Title: Just A Scratch
Rating: Teen and Up
Category: F/F
Fandom: Overwatch (Video Game)
Characters: Fareeha "Pharah" Amari/Angela "Mercy" Ziegler, Overwatch Team
Language: English
Notes: Writing prompt from Tumblr. Use of the 8-Point Story Arc. I've never played Overwatch (I definitely want to) but I'm total Pharmercy trash. Originally intended to be one chapter but think I'm going to have to break this into multiple parts. I'm getting back into the swing of writing so should hopefully have the second part up next weekend.
Summary: Problems arise on a mission and the team has to deal with the consequences. Mean while, Angela "Mercy" Ziegler has to maintain her composure.
Angela stood in the shadows of the top floor of the vacant office building. Snow fell gently in the early, dawn light. She shivered when the breeze blew through the windows, her armor blocking out most of the bitter cold. They were in some forgotten Russian city, abandoned years ago in the Omnic Crisis. The asphalt street cracked and broken apart as if an earthquake had ripped through. Buildings stood empty and dilapidated, some nothing more than a pile of rubble, ravaged by war, by time and nature.
Overwatch had been dispatched to this remote location to intercept a Talon Payload. What exactly it was, they didn't know but intelligence reports indicated that it was capable of destruction on a massive scale. It was strange to see Talon active in such a desolate city, preferring to stick to civilization and hiding their operations in plain site in the guise of legitimate business interactions.
Angela tapped her fingers against the Caduceus Staff in impatience. She was wound tight, the lack of details they were given for this mission of deep concern for her. Details were sparse and they didn't have much actionable intelligence other than Overwatch Command deemed the threat was viable. That was enough to warrant a full squadron.
She pressed the side of her visor and her team mates came to light before her eyes. The payload would come from the south, marching directly towards their location. The plan was to intercept and ambush the payload at this location. DVa and Tracer were positioned south of the intersection and had already laid charges on the East and West buildings. Once the payload had reached this location, they would blow the charges and funnel the payload farther north. DVa and Tracer would provide covering fire to prevent Talon from retreating back South.
Zarya and Reinhardt had taken postions on the East and West sides on the second floor. Their job was to keep Talon from fleeing down the side streets and to ensure they stayed centered on the road. Widowmaker, located farther North, would then begin picking off the Talon agents one by one. Pharah was located across from Angela on the rooftop and would provide covering fire.
It was a simple plan, one Pharah had designed. The intent was to overwhelm the enemy with speed and force. If all went to plan, the Talon agents wouldn't stand a chance and the Overwatch crew would be headed home by nightfall, payload in tow.
From her perch, Angela could monitor the team and provide medical assistance as needed in the span of a beat of her wings. She touched the side of her visor and their life signs were brilliant beacons in front of her eyes. Hopefully, they could all get out of this with minor scrapes and bruises.
Static came through the comms and she heard Pharah issue a sharp command to DVa. DVa was live streaming the event, per usual. This, of course, irritated Pharah to no end, always the consummate soldier. The static made it difficult to understand exactly what Pharah was saying. It became obvious when DVa voiced her displeasure but dutifully stopped her live stream, muttering curses under her breath. The comm channel cleared of static, Reinhardt and Zarya laughed catching the last few curses.
Angela heard Pharah sigh through the comms and her heart went out to her. Angela understood just how much Pharah took her duties seriously and knew that the lack of protocols sometimes got to the professional soldier. They settled into silence as the wait continued.
"Hey love, when is this payload supposed to come? I've a hot date tonight I don't want to miss." Tracer's voice broke the silence.
"Satellite maps indicate the payload is on schedule and should reach the target area half-past O'seven hundred."
"No offense, love, but it's almost time and there's been no sight of the buggers."
"Patience is a virtue, Tracer. The payload will be here on time. You should see them crest the hill before we do."
"Right, I'll just go give it a peak then."
