Author's Note: I do not own anything within the Resident Evil Universe, though I do own Hannah/Annabelle/Melody.

I am new to the world of fanfiction, and this is my first story. It is the first installment of a quartet that I will write, but I really need the reviews and constructive feedback on fleshing out characters, emotions, and action.

Chapter Two: My Advantage

Annabelle heard steps approaching through the large hallway. She heard her father's whiney voice, no doubt trying to say something pretentiously charming. Annabelle blinked, surprised at her own thoughts. Once again, her thoughts got away from her. She glanced at Elena, convinced she would see her mother's icy glare pinning her to her seat. Instead, Elena smiled as a kitchen maid laid a tray for tea on the table before them. Annabelle's ear picked up a deeper voice answer her father, who responded with laughter. So that is his voice. The guest who will take me away. She suddenly doubted whether her parent's grand plan to bring this person under their sway would work. It has to. I can't be stuck here any longer!

The click of shoes heralded the arrival of her father and the guest around the corner into the Conservatory. Annabelle carefully schooled her features into politeness as she took in the man who now stood before her. He was tall and broad-shouldered with a slight tan. His face had strong lines, accented by dark sunglasses. Annabelle did not understand why he wore them, it was not especially bright in the Sun Room. Giving a mental shrug she noted his dark slacks and black silk shirt, shiny darks shoes winking at his feet.

Elena stood and smiled gracefully. "Welcome to our home, Dr. Wesker. We are pleased you were able to accept our invitation this afternoon before the party tonight." Elena's tone was bright and warm. It raised the hairs on Annabelle's neck. Her mother sounded so foreign at the moment.

"Quite right, Dr. Wesker," her father agreed. Annabelle struggled not to laugh as she listened to her father attempt to sound booming and king-like. Really, Father? Laying it on rather thick are we? Annabelle had no time to try to figure out why a steady feeling of contempt was suddenly swirling within her, after years of keeping a lid on such emotions. Perhaps my self control has suffered in light of the excitement I have been feeling around the arrival of this guest, this Dr. Wesker.

The man named Wesker gave her parents a cool, polite smile. "It would be uncouth of me to deny such a gracious invitation from a top official of The Agency, Dr. Davenport. We have had such an amiable relationship." Annabelle loved his voice. It was so unlike her father's in every way. Her father never ceased to sound like a whiney boy-child. Wesker though sounded strong, yet icy. Annabelle admired the cold depth of his voice, and noting his restrained strength under his shirt and the air of authority around him as he turned is head away from his host after her father insisted Wesker call him James to survey Annabelle, she could not help but raise her eyebrow slightly and question just who was in charge of this meeting: her parents or this man named Wesker?

"Is this the daughter I have heard so many whispers about, James?" This was it. This was the moment her parents worked for throughout Annabelle's memory. It was time for Annabelle to enter the stage and impress this dark man.

James clapped his hands together, and smiling roguishly, or rather attempting to. "I daresay it is. Stand up, my dear, and greet our guest."

With the unconscious grace of a swan, Annabelle smiled and, locking eyes with the man before her, at least as well as she could with a man who wore dark glasses, stood to step forward. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Elena signal for her to look shyer and more demure, more ladylike, but Annabelle ignored her to continue staring this man boldly in the eye. This man would not be impressed with some simpering lady such as what her parents grew her into.

Elena looked at her daughter out of the corner of her eye as if concerned as she began her introduction. "Dr. Albert Wesker, if we may present – "

Annabelle cut her off. "Annabelle Davenport, Dr. Albert Wesker." She raised her hand to shake his, noting her mother's body stiffening at the interruption. It was the most flagrantly rebellious thing she had done in a long time. Annabelle felt a rush at her own actions, causing her to smile a little coyly at the man before her as he accepted her handshake.

"It is nice to actually meet you, Miss Davenport," he informed her, smirking slightly. "From the way your father goes on, I had expected to meet some ethereal goddess."

