Chapter 21: Blood is Thicker than Water

A/N: Hi there! :) I don't normally have an Author's Note at the beginning, but I just wanted to say...please don't kill me after you read this chapter! XD I'm not going to give any hints, but I sure hope you guys like where I am taking this story! The reason why this chapter is so long is because it was originally meant to be two separate chapters. I decided to combine them. Why you ask? Because! XD

The room was pitch black, but his eyes had long adjusted to the dark night so he could make out everything with nocturnal ease. Her restless battle to fight sleep had ended in defeat, and now she laid in bed with silent, warm breaths.

Wesker had lost track of time watching Claire sleep. He stood beside her bed peering down at her, mind wandering and thinking at the same time. She was curled in a fetal position, her sleep on the brink of restlessness and exhaustion. He didn't need rest like she did, and Wesker found that some days seem to blur together because he never needed as much sleep.

He was frustrated on why he allowed himself so stay at her side for so long. There were times he couldn't fathom why he was even saving her life. He wanted to reach down and snuff the life out of her, but at the same time he found himself wanting to stroke her face. It nauseated him to the core, and he couldn't help but to growl lowly at himself. His eyes slightly glowed in the dark for a split moment from his frustration, but it soon subsided.

The facility in Luxembourg was perhaps the last Umbrella base that had yet to be discovered after being abandoned. Wesker had been trying to find it for years, only succeeding in locating it not long before the Kijuju Incident. Ironically, it was supposedly the lab his mother worked at before being transferred to the United States. And if the records he found in Spencer's study before he killed the old man held true, then Claire's only hope of survival was there. Wesker knew a lot about his own virus, but there were things he would never know until he was able to find some sort of records of the Wesker Children that Spencer told him about. The only other person who would have known was William Birkin, but his old friend had long since left this world.

He could feel emotions trying to battle their way to the surface; emotions he had long since locked away almost a lifetime ago. He had never needed such petty feelings when he had power and the virus. Gods didn't need those useless tools of humanity.

He felt a sharp headache forming. It was either time for another dose of the serum to stabilize his virus, or he was thinking about Claire with too much intensity. Sighing, Wesker gave her once last look before leaving her room. He was met with bright lights outside, since the facility ran all night long. He quickly slipped on his sunglasses to ease the strain the light always brought to his keen eyes.

For the time being he was using Sherry's blood to help his own virus. With Tricell out of the picture, Wesker would have to start over on certain levels, and that included the serum that was used to keep his virus under control. There were things that were different about himself that Wesker had no choice but to blame his amnesia and Claire for. He felt out of balance in a matter of speaking, and Wesker took that as a sign of being out of control. He always despised losing control. He decided to head for the control room to ease his headache.

As he walked along the hallway, he heaved a sigh. "Ada, it is rude to spy and follow people when they are minding their own business."

"It's rude to do my job then?" came her snide voice as she came up to walk beside him. "I mean, that is what you pay me for. Or used to anyway."

"Why are you trying to be sneaky around me?"

"Me? Sneaky around you? I have no idea what you are talking about. You knew I was there when you came out of Claire's quarters."

"Then tell me what is on your mind so you can sooner leave me alone," Wesker replied, coming to a halt in the hallway. He turned to peer at his agent.

"Why do you want to save her?" Ada asked, eyes narrowing and becoming serious.

"Is that any of your business?" Wesker growled, turning and walking off.

"It is to me since I went through the same thing," she spat at his back.

Wesker stopped in his steps. He turned to look at her again, expression collected as he peered at her. "You are upset."

Ada gave a hallow laugh. "I'm not upset. I have long since moved on, but you…you seem like you are conflicted by something. I can see it. You really do care for her, and that is why you want to save her. But it disturbs you at the same time, knowing you really do have emotions locked away."

Wesker didn't realize he had reacted until he found that he slammed Ada against the wall with his hand locked around her throat. She kept calm, glaring up into his eyes. In a way he could sense that she was satisfied, as if she had elicited the response she wanted from him. He quickly let the female agent go, angry at himself for so easily letting her taunt him in such a manner.

"Aw, you do care. See? That wasn't so hard to show."

"You are walking on thin ice, Ada," Wesker growled, leaving her to head to the control room alone.

When he arrived there, he wasn't surprised or enthused to see Nicholai already there. He had satellite footage looking to a location in Africa and in South America. As Wesker approached, he realized that the Russian had hacked into Tricell's database once again to look up these locations.

"What is it?" he questioned, now interested.

"Outbreaks. Another relapse not far from Kijuju, and one in Brazil, not far from Rio de Janeiro. Isn't that near where Krauser and Kennedy had a mission involving the T-Veronica Virus? Anyways, still getting signatures from the database that you and Spencer are behind this."

