On the third floor of the Raccoon Press building, a sense of frustration hung in the air as Lily Vane sat alone in her small office. Her striking emerald, green eyes—normally vibrant and full of life—were now dulled by exhaustion and tinged with irritation. It had been hours since she dropped her car off at the garage, and there was still no word on when it would be looked at. "Always an excuse," she muttered under her breath, recalling the phone call she made earlier. The message claimed the mechanic scheduled to work on her car had fallen ill, and the other available technicians were tied up due to some inexplicable parts supply shortage at a warehouse nearby. It was frustratingly typical, and part of her secretly wondered if she should dig deeper into that situation when she finally had the time to breathe.
With a sense of resolve, she twisted her long, dark brown hair into a tidy bun, pushing a few errant strands behind her ears. She slid her computer chair back and deliberately slipped into her dark brown knee-high dress boots; a choice she made carefully each morning. Lily valued clothing that embraced both style and utility and today is no exception. The fitted black skirt she wore stopped just above her knees, paired with a chic dress suit coat that framed her figure perfectly. Underneath, she opted for a simple yet comfortable dark red short-sleeve shirt, the color providing a lovely contrast to her overall look. Though appearance held considerable weight in her profession, and her rival—Julie McClaire—seemed to have an innate talent for it, Lily was still grappling with the world of makeup. It felt tedious, even frustrating, but she knew it might help her compete better in the cutthroat landscape of broadcast journalism.
As the clock ticked away, she found herself trapped in the office late on this overcast Saturday, diligently typing up her reports regarding the city's development plans. This past week had been particularly crucial as she prepared for the press conference set for the Monday morning, and Lily was determined to be ahead of the game. Time slipped by unnoticed, but deep down, she felt the tug of urgency; she was late, and if she didn't act quickly, the sensational scoop about an escaped fugitive would undoubtedly be snatched up by none other than Julie McClaire. Lily had her suspicions about how Julie always managed to get the jump on these stories. It felt as if she had some insider information, as she was often the first on the scene—a tactic that suggested she had someone in her pocket. It was frustrating, especially since she was stuck churning out missing persons reports, a punishment she was convinced was tied to her recent investigations into Umbrella Corporation. But as exhausted as she felt, she yearned to catch a break, or perhaps even a moment's peace—a new apartment would do wonders, given the constant barrage of sirens from the nearby hospital and the unyielding flow of emergency vehicles that occasionally raced past her window.
As she set out to brave the elements, crossing the intersection of Warner and Raccoon, she attempted to navigate under any available overhangs in a futile effort to stay dry. The rain had intensified, each drop pelting against her skin like tiny daggers, prompting her to pick up the pace into a jog. The downpour only grew more relentless, adding to her discomfort and frustration. With the streetlights flickering in the harsh rain, visibility became my issue and soon, she found herself sprinting. Just as she turned left onto a road leading to Victoria Street, disaster struck. She collided with a man, stumbling backward out of surprise. A wave of alcohol-laden breath washed over her, and the shattering sound of glass followed, echoing through the storm.
"Watch where you're going, bitch!" the man bellowed in a raspy, slurred voice, an alarming mixture of aggression and recklessness resonating in his tone. He was a large, grimy-looking bald man, his demeanor as unsettling as his appearance. "C'mere, you gotta pay for that!" he shouted, thrusting his filthy arm out to grab her. Adrenaline coursing through her veins, Lily shot back defensively, "Hey, fuck you!" as she instinctively raised her hand, striking him sharply with the palm. There was an immediate sensation of tingling and numbness that reverberated up her arm, a painful reminder of her vulnerability. But it wasn't long before he retaliated; with an explosive roar, he swung his hand, crashing against the left side of her face. The jolt of pain stunned her senses, and before she could gather her thoughts, her instincts kicked in.
She turned and bolted, her shoes slipping momentarily on the slick sidewalk beneath her as she sprinted away, heart racing and panic flaring. She hoped to make it to the hospital, convinced that there would undoubtedly be officers there who could help her. Each rhythmic thud of her boots splashed in the puddles, echoing her desperation. But behind her, something more terrifying than the storm began to unfold—the unmistakable sound of large feet crashing against the pavement grew louder, accompanied by the man's gravelly laugh. "Think you can get away, you pretty little thing!" he taunted, sending chills racing down her spine. Her heart felt like it might explode in her chest as she desperately searched for an escape route. She was just a block away from the street, yet with every stride, it felt agonizingly out of reach. The thundering pursuit behind her seemed relentless, matching the frantic tempo of her racing heart as she pushed herself harder, praying for safety as the storm raged around them.