"Oh?" Annabelle raised her eyebrows slowly, glanced in mirth at her father, who watched the exchange dazily in fascination. Her mother had a pinched smile on her face, still not recovered from Annabelle's disrespect. "Don't tell me you are disappointed, Mr. Wesker. We had so wanted to meet every expectation of yours around your visit here and excel past them." Her voice gushed slightly in exaggerated worry.

Wesker's blond eyebrows rose slightly. Apparently the Davenport girl had some semblance of spark. When he first approached her, he expected a clone to her simpering mother. He withdrew his hand from hers. "I am far from disappointed, Miss Davenport."

Annabelle smiled in reassurance, yet she could feel the contempt for the entire situation trying to show. She worried for a moment that it revealed itself in her eyes, but in a moment of selfish freedom decided not to care.

Quiet stretched on for enough seconds to make things awkward. Then Elena spoke. "Dr. Wesker," Annabelle did not miss the emphasis on doctor her mother made as she spoke. "Now that you have settled in somewhat, perhaps you would like a tour of our home?"

Wesker seemed to look around at his surroundings. "A tour would no doubt be enjoyable." He turned to Elena, smiling slightly. "Might I have the pleasure of your company, Mrs. Davenport?"

Elena laughed gaily as Annabelle wondered at the charm of this guest of theirs. He was very charming. Elena's voice was delighted as she replied, "No, unfortunately not, Dr. Wesker. I have some details to attend to for tonight's soiree. Annabelle though will be more than happy to show you around, wouldn't you my dear?"

Annabelle did not miss the underlying message of her mother's words. This was not a request but an order, and an excuse to get them alone so that Annabelle can wow the Dr. Wesker. Nodding, Annabelle agreed.

"Excellent!" announced James. Annabelle nearly started – she had forgotten her father was there! That was always the case when the unremarkable man was around strong personalities. Even Annabelle's mother eclipsed her father. A small part of her mind wondered what it felt like to be forgotten in your own home only to realize that she knew exactly what that felt like. Annabelle the person was forgotten in this great mansion, only Annabelle the doll mattered. Perhaps that was who spoke and acted so boldly, the Annabelle everyone had long forgotten, even Annabelle herself. In her musings she barely registered her parents saying they would see them later that evening, leaving her and this strange guest that elicited such odd behavior alone.

The darkly clad man and the young girl stood for a moment surveying each other. Then, smiling, Annabelle began to lead Albert Wesker back into the house, wondering where to take him first.

"Who is this?" Wesker picked up a silver framed photo. Annabelle had taken him through various sitting rooms, drawing rooms, family rooms, the gardens, commenting on the history of the house the whole time. Now they stood in a room filled with photos and paintings of members of the Davenport family through the past generations. Annabelle walked him briefly through her family tree, describing the birth of her family's interest in science. Wesker nodded at the right moments and asked the right interested questions, but Annabelle was not fooled – Wesker could care less. He was just doing what every scientist seeking power in the organization her parents were a part of – feigning interest to garner political capital. He wanted the power that an alliance with her parents would provide. That was why her parents molded her into who she was, because they knew Wesker wanted an allegiance with them, and they wanted him under their thumb. She was the perfect tool to influence his actions to favor their wishes.

Annabelle stepped closer to the photo. It was difficult to see in the room. It was not visited often, its windows facing the south so not much light poured in. The photo Wesker held was of a small brunette girl around age seven, sitting in a tree covered in mud. The girl was very familiar to Annabelle.

After a slight pause she responded. "Her name was Hannah. She liked to climb trees," Annabelle explained dismissively, turning away and walking towards the center of the large room. "We should ready for the party tonight. My parents expect two hundred people in attendance. I will have Edgars show you back to your rooms."

Wesker raised his eyebrows, but nodded. "A good idea, Miss Davenport," he agreed as the aged butler appeared at the doorframe. Wesker gave one more look at the little brunette girl in the photo before returning it to its place and following Annabelle and Edgars out.

Glasses clinked among sounds of light conversation around Annabelle as she moved through the crowd towards the bar. Breathing deep she savored the sweet perfume of the large bouquets of gardenias spread throughout the ball room as she surveyed those around her. There were her parents laughing with a group of scientists. In a distant corner of the room, she could see Wesker deep in conversation with a biologist from her father's lab. Annabelle was surprised to see him still wearing his dark sunglasses. Everyone else was insignificant, just scientists from the myriad of branches within The Agency, and from other pharmaceutical companies, biology departments of universities, and private research institutions. Annabelle never interacted with them, nor had she any desire to.

The man at the bar smiled and asked what she would like. Annabelle asked for a Shirley temple with extra cherries. Waiting for her drink to be made she let herself admire her mother's decorative touch. Tall electric candelabras stood along the walls, helping the large crystal chandelier above cast light on the easy going partiers below. Gauzy silver drapes flowed at the doorways to balconies. Men and women in smart looking jackets moved gracefully among the people with trays of drink and appetizers.

Hearing glass settle on varnished wood, Annabelle turned to see her drink before her. Smiling elegantly, Annabelle took her drink and moved to a balcony. On the way she could not help but glance at where Wesker was, only to find he was no longer in conversation. She did not let herself look around for the man, but rather continued on to a fairly deserted balcony. Her mother had impressed upon her before the party that she must tempt Wesker to come to her. Annabelle did not care about what her mother said, and she did not want to chase after their guest. She just wanted to enjoy the balcony away from the burning gaze of her ever critical parents.

A cool breeze kissed her arms. Breathing deeply she smiled to herself, looking up at the stars. The scent of gardenia filled the air even more thickly out here on the balcony. Here she could pretend the party did not exist, and that she was the happy child of kind parents. Exploring the fantasy more, tears glimmered in her eyes as a tight fist squeezed in her heart. Maybe she would not fantasize about happy families.

Instead she turned her mind to the dark emotions that were brewing inside her. All day long she had little slips, little slips of self control she could not afford. Annabelle's eyebrows came together. She worried she would soon no longer be able to contain her senses of resentment and contempt. Annabelle started breathing slowly, hoping that her trick from over the years would preserve her now. She stayed like that for a few minutes, sipping her drink and fishing out cherries when she heard a cultured voice speak behind her. "Good evening, Ms. Davenport."

Annabelle turned and turned on the smile as her red silk chiffon dress whispered around her. Albert Wesker stood there dressed in a black on black tuxedo. The girl was beginning to suspect that black was all the man possessed. Not that he does not own the color. It was time to be an obedient daughter.

"Good evening, Mr. Wesker. I hope you are enjoying the party." Looking past his shoulder she could see her mother discreetly watching them as two women gossiped with her. Annabelle was suddenly seized with a strong desire to roll her eyes. It unnerved her, this further demonstration of a slipping self-control. In this house, a loss of self-control could lead to many dark things. She mentally shook herself of a rising despair, and focused on the blond man before her. Once again, he wore dark sunglasses. Annabelle did not know if she should be amused or confused. She settled for polite, and smiled softly.

Wesker smiled slightly, glancing down to the drink in his hand before looking back up. "Yes, it is quite informative." He drank from the brandy. Annabelle took the opportunity to sip her own drink, and found herself wishing it was something stronger.

"Informative?" she inquired lightly, watching as he walked over to her. He moved very gracefully, yet there was something darkly feral in his stride. Once again Annabelle noted the restrained power that he gathered around him. She turned to him and watched the moonlight play over his features. Locking her eyes on his, or where she assumed they were, she continued to drink.

"Yes, my conversation with Dr. Withers was quite enlightening," he replied smoothly, giving nothing away. His teeth flashed in an amused grin, as if laughing at a private joke. Annabelle knew the man as her father's main research rival.

