Chapitre 75: The Downfall of a Titan
"Great! The more I watch him, the more attractive he gets." commented, Alex Wesker.
She didn't care if the city was destroyed or not. Even after Nikolai's defeats, she didn't bat an eye. Her main purpose was just to test Edward and change his weak personality. And those two features were already obtained, the rest was just like a speck of dust for her, nothing important.
Joel Allman, the ex-CEO of the US Umbrella who was by her sides this whole time asked, "Now that you got what you wanted, what's your next plan?"
Alex started thinking, "Hmm... Recruiting him in the near future would a bit hard. That damn Nikolai keeps yapping about me, so he must be hating me right now."
"Then, is it a failure?" asked Joel.
"Nope. If you want to catch a fish, you need to prepare bait, first." smiled Alex, concocting another plot inside her mind. "And I already had one, a premium class.
She already thought of something that would temp Edward, so that he would switch to her sides. However, just like she said, Edward wouldn't accept her offer at all if she acts now. She needed to wait for the right time. It would take very long, of course, but patience was her virtue. She glanced at one of the screens on the wall, smiling, before turning her back.
"Let's go, Lord Spencer is waiting for us," said Alex, walking out of the room while being accompanied by Joel.
Several men in black suits came in with H&K MP-5 in their hand. The white-robed researchers that were packing the recorded data, panicked as they knew what was going to happen next. Muffled screams and pleads were mixed in one as holes were drilled on their bodies. Once all of the researchers were dead, they brought tanks of gasoline and poured it down inside the room. They planned to burn all of the equipment, including all of the recorded data since Alex didn't have any use for them anymore. All of it was just to distract those who wanted to find them in the future.
A sea of flames spreads into every corner of the room, engulfing the lifeless bodies and everything around them. Everything burned, all but one, it was the monitor which Alex glanced at earlier, and on the screen was a frozen picture of Sherry. But even then, it was consumed by the tongue of the dragon as well.
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8 AM. Springfield, Massachusetts.
A chopper landed on a refugee camp built outside of the city. It gathered the attention of the patrolling soldiers, there were also a few disguising reporters hiding here and there, waiting for a scoop to be delivered into their hands. The chopper didn't have any logo on it, but everyone knew that it was one of their own, a government's property.
Nick Fury, stepped outside, breathing the fresh morning air. They were a little bit late because they had to turn back the chopper back to Raccoon City, because of a certain someone's doing. But still, he had to return to make a complete and detailed report on the whole event. So after assigning his people with a multitude of tasks, he returned with a few men, including Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Killswitch.
"Ahh... Finally, my butt hurts from sitting too long," complained Nick while rubbing his ass cheek.
"Do you even still have a butt, Boss?" commented Black Widow, glancing at the flat peach in front of her.
"Of course they are! This is the Nation's Butt. I have to take care of them." replied Nick, glaring at Natasha, who was leaving in front of him. Hawkeye followed after her, as he needs to sleep and rest as well.
Nick turned around and yelled, "Yo, K! Let's go!"
But there was no answer from Edward. Instead, he heard the departing Clint yelling, "He already left by jumping off the chopper! "
Hearing it, Nick just sighed, "Ah... that kid. He should have said something before leaving."
Watching the slouched back of their leader, one of the subordinates asked, "Are you crying, Sir?"
A vein popped on his shiny head as Nick glared at the poor man. "Shut the fuck up and start moving our stuff! Move! Move! Or I'll cut your salary for this month and the next!"
Leaving the ranting of the eye-patched man, inside one of the tents for the civilians, dark smokes appeared as Edward walk out of it. There was no one inside except for the sleeping Sherry. He could hear a loud commotion outside, but he ignored it as he sat beside her.
"Regina," called Edward.
[Her physical body has stabilized over the night. The antivirus worked as intended and she'll wake up in an hour or two.] replied Regina, knowing that Edward was asking for.
He breathed in relief as he held her hands. Although it was a very short time, Sherry felt like a part of his family after spending a lot of time with her. He didn't care what role she held in his heart, neither the role he held in her heart. All he could think of was how to heal her. Something wrong would bound to happen since she was infected by the Genma bloodline as well.
Suddenly, when the bracelet, the sleeping form of the Oni Gauntlet, touched her skin, it glowed with a dim light. This time, Edward noticed it.
"What is happening?" muttered, Edward, holding his hand's up, separating the bracelet from Sherry's snowy white skin.
Regina then spoke, answering his question, [The Gauntlet was provoked by the Genma Core inside of her body. The Gauntlet was trying to suppress the core, pushing it to stay in its dormant state. I recommend you to keep it close to her, Sir.]
"Wait, you're saying, she already developed her own Genma Core?" muttered Edward, while touching Sherry's hand with the bracelet again.
[I'm sorry, Sir, but it couldn't be helped.] apologized Regina. [However, there's no need to worry, as long as the Gauntlet was touched her once a day, it will suppress the core, stopping her from transforming to a Genma.]
"Is there any way to remove it?" asked Edward.
