Resident Evil: Rose
Introduction
September 26th 1998. Three days before the events of Resident Evil 2. The Zombies have taken over the city. Small pockets of civilian resistance run through the streets, looking for safety. They try to fight the monsters, but the living dead are rapidly increasing in numbers. Earlier today the Raccoon City Police Department was unexpectedly attacked. Communications equipment, as well as lives, were lost in the battle. The Zombies gained the upper hand, feasting on the flesh and internal organs of their victims. The R.P.D has become another feeding ground for the undead, but close by, someone else had stepped into the world of survival horror.
Chapter 1: Dealing With Reality
September 27th 1998. It's 11:00pm and the darkness of the night sky looms over the dying city. The wailing of Zombies mixes with the sound of the whistling wind, creating an eerie score for all to hear. This was the first thing Ellie Rose noticed when she arrived in town only a few days ago. Fate had brought her here. She sat on the bed in her sister's apartment, just a few blocks away from the R.P.D, reading a diary.
Wednesday, August 6th 1998
We spent our first night in Raccoon City on Monday. It's been a good few days. I think me and Richard are going to settle in quite well. He started his new job today. He seemed to enjoy it. It's a big step moving home, but in moving from England to here, we were leaving a lot of loved ones behind. We don't really know anybody here in Raccoon City, but I'm sure they're a bunch of nice people. I don't start work until next Monday, but let's hope the police chief here is nicer than the one I had back in England. I don't suppose you could get much worse than her, could you?
Ellie turned a few pages at once and then leaned over to the bedside table. She grabbed the glass and raised it to her mouth to drink. The whisky tasted good. After replacing the glass she wiped a tear from her cheek before continuing to read.
Tuesday, August 26th 1998
I've been working here at the R.P.D now for just over 2 weeks. It's strange. It seems that all anyone can talk about is the "incident" that happened in the Arkalay mansion. In the details of my transfer, I was informed about the mansion case, but it was supposed to be closed. Since then, more of the strange murders have occurred. The S.T.A.R.S team have been trying to dig up information on the case, but no-one's buying any of their explanations. Nobody seems to want to listen. Chief Irons spoke to me again today. He seemed like a genuine guy when I first met him, but he's been acting weird as of late. Maybe it's because of what happened yesterday morning. He asked me if I'd like to go for a drink at the diner after work, but I turned him down. He's at least 25 years older than me. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings; I wouldn't want to upset him so soon after arriving here. Lately he's becoming more like a boss who'd fire you on the spot if you crossed him. I'm sure things will get better with time.
Ellie wiped her sleeve under her right eye, and then the left, erasing more of the tears that seeped through. She glanced across at the glass on the cabinet. There was a crash from outside which forced Ellie to freeze. A few seconds passed before she reached out for the glass once again. This time she drank what was left in one go. Her face twisted because of the strong taste, then she placed the glass back down before returning to her sister's diary, safe in hope that the noise she heard was just the wind.
Thursday, August 28th 1998
I feel that moving to Raccoon City was a big mistake. I'm getting quite worried about the increasing number of bodies being brought into the station for examination. One of the guys who helps bring the bodies into the department told me today of the latest victim's injuries. It was a man, mid-thirties. He'd apparently been torn apart from his neck down to his waist. What the hell could do such a thing? Chief Irons is beginning to scare me too. Can't the guy take no for an answer? I was sorting through some of the old case files today when he came up to my desk. He had an evil look in his eye, like he wanted to hurt me. He brought his face up close to mine and told me that if I ever messed up in my work, he would make sure I was punished. I was so scared, but I couldn't tell anyone, not even Richard, my own husband. If word ever got back to the chief, I'm afraid of what he might do to me. Is this his sick way of showing he has control over me? Maybe he's pressuring me to go out with him sometime. I don't know what to do. Ellie, where are you when I need you?
Ellie laid the diary onto the bed and stood up. She took the glass from the cabinet and walked out of the bedroom, into the bathroom. Turning the cold tap on, Ellie filled the glass with water and then drank a mouthful. She poured the remaining water onto her right hand and rinsed it over her face. She looked up into the mirror in front of her and began to think. If she'd had time to return her sister's calls, then maybe... Ellie turned away. She didn't know the whereabouts of her sister. Jennifer had disappeared just less than a month ago. Ellie took time out of work and traveled to Raccoon City from England in search for her. She arrived yesterday, only to find that her sister's husband had also gone missing. On top of that, the City was fast becoming a war zone. She returned to the bedroom, sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the diary once again. Perhaps she'd eventually find the answer she was looking for. Ellie read the next entry.
Friday, August 29th 1998
I've been thinking about the chief all day. Maybe if I agree to going out on a date with him, he won't be mean to me anymore. Richard would be so hurt if he found out what I was doing, but at least I know he wouldn't hurt me. I dread to think what the chief would do to me if I upset him any further. My mind is made up, if he bothers me again on Monday, I'll take him up on his offer of a drink. I'm sure it will make him happy. Underneath his strange personality, he does seem really attracted to me. Perhaps the guy just has problems when it comes to women? Or maybe he just has problems full stop.
