Eternal Animosity
CHAPTER 2: BUILDING AN ENEMY

By: Ben Soulstone & Tamara Fernandez

Disclaimer: Please note that all these works are original creations (unless otherwise stated) and are not to be distributed publicly or privately without full consent and knowledge of the creator(s). Original character profiles, images, and names are copyrighted by the creator and cannot be used without prior consent. Please refrain from leaving rude comments if you dislike the genre/film or anything else specified. Constructive critisism only. Characters are copyrighted to Capcom, for the exception of Dennise Fern who is original creation of T.D.F.

Tam's note: Whew! This is the longest chapter so far, but personally one of my favorites! I'm really loving where the story is going and how well its turning out. Again, need I remind all you -- I do realize there are errors in grammar and mispelling. If you catch anything that doesn't look right, let me know! Its the only way we can improve our writing! I really hope you enjoy this chapter as much as Ben and I enjoyed writing it:3

Ben's Note: Holy frijoles, Batman! Another chapter of w00tness! Yes, I had so much fun doing this chapter. Hell, what am I saying! I am having fun doing this entire story! Tammie is such a creative genius, she doesn't even need me. But I am more than willing and happy to help out in what ways I can. Even if it's to add in a few pieces of dialogue or a random plot twist. Chapter 2 is now officially open to the public! Yaaaay! YOU PEOPLE BETTER COMMENT, OR SO HELP ME, I SHALL SMITE THE LOT OF YOU! Just kidding..but please..comment. Especially if you mark it in your favorites. Thank you, and enjoy!


Thunderous booms echoed throughout Steve's head. The flames warmed his flesh, despite feeling cold inside. He found himself in the arms of Claire Redfield, the woman he loved. He struggled to live, not wanting to leave her, "C-Claire..." He whispered, internal bleeding stopping him from speaking and breathing correctly. She looked at him, trying to listen and tune out the explosions around them.

"I...I love you..." He managed to say, the three words he'd kept inside. Death placed its cold hand on Steve and he breathed no more. Claire began to cry, but the call of her brother broke her bawling in spite of hurting from Steve's death. She rose, not wanting to leave him, but knowing she had to. "I love you too, Steve..." She managed to say with a cracked voice, before taking off to find Chris.

Steve wasn't completely gone; part of him was still at his body. Still lingering behind like a lost soul. He could sense and hear, but it was as if it was miles away. Perhaps the virus in his body didn't completely let him die. He felt soldiers in special suits stand before him and begin to lift his body. One of them began to speak; "This is Davis. Commander Wesker, we've found the body you requested. Orders?" He did not hear what 'Wesker' replied, but then Davis spoke once more. "Roger that! Sergeant Davis out." with that, darkness was placed over him as he was put into a body bag.

"He's dreaming again..." thought Dennise as she glared at the computer monitor intently. His brainwaves and heart rate were off the scale, making it obvious he was having another nightmare. Suddenly, Steve's body gave a jolt inside the tank and his eyes burst open. Dennise couldn't believe what she was seeing and quickly called upon her assistants since she was the only one currently situated in the laboratory.

"Johnson, get in here now!" she yelled into headset at the side of her lip that was connected to the radio on her belt. This made things more convinient since she needed both her hands to work. Steve was now unstable, his body trembling and fidgeting. He had finally awoken from that dark slumber and did not realize where he was. Out of human instict his first reaction was to panic, thus creating a problem for Dennise and her assistants. Because of the sudden change she was not able to restrain his body without putting him under anesthesia. Doing so would throw off her progress and return him into that black abyss of nightmares.

Steve's eyes blinked continuously, "Wh-Where am I?!" he thought as he tried to put the world around him into focus. His hearing was also disabled. He suddenly realized he was inside a large tube, full of some type of gel or liquid. He was breathing, but that was because of the breathing mask connected to his face. His arms and legs were bound, so he could not move, but in his panic he strained at those bonds. He felt new strength, but it still wasn't at full capacity, so his restless jerking was futile. When his eyes began to focus, he noticed a female outside the tank. "Where am I?" He muttered out, confused and stopping his insane thrashing to try and find out what was going on.