As Lily stumbled through the shadowy streets, she suddenly felt a rough tug on the back of her jacket, yanking her back with a jolt. A startled yelp escaped her lips, sharp and involuntary, as her instincts kicked in. Without a moment's hesitation, she swung her right arm back with all her strength, driving her elbow directly into her assailant's groin. The impact elicited a grunt followed by a frustrated growl, causing him to release his grip and stumble back for a brief moment. Seizing this opportunity, she darted to her right, desperately searching for a side street or alley that might lead her back toward the safety of the main road. Even at this late hour, on a drizzly night like this, she reasoned that someone might still be driving down Raccoon Street.
But the rain coursing down around her was relentless, drenching her to the bone. Through the sound of the downpour, she could still hear the man's voice, cutting through the dark air with a chilling clarity. "Oh, now you're really going to pay, you pretty little bitch. You and I are gonna play!" Each word dripped with malice, sending a shiver down her spine. Tears pricked at her eyes, and threatened to spill over as she forced herself to push through the pain in her legs. Her muscles screamed in protest, burning with exertion, and the dull ache in her face was a distant reminder of the violence that had been unleashed upon her.
In her frantic state, she glimpsed an alleyway and veered sharply in its direction. Raccoon Street loomed just ahead, with the occasional headlights from the occasional passing cars illuminating her path, rekindling a flicker of hope deep within her. But that glimmer was short-lived as she heard the sound of heavy footsteps pounding behind her, accompanied by the taunting jeers of her pursuer. Panic surged through her as she propelled herself forward, kicking her feet desperately and throwing her body into a full sprint. The relentless thud of boots against the pavement echoed ominously, each thump mingling with the splashing of rainwater as it pooled around her.
Suddenly, it felt as though two enormous weights had descended upon her shoulders; the man's hands clenched down, slamming her to the cold, hard concrete. The impact was brutal, and her head whipped back, a harsh crack resonating in her ears. For a fleeting moment, everything faded into a haze of blinding light and darkness, disorienting her senses. Before she could fully comprehend her surroundings again, she felt her body being dragged further into the mouth of the alley, the cold raindrops soaking into her clothes as she strained to resist. "No, no," she groaned weakly, pain lacing each word.
With a cruel twist, he released her for just a moment. But instead of freeing her, he quickly shifted his stance, kicking his legs wide and then dropping heavily on top of her, pinning her down with his weight. "Yes, shut up!" he barked, his palm closing around her throat with a terrifying grip that stole her breath away. She felt the buttons of her waistcoat being torn away, their sharp pops echoing through her the air. Instinctively, she clawed at him, her fingers scratching and grasping at his skin in a desperate bid for freedom, but it was futile. The man retaliated with a quick, fierce blow to her cheek, the familiar pain shooting through her like fire, intensifying and blurring her vision.
This can't be happening, she thought desperately, as the overwhelming stench of the alley engulfed her—an awful mix of garbage oozing from overflowing dumpsters and the reek of whatever foulness clung to her assailant. For a moment, her vision swam, and she thought she was seeing double as she struggled to focus on the man looming above her. His breath reeked of alcohol, hot and rancid, mixing with the harsh reality of her situation. Then, amidst her haze, a deep, gruff voice sliced through the darkness, startling her. "I like to play," it said, sending a shiver down her spine.
Suddenly, she caught sight of a glint of metal slicing through the air, wrapping tightly around the man's throat. A jolt of alarm burst from him as he was yanked away from her. Gasping for breath, Lily coughed and sputtered, choking back the panic that threatened to overwhelm her. As she peered through the chaotic haze clouding her vision, she saw her original aggressor thrashing and reaching for what seemed like a long, thin chain that had been pulled tight against his throat. Her heart raced faster as she squinted, trying to make out the figure of the other man, barely able to see the long, unkempt hair that was a light shade of brown.
The large man struggled to find his footing, but he was fighting against the hold on him. With a furious growl, he retaliated, grabbing the chain and slamming the other man against the damp, grimy wall of the alley with a force that reverberated through the cold air. The sound of their bodies colliding echoed ominously, and time seemed to freeze as the other man slumped to the ground, the chain clattering noisily next to him, a harsh reminder of the brutal encounter they were both caught in.
Lily squinted through a veil of blurred vision, her heart racing as she instinctively screamed. In front of her, a towering figure clutched something that sparkled ominously under the flickering light of a nearby alley exit. "Look out!" she yelled, her voice tinged with panic. The other man, who appeared slightly disheveled and unsteady, managed to slide up the grimy wall, desperately rising to his feet. With a swift motion, he pulled the long thin shining chain out in front of him, ready to defend himself. As her vision gradually returned to clarity, Lily could have sworn she caught a glimpse of a smirk crossing the lips of the man wielding the chain.
