Chapter 18
Pandora's Box
The tension in the room was debilitating. Raymond and Rachael looked at one another, both wondering if bringing Jack Krauser to see Jake was a bad idea. They were well aware that he was in hiding from a man named Derek C. Simmons but they didn't know the other details of it. They met the man back when Jake was a mercenary and had become quite used to his sudden appearances and didn't think too much of it because he was respectable to them and didn't seem to put Jake in any danger or stir up any trouble with the man.
That said, the couple couldn't help but question his motives this time around.
"Jake, I need you to come with me. It's very important." Krauser said with a stern face.
Jake narrowed his eyes; this guy pops up after so long and suddenly decides they need to talk? What was going on? "What's going on, Krauser? I'm not following anybody blindly."
Krauser sighed, "It's... about Simmons."
The mere mention of his name sent a cold chill down Sherry's back and made Jake's blood boil. "What's he done now?" asked Jake.
"If you come with me, I can feed you all the information you need to know. I think this isn't the right place to speak about it." his eyes darted to everyone in the room.
Jake was motionless as he considered his old mentor's purpose for all of this. Usually he was always given some sort of head's up before he showed his face, a surprise visit was daunting. It's gotta be bad if he needs me away from everyone. "Where do we need to go?"
"Jake -"
"Relax, Sherry," Jake interrupted softly. "I don't mean to alarm you but I need to go with him, alright? Just stay here with my uncle and Rachael." Sherry was confused; some stranger appears and speaks of Simmons and suddenly Jake's willing to go with him. It made her nervous and she had no clue what she should say or do. She didn't like this one bit.
"There's something you need to see boy, I'll explain everything once we get there." Krauser informed stiffly.
Jake let out a huff. He hated to leave Sherry but whatever was going on he knew he needed to be up to date about it. If a storm was brewing it was important he be prepared to protect her and Marlowe no matter what. He nodded to his mentor and turned around to face his frightened lover; he cupped her face. "Sherry, don't worry I'll be fine, just take it easy, okay?"
Sherry was speechless; she just stared up at him with wide eyes. What if he got hurt and she wasn't there to heal him? She couldn't bear the thought. Jake looked to his uncle. "Take care of her, if I'm not back before 17:00 [5:00pm], take her home and I'll meet her there."
Sherry was in disbelief. "Jake please, I need to talk to you."
He sighed and sent a look over his shoulder to Krauser, the man nodded and Jake gestured Sherry towards the bathroom where they could talk. He shut the door behind them and faced the shaken beauty he loved.
"Jake, I don't like this, please don't go." she pleaded, wrapping her arms around his middle.
He felt tormented about leaving her but he needed to do this. Krauser didn't just show up for no reason, surely with Simmons being the topic, something was fatally wrong. He couldn't risk jeopardizing her safety by bringing her along.
"Sherry listen to me," he started, cupping her face once more. "I'll be fine, I promise. Whatever this is, it has to be big. If Simmons has done something, it's important that I see what it is. I would bring you along but you know it's dangerous to have you anywhere near that bastard."
"Jake I know that but -"
His lips pressed against hers to silence her and he pulled her into a loving embrace. "Supergirl, everything will be fine but if you want you can go back to the house, it doesn't matter just as long as you're somewhere safe."
She held onto him with such desperation, if he pulled away he feared she would fall apart. "Jake... I don't want to be without you."
"I know, I swear to you I'll come back. Remember, now that you're mine I have to see to it that I do right for you. It's crazy for me to put you in danger, you understand?" she nodded into his chest. "Good, now come on. The sooner I see what he has to show me, the sooner I can return to you."
"I love you, Jake."
"I love you too, Sherry."
"Be careful..." she whispered, kissing him deeply once again.
"I will."
The two returned to the living room. Raymond, Rachael and Krauser could all see the unease the lovers were feeling at the idea of being apart but Jake looked determined and Sherry seemed calmer yet still upset.
"Let's go." said Jake.
Sherry held onto his hand tightly and his grip was even tighter. It was as if one were pulling apart a rope or thread with how difficult it was for the two of them to release one another. Almost like a game of tug of war only both sides were too powerful so the rope was tearing in the center. Their hands slid over each other's and their fingers gripped before the hold was finally over and their grasp was ended with the grazing over the tips to their fingers.
When Jake left with Krauser, Rachael could see the pain on Sherry's face. She walked over to the small blonde girl and hugged her soothingly. "He'll be back, he always goes off with people here - usually for business though…"
Business... with Simmons?! "Jake's worked for Simmons?" Sherry asked the taller blonde.
Rachael shrugged, her lips were tightened for a moment. "I don't know about whoever this Simmons person is but that Krauser man has shown up many times to take Jake with him – when he was a mercenary that is."
"But Jake hasn't been a mercenary for years." said Sherry. So what could this man want with him?
Raymond appeared just as troubled as Sherry. "This is the first time we've seen him in a while… at first he said he was just stopping by to surprise him, but now that I have my suspicions…" he turned to Rachael and kissed her forehead. "I'm going to make a quick call. El, keep Sherry company alright?"
"Sure Raymond…" Rachael replied as he strode away for the kitchen. "Don't worry Sherry… Jake always comes back."
Sherry could tell by the weariness in her voice that she didn't really have a lot of confidence in what she said and Rachael knew Sherry had picked up on it.
I've got a bad feeling… Sherry stared helplessly at the door. Jake… please come back to me safely.
Piers slipped on his coat and grabbed his car keys, he waited patiently by the door for Helena to join him and once she did, he opened the door for her to exit first. "Where does Claire live again?" Helena asked while he locked the door.
The two swiftly started away from the door and down the flight of stairs; not patient enough to wait for the elevator. "I remember her staying pretty close to here. We should be there in no time."
They made it outside and hopped into his car, started it up and drove out of the parking lot. "I still can't believe she's alive..." Helena murmured. "It seems so surreal. Here I was trying to cope with her death and yet she was never dead to begin with... I don't know how to feel about any of this."