Dennise's heart stopped when she heard a voice, distinctly coming from the tank. She directed Johnson to monitor Steve's brainwaves and heartrate. She then quickly made her way to a desk that had a small microphone connected to the tank. "Mr. Burnside, if you can hear this please make your right hand into a fist," she said gently. Steve could hear her, but he still didn't understand what was going on. "Can you hear me?" Dennise asked again when she noticed Steve's hand form into a fist. A sigh of relief ran through her lips as she spoke into the microphone again, "Mr. Burnside, you are in the custody of H.C.F. Unfortunately, I am not at the liberty to release you. Currently we are attempting to get authorization from the person in charge. Do you understand? Please nod if you do..."

The response made Steve smile though it was for a small moment. "What and who are H.C.F? What do they want with me? Why the hell am I alive again?" Steve started to ponder as he nodded to respond to the kind woman. "Yes…I understand." He said into the oxygen mask, "why am I here? Where's Claire…?" He asked faintly, still confused and a little blind. His vision was slowly clearing though. His body was aching from obvious experimentation and the whole ordeal of being in a tube for some time now. He looked at her, fear in his eyes, swirling with depression and confusion.

"You will be briefed upon this matter shortly, Mr. Burnsi--" said Dennise before she was cut off by a voice behind her. It was Wesker, who had been informed of Steve's sudden awakening. Steve could faintly see the man attired in black and wearing sunglasses. For some reason, he felt as if he knew this man, but at the same time didn't.

"Steve, so glad to see you've finally awaken," said a calm yet fearful voice, "as my associate has already informed you, you are under the protective custody of H.C.F. My name is Albert Wesker, perhaps you've heard of me? I seem to be infamous in a way. You will be released shortly and you'll be personally briefed and trained by myself and others in this facility." Wesker explained, turning his attention to Dennise. "You have my full permission to release him and prepare him for training." He said, "Yes, sir..." Dennise responded shyly as Wesker gave her a smirk and walked over to the computer to analyze the current data on Steve.

Dennise quickly began her objective to release Steve from the tube and prepare him for intense training. She knew what would follow, for Wesker wasn't a man of mercy or pity. Because of what would come, she was sure to give Steve fair warning of what awaited him. The liquid in the tube was slowly being drained and the all the connections on his body were retracting, causing him intense pain. Steve yelped everytime something was removed and wanted to tear out of his skin in agony. Even though Dennise had military training and had learned to control many of her emotions, she still felt compassion for the boy.

When everything was released and Steve was sitting nude at the bottom of the tube, she walked over with a towel as the glass retracted. She kneeled down and placed the towel on his shoulders, gently wiping away the excess gunk from the liquid in the tank. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Steve's left hand quickly gripped her throat as he started to strangle her. Dennise started to gasp for breath, begging through her pants to be released, "B-Burn…side…!" From the corner of her eye she saw a black blur and before she knew it, she fell on all fours inhaling for breath, coughing at the same time.

"Don't you ever lay a hand on her, boy…" Wesker growled, looking down at Steve who held his face from the right punch he'd just received. "She is not what you are created to kill." He spat, helping Dennise up to her feet. Wesker looked down at Dennise while she rubbed her neck, red finger marks indicating where Steve had grabbed her. "Are you alright?" he asked, "Yes, sir. I'm fine. I believe the aggression is a side effect of the virus. He'll eventually learn to control it…" she explained, kneeling down and picking up the towel again. "He will learn to control it when I begin to train him," he grumbled returning to his previous task.

Steve was on his feet already, completely recovered from Wesker's attack and the ordeal he'd been through in the tank. Steve was nineteen years old and his physique had greatly improved from the last he remembered. He wasn't the scrawny and naïve little seventeen-year-old anymore, he was an all-powerful super human with talents he did not yet know how to control. Dennise led him to a backroom where he quickly showered off the remainder of the goop and dressed in clothing supplied by H.C.F. While Steve dressed in his new apparel, Dennise held a clipboard scribbling down notes and information.

"I'm sorry," Steve said abruptly, "I didn't mean to hurt you. I…don't know what came over me."

"Its fine, Mr. Burnside. It's just a side-effect." Dennise said dryly, not taking her attention away from her clipboard. Steve knew what they had done to him, atleast to what he understood thus far. Evidently they had revived him with the same virus that had once created him into a monstrous tyrant. With that virus they had reanimated him and given him super human characteristics. He'd been gifted with the same abilities as Wesker. After Steve was done dressing, Dennise led him back into the lab where Wesker was waiting for them. All three made their way through the H.C.F. HQ to the special combat training area. While Wesker set up, Dennise pulled Steve to the side and whispered in his ear, "As a forewarning, Mr. Burnside, this isn't going to be a simple task to complete. This will be very difficult. He will not be gentle, not for one moment." With that said, Dennise stepped back as Steve and Wesker headed into the training area and Dennise stayed behind in the observation booth where she could analyze and speak to them through a microphone.

