A/N: And here we are once more. Many of you hopefully looking for the next installment of what I hope will be a great series. Well the wait is over.

I've been combing over the games and books to make sure that the timeline and information are correct. But in certain pretenses, they were pretty vague on certain characters' backgrounds. So I had to make a few things up as I went along to try and make things a little more interesting.

Since I was so close to jumping into the storyline for RE0, I put a bit of a timeskip in the beginning of the chapter with a good amount of explanation thrown in. You will also see a sped up evolution to a certain relationship that will only get stronger the farther along we go. But I'll let you all be the judge of that.

Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil

Chapter 5:

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative." - H.G. Wells

Ethan's POV:

They say that time is something that should be cherished. Obviously whoever had said that never realised that it was also a horrible curse. That with each good moment you have, there is always a bad one lurking around the next corner.

And ever since I arrived in this universe, I knew there was going to be a lot of bad moments that would be out of my control.

After joining STARS I spent each day preparing myself for the inevitable downfall that would hit the city. And as the weeks went on, more and more people were either going missing or found mutilated on the outer streets close to the outskirts of the forest..

The police were scrambling to solve the mystery, the local population was terrified, and we had taken it upon ourselves to figure out who was behind it...even though I already knew who was responsible for the attacks.

About two weeks after mine and Rebecca's orientation our phones were being tapped. I figured this out after I got off a call from the stations archives office and saw a small device inside the receiver that hadn't been there before.

It was pretty easy to piece together that Wesker had this done when we were out of the office. And I would bet my next few paychecks that the same little listening devices were on everyone elses phones as well.

On top of that, the 'Captain' had told us that the RPD had everything under control regarding the murders and we shouldn't worry about it too much. Though that didn't stop Chris from taking charge when Wesker wasn't around, and we started our own investigation into what was going on in our town.

And since I was the 'profiler' of our group, I was handed most of the data about the incidents and started going about the methods and reasons behind each murder and the causes behind it.

This reached a point where I was taking information home at the end of my shifts and pouring over it in my free time. Even though I didn't really have too, but it didn't stop me from gathering notes and compiling a list of data that could point the STARS in the right direction.

Rebecca had found out what I was up to and came over on several occasions to lend a hand. In fact, we'd been hanging out a lot lately which hadn't gone unnoticed by our co-workers and friends. There was actually a betting pool going on for when we were actually going to start dating.

This caused my fellow rookie to start blushing whenever the situation was brought up. And since we all made it part of our routine to go hang out with everyone else on STARS at Jack's Bar every Sunday as a group, at least one person brought it up. Usually Kenneth, Richard, Joseph, or Forest.

Even though Rebecca was embarrassed every time the status of our relationship was brought up, we both took it in stride and just enjoyed our time together. Jill told me more than once that we looked good together and how we seemed to complete each other whenever we were in the same room.

Despite that, the two of us just went about our time together like usual...but even I started to notice that we had started growing closer. It was subtle at first; sometimes we'd walk a little closer together than before. Or when we were at either of our places to watch t.v. we'd somehow find our legs touching even though we started on opposite sides of the couch.

Then there was the time where I was called by Edward Dewey, Bravo's co-pilot, to come get Rebecca because she fell asleep at her desk. That was a fun day. Carrying my friend out of the police station in my arms while our co-workers hummed 'Here Comes the Bride' as loud as they could.

I was glad that she was asleep for that, but when I got her into her apartment to put her to bed she wouldn't let go. She even said my name in her sleep before curling into me a little more. By the time I got back to my place my heart was hammering and my face felt like the damn sun. Though a rather large part of me liked the idea that she was thinking about me in her sleep. And I'd be lying if I said the thought of her an I together didn't appeal to me.

She was a fantastic girl; cute, smart, and really knew how to cut loose and have fun. To me she was perfect.

Suffice to say that by the first week of July, Barry was the one that won the betting pool.

When our squads swapped shifts for the day I approached her, we talked for a few moments about the ongoings of what was happening around the precinct before I asked her if she wanted to go out with me on an actual date.

