Jill’s arrival

A couple days pass by; Jacob and Ellie excitedly prepare for Jill’s arrival. As they finished eating their breakfast, the doorbell rings. Jacob and Ellie lock eyes and they scramble for the front door in childish glee.

Jacob beats Ellie to the door and swings it open to reveal a delivery man holding a large glass container. Jill Valentine lies motionless within, her eyes closed as if in a deep slumber. Jacob signs for the package, and the delivery man departs as quickly as he arrived.

Ellie's excitement grows as she watches Jacob carefully transport the container into the living room, setting it down on the coffee table with precision. Her gaze is drawn to Jill's serene face, and she can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

Jill rests in the container, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Ellie's eyes are fixed on her, a mix of emotions swirling in her chest. Jacob notices her tension and offers a reassuring touch on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, she's going to be okay," he says in a soothing tone.

Ellie takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She reaches out a hand, her fingers making contact with the cool glass as she outlines Jill's serene features.

Jill's beauty leaves Ellie breathless. "She's stunning," Ellie whispers, her voice barely audible.

As Ellie's gaze lingers on Jill, Jacob moves closer, his eyes also drawn to the woman in the container. Ellie turns to him, her eyes searching for reassurance, and finds it in the gentle smile that spreads across his face.

“Can I…?” Ellie asks. Jacob simply nods, and Ellie takes a shallow breath before opening the container.

The glass lid slides open with a soft hiss, and Ellie's pulse quickens as she gently brushes her fingertips against Jill's cheek.

Jill's skin is silky smooth, and Ellie is captivated by the sight of her. Her features are delicate, with high cheekbones and a petite nose. As Ellie's fingers explore the contours of Jill's face, she feels an inexplicable sense of connection, as if she's known Jill intimately for years.

Jacob observes Ellie with a tender expression, his eyes shining with affection and understanding. She’s as nervous as he was when he first got her. Now, it was Ellie’s turn to see just how difficult the next step will be.

Jill’s face twitches, a slight frown forming as her sleep is disturbed by Ellie’s gentle touch.

Ellie's pulse accelerates as Jill's eyelids lift, revealing an intense blue that seems to bore into her very being. Jill's gaze is hazy at first, but as she blinks, her focus begins to sharpen.

Ellie's chest tightens as she witnesses Jill's disorientation give way to alarm. Jill's eyes dart wildly, her face contorted in distress as she struggles to comprehend her surroundings. She attempts to rise, but the container's confines restrict her movement, sending her into a state of frantic agitation.

Jacob intervenes, his hand extended in a calming gesture. "You're safe," he assures her, his voice low and gentle.

Jill's eyes frantically scan her surroundings, her chest heaving with each labored breath. As she attempts to sit up, her movements are stiff and uncoordinated, hindered by the container's confines.

Ellie's expression softens with compassion, and she reaches out to gently grasp Jill's arm. "You're in a safe place," she says, her voice a gentle whisper. "We're here to help you."

Jill's gaze lingers on Ellie's face, and her panic begins to subside, replaced by a deep-seated confusion. She takes a slow, deliberate breath, her shoulders sagging as she tries to gather her bearings. "What...where am I?" she stammers.

Ellie's grip on Jill's arm softens, "it’s a lot to explain. But first you should know that you’re safe. No one wants to hurt you. If you can just be calm, I can undo the safety harness in the pod and you can sit up.” Ellie says, her voice soft and reassuring.

Jill's nod is hesitant, her eyes still darting about the room in a mixture of confusion and trepidation. As Ellie carefully releases the harness, Jill's movements remain stiff, her fight or flight response willing her to act.

Jacob takes a cautious step forward, his palms facing outward in a calming gesture. "You're safe now," he emphasizes, his tone gentle. "You've been...transferred, for lack of a better term."

Jill's gaze snaps back to Jacob, her eyes narrowing as she processes his words. The room seems to spin around her, and she grasps the edge of the container to steady herself. "What do you mean?" she asks, her voice laced with a mix of fear and curiosity.

“He means,” Ellie says, “that you’re not in your world. You’re in a new world, a world in which things are pretty different to the one you know.”

“Ok, just. Stop right there.” Jill holds her hand up, “What do you mean ‘new world’?”

“I mean, you’re not in the world you know.” Jacob clarifies. “In my world, you are a character in a video game. Thanks to the technology of my world, we were able to bring you from your world to mine.” Jacob says.

Jill laughs briefly, “Ok. Sure I am. And I’m sure you guys are Lara Croft and Mario huh?” Jill’s tone full of mockery and disbelief.

“I know you don’t wanna believe us, but we’re telling you the truth.” Ellie urges. “But we’re telling the truth. You’re a character in a video game series called Resident Evil.”