"What are you smiling at, boy?" the larger man sneered, his voice low and menacing. "I'm about to gut you like a fish and then enjoy the rest of my night with that pretty little doll right there!" The threat hung heavily in the air, and Lily's heart sank further, pounding like a drum in her chest as a wave of nausea washed over her. Pain shot through her head like a thousand needles, and as she struggled to stand, fatigue overwhelmed her, causing her to collapse back down onto the unforgiving concrete. Desperate for an escape, she instinctively began to inch away, unaware that she was slowly propelling herself towards Yaya Street.
As she tried to focus on the chaotic scene unfolding in front of her, she could barely make sense of the fray. The bald man loomed large and aggressive, swinging a knife that glinted in the dim light as he aimed for the other man. Each slash made her heart race faster—she could see the blade reflecting the light as it came down, just like the shine on the bald head of its wielder. The other man, quick on his feet, used the chain to deflect the blows, landing solid hits of his own that connected with various parts of his opponent's body, from his face to his chest. Thump, whack, thump, smack; the sounds echoed through the alleyway, punctuated by a sickening slick that made her stomach churn. It reminded her eerily of the rough sounds she'd heard at the butcher's shop, where meat was sliced and diced with brutal precision.
Suddenly, a sharp yell pierced the air as the other man stumbled back, momentarily losing his balance. But with a primal roar, he swung the chain with all his might, aiming for the big man's face. The pain-filled cry that erupted from the larger man was almost drowned out by the greater commotion that followed—a heavy boot made contact with the bald man's kneecap, producing a bone-cracking sound that reverberated ominously through the space. The larger man howled in agony, a chilling noise that sent shivers down Lily's spine, before the other man seized the opportunity and landed a solid punch directly to his throat. Gagging, the bald man coughed and sputtered, desperately clutching his neck.
As the scene continued to unfold, Lily's breathing quickened. The man with the chain stepped back, a grim determination etched onto his face. She noticed a glimmer of metal protruding from his leg—a clear sign of the struggle he had endured. With a fierce resolve, he walked around and looped the chain around the larger man's neck, cutting off any sounds of protest that might have escaped his lips. "I'd love to stick around and play some more, but I have a ride to catch…" he growled, and in one swift motion, he yanked hard.
The desperate bald man's face began to turn an alarming shade of blue as he gasped for breath, the chain tightening around his throat like a noose. In a futile attempt to free himself, he clawed at the steel links digging into his skin, but with each passing moment, his movements became slower and more desperate. Lily, overwhelmed by the brutality of the scene, felt a sudden surge of helplessness wash over her. "Stop, please!" she cried out, her voice breaking through her pain, though the sound only seemed to exacerbate the pounding in her head—an unbearable reminder of the precarious circumstances.
Lily squinted against the dim light, struggling to discern the blurry outline of a man who was looking directly at her. Despite the haze clouding her vision, she noticed something striking about him—his eyes, a vivid blue, glinted with an intensity that seemed almost otherworldly. She couldn't shake the thought that those eyes must have been unusually bright, piercing through the murkiness of her surroundings in very little light.
"Why should I?" the blue-eyed man challenged cooly, his voice dripping with a mix of annoyance and incredulity. Taken aback, Lily found herself at a loss for words, her lips fumbling over the syllables. "It... it... it's not right…" she stuttered, her voice quaking with uncertainty. As the man tilted his head slightly, his damp hair shifted, catching the flickering light and momentarily capturing her attention.
"Right?" he echoed, almost dismissively. At that moment, the oppressive silence was shattered as the large man beside him coughed violently, followed by the crude sound of phlegm hitting the ground. The blue-eyed man narrowed his gaze, his attention shifting downward as he coldly questioned, "Should I spare you, trash?"
Just as the large man attempted to retaliate with a disrespectful jab, "Fuck you and that bi—" there was a sudden, jarring cracking sound, cutting him off as the blue-eyed man jerked on the chain as his knee pressed into the shoulder blades of the bald man. Lily watched in horror as the large man's head whipped back at an impossible angle, a grotesque act that seemed to unfold in slow motion.
