A Dreamer's Journal @where-dreamers-go - Tumblr Blog

"Choices" self aware! Leon Kennedy x gamer! Reader -- Part 6

(A/N: We are getting closer to the end of the game!!! Ohmygoodness! I have so much planned.

DINNER IS SERVED! I've been working on this since February.

Series Masterlist

Warnings: forbidden love, angst, canon violence, slow burn, strong language, multiple povs, and use of (Y/N) for your name.

Word Count: 9,365 words)

~~~

Morning light struck the oddest shapes on your bedroom walls as curtains failed to keep every ounce of sunlight from greeting you. A visual and natural sign that the morning crept closer to noon. Even with many hours in the day to do multiple things, you still felt like your schedule was tight.

They said the maintenance guy would show up between eleven and three, you reminded yourself and rubbed your eye. To check the water on the kitchen, you had not expected any opening in the business' schedule so soon. Better today than three months from now. You did not even know for certain what your schedule would look like in the coming months.

Gaze shifting to your open bedroom door, your thoughts followed into the gaming room across from you and out of your line of sight. A huge part of your life was in there. Even more amazing was how pivotal your computer had become to connecting you to a character. To someone who cared about your well-being as much as you did his.

How is this even possible? You rolled onto the empty side of your bed. I can literally load up the game and talk to Leon. About anything! Or nothing. The thought of speaking to him brought a rush of flutters to your stomach. More often than not, your mind pictured Leon Kennedy and a multitude of inventive scenarios.

To know you thought of Leon a great deal before realizing he was fully aware of your presence and was not just pixels on your computer monitor tended to send your mind for a loop. It was a lot to take in. Yet, all the same, the only thing you would change about it would be to have Leon healthy with you in your apartment.

. . .

Thinking ahead. A wise and smart choice especially when one wanted to survive long enough to actually live. Where being home would feel like a dream.

Hours on the move while being attacked, used, and driven to investigate the deepest parts of the village was a test to Leon Kennedy's willpower. It came with the years of training.

A life he would not have chosen for himself.

Leon wanted to help people. This was the option given to him years ago.

Listening and watching for any movement, Leon remained sitting by the cot. A guard against the danger that lurked around every dark crevice of the land. Yet all was quiet. Not even his distant and invisible companion spoke.

He waited patiently.

Building more hope in himself, he waited.

A gentle hand on him snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Leon?"

Looking to his left, Leon turned to face a conscious Ashley.

"Sorry I'm late." He pushed himself up to kneel on one knee with a soft grunt.

How long had he been on this mission?

"No. Thank you." Ashley studied at her wrist for a moment and rubbed it before meeting Leon's gaze. "You brought the medicine just in time."

"Can you stand?" He asked, knowing she'd been unconscious for a while.

Ashley shifted her legs over the cot. "Where's Luis?" She glanced around.

Giving bad news would never be easy.

"He was worried about you...until the end." Leon delivered the news as gently as possible without having to be so direct.

She doesn't need to know the details.

She sat back down with an exhale and her hands falling onto her lap. Quiet. Reflective.

Yet time was ticking whether they liked it or not. Whether they moved or remained in that holding cell. The danger would not stop unless they acted. It was around them and within.

"Come on." Leon stood up. "We don't have much time." Determination ready to be shared, he extended his left hand to her. "Let's get rid of these things."

Decidedly and firmly, Ashley put her hand in his and nodded. "For Luis."

Leon helped pull her up to her feet.

All right. First thing's first. We need a location, Leon thought as he activated his comms and simultaneously felt the familiar pull of his muscles that let him know you were with him. Like a gentle hand to guide him and the closest to touch he's had with you.

The binging ring did not last long as he contacted someone he knew was sneaking around with extra information.

"Ada, come in. There's a lab where we can remove the parasites. Had a crazy hunch that you'd know where it is."

Focused on the call, Leon didn't mind you taking the initiative to gather supplies from the yellow crates amongst the random junk and unknown storage in the hallway. It was unfathomable how much he trusted you.

"Their most important facilities are housed in their sanctuary at the top of the mountain. That's where I'd look." Ada answered from who knew where.

Still quiet, most likely listening to everything, you had Leon collect a couple of valuables between empty storage spaces.

Top of the mountain. Got it.

"Huh. Ada the encyclopedia." Leon's left hand still rested on his ear piece. Standing in one place, he noted the long pause before she replied.

"Happy to help. Now you owe me." Ada immediately turned off the call.

Leon felt himself frown. He did not like the sound of that.

"More like she's happy you owe her," you finally commented.

He agreed with you. Yet he elected not to voice it with Ashley close by. The odd struggle of being the only one aware of an extra companion that heard and saw all. Mostly all.

What happens to...this arrangement when my mission is complete? Is that not in (Y/N)'s control? Leon wandered the hall. Can they only do this here? Is this their mission too?

So much to keep in mind.

"Alrighty then..." You hummed, seemingly more energized than when the pair of you had been overwhelmed by infected in the Incubation Lab earlier.

Maybe they slept.

Picking up a paper, Leon and, presumably, you read a Captive Researcher's Note. As uncomfortable as the information was, it was still valuable to know of what those people were doing. The researcher mentioned about the infected being simple minded then and a success in creating a superior plaga. The note ended with plans for mass production.

Leon could feel his stomach churning.

"Mass production?" You exclaimed from over his shoulder. "Absolutely not."

At least we're on the same page. A thought and knowledge that made him feel a little better.

"Let's see how much we can do...," you muttered to yourself.

We. Leon liked the sound of that too.

Moving into another area, still just outside the holding cell, you directed Leon through the facility storage littered with paper on the floor. A mess like the rest of the place. Yet still standing.

We need to get to the very top of the mountain. But first, Leon walked up to the side of a gated door. The gap looks big enough for a person.

"Could you give me a boost?" Ashley asked from behind him.

Leon looked over his right shoulder to her and planted his feet firmly on the concrete floor. Teamwork such as this would be how they would, eventually, make it out of there. Ashley climbed up onto his shoulders while he was crouched down, trusting that he wouldn't let her fall. Steadying himself with his gloved hands on the wall, Leon stood up straight and successfully boosted her upwards.

