Resident Evil: A New World

The gates opened with a horrid grinding of metal and chains, swinging open to reveal the none-to-appealing 'city' within. Naomi paused, looking in with a sense of dread she had tried to suppress on the journey to the Coalition base. A sharp prod to her back brought the woman whirling around to fix a deadly glare on the guard who had shoved the point of his rifle into her shoulder. She grabbed the muzzle of the gun and shoved hard, causing the butt to jam painfully into his shoulder. He back away, rubbing his injured arm and turned away.

"On edge, Houston?" the latina by her side stated, smirking devilishly at the guard as the misfit group stepped into the city limits.

Naomi glanced at Rain with a small smirk, one that said she appreciated the humor, but wasn't much in the mood for it. She brushed her sweaty palms on the surface of her dirty jeans and followed the two men escorting them inside. They stopped at a small booth where a tired man read a weathered book. He asked what brought them here, requested a finger print to put on file and, when stated they were there by request of the Head of Security, asked for their paperwork.

The band of survivors dawdled anxiously as they waited. Rain stood calmly, surveying the city while Naomi lazily kicked at the dirt. Anderson, Blaine, Mora and Riley stood close together, eager to have finally arrived after their long and wearisome journey. At length the man finally bade them inside and apologized for the delay -he had no idea they were from Neutral Familia (more fondly nicknamed The Mob by both locals and those of the Coalition, despite it's contrast to the decidedly nonviolent way of the camp). The brunette waved off his apology with a smile and turned to Rain as they walked after the now much more respectful escorts.

The latina had become, unofficially, her right-hand since they had first met when Rain stumbled, half-dead, into New York. They'd nursed her to health and the woman had helped in return, but when the invitation had come requesting help, Rain had jumped on the opportunity. She never had been one to sit still for long. "So what are you going to do after all this?" Rain asked curiously, "Are you really just going to go back after all it took to get here? Alone, I might add."

Naomi smirked, shrugging casually as if the idea wasn't a big deal ."Yea, that's the plan. My people need me. I can't just stay here and play soldier. I have no need to." she admitted at length. The latina took it into consideration and sighed as she looked at the road ahead.

"Well, I'm going to miss you." she said softly. Naomi smiled and reached out to give her arm a gentle squeeze of reassurance. She knew the latina wasn't one for sentimentality or attachment, so she knew it was the latina's best way of showing she cared for the other woman. She said nothing.

The city, if you could call it that, was much different then the place she'd come to call home. The tall buildings and concrete jungles made her feel trapped and tiny. The air was musky and thick and she felt as if she'd choke before long. Litter scattered the street and hungry or sick shuffled about mindlessly, not much different then the zombies outside. She did not shy away from the sick as they reached out to her, begging for food, like the rest of her group did. Instead, she reached out and gave a reassuring squeeze or pat where she could give one. She'd always been compassionate, it was in her nature.

Then they were reaching the inner streets of the city. Healthier people milled about and soldiers paced the streets ready for anything, though they looked bored and tired. Naomi looked up to a tall, important looking building as the guards led them towards it. Rain drew closer to her, more out of comfort for Naomi than herself as they entered the sterile building.

"Ain't like back home is it boss?" Anderson spoke up with a grin from behind them.

Naomi shrugged, "Not for me, Andie, but weren't you born and raised in Nashville?" she threw back. He shrugged and smiled it off. The group moved up a few slight of stairs and into a series of hallways and open lobbies. At this point a guard stepped forward and halted them.

"Which one of you calls yourself the leader of this laughable group?" He sneered.

Rain snarled, a retort on the tip of her tongue when Naomi stepped forward without a reaction to the insult. "That'd be me." she said. The guard looked down at her, chuckled and shook his head.

"This is the best group they've got to send? The Mob Boss must really be hurtin' over there if this is the best he's got." He turned and beckoned her to follow him down another series of hallways and stairs until they finally arrived at a large room. The guard stepped inside and pushed her further into the room while he guarded the door. Naomi huffed indignantly as the man introduced them. "Boss, this is their so-called-leader of that miserable lot we saw coming in. You really need to get with The Mob Boss and ask what the hell he was thinking sending these pups."

Naomi, near her limit on insults she wanted to take for the day strode forward into the middle of the room. The man in front of her had his back turned, hardly giving his attention to his guest. Stepping forward, she reached out to tap him on the shoulder and demand his attention but she got something else entirely.

The man turned, grabbing her wrist with surprising force and threw her to the ground. The guard merely chuckled in the doorway. Naomi snarled in anger, "What the fuck is your problem, you dick!" she started, but was cut off when she caught sight of his face. Her heart dropped along with her jaw. She knew that face. It wasn't the same face she knew before. It was different. Cold, distant, aged.

The man shot out with a fierce kick at her ribs but Naomi twisted, catching his boot in one hand then using the other to help her twist his leg and send him sprawling onto the ground. As he rose, so did Naomi and memories of betrayal, anger and hurt spurred her to double over and charge into his stomach. They rolled around on the ground for a while, struggling for an advantage when the blonde man wrapped his arms around one of her arms in a tight hold with his legs, preventing her from moving effectively. Instinctively she jammed her knee right into his open and vulnerable sweet spot.

