Disclaimers: I do not own anything out of Resident Evil. All of the contents belonged to Capcom.

Chapter XVIII: Below Zero

'I know Sherry was a friend to you now. But... do you like her? More than a friend?' - Gabrielle Muller Wesker

Raccoonia Castle

Rumor spread fast enough of the incident in which George Hamilton was spared from death, courtesy of Jake Muller Wesker.

None had seen it coming, to think that Jake Wesker who had outcast himself from the politics six years ago to fend for an imperial doctor. Some were proud of his achievement - for the Prince to finally contributing something at the court. Some were not - they thought that Jake Wesker had finally become a threat to the current King.

In which, Albert Wesker fell into the latter category.

He found himself having a hard time to recover from the incident. Sure, he would have wanted Jake to grow up so that some day he would take over his throne when he will be too old to do so, but whatever happened this morning had left him an impact to his impression: he took it as Jake wanted to usurp his throne.

"Your Majesty."

Albert must have too absorbed in his own that he had missed the fact that Krauser had knocked and entered, "Report yourself, Krauser."

Krauser bowed, "I received a message from the House of Simmons." He paused, "Not really a message, your Majesty but... the envoy had arrived earlier than we had anticipated. She was waiting right outside to report herself to you, my lord."

"Oh?"

Right on the cue, enter the so-called envoy into the King's study. When it was supposed to annoy Albert, the sight of the sultry-looking, kittenish woman brought a smirk to the face of the always stoic Albert Wesker. Unlike any other women in the Palace, this particular woman emitted a stronger mysterious energy that even made the powerful General Jack Krauser to keep his guard up.

Hips swaying as she walked towards the King, the envoy stopped and crossed her arms, forgoing the customary greeting.

"Good day, your Majesty." She purred.

Albert's smirk grew wider.

"Miss Wong."

Queen's chamber, Afternoon

He felt like he'd accomplished a good thing.

Six years of contributing nothing - not even a single word - to the kingdom, Jake felt like he should congratulate himself for finally doing something that he knew was right, he saved the life of a selfless doctor. And well, to stand up against his father in front of all those ass-kissers (and ending up humiliating him), the excitement just went up tenfold.

Never thought that attending assembles like that would much more satisfying than to hang around the castle and waste himself in ale. Maybe flaunting his authority as the Prince of Raccoonia was better than being that careless man, like she had implied.

It was the first time in six years that Jake pushed aside the resentment in himself and to care for something. In return, one life was saved.

And it felt awesome.

He got one person to thank to later.

Jake was only half-way to his destination when he saw the one small figure that he grew to be familiar of, Sherry.

She was equally surprised to see him there at the hallway and she eagerly jogged over to the Prince. Like he had thought, Sherry explained herself that her brief absence was due to her visit to the Queen while Jake was off to his morning training with Chris. Sherry beamed on how happy Queen Gabrielle was when Sherry announced that Doctor George was spared from certain death.

Sherry smiled, "Her Highness is fine now, she had heard what you had done at the court from me and Claire. The Queen is asleep and Jill is looking after her." And she nodded approvingly as if to a child for doing a good deed, "I'm glad you stood up, Prince. And I am still shocked that you did."

"I've got you to thank for—"

'Priiiinceee."

The yodel made Jake frowned in irritation. For god's sake, can't this woman leave him alone for a second?

Ashley Graham.

Never a second of daylight that she had ever given up locating the young Prince.

She was alone, this time, her stewardess Emily was nowhere to be seen. Sherry quickly bowed and Ashley did the same to Jake, the latter wore a giddy smile on her face, "Oh my, your Highness... Why are so so... grimy?"

"Training." Jake cut off shortly, "Is there anything you want, Lady Graham? You see, I am in dire need of a bath and to change myself. I've got another set of training with Redfield later on." He wasn't lying about the Redfield training part, and Ashley bought it; even with a skeptical look. She nodded several times before toying with the lace of her dress, "I just thought I can have a chance to talk to you... We never seemed to get along."

