Resident Evil: Phoenix by Red Hope

Chapter 13

Claire dug her nails deeper into Alice's back and released a sharp gasp after Alice pushed her hips down. Now Alice's torso completely sealed against Claire's lower stomach. Claire didn't need to have her eyes open to know her lover was over top of her in the bed. Instead she held tighter to Alice's solid body.

Alice gave a pleased growl then lowered her head until her forehead gently pressed against Claire's. She sensed Claire's legs slightly tighten across her lower back, and she welcomed it because it brought them impossibly closer. Alice dedicated all her focus to their blood bond, which was greatly magnified by Alice's telekinesis.

Claire was surrounded by Alice's powers and caused her blood to dance under her skin. She wasn't only overwhelmed by her own pleasure, but she experienced all of Alice's too. Then Alice's emotions for Claire flooded into her mind, and Claire released a whimper. But Alice's altered blood continued coaxing Claire's blood. Claire struggled for air and clung harder to her partner.

Alice raised her right hip just enough for her freed hand to snake down. She slid her thumb over her lover's swollen clit. She smoothly rolled Claire's wet clit in a rhythmic motion that matched Claire's accelerating heart. Alice pressed her left hip up and softly moaned from the sensations fueling her.

Claire arched into her lover's body, lifted by their bloods' draw to each other. Alice's touches drove deeper to her mind, and she struggled harder for precious air. Claire's voice was loud to all, but her own ears. She was lost in their bond and experienced the excited rush from the viruses that Alice only understood. Claire was raw and primal in her fierce cry once the rush took her to the peak. It was a brief but beautiful moment that she was complete with Alice.

The return to humanity was gradual and easy thanks to Alice's care. As the heat melted into a dull burn, Claire could breathe again and lower into the messy sheets. Her nails withdrew from Alice's skin, and Claire braved to open her eyes. She didn't dare speak thanks to her sore throat only now relaxing after a heavy night.

Alice regained control over the viruses that she'd grown to accept tonight. There wasn't any fear left in her after what she and Claire shared in bed. She firmly believed only darkness was contained in the viruses, but beauty could be found in the darkest of places. Claire had shown trust in the viruses, and Alice released them. Now they couldn't go back, from any of it.

Claire took another deep breath and gave a soft moan when her lover withdrew from her. She released her arms and legs from around Alice and relaxed into the hot sheets. She soon found herself resting on top of her partner. She welcomed the cool air against her damp, sticky back. Claire rested her head against her lover's chest and listened to Alice's lively hearts. It caused her to smile.

Alice felt her lover's lips spread. She mirrored the smile and sunk back into the pillow. All through her veins the viruses pulsed wildly. They loved bonding so closely to Claire's strong blood. The viruses were developing only a liking for Claire's blood. Alice welcomed it because it brought her and Claire even closer.

After several minutes, Claire shifted and pulled the thin bedsheet over their bodies. She tucked one hand under the pillow but threaded her fingers into her lover's jet black hair. Now that her mind and body were together again, Claire noticed how her position against her partner's body had changed greatly in the passing days. No longer did her feet tangle with Alice's, but instead brushed against Alice's shins. She also noticed that her body seemed smaller against Alice's, which prompted a few attire issues the past days.

"We should sleep... a little," Alice murmured. The depth of her voice lightly shook against Claire's chest.

Claire's wondering thoughts were disrupted, and she softly kissed her lover's warm skin. "A little is all we're going to get." A grin spread over her swollen lips that were tender from several rough kisses.

Alice snaked her arms around her partner's trim waist.

Claire placed a kiss on her partner's collarbone. "Sleep well, Alice."

Alice silently replied with a smile. She would sleep well, like her partner. She shortly drifted off after Claire fell asleep. Sleep was deep and just enough for Alice. But she could tell that Claire was still tired when they woke up early.

Claire struggled to get out of bed, but she moved quickly after she was done her shower. She didn't want to run today's plans behind schedule. Her mind was in fourth gear with thoughts about the dangerous mission. Today they would fly east towards Houston and hoped to cover half the flight.

All the stress of it was greatly weighing on her shoulders, but she fought not to allow it to bring her down. She would stay focused if she were to get them all through it safely. They had good, solid plans and plenty of resources to do the job. And goddamn it, Umbrella deserved the reciprocation after what happened to the Arcadia over a week ago.

Claire rammed the Glock into the holster on her right hip; she was almost prepared. She distantly heard the bathroom's door click open, but she didn't glance at her partner. She instead put her right boot onto the chair and started lacing it up.

Alice was aware of her partner's upset so she approached Claire's back. She found it so easy to encircle Claire's waist and provide silent comfort.

The leader had finished lacing her combat boot and put her foot down. She'd already done her left foot earlier. She turned in her partner's arms and leaned into her. She was amazed a simple hug gave her strength.

"We don't have to do this, Claire," Alice softly insisted.