"Up she goes." You observed fondly as Ashley climbed up and through the opening in the wall.

"I need you to open it from the other side." Leon told Ashley as he reloaded his gun while waiting. He had to use his time wisely.

"I could had used your help reaching something on top of the refrigerator." You commented with a hint of amusement.

"Next time let me know," he whispered back.

Ahead, in the room beyond, Ashley removed the metal bar and pulled the double-gated doors open.

"I'm pretty much a master of unlocking!" Ashley sounded very proud of herself despite the dire circumstances awaiting her.

"She's so adorable." You cooed.

Moving forward, Leon found more yellow marked crates with resources inside. Good thing he had space to store more items.

I'm lucky my pockets don't jiggle from all of this currency. Leon thought before starting to question the amount of gems he had stashed away.

With an open room to his right, he kept walking and eyed the familiar purple-flamed torch. He didn't hesitate to move closer.

"Got some new wares, stranger. You're in for a treat."

"Don't get cheap on me, merchant," you stated as you directed Leon to knock open more yellow crates in the room.

He hasn't let us down so far. Leon went up to the man's setup.

"Welcome! I've got something new for you, mate."

Seeing many choices, as always, Leon wondered what you had in mind. Besides having his combat knife repaired again, which was accomplished first.

You had sense to repair and always replenish the necessities before browsing.

"That cash in your pocket or your life? Easy choice, mate."

Not responding to the merchant's words, Leon still did consider them.

Here he was in another country on a rescue mission, surviving by collecting goods to use, trading pieces of jewelry, uncovering information about las plagas, dealing with Major Krauser, trying to get those things out, and, by forces unknown, he had you. Leon did not control every step he took, but it no longer bothered him as it did after he left the police car. The voice that followed him did not complement the situation he pushed through with determination. That voice turned out to be so much more. You were there every step of the mission. For him.

As unorthodox as it was, Leon trusted you with his life and, in turn, Ashley's life.

So, yes, Leon would not be hoarding any currency. Ashley's and his life were on the line. Preferably, they would both get out of there in one piece and, with luck, find you. But finding you was a thought for later.

"Will that be all, then?" The merchant asked.

For now, at least.

Leon was not surprised by the pull is his legs towards the typewriter.

"Onward," you proclaimed, "to get the heck out of here."

Leon had to resist the urge to comment with Ashley close by.

The young lady would likely be confused as to any inquiry relating to someone else joining them in their escape. Although it did bring up the question of whether or not Ashley would trust you right away.

Wonder why no one else can hear (Y/N) if they're not in my head? Maybe...a glitch in equipment.

With both hands, Leon pushed open a pair of metal doors to a cargo depot lit from above by tall industrial lights.

Setting his sights far ahead, Leon focused on a barely lit area passed the tall chain linked fence and much higher up in the distance. A way up the mountain.

That's where we're going.

Leon strode forward outside with Ashley close behind. Up a wide set of metal stairs and to the left where the fencing did not block the path, Leon hopped down.

"Oops. Guess I could have had you use the ladder." You laughed nervously from behind him. "My bad."

Keeping his mouth shut in the junk clustered area seemed more of a challenge with you as the night went on. If you were physically present, Leon knew with more certainty than before that he would protect you to his best ability. No matter what would happen.

They're here for me every step or jump of the way. Leon thought as he collected goods. I look forward to returning the favor.

Angered shouting alerted Leon to enemies heading towards him. At least he didn't have to question whether or not he was going in the right direction.

"Bad guys with rude comments--two o'clock." You helped Leon navigate between the piles of junk to reach the men.

The first enemy ended his story at the wrong end of a suplex and melee combo. A second swung an electrostaff before a knife stopped him completely. Shouting of the final enemy in the area came from behind more junk, but Leon had time to open a crate. After avoiding a hatchet, Leon took out the third man quickly.

"That wasn't too bad." You said. "I mean, we've obviously seen worse. Unfortunately."

Unfortunately. Leon opened the lid of a dumpster.

"You shouldn't have to-- Ooo!"

Leon nearly laughed from your complete shift in tone. Not so luckily, he hid it underneath a choked cough.

This gold bangle must be worth a lot. He stashed the item for later as he moved further through the area. Up some stairs and stopped at one metal door.

Sound traveled beyond the door and Leon checked over his hand gun.

"Deep breath." You audibly inhaled and Leon was vividly reminded that you were very alive somewhere else.

Leon opened the door.

"Be careful," Ashley whispered.

Always am.

Dusty orange glows illuminated the cramped space. A staircase up, a way to a door to his left, and a path straight ahead. At a glance, he couldn't tell what it was used for, but he knew he wasn't alone. Up ahead a man held an electrostaff that sparked in the dim light.

"We'll get to you, pal." You rushed Leon down the hall on the left to reach a door.

A locked door.

"What?"

"Won't open." Leon announced softly.

"Darn it."

You had him kick open, yet another, yellow crate before turning back around.

"Bad guys, it is."

He wondered if you had any defense training. A question for another time.

With such a cramped space even the four infected men couldn't effectively rush through alongside the stairs. And large boilers? Not the best place to fight for anyone, especially when one person had no weapons.

Leon had fought and defended in worse places.

Between you and himself, those infected did not have a chance in taking Ashley with them.

Shots were effective and not wasted. Until one man sprouted an infected and dangerously moving form on his head. The electrostaff was no longer a worry.

"You're serious?" Leon aimed for its weak spot, ended it, and kept going. No time to relax. No time to let his guard down for a second.

The infected with a small axe didn't last with Leon's aim.

"One down." Leon announced, stepping back to where Ashley stood.

A knife flew by his head.

"Darn it." You huffed. "Tell Ashley to get behind you."

Instinctively, he blocked Ashley from the two enemies closing in fast. She covered her head from the incoming danger.

Adjustments with aim had both you and himself shooting down the last two enemies. A splintered shield still held in one of their hands.

"That was close," you sighed.

Venturing passed the fallen enemies, Leon broke open two yellow barrels underneath the stairs to find more gunpowder. Good for crafting.

Leon took a moment to check the map.

"Facility Two. Very descriptive," you mused. "Gotta love a map."

His lips curled up.