She was silent for a while, biting her lip in that cute way that told me she was really thinking about it while her face turned red. I could feel everyone around us straining to hear what she would say before Jill and Chris made them go about their business and leave us alone.

After she thought it over, Rebecca said yes and we made plans for that Sunday. I left the office feeling like I was on top of the world, everyone in Alpha said they never saw me so happy before.

That Sunday was a rather simple night out, just dinner at a decent restaurant and a movie before taking a nice walk back to our apartment building. Laughing and enjoying ourselves the whole way, and for those moments it felt like it was just the two of us in the world.

Dropping her off at her door, my fellow rookie turned to me blushing and smiling. Before I had even a second to wonder what was on her mind she leaned up and kissed my cheek, telling me that she had a lot of fun and was up for a second date before disappearing into her apartment. Leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open.

Oh life felt great...but nothing lasts forever.

Despite my personal life looking good, the number of missing hikers and mutilated bodies started piling up. The RPD was getting desperate and our squads had to finally step in and do our part to help solve what was happening. There was to be a staff meeting where both Alpha and Bravo teams get together and talk about the best course of action to go about this.

I was to produced my findings to everyone else. A few days before, I'd gone to the morgue and gathered information from each autopsy to put together who was 'responsible'. I also made sure that the corpses remained dead and didn't come back to spread the T-Virus too soon.

I really didn't know if the timeline for this universe would change anymore than it already has. But I knew that I would have to adapt quickly if I was going to ensure my survival and the survival of my friends.

And time was invaluable at the moment...and running out.

X

July 22, 1998

The air in the STARS office was tense. Both teams gathered around a large conference desk that had been set up in the center of the room for the occasion as the 13 officers stood together as they talked about the rise in, what the Raccoon Times had started calling, 'cannibal murders' that have put the city in a state of terror.

Just recently, a group of families had been found in pieces on the outskirts of the Arklay Mountains. This being just after two other bodies had been found in a vacant lot on the outer edge of the city in the same state.

The public wanted answers, and Chief Irons called Wesker and told him that he wanted the STARS on this ASAP because the mayor was breathing down his neck to find a quick and effective solution. Hense why he had gathered everyone to the office at the same time so that they could come up with a plan.

Ethan stood on the side of the large table between Jill and Barry, a small stack of files sitting before him with what he had compiled as he waited to be addressed. Rebecca was across from him standing between Richard and Kenneth, sending him encouraging glances every now and again as they waited for the Captain.

He didn't need it, but he was grateful that she was in his corner when everything got rolling. They had two more dates together after their first one in the beginning of the month and a relationship was forming quickly between them. And both teens couldn't be happier with how things were going between them.

It was a little faster pace than what they had been expecting, since they only knew each other and became friends a month before they started going out. But they couldn't help but feel comfortable around each other whenever they were together, so much so that they knew almost everything about one another after all of their talks.

After a few more minutes, Wesker came out of his office with a manila folder under his arm. "Thank you for coming in on such short notice, everyone. I believe you already know the full extent of the situation." he said looking to each of them as he stood at the head of the table.

"The number of murder victims has gone up in the last month. Citizens all over the city are terrified to leave their homes at night with what has been happening." said Enrico getting agreements from everyone else.

The Captain laid the folder on the table and flipped it open, "Chief Irons contacted me earlier today. The situation has reached a point where our direct intervention is required. And with the increase in body count and the missing people that went into the Arklay Forest, we're being tasked with coming up with a solution."

"So what's our plan of attack, Captain." said Chris. His eagerness had been readable since all this really got started. Even though Wesker told them not to concern themselves with what was happening, that didn't stop Alpha Team's pointman from doing what he could to try and find clues to who was responsible for the string of deaths.

Of course Ethan threw his own hat into the ring to help which gave them a real edge for this meeting.

"Before I explain any of that, I think it would be best for all of us to know what we may or may not be up against when we begin." Wesker turned his attention to Ethan and motioned to him. "Mercer, I believe that you have information to help us in that regard."

The traveler matched the older man's stare before tapping his right knuckle on the files in front of him. "I do." He started separating the folders into two separate piles, "After going over the eye-witness accounts and the coroner's reports, I've been able to compile a possible MO behind the attacks."

