The starting song lyrics are from Cursed by Jacob Lee.

Leave my secrets alone

They aren't for you to know

I hear the knock at my door

As they take me far from my home

They say it's better this way

But the voices they tell me I'm sane

They think they're cleansing my veins

As they lock me up in this place

I had been honest when I said I wasn't one to commit the slaughter of hundreds during events such as Raccoon City. The fault lay solely on those who had allowed it to leak. I was aware of the misguided delusions of the Redfield idiot but I had hoped he hadn't contaminated his sister.

His hatred toward me stemmed from the Arklay Facility. While it is true I betrayed them I hadn't done so simply out of spite. I had actually enjoyed the time spent with S.T.A.R.S. though I would never admit aloud that was a time I perhaps might have changed. The loyalty and admiration I had garnered from both Alpha and Bravo team was a rarity not found in the dark world of Umbrella.

Much like Spencer I had high ambitions and the resources to explore each facet. However I would not bite off more than I could chew and I wasn't a feeble old man like he had been in life.

I refused to consider that perhaps my faults could be evaluated but instead had sealed them far away. I didn't need to think about them any further as the past was unchanging. No notion of consideration would benefit me now.

I walked in step beside Miss Redfield, stealing the occasional curious glance her way as we moved toward room 37. I was surprised by her almost pleasant company, I expected her to kick and shout the entire duration.

It wasn't my fault Miss Valentine had decided to tackle me out a window.

"This room." I gestured to the door before opening it, allowing her to step inside. I closed the door and we both drew deeper inside. Situated on a bed with white sheets laid the prone and bruised form of Jill Valentine.

I could hear the gasp from my companion before she rushed over.

Jill definitely looked worse for wear. Her normally tan skin had paled considerably and there were bruises that were fading slowly. Cuts had been cleaned and dressed judging by the occasional bandage or gauze wrapping.

Her dark hair had been cleaned and brushed but was longer than the last time I had seen my friend. Despite her eyelids being closed they fluttered as if the eyes beneath were rapidly moving back and forth frantically.

"She is likely trapped in an unpleasant dream." Wesker's cool voice behind me reminded me just where I was as I turned my head toward him.

"May I have a few minutes with her?" I had this strange memory of a teacher expressing the differences in asking may I instead of can I.

He dipped his head in a nod before closing the door behind him.

I pulled up a chair and found Jill's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Jill, it's me, Claire. I'm sorry you're here and I'm sorry you're in the state you are. I'll do everything I can to try to pull you out." I noticed how cold her hand was. I could have sworn I felt a twitch as I sat there holding it like a lifeline to my friend.

"Please come back. Chris has gone off the deep end and he's somewhere I can't find him. You're the only one who can save him. He thinks it's his fault, he thinks you're dead."

I moved to stand, gave her hand one last squeeze before placing it beneath the cover and walking out of the room. I'd have plenty of time to stay by her side, that I was sure.

Wesker was ever the gentleman as he paused scrolling on his phone to glance at me. "I have business to attend to in the labs. Here, I'll give you my number in case you need anything specific." I took out my phone and he rattled off the digits as I keyed them in, saving it under 'A. Wesker'. I was half tempted to just put 'Bastard' instead.

"Thanks." I didn't know how to express my sincerity for what he had done so that was my nervous way of doing so.

"Good day, Miss Redfield." With that he turned and walked away, leaving me alone.

I trekked my way back to the fourth floor to my given room.

After making something to eat I felt my exhaustion creep up on me. Neglect of my body and mind had left me ragged for some weeks but I had stubbornly pressed on. Chris and I had both succumbed to darkness but mine seemed to be more of a form of depression while he was more bristling with anger. I had wanted to sleep it all away but sleep had eluded me. I had lost my appetite during that period and barely slept.

But now it seemed I was at my limit. I was tired and had managed to scarf down some instant noodles I had made. Despite having food options I went simple. Given the abuse to my body I would have to work on keeping up with eating lest I weaken my stomach and my body as a result.

After washing the dishes I laid down on the couch and meant to take only a short mental rest but I had passed out.

I didn't expect to wake up eight hours later to a blanket draped over me. Without realizing it my mind thought it had been Chris but that notion slipped away as I recalled where I was. Had a maid done it? Had I gotten cold and sleepily grabbed one? I blanched as my mind thought perhaps Wesker had done it.

