Chapter 4

It's over… It's finally over. Those were the words Booker relieved her heart with. She needed to hear it. They both needed to hear it. Tired and drained, beaten and bruised, Booker and Elizabeth needed a break, a very long break. Perhaps the two can live happily in Paris, to start fresh and new. One should forgive one's own sin and of others so that they shall be free. But who could absolve Booker of his transgressions? Who could make him forget his past? He was a dead man walking until the fateful day when his eyes first gazed upon a particular blue eyed girl. Elizabeth was his liaison to the light, she was his bridge to absolution. She was his tether of deliverance. Each passing moment beside her was each sin forgiven. Each smile was a wound healed. His past began to fade as they walked together to their future. But what could he offer her? What could he present as gratitude in return? She needed everything that she never got but everyone had. Booker need only one thing but it was the one thing that no one had to give. It can be said that happiness and forgiveness are intertwined. One is not often without the other. This was his new mission now. She was his life and he was hers. They were everything they never had to each other. They were complete together. Their destinies were tied and it was entirely up to conclude the chapter of Columbia.

It was finally over but was it really over? There was the doubt that lingered in Booker's mind and bothered him greatly. It can't be over. That was too short.

He slowly opened his eyes to verify his suspicions and to their surprise, it was the one creature they dreaded to see. "No, not again!" The loathed sound of the familiar screech became all too apparent as the beast zipped past them. Quickly, Booker scrammed for the throttle but to no avail. "No no no no!" Elizabeth said as frantically searched for the accelerator but failed to locate it as well. As the seconds passed Songbird's trajectory became dangerously obvious. The creature was moments away and before they could brace, it crashed into the airship, launching it into furious rotations downward. The once proud airship now tumbled to in pieces. Glass shards flung in all directions and cargo bounced around the cabin as Booker and Elizabeth spun like rag dolls. The remainder of the First Lady crashed into the ground with a deafening impact. Luckily the innards of the ship did not contain hydrogen. The shock knocked him unconscious but Elizabeth wasn't as lucky. "Booker! Booker! Wake up!" she cried. "Booker please wake up! I need you help! Booker, my leg!" Disoriented, he regained consciousness to remember the attack, the fall, and the crash. To his horror, Elizabeth was pinned by large beam of frayed wood. He quickly rushed over to rescue her. As he removed the bar, she screamed from the pain of the large splinters that had pierced her leg. He immediately reached down to help her. With one hand on the finger sized splinter, he looked at Elizabeth and nodded. She bit her lip, cringed, and nodded her head. Quickly, he yanked the sliver from her leg and out came a cry of pain. "Just two more Liz" were his words of encouragement. Taken with great appreciation she grabbed his left hand and squeezed tightly, preparing for the extractions. Out went another large one and a scream followed. "One left" he said as he gripped the last one. She cried from the pain and nodded again, motioning him to finish the job. With the last one yanked Elizabeth whimpered from the sight of her blood and the pain. Blood spilled from her wounds and ran down her thigh. Booker pulled his red ascot off and wrapped her left lefg to stop the bleeding. "Can you stand?" he asked. With determination, she stood to her feet but with help from Booker. They thankfully escaped the airship and made it down the hill of rubble but yet again, another surprise awaited them. There stood the Robert Lutece leaning on a piano while Rosalind Lutece, played a song, Songbird's summoning song.

"What? No! Stop it you're going to bring him back. He's going to come back if you finish that song!"

She shouted at them warning them not to finish. "Booker we have to get over there and stop them. Just carry me if you have to" said Elizabeth as she limped beside Booker while he held her. He lifted her and carried her over to the Luteces, whom seemed to have ignored their presence. And with the last note that Rosalind played Elizabeth responded with fear, "no no no, he's coming back, he's coming back!"

"Not precisely" said Robert.

"With the right note and a tuned instrument" Rosalind began.

"You will get his attention."

"But sing to him a song."

"And he will take you where you need to go."

Booker confused, asked "Just, how do you guys know this?"

"Are you feeling better now?" Rosalind asked Elizabeth

"Do be careful as we can't have you two dead."

"What? w-what are you…" Elizabeth responded in confusion. "Booker my leg. It's healed! Here put me down I think I can stand." Elizabeth said with amazement in her voice. "Who are you?" she asked in wonder.

"We are where we needed"

"And needed where we are" Robert said as he bowed his head.

