Chapter 45: Chapter 45: New Allies
After ensuring Kendo and his daughter are safe with the group, Marvin and I step outside to evaluate our options. My eyes land on a gated door leading to an alley. In the games, this path leads to the giant crocodile—not ideal. But the orphanage? That might be a better solution.
I stop abruptly as an idea strikes me. If I use Oscar to escort the civilians out of the city, it would free me up entirely to deal with Birkins and that sneaky Ada, who's been shadowing us for a while now.
Breaking away from Marvin, I summon Oscar to one of the main streets before returning to my colleague's side.
Pulling a small silver whistle from my pocket, I blow into it. The piercing sound echoes down the alley, followed by a rumble. Seconds later, Oscar, my giant elephant, emerges from behind a building, his massive frame casting a shadow over the rubble-strewn surroundings.
"Ah, my big guy," I say with a satisfied grin, patting his enormous flank. "You've got an important mission. Marvin here will guide you. Your job is to escort this group out of the city. He'll lead you to Lisa and the others. That's your top priority."
Oscar lets out a thunderous trumpet, eliciting mixed reactions. The children squeal with delight, rushing toward the elephant with cries of amazement. Meanwhile, Leon and Claire jump, wide-eyed with fear, mistaking Oscar for a new threat.
"Uh… what IS THAT THING?" Leon asks, instinctively raising his weapon.
"Easy!" I quickly say, raising a hand to diffuse the tension. The officers step in, calming Leon and Claire before they do something rash.
"Relax, this is Oscar. He's with us. He's an ally and will take care of you," I explain.
Turning to Marvin, my expression grows serious. "Marvin, I'm leaving the evacuation to you. Lead everyone to the secure rendezvous point. With Oscar clearing the way, there shouldn't be any issues."
Marvin nods, giving me a tired but confident smile. "Got it, Gerald. I'll make sure everyone gets there safely. And you?"
I reply with a sly grin. "Me? I'm staying in the city to handle a few lingering problems. Don't worry, Marvin. I've got this."
Oscar kneels to let the children climb onto his back through the adjacent building, their laughter and excited shouts breaking through the grim atmosphere of the city. The officers assist the remaining civilians, ensuring everyone is ready for the evacuation.
Leon stares at me, still perplexed. "I… I'm just supposed to accept that a giant elephant is saving everyone?"
"Exactly," I reply with a smirk. "Welcome to Raccoon City, Leon."
Oscar gently kneels, allowing the children to climb onto his massive back. The officers help the civilians get situated, making sure everyone is safe. The children, brimming with excitement, softly pat the elephant's thick hide, their lighthearted laughter piercing the city's somber air.
"Thank you, Mr. King!" shouts a tousle-haired boy, his face glowing with a mix of relief and admiration.
"Yeah, thank you! You're our hero, Commissioner King!" exclaims a little girl, waving her hand excitedly, her feet swinging in the air from Oscar's back.
Even the adults express their gratitude more quietly. "You've saved us," says a woman, holding back tears. "We'll never forget this."
I wave back with a slight smile. "Take care of yourselves. Oscar will watch over you like the best protector."
Oscar lets out one final trumpet before standing tall. His heavy footsteps echo as he begins majestically leading the group toward the horizon. The image of the group leaving the city on the back of the giant elephant is almost surreal, a symbol of hope amid chaos.
Once they disappear from view, my smile fades into a more determined expression. "Now that the city's cleared... it's time to handle some personal business."
I whistle softly, calling Blood, my giant bat, who swiftly descends from the skies. Gripping its massive body, I take flight, heading toward the JPMorgan Chase & Co bank, my destination in sight.
The flight is quick, and the deserted city makes my operation all the simpler. I summon a Tyrant G to help breach the heavy vault doors. The metal groans and gives way under its brute strength, revealing a hoard of gold bars, jewels, and valuable documents.
"A small loan, a big heist," I quip, grinning as I methodically store the gold and other treasures in containers within my factory. Among the haul, I spot the deed to the manor I had pledged as collateral. A satisfied smile lights up my face. "And there we go, all reclaimed. Thanks for the service, JPMorgan."
Back on Blood, I soar above the city before arriving at the passage leading to the sewers and the lair of the infamous mutant alligator. Once there, I release a squad of modified electric eels, each outfitted with plant-like limbs capable of delivering mild shocks. They silently dive into the dark water, illuminating the surface with arcs of light as they electrocute smaller creatures.
A deafening roar shatters the night. The ground trembles beneath my feet as an enormous head suddenly bursts from the water, shattering the road like glass. Before me stands the Gator, a 50-foot-long titan. Its appearance is terrifying, reminiscent of a prehistoric dinosaur. Its scales glisten with a sinister sheen under the flickering streetlights. But it's the eyes that catch my attention—intelligent, calculating, far from the mindless beast I expected.
"Well, big guy," I say, stepping forward slowly, every move deliberate, my muscles taut but a smirk on my face. "Looks like we're about to dance—but not the tango."
The Gator roars, a guttural, powerful sound that vibrates the air. Its massive jaws snap shut, sending sprays of water and concrete debris flying. Its sharp eyes lock onto mine, assessing every movement. Despite its titanic size and raw power, I show no signs of retreat. Instead, I call upon some very specific allies.
With a wave of my hand, I release several modified raptors, their black feathers glinting under the faint moonlight piercing through the clouds. They cry out sharply, circling in a menacing aerial dance above us. Then, with a satisfied smile, I summon Zeus.
The air around us changes instantly. A charged tension fills the atmosphere, vibrating with raw energy. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the Gator freeze, its instincts compelling it to reassess this new threat. A low rumble echoes as a massive form emerges from the factory.
Zeus appears, his colossal body stretching over 100 feet long, every inch of his muscular frame radiating power. His dark, glossy scales seem to absorb the light around him, while small electric sparks dance across his skin. His piercing yellow eyes lock onto the giant crocodile, silently issuing a challenge.
"Damn, you've grown again," I mutter with a grin as Zeus lowers his enormous head toward me. He nudges me gently with his massive snout, a surprisingly affectionate gesture that contrasts with his imposing size and fearsome appearance.
I run my hands over his smooth, electrified scales, feeling a slight jolt as a greeting. "Good to see you too, buddy. Now let's show this overgrown lizard who's boss."
The Gator, titanic in its own right, hesitates slightly, its movements cautious. It observes Zeus with heightened attention, its instincts screaming not to underestimate this creature.
I lean toward Zeus, speaking softly but firmly. "Zeus, fry that croc for me, but don't kill it. I have plans for him." My hand pats his massive snout before I step back.
Zeus roars, a thunderous sound that ripples through the air like a crack of lightning. Arcs of electricity spark around him, briefly illuminating the area with a brilliant blue-white light. As I steady myself on Blood, who swoops down to lift me into the air, I watch Zeus move with surprising grace for his size, positioning himself squarely against the Gator.
"And now," I murmur, stabilizing myself mid-flight, "the show begins."
Zeus releases the first wave of electricity, a concentrated 30-million-volt bolt that strikes the ground just inches from the Gator. The impact shatters the concrete, sending debris flying and creating a low rumble that reverberates through the city. The crocodile, though startled, doesn't retreat. Instead, it roars in defiance before lunging forward, its massive jaws aimed directly at Zeus.
But Zeus is ready. A second bolt bursts from his body, striking the Gator's flank. The beast howls as its thick hide spasms under the electric assault. Wounded but defiant, it continues thrashing, its sheer will to survive on full display.
"Sorry, little Gator, but this isn't a one-on-one," I say, a carnivorous grin spreading across my face. My tone is almost sympathetic, but the mischievous glint in my eyes betrays my true intentions.
From my perch on Blood, I extend a hand and summon a modified rhinoceros. The massive creature materializes dozens of feet above the giant crocodile, its bulk as large as an armored vehicle. The mammal plummets with unstoppable force.
The Gator, still disoriented from Zeus's electric attacks, glances up just in time to see the growing shadow above. But it's too late. With a resounding crash, the rhino lands squarely on its back, pinning its hind legs to the ground. The crocodile lets out a pained roar, completely immobilized under the enormous weight.
From my aerial vantage point, the scene is almost comical. A terrifying, prehistoric beast, once the apex predator, reduced to a helpless mass pinned under a colossal rhino, while Zeus approaches menacingly, his body crackling with energy. I can't help but chuckle, relishing the absurdity of the situation.