Nah, there's no way.

I got up quickly and made breakfast, just some fried eggs and buttered toast with a glass of orange juice. I wasn't going to use any of the more expensive items this suite had, of that I would be stubborn.

I didn't see much of Wesker today, it seemed. I spent four hours at Jill's side before I decided to roam the castle.

Indeed my guess was right. The fourth floor was all various suites but the third was slightly less grand. The second floor was reserved for any sick, elderly or children such as a daycare area. The first floor was general offices, storage and such.

I didn't have access to go into the lower areas so my trek led me outside. I decided to tour the island and so I made my way down to a little café called Hoska's Bakery. They served rich sweets and beverages like hot cocoa, tea and coffee. There was a little bar area that served alcoholic options but for the most part there were breads, cookies, muffins, cakes and sweets that made my mouth water.

I was about to purchase a brownie when the lady at the counter merely handed it to me with a smile and said enjoy!

I thanked her and walked around to look at the stores while I nibbled at the treat.

I found a little park area that was fully equipped with swings, little rides and slides as well as a sandpit for the kids. I smiled warmly at what I presumed was a mother with a toddler in the sand making a misshapen castle.

A glance at my phone alerted me that it was already 6PM and I could see the sun starting to set. I heaved a sigh, ready to return to check on Jill but I paused.

A man was watching me from an area meant for eating, a cup of something lifted to his lips as he sipped it. He was studying me rather intently over the rim with deep blue eyes.

I walked over to him and smiled, having finished my brownie several minutes prior.

"Um, hello, are you a scientist here?" I asked hesitantly, unsure of myself with such a question to a stranger.

A soft chuckle seemed to escape him. Having drawn closer I noticed a few faded scars lining his cheeks and just barely visible under his collar and along his arms where the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He was wearing a ballcap from which dark almost black hair cascaded to frame his face, just lower than his ears. He was tan and handsome with almost boyish features despite probably being in his 30s or late 20s. I couldn't tell. Hell I was 30 but still looked 23.

"No." His reply was a husky drawl, an accent just hinted at. I couldn't tell what, perhaps a mix of United States southern and German? "You? Never seen you here before." There was this twinkle in his eyes that I didn't miss but didn't know what it meant.

I carefully shifted on my feet, shaking my head. "A friend is here getting treatment." That was weird to say since this was Umbrella's Headquarters now run by Albert Wesker of all people.

"Ah." He clicked his tongue before taking a deep sip from what smelled like hot cocoa. "Hopefully whoever they are gets better soon." He selected his words with such care that I knew this wasn't just some lackey or idiot. There was this curiosity and observant intellect I could detect from him judging by how he scrutinized me. "Ah, my manners. I haven't introduced myself."

Before he could state his first I stuck out my hand. "Claire Redfield."

The name seemed to cause something to shine in those ocean orbs before he slowly shook my hand as if it might be yanked away. "You can just call me Arthur." It wasn't lost on me that he didn't supply a last name but I didn't press for one. "It's my pleasure."

So this was the hellcat Doctor Birkin had mentioned from his time in Raccoon City. While I was remiss to have not seen her in action I was grateful our meeting was under much greater circumstances. No, I wasn't one for civil liberties and much preferred field opportunities but even I took much needed breaks between jobs.

I was here for two weeks, or so I hoped, on a little mini vacation and a rather easy job. I was monitoring a team I had sent into a facility to a lesser known company called Viztec Corporate, they were currently doing research on the T-Virus and performing human testing. My employer, Albert Wesker, had firmly stated the research needed to be retrieved, the experiments and scientists involved put down.

So it was easy to say my job this time was a piece of cake. It didn't require boots on the ground and that was fine. Sure, it was more dull and could have been performed by anyone else but I suspect Wesker had something else in motion with my presence here. I half suspected perhaps the hellcat standing before me might be part of it. Or not. I didn't know nor get paid to care.

I took another sip of my cocoa, a luxury in my line of work that kept me usually on simple foods and water. I felt a frown slide into place on my face as my phone vibrated against my hip. News, I'm sure.

"As much as I'd love to chat more, Red, I have business to attend to." I heaved a sigh and rose, downing the rest of my cocoa before putting the cup into the bin to be recycled. I tipped my ballcap to her and turned away, catching a faint smile as she waved before heading back to the office I was using to monitor my team.

