Chapter 1-2 Ethan Winters

"Long ago, in a land far away. There was a young girl who lived with her mother and father. They spent their days merrily, as their family was whole. But things did not remain this way. For as the child grew older, she lost her mother to an illness, which had no cure. As for her father, he worked tirelessly in order to provide for the two. He exhausted himself, laying on his deathbed with his daughter by his side.

"My sweet daughter, it pains me to have to leave you in this world alone, but I know you will survive. You have your mother's witts and my determination. Go into the forest, and find yourself a place you can call your own. But be warned, many monsters will block your path, and in order to get passed, you must offer something in return. Because in life, nothing comes free."

The child nodded, watching as her father was taken by death's hand. When he was gone, she gathered the little belongings she could carry and headed off. The rascal broke free from the life she knew and vanished into the trees. Her father's words echoed as the girl walked over vine, under branch and into the deepest part of the forest.

She could feel the eyes upon her from the darkness, recalling her mother's scary bedtime tales, about four monsters who ruled over the land, snatching any child they came across. She became fearful, but wanted to make sure she would outlive both her deceased parents. As she wandered into the forest, her throat became bone dry. She brought no water for herself, and tried to look for something to drink. Her eyes noticed the many bats that were flying around her, as she became slightly fearful. They flew around, and the child was face to face with one of the largest winged creatures she had ever seen.

"What brings you to my forest, small child?" The Bat Lord questioned, leather wings ruffled as he stared down at the poor girl.

"Please, Lord of the Bats, I am but an orphan who is trying to find a new home. I do not wish to disturb you. I will kindly leave this forest, but I am quite thirsty. May I request something to parch my throat?"

"And what will you offer to me in return?" The Bat Lord asked.

The young girl fiddled her fingers, looking a bit embarrassed as she tried to think. The Bat Lord had the reputation for feasting upon any who dare enter his forest, and would drain anyone dry. However, perhaps she could use that to her advantage. "I am afraid I have nothing I can offer you except my own blood. I will gladly give it to you, if you agree to let me pass."

The Bat Lord hummed, as he pondered the thought. He did grow hungry though, and he could not refuse a meal that was offered to him. The Bat Lord gave the young girl permission, and using a thorn she cut her palm. Droplets of her blood gathered in a leaf, which she gave to the Lord of the Bats. When he drank it, he tasted the liquid and was surprised. The blood was incredibly sweet, so much so he was full from just that small puddle alone!

"You have such tasty blood, small child. Your gift appeases me."

"Thank you, Lord of the Bats." She bowed respectfully.

The giant animal outstretched his wings, smiling at her warmly as he used his fangs to bite his own wing. His blood trailed down his leather flaps, as he spoke. "Come, child. You may quench your thirst as a reward for your offering." So she scooped up the gift, and drank the thick, dark blood. When she did, her throat no longer felt dry. The young girl was given a gift by the Bat Lord, she would never become thirsty again.

She thanked the Bat Lord and headed through the forest, knowing that it would not be an ideal place for her to live. The young girl soon came to a graveyard, with threads laced around the hollow trees. Menacing storm clouds loomed above, making the air turn bitingly cold. The young girl shivered in her thin clothes, only having a scarf to keep her neck warm. Her ears perked up as she could hear something close by. Clip. Clip. Clip. The child looked up, seeing a figure in black with a skeleton mask towering over her.

"What brings you to my graveyard, dear child?" The Dark Weaver questioned.

"Please, Weaver of the Darkness, I am but an orphan who is trying to find a new home. I do not wish to disturb you. I will kindly leave your graveyard, but I am very cold. May I request some clothes for my frame?" She asked.

"And what will you offer me in return?" The Dark Weaver asked.

The young girl fiddled her fingers, looking a bit embarrassed as she tried to think. The Dark Weaver had a reputation for turning humans into pieces of his work, crafting them to become perfect, stitched up dolls. However, perhaps she could use that to her advantage. "I am afraid I have nothing I can offer you except the scarf that my mother gave to me before she died. I will gladly give it to you, if you agree to let me pass."