Elizabeth examined her wounds and to her amazement, her wounds have been healed, as if they never existed. Booker's cravat had no traces of blood. How did they… he wondered in astonishment and looked to them to ask but they vanished. He shook his head and mumbled, "of course." Hmm she wondered. "I just don't know how I recovered so quickly. They must have some kind of power. Maybe one that surpasses mine."

They were more than what they seem and there was something omniscient about them. Those were her thoughts as she took off Booker's ascot and tied a bow around her head. In adoration, Booker smiled as he watched her. The thought of losing her first special memento saddened her. She rested her fingers on her brooch to reassure herself that it was still attached to her choker. It held great sentimental meaning, along with Booker's cravat. She loved silk. It was fancy and soft but she loved it even more because it was his. Her gentle smile turned to Booker and her eyes softened at his figure. Beautiful, picture perfect he thought.

Onwards they walked to an open park showcasing the massive Comstock house. Elizabeth pointed and suggested to search there for the prophet. It was a beautiful view of Columbia apart from the lightning and thunderclouds that surrounded the prophet's home. The sunset casted a gorgeous purple varied with warm colors that painted the sky. It was a shame that Columbia was on siege by the Vox. It could have been a beautiful romantic evening had it not been for rebellion. Elizabeth sat on a bench and gazed out into the open sky admiring its beauty. The refreshing sun rise was all that she saw every day in the tower. She closed her eyes and breathed in the warm air. Being her first sunset, she relished in the moment, not sure of when she'll behold another glorious view. Booker rested next her on the bench and gazed at the horizon. The familiar and inviting presence of Booker soothed her like a lullaby. "It's gorgeous" she said as she rested her head on his broad shoulders and held his hand. It was a mystery to him that her touch made him feel alive. Like a river that smoothed edges, so was her affection that carried away his sins.

Nightfall was bound and Booker decided it was time to scout further. The park was rather large and consisted several more square meters. They walked over a bridge and large structure, Post Prosperity Port, casted a shadow over them as they approached the doors. Elizabeth gasped as Booker opened the door revealing a murderous scene. Corpses were sprawled on the floors and rubble from broken statues littered the area. The founder's bodies were placed on display and their scalps nailed to a board. The walls were vandalized with the blood of the people of Columbia. "Come on, let's keep moving. We don't need to see all of this." Elizabeth questioned her support of Daisy Fitzroy reconsidering her views. Booker mentioned to her that there was no difference between Comstock and Fitzroy. She believed him now. Quickly they exited the building to a gondola docking station for Emporia. The gondola arrived strangely arrived with no one aboard. They carefully board it and pulled the lever and off it crawled to Grand Central Depot.

"Look Booker, there they are again. It's the Luteces." Elizabeth pointed as they passed a platform. With each passing platform the Luteces participated in different activities, painting, sports, and even dancing. There vanishing ability bewildered Elizabeth and Booker. "How are they doing that?" Booker asked.

"I'm not sure," she answered. "Somehow they can disappear without opening any tears. It's like they know everything that we're doing and can come and go as they please. I thought I was the only one." Booker and Elizabeth stared out the windows of the Gondola at the passing Luteces. Puzzled, he question if they were helping them, or hurting them. Somehow Robert seemed familiar. He didn't seem to put forth much care after they disappeared for the final time.

The gondola came to a stop and they exited the Grand Central Depot to the Emporia marketplace. Twilight loomed over Columbia, slowly darkening everything. It was becoming dangerous on the streets of Emporia. They made their way around the fancy shops and houses. Booker quietly opened the door to Emporia Towers and searched for the enemies. It was an elaborate hotel that was once advertised luxury was nothing more than an abandoned building raided by the Vox. Booker and Elizabeth made their way up the steps to a seemingly empty and strangely, untouched room. The bed showed no visible signs of use and everything was spotless. Booker holstered his pistol and approached a window and stared out to Comstock's house. Night had taken over the skies, unveiling smoke and fire from the other floating isles. Booker played with the stubble on his chin and contemplated whether to sneak in or burst in guns blazing. Lightning flashed over all of Emporia and lit the room briefly. It was a perfect night. She sat on a fancy decorated chair and removed her coat in addition to her boots to message her sore feet. The night sky, the quietness, it reminded Elizabeth of when they were on the boardwalk enjoying each other's company. Booker walked over to a tall mirror and began to remove his dirt ridden jacket.

