One thing I'll admit a flaw i have is my inability to look past my emotions. It is a major weakness. Love, happiness, sorrow, desperation all of them each have their own toll and consequences. I was happy, rose color on my cheeks and heart. However just like death, change is inevitable.
It was raining, tears dripping down my face. I was running a mission for Albert when I got the call. Red... that's what I saw. I have gone from two to one. Then by some strange form of luck, one to four. Now it's two again.
Excella claimed it was an accident. I knew better. I was smarter than that. Those things were neither mine or Wesk's designs. They were exposed cockroaches. Me and Albert saw the reports of skittering in the abandoned research wing halls, the missile silos... Albert ordered Excella to send someone to investigate.
The B.O.Ws had gotten into the staff quarters. Two weeks after we sent the orders for the investigation, Cryo Wolf was escorting Steve. He who was bringing the triplets to the medical wing for their vaccines. I was a fool, should've done it myself. Evelyn, Eva, once again death of those I held dear were on my hands. They weren't even two yet.
They didn't even get laid to rest properly. The connections, tsk the bastards always had someone some where. No matter, I was never meant to be a mother for long. H.U.N.K agreed to look after Erebus. At least he'd have his brother. A connection i no longer had.
In this world, there are many rules that are unspoken. Albert and I know this oh so well, yet the one thing most don't consider is one key fact. Every person has a unique view point, no matter how insignificant it could be everyone's life is different. Albert's idea of the main rule of the world, is regarding power.
"The only thing that can defeat power, is more power. That is the one constant in this universe. However, there is no point in power if it consumes itself."
He said this so many times. Both before the Mansion incident, and recently. He and I agree on this to certain degrees. It's why he and I are both cautious. If you had asked me in 1981, I would have agreed whole heartedly.
Change, it's as much of a bitch as karma. My father when I was growing used to tell me something. It is what inspired me to step into the world of science. That knowledge and wisdom are a circle. What you recieve you must give back.
Yet slowly as I grew and my life fell apart, over and over, I learned something else did. It's strange, I never was one who believed in karma. But now as i look upon the crumbling ruins of the battlefield of my mind, it is prevalent. Suffering to is a circle, karma is more than a bitch. It is hell.
If I were to ask my past self, what tlshe'd call me. I wonder if she see the saint, the one who suffered for everyone. Or perhaps would she see the sinner, see the cruelty i committed that dyed my heart as cold and as dark as the obsidian I can create.
I am truly the worst. A shadow of a light playing in so many shades of grey that who I am fades to the back. This is not who this world needs, this is not who i am... it is January 13th 2009. A single question in my head.
"Who are you?"
Now as i look on the experiments, i knew. I am Tabitha E. Wesker, the one who is the opposite side of Wesker's coin. A twisted tormented soul on this carousel of life locked into play catch up to my husband.
I am the ashes of the Pheonix waiting to be reborn once again. A fallen archangel who should've never existed. But that nihilistic bullshit has never been like me. After all this is my story right.
My headset went off and i pressed the button, "Azrael speaking."
I lay on the bed, my head lost in a haze. My body burning with exhaustion and strain. My virus flowing through me like a raging river trying to heal the after-effects of birthing my children.
I could hear the voices of those close to me. Gale and Jill were talking in the hall with hushed tones. I could hear Cryo Wolf talking with Nighthawk. Wolf was chewing out Nighthawk like a father would. But the closest sound to me was Albert, humming.
I couldn't tell what he was humming, but the sound was soothing. I heard a soft coo and a chuckle. Then I could hear them, my little ones. The soft, gentle breathing of newborns. I opened my eyes to a heart melting sight. Albert holding one of our children humming his shades on as if not to scare them.
I smiled, "What time is it Albert? Have I been out for a while?"
I saw a smile form at the edge of his lips, "Not at all, my precious lotus. The little ones finally got to sleep. I went ahead and filled out the paperwork, though I think you should use you B.S.A.A. contacts to get the official birth certificates. I used the names we discussed, though. You did an amazing job, Tabitha."
Wesker, more often than naught, was a man of few words and fewer emotions. Yet, in this moment, I saw a sparkle in his eyes that I hadn't seen since the nineties. He had a look of pure joy.
"Who are you holding?" I chuckled softly, pushing myself up to anyone sitting position.
"The girls are still getting checked over by the doctor. Tabitha, meet Erebus, our son. The firstborn of our triplets." Wesker said, handing me him.
The small child had Albert's blonde hair, and the moment I saw his eyes when he looked up at me, he had my original rich chocolate brown. The viruses didn't pass down. It was a bit of a shock, but deep down, i felt relieved.
"He is amazing, Wesk." I sighed, holding little Erebus close.
I felt my heart flutter, a rarity for me. After eight years of fucking hell, something while not originally in my plans felt right. A desire over two decades with a glimmer fruition finally with in my grasp. Even if my hands were sweaty and clammy.
"Hello, my sweet little Erebus, a lament my heart never had the chance to express. You don't know how long I waited to meet you." I whispered silently as I pressed my cracked lips against his forehead.
"My, my... someone has become poetic in their absence." Albert teased softly as he fills out a birth certificate.
"Hardly, I had to come up with different affirmations. Repeating the same thing to yourself will only make you stuck." I chuckled with the lightest tone of mirth in my voice, "but you are right, Albert. I'll contact someone in the B.S.A.A. and have him submit ones. Could you give me a moment, Wesk? We dont need my contact thinking you're over my shoulder."
I had a serious look on my face debating on what to tell O'Brain. I wondered if he had retired to write that novel he always wanted to. I felt it deep inside, the itch that had now been burning since Alex captured me. My mission... It must continue. Even if it meant losing everything in the end.
"Of course, my lotus, I'll go check on Evelyn and Eva. Do what you need to." Wesker said, walking from the room.
I waited for a few moments, and Cryo Wolf walked in, handing me a sat phone, "Here, Boss, I'm going to head out with Nighthawk. We need to head back to HQ, don't we? I know that look in your eyes. Your fire got doused in alcohol didn't it?" He asked his icy eyes, looking sharp.
"That's right, Wolf. I won't let the world fall, but I can't let this fade either." I said my voice melancholic and strained, "I'll find away. I always do."
With that, I dialed Clive. The ringing was like a droning pain in my heart. The tone pressing on my developing migraine. I felt pressure from all sides, I could not be caught by any side again. I had to play the spy for Wesker, I had to be the double agent for the B.S.A.A. and the world. I had to be the mother my children needed. Most importantly, I had to hold myself true and heal the scars. If I can't, then he couldn't either.
"O'Brian, what's your handle?" O'Brian asked, his voice held an edge.
"Pheonix reporting in, reborn from ashes." I spoke, making sure I couldn't hear or smell anyone, "mission back on rails."
I heard Clive gasp and trying to get himself together, "Tabitha, how?"
"It's me Clive, even if i fall, i come back... That's why you gave me the moniker Pheonix all those years ago. Your intel banks will be flowing soon. This Pheonix is guarding her nest. Three hatchling, their flames are bright, my friend." I spoke.
"The report, you were pregnant. You need documents for them." Clive sounded exasperated but relieved at the same time.
"Yes, I'll have archer send the information...put the last name as Redfield. My children dont deserve to be hunted for being their parents' offspring. Archer will be your contact point from now on. I'll be his. It'll look better coming from a soldier not seen in the hands of the enemy." I spoke, "Pass this to Chris and Claire for me."
I took a shuddering breath, "Be careful, but you've got a fire with you burning in the shadows. That flame won't be extinguished."
"Tabitha...No... Pheonix, you know you are walking a fine edge." Clive said a breath of shock in voice.
"A thin fragile edge, between evil and justice. A fractured path towards the golden hour from the blue hour. I know, Clive. But I need to believe that dawn will be bright and lovely." I sigh, "From now on and to the future, that's the way the barrel of my gun is aimed."
"Understood, agent Pheonix... you are relieved of duty." Clive spoke reluctance heavily laden in his voice.
"And to you, my friend, I say thank you." I hung up and shattered the phone.
I stood up, my muscles fully regenerated. The muscle atrophy from disuse a meager distant memory. I eventually everything shall fall. It's a grim mentality, but it was necessary from this point and on.
I was a failed Umbrella experiment at one point, a Pheonix at another point. Yet I knew with a cold and unforgiving certainty what I was now. I am a shadow of the woman I once was and the woman I could be. I walked a road that neither side wanted.
With a shuttering breath, i stood up. I looked to Cryo Wolf. I hand him the sat phone. He knew my resolve was firmed now. This was a new facet of me.
"Your daughters are being brought up soon. Eve Angeline and Evelyn, they look more like you." Wolf spoke.
"Well lets hope they got my best traits." I chuckled.
"You're set on this path, huh?" Wolf smirked.
"That's right, I'm fine being the bad guy. So long as the future is bright." I said, looking out the cracked window, "project fallen, begins now."
Hey, everyone, silfarianhawk here! Sorry for the long delay but after roughly 48 rewrites and months of irritation and road blocks, i posted this chapter and move on to the epilogue. But don't lose interest, dearhearts, for resident evil: Fallen angel is beginning. Till the epilogue, my name is Silfarianhawk and I'm not so far away. 🪷
His lips were like ice, but behind the cold, there was an untapped primal desire. As our lips released from each other, our breath shuddered. I guess the shock on my face was prevalent as I heard Wriothesley chuckle.
"I've been wanting to do that for a while." Wriothesley said, his icy blue eyes staring down at me.
"Your grace," I felt my face heat up, "Are you sure about this? About me?"
His grace stood beside me for a brief moment before he nodded. Walking towards his kettle, which was now steaming, he gestured for me to take a seat. Opening the red box, he slid the tea bad into each one of the pearl white china cups he had set nearby.
"I'm going to be honest, I haven't done anything like this for quite a while, four years almost." Wriothesley said, walking over with the steaming cups, "My last relationship didn't end very well for me or her. I'm not an easy person to get along with, and the relationship ended in a mess. I ended up in solitary for a month from it, and by the time I could confront her, she had been released."
"I'm sorry, Wrio." I said, taking a cup from him.
His eyes looked taken back by the nickname, but as he closed his eyes, a warm smile graced his features. Once he opened his eyes, he placed two sugar cubes in his tea. He had a confident look about him now, almost a complete one eighty from how he held himself previously.
Following his lead, I reached for the sugar. I remembered Lady Kamisato mentioning the herbs used in this blend made it extremely bitter, and it was better to use a good amount of sugar. Her comment sticking out to me, and I grabbed three cubes.
"Want it sweet this time?" Wriothesley asked, deciding to mirror my actions and grab another cube.
"How did you come across this tea?" I asked curiously, "It's only blended in Inazuma, and last I checked, the borders were still closed."
Wriothesley took a sip of the tea, his face grimacing, and he added another sugar cube, "Archons! That is extremely bitter. It's kind of surprising seeing as I got this from Lady Furina."
That made sense on how he received it. If the request was made by an Archon, most shops would find some way to get it out and to them.
"It's a common gift to one's in a relationship. Maybe she was hoping for something for you, your grace. But yes, the most common complaint about the tea is that the herbs in it are super bitter." I said, watching his expression as I grab another couple of cubes.
"Well, it seems fortunate that you came along. At least we can enjoy the tea together even if it is this bitter ." Wriothesley laughed.
I chuckled and sat on his couch, "Yeah, at the very least, we can do that."
I took a sip and allowed the warmth of the tea to spread through me. I smiled as Wriothesley sat next to me and placed a hand on my thigh. I found myself very comfortable in Wriothesley's presence. The chill his lips had...it was intoxicating.
I looked at his features, something I commonly did when I was near him. His eyes were softer looking than normal, and he had a slight bit of pink in his cheeks. His fingers had a chill to them as well.
"Tell me about yourself, your grace. I heard in the post office that you had a P.I. dig into my past. So it seems you know a lot more about me than I do you." I chuckled as I placed my hand on his.
He looked at me. His expression was a pained and reluctant one. I could tell what he had to say would be hard for him.
"Look, we all have our own sets of trauma. I was made to do horrible things while I was held captive by those ronin in Inazuma. I had blood on my hands at the age of five. I was made to kill my father. They were getting to the point of having to change hideouts. My dad and I were both sick. So they gave us a choice. The one who killed the other will live and be taken to a doctor. My dad... he refused to lift a hand against me. He begged for them to just leave us. But the assholes didn't care for his plea. In the end, my dad told me to slit his throat. To be strong and find my mom, to make sure she is okay. I can't sleep most nights without reliving that night." I said, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.
"Silva, i... I'm sorry you had to go through that... people are very cruel. My story is very different but ends similarly." Wriothesley said, grabbing my hand.
He closed his eyes and leaned back. He took a sip of his tea. His expression was melancholy.
"If i tell you, do you promise you won't see me differently?" He asked.
"You didn't see me differently from what I just told you. I promise Wriothesley, I won't see you any different." I said, brushing a stray hair from his face.
He took a deep breath before he began, "I was abandoned as an infant and taken in by a foster family. I had a great childhood until I was twelve. I...i had found out that my siblings who turned thirteen were sold into human trafficking by my foster parents. under the guise of saying they adopted them to a well-off family, no one questioned it. One night, I and one of my brothers around my age were sick. We went to find our mother and father trying to get some medicine to help us sleep... we watched them burn our sister who had turned fourteen. She didn't sell, and they were disposing of her corpse by throwing her in the furnace. Apparently, they did that to all the kids that either found out or weren't sold by their fourteenth birthday. My brother and I tried to run, but they caught him.... I got away. I was homeless for about six months. They never tried to find me. It was coming up on that brother's thirteenth birthday. On that night, I snuck back into that hell house, warmed by the ashes of my dead siblings. I... I killed them... my parents. I know it's wrong, but I was about to be a teenager. I couldn't think of what else to do. I saved the rest of my siblings and turned myself in. It was my thirteenth birthday day when I first stepped into Meropide."
He struggled telling his story, but i couldn't deny i didn't see him differently. But it wasn't in a negative light. I smiled and wrapped my arms around him.
"You are a survivor, your grace. As much as I am a woman who tries to keep her promises. I can't help but see you differently. Instead of seeing a smart, calculating, intimidating warden. I see the man you truly are even more. One who just wants to protect and live peacefully. A man who wants the same for those he watches over." I say in his ear.
I felt his body tense for a moment, but then he surprised me. I felt his strong arms pull me close. I doubt he had opened up to anyone much. He didn't feel cold like this. His body was actually warm.
"Thank you, Silva. I... I don't know why I said anything. I normally don't trust people very well.." He said, his voice kinda husky.
"Please, Wriothesley, indulge me in something." I whispered, pulling back to look him.
"And what might be, Silva." He said his pupils slightly wide.
"This..." I said, sitting on his lap facing him, placing a kiss on his lips.
Wriothesley slowly melted into the kiss, his cold lips slowly warming up. I felt his passion in the kiss. He wrapped his hands around my waist. His thumbs slid under my shirt. His touch sent shivers down my back.
"Indulge in yourself, your grace. A hard life deserves peace and comfort, too. I know it's probably hard to trust someone who is essentially a stranger. It is for me as well. But know I won't betray you. All of us down here have sinned one way or another. Yet it is strange I find myself drawn here like it is where I was meant to be." I spoke with kind and cordial smile.
"Perhaps tonight we should start me training, Archons know I'll need it." I spoke.
"Tonight it is then." Wriothesley spoke.
Hey everyone, silfarianhawk here sorry for the long delay. I've had an absolute metric f**k ton of BS happen over these past few months, but I am trying to come back to my writing. Happy valentines day, my name is silfarianhawk and I'm not so far away
"Now be a good girl for me, sweetheart. I know you can handle all of me." Wriothesley said while having me pinned against his desk.
"Your grace, please. I can't wait much longer. It's just so hot." I tried pulling against the cuffs, but they remained clasped against my wrists.
"Don't worry, my sweet little princess. I'll get you where you need to be." He said his icy eyes alight with passion as he pulled closer, his lips nearly grazing my neck.
"Wriothesley, please, your grace." I panted out.
He smirked as I felt a sharp pang in my neck, "You're as sweet as how I like my tea."
"WRIO!" I gasped.
"Hmmm, you need to wake up, little princess." He chuckled as he stood up.
"Silva! Wake up! Silva!" I heard a muddled voice.
"But your grace." I whimpered as the chains faded along with most of the surroundings.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll see you soon." Wriothesley said, fading to black.
I slowly opened my eyes. Sam was standing next to me with a female I at the end of my bed. He offered his hand, and I happily took it. He helped me sit and stand up.
"Thanks Sam, how's the wife and newborn?" I ask, stretching out.
"They are well. My little girl finally has slept through the night. My wife was so happy. She told me to tell you thank you if you pulled through. I'm quite glad you did." He said,"You probably want to shower and change, right? Melissa has been assigned to help you by Sigewinne."
"Well, I more or less actually volunteered Sammy. Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm this doofuses cousin. On behalf of my family, thank you for keeping him safe. Please call me Mel." She smiled.
"It's nice to have pleasant faces around, but I do agree a shower would be nice. Could you guys help me down to the gym? The water gets warmer there." I asked, looking for my toiletries.
"I'll be glad to escort you. That way, Sam can make sure your food is ready by the time you're done." Mel said, smiling.
"Yea, Wolsey has a fresh batch of Fontaine onion soup being made just for you, apparently." Sam chuckled, then looked at me, "His grace put most of your belongings in the crate on the table. You should be able to find your shower kit there."
"Thank you, Sam." I chirpped, quickly grabbing my shower stuff as well as a change of clothes.
Mel led me to the shower rooms in the gym. I quickly washed my body and hair. The pluie lotus scent gently caressed my skin. I had to unwrap the bandages before I stepped in. Old scabbing fell off, revealing scarred but new skin.
"Hey Mel!" I heard a familiar male voice shout.
"Hey Roussimoff, sorry on duty right now. I can't really talk." Melissa said.
"It's alright, Mel. I still have a bit to do. As long as I can change in private, it's fine." I sigh, "Hey Roussimoff, any interesting matches coming up?"
"No, the matches have been pretty dull. I want to schedule you, Silva. How bout it a couple of weeks and have you back in the ring?" He asked, letting out a hearty laugh.
"Given the fact I was dead less that twenty four hours ago, I think my comeback to the ring will need to wait longer than two weeks. But I'll say this when I do return, it'll be a good show." I chuckled as I scrubbed my thighs.
I heard Mel and Rouss continue to chat about mundane things. Weather outside and the lineups for an upcoming tournament. I heard Roussimoff say something interesting. That his grace was participating in the tournament as a wild card finale.
That tournament was in three months. I smiled. I'm sure I'd be at a hundred percent by then. I'm going to join that tournament.
When I finished my shower, I stepped out to find a fresh towel laid out for me. Swiftly drying off and changing into the light outfit I brought with me, I went to find Melissa.
Caddy in hand, I searched the weight room. I couldn't find Melissa anywhere in the gym. Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my bare shoulder. I felt my body jolt as I turned around.
"Who in the archons fucking hell ....Wriothesley!" I shouted placing my hand over my heart as I saw his grace with the biggest smirk I'd seen on his face.
"For someone who was just dead, you turned around pretty quickly." He chuckled.
I sighed and took a few deep breaths, "Could you wipe that grin off your face? Archons, are you trying to kill me again?"
"My apologies, I was actually looking for you. I was the one who told Melissa and Roussimoff to go to the ring. I need to bring you to the observation ward. Sigewinne sent for a doctor when you didn't wake up the third day of your coma. He arrived a little while ago. He also instructed me to bring this." Wriothesley said, revealing the unopened letter from Zhongli.
"That would mean... She didn't!" I covered my mouth and ran past Wriothesley.
If I had to say so, I moved fast for someone who was dead not too long ago. Getting to the observation ward from the gym normally would take about a ten minute fast walk to the lift alone. But I made it to the lift in nearly six minutes.
Sam was waiting by the lift and sent it up as I stepped on. Once we reached the upper floor, I stepped off, nodding at Sam, and took off once more. A strong medicinal scent lingered in the air. I practically leaped the steps up to the observation ward.
"It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, I've heard nothing but good things about you from Silva." I heard Sigewinnes soft voice say as I dashed up to the observation ward.
"Like wise, and I must thank you, Ms. Sigewinne for being so kind to her. Silva is like a daughter to me. I'm glad she has such a capable doctor nearby." A sweet familiar voice said that brought a smile to my face.
She did.
"You two seem to have company." The shrill voice of the snake said.
"Thank you for noticing me, Changsheng." I smiled as I walked into the ward, "Baizhu, it's great to see you."
He simply let out a chuckle and hugged me. The scent of older medicinal herbs filled my nose. I squeezed tight as my heart shook.
"Now, now Silva, I need to take a look at you." He chuckled, letting me go gesturing to the closest bed.
I nodded and headed towards the bed, taking a seat. Baizhu quickly got to work, and Changsheng slithered around my neck. I simply closed my eyes and let him do his exam.
My mind drifted to my dream. How cold his grace's hands felt on top of mine. I imagined his lips being the same temperature. How he'd wear the smug look he had on earlier when I ask.
"Silva, what's going through that mind of yours?" Changsheng said, "Your pulse sped up significantly."
I felt my cheeks burn red. Baizhu had a light smile and pat my shoulder. His kind eyes were soft.
"I have some good news and a hypothesis for you, Silva. Which would you like first?" Baizhu said, offering his arm out to Changsheng, who remained coiled comfortably around my neck.
"The good news, archons know I could use it." I chuckled as Sigewinne pulled out a notepad.
"To start the dendro energy that resides in your body is finally stabilized. I noticed that when you came in for your check-up before you left, it wasn't at a safe level. It's why I had you take that course of dendrocide potions before you left. While I think it was enough to suppress it while through the dendro rich Chenyu Vale. When your assailant drugged you the first time, they reactivated the dormant energy. The people who attacked you and drugged you the second time, what they did forced enough of that energy out by over activating it." Baizhu explained, "Ms. Sigewinne told me you learned your mother was a dendro elemental. So I'm going to recommend you be taking that dendrocide potion here as well."
I sighed, "She's more than an elemental. I don't know if Monsieur Nuevillette would want me to say anything to his grace, but both of you are my doctors, so I think it's fine telling you guys."
"What do you mean, Ms. Silva?" Sigewinne asked, and Baizhu gave me a curious look.
"I am the daughter of Apep, the dragon sovereign of dendro and a human." I covered my face with my hand only to feel a thunck on my temple.
"Why do you look ashamed?" Changsheng said, wrapping around Baizhus's arm, which was now on my shoulder, "Do you even understand how much this explains!?!"
"If I was to be frank Mr. Zhongli had that theory. Once he saw the dendrocide potions in your bag and the reaction to being stabbed with the drug. He had me create you a special medicine for something. He had a feeling that would happen soon. It was in the parcel I sent. Given that you were in a coma and haven't been taking it, I honestly think in about a weeks time. You should be kept in seclusion." Baizhu said, "In all honesty, I'd rather bring you back to Liyue for observation, but I know I can't. The Iudex made that very clear."
"Is Zhongli's explanation on everything in the letter he sent?" I asked.
"That's my guess." He said, pushing my hair back behind my ear.
"Then, by all means, please take it. You don't have to read aloud." Wriothesley said, slowly walking in letter in hand.
"Dr. Baizhu, this is his grace." Sigewinne said, introducing them.
"It's a pleasure. As I told Ms. Sigewinne, thank you for treating Silva so well." Baizhu smiled.
"You're welcome, and I'd be beating myself if I didn't thank you for coming. In the short amount of time she's been here, I have grown quite fond of Silva." Wriothesley said, handing me the letter.
When our hands brushed, I felt my cheeks heat up. They were cold to the touch, just like in my dreams. I shook my head and flipped open the wax seal on the letter. Zhongli's voice played in my head as I read.
