I really should have revised this chapter more - and I'll regret it if/when I see mistakes, so apologies if it's not perfect, BUT I'M SO HYPED, I just had to publish it as soon as I was done !! You guys will see why ;P

Enjoy !


Chapter 13. Home is where the heart is

Hello, me. Said the red-eyed thing, smiling creepily.

"Hi, I guess." Ashley grimaced, her voice echoing within the dark void. "What did you do to me, last time ? When you reached into my chest ?"

You're afraid of me, the creature snickered, circling her like a predator.

"I'm not !" She snapped. "And you're talking too much. I'm asking the questions here. If you're me like you've been saying, why are we separated in here ? Why is there two of us, if we're the same ?"

I told you. You're rejecting me.

"So what ? Does that create a dual personality, or something ?"

Finally, she understands.

"Shut up." Ashley glared at the grinning being. "You were trying to take control over me, weren't you ? The fact that I'm rejecting you – that's what's giving you power, freedom." This time, the dual Ashley didn't say anything. "What happens to you if…I do accept you ?"

She stepped closer, and in unison the clone stepped backwards. No, it snarled.

"Yes. I'm not letting you take control over me, ever." Ashley snatched the thing's wrist in her hand, and it screeched at the touch. "If I have to choose between being the predator and the prey – I'll be the predator." To keep the ones she loved safe, she would do anything.

Blinding light flashed between them, disintegrating the void. Ashley recoiled as something slammed into her, merging with her body, like an elastic band snapping back.

She woke up with Leon's face hovering over hers. He was saying something, but she couldn't hear him over the loud buzzing in her ears.

"Ashley !" Leon shook her shoulder as her eyes closed again. Her veins glowed an unnatural crimson, spreading all across her body like roots or lightning. It was both frightening and beautiful – but mostly frightening, seeing as he didn't know what was happening to her. What could he do, besides let Ashley rest ? Was this even a situation that could be resolved with rest ? And what if something happened to her, in the meantime – what if he was supposed to be doing something ?

He took her arm in his hands, turning it this way and that. Back when they were still infected with the Plaga, their veins would turn grow as the poison progressed – but now, Ashley's veins were a bright red. No, this was new, and this time, Luis wasn't around to provide an explanation or a miracle cure. The only one who could was…

Leon cursed under his breath. Derek Simmons would know what to do – or at the very least, he was the closest person who had any clue to what was going on with Ashley's body. Standing up, he looked down at her and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "You'll be okay." He promised. He knew it was more a reassurance to himself than anyone else, but now was not the time to dwell on the thought.

Taking his phone with him, Leon ran down the stairs until he was on the last floor and out the door, scanning the road for the driver's telltale car. "Come on, hurry up." He mumbled, glancing at the time. It was almost 8.

Sure enough, the same man from yesterday drove up, slowing down in front of him. Seeing that Ashley wasn't here, the driver stepped out of the car. "Where is–"

"Something's happened. Tell Derek Simmons that it's urgent, and he needs to come right away."

"Mr. Simmons is an important man. He cannot simply be–"

"I don't care who he is !" Leon yelled, striding towards the man – stopping short of his face, glaring. "Tell him Leon S. Kennedy wants him here – and without any of his lackeys. Do you understand ?"

The driver swallowed. "…yes sir." Without another word, Leon spun on his heels and walked back inside.

It didn't seem like she was suffering. On the contrary, Ashley looked like she was sleeping peacefully. But because of the uncertainty of the situation, this did nothing to comfort him – and having nothing to do, only gave him time to think. What if the remnant of the Plaga had grown, and it was taking over her body ? But if that was the case, wouldn't it have happened sooner ? And yet, so many things had happened over the last few days – Ashley's strange dreams, her eyes going red, twice, and now this. Something was happening. Leon could only hope it was good...or at the very least, not life-threatening. It's all he could ask for. Taking one of her hands, he sat on the coffee table and waited.