Ellie turned the page to the next entry.
Monday, September 1st 1998
My heart nearly stopped today. I'd gone to the drinks machine just down the hall for a can. When I came back I found the chief reading through my diary. I'm sure he read the last few entries. He looked up with a grin on his face. He seemed..turned on by the experience. It was strange, I thought he'd be upset but he reacted quite well. As a line of defense, I reassured him that I was serious about dating him. This seemed to help matters. He laughed and told me that I wouldn't regret it. We've agreed to go out tomorrow night; I'm meeting him at the police station. As we were talking, a delivery man entered in the main hall with a package for the chief. We walked there and he began telling me that he thought I was special and that he could see me filling a special place in his home. We'd only just agreed on a date, and he already wants me in his house? The chief signed for the package and began to open it. He pulled out a stuffed owl in a glass case. Apparently taxidermy used to be one of his hobbies. Looking at the bird, he said "Yes Jennifer, I see you in ways you could never imagine". It was so special. Forgive me Richard, you still mean the world to me. There's just something about the chief. He's not like any other man I've met before. You'll understand with time.
Ellie nearly choked. She couldn't believe what she was reading. Her sister was beginning an affair with a guy who, not so long before, terrified her. Not only that, the man was about 25 years older, and was her boss. She feared the worst. That was the last entry in the diary. It was the night before her "date" with Chief Irons. Ellie tried to compose herself as the thoughts ran through her head. She needed to talk to the chief, maybe Jennifer was still with him. Or perhaps he had an idea of where she might be. She paced back and forth across the bedroom floor, trying to calm herself down.
Ellie: C'mon girl, pull your-self together. You're no use to anyone like this. Get a grip.
Taking deep breaths, she walked downstairs to the telephone.
Ellie: If I get in touch with the police station, maybe someone there will be able to help me.
She picked up the receiver, but there was no signal. The dialing tone didn't exist. If she wanted to get in touch with the station she'd have to go to the R.P.D on foot and hope she'd survive long enough to get there. It was her only option, she couldn't think of anything else. Ellie thought fast, emptying her pockets. She left all her belongings, anything that would slow her down, or that she didn't need in the apartment, and then headed for the kitchen.
Ellie: There's got to be a knife or something around here..ahh..here we are.
From the drawer she pulled out a large blade.
Ellie: This will do nicely. Those things outside won't be so scary if I carry this with me.
Outside, there was a chill in the air. The smell of death was suffocating, but this was Raccoon City. A City with no hope. It didn't stop Ellie, she new there was a way out of this nightmare; she just had to find it. The R.P.D was her destination. Although she didn't know the way, it wasn't too far from her sister's apartment. However with the dangers that ran throughout the streets, it might as well have been a mile away. She opened the back door and stepped out into the garden. She quickly became paranoid; every slight sound was amplified by her fear.
Ellie: C'mon girl, get a grip.
She could hear gunfire in the distance. Other survivors were fighting for their lives. Finding someone else was her only hope. She had made her way out into the alley behind the apartment block. The alley was about two meters wide and there was a high wall on the side without houses, too tall to climb. Her sister's apartment was roughly the middle house in the street. Looking left and then right, she could see someone staggering just a few meters in front of her. It was dark, and their face was covered in shadows.
Ellie: Errr, hello?
The body stayed silent. Ellie took a few steps forward..
Ellie: S'cuse me. Do you know how to get to the R.P.D?
Again there was silence, but the unidentified person had heard her this time. The male turned around slowly and began to walk towards Ellie, his arms extended out in front of him.
Ellie: Are you going to help me?
The streetlight behind Ellie flickered on and off. The short bursts of light were just enough to reveal the man's face. His eyes were pure white and his skin was rotten. His teeth closed together then opened. He repeated this as he shuffled towards Ellie, eying up her young flesh.
Ellie: Oh shit!
She backed off slowly, reaching the garden of the apartment next door. There was a noise coming from the other side of the tall gate. Fingers appeared through the wooden bars and they gripped onto them. The other Zombie was getting closer, drooling at the mouth as it reached for Ellie. The Zombie behind the gate began to shake it, trying to get through. It moaned as it rattled the hinges, desperately trying to get to Ellie. She began to panic and turned to run, but there was another Zombie blocking the way, about two apartments down the alley. Thinking she would enter the garden to the next apartment, she ran to the gate. As she opened it another Zombie burst through from the other side and pinned her to the wall behind. She struggled as the Zombie tried to grab her. It clutched her left wrist and held it firmly against the wall above her head. Its other hand pushed against the side of her face, forcing her head to the side and revealing her neck. The Zombie leaned forward, its mouth wide open.
