"Through the Tear" Arcane x Bioshock Infinite Crossover Story

Through the Tear: Elizabeth of Zaun (Part 2)

Elizabeth followed closely as Vi and the others led her through the winding streets of Zaun. The city was unlike anything she had ever seen—even the glimpses from her Tears had never shown a place so raw and alive. Steam hissed from rusted pipes, neon lights flickered in the distance, and the smell of oil, smoke, and something acrid filled the air.

"Stay close," Vi warned, glancing back at her.

Elizabeth clutched the edges of her dress and nodded. She had never felt so exposed before—no high walls, no books to retreat into, no Songbird to keep her safe. And yet... there was an odd thrill to it. She was free.

After weaving through the maze of alleys, they arrived at a large bar with a flickering green sign that read The Last Drop.

Vi knocked on the metal door. "Vander! We got a situation!"

The heavy door creaked open, and a broad-shouldered man with graying hair and a warm yet weary face appeared. Vander's eyes immediately locked onto Elizabeth. He took in her pristine blue dress, the way she held herself—nervous, out of place.

"And who's this?" Vander asked, crossing his arms.

"We found her wandering," Claggor explained. "She's lost."

Elizabeth took a small step forward. "My name is Elizabeth," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I... I don't know where I am. One moment I was in my tower, then I opened a—" She hesitated, unsure if she should mention the Tear. Would they even believe her? "—I got here by accident."

Vander studied her for a long moment, then gestured for them all to come inside.

The bar was dimly lit, filled with the scent of ale and smoke. A few patrons looked up as they entered, but most kept to themselves. Elizabeth glanced around, taking in the details—wooden beams, a bar counter, metal pipes running along the ceiling. It was nothing like Columbia.

Vander kneeled in front of her. "You're not from Piltover, are ya?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No."

Vander rubbed his chin. "Alright. You don't look like you got anywhere to go."

"I... don't," she admitted.

Vi stepped forward. "She's like Powder," she said. "Lost. No family. We can't just leave her out there."

Elizabeth looked between them, feeling a warmth she wasn't used to. They were standing up for her, like she was one of them.

Vander sighed, then gave her a small smile. "Well then, looks like you're stayin' here."

Elizabeth blinked. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

And in that moment, her fate changed forever.