Each step brought Leon closer to solving some of this mess and rescuing Ashley. Large goals. Heading in the right direction, hopefully, would do more than complete his rescue mission. His new personal wish.

In a small office upstairs with plenty of goods on the green computer desk and on a locker, Leon reviewed his next steps.

To the left of the desk, most of the wall was an open window. No glass plane or hinges. It overlooked another small room with presumably locked doors. Conveniently, a manual wall switch was located on the wall as well. Nothing complicated.

"Ashley." He gestured to the switch.

"'K." She sounded almost tired. Well, the most tired without being out of breath from constantly moving.

You, on the other hand, snorted out a laugh. "Glad she doesn't sound terrified."

True.

Leon vaulted out of the opening and down to the concrete flooring where a singular metal door raised on the far wall.

"How are your knees?"

Leon straightened up and answered you as he left the room. "Fine. How are yours?" He headed down a hallway to the left.

"Having phantom pains from watching you." You did not take control upon him reaching the door from earlier to unlock it.

"Sorry about --"

Ashley yelled.

"Damn it!" He rushed inside and back upstairs to the office.

Someone has her!

That someone had taken Ashley down to the space below.

Anticipating your directions and moving efficiently, Leon vaulted down. Again.

Ashley struggled against the other man's hold as he moved towards the exit.

"Hold still, yah stinker." You sneered.

One careful shot, with his own aim, and the infected released Ashley. Both stumbling away from the force of it.

"Get 'em." Your voice was low. More encouragement than command.

In the same instance of the infected turning around towards Ashley in the corner, Leon grabbed him in a hold. Training had almost made performing a suplex into a reflexive action.

Leon landed after hearing a disgusting crunch.

Another one down. He stood up.

No longer in immediate danger, Ashley glanced around the area quietly.

"At least you're both okay." You said.

Leon could hear shuffling from where your voice came through. Perhaps you had a desk of materials related to the mission. Maybe you had personal belongings livening up the space where you could access his muscles.

They haven't told me everything. Leon reminded himself. But I've had to make choices too. Just because (Y/N) is home doesn't mean someone else isn't involved. He frowned as his thoughts continued on the current turn. Information is being held from them too.

"Next stop: more stairs and doors," you announced.

Whatever this setup is, I don't think it was supposed to get personal. That single thought alone solidified Leon's decision to find you wherever you were living and make absolutely certain that you were safe from any power-hungry individuals.

After returning to the newly unlocked hallway, Leon lead the way upstairs. Two flights of stairs, five bad-mouthing infected, and two infected scorpion creatures later -- Leon decided he did not like this area for a new reason.

Before he went through the first door on the right, his sense of smell let him know where he was. A large, possibly, drainage pipe ran above murky water.

"Oh... Okay." Your comment was all the reaction he needed to know your thoughts on the environment.

He hopped down into the water and did his best not to imagine what it contained.

"Smells pretty bad. You OK?" Leon ducked under a large overhanging pipe to the other side of the water to kick open a barrel.

Weird place to leave a barrel.

"Yeah. Before, this would have killed me though." Ashley made light of the current situation.

Then we'll make it out of here.

"Watch your head," you advised softly and directed him further into the area.

Always looking out for me.

Leon bent low and followed the pipe through an opening before grabbing an emerald. To his right, he hopped up on the platform. A secure metal door stood before them, scattered stuff he didn't need, and a large circuit breaker on the right.

Having a door as an obstacle wasn't too bad. Just strange to need two people to open one.

At separate controls on either side of the door, Leon and Ashley stood ready.

"We go at the same time, yeah?"

"Got it!" Ashley was more than ready for teamwork.

"And...," your voice came from a little ways behind him. "Go. Hold it."

Leon pulled down the lever and waited for the two arrows over the door to meet in the red section before letting go.

"Yeah!" Ashley practically leapt for joy. The only ray of sunshine on that murky nightmare.

"Nice teamwork." You lead Leon into the next room. "Well this is underwhelming."

An electrical storage room nightmare. Trashed, but not damaged. Rusting metal shelves the walls, a couple of lockers, trash all over the floor, and most electrical boxed in with a chain link fence.

Starting to walk clockwise around the room, Leon paused at your next words.

"Wait." You whispered. "What is that?"

Focusing beyond the quiet hum of the room, Leon heard something in the vicinity. The breathing of an infected. Familiar and unwelcomed.

So far the hallway on the right remained empty. No time to put one's guard down.

Under your direction, Leon rummaged around and found a hand grenade.

"OH YES!" You exclaimed. "Sweet darling."

Leon felt his face grow warm as he opened the nearby locker and gathered more gunpowder.

Good to have on hand, he thought and peeked over to the hall again.

"Hmm. You know what? Just in case it's a Regenerador..." You lead Leon back to the other side of the room to a larger yellow locker. "Sorry Ashley."

"Wait here." Leon ordered the blonde quietly.

"OK." She sounded a hint confused.

Being alive and confused was better than the alternative.

"We can do this. We can do this," you chanted to yourself and in turn kept Leon determined.

Leon walked steadily to the opening of the main hall and took one step in. That was all it took to get the enemy out of hiding. He switched guns as a Regenerador slipped down, out of the wall and onto the floor.

"EW! No! Not this!"

"Easy." He didn't want you overwhelmed again like in the lab.

Using the handy biosensor scope to aim made shooting the three plagas inside the engineered infected a piece of cake. The Regenerador bursted its top half.

And it regenerated anyway.

"WHAT!?"

"What the fuck!?" Leon brought the scope up again to find the extra plaga.

The Regenerador was stubborn. It sprouted spikes allover and roared. In wicked form, it charged forward at Leon.

"Die, you stubborn son of a bitch!"

He started firing, but the Regenerador was too fast. Leon needed a safe distance. Lowering the rifle, Leon booked it to the other side of the room, but not before a spike nicked him.

"WHOA! Leon."

He felt you nudging him forward even as he knelt down for a second.

"Hold on." Leon got to his feet and turned to face the Regenerador.

"Should you use the hand grenade?" You suggested.

"Probably."

Leon wasted no time in throwing the hand grenade at the Regenerador across the room.

"Sorry."

BOOM

The small explosion gave him time to aim through the biosensor scope.

Remaining spikes hit Leon.

"Jesus. Cuddly bastard." He was thankful for his body armor.

"Whoa. Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Leon directed his reply to the empty space where your voice came through.

But was it truly empty?

What was he not seeing?

The locker door squeaked as Ashley stepped out. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"No. I'm good."

I've dealt with much worse.

With the hall clear of danger, Leon and Ashley walked up to the next metal doors. They teamed up again until the green light flashed and doors slid open to darkness beyond.

"OK!" Ashley sounded proud, in a way.

Flashlight on, Leon began checking the area. Again, there was junk everywhere. Metal bars blocked off areas and Leon swore he heard a squeak of a rat.

"Ooh. Here we go." Your voice rose higher as the flashlight's beam revealed a computer control panel. A blank screen too.

"No power."

"Of course... I shouldn't be surprised at this point."

Time to reroute power. Leon thought. Again.

In order to do that, Leon needed to venture further into the area. Trash, darkness, and all.

"There's a gap," you stated.

"A walkway." Leon pointed to a metal wheel. "Get this for me!"

"Leave it to me! I'm actually pretty good at this stuff." Ashley replied. Happy to help, she got the walkway up in no time and held the wheel in place.

After crossing over, Leon found the area just as dark and messy as the previous section.

He checked the map.

"Waste Disposal," you read out loud. "Explains the smell?"

"Unfortunately."

"Maybe we should check here."

Your suggestion lead him to a powered down control room with a briefcase sitting unlocked. Inside laid an ornate necklace.

"They really did leave valuables and trash everywhere."

"I guess having their minds turn to mush makes them forget about tidying up."

"Maybe." His lips curled upwards and shined the flashlight across the room to illuminate the space.

"At least it's not too dark to see anything."

Leon eyed the inconspicuous area where he could hear you. He settled his back against the sturdy machinery.

"Speaking of seeing," Leon pocketed the necklace. "So I've been hearing your voice this whole time... Any chance you can give me a visual? You sound cute."

There was complete silence until you spoke up.

"Uh... A description?"

"Yeah." He tilted his head slightly. "You see me all the time. I need to imagine more than a headset and a dazzling smile."

"Dazzling?"

He nodded.

"You're being serious?"

"Very."

Leon Kennedy was absolutely thriving on his interactions with you. The current conversation in particular made him feel a little outside of himself, but he was hoping for a good turn out. For once. Mentally crossing his fingers.

He's being serious, you thought while finding it more difficult to look upon Leon's handsome face.

Were you suddenly flustered and thrown off guard by Leon's request? You bet.

Leon Scott Kennedy already considered you cute.

Best of luck.

"Leaving me in suspense now?"

Hunching over in a strange position, you mumbled in your gaming chair. "I'm not prepared for this."

Sighing softly enough for it to barely register through your earbuds, Leon pushed away from the metal surface.

"Another time?"

You peered up and answered with a strained, "Please."

"Whenever you're ready." Leon added. "Right now, we need to get the power on in here."

And I need to get ahold of myself, you thought as you slouched in your chair. He wants to know what I look like! What else does he want to know? He's in the game. He'll never even see me!

Your grip on the controls loosened.

He'll never see me.

On screen, Leon found another suspended walkway and crossed to another area where light shone up ahead. Carrying through with his assigned mission as he kept multiple emotions hidden beneath puns and witty remarks. A person on the inside and an agent on file. Only a character to others.

Oh, Leon.

The next few minutes or so started pretty calm then immediately became a red flag even with the power back on and most electrical humming to life. Even with full sight on Ashley. That meant others saw her too.

As annoying and frustrating as it was, Leon managed to shoot between the metal bars at the incoming enemies. Still not as frightening as a Regenerador sliding out of a large pile of waste while Leon ran by. You totally did not yelp and let Leon fully handle it. Technically, you yelled and switched Leon's weapon in less than a second. Then he took care of it.

Eventually the spiky Regenerador exploded, the enemies looking to grab Ashley were put down, and Leon joined Ashley at the computer panel.

One puzzle for you reroute power and multiple creepy, large scorpion things for Leon to end before reaching the Merchant. After Leon shouldered the door open. It was quite impressive.

"Guns rhymes with fun for a reason, stranger!" Laughed the Merchant, who you were fairly certain said that before.

"Let's see if anything can be upgraded," you murmured.

Leon walked up to the table.

"Welcome," greeted the Merchant as always. "What can I interest you in?"

"A way out." You sassed. "And maybe lunch."

If there was one thing you wanted, it included both Leon and Ashley leaving that place in full health.

Let's make this quick. You checked the time. Tune up? Check. Repair body armor? Double check.

"Give that the care it deserves, mate."

"Always." You replied. "Because Leon needs it. All the care and safety he can get."

Transitioning from safety to the weapons section, you were more than happy to level up some weapons.

Who knows what crazy-looking infected we'll be up against next? Probably something big or super creepy.

After selling some goodies, you excited the 'shop' and were given the view of the back of Leon's head.

"Pleasant travels." Said the Merchant.

"Save first." You piped up.

Leon stepped to the typewriter and whispered. "You really like recording the time and place, huh?"

"It's important."

"You're still home?"

"I'm not even wearing shoes."

A breath of air left Leon as his shoulders shook for only a moment. A barely contained chuckle.

. . .

Venturing outdoors wasn't too dangerous. Yet. A new lit area had many colored shipping containers, machinery, crates, and a tall concrete-fence-wall combo to keep everything in. Or out?

Either way: You knew a battle area when you saw one.

"This should be interesting." You took a sip of water and watched Leon drop down into the area.

Turning around, Leon caught Ashley on a brief princess hold.

"Nice catch," she complimented nicely.

Leon set her on her feet gently with a tilt to the ground.

Angling the camera as Leon and Ashley walked, you checked out the area more closely. Yellow barrels of resources, multiple red barrels for an explosive time, and Leon was able to get atop of the shipping containers to cross over to the next one.

Very handy.

"This is a pretty big area," you noted while eyeing the chain linked fence near a wrecking ball.

Running up to peer through a crack on the tall concrete wall, Ashley called out loudly. "Leon! Look."

A cutscene gave you a view of the metal goal of theirs: to reach the summit. Wide and exposed to the elements outdoors.

"That the lift?" Leon asked.

"If we could do something about this wall..." Ashley murmured dispiritedly.

Leon, always thinking, went up to a large yellow machinery. "A wrecking ball."

Without warning, Ashley climbed up and inside the vehicle. "I got this!" She promptly shut the door.

"Hey!" Leon reached out his left hand.

"Oh." You gasped.

The machinery roared to life.

"You're serious?" Leon watched on as Ashley took initiative.

You chuckled.

Not arguing, Leon pulled himself up to stand on the metal platform and grabbed the handle bar by the door.

Then it started to move across the area.

"There we go! She's doing it!" You cheered proudly.

"Is this what they teach kids in school these days?" Leon asked over the sounds of the engine.

"Have you never heard of driver's ed?" Ashley sounded very amused and confident.

"What driver's ed did she take?" You gestured to the definitely-not-road-legal driving machine. "Does she also know how to use all of the controls?"

Ever full of surprises, Ashley stopped the machine and ordered, "Get back!"

Leon hopped down and out of the way.

Watching on, the cutscene continued. The wrecking ball was swung all the way around before it rammed into the concrete wall making a noticeable dent.

"OH!" You clapped briefly.

Not everything could be celebrated or private for long.

Alarms sounded off in the facility and multiple lights brightened the area. In seconds, armed infected begun rushing down.

"Darn it," you murmured.

"Leon!" Ashley shouted from the driver's seat.

"Leave our friends to me!" Leon squared up.

The cutscene ended as your view settled behind Leon.

"Ready (Y/N)?" Leon asked.

"Light 'em up."

At the top of the screen, a green health bar appeared specifically for the wrecking ball.

Hopefully, Ashley will be more safe in there.

Three bad guys arrived quick. A bat and a fiery crossbow included.

Leon took them out without any trouble and with enough time to see four more enemies narrowing in. One of them with a rifle was no match for Leon Kennedy's training. Plus a swift kick.

"It's gonna take more then that. One more time!" Ashley declared from within the machine's control seating.

"You can do it, Ashley." You encouraged despite the ongoing fact that she could not hear you at all.

Circling around the machine, Leon ended more bad guys with shields and such before they could reach Ashley as she swung the wrecking ball around again.

BAM

Shouting started and grew louder through your earbuds as enemies approached from out of your line of sight.

"Hey now!"

"There they are." Leon raced around the machine to faceoff against some shirtless guy and one with a long weapon.

Bang bang

You squinted at the screen.

Is that a bull head? You cringed at the sight of the guy with the long weapon to the shirtless one with-- DYNAMITE?

Bang bang

"Come on! Break you freaking wall!" Ashley shouted in frustration.

That's a thick wall.

The second Ashley startled screaming, Leon made his way towards the door and shot the guy attempting to get her.

They're all going after her! You thought before frowning for a moment. Why am I surprised?

As you contemplated that, Leon finished off the wave of enemies and gathered resources.

"Take this!" Ashley cheerfully hit the wall.

Like clockwork, the alarm sounded again.

Infected enemies rounded a corner loudly.

"If you all want a beating that bad, I'm happy to oblige." Leon charged at them.

"Darn... Okay, sir."

His words still threw you for a loop even as he easily ended two more infected.

That wasn't even a funny pun-- LASER!

Leon dodged the thin red beam of light.

"What the --?" You were soon further distracted when a guy sprouted a very infected form in place of his head. "Ah!"

Bang BANG

In midst of the chaos, a small rocket flew by Leon, narrowly missing him.

"OH! Definitely not a sniper up there!"

"No. Gotta take care of him." Leon took cover by a shipping crate.

"Where oh where is the rocket-launcher-guy?" You sung.

Leon chanced a peek. "Found him."

"And a convenient red barrel." You observed.

Bang

BOOM

With one infected up in flames, you checked Leon's health bar.

Not bad.

Movement caught your attention, but a short cutscene showed a multitude of the large scorpion-spiders crawling down into the area.

"Ew," you mumbled and relatively started having Leon take shots at them. "Oh, wait." You opened his inventory for something explosive.

Leon tossed a hand grenade to the cluster of infected.

A busy time amongst concrete.

"Take this!" Ashley shouted again as she attacked the wall.

"Let's go girl!"

Bang bang bang bang bang

"And let's go, Leon!" You added as he ended the last four.

"Take this!" Ashley shouted determinedly.

The wrecking ball smashed a full opening in the concrete wall. A sight given to you by a short cutscene.

"Yeah! That did it!"

"Woo! Finally." You cheered along. "One sweep to check..."

"Just in case." Leon jogged around the immediate area and collected items. "Let's look."

"I'm happy to...oblige."

"Heh." He shook his head, but you saw the smile on his lips.

What a cutie.

Once Leon returned to the wrecking ball, Ashley opened the door.

"Did you see me? That was awesome!" She exclaimed in her accomplishment.

"I think you might have found your calling."

"She might have, actually. She rocked." You replied.

Who knows what else Ashley is capable of?

A way through, clear, you directed Leon closer to the lift. Large pieces of concrete rubble decorated the area, courtesy of Ashley's demolition skills. On the left was a couple of forklifts, pallets, and a dozen specialty crates. Definitely all in use.

"Please, let this be enemy free." You watched as the lift lowered steadily in front of Leon. "Please."

When the lift reached them its short safety gates slid open, allowing Leon and Ashley to walk on.

If there are suddenly twenty crawling-infected-critters descending upon us, I'll...say something. Probably wish for an umbrella or something.

Approaching the controls, Leon pressed the red button to start the lift with a beep.

Ashley stood on the opposite side of the lift with her hands resting behind her back.

"You know, I... I was thinking--," she started a bit unsure before sounding hopeful, "we work well together, don't we?"

"I guess so." Leon answered neutrally.

"Right!?" Ashley sounded so positively excited. "Maybe someday, I'll become an agent like you?" More seriously, she added, "What do you think? We could protect the US from any and all threats!"

Oh, sweet darling, girl.

"Is that right?" Leon replied. "Well, either way, first we have to make it out of here."

"Hm, you're no fun."

You snorted at her statement and cooled down a cough with much needed water.

Leon gave a side eye in your direction.

Water, your dear elements, prevented you from providing Leon with sassy commentary.

At that instance, the lift stopped and the doors slid aside.

Always convenient.

"Hey. She looks up to you...and knows how to use a wrecking ball." You noted as they walked off the lift. "I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that last part."

Leon said nothing. Likely because Ashley was within earshot.

Ahead laid fenced off areas, so they traveled right and into a control room littered by its own broken glass windows.

"Guess that's the way forward." You nudged Leon to leap over a half wall into the fenced-in area. "This place is so weird."

Heading right, again, Leon used both hands to push open the double doors that gave a sound of compliant. Thankfully, there were no enemies to greet you all on the other side.

You blinked.

"So we went from concrete work zone to large warehouse storage room?" You glanced around the screen. "Is this where they store wholesale cereal?"

Grabbing a paper off of a crate, Leon read a letter about transporting amber.

"Well, crap." You thought out loud as you remembered the mines. "They're not making jewelry, are they?"

Up ahead, too big for one of the many tall metal shelves, sat one of many wooden crates. Leon walked up to the opened one to have a look.

"This must be what Luis was talking about." Leon stated as he studied the chunk of amber.

"This must be where they store it all," you added. "Or ready to ship it."

The main lights appeared to be on the opposite side of the room as Leon ventured further in. Most of the view was overtaken and blocked by shelves, crates, and tarps.

At least the power was on and you were able to see a larger piece of amber partially covered. If only in dull lighting since it was blocked even where Leon stood.

"All right, is there a way to stop the shipments?" You wondered.

Passing the shelves like a doorway, Leon and Ashley stepped into a cleared area of the room. Space to move around and steps up ahead. But the main attraction was a huge piece of amber nearly glowing from light casting upon it.

"Whoa. Okay. Hold on and let's look around really quick since no one's here."

Something in you knew that specific piece of amber might mean trouble. In what form, you weren't sure.

You steered Leon along the left hand side, where shelves still lined the area. Nothing appeared to be hidden. In fact, a yellow healing herb was sitting on display!

"Hello, beautiful."

Leon turned his head in your direction.

"Don't judge me, bingo man."

He opened his inventory and crafted mixed herbs. Very important. Not as important was the crystal ore, not darn would it be sold immediately.

"Okay, let's see if there's any good information from the giant amber." You announced.

Uh-oh. Cutscene. No jump scares!

Multiple immobile plagas sat in the amber. Almost frozen in time. Highlighted by industrial lighting and their horribly planned purpose.

Ashley viewed it, taking in the details as she stepped closer to Leon. Both studied the silent horror.

"Prostrate yourselves!"

Once the voice started, Leon had his handgun ready and held out his left arm to direct Ashley behind him.

"Crap." You readjusted yourself in your seat.

"This is our Holy Body." Announced a purple robed guy grandly while being joined by one with a golden staff and another with their face covered like the other on the steps. He grabbed the staff. "Our divine providence! And soon . . ."

Leon aimed at the man.

Quietly, Ashley eyed every movement as more followers circled them. Trapping them like prey. Her hands curled into fists at her sides.

". . . such a profound blessing for all...las plagas!"

Such flesh colored parasites decorated the top of his staff, circling down.

Leon held his aim steadily.

One follower gently pulled back the speaking man's purple hood.

"Welcome, my children." He greeted as the back of his head was revealed to appear like an exaggerated spinal cord.

"Oh." You pushed your drink further away from the monitor.

Ashley gasped loudly. Scared, she fully stood behind Leon.

"I am Osmund Saddler. The speaker of our Lord." Cream colored eyes gazed upon your favorite characters calmly. Protruding veins from his forehead and temples were more noticeable as he bowed his head.

"Tell someone who gives a shit." Leon took one shot.

Bang

"OH!" You covered your mouth for a second.

"Foolish lambs." Saddler chastised from his hunched over position before he started turning to look at Leon. "Why do you deny grace?"

Leon gasped as his body was forcibly moved and dropped to one knee.

"HEY!" You sat up straight.

As if to give you frustration, the cutscene focused on Saddler's bleeding and twitching left eye.

Meanwhile, Ashley was checking on a hunching forward Leon into she gasped -- her body straightened up.

"Now abandon your body!" Saddler ordered.

Ashley struggled against the command as Leon stood.

"No! No, no, no." Your fingers clung to your chair.

Saddler rose his hand. "Obey. Obey the voice of our Lord."

"No. Fight it!" You shouted.

Both Leon and Ashley stood in a struggle. Vocally expressing the strain as their minds and bodies were battling against las plagas. And the voice. The orders.

"Fight it!"

Leon stretched his right hand forward. Yet, still, he was stuck in place.

A sad whimper left Ashley as she unwillingly walked in front of Leon, facing him.

"Ashley." Panic settled in your stomach.

"No... No!" She cried out as she knelt down to retrieve Leon's fallen handgun.

"Don't--"

"Stop! No!" She rose her right hand with the gun.

Focused on her, Leon reached out his hand further. Doing all he could.

"No, no, no." You were one hundred percent sweating and anxious. Witnessing a nightmare.

Ashley remained standing. Struggling to stop her actions as she cried.

Bang

She hit the covered follower behind Leon on his right and you could hardly feel relief.

It continued. He continued.

"Sweet child, do not resist!" Saddler declared.

"Dude. Shut up!" You hit the top of your desk.

All you could do was be a bystander. A witness with no ability to interfere.

Metallic rattling filled your ears. A sound of resistance and fear in Ashley's grasp.

"Focus, Ashley. Please." You tensed for the next moment.

Bang

The other follower behind Leon, that time on his left, had been shot. Another close call.

Yet Saddler must had been staining to fully control her. Strong in his unnatural powers.

The monitor displayed a view over Ashley's right shoulder as if you were there with her. Forced to observe her aim centering slowly on Leon.

Throat tightening with emotion, you hunched forward. "Come on. Focus... Please!"

