Resident Evil: Tangled Web
By: PhantasmBabeIvory
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Author's Notes: I was planning for this chapter to be longer, but decided to split it in two. The second half is progressing well and should be posted within the next month. Sorry to keep all of you waiting so long for this update, but thank you for sticking with me.
For those of you who might not know, I added some extra scenes to the previous chapter. I would highly recommend you go back and re-read it for this chapter to make sense.
Also, I have restarted the poll on my profile page for who you believe RogueChild to be. Please cast your vote when you get a chance.
Thank you and enjoy:
When she told him of who she suspected RogueChild to be, Elliott set his toothbrush on the counter and regarded Claire with wide eyes. "Steve? Are you sure?"
"It's possible," she said. "It fits with everything RogueChild has told us so far."
"Then why the secrecy? Why wouldn't he tell us who he is?"
She rubbed the back of her neck. "The best answer I can up with is that Steve knows me and that I wouldn't want to leave him behind… And he wouldn't be wrong." She sighed. "I'm scared that I may lose my chance to see him again if we get out of here without him."
He hesitated. "Maybe we should go to Wesker and demand to see him."
"Not a good idea, Elliott. It'd be too easy for Wesker to connect the dots and figure out we're plotting to escape if we meet with Steve."
"Not if we play it right. Wesker doesn't even know about RogueChild. And what's the alternative? Sneaking around to see if we can locate Steve? That would raise even more suspicion." Elliott paused. "If Steve is alive and has been the one trying to help us, then maybe we could factor him into our escape plans. But we won't know without taking that first step." He placed a hand against her arm. "It might be the only way to give yourself peace of mind."
"And if Wesker refuses?"
"We don't let him," Elliott said firmly. "We say it will go a long way to getting us to trust him again... And don't forget, he said he'd be more lenient on giving us what we desire after what happened to me."
She remained silent for half a minute, then stepped closer to embrace him. "Let's hope that works…"
As eager as she was to confront Wesker, Claire was forced to wait until the evening hours for him. She and Elliott had tried tracking him down around midday, only to be told by Dr. Yamata that he was "overseeing a personal project and asked not to be disturbed."
When the door to their apartment clicked open, she was instantly nervous. She looked up from the jigsaw puzzle she and Elliott were working on and let out a deep breath as Wesker stepped inside.
"I'm told you wanted to see me," Wesker said with a blank expression. "To what do I owe the honor?"
She cleared her throat. "I've changed my mind about something… Specifically Steve. I want to see him," she said as calmly as she could.
Wesker remained silent for several seconds and simply stared at her. "That's quite the turnaround, dearheart. It was only yesterday that you were against the idea."
Her eyes narrowed. "You better not be asking me to explain myself. Or playing mind games, for that matter."
Wesker nodded after a couple seconds. "Very well. If both of you will follow me, I'll give you what you desire."
Claire hesitated; she hadn't expected him to give in so easily. "Seriously?"
"Are you really that determined to peg me as the bad guy, dearheart?" Wesker said flatly. "I would think you'd know better considering all I've done for you and Mr. Gregory."
She scoffed. "Says the man who kidnapped us and is holding us prisoner. And for what? So you can manufacture a cure for the virus I'm infected with?" She paused. "I imagine the only reason you're hellbent on making an antidote is so you can sell it to the highest bidder."
Wesker shook his head with an amused smile on his lips. "I think you'll find that the end will justify the means. And prove to you how misguided you are… As to the matter of Mr. Burnside - since you didn't specify the form in which you wanted to see him, face to face is out of the question. A remote surveillance feed will have to do."
She exchanged a look with Elliott. She silently nodded and thought, I suppose it's better than nothing.
The trek up to the surveillance room was spent in silence, save for the call Wesker made to Jessica and Raymond to tell them to turn off the monitors and clear out. Claire half expected that he would change his mind. When she saw him wordlessly step up the counter and begin typing on a keyboard, she knew she couldn't deny his intentions.
After a minute, she decided the lack of communication was getting to her. "Am I allowed to ask how he's been?"
Wesker didn't turn or cease his typing. "You'll soon see for yourself, Miss Redfield…. I should, however, warn you that Mr. Burnside will be unaware of any observation, nor will he hear you if you try talking to him."
Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the monitor in front of Wesker come to life. She was scarcely aware that he stepped aside to allow her a better view. If Elliott hadn't grasped her hand and guided her closer, she didn't know if she would have moved.
Claire was unprepared for the rush of emotions that overtook her when she saw Steve's face on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat when her eyes took in the dark red hair and boyish features she'd never been able to get out of her mind. She wasn't sure how long her gaze was fixed on the monitor, but it startled her when Elliott spoke.
"What are you trying to pull?" Elliott said angrily to Wesker. "He doesn't look like he's breathing!"