Ellie: NO!
Ellie, with her free arm, pulled out her knife and stabbed it into the side of the Zombies head. It fell sideways onto the floor and began to get straight back up, the knife still protruding from its skull. The Zombie behind the other gate had also broken through into the alley, and the remaining two were getting closer and closer. There was only one way left to go, and that was into the next garden. It had to be empty, otherwise there was no escape and the Zombies would have there way with her. Her luck had to hold out just this once, and it did. She ran through the gate and bolted it shut behind her before stumbling backwards onto the floor. Looking up, she could see the four Zombies closing in on the gate. Just a few seconds later and she'd have been nothing more than meat.
Ellie: Phew! That was too close.
She picked herself up off the ground and turned. The apartment door was open, welcoming her. A few steps later and she was inside. Nothing much was different in comparison to her sister's apartment; just the furniture and general layout of the place had changed. It was a total mess though. Newspapers and magazines littered the floor, along with broken glass and other smashed objects. She walked from the back door into the living room and across to a desk in the corner. The room was filled with darkness apart from a small lamp located on the desk. Several books and diaries were spread out across the desk, but one book stood out in particular. It was a scrapbook filled with newspaper cuttings ands headlines. Ellie opened it up and read a few:
"19th June 1998 - A hiker's body was found in the Arkalay woods today. Her body has been torn apart by what seems to be some sort of animal.."
"22nd June 1998 - Another body was found yesterday. His throat and abdomen were torn to shreds. Police think that the attack is linked to that of the previous body found in the woods, though full details of what caused the deaths are to be announced..."
Ellie: Those Zombies outside. They must have caused these deaths. What the hell is going on in this City?
Ellie closed the scrapbook and put it down to one side. Underneath where she had found the previous book, she found another, it looked a lot older. The dates were unclear, but she could make out some of the text:
"..former University student Brian Irons was released from the Raccoon City Psychiatric Analysis Ward today. He was placed into the ward after question about his mental stability. Mr. Irons, who has a substantial academic standing due to his time at University, was charged earlier in the year with the rape of a young woman. This was his second rape offence and upon his release, his mental state began to deteriorate.."
Ellie: The Chief? It can't be. Jennifer, please god let her be safe!
There was a crash from back in the garden. The Zombies had broken in through the gate and were entering the house. She had to make tracks, and fast. Dropping the scrapbook on the floor she ran, not noticing the body lying on the ground in front of the opened kitchen door. She tripped over it, stumbling forward into the kitchen and knocking over an oil lamp which was standing on the table. It few across the room towards the front door and smashed, instantly setting alight the loose wallpaper and newspaper on the floor. The kitchen went up in flames and the heat began to close in on her.
Ellie: This is not good.
The raging fire was blocking off her only exit, she had to find another way. Ellie got up off the floor and turned to head for the staircase. The body she had fallen over was now on its feet, coming towards her. It howled with hunger as it approached. Ellie picked up a piece of wood from the kitchen floor, the end of which was ablaze, and smashed the Zombie over the head, decapitating it in one swift movement. The other Zombies had made it into the living room. Making her way to the stairs she fought them off as they tried to grab her. They were relentless, not wanting to give in. She climbed the staircase, cautious of what might be awaiting her upstairs. The landing was clear apart from a chair that had been knocked over. She picked it up and entered the bedroom. On the bed was a young man. He was naked, and chunks of his flesh had been ripped from his body. The stench was almost unbearable, but Ellie looked away and made an attempt to reach the nearest window. Using the chair she had obtained, she smashed open the window and cleared the frame of any pieces of glass that would harm her. She looked around at the man.
Ellie: Rape would be a blessing in comparison to....
The young male sat up on the bed. What was left of his guts fell out onto the bedcovers in front of him.
Ellie: Oh my..
Ellie nearly threw up. Instead she staggered backwards and fell out of the open window. She screamed, but the fall was shorter than expected. Ellie had landed onto the garage roof which was connected to the front of the apartment. After being sick, she stood to survey her situation. It wasn't good. Zombies littered the streets below. Across the road was the shopping district and sticking out over the rooftops was a tall building.
Ellie: Could that be the R.P.D?
She looked to her right. The neighboring garage was in jumping distance. Jumping felt like a good idea. Any other time, maybe not, but it was better than ending up like the guy she had just seen. She took a run up, and jumped. Ellie landed on her feet and rolled, almost off the edge of the garage. She stood up and repeated the experience, this time landing ok. At the end of the street she could see a clearing. Just a couple more jumps and she'd be ok..for now. However it didn't work out the way she planned. On her third jump, the garage roof collapsed and she fell through, twisting her ankle.
Ellie: Ouch!!! Shit Ellie, what the hell were you thinking.
