"Through the Tear" Arcane x Bioshock Infinite Crossover Story

Through the Tear: Queens of Zaun (Part 18)

The Spark of Revolution

The night had fallen into an eerie calm, but the streets of Zaun were far from quiet. The city was on the edge of a precipice, caught between the forces of the Chem-Barons, the revolutionary flames that Elizabeth had ignited, and the looming threat of Piltover's wrath. The Hexgate, now fully powered and active, hummed with an energy that seemed to vibrate through the very heart of Zaun.

Elizabeth stood at the forefront, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The future of her city and her family hung in the balance. With the Chem-Barons' betrayal, the battle had become more personal than ever. She could hear the clashing of metal and the rattle of gunfire echoing through the streets, but she couldn't afford to lose focus.

"We need to move. Fast." Ekko's voice cut through the chaos, his eyes darting from side to side as he scanned for any threats. The team had regrouped, but they weren't out of danger yet.

Elizabeth nodded, feeling the weight of their decisions pressing down on her. "Let's finish this."

The Chem-Barons' Last Stand

The Chem-Barons, desperate to retain control over Zaun, had rallied every thug, mercenary, and enforcer they could muster. They were not about to let Elizabeth's uprising go unchecked. At the same time, Piltover's shadow loomed, ready to stamp out any sign of rebellion. Zaun had always been a battleground between the two cities, but tonight, the stakes were higher than ever.

As Elizabeth and her team made their way toward the Hexgate control room, the Chem-Barons launched their final assault. Explosions tore through the streets, and the air was thick with the acrid stench of burning chemicals.

"Cover us!" Vi shouted as she led the charge, fists flying into the faces of their attackers. Her determination was unmatched—she had lived through this before, seen Zaun burn and rise again. She wouldn't let it fall now.

Jinx, wild-eyed and laughing like a madwoman, fired her weapons into the fray. Her explosives were a chaotic symphony of destruction, the bright flashes lighting up the darkened streets. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" she yelled, her voice full of manic excitement. "Time for a real party!"

Elizabeth's mind was sharp, focused. As the chaos unfolded around her, she kept her eyes fixed on the control room ahead. They had to get the Hexgate open—this was the key to Zaun's survival. The plan had been simple at first, but now it was more than that. It was a battle for the city, for their future. And if she had to burn everything down to save it, she would.

"We don't have much time," Ekko warned, his voice low. He was already at the control panel, working furiously to ensure the Hexgate remained operational. "The Chem-Barons aren't the only ones gunning for us. Piltover won't wait long to intervene."

Elizabeth nodded, knowing Ekko was right. She turned to Jinx, who was still laughing and blasting away, and called out to her. "Jinx, keep the pressure on! We need to buy Ekko time!"

With a gleam in her eye, Jinx gave her a wicked grin and dove deeper into the fray, her explosive joy lighting up the battlefield.

Piltover's Wrath

Far above Zaun, in the gleaming towers of Piltover, the Council was making its move. Jayce stood at the head of the council chamber, eyes narrowed as he watched the growing unrest in Zaun. He had hoped that diplomacy could work, that the Hexgate could be shut down before it caused any more instability, but the situation had escalated beyond his control.

"We've given them enough chances," Jayce declared, his voice cold. "Zaun has made its choice. We will act swiftly, decisively."

Caitlyn stood off to the side, her expression conflicted. "This could mean war, Jayce. We could lose everything if we push them too far."

"We have no choice," Jayce said, his voice hardened. "We can't let Zaun control the Hexgates. They could use them to undermine Piltover's authority—our authority."

"We need to think this through," Caitlyn replied, her voice filled with concern. "These are people, not just enemies. There are innocents down there. We're playing with fire."

Jayce turned to her, his eyes steely. "And they're playing with explosives, Caitlyn. Zaun has always been a threat. If we don't act now, we risk losing everything we've worked for."

Before Caitlyn could reply, the doors to the chamber opened, and a messenger rushed in, breathless. "Sir, reports from Zaun—they've activated the Hexgate. They're—they're opening it."

Jayce's eyes hardened. "So it begins." He turned to Caitlyn, his voice steady. "Prepare the forces. We march tonight."

The Final Gamble

Back in Zaun, the battle was reaching its peak. The Chem-Barons had nearly surrounded them, but Elizabeth's resolve was unshakable. The Hexgate was still operational, but they needed to get it open fully—fast. Ekko worked tirelessly at the control panel, his fingers flying across the console.

"It's almost there!" Ekko called, his voice urgent.

Elizabeth stepped forward, her heart racing. They had one chance to do this. "Keep it together, Ekko! We're counting on you!"

Jinx, ever unpredictable, tossed another grenade into a cluster of Chem-Barons. The explosion rocked the ground, sending debris flying in all directions. "Let's go, Liz! I want to see what's on the other side!" she screamed, her wild eyes gleaming with excitement.

Elizabeth reached into her pocket, pulling out the small locket her mother had given her. She had been holding onto it through everything, a symbol of the family she had lost—and the one she had gained. She whispered to herself, "For Zaun, for my family... for the future."

The Hexgate began to hum louder, its energy levels spiking. Elizabeth felt a chill run through her as the portal began to open wider. Beyond it, she could feel the energy of another world—one that was as vast and unknown as the one she had just left. But there was no going back. This was it.

Ekko's voice broke through her thoughts. "It's ready!"

Elizabeth nodded. She turned to Vi and Jinx, giving them one last, fierce look. "We move. Now!"

With a collective breath, they leaped through the Hexgate, leaving Zaun's turbulent streets behind—ready to face whatever the future held.

To Be Continued...