Flipping open the first file on the smallest pile he began speaking again. "The first victim, female, middle-aged, found close to the Marble River. Her body was discovered torn open by what the police on seen believed to be wild animals. The bite marks found on the corpse supports this claim. Not long after that, people started reporting dog-like creatures prowling around in the forest close to where the body had originally discovered."

"The next few victims were found in a similar state, but the difference is that several of them were not killed by the same things that slaughtered our first victim." Flipping open the file on the larger stack, he revealed the black and white photograph of a man that was missing his left arm and had his chest cavity torn open. The man's face a mask of pure terror that was frozen in the image.

Ignoring the slightly green and disgusted faces around him, Ethan picked up the coroner's report. "This man here, was one of the ones found in the vacant lot on the outer edges of town a couple weeks ago. Torn apart in the same fashion, but not by animals. According to the guys down in the morgue, these bites were made by another person."

He scattered the other files on the table and opened them. "Every single case in this pile is from a human assailant. But the more disturbing part is the different teeth marks on each body."

"Are you saying a different attacker was at each scene?" asked Enrico as he looked over one of the files.

Ethan shook his head, "No, I'm saying that several people committed the acts." he showed them a form he had been looking over. "This is from the coroner, stating that anywhere between two and four different bite impressions were found on each corpse. Different sizes, spacing, and bite radius. This was a group crime."

The chilled silence that filled the office was stifling. "So the papers were right." said Barry crossing his arms over his chest. "We're dealing with a group of cannibals working out of the Arklay Forest. The question is, how organized are they to stay hidden for so long and not get caught."

"I don't think their organized." the gathered STARS looked at the profiler as he looked at the photos taken from each crime scene. "On a hunch, I compared the animal attack victims with the ones committed by the cannibals. To see if the psychos were using trained attack dogs to get their next 'meal'. As it turns out, the system used to kill their victims were similar."

"The first point of attack was the jugular. From there the victim was taken to the ground allowing others in the group to feast on them. And each time they went for the torso, going for maximum blood and flesh, leaving the limbs intact unless there was nothing left of the center of mass."

Jill covered her mouth and turned away, taking deep breaths while Chris asked a question. "What does this have to do with their tactics?"

Ethan regarded him and motioned to the photos, "That's just it, there are no tactics. Whether there's a connection between the 'dog creatures' and the cannibals is moot, each attack was done with utter savagery and brutality. If it wasn't for the fact that the difference between canine teeth and human teeth was so obvious, it would be hard trying to tell them apart."

"What were dealing with here, boys and girls, is a group of incredibly fucked up people. Out of their minds, strong, and have a serious case of the munchies. Personally, the best plan of attack I would consider would be to put them down the moment their in range." The teen leaned off the table and crossed his arms as he looked around the table at everyone.

There was a mixture of nervousness, determination, and disgust all around. Brad Vickers, his team's pilot, looked about ready to piss himself after the report he had given. When the young traveler's eyes locked on Wesker, he saw exactly what he had expected.

Both of the older man's brows were furrowed. Either in concentration or agitation he didn't really know. He probably wasn't expecting someone to piece things together about the unsolved murders so quickly and easily and was probably thinking of a way to turn the attention in another direction.

"Thank you for the report, Mercer. Nicely done." he said after a while. A sharp point to his words that only the rookie was able to pick out before he addressed the rest of the room. "Considering the latest attack was done on the outskirts of the Arklay Mountains, and most of the missing hikers have disappeared around the same vacinity, we can safely assume that the suspects in these attacks are located in the general area. Therefore, a team will be sent in to investigate the surrounding area for clues either leading to, or uncovering, the ones behind all of this."

Wesker turned to Enrico, "I'm entrusting this mission to Bravo Team, you will be airlifted in at 7'o Clock tomorrow evening. Alpha will be on stand by just incase backup is required."

Bravo's leader nodded, "We'll get it done." he turned to the room. "Go home and get some rest Bravo. You're gonna need it." With that the meeting came to an end and everyone started going their separate ways. Ethan gathered up his files and headed over to his desk to put them away.