He had forgotten that Elizabeth entered the room with him. In the corner of her eye, she had taken notice to him undressing. Curiously, she glanced over to see that he had already taken his jacket off. She had never beheld such a man. His tall frame, wide chest, large muscles; he was so deadly yet so approachable. Elizabeth studied his physique meticulously. Hey eyes began to wander up and down along his body and in her mind she slowly stripped him of his clothes. Filled with thoughts of engulfing hot images, she quickly looked away. The hand that was on her heart could not forbid the wave of emotion and longing and her eyes. Curious, so curious and yearning for the erotic, she couldn't help the need to look. Her eyes widened as Booker started unbuttoning his shirt. One by one, the buttons popped loose revealing his delightful chest and her heart thumped loudly with each undoing. She was confused at why she desired him so intensely, but welcomed it all. Why am I feeling like this? I can feel myself. It's so warm and tingling. Why? I want him. I need him. The bliss and the love, she wanted to taste every drop. It was alluring her, her drawing her in. Within that minute Booker took off his shirt and immediately, Elizabeth's lips parted as she stared at his chest in full detail. Every inch of his body exposed was a drop of enticing desire in her blood. She wanted to glide her hand on his chest and to be embraced by his masculinity. Her mind gushing with dirty thoughts, she tried once more to hold the passion at bay. With a bright blush, she turned her head and closed her eyes. Hot tempting images of Booker thrusting into her, handling her like an enraged tiger began to torture her body. The throbbing between her slender legs became apparent and she couldn't fight it anymore. She had to have him. She craved Booker taking her and loving her on that night. The tingling sensation was too much to ignore and her intuition led her to her feet. Quietly she approached him and placed her hand on his shoulder. He remembered that she was there with him and apologized. His attempt to reach for his garments were thwarted as she gently held his face and whispered, "no, don't." Her hand gently slid down his neck past his strong shoulders and onto his chest. She wanted to lick every inch and give him her best kept secret. Booker's heart raced as she traced his muscles and curled her fingers. Her lips dripped with the sweet honey of her womanhood, tempting, alluring him to taste. She look up at the man that she had her first kiss with and became lost in his mysterious green eyes. Booker caressed her face and ran his thumb across her parted lips. Her eyes softened as he held her waist. Her heavy breathing had awakened the animal inside him. He could see the passion in those deep blue eyes and her deep desire. Booker's lips slowly hovered closer and closer. She closed her eyes and gasped when his lips touched her soft neck. A shiver crawled up her spine and her lips began to tremble. Her sweet fragrance, her soft and vulnerable body, and the essence of her heart was beginning to drive him mad, mad with love. Again, he kissed her beautifully slender throat. She was melting, melting in his arms. Her body became like hot wax. Elizabeth quietly moaned from his sweet kisses and returned them on Booker's muscular shoulder. Lightly, he kissed and with every kiss becoming more deep and sultry.

He slowly untied her corset unveiling her small and fragile body. So petite and so innocent; her body beckoned him to take what was his. Bare-chested they pressed against each other and kissed fervently under the night sky. Her dress slithered off as they held each other passionately. Before she knew it, she found herself on the bed with her protector, her savior overpowering her and giving her pleasure. Their clothes were on the floor. It happened so fast. She didn't mind. There was nothing else she wanted more than this night. Booker laid closer to her body, his erection rubbed against her throbbing clitoris. With each kiss her body begged for him to slide in. He swayed in an intoxicating rhythm, teasing her and gliding along her clitoris. She was pulsating with hot desperation each time he slid. She was dripping wet and her heart, racing. He nipped at her bottom lip and she gasped at the pleasure Take me, please she begged. Booker was too was enveloped in their love to stop. She was too consumed by his overwhelming love to say no. With one hand he fondled her breast and with the other, he ran his fingers through her hair. He pressed his lips on hers and slid his tongue in her mouth. It felt like velvet and tasted like so delicious to her. His tongue ravaged her mouth, gently and smoothly. He knew everything he was doing and she begged him to continue. The thought of overcoming her enhanced his drive. He wanted her, he wanted all of her. Slowly and gently he entered into her. She was tight, so tight. She whimpered with bliss as he slid inside her. She wanted it and wanted it desperately. He has done with the unthinkable with the innocent girl he met in the tower. He took her preciousness. He was her first. The slight pinch she felt was overcome by the immense pleasure of Booker as he went all in. She gasped a deep breath from the euphoric sensation. So new to love and so tender, she had no idea what to do or say except be swallowed by his love. He slowly pulled and began to thrust. He was so gentle but yet so strong. His love burned like fire and was electrifying like a bolt of lightning. With every inch and every thrust, the erotic feeling pulled her closer and closer to heaven. She loved that he was in control and yearned for him to do as he please with her. She took all that he had to offer. Like venom, love cradled every inch of her body. It was a poisonous delight. They moaned from the shared experience. Booker, I love you she moaned as she curled her toes. Her mind overflowed with gratification knowing the man she loved took her. He locked her fingers on the bed between his and began to thrust faster as he smothered her with kisses neck up. With each pump she was brought to euphoria. Her moaning grew loud and intense. She felt like could fly with him inside her. Like an animal, he leaned back, picked her up with one arm and with the other, pulled her hair. She curved her back as she sat on him. Her chest heaved heavily with panting. She want to feel him everywhere and Booker gave more than what she wanted. He suckled on her breast while thrusting her in his lap. Her nipples hardened by his fierce tongue. It excited her, increasing her pleasure as she wrapped her legs around his waist as she rode him. Closer and closer they came to orgasm. Booker grunted from the pleasure. He had her and did her like a sex demon. He was unrelenting in his thrusting and effort. Faster and faster she rode him, Booker! she moaned loudly as she climaxing. She was almost there. She could feel it she was so close; the most amazing feeling in the world. And it was Booker, the man that she loved that was taking her there. She flipped her damp hair back and enthralled in her elation. Ecstasy beyond what her senses could captivate; pleasure above what she could ever imagine. She was there. She was in heaven and total paradise. She was in absolute bliss.

