A/N: I don't own anyone but Alex but she will proclaim she owns Piers and Chris…Capcom owns the rest….DAMN THEM!


"You have everything?"

Alex paused and looked over at Claire who was sweeping a foot in front of her. She knew the younger sibling was hurting inside over Chris's uncharacteristic departure. They all were.

"Yeah I think so. I packed Chris's clothes too. Who knows what he's doing or where he is…."

Alex had buried her emotions deep in the recesses of her mind but still she felt a high degree of guilt. She had been told repeatedly by Jill Claire and Piers this wasn't her fault. Her actions didn't force Chris to simply vanish like he had. Convincing herself was the most difficult part.

"Why didn't I see it coming Claire? Why didn't I look harder?"

"You couldn't know this would happen," Claire sighed. "I mean…."

"I know," Alex closed her eyes and sat on the edge of the bed. It felt strange seeing it made tight and orderly. The whole aura of the apartment felt so off. It was like it wasn't her home. It was someone else's and she was an intruder; an intruder that had manipulated her way in.

"But it doesn't make it any easier."

Claire reached over and grabbed her friend by the forearms, taking Alex in one last hug.

"When did we ever get an easy life?" She joked with a bitterness that made Alex snort in kind.

"We're cursed it seems," she pulled back and grabbed the waiting duffel.

Piers was standing in the living room as Alex and Claire emerged from the hall. He extended a hand, relieving her shoulders of the burden.

"You ready?"

"I guess."

Piers noticed the lines that had accented her eyes were darker than the previous day but puffy on top of that. He wondered if she had been crying as well. It wouldn't surprise him. Chris was her life and seeing her behavior last night only confirmed it.

Jill, who had been silent on the couch, hopped up and hugged Alex hard.

"When you bring him back I want to kick his ass for doing this to us."

Alex wasn't sure if it was an attempt at humor or she was serious and guessed it was both.

"We have to find him first," Alex pulled back. "And right now we don't have any idea where to begin. I mean we're going to start in London and go from there."

"Well just be careful. Who knows what those bastards are scheming."

"I'll be armed," she slipped. When everyone was away, Alex had packed the Samurai Berettas stashed in the closet.

"How? I mean the TSA…." Claire raised an eyebrow.

"The B.S.A.A. is offering transportation so we can bypass all of the civilian checkpoints."

"Problem solved," Alex shrugged half heartedly.

"We need to go Alex," Piers nudged her gently. "The plane leaves in ninety minutes."

"Right," she gave Claire one last goodbye and cast a long sad glance over her shoulder as Piers escorted her out the door.


Alex stared blankly out the window as the plane climbed to cruising altitude. She wasn't one for flying but would do it when necessary. Piers had noticed how quiet and distant Alex had grown since taking her seat. She had been silent since leaving the apartment, speaking only when he asked something and even then it was a short grunt or hum. And that was if she wasn't dazed or out of it.

Piers decided it was best to leave her alone and stared ahead at the back of the seat in front of him. He couldn't start to fathom what was running through her mind at that moment and frankly he was afraid to know. It was so much for her to comprehend but she chose to fight it alone.

"Sir, would you like some coffee?"

The attendant had snuck on them. He waited patiently for Piers to respond. The rich Kona did smell heavenly.

"Please," he finally answered.

"How about you ma'am?" He looked over to Alex. She didn't budge and kept staring out the window.

"No thank you," Alex didn't give the courtesy of a glance. The attendant caught the deep sympathetic look from her companion.

"If you need anything please press this button and I will respond."

"Thank you," Piers smiled politely. He wasn't about to reprimand Alex as she had enough to contend with.

"Piers," Alex pulled her eyes from the oval pane and over to the marksman. "Do we even know where to begin?"

"B.S.A.A. did pick up a lead on Chris." Piers pulled up the sharp image on the laptop. Alex leaned over into Piers as the unmistakable face of Chris Redfield was in the middle of Belfast International Airport. He didn't have any luggage on him which didn't pass unnoticed.

"This was 36 hours ago."

"Did they find out where he went? I mean that's not it is it?"

"Once he stepped outside they lost track of him. Northern Ireland isn't exactly a quiet neighborhood."

"I know; the trial for the attempted bioterrorism suspects is about to start."

"Exactly," Piers wished he had more for her but Chris knew how to shake the B.S.A.A. He knew they would be searching for him. "It would be of no effort for him to blend in."

