The Mold in Winter (Resident Evil x Male Reader)

Chapter 88: Ethan's Final Breaths

Y/N POV

After Miranda's defeat, silence completely fell around us. I kept my magnum aimed where she was stood for a moment before sighing and asking "Is it over?" Next to me Ethan was hunched over breathing heavily as he replied "Maybe." That's when an infant's cries pierced the air, coming from Miranda's remains.

Me and Ethan both approached and  I couldn't help but smile when we saw Rose sat on top of it. Ethan wasted no time scooping her up exclaiming "Rose!" He held the crying baby close to his chest reassuring her "Shhh, shhh, It's alright Rose. It's alright."

I just smiled at the display of fatherly love. However that smile instantly turned to concern when I noticed Ethan's right hand flaking just like the Mold. It turned white and parts of it began to crumble.

I approached, saying "Ethan!" He dropped down to his knees, I knelt right at his side and placed a hand on him to steady him. Rose still cried as I muttered "Damn it, I'd hoped there'd be time." Another voice yelled "Ethan! Ethan!"

Turning around, I saw Chris running towards us. He got down on Ethan's other side and tried to motivate him. "Come on Ethan, come on. Wake up!" The ground began to rumble around us, Chris muttered under his breath "Oh no..." This caused me to look up at him and ask "What? What's happening."

Before he could answer, Ethan spoke, his voice weak and barely above a whisper. "Chris. Y/N." Chris instantly began congratulating him. "Ethan, you did it! It's finished." Ethan rasped out "I think we finished each other."

Even though I knew it was inevitable. I still pleaded "Ethan don't say that. Come on."  Chris said "Ethan, Ethan we've gotta move!" Ahead of us, I could see something growing from the ground. Together, me and Chris managed to get Ethan to his feet and with Rose still in his arms, we did our best to try and escape the Megamycete.

We made it out about half-way along the stone bridge, Chris kept reassuring Ethan. "Keep moving Ethan, there's a bomb in that thing that will blow this whole village sky high. He held up the detonator.

"Look at me, when I hit this trigger we can't be anywhere near it!" I tried a different approach. "Damn it. Mia's waiting for you. She's alive you hear me? Alive!" We stopped for a moment Ethan muttered "Mia..."

He looked down at Rose. "I'm so sorry. I love you. Keep Rose safe." This alerted us. Chris snapped "Hey! Hey! Hey!" Ethan slumped to the ground again, me and Chris still trying to support him. I pleaded "Ethan, please! We've not got much further to go!"

He handed Rose to Chris, I would have done it, but the pain in my leg only increased now from walking on it so much. I just stared at Ethan in shock though. Chris said sternly "You tell her yourself. Now come on its not that much further, like Y/N said." I was almost begging now. "Ethan please!"

He fumbled about for a moment slowly taking off his green jacket. He placed it over Rose like a blanket as he said something which actually caused tears to prick my eyes. "Watch over her. Teach her to be strong."

He turned to me and said "Y/N, I've decided. I want you to be her godfather." My eyes widened. I remembered when Rose was born, I was too busy with my research to be a godparent in fact, to my knowledge, none were chose. However in this moment, Ethan gave me a pleading look and asked "Will you do that for me?"

I placed a hand on his shoulder and said "Anything Ethan." I stepped closer and embraced my brother-in-law in a hug. I said "Please, don't do this." Ethan rasped out "This is the only way. Sorry for being such an obstacle for you." He chuckled weakly making me do the same. "All forgiven." Was all I said.

That's when a gush of Mold sprung up from under the bridge! Ethan used what strength he had left to push both of us onto the other side of the stream. Not before snatching Chris' detonator from his hand.