Resident Evil Series Fan Fiction ❯ Taller Than God ❯ Chapter 11, Segment Two ( Chapter 6 )

 

Chapter XI- Segment Two

Sia, “Breathe Me”

 

He kept her body pressed firmly against his, never loosening his grip for a moment throughout the night. The warmth of the bed they shared was the only thing that seemed to keep that now all too familiar sensation at bay. Wesker couldn't bring himself to even attempt rest. All he wanted was to keep a close vigilance over the only thing his heart beat for. He watched her sleeping soundly beside him. Occasionally removing the stray pieces of hair that had fallen into her eyes, and pushed them affectionately aside to rejoin the rest of her raven strands.

A dim blue light began to shine through the bedroom windows, signaling the arrival of morning. The dreaded sensation seemed to be aware of this, and returned vengefully to the pit of Wesker's stomach. Before last night, he had never cried. He wouldn't have allowed for such a moment of utter weakness. And now, for the first time as well, he was terrified. I never thought myself capable of harboring these disgusting emotions, Wesker thought as he watched his living angel breathe noiselessly, her black eyelashes fluttering. I'd give my life to keep you safe, Asherah. This uncertainty drives me insane! Why am I so disturbed by this!? Whatever it is, I can not allow it to conquer me. He leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her warm, pink lips.

Wesker unwillingly rose from their bed, not wanting to awaken her. He slowly went to prepare himself for Birkin's arrival, knowing he could no longer hide from what was inevitable. Wesker grasped the cold brass of the doorknob, quickly looking back at his slumbering Asherah, and then soundlessly shut the door behind him. He made his way to the main office, the cloudy sunrise outside offering the only semblance of light. In the process, recalling that he had told William specifically to reach him there from now on to avoid another incident like yesterday morning. The phone on his desk beside him had only begun to ring when Wesker nervously snatched it up.

-“Yeah?”

- “Wes? Wow, you don't miss a beat these days, not that you would anyways. Can't really blame-

- “When will you be here, Birkin!?”

-“ I'm on my way as we speak. You know I would just like to say that every time we speak anymore your voice seems to be laced with frustration. Which I'm guessing is directed at me. Keep in mind that I am coming out there at six o' clock in the morning, damn Alfred, at extreme risk to myself to help you. I wouldn't have bothered had you not been my closest friend.”

-“I know. I'm just…I'm scared, William.”

William Birkin's eyes widened in utter shock. That was a sentence he'd never have thought Wesker was even capable of forming, let alone acknowledging. He was silent for nearly an entire minute, feeling the need to reassure his friend. Birkin hesitantly responded, uncertain what his sympathetic confidences would illicit. “She'll be kept from harm, Wesker. I promise you.”

-“I'm prepared to give my life to ensure that.”

-“Yes, well, let's hope it does not come to such extremes. Alfred Ashford may be mentally unsound, but he was always a simpering fool compared to Alexia. With the both of us, that shouldn't even be a concern of yours. Alright, I'll be there soon, goodbye Albert.”

Wesker hung up the phone, Birkin's farewell still ringing in his ears. With his simple goodbye, he had unknowingly contributed to the worsening of the feeling that Wesker still carried. Wesker remained motionless; he stared down at his hands on the oak desk in an attempt to gather himself before proceeding to the helipad. The feeling was bringing on an unwelcome circumstance of nausea. Wesker knew that if he focused on his fears for Asherah anymore he would be ill, and he would not allow for another lapse in control. I need to get a hold of myself. All the horrible things I've witnessed…I've done…and I can't face Alfred Ashford!? That pathetic excuse for a man, he could never take her from me. I'd murder the lecherous serpent before he could even take a step towards my beautiful girl. A throbbing pain in Wesker's now balled fists hastened him back to reality. He looked down to discover his knuckles blanched and there were drops of blood dripping down from his palms. “I need to control myself, for you…” Wesker muttered quietly into the pale morning light as he looked across the office to the door where his love still laid, awaiting his return to her side.

