Chapter Text
Talia
Welcome to Umbrella Corporation.
Test subject: A001 Memory Transfer: activated. Erasure after memory extraction: activated. Memory dissection: activated. Alter memories: activated. User Code Manual Override… Synthetic Memory Upload - activated.
Umbrella Corporation would like to welcome you once more to the Simulation.
Simulation Activated… September 30, 1998.
The bar was fairly dead this evening, thank god, my shift was almost over and that meant I could get back to the real reason I was back here. I had just about enough of this shit hole as it was but If I had the timeline right, it could be soon. I was treating myself to a rum and blending in with the other deadbeats that hung out at this rundown bar along the outskirts of town. Sighing, I ran a tired hand through my raven hair, letting it fall back around my face.
The bartender eyed me cautiously, forcing a small smile from my lips as I sipped my drink. Hank was like one of those overbearing father’s and knew I was too young to be in here drinking, but he never once tried to kick me out. I appreciated that much anyways. It was your typical rundown bar with the tacky neon light behind it with a large mirror so you could look at yourself and reflect on your failures, and a small TV that hung up in the corner of the room, complete with a haze of smoke and shitty music
Nothing actually happened this far out of town. It was mostly empty and rundown with the occasional bar fight here and there, which was settled by buying each other a drink and forgetting what started it in the first place. I wanted so desperately to be done with this city once and for all. The idea of being free was starting to turn into a pipedream that I’d never be able to reach. At least I could be useful elsewhere rather than playing dress up.
Sighing, I gazed up at the TV and lit a cigarette, enjoying the burn as the smoke spilled into my lungs. The news reporter was going on about some sort of pipeline leak, forests and some mansion. I groaned and leaned against the bar. I’m sure I’ll have to go and keep the scene free of onlookers tomorrow. The thought made me bristle as I flicked the ash off the end of my cigarette and traced my finger around the rim of my glass.
Soon it would all be over and that little pipedream could maybe be all mine. I heard a bell ding, indicating someone had come in, but I didn’t bother glancing over my shoulder to see who it could be. Who cared? I was almost done anyways and could head back to the station, shower, and then go home for a few hours of shut eye. I kept my back to the door and my eyes forward as a man sat down next to me, forcing my body to become hyperaware of his presence.
“Make sure you’ve got some bottled water at home for drinking and boiling, Carter.” I scoffed, taking a long drag from my cigarette and nodded absentmindedly at Hank.
“Sure Hank.” I exhaled a cloud of smoke and slid my glass across the top of the bar as his throaty laugh echoed through the thick smog in the room.
“Get me another one?” Hank gave me a hard stare as he walked over to where I was perched against the bar. His gaze was mildly condescending but I smiled sweetly and leaned closer, hoping he wouldn’t bust my balls for one more drink.
He huffed and grabbed the glass, turning to pour more liquid fire into it. “Aren’t you on duty?” I raised my eyebrow at his question and giggled drunkenly.
“You think if I have another drink, something big is suddenly going to happen? Just one more and I’ll go home and sleep it off.” Hank shook his head and set my glass in front of me, tossing a white towel over his shoulder.
“Ever think it’s so quiet because the criminals in this piss pot of a city know you’re here? You’re much too young and too pretty to be in a place like this. Why not go out with friends or meet a boy?”
I laughed dryly and lifted the glass to my lips. “Hardly, I don’t like people, Hank.” I took another hit from my cigarette, letting my head fall back slightly. It was moments like this when I could forget the ugliness of the world and where I came from. I could just be without the watchful eye of the demons that seemed to follow me everywhere.
Truth of the matter was I got sent here because I’m on probation, that’s the story anyways, and no one questioned it. Not one person wondered what some eighteen year old girl was doing in this line of work so early. Apparently my chief and the director back in New York couldn’t handle the hard truth or someone speaking out against him, that’s what the official reports say. Like I’d ever willingly come back to a place like Raccoon City.