"Someone is playing me for a fool," Wesker growled lowly, stroking his chin in thought as he looked through the maps and footage on screen.

"Yeah, but who?" Nicholai snorted.

"I don't know, but whoever it is caused the first relapse in Kijuju when I was with Chris and the others."

"And apparently caused Roman Gionne to have a heart attack," Nicholai added, rubbing his neck.

"You know what? I bet it is Cindy Travis."

"You mean Excella's grandmother?"

"Yes. She had complete control over Tricell until Roman married her daughter and handed the company over to him. She knew Spencer very well. I assume maybe she wants revenge to what I did to her company and Excella."

Wesker couldn't think of anyone else that could be intelligent enough to be behind this. Cindy Travis was of course of the Travis family, the original founders of Tricell. And though publicly, Roman Gionne was always head of the company, Wesker knew better than to count her out as she was the last of the Travis name.

"That makes sense," Nicholai chuckled. "I guess we better seek her out then. Her name isn't on the records anymore, so I doubt the BSAA arrested her."

"I'm sure she is quite at home in her mansion in north France," Wesker chuckled, rubbing his palms together. "Normally, I would just send Ada in to take her out, but considering she was able to catch me off guard, I will be going there myself."

"Who is going to watch Claire?"

"It will be best if she stays with me," Wesker answered simply. The one thing Wesker respected about Nicholai was that his old comrade didn't need big, elaborate answers. Nicholai respected Wesker enough to just dip his head at the answers he received, knowing that Wesker could explain further if he wished to. "You and Ada will stay here in charge. I will take Sherry and Krauser along with me just in case Cindy has company."

Nicholai snorted sharply. "Yeah, like you couldn't handle them yourself."

Wesker twitched his lips at the comment. "They are also expedient at locating useful items for me. We will leave in the morning."

With that said, Wesker left Nicholai alone in the control room and headed off to his own quarters.

The quick flight in Wesker's personal jet was quiet and rather stressful for Claire. She had no idea why they were flying to France. They were flying to Lille, a city in the north of the country. All she was able to gather was that Wesker was seeking revenge out on some old lady for outsmarting him. She got most of it from Krauser, who had made it sound like a sick joke.

Why an old, defenseless woman? Really Wesker? You are gonna get revenge on a poor old lady? I can't imagine why…what would be the point?

Claire also noticed that Sherry was watching her closely. The young woman had kept a watch on her since they left Berlin. Claire wasn't sure if she should have been relieved or more uneasy that Sherry had lost the glare and was staring at her with an expressionless face. Claire tried her hand at talking to her, but Sherry just looked away, focusing her attention on Wesker, who was discussing the location with Krauser.

Before she knew it, the jet was landing and they were driving through the countryside out of Lille heading for a large set of property with a mansion. Unlike the rundown, old mansions that Claire was used to seeing, this one was newly remodeled and absolutely gorgeous. It was made with both rock and wood, with three stories, and an exotic courtyard to match. Claire was surprised. Surely the old lady didn't live here herself.

They were greeted by silence. Claire stuck close to Wesker. As much as she wanted to take a chance at escape, Claire knew better to stay put. Wesker was her only shot of surviving whether she enjoyed it or not. Krauser and Sherry searched the perimeter with their weapons, and came back with news saying the house looked deserted. Annoyed, Wesker kicked down the front doors and they were in.

The harsh reek of death hit their noses. Claire felt bile rise in her throat, and she quickly covered her nose and mouth. Krauser grimaced for a moment, but he was used to the smell. Sherry looked disgusted by the aroma, but stayed alert with her gun. Wesker didn't seem fazed at all by the reek, and stepped further inside to start looking around.

"Krauser, Sherry, split up and see if you can find anything useful," Wesker said, glancing over at them.

They nodded, Krauser taking the stairs, and Sherry heading into the east wing. Claire and Wesker took the west wing. It didn't take them long to find what was causing the smell of decay. There were dead bodies of maids and security guards lying around the long dining room. The place was totaled, expensive furniture destroyed, holes in the wall and blood all over. Wesker bent down to check one of the bodies. Claire stood there nervously, not liking the feel of this place at all.

"What happened?" she asked.

"They were attacked by a BOW," Wesker sighed. "Someone wanted Cindy Travis dead before I did."

"You think it is still here?"

"If it is, it hasn't come out in a while. The scent is stale," Wesker answered simply, his attention moving on to another dead body.

"Who else would want her dead? Who is this woman?"

"Cindy Travis is the last of the Travis family. They were the original founders of Tricell. I am sure she is behind the outbreaks that are happening, as well as Roman Gionne's death. I do not know who else would want her dead. Maybe her role in Roman's death was found out, and the Gionne family did this. I won't know until I get more clues."

Claire started helping him look the room over. They looked as if they had been dead over a week for sure. If they were attacked by a BOW, she wondered what happened to it. She hoped it didn't escape and make its way into the wild or to town. Maybe it was killed here or whoever unleashed it took it with them.

She soon gave up, making her way over to Wesker who was staring at a door that led to another part of the mansion. She looked from the door to him, wondering why he was staring at it so intensely.

"What are you doing?" Claire asked, confused.

He held up his finger as if to silence her. This only made Claire glare at him. "There is something on the other side of that door; I am trying to listen to its movements."

This made her feel a little on edge. She knew that Krauser was a floor above them, and Sherry was on the opposite side of the building behind them. Maybe there was a survivor so they could get some answers?

"Why don't you just open the door and look? It isn't as if they are going to do any damage to you," she grumbled.

As soon as the last word came off of her tongue, Wesker grabbed her and picked her up. Claire yelped in surprise, but she heard the door burst open as well. Wesker must have made a good twenty foot leap backwards, landing right next to the door they came through in the first place and sat her down. Claire saw what it was that broke down the door. She had no idea what it was, but it reminded her like a mix between a dog and Hunter. It had the head of a dog, though it really didn't have any ears, with an upright, lithe body and long arms with talons. The tail reminded her of a rat, and the creature's body was covered in rotting flesh and black fur.

It howled out at them, charging with agile speed, and jumping over broken furniture. Wesker didn't budge in his position. Trusting him enough to stay put, Claire took a deep breath and hoped she wasn't going to get killed for this. Just as the monster leaped, raising claws to deal a fatal blow in the collision, Wesker raised his leg and kicked the creature straight in the chest. The Hunter hybrid flew across the room, slamming into the wall and crumbling to the floor. As it was moving to get to its feet, Wesker was vaulting over the table to the creature, slamming his boot down on the creature's snarling face to completely put it out of commission with an explosion of blood coming from its skull.

"Let me guess…the BOW that killed all these people?" Claire inquired as Wesker walked back over to her.

"Actually, no. Completely different. I have a feeling whoever was here before caged that one and just now let it loose. They knew we were coming here."

Claire didn't like the sound of that at all. They went back out into the main hall, where Wesker called on Sherry to check her status. He turned his headset on to call them.

"Sherry, report."

"Nothing of interest. Just a bunch of dead bodies. I am on my way back to you now."

"And you, Krauser?"

"Almost got my ass chewed by a werewolf thing. Found Cindy Travis in her bedroom, stiff as a board. She must have been dead the same time as the others. The thing is, she was shot in the head. Oh, and there is one other thing."

"What is it?" Wesker growled, not liking the news on Cindy Travis.

"There was a message written on her wall in blood. I think you better come check it out."

"I'm on my way," Wesker answered. He nodded to Claire and they started up the staircase.

It didn't take them long to find Krauser in the hallway. He was standing over one of the creatures. This one was sliced in half. Claire gathered it was from Krauser's arm that was now the shape of a large scythe. She had to look away as it turned back into a normal, human arm. Krauser led Wesker and Claire into Cindy Travis's bedroom. The old woman was in a king sized bed and canopy with a bullet through her head. It was a painful sight for Claire, one she couldn't help but to feel pity for. The old woman looked like any other person's grandma. Claire tried to remind herself though that this woman was just as much to blame for Tricell's crimes as any.

There was a message in blood written along the wall. Wesker grew very upset upon reading it. Claire could understand why. It gave her chill bumps as she read it over and over.

Don't you hate being made out to look like a fool?

"Wow, whoever this guy is…well he really is playing you for a fool," Krauser sighed, shaking his head.

Wesker didn't hold in his anger. Claire and Krauser moved out of the way as Wesker slammed his fists and legs into the wall until he was able to tear the whole message down.

As soon as they had arrived back to the facility in Berlin, Wesker left to go be alone. Claire was able to talk things over with Ada and Nicholai. Krauser didn't help much, letting her do most of the talking while he cleaned his weapons. Sherry stayed quiet. She was kind of fidgety, and Claire wondered why. She could only gather that she was nervous because Wesker was in a very foul mood right now. They were all on edge because of this.

"Wow, I guess it wasn't Cindy Travis then. Go figure. I always thought eighty-something old ladies could be so evil," Ada sighed, walking over to the main screen to look at the world map. It was as if she was trying to think of someone else it could be.

Nicholai rolled his eyes, having got himself a cup of coffee. "If I were you, Ada, I would watch that smart tone of yours. You too, Krauser. Unless the two of you want to endure Wesker's wrath."

"Wrath?" Ada snorted. "Please. He is probably throwing the biggest temper tantrum because he was outsmarted by this asshole again."

Claire didn't stay much longer with them. Ada was the only one she was comfortable with and left when the older woman herself left to go her own way. Claire went to her quarters, still unable to believe that she was willingly staying here. She sat on her bed, stroking her belly in thought. It made her sick and nervous knowing that her life was in Wesker's hands, but at the same time she felt oddly relieved. The question that bothered her was why. Why would Wesker want to save her? He never would answer her questions, only reply with a change of subject or silence as if he was hiding something.

She heard the door to her quarters open. Wesker was the only one who didn't knock, and really was the only person to come in and see her. Sighing, Claire got off of her bed to go greet him, but was shocked to see that it was Sherry who had entered her room unannounced instead.

"S-Sherry?"

"I remember you."

Claire was taken aback. "What?"

Sherry had her eyes on the floor, no longer composed like the cold warrior earlier. "I remember you. I remember you and Leon. I remember everything. I just kept studying you…I knew I saw your face before, and it finally dawned on me."

"That's good! Oh, Sherry, I am so happy to hear this," Claire said, feeling relief swell in her chest.

"Wesker didn't save me from Raccoon City…you and Leon did. Wesker killed a whole bunch of military people to get to me. I remember…Leon tried to save me. He was coming there to visit me or something, and he found the place in a bloody mess. He caught up with me just as Wesker was about to put me in the car. Wesker was going to kill him but I was able to change his mind."

Claire wondered if Sherry was under control like Jill was, and the drugs were wearing off so she could return to normal. Or maybe Sherry was remembering on her own. Claire didn't think Wesker used drugs on her. He mentally broke Sherry a long time ago after he took her. Maybe, somehow, Sherry was coming back upon seeing Claire again.

"So…now you realize that Wesker has been lying to you the whole time?" Claire asked cautiously.

Sherry weakly shook her head. "He never lied to me. I just twisted it around in my head because he was my only family."

Family? Was she just developing Stockholm Syndrome? Claire thought for a moment, and then remembered William Birkin and Wesker were close friends. Sherry used to think of Wesker as her uncle back in those days before the Mansion Incident.

Claire didn't know what else to say. "I'm happy that you remember me, Sherry. You don't know how much it hurt Leon and me to lose you. Leon blames himself everyday. I'm sorry I failed you."

Claire was suddenly knocked backward a step as Sherry threw her arms around her and started crying. It was a complete shock to Claire. She decided to comfort her, hoping this was a breakthrough for Sherry. Claire promised herself that she was going to find a way to get Sherry out of here.

"Am I interrupting anything?"

The two women jumped upon hearing Wesker's voice, and pulled apart. Sherry desperately pulled herself together, trying to compose her feelings. Wesker stood there not too far away with his arms crossed. He didn't have his sunglasses on, so his intense eyes seem to pierce them even more.

"I'm sorry Wesker, I just-" Sherry tried to explain, but was shortly interrupted by Wesker.

"Leave us."

Sherry dipped her head. She gave one last look to Claire before slipping out of the room. For a long moment, the air was tense with static between them. Claire couldn't keep his eyes, and for a moment, wondered if the child would have such eyes.

"Tomorrow we leave for Luxembourg. Get plenty of rest. You are going to need it, dear heart."

"It's kinda hard to sleep when you are being held against your will somewhere," Claire answered.

Wesker chuckled at her, and she was partially relieved that he had calmed down now. "I am not holding you against your will. If you want to go back to your brother, so be it. Just know that you will die within two weeks."

Claire glared at him. "I want a straight answer. Why are you saving me?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because it does!" she snapped.

He unfolded his arms, walking over to her. He started circling her again, eyes watching her very closely. Claire tried not to let it make her nervous. She glared at him as he walked around her, reminding her of a stalking panther.

"Is it perhaps maybe you want to hear me say that I still have feelings for you? That the Wesker in amnesic state is still there somewhere? Is that what you want to hear?"

Claire didn't answer, only lowered her eyes. She heard him purr another chuckle as he stopped in front of her.

"What's wrong?" he asked, taking steps toward her and making her back up into a wall. "Cat got your tongue?"

Their bodies were only inches apart now. His breath tickled her ear, and she felt him caress the skin right above her hip. It felt like a cold, electrical shock went up her body. She closed her eyes tight, knowing that this was not good at all.

He's seducing you! Fight back!

"I just…want the truth," she managed to say through a rough breath.

"Sometimes the truth hurts," he whispered into her ear, then placed a kiss on her temple.