The phone rang once again beside him, this time awakening Wesker from his trance with his bedroom door. “Hello, Captain Wesker of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team speaking.” he answered cautiously, who could possibly be calling now?

-“Hello, Captain Wesker, is it?” a malicious laugh responded.

-“Alfred!?”

-“Very good, Albert. I was so hoping you wouldn't have forgotten me and our little arrangement this morning. Please do forgive the early time, but we can't have everyone over at your precious organization knowing I've come to pay my dear old friend a visit, now can we? Excluding, of course, that siren I heard. I'm in much anticipation of meeting her…”

A very low protective growl began to rise in Wesker's throat at Alfred merely mentioning his Asherah. He was taken aback at first by his actions; to commit something so primal was foreign to him before all this. Wesker nearly chocked in an attempt to prevent his slip from being perceptible to Alfred. “I believe Umbrella is more important than a mere girl, Sir.” Wesker stated coldly in a desperate attempt to sway Alfred's thoughts away from his precious love, but he still couldn't help but acidly spit out the last word.

-“Indeed, and here I was beginning to fear that your loyalty to Umbrella was becoming, how I should say this? Compromised, perhaps…”

-“Never, Sir Ashford.” Wesker could barely bit back his tongue, he felt his very veins surging with loathing. Then something resurfaced in him, something he'd thought he had buried ever since he had first set eyes upon his Egyptian beauty. What if Birkin and I simply removed Alfred? He shuddered at the thought, recalling the woman they had experimented on so long ago, and banned the notion. Is everyone right about me? Am I nothing but a monster? Then another image appeared, answering his question and counseling him, the image of a certain raven haired, garnet eyed girl which wanted but him and his love.

- “Excellent, I should be arriving shortly. I am quite eager, farewell Albert.”

- “Bye.” Wesker answered gruffly. His disdain for the man was apparent. He started out of the office, heading for the helipad, certain it would not be long until Alfred Ashford was here. Wesker dragged his body down the eerily quiet hallway, his booted feet resounding off the walls with every tension ridden step. He paused briefly as he came to the door leading into his room. Wesker lightly ran his hand across the grain, and then laid his head on the door. It was strangely comforting to him, being reassured she was on the other side. He closed his eyes behind his sunglasses for a few minutes, reliving the night before continuing on to his destination.

Wesker climbed the stairs tentatively up to the heliport, his eyes quickly adjusting to the abrupt light. A feeling of slight confidence came over him as he spotted Birkin's copter preparing to land. William saw his friend emerge from his window as the helicopter descended. He noticed in Wesker's face the slight reprieve from his worries his arrival had granted. I just hope I can offer the help he requires. It would be a shame to loose her…he would never recover…

Wesker nearly sprinted up to his most trusted ally as he began to step off the ladder. Wesker tried to suppress it, but a smile spread across his face as he greeted Birkin. “William, thank you for coming out here.” Birkin was again surprised by his friend's actions, not only from the unprovoked show of gratitude, but by the smile Wesker now wore even though concern clearly laid in the rest of his features. He halted as he noted, could it be? Yes, yes it was, fear, pure unabashed fear shone through Wesker's eyes as they became visible when he looked down at the tarmac. Maybe I was too hard on him over the phone, Birkin thought to himself while distress took over his own emotions. I know he's afraid for her well-being. It can't be easy for Albert Wesker, of all people, to admit he needed assistance. Let alone confide his fears to anyone. “Look, Albert, I apologize for the way I acted over the phone. I didn't mean to be so harsh; I can only imagine how difficult this is for you.” Wesker only nodded his head in response; he was never one for apologies.

-“I do hate to interrupt this touching moment gentlemen, but I do believe this was supposed to be a private affair.”

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Asherah awoke, the light streaming in from the bedroom windows stirring her from her peaceful rest. She gained almost full consciousness as she reached her hand over to feel her lover beside her, only to discover a cold and empty sheet. Now where can he be? She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment; I wish he was here…Even though this does offer me a good opportunity to get back to my own room before everyone wakes up. The last thing she needed, Asherah decided, was more lectures although she knew her friends only had the best of intentions.

