Disclaimer: Again, I don't own Resident Evil, Raccoon City or anything that was presented in this fan fiction. Characters that will be presented in this fic: Cyril & Sierra Leong, Lavender & Alexandra McHale, Wilson James, Noah Windchaser and Maia Dawn belongs to me.

Chapter 1: Anew

(April 17, 1998. Thursday)

"Welcome to our new home, Cyril!"

The woman danced around the empty apartment as I entered through the door. The floor will need some sweeping, and white cloths are covering the rest of the furniture. The ceiling is white and dusty with cobwebs in the corners. The space between the tiles were dirty and dusty, not to mention that the walls themselves are a bit of mellow. Probably because of old age. As usual, I heaved out a heavy sigh as the woman accidentally tripped over the sofa and tumbled on it. Dusts started to soar as I, the raven-haired teen pushed open the windows and looked down at the poorly-lit street. There wasn't much activity since we arrived… not now anyway. I've heard people in the states usually stay back after 7 at night. I wonder how true this statement is.

"I'm okay!" She shouted as she sprung up in a swift movement and patted her jacket. Her smirk still on her face although I could see a small bump on her head. I walked towards her and looked 'up' to her face. Yeah… I'm short that way. DON'T even complaint about my height unless you're looking for a fight.

"Mom, are you okay?" I asked her with my oh-so-serious expression while I placed my palm on her head. She merely smiled and her gaze is so warm… And I smiled too, with a streak of… happiness in my heart as she grabbed my hand and put it back to my side. She nodded solemnly, and back to her hyper mode again as she pulled all the white sheets off the sofa, the table, and the other furniture. I simply stood there, surprised as I looked at the girl standing outside the doorway, who was probably somewhere my age and she's staring at us with utmost curiosity. The girl had flowing blonde hair, and a pair of cool blue eyes. She wore a black T-Shirt, with the words "What are you looking at, Punk!" printed on it, and a pair of 'not-quite-torn' jeans. Fashions? Pfft. But those glacier-filled eyes sure send chills down my spine.

"Who are you guys?" She asked with her expressionless face. I turned to look at my mother, who seemed to disappear into the kitchen. I turned at her, and she was looking back at me. Our eyes locked with each other's, and this cold war ended with me giving up first. I sighed and extended my hand to her.

"Cyril. Cyril Leong. I just moved in. And you are?"

She looked at my hand, and just looked at me with those stale, cold eyes. I pulled back my hand with my eyes still locking to hers. "Er… okay." This girl is definitely inside my 'weird' directory.

"You have a strange accent. I take it that you're not from here?" She asked, her voice a bit like a high-strung evangelist. Then she smiled, like a glacier melted and revealed the beautiful maiden hiding within. At least I hope so. "Good. It means you're not from Uptown Raccoon." And this time, she offered her hand to me instead. "The name's Lavender McHale. Nice to meet you."

"Hey, no fair Lav! I thought- Wow…" And another blonde with curly hair appeared behind her, her blue eyes staring at me, up and down. And she nodded continuously. "You're one hunk of a male. So do you want to-"

"Oh, shut up Alex. Can't you see we're talking?" Lavender looked at the girl behind her, who was obviously a few inches taller than me. 'Alex' took my hand, and shook it vigorously while staring at me with a VERY peculiar look in her eyes.

"My name is Alexandra McHale. Wow, you know? You're one of the cutest guys I have ever seen in my entire life! Do you want to go on a date with me? Because I am like, know the ins and outs of every alleys and walkways in this place! Do you know the best smoothies in the whole town? I know! It's in-"

"Alright! Alright! I know! STOP interrupting every conversation I'm trying to make alright!" Lavender shouted suddenly, and the door opposite to my apartment opened, revealing a tall boy with messy brown hair in his white shirt looking at all three of us. "Lav, you don't have to shout you know. And Alex, stop making your 'statements' in front of my door could you? And- huh? I've never seen you before…" Then, he got out from his home and closed the door softly. Only now did I realize a fact… They're all taller than me. Gulp.

Lavander sighed lightly as she finally got a bit of control of the situation. Thanks to the… and I looked 'up' to him. This is really getting annoying… And suddenly, he began to catch on my hair and start messing them up. "Hey!" I yelled at the guy and he just laughed out as he released his grab. "Hey kid, how old are you? You're about 7 inches shorter than me!" I looked up to him again……

…….

…………..