Claire slightly withdrew and gazed up at Alice, who was now her lover. She lightly traced her lover's lips and recalled what those lips were capable of last night. Briefly it quickened her heart, but she managed to stay focused on the topic. "Yes we do." She shifted her hand to Alice's shoulder. "If we don't, then you won't forgive yourself for not trying to help Angie... and even Jill." Without doubt, Jill would go back to Houston even if it was alone.

Alice knew it was true, but she hated that Claire was facing it too. Some part of her was thankful that Claire remained at her side, yet Alice prayed it didn't cost them. She leaned her head down until they touched foreheads. Without Claire's hat on, Alice easily brushed red strands back from Claire's right temple.

Claire sighed, sadly but still enjoyed their closeness. She didn't think they'd have too many opportunities for this soon. Flashes from last night came back to Claire and made her blood tingle with life. She'd had many lovers in the past, but Alice was much more to her. She couldn't pinpoint when or even how their friendship had evolved so deeply, but it'd grown into something that other humans wouldn't totally understand.

Alice straightened up after a long minute. She released a low breath and suggested, "We should finish up and check on the team."

"I know." But Claire faltered to move out of Alice's arms. "Just promise me something?" she softly tempted.

Alice dipped her head and waited for her partner's request.

"Follow your instincts," Claire ordered. "Don't hesitate or think twice." She saw the curiosity in her partner's eyes. She trusted Alice's senses greatly and didn't want Alice faltering that way. "Don't think about consequences or what me and the others will think of it." Claire believed that Alice's heightened protective instincts would keep them safe. She didn't want it diluted with concerns or fears about what she or others would think of Alice's actions. "We're humans... we sometimes hesitate, we do hesitate. But if you do hesitate then it might get us all killed."

Alice's features were taut, and her eyes mixed with emotions. She let out a deep breath then whispered, "You do understand what you're asking me to do?"

"I do understand," Claire murmured. "I wouldn't be asking otherwise." She had to be sure that her partner would do what humans may not be able to do.

"Alright," Alice softly agreed. "I will." She confirmed her promise with a soft kiss.

Claire bittersweetly separated from her partner and went to the dresser. She retrieved the antivirus, which was the last item she needed from the room. Claire had on a small utility belt, which had an empty black pouch that the tube remained safe in. She glanced at her partner and waited for her.

Alice was loading her weapons on her body after neatly organizing them on her side of the bed. She wore her leather dual shoulder hostler. She jammed her loaded revolvers into them then put on her leather utility belt that contained various ammunition including her coin shotgun shells. Alice picked up the pair of kukri, spun them, and slid them into their sheaths at her back. Already a baton had been placed in the loop between the kukris' sheaths.

Claire was leaning against the dresser and watched her partner load up. She couldn't help a smirk at how well armed her lover was for the mission. She teasingly poked, "You probably have more weapons than all three of us humans put together and yet you still have your powers too."

Alice smirked at her lover. She'd attached her shotguns to her thighs and picked up her sheathed bowie knife. "A girl has got to be prepared."

Claire shook her head once but straightened up when Alice came to her. "Now black is your color."

Alice's smirk went wider. "Red seems to be yours." She admired Claire in the red vest. She went serious and held out the bowie knife to her partner. "You need this."

Claire didn't have any blade on hand so she willingly took it. She'd put on red leather gauntlets to protect her wrists like Alice. She considered whether to put it there, but the knife was too large. She opted to lash it down onto her right ankle for safe keeping.

Alice waited until Claire was done then she left the quarters. She and Claire needed to meet the team down in the hangar. They would go over everything once more before they took off at two o'clock.

Claire was at her partner's side, but she was hard pressed by Alice's wide stride. She shifted speeds while she put on her ball cap. She inhaled deeply after getting the ball cap on comfortably.

Chris and Luther had joined the team down in the hangar. They helped get the helicopter loaded for the mission. Claire went over the supplies that would hold them over for a month, if necessary. Most importantly were the spare weapons, ammunition, and first aid kits for the mission. The last item left to be loaded were the explosives, which Claire had kept separate due to safety. They waited until it was the very last items to go onboard so the team marched out of the White Rooms and headed to the supply hole.

Chris was talking with Jill about the mission. He was certainly worried about everybody returning to the Arcadia. He feared he wouldn't see Claire or Jill again. He was much less worried about Alice, who was more than capable of handling such a dangerous mission.

Claire was leading the group to the supply hole where the ammunition container was located. She walked slightly closer to Alice and whispered, "I thought K-Mart would be here to see us off."

Alice frowned at her partner's disappointment.

The leader flexed her jaw after a few emotions tried bothering her. "I guess she's pissed at me."

Alice wasn't sure what to say. She simply placed her hand on Claire's lower back.