The Dark Weaver hummed, as he pondered the thought. He did need new materials for his work, and he could not refuse threads that were offered to him. The Dark Weaver gave the young girl permission, as she sheeded her scarf off and handed it to the Dark Weaver. When he held it in his thin fingers, he was amazed by how soft yet strong the fabric was. Even the pattern was a sight to behold. He never saw something so rich with color and texture before.

"You have such a beautiful scarf, dear child. Your gift pleases me."

"Thank you, Weaver of Darkness." She bowed respectfully.

The skeletal figure used his fingers, snipping them like scissors. He then crafted a beautiful, golden dress from the mist that surrounded the two. "Come, child. You may warm yourself as a thanks for your gift." So, she clothed herself in the dress, feeling the fabric hug her skin, reminding her of her mother. The young girl was given a gift by the Dark Weaver, she would never become cold again.

She thanked the Dark Weaver and headed through the graveyard, knowing that it would not be an ideal place for her to live. She came across a dock, where deep and ominous waters drifted below. The young girl found a boat, and took it to cross the waters, believing she could find her home on the other side. As she let the waters carry her, she could see many small fish swimming below. Hunger began to grip in her stomach, as she craved for some food. She attempted to catch the fish with her hands, but she was unsuccessful.

The rocking of the boat caused the monster below to rise up. Out of the waters, the Fish King appeared, looking at the girl in the boat. "What brings you to my ocean, young child?" The Fish King questioned.

"Please King of the Fishes, I am but an orphan who is trying to find a new home. I do not wish to disturb you. I will kindly leave your ocean, but I am very hungry. May I request some food?" She asked.

"And what will you offer me in return? The Fish King asked.

The young girl fiddled her fingers, looking a bit embarrassed as she tried to think. The Fish King had a reputation for wrecking ships that crossed his waters, and eating anything on board, leaving not even the skeletons behind. He had quite the appetite. However, perhaps she could use that to her advantage. "I am afraid I have nothing I can offer you except for my skills in cooking. I will gladly give them to you, if you agree to let me pass."

The Fish King hummed, as he pondered the thought. He did wonder what cooked fish tasted like, and he could not refuse the generosity that was offered to him. The Fish King gave the young girl permission, as she created a small fire in her boat. Getting a salmon from the Fish King, she grilled the scales of the animal until it began to smoke. When it was done, she offered the cooked salmon to the Fish King, who swallowed it in one bite. When he ate it, he was surprised. He had never tasted something that was cooked before, having so many flavors of spices on it. His taste buds danced happily as he looked at the child with his many eyes.

"You have such a talent in cooking, young child! Your gift tasted wonderful!"

"Thank you, King of the Fish." She bowed respectfully.

The Fish King reached for one of his fins, plucking it from his body and offered it to the girl. "Come, child. You may eat your fill as thanks for the food." So, she took the fin and began to eat it, filling her belly. Her stomach stopped growling, as it too was pleased. The young girl was given a gift by the Fish King, she would never become hungry again.

She thanked the Fish King and headed through the waters, knowing that it would not be an ideal place for her to live. Continuing on, she came across the other side of the forest. However, this place was not at all a home for nature, but for metals and gears abound. The ground was lifeless, as iron gates housed a tall building the likes of which the girl had never seen.

From the gates, a horse made of vast scrap metals appeared, prancing around the child. Above it's head was a golden gear, which caught the young girls' eye. Curiously, the Iron Steed did not greet the girl, much like the other Lords of this land. Though this one did not seem as territorial as the others, the young girl kept her guard up. "Please, Steed of the Irons, I am but an orphan who is trying to find a new home. I do not wish to disturb you." She waited for a response, but the Iron Steed said nothing. Instead, he bowed his head to her, producing the golden gear. To which, the child was confused. "I appreciate the offer, but I do not wish anything from you. I am tired and have had a long journey. All I want is to find a home to call my own. I have been alone for so long, and crave to have people who love me surround me. So please, I ask for nothing except for that."

The Iron Steed raised his head up, steam coming from his nostrils as he neighed while shaking his head. He summoned the other monsters, who began to surround the child. Terror filled the girl's heart, as she was worried that the other monsters would finally consume her. However, they kept their distance as they looked at her."