A man’s voice reached my ears. “Where you from?
”Why do you care?”
“I don’t but you brought it up so I didn’t think there was a problem with me asking.” I cut my eyes toward the man, hell bent on telling him to fuck off. The moment my eyes connected with his soft blue ones, the bitter words stuck in my throat. He had dirty blonde hair that hung haphazardly in his face and a gentle expression with a serious edge to it.
”Alright, I’ll answer if you tell me why you decided to sit in the seat next to me. There’s a whole goddamn bar, yet you chose that one.” A sly smile crossed his face as he drank his beer.
“Same as you I guess,” He pointed to my police badge and pursed his lips. “This city is dead and nothing else much to do. So I’m just looking to pass the time until tomorrow, it’s gonna be my first day on the force.” My eyes trailed over his body before resting back on his face.
”How come I’ve not see you at the station before?” I raised my arched brow, snuffing out the butt of my smoke into the ashtray.
”I was supposed to start earlier today, but I was late to my shift, so they told me to come in tomorrow. I’ve got bills like everyone else so I couldn’t really say no.”
”What’s your name?” The man gazed up at me with those thoughtful but soft blue eyes before his lips pulled upward into an easy smile.
“Kennedy.” He kept his voice low and sat back easily in his chair at the bar. The gentle blue lights shrouded some of his features but accented his straight nose and sharp jawline that would’ve had any woman begging for his attention in school, I’m sure. Hank brought me another drink and I downed it swiftly, pulling my gaze away from his.
“Well, Kennedy, welcome to the force.” I extended my hand out to him. He stared at it hesitantly before eagerly taking it in his. The moment our fingers touched, sparks seemed to shoot up my arm and spread across my body. His hand was warm and strangely familiar. This close I could smell the clean scent of his detergent and cheap body spray that surprisingly didn’t smell horrible on him.
”Thanks, and you are?”
“Damn kid, don’t you know a legend when you see one?” Hank’s voice boomed through the bar, followed by his throaty laugh.
“Shut up, Hank.” My voice was sharp but he knew I was teasing. “I don’t know about legend, but my name is Talia. So is Kennedy a first or last name?”
“Last… not sure it matters what my first name is anymore.” I frowned at his detached tone, lighting another cigarette.
“I don’t see why it’s such a big secret. If you don’t tell me, I’ll just find out once I get back to the station you know.” I grinned, leaning toward him. “Do you smoke?” I offered him a cigarette and he shook his head politely. I never offered cigarettes to anyone, the gesture caused me to frown as I set the pack down on the bar in front of me.
“No thanks, I don’t plan on dying before my time.”
“Suit yourself. You’ll eventually pick it up. I said the same thing before I got mixed up in this line of work.” I turned my attention back to the TV just in time to see Jill Valentine on the screen talking about the incidents earlier this year in the forest. I inhaled loudly, motioning for Hank to refill my glass. I took a drag, the smoke sent a trail of fire down my throat, calming my frayed nerves.
“Fucking arrogant bitch.” I mumbled. Mostly to myself but Kennedy laughed softly next to me.
“What’s wrong with you?” I glared at him before looking back up at the screen. Jill fucking Valentine, I thought heatedly to myself.
“She and Wesker’s team of ass kissers stole that case from me is all.” I glowered back up at the screen, watching her talk animatedly with Redfield standing proudly next to her. It should’ve been me on S.T.A.R.S and not her. The moment Chris laid eyes on her he forgot all about me. Left me in the dust because ‘Raccoon City needed someone like me’ more than they needed Jill. Rolling my eyes, I put my cigarette out and finished the half filled glass. I didn’t belong in this shithole anyways and after tomorrow, I’d be out of here.
“Fuck this. Hank, put it on my tab! I’ll be back after my shift so your ass better still be open.” I ignored the man who was still sitting next to me as I waved to Hank. The moment I left the bar, the cold air swirled around me causing me to shiver.