Piers nodded his head, his eyes focused on the road. "It's a relief... but knowing she's alive has me on edge. She requires the utmost protection and we should lay low too. I know Agent Wong said for us not to worry but Simmons could have us under watch or something - I'll start doing more inspections for our safety."
"Inspections?"
"I'll start looking for bombs and checking for wire-tapping, hidden cameras, the works." he answered turning down a street.
"You know how to deal with those things?"
"Yep, when I was in the BSAA I was a renowned sniper with some expertise in pyrotechnics, mechanics, and I even have some computer skills." he grinned, proud of himself for being the phenomenal soldier he was.
"Impressive." Helena purred, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I'm going to remember to reward my boyfriend for being good boy with a big sexy brain next time we're alone."
Piers almost lost concentration when she leaned over to lick his forehead. "Heh, erm, thanks." the tightness in his pants wasn't very welcome at this time. Curse her seatbelt for not restraining her enough…
They turned onto another street and Piers could see Claire's place. "We're here."
The car pulled to a halt and the two quickly piled out to rush to the door. Helena knocked thrice and then huddled close to Piers for warmth and assurance. He wrapped his arms around her middle and kissed her temple. "It's okay, you can handle this. I'm here for you, Honey."
"I know, thanks." she whispered.
When Claire opened the door, she looked around briefly before allowing them inside. Helena entered first and inspected the house the moment she stepped in; looking for her sister of course. Steve was in the living room watching some football game; when he noticed them he rose to his feet and approached.
"Hey cousin, Babe..." they nodded to him.
"Where is she?" Helena asked and she was trembling.
Claire came between Piers and Helena to stand beside Steve. She sighed, they looked at one another and finally Claire nodded. "We'll take you to her, but she's asleep."
"When will she wake up?" Piers asked.
"The nurse said it could take a bit," Claire started. "We've been monitoring her periodically and she's stable so that's the good news."
"I want to see her." Helena stated firmly, a glint to her eyes.
"Of course, she's this way."
Claire led the two through her home to an extra guest room beneath the staircase. She held her finger to her lips to quiet them and slid the door open slowly. The lights were on inside and the room was set up just like a hospital's, topped with an IV and other things. On the bed in the center of the room was the woman Helena had thought she lost.
Deborah laid there quietly sleeping; she looked at peace and had a few bruises here and there but other than that she looked okay. Helena crept closer to her bed, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes tearing up. She's really alive! Oh my God - I can't believe it! She nearly collapsed but Piers caught her and slowly led her away from the room.
Once the door was shut Helena began bawling her eyes out. The truth was so sweet, her sister was alive and she had a chance to be a family with her again.
Her cries were muffled by Piers' chest. He was so happy for her, he kissed her hair tenderly and lulled her softly. Claire and Steve stood by with heart warmed smiles gracing their features. "Come on you two, let's try not to wake her just yet." Claire said.
"Can we stay here for the night... in case she wakes up?" Helena asked with puffy red eyes.
"Sure, but that was the only extra bedroom besides Sherry's old room. You two can use it... since my baby's all grown up now!" she pretended to cry onto Steve and he groaned.
Piers thanked Claire and stood up straight, holding Helena in his arms. "You two have no idea how much this means to her, to us..." Helena was sniffling softly and her tears still hadn't let up. "Thank you."
Steve shrugged. "Eh, it was nothing. You're family and Helena scares me so I wouldn't dare cross her."
This earned a giggle from Helena; she pulled away from Piers and laughed at Steve's joke with everyone else. She forgot how good it felt to hang with her old crew. She really missed being around Steve, Carlos, David, and Sheva all at once. Claire and Piers were a wonderful touch to this. She found that she really missed her baby brother, Jake and even sweet little Sherry too.
Deborah being okay reminded her of so much light in her life. Piers and she had been wonderful together and she loved having him around. She never felt so happy in her entire life and it was because of Debbie's encouragement that this happened.
"Come on, I'll make some dinner, Steve do you mind getting their coats and showing them where to hang them?" Claire said, walking ahead of everyone.
"No problem." Steve shrugged.
Piers took Helena's coat and followed Steve to the front closet. Helena offered to help Claire make the dinner and followed her to the kitchen. "So," Piers started towards his cousin. "What made you decide to move in with Claire? You don't like the big luxury homes anymore?"
Steve furrowed his brow a bit. "There's so much shit going on right now, I don't think I'm feeling all the money love anymore."
"Really?" Piers asked, surprised.
"The whole foundation for all of us is crumbling ever since this crap with Simmons." Steve explained, hanging the coats. "So much shit is coming to light... it's like everything in our lives has been a lie."
Piers seemed perplexed. "What's going on?"
"The government is in shambles; all this time I thought my dad was doing right and I was reaping the benefits, turns out everyone's got dirt on their hands. That group you used to work for, they're suddenly involved too... there's something about biohazards and bio-terrorism among other crazy crimes coming up in all of this mess. Simmons is one serious fruitcake I tell you…"
"Who told you this?" asked Piers.
"That Leon guy talked to me and Claire about it. Turns out her brother - your former captain is investigating everyone involved with Simmons." Steve said, leaning against the door now that it was closed. He shook his head, "This is disturbing really. Here I thought all of us where linked because of work ethics but the reality is we're connected through everyone's dirty laundry."
"Everyone involved with Simmons... then that means Helena could be investigated." Piers predicated. "I don't want them bothering her while she's so vulnerable. I may have to contact Chris and see what's going on."
"You wanna know what the freakiest part is?"
Piers raised a brow at his cousin. "What?"
"Jake... I heard that he's not even human." Piers frowned, expressing disgust for such a crazy accusation. "No really, and he's not the only one."
"Who else? Helena? Claire, maybe?"
"Nope, my girl's 100% human…. but Sherry on the other hand..." Steve frowned a bit. "I mean, I'm more than aware of what she can do, I know what Jake's capable of... but to think they're not human is crazy. It makes me wonder if there really is a bio-weapon or something being used."
"Maybe," Piers said. "Just maybe..."
Sherry arrived back at the house alone. She was worried sick for Jake but Rachael assured her everything would be fine. She stumbled farther into the home, weak from feeling like a nervous wreck. When she arrived at the staircase, she realized Stephanie was approaching her, an uneven smile on her pretty face.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" she asked softly.
