In Deeper Shit Than Before
Chris had been clinging to the bed's metallic frame; his sobs incessantly interrupted by his teeth clattering together plus body spasms. Wesker had left some minutes ago, making his way back to the manor to have some fun else he felt like falling asleep. There was no prohibiting he passed the time decimating a few creatures himself; he would even recognize some of the employees, making the experience more enjoyable. He wished his old "pal" WillyHam BirdKin was one of them though he wouldn't voice it out loud in front of the scientist.
The heavy metallic door closed behind him, looking to his left he saw another zombie researcher far back in the corridor. He glanced around making sure no other creature would surprise him then walked to the soaked lab coat. Albert thought he recognized the stupid haircut and the name on the ID card proved him right. Skin was hanging loose from his head, cranium now visible; one bone in his left leg was broken and extended outside rendering his walk all the more problematic. Wesker grinned and then aimed at his head, «Salutation, John. », he marked a brief pause, «Looking quite healthy; shame your girlfriend isn't here to admire what you've become. »
The decaying visage turned towards the promise of a warm meal rather than a cause to the amused voice, his pathetic expression accompanied by a lame hungry complaint. By the time it took the contaminated to shorten the distance between them, Albert recalled their last, brief meeting.
Howe had been walking down this very same corridor, lost in thought, probably revising procedures and test results; when he had bumped into him. Wesker had not showed the slightest reaction though the researcher's surprise had been a delightful sight. After making sure to regain his composure, the man had said, «Fuck me with a test tube! You're like a goddamn shadow moving around, anyone ever told you that? »
Wesker's inner answer was that he'd been called many things, as he merely just smirked and brushed past the man in silence. Albert then had walked down the corridor slowly just so he'd appear cryptic and composed, but as soon as he was out of sight he had started running; deadline oblige. He had also lost foot in the stairway thanks to it being slippery wet for some goddamn reason, but again nobody witnessed that so Wesker had been thankful. He forbade his enigmatic facade to bear the slightest crack of imperfection, of course he was not perfect but nobody else needed to know that. So it had been with half his left leg plus butt being humid that he had kept on his duty, making sure to avoid anyone on his way.
Back to the joyful reunion: the trigger was pulled, a bullet attained the skull and the head exploded all over the wall behind, the body fell into a pool of dirty water. John Howe really ceased to exist then, and the world would keep turning nonetheless. Wesker walked past the corpse while stepping on his hand, the skin detached so he slipped and almost lost foot; regaining balance he stepped back to it and violently kicked the head to expel his frustration. It tore off and bounced in a corner where it left blood before rolling off into a broken vent at ground's level; score, «Little prick. » Albert didn't want to clear the entire complex before the S.T.A.R.S. made it here, though a match in the engine room with the hideous human-insect Chimera freaks would be of no consequence; they kept coming out of the many vents endlessly. He only needed to make sure not to get his limbs lacerated, or getting snatched from the ceiling and strangled mid-air only to be dismembered or eaten alive. But it was fine, he liked these odds. His shades permitted him that much blind confidence.
See what I did there? Again.
Hold on, you mean you missed everything I wrote prior to this one?
Shame.
Though for those who didn't, have some goddamn cookies I just baked.
That's a lie, I never cook.
+++++++++++++R.E.++++++++++++++++
Valentine was back in that walkway she had indifferently named the Kenneth-corridor, when she started hearing the most-out-of-tune song. She followed the noise to a door until she swung it open aggravated, «Fuck sake! »
Rebecca stiffened right away, staring with big eyes.
The Alpha closed the door, «Hardly the best method to remain undiscovered; if I had not single-handedly cleaned this whole manor then hordes of zombies would have converged on this position then would have probably broke down the door before feeding on your flesh with rage.»
The Bravo's eyes begun to shun, it made Jill even more impatient because she did not know how to respond to that sort of emotion. Chambers stuttered, «I- I just-»
Valentine stepped closer, «Spare me that. Now don't tell me you've been hiding in here getting drunk. », she said noticing the bar in the back. «You're not even twenty-one yet. »
«I j-just wanted to play a little lon-»
«My bad for asking. Now step aside, you clearly don't understand this masterpiece. », she shoved the teen to her right now taking position in front of the piano.
The medic burst in tears, which went unnoticed, then ran off crying; also ignored.
After playing the Moonlight Sonata for one hour straight, our perfectionist finally got inside the secret passage. She didn't bother with the emblem instead noticed another one of those diaries on the floor. Glad to be humored again, she grinned and picked it up.
''Nov. 24, 1967
Days have passed since arriving on this estate, well, more like being held at gunpoint, gagged and dragged here. Now I'm stuck in some dusty secret passage with a view on cobwebs and humidity spots; how did I end up like this? A guy in a lab coat brought me Kraft Diner, saying, ''Sorry to put you through this, but it's for security reasons…..sort of.'' I thought he was apologizing for giving me such a horrendous meal but that's when it hit me, literally; I mean a chunk of material detached from the ceiling and left a bump on the back of my head. It all makes sense now; I designed this room too hastily.
There are only three people that know the secret of this mansion; Sir Spacer, me and I. Wait. That makes two; I never was good at math. I truly wonder how I made it as an architect. Point is if they kill me, and they certainly will if they keep feeding me this atrocity; Sir Spacer will be the only person that knows the secret. Meaning it really will be a secret then….But for what purpose? I guess I should have thought this through before agreeing to build this mansion…..I suppose I never was really good at that either.
It's too dangerous here; I should know I'm the one who constructed the damn place. My family….I hope they're alright. Hold on. I don't have one… now that was weird.
I've decided to escape; quite an undertaking knowing the only weapon available being a toothpick I found in my pocket.
Nov. 26, 1967
How could I be so careless? I lost my lucky leaf-clover, now it's going to be that much harder to escape this place!
Nov. 27, 1967 (I specify the time as if it was required, like I'd survive this hell for more than a year…..) Somehow I managed to get out of that room. Turns out a toothpick hurts more than anticipated; ask the guard who now wears it as an ornament in his left eye. Though getting out of this mansion won't be as easy, I misplaced my glasses somewhere. So I'll probably get lost someplace, walk around the entire estate seeking the front door even though I'm the one who designed this damn manor. Go figure. –George Tremor''
Our entertained woman whispered for herself, «Dementia and deep depression seems to be a recurring theme with these people. », why couldn't they just enjoy the party? She left the room and solved that clock puzzle in the dining room, her good mood wiped away again when she realized she wasted time for another useless key. With the item still in her hand she rammed her fist through the glass, breaking both objects, then left to go check on Forest.
The two men were still where she had left them though the young recruit had not returned to her teammate's side. But there were more pressing matters, like making sure Speyer was alright. Other than needing a stronger deodorant, Bravo's dark-haired man was fine, so she turned her attention to Richard. His fever had considerably lowered and his arm was bandaged; Jill gave credits to Forest for the considerate act.
Her touch on his arm made Aiken open his eyes, «I'm okay, the others…»
«The others not so much but I'll spare you all the gory details; I'll get you out of here, I just need to explore the rest of the rooms first. Hopefully I'll find something more useful than keys-, » her eyes got thinner, «Hey, how did you cross so many locked doors without-»
Richard suddenly shut his eyes and faked elation, «Woah! Here it comes again! », he groaned, «Damn Jill what was it you gave me? I'm truly high right now, not fit to answer any questions properly—oh look! Purple cobras dressed like unicorns! »
She arched a brow but didn't insist. Valentine planned to verify this half of the manor then move them to a safer location, like one of the rooms with the comforting music; that ought to please them both. Other than that there weren't that much place left to reckon and soon she figured they would be able to venture on that path outside. The woman nodded Speyer's direction and left. She crossed the door facing Richard then got assaulted; the woman swiftly popped a stun gun out of nowhere and promptly shoved it against the rotting skin, «Stay! ». Her assailant stiffened and shook violently then his head burst before the body dropped on the floor, cooked. She grinned, «Brutal…»
The door was covered with webs but was as powerless against her magic fingers; still she wondered how the hell Richard was able to enter this room with it being locked. Looks like her getting rid of all the important keys have had no consequence after all. The door creaked open; the scent of a wild animal flew her way, warm and chemical. She knew to expect a threat but still froze when the giant reptile's head swiftly appeared before her; meet your new possible-death named Yawn. That snake was definitely pleased to see her, it kept smiling; perhaps Richard hadn't been so confused after all about them creatures enjoying themselves.
It looked nice, really welcoming, rising from the floor smoothly and towering her. It parted its jaw showing two huge and long fangs dripping with venom, its whole mouth filled with saliva; tiny eyes fixed unto her. The odds might appear inequitable but knowing Jill, everything was feasible. She granted her latest friend with a smirk of her own before aiming at its eye, though the last thing she had expected was for Richard to show up. He really wanted to respect that BUM position of his.
The snake focused on him as the man magically pulled a shotgun from his armpit and promptly pumped the weapon of his uninjured arm, «Payback ti—! », however the barrel hit him in the eye making him stumble backward. Jill opened fire to divert Yawn's attention back on her; it dove towards her as quickly. She leaped out of the way and rolled, already firing again as the reptile turned towards her, its tongue lashing out with the excitement of the fight; and now two meals for the price of one.
Aiken refocused and aimed, now firing as well, shells exploding pieces of scales off the large back. He was being all trigger happy yelling, «Yeeeeaaaahhhh! », Jill had begun smiling because of it, though the fun didn't last long. The reptile hissed, shrieked then fell limp to the floor, saliva spilling forth and covering the wood. The Bravo now had a satisfied appearance about him; Jill walked closer, «Thanks that was great. Anytime you want to repeat the experience, I'm in. » Richard nodded, he finally felt better and maybe once they got out they could eat those cheeseburgers he had dizzily dreamed about.
Well too bad the experience repeated itself sooner than expected; the snake executed another vicious thrust toward the woman. The S.T.A.R.S. tried to shield each others from the attack thus bumped heads awkwardly; though Yawn still got Aiken despite their effort. Decidedly the backup man was cursed with the worse luck. Jill fell on her ass and her head hit the floor, the Bravo screamed in terror as he was gobbled up entirely, seeing face first what the inside of a reptile looks like. Bet the odor was far worse than the rancid air permeating the mansion, too.
Valentine could have uselessly screamed his name if she was dumb plus superstitious that it would provide any help whatsoever; instead she did something more logical and worthwhile. Her body coursing with adrenaline, she used the valuable seconds Richard's sacrifice had granted her to jump on the weapon that had dropped to the floor.
Grabbing it tight with white knuckles, she didn't even bother getting up and started firing immediately, pumping cartridges one after another into the voluminous body of the monster. Shells that she did not even own as well. From this close and now hitting the softer part of the skin, the damages were considerable. The snake didn't even bother with her giving the brutal efficacy of her attack, instead had to turn around and leave. Jill emptied the shotgun on its back as the large form fled vertically along the wall through an opening in the ceiling.
She got up, her legs shaking mildly and breathing a bit faster than usual; still clutching the man's assault shotgun with significant force. It bore the S.T.A.R.S.'s signature, its style was nice and it could hold up to ten shells. As for Aiken, well he was fortunate in his shitty luck as for Chris was being kept in a cell, that way he didn't have to die for a lost cause while being devoured by a mutated shark.
Valentine got back to Forest, «Sorry pal, it's just the two of us now. But you've got no objection to that, now do you Sprayer. » She picked him up the floor, his left leg slowly detaching from his body. «I wish you'd put a little more energy in your pace though. »
++++++++++++R.E.++++++++++++++
Upon another encounter with Barry, the man realized that crazy woman has been dragging Speyer's corpse around, trying to save something that was already decomposing. When he got closer, subtitles told Valentine to just let him investigate Forest. She instinctively stood between the two men, «No Burry, I won't let you "investigate" Forest….whatever that means. »
«But he's dead! It's fairly obvious, there are many signs Jill! I mean he always had greasy hair but look at him now! »
«He's just tired, that's all. We all have our bad days, take you for example; that time when you completely lost it when you couldn't find your gun-cleaning set. You thought Bread had stolen it for some reason and we all had to stop you from strangling him. I would have let you do it but-»
Barry's face had gotten red with anger, «You just don't understand! », and he left hurriedly, slamming the door, which re-opened due to the brutality of the blow before being torn off its hinges. Jill wondered if he was being so damn annoying because he hadn't been able to eat for over an hour now. Usually Burton eats a juicy steak each hour but if he doesn't his mood changes drastically and every one paid for it. She replaced Speyer upon her shoulder since his arm kept slipping in her grip and off her back, for some reason….
Later she got him to sit on that slim mattress in the comforting room where she had gotten the serum from; he immediately fell on his back. «Yes I know, you're somnolent but come on don't you think this is amusing? Alright Richard died but he's in a better place now…optimistically. » Forest kept mute. «Okay maybe I shouldn't have said that. Then again, Joseph died and probably the rest of your team as well; just as everyone else living on this property and around it. Though we're all professionals, well except for Vickers….and Chambers, so we're aware scenarios like this are likely to occur. »
Valentine glanced at him, laid this way his ribs were even more apparent, crimson bones sticking out under the bright light of the room. She might have turned his head to the side so he wouldn't stare directly into the neon bulb but the luminosity was no problem since he had no eyes to harm. He seemed serene, bird marks all over his naked skin, dried blood plus missing an arm and a leg; but at peace.
She sighed and left, looks like she was to enjoy the good quality times alone.
++++++++++++R.E.++++++++++++++
Burton was nervous, the stench, stupid traps, the crazies…. and the actual zombies; it formed a nasty mix. Adrenaline seemed to have replaced his bloodstream and the Colt Python was his very best friend now. Oh he'd talk to it out loud here and there, even question it for advice plus counted on its senses to warn him of any danger; and it was not madness but trust. He knew for a fact since his trusty firearm kept repeating him that.
Barry swept the place with the barrel, «Yeah, I like the buddy-system we've got here. If we're out, I mean once we escape this place; steaks are on me. » Saliva filled his mouth at the thought but his attention got diverted back to the danger when a door opened right in front of him.
Reptilian brain snapped in action, fight or flight; one powerful round from the Magnum and the target was sent backward with violence, its pieces decorating the surroundings. The detonation had been loud, the smell of powder tickling his nose like some sweet reward. He congratulated himself on the vivacity of his reaction; his aim had been perfect and the result more than satisfactory.
There was just one, mild, very important problem…. he had obliterated Rebecca. Knowing that she was the medic, things looked grim. The man didn't blink for two long minutes, until he eventually looked around and left.
And Trappedfield thinks he's got it harsh.