Claire couldn't understand why it was harder to resist him while he was like this. Her mind had clouded over, and the next thing she knew, she was on the bed with Wesker on top of her, their lips locked in a long, fierce kiss. Wesker was making it a point to discard her clothes as quickly as possible. His hands were exploring her body, as were his lips.

So much for getting plenty of rest… Claire's thoughts were soon melted away.

Luxembourg City was nothing like Claire had ever seen before. She was not expecting the sights at all, and wondered why she ever declined the offers from TerraSave to do a meeting here. Though the sky was gray, and mild precipitation was hitting the windows of the vehicle Krauser was driving, it did not dissuade Claire from looking out on the sights. There were several forts and towers in the city, as well as the famous Luxembourg Castle. Claire could understand why Luxembourg city was one of the wealthiest in the world. It had long ago developed into a banking and administrative center.

The city itself straddled several valleys and outcrops, making the city's layout complicated yet beautiful at the same time. The center of the city occupied a picturesque sight on a salient, perched above steep cliffs that dropped into narrow valleys of the Alzette and Petrusse rivers, in which both found their confluence within the city. The deep gorges cut by the rivers were spanned by many bridges and viaducts. All in all, Claire could tell that the city wasn't a particular large place, but its layout of setting on several levels, straddling hills and gorges made it seem twice as big.

Claire was glad to see she wasn't the only one looking outside like an awed child. Sherry was on the other side of the backseat, leaning over Ada to get a good look. The SUV was large and roomy for them. It was a rental just to get them to the church. Nicholai sat with Rurik in the back part. HUNK was handcuffed with a gag in his mouth. Though he was in such a situation, Claire found it uneasy that Rurik seemed happy…like he knew something they didn't.

The church they were coming to was set on a large property surrounded by a stone wall. Claire forgot the huge church's name, Wesker only said it once. It was St. Michael's or something, not far from Luxembourg Castle set out away from the city. Wesker was using his authority in Corporation S to get them around right here in the city. His place in Pharma-Tech gave them the vehicle they were in to hinder any suspicions, especially since it seemed as though there was a hostage among them.

Wesker checked his watch as they got out of the vehicle. It was afternoon, so they arrived right on time to where the church was empty. The church wasn't used anymore, not since World War II. Now it was just another tourist attraction sentenced to rot slowly. The government had no idea of the facility down below.

The stone church towered above them. The large, mosaic windows had long lost their luster. The bell tower above seemed ominous with the cool sweeping wind and cold drizzle. They got out their weapons, walking up to the tall, double doors and entering into the main lobby. Nicholai shoved his brother along. Claire didn't feel the tangible security one often would feel in a church. Instead, she felt uneasy. The church didn't feel like a church at all, whether it had an Umbrella facility below it or not. The church had looked as if nothing had changed since the late 1940s.

Wesker turned to all of them. "The entrance down into the facility should be located in the basement. Rurik, I am sure you will be happy to assist us. Let's go."

Chris was about to snap. The plane seemed to take its sweet time crossing the Atlantic Ocean. They had stopped finally in Great Britain to refuel, and were off again. Chris had lost track of the time from dozing off into sleep here and there. The others were just as quiet as he was. Jill was knocked out, her head leaning on Chris's shoulder. The plane would be landing in Berlin in a few hours. From there, Barry, Rebecca, and Billy would be flying to Moscow to check out the facility over there. Chris felt for them, knowing they would have another long flight ahead of them.

Soon his cell phone started ringing. Chris felt a bolt of relief hit him, hoping it was Wentworth calling to tell them of any news on Berlin or Moscow. The European Branch had set up their watches, and so if Wesker emerged with or without Claire, they would know.

Out of his excitement, he answered it, trying not to wake Jill, who was already stirring from the ring tone. "Chris Redfield."

"It is a relief to know that I called the correct number," came a male's voice on the other end.

The color in Chris's face drained. He didn't recognize the voice at all, and there was something dark and sinister about it that made his knuckles turn white. He looked all around, catching Leon's eye. The agent immediately knew something was up and leaned over.

"Who is this? How did you get this number?"

"That isn't important now, is it? I'm merely calling you to tell you, Mr. Redfield, that Albert Wesker and your dear sister are heading to Luxembourg City as we speak. They intend to go to St. Michael's church. Do you know where that is?"

"How do you know that? And why are you telling me this?" Chris growled, moving forward in unease and waking Jill.

"We have a common enemy, Mr. Redfield. And I know how much family is important to you. I can only agree. Blood is thicker than water, isn't that right? I can help you get Claire back if you can help me take down Wesker."

"How the hell am I supposed to trust you?" Chris asked, eyes narrowing. Jill was now at attention now, exchanging worried glances with Leon.