While I walked I slid out my phone and checked the message flashing in the notifications.

SIR, WE REQUIRE ASSISTANCE.

That was all the message said and I knew I had to hurry. I was back in the office within five minutes and I was keying up the feeds from their suits. The team had ten men and women but the feed was only showing static for units 4, 7 and 9. 10 looked as if it was spazzing out and a scream was coming from the audio feed.

"Shit. Fuck." I swore under my breath. I needed to get this under control immediately or it was my head on the line.

I had retreated to my personal office on the first floor where Birkin was indeed pacing. He looked as if he had tugged some of his short brown hair out and his white lab coat was decidedly ruffled as if bunched up, wadded and then slid on. He wore grey trousers and a forest green shirt with simple slip-on shoes. He was disheveled and as soon as I stepped into the room his frustration turned to anger.

"Albert, we need to talk." He didn't even give me time to close the door before starting but I did so to give us privacy. He lifted a finger and gestured beneath us in the signal of the labs. "Subject isn't having the desired results and I'm getting irritated with that goddamn fact. I've raised the dose, I've lowered it, hell I've even had to rework the process to try to make it more compatible. Nothing is working!"

The way he just pitched it all made it seem like he hadn't even breathed. This was further noted by the huff and sharp inhale after.

"Patience. I'm sure you'll figure out a solution." I said mockingly.

He scoffed at me before rolling his eyes. "And then there's you." And that's when I knew this was about to tread into dangerous waters. "I was fine with you bringing amnesia riddled coma S.T.A.R.S. survivor because of those two specific things. But the Redfield sister? We and a portion of the staff know what's really going on downstairs but all hell will break loose if the curious cat discovers it." He folded his arms against his chest.

"Don't ridicule me." I said coldly, removing my shades to stare at him with unguarded red eyes. They had long since stopped affecting my colleague and he merely glared back. "We have security cameras specifically for that reason as well as various means to alert us if anyone unauthorized tries to access areas otherwise restricted." I coolly reminded him.

He blinked before narrowing his brown eyes and leaned against the desk. "If you say so. Now, there's another matter. There's been a break-in at the California facility. Some samples were stolen." He gestured to the computer behind him. "Which brings me to the next big issue."

I scrunched my brows in momentary confusion before rounding the desk. He turned his head just enough to watch me with an empty smile.

I shifted the mouse to stir the monitor from sleep mode before a deep growl was ripped from me. "It seems your phantom has been getting information about our latest project on the west coast of America." Birkin said almost softly, his tone emotionless. "I expect that means shit is about to hit the fan if he's coming out of whatever hole he's been in."

Judging from the pictures pulled up I knew that was indeed true. Christopher had surfaced and he was targeting something precious to me. The new strain of the T-Virus we were perfecting.

I wasn't expecting to find good company here yet I've had so many people greet me so warmly. An elderly couple even wanted to play chess with me as I was returning to my room. I had smiled and said perhaps later before locking myself into said room.

I huffed out, hating that I had no means to actually lock my door aside from sticking something heavy in front of it. It didn't have a handle so a chair wouldn't work.

I doubted Wesker was the kind of man to be a peeping tom when I slept, changed or showered but that didn't mean someone else wasn't. I was wired to be cautious.

I took a nice hot shower, pampering my neglected skin for at least 30 minutes before I towel dried and went to my little study room. I wasn't sure what to call it honestly. Offices usually had a computer but this one didn't, it felt more like a study given how many books it had.

Since I didn't have my journal with me I'd have to start a new one. I selected a moderately thick notebook and began to write.

July 19th,

A lot of things have happened and I'm still processing it all. For months I believed and grieved because I'd been told Jill had died during a mission. My idiot of a brother left me alone as I'm sure his own suffering consumed him. I hope he's ok, I miss him so much.

Now I know with my own eyes that Jill isn't dead and she's in Wesker's care, of all people! I didn't believe it at first but he had proof. So here we are, on this island he says is named Chesmire Island in the Pacific, at Umbrella's HQ.

That's not even the best part. Sherry and even Doctor Birkin, her father, are here. Wesker says he helped to restore Birkin to some semblance of how he was and they work together.

I'm not sure what to make of this yet.

On another unrelated note I met a man today who I think lives on the island, his name is Arthur. A ton of Umbrella's employees live on the island along with relatives, spouses and children, perhaps even elderly parents of theirs. I think Arthur is or was a soldier, he has a lot of old scars.

I did learn that Wesker had indeed taken over Umbrella, I even heard someone call him Chairman. I came here to get Jill out and home but perhaps being here can allow me time to get some dirt on Wesker and Umbrella. They both need to go down.

I don't trust Wesker as far as I can throw him.

I closed the notebook and heaved a sigh. I made dinner, some pasta, before heading to bed this time rather than the couch. Why not take advantage of this suite? I didn't see any harm in it. No sense in punishing myself when there's luxuries I could utilize while here.

I dug through the closet to find grey pajamas, quickly changed, put my phone on charge and turned off the lights before sliding under the soft sheets. Oh god this was heaven.

I burrowed under the blankets and closed my eyes. Even the amazing bed couldn't prevent the nightmares from creeping in.

After being berated by Birkin it seemed that wasn't the only bad news I was getting. The operation at the Viztec facility was taking a sharp south turn. HUNK kept me apprised of the situation with quick text messages. The last one was two minutes prior and merely stated that half his team were dead. I had merely told him to handle it.

So I had several things to keep my eyes on. Not only that but it was apparent that dear Chris had come out of hiding at the most inopportune time. He had somehow gotten his hands on information regarding one of our California research facilities, one of the more secure ones, that was furthering T-Virus.

And then there was the matter of Dear Heart being so close by.

I wasn't sure what to make of the new developments. With Chris out and a threat once more while his sister was a mere yard or two away I had my hands full inconveniently.

I spun on my heels and went into the conference room in which I had called several people of interest.

Without even waiting as I stepped into the room I started snapping orders.

"Mr. Baker-" My eyes fell on the short robust dark haired man with dull green eyes. "-I expect an increase in security around the island lest we find unwanted guests. Make sure everyone who arrives and leaves is checked and supposed to be here. Anyone not permitted detain and alert me immediately."

Baker carefully nodded before rising to leave.

"Miss Teva-" The short brunette snapped to attention at her name being called. Her somber brown eyes twinkled with curiosity. "-I expect a full account of inventory to all facilities on the island. A storm is coming this week and I want no shortage to be endured during its duration."

She beamed a smile and turned to leave as well.

My gaze fell on the more interesting person, one of the hired mercenaries that was here, HUNK's colleague. "Velt I expect a sweep of the island to be performed. A break in at a California facility has me wondering what other places will be hit and it'd be bothersome to find some idiot with a gun threatening the Island's safety."

"Of course, sir." He saluted me, his camo attire standing out against the white of the room. He had a gasmask on but I knew the face beneath. "I have a question, sir, concerning HUNK. He requests another team be sent in to assist the one being taken down at Viztec."

"Granted. Tend to it immediately." I dismissed him and he nodded, leaving me alone with the last person in the room.

The tall man situated at the end of the table was unlike the others. He had short black hair buzzed on the sides but long on top in a ponytail at the base of his neck. He had brilliant green eyes with flecks of gold in them depending on how the light hit them and he had a knack for being very useful.

"Dr. Shalfet I want a full report on the subjects you're working with."

"I'll send you the updated report as soon as it's completed, Chairman."

There were three different projects going on here of importance, the rest were mere research or tasks. We had every virus catalogued and samples of each one in our labs for study. The first project was the one handled by Birkin and his team which consisted of a new virus we were developing. It stemmed from the original mother virus as well as a blending of T-Veronica and G-Virus. However we had hit a snag as Birkin so eloquently complained about.

The results weren't favorable and needed to be researched more. Something was missing.

The second project was conducted by Alistair Norti and revolved around the creatures themselves. He had Tyrants, a Nemesis and one of the stored Ivan's as toys to play with as well as the prototype Court he was working with. I'm not sure what originally possessed him to name them after chess pieces but it seemed suiting now.

The third project was the most crucial and a secret only a few on the island knew. Which concerned the man seated before me, Dr. Angrid Shalfet. He was once a renowned German scientist but I had purchased his company and brought him into the fold within the last year.

He wasn't a man after power like myself but rather a man after science and research. He wanted progress unrestricted and through us he was able to chase his own goals while furthering mine. Mutual benefit.