'Like I wanted to.' Jake smirked back and tugged Sherry by her arm, "Go ahead first, Supergirl. I'll see you later in my room."

"Yes, sir." Sherry nodded.

"Oh, and your Highness? Is there by any chance I can borrow Sherry when you go for your training later?" Ashley suddenly suggested, which brought an arched eyebrow out of the twenty-three, "You see, Emily was not feeling too well today. I asked her away for a day off. I thought Sherry could help with with my business?"

Jake and Sherry eyed at each other briefly. To borrow Sherry? Why not anyone else in the castle? After all, there were countless other servants in the Palace. Sheva was a great help, Helena and Deborah too. Alyssa might have a bit with negative energy with her but still... To be honest, Sherry couldn't see the harm in it. So she nodded to Jake and threw a smile to Ashley, "Certainly, Lady Graham. But the Prince..."

"I am fine if Sherry's okay with it. But please return her as soon as my training is done." He retorted, earning a giggle from Sherry.

It was agreed then.

Training Ground, Afternoon

"You know what, your Highness? I gotta say that you rock, for once."

Jake sidestepped and swung his blade to Piers' side, missing by only mere inches. They were closely monitored by General Redfield at the corner and without the presence of Sherry this time, the two peers were more interested to fight verbally than to show of their physical attributes.

They still had to put up a good fight in front of General Redfield though.

"Why?" Jake inquired, stopping only to say that and resumed his attacks.

Piers read his movements easily and missed most of it, "You saved Doctor Hamilton. I wanted to thank you for that, Doctor Hamilton was considered a friend of mine, he handled most of my wounds. Woah—" Piers barely rolled out of the downward slash by Jake, "And the way you debated the King, trust me, I would have wanted to high-five you back then, especially the Excella part."

"That bitch?"

"Yup. Bitch. Don't tell the King I said that to his stewardess."

Another few exchanges and neither made better progress than the other. The stalemate caused Chris to stop the spar to replace Piers with himself. The General draw his Samurai Edge out, which reminded Jake of that old man he met back in Arklay. Although he honestly had forgotten the name, Bob? Benny? Berry?

Oh, it's Barry. Close enough.

He commented nothing on it. Fearing that his dirty little secret of sneaking out of the castle might leak.

"Finally I get to hear your voice, your Highness." said Chris, with a smile filled with pride.

Jake didn't need to ask why, his controversial argument with his father that morning surely affected the General as well. And it seemed that Chris supported Jake's side. The Prince remained muted as he concentrated on his sparring, trying his best to bring down the General for once.

Chris returned the enthusiasm in the fight just as eagerly, and effortlessly. His bulky build was agile, despite the extra weight he had on, "You should have known how influential your voice is, your Highness. I wanted to thank you for saving Doctor Hamilton's life."

"PRINCE! Prince Wesker!"

The foreign voice cried. Feminine, certainly didn't belong to the front castle. Chris and Jake broke the fight on their own accord and from a distance, Piers was blocking out access of a woman that Jake was not at all familiar with. Ragged clothing covering her tanned skin, Sheva tried to push her way to Jake in vain, "Prince, Sherry, she—"

"Let that girl in, puppy!"

Nivans had already released Sheva before Jake could finish his order. After all, he was sure it concerned Sherry. Sheva stumbled her way to Jake and knelt before him. She was panting hardly and rapidly, obviously she had rushed her way here, "Your Highness, I—"

"Save it, what about Sherry?" grunted Jake.

Sheva took in one deep breath and literally screamed her answer, "The lake! Lady Graham, she..." Her finger were towards where she came from, "Please save her! Sherry is drowning!"

Piers hardly could voice his surprise before they saw Jake rocketed off to where Sheva had pointed out, "Shit! C'mon, lady, we gotta follow him!"