Claire sadly smiled at her lover's silent support. She shook off her thoughts about K-Mart and would make sure that Chris told K-Mart that Claire loved her. It was the best she could do under the circumstances. She hoped K-Mart would understand later in the future.

The team organized three bags of explosives, which included a variety of both hand bombs and timer bombs. Alice would later organize exactly how each bomb would be utilized at the Houston facility. After getting the explosives, the team returned to the hangar and loaded them onto the Osprey but made sure to tie them down for safety.

Claire glanced at her digital watch that dangled on the front of her belt. She saw it was nearly two o'clock, and she wanted to cover some distance before they landed for the night. She initiated the goodbyes first.

Everybody talked for nearly ten minutes before each team member started filing into the V-22. Alice was second to last after she quickly hugged Chris goodbye. She left Claire with her brother and figured she could do some prep work in the cockpit for Claire.

Luther had already said goodbye to Claire. He slipped away and went to the hangar door, which was sealed shut. He fooled with the mechanism until he had it opening.

"We just... found each other again," Chris murmured. He struggled to hide his upset about Claire leaving him.

"I'm sorry, Chris," Claire sincerely whispered. She shifted closer to him. "I have to do this."

Chris glanced at the cockpit then back at his sister. He swallowed hard and started nodding. "Just come back or you'll have one pissed off big brother."

Claire sadly grinned at her sibling, but she suddenly hugged him rather fiercely.

Chris warmly returned the long hug, which was the first one since he'd been reunited with Claire. "This is better than getting my arm nearly broken," he weakly teased.

Claire laughed into her brother's shoulder. She shifted her hand to the back of his neck and gently held onto him. "I love you," she whispered near his ear.

Chris squeezed his eyes shut and hoarsely murmured, "I love you too, Claire Bear." He knew better than to say the old nickname in front of the others, but they were alone. He felt Claire hug him harder in response.

After finding the strength, Claire pulled away from her brother. She smiled at him as she took a few steps backwards then finally turned and entered the aircraft. Claire tugged her ball cap's brim over her face so that Leon and Jill didn't notice her emotions. Once she stepped into the cockpit, she was the pilot in command and ready to go after Umbrella.

Alice waited until Claire was situated and buckled in the pilot's seat. Then she handed over the clipboard first to Claire.

The leader velcroed the clipboard's strap around her right leg and noted the open sectional was set to their local area. She then reached over the dash and scooped up the checklist. She clipped it to her kneeboard overtop of the sectional. Claire placed her index finger on the first item on the startup checklist and began calling out each item to start the rotorcraft.

Alice allowed her partner to focus on her checklist. But she noted that Chris and Luther had moved near the doors to go into the other White Room. She glanced over at her lover, who yelled back to Jill and Leon to make sure that the doors were sealed.

Claire received confirmation that the doors were locked so she hollered, "Clear!" She turned the ignition key and fed the engines with fuel. They promptly roared to life and waited for further commands.

Alice put on her headset and only turned on the communication radio. She quickly flipped through the channels until she was on the emergency frequency.

Claire had on her headset but continued going down her checklist to make sure the helicopter was prepared to take off. After she completed the runup, she put the checklist back on the dash then looked at her partner.

"Keep an eye on your side," Claire informed her partner.

"Got it," Alice promised. She leaned to her left so she'd have a better view out the side window.

Claire stole a last glance at her brother, and she waved at him. She then piloted the V-22 forward at a slow speed until they cleared the hangar door. Immediately she increased the throttle and ascended into the air. Behind them, the Arcadia's deck had several hundred survivors watching them fly off towards the wastelands.

Claire kept the aircraft in helicopter configuration until they were well over the former California landscape. She then decided on changing it to aircraft configuration, which would be more efficient and faster.

Alice assisted her lover with rotating the aircraft's nacelles until the rotors become forward propellers at a ninty degree angle. She noted that the aircraft's speed increased then finally stabilized at two hundred forty knots. She was rather impressed by the expensive machinery.

After nearly two hours of flying, Claire rubbed her face and again shifted in the seat, which wasn't as comfortable as before.

Alice noted her partner's worn features. "Do you want me to fly? You can take a break."

The leader considered the offer then nodded and stated, "Your controls."

Alice gingerly took the stick and reported, "My controls."

Claire had released the controls after her partner took them. She pushed her chair back, which gave her a chance to stretch her legs. She couldn't imagine how the Hell Alice managed it with the cramped space. She set aside her thoughts and instead looked down at the sectional on her kneeboard.

Alice glanced at her lover and inquired, "Where are we?"

"We just passed Phoenix north of us," Claire told. She reached under the console that separated her and Alice. She retrieved another sectional for the next area they'd be entering, which would include Texas and northern Mexico. "We'll be nearing El Paso in about thirty minutes."

Alice narrowed her eyes after something caught her eye out the window. "We may only make it to El Paso today."

Claire jerked her head up and worriedly looked for whatever was wrong. "What is..." She faltered after she saw the lightning coming off of distant cumulous clouds. "Fucking great," she muttered into the headset.