Lily couldn't contain the scream that erupted from her throat, but it quickly caught on the lump of fear that had lodged itself there. Panic surged through her as everything blurred around her, too overwhelming for her to process. Desperately, she tried to rise to her feet again, but her legs buckled beneath her, and she collapsed back down. Her gaze was drawn to the large man's limp body thudding against the floor while the blue-eyed man wrapped the chain snugly around his exposed forearm, tucking it away beneath the sleeve of his jacket before sliding the sleeve back down.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine roaring to life broke through the turmoil, drawing her attention. She twisted her neck in an effort to see, but the bright light that flooded in from behind her struck her eyes painfully, sending a throb through her skull. As she squinted into the blinding glare, she could make out the dark silhouette of a man approaching, his thick oriental voice cutting through the tumult. "What happened here, my boy?" he demanded, his tone laced with exasperation. "You didn't take long at all to find trouble, AGAIN!"
As the man drew closer to the front of the car, Lily felt a surge of panic. She shuffled backward until her back pressed hard against the cold, unyielding brick of a building. Her heart raced violently within her chest, the thumps echoing like a drum, every beat fueling her mounting anxiety. The blue-eyed man was still near the large man's body, rifling through his pockets as if searching for something of value. The other man's voice grew louder, filled with an urgent intensity. "Is that man dead? What happened to her? Explain, my boy!"
The blue-eyed man paused momentarily to catch his breath before indignantly responding, "The big asshole had it coming; she might have a concussion, though. Let's just go, stop by a phone and call it, then get the hell out of here." His nonchalance about what had just unfolded unsettled Lily. The oriental man turned to him slowly, a grim line forming across his mouth. "We're taking her to the hospital— that is final," he insisted firmly, his resolve unyielding.
From her vantage point, Lily watched anxiously as the blue-eyed man shifted closer to the Asian man, their conversation low but heavy with tension. She felt a surge of terror, and in a moment of desperation, she found her voice. "Are you going to kill me?" she asked, her words trembling as she looked between them. The oriental man, quick to notice her distress, turned to her and knelt, his posture careful and respectful, keeping a measured distance that hinted at an understanding between them.
His face came more clearly into view as the headlight illuminated his features—weathered dark skin, with age lines etched into his face, telling stories of hardship and resilience. Yet, it was his eyes that captivated her; although hard to discern in such light, they seemed to reflect a depth of understanding. "No, dear," he reassured her softly, his tone soothing above the patter of the rain. "How are you feeling? You don't look good at all."
At that moment, Lily could see the blue-eyed man more distinctly—the camouflage pants clung to his figure, and his well-worn dark brown leather jacket had a rough, rugged air about it. He continued to rummage through the large man's belongings as if the world around him faded into the background. The oriental man's attention faltered for a moment, his voice rising once more as if to be heard, throwing a glance in the other man's direction "I apologize; he has always been rude... a poor character in manners." Lily sat there, her heart racing and thoughts swirling in her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling of this bizarre encounter, glancing between the two. Though the sense of terror she felt moments ago had faded, slightly.
The man with striking blue eyes had searched through the deceased's pockets with a practiced urgency before heading back in Lily's direction. As he drew closer, she instinctively tried to create some space between them, feeling a surge of anxiety at his approach. He spoke with an impatient tone, "Well? How are you feeling? Tired? Head hurt? Dizziness creeping in? We don't have all night."
Just then, the elderly oriental man lashed out at the blue-eyed man, slapping him firmly on the back of the head. A rapid stream of words that began to turn his face a shade red, unmistakably Japanese, flew from his lips, Lily sat there, momentarily at a loss, her mind racing. Although she couldn't follow most of what he said, the words "foolish" and "boy" registered clearly, possibly "respect", leaving her regretting her choice to study French instead of picking up more on Japanese.
"Alright, just calm down. Not like he needed it anyway," the blue-eyed man replied dismissively, tossing a worn wallet back onto the lifeless body with an irritated huff. "Not like he had anything of value, anyway."
Lily's throat tightened with nervousness as she managed to stammer out a response, "Y-yes," her voice barely audible. The blue-eyed man took a small step closer to her, muttering something about a "concussion" to the older man before he started moving towards the vehicle parked nearby. "We need to go," he urged, urgency creeping into his voice, looking around in what looked like a fit of paranoia "There are a ton of reasons to just leave this place. We can't waste time here."
The elder man fixed a stern gaze on him, "We're helping here. Come on. I'm too old for all of this," he said, gesturing in Lily's direction. She felt a fresh wave of unease wash over her as the blue-eyed man turned his attention back to her, groaning softly as he approached. She tensed up further as he closed the space between them, mumbling, "Calm down. I'm not going to bite you; believe me, the old man wouldn't allow it."