The chill caused my fog addled brain to clear some and hug my jacket tighter around me. My stubborn ass should’ve brought my coat instead but this would have to make due. I made my way toward my cruiser, hoping it wouldn’t take long to heat up, and yanked the door open. It was only September and it was already freezing.
The moment I started up the car, the radio began going off like crazy. Exhaling loudly, I turned the volume up but couldn’t make out what dispatch was saying. I frowned, reaching for my radio that sat on my vest and turned it on. There was someone screaming frantically mixed in with static before the line went dead. I swear to god this better not be a joke. I pulled the car out of the parking lot and hit the road headed back to town. Not a minute later, rain began falling heavily, causing me to have to use the shitty wipers just to try and see where I was going.
This would happen to me, of all fucking nights, it would start raining the moment I chose to leave the bar. I blinked rapidly a few times in hopes that it would keep my heavy lids from closing, and tightened my hold on the steering wheel. Maybe I shouldn’t have had those last few drinks after all. It wasn’t like I could roll the windows down either, unless I wanted to get soaked. I turned the heat on blast so I could see out the foggy windshield just in time to see someone stumbling across the black pavement.
One second my eyes were on the road and the next they weren’t. In a matter of moments there had been something in the middle of the road that I had to swerve so I wouldn’t hit it, and the next, trees were spinning around wildly. The roads were already slick as it was but I still tried to over-correct, sending me spiraling. I couldn’t stop quickly enough before I slammed into a tree and everything went black.
“Carter, can you hear me? Carter!” I groaned, trying to focus my vision, but my head was pulsating too much. “Yes, this is Officer Leon S. Kennedy needing back up and an ambulance to my location! We have an officer down.” My brow came together as I blinked slowly. Who the fuck was Leon? My arms felt like jelly but I managed to move one up to support my head in time to see an elbow smash into the window. I jumped as it shattered and sent glass everywhere.
“Jesus!”
“Careful, you’re bleeding pretty badly. Do you remember what happened?” I turned to glance up at the man trying to pry his way into the car.
I laughed wryly. “Kennedy, is that you?”
“Yeah, hang tight. I think I’ve got a crowbar in my jeep.” I didn’t even nod, nodding would cause my head to burst if I tried. Resting my head back on my seat, I reached for my cigarettes and lit one carefully. I couldn’t remember what happened but at least I was alive. I used to always have a good handle on my alcohol intake before so I wasn’t sure what the issue was tonight. Perhaps I just wasn’t paying enough attention.
“Jesus, you couldn’t wait until you were out of the car first?” My head rolled to the side as Leon managed to pry the door open with his crowbar. He waved the thick plumes of smoke out of his face before leaning across my chest to unbuckle me. God, he smelled amazing and the warmth coming from his chest made me shiver involuntarily.
“Sorry, I guess I wasn’t thinking.” Part of me felt guilty as he helped me out of my cruiser but I was woman enough to admit when I’d had too much to drink. I glanced around and noted a truck on the opposite side of the road with its wipers going haywire. Its lights were on and the doors were opened but no one was around.
“Are you hurt? What happened?”
“Leon, huh? That’s your name?” I grinned, flicking my smoke toward the wet pavement. “What was the big secret in saying that before?” My tone was a little ruder than I had intended and my tongue thick, but the smile remained on my face nonetheless.
Leon scoffed and ran his hands through his wet hair as he stared down at me incredulously. “Seriously? I’m trying to make sure you’re okay…” I frowned, shoving away from him and stumbled around to the back of the cruiser.
”Yeah and you could’ve just kept on driving. I didn’t ask for help.” Fumbling with the keys, I managed to pop the trunk and lifted it lazily so I could rummage around for the first aid and a flashlight.
“That’s not what I’m about. Police officers are supposed to help others.” I burst out into a fit of laughter. I hadn’t been an officer for very long but I knew that no one gave a shit about me, to the world, I didn't exist. The other officers around you were always out to make a quick buck on the side and were self-centered.
