S.E Chapter 10- Peace

Authors note: Everyone is returned safely to their home but that doesn't necessarily mean all is well. Sheva's mind is troubled terribly by the events in Silent Hill and the awful truth about her partners past experiences during the Raccoon City incident. It's time for Kevin to try one last time and prove he's a better man. Capcom owns Resident Evil; Konami owns Silent Hill.

A day turned into three, that's how many had passed since Kevin last saw his partner; she wasn't training the newcomers, she wasn't lounging in the cafe, the only place she could be was inside her room. It was easy enough to live in her apartment without leaving, the kitchen staff bringing meals to her door whenever she called, but it wasn't how her living conditions were that bothered the man; it was how she was handling what they saw in the cursed town. If Pyramid Heads advances and attempts to defile her didn't break her down, then surely she was still troubled by the actions she saw him commit in the past. Now his only companion was a still warm cup of coffee, slowly cooling while he stared at the reflection on the dark surface. He wasn't even thirsty anymore and wasn't quite sure why he wasted his money on it, something to take his mind off his worries; it didn't help.

Chris spotted him sitting isolated by the large pane window, the grey of evening rainclouds a background to his slouching, silhouette of a form. Feeling he'd stood by and watched the ex cops misery for long enough, the other agent headed towards his table to talk some sense into his distraught colleague. Kevin felt the weight of the other sit down on the bench but did not bother to glance over; he knew right away who it was.

"Kevin I know you said you don't want to talk about what happened on your mission with me, but at least give us both some piece of mind. What has been keeping you down for the past couple of days?" Chris asked. Kevin took a deep breath of air and rubbed his forehead; deciding telling someone of his troubles may help him feel better.

"You could say its worry; Sheva hasn't come out of her room in a few days and I think it's my fault she's upset."

"Did you guys have a fight?"

"Something like that." Kevin knew Chris was a good gut but he didn't feel fully comfortable telling him about past actions just yet. A small weight rested on Kevin's shoulder, eyes glancing over to see the others hand resting there.

"Nothing will be resolved if you do nothing. Go and sit down, keep calm tones and try to talk things out with her; partners need to trust in one another." The word trust struck a painful chord in Kevin, the very subject of the word being the root of his problems.

"I would if I could but she locked her door and she ignores any calls I send up." he buried his face in his palms, frustrated and feeling lost in the whole situation. The jingle of metal caught his attention, raising his face to see Chris dangle the master key to Sheva's apartment in front of him; gratefully he held out his hand, the cool of the metal making his sense of touch jump.

"I almost lost my partner once; I don't want to see it happen to you." He said sincerely, seeing the joy filled smile return to Kevin's features.

"Thanks a million Chris." He urgently got up, making sure to pat Chris as he hurried fast to the elevator and Sheva's apartment. He didn't know how but one way or another he was going to make amends.

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A subtle knock of knuckles against the wooden surface of her door, and a pause soon after; Kevin listening for any sound of movement inside. He didn't expect her to answer and that's exactly why he was grateful for the master key he stuck in the lock, twisting it quietly to make as little sound as possible. Dark coloured orbs glanced over when the door that had been shut for several days suddenly opened; the person Sheva had been trying to keep out of her thoughts stepping into sight. She turned away, hoping he didn't notice her glancing, pretending to be interested in the random news channel on T.V. Silently he walked towards her, standing by the couch but not daring to sit down; the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Before he spoke a word he just watched her, noticing the physical changes that had occurred on her; dark circles had began to form under her eyes which looked tired and puffy, probably from crying. Her posture wasn't as upright and energetic almost like she'd been drained of everything within her, the more he looked the worse he felt.

"Sheva...I'm sorry." No response, not even a glance.

"I know what you saw doesn't have anything to do with you but I can understand your reason for being angry; it's about trust right? You aren't sure if you can partner with someone who's actions are unpredictable." He hit the nail on the head but Sheva didn't show him a single sign, she would wait until he was fully done explaining.

"If that is how you feel than fine, I don't blame you. You obviously trust one past event to label my actions to the current day. I'll leave you alone then and see if I can get Chris to find you someone else." His head to the floor, Kevin had nothing more to say; her silence told him everything.

"Kevin sit, I have something to tell you." It was quiet and sad, but there was no doubt it was Sheva beckoning him back and deep down, he was afraid of what she had to tell him.

"What you did a long time ago was despicable, a selfish action for someone whose profession was to protect people." Her tone snapped at him, cold as a knife and he avoided making eye contact; he knew when he entered her room that nothing would be resolved in a heartbeat.

"Do you know why I have been in here by myself all this time?" he shook his head.

"To think, to try and put together all the jumbled and conflicted thoughts in my head; at first I felt furious and then great sorrow but I didn't know what exactly for. Finally I've been able to narrow it down to two things." He listened intently, the gentle sound of rain beginning to fall outside replacing quiet.

"My sorrow was brought on by painful memories of my childhood. Ever since we've come back from there, whenever I go to sleep, they come back to haunt me. No matter how hard I try to forget they won't go away." Kevin wasn't entirely sure what happened in her past but he felt it was not the time to ask.

"The anger I felt was not just from you, but humanity in general; we've really become a despicable race, enslaving and killing one another, polluting our only home planet, and just being selfish and ignorant to all other humans." Her chest heaved with the rising of her blood pressure, Kevin wanting to reach out and comfort her yet the task seemed impossible.

"But..." she rubbed her shoulder before continuing.

"Humans also posses the ability to be courageous, generous and kind to others; those who are kind are hard to find, risking their own safety and well being for another regardless of the risks." The heavy weight of guilt only weighed the ex cops gut down more and he felt as though he would sink into the couch. It was what he felt next that lifted him out of the sorrow, a slow and tender embrace by someone else. He was shocked to start but soon realised Sheva had inched softly over without him noticing, wrapping her arms about his neck and resting her tired head on his shoulder.

"I'm glad I was able to find someone I can trust." She whispered.

"Y-You actually trust me? Even after what I did." He felt her nod, her body still not moving from the current position.

"In a desperate time like that anyone would have ran for their own safety, even me. I have no reason to hold a grudge against someone who never put me in harm's way." Finally she sat back to look in his eyes, smiling warmly for once in almost a week. The look was contagious and Kevin soon mimicked the expression, patting her arm as a way of thanks.

"There's no one I'd rather have for a partner." He said finally calming himself. He would have said more but the low grumble in his belly was a physical sign of his hunger; the worry he'd had suppressed his appetite for a bit and it was now catching up to him.

"Sorry I haven't had dinner yet." He said cheeks turning a slight tinge of pink.

"Don't worry, I'll order us up something. I was feeling a little like Thai, how about you?"

"Yeah sounds great." Without saying it she had invited him to have a night in, quite possibly to start bonding and make up for lost time.

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Half an hour and many tasty dishes passed, the table in front of her couch covered in various empty containers, the only morsel left being a plate of pad Thai noodles. Sheva picked it up, preparing to dig in but feeling Kevin's gaze locked on her; he was probably still a bit hungry. She offered it to him and rather than take it, he picked up his chop sticks.

"How about we share it; we can finish it off as a team." He said chuckling after and she did the same. One by one the noodles vanished until only a few remained, the pair not even noticing that they had grabbed the same one until either end was in their mouths. They stopped, looking at each other for a sign of what to do next; the option to bite off their portion was the obvious choice, their actions were the exact opposite, slowly inching their way closer to one another's person on the edible line. The inevitable came, they met in the middle with lips connected and unmoving. Sheva felt a jolt of excitement run through her when they touched and missed the feel when he pulled back only an inch, chewing and swallowing the last of his morsel.

"Remember when I asked if I should call you beautiful?" she nodded

"It's no longer a question, I'm making it a statement." He spoke softly leaning back in to caress her cheek with his tender lips yet again. Sheva didn't object, welcoming the kind touch with a hand at the base of his skull to tell him to stay. To be against him felt safe, like she had when her parents were still alive, maybe in her own way this was a sign that he was something she'd missed for far too long. His nose snuggled into the crook of her neck, not wanting to be too pushy with the affection in case she was unsure. Her kiss on his brow, trailing lightly down his cheek to his jaw line, caused an automatic shiver to shake him.

"We need to build up a good communication with one another, so what do you think we should do next Sheva?" Kevin asked pulling back again. She took a good look at him, putting great thought into how she would answer.

"I think I would sleep better tonight if someone were there with me, know anyone who'd take up said opportunity." Kevin laughed; surprised at the sarcasm the young woman was capable of.

"Come, I think we've both been without sleep for long enough." She got up leading him to her bedroom, unaware of how hard his heart was thundering in his chest. The lights were left of, Sheva leading her partner through the dark and tugging down lightly when he neared the bed.

"Let me just go get ready." She walked with grace and ease into her bathroom, Kevin watching her every move. He was more than grateful to have her as a partner; despite the flirtatious actions he displayed towards many of the other woman in the B.S.A.A, he was really only doing that for attention. To actually care and protect someone felt a thousand times better than any random date ever could. Seeing as she was going to get dressed for bed, he would do so as well, removing everything but his boxers as he always had. A sudden light came from the now open bathroom door, blinding him only for a second and then he noticed the silhouette against it.

"Are you really going to wear that to be? Its summer, you'll be to warm." Her tone was one he'd never heard, somewhat playful.

"But they're only box-" his mere captivation of what he saw stopped anymore words when Sheva got within closer range. With the aid of the back light, he could see that the lace robe around Sheva's form was the only thing on her, the light shining right through the delicate fabric to reveal every aspect of her before his eyes. A flick of her finger discarded the dainty article to the floor, nothing left to hide what she had to show. He continued to stare with mouth hanging open, Sheva smiling while crossing her hands behind her back, showing not a single sign of bashfulness.

"You must be shy then." She stated ever so calmly, watching him blink rapidly and scowl in mock anger. To prove he was nowhere near embarrassed to show what he looked like he stood up only inches from her, gripped the waist band of his underpants, and yanked them down. While kicking them off he snagged his toe slightly, stumbling slightly forward but supported by a pair of small but strong arms. Their eyes locked for the second time that evening, only this time neither of them wore a single thing but their birthday suit; both partners were unsure of what action would take place next. Her hands already on the soft skin of his shoulder, Sheva began to slide her hand across his collar bone, resting both palms on his chest. There was no pressure put against him when silently ushered him to sit back down on the mattress, sitting atop his lap gently after. He was in a trance, mesmerised by her lithe movements in the dull grey of a rainy night sky; his hands regained their mobility, touching the small of her back to cradle her form when he lay on his side and brought her with him.

Even though he cared deeply for the lovely young enchantress, despite only knowing one another for a week, he had no intention of having sex that moment; if their bond grew stronger over the next few months he'd see how she felt but to do so now would only ruin the entire moment he'd just built up. That night holding her, caressing her and feeling her against his skin satiated whatever urges lay deep inside. Bodies and minds tired, the warm covers soon crept over them. Kevin continued to let his hands wander over any part of her they could, massage each new area found to see what she enjoyed. A small satisfied moan slipped through Sheva's parted when he stroked the underside of her breast, arms wrapping around his waist and a closer proximity his just reward. Feeling extremely comfortable she kissed him one last time, snuggling her head under his chin and preparing for sleep; Kevin embraced her back, feeling tonight he'd be able to rest peacefully now that painful guilt had been lifted thanks to her forgiveness.

"You gave me a second chance, one where I could atone for a mistake I made. I'll never forget that." He whispered into her hair, feeling her kiss his neck.

"I won't forget how much you risked to save me; I owe you my life." She said meaning every word.

"You can hold onto your life, your love is payment enough for me." The line was incredibly romantic and unlike their first meeting, this one was from the heart. With a final goodnight they let the rhythm of the falling rain and their even breathing lull them to sleep; they had found someone to rely on in one another and together they would rid the rest of the world of nightmares, as they had done to each other. Not just a team but something far stronger than any evil, now Sheva knew why Chris searched so hard for Jill, because of that weak yet powerful emotion; love.