His grip was released and Naomi drew back, standing as the man attempted to himself. Flexing, she reared back her right arm and swung, catching him with a painful hit to his jaw. He stumbled sideways for a moment before drawing himself as best he could to his full height. A glint of silver reflected from his hand.

The barrel of the gun was two inches from the center of her forehead, hammer cocked back and trigger finger tight. Instead of cringing back, Naomi's eyes narrowed spitefully. "You send me a request to send my best troops to your sad little party, and after coming all this way...after all this time, " she added, tone only slightly softer before hardening again, "This is the fucking welcome I get?" she sighed, "You haven't fucking changed, Anthony."

Anthony blinked hard, gun never wavering from where it was as he searched the smaller woman's face. Then, like a light flickering back to life, his face changed, then fell completely. Drawing back a step he fell to his knees, gun hanging limply at his side as tears welled in his eyes. He finally recognized who she was. After all this time. "I'm so sorry, Naomi." he said.

The brunette let out a breath of relief as she gun dropped but then turned a sorry smile to the man before her, "It'll take a lot more then just a sorry to make up for what you did." she said sadly.

“Front and center soldiers!”

The voice came harsh and straight as it called out to the platoon of fresh rookies in Coalition City. It was the same sight almost every month as new soldiers come into service for their city, the same routine each and every time. The commander gave his speech on loyalty and protection at any cost, never changing a single world of the speech as he did. The fresh meat looked more and more battle hardened as the months came and go. Though each person had their own reasons to join the security services of Coalition City, their main objective was always the same. To serve and protect your city and fellow man at any cost. It was an oath that every man and woman in the service took very seriously. A series of gunshots rang out into the city, following by radio static.

“Sector three cleared, all hostiles eliminated. Requesting further orders.”

The radio remained silent for a long moment before the commander returned any voice to the squadron placed at sector three.

“Commander Redfield here, return to base. Squadron five will relieve your duties.”

Coalition City had been an incredible in the way they handled security. No one got in or out without proper screening and processing; including even the leaders of the city. Their strict ruling and high security gave their civilians a sense of safety and hope that the world hadn't totally gone to shit yet. The briefing of rookies ended, Redfield dismissing the new group and returned to city hall for what would seem to be more paper work and hassling of people under him. The city was the last wall between Umbrella and total world control, and the Coalition would fight to their very last breath to try and bring back the world they once knew.

The city itself was gigantic, covering close to ten miles of ground. The north held all of the cities V.I.P housing and work places with City Hall being the biggest and cleanest building in the middle of them. The southern part of the city held the only exit or entrance, supported by two feet of solid steel doors. Once inside the entrance a narrow and long hallway consisting of fourteen lock points secured by air locking doors. Once past these doors you get into receiving and go through processing, if you are lucky enough to be granted access you are allowed into the waiting from until security service can escort you to City Hall. The western held all farm grounds and civilian housing, while the eastern consisted of manufacturing facilities. The city in short was perfect in the apocalyptic world everyone lived in.

In the western city Anthony prepared for his daily training routine and ritual. He ran a training gym, which in honesty was large metal building with no doors. The equipment was nice and kept well for every one to use as long as they remained loyal to the Coalition. The two hour ritual Anthony partook in daily started with forty-five minutes high intensity cardio, usually punching bag workouts. Then moved on to weighted training, doing reps until failure to build muscle and strength. The last thirty minutes of his training always consisted Krav Maga sparring with anyone willing to learn, and there was always someone willing to learn. Especially in this hell of a world.

Anthony left the metal building after a cold and quick shower and headed towards his barracks to dress and meet the leader of the Neutral Familia. The trip took no more than fifteen minutes from gym to barracks, then another twenty to get to the waiting room to await the arrival. As per usual Anthony had been an hour early, though the time was passed quickly as Anthony focused on security cameras playing some sort of mental game in his head. That's when it happened, a tap that caused his instincts to surface. He turned quickly grabbing her wrist with surprising force and threw her to the ground. The guard merely chuckled in the doorway. Naomi snarled in anger,

"What the fuck is your problem, you dick!"

The man shot out with a fierce kick at her ribs but Naomi twisted, catching his boot in one hand then using the other to help her twist his leg and send him sprawling onto the ground. As he rose, so did Naomi and memories of betrayal, anger and hurt spurred her to double over and charge into his stomach. They rolled around on the ground for a while, struggling for an advantage when the blonde man wrapped his arms around one of her arms in a tight hold with his legs, preventing her from moving effectively. Instinctively she jammed her knee right into his open and vulnerable sweet spot.

His grip was released and Naomi drew back, standing as the man attempted to himself. Flexing, she reared back her right arm and swung, catching him with a painful hit to his jaw. He stumbled sideways for a moment before drawing himself as best he could to his full height. A glint of silver reflected from his hand. Anthony held the Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum to the head of the female, not yet aware of who she was. Her words came harshly before he could pull the trigger and blow her head clean off.

"You send me a request to send my best troops to your sad little party, and after coming all this way...after all this time, " she added, tone only slightly softer before hardening again, "This is the fucking welcome I get?" she sighed, "You haven't fucking changed, Anthony."

Anthony blinked hard, gun never wavering from where it was as he searched the smaller woman's face. Then, like a light flickering back to life, his face changed, then fell completely. Drawing back a step he fell to his knees, gun hanging limply at his side as tears welled in his eyes. He finally recognized who she was. After all this time.