“First off, you aren’t an official officer,” I stated pointedly and motioned toward his walkie talkie. “Secondly, I didn’t ask for help, Kennedy!” I didn’t dare tell him that I was already teetering on the idea of suicide. After the shit I went through in New York, just add it to the list at this point, but I was glad to get out of there... even if it forced me back into this hell hole.
“Just tell me if you’re alright, fuck.” Leon growled, grabbing my arm and turning me around. I glowered up at him, raindrops falling from the tree above us, and causing his dirty blonde hair to stick to his forehead. I gave him a scowl and jerked out of his hold before shoving my hands into my jacket pockets.
“I’m still breathing so there’s that. Everyone can go home happy.” I turned and shuffled through the trunk again, grabbing my duffle bag and flinging it over my shoulder.
“I’ve never met someone who was so hostile about being saved.”
“Not everyone wants to be saved, Leon.” Myself included silently. I slammed the trunk shut and doubled checked my guns that were holstered onto each thigh. Without uttering another word, I padded across the street to check on the other driver. There was no way this truck was here when I swerved. It was definitely a person in the middle of the road. Yet, I didn’t see any sort of driver around.
“Looking for someone in particular?”
“Jesus, Kennedy, don’t you have a job to be doing or somewhere to go?” I was hoping with enough attitude, I could scare him off, but he was persistent as fuck. I preferred being alone anyways, if my file was any indication that I didn’t work well with others. Gasping, I grabbed my flashlight and shone it into the truck, trying to straighten up and ignore the pain screaming in my bones.
“Right now my job is making sure you’re okay.” I paused, turning the volume up on my radio and drowning him out.
“Shut up… listen.” There was nothing coming from our radios. I expected some sort of static but instead there was just dead air. I winced, reaching back up to my head to try and ease the throbbing sensation that was there. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood, great. Leon pulled his jacket off and began ripping it for a makeshift bandage.
I glanced sideways at him and squared my shoulders. “What are you doing?” Leon chuckled at me as if it was obvious and came to stand in front of me.
“Shut up and hold still already.” I ground my teeth together as he wrapped the material around my head gingerly.
“Does it look bad?” I couldn’t hide my curiosity. Leon shook his head, shining his flashlight on my face one more time. My eyes instinctively shut and I held my hand up to block the light coming from his hand.
“Not that I can tell, no.”
”Thanks for blinding me by the way.” I grumbled and turned to stare at the car. My brow furrowed as we got closer. Thankfully the rain had let up slightly so it wasn’t a complete downpour on us.
Leon came up beside me and shifted his weight some as if he was nervous. “What happened? Do you remember?” I shook my head slowly and lifted my flashlight back toward the truck, feeling my heartbeat pick up. The blue light shone through the window of the car as our breath blew out in small clouds around us. The rain had died down to a small drizzle the longer we stood out here.
“If I don’t get out of this rain, my hair is going to be a hot mess before the night is over.” Leon watched me dubiously, like worrying about something as mundane as my hair was unbelievable at a time like this, and shook his head. I did my best to keep the situation light as I peered into the back seat. While I was only partly worried about the frizzy disaster that would be my hair tomorrow, I could see what looked like blood in the backseat. I took a few steps back and yanked my radio to my lips.
“This is Officer Carter, I’m requesting back up immediately. Possible injuries, suspect unknown at this time…” I started giving our location as I used my flashlight to stare back across the road. I yanked one of my guns from the holster and pointed it toward my cruiser. Leon mimicked me without hesitation and grabbed the other gun on my hip. There wasn’t time for me to protest but I would definitely mention it once we got back to the station. I saw movement in the side mirror of the truck and turned around frantically, adjusting the hold on my Springfield before aiming it.
“Freeze or I will be forced to shoot!” Warily, I took a step around to the other side of the truck while my heart thumped loudly in my chest. Leon was right behind me, which provided some ease of mind if I was being honest. It had been awhile since I’d had a partner. Ew, a partner? Really Talia? I shook my head, trying to put some distance between Kennedy and I. What was I thinking? I didn’t want a partner, I was doing just fine by myself.