The project itself consisted of a modified variant of the serum I had been taking prior, the PG67A/W. My virus was unstable and Dr. Shalfet was working on improving the injection required. He was one of the few knowledgeable about my specific viral concoction, my weakness with taking a weekly injection and the like. We were on the verge of eliminating my inconvenient weakness entirely.

"Have you an update?" I asked of him, studying his expression while I'm sure mine was harder to gauge.

The man gave a deep smile and reclined back in his chair, a leg folded over the other as he peered up at me with an open expression of pride.

"A few more days and it should be completed so long as there's no interruptions or mishaps." He offered and I felt my own form of pride brewing. Soon I could shed the need to balance my system.

"You've done remarkable work, doctor. When you've finished that I'll have your next project ready." I would have performed the necessary research and testing myself but I didn't have the necessary time to dedicate solely to it. What would have taken me roughly two years had taken the good doctor a third of the time.

"Your praise is appreciated, Chairman, thank you." He dipped his head into a nod. "I'll inform you the second it's completed."

"Carry on then, doctor, I have work to tend to." I dismissed him as we both left the conference room. He went back down to his respective lab on the 7th sublevel and I made my way to check up on Miss Redfield.

I found her lights off and so I left her to rest. I paused in the hallway, my thoughts going back to the annoyance of her sibling. Should I inform her? Honesty, even half truths where details were left out, was something I knew the redhead favored. It could wait until she woke so for now I decided to go down to my reserved lab on the 9th sublevel. This floor housed samples of all the viruses in separate sealed rooms. The specimens we had were kept one floor down in airtight chambers, some in stasis or cryo-tanks.

It was time for my injection regardless. So I easily found the room where my specific serum was kept. I filled a syringe before allowing it to slide past my skin and into my system. I could feel my body accepting it hungrily as I made my way back up.

As I was walking on the first floor I noted someone rapidly approaching me. His brisk stride meant purpose and his posture was rigid from military training ingrained in him.

Jack Krauser. One of my top and most loyal men. I felt a smirk spread across my lips as he stopped in front of me, saluting me. "Sir!" He paused, considering his words before speaking. "Velt informed me of the sweep and I sent out my men as well to assist." He informed me as if I was grilling him as he always was. "I also was told you brought an outsider to the island, someone of importance judging from how Birkin seemed to be raving. Are they a threat?"

I studied the man for a second as I contemplated my answer. Today he had a grey beret with the Umbrella logo pinned to the side of the front that was lifted. His scarred face was set in a serious expression and his slate grey eyes were stern and cold. We were roughly the same height and that put us at eye level. He wore a form fitting black t-shirt and camo pants. A belt secured his pants and guards hugged his knees. He wore black combat steel toed boots and had gun holsters beneath his arms, the material crossing over his back. He had pouches hooked to his belt and he wore thin black gloves. A wicked knife rested against his left hip.

My mind drew back to his words, to her. Claire was a double edged sword. She could very well snoop, as Redfield's couldn't keep their hands to themselves, and discover one of our assets. There was also the matter of if she would intervene in any of our matters. Was she a threat? I decided that if she were I'd remove her from the island. I didn't want to kill her but I knew if it ever came to that I wouldn't stop my hand. I wasn't an unnecessary monster but I also wasn't soft hearted or a fool.

"I will handle any issues regarding Miss Redfield." I responded finally. "However, if she's discovered to be in unauthorized areas alert me immediately. There are many items which are sensitive and not privy to outsiders."

"Sir!" He tapped his heels together before a confused expression slid across his scarred face. "The shipment coming in, is it to be delivered to warehouse 4?"

I nodded and he turned to go tend to his task. He was my Chief of Security and a high ranking employee under Umbrella. His position under Spencer had been filled by Sergei but I had stripped him. Speaking of Sergei Vladimir.. The only reason he wasn't dead was due to the fact he was connected to the Ivan we kept stored and that made him valuable. He was currently stationed at a lab in Russia, his favored motherland, and that seemed to suit him well.

With my thoughts swirling on all aspects of what was transpiring I made my way back to my own room to rest.

So the first view is from Albert Wesker, then it goes to Claire Redfield, then 'Arthur', then back to Wesker, then to Claire once more, then Wesker (in his you should be able to gauge who 'Arthur' is accordingly ;D). Thank you for reading, enjoy the story's progression! I have a somewhat idea of a general direction as I've written down some notes in my google docs of stuff I want to play out in different chapters and scenes.