"The decision to trust me is entirely up to you. Your sister's fate lies in your hands, Mr. Redfield. I look forward to seeing you in Luxembourg."

Before Chris could say anything, the man on the other line hung up. He was met with silence. Cursing out loud and waking the others, Chris got out of his seat and kicked his supply bag, almost throwing his phone.

"Dammit!"

"Chris! What happened?" Jill demanded, also rising to her feet.

"Some bastard called me on my phone and told me that Wesker and Claire are heading for Luxembourg! I have to call Wentworth and see if they have heard anything!"

Chris dialed the director's number. It went through, and his old comrade answered. "Chris, I was just about to call you. I have a breakthrough! Wesker and Claire were spotted leaving the city of Berlin! Ada Wong, Nicholai Ginovaef, Sherry Birkin, and two other men that were unable to be identified were with them. The European Branch tried to follow them, but lost them! Don't worry though, they are still on it."

"Don't bother. I know where they are at," Chris sighed, hanging up. He immediately left Leon and Jill's side to go to the cockpit.

"What's going on?" Barry asked, stirring in his seat. "Are we landing already?"

Chris emerged from the cockpit, looking almost airsick to all of them. They all gave him their full, undivided attention. "There's been a change in plans. We are heading for Luxembourg City to a church called St. Michael's. We should be arriving in the country within the next hour."

They felt the plane changing course. It eastern direction of flight eased into southeast, and while Chris could only hope that he could trust the stranger, the others were utterly lost and shocked.

Wesker watched as Rurik put in the code to open up the secret passage. The smirk that formed on his lips after the vault slid open was almost satanic. All he needed Rurik for was to get the entrance down into the facility opened. By going through Rurik's equipment and finding many of the missing files on this facility that Wesker needed, he now knew all of the codes from here on out.

"You did your part for us, Rurik. Your usefulness ends here," Wesker told him.

The mercenary snorted a chuckle. "Oh great, is this where you are going to let Nicholai kill me?"

"Oh yes, if he wishes it," Wesker replied as they all headed down the passage with the door closing behind them.

Claire wasn't surprised at the sight when they came down onto the first basement level. It looked like any other old Umbrella laboratory. Concrete walls and floor with more stairs leading down along with some elevators plainly stuck out here. Claire looked over the railing; saw the next basement level down was much more open as a huge, square room with doors on each side. They walked down the stairs into the open room. Claire caught sight of a map layout for the underground facility, and just about fainted. The facility had seven basement levels, with large sections on each floor. Each of the doors led to a certain section, and then those sections had elevators that led down to certain basement levels. All in all, Claire could totally believe now that this was definitely an Umbrella base. The signs above the door were marked professionally, each sign also having the Umbrella logo on it.

"Unlocking the vault also unlocked this floor. Let's split up and see what we can find. We need to find the control room so I can unlock everything for complete access," Wesker explained.

Sherry, Ada, and Krauser nodded their heads, each of them heading to their own door in the square hall. They had their weapons out and ready, leaving only Wesker, Claire, Nicholai, and HUNK behind.

"What are you going to do?" Wesker inquired, looking to his Russian comrade.

Nicholai twitched a smirk, protruding two guns and two knives with the Spetsnaz insignia on them.

"It is time to find out which brother deserves to live," Nicholai stated rationally.

Rurik closed his eyes for a moment, giving no hints to his emotions. Claire seemed surprised. She thought Nicholai was just going to shoot his younger half-brother and be over with it. However, Nicholai was going to fight to the death with Rurik. She wasn't surprised that Wesker didn't stop him from making such a rash decision. Wesker merely dipped his head.

"As you wish. If you manage to survive locate Ada and move on with her. We should meet back here in an hour."

"Understood," Nicholai said, cocking his weapon.

"Come along, dear heart," Wesker said, heading for the set of doors that did not receive any visitors. Claire glanced over her shoulder while following him, watching as Nicholai stood in front of the handcuffed Rurik. Nicholai was digging out the handcuff keys, but neither brother looked away from each other.

"You are just going to let him fight to the death?" Claire asked as they started to walk the corridors of their section. Claire was already lost. It seemed they were in some sort of testing area. There were several rooms made up of bulletproof glass and cells. Inside some of them were skeletons of humans and animals, and even BOWs.

Wesker didn't answer right away. In fact, as she waited for him to answer, she heard gunfire erupt behind them, coming from the square hall. "It is what he wants. Nicholai wants a fair fight to prove who the better brother is. I'm sure Rurik would have done the same thing."

