A Star's Descent: Book Two: Star Fall
By evolution-500
Disclaimer: House of the Dead and Resident Evil are properties belonging to SEGA and Capcom respectively. I do not own any of these characters.
WARNING: This story contains violence, coarse language, mature and disturbing themes and imagery. Reader discretion is advised.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Conflicts
The dining hall was quiet, save for the crackling sounds of the burning hearth, the pattering of rain outside, and the crinkling of aged paper as pages were turned.
Standing by the fireplace, Rebecca watched as Wesker studied Star's manuscript, his black sunglasses scanning each illustration and note with rapt attention.
Following their return back to the dining hall, she and the others had quickly updated him about the various strange occurrences such as the pink lightning, along with their various odd encounters, including those with the Magician itself. Aside from omitting Billy's fate and Star's potential parentage, Rebecca hid nothing from the S.T.A.R.S. Captain, going so far as to supply him with the three books Star kept within his suitcase.
Wesker tilted his head in Rebecca's direction as he studied the manuscript. "And these...creatures...all of them are named after Tarot cards, as you say?"
Rebecca nodded. "As far as I'm aware, Captain."
"And this creature known as the Magician is somewhere here in this mansion?"
She nodded again. "I think so. I think it's somehow causing us all to hallucinate. We've been seeing and hearing all kinds of strange things these last few hours, some of them unrelated to zombies. It even dragged us into some kind of chamber outside in the cemetery. But that's not all, Captain - what's even more worrying to me is something that Kenneth said."
"And what's that?"
The girl shifted in discomfort. "According to Star, Kenneth...he said that Umbrella has plans for S.T.A.R.S."
Wesker froze just as he was about to turn the next page.
"Did he now?" Turning his sunglasses over to the albino, he stared directly at him, making the youth hesitate. "What else did Kenneth have to say?"
Star squirmed slightly, knitting his brows together, looking as though he were trying to recall the man's words. "He...um...he said something about amassing gambling debts, but he was very cavalier about it. He also mentioned something about supporting his children and having his eye on a vacation home in..." He furrowed his brows in deep concentration as he struggled to recall the details, "...Florida, I believe?"
"Did he say anything about who he was working for? Did he say anything about other people being involved?"
The albino shook his head. "No. As far as I'm aware, he seemed to be working on his own. At least, I think. I didn't hear anything to suggest such a thing. The only thing he said in relation to Umbrella was that they had plans for S.T.A.R.S., but what those plans were, he didn't elaborate any further other than its mention."
Chris gave a quizzical glance over to Wesker. "What makes you think there might be other people involved, Captain?"
Wesker closed the manuscript. "I don't. That said, however, given the fact that we are only now aware of Sullivan's treachery, I was only considering the possibility that he might have accomplices. While it is possible Sullivan could have been acting entirely on his own, we can't really know with a hundred percent certainty." He then shook his head. "A shame that he isn't alive for further interrogation. The information that we have so far, as scarce as it is, is faulty."
Jill looked around the dining hall suspiciously. "Any thoughts on what these "plans" could be, sir?"
Wesker shook his head a second time. "I'm afraid that I am as much in the dark about this as you are, Jill." He then shifted his attention over in Star's direction. "So, you say this...cult...that has been terrorizing you these past few months...they have been leaving you messages?"
Star nodded. "Yes, Captain. Someone left me this coat that I wear along with the gauntlets and that manuscript. They also highlighted a section in a book and left it on my lap while I had been asleep on the Ecliptic Express."
Opening up his suitcase, the albino sifted through the books, then brought out the one he was looking for, then opened up to the indicated page and gave it to Wesker for study.
"Interesting," the latter murmured as he read the highlighted section.
"They also marked him pretty badly, Captain," Joseph spoke, causing the teenager to flinch.
Lifting his eyes up from the page, Wesker then turned to face the latter directly, handing the book to Rebecca. "Show me."
Star swallowed. "Look, um...do I...do I really have to? I don't-"
"Do it."
The albino winced.
Rebecca frowned, crossing her arms. "Captain-"
"I want to see," Wesker cut her off, speaking in a tone that left no room for argument.
Sighing, she looked back to Star, then sadly nodded.
Casting his eyes down to the floor, the albino reluctantly took off his coat and shirt before them all, exposing his bandaged torso once more.
Rebecca then watched as Wesker approached, the S.T.A.R.S. Captain staring like one confronted with a Rubik's cube. Once again, she found herself put off by Wesker's coldly dismissive air as he insensitively felt all the lines and stitch marks around the albino's shoulders, his fingers tracing around the symbol branded on his back like a seasoned physician.