"I'm so sorry, Naomi."

It was the only thing that Anthony could say, sorry was all that could come from the choked esophagus of the soldier. Trained to kill since he as born but something about this woman caused a reaction that no one in Coalition had ever seen before. He was in such shock he hadn't heard her last words before leaving the room. Anthony come back to reality and turned to the guard how had previously made insults and grabbed his collar; slamming him into the wall.

“If I catch you speaking ill of her again, I will personally shove my hand so far up your insignificant ass and working your fucking mouth like the puny puppet you are, do you understand me soldier!”

The soldier nodded quietly to the threat Anthony posed, causing him drop the collar of the man and turn to walk with the group that was sent from the Neutral group. His shocked state seemed to fade quickly and the reality settled in harshly. Anthony was looking at a harsh life if this was the group he was supposed to lead into Coalition's special task force. Anthony grabbed the shoulder of the private that was leading the group whispering into his ear. The soldier nodded and saluted in full posture before taking off into the city. Anthony stepped next to Naomi and decided to break the silence first.

“I never sent the request. Coalition Mayor decided it was necessary to start putting together the Elite Special Forces, unfortunately our talent is running dry. You of anyone knows that horror endured because of Umbrella.”

Anthony stepped in front of Naomi with eyes that said it all. The soldier of fortune took in a harsh breath before continuing what seemed to be an apology. His hand extended to gently hold her own as the words came from his mouth.

“I'm not asking for your forgiveness. I don't ever expect you to forgive me for what happened in Raccoon City, what I am asking for is the chance to make everything right. Please.”

Hand drumming against the steering wheel to the beat of her favorite band, fingers wrapped around a cold can of beer, Jen was en route to Austin. She liked traveling. She especially loved traveling with her best friend: alcohol. Today, it was in the form of a twelve back sitting in the passenger seat. She had even bothered to clasp the seat belt around it, though it was to prevent them from shaking too much. A blanket had been thrown over them, with packs of ice all around to keep them cool. Who likes to drink beer that's piss warm? No one. The terrain was smooth for the most part, but there were a few pot holes and untapped roads ahead. A pair of dark aviators were on her face, shielding her green eyes from the sun's blinding rays. A snap back cap, sporting the logo of her favorite hockey team had been slipped on and turned backwards.

Gulping the rest of her beer, she crushed the can and chucked it out of the window. Her other hand was already snaking its way underneath the blanket to grab another one. Jen didn't exactly know what she would be looking for when she reached the base, though she knew she needed to give a purpose to her life. Helping others seems to be a good start. Not to mention she was running low on gasoline, having sucked every small gas station dry. This baby was a gas guzzler, one which she would have to part with eventually. Right now, however, this beat up Jeep was still her baby.

Eight hours and twelve beers later, Jen finally reached the heavily guarded camp. She hand consumed her last can of beer a few miles back, the buzz was starting to wear off and a sharp pain at her temple replaced it. She stepped out of her vehicle as the guards performed a check, making sure she didn't have any bites. Jen asked, but mostly grumbled, for directions to the nearest bar and was pleased to find out it wasn't too far out. He had also informed her that there was a hotel where she could stay the night, which conveniently a few blocks down from the bar.

Giddy like a kid in a candy store, she followed the directions and a short fifteen minutes later, she was walking in what looked like a place that housed local drunks. I'll fit right in, Jen thought, taking a seat at the bar and ordering two shots of Vodka with her beer. Whilst incredibly intoxicated, the woman figured out that in the morning, after waking up extremely late in the afternoon, showering and brushing the smell of alcohol off of her teeth, she would find this "Anthony" she had heard about. The local drunks were a nice bunch, much to her surprise, and were happy to inform her about everything she wanted to know.

Three hours, a metric fuck-ton of shots and a couple poker games later, Jen stumbled into her rented room, crashed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly.

The lobby had filled up in the time Naomi had confronted Anthony. The Neutral group stood at edge near the hallway entrance while those of the Coalition camp who worked in the building had migrated there to investigate the rumors of new arrivals from New York. Rain perked up at Naomi's return and shoved pas the guards to help walk her the rest of the way through the hallway. "These guys are pricks." Rain snarled, "Anderson's had to pull me back from socking that guard over there multiple times." she informed as they finally stood in the center of the room.

Naomi, upset and close to rage, merely shot a sympathetic glance to her partner. The latina did a double take, checking her expression before sighing. "Guess it was a bad idea to come here after all, 'eh boss?" Easy to emotionally influence, particularly involving rage, Rain soon mirrored Naomi's mood. The two stopped before the troop and Naomi shrugged when asked what had happened.

"Nothing important. We will stay at a hotel until tomorrow, of which you two will report back here to get a more proper greeting and orders from their commander. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow." At this point, Anthony appeared in the room and those witness fell silent, even the whispers died out. Naomi turned, facing Anthony and gave him a blank stare as he spoke. "An Elite Task Force?" she said coldly, "I brought those who were willing, but your mayor is a fool if he thinks I would send my men to slaughter." she dropped off, "Those present were the only ones who felt the need to fight for this damn cause. Next time, don't bother sending a messenger, because I'm not coming back."

