•Lighter Than Air•

•Chapter 35•

Things would change after that encounter. Everyone was distraught over the loss of Jill. Though, some were much more hurt than others. Chris had completely lost himself within his grief for a few years and he seemed to be shut off to just about anything and everyone as time went on. He resorted to drinking and would oftentimes lose himself in his own misery. It got to the point where even Leon and Claire were getting worried for his well-being.

During the funeral they held for her, he hardly said a word. Though, he was the one who stayed at her grave the longest. He couldn't believe that she was gone. It was impossible. He may have watched her plummet after crashing through that window, but a part of him begged him to believe that sights can be deceiving. There had to be a chance that she survived. There just had to be!

After an intervention hosted by Leon, Claire, Sherry, and Genevieve... his alcoholism to help himself through the grieving process was addressed. He knew he was hurting the only people he had left to care about. His little sister and his daughter were of the utmost concern to him. He knew how this must have been affecting Genevieve as well. He noticed her anxiety growing worse by the days while she watched her only role model fall into despair and alcoholism.

Seeing the disappointed, sorrowful looks on their faces while they called him out on his issues sealed the deal for him. From that moment on, he decided to put his grief into something different. That something different happened to be training... he put all of his effort and energy into training himself into becoming stronger while Genevieve often joined him on his routine. The two trained hard and soon enough, Genevieve was going on full blown missions with Chris.

Times were changing. Though, even with the change... one thing stayed the same.

He never gave up on believing that somewhere out there, Jill was alive.

Though, they weren't the only ones whose lives were changing either. Leon and Claire were still going strong, without a doubt. Leon still had missions and Claire had begun traveling every so often to places in need. She played the role of the rescuer. She would go out to actively seek those who truly needed help. She was more than happy to allow herself in those situations. Though, Leon had given himself into the fighter role. Oftentimes his missions were bloody and he had to fight back against greater force..

Even if they were on different sides of the helpful concept, they always met back in the middle. When they came home, they were coming back to each other. Nothing would have changed that. Though, Leon was still planning his proposal... the time just wasn't right. He knew he wanted to marry her, but he just needed more time. He knew that the right time would come. When that time came, he would be the first one to know. But for now, there was too much work to do.

Though, that still leaves one more person within the family. Sherry. Something had changed within her after watching her parents go forward to help two other human beings. During the time... she started considering what she could do to follow in Claire and Leon's footsteps. That's when she began training for national security. It wasn't anything crazy like the BSAA or fighter agent... but it was perfect for her. She loved analysis of data and going out to help. She loved the feeling of bringing the greater good closer.

Soon enough, the entire family was wrapped up in one big picture. Each and every one of them wanted to help the world. Even from different corners of the situation and different organizations, they always seemed to come back together... though, even with their help, that doesn't mean the evil was fully vanquished. There was always something going on...

...

"Tricell, huh?" Sarah asked, looking up from her place at the desk. She had been shuffling through some paperwork for employment. Her white coat draped over her shoulder while she rummaged through the paperwork. "Seems like they're quite interested in the samples we have to offer." She said, looking towards her partner.

Wesker turned to Sarah, smiling ever so slightly while he stood up and looked down at the work she was doing. "Well, of course they are. No harm in playing as a wolf in sheep's clothing. We may be helping one company temporarily... but in the end, they'll provide us with the resources we need for global saturation. The world will be vanquished of weakness for good... and I'll fulfill my right to become a god.

"My word, you are divine..." Sarah breathed out, setting her paperwork down and turning in her chair, gently taking his hand in hers. Though, he didn't seem to pay any mind to this small gesture of affection.

"Every day, we make more progress, my dear. Soon enough, our dreams will be fulfilled. My reine will be held superior. We will be unstoppable. Especially with Ms. Valentine under our control. Chris won't stand a chance if he comes meddling." Wesker smiled to himself, taking his hand away from her while he folded his hands behind his back, heading back over to his many screens... looking through some documents and photos while he did. "Just like a mouse in a trap."

"How naive people can be when they're greedy for power." Sarah looked down at her desk once more, slightly saddened from his lack of reciprocation. "It's a shame what must be done." She eyed a broken canister on her desk.. the glass was shattered, but she still kept the remnants. Something of an old friend. "I wonder what William would have said if he were to see how far we've come. Do you think he would have come with us had he been alive?" She asked suddenly.

Though, Albert didn't respond to her question. He merely chuckled.

"I've set up a flight. We'll be heading to Africa in a few days to begin our transition from the inside. Be ready."

"Mm. Yes, dear. Of course. I won't let you down."