Disclaimer: I do not own Jonny Quest or Resident Evil.
A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. Between work and trying to finish up my class, I've been busy. A lot of nights I would want to write after getting back to my room, but I would just be too tired from being at work for 12+ hours. Anyway, hope you all enjoy. Any reviews, comments, suggestions are welcome.
A New Nightmare
Chapter 6
By: Sigokat
Dr. Quest angled the boat into the tunnel that ran underneath the cliffs. The tunnel twisted and turned and after approximately fifteen minutes they saw light ahead; it wasn't sunlight, but some sort of artificial light, perhaps torches or lamps. The water became shallower as they moved closer and soon the boat would not move anymore. The three men were forced to disembark and tread through the rest of the water to the sandy and rocky shore. The source of the light was torches that were set along the smooth stone walls of the tunnel, sand and rocks and boulders filled the space as well. There was only one direction to go, so the trio prepared to move deeper into the cavern.
Race stopped and put his hand to his ear, "Hello?" He asked.
"I can't hear you…breaking up. If you can read me we are currently underground in the tunnels past the lake." Race paused, "Did you read me?"
Race waited a few more moments and then looked at Benton and Jonny, "I think it was Corbin, but I couldn't hear too well. Probably interference from this cavern."
"Could you make out anything he said?" Jonny asked, "Are they ok?"
"I couldn't tell. Everything was broken." Race answered. "Let's keep moving, maybe we find a way out of here and get above ground and I will try and contact him again."
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"Did you hear anything?" Jessie asked.
"No, mostly static; I think Race said they were underground or something like that." Corbin answered.
The three had left the first village, but before moving further down the path, Corbin had decided to try and contact Race and see what type of progress the other group had made.
"Did he sound alright?" Jessie asked, concern etched into her voice.
"From what I could hear, he sounded fine. I'm sure that once they reach a better spot, your dad will try and contact us again, don't worry." Corbin replied, however he could tell that his words did little to ease the concern and worry that both Jessie and Estella were clearly feeling. "Let's keep moving, hopefully we can find out more at the next village."
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Race, Dr. Quest, and Jonny moved cautiously deeper into the tunnel. After many twists and turns they began to hear voices and what sounded like some sort of machinery. Race motioned for silence as they crept closer to the sound. The tunnel opened into a large cavern; the three men kept close to the wall, concealing themselves in the shadows as they scanned the happenings inside the cavern.
The sounds that the group had heard were coming from a large group of men that were digging deeper into the earth. Scaffoldings surrounded a large hole in the center of the cavern and some sort of drilling machine was centered above the hole. Lights surrounded the hole; some attached the scaffolding and others still set up around the perimeter. Large, noisy generators kept the lights running. Race counted at least thirty to forty workers that were working in the cavern; some were moving large piles of rocks while others yelled at them to move faster.
"What's going on here?" Jonny whispered.
"They are obviously looking for something." Dr. Quest surmised. "More Las Plagas perhaps?"
"Possibly." Race mumbled as he studied the movements and actions of the workers. Off to the far left he saw crates labeled 'Explosives'. His gaze moved to the scaffolding which ran high above the hole, out to the drill, and beyond.
"There has to be a way out of here on the other site." Race concluded. "Whatever it is they are digging up they are moving it out somehow."
"Can we sneak around?" Dr. Quest asked.
"I don't think so." Race said. "I don't see any other tunnels or routes on this side of the hole."
"Maybe we should try and find out what it is they are digging up." Jonny said.
"I'm more concerned with getting us out of here in one piece." Race stated. "We have to get to the surface and find our way to the castle."
Race pondered the situation for a few minutes, attempting to discover the best options available. "I don't think we should use any frag grenades in here…don't want to bring the whole place down on top of us, but a few incendiary grenades could do the trick. If we catch them off guard we should be able to have at least a small advantage."
"I can't tell for certain if they are infected or not." Dr. Quest said as he peered out of the darkness at the people in the cavern.
"We have to assume that they are." Race said, "And even if they are not, I doubt they would let us just waltz on by. Whatever it is they are looking for must be valuable. That thing in the lake must have been guarding this entrance."
