Author's note: Hello everyone, first of all i want to apologize for taking this long to update this story. I have been working on this story since before Resident Evil 6 came out so it's been while. This chapter was very difficult to write but it's done now and i want to thank my friends Neiara28 and Technogecko1826 for their advice and encouraging words.
Disclaimer: Resident Evil belongs to crapcom and the lyrics from Live and learn belongs to the Cardigans and all that jazz.
Like a Friend
"You're thirty seconds late, I hate to say it, but you're losing your touch handsome" said Ada as she proceeded to advance swaying her hips with a conquering smile towards Leon. Ada through the years had countless dreams and fantasies about what their reunion would be like. In her fantasies however Leon did not look confused.
Leon found himself unable to speak, his mouth was open, yet he was unable to speak. His mind raced invaded by countless thoughts and feelings, but one of them managed to get through, his voice was soft and sounded almost like a whisper.
"Why?" asked Leon to himself as well as Ada.
Ada stopped in her tracks and blinked. She had expected all kinds of words just not that one.
"Why? What? Leon" asked Ada slightly annoyed by the fact her seductive conquering speech had to be cut short.
"Why did you shoot Ashley? She did nothing to you!" spat Leon. As if he was chocking in a haze of confusion and anger.
Ada tilted her head to the side and placed her right hand on her hip and smiled.
"I needed to get your attention Leon, that's why" said Ada as she resumed her walk towards Leon. This time however she did not strut towards him; her trained eyes watching every movement of his.
"You wanted to get my attention?" asked Leon flabbergasted.
"Well handsome I guess I could have mailed you some of my finest lingerie with some instructions on where to meet me." "But we both know your little Claire wouldn't be very happy about it, would she?" said Ada as she walked forward toward Leon.
"So you chose to shoot Ashley instead…. damn it Ada! She could die!" shouted Leon as he watched Ada stop on her tracks then looked at him with a confused face. Then just as if nothing had happened; Ada began to laugh making Leon uncomfortable and curious at the same time.
"Ah Leon, I got to admit I was a sucker for that young naïve innocent side of you back in Raccoon City. But now, you are kind of a little too old for it" said Ada grinning as she reached inside her pocket and pulled out something out. Leon had no time to try to guess what it was before he found himself catching something small with his left hand from Ada.
Leon slowly kept his gun trained on Ada while he opened his hand and looked in shock to find a pink paintball.
Leon stood frozen in shock for a moment feeling a sense relief wash over him. At the same time he was feeling like an idiot for not checking on Ashley. But now he had fallen into this trap. Ada wore a winning smile. Leon gritted his teeth and glared at Ada. Unfortunately for Leon Ada began to laugh once again.
"It's not funny Ada" said Leon but before he could elaborate he was interrupted by Ada; "Isn't it? Our long awaited reunion is ruined by you having a blonde moment" said Ada with a wink then she looked up at the sky as if she was waiting for something to fall. Leon looked at her confused; seeing Ada again made him feel uneasy.
He took a couple of steps back and sighed inwardly. Leon felt overwhelmed by a dozen different feelings almost driving him to a panic attack; this surprised him because he had not had a panic attack since he was nine. Once again he took a couple of breaths and calmed himself down. His eyes met Ada's once again mildly surprised to see she had been eyeing him curiously.
"Cat got your tongue handsome?" asked Ada her predatory eyes studying every single one of his movements for any kind of response.
"Ada… just, how are you still alive? Chris told me he killed you" asked Leon confused: He had received an e-mail from Chris Redfield last week telling him in a report that he had encountered Ada in a hidden B.O.W underground lab somewhere in the Maryland swamps. Chris went on to write that he had engaged Ada in combat and then he had managed to gun her down with his Beretta after several close calls. Leon had immediately demanded to see her body but Chris told him that the lab had self -destructed leaving only a smoking crater.
Leon had begrudgingly dropped the subject feeling a mix of feelings but the biggest was regret; regret that he had never able to just talk to Ada and find resolution to his feelings but he knew that he would never get a chance to now and since he just had to move on completely.
Leon and Chris had never had a close relationship over the years, mostly because of Claire; Chris had always been a little overprotective when it came to his sister and also because as time went by, Leon's name along with Chris had become the two most famous anti-bioterrorism agents. Which caused a rivalry between him and Chris and the BSAA and the DSO, however he had never expected Chris just to lie to him like that.
There had to be a reason for such a lie Leon thought as he looked at Ada who was wearing a cocky smirk in her face and began to chuckle.
"Is that what he told you?" asked Ada as she stood in front of Leon and playfully poked Leon's chest with her index finger and grinned; "some future brother in law he is" "how can you expect to thrust your future family when they hide such important things" "it makes you wonder doesn't it? Just what else are they hiding from you? You always talked about how important thrust is to you right?" said Ada with a smile. She was about to continue when she was interrupted by Leon.
"Stop trying to manipulate me Ada, I'm not going to play your game" said Leon firmly.
"Ah Leon, what makes you think I'm playing with you?" asked Ada as she crossed her arms.