She sat up in the wreckage and rubbed her foot, but it was hurt pretty badly. She wasn't going to be able to walk far. Luckily however, she didn't have to. There was a motorbike inside the garage she had landed in. Luck, at the present time, seemed to be on her side. Light was coming from a crack in the garage door. She stood and limped over to the bike, checking if it still had petrol. It did. She could hopefully reach the R.P.D with it. Ellie quickly opened the garage door. There were five zombies outside. Two were feasting on the corpse of a man. They soon turned their attention to Ellie however. She hobbled back to the bike and got on. The key was already in the ignition, so she wasted no time in getting the engine started, using her stronger foot to do so. Holding on tightly, she revved the engine and burst out into the road. She took a right and then a left, dodging the Zombies that got in her way.
"I can't believe I'm really here", she thought to herself as she rode through the city. This was nothing like what she had expected it to be before arriving here. Jennifer was with the chief, she could feel it in her bones, but where was her sister's husband? That was a mystery she had barely thought about until now. She was too wrapped up in worrying about her sister, she had forgotten all about him. Was he even alive? Maybe he is still wandering the streets somewhere, trying to escape. She tried not to think about it, it was distracting her concentration. In times like this you needed to be alert, worrying would almost certainly lead to death. She focused on reaching the station.
It was now 11.55pm. She had been riding for just a couple of minutes before she came to police barricade. There were three officers fighting off two Zombies. Other bodies lay on the floor, obvious victims to a battle that had ensued before hand. She stopped the bike and got off. Several bullets cut through the air and tore into the Zombies skull, dropping it to the ground. One of the officers turned and saw Ellie.
Officer: What are you doing here lady?
Ellie: I'm heading to the station; can you tell me the way?
2nd Officer: The station? It's not exactly a safe house right now, but it's better than being out here.
Ellie: Anywhere would be safer than here.
3rd Officer: Go to the end of the street and turn right, the R.P.D is then just a few meters down the road, you can't miss it.
Officer: But be careful, there are surprises around every corner...
2nd Officer: Shit look out!!!!
Zombies broke through from the other side of the barricade and caused mayhem. The officer's turned and fired there guns. Two of them were wrestled down to the ground by the monsters. Ellie cringed as she heard their flesh being ripped from their bones. The other officer fled for an alley close by.
3rd Officer: GO! Get out of here while you still can!!!
As he disappeared into the darkness his screams could be heard, the Zombies had found him and were now devouring his body. Ellie limped back to the bike and started the engine. She flew forward and broke through the remainder of the barricade, leaving the Zombies to feed on their fresh victims. After traveling a couple of minutes down the road, she came to a junction. She turned right, as instructed by the officer, and kept riding. The streets were infested with the walking dead, there wasn't a place outside where Ellie couldn't have stopped to rest, or taken a moment to find her bearings. It was all go, it had to be, otherwise she'd wind up dead. The R.P.D was now in sight. There was a beep, and the red fuel light on the bike began to flash, signaling that the tank was empty. The bike slowed to a halt about 100yards away from the entrance to the station. She let the bike fall to ground as she stumbled off it. Putting pressure onto her left foot caused her a lot of pain, her twisted ankle was going to slow her down. Before she could get to the gate that leads to the entrance, she had to navigate a few obstacles and barricades. Up the road in front was an overturned fire truck, and just behind it, there were police barriers. This time however, there didn't appear to be any survivors. The chill in the air sent shivers down her spine as she climbed through the wreckage. Stopping half way through, she could see a couple of zombies up ahead. She wouldn't make it if she ran, not with her foot the way it was. She had to distract them somehow. To her left she saw a bus, which had also crashed. On board through the broken windows she could see a few more zombies.
Ellie: Those things are everywhere. There's got to be a way past, the gate is so close. If I can get through there then I'm practically at the entrance.
She thought for moment longer then had an idea. Reaching for a rock on the ground, she threw it in the direction of the bus, trying to distract their attention. It was to no avail, the zombies hadn't noticed the noise. She was going to have to think of something else. There was a police riot shield on the ground, maybe she could use that? Ellie picked up the metal shield and climbed out of where she had been hiding. The zombies turned, smelling her scent. She slowly made her way toward the gate, and the zombies, using the shield to block their attempts at trying to grab her. Whenever they tried to lunge forward, she barged them out of the way. It was a simple but effective technique and she reached the gate unscathed. Throwing the shield behind her on the ground, she entered the gate and closed it firmly so that the zombies could not break through. Turning around, there was a walkway to the right and some steps leading down just behind it. The walkway, with bushes at either side, lead straight around to the entrance of the station, but a few zombies blocked her route. She decided to take the stairs, hoping they would lead her to the opposite side of the entrance. She hobbled down and made her way across the path underneath. Surely enough there was another flight of steps leading up and without hesitation, she scaled them. Ellie made her way around to the front of the R.P.D, aware that the zombies weren't to far away. Her foot was throbbing, but maybe inside she'd have the chance to rest it. There was only one way to find out, she was finally here.
