**Chapter 1: Rookie Cop**

The darkness of the night swallowed the streets of Raccoon City, leaving only the faint glow of streetlights to guide the way. Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie cop with a determined look on his face, drove down the deserted streets in his patrol car, the radio crackling with urgent messages. He had just arrived in town, eager to start his new job, but the atmosphere was tense. Reports of a mysterious outbreak had been flooding in, and the police department was on high alert. As he turned onto a side street, his radio squawked to life. "All units, be advised that we have a Code Red at the Raccoon City Police Department. Reports of a disturbance within the building. Requesting backup." The voice on the radio was laced with urgency, and Leon's grip on the steering wheel tightened. This was his chance to prove himself on his first day. He pulled up to the police department, a large, imposing building with a faded sign creaking in the wind. The parking lot was empty, except for a few police cars with flashing lights. Leon grabbed his hat and badge, and rushed out of his car, joining the other officers rushing to respond to the emergency. As he entered the building, he noticed a young girl, probably in her early teens, with piercing green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair, cowering in the corner. She looked scared and out of place amidst the chaos. "Hey, are you okay?" Leon asked, approaching her cautiously. The girl, Ellie, looked up at him with tears welling up in her eyes. "P-please, you have to help me. My mom... she was a cop. She was working here when... when it happened." Ellie's voice trembled as she spoke. Leon's expression softened, and he knelt down beside her. "What's your name, kiddo?" "I'm Ellie," she replied, sniffling. Just then, a loud crash echoed through the hallway, followed by the sound of groaning and screams. The lights flickered, and the building's intercom system crackled to life. "Attention, all survivors... this is... uh... Bravo Team... be advised... we have... uh... a situation... contained... within the... uh... west wing... please... evacuate... immediately." Leon's eyes widened as he looked at Ellie. "We need to get out of here, now." He quickly scanned the area, taking in the dimly lit hallways and the eerie silence. As they made their way through the deserted hallways, they stumbled upon a group of officers, armed to the teeth, trying to barricade themselves in a room. "What's going on?" Leon asked, drawing his gun. One of the officers, a grizzled veteran, looked up at him. "It's the T-virus. It's spreading fast. We're trying to hold out, but... we don't know what's happening." Leon's eyes locked onto Ellie, who was watching the scene with wide eyes. He knew he had to protect her. "We need to find a way out of here," he said, determination etched on his face. As they prepared to make a move, a loud crash shook the floor, and the sound of shattering glass filled the air. The officers exchanged nervous glances. "It's coming," one of them whispered. Leon's grip on his gun tightened. He knew they had to act fast. "Let's go," he said, ushering Ellie towards the door. But as they stepped out into the hallway, they were met with a sight that made Leon's blood run cold. A horde of grotesque, zombie-like creatures shambled towards them, their eyes fixed on the pair. Leon's training kicked in, and he raised his gun, ready to face the horrors that lay ahead. Ellie clung to his arm, her eyes wide with fear. The nightmare had just begun, and Leon was determined to survive, no matter what it took. But for now, they had to make it through the night, and find a way out of the besieged police department. The question was, could they make it out alive?