Chapter 19 - One Loose End

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| - Extremely Long Chapter - |

⚠️ This whole chapter contains descriptions that might bring you discomfort. Be advised! ⚠️

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Leon hurriedly exits the deserted stable through the back exit. A heavy storm has erupted, adding a layer of difficulty to focus on his surroundings. The overflow of rain cleanses his filthy face, while the moon continues to glow, giving a small glimpse of light to this fucked up place.

After securely shutting the door behind him, Leon begins to jog cautiously around the mansion, just to find it still surrounded by Umbrella's abandoned vans. With stealth, he carefully proceeds closer, prepared to confront any lurking Ganados or soldiers. After the island, this is too unfamiliar to him.

Suddenly, a discomforting beeping shatters the fragile peace, its persistent intrusion piercing Leon's eardrums. A sharp sting captures his chest, eliciting a loud and pained grunt as he shuts his eyes.

"Persistent little lamb." Saddler's voice insidiously chimes inside his brain. At that moment, Leon can feel the familiar yet nightmarish sensation of the parasite wriggling on the interiors of his chest. The hallucinations begin to resurface, attempting to manipulate his mind once again. He tries his best to maintain his consciousness by forcefully jerking his head to shake away the horrific commands.

With slow but unsteady efforts, he regains his footing. His hand instinctively finds his holster, confirming the presence of his gun. Steeling himself, he begins his way inside the mansion, determined to find a safer and quicker entrance.

He will not leave this place without the team's doctor.

----

Chris paces back and forth. Arms firmly crossed, and a stern expression fixed somewhere ahead. Piers maintains a strong grip on his rifle, tracking every subtle shift in Chris' movements. Meanwhile, Carlos casually leans against the fractured entrance of the stable, arms and legs crossed, silently observing the tense stillness enveloping the unhealthy atmosphere. In the background, the relentless raindrops pounding on the stable's roof provide a steady, echoing backdrop.

Hercules is sitting on a wooden box. Eyebrows low, eyes on the captain. His legs slowly part, and he leans forward, placing his arms on his knees before exhaling deeply. "I didn't expect this to happen, Chris. But you have to understand-"

"I don't want to hear another word from you, Hercules."

Hercules sighs, shaking his head. "I knew the risks that would be taken, bringing her all this way here, but I had to do it," he continues, standing up. "Carlos and Claire went against it, and she got here because I asked her to, I'm not hiding it. But it was Leon and Luis in the cult's hands. My help wouldn't be useful enough because I have no clue how to medically treat the parasite."

"That doesn't change the fact you went against my orders. Now there is more than one life that is in danger. And all thanks to your great ordering."

"Chris-"

"You don't get to decide who joins the mission," Chris strides closer, entering Hercules' personal space. The tone in his voice lowering drastically. "That's only my call. We operate as a team, and you follow damn orders."

Hercules tightens his jaw, diverting his gaze from Chris to Piers and Carlos, both observing the escalating tension in silence. "Alright then. What do you want me to do?"

"You have already done enough." Chris bitterly responds. 

"Captain, I think it's best to proceed with the search for the syringes," Piers interjects, moving towards Chris to intervene and turn their focus before things get worse. Chris takes a deep breath, nodding as he readies his rifle.

Carlos and Piers walk purposefully toward the exit Leon had taken, Hercules takes his own rifle, trailing closely behind Chris and the rest of the team. Pushing open the doors, they take their first steps outside, into the cold storm.

"Carlos, make sure to stay in contact with Claire," Chris leads, and Carlos acknowledges with a nod, while Piers signals that the path is clear.

"Stay close."

----

3:26 A.M

Your eyelids fail to open. Despite your attempts, your body does not listen. You can only hear faint, reverberating sounds. A small pause occurs. A foggy awareness washes over you as you feel your weak figure being dragged by your legs. 

Another momentary pause lingers before being abruptly interrupted by an unseen power hoisting you effortlessly onto their shoulder. Your wound fucking kills you, but you find yourself too weak to even react. The only thing that rings your consciousness along with the pain is the baby's coos from a close distance.

Soon enough, the creak of heavy doors echo opening. Hums and whispers begin to brush your eardrums as the seconds continue to pass. From the cold environment, you find yourself in a now incredibly warm room. 

You have not a single clue on what is happening to you...

A distant, muffled cry that turns into a scream of agony, gets louder the closer they take you. The crying urges you to wake, only to see through your blurred vision, two men in black cassocks— the same people you had encountered earlier—taking you towards a table.

Suddenly, your tied hands are brought above your head, getting wrapped by some extra ropes to secure your further your wrists. A tired, muffled moan escapes you, feeling the sting of the rope around you. 

Just then, in a sudden motion, you are hoisted up, swinging like a piece of meat. This action makes your vision unblur and your senses sharpen- finding yourself hanging at a destroyed altar, a macabre display created by the evil members of Los Illuminados, inside a not-so-like church. Right below you, merely two meters away, the mother that pleaded for your help earlier is now forcefully positioned on the stone table you were on to, not even giving a shit about her condition.

In that moment, you start to realize what is going on and what is about to happen, and internal panic begins to conquer you. Terror, fear, pain...overpowering every fiber of your being. The mother's hopeless cries and the desperate yearning to escape mirrors your own despair.

They hush her by gagging her up with a filthy rag before turning her to the side and securing her wrists behind her back, careless of the blood that continues to leak from her stomach. However, as the seconds pass, her cries begin to fade as her skin becomes paler. Her facial expressions gradually ease, while still you can hear her breathing shakily.

That's not a good sign. She's succumbing to the hemorrhage. 

"A mother behind our blessing," Saddler begins, his voice a murmur, observing the vulnerable woman sprawled on the table, drained of physical strength. Beads of sweat, mixed with her blood, trace down, while they secure her legs next. "She spurned our offering, but conveyed it preciously to our dearest bundle," he continues, his fingers tracing any exposure of her clear flesh, yet filthy skin.

Your own tears start to well up at the view, desperately trying to find a way and break free from the painful restraint. There has to be a way...

While Saddler continues talking in the background, your gaze scans the surroundings, until it lands on something that sends shivers down your spine. The very reason you and the team have been fighting for the past months— the reason you are here right now.. the suitcase —resting beside one of the cultists. It's fucking wide open, revealing only 9 syringes inside.

And here you are. So far, yet so close, unable to do anything.

At that moment, their sickening ritual begins. One cultist grips the woman firmly by her head, while another secures her from her hip. Together, they start murmuring prayers in their native language. Glancing to the other side, the baby is nestled securely within the cultists' black cassocks, cooing peacefully while his mother is nearing to death.

The woman no longer writhes or resists; she goes quiet, accepting her fatal moments. You squeeze your eyes shut, not wanting to witness any of this fucked up display. Your mind tries to shift somewhere nicely..Ava, Irene- fuck, even your parents. Anything to help you try to calm...even for just a few seconds.

But suddenly, the devastating sound of slashing pierces your ears, shattering any attempt for a peaceful thought. Your tears begin to roll, unable to grasp fully what you're witnessing, and what will follow next...all of that is unknown.

Your soft sobs echo audibly, yet, they pay no attention. A few seconds linger in silence, with only the disturbing heaviness of the air sending gentle waves into your ears. As you slowly open your eyes, you are confronted with the gruesome sight of the woman now beheaded.

Is this how your life will end as well?

The woman soon gets her body and head removed separately. Saddler then plunges two fingers into the pool of blood formed on the stone table. Moving to a nearby table outside the altar, he slowly traces a cross on the forehead of the sleeping baby.

Saddler pauses, briefly looking at the slumbering baby. You glance at him cautiously, all the while sensing the blood trickling down your leg from the wound, its droplets splashing onto the floor.

"Now a threat..has invaded our holy temple, attempting to steal our gift, and extract it down to the world's sinful path." Saddler murmurs, pacing slowly back and forth. He then shifts his attention to your direction, his eyes infected with hatred. Unhurriedly, he removes his mask, revealing a visage that goes beyond disturbing.

His mouth appears distorted, with the skin on the sides hanging, almost as if his jaw has vanished— likely an aftermath of Leon's attack back on the island. Heavy burning scars deform his hands and the right side of his face. As he lowers the hood from his head, black veins pop and electrocute his forehead, extending to the back of his head. The left side of his face reveals skin covered with the tentacles of the parasite.

You want to throw up.