Mia held open the book with a black and golden cover, as she sat on the couch holding a baby girl in one of her arms. The small child looked up at her mother, with the father sitting right next to them. He listened to the story his wife was reading to their daughter, much to his dismay. But he kept quiet as the woman kept talking. "Finally, the Iron Steed spoke. "Strong child, no matter how terrifying we looked, you still stood your ground and showed no fear. The gifts you took, but more you gave. So in return, more is due."" Mia paused in her reading as she looked at the child. The baby yawned, before her lids closed as she sat up in her mother's hold. The older woman smiled as she looked at the content face of her daughter. "There. She's asleep."

"What is with the creepy story? She's only six months old." Ethan complained as he watched her close the book.

"The woman at the store said it was traditional. A local tale." She handed the book to her husband, as he read the title printed in gold on the cover: Village of Shadows. "Besides, Rose doesn't seem to mind." Mia added as she held her child close while petting her head of thin hair.

"Because she doesn't understand any of it! Thank god." Ethan sighed in relief. Though he wouldn't be surprised if Rose would end up having nightmares from that 'Local Tale' as it was called. He set the book down before looking back at his wife and daughter. "We moved here so she wouldn't have to deal with any of that, remember?"

"There's nothing wrong with my memory!" Mia snapped at Ethan, causing him to slightly jump. She caught herself, forming a smile as her eyes softened. "You're just being paranoid."

"It's not-" Ethan was about to speak up, only to sign in defeat. "Nevermind. I'm sorry. But I'm not paranoid. I'm just cautious." Ethan corrected.

"Then, go cautiously take your daughter to bed." Mia kept that crooked smile on her as she handed Rose to Ethan, as the blond man cradled her in both of his arms. "I'll finish up dinner." Mia told him as she headed out of the living room and walked up a few steps to head from the dining room to the kitchen.

Ethan looked down at his daughter, he looked tired despite not feeling sleepy at all. Then again, one would usually be stressed out after what he had been through. And Mia. "It's okay, Rose. Your mother doesn't want to remember. I can't blame her." He told his daughter.

"Did you say something?" Mia called out from the other room.

Ethan realized his mistake, and tried to cover it up. "Nothing! I'll put her down!" He promised. He looked down at his half year old girl, seeing how sweet and innocent she looked. He couldn't believe that he had a daughter, even after everything that happened. He truly was blessed, and he wanted to make sure that Rose would grow up without the trauma that he and Mia had gone through. It was a Winters promise. Rose was still slightly fussy, so Ethan decided to walk around the house a bit to lure her to sleep. He headed into the dining room, examining the home that he and Mia made for themselves in this new country.

The first thing he noticed was the books on the shelves next to the fireplace. A particular one stood out with a cute animal on the cover, and the letters ABC on the front. "Mom got you another new book?" Ethan questioned while looking between the cover and his child. Mia has been spoiling Rose lately with nighttime stories, probably because she wanted to do more motherly things with her daughter. At least this one looked more child friendly, unlike the one she was reading.

He headed over to the fire place, as his eyes looked over some of the pictures. One of them was on the mantle, of Mia holding her inflated stomach with a smile to the camera. This was just before her due date, to think it was only seven months ago that this was taken, and Ethan insisted on framing it. It would be a reminder that the pair were being rewarded for their trials and traumas they had gone through. And a reason for them to keep going. "Oh Mia… what a miracle." He whispered to himself.

His eyes then wandered to a picture on the shelf to the right of the fireplace, seeing a family picture of the three walking on the sands of the beach. Back before the cold winters would befall them all, and for Rose to see what the ocean looked like. "Three years ago. I couldn't even imagine something like this would happen." Ethan said to himself. Part of him still couldn't believe how peaceful the atmosphere had gotten in his life, especially after the hell hole he found himself in three years ago. Moving out here was a surprise, and it was hard for him to adapt after years of living in America. But in the end, he managed to welcome it and found it a pleasant new chapter in their lives. And personally, it was nice to be in a place where one wouldn't be constantly reminded of what his life was before Rose was born. Even though he knew it wasn't fair to those that were in his life prior.