[There is, Sir. But it's still impossible for you, right now.] replied Regina.
"What is it?"
[There are two ways. The First one is to find someone that could manipulate soul. I know one, however, I'm afraid that person couldn't help you right now.]
"Why?"
[She died.]
Edward felt like a rusty iron was being shoved into his throat. There might be hope if that person was only missing. Now that the user died, how he gonna contact her? But the question is, who that person is? Is it someone from MARVEL Universe, or someone who existed from another Universe?
"Then, what about the second way?" asked Edward.
Regina answered, [By using the Soul Stone.]
Another boulder fell upon him. It was impossible. Not only he didn't have any way to reach where the soul stone was sealed. He didn't know how to bypass the security procedure of that shitty stone, which requires someone he loves as a sacrifice.
Edward gave up for now. But he still didn't lose hope. No matter how long it would get, he will do everything to stop Sherry from turning into a Genma. He promised himself.
======
The News of the tragedy in Raccoon City spread like wildfire across the nation. Of course, mass panic and hysteria swept the United States in the end, but it died down in a week after nothing exactly happened.
However, it didn't mean it was forgotten as well. The fact that the tragedy happened a month after the tragedy in Paris grew some suspicion among some extremists that believed Umbrella also had something to do with it as well. Delivering false accusations, over and over again through private radio channels. Even if it was fake, it would be the truth as long as everyone believed it.
Of course, Stark Industries, the current Behemoth in weapon and technology manufacturing took this golden chance to shut down one of their competitor, Umbrella, the root of this event. Led by Obadiah Stane and his countless lawyers, they filed the reports and evidence that Wade Wilson obtained.
The Government, in order to appease the public's sentiments, had no choice but to accept the evidence and put the Mega-Corporation under trial. The trial itself was broadcasted by the News Channels, so the fight between the two become an attraction for the public and become a hot topic for the next two months.
In the game, Umbrella completely crumbled after 5 years, in 2003. Although the U.S. Branch already fell just after two months, it still at least another year to completely eradicate Umbrella's influence and all of its branches around the world. The role of Stark Industries, who secretly joined hand with Umbrella's rival in taking down the behemoth, couldn't be taken lightly. It succeeded in turning the mass media to their sides, putting more pressure on Umbrella's legal team, day by day.
However, something odd happened. The only executive leader that could be found was those under the rank of CEOs. Joel Allman, surprisingly already quit the company a month before the outbreak even happened. So he couldn't be indicted for anything at all. Even the founder, Ozwell E. Spencer, couldn't be found anywhere. As if they apparated into nothingness.
Turning back the time a little bit, about a month ago, when the 5th trial started, a secret base of Umbrella was found in Antarctica, presumably a property of the Ashford Family, one of the founders of Umbrella. Led by Nick Fury, they investigated and found that Alexia Ashford, the daughter of Alexander Ashford, and the twin sister of Alfred Ashford, was supposed to be frozen and put in a dormant state inside the facility. However, all they could find was a broken empty tube.
Hearing this unexpected result, Edward felt nervous. Alexia Ashford was the last boss from Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Her, being missing, would be a huge headache for him to solve. She was one of the most intelligent beings that ever existed in the Resident Evil Universe.
======
December 3rd, Kansas City, Massachusetts.
In these past two months, a lot of things happened. Jill and Chris were recruited as the first member of the Private Anti-Biohazard Service, as a response to the Raccoon City incident. It had the backing of several pharmaceutical companies who publicly wanted to be seen as condemning the bio-weapons research Umbrella conducted. But Edward knew that secretly they were just after the research data that Umbrella had, so he contacted Nick to watch over them.
Sherry's identity was kept a secret by SHIELD, as Nick didn't want anyone to know about her. Sherry's current condition would temp anyone to put her on a lab table. Of course, if it ever happened, Edward would be the first one to do something about it. That was what Nick didn't want to happen. Not only was Edward someone that will be a part of his Avengers project, but the kid was also too damn powerful. He singlehandedly ended the Raccoon City incident with his power. Who knew what would happen if he ever rebelled against them.
Although Sherry's problem was already handled, the Government still recruited Leon into U.S. STRATCOM's new division, a team devoted to Anti-B.O.W. combat.
The bright sun greeted as Edward and Sherry walked side by side. They were on their way to their new school. It has already been a week since the first time they started going to school.
Of course, their school life was not as easy as it looked. The teachers introduced them as the survivors of Raccoon City, in order to make others take special care around them, of course in a positive way. However, it backfired as the students were avoiding them. Edward and Sherry were not the only children that successfully got out during the early days of the outbreak and attend school. The same treatment was also given to them.
As the school's bell started to ring. Edward packed his bag and stepped out of the room. Nobody dares to stand in his way as they simply run or tripped themselves to evade him. All of this happened not because of his identity as one of the survivors.
A few days ago, a group of students escorted him to the bathroom, intending to bully him. At first, the other students lamented his poor luck, but when they saw Edward came out unharmed, they were shocked. And also no one else came out after he did, which made it odd. It was then that they moved to look inside the bathroom. All of the bullies were severely beaten, moaning in pain, and they were all trembling in fear. It didn't take long until rumors about him spread around the school. Since then, everyone started to avoid him for a completely different reason.
