ETHAN DRAKE: WORLD HORIZON GAMES

The air clawed at my throat—damp, metallic, and stinking of decay. My boots struck the metal staircase with a steady rhythm as I descended into the bowels of the mansion. Every step echoed in the suffocating silence, amplified by the uneasy tension of the team behind me.

"Let's move," James Shade ordered, his voice sharp and unyielding. He led the way with the rigid confidence of someone used to being obeyed. Time wasn't on our side, and he made sure we felt it.

Behind me, Kaplan fumbled with his scanner, muttering curses under his breath. "The nerve gas… it wiped Alice's memory clean. Red Queen's failsafe."

I stole a glance at Alice. She lingered near the back, her hands flexing unconsciously, her eyes darting into the shadows. Her combat gear hung on her like it wasn't hers. I wasn't sure if it was the memory loss or something deeper. Either way, she looked like someone searching for the pieces of herself.

"You're dealing with memory loss," I told her, keeping my tone even. "The nerve gas stripped everything. Even your connection to Umbrella."

Her gaze snapped to mine, a flicker of vulnerability cutting through her stoicism. "So… I'll never remember?"

The medic, injected herself into the conversation. Her tone was clinical but not unkind. "It'll come back. Flashes, maybe, when you're ready. When something triggers it."

Alice didn't respond, her face a mask of indifference that didn't fool me. I'd seen that look before—on myself.

Rain Ocampo shoved Matt Addison forward. The prisoner stumbled but stayed on his feet, his defiance written in his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. Rain's patience was paper-thin, and her movements reflected it. "JD and I will scout and secure the area," she said to James, her tone clipped.

Matt shot her a sidelong glare. Rain ignored it, gesturing for JD to follow as they disappeared into the shadows. Kaplan lingered behind with Matt, his grip firm and his expression uneasy.

James slowed his pace until he was beside me. His gaze bored into me, heavy with suspicion. "Ethan, why are you here?"

I met his eyes, keeping my expression neutral. "That's confidential."

James held my stare for a beat longer before nodding curtly. He didn't push, but I could feel his distrust trailing me like a shadow.

As we descended deeper, the walls seemed to close in. The sound of boots against metal became a rhythmic clatter, a reminder of how far we were from the surface. I motioned for Alice to fall back slightly, dropping my voice so only she could hear.

"You're Alice," I said. "Head of security at the Hive. And this…" I gestured around us. "This is the secret entrance."

She nodded, her expression unreadable, but her eyes—those betrayed a flicker of curiosity. Recognition? I couldn't tell.

"Stay close. Within sight," I added.

She didn't respond, but I noticed her steps sync with mine as we moved.

---

The underground train station was a cavernous void, a stark contrast to the sterile mansion above. Dust clung to the stale air, illuminated by the faint glow of overhead lights that flickered like dying fireflies. The train itself sat in the center, a hulking beast of steel and glass, its sleek lines marred by age and disuse.

JD and Rain were already near the train, sweeping its exterior with practiced precision. I watched as they boarded briefly, weapons drawn, scanning for any lurking threats. Once satisfied, they began planting explosives along the station walls. Their movements were efficient, almost mechanical, but the tension in their shoulders betrayed their nerves.

My comm device buzzed against my wrist. I stepped away from the group, keeping my voice low as I answered.

"Go ahead," I said.

"Where the hell are you?" Rio's voice crackled through the line, sharp and familiar.

"With James' team," I replied. "Heading to the Hive. They've set explosives. Three-hour timer."

"Are you a captive?"

A faint smirk tugged at my lips. "No. Made a deal. Riding the wave for now."

Rio's silence stretched for a moment before he spoke again. "Fine. And the Bastard? Do You Love Me? Have you seen them?"

I hesitated, my grip tightening on the comm device. "No. We split up. Haven't seen them since."

"Don't die," Rio said, his voice softer but no less commanding. "If you need backup, call me."

"Where are you?"

"Still in the mansion. You go ahead. I'll shadow you."

The line went dead before I could respond. I pocketed the device and returned to the group, my expression schooled into calm detachment.

Kaplan stood at the train controls, his fingers flying over the interface. The faint hum of the engine filled the air, signaling its readiness.

"We're good to go," Kaplan announced.

James stepped aboard, his voice cutting through the noise. "We've got three hours to get in and get out. Kaplan, take us down."

The train lurched forward, grinding against the tracks as it descended into the earth. Shadows danced against the tunnel walls, and the sound of the wheels echoed ominously in the confined space. I leaned against a crate, my eyes flicking to Alice. She stared out the window, her reflection fragmented by the dirty glass. Her expression was unreadable, but the tension in her shoulders spoke volumes.