Wesker kept his back to Steve, as he smiled to himself. "Steve, you are about to begin your combat training and guess who your first opponent is…" His smile turned to a grin, but he did not face Burnside. Steve blinked, a bit scared because he just realized what was going on. "Would that be you…?" He asked, gulping lightly. Wesker laughed, grabbing his shades and putting them away. Wesker turned on his heel, his flaring red eyes staring into Steve's pale blue hues. Burnside gasped, jumping back a bit, scared.

"Come now, Steve. It's just a spar. I won't kill you," He said, stretching a little. "Are you ready?" Steve was about to answer when suddenly Wesker charged. "Good!" The next thing Steve knew, he was on his face. Wesker looked down at him.

"Get up…now!" He said, slight aggravation in his voice. Steve started to scramble to his feet, before Wesker kicked his back, making Steve fall on all fours. "Do you think your enemy will be merciful and let you get back up? You are mistaken!" The blonde haired man shouted, grabbing Steve by the hair, lifting him off his feet and pushing him foward. Steve slammed onto his side and rolled a little. Wesker cracked his neck to either side and began walking calmly towards Steve.

"C'mon, Steve…" He said. "Hit me!" He charged and leaped upwards. He descended towards Steve at a velocity too fast for the human eye. Steve looked up and managed to roll out of the way. Steve flipped onto his feet and thrust out his right leg. Wesker easily countered it with a well-placed forearm. Steve felt great pain, like he was kicking solid steel. Wesker grabbed his leg and with great agility he snap-kicked Steve in the face. "You have a long way to go. I know I am too much for you. So I will let Krauser continue training you…" he said, heading for the exit.

Dennise was watching this the entire time, taking notes. Steve was lucky to be alive right now, for she knew Wesker was not going completely easy on him. When Wesker said he would let Krauser continue the training, Dennise reached for the microphone. "Jack Krauser, report to the training room immediatly. Commander Wesker requests your presence," she said and no sooner had she finished, Krauser walked in. He saluted Wesker, who mildly saluted back.

"Krauser, you will be the juvenile's sparring partner. You are an expert at hand to hand combat, as well as guns. Teach the boy all you can." And with that, the man known as Wesker stepped out of the training room and into the observation room with Dennise. Krauser looked to Steve, smirking. He muttered something to himself, unsheathing his combat knife.

He stopped as Wesker spoke again, "One more thing, Krauser. Go as hard on him as you can without killing him. Do not overdo it." Krauser blinked and looked away. "Yes sir..." Krauser grunted. He owed Wesker his life and he wasn't about to disobey him. Steve finally got back onto his feet, as Krauser looked at him and smiled.

"Hey there kiddo. My name is Jack Krauser; I'm your sparring partnet. Unsheathe your knife and get ready to fight." Krauser said with a small chuckle, twirling his knife in his hand and juggling it from hand to hand, before striking a battle stance. Steve unsheathed the combat knife he was issued and gripped it firmly. "I'll prove to Wesker I'm not some child!" Steve thought.

Deciding to take to the offensive, Steve charges. Krauser grins and before Steve knows it, he is once again on the ground and has lost his knife. "Wesker...are you serious about this?" Krauser said, looking up into the observation booth. Wesker's only response was a cold stare and his eyes flaring up behind his shades.

"Alright, alright." He got a little distance from Steve and did a front-flip, spinning and coming down with his knife. Steve managed to scramble to his feet and avoid the manuever.

"You've got some decent speed, kid..." Krauser said with a grin, as he charged and unleashed a barrage of knife slashes. Steve started running backwards, dodging and getting cut from the ones he couldn't evade. Wesker was growing angry.

"Steve, fight back!" Wesker shouted. Steve's eyes narrowed, as he sliced back. The two blades connected Steve and Krauser pushing against their knives with all their might.

Krauser suddenly viciously headbutts Steve, making him weaken his stance. Krauser took his opportunity to disarmed Steve and throw him face-first into the steel ground. Wesker was becoming furious, because Steve was proving to be completely useless. Dennise began to get a little irritated herself, looking up to see Wesker's eyes were glowing a more intense red than normal.