With a surprising gentleness, he extended his hand toward her, saying, "I'm not going to take all the burden; you're going to have to meet me halfway here, especially considering the knife currently lodged in my leg." At this, Lily hesitated, trying to gather her thoughts amid her hazed confusion. Ultimately, she reached out and placed her hand in his. His grip was slightly rough yet firm, and as he helped her up from the ground, she leaned into him for support. He wrapped an arm around her waist just as she draped her arm over his shoulder for balance.
A muffled wince escaped his lips when she accidentally brushed against the knife sticking out from his leg. "I'm so sorry," she murmured apologetically, casting a glance at the blade before meeting his gaze. To her surprise, he was chuckling softly, and she noticed a faint smile appearing amidst his rugged beard as he looked down at her. "Shit happens; it doesn't discriminate," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of humor. "Take your head for example." He guided her toward the passenger side of the vehicle, and as she leaned her head against his shoulder, she felt the world spinning around her, finding it hard not to even though the man said nothing of it.
Exhaustion was starting to weigh heavily on her, and she fought to stay awake, wanting to be alert enough to remember their faces once they got moving. After helping her settle into the seat, the blue-eyed man slid in beside her, offering a few words of reassurance: "It doesn't seem too severe; you're not vomiting, at least. Although… maybe I should have been a bit quicker off the mark."
As she glanced at him, the elderly man closed the door on the driver's side, efficiently backing the car out and making a beeline down the road without a moment's hesitation. "Who… are you?" she asked wearily, her voice laced with fatigue and confusion.
The blue-eyed man looked at her, a momentary blankness passing over his features before he answered with a nonchalant shrug, "Eh, just a floater," forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "My apologies about your head and… well, everything else."
Meanwhile, the older man, who was focused on the road, turned to glance at Lily through the rearview mirror. "We'll take you to hospital," he said kindly, "but… that's all we can do for you, dear." After a brief pause, he turned off Yaya Street and began heading north, veering left onto Victoria Street, his hands firm on the wheel as if steering them toward safety amidst the urgency that had enveloped them, causing Lily to lean against the blue-eyed man from the momentum.
She could have sworn she heard that blue-eyed man murmuring to himself, his voice low and almost rhythmic, as if he were trying to convince himself of something. The environment she found herself in was utterly bewildering, leaving her brain in a state of confusion. One moment, she was grappling with the traumatic events she had just witnessed, and the next, she was trying to process the idea that she was on the verge of becoming a victim of something even worse. The realization that these men—who clearly didn't fit the mold of upstanding citizens—had chosen to help her, even when they had no obligation to do so, was incredibly jarring. It made her heart race with a peculiar mix of gratitude and dread.
As she looked at the mysterious figure sitting beside her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. She tried to visualize what kind of outcome awaited her with this enigmatic man, but her imagination drew a blank. It was strange; the horrifying events that had unfolded seemed clearer to her now in retrospect than they had at the moment. The vivid memories flooded back, nauseating her—she recalled the large man looming ominously above her, his breath reeking of booze, the sickening sneer twisted on his face, and the overpowering force he exerted, leaving her feeling utterly helpless. Yet, against all odds, a complete stranger had intervened, choosing to step in when the only witnesses she knew of were Raccoon city's buildings looming over her.
There was something about this blue-eyed savior that set him apart, though she sensed he himself was not entirely well. If she had stumbled upon him on the street as a passerby, she likely would have dismissed him as yet another transient, lost in the shuffle of life without a home. But there was a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that convinced her otherwise. He stood tall, moving with an undeniable sense of purpose despite the odd smell that trailed behind him—the faint whiff of something unnamable that lingered in the air, separate from the stench of alcohol earlier that he did not exude. His demeanor, the upright way he carried himself, the clarity in his speech, and those intense blue eyes, all painted a picture that was anything but ordinary. The thick chain wrapped around his forearm tucked away only added to the mystery, hinting at some unknown story that intertwined with his troubled gaze. It intrigued her.
Finally, they rounded a corner and spotted the hospital entrance looming ahead like a beacon of hope in a dismal night. The elderly man seated in the front glanced back at the blue-eyed figure. "How far out of sight do you need to be?" he asked, his voice thick with concern. The man with blue eyes shook his head, as if breaking free from a deep trance, and replied in a blunt tone: "Very." He then leaned forward, peeking between the front seats. "Right here is fine; I can carry her." He turned back to her, a hint of gentleness breaking through his rough exterior, "If that's alright with you," he added, though his eyes held a strange intensity. She struggled to piece together an image of his face—hidden beneath a wild beard and unkempt hair—her voice trembling as she responded with a hesitant, "Y-yes, what about your leg?"