Claire took a deep breath, wiped a stray tear from her eye, and forced herself to focus. When she looked back at the screen, she picked up more details that her first glance hadn't yielded. Steve didn't appear he'd aged a bit since the last time she'd seen him. It looked like he was encased in a chamber containing some sort of liquid. She took a step back and thought wildly, How could I think that Wesker wouldn't lie about something this important?
"Quite the contrary," Wesker said smoothly. "Mr. Burnside is being held in a state of suspended animation." He shifted his gaze and looked at Claire. "He revived not long after I took him, dearheart. But the virus to which he was exposed was uncontrollable. It was all I could do to help him maintain his humanity… Mr. Burnside eventually accepted that his best shot was to follow in Alexia Ashford's footsteps. To go into hibernation for an extended period."
"Because that's what you determined was best. Is that right?" she said derisively. "It must be a common practice for you by now to decide everyone's fates for them."
Wesker grimaced. "Something Oswell Spencer did all too well," he said, an odd note in his voice. "At least I offer choices, which is more than I can say for that old fool."
She blinked. It was the most personal she'd heard him get about Umbrella's founder, and his words hinted at just what his grievance was with Spencer. It wasn't like Wesker to drop his guard enough to admit to any vulnerabilities. She steeled herself and asked, "You're saying he didn't give you a choice about something?"
Wesker was silent for a long while before his eyes started glowing bright red behind his shades. Abruptly, he stepped forward and turned off the monitor with a few keystrokes. "We're done here," he said in a hard tone that made her cringe. Before she or Elliott could react, he grasped each of them by one arm and practically threw them out of the surveillance room.
Claire buried her face in her hands as Wesker stomped off down the hallway. She couldn't decide just what it was about the past several minutes that caused her to burst into tears. But she was grateful when Elliott pulled her close and simply allowed her to cry into his shirt.
She didn't know how much time passed until she recovered. When she spoke, it was with a statement that only Elliott would understand. "It's not Steve," she said in a low, sorrowful tone. He's not the one who's been trying to help us.
He sighed deeply. "I'm sorry, Claire."
"Don't be. It's not your fault." She pulled back and dried her eyes. "I should have known better than to assume he'd be okay… Wesker was starting to influence us after just six months. Who knows what being around that madman did to Steve?"
Elliott put a hand on her shoulder. Softly, he said, "Maybe what was best… You told me yourself the T-Veronica virus caused rapid, uncontrolled mutation in anyone infected with it. It's possible this was Steve's only chance to stay relatively normal."
Her lips twitched and almost formed a smile at the thought. "It also means he can't come with us when we leave… Alexia was frozen for fifteen years to slow down the effects." She ran a hand through her hair. "Steve's only been in stasis for half the time if I understand correctly."
She was sure she would have started rambling if Elliott hadn't shushed her. "We should head back to our place. See if we can't find something to take your mind off this."
A protest was on her lips that he effectively silenced with, "You can't tell me you'd rather drive yourself crazy, Redfield."
She let out a deep, calming breath. "Thank you, Mr. Voice-of-Reason."
"Anytime… And at least we learned something else from the last half hour."
"Yeah? What's that?" she asked.
"That even the devil himself has his own demons…"
June 18th, 2007
Jessica had gotten used to Raymond giving her the cold shoulder in the month since Elliott was poisoned. So it came as a shock when he returned to the surveillance room from his break with two steaming Styrofoam cups of coffee and set one down on the counter in front of her.
She looked over at him as he settled into his seat, completely at a loss for what to say for a moment. At last, she reached for the cup and mumbled, "Thanks."
The only response that got was a grunt, but it was something.
Tentatively, she asked, "Does this mean we're good?"
"It means we're getting there," he said, an edge to his voice. "So don't push it."
She took a sip of her coffee and winced when it burned the roof of her mouth. She blew into the cup to cool it, then said, "I'm so sorry for making things worse. I just… I want things to go back to like they were. Especially with you."
"That's far easier said than done." He crossed his arms. "You lied to me, Jess. You promised you would stop antagonizing Claire and Elliott, and you didn't. And apologizing is hardly going to make me trust you again."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
He scoffed. "A good start would be to not force the issue," he said. "If you can manage that, then maybe we have a chance of getting back to where we were."
Jessica sighed and bit her tongue to keep more words from spilling out. Though she wanted desperately to keep talking, a larger part of her feared that it would drive him further away. In an effort to calm herself, she tried to think positive. At least he's speaking to me again.
June 26th, 2007
Elliott found it refreshing to get an audience with his and Claire's mysterious benefactor since he missed the last two opportunities to talk to RogueChild. The one downside was that RogueChild initiated contact while Elliott was being administered a dose of serum; the metal case containing multiple vials of said serum was sitting open on the counter. He and his girlfriend hadn't been keen on sharing the news that he was infected.