"Something related to genetics, I'm sure." Wesker's smile turned a little sarcastic. He realized she was trying to pry. Annabelle smiled sweetly, eyes still locked on his as she continued, "Well I am glad this evening is stimulating for you."

The breeze tugged at some loose tendrils of her hair. If he chose to be coy in his answers, she could be coy in her responses.

Wesker placed his glass on the balcony edge, looking at her. "Quite stimulating, my dear," he murmured. For a moment he regarded her. "Would you care to dance?"

Annabelle placed her drink next to his, and took his hand. "It would be a pleasure," she murmured back. Now she had a moment to do what her mother wished. As they turned back to the ballroom, Annabelle could see a small smile of satisfaction on Elena's lips. Again she resisted rolling her eyes, even as she allowed Wesker to sweep her onto the floor.

Wesker studied the girl-child in his arms as he led her through a waltz on the dance floor. He was not surprised to see she danced perfectly. As the Davenport girl smiled up at him, Wesker considered his next step. It was clear this girl was smitten with him. She would be quite an advantage to have in his plan to lay siege to James Davenport's private labs below the mansion, private labs that of course were not included on his estate tour. He had recently come to discover Davenport's project around enhancing the mind and its mental powers, and after months of work he was now close to refining a serum that would enhance a subject's mental abilities.

Wesker wanted this data. If this data was indeed true, then Wesker had the final key to becoming a god. Of course Wesker was evolved far beyond humans physically. Now it was time to enhance his mind beyond that of high intelligence.

So plans were already in place tonight to attack Davenport's labs. Mercenaries were by now setting up, to be let in by Wesker later that night while they scanned the estate for access to its lower levels. The last thing he needed was access to those labs. And for that, this Davenport girl would no doubt be the perfect tool. If he needed, he would manipulate her as he would any other woman and use her to access her father's labs. After all, he needed a plan in case his mercenaries failed to get him in.

He smiled down at the lovely girl in his arms, and planned while running his thumb lightly over her skin. She blushed and glanced down. It was ridiculously easy to sway her. He smirked and spun her around. A few more displays of intense attention such as this, and the girl would be malleable should he need access tonight.

Women were incredibly easy for him to manipulate.

Annabelle laughed lightly as Wesker spun her around under the great crystal chandelier, and resettled in his embrace to be swept across more marble tiles. Mother would be so pleased, her plan was working perfectly. Annabelle glanced up at him to see his smile, and considered her next move. Should she smile shyly? Coyly?

She felt bold as they moved smoothly around the floor. She could almost feel like she was flying. Her mind felt like it was on an odd, almost disorienting high. Feeling her skin flush, she turned her attention back to her dance partner. What made this man tick, where was her advantage?

Power, that is what made this man tick. Power oozed out of him, and he obviously commanded it with his every gesture. So, power is what he would respond to. As she was spun out again, she again locked her eyes on his, and channeling her boldness she stepped further into his personal space than the dance allowed, her whole body brushing his. Her eyes roamed his face for a reaction as she smiled slyly. She had never smiled slyly to anyone other than her reflection, and felt a thrill move through her as she did now.

His eyebrows twitched together. Ah, so she had surprised him. Annabelle continued smiling as the last chords of the waltz faded. Nodding she thanked him for the dance, and promptly walked away to leave him alone on the floor. Nodding gracefully at those she passed, she stopped to wish her parents good night and began to ascend the staircase that led up to the family suites. There was approval on their faces. Clearly they had observed her movements in obeying their orders in trying to influence Albert Wesker.

Halfway up the staircase she paused and looked behind her, smiling when she saw him still standing where she left him, smirking up at her. Annabelle understood that smirk. He knew what she did, and he was amused. Annabelle looked down and bit her lip, turning away as her mother approached the tall man, and returned to her rooms. It appeared Wesker was not so easily enchanted.

The party was boring her anyway.