Jill’s eyes narrow, her gaze darts between Jacob and Ellie, searching for any sign of deception, but their expressions remain sincere and warm.

As the weight of Ellie’s words settle in, Jill's thoughts begin to spiral. She repeats the phrase, her voice barely above a whisper, "Resident Evil... a video game?" The words feel foreign on her tongue, like a phrase from a language she's never spoken.

Ellie's hand remains on Jill's arm, a gentle reminder of her presence. "You're a central character in the series," Ellie explains, her voice soft and measured. "You fought unimaginable horrors in Raccoon City and Kijuju. You’ve suffered terrible **** at the hands of Albert Wesker.”

“How do you know all that?” Jill’s eyes are now wide with shock.

“Because you’re a video game character.” Jacob reiterates. “We’ve played your games, literally witnessed your experiences first hand.”

Jill's mind reels as she tries to wrap her head around the concept. She thinks back to her memories, trying to reconcile her past experiences with this new information. The room seems to spin around her, and she grasps the edge of the container to steady herself, her thoughts racing with questions and doubts.

“You’re lying. This is some fucking ridiculous lie you’ve come up with to make me crack. I’m not fucking stupid enough to believe this crap.” Jill stands up out of the container, her muscles tensing for a fight.

“I know it’s hard to believe.” Ellie holds her hands up submissively, “I didn’t want to believe it at first either. But it’s true.”

“Fuck this.” Jill lashes out at Ellie, her fist connecting with Ellie’s jaw.

Ellie recoils, her eyes widening in surprise as her hand instinctively rises to cradle her jaw. The sting of the blow is more a shock than a source of pain. Jacob steps forward, but Ellie's raised hand stays him.

"Jill, listen," Ellie says, her voice calm and measured, "we're not here to harm you. This is a lot to process, but please, try to understand."

Jill's face is a picture of turmoil, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths as she struggles to contain her emotions. Her eyes flash with a mix of fear and anger, her gaze darting between Ellie and Jacob as if searching for an escape or a weakness to exploit.

Jacob picks up a game controller, with a few presses of a button, the tv in the room displays a loading screen of Resident Evil 3 Remake. A picture of Jill in the game being hunted by Nemisis.

The screen flickers to life, casting an eerie glow across Jill's face. Her eyes are drawn to the digital representation of herself, sprinting down a desolate city street with Nemesis in relentless pursuit. The game's graphics are stunning, capturing every detail of her likeness with uncanny accuracy. From the strands of her auburn hair to the wear on her combat boots, the on-screen Jill is a mirror image of the woman standing in Jacob's living room.

As she watches, Jill's breath catches in her throat. The on-screen Jill narrowly escapes Nemesis's deadly grasp, and the camera pans out to reveal the ruins of a once-thriving cityscape. The eerie atmosphere and haunting soundtrack only add to the sense of unease that settles in the pit of Jill's stomach. Her gaze remains fixed on the screen, her mind struggling to reconcile the digital world with her own reality.

“How…?” Jill’s voice breaks. “How did you do this?”

Jacob pauses the game, the screen freezing on an image of Jill's digital counterpart, her face etched with determination and fear. He turns to face Jill, "RealDreams technology allows us to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds," he explains, his voice steady and calm. “Thanks to them, I was able to purchase you from your wold and have you brought here.”

Jill's eyes widen, her thoughts racing with the implications. She looks to Ellie, who nods in confirmation, her expression somber. "I've walked in your shoes, Jill," Ellie says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was brought here from a similar world, one where I was a character in a different game."

The weight of Ellie's words settles in, and Jill's gaze drifts back to the screen, her mind reeling with questions and doubts. She feels like she's trapped in a never-ending nightmare, with no escape from the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

“I’m a video game character?” Jill says with a whisper.

Ellie's expression turns sympathetic, her eyes filled with a deep understanding. "I know this is overwhelming, but you're safe here, Jill."

Jill's gaze darts between Ellie and Jacob, her thoughts racing with the implications of her situation. She takes a cautious step back, her clenched fist still trembling at her side. As the truth begins to sink in, a sense of vulnerability washes over her. Her throat constricts, making it difficult to form her next words.

"So what, do you... own me now?" Jill asks, her voice barely above a whisper, the uncertainty and fear evident in her tone.

“Technically, yes.” Jill flinches at Jacob’s words. But he continues, “However, I don’t see you as a ****. That’s not why I bought you.” Jacob’s words hang in the air, leaving Jill’s question unanswered. Her gaze intensifies, demanding an explanation.

Jacob’s expression softens, his voice taking on a gentle tone. “I wanted to offer you a chance at a different existence, one where you're not constantly fighting for survival. A life free from the horrors of Umbrella Corp and zombie outbreaks.”

Jill's eyes expand, her thoughts racing with the possibilities. Her mind struggles to reconcile the idea of a peaceful life with the harsh realities of her past. The silence that follows is oppressive, punctuated only by the faint hum of the TV and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall.