"I'm fine, where's Jake?"
Sherry saddened, "He had to meet with someone... he said he'll return soon." she was very much nauseous now; in complete disarray.
Stephanie nodded and took Sherry's gloved hands. "Come on, let's get you out of those heavy layers and into something more comfortable."
The women went into her room and Stephanie went inside the walk-in closet. Sherry changed inside the bathroom after Stephanie picked out some clothes for her. After she dressed and felt a little better, Stephanie encouraged her to join her in the sewing room.
They went straight there and Sherry settled in a comfy chair by the wall of different color threads and yarn; Stephanie sat in front of her in the twin chair. It was a small room with a sewing table and machine in the middle with the walls all lined with sewing materials and of course thread.
"Um, where's Mar?" Sherry asked meekly.
"Albert said he wanted to take him somewhere." she replied. "I didn't ask where and I should have... so I feel regretful, once again." she let out a breath and shook her head.
"Ma'am, what are you talking about?" the blonde pressed wearily. She didn't like it when Jake and Marlowe both weren't around. It made her feel lonely and uncomfortable. Topped off with the fact that Jake's mother was acting odd, she felt her nerves jittering even worse.
"I don't know... it's all so much to deal with."
"Ma'am please, it's okay, you can tell me anything if it will bring you some peace." Sherry assured sweetly. She couldn't explain it but she felt lousy... really lousy...
Stephanie sighed. "I've been a poor mother to my son." she lamented, catching Sherry off guard. "I have not been making decisions appropriately for my son or Marlowe... and because of my weakness my boys have been used time and time again."
"W-What are you talking about?" Sherry asked.
"I always run and hide when danger rears its ugly head. I know very well that Albert's intentions with my boys have not been acceptable. Yet I can't seem to stop him and I also can't turn a blind eye to it. There's too much to be worried for."
"What's going on, ma'am?"
"Albert has used my son and Marlowe's blood… to experiment on people with."
Sherry's eyes widened. "W-What?"
"Are you aware of what happened in Spencer city?"
"Yes," Sherry answered. "Jake told me about it."
She nodded. "The incident in Spencer city... He was only 2 years old - my beautiful little boy... he went there and returned to me. A week later the outbreak occurred and Albert informed me of what had happened; it was a result of Albert letting scientists experiment on Jake." Sherry heart stopped.
"I couldn't believe he put my child in danger that way... so I ran with him to Edonia." Stephanie whispered somberly.
Oh my God... Mr. Wesker - he used Jake's blood to create a viral outbreak?! And Mrs. Stephanie knew yet she ended up right back with him...? She felt sick to her stomach.
"Y-You knew what he'd done... and took him back?" Sherry questioned with a look of disgust. "He killed so many people and not only that, he ruined your son's life and stole away his childhood because he had to take care of you!"
Stephanie nodded solemnly, "He promised me that he was no longer involved in it anymore. I believed him like a fool... but my trust for him was completely shattered when he returned that day with Marlowe..."
Sherry said nothing as she listened to the woman with so many thoughts running through her head. "He claimed that Marlowe was adopted from a woman struggling to make it on her own. I believed him the first few months... until I realized Marlowe was far more intelligent than the average child and that he looked an awful lot like Albert. I realized Marlowe was indeed his son when he showed impressive strength as well. Jake was the same way as a child. He was a fast learner and incredibly powerful. That could mean only one thing..."
"He had a child with someone else." Sherry finished for her. Of all the things that Mr. Wesker could have done, she loses trust in him because he 'cheated'? Not because of what he did to her kids?
And speaking of cheating… does this mean Ms. Excella lied to me about his fidelity?
"Yes." she trembled a bit as she spoke. "I couldn't handle it and things only got worse once Albert began taking Marlowe on trips and returning with the child not even remembering what happened while they were there... I fell apart."
"Memory loss?" wondered Sherry but she was doubtful.
Stephanie shook her head. "It wasn't natural - it was forcefully done and I'm sure of it because Jake also experienced this whenever he went with him to gain money. I knew it was strange because Jake has excellent memory, he can recall anything necessary but whenever it comes to those trips, he suddenly only remembers talking to people and then they would return. I'd ask who he talked to and he couldn't even remember... that's not the son I know."
"That's exactly what he told me when I asked about his job." Sherry explained. "He said Mr. Wesker worked for the U.S government and that he did some work for them too by just talking. It was odd for me but I didn't question it - is he lying?"
"No." Stephanie said. "Albert works for the U.S government now but he didn't before and Jake really doesn't know what happens when he goes on the trips except the talking part. I wondered if it was Albert's doing to erase his and Marlowe's memory. I wouldn't put it past him... but what can I do? I'm powerless..."
"You could have left him like you did before and never look back." Sherry said firmly.
"I can't take Marlowe," Stephanie challenged with a slight frown. "He's legally Albert's son, not mine and if they share DNA then I really stand no chance. Jake has gone with Albert many times these past few years but the last time he went was earlier this year, around January, maybe even December of last year... and ever since Marlowe's been here he hasn't gone so I had no reason to take him away… besides, he's a grown man now."
"When did your illness start, ma'am?"
Sherry noticed the older woman stiffen greatly. "I... took to bed around May. It was when I became aware of Albert's infidelity..."
Something else caught Sherry's interest and she knew she might be pushing it but she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Ma'am, where you really ill all this time, or did you -"
"I… faked it. I feigned illness to avoid taking responsibility for my mistakes."
Sherry was silent; the truth had finally come out and she wasn't very pleased with it. She felt anger boiling within her for numerous reasons and she was about to voice every last one of them. "Forgive me ma'am, but I simply can't fathom any of this!" she said, trying to hold back her frustration. "Do you understand how much suffering you have brought upon these men? Mr. Wesker's relationship with you is not of my concern - but Marlowe's feelings are of dire importance!"
She rose to her feet, trembling with fury. "Do you understand that because you faked being ill that you caused him to feel like he was hated?! He felt responsible for your absence! Do you know how much pain that brought him?!"