Krauser grinned and wasted no time in snapping Steve's arm. The bone breaking was all too audible, followed by the pain-filled screams from Steve. Krauser let go and watched it fall lifelessly to the ground, before Steve grasped it and continued to cry. Unfortunately, Steve wasn't as durable as Wesker was. Then again, Wesker was a full-grown man and the virus in him was much more efficient.

"Stop crying…" Krauser said stiffly. Steve stopped crying and snapped his arm back in place, holding in a deadly scream. Because of the virus, his body was able to heal itself almost one hundred times faster than a normal human. Steve flipped onto his feet and quickly punched Krauser with that formerly broken arm. Krauser's face turned to the side. Steve began an array of combos on Krauser, thrusting punches like crazy. Krauser took them, letting the youngster get some shots in. After Steve stopped, breathing hard, Krauser decided to taunt him, "That all ya got, kiddo?"

Next thing Krauser knew, an uppercut came out of nowhere. He fell backwards, stunned momentarily. Wesker grinned, his anger now gone. "Impressive…" Was all Wesker could manage to say. Dennise was also impressed, if not shocked at the sudden turn of events. She had watched Krauser fight before and usually he was the one who came out victorious and barely scratched. But he had allowed Steve to hit him and it seemed to have cost him. Krauser spit a little bit of blood to the side, glaring at Steve who stood ready for the next attack.

"You little shit…let's see you snap your neck back in place!" Krauser yelled with anger. He charged at Steve, grabbed him by the neck, picked him up and slammed his head down hard onto the ground. He then positioned himself and snapped Steve's other arm.

Krauser muttered something obsene under his breath. He kicked Steve's side sending him rolling on his side. "C'mon! If that's the best you have, I might as well throw in the towel or finish you. In my opinion, Wesker doesn't need a weak little pissant like you. I'd be doing him a favor if I just slit your throat and gutted you right here right now." Krauser spat as he twirled his combat knife. Steve managed to get up and snap his arm back in place.

"I thought you said you were going to snap my neck…" Steve said with a sarcastic tone, grinning slightly. Krauser's eyes narrowed, "Only reason I don't kill you, is because you're of use to Wesker. Otherwise, I'd end your existence right now." Krauser said, resheathing his knife. He quickly took off his jacket, tossing it aside. He then tosses his beret as well, as it landed perfectly on his jacket. Krauser popped his back and neck, as he struck a fighting stance. Steve frowned and charged at Krauser again. Krauser charged back and the two collided. Grappling with great strength, the two grunted and growled at one another. Dennise looked at Wesker. "Sir, maybe we should stop them. They seem to be getting slightly out of hand, don't agree?" she asked him. "Nonsense, my dear. They are tougher than they look."

Krauser suddenly shoves Steve away. Steve leaps backwards, getting some distance. They both start charging at one another once again and rear back opposite fists. A loud 'thoom' ensues, as the two are knocked back to where they started, landing on their backs. They had both simultaneously punched one another. Steve gripped his hand, "Yeow! He's got a jaw of concrete!" he muttered to himself, flipping back onto his feet.

Krauser flipped onto his feet as well and gives Steve a taunting gesture. Steve attacks and unleashes a four-punch combat. Once more, Krauser teases Steve, "What just bit me? Was that a mosquito?" Krauser grinned evilly as he said that. Krauser doesn't allow the uppercut Steve tries for a second time, but Steve manages to smack him across the face in the process, infuriating Krauser. Krauser grabs ahold of him and begins to choke him. Steve gasps and cries out, his air supply being harshly cut short. Steve's eyes looked around insanely, as he coughed and panted harder and harder, his life coming to an end…again.

"Krauser!" Wesker shouts. Krauser stops applying pressure, freezing in place. "That is enough..." said the blonde man into the microphone. Krauser let go as Steve fell to the ground, holding his throat. He gasps for air, almost choking as his lungs try to get air in and out of his body. Wesker was obviously not pleased, "Krauser, do as you are instructed or I shall see to you myself…" Wesker's eyes flared up as he said this, obviously angry with Krauser. Krauser looked at Wesker with just a small hint of fear in his eyes. "Yes sir…" He grunted, looking at Steve for a moment. He turned around and headed for the exit, slamming the door behind him.

