𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝 || Leon Kennedy (re4)

i.xvi - ASHLEY

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After the encounter, that was in your own head, you found it increasingly difficult to escape that void that kept you trapped. Wandering around mindlessly, with no direction and heightened senses. On edge, yet there was no danger here. There was nothing.

For a moment, you wondered if you'd wake up from this and end up lying in a hospital bed. All of it would be a bad dream.

All of it could have been something your mind made up to betray you. Doctors would tell you that you were rescued by special forces. A clean hospital gown with the comforting scent of sterilization. All of it was fake. Leon. Luis. The tall, sickly stranger. The rabid dogs.

Something was still telling you to not forget yourself, even in times like these. You knew deep down that this was reality, and your story would end before too long. It was about time, you thought, since it had dragged on for far too long. But you still told Leon that he couldn't get rid of you until you found Ashley. Keep your promise.

Keep fighting. For him, if not for yourself.

YOUR POV:

I was startled awake, by nothing in particular. I didn't know where I was, but I was dark, dimply lit and far too warm for my liking. My eyes searched for Luis, wondering if he fulfilled his end of the 'deal.'

He was nowhere to be seen. I cursed under my breath, shifting to stand from where I was on the damp concrete floor. My bones groaned in protest to the sudden movement, body almost betraying me before I found my balance. "Shit." I mumbled in the dark, eyes adjusting and realizing that I was practically tucked away in a corner, hidden behind a few crates. I was confused to say the least.

I snaked my way through the stacked wooden boxes, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Did I really make it to the church? No, no, I couldn't have made it on my own. I tried not to think about it too much, focusing on finding the exit or finding Leon, praying he was still alive.

After a rather confusing journey down hallways  and a set of hidden stairs that felt almost suffocating, following torches scattered around that had somehow stayed lit, I found where the front doors. I didn't want to make noise. If the gate was unlocked, Leon could make his way in wherever he pleased. Now, it was a waiting game.

A waiting game that I could occupy by exploring the church, I guess. Map out your area. Wait, was I doing here again..? My mind was almost blank, and it frightened me how easily my head had discarded the information. "Ashley.." I muttered, shaking my head slightly as my eyes trained on the ground below me. Look for Ashley.

Walking cautiously, I went slowly back up the stairs I'd come down moments ago, I looked for a door, or some sign of life here. But this place was devoid of anything. No sounds except for the repetitive dripping noise and the crackling of the torches. Still my mind wandered back to Leon, endlessly wondering if he was alright.

SECOND PERSON POV:

"Ashley?" You said in a soft voice. If you were terrified, and you had at least someone to rely on in all of this, you imagined how Ashley felt. She was alone, or at least you hoped they hadn't gotten to her already.

Finally, you were met with a door, that you took a deep breath before slowly pushing it open. "Ashley Graham..? Are you here?" Again, a hushed voice but it was still even. Don't let her know how scared you are, people feed off of others energy.

A shaking breath was all you heard through the darkness of the room, drawing your eyes to the source of the noise and carefully stepping further into the room, closing the door. A timid step forward, and you catch a sight of blonde hair through the darkness. "Ashley, listen I'm here to help you, okay?" She was hesitant, holding a candelabra with a tight grip, her knuckles white as she observed you, her gaze was frantic but she looked almost relieved to see someone else who didn't have intention to hurt her. Someone who was alive.

"Did my father send you?" She asked instantly, her voice uneven and nervous. Your eyes flickered to the 'weapon' she held before going back to her eyes. "I'm helping someone who your father sent. He's an agent." I explained quietly, holding out a hand in her direction.

She looked exactly like her photo. Short, yet bright blonde hair that still looked effortlessly beautiful in a time like this. Fair skin that was littered with dirt but thankfully no blood, now you just hoped there wasn't anymore injuries you couldn't see. Bright eyes, that resembled a deer stuck in headlights. Fear stricken.

She took a few steps closer before discarding the candelabra and practically throwing herself on you, an embrace that you quickly returned. "I'm so relieved, you don't understand." She whispered, and her voice was still shaking but you could sense she was beginning to calm down.

But you did understand. All too well.

How hesitant were you when Leon first found you? But it didn't take long for that fear to turn into gratitude and relief. You were utterly grateful that you found her when you did, because you couldn't imagine another girl having to go through what you went through. To suffer that same fate...you instinctively held her a little tighter.

"I know," you said in a hushed voice, "but you're safe now, we're going to get out of here." You sounded way too sure of yourself. Thankfully  your voice came across that way because you had nothing but doubt in your mind right now.

All you had to do was get out of this village.

Find Leon.

Escape.