A/N Sorry for the short chapter folks, my cold has returned and I wrote this half zonked out O_O so if there are some big blah moments! I am sorry, also I will clear up when and why Angelica took the serum as well…but that will be in the next chapter or so! Anywho!

Happy Reading,

Angie Burrows

Chapter Nine

Oddly enough Jill had been in a pleasant mood that morning, even striking so far as to eat half her breakfast. Her color was back, and she had seemed more than eager to hit the trail once more. Looking down at his wife for a brief moment as they sped along the snow and ice, Chris sighed. The thrill of the chase was becoming more of a chore, and nothing but white expanse seemed to stretch on forever. It had only been a few days, but the winter feel of the place was draining his energy. Suddenly the intent man felt a tug on his coat sleeve, bringing his dazed attention back into focus. "Hmm?" Jill was pointing over to a section of plateau that they had scouted the day before, her lips parted. "Try over there; use your in-fared sensors this time." Chris glanced down as he slowed the vehicle to a stop, his eyes wide. "Jill, I don't think that…"

"Just do it…."

Grimacing as she snapped, Redfield raised his binoculars again. She had become so testy these last few days, even in while she slept. He could remember being hit at least four or five times last night, none of which had been propted by a dream episode… Squinting through the eye enhancers, the man switched on the setting as instructed. There was nothing but white snow….

"Wait, I think…hold on.." A flash of orange red moved beneath a thin layer of cold shield, and then flashed back out of view. Carefully he looked further, hoping that what he had seen was not a hopeful mirage. No, it was there, but faint. Looking back down at Jill, he could feel excitement mount. Jill saw the familiar sparkle in his green eyes, and sat further up. Before she could, they had started once more, throwing her body into his. Wrapping her arms about his torso, the woman squeezed tightly. "What did you see, Chris…" Redfield took a deep breath, gritting his teeth against the wind. "I saw heat signatures that could only be produced by one thing….people."

As they reached nearer to the site that Chris had headed, Jill felt her hope rise within her chest. She had decided not to share the pictures Leon had left with her the previous night, and the reason still eluded her. Possibly it was because she was afraid that if Chris knew, he would try to go without her….or perhaps it was because she had a personal vendetta that she would not ever give up on…

The snow mobile slowed, coming to a full stop. From there the two traveled on foot, jogging through the hard packed ice. The ridge had begun to take a sharp turn upwards; a man made cup of ice that encircled the loading dock she knew would be below. It would look level with the rest the terrain, but when come up close, would truly reveal its design. Flinging themselves low and to the ground, the snow crunched lightly as the pair shimmied up to get an anonymous view. What met there eyes made both persons breath feel stale in their lungs. A wide platform camouflaged by its similar color stretched outwards, covered by people. The shell had been widened about fifty feet down, populated by trucks and moving vehicles. Supply caravans and trucks moved below almost silently, the people around them not daring to speak. Motions were used, as if transactions were being made. A console was in the very center of the platform, the familiar crimson and white symbol stretching across it. Chris hoarsely snarled, his lips drawing back. "Umbrella…"

A small path that lead out into the plateau was cared into the bowl, several of the caravans now exiting to allow more through. They all went into different directions, spreading out over the terrain. That would explain the random trucks that were passing through the town… Jill tugged on Chris' coat, pointing towards a stopped van. "C'mon, we have our chance." Chris shook his head as he looked forwards, his jaw stiffening. His stomach was beginning to become cold. "It's not a good idea, we need a better infiltration tactic. We could get caught too easily that way, Jill….Jill? JILL …" As he had been speaking, his wife had been acting. As he turned to look, her body was seen disappearing into the back of the truck. Supplies of food and clothing had been her choice, and nestling into a box of lab coats, the woman disappeared from view completely. Before Chris could react, the truck roared to life, moving towards the entrance. Rushing after the truck that was bearing his spouse from him, Chris barely missed grabbing the bumper… It skimmed his fingertips, only to rush away from him at blinding speed.

Jill had been taken, and was entering the facility….

On her own.

…

Wesker felt his small pack, the round baggage having been small and efficiently organized. Tomorrow would be the day that he returned to Raccoon… After over twenty years, the city was finally being made habitable. Umbrella had fooled the world by the bold move, and now, right under their very noses, their worst enemy was going to be heading the construction. Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day… Ada was planning to retrieve him during the switch off into the city, and then from there… she really hadn't elaborated. Grinding his teeth together, the man shook his head. Not knowing very detail in his eventual and impending escape was going to drive him mad, but there had to be a logical reason behind it…

Looking up as the door slid open, Wesker almost smiled. But not a genuine one, his coyness about being sent away from her grasp had made him cocky and rather proud. His angel would no longer be watching his every move… "Time for your evening inoculation, they don't want you regaining your strength during transport." Angelica's hair encompassed her face, falling like a silken sheen as she leaned over. Presenting his arm without a noise, Wesker tried to look at her face. As she inserted the needle, the woman made sure to look away from his inquisitive glance. Pulling away, she disposed of the needle and gloves, and made a move for the door. "What, you don't have anything to banter with me today?" Wesker's voice seemed low, expectant….

Angelica did not even turn his direction when he spoke, merely exuding a tired sigh. This prompted him to rise, stepping closer. She still did not make a move towards him, or away for that manner. Sliding a hand upon her shoulder, he flexed to turn her. She resisted, but only for a second… As the woman spun, her eyes came into full view. Deep….blue….not a trace of ruby or amber left in their pigments. "You too….but why?" Slipping out of his grasp, Angelica opened the door. "They seem to not trust that the two of us will not coerce into a breakout during the traveling tomorrow, Albert… It will be only temporary for me…"

Angelica moved through the door quickly, having said her shaky words and not wishing to speak anymore on it. As the door slid behind her, Wesker's arm dropped in shock.

She was going with him, but not as a scientist or guard…she was a prisoner of her own vices…..

Just like him…

…..

Everything was changing…

And she didn't like it. Earlier that day a doctor had come to fit her with a machine that her mother had said would "let you play like a normal kid!". In truth, she knew she was never normal… The machine was small, and centered over the back of her neck, and it itched… The tiny metal bit into her skin, but she was told that it could not come off until mommy found out something that could help her blood….

She had seen her blood so many times, in small, glass bottles that the doctors took away, but never had it been sick, not until a few weeks ago… She had everything that a girl could want despite her condition; toys, food, love, games….but she still was so lonely… The adults about the complex seemed afraid of her, and the ones who didn't seemed sympathetic. Why would they feel bad for her? She could do things that they could only dream of… The first day she had ever levitated her doll, mommy had been so proud, yet she could see in her eyes the same fear the other doctors had for her… Why was mommy so scared…

Curling into a ball on her bed, the small girl tried to sleep as she grasped tightly onto her stuffed bear. Tomorrow they were moving to Raccoon…. Everything was changing…and she didn't like it….

And she felt so alone…..