Although, that was one of the issues on my performance report that I needed to work on. Does not work well with others… When in actuality, it was simply because I couldn’t find anyone who could keep up with me or was worthy of being my partner. I never really had a partner… I grew up alone and realized I could do everything myself. I didn’t ever ask for help either, I didn’t want anyone to think I was weak.
“Carter, what do you see?” Leon hissed as the figure came into view. The man limped out of the tree line and was staring straight through me. I could see his skin was slightly discolored and dark blood was falling out of his mouth.
“Sir, are you injured?” Leon’s voice rang out around us. The man didn’t respond. He stumbled out into the road, his body shaking erratically.
“Sir, put your hands on your head and turn around…” My voice was tight as I gripped my pistol harder. The man continued to ignore us with his head bent at an awkward angle. I held my ground, keeping my finger on the trigger just in case this drug head tried anything funny.
“Sir, you heard her! Get down on your knees and place your hands on your head, now!” Leon’s voice echoed throughout the small clearing but the man making his way toward us refused to comply. I frowned, firing a warning shot just over his shoulder, but that didn’t even faze him.
“Sir, this is the last time either of us will ask you… Place your hands on top of your-“ I didn’t get a chance to get the rest out before the man started screaming and running right for me. The way he ran was unnatural, the way he screamed chilled me to my core. I fired a few shots before tripping on something in the road.
The man fell on top of me, a crazed look in his eyes, and bared his bloodied teeth. I grabbed the back of his head and held my pistol to his temple as he snarled and snapped like a rabid dog. Sucking in a lungful of air, I pulled the trigger. The shot rang out loudly and bounced off the trees. His head exploded like a water balloon, sending blood back at me and making me gag. I closed my eyes and mouth, feeling the warm liquid splattering across my cheeks.
”Fuck.” The man went limp and fell over me. Wheezing, I struggled to roll his dead weight off of me and laid back, looking around to make sure Leon was still here. What the fuck was this guy’s issue anyways? Thankfully, Leon appeared next to me and kicked the overweight shitbag off of me. I crawled toward Leon, ripping the material off my head and wiping my face with it.
“Did you see that shit?” I panted. Leon nodded silently, shining his light at the body.
“What happened to him?”
“Him?! Seriously? Don’t worry Kennedy, I’m fine and everything. The rabid man didn’t hurt me.” I replied sardonically as I got to my feet.
“You seemed to have everything under control as it was. I didn’t wanna take the spotlight from you.” Leon chuckled nervously. He reached out like he was going to help me but thought better of it and let his hand fall limply to his side. I watched as he inspected the corpse, using his boot to roll him over so he could get a better look at what was left of his face.
I yanked my radio off my shoulder and placed it to my lips again. “Hello! This is Officer Carter requesting backup… Does anyone copy?” There was only dead air to greet me.
“Do you think we should take him back with us?” Leon’s voice pulled me back to where the body lay in a heap at his feet and I shook my head, catching my breath.
“No, fuck him. Bastard tried to attack me. We can send some other newbie to come pick him up. We need to head back to the station. Clearly those assholes are sleeping on the job.”
Leon parked out front of the precinct and turned the car off. His icy blue eyes were focused on my face for a few moments, holding a thousand questions. I ignored him and forced myself out of the car with a loud huff. Throwing the duffle bag over my shoulder, I made my way into the station hastily. The air was still whenever I walked in and it was silent for the most part which sent a chill through me, but I managed to shake it off.
No one was sitting at the front desk but that wasn’t anything new. The only odd thing was the footprints in blood and a long smear of the crimson liquid that led down one of the side hallways.
“What the fuck,” I whispered and went to reach for my gun once more as my heart began to pound rapidly.