Introduction
September 26th 1998. Three days before the events of Resident Evil 2. The Zombies have taken over the city. Small pockets of civilian resistance run through the streets, looking for safety. They try to fight the monsters, but the living dead are rapidly increasing in numbers. Earlier today the Raccoon City Police Department was unexpectedly attacked. Communications equipment, as well as lives, were lost in the battle. The Zombies gained the upper hand, feasting on the flesh and internal organs of their victims. The R.P.D has become another feeding ground for the undead, but close by, someone else had stepped into the world of survival horror.
Chapter 1: Dealing With Reality
September 27th 1998. It's 11:00pm and the darkness of the night sky looms over the dying city. The wailing of Zombies mixes with the sound of the whistling wind, creating an eerie score for all to hear. This was the first thing Ellie Rose noticed when she arrived in town only a few days ago. Fate had brought her here. She sat on the bed in her sister's apartment, just a few blocks away from the R.P.D, reading a diary.
Wednesday, August 6th 1998
We spent our first night in Raccoon City on Monday. It's been a good few days. I think me and Richard are going to settle in quite well. He started his new job today. He seemed to enjoy it. It's a big step moving home, but in moving from England to here, we were leaving a lot of loved ones behind. We don't really know anybody here in Raccoon City, but I'm sure they're a bunch of nice people. I don't start work until next Monday, but let's hope the police chief here is nicer than the one I had back in England. I don't suppose you could get much worse than her, could you?
Ellie turned a few pages at once and then leaned over to the bedside table. She grabbed the glass and raised it to her mouth to drink. The whisky tasted good. After replacing the glass she wiped a tear from her cheek before continuing to read.
Tuesday, August 26th 1998
I've been working here at the R.P.D now for just over 2 weeks. It's strange. It seems that all anyone can talk about is the "incident" that happened in the Arkalay mansion. In the details of my transfer, I was informed about the mansion case, but it was supposed to be closed. Since then, more of the strange murders have occurred. The S.T.A.R.S team have been trying to dig up information on the case, but no-one's buying any of their explanations. Nobody seems to want to listen. Chief Irons spoke to me again today. He seemed like a genuine guy when I first met him, but he's been acting weird as of late. Maybe it's because of what happened yesterday morning. He asked me if I'd like to go for a drink at the diner after work, but I turned him down. He's at least 25 years older than me. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings; I wouldn't want to upset him so soon after arriving here. Lately he's becoming more like a boss who'd fire you on the spot if you crossed him. I'm sure things will get better with time.
Ellie wiped her sleeve under her right eye, and then the left, erasing more of the tears that seeped through. She glanced across at the glass on the cabinet. There was a crash from outside which forced Ellie to freeze. A few seconds passed before she reached out for the glass once again. This time she drank what was left in one go. Her face twisted because of the strong taste, then she placed the glass back down before returning to her sister's diary, safe in hope that the noise she heard was just the wind.
Thursday, August 28th 1998
I feel that moving to Raccoon City was a big mistake. I'm getting quite worried about the increasing number of bodies being brought into the station for examination. One of the guys who helps bring the bodies into the department told me today of the latest victim's injuries. It was a man, mid-thirties. He'd apparently been torn apart from his neck down to his waist. What the hell could do such a thing? Chief Irons is beginning to scare me too. Can't the guy take no for an answer? I was sorting through some of the old case files today when he came up to my desk. He had an evil look in his eye, like he wanted to hurt me. He brought his face up close to mine and told me that if I ever messed up in my work, he would make sure I was punished. I was so scared, but I couldn't tell anyone, not even Richard, my own husband. If word ever got back to the chief, I'm afraid of what he might do to me. Is this his sick way of showing he has control over me? Maybe he's pressuring me to go out with him sometime. I don't know what to do. Ellie, where are you when I need you?
Ellie laid the diary onto the bed and stood up. She took the glass from the cabinet and walked out of the bedroom, into the bathroom. Turning the cold tap on, Ellie filled the glass with water and then drank a mouthful. She poured the remaining water onto her right hand and rinsed it over her face. She looked up into the mirror in front of her and began to think. If she'd had time to return her sister's calls, then maybe... Ellie turned away. She didn't know the whereabouts of her sister. Jennifer had disappeared just less than a month ago. Ellie took time out of work and traveled to Raccoon City from England in search for her. She arrived yesterday, only to find that her sister's husband had also gone missing. On top of that, the City was fast becoming a war zone. She returned to the bedroom, sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the diary once again. Perhaps she'd eventually find the answer she was looking for. Ellie read the next entry.
Friday, August 29th 1998
I've been thinking about the chief all day. Maybe if I agree to going out on a date with him, he won't be mean to me anymore. Richard would be so hurt if he found out what I was doing, but at least I know he wouldn't hurt me. I dread to think what the chief would do to me if I upset him any further. My mind is made up, if he bothers me again on Monday, I'll take him up on his offer of a drink. I'm sure it will make him happy. Underneath his strange personality, he does seem really attracted to me. Perhaps the guy just has problems when it comes to women? Or maybe he just has problems full stop.