"Tracer, no-"
Tracer blinked out before Pharah could tell her to hold her position. Angela stifled a laugh when she heard their commander curse in Arabic. Just as quickly, Lena blinked back to her position. Her voice was giddy with excitement as she spoke.
"Right on, Cap! Those Talon bastards will be cresting the hill in the next five minutes."
"What are we looking at?"
"What do you mean Cap?"
Angela could almost see Pharah as she pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. Her mouth was probably set in a grim line as she counted to ten in her head. Pharah was known for her patience and calm demeanor and Angela could tell Pharah was grasping for patience as she dealt with the hyperactive Tracer.
"Tracer, intelligence reports gave no indication of troop size or units. What troops do they have assigned to that payload."
"Right, be back in a jiff, Cap."
It took no longer than a minute and Tracer was back. Her report was detailed. They were looking at a light escort detail, no heavy arms, only assault-type plasma rifles. Ten soldiers flanked each side of the large truck carrying payload. The soldiers weren't even wearing full body armor. It was strange, for such an important shipment, they should have had a heavier detail to protect their cargo. A niggling doubt made the hair on the back on Angela's head stand on end but she shook it off. She needed to focus, soon they would be in the heat of battle and none of them could afford to be distracted.
Sun peaked through the buildings as the sun rose in the East. It wasn't long before they saw the transport detail. At first, nothing more than tiny blurs on the horizon, they gained shape the closer they got. Tracer had been spot on. They were looking at a small contingent, nothing that they couldn't handle with ease but the closer they got the more Angela's concern grew. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Although not a combat expert, she had experienced more than her fair share. She opened a private channel to Pharah.
"Pharah."
Angela waited patiently then heard the soft click of the radio indicating communication was coming through. When Pharah spoke, her voice was strong and quiet. It was lightly accented and almost lyrical, a transference from her native Arabic. Angela let that soothing voice wash over her. She could never tell Pharah how she made her feel, duty and responsibility always first in the forefront of their minds. Personal feelings could not be allowed to interfere.
"Yes, Mercy?"
"Does something feel off to you? There is a distinct lack of soldiers on what is supposed to be a high-priority payload."
"I agree but the intelligence reports were incomplete at best. Command thinks this is a real threat. We couldn't wait and miss the opportunity."
"I understand, Pharah but I don't like this. We should be looking at a heavier detail or at bare minimum more soldiers. Look at the size of that truck! What exactly are they transporting?"
The truck was large, wide and long enough to transport at least three tanks. Whatever it was, it was large and heavy, if the way the tires bit into the asphalt was any indication. She began to wonder exactly what it was they were dealing with.
"Unknown. Our assets inside the Talon organization couldn't provide specific details without risking their cover. We are, in essence, operating in the dark."
"So, we don't have any idea of what we're dealing with?"
"Affirmative. All I know is that Command felt this was important enough to send us out, even with the lack of details."
Angela's smile was grim. Her soldier always following protocol and respecting the chain of command. Pharah had only been with Overwatch for about a year and she had still not learned to relax when on a mission like the rest of the team. She also didn't argue with Overwatch Command unless she felt she had valid ground to debate their decisions. Pharah was a soldier first and foremost, years of training drilled into her on how to act and react in the most professional and efficient manner.
"Maybe we should abort?"
Silence greeted Angela. She knew it wasn't because Pharah was indignant with her suggestion but because she was seriously considering the merits of such an action. Pharah treasured each and every member of the Overwatch team, even if at times she seemed aloof and uncaring. Angela knew better, knew just how much weight Pharah carried on her shoulders. Pharah would put herself in the line of fire to save one of her team mates. She wouldn't risk their lives unnecessarily and only then if the mission was of the utmost importance. When Pharah spoke again, her voice was filled with the steel of a soldier knowing they were about to walk through hell.
"We stay the course and adjust as needed."
"Understood."
"And Mercy..."
"Yes?"
"Don't do anything crazy. I-... We need you to stay in one piece."
