Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Chapter Text
When Elizabeth turned around the corner, she could already see him. Even though, the lighting in the hallway was dim and most of the light came from the city of rapture behind the giant glass, it was enough to make out Atlas’s silhouette. How could she ever forget it after everything she went through.
Next to him Elizabeth could make out four more men, each of them definitely spliced and one of them had Sally in a tight grip. Sally!
She had to save her. The thought of losing her, for her to be at the mercy of Rapture all by herself was unbearable. Her own life didn’t matter in the slightest. What could she do now anyway, now that she had lost all of her powers and was stranded down here?
Elizabeth took a deep breath. There would be a time when she could lament over all her problems and how unfair life had been, but it was definitely not now. With firm and steady steps she determinedly approached the group of men. She felt the sweat on her fingers, but she was holding on tightly to the folded piece of paper in her hand nonetheless. This little piece of information she had gathered was the key to Sally’s freedom.
After walking half down the way of the hallway, she heard the familiar voice of Atlas.
“Hey sister, over here.”
Broken parts of Rapture rained down closely next to her, but Elizabeth kept on walking, trying to ignore Sally who was desperately trying to get away from the man who held her. Elizabeth had to focus. She couldn’t risk that the situation somehow escalated.
Sally. I’m almost here. Just wait a few more minutes and we’re out of here. She thought and hoped that her calmness would somehow find its way to the little girl.
“Do you have it?” The impatient sound of Atlas's voice led her thoughts back to him.
“I have it.” She said calmly.
“Get it over then.” Atlas replied almost instantly.
Elizabeth hesitated. Then still holding the paper close to her she started talking. “You know what? Andrew Ryan said I was a rube, but he was wrong.” She reached out with her arm to deliver the information. “You are. Whatever you plan to do. In the end you will fail.”
Atlas didn’t respond to her little speech, instead he took the folded sheet and opened it. For a few seconds, his eyes wandered over the paper. With a confused look he stared back at her again.
“What does this say?!” It seemed like Atlas had lost his temper at a moment’s notice. Elizabeth wondered how anyone could fall for him. Like how did he conceive so many people to follow him? Maybe this was a mystery she would never solve. Not that she desperately wished to know the answer to that.
“It’s a code.” Elizabeth simply stated and waited for his response. She would leave him hanging in the air for as long as she could. That was all the power she had left at the moment and she was willing to use it. It wasn’t much but seeing how he was so close to get the information he so desperately wanted but might not receive fast enough, was amusing her to say the least.
“I know it’s a code! D’ya think I’m stupid?!” He almost bellowed.
“Well, do you really want an answer to that?” Elizabeth dared to say, however, her comment only made Atlas smile and his anger was changing into something else. His smile wasn’t friendly and nice rather cocky and invasive. It made her feel uncomfortable.
“Haven’t lost your sassy tongue, luv. You really are a woman to me liking.” He let the statement sink in for a second.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, handsome,” she said mockingly, “But I’m afraid I cannot say the same about you. So how about we get back to business?” She didn’t like how this conversation suddenly had changed. Only thinking about Atlas in such a way gave her the chills – and not the good ones. Although, Atlas was still smiling. Not good.
“You’re right. Business first. Let’s come back to that later.” There was one last flash of his cocky smile then it was finally gone. Elizabeth bit her tongue and suppressed the urge to scream “no” right into his face. If she had any saying in it, this subject – she couldn’t even give it a name – would never be spoken about. Never! Disgusted by the idea itself she totally forgot to answer and was taken off guard by Atlas's next words.
“Don’t think too hard about it, luv. Instead tell me what’s written here.” Atlas continued their conversation, still having things firmly under control, despite her rejection. He showed her the sheet and pointed at the formula written on it.
Elizabeth’s eyes wandered to Sally to her right and tried to give her some sort of comfort by sharing a reassuring smile with her. Then she focused on the man in front of her again.
“First, let her go! Then you can have your activation phrase for your beloved Ace in the Hole.” Even before he answered her, she knew that this attempt of her was in vain.
“Forget it! This is not how I make me deals. You tell me what’s written here. Now!”
Elizabeth looked at the code again even though she had already deciphered it before she had come here. In these few seconds of time she had left one question was dominating her thoughts. Was she really doing the right thing?
“It says, “she paused, almost feeling the the burning gaze of Atlas on her, “it says: would you kindly.” She ended. A wide grin appeared on Atlas’s face and he quickly turned around to his minions.
“We’ve got the activation phrase. Now, all we’ve got to do is get that genetic freak of nature on an airplane and Rapture’s ours.”
For a few moments Elizabeth waited for Atlas to say something to her or letting Sally go - something. But as nothing happened after his quick announcement to his men, she approached him again.
“I kept my end of the bargain, so now it’s your turn. Let Sally go!”
Atlas glanced at the girl beside him and then back to Elizabeth. He had a thoughtful expression and finally came to a conclusion.
“No. I think I’ll keep her a lil’ longer. Everything's going so smoothly lately. I think …” But she harshly interrupted him.
“No! You promised me to let her go if I bring you the phrase.” Angrily, she took a few steps forward trying to be as intimidating as she could be. Two of Atlas’s thugs did the same, ready to shield their boss from any danger. However, Atlas raised his hand to signal his men to stop. He was obviously not scared of her.
“Alas, I don’ know this code. So as long as I don’ have any proof that ya’ telling the truth, you and the girl are staying with me.”
“No way. I’m not doing any more of your dirty work, Atlas. This is your war not mine. Keep me out of it. I swear to you it’s the truth. I’m not lying!”
Atlas bypassed the distance between them. Now, his face was way too close to hers and she could feel his breath on her skin. She shuddered.
“Listen, darlin’. Your word isn’t enough. And even if it was, you know too much. I cannot risk letting you go. So, either I’ve to kill ya’ or I’ll keep ya’ with me. And you know what?”
He came even one step closer. His body was now almost touching hers. Then he whispered into her ear. “I’d really like to keep ya’”
As his face appeared back in front of her, Elizabeth had also found her voice again.
“And I’m telling you that I’d rather die than being one of your pawns.” She wouldn’t let him intimidate her. He had already seen her begging and helpless. But she would never grant him this favor again.
“Ya’ know. There are two tiny issues here. Let me tell ya’,” he grinned. “First, who will guarantee for the safety of your precious lil’ girl when you’re dead, but most importantly second: You’re not makin’ this decision!”
She gulped. There was nothing she could do right now. Sally was so close and yet so far. No chance of getting her out of here all by herself. She was low on eve as well so no way to use one of her plasmids. Also, she wasn’t too keen on injecting any more of this poison into her body. She had seen what it did to people, and she had no desire to become one of them. Elizabeth was trapped in the situation. She hated to admit it but for now she had to play the game by Atlas’s rules.
“Your silence betrays you, darlin’. I know you wanna think your way out of this, but I bet you came to the same conclusion.” He was way too content with himself, but luckily he took a step back from her. While Elizabeth was still staring at him, he gestured to his fellow men and said: “Lads, take her with us.” Before she could do something about it one of the thugs came from behind and pressed a cloth on her mouth and nose. Like a few weeks before she quickly lost consciousness and just prayed that when she woke up again that she would not be tied to a chair.
*---------------*
Her whole body felt like she had been bounced by a Big Daddy. Maybe it was the first time in weeks she was able to get some time to relax, at least that’s what she believed as she was definitely lying on some kind of mattress, but now the burdens of everything that happened to her here were finally catching up. Right now, she was neither awake nor asleep. It was this weird state in between right before she would wake up and Elizabeth just hoped that it would last a little longer.
She really wished that she would get some time to forget. Well, she had forgotten a lot as she was not able to see through all the doors anymore, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t remember things. It was hard for her to think about anything in her lives (as she was counting in all her versions) that wasn’t bad.
Maybe she was a bit overdramatic but when did she ever get the time to enjoy herself and just be a girl? Coming to Rapture to get revenge on that last Comstock might have been one of her worst ideas ever.
Elizabeth knew that she had only been driven by revenge then and now she had to live with the consequences. The more she thought about him the more she wanted him back, no matter if he was Comstock or Booker. In retrospect he had changed, hadn’t he? Yes, he had killed another version of her, but didn’t he come to Rapture because he highly regretted it and didn’t follow his path as Zachery Hale Comstock? Yes, he had lost Sally just like Booker did. But it wasn’t fair to only judge him because he was Comstock. She had forgiven Booker a long time ago for his sins, why couldn’t she have done the same for him? Well, now she would definitely not get any answer to this as she was responsible for his death.
“Who da hell is Booker?”
Despite all the pain she was feeling, startled by the voice next to her Elizabeth almost jumped out of bed. She turned her head to the side and saw Atlas sitting on a chair next to her. Great.
“You gotta be kidding me?!” She said louder than she anticipated. Instinctively, she crawled to the edge of her bed, which really was just a mattress, and pressed her back against the wall. The farther away she was from him the better.
Atlas totally ignored her reaction and continued his own part of the conversation. “You’re talkin’ in your sleep, luv. Interesting. This Booker must have been someone very dear to you. Tell me more, who is this man who was able to make such an impression on you?” He rose an eyebrow and looked at her.
“First of all. Stop calling me that. I got a name. And second. I don’t think that I have to tell you anything about him. It’s none of your business, Atlas.” She shot back.
For a few seconds they looked at each other glaringly. Then Atlas shrugged. “Fine, so what’s your name, darlin’?”
