Author Note: Some of the timeline will be off for this one, but I was not planning on following the script of the Resident Evil movies, but instead using the characters you all love to create my own story line. Please, enjoy, be courteous, & review (I do take constructive criticism!)
Disclaimer: I do not own the Characters, but a girl can dream right?
Without further adieu…here comes Chapter Ten
B
Update Oct-30-2015: As I prepare to add more to Calm Before the Storm I figured I should go back and look over what I posted almost two years ago to the story that started it all. This way I can make some editorial changes while also refreshing my memory on what things I left off with in the end.
Update Jan-08-2020: I haven't created any FF in awhile, and would like to get back into it, specifically with some RE stuff. To do so, I figured I would edit some old work to try and get some ideas percolating in my head before starting anything new!
- 10 -
- Mexican Jungle -
Alice and Jill jumped down, guns cocked and aimed for the forest ahead of them as they held back to canvas flaps with their free hands. Claire jumped down next, using her pistol to scan the horizon as their volunteers came next, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. Footsteps were heard from either side of the truck, as Alice and Jill both turned their guns in the direction of the noise and instantly lowering them at the sight of Luther and Chris.
"It's all clear!" Chris stated, locking eyes with Jill, "Thanks for not blowing my head off,"
Jill smiled, "Don't mention it."
Luther nodded at the men, "How are our volunteers?" He asked.
"Pissing themselves with fear." Jill guffawed, seeing Alice's narrowed eyes, "Where are the survivors?"
"According to their transmission, their camp should be just a mile up ahead." Chris replied, gun drawn. "We should stick together, easy to get lost in here."
"Actually," one of the volunteers piped up, catching everyone's attention, "Brian and I were thinking of staying here. We can signal you if the survivors come here." he continued as Brian was vigorously nodding his head in agreement.
Luther and Alice exchanged glances, uneasy with leaving the volunteers by themselves at the truck. It was better if they all stayed together, but they did make a point. If the survivors watched them pull up, then it was possible they may approach the truck. Alice grabbed a rucksack out of the truck, taking out a flare gun and two flares.
"At the first sign of trouble, shoot one of these into the sky, we'll see it over the treetops and one of us will come to your aid." She said, shoving the gun into Brian's hand.
"O-Okay," Brian replied as Alice smiled, jogging to catch up with the rest of the group.
Alice fell into step with Claire, shaking her head at the volunteers foolishness, she was about to comment on them becoming zombie chum when she caught the frown on Claire's face. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Claire snapped, adjusting the bag on her shoulder, picking up pace.
"Claire!" Alice called but the red head kept going, "Claire!" Alice repeated, grabbing the young woman's shoulder.
"What!"
"What the hell is going on with you?"
"Nothing, let's just find these people and get the hell out of here." Claire replied, anger blazing in her eyes. She went to pull away, but Alice kept her grip.
"We're not going until you tell me the truth."
Claire sighed, ripping her arm rom Alice's grasp, "I really hope you know what you're doing."
"You mean with Jill?" Alice asked.
"Why in God's name are you telling her your life story in the middle of the God damn Mexican jungle!" Claire snapped; fresh tears stinging her eyes.
They were alone in the jungle, the rest of the group ahead and out of earshot, and the two volunteers around the back of the truck and out of view. Alice tried to reach for Claire's cheek, but the red head swatted it away.
"What a great birthday this has become" She whispered, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands.
it was then Alice understood what Claire was so upset about. It was not about what was being said, it was who it was being said to. Claire was jealous of Jill, and angry that the woman she loved was helping the woman who orchestrated a raid on The Arcadia put her life back together. Alice reached out once more as Claire let her cup her chin, catching Claire's salty tears with her fingers.
"I'm sorry Claire, but you know better than anyone that any answers or clues, no matter how small, is reassuring."
Claire took a step back, "I know Alice, you don't have to keep reminding me every chance you get." She growled, bearing her teeth like a wild animal, "You think your humanity has been compromised, but it hasn't. I had to beg for you to open up to me about your past, and here you are ready and willing to serve it to Jill on a silver platter!"
Alice balled her fists in an attempt to contain her anger, "I know it appears that way, but I am not picking favourites. I did this exact thing with you, recounted stories of Nevada, things that would help YOU remember."
Claire stayed silent. She did not remember any of this. The only memory of Alice saving her in Alaska was sitting in the passenger seat to her small twin engine plane, hands tied with rope, and searching for survivors. Claire could accept the fact that Alice may have shown her the same compassion and patience, but that did not change the fact that there were better places than the jungle to be having these conversations.
"I just need to know one thing." Claire said, meeting Alice's eyes, "Do you love her?"
"Excuse me?" Alice replied, baffled.
"I need to hear you say it, say you don't have feelings for Jill."
Alice searching Claire's face to see if this was some sort of test, but she knew the redhead was not going to let this go until Alice gave her the answer she was looking for. It was obscene to think Alice was infatuated with anyone other than Claire. Jill was a friend, an ally, not once did any romantic feelings or thoughts cross her mind. The last thing she would ever do is break Claire's heart.
"The only person I love, and have ever loved, is you." Alice replied, "That's the truth."