"Thought you were king of the food chain? Bad call," I taunt, my voice dripping with mockery.
As Zeus prepares another electric strike, I maneuver Blood skillfully in the air, diving quickly toward the ground. Just before the final impact, I reach out and touch the rhino, storing it in my factory in a flash of light to save it from Zeus's wrath.
Zeus releases another surge of electricity, a massive wave that courses through the immobilized Gator. Its roars dwindle into muffled groans as the attack leaves it paralyzed. The once-mighty creature, moments ago so imposing, is now nothing more than a subdued colossus at the mercy of my cunning.
"Tough break, Gator," I say, crossing my arms with a smug grin. "But in this game, I never promised to play fair."
I capture the beast, idly listening to the usual system notification. Despite the repetitive nature of the messages, I can't deny the satisfaction they bring. Sure, I can now outclass Umbrella's creations, but having a generic version on standby is always handy.
After patting Zeus affectionately, I climb onto his massive back, his body radiating a comforting warmth in the cold sewers. Blood and my raptors return to the factory, leaving me alone with my colossal companion. We delve deeper into the tunnels, my senses on high alert.
That's when I come across Birkins—or rather, his grotesque form. The leeches swarm him from all directions, biting, clinging, and pinning him to the ground. His mutated arm, though horrifying, fails to fend off the horde. He roars in pain and frustration, his movements hindered by their sheer numbers.
Scanning the shadows of the sewers for any other threats, I find nothing alarming and summon my plant zombies. Vines spring forth, wrapping tightly around Birkins's misshapen body. The process is surprisingly smooth, almost too easy. Even after the system confirms the capture, a part of me remains wary—things are rarely this simple.
Moments later, just as I prepare to leave, Marcus, Wesker Jr., and a human version of Birkins emerge from my factory unbidden. I turn to them, startled.
"Are you sane?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at Birkins. His human form, though intact, bears signs of exhaustion and tension.
"More or less," he replies, his breath labored. "Where's Sherry?" he demands abruptly, his tone laced with palpable concern.
"She's being evacuated out of the city with a group of survivors," I reply calmly. His tone annoys me, but I understand his worry.
Birkins rubs a hand over his face, visibly agitated. "Damn it, we need to find her before my clone does."
I raise an eyebrow, confused. "Clone? Explain."
He climbs onto Zeus as I signal the creature to prepare to ascend to the surface. Marcus and Wesker exchange a glance before Marcus speaks up.
"Remember how William was obsessed with the G-Virus's efficiency?" Marcus says, arms crossed. "He thought the best way to experiment was by using clones of himself as test subjects. A constant genetic factor for more precise results."
"More 'humane,' too," Wesker adds sarcastically. "Because using random test subjects is just so immoral, right, William?"
Birkins growls, clearly irritated by Wesker's tone. "It was logical. I wanted reliable results, not approximations. But after Umbrella's agents took me down, my most advanced clone escaped."
I furrow my brow. "And it's this clone that infected you?"
"Yes," Birkins admits, lowering his gaze. "He saw me as the perfect subject, given that I'm his genetic template. But that's not all. This clone… he's evolved. He's even more unstable than I was under the virus's influence. And now, he's after Sherry."
"Why Sherry?" I ask, a cold tension in my voice.
"Because she's our daughter," he replies simply. "She's the only other person with perfect genetic compatibility. If my clone finds her, he'll turn her into something… inhuman."
"Was your wife aware of this?" I ask William, narrowing my eyes.
"Yes," he admits. "She believed I was protecting Sherry from my clone, which I did for the most part—until my mind began to deteriorate."
"Well, now you're going to fix that," I say, glaring at him. "We're finding Sherry before your clone does."
We reach the surface. I recall Zeus, Marcus, Wesker, and Birkins back into the factory, their words looping in my mind. Mounting Blood, I head swiftly toward the manor where I had sent Oscar and the first group of evacuees.
"Dammit, this isn't the script," I growl internally. "How many times are the administrators planning to screw me over with their stupid rules?"
(Author's Note: A new twist and some relevant additions, I think ^^. I'll keep weaving changes into the game's storyline, like a butterfly effect. Hopefully, you're still enjoying where the story is heading.)