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Several states away in West Virginia, the rain was already hitting hard while many of Brahams residents settled in for the evening. Cheryl gave a hug goodnight to her mother, closing the door to what used to be a room the veteran cop and her father shared before heading for her own. She knew the layout of her small room off by heart, finding the small bedside lamp with ease. Stiff muscles in her arms and legs were given a good stretch, a groan of satisfaction seemingly quiet with the sound of rain hitting her window. No one would interrupt her so she shed herself of the police uniform, folding it neatly on her chair and going into her bathroom to wash up and brush her teeth. Ever since she could first remember she had a fear of her reflection, which explained why her bathroom didn't have a mirror and the one at her dresser was covered up, but she didn't care; there was someone there with her who always admired her natural charm. Shuffling on her carpet made her head jerk up, a small smile creeping onto her lips; she knew who it was. Spitting out her toothpaste, she walked back into her room, leaning on the door frame and giving a small finger wave to the newcomer; Valtiel.

He was her best kept secret, not even Cybil knew the creature lived in the house and it was best that way, otherwise he would have been shot long ago. Cheryl wasted no time walking over, arms instinctively holding him against her and feeling his strong embrace, followed by a loving purr.

"Valtiel I can't thank you enough, without you're help I may have been too late to find mom." When Cheryl had told Cybil that someone was watching over her, she wasn't lying; Valtiel had found Cybil just as she was possessed and with inhuman speed got back to the younger cop, leading her to where her mother was. Out of every creature Silent Hill came up with, Valtiel seemed the most human, never showing any signs of aggression towards her. Cheryl stepped back, yawning and pulling down her covers.

"It's been one hell of a roller coaster ride, let's get some rest. "Soft cloth covered her naked flesh, calming her tense muscles but it wasn't till Valtiel rid himself of the dirtied garment and slid in that she truly felt safe. He was her guardian angel in guise of a demon and she'd never let anyone take away him or her mother, they were all she had left in the screwed up world.

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She didn't know why but she was crying; Cybil was strong and it took a lot to make her cry, she blamed it on the trauma of being possessed but there was another reason. She had felt him, she knew he kissed her and it was so real yet he would never come back, he would never sleep beside her again. Now the thought of being alone, which she hadn't thought about for the longest time since Harry died, tore her up inside. There would be no rest for her, not when the sorrow left her feeling empty again; she tried her best to remember that she still had Cheryl, a beautiful young woman who grew from just a little girl they had fought so hard to rescue long ago...together.

"Harry you were so strong, they should have died not you." She always blamed herself for not being in town the night he was murdered even though it wasn't her fault. Suddenly her sobs stopped, she felt something brush the back of her head; feather light but definitely there. She rolled over to check, no one was lying there as to be expected, and she almost turned back over to continue weeping when the springs on the empty side of the queen bed creaked. There before her eyes she saw an indent on the covers, in the exact shape and size of his form. Most people would have jumped out of bed, screaming their lungs out at the very sight of a ghost. Cybil could feel his aura; the calm it brought to her meant there was no denying that Harry was there, at least in spirit. Tears of joy slid down her cheeks, her hand sliding over to the dip in the fabric feeling a cold touch that resembled fingers brush over hers soon after. She shifted closer and even though she couldn't physically embrace him, she was content with feeling him there next to her. Heart rate slowing, she began to go down for the night as everyone else had and when she whispered goodnight to him, she could swear she heard it whispered right back.

Death, murder, corruption, all of the problems humanity encountered in the world of Bioterrorism and hellish religion would be balanced out by the few and powerful good traits that only applied to the human race. Maybe one day we can dream without nightmares and uncover the secret to defeat the Silent Evil that makes the criminals commit their sins.

-End

Finished my second multi chapter and I hoped you enjoyed. This will probably be the last one for a while; between gaming, work, exercise and fictions I've had no time to work on my original story. This is the last chapter so please be generous and give me feedback on how I did. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read Silent Evil.