His heart thumped against his tight ribs, the fatigue that he procured from his spar earlier failed to stop him from running with his best speed. Along the way, Jake shucked his armor off to keep the weight off himself. He followed closely to the source of the screams and shouts of Sherry's name. Jake rotated himself at the corner, and finally he saw the commotion on the concrete stairs by the lake, Ashley Graham was wailing helplessly to the other ladies-in-waiting. Surprisingly, none of the ladies knew how to swim, most were crying for Sherry's name, and one even had a long stick offered to the drowning Sherry as she paddled the surface.

And to his knowledge, there was no women in this castle could swim. Sherry was no exception.

Jake had only reach the edge of the lake when Sherry's struggle stopped for a while and slowly she sunk deeper into the water, leaving steady streams of bubble in her wake. Bad signal, water had began drowning her systems that she was no longer conscious. 'No, not yet. I'm coming!' The Prince wasted not a second and he dove into the cold water.

Arms outstretched, Jake propelled himself diagonally and his powerful legs stroked the water. The lake was quite deep itself, he launched his body towards where the bubbles floated and he found her limp through his blurred vision.

'Fuck, Sherry. Hang in there! I've got you!'

He got a hold of one of Sherry's lifeless limbs and he dragged her to him with all his might. He swam upwards, keeping her head bobbing above the surface as he dragged themselves to the and Piers had already been at the scene for a while, they assisted Jake by pulling him and Sherry back to the land. And she was still out cold.

"Go call Doctor Chambers, now!" Chris shouted his order to Piers and the knight ran off to the designated location.

Meanwhile, Chris gave Sherry's belly a gentle press and frowned. It felt too firm, no doubt water had already flooding her body, "Prince, we need to get the water outta her systems and—"

He had to stop abruptly, because Jake already had his mouth locked onto Sherry's.

Jake was already trying to resuscitate Sherry.

"Come on. Wake up already..." He muttered, pressing both palms together and pumped Sherry's chest. Then his lips returned to hers.

The others could only watch in awe.

The Prince repeated the process several times, breathing into her lungs, pumping her chest in intervals. And Sherry still didn't show any signs of recovery - and her body felt warm underneath his touch, perhaps that was because her body was as cold as his were. To the point that Jake feared that he was too late, "Please wake up, Sherry... Jesus, I'm begging you." Everyone could tell that he was getting overly desperate when Jake struck his fist to the ground in anguish.

Until, a cough.

"Sherry!" Sheva was the first one to notice the slight movement in Sherry. Another stream of choked cough came and the next moment, Sherry began throwing up the excess liquid in her body. She threw her head to her side, warm water began seeping through her mouth to the concrete floor.

Jake placed a hand on top of her scalp and watched as Sherry began to respond to the environment. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, but winced when the sunlight came in direct contact with her dilated pupil. He could tell that she was trying to speak, but she ended up throwing up again. "Hush, Chambers will be here any moment."

She remained still and her head swayed, seemingly agreeing to his suggestion.

It was a short wait, not when Piers literally dragging Rebecca by the hand to the scene. The audience made way for her as Rebecca worked deftly, checking Sherry's pulse and tested her temperature, "Sherry's okay for now, but we need to get her to the infirmary. Sir Nivans, would you mind carrying—"

She was cut off abruptly, not when Jake had already scooped up the senseless Sherry in his arms.

"Lead the way." said Jake, he was getting impatient by the delay, "And you, you are coming with me." He glared over to where Sheva was standing and the referred bowed timidly.

Deciding that the Prince will do, Chambers directed themselves to where they should be heading.

And he was glad when Sherry was clutching weakly onto his arm.

Infirmary, Afternoon

He heard from the closed door on how Doctor Chambers was giving out orders to Cindy: retrieve a blanket, give her some syrup and so on. Judging from how calm Rebecca's tone was, she got things under control.

Meanwhile, Sheva was fidgeting nervously behind Jake where he had his attention converging to the door. She was called to follow him here and... he's been staring to the door since. "You, what's your name?" She jumped when the Prince spoke to her. So, she gave him her name and he sighed, turning around to face her.

"Sheva," he started monotonously, "What exactly had happened, why was Sherry drowning?"

Sheva stuttered, she was never used to speak with royalty - especially to the lonely Prince, "I wasn't exactly at the scene, but I happened to stumbled across Sherry with Lady Graham."

Ashley? Jake frowned, he had seen her when he arrived at the confusion but he was too absorbed in the moment that he had clean forgotten about her.

"From what I had seen from a distance, Lady Graham was having a one-sided argument with Sherry. Of course, Sherry kept her head down all the while the lady yelled at her."

'What the fuck?' "What were they talking about?" He demanded, but Sheva shook her head honestly.

"I was too far away to hear anything. But Sherry was crying. And then..."

The hesitant pause made Jake glowered at her.

"Your Highness, don't tell the lady I told you this: But it was Lady Graham who pushed Sherry to the lake."

"The hell?!" One fist connected to the dry wall beside him which made Sheva cringed in fear. She backed away from the fuming Prince and for a moment she thought that he was going to strangle her.

He didn't, instead he took a few deep breaths and his tense shoulders relaxed, "What happened next?"

Sherry answered his demand, "Lady Graham soon realized that Sherry couldn't swim. When she saw that Sherry was drowning, she asked for help. And I... thought of your Highness—"

"Your Highness."

They stopped. Both head turned to where the sound of footsteps approaching and Jake wasn't exactly surprised to find Claire Redfield and Jill Valentine here at the infirmary. Their eyes flashed worry and concern as they both bowed to the Prince. He had swore that he hadn't seen them when the incident happened-

"My brother told me that Sherry got into trouble. Is she okay?"

Figures, Chris Redfield and Claire Redfield share the name surname. Jake had always forgotten that they were siblings. He shrugged, motioning his thumb over his shoulder to the closed door of the infirmary. Later, he allowed Sheva to take her leave, "I'll tell you again when Sherry got better. Claire, permit Alomar a day-off today. She earned it." He said as he refocused his attention back to the door longingly.

The wait was well-worth when Rebecca emerged from the door with a weary smile on her face, declaring that the patient had recovered a lot since an hour ago. She lead the visitors to where Sherry was warded and the latter had already sitting up and help herself to the warm blanket on her chest.

Poor girl was trembling.

When asked for clarification, Rebecca explained that Sherry had been soaked in water inside and out for too long that she was near to hypothermia. Moreover, she was exposed to the autumn wind at the same time. "Give Sherry some time, if possible, keep her warm at all times." Brief glance over to Sherry, "Actually, I recommend if we move Sherry back to her room. It's warmer there and there have better blankets than we have here."

"I agree," Jake nodded, "and it's close to my room."

"Then it's decided. I'll send someone to carry her—"

"Save it, Chambers. I'll do it."

The suggestion was not denied by any in the room. In fact, the ladies stared in disbelief as Jake scooped the bundled Sherry up in his arms. She was too weak to struggle, however, she did found her voice to protest, "You d-don't...h-have to d-do this...your Highness." Her teeth chattered, which Jake only fought it off with a brief chuckled and lifted her in his arms.

It was until later when Jake had successfully tucked Sherry in her own bed (in which she expressed how much she was starting to love her comforter) that Claire had the time to explain to Jake how her brother had handled the confusion earlier. Apparently Chris had covered the story up from the King's knowledge and luckily, Albert himself was busy for the day under 'unknown' circumstances.

"I better get back and report to the Queen then." Jill inquired, "The rumor had her worried, but I bet she will get a lot better from the news."

"I'm coming with you then."

"Yes, your Highness."

King's Study, Evening

Ada Wong, in her red dress and dark heels.

Albert Wesker watched half-heartedly as she sat with her legs crossed sultrily on his desk and casually applied her crimson red lipstick. She had completely ignored the customs and formalities even in front of the King of Raccoonia, a feat that not even Excella had successfully performed without being reprimanded by Wesker.

However, King Wesker seemed to pay no mind to her actions. And he was more than pleased to have her here in his study.

"According to what you had said... Simmons will be coming to my kingdom the next evening?"