Eventually, the doorbell rang. Leon frowned as he opened the door, like it was Simmons fault Ashley was like this. Even though he needed this man's help, there's no way he'd trust him – not after what he did. He'd be keeping a close eye on the guy. "Mr. Kennedy. I've come as you bid." There was an cutting undercurrent to the man's words. Clearly, he wasn't pleased he'd been summoned – but Leon couldn't care less.

"Something's wrong with Ashley." Was all he said, stepping aside to let the scientist in.

Simmons eyes grew round when he saw Ashley, and he nearly ran to crouch at her side. His hands hovered over the glowing veins on her arms. "Incredible…" He muttered, breathless at the sight.

"Hey. You can drool over your new scientific discovery later – what's wrong with Ashley ?"

"My coworkers warned you this would occur." Simmons answered, unbothered by Leon's rudeness. "That her body was morphing, in the middle of transformation. It seems like it's finally progressing."

"What does that mean ?"

"Well, there are only two possible scenarios. Either she wakes up a monster, or she remains as she is…but I find that unlikely."

Leon swallowed the impulse to snap at the scientist. "Can you try to wake her up now ?" He asked through gritted teeth.

"Of course." The man drawled. He opened his suitcase – revealing sets of syringes, among other medical tools. He took out a simple, sewing needle.

Leon stepped forward, ready to intervene. "What are you going to do with that ?"

"Calm down, Mr. Kennedy." Simmons rolled his eyes. "I'm only going to prick her finger – see how she reacts to pain."

"Your methods sure involve a lot of pain." Leon snarked, but didn't stop him.

Using the sharp needle, the man did as he said he would. Simmons suddenly made a choking sound as Ashley's hand shot out and locked around his neck. Her eyes snapped open, unfeeling as Simmons clawed at her strangling grasp.

Leon stepped in, grabbing her wrist. "Ashley, stop !" Any other day, and he could've easily pulled her away – but now ? Her arm didn't budge an inch, inhumanly strong as Simmons was quickly turning purple.

He was about to knock her out when she suddenly blinked, her arm falling away with the movement. Leon steadied her as she swayed, and her eyes and veins returned to normal – the glowing redness draining away. "Leon…?" She mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm right here."

She looked at him – and then gasped at Simmons who was still crouched, clutching at his throat as he struggled to catch his breath. "It seems your body has a defense system active even when you're not conscious. Interesting." The man smiled and winced at the same time, straightening from his hunched posture.

"…what are you doing here ?" Ashley asked, glancing between Leon and Simmons uncertainly.

"This morning, I woke up and saw your veins glowing red. I tried waking you up – and for a second you did, but then you lost consciousness again. I didn't know what was happening, so I called the doctor over." The former explained, gesturing at Simmons who was now standing up.

"Has anything happened in the last 24 hours that might've triggered this state of being ?" Asked the latter.

Ashley nodded, and then proceeded to recount the last 'dream' she'd had with her other self – or rather, the Plaga self. "Marvelous…" The scientist muttered to himself, his eyes glazing over as his attention turned inward.

"That's why I've changed my mind." She added, looking at Simmons unwaveringly.

"About…?"

"About harnessing my powers. I need to be in control – no, I want to be. So let's do it."

Simmons' eyes were shining in a way Leon didn't like at all. "In that case, we'll have to resort to more…extreme, methods."

"I don't think so," Leon snapped, edging closer.

"No, he's right. It's okay." Ashley quickly intervened. She stood up, putting a calming hand on the agent's arm.

There was nothing 'okay' about this, but he turned his back on the both of them – crossing his arms before he said anything he'd regret.

"I'm glad of your change of heart, Ms. Graham." Said Simmons. Though he couldn't see him, Leon could hear the slippery smile in his voice.

"I just want to get to the bottom of this." Replied Ashley, strong and matter-of-fact. He would've been proud of her if he wasn't so conflicted.

"Then I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

"Wait…you don't want me to come, now ?"

"I require time to make preparations for our new plans, but I'll let my helpers know that you won't be needed for today's tests."