RogueChild's first words made it clear that the secret was out. I can see what changed your mind about wanting my help.
Elliott mentally told himself not to move since the needle was still in his arm. With a sigh, he said, "You almost sound like you're gloating. Which is not helping your case."
My apologies. Not trying to antagonize you. Arranging your escape will go much smoother if I have your trust.
Elliott remained silent while Claire withdrew the syringe and taped a piece of gauze over the injection site. "Fair enough," he said. "But Claire told me that you said we'd be on our own once we make it out of the facility."
That is true.
"Then we're going to have a problem," Elliott said with a sigh. "I have to take the serum four times a day to keep the virus I was exposed to from killing me. And Wesker's only been giving us a week's supply at a time… If we don't make it to safety before I run out…"
"Wesker once told me that this facility is far removed from any villages," Claire chimed in. "Elliott and I don't even know which direction would lead us to safety… You're going to have to do better than giving us an easy way out."
It's a good thing we have plenty of time to talk. Means I can ease any and all concerns you have. About the serum… I may be able to manufacture more and have it ready for you when you flee.
"How?" Elliott asked.
All I need is a small sample from one of the vials you have. You'll need to open the vent and spill a drop or two inside. The mechanical helper I'm using to communicate will be able to analyze it and upload the data to me.
Elliott carefully considered this. "You're a scientist?" he asked tentatively.
No. But I know someone who is.
Elliott exchanged a look with Claire. "I think I remember you once said you represented someone who wanted to help us, RogueChild… Do we get to know who you're working for?"
My employer would prefer to remain anonymous.
"More secrecy. Figures," Claire said derisively.
All due respect, Miss Redfield, but knowing my name is not key to your escape… In addition to the serum, I will also provide you with a boat, compass, directions to all nearby settlements, and some provisions necessary for your survival. I suggest you spend the coming months thinking about what you'll need to take with you and preparing for the journey ahead.
Claire bristled and Elliott rubbed her shoulder to try and calm her. "Won't do us much good if Wesker figures out what we're up to," she said.
All I ask is that you try to keep him in the dark. He won't suspect a thing if you're extremely careful.
Elliott sighed. "Assuming we're able to pull that off, what's the plan? How do we get out of here?"
That will be dependent on some very precise timing on your part. As long as you follow my instructions to the letter, I can guarantee that there will be nothing and no one standing between you and freedom…
July 7th, 2007
It took time before Claire felt ready to meet with Wesker with the certainty that it wouldn't turn into an argument. Though she knew that it was a necessary step to ensure her and Elliott's escape, she was a bundle of nerves on the day of the pre-planned sit-down.
"Do you want to go over the game plan one more time before we meet him?" Elliott asked while they were getting dressed.
Claire fluffed up her hair after she pulled a shirt on. "Think I got it down… As long as he doesn't act like too much of an ass, we should be alright."
"Not much chance of that. I think Wesker's mellowed out a bit over the past couple weeks." Elliott paused to lace up his sneakers. "He must have been as agitated as we were over what happened."
She sighed, turned, and boosted herself up to sit on the counter. "Do you think we'll ever find out who infected you? Or why, for that matter?"
"It's someone who went to great lengths to make sure even Wesker wouldn't be able to figure it out," Elliott said as he stepped close. His lips curled up in a smile when her legs arched around his waist. "Quite possible the only way we'll find out is if the culprit comes clean."
She grinned and teased the hair at the back of his head with one hand. "Would be so much easier if I could beat a confession out of either Jessica or Excella."
"Assuming one of them did this. What if you're wrong?"
"It'd still be good to kick the crap out of them," Claire said coyly.
He chuckled. "Maybe you'll be in a position to do just that one day," he said softly before he pressed his lips against hers. "But first things first. You ready to head up?"
"Sure you wouldn't rather stay here to make out?"
"Tempting, but we really should get this over with, Redfield."
She nodded and allowed him to hoist her off the counter. They were quiet during the trek to the elevator and ride to sub-level two.
There was something unsettling about the fact that Wesker was seated at the conference table facing the door, his gaze on them as they entered. With a slight smile, he said, "Right on time. I applaud you for being so prompt."
Claire was tempted to make a snarky comment and was thankful when Elliott kicked off the conversation.
"You assumed we'd be late?" Elliott said sarcastically. "Way to start a chat meant to rebuild trust."
Wesker's expression didn't change. "A talk that won't go well if you blow an innocent comment out of proportion, Mr. Gregory," he said smoothly.
Elliott sighed. "Touché… You might know that Claire and I have been having a lot of private conversations lately. We mutually agreed that we'd like the remainder of our time here to be as peaceful as possible."
"Something which can be easily arranged… Though it is a shame we've been forced to rebuild the camaraderie." Wesker paused and adjusted his sunglasses. "If I ever discover who conspired to hurt all three of us, you and Miss Redfield will be the first to know. And the perpetrator, whomever he or she may be, will suffer greatly."