"How did you receive these wounds?" Wesker asked as he lifted the bandages from Star's shoulder.
"A fish man stabbed me with a trident," Star answered.
"A fish man, you say?"
"Yes. It had a ribcage that would open up every time it breathed." The albino then cupped his hands together, then parted, then folded them back in demonstration.
"Hm. Interesting."
The way Wesker circled around Star as he studied him reminded Rebecca of a shark, but what made it especially upsetting to her, though, was the complete disregard he had for his patient. His expression alone was unnervingly devoid of emotion, a detached mask completely lacking in either empathy or compassion, that clinically looked at Star the same way one would look at a frog that was ready for dissection in a biology class.
As Rebecca watched the whole thing, she suddenly clenched her hands together in silent anger and frustration.
There was a certain finesse to Wesker's movements, in the way that he examined and touched certain parts of the albino's scarred torso that seemed indicative of some form of medical training.
And yet, Rebecca could plainly see Star's deep distress, the boy looking completely ashamed and embarrassed with what was happening to him.
He looked like he wanted to cry, and that made her blood boil.
Rebecca wanted to angrily tell her superior off, to stand up for the albino...but...she couldn't. Instead, she was forced to watch him endure the humiliation, causing her to feel increasingly frustrated, if not conflicted.
Finally, Wesker pulled away and crossed his arms, holding his chin as he stared at the symbol on Star's back. "Hm."
Chris approached, staring at the angry scars on Star's pale flesh. "So, what do you think, Captain? Ever seen anything like this before?"
There was a momentary silence as Wesker stared at the marks, staring silently for so long that he almost seemed transfixed by them.
Finally, he then shook his head from side to side. "No," he answered.
Although the albino gave no visible bodily reaction, Rebecca could tell from the way he lowered his eyes that he was saddened by the response.
Star then spoke in a strained voice, "...Can I get my shirt back on now please?"
Wesker gave a dismissive wave. "Go ahead."
Rebecca watched as Star stormed out the room with his shirt and coat in hand, stepping back outside. Sighing, the medic followed after him, giving a disapproving glance back to her Captain.
To Rebecca's relief, Star hadn't gone far. When she found him, he was leaning against a wall nearby, the scars and bandages angrily standing out under the dim light.
"Hey," she greeted softly.
Turning slightly in her direction, Star spared a brief glance, then looked away, staring straight ahead.
Sighing, Rebecca slowly approached, moving closer toward him. "Everything okay, Star?"
Star kept quiet, staring straight ahead with a downcast expression, his eyes drooping and sad.
"...It really isn't my night, is it?" he suddenly commented. "I can't help wondering if I'm secretly cursed or something. I mean, is it too much to ask for a person to be treated with common fucking decency? I never thought...I never thought my own father would so blatantly show his contempt for me in front of everyone like that. Then again, it's not like I matter! It's not like I'm a human being deserving of fucking courtesy! Because fuck me for expecting that, right?!"
Rebecca shook her head as she crossed her arms. "You knew there was always that possibility that something like this would happen, Star. You knew there was always the chance that he might not accept you."
Star said nothing at first, the youth letting his shoulders slump in acceptance. "...I know," he said wearily in a low voice. "It's just...when does it end?"
Rebecca then offered a smile. "Maybe try offering him some dog food?" she playfully suggested.
Rearing his head up, Star whipped around to face her, his violet slitted eyes full of anger, her smile dropping instantly.
"Is that all I am to you?!" he snapped. "Do I mean nothing to you except as a damned joke?!" Rebecca tried to respond, only he continued to rant, "I thought that by leaving Louisiana I would get away from that sort of treatment! Instead, everywhere I go, I am treated like some sort of monster! It was a mistake coming here. And you...!"
Rebecca felt caught off-guard as he gave her a pointed look of frustration and hurt.
Trailing off, Star's shoulders sagged as he averted his eyes, running a hand over his mouth before his gauntleted digits through his silver hair in exasperation.
"I am sick and tired of people giving me dirty and fearful looks all the time. I'm tired of people giving me a wide berth whenever I appear, treating me as if I were an invalid, as if I am diseased. I'm tired of people saying things behind my back whenever they think I'm out of range! I am tired of being spit upon and laughed at! But even more? I am tired seeing everyone looking so fucking happy while I, the wretch, have to settle with endless solitude and misery. I have to be grateful for this kind of treatment? This is the best that I can ever hope for?! To be mocked and despised?"
Hearing his voice lose its edge and volume, the girl watched as the scarred albino glance slightly in her direction, his eyes full of what could only be described as years' worth of pure, agonizing pain before he looked away.
"...I thought coming here would change that," Star said in a low voice. The albino then scoffed in derision, muttering, "Stupid me for thinking...well, believing...that anything would change."
Rebecca waited a while before saying anything, letting him vent as he continued looking away.
A few minutes later, she spoke, "I...I'm so sorry, Star. It was..." She swallowed, "it was insensitive of me to have said that. I...it was never my intention to hurt you. I would never do anything to hurt you. Not knowingly. You know that, right?"
The albino kept silent, his scarred bandaged back facing her. She sensed his anger subside, and with it, came a dark gloominess that hung over him.
"I'm sorry for what I said," Rebecca apologized. "I shouldn't have said that. It wasn't...it wasn't meant to be at your expense. It was just some stupid thing I blurted out because I thought it would help lighten the mood but was ill-timed, that's all!"
She took a step forward, the wood beneath her feet creaking as she slowly approached Star's towering figure.
"If it means anything, things have changed," Rebecca replied. "A lot of this is...far from ideal, but...I care, Star. I don't think Captain Wesker meant to upset you. What he did was wrong, and he shouldn't have done that to you. Just...give him a chance, okay? I'll talk to him and see if the two of you can discuss in private, alright? Tell him what you are to him, and then see what he has to say. I'm sure when given the chance he will come to apologize for his actions. He will accept you as his son, Star. You'll see."
Star lowered his eyes. "I wish I had your confidence, Rebecca," he said in a low and doubtful voice. "If you don't mind, I would like some privacy while I get dressed."
Rebecca gave the albino a sad look. Reaching out with her hand, she hesitated, then let it go limp to her side and turned away, making her way back to the door.
"I'm...I'm sorry, Star," she said in a soft voice.
The albino said nothing as he stared dejectedly in the direction of the tearoom.
Closing her eyes, Rebecca sighed, then stepped back into the dining hall.
Upon entering, Rebecca saw Wesker turn in her direction along with the others.
"Is everything alright, Rebecca?" he asked.
She frowned. "He's upset." The medic then narrowed her eyes. "What is your problem?"
Wesker arched a questioning brow. "Excuse me?"
Rebecca placed her hands on her hips. "Who do you think you are?! Just who the hell do you think you are?! Ever since the two of you met, you've been treating him like garbage."
The S.T.A.R.S. Captain didn't react right away, his expression flat. Looking back to the manuscript, he stared down at the page.
"I'm surprised you have the nerve to speak up against a superior officer, Ms. Chambers," he said slowly. "I usually expect that kind of insubordination from Redfield. Is there something that I'm missing?"
She opened her mouth to offer a retort, then froze.
Of course, he doesn't know.
Relaxing slightly, the medic exhaled. "It isn't my place to say, Captain." She then looked pleadingly at him. "Talk to him."
Wesker frowned. "Rebecca-"
"Just talk to him, Captain. Please."
Rebecca watched as he kept lingering on the manuscript. Finally, to her joy, Wesker closed the book. "Fine."
As he was about to make his way to the rear door, Star stepped back inside, the albino adjusting his hood as he closed the door behind him.
"Everything okay, Star?" Rebecca asked.
Star adjusted his red coat. "I am fine."
Barry pointed to the dining hall entrance. "We'll just wait over there while the two of you talk in private."
"Thank you, Barry," Wesker muttered, his words harsh and bitter.
Barry then started to wave the others over. "Okay, guys, come on. Let's give these two some space."
Giving Star a glance, Rebecca nodded, giving him an encouraging smile as she followed her colleagues to the front of the dining hall.
Star stood awkwardly in front of the fireplace before Wesker, their forms lit by the burning fire.
"Well?" the latter said impatiently. "What is it that you want to talk about?"
The albino anxiously cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable, his side facing the S.T.A.R.S. Captain.
"I..." He swallowed, his face veiled in shadow, "I want to ask you some questions."
Wesker crossed his arms. "I'm listening."
Star hesitantly looked up at him, his violet eyes reflected off his black sunglasses.
"...What would you say if I were to tell you..." he said slowly, "that...that you have a child?"
The S.T.A.R.S. Officer said nothing, the light of the fire illuminating his face, giving it a waxy look.
"Why do you want to know?" he said slowly.
Hearing the slight edge in his voice, Star perked up.
So it's true! He really was Wesker's son!
Star licked his dry lips. "The reason why I ask is...well..." He sighed, "...what happened?"
Wesker gave no reply. Turning to the fireplace, he folded his arms behind his back. "I don't have time for this."