Alex deflated and resumed staring out the window.

"I know you didn't want to hear that. I'm sorry."

"No," Alex shook her head. "Sugar coating it makes it worse. But I appreciate your concern."

Piers rubbed his eyes and took a drink of the cooling brew before him. There was a slightly bitter note at the end but smooth going down.

"I want him home."

He looked over to see a hand swiping across and erasing the tear that started trickling down.

"Hey," he unbuckled his belt and got in front of her. Piers reached out, taking her face gingerly in his hands. The warmth of his touch against her skin was strangely comforting considering it was Piers and not Chris kneeling down in front of her. "We're gonna find him. I promised you I would find him."

Alex swallowed the growing lump in her throat as she remembered what Piers had told her on the ride to the airport.

"I don't care how long it takes us I promise we will find him."

She felt her lips shift and twitch into a half hearted smile. Piers had determination.

I can see why Chris spoke highly of him.

The marksman withdrew his hands from her face letting his fingers glide along her cheek and jaw until their connection severed. He returned to his seat, taking a longer drink from the plain white mug.

"So where exactly are we staying?"

"London for tonight and tomorrow then up to Belfast," Piers paused before continuing. "You need to rest a little Alex. You're tired."

"I don't need it," she bitterly muttered.

"Alex please," Piers didn't want to beg but he knew her body and mind were fatigued. Alex scrubbed her hand up and down her face, irritated by Piers.

"I have to find him."

"How are you going to find him if you're tired and weak?"

"You have no idea what I'm capable of," she whispered just low enough for Piers not to hear.

"Alex I'm just worried about you that's all."

"Good to know," her voice had the warmth of a dead fish.

"Fine," Piers stopped trying and got up leaving Alex alone. Maybe he just needed to let her be and come to terms with what was occurring. He didn't know what it was like to be in love with someone like she was with Chris. Piers had been more of a ladies' man; never staying in one place or with one person for too long. But that gradually subsided after joining the B.S.A.A. He wanted to be more like his captain. Perhaps some time in the future he could capture what Chris already coveted.

Yet he took off leaving her alone…

Alex turned from the window and leaned over to retrieve the carry on under her seat. She tugged the zipper on the right side apart pulling out the small album nestled comfortably inside. A thumb swept up and down with loving strokes for a few moments before turning the protective plastic cover open. The first photo was of them about a month or so after they started dating. It had been taken at a Detroit Red Wings game.

Her index finger replaced the thumb and traced randomly over the bright eyes and smile of the elder Redfield. Barry had been so gracious in snapping the moment Chris caught her off guard with hard press of his lips to hers. Barry and Kathy got a great laugh out of it; of course it was Alex's expense. But she had not been upset or slightest bit agitated. Once the initial shock had set in she caught a glimpse of the image and laughed at her own reaction. Their laughter rung in her ears as she flipped to the next.

Piers watched from a few seats away, seeing the light returning before flickering out like a flame in the wind. Her lips were quivering as the memories rushed in like a flood, drowning her mind in a sea emotions the longer she stared at each image.

His phone buzzed and he didn't recognize the number off the bat.

"Nivans," he answered.

"Piers this is Leon, Leon Kennedy."

"Leon," he was taken aback by this unexpected caller.

"Claire told me about where you and Alex were going."

"She wouldn't say no."

"And I didn't expect anything less from her either. Anyways I wanted to give you the name of a friend of mine in Eastern Europe who may be able to help you. His name is Alexander Kozachenko but he is also known as Buddy. I already contacted him and he is willing to assist you."

"Well thank you Leon," Piers was unsure of what else to say.

"I know you don't know me very well but Alex is my friend and I care about Claire; a lot."

Leon unnecessarily added the last part but felt he had to make a point.

"Alex said you two met after Raccoon City was obliterated."

"First day on the job and the city is full of infected and gets nuked."

"Leon," Piers paused and glimpsed over to Alex who was now accepting what appeared to be tea from the attendant. A tiny smile slit his lips in half. "Thank you."

"Well if it means bringing Chris back sooner then there is no need to thank me."

"Still Leon I want to thank you."

"Chris is well respected and loved Piers. For him to do this is just unheard of. He didn't do this after Jill went missing."

"So I understand."

"This really hit him. Just find him before he winds up hurt or worse. God knows what neo-Umbrella is doing right now."

"It's why we are looking for him."

"I have to go but I will call when I can. Keep Alex safe. Claire would be devastated if anything happens and Jill would be beside herself."

"I won't put her in any intentional harm Leon. I can promise you that."

"Take care Piers."

Piers hung up and saw the message from Leon a few moments later. It was the number for his Eastern Slav friend. He would reach out once they arrived in London.

Alex had returned the album to its resting place, unable to look at the past without becoming overwhelmed. She couldn't sit still to read and felt anxious where she sat. God could this plane not get to London any fucking faster? If the pilots didn't get there any sooner she would go up to the cockpit and fly it herself!

"Alex," Piers slid back in the seat beside her.

"If the pilots don't get us there I am going to fly this plane myself!"

"Alex you need to calm down."

"You have no idea….." Alex dropped her head in her hands.

"I know I don't know what it's like to be in your position but Alex you won't be in this alone. You have Claire, Jill, Leon, and me. You aren't fighting this on your own."

She lifted her head up while her fingers intertwined beneath her chin. Her mind raced but her body was starting to long for rest. Depravation was a vile thing on the body. It made a person do, think and say things that they would not otherwise commit to.

"Piers," she wearily sighed. "I'm sorry for snapping and being a bitch. I know you're trying to help."

"Alex, I'm not upset at you. You're dealing with a lot right now."

"I shouldn't yell at you."

"I'm here for you," he covered her hands with his. "If I let this get to me I wouldn't be here, we wouldn't be here on the way to London. You're strong; you will persevere."

Piers caught the crooked smile crack the side of her mouth. Tears had gathered in the corners of her eyes. "Thanks…."

He didn't respond with words but instead simply wrapped her in a supportive embrace. The marksman felt the hot stab of anger at Chris threatening to rise but he quelled it just as fast as it began.

"I think I'm going to try and sleep," she turned and eyed the small but comfortable couch a few feet away. "I overheard the captain and we have 18 hours left."

Piers nodded with a warm smile, inwardly pleased she was taking the steps, albeit baby steps, in the right direction. He hoped she would be able to sleep. Alex stretched across the couch, yawning as her head hit the pillow. Piers wanted to sleep but couldn't feel the calling as she had. Alex needed it more than him though. She had not slept right for days. His mind and body had grown accustomed to the random peaks of rest and flight. Some instances he had found he couldn't sleep when most normal humans rested then crash in the middle of the day.

The young marksman felt the stab of envy pinching his chest. Chris was so damn lucky to have a girl like Alex. He wished he could share in the same fortune as his captain. Perhaps he would but then being in the B.S.A.A. could be a disadvantage.

If only there was another girl like you Alex…I would do anything for her….

Piers shook his head and growled at the inner diction. What was wrong with him? Why did he even dare to devise that? He needed to focus on the mission and that was bringing Chris back home.


"Alex," Piers whispered as he gently shook her shoulder. "Alex you need to come sit back down. We're approaching London."

"Hmmmmm," she groaned and stretched before swinging her legs off the couch and shuffling back towards her seat. She buckled up and proceeded to crack her back, every vertebrae falling in line with a pop or snap. Her eyes went to the window scanning the dark landscape below. Clouds skirted by obstructing her line of sight as the bright outlines and patterns of the old city raced beneath them. Big Ben stood erect like the very guards that protected Windsor Palace as Parliament loomed in its shadow. The curviness of the Thames slithered into a solid finger of water as it wove through the dense population.

Alex had never been to Europe let alone London. The closest thing she had come to international was crossing into Toronto when Chris attended a B.S.A.A. conference once. Her thoughts crawled back to Chris, speculating as to whether or not Chris was down there somewhere in the camouflage of faces and lights. It was grander than Raccoon City had been or even New York City for that matter.

The plane descended towards a private runway just off of Heathrow International Airport. The wheels screeched then bounced as rubber connected to tarmac. Speed bowed to idle as the engines gave a final whine then died. Alex sighed and clicked the belt apart, eager to begin the search.

"There's a car waiting to take us to the hotel," Piers took the duffel from her hold. "We can shower and rest before-"

"No," Alex coldly cut him off. "We search for Chris."

"Alex," Piers shifted the weight of the bag across his back. "The B.S.A.A. and Interpol have APBs for him. Remember what I said on the plane?"