Dennise that sat in the observation room, holding her clipboard against her chest. She watched as Krauser left the training room, clearly irritated. Steve walked into the observation room with blood splattered all over him, sweat dripping from every pore in his body and his breathing heavily. Wesker glared at Steve through his sunglasses, "You could've done better," he said in an annoyed tone. Dennise rose to her feet and faced them, "Sir, I believe he should now be briefed." She said with a dry throat, almost as if she'd been the one doing the sparring. "Indeed. Take him to get...cleaned up and I will meet you both in the briefing room," Wesker stated making his way out.

Steve and Dennise went the same room where he'd recieved his clothing as she grabbed some sponges, towels, bandages and other medicinal materials to cleanse Steve from his wounds. Even though he easily regenerated most of his injuries, he still needed medical assistance. Steve was silent, as if in a daze. His mind had taken in so much in the past few hours that it was overwhelming him. Dennise was also silent, her mind filled with questions and data pertaining to the T-Veronica virus and its potential.

"Dennise..." Steve said softly, looking down at her as she tended to his arms, "when will I be able to see Claire?" he continued his voice so full of innocence. Dennise didn't respond, for she did not know the answer. "I need to know when I can see her...I need to--" Steve continued, but Dennise interrupted, "As I said before, Mr. Burnside. You will be briefed on this matter shortly, since I am not at the liberty to state that information." Dennise's voice seemed cold for some reason, not the usual warm-hearted tone. "Are you still mad at me for hurting you?" Steve asked but Dennise ignored him as she stood to her feet and gestured him to follow her. They shortly arrived at the briefing room where Wesker was sitting and waiting. "About time..." he said, standing to his feet as Steve and Dennise sat down.

Wesker turned his attention to Steve, who sat there fidgeting like a child. He then tossed Steve a file entitled "Project Burnside" as he began his briefing. "Your body was recovered by my men at the Antarctic Base two years ago. Inside your body you held part of the T-Veronica virus that had been administered by Alexia Ashford..." Wesker stated, watching as Steve drifted off into thought. He knew Steve was remembering what had happened before his apperant 'death'. "You were brought here where my associate, Dennise, renimated your body and basically ressurected you. By reviltalizing you, you gained abilities. We didn't revive you without a purpose, though. We need your assistance..."

"Why would you need my help? I mean...you have really powerful people already working for you," Steve said. "True, but we need you for something delicate. We need you to find Claire Redfield..." the second Wesker said the name Claire, Steve sat up in his chair. "Claire!" Steve said loudly, making Dennise wince from the spontaneous question. "Yes. I have been informed that she is somewhere in New York City. We will be sending you there and it is your mission to find her." Wesker said, "But...why do you need me to find her? I--" Steve began before Dennise cut him off, "Do not question authority, Mr. Burnside." Wesker smirked at her, appreciating her sharp response.

Steve had so many questions, but kept them to himself. He didn't want to know what the answers could be. As long as he would be able to see his beloved Claire again, its all that mattered. He'd cheated death for her and would do so again. He didn't say another word. "I'm so glad your willing to do this for us, Steve," Wesker said with a grin spreading across his face. Wesker's plans were going perfectly…

After escorting Steve to his dormitory, Dennise returned to the lab to begin the report for Wesker. She sat at the computer and began to enter the data she had collected in her clipboard. She ran several analysis tests on Steve's blood and combat efficiency information. She continued this for a few hours. Eventually the fatigue of being awake for so many hours finally hit her. She removed her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Suddenly the sound of the cliding doors behind her made her turn her head. Wesker casually walked in.

"You should get some rest, Dennise," he said walking over to her. She looked up at him from her seat and nodded, "You're right, Sir…" she replied gently, standing up. Wesker's hand reached towards her face as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He smiled at her; "I am very pleased with what you have accomplished. I'm delighted to have you as my associate." He said, moving his hand down to her chin and tipping her head upward.

"I'm glad…I could…fulfill my duties…Sir." Dennise said almost inaudible, her cheeks flaring pink. Wesker leaned down, their noses almost touching, "I know you won't dissapoint me, dear…" He whispered, in a tone not too many were lucky to hear. Their lips were only inches apart, but as Dennise began to close her eyes the alarms went off. The lab flashed in red as Dennise quickly turned away from Wesker. An H.C.F. solder ran in panting furiously, "Commader Wesker! Burnside has completely gone insane!" yelled the soldier. "What!" Wesker growled dissapearing in a black blur.

Dennise turned her attention to her computer monitor and stood there in absolute shock as the word "UNSTABLE" read on Steve's DNA data…