I really need to drink more milk…

"Anyway, my name is Cyril, and I'm 16 for your information." As I grabbed away his hand, and shook it softly. "My name is Wilson. Just call me Wil. I guess we'll be neighbors now, huh? The McHale are living just on the floor above yours." And a sob was heard. "Oh my God! I can't believe this! Cyril's all grown up and he's making friends!" I turned around; my face a little bit blushed as she walked towards the group, pretending to be crying in gratitude to God. "I'm a bit embarrassed here…" I whispered to her when she was within talking distance. She laughed out again.

Lavender extended her hand immediately to greet the woman beside me. "Nice to meet you, Miss Leong. I assume you must be Cyril's elder sister?" She just stared at her as I slapped my hand on my forehead. "Er… isn't that right?" And all hell broke loose as my mother, the renown Sierra Leong burst out with her laughter of unimaginable horror. No doubt the whole world can hear her laughing till she finally get to that dark, silent place, if you know what I mean.

"Lavender, she's my mom." I told them with a serious look on my face. Now it's the guys and gals turn to start laughing… Oh boy… This is going to be SOME new start…

I felt that I was… floating. I felt my mind… empty. I can hear myself breathing slowly… inhale, and exhale… inhale and exhale… I could feel the bubbles sliding through my skin, like jellies splattered on your arms, your legs… I was feeling strange, like I know this feeling… so… familiar…

My mind is so … where? And when?

And I opened my eyes… And flashes, flashes, and flashes…

(April 18, 1998. Friday)

I opened my eyes, sweat pouring out from all my pores. My breaths were heavy, grips tightened. A sudden fear clutched my heart like something was going to grab me out of the blue… or dark. I pushed myself up and looked on the empty walls around me, the shadows and the silhouettes… It was just a dream. Nothing wrong here, just a dream. I looked at my watch which I placed on the floor, near the couch that I was sleeping on, and looked at the hands – which I always wander why they don't just call them fingers.

"Four in the morning…" I mumbled to myself. The weather is finally getting me, it was so different here, and the air was so dry. I shook my head as I lay on my back again. My head was kind of... dizzied, to say the least. It had been so long since I felt this kind of pain since… I don't know. I rally have to keep up with my medication. I can't say I hate those pills, but they're my only temporary sanctuary for now.

As I tried to ignore the pain, I closed my eyes again. The pain would pass, like it always did. The pills must be taken after a meal, and I'm in no mood to make one. Or even have one. And I slowly took in a deep breath… At least I can start my life all over again.

I hummed a tune as I closed the door behind me. Although my mother seems to have left for Umbrella's HQ in the central part of town without telling me, it was still a great morning. I never really thought that I would be leaving without a guide, especially this early in the morning. I inserted the metal key and turned, I could hear the door being locked. I sighed, and pull out the cold, metallic piece and slid it down into the pocket of my blue jeans. Just as I was about to leave, I heard the door beside me opened, revealing the face of a boy I met yesterday. Wilson, he was wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of shorts. In his hand was a bag of garbage, prepared to be disposed of in the garbage dump near the entrance of the apartment building. I noticed that his hair was even messier than yesterday.

"You're quite early, Cyril. You don't have to get to school this early you know." His voice a bit grumpy. Note to self, Wilson is not a morning person.

"Morning, Wilson. I'm just going to take a walk, and try to familiarize myself with the surroundings." I answered, as I try to smile a bit.

"Well, you do that. By the way, can you help me with this bag of rubbish? I can use more sleep…"

"Uh, sure." And he handed me the bag of garbage, which I accepted 'whole-heartedly'.

"Well, g'night." And he went back inside, the door closed softly. I began to think… Were all Americans like him? I hope not. Plus, it's six-thirty in the morning, there's got to be someone who woke up early in the morning.

I walked down the stairs, bag in my hand. As I finally reached the opening, soft morning light showered down on me. I quickly reached for the garbage can (which was a bit bigger than I previously thought) and placed it in. I looked up, the sky was slowly lighting up, but I sometimes wonder… why some people never like this. I myself found these kind of days enchanting… enthralling even.

I looked at both ends of the streets which were divided by a road. To my left hand, I could see buildings with shop lots on its base floors at both sides. There's a records store, a convenience store, and several others which I can't quite identify. To my right, the same sight greeted me, though I was particularly interested in a shop near the road junction. I walked towards it with my curiosity growing stronger with every step I took. And finally, I reached it. I looked up at the sign. Open.

I pushed the door, ringing bells greeted me as I walked into the small shop. The first word that went through my mind was wow. Multi-colored tulips were on the shelves to my left while roses of different scent to my right. I could see other types of flowers as well. Lavenders, spearmints, dandelions, and flowers that I don't even know emerged as I walked deeper towards the wooden made counter. There's something that I can't quite comprehend… The calmness and tranquility… It reminded me of home here.