But the moment the assurance left her lips, he was already pushing the car door open, the pounding rain immediately filling the vehicle with its cacophony. "I might be a dog, but I can't stand being wet," he quipped, extending a strong hand to help her out as the rain poured down in sheets, the streetlights illuminating the droplets that danced in the air. As she took his hand, she barely had time to register what was happening when he seamlessly swept her off her feet, his forearm cradling the back of her legs while his other arm supported her back. It all happened in an instant. With surprising strength, he lifted her, swinging his bad leg up to kick the door closed behind them, the muffled shouts of the elderly man inside the car fading beneath the relentless downpour.
As he carried her briskly into the rain, she couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly he lifted her, a feat she found surprising given her weight—or lack thereof. Yet she couldn't shake the notion that he was wounded, possibly seriously, which made his act of heroism all the more remarkable. There was so much contrast in her mind—he was a stranger taking the risk to help her, while she was being set down outside the hospital like a discarded child. In a moment of desperation, she called out over the relentless pounding of the rain, "Why—why did you save me?"
He paused briefly before they reached the hospital overhang, gently placing her on the waiting gurney parked just outside the entrance. The weight of his curt reply hung in the air, "I decided I couldn't live with it." Her heart raced as she drank in his expression, the urgency in his gaze flashing as he suddenly widened his eyes, glancing towards the entrance before bolting back in the direction from which they had come, darting for the safety of the car with an intensity that left her breathless.
The heavy hospital doors slid open with a quiet swish, revealing two paramedics stepping out into the night air, each carrying the weight of urgency on their shoulders. One of them, a man with a furrowed brow that spoke volumes about his focus, cast a glance in Lily's direction before shifting his gaze toward where a blue-eyed man had sprinted off moments earlier. "Hey! Wait!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the stillness of the evening, but before he could pass Lily, the second paramedic—a kind-faced young man—stepped forward to assess her condition. "Are you okay, Miss?" he inquired gently, his tone infused with concern just as the unmistakable screech of tires sliced through the air. A car barreled past them, tires squealing as it rounded a corner, heading south and swiftly disappearing from their sight.
In that instant, Lily realized how utterly exhausted she was; it was as though a wave of fatigue had washed over her, dragging her deeper into a haze of weariness. The younger paramedic continued to speak, his words a soft murmur in the background, but she couldn't quite grasp what he was saying. Just then, the older paramedic returned, his uniform now drenched and heavy from the rain. "Miss!" he called out, his voice a bit more commanding, cutting through Lily's fog.
Startled, she jolted back to reality. "I'm sorry," she replied reflexively, shaking her head slightly as if to shake off the remnants of her daze. She could see the older paramedic's stern demeanor soften ever so slightly as he assessed her. "Here, ma'am, who was that man that brought you?" he posed, his brow slightly furrowed again as he produced a small flashlight. The beam of light burst forth, illuminating her eyes with a harsh brightness that made her flinch and instinctively look away. "I... I don't know," she managed to whisper, her voice barely rising above the din of activity.
The younger paramedic studied her for a moment, his expression a blend of kindness and concern, as if he were trying to read between the lines of her distress. She felt a strange tension fill the air as his hand reached out toward her. "May I?" he asked, pausing halfway, respecting her space. Lily hesitated, wracked by uncertainty, but nodded after a moment's thought. He gently examined the back of her head, pausing at an area that made her wince involuntarily. "That's quite the knot you have back there; how did that happen?" he inquired, genuine interest lacing his voice. She averted her gaze, vulnerability washing over her. "I—I was attacked," she admitted quietly, the words spilling out before she could rein them in.
A contemplative look crossed the older man's face as he shared a quick exchange with the younger paramedic. "Let's get her inside, taken care of. I'll inform law enforcement, and they can run their report. I'll also radio dispatch and let them know we'll be running behind a bit," he instructed, his tone decisive and focused.
The younger paramedic, now radiating an air of reassurance, approached Lily again. "Here, Miss, I'll wheel you inside and we'll get you sorted out. Just try to lay back and relax for a moment. Have you experienced any blackouts, vomiting, or episodes of forgetting things?" he asked as he began to roll her through the entrance of the hospital. The sharp scent of disinfectant greeted her like an unwelcome intruder, stirring a deep-seated dislike for hospitals that she had harbored for as long as she could remember. Needles and anything that pierced the skin filled her with dread. "Not yet," Lily responded, feeling another wave of nausea flutter in her stomach as the night continued to unravel its mysteries. There was another odor lingering in the air, something strange and ripe, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
As they passed the waiting room, she cast a glance toward the faces occupying the seats—worn out souls looking as if they'd just emerged from a long battle. The room was crowded, the chairs filled to capacity like sardines in a tin; many of the waiting patients looked pale, their eyes dull and vacant as coughs echoed through the space. Was there some kind of illness spreading around that she hadn't heard about? The night was a whirlwind of confusion, spinning questions in her mind faster than she could process them, and it began to feel overwhelming.