Stephanie turned away from her and appeared to be remorseful but this did nothing but disgust Sherry to no end. "What about Jake? Because of what you would tell him about his father and his infidelities, his hatred for his father caused him to grow distant to Marlowe!"
"If what you say is true, then your actions have contributed to so much distress in this home..." Sherry was shaking while fighting back tears from it all. "…That it's gut wrenching…"
Stephanie said nothing, she simply stared at her lap, her face hidden by her auburn hair. Sherry let out a huff, flopping back down into her chair. "Why is it that the people in this home believe that being distant protects the family from harm?! One person cannot do it alone! There's safety in numbers! Coming together is what you all need to do instead of thinking like individuals and worrying about mistakes and errors all the time! Just start over and fix your mistakes so they won't happen again!"
"... You're right, Sherry." Stephanie bit her lip. "I'm a weak-hearted being who thinks solely of herself instead of the young ones in her life... and because of my foolishness... my boys had to suffer." It was now that she started to cry... "I-I should have protected them but instead I hid away to mask my shame..."
Sherry sighed, standing from her seat to wrap her arms around her boyfriend's mother. She was upset with her but this was Jake's mother, she held a lot of affection for her because of that. "Ma'am, no one's perfect and we all make mistakes - but if there's one thing I realize it's that it's never over until it's over. You have to stand up now and do right by the ones you love if that's where you feel you went wrong. It's not too late."
"R-Really?" Stephanie choked out dolefully.
She nodded. "Infidelities aside ma'am, don't feel ashamed in the least bit. You're an honorable woman who's remained loyal to her husband after all his mistakes and that takes a lot of courage. Besides, you're still pretty and I'm sure a lot of men would love to have a woman like you and would remain loyal no matter what. Don't ever doubt-"
"Well, well it's the crying lady who's always weeping about her husband."
The two women shot their attention to the open doorway of the sewing room to see none other than Excella. She had a look of mild disgust on her face as she leaned casually against the doorframe. Sherry released Stephanie and frowned at the woman she felt a degree of respect for. "Ms. Excella please, that's no way to speak to the lady of manor." How did she even get inside the house? Could she have her own key?
Excella scoffed and rolled her pretty eyes. "My God Sherry you can be such a naive doll, you're just not as bad as Stephanie here."
Stephanie glared at her but said nothing. Sherry glanced between the two and furrowed her brows at Excella. "Please don't pick at her, she's very upset -"
"Upset about what – Albert 'cheating'? I told you before that he is not being unfaithful."
Stephanie raised her head, her puffy eyes full of question. "Then how do you explain Marlowe?"
Excella sighed irritably. "I suppose the beating around the bush has gone on long enough." she stepped into the room, her stilettos echoing loudly on the wooden floors. "Albert has not been unfaithful to you; Marlowe is the result of an experiment done by none other than Simmons."
That was the second time today that Sherry had heard his name and she felt sicker than ever. "An experiment?!" she echoed overwhelmed with distress. This was all just too much. "You're saying Mar was created by Simmons?"
"He's not some sort of homunculus if that's what you're thinking." she said with a shake of her head. "Marlowe's mother was an employee of Simmons. While she was asleep, he had her injected with some of Albert's semen. I'm not sure where he got it, but the result was that this woman gave birth to little Marlowe. Albert had no idea that this had occurred until a dear friend from an equally prestigious family informed him." Sherry wondered why Excella gave her such a queer stare when she mentioned the part about the 'friend'.
"Well, the moment he was informed, he and Jake went on an expedition to find him and immediately Albert knew the child was his – I mean look at him, he's the splitting image of him. Once Albert discovered what had happened to the little one, he demanded the mother surrender the child to him so that he could protect him from Simmons. Marlowe is here because Simmons has done tests on him before and Albert is seeing to it that it never happens again."
Wait a second… Sherry recalled her first meeting with Simmons. Marlowe acted very shy in greeting Excella but he was downright uncomfortable with Simmons. The thoughtful Sherry started to put two and two together – Marlowe was afraid of Simmons because he must remember what happened. And if he remembers what happened – he must remember everything. Could it be that Marlowe has somehow restored those memories that were erased?
"How do I know you're not lying?" Stephanie asked with a boiling rage inside her.
"She's telling the truth." Sherry cut in. "The first time I met Simmons, Mar was around him too and he was very uncomfortable around him. I assumed it was just because he was scary looking… but now…"
Excella nodded to Sherry. "Simmons is a mad man taking advantage of his predecessor's research and employees. Everyone knows this and it hasn't shocked anyone that this happened."
"Why would he do this?" Sherry asked slowly.
"He's out to create the perfect child so that he can take a sample of their blood to gain their abilities." she answered casually, this was like water under the bridge for her or something and the fact that she wasn't bothered by it made Sherry concerned. "While he's at it, he's planning to create his own little army of super humans to do his bidding."
She placed her hands on her shapely hips to stare the other women down. "I have no reason to lie to you. I'm merely doing Albert a favor by not letting his family fall apart. He's a dashingly handsome fool who tries to protect his loved ones by being cold to them to conceal his internal struggles."
Stephanie's mouth was agape in shock. "If you're telling the truth… then I've been condemning him for something he didn't do… and he just took it from me." she started to cry once more. "I hid from him when I should have stood by him…"
Look at you, so gentle, so sweet – loyal to the family and so full of willpower. Thank goodness, you're nothing likeher. You've got spunk – there's a spark in you that won't let you crumble at the sight of danger. No, you're a fighter, I see that in you.
Excella's words made sense now; she didn't respect Stephanie because she thought of her as a coward. She should have demanded answers from her husband but instead she made assumptions and hid away from him.
I could have been just like her… I made assumptions about Jake in the beginning.
"It's very noble of you to try and help the family Ms. Excella." Sherry said. Especially since you're so taken with Mr. Wesker. "But can I ask why didn't he say anything?" Sherry asked softly. "Why didn't Mr. Wesker tell her what was going on?"