"Well. Your track record for one, and two; you always manipulate people so you can get what you are after" said Leon as he gripped his gun tighter.
"What if I told you I don't need to manipulate anyone anymore… for now at least. Since what I'm after is standing right in front of me" said Ada with a grin.
Leon felt his knees quake and his heart fall to his ankles, he found himself unable to respond but then he remembered Spain and he proceeded to steel himself.
"You expect me to believe that?" asked Leon.
"Tsk! Why not? You believed everything I told you before… I don't see how this is any different. People always want to believe that they are safe and they can ignore the perils of this world and still be able to return home to their precious TV dinners" said Ada as she looked at the city.
"But this time Leon I'm not lying, I came to see you" said Ada.
"Ada…. I haven't seen you in four years and you expect me to believe that you just… felt like paying me a visit?"
"Yes I do Leon. Unless, of course you need to sit on a toilet and put on your thinking cap on for a couple of hours to see if I'm telling the truth."
Leon visibly flinched but managed to keep his composure.
"I'm not going to waste this opportunity, tell me; what have you done with the Las Plagas sample?" asked Leon.
"Are you still angry about that? Ugh! Typical male, always trying to ruin the mood, but I suppose you deserve an answer, I sold it to Wesker for 6 million dollars and before you say anything…. He paid me that amount of chump change, to spite me for crashing his private plane the month before" explained Ada.
"Damn it Ada! So the rumors of a stronger strain of the Las Plagas parasite are true! Ada how could you give it to Wesker!? He's …"
"That's not my problem Leon. That's what the good guys like you are for. I just worry about looking good as the deadliest woman on the planet and if I'm feeling charitable; I help you once in a while to make sure you don't get killed by your own eagerness" explained Ada.
"Look who's talking, you're the one who decided it would be a good idea to place bandages over my uniform instead of doing it under, like normal people do" said Leon hoping to get a rise out of Ada.
"I was young back then and besides it all worked out in the end right?" said Ada causing Leon to look away and snort lightly.
"Not a chance Ada, if it hadn't been for Claire cleaning up my wound with cheap vodka and bandaging it properly, I would have probably died of infection the next day" said Leon as he watched Ada's expression change with just mentioning his fiancée's name.
"Ah yes… little Claire Redfield. The ever so jovial tree hugging activist!" said Ada in a sarcastic tone.
"Tell me Leon do you ever get sick of her? I'm sure you do. Any normal human being would, all that sweetness in just one person. She's like a Disney character stuck in the real world."
"You're wrong Ada. Claire is much more than that" said Leon once again defending Claire, which made Ada slightly upset.
"I guess you're right Leon, She's also a huge pain in the ass" said Ada hoping to get a rise out of Leon.
"In Raccoon City she took the role of a walking ambulance trying to find and rescue any survivors" said Ada.
"So did I" countered Leon.
"True, but you did not create a vaccine for a little girl and saved her life, only to abandon her two weeks later" said Ada and as she watched Leon's eyes glare at her and his grip on his gun tighten she knew she had hit her mark.
"You must have hated her for that" said Ada who began walking around Leon with a winning smirk on her face.
How dare you… Leon couldn't help the anger welling up inside him as he watched Ada reveling at the sight of him. As much he hated to admit it she had been right. Back in 1998 he had wanted Claire to stay with him and Sherry and bring an end to Umbrella together, Claire agreed at first. But then they met David Trapp and Rebecca but after Utah something seemed to have changed in her and she was hell bent on finding her brother. Leon knowing he was fighting a losing battle reluctantly gave in and encouraged Claire to find Chris.
Claire left the next day and Leon found himself alone driving on the Highway on his way to pick up Sherry from his aunt's house. Unfortunately as he got out of the car he found himself surrounded by a small army pointing weapons at him from all directions.
Leon surrendered and found himself on board of a Blackhawk helicopter handcuffed and blindfolded, he had no idea how much time had passed until he found himself inside an interrogation room, as a voice from a speaker spoke to him.
"We have the authority to do as we please with you… you and that girl" spoke the voice.
"Just leave her out of this. She's an innocent."
"An innocent who carries the G antibody" Leon's eyes widened as he realized that they knew about what happened to Sherry, feeling despair he felt defeated until the voice spoke once again.
"Don't worry we're taking good care of her, bottom-line is… you got the experience we're looking for, so if you want this to end peacefully you really only have one choice… work for us."
And that was it. He belonged to the government from there on, an expensive asset with experience but an asset nonetheless. The one who recruited him Adam Benford, had been good to him, even after Leon botched his first mission with the government. Instead of being accused of treason he spent a week in solitary confinement, which was good for Leon since he just wanted to be left alone.
Leon blinked as he noticed he had drifted off into memory lane while Ada looked at him with an all knowing look. If she wanted to attack me she would have done so already… Leon sighed and lowered his gun making Ada smirk and click her heels almost as if she was claiming victory.
"What are you doing here Ada? What's your angle?" Ada did not say anything for a while. Instead she raised her right eyebrow and spoke.
"Like I said Leon, I came to see you and… well maybe try to talk to some sense into you about this wedding… Leon you're not the type to settle down, you enjoy your job too much."