"Welcome. You're a bit early- oh my! Cyril! I am surprised to see you here!" Alexandra looked at me as she suddenly appeared from behind the counter. She looked almost plain in her dressing. Green, long-sleeved cotton shirt, jeans with gentle blues, a headdress (which was actually just a piece of white cloth covering the head) with her wavy blonde hair barely visible and a smile as sweet as honey. Her eyes locked into me as she played with a streak of clear golden hair that dropped to the front of her head.

"So you finally wanted to go out with me? Well, where did you want to bring me?"

I blushed a while as I turned a bit away. "Er…Alexandra… actually… no…"

I could hear her giggle girlishly as I looked at the flowers around the shop. I looked down near the counter and I saw some familiar items stacking on each others. I crouched down as I studied at the words on the packets.

"I never thought that boys would be interested in flowers. You're really interesting, you know that?" And I stood up; her smile never wavered from her face as she looked at me.

"Well… I did learn a thong or two about gardening when I was back in high school. But that's all."

"Back in high school? I though you're just 16! Tell me more!" She exclaimed in surprise as her blue eyes flickered with attentiveness. The bell rang again and I quickly stood away. Now I finally realized the meaning of the phrase 'saved by the bell'.

"Alex. I see there's someone earlier than me today." An elderly woman with a walking stick stood behind the glass door. Her smile soft, her face was filled with age and wisdom and her white hair were tied up properly with a black hair band. I looked at her, and she nodded to me.

My instinct immediately kicked in. "Good morning, madam."

"Ah, a youth with some manners. Such rarities in these kind of days, don't you agree, Alex?" She approached the counter slowly, but with a stability I can't even began to comprehend.

"Mrs. Archway. I have your Sunflowers right here. You're just as early as always." And I thought I heard a hint of sadness in her speech. "I… had hoped to give you more."

"It is alright, Alex. I know your kind intentions. But these old bones would have to turn to dust sooner or later. The trip to the hospital in Washington would be a long one, no doubt." And she took the Sunflowers, which Alexandra kindly handed to her with care.

"As always, I will pay you at the end of the month, Alex. A check will be sent to you by air-mail. Now, if you would excuse me, my boy." And I walked away a little as she turned back towards the door. I opened the door for her and she merely smiled at me as I opened the door for her. The bell rang a pleasant chiming sound.

"Chivalry is not dead, I see." And she walked off towards a black car. Her driver, dressed in handsome black suit was waiting for her arrival. I returned back into the shop, just in time to see Alex smiling bitterly.

"Hey… Are you okay?" I asked as I walked towards her. Her eyes had lost her twinkle as soon as the elderly woman left. I could do nothing to comfort any of them.

"I'm, I'm alright." And I could hear the deep breath she took, and then her smile returned. "Well, I'll interrogate you later. You should have other things to do. Go on."

I nodded a little, and I walked out, closing the door behind me. Now the sunlight was getting a bit intensive as more people were appearing from no where. Adults, teenagers, kids were all coming out from their home. I looked at my watch. Seven. Half an hour had passed? That was a bit quick… I folded my arms as I backed on the walls of the shop. My shirt was getting a bit soaked with sweat now. Suddenly, I felt some sort of… feelings directed towards me. I looked to my left, then my right.

"Hey! Over here!" And I looked towards a sign, Lavender and Wilson standing side by side with another boy their age with brown hair. I crossed the road and walked towards them warily. There was something wrong with them… Lavender looked almost… angry.

"Cyril! Tell her that I didn't tell you that Alex worked there!" Wilson told me with a voice that almost sounded like pleading. The girl immediately stepped on his right shoe (and foot) and twisted a bit. His facial expression immediately changed into the time he ate the spiciest food ever. Ouch.

"What was this all about?" I asked her, holding back every single one of my cell that was going to laugh at the scene, the rays of warm light flushing down on us as kids passing by us with bicycles, or some adults with bottles in their hands.

"What did my sister told you?" And she pointed her index finger at me, obviously unhappy about something that I wasn't aware of.

"Well, we chatted. That's all." I answered her with a lack of confidence. I can't tell her what had happened back there, can I? But something told me that she didn't quite believe me… Gulp.

Suddenly, the boy beside Wilson burst into laughter. "Sorry if I interrupted anything, Lav. But I don't think ANY thing happened between your boyfriend here and your sister. So relax."

