Chapter VIII: Heaven Keep Us Apart
After discovering the remains of an ancient virus within the genes of a queen ant, I have been concentrating on the research of ants.
The ecosystem of the ants seems truly ideal to me. There is one queen ant in each anthill, and the soldier and worker ants are the queen's slaves. They dedicate their lives to the queen.
The death of the queen ant means the doom of the entire anthill. However, the soldier and worker ants can be easily replaced as long as the queen ant is alive. This is exactly the same relationship between myself and other ignorant masses.
I have succeeded in creating an ideal virus by implanting the queen ant's gene into the mother virus that Spencer found.
I used my otherwise useless father as a test subject. However, as I expected, the virus caused a rapid change in his cells, triggering the complete destruction of his brain cells and body flesh.
Furthermore, a special type of poison gas was generated inside his body, that the blue herb had no effect against. Because of this, I created an antidote in case of an emergency, and stored it inside of the weapon/chemical warehouse on the B2 floor.
I have decided to name this virus with unimaginable potential, the "T- Veronica" virus. When I find out how I can fully utilize the power of wonderful virus, my great research will finally be complete.
Alexia Ashford
Weeks had passed since the girl had done the experiment on Alexander and in that time she had tried to force the previous pain to nothing more than dull memories. Alexia didn't want to dwell on the revelation that had caused her such strife, she wanted to pretend it didn't exist, but the wounds were still too fresh to simply push them away entirely. So instead she chose to go forward with her research because while her father's transformation proved inferior to her desired results, she had new information that fuelled her ambition to perfect the T-Veronica.
The entirety of all her days were spent labouring over her creation, not even pretending to mourn over the very recent 'death' of her father. She hadn't even so much as batted an eyelash when she engineered the lie concerning what had happened to her father. "It was an accident," she had said. "It was not my fault that he was too much of an imbecile to know the consequences of what he was doing… What was he doing? … That doesn't matter. All you need to know is that he was unforgivably stupid and he got himself killed. It was his fault!" Harman hadn't pressed with issue with the young girl as he knew that Alexia's obsession with her work made her blind to all other facets of her life. He was afraid that if he did try to bring the matter forward repeatedly, it could only end up affecting her negatively mentally and emotionally.
Even Alfred couldn't be bothered to create a masquerade of grief, he could only relish in the happiness of being able to be by Alexia's side without being hindered by that bothersome 'parental figure'. He would constantly hover around his sister, staying silent as per her request so as not to distract her from her very important work. He even took to sleeping on the floor in her office as she spent many sleepless hours crafting her masterpiece. There really wasn't anywhere else for him to go anyway. The twins had determined to get rid of their old rooms and build two conjoined ones in the area where they had found out Alexander's secret, as it was more closed off from the other employees in the facility. There were very few moments when he was not in the same room as his twin.
Alfred absolutely refused to leave Antarctica. No matter how much Harman tried, he simply couldn't convince the boy to return to England. Unfortunately, there was nothing left to tempt Alfred to return to his homeland. Everything he wanted and needed was located in the research facility. The butler had even attempted to get Alexia to try and reason with her brother, but to no avail. She simply did not care as to what Alfred chose to do. She agreed with her brother that there was nothing back 'home' for him, the place could burn to the ground as far as she was concerned. And while Alfred didn't share her inhuman IQ, she was confident that he could continue his studies on his own as there was ample material to learn from in the facility. Harman chose to chock this flippant behaviour up to exhaustion that the girl was inevitably suffering from, but in truth Alexia knew that Harman would have to go through hell and back to separate Alfred from herself. And from what her brother had done to Alexander, she was guessing that she had only seen a mere glimpse of Alfred's intricate comprehension of the definition of 'hell'.
However, Alfred's problems hardly mattered to Alexia, she was much more preoccupied with other matters. She could physically feel that she was maddeningly close to the completion of her virus. The excitement of that prospect just kept building every day, it was enough to make her sick with delight. She still couldn't call what she felt happiness, but it was enough to drive her forward and try to attain that ideal happiness.
Yet, one thing did bother her considerably. She found herself at a loss for a desirable test subject. She had no qualms in wasting the first sample on Alexander, she knew it wouldn't work as it should so she didn't feel particularly vexed at having administered it to a creature so worthless. However, given the fact that the virus would soon reach that state of flawlessness she craved she couldn't simply just give such a gift to anyone. She simply wasn't willing to spend so much time watching over the progress of someone she didn't deem worthy to have her creation running through their veins. By her calculations, the specimen would need to stay in a cryogenic tube for well over a decade in order to keep the T-Veronica under control and prevent any unwanted, grotesque mutations. Eventually, she simply decided she would worry about such a thing later. Finishing her creation took precedence.
The girl took very few breaks except for tending to the very basic things that would keep her alive. But one day, in the early morning, she was almost certain that her long-dreamed of goal would finally be reached and the T-Veronica would be finished. As she realized this, it dawned on Alexia that she had someone very important to inform in regards to the matter. She left her small personal lab and entered into the adjoining room, where Alfred slept slumped against the bookcase. She paid no heed to him as she went straight to her mahogany desk and pulled out a fresh sheet of paper along with a pen and an envelope. She wrote down the destination with easy recollection in her elegant scrawl before she turned her attention to the blank paper, waiting eagerly for the message she wished to communicate.
At first, all she could do was let the writing tool hover above the sheet, thinking very carefully of how to word the sentences she was about to pen down. After all, he had expressed very clearly his loathing towards her and, though she hated to think it, time had probably not changed that fact. She knew she had a penchant for being arrogant and conceited, but she was wise enough to know that such traits would never endear her to the young man. Not a single syllable could be out of place, she couldn't afford to sound as if she were bragging or write down anything that he could possibly view as annoying.
An hour was spent in planning. Alexia had a deep dislike of wasting time, especially where her work was concerned, but the task was important. Her research could wait just a little while. Eventually, she was able to write the letter in its entirety and sent it out as soon as she could. Her mind thought over multiple scenarios involving the correspondence. Would he simply ignore the letter, just as he had the last one? Would he respond? If he did, would it be nothing more than a scathing remark? Or, would it be something much kinder?
A few days passed and soon Alexia found herself drunk with the taste of success. She had run numerous tests to ensure that indeed she had the finished product. Even though she was the one who had accomplished such a feat, she could hardly believe that she had done it. She had immediately forgotten all her fatigue as soon as the last test had yielded the results she had needed and suddenly her whole being was fuelled with a happiness that she could scarce recall feeling before. She ran out of her personal lab and emerged into the hallway only to see Alfred sitting on the floor. Alexia had thrown the boy out of the room a few hours previous and though he had begged to remain with her he had eventually quieted down, simply deciding to act like a guard dog outside her working quarters. Alexia found herself glad that he had stayed near her, glad that there was someone she could share her happiness with and who would share that happiness with her.
As the door opened, Alfred looked up expectantly, ready to get up and do anything that his sister should need. Part of him was hoping that maybe she was actually heading off to her room to get some proper sleep, she had hardly rested in the last month or so, and he'd hate to see any adverse effects to her health. However, when his eyes settled on her, a radiant smile was painted onto her lovely, little face. In truth, her face was paler than usual; dark circles were around her eyes; her hair was messy from the countless amount of times she had run her fingers through it or from pushing stray strands away from her face. In short, she was not the pretty little girl she usually presented, but Alfred didn't see any of that. All those imperfections couldn't hope to mask the beauty he saw when he looked at her. All he could see was how happy she was and to the boy that was beautiful beyond all possible description.
He would give anything for her to be just that joyful forever.
Alfred rose to his feet as his sister rushed over to him and she immediately wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I did it, Alfred," she whispered sweetly in his ear, "I finished the T-Veronica virus. It's done!"
"I knew you would complete it," he responded elatedly, feeling as if all of her bliss were infectious. It was so rare for Alexia to hug him, that alone would've been enough for him to cherish the moment. He put her on a pedestal so high, it was almost as if she were only a statue of a goddess, meant only to look at and admire and exalt. That thought process made it nearly easy to forget that she too was simply flesh and blood, that she would feel soft and warm in his arms. That was why he treasured her embraces so much, they acted as a reminder that she was real and human and it only served to make him love her more. Truthfully, he would always love her even if she became one of those mindless carriers that were infected with the T-virus, but he would never let that happen to her, he would protect her for all time. He was her soldier.
Alexia pulled away from him a little and looked at him, tears of joy dancing lightly in her eyes. "I must confess I was certain I would too, but it still seems almost difficult to believe. Oh, but dear brother, this might very well be one of the most important viruses that Umbrella could ever hope to have in their collection." She wanted to shout it to the entire world that she was the one who created the T-Veronica virus, she wanted everyone to know the source of her unending pride. However, there remained one little problem. "I still require a test subject though," she muttered to herself.
Though Alexia's words were scarcely audible, Alfred still heard his sister's spoken thoughts. Immediately, his mind thought, Why not me? If he could be of any help to Alexia, he would not hesitate at the opportunity. He trusted Alexia enough to believe that he would not end up a mindless monster as Alexander had. At once, he voiced his own thoughts to her, but his twin only shook her head.
"Don't be ridiculous. You would have to stay in cryostasis for fifteen years and-"
"I don't mind. I wouldn't miss anything except for you."
Alexia was quiet for a moment, thinking over the pros and cons of using Alfred as her test subject. Honestly, she probably couldn't hope to find a more willing candidate. But still, something in her mind just wouldn't let her accept his offer. "Let me think it over, Alfred. I can't afford to make any reckless decisions." The boy agreed to wait for Alexia's verdict on the situation.
As ecstatic as Alexia was about the completion of her virus, all the girl wanted to do as celebration was sleep. The two children made their way up to the main mansion and as the young scientist made her way to her room, Harman appeared and reported that he had a letter for her. "I'll read it later," she replied lazily, but then suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned around. "Wait, who sent it?"
"It appears to be from the Arklay labs located in-"
"I know where it's located, you idiot! Just give me the letter," she snapped in agitation as she ripped the letter from the butler's hands with such violence that the paper threatened to tear apart. The girl immediately ran off to her new room, slamming the door behind her and locking it. As she rested her back against the door, all she could do was stare at the letter in her hands. It was from him. It had to be. She was almost too frightened to even touch it. Well, staring at it isn't going to do any good, now is it? Just open it.
Alexia went over to her dressing table to grab her letter opener and took a deep breath before she carefully tore open the envelope. She placed the letter opener back on her vanity and then took a moment before she pulled out the paper within the envelope and gingerly unfolded the letter. She closed her eyes as soon as the paper was open before her. She could hear her own heart thundering in her ears, pounding against her ribcage as if it were quite ready to explode and kill her that instant. She mentally calmed herself down and willed herself to open her eyes, letting her eyes read the words upon the page.
Okay, you damn brat, I'm not gonna waste a lot of time writing this letter to you so you better read this closely because this is the only time I will make any voluntary contact with you. I don't care about your useless virus or what you're doing in that godforsaken waste land! Umbrella should have REAL scientists as employees, not some anklebiter playing pretend at getting work done!
Fuck. This is already too wordy. Well, this is all I really have to say to you:
I
HATE
YOU
I think even a stupid kid like you can understand what I mean.
Dr. William Birkin
It hurt to believe the words on the page were true, but there they were, plain to read upon the crinkled and folded paper. Alexia felt as if she had the wind knocked out of her as she collapsed into the chair in front of her desk. Suddenly, the tell-tale prickling sensation began to sting her eyes. She had hoped that maybe she wouldn't have any more tears left to surrender to the man who seemed to take such delight in trampling over her heart endlessly. She wished she could hate him for robbing her of the happiness that had enraptured her earlier, but she just could not do it.
And that knowledge alone was enough to let the hot tears spill from her eyes and race down her cheeks. Soon the sobbing followed and the girl wanted nothing more than to tear her throat out; to erase that awful sound from existence. All she could do was let her fingers gently glide over the words that were carved deep into the paper, ripped in some places from hasty writing, the angry words staring back at her with hate.
Why can I not just accept it? No one has ever truly loved me and he will not be the exception. To her father she had been nothing but a trophy; to her brother she was nothing but an idol; to everyone else she was nothing but a tyrannical little girl. And to him she was '… a spoiled little monster'.
Am I really just a monster? she wondered to herself as she sat like a broken doll, crumpled in her chair. Well, I'm not a real little girl, am I? She certainly looked like a normal child, but Alexander's notes said she was simply the finished product in a romance between science and greed. No, I'm just being silly, right? I'm just exhausted and thinking stupid thoughts. Monsters are disgusting things and hurt everything around them. I… don't really… Suddenly, she couldn't even finish her own mental words.
Alexia couldn't remember a single moment when she had even attempted to be kind to someone without seeking gain for herself. She certainly didn't care about anyone else's feelings besides William's and her own, she never felt regret or sadness over hurting anyone. In fact, sometimes she did go out of her way just to cause some sort of harm to someone. She was cold towards everyone and often made scathing remarks to people for no good reason. Other times she was downright mean. It wasn't just emotional damage she was guilty of, she had been the perpetrator of physical assault as well. She had killed Christian; turned her father into an abomination against nature; she had caused the demise of endless test subjects. In one way or another, she did seem to harm everyone.
And she was disgusting, wasn't she? Not in terms of her looks, she knew she looked like a little angel. No, it was her entire personality that was despicable. Aside from hurting the people around her, she was just generally unlikeable. She was a snobby child who looked down on everyone. She was conceited and cruel. Everything had to adhere according to her plans and her views. Aside from her intelligence, she could truly not think of another positive trait about herself. Even if she could, it instantaneously turned into something ugly in her mind. For example, she was a determined girl, but that determination only gave her drive for darker ambitions.
She felt as if she were becoming physically ill. Never once in her life had she dwelt on her personality like this before. She had thought she was perfect, that there was absolutely no room for improvement on her person. But as she took a deeper, more serious look on herself, she felt like she was suffocating. It's a wonder I was surprised before at William not liking me. How could he? What is there for him to like? She felt revolted just by being inside her own skin, by being who she was. She felt so weak and full of self-loathing.
And she felt anger for being so completely stupid and thinking about such things. Why should she care about the whole matter? She had just finished her virus and was about to become the most important scientist in the world. So William Birkin hated her. William Birkin was not the only thing important to her… right? It's not as if I can completely change who I am! I just cannot. I… What am I supposed to do? She let the piece of paper slip from her fingers as she crumpled over her lap, burying her face into her arms. "What am I supposed to do…?" She felt so helpless. Had she known that this would be the result, she never would have looked at that picture on the table that one fateful day when she was seven.
She was only twelve years old and had completed something so magnificent as the T-Veronica virus. No other child of the same age could possibly have boasted about such an accomplishment. Yet that seemed to hardly matter after reading the letter. If there was one thing to be gained from the letter, it was that Alexia was getting a better grasp of that abstract concept called 'love'. It was a terrible thing. Just look at what it has reduced me to. What good had love ever caused? She could think of nothing. Not one thing.
Love was evil.
… Evil? Then it seems perfect that a monster such as myself should feel something so horrendous. But she didn't want to feel love anymore, she didn't want to feel anything. She would be better off if she could feel nothing at all. She just wished everything was different. One day I'll be a queen who feels nothing at all. Yes, that sounds ideal. I would have no vulnerability and if I have no vulnerability then no one can hurt me. She smiled a little bit to herself, but it quickly died on her lips. But that will never happen, will it? Again, her heart seemed to clench painfully.
"What am I supposed to do?" she mumbled sadly to herself once more. She was truly unsure, now that the virus was complete she had really nothing else to drive her forward. Her pursuits in love were rendered useless and she had no desire to do anything else. If she couldn't be a heartless queen, then at the very least she wished she could be Sleeping Beauty and be claimed by dreamless sleep.
Suddenly, she sat up as the T-Veronica jumped to the forefront of her mind. Wait, I could be Sleeping Beauty. I wouldn't be asleep for a hundred years, however I can be free of meaningless day-to-day life for fifteen years. It seemed like a fantastic idea. She was the only person she truly trusted with her virus and the only one worthy of its power, so she would make the perfect test subject. And even if on the off-chance that her virus did not work as planned, it wasn't as if she had any reason to return to her living her life anyway. Yes. I'll use the T-Veronica virus on myself. And when I awaken, I will be like a queen ant and I will make certain that no one makes me unhappy again. It might justifiably make her into a real monster, but in her own eyes she was one already. But it must be done in secret. If no one will miss me, then it's best they think of me as dead.
But who will watch over me as I am in cryostasis? she wondered to herself. Simply leaving the project under the care of her various assistants seemed like a bad idea. She didn't believe that they fully understood the greatness of her creation and if they did, she suspected they might try to steal it for themselves. She could think of only one person she could trust almost as much as she trusted herself. Alfred would certainly make sure that she was undisturbed while her body and the virus learned to coexist together. No, he wasn't nearly smart enough to understand her work, but he was definitely loyal enough to keep her safe as best he could. And even if he failed, it wasn't like she would be able to fault him for it after she turned into some sort of crazed creature or if she died.
While she believed that Alfred would make for the best body guard as she was in such a helpless state, she still felt it was risky to place such faith in him, but it couldn't be helped. Despite her emotional state, she didn't really want to die. At least she didn't want to die when there was the possibility for her to become one with her virus. She would be the most powerful being in the world, no one would be able to deny her anything. Not even love.
It was decided and she was resolute in putting her plan into effect as soon as possible. She stood up from her chair and immediately went in search for her brother. She first went to his room to see if he was there, luckily he was sitting at his desk. He wasn't doing anything really, just sitting there with his back to the door, one lonely candle flickering before him. He heard Alexia enter and yet for a moment couldn't find the nerve to face her. Through the wall that separated their rooms, he had heard her crying; the heartrending sound that always caused his world to shatter a little more. He knew why she was crying, he knew all too well.
As the years had passed, Alfred had begun to hate William Birkin so very intensely. Part of him felt he shouldn't, given that Birkin was the person his dear sister was in love with, but the thought of the other man always sent him into a rage. Not his usual violent anger that was easily apparent, but something that simmered hotly beneath the surface. He managed to quiet his emotions on the subject solely for the benefit of Alexia. For Alfred, his sister was easy to read. He could understand her behaviour completely, and he knew that she would not want anyone to hate Dr. Birkin when she was so full of affection for him despite how much he hurt her. And that was the very reason why Alfred loathed the American scientist.
In Alfred's eyes, there was no way that Birkin was deserving of Alexia's love. Then again, no one seemed worthy. How could any person hope to be good enough for her? There was only one person who could even begin to comprehend just how flawless she was and that was himself. He didn't even think that he deserved her, but out of all the other useless creatures that littered the planet he was the best choice. The fact that they were related didn't even seem to enter into Alfred's mind. He was so obsessed with her, loved her so much, that it was easy to feel possessive over her. So it wasn't just hatred born out of how the other man tormented his sister, but those virulent feelings were mixed with seething jealousy. He wanted to be the one able to inspire those particular emotions in Alexia.
"Alfred, I have to inform you of something of high importance. As well, I must request a favour of you." Once Alexia spoke, her brother turned to face her automatically. He could still see the fresh tears on her face and, beneath the droplets, a countenance of conviction. Alexia hated looking weak and would never walk around showing such vulnerability freely. Deep concern for his sister flared up in Alfred as he listened to Alexia's words with interest. Anything she asked of him, he would submit to readily. However, what he did not know was that this was a demand to which he would not so easily agree.
"What is it, Alexia?" he questioned with sad inflection, the same emotion completely masking his face as well.
"I have decided who shall be my test subject for the T-Veronica virus."
"Who?"
"Myself."
April 22nd
The experiment resulted in failure. Our father was useless after all. Even worse, he turned into a dangerous monster that is completely out of control.
We tied him down and locked him up in an underground prison cell. However, Alexia seems to be close to a solution. Beyond all my expectations, she now says that she wishes to conduct the experiment on her own body.
On top of that, she feels she must be kept asleep for 15 years in order to accomplish the experiment. Thanks to that idiot, I can't see my dear Alexia for as long as 15 years.
Alexia is going to sleep, with all of her trust relying upon me. Now, I am the only one who can protect Alexia.
As soon as he had heard what Alexia intended to do, Alfred felt as if he could've died right then. Fifteen years without his beloved sister? He could hardly stand being away from her for fifteen minutes. If everyone else in the world died at that moment besides himself and Alexia, he wouldn't care at all. He had no desire for any other person's company. Everyone else was boring, dull, and expendable. So to be without her everyday for so many years, the very thought of it inspired in him only the most extreme terror. No, she couldn't just leave him!
He had thrown himself at her feet, he had begged and pleaded for her to reconsider, but she was as immovable as a stone. Her decision had been made and nothing he could do would sway her. She had then informed him that he was a crucial part of her plan. She needed him to watch over her for those fifteen years and she was entrusting only him with this great secret. "Do you think you can do this for me, Alfred?" He knew he didn't really have a choice and, despite what he felt, knew he would not deny what she asked of him.
She had immediately taken him down to the lab with her, speaking not a word to her brother as Alfred was still too shocked to even speak. Once they entered her work space, Alfred finally found his voice again. "Alexia, must you really leave me for fifteen years?" he asked her quietly as she sat down at her desk, ready to write down all plans and instructions for her brother. His sister didn't reply. In a voice barely above a whisper, he murmured, "I don't want you to do this. I don't want to be alone."
"I've already told you over and over again, brother. I am going through with this and that is final. Now come stand by me so that I can show you exactly how to care for all the equipment and the other necessary preparations." The teardrops had dried on her face and she was once again back to her usual near-robotic state of being. With something to focus on, it made the pain hurt a little less.
For once, Alfred did not acquiesce to his sister's request. All he could do was stand there weakly, tears blurring his vision as he gazed at his twin, trying desperately to memorize absolutely every little detail about her. The way she sat in her chair; every nuance of her voice; the exact expression on her face as she turned around to look at him. She looked irritated with him and Alfred couldn't endure Alexia being upset with him, so he found the strength to drag his feet across the floor to stand by her.
"Alfred, you're being completely selfish about all of this," she reprimanded him, anger flowing through her words. "You have to understand that when I return I'll have everything I could possibly want. Don't you want that for me?"
"Of course, Alexia! It's just that…" Alfred couldn't find the right words, because he realized she was right. He was being selfish. If this was what his sister wanted, then who was he to stand in her way? He felt torn between being unable to look at her and not wanting to look at anything else but his sister, so he simply stared at her hand resting on the table. He just wanted her to really understand just how much she meant to him. Was that even possible? No possible word in existence could hope to convey just how he felt and no action he could make would ever be enough.
Alexia sighed, almost as if it were a sign of defeat. She wanted to complete everything as quickly as possible and her plans would likely not go as she wished if Alfred continued to act the same way. So for just a little while she had to appease him. She hunched over the desk, pen in hand as she quickly scribbled down a note, before turning to her brother and handing the piece of paper to him. It read:
My dear brother,
I firmly believe that the glory of the Ashford family will be revived through your courage and strength as an honoured soldier.
Yours faithfully,
Alexia Ashford
Once Alfred's eyes finished scanning over the words, he looked back up at Alexia with reverence and awe. "Please, Alfred. I need your help," she told him sincerely. "If it will ease your suffering at all, you may take all that is mine." Alexia reasoned she would not need any of her personal belongings once she returned, as she would have a natural claim on everything the world contained. She paused for a moment as she thought of something that might make her brother more inclined to help her without hindrance. "In fact, if you would like, we could even make a video of the two of us. That way, you may be able to see me every day whilst I am gone."
Grateful was no where near enough to even begin to describe just how Alfred felt at that moment. Alexia was going out of her way to try and lessen his pain, when in comparison to her own, his misery really meant nothing. He couldn't put up a fight anymore. He agreed to her idea instantaneously. A strained but genuine smile appeared on her face, which he mirrored with one of his own.
The twins had decided everything and made preparations for Alexia's last day of consciousness before her fifteen year slumber. Alfred was busy setting up everything necessary for the video as Alexia sat waiting in her room, writing down her thoughts as she sat at her vanity. She had already injected herself with the virus as it took several hours for any effects to take place as she had found out with Alexander. Thus she would have plenty of time to fulfill her promise to Alfred and then get into the cryogenic tube that she had set up for herself in the laboratory below.
Eventually, Alfred returned to his sister, poking his head around the hidden door that joined their new bedrooms. "Alexia," the boy called softly, "everything is ready now." The blonde girl looked up at her brother and set aside her writing, her written reflections completed. Alexia wasn't sure of what Alfred had set up, but they didn't want to plan anything in particular. The video was meant to be a snapshot of time, showing them both as they naturally were. Wordlessly, she followed Alfred up to the secret room above their own. When they had discovered it, it had appeared to be a secret meeting room that had belonged to Alexander.
It was a fairly simple room made entirely of wood, however it did not lack typical Ashford refinement. There were several knick knacks and expensive items on display, littering a low counter dividing the main part of the room from the ladder leading back to the lower level. The only furnishings of note in the room were a small table, a larger conference table, and some chairs. On one wall, there was a lattice window with false light shining through. The room was still beneath ground so it would've been impossible to get natural light down there even during the months where the sun would shine all day. Despite the lack of real sunlight, the illumination streaming from the window somehow gave the intimidating room a real sense of warmth.
On the walls, there were three portraits of members of the Ashford family. To the right of the window there was a picture of the twins' grandfather, Edward Ashford. Behind the head of the table was yet another picture of the legendary matriarch Veronica. To the left of the window was a picture that the twins had yet to take down, preferring to leave it and let their hatred smoulder. It was a portrait of Alexander that the two of them had vandalized upon its discovery.
On the large table sat a container, which housed an anthill, and another container kept on one end that held a few dragonflies, one reserve of her ants' food supply. A man awaited them in the room, readying the camera, unaware that Alfred would dispose of him once he had completed this task for him. He had been one of the many workers in the facility, he just happened to have the bad luck of getting asked by the young male Ashford if he could handle a camera. Unknowingly, he had agreed to help the boy.
Alexia made her way over to the window seat and sat down, blank expression covering her face as she mindlessly gazed at the floor, staring at nothing. Her mind told her she needed to at least pretend to care about what was happening just for a little while and then she would get her fifteen years of peace. She would be liberated from those awful little things known as emotions; things capable of rendering an otherwise brilliant mind into a useless mess of repetitive thoughts. Anger; sadness; hate; love. She wanted them all gone. She could even live without happiness if she could be without those other feelings. Just wait a little longer. You won't have to suffer anymore. Just wait a little longer…
Alfred took a seat to the left of his sister, telling their 'cameraman' to start recording. Alexia looked over slightly to her brother and saw a dragonfly struggling between his fingers. Her twin looked over to her for a moment, as if to make sure it was okay to start filming, Alexia just peeked up at the other man in the room for a moment before returning her gaze to her brother's hands. Alfred started pulling off the insect's wings one by one as Alexia watched with vague interest. It looked cruel and yet the girl couldn't find the will to be disgusted, instead somehow enjoying how the critter writhed as it was stripped of its appendages. Knowing that it was a sacrifice for her ants, an empty smile crept onto her face.
Her gaze shifted up to the facility worker, the unsettling and misplaced expression of contentment still showing on her face, as she began to wonder just what he thought of the two of them. Did they seem strange to him? After all, why would a couple of children want a video of themselves mutilating a dragonfly to feed to some ants? Oh you poor fool, if only you knew that I am a monster and that I should enjoy this sort of thing. The man turned the camera to focus on her momentarily. Something about the look on the man's face told Alexia that he wasn't entirely comfortable and indeed there did seem to be an almost eerie tension that clouded the atmosphere in the room. However, it seemed that the Ashford twins were impervious to it.
Finding Alexia's near soulless stare to be disturbing, the man stopped focusing solely on her face as her brother got up and walked over to the table with the now wingless dragonfly. He dropped the insect onto the anthill and leant over to examine as the ants swarmed the defenceless thing. Reminding herself that this was to be a memento of herself for Alfred, Alexia got up from her seat as well and went to stand next to Alfred, also peeking into the container, so that the camera had a better view of herself. Figuring that since they both seemed very interested in what was in the container, the worker also moved up to the table and zoomed in on what was inside.
The man soon zoomed out from the work of the ants and resumed focus on the twins. The two stared at the insects for a moment longer, before they both looked up at each other with uncanny synchrony. A couple of moments passed until, with sudden discomfort, the man turned off the camera and set the device on the table. "So uh… you don't need me to record anything anymore, right?" he asked with a hint of tension-filled awkwardness. The siblings continued to be silent for a few more seconds.
It may have only been mere moments, but Alfred didn't miss the opportunity to drink in Alexia's beauty. To think that he wouldn't be able to see the sight for over decade, it was unbearable. He'd be almost thirty by the time she came back to him! No, he had to memorized every pore on her face and the way her breath felt on his skin. Warm, moist, light. God, there wasn't enough time in the world to remember every single little detail of her perfection, but that sure as hell wouldn't stop him from trying. Why couldn't he be this close to her forever? Why did life always find ways to tear him away from the only person he cherished?
Suddenly, Alexia placed her hands on her brother's face and tilted it downwards then kissed him quickly on the forehead. At that moment, she wanted to be sure she would get nothing less than absolute obedience from her brother with regards to her experiment. So any encouragement she could give to him, she would give it away freely. "I'll wait for you in the lab." All Alfred could do as Alexia left the room was touch his forehead as if God had just kissed him.
The girl raced down to the lower levels of the facility that were now void of any other person besides herself. She had decided to give the other researchers a day off and under no circumstances was anyone to be down in the labs. Given that the T-Veronica had been completed, it didn't seem unreasonable for her to do such a thing; uncharacteristic, yes, but not unreasonable. They all listened to her happily, not willing to test her sudden good mood. The only sounds that echoed through the empty area was the hum of the computers and the scurrying of the many ants. The door to the lab down the hall from her personal office slid open, allowing her access. She immediately went over to the necessary technology and started to input commands, careful to make sure that everything was set just right.
Time passed and eventually the doors opened again as her brother entered the room. Splatters of blood covered Alfred's hands and some of his clothing, an equally bloodied knife clutched loosely in his hand. He looked absolutely miserable, but it wasn't because of the gore that covered him. In fact, he seemed to pay it no mind at all as it dripped slowly from his skin and from the blade. Alexia knew that it was a new wave of grief washing over him at being separated from herself.
"I disposed of that man," he stated quietly, unable to meet his sister's eyes and staring instead at her feet. "Your ants should be able to destroy any remains."
With a sigh, Alexia took off her gray jacket and walked over to her brother, taking the knife from his hand and placing it on one of the counters in the room. Cradling his hands in her own, she wiped the crimson mess away with her coat. "How are you supposed to handle to computers like this?" she chided gently.
"I'm sorry."
The girl looked up at Alfred and honestly, she could understand his pain. She knew that he adored her beyond anything else that life could ever hope to offer him. She also knew that even just the thought of being separated from her for so long was almost literally killing him. But she didn't know how to be kind; she didn't know how to show sympathy; she didn't know how to ease another person's pain. All she could do was promise she would return and pray that he had the strength to wait for her.
"Alfred, go over there," she pointed to the various screens and monitors, "and watch the computers. I'm going to into the cryogenic tube now." The boy nodded and did as he was told as his sister went to stand in front of the device. A moment's hesitation passed over her as her hand hovered above her clothing. Don't worry about something as trivial as modesty at a time like this, she scolded herself before stripping out of her garments. The encasement opened and she stepped within the tube. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. This is it.
She heard the tubing slide shut and fluid began to fill the compartment. As it slowly engulfed her body, suddenly her mind gave way and the thoughts of William she had forbidden herself from thinking flooded her brain. She couldn't just stop loving him, there was no way around it. However, once she returned she would truly be perfect. He wouldn't be able to say he didn't love her anymore.
You will love me, William. I won't give you a choice.
Work continues on the "T-Veronica" virus which I extracted from the queen ant. The more research I conduct on it, the more I am impressed by how much potential it has.
I have finally implanted the virus into my own body, and discovered how to fully utilize its power. I will avoid making the mistake that I made on my father. I will suppress the activity of the virus at an ultra-low temperature, so that my cells will change slowly.
My calculations indicate that it will take 15 years before my body will gain immunity, and become able to coexist with the virus.
Until then, I have no choice but to trust the capsule that I will be in, to that inept but loyal soldier ant who is my brother. For me to obtain unlimited power, some risks need to be taken.
When I awaken, I will be the queen... And the "T-Veronica" virus will be unleashed upon the entire world by my children. Every last creature on earth will exist to serve me.
At that time, the world will achieve the perfect ecosystem, just like an anthill, but on a much grander scale.
Alexia Ashford
So… I didn't die. If anyone was wondering. XD I just got kidnapped by another fandom for a while so I had little inspiration to continue this. BUT! Now it seems I'm back into the swing of things. And I intend to finish this as I only have three chapters left after this. B)
ANYWAY. Author notes for this lollygagger.
1. Thanks to CAPCOM for all the files in this chapter.
2. Thanks also goes to my friend QueenCelestiaxyv who beta-read this for me super quick.
3. ALLLLLLFREEEEEEEDDDD! ;A; (Yeah, he gets a note for himself. Because I love him so.)
Well, we're gonna be skipping forward fifteen years next time and we finally get some for real canon action going on. c: