Disclaimer: I don't own Jonny Quest or Resident Evil.
A New Nightmare
Chapter 11
By: Sigokat
"Come back to me."
"I can get them, father. I am close."
Saddler seethed with rage that the Americans had entered the castle walls. They proved to be quite the advisories for his "son", but he had not expected them to survive this long. Now his concern was that the Psion would attempt to prove its worth to Saddler and in a violent fit of anger and pride would kill the girl and Doctor Quest. He could not allow that to happen.
"No, my son." Saddler instructed, "I need to you to return to the castle in order to set a trap for the Americans here."
Saddler could feel a slight tinge of hesitation from the Psion, but eventually it acquiesced. "Yes, Father."
"Return to the castle now, before they arrive. I will have new instructions for you when you return."
"Yes, father."
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Corbin followed the path to the castle, constantly scanning the woods in front and to his left and right. He was still angry about the confrontation that he had with Race and it took everything he had not to harm their captive for his own personal reasons. His mind was so consumed with these thoughts that he almost didn't see the trap until he was right on top of it.
The others stopped as they saw Corbin stop suddenly, one foot raised in the air. He did not say anything, as he slowly stepped backwards. 'Stupid' He thought to himself as he slightly shook his head, 'Damn, Race was right, I need to focus.'
When he was a few steps back, Corbin looked over his shoulder and motioned to Race, who was already moving forward.
"What is it?" Race asked as he came along side the other man.
"Trip wire; I almost didn't see it."
Race let Phil's statement stand, "Where's it run to?"
Corbin shook his head, "Not sure, but I would bet that they have explosives on both sides. Obviously something up ahead is important. I'll search right, you go left. Don't do anything if you find something."
"Yeah, got it." Race said as he moved to the left. He shot a look at the others, holding up a hand to signal them to hold tight.
Race followed the wire a few paces off the road to find it attached to a crudely concealed claymore mine. A quick search of the area found two more claymores daisy chained to the first; the blast would effectively kill them all. Race moved back to the trail and was quickly joined by Phil.
"Find anything?"
"Yeah," Race answered, "Three claymores daisy chained together just off the path. You?"
"Just one claymore, but it was up in the tree. Whoever set this up knew it would take out a group of people about our size."
"So do we go around?" Race asked.
Phil shook his head. "I don't feel comfortable leaving it here. If something happens and we have to high tail it out then we could come back on this thing fast and miss it, killing us all and I really don't want to die today."
"Yeah, same here. I'll do it."
"You sure?" Phil asked. "What about Jessie and Estella?"
"I'm better at ordnance disposal then you are and we both know it, Phil. Take them all back a safe distance."
Phil sighed, "Alright, but be careful. What you got?"
"A Gerber."
Phil rolled his eyes, "Good luck, I always preferred a Leatherman."
Race smiled, "Yeah, well we'll see."
Phil trotted back to the others, "There's a trip wire up ahead, with some claymore mines attached on both sides. We need to move farther back."
"What's Race doing?" Dr. Quest asked.
"Disarming it." Phil stated.
"What?" Estella exclaimed, "Why's he doing that? He'll get killed."
"It has to be done, Estella. Besides, Race is the best EOD guy I know. He'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" Estella pressed.
Corbin, unable to give her the answer she wanted, turned away from her glare. "Let's move back a little further." He ushered them back to a safe distance and they all knelt down and watched Race further up the path.
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Ascertaining the best spot to disarm the three mines, Race moved behind the mine farthest to the right. If something went wrong he wanted to be in the best position to avoid being killed. Even though the majority of a claymore mines blast went to the front, the rear area was still dangerous due to the back blast areas. If he tried to disarm the mine in the middle, Race would be caught in the back blast of all three mines.
Race lay on the ground and slowly moved next to the mine. Gerber in hand, he examined the blasting wires that ran into the mine, determining which wire needed to be cut in order to disarm the entire trap. At the moment Race wished he had paid more attention to Hadji when the boy tried to teach him different self-calming techniques; his heart felt like it would burst out of his chest. He closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath, exhaling evenly as he opened his eyes. He reached forward and gently separated the colored wires from one another. Once the wires were separated he cautiously pulled the wire that he needed to cut away from the others. Sweat poured off his brow and he found himself saying a silent prayer, not only for himself, but for the others as well.