And with that said, the scientist parted ways with the two individuals. Leon realized he was angry when he still didn't want to turn around, but the feeling disappeared as soon as he heard Ashley's shaky breath. He turned around to find her sitting on the couch, shoulders shaking as she held her head in her hands.

"Ashley !" Leon exclaimed, dropping to a knee. "What's wrong ? Do I need to call Simmons back ?"

"No. Just…give me a minute, please."

So he sat next to her, unsure of what to do. When she kept shaking, Leon placed his hand across her back – just like she'd done for him not too long ago, copying the circling motions she'd made. He hoped it helped, even a little bit.

She lifted her head after a while, face pale but slightly more stable than before. "Did I hurt you ?" Her green eyes observed Leon's body for injuries.

"No. I'm fine."

She exhaled in simultaneous relief and anxiety. "I thought I was finally getting over my fear, but then this happens. I thought I could be in control – but what if I can't ? It's my worst nightmare all over. I'm so, so scared, Leon." Ashley's voice trembled the more she spoke, until she was sobbing by the last sentence.

Instead of saying anything, he inched closer and pulled her into his arms. Her chest heaved as she cried against his chest, releasing all the anxiety she'd kept inside her for so long, her hands clutching the fabric of his t-shirt. "It's going to be okay…" Leon murmured over and over, like a mantra.

"Sorry." Ashley smiled sheepishly as Leon handed her a tissue. "I didn't mean to cry like a baby."

"Don't apologize for that. You had plenty of reasons to." He replied as she blew her nose.

She sighed, her nails scratching at her denim skirt – which she was still wearing from yesterday, after falling asleep on the couch. Anxiety still raked her body.

Leon's hand reached over to grab one of hers, making her heart skip a beat – even in the tremulous emotional state she was in. How many times had he voluntarily held her hand ? The act seemed so natural now, like they'd done it for years.

"Hey. You'll be fine." He said, his expression as equally soft as his voice.

"But what happened…what if it just gets worse ? What if I can't contain it ?"

"I'm not going to let any of that happen. If you can't trust in anything else – then at least trust that. Trust me."

For a moment, confusion and frustration grew over the fear, a question rising. "Leon…what am I to you ? Why are you doing so much for me – risking so much ?"

His body stilled at the question, his eyes going wide. "I…because I care about you."

Enough was enough. Ashley had to know – one way or another. She was done feeling hopeful one moment, then heartbroken the next, only to be confused again. She would find out how he really felt, once and for all. "In what way ?"

There was a pause as Leon averted his gaze, clenching and unclenching his fists. Finally, he looked at her. "I…don't know yet. I'm not sure I'm ready to know." The admission made Ashley's heart pound louder and harder with every new word; he hadn't said no. "But I do know one thing; I don't want to just forget and move on."

She hadn't realized she'd stopped breathing until she had to take a breath. She then leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "Neither do I."

He huffed, a small smile across his lips. "Good." There was a pause as neither of them said anything, until Leon said, "How about you take a nap ? It's still early, unless you want to get some breakfast ?"

"I guess I am a little tired. But…will you come with me ? To bed ?" Ashley sure was taking a whole lot of risks today, but she'd already taken the leap – so she might as well go the extra mile. Besides, she didn't want to be alone.

"To…?"

Her face immediately flushed at the implications of his tone. "Sleep, of course ! But you don't have to, if you don't want to."

He chuckled at her reaction, ruffling her blonde hair. "I know. I'm just messing with you."

"Damn you, Leon S. Kennedy !" She snapped playfully. With a smile, he took her hand once more and led her to the bedroom.

The contrast was funny; just a few nights ago, Ashley and Leon had stumbled into bed together – the latter too drunk to make it on his own, held up by the former. But now, they were holding hands and walking in side by side, somewhat on the same page. It was a good feeling, like a weight being lifted, replaced by hope.

He lied down first, Ashley following suite – curling against Leon's side, her head on his armpit. His arm wrapped around her, curling around her back; she'd never felt safer in the world. Her last thought as she fell asleep was, home is where the heart is. And her heart was with Leon.

To be continued…


The ship has officially sailed. I repeat, the ship has officially sailed.