"Yes..." She replied nonchalantly, as if she was not interest into the conversation with the King. The convertible mirror in her hand was used to observe the thick red on her shiny lips, "His message was simple: he wanted your Majesty to host a ball for him. To celebrate his arrival, apparently."

Albert scoffed, the twitch of his hard lips were of an amused one, "I believe it would not be a simple case as that, wasn;t it, miss Wong?"

"Correct." The woman in red now flipped her mirror down and hopped from the table, "He will be here on two occasions."

"Two occasions?"

Ada sighed as she went over to a random couch at the spacious study and simply took a seat, without his permission, "In which both, he said, that he will reveal it tomorrow before the ball begin. A surprise, he added."

The cold look on Wesker's golden-red eyes flashed, "And I supposed you didn't know what they were?"

"I did. He did told me, eagerly I might add." The word coming out from Wong made Albert glared onto her back for a definite answer. And he was not happy of her next reply, "You'd think I'll kill the fun by telling you now, your Majesty? I won't. After all, it was meant to be a surprise."

If it was anyone else saying those words, his or head would be at the ground in no time. But this time Albert Wesker only huffed and leaned back against his seat with a smirk.

"Trust me in this, your Majesty: You might not be happy in one surprise, but you will be in the other."

And she finished with her first smile of the day towards the blonde King.

"I guess that will be it. My job as Simmon's envoy."

Queen's Chamber, Evening

Jill Valentine excused herself to leave the mother and son alone, per Gabrielle's request.

Ever since Albert had learned about Gabrielle's condition and the absence of Doctor Hamilton, the Queen had started to fare worse than she had ever before. Now the piano could longer played since the owner had lost the ability to even stand on her own feet. Bed-ridden, she now could only stay there and wait for Jill or Doctor Chambers to care for her.

And still the King had not seen her. Too busy minding his own business.

"Jake," she sounded so much older, her hair disheveled and unkempt and Jake could see her jawline through the folded skin, "Is Sherry alright?"

He had no idea how his mother could knew of the incident, perhaps Jill had seen it through the window? "Yes, she is now in her room. She'll be good in days."

He couldn't feel the comfort in her smile no longer. It was... hard. To see her in this state, he could hardly recognized her anymore and there was a sad reminder of a beautiful portrait hung on the wall. She reached out a hand and lay it on top of her child's, the touch was almost as hard as Jake's calloused ones. "That's a relief, my son. After all, Sherry is one good girl. Best I had ever seen."

That he will have to agree. Jake nodded with a small mirroring hers and he still felt awkward; never was a man used to this kind of sentimental stuff.

"My son," it was only interrupted by a raging of cough, "I-"

"Hush now, mother. You need more rest."

She insisted, "You had no idea how happy I am recently, despite the fact that I know I can never see your father again..." Jake's face began to scrunch up, the mention of his faithless father made him nauseous, "But nowadays... ever since Sherry came around... you changed. I finally get to see the man I want to see in you, you should have known how eager I am each time Jill came running to me with news about you."

Jake shook his head, he was getting upset by how Gabrielle struggled putting out her words,"No more, Gabrielle. Off to bed now-"

"You might not see it yourself but you definitely has changed. I can even see it now: you are more polite to me... instead of your foul language. You frequented the 'please and thank you'!" A choked giggle, "And you saved one's life. You changed into a better man. And I think the biggest credit goes to Sherry, wasn't it?"

The statement stirred confusion in the young man. Change into a better man? How did he change better? In what way? All Jake know was that he used to be a total douche (he admitted), he was still one now, wasn't him? Although he did noticed how he was showered with praises from almost every acquaintance in the Palace more than the previous six years combined.

Ever since Sherry came around...

"Jake."

Snapping out of his conscience, he met her weak gaze.

And her weak smile.

"I know Sherry was a friend to you now. But... do you like her? More than a friend?" She asked solemnly.