'Well, it's now or never.' Race thought as he placed the Gerber to the wire. Taking one more deep breath he snipped the wire in half.
Nothing happened. Race breathed a sigh of relief. If he had cut the wrong wire the mine would have detonated, setting off the others in the chain. Race crawled to the next mine and repeated the procedure for disarming the mine. After what felt like an eternity, the three mines were disarmed.
"Now for the one in the tree." Race mumbled.
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Phil and Benton peered over a large boulder that they were taking cover behind to watch the path. For several minutes after Race had disappeared to the side of the trail, nothing happened.
"Do you think he did it already?" Benton asked.
Corbin shrugged, "I hope so."
Estella snorted in disgust, "I don't see why we couldn't have just gone around."
Corbin ignored the woman's protests and continued to watch the road. He wondered if she would be saying the same things if it was him up there disarming the mines and not her ex-husband. In the end it didn't matter; the woman had the worst mood swings he ever had the unfortunate discomfort of witnessing. 'No wonder Race divorced you.' Corbin thought to himself.
After a few minutes the two men saw Race emerge from the path and head to the other side of the road.
"Looks like he did it." Benton stated.
"So far; there is still one more in the trees."
Jonny, listening to his father and the Intelligence One agent, grimaced. He felt sick and wanted to vomit, however he did not want to appear weak in front of the others. He clenched his fists as he tightly wrapped his arms around his stomach, hoping it would alleviate the pain, but in fact it did little as far as relief. He shot a quick glance to their prisoner, David, and was surprised to find himself beginning to agree with Corbin's assessment of the man; Jonny felt anger and contempt building up inside him for the Umbrella operative. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts; Jonny had never felt such raw emotion for any of the previous villains they had encountered. 'Perhaps it's this thing inside me doing this to me.' He thought as the other man met his eyes. Jonny quickly looked away, the evil grin on David's face sickened him even more.
"Jonny, you alright?" Jessie asked, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.
Jonny shrugged her away, "I'm fine."
"Jonny…" Jessie started.
"I said I'm fine, Jess." Jonny snapped, causing the three adults to turn and stare at the boy.
Jessie, shocked by his reaction, turned away from Jonny. "Fine."
"Fine." Jonny shot back.
"Jonny…" Benton said.
Jonny rolled his eyes, he felt the anger inside him again; this time directed at his family, "Geez, I said I was fine. You all can stop worrying about me. I'm not a kid anymore."
"Jonny, we're just concerned about that…" Benton said.
"About what, dad? The parasite that asshole injected in me?" Jonny shot back. "I said I'm fine and I can handle it. Besides, there are more important things to worry about then me." Jonny glanced up and met Corbin's eyes, looking for some sort of support from the one member who wasn't somehow connected to him by family, since he considered Jessie, Race, and Estella like his family.
The I-1 agent stared back at Jonny, but he did not respond. Jonny couldn't tell for sure what to read in the man's eyes, if anything at all. Jonny waited, but Corbin turned his head back to watch the path, without saying a word.
'Can't even get any support from him and he hates this stuff more then any of the rest of us.' Jonny thought to himself.
Corbin watched as Race emerged back onto the path and headed back in his direction.
"Wait here." Corbin instructed as he stood and walked up the path to meet Race.
"Well?"
"So far so good." Race reported. "Now all that's left is the trigger."
Corbin nodded, "You want me to do it?"
"Do you trust my work that much?" Race grinned.
"Not necessarily, but I can't sit behind that rock and do nothing. Not to mention I'd rather blow myself up then have to listen to your wife's constant bickering."
"Ex-wife, Phil." Race corrected.
"Yeah, whatever you say, buddy."
Race rolled his eyes, "Just for that, I'll do it." He turned and went back to the trip wire. Corbin stood in place, watching.
Race got back down on the ground, trying to make himself as small a target as possible in case he hadn't disarmed the mines properly. He slid across the ground, moving to within inches of the wire. He reached out and snipped the wire; again nothing happened. Race breathed another sigh of relief as he stood up and moved back to Phil.
"I knew you still had the touch." Phil said.
"Thanks, I'm glad one of had confidence in me." Race said as he waved towards the boulder for the others to come forward.