Before Dr. Quest or Jonny could speak, loud shouting noises came from the cavern. They all turned their attention to the sound and saw a large man had appeared and was standing on top of one of the scaffoldings. He wore a dark robe that reached all the way to the ground; his face was covered with a long, neatly trimmed beard that ended at his upper chest. A strange medallion hung from the man's neck; just visible beneath the man's dark beard, however the group was too far away to make out any of the details of the emblem. They all watched as the man appeared to bark commands at the workers as he moved across the scaffolding in the direction of the Quests. The workers scrambled away; clearing a path for the giant. He began to climb down the scaffolding and a group of workers waited at the bottom for him. He must have tired of the slow descent, so the man jumped the rest of the distance to the ground, nearly ten feet. He landed perfectly on his feet and the cavern shook from the impact of his large frame. As Race and the two Quest men watched, the man turned his back to them and a group of workers gathered around him.
"I don't like this at all." Race mumbled. "We should go back, try and find another way to the castle."
"I agree." Dr. Quest said. "It appears we are highly outnumbered and now with this new addition our odds of success have reduced even more."
"Let's go then." Race said, "No use in just talking about it."
The voice of the large man in the cavern boomed and the three Americans turned to see what had angered the man. They quickly realized that their chances of a quiet retreat were gone. The large man had turned and was pointing in the direction of the tunnel.
"Alla." The man bellowed to the workers around him. All the others turned as one and began to advance on the tunnel. A large number of the group was carrying pick axes and shovels.
"Oh shit." Race said, "Run. We gotta get out of here."
Race reached to his belt, grabbed an incendiary grenade and tossed it at the advancing group. Upon impact the grenade detonated and at least five men in the group burst into flames. They did not scream or cry out in agony or pain; they simply fell to the ground and burned to death. The grenade did not deter any of the others, they went around the dead or some just stepped over or on them.
"Race, we have a problem." Jonny announced.
"What is it?" Race asked as he raised his rifle to fire on the rest of the advancing party.
"Uh, we can't go back." Jonny said as he raised the pistol he had received from the merchant. "There's more behind us too."
Race stole a quick glance back spotting about half a dozen more people approaching from behind, "Shit. Jonny, Benton, take cover behind those rocks and take them out."
Jonny and his father quickly followed Race's order and used the rocks as cover. They began to fire at the six approaching men, aiming for the heads for a quick kill. Dr. Quest quickly dropped two and Jonny took down two more before he had to try and reload his pistol. The last two growled and charged the small group. Dr. Quest fired at the closest man and his first two shots hit it in the upper leg and abdomen. The infected man fell, but started to push itself back to its feet. Jonny reloaded and took aim, just as the last creature reached the rock Jonny had been behind. It moaned and swung a large axe; Jonny leaped backwards as the axe impacted on the rock, sending fragments everywhere. Jonny aimed again and fired; not stopping until his entire magazine had been unloaded into the creature's body and it dropped its axe and fell backwards, dead. Dr. Quest fired at the last creature as it crawled to its knees and before it could stand up completely it collapsed to the ground and did not move again. Dr. Quest grabbed two more magazines from Jonny's backpack and they both reloaded and turned back to find Race firing at the advancing group. More of the infected workers had joined the advance and some stayed at the scaffolding; hand axes in hand. The large men that had ordered to the group to attack stood back, watching and waiting, an evil grin filling his ugly countenance.
"There may be more coming from behind or waiting to ambush us if we retreat." Dr. Quest said
"We can't let them trap us in this tunnel. We need to move forward into the cavern and try and find some cover." Race responded between gunfire bursts. "There is more open space off to the left, if we stick close to the walls we can prevent them from getting around us or flanking us. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like about one hundred meters along the wall there looks to be a rock formation we can use for cover. Stay right behind me and keep firing. Watch out for those guys on the scaffolding; they're probably waiting to catch us in the open to hit us with some throwing weapons."
Race unhooked another incendiary grenade from his belt. "As soon is it impacts we move."
"Let's do this." Jonny urged, the adrenaline pumping through his veins since he had engaged the other creatures.