Feeling a tinge of irritation build, the albino growled as he faced him directly. "Will you cut the bullshit? I know of your paternal connection. What I want to know is why? Why didn't you help? Why didn't you reach out?"
The S.T.A.R.S. Captain brushed some dust off his clothes, the older man clicking his tongue distractedly.
"There are those who are meant to be parents," he said slowly, "and there are those who aren't. I may have sired a child, but...I fall into the latter category."
Star stared, his breath hitched in his chest.
He couldn't believe it. After all these years, he was finally getting the truth.
"...Haven't you ever thought about the child at all?" the albino asked softly.
Wesker was quiet for a long time. Finally, he pushed his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. "No."
"Why not? Star asked, somewhat surprised by the response. "Have you never considered that they would want to know who their father was? That they might have needed help? Has it ever occurred to you that they would have wanted...to reach out and...connect with you? Learn more about you, so they can be more like you?"
Wesker thoughtfully considered the question, then gave an amused scoff. "Such sentimentality. I would have thought the child would have wanted nothing more to do with me."
"Why assume such a thing?"
"Because it is an inconvenience for me." Upon hearing those words, Star felt himself go numb, so caught off guard by the cruel comment that it left him breathless and dumbfounded. "Sometimes, the kindest, if not most loving thing, that a person can do...is...to distance yourself from those you care about. To be viewed as a stranger. It will save everyone the aggravation, the time, if not heartache, and allow everyone to move on with their lives."
Tapping his foot, Wesker then gave an impatient growl as he uncrossed his arms.
"Now," he said as he turned swiftly away from the fireplace and albino in irritation, "if you're done wasting my time, we have other more pressing matters worth worrying about."
And with that, Star watched as the S.T.A.R.S. Captain irately stormed off toward the entrance of the dining hall, approaching Chris and the others.
"Barry, a word outside," Wesker waved, gesturing to the door.
Barry nodded, then stepped outside with him, the doors closing behind the two men as they left the room.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, stranger," the albino said softly before turning away, feeling deflated.
He then glanced up as Rebecca approached.
"Hey," she greeted.
Star tried mustering up a weak smile. "Hey."
The girl looked back at the door in confusion. "What happened?" she asked. Star remained silent, his violet eyes staring to the marble floor. "I take it the talk didn't go well?"
Star shook his head. "No, it hadn't," he said quietly.
"So...is he...your father?"
He nodded.
"He is?" Rebecca said in surprise.
Star nodded again. "He confirmed it. He also confirmed why he was never involved." The albino lowered his eyes to the checkered floor. "He...he absolutely wants nothing to do with me..."
He then looked over at the fireplace and felt the warmth of the hearth as it burned, his violet eyes glistening as it reflected the fire.
Rebecca stepped closer, then placed a hand on his left upper arm. "Oh Star. I am so sorry," she said quietly.
Star silently and gloomily loomed, shaking his head as he sighed.
"Well," he said in a sluggish and despondent manner, "at least I know why now. At least I don't have to feel like I'm missing out on some..." He struggled to come up with the right words, "...special...parent/child connection or whatever magical fairy tale bullshit Disney likes to peddle. I wish he would have answered some more questions, but still. At least I got something out of all this."
Rebecca shook her head from side to side in sadness. "I'm sorry for the way things have turned out. I'll just let you have some space for yourself, okay?"
As she started to depart, the albino then turned his slitted violet eyes over to her.
"Wait."
Hearing him, Rebecca turned around to face Star, the albino's eyes drooping as he approached.
"I...um...I...I owe you an apology, Rebecca," he said slowly. "I've been...I've been acting beastly toward you and...and I was...completely...unreasonable and unfair to you. I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry, Rebecca."
The albino lowered his eyes, a tear trailing down one side of his scarred cheek, the youth doing everything to keep it all in but failing miserably.
"Y-You were always so kind to me and-and...and you didn't deserve to be treated that way. Y-You deserve better. I know you were only trying to help. I was being selfish and miserable. I-It w-was wrong of me to have lashed out at you like that, and...I'm so sorry. Can you..." Star swallowed as he willed himself to look up and meet her gaze, "...can you ever forgive me for the way I behaved toward you?"
Rebecca said nothing at first, then, she gave a small, sad smile. "Of course."
Feeling slightly relieved, he took a step back and looked over to the fireplace in silence. As he stared into the flames, the albino heard Rebecca approach.
"Star?"
Turning to face her, Star suddenly felt a weight press into his chest, then looked down to see Rebecca hugging him.
Raising his gauntleted arms, the albino soundlessly and carefully curled them around her and returned her embrace as he felt warm tears run down his scarred cheeks, neither of them uttering a word.