She had mirrored the very essence nirvana. Sweat dripped from their bodies as they caressed each other in a state of dreamy heaven. She breathed heavily as her first was Booker's best. He came inside of her. With no regret or hesitation, he filled her with his love. She stroked his face full of stubble and sweat. Her body quivered from the intensity of their sex. Their eyes locked and their souls danced. From the pit of his heart he whispered, I love you, Liz. Her world was now complete in him. He was everything to her. She leaned in to give him the last of her energy, one last kiss. Her lips, soft as a rose pedal glazed his lips. She grazed her lips passed his nose and with a sweet touch, she kissed his forehead. Promise me, Booker... Promise me that you'll always be mine. If I ever lose you, promise that you'll come for me. With her last wish, Elizabeth fell asleep in the arms of her lover. Carefully booker laid down and held her close to his body and fell fast asleep in the coolness of the night.

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Booker woke up to the bright sun and blue skies. He attempted to shade the sun with his arm. He looked around and squinted and scanned the area and to his alarm, he was surrounded by white clouds. He looked around to realize he was on top of Monument Island, overlooking all of Columbia. He lifted himself up and wondered how he got there. There was no rushing wind or Songbird, or Vox Populi. He spun around to see if Elizabeth was near. Realizing she was strangely absent, he called for Elizabeth. With no answer, he called for her louder. It was strange to him but what was more obscure was waking up in a different place and seemingly time. "This has to be a dream. I was with Elizabeth last night. T-This tower, was destroyed. I rescued her. How can I be here again? That's impossible!"

"Impossible is relative"

"Possibility is relevant"

Booker quickly turned around to and to his astonishment, it was the least of whom he expected. "How the hell did you two get here? Why am I here? What's going on? Where's Elizabeth?"

"Are you sure you are asking in the right order?" asked, Robert.

"It depends on which order he wanted" Rosalind added.

"Want or wanted?"

"Doesn't matter does it?"

Booker couldn't believe he was stranded over 15,000 feet in the air dealing with twins who were out of their minds. He rubbed his face and in slight frustration, he asked if they could help him get off of the monument and find Elizabeth.

"She is right when you left her."

"Safe and sound."

Confused, he asked, "When I left her? That doesn't make sense. I asked where not when."

"The time for you to choose approaches quickly."

"Choose and choose wisely."

"The choices you choose."

"Will be like a ripple in a pond."

"It is yours to make."

"And yours alone."

"We shall be watching" Robert said as he flipped a coin at Booker. With precision, he snatched the coin in mid-air. "Tell me who you guys are!" The sun's rays blinded Booker and when he opened his eyes, they were gone. At that moment, the skies turned dark and gray and the clouds covered the sun. Billows of smoke emanated from the neighboring isles and the winds came rushing in. Booker opened his hand to reveal the same side of the coin that he flipped when he first arrived. "Tails…" he said in bewilderment. His vision began to blur and his nose started to bleed. He felt for blood and it was there, it was real. The tower beneath him began to slowly disintegrate and he started to panic. "What the hell? What do I do now?!" The foundations of the monument shook and rumbled from its own weight. At its rate of degradation, the tower will collapse within a few minutes. "Elizabeth!" he yelled.

"Liz! Where are you?!"

..