The man continued to watch Alpha Team from the shadows. They had succeeded in their mission with the elimination of the Ja'vo and rescue of the hostages. He smiled to himself, recalling how Carla was rattled by his knowledge of her true identity. Did she really think no one would know or figure out who she was? He had contacts in multiple agencies and countries, including that of the Family. Bunch of egomaniacs who sought to maintain global stability through its tentacles of financial might and influence. More like mold the world into what they say as ideal. Albert would've fit in, though his ego and aspirations were individualist focused. His musings were abruptly cut short by screaming followed by gun fire.
Chris and Alpha Team made their way through the flaming pillars and scorched cocoons as they sought their way out of the man made Hell, determined to find Ada. Revenge motivated Chris. Revenge for the Alpha Team he lost in Edonia. Revenge for the apocalypse which now reigned around them. He couldn't shake the feeling they were being watched. Someone or something was stalking them.
"We're being followed."
The team halted, sweeping the immediate area for any Ja'vo or other B.O.W.s that could be hiding in wait. Nothing. Chris gave the signal to continue. The men stayed silent, their internal battles to keep calm waging within each. The street was void of life, living or otherwise. The only sound was that of their boots marching in cadence as they crossed the narrow alleys, ducking behind abandoned vehicles or conducting a sweep before proceeding. Chris clenched his jaw. A bead of sweat tricked down his right temple. They got though the ring of fire, pausing but for a moment.
It was a moment too long.
The explosion of concrete, re-bar and steel beams caused the team to scatter for safety. A large invisible creature breached the hole, snagging Reid by the left arm.
"Reid!" Piers screamed and opened fire. Reid shrieked in pain as the unseen foe dragged its prey away.
"FUCK!" Chris charged in with Piers hollering for Chris to wait.
"CAPTAIN WAIT!" Piers raced after him with the others falling in line. He sprinted to keep up as Chris continued his pursuit, refusing to back down. Piers fought to keep up, but forced his body forward. His legs and lungs howled in protest but it ignored it. He rounded the corner, halting as Chris swept his gun around, pointing it directly at his marksman. Anger crossed the younger man's face.
"What the Hell were you thinking pulling a kamikaze stunt like that!? You could've been killed!"
Chris snarled in frustration and turned his back, still searching for their target. "These are my men. You follow my lead or I'll find someone who will."
"Do you even hear yourself!? What the HELL is wrong with you?!" Was he losing his goddamn mind!?
"Fall in line, soldier," he coldly commanded. Piers felt sick but begrudingly obeyed.
"You heard the man, fall in and let's move out."
Alpha Team went into the bowels of the building. All they knew what their target was a new B.O.W., it was able to cloak itself for stealth and had a nasty overbite. They passed an abandoned Majong table, tiles still up as though waiting for their players to return. The lighting was piss poor, only a few overhead lights were still functional. A foul stench saturated the air as they crossed into the next space.
"What the fuck is all this?" Marco spotted the rows of shelves with what appeared to be teeth in formaldehyde.
"No time to find out," Chris barked. "Keep going."
A faint scream taunted their ears, echoing off the fractured walls.
"That's Reid!" Jeff recognized it. "He's still alive!"
"Jeff, wait!" Piers hollered but the soldier had taken off, determined to locate their wounded comrade. Marco took after him. Chris and Piers hurried after, determined to not lose anymore men. Their pursuit took them deeper into the labyrinth of haphazard shops and offices intermingled with squatter tenants and dilapidated apartments. Cups were kicked aside, silent witnesses to the carnage around them as children's toys lay discarded, abandoned more likely.
"Sir!" The team came upon a grisly scene.
"It's recon team," Chris knelt down checking for signs of life. His fingers were met it stillness. Jeff stood by, silent with shoulders drooping.
"That's no way to go!" Marco shook his head.
"Alpha to HQ: Recon team found. No survivors."
"Copy that Alpha, continue pursuit of B.O.W.s and terminate on site."
The response was void of emotion. But, when in war, emotions could override logic and lead to death. Alpha Team moved on, leaving the fallen to be collected by another team.
"How are we supposed to drop this thing when we can event see it?"
"Shut up and keep moving!" Chris snapped at Marco. Piers shook his head, disgusted at Chris' behavior. The resentment and rage harbored towards Ada was steering him.
Jeff and Marco entered the next room, a piece of the ventilation came loose and crashed to the ground. The B.O.W appeared, with Reid dangling from its mouth, still alive, barely, and screaming for help.
"REID! Let him go you fucking son of a bitch!" Marco and Jeff opened fire, distracting the creature long enough to drop Reid from its grip. The bullets ricochet off the thing's body, an organic body armor of sorts had been activated. Still, they continued firing, determined to kill it or at least slow it down. But it was too late for Reid. Their comrade collapsed, blood flowing from the tear that crossed his shoulder, chest and side. A few quiet whimpers escaped the dying man's lips before the light in his eyes went out.
"Damn it!" Piers scrubbed his face with his hand.
"How many more do we have to lose to that bitch?!" Chris charged on, leaving the rest of the team to catch up. They reached the outside as a small explosion caught their attention. Chris spotted Sherri and Jake emerging from the sewers.
"They're alive. They went missing six months ago in Edonia. Right after they departed," Chris didn't hear Piers, focused on the red haired insurgent standing below him.
Jake looked up, catching the older man staring down at him. Did he know the truth about his father? About him? Jake desperately hungered to know what Chris did. A large portion of his life, who he was, remained unanswered for.
"Do you think he knows Wesker was my father?"
"I don't know, but, we need to move," Sherri grabbed his arm, tugging him towards the adjacent building, out of sight of any hostiles.
"We need to move," Chris turned leaving Piers to cast one final glance at the duo before they departed.
Alpha Team headed into the next building, identical to the previous ones they had gone through. More squatter tenants and underground gambling parlors dotted the their path. On a nearby wall, anatomy charts and posters clung to the walls; blood drying on the one identifying various organs. Another identifying the human skeletal structure laced with offal and unidentified organic tissue. A slithering sound dragged across the floor, alerting them to the B.O.W.
"It's here," Chris readied his weapon. The fluttering of papers and rustling of furniture betrayed its location. The hail of bullets pushed the thing back, its gaping mouth displaying the jagged uneven rows of fangs. Bits of flesh stuck between the random gaps, blood still fresh along the gums. Alpha kept firing, gaining ground until it retreated deeper into the building. They followed. Their chase lead them to a meat locker. The immediate stench of salt, blood and spoiled pork slammed their senses. Piers and Chris went left as Jeff and Marco went right. The hog carcasses suspended on the hooks slightly swayed as they weaved between them. Jeff paused, scanning the room unaware he was being tracked.
Saliva trickled from the ceiling vent, landing on the oblivious man's shoulder pad.
"CEILING!" Piers took aim, opening fire on the creature, aiming for the mouth. It dove down, tongue lashing, tentacles wiggling from the back of the throat, prepared to claim another victim.
Marco lunged, tackling Jeff out of the way just as the B.O.W reached the spot where he stood. They jumped to their feet, firing at the mouth of the beast. The skin had hardened, protecting the rest of the body from their high end arms.
"It has some kind of protective skin!" Jeff pointed straight for the throat, never relenting. His strategy worked as the creature grew weaker, its defenses lowering. It retreated into the darkness, struggling to secrete more of its camouflage. They could hear it moving somewhere around them, using the walls and metal overhangs to conceal itself.
"Where are you, you bastard?" Chris challenged it. As if it heard him, the creature reappeared. It displayed its fangs and opened wide, lunging for the captain. It swooped right, tripping Chris. His weapon flew from his hands, landing beside Piers' boots. It coiled around his left leg, dragging him into the lower ventilation system.
"It's got the Captain!" Marco raced after them.
Chris grabbed his knife, the closest thing he had. He plunged the serrated blade to the hilt, hearing it hiss but not releasing him. Chris felt the handgun in his belt, snagging it and taking aim. The thing opened its mouth revealing the sensitive pink flesh. Chris pulled the trigger, not letting up until the pressure around his leg lifted.
"Not today, asshole," he gritted his teeth, continuing to stab at the abomination until it disappeared into the vents. He exhaled, hearing the rest of Alpha approaching.
"Captain, you alright?"