She gathered the sheet around herself as she rose from the bed. Asherah rubbed a hand to her forehead while her eyes adjusted. What has gotten into him? She pondered as she recalled the intensity of last night. A blush rose to her cheeks as her mind began to recall all that had taken place. She wished again that he was there, now even more so to alleviate her current burden. She sighed lightly to herself, knowing that wasn't going to happen for awhile yet. Oh well, better locate my clothes…

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- “Alfred!” Wesker and Birkin gasped unanimously in horror.

- “As much as I enjoy your company, William, I am at a loss for a reason as to your presence here. Who is running the Raccoon City branch while you're here, I wonder?”

Birkin swung around to face his malignant accuser. “Sir Ashford, I'm here…I'm here to ensure the protection of my branches' interests. As for your second question, my wife Annette is watching over things until my return.”

-“I see, if I knew you're wife was running the facility, I would have appointed her chief researcher. If only she wasn't woman…consider yourself fortunate William.”

Birkin hesitantly nodded his head, twisted son of a bitch… Wesker cut in to the conversation before the situation became any more hostile. “Shall we go inside gentlemen?”

-“After you, Mr.Birkin.” Alfred said, almost too politely, with a wave of his hand. Birkin threw him an asserting glance as he stepped forward. Wesker and Birkin walked side by side down the darkened hallway, feeling Alfred's pretentious glance emblazed onto their backs. They exchanged quick cautionary glances with each other as Wesker opened the door to the conference room.

The three men took their seats across the cold metallic table, neither one taking an eye off the other. “I notice we are missing someone Gentlemen. I hate to think that you are holding out on me Albert.” Birkin rose from his chair in an instant and slammed his fists down on the table with a loud thud. “The girl will not be attending, Sir, you should know better than to let outsiders into our business. I'm positive Umbrella would not approve. How shaming it would be for you if they were to find out…”

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Asherah had finished dressing and proceeded to her act of stealth. She opened the door and stepped out into the adjacent hallway. Well no one seems to be awake yet, of course excepting my Albert who has conveniently run off. Asherah sighed quietly to herself at the thought. She started towards her room when a faint thud caught her attention. Now who could that be at this time? Maybe Wesker's down there… She was startled by what her mind had begun to conjure, and quickly shook off the unsettling images. Better go see…sounds like it came from the conference room…

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-“I think it would be wise for you to state your business here Alfred, then leave.” Birkin said firmly. Alfred's throat cracked at the statement, “Very well, Mr.Birkin, there's no need for such hostility.” Wesker sat at the corner of the table, picking up the conversation, “State your business, Ashford.”

-“I'm quickly ascending through the ranks and inclined to believe I will be running this corporation soon. We've all been concerned over the condition of your loyalties, dear Albert. You've made such a distinguished name for yourself here at your little organization, after all. I hope you do recall that you and everything you hold of value, material or otherwise, belongs to Umbrella. Things happen, or don't happen as we, soon enough I, see fit.”

-“Are you threating me Ashford?” Wesker said with an unmistakable sneer.

-“Just giving you a friendly reminder my old friend. I'd hate to see anything…unfortunate befall you or this place.”

-“I've always put Umbrella interests before any of my actions. I have served them since I was sixteen years old! Your idle threats hold nothing over me and you know it's true! How many people did you murder to get where you are?”

-“Albert, I'm truly shocked. I never knew you to be so sentimental over the death of others.”

-“That's enough Albert!” Birkin interrupted. “You got the validation you came here for.”

-“Yes, I suppose I have. Just had to be certain, you understand, with Wesker away from the fold and all. However, William, I'm beginning to be concerned over yours…” Alfred Ashford said with a pointed glance that further impacted his statement.

The door to the conference room suddenly flew open, and there Asherah stood with the dim sunlight framing her presence, staring openly at the gathering before her.