“Is everyone taking the night off or something?” Leon’s voice was light, calm almost, as he followed closely after me. I glanced over my shoulder at Leon and rolled my eyes. Of course I’d get stuck with some rookie but silently I was thankful to have someone with me.
“Shut up.” I walked further back into the building toward the locker rooms, I just had to get to a change of clothes and form a plan. I made a beeline to my locker and opened it up. I could hear shuffling behind me and turned, aiming my pistol.
“Hey! It’s just me.”
“Jesus, Kennedy, this is the women’s locker room. You got something you wanna tell me?” I raised an arched eyebrow in his direction while peeling my soaked and blood stained jacket from my shoulders.
Leon smirked wryly and shook his head. “No, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Get out.”
“I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Leon left me in the locker room. I grabbed a fresh shirt and yanked myself out of the bloodied one sticking to me. I went to the sink and gazed at my reflection as panic threatened to strangle me. I looked like shit and my eyes were glazed from the alcohol. The blood on my face had dried and I wanted to barf at the memory of that dudes brains showering me on the pavement. I kept thinking about the way that man was walking toward me on the road.
The way he was moving was so unsettling and abnormal. The way he was staring at me… I closed my eyes and slammed my fist down on the sink. Those fucking eyes. I took a rag, getting it wet, and began to wipe my face off. My heart was beating out of my chest at this point and I refused to name what was lingering in the back of my mind.
I came out of the locker room to see Leon standing in one of the back offices with a horrified look on his face. He’d managed to find his uniform and if we were in any other situation, I would’ve teased him about it. Instead, I jogged around the corner and came into the office to see what had him so terrified. The TV was screaming at him as I came around to see what all the commotion was and my heart sank.
The new reporter was telling everyone to stay in their homes and to beware of anyone acting unusual. There were Umbrella soldiers trying to tame the streets on the east side of the city and throwing up road blocks to keep the citizens from leaving. Leon glanced down at me then back at the screen.
“Those people… they’re walking like the man back on the road.”
“Fuck this shit.” I turned the TV off and went back to the chief’s office. He was nowhere in sight but his phone was ringing off the hook. Where the fuck was everyone? I grabbed the phone up off the receiver, frowning up at Leon.
“Hello? Who is there? Listen, we are stuck out here and need back up but no one is answering the radio.” I grimaced as the situation was slowly settling into my weary bones.
“This is Officer Carter, what is your location?”
“Talia? Oh thank god! This is Rodrick…” Leon looked at me with questions in his eyes.
“What the hell is going on out there Rodrick?” There was a long period of silence before I heard sniffling sounds on the other end.
“I don’t know Talia… but it’s not good. They’re everywhere and if you shoot one down, ten more pop up.”
The pit in my stomach grew as realization dawned on me. I was too late and was now stranded in this city. “Fine, stay where you are. Kennedy and I will be there soon. Just tell me where you are.” I grabbed a sticky note and pen, hastily jotting down the location Rodrick stated they were - just on the edge of town where we were.
“Perfect, sit tight and we’ll be there as soon as we can.” I slammed the phone down. An uneasy feeling crept through me but I forced my nerves to take a backseat as I stormed out of the office.
“Where are they?” Leon’s voice was low.
“Just on the outskirts of town, let’s go.”
Leon raced through the streets, which were in absolute chaos. I did my best to hold on as we swerved around civilians on the streets. They were screaming and others were attacking them or jumping in front of our vehicle It was absolute chaos and every second that ticked by, my body craved another drink just to forget the things I was seeing. We finally reached an abandoned building and I instructed Leon to park right out front.
“You sure about this?” I glanced up at Leon and shook my head but refusing to say much else. It was a need to know basis and I was bound by orders that didn’t really hold shit anymore.
“Fuck no, but what other choice do we have?” Raccoon City was never this busy but it was absolute pandemonium at this point. I made sure my dagger and gun were attached and pulled another 9mm out of the duffle bag just in case. We stepped out of the cruiser as a car flew past us with flames billowing on either side. They smashed into a fire hydrant, sending water in all directions.