"Yeah, no injuries. Bastard had me by the leg," he fetched the herbal tablets from his vest, downing the remaining ones. Better safe after a close encounter. Piers helped him to his feet then passed his weapon over.
"It went down there," Jeff noticed the shaft continued further in.
"After it!"
The chase continued, leading them into the center of the building. The light reflected off its skin which was easy to see in the better lighting. The double doors which lay ahead were thrown from their hinges as the creature fled with the soldiers keeping up. They rushed through the doorway. The thing was waiting. It attacked from the right, hurling Piers and Chris into a trench littered with trash and debris. Marco and Jeff stood on the ledge.
"Piers, there's a power switch up there. Maybe we can use it to stop that thing. Our weapons are useless against it."
Chris ran for the ladder, scurrying up the slick metal bars. Marco and Jeff fired down on the thing, hoping to slow it down as Piers rounded the corners to keep distance between him and the weapon. The light was on red. Chris gripped with both hands, every muscle in his back and shoulders firing up in unison as he tugged and strained.
"Come on," he implored it, feeling it begin to give. The bar groaned and the high squeaks surrendered as the switch fell into on. The jolt that surged through the cable and outlet elicited a mighty spark. The energy created caused a short burst, popping the plug from the outlet. The prongs let out a small trail of smoke.
"Marco, Jeff, I need you to power this thing back up."
"On it!" The men hoisted the plug, shoving it straight in. The surge kicked back, directed into both their bodies. It felt as if their hearts stopped as the jolt coursed through every muscle and nerve then vanished into the concrete. They felt their bodies being hurled up then back then collapsed onto the ground, dazed but alive. Marco coughed as Jeff groaned. It made him think of what happened when you stuck a knife into an outlet, only a million times worse.
"Jeff, you okay?"
"Yeah, cough, just need a moment to regroup."
Chris watched as the thing came back around, waiting for the moment to strike.
"Come on," he muttered, hand on the lever. His fingers twitched, wrist locked. It made the final lap around, with Piers ahead of it. The marksman leapt up, grabbing an overhead bar then curled his legs up into himself.
Chris threw the switch. As the head of the thing crossed the cable, it lit up. Thick bright bolts coursed through its body, piercing the thick protective skin. It may have been safe from bullets, electricity proved fatal. The team watched as the body convulse and jerk, the power frying mutated flesh. An acrid odor radiated from the dying weapon, smoke rising from where its eyes would have been. Smoke and burning scales wafted through the trench then rose up to where Alpha team stood. The thing gave a final breath before it flopped to the ground, its remains starting to disintegrate.
"Hah! We...got the son of a bitch," Marco stumbled to his feet then turned to help Jeff who had managed to sit up.
"Yeah, we did it," Jeff exhaled. "Let's get the Hell out of here."
Piers and Chris darted across the trench, as the cord had been expelled from the outlet from the force of the voltage exuded. Marco grabbed Chris's hand as Jeff grabbed Piers', helping both up and out of that shit ditch.
"Now, let's find Ada."
They found an open doorway, realizing it was the way out. Marco and Jeff brought up the rear as Chris and Piers took lead. The narrow corridor guided them up and to the other side of the building. There were no doors or windows to offer an alternative means of escape. No hostiles or civilians greeted them as they darted down the hall and came upon a set of double doors. Chris and Piers kicked them down with ease, opening up a vast wing. They proceeded with caution, noting the corners and stacks of crates that could mask a hostile. The oversize windows had been busted out, the light pollution flooding in. Marco peered down, noting how up they were. Chris and Piers continued sweeping, finding the three of them being the only ones there. Piers started to get a sinking sense of dread which deepened the longer they stayed.
"This is crazy. It's not safe, we need to pull out. Captain!"
At that moment, a gunshot rang out. All four spun around to see "Ada" perched in a window, her dart gun knocked from her hand and out the window. Her face twisted in anger.
"You!" Her rage pointed towards someone in the dark.
"What's the matter, Carla? Mad I took away your toy?" The man stepped from the shadows. She said nothing, instead flipping around and making a retreat.