"Ada. What makes you think, you know anything about me? We barely know each other" "every time I feel like I finally got a grip on my feelings, you show up every five years to mess with my mind."
Ada scoffed and glared at Leon. She crossed her arms and walked around until a shining light in the dark skies drew her attention. Ada smiled and pointed her finger at it.
"Well now… it seems we have a peeping Tom spying us" said Ada.
"Say hi to Wesker Leon" Leon looked at the light and shook his head.
"That's not possible Ada. There's no way Wesker has access to satellites, that's property of the US government"
"And who do you think grants him access Leon? Wesker has friends in high places. Just like you and me handsome" Ada watched the light until it went away then she smiled. "You're a lucky man Leon, he is not coming, because I have a "friend" paying him a visit soon and it will be a homecoming party that will make me smile like the good girl I am."
"What are you talking about Ada?" Leon asked confused.
"Nothing you need to worry about Leon, it will be over before you know it. Just like your virginity" said Ada with a grin but then she looked serious "by the way, I believe I should be the one to tell this; Wesker has cameras in your apartment to see your every movement as well as the other "survivors" Leon felt his throat go dry and his heart rate increase. He narrowed his eyes and asked. "Who put them there?" Ada looked at him with uncaring look and shrugged her shoulders.
"I did, Leon. I know where everybody lives even that wandering drunk Oliveira, Wesker is watching him too" "there is a camera in the small ventilation duct above your kitchen and one in the tree outside of your apartment complex. You can remove them if you want" said Ada.
"Also before you say anything else, no I have not been into your apartment in some time. Because if I did I would have left a pretty little gift for your fiancée" said Ada.
"That's not funny Ada."
"Oh but there is nothing funny about a black mamba, but you know what I could do? I could tape it and send it to America's funniest home videos. That would be pretty funny; a poisoned Claire squirming on the floor trying to call for help…"
"Enough!" roared Leon "if you ever lay a hand…"
"Relax Leon I'm just fucking with you. Unfortunately I had to promise my friend, that I would not lay a hand on Claire… and despite what you believe, I keep my promises."
"What friend? What are you talking about?" asked Leon.
"Sorry, but that's above your pay grade Leon. There is too much at stake for me to tell you everything, it's not that I don't trust you. The truth is I don't trust anybody."
"It must be pretty lonely to be you then, never being able to trust somebody and never having someone to watch your back."
"Not really. If you ask me, having a partner just makes it easier to get stabbed in the back" explained Ada with a cynical tone, until a smile appeared on her face.
"Unless… I had a partner like you, Leon. That would be different… Just imagine. You and me traveling around the world; we could make love all night in Paris, have breakfast in Monaco and dance the night away in Germany. You would finally get paid the money you deserve and don't try to act like you're not broke Leon. I've been to your place"
"I will never work for Wesker, Ada" replied Leon his blue eyes looked like they could cut steel. Ada for a second felt uneasy until she mastered her emotions and ignored his gaze.
"Who says you have to? After tomorrow I will be a free woman. Well… not entirely free but… I'll take what I can get. At least I can get a clean slate."
"Ada you are on the FBI's most wanted list for acts of bioterrorism. There's no clean slate for you" explained Leon but Ada just chuckled.
"I'm not on the list anymore Leon, like I said; I got friends in high places and if you don't believe me. Check your phone" Leon looked at Ada and reached inside his pocket. Leon cursed inwardly remembering that he had dropped his phone outside of the movie theatre. Leon knew the DSO protocols and what was about to happen. The news of the attack on Ashley must have reached Hunnigan by now and he was sure she must have tried to reach him already, now it was a matter of time before she sent the nearest DSO agents as backup.
Leon looked at Ada and sighed, despite everything that had happened between them. Leon could not help but to feel disappointed. Time was running out and he had not asked her the questions that were burning through his mind. But maybe I can try.
"Ada."
"Yes Leon?"
"Let's talk. I don't mean like what we're doing now, why can't we talk about normal things, like normal people do?"
"Because we're not normal people Leon, besides normal people are so boring. But you know what's even worse? Married people! You spend five minutes with them and you already want to shoot them. It's what you want? Become a source of boredom to all your friends? If you ask me I would say that you're crazy, but that's just my opinion. But if you want to talk… I suppose we could do that, as long as you don't ask me any classified information" Ada looked at Leon eager for an answer.
"Alright" I need to be quick, before Police and the DSO scare her away. He took a deep breath and began.
"What did you do in your last mission?" asked Leon and Ada answered with a chuckle.
"I already told you that I don't want to talk about my missions Leon. Ask me something else."
"Very well, what have you been up to since your last mission?" Ada chuckled and ran her hand through her black hair.
"I got married"
"What?" asked Leon his eyes grew as big as plates.
Ada reached into her pocket and produced a ring: encrusted in it was the biggest diamond Leon had ever seen. "I could buy a small country with this" said Ada "maybe call it Adakistan" Ada grinned from ear to ear while Leon looked confused.