"Nice report." said Rebecca walking up next to him and smiling. "Though considering your skills with that it wasn't a surprise you had so much detail compiled in it."

Ethan chuckled, "You know me, I prefer to be thorough. So I guess you're going on your first mission finally, huh?"

The medic let out a breath, "I guess so. I'm really nervous, considering all of the factors involved. I just hope that nothing bad happens while we're out there."

Swallowing the small lump in his throat, the traveler put on his best fake smile and patted her shoulder gently. "You'll do fine, Becs. Just keep your head up and watch your surroundings. Wouldn't want my girlfriend coming back with something missing."

Rebecca leaned back on her hip, crossing her arms under her breasts and raising an eyebrow at him. " 'Girlfriend', huh?" she asked with an accusing tone.

Ethan felt his heart stutter and his face heat up when he realized his tongue had slipped before he could stop it. After the dates they've had and in all the time they spent together, they still hadn't sat down and talked about where their relationship stood.

They were definitely closer than friends now, but they were going at a slow and easy pace. Not wanting to rush too much since they've only known each other a short time. In fact they just barely had their first kiss at the end of their last date this past Sunday.

'Dammit! High IQ or not, I still can't control my damn mouth sometimes!' he raged in his thoughts as he scrambled to find something to say. "Uh...well, I mean...you know..." Rebecca started giggling the longer she watched the older teen flounder for something to say on the matter.

"Mercer." Both rookies looked up and saw Wesker standing not too far away. "A word." he said before turning on his heel and heading to his office. Ethan sighed in relief, sending Rebecca an apologetic look before following the Captain.

Watching him go, the young medic smiled softly just as someone came to stand beside her. "You're gonna give that poor bastard a heart attack before you can get him to the altar." said Edward causing her face to redden.

"Shut up Edward, don't think I don't know about that 'talk' you and Richard had with him when you found out about our first date." she said heatedly.

The older man held up his hands, "Easy Becca, we were just letting him know not to mistreat our 'little sister' that's all." he admitted. "Hell, he wasn't even threatened at all. Just took it in stride and promised to treat you like a queen."

Rebecca's red face got even redder, Ethan did treat her like a queen. Every time they went somewhere together he pulled out her chair, held the door open, even kissed her hand when they said goodnight. Of course, he grew up in the south and said his parents raised him on southern hospitality when it came to women.

She wasn't used to such treatment, but found it flattering and made her feel special whenever he did something like that. "He really does." she mumbled looking toward the STARS Commander's office before going back to her own desk.

X

Ethan stood on the opposite end of the large desk as Wesker sat in his usual spot. Looking over the report the rookie had filed regarding the murders and the MO of the suspects.

"The data you compiled was very detailed. I'm impressed, the RPD crime scene specialists haven't been nearly as effective as you." said the Captain flipping through the folder before laying it down and regarding the teen before him. "Which makes what I'm going to ask you beneficial to the mission I've assigned Bravo Team."

Standing up straighter, the profiler could see where this might be going. "You want me on the mission?" he asked. The micro-movements he could make out on Wesker's face telling him that he was right.

"Yes. From your presentation, you know what to expect of the suspects and how they may act. Such information could prove invaluable to Bravo Team's assignment." said the blonde leaning on the desk and steepling his hands together before him.

'This is one of several things.' Ethan thought to himself. 'He's either trying to get rid of me for putting things together so quickly. Or keeping me out of the office so that I can't help Alpha Team. Both are very likely, god forbid if his dirty little secret got out before he could test the BOWs in a full combat situation.'

After taking several moments to make it seem like he was really thinking about it, he nodded to Wesker with his answer. "I'm in. Better to get my own field experience in early so that I'll be better prepared for other assignments."

He caught the subtle gleam behind the man's eyes and felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle. "Good to here. I'll inform Enrico immediately."

X

"So the Captain's put you on the mission with Bravo?" asked Chris as the two teams headed home for the day to prepare for the next 24 to 48 hours.

Ethan nodded as they all entered the parking lot. "Yeah, he said that my knowledge of the cannibals could help the other team when they go out into the forest to look for clues. That I would know what to look for should they run across something that could point them in the right direction."