Then Anthony had grasped her hand gently between his and Naomi blanched. Staring at their point of contact, Naomi hardly heard a word Anthony said. she took a deep breath, regret washing over her, followed again by her rage. She withdrew her hand from his with a snarl as Rain looked on with a 'Whoa shit, you two know each other? Wait, and you were in Raccoon City?!'. Rain stepped protectively to Naomi's side, giving Anthony a 'fuck up and I'll fuck you up' stare. Naomi put a reassuring hand on the brunette's shoulder. "You can't make right what happened in Raccoon, Anthony. I don't want you to. What I want is to go home and protect my people. I'll be leaving in the morning." she said, stepping around Anthony, with her ragtag group following closely after.

The crowd parted as they made their way through, whispers following behind them as they made their way from the lobby and out into the open. Naomi asked a soldier for the nearest thing they called a hotel and set out in a beeline. The sun was starting to set and by the time they made it to the hotel, it had vanished completely and the lampposts had flared to life. Most people had retreated to their homes, leaving the beaten and weary group a strange sight.

they had no problem checking into the hotel, apparently Anthony had already sent out a mass memo saying naomi and her group were cleared to do as they pleased. Then they fell asleep, the three girls sharing the two beds and the men sprawled out over the couch and recliner.

11:24am

The leader awoke with a start, sitting up quickly and dislodging the blankets that covered her and Rain. The latina curled up tighter, mumbled some profanities and yanked the covers back over herself. Naomi quietly removed herself from the bed and made her way to the bathroom, where a hot shower not only woke her up, but soaked deep to her weary bones and made her feel more awake then she'd been in a long time. She hadn't meant to sleep in, but many weeks on the road, fighting off B.O.W.s and infected alike was a tiring job and she hadn't slept this well since before she got that damned letter requesting her help.

She was pleased to find the bathroom stocked with not only toothbrushes and the like, but makeup as well. Who the hell used makeup any more? She brushed her hair, dried it and threw it into a sloppy bun before heading down to the hotel cafe. Sitting at a small table to herself, she got herself an orange juice and a bowl of oatmeal. She made little progress on the oatmeal before she was sitting back and watching the people outside stroll by the window.

Anthony met the look with Rain in no way intimidated by Rain. He watched the ragtag group leave his sights before turning a few steps to the left and headed towards city hall. Anthony's face said it all, he meant business and God as his witness there was going to be hell to pay. Anthony busted into a meeting in the leaders office with a snarling glare that met Leon Kennedy's own disapproving glare. Anthony kicked a chair out of his way to set his mood into the room. Leon and Anthony glared one another down neither of them giving an inch before Chris came into the room.

“Commander Anthony, what in the hell do you think you're doing?”

Chris Redfield spun Anthony around searching his eyes for some sort of motive behind his, but only found anger. Anthony removed Chris' arm from his shoulder and turned back to Leon ready to explode in total and sheer rage. A deep an angry sigh escaped the lips of the Umbrella soldier turned good before speaking.

“You knew Leon. You knew who the leader was and you still asked her to come here. Not only that but you requested I be the officer to meet them here. What the fuck is your problem!”

Anthony slammed his fist into the solid oak desk before him ending the angry speech with a bang. Leon stood from his chair and took two steps forwards meeting Anthony face to face. Leon breathed in deeply as to calm his own quarrel within as he answered the soldier. Leon searched for words for a long moment before coming to his own sense and speaking.

“Anthony I did know who was the leader. I made it a personal affair to make sure Naomi Houston and you met before anything was written or finalized. Anthony I can't make you two like one another but the simple fact remains, we need people to carry out missions. People who are somehow connected to Umbrella.”

Anthony stepped backwards and turned to exited the room full of leaders and important people, but not before leaving a comment into the air.

“Your stunt caused Naomi to state she is leaving in the morning. You fucked the pooch Kennedy.”

Anthony left the room pushing a few people to the side and exited city hall letting steam dissipate into the cool January air. Foot steps came from behind Anthony, louder than usual making it obvious this person was trying to stop Anthony. The soldier turned to meet face with Chris Redfield once more. Chris had a sympathetic look in his eyes as he placed a hand onto Anthony's right shoulder.

“I had no idea Anthony, you understand this means you will be going on that mission alone right?”

Chris choked his words out as Anthony simply shrugged and nodded his head up and down twice before turning and leaving his commanding officer without words, only the opportunity to watch one of his best soldiers be sent to death because Umbrella needed to be stopped one way or another. Anthony walked past his home and further south towards the gates. He came to a watch tower and climbed up to the top relieving the position of a rookie soldier. This was his get away from life, this watch tower looking over a mass desert, a symbolic end of the world always painted in his head. The only things that moved past the gates were dust, zombies and military vehicles. Hours unto hours passed before Anthony left the watchtower to another seasoned veteran. Anthony stuck his hands into each pocket and headed towards home, if you could even call it that.

His apartment was bare, and empty aside from gun vaults and a single cot with one pillow and a sheet. His room suggested convict life had it been seen in a normal world; however this was all Anthony ever requested from his city. Anthony unstrapped and took the giant .500 magnum from his right holster and placed it into a vault directly to the left of his cot. Anthony fell to the bed and falling asleep almost instantly. His sleep was dark and without deams, a typical night for the seasoned soldier. Sunlight came quick into the room; Anthony rose and fell with the sun when not on the job. His breakfast never changed, two pieces of toast slathered with peanut butter and a glass of whole milk. Anthony polished the food quickly and left his apartment strapped for duty. His CTAR assault rifle over his soulder and his magnum in his right hoslter; knife on his left holster.