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Wesker's heart sunk into his stomach, his rushing blood filling his ears until there was nothing but pounding audible. That feeling…oh no…. Birkin reacted while his friend stood visibly crippled by his fears. He rushed over to Asherah and grabbed her arm tightly while looking her directly in the eye.

-“You have to leave now, Asherah! Do you hear me!? Leave now!!” Asherah stood there eyes wide, not sure what was happening but at Birkin's desperate urging, she fled the room just as suddenly as she had entered it. She flew up the stairs as silently as the adrenaline allowed. She didn't stop, couldn't stop, until she reached the door. Asherah had instinctively gone to the safest place she knew, Wesker's room. She sat in their bed, holding herself, tears rolling down her cheeks. Asherah was still unsure of what occurred but her body was screaming ominously.

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Birkin turned back after he shut the door, still stunned. He looked to Alfred, “I think it's best for you if you leave now.”

-“Really?” Alfred said suspiciously, “I hope that is not who I think it was…”

-“It's no one!” Wesker yelled, trying to keep himself from leaping over the table and strangling Alfred.

-“Go now, Ashford. You wouldn't want to be implicated if Umbrella discovered your extracurricular pursuits, certainly not this close to a major promotion and all.”

-“Hmm, yes. You know, Gentlemen, I kind of like you both looking out for me. I will be taking my leave of you though. Come, William, I'm certain you wish to go back to your work.” Birkin nodded and put a calming hand on Wesker's shoulder as they departed. Alfred took a moment to observe the S.T.A.R.S. headquarters before Birkin led him hastily to the helipad. He looked out the window of the helicopter over the place, an evil smile crossing his lips. You see dear William and Albert; I always get what I desire. One way or the other….

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Wesker made his way up the stairs, needing to hold on to the banister for support he was shaking so. He could barely move, but he had to find her. Why did she have to do that!? Wesker jumped up the rest of the stairs and walked briskly down the hallway, he knew where she would go.

Asherah pulled the sheet around herself; everything had started out so well… The door opened as she was attempting to pull herself together. There he stood, silently, glasses off, just watching her. “Wesker, I-

-“Don't Asherah, are you aware of what you have just done?” Asherah rose from the bed, her eyes still puffy from crying. “No, Wesker I don't! I don't know anything, that's the problem! You say you love me, but you don't let me in. I know nothing of your past, your fears, your secrets, but it's alright to take me into your bed!!?” Asherah paused in her tirade when she looked up and saw the pain in Wesker's face. “I'm, I'm sorry…” she managed. He went to her and rested her head against his chest, “I know, and I apologize, my love, but I keep things from you for your protection.” Wesker lifted her face to his as he spoke, “My world is nothing without you in it.”

She fell into his waiting lips, recalling what Birkin had whispered to her the night before. Wesker broke their kiss for just a moment, “I love you. I never want you to know what I was like before you came into my life.” He chuckled slightly at the thought, remembering just how much she had affected him, “You're all that matters to me now.” She nodded her head and let the argument drop, feeling the need to keep this moment just as it was. Wesker smiled warmly against her hair, “Now go back to your room before the others awaken. I'll see you later tonight if not sooner.”

-“I know, I'm going.” Asherah went for the door, “I love you too.”

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Rebecca and Asherah walked into the office together, chatting about things that had taken place in the other's absence. Asherah, of course, leaving out some insidious details, not wanting to spoil her small victory of evading detection when she snuck back into her own bed this morning. That should prevent any further conflicts between my Wesker and Chris, at least for today… she thought to herself with a little sadness over the whole thing. Chris looked up as they walked in, glancing quickly at Asherah with an almost apologetic expression not to mention a fresh black eye. He looked right back down again as Jill and Barry recognized the two with a welcoming nod.

-“Hey Chris, say where's Claire today?” Rebecca asked, not wanting to make Asherah. He looked over her dismissingly, “She'll be by later.”

-“Oh, alright…” Rebecca said, sensing the sharp tension blanketing the room suddenly. Wesker appeared from behind them, running a light hand over Asherah's back as he passed between her and Rebecca. Thankfully, no one had seemed to notice their small exchange of affection but it did manage to send an electrical sensation up Asherah's spine. The office sprung into action as he went through to his own desk, figuring the mundane to be a passable solution for the day.