His eyes landed on a small wine cart next to the table, seeing the many fancy bottles waiting to be emptied. Ethan had never been much of a drinker, but ever since Mia began to have some wine once Rose was done with breastfeeding, he joined her in it to have something in common. While he wasn't much for wine itself, he considered it a tangible treat. Especially during dinners. "Once you're a big girl, we'll have a drink together, all right?" Ethan spoke to Rose as he chuckled.

She still was a bit awake, so he kept going into the room. He looked over to a table which had a stereo on top. When he open the drawer, he notices a bunch of jazz albums that Ethan was never able to get when he was young. He was always a fan of the genre, just was never able to get the ones he wanted. "Our taste in music definitely improved over the years." Ethan noted.

"You mean mine has?" Mia corrected while she was stirring a pot over the stove. Ethan shook his head, but didn't argue with it. Besides, she did introduce him to some other jazz bands that he never would have dreamed of listening to. Rose giggled as she looked up at her father, as if she agreed he got called out. He went towards the counter tops of the kitchen, seeing the bottle parts that were used to feed Rose some milk.

"You hungry?" He asked his daughter, who only just blinked in response. "No? Maybe later, then." Ethan stated. Probably better not to feed her before he would put her down. Didn't want her to have an accident too late at night. Even though they were both used to it at this point now. The dirty blond looked over at Mia, as her back was to him while she was stirring the crockpot on the stove. Many vegetables were scattered across the surface, as the woman was clearly dedicated to making the best dinner.

Curiously, Ethan tried getting close to see what she was making. "Don't get too close to me when I'm cooking, babe." Mia warned, as she didn't even face Ethan. She emphasized the 'don't' in that sentence, which made the man back up. Ethan rather not question it, as he decided to take a look at the pantry next to the refrigerator. This was where they stored most of the food, along with a few cleaning supplies. The most notable feature were the many jars of baby food that were piled up on the shelf.

"Mia makes everything by hand, so this stuff keeps piling up." Which begged the question, why even bother buying this stuff anymore? Then again, it was better to have spares, just in case. Ethan headed back out to the kitchen, where his eyes casted to the refirgdorator. He saw a list of the foods that Rose seemed to have liked and didn't like, as a reminder of what to feed her. He also saw a picture of Mia and Rose, eating half a birthday cake. This was Rose's half birthday, February 2nd. To think this was a week ago, and Rose was already so big. "Her birthday will be here before we know it." Ethan remarked.

"They grow up fast. Let's just enjoy it while we can." Mia responded. That was something he could agree with his wife on. He wanted to be in the moment with his family, as he didn't want anything to change this tranquility he was living in. Rose was starting to become sleepy, so Ethan took her out of the kitchen and headed to the foyer. He walked over to the wall, seeing a picture of Rose near the entrance.

"She's going to grow up beautiful." Ethan smiled, wondering what his baby girl was going to look like once she was older. Who she would take up after in both looks and personality. He couldn't wait to be there for it. The young man turned towards the stroller near the door, reminding the strolls that Mia and Rose would take around the street. "Once things warm up we can go for a walk." He promised her. His eyes went over to the double mahogany doors, as a sudden feeling of dread washed over him. No matter how many locks he installed on the frames, he still had a sinking suspicion that it would never be enough. He reached over, grabbing the handle and attempted to push the door open, only for it to make some noises.

"Hey!" Mia called from the kitchen in a warning tone. "Keep it down."

"Just making sure it's locked." Ethan said. Maybe Mia was right about him being paranoid. But who could really blame him after what happened back in America? Honestly, he found it disturbing that Mia seemed to have gotten over it so quickly, especially with how she still seemed scared by it and kept bringing it up days ago. Now all of a sudden she was trying to be a happy housewife. Ethan knew Mia wanted to try and lead a normal life for Rose's sake, but the damage has been done. Mia had resorted to taking certain medication just to keep her sanity in check. Ethan knew, since he saw the pills in the bathroom.