Chris, Jill and Joseph stood off to the side, watching the two youths hugging in front of the fire as it burned.
"I guess from the way the kid looks things haven't worked out," Chris commented.
"Looks like it," Jill nodded.
Joseph whistled. "Daaamn. What the hell happened? What did he say to get Captain Wesker so pissed?"
"What I want to know is what did he say to Star? The poor guy looks absolutely crushed," Valentine said as she observed the albino.
Chris shifted in discomfort. "Should we, um...?"
She shook her head. "No, absolutely not. Let's give him some space. Nobody asks him about what happens unless he brings it up, alright?"
The two men nodded in agreement.
"Alright," Chris said.
The three waited, then watched as Rebecca and Star parted, the latter wiping his eyes in embarrassment before grabbing his suitcases, the two teenagers making their way over to them.
"Hey, big guy," Jill greeted. "You okay?"
Star rubbed his eyes. "Definitely not the family reunion I had been hoping for." He sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I can safely say that I'm not going to be expecting any Christmas or birthday cards anytime soon from him."
Valentine nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry to hear, Star. I really am."
The albino grunted in acknowledgement.
"It's possible that he's just stressed by the situation we're in," Chris added. "I mean, this isn't the usual sort of thing for us, you know? Maybe he's just preoccupied with trying to figure out for us a way out of this mess. Perhaps once we're out of here and we're all out of harm's way he'll be more receptive to you."
Star clicked his tongue. "Perhaps," he replied, looking unconvinced.
"In the mean time," Chris spoke, "let's regroup with the others."
Getting a nod from the teenagers, the survivors turned to the entrance of the dining hall and stepped out once more.
Stepping back into the main hall, Star paused with suitcases in hand as he took in the view. Everything was completely demolished. Almost all of the columns were smashed, with doors barely hanging from their hinges and holes punctured into walls.
In the middle of the main hall, Wesker and Barry quietly conversed with one another, the latter possessing a grim look on his face.
"My God!" Star heard Rebecca gasp beside him, drawing the attention of the aforementioned Alphas.
Looking over in Chris' direction, the albino raised a questioning brow, causing the Point Man to give a sheepish smile as he rubbed the back of his head anxiously.
"Yeahh, we did quite a bit of damage here," Redfield admitted.
"Thought this had your signature all over it, Chris," Wesker smirked as he crossed his arms.
Averting his eyes, Star looked around the room, then stopped, his eyes landing on the pistol that lay by the front door. Moving toward it, the albino then picked it up and placed it into his coat pocket as Chris checked his watch.
"So," the latter said slowly, "any thoughts on what our next plan of action should be, Captain? Richard's still missing, and the last time we saw him was somewhere around here. I think finding him should be top priority."
Wesker nodded. "Duly noted. We should have a look around and see if we can find Richard as quickly as we can. Every second counts. Barry and I will check the rooms around here."
Chris nodded. "Okay, Captain."
Star looked at the others, then questioningly back at Wesker. "Aren't you coming with us?"
He watched as the older man frowned. "I won't be far, nor will I be gone long, but right now, it's imperative that we find Richard."
As Wesker and Barry started to depart, Star raised a hand. "W-Wait!" Halting in their steps, the duo glanced up at him as he approached. "Forgive me, Captain, but... I think it would be better if we all stuck together."
The S.T.A.R.S. Captain raised a suspicious brow. "Why?"
"Because this mansion is crawling with creatures and we would be safer as a group," Star answered. "We not only have an armored giant stomping around, but there are other strange things lurking about, including the Magician."
Upon hearing the name of that particular creature, Chris, Jill and Rebecca perked up, the three of them anxiously eying each other.
Wesker, however, looked unimpressed, frowning. "Yes, I am quite aware of that, thank you. I am very capable of handling myself should it ever cross my-"
"No, you do not understand, Captain!" Star urgently cut him off as he approached, the smaller man stiffening, looking ready to draw up his pistol as the youth looked around. "The Magician is not just another zombie. It is unlike anything we have ever encountered. I don't know what it is, but it is intelligent. It is somewhere around here, watching us. I don't know what it intends to do, nor do I know what it wants from us, but..." Star then turned to look directly at the S.T.A.R.S. Captain, his eyes fearful, "...I'm afraid for you, Captain." The albino watched as Wesker gave a perplexed look of surprise, his mouth parting slightly. "Please. Don't go. Please reconsider and come with us."
For a moment, it almost seemed as if the S.T.A.R.S. Captain was considering his pleas, but then his face hardened, the albino wincing as Wesker gave him a disgusted look. Even with the sunglasses on, the albino could feel his hateful glare.