Claire lowered her eyes, trying to ignore the gunfire echoing down the corridors. The section she and Wesker was searching was large, but only because of the test chambers. Wesker knew the control room wouldn't be in the section, and within forty minutes, they decided to turn back.

Just as they were nearing the square hall, Wesker's headset kicked on. "Wesker! Nicholai's been stabbed and Rurik is gone!"

It was Sherry who had contacted him. Claire didn't know what to think about the ordeal, but she couldn't see any hint of emotions on Wesker's face. They kept their pace until they were back out into the square hall. Wesker and Claire came over to Nicholai, who was lying on the concrete floor with blood around him. Ada was over him trying to keep pressure on the deep stab wound on Nicholai's chest. Sherry was trying to reach for more supplies to stop the bleeding.

"Where's Krauser?" Wesker asked.

"He went after Rurik!" Sherry answered.

Ada looked up over her shoulder. Claire couldn't believe it, but she saw tears in Ada's eyes. She glared up at Wesker, trying to keep her emotions under control. "We need to get him to the infirmary. I passed it on my section. You need to fix him, Wesker."

Claire should have known that Wesker was the only "doctor" among this group. Nicholai was coughing up blood, though there was a faint smile on his face.

Wesker still remained passive. "He won't make it."

"What? Don't say that!" Ada spat.

"He's right…I've been lung stabbed…it seems as though Rurik has surpassed me with knives…I've already lost too much blood," Nicholai said weakly, still coughing.

Ada cursed under her breath, but she kept the pressure on Nicholai's chest. Claire could feel the bond between Ada and Nicholai much more now than she could before. She knew that they were good allies, but now she could really see it. For once, Ada was letting them peek into her usual composed attitude. She really did care for Nicholai.

Claire felt ice stab her heart when she saw Wesker hold out his hand to Sherry, eyes never leaving Nicholai. Sherry looked like she was about to burst into tears, but kept herself in control. With a shaky hand, she pulled her gun from its holster and handed it over to Wesker.

He wouldn't!

Wesker cocked the gun, walking over to Nicholai calmly. Ada saw the gun, and her glare deepened on her employer. "Don't do this, Wesker."

"You don't want me to put him out of his misery?" Wesker hissed. "Get up, Ada."

She refused to move. Nicholai raised his arm up, stroking Ada on the cheek. "Better listen to him. Maybe you can take Rurik down for me."

"I will be sure to," Ada answered, taking his hand and squeezing it for a moment. Slowly, she moved away from Nicholai, turning her head away so she didn't have to watch. Sherry looked away as well, but Claire couldn't move her eyes as Wesker aimed the gun at Nicholai's face.

"I would…have followed you to the…end," Nicholai chocked, slightly laughing.

"I know," Wesker answered coolly. "So long…old friend."

Claire closed her eyes abruptly, jumping at the blaring gunshot. It took her a moment to reopen her eyes. Nicholai was dead and Wesker was moving back over to her side. He held the gun out to Sherry, who took it. Wesker bent down to pick up Nicholai's handgun. He walked over to Claire, extending it out to her.

"You might need this," he said just above a whisper.

Claire took the gun, not feeling the normal security she normally felt with a firearm in her hands. She braved looking over at Ada. She was now completely composed, except for a single tear that slid down her cheek. She took in a deep breath, and turned back to Wesker.

"The control room is through those doors. I'm going after Rurik. If Krauser hasn't killed him yet, then I will be sure that I will," she said coldly, heading for the staircase. Wesker didn't say anything, just watched her go.

Wesker nodded over at Sherry. "Go with her. I want Rurik dead before we leave here."

"Yes," the young girl said, sounding almost relieved that she was able to go get a piece of Rurik as well.

Wesker studied Nicholai's body one last time before he motioned Claire to follow him and they headed into the section that Ada explored earlier. Claire tried to put the ordeal behind her, hoping she wouldn't have to use the gun either. The section they entered into was mainly for security, but they also found wards for the infirmary and a small science lab or two.

Claire and Wesker hardly spoke as they walked the section. It didn't take them long to find the security control room for the facility. Wesker got to work hacking into the mainframe. The security cameras had long since stopped working, so they couldn't look upon them to seek out Rurik or anything else. As Wesker went through the system, he suddenly stopped short.

"What's wrong?" Claire asked.

"Everything has already been unlocked. According to the system, everything was unlocked almost three hours ago. That's over an hour since we arrived."

"So someone is already here?"

"It would seem so," Wesker sighed, not looking to happy.

"You think…maybe it is that guy?"

"If it is, then he is in for a cruel fate. No one deems me a fool, and gets away with it," Wesker growled, moving past her so they could head back.

Claire gulped and followed him. They found an elevator, and Wesker took them down to the lowest level; basement level 7. It was where the large research and development laboratories were located for the top researchers in the facility.