Observing your unease at his appearance, looking up to you, he leans in closer to your bound body, gazing up at you while you're swaying ever so faintly. A menacing smile extends across his barely human mouth. "But fret not, child. That is why we are here," he declares, taking a step back. "To purge you, from your sins,"

"What do you mean?" you ask in a trembling voice.

Without giving you an answer, the cultists make their way towards you, pulling out their axes. With a swift motion, they cut the rope, causing you to collapse onto the floor. One of them kneels, lifting you up and forcefully placing you on the stone table. Your hair drapes over the remnants of the mother's blood, its metallic scent piercing your nostrils.

"You are about to receive our greatest gift." Saddler's gruff voice soothingly echoes. Each word grows thicker as you squirm. "And when the night breaks, you too will join our covenant. To share in my holy blessing..."

You struggle to understand the meaning behind his words until your eyes catch one of the cultists walking away from you, heading toward where the suitcase is- no. Fucking no!

Your blood runs cold the moment you see him picking the syringe with deliberate care. He then pivots to your direction, approaching you with slow steps. Your body trembles, your chest heaving rapidly, exposing your terror as you're about to be injected with something you feared from the moment you were asked to join this fucking team.

The Plaga.

"Let the gift spread, and welcome our newest daughter,"

They force your head to the side, exposing your bare neck to the weaponed cultist. Hovering directly above you, the needle in his hand inches closer and closer. Tears stream from your frightened eyes as you begin to surrender to the unavoidable countdown of your turn.

You feel the slender metal grazing against your skin, his thumb poised to apply pressure, until-

A bullet pierces through the cultist's forehead, causing you to jolt, your eyes snapping wide open. He crumples to the floor, lifeless in an instant. Saddler and the rest of the cult turn their heads in the direction of the disturbance, only to see the intruder at the entrance,

Leon.

"You." Saddler's face hardens bitterly, his voice almost resonating like an evil growl. "Still persistent, just like before."

"Enough with your mad talk," Leon retorts, his gun aimed directly at Saddler. "You have someone that belongs to me, Saddler."

"Foolish," Saddler sneers, stepping away from you, and redirecting his attention to Leon. "Dare to claim it, if you can." He adds with a twisted smirk.

In response, Leon, with expert precision shoots every single cultist that is close to you. Their blood splatters onto your body and face. Once he ensures no one remains near you, his focus shifts back to Saddler. He remains steady until he unleashes multiple shots at Saddler's chest and head. One bullet finds its mark, piercing through Saddler's eye.

"My lord, forgive these wicked sinners..." Saddler whispers, his own blood trickling down his horrific figure.

Just as Leon is about to fire another gunshot, Saddler raises his hand, instantly immobilizing Leon's body. Leon fights against the unseen force, his hand extending involuntarily as he loses his grip on the gun, which clatters to the ground. He stands as if his body is now under Saddler's control. The familiar veins you noticed on the baby now faintly surface on Leon's skin. Unless it's flith- You can't really tell from the distance. All you can see is his struggling attempts to move, grunting through gritted teeth.

What the fuck is happening to him?

"You, aborted my gift once," Saddler pauses, inching closer to you. His filthy fingers trail across your face, finding perverted amusement in Leon's helplessness to intervene. You remain still, feeling a wave of nausea at the proximity of this creature. Despite the discomfort, you try to maintain composure.

"This time, you shall join our covenant!" Saddler raises his voice, his eyes never leaving Leon. Removing his hand from your figure, he clenches his fist, and Leon collapses to his knees. "This time, you are one of us!"

Another agonized groan, almost a suppressed scream, escapes Leon's lungs. "Bullshit!" he growls, determined to rise again.

A sinister laugh emanates from Saddler's throat. "You've already submitted, temptress child!" He takes a step closer to Leon, who is locked in a struggle to move an inch. "Revel in this pitiful lamb's blessings!-"

You deliberately roll to the side, intentionally falling from the stone table with a loud thud to grab Saddler's attention. The pain in your thigh heightens as you land forcefully, directly on top of the wound. Leon crumples to the floor, and at that moment, a storm of bullets, conquer Saddler.

Using the stone table as your shield during the sudden invasion, you witness Claire and Luis firing at the cultist from the entrance.

Providing you the cover you need, you stealthily crawl over, shutting the suitcase by its lid, and quickly grabbing it with your bound wrists before tossing yourself aside. Leon rises to his feet, attempting to catch his own control, while the infected baby's distressed cries mingle with the piercing sounds of gunfire.

Suddenly, the doors burst open from behind Luis and Claire, and Ganados start to spread out, targeting both them...and you.

----

Chris, Piers, Hercules, and Carlos cautiously navigate the ground floor of the mansion. The floor pooled with Umbrella's blood, the aftermath of the brutal massacre that occurred just moments ago.

Walking alongside Hercules, Carlos scans the room with uneasy eyes, absorbing the unsettling scene. Piers accompanies Chris, his troubled expression deepening with each step, releasing a problematic sigh. 

"Where did the Umbrella soldiers head to? Once the infectors attacked us, first thing they shoot them with us, and the next they disappear."

"They left us deal with the pile of shit." Carlos grumbles, murmuring under his breath.

Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the loud gunshots echoing nearby. The floor vibrates, having the men exchange looks of confusion. Chris immediately thinks of Claire and reaches for his earpiece.

"Claire, what's your situation?"

"Chris, we have the suitcase!"

Chris halts his steps, checking the radar on his watch to locate the others. "Saddler has brought infectors to the church beneath the mansion!" A pause follows as gunshots resound from below, heard through the other line. "We need backup!"

"On it." Chris asserts, and Carlos approaches him from behind.

"What's going on?" he asks. Chris turns around, addressing the rest of the team.

"The suitcase is beneath us, inside the church. We need to get going. Now."

----

Claire switches from her rifle to her pistol as Luis takes cover on the almost destroyed wall of the church and soon starts firing at the approaching Ganados. His attention is immediately drawn to the scene where (y/n) hides with the suitcase, while Leon trying to completely recover from Saddler's attempt to control him.

"Leon!" Claire shouts from a distance, catching his attention. The moment he lifts his head, she tosses the shotgun to him.

Leon effortlessly catches it, and with a firm, determined pump, he begins to join the gunfight against the violent infectors. His shots are specific, aiming for their legs to cause them immobile or directly at their heads for a fatal blow. Their dirty blood splatter on Leon's face, as he brings a cold end to their misery. 

Amidst the internal chaos, his gaze shifts the moment he hears some distressing, squeaky cries.. His eyes soften ever so slightly as his gaze meets the sight of the innocent life, crying from probably the loud gunfire.

"What the fuck.." Leon whispers in disbelief, quickly rushing towards the fragile little being's side. Holstering his shotgun, he wraps a protective arm around the infant and he suddenly notices similar lines throbbing through the baby's soft skin. The parasite painfully manipulates the baby, and it's the source behind the intense crying. 

The moment Leon picks up the child, the Ganados back away instantly.

Saddler's orders, perhaps.

Claire and Luis sprint closer, firing at Saddler, trying to destroy every part of the remnants of his makeshift protection- the cultists. Meanwhile, Leon immediately turns his attention to (y/n), retrieving his knife and cutting her free from the ropes with his free hand.

The reinforcements strengthen, as the entire team reunites right behind them. Chris, Carlos, Piers, and Hercules join the fierce conflict, adding their own forces to the ongoing battle.

--

Rifles and shotguns begin to relentlessly assault the Ganados, the cultist, and mostly, Saddler. Without hesitation, Leon becomes your shield, pulling out his gun once more to help the others. Your arms hug the suitcase, carrying it like a heavy piece of gold, while Leon securely holds the newborn in his arms. With deliberate steps, he discreetly guides you backwards, specifically towards a nearby exit, attempting to escort you both from the chaotic scene.

Into this whole mess, the sick rivals remain occupied by the Sinfuls' invasion and Luis quickly rushes to your side with the first chance he gets to help.

"(y/n), Leon, are you alright-" Luis' face goes blank the moment he lays eyes on the infected baby cradled in Leon's arms. "Joyder..." he breathes, his disbelief palpable. "Not this little guy too.."

"We'll get him quickly to the van, make sure he will be safe," you assure, stepping beside Leon.

"That's not a good idea-" the crash of shattering glass creates a brief pause. You and Luis instinctively shield your heads as Leon places his palm protectively on the baby's head. Another barrage of bullets resonates loudly. "You have to leave the baby behind! He's not going to survive!"

"I won't do that," Leon declares resolutely, positioning himself in front of you. "Both of them are coming with me."