"I...appreciate the concern," Wesker said slowly, his mouth curled, looking as if he had tasted something bitter and foul, "...but Barry and I can manage on our own."
Before Star could even protest, the Alphas departed into one of the other rooms, disappearing inside.
Star gave a forlorn look as his shoulders slumped, his mouth pouting as Joseph approached, the two of them staring at the door Wesker went through.
"...You okay, Junior?" Joseph asked.
The albino was quiet for a moment, then shook his head. "I've antagonized him. I swear I hadn't meant to-"
"Hey, it's okay," Joseph raised a hand. "It's not your fault, man. Honestly." He glanced back at the door, as if suspiciously making sure that Wesker wasn't around to hear what he had to say before leaning in closer to Star, speaking in a low voice, "No offense, dude, but, uh...your dad is...kind of a dick."
Blinking in surprise at the remark, Star gave an amused snort, the albino chortling slightly as Jill and Chris nodded in agreement.
"As much as I respect him, kid," Chris spoke up, "he can be that way sometimes. Don't feel down about it, Wesker is always like that. In the meantime, let's see if we can find Richard and Enrico."
Star nodded. "Okay." He then turned to face the others. "So, any thoughts where to start?"
Jill pointed to the back of the stairs, past a set of untouched columns and archways, "I saw him fly down there when that thing hit him."
Moving to where she indicated, Star followed the group before suddenly stopping as they ducked under the archway.
"There's a hidden set of steps down here," Chris said, catching everyone by surprise before raising his voice, "RICHARD? RICHARD ARE YOU THERE?!"
Star heard Chris' voice as it echoed, his cries calling and reverberating. Ducking under the archway, the albino found himself greeted by grey brick masonry-lined walls. It was a tight little strip with not a lot of room that was barely lit by an overhanging lamp on the ceiling.
Star watched as Chris took a hesitant but decisive step forward, the first to descend.
"Richard?"
Jill followed.
"You ready for this, Star?" Rebecca asked.
Looking over to her, the albino regarded the small medic.
"Are you?" he asked, his voice quiet and fearful.
Looking down the staircase, Rebecca shook her head.
"I'm not, to be honest," she admitted.
Star was startled as Joseph clapped him and Rebecca on the shoulders.
"Hey, what's the worry, guys?" the Alpha smiled amicably. "Nothing is gonna happen. You got me and the rest of Alpha Team to look after you. Come on, down we go."
One by one they all clamored down the steps. Five steps down, the group turned to their left, then descended yet another five steps before finding themselves on a torch-lit landing with an opening that was sealed off by a pair of ornate-looking iron gates.
Swallowing, Star watched as Chris approached the gates and peered inside.
"Richard?" the latter called.
As Chris reached for the door, Star suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"No, please don't!" The albino pleaded, startling everyone as they all gave confused looks to one another.
"The hell?" Joseph raised a brow.
"What's wrong?" Jill asked.
Star stared at the gates, then shook his head warily. "I...I don't think we should go down there."
Chris frowned. "Star, we need to check for Richard."
"I know that, but there's no reason to believe he's down there!"
The Alpha gave an annoyed huff, "Look, Jill said that she saw him fall somewhere around here. We have to go down."
The albino squirmed, "...Do we really need to?"
Jill stepped closer. "What's this about, big guy?"
Star looked uneasily at the gate, then looked back to her and the others. "Has it occurred to anyone," he said slowly, "to ask why we should?"
Rebecca looked at him intently. "What do you mean?"
Star turned to face her, "We've been so preoccupied with finding an exit and supplies that it's never occurred to us to ask the one important question that we should have asked from the start. Umbrella locked these places down for a reason."
"So?" Chris said impatiently. "So what?"
The albino looked straight at him. "Given the fact that we don't know anything about how this virus works, especially in terms of transmission...maybe..." He swallowed anxiously, "maybe it is better for some doors to remain sealed."
"So what are you saying, that we should just abandon our friends?!" Redfield said heatedly.
Star raised up both hands in a placating manner. "N-No! T-That's not what I'm saying at all!" he assured.
"Then what the hell do you think we should do?!"
Star hesitated. "I..." Exhaling, he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, "I don't know! Look, all I'm saying is, rather than immediately spring open the first door we come across as we have often been doing, maybe we should rethink our strategy a little and think twice before opening."
Chris crossed his arms as he glared challengingly up at the albino. "For a big guy like you, someone who claims to be Wesker's son, I didn't take you for a coward!"
"Chris!" Rebecca scolded.