Race hurled the grenade into the cavern and as soon as it exploded the three men moved out into the open.
They moved quickly along the wall, firing at the closest of the workers, but more continued to come. Race caught a glimpse of movement from the top of the nearest scaffolding; he turned to warn Benton and Jonny, but before he could speak, the creature on the scaffolding hurled a large stick of dynamite at the trio. The blast blew Race off his feet; his ears were ringing and his head felt as if he had been hit by jackhammer. He staggered to his feet; squinting his eyes through the haze of dust and debris.
"Jonny? Benton?" He yelled; his concern for them pushed all thoughts of the enemy from his mind. After what seemed like an eternity, he spotted them. His heart sank as he saw Dr. Quest cradling his son's body in his arms. Jonny did not appear to be moving. Race ran over to Benton.
Benton never took his eyes off his son, "He's not breathing, Race." The older man stated as he tried to contain his tears.
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"La Muerte le espera a todo el que continue este camino."
"What does it say?" Corbin asked as he stared at the sign that Estella had just read.
"Roughly it translates into, 'Death awaits all who continue down this path.'" Estella stated.
Jessie and Estella stood next to Phil; they had already left the first village and were nearing the next when they had come across the crudely made signpost. The wood was rotting; the crude warning scrawled out in black paint. Some sort of animal skulls were impaled on long sticks that jutted out from the top of the post. Wind chimes made of bones hung in a nearby tree and the eerie music they made as they blew in the wind set Jessie's nerves on end.
"This place is horrible." Jessie wrapped her arms around her body as she shuddered from the chill that made her blood run cold.
Corbin glanced up the path; all he could see was more of the dark and dreary forest; the sun had left them, covered by dark rain clouds that hung over the entire region, waiting to unleash their fury onto the earth. "It looks like its going to start raining at anytime. We should keep moving and try and find some shelter."
"Try and contact the others again." Estella demanded.
Corbin flipped the transmit switch and called out to Race through the small microphone that was attached to his earpiece. After numerous attempts with no response he frowned.
"I'm sure they are fine; probably still underground or out of range. These things never work as well as the manual says." Corbin replied.
"I sure hope so." Jessie said.
"Come on, let's keep moving." Corbin turned away from the two women and continued along the path; averting his eyes as he passed the warning on the crudely made sign.
Twenty minutes later the rain started to fall as the three came to a large ravine. A footbridge led the way across and they could see another village directly on the other side. The bridge was decrepit with numerous boards missing. The ropes that kept it suspended were frayed and cracking in multiple spots.
"We have to cross this thing?" Estella gasped.
"Unless you want to look for another way around in the rain." Corbin stepped forward and placed an unsure foot onto the first board.
"I'll go first." Jessie volunteered as she tried to step around Corbin.
"I don't think so." Estella scolded. "I don't want you on the other end alone."
"Momma, I'll be fine." Jessie replied.
"I think your mother is right, Jessie." Corbin said as he turned away from the bridge to face the two women; he was grinning. "Estella, you go first."
Estella's smirk vanished as she realized that what Corbin had just said. "You want me to go first? All I have is this little pistol." She waved the pistol at Corbin as she protested against his remarks.
Corbin leaned backwards and snapped his hand forward to catch Estella's wrist. "Please, don't wave that around like that. You don't even have the safety on." He let go of the woman and sighed. "Fine, I'll go first. If it can support my weight then you two will be fine. As soon as I get to the other side hurry after me, but be careful. The rain is getting heavier and those boards are probably pretty slick."
Corbin turned back to the bridge, stepping out onto the first board. He let his rifle hang against his chest from the sling, his hands gripping the ropes on each side. The bridge swayed as he moved across. The rain started to come down harder and as Corbin was half way across a gust of wind swayed the bridge even more. Corbin's grip tightened as he struggled to keep his footing. He watched the end of the bridge as he neared, daring not to look down. After what seemed like an eternity he made it back onto solid ground. He quickly glanced around the area and not seeing anyone he signaled back to the others to come across.
"Be careful, honey." Estella said as the girl stepped onto the bridge. "The wind is getting stronger."