“I was free though.” Jill says. “I’d gotten out of Raccoon City. I’d seen Wesker dead. I was free from Umbrella’s control.”

“Jill,” Ellie speaks up, “You’re a character in a video game franchise that is almost 30 years old. They were never going to stop putting you through hell. You were never going to be free.” Ellie's words hang in the air, a stark reality that cuts through Jill's defenses. Her gaze drifts back to the screen, where her digital counterpart remains frozen, a testament to the never-ending cycle of horror she's been trapped in.

As the weight of Ellie's statement settles in, Jill's thoughts spiral into chaos. She feels like she's staring into the abyss, the darkness of her past threatening to consume her. Her eyes, once bright with determination, now seem dull and lifeless, a reflection of the hopelessness that's creeping in.

Jacob's expression softens, his eyes filled with a deep empathy. He takes a step forward, his voice low and gentle. "I know this is a lot to take in, Jill. But I want you to know that you're safe here. You're not just a character in a game; you're a person with a chance at a new life."

Jill's gaze snaps back to Jacob, her eyes searching for answers. She's torn between the desire to escape the horrors of her past and the fear of the unknown. Her mind is a jumble of emotions, each one warring for dominance. As she stands there, frozen in uncertainty, the silence between them grows, punctuated only by the soft hum of the TV and the quiet ticking of the clock.

“I want to be alone. Is that allowed?” Jill asks.

Jacob's nod is accompanied by a gentle smile. "You can have all the time you need, Jill. Your room is just down the hall, second door on the left."

Jill's gaze lingers on the screen for a moment before she turns to leave. The weight of her emotions is evident in her slow, deliberate movements. As she walks away, her eyes cast downward, Ellie's hand reaches out to gently grasp her arm.

Ellie's touch is a subtle reminder that Jill is not isolated in her turmoil. "You're not alone in this, Jill," Ellie says softly, her voice a reassuring presence in the midst of uncertainty.

Jill's steps slow, and she pauses, her back still turned to the room. The silence that follows is a testament to the complexity of her emotions, a mix of fear, confusion, and a glimmer of hope.

With a nod, Jill acknowledges Ellie's reassurance before continuing down the hallway. The soft creak of the floorboards beneath her boots serves as a gentle accompaniment to her footsteps. She reaches the second door on the left, which stands slightly ajar, inviting her into a space bathed in the warm, golden light of a desk lamp. Jill's hand hesitates for a moment before pushing the door open, her gaze sweeping across the room that is now hers.

The room's simplicity is a welcome respite, with a queen-sized bed adorned in a plush, white comforter that invites relaxation. A compact desk in the corner holds a laptop and a scattering of books, while a plush armchair in the opposite corner is paired with a side table, lamp, and a few magazines.

As she moves deeper into the room, her attention is drawn to a small, framed photograph on the desk, its presence a subtle reminder that this space is meant to be a sanctuary.

Outside the room, Ellie looks to Jacob, “That could’ve gone better.” Jacob's eyes meet Ellie's, a shared understanding passing between them. He runs a hand through his shaggy hair, a small sigh escaping his lips. "She needs space," he murmurs, his voice low and measured. "This is a lot for anyone to process."

Ellie nods, her fingers drifting to the spot where Jill's hand had made contact, the memory of the surprise attack still fresh. "I know that feeling," she replies, her voice tinged with a mix of empathy and concern. "The uncertainty, the anger... it's overwhelming." She pauses, collecting her thoughts. "I just hope we can help her find her footing." Jacob's expression is somber, his eyes clouded with worry, but he says nothing, allowing the silence to speak for itself.

“Just give her time,” Jacob reassures her, “Soon her curiosity will make her ask questions. We’ll answer them best we can and she’ll start to settle into this world. It’ll be tough, but you’ll be a big help for her. Someone who understands what she’s going through.” Ellie nods, her gaze drifting towards the closed door of Jill's room. She can hear the faint rustling of fabric as Jill moves around, settling into her new space. The silence between them is heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

Jacob's hand reaches out, gently taking Ellie's in his own. His thumb traces small circles on the back of her hand, a comforting gesture that brings a small smile to her lips. "You're doing everything you can," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "That's all anyone can ask for."

Ellie's eyes linger on the door, her mind wandering to the woman on the other side. She can only imagine the turmoil Jill must be feeling, the weight of her past bearing down on her. Jacob's words are a gentle reminder that she's not alone in this, that they're all in this together.

As they stand there, the only sound the soft hum of the TV and the quiet ticking of the clock, Ellie feels a sense of resolve wash over her. She knows that the road ahead won't be easy, but she's determined to be there for Jill, to help her navigate the darkness and find her way back to the light.