"It's spring time," Alice reminded. "It's to be expected." She decided to slow the bird down just so they could buy more time in case the weather intensified. "See any good airports on the way?"

Claire was hastily checking her sectional. She cursed and hotly reported, "We're in the middle of nowhere." She was shaking her head and explained, "The two closest airports are off course for us." She looked over at her partner. "There's one north and one south."

Alice weighed their options and studied the distant thunder clouds. "Does the north one have fuel services?" She hoped they could raid the jet fuel.

Claire dragged her finger up to the airport and studied the airport's visual data. She tapped it then replied, "Yes." She looked at her partner. "Longest runway is over eight thousand feet." The airport, Deming Municipal, was a large facility.

"Perfect," Alice agreed. She continued slowing down the aircraft because they needed the time. "Get me a heading?" She started turning the aircraft to the northeast in a general direction.

Claire had pulled out a plotter and pencil. She estimated their location after doing dead reckoning to the ground below them. She hastily plotted the direction to the airport then calculated the course and made sure to account for magnetic direction.

"A heading of zero six five," Claire instructed her partner.

Alice made the slight adjustment. "Any landmarks for reference?"

Claire was already working on that and replied, "You'll see train tracks on my side and also I-70 beside it." She looked over at her partner. "They run right into Deming and the airport is on the east side."

"We'll fly over the town... make sure it's empty." Alice wasn't in the mood to land then get attacked by undead all night.

"It's surrounded by desert." Claire put her plotter and pencil away. "It's probably gone like Vegas."

"Are there any small airports beyond Deming?" Alice checked.

Claire glanced at the sectional again. "Yeah... there's two private airports. One is south of the town and one further east."

Alice kept that in mind because they may end up at one of them. But they could possibly still try to fuel up at the larger airport in Deming then move on to a private airport where it'd be more desolate.

Claire kept her eyes out of the cockpit and watched the ground underneath. She straightened up and called, "I got I-70 to my left."

"I can see Deming," Alice agreed. She started bringing the aircraft lower. "We should switch back to rotorcraft configuration."

Claire seconded it so she pushed her seat back up. She and Alice transformed the airplane back into a rotorcraft after going through the proper steps. Claire took full control of the rotorcraft afterwards and started circling the large town, which was nearly consumed by mother nature again.

Alice shook her head after she spotted the Deming Municipal Airport. "Let's go out to the private airport further east." She wanted to stay clear of the thunderstorm in the south. "We can try for fuel tomorrow morning." Although she had her doubts about it.

Claire glanced at her sectional and saw that the private airport, Solo Ranch, was just slightly north of I-10. She easily followed the barren interstate for about five minutes then found the old ranch that had a dirt runway.

"Now that is the middle of nowhere," Alice stated.

Claire didn't comment back and instead focused on landing in the center of the private airport or what was left of it. The rotorcraft's propwash caused the sand and dust to dance in the air all around the aircraft. Claire made a soft landing and started shutting down the engines after getting the checklist.

Alice was hastily unbuckling because she wanted to get out and check for any trouble. She tore off her headset then popped out of the seat.

Claire had removed her headset but still had to unbuckle from the harness.

"Get the copter secure with Jill and Leon." Alice touched her lover's shoulder. "I'm going to secure the outside."

"Be careful," Claire ordered her partner. She needed to talk to Jill and Leon about the slight change of plans for today.

Alice squeezed her lover's shoulder in promise. She darted out of the rotorcraft and barely spared a glance at Leon and Jill. She hopped out of the V-22 and drew her guns. There was plenty of daylight left, but she wasn't about to be caught off guard by undead or anything else. Alice hurried off to check the local surroundings.

Alice had spent a solid thirty minutes investigating the Solo Ranch. She indeed found a single undead, who must have been the ranch owner in a previous life. A single slice at his neck sent his lifeless body back to peace. Alice inspected the ranch house for any supplies, but she found nothing of use and left.

Claire had spoken to Jill and Leon but was finishing with the helicopter and making corrections for tomorrow's flight. She had ordered Jill and Leon to round up wood for a campfire tonight. She didn't like being in the dark. She started out of the V-22's side door just as her lover appeared there.

"Hey," Alice greeted.

Claire had a thin smile. She towered over Alice simply because she was still on the helicopter. "Hey yourself." She stepped off the helicopter and now tilted her head back. "You find anything... or anybody?"

"Just the ranch owner," Alice answered. "All clear now."

Claire nodded and adjusted her hat. "I want to get camp setup. I got Jill and Leon organizing a campfire." She nodded back at their supplies in the helicopter. "We'll need to move everything out." She then placed her hands on her hips. "Can you cook?"

Alice's eyebrows hiked up. She honestly confessed, "I can burn."