"I'm fine, mom." Jessie said. She hated it when her mother treated her like a child. If Estella had known how many times Jessie had been in similar or worse situations her mother would probably have a heart attack.
Jessie, being lighter, moved quickly across the bridge. She had watched Corbin as he had crossed and was able to judge how the bridge would move under her weight. When the wind kicked in she was ready for it and tightened her grip on the ropes and leaned against the wind. She watched her footing and in less time then it took Corbin to cross she was standing next to him on the other side.
"That was fun." Jessie said as the rain continued to come down. "Kind of slippery though."
"Now it's your mother's turn."
Jessie watched the bridge as her mother moved across. Estella moved quickly, but she hesitated with her footing on the slippery boards.
"Come on, mom. Just keep moving." Jessie yelled from the end of the bridge.
"Shhhh." Corbin cautioned.
"What?" Jessie asked not taking her eyes off of Estella who was now half way across.
"We're not alone anymore." Corbin said as he tucked his rifle stock into his shoulder and peered into the village.
"Hurry, momma." Jessie hissed under her breath.
Within a few moments Estella joined her daughter and the government agent. "I'm not doing that again." Estella said between breaths.
Corbin held up his hand. "Shhhh." He whispered. "We're not alone anymore. Let's go."
Corbin proceeded to move up to the village. The rain and wind stung his eyes and made it harder for him to make out the area until they were almost upon it. He knelt down to the side of a fence and peered into the village.
Estella and Jessie crept up next to him. "I don't see anyone." Jessie whispered.
Corbin shook his head. "Can you smell it? It smells like death and rot."
"You're so romantic." Estella quipped.
"I try my best." Corbin smiled back at her. "This rain isn't going to let up and I don't see any other way around. Just stay close to me and maybe we can get through here without being noticed."
The group stood and the slowly crept into the village. It was not as large as the previous one; just a few small barns and even smaller shacks that must have served as living quarters. Off to the left was a well; flies and other insects buzzed back and forth around and in the well; a dark liquid oozed down the brick sides and formed puddles where mosquitoes would lay their eggs in.
"This place is disgusting." Jessie whispered as they moved past the well.
Off to the right was the first small barn. A large dead tree stood near the side of the barn. No animal sounds could be heard.
"Maybe that smell was coming from that well." Estella suggested.
Corbin continued to scan the area and did not see any sign of life. The rain still came down, but not as hard as it had when they had crossed the bridge. The ground was turning to mud and his boots made a wet sucking sound with each advancing step. 'I don't like this at all.' He thought to himself as he scanned the area.
Estella, who was watching the man in front of her move, caught a flash of light and movement behind her as she glanced at the barn. She slowly turned her head in the direction of the light and stopped dead in her tracks. She gasped and then backpedaled. Even in the mud she managed to bump into Jessie and Phil at the same time.
"What is it?" Corbin grunted.
"I think…" but she couldn't finish her sentence.
Corbin grunted as he rolled his eyes, he was tired; he hated being cold as well. The rain had soaked him to the bone. He cocked his head and looked back where Estella was pointing. A large group of villagers had snuck up behind them. They must have been watching them since they had crossed the bridge and had stayed in hiding until the group had moved into the village. At least twenty villagers stood together; many held torches; others held pitchforks, axes, knives, and a few carried scythes.
"Shit." Corbin and Jessie said at the same time.
Footsteps and shuffling sounded from the front of the group and the three looked forward and saw another group of another twenty or so villagers, equally armed, standing directly in the path that they had been headed. Corbin realized what had happened and if he could he would have kicked himself for being so blind. The villagers had led them into a trap. The only direction they could flee was to the right and over the small rise in the forest, but undoubtedly more villagers were waiting there for them as well.
The three stood with their backs to each other; the villagers did not advance. They simply stood and watched; low moans and grunts could barely be heard above the crackle of the torches and the steady drizzle of rain.
"Now what?" Estella asked as she raised her pistol and aimed at the group in the rear.
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-Spanish for "there".
I have to give props (or a special thanks) to my buddy, Lieutenant Rodriguez for helping me with some of the Spanish translations. Thanks, B-Rod!
To Be Continued….