The father shook those thoughts off, as he needed to get Rose to bed. Turning from the door, he began to head up the stairs. Halfway there, Rose began to cry out all fussy. "There, there." Ethan patted her stomach. "It's like I said to your mom: That book's too scary for you." Ethan sighed, reaching to the second floor as he took a left, seeing something resting on an end table. A black music box with a groom and a bride on top. "Your mom and I love this song so much." He reached over, turning the wind up key on the side. Once he did, a soft melody began to play. Hearing it seemed to have a smile on Rose, as she bounced in her father's arm. Ethan admired the box as it reminded him of his grandmother, who gave him that box as a wedding gift. A valuable treasure he will always hold dear.

Ethan walked down a small hallway, passing by many more photos. "Almost there honey." He said, going to the door on his right. Inside was the room he, Mia and Rose shared. A large section of the room had been dedicated to the young child. Her crib was stationed on the far side of the wall, with some of her toys and mobiles scattered around the area. Ethan saw the clothes laid out for Rose tomorrow on the bench next to the vanity. He wondered what tomorrow would bring for the family, hopefully more fortune.

Just as he was about to put Rose down, he turned his attention to the door leading to a side room which was his study. Ethan walked in, seeing many things here that he held dear aside from his work. He looked over at his computer, checking over the emails since his computer was still on. One email he kept open, which was sent to him on February 6th. He read it over, seeing the message sent to him. 'Ethan, hey! Hope you haven't forgotten about me! Alice Winters, your baby sister?! I know we haven't seen each other in many years, but surely you must remember my face. I wanted to let you know that I'm all set to go. I got my ticket and flight booked. If all goes well I should be in the country by the 8th. First thing I'll do once I get there is go see you. I hope you, Mia and little Rose are ready for me, cause my mind is already made up. And I hope you keep your end of the bargain and tell me everything that happened to you. I don't want anymore secrets and lies Ethan. Please, I'm not a kid anymore. You don't have to protect me. Anyways, I better get going, got some more things to pack. See you in a few days.'

Ethan couldn't help but giggle as he read the email. "You haven't changed a bit, little sis." His eyes casted down to Rose, as that smile spread. "You'll get to meet your Auntie very soon. She's going to spoil you, I just know it. Don't take her generosity for granted, little lady." He turned away from the screen of his laptop, seeing an open drawer next to his desk. Reaching over to the dresser, he took out a slip of paper and looked it over. It was Rose's information in regards to her birth and the tests that were taken such as her sight, hearing and reflexes. Even mold pathogens tests which would be given by the BSAA. When he looked that part over, his eyes went to his daughter as she seemed blissful. "Rose is fine…" He told himself, trying to reassure it all. It was just a standard test from the agency to ensure Rose wouldn't inherit the Mold from Louisiana. Even though Ethan knew that was impossible, due to the fact that Mia had been cured of the infection and Ethan didn't get any in his system. Even so, it's better to make sure.

He saw a small chair where two plush monkeys were. Ethan reached down to grab the smaller monkey and waved it around in front of his daughter, while mimicking the noises of the animal. "Well hi there, little Rose." He chuckled, seeing how happy the young girl was just by looking at her favorite toy. He placed it back on the chair, before exploring the rest of the room. His eyes went over to the bookshelf on the other side of his desk. One particular book caught his interest. Gun Survivalist: A Heavy Firearms Manual for Field Combat Situations by Joseph Kendo. He remembered reading this during his military training, and it was the same manual that Alice read. Though she was never one for relying solely on weaponry, as she preferred stealth as a first resort. "It's not paranoia if they're really out to get you." Ethan stated to himself.

He turned from the books and went to a table next to the door, seeing a small photo album. Feeling nostalgic, he decided to take a look. On the first page, it was an image of their wedding, Mia and Ethan leaning into a kiss. Mia overlooking a view and cooking around on the stove in a few other ones. When Ethan flipped the pages, he could see her progress during the pregnancy. The next few pages showed them being a family, and even cute images of Rose like her being in a monkey suit and swimming in a pool. "I wish it could stay like this forever." He prayed, replaying the memories in his head. He could only hope that new and better ones would be coming their way.