Elizabeth tried not to roll her eyes. It definitely wasn’t worth it. He would never stop giving her names anyway. “My name’s Elizabeth…. Elizabeth,” she hesitated, “DeWitt.” She finally settled with. It hurt when she said the name out loud, but she didn’t let it show.
Atlas looked at her musingly. “DeWitt…DeWitt… the name rings a bell. It’s quite peculiar, innit?”
She sighed. “Booker DeWitt. He was a private investigator.” Elizabeth finally said as she had the weird feeling that otherwise he would not let the topic drop, for whatever stupid reason.
“There we go. Interesting. Didn’t know he had a wife or something. However, I must admit he’s got taste.” The smirk on his face was disgusting.
“I’ll stop you right there. He is…. He was my father. Don’t get the wrong idea.” She explained, not even wanting to think of it in any other way. Atlas laughed.
“You sure about that? Aren’t you a bit too old to be his daughter? I mean except for his white hair he wasn’t that old, was he?”
“It’s complicated.” Elizabeth stated with a finality that didn’t allow any follow up questions and luckily Atlas finally let it go.
“Anyway. I brought you some new clothes. You should really change and wash this blood off, don’t ya’ think?” He said almost casually. Then he pointed at some fresh clothes next to her. “There’s no shower in here but a working sink. The water’s cold but better than nothin’.”
For the first time, Elizabeth had a look around. She had no idea where the hell in Rapture she was. The room was small and there was no window or something. The sink was nowhere to be seen but there was a smaller room connected to this one, probably the bathroom then.
“Where’s Sally?” She suddenly asked thinking of the girl.
“Not here, obviously, and before you won’t stop asking. She’s nowhere near you. I can’t risk you going on a rescue mission while you’re here. Understand?” Atlas said, not a tiny bit of sympathy in his voice.
Of course, she understood. And she wouldn’t waste her time on this right now. She had to wait for her opportunity to come. Thus, she nodded and rose from the mattress. She took the fresh clothes which were similar to the ones she already wore and disappeared into the bathroom without saying a word. There was no door. She put the clothes next to her and looked at her in the mirror. She looked like a total mess. After splashing some cold water in her face, Elizabeth actually felt a bit better. Then she washed away all the blood from her hands and face which was not an easy task. She looked down at her body and yes changing clothes was something she was desperate to do, however, not with Atlas waiting outside who had been strangely quiet until now.
Elizabeth turned her head and inspected the empty doorway. Just as she was opening the first button of her blouse, she heard him moving from his chair.
“I swear, if you trying to get in here, you’ll regret it.” She burst out. This man couldn’t be serious. Why of all things had he to be interested in her? She’d had so much bad luck in her life, she just couldn’t believe she deserved the sexual advances of this man.
Elizabeth didn’t get an answer from Atlas, but she also couldn’t hear him moving anymore so she took off her clothes as quickly as possible and put on the new ones. It was impressive how fast she managed to do it. Elizabeth was actually proud of herself. She took a deep breath. Then she inspected her appearance in the mirror again and left the little bathroom.
As she stood in front of Atlas again Elizabeth could almost feel his eyes wandering over her body. She endured his stare and instantly hoped that there was more behind not killing her than his desire to have her all for himself. Elizabeth crossed her arms, ignored him and instead tried to talk about something else.
“How is your little war with Ryan going?”
Atlas sighed. “This son of a bitch still thinks he has the upper hand, but not for long believe me…”
“You’re talking about your Ace in the Hole?” She asked and tried to keep the conversation going. Besides she really wished to learn more about it.
As Elizabeth mentioned the Ace, she could see Atlas’s eyes shine with triumph, but only for a second. “Yes, me Ace in the Hole. He is the perfect weapon.” Elizabeth interrupted him.
“He? So, the Ace is a man? Who is he and what’s so special about him?”
Atlas chuckled. “Curious, aren’t we?” He rose from his chair. “But I’m afraid that I can’t share all me secrets with you yet. What you need to know is that he will do what I tell him and that he’s far more capable of handling things like any other.” He finished conspiratorially. In a bold move Elizabeth came one step closer and mimicked his whispering voice.
“And tell me Atlas, how does a simple man like you get your fingers on such a valuable weapon from Suchong?” She made a dramatic pause and looked him directly into his eyes. And what she saw in them only confirmed what she already knew. This man was not Atlas. There was no Atlas in the first place. “Shouldn’t I rather call you Frank? At least there’s no need to keep up the act with me here. Or did you already forget who you really are?”
The man in front of her didn’t seem surprised rather amused. He smiled. “I must say, I’m impressed. How did you find out?” He said, not sounding Irish anymore.
“I cracked your code and found your secret dressing room in the Manta Ray Lounge.”
“I see. Well, you know what happened to the last pretty lady discovering my secret?” His face was now very close to hers.
“I’ve got a slight idea. And now you will do the same to me?” She asked almost hoping he would say yes.
“No.” He almost whispered. Then he grabbed her by her hair aggressively and pulled her face even closer. “But be assured. If you try to spoil my little secret to anyone, you’ll see that the lobotomy was only a walk in the park. Don’t try to fuck with me.”
They remained in this position for a few seconds before he let her go again. Elizabeth felt a cold shiver all over her body, but she would not let herself be openly intimidated in front of this man.
“I don’t care if you’re Atlas or Frank Fontaine, so don’t worry.” Elizabeth stepped backwards to distance herself a bit further from him. “I just want you to tell me, what you need me for when you already have your precious Ace?”
Atlas was finally back. She could somehow see it in his behavior. It was interesting to watch. “I want ya’ to be me second Ace. I know you’re skilled and I’d like us to work closely together in this war.”
Elizabeth grunted. “And I’d like to be in Paris. Guess we’re both wishing for the impossible.”
“You realize that by trying to push me away from you with your sassy attitude you achieve quite the opposite, luv. I haven’t met a woman like you in a very long time…”
It’s not like Elizabeth hadn’t seen it coming. But when Atlas once again approached her, she automatically took a step backwards. The second time he tried, her attempt was in vain. He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her closer.
“Let me go…now!” She said determinedly after she had tried to free herself from his grip. But unfortunately, he was stronger than her.
“Ya’ know, I don’t care if you’re not into this.” With his other hand he embraced her body and pressed hers against his own. “Eventually, you’ll give in.” Atlas slowly leaned forward.
Elizabeth was just about to do something very stupid to get out of this situation, as it would not help Sally in the slightest, but luckily she was saved by the buzzing of Atlas’s radio.
He grinned devilishly and let her go. She took a few extra steps back to get away from him as far as possible. In the meantime Atlas answered the radio.
Elizabeth did not pay attention as her mind was still elsewhere. Then she heard Atlas speaking.
“Perfect. I’ll be with you as quickly as possible. If everything goes according to plan, Rapture will be properly shaken up shortly.” The conversation was finished, and Atlas put the radio back.
His eyes fell on Elizabeth again. His flirtatious look from before was gone and replaced by a more business like stare. “Let’s go. I was serious about you being my second Ace. I want you to be a part of this.”
For a few seconds she hesitated, but eventually she couldn’t deny that she wasn’t curious. What was Atlas up to and who was his Ace in the Hole? Besides the fact that she had no saying in this anyway, Elizabeth decided that she would grin and bear it. She nodded and followed him.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Notes:
Please enjoy my second chapter. I'm looking forward to the rest of this story. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Elizabeth was still startled from the impact of the plane crash just above their heads. She couldn’t believe it. The activation phrase had actually worked. Up to that moment, she somehow wanted to believe that such a thing was not possible that there was no human being out there that could be conditioned to do such a terrible thing like to hijack a plane only because of three simple words. It was just unbelievable. Maybe this Ace in the Hole wasn’t human at all.
“Don’t stand there all by yourself. Have a seat and enjoy the show.” Atlas gestured to a chair next to him. Slowly and hesitantly, she followed his invite and sat down next to him, but not without moving the chair slightly away from him. Fortunately, for once he was not busy with assaulting her but had to focus on what was about to happen and Elizabeth had to admit that she was curious as well.
In front of her she could see a lot of different screens with different parts of Rapture on them. One of the screens was showing a man waiting in front of a bathysphere station - the one from the Welcome center. There was no sound, but he was definitely backing away from someone and only seconds later Elizabeth could see a spliced up woman attacking the poor man.
“Is that one of your men, Atlas?” She asked and already knew the answer to her own question.
“Poor Johnny, but Jack needs to see what he is about to expect in Rapture.” Atlas said almost more to himself than talking to her.
For a brief moment, Elizabeth was confused. Who was Jack? But then it dawned on her. Jack had to be the Ace in the Hole. It was still hard for her to think of him, of Jack as a normal man. She was mesmerized by the image of the still closed bathysphere and was keen to find out what he looked like. She had no idea what to expect.
For a few more seconds they both watched how Johnny ultimately died and the crazy woman tried to get inside the bathysphere. Just before she was about the give up, Atlas took something from the table next to him. It was a shortwave radio. Elizabeth looked from the screen to him and back to the screen. She still couldn’t make out any features of the man inside.
“Would you kindly pick up that shortwave radio?” Atlas suddenly said and sounded outlandishly normal. Like there was actual some kind of friendliness in his voice. She gave him a confused look. She was countered with a smug expression while he laid one finger on his lips to signal her to be silent.
Then both heard that someone had picked up the radio prepared for them. “I don’t know how you survived that plane crash, but I’ve never been one to question providence. I’m Atlas, and I aim to keep ya’ alive. Now, keep on moving we gonna have to get you to higher ground.”
It was remarkable how genuine this man sounded, but Elizabeth's appreciation for Atlas’s voice acting was soon replaced by what was happening on screen. The door of the bathysphere opened and a man walked into the sight of the camera watching him. He looked like an average man, she thought. Nothing special about him. Atlas continued his guidance next to her again.
“Take a deep breath and step out of the bathysphere. I won’t leave you twistin’ in the winds.” For the next few minutes, she could only watch in fascination. Her eyes were always jumping back and forth between Jack on screen and Atlas talking to him over the radio. She witnessed how Jack killed his first splicer with a crowbar, how he injected the first bit of Adam into his body. She listened to Atlas, giving advice to the man, teaching him how to fight down here in the city of Rapture. And then Jack entered the elevator to get “to higher ground” as Atlas had put it. She somehow couldn’t turn her gaze away from the man next to her. This could not be the same man who had hammered an ice pick into her eye!
“Listen- I’ve got a family. I need to get them out of here. But the splicers have cut me off from them. If you can reach them in Neptune’s Bounty, then maybe, just maybe…I know you must feel like the unluckiest man in the world right now, but you’re the only hope I’ll ever see my wife and child again. Go to Neptune’s Bounty...find my family…please.”
Atlas’s voice was filled with emotions she never believed him to have in the first place. This tiny little story about his family was so bittersweet, Elizabeth didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or be highly impressed. Of course, she knew this was all a lie, but she couldn’t blame Jack if he believed his little story.
It was like watching a play. It felt so surreal that she got lost in the moment. She was not really paying attention anymore. However, her eyes were glued on Atlas who was not only talking differently, it was like his whole body changed. The way he moved, the way he looked. Was he doing this on purpose? Then she looked back on the screen and got another glimpse of Jack. He was a natural at everything at least for now. There were so many questions. Who was this man? Where did he come from?
Would she ever get the answers to her questions, Elizabeth wondered as Jack made his way through the Welcome center which was one of the parts of Rapture that been completely abandoned after the attack on the New Year’s Eve Party.
It was funny that some parts of Rapture were still functioning and people were actually still living their lives, well at least as best as they could, like where she had met her father. Then there were parts that nobody would risk to go as splicers had taken over and it was not safe to go there as the Welcome Center. And the rest of Rapture was somewhere in between. If Elizabeth would have any saying in this she would leave this city behind as quickly as possible, but one Andrew Ryan still made sure that nobody would leave, even though she was pretty sure that Atlas would find a way.
Suddenly Andrew Ryan himself made her jump out of her thoughts, well his voice did. It rang loud and clear through Atlas’s radio. Of course it had been only a matter of time before Ryan would find out about Jack and the plane crash. How could anyone have missed it anyway?
“So tell me, friend, which one of the bitches sent you? The KGB wolf, or the CIA jackal? Here's the news: Rapture isn't some sunken ship for you to plunder, and Andrew Ryan isn't a giddy socialite who can be slapped around by government muscle. And with that, farewell, or dasvidaniya, whichever you prefer.”
Elizabeth was confused. She had missed what had happened in the meantime. She checked the screens and found Jack trapped in front of a door. She had no idea where he was. Atlas was bellowing something into the radio and then to some of his henchman and then somehow the door finally opened and Jack was able to escape from Ryan’s attack.
“Now you've met Andrew Ryan, the bloody King of Rapture. Now find your way to the Emergency Access.” Atlas told Jack over the radio after all the chaos. Then he stopped the transmission and turned around to face her for the first time since they had entered the room.
“Well this was quick, but I never assumed that Ryan would give us much time anyway.” He took a deep breath and continued. “We don’t have much time. Unfortunately, now Jack has to go through the Medical Pavilion and take the Emergency Access there, but I have a bad feeling about this. Steinman is brilliant but also a lunatic and his condition …” The name Steinman rang a bell. Elizabeth was sure she had heard it before. But she had no time to think about as Atlas went on. “I will tell Jack to get some rest find some food and something to drink. Now it’s your time to shine, luv. You will go and help him get to Neptune’s Bounty. That’s where phase two will take place. You will come back here as soon as you have brought him there.” Before she had time to ask for weapons or anything to defend herself another henchman entered and gave her a pistol.
Atlas thanked the man and then they were alone again. She wanted to say something, but Atlas put a finger on his lips to silence her. He grabbed the radio and told Jack exactly what he said he would. His persona changed in an instant.
Then he grabbed her by her arm forcefully. “I don’ think I need to remind ya’ that you need to play along. Nobody can know about me.”
“So what do you mean exactly? That you’re an imposter or just a plain asshole?” Elizabeth said happy to be able to say something at all.
Atlas smiled knowingly. Of course, he knew that she wanted to provoke him. “Funny, luv.” He commented her sass. “You know exactly what I mean.” He said threateningly. Yes, this was the Atlas she knew. It was almost relieving to have him back after this heartbreaking performance from before. It was too peculiar, too real.
In the end she just nodded and then got on her way to Jack. Her heart raced inside her chest. She could not wait to meet this man.
Elizabeth was almost there. The Medical Pavilion was one of these areas which no one entered anymore. It was known to be full of splicers and the rumors about Dr. Steinman were more than concerning.
She had never been here before. Why should she have? Before she had found Booker in Rapture she had been spending her time in the still functioning parts of Rapture and tried to stay out of the whole civil war. Not that spending time with Sander Cohen was so much better though.
Elizabeth abandoned the though and checked her weapon. Having only a small pistol was better than nothing, but she wished she had more armory with her. Well, she had used plasmids before but ideally she should stop using them. Elizabeth was not too keen on becoming a splicer herself. Maybe she could find a knife or something or even better another crossbow she could use for stealth attacks. She needed to get to Jack as quickly as possible, having a partner would be better than fighting alone in any situation.
On her way here Elizabeth had only met a few splicers but most of the time she would find a way around them. It was not too far to the Medical Pavilion but it wasn't close either. She didn't know her way around as good as Atlas so she was dependent on his directions.
Right now she strode down a secret passage way, that had been used for smuggling which should lead her closely to the entrance hall of Dr. Steinman's realm of lunacy. The aisle became narrow and at the end there was a small wooden door. She had to get on her knees to squeeze herself through it.
Luckily, on the other side there was no unexpected splicer greeting her. Elizabeth was supposed to meet Jack at the Emergency Access. She knew it was close by and the closer she came the more nervous she became. However, it was more a positive excitement. She was curious about Jack.
When Elizabeth turned around the corner where she expected him to be she saw nobody. “Hello?” She asked aloud but not too loud to attract any unwanted guests. “Jack are you here?” And then she added. “I'm a friend of Atlas.” The words felt wrong in her mouth.
Just seconds later she heard a sound from upstairs. Elizabeth turned around and there he stood - The Ace in the Hole – Jack.
“Are you Elizabeth?” He asked and slowly made his way to her. “Yes, I'm Elizabeth.” Then she though about how to approach this whole situation. “I heard from Atlas about you and as I was close by, I wanted to help.” She had to play along with Atlas's plan.
Jack smiled but only briefly. “Thank you. This is just...” He made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “a lot to process. I mean I thought I would die and then suddenly I'm here in an underwater city full of lunatics?” Jack obviously did not remember that he was responsible for his own plane crash and Elizabeth would not be the one to tell him.
“I wish I could tell you it's not as bad as it looks but for now it is. But believe me there are better parts of Rapture than here. I guess you just got unlucky.” She explained. “That's why we need to get out of here.”
Suddenly the radio on Jack's belt came to life and Atlas's voice echoed through the room. “If you want to use the Emergency Access, you'll be needing Dr. Steinman's key. He's the one what runs this place. But I don't expect him to hand it to you out of the milk of human kindness. Steinman ain't that kind and frankly, I'm not even sure he's still human.”
The radio went silent again. “Okay, great. I guess we have no other choice then.” Elizabeth said and both made their way into the heart of the Medical Pavilion.
It was crazy inside. There were so many turrets and splicers. More than Elizabeth had ever seen before and she was glad that Jack was with her. It was a strangely familiar feeling being in the field fighting enemies together with a skilled partner and it took her a while until she thought of Booker. The thought made her sad so she pushed it away and focused on their mission. There was no room for losing focus anyway.
Jack was silent most of the time. He did most of the fighting and Elizabeth was supporting him as good as she could, finding ammo or any other useful stuff. Jack injected himself two more plasmids to the one he already had and Elizabeth didn't comment on that. She couldn't deny that they came in handy and it turned out that they needed them to get to Steinman.
However, before they made their way to the surgery, where the doctor was hiding, they decided to take a break. They found a good hiding spot, and Elizabeth presented all the food and drinks she had brought with her.
“This place is horrible. I really hope we can leave soon.” Jack said dryly after opening a bag of chips. “I totally agree. I mean don't get me wrong I knew Rapture was a big shithole, but this....insane. If I need to listen to another audio-log of that lunatic I might reconsider who is the craziest person in this city.”
The statement made Jack smile, even though he could not fully understand it's meaning.
“The moment I came here, I had a bad feeling but staying outside wouldn't have been an option, unfortunately.” The smile disappeared. “I'm happy there are still normal people and I want to help you to get out of here too!”
Elizabeth didn't know what to say. It was not fair to lie to this man, but what should she do? Even if she wanted to tell the truth. She would not even know where to start nor did she even know the whole truth. There was so much more to discover about Jack and about Atlas too.
“So Elizabeth. How come you're in Rapture?” Jack asked out of the blue. She thought about what to say.
“Well, sometimes I don't even know what brought me here. It seems so long ago. I was looking for someone, I guess.” She decided on. It was a reason even though a vague one.
“Did you find that person?” Jack dug deeper and opened some canned food.
“Yes, I did. But it didn't end how I imagined it.” Elizabeth took a deep breath and the image of her father returned to her again. This time he let him linger in her mind a bit longer.
“I'm sorry to hear that!” Jack replied and put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
It was so bizarre because she did not know him, but somehow Elizabeth felt safe with Jack and she got the feeling that maybe she could tell him about Booker, just not today.
“Thank you. Well, we all have our crosses to bear, especially in Rapture. But we're here now and we will keep fighting for our freedom.”
Jack nodded and gave her the food. “You're right. I'm happy I met you and Atlas considering there are so many bad people I could have encountered first.”
Elizabeth quickly put some food in her mouth to get her face doing something else. Seeing this poor man talking so nicely about Atlas made her sick. Ace in the Hole, freak of nature or not, this human being in front of her deserved better than being Atlas's chess figure. Well, she deserved better too!
None of them wanted to spent any more time down here in this part of Rapture and thus they made their way to the Surgery. A few more splicers tried to stop them but they had no chance against their combined power. There was only one door between them and Steinman's lair.
Elizabeth really didn't want to meet this man in person and prepared for the worst. Steinman was beyond crazy and Elizabeth was happy that Jack made short work of him. It was for the better that this man had left this earth!
They took the key from him and made their way back to the Emergency Access. Jack and Elizabeth just entered the foyer when the shortwave radio came back to life.
“You're almost there! I'm so happy ya' two made it out alive.” His voice sounded so sincere it was disturbing. It was so easy to fall for it. “Let's get you to the Emergency Access and we'll meet soon.” The radio went silent but not for long.
“Elizabeth,” she stopped walking for a second as he spoke to her directly. “Thank you for helping out! I knew I could count on you, luv.” For the first time since he used this nickname, it sounded neither insinuating nor mocking. Well, it was nice for a change. “Please make sure Jack gets the bathysphere to Neptune's Bounty and then get back to our usual meeting point. There is something else I need your help with.”
There was no room for discussion of course. Elizabeth did as she was told. They finally got access to the Bathysphere which would bring Jack to Neptune's Bounty.
As soon as it disappeared in the depths of the sea, Elizabeth began her way back to Atlas. This had been an interesting day and she deeply hoped that this was not the last time she had seen Jack.
Notes:
Thank you for reading. I always appreciate any feedback. I will try my best to update soon ;) Stay tuned!
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Notes:
It really took me some time to finish this chapter but I'm finally happy with the outcome. Thank you for everyone who is still reading and welcome to everyone new to this story. It was really fun and challenging to write this and I'm very exited for the future chapters. Please enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Jack had left an impression on Elizabeth. She had thought about him a lot since she returned. He had not been what she had expected in any way. It was like she was repeating the thoughts all the time, like she could not believe herself. After all she had heard from Atlas or learned about Jack from Suchong's research, it seemed so amazing that Jack was just a normal man.
The more the thought sank in the more Elizabeth pitied him. Jack was oblivious to the fact that he was just a puppet manipulated by three simple words making him do anything. Now, it was clear to Elizabeth why she could not believe that Jack had hijacked the plane. She was dead certain that without the conditioning Jack was not able to do such an evil thing.
Elizabeth swore to herself that she would never use “would you kindly”. Bad enough that she lied to Jack about Atlas, but she could not live with the thought of treating Jack any less than a human being.
Luckily, she would have not much time left to think about her own morality. For now she had to play along for Sally's sake - and maybe also for Jack's too? Though she had no instructions, she needed to know what was going on. Information was a valuable good and the more Elizabeth knew about Atlas's plans, the better. Thus, she stopped ruminating and left her little cabin to go look for Atlas.
“So, this is already your big finale then?” Elizabeth had entered Atlas’s control room almost unnoticed, but of course not entirely. The man sitting in front of the many screens, short wave radio next to him had already risen from his chair as she spoke to him.
“No, it’s not the big finale yet, but it’ll make the boy want Ryan dead just as much as I want it.” He smiled and took a few steps to a cupboard to the left and pulled some drinks from it. “How about some fine whiskey to celebrate my imminent success?” Elizabeth ignored him. This was all going so quickly. Didn't Jack just arrive in Rapture? And again the question arose why all this make believe for Jack?
“I don’t get why you’re pulling off all of this when you could just control him with “Would you kindly”? Why bother?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave him a questioning look.
Atlas sighed half annoyed and half amused. “I get the feelin’ you’re always askin’ the same freakin’ questions.” He poured himself and drink and had a sip before he continued.
“Just using the phrase won’t do it. I want Jack to be the perfect soldier. He needs to believe in what he’s doing. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be me Ace in the Hole.”
“So where is he now? Is he still in Neptune's Bounty? Is it as bad as Steinman's Medical Pavilion or are people still working there?” Elizabeth asked.
“Thanks to your help he just arrived safely in Neptune's bounty, my old turf. Luckily, it's not as bad as the Medical Pavilion and I guess some people still try to keep up with their everyday life there. Still, I'd not recommend ya to go out there alone.” Well good for Jack, but Elizabeth wished they could stay out of these dangerous areas. It was unbelievable to her how anyone could still live in these places.
“But poor Jack needs a break, so I’ll let him have one.” Atlas continued and emptied the glass in his hands.
“Why are you here, luv? Missed my company so much?” He came closer. Elizabeth backed away from him.
“Don’t be so full of yourself. I just wanted to know if Jack made it to Neptune’s Bounty, that’s all.” She said. Atlas’s face darkened but before he could react, Elizabeth tried to change the subject and pointed at one of the screens.
“So, what about this submarine. How’s it gonna work out?” She tried to distract him. He stopped a few inches away from her and smiled. “It’s a trap, luv.”
“A trap for whom?” Elizabeth asked. “It’s a trap for both Jack and this son of a bitch Andrew Ryan.” Before she could even ask, he was already explaining. “You see, in the submarine me poor little family is trapped. Ryan will definitely use this chance to hit me hard, trying to weaken me emotionally. I made sure he got this valuable information. And poor Jack, will be devastated by the fact that me family just died in front of his eyes, not being able to rescue them.”
“And just like with Johnny you’re willing to sacrifice more people of yours in the process, just to make it more believable?” Elizabeth spat at him almost angrily.
“Stop looking at me like that. You already answered your own question anyway, darlin’” he came another step closer. Elizabeth was now with her back to the nearest wall.
“Fine, so if you don’t need me anymore, I’ll leave you to your little game and go to bed, too.” She spoke and wanted to leave the room as quickly as possible. She knew exactly what Atlas was about to do. And now she realized how naïve it had been of her to come here in the first place. She damned her curiosity about Jack’s well-being. A firm hand grabbed her by her wrist and stopped her.
“C’mon. Quit playing hard to get. It’s getting old, don’ya think?” He almost whispered.
“I’m not playing hard to get. I’m simply not to get! Understand?” Her whole body was stiff, and she looked at him furiously. This had to end, now!
“How about little Sally gets a nice haircut and volunteers for the role of Patrick. Don’t you think she’d be the perfect choice?” The threat couldn’t be more obvious. Elizabeth gulped and kept silent for a second. In the meantime, Atlas’s face drew closer to hers.
“I’m not asking for much. Just a lil’ taste to escape the loneliness down here and Sally’s off the hook.
Elizabeth could feel it. This time she couldn’t find a way out. The risk was too high to take. Thus, there was only one thing left to do for her: just get it over with.
When Atlas pressed his lips onto hers, she wanted to push him away. Everything in her wanted to repulse this completely. Her flat palms lay against the wall, just like her back while his hands started touching her. One slightly pulled her hair and pushed them further together while the other rested on her shoulder. She kept her mouth closed as long as she was able to but eventually, she couldn’t stop his attempt to deepen his kiss to intensify the experience for him. She couldn’t do anything but let it happen. While closing her eyes she tried to think of something else, but her mind didn’t grand her the favor to be successful about it.
Suddenly she felt his one hand wandering downwards from her shoulder. No this is not going to happen! She thought and grabbed him by the wrist before he reached his goal. But then he turned the tables and now it was his hand leading hers to his body. As he pressed her hand against his torso, he didn’t hesitate but grab the other one too, placing it on the back of his head. Then he suddenly broke the kiss and looked at her bemusedly.
“Don’t be so prudish. Am I really so off putting? You know how many women would die to be in your position right now?”
“Did these women have the pleasure to be tied to a chair and be tortured by you as well?”
“Would ya’ prefer to put another ice pick into your beautiful eyes? Don’t get me wrong. I’d like to hear you scream again, but we could make this so much more pleasant for the both of us.” He looked at her amused.
“How about, you stop acting like a jerk. Do you really believe what you do is in any way appealing to a woman? Great Goodness. Now let me go. You had your fun for tonight.” Elizabeth said dead serious and to her surprise Atlas took a step back and let go of her.
“You’re lucky I like you. You amuse me and I still want us to be working together. Get some rest. I will get you when the time is right.”
Elizabeth was still perplexed that he had let her go that she almost forgot already what he had said. Had this really worked?
“What are you talking about?” She asked confused, not sure what he wanted her to do.
She was almost out of the door but now he came closer again and grabbed her chin. “We are going to meet Jack at the submarine. And you are going to join me.” He removed his hand again and continued. “He knows you and he will see that we are one team. Be convincing. Let’s see how good an actress you are. Impress me.”
She nodded and left. She needed space from this man. Being in his presence was exhausting. Once more he had left her off the hook. Was he able to rape her if he wished to? The thought had occurred to her more than once and it scared her. After the lobotomy she was sure that this man was capable of almost everything.
The fact that he somehow liked her could be good and bad at the same time. He would not let her get away like that forever. But still, maybe this was something she could work with or use if it indeed was true.
Then her thoughts wandered to Jack. Elizabeth liked him, like someone you just met but know you are on the same wavelenght. He had been so different to what she had expected. He was so human. He was someone you wanted to trust. Someone you want to tell your secrets. She couldn’t stand the thought of lying to him, knowing that Atlas was just using him.
She couldn’t let herself get so attached to him, however. This could only end bad. She just knew. As she finally arrived in her small room she instantly fell down on her bed. She felt tears rising in her eyes, as she thought about Booker and how bad she wanted him to be here. She needed a friend. She needed her father.
Why was her life so messed up? It just wasn’t fair and now that she had lost all her abilities there was no escape.
Elizabeth climbed under her blanket and the last thing she thought of before she fell asleep was the dead body of Comstock. She was responsible for his death and now she had to live with the fact that she was alone in this.
Slowly, she followed Atlas through Rapture's secret passages. They were on their way to Neptune’s Bounty. From time to time, Atlas spoke to Jack over the radio. Elizabeth was not really paying attention right now.
She was exhausted. Even though she had slept enough she felt like she didn’t. It seemed like her mind had been working on something the whole night so that when she woke up, she had felt drained as hell.
Atlas’s soothing voice was only a buzzing noise in the background for her. She didn’t want to listen. She did not want to get even more involved in his sick games, even though she knew this endeavor was in vain. Right now, she had no choice but to stick to his rules. But her time would come. Hopefully sooner than later.
Suddenly, Atlas voice had stopped for once, she heard a crazy giggle, closer to her than she liked. They had been lucky so far. The number of splicers they had encountered so far was almost zero, and Lizzie knew that not every splicer here was beyond saving. But still Rapture had lost its glory weeks ago.
Her hands grabbed tighter around the gun in her hands and she rose it to her head to be ready to fight. Suddenly the giggle stopped. Atlas laid a finger on his lips so both could listen for the danger ahead.
Without a warning the lunatic sprang through an already burst window from an abandoned shop. Atlas made a jump back and the hook of the spider splicer missed his face by a hair. He stumbled but managed not to fall. Before he was able to draw his own gun, Elizabeth was faster. With two quick shots in the head the crazy woman dropped to the floor beneath them.
“Not bad, luv.” Atlas said and turned around to look at her.
Elizabeth reloaded her weapon to be ready for the next one, not looking at Atlas. „It's not my first rodeo. Doesn't mean that I'd like to have more.”
“Where did ya learn how to shoot?” Atlas asked while they were continued their journey.
„Why do you care?“ Elizabeth answered without turning around.
“I'm just doin' small talk here. Didn't you say I should stop actin' like a jerk?” Atlas voice came from behind and Elizabeth could not stop herself from grinning. Was he serious?
“Whatever!” She sighed. “My father taught me. He was quite handy with any kind of weapons.” The thought about Booker hurt but it also unlocked some nice memories when they still had spent time together without all the emotional baggage that followed eventually.
“He did a good job then.” Atlas said and before he could add anything, Elizabeth added. “He wanted me to be able to defend myself against shady men like you. Seems like my skills are not good enough yet.”
She stopped, turned around and faced her captor, a smug grin on her lips. Atlas stopped as well and reciprocated the grin. “Me motto is always be prepared for any outcome. Adaptin' was always my greatest trait.” He closed the distance between them, but stopped shortly before Elizabeth. “But be assured, luv. I wasn't prepared for you appearing on the scene. I guess that makes us even.”
The rest of their journey was quite uneventful. Elizabeth fell behind again as Atlas knew the way better than here or at least the route he wanted to take. Eventually they entered a part of Arcadia, which was one of the safer places in Rapture still.
Elizabeth had never been here before and she sighed at the missed opportunity as the place seemed so different to the rest of the city. How had she missed trees and flowers. Atlas sometimes spoke into the radio, however Elizabeth was too far behind to catch any words and she couldn't be bothered. She tried to enjoy the short walk through the tee garden. A few visitors were here too, but she tried to avoid any contact as Atlas did the same.
She wondered about the rest of Rapture. When she had found Comstock most of Rapture was still normal, well as normal as this city could be. But still, people could still live there. Now, there were parts where nobody in their right mind would go. Arcadia seemed to be still okay, the question was for how long?
“Enjoying the view?” Atlas had suddenly stopped, and Elizabeth almost bumped into him. Intuitively, she assumed that he was talking about himself, before she realized that he was actually talking about Arcadia.
“I've never been here. It's nice. I wished I could come here under different circumstances.” How her dreams had changed. From Paris to Arcadia. Well, she was happy for anything nice happening in her current situation.
“We can come back later, just the two of us.” Atlas offered in a relatively normal tone, but still with this smug grin afterwards on his face. He put his hand on her arm.
“No, thanks!” Elizabeth answered dryly. “You had your chance to act nice but you chose to pick Steinman as your role model. It's just not doing it for me.” She removed his hand from her shoulder. “But hey, you still have a good chance with Jack. Good luck!” She winked and walked past him.
Atlas joined her, obviously being amused by her. “You're quick-witted. I like that.” He finally said before the conversation was once again over and they eventually reached their destination. They entered a small passageway that was blocked by a heavy door at the end. The smell in here was terrible compared to Arcadia and the nice atmosphere was gone too.Atlas checked in with Jack again. It seemed like he was also close to their mutual destination for this mission.
“We’re right outside the submarine bay but we can't get in. We'll need you for that. My family can't be more than a hundred yards away.” This time she listened to what Atlas had to say. Elizabeth had to acknowledge that he had acted more respectable around her than before, however, there was still a huge difference to what Jack got to experience. Like the first time Atlas had talked to Jack, she was highly impressed by how the man could change his attitude within a second.
“Hit the switch up in the control booth, and let us in. I think it’s time to shake hands and get acquainted.” Turning off the radio, he turned around to look at her again.
“I guess I don’ have to remind you that if ya’ not playing along,” She interrupted him.
“Yes, I know. I’m not stupid!” Elizabeth replied harshly. She didn’t want to be reminded about Sally now. It was much easier to deal with the fake Atlas than the psychopath one.
Suddenly the door that blocked the way began to open. Apparently, Jack had found and pushed the button to unlock it from the other side. Both Atlas and Elizabeth entered the submarine bay. She didn’t even had the time to adjust to the situation when Atlas already approached the submarine to their left.
“You blow a fuse up there? Can't see a damn thing in that booth.” He was right next to the submarine already. There was nothing to see in there. The little window was dark. “Give me a tick and I'll get you out of there. Moira! Can you hear me in there darling?”
The situation was surreal. Elizabeth was frozen in place. She had to do something. If she continued to stand around like that, it would be suspicious. Thus, she followed Atlas to the submarine but a loud thumping to her right made her stop. She turned her head around and after trying to locate the sound, she eventually found Jack.
He was standing in a booth on an upper level of the submarine bay. He was hammering both fists again the thick glass that was separating him from them like crazy and seemed to shout something. What was going on?
“Atlas!” She exclaimed to get his attention. “Something’s wrong!” It was as if she had completely forgotten that the wrong had probably been planned by Atlas in the first place. However, for Jack the situation was real and the danger that was slowly approaching them from above was very real too.
Atlas was turning around when Elizabeth heard the crawling from above. In slow motion she saw not only one or two but a dozen of splicers coming for them. And she was not alone in her discovery.
“Splicers! They're everywhere!” Atlas shouted and pulled out his gun. Elizabeth did the same. The freakish humans were way beyond saving. It’s been a while since she had faced such enemies, especially in high numbers, and she wondered if that really had been Atlas’s plan all along. He did not seem to be the guy to get into many real fights. But now was not the time to think about that.
The first splicer came at her, and she shot him right between the eyes. Adrenaline was pumping through her body with every second. She had no idea if Jack was still up there watching the horrible scene or what Atlas was doing. She couldn’t see him anymore, but she heard gunshots from behind.
One splicer came from her left and she just barely dodged him. There were too many. Suddenly, out of nowhere Atlas appeared and helped her get up. A weapon in one hand and the radio in the other.
“We can't hold them, got to fall back!” He pushed Elizabeth to the door where they had entered from, splicers close behind them. Elizabeth reloaded and killed one of them.
“Get me family out and we'll regroup as fast as we can!” Atlas yelled into the radio, his voice a mixture of panic and desperation.
Where was Jack? Was he even listening to Atlas? She killed another splicer that got to close. That was when she saw Jack. He came running from the passageway opposite the submarine.
“Jack!” A deafening explosion swallowed her voice completely and they were all flung through the air by the blast wave. Then everything became dark.
The first thing she heard was Atlas. How long had she been out? What had happened? Every bone in her body hurt and it took all her willpower to get up.
“The sub! Noooo!” There it was again. Atlas’s voice so close to her. Everything was still blurry but then she slowly regained her senses. The submarine in front of them was only a pile of junk anymore. Jack was alive. He stood close to where she had seen him last. He was obviously in shock, frozen like a statue looking at the mess in front of him. There were no splicers. Who had killed the last few?
The question was erased from her mind when her eyes fell on Atlas. He was not far from her on his knees facing the remains of the submarine.
“Moira! Patrick! This can’t be happenin’ to us. Please not!” His voice was shaky, and he was sobbing. Automatically, she approached him slowly got on her knees and rested one hand on his shoulder.
“I’m so sorry.” It was everything she was able to say being at a loss of words. In the corner of her eyes, she saw that Jack broke free of his trance and came over. Suddenly Atlas turned around and faced her. At first she believed that he didn’t want to face Jack because then his act might be figured out. So, she prepared to play along no matter what she would look at.
When she saw Atlas though, she didn’t need any convincing anymore. His eyes were red from all the tears rolling over his cheeks. The look on his face was heartbreaking. There was no doubt that this man just witnessed the death of the two most important people in his life.
With his last strength, Atlas leaned in for support and Elizabeth didn’t hesitate to embrace the man and soothed him. Elizabeth had experienced a lot of strange things but this moment was something else. Was this really the same man that had hammered an ice pick into her eye to get information? Was this really just an act? There was no time to think about it too hard for now but she would try to figure it out later.
“I’m sorry!” This time it was Jack’s voice. He knelt down beside them. “If I would have been a little faster…”
“It wasn’t your fault, Jack!” Elizabeth said immediately. She couldn’t bear the thought of Jack loading the burden of this incident on his shoulders alone. It had been planned all along and it was bad enough that she had to lie to him at all.
“It was Andrew Ryan. He somehow knew. It was a trap. He wanted us all to see it. It’s my fault. I should’ve stayed out of this city. Maybe then…” he stopped obviously not knowing how to finish.
The mentioning of Ryan had apparently brought Atlas back to action. He freed himself from the hug and faced Jack for the first time. “Jesus Christ!” He said, his voice steadier than before.
“Ain't that just like Ryan, waits until we're almost out and then he pulls the string.” His voice had abandoned its sadness and replaced it with pure anger. He finally got up on his feet again taking a few steps towards the submarine.
“Moira…. Patrick….” He reached for them with his arm then he turned around and faced his two Aces.
“We'll find the bastard! We'll find him and we'll tear his heart out!”
Notes:
Thank you for reading! I'm really curious about your thoughts on that story and the characters. Let me know what you think and stay tuned ;)
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Notes:
I know it's been a while since I updated tis story. I'm happy for everyone who is still here or just found the story. Be assured it is not forgotten and I'm still working on it ;)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
There were many things Elizabeth wanted to do after they had returned from Neptune's Bounty and getting a drink was right on top of her list. She couldn't stand it anymore, being trapped in her tiny little room waiting for whatever to happen.
She knew what she did then was stupid and reckless, but the thought of being here all by herself was too much. Thus, she left a note where she would be and left.
Now she found herself in one of Fort Frolic's many bars and had found a table in a small booth a bit separated from the rest of the guests. She knew that things were going relatively normal around here and as there were always lots of people around this time – it was early evening – she did not fear to be spotted by anyone who might be looking for her.
There were so many things she needed to think about and the drink in front of her would hopefully ease this journey through her memories. Elizabeth had pushed away almost everything until she had arrived here, but now it was time to let her mind work.
Where to start? Jack? The submarine ploy? Or the biggest mystery of all, Atlas? What in the hell had she gotten herself into? When she had met Atlas the first time, she had believed him to be just another con man. Then she had lived through her worst nightmare with him while he had interrogated her. Finally, she now worked for him and even though she had experienced his acting before what happened just a few hours ago was beyond what she could have imagined.
The image of Atlas lying in her arms appeared in her mind’s eye and was met by Atlas leaning over her with the ice pick. She tried but there was no way to bring these two images together representing the same person.
Had he really cried? Yes, she had seen the tears and there had been plenty. How was that even possible? Elizabeth had probably almost never seen a man cry at all and the last person she expected it from was him. Of course, it was all pretense, but how was that even possible? She didn't know a lot about acting but crying on demand seemed like an extraordinary skill. All acting aside, she was still in awe. Who was this man? What game was he really playing?
And there was also something else. How had he changed from assaulting her to making for the first-time normal conversation without being a creep?
The questions were overwhelming her senses, so she stopped asking them and focused on her drink again. She would soon need another. She hadn't much to eat and could already feel the pleasant tingle from the alcohol.
Elizabeth had no idea how much time had passed, but after she was halfway through, a man approached her. Well sooner or later, she would have been found. She looked up and saw one of Atlas’s men – she knew him from when she had given Atlas the activation phrase – today though he looked like he was just a regular guest here.
“You have to come with us.” He said without greeting her. Elizabeth gazed behind him, where another of Atlas’s men waited.
“I will do no such thing.” She said confidently. “I’m not planning on escaping. I just need a drink. Tell your boss, if he cannot wait to have me back, he can come and get me himself!”
Elizabeth knew she had an effect on men, at least certain men and the specimen before her was fortunately one of them. He made a grunting sound and then returned to his partner. Elizabeth could see them talking and after a minute, the man that had spoken to her excited the nightclub and left his partner behind. Now, she had a watchdog. She couldn’t care less.
Her attention returned back to her drink. She had another sip, let the alcohol warm her up from the inside before her thoughts returned to a dark corner – Booker DeWitt. She just couldn’t help it. She wanted to leave this part of her behind but how do you erase the very center of your whole life? Everything had been about Booker or Comstock. She had spent so much time dealing with her father that it was nearly impossible to delete him from her memory.
Once more she scolded herself for her actions. Elizabeth had been blind with rage and had killed the only person in this godforsaken city that could have been a friend – someone she knew. However, the fact that this version of her father had been Comstock once and what had resulted because of that had sealed his fate. This Comstock though had been special. He had wanted to be Booker again. He had regretted his actions…and she had killed him.
This is fate! She thought. I deserve this. I’m being punished for my sins after all. Elizabeth sighed and emptied her second drink.
However, deep within her dark depressing thoughts was a small light representing her hope that after all this mess, she deserved some redemption something positive in her life again!
“Seems like the girl’s life isn’t that important to ya after all?”
Well, seems like fate is still a bitch!
Atlas had taken her off guard. Elizabeth had been so caught up in her own pity that she had not seen him coming. His voice came from behind. Sneaky bastard she thought but at the same time she was impressed he had come at all. Had he really the audacity to walk into a bar just like that serving himself to Ryan on a silver platter? He was basically a wanted man.
Her question would soon be answered, and it was not what Elizabeth had expected. She had not turned around to face him, so Atlas decided to sit down across her. Elizabeth almost spilled her drink.
“What...?” She didn't even manage to speak a full sentence.
At first, she had not recognized him. For starters did he wear a fancy three-piece suit that radiated the exact opposite of what he represented as Atlas, but this was not the weird part.
“What has happened to your hair?” That was not how Elizabeth had wanted to start the conversation – maybe the alcohol did not help here – but she couldn't help it. “You're blond!” She didn't know what the correct reaction to his appearance should've been. What had he been thinking?
Well, if Elizabeth would have been in a better state of mind, she would have come to the logical conclusion much faster, but this was not an ordinary evening.
“Do ya' really believe I can just go into public just like that? I think that time is probably over. I'm a lot of things luv, stupid is not one of them.” He was not amused about her reaction to him. He had probably expected something else.
Elizabeth inspected his look again and if she would not have known that his hair was fake, she would have never guessed. He was not only good in acting but also in disguising as someone else.
“Excuse me, “Elizabeth decided it was wiser not to make him angry, however this was a one and only chance. He was in public here. There were not many things he could do. “I didn't mean to be rude I was just surprised.”
Atlas sighed annoyed. “Consider this a warning. If you come back right now, I will forget that you broke our deal.”
“It's not a deal, it's blackmail.” Elizabeth emptied the drink in front of her. “And since you made such an effort to get here just to tell me to get back, why don't you join me for another drink?” She offered and waved at the waiter who came to their table.
Atlas seemed to think about her offer and eventually ordered something for both of them. “All right. Let’s have a drink. We should celebrate anyway.” Atlas said and leaned back in his seat to get more comfortable.
They sat in silence until their drinks arrived. Elizabeth waited for him to say something and when he had a sip from his drink, he started talking.
“Why did ya’ come here?” The question was simple and Elizabeth had expected it.
“For the alcohol.” She said bluntly and then added. “And to think.” It was weird to see Atlas being so calm. She had expected him to be upset or angry but this normal conversation he had begun was only adding to her questions about him. Could this man be predictable just once?
“Whaddya’thinking about? How to escape?” He added mockingly and Elizabeth was almost relieved about the comment.
“I’m not running, Atlas or would I have left a note behind where I am otherwise? Don’t be so dramatic.” She replied annoyedly. Then she thought about how honest she wanted to be with him. The alcohol made it easier to decide. “I was thinking about myself and how I got into this mess and I was thinking about you.”
The moment she said it, his eyes lit up and a cocky smile appeared on his face. Well, that had to be expected.
“Should I feel honored, or do I need to worry?” He said half jokingly, half seriously. He drank more from his drink and scratched his head. Maybe his wig was a bit itchy underneath. Elizabeth wanted to know more about him and maybe tonight was her chance. For whatever reason he had accepted to talk to her like a normal human being. She shouldn’t waste the opportunity.
“You know I feel sorry for Jack most of the time since I’ve met him, but for one thing I envy him.” She began as if she was changing the subject but then she added, “at least he does not know who you really are. For him Atlas is only a man in need. A man who needs his help. I wish I could have met this Atlas. Instead I met a man who was willing to torture me and a child to get what he wants. Lucky me.” She finished and looked the other in the eye.
Silence spread between them and for a moment Elizabeth could almost see the man thinking about his next words. When he spoke again, she was taken off guard. His voice sounded softer more empathetic, like when he spoke to Jack.
“I can be him, any time ya’ want, Elizabeth.” He emptied his drink and smiled. “Is that what you want?” Atlas added.
He looked so different and not just because of the hair and suit. This was the man that had cried in her arms. He was back. But she knew there was someone else inside too. Someone she got to know too closely, unfortunately.
“Do you miss the sun, Atlas?” She didn’t want to answer his question and let him decide who he wanted to be tonight. Confusion showed on his face for a second.
“I’ve been here for twelve years now. I sacrificed everything to get here. I will not start looking back now.” Atlas said determinedly not really answering the question, but it was good enough for her.
“Who were you before you came here?” Elizabeth saw her chance for some real answers since he had started talking about himself now. She emptied her drink as well and waved for the waiter again.
Soon their drinks were refilled, and Elizabeth was still waiting for an answer. “Why should I tell you this? I don’t know anything about you.” He said politely, still no sign of the Atlas, she thought him to be.
“Just tell me one true thing about you and you can ask me anything you like. I swear I will answer truthfully too.” Elizabeth looked at him curiously. It was the first time she could do so and not feel uncomfortable. She had tried to avoid this man like a pest, which was nearly impossible due to her situation. And since he had acted like a total dick towards her, she didn’t have the urge to do so, but the appearance of Jack and his changed behavior, even if it was just an act, had changed things. And probably the alcohol too.
“My real name is Frank.” He said bluntly and his Irish accent was gone. Elizabeth snorted. “Like in Frank Fontaine? I bet that’s also just a fake identity.” She was disappointed. She had really believed him to be honest just this once.
“You’re right. I’m not Frank Fontaine. And yes, I agree it’s a weird or for me it was a nice coincidence, but my name really is Frank. Believe it or not.” The Irishman was back but he sounded slightly bitter in the end.
“Okay. I believe you. Ask me something. You know I stay true to my words. You should know that by now.” She couldn’t stop herself from adding the sassy comment.
“You said before ya were thinking about me. What exactly were your thoughts?” He was searching for her eyes again as if he wanted to make certain that she would not lie to him. Elizabeth was not sure what to make of this question. Was this man still hitting on her or was he just curious? Did he even care about what she thought? He had not made the impression on her that he minded her loathing for him when it came to his advances.
Once again, she decided to tell him the truth. She had nothing to lose anyway. He was in control since the moment he had seized Sally and truth or not it would probably not change his behavior in the long run. Let him be nice for once, she knew tomorrow everything could be different again.
“I know you being nice to Jack is just an act, but it got me wondering about you. Who you really are and how many times you already pretended to be someone else.” She voiced her thoughts from before and then added what she really thought. “And I was wondering if on the way, the real you got lost and you’re just jumping from one identity to another.”
This was the whole truth and in thoughts she added only for herself but maybe I just want that to be true because then you could be him. You could really become the nice Atlas and I would not be part of something so abominable.
She didn’t know Jack for long, but she felt bad lying to him. She was already betraying him, hurting him. Of course, she was being forced to help but she was so done with everything. She had experienced so many bad things. Had done so many bad things. Had killed and betrayed her father not long ago. She wanted it to be over. She wanted a good life with good people around her. She wanted to be in Paris - the Paris of her dreams.
She never expected an answer from him and thus wasn’t too disappointed when she didn’t get one.
“Maybe we got off on the wrong foot, luv. This partnership doesn’t have to be like that.” Atlas eventually said and smiled. The blonde hair was distracting and seemed wrong but the man looked almost likeable to her for the first time.
But it wasn’t that easy. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s already too late for that. Maybe I’m doubting that the Atlas that put an ice pick into my eye was the real you,” speaking it out loud was harder than she thought, “but the same is true for the Atlas, husband and father, you are to Jack. He is definitely not real and nothing will convince me otherwise.” A smug expression returned to her blackmailer. It was almost relieving to see it.
“Let’s talk about it another time.” Atlas concluded eventually and emptied his last drink. “I’ll bring ya’ back to your room if you don’t mind.” It was not an obvious demand, but Elizabeth knew that it was time to follow his words. She didn’t want to overstep her limits too far. She could call herself lucky that Atlas had stayed and talked to her like this. Thus, she also finished her drink and joined him for their walk back.
Eventually, they had arrived at Elizabeth's door. By now it was in the middle of the night, and nobody was to be seen. She had tried to hide it on the way, but she was quite tipsy from all the drinks and walking straight was a challenge. She longed desperately for sleep. Elizabeth thoughts were still back at the bar. What they had talked about had made her image of this man become even more blurry. Hopefully, she would remember most of it in the morning again to think about it with a clearer head.
“Here we are.” Atlas commented their arrival. He turned around to face her. His cheeks showed a slight red. Both of them would wake with a headache, Elizabeth was sure.
She came one step closer and joined him at her door. “You are a peculiar man, Atlas.” She spoke more to herself than him. However, the words did not go unnoticed by the other.
He smiled pleased but also friendly, before he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “And I already knew you're extraordinary.” Then he kissed her on the cheek. “Good night.” Elizabeth did not get the chance to react as he turned around and disappeared in the darkness of the hallway.
She stood there for a few seconds before she eventually entered her room. Was she already dreaming? What had just happened and why had she let it happen? Not for a second had Elizabeth flinched from his attempt to close in or to give her a kiss. It had just felt so natural to her.
She didn't like that feeling. How had this happened? It had not been two days ago that he had sexually molested her in his surveillance room and now they parted like they had been on a date?
Just when I thought my life could not get any crazier, I get surprised again! She thought and then shook her head. Elizabeth had had enough thinking about Atlas for one day. She really needed to rest!
Notes:
Thank you for reading. I'm curious about your thoughts. :)
Stay tuned for the next chapter. I will give my best to update faster this time xD
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Notes:
I'm so happy to be back!! And I want to thank everyone who left a comment in the meantime. This pushed me a lot <3
This story really means a lot to me, but I was just stuck. But now I'm back and have a plan :) So thank you for letting me know there are people still interested in this. I hope you like the new chapter <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Frank sat in front of a mirror looking at himself. He already got rid of his blonde wig. He hated that thing, it was practical, but his head always got really itchy and his hair was all sweaty now. Thus, it was the first thing he did coming back from this very interesting evening that he had spent with Elizabeth. His thoughts were clouded with her image and the more he thought about her, the stronger the urge became to go back to her room. He shouldn’t get himself distracted like this though. Everything was going so smoothly. He needed to follow his plan and not get his thoughts distracted by that woman.
Frank had recruited her or forced her on his team as he really believed she was a valuable player for his plans and yes, she was nice to look at and it amused him to play with her a bit. However, it had never been a priority to get into this woman’s bed. Until tonight. It felt like he had missed an opportunity.
Elizabeth, despite all her experiences in the past, had started doubting her knowledge of him. That was a huge accomplishment. She had acted so tough and unapproachable towards him before that Frank could not resist but try to play along and show her his nicer side. No matter what Elizabeth thought of him until now, he knew how to treat women if he wanted them to like him. He just never believed it would actually work on her after everything that had happened between them.
Maybe it was a first for both of them as Frank had experienced a totally new Elizabeth too. So, the kiss on the cheek when he said good night had just felt natural and was maybe even more intimate than everything else he could have done. It was probably the last that she had expected.
However, now he was here, and he could only think about going back. He could see the scenario in front of his inner eyes. He would knock on the door, and she would open it. This time she would not resist but let him in happily, because she would share his desire…
Before he got lost in his fantasy, he shook his head and stopped himself. This was leading him nowhere. The only result was frustration and regret. Frank could think about what could have been all he liked, but fact was that it hadn’t happened and now it was too late to go back. The moment of Elizabeth’s confusion about him was probably short-lived and he had missed his window anyway.
He got up from his chair and went to his little bathroom and splashed some water into his face. It was time to get a clear head and think about his next steps. Ryan had successfully fallen for his trap and Jack was growing into his role perfectly. Now, it was only a matter of time until Andrew Ryan would finally be dethroned and then it was Frank’s time to shine. All these years of hard work, giving up his real identity for good, becoming Frank Fontaine and finally Atlas would pay off.
Never before had he dived so deep into a character for one of his cons. He had to make this work. Frank could not lose. Because what would he have left then? His life above sea felt like ages ago and was hard to remember now. Rapture was all he had left. Right now, Atlas was all he had left.
The thought surprised him. Was it really true?
Elizabeth had asked him to tell her one true thing about him and the only thing he had come up with was his name: Frank. Was there nothing more to him?
He splashed more water into his face.
“Pull yourself together!” He chided himself. “You’re giving this woman way too much power over you.” Frank added and then took a deep breath. No, it was not time for an identity crisis. This was probably just the alcohol and this weird evening. It was time to go to bed. Now!
*--------*
After a very few hours of sleep, Elizabeth woke up with a headache. It took her a second to recall why she felt this miserable, when she remembered last night. Before she could dwell on that though – what she wanted to prevent at all costs – she quickly got up. After a short visit to her so-called bathroom, she left her room.
“Somewhere in this hellhole must be some coffee.” Elizabeth mumbled to herself and made her way down the hallway to one of the assembly rooms. She knew there was some kind of kitchen, but before she got the chance to search for coffee, she spotted Jack sitting at one of the tables, looking just as miserable as she felt.
“Hey, Jack.” All of Elizabeth’s bad mood suddenly vanished.
Jack looked up and when he saw her, he managed to put on a smile. It disappeared quickly.
“Good morning. How are you?”
Elizabeth sat down next to him and caringly placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Not good. I didn’t sleep well and drinking alcohol didn’t help either.” She was happy for every bit of truth she could tell him. And another positive side effect, it brought back her hate for Atlas. Good. That was how it was supposed to be.
“You should’ve said something.” Jack wasn’t joking but rather seemed sad.
“I’m sorry, I needed some time for myself.” Elizabeth apologized, which was the truth even though she didn’t get to be alone in the end.
“I can’t believe what happened yesterday. What’s wrong with the people here? I don’t know a lot, but how can this man just kill Atlas’s family like this. What did he do to deserve that?”
It broke Elizabeth’s heart to hear how genuine and desperate Jack sounded when he spoke about Atlas. The man had been right, his plan was working, Jack was really believing this staged play.
In moments like this, she wished she could tell him the truth and maybe she just should. But there was still Sally and she had promised to protect her and no matter how approachable Atlas had seemed yesterday, he was still an evil man, capable of very disturbing stuff. She couldn’t risk it. So, she stayed true to Atlas’s story, even though every word increased the knot in her throat.
“It’s not your fault, Jack.” The urge to hug him overcame her and she was already leaning in, when she heard someone else enter and suddenly decided against it. It was Atlas.
Their eyes locked for a second before Elizabeth looked at Jack again and added, “It was Andrew Ryan. There’s nothing you could’ve done to stop it.”
“I shouldn’t be the one complaining. I’m so sorry Atlas. How are you holding up?” Jack had finally noticed their company, who had taken the seat opposite them. Elizabeth couldn’t avoid him forever, so she finally faced him properly.
Atlas actually looked like a mess, and it made Elizabeth a little bit happy, because some tiny part of her didn’t believe it was all pretense. Of course, he had to meme the tragic widower, but she was sure or just hoped that last night had messed him up just as much as it had her. It was only fair.
“How am I supposed to feel?” His voice was a mixture of anger and sadness. His acting was on point. “I just want to get back at Ryan, but I don’t even know how. He’s probably already planning his next move to destroy me. Maybe it’s already too late. What is there to fight for anyway?”
Were there actually tears coming to his eyes? He was incredible. Elizabeth hated to admit it and still this doubt inside her crept its way up again. Who was this man really? What was an act and what was not, and did he still know who he even was anymore? Elizebeth pushed the thoughts aside and instead engaged into the conversation.
“Don’t say that. So many people in Rapture believe in you. I know you wanted to leave because it was the best for your family, but I think now more than ever, you really need to fight for the people. Wasn’t that your goal in the first place?” Yes, two could play that game.
“And we’ll be here to help you.” Jack added, apparently happy that Elizabeth seemed to have found the right words because Atlas’s face lit up a little.
“Thank you.” He said and silence returned to the table.
Jack was the first to break it again, ready to make a plan. “So, what do we do now? How do we get to Ryan and what can I do to help?” Enthusiasm was fueling his words and Elizebeth thought, she saw a glimmer of mischievous satisfaction in Atlas’s face. It was gone before Jack even had the chance to see it.
Atlas wanted to say something but stopped as a strange noise came from the radio standing on the kitchen counter behind them. It rustled a few times before it finally came to life, and they heard Andrew Ryan’s voice echoing through the room prominently. Atlas had been right in one aspect. This man was really one step ahead already and out to bring Atlas down at all costs.
“Dear citizens of Rapture. It has come to my repeated attention that there is one among us who not only criticizes our way of living but also actively sabotages it. Every attempt to stop him or lead him back on the right path, accepting the great chain has failed and now that he has also tried to break our most important rule, I am forced to ask you the good people of Rapture for help. We cannot tolerate this evil man’s doing. Our wonderful city is still thriving, and every obstacle will only make us shine brighter in the end. So we need to unite our devotion to Rapture and get this man under control. Of course, you all know who I’m talking about. Atlas. The supposed man of the people.
Don’t fall for his lies. He’s not helping the little man, he is only helping himself. So, I want you to think about which leader you really should put your trust in. Someone who only uses you and your hard work for his own agenda or a man who managed to build this utopia we can proudly call our home.
If you see him or have any information about Atlas, I know you know what to do. Don’t let one single man shake the trust of what we have built down here. Thank you.”
The radio went silent again and all three of them stared at it as if they expected more to come. Elizabeth was shocked. Had Atlas actually planned this? No, that was too crazy even for him and the surprise on his face also gave away that he hadn’t expected Ryan to address the public like this.
But it wasn’t over yet. Before anyone of them had the chance to say something, Atlas’s own short wave radio came to life and like in trance he grabbed it from his belt and put it on the table in front of him, when Ryan’s voice was back again.
“Listen, Atlas. I know you can hear me.” Atlas was tempted to say something but for reasons unknown to Elizabeth, she grabbed his hand before he could get to the radio and shook her head. He looked at her confused but then Ryan already continued.
“This game between us two is going on for too long now. I’m sick of it. So, I’ll give you one final chance. Now, you can prove if you really are a man of the people. You don’t have any family left anyway, so just give up now.” Another pause. They were all waiting for the eventual demand that was to come.
“I give you 24 hours to surrender, Atlas. No second more or less and I advise you not to try anything, otherwise the people will pay the price, and our very own source of life will transform into a deadly trap. I don’t trust you Atlas, but now is your chance to show what a man you really are.”
With his other hand, Atlas finally grabbed the radio. He had lost his patience. “Who do you think you are?! Haven’t you done enough already. I will get you and …” Then he stopped himself and tried to calm down again. The radio stayed silent. Ryan was gone.
“What is happening? Is he serious? Would he really kill everyone here and bury us all at sea like this?” Jack was voicing the exact same thought Elizabeth had who let go of Atlas now. Andrew Ryan had finally lost his mind. Yes, Rapture was a hellhole, and many parts were flooded with thugs and splicers, but there were still people living their everyday lives, just trying to get by. They couldn’t let this happen. They needed to do something.
“Atlas, we…” Elizabeth began not really sure what she wanted to say. She wished Jack was gone and she could speak openly with Atlas. This was not the time for his little play. But she couldn’t risk it. Funnily enough though, Atlas seemed to feel the same way.
“Jack, I’m sorry, but would you kindly leave us alone for a few minutes. I need to think.” His voice was calm, completely out of character for the situation, but there was suddenly this empty look on Jack’s face and he just nodded and left.
Elizabeth waited until Jack was gone. “What the hell, Atlas? Do you have anything to do with that?” She asked accusingly.
“Yes, sure luv, I wanted to kill everybody here including myself. No, of course not.” He got up from his chair and walked up and down a few times. “I hope you finally agree that we need to kill this son of a bitch.” He turned around and looked at her. Silently, she agreed, but would never tell him.
“So, I guess, you’re not going to surrender, are you?” The sass was back in her voice. She couldn’t resist even though the situation was serious.
“What do you think?” Atlas gave her an irritating look.
“No, we have to stop whatever trap he has set in Arcadia, so he doesn’t get the chance to turn off our oxygen. He is already turning the whole city against me, and if he starts setting his plan in motion, he will blame me and the whole city will really start to hunt me down.”
This actually sounded promising, if in the process not all these people would die. No, she had to stay with Atlas.
“Okay, so what do we do? I hope in all your planning you’re prepared for last minute changes in the script.” Atlas came around the table and stopped only a few inches before her.
“It’s not my first rodeo, darling.” He smirked. “Ryan thinks he knows all about his city, but I’ve been here long enough to know what to do. Don’t worry.” This whole conversation, Elizabeth was happy to see this Atlas back, but the last two words, he suddenly changed his demeanor and when he caressed her cheek tenderly, she couldn’t back away. This was the same man who had kissed her on the cheek last night.
Trying to distance herself not only from the man himself but also this thought, she carefully stepped back a little eventually, but smiled to not upset him. But Atlas wasn’t upset. He ruffled his hair and then clapped his hands together.
“Alright, let’s get Jack back. I’ll tell you what we do.”
Notes:
Thanks for reading :) Let me know what you think in the comments.
What do you think is Atlas's new plan?
How will Atlas deal with his little identity crisis and will Elizabeth finally make up her mind about him?
And how will Jake influence this whole dynamic?I'm curious what you think. Let me know. Until then. Thank you so much for patience and see you next chapter <3