"Noah, first, he's not my boy friend. Second, I DON'T care even if anything had happened to him or my sis-"

"I don't remember we met. My name is Noah, Noah Windchaser. Strange surname, I know. I happened to be half Sioux although I looked completely like a white male." And he extended his hand. As usual, I extended mine and we shook each other's hand (And I happened to be unknowingly ignored Lavender…). "I know you, Cyril. So you can spare your introductions to someone else. Perhaps we could- Ayaiyai!" And the tall boy yelped in pain as Lavender twisted her shoe above his. I could only smile…

The woman sat on her seat, reading the reports on the various test results. "These were ALL wrong! It shouldn't have caused the deterioration! IT SHOULDN'T HAVE!" She shouted at her male assistant as she threw the reports back on to the table with such force that it the table literally.

"But professor… without the proper genetic match to-"

"I know! I know! At this rate, the project will be discontinued… I will not accept this!" She shouted in rage as she buried her head in her arms. The office around her seems to be getting smaller, and smaller.

"It made the creation of the tyrant looks so much simpler…" The assistant mumbled to himself. He wasn't actually pleased about this. Neither did her.

"SHUT UP!" The professor shouted at him as she banged on her office desk again. Her assistant looked at her with cowardice shown in his face. "I won't raise up the white flag… not when we're so close in succeeding…" She reluctantly looked at the reports again, and then her notes on the other end of her table.

"The mutations of the subjects were perfect! If only we could eliminate that stupid factor, taking it out of the picture… God. Maybe you're right, Kyle. At least they found hosts for the Tyrant..." And her eyes looked at the data represented on the sheets again and again, her assistant merely looked at her with a mixed feeling of fear and anxiety.

"The mother virus, the progenitor virus, and mine… Something is missing in this equation. If only I could… No. I have to. This represents my life work… Maybe I should consult this with the Birkins… no. I can't… we're competitors. They have their own researches to conduct… Perhaps if I…"

And the fax machine beeped to life as papers began to roll in, but the woman ignored it. Her assistant, Kyle, as usual took the parchment and began reading it. "Looks like the upper level wanted to tighten security up. Security personnel from all over the place were being reallocated… I wonder what they were thinking." And he placed the piece of paper on the table, waiting for his superior to comment on it.

We walked towards the building not far away from us. We were talking with each other, smiles spread on our faces as they were telling me the many stories that had happened within the walls of their school. Too bad I finished my education… the school here sounds fun, especially the PE lessons. Dodge ball sounds like a fun game. Then we stopped at the front door of the school. Students were coming in and out, carrying books, bags and whatever they deems necessary.

"Well, we're here. Are you sure you don't want to take a visit? I could always…"

I shook my head and turn down Noah's offer. "Nah… it's alright. I should take a look around town."

"You sure you won't get lost? From what I heard you're quite the wanderer." Lavender folded her arms, her heavy make-up covering her intentions quite nicely. But she looked some kind of ghastly too.

"It's okay. I can always go to a police station if I got lost, can't I?"

"If you didn't get lost finding one first." And the others burst into laughter at Wilson's comment.

"Sarcasm. Got to love it when it was not directed at you." I told them as I smiled bitterly at them. "Well, you three better get back. I'm just going to, ah… wander around a bit. Anyway, thanks for the offer."

"Well, meet you back at my place. What do you say, Cyril?" Wilson stopped his laughter a bit as he reached at my head and going to mess with my hair again. But this time, I side stepped just as soon as he could reach my hair and he reached for the 'air' instead.

"Sure. Just don't try that trick again." And I walked away while waving at them. I barely left the school ground when I accidentally bumped into someone and I dropped onto the grassy earth. I could hear gasps coming from everywhere.

"I'm sorry…" I told the fattish figure as I tried to get up, and the face of a bald man (Not to mention angry) was looking at me. I was so sure that if eyes could kill, I would be dead by now, probably even buried.

"I don't know where you're going young man, but school is almost starting and I suggest you move along and get into class." With that, he merely walked away. Mumbling curses as the students of the school dispersed at his approach. Whoever that was, he was one unhappy figurine. I continued my way anyway since I'm no student of the school.

I walked and walked, ignoring things (that I know I shouldn't) around me as I walked aimlessly. Looking up to the buildings, watching people walking here and there. Kids like me trying to run to school…walking into this junction, into that small street, through this alley. Stopping for a while when it gives out the red light, continue walking when everything's green. There were so many things to see, so many places to explore… And I knew I should have taken Noah's offer… Now that I looked around me, I don't even know where I was! I sighed at my 'luck'. Lost in a city, how ironic. I stopped at my tracks… and somebody knocked me over from behind and made me lost my balance. I managed to recover before my head knocked on a nearby lamp post and rolled away just in time.