Ethan walked out of the study and passed the bed he and Mia shared. "Can't keep your mother waiting. She's scary when she's angry." Ethan told Rose as he headed towards the crib, gently placing the baby inside. "There you go, sweetheart. Don't you worry, I'll be right downstairs." Ethan promised as he turned on the mobile above the crib. "Daddy won't let those weird fairy tale monsters get you." He patted her head as he watched her yawn before closing her eyes.

Ethan watched his daughter, smiling as she would have pleasant dreams instead of terrible nightmares. Knowing Mia was waiting for him, he headed out of the room and made his way down the hall. Just as he was about to head downstairs, he looked to his right to where the extra room was. He figured he may as well check it over before he went down. He headed down the hall as he noticed a bobble head on the shelf next to the guest room door. It was a football player from his former favorite team. He remembered seeing a bunch of these in the Baker House, and for some reason, he kept it with him when they moved here. Maybe he kept it as a trophy that he beat that crazy family? He didn't remember anymore. "Why do I even keep this around? I should get rid of it someday." He told himself.

He reached over, opening the door and looked inside. The room was a mess, the bed wasn't made and there were pieces of furniture on the bed, around the space and against the wall. Dust covered the place as Ethan began to cough. They've intended for this to be a guest room for when Alice would come over, but she kept getting delayed in coming to the country. Eventually, they used this as a storage room. "Gotta do a quick clean before Alice comes by." Ethan stated. Hopefully she won't be here until tomorrow. Surely she wouldn't be crazy enough to come out here in the middle of the night? Who was he kidding, of course Alice would do that!

He checked around, wondering what he would have to take care of before he began cleaning the place. He could see some books on the shelf. Why did they get so many books again? Well, the BSAA did limit them to the internet, so both Ethan and Mia took up more reading. One book in particular that was given to him by Alice during her training at the BSAA was 'A Historical Look into the Architecture of Eastern European Castles and Keeps by George Trevor'. Apparently this was given to Alice by one of the BSAA members, for why she never knew.

He soon took notice of something on one of the end tables. He approached, seeing an old newspaper in regards to the Louisiana incident. Apparently the media has dubbed the cause as a gas leak, no doubt a coverup by the BSAA. He recognized a few names, such as Jack Baker and his family, which mentioned they were victims in this incident. The article also referred to Ethan and Mia, but it mentioned that their whereabouts were unknown. Again, the BSAA doing. "Everyone's forgotten about this already…" Ethan muttered to himself. If only he could have been one of those people.

There was no point in staying upstairs any longer. He headed out of the room, vowing to clean up later. Ethan headed out of the room, quickly making his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. When he got there, Mia was holding the pot and placed it down on the counter top. "Is she OK?" She questioned.

"Sleeping like a… well, like a baby." Ethan responded with a shrug. Mia mused as she stirred the pot with a ladle, mixing the veggies with the red liquid inside. "Mm… that smells good. What's that?" He reached over to try and get a taste.

"Oh, hands off mister!" Mia warned as she slapped the hand with her utensil. "It's ciorba de legume. It's a local recipe." Mia explained.

"Wow. You've gone full native, haven't you?" Ethan remarked. Ironic considering she was also against living out here in Europe, but she seemed to be making the effort to become more involved with the culture. Perhaps Mia was really trying to move on with their lives. At least that made one of them.

"Local wine, too." Mia grabbed onto a bottle of the alcohol on the counter, bringing it to the dining room table. Ethan grabbed the two glasses, carrying them over. "But if you're gonna keep sulking all evening, maybe you shouldn't have any." She remarked as he placed the glasses on the table then took a seat. "You really have to stop worrying." She advised while pouring the wine in the glasses.

Ethan sighed, he knew he should but it was easier said than done. "It's just… Finding you in Louisian, the pregnancy, Chris moving us here, military training. It all happened so fast, you know?"

Mia was clearly annoyed, as she tried to grab her own glass, but as she kept hearing her husband, she rolled her eyes slightly before looking at him with a sympathetic smile. "Well, at least we're all together. You, me, Rose. Now everythings going to be-"

"Seriously? You think we can just forget what happened in Louisian?" Ethan argued.