Before she knew it, Lily was being handed off to the nurses, and she was momentarily taken aback to find a nurse standing in front of her instead of the young paramedic who had been so kind. Everything felt surreal, like wading through a thick fog that clouded her thoughts. The exhaustion was settling deeper into her bones, and she struggled to keep her heavy eyelids open. The nurse leaned in closer, her voice warm and soothing. "It's perfectly okay to sleep; the paramedic mentioned you might have a concussion, is that correct?" The nurse's melodic tone seemed to lull her into a deeper state of fatigue. "Yes," Lily murmured, the weight of her eyelids becoming irresistible as they threatened to close.
But even amidst her tiredness, a part of her insisted she needed to hold onto the details of the night, to remember every single moment that had led her to this point. As the nurse pushed her toward a reception station, she heard, "I'll be right back," before the nurse hurried off down another corridor, disappearing around the corner. The faint sounds of footsteps echoed in the distance, leaving Lily enveloped in a haze of confusion, fatigue, and an all-consuming urge to sleep.
As Lily sat there in the hospital, her mind was slowly slipping away, seduced by the dull hum of the environment around her. The pervasive noise of ringing phones cut through the air, interspersed with the soft chatter of nurses exchanging quick conversations and the hurried footsteps of staff rushing to fulfill their demanding responsibilities. With each passing moment, Lily felt the heavy pull of sleep weighing down her eyelids, her emerald, green eyes barely able to keep themselves open. In the back of her mind, a fleeting image of the man who had come to her rescue materialized—a striking figure with piercing blue eyes that seemed to pierce right through her, cutting through the fog that had consumed her vision. She remembered the way he had scooped her up effortlessly, his gruff yet surprisingly tender voice soothing her fears as he communicated with her, assuring her that she was safe now.
"I decided I couldn't live with it," he had said, and the words echoed in her tired mind as she turned them over, intrigued and unsettled by their implication. The suggestion that he had even contemplated leaving her there, helpless and in dire straits, sent shivers through her. Yet despite the gruesome nature of her experience, an overwhelming wave of gratitude swept over her for his decision to save her. The relentless fatigue finally enveloped her, and as she surrendered to the darkness, the last image etched in her mind was of his ice-blue gaze watching over her, his expression a mask that hid the sadness lingering within. Then, the world around her faded away, and she slipped into an overwhelmingly tranquil black.
The next dawn arrived with the persistent, mechanical beeping of medical monitors, breaking through the fog of her sleep. As she stirred, awareness slowly seeped back in, accompanied by a dull ache that coursed through her body. Her head still throbbed, but she welcomed the sensation—it was a reminder that she was indeed alive. Slowly shifting her position, she became conscious of the hospital gown she wore, its fabric rough against her skin, yet alien enough to trigger a sense of unease. Glancing down, she noted the heart monitor next to her, and in a moment of rebellious resolve, she slid the leads off. The sudden erratic beeping filled the room while she gingerly pulled the IV from her arm, cringing at the thought of needles. The cool air immediately touched her back where the gown gaped, sending a shiver up her spine.
Just then, a nurse entered the room, a look of concern crossing her face. "Oh, dear, please try not to stand until a doctor comes in to check on you," she cautioned gently. In her hands, she held Lily's clothes, neatly folded and appearing much cleaner than they had been when Lily last wore them.
"Alright," Lily replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she stole a glance at the window. The faint light of the day strained to break through the heavy clouds outside, offering her a weak sense of hope. "What time is it?"
"It's ten o'clock," the nurse responded sweetly, offering her a reassuring smile. "I'll leave your clothes here. The doctor is running a bit behind due to a high volume of cases today, but just so you know, the Monday menu is posted near the reception area."
Lily barely registered the nurse's comments, her mind still foggy as she repeated in disbelief, "Monday?"
"Oh, yes. I'm so sorry, hun. You were out for the whole day yesterday. The doctor attempted to see if you would wake, but our primary focus was on keeping you stable. The good news is that you'll be fine; it's just a mild skull fracture. But don't worry, the doctor will explain everything in detail. Just know you're quite alright. It was a good thing you were brought in, but because the paramedics made a call, I'll have to inform the officers handling your case." With that, she pointed to a bottle of water on the nightstand before exiting the room.