"You think your ready to go out into the field?" asked Jill.

"Guess we'll find out." replied the traveler before turning to Barry. "How's that favor I asked you about?"

The older man chuckled, "I got it, but I gotta ask why you made such a request. Not that I don't mind helping with this, it just seems a bit odd is all."

Scratching the back of his head, the teen sighed. "Insurance. With what's been going on, I could use a little extra firepower just incase something goes wrong. And considering the fact I'm on the mission for tomorrow it could be helpful."

Barry stroked his beard and nodded, "Alright, come by my house tomorrow and I'll have it ready for you before you need to leave with the others."

Ethan gave him his thanks as they split up and headed to their vehicles. Rebecca was leaning against the passenger door waiting for him. Sending a beaming smile his way as he approached. "Guess you heard, huh?" he asked smiling back.

She nodded, "Enrico informed us not long after you came back from talking with Captain Wesker. I think it's great, at least I know I won't be the only rookie out there tomorrow."

Shaking his head with a chuckle, "Sure you can focus on the mission with my good looks blocking your vision?" Rebecca shot him a raised eyebrow, "I think I'll manage." she deadpanned as they got in the truck and drove off.

Glancing at his passenger, the traveler thought about what had happened before Wesker called him in his office. The idea of the young medic and him being together made warmth spread through him in a way he had never felt before.

They'd gotten to know each other so well over the last month and he really felt they had a real connection. Both of them were smarter than others in their age group and always had something new to talk about whenever they were alone.

He'd never had a strong relationship with anyone back home. Each time he tried to date there wasn't a good enough connection to keep it going. As cliche' as it sounded, he just couldn't seem to find 'the one'

But Rebecca Chambers was different. She was fun, smart, and had a personality that made everything seem just a little bit brighter. And she was beautiful, that all added together made her perfect in his eyes.

Reaching their apartment building, the two rookies went up to their floor in silence. Different thoughts on their minds as they approached their respected doors. Stopping a few feet from his, Ethan turned to the younger girl.

"Rebecca, about what we were talking about back at the office-" She held up her hand stopping him. "I was just poking fun at you, Ethan. You don't need to explain anything." she said turning around to face him.

A gasp escaping her when she found him right in front of her. His grey-blue eyes capturing her green ones instantly before she felt his lips press softly against hers. The young medic's eyes slipping closed as she lost herself in the feelings that bloomed from the contact alone. Their first kiss had been spontaneous, but had left them both breathless with their hearts beating like crazy.

And Rebecca wasn't ashamed to admit that she wanted to feel that way more often. Which was why she was reaching up and running her hands over her fellow rookie's shaved scalp as her lips moved against his.

They pulled apart after a few seconds, "I was going to say, I was serious about that. Though I wish I had asked you before accidentally blurting it out." he admitted.

Rebecca bit her lip in her usual way when she was thinking. "I...I don't know. I mean I like this." she motioned between the two of them. "It's just that...well, I haven't had any experience with this sort of thing. I don't want us to fall apart and ruin what we have."

Ethan stroked her cheek making her whole face redden at how gentle he was being. "If you need time to think about it, darlin, then take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere." he said with honestly in his words. He gave her a kiss on the cheek before heading into his apartment.

Now alone in the hallway, the young medic turned to unlock her door. But stopped to shoot one last look at the other apartment as her mind began spinning with the different scenarios playing out in her head. 'Would it be so bad to be with him like that?' she thought to herself before entering her home.

X

July 23, 1998 (Seven Hours Until the Mission)

Ethan kept his eyes on the road as he drove his Silverado down the small suburban street on the other end of Raccoon City. Quiet, two-story homes passed by with lush-green lawns and white picket fences depicting the perfect vision of the american dream.

Finding one house in particular, he pulled into the driveway and parked by a small sedan before getting out and approaching the front door. Knocking three times on the hard-wood and waiting for someone to answer.

He didn't wait long as the door swung open to reveal a little girl with strawberry-blonde hair. "Can I help you?" she asked sweetly while holding a doll in her other hand.

"I'm looking for your dad, can I come in?" he asked smiling.