Ellie turned the page to the next entry.
Monday, September 1st 1998
My heart nearly stopped today. I'd gone to the drinks machine just down the hall for a can. When I came back I found the chief reading through my diary. I'm sure he read the last few entries. He looked up with a grin on his face. He seemed..turned on by the experience. It was strange, I thought he'd be upset but he reacted quite well. As a line of defense, I reassured him that I was serious about dating him. This seemed to help matters. He laughed and told me that I wouldn't regret it. We've agreed to go out tomorrow night; I'm meeting him at the police station. As we were talking, a delivery man entered in the main hall with a package for the chief. We walked there and he began telling me that he thought I was special and that he could see me filling a special place in his home. We'd only just agreed on a date, and he already wants me in his house? The chief signed for the package and began to open it. He pulled out a stuffed owl in a glass case. Apparently taxidermy used to be one of his hobbies. Looking at the bird, he said "Yes Jennifer, I see you in ways you could never imagine". It was so special. Forgive me Richard, you still mean the world to me. There's just something about the chief. He's not like any other man I've met before. You'll understand with time.
Ellie nearly choked. She couldn't believe what she was reading. Her sister was beginning an affair with a guy who, not so long before, terrified her. Not only that, the man was about 25 years older, and was her boss. She feared the worst. That was the last entry in the diary. It was the night before her "date" with Chief Irons. Ellie tried to compose herself as the thoughts ran through her head. She needed to talk to the chief, maybe Jennifer was still with him. Or perhaps he had an idea of where she might be. She paced back and forth across the bedroom floor, trying to calm herself down.
Ellie: C'mon girl, pull your-self together. You're no use to anyone like this. Get a grip.
Taking deep breaths, she walked downstairs to the telephone.
Ellie: If I get in touch with the police station, maybe someone there will be able to help me.
She picked up the receiver, but there was no signal. The dialing tone didn't exist. If she wanted to get in touch with the station she'd have to go to the R.P.D on foot and hope she'd survive long enough to get there. It was her only option, she couldn't think of anything else. Ellie thought fast, emptying her pockets. She left all her belongings, anything that would slow her down, or that she didn't need in the apartment, and then headed for the kitchen.
Ellie: There's got to be a knife or something around here..ahh..here we are.
From the drawer she pulled out a large blade.
Ellie: This will do nicely. Those things outside won't be so scary if I carry this with me.
Outside, there was a chill in the air. The smell of death was suffocating, but this was Raccoon City. A City with no hope. It didn't stop Ellie, she new there was a way out of this nightmare; she just had to find it. The R.P.D was her destination. Although she didn't know the way, it wasn't too far from her sister's apartment. However with the dangers that ran throughout the streets, it might as well have been a mile away. She opened the back door and stepped out into the garden. She quickly became paranoid; every slight sound was amplified by her fear.
Ellie: C'mon girl, get a grip.
She could hear gunfire in the distance. Other survivors were fighting for their lives. Finding someone else was her only hope. She had made her way out into the alley behind the apartment block. The alley was about two meters wide and there was a high wall on the side without houses, too tall to climb. Her sister's apartment was roughly the middle house in the street. Looking left and then right, she could see someone staggering just a few meters in front of her. It was dark, and their face was covered in shadows.
Ellie: Errr, hello?
The body stayed silent. Ellie took a few steps forward..
Ellie: S'cuse me. Do you know how to get to the R.P.D?
Again there was silence, but the unidentified person had heard her this time. The male turned around slowly and began to walk towards Ellie, his arms extended out in front of him.
Ellie: Are you going to help me?
The streetlight behind Ellie flickered on and off. The short bursts of light were just enough to reveal the man's face. His eyes were pure white and his skin was rotten. His teeth closed together then opened. He repeated this as he shuffled towards Ellie, eying up her young flesh.
Ellie: Oh shit!
She backed off slowly, reaching the garden of the apartment next door. There was a noise coming from the other side of the tall gate. Fingers appeared through the wooden bars and they gripped onto them. The other Zombie was getting closer, drooling at the mouth as it reached for Ellie. The Zombie behind the gate began to shake it, trying to get through. It moaned as it rattled the hinges, desperately trying to get to Ellie. She began to panic and turned to run, but there was another Zombie blocking the way, about two apartments down the alley. Thinking she would enter the garden to the next apartment, she ran to the gate. As she opened it another Zombie burst through from the other side and pinned her to the wall behind. She struggled as the Zombie tried to grab her. It clutched her left wrist and held it firmly against the wall above her head. Its other hand pushed against the side of her face, forcing her head to the side and revealing her neck. The Zombie leaned forward, its mouth wide open.