Claire bit her bottom lip and nodded once. "Right." She slipped past her lover and decided to see if anybody else could cook dinner.

Alice turned on her heels and called, "Is that a pass then?"

Claire spun around and smirked. "You got it, Sherlock." She chuckled at her partner's mock glare, but she went directly to the bonfire that Jill had just lit. "Hey, have you learned to cook yet?"

Jill folded her arms and rocked on her boots.

Claire pointed at her friend and concluded, "That's a no." She shifted her interests to Leon Kennedy and pointed at him. "Can you..." She faltered when Leon was already shaking his head. "Are you kidding me, people?" she suddenly yelled at them all.

Alice was halfway into the helicopter but looked back at the group.

Claire was holding out her arms and hollered, "Do I have to fucking fly and cook?" She threw her arms in the air and stomped off.

Alice chuckled because she knew Claire wasn't really mad. She entered the aircraft and went to the supplies, but she paused when her nose picked out a distinct scent of human blood coming from the supply bags. She knew it wasn't Jill, Leon, or Claire's blood that peaked her senses. But it was a blood she was familiar with and made her hearts sink in worry.

Alice's boots heavily sounded off the metal floor as she approached the pile of bags and started yanking them off. "K-Mart," she snarled and set a bag off to the right. She grabbed a third one and found the young woman's nervous features.

K-Mart smiled, weakly at her friend and cautiously tempted, "What's up?"

Alice dropped the bags on either side and rubbed her brow. "Claire is not going to be happy." She narrowed her eyes at her friend.

K-Mart started standing up in the middle of the supplies. "But she'll get over it."

Alice took a step forward, grabbed K-Mart's shirt, and sarcastically replied, "In about twenty years." She dragged K-Mart out of the supply bags.

K-Mart yelped and nearly tumbled except Alice had her by the collar. "Alice-"

"I don't want to hear it," Alice cut off. She was forcing K-Mart through the bags and pushed her towards the door.

K-Mart seemed to lose her bravery after she realized just how bad it would be once Claire saw her. "Wait." She held up her hands.

Alice grabbed the younger woman's shoulder, spun her around, and shoved her forward. "You made your choice now you get to deal with Claire's wrath."

K-Mart paled and yet she couldn't argue Alice's honesty. She had made her choice and knew then what would happen for it. She stilled her fears and instead walked out of the helicopter on her own.

Jill was coming to the aircraft to help Alice with the supplies. She pulled up short upon seeing K-Mart stepping out. She went wide eye and sharply looked up at Alice, who was right behind K-Mart. "What the Hell is she doing here?"

"Good question," Alice replied in an annoyed tone. She got out of the V-22 after K-Mart. She widened her stride and easily came next to K-Mart.

K-Mart's knees weakened once she spotted Claire's back to them. She realized just how ugly this could get for her. She swallowed hard but clenched her hands and kept her head up. She bit her bottom lip when Claire started turning towards them.

Claire Redfield had decided on what to make for dinner. She'd made her mental list. However, that list was nearly lost once she faced the helicopter and saw her sister coming towards her. She thought she was delusional until she saw Alice's displeased look.

K-Mart took a deep breath and slowed until she was in front of her sister.

Alice folded her arms and shifted her weight onto her right side. She stated, "Stowaway."

Claire's rising mind went in several severe directions, and she bowed her head. She fought very hard not to yell at her sister right now. She looked at K-Mart again and calmly stated, "I already know why... and it was stupid, K-Mart."

K-Mart didn't let it knock her down, and she crossed her arms much like Alice. "I'm not a kid, Claire."

"The Hell you're not!" Claire blasted at her sister. "This is suicide mission and you thought it was a brilliant idea to tagalong?"

"I know what kind of mission it is," K-Mart fought. Her temper was building up too. "I'm not a kid, and I didn't come to tagalong." She glanced at Alice then to Claire again. "You and Alice are my only family." Some of her emotions surfaced on her face. "I'm not going to watch you both die when I can help."

Claire was upset, but she hid it well. She suddenly turned on her heels and walked around the bonfire, before turning around and approaching Alice and K-Mart. But her sharp focus was centered on Alice only. "We have to go back to the Arcadia now." She couldn't allow K-Mart to be killed.

Alice shifted on her feet and didn't respond.

"I'm not going back," K-Mart fiercely stated.

Claire's dark gaze flickered to her sister. "You are going back," she dangerously stated in slow emphasis. "And it's not your choice."

"I'm staying," K-Mart fought.

Claire lost some of her control and stepped closer to K-Mart. She had electric blue eyes that held all her venom. "You can't fight. You can't fire a gun. You're too young." She leaned over her sister. "And this isn't a democracy so you're going home."

"I can fire a gun," K-Mart debated. She'd learned some basics from Carlos. She then argued, "You can't fight like Alice." K-Mart had seen plenty of Alice's technique and skill without using any of her powers. She pointed at Alice and suggested, "Alice can teach me to shoot better."