The girl furrowed her brow, "My mommy and daddy say I shouldn't let strangers in." she said trying to look brave.

Ethan chuckled, "And they're right. But it's okay, I work with your daddy."

Heavy footfalls could be heard inside before Barry appeared wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. "Afternoon, Ethan. Nice timing." he looked down at his daughter and patted her head. "Go play with your sister sweetie, I'm just going to talk with my friend here."

The little girl smiled at him before skipping off somewhere in the house. Barry motioned for Ethan to come inside and closed the door behind them.

The interior of the Burton home was just as warm and welcoming as the outside. Pictures hung along the walls of family outings, school photos and even ones of Barry's wedding. A grandfather clock was on the wall next to the door that ticked loudly with the swinging pendulum as they moved to the living room by the staircase.

Through the opening that led to the kitchen, a woman with the same colored hair as the girl that came to the door stepped in wiping her hands on an apron she was wearing. "You must be Ethan, Barry's told me a lot about you." she said holding out her hand.

Ethan shook her hand and smiled, "Likewise, Mrs. Burton. You have a nice home."

Barry's wife smiled warmly before looking a little troubled, "You look much younger than what I've heard. I can't believe STARS is hiring people so young."

The teen shrugged, "It's something I wanted to do. Going out there and doing my part for the community and keeping the public safe. Even though there's a lot of paperwork, but it's all worth it in the end."

"Spoken like a true officer of the law." Barry said clapping his shoulder before heading toward a door that led downstairs. "I'm going to fetch what you're looking for, be right back." he said before disappearing into the basement.

Mrs. Burton turned back to the rookie, "Can I get you something to drink, dear?" she asked nicely.

"I'm okay, ma'am. I wouldn't want to impose." he replied settling in on one of the armchairs while waiting for the weapon specialist to return.

"You're not imposing at all, Ethan. Just let me know if you need anything." the woman said before going back into the kitchen leaving the teen alone. He looked around the room at all the different things on the shelves. More pictures and various awards along the mantle and a couple of bookshelves in the corners.

He heard movement on the right, turning he saw two heads of hair disappear behind the couch. Raising an eyebrow, he waited a few seconds before they reappeared. The little girl from before was there, along with another girl that was at least a year younger and had a darker shade of hair.

Waving his right hand, he heard the girls gasp before disappearing behind the couch again. "You don't have to be scared, I'm not a bad guy." he said causing the kids to step out into the open and seemed to observe him while he sat there.

"Are you really a police officer like daddy?" asked the older girl.

Ethan reached into his pocket, took out his ID and showed them. "See, I'm on the same team as him too. We see each other every day."

Looking over the ID, the two girls sat on the couch. "I'm Polly, this is Moira." said Barry's oldest introducing her and her sister.

"Hello Polly, hello Moira. My name is Ethan Mercer." replied the teen.

"Do you shoot bad guys?" Moira asked innocently.

"Only if they leave me no choice." said the teen. "Killing isn't really a good thing unless there aren't any other options. But if your defending yourself or someone you care about then it might be okay."

Polly hugged a teddy bear to her chest as she looked at the young member of STARS, "Will you protect daddy?"

The question was very innocent, so much so that Ethan felt like his heart had been hit. Thoughts of what was going to happen with the training facility and then the mansion soon after came to mind. A lot of things were going to happen, things he might not be able to control if something was to go horribly wrong.

But that wouldn't mean he wouldn't give it his all regardless.

"I'll do my best, sunshine." he said making both girls smile just as their father came up from the basement holding a hard-plastic case under his arm.

"I hope these two aren't giving you too much trouble." he said moving into the room and laying the case on the coffee table.

Ethan waved him off, "Nah, me and them were just talking. Right girls?" the children giggled before making their way toward the kitchen where their mother was. "You got two beautiful girls, Barry." he said to the proud father.

Barry chuckled, "That I do, gotta feeling they'll make my hair grey before they're in high school. After that I shudder to think." he motioned to the case he brought up. "Got it right here, kid. I just hope you know how to use it."

