your shoulder is bleeding...again?" Luis asked worriedly. Axel whined at me and I forced a smile.

"I'll be fine, don't worry. We'll rest soon. If things follow through with the game then we'll be fine if not...well..."

Luis nodded in understanding and pushed the door open. I was right. On the other side of the door was the room that lead to the point where we will lose Ashley for the first time. This room reminded me that we were in a castle and not some fancy resort. The walls, floor, and ceiling were made of stone. Black torches that were lit hung from the stone walls. Windows made of stained glass and medieval tapestries every where you look.

I sat Ashley down on the stairs and I sat next to her. I ripped the bottom of my robe and used the cloth to stop the bleeding. The rob now ended at my knees instead of my ankles. The rob hid the bruises on my legs and for that I was glade. I felt the uneasy gaze as Luis looked at me, his eyes going down to my now bare calves. I could tell that he still saw red whenever he thought of Saddler, hurting me to the point that if Luis and I made it out together with Ashley safe and sound, we may never get to that certain point of a normal relationship.

I gave Luis an encouraging smile. Luis returned it.

"You 2 wait here while I see what can use," he said and left.

I sighed, leaning back against the stairs.

"You okay?" Ashley asked. "Are you still hurting when...that man hurt you?"

"Not really but I think whatever relationship Luis and I managed to have may have been damaged by what Saddler did."

Ashley nodded but I could tell that she was confused. I smiled but said nothing.

"I have found a few trinkets and some ammo," Luis said returning. I nodded. Ashley nudged me. I turned to look at her. She smiled encouragingly. I knew what she wanted but I felt hesitant to do so. Luis saw the look and raised a dark brow at this.

"Something you want to talk about, Lark?" I bit my bottom lip and nodded.

"Yes, I do," I replied, standing. "The fact that I was raped cannot be changed but I need to know if it will change things between us, Luis."

"What are you talking about?" Luis asked not sure where this was going.

"Luis, what are we, really? Friends with benefits or are we together as a couple? I need to know. If we are friends that's fine. If we're a couple that's great but I can't continue this if I know it's a fake."

Understanding shown in Luis eyes. He sighed and lowered his head. He muttered something under his breath which I didn't catch.

"What?" I asked.

"I'm sorry," Luis whispered. "I never meant to mislead you, Lark. That was never my intention. I'm sorry."

Right at that moment it felt like something stabbed me in the heart. Tears stung my eyes but they didn't fall. The tears had dried up when Luis confessed. I placed a hand on my chest and gripped tightly the fabric that kept me from being totally naked. I took a shaky breath and let it out slowly. Axel growled dangerously at Luis, backing up slowly from what he thought was a friend. Ashley stood up from where she stood and laid a gentle hand on my shoulder, glaring at Luis.

Luis looked at me helplessly. I didn't dare look at him, knowing that I would break down at any minute.

Saddler is right, I thought miserably. Luis will never love a freak like me.

Flash back.

"Luis will never love you, Lark," Saddler purred as he kept thrusting against me. There was a wetness between my legs and I knew that this was reality, not a dream or some whacked up game. I bit my tongue, forcing back a pain filled moan that was laced with pleasure.

"Not the way I do. I really do wish you would stop fighting me, love. I really do. It'll be more enjoyable for the both of us."

He gently wiped the tears away that had fallen. My cheeks were soaked with them. I shivered, feeling his gentle caresses. Saddler reclaimed my lips, forcing my mouth to open. His tongue met mine and did battle. He moaned into the kiss, enjoying every moment of it. Saddler pulled away, smiling. I was exhausted and sore. I just wanted this nightmare to end. My eyes were closed and I was breathing heavily. Saddler place his cold hand under my chin and forced me to look at him. He leaned forward and whispered in my ear. My eyes shot open from shock and fear.

"No," I moaned. "God, please no."

"Luis will never love you now, dear Lark. Not when you'll be carrying my child."

"NOOOOOOOO!" I wailed.

End Flash Back.

I gritted my teeth, remembering what Saddler had said. My hand went to my flat stomach, knowing what he had said was true. I could almost feel the thing growing inside me, faster than a normal baby should grow. The growth was speeded up because of the plaga. In a few short hours I'll show the sign of being pregnant of 5 months. A few more hours later I'll be the size of a house, I'll look like I was a month 9 and ready to give birth to a monstrosity. I sighed again.

"It's your choice, Luis. It doesn't matter to me now. I have other worries," I said coldly. "Saddler was right when he said that you would never love a freak."

Luis looked stunned but that soon turned to anger. He marched right up to me, his few a few inches from mine. I could feel his hot breath on my skin. Luis looked at at me in eye, anger rising with each breath.

"Is that what he said?" Luis demanded. "Huh? Is it, Lark? I'll tell you something, senorita, I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. So don't tell me what I feel and don't feel, understand?"

I stared at him, stunned, but regained my calm facade.

"Then why did you just say that you lead me on?" I demanded, steping forward till our noses and foreheads touched. "Huh? Why did you say it, Sera?"

Luis fisibly flinched when I used his last name.

"I wanted to protect you."

My face soften a little. "Lying to me isn't going to help, Luis. It just makes things worse."

"I can see that now," Luis replied. I nodded and stepped back, surprising Luis and Ashley when I rested a hand on my stomack, looking miserable.

"What's wrong, Lark?" Ashley asked, concerned.

"I can't lie, either," I whispered.

"What do you mean?" Tears ran down my cheeks as I leveled my gaze to look at them. I took a breath and let it out slowly.

"What I'm about to tell you will not be good. Luis, what I have to say will really make you think twice about loving me. I'm carrying Osmund Saddler's child."

Ashley and Luis gasped.

Author's Note:Sorry it took me a while to update. I've been busy with family problems. If it's sort than I apologize. I really wanted to finish this chapter. What do you think will happen to Lark and Luis? Will Luis accept Lark, knowing that she's carrying Saddler's child? Stay tuned for Ch. 11! Please review!!