"But-"
Alice pressed her fingers to Claire's lips, stopping her mid sentence. She could see the hurt and sorrow in Claire's eyes, angry that her actions, no matter how unintentional they were, were the cause of her lovers pain. Alice needed to do something, something to prove once and for all that Claire had nothing to fear.
"You have nothing to worry about," Alice whispered, "I'll always choose you."
Claire wanted to push her away, to protest, but she suddenly found herself wanting to take the kiss further. Her hands moving involuntarily to Alice's waist, squeezing her ass playfully. Alice replied with a moan, pushing Claire against the tree beside them. She let her hands follow the natural curves of her body, as Claire leaned into Alice, nipping and kissing the nape of her neck. She pushed Claire back against the tree, her lips brushing her ear.
"I love you Claire, not Jill. I always have and I always will."
"I love you Alice," Claire moaned in response, stroking the blondes chin.
A branch snapped behind them as Alice spun, gun at the ready with Claire motionless against the tree, locking eyes with Jill.
"They uh, sent me back to see if you both were eaten by zombies." Jill replied with a snicker, "Looks like you were eating each other instead."
Alice scowled, holstering her gun once more as Claire's face went flush like a strawberry.
"We'll be right there." Alice replied as Jill fake saluted with a wink at Claire before disappearing once more.
Alice turned to Claire, seeing the embarrassment had turned to anger, "At least it wasn't your brother."
Claire sighed, heading in the direction Jill had come from, "I'd rather it was him."
-/-
The two volunteers stood from their hiding spots in the jungle underbrush, wishing they had some sort of recording device to capture the interaction between Alice and Claire just now. There were rumors aboard the ship that the women were romantically involved, but no solid proof. If this plan failed and they were able to make it back to The Arcadia alive, this Intel would prove vital to the Renegades cause. As the women fought, the men secretly wished Alice would part from her red-headed lover, leaving her open to an attack. Instead they made up, which was rudely interrupted by the woman in the purple jumpsuit, who they then followed deeper into the jungle.
"How on earth are we going to get her alone?" Brian asked.
They returned to the truck, leaning against the hood in defeat. They did not stay behind because of the survivors, they were hoping Alice would stay as well, as their protection, allowing them a chance to take her out and dispose of the body before the others returned.
"We need to exploit her weakness." Glen replied.
"Which is what exactly? Did you see her on the beach? She's fearless."
Brian looked at Glenn, watching the smile slowly spread across his lips. "What are you thinking?" He asked.
"She may be infected and no longer human, but she still has a compulsion to save everyone." Glenn explained.
Brian was unable to follow his partners logic until he saw him pick up his shotgun, checking to make sure it was loaded. "What do you think we should do then?"
"We are going to give her someone to save," Glenn cocked the shot gun pointing it at his partner with a snarl across his lips. "Run."
Brian did not need to be told twice.
-/-
They finally caught up with the men, getting into position behind some dense underbrush. Just beyond them was the outskirts of the camp that looked almost deserted. The three fire pits in the centre of the circle of tents were extinguished, with only light trail of smoke rising from the coals. Alice counted ten tents that all looked to be big enough for one or two people. There were clothes drying on a line tied between two tress.
Chris looked to his sister, "What the hell took you so long?" He whispered.
"Sorry, Alice and I were just making sure the volunteers were okay on their own." Claire replied, eyeing Jill to see if she would not call her bluff.
"Yeah, you guys picked some real winners." Jill replied with a smile.
"Any movement?" Alice asked attempting to change the subject.
"No movement since we've arrived. Either they've left or they're dead." Luther whispered.
"So what's the plan?" Jill asked.
Before Chris could reply the cracking sound of a shotgun blast echoed in the jungle. Even with the truck a good half kilometer away, the gunshot sounded like it was right behind them. Now that those two had fired a weapon it was like ringing a dinner bell for the infected. No need for silent kills from here on out.
"Great pep talk you gave." Chris snapped as Claire scowled. "We need to split up."
"Jill and I will go back, hold those creatures off until you guys return with any survivors and supplies." Alice suggested, checking her gun.
Claire dismissed the jealousy rising inside her and nodded her head, "We'll be back to the truck in twenty."
Alice smiled, reaching for Jill's arm when Claire stopped her.
"Be careful okay," She said, looking to Jill, "Both of you."
Jill smiled, giving Claire a wink as she grabbed Alice by the shoulder, pulling her to her feet and headed back the way they came. "Why do you want me?" She asked, flicking the safety off her pistol.
"Get some shooting practice on those undead; see how rusty you've gotten." Alice called over her shoulder while pushing jungle vines out of her way.
Jill smirked, "Wanna keep count?"
"I think I would win."
Another shot rang out as the woman stopped, trying to identify the source. It had moved from the first one, indicating that one or both of the men were on the move. They needed to act fast or all of them would become the undead's next meal.
T.B.C.
So, what do you think is going to happen next?
1. Have we lost Alice to a simple minded trap set up by a couple of idiots?
2. Do you think Brian is already dead?
3. Will Claire eventually trust Jill?
Please Read to find out more & review/ leave comments if you so choose!