The sun hit Anthony's face as a cold reminder of the world he was forced to live in. He took in a depe sigh allowing the reality to settle in, before going to his station.

“Commander Ironside reporting from sector twenty-six, all clear.”

Radio static remained the calming factor as the time drew well into the mid-noon hours. That's when Anthony saw it, in the distance approaching the city. Anthony shouldered his rifle only to lower it once the realization had hit him. His mouth lowered slowly as three T-103 Tyrants came into view of the city.

“Commander Ironside, sector twenty-six. We have a code red, I repeat code red. Three tyrant B.O.W's spotted approximately two miles from Coalition City.”

No more than five seconds passed before alarms screeched into the city and Anthony's statement repeated multiple times along with everyone to remain inside. Anthony fidgeted with the rifle for a long moment before Chris came onto the radio, clearing all soldiers to engage. Those where all the words Anthony needed, his body taking over as he lept from the tower, flipping of the roll and rolling to safety below. Anthony walked forward eying each Tyrant as they stepped closer towards Coalition City.

Face first in the pillow, golden blonde hair sprawled messily, Jen's soft snoring filled the otherwise quiet room. Silence broken, her head snapped up heard up as a blisteringly loud voice echoed throughout the entire city. "What the fuck?" Was grumpily whispered as the back of her hand wipe away the drool from the left side of her mouth.

“Commander Ironside, sector twenty-six. We have a code red, I repeat code red. Three tyrant B.O.W's spotted approximately two miles from Coalition City.”

That's great fucker, I would have liked more restless sleep but-shit. It wasn't the realization of the oncoming threat that caused her to spring out of bed and slip her boots on. It was the Commander's last name. She knew why it sounded familiar, fortunately so, she had remembered that this was Anthony's last name from what the drunk men had told her. Stepping through the threshold, her green eyes focused on her Jeep. The whole city was in panic. The alarms, which her ears were extremely sensitive to this morning, and the citizens running to get inside their homes safe were enough of an indicator.

Jumping in the passenger seat, she peeled off in the direction of the front gate. There was a high chance she would see this Anthony there, or perhaps he was hiding out in a safe bunker. From what she heard of him, he didn't sound like a coward. Jen would take her chance, and if he wasn't there, at least she could kill the fuckers who rendered her drunken sleep more useless than it already had been.

Panic? Scratch that, total cluster-fuck. The gate was packed with guards and enough firepower to fight off the Gutsapo, theoretically speaking. Coming to a screeching halt, Jen loaded both her Berettas with full mags before slipping on the holster of over shoulders, both weapons nestled on either side of her rib cage. Jumping out of the vehicle, she strapped her machete to her hip and took a swig of the silver flask, undoubtedly filled with something stronger than beer. It's never too early for that... The headache was a killer and the slight buzz the whiskey provided numbed the pain, for now.

Walking up to the gate, she noticed a few very well armed citizens, whom seemed ready for action, huddled around the group of guards. She approached one of the guards, disregarding the presence of everyone there. "Anthony, is he here?"

"Busy at the moment, as you can imagine," The guard graveled, looking around. "Are you here to offer us your assistance with the B.O.W's?"

"Something like that," Looking up at the sun through her sunglasses, she placed her cap over her head so that the brim was shielding her face from the sun. "Where's the sign up sheet?"

The guard sized the woman up, glancing at the few weapons she had. "No need. We're waiting for orders. Stand-by soldier."

"Roger dodger." Rolling her eyes, she turned around an quickly took another sip from the flask. Only it didn't go down, as emerald eyes caught the sight of a familiar face, she fought to keep the liquid it from spraying out of her mouth. A face which she never thought she'd see again. Fuck me, crossed Jen's mind, both literal and non-literal. Coughing, she turned to the brunette.

"Naomi...the hell are you doing here?"

Naomi stood just a little off to the side from the group of fighters. Her eyes were set on the open plains stretched to the outside of the gate. Tyrants were moving in on the distance. The brunette licked her dry lips and brushed her fingers across the handle of her favorite weapon. One side looked a bit more well used and worn than the other, perhaps because the double-faced axe, tied and bound tight at the handle with the blades facing opposite directions, was two axes made into one and one axe was newer than the other. She slowly gripped the handle, knuckles white, as she watched one Tyrant burst in front of the others and make a straight shot for the gates.

She'd fought one of these before. A long, long time ago.

Then something else caught her attention and she blinked, gaze darting dangerously to whoever might be garnering for her attention at a time like this; it didn't even register, at first, that whoever it was knew her name and, face it, only a handful of people here did. Very important people.

At first, she just blinked curiously at the blonde woman and then her eyes widened slightly. "Jen?" she said curtly, straightening slightly to look at the taller woman. (She hated being so short some times) "What are-? How'd you-?" she shut her mouth and stared for a moment before a soft smile curled the corner of her lip. "I'm glad to see you're alive, Holland." she said fondly, not having forgotten the moments they had once shared back in New York before the blonde had just vanished without a word. "I was just leaving but..." she glanced to the open plain.