"The disk should be labeled WC13," Wesker told Claire, moving to one of the computers to start looking through the system.

Claire went to a filing cabinet that housed all kinds of documents and disks. She kept alert and started seeking out the disk name. She had no idea what the name meant, and she also didn't understand how it was going to help Wesker save her. She decided it didn't matter at the moment, only that they needed to find it and get the hell out of there.

Claire didn't find it in that cabinet and went on to the next one. The large laboratory was open from its size, even though there were several computers, test tables, and machines she couldn't guess. The next filing cabinet only housed documents and files. Sighing, she shut it and went to a desk. There were several files and unknown syringes on top, but in the drawers were many organized disks.

Just as she found it and hollered, Wesker was at her side. She felt a deep wave of relief wash over her. Even Wesker had a grin on his face as he looked the disk over.

"Really, it just isn't right to see the captive getting along so well with the captor."

The chuckling male voice made her jump. She and Wesker looked over to the door they had came through to enter the large laboratory. There was a man standing there; a man that Claire definitely didn't recognize, though he did look familiar.

The man stood about twenty feet away, the exit not far behind him. He looked young, maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. He wore a white suit, reminding Claire of some kind of modern European formal wear. His light brown hair was short and somewhat slicked back. He had a tall, strong build to him. His eyes were what really caught Claire off guard. He had the same animalistic eyes as Wesker. Then it dawned on her exactly how similar he did look to Wesker.

This can't be right!

Wesker seemed taken aback by the stranger's appearance as well, but quickly hid it. He stayed close to Claire, glaring at the man before them. "Do we know each other?"

"Oh no, definitely not. At least not personally."

Wesker's glare deepened. "You are the one who caused the relapse in Kijuju and the outbreak in South America."

"And let's not forget about old man Roman. Boy have I wanted to get rid of that useless piece of trash for awhile," the stranger replied, chuckling. "So tell me, Albert. Did you enjoy the little message I left you at Cindy Travis's mansion?"

"Who are you?" Wesker asked calmly, dismissing the snide question.

"My name is Alex. You don't know me, but I know all about you."

"We're related."

Alex chuckled at Wesker's statement, looking down at his body and spreading his arms for a moment. "Nothing flies by you, does it?"

"How?" Wesker asked, flexing his fists.

"Same fathers," Alex answered simply, turning his attention to some tools on the nearby test table. He picked them up and observed them, not at all worrying about Wesker it seemed. "You and I are the only "real" Wesker Children. We were actually born within the line with the surname. It wasn't given to us like the rest of them, who ended up dying anyways. Our grandfather, Alexander Wesker, and Spencer started the project, and Andric was trying to finish it. You ruined all of that though, didn't you?"

"Why should I care about the project?" Wesker asked.

Alex shrugged his shoulders. "You don't seem to care for much, do you brother?"

Again, Wesker dismissed his younger half-brother's question. "Why are you here? Why are you showing yourself to me now of all times?"

"Don't you hate being the last one to know?" Alex chuckled. "Boy, it sure has been fun picking on you for the past few weeks. But I guess I can go ahead and tell you. I'm about to celebrate becoming an only child."

Claire felt her heart leap to her chest. She looked from Alex to Wesker. Wesker's eyes flashed dangerously, almost glowing behind the sunglasses and his posture became slightly more rigid. "You want to kill me?"

"I'm glad you figured that one out on your own, genius," Alex sighed, crossing his arms. A wicked grin formed on his handsome face, and Claire knew what was about to come. "And after I kill you, I'm going to take the girl."

A/N: Well? What do you think? :) DRAMATIC! Hey, guess what! THE END! No, not really. I think this story has like ten chapters left maybe, hahaha. So sorry for all the breaks in the story. Usually I am able to sit down and right out most of a chapter in one sitting, but this one I wasn't able to, so I hope it doesn't feel too much out of whack with all the breaks. I always lose my train of thought if I leave a chapter and come back to it! -_- And killing Nicholai was kinda last moment. Thought it would add a nice twist, but his death is supposed to represent something in the next chapter! I like Nicholai, so it was hard to do! And sorry if Ada seemed kinda out of character with Nicholai's death. I was just trying to dive into her composed nature a little more, and I thought since her and Nicholai were good friends, it would be good. I seem to be apologizing alot for this chapter, sigh...Well, all in all I had a blast writing it and I hope all of you enjoyed it as well, along with the wicked twist with Alex! :) Now is a good time to tell me if you want a good ending for this story or not, hahahahhahahahaha! All I gotta say for next chapter is...Poor Claire...hehehehehe...Thanks everyone!