Luis gazes worriedly at Leon, then down at the peacefully sleeping newborn.

"You can't save everyone..Not in your condition, señor-"

"We'll meet you at the main lobby. Inform the others that we have the suitcase." Leon claims determinedly, brushing off Luis' subtle warning as the conflict in the background escalates. You remain silent, signaling your agreement to follow Leon and help him, even though...you find his thinking quite dumb. But he's the agent; perhaps he knows better.

"Be aware of the Umbrella soldiers," Luis alerts, not taking his eyes off from him. With a firm nod, Leon hastily heads towards another exit, located at the back of the altar on the left.

Just before you track Leon's steps, Luis gently grabs your arm, halting your movement.

"Here, take this," he says, reaching into his pocket and discreetly passing you a syringe. You take it hesitantly, looking back at him. "You might need it."

You nod in acknowledgment before quickly following Leon. As you run, you steal a swift glance at the needle Luis just gave you.

What is it? And where did he get it?

--

Saddler's gaze falls and lingers on the fleeing figures, Leon holding the little baby right in his arms. Rising his hand, to manipulate him once again, a bullet from Hercules' gun pierces right through Saddler's palm, creating a hole, where small tentacles spread out. 

Right on time..the three of them escape. Temporarily.

----

3:32 A.M

Trapped underground, you and Leon finally reach the first available safe room, offering a much-needed break for recovery. As you step inside with the shivering baby nestled in your arms, Leon securely closes the door behind him. Looking down at the infant, breathless, you find his skin concerningly pale, adorned with the ominous black lines. Despite the concerning appearance, his eyes are closed, and he sucks his thumb, showing an unusual calmness. You can't figure out the real reason. Is it because of the parasite, the environment, or a combination of both?

Still, you're surprised how this baby hasn't turned yet or how he's still alive. Especially after Luis' persistence to leave him behind. But leave behind this tiny adorable and innocent creature? Fuck to the no.

You couldn't save the mother, but you're determined to ensure the safe escape of this little one and remove the parasite before it's too late. Question is- the baby doesn't appear to be injected, according to Saddler, back in the church, but acquired the parasite through his mother.

In two words- was he born with it? Was the mother infected? And how long has the baby been host to the parasite- fuck. You just can't put the puzzles together, no matter how much you try to understand if there's still a chance to save him, or if you're fighting for nothing.

Clearing your mind, you glide down against the wall, allowing your fatigued body to take a little breather. Glancing right at the door, you observe Leon's back firmly pressed against it, the suitcase gripped in his hand.

Fucking. Finally.

When he raises his head to meet your gaze, he gradually rises to his feet and moves towards you. Unhurriedly, he settles beside you, trying as well to rest his lungs. Placing the suitcase next to him, he extracts his gun, keeping it at the ready, just in case.

Both of you remain seated in silence for two good minutes, absorbing the brief peacefulness inside this chaotic building. Your breaths gradually steady, and Leon's follows suit as your minds wander on how everything happened so quickly, yet so slowly.

If Leon had arrive a second later, if Luis and Claire hadn't invaded in time...everything would probably be over.

Now, your worry now goes out to the rest of the team that are left behind to defeat Saddler.

Leon's subtle adjustment in his position makes you glance to his side, catching him staring at the gauze encircling the torn denim on your leg, drowned in your blood.

"Does it hurt?" he asks, turning his gaze back to you.

"A bit..but I'm fine I promise." You murmur, gently leaning your back against the wall.

Unexpectedly, he delicately places his palm against your bleeding thigh in an attempt to suppress the flow, but it unintentionally elicits a wince of pain from you. Without uttering a word, Leon maintains a steady pressure with his palm, temporarily holstering his weapon. He then retrieves a small gauze from his vest with his free hand and gets to work. With soothing motions, he begins to wrap the gauze around your injury.

You look down at how his rough and filthy hands are working with care around your bare leg. Your fingers tighten slightly around the baby's cassock, feeling a sting with each wrap. You attempt to suppress a painful moan by closing your eyes for a moment. However, it looks like Leon seems to be able to read the discomfort in your face and slows down, adopting a gentler touch.

As your breathing gradually eases, you find solace in observing his calm and calculated motions.

"I'm supposed to look after you," you tiredly quip, prompting a tired chuckle from Leon. Once he is done, he cuts the firmly with his fingers the gauze, securing it.

Leon carefully withdraws his hand, the Desert Eagle once again in his grasp. He rests it on his knee while his other hand wearily supports his chest.

The tormenting flashbacks from his mother's brutal 'sacrifice' earlier resurface once more, making you close your eyes for a bit once again and shake your head softly. Leon's huffed gasps echo gradually until his finger slightly curl against his chest, indicating a hint of pain.

When you open your eyes, they shift toward him, catching sight of Leon's sudden discomfort. Looking back into his eyes, you notice the faint black lines on the side of his left face. You're slow, but realization slowly starts to hit.

"Are you...?" you begin to ask in shock, but the question is left unfinished.

Shit. Why are you even asking? He literally has the same visible symptoms as the baby in your arms. For fuck sake you just want to give up at this point.

Leon looks away, slowly choosing to holster his weapon. "It doesn't matter."

"It does matter," you correct him. "Because if you are, we have to get you out of here before you become one of them."

"I'm the last thing you should worry about right now." Leon insists, his gaze avoiding yours. "I need to get you both somewhere safe first. I'll be okay."

"For how long?" you press, but Leon remains silent, completely ignoring your question.

"Come on," he grunts as he stands up, extending his hand. "Let's get you out of here."

Fucking stubborn. Selfless to the core.

Wearily, you take his hand as support to heave yourself, and letting Leon next reach for the suitcase. Determined in escaping this underground maze, the two of you approach the door once more. However, something catches your attention that you hadn't noticed in the past few minutes.

You stop your steps, looking down at the newborn. His shivering has stopped. He now rests quietly and still, eyes closed, thumb in his mouth but not actively sucking it. Leon halts right at the door, his hand on the doorknob, a wondering furrow appearing on his expression.

"What's wrong?" he asks, walking back up to you.

You carefully place your index right under the baby's nostrils. No breathing.

Leon's eyes wander your face, seeming to be confused. you move lower to the baby's small and sensitive throat. No pulse.

"The baby is-" you pause, glancing back at Leon. His stern expression softens, a trace of sadness visible behind his ocean eyes as you share the news.

Luis was right. The baby couldn't handle the parasite in his undersized system and succumbed. First the mother, now the baby...who is next? Shit, why are you getting teary?

Neither of you says anything, silently walking towards the wooden table in the cell room. Carefully, you place the infant on the surface, securing it with the black-stained cassock. Looking back at Leon, it hits you.

It's just you and him now.

----

Blood spurts from the Ganados' neck as Hercules pulls out his sharp blade and harshly shoves away the infector. Right beside him, Carlos empties an entire magazine at Saddler's half-inhuman figure, barely doing any damage, only tearing away the parasite's disguise. Chris and Claire are engaged in a violent fight with the cultists, while Luis takes cover behind Piers, searching for a possible exit.

Suddenly, one of the Ganados slashes Claire's shoulder with a machete. She screams in pain, quickly placing her palm over the wound. Chris and Carlos quickly jump into action, positioning themselves in front of her and eliminating the remaining Ganados in their path.

"We need to fall back! We are running out of ammunition!" Piers urgently announces from behind a pew. A Ganado courses up to him, but he quickly dominates him by twisting his arm. The tip of his rifle presses against the infector's chin, and he opens fire, ending the threat.

Luis continues to scan his surroundings. The main entrance is blocked by Ganados, and the exit Leon and (y/n) took, by Saddler. Soon, his eyes fall upon a 'tunnelish' exit, which is on the right side the destroyed altar.

"Over here, amigos!" Luis shouts, directing the only available route for their escape. Chris and Claire quickly move toward the selected path, firing their weapons, with Carlos providing cover to boost the team's reunion.

Piers and Hercules follow closely, with the cultists and Ganados in pursuit. As all get together, Hercules takes aim with his pistol at the thick chains securing heavy rocks. Firing at the metal, the chains give way, causing the rocks to collapse. The debris blocks Saddler and crushes the infectors and cultists in the process.

Everyone falls back, and as the dust settles, their attention quickly turns to Claire.

"Are you okay?" Carlos and Chris immediately hurry to panting Claire, her holding onto bleeding shoulder.

"That was close." Claire pants. "But I'm okay."