Claire bit her lip to keep from sneering. Yeah, like you've really been hurt by this, she thought contemptuously.
Wesker looked at her so suddenly that she wondered if he'd somehow heard what she was thinking. She shivered under his scrutiny until he said, "You're uncharacteristically quiet, dearheart. You must have something you wish to say."
She shifted to make herself more comfortable. "I know you're not responsible for Elliott getting sick," she said as calmly as she could. "You said it yourself – it doesn't make sense for you to risk sabotaging our arrangement. But that doesn't make you my favorite person."
He gave a single nod. "Indeed. I will have to see about changing that."
Claire blinked; the lack of inflection in his tone had her wondering how sincere he was. She leaned back, crossed her arms, and said, "I can't believe you think I'll ever come around to your side… Have you forgotten that you once beat me up and threatened to kill me?"
Wesker grimaced. "An event that was never truly about you, dearheart. And one that warrants a long overdue apology. I allowed my hatred toward your brother to get the better of me, and it was wrong to take it out on you."
"How do I know you're not just saying that to get what you want?"
"Because your exposure to the G-Virus was purely coincidental, Miss Redfield. Not some grand orchestrated conspiracy… If it had been anyone else who was infected and was immune to the negative effects, we would not be having this conversation right now." Wesker paused. "I determined once that the fates of Chris and myself would always be intertwined. But even I could not have foreseen such a surprising twist."
She hated to admit that he made a very valid point. With a twinge of guilt, she thought, I wish someone else was made to endure this madness. Not me.
Elliott spoke when she didn't. "We get it. You're not omniscient… So what's to stop another act of sabotage? Or from something worse happening?"
"I have been making it more of a point to watch for anything out of the ordinary, Mr. Gregory. Something which all five of my closest colleagues are aware of. No further harm will befall you under my supervision."
"I'll believe that when we reach an outcome where Claire and I are still breathing."
Wesker smirked. "I can guarantee you won't be disappointed." He leaned forward and added, "And if you still doubt me when our arrangement comes to an end, I will have something to show you that will eclipse everything you think you know."
Claire scowled. "I highly doubt that."
Wesker removed his sunglasses, and she shivered again. His golden-red reptilian eyes looked scarier with an amused glint to them. "Perhaps because you, like your brother, cannot see the big picture. If you are able to read between the lines and figure it out for yourself, I shall personally applaud you."
She couldn't decide if she was too weary or too fearful to decipher what he could be talking about. Elliott clasped her hand in his before she could say anything. He looked just as unsettled when she gazed at him.
"I'm drawing the line at you playing mind games with us. This conversation's over," Elliott said.
"As you wish," Wesker said calmly. "When you decide you're ready to talk more, you know where to find me."
They were back on the elevator before she said, "Thank you for getting me out of there. Another couple minutes and I seriously might have started screaming at him."
"I never would have guessed. You handled yourself like a pro, Redfield." He pulled her close and hugged her. "What bothers me is how sure Wesker is that he could win our favor."
"Just goes to show you how insane and full of it he is," she said. "It's a good thing we don't have to put up with it indefinitely." She sighed and felt the tension melt away when he started rubbing her back. After a couple seconds, she made up an excuse for them to talk privately for the benefit of the cameras. "The offer for a make-out session still stands, Romeo. But not here."
Elliott nodded and quietly led her from the elevator when the doors opened on their floor. Once they were sequestered within their bathroom, Claire returned to her previous spot on the counter.
"I wish there didn't have to be any more talks in the coming months," she said. "Part of me worries I might say something to clue him in on what we're up to."
"You don't have to be," he said soothingly. "I'm going to be with you the entire time and will personally make sure we don't tip our hand… As long as everything continues to swing in our favor, we'll have no trouble escaping when the time comes."
She smiled. "Something I very much look forward to… No matter what it takes, we're breaking out of this madhouse…"
"Do you think the boss will ever allow me to interact with those two again?" Jessica asked as she watched Claire and Elliott re-enter their apartment.
"Wouldn't hold your breath," Raymond said. "To be honest, it might be better if you don't."
"That's fair, I suppose," she said as she reclined in her seat and put her feet on the counter. "At least things are getting back to normal around here."
He shrugged. "Looks that way… As long as your definition of normal doesn't mean you'll go back to behaving badly."
"Absolutely not. I've learned my lesson." She sighed. "Besides, I'm still in the hot seat with the boss… I imagine getting back into his good graces will not come easy."
"I'm sure you'll find some way to win back his favor, Jess."
She nibbled at her lower lip. "You know that pales in comparison to us being friends again, right? Or something more…" With a flirtatious smile, she said, "Nothing screams forgiveness like make-up sex."
Raymond smirked. "I might be open to the idea," he teased…