Before the group arrived, Phil leaned over to Race and whispered in his ear. "Watch Jonny; I fear he's getting worse."
Race looked at his friend with concern, "What do you mean?"
"I think the egg may hatch soon. He's physically ill and his temper is getting out of hand. He won't admit it, but it's obvious."
Race stared at the other man a few moments longer and then smiled as the others joined them.
"Good work, dad." Jessie said as she gave her father a reassuring hug.
"Thanks, kiddo."
"Let's get moving. We've been here too long as it is. The castle shouldn't be too far off from here." Phil stated.
"Race, why do you get to have all the fun?" Jonny asked.
"Believe me, Jonny, that was anything but fun."
"Come on." Phil said as he headed back up to path.
Estella hung back while the others began to follow Corbin. When they were safely out of earshot Estella fell in step next to Race. "I wish you wouldn't do stuff like that."
"What stuff?" Race asked.
"Playing hero; it'll get you killed." Estella answered.
Race sucked his breath in through his teeth; he felt another argument brewing. "It had to be done, Estella. We couldn't just leave it there."
"Yes, but not by you." Estella said.
Race looked at his ex-wife, surprised at her implications. "You'd rather Phil did all the dangerous work?"
Estella didn't voice her answer, but Race knew her well enough to know what she was thinking. "Why?"
"It just makes more sense, that's all." Estella spoke, yet she refused to look Race in the eyes.
"Estella, I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. 'It makes more sense'? Why? Because he doesn't have a family?"
"Yes. Frankly, I don't see the problem with that."
"So why did you stitch up his wound if you didn't care about him?" Race asked.
"He would have bled to death if I hadn't."
Race snorted a laugh, "Wow, Estella, that's great. Save the man's life as long as he is protecting you, but now that you are back with me, he's expendable."
"That's not what I meant and you know that."
"No, Estella, I think that's exactly what you meant. Whatever your problem with Phil is you're just going to have to get over it. Or would you have rather he never showed up and we could all be dead now, or worse, one of those things?"
"You're making this harder then it has to be. I'm just saying that it makes more sense to me that he…"
"That he what? Risks his life every single time? So when he's dead and it's just me left, then what? We throw our hands up, give up, and all go home and forget about what's going on here? Don't forget, Estella, he saved Jessie's life before. For that you at least owe him a little respect."
"A situation she never would have been in if she was with me."
Race rolled his eyes, "I'm not getting into this conversation with you here, Estella."
"Not a surprise, you never want to talk about this, but it's important."
"Not right now it isn't." Race shouted.
The others heard Race and stopped. Corbin walked back to where Estella and Race stood, glaring at each other.
"I don't know what the hell you two are arguing about and honestly I don't really care. However, save it for some other time, preferably when were not in a place like this surrounded by things that want to kill and more then likely eat us." Corbin lectured, purposefully loud enough for everyone to hear.
"It's none of your business, Phil." Estella retorted.
"It is my business when it's my ass that's on the line as well, Estella. Now stop this stupid shit right now."
"You're a bastard, Phil, you know that. I'm glad you're wife is dead, she's probably better off." Estella shouted, directing her anger for Race at the other man unintentionally.
"Mother." Jessie exclaimed, shocked that she had heard such a statement cross Estella's lips.
Corbin's eyes narrowed to slits as he digested Estella's words. Without taking his eyes off the woman he addressed Race, "Race, deal with this crap now, before we take another step."
Race was as shocked as the rest at Estella words. He watched as Estella glared at the other man. The tension was so thick he probably could cut it with a knife.
Before he could say anything, Phil snatched the shotgun out of Estella's hands. "I don't feel like getting shot in the back. It hurts enough when someone stabs you there."
Seeming to finally realize the impact of her words, Estella started, "Phil, I'm sorry."
"Don't be; because I don't give a damn about your apologies, Estella. Just stay the hell away from me from now on. But I will say you're welcome."
"For what?"
"For taking care of your friend for you." Phil reminded her. "Just don't ask me to do it again if the need arises." With that, Phil spun on his heels and walked away. He didn't say a word as he passed the others, feeling their eyes boring into him was enough. He reached out and handed the shotgun to Benton.
"Estella, you are a piece of work; simply amazing." Race said as he stalked off after Phil.
