The group pressed deeper into the warehouse district, navigating the labyrinth of narrow alleys and crumbling buildings. The air was suffocatingly still, every shadow a potential threat. The Tyrant might have been Defeated, but Azizah knew it wouldn't stay idle for long. Every instinct screamed that danger was still lurking.
Marvin led the RPD survivors, issuing precise instructions to secure their flanks. Leon and Kevin held the outer edges of the group, while Claire and Azizah kept to the rear, their eyes scanning for any signs of movement. Ada followed silently, her calculated demeanor unsettling yet oddly reassuring.
As they approached a massive warehouse, Azizah raised her hand, signaling the group to stop. "Wait," she said softly, her enhanced reflexes already on edge. "There's movement inside."
Leon narrowed his eyes, gripping his pistol. "Zombies?"
Azizah shook her head. "No. Something else."
Claire frowned. "What do we do?"
Azizah's system chimed softly, providing her with a new update.
---
System Notification:
New Objective: Investigate the Disturbance in the Warehouse.
Bonus Objective: Establish Contact with Survivors.
Reward: Advanced Firearm Blueprint + 50 Points.
---
Azizah inhaled deeply, weighing her options. "We check it out. Leon, Kevin, Claire—you're with me. Ada, cover Marvin and the others. Keep them outside and stay alert."
Ada's eyes flicked toward Azizah, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I don't take orders, but fine. Don't take too long."
Marvin nodded. "Be careful in there."
---
Inside the Warehouse
The warehouse's interior was shrouded in gloom, sunlight filtering weakly through shattered windows. Dust swirled in the air, and the faint scent of decay lingered. Abandoned crates and toppled shelving units created a maze of potential hiding spots.
Azizah moved silently, her heightened agility making each step soundless. Leon, Kevin, and Claire followed closely, their flashlights cutting through the oppressive darkness.
A muffled groan broke the silence, followed by the sound of deliberate, heavy footsteps. Azizah's instincts flared, and she motioned for the others to take cover behind a stack of crates.
They watched as a figure stepped into view—a woman with short brown hair, wearing a tactical tank top and jeans. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the area with sharp precision. She held a handgun, her posture tense but controlled.
Azizah recognized her immediately. "Jill Valentine," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Kevin blinked. "Wait, S.T.A.R.S.?"
Azizah nodded. "That's her."
---
A Tense Introduction
Jill's voice cut through the silence. "If you're not undead, show yourselves. I don't have time for games."
Azizah stepped out cautiously, her hands raised in a non-threatening gesture. "We're not zombies. We're survivors."
Jill's gun snapped toward her, but she didn't fire. Her gaze swept over the group, assessing each of them. "Who are you?"
"Azizah Lockhart, RPD," she replied calmly. "This is Claire Redfield, Officer Leon Kennedy, and Officer Kevin Ryman. We've got more officers outside."
Jill's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Claire's last name. Her weapon lowered marginally, and recognition flickered in her eyes. "Redfield?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Claire straightened. "Yes. How do you know me?"
Jill stepped closer, her intense gaze locking onto Claire. "Chris Redfield—is he your brother?"
Claire's breath hitched. "You know Chris?"
Jill nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. "We were in S.T.A.R.S. together. He's… one of the best. Always looking out for everyone."
Claire's face softened with a mix of relief and worry. "I came here to find him. Do you know where he is?"
Jill hesitated. "Not here. After the Spencer Mansion incident, he went to investigate Umbrella elsewhere. He didn't tell anyone where he was going, but he promised he'd come back."
Claire exhaled shakily. "So he's safe?"
"As far as I know," Jill replied. "Chris is a survivor. If anyone can make it through this, it's him."
Leon spoke up, breaking the moment. "You've been fighting Umbrella this whole time?"
Jill's jaw tightened. "Ever since the mansion. Chris and I saw firsthand what they're capable of. This outbreak? It's only the beginning."
Azizah was relieved to have the chance to include one of her favorite characters from the game on her team. She studied Jill intently, analyzing every detail with a mix of admiration and strategic focus.
---
A Shared Mission
The tension eased as Jill holstered her weapon. "What's your plan?"
"We're leading survivors to safety," Azizah explained. "The city's overrun. What about you?"
Jill's eyes darkened. "I'm not leaving this city until Umbrella answers for what they've done."
Azizah nodded, respecting her resolve. "You're welcome to join us. Strength in numbers."
Jill hesitated, her gaze flicking toward the warehouse entrance. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm tracking someone—a scientist. She has information about Umbrella's experiments. If I can find her, we might have a chance to expose them."
Claire leaned forward. "Who is she?"
Jill's gaze sharpened. "Her name's Annette Birkin."
Azizah stiffened, exchanging a quick glance with Claire and Leon. "We know Annette. She's with us."
Jill's eyes widened slightly. "Then we need to talk."
Azizah nodded. "Let's regroup with the others."
---
A Brief Reunion
Outside, the group reconvened with Marvin and the other survivors. Jill's presence caused a stir among the RPD officers, her reputation preceding her. Annette, who had been tending to Sherry, froze as Jill approached.
"Annette Birkin," Jill said sharply, her tone demanding. "We need to know everything you've been hiding about Umbrella."
Annette's expression tightened defensively. "I don't owe you anything."
Jill stepped closer, her voice low and dangerous. "Your experiments caused this nightmare. If you have information that can stop it, you'll share it—or I'll make sure you're held accountable."
Azizah stepped between them, her tone firm but calm. "Enough. We're all on the same side here. Annette, if there's anything we can use, now's the time to share it."
Annette hesitated, glancing at Sherry before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But if I'm helping, you need to promise to protect my daughter."
Azizah's system chimed again, signaling the next step in their journey.
---
System Update:
Objective Completed: Establish Contact with Survivors.
Bonus Objective Completed: Recruit Jill Valentine.
Reward Claimed: Advanced Firearm Blueprint + 50 Points.
---
Azizah allowed herself a moment of satisfaction before focusing on the task ahead. "Alright, everyone. Let's move. We're not safe here."
As the group prepared to head out, the shadows seemed to thicken around them, a silent promise that the worst was yet to come.
---
To Be Continued...