"Well, that's because he doesn't have it in him to forgive himself for being taken advantage of. He shoulders his burdens alone and is willing to play the bad guy so long as you all are under the radar of Simmons. And because he was never asked what was going on." she glared at Stephanie. "When he told you he was no longer involved in exchanging blood with Simmons, he told the truth."
"Then where has he been taking them?" Sherry asked. "And why has he been erasing their memories?"
"He and someone else are developing immunizations with them. He's out to counteract Simmons work. When he erases their memory it's so that Simmons cannot interrogate them or pry answers from them. The research that is being done behind Simmons back is very important to stop his madness; if he were to find out about the scheming against him, Pandora's Box would surely be opened."
If it already isn't… Sherry thought. "So he's using their blood for good reasons then?"
"Yes."
Stephanie lowered her head once again in shame. "I… I am sorry, I had absolutely no idea..."
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to your husband and your children for not being tenacious every-single-time they needed you most." Excella spat nastily.
"Now hold on a second!" Sherry cut in. "Sure she's made mistakes but no one can truly say how they would turn out in this situation because you don't know until you're in it – and even when you are it's really scary! Everyone is different, everyone handles things differently – it doesn't mean she's –"
"Put her priorities in the wrong place." Stephanie interrupted calmly. She dried her tears and rose to her feet. Taking a deep breath, she held her head high and faced the other women. "I've used my best friend to cover up my weakness and I could've risked her license by doing it. I've forsaken my children and I abandoned my husband… there's no need to make excuses for me, Sherry. I'm well-aware that I am a terrible wife and mother…"
She turned to the small blonde and placed her hands on her shoulders, a soft smile came to her face. "But you've shown me that I can make up for it… by trying to do better now." she turned to Excella and sighed. "You're disapproval of me isn't baseless and I understand it… but I have but one question. Who is Marlowe's real mother?"
"Don't worry about her," Excella said. "She's dead." The women gasped. "Yes, she was murdered within the last week. Poor thing, I suppose Simmons just couldn't afford to let her go... speaking of precious gems..." she directed her attention to Sherry. "You my dear, where is Wesker Jr.?"
"H-He's out speaking with someone, why?" Sherry replied.
"I hate to learn that. Oh well, I guess I'll have to stick you with Jill until he returns now won't I?"
"What? Why?" Sherry pressed. Why do I have to be with Jill? What on earth is going on?
"You're in danger, Mistress. It's best I stick you with someone trustworthy until your man returns." she snapped her finger and Jill entered the room with a serious expression. What? Who else is out there? Sherry wondered.
"Jill, see to it that Sherry never leaves your sight."
"I'm on it." Jill responded.
"Who am I in danger from?" Sherry asked weakly. She felt like she was going to faint.
"Simmons."
Snowmobiles sped over the snow as they hastily made their way for the outskirts of Valkoinen Mökki. They passed the border and headed out into a snowy wasteland. There was nothing to be seen for miles and the temperature was dropping with the early evening on the horizon.
Krauser led Jake farther and farther away from V.M, by the time anything was in sight the sun had completely set and the skies were instead lit up by the beautiful northern lights; the snow and ice began to glow under the brilliance.
Jake realized they were heading towards what looked like an old junkyard. Jake narrowed his eyes at the sight as they closed in. Something about what he was seeing disturbed him. It looked familiar…
Their rides slowed to a stop in front of what he observed to be an old airport. There were old planes lined up and Jake assumed Krauser must have had them approach this from the back of the place. The yard of planes was blanketed by snow, broken bits of propellers and wings were scattered about, standing erect in the thick snow on the ground.
Naturally the earth around them was quiet and darkness was thick as a blanket. The aurora borealis didn't seem to touch this place, nor did the bright full moon above; its radiance shown directly on the building yet eerily provided no luminance. Jake was reminded of Spencer city – even with the moon shining brightly, there was no sign of life anywhere and the world around the place seemed locked in eternal darkness.
There was a door straight ahead with a heavy padlock on it. Jake stepped away from his snowmobile just as his former mentor did a moment before. "What are we here for? And how come I never saw this place before? I've been coming here to V.M for years..."
"Of course you wouldn't remember." Krauser said, shaking his head. "Follow me."
"Huh? You make it sound like I've been here before."
"You have…" Krauser murmured, observing the big padlock. He pulled a gadget from the heavy bag on his back full of supplies and after a moment, the lock fell to the ground, taking the chain with it.
He pushed the door open and beckoned Jake to follow him. Jake lingered outside in the bitter cold for a moment longer to ponder if this all was familiar somehow. He recalled nothing so he trailed in behind his former mentor quietly. "We're going to take a shortcut through here… into the city."
"City?" Jake questioned with hard eyes. What's he going on about?
Most if not all of the building was in shambles. They walked a little further ahead and darkness enveloped them so they flicked on their flashlights. Jake mentally noted how well-prepared Krauser was for all of this, having all the necessities they needed for this trip.
They found a hallway area and then Jake could make out a boatload of luggage; it must have been where baggage was inspected before whatever happened to the place.
Krauser crouched down to the crumbling floor and picked up a small capsule to show to his former student. "This... is what happened here."
Jake furrowed his brow, taking the capsule in his hand to observe it. "What is it?"
"Long story," Krauser replied dryly. "I'm ready to talk about it with you, but I gotta warn you... you're not going to be pleased with any of this."
The hot-blooded redhead glared at him. "Just spit it out. I ain't got the patience for this stalling bullshit."
Krauser smirked in the darkness. "I figure you should know this because well, we both worked for Simmons at some point... but there's a serious evil going on with that guy."
"Tell me something I don't know." Jake growled, thinking of what that man had put the girl he considered a big sister through.
Jake could remember working for Simmons only once and that was when he was almost killed and his father saved him. Even to this day, he couldn't forget how Simmons allowed his whole team to be massacred and had even left him to die too.
Heartless, smug piece of shit.
"Follow me, there's a lot that you need to see." Krauser said, bringing him from his thoughts.
Krauser and Jake walked through the airport and arrived at the front entrance. They pushed the door open and stepped outside. Again, absolute silence was around them. That almost spectral darkness surrounded them again and they pushed ahead.
Jake discovered that he was facing what used to be a town. The snow had completely taken over but fragments of the homes and shops had remained, even though it wasn't by much. It was like staring at an artic version of Spencer city, but at least Spencer still had inhabitants [albeit criminals]. No one could survive out here…
"It's just like Spencer city." he said aloud, the icy wind caused him to squint his eyes as he spoke; luckily he was dressed for the fierce Finland cold and didn't feel anything. "What is this place?"
Krauser continued forward, determined to arrive at his destination even with the threatening blizzard to come. "All of this used to be a part of Valkoinen Mökki. After the outbreak it became sealed off and V.M is now the small town you know."
"Don't tell me another incident like Spencer happened here." Jake said irritably.
"Unfortunately, it did." Jake frowned upon hearing that. "I promised you I would tell you about Simmons, but in order to do that, I'll have to go back to the beginning..."
As they continued their journey, Krauser decided it would be a good time to start talking; he sighed and began to open up.
"Derek C. Simmons is the sole inheritor of the Spencer legacy. He was raised by the man from childhood and therefore was instilled with Spencer's thirst for human experimentation. From a young age, Simmons had been working with him in their pursuit of creating the perfect human beings."
"The hell for?" Jake asked.
"For medical practice." he answered. "For years, Spencer tried to come up with a method to make humans from scratch but was been unable to..."
"This Spencer guy, was he the one who ruled that city before it was -"
"Yes, that's him." Krauser intercepted. "Before he passed away, Spencer gathered families that carry special traits within their DNA to experiment with. He thought it would be excellent to sample their DNA and hopefully orchestrate the perfect race of people with genius IQ and otherworldly powers. His goal was to create a new breed of humans – super humans."
Jake felt uneasiness within him. I'm a super human…
"Spencer aspired for beings to be brought into the world with special abilities that would make them immune to disease and mental disorders – as well as enhance our physical limitations so that we wouldn't have to worry about blindness or obesity – even aging would be a slower process. Unfortunately he died before he could see his dream accomplished."
The red-haired male was intrigued. "Wow… that sucks. He sounds like he was a brilliant guy."
"Oswell E. Spencer was a remarkable scientist. He believed in eliminating human weakness by selective breeding. It's the same procedure used with plants to prevent diseases and animals too. Thus he attracted a lot of us for his cause."
"You worked for him." Jake confirmed.
"Yes… and so did your father."
"Dad?" he was really interested now. My dad used to work for this guy? Wait… could it be?
Jake Muller-Wesker, you are heir to a proud league of men…
Our blood is to be used for other means, you are aware of this…
I've never been one to care for human customs, in fact I break tradition quite often…
His father's words consumed him as he replayed them time and time again. Jake had always known he was different; his father had told him that countless times. But now Jake was curious… Krauser speaks of families chosen for that Spencer guy's research… does this mean that our super human genes or whatever were used by that guy? He was greatly confounded.
"Spencer was a great scientist. Simmons on the other hand... he believed in other means of creating enhanced beings." Krauser continued after realizing Jake had no questions.
"Like what?"
"Simmons didn't care for the project, instead he thought of a more distasteful purpose to the idea. Instead of making humans healthier, he would rather use them for military work." he explained with a deep frown. "Some say it's because he's jealous of the idea of people being special instead of him."
"…What…?" Jake thought Simmons couldn't be more deranged.
"The selective breeding process wouldn't work for people already born but it could come in handy with our children. Therefore every child born under the care of Spencer's researchers would be born as super humans but the current generation are technically too late. Simmons doesn't like that because he's a spoiled brat, therefore he aspires to use the super humans as minions for himself to create an army under his rule."
"Sounds like that asshole perfectly." Jake snorted.
"He thinks of the super humans as animals he can train and make do whatever he pleases. Ever since he's taken over Spencer's legacy he's done nothing but abuse the research he's worked so hard on. He's a fool with no patience and a selfish drive to do for himself."
"His jealousy for the super human's is obvious because despite the fact that he was not born with the right DNA to be an enhanced being, he's taking the research and experimenting it on others until he finds the right combination he can take for himself. He wants to be a supreme human – he wants to be above us all… he seeks immortality." the older male felt a sickness in his stomach just by telling Jake this. The idea of Simmons ruling the world was unfathomably appalling.
Well I'll be damned... the son of a bitch really is out for immortality! Jake thought bitterly – and then it clicked for him. He grasped the capsule in his hand tightly. "This capsule... was used as a means of testing on humans wasn't it?"
Krauser nodded. "You may not remember, but the incident in Spencer city was similar to what happened here... though that was that first time he ever experimented on the open public." Krauser stopped in front of what looked like a hospital and slid open the doors.
"My mom told me about a virus being exposed to the people there... but what did it really do to the people? And what the fuck happened?" Jake pressed with a mild irritation.
He trailed behind his old mentor into the dilapidated and frigid building. The first thing that hit him was the horrid smell and he silently identified it as the sickening odor of a corpse. "Smells awful…" he grumbled.
Krauser sent him a grave look. "Come this way..." he walked farther into the dark hallway and Jake followed him, eager to learn the truth. He had no reason to distrust his former mentor, he'd always been honest with him. Still, he felt on edge... something was demented about all of this and he feared his father may somehow be involved.
He couldn't place it... but it was just a hunch.
Jake was halted in his advance when Krauser stopped a few feet ahead. That same foul stench hit his nose tenfold and it nearly made him double over because of his enhanced sense of smell. "Smells like a fucking dead body!" he fussed.
Krauser gestured him towards it and the redhead closed in on the most ghastly thing he'd ever laid eyes upon. It was a human body... at least he thought it was. The head had an elevated mass in the front of it and there were extra bones that looked like fingers traveling upwards on each arm, protruding from the skin. The body was somehow green even though most of the flesh was beyond rotted. Jake thought he would be sick.
"The fuck is this?" he asked looking away immediately afterward. "It's like a goddamn monster or something!"
"That's what those capsules did to the people here… and in Spencer city." Krauser explained carefully. "The blood inside those capsules turned people into freakish creatures. They attacked others like wild animals and continued to mutate. Once Simmons realized he failed he would send the government's dogs in to eliminate them."