Mia pouted before turning back over as she became increasingly annoyed with her husband. "It happened so long ago." That wasn't what she said in the hospital just a few days ago. She raised up her hands while taking a few feet back from the table. "I just, I don't understand why you are so-" Mia got cut off as a sudden glass shattering sound effect was heard, while Mia's right shoulder started to bleed.

This even caught Ethan off guard as Mia looked over to try and figure out what was going on. Ethan had a bad feeling, as he looked at the window to see the curtain was flapping around. That window was closed though, unless it had been shot at! "Mia, get down!" Ethan ordered. But it was too late, as the lights suddenly went out in the kitchen. The next thing the blond man knew, more gunshots could be heard and the bullets aimed for Mia. Blood squirted out of her like a fountain, as the crimson liquid flew in different directions to color the floor and even table. "MIA!" Ethan shouted, wanting to reach for her, but was too fearful as many rounds of ammunition fired so quickly, he could see the sparks flying. Mia gasped in shock, her body being pumped with lead as she eventually fell to the floor. The bullets pierced the chandelier above the table, making it fall and crash. While some of the wine bottles were shattered.

Ethan didn't know how long it was, but when the firepower creased, he looked over at her unmoving form, as her face was that of horror staring back at him. "Mia. Oh, god…" Ethan breathed, hiding under the table as the flashbacks came rushing to him. It was Louisian all over again! What was happening? Who could be responsible for such a tragedy?! Underneath the table, Ethan could see a pair of legs approaching. A gun in the right hand, with a silencer on the barrel. They shoved the table away, so Ethan could get a good look on who had caused this. To his surprise and horror, as he looked up at the figure dressed in black and got a look at those chiseled features, he was even more dumbfounded. "Chris…?! What the hell?!"

"Sorry, Ethan." It was all Chris could say to the man before turning over to Mia and aimed his gun at her again.

"No!" Ethan reached out, only to watch as Chris Redfield fired a few more rounds into Mia's chest. When he lowered his gun, Ethan just merely stared at his savior who helped him and Mia all those years ago, was now the murderer of his wife. "What?! Why?!" He wanted answers. He wanted to know why Chris would shatter the life that he wanted them to live! He didn't get his answer, instead all he got was a bunch of guys with black suits and masks holding guns up to Ethan. He couldn't believe this! What started out as any other ordinary night, ended up destroying his family all thanks to Chris Redfield.

Chris left Ethan as the blond was being held hostage by the subordinates. All he could do was watch as they wrapped up Mia's body in a strange bag, took her away and even went as far as to clean up the mess left behind. As if that was going to fix all of this! Once Mia was taken away, Ethan was forced to be pushed from the kitchen to the foyer where Chris was there, standing near the open door as a blinding light from a vehicle could be seen outside. "Go on, move!" The soldier ordered, pushing Ethan with the but of his gun. As much as the man hated to comply with these bastards, he was not given a choice. He was however tempted to respond with rude remarks. Only to be brought out of his thoughts when he heard the cries of a baby. When he turned around, one soldier approached Redfield from the foyer, telling him it was 'All clear', while another soldier was coming down the stairs holding Ethan's daughter in his hands.

"Rose? What the hell are you doing with my daughter?!" Ethan ran over, as Chris took Rose and held her in his arms.

"Package secure, sir." The other soldier stated.

Chris looked over at Ethan, nodding over at the father. "Take him away." He ordered.

Ethan had enough of this. He was not going to stand by and watch everything he had be taken away from him again. He rushed over, grabbing onto Chris's shoulder. "I said get your hands off her!" He shouted, becoming more enraged at the cries of his child.

"Ethan, no!" Chris said sternly. He half-expected for Redfield to push him back. Instead, one of the guards pulled on him and knocked him to the ground by colliding the butt of the gun to his face. Ethan fell to the floor, looking up with fuzzy vision

"Rose…" Ethan tried to reach out, only to fall back.

"Get him out of here." Chris ordered. The two soldiers grabbed Ethan's legs as they dragged him out of the house, while Chris carried Rose himself. Ethan's eyes drifted off, it was all too much and he could do nothing. In the end, all he could do was give into the darkness and let these homewreckers take him wherever they were dragging them.