𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

The Archaeologist's Amber

AN: This one's extremely loosely based on RE4R in terms of the amber and plaga encased inside. I really love The Mummy movies from 1999 so I drew inspiration from them, which helped me create this imagine!♡
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After days of searching in the rain and terrible weather, my team of fellow archaeologists and I have finally found the cave we've been searching for. There's been rumours of odd looking stones appearing when the locals were digging for resources, and now I'm here, I see that they aren't stones at all.

They're fossils. And inside? Parasites never seen before. This kind of discovery can change the world, but not always for the better, if the samples get into the wrong hands it could mean mass destruction or infection depending on how the amber is used. As soon as I realised this I was glad I brought protection in the form of a rugged bodyguard named Leon Kennedy. He's been quiet most of the trip, if it wasn't for his charming looks I'd probably forget he's even here with us.

On day four I'm sat on the floor beside the amber, my pencil in hand as I sketch a picture of the amber and fossilised parasite within. We've got modern technology, but drawing it helps me understand the workings of the creature, especially when I'm forced to admire the smaller details I usually wouldn't pay attention to in a photo. Leon stands near me, keeping a cautious eye out as always, scanning the surroundings as if expecting trouble.

The sound of frequent footsteps is normal to me, since my team are back and forth taking photos, doing measurements as well as looking after themselves, but as soon as I hear the heavier footfalls it's like my body knows they're not the familiar feet of my friends. My head snaps up as Leon stiffens next to me, already reaching for his gun as I close my notebook and tuck it into my pocket.

"Leon, who is that?" I ask, standing as my team begin to hear the sounds too. Leon shakes his head, already making his way around the rocky paths leading to the entrance of the cave. I feel scared without him near me, so I follow, silently looking to my team with an expression conveying uncertainty. As quickly as they can, they begin to pack up, but we've made ourselves at home here, and I know we'll never gather everything in time.

"Mercenaries!" Leon shouts, turning around quickly and wrapping his arms around me, then out of nowhere the rapid sound of gunshots fills the cave. I crash to the floor, scraping my knees and elbows but not hitting my head as Leon tries to soften the fall. I hear the thuds of bodies hitting the floor- my fallen friends. Tears prick my eyes, but Leon and I have no time to waste if we want to get out of here alive.

Leon soon springs to life, grabbing his gun and shooting the attackers. There's only a small group, but they all came well prepared. Leon hides behind a rock as I army crawl my way to safety, out of view as Leon shoots and tries to keep me safe. I can't say the same about the rest of the team. "I can clear the way, but I can't defend the cave. We're gonna have to leave!" Leon shouts to me over the bullets.

I shake my head, unwilling to let all my work and aspirations go to waste, but then the rock next to my head splits apart. Someone just tried to kill me. Leon looks mad, his eyes widening as he leaves his safety to get revenge. I follow behind him, crouching as he clears the way. On the way out I grab one of the travel bags, praying it's stocked for our departure. We won't be able to contact anyone until we're back to civilisation.

I pass bloody bodies until we find our way out of the cave, then Leon grabs my hand as we run from the scene. Guilt claws at me, but there's nothing I can do for the dead but survive. Moments later, I hear a helicopter, more mercenaries or ruthless adventurers begin to close in, but how did they find us?

"Someone on your team must've been leaking information." Leon voices as if knowing my thought process. I pant, unable to run with him anymore as we race into the forested area, hidden and safe for now. I slump against a tree, breath coming quick as panic takes over, but Leon assumes I'm hurt. He rushes to me, crouching down as he cups my cheeks. "Are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

I nod, feeling anything but. Leon's thumb grazes my cheekbone, his warmth anchoring me from the aftermath of shock and sadness. "I am thanks to you." I reply weakly. The sun begins to fall rapidly as darkness begins to engulf the forest, and I realise how unprepared we are.

"We should rest, tomorrow's gonna be a long day of getting back to the village." Leon murmurs, standing up and taking the massive travel pack from me. I forgot I even had it, and as soon as its weight is gone I practically fall onto my ass, tired and in a state of shock.

I watch in silence as Leon rummages through it, finding all the basic necessities for camping and survival. I thank the universe as Leon sets up the tent and turns on the small lamp that's not too bright, setting it between us. I still haven't moved, but now it's darker the cold begins to seep into my bones.

"It's all gonna be okay. When we get back homw we can call for backup and get you your cave and you can keep drawing your little pictures." Leon reassures me as he passes me a bottle of water. I sip it, nodding and knowing knowing means well with his words but lack of understanding.

"I know, but by then the mercenaries will have samples of the amber. Who knows what they'll do with it. It could mean a pandemic." I whisper, feeling angrier by the second. Leon sits beside me, leaning against the tree as his hand finds mine.

"Maybe, but I know you'd be the one who'd know the most about it, I guarantee you'd save the world if that happened. Besides, haven't you still got your book?"

My eyes widen as I remember my notebook, filled with drawings and information. It's not as good as a sample of the amber, but it's better than nothing. My lips lift in hope that maybe not all is lost. Leon smiles too, nudging his shoulder against mine. I look at him, feeling a sense of admiration and gratitude swelling within me.

"Thank you for saving my life, and for being with me." I softly say, followed by a harsh shiver. Leon's smile falters, then he nods, standing up and holding out a hand for me to take, which I do, then we head inside the tent, bringing the light with us. It's barely enough room for two, and feels oddly intimate, but since I'm freezing I have no qualms about huddling close to Leon, who's a human heater.

"Cozy." Leon mutters as he closes us in, then lies down next to me. It's not soft, but the forest floor isn't rocky or bumpy, so small victories I guess. We lie on our sides, face to face, breaths mixing as the light fades, the lamp slowly going into a power saving mode. I huff a laugh, feeling my hair fall over my face, but before I can move it Leon's already reaching out and tucking it behind my ear.

Our eyes meet, and in that moment I know that somehow this whole experience has forged a bond deeper than friendship. Ad the night goes on Leon and I talk and share stories and secrets, almost acting like we've known each other a lifetime rather than under a week.

We don't kiss, but Leon's arms wrap around me as I burrow into his chest, feeling safe and protected. I eventually drift off to sleep, knowing that I won't be facing tomorrow's challenges alone, and that maybe after all this is over, Leon might still stick around to keep me company and be my loyal and loving partner.