Ellie: NO!
Ellie, with her free arm, pulled out her knife and stabbed it into the side of the Zombies head. It fell sideways onto the floor and began to get straight back up, the knife still protruding from its skull. The Zombie behind the other gate had also broken through into the alley, and the remaining two were getting closer and closer. There was only one way left to go, and that was into the next garden. It had to be empty, otherwise there was no escape and the Zombies would have there way with her. Her luck had to hold out just this once, and it did. She ran through the gate and bolted it shut behind her before stumbling backwards onto the floor. Looking up, she could see the four Zombies closing in on the gate. Just a few seconds later and she'd have been nothing more than meat.
Ellie: Phew! That was too close.
She picked herself up off the ground and turned. The apartment door was open, welcoming her. A few steps later and she was inside. Nothing much was different in comparison to her sister's apartment; just the furniture and general layout of the place had changed. It was a total mess though. Newspapers and magazines littered the floor, along with broken glass and other smashed objects. She walked from the back door into the living room and across to a desk in the corner. The room was filled with darkness apart from a small lamp located on the desk. Several books and diaries were spread out across the desk, but one book stood out in particular. It was a scrapbook filled with newspaper cuttings ands headlines. Ellie opened it up and read a few:
"19th June 1998 - A hiker's body was found in the Arkalay woods today. Her body has been torn apart by what seems to be some sort of animal.."
"22nd June 1998 - Another body was found yesterday. His throat and abdomen were torn to shreds. Police think that the attack is linked to that of the previous body found in the woods, though full details of what caused the deaths are to be announced..."
Ellie: Those Zombies outside. They must have caused these deaths. What the hell is going on in this City?
Ellie closed the scrapbook and put it down to one side. Underneath where she had found the previous book, she found another, it looked a lot older. The dates were unclear, but she could make out some of the text:
"..former University student Brian Irons was released from the Raccoon City Psychiatric Analysis Ward today. He was placed into the ward after question about his mental stability. Mr. Irons, who has a substantial academic standing due to his time at University, was charged earlier in the year with the rape of a young woman. This was his second rape offence and upon his release, his mental state began to deteriorate.."
Ellie: The Chief? It can't be. Jennifer, please god let her be safe!
There was a crash from back in the garden. The Zombies had broken in through the gate and were entering the house. She had to make tracks, and fast. Dropping the scrapbook on the floor she ran, not noticing the body lying on the ground in front of the opened kitchen door. She tripped over it, stumbling forward into the kitchen and knocking over an oil lamp which was standing on the table. It few across the room towards the front door and smashed, instantly setting alight the loose wallpaper and newspaper on the floor. The kitchen went up in flames and the heat began to close in on her.
Ellie: This is not good.
The raging fire was blocking off her only exit, she had to find another way. Ellie got up off the floor and turned to head for the staircase. The body she had fallen over was now on its feet, coming towards her. It howled with hunger as it approached. Ellie picked up a piece of wood from the kitchen floor, the end of which was ablaze, and smashed the Zombie over the head, decapitating it in one swift movement. The other Zombies had made it into the living room. Making her way to the stairs she fought them off as they tried to grab her. They were relentless, not wanting to give in. She climbed the staircase, cautious of what might be awaiting her upstairs. The landing was clear apart from a chair that had been knocked over. She picked it up and entered the bedroom. On the bed was a young man. He was naked, and chunks of his flesh had been ripped from his body. The stench was almost unbearable, but Ellie looked away and made an attempt to reach the nearest window. Using the chair she had obtained, she smashed open the window and cleared the frame of any pieces of glass that would harm her. She looked around at the man.
Ellie: Rape would be a blessing in comparison to....
The young male sat up on the bed. What was left of his guts fell out onto the bedcovers in front of him.
Ellie: Oh my..
Ellie nearly threw up. Instead she staggered backwards and fell out of the open window. She screamed, but the fall was shorter than expected. Ellie had landed onto the garage roof which was connected to the front of the apartment. After being sick, she stood to survey her situation. It wasn't good. Zombies littered the streets below. Across the road was the shopping district and sticking out over the rooftops was a tall building.
Ellie: Could that be the R.P.D?
She looked to her right. The neighboring garage was in jumping distance. Jumping felt like a good idea. Any other time, maybe not, but it was better than ending up like the guy she had just seen. She took a run up, and jumped. Ellie landed on her feet and rolled, almost off the edge of the garage. She stood up and repeated the experience, this time landing ok. At the end of the street she could see a clearing. Just a couple more jumps and she'd be ok..for now. However it didn't work out the way she planned. On her third jump, the garage roof collapsed and she fell through, twisting her ankle.
Ellie: Ouch!!! Shit Ellie, what the hell were you thinking.