Jake's expression was of sheer horror. He'd been to Spencer so many times and never seen nor imagined something of this nature could have at some point strolled about the city… and it would have done it for over a decade!
To think that this monster was in Spencer city at some point… it abhorred him. And I actually took Sherry there… what if this thing really was roaming around and had harmed her? Shit… Jake shook his head. No, no more pity-potty shit, you've got to step up and do what's right for now on.
"It was all done by Simmons?" Jake was appalled when his former mentor confirmed this with a nod.
Jake didn't believe in monsters before but he sure as hell did now. And it wasn't the abomination lying before him – the real monster he was referring to was Simmons. These were people at some point. It's because of that monster Simmons that they ended up this way in the first place.
He believed every word of what his former mentor told him, but he had to be sure first. "...How do you know this? How do I know I can believe you?" he asked softly.
"Because I worked for Spencer and Simmons a while before I met you... for the second time." He spoke slowly and carefully.
"Second time?" Jake repeated with narrowed eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"Jake, forgive me but remember what I told you about Simmons using Spencer's research to further his gain? Well... Jake, I'm sorry to tell you this but..."
"But what?!" Jake demanded angrily. He was pissed - Simmons had really been getting away with doing more than torturing Helena, he was using humans as guinea pigs for research in his pursuit of eternal life! Jake wanted nothing more than to bash that bastards face in and then throw him in prison to be mauled by other criminals.
"You were the reason why Spencer city fell apart."
Utter silence followed. Jake was absolutely stunned by those words. His mind replayed them over and over so he could process it correctly – it was as if he'd heard him wrong but he knew very well that what he'd said was real and not a figment of his imagination.
"...What?" his voice was hoarse.
Krauser lamented telling him this; Jake was a good kid and he seemed to have developed into a fine young man… but the truth needed to come out and he deserved to know just exactly what Simmons had put everyone through. "The first time I met you was when your father lent your blood to Simmons... and he tested it on the innocent people of Spencer city."
Dad… used me as a blood donor to destroy a city?
"My father... he used me... to destroy innocent people and turn them into monsters?" he struggled to control his rage but he could feel himself slipping. "Why don't I remember anything?" his tone was slowly rising.
"You were young when it happened and after every time you were used, your memory was erased. This research continued until your mother took you and ran away."
My memories have been toyed with?! …Mom saved me from them – so maybe this is why she ran away from my father before… but why the hell would she take him back after he did that to me?! Jake felt betrayed; this time by both of his parents. His father used him to wreak havoc on innocent people and had his memories manipulated – who knows how many times. And what was his mother thinking when she allowed them to go back to him?
I knew I hated him for a good reason. Sherry told me I should forgive him – heh, let's see what she thinks after she learns what he did. Jake's fists were quivering with rage. "If he did that to me..." He could do it to Marlowe... Memories of all the times his father took Marlowe away on 'business trips' surfaced in his mind. Right under my nose... he was using my little brother just like he did me.
His fury peaked so much that his cerulean eyes became reptilian and he impulsively reached out and punched the nearby wall in a flash. Krauser watched with amazement at the strength of an actual super human. His strength caused the wall to crumble on impact and fall on top of the hideous creature.
What happened next startled the older male completely.
The monster let out an inhuman shriek and began to try moving from under the rubble. Krauser lunged away quickly and reached around to his bag for his weapons. "Holy shit –"
Before he could finish his sentence, Jake snatched it up from the ground with one hand and held it high in the air by its lower jaw; his gloved fingers were crushing its skull. As he stared at it he observed the rotted out eyeballs and broken arms so that it couldn't even reach for him, its legs were nowhere in sight. All the fingers on its arms were moving like worms. It was macabre; disgusting, hideous… It was once a human being.
Don't worry…Jake thought as he stared unafraid of the creature. He saw past its hellish features and imagined a human, crying and begging to be freed from their hell. I swear to you, he will pay for this. His fingers tightened and in a split second, the skull was shattered. The body fell to the floor, finally completely dead. A moment later it dramatically turned to dust and scattered away from them courtesy of Finland's icy winds.
Krauser sighed after a moment. "I… I never saw that coming." he said slowly. "I had no idea it was still alive… especially after how long it's been."
"When did this happen?" Jake asked quietly.
"You wouldn't remember because your memory was erased, but it happened earlier this year, maybe January." he shook his head. "V.M was a large town just a short while ago… but what happened was covered up once again by Simmons. To prevent suspicion by the BSAA, they sealed away this half of the city to eliminate the outbreak – apparently they did a poor job –" he was referring to the live one Jake just killed. "…And released a gas that erased the memory from everyone here in the town so no one could report anything suspicious."
"Why go through so much trouble?" Jake pressed bitterly.
"He was already under heat after what happened in Spencer. If Simmons is connected to this incident as well, he's a goner for sure. He has many U.S allies but his foreign ones aren't very fond of him because of what he does in these countries."
"And if there's no evidence…"
"There's no arrest." Krauser finished. "No matter how many witnesses there are, the U.S won't take the bastard into custody for something so heinous unless there's hardcore evidence."
Jake's eyes widened. "Spencer…"
"What?"
"Spencer city," he repeated. "Most of it is boarded up and sealed off from society just like this place is. If I can get inside and reach Oswell's mansion, who's to say I won't find any more bodies like the one I just killed?"
Krauser hummed, taking the younger male's words into consideration. It would be dangerous to send him in alone seeing how the creature from earlier came alive but what would be better than to send Jake in – after all, he was a super human. "Not a bad idea, though I don't know what is left inside the forests of that place… it could be dangerous even with your super strength."
Jake faltered a bit; his once mentor was right about that. He couldn't risk getting himself killed and not being able to return to Sherry and his little brother. "Quick question, if my blood caused the incident in Spencer city, then whose blood caused this?" He asked slowly.
"I think it was Alexia Ashford's son."
Jake knew Alexia was a super human like himself but he wasn't aware she had a kid. "She had a son? Since when?"