The albino was quiet, wincingly slightly. Closing his eyes, Star sighed, his shoulders sagging. "...I don't deny that I'm afraid," he admitted. "I'm absolutely terrified, to be honest." His violet eyes reopened, focused onto Chris and the others, "But...with that being said...we do not understand fully in terms of how this disease is transmitted. For all we know, the T-Virus is airborne, and the lower levels have been sealed off because of it, with higher concentrations the further down we go. We don't even know what kinds of creatures are down there. We've seen some of the ones up top - how much worse is it down below? Do we even want to know the full extent of Umbrella's atrocities?"
The survivors quietly digested Star's points, unnerved by what he said as they all found themselves anxiously eying the gates, as if they were partly expecting to see one of said creatures at any moment just lurking in reaching distance.
"He has a point, Chris," Jill agreed, drawing Redfield's attention, causing him to narrow his eyes at his partner.
"And what if the others are down there? What if Richard is down below being dragged away by one of those things?! What about Enrico?! What, we should just do nothing?!"
"You know that's not what I meant!" Jill said pointedly, meeting Chris with a glare. "As it is, we are all ill-equipped to deal with this mission. We barely have any ammunition, our radios are malfunctioning, and to top it all off, none of us has a single gas mask or HAZMAT suit available."
"So what do you think we should do then?!"
Jill shrugged. "Maybe we should all try to get to a balcony or on top of the roof, see if we can get a better signal and contact Brad to evacuate the people here so that everyone can be tested and treated as soon as possible-"
"I am not going to abandon my friends, Jill!" Chris interrupted, causing her glare to intensify.
"Nobody is 'abandoning' anyone here, Chris!" she said slowly with a tinge of mild irritation. "If you actually listen for a second, I'm saying that we should evacuate for now and come back with more personnel and equipment, maybe get the Army or whoever has the most experience in dealing with this sort of thing-"
"At which point we may end up being too late, resulting in everyone either dead or dying and Umbrella burning this place to the ground, regardless of who's still in it!" The Point Man retorted.
Jill planted her hands on her hips. "Why do you have to be so difficult, Chris?"
Chris turned away, approaching the gate, "This conversation is over."
As he opened the door, he heard Jill call out to him, "Chris! Chris, get back here! Chris!"
Jill saw the gate slam shut on her face as she watched Chris descend down the stairs, disappearing into the shadows.
Fuming, she balled her hand up into a fist.
"That stubborn-!" She felt like hitting something.
Rebecca nodded in agreement. "Yeah."
Joseph sighed. "I'll go with him. Somebody has to look out for that idiot, after all."
"Drag him back by the ear if you can," Jill said. "And give him a good kick in the ass well - maybe that will get his brain to work."
He gave a lopsided smirk and a wink. "Will do!"
Loading in a fresh shell, Joseph cocked his shotgun then followed Chris through the gate.
Beside her, Star sighed. "My apologies, Officer Valentine," he nodded. "It wasn't my intention to cause so much trouble for everyone."
Jill gave a slight wave. "No no, it wasn't your fault. It's just Chris and his stupid Redfield pride."
Rebecca turned to face her. "So, what do we do now?"
Jill felt all of their eyes on her, making her feel uncomfortable.
'Well, looks like I've been promoted,' Jill thought wryly. 'Captain Jill Valentine to the rescue, I guess.'
Blinking at the title, she tilted her head thoughtfully.
Huh. That actually has a nice ring to it.
Exhaling, she pointed to the stairs. "We'll continue our search upstairs. Come on, guys."
Climbing back up into the main hall, Star rolled his shoulder as he carried the suitcases.
He had just reached the mid-section when he heard something muffled, causing him to pause.
"Did either of you hear something?" Star asked as he looked around in confusion.
Turning to face them, he saw Rebecca's eyes widening in alarm as she suddenly charged toward him while Jill dived off to the side.
"What are you-"
"MOVE!" Rebecca yelled as she flung herself at him, tackling straight into Star's mid-section, driving all the air out his lungs.
Hitting the floor hard, Star winced at the impact, his ribs flaring up in protest, but before he even had a chance to respond to what was happening, something large crashed through the window as glass sprayed everywhere, forcing the albino to raise a hand to block out the raining debris, protecting his eyes and face.
"JESUS!" He heard Jill yell.
Star felt a strong breeze along with an intense heat, which came accompanied by a smell, like something burning.
Looking up, the albino froze as he caught sight of what had to be one of the most surreal and horrifying visions he had ever witnessed; a flaming, headless winged torso was sailing through the air, just passing directly over him before violently crashing to the floor with a sickening crunch.