I ignored him as I made my way into the building. “I’ll cover your six. Just stay close and within earshot.” He nodded and followed after me.
“Rodrick! What’s your location? It’s Carter!” There were screams coming from above us. I didn’t wait for Leon before rushing up the stairs, taking two at a time. I burst through one of the doors to see a man attacking one of the officers as Rodrick attempted to shoot. I lifted my gun and shot once in the back of the head. The man collapsed but the officer under him was motionless.
“Rodrick are you okay?” Leon’s voice was full of concern as he went to check on our coworker. I pointed my flashlight at the person I shot and the same features twisted his face as the guy from the road. That was two in less than an hour at least. I used my boot to kick the body over. I jumped, screaming when I saw the man’s eyes staring blankly at nothing.
There was no way this was happening. I’d done everything so carefully, came back to the city undetected, and did my best to prevent the very thing that had lingered within the sewers for years. The moment I took a step back, I tripped on something and lost my balance. Leon caught me as I fell into his chest and held me close. I didn’t even care, I was frozen in fear it was too late... I was too late.
The man’s face was decaying and his eyes were the same as the other guy’s. It looked like he had been eating the flesh of Connie Smith… Sadly, she was already dead. My heart was hammering, my chest rising and falling. I struggled to catch my breath. Leon didn’t move his arms but continued to keep me balanced. Is this what a panic attack feels like or is it just another failure of mine crashing into me at warp speed?
“What the fuck!” My scream echoed off the walls as I scrambled out of Leon’s embrace.
“I don’t know, man. Connie and I were responding to some sort of break in just a few blocks from here. That person was deranged or something and followed us here.” Rodrick’s voice was tight as he tried to catch his breath. I glanced over and could see the fear on Rodrick’s face. How could he not be terrified? Just look at the guy I shot.
“Yeah, Carter and I saw a man earlier tonight like this… His skin wasn’t falling off or decaying though. But his eyes were the same, bloodshot.”
”Did you kill it?” Rodrick’s voice was a few octaves higher as he closed the space between him and Leon and grabbed him frantically.
“Yeah, yeah. Talia shot him. We just went back to the station to make a report but no one was answering the radio.” Rodrick shook his head.
“You mean those fuckers just left us here?”
“No, they’re probably responding to calls too. I’m sure of it.” Leon spoke sympathetically, trying to calm Derek down.
“Derek,” I breathed, stepping toward Connie’s body. “Is she… is she moving?” I peered down at Connie’s body uncertainly. I could’ve sworn I saw her twitch.
“Who cares, I’m out of here.”
“Derek, wait!”
“I’ll grab him.” Leon rushed out of the room, leaving me to inspect the bodies before me. I had never seen something quite like this in all my years, at least not the final product. The skin on his face was taunt and looked like he’d been dead for over a week. I was equal parts fascinated and horrified at the monstrosity before me.
He tore a hole right into Connie’s neck, blood was still pooling around her. Shaking my head, I stood straight up and headed toward the door. I went to call out for Leon when something slammed into me from behind, stealing my voice as we both fell with a heavy thud onto the concrete.
Whatever hit me from behind sent me rolling down the stairs. I did my best to protect my head from the concrete steps. My back landed on the last stair forcing the wind from my chest, sending the air from my lungs in one swoop. I blinked, disoriented, and tried to get ahold of my surroundings. Before I could get up, Connie landed on top of me, snarling. The position I was in made it difficult for me to reach my gun that was nestled against my thigh.
Of course from the fall, my other gun had slid some ways from where I was, leaving me struggling with this dead bitch. Connie’s mouth was opened and drool was falling from it down onto me. I gagged as it landed on my face and tried to turn my head from her snapping jaws while holding her by the shoulders.