"A few years ago but the kid was taken away from her by your father earlier this year after the incident." Krauser explained with hesitance. He prayed Jake would figure out the rest without him saying another word.
His prayers were answered too. Jake sighed; he lowered his head and shook it slowly. "My brother… Marlowe is her son, isn't he?"
Krauser nodded and Jake's blood ran cold upon his next statement. "...Jake, she was killed last week."
My dad cheated on my mom with Alexia and had Marlowe, and then took him away from her – no doubt to experiment on him with Simmons… and now Alexia's dead. "No wonder she never showed up, even after all the messages I left I never got a response. She might have been in trouble and I didn't even know."
"She wasn't innocent, Jake." Krauser said abruptly. "She didn't willingly allow Simmons to use a sample of your father's semen to have a child but Marlowe is a product of two super human's and thus he is a product of selective breeding. He's got Alexia's traits and your father's. Knowing this, she did willingly put your little brother up for research with Simmons. Your father interfered to stop her. He told her if she tried to get him back he would turn them both in to police."
"Oh so now my dear old dad wants to play hero? He's got some nerve – especially after what he did to me." Jake said dryly; he was trying to maintain his anger. "I suppose it's good news that he didn't bang the chick though." Pull it together Jake, don't freak out again… you're past this explosive anger shit remember?
Krauser sighed. "Originally all of us worked to prevent diseases and advance science for humans... but with Simmons around, all of its fallen apart." he shook his head. "Your father did not just hand your blood over to Simmons. He was deceived into believing it was all for testing… but Simmons got a hold of it and Spencer city is the result."
…no one's perfect – parents are just as stupid as the rest of us but we just don't notice that until we get older. Their mistakes just mean they're human. Sherry told him that once before…
Since we don't like the things our parents have put us through – that should motivate us to be different from them – make different choices and do whatever we can so we don't make the same mistakes.
"Save it, Krauser." he said calmly. "If my dad wants to atone for some crime he did in the past, by all means I'll let him if he wants to do right by Marlowe – I can't judge anyone by their past if they're willing to change. I'm not the cleanest dude around anyway."
Jake was surprised by his own words but he was being honest. He didn't feel any anger to his parents anymore. Sherry's words rang true for him, even if his father deemed him and his brother to be super humans they still had human flaws – like making mistakes. His father may have been an idiot to blindly offer up his blood and his mom may be a weak-willed woman sometimes, but he could deal with it as long as they were willing to change.
But he did have some things he needed to say to both his parents and they weren't pleasant words. "That said… if my dad's got any current involvement with any of this, he's going down right along with Simmons. It's that simple…"
He raised his head to stare at the bright moon above. When he punched the wall earlier, it caused part of the ceiling to collapse with it. For the first time the moonlight actually penetrated through the darkness; it shown directly on him it seemed.
The light in the darkness… with its circular shape, like the face of a certain child… Sherry…Marlowe… he realized he had to get back to them. He had to protect Sherry and his little brother from all of this.
So long as the corrupt are present in this world, you must make sacrifices to protect the ones you love - even if it means forsaking your own humanity to keep them happy...
To hell with that pathetic logic. Jake thought.
It's up to you to decide whether you want to be the man you know you are or succumb to being the man your father would like you to be.
I will not build a wall to shield the ones I love from reality. I'll protect them in my own way – by being there for them to protect them from the world and its corrupt people. I am their shield – I am not my father.
Thanks Sherry.
Krauser actually smirked. Whatever had happened to Jake since they were apart seemed to have made him into a much better man. He thought more logically and while he was obviously angry that he was used, he was wise enough to see that if everyone involved in this circus [besides Simmons] was guilty of anything, it was ignorance and meekness.
"I need to go." Jake said suddenly, turning to make a speedy exit but Krauser stopped him.
"I know but there's one more thing you should know." he smiled at the student he'd never been more proud of. "None of us have the courage to face Simmons and stop him. The only one who is trying to some degree is actually your father… and one more researcher; he's your father's former partner."
"Who?"
"The man who comes from a family with their own special trait, though it only shows up in the women of the bloodline. This man's name is William Birkin."
Jake's eyes lit up. "Birkin?" he sighed, shaking his head once again – it was one more thing he needed to face. "He's… Sherry's father, isn't he?"
Krauser nodded. "Yes."
It was all so much to take in – all in one day! First he learned that his father let Simmons use his blood to send a city to hell, then he learned his mother knew about it and still took his dad back, next he found out his little brother was actually the product of his father and a woman he trusted since his teenage years, and finally he learned that Sherry, the love of his life was also a possible super human?
He had that in the back of his mind for a very long time but now that it was confirmed, it unnerved him. He'd have to keep an even more protective eye on her. He felt a headache coming on. Poor Sherry... her father must have been experimented on her just like mine did for me and Mar. That must be why she regenerates.
Wait, if our father's were once partners… then that means...
"My father knew who she was the moment he hired her." Jake whispered aloud. "And even more disturbing, Simmons would know who Sherry's father is if he knows mine. And because he knows Sherry's last name…"
Jake's heart stopped as reality nearly knocked the wind out of him.
Albert, where did you find this heavenly nymph?
Let me take her off your hands, she's just too perfect for words.
Do you have any siblings? Preferably sisters that are as capable as you are?
"He must have pieced it all together at some point." Krauser said.
Shit!
A/N: Uh-oh, things are really getting crazy! O_o
I am seriously pumped about these coming chapters! I originally imagined this fic would go into near 30 but sadly I see the end is very close. I'm not sure how many chaps are left exactly but I'm estimating maybe 3 or 4 [Not counting if I make an epilogue].
I know it's not often this happens but in this fic Wesker is actually a good guy in here. I really struggled with this but I had to remember the theme of this fic is "Coming together", "Establishing bonds", and well… "Healing lonely hearts" lol
Next chapter is the big one. Sherry's parents will be showing their faces!
Thanks for all the reviews, they help my hungry tummy XD I'll be updating hellah lot faster because I'm on a roll! Woot! XD
Review please and if you have any questions or concerns I'll be sure to respond since I know this chap was confusing as hell.
See ya soon!
-Vio