She sat up in the wreckage and rubbed her foot, but it was hurt pretty badly. She wasn't going to be able to walk far. Luckily however, she didn't have to. There was a motorbike inside the garage she had landed in. Luck, at the present time, seemed to be on her side. Light was coming from a crack in the garage door. She stood and limped over to the bike, checking if it still had petrol. It did. She could hopefully reach the R.P.D with it. Ellie quickly opened the garage door. There were five zombies outside. Two were feasting on the corpse of a man. They soon turned their attention to Ellie however. She hobbled back to the bike and got on. The key was already in the ignition, so she wasted no time in getting the engine started, using her stronger foot to do so. Holding on tightly, she revved the engine and burst out into the road. She took a right and then a left, dodging the Zombies that got in her way.
"I can't believe I'm really here", she thought to herself as she rode through the city. This was nothing like what she had expected it to be before arriving here. Jennifer was with the chief, she could feel it in her bones, but where was her sister's husband? That was a mystery she had barely thought about until now. She was too wrapped up in worrying about her sister, she had forgotten all about him. Was he even alive? Maybe he is still wandering the streets somewhere, trying to escape. She tried not to think about it, it was distracting her concentration. In times like this you needed to be alert, worrying would almost certainly lead to death. She focused on reaching the station.
It was now 11.55pm. She had been riding for just a couple of minutes before she came to police barricade. There were three officers fighting off two Zombies. Other bodies lay on the floor, obvious victims to a battle that had ensued before hand. She stopped the bike and got off. Several bullets cut through the air and tore into the Zombies skull, dropping it to the ground. One of the officers turned and saw Ellie.
Officer: What are you doing here lady?
Ellie: I'm heading to the station; can you tell me the way?
2nd Officer: The station? It's not exactly a safe house right now, but it's better than being out here.
Ellie: Anywhere would be safer than here.
3rd Officer: Go to the end of the street and turn right, the R.P.D is then just a few meters down the road, you can't miss it.
Officer: But be careful, there are surprises around every corner...
2nd Officer: Shit look out!!!!
Zombies broke through from the other side of the barricade and caused mayhem. The officer's turned and fired there guns. Two of them were wrestled down to the ground by the monsters. Ellie cringed as she heard their flesh being ripped from their bones. The other officer fled for an alley close by.
3rd Officer: GO! Get out of here while you still can!!!
As he disappeared into the darkness his screams could be heard, the Zombies had found him and were now devouring his body. Ellie limped back to the bike and started the engine. She flew forward and broke through the remainder of the barricade, leaving the Zombies to feed on their fresh victims. After traveling a couple of minutes down the road, she came to a junction. She turned right, as instructed by the officer, and kept riding. The streets were infested with the walking dead, there wasn't a place outside where Ellie couldn't have stopped to rest, or taken a moment to find her bearings. It was all go, it had to be, otherwise she'd wind up dead. The R.P.D was now in sight. There was a beep, and the red fuel light on the bike began to flash, signaling that the tank was empty. The bike slowed to a halt about 100yards away from the entrance to the station. She let the bike fall to ground as she stumbled off it. Putting pressure onto her left foot caused her a lot of pain, her twisted ankle was going to slow her down. Before she could get to the gate that leads to the entrance, she had to navigate a few obstacles and barricades. Up the road in front was an overturned fire truck, and just behind it, there were police barriers. This time however, there didn't appear to be any survivors. The chill in the air sent shivers down her spine as she climbed through the wreckage. Stopping half way through, she could see a couple of zombies up ahead. She wouldn't make it if she ran, not with her foot the way it was. She had to distract them somehow. To her left she saw a bus, which had also crashed. On board through the broken windows she could see a few more zombies.
Ellie: Those things are everywhere. There's got to be a way past, the gate is so close. If I can get through there then I'm practically at the entrance.
She thought for moment longer then had an idea. Reaching for a rock on the ground, she threw it in the direction of the bus, trying to distract their attention. It was to no avail, the zombies hadn't noticed the noise. She was going to have to think of something else. There was a police riot shield on the ground, maybe she could use that? Ellie picked up the metal shield and climbed out of where she had been hiding. The zombies turned, smelling her scent. She slowly made her way toward the gate, and the zombies, using the shield to block their attempts at trying to grab her. Whenever they tried to lunge forward, she barged them out of the way. It was a simple but effective technique and she reached the gate unscathed. Throwing the shield behind her on the ground, she entered the gate and closed it firmly so that the zombies could not break through. Turning around, there was a walkway to the right and some steps leading down just behind it. The walkway, with bushes at either side, lead straight around to the entrance of the station, but a few zombies blocked her route. She decided to take the stairs, hoping they would lead her to the opposite side of the entrance. She hobbled down and made her way across the path underneath. Surely enough there was another flight of steps leading up and without hesitation, she scaled them. Ellie made her way around to the front of the R.P.D, aware that the zombies weren't to far away. Her foot was throbbing, but maybe inside she'd have the chance to rest it. There was only one way to find out, she was finally here.