The smell alone was enough to knock me out but then to have her drooling on me, it was a whole other level of disgusting. I didn’t get it, she was dead. I saw her myself. Yet she stunk like someone who had been dead for weeks. The veins along her neck and face were black and her skin was pale as she continued to bleed and drool all over me like a dead dog.
“Help!” I knew calling out was in vain but my instincts were firing left and right out of habit. If Leon had followed Derek outside, there was no way he was gonna hear me from in here. I pursed my lips, using my forearm to keep her mouth away from me, and tried to reach for my combat knife. Her hands were clawing at me and I was thankful for the long sleeve shirt I put on over my undershirt. Suddenly, there was a loud gunshot that rang out around us. I covered my ears as two more went off.
“I’m right here! You’re okay.” Leon’s voice was soothing as he pulled Connie’s lifeless body off of me. I was hyperventilating at that point. I pushed away from Leon to the corner of the room and brought my knees up to my chest. I couldn’t get a grip on my emotions.
Usually I was cool, calm and collected in every situation. This person wasn’t who I was. But I’d never been confronted with the truth so blatantly before and I realized the consequences of my actions right then and there. I’d fucked up way more than I had originally thought and was too late yet again.
Leon was crouched in front of me with his hands on my shoulders as if to ground me. “Talia, are you okay? Are you hurt?” I stared at him with wide eyes, unable to form a sentence. Leon gave me a once over and then placed his arms around me tightly. I hadn’t even know him a few hours ago and now he was holding me in some dark, damp and abandoned warehouse.
“Where… where is Derek?” I managed weakly against his chest. Leon pulled back some, sparing a quick look over his arm.
“Idiot ran off somewhere, I don’t know. Are you okay?” I gazed up at him, my hair clinging to my face and shook my head.
“Please… please can you not mention this to anyone? I’m… I – I think I’m having some sort of panic attack.” I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate on my breathing to no avail.
“Your secret is safe with me. I’m not going to tell anything to anyone. It’s not their business.”
“How are you not freaking out right now? Connie… she was dead and then she was alive and attacking me?”
“Yeah, I’m not quite sure what that was all about but you’re safe with me. Okay?” I let Leon help me up off the floor, clinging to him like a child as I trembled. I tried to stretch out some, feeling stiff from my fall but my limbs felt like jello. I could hear screams coming from outside and dread filled me once again. I didn’t want to do this anymore. It was like a terrible nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from.
I took a shaky breath inward, practically tasting the damp and musty air from the warehouse as it filled my nose. My hair was still in a ponytail and I figured it was best to leave it there. Nothing to sober you up then a few near death experiences.
“Did he take the car?” Leon suppressed a sigh, avoiding my stares.
“Yeah, so we are gonna have to foot it back to the station.” Groaning, I made my way to pick up my gun and shoved it in the holster that was around my chest.
“Great.” Fear had engulfed me and I didn’t want to admit that I didn’t think I’d be able to make it back to the station. I followed Leon outside, letting the cool night air caress me and clear my mind. The moon shone overhead and I could still hear people screaming off in the distance.
“Where do we start?” I frowned, regarding Leon carefully while contemplating his words.
“If you want my honest answer, we get the hell out of this place and forget the others.” Leon scoffed, his eyes searching for a clearing.
“Right, let’s just get back and we can figure out a new plan. We can look for survivors and wait for rescue.” I followed closely behind him while we walked in silence. The forest was parallel to us and I got another strange feeling. I reached for Leon, pulling him close.
“Leon, you don’t think what’s happening here has anything to do with the incident at the Arklay Mountains… do you?” It wasn’t that long ago that Chris and his team were out there… the report Jill gave that was on TV earlier. I didn’t think much of it at the time but it was starting to seem eerily similar but clearly I was too drunk to connect the dots earlier.
“No, please. That was an isolated incident. Now stay close, okay?” Without another word, I nodded. I still didn’t think that the two incidents weren’t connected but for now I needed to make it out of here and in one piece. Because tonight was the night that Raccoon City fell and it was all my fault.