Angela's heart skipped a beat at what she thought, what she hoped she heard in Pharah's voice but knowing it was just her wishful thinking. Shaking her head, she tried to let go of such unreasonable thoughts.
"Don't worry about me. Just try and get us out of here alive. Mercy out."
With that, the comm channel she had opened was severed. Next she heard the click of the radio as Pharah's voice was broadcast to the team, telling them to prepare themselves. The payload was getting closer, already having passed DVa and Tracer,'s location, she could almost pick out the details on the Talon uniforms. Anticipation and fear settled in her stomach with each step they took. She tightened her grip on her staff, the raised edges biting into her gloves, she sunk farther into the shadows. Soon the command would come and all hell would break lose.
Angela didn't have to wait long. As soon as the escort detail had passed half-way through the intersection, Pharah gave the order. Explosions ripped through the buildings on the East and West side, the implosion causing them to come down, a cascade of concrete and rebar falling, crushing some of the soldiers, impaling others. Angela, closed her eyes and gritted her teeth against the screams of the dying. She was a doctor, sworn to protect life but in this case she could only watch and listen as people died before her. Steeling herself, she opened her eyes and began monitoring the team.
The Talon soldiers were in disarray, they tried to backtrack south, only to have DVa and Tracer blocking their path. The two women keeping up a barrage of fire, preventing the retreat. As expected, the soldiers tried to flee down the East and West streets but Zarya and Reinhardt were there, bullets tearing through armor, severing limbs and staining the ground red with their blood. Screams and shots fired rang through the streets, the comms were cluttered with chatter as the team rang out status. Angela checked her visor, the team was in good health although it looked as if Zarya might have taken some damage from the initial explosion. She was safe for now and would not need assistance just yet.
Angela heard the shots as they whizzed past her window. Widowmaker making quick work of the remaining soldiers that were disoriented from the ambush. They never stood a chance. Angela looked across and saw Pharah also dispatching the last of the soldiers. Through the noise and the chaos, she felt more than heard Pharah's voice.
"Ceasefire! Ceasefire! Damn it, Zarya, I said hold your fire!"
The last shot echoed through the empty streets. Dust was still settling from the explosions, bits and pieces of concrete fell, kicking up sediment as it rolled down the side of the buildings and finally coming to rest in the road. The fire fight couldn't have taken more than ten minutes. Pharah's voice, calm and self-assured whispered in her ear.
"Everyone hold your position. I'm going to circle around and ensure the enemy has been neutralized. Widowmaker, keep an eye on the target area."
The jets of the Raptora suit roared to life and Pharah took to the sky. Ten minutes, then twenty passed. Pharah had gone out of range of her visor. Only the sound of the jets in the distance did anything to reassure Angela that Pharah was still alive and well. The sound of the jets grew closer as Pharah continued her aerial sweep, spiraling back towards their location as she scanned the ground. Finally she returned, hovering directly above the worst of the carnage.
"All clear. Everyone regroup on my position. Widowmaker, maintain surveillance."
Cheers came rushing through the comms and Pharah cursed in Arabic as she grabbed quickly for her ears. She landed next to the transport truck and waited patiently for the team to join her. Angela, glided down from her hiding spot and quickly went to Zarya's aid. The woman was still pumped from combat, wrapped up in celebrating their victory with Reinhardt. Tired of trying to wrangle the woman, Angela hooked the Caduceus staff on the large woman's shoulder, swinging her around and down to her eyesight.
"Hold still!"
Angela's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. She quickly scanned Zarya, aside from some minor scrapes and bruises, the worst injury were a few broken ribs, most likely from being so close to the concussive blasts of the explosions. She administered a couple booster shots filled with the nanotechnology that would help repair the damage.
"No more rough-housing for you, Zarya. I'm recommending at least two days rest before you're ready to go out on missions."
"If you say so, Doc."
Zarya's thickly accented response showed no signs that she was taking Angela seriously or any remorse for not taking her seriously. Angela released a long sigh and scanned the rest of the team. All were in good health and could be treated back at base. She left the group and walked over to Pharah who was looking at the truck in consternation. She gently laid her hand on the taller woman's shoulder, standing closer than she probably should have been. She felt Pharah relax next to her.
"What is it? You look concerned."
"My scanner can't penetrate the shell of the truck. I can't see what's inside. If we open this thing up, we could set off a trap."
"Unfortunately, there is only one way to find out."
Pharah nodded and walked to the back of the truck. Angela followed closely behind. As soon as Pharah reached for the panel to hack the console, there was a whoosh of air as the truck exploded. Angela found herself being flung through space, she braced herself for the impact that was imminent but only felt strong arms wrap around her waist and pull her close, one hand coming up to cover her head and tuck it into the crook of a neck. Jet engines roared to life, desperately trying to slow their tumble through the air. Pharah. Angela could feel the sickening thud as Pharah's body absorbed blow after blow as they crashed through the buildings from the force of the impact.
They finally came skidding to a halt, the back of the Raptora suit firmly lodged into a wall of a building, the jets sputtering in one final attempt before dying. Angela lay draped over the prone body of the wonderful woman that had saved her life. Blood dripped from under Pharah's helmet and Angela's blood ran cold. She tried to get a reading on the woman beneath her but the force of the explosion must have damaged her suit. She could get no health readings.
"Everyone, report! What is your status? Repeat, what is your status?"
Static buzzed in her ear, there was no response, She tapped the side of her visor, finally blips began appearing before her eyes but she could only determine the location of the team. She took a breath, she needed to confirm Fareeha was safe, then she could address the injuries for the rest of the team. Her hands came up shakily, feeling for a pulse, breathing a sigh of relief when she felt the steady thrum under her fingers. Still, she couldn't prevent the panic from seeping into her voice.
"Fareeha! Fareeha, wake up!"
Angela, gently poked and prodded the woman, trying to get a reaction from her. It took a few minutes but finally Fareeha responded to her gentle but persistent touch, waking with a groan. Angela couldn't see her face and cursed the wretched blue suit from preventing her from looking into Fareeha's eyes. She needed to see the woman under the mask, feel her heartbeat under her fingertips but she settled for resting her hands on the Fareeha's arms.
"Mein schatz, speak to me. Tell me where it hurts."
With another groan, Fareeha lifted her head, eyes still hidden from Angela, her gaze was drawn to the lips quirked in a lopsided grin. Fareeha's hands came to rest softly on Angela's waist and she felt a blush creep up her neck.
"I'm alright, just got knocked around a bit. Are you okay?"
"Ja, all in one piece thanks to you." Fareeha lifted her hand and brushed the blonde wisps of hair that had fallen in Angela's face away, tucking them behind her ear. Again, Angela wished she could see the woman's face.
"I'm glad. What about the rest of the team?"
"I don't know. My suit is damaged, all I can get is a location on them, no health readings."
"Go to them. I'll be alright. They may need help and there is no point in you staying here with me."
A protest perched on her tongue but Fareeha brought her hand up and rested her gloved fingers on soft lips. Angela was at a loss for words.
"Don't argue. I'm fine and someone could need your help. Can you fly? Do you have your staff?"
Angela looked around and found that her staff was a few hundred yards from where they had come crashing through. She gingerly lifted herself off of Fareeha and stretched her wings. All seemed to be in working order. She looked at Fareeha longingly before taking a step back.
"Don't you dare move. We'll be back to pick you up. In the meantime just rest, mein schatz."
Again, the lopsided smile graced Fareeha's face and Angela couldn't understand where she could find humor in this mess. With reluctance, she turned her back and flew off into the distance, picking up her staff along the way. Tracer was closest and she sped towards the locator beacon. Little did she know, behind her blood had begun slowly pooling around Fareeha, seeping from beneath the Raptora suit and the pipe that had been impaled in her back.
"Stay safe, ya amar."
Notes: I had planned on keeping this all in one-part but think I'm going to have to break it up into at least a few parts.