Both Leon and Ashley fought for control of themselves. Battling against something they could not see. Could not rid themselves of. Did not want.

Ashley. You swallowed dryly. Don't do it.

Dread came in a wave when you could no longer see Leon. Close to Ashley's tear stained face, you watched as she looked down and away.

Click

You gasped.

Click click

Ashley glanced up again.

"Oh my --" You took a deep breath.

Finally, Saddler lowered his hand and Ashley dropped the gun.

"Prat, forgive these wicked sinners," Saddler spoke slightly softer. Only for a moment. "My faithful disciple shall deliver to you your...penance." Turning his attention to Ashley once more, he explained in a way he thought right. "Now child, you need not be afraid."

And he's STILL controlling her!

Your heart pulled for the girl forced to turn her back on the sole individual meant to rescue her from the horrors. Your heart clenched for the man still reaching out to save at least one person.

Different levels of determination echoed in the room.

"Submit your body and release yourself from fear!"

Ashley's struggles to regain herself were not left unheard. Frustrated and terrified to leave with those with ill intentions again. The silent followers and Saddler close behind.

Forced to watch everyone leave, Leon did not stop fighting with all of his might to move more than a twitch of muscle.

Nothing was said.

Nothing was given.

Once the doors shut, Leon's control came back immediately. He gasped at the suddenness as he swiftly caught himself on his left knee and hand.

Alive.

Alone.

Panting filled the quiet storage as Leon willed himself to be calm. Never one to waste valuable time, he grabbed his handgun off of the floor and stood up. Reloading another clip into it himself was an ability he was lucky to still have. He was still alive and able to move. Softly, his heavy breathing slowed almost to a sigh.

Blue eyes concentrated ahead to the closed doors.

Cinematic view transitioned into gamer's control. An adjustment almost felt just as it was seen.

Go after Ashley

"Saddler, you bastard!" Leon growled.

"Ohmygod. Leon, are you okay?" Your fingers curled over the controls.

"Yeah, but they have Ashley."

"I know." You rambled. "I couldn't do anything. All I could do was watch and that --"

"I understand." He interrupted, but held no bite in his words. "I already figured if you could stop the...things and the control...you would've done it already."

"I wish I could. It'd save a lot of things. You and Ashley included."

He nodded.

Walking with a destination in mind, Leon surprised you by returning to approximately the middle of the storage area. He picked up a Superior Species Report off of a crate.

More plagas and intentions to keep mental awareness. What could POSSIBLY go wrong with that either? You thought with a heavy sigh. These people really thought they were onto something extraordinary.

"Man, I wish I could just get you out of there," you murmured.

"If you can, don't hesitate. I'm sure I can recognize you even without knowing what you look like."

You shook your head in disbelief as another thought crossed your mind. "Somehow... I really believe you could."

Morale lower and determination higher without Ashley's presence, Leon pressed forward. Passed the double metal doors, through another tunnel carved into the earth, and back out into the night.

A never ending night of monsters all intertwined with a want of power. Born and created.

But power would always be too much to ever control, to ever be truly content with.

The faster Ashley and Leon could leave such a place the better.

Sneaking in a crouched position, Leon snuck up behind a man with a crossbow overlooking a camp below. One strike with a knife was enough to end the enemy without alerting anyone.

"I spy two yellow crates," you whispered.

"I spy an office." Leon checked inside first. All lockers relieved of useful items and stashed info his inventory. "Hmm." He crafted more ammo from the supplies before reaching for a paper.

On a desk sat a Defenses Development report written by Jack Krauser.

That explains a lot about the environment in the past couple of chapters. You thought.

"He's definitely had a lot of involvement," you commented.

"Down to the dirty details."

"Then...there could be worse out there?"

"Probably."

You groaned. "You need a vacation not this."

"We can agree on that."

Leon headed out to the edge and spied on the camp below through one of his guns' scopes. Only two enemies were located and quickly ended.

Bang bang

Anticipating him, you warned, "Careful of your knees."

Leon landed into the camp. "No sweat."

You rolled your eyes. Affectionately, of course.

Even with your advantage of sight through the monitor, only items could be found. No sign or sound of other people.

"Okay... Where is everyone?" You questioned as Leon entered a large open tent.

Empty cots and enough light to see everything else. Out of everything you had seen, the tent was surprisingly well kept and orderly with concern to its contents.

Frowning, you guided Leon to check a desk off to the left. A pile of dog tags with a stack of papers beside it.

"A censored case file?" You squinted at the screen.

Oh, dang, this is about Operation Javier. Krauser had mentioned that. But it's still vague on details.

You sat back ."Isn't that...?"

"Yeah."

"And conveniently next to tags? I don't like this."

"Me either."

Passing a white board, Leon stood at the corner of a small foldable table nearly in the center of the tent. What caught both your attention and his between all the clutter was nothing reassuring.

Oh, snap.

You sunk into your chair, ill prepared.

In red ink, you hoped, a message was written over Leon's R.P.D. picture.

I'M WAITING

His soft expression in the picture pulled at your heart.

You pressed a key to set the photograph down. There was no doubt in your mind who left it there.

"I can't believe he even placed your Raccoon City photo."

"Wait." Leon turned, blue eyes searching. "Do you have a file on me?"

"What? No! No, no. It's nothing like that. I just--I just know what happened on Raccoon City...the infected."

His eyebrows knit together in concern. "Have you seen one? In person?"

"No."

"Good."

"I'm sorry you've had to." You murmured. "I can only help from here, which seems limited in ways. This is as close as I can get. There's no way for me to be there with you. Not physically."

"Heh." His shoulders lowered. "As much as I'd like your company, you're probably safer where you are."

"Yeah, well," you leaned closer to the monitor, "at least we don't have zombies here."

Leon nodded. "That's good. Hopefully Umbrella or anything like this won't ever get there. Or reach you."

Ah, crap. Easy, you told yourself mentally.

Your hands fiddled with the edge of the desk as you explained slowly. "No. I mean... Anywhere."

Blue eyes shifted away. Thoughtful, Leon did not respond right away. "Are you...human?"

"What?" A short laugh escaped you. "I'm very human. It's just... How do I say this?" You exhaled within your procrastination. "I guess you could say we're... alternative works apart."

"Surprisingly... That makes less sense." Leon gestured in your general direction.

Goodness, did you feel an urge to drop your forehead onto the desk. Would it hurt? Probably, but you had an internal struggle happening with thoughts of a self aware character.

Crap.

"Sorry." You sighed heavily. "I'm still wondering how you can hear me."

Leon stepped forward. His eyes could only affect you more if he was truly in front of you.

"And I still want to know how you can see me and control what I do. It has nothing to do with any parasite or chip..." Leon shook his head briefly. "You're not speaking in my mind."

Crap. Crap. Sh-- FINE.

It was time.

You groaned. "Okay. Okay. Don't freak out."

"Not a good way to start, but... What?"

I'm really going to do this NOW? When all neck is probably gonna crawl out? AHHH! You breathed out your nose and slowly inhaled. A preparation for yourself. For him. Always for Leon. He needs to know.

"You're kind of in my computer."

Keeping your sights on Leon, as most times, was critical. You needed to know how or if the news--the truth--would effect him. If it would effect how he viewed you.

Leon surveyed around as he remained silent. Ever thoughtful and concerned. Rightfully so.

But you certainly could not stay quiet forever. Impossible. There was so much to be said.

"It's like I have access to this part of your life." You added, not wanting him to think he was trapped. Unfortunately, you didn't fully know how it worked. Not when he was clearly self aware.

Way to throw this over his already crazy life.

"So," Leon peered up, "it's just you out there? No one is forcing you to do anything? You're safe?"

You nearly fell backwards. Does he only think of others?

Coming back to focus with both relief and oxygen, you answered almost breathlessly. "I'm fine. I'm more worried about you, Leon." Your arms rested on the desk. "I'm home. An apartment, technically."

"All alone?"

You smiled at the sight of him. "No. I have you, don't I?"

He turned away with a soft chuckle. "Yeah. I guess so." He set his hands on his sides. "In your computer, huh? The whole world? And you're human... What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"You are taking this well," you laughed happily. "Uh, after I let this sink in... I think I'll spoil myself a bit tomorrow after working and meetup with this awesome guy named Leon."

"I don't know about awesome."

"I beg to differ." You poked the screen.

In a blink of an eye, his expression scrunched in concentration. "Computer... Damn. And you're real."

"As far as I know," you replied softly. "You seem pretty darn real too."

Shifting his attention from you to his surroundings could had been mistaken for someone waking up from a good dream in the beginning of a long work day. The realization hitting like a bright neon sign. Or an ominous statement written on a photograph.

"It's good you're not here for this," Leon admitted gently. "Krauser might go after you...just to settle what happened."

Ugh. Didn't think of that. Well, not specifically.

"But you're there." You straightened up and readied the controls. "And I'm going to help you and that means... Actually, there's spray there behind you."

"What?"

Investigating counter-clockwise, Leon acquired a First Aid spray off of a shelf and found another note on a separate desk. A disturbing order titled "Ashley Graham's Abduction". Instructions for men on when and where to take her.

You shuddered. "That's how he did it... Poor Ashley."

"(Y/N)." His tone was even, however tight as he looked off to the left.

Red. On the ground leading out of the tent stretched a huge blood trail. Unmistakenly a path to a sick plan. Fresh enough to still be vibrant and unnerving.

"Okay."

"Krauser," Leon cursed and returned to the small table with the photograph.

A tape? You clicked for it to play.

"You've done well to make it this far, rookie. I've prepared a battlefield up ahead, just for us soldiers. Watered by the blood of generations, hundreds of years, it's the perfect place to put an end to what happened two years ago." Krauser's voice ended with his tape of instructions. More orders.

"He's planted-- planned everything." You proclaimed.

"He's still angry about what happened."

"And we need to follow it?"

"We need to find Ashley."

Not wasting a second, Leon left the tent. He knew more danger danger lay before him. However unknown the specifics were, Leon knew who designed it.

"This is sick," you stated in disgust.

"He's not who he used to be." Leon followed the thick bloody trail along the rocky terrain.

"Oh jeez."

Two torches on either side of the path illuminated up the stone steps and higher to a bloody message written on the crumbling stone wall.

Look Alive

Wow. Krauser is really into this.

Gun raised and alert, Leon quietly passed through the stone threshold. Birds cawed and the flames' light followed him to the other side where familiarity was tucked away on the left. A single purple flame danced on a torch.

"Heheh! Why not treat yourself, mate?" Called the Merchant.

"Okay. Almost forgot about him given the... everything," you confessed.

"I have too many gems, (Y/N)." Leon patted a pocket.

"Alright. I'm a collector." You pressed for the Merchant's menu. "Gems go first," you muttered, "then some tune ups and holy crap we can amp up your combat knife. Heck yeah."

"Your weapons are in good hands, mate. I'll see you right."

"Where is this dude from?" You exited the shop and ushered Leon a few paces away.

"Don't get yourself killed now, haha."

"Oh, Leon and Ashley are making it out of here, pal." You quipped before glancing at the time. "Wait..." You double checked your phone and found a message indicating the maintenance guy would arrive soon. "Oh, crap."

"What?" Leon turned quickly.

"I have to go."

"Already?" His arms lowered and the crease between his brows softened.

"I'm sorry. I'll be back before you know it and we'll finish this."

"Together." Leon affirmed.

"You, me, and my random commentary."

He smiled, causing your heart to skip. "Stay safe."

Saving your progress at the typewriter and exiting the game had never felt so vital. So beyond anything you had ever done or probably ever would do. All possible. Many details and outcomes rested in how you played.

Had you ever felt more alive?

Was Leon just as alive?

See you tomorrow, handsome.

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful.)

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Best wishes and happy reading.

~~~

DreamerDragon Tags: @cubedtriangle

Leon Scott Kennedy Tags: @bumblebeesfromvenus @c4rl40n4 @patchs-curiosity-corner @plastirk @tfamidoingwithmylife @psychedelic-spaceman @alythewolf @whoisthisdiva @lost-on-the-road-of-life @typical-ukraine @gojoswaterbottle @probably--possessed @chibikiibielle

~~~

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