His blue eyes widen instantly, almost like he couldn't digest what his mother had questioned him. He tore his gaze away from hers and it went to the soft blankets by her bed. Eyes closed, Jake considered his answer, and he did took a long moment for it.

Surely, the long period that she had spent with him had changed his point of view of Sherry - from a woman who only seeks benefits from him (like Excella) to a person who literally changed his life, for the better; her was now certain - and to say that she didn't mean something to him was straight out lying. But more than a friend. More than a friend?

"I-" Jake whispered, "I don't know."

The final answer didn't wipe the motherly smile off Gabrielle's face. She believed that the hesitant answer was because Jake still hadn't had his own feelings.

Maybe a little twist and she will be able to extract an exact answer, "Then, answer me this, Jake. With your utmost honesty," Jake nodded firmly, "What do you feel whenever Sherry is around you?"

In Jake's mind, there was a lot of answer running around: he feel happy, he felt he could kick Piers puppy's ass in front of her, he felt... different than he had ever been. He felt like he could do anything if she was around. "I feel like... I am at my best." Perhaps that was the best way to sum the answers up.

Gabrielle smiled, "What about when you embarrassed yourself in her presence?"

Oh, that. Jake reminisced the time when Piers had once brought Jake down to the ground because of his own carelessness. The way Sherry gasped and watched made Jake hunger for redemption for his dignity, mainly for Sherry's impression. And he certainly felt like he wanted to just plunged his sword down his throat and just... "I would rather kill myself."

The soft chortle from his mother made Jake gaped in disbelief. He hadn't realized that he had just answered his mother with that. "Okay, I get it." Gabrielle ceased her laughter but her wide grin remained intact, "How about if Sherry wasn't around you? And you can't find her?"

He knew his answer to that. One moment he allowed her to leave his side, and the next moment, she was drowning in the lake. "She wouldn't again."

The grin on the Queen's faded face stretched, apparently she was quite pleased with the answer.

"Last question..." he swallowed, "What if you see Sherry is at her weakest? What if she is gone and she will not be returning?"

Little did he knew how his handsome face had now distorted into something of pain. How he remembered when Sherry first trembled in his arms at that tower during that rainstorm, so frightened and so small. The clear image of Sherry's humble little home returned, as Sherry cried when she confessed herself. It hurt. So much that he had to do something; and he kissed her (forehead). And earlier today when she drowned... the thought of a cold, pale white, lifeless Sherry.

Maybe he really did—?

Or was it just natural caring empathy—?

Damn it.

"That's enough." She concluded suddenly, and Jake was immediately awaken from his conscience. "I think I know my answers." She declared to Jake and the latter soon realized how his fist had clenched into a very tight ball - that he could see the blue and green and purple lines of her nerves along his wrist.

He left the chamber soon after. His mind still cluttered in questions, specifically one. Gabrielle Muller Wesker refused to reveal her final answer to him, stating that he will soon be the best person to the answer to that.

Does he love her? More than a friend?

And he walked away broken-hearted. When he soon will come to comprehend one fact that will bound shatter his heart. Especially when the Queen had a heart-to-heart talk with him like the one back in the chamber.

He knew. And her last sentence before he took his leave rang so loudly in his ears that it hurt.

Gabrielle's days were numbered.

He will find a way to change that however.

"I would be happy, even if the Maker claim my life now."

A.N: Ada Wong finally make her appearance. *Applause* Her character, you see, I had many great plans for her. I've planned complexity in her. :) Anyone start wondering why Albert gave so much courtesy to her that he excluded her from so much royalty shit?

I want to make clear that Jake was still in confusion of his feelings for Sherry. And vice-versa. Know what that means? They are still not quite 'official' if that's how I can name it. ;) About Ashley being the one pushing Sherry into the lake... there's a purpose to it and actually, it plays a big role to Sherry's perception of hers and Jake's relationship later on. A positive or a negative one? Of course, more will be revealed in the next chapters to come. *Hint hint*

And... Gabrielle. I wish I could have made an explanation of the final sentence of this chapter. But no spoilers intended. :(

RFF!