Let it be known that it has been years since a story on this account was published. As of now, the latest story known as "Meet the Topsides!" will change that. But keep in mind of the following:
It's an AU (alternative universe), meaning the ending of the original game changed thanks to these two letters.
There will be a major character who is an OC much later in the story.
Delta's identity, or lack thereof, will still be known as "Johnny Topside", even though it is a nickname that was given to him by the citizens of Rapture.
Until the story reaches a certain point, Delta's speech (groans) will be translated in bold italics.
And, finally, be courteous; flames are not appreciated but constructive criticism is.
Disclaimer: The BioShock series isn't owned by YuMiKo Productions.
And now, let the story begin!
Delta caught sight of Eleanor, looking at him with eyes of sadness and assurance that the "Rapture Dream" was over and that they had finally reached the surface. The sight of the beautiful colors that painted the sky confirmed it: they were both free from the Great Chain of Andrew Ryan and were safe from the ocean's crumbling city as well as its dangers.
"You are my conscience, Father. And I need you to guide me."
He groaned in pain from the severed bond, but mostly from still being able to hear his Gatherer speak inside his head; how long would he suffer until death gripped his broken form? His train of thought was shattered when he heard Eleanor speak to him, her face filled with worry.
"Father? What's wrong? Are you weakening from the journey? Please, hang on a little longer."
The purpose of his quest throughout Rapture got up and pulled the aching Protector to sit up against the lifeboat submersible. After this was done, Eleanor quickly rounded up her "sisters" to his side. They hugged his arms and wrapped themselves around his torso, an act of affection for their savior.
"You cannot die, Father…we are Utopia. My heart may have stopped for a short while, but I have not perished. Death is a phase in which you arrive at when you are ready. Your time is not near and to prove it…"
Her expression changed into one of determination and seriousness.
"…you must breathe in the next chapter of your life."
Delta watched silently as he saw his former Little Sister place her hands on the seal of his helmet. He suddenly felt his heartbeat quicken and flinched in fear, attempting to get away from her. Eleanor gave a pleading look to him, but then frowned upon realizing why her father had tried to flee.
"Don't worry, Father. I promise that you won't have to feel that pain. Not again, not ever. Death will only come to you by age, never by a golden luger pistol. Now, get ready to feel the air of your victory touch your face."
Slowly, the copper-colored helmet came off his head, a loud hissing noise erupting as it left. Delta gave a whine as he shielded his eyes from the bright sun that obscured his vision. He was too afraid to breathe as he discovered that he was in the same state that caused him to die the first time. A gentle voice soon calmed him down from his panic attack.
"It's okay. Open your eyes now, Father. Otherwise, you'll miss the beautiful sunrise."
The Big Daddy blinked repeatedly and within moments he discovered the sight that made his arduous objective worth the sacrifice and pain.
"Isn't it a sight to behold, Father?"
It was Eleanor smiling happily at him, the sunlight shining down on her.
"…"
He wanted to agree with her, but feared that saying "yes" would only sound like a whale's cry. Delta felt frustrated by his vocal condition and wished he could speak to Eleanor without sounding like the being he was spliced to become. How was he supposed to enjoy topside without the constant reminder that he was a part of Rapture's history? Again, Eleanor invaded his thoughts with permission to use his ability of speech.
"I understand you cannot communicate properly, but we'll find a way. Just...let me know. Please?"
He was disappointed that she accepted his handicap for the moment, but was startled that she wanted to hear him groan, to make a sound that allowed her to know he was on par with her opinion. That, or it was to ensure he would not perish before her.
A groan escaped his lips; it was low like a whisper but it sounded as if he agreed with her view of the outside world.
"Yes, it is indeed beautiful, Eleanor."
That was what he wanted to say, hoping she would know his answer.
He caught sight of Eleanor's reaction; she merely continued to smile at him as the children surrounding him giggled. He felt embarrassed about his gentle tone, but felt that he would have to adapt to a way of talking if he was going to live a life topside.
"You don't look bad for a former inmate of Persephone…The resemblance is uncanny, Father. Don't you agree?"
