RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)

Creature of The Island

Writer's Note: Enjoy! <3
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Leon's POV before and during the incident:

"We will be arriving in under 5 minutes," an escort informed over the intercom.

"Copy that. Before the President steps out of the car, I want the ground squad to follow formation D. No gaps in between. Keep the civilians and reporters at a 50 meters distance, if someone ignores the protocol, use tranquilizing darts. Negative casualties," I replayed the order.

"Understood. Permission to shoot in hostile conditions?"

"...granted," I replied.

Hopefully, it doesn't come to that.

The walkway to the Grand Hall was secured by guards standing shoulder to shoulder, while the sniper squad maintained a watchful eye from vantage points surrounding the building.

As we approached the heart of the event, Major Krauser's words echoed in my mind, "A battlefield is nothing more than a bloody chessboard, Rookie. Even if you enter as its pawn, make sure you emerge as the strongest piece," I remembered his advice from my trainee days. The board was already set, and the gambit was unfolding. But as usual, I wasn't the one calling the shots.

Observe and counter. One step at a time.

This straightforward strategy served me well when my back was against the wall.

"Mr. President! Mr. President!" A woman called out, hastily approaching us. I recognized her as the event manager, likely here to extend her greetings and accompany us to the party. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she uttered, pausing to catch her breath. "Please, follow me—it's almost time for your speech." After welcoming, she gave a curious glance my direction, blushing slightly as she did.

I maintained a polite smile, keeping my hand inches away from the concealed holster in the back of my blazer. As I assessed the situation, I withdrew my hand and resumed observing the surroundings.

My eyes darted around, searching for any signs of potential danger as we followed her to the stage. We joined Mr. Russell and Mr. Heinz, the Secretary of Defence, who exchanged pleasantries before politely stepping back.

Nothing out of the ordinary yet.

I stood beside Mr. Russell, a step behind the President, discreetly scanning the vicinity for Ashley as Mr. Graham addressed the guests. Before climbing the stairs, he had pulled me aside, emphasizing her safety as my top priority if things took a bad turn. He was a concerned father above all else.

It didn't take long to spot Ashley, her eyes easily distinguishable. The gleam of kindness mingled with dancing blue belonged to her alone. I sighed with relief; releasing a breath I hadn't known I was holding.

Thank god she's safe.

Her gaze met mine, and the first thought that slipped my mind was how beautiful she looked tonight.

Studying her face, she wore an unreadable expression as she responded to my unspoken concern. Are you okay? I tried to convey with a glance. She nodded slightly, letting me know she was alright. So much had changed since our last goodbye, when tears streamed down her face. Now, as she turned on her heels, walking purposefully in the opposite direction, her strides held more confidence; her shoulders set with determination.