Claire briefly glanced at her silent partner, but she shook her head at K-Mart. "No." She pulled away and started near the small fire. "We have to go back to the Arcadia." She couldn't believe what'd happened and how it'd cost them.

Alice had remained on the sidelines and thought out their options. She bit the inside of her mouth once she realized how Claire wouldn't like what was best for them. Her heavy voice broke the long silence and jarred K-Mart. "We should continue the mission."

Claire's thoughts train wrecked after Alice's word. She faced her lover and stared at her in surprise. "Are you joking?" She watched Alice lift her chin slightly. She bitterly laughed and approached Alice after she realized how serious the situation was becoming for them all. "K-Mart is not trained to fight or handle a mission like this."

Alice remained quiet for a second then explained her reasoning. "K-Mart can stay with you in the Osprey. She won't ever step foot in the facility."

"That's no guarantee," Claire snapped.

K-Mart was shocked that Alice was backing her up. Her mind went blank until Alice spoke again.

"We risk being seen if we return to the Arcadia," Alice reasoned.

Claire clenched her teeth but focused on her sister. "You want to help right now?" After K-Mart's curt nod, she ordered, "Help Jill and Leon setup camp." She shifted away from the campfire. "Alice and I will be back shortly." She started out of the unmade camp and didn't wait for her partner. She needed the few moments alone so she could calm her emotions.

K-Mart stared at her sister's rigid back then she looked at Alice. "I'm sorry I got you in this."

Alice raised an eyebrow at the young woman and reminded, "Be careful what you wish for." She left K-Mart to her chores with Jill and Leon. She didn't look forward to a fight with Claire, but they really didn't have the luxury to go back to the Arcadia.

Claire was still walking away from the helicopter and camp. She followed the barren, dirt road towards a secluded barn.

Alice's long legs ate up the distance, and she slowed next to Claire. She didn't speak first and waited for Claire to open up the conversation.

"If K-Mart is killed because of my negligence," Claire softly spoke, "I don't know if I can live with myself." She glanced at her partner.

Alice shook her head and argued, "She isn't a child, Claire." She recognized too that Claire didn't necessarily treat K-Mart like one, but Claire protected her like one.

"I lost one sister to this infection," Claire reminded.

Alice noted the barn nearby so she and Claire took residence a few yards from the double doors. She faced her lover and explained, "She grew up a long time ago."

Claire knew it too but refused to admit it to anybody. "I rather her stay out of it for as long as possible."

"I think that time is over," Alice honestly stated. She gazed back towards the helicopter, and her strong vision allowed her to see K-Mart easily working with Jill and Leon. "She looks up to us." She shifted her attention back to Claire. "We're her role models, Claire."

Claire took a few steps away but came back to Alice. She was fighting against her upset about the truth.

"She's smart, a fast learner," Alice ticked off. "She wants to be there for us." She let out a breath after seeing Claire's glossy eyes. "And most of all, we can trust her."

"You want to groom her," Claire concluded. She slightly narrowed her eyes at her partner.

"I want to give her a chance," Alice clarified. She recalled how K-Mart came into the White Room when she, Claire, and Chris were fighting Wesker. She read the determination in K-Mart's eyes then, and it was more obvious now. To Alice, it was clear that K-Mart was ready to find her way. Alice understood how K-Mart felt and couldn't help feel sympathy.

Claire started shaking her head and muttered, "I don't know." She stared at the helicopter off in the distance. "This mission is the wrong time to be starting anything."

"It's the perfect time." Alice neared the leader. "And if we go back to the Arcadia then we'll only draw more attention to ourselves."

Claire couldn't deny her lover's good point. All of them could be potentially killed by Umbrella thanks to them simply flying back and forth. She grumbled and pulled her brim down.

"Just keep her in the Osprey with you while we deal with facility." Alice touched her lover's shoulder and softly added, "You can fly out of there if it gets ugly."

Claire's head snapped to the left, and she locked eyes with Alice. "I can't leave you behind."

"I can get out of there," Alice swore.

Claire turned to her partner but had to tilt her head back. "You can't outrun an explosion of that magnitude."

"I did it once... I'll do it again." Alice wasn't concerned about her safety.

Claire rubbed her forehead then fixed her ball cap. She could sense the pressure building behind her skull thanks to the increased stress. She sighed and started heading back towards camp. Her first step broke her small contact with Alice. "Let me sleep on it," she muttered.

Alice remained at the leader's side, but she didn't press any more about the topic. There wasn't a pretty solution to their situation, but they had to be flexible and adjust to the change. Alice was confident that they could carry out the mission without risking anymore life. But K-Mart's presence didn't make it any less risky.

Claire returned to the camp with Alice and decided to get dinner prepared for everybody. She noted that K-Mart had indeed helped Jill and Leon get the camp setup. She knew it was basic for K-Mart after her time in the convoy.