Reaching forward, the rookie snapped the clasps open and removed the lid. A small grin spreading across his face. Inside lay a brand new Colt Anaconda Revolver, by far one of the most powerful handguns ever to be discovered in the games.

It's barrel sleek, shining in the afternoon light that came in through the windows. The grip polished, but held firm as the teen pulled it from the case and held it in his hands. It was definitely heavier than his Samurai Edge, though thankfully he was use to holding larger firearms.

Aiming at the far wall and looking down the sights, Ethan felt a bit of giddiness bubble up within him while holding the powerful cannon. 'This will definitely do some damage where we're headed.' he thought setting the weapon back in the case and looking over the five speed-loaders that were fitted next to it.

The .357 high caliber rounds, much larger than the 9mm his Beretta took, looked as though they could punch through anything. And with the power behind the revolver, it was a safe bet.

"Thanks a lot, Barry. What do I owe you for this?" he asked closing the case and regarding the veteran STARS member.

Barry waved him off, "I had a spare kicking around whenever mine ever had a problem. Consider it a gift." he looked to see the younger man pull a small wad of $100s out of his pocket and toss it to him. Looking it over, he was shocked to see $700 in his hand.

"Gift or not, I make sure that I help those that help me." Ethan said at the man's shocked face. "Consider it a donation to the girls' college fund." The bearded man smiled thankfully at him for the sentiment.

They exchanged a few more words before the teen headed back out to his truck. Tossing the weapon case on the passenger's seat and heading back for home to prepare for tonight. His earlier happiness replaced with a burning determination with what he was about to face.

X

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Ethan stayed in his apartment and made sure that clips were loaded and supplies were loaded in their proper compartments before arming up.

Pulling on his rig, along with a black tactical vest with 'S.T.A.R.S.' embroiled on the back in white. He began loading everything in the proper sections. His combat knife in its scabbard on his left shoulder. His Samurai Edge holstered on his right thigh. The Anaconda in a back-up holster on the front left side on the stomach portion of his vest.

Deciding to leave his shotgun for better maneuverability, he slipped the 20-round clips for his Beretta in the empty slots, the speed loaders for the revolver in a spare pocket close to its holster.

He also put a spare box of 9mm Parabellum rounds into one of his packs and a can of First Aid Spray just in case before going to pick up Rebecca from her place.

She was a little stunned to see him so armed up when she herself only had her Beretta handy. Ethan just said he was going in prepared as they went down to his truck and drove to the station.

They met up with the rest of Bravo Team and got one final rundown of the mission before heading to the rooftop where their chopper was waiting for them. All the while, the traveler took deep calming breaths. Knowing full well that the engine for the copter had been rigged to malfunction when they got far enough into the forest.

And from there...everything that they would encounter along the way to the Spencer Mansion.

Reaching the rooftop, everyone began to pile into the troop compartment as the pilot started the engine. Rebecca took a few calming breaths herself before climbing aboard, Ethan right behind her as the settled on the bench toward the tell end of the helicopter next to Kenneth while Enrico, Richard and Forest took the one across from them. Edward took the co-pilot seat and pulled on a headset as the bird began to rise off of the helipad on the roof of the building.

"You rookies ready for this?!" Forest called out over the loud rhythm of the copter blades above them.

Rebecca nodded, though her hands shook from nervousness. That was until a strong, warm gloved hand wrapped around hers giving her peace of mind. Ethan gave the members of Bravo a thumbs up as he squeezed the medic's hand reassuringly as they got higher in the sky.

When they reached the right altitude, they began flying over the city and toward the dark forest beyond.

Watching the lights down below quickly change to trees. Ethan leaned his head back against the wall behind him and closed his eyes. Taking slow breaths to ease his mind while a storm began to brew in the air around their transport. Though despite his meditation, he could see the small phrase that appeared on screen when he first started playing the Resident Evil series long ago. A phrase that summed up the situation rather nicely in his opinion;

'The Door to Safety has Shut. There is no Turning Back...'

A/N: And there you have it. Everything has been set in motion, and we'll see just how Ethan's knowledge and skills will alter things as they were. Or will the fates be against him the farther he goes into the survival horror? Stay tuned to find out!

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