Burial at Sea
"That's the good part about dying; when you've nothing to lose, you run any risk you want."-Ray Bradbury
In my experience, when the leader of a city that basically warships him calls you a thief or anything of the sort, it means something very bad is going to happen to you right quick.
"Look, Mr. Ryan," I started, "We don't mean you any harm. We just want to get someone out of here." I said, trying to be as polite as I could. But talking to a man on a screen in a dark room is kinda scary, I'm not gonna lie.
"Oh? And why shouldn't I have my men break down that door and kill the three of you for attempting to break out Atlas and his men?" he asked cooly, missing a beat.
"Because, she's one of the girls that you turned into ADAM factories!" I accused, trying to sit up but failing. I think the Handyman cracked a damn rib, and it hurts. A lot.
"If it's a little sister you want, I have more than enough-" he started, so wait, first he threatens us, then he tries to make a deal with us? What a guy.
I shook my head from these thoughts, "She's family you fucking ghoul! And that's the only reason we're helping Atlas, and I have not come this far to have some of your goons kill me." I said as I finally stood, it may have been a lie but still. Elizabeth and Patrick stood beside me and helped me up.
Ryan let out a chuckle, "I must say young man, your conviction is commendable. But Atlas...Atlas isn't a risk I'm willing to take...he's playing you all for fools...in the end. He will kill you all." he stated before the lights came back on and the lights shut off.
Patrick reloaded his shotgun, "Of course not before he tries to take a shot at us." he said. Really hope he's not gonna send a army for us, hopefully he doesn't send a Big Daddy either.
Elizabeth looked to the doors, her fave grew worried at what she saw, "They're coming, a lot of them. " she said with fear in her voice. I looked into my hand cannon, I had a abundance of ammo from Columbia, and since that is the only way out of here, we need to make a stand.
I noticed a shimmer by the doorway, my eyes widened, that would definitely come in handy, but I think I'll save that for door flew open and twelve of Ryan's men came in the room.
Me, Patrick, and Elizabeth climbed over the counter as I threw a Devil's Kiss at the group. The fire took three if the men's lives away while me and Patrick took care of four more. Before we could take care of the other five, Elizabeth shot a gas bolt at the center of the group, they all wavered before falling to the ground unconscious.
I let out a sigh if relief, "Guess Ryan's gonna need to look for new henchmen." I said aloud, getting a nod from the both if them. "Ok...we got the Lutece crap, so what now?" I asked. We did not exactly discuss what to do once we had the thing anyway.
"Can't we just turn it on here? What's the problem?" Patrick asked, it sounded plausible, besides what could happen?
Elizabeth shook her head, "Not unless you want us to crash into the side of the reef and drown. " Elizabeth said, fading my thoughts. She went over to a drawer in the counter, "I found these when I went to find a way in here, they're schematics for the whole department store." she explained, unrolling the paper.
She pointed to the structure that connected at one point. "This place would be the best place for us to put the Lutece Particle. All the major supports connect here, if we activate it here, than it should lift the prison up to Rapture." Elizabeth explained.
Patrick pointed to the room where the supports met, "That's Frank Fontaine's office, and that must be that MantaRay Lounge. But I never seen a way to Fontaine's place from there..."
"What's this I'm heading about Fontaine! In case the three of you haven't noticed, Andrew Ryan's cleaning house! Now or never kiddies!" Atlas shouted over the radio.
Elizabeth grabbed the radio, "We got the way out of here, but the only way it would work is if we can get to Fontaine's office. You know a way there?" she asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do, there's a elevator through the MantaRay, it's in the employee only area." Atlas said, "Now of your gonna do something, you better move your arses!" he said before the radio cut out.
Nice guy, really.
"Ok, we basically got a small army between us and that elevator...how much ammunition do we have?" Patrick asked. Me and Elizabeth checked our weapons.
"I got a couple magazines worth for my hand cannon." I said, that's decent at least, plus all the bullets that anyone we take down may have.
Elizabeth counted the darts she had, "Two gas ones, three sleep ones, and one with a broken fletcher." she said said as she went through them.
Patrick reloaded the shotgun, "And I got sixteen shells. So...in reality our odds are pretty good, just need to-" he stopped when the ground shook.
And a loud groan was heard outside the door. Fuck...oh wait. "Elizabeth, see the tear by the door?" I masked as I put the bullets in the chamber of my gun.
She looked for a moment and grinned, "This…is going to be fun to watch." she said, I agreed completely, Patrick looked at us both strangely but didn't question us.
When the Big Daddy entered the room, Elizabeth brought the Handyman into existence.
For a moment the two just stared at one another, that was until the Handyman jumped over and punched the small man thing.
The Big Daddy shook it off and threw his drill hand forward but the Handyman jumped out of the way. This was extremely amazing, Elizabeth and Patrick where both enthralled in the fight as much as I was.
None of us noticed the drill go towards the machine.
When the sparks began to fly we decided to make our exit while the two giants fraught it out. As the alarm went off in the lab, we bolted for the closing door. When we where on the other side, we heard the sound of a tear opening behind the door.
We all glanced at the door, "You guys don't think that those two are fighting the sea of lighthouses?" I asked, last thing I needed to worry about right now was those two destroying a innocent universe.
If there's such a thing.
"They probably got transported somewhere else." Elizabeth said, putting my mind at ease. "Ok, let's head to the MantaRay." she said, I nodded and we made our way out of the Silver Spoon restaurant.
...
This place was going to hell in a hand basket. It was just like the Vox and the Founders. Only this time it was Ryan's men and Splicers. Thank god that they where so interested in each other that we managed to get to the lunge with little difficulty.
This place was a mess before this place was turned into a prison. You know how in those wild party movies and the place gets pretty trashed? Yep, like that.
And it was full of Atlas's men as well. I looked at Patrick, "You and me clear out below," I turned to Elizabeth, "and you get up somewhere high where you can cover us." The both nodded, Parick stayed close to me while Elizabeth used the freight hooks to get up to the rafters.
When we got to the bar, I looked up at Elizabeth, she held up nine fingers. Okay, mine bad guys, not so bad all things considered. Standing up behind the bar, I aimed at the closet man and fired at his head, the bullet tore through his skull, making the others turn to us.
Patrick fired a buckshot towards two men, they both crumbled without a shot fired. Before I could shoot another one, Patrick pulled me down below the counter as a machine gun shattered the bottles of alcohol on the shelves behind us.
After a few seconds, the sound of gunfire stopped, I peered over in time to see him waver and fall down. Thank you Elizabeth. "There! Kill the girl!" NO!
I jumped over the counter and shot the bastard who said that in the throat. His two other friends fired at me but my shield absorbed the impact of his bullets, I threw a Bucking Bronco their way and usedShock Jokey to fry them in midair.
Ok, that's eight, so where the last one?
Before I could react, a man 'poofed' right I'm front of me and blew me back with a fireball. What the hell!
I landed on a wooden table, my rib throbbed with pain. I sat up and saw the guy who smacked me back, it looked like a Fireman mixed with a Boy of Silence. He disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Make that part Crow as well. Just great.
Patrick rushed over and helped me up from the rubble, "You okay?" he asked with concern, I gave a nod in response. Shit I think he broke that rib...
"Back to back. He'll try and get on our blindside ." I advised as I stood to Patrick's back. After a moment it looked like he had retreated.
Patrick's shotgun rung out behind me, I looked over in time to see a bit of blood splatter over the floor. Well he nicked him at least. I saw him appear right in front if me c before he could act, I used Old Man Winter to keep him in place. Patrick turned and fired, shattering the man.
Well thank god that's over, I saw Elizabeth land and come over to us, "Are you two okay?" she asked with concern. The throbbing pain in my rib age couldn't be ignored any longer.
"I may have possibly broken a rib." I said, clutching it. I began to feel a little dizzy but Patrick caught me, "Okay, make that probably." I said as the pain increased.
"I saw a side room on the blueprints to this place." Elizabeth stared while Patrick hoisted me up, "Fallow me, it should be this way." she said, leading me and Patrick down a corridor.
…
"I don't understand, it should be right here." Elizabeth said, she had led us through the restaurant to a table with three wine bottles, one of which was facing the opposite way of the others.
"Maybe you read it wrong?" Patrick asked, we both gave him a unbelieving look. "Yeah, forget I said that. My bad." he apologized, I kept looking at the one bottle...I wonder...
I grabbed the bottle and spun it so that it faced the same way that the other bottles where. There was a click, and then the table descended into the floor, so that the bottles where still sticking out, and the wall behind it slid up. "Holy crap." I muttered.
The inside of the room was more shocking, there was wigs, makeup...and a picture of Atlas...and Frank Fontaine...
"Atlas...and Fontaine...son of a bitch." Elizabeth said in realization. No fucking way...
"Look, as...eye opening this is...we should pretend we never saw this." Patrick said, "If he's willing to go this far to fake his death, then we shouldn't bring this up. At all." he had a point, if he found out we knew his secret, he'd kill us.
Elizabeth looked over to Patrick, "Could you…"
"I got it, I got it, guard duty. I'm always stuck with it." he muttered as he went to guard the exit. He's like a five year old in a grown man's body isn't he?
Elizabeth say me down in a chair and took off my jacket, "Let's see here.." I lifted up my shirt enough for her to see the extent of the damage. She poked and prodded at it for a few before giving her diagnostic. "It looks like the rib was bruised by the Handyman and it has a hairline fracture now, it should heal on it down in a few weeks. But given that little healing factor of yours it should be a few days." she said.
"Have I mentioned that you should be a doctor? I mean it too, your amazing medic." I said as she picked up a nearby first aid kit. Pulling out some tape, she wrapped it around my body and over the rib.
"Thanks, but let's focus on surviving this before we think about what I should look for as a job." she said, cutting the tape. I sat in silence as I watched her work, what Ryan said to us was still in my head, Atlas is playing us all for fools...and we 'll all get killed in the end.
The whole reason I agreed to come here in the first place was to make sure Elizabeth lived. Even of it meant that I paid the ultimate price, and if we keep going on... I'm not sure any of us will get out of here.
"There, all done." she said As she finished up. I cannot lose Elizabeth, I just can't. I saw the sleep darts sticking out if the side of her dress.
Before Elizabeth could say anything, I wrapped my arms around her, "I love you Elizabeth..." she was taken back by my sudden action but returned it nonetheless.
"I love you too Jacob." she replied as she leaned against my chest, avoiding the taped up rib. I wrapped my arms around her waist, she slid her arms up around my neck.
"Even if I did something that you'd hate me for?" I asked, my hands slid down towards the hem of her skirt.
She let out a curt laugh, "Oh come on, what could you possibly do that I'd hate you for ? In all honesty you sorta already did." Ok yeah good point, I can't fault her there, that's for sure.
"I'm sorry."
I grabbed the broken dart and jammed it into her shoulder, she pushed me away, "Jacob! What the hell did...you..." she started to sway back and forth. I ran forward and caught her.
"I came here to make sure you where safe, and Atlas isn't going to hold up his end of the deal...I love you Elizabeth." I said quickly before her eyes closed. I picked her up bridal style and lied her down on the ground and put my jacket over her.
I looked around and found what looked like a tape recorder. I eased what was on the tape and pressed record.
Elizabeth,
You must hate me right now. And I don't blame you, but please just read on and let me explain why I did what I did.
You and I both know that Atlas will just use us like tools. It's what men like him do, and when he's done with with us...he'll just kill us.
So I'll go alone.
I'll tell Patrick that you got hit and didn't want to tell us, I'll make him go get a med kit and I'll stay with you.
I love you Elizabeth. I love you so much...and if I have to die, so that you can live...of course I'll do it. Get Patrick out of here, find Sally, and get them both out of here.
I swear I love you Elizabeth. Don't question that. Ever. I love you so much that if I had to, I'd go through Columbia all over again just to spend more time with you.
Tell my mom...tell her, I hope that she understands.
And if I survive this ordeal...I don't know.
I love you Elizabeth Dewitt, until the end of time itself.
I put the recorder in my jacket so that it was sticking out of the coat, I kissed her on her lips, "Goodbye...my love."
I turned to see Patrick standing over us, "Uhhhhh...ok I got nothing." I said, it wasn't like I could explain the dart in her shoulder.
"If you think I'm just gonna stay behind while my son goes off and gets himself killed?" He asked, making me stop at the word 'son'. "Your not the only one who thought of it...so...here's what is going to happen. We're going to lock this room up so no one can come along and hurt her," he said, pointing at Elizabeth.
"And then we both go up to the room, and we'll work it out from there." Patrick said, his voice showing no room for convincing whatsoever.
I sighed, "All right..." I replied reluctantly. Patrick nodded, I gave Elizabeth one last kiss. We turned the bottle back and the hidden room became just that again, hidden from the world.
…
Find the elevator was easy enough, as we rode the small box up the top floor. This is it...for real, I'm going to die..."How's your mother doing?" Patrick asked.
I looked at him with skepticism. Right now of all times he's asking how my on is doing? Before I replied, I saw the look in his eyes, it was the same one I had when I was about to end Comstock for once and for all.
He knew we where going to die. And all he wanted was a little comfort.
"She's great. Snarky as ever but great." I said, he smiled at that. "How...how did you too meet exactly?" I asked.
Patrick smiled, "We met each other after I got out of high school. We we here pretty good friends...then when I decided to join the army, she kissed me right before I had to go. Said that we where together now, and 'Not to let me catch you with a damn hooked' anytime soon." We both chuckled at that.
"I snuck off to see her every time I got leave...and also when I wasn't supposed to leave." he said, tugging on his shirt collar. Holy crap, I mean I get that when your crazy about someone you do stupid things for them, look at me and Elizabeth, but still.
Guess it runs in the family.
He let out a sigh, "A few days before I was about to head out, she...convinced me that we should get married." he said, brushing some imaginary dust off his nose.
"Wait, mom proposed to you?" I asked chucking. I mean it really wasn't that big of a surprise, mom was a determined woman, you try and sell her something and you'll sell it for half price.
"Well...I liked saying what I said..." he muttered, his face shading red. "But when I got back I...changed." he said. I nodded, I can put the picture together afterwords.
We where almost to the top floor, "If it helps. She never got over you." I said as the doors opened. The office was pretty big, in the center was a model of the department store, at the far end of the room was a desk in front if a large thing of glass, "Okay, so where do we put the thing at?" I questioned.
Patrick looked over to the supports, "I'd bet that where those beams would be a best bet as any. " I nodded and looked up to the ceiling. The four pillars met up at a central point, under the model of the department store.
Climbing up the model, I got as close as I could, "Here's hoping that we don't drown when this thing goes through the-Woah!" The cylinder shit out of my hands and went towards the ceiling the moment I turned the cap on it.
"Bloody hell kid! You did it!" Atlas shouted over the radio. Huh...maybe I was wrong about Atlas...
Oh crap. Elizabeth is going to skin me alive when she wakes up…
"Elizabeth is going to kill me when-" I started as I descended the model, turning around, I saw we where no longer alone.
Atlas' men had found us, and they knocked out Patrick, well on the bright side Elizabeth won't kill me. A familiar face came forward, it was the same guy I decked in the face when he threatened Elizabeth. "Well...can I just say I'm sort for earlier?" He grinned before he smacked me in the face with the but if his gun.
Worth a shot...
...
When I opened my eyes a bag was over my head, son of a bitch Atlas! "Now, where is it?" Speak of the devil.
Atlas pulled the bag off my head, "Where is the ace in the hole?" he asked me. The what? "Don't play dumb, you where in Suchong's lab. How else would you know where it was if you didn't work for him?"
I was in some sort of office now, I didn't recognize it but I was more concerned that I was tied to a chair, "I don't know what the hell your talking about Atlas, we found- "
His boot connected with my ribs, "DO NOT LIE TO ME!" he shouted, fuck that hurt! "I'll ask this again. Where. Is. The ace in the hole?" he asked.
"And let me repeat myself, I don't know what the hell that is!" I yelled back. This time it was a strike across the face. Where's my shield when I need it?
"Look boy'o. I don't want to hurt ya, your friend was spewing the same lies as before, and I don't believe that as much as I do now." Atlas said, bending down to my eye level.
I spit on him, "I don't know, so if your gonna kill me, get it over with." I spat out. If you want to kill me fine, don't drag it out , just get it over with.
Atlas actually smiled, "Doctor, do your thing." he said. Oh shit...I hated doctors since Pettifong, I just have a urge to punch the guy just because, I know that's bad and they almost always help people out but still. "Get him talking, one way or another." Atlas said as he walked away and shut a door.
There was nothing but silence for a moment, "Do you know how far medicine has come?" A thick accented man asked. A arm came around from the side of my head, "Far enough to make this. They call it Truth Serum."
He held out a shot with his other hand.
I hate needles. I fucking hate needles with every fiber of my being.
So when he stuck that thing in my arm I wanted to scream but...it's...all...starting to get...fuzzy...the ocean is blue...that's such a pretty color...
…
Oh holy mother if Christ...my head hurts so bad it's like someone put a axe into head. "Well, sleeping beauty is finally waking up." Atlas...not so loud.
I creaked open my eyes and saw my dad tied to a chair with so many bruises on him I couldn't begin to count. "Three weeks, you know how long that is for me? Three fucking weeks of nothing but a ace called Columbia!" he yelled at me.
Three weeks! All I remember is being injected with that stupid serum! I looked over at Patrick, "He's right, you've been doped up for while." he said, confirming my suspicions.
Elizabeth, she must have gotten out of here by now, she must have.
"Now, we're gonna try something new. Now I'm not a big science type . But I keep up on the current literature, and I'm not like Dr. Stienmen. But he has made these wonderful advancements here." he went over to a small tray.
"This is called a Trasorbital Lobotomy." Atlas said, raising a pick and a small medical hammer.
I've seen One Flew Over the Cookuo's Nest I know where this goes! "Pull his head back." I felt a hand on the back of my head, Patrick was saying something but I didn't fully register it.
He peeled my eyelid back and ran it over my eyeball, "GAAAAHHHHHHH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. The cool metal pressed against my sensitive flesh, it stopped at the bone.
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!
"This 'ere, this is the prefrontal lobe. This 'ere is in charge of a lot of things," he used the hammer on the pike.
Gahafgdfighyfvdy!
"It controls memories," another Ping.
"Emotions," another ping.
"And most importantly personality." another Ping.
I started laughing. Laughing...my god...I lost it. Atlas gave me the widest eyes look I've ever seen, Patrick too. "You think that scares me Atlas?" I asked, he withdrew the pike in my eye.
"You think I'm...appalled by the idea? Losing who I am...that actually sounds pretty fucking good right now...and you know what the funny part is? If you kill me, or him, neither of us will ever talk to you again...and you know that...don't you?" I asked.
Atlas ran a hand over his face, "The thought has occurred to me lad...which is why we brought her." No...
One man pushed a gurney in between where me and Patrick where sitting. On it was the one girl we did this all for.
Sally.
"No! I swear to Christ I'll kill you!" Patrick shouted over the Little Sister's whimpering. This can't be happening this can't be happening this can't be happening!
"Now little girl, do you know what this is?" Atlas asked. This is insane! I looked down at the girl, what did he even mean?! Ace in the hole? Suchong? He just thinks we're lying but we're being honest for Christ's sake!
Maybe it's time we stopped.
"Suchong has it!" I exclaimed. Atlas and Patrick stopped and stared at me, "When we got to his lab, he told us it was useless to try and take it. Said it's safe and sound up here with me in my lab." I lied.
Please god let him but it.
He chuckled, "Well ain't that a coincidence, Souchong's got every ugh he's got pointing at the front door, coded to shoot my men's genetic key." he said.
"All but you two." Shit. Well it's better than staying here and poking my brain.
…
Me and Patrick were pushed out if the Bathysphere, "Get us the ace, and then find us." he said, closing the doors and leaving me and Patrick alone.
He turned to me and helped me up, "Could have told them sooner about the doc." he said. I still was feeling the affects of that serum wearing off and I was so dizzy.
"Only reason I told him was because made it up." I said, trying to stand on my own , "He's not gonna kill Sally , that's for damn sure." I said with determination.
I gently pushed Patrick away, I managed to stand in my own. "Your a clever little bastard aren't ya?" Patrick asked with happiness in his voice. He messed my hair up, "That's my boy!"
Moving into the next room, we moved past diagrams, charts and papers on the floor. After passing through a few room, we stopped dead in our tracks. In front of is was a damaged Big Daddy. How many of these damn things are there?!
"Don't tell me we gotta move this thing." I said, we could not lift this guy in our current condition.
"Mr. Bubbles is scary." We both turned to see two Little Sisters huddled together in a corner, cowering from the monster. Part of me wanted to join them, those things are terrifying after all.
We went on either side of him and grabbed onto something solid, "On three, one two-Gah!" the big guy let out a small roar. We both backed away rapidly from him. I looked over to the Little Sisters, "You two got any ideas on how to move the big guy?" I asked, they both shook their heads.
Of course.
I nudged Patrick, "Come on, maybe something that could help us around here." we both went back into the room and searched for a crowbar or something to move the big guy.
I opened a drawer and didn't find anything but a pack of cigarettes. These things will kill me, I tossed the carton away and resumed my search. "Hey look at this." Patrick called out, looking at a parchment .
I looked over his shoulder at it the paper, "Hey...that's the same code like on that plan for the Lutece machine." I said, recognizing the format. "Can you read it?" I asked.
Patrick shrugged, "I can give it a try." he said. After a few moments he read it aloud, "Big Daddy bonding process failed. Stupid beast does not realize he needs ADAM from Little Sisters to keep live."
ADAM...
"The Little Sisters! Come on !" I said, grabbing Patrick by the arm and dragging him towards the downed Big Daddy. Entering the room, I crouched down to eye level with the girls. "Hey, do you wanna help the big man?" I asked.
The little girls looked at each other with they're glowing yellow eyes and back to me, "We'll help Mr. Bubbles." one said, taking out a...fuck.
A big needle, how refreshing. One of them drew what looked like blood from the other girl's pinky. She only said ow. She then climbed onto the Big Daddy and injected the ADAM into him.
His lights flickered for a moments before he stood with bright green eyeholes. Me and Patrick made way while he walked out of the room, the girls climbing over him like kids on a jungle-gym.
Awwww.
Me and Patrick made our way towards Suchong's lab.
…
We entered through a heavily locked door and saw the man of the hour behind a one-way mirror, "Papa Suchong, do you want to come play?" A little sister asked.
I'll give you the shortened version, he got annoyed and slapped the little girl. And before I could tear him a new asshole, a familiar Big Daddy charged through the door and impailed him on his own operating table.
The glass shattered as the room shook from his drill being spun through his chest cavity. Me and Patrick kept to the shadows as the big guy yanked his arm out...but he forgot his drill.
When he exited the room, me and Patrick rushed over and checked him, after turning out every pocket I began to get frustrated, "Come on you little fuck where is it!" I yelled at the corpse.
I kept liking for a few more minutes before I saw a paper on the table. I opened it.
Son of a bitch.
The paper was of a guy with two elderly people. Under it was Suchong's code and the word Ace. All if this...just for one guy?
"Is that it?" Patrick asked.
I nodded, "Yeah but these more of that code here. I wonder what-"
WHAM!
Thud.
What the fuck?
I grasped the back of my head, did Patrick just sucker punch me? I was on the floor in the lab. Patrick! I looked around the destroyed room and found no trace of him. "Patrick!" I shouted, no answer.
I scanned the room, the son of a bitch left me here! "Mother fucker!"
I ran back the way we came, before I went through the door to where the Big Daddy had been hurt, I saw a pice of cloth hanging by a hole in the wall. I walked over and looked at the cloth. It was Patrick's jacket.
I guess he could squeeze through the hole in the wall...
One way to find out.
Shimmying myself into the wall, I saw a light further down the cramped tunnel. I could barely breath without my chest pressing against the concrete wall. It was a pretty right gut but Patrick could defiantly fit in here.
"Do you got it?" I stopped moving at the voice, Atlas. Maybe I can get the drop on his men and...what? I got no weapons, my Vigors have worn out by now... I guess...I guess this really is hopeless.
"First you let the girl go. Then you get it." Oh no...oh god no. Patrick...I tired to move down the hold faster, I cut myself on a piece of rebar but that's not important. I need to get to Patrick now!
"Fine," I heard the girl let out a cry and heard someone running away. Sally. "Speaking of which, where's the boy'o?" I'm gonna rip Atlas's tongue out through his throat!
"He didn't make it..." Patrick said convincingly. I wanted to scream out but then they'd probably kill him, thinking he set up a trap.
I was just a few more feet away from the light, hurry Harper, hurry!
"Now. Give it to me." Atlas said, I was out of the hole in the wall now. I was in a dark corridor, at the end of it where the silhouettes out Atlas' men along with Patrick.
I saw Patrick reach his hand out, I'm frozen, I can't move, I can't scream, I...I can't do anything. "You know Atlas...Ryan said that we where just a pack of fools...and he's wrong."
He handed the paper to him.
No...nonononononoNONONONONONO!
Atlas bashed him in the head with a wrench and he fell to the ground.
No!
I ran at top speed towards them but I faltered, my head was beginning to spin, damn you Patrick! Breaking something over my head.
"Wha-what does it mean?! It's all none sense!" Atlas yelled at Patrick. He's still alive? Damn.
I pushed myself up off the ground and begun to fun to the men. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, Patrick muttered something that only Atlas could hear, he cracked a wide smile and laughed, "Saltonstall. Take care of him." Atlas said as he and his men walked away while one remained behind.
It was the same man who knocked me out and held the gun to Elizabeth's head.
I saw red and I charged, I came at him like a freight train and knocked him to the ground. Before he could retaliate, I connected my fist to his jaw. And again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
I just kept hitting him, I just... Unleashed on the guy. When I finally stopped, his face was so bloody I couldn't see any skin. I got off of him and caught my breath, "Shit..." I looked over at Patrick, his eyes wide and filled with pure shock.
I kneeled down and helped him into a sitting position, facing the glass window and out to a destroyed Rapture. This is it, when me and Elizabeth came here this is what happened first. I sat down next to him, "You are a asshole." I said , making him grin.
"Sorry...I did say that I didn't want my son to go walking to his death. to be fair." he said. Yeah...he did say that.
"Guess you where right about Rapture and Columbia." I said, looking out to the city at war with itself. This was all so familiar...me, my father, a city, and a lighthouse...
And then I remember...
'The seed if the prophet, shall sit the throne, and drown in flame the mountain of man.'
Son of a bitch...I guess Comstock was right. His heir does destroy a city. "Hey, where's Sally?" I asked, I mean I knew she was out of Atlas' reach.
"Somewhere she's not in complete danger...she'll probably find one of those Big Daddies and stay with them...god knows they make a better father than I have." he said sadly.
I looked at him with sympathy, I pushed my shoulder to him and nudged him. "Hey...you'd make a great father...you just got dealt a bad hand." I reasoned. "If you went this far for someone who wasn't blood related, your already better than half the men in the world."
There's a lot of sick men out in the world, and...and my dad isn't one of them. "Seriously? How bad can they be?" he asked.
I chuckled, "Trust me , I've seen worse human beings than you back in my time. And I got cable." we both laughed softly at that.
We sat in silence for a while, I guess we're done...Sally is safe...Patrick is alive...and Elizabeth is hopefully safe and sound. She's a smart woman, she'd get out of that room through a tear and get to safety.
"Jacob..." I looked over to Patrick's face, he had a small smile, one that tells you he's sincere, one that says he means what he's about to say.
"Jacob, I am so proud of you...and...I'm sorry...for everything...you...you should have had a better life." he said, struggling to find the right words. Did I really?
How different would I be if I grew up when I was conceived? Would we be happy? Would we be healthy?
Would I have met Elizabeth?
"I'm happy with the one I got." I said decisively. My life may not be the greatest, but at least I'm happy with it, besides, if my dad didn't make the mistakes he did, I wouldn't be the same guy I am today.
Patrick's eyes widened a tad before receding, "Jacob... I love you son."
I was taken back from the sudden proclamation. I turned to him to respond but stopped when I saw it.
Blood.
It was coming from his head! "P-Patrick!?"
He gave me a smile before going limp.
No...
No
N-noooo...
Ohhhhhhhggooooodddddddddd...
I had tears I'm my eyes, "D-d-...dad..."
I grabbed his shoulders and shook him, "Dad?! Dad! Dad !" I shouted.
"No no no please! No-not again!" I kept shaking him him.
Please wake up. Please just wake up!
Dad...…
He...
He's dead...
Daddy ...
The tears where flowing freely now. I was sobbing uncontrollably. I clinged onto him for dear life, he can't die! Not after everything!
Dad.
"I love you too dad."
I heard something hit the floor, looking down I saw the doll head to Sally's doll, I picked it up and put it in my pocket. I closed my eyes.
Please just...just be a bad dream.
...
I opened my eyes and...where the hell am I? I mean I'm in a bed in some old worn room but other than that nothing.
Looking up at the ceiling I just ran over the events of the past...god knows how long ago it was. Jesus Christ...this is all so fucked up.
I heard the a door creek. Whoever the hell it is, I'm not in the mood, I turned over, the guy didn't look like a like Atlas' men or Ryan, in fact he actually looked sane. He wore stripped short and pants, a plain vest, and a red lose tie.
Where have I seen this guy before?
Before he could talk, I did, "Look pal, I am not in the mood to kill someone right now. I'm sad, I'm lonely, and I've gotten the shit beat out of me the last few days . So please, take a ticket and when your number is called, you can take your shot." I do not want to do this right now.
The mans eyes widened slightly, "Well whatta you know. You are as charming as she said." he replied sarcastically. Who's she? He creaked open the door he came from, "He's awake." he said simply.
A moment later, a pair of blue eyes entered the room.
Elizabeth...Oh holy crap that's her dad.
Dad...
Before I could even speak she basically collided into me, wrapping her arms around me in a vice grip. I returned it hesitantly, least I wanted to incur the fathers wrath upon me.
I looked up and saw the man exit the room, leaving us alone, "Elizabeth I-SLAP!" Ok now I'm almost expecting it.
"That, was for putting me to sleep and leaving me!" she yelled. I'm pretty sure her dad is outside now, cracking a smile. "And this is for coming back alive."
Her lips crashed onto mine, not daring to let go of mine for even for a second. I again was hesitant, I felt like shit after all. Elizabeth pulled away when I didn't return the kiss, "Jacob?" she asked.
"Patrick...my dad is dead..." I said. It was real. I saw it happen right beside me and I couldn't do a damn thing about it.
Elizabeth's hand covered her mouth and her eyes widened, "Jacob...I...I am so sorry." she said with sincerity. She wrapped herself around me again more gently this time, I clung into her for dear life.
Elizabeth is safe. And my dad is dead. This is just a fucking retelling of Columbia. The only difference is that I'm with Elizabeth...and that's something to be happy about. I pulled her away and pecked her lips, "I am so, so sorry for what I did." I apologized.
She shook her head, "Don't be, you saved me Jacob. Even if I didn't want you to." she said, peopling her forehead up against mine.
...
I spent the rest if the day getting my strength back, Elizabeth hardly leaving my side in the process. The next morning when I woke up, I saw her fast asleep in the chair next to the bed.
She wore what looked exactly like a replica of the dress she owned in her tower, her choker showcased the pendant that I picked out from the twins and her face was washed of all that makeup.
She didn't need it anyway. She was already beautiful.
I gave her a peck on the forehead and crept over to the exit of the room. I carefully opened the door and closed it softly behind me, I leaned my back against the door and slid a hand down my face. God it's good to be out of there, I can't tell which is worse now, Columbia or Rapture, maybe they're both equity bad.
Yeah let's go with that.
"You sure you should be walking?" I jumped at the voice, sitting at the table was Elizabeth's father, with a half curious half serious look on his face. I'm deciding now that this guy is terrifying.
I shrugged, "If I don't start now I'll just be a sloth for the next week." I said. There was a sense of awkwardness in the air, I mean I'm the guy who took little Anna from this guy.
Anna...Elizabeth...I wonder which he calls her.
He gestured to the seat across from him, "You shouldn't push yourself, sit down." he said. I wasted no time sitting down in the chair. The silence in the room was palpable, I couldn't tell of this guy wanted to thank me in some way for saving Elizabeth, or strangle me for taking her from him. Twice.
I'm super screwed either way since Elizabeth and I are together.
"So...is this the part where I get all sorts of death threats?" I asked. I may as well get them over and done with, not like it's not gonna happen.
The man's lip curves into a smirk, "Anna advised me that those wouldn't work so well on you." Anna, so that's what he calls her by.
I rubbed the back of my head, I winced when I brushed against the bruise on my head from..."She's probably right...I've been getting those for a while now." I replied.
The man crossed his arms, "The guy I found you with. Who was he?" I froze for a moment before I answered.
"He was my dad." I said simply.
The man's face faltered at that, "Oh..." he replied simply. To be honest it's not like you got a lot to say when you learn a someone's dad dies. "Um...sorry."
I let out a breath, now the guy felt bad for talking to me right after my dad dies, "It's okay...he went peacefully." I said. I really didn't know of it was painful or not, I really don't want to think about it.
The man let out a sigh, "Look...Jacob right?" I nodded, "You can probably understand why I'm...hesitant to let Anna out of my sight." that's a understatement to say the least. "So, I need to know that I can trust you."
That...actually sounds reasonable, "Ok. So how do I do that exactly?" I asked, I know that Elizabeth trusts me almost completely.
"Alright then, tell me why you care for her."
That's...actually a big question. "I care for because I saw she needed help, and it was my fault she was stuck in that tower." I started, "I mean, in the beginning I only went to save her so that my family could be safe...but when I got to know her, it became less about them, and more about getting her somewhere where she'll be safe."
I took a breath, "I love your daughter Mr. Dewitt, I know that...it's hard to believe but I do." He folded his arms over his chest, "And...well not to sound like a asshole, I have already died for her safety. So...I care for her more than I do myself Mr. Dewitt."
He uncrossed his arms and put his hands on the table.
I'm fucked.
He pushes himself up from his seat and extends his hand to me, "Call me Booker."
Thank you Jesus. Thank you.
…
I spent two more days at Booker's residence, not daring to take a step outside the small home. He and I got along pretty well surprisingly, even if Elizabeth was the only thing we had in common.
That and our kill counts.
Speaking if the lady in question, she in some miracle convinced Booker that she could live with me. In all honesty I was so for the idea I gave her full support, but as well as mine and Booker's relationship is he scares the living hell out of me.
"Papa, I'll be fine." Elizabeth said for the hundredth time today. Elizabeth did not have many personal belongings, except for her three outfits.
I was giving them as much time as either needed to say goodbye. Booker embraced Elizabeth one last time, "Stay safe sweetheart." he said.
Elizabeth smiled and kissed his cheek, "I'll be fine papa. And I'll come visit whenever I can." Elizabeth gave him one last hug before joining me with her bag, "Ready?" she asked eagerly. It was her first time coming to my time after all, so she was excited.
Nodded, she grinned and opened the door. And in a flash we where back in my time.
…
We walked into my apartment wiry no trouble, "Wow..." Elizabeth said in awe. I guess by what she's lived in, my apartment may be the most advanced place she's seen.
"Let me guess, you where expecting something smaller?" I asked, taking her bag and putting it on the chair in living room.
Elizabeth blushed bashfully, "Maybe...ok yeah I did." she confessed, sitting down on the couch in front of the TV, I joined her not a minute later.
Of course the door knocks right when I get comfortable.
"I got it." I said, Elizabeth peered over the top of the couch. First time I've seen her shy, it's too damn cute.
I opened the door, "Thank god your safe!" My mom wrapped her arms around me and nearly crushed my rib.
"Mom! Mom! Mom! Bad rib!" I called out, she immediately let go and looked at me with concern.
"Where the bloody hell have you been!" she demanded, I cautiously backed up as she advanced in angry. And everyone knows that angry mothers should be avoided.
Before she could continue she saw Elizabeth looking over the my shoulder at her. Elizabeth waved, "Um...hello." she greeted awkwardly.
My mother's eyes widened and smiled, "You must be Elizabeth! It's so good to finally meet you, I'm Eleanor Lamb." she said with a warm greeting. She moved around me and took her hand and shook it.
Elizabeth was taken back by the stranger's kindness, "Nice to meet you as well Ms. Lamb." she said kindly. Well that's great, they like each other.
…
After filling my mother in on what transpired, she was shocked to hear about Patrick but didn't let it show, "So...he's.."
I nodded, "Yeah...he is." We all sat down at the table, letting that sit in the air for a moment.
Mom shakily let out a breath, "So then...it's over." she said. My hand dug into my pocket into Sally's doll head.
"What happened to Sally though ? I mean she's not..." I started, I did not want to lose my father for it all to be in vain.
Elizabeth shook her head, "After you...took care of me," mom gave me a cross look, "I could see all the doors again. And in one of them, a man came along and rescued all the Little Sisters." Wait, so someone went through how many Big Daddies?!
Holy shit...
"So it is over." Eleanor said with relief.
I shook my head, I put the doll head on the table. "Not yet. I have one last thing to take care of."
AN: Okay, first off, the story isn't over yet
Second, the reason Elizabeth was able to bring her and Jacob to his apartment is because she's back to her full omnipotent form.
Third, I told you guys someone would bite it!
And finally, next chapter...aw hell you can all guess what's gonna happen next.
Thank you for reading, I hope you all liked the chapter and if approached it if you guys gave a review of you wanted.
R.I.P Patrick Harper, you weren't a saint, you weren't demon. You where only a man.