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The workday seemed to have come and went as normally as possible until night once again descended on the S.T.A.R.S. headquarters. Claire had only just arrived as the team went their separate ways for the evening. She had wanted to go see Rebecca and Asherah, but concluded to go pay a visit to her troublesome brother first. Claire walked up to his room, raising her hand to knock, but stopped in her actions as she heard the voices of both Barry and Chris. This might be an invasion of his privacy, but what the hell? He's my brother after all… Claire diabolically convinced herself as she put her ear up to the crack between the door and the wall.

-“You do deserve that back eye, ya know. How many times have I warned ya about getting into Wesker's business? There's nothing that man hates more.”

- “I know, I know. I just can't stand it Barry! He doesn't deserve her. There's just something about him, it worries me…”

- “Chris, who are we to judge who deserves what. And Wesker's an intensely private man that sometimes gives off the wrong impression, you know that. I'm guessing your jealously in this matter is in no way helping you come to these conclusions?”

-“Ah, I suppose you're right, old man. I just want to make sure she's alright.”

-“Wesker loves her. I'm sure of that and so are you as much as you hate to admit it to yourself. Anyways, you really should be focusing more on Jill, that's where your future is. Another fact you hate to admit….”

-“I don't know Bar-

-“Yes you do son; you've been making puppy eyes at each other for years now. Be a man and do something about it. You keep letting yourself get sidetracked by every new, pretty face that comes along.” Chris nodded his head in silent agreement, “Thanks, Barry.”

-“Anytime, Chris. Always glad to be of service straightening you out.” Claire heard heavy steps cross the floor. She quickly looked for an inconspicuous way out, but was too late and Barry opened the door to her startled face.

-“Claire!?” Chris said as Barry just shook his head in amusement and continued on his way. Claire smiled nervously and waved her hand in greeting at her brother. “I just wanted to say hi, so hi and I have to be going now, so bye.” Claire left in a bolt of embarrassment, leaving Chris standing there processing. What the hell…?

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Wesker had just entered his room when the phone rang. He was beginning to become accustomed to this annoyance. “Hello, Captain Wesker speaking?”

-“Wes, its Birkin. I need you to come down here immediately. Do you recall the G-virus we were working on before you left?”

-“Yes, why? Did something happen?”

-“I think I may have just accomplished bringing it into creation. You have to see this, our lives' work materialized at last.”

-“I'm not sure about leaving so abruptly, especially now William…”

-“Come on Wes, we've been waiting years to see this day. I've also been informed by some reliable personal that your friend and mine, Alfred Ashford, wants the virus for his own advancement and you know that we can't allow that to take place.”

-“Fine, I'll be there as soon as I can.” Wesker sighed resignedly as he placed the phone back on the receiver. I want to be certain my love is safe before I go…he may resent me but I have no choice. He's still the best man I have on this team…

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Birkin turned away from the phone, “Will that do?”

-“Yes, thank you dear William. You should know by now that I always get what I want, no matter what I may have to resort to.”

-“You're sick Ashford, but I did as you requested. Wesker will be here shortly, it should offer you enough time to grab the girl. Now, I held up my end of the agreement, let my wife go.”

-“I suppose you did. Very well, I`ll release your Annette back to you…” Alfred lowered his hunting rifle from the side of Annette's trembling head but still held his grip, preventing her from making the slightest movement.

-“Alfred I-

Alfred turned the barrel of his gun on Birkin and shot off a single round, relinquishing his grip on Annette as she ran to her husband. Alfred laughed malignantly at the scene before him, “He should have also known that I tend to have a problem keeping promises.” He heard what he assumed to be Wesker's helicopter landing on the roof above, and quickly fled, taking off for S.T.A.R.S. Annette held her husband; desperately trying to stop the bleeding. Birkin gestured for her to come closer to him, and with his last breath whispered in Annette's ear what he needed her to do to help his friend and his one love.