"I'm so sorry! Are you alright! I am so sorry! I didn't saw you stop!" A woman looked at me as she extended her hand. It seems like she was in some kind of a shock or something. I quickly stood up and patted on my jeans then I smiled at her.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking." I know someone who wouldn't even apologize. (Somewhere, a certain Sierra Leong sneezed.)

"I'm so so so sorry! I really didn't mean it. Are you sure you're okay? Do you need to see a doctor? Because if you do I know someone who can-"

"Really! I'm okay!" I told the woman who obviously needs a medical check up. "I'm really alright okay. See?" I extended both my arms in to the air. "No harm done."

"Praise be the lord." And she sighed out. It seems what happened back there had really scared her… "Maia Dawn. I'm a reporter for Raccoon Press." Only now I have a fair chance looking at her. Her jet black hair flowing naturally at her shoulders, a pair of eyes glowing with certain brown and black. She wore a plain white jacket over her blue shirt, and a blue skirt reaching her knees. Her hand holding small a hand bag as she looked at me.

"Was there something on my face?" She asked me as we both looked at each other. I could sense she was calming down now. That's good.

"My name is Cyril. Oh, and there's nothing wrong with your face."

She smiled cheerfully at me as she took my right hand. "Now, why weren't you at school kiddo? You aren't playing truant, are you?" And she gazed down at my eyes, trying to tear down the shield that my eyes represent… if there's anything for her to tear down.

"Well, I graduated from my secondary school already. So, I weren't actually required to go to school." I looked up at her and started to feel a bit foolish. "Umm…Can you help me? I am a bit lost to tell the truth…"

"So how's your day?" my mother asked me as I washed the empty plates in the sink. I merely sighed. Things had not gone the way I predicted that was for sure. At least now I have a few more friends in town. But I have to admit, today was a bit special. A bit 'out of the blue' but everything seems to work fine in the end.

First, I finally seemed to be able to work my way around the city thanks to Maia. She gave me several maps so that I could 'navigate' myself when I was in the city. They weren't very detailed maps, but should be enough to guide me around until I was familiar enough. She also gave me a name card, saying that I could contact her whenever I want. But I thought reporters were always looking for 'scoops'? Then I met the guys on my way home, and they were quite happy for me that the teacher I bumped into this morning hadn't shred me to pieces yet. According to them, the teacher was known as 'The Shredder'. Cross his path and your doom would be assured for the rest of the semester. Or so they say. I weren't even in their school to start with, so no problems there.

"Tell me, how was it? Good? Bad?" And two soft and powerful arms hugged me from behind, and I could feel my mom's naughty nuzzling on my neck. I sighed again. If someone else saw this, they would definitely get the wrong idea.

I leaned my head on hers, her breath warm. "Everything went not exactly as planned. But everyone here seems nice… at least those I've conversed with. And yours?" I asked her as my hands continue their work mindlessly.

"Well, it seems I would be leaving for a lab next week. I won't be back for a year or so after that. But the company did pay me a whole year worth of bonus for my service. Strange, but they did that. The only day I'll be back will be Christmas."

I stunned for a moment. A whole year?

"Don't worry, Cyril. You did set up the PC while I was away, didn't you? With that, we could send mails to each other without interruptions as long as I didn't add anything to do with the company." I could feel her hug tightened a bit more as she continued. I know… she was always like this, leaving me under other people's care while she was away working. But weren't I supposed to be with her?

"Your employment had been delayed because of complications between our government and the company. Apparently, our government said it is a waste for someone like you not to continue into a university…"

My hands stopped for a while, the sound of the rushing of clear tap water echoed through the walls. I then continued my work. "So?" I asked without interest. All that was important to me was here…

"Umbrella had also been considering on the fact that your… results are a bit too good to be an ordinary guard. But your inexperience on the various scientific fields would prove to be a problem. So they ah…"

I took a deep breath. "Let me guess. They offered me some kind of apprenticeship in exchange for me under their employment after this apprenticeship finished." My mind raced. For starters, I know that Umbrella wasn't as clean as its image was. Long have there been rumors of briberies, outlawed experimentations and others in the town I grew up.

"Cyril. This is your life. You make the decision." But I just stood there, waiting for an answer to form in my mind.

(End of Chapter 1: Anew)