"Ada!" Chris hollered, going for the window but she was gone. Again. "Goddamnit!" Chris slammed his fists, craning his head at the man who stood calmly several feet away. He charged, eyes burning with cold fury. The man kept his eyes on Chris as he closed the distance. Piers watched as the man pivoted with lightning speed, taking his arm and folding it up and against his back. He swept the leg, bringing Chris to his knees. Chris hissed through gritted teeth, his face written in pain.
"Captain!" Jeff started towards them but the man shot up his free hand.
"No need to retaliate. I have no intention of harming Agent Redfield," he released Chris and stood back. "And you're welcome by the way for saving one of your men from a fate worse than death."
"What are you talking about?" Chris had his gun drawn and cocked. The man simply shook his head.
"Had I not intervened, one of you would've been the next bioweapon. Carla was carrying a dart gun which had the C-Virus. You were about to lose another man, Agent Redfield. I doubt you want that on your conscience."
"You called Ada Carla."
"That was not Ada Wong. That was an impostor named Carla Radames, a scientist who researched and developed biological weapons."
"Is she the one behind Neo-Umbrella?" Chris demanded.
"Yes, Agent Redfield, she is. Everything you see that has happened here in China, is by her hand."
"And who the Hell are you?" Piers narrowed his eyes, rifle pointed at the man's heart.
"The name is Derek Wesker."
The breath was ripped from Chris's lungs. Wesker? Derek caught the stunned look crossing Chris's face. A faint smirk broke the corner of his mouth.
"I see you are at a loss for words, Agent. Please, allow me to explain. Albert was not the only Wesker. Before any of you were born, Oswell Spencer looked into creating a race of super intelligent humans. Hundreds of children were used in Project W. Over the years, only 13 of us survived, including myself and Albert. We were infected with the Progenitor virus. Sadly, only myself, Albert and Alex survived the exposures to the virus. Our surname originates with the lead scientist of the project."
Chris swallowed the lump growing in his throat.
"I know this is much to take in, Agent Redfield and I am certain you do not believe anything I say. However, what I have to say next you will believe."
Derek raised one hand then slowly pulled a phone out with the other.
"This was taken the day you departed the United States," Derek retrieved a file and held his phone for Chris to see. He stepped closer, snatching the device. He lowered his gun and studied the image. He zoomed in, seeing a figure being carried to a waiting black van. One figure was wearing a full armored battle suit with helmet and gas mask that concealed their face. The other was clad in some kind of cloak and mask that also concealed their identity.
"Lex?" His voice barely a whisper.
"Indeed, that is Alexandra. Those two individuals are known as Vector and HUNK, former USS Operatives turned freelance operatives."
Chris remembered Crisping telling him about the fight with Vector and HUNK when he was dispatched to Raccoon City.
"What is this!?" Alex was safe at home. Jill and Carlos were keeping an eye on her. What game was this fucker playing.
"Agent Valentine has been trying to reach you regarding the situation. At 2100 hours, HUNK and Vector broke into the apartment you share with Alexandra. Their mission was to bring her here. At the behest of Carla Radames."
Piers fought to keep a neutral face but failed.
"Why are you doing this!? Why are you telling me this!? These LIES! You're a Wesker! I should shoot you where you stand."
"Go ahead, Agent Redfield. But, you won't know where Alexandra is being held."
"What does she matter to you? What's your endgame?"
"Alexandra is my daughter, Agent Redfield."
The air in the room grew heavy as the tension thickened.
"You're lying."
"Am I, Agent Redfield?" Derek narrowed his eyes, causing Chris to take pause. The ocean blue eyes looked hard at Chris. It was as if he was looking into hers...
"It can't be," he shook his head, refusing to believe what his eyes were showing him.
"It is," Derek nodded. "Her mother concealed her when she learned about my past. I spent years searching for her. It wasn't until her blood profile was put into the BSAA system that I was able to locate her."
"After I got her back from Wesker."
"Correct. Now, I need your assistance in bringing Alexandra home."
"Where is she?" Chris took aim again. "Tell me damn it!" Derek sighed, growing weary of Chris' demanding demeanor.
"There is an underwater facility off the coast. Alexandra is being held there."
Chris grew impatient. Alex was being held against her will, subject to fuck knows what. And now, the guy standing in front of him was claiming to be her father! This kept getting better and better.