She spoke to him again, goading him into talking to her with his altered voice. He gave a deep exhale and realized that the air didn't taste filthy but rather salty thanks to the sea water. Delta finally spoke once more with another groan after droning in defeat to Eleanor's question.
"…What do you mean, Eleanor?"
Delta wanted his words to be heard instead of grunts and groans, but seeing Eleanor smile made the Tin Daddy feel okay.
"Your face, Father. You appear to be a little, well, aged, but in all, you look so close to me. Don't tell me you've forgotten how your own reflection is?"
A frown formed on his face, that much he could tell; he had no memory of his old life, let alone how he looked. This confirmed Eleanor's question, shifting her humorous smile into a distressed expression.
"Oh, Father, I'm so sorry. But now you're no longer a man without a face. Look into the ocean and see who you are. Here, we'll help you."
The former Little Sisters grabbed his gloved hands as Eleanor helped him to his feet. She took his hand and guided him to the edge of the submersible toward the water. Delta felt his heart race again, feeling excitement and anxiety at the thought of seeing his own appearance, his face, in so long. He had indeed forgotten how he looked since his transformation into a Protector and felt that due to all the splicing he endured, it would not be a pretty picture. Regardless of his opinion, Eleanor continued to direct him to the end of their lifeboat and assisted him to sit on his knees.
"Go on, look. You aren't afraid, are you?"
"Of course I am, Eleanor."
He groaned once more, but that was all that came out of his lips. Eleanor motioned him to look at the water's surface. With another deep sigh, Delta locked his eyes onto his reflection.
His eyes widened with stunned silence as he held his breath with astonishment at the sight of his face. The Alpha Series Big Daddy was impressed that his appearance, or at the very least his entire expression was that of a human; there were no tumors that foretold the side effects of excess ADAM usage, missing parts of flesh or visible brain matter on his cranium. This normalcy might've been due to the fact he was brought back to life in the Vita Chamber with a clean bill of health, but he paid it no mind.
His eyes were a fine blue that he realized matched Eleanor's. The skin tone was a pasty white, but that was to be expected from the lack of sun as well as being contained in a diving suit for years on end. A patch of stubble decorated his chin that was connected to his emaciated jaw that touched some of his unruly, brown hair, twisted with bangs. Delta forced himself to smile; all things considered, he wasn't bad looking at all.
"It must be fate that we look alike."
Before he could turn his head, Eleanor peeked over the water beside him, smiling at the waves.
"Even if we're not bonded through blood, I'll still call you my father."
"And you, my daughter."
The man known as Johnny Topside gave a groan as he looked outward to the ocean and its horizon. The children surrounded the two and smiled as they handed Eleanor a doll that he easily recognized. Delta watched her hand slowly turn, allowing the doll to loosen from her grip and fall back into the sea below them.
"Eleanor…"
"We must choose carefully, Father. In our story, Rapture was just the beginning."
She reached for his hand and embraced her savior from the depths of the dilapidated dystopia in which he returned the action. The little girls giggled and held each other, mimicking the actions the two displayed. As Delta looked down at the young woman who had saved him from the precipice of death, he noticed something unsettling in her eyes.
Fear and distress were burning in them.
"What is the matter? Eleanor? Did I offend you in some way? Ele-?"
His groaning was interrupted by a bullet grazing the side of his head, searing skin in the process.
"Father!"
Delta fell to the ground, the pain overwhelming him. He had heard the sound of the bullet before, many years ago. The scenario was all too familiar: he had removed his helmet, he was on his knees and had just succeeded in protecting Eleanor from danger.
A voice called out to him, bringing more pain to his psyche.
"I'll admit that my aim was off, but the sudden glare of the sun in the skyline was the culprit. Besides that, I'm more surprised you're still alive, Delta."
He averted his eyes from Eleanor and struggled to see the assailant wielding the pistol.
"Don't try to get up, you're perfectly harmless now."
It was Sofia Lamb, drenched and exhausted from the departure of Rapture, but still carrying the strength to murder the man who had destroyed her vision of Utopia.
Sorry to leave you at a cliff hanger, but have no fear, the next chapter has been planned out and will be available to you soon! Please review; constructive criticism or praise is appreciated.