Alice took K-Mart away from the camp and decided to utilize the last hour of daylight. She directed K-Mart to the fence post that probably contained horses or cattle at one time. She'd grabbed a soup can, which she placed on a post then handed K-Mart a Glock.

K-Mart turned over the gun in her hands a few times. She'd used a shotgun on several occasions, but she knew little about handguns. She was nervous until Alice's instructions and lesson started to focus her.

Alice taught K-Mart the basics mechanics of a gun first then showed her how to load it. Next she went into how to properly hold a gun and line up the sight correctly. Finally she instructed the best way to fire the gun without milking it so that K-Mart's aim would falter. Alice was pleased by how quickly K-Mart picked up the skills. But she wasn't surprised it took a full thirty bullet magazine before K-Mart finally hit the soup can. After that, K-Mart started hitting the can more regularly until it fell off the post without anymore soup to weigh it down.

K-Mart was rather proud and returned the Glock to friend. However, Alice pushed the Glock back to K-Mart and told her to keep it. Alice promised she'd get K-Mart several clips for reloading.

K-Mart at first wasn't sure where to put the gun. But she duplicated Claire's usual spot and wedged it into the rear of her waistband. It would just have to do for now. She followed Alice back to camp now that it was getting dark and dinner drifted in the breezes.

Everybody ate rather quietly tonight. Claire was deep in thought between K-Mart and tomorrow's plan of attack. She kept replaying the plans in her head and kept listing out any possible flaws and problems in their plans. She had to be ready for any scenario so that they could make it out safely.

K-Mart helped her sister clean up the dishes and found that Claire appreciated it. She was relieved when Claire talked to her, and she knew they were okay despite what she'd done. K-Mart felt guilty though and apologized to Claire for her actions. Claire merely hugged her sister in response and murmured that it'd be okay.

Claire packed away most of the supplies and left only enough out for tomorrow's early breakfast. She had K-Mart put the other items back into the aircraft for safety. She wanted to be prepared to jump into the aircraft if anything happened in the middle of the night.

Alice approached her lover, who was finishing with the last pack. She touched Claire's lowered back and mentioned, "I'm going to take watch tonight."

Claire straightened up and offered, "I'll go after you." But Alice's headshake made her frown.

"I'll stay on watch all night," Alice explained. "You and the others should get some rest in the Osprey."

Claire silently agreed that it was safer in the Osprey, but she didn't like Alice being on duty all night. "I can at least do a few hours in the morning." She pulled the draw string on the supply pack. "You need some sleep."

Alice sighed but decided if she did sleep then it'd make Claire feel better. "Alright," she softly agreed.

Claire leaned forward and stretched up until she could place a shy kiss on warm lips. "Thank you," she murmured. She spotted K-Mart coming towards them so she handed off the last bag and thanked her.

Alice found a comfortable spot in front of the campfire. She didn't speak much and only listened to Jill, Claire, Leon, and K-Mart talking back and forth. It was mostly light hearted conversation so that everybody could pretend tomorrow wasn't coming soon. Alice didn't blame the humans, but she was mentally preparing for what tomorrow would require of her. She looked forward to driving the nail a little deep into Umbrella.

Eventually Jill and K-Mart went to bed then Leon soon followed them. Claire instructed Leon to close the Osprey's door but not lock it yet. She planned to stay outside with her partner for awhile before she retired to her sleeping bag in the Osprey.

Alice shifted on her stack of blankets that would help keep the cold air away later tonight. She canted her head when Claire came over to her.

Claire took a spot beside her lover on the blankets and propped up her legs. She leaned against her thighs and studied the campfire, which crackled and occasionally popped. Slowly her eyes drifted shut, and she leaned her head against her lover's arm.

"You should go rest, Claire." Alice's voice was gentle yet still deep. She slipped her left hand under Claire's shirt and massaged a tense muscle at Claire's lower back.

Claire hummed at the warm sensation. She opened her eyes and muttered, "In a bit." She wanted to just be alone with her lover. But she couldn't help talking about tomorrow and how they'd begin infiltrating the Houston facility. She was relieved when Alice promised she'd organize the explosives tomorrow morning before they left. Claire didn't like the damn things on the aircraft, but they needed them.

Alice's arm eventually drifted around her partner's upper back. She drew Claire against her side and enjoyed their moment of peace together.

Claire soaked in the affection. She was convinced she may not have anymore nights alone with Alice after tonight. It scared her, but she didn't let it paralyze her either. She would do everything in her power to make sure they survived tomorrow's mission.

Alice sensed that her partner had drifted off into a light sleep. She bowed her head and gently nuzzled Claire's peaceful face. She received a weak squeeze to her left leg where Claire had wrapped her arm. Alice sadly smiled but straightened up when something distinct caught her nose.

Claire must have sensed her lover's internal shift. She started waking up and straightened out her back. "What is it?" she asked in a groggy voice.