Once Edward was outside, he started waiting for Sherry. Whenever he glanced at the passerby, they covered their eyes and started to walk faster. Of course, Edward didn't care about it at all.
A minute later, he heard a familiar voice not far from where he stood. It was Sherry's voice, but something seemed to happen as she sounded distressed. When Edward arrived, he saw a bunch of teenagers circling her while a boy who seemed to be their leader was holding Sherry's wrist.
"Let me go!" yelled Sherry.
"Oh come on, it's going to be fun." replied the boy. Sherry's appearance could be said far above the average. Not only she was beautiful, her look was so gentle that everyone felt like they wanted to protect her. But still, she was also one of the students that everyone kept evading, and with a completely different reason as well. And that reason, soon came in the next moment, as a small hand grabbed the wrist of the teenager that held her arm.
"Let. Her. Go," muttered Edward, word by word.
Sherry breathed a sigh of relief now that Edward was here. But now, her distress feeling turned into worry, not because of what Edward was going to do next, but because Claire would be angry if Edward started a fight again.
These bunch of teenagers still didn't know who Edward is, they all thought he was just a random kid who couldn't stand injustice in the face of beauty.
"Move along kid, before I shove back your body into your mom's tummy." responded the boy. His word started a round of laughter among the teenager's group. However, one of them started to sweat profusely, because he finally remembered the face of the kid in front of them.
He didn't even warn his friend as he sneakily ran away, unnoticed. He didn't know how fortunate he was after running away today.
There were two things that Edward couldn't stand in this world. One was Wade Wilson's nonstop inquiring and his confession of love, and two, a mom joke.
Crack!
A sound of something shattering was heard by the boy followed by a numbing pain in the wrist that Edward grabbed.
"Aaarrrrggghh!!" screamed the boy.
Sherry, whose hand was free now, stood in between them, knowing what was going on. She rubbed Edward's cheeks with both of her hands while smiling and said, "Edward, think of happy memories! Happy memoriiieees!"
"Haffy weemowies?" murmured, Edward. It was effective as he let go of the boy's hand while the rage inside his heart started to chill. Sherry finally breathed a sigh of relief, before she pulled Edward's arm and escape.
The boy was still writhing in pain as his friend was staring at him, confused about what was actually happened in front of them. All they saw was that their friend suddenly kneeled and screamed in pain while holding his wrist.
A few minutes later, both Sherry and Edward finally stop running as the former gasping, catching her breaths. Edward was starting between her, and her hand that was holding his hand.
Suddenly, Sherry let go of his hand, making Edward feeling a bit disappointed. She turned around and started lecturing Edward, telling him not to do this, not to do that. It wouldn't have ended if not for stomach growling, after a few minutes.
Edward chuckled and said, "okay, okay. I get it, so let's get some snacks, or else you would collapse before we get home. I don't want to piggyback you again, you're too heavy."
"Edward Martina Kavka, you can't talk to a lady like that!" complained Sherry, her face was red from getting embarrassed.
"Hey, I told you to stop making up a feminine middle name for me. And why Martina, the other one sounds much better than that," replied Edward.
"But it's cuuute. Then, how about Annetta?"
"It's not too fit for a middle name."
"Martha?"
"Sounds like 'someone would stop fighting me just to ask why I have that name'."
"Jenny?"
"Not my type."
"Alan?"
"Too manly."
"Tina."
"I'm not tiny! I'm still growing!"
"I never said anything about tiny!"
They didn't stop talking about it, even after they were eating their snacks. Occasionally laughing when they found something to poke fun at. Every day was like this for Edward, and honestly, he was happy.
However, it was only for a while, because whenever he was alone, he would start to get depressed. He sometimes glanced at an empty corner which made both Claire and Sherry worry for him. Chris also rarely talk to him, he was busy with his new job. And since the time they fought at the NEST facility, they never talked face to face properly.
As the two were talking while walking home, side by side, they arrived in front of Vanessa's apartment, where they lived now. However, Edward stopped his feet as he saw a familiar man waiting for him.
Sherry, feeling confused, asked him, "What's the matter?"
"Sherry, can you go inside and tell Claire that I'm going out to play with a friend?" said Edward.
Sherry shook her head. Whenever Edward was away, he always came back with wounds all over his body and heart. She never liked the idea of him leaving without her knowing where he was going.
She then tried to voice her mind, "But..."
"Please, I'll get back before dinner," said Edward, cutting off her words.
Sherry couldn't do anything. Edward was just too stubborn when he already decided to do something. She didn't say anything and just went into the apartment, passing a strange white-haired man who was standing in front of the doors.
"It has been a while, Edward," greeted the man.
Edward smiled before answering, "It sure is, Dante."
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
NightHowl
NightHowl A lot of you expected for a time skip and don't worry, I already planned it, although it's neither too long nor short.
See you in the next chapter!!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone