Eternal Animosity
CHAPTER 4: PAINFUL MEMORIES

By: Ben Soulstone & Tamara Fernandez

Disclaimer: Please note that all these works are original creations (unless otherwise stated) and are not to be distributed publicly or privately without full consent and knowledge of the creator(s). Original character profiles, images, and names are copyrighted by the creator and cannot be used without prior consent. Please refrain from leaving rude comments if you dislike the genre/film or anything else specified. Constructive critisism only. Characters are copyrighted to Capcom, for the exception of Dennise Fern who is original creation of T.D.F.

Tam's Note: We've shifted back over to New York and whats going on with Claire and Chris. I wrote this chapter on my own again, but its pretty short compared to the others. I honestly like where the story is going, actually and I hope to finish up soon. Enjoy this chapter and please read/review!

A painful scream ran through the cozy apartment as Chris Redfield ran into Claire's room, "Claire! Whats wrong!" he yelled. He ran over to the side of her bed as he held her tightly in his arms. She was sobbing uncontrollably onto his shoulder, like a child who had scraped their knee. He held her face in his hands, smiling down at his little sister. "Its okay…I'm here now. Theres nothing to be afraid of," he whispered gently, planting a kiss on her forehead. She sniffled, hugging him tightly.

"How are you feeling, sis?" Chris asked walking around the small kitchen fixing up breakfast. Claire sat in her pajamas at the table in absolute silence. He flipped an omelette in the frying pan as he looked at her. She had dark bags under her eyes, obviously from not being able to sleep. "Sis, how long have you been having the same dream? Somewhere around a month…?" Chris said as he served Claire his special omelette. Claire stared at the plate of food before pushing it away. This was the first time she rejected her brothers' cooking, "…I'm not hungry," she said in a low tone. Chris looked at her with deep concern as he sat next to her and started eating his own food. "C'mon…my cooking can't be that bad, huh?" he joked, smiling a bit before noticing Claire was completely out of it. Chris was becoming more and more concerned with his sisters' health. She had been having the same reoccuring nightmare for a month and nothing they did to stop it seemed to work. She had missed work, had lost a few pounds and hadn't slept well at all. It was slowly eating away at her and it was time they took serious action.

"Claire…I made an appointment with the doctor today. We're going, but I need you to eat fir—" Chris started before he fell silent when he noticed Claire begin to cry. "I'm so scared, Chris. These dreams mean something…but what? Why is this happening after two years?" Claire sobbed, burying her face in her hands. Chris patted her shoulder gently, "Don't worry. That's why we're going to go to the doctor. He'll help you. Don't be afraid, sis. You know I'll always be here to take care of you. No matter what happens…" he said. "Now eat up. I really need you to eat. You're getting so thin…" he pleaded, getting up from the table. Claire eyed the omelette before she slowly began to eat. She wasn't exactly hungry, but she did it for her brother. "Atta' girl…" Chris smiled.

Barry walked into the office, carrying a large box of donuts. Seconds later he was swarmed by the other members of the Anti-Umbrella team and policemen. Chris was sitting at his desk, going through reports and countless paperwork. He suddenly picked up a file and eyed it for a moment. He picked up his phone and quickly dialed a number before someone on the other line answered.

"Hello. May I speak to Leon Kennedy, please?" Chris asked into the phone. He sat there after being put on hold. Barry walked up to him and offered him a donut. Chris waved his hand in refusal and smiled as someone answered on the other line. "Hello? Hey Leon…I got your report. So you guys have discovered a secret underground Umbrella facility here in New York?" Chris asked before he went quiet for a moment, "Are you sure your source is realiable? I mean…he did work for Umbrella. Whats his name again?" he paused, "HUNK? Okay, okay. Send me the coordinates and more information on how to infultrate the facility. I'll let Barry know. Thanks again, Leon. Take care. Bye." Chris hung up the phone and grabbed the file that had brief information on the Umbrella facility. He made his way to Barry's desk and placed the file down. Barry looked up at Chris and then back down to the file before he began to read it.

"Hm…is this information accurate?" Barry asked, his eyes scanning the piece of paper. "I called Leon and he said they received the information from HUNK, an Umbrella employee working undercover with Leon's group. Since HUNK has access to Umbrella computer systems, the information is most likely true. He said the facility was recently built, that's why we haven't heard much about it. Barry, if we can find this place we can destroy it before they try something here in New York," Chris explained. Barry nodded a few times as he stood up. "Did you tell Leon to send you coordinates and any other information?" Barry asked as Chris quickly nodded. "Great. By the way…how is Claire?" Barry asked, "She's not doing so well…she keeps having the nightmares and they're making her sick. She barely eats, she doesn't go out, and she just isn't herself. I made an appointment with the doctor for later today," he said with a sad expression on his face. Barry patted Chris' shoulder, "I'm sorry. I hope it gets better…" he said. "I hope so too…" Chris sighed.

"Okay Ms. Redfield. Have a seat, please." Claire sat down on the sofa, looking at the floor at all times. Chris sat on a chair across from her, looking up at the psychiatrist. "Okay, Mr. Redfield, I'm going to have to ask you to wait outside," said the doctor before Claire looked up, "No, please…I want him here," she said softly, but the doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, but he can't be here."

"Its okay, sis. I'll be right outside." Chris smiled as he turned around and walked out the door. "Let's get started then, shall we? Could you tell me exactly what happens in your dream?" the doctor asked, prepared with a pen and paper. Claire looked at him for a moment, fighting back her tears. She wasn't about to tell the doctor about the incidents that occurred in Antarctica. He'd only think she was crazy. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "I'm trapped somewhere and theres fire all around me. Suddenly I hear a monster scream and appear in front of me. He had a big axe and before he drops it on me he says he loves me…" Claire said slowly. The doctor looked at her oddly before clearing his throat. "Do you think that the monster represents someone?" he asked her as she nodded, "a relative? A lover? A friend?" he continued.

"He…" she started as she began to cry, "…h-he was someone I cared for. But…he died two years ago." She watched as the doctor nodded and scribbled down a few notes. He was probably going to put her on anti-depressants or some sort of medication. There was an awkward silence between them before a knock was heard at the door. Chris popped his head into the room and smiled, "All done then?"

"Please come in, Mr. Redfield." The doctor motioned for Chris to take a seat. Chris walked in and sat down as the doctor cleared his throat, "Well, I have come to the conclusion that Claire is suffering from repressed memories. I'm going to prescribe some medication that'll have her sleep without having any dreams. I'm also going to give her some anti-depressants that'll balance her out."

Claire sat there, grinding her teeth and clenching her fist. "That's the goddamn solution to everything…" she thought angrily. Chris looked at her and then back to the doctor as he took the prescription and shook the doctor's hand. "Thank you for your time, doc."

Chris and Claire walked home, but as they passed Central Park Claire suddenly paused. She glared at the park as if something was calling her into it. "Chris…I want to take a walk…" she said blankly as Chris arched a brow. "Are you sure? It's getting dark. I'll go with you if you want," he said, but Claire shook her head. "I want to take a walk alone, if that's alright?" she asked, looking at him with her icy blue hues. "Sure. I'll meet you at home later, but please be careful. Central Park is dangerous at night…" he said. Chris made his way home as Claire headed into a darkening Central Park.