Alice's nostrils flared when she took a deep breath of the night air. She filtered out the campfire's smell and picked out something very mild. "I'm not sure." But she didn't like it by the obvious tone in her voice. "I'm going to go check... run the perimeter."

Claire freed from her lover and offered, "I'll go with you." She started climbing to her feet until a sure hand on her knee made her sit again.

"I got it." Alice was standing and greatly towered her seated partner. "Just stay here, alright?"

The leader adjusted her tilted ball cap and nodded. "Be careful."

Alice didn't respond and instead started out of the camp. She disappeared into the total darkness thanks to the lack of moonlight. Her earlier boot steps went utterly silent.

Claire stood up after a few minutes because she was nervous. She retrieved her Glock and stayed near the campfire. She didn't receive any alarms from her partner and that was her only communication. She sighed and shifted closer to the fire so she'd stay warm. She already missed Alice's body heat.

The campfire crackled loudly then a distant movement followed a third pop. Claire nearly ignored it until she heard the soft sound again. She instantly recognized it as a step, but it wasn't a dragging sound like an undead. It was enough to worry her so she tore out her tactical flashlight and flicked it on before retrieving her Glock.

Claire barely made out another step, and she tried tracing the sounds. She shifted around the campfire and pointed her flashlight towards the source. Her beam of light couldn't find anything so she cursed and kept scanning for whatever it was outside the camp. She clicked off the Glock's safety and jumped when the sound repeated but more to her right.

"Who's there?" Claire hotly demanded. She kept searching for whatever was moving in the darkness. "Alice?" she called. She knew it couldn't be her partner because her bond didn't acknowledge it was Alice. Again a more distinct footstep filtered to her. She gritted her teeth and fairly warned, "I'm going to start shooting and ask questions later if you don't respond to me!"

Claire started counting to five yet kept scanning with her flashlight. "Final call," she smartly hollered. She started pulling back on the trigger until an all too familiar voice responded to her threats.

"Don't shoot."

Claire felt her heart slip into her stomach after hearing Alice's voice. "Fuck, Alice." She kept looking for her partner but wasn't having any luck. "Where the Hell are you?" She distinctly heard footsteps cautiously nearing the camp. Claire was able to finally rest her flashlight's beam on Alice, who shielded her face because it was so bright.

Claire lowered the flashlight and Glock, but she furrowed her eyebrows once she paid attention to her bond. She took a hesitant step away as her partner carefully approached the camp and started entering the firelight. Claire followed her instincts and raised her gun again. "You're not Alice," she growled. She backed off but kept her sights trained on the stranger. "Move into the firelight so I can see you." When the stranger didn't do it, she snapped, "Now!"

The stranger slowly entered the firelight and lifted her hands. She held Claire's gaze with her a serious but worried look.

Claire was stunned and stared at her partner's nearly perfect mirror image. She thought she was asleep, but it was too real. She gripped the Glock harder and growled, "Who the fuck are you?" She scanned the stranger up and down.

The familiar stranger was slightly taller than Claire, and she had full cheeks like Alice once had before the G-virus. Her hair barely touched her shoulders. The firelight flickered across her blond streaks and glowed in her earthy green eyes. She wore red shorts and black boots that covered her ankles. Her white tank top showed signs of wear, but it was hidden by her sand colored duster that was all too familiar to Claire.

Nervously, the leader lifted her Glock but fought not to aim it at the bizarre double. She took hasty inventory of the woman's arsenal, which wasn't for the faint hearted. Claire noted one shotgun on the woman's side, a sword hilt poking from behind, at least two handguns, and then two odd fork like weapons lashed to the woman's boots. It took a second for Claire to recall that they were a Japanese weapon called sias.

"Are you Claire Redfield?" the stranger attempted after the silence. But an answer wasn't forthcoming so she sighed and tried another route. "I'm looking for Alice."

Now Claire had confirmation to what her bond already told her. This was definitely not her partner. She shook her head and snapped, "Who are you?"

The stranger was slightly annoyed and demanded, "Can you put that damn thing down? I'm not here to hurt anybody." She was frustrated by the lack of answers, which clearly showed on her face.

Claire darkly smiled and replied, "I don't think so." She didn't want to get close to the stranger. She was about to make her last attempt, but a low set of growls slightly beyond the camp made Claire jump. All her life drained from her body when d�j�-vu washed over her that instant. She'd already experienced this exact moment in her dreams, and she swiftly changed her aim towards the pack of growls.

Just like the dream, an infected wolf inched into the firelight and revealed his bright white teeth to the humans. Behind him countless other snarls and hungry demands surrounded the camps in a crescendo. After Claire's shaking yell, he fiercely barked orders for an attack on the humans. His infected pack needed the clean flesh and warm blood to survive and grow. He salivated in anticipation and hungrily cried before he attacked the red haired human first.

Continued.