She didn't have much else to say at that moment because the nearest Tyrant was within a hundred feet and Naomi was closest to the gate. She'd been about to issue a command to the others but the Tyrant started at a run and Naomi, full of anger at everything that had happened in the last few hours and in desperation to not let it hurt those inside, pushed off at a sprint. When she neared him it was almost a comical sight, their height differences, but then Naomi was dodging right, under a mad swing from the Tyrant's left arm. She latched onto his massive bicep and with her slight frame swung upwards, her momentum and his strength making it easy for her to swing upwards, around his arm, and towards his shoulder. Her left foot settled onto his shoulder while she struck out with her right, using both her built up kinetic energy and strength to place a hard blow to his temple.

She used the same motion to push off, dodging a swipe from the Tyrant and landing, in a tumble, behind the tyrant. He turned around to face her as she stood and they sized each other up for a moment. "You're just as ugly as that last one I killed." she taunted. He lurched forward and Naomi jumped back, barely missing his nasty claws. "Faster, though." she added ruefully as she feigned a left, then dodged right and ran past him. She only moved far enough away to give her time to unsheathe her axe and hold it in one hand. She twirled it, like a sword master would with a sword as he advanced. As he drew in for another hit, Naomi swung a mighty arc down, then up, like a batter hitting a home run and connected with the tenderness of his armpit as she sidestepped just in time to dodge once more.

What she didn't expect was the axe to actually stick in his flesh, halfway short of cutting the arm clean off, and the tyrant to bring a mighty backhand at her unprotected side. The blow caught her square in the ribs and she let go of her axe as the force sent her rolling across the ground and into a messy heap a few feet away. The breath knocked out of her she stood shakily and withdrew her pistol with her good arm, the other clutching at her wounded side. She let loose a couple shots, and weakly managed to dodge a few blows but it wouldn't be long before a small trip meant the end for her. At least she distracted it long enough to draw him farther away from the gate anyway. "Come on, asshole, I haven't got all day." she challenged, missing his next blow by only a hair.

Anthony met the pale face of the B.O.W with a similar cold stare, unmoved by the obvious size and strength advantage the Tyrant had on him. Anthony removed his assault rifle, side arm and the rest of his heavy battle dress uniform and tossed it to the side. He needed to be light and agile if he were to hold off this Tyrant until help arrived and elected to only keep his knife on his body. Anthony stepped forward within striking distance of the monster, but wasn't the first to move. A large fist shot out at Anthony, though he was quick on his feet rolling his left half back avoiding the first and counter attacking by slamming his right elbow into the hinge of the Tyrant's left arm. Anthony torqued his body as powerful as he could slamming a left roundhouse kick into the back of the Tyrant's leg causing the beast to kneel to the ground. Anthony gripped the back if the Tyrant's head and finished his combo with a devastating knee into the face of his B.O.W opponent.

“Gonna have to do better than that you ugly piece of shit.”

Anthony stepped back obviously toying with the monstrosity before him. It took no more than five seconds for the Tyrant to get back to his knees completely unharmed from the first assault of the soldier. The Tyrant growled in rage shooting out the very same left arm, this time aiming for a large hook into Anthony's head. With instantaneous reflexes Anthony ducked beneath the shot only to meet the powerful leg of the Tyrant which sent Anthony flying a solid fifteen feet backwards. Anthony quickly kipped up from the shot and stepped back into striking distance of his opponent without a second guess of his abilities. This time Anthony moved first at top speed torquing his body from right to left smashing his fist into the ribs of the Tyrant; though his protective coat made the strike nearly a tickle. Anthony connected a series of kicks, elbows, and punches until he discombobulated the Tyrant enough to get on his backside.

Anthony launched forward a heel kick to the back of the Tyrant's legs five times until the monster hit his knees, then twisted his body with his maximum strength for a roundhouse kick to the skull of the Tyrant. The monster fell to the ground with a loud thump; his body limp. Anthony cracked his neck and turned his back to the fallen beast and retrieved his gear and reequipped himself. Something compelled the soldier to make sure his enemy was dead, a simple bullet would do. Anthony trudged back to the fallen Tyrant with his S&W .500 magnum in hand. Before Anthony could pull the trigger, the B.O.W exploded to his feet and sent Anthony flying backwards once more, his gun going off as he hit the ground. Anthony took a moment getting up to witness something horrid.

“What the fuck?”

The Tyrant had begun to mutate, the power limiter coat seemed to be malfunctioning as the Tyrant went from being human like straight to the appearance of a monster that Umbrella had been famous for. Anthony's bad ass and seemingly untouchable attitude quickly changed to a serious more cautious attitude. The Tyrant finished mutating into a much bulkier and dangerous monster causing Anthony to retrieve his radio and call for back up.

“Commander Ironside outside of sector twenty-six. I need back up ASAP. Repeat requesting back up ASAP. Do not try to capture the Tyrant. Execute the B.O.W immediately.”

Anthony continued back peddling to keep distance from the mutated monster before him. Anthony had fought a mutated T-103 like this before, but not alone. An entire platoon was required to take down their monster and chances are Anthony was not going to be able to take this one down alone. The odds were stacked but that wasn't going to stop the soldier from trying, that was how he was taught; to fight until death. Anthony shouldered his rifle still taking cautious steps backwards. His aim was accurate enough to place bullets within centimeters of one another at the distance of his target, taking wind into account as well as his movement. Anthony stopped dead and hit a kneeling position to fire a single bullet, striking the Tyrant directly between his eyes. The bullet wouldn't penetrate deep enough to damage the brain but it did the job required to stumble the Tyrant enough for Anthony to attack.

The Soldier of Coalition City sprinted forward drawing his knife in the process and stabbing it as deep as possible into the neck of the Tyrant. Anthony pulled the knife away and kicked off the Tyrant landing on his feet once more and increased the distance between monster and man. Anthony observed the wound rapidly healing only seconds after being inflicted. He had only seen powers like that one time before today, a girl close to his heart.

“Sherry...”

Watching Naomi stuttered, Jen unconscionably licked her lips, eyebrow arched. "The one an only, apparently." Already buzzed, she expertly and subtlety slipped the flask back into the inside pocket of her light jacket. "The feeling's mutual." Winking at the brunette, their conversation was cut short as a Tyrant had Naomi in his sights. She was happy to see her old friend, and a million questions burned her lips. Now was certainty not the time for a reunion, but perhaps they would catch up when they weren't otherwise occupied.

Jen wasn't surprised to see the brunette sprint towards the Tyrant, the woman was always straight forward, minus the straight, depending on the situation. The blonde had never fought a Tyrant per say, and she couldn't afford wasting her ammo on one single infected. She usually lured them near the side of a cliff either by foot or with the aid of her Jeep. Giving them a nice little love tap as she pulled the handbrake, skidding against the monsters. The impact causing them to fly away...usually. Somethings don't always fall where they may.

Shaking her thoughts away, her fingers curled around the hilt of her sheathed machete. Gripping it tightly, she pulled it out and followed Naomi, hot on her heels. You haven't changed a bit haven't you?, Jen thought to herself as she watched the brunette barely escape the need for reconstructive surgery on her face. Everything happened like a flash of lighting, moments after Naomi was thrown on the ground. Swearing under her breath, she jumped on the Tyrant's back. Sharp steel met flesh, as she finished off the arm, cutting it clean off.

The axe, previously embedded in his skin, fell of with the limb as the monster let out a ear piercing screeched. He shook his body viciously from side to side, trying to shake the blonde off. Still clinging to him like a sloth on a tree branch, The Tyrant reached behind his mutated body, and peeled the woman off, throwing her a few feet away. Groaning in pain, as she tumbled against the ground harshly, her gaze caught Naomi's stare. She had hopefully bought the woman enough time to catch her breath and regain her bearings.

The mutated creature stomped her way, not giving Jen the opportunity to stand up. "Finish the fucker off!" Jen yelled, rolling herself backwards to avoid a furry of claws aimed at her head. Still on her ass, she scampered out of his way using her palms and the heels of her boots. Hand instinctively snaked its way inside her jacket, gripping the butt of her gun. Pulling it it out in a swift motion, she fired a few shots in his chest to slow him down.

All the information to this point had become quite clear after witnessing the super mutant powers. This Tyrant in particular had to be the leader of the three that had come in, everything becoming much clearer now. Anthony would need a plan to put this beast down once and for all; though with his current equipment and the chaos of the city fighting two other Tyrants it seemed grim at best. Anthony took a quick snap of his head to judge the distance to Coalition's gate; causing a smile to crack his lips apart for just a brief moment. Anthony shouldered his rifle aiming down the optical sight and targeting specific points of the Tyrant; ones to make his plan work. Twenty-nine bullets was all Anthony had left in his current magazine and it would be just enough. One bullet to each side of the Tyrants neck, five to each knee, five to each elbow joint, Seven to each critical vein and artery around the body of the Tyrant; assuming it had normal human anatomy. The Tyrant reeled in pain giving Anthony a sprinting head start towards the gate of his home city.

“Hope you enjoy running you ugly son of a bitch.”

Anthony had a full minute ahead of the Tyrant to run; but still at least a mile to go towards the city, at full speed Anthony could cover that in six minutes with his gear. The odds looked grim but he had to try something to destroy this monster. The Tyrant ran forward with decreased speed from the still healing gunshot wounds inflicted by Anthony. The soldier blasted forward at maximum speed; his adrenaline levels hitting all time highs as his legs and feet pelted the stiffened sand. Anthony hit the road just in front of Coalition City with just enough distance to bring his plan to life. Anthony knelt to the ground and drew the massive fifty caliber Smith and Wesson aiming directly at the Tyrant before him.

“Commander Ironside directly outside City gates. Requesting sniper unit fire on this B.O.W.”

Anthony didn't wait for an answer on his radio; focusing solely on the moment in front of him. Five rounds in his magnum, five rounds to stop the monster in time for the sniper unit to pepper it with fifty caliber bullets until death. The sound of an explosion rang out as the first bullet left the barrel of the magnum; hitting with such force on the Tyrant to knock it back while in a full powered sprint. Another shot made impact just below the neck of the Tyrant pushing it back once more. The third shot rang out making a clean hole through the chest of the Tyrant where a normal humans heart would make home. Once more the gun fired, the fourth shot hitting perfectly into the head of the Tyrant; exploding out the back of the head of the monster. This was the shot that caused the Tyrant to fall over completely limp and lifeless.

“Get up, I know you're still alive.”