"My dear Silva, I'm glad to have your correspondence. I have done some research in liyue's and even some of Sumeru's libraries. I know who she is. I'm working on a way for you to meet her after you are released, but until then, I'm having our friend Baizhu prepare a medicine I myself am on for you. It'll prevent a very dangerous aspect of what we are. Please stay safe til I see you once more, my treasured friend, Zhongli." His voice ended.
"What does a dangerous aspect even mean?" I ask my green haired friend.
"Your mother being a dendro elemental means certain steps just need to be taken to prevent any harm to you or say someone you care about when you are experiencing your monthly cycle. Although that might be different as well." Baizhu said, sitting next to me and speaking very quietly, "Especially since the elemental you were born from is a dragon."
"I understand, Baizhu." I said, "Did you leave a good stock with Sigewinne?"
"I did. Now, I need to do a full medication work up and make sure everything is in working order for when I leave. Why don't you go with Mr. Wriothesley and get some food. I'll be in the infirmary with Ms. Sigewinne, but don't worry, I will come say goodbye when I'm done." Baizhu said.
I simply nodded and stood up. Baizhu offered his hand to his grace, to which Wriothesley shook it. Our previous conversation crossed my mind.
"Baizhu, what was your hypothesis? About me?" I asked.
He turned to me and smiled, "No need to worry about it, Silva. You'll know soon enough."
"Alright, I'll see you in a bit, Baizhu." I said bowing.
Wriothesley led me away from the observation ward. He walked on my left, his steps falling heavily against the metal floors. His handcuffs sway with each step.
"You're as sweet as I like my tea." Echoed through my mind as I watched him pull his cuffs off his belt, spinning them on his finger.
I bit my lip as he pulled ahead. He was very much a fine looking man. Even with how many layers he was wearing, I could see how well built his back was. Something was different, though.
"Wriothesley, where's your coat?" I asked, confused.
"I had a guarde bring it to one of Fontaines' best cleaners. There was a pretty big stain on it." He said, looking back at me, "Come on, let's go to my office. I have something for you."
I nodded and followed relatively close behind. I noticed the gaurdes were out in force today. Was the fear of a riot, maybe?
When Wriothesley and I arrived at his office, he locked the doors behind him once we walked through.
"Why did you lock the doors your grace?" I asked as I walked up the stairs.
He sighed and pulled out a red box of tea I had once seen in the Kamisato house.
"Care for a cup?" He asked a bit of hesitation in his voice.
"Of course, I'd love tea with you." I smile.
Wriothesley sat in front of me, and he took my hand. He looked me dead in my eyes. He tried to speak twice, but no words managed to escape his lips.
"Archons, I didn't expect this to be so hard." He managed to wrestle out that much.
I walk up next to him, "it's OK, your grace. No matter what, you can tell me."
I forced my courage up and took his hand. At the contact, Wriothesley took a deep breath and pressed a kiss on my lips.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have," He said, trying to pull away, but I quickly pressed another kiss on his lips.
I was wandering around a forest. It felt strange, almost unnaturally natural for me to be here. The small chirps of these weird, long red beaked birds surrounded me. The trees were massive. The forest dim and wet.
I walked what seemed aimlessly, but then in the center of the forest laid a small table covered with meats and plants. I felt my stomach growl. How long had it been since I had eaten?
I walked up to the table and sat down. There was a bowl of what I assumed to be zaytun peaches. I had only seen pictures of them in catalogs in the Kamisato main house. Sitting down, I hesitantly grabbed one and took a bite. It was much more sweet and tangy than I'd thought.
"They're good, right?" The deep female voice from my dreams said from behind me, "They were my favorite snack when this forest was my home."
I quickly turned my head and saw a lovely woman with deep black and forest green hair strode into the clearing. She was wearing relatively revealing clothing that was clearly meant for desert travel. But beyond her beauty, one thing stood out. Her eyes were glowing a harsh yellow.
"Yes, the peaches are delicious. Are they yours? If so, I deeply apologize for taking one without permission." I said, staring back at the juicy fruit.
"Fear not little one, I'm not mad I placed them out for this meeting. I must say your hair is as gorgeous as your father's." She said, reaching out her nails dragging through my hair
"You knew my father?" I asked curiously as my eyes carefully followed the woman.
Sitting at the other side of the table, she grabbed a peach, "I knew him and his family. They were a horrible set of humans bent on stealing the dendro dragons' power and bending her to their will. Your father was the only one who saw what monsters his family were."
"That's awful, hmm, what's this?" I said suddenly, feeling something cold and heavy form in my pocket.
I reached down and grabbed the sensation in my pocket. It was a sphere of some sorts. When I brought it up above the table, a confused look appeared on my face.
"More facts to show that you are your father's child," she said chipper in tone, but her eyes seethed, "He also had a hydro vision. The gods saw his thirst for justice for the dendro sovereign."
"Justice, huh? Ironic given what happened to him." I said, turning my head away.
"Apep felt his demise through the plants in that awful place. The dendro Dragon, who had decided to give humanity one more chance thanks to your father, wept that day. Its hatred towards humanity grew to insatiable bloodlust at that point and hid itself amongst the sands of the desert." The lady said, 'You have yet to ask me my name, little one."
"It felt irrelevant. After all, I'm not even awake, am I?" I said, looking straight ahead, staring the woman dead in her glowing eyes, "Isn't that right, mother?"
"When did you figure it out?" She asked, her voice unchanging.
"The moment I entered this place, the dendro energy pulsating through this dream, rather this sub plane of consciousness. It's yours, correct?" I asked, biting into my peach.
"You could tell that. So you are more closely entwined with our element. I believe you know exactly who I am, daughter." Her form and forest started to blow away into sand, "Seek me out, child. You will learn your place in this world."
I felt like I was swept away by a gale in the desert, the sting of the sands etched onto my body. Things were spinning, and I felt this bright light surge from behind my eyes. Then, the nausea set in.
I opened my eyes and jolted up. Quickly, I scanned the room I was in. The dim lights and the brass walls, the shitty creaky bed, I was in Meropide. A white sheet draped over my body.
I grabbed my stomach and bent over my bed. Thankfully, someone left a bucket next to me. Feeling the waves of nausea crash through my body, I hurriedly grabbed the bucket.
The next few moments were painful as I felt the mixture of bile and blood leave my lips. The smell made my stomach curl up tighter than it already was. There is no reminiscent taste of the sweet peach I had eaten in my dream moments ago.
After the storm of aliment passed, I noticed I wasn't in the infirmary. Rather, I was in my assigned dorm on a seemingly plastic tarp on my bed. There was no one next to me or in the room.
I saw that his grace had set the crate of items from Baizhu on the table in the center of the room. Wriothesley... his face flashed through my mind. Panic and sorrow filled his face when I last saw him. I made him promise me we'd have tea again.
I chuckled. Tea sounded so good at the moment. I wondered if he had an Inazumian ginger blend. Liyue had multiple good ginger blends, but they could never top Inazumas subtle numbing sensation.
I stood up shakily, but still I stood. Leaning on the wall, I slowly walked out of my cell. I had most of my weight against the cold metal. I felt the scratchy bandages against my skin as I walked.
"I'll need to thank Sigewinne for patching me up." I mumbled as I made it to the main causeway. The only people around were gaurdes. It was probably late.
I kept my head down and walked to the lift to take me to the main floor. I stumbled out of the lift as another wave of nauseating cramps hit. I let out a soft groan as I tried to hold back the building vomit.
"WHO'S THERE!?!" I heard a familiar voice shout near the cafeteria.
I crumpled to my knees from the force of the bile ejecting from my throat. I heard a few sets of metal soles running towards me. I curled in on myself as I heard a gasp and something shatter on the metal floor.
"YOU TWO GO FETCH HIS GRACE AND SIGEWINNE! OH ARCHONS SILVA!" The familiar voice shouted and ran over to me.
"Hey Sam... ugh damn what did I eat, right?" I chuckled, looking up at Sam, who wore a surprised expression.
"How is this even possible? How are you even walking around? Hell screw that question, how are you even alive?" Sam asked, helping me sit against the wall.
"You think that bastard renard could do lasting damage? Ha, I took worse injuries as a kid..." I coughed, and multiple bones cracked at once, "oof, that was pleasant."
I looked into Sam's eyes. They moved as if they were quickly examining my body, and then tears started to feel up. He was crying. Why?
"Hey, what's wrong? Geez, you're acting like someone died." I let out a weezing laugh.
"That's because someone did." Another familiar but much huskier voice said, "You, to be precise, Ms. Silva."
I felt a smile grace my lips, "Wriothesley, I was just coming to see you. I did make you promise, right? And how could I have died? I'm still breathing and moving about, right? Not to mention, i was promised tea right, your grace."
I saw what appeared to be relief in his grace's eyes, but the tone that was in his voice was one of almost abject horror. The relief quickly left as a stern look presented itself. He stared into my eyes as if trying to figure out some puzzle.
"Sir, you should bring her to your office. I'll have maintenance clean up this vomit." Sam said as Wriothesley nodded.
"Come on, Silva. I bet you're starving after all you've been comatose for about a week and a half." Sam said, pulling me up and helping me drape my arm over Wriothesley's neck.
"Not to mention dead for the past three hours." His grace said as we started towards the oh so comforting massive doors of his office.
Once we entered the office, I heard soft sobbing. It was definitely feminine and quiet. The gentle tone only reminded me of one person, Sigewinne.
"Come on, upsie daisy." Wriothesley lightly chuckled when we arrived at the stairs.
I felt my lips curl upwards, "Yes, Wriothesley."
We slowly made it up the stairs. When we reached the top, I saw Sigewinne and Monsieur Nuevillette sitting on the worn-out old sofa. She was definitely crying.
"Hey Sigewinne, I found a patient that needs to be looked at." Wriothesley said kinda bluntly.
"Your grace, I don't think I can currently." She choked out as the Iudex rubbed her back.
"Please, Ms. Sigewinne, I haven't stopped throwing up since I woke up." I said, and as soon as I spoke, both her and Nuevillette's head shot up.
I hardly noticed the Iudex's reaction. My eyes were drawn to Sigewinne and how her streaming eyes widened at the sight of me. It was barely a second later when she ran over and hugged me.
"How! I check your pluses and breathing like four times! We did cpr for about fifteen minutes!" She cried, holding me.
"I'm sorry, I worried you so much, Sigewinne." I bent down to fully hug her.
When I bent down, loud crunching and snapping noises came from my back. Sigewinne looked horrified. I felt no pain, but I could tell she wanted to look at my back. She quickly ran behind me. When she lifted my shirt, there was a substantial thud on the floor.
"Why were you covered in branches?" She asked.
"You discovered something, didn't you, Ms. Silva." Monsieur Nuevillette asked, walking over towards me.
"I saw her... my mother. I think she's a Dendro Elemental." I said, noticing a hydro vision on a chain on the coffee table, "That's my vision, right?"
"Yes, it is, but how did you see your mother? You've been in a coma since I saved you." Wriothesley said, picking up the vision.
"Higher up elementals can sometimes produce sub planes of existence, your grace," Nuevillette said, his strange eyes staring straight into mine, "Please hand Ms. Silva her vision."
Wriothesley simply nodded and walked over to me. His expression was grim, but as he approached, it softened greatly. He extended his hand and set the vision in my palm.
"You said you believe your mother was a dendro elemental. Ms. Silva, you weren't being completely honest with us. Were you?" Monsieur Nuevillette said.
I lowered my head and bit my lip, "No sir, she didn't even fully confirm her identity. I just knew by the way she spoke about her and my dad's past in a third-person perspective."
"Wriothesley, Sigewinne, why don't you both go grab some food for yourselves and Ms. Silva. I need to have a private word with her." Nuevillette said, standing in front of Wriothesley's desk, his hands clasped tight on his cane.
They nodded and made their way down the stairs. I could tell by the energy permeated throughout the air that wasn't a suggestion. Rather, it was an order.
Once the doors slammed shut, the Iudex motioned for me to sit on the couch. The pressure this man was exuding was terrifying. It was different from the kind facade he wore. It was similar to hers, to the being I just saw in that dream. I sat as he began to speak.
"Tell me, Silva. You only just found out your mother is the dendro sovereign, correct?" He asks, turning to face me his lilac eye standing out.
"Yes, sir, at least that's what I'm lead to believe. The only name she mentioned was Apep and how that Apep felt when my father passed." I hung my head.
"What did she tell you to do? Dragons are fickle, and Apep has a very strong distaste for humanity." Nuevillette said, turning a kettle on.
"Seek me out, child. You will learn your place in this world." I spoke, repeating my mother's words, "I'm not even sure if I could at this time. That person who stabbed me on the road is still out there."
"It is quite off-putting, to be in the same room as a sovereign progeny. I'm remiss with myself for not telling that you were sooner." He said, sitting next to me.
"Please, Monsieur, to be fair from what I've read on dragons in general, they are quite territorial. I'm glad that you haven't acted that way. You are like my mother, right? The hydro energy in the air is comparable to my dream with her." I said, burying my face into my hands.
"Yes, little hatchling. You're correct, but unlike Apep, I have a genuine love for humanity." He ran his thumb over the gem in his cane, "I must apologize, I feel that if I had shown up sooner the day you were injured."
I simply put my hand up, "If you had, I probably wouldn't have met Apep or gained my vision. It's obvious Celestia has plans for me, even if it's spiting her. I feel like I have somewhere I belong. Even when I was in Liyue, I felt I was on the outside. Yet here in an underwater prison, just waking up from being apparently dead. I feel more at home than ever."
My mind raced to Wriothesley and Sigewinne. Then Sam popped his head in my thoughts. I looked up, and Nuevillette had a smile that was reminiscent of Zhongli. I wonder if they were told, Zhongli and Baizhu.
"You have planted your roots here, young hatchling. While they barely have scratched the surface, I've seen the impact your short time here has had. The way Sigewinne tried so hard to bring you back." Nuevillette looked deep in thought.
"Monsieur, I want to stay in Fontaine when I'm released. Do you believe that's possible?" I asked as the door opened.
"I'll see what I can do to help you find somewhere. After all, I do believe you were born on your parents' herb farm, and that makes you a Fontainian." He said, "but let's discuss those matters later. You need some form of nutrition. Hopefully, Wosley was awake, and they didn't just pull to random dishes from the fridge."
"What kind of man do you think I am Nuevillette? I wouldn't give someone who just returned from the dead some suspicious food. Wosley was actually doing prep. He was more than happy to whip something special for Silva." Wriothesley said, setting a meal box in front of me.
As if on cue, my stomach let out a loud growl. I blushed and opened the box. The smell was heavenly. When I gazed down, I noticed there was a glistening broth that was extremely clear with a nest of herbs on top.
"Seeing as you haven't eaten in over a week, I told Wosley to make you something easy for you to digest." Sigewinne said, sipping one of her infamous milkshakes.
I grabbed the spoon that was next to the box and slowly took a sip of the soup. I felt my stress melt away as the herbs danced on my tongue. The consúme was a delicious and delicate texture.
Wriothesley poured the water in the kettle into various tea cups he had lined up, grabbing an extra one from the cupboard. I could tell he was trying to hide his glance at me. Maybe he felt guilty for what happened to me.
"Silva, what type of tea would you like?" His grace asked.
"Ginger tea," I chuckled, "Inazumian, if possible."
"Would you look at that? I have exactly enough left for us all to have some." He said, pulling down a jar with four bags.
After about thirty minutes my food was gone and everyone had finished their tea. Nuevillette had left stating he had a full day tomorrow. Sigewinne finished checking my body. Once she was satisfied, she said for me to get some rest that the doctor they had contacted for my coma should arrive tomorrow.
At that, she told Wriothesley to bring me to my room. He nodded, and she left.
The walk to my dorm was quiet. Wriothesley wore a sullen face. Once we arrived, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into an embrace.
He smelled of bergamot and a pine beach. His suit was a course texture, but the feeling was pleasant against my skin. I heard it. His heart was beating strong and on rhythm.
"Thank you, Silva." He said, pulling me closer for a brief second.
"For what your grace?" I asked as his bandaged hands loosen their grip.
"For allowing me to keep my promise. Please try and sleep. You don't have to worry about anything. I had the ones that hurt you kept in a separate portion of Meropide. They won't be able to hurt you." Wriothesley said as he leaned close.
"I said I keep my promises, right? I hold the people I make promises to the same standard." I mutter as I feel my face heat up.
At this distance, I noticed all the small scars along his face and collar. It only solidified my thoughts on how gorgeous and handsome he was. The way his icy eyes looked so ironicly warm in this moment was causing fluttering in places that hadn't since been mine and Ayato's small romance in my teen years.
"Sleep well, Silva. I'll have Sigewinne or Sam bring you breakfast. I need you to get your strength back. I'm not teaching you to fight in your condition." He chuckled as he walked away.
I lay in the bed on the wall opposite my own bed. I didn't think laying down in the bed I was dead in, not even six hours. I felt my eye slowly sink closed. Wriothesley's scent lingering on my clothes very lightly. It made my face ease up as I drifted to sleep.
"You three had better be at the rendezvous point and in position when Alex and I meet for the exchange." I said as Chambers, Jill, and Cerberus leaped onto the dock.
"You got it, boss. We are leaving this place with tabs one way or another." Gale said, making sure his rifle was slung properly over his shoulder.
"Don't get so confident, Gale." Jill started, "This is unknown hostile territory. While we may have satellite shots, we don't know what's out there."
"Just keep your head on straight, Galeforce." Cerberus said, "Alecto escort Dr. Wesker into the enemy lines. It's just been over a week since Arias reported Blake was successful. We don't even know if the plan worked or not."
Nighthawk nodded, his hand perched on his killer seven. He led me off the boat and on a long broken dock. There was a rusted army jeep at the end of the dock. It was obviously left there for transport.
"No driver? Alex really has lost all sense of decorum." I sighed as nighthawk opened the drivers side door.
"I'll take you to her headquarters. There isn't much here anymore." He said as the jeep sputtering to life.
As we drove off, the distant sound of automatic gun fire broke over the silence. I had a sinking feeling. I glanced over at nighthawk, and he simply nodded.
My dearest lotus, please don't let her get to you before I see you once more.
I felt the Angelis waking in my veins. The shock that was racing through my body told me one thing, she's here. It yearns for her touch. Just as I'm sure the Uroboros was telling her I've come.
"What the hell?" Nighthawk hawk muttered, an edge of fear lingering in his tone.
Looking out the windshield, I noticed what he had commented on. Piles upon piles of what appeared to be a mix of guards, armed soldiers, and miners all in front of what appeared to be mass graves. The sight was clearly disheartening to my nephew. Even I who had seen similar sights had yet to see one to this extent.
"Pull over here, Alecto." I said, "something tells me I need to look into this."
He simply nodded and pulled off the road, driving towards the morbid scene. He stopped the vehicle about five yards away from the closest pile. His hand was on his magnum holster.
"Don't stay for too long, sir. This place really has my feathers ruffled." He said, his eyes narrowing as if there was something along the horizon.
"Contact Gale and Jill, see if they found anything similar to this. Either Alex has gone further off the rails than I had anticipated, or something has been created that she can't control." I said, stepping out of the jeep.
I walked between the piles, blood mixed with dirt caked onto my boots. The scent of decay barely rearing it's ugly head. This fact in itself was strange. The bodies should have been heavy with the smell, given the ambient temperature was around sixty-five degrees and given the state of the bodies they had been decomposing for a week at the latest.
I watched as Uroboros stirred below my skin. Warning against touching the corpses, as it seemed. I glazed at the guards and soldiers. Their forms were more mangled than those of the miners whose throats were just cut enough to sever the arteries. The ones under Alex's employ wore expressions of agony.
The thing that did this wanted Alex's forces to suffer. Yet it was compassionate enough to grant relatively fast deaths to the locals. I had no doubt in my mind when I saw the difference. What did that drug you designed do to you love?
"Albert, I thought that was your silhouette I saw." I heard Alex's shrill voice cut through the air, "Quite a mess your monster of a whore can make."
"Where is she Alex?" I snarled turning to the direction her voice came from.
She was about ten yards away, a single blonde maid next to her. So that was one of the "angels" she was trying to make. The girl looks beaten and battered.
"It seems that you only have one of those pets you tortured my sweet lotus for?" I scoffed as the girl winced at the mention of the others.
"Aquila, did I see you cower just now?" Alex said, looking over her shoulder.
"No, mam, sorry, mam." She said in a hushed tone.
"I'll reclaim the others here soon. Once I take care of the pest you created, they'll return to me." She said, turning to walk away, "by the way, you shouldn't stay here the B.O.W. that did this is tracked to be heading this way."
"Where is Tabitha, Alex? I warned you what would happen if she and my children were harmed." I spoke, pulling out my Samurai Edge from its holster.
The metal radiates a mild warmth through my gloves. The sensation pulling my mind to stillness. If I turned over the samples, Alex might loosen her tongue. But I wasn't a fool. These vials were all faulty. They'd never give anyone the transcendence me and Tabitha shared.
As soon as I was about to speak, that's when I heard the roar once again.
"My lady! It is coming. We should get you back to the tower." Aquila said as heavy magnum shots pierced the roars reverberation.
"I will see you soon, dear brother." Alex said as she opened a hatch that was beneath her feet.
Loud cracking of trees snatched my attention from the fleeing fools. Nighthawk bolted towards me. His visor glinted as fire billowed out from underneath the corpses. Alex set a trap for this B.O.W.
"Sir, we need to move!" He shouted as the large monstrosity flipped the jeep with a singe swing of what appeared to be a sickle shaped appendage.
I nodded and dashed to the hatch Alex had entered through. Once I had arrived at the rusted door, I easily wrenched it open. Nighthawk quickly jumped down the ladder the B.O.W. hot on his heels. Following suit, I started down the ladder, closing the hatch.
"What the fucking hell was that! There was not a B.O.W. like that when I was here last!" Alecto shouted while reloading his killer seven.
"My guess is that it's connected to the drug that we provided Arias with. The timeline of the decay on those bodies would line up with that." I said, adjusting my glasses.
"Looks like we are in the sewers that connect her base of operations to the mines." He said as a loud screeching noise rang out through the tunnels.
"Well, well, well, look what I've managed to do...Alex!" A raspy female voice rang throughout the space, "It seems sending you on that meger chase for the pet you assumed me to be was worth it after all."
"Tabitha... my lotus..." I muttered under my breath.
"Boss... it couldn't be...she sounds so malevolent." Alecto said, his eyes going wide.
"Hahaha, gods Alex, you are quite the fool. The number of times you must've thought I couldn't hear your plans." Her raspy voice echoed powerfully but sounded so empty.
"Poor little Lyra, you punished her so harshly before you enacted your plan. I think the reason she is so avidly hunting you down is because she wants vindication. To make you feel what she felt. Tricking herself into thinking she was a masochist, yet it wasn't pleasure she ever felt from your lashings. It was the feeling of failing to please." She laughed once more, Angelis burning in my skin.
"Sir, what has happened to her?" Nighthawk asked.
I glanced at him his face looked pale. He was radiating fear. His feathers were looking poised, like a threatened prey. In all honesty, I had only heard her speak this threateningly once before.
"Years of being an experiment takes a heavy toll on one psyche. It seems she's done being pushed around." I said.
Her voice chimed out again, "If you want to kill me and my children, Alex, then meet me outside the hospital for the locals. Me and my pets will be waiting."
Her voice faded out not in words but as a dark, unnerving laugh.
"That broadcast had to have been made at Alex's tower. If we hurry, we can catch her there!" Alecto said about to take off, but I placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Wesker! Was that fucking T talking?" My earpiece buzzed, Chambers voice cold and unfazed.
"Without a doubt, Chambers. Cerberus, have you seen piles of corpses or anything stranger than normal for an Umbrella research lab?" I asked, trying to get some formation of a plan started.
"I saw two mass grave sites, relatively small compared to some I've seen. However, for an island of this size, it would fall under substantial loss of life." Cryo Wolf said.
"Should we head to where she told Alex she was going to be?" Jill asked as uncertainty fills her tone.
"I think we should converge on the tower." Alecto said, "That's the most likely place she would've been able to make that broadcast."
"I just had a light bulb moment!" Gale exclaimed, his voice piercing my ear drums, "What about the small village on the coast? It looked really ragtag, but if they had a radio or computer, she could have just hijacked Alex's comm system."
I processed the information for a few moments. All the small insignificant details were just getting in the way. But what surged through my body and mind made me chuckle internally.
Angelis picked up on the soft smell of jasmine and leather. Uroboros stirred as if trying to lead me. The memory of Alex's objection. Where she'd said she'd find the tallest building and throw my lotus off. That's where she'd be.
"You five, go to the hospital and put down the B.O.W.s without mercy. I know where my lotus will be." I said, dashing towards the hatch.
"SIR!" Nighthawk called out as I disappeared from his vision.
His call fell on deaf ears. Nighthawk was right she would be at the tower. But I can not let them see her like this.
When I made it outside, the B.O.W. had left, but the fires consumed the multitudes of bodies. The sound of bones snapping in the flames was all that remained of the once distinguishable corpses.
Taking a breath, I stared off into the distance. The cross shaped building stood striking against the sky. The small hole in the trees revealed a ruined apartment complex.
"Less than a mile, it seems." I muttered as I dashed towards my destination.
The closer I got to the tower, the more the wind smelled of death and decay. When the entrance came into view, so did she.
Sitting on an obsidian covered body that was hunched over on all fours was my lotus. Her eyes were closed, face in her hand. Her index and middle fingers covered her eyes. Her ring finger was supporting her cheek and her pinky at the corner of her lips.
"I wondered when you'd arrive, my creator." She said, her eyes slowly opening.
This was not my lotus.
"Where is she?" I asked, confronting a set of blazing orange eyes.
"In due time, i'm not going to reveal that until I'm sure my charge is safe." The B.O.W. spoke as tendrils writhes beneath its skin, "After all, being created from her is quite indebting."
"Did Alex make you?" I asked once again, pulling out my weapon.
"No, I was made by the woman whose image I share... I'm the voraciousness of her will. The gift you blessed her with awakened." It said, standing revealing black and white hair, "I am a mere fraction of the Uroboros that dwelled in her veins."
"That explains why none of my vessels were able to be properly turned." An entitled voice spoke from behind me.
"Ahh, Alex ... I'm so glad you are able to join us. I must apologize. While darling Esther managed to put up a decent fight, her body failed to adapt to both Angelis and Uroboros." The copy of my lotus laughed and kicked over the obsidian corpse.
The body shattered. The head rolling over towards Alex. As it stopped, the face was obviously of a young female with an agonizing expression. Alex eyes widened, then narrowed harshly.
"YOU FILTHY RAT!" Alex shouted, "I should have decapitated you as soon as I saw Sergei had you chained in that testing chamber."
"Che, well, it's far too late for that." The B.O.W. said it's voice getting harsher.
"Alex, it's time you relinquish my lotus back to me." I said, "I left the samples in that hatch, and it has passed the promised time."
"And why should I Albert? Look at the destruction that thing has done to my island! You never should have met this unworthy, disgusting sack of bones and sinew!" Alex shouted, pulling two red grenades from behind her back, "I'm going to turn all my troubles to ash, the good thing about former Russian military compounds, they tend to have banned substances, napalm for example."
The B.O.W.s eyes widened this turn into an abyss of black. I doubt Alex noticed as she turned and threw the grenades over her back towards me. She thought that move through, as the incendiary devices were clearly aimed at me.
The B.O.W. quickly dissolved into a mess of tentacles that raced towards me. As it coated my body, its raspy voice echoed in my mind.
"Her body is weak. She can't handle much, that's why we separated from her. That woman is on the way to end her. Please save her, our creator. We have a small amount of the viral activator in our form. You know what to do." It said, voice fading into silence.
Thank you, Uroboros. I felt my smirk return as the tendrils absorbed into my body. Dull pain ached from the back of my neck and middle spine.
My back felt sticky, cold, and much heavier. I touched at the sensation on my neck, small wing like appendages had sprouted. So I myself had assumed an angelic form.
The power coursing through my veins was intoxicating. I gave a simple command to my body, and the wings on my back flapped. My teeth had no change nor did any of my features. When I spoke, my voice was not raspy but had a deeper tone that one would depict a god would have.
The warning given by the B.O.W. echoed in my memory. Alex.... I had given you ample chances to return her. Tabitha, my dearest love, hold on just a little longer.
I dashed off in the direction Alex was walking. The scenery flew by faster than it ever had. I came upon Alex relatively quickly. She was driven by one of her researchers in a similar jeep that was left for me and nighthawk.
With a scoff, I dashed in front of them and slammed my fist into the engine. It completely stalled out as I ripped the belts free of their confines. I felt my eyes flare at Alex.
Her expression was of horror and disbelief.
"Albert, what have you done to yourself! Have you stooped so low as to inject yourself with a lesser virus than what was gifted to you!" Alex covered her mouth and scowled in discontent.
"If Spencer determined it was good enough for her, then it is more than worthy for me." I said.
The researcher pulled a small twenty-two out and proceeded to shoot three times. I simply chuckled as the small holes it pierced into my skin. The wounds quickly spat out the spent rounds and healed almost immediately. Alex smacking the weapon of this fools hand.
"He is not the one you should be firing at!" Alex scolded the terrified man.
I rolled my eyes at the audacity of my sister. Tabitha's voice and teachings played in my head.
"Angelis manipulates the electrons in the air. That's how I'm able to energize that wakazashi. This is also how I'm able to have limited control over silica molecules and shape what they form. Be it the obsidian coating over my body or the spears I tend to utilize in my arch-angel form. I'm sure that you'll be able to do it too, my treasure." Her soft, soothing voice playing back in my mind.
"I'm disappointed in you, Alex." I say chastising her, "You being an overseer on project W, you should have seen my lotus's potential. Yet, you let your stupid attachments to me and the Wesker children cloud your judgment. Now you'll sit and watch as I walk away from you. Stuck as your only hope in being saved is by being chiseled out extremely carefully by your staff. Not that your vestige will last much longer based on the notes Alecto found in your study while he was in your care."
I feel the tension leave my neck as I felt myself smile in contempt. I simply felt my fingers twitch, and a massive spike of condensed silica impaled the jeep, splitting the researcher in half and almost completely incasing Alex. Blood and carcass fell on to her. Her eyes reflected back sheer terror.
"You know, Alex. Fear is produced by potent chemicals in the brain. Clearly, even your decaying one is still able to produce them. Maybe you'll be worth something to research one day." I said, "It will not be today unless you fail to tell where Tabitha is."
"The village on coast... that's where Lyra said she was..." Alex said, hanging her head in defeat.
"So Chambers was right after all." I muttered as I flew off.
Racing towards the coast, the sting of the salt permeated the air fresh in my eyes. The sun that lingered on the horizon shone its last vestiges of pink and orange as the sky turned to indigo and black. The wind sounded like a song from this height, unlike the whistling of things passing while sprinting. This was more akin to a humming sound.
A loud, painful scream rang in my ears. It was a distance away but unmistakable.
"Tabitha!" I mouthed as I dove towards where the scream came from.
The village, now in full view stood, ran down and in a sorry state. There were people racing about, with blood-soaked towels and medical equipment. Among them was Cerberus and Nighthawk.
Touching down the villagers parting at my presence.
"Where is my lotus?" I ask as they ran into separate buildings.
"She's in the large building in the center of town, Wesker. But I think you should revert from what appears to be an Angelis form before you see her." Cerberus said, walking up behind me a bottle morphine and an epidural needle.
Yet again, I heard a loud scream. It caused my veins to burn. Why was she in so much pain. Then, the things I saw clicked into place. The blood-soaked towels and medical equipment. A strong analgesic such as morphine in her guard dogs hands.
"How far along?" I said as the shock drained from my features.
"She's at about eight centimeters. Luckily, this village has a decently trained doctor. Apparently, she's been here nearly fifteen hours. Her body wasn't contracting, and the doctor apparently injected her with Cytotec about an hour and a half ago. Her body started to behave normally after that." He said, "I contacted Dr. Burnside. He's on his way from the ship. There is an abandoned building down this road go there and inject the silver needle into your neck that's in my attache case. It's the stability agent we brought in case she was fully mutated."
I simply nodded and went to the dilapidated house. Just as Cerberus said there was a case on a broken-down workbench. There was a fresh set of clothes next to the opened syringe storage. Carefully, I injected the medicine, and within minutes, my mutations started to crumble into black dust.
The weight of my wings disappeared, and I quickly changed into the set of spare clothes. I didn't have the time for the intricacies of thought. My lotus, who was without support for a month and a half, was in labor. She wasn't going through it alone, not again.
I burst into the build, ladies stammering in Russian running about. I heard her screams and ran to the upstairs floor. In the room laid my lotus, propped up on her elbows and legs on stir-ups. Her hair and face were slicked with sweat.
I could hear how heavy her breathing was. Her eyes were straining in pain. The second I stepped past the door frame, she turned her head. A small pained smile graced her lips.
"Albert, you're here." Her voice very soft but coarse and raspy.
"Like I would let you stay in Alex's grasp long. It seems that they are a bit ahead of schedule." I said, starting to walk up to her.
I watched as her face contorted in agonyand I hurried to be by her side. Reaching for her hand, she quickly grabbed my own. Her face was easing as she took a deep breath.
"I'm glad you showed up when you did, sir. T, you're at full dilation. I need you to push." Steve said as my lotus screamed.
It was going to be a memorable night. One that I'll cherish until eternity clashes on me.
Hey everyone, Silfarianhawk here, and yay, I finally finished this chapter! So, life update I have a new job, and I'm finally in a career that I went to school for. It's been a ride. I have a vacation coming up in the next month with 16+ hours of riding in a car. So I should have at least two chapters for both of my stories done after that.
As Ms. Silva walked through the doors. I hurried down the stairs and quickly locked them behind her. I'm sure the gaurdes would ask questions later, but that was a problem for later. I had a different problem on my hands at the moment.
I pulled the lever leading to the lower level of my office. I headed down the stairs and into my private quarters. I had opened up to someone I barely even knew. I sighed and scratched the back of my head.
She was warm... I thought as I laid out on my bed. The frustration I was feeling during that was confusing. She was caring and honest. That I knew from the things I witnessed from afar.
I saw it first hand when she rushed to save the old timer who tipped the gear cart the day of her first match. Yet there was no mistaking her self-loathing, just as I had my dark places. She did, too.
But archons she was exquisite. Her chest pressed flush against mina. What i wouldn't give to feel the exact same contact but with both their chest exposed. I couldn't but help but wonder what she'd feel like under me. Archons, the lecherous thoughts that were running through my mind were distracting.
I smacked myself on the cheek, my hand wrapping stinging slightly. This brought my train of thought back to the prper places.
The rumor mill around Meropide had been filled with ones about her. One said how she worked for the Fatui, and that's why she has a deep understanding of alchemy. There was one that said she was sent by the abyss order to assassinate the Iudex. I knew for a fact that these were both false.
Being the Duke of Meropide granted me to certain privileged information. My network went out and found what I was looking for. Her exploits in liyue and Inazuma.
The detailed report laid on my nightstand. I had finished it prior to my meeting with Silva. To say she's had an eventful life so far was an understatement.
One of the key highlights was that she was held captive by multiple ronin factions until she was saved by the former head of the Kamisato clan when she was nine. I had a troubling thought about a different inmate. He was a ronin from Inazuma who fled here before his country closed the borders.
I shook my head and let the thought pass. More than likely, I was overthinking the matter. From that point forward, she made a name for herself as an apprentice to Baizhu traveling through Liyue and some of Mondstat. She was currently only twenty-six, same age as me.
There was some information regarding her travel visa. As she said, her main reason listed was to investigate a couple of people linked to a ship leaving Port Ormos in Sumeru. The female having abandoned a man and a young infant at the port after a fight with a group of desert dwelling cultists. According to what my research has found, there was a photo of a couple in the steam bird who matched the description of the couple, not even a month prior, the woman heavily pregnant.
They were herb farmers from Sumeru and had managed to land a very lucrative deal selling to a hotel in the Court of Fontaine. The investigator went to their supposed home and found remains of a fire that had previously transpired. Nuevillette even made a comment in the paper stating that the farmers had disappeared and weren't able to be found.
I sighed and rolled on to my back. The look on her face... when I caught her, it was quite adorable. I felt a slight growl of annoyance leave my lips. I should not be thinking about that. Even if she was enticing, she was an inmate under my watch. To have those kinds of thoughts was scandalous and downright inappropriate.
Sitting up, I turned to stand. That was when I heard footsteps in my office. There was only one other person in all of Tevyat who had a key to my office. I slicked back my disheveled hair and headed up the stairs.
"Monsieur Nuevillette, for what do I owe the honor?" I asked ascending the stairs.
"Ah, Wriothesley, I came to hand you this. Blood work from Ms. Silva, while in the hospital after the drug, had fully passed from her body." He said, laying down a folder.
"You really didn't have to travel all the way to the underworld for that. You could have sent Clorinde. You have a suspect, don't you?" I asked, opening the folder.
"Not as much a suspect but a lead rather. They recovered the blade that Ms. Silva was stabbed with." Nuevillette said, sitting on the sofa.
"Well, it's been over a month and a half. I suspect there wasn't much evidence of the person who stabbed her." I said, picking up the blood test and reading it.
"There were trace amounts of a deep purple substance on the blade. It had been treated numerous times with what appeared to be Sumeru rose oil." He said, "However, even that wouldn't cause the anomaly in her blood work."
I stared at the results, and I understood what he meant. The amount of Dendric energy that was running through her was as if she ingested forest essential oil every day for each day of her life.
"Monsieur, do you think this attack was targeted on her and not just a random mugging?" I asked, setting down the paperwork into the ever growing case file.
"I'm glad that I'm not the only one to think that as well. It seems that might indeed be the case. I can't help but wonder what would cause an anomaly quite like this. I'd jest and say she was the dendro elemental sovereign. However, the dendro the dragon Apep is still very much alive." He said, his knuckles wrapping tightly around his cane.
"I've noticed that she seems to avoid opponents in the ring who have dendro visions and use dendro related weapons. Perhaps her doctor in Liyue noticed this and told her to avoid dendro energy altogether. she received a letter from him today in all actuality. The parcel he sent her is in front of you." I said, scratching the back of my neck, "I was going to deliver it to her bunk after I dealt with a pressing matter."
"That pressing matter, what was it? I noticed your door was locked when I had first arrived." Nuevillette said, looking at the two tea cups in front of the parcel.
"I take it. You just had her sign the transfer, then? That was quite fast, your grace. If it weren't for the reforms you've been implementing, I'd say you have a bit of favoritism towards her." I heard Nuevillettes voice soften as he spoke.
I felt my ears redden, "I can guarantee there is not, Monsieur Nuevillette. I treat all my inmates with various forms of similarity. She's just an inmate we are investigating." I said, noticing my breath coming put as slightly visible clouds.
"Wriothesley, I have known you since you went by a different name. I know you wouldn't treat any exiles differently. However, my young Duke, you should learn to keep your deeper emotions in check. Your vision gives you away. In my long standing as Iudex, I've seen that cryo visions are quite linked with emotion..." Nuevillette quickly stopped and stared down the steps.
"Monsieur Nuevillette?" As I said his name, he lifted his hand up.
"Something isn't right..." He said, as my heart froze, "There was just a massive surge of hydro energy nearby."
"Is it what's kept in the forbidden zone?" I asked, glad he was here if that was the case.
"No, thankfully not, but please follow me. I have a feeling something else that has been on our minds has taken place." He said quickly, standing up and heading down the stairs.
Just as we made it down the stairs, a guarde burst in.
"I'm sorry to disturb the meeting, but we have a serious issue inside the Pankration ring!" The gaurde shouted.
"Tell us what happened!" I ordered as the man's face paled.
Nuevillette placed his hand on my shoulder. I felt a slight lessening of my tension.
"Well, from what it appears, prisoner one zero six four attacked several members of the guarde and inmates in the Pankration ring." He said as my heart sank.
Without thinking, I rushed to the ring. The lift is taking so long to reach the right hallway. I was sprinting out once it arrived. A strong grassy scent permeated the hall and was even stronger around the ring, dendro elemental reactions.
I noticed five full-grown men scattered about the floor unconscious. There were two gaurdes and three inmates. Among the injured was Renard and his possy. They look fine, just unconscious. Then I noticed Holland, the guarde who caused Silva' s wounds to reopen her first day. He was supposed to be in the abandoned production zone.
I noticed something out of my elemental sight. While I was no master at it, Clorinde taught me how to use it effectively. Against the wall was a splash of glowing green energy, and on the floor was a medium bottle. I lifted it up to examine the bottle. There was slowly browning red liquid around the rim.
The smell was obvious, blood. It was faint, but it took me somewhere I didn't need to be. My hands coated in the sticky warm ichor. The smell of copper grazing my nostrils.
"Your grace!" A similar voice shouted.
The grass smell came back, pushing away the smell of red metal. I looked up as Sam limped over to me. He had a bloody lip but looked otherwise unharmed.
"It's not her fault!" Sam said as he fell to his knees.
I ran over to him, bracing him and helping him over to the ring steps. He looked like he'd seen hell, and that's saying something in the underworld.
"What happened here, Sam?" I asked as I heard tiny feet run up behind me and over to the unconscious men.
"Holland, he brought her here telling her her match was rescheduled for earlier. Wosley told her to go so she wouldn't miss her match. That she could start tomorrow. I noticed them heading here, so I followed. I kept my distance." He said, wiping his dripping lip.
"Go on, we're listening." Nuevillette said, walking up beside us.
"Chief Justice, I had no idea you were here." Sam coughed, "but after I got off the lift, Renard and his goons grabbed me. When they forced me in her, I saw Holland pinning Silva against the wall, trying to force her to drink this glowing green liquid. Renard forced me on to my knees and gave Silva a choice. Drink what Holland was trying to make her drink, or they'd make sure I'd never walk again."
"She chose to drink what was in that bottle, didn't she? Given that you're no longer on the floor out cold." I said, looking over to see Sigewinne treating the beat-up inmates on the floor.
"She did... once she did, Holland slashed at her Achilles tendons in her left foot. She crumpled over, and her highlights started to glow forest green. All four of the others started to laugh and shoved me at her. That's was when I felt it, hot fluids seeping into my uniforms coat." He said, pointing to where he was sprawled out earlier.
I saw it dropped on the floor, his uniform coat laid coating in blood, "Sigewinne, bring me Officer Auclair's coat."
"Of course, Your Grace." She said, grabbing it quickly and rushing it over to me.
Nuevillette's face scrunched at the sight, "it's pulsating with dendric energy, just like her clothes were after she was detained. My guess is that the liquid was a vial of the drug that landed her here."
"Renard tried to run me through with his spear. She jumped in the way to protect me. She told me to close my eyes. She said that she was going to make sure I could go home tonight and see my wife and newborn. I did just that. The next few moments, there were a lot of wet noises, and suddenly, the room smelled like freshly cut grass. When I opened my eyes, she was gone, and the others were unconscious and had what looked like chains made from water holding them to the floor. I thought she had hidden herself in a corner because there were about seven dendro cores gathered behind the stands. Unfortunately, she wasn't there, and damn cores knocked my lights clean out." He said, looking defeated.
"Chains made of water?" I asked, noticing the puddles of water under each unconscious body and walking over to one.
"That must have been what I felt in your office, your grace. Sigewinne, I trust you can handle getting these fools to the infirmary? And escort Mr. Auclair to Wriothesley's office, " Nuevillette said, standing up his eyes narrowing.
"I know that look. You're pissed Monsieur Nuevillette. What course of action would you purpose?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Justice has failed her... I need to make this right. We need to find her." He said, stamping his cane on the metal floor.
I heard shuffling feet come down the hallway. Claude and Anton stopped in front of both me and Nuevillette. They had horrified looks on their features.
"Where did you see her?" I asked, ready to bolt.
"She made it to the lift that leads to the abandoned production zone. Your Grace, if you don't want a dead prisoner, you should hurry. Just follow the trail of blood. It's unmistakable." Claude said.
"I'll help head nurse Sigewinne. Archons, what a mess. Once these idiots are in the infirmary, I'll point Sigewinne in your direction." Anton said, running over to Renard and lifting him onto his shoulder.
I turned to face Nuevillette. He simply nodded, and we headed to the abandoned production zone. There was a pit forming in the bottom of my stomach. One I hadn't felt in a long time. Not since that night.
I couldn't place why I was having these thoughts. Plenty of people I knew died during my incarnation, and during my take over. So why was I so worried.
Nuevillette sensing my inner turmoil faced me once we reached the lift to the abandoned production zone. He had a stern look on his face, but it also bore concern.
"Wriothesley, what's on your mind?" He asked, his catalyst floating beside him.
"Nuevillette, I'm confused about my emotions. I feel as if my judgment is clouded surrounding her. I've watched Ms. Silva from afar as you asked, and we've had tea twice. However, since we first spoke, I can't get her out of my head. It's wrong!" I groan, squatting down and burying my face into my now active gauntlets.
"Ahh, the qualms of youth, tell me your grace, that pressing matter earlier it wasn't the transfer was it?" Nuevillette asked.
"No, it wasn't. I uh had to..." I tried to speak, but Nuevillette raised his hand, and there was a soft smile on his face.
"It's attraction your grace, be it by a physical means or your attracted by her personality. It shows you are human. While you find it cumbersome that she is an inmate, perhaps fate is trying to give you some reprieve." Nuevillette said, his voice calm and almost comforting.
"Maybe you're right, Nuevillette. Maybe when...." I stopped mid sentence, "That's a lot of blood."
I stared towards a grated wall. The water leading to it was deep red, and the crimson fluid smeared across the grate. That path was closed off. It used to lead to old cells, and it was mostly flooded.
"She really doesn't want to be found." I said as a loud shrieking noise rung out from behind the grate, "What the hell was that sound?".
"That, my dear Wriothesley, was the cry of a starved vishap." Nuevillette said, his eyes narrowing.
I walked over to the grate and kicked it down. Metal groaning as it fell flat. Ducking under the wall, I was wondering how someone as injured as her was able to place back that grate. It had to have at least been seventy-five pounds.
Blood coated the walkways as we headed deeper into the sealed off wing of the prison. I remembered this place. The previous warden locked those who questioned him here. I was thrown in here just after my accounts got cleared out. I had it closed off when I became warden.
The vishap howls became louder as we began to reach the center. That was when we saw why. In the center of the main hall was a fully grown hydro vishap chained down by massive brass fetters. Its eyes were bloodshot as it thrashed about.
"It's riled up by the scent of blood that has permeated the air. It's even denser than the smell of dendro. Wriothesley, go find her. I shall take care of this and keep using elemental sight. Im sure it'll lead you straight to her." Nuevillette said, and I simply nodded.
I followed the blood and occasional dendro core. It led deeper and deeper into the old cell block. However, just as Nuevillette predicted, I had to depend on elemental sight. The room was completely flooded when the trail went cold.
Sighing, I jumped into the murky cold waters. Triggering elemental sight in the water wasn't the funnest. In all honesty, it made my eyes burn more than normal. Then I noticed it a red line. It was faint waning almost.
Kicking through the dense grimy waters, I found an outlet. It rose up beyond the waters and opened up into a sickening sight. It was but a rumor, I had thought. My predecessors torture chamber.
Blacken blood along the walls and in the center of the floor was Silva. She had her head held low. I took a single step when she spoke.
"You shouldn't have come, Wriothesley." Her sounded broken like a scratched record.
"And let you die on my watch? Now, what kind of warden would I be if I let that happen?" I asked as I took a look at the position she was in.
"A pretty standard one, in all honesty. At least from what I saw of Inazuma prison wardens." She said.
I stepped towards her, and as soon as my boot clanked against the metal, I was sent flying back by a tentacle made of water. I tried to step forth again. However, something held me in place. Looking down, I saw what was stopping me. The tentacle that just knocked me back had turned into a heavy chain that bound me where I stood.
"Please just go! I hurt them! Even if they were trying to do the same to me, it's not right what I did! I couldn't control myself!" She shouted as if in pain.
Dendro cores surrounded her. They were forming from her body. The drug she consumed clearly activated the latent dendric energy in her body.
"You defended yourself! There is nothing wrong with that! Even if you weren't in control of the clashing elemental energy's radating from you. It's because of you that Sam can see his newborn tonight!" I shouted back, pulling at the chain.
"So he is okay then.... that's..." She mumbled as the dendro cores burst, causing her to collapse onto one arm.
That's when I saw the full extent of what Renard did. Blood was leaking from her tattered shirt. The fabric falling of her body ripped and coated in her bodily fluids. He had run her clean through.
"How are you not dead? The amount of blood I saw on the way here. No one could survive losing that much." I growled as I pulled on the shackle.
"No.... clue... hey Wriothesley, do you think that even after this, we could have another tea break? I....hadn't felt so comfortable around someone in a very long time..." She laughed hoarsely as her arm gave out.
"Silva! Hold on damn it!" I called out unleashing my vision and shattered the chains made of the dense hydro energy.
I quickly made it over to her slumped over form. Deactivating my gauntlets, I lifted her blood-soaked body. This being the second time i held her like this, I couldn't help but notice more details. She had a scar that wrapped around her neck. it matched her wrists and ankles. Her lips were slowly losing color bit were still a soft pink. Her highlights were dimly glowing, giving off a gentle green light.
"Hey now... you better stay with me damn it." I said while checking her pulse.
I felt a slight but weak flutter in her carotid artery. Celestia hadn't taken her yet. I felt a sigh of relief shake out from my body. I placed my hand over the wound and started to apply my ice to it.
"Aughh..." She unconsciously moaned and shifted in my arms.
Then I felt something shift and roll.
CLANK!
I looked on the ground next to us, a Fontainian hydro vision now laid there on the metal floor. That little ball of glass answered so much.
"See... you can't be leaving yet... you were just chosen by the archons for something." I half-heartedly choke out, placing the vision in her hand.
As soon as I sealed the massive perforation, I lifted her into my arms and stood. The dendro cores had finally stopped forming, and her hair stopped its glow. I quickly moved away from the last few cores and made my way down an open hallway.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, I heard two very familiar voices. I knew right then this ordeal would be put to rest. I had finally met up with the all mighty Iudex and my head nurse.
"YOUR GRACE!" Sigewinne shouted, running over to me and Silva.
"I managed to stop the bleeding. However, we need to..." I stopped as she placed her hand out.
"Help me get her to her bunk, your grace. I'll treat her there." Sigewinne said, her eyes looking bleakly over Silva.
Nuevillette walked up behind Sigewinne and sighed. He looked at the messy state she was in, and his face noticably darkened.
We rushed back to the dorms, only stopping for a brief moment for Sigewinne to grab her emergency kit. It made sense to not bring her to the infirmary where the ones who did this to her were. After all, they were only unconscious. Unconscious.... they were just unconscious.
Arriving at the room, Sigewinne quickly laid out a plastic tarp over Silva's bed. After I laid her on her bed, Nuevillette and i were shooed out, and the cell door closed.
I was about to bang on the door, but Nuevillette grabbed my shoulder for who knew how many times today.
"Wriothesley, let's go to your office. We can't stand around here." He said, trying to comfort me.
I nodded and followed him. We were quiet the entire walk. The tension was palpable. I could tell that he was just as upset as I was.
Once we arrived at my office, I quickly put on a kettle. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted her blend. I prepped two cups and added the sugar cubes. Pouring the water, I let my frustrations go with the steam.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Nuevillette. I made you a cup without asking." I said, burying my face in my palm, noticing my blunder.
"You normally pour me one anyway. I've never seen you use cor lapis jars to store your tea. Where did you get them?" He asked.
It was clear he was trying to ease the tension in the room. I handed him his cup and sat at my desk. The floral blend of herbs wafting up to my nose slowly sent me to earlier today. When I had caught her from falling down the stairs. I softly laughed.
"They're hers. They were a gift before she left Liyue harbor." I said admiring the large gemstone jar.
"Wriothesley, what's on your mind after all that has transpired in the past hour and a half? Your smile has returned, even though today was, as you would say, a shit show." Nuevillette said as my eyes quickly darted towards him as he rarely swore.
I stared at my small tea cup, "I just have a feeling Silva will survive this."
Nuevillette took a sip of his tea, "You seem quite confident in that. What is giving you that sense of security?".
"Before she fell unconscious, she asked to have tea with me again. We signed a contract to train her in hand to hand combat when I had her sign the transfer. But she didn't ask for that. She asked for me and her to have tea again." I said, chuckling at the end.
I barely saw it, but I did. The mighty Iudex head lowered slightly, and a small smile graced his lips.
"Then I hope she doesn't let you down." He said.
I pressed my back against the chair and closed my eyes. She'd survive. I've never had anyone else actually ask for tea with me. So she would have to be OK, right?
Time... always so fickle. It's just been a blur. My phone calls with Albert were always so few and far between it seems, yet I knew it was only three days each time. Just before Alex doses me with the destabilizing agent.
Angelis claws its way through my veins the days following. The pain had become an all to familiar sensation. It was devouring me. I'd thank the gods for Uroboros, but I settled for thanking Albert.
I felt it keeping my body strong while it was weakened it kept Angelis at bay. I heard the voices again. The ones I thought long ago were gone. The voices, mine, and Albert's psychologist told me that were from my P.T.S.D.. The one she warned me could split from myself and become something more severe. I knew what she meant.
I couldn't allow myself to dissociate. My father had it after serving in the Russian military. I watched his personality shift during his and my mother's fights. He was a different person from the kind man I knew during those moments.
He was later diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder just before his suicide in Raccoon city's mental health ward. The doctors claimed he was calling himself a different name. Then, three days later, he broke into the armed guards' office. They found a note with his plan to be shot and killed by the guards along with an apology to Chris and I.
"How are you fairing today, deary." Alex said, entering my room.
Esther followed her in. That's just great, as if I didn't feel drained enough. My breasts were swollen and sore from constantly feeding the maids. I didn't want to deal with this.
"Tired, lady Alex. Your nieces and nephew kept me me wake most of the night." I spoke, my voice sounded empty.
"I'll have medical bring you some melatonin. It's a shame that you had to learn the gender like that without Albert. But that's what you get for lashing out at my precious angels." Alex said back, turned towards me.
"I understand, milady. For what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" I asked, not an ounce of emotion in my voice.
"I have a business deal with Dylan Blake. I have an understanding that Albert took you on every black market deal he had once you rejoined him." She said, throwing a black cloak at me along with a random nine mil.
I felt a veil of unease was over me. I had never met Blake after his incident in Raccoon City. I only remember his training days. He was a shy kid only there to make money. The rumors have painted him as a loose cannon. Who knows what he'd reach out to Alex for.
"I take it, that is why you haven't given me that accursed destabilizing agent yet?" I said, picking up the hand gun.
"Very astute of you to recognize that. Yes, I don't trust Blake. Should anything happen to me, you are to escort your viral progeny back here until I return, and you need to keep your feeding schedule for my darling angels." She said as she turned to face me.
"Yes, mam." I said, sighing, pulling down the thin robe exposing my breasts, "speaking of which, it's time for your feeding Esther."
"Well done, seven forty-eight. It seems you're finally accepting your place here. We will set out once Esther finishes. " Alex said as Esther walked up to me and shoves me onto the armchair in the corner of the room.
I felt myself fade at that moment in time. Like clockwork, my mind wandered to Wesk. How he was fairing. Whether or not Excella had taken advantage of my absence to make a move on him. How were Gale and Jill doing? How their relationship possibly deepened from this.
My mind drifts to think about Nighthawk and Juna. Were they still together? Was Nighthawk even still alive? How was Juna handling the loss?
Then Chris raced across my mind. Was he still training that kid? What was his name... Piers, right? Yea. I hope he has remained resolved to keep to the B.S.A.A.. Chris needs someone he can depend on to have his back.
I felt Esther unlatch from my nipple as I tried to regain my clarity. I drew in a long breath and pushed myself off the chair. I walked over to the dresser and put on some less form-fitting clothes.
"Come, we've dawdled long enough! Seven forty-eight to my side." Alex barked.
I tossed on the cloak, "As you wish..."
I followed her throughout her underground mansion, taking notes of everything. I needed to do something. I just had the feeling of dread. I knew my clock was ticking here.
Alex had started collecting my blood... she had taken fourteen vials. She only needed one more set before she'd be able to turn those three. It has been, I believe, almost five weeks. Albert is supposed to arrive soon with Uroboros samples.
Soon, she won't need me, and even though she said she wouldn't harm me or my little ones, I don't trust her. She was always and only out for herself. I need an out.
We arrived at the mine entrance. There stood Aquila and Lyra with Blake. He had a heavy revolver in his hand. I couldn't tell the model the light from the sun was too bright for my hypersensitive eyes. It had been far too long since I had been in the sun.
"Mr. Blake, welcome to my home." Alex said.
"Ahh, Alex, it's great to see you and your lovely maids again. It seems you added another to your guard." He said, tapping his cane in a strange rhythm.
"Just an experiment that's almost done away with its usefulness. By the end of tonight, it'll be resigned to wander the island." Alex said in a hushed tone, as if trying to keep me from hearing what she said.
"I'd much like to see it do bring it forward." He said.
"As you wish, SEVEN FORTY-EIGHT!" Alex motioning for me to come to her.
I lowered my head and walked over to them. As soon as I stopped next to her, I felt cold leather grab my face. Blake stared into my damn near lifeless eyes. I saw something in his eyes, recognition.
"I had heard you died, teach. Yet another person this world has been cruel to. Glen told me of what befell your daughter and in front of you no less. You have my apologies. Tell me, can you still talk, Ms. Redfield?" He said.
I felt a surge of sorrow build in the back of my throat. Redfield... how long has it been since I've been called by my maiden name. I didn't cry. What tears could have fallen were shed when I learned the genders of my children without my husband.
"Experiment seven forty-eight has been forbidden from speaking unless she has been addressed by me or my vassels." Alex said, I saw her smirk plastered on her face.
"Alex, permit her to speak to me. I need her opinion on something." Blake said as he stopped tapping his cane.
"Very well, you may answer Mr. Blake's questions, seven forty-eight." She said with irritation, grating the edge of her voice.
I nodded.
"First, you're like me, correct? Riddled with holes from your trauma. Not exactly the same as we were we we last saw each other." He asked his thumb, brushing over the silver tip of his cane.
"You are absolutely correct, Blake. In all honesty, I'm coming apart at the seams. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep myself afloat in the vast stormy tide." I said, my voice quivering.
"Ah, you were always one able to paint a picture with your words. Next question, when are you due? You are clearly heavily gravid. I'd dare say close to nine months with how defined that bump is." He asked as his hand reached into his pocket.
"Two and a half months till full term. However, triplets never make it to the full forty. By my medical knowledge, it'd be closer to a month, maybe a month and a half if im lucky." I said, placing my hand on my abdomen.
"That's enough. Mr. Blake." Alex said only to be met with his revolver aimed at Alex's forehead.
"I have one last question, then we can discuss our business." He said, resuming his tapping pattern with his cane.
I shoved the gun away, "I'll answer, but do not point your gun at her!"
"There's the teach I knew. Keep your charge safe, right." He said, leaning towards me till he was right next to my ear, "Do you wish to be freed from this? From your suffering? From the constant ringing in your head from the countless lives you've taken?"
I felt a wave of cold release from my heart. Give up? Is that what I truly wanted? Albert crossed my mind as did everyone. I knew if i passed now, the kids could survive. But I knew my answer.
"No, death isn't going to release me. I'll persevere." I sighed quietly.
"Smart, now be ready." He said, pulling something from his pocket.
"What are you doing!?!" Lyra shouted as she noticed the syringe in his hand as he stabbed it into my neck.
"Just a gift from my boss." He said, walking away as I collapsed to my knees.
The maids ran over to me. Alex had a shocked expression on her face as Blake had seemingly disappeared. I laughed as I felt the drug rushing through my body as I coughed up a massive clot of blood.
"You planned this, didn't you! To sabotage my angels!" Alex shouted, lifting my limp body up by the shoulders.
"I've been at your mercy Alex, now how could I have done that." I said as the haze came for me.
I couldn't speak but I felt and saw everything. The wind on my skin as I was raced to the room I've pretty much been confined to this entire time. My body was on fire. The exact same pain I felt when Albert injected me with Uroboros.
I felt something jab my arm. A blood drawl needle is more than likely. I felt the fire pooled around the needle. I knew exactly what was happening. Angelis was waking up.
I felt my energy surge as my body felt exhausted. For a brief moment, there was clarity, and then I heard what Alex said.
"There now that she has served her purpose, she and her mutts can finally be put down. Albert never should have fallen in love with or impregnated that faulty experiment." She said.
I felt something bubble up from my chest. All the rage and hatred I've felt for Alex, building. She wanted to kill them. My babies, like hell, would I allow that to happen.
Cold.... it was finally there. I was changing into the thing I wanted to all the time I've been held captive. However, now was not the time. I'd be patient and bide my time. I felt the cocoon enclose around me.
My children are now safe. Alex, your angels were about to fall. All while I ascend to where you'll never be.
Hey everyone, Silfarianhawk here. I hope ya'll are enjoying. It's going to be an interesting next few chapters. The paper drafts are done. All that's left is typing it up. I'm going to take a couple of weeks to make sure everything blends smoothly and is cohesive. As always, my name is Silfarianhawk, and I'm not so far away.
The weeks following my first Pankration match were tantalizingly busy. I had Roussimoff scheduling me for a fight every few days. The number of coupons I was raking in was far more substantial than my days working long hours on the production floor. However, the crowd still seemed to hate my guts. While some warmed up to me more often than not, people placed higher bets on my opponent. Not that I cared. It just meant I could afford a minuscule upgrade in my way of life.
I was walking through the admin area on my way to see if wosley had any more Fonta available for purchase when Sam ran up to me. He seemed to be in quite the rush.
"Ah! Sam, care to share a Fonta with me? I have quite a few coupons left over from my winnings." I said, smiling.
He panted as he placed his hands on his knees, "Silva! His grace would like to see you in his office."
"Well, I'm sure his grace would understand if I'm a little late. You look like you were sprinting a mile. Let me get you that Fonta." I smiled, wondering why Wriothesley wanted to see me.
I helped Sam over to the tables. Wolsey walked over to Sam and handed him a bottle of pure water. That was probably a better move than a Fonta.
"I have to go see his grace. Keep an eye on him, Wosley." I said as I walked away.
Once again, I'd only seen him in passing glances. He always seemed so busy. But he was there at each of my Pankration matches. I always saw him for a brief second out of the corner of my eye during the final moments of the bout.
It was oddly comforting. I heard from Roussimoff that his grace still participates in Pankration matches. That he was a champion Pankration fighter numerous times. Maybe I should ask for some tips or something.
I opened the massive metal door. I could faintly hear jazz playing in the background. I walked in and slowly ascended the stairs. The music gradually increased in volume as I climbed. I stopped at the top of the stairs and noticed his back turned towards me.
"You wished to see me your grace?" I asked as I approached him.
"Ah, Silva, thank you for coming. Please have a seat. I just put a fresh pot of tea on." He said back still towards me, his hand gesturing to the sofa.
"Thank you, Wriothesley." I said, walking over towards the couch.
"It seems I owe you a set of thanks. I just received a letter with a contract and an order sheet from Bubu pharmacy." He said, turning towards me a package in his hand.
"A promise is a promise, your grace. I am a woman of my word. I may not be a prideful person. However, I do hold myself to that standard." I said as he sat the package and two letters on the coffee table.
"That package came from Liyue Harbor addressed to you. It came with three letters, one addressed to the Duke of Meropide, the those are addresses to you." He said, walking over to the now whistling tea kettle.
"Thank you, Wriothesley. I don't know if you noticed, but there are those here who aren't my biggest fans." I smiled as I picked up the letters. One was a light blue envelope with a green wax seal with a snake on it. Baizhu, I'm glad he replied. The other one was just like the last letter his grace handed me.
"Care for any sugar or cream?" He asked, pouring the tea into their respective cups.
"Depends. What blend are we drinking today?" I asked, slowly opening Baizhu's letter.
"I'm using your blend, seeing as we haven't shared tea in the past month and a half. Not to mention the reports I've been getting from Sigewinne about a certain inmate with a migraine every few days. I figured it would be the best course of action." He said, placing a cube in his tea.
I felt a blush graze my cheeks, "Just one then, your grace. I must apologize about my actions. They seem to have made you worry about my well-being. I just didn't want there to be any call to arms against you. As I said earlier, there aren't very many here who look kindly upon me."
"I figured that was the case. Tell me how long have you been receiving those threatening notes on your workstation in the production zone?" He asked, sitting next to me on the couch.
I must have had a shocked look on my face because Wriothesley let out a small chuckle. He took a sip of his tea. I gazed at the scars under he eyes lift as he did. Did my heart just flutter at that... nope, that couldn't have been it.
"How long have you known? I haven't told anyone about them." I said, trying to hide my expression by taking a drink of my tea.
"Sam... He reported it. He noticed the random slips of paper appearing at your work bench seemingly overnight when no one was around. He read one and was horrified. He brought it to my attention later that shift." He said, glancing at me.
"Sam..." I said, looking at my hands shaking.
"I decided to investigate, and I can tell you that they are dropped off between my early morning rounds and start of your shift. Being that I only started this investigation about three days ago, I'd say your package arrived with perfect timing, paper trail, and all." He said with a smug tone in his voice.
"Thank you, Wriothesley. If I weren't so stubborn about not feeling like a burden, I would have brought it to your attention. It's been happening since my third day here." I sigh, setting my cup down.
"You should have brought this to my attention." He said, turning towards me, "I know a lot of gaurdes and prisoners are still used to my predecessors' rules and policies. My new policies instill the main rule of rehabilitation and consistency. I want Meropide to be a place where people learn from their wrongs and grow in a place free from the constant threat of violence. That's why I kept the Pankration ring."
His tone was like he was scolding an inmate, and in the truest sense of the thought, he was. However, there was something else there, it seemed. I shook my head, I was just thinking too much into it.
"Would you like me to read the letters to you, Wriothesley?" I asked, flustered quickly, trying to change the subject.
"Oh ahem, yes, that was the main reason I did call you here. Monsieur Nuevillette wants to know if you were in contact with the people who matter to you." Wriothesley said, pouring more tea into both mine and his cups.
"He is a very kind man." I said, placing a single cube of sugar in my cup.
"You've only seen him in a decent mood. He has a temperament that is to be minded." Wriothesley said.
I opened the letter and started to read. Baizhus voice playing in my head, Changshengs as well.
"Silva, I am glad to have received your letter. When Mr. Zhongli informed me of your circumstances. I was sure it would be quite a while before I heard from you again. It brings comfort to me and Changsheng to hear you are well. To think you'd make a deal to bring me more mora while so far away. I'm glad to see you haven't changed from the kind girl who volunteered to help Qiqi and Gui dry herbs in her free time. I sent you some more of the tea that I provided you with before your trip, as well as something special. Mr. Zhongli asked me to provide it to you, even covered the costs of the shipping. I think he figured part of the mystery of your mother. He wouldn't talk to me much about it, so I'm not exactly sure about the details. He had me send a letter from him in this parcel. Have the lovely head nurse reach out with any needs of your medication. I'll be glad to cover the expenses until you return to Liyue.
On one last note, however, Changsheng wants you to be careful. Goodness knows what will happen if you come in contact with that drug again. Dendro energy can be very volatile when not properly controlled. She doesn't want to see you hurt. Nor do I, for that matter. Take care of yourself since I'm not there to treat your wounds. Please write to me when you can. Take care, Baizhu and Changsheng." I said, wiping tears from my eyes.
"He seems like a very good man and an even better doctor. Who is Changsheng? His wife?" Wriothesley asked, and I simply laughed.
"No, nothing like that. Changsheng is his familiar he inherented from his master." I smiled.
"Oh..." He coughed a bit of an embarrassed blush on his cheeks, "Ehem... I won't have you read that letter from your other friend. It seems the information is strictly meant for you. I understand the importance of finding out where you came from. It isn't talked about much, but I was raised in a foster home."
I noticed something in his expression, a forlorn darkness. There was something he clearly needed to unpack. But I don't feel like I should dig. We were just becoming more familiar with each other. But something compelled me to say something.
"You okay, Wriothesley? You seem a bit sullen all of a sudden." I say instinctively, placing my hand on his back.
He stiffened for a brief second at the touch but quickly relaxed, "Yeah, just lost in thought."
He stood up and stretched. Walking over to his desk, he pulled out a couple of papers and a quill. He motioned me to come to over to him.
"I need you to sign a couple of things. Would you come over here?" He said.
I simply nodded and walked over to the desk.
"What do you need me to sign?" I asked curiously.
"Well one I need you to sign without a doubt before you leave. In all honesty, I'd feel safer with it in place. The other is a contract between you and me if you are interested." He said, staring into my eyes.
This piqued my interest. What kind of contract would I'd be signing, and what was the first paper about. I stopped in front of his desk, and he handed me the first paper he pulled out. It had notice of work transfer in bold on top.
"I discussed this with Nuevillette. I told him about the notes on your workstation as soon as i heard about it as he wants updates and all. He believes this will at least lessen the chance of someone taking their version of justice out on you." Wriothesley said, interlocking his fingers together.
I read the document and confusion spring up in my mind.
"To the kitchens, are you sure? Wosley normally doesn't trust violent offenders in his kitchens." I asked.
Wriothesley chuckled, "He welcomed the thought with open arms. I distinctly remember him saying he finds you pleasant for conversation and would love to learn more about the cuisine you've picked up through your travels. He said that the hours are longer than the production zones but is willing to give you time off for your Pankration matches."
I felt a shock run through my system. Wosley even describes himself as a person who doesn't trust very easily. I felt an ease of tension flood my body. Then, a saddened thought dripped into my thoughts. How would I train for my matches. Even though I was still new in the ring. The release it gave me from my frustrations was almost euphoric.
I heard another chuckle from his grace.
"I know that look. Debating between the transfer and the ring, huh?" He said, handing me the second paper.
"Am i that easy to read?" I asked, taking the supposed contract.
"No, I was in your position at one point during my stay. That's why I had this drawn up. I think you'd find it quite beneficial for us both." He said.
I felt drawn to the contract. What was it? What did it entail? I picked it up and started to read through it. I must have looked incredibly flustered.
"It doesn't involve anything of a personal nature. If that's what got you looking like that." He assured me.
I felt my cheeks redden, and i stopped reading, not even getting past the secondline. That wasn't what I thought! Was it? No, definitely not. Ayato always told me to wait to find someone I cared about to do anything like that. I barely have known Wriothesley for a couple of months, archons. This is only the second time we have even actually spoken.
"I promise Wriothesley! it's not that!" I exclaimed.
He let out a laugh that clearly built from his stomach, "Oh relax, sweetheart. I was just pulling your leg. If I had five mora for every time a female inmate offered herself to me, I'd be able to afford the kitchen overhaul Wosley has been asking for."
Sweetheart? That word rang in my ears. I shook my head at my stupidity. He was the administrator. Of course, he wouldn't do that.
"This is simply a sparring and training contract." He said as I set it down and walked up behind me.
"Training?" I asked, turning my head to look at him.
"I've been at each of your matches, and I know you know that. You're good with your weapon and alchemy. However, your martial arts is sloppy, to say the least. At the same time, i find your combat interesting. I want to train you to be able to use your abilities to their fullest. I could even help you make some improvements on your weapons. " He said, placing his hand on the contract.
"You want to train me?" I asked, noticing his scarred hands hidden behind black bandages.
"It's just an offer. It would allow you to be up after lights out and be able to not allow the other inmates to watch you train. I'd even have Sam escort you back to your bunk." He said.
"You sure about all this, even the weapons your grace. All I use are wires? How can that even be modified?" I asked my mind racing.
I felt something heavy on my opposite shoulder. I quickly turned my head and saw a black and brass gauntlet resting on it. Where the hell did that come from.
"It surprises most people what a little knowledge of mechanics can do. I was able to perfect these during my time here. They resonate very well with my catalyst." He said, pulling his gauntlet away from me as he walked back to his chair, "in the end, this decision is completely up to you."
"I know, I've made up my mind." I said, setting down the contract, "I'm tired of doing the same old thing. Be it combat or work. It's been getting harder each match in the ring. Not to mention, I have a feeling that the asshole who stabbed me is still out there."
"Well then, the dotted line is right there, sweetheart." Wriothesley said, handing me the inked quill.
I took the pen and signed the documents. Sliding them over to him, I noticed his face seemed contemplative. I wondered what was going on behind those lovely blue grey eyes. I sighed at my thoughts. I felt as if I should start my job for the day.
"Wriothesley, when would you like to have our first training session?" I asked curiously.
"How about tomorrow? You have a match tonight, right? That way, I can finish off what regimen to build off of." He said, standing up looking at the time, "speaking of which you should probably head to the kitchen. Don't worry, I'll bring the crate brought to your bunk later."
"Thank you, Wriothesley." I said, heading towards the stairs.
"No problem. Here, let me at least walk you out." He said, catching up to me.
"Thanks," I said, stopping at the stairs and trying to turn towards him.
Unfortunately, my balance didn't want to stay stable. I felt the air of the office rush past my ears. Well fuck... I awaited the pain to strike only to feel a strong pull. The next thing I felt was warmth and my face pressed against fabric.
I looked up only to see myself pulled into Wriothesley's chest, his hand on my wrist, and his other arm wrapped around my back. I saw concern on his face, but his cheeks were slightly pink.
"Hey now, be careful. I can tell you from experience those metal stairs hurt." He said his gaze off to the side, a slightly snarky tone in his voice.
"Of course, I'm sorry." I said as he released me.
"No need for apologies. Can't let you be at a disadvantage in your bout later, right?" He said.
"Yeah, guess you right. I guess I'll see you at the match?" I asked.
"Wouldn't miss it." He said as I walked down the stairs.
As I walked out the doors, I heard a deep clicking noise after they closed. The guardes looked confused.
"Wonder why he locked the door?" I heard one guarde ask the other.
The other just shrugged and resumed guarding the door. My mind wandered as I made my way to the kitchen. Why would Wriothesley lock the door behind him? Did I do something wrong?
When I arrived at the kitchen, I shoved all those thoughts aside. I just knew that today was the start of something for me.
A week had passed since Alex had abducted my precious lotus. Things around the facility were feeling heavy. Gale and Jill had been distant from others. Arjuna hadn't returned to Phoenix Corps.
"Albert, please, you must get some rest! You haven't taken a break at all since Tabitha was taken. Even a god can be run ragged." Excella said, injecting my stabilizer into my arm as I stared through piles upon piles of research.
"Enough! I shall rest when I deem it necessary!" I said, turning my head to glare daggers into my moron of an assistant.
"But Albert, I'm only trying to help get your mind off..." She said as I snarled, grabbing her by her twigish neck.
"Off what!?! Do you mean my kidnapped wife? who happens to be around midterm of pregnancy with three of my children? That the fact stands our only form of contact is in a coma in our medical bay. The worst part is that he was under Alex's control due to her installing a sleeper microchip clearly based on Sergeis technology. The only one we had was stolen three months prior." I growled, noticing her eyes echoing in fear.
"Wesker! He is awake!" Jill said as she walked into my office.
I dropped Excella and faced Jill. Her face was behind her crow mask. She sounded as emotionless as I had when confronting Excella.
"Show me!" I ordered storming out of mine and Tabitha's lab.
Me and Jill quickly arrived at the medical bay housing agent Nighthawk. Arjuna was in the corner of the room, his fingers interlocked and chin resting on them. Steve stood adjusting the medicine dripping into Nighthawk's veins.
Nighthawk's face was forlorn as he looked away from me. I noticed his eyes were no longer grey and had a spark of life. There was nothing but dread emanating from the agent.
"Tell me nighthawk, what connection do you have to my sister?" I spoke, folding my arms.
My eyes trained on to the sullen man as he finally spoke, "I'll start in the beginning. To start, my name is Alecto, as everyone in this room is aware I was an Umbrella Experiment under project A.C.R.O.H. The woman who raised and birthed me was the project lead. However, unbeknownst to me, she was but a surrogate at Spencer's orders."
"That sounds like something he would do, Continue." I said through gritted teeth.
With a heavy sigh, the agent continued, "I learned of this just after the Christmas party. There was an intruder in the forest surrounding the lodge. The security chief, Billy, went out to investigate. I took the north and west portions of the forests while he covered the remaining directions. I ended up on the outside of the airstrip. That was where I saw this freaky B.O.W. it was mutated weirdly and damn near invisible. If it weren't for my hawk like vision, I probably would have been killed. The thing had a glowing pustule that once I destroyed it, the creature died."
Arjuna just stood up and exited the room. It was clear he was deeply affected by this whole ordeal. I heard a light almost choked back sob, Nighthawk.
"I was snuck up upon by a woman in white. She stabbed my neck with a syringe, and the next thing I knew, I was in an unknown med bay that was different from Phoenix Corps. As soon as I realized I was captured, I tried to escape. The moment I broke free from my bindings, an alarm rang out. The room filled with gas, and I ended up on the ground. The woman in white stepped into the home holding a remote."
(Flash back Nighthawks pov)
"Now now, birdy. I wouldn't try and fly the nest so soon. After all the wounds from your surgery haven't fully healed." The woman said coldly.
I pushed myself up using my wings to enforce my balance, "Screw you! Just who the hell do you think you are?"
"My name is Alex, and your name is Alecto. As much as it is to have my blood working under that so-called Phoenix, you will be my greatest asset to achieving parts of my goal." She said, clicking a button on the remote sending shockwaves of pain through my spine.
I dropped once more curling up in a ball. Haze was creeping along the edges of my vision. I felt my rage shoving away the haze. Once again, I stood my mentors words echoing through my ears. Lady Tabitha's voice on my mind as well.
"It seems my caged canary has some fight in him. Is this the project A.C.R.O.H programming I designed or your meger training from that weak bitch you call boss." Alex said pressing the button my sight going even more hazy.
"My commander is a hundred times the woman you are. I'd lay my life down for her." I cough as pain surged through my eyes and down my nervous system.
"Then how about your boytoy? Archer is his code name, is it naught?" She laughed, walking over to me pressing her stelleto heel into my neck.
"You leave him out of this! He is hardly involved in anything!" I shouted my wings, opening quickly, shoving her away.
"My lady, are you alright?" An extremely pale individual with white hair barged in.
"Yes, my dear servant. I'm sure my spawn isn't able to harm me. At least not with his beloved boytoys elder sibling under my control. I'm glad I was able to test this new control device on you first." Alex laughed as I felt bile rise in my throat.
"So this is my brothers boyfriend? How tragic. I was hoping for him to find normalcy. However, it seems he has chosen to bind himself to an experiment." He said, staring deep into my eyes.
I bowed my head, trying to hide my gaze. His eyes were a sickening lifeless grey. He was being controlled by this woman. I couldn't stop the haze from taking over my vision anymore. I sighed as thoughts of Arjuna and my commander pulled me out of my silence.
"What are your demands!" I choked out my body growing increasingly numb.
"I'll put it in simple terms that even a bird brain like you could understand. I want your boss, in my possession. Once you have achieved this, I'll not only remove my control over you but your partners brother as well. You both will be free to do as you see fit." Alex said as the fog drowning my eyes slowly faded, "As an act of good faith, I've lessened the intensity of the sleeper chip."
"What do you intend to do to my commander?" I said, standing up defeat flushed across my face.
"That is not a matter concerning you, but rather between her and myself. You have only but to concern yourself with your task. Follow me. I shall brief you and get you sent off to Phoenix Corps." Alex said as she walked away from me, beckoning for me to follow.
(Current day Wesker P.O.V)
"That's the basis of the interaction when I became her pawn. I put the safety of my partners sibling and my own well-being ahead of my commanders. I managed a place a backdoor in Alex's plan however. Just before I was shot, I tried to hand a special calling card to commander Tabitha. Alex took it, saying she'll destroy it once she had landed." Alecto said, faced buried shamefully in his hands.
"A calling card! What is that supposed to do?" I growled at the idocity of this child.
"Is that any way to treat your beloved wifes subordinates?" A cold threatening voice spoke from behind me.
"Sorry Wesker, I had destroyed one of the calling cards Tabs gave me. We need help tracking her down. Cryo Wolf is the Phoenix Corps. equivalent of agent H.U.N.K." Gale said, walking into the medbay.
Beside him was a tall, well-built man who had dark salt and pepper streaks look to be caused by years of stress and trauma. I was reading in Tabitha's files the days leading up to her abduction.
There was one mention of a wolf. The details were vague, and it was a parodied version of some of Spencer's notes regarding my precious lotus. As I recalled the line, I stared at the man.
"The god and servant of my underworld deserve a three-headed wolf to protect their domain." I heard Spencer's voice play in my head.
"Tell me, are you the three-headed wolf Spencer created to guard my wife and i?" I spoke, lowering my glasses.
"Yes, in Spencer's notes, I am Cerebrus. Manufactured by Dr James Marcus and Oswell Spencer. The dogs were modeled after the training I had received. By nineteen ninety-eight, I was Spencer's private watch dog. Now I am Tabitha's ultimate fuck you card. I show up, and it's scorched earth that point forward. " The man said, walking past Gale and over to nighthawk.
"Hey, teach... I must look like a damn failure in your eyes right now." Nighthawk said, turning his head away from all of us.
"Eyes front and center Alecto. I know I didn't teach you to cower before your failures." Cerebrus barked out his voice radiating authority, "What did I teach you, soldier?"
Nighthawk ground his teeth then faced us, his irises a blaze. His hawk amber eyes filled with a renewed determination. Nighthawk lifted his body up and swiftly exited the bed.
He took a knee in front of both me and Cryo Wolf, "Sir! You taught me that no matter the actions I partake in, there will always be a consequence. Be it positive or negative is dependent on me. I have let my shortcomings over whelm me, and I have fallen to my lowest point. Please allow me this mission to save my lady and to rise up once again."
"Unfortunately Alecto, you know that's not my decision to make. I'm not a controlling member of Phoenix Corps. I believe it falls to our ladies' husband, Dr. Wesker." Cerebrus spoke, looking towards me.
I looked down upon Nighthawk's kneeling figure. Things stood out to me much more clearly than before. His hair was a damn near match to Alex's almost unnatural blonde, and his facial features were very similar to hers as well. Without a doubt, biologically, he was Alex's.
Bird's being bonded to a motherly figure should have had him loyal to Alex's lacky, that she knocked up for the sake of Umbrellas experiments. However, here my nephew sat bowed at me feet, pledging loyalty to my wife instead. Tabitha's conviction and pride shone through Nighthawk. His conditioning and programming were drilled into him by project A.C.R.O.H. seemed like a far distant blip in his timeline.
"You really care for your aunt, don't you, Alecto?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Yes, sir! Phoenix Corps. is my home, and while I've only met her a few short months ago, I'm willing to lay down my life for her." Alecto said firmly, staring into my eyes.
I felt a dark chuckle escape my chest, Alex, dearest sister, how much of a fool you are. Trying to take the reigns of someone loyal to my wife has been the start of your downfall.
"Raise your head, nephew. I'm going to need the best that Phoenix Corps. has to offer to rescue my dear lotus. Now Alex said she left some way for you to contact her. Is this true?" I asked, unfolding my arms pushing up my sunglasses.
"Unfortunately, she had only contacted me through my Phoenix Corps. coms." Alecto said as he stood up, "and I believe it was destroyed when I fell after being shot."
"But that's not all, hawk." Arjuna said, walking into the room laying a box on the closest table, "This was hidden in your bag. I knew something was off because I packed our bags, and I didn't place this in them."
"Bug... I need to do this. I shall save your family and bring your brother home." Alecto said, walking over to Arjuna.
"I know hawk, but until then, sleep in the barracks... while I know you were being controlled. I need time to sort my emotions." Arjuna said, taking Alectos face into his hand.
"I understand Juna bug. I'll give you the space you need." Nighthawk said, opening the box revealing a black glass phone.
"That will be enough! Cerebrus, if you would please follow me." I said, taking the black phone from my nephew as I left the room. Taking the phone from Nighthawk.
Cerebrus followed me. The winding halls to mine and Tabitha's lab. He was quiet and stoic. His eyes were a freezing blueish grey, his gaze chilling the back of my neck.
Once we arrived at the lab, he spoke, " Once you speak to your sister, I have intel. I just couldn't speak of it with our subordinates."
I sat on my office chair and turned on the phone. I waited a few moments when it started to ring.
"Alex! Where is she?" I said into the receiver as I answered the phone.
"Now now dear brother, we both know that's not how negotiations work." Alex said, laughing slightly, "Especially under these circumstances, don't you agree."
I sigh the weight of the situation, adding a continuous flow of frustration to my sanity. Cerebrus stood on the edge of my desk, a scowl on his face. His jaw tightened when Alex's voice came through. Had he heard what she said?
"What do you want for her return?" I asked, opening my laptop.
"Why Albert is it not obvious? I want in on what you're planning. Uroboros, isn't that what you've been calling it?" She said an air of smugness drifts through the open phone line.
"You were working with Excella, weren't you?" I said through a layer of stoicism.
"Seems your wifes perception has rubbed off on you. But don't blame your poor assistant she has a terribly low resistance to liquor. I must admit Albert forcing natural selections hand is inspired. I simply just want to help you be a backup plan in case anything happens." She said, almost feigning concern.
"So if I send you a copy of my research and a set of vials of Uroboros in its various stages, you'll return her to me." I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Did I say that was all I wanted, dear brother?" Alex said, "That's my condition to allow you to speak with her every week. She already submitted to her conditions for that."
"DO NOT FUCK WITH ME ALEX!" I snarled loudly.
She merely laughed, "Albert, how Spencer would be rolling over in his cell in hell if he saw your display of emotion. I require six weeks with Tabitha. Once my needs are satisfied, I'll send her and your progeny back to you."
"Fine... however, if there is a single hair out of place, I'll find you and rip your heart from your chest." I sighed a raging migraine clouding my mind.
"You were always the more reasonable one of the siblings." Alex said, "I'll have my assistant contact you in regards to obtaining the virus samples, but I believe you have a more pressing concern on your mind. I'll hand her the phone." Alex said as a shuffling noise echoed through the speaker.
"Wesk..." My lotus's voice weakly spoke.
"My lotus, are you alright?" I asked, tensing at how she sounded.
"I'm alive, and so are the kids... in my mind, that's the best I can ask for in this situation." She said, her voice cracking.
"I'm going to find a way to get you back. Just be patient, my love. I won't let you be a prisoner like you were in Russia." I said only to have a breathy chuckle come through.
"She won't hurt me... she needs me... well, at least the Angelis and angelis antibodies I'm producing. Tell me, how's the guard dog?" She asked, her voice perking up slightly.
"How did?" I started to question.
"Like Gale or me would take this sitting down. Certain chain of events, if you know what I mean." She said as she started to cough.
"Why do you sound so sick, my lotus?" I asked at her sudden coughing bout.
"A progenitor virus destabilizing agent... I receive a dose about once every three days, so I can't access my mutations. It also forces my body to produce more antibodies." She said as she caught her breath.
"She's trying to make B.O.Ws with your Angelis virus and keep them stable with your antibodies then. How is she extracting?" I asked a flurry of questions racing through my mind.
"Breast milk... Alex overloaded my body with hormones and vitamins to induce lactation. She is making me breastfeed her chosen vessels for Angelis." She snarled quietly.
"That's enough for now. Now Albert, don't worry. I won't allow any harm to come to them. I'll let her talk to you in a few days once my assistant has confirmation of the transportation of Uroboros." Alex said, ending the phone call.
Red... that is all I saw as I heard Alex's voice, and it was deepened when the line had gone silent. I as gently as I could placed the phone on the desk. Standing up, I slammed my fist into the wood paneling of my office walls. Cracks formed, reaching the ceiling.
"I know where they are." Cerebrus said.
I stopped and turned to him. His ice like eyes pierced through the red I was seeing. He pulled out a USB stick and walked over to me. He extended his hand, burn scars scattered across his skin.
"Take this, and we can start planning her rescue. We are dealing with your sister after all. We need to be strategic about this." He said.
I took the silver USB drive and turned towards my computer. I'm won't fail this time. I will bring what's mine back. Alex should have known better.
Hold on, my precious lotus, I'll have you home soon.
Hey everyone Silfarianhawk here and I hope ya'll are doing amazing. I appreciate each of your reads and your patience between chapters. We are reaching the climax as I've said before and I can confirm there will be a part two to this series and I have plans to continue this series till post re 6. I'm going to take a break for a few days to work on my other project then I'll be back writing for arch angel. My 27th year is about to dawn and I want to celebrate with each of you. As always my name is Silfarianhawk and I'm not so far away.
It has been roughly a month since the start of my stay at the Fortress of Meropide. To say I was adapting would be an understatement. In the few short weeks I'd been there, I had become someone the residents of the fortress could count on.
While on the work floor, I was handling the molding of gears and carrying heavy parts. When someone was mildly injured, I helped either patch them up or help them get to the infirmary. I had seen Wriothesley doing rounds but kept my distance. Hell, I hadn't even requested to have tea with him. I felt like it would bring him under scrutiny with his guardes.
Some guardes were warming up to me. However, many still viewed me as a threat. The one who caused my wound to reopen from what I heard was stationed in the abandoned production zone after his grace finished his investigation. However, he seemed to have his fingers wrapped around the hearts of some of the guardes. I have found letters at my work station and on my bunk telling me various horrible that will be done to me if the writer ever got the chance to.
I was tempted to tell Sigewinne about this. However, I didn't want her to worry. She is so sweet and cares for everyone here. I couldn't add more to her plate. That's not how I was raised.
I had found another letter on my work bench, this day. It had been covered in what appeared to be dried blood. The contents were particularly vile this time. I sighed, shoved it to the side, and started to mold the gears. I focused on making sure no excess was being put in the mold.
That was when I heard a massive crash a short distance away. I quickly looked behind me and saw an elderly man on the floor, and a cart of large gears toppled over next to him. I ran over to him and helped him up.
"Hey, are you alright?" I asked as the man braced himself against the wall.
"Oh, it's just my knees. You have no need to worry about me, lass." He said, looking over the mess as he collapsed onto his knees,"I think these old bones of mine just aren't cut out for manual labor anymore."
"Hey, are you guys alright?" A guarde asked, running up.
"Hey Sam, I'm OK, but I'm pretty sure he needs to go see Sigewinne." I said, offering my hand to the man.
The gentleman sighed, taking my hand as I helped him up. He had torn through his pants. He had peeled off a good amount of skin. I could tell it was nothing major, but if it wasn't treated, it would hinder his next days work, and the older people in Meropide had a rougher time without having a decent stash of coupons
"Come on, old timer, let's get you to nurse Sigewinne. Are you okay with that, Sam?" I asked, draping the gentleman's arm over my shoulder to lessen the pressure on the guy's knees.
"You do what you always do, Silva. Feel free to call it the day after. I'll bring up your earnings to the mess hall after we get this mess picked up." Sam said, his eyes looking exhausted.
"I'm grateful to you, Sam. How about I treat you to a Fonta after you get me those coupons?" I said as I started towards the lift.
"I'll look forward to it." He called out after me as he started to load up gears on the cart.
I sighed and made my way to the infirmary. The walk was quiet mostly. The man winced every now and then as we slowly made our way through the fortress.
"I noticed you're quite strong, young lass. I find it strange I haven't seen you in the Pankration ring." The gentleman said as we entered the hallway that led to the infirmary.
"I've heard of the fighting ring in the fortress, I just haven't had much interest given why I'm here." I said, looking into the man's dull eyes.
"You seem to have a lot on your mind. So I won't push you on it, but I do think you should give it a chance. You might even surprise yourself with what you can do." The man chuckled as we walked down the stairs into the infirmary.
"Hey, Sigewinne, got one for ya." I said, helping the gentleman on to the right most bed.
Sigewinne turned from her desk and walked over to us, "Robbie, what did you do now?"
So that was the guys name, I probably should have asked.
"Oh, it's nothing head nurse. My knees just gave out while on the production zone." He tried to brush it off only to wince when Sigewinne lightly tapped his knee.
"He is neglecting to say it was while he was pushing a fully loaded gear cart." I sigh, sitting at the desk.
"Robbie! I told you to take it easy! It's only been three days since you were last in here." I heard Sigewinne chew him out.
After a while, Sigewinne wrapped Robbie's knees and sent him on his way. She walked over to me and smiled. There was a look of concern on her small face. After a brief, second curiosity killed the cat.
"Something on your mind, head nurse?" I asked, standing up to crack my back.
"Your eyes are strained. How long have you been dealing with that headache?" She said, looking up at me.
"Sigh, that obvious, huh?" I said, rolling my neck, trying to relieve the tension that had been there for the past three days, "It started about two days ago, I think."
"You keep pushing yourself to make others' lives easier here. You really should be taking care of yourself. You have even been pulling long shifts in the production zone. You need to take a break tomorrow." She said her voice as soft as it was had a depth of worry to it.
"OK, but only for you, Sigewinne." I said, earning a resounding hmph.
After a moment, we both chuckled, and she handed me a couple of dried marcotte,"Chew these and drink some water after. That should ease your headache. But come back tomorrow if it persists."
"You got it, boss." I said, taking the flowers popping one in my mouth as I walked down towards the mess hall.
I shook my head lightly. It had been a long while since I had relaxed. How could I? I went to the post station a few days after mine and Wriothesley's tea session. To my horror, it cost around two thousand coupons to send a single letter to Liyue harbor. I didn't make a fuss, I just bit my nails and got to work.
Little did I know that I had only been able to save about roughly a hundred fifty coupons a day. But that didn't include budgeting for soap and other necessities. I was almost there, just roughly five hundred to go. Two long shifts more, and I would have been able to send Baizhu a letter requesting a contract for Sigewinne as I said I would.
Had I really been running myself ragged? I didn't even that bad. It was just a typical migraine. I hadn't been taking the medicinal tea Baizhu made for me to prevent them. I was a fucking coward.
As I got down to the cafeteria, I noticed Sam speaking with Wosley. Wosley was a nice man but perfered to be in his kitchen rather than around a bunch of inmates. Who could blame him in all honesty. I knew that some inmates who were nonviolent and trusted by Wosley worked beside him making the welfare meals. Honestly it sounded like a good deal.
"Hey guys," I said, walking past them and over to Ban.
"Oh, there you are, Silva. I was just about to head up to the infirmary. You took your sweet ass time to get here." Sam said, standing up from his hunched over position.
"Yea, sorry, Ms. Sigewinne told me to take the day off tomorrow. That's four hundred coupons down the drain, sadly. Not that I'm mad about it. I was just so close to my goal finally." I sigh, grabbing my welfare meal and walking up to Wosleys window.
"To be far, you haven't taken a day to rest for about two weeks." Sam said, "I understand her concern."
"What can I get you today?" Wosley asked a calm sparkle in his hazel eyes.
"Two Fontas Wosley. I'm treating Sam to one today." I chuckled as a sharp pain pierced my temple.
"Coming right up, Silva." He said, turning, grabbing a couple from a cold box on the side of the kitchen.
"Sam, I got a question for you." I said, taking the Fontas from the window and sitting at the first table.