"It's not over yet," Piers sets aside his rifle. "Leon and (y/n) have the suitcase," he pauses, looking at Hercules and Carlos. "We will search the whole underground floor. If we don't find them, it means they have successfully escaped."

"Or been captured by Umbrella," Hercules interjects. "We still might have them behind our trails."

"Shit," Carlos curses, running his fingers through his hair.

"Leon said they'll meet us at the main lobby," Luis says, holstering his pistol.

"Then let's not don't waste anymore time and start searching instead." Chris urges, already hasting with his movements.

With extreme caution, the team takes their first uncertain steps towards their final destination, wherever Leon may be.

"I better have a six-pack after this workout," Carlos murmurs, following closely behind.

----

3:41 A.M

"You will do as I asked," Ada firmly orders one of the Umbrella's commanders. "Boss's call."

"And what about the Agent?" he questions. "We received strict orders not to abandon the area."

"Not everything can go according to plan, can it?" She slowly opens her palm, her gaze unwavering from the masked man. "The keys."

The soldier sighs, producing a small pair with one key and handing it to Ada. "Is that all?"

"Looks like it," Ada replies, examining the metallic piece in her gloved hand. Few of the final Umbrella soldiers quickly board the choppers and trucks. She walks slowly, closely monitoring their departure. The commander, being the last to enter the van, holsters his rifle before addressing her,

"Will you join?"

"I have unfinished business. I'll meet you at the base." Ada declares. With a decisive gesture, the commander gives the order for Umbrella to withdraw from the area.

The moment the last vehicle disappears from her view, Ada turns around, making her way back inside the mansion.

----

4:04 A.M

Slow steps. Only slow steps will help Leon keep up. He follows behind, clutching the suitcase, dedicated in his determination to shield you from any additional danger. His stubbornness and overprotectiveness even in the condition he currently is only make you feel a mix of guilt and gratitude. Which speaking of it, you don't dare to turn around and take a look at his current state. One thing is certain though. With each minute passing, he gets worse.

From all members of the team in this fucking shithole, Leon is the only one that ends up infected. And something tells you that those soldiers are behind his infection, having you recall once again your first mission back in Rosewood. Unless these are different enemies...

Your hand moves near the ripped pocket of your jeans, prepared to pull out the mysterious syringe Luis discreetly handed you under everyone's eyes at any threatening moment. You blindly trusting him, believing that what he gave you must be valuable and helpful.

A stifling cough interrupts your anxious thoughts, prompting you to turn around and quickly check up on Leon, and fucking shit, he undeniably got worse. Concern overtakes your expression, and you take a step closer to him.

"Are you okay?"

He doesn't reply immediately, trying to focus on your question. "Don't worry about me. I'll manage," he says quietly, turning his head to the side with a light grunt. "Your safety is what matters right now."

Leon is slowly turning one of the so-called Ganados in front of you, and you can't fucking bear watching him like this. He's suffering but tries to hide it.

Unable to utter a word or do anything to soothe his pain, you only nod before the two of you continue your path.

Leon continues to shadow your steps, following behind to ensure your safety while scrutinizing every move. However, despite his efforts, you can still hear him struggling, soft huffs slipping from his throat. Yet, his fingers remain tightly gripped around the handle, refusing to let it go.

Soon, the not-so-much-peaceful atmosphere between you comes to a sudden end as Leon slams his hand against his chest and groans in pain. You quickly turn around once more. The suitcase falls from his grasp, and he collapses onto his knees. His gaze drops to the floor as he begins to breathe heavily, his hands bracing him to prevent a complete fall. Black veins become increasingly visible on his arms, extending further to his neck and the left side of his face. You cautiously begin to approach, taking baby steps.

Your heart races. Swallowing nervously, you try to be as gentle as possible as you inch closer, aware that Leon is in an extremely vulnerable state right now. When you reach him, you slowly kneel down, attempting to place a comforting hand against his shoulder.

"Leon—" Your words are cut off as he suddenly shoves you away, hurling you on the floor with a painful cry.

He grunts, his fingers curling into fists against the floor, sweat dripping onto the marble. His eyes shut tightly for a moment, battling an overwhelming urge building within him. Until he snaps...

Just as you prepare to get back on your feet, Leon regains his footing first, taking thundering steps toward you. He unsheathes his knife, intending to strike you with a fatal stab to your neck. Out of despair, you roll over attempting to avoid his attack. Surprisingly, you succeed, and he only manages to scratch your wounded thigh, making you yelp. In an unintentional kick, your legs become entangled, and your ankles wrap around Leon's, causing him to trip and fall right beside you.

The knife slips from his grip, sliding away from the two of you. However, he doesn't stop there. Rolling over, he positions himself on top of you, effectively trapping you underneath. Just then, his hands reach your neck, and his palms firmly close around your throat, cutting oxygen completely from entering your lungs. You begin to writhe beneath him, your nails digging into his forearms, trying to push him away. Leon is incredibly strong by himself, the parasite only makes him unstoppable.

"Your sinfulness does not deserve forgiveness, foolish little girl..." Leon rasps through gritted teeth. The desperation for you to breathe only grows stronger, eyes widen in fear and panic as you watch helplessly Leon attempting to take your life.

Choked gasps come out of your throat, encouraging his fingers only to tighten further. The parasite is gaining control of him. So, you are left with no other choice.

Out of desperation, you struggle but finally manage to reach into your pocket, pulling out the syringe. Pressing it against Leon's neck, you harshly penetrate him, allowing the fluid to enter his body.

In only seconds, Leon's grip loosens, and his eyelids grow heavy. The black, horrific lines that once electrocuted his skin gradually fade away. Temporarily losing full consciousness, he collapses atop you, thankfully still breathing.

Trembling, you quickly push yourself away from him and crawl a few meters away, terrified, coughing, and gasping desperately for air. Using your hands to brace yourself, you take deep breaths as Leon stirs lightly.

What the living fuck just happened?

Almost died three times already in just a few hours. Guess you'll have to start counting your unlucky luck at this point.

Holding your marked throat as you begin to regain steady breathing, you wince in pain slightly at the scratch right below your wounded thigh. Your distressed moans draw Leon slowly out of his unconscious state, and he sits upright, clutching his head...while you find yourself- a bit scared of him.

Lifting his head and absorbing the scene, a moment of realization dawns on him. He slowly gets back on his stumbling feet, stealing a glance at you. Watching you keep your distance from him, and facing the fear in your eyes, seems to shatter him internally.

"I'm-" Leon raises his hands lightly, immediately signaling surrender and taking a step backward to give you space. His hardened gaze breaks instantly, along with the walls of no emotion, revealing full vulnerability for the first time. Low eyebrows adorn his eyes, expressing regret and guilt.

You don't know what to do. Do you go up to him? Do you keep your distance?

Remaining quiet, you decide to slowly stand back up, approach him once again without saying a word, doubtfully enough, but still reach and hand him back the suitcase.

"We need to get that parasite out of you, Leon." you express gently, daring to move a step nearer. "Before it gets you completely."

He accepts the suitcase without saying a word about what just happened. Instead, he retrieves his now dusty knife, sliding it back into its holster.

"I'm getting you safely with the others first," he pauses once again, glancing at the blood on the floor and the wound he added to your existing injury. "You're no longer safe with me." He lets his gaze fall upon his palms, clenching them into fists. The faint darkness remains on his skin.

He wish you would leave him. Nice one.

"You're not getting rid of me that easy," with your determined answer, Leon takes a hesitant step closer to you. His eyes wander your facial features, before reaching for his gun, offering you his Desert Eagle.

"Take this," he says, extending it. "...Just in case."

Just in case? For what?

----

"Talk."

"Leon and his little nurse are inside the mansion," Ada informs, exiting one of the rooms on the second floor. Steps begin to echo from the far distance, on the ground floor, right at the end of the lobby. Her eyes soon falls upon the rest of the members of the team rushing with their guns towards freedom. Redfield's injured sister is being shielded by Olivera, Nivans as usual remaining like a good puppy behind the captain and right beside Redfield, a mysterious man. Her gaze lingers on the team's newest doctor who follows closely behind. Guns in their arms, all of them in a filthy condition. 

Suddenly, they halt their movements, her eyes squint in wonder lightly before moving away so she won't get caught. Watching all of them, she notices one thing,

Leon and the nurse...not anywhere near them.

"The Amber?"

"By dawn, it will be in your office," Ada reassures him, pulling out something from her bag.