"You're right," she quickly recalled their discussion. "Let's go."


Piers led the way through the modest but modern terminal allowing her to stop and take care of business. Alex grabbed something to drink along the way before they were escorted to the waiting town car.

She said nothing the entire route towards the hotel, left alone to comprehend everything that had happened. Piers could only cast a soulful look towards her as she took a drink of water once in a while before keeping her eyes fixed on the window. He knew what she was thinking and harbored the same sentiment.

The hotel was on the Thames, offering a commanding view of the city. Kings and royalty had once haunted the very halls that now housed guests and staff. Alex shivered as she crossed inside, feeling the weight of history and concealed emotions and dramas that had been encased for centuries. Piers was focused on the front desk as the clerk looked up and offered a warm welcoming smile.

"Hi," the marksman greeted. Alex scanned the overlook then either corridor. She frowned and did a double take as something grasped her attention.

"No," she shook her head. "It can't be….."

The blur of black sharply turned around the corner. She was pulled away from the main reception area and drawn in by an invisible pull.

Alex…..

The voice purred beside her.

YOU'RE NOT REAL!

Oh but on the contrary Dear Heart…I am very much real and very much a part of you as you are very much a part of me…..

LEAVE ME ALONE!

I'm genuinely wounded by your rejection….We shared so much you and I…..

WE SHARED NOTHING!

"Alex," Piers turned to see his companion had gone missing. "Damn it," he muttered and took off in search of her. Something told him to race down to the right; the same way she had taken minutes before.

"Alex," he called out mindful of the guests that were behind each door. Piers took a sharp left greeted with a dead end or more hallway.

"No…." his ears strained for the voice. "No…..I…..Am…..Not…."

"Alex," he rushed in the direction of the anguished cries. "Alex," his heart dropped as his eyes fell upon the shivering woman huddled on the bench. Alex had her back turned towards him with her hands clamped across her ears. He placed a hand on her lower back with slow swipes of his hand running up then down her spine. Her body was hot against his touch planting a seed of worry.

Alex….

The vision of the marksman materialized in her mind.

Alex I'm here…..

Her eyes opened up to the cool mint wall and the warm pressure of a hand on her back.

"Alex I'm here," Piers felt her shirt growing damp from the heavy layer of sweat that coated her body. He wasn't sure what to do. She wasn't responding and was perspiring profusely despite the frigid London air. He placed a hand across her forehead and heard the alarm bells going off in his head.

"You're burning up."

Piers gathered Alex in his arms and rushed to the room, 1998. Their bags were already waiting as the staff had overseen its care.

"Piers," she whispered. Delirium threatened as the fever raged unchecked.

"It's alright," he wasn't sure if he believed his reassurance. "I'm getting you to the room."

"So weak….." she groaned.

"Shhhh," he wished the elevator would hurry the fuck up. Alex felt as if she was trapped in her body; a living breathing prison. Piers burst from the elevator before the doors had opened all the way. "Wait," he saw the staff member leaving the room. "Hold it open."

"Mr. Nivans," the attendant pushed the door open. "Is everything alright?"

"My friend doesn't feel well," he charged through the door.

"Shall I call a doctor?" The man offered.

"No," the marksman turned down the offer. "She is tired from jet lag."

"If you need something do call us."

"I will thank you."

Piers shut the door and quickly lowered her on the king sized bed. Now her hair was damp and plastered to her forehead and neck. He didn't hesitate to peel away the clammy articles of clothing. Modesty took a back seat as he collected the shivering naked body in his arms and hurried for the bathroom.

The marksman had filled the tub partial way, fearing she could drown. Piers was gentle and attentive in his sweeps of cotton and lather, checking for any missed spots before proceeding to the next. While his mind barked to keep focused, Piers couldn't but help to steal random glances of Alex's body. She wasn't thin but filled out in the right places. Her hips had the perfect curvature while her arms and shoulders were subtle in definition. It wasn't anything wrong, catching glimpses of her body. Piers was working feverishly to help Alex feel better.

Damn it Nivans! Now is not the time!

His conscience ripped within the confines of his mind.

He yanked the drain plug and with one hand supporting his unconscious friend the other snatched the towel beside his leg. Both hands slowly twisted the mane of raven to wring the excess water out. Piers then wrapped the white fluffy towel as best he could around the splotchy skin before exposing her to the cooler air of the adjacent room.