"What's up?" He asked, sitting in front of me.
I handed him a beverage and opened the meal... purple steak again. I sighed and dug in. This was the fifth day in a row that this was my meal. I just bit my tongue and ate. The conversation I had with Robbie replaying in my head.
"How many coupons does one rake in if they win a match in the Pankration ring?" I asked taking a sip of my drink.
The look Sam had on was priceless, it was of shock and bewilderment.
"W...well it can very I've seen as low as three hundred and as high as a thousand five hundred but that person had received a share of the bets and a few tips from on lookers." Sam said coughing a few times once he had finished speaking, "Your not thinking of fighting right? I know your strong but you don't seem like you'd hurt a crystal fly."
"In all honesty, I might have to. Robbie, the man I brought to the infirmary said I should try it out and seeing that's it has been a month of me working the production zone and I've barely saved over a thousand six hundred coupons I might have to. I promised someone I'd do a favor for Ms. Sigewinne. After all she treats us all with such kindness. I just want to help her. However that requires sending a letter to my friend in Liyue. Which unfortunately cost two thousand." I shook my head finishing the strange tasting meat.
"That is fair enough I guess. So would you like to go talk to the ring manager? I have to be back on duty in a bit but I can at least walk you there." Sam offered but I swiftly decline.
"I'll pass, I don't want you reputation to be soured with other guardes just because you've been seen with me." I say heavily sighing.
"Some guardes still giving you trouble huh?" He asked pulling coupons out of his pocket and placing them on the table.
I simply nodd and stare at the stack he placed on the table. Three hundred coupons if my calculations were correct. I would of been just shy of the amount I needed but I wasn't about to ignore Sigewinnes orders. That sets me back to around thousand five hundred.
"Keep your chin up Silva. Who knows, maybe if you do make a name for yourself in the ring they'd show you some respect." Sam said walking away, "See you in a couple days."
I waited for him to be out of sight then headed for the ring. I walked straight there and took the lift down. I wasn't exactly afraid. I knew how to fight both Ayato and Mr. Zhongli saw to that. Then the thought of the ten guards came to mind and I shuddered.
Hey it's OK! You haven't been in contact with that drug you were dosed with. Nothing will happen. My inner self screamed at me.
Stopping and taking a deep breath I gathered myself. I took a moment to think this over logically. My thoughts ranged from coupon budgets to work schedule impacts if I got injured. But on thing sold it for me. What happens if my skills rust while I'm in here. Tevat is a dangerous place and while I know I could always use alchemy to cover my ass. I needed to keep my instincts sharp.
I carried onward to my destination. The room had the smell of sweat and iron tinged with a slightest hint of blood. The ceiling was high and the stands had quite a lot people in them.
It was just the middle of the day and there was a match playing out in the ring. It being a Saturday, this made sense. I stood along the side lines as the inmate fought a decent sized armored crab. He was using a standard iron point pole arm.
The crab and the man exchanged a few blows before the guy managed to get the tip of the spear into a crack in the chitin of the crabs underside. Slamming the poor beast on the steel head first created a loud crunch that echoed throughout the arena. After letting out a squeaky screech the beast mouth bubbled as it collapsed to the floor of the ring.
The audience burst with mild bouts of applause. The inmate stepped out of the ring as a crew went up and dragged the carcass of the crab off. The man started to talk to the person in front of a bulletin board.
I approached cautiously. The man by the bulletin board quickly noticed me and smiled. Placing a hand up as if to tell the winner of the match we just witnessed to give him a moment.
"I was starting to wonder if you would ever grace our presence." The burly man said with a smile.
"Who me?" I asked curiously when I reached him.
"Who else would I be speaking to. I am Roussimoff. I manage the ring and the fighters." He said offering his hand.
I placed my hand in his, "I'm Silva, I was wondering it I could sign up for a match. I can't let my training go to waist, right?".
Roussimoff shook my hand with gusto, "Well for the girl who put ten guards in the hospital, you are very polite. I'm sure I can line up a match for you tonight if you can cover the entry fee. I can't garentee a high pay out but it will be at least Six hundred since it will be later in the evening. The buy in is three hundred coupons. Are you in?"
I was about to pull out the coupons Sam gave me from my time in the production zone when I heard a snort.
"Roussimoff, you can't be serious? Look at this girl! I doubt she's ever seen a real fight! Look at her! She's more built for the brothel than the battlefield!" The man wielding the pole arm exclaimed.
"Excuse me! Would you care to repeat that again?" I said harshly, my eye twitching in annoyance.
"Not now girl, men are talking." The asshole said.
"That enough Renard! You know that anyone in the fortress can partake in the ring so long as they have a buy in and aren't banned by his grace!" Roussimoff shouted, "I expected better from you than this slander. I'll have you know I've watched Ms. Silva in the production zone more times than naught carrying heavy equipment and parts with out breaking a sweat."
"Then why don't we see if she can prove me wrong! You seem so sure of her then place her up against me, your top rookie!" The pole arm wielder shouted as a loud resonance of cheers backed this guy up.
"I'm sorry about this Ms. Silva, but perhaps you can wait a few day til this blows over?" Roussimoff said a comforting tone in his voice.
I simply chortled and pulled out the coupons and slammed them in Roussimoff's hand.
"You have no need to worry about me. I think I'll have to instill proper manners into this bastard of a man." I said looking Renard in the eyes.
"I'd like to see you try wench!" He said, "seven thirty be here and maybe I can beat that unsightly language out of your mouth."
He walked away laughing. I felt a wave of calm wash over me. I hadn't felt this in roughly four years. Not since the Tenryou commission demanded I'd be arrested for spilling tea on their master while serving the Kamisato clan. Ayato had my back at that time but I was on my own now.
This calm was the silence before a storm. Roussimoff pulled me to the side. He had a stern look on his face. I could tell he wasn't pleased with the situation.
"Are you sure about this? While I don't know your skills I can tell you Renard isn't a pushover. He just started just over a month ago but hasn't lost a single time. While there is no killing in the ring rule, you could end up severely hurt. Worse than you were when you arrived at Meropide." He said his expression shifting to one of concern.
"I know, I've seen plenty of fighters crushed and broken on the infirmary beds after what I heard were gruesome fights." I said rubbing my now throbbing temple, "However, I couldn't just stand there and accept that asshats disrespect. I was raised by house Kamisato, I was taught to not take slander lightly."
"So you're from Inazuma then? We have a few inmates from there. So I assume you fighting style would be typical Inazumian sword martial arts?" He asked.
"No, sadly, I wasn't taught swordplay during my years at the Kamisato estate. i learned a decent amount of mixed martial arts. I learned how to fight with arms after I left Inazuma. Is there a place where I can get a weapon?" I asked, looking around the arena.
"Head to the rag and bone shop, tell them I sent you. They will get you something you like." Roussimoff said.
I quickly thanked him and ran off towards the shop. As long as I had a weapon, I could make a strategy again a pole arm wielder. Mr. Zhongli, he made sure I was able to defend myself before I started to travel.
I arrived at the rag and bones shop within a few minutes of leaving the ring. There wasn't a line, just Alvard shouting at the stockers to be careful. Unfortunately, I hadn't timed my slow down quickly enough and ended up slamming into the steel wall.
The noise caught Alvards attention. I stood up as he walked over to me. He was wearing a confused look on his face.
"Silva, are you alright? Normally, you don't sprint in, nor is it the time of the week you normally come and get your toiletries." Alvard said, scratching his head.
"Not this time, Al. I have a Pankration match tonight, and I need some form of weapon. Preferably something good against a pole arm.
"Sadly, we haven't had a restock of Pankration accessories. But you can look around for things you think you can use Silva. Can't have ya be stuck in the infirmary for too long?" Alvard said an airy chuckle pushed past his chapped lips.
"Thanks..." I sighed as I looked through the near barren stock.
There wasn't much, just some rusted short swords and a couple of ripped up tomes. That was troublesome. Swords never really fought well against pole arms, and I had known very little about using catalysts. That was when I noticed the long wires bound together in the corner of the last crate.
Picking up the bundle, I studied the wires. They had a slight familiar purple glow about them... eletro crystal. I had heard rumors that the research institute of Fontaine was experimenting with the element infused stones. Were these wires a prototype that was discarded and sent here by mistake?
The group was of four ten to twelve foot long glowing wires. I had read previously that certain combat scenarios wires could be used to tangle and entrap enemies without the usage of intricate knots. I held the wires in my hand and felt the hmm of the electro energy purring through them.
I pulled them out of the crate and turned to face the shelf behind me where various empty bottles just lined the shelves. Some of them reminded me of the jars Baizhu had stacked in his shelves. I noticed a set of vials behind the rest of the bottles and called Alvard over.
"Hey Alvard, how much for the flight of vials on the shelf?" I asked curiously.
"Those old things just take them. We haven't had a place for those since the change of wardens. His grace doesn't need to carry around poisoning agents like the last warden did. Heck, I think we have another few dozen in the storage area." Alvard said, reaching behind the many jars and bottles, pulling them forward.
"Depending on how my fight goes, I might be back for them." I said, grabbing the little bo⅞ttles from him.
"What's your plan?" He asked, staring at the items in my hands.
"You'll just have to come to the arena and see." I said, smiling and walking out.
I knew what I'd do and what it would take. I had to be fast. The steeping time and brewing would take the most time. I always had one thing that stood above most of my foes, and tonight, I was going to show that.
(Time skip seven twenty-six)
I breathed heavily as I walked up the steps. My dark navy hair pulled back into a high pony, the odd forest green highlights standing out against my pale skin. I was in a sports binding for my chest and tight-fitting khaki shorts with deep pouch-like pockets. My secret weapon tucked inside those said pockets, clinking away as I strode up the stairs.
Renard stood at the other edge of the ring pole arm slung over his shoulders. I could hear his snickering through the cheers of the crowd. Many calls to kick her ass or show her what she's good for. Not a sound escaped my lips. All there was on my face was a smirk.
"You ready to be shown to the kitchens?" Renard laughed, swinging his spear down, pointing the tip at me.
"Yeah, she's been making it hard for us to keep up with quota in the production zone! Knock her down a peg." A random inmate shouted from the stands.
I took a moment to look out towards the stands. It seems he rallied some people who were less than fond of me, and one person stood out in particular, the guard who escorted me into Meropide. He was standing right up front against the stands railing.
"Gathering my fans, aye? That's not going to help you, Renard. You're just adding more fuel to the flame." I say pull out the wire from my right side pocket and loosely wrapping the ends around my knuckles.
"Well, well, it seems this girl has a spark after all. What do you guys say? Shall I run her through, like I did that crab earlier?" Applause roared from the crowd.
Roussimoff walked over to the edge of the stairs, and the crowd got even louder. He stared at the two of us for about eight seconds each and shook his head.
"Residents of Meropide! Welcome to our main event of the evening! On the left corner, he is strong with a pole arm and has captured your hearts in a short span of the past month. The local rookie, please welcome Renard!" Roussimoff shouted as Renard slammed the butt of his spear on the metal floor.
I rolled my eyes as Roussimoff started my introduction, "In the right corner, she made her name, taking out ten guards unarmed before arriving. She works to keep the production zone efficient and safe. Put your hands together for our newcomer, Silva!".
A couple of claps rang out from the stands. No one nearly as excited about me as they were my opponent. Roussimoff shook his head at the disparity between my and Renards support.
"You both know the rules! Now fight!" He shouted, jumping from the steps.
Without blinking an eye, Renard charged forward. The tip of his pike was aimed at my ankles. As he got close, I reached down and grabbed the head of the spear. Yanking the spear forward, I prepared my unwired fist. Once he got close to me, I delivered a raging upper cut.
A gasp rang out from the crowd. Then roars of disbelief. Renard recovered at the roars of the inmates and jumped back. A serious look growing on his face.
"That was a ballsy move wench!" He spat quickly, pulling his lance into a defensive position.
"I have more balls than you, more than likely!" I said, dashing behind him slowly unfurling the wires.
He was quick on his feet! He spun around and slashed at my face. Barely managing to duck underneath the pole arm, I felt the sting of the blade cutting into my forehead. I jumped back, swinging my right fist down to my side. The wires followed the command without hesitation.
There was a tearing sound as the wires cut through Renards clothes. The scraped fabric hung off his body, revealing welling up lashes that were prominent on his torso. I saw singed threading where the wires had cut.
"I see the electro crystals amplify the cutting power of the wires." I said, noting the stunned look on Renards face.
There was an enraged outcry from the stands. Confusion raced through the crowd. The wires were no more than three eights of an inch thick. To one far away, it would appear as if nothing had just ripped apart my opponent's clothing.
"Whips are you insane? Dumbass broad!" Renard shouted, clenching his welted abdomen.
"You make use of what you have in prison, right? Not everyone has the luxury of being able to receive a mid grade spear such as that!" I smirked, tucking my left hand, and pulled out a couple of clear liquid filled vials.
"Like I'd let a rat like you take my spotlight! I worked to earn this weapon!" He said, lunging towards me.
I side stepped tossing the vials. Crack! The vials shatter soaking his clothes and face in water. I heard him sputter as he wiped water from his face.
"What the hell? Did you just throw water on me?" Renard said, swinging blindly.
I spun around, wrapping the wires around his legs. His motions stopped as he looked towards his legs. I pulled them tight, noticing the thin current running through the wire. Quickly, I grabbed another vial of water and threw it his bound legs. As the current surged, I yanked the wires, sending Renard toppling to the steel floor.
Renard choked on his voice as if trying to hide the pain he was in. Sounds came out in a rattled motion. His body had purple bolts of electro energy racing through the water. I yanked once again, pulling the wires free, shredding his pant legs, and caused deep gouged areas on his ankles.
"Just who the hell do you think you are?" He manages to gasp out between spasms.
"Me... I'm just a poor lost girl looking for her mother. You, on the other hand, renard are so jaded and disgusting towards women you couldn't even see the leagues between us expirence wise." I said pulling out a large chilling vial, "It's time I end this match."
Renard growled as he tried to stand. The electro energy still flowing over him. The water dripping from his shredded clothes. He looked pitiful as I slammed down the vial.
The mist flower corolla potion acted fast coat his body in a thin layer of ice supercharging the remaining electro energy. I watched as the foolish man tried to fight against the elements only to pass out completely pass out.
Roussimoff rushed up, lifting my arm.
"That's it, we have the victor for this match. In an absolute upset, the winner is Silva." Roussimoff shouted, staring down at my form, "hardly broke a sweat it appears too."
"We were leagues apart in battle experience. That's what did him in." I said as the crowd burst into a bout of cheers and chaos. The bastard who escorted me storming off.
Little did I know that his grace was over on sidelines, slowly applauding.
"Hush child and listen well. You breathe Dendro as I. You are so much like i strong and just. Do not dwell on the past, for we shall meet soon enough." The deep voice resonated deeply within me, "now awaken."
I jolted awake, sweat dripping down my face. My vision was hazy, but the room I was in smelled different from the hallway I was in prior. This place smelled of medical herbs and antiseptic. I rubbed my hands down my legs and onto what felt like a mattress. Did I make it to the infirmary? No, I couldn't have made it.
"Hey, you're awake!" I heard a gentle voice say as I heard small footsteps walk towards me. I rubbed my eyes, yet my vision was still foggy.
"Hi, um... I hate to be a bother, but do you have a cloth with some water on it? My vision is a bit off currently." I say, looking at a blurred short figure standing by my feet.
"Of course! Let me get you a damp cloth. So you're Ms. Silva?" The sweet voice said, walking away.
"Yeah, I am Silva, although here I guess I'm going to be known as one zero six four. May I ask how you know of me, I had only arrived a few hours ago. I haven't introduced myself to anyone." I said sadly, bringing my hands to my lap.
"Don't be so down. Monsieur Nuevillette wouldn't have told me to make sure you were taken of you if he thought you were evil." The small figure ran back towards me.
I felt something wet dab at my eyes. It was soft and warm. Oh, she must have brought the clothes and the water was warm. That was not a luxury I was not expecting. After she wiped my eyes, I blinked a few times, and my sight was as right as the rain.
I closed my eyes, and a soft smile graced my lips, "Thank you... Ms?"
I looked beside me and saw a kind smile returning my own.
"Sigewinne, head nurse Sigewinne," the small human-like Melusine said.
"Thank you, Ms. Sigewinne." I bowed my head.
"Don't worry about it, but if you should, thank anyone. It would be his grace. He carried you into the infirmary after you fell unconscious." She said, lifting my shirt.
I stared at my side, noticing fresh bandages and a massive reduction of the pain in my side, "Did you heal me? Ms. Sigewinne."
"Yes, while you still have a gash on your side, it no longer requires stitches. I healed it up using my vision. However, you should still take it easy for the next few days." She smiled, sitting at her desk in the front of the room.
"So the infamous Duke of Meropide carried me here, that's sweet of him to do... especially since I had just arrived." I said, smiling, turning to get out of bed.
"You should tell him that. He invited you to his office for some tea. He said no one's first day in Meropide should be spent in the infirmary." She said, opening a drawer and pulling out a large envelope, "Here I need this brought to his grace. Could you take this to him? I have to go make myself some dinner."
"Alright, I can do that. I am remiss, though I haven't been shown where his office is." I said, standing and stretching my back.
She let out a small chuckle, "I'll show you just follow me."
"Alright, lead the way," I said following after the small Melusine.
She led me down the main corridor and to the lift I had taken earlier with that asshole guard. Ms. Sigewinne was greeted happily by both the staff and inmates. It filled my heart with hope that maybe that guard was just a one-off coincidence.
"You seem well-respected, Sigewinne. It's quite nice to see." I smiled.
"Why thank you, Ms. Silva, I can tell by the way you walk, you are well-traveled. Your posture is a bit ridged, but each step has meaning. You're guarded but free-flowing it's quite refreshing." Sigewinne said, leading to a massive set of double doors.
"I guess this is his grace's office?" I ask, marveling at massive bronze or perhaps brass handles.
"It sure is. Now, it's best not to keep him waiting." Sigewinne said, walking off behind me.
I gulped and took a centering breath. As I reached out for the handle, I noticed my fingers twitching. With another breath, I steel myself. I pulled open the huge door open.
I was met with a gentle scent that reminded me of my found home in Liyue. I ascended the stairs that were wrapped around the edge of the room. There was an interesting music playing in the background.
As I reached the apex of the stairs, I noticed a tall man standing in front of a massive desk. There was a coat covered in black wolf like fur draped over his back. There was a small create opened next to him.
"Excuse me, your grace? You wanted to see me?" I spoke, noticing his hair swish slightly at my voice.
"Yes, and thank you for coming, Ms. Silva." He said, turning to face me.
I was stunned, and this man was gorgeous. He was roughly six foot two and well built. But what stood out to me was his cold, calculating, icy blue eyes.
"Please have a seat on the sofa." He said, motioning to the worn red couch snapping from my thoughts.
"Of course." I said, sitting down, noticing the items that were left in my hotel room were either on his desk or in the small crate, "Pardon me, your grace, but why do you have these items? I was told by the guardes they'd be destroyed."
"Ah, monsieur Nuevillette had the champion duelist had them brought here for you. I must say for a traveler from Inazuma you have a lot of documents that don't pertain to your travel in Fontaine." He said, looking over his shoulder at me.
"I was here for research regarding my family. He and my mother traveled throughout Tevat just before I was born. From what I found out, my mother abandoned me and him at Port Ormos when he was trying to escape his family in Sumeru. I was but a newborn at the time. From what I found out during my time in Liyue, they spent the most time in Fontaine. They were herb farmers. I was trying to find where my mother went." I said the decision to be truthful, weighing on my mind.
"That's quite the story. Would you care for some tea?" He asked, putting a kettle on a small tea nook.
"That sounds quite lovely, actually." I said Sigewinne did say the invite was for tea after all.
He turned towards his desk, sitting down in the well constructed chair as he interlocked his fingers, "So tell me, do you know why the guard whom escorted you to your room was so rough with you?"
I looked down at my feet, "It's because of my attack on the guards... according to him, I had put his brother-in-law in the hospital. He was seeking revenge. At least, that's my perspective on the matter."
"I feel that I must apologize for being so remiss in retraining my guards. I had just taken over Meropide. It appears some of the guards haven't been properly trained in my new policies." He said, staring into my eyes.
"There is no need to apologize, your grace. I brought this upon myself." I said a deep sense of remorse coursing through my heart.
"No one brings abuse from others on themselves, no matter the circumstances." He said as the kettle started to whistle.
That struck me deep. It reminded me of something Ayato said to me as I departed Inazuma.
"No matter where the journey takes you, remember you don't have to take the plate given to you." Ayato's voice rang in my ears.
I smiled slightly, "Thank you, your grace."
"Please, if it's not too much, call me Wriothesley while in this office." He said, standing up, going over to the kettle.
"Wriothesley... that's a lovely name." I murmured under my breath.
I stood up and walked over to the crate containing my belongings. I felt his gaze shift to my back. There was a feeling of tension between us. I didn't blame him for the suspension.
"Forgive me, Wriothesley. I don't have any weapons. I was just wondering if we are having tea, could we use the blend that my close friends in Liyue made." I said slightly bowed.
"It's alright, Ms. Silva. I had already gone through the crate. I know there were no weapons in there. Is the tea in those carved cor lapis jars?" His grace said, pulling the kettle of the heat.
"In the largest one, yes. The rest of the jars are other dried herbs that are sensitive to the open air." I said, pulling out the intricately crafted cor lapis jar that had a carving of a dragon on the lid.
He brought the cups over to his desk, " That's quite lovely,".
"Thank you, Wriothesley. It was a gift from two friends whom I became close with in Liyue harbor. They gave them to me along with the tea before I departed for Fontaine." I said, placing the jar on the large desk.
"If you don't mind me asking, what blend of herbs are in this tea?" He asked, turning towards me.
"Mainly osmanthus and jasmine, there is also violet grass and dried glaze lilies. It's meant to help with migraines and exhaustion." I said, taking off the lid, "My friend, Baizhu, blended it with my goal in mind."
"Dr. Baizhu of Bubu pharmacy, maybe you can put in a word for Sigewinne. She has been wanting to order some herbs from them but can't seem to get a response." Wriothesley said, measuring out some of the loose tea for our cups, "We do have a post station here in the fortress. So long as you have the coupons, we can send and receive anything from or to anywhere. So long as it passes inspection first."
"I can at least try. Both you and Sigewinne have shown me a great deal of kindness in the few short hours I've been here. It is the very least I can do." I say as Wriothesley hands me the freshly steeped tea.
"Cream or sugar?" He asked, gesturing to the tray on his coffee table.
"Just some sugar, cream mutes the flavor of the osmanthus petals." I said, sitting down on the couch once more.
"Well, I shall take your word for it." He said, placing a cube of sugar in his cup, and I did the same.
"Do you have any other questions for me?" I asked, slowly sipping the steamy beverage in my hand, warmth spreading through my chest as a sense of familiarity eased my thoughts.
"Yes, actually, this was waiting for you at the front desk of the hotel you were at. According to the champion duelist, it had arrived today." Wriothesley said, pulling a golden envelope out of a folder on the coffee table, "Would you care to read it for me?"
I recognized the golden hue and glaze lily wax seal. It was from the man who had been looking after me when I arrived in Liyue. Mr. Zhongli, he found my travels a curious topic and had taken interest in my quest.
"May I ask why? It's not like I have anything to hide, I'm just curious." I asked, lifting up the wax seal.
"It's a favor to Nuevillette. He, as you know, is continuing to investigate your attack. There seems to be a possibility of a connection to the increase of drug overdoses in the Court of Fontaine. I want to help him get to the bottom of it." He said.
"Ahh, I see. I will read it for you. However, there will be little information to assist you, I'm afraid." I said, pulling the stationary from its confinement.
"I'll guess we will see, won't we." His grace said, his icy eyes closing as he sipped his tea.