Picking up the bottle, Lily turned the television on, her attention immediately drawn to the familiar face of Julie McClaire, the red-haired, hazel-eyed woman who had snatched her coveted broadcasting position. The sight of her stirred a mix of irritation and envy within Lily; the woman was perfect in every way, with her perfectly styled hair, flawless skin, and enviable curves. She had everything—intelligence, charm, and the inside scoop on the stories that mattered. The screen then shifted to highlight Umbrella's head of public relations in Raccoon City, a striking woman named Lilith Slade. The contrasting images struck Lily hard; while Julie was like a bird of prey, consistently circling her with ruthless ambition, Lilith was a vision of glamour, with cascading blonde hair that framed a radiant countenance.
Lilith's business attire appeared to transcend mere fashion, captivating anyone who laid eyes on her, making it seem as if she belonged on a red carpet rather than a crowded press conference. Her brilliant ruby-red lipstick accentuated a subtle, enigmatic smile, while her ice-blue eyes—sharp and relentless—seemed to search through the lens of the television, nearly reaching into Lily's very soul. In that moment of recognition, everything fell into place; there was no doubt in her mind—this stunning woman had to be the sister of the man who had saved her. The thought struck her profoundly, weaving together the memories of her recent experiences with sudden clarity, as she registered the connection between her life hanging in the balance and those piercing, ice-blue eyes that seemed destined to haunt her memory.
"I want to express my complete confidence in the police force and their efforts to track down this dangerous individual wreaking havoc on our community. It's a rather shameful thing to admit, but I can't help but feel embarrassed to be connected to such a disgraceful family. My brothers, who were gifted countless opportunities and advantages throughout their lives, have managed to squander every single one without a second thought.
In a bid to support the hardworking officers at the Raccoon City Police Department during this critical time, I have pledged a generous sum of one hundred thousand dollars from my estate. This financial contribution is aimed at reinforcing their team and facilitating the much-needed updates to their equipment during this period of reorganization. As a representative of Umbrella, our sincere hope is that this elusive criminal will be captured and brought to justice, just like his brother who committed unspeakable acts. It's shocking what he's done—murdering servicemen, taking the life of a woman, killing a homeless man, and even attacking a reporter who was simply trying to cover the issues affecting our beloved city. Such acts are utterly intolerable!"
Lilith Slade's voice resonated throughout the room, a captivating melody even as it rose in intensity, revealing her unwavering passion for the matter at hand, or manipulation. It was clear that she was articulate and well-spoken, a quality that shone through her carefully chosen words. Alongside her, Lily couldn't help but fixate on the ominous photograph of her brother, Atticus Slade, emblazoned with the infuriating label of the "Arklay Butcher." The grim headline reporting a shocking death toll of seventy-two sent shivers down her spine. Beneath that, another headline read 'Teenager Attack in Raccoon City Park,' and news followed of a body discovered not far from the scene the very next day. In response to the rising tensions, Irons announced an increase in police patrols throughout the downtown parks. But by then, Lily had already tuned out the grim details, her expression twisting into one of disgust.
Lost in thought, Lily found herself grappling with the growing complexity of this puzzle unfolding in her mind. Her attention drifted to the bottled water she had the fortune of having; at least it wasn't the city's notoriously poor tap water. Lily had an aversion to the tap in Raccoon, unshakable worries about its cleanliness lingering in her thoughts. As her mind raced through the details, attempting to connect the dots of this chaotic situation, she twisted the cap off the water bottle, head swirling with memories. It occurred to her the exposé she'd written a year ago, detailing Raccoon's shocking mismanagement of its water treatment facilities. During that investigation, she had tested numerous establishments' water supplies for harmful contaminants, discovering that only a handful used illegally sourced purified rainwater—most citizens had turned to drinking bottled water imported from other locations for the very same reason she had penned her article.
And then it hit her—like a bolt of lightning slicing through the fog of her thoughts. The voice she recalled with sudden clarity! She shook her head, mentally berating herself for not piecing it together sooner. Koi's Japanese brother, Yori, had to be connected. Yori, the sibling of the late Koi— owner of the very same Japanese restaurant she cherished and visited religiously twice a week, and she couldn't wait any longer.
In a flurry of energy, Lily leaped out of bed and began hastily rummaging for her belongings. As she slung her clothes on, she noticed her ID had slipped out of her wallet, lost in the clutter. A twinge of annoyance bubbled up inside her as she picked it up and slid it back into the cardholder only to toss her gown aside. She felt an urgency gripping her; questions clawed at her mind, and she was more than ready for answers. Today would be different—she couldn't just sit back and wait for the truth to come to her. It was time to take action, and she needed her things from her apartment before she went to Koi's.