Well howdy do guys! Still alive here. I know it's been a long time but oh my gosh, guys, 200 reviews. You all are absolutely amazing! I can't even begin to describe how happy I am that you've all helped me go beyond my goal of 100 reviews. I'm just so thankful to you all! Now on to business, this isn't a full chapter just a preview of what I have so far. Hope you like~

UPDATE! Guys, guess what, I've added a little more to the chapter! I know it's not much of an update but hey it's something right? Progress is progress no matter how small. I wish I could tell you why it's taking so long to finish this chapter, but the truth is I have no idea. The writer's block is just immense. So again, THIS IS STILL A PREVIEW. There's more coming, I just don't know when. BUT IT'S COMING. Don't hate me...

27.

The deafening gunshot seemed to echo for miles. Leon stood frozen in place, watching with wide eye as her body dropped back onto the dirt. Blood seeped from the open gunshot wound on her forehead. "Helena…" he exhaled in a shuddering gasp.

Ada took a step back, lowering her weapon with a sigh. "That's that." He sent a glare of ire her way. That's that? He inhaled, his hands balling into fists. That's that?! Hastily he approached her and took hold of the collar of her red blouse. "How could you do that?!" he bellowed. "How could you shoot her point blank like some… animal?!"

"I did what I had to." Ada's reply was curt. "For who?" he retorted brusquely. "For yourself?" Ada's slim gloved hands settled upon his own large ones. "I had to put her down. She wasn't herself. It was the humane thing to do."

"No!" he threw her back. She stumbled. "Nothing about that was humane!" He pointed to Helena's body. "She was on her knees! Scared and frightened! You shot her point blank! That wasn't an act of humanity, it was an execution!"

"And what would you have preferred I'd done?!" Ada's voice rose. "Allow her to kill us?!"

"It should've been me, Ada!" Leon shouted. "I should have put her to rest!" He took in the sudden solemn expression contorting her features. "I don't believe you would have." Her voice was sound and calm. His anger dissipated in a split second. "What?"

"I don't believe you would have put her down" Ada repeated herself. Leon's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about? Of course I would have."

"No." She said. "Something about you has changed. You've become too… attached to her. You think you love her and it's blinded you. You aren't yourself anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if you're morals have altered."

Leon's expression grew grim. "Nothing's changed. I would have put her to rest because I know it's something she'd want." Ada cast a glance behind him. "Then prove it," she stated. "Prove you're still willing to do anything to stop this virus." She tossed him her handgun which he caught with ease. "What…?" he voiced, growing confused. The moan behind him was weary. He turned round, exhaling. "Helena…"

He watched her sit up, the bullet dropping from the visible hole in her forehead with an audible clink as her healing wound pushed it out. She picked up the small piece of metal, studying it curiously with her blood red eyes.

"Shoot her, Leon" Ada spoke softly beside him. "That's not Helena anymore." Leon found himself raising the gun in his grasp with shaking hands. It's not Helena, he repeated to himself. And how could it be? The creature before them, there was nothing of Helena. The eyes… the visible skin… the long nails… hell even the fangs!

It's not Helena! He hardened everything, his feelings and emotions, his gaze and even his aim. This wasn't his Helena, it was just another product of the virus and his Helena would want him to terminate it. Put her to rest, as he'd said. He took a breath, exhaling slowly. "I'm sorry." He pulled the trigger.

I know right, what the hell? Can't just stop there... even I'm wondering what's going to happen next.