I unfolded the nicely penned letter and began to speak, "Good day, Silva, I have heard of what befell you in Fontaine. While I am unsure of all the details, I know that the Fontaine justice system is a fair one. While I have accepted the fact that it may be a fair bit of time before we see or even exchange letters. I want you to know I still shall help you find your family. Once you are able to reach out to me and tell me of your journey. I shall a wait for the day can share tea and exchange stories once again, my honored friend."
"Your friend is quite well written." Wriothesley said placing down his empty cup.
"He is." I agreed with his grace, "Did anything aroused your suspensions?"
"No, it just seems you have someone on the outside of Fontaine who cares for you." He said standing up.
I subtly looked up at his face. His grace looked like he was trying to suppress a sorrowful expression. A face I knew well. I looked at the shelves behind me and happened to notice a small clock reading it was past eight at night.
"I must apologize Wriothesley, but I feel as if I have taken up too much of your time. Someone of your status must be busy. I'm sorry to have wasted your time." I said embarrassedly as he put up his hand.
"No need for the apologies Silva. I was the one who invited you. If I am to be honest I don't view this as a waste of my time. It's not often I invite a prisoner to my office their first day and of the times I have done that, this time has been relatively enjoyable. Now I shall have a guarde bring you this create by tomorrow however I'm sure you wouldn't like your lovely herb jars stolen. So as a favor I'll keep them locked in my office and if you feel you need some of your tea just send a request through Sigewinne. I'll be glad to share another cup of tea with you." He said offering his hand to help me off the couch.
I felt a slight warmth glaze my cheeks as I took his hand, "Thank you, your grace."
"Please, just Wriothesley." He said helping me up.
"Thank you, Wriothesley." I smiled as I felt his gaze soften.
"Your welcome. Now go talk to ban, the robot next to the cafeteria. It'll provide you with your daily wellfair meal." He said walking over to the stairs.
"I appreciate it. Have a good night." I said bowing to him and walking down the stairs. I quickly walked out
Chapter 46: Lock and Key (Normal P.O.V. DARK CONTENT)
I sighed, staring at the drab colorless walls. My little ones rustling in my womb. They knew something was wrong. They hadn't felt their father's presence in about five days.
My hands were various shades of purple and barely healing. There was no source of anything in this room. Even the plush queen sized mattress in the center of the room was merely a necessity for my condition.
Alex had an IV inserted in my arm, keeping me pumped with various liquids. Most of which had different sedating effects on my body. I could hardly move now. The medicine was being pumped into me on an hourly basis.
I was fed three times a day. That was the only point in the day I looked forward to. The meals were very nutritionally rich and were tailored to a high-risk pregnant woman's diet. I knew that I was only being kept alive because I was bearing Albert's young.
Alex, I haven't seen her since I was dragged into this cell. The first day, I killed and slaughtered around fifteen mercs, trying to escape. After that, I was muzzled with a metal gag that made me unable to bite. The second day, a scientist injected me with the destabilizing agent for the Angelis virus.
I couldn't feel the Uroboros that dwelled within me. My working theory was that the agent destabilized the main strain of the progenitor virus, which led to a lack of communication between cells. In short sight, I had no access to my abilities. I was most worried about my children, however. They were more active and somehow stronger. Their movements were painful. With what little sense I had with the weakened state of Angelis, I knew they were as strong as Albert and I with our mutations active.
On the third day, I didn't leave the bed. My children drained my energy to the point that I was barely able to keep awake. I felt the bags under my eyes grow more strained as each minute passed.
It was now day five, and the bed held my weakened body. The room had windows with metal bars over them, showing me the sun setting. What was I to do.
I was pulled from my thoughts by a loud kerchunck from the heavy lock upon the door. My eyes are looking down now at the door. If my virus wasn't so weakened, my eyes would have flared. In a white suit she strode in, the source of my problems. Alex Wesker, she had finally revealed herself.
"Good evening, deary. I'm glad to see you're making yourself at home." She said, walking over to the bed.
All I did was snarl. My natural teeth were bared over the gag. She simply chortled and ran her freezing fingers over my belly. I thrashed out, launching the IV out of my arm.
With a single push, she sent my body tumbling. I guarded my little ones from harm. My arm moved on their own. Alex laughed. The cruel peels of her voice echo threw out the barren room.
"Now, now deary, do you not realize your situation? I'm the one in charge of your care now. My foolish brother could never comprehend the true magnitude of someone of our caliber." She said stalking over to my crumpled up body on the edge of the wall.
I growled as I slowly felt heat crawling through my veins and a chill glaze my skin. All to familiar comforts I thought had been taken from me. Angelis and Uroboros were returning.
I stood up. My body is shaking like a leaf in autumn's cold eerie drafts. My eyes flared, the glow brighter than normal. Alex merely clapped at the sight.
"There we go. See, even when locked up, when you're in my care, you are constantly evolving, and getting more adapted to what flows through your veins deary." Alex smirked as she stood in front of me.
I let a feral growl rip from my throat, her baseless lies falling upon deaf ears. That was when she did something strange. She leaned in, pushing me against the wall, her hand on my sternum.
"Oh, you poor little lost lamb. Are you scared without your flock? Your precious guardians, no where to be found?."She whispered in my ear.
Suddenly, I had a flash of thoughts quickly speeding from Gale to Juna, then from Jill to Albert. She had shot Nighthawk, who was under her control. She was right. All I had was me and my little ones.
The support I had built was nowhere in sight. In the daze, I felt something wet drag across my neck. I quickly snapped out of it. I recognized the feeling and shoved Alex away, mustering up as much strength as I could. That was her tongue against my neck.
"Little lamb, are you sure this is the path you wish to take? My brother doesn't know the location of my island. You are completely under my mercy. As you can see, I could easily keep you from accessing your abilities and strengths. I've been kind enough to relent in drugging you with that destabilizing agent for the past few days." She said, pulling out a syringe from her coat pocket, "I wouldn't test your luck. If you become destabilized so frequently, what would happen to the young you carry? Especially seeing as how it was the Angelis virus that brought you back from when Albert killed you in the Russian base."
I stopped as I was about to take a step. What! How did that not cross my mind!?! The extreme exhaustion and the consistent draining feeling I'd been having. The children are bonded to both Uroboros and Angelis. If I continued to be destabilized, they could kill my body and perish alongside me. I felt the fear and panic build up in my body.
I collapsed onto my knees hands, covering my mouth. I felt sick. She literally had me in the palm of her hand. She said my island, we were on an island. That was also a disservice to my escape. I've never been a strong swimmer, and not to mention I never have been able to fly long distance when in either of my mutated states. It drained my energy in normal times, but with the little ones taking a good portion, that wasn't an option.
"I see you realize your situation. Now you have four paths ahead of you, little lamb. Submit and serve me, and I'll return you to your master in due time. Your second path is similar to how you have been treated the last few days, just with lessened doses of the destabilizing drug. The third I'll make your life exactly like how it was after raccoon city, a sleeper agent new holes in your memory only aware when I'm experimenting on you and by extension your children. Lastly, I'll knock you out and put you in a hyperbolic chamber and have you unconscious just floating there. No bonding with your unborn children, no thoughts, no dreams, just missing time and endless darkness." She sounded so smug at the end of her monolog.
I was stuck once again, this time between a rock and multiple hard places. I knew eventually Albert would come for me. A nauseating thought ripped through my mind at that moment. What if he wouldn't? His time crunch with Uroboros. It's not like he's saved me from these situations before. Russia weighs heavily on my mind at this moment. The burning phantom sensation from the bullet wounds flares up.
I felt so flush and weak, my stomach churned, and I lost what little food was in my stomach. This triggered what I thought was long dispensed with morning sickness, making me throw up once more. My vision hazed and tried to refocus.
"Aw, poor little lamb, feeling lost without your shepherd to guide you. Is my brothers precious lotus flower withering without him?" She laughed, grabbed my matted hair, and ripped off the gag off my face.
She made me face her, and she held a wicked smirk that I hated to admit, put Albert's to shame in this moment. Her harsh eyes didn't flare or glow like mine or Albert's. No, they didn't need to in order convey her emotions or intentions. She was a monster in sheep's clothes. A perfectly normal face, for a horrific beast that lurked beneath.
"Tell me your choice, little lamb. Do you want to live comfortably and not have to risk harm befalling your children, or do you want to be a prisoner to your own mind once again." She said, her cold steel blue eyes piercing my soul.
I felt beaten. She played my mental illnesses like a fiddle. She used my undying love for my unborn children to gain the upper hand. She knew I'd refuse to be a sleeper agent again. She knew I'd never give up bonding with them. She had clearly planned this out. Clearly, it's not just over these past few days that she has been. This was a long game she had played since before she sent Axel.
"I...I submit Alex." I bowed my head.
I was beaten before I even fought. Alex didn't have one thing Sergei did, an attachment to me. I knew she'd never harm Albert's offspring. I was a different story. I was naught but a bug in the way of her plans.
She released my head and turned away from me, "Good, it's about time you remembered what you were made for. Now come seven forty-eight, I need to get you cleaned up and changed. I can't have my servant looking like rotting filth now, can I? Not to mention you are past due for your weekly check-up. I suppose I should have my medical staff check over the brood growing in your unworthy body. Come."
She held her hand over the door, and it slid open. Sullen, I lowered my head and followed. My heart sank. I yet again was no more than a number.
I followed her to a massive underground mansion. Her servants swarmed her like she was a queen. They did everything from taking her jacket to offer her tea. Brushing them off, she just ordered the room next to hers to be cleaned and made. This earned me glares from the maids.
They rushed off as Alex escorted me to a massive bathroom. She presses an intercom on the wall, and three well-dressed maids walk through the door.
"Yes, lady Alex?" They said in near perfect unison.
"Ah, Aquila, Lyra, and Esther, this is my new personal retainer. Clean her up and be careful those are my brothers' children she's carries." Alex said, sitting in a plush chair in the corner of the bathroom.
"Yes, milady." They said bowing.
In a dizzying frenzy, they got to work peeling off the tattered garb from my sweat covered body. I heard nasty remarks regarding my figure from under their breath as they ripped the stained cotton. It didn't matter. I was but a tool once again.
The middle woman, Lrya, she turned on the white marble tub. As Alex stood up and walked over to the basin. Sticking her finger in, she immediately scowled and slapped the poor girl across the face.
"You dare draw a cold bath for the vessel of my brothers children! Do your ears not work! You daft mongrel!" Alex shouted, turning the warm water on.
I winced at the yelling, but I noticed a deep blush forming across the girls face.
"GO! Be in my chambers by the time I return. You know how you're supposed to prostrate yourself." Alex barked.
"Yes, lady Alex." Lyra said swiftly, walking off.
The other two looked almost jealous but continued to prep my body for the bath. Alex ordered the maids to help me into the tub. She snidely commented on my sheer size and risk of harming her possible nieces and nephews. As I was lowered into the water, I felt numb. The water was just there, I felt no joy or sorrow. No heat or coldness.
The next few minutes were but a blur. I knew I was being scrubbed harshly, and I flinched when shampoo foam got in my eyes. They were gentle around my belly, but that was after a harsh warning from Alex.
I knew she only cared about the children. I was but another tool at her disposal like these poor girls. After Alex had deemed I was cleaned enough, she had the maids go to check on the room she had ordered cleaned.
Aquila and Esther bowed, taking their leave. I stood up as Alex began to drain the water. My naked body dripped the now tepid fluids on the granite tile. Stepping on the white rug beside the marble basin, I felt Alex's eye wander over my bare form.
"In all honesty, seven forty-eight you are ungodly beautiful. I'm slowly starting to understand why you are my brothers favorite toy." She said, walking up to my body.
I wanted to pull away, to hide from her gaze. She looked like a starved wolf staring down a helpless rabbit. She stopped to face me. An amused look crossed her eyes.
In a flash, she dragged her fingers along the undersides of my breasts. The tips of her fingers are just grazing my areolas as she pulls them away. I quickly snarled and froze as I saw what was dripping from her fingers.
"My my dear little lamb, or should i just call you a cow now." Alex laughed as a white liquid lightly trickled from her fingertips.
My breasts were producing milk. How? That didn't happen until late trimester for my last pregnancies. It had to have been from Angelis. It was the only thing that made sense to me. After all, it was made to create the ultimate mother and servant.
"What is with that face, my dear seven forty-eight? Are you confused by chance? Let me explain." She said as the maid named Esther returned with a massive plush towel.
As the young lady wrapped the soft item around my body, Alex ordered her to leave my leaking breast exposed. Hatred was all that ran through my thoughts. Albert should have been the only one to witness this.
Alex's voice roused me from my loathing, "To be blunt seven forty-eight this is caused my two very simple things going on in your body.
The first and what you have more than likely have already surmised is the Angelis virus. This is the main cause after all you bore more children due to it so it's preparing your other motherly functions in advance so you can effectively and efficiently take care of them. However that would of started at the end of your second trimester. Seeing as you are still closer to twenty two weeks pregnant than twenty six I had to take matters into my own hands."
I heard the maid start to giggle. Alex grabbed my right breast once again more milk leaking on her hand. I felt tears drip down my face. She looked like she had just struck oil.
"Lady Alex, so she is the one who will make us your perfect pets?" Esther said sickening glee in here eyes as she stared at my breasts.
"Yes Esther, I finally have the last piece of making you and your sisters my darling little angels." Alex said wickedly laughing, "You see seven forty-eight, your breast milk contains anti-bodies for the Angelis virus and you know that it is best spread through blood."
"So you mean," I collapsed trying to back away.
"That's right, I'm just using you to make my perfect angels, seven forty-eight. Now stand or do I have to remind you of the other paths that laid out before you and even if you resist I can complete my goal just as easily as I induced your lactation. " Alex said stepping on my upper back.
I relented and stood up. Esther walking up behind me and Alex walked over to the door opening it. Esther shoved me to start moving. Silently I walked forth my breasts on full display. Aquila walked along side me as soon as we exited the bathroom. The escort was humiliating.
Alex unlocked a massive bedroom with a medical bed and various medical machines. There were restraining devices on the railing of the bed. The room was purposely made to be a new hell for me. I felt despair on par when Sergei threatened to race Alistar. Alex was just using me as a viral breeding ground.
"Now now deary, don't be so disheartened. Unlike Sergei I won't keep you out of contact from my brother." Alex said pointing at a massive screen with a camera set up next to it and a camera at the head of the bed.
"Once your job is complete and Albert fulfills my requests. You will be returned to him. I'm not Vladimir deary, I do want my dear brother to be happy in his reign. After all you were designed to be his perfect match." She smirked pulling out a business card from her pocket.
On the front was a cyan wolf. I felt no shift in my face but Alex clearly detected something different. She faced me and tsked.
"Alecto, my son... the one you called Nighthawk, he tried to give this to you before I shot him out of our transport here. It's obvious you know what this is do you not deary?" Alex said.
I simply nodded and lied through my teeth, "it's a contact card for a former agent of mine."
"Really, tis ashame the number no longer works. You have no need for contact outside of what I provide you." She said grabbing a lighter and setting the card a blaze.
I watched as cryo wolf's card was destroyed. I showed no hints of hope but little did Alex know she just signed my ticket out of here. All that I needed to do was play my part.
Alex started to speak once more, "Now after I deal with Lyra, you will be examined by my staff to see if the prolonged exposure to the destabilizing agent caused the little ones harm. After the exam is completed your first round of feedings will begin with Esther. They shall be your attendants until they bond with the Angelis virus. Oh and seven forty-eight,"
"What is it?" I snarl as the two maids chain me to the bed the moment I lay down.
"I look forward to your progress." Alex said stepping through the door to the room locking it behind her.
Crack! My heart shattered. Crying??? Was I? I didn't know. My babies finally started to flutter about after the incident. But I felt nothing but fear. Crack!
Wesk, please.
It's so dark.
Hey everyone! Silfarianhawk here. This went a bit out of hand during the drafting section. But the darksided content is back. Sit back and enjoy the ride. As the bells of despair toll, my name is Silfarianhawk and I'm not so far away!
I smiled as I stared at myself in the mirror of mine and Albert's room. My belly was covered in many stretch marks. Today was the day my and Albert's vows would be renewed. I was fluttering in excitement.
"Nighthawk to Phoenix, do you read me boss lady?" Nighthawk's voice came through my com choker.
"What's wrong, hawk?" I said, accepting the link.
"Nothing. I was just letting you know everything is set up, and you should start getting ready. I'll be up there to escort you down in roughly thirty minutes time." He said as the coms disconnected.
"Always in a rush." I sigh, shaking my head.
Quickly, I start to change. I wasn't doing anything fancy with my hair and makeup. I didn't need much prepping for these events since being infected with the Angelis virus.
Slowly, I draped the lovely two part gown over my body. The lavender lace clinging to my baby bump, creating a globe of lotus petals. While the fabric was somewhat scratchy, I couldn't help but run my hand over the children. I felt so happy.
I never wanted to lose this moment. I wish I had a camera to save this thought forever. This was a field of mental bliss. Just me and my unborn children, I felt a small set of kicks as I smiled.
I heard the elevator open. Nighthawk must be here to esscort me to the library. I removed my com choker as a tinge of unease fell over me. Nighthawk was never this quiet.
"Wesk! Is that you love?" I shouted out, grabbing my samurai edge from the trunk at the foot of our bed.
Nothing but silence. I loaded my pistol and stepped out of mine and Albert's room. The common area seemed darker than normal. I walked out facing the elevator, noticing nothing strange. I quickly faced the balcony and living room.
After a brief second, I felt a sharp stinging in my neck that dropped me to my knees. What the fuck! Pain surged through my body. I hadn't felt anything like this since Angelis bound itself to my genetic code. My vision was blurry. My body was burning as I could feel my muscles loosen and contract rapidly. In a searing wave of pain, I released my firearm, unable to keep a solid grip on it
"Well , well, well, just look at you now, dear sister in law." I heard a distorted voice say.
I saw white leather dress shoes step in front of me. My vision was slowly fading, but in my desperation, my body fought against whatever was assailing it. The voice wasn't clear in tone, but I knew for damn sure who did this.
"ALEX!" I instantly covered my mouth.
A jolt of shock and horror shook me. My voice sounded just like my mutated forms. What was happening to me. I grabbed my side and toppled over. My pain had tripled in agony in a matter of seconds.
"Poor poor darling Tabitha, look how you have fallen to me. Vladimir certainly was on the right track with this destabilizing agent. An antigen would have probably killed you by now, so this destabilizing toxin was perfect for you. Can't risk hurting Albert's children after all." She mused at my expense.
A feral growl escaped my throat. I reach for my neck only to remember I has previously removed my choker because I thought it would clash with the dress. I let my guard down for a day that should have been nothing but happy. I was furious, not only with myself but with the obstacle in my way. Should I just lash out or try and drag myself to get my comlink.
"Reduced to base instincts, aren't you? Fight or flight? The itch to kill what is threatening not only you but your unborn brood or the desire to cower away to your and Albert's room? Face it, my silly little sister in law you've always been nothing more than an animal for Umbrellas entertainment." Alex laughed as I heard the elevator open again, Nighthawk strode into my view.
"Lady Alex, have you secured your captive?" He said to my disbelief.
"Agent Nighthawk! Ex-explain your s-self!" I barely mustered out.
He turned to face me, and my heart sunk. His eyes once gleaming hawk like yellow eyes were glazed over and a sullen grey. His eyes were the same as mine when I was under the control of Sergei.
"I must say you train your people well deary. It took the highest setting to control him. Even now, I can see it in his face, his eyes in particular. He is fighting for control. To save you from what he knows is about to happen. But no one can save you now, my dear sweet Tabitha." Alex laughed as she snapped.
Nighthawk walked towards me and slid a syringe in my neck. He lifted me as my body went numb. I could feel his heart pounding against his chest. Alex walked up to me and pulled out a scalpel from her sleeve.
"Sorry, deary, but I need this to be believable." Alex said, grabbing my head by my bangs.
Even in my drugged haze, I had enough energy to spit in her eye. That earned me a harsh slap across my face. She quickly cut good-sized gash on my forehead as she wiped her eye.
I felt the blood trickle down my face. It's sticky warmth, quickly drying, leaving an irritating path of flaky ichor. As the drug slowly overpowered my weakened body, I felt soft but yet cold icy arms position me bridal style.
"Now deary, it's time to rest. When you next awaken, you shall be in your new home." Alex said with her back turned wiping what little blood there was on her hands on the wall leading to the elevator.
I looked into Nighthawk's eyes, and I saw flecks of yellow starting to burst through the grey. He truly was fighting her. He looked down at me, and the concern in his eyes was palpable. He groaned as if to say he knew.
"Knock her out. We can't risk having her giving away our position." Alex barked as the elevator opened.
Nighthawk gripped my pressure point near my carotid artery. As everything went to black.
(Wesker's P.O.V.)
"Ten minutes," I murmured under my breath as I stared out over the library.
My lotus had worked wonders on the Gothic architecture, making it feel hospitable and inviting. The warm atmosphere matched a gentle spring day as what few guests we had invited chatted amongst themselves.
Jill and Gale were sitting front and center next to the aisle. They were hand in hand. They had appeared to have grown close over these past few months. Even with Jill under my control for missions, she seemed to have stopped fighting against the no contact order. She hasn't attempted to reach out to Chris or the B.S.A.A.
"Ahh, Dr. Wesker, glad to see you." Arias said, walking up to me to my slightest annoyance.
"Welcome, Glen. I'm glad you were able to make it to this important celebration for me and Tabitha." I said, offering my hand in which he quickly took giving it a firm shake.
"Don't think about it. In all honesty, I'm grateful to your wife for extending the invitation. It's quite lovely. Where is Ms. Tabitha? I'd like to extend my gratitude to her as well." Glen said, looking around the room.
"She is currently on her way from what I was told by my stepson." I said, looking towards the entrance of the library.
Arjuna was there, his blue streaks of hair slicked back, and the collar of his button-up looked disheveled. He seemed on edge. I know he had instructed Nighthawk to fetch my dear lotus so we could start the ceremony. That was almost forty minutes ago. He kept messing with him comlink. Something didn't set quite right with me.
"Excuse me, Glen. I'm going to go speak with Arjuna." I bluntly said dismissing Arias from my mind.
With a quickened pace, I walked up to my step-son. As I got close, I could see in his posture that he was panicked. I pulled him aside.
"What is the situation, Archer?" I said, adjusting my sunglasses.
"The coms are down, I can't get ahold of mom or Nighthawk. Hell, it's not even connecting to Gale or the guards I have stationed around the base." He said, ripping the choker off in frustration.
"How long?" I said unease, setting in.
"Thirty-five minutes, just after my partner went to fetch T." He groaned, "The last contact was between my partner and her. At least, that was what White Queen told me when she finished diagnostics."
"I'm going to check on them. Hopefully, I will run into them on the way." I said about to open the door.
"Take Gale and Jill with you. I hate saying this, but something isn't sitting right with me." Archer said, grabbing my wrist.
He boldness stunned me for a brief moment. Normally, Arjuna was more reticent with his actions. The fact he so brazenly grabbed me stood out.
"If you insist, I shall accommodate your request. Actually, you and I both are thinking something isn't how it's supposed to be." I said, "keep the guests here. We will be back shortly."
I walked over to Chambers and Valentine. When they saw my face, they nodded and stood up. We quickly exited the library.
"You don't think Tabs got cold feet, do ya?" Gale asked Jill as we rushed through the hallways, searching for my lotus.
"Not a chance, Gale. I saw the dress as soon as it arrived. The glee on her face was unmistakable. She was really looking forward to today." Jill said.
We quickly reached the elevator to mine and Tabitha's room. We hadn't run into my lotus or Nighthawk. However, as soon as I gazed upon the ground, I felt my eyes flare. There smeared on the dull concrete was a moderate blood trail, coming from the elevator. They noticed it, too.
"Gale! You check the room! Jill, follow me! Something happened!" I snarled, calling the elevator for Gale.
"On it! You go find Tabs." Gale said, getting on the elevator.