Estella, mouth hanging open, said nothing.
Race reached Phil, who had stopped a few meters in front of the others.
"Don't apologize for her, Race. I don't want to hear it." Corbin said as he turned to meet Race. He had lit a cigarette and took a long drag from it.
For the first time since they had met back up, Race saw emotion on the other man's face. Estella's words had hurt him more then any gunshot or stab wound ever could.
"Are you going to be alright?" Race asked.
"I'm fine."
"Now you sound like, Jonny." Race answered lightly.
Corbin coughed, a small smile appearing on his lips, but disappearing just as quickly. "Yeah, I guess so."
"I'll take point." Race said.
"We need to find that antidote." Corbin said, changing the subject.
Race nodded, "Yeah we do. The sooner we get Jonny better the sooner we can get the hell out of here."
"I need a drink." Corbin said.
"When we get to a bar, I'll buy the first round." Race offered.
"I'm gonna hold you to that."
Race smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. Corbin lowered his head and then to Race's surprised the other man reached up and squeezed his hand, "Thanks. I'll be alright. This is all I have now."
"We'll get these assholes for sure."
"Alright, let's get out of here. All this mushy talk is making me gag."
"Then fall back in line." Race ordered.
"Yes, Sir." Corbin mocked, waving to the others.
"Ok, we're heading out." Race said as the others joined them. Estella stood off to the sight, refusing to look anyone in the eyes.
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Each step was a struggle for Jonny. They had only gone about a mile and he was already drenched with sweat. His stomach was twisted into so many knots that he couldn't even imagine trying to eat anything; just the thought alone made him nauseous. He kept his eyes on his father's back, hoping that Jessie, who was walking next to Jonny, wouldn't say anything. He didn't want to be patronized by anyone.
As Jonny clenched his teeth to deal with the pain, David staggered alongside him. "Feels good, doesn't it."
"Get away from me." Jonny grumbled.
Ignoring the protest, David continued, "You'll be thanking me soon once you realize the power that I have given you."
"Bite me." Jonny replied.
"Leave him alone, you deadbeat." Jessie said.
"Lord Saddler will most certainly be pleased that I am bringing you all to him."
"You're insane." Jessie stated.
"I think not, missy. You all are the ones who are delusional; thinking you can stop the power of the Las Plagas and the Los Illuminados. You don't know the meaning of pain yet."
"I'll show you some pain." Jessie hissed as she strode over to David and swiftly kicked him in the shins.
David, hands still bound behind his back, immediately lost his balance and fell to the ground, howling in pain. "You little bitch…."
David tried to pull himself back to his feet, but was quickly forced back into the dirt and mud by a boot placed in his upper back.
"Bad idea." Corbin said as he leaned down closer to the man's face.
"That little brat kicked me."
"Really? To me it looked like you just lost your balance and fell." Corbin said as he smiled at Jessie and Jonny.
"You asshole." David spat.
Corbin gently ground his boot a little harder into the other man's back, causing him to wince and slither in pain. "You ready to play nice yet?"
Before he could answer, Jonny let out a shriek and collapsed to his knees, clutching his stomach and coughing. Benton was at his side immediately.
"Jonny? Jonny, are you ok?" His father asked in a worried tone.
Jonny continued his coughing fit and cupped his hands over his mouth. After his coughing ceased, he pulled his hands away from his lips, discovering they were wet with blood.
Jonny, no longer concerned about everyone staring at him, gazed at the blood in his hands. The coppery metallic taste of the blood still lingered on his lips and tongue. "Ugh, I feel terrible."
David, still pinned to the ground by Corbin's boot, snickered.
Race, who had come back to the others when he heard the commotion, nodded to Phil, who lifted his foot off of the prisoner. Race reached down and snatched the man by the back of his shirt and hauled him to his feet.
"What's happening to him?" Race demanded.
"What do you think?" David answered; leering at the larger man in contempt.
"How long?"
"How long for what?"
"How long till it hatches?" Race asked.
David squirmed in Race's grasp, "I don't know. It's different every time."
"The blood?" Race asked.
"It's getting close. He should be thanking me." David rebutted.
Race, disgusted by the younger man's indifference, snorted and pushed him back into Phil's grasp. Race went over and knelt next to Jonny.
"We're almost to the castle, kiddo. Think you can make it?" Race asked, a hint of concern seeping out in his voice.
Jonny nodded, "I can make it just fine, Race."
Race glanced at Benton, whose face was etched with fear and worry. Race seethed with anger when he saw how his friend affected in such a way. No one should have to deal with something like this.
Jonny started to his feet, but a burst of pain shot through his body and he fell back to his knees with a howl of pain.
"Damnit." Race mumbled as he looked back up at Phil, "Before we stopped, I saw what looked like a small cave up the path to the left. Maybe we can use it for some shelter and let Jonny rest for a few."
Corbin nodded, "I'll go check it out." He pushed David to a sitting position on the ground. "Stay." He barked and then turned and headed up the path.
"Race, I'm alright. I can make it." Jonny protested. "We can't afford to lose anymore time."
"No, Jonny," his father answered, "You need to get some rest." Benton glanced at the others and then added, "In fact, I think we all could use a short break."
Jonny grumbled his disapproval, but said nothing. He hated being the weak link on the team and having everyone try and care for him. However, he was hungry and thirsty and they had been moving non-stop since they left the camp. Perhaps a little rest would help.
A few minutes later Corbin reappeared next to the group.
"Did you find it?" Race asked.
"Yeah, it's just a little ways up. Big enough for all of us to fit, but it may be a little tight. Its only one small cave which is good since there is no chance of us being ambushed from inside."
Race glanced down and Jonny and Benton, who had an arm draped over his son's shoulders. "You ready?"
Jonny nodded and slowly rose to his feet with the help of his father.
"You'll be alright after a little rest, Jonny, you'll see."
Jonny nodded, but remained quiet. He did not feel like arguing anymore.
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Corbin sat on a boulder directly outside the cave that was currently occupied by the others. As much as he cared about Jonny, he did not feel comfortable inside; it made him feel like he was intruding on a private family affair. He pulled a small cloth out of his assault pack and began to wipe down his rifle as he kept watch on the surrounding forest.
"Anyone sitting here?"
Corbin did not look up at the voice. "No. You're welcome to it if you want."
Jessie sat down next to her father's friend and watched him as he continued to wipe down his rifle. After a few minutes she realized he wasn't actually cleaning it, he was only filling the time.
"How's Jonny?" Phil asked as he glanced at the girl sitting next to him.
"He's resting. He's in a lot of pain, but he doesn't want to show it. He doesn't like not being able to help in the fight."
"I wonder where he gets that from?" Corbin remarked sarcastically.
Jessie snorted a laugh. "Yeah, good point." They sat in silence for a few more minutes. Finally, when she realized that Corbin was not going to speak, she broke the silence again, "I'm sure my mother didn't really mean what she said to you back there."
Corbin shrugged.
"Like I said before, she gets this way when she gets scared." Jessie stared off into the woods, "Sometimes when her and my dad would argue, I would overhear a lot of what was said. Mom has a tendency to not think before she speaks."
Corbin glanced at the girl. "Its okay, Jessie; I'm not too concerned about it."
"You're not a very good liar, Mr. Corbin." Jessie offered.
"Surprising for a government man, huh?" Corbin responded.
Jessie laughed at the man's jab at himself.
"Sometimes," Corbin started, "I try and think about her and I can't remember what she looks like anymore. All I see is the bastard that killed her."
Jessie glanced up at his face, but he was not looking at her. Instead she watched him as he reached into his pocket, grabbed a cigarette and lit it.
"You know, Mr. Corbin, sometimes when I am away from my mom or dad for a long time I get that feeling as well. What I do is try and concentrate on something that reminds me of them. You know, like something that happened when you were with that person, or a sight or smell that reminds you of them."
"Really?" Corbin asked, cocking an eyebrow at the girl.
"Well, it works for me at least."
Corbin shrugged, "Thanks."
"Don't worry; we'll get out of here just fine. Between my dad and you I think we are pretty much safe."
"Tell that to Jonny." Corbin remarked, but immediately regretted it. "Sorry, that didn't sound right."
"It's ok." Jessie replied. "Jonny's going to be fine and unfortunately he'll be just as stubborn as he always was."
