RESIDENT EVIL: A New Nightmare

3.1 ALLIANCE

July 25 1998 | 1:00AM - RC Lind Pharmacy

"Sounds like a plan... but what's in it for you?" He inquired, for her answer wasn't prompt.

"There's something I need to do there." She finally responded. "I'd try by car, but the risks- I need to get there, discreetly."

"Planning to elope?" He let out without much of a thought; a bit of sarcasm, as her answer seemed rather evasive. She gave him a pleading look; his gaze shifted down, feeling slight regret for his poorly timed humor. "You just need someone to go with you, right?"

"I do." She answered, distress clear in her eyes. "This- it's very important to me... and it's not like I can trust anyone else with this." Her voice hinting vexation.

"But you'd trust me?" He asked without prior thoughts, only to regret momentarily.

"I don't... at least not entirely." She was fully aware of the many risks she faced, starting with her treating the injuries of a complete stranger. "But the way you handled those drunks, and didn't try anything on me afterwards, tells me you at least have a somewhat good consciousness... so I'll take my chances." Silence took over.

"Alright." He eventually replied, as he uncrossed his arms. "It's a deal." Whatever the reason why she needs to get there, is a win win situation for the both of us.

"We'll leave tomorrow night- if that's alright with you?" She informed him, as she put away the borrowed items. "I'm on duty for two more days, and I have a few things to prepared before we go." She noticed his frowned expression. "You can stay here in the meantime... the place is closed on weekends, and I'll make sure the owner doesn't bother you." He responded with a grateful yet dubious look.

"It's not much, but there are few things in the fridge... and there's a small water room at the end of the hall, if you wish to get cleaned up." She suggested, as she walked to the doorway. "This part of town is rather quiet; little to no risk of being seen by the wrong crowd. But, I'll still need to lock this place down." She informed him, as she noticed his concerned reaction, and austere expression. "I'll be back in a few hours." She gave him a soft and reassuring look, for he remained silent. A long pause followed.

"Wait!" He eventually spoke, as she was leaving; she turned around only to find him standing a short distance from her. "I wanna thank you for, you know-" He pointed at his bandages. "You didn't have to, but it's appreciated." He didn't look like the type to engage in much conversing, with an aloof and somewhat avoidant personality.

"Just like you, I'm simply helping out someone who's clearly in need." She replied with a smile. "I'm Anaka by the way." He remained silent; she didn't expect his name in return. Relocking the gate, she left the somewhat rundown building, and returned to her small apartment, leaving behind the mere shadow of a man.

Following her suggestion, he headed to the small bathroom. He splashed some water on his face, dirt and blood running down the small sink. Looking up a the cracked mirror, he saw his reflection, his disheveled and burned out appearance. His mind exhausted and in disarray, one thought kept hammering in his head. I get to Stoneville, then what? I keep running forever..? I hide for the rest of my life..? What's left of it... shit... Frustration waved on his face, his expression deeply scowled. He shook his head, and finished cleaning himself up. Barely refreshed, he returned to the backroom.

"Anaka..." He muttered, as he laid down on the couch. Hope she'll be alright on her own... His expression frowned, as he recalled the quarreling drunks. That... and let's hope she doesn't go to the cops... Although he had done nothing to make her do so, he still, in appearance, looked like someone on the wrong side of the law. Arms behind his head, he remained motionless, his eyes fixated upon the ceiling, his mind hazy and strained. This is gonna be a long night...