Jill and I quickly followed the trail. It slowly tappered off, but its direction was leading towards the secret exit that led into the nearby mountains that Markus had built in as an escape route. A primal need to protect was coursing through my blood. As if realizing it's master was in dire need, Angelis activated. My vision drastically became sharper, and my sense of smell was picking up faint traces of blood and sweet pea perfume.
The new information led me down a neglected section of hallways and tunnels. The lights were shattered out, and the tunnels were lit with dying emergency lighting embedded in the wall. There was a thick layer of dust on the floor. Stopping for a moment, I noticed something along the hall ahead leading to the door.
There were two sets of footprints, and neither were my sweet lotus's. The first was a set of boots. Clearly, someone came prepared. The next set of dust tracks was peculiar. They were of a set of dress shoe tracks. They were petite, and the heel was a thick wedge of some sort.
My field of vision turned red, and I bolted, leaving Jill behind. Tabitha was all I had on my mind. I had a task I needed to complete. Get my beloved wife back.
I ripped the door out of the wall with little effort. The rusted object was no match for me. I keep going forward only to stop and see nighthawk being shot out of a black helicopter that was hovering roughly thirty feet in the air.
As soon as nighthawk hit the ground, the helicopter started ascending and flew off. My emotions went cold. There wasn't any anti-aircraft weaponry long the mountains. I decided that when i started using this base, I wasn't going to fully retrofit it with weaponry along the mountains to keep it hidden from Satellites.
I noticed that nighthawk was trying to force himself up. I walked over towards him. My anger flared like a blazing wild fire. As I got to him, there was dust caked on his combat boots.
He opened his eyes that were almost flickering back and forth between his natural color and a hazy grey. His body spasmed as his hand covered the gunshot wound in his left pectoral. He had landed on his back, and his once immaculate wings were unfurled splayed out on the ground.
"Wesker, sir. I failed." He coughed out as blood poured from his lips. "Damn that woman!"
I heard three sets of people running up behind me as I lifted up nighthawk by his collar. He looked like he was on deaths door, awaiting the sickle to swing down to end his suffering. The grey his eyes kept shifting to was the same color that my darling lotus's were when she was being controlled by Sergei.
"Wesker!" Gale shouted, running up behind me, grabbing my shoulder ,"It was Alex!"
Everything just stopped. I felt myself let go of the dying Phoenix Corps agent and turn to face Chambers. He had a look of pure hatred on his face.
Jill and Archer ran behind us and started treating Nighthawk's wounds. With a single motion, Gale opened his hand, revealing a note on worn Umbrella stationary.
I took it from his hands and unfolded it. In dark ink, there was a penned note from Alex.
"Brother, it is a shame thing have become like this. I believe we should talk. Fret not, I won't harm a hair on my nieces or nephews. Your weak, useless, and pitiful wife is in my care now. It would be a shame should anything happen to your favorite toy, right? I shall reach out through Nighthawk in a weeks time. It's time you remember where you belong, Brother. If you don't, I'll be sure your Lotus wilts away and the last thorn in father's side will be destroyed."
White...blank...where!? Where is she!? Where did that bitch take you my love?!?!
"ALEX!!!" I snarled out as the guards of Phoenix Corps. surrounded nighthawk, placing him in B.O.W. restraining cuffs and escorting him into the base.
"Wesker!" Jill called out to me.
Slowly, I realized that I had to play this strategically. Alex was as intelligent as I was. She clearly had a plan in place, and I could play into her hands if I wasn't careful.
I looked over the edge of the mountains, "I will not be away from you long, my dear lotus. Of that, I promise."
Hey everyone, Silfarianhawk here. We are on to the next ark. Oh, this will be fun... at least for me, that is. I hope ya'll have an amazing day. As always, my name is Silfarianhawk, and I'm not so far away.
It's been roughly three months since Albert and I had departed from Jake's and HUNK's presence. Things were strained between us for a moment. It was as to be expected in the basic psychology of our situation. We pretty much rushed back to try and find some sense of normalcy after just over eight years of the detrimental rift that had been the path our lives took.
While we did spend our evenings together, we weren't really doing much but discussing the Uroboros project and its research. Every now and again, we'd talk about the little ones. Albert still seemed always on edge. I read the files on the mental hijacking Spencer had done to the Wesker children. I could see the consistent anxiety on his features. It was more prominent now than when he was in Spencer's clutches in raccoon.
He stood on the balcony of our residence in the African base. His golden hair gleamed in the sunset as his back faced me. I heard a deep, frustrated sigh part from his lips. I had just placed the plates from dinner in the sink and sauntered over to the large sectional next to the door.
I was about midway into my second trimester, and gods, were we being cautious. Steve had me on weekly checkups. I knew it was slightly due to age, but the biggest concern for us was how Angelis and Uroboros would affect our little ones' growth and development. So far, with what we've seen, it's been more like a pregnancy someone in their mid to early twenties would have. There were a couple of discrepancies that we believe could be attributed to my infected status. The first is that the amniotic sac seemed to be thicker as the ultrasound images weren't as clear, and the images show a space between where child one was resting and the actual uterine lining. The second is that the children were developing at a seemingly abnormal rate.
There were no signs of sibling resorption, which was a fear both on the back of mine and Albert's mind. The little ones just seem to have random rapid development spurts and the periods of next to no development. Albert and I put together a theory that the virus was actually slowly going through the D.N.A. and building our children more selectively than having one hundred percent being decided at conception.
I placed my hand on my now pretty well-rounded abdomen. I was about the size I was when I was nine months with both Alistar and Jake. I let out a slight chuckle. The past few months went by like a blink of an eye. I knew Albert's mind was on a seemingly endless time crunch to fix this world, and the more my belly grows, the more it seems to take its toll. I felt a little movement against my hand. With a small smile, I chuckle once more.
"Wesk, my love? Come join me on the sofa. They're moving about." I say over my shoulder, noticing him turn towards me.
"It is about the time they seem to get restless." He said an unusual amount of gentleness in his voice.
He stepped back into the apartment, closing the sliding door behind him. He was wearing his typical collared shirt, but he had it unbuttoned to just below his chest, and he wasn't wearing his belt that he normally didn't take off until we were doing our nightly routine.
He sat on the cushion directly to my left, and to my surprise, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his chest. He was breathing slightly heavier than normal.
"What is going through your mind, Wesk?" I said, staring up into his glowing eyes that weren't shaded for once.
"I was just going back to our wedding, my precious lotus. How many things have changed and how little we have actually come." He said his other hand now just above my own on my tummy.
It was as if the children could sense that Albert was there. As soon as his hand was fully rested, I felt three different little shuffles. I heard a completive hmm from Wesk.
"They know when their father is near. I can't wait to actually see them and hold them." I smile, nuzzling my face against his chest.
"I know, dearheart. Personally I am just waiting for next Saturday to arrive. To see you in a lovely bridal gown once more walking towards me down an aisle, a bouquet of lily's and carnations in your hand waiting to take mine at the end of your stride. But unlike the vows I made to you fifteen years ago, the promises I make to you this time are for eternity, my goddess." He whispered in my ear.
I hum contently, we were doing different vows this time. They were based on some interesting one we watched recently but agreed that before we say them, we would give our new oaths to each other and bind them with the vow.
"To be your warm spring sunlight that awaits you at the end of your harsh winters blizzard." I lightly smile remembering our wedding.
"And to be your stalwart shield there to guard and stand affront all that would dare to harm you." He whispered back, a pained expression flickered across his eyes for the briefest of moments,"you my lovely lotus never let that leave your heart as you did as you promised. You came back at the end of my most dreadful winter. You brought me the brightest joy i have experienced since that day so many years ago."
"Albert, my treasure. Do you remember what our first dance was to during the reception? Do you remember the color of the venues walls as we held each other and slowly spun around?" I asked, stroking his cheek.
He let out a resoundingly relaxed breath, "The venue was a deep charcoal grey with mahogany flooring. The rafters were covered with soft white string lights that gently coated the dance floor in the most subtle light. It made your face glow like a starlight. Our song was a testimony to the promise we'd made for each other when you were first sent to Russia in '82, Faithfully by Journey. You never raised your head from my chest during that whole song." He said, rubbing his hand that was along my back through my hair.
"I'm glad you remember my beloved." I sighed as tears slowly slipped down my cheeks, "Surgei tainted those memories for me. Sometimes, when he was experimenting on me or beating me to a pulp, he'd play Faithfully. He gained some sort of sick pleasure from watching me freeze when the song started."
Albert quickly lifted me into his lap and cradled me in his arms. I was able to hide my face as I heard him lightly sush me. He was stern in his tone but resolute in his grip.
"Dry your tears, dearheart." He cooed as his calloused hand ran along the swell of my baby bump, "Think back to that first night we shared a bed together, the night we decided to say screw the standard at the management training facility. When we decided to delve into our intimate selves beyond the meger fingerings and blow job's. Our first times not only at a sexual standpoint but our first time having sex with each other."
I stopped the second he said that and thought for a moment. My tears expodiously stopped as the memory surfaced. The memory took the precipice of my thoughts. The passionate kisses, the heat, and tension between us were still freshly imprinted on my mind.
The way Albert had been slowly building me up with his fingers the week prior, leaving me spaced out and yearning for him to make us whole. My body felt flush against him as the memories of that night washed away the deeply troubling thoughts that were plaguing my heart.
A light flutter under my hand brought me to the present. This was where I was supposed to be. Held by my dangerous beloved curled up in his warm, strong arms as our unborn little ones reach out for us.
It was these moments and the important memories of our that reassured me, the road I walked was right. Challenging is an understatement, but my heart knew that the end would be worth it. Even as a monster, this moment brought me such serene peace.
"Wesk, I have something I need to show you." I said, smiling as I stood up, walking towards our room.
"What is it, my precious lotus?" He asks curiously, following me shutting the door behind us.
I walked over to the closet and pulled out a sealed garment bag, laying it on the bed.
"So it finally arrived then?" He said, running his lips against my ear as I unzipped the thick black plastic cover.
"Yes, I wanted us to see it together. It is not like this is a wedding gown." I smiled as I stroked Albert's jawline, turning to face him, "Pull it out of the bag, Wesk."
And that was exactly what he did. Stepping aside of me, Albert folded the plastic back, revealing a two-piece laced lavender maternity gown. The pieces were perfectly made to expose my very swollen abdomen. The intricate design of the floral lace was made to cradle our little ones. The lavender slowly faded into a soft cream like color along the skirt. While the patterns were shining bright with silver colored thread expertly crafted into the lacy lotus's.
He looked down at my eyes as I looked up for some hint of approval from him. He turned and took my puffy face into his hand. With a couple of strokes of his thumb, he leaned down and captured my lips with his.
"You are still quite a minx dearheart. That you would have our children the center of everyone's attention. Showing off how much you live to serve your god." He whispered in my ear, a deep blush growing across my face,"it's the perfect choice for our renewal, my precious lotus. I can't wait to see you walk down to me in this."
"Soon my treasure. Next Saturday, we will bind ourselves to each other again. I promise I'll be walking down to your arms this time next week." I say as Albert wraps his arms around me and the babies.
"I know, my love. Come, let's get you to a shower so you can rest. You haven't been resting as much as you should be. I know our little ones are as fiery as us both. Even in their unborn states, I can tell they are draining you of your energy." He said, looking at the slightly darker bags under my eyes.
"OK, my love. Will you help me with my back? I could really use someone who knows my body so well that he'd never neglect a single nook and cranny." I said in a luscious voice.
I hear a slight growl from Albert's chest. He took the bait and lifted me into his arms.
"Such a minx indeed, dearheart." He said, walking into the shared bathroom slowly peeling off my clothes and closing the door behind us.
____________
Meanwhile
UNKNOWN P.O.V.
_____________
"It's nearly time birdy. Are you sure you can handle your job?" Alex's voice said through my com.
"If it means saving him, then yes, I'll do as you say you vile woman. To think you'd make me turn against those who care for me is disgusting. I'm only doing this for Archer. Once this task is done, you'll remove that blasted device from my spine, correct?" I said sharply, my tone was a blazing as fire.
"That's correct, I truly must thank my brothers assistant for bringing me such an asset. That chip that surgei designed was flawed and pathetic. However, by studying it and reversing its engineering, I now have you birdy." Alex laughed in my ear.
The barely healed wound along my spine throbs with each peal of her voice. It think I'd be betraying my lady, the one who saved me for her. The one who tried to kill her and nearly killed my mentor.
"Yes, mam, but should you go against our deal or harm your captive in any way, I have no qualms in sending you to your grave even if you are fifty percent of my DNA." I growled fluttering noises shuffling around me.
I couldn't control my mutations very well as my rage was seething.
"Now, now kiddo, that's no way to speak to the one holding the reigns now, is it? The deal is simple, and I'll reiterate it for your dull bird brain. Bring me, Tabitha, and I'll release not only you from my control, but I'll turn your boyfriends brother into your care." Alex said, her tone now dripping with vemon, "however, should you tell anyone or fail, I'll kill your boytoys brother and permanently activate the control device implanted in your spinal column. I will use you to destroy everything you care about. Now I shall expect you at the rendezvous as soon as you capture the target. Do not fail me, Nighthawk."
The line went dead as I sat in the highest tree in the forest surrounding the phoenix corps. I let out an ungodly scream as rage boiled out. My wings, the damn things, furled outward, causing me to lose balance. I quickly dug my rapidly developing talons into the tree trunk, holding me in place.
Damn her! Why did he have to be her sleeper agent? Why wasn't he careful in his last mission? How could he let himself be caught?
"I'm such a fucking failure... Arjuna.....I'm sorry." I mutter under my breath sliding off my glasses.
My yellow eyes were burning from the unrelenting rage filled tears that fell from my stupid face. I knew after this I'd be alone again just like I was during the experiments. Why!?! Why did that awful woman have to be the one whose eggs I came from.
I shook my head and jumped to the forest floor, my face hidden from the light of the moon by the cascade of shade from the trees canopy.
Just like boss, I'm being dragged into Wesker family bullshit. With a heavy sigh, I walked over to my quad parked outside the forest line. Plopping my ass on the seat, I pressed my com.
"Agent Nighthawk reporting in westside forest clear heading back to base." I said my tone cold.
"Understood, captain. Archer is awaiting you in the security office in the lodge." A voice said through the com.
"Roger." I said, disconnecting the com.
I drove back one thought on my mind. Wolf.... he was the one who brought me in. He could be the key to unraveling her plans with the boss, but I have to be careful.
T I'm not going to let you be her play thing like I am.
Hey everyone, Silfarianhawk here. I apologize for the long wait. But I'm back. Mental turmoil aside, things seem on the right track. Hope all have an amazing day. My name is Silfarianhawk, and I'm not so far away.
I picked up the lady who moaned at my touch. Her clothes were tattered and now coated in what appeared to be her blood. Thankfully the infirmary was close by and she was in no real danger.
I jogged over to the next hall opening and walked up the steps. Several guards looked on in confusion but I waived them off saying it was fine. I heard Sigewinne discussing the proper treatment of a rash with an older male inmate who frequented the Pankration ring.
"Now be sure to apply this ointment before going to work in the production zone and before you go to bed." Our head nurse said cheerfully.
"Yes, mam. Oh, Your grace! I didn't see you there. What happened someone passed out in the ring and you happened to be there?" The older man asked staring at the woman on my shoulder.
"Nope, not this time. Was doing my rounds and this newbie slipped down the steps to her dorm hallway. That doesn't explain this though." I said lifting the side of her shirt as I laid her down on the middle infirmary bed.
"Oh, so this must be Ms. Silva then. Nuevillette wrote me about her yesterday. He said a new inmate would be coming in pretty badly injured. He said to expect her treatment at the hospital to be less than stellar given what happened between her and the guards." Sigewinne said staring at the wound, "It looks like her stitches were snapped."
"She tripped down one of the connecting flights of stairs leading from her dorm room hall. Could the fall of caused the damage to the stitching?" I asked, crossing my arms.
I stared at the unconscious lady before me. She had striking deep navy hair with some forest green low lights. It was a rather strange combination. I noticed there was blood on the palm of her hand slowly drying in the stale humid air of Meropide.
"The stitching still had to of been struck multiple times for the edges of the wound to be so far apart. Nuevillette did write saying she could have enemies among our guards." Sigewinne said cleaning the wound and restitching it.
I noted that the male visiting Sigewinne earlier had slipped out without saying anything. Sigewinne took her time with closing up the inmate's wound. Then for good measure, she rubbed some of the salve she normally uses on cuts and bruises I obtain when I fight in the ring.
"So her name is Silva? I haven't read her file yet but did notice one titled that in the new inmate paperwork." I said as Sigewinne put away her medical supplies into a locked cabinet after pulling out fresh bandages.
"That's right! Nuevillette said for me to help her get adjusted. I think he pities her." The human-like Melusine said shaking her head as she wrapped the fresh bandages around Silva's body.
"What makes you think that?" I said in surprise.
"The tone of his letter was different. It wasn't the usual great things about his day or a warning saying she was dangerous. He also said to be on the lookout for withdrawal effects." She said sitting at her desk, "Isn't the champion duelist visiting you soon?"
"Crap, that was why I was doing my rounds. I knew I would be busy for the next few hours." I said walking towards the exit, "Oh Sigewinne, please invite Ms. Silva to my office for tea when she wakes up. No one's first day in Meropide should be spent in the infirmary."
She smiled at me and nodded, "Yes your grace."
I took one last look at Silva. I felt a twang in my chest. She had a sad look on her sleeping face. It reminds me of how I looked after my trial. I shook my head, my hair tufts swishing a bit.
I left the infirmary and headed toward my office. My office... it still feels surreal. It hadn't even been a third of the year since I'd taken control of Meropide. I went from a lowly criminal in the eyes of the law to the Duke of the Fortress. I could have laughed.
I arrived at the cold doors of my office. With an easy push, they swing open welcoming me back to my solidarity. Ascending the metal stairs, I smiled as I heard the smooth jazz that played on my record player.
I walked over to my sofa and grabbed my kettle from the coffee table. It was nice they installed a tea nook when I became Duke. It saves me the trouble of having to boil water in the kitchen.
"Let's see, what blend do I drink with Ms. Clorinde? Hmm... it's about time for dinner so how about... ahh here it is Fontainian Garden." I said pulling out the glass jar with the loose tea leaves.
This was an uncommon item in the rag and bones shop so I bought it whenever I could. Hopefully, Clorinde likes this blend. She was quite picky when it came to tea.
There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" I ask out placing a couple of spoonfuls of the leaves into the kettle.
"It's Clorinde. Come on Wriothesley, open the door. We have important things that need to be discussed." A harsh female voice rang out.
"Coming!" I shouted setting down the pot.
I walked down the stairs and opened the door. In front of me was Clorinde with a decent-sized crate behind her. I raised my brow and gave her a funny look.
"I thought you said we were just going to be friends," I said crossing my arms and smiling, "didn't expect you to want to move in after what happened."
Clorinde just glared at me and shoved past, "Just grab the crate Wriothesley. It's your new prisoner's belongings. Not much gets to me but the thought of that woman just skipping
"Alright, alright, Archons you seem like you need a cup of tea. Thankfully I have some brewing." I said lift the crate and brought it into my office.
Closing the door, I ascended the stairs. Clorinde sat down on the couch. I shook my head and sat the box down on my desk. The kettle started whistling as I grabbed the sugar from the bookshelf. I plopped two cubes into a cup and poured the slightly red-colored tea.
"Care for a cup?" I asked looking over my shoulder.
"If you insist. One sugar cube would be nice, please." She said her shoulders relaxing as she laid back and got comfortable.
"So this is the girl who landed ten guards in the hospital. I haven't read her file yet but the steambird sure had decent coverage on it. Said she took them out with a dendro vision. If that's the case why wasn't she sent here as a precaution? That's what they do with dangerous prisoners. It's protocol so why wasn't it followed." I said curiously pouring Clorinde's tea and placing one cube in it.
I sat at my desk placing her teacup at the top of it. She stood up and shuffled through the files until she uncovered Ms. Silva's. Handing me the file she walked back towards that couch, taking her tea.
"Take a look and you will understand." She said.
"You know it's rude to rifle through someone's work desk," I smirked as I opened the file.
"Just read it, then we can proceed with the main reason why I am here." Clorinde huffed.
I started skimming the folder. There wasn't much on Ms. Silva. Her travel records show she came through the Chenyu vale of Liyue and was in Mondstat before that on a job for Dr. Baizhu of Bubu pharmacy in Liyue. She wrote down that her reason for traveling to Fontaine was research. That didn't explain much either.
"Weird how there is so little right, Wriothesley? Normally we would have all her information. We contacted Liyue, Sumeru, and Mondstat. They only have records of her traveling for research. We could only assume she's from Inazuma as her first record is a travel permit to Liyue from Ritou. It was commissioned by an Ayato Kamisato. Every one of her permits is for research. Nuevillette asked me to bring the belongings from her hotel room and search through the items with you." Clorinde said taking a sip of the warm beverage in her hand.
I continued to read over the file and a note from Monsieur Nuevillette shocked me. I could hear his voice as I read the line.
"Ms. Silva was attacked and drugged using a potent Dendro drug that has been spreading like wildfire through the court of Fontaine. While there have been only a few deaths due to this drug. Ms. Silva has shown us that those with dendritic energy have a horrific effect on these drugs. A Dendritic energy overcharge causes a massive burst of the Dendro element dealing damage once the user is put under stress. What Ms. Silva told me has led me to believe that there is a tie between this drug and a dendro dragon. Keep an eye on her at all costs Wriothesley. Something tells me she will be the key to solving this case." His voice rang in my ears.
"WRIOTHESLEY!" Clorinde shouted snapping me out of my trance.
"Huh, oh sorry Clorinde. It's just Nuevillette's notes. They just have me a little on edge." I said setting down the file and picking up my now cooled tea.
"I was trying to say that you should be careful with regarding her. I just have a bad feeling, call it hunter intuition." She said setting her empty cup down.
"I will now let's get going through this stuff I'm sure Ms. Silva would at least like some of this stuff back. As long as it is appropriate for the fortress of course." I said prying open the wooden box.
As the box cracked open, I was met with a soft aroma. It reminded me of walking into a luxury tea shop in the city. When the lid came off there was a multitude of sealed glass jars with many varieties of herbs. They seemed to be being kept fresh by cut mist flowers. I've seen the corollas being used but not whole flowers.
"So it seems she does not possess a vision after all," Clorinde said sifting through a small pile of folded clothes.
"There is a small silk pouch right here," I said picking up the purple purse, and with an unfortunate turn of events the contents spilled out.
"Letters and documents?" Clorinde said picking up the papers strewn about.
I glanced down and saw a lovely wax seal of a glaze lily on a golden letter, "What's this?"
"I have no clue. It must be important and it has been opened previously. Why don't you go ahead and read it?" Clorinde asked.
"Everyone has the right to privacy. In one sense or the other. I have no search warrant, so I won't read it." I said setting it down on her pile of documents, a smirk growing on my lips, "I'll ask her directly."
"And how do you plan on doing that? From what I heard from the guard who escorted her, she fell and passed out." Clorinde said crossing her arms.
"Did he now? Because from what Sigewinne has told me she had to of been shoved multiple times with relatively decent force. She was bleeding when she fell right in front of me." I said with a slight growl in my voice.
One thing I detested among my staff was lying to higher-ups. I knew lying to prisoners was sometimes unavoidable, however, lying to me or a champion duelist would get my blood boiling. Clorinde stared at me with mild shock in her eyes.
"Sigh, I'll leave this to you then but your grace as a friend I have some advice for you." She said as she walked to the stairs.
"Oh yeah, what's that?" I asked staring at the golden envelope.
"Don't forget Nuevillette's warning. That woman is a danger." I heard Clorinde say as she exited my office.
"Tsk. I can handle myself. This is Meropide. No newbie could cause that much of a distraction. Her sorrowful sleeping face came to my mind. Could she?
