Disclaimer: Don't own anything, not mine. Just use them. A/N: I'm sorta typing this up from hand written versions. So it might take a while to get some of this posted. My apologies!

Slap

The blow sent Leon Kennedy reeling. He weakly stumbled backwards before crumbling to the ground. Leon shook his head, then cast his blue eyes upward. Laughter filled the air.

"Mr. Kennedy, you are such a sight for sore eyes." a woman's voice cackled. "How you used to look, a distant memory now. But, you can be as you were. All you have to do is tell us what we want to know."

The darkness of Leon's cell was illuminated by a single light bulb. The Woman stepped into the dim light. She was pretty, not quite beautiful. Her hair was golden and wavy, eyes the color of coal and a strong body. She, to all first appearances, would look like the girl next door - a girl you could take home to mother. In reality, she was a testament to the old adage, appearances can be deceiving. She walked farther, crouching down next to the fallen Kennedy. She wiped away a smear of dirt from his handsome face, still wearing her sadistic smile.

"You know, Leon, if I had it my way you wouldn't be staying here in his shit hole. You'd be with me, in my hotel suite. Frankly, you're much too handsome to be staying here. You could have a hot meal, warm bed, company to keep you warm at night. All you have to do is tell me this one, itsy, bitsy thing." she paused, then in her sweetest voice, purred, "Where's Christopher Redfield, Leon?"

Mustering all the strength he had, Leon got to his feet. "Go to Hell."

The Woman kept her gaze lowered and she exhaled slowly before standing. She turned on her heel and proceeded toward the door, but stopped short. "You're going to die down here, Mr. Kennedy." she turned back to face him, pulling something from her pants pocket. "But not before she will."

She then tossed the item at Leon's feet before exiting, locking the door behind her. He watched her go, revolted. Then his gaze fell to his feet. Lying there was a gold banded diamond solitaire.

Claire's engagement ring.

Painfully, Leon bent down to pick up the ring. He cleaned the grime from the stone, gazing at it. If only he'd listened to her and never taken the assignment, they would be planning their wedding right now. Or be on their honeymoon. Instead, he was being held prisoner in a Brazilian testing facility, deep inside the jungle. The chance of rescue was next to impossible. It was a miracle he hadn't caught pneumonia from his living conditions. All of his treatment - torture, starvation, ridicule - was courtesy of the Umbrella Corporation. Or, more accurately, what was left of it. They'd taken him hostage even before his plane had touched down in Mexico City. Operatives had hijacked the flight and made sure it got to the correct destination. For the last six months, Leon endured beating sessions, a bed of rags and endless questions about the whereabouts of the remaining S.T.A.R.S. members. The one name that popped up most frequently was Christopher Redfield, Claire's older brother. Following a close second was his little sister.

Claire.

Just the thought of her name caused a smile on Leon's cracked, dry lips. He dreamed about her every night when he slept. Hell, he dreamed about her even when he was awake. All he'd wanted to do was put that ring on her finger and make everything official. But, there was just this one last assignment.

Kennedy made his way to the wall and slowly slid down it. He pressed his hand against the damp bricks. Maybe, somewhere, Claire was doing the same. Waiting for him, worrying for him, hoping he'd appear at the front door unscathed. The very thought of Claire in pain caused tears to slip from Leon's diminished blue eyes. They wet his clammy cheeks, not stopping. All of the pent up tension, anguish and despair flowed freely. And Leon did nothing to prevent it. He owed himself that much.

"Claire." he sobbed half speaking, half yelling. "Claire, CLAIRE!!!"

Okay, 2nd chapter down! I'm working on writing the 3rd as we speak. Hopefully will have it up tomorrow night. Hope I haven't disappointed there too much ...