Absolution

VII: The Dark Phoenix and How a Hero Rises

+Author's note:

The journey to redemption leads down a darker path. The ability to clone the most horrible of villains looms with a vengeance over everything. With a woman betrayed, a great threat emerges. Somewhere between the truth, the dark, and the final battle – Rebecca finds her chance to stand alone, a hero faces a tragic end, and Leon Kennedy faces what could be the most crippling thing that has ever been done to him.

Close to his salvation, he'll have to push harder and faster than he's ever done. Stripped of his strength, lost in the dark, what will guide him back?

But, of course, Rebecca would have an answer for him: Faith.

It will take all he has to rise the hero once again.

Slainte.

....

VII. The Dark Phoenix: And How a Hero Rises

AURIBUS TENEO LUBUM

"It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to pursuit." – Antoine Rivarol

:::::::::::::::::::::::::SEVEN::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Vito De Mare, Italy 2017

The clock tower loomed over the town with an ominous force. It offered a glowing face to a darkened sky. Beneath its hulking presence, the patrons of the small island were engaged in their games. They danced and swirled, in cloaks and dresses, in masks and disguises. How were they to know Gomez if they saw her?

Everyone they met was in character.

The base of the clock tower showed open doors tooled in gold and silver etched marble. The doors themselves invited the view into the depths of the wonders within. Inside, a gala was happening. Orchestra music offered the listener the backdrop of a festive affair built on the back of a fantasy.

Chris exited the vehicle and stepped up next to the others, watching the bodies dance and swirl in couture gowns, feathers, sequins and pomp. There were jesters and jongleurs, courtesans, princesses and handsome Don Juans. They were going to stand out like sore thumbs here.

"You think we'll find the rest of the Phantom of the Opera in there?"

Jill, wearing her signature ball cap with the long gold of her ponytail poking out back, shifted in her boots. "Chris Redfield, how do you know about Phantom of the Opera?"

He faked looking offended, "I watch more than just Orange is the New Black."

Jill chuckled again, "Yeah Pawn Stars. And Justified."

"I do love shows about people selling useless shit. And a good Kentucky redneck shootout. Raylan Givens is my hero."

Rebecca, still in her wet clothing, stepped up beside them. "I know how to find her."

Leon glanced down at her, surprised, "How?"

Twenty minutes later, she came out of the local costume shop ready to go. Her dress was white, shimmering, and made of sparkly crinoline. It had a heart shaped tailored bodice beaded with hundreds and hundreds of Swarovski crystals in different shades of diamond, emerald, and ruby. The waist was cinched around her so tightly it gave her the perfect hourglass shape. The bodice forced her little breasts into an obscene amount of cleavage. She wore a little antique choker in blackened metal with a ruby the size of a thumb. Her short cap of hair was teased and curled around the gold coxeer venetian mask she wore.

She came down the steps of the shop while Joel stared at her. Jill whistled, "Look at you. I wouldn't have known it was you if I didn't see your eyes."