The room was deathly still as everyone stared at the burning carcass, rain spilling into the room through the broken window.
Pushing herself off from the floor, Jill dusted herself then looked around the room, rain pelting her form.
"Is anyone hurt?" she asked. "Is everyone okay?"
Rebecca gave a thumbs up as she got back to her feet.
Looking to Star as he lay on his back, Jill approached, "How about you, big guy? Are you alright?"
Sitting himself up, Star stared at the burning corpse. then lifted his eyes to meet hers, then Rebecca's, his mouth parted in shock.
"Y-Yes," he said shakily, his eyes refocusing on the medic. "Y-You...y-you saved me."
Rebecca scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Well duh! Of course I was going to, why wouldn't I?" She and Jill then held out their hands, "Here, let's help you up."
Taking their offered limbs, Star groaned as he got back to feet as he gently massaged his sore ribs.
"Does it hurt?" Rebecca asked concernedly.
"A little," he admitted.
The girl gave a worried look. "God, I'm so sorry! I really didn't mean to hurt you-!"
"It's fine!" Star waved. "Really. I really appreciate what you did for me. Thank you."
Smiling, Rebecca gave a thumbs up, following it up with a wink.
Turning their attention to the burning cadaver, Star adjusted his coat beneath the rain as he picked up his suitcases again, approaching the creature alongside the other survivors.
"What is this thing?" the albino wondered. "Is this the 'bird man' you were telling us about?"
"Yeah, it looks like it," Jill nodded beside him. "I wonder what happened, though?"
At that moment, one of the doors opened, revealing Barry as he stepped out. "Jill?"
"Barry?"
"What the hell happened out here?" Barry asked as he eyed the burning cadaver.
"I don't know," she shook her head, gesturing to the body, "it just crashed through the win-"
The body jerked up, startling everyone, causing Star to let out a surprised yell and drop his suitcases.
"JESUS!" Barry shouted as he discharged his Colt Anaconda, the blast hitting the headless torso dead in the chest.
The body staggered and wavered for a few moments, then collapsed onto the floor.
The air was deathly still as everyone froze, waiting in place, their eyes locked on the burning corpse.
Once they were certain that it was down for good, everyone untensed.
"God, I hate this fucking house," Jill muttered.
"You and me both," Barry agreed as he turned away, "I'm just gonna get something to put out the fire, just because the last thing we need is this place burning down over our heads."
"Agreed."
As he disappeared into the room again, the three of them waited.
When Barry came back, he had some torn red drapery in his hands, which he used to beat out the flames.
Star shook his head. "God, this night just keeps getting weirder and weirder."
"I know," Rebecca nodded in agreement.
As Barry finished putting out the fire, the albino then lifted his head with a start. "Wait a minute. Where's Father?"
The survivors looked anxiously around, then looked back at Barry.
"Last I saw him, he was with me," he shrugged. "I'll go find him."
The trio waited as Barry left. A few minutes later, he returned, his face dark. "Um...you're not gonna like this."
Star turned to face him, his stomach forming knots. "What?"
Barry then raised up the manuscript and a pistol. "I found these on the floor. I know for a fact that your dad would never leave without this by his side, but from the looks of it, something's happened."
Star's eyes widened. "Oh my God. The Magician has him."
Jill shook her head. "Star, calm down."
"The Magician has him!"
"Star-"
"We have to find him!" Star insisted as he picked up his suitcases. "We have to get Father back."
As he straightened himself back up, the albino paused as he noticed the fearful looks on the others' faces, all of them staring in his direction.
Rebecca's green eyes were bulging wide open in fright, while Jill looked pale, the older woman taking an anxious step back, shrinking slightly away. Even Barry looked ghastly, the Colt Anaconda slowly raising.
"W-Why are you all looking at me like that?" Star asked. "W-What did I do?"
Just as Rebecca opened her mouth, the albino felt something strong grab onto him by the back of his neck, lifting him effortlessly off his feet. Dropping his suitcases, Star reached out with a gauntleted hand to them, watching as everyone and everything faded away, his vision dimming.
Author's Notes: And so concludes Chapter Thirty-Four. I realize this story has been getting pretty long, but rest assured, the RE1 side of things will eventually conclude in the next few chapters.
Also thought now would be a good time to post this chapter since "House of the Dead Remake" has been released. As a HUGE HOTD fan, it's really cool seeing a remake for HOTD1, especially since the original code for that game is now lost. It looks pretty good as far as remakes are concerned, although I do have some misgivings as a fan in some aspects. I hope it's a good game and that it does well, for the more HOTD-related stuff the better imo.
Thank you all for reading and following this story! :)