Once she was on the bed he went to retrieve some clean clothes. Piers didn't go through her bag, not wanting to dig for what he needed so instead he went to his baggage and dragged the dark green shirt and white boxers from the top. Setting those close by he went out to dry the burning skin. Even through the expensive towel he could feel the head penetrating through making contact with his hands. He pressed two fingers to her throat and was stunned by what he discovered.

Alex's pulse was calm and slow. But how? She was on fire! Humans normally didn't have a nice even heart beat when their bodies were ravaged by a fever…Right? Something wasn't right.

"Piers….." Alex groaned from the bed.

"Alex, you're burning up," his concern was higher than he desired it to be.

"Will…..be…..fine…." She whispered. "Just…..need…rest…."

"I'm going to find you some ice and aspirin," he started to rise but her hand suddenly latched around his wrist with the ferocity of a shark's jaw.

"Don't need aspirin," she clenched her jaw tight. But the mention of icy refreshment relaxed the tension in her mouth. "Water would be nice."

"Alright," he nodded with a shaky smile. Alex smiled back then happened to catch her body was wrapped in just a towel. Her brow ticked and mouth drooped into a frown as her sapphire rings questioned him.

"I found you in the lobby sweating and sick. I-I wanted to help you."

"Don't be upset," she slowly rose and pushed up against the pillows keeping the towel draped over her. "I'm not mad. It helped."

"Right," Piers rubbed the back of his neck while staring at the floor.

"Piers," Alex leaned over pushing her fingers into the bony part of Piers' chin forcing the marksman to meet her sympathetic gaze. "I'm not upset. What you did was selfless."

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so…hot? Your pulse is steady which doesn't happen with a high fever."

Alex cleared her throat cursing her body for this. She had to think fast.

"I have a rare condition that causes my body temperature to flare up whenever it wants to. There's no cure or real treatment except to rest and let each episode pass."

"Does Chris know about it?" Piers instantly wished he could've taken back that question. Of course Chris would know unless she was just that damn good at concealing it from him.

"Unfortunately," she sighed. "But he understands."

"I'll go get the ice," Piers stood up and started for the door. Alex was already feeling her body begin to cool thanks to the luxurious bath courtesy of Piers. It was sweet what he did. Alex turned and spotted the shirt and boxers on the pillow beside her. Not wanting to get off the bed or perhaps it was because she didn't want to be ungrateful Alex slipped the shorts and shirt on. She found the worn cotton was very comfortable. Her nose picked something up as she lifted her arm and inhaled through the sleeve. It was his scent.

A delicate hint of musk and perhaps some cologne cracked her mouth into an amused smile. It was wonderful while tickling her senses with each deep breath she took. Chris's scent was harsher with after shave and earth being his trademark. She loved that scent. But Alex was finding a growing fondness for this new infusion as well.

The click of the door alerted her to Piers' return and instantly she dropped her arm as he stepped back in holding an overflowing bucket of perfectly cut cubes. Piers noticed she had put on the clothes he had grabbed earlier and getting under the plush comforter.

"I found the clothes," she wearily smiled. "Thanks; you didn't have to do this."

"It was no bother," he smiled while grabbing a glass and the scoop. "I didn't think it would be right going through your bag."

What he meant was he didn't want to upset her any further. Piers wasn't sure how she would've reacted if he had gone through her clothing and Chris's clothing so he took the safer route.

"Well thank you anyways," she accepted the frosty glass and threw her head back gulping heartily until the ice remained. "That felt good going down."

"How are you feeling now?" He perched on the edge of the bed. Alex reached out grabbing his hand and giving it a firm squeeze.

"Better," she smiled tiredly. "But now I feel like I was thrown under a tank."

She started burying herself under the blanket letting the artificial cocoon lull her to sleep. Piers got up and decided to catch a shower before heading off to bed himself. Relief settled in as Alex was recovering nice and fast. Still he couldn't shake the suspicions about her sharp decline then instant rebound. But perhaps for now it was best to keep his questions internal. Alex seemed to know what her symptoms were and how long the durations were. It was heartbreaking though to see her suffer like this. She had no control over the condition, making her a slave to its will.

The marksman sighed and headed for the bathroom, anxious to slip beneath the blankets and forget the day even if it was temporarily.