"Clock's ticking, Agent Redfield."
"Captain!" Piers spotted the flash grenade flying from Derek's hand. The room quickly filled with the blinding light, causing Alpha Team to avert their eyes. Moments later, the room returned to its filthy darkness. Chris frantically scanned the room, seeing Derek was gone. His hand curled into a fist before opening up.
"Damn it!"
Piers approached, seeing the array of emotions washing over his captain.
"Do we believe him? About what he said?"
Chris felt his comms device buzzing. He pulled it out, seeing a message awaiting him. It was from an unknown sender. He swiped it open, seeing it was a video clip and pressed play. His eyes widened at the scene playing out.
Alex grabbed her head as she collapsed to the floor. Her screams flooded the tiny speaker as she writhed and rolled around on the cold unforgiving surface. Her eyes flickered silver cobalt before they closed in a pathetic attempt to block the suffering. Her body involuntarily curled into the fetal position, the shrieking dying to whimpers. His name crossed her lips as she lay there alone. Her nails were caked dark crimson as she clawed at her temples, desperate for any relief.
"Lex," Chris's chest tightened until he swore he wouldn't be able to breathe. He saw the date and timestamp. It had been recorded hours before.
"Captain?"
"It's her, Piers."
"Shit," the younger man swore. "We need to move."
Chris stared at the final image, burned into his mind. That bitch had to pay.
The double doors to the left were locked.
"On it," Marco slapped his final block of C-4 on the pair. The rusted entrance gave way as the explosive ripped it wide open. Chris was quiet as he lead what was left of Alpha Team out. As they searched for a way out, Chris stopped. He released a howl that was summoned from deep within his tortured being. His fist slammed against a steel door, creating a minor dent for his action. Marco and Jeff were stunned at this display. They had never seen Chris like this. Piers stepped up.
"Chris, we need to stay calm."
"After all she's done to us?! What she's done to Alex!? How many more have to suffer!? How many more men do I have to lose because of that BITCH?!"
"We're right there with you, Captain, but your personal vendetta isn't going to get us anywhere. It won't get us out of here. It won't find and save Alex. If you hadn't been so blinded by vengeance, Reid's death could've been prevented."
"Shut up," Chris growled. His tone warning Piers to back off.
"Do you care about anything other than seeing Carla dead?! Right now, Alex is somewhere alone and scared. She's depending on us to find her!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP! DON'T YOU DARE BRING HER INTO THIS!" Chris grabbed Piers by the biceps, slamming his second in command into the wall. Piers felt his back sting as it smacked violently against it. Piers fought back, using the wall as leverage to push off and throw Chris from him. Jeff and Marco hurried to Piers' side as he continued fighting with their captain.
"Whatever happened to the legendary Chris Redfield, huh? What happened to you!? Look at you! You're blinded by revenge! Risking everyone's lives! It's a damn good thing Alex and Finn aren't here to see you like this."
"Why are you so concerned about her Piers? She's not yours."
"Too bad she isn't. Because I'd be scorching this shit hole city to the ground looking for her. I wouldn't stop until she was back in my arms. I would hold her, shield her from it all. I would tell her I never stopped searching, that I never gave up hope. Why? Because I loved her and that's what you do for someone you love more than life itself."
"Son of a bitch..." He went for Piers but Marco and Jeff were on him, pulling hard against their captain, keeping him from killing their marksman.
"Captain! You need to stop! This isn't helping anyone!" Marco pleaded with Chris to stand down. Jeff held fast, using every ounce of strength he could muster. Chris continued to resist, jerking at the weight of the two soldiers keeping him in place.
"Snap out of it Captain!"
Chris stopped but Marco and Jeff didn't release him. Piers dared to close the gap.
"I'm in love with Alex, Chris."
The older man violently shoved his Lieutenant back then stormed off.
"What was that about?" Marco raised an eyebrow.
"Don't worry about it, Marco. Let's go before he does something else that's incredibly stupid."
They caught up to Chris, hearing him request a lead on Carla, rather Ada as she was known by.
"I'm going after her," he warned his men before heading up and out. "Don't stand in my way."
"Someone has to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't cross the line again."