"Have you ever heard from Yuri Ibragimov Leon?"
"The Russian oil magnate? Yeah I've heard of him, the guy who wanted to build a Hummer with seats made of wale testicles right?"
"That was not his finest moment I must admit, but he more than made up for it when he married the lovely and incredibly beautiful Yuriko Cho from Japan" said Ada with a fake Japanese accent.
"I didn't know you spoke Japanese" said Leon.
"How else am I supposed to get any decent sushi without speaking Japanese Leon? Sadly my accent is a bit of a problem. Fortunately Yuri had never been to Japan and I was able to fool him and his entourage. Sadly there was an accident at sea during Yuriko's honey moon and she was made a widow. Very sad tale don't you think Leon?"
"I think she's a regular black widow" said Leon.
"Now that's mean Leon, she must be heartbroken"
Leon snorted and shook his head "yeah right. I wonder what she's going to do with the money from the diamond. There is only so much Armani handbags you can guy" said Leon.
"You're right Leon. I'm going to have to buy some cute shoes too. Maybe I'll buy something for Excella too… yeah! That sounds perfect; a red Armani handbag with some dead rats inside. Yeah it would be the perfect gift for that uptight bitch" said Ada. The resentment in her voice was very clear and Leon smiled.
"You make friends wherever you go huh?" Ada narrowed her eyes at Leon but smile was creeping in her features as well.
"Who's this Excella anyway?" asked Leon.
"Some snobby Italian skank, who follows Wesker wherever he goes like a puppy and thinks she's going to be Queen of the world" said Ada.
"You sound almost jealous" replied Leon confused and Ada laughed.
"That will be the day I will ask you to shoot me" said Ada she looked thoughtful for second then she asked.
"Since I answered your questions it's only fair I ask you a question as well" Ada pursed her lips then asked "you're really going to go through with this wedding?"
"I am" answered Leon.
"Why?"
"It's simple. Because, I love Claire" Leon looked at Ada. She was quiet as she seemed to be studying him then she smiled.
"And I love fashion, my Ferrari and butterflies but that doesn't mean that I'm gonna marry them. Now I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me why you supposedly love that annoying girl" replied Ada as she closed in on Leon. She was close, so close that he could smell her perfume; it smelled of roses and something he couldn't quite put a finger on, somehow it felt familiar. Leon gulped and answered.
"After Raccoon city I was hurt not only physically but mentally, I had the worst case of survivor's guilt the head shrink in the CIA had ever seen and that's saying something" said Leon with a grin on his face, then he sobered up and continued, "I thought you died that night, worse that I had killed you by getting distracted and forcing you to help me. I escaped that morning with Claire and Sherry feeling ashes in my mouth and my shoulder throbbing like hell, Thanks to Claire who managed to clean my wound, I was well enough to travel until we met Rebecca and her group. Claire was always by my side and I thought of her as a great friend but then Utah happened and things changed. During our escape of the planet is when I began to notice that I was attracted to Claire, my feelings grew each day we spent together."
"Then she left you to find her brother" said Ada interrupting him.
"Yes and I admit I was angry at the time especially after I was arrested by the government"
"I began to work for the government because of Sherry and her well-being, days turned to weeks but then I received an e-mail from Claire telling me that she was trapped and she needed my help. Just in time for my first mission with the government. I was supposed to take a plane to the European coast to retrieve my Friend Ark Thomson and the evidence he gathered on Umbrella. Instead I hijacked the plane and I flew it into France. I evaded the Gendarmes long enough and was able to make contact with Claire's brother Chris and the STARS. He departed immediately I asked to go with him but he refused, so I left for Sheena Island. When I returned to the states I was arrested and placed into solitary confinement. I had caused an international incident by landing a CIA plane in France without any word. When I was released I was suspended for a week. I used that time to see Claire. When I found her she was with her brother and the remnants of the STARS, she seemed changed, something had happened to her and she refused to talk about it. The next day we had a huge fight because of what happened to Sherry and we didn't speak to each other for a year. I kept working with the government and Claire invited me to her college graduation.
In time I was able to regain my agency's trust and secure visits to see Sherry, Claire was overjoyed and we visited Sherry together.
"Yeah that's nice Leon but what I'm interested in is; how she came to be you fiancée. Not how you plan to write your memoires" said Ada as she crossed her arms.
"Alright… last month she came to visit me at a hospital where I was receiving treatment after a mission in Spain. She told me she had an epiphany, something about living without regrets and she confessed her feelings towards me" Leon noticed Ada somehow tense up, even though he knew that Ada was the ultimate actress, he had managed to spot a subtle change in her body language. Ada seemed to have noticed it too. She looked away into the lights of the city until she was ready, then her eyes were fixed on Leon once again.
"Well, what happened next?"
"I told Claire the truth; I told her that I had feelings for her ever since the planet and that I would love to take her out for dinner."
"You decided to marry her after one date?" asked Ada in disbelief.
"No. We dated for a couple of weeks before I popped the question. Besides Ada I've known Claire for a whole decade, she and I have been through hell together not once but twice and that creates a bond that is not easily broken. But the reason I love her is simple: All my partners through my career have betrayed me in one way or another, all except Claire. I realize now that I want her by my side against whatever the future throws at us" Leon looked at Ada who was quietly taking all the information. She seemed to try to avoid his gaze. Ada walked over the edge of building and began to contemplate the view of the city. Leon did not know what to do, Leon tried to relax his body and perhaps stretch out his arms until Ada's voice startled him.
"What about me? Did you ever feel anything for me?" asked Ada her voice almost a whisper. Leon felt nervous; he had never actually talked about his feelings for Ada to anyone, except for a bartender or two when he was drunk. The CIA had asked him about it, but all that information was classified, somehow he also realized that he had not mentioned his feelings in Spain and perhaps Ada had no idea about how he felt about her.
"I did" said Leon. Ada turned towards him; her eyes were locked into a mix between confusion and rage. Leon realized that this was the moment. He took a deep breath and began.
"Did you know that there is a memorial wall outside the ruins of Raccoon City? All the names of the people who died there are written on it, I remember it very well because I wrote your name on it. I thought you had died and promised myself that no one else would die on my watch. Of course now after all these years I realize how naïve that promise was, but I believed in it. As years went by I received Intel from different sources that a woman with your description was seen in Albert Wesker's company. I refused to believe it, of course until I saw you in Spain"
"Ada why didn't you contact me? You had six years! You could have contacted me and perhaps things would be different…"
"I thought about it, many times Leon, you have no idea how many times I thought about calling you, but I was working for Wesker and you and I are..."
"That's no excuse Ada. If you really felt something for me; Wesker wouldn't have stopped us, nothing would have. I would have fought for us! With every ounce of my being!" screamed Leon feeling anger soar through him.
"Now I realize that I was just like John" the words slipped out before he could correct himself, he looked at Ada and saw no emotion.
"I'm surprised you remembered John, not a lot of people do"
"I wrote his name along with yours in the wall, I wanted to pay my respects to a good man."
"He was" said Ada. Her voice laced with sadness. This surprised Leon since Ada was a master in masking her emotions.
"Thank you for remembering him Leon, maybe I will visit him one day" said Ada as she gave him a small smile.
"I feel I should say this before anything else gets said, Leon you were not like John. He was good to me but he was an assignment, you were not. You… You were… unexpected, I've never experienced anything like, what I felt in Raccoon city Leon. You have no idea how much you changed me! I…"
Leon was stunned. Never in a million years had he expected that Ada would open herself to him in such a way. She was about to say something important to him when a sudden noise made her turn around. Leon sighed as the sound of approaching sirens ruined his chance. Leon watched as Ada returned to her former self with the click of her heels and a sneer.
"Well handsome. It seems like it's time for me to leave, now I expect my wedding invitation in the mail by Monday" Leon looked at Ada dumbfounded as she flashed her grappling hook and gave him a wink.
"I don't even have your address and Claire would freak if you showed up at the wedding" replied Leon.
"Exactly" Ada grinned. "It doesn't matter really if I don't get an invitation, I always wanted to crash a wedding" said Ada with a grin.
Leon narrowed his eyes and answered: "Ada if you think that I'm going to let you…" The sounds of the sirens were very close but a sudden sound interrupted Leon. It was the sound of metal steps. Ada seemed to have noticed it too, as she reached for her gun. There was a flash of brown hair and Leon ran forward and brought himself in the middle of two experienced killers.
Leon looked at Ada and almost shivered. Her brown eyes were fixed with the intent to kill; Leon knew that this was going to be a massacre if he didn't do something so he turned towards the other shooter. He wielded a Glock 19 pistol and had short brown hair and wore a black suit. He looked just like any other DSO agent all except for his piano tie.
"Ark! Stand down we're just talking!" yelled Leon hoping his friend would understand.
"Leon, what the hell is going on?! And why are you talking to her? She shot the President's daughter!" yelled Ark.
"Yes! But she shot Ashley with a paintball! Ashley's fine probably just bruised" explained Leon when Ada called his name.
"You know this clown Leon?" asked Ada. Leon looked back at Ark and then turned towards Ada.
"Yes. He's my best friend Ada" said Leon as he watched Ada blink and turn to him with a look of confusion in her eyes, Leon nodded and Ada lowered her gun making Leon sighed in relief.
Ark however did not lower his gun and began to slowly walk towards them. Leon tried to get Ark to lower his gun when he felt Ada tap him in the shoulder and whisper in his ear.
"I'll see you at the wedding Leon, try not to do anything stupid until then" Leon turned towards Ada and saw that she was at the edge of the building.
"You are under arrest Ada Wong. If that's your real name" said Ark who kept getting closer.
"I'm afraid I can't do that officer. You see I left the fridge door open and you know what does to the environment" said Ada with a shrug.
"Move a muscle and I will personally empty this whole clip on you!"
"Boys" sighed Ada "can't live with them can't live without them" said Ada as she took a step back.
Leon's grew as big as plates as Ada winked at him and jumped out the building disappearing in the dark below.
"ADA!" screamed Leon, the image of her falling all those years ago. Replaying on his minds like a broken record. Leon did not notice he was drenched in sweat until he felt Ark place his hand on his shoulder.
"Are you alright Leon?" asked Ark. That's a good question Leon asked himself.
"I'm not sure. But somehow I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders" Ark looked at the dark below and looked at Leon.
"She's gone Ark. I doubt we'll hear anything from her for some time" Ark nodded and both men began to walk down the stairs. Police began to flood the area but Leon and Ark flashed their badges and were allowed to walk. Leon reached for his phone and saw that he had 37 missed calls. Wincing he turned to Ark.
"Most are Hunnigan's she must be pissed" said Leon looking at his phone.
"You have no idea man, she was so pissed her face was red. I thought she was going to lay an egg" Ark chuckled but then he turned serous.
"That reminds me she told me that you need to report to Hunter's office first thing in the morning. I bet she will be there too so they can double team you with questions."
"I suppose" said Leon as he walked towards his car and looked back at his roommate.
"Listen Ark I think I'm gonna need the apartment to myself tonight, can you and Cody stay in a hotel tonight? I need to check on Ashley then I will go home and try to explain to Claire what happened today"
"I see… well I hope she doesn't beat the crap out of you man. See you at the office tomorrow!" said Ark as he left.
Leon hoped Claire would handle the situation well if not… I hope she doesn't shoot me thought Leon as he entered his car and headed towards the hospital.
The hospital room she was in was cold and the portable heater she had next to her, failed to keep her warm. There was one thing that could maybe keep her warm, anger.
Ashley gripped her bed sheet so hard it almost hurt, she grinded her teeth. It was all her damn fault! "I don't care she is a trained assassin. Next time I see Ada I'm kicking the crap out of her!" yelled Ashley as angry tears rolled down from her face.
She already missed Leon even though he had just left fifteen minutes ago. He had come to check on her and explain what had happened. When Leon told her that she had been used as bait to lure Leon to Ada she had been livid. Even Leon seemed surprised by Ashley's anger. Leon left saying that he had to go home to check on Claire and that he would be stepping down from his bodyguard duties at least for the time being. Ashley had lived in white house long enough to know that the secret service would conduct an investigation on this incident and that they would question Leon.
It's not fair she thought. Leon would never put me in danger, it was all Ada's fault and now she was stuck with Leon's replacement: Lott Thompson.
Ark's adopted son had always been nice to her but he was not Leon. He had just recently finished his training and this was his first assignment. Ashley had voiced her concern to Leon, but he told her that he had trained under his and Ark's supervision and that she could not be in safer hands. She disagreed but there was nothing she could do.
"Don't worry Ashley" said Leon "Lott is a survivor; he survived the outbreak in Sheena island with only a baseball bat along with his little sister I'm sure he can protect you."
Now Leon was gone and Ashley was left all alone in her room except for Lott who was standing outside her door.
"Lott" she called softly and was answered with silence, making Ashley frown.
"LOTT!" yelled Ashley. This caused the door to be opened swiftly and Lott entered reaching for his gun, he looked at every corner; his trained eyes spotted no threats so he approached Ashley. Unfortunately his trained eyes failed to spot the large cable that was in front of him and he tripped and fell face first into the floor.
"I'm dead meat" said Ashley as she pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to control her temper.
Lott stood up as if his body was made of springs he placed his hand in front of his nose and began to rub it.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I called you earlier why didn't you come the first time?" asked Ashley.
"Oh I was listening to Queen on my I-Pod ma'am" answered Lott.
"Queen?" asked Ashley.
"Yeah you know Claire's favorite band, she let me borrow her CDs, have you ever met her? She's pretty cool"
"I don't want to talk about Claire Redfield" said Ashley narrowing her eyes.
"Oh what did you want to talk about ma'am?" asked Lott.
"I'm hungry can you get me a butter finger please?"
"Ok… certainly! I will radio someone in and they will get it for you ASAP ma'am"
"No. I'm hungry go get it for me" Lott looked at her confused.
"You know I can't do that ma'am, I have to guard your room"
"Then give me your gun I will protect myself until you get here" replied Ashley as she crossed her arms and leaned against her bed.
"Have you ever fired a gun ma'am?"
"Not but I've watched a lot of Youtube videos" replied Ashley. "That's a Glock 19 right? It doesn't have a safety all I have to do is point and shoot isn't?"
"There's a lot more than pointing a gun and shooting ma'am, you have to aim at your targets and watch for your ammo. Besides I can't let you have my gun, Leon would have my head"
"Fine" grumbled Ashley "then at least give me something less lethal Lott"
Lott scratched the back of his head his brown hair reminded her of Leon, which made her feel depressed.
Lott pulled out something out of his pocket and placed in her hands. Ashley looked at it and saw a can of Mace.
"This is not a toy ma'am. This burns like hell. You flip the safety off with your thumb and spray. Got it?" he asked and Ashley nodded.
"I will be right back ma'am please don't do anything stupid" said Lott as he left. Ashley looked at the door and considered sneaking out. It would be so easy… she thought. Ashley got up and walked to a mirror and looked inside her hospital gown. The purple bruise that greeted her looked worse than before, the paintball had impacted right in her chest but other than the bruise she was alright. Ashley sighed and returned to her bed she relaxed against the mattress and looked at the ceiling. There was a lot of work to do and she had unfinished business with Ada. Once again Ashley smiled to herself and began to plot.
The shower did not relax Ada as much as she had hoped for. The events of her reunion with Leon still plagued her mind; she was so distracted that she almost forgot about the woman taunting her through her PDA.
"Ha-Ha that's out of the question Ada darling. You should have known that abandoning the mission; my Albert gave you to pursue some… worthless dog, would come with consequences" said the woman with a thick accent. Ada adjusted her red bathrobe and looked at the woman.
"I'm sorry Excella but as I told Albert I had another mission lined up"
"Hmm that's your own fault then. My Albert was waiting for you. I wonder; what will he do when he gets his hands on you? Especially once he masters Uroboros. I will be part of his new world, I wonder if can say the same about you Hmm?" Excella raised her left eyebrow at Ada awaiting a response.
"Sorry to disappoint but I think I'm better on my own from now on; although Excella, do tell Wesker that It's been fun" said Ada with grin. Excella seemed to quietly hiss at her but then she smiled.
"Go on do what you want, it's not my problem. But remember this darling; there are no second chances with Albert Wesker" Ada chuckled and sneered.
"Oh I know Excella I know, no one knows Wesker the way I do. That's why I'm talking to you, tell me where is Albert now?"
"Hmm he is meeting with Irving right now he even brought that doll of his, what does he call it? Ah yes Jill. Why do you ask?"
"Good. Now Excella I hope you know that I could care less about you but for some reasons I feel like I should warn you: you need to pack your things and leave as soon as possible, the BSAA is coming and it will not end well" at that Excella began to laugh.
"I know Ada darling. Wesker knows it too that's why he will deal with them soon enough"
"Excella he is just using you, he…"
"Of course he is. I'm a magnificent business woman and I'm great eye candy. I am his most trusted advisor and one day I will rule by his side" Ada knowing the truth scoffed at the stupidity of that thought.
"What is so funny?" asked Excella.
"Nothing just wire me the rest of my payment" Excella just grunted and after a few seconds a beep alerted Ada that the transfer had been made.
"Well I would lie and say that it has been fun but we…" Excella's speech was cut short by Ada.
"No it hasn't but it's over now and you!" Ada shouted as she pointed at a stunned Excella "You should start walking away as far away as you could possible can from that monster. He will kill you. He kills everything" said Ada. Excella looked at her for a couple of seconds then she grunted and ended the conversation.
Ada felt a migraine starting to make its presence known in her head and she sighed.
This was the reason she avoided the east coast. Too much drama! Looking around her penthouse suit she made a mental note to visit the bar and maybe find an appropriate toy to play with. But now it was time to for a girl to treat herself.
She picked up her comb and began to comb her hair when a beeping light caught her attention. She had specified when she got her suite that she did not want to be disturbed, so she chose the most expensive one. The home of Isis they called it Ada just saw as an expensive room. It had plenty of luxuries a pool, a Jacuzzi and a tennis court but what caught Ada's attention was that there was only one entrance to her suite and that was through a glass elevator. Which was perfect for her.
She quickly packed her things and smiled It's always a good thing to travel light she picked up her gun and coked the hammer back and placed the gun in her bed. My motion detector flashed 4 seconds ago which means I have 4 more seconds before they get here Ada took off her bathrobe and put on the towel she took a shower with and fixed her hair.
The elevator door opened with a grenade and Ada looked away and she covered her ears.
BOOM!
Flashbang, how typical
Four armed men with the words SWAT on their vest appeared the carried modified M4 carbines and tactical masks. They pointed their guns at Ada.
"HANDS OVER YOUR HEAD NOW!"
Ada smiled and pretended she raise her hands as she slowly did her towel fell from her body revealing her naked form.
The SWAT officers stopped in their tracks. Ada smirked as she felt the men's gazes all over her body.
"Sorry boys but you should have knocked. I don't take kindly to unwanted visitors even if they're cute" said Ada as she tilted her head to the side and smiled.
It was then when the SWAT officers noticed something blinking next to them.
"Shit" one of them screamed but it was too late.
BOOM the Flashbang went off.
"You flash me, I flash you" said Ada as she picked up her gun and fired her gun. She fired two rounds in each of them. Double tap that was a technique she had learned from a former SAS veteran. He had trained her for two weeks and the lessons she learned were now becoming useful.
All four SWAT officers were down in the floor. From the groans she heard at least two of them were still alive but that did not concern her. Ada dressed herself with her bathrobe and placed her most valuable items including her purse into her carry-on bag. The rest were left on her big suitcase, feeling spiteful Ada placed a fire grenade inside and rigged so that it would go off the moment someone opened it.