Anthony finally holstered the magnum walking forward towards the body of the monster. Anthony stood over the defeated, simply staring into the holes caused by his own sidearm. He looked for any sign that they had been healing; a long thirty seconds passed until he was satisfied. Anthony walked away from the monster with a cold and smug grin on his face, the ultimate rush of battle flowing through his veins. His hand reached for the radio pinned to his left chest, calling in for a cleaning crew to obliterate the rest of the remains.

“Commander Anthony, sector one. Need a clean up crew for one B.O.W...”

Suddenly Anthony's eyes shot to the back of his head and all vision was lost. His Body hit the ground, revealing the Tyrant for a brief moment. On the watchtowers of Coalition City; Seven snipers began to pepper the Tyrant with a rain of bullets; shredding the Tyrant to tiny pieces before it could mortally wound Anthony's unconscious body. It took an hour before any crew could get to Anthony; luckily enough he had guardian angels making sure nothing got to him.

Three Days Later

Anthony stirred and opened his eyes to bright lights and white walls. Anthony slipped a few groans from his lip as he lifted his body up allowing his vision to focus in on the room and take in the details. His eyes caught two females in the hospital along side him. Naomi and Jen had been mid conversation, nothing important to Anthony however as he scooted to the end of his bed and turned to allow his feet to feel the cold tile of the hospital room. A nurse came in and quickly made small talk and retrieved Anthony's gear as per request of Chris Redfield. Anthony retreated into the bathroom, quickly exiting dressed in full battle dress uniform equipped with his rifle and sidearm once more. A disturbance was heard in the hall way heading towards Anthony and the two girls; though everyone allowed it to happen. Bursting into the room a child no more than ten years of age slammed into Anthony wrapping arms around his leg.

“Dad... They said you were hurt and I got scared.”

Anthony knelt to the ground and picked up his baby girl holding her with perfect grace. The daughter of what would seem to be an emotionless and cold man was beautiful with short blonde hair and beautiful green eyes. Her eyes pierced through the very soul of Anthony; his lips forming something no living person had seen; a smile.

“I'm fine, just a bruise. Aren't you supposed to be with Christine? Go on Claire. I will be home soon.”

The blonde child was lowered to the floor and went to leave only to turn to smile at her father and speak three words.

“I love you.”

The words hit Anthony in the chest harder than any bullet of fist could. His eyes quickly welled up before he turned to the two ladies behind him and sighing. His eyes fixed of Naomi as he fidgeted with something around his neck. A long moment passed before he spoke to them, his words coming silent and subtle.

“Everyone has their reason to fight Naomi; that little girl is mine. You can go home to the Neutral side and pretend Umbrella is coming right after you if Coalition falls. We have a chance, once in a life time opportunity to bring Umbrella to their knees and restore the world for the next generation after us. I think it would be mature to put behind petty squabbles of the past and work together for the better future of children to come. Your choice.”

Anthony left without giving Naomi any chance to return words to him. Anthony silently exited the hospital immediately heading towards holding cells of Coalition City. A very valuable asset made themselves known for Coalition and it was obvious Anthony had the connection for this person. Fifteen minutes passed as Anthony walked into the cells and towards his destination. Anthony waved the guards away for privacy entering an interrogation room and facing a roman before him. Anthony placed his ass on a chair before the girl with a cold stare scanning her over from top to bottom.

“Skarlet, Wesker's top dollar assassin in my city; to what do I owe the honor?”

The room remained deathly quite, neither speaking for the longest of times. Anthony finally took a relaxed position and continued the conversation.

“Anthony Stabler Ironside; codename Black Fox formally of U.S.S Delta Time AKA Wolf Pack. We both worked for Umbrella for a long time. I think I can relate to your situation here.”

Anthony allowed the information to sink into her head before continuing.

“Two thousand and four; My team disbanded and I was stuck with a new born baby. I came here within days and was slammed into a cell immediately. Leon Scott Kennedy the leader here gave me a chance; we had met during the Raccoon City incident. Sure I could've stayed with Umbrella but I had brough a life into a hell of a world. It was and still is my duty to fix the world for her sake. So this is what I can do; give me your word of loyalty to Coalition's cause and I can get you out of this cell and into my team. You'd be on probation and would need to be in my sight at all times; all that means is you get my bed for awhile.”

Anthony left the interrogation room and headed towards the City Hall. Twenty uneventful minutes passed until Anthony walked into the leaders office facing Leon once more. Leon pointed at a file on the desk, Anthony glanced it over with a smile before nodding to Leon.

“David Shelby completes the team huh? Five people with ties to Umbrella to bring them down. I like your style Kennedy. See you in the morning.”

With that Anthony exited the building and headed home. Anthony walked slowly with his head to the sky observing the passing clouds, each with their own shape. Anthony arrived home quickly entering the home to face his daughter and a familiar face and former team mate.

“Thanks for watching her Christine, we appreciate it.”

The two exchanged unimportant chatter until Christine AKA Four Eyes left his room allowing Anthony to face his daughter alone. The apartment seemed a bit unsafe for a daughter; that was until Anthony walked into a secret room big enough for a family. The walls were pink with all kinds of dolls and other girly stuff scattered on the walls and ceiling. Anthony sat onto the bed next to his daughter; with a simple smile. Her eyes looked up to Anthony asking a question he had to answer every day.

“We will find her one day Claire. One day...”