"It better be. For your own sake." With that final warning, his line goes dead and Ada proceeds to observe the team's odd stop right close to the exit. She can barely hear what they are talking about, the unmistakable mentions of Leon's and the nurse's names reach her ears. As they linger, surveying the lobby, their expressions gradually morph into an unsettling mixture of disappointment and, perhaps, despair. Only a minute later, all of them looking troubled, they hesitentaly abandon the building. Ada then, makes her way downstairs to the first floor. Time for her final task. 

Erase Umbrella's traces.

----

4:45 A.M

Finally.. Fucking finally escaping the mansion's underground labyrinth, you find yourselves to the familiar main lobby, right just about 30 meters away from the exit. A disbelieving chuckle escapes you. After all this shit you've been through, you stand here, so close to the end, both of you covered in cold blood and the eventful night's disturbing filth.

"We are close to the exit. Just a bit more, Leon." You softly say, starting your hopeful steps closer and closer.

Leon stumbles weakly at your side, to the point of barely being able to maintain a steady posture. A tired groan slips past his lips as he collapses onto one knee. Hastily, you move to his side, taking his arm and draping it across your shoulder. Helping him back to his feet won't be easy, given his muscular build, but you have to try. It's this, or you both die at this point.

"Just a few more steps, come on.." you rasp, encouraging him to keep moving.

The effects of the suppressants already begin to wear off. The Plagas' signature once again begins to print Leon's skin. Summoning every ounce of remaining strength, he leans on your proffered support to rise from his weakened state. The suitcase? Stubbornly glued in his hand.

You both begin to walk- each step taken, filled with anticipation and eagerness to escape this hell. Matching Leon's unhurried pace, your other arm delicately encircles his torso.

If you only had one more of those vaccines...

You draw closer and closer until Leon suddenly stops. The suitcase falls, holding the side of his head. He grunts loudly through gritted teeth as you immediately pick up the secured samples.

"No..." he murmurs persistently, lowering his hands to witness the parasite conquerment on his palms. Raising his weary gaze, he meets your eyes and the suitcase nestled in your arms. "You go."

What?

You frown in confusion at Leon's words. Why does he want you to leave so suddenly when you are right at the exit? Is he planning to stay behind? Fuck no, there is no way in hell you're leaving without him.

"You can't be serious, Leon. Not that we are right at the exit- We are in this together, remember?" you say, desperately trying to change his mind. "You have a suitcase to deliver-"

"I trust you," he whispers, locking your fingers around the suitcase's handle. After a brief struggle, he manages to regain his unsteady footing. "Go."

You shake your head slowly. The reason he wants to stay behind becomes evident when you suddenly spot Saddler in the far distance at the end of the lobby, slowly approaching. His makeshift body appears on the verge of collapsing from the team's earlier attack, with the parasite's tentacles disturbingly wriggling beneath his compromised skin. Though fully aware of Saddler's presence, Leon doesn't turn around.

"I'm not leaving," you press, moving closer. Leon shakes his head, taking weary steps backward towards Saddler, his gun soon pointed at the fractured ceiling. With a single gunshot, he shatters the crack, and stones begin to collapse before both of you. You tumble backwards, shielding your face with your forearm as rocks and debris rain down, forming a rocky wall that separates the two of you.

He's trapped, and you're free.

The dust settles within seconds, and your eyes widen in disbelief. A shaky gasp escapes your lips at Leon's bold move. You freeze for a second, taking in the image right in front of you, completely lost at what to do. Insitctively, you lower the suitcase hurriedly, and take a step forward.

"Leon!" You scream, desperate for a response, but nothing. Silence. Rushing towards the makeshift wall, you begin grab the rocks hastily, pushing them aside with force in an attempt to clear the obstacle blocking his exit. But your attempts prove poor as the barrier is too damn powerful.

Is this the last time you see him? No. It can't end like this. Right? No. The tears begin to well up once fucking again. Leon can't be gone like this. He has survived much more.

Trying to dig deeper, you accidentally trigger a deluge of stones, collapsing right beside you. You quickly move backwards before concrete can fall on you.

Audible hiccupping sobs escape your lips as you slowly bend down to pick up the suitcase once more. Stepping back cautiously, your eyes linger one last time at the place where Leon is trapped...or perhaps even dead.

You have no choice, but deliver the samples...alone.

----

"Listen, I did my part, but I need help. We can't let Leon turn into a Ganado."

She crosses her arms, eyeing her ally. Her brow raises in distrust. "So he's infected." She sighs as she looks away in thought. "Alright, I'll try to fetch something useful from Umbrella's laboratory. I'll meet you outside." 

-

Ada jumps out of the mansion's second-floor window, landing on steady feet, turning around to look at the neglected building. Reaching with her fingers her earpiece, she comes in contact to give further information to the head.

"It's done." She informs. A small pause comes from the other line.

"Excellent. Need your extra paycheck? I'm waiting for Kennedy and the nurse."

"Understood."

"Know this, Ada. I don't like to-"

"Wait. Got it." Ada completes, finishing her call and jogging a few meters away. Turning around, her gaze moves one last time inside the torturous mansion. Retrieving a small remote, her thumb hovers gently on a single red button.

"Until next time, Leon," she murmurs, before her finger presses against the button-

39:59, 39:58, 39:57...

Starting the countdown before the detonation.

----

With slow steps, you make your way toward the spot where the van was parked before you followed the team inside the mansion. Your right leg bears the dried remnants of your own blood, and streaks of dried tears have cleansed your filthy cheeks— evidence of witnessing a murder and a literal sacrifice. All of that, for Saddler's sick games, and twisted desires to manipulate innocent lives.

You failed to help a mother, a new life, and Leon, seeing them all die right in front of you in just one night. Your fingers tighten around the handle of the suitcase— the item responsible for all this. As you walk in silence, and ignore the pain throbbing on your thigh, you can't help but think- How are you going to tell the rest of the team about Leon? How are you supposed to pretend that this never happened?

How are you supposed to live after something like this?

From a distance, the rest of the team finally comes to your view, amongst the trees. Hercules sits with Claire in the van, door ajar as attending to her injured shoulder. Chris and Carlos seem to dig in, taking smoke and explosive grenades, bracing for an impending challenge. Piers stands watch with his rifle, and Luis paces back and forth, visibly troubled.

At least they managed to escape...

As your figure becomes visible, Piers' eyes widen in shock. Lowering his weapon, he takes a step closer to you, clearly not expecting to see you alive, holding the suitcase. And all of that, thanks to Leon.

"(y/n).." he whispers in shock, and the rest of the team immediately turns at the sound of your name. Astonishment appears on their faces as they take in the sight of the item in your hands. Chris, Carlos, and Luis rush towards you, while Claire, still holding her injured shoulder, stands up with Hercules following closely behind.

"You're alive!" She exclaims in relief.

"The suitcase..." Chris interjects, his voice a surprised whisper. You respond with a single, indifferent nod, slowly handing it over to him.

"Yeah. We got it." You reply numbly. Concerned attention then shifts to Claire, who approaches you.

"It's just a deep scratch, I'm fine." She reassures you, as you try to hide your mentally broken state. However, Carlos notices, and passes past the others.

"Where is Leon?" he asks.

Your silence conveys its answer. The realization hits the team hard. Claire's expression drops, Carlos looks down, and Chris furrows his brow, casting a heavy silence upon the group.

"Where is Leon, (y/n)?" Chris repeats firmly.

"...He stayed behind for Saddler." You quietly admit.

"Saddler?" Hercules' question hangs in the air, prompting silence among the team. All of them begin internally brainstorming solutions, while you lower your gaze, attempting to hide the emotions threatening to surface. "Can he even fight him in the condition he is?"

Chris clenches his jaw and he abruptly heads back to the van with determined steps, sheathing the grenades they were preparing. Piers raises an eyebrow, tracking Chris's movements.

"Captain, what are you doing?"

"We're getting him out." He declares, turning his head to the rest of the members. "And this time, no one stays behind." The men of the team follow Chris's actions with their gazes, their expressions troubled whether they should take action on his or not.

Not that you blame them. Attempting to rescue Leon out right now can be fatal for the team.

"We don't know if it's even possible to save him. If the parasite hasn't already taken over him, it will in less than a half hour at most." Luis steps in, giving them a reality check.

"Leon didn't seem to overthink it when he decided to go after (y/n)."

Leon went after you...?

"Come on, we can't leave him like this," you add.

"There has to be alternatives that we can try to remove the parasite from Leon, right?" Claire pleads with desperation.

"Well, there are two solutions.." Luis pauses, crossing his fingers together, looking around skeptical, everyone's attention, including yours, turns to Luis. "But both of them are extremely risky."

"What are they?" Piers asks.

"One is if he undergoes a laser procedure. It detects and removes the parasite through radiation. But the machine is in my laboratory back at the base, so I don't think we'll make it in time."

Fuck..you can already predict the other-

"And what's the other solution?" Carlos impatiently demands. Luis slowly turns his gaze to you, sharing the same despair reflected in your eyes.

"If it gets surgically removed."

----

26:35, 26:34, 26:33...

The suitcase and her.. are secured.

Mission fucking accomplished.

"Abandon your body."

"Shut. Up!" Leon snarls, jerking his head, pulling out weakly his shotgun. Saddler approaches closer, and Leon begins to fire against him. The bullets shatter Saddler's arms, but that doesn't stop him as the tentacles snake out from his now mangled flesh.

"Pathetic," Saddler's voice echoes inside Leon's mind as the tentacles wrap tightly around Leon's throat, lifting him into the air. Amid choked huffs, Leon manages to pull out his knife and slashes at the encircling tentacles. Saddler is forced to release him, and Leon falls to the floor with a frustrated grunt.

Crawling weakly across the floor, Leon extends his hand toward his shotgun, pointing it at Saddler's advancing form, determined to play his last card.

"Aim for the fucking head," he rasps, before firing a shot. Parts of his skull get blasted, exposing further of the parasite's skin. The attempt proved pointless.

Without any other strength, Leon's grasp on the shotgun weakens. An empty glare fills his eyes as he releases heavy, quick breaths. In that moment of surrender, he crumples to the floor, losing completely his unconsciousness.

Saddler claiming victory, approaches, ready to seize complete control of Leon's body, allowing the parasite to insidiously conquer every inch of his flesh and veins.

Amidst the spooky silence, sudden gunfire assaults the sealed wooden windows, shattering them into fragments. Just then, a smoke grenade explodes in the lobby, enveloping the space in a hazy atmosphere. Saddler loses clear sight for a moment, providing the crucial time needed.

Inside the thick smoke, purposeful footsteps begin to approach Leon's unconscious form. Standing directly over him, the figure kneels down, producing a syringe from their pocket and injecting it into Leon's chest through the fabric. Moments later, the parasite's influence subsides, yet the pulsating veins only marginally fade.

--

The urgent plan turns into action. Two arms, one on each side, reach for Leon. One belonging to Hercules on the left and the other to Luis on the right. With speedy coordination, they lift him off the floor as Carlos, Claire, Chris, and Piers take their own positions. Saddler's impatience morphs into fueling rage, and he utters incomprehensible words in frustration.

"Call Carlos. Stay behind to help the rest if needed." Luis suggests. Hercules nods, signaling Carlos to join their location. It's apparent that Saddler's complete attention is now focused on the relentless assault from the team and not on Leon.

Carlos and Hercules switch positions, having Carlos rushing towards Leon. Offering his shoulder, he takes Leon's arm, wrapping it around himself as Hercules joins the other. With Luis alongside, they urgently lead the way upstairs to the first floor.

As Leon is finally extracted from Saddler's evil power, the rest of the team initiates a barrage of bullets against the cultist.

The critical moments begin their own countdown.

----

5:23 A.M

24:55, 24:54, 24:53...

Your knee bounces impatiently as you are sitting on the rugged chair in one of the mansion's old luxurious bedrooms. Hercules' backpack pressed against your chest, holding it tight. Your body is in the middle of numbness and stress as Luis' words still replay in your mind.

In the shape Leon is probably right now, only a laser procedure can help him, or if he goes under operation. And that, with risks of dying on 'the table'. After the discussion you had with the others you came to a singular solution.

You will have to operate Leon.

And performing in this condition yourself, is adding another layer to the chances of him not making it. If he hasn't turned into one of these things yet...

Your palms become sweaty, the audible thud of your heartbeat threatening to emerge through your mouth. Downstairs, the final round of confrontation against Saddler has started. That means they probably found Leon. Only one way to find out if they made it is if they enter with him inside. The only way to confirm their success is if they return with him. And as seconds tick away, the more you begin to lose hope.

Abruptly, the doors burst open, startling you. Luis and Carlos rush in, urgently carrying unconscious Leon into the room. Without a moment's hesitation, you rise from your seat and immediately push the chair aside to make space.

"He's still breathing," Carlos reports, panting. A small wave of relief courses in you, but it's still not enough. Every second with the Plaga still inside him is critical. Carlos supports Leon from his legs, while Luis holds him from his arms, laying him carefully on the king-sized bed.

"I'll keep watch outside the door," Carlos reassures, retrieving his rifle.

"Okay. We'll call you in, once we are done," Luis says, and Carlos nods, making his way to the exit.

With the door finally closing, it leaves you, Leon, and Luis inside the room.

Time to get in action. And quickly.

Retrieving Hercules' backpack, you quickly extract a pair of scissors and cut away the fabric from Leon's shirt, leaving his torso exposed. The markings of the parasite's influence on his skin take an emotional toll on you. His chest, abs, neck, and shoulder—all stained by the black imprint of the Plaga.

Less words, and more action. Luis settles right beside you, as you quickly move the chair right before the edge of the bed.

"The Plaga must be located here by now," Luis urgently instructs, pointing at the center of Leon's chest, right below the heart. Too fucking dangerous.

Yet, you manage to give him a nod, trying to maintain your compose. Digging further into Hercules' backpack, you extract an oximeter to monitor Leon's pulse throughout the procedure. Next, you pour a generous amount of alcohol on your palms, rubbing them thoroughly. After securing a pair of clean gloves and a one-use mask, you take cotton, soak it in alcohol, and cleanse Leon's chest in preparation for the incision. Once everything is set, you reach for the metallic box containing sterilized medical tools, the final item required for the procedure.

The hand holding the blade trembles slightly. You're on the verge of beginning the operation when rapid gunshots echo from just below you, and in the meanwhile Carlos, stands guard outside, ensuring your safety. However, you try to concentrate and drown out the unsettling sounds of violence beneath you, redirecting your sole focus onto Leon.

His life is in your hands.

"Let's do this, senorita," Luis quietly encourages you. Nodding, you slowly turn back to Leon, lifting your scalpel.

23:21, 23:20, 23:19...

With a deliberate move, the cold sterile blade makes its first contact with the center of Leon's chest, just beneath the bone. Applying gentle pressure, you begin the incision, carefully cutting through his skin, mindful of the limited sewing equipment you have with you. As the blade progresses, Leon's exposed flesh comes into view. You continue the cautious descent with great attention, while Luis keeps the flashlight steady on Leon's chest, averting his eyes from the sight with a disgusted look on his face. You don't blame him. It was like this for you once as well.

"Check his pulse," you order, maintaining your focus on your task. Luis subtly shifts, his hand holding the light remaining unwavering on the same spot.

"28," he states, his eyes studying for your reaction. Shit, that's too low. But you still...have to get going. 

With Leon successfully opened up, you set the blade aside and reach for the sterilized tweezers from the kit. Ensuring that it doesn't come into contact with anything other than Leon's chest to prevent infection, you proceed with caution. The air in the room is already too risky.

18:08, 18:07, 18:06...

⁤Bending a bit lower, you try to search for this fucker that is lurking in Leon's flesh. ⁤⁤With the tweezers, you softly move it around, hoping to cause any movement from the Plaga. ⁤⁤But nothing in sight so far. ⁤

⁤"I can't find it, Luis," you whisper as panic begins to set in. ⁤⁤Luis forces himself and leans in to take a closer look. ⁤

⁤"Cálmate. ⁤⁤We will find it," he reassures you, his eyes following the movement of your tweezers. ⁤⁤"It has moved beneath here," he points with a finger. ⁤⁤"..unless.." ⁤

⁤"It already got attached to his spine?" ⁤⁤you ask hesitantly, glancing at him. ⁤⁤Luis remains silent for a moment. ⁤

No. You can't let this happen. You have to find it. You have to!

⁤Not wasting any more time, you guide the tweezers to the location Luis pointed at. Barely touching it, suddenly, a crinkling sound grabs both of your attention. ⁤⁤A small, black, pointy tail wriggles beneath at the end of Leon's xiphoid. ⁤⁤With the tweezers and the same care, you attempt to catch it by its tail. ⁤⁤In the moment of full consideration, your hand becomes surprisingly steady. ⁤⁤As the tail makes contact with the metal, it maniacally wriggles. ⁤⁤With luck, the tweezers close abruptly, trapping the wriggling tail. ⁤

⁤Alright, so far, so good. ⁤

⁤Now extra cautious, you begin the critical process of removing the parasite. ⁤⁤The slow pull reveals its almost fully developed, sleek form covered in Leon's blood. ⁤⁤Finally, with a bit of force and a wet squelch, the plaga is out- Its tiny tentacles on its head extend, trying to latch to your skin. ⁤⁤Your heart beats fast as you hardly swallow. ⁤⁤Luis immediately takes the backpack, grabbing a small glassy cup. ⁤⁤Opening the lid, he steadies it, allowing you to carefully place the parasite inside. ⁤

⁤As the lid closes, a collective sigh of relief spreads in the room. ⁤⁤The parasite is officially removed from Leon, and both of you are now safe. ⁤⁤However, your task is far from complete. ⁤⁤You still will have to stitch his flesh with a needle and thread...lord may help this guy.. ⁤

"I'll take it from here."

"Are you sure?" Luis asks.

You nod, and Luis gracefully exits, accompanying Carlos while maintaining a watchful eye.

After changing into another pair of gloves, you retrieve a needle and thread preparing it for stitching the muscle tissue. Luckily though, the anesthesia he got injected with will keep Leon numb throughout this complex task and the next hours.

With care, the needle pierces the skin, and you initiate the internal suturing process. Leon remains unconscious, breathing calmly—a good sign. The topical anesthesia proves still effective. As you stitch, you observe the lines gradually fading from his skin. 

Outside this bedroom, the chaos seems to appear endless. 

7:58, 7:57, 7:56...

Securing the last thread with a careful cut from the scissors, you reach for three large steri-strips to support Leon's chest wound, ensuring a proper closure once back at the base. Monitoring the oximeter, you notice his pulse gradually returning to normal. Setting everything aside, you remove the gloves and the first thing you do is look down at Leon, hoping for any sign of responsiveness beyond his heartbeat.

"Leon? Can you hear me?" you ask softly, reaching to take his hand in yours. Your fingers clasp around his gloved palm, and cold sweat forms in your own.The suspense rises as seconds pass without a response from Leon. It's a moment where success or failure in saving a life becomes clear. 

And just fucking then...Leon's eyes tiredly open. A tired grunt reveberates from his throat. Eyes back to normal color, torso only covered in few, past scars, lifting his arms to look at them clear.

A shaky sigh of relief escapes your throat as you let the stress take over you, collapsing your elbows on your knees, and breaking down in tears. 

You fucking did it.

----

6:44, 6:43, 6:42...

The team is almost out of equipment, weariness is etched on their faces, and Saddler's patience is wearing thin. Now, the only remaining option is to toss a sticky bomb at Saddler when the others get downstairs. All they can do is give (y/n) the time she needs for Leon's operation while they distract Saddler as best they can.

Giant, slimy, dark tentacles slap Piers's small figure, forcefully slapping him against the floor. His gun slips away, leaving Chris and Hercules to shoot relentlessly at the monstrous leader. Grunting in pain, Piers manages to stand up and quickly grab his weapons. However, as he does, from a distance, he notices something shining under the left staircaseᅳbright neon red numbers running nonstop. It takes barely seconds before realization hits him; his eyes widen as he watches the inevitable countdown.

A single misfire, and it could be the end for them all.

"Stop shooting!" Piers suddenly shouts, garnering concerned glares amidst the chaos.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Chris asks in disbelief, while Hercules and Claire continue their assault.

"There's a fucking detonation bomb!" Piers urgently informs. Turning to the blocked exit, and then back at the bomb, the timer reveals they only have six minutes to eliminate Saddler and escape. 

Meanwhile, Saddler bleeds, his tentacles now being his only support. He tries to summon Leon through the parasite but to his misfortune, he finds out that he is now entirely alone as he finds it unable to see through him. The ability to speak has vanished as his monstrous transformation took over.

"Hercules, get out through the window and bring the van right outside the mansion! Wait for us at the entrance!" Chris hurriedly orders.

Hercules gives a tight nod, immediatelly following Chris' command and leaving through the destroyed window they invaded earlier. The rest of the team throws everything they have left into the battle, hoping against hope that the others will get out any minute, buying them precious time. 

--

4:10, 4:09, 4:08...

⁤With your gentle help, Leon sits upright, his mind still foggy as he tries to grasp his surroundings. ⁤⁤His eyes are half-closed, while you smoothly begin to secure his freshly stitched wound with gauze. ⁤⁤It pains you so much that you have to see him like this. ⁤⁤Your heart can barely handle this...but for his sake, you have to stay strong for now. ⁤⁤He needs you. ⁤

⁤Small huffs of discomfort escape him, reminding you to be as gentle as possible. ⁤⁤Luis offers a hand by gathering hastily the remaining supplies into the backpack, and making sure the Plaga is securely stored for his study, once you all return to the base. ⁤⁤Carlos stands guard inside the room, still positioned beside the door. ⁤

⁤As Leon slowly lifts his head, his weary gaze meet yours, causing you to momentarily freeze in your motions. ⁤

⁤"Am I hurting you?" ⁤⁤you ask softly. ⁤⁤For a moment, he stays silent, not taking his eyes off from you. ⁤⁤Until he shakes his head in response, letting you continue. ⁤

⁤"You did this?" ⁤⁤he asks quietly. ⁤⁤You offer only a nod, your mind never leaving your careful ministrations. ⁤⁤Leon looks back down at the floor, his stare darting from your delicate treatment to your own untreated wounds. ⁤

Luis suddenly steps in, creating a subtle distance between you and Leon. "You scared us for a bit, Sancho," he says, leaning against the wall with crossed arms, eliciting a scoff from Leon. Even after all this, Luis never fails to inject a dose of humor into the situation.

For a brief moment, everything surprisingly feels peaceful. Gunshots have ceased for the past minute. However, Saddler's ominous growls still echo from downstairs. That alone raises suspicions.

Suddenly, a loud bang reverberates through the first floor, making everyone to exchange anxious glances.

"What was that?" you ask, quite anxiously.

"I don't know." Carlos responds, reaching for his earpiece. "Claire, we are patching up Leon right now. What's your situation?" Carlos remains silent, listening to Claire from the other line, until his brows furrow.

You try to maintain focus on your task, using the scissors to cut the gauze and tucking it perfectly against Leon's chest. Luis paces around slowly, toying with his lighter, while all of you await any updates and the next set of orders.

Fuck- alright. We are coming right now."

"What's wrong?" Leon asks. 

"We need to get out of here. Someone has planted C4's all over the mansion."Carlos reveals, setting his radio aside. "Probably Umbrella, that's why they disappeared."

Who the fuck is Umbrella now?

2:32, 2:31, 2:30...

Leon hurriedly gets back up to his feet, but the after-effects of the anesthesia strike him with a momentary loss of balance making you act quickly, holding him by his forearm to prevent a fall. Once he regains steady footing, you carefully pull out Leon's gun from the holster on your leg- the one Claire handed you moments before you unexpectedly got separated.

"I believe this belongs to you," you say, extending his pistol. Leon looks at you before shifting his gaze back to the Desert Eagle, accepting it slowly.

"Let's go!" Carlos' urgent words, make you regain your focus. Opening the door, Luis follows with the backpack on his back. Leon gently grabs your arm, positioning you just in front of him as the last to exit the room.

2:05, 2:04, 2:03...

The four of you rush outside to the corridors, following the rapid sounds of the familiar gunshots. Reaching the stairs, you run your way towards the ground floor, only to be confronted by Saddler... disgustingly overtaken by the parasite. Blood and pus outpour from the tentacles and the sides of his head, presenting a profoundly disturbing sight. 

Leon pulls you securely behind him, and Luis hands you the backpack. The three of them start firing against Saddler. This time, the entire team comes together in battle against the unstoppable enemy, determined to put a final end before the dawn arrives.

As Chris, Claire, and Piers rejoin the group, the bullets start to attack the ceiling with their firearms, causing chunks of concrete to trap Saddler, and slashing a few of his tentacles.

That's torture...you enjoy to witness. After everything this piece of shit has done, he deserves nothing less than slow death.

--

"I'm right at the entrance," Hercules informs Chris over the radio.

"Roger, don't kill the engine! We are on our way!" Chris commands, gesturing for everyone to head towards the exit. Claire, Carlos, Piers, Leon, and (y/n) sprint towards the van, leaving Saddler futilely attempting to break free.

--

1:11, 1:10, 1:09...

Leon lifts you up, aiding you through the broken window before making his own escape. Everything unfolds so drastically, that your mind struggles to keep up and your body works in autopilot. Adrenaline courses through your veins as the final seconds approach. Piers narrowly escapes through the window, and all of you follow Chris towards the exit.

"We only have a few seconds! We need to be quick!" Piers urges, spurring everyone to run with the last reserves of strength.

Just a little bit more.

45, 44, 43...

Chris rushes into the passenger's seat as the rest of the team quickly piles into the back of the van.

Time for the final step.

Reaching the sticky bomb, Leon pulls the lid.

"Burn in fucking hell..." he venomly whispers, tossing the sticky bomb at the entrance of the mansion. Hercules steps the gas pedal, and as the initial explosion reverberates, it triggers a synchronized activation of C4, setting off a chain reaction that culminates in the mansion's catastrophic collapse.

The collapsing structure sends clouds of dust in pursuit as the team speeds away from the now-demolished scene.

All of them collapse in the back of the van, the exhaustion having some members of the team pass out momentarily. Most importantly, they made it out alive.

----

5:56 A.M

Hercules calculatedly pats the cotton gently on the outer side of your wounded thigh. Claire, too, receives care in the boat's cabin from Carlos and Chris. Across from them, Luis casually smokes, and Piers stands guard over the suitcase. All of them are beaten by internal turmoil and tiredness. All of that, for a briefcase with only 8 syringes inside.

The serenity and the sound of calming waves provide a small consolation, allowing your body to shed the stress accumulated over the past 4 hours. Yes, all this shit happened in just 4 hours..

Craziest thing? Your family remains peacefully asleep beneath soft covers, completely unaware of the living hell you've survived during that time.

Redirecting your lost gaze back to Hercules' work, your own mind continues to revisit everything that happened and God...what a fucking night. You faced death more than you can count. You saw things that will be carved in your memory for the rest of your life. The soldiers, the cult, the ritual- the mother and the child...

The mother and the child. Seeing them both dying right in front of your eyes, makes you feel guilty. All because you promised her that you'd get them out of here. And you failed.

You feel that a part of you, who you are or perhaps now were, has died.

"This will help ease up the pain for a bit," Hercules assures,pulling you gently from your clouded thoughts. You respond with a nonchalant nod as your focus remains on the now-treated wound. "Once we get back to the base, I'll take care of the rest."

"Thanks," you murmur, your stare moving to the medical tools.

"I'm only doing what I was hired for," he responds as he carefully starts to wrap a clean gauze around your thigh. Your eyes follow the movement of his hands, tracing up to his tattooed arm, then settling on his troubled expression. "...Listen...about earlier..." he exhales, struggling to articulate his thoughts. "I..forced you- and later on left you to this mess. It wasn't my intention."

To be honest, being mad at Hercules is the last thing you could care about. 

"It's alright...It's not your fault," you pause awkwardly, scratching your cheek. "It seems my help was necessary after all," you add before Hercules secures the gauze. "Besides, you were right in urging me to join you. Isn't my purpose to assist?"

Hercules nods positively. "And you did a great job."

You offer him a faint smile before you turn your gaze to spot Leon observing you from a distance. Resting his elbows on the railings, his bare chest wrapped in gauzes, and secured by wearing a B.S.A.A's military jacket. His blond hair flutters gently in the wind, and his soiled skin, wounds, and scratches bear witness to the hellish night he endured without the team.

As eye contact breaks with Leon, you turn your attention back to Hercules, eyeing him as he neatly packs the remaining first-aid kit items away.

"We're done," he announces, rising to his feet and retrieving the backpack. "You rest now. We have 3 hours ahead of us."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." he states before distancing himself from you. Once Hercules disappears completely, your focus returns to the expanse of the sea.

The minutes pass and the exhaustion begins to set in. You can feel the burning sensation on your injury, pulsating beneath the securely wrapped gauzes, yet the pain subsides greatly thanks to Hercules. Inhaling deeply, you take in the scent of the salty water, feeling the gentle caress of the air on your face. With closed eyes, you finally let yourself relax.

The sun begins to rise, the dawn approaches. Only a few minutes away from reaching 6 AM.

Remaining seated, the resonant thud of heavy boots draws nearer across the ship's wooden floor. You don't pay attention, prioritizing your rest.

However, soon, you sense them settling carefully right beside you with a soft exhale escapes their lips, maintaining silence. Curious to figure the presence beside you, you gradually open your eyes and, from the corner of your eye, you see Leon.

Turning your head, you look how the orange sun gracefully emphasizes his masculine facial features and blue eyes. Not wanting to seem like a creep, you clear your throat, redirecting your attention back to the blue waters. "You should be resting,"

"I'm good," Leon reassures, both of you avoiding direct eye contact. Your eyes remain fixed on the sunset, offering you a moment for ease, leaving you drained mentally and physically.

Still, all of it was worth it in the end.

"...Looks like you really did it, after all." You quietly remark.

"We did it," Leon corrects you, making you look at him.

Turning his head slightly, his eyes hold yours. Beneath the dirt, his quietness, his hardened gaze, you see tenderness battling with guilt, want, thoughts he can't express, and actions he desires to take...Yet, something appears to restrain him once more.

It's fascinating how a person's eyes can lay bare their true thoughts and character. However, you feel like you've only scratched the surface of the man Leon truly is, concealed behind his usual stoic gaze. One unmistakable trait that surfaces is selflessness. Something he made you understand really well tonight.

"Is your leg any better?" Leon suddenly asks with a softness in his voice. You shake your head, blinking rapidly as you clear your throat, captivated by the concern in his eyes.

"Yeah- it's fine," you murmur as both of you look down at your treated leg. "Hercules took good care of me, thankfully."

Leon gives a nod, his brows slightly furrowed at the mention of Hercules, before he looks back at the moonlit waves. Quite surprised by his reaction, but not making a single comment.

You definitely don't want any more drama for tonight.

"(y/n), Claire needs you for a bit! The stitches are causing her pain," Carlos suddenly calls from inside the cabin, breaking the closeness.

"Coming," you reply before cautiously attempting to rise. Leon extends a hand, and you accept it, leveraging yourself up. "Thanks."

"Welcome," he murmurs before you turn and take slow, deliberate steps toward the cabin. Every muscle in your body aches, and your fingers still tremble lightly from the intense stress. Only time will help you heal. Physically at least.

"(y/n)?" he suddenly calls, making you halt your steps and turn towards him. He sits in brief silence, eyes on your silhouette, contemplating once again whether he should reveal what's really on his mind. "...Nothing."

Yeah- perhaps not.

You sigh through your nose, offering an awkward smile before redirecting your path and making your way inside to assist Claire.

An end of an unforgettable era...

- - - - - -

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An affirmative grunt escapes him from the other line. "Good job for today."

"You weren't bad yourself," Ada remarks as the chopper ascends into the air, leaving behind the smoldering remains of the mansion, a graveyard for the fallen Ganados, Umbrella soldiers, and Saddler turning into ashes.

"What are you planning to do now?"

"Whatever we decided."

"I'm referring to the other two," Ada falls silent at his question. "Are you intending to tell him the truth?"

Right before she can respond, his line requests to speak. "He's waiting on the other line. I'll tell you later."  Ada says before the pilot patches her line through the boss. "To what do I owe the pleasure to hear your voice again?"

"Don't play with my patience, Ada," he pauses. "Do you have it?"

"Got it right with me."

"Kennedy and the nurse?"

"Died in the conflict," she informs. A scoff emerges from his line. Ada pauses, observing the team's boat from a distance.

"Why am I not convinced?"

She looks down at the syringe in her hand, choosing not to respond. "Is our job finished here, Wesker?"

"No," Wesker firmly asserts. "It will be done, once I have the sample to my office."

"You plan on pursuing them?"

"That's none of your concern."

"I'm talking about the team." Ada clarifies. Wesker smiles faintly, his fingers clenching into fists.

"Sinfuls are only one loose end." 

----

I tried to make some scenes shorter, yet it ended to be one of the longest chapters in this book. I apologize!

HAVE A GREAT AND LOVELY DAY! PLEASE DO ME THE FAVOR AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! <3