Shame I can't see it the magic happen
Ada placed a second mag into one of her pockets and stormed out through the balcony. One hand on her gun and the other holding her grappling hook next she wore a strap over her shoulder that connected to her carry-on bag. As she exited the suite she spotted a helicopter over her head. More SWAT team members were rappelling down through ropes. Ada spotted them before they did her, which gave her the advantage of mere seconds.
Ada aimed her gun at them, the SWAT teams reached for their guns as well. She had a second of advantage so she did what was the easiest thing to do. She cheated.
Ada held her gun sideways and fired her fist shot hitting one of the SWAT team members in the chest. The muzzle jump created a horizontal sweep allowing her to move faster; hitting all three remaining three SWAT team members before they could aim their guns. With a click Ada noticed that she was out of bullets, as she reloaded she looked up at the helicopter and spotted the pilot leaving her seat and running to where the ropes were, making Ada smile.
This is the worst first day ever! Maggie thought as she took off her safety belts and placed the helicopter into autopilot and rushed out of the cockpit. She ran to the helicopter's door and looked in horror to see the whole team dead before they were able to get out of their ropes. They told me it was going to be an easy first mission. They said nothing about fighting some crazy woman! I gotta cut the ropes! Maggie pulled her knife out and began to cut each rope. Once she was done she wiped the sweat of her forehead with her wrist and looked down.
There was no one below except for her teammates. Fuck! I gotta get out of here! Maggie made a mad dash back into the cockpit and picked up her controls she was about to turn off the autopilot when a voice whispered beside her.
"Leaving me already? But we just met" Maggie turned to see the black hair woman beside her a smile across her face.
By reflex Maggie felt her body reaching for her gun but the woman was faster, the woman's right foot connected with Maggie's face with a sick velocity and Maggie felt the coppery taste of blood in her mouth until she felt the cold wind of outside hit her skin and with a push she fell into darkness.
As Ada piloted the helicopter she looked down into the street and was surprised to see dozens of police cars outside the hotel. I wish I could see their faces Ada smiled to herself and flew the helicopter towards Virginia she turned off the Police's radio and began to search through the stations until she heard the familiar sound of the cardigan's live and learn. Ada wondered if there was someone somewhere who had requested that song just for her.
I stared into the light to kill some of my pain
It was all in vain
Cause no senses remain but an ache in my body and regret in my mind
But I'll be fine cause I live and I learn…
A sad smile spread across Ada's features as she thought about Leon. Maybe things would have been different if she had tried to contact him all those years ago. Ada's thoughts were interrupted as she heard her PDA beeping and she placed it in her lap and she accepted the message.
"What is it now Excella? I thought I told you to go as far away from Wesker as possible. Do you want me to tell you, what is Wesker's favorite cereal? Or do you want me to tell you what he likes in bed? Asked Ada lacing each of her words with sarcasm. As she took a small break from piloting and looked at the person looking at her.
Shit!
It was not Excella Gionne who was in the other end. It was a man she had not seen in years. He had short black hair mixed with grey. He was in his mid-forties and wore a very expensive black suit.
"Trent"
"Hello to you too Ada" said the man. "It's been some time since we last spoke but I never thought you would be giving relationship advice to anyone, Is this a side gig? Am I not paying you enough?" asked Trent.
"Very funny old man is there a reason for this call? I seem to recall you pay me to be an undercover operative and since Wesker's demise is imminent I figured we were done and I should start job hunting soon" said Ada with shrug.
"That's true Ada I pay you to be undercover but I have a new mission for you. It is a very difficult mission and will require you to go undercover again, as always I will pay you handsomely for your assistance" explained Trent.
"What's the new assignment?"
"There is a new player in town, calls himself the stranger. He seems to be gathering resources, manpower, money and B.O.W's. I have no idea what his endgame is but I'm very concerned on how quickly he's gaining power" explained Trent.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Ada.
"For the moment I want you to do nothing. I got a feeling that the stranger will try to contact you at some point. When he does I want you to accept and work for him. Gather as much evidence as possible and I will use the BSAA to take him down."
"Hmm I suppose I can do that Trent in the meantime I'm going to take a small vacation in Italy if you don't mind" the man nodded and Ada ended the call.
I came to one a corner with some help from a man
Goddamn
I don't seem to have learned, that a lady in need is guilty indeed
So I paid and got laid in return
And I don't know what I've learned
Ada kept piloting for almost an hour enjoying the music from the radio until she received a text message from an unknown number. She looked at the message and smiled.
Ada Wong The stranger would like to meet you, if you are interested into a job of a lifetime meet me in the club Isis in Monte Carlo one week from today, come alone.
Ada smiled at the words job of a lifetime, she wondered if it was the real thing or just another lie. Ada had been a double agent before but now…
Ada decided that she would have some fun before she came to a decision.
I wonder what Giovanni is up to? I should pay him a visit.
And with that Ada retreated into the safety of Europe, eventually she would have to deal with the fallout for Wesker's fall and this stranger individual but now all she needed right now was a young Italian poet named Giovanni.
So, what did you think? let me know! I still got the epilogue chapter and this story is done! I will begin to work on it soon. Now if you excuse me I'm going to get me cold beer and call it a day. Cheers!