Corbin snorted a laugh. They sat in a silence for a few more minutes then Corbin reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a small gold chain. "Here, Jessie, you can have this." He handed her the gold chain, on the end was a small gold charm of a cat.
"What's this?" Jessie asked taking the chain from him.
"It belonged to my wife. I carry it with me as a reminder of her." He shrugged again and smiled, "She liked cats."
Jessie shook her head, "I can't accept this." She tried to hand it back to her, but he refused.
"It's a gift. I insist you have it. You know, it's funny, you're very different then your dad and mom in many aspects. For one, your easy to talk with and believe me, you are intelligent beyond your years. Thank you for the advice."
Jessie smiled, "Thank you. I'll keep it safe, I promise."
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Estella stood at the edge of the entrance to the cave, watching her daughter and Phil talking. She was out of earshot and could not make out their words. Race walked up next to her and glanced at Jessie and Phil.
"She has a way with him." Race said.
"So it appears." Estella said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I feel horrible about what I said to him."
"You should."
Estella began to protest but thought better of it; Race was right. "I wonder why Jessie can talk to him so easily."
"He treats her like an adult; which is what all kids want, but don't expect from their parents." Race answered. "I think Jessie's always seen Phil as more of an uncle then her father's boss."
"He probably hates me now." Estella remarked, glancing up at Race.
"I doubt it, Stell. He's probably just as stressed out as the rest of us and he's smart enough to attribute your outburst to stress and fear. You should just let it go, at least until this whole thing is over."
Estella nodded.
"Just think before you speak next time." Race added. "I can't protect all of us at one time; try not to alienate the man anymore then you may have already."
Estella smiled up at her ex. "How's Jonny?"
"He's drifting in and out of sleep, but he appears to be in a lot of pain. We need to find this antidote and quick. This whole ordeal is tearing Benton apart."
"I can imagine."
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Jessie put the necklace in her pocket. Then looked back at Phil, "So, are you still mad at my mom?"
Phil shook his head. "No. I've decided to attribute her outburst to one of those unexplainable phenomenons of women and hormones. No man can understand it, let alone try to explain it."
Jessie laughed. "Typical."
"Yeah, for her. Come on let's go check on Jonny."
They both stood and turned at the same time. Phil heard a noise above him, glancing upward, he saw two infected villagers peering over the edge of the cliff; between the two was a large boulder. One of the villagers yelled something unintelligible to the other and they began to push the boulder.
"Oh shit." Corbin muttered. "Look out." Grabbing Jessie by the arm, they dove out of the path of the boulder seconds before it crashed into the spot they had just occupied. Corbin used his body as a shield as he lay over the girl; small chunks of rocks pelted his back and shoulders.
Race and Estella, upon seeing their daughter and Phil diving for cover and the subsequent boulder crashing down at them, ran to help. Phil was pulling himself to his feet and Jessie stood up after him as Race and Estella came up to them.
"You two alright?" Race asked.
Estella was checking her daughter for any cuts or injuries. "Mom, I'm fine." Jessie protested.
Corbin nodded, wiping the dirt and sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. He pointed up at the spot the villagers had been at before they launched the boulder. "Up there; two of them at least."
Race turned and was about to start climbing the side of the cliff when Phil stopped him. Shaking his head, Phil instructed, "It's probably a trap and if there's more of them up there they could be on their way down here as we speak. We need to get out of here now."
"What about Jonny?" Jessie asked.
"He's going to have to push himself." Race said.
Benton, having heard the commotion appeared at the cave entrance. "What happened?"
"We need to go. There's infected villagers about and who knows what else." Race said.
"Are you alright?" Benton asked as he saw Jessie and Phil covered in dirt and dust.
"Yes." Phil answered. "We need to move. Can Jonny…?"
"I'll get him up now. I'll carry him if I have to." Benton said and then turned to retrieve his son.
"How much farther to the castle?" Estella asked.
"It should only be about half a mile up." Phil said as he looked at his PDA map. "Race, get that scumbag David and as soon as Jonny and Benton are ready we have to move and move fast."
Race nodded. Within seconds he reappeared with their prisoner. Benton and Jonny, who was awake and walking on his own, soon joined the others. No one spoke; they just listened. The silence of the woods was now gone, replaced by the eerie grumblings and howls of the villagers that were once again hunting them down.
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To be continued….