Calm Before
McCree was sleeping soundly until he heard his phone go off. He looked at his alarm clock that read 4:15am, and grumbled about how Gabriel would always wake him at an ungodly hour. McCree grabbed his phone and read the message.
[Jesse, come to my office A. S. A. P. Bring your datapad.]
McCree got up to get dressed. Then he made his way over with his datapad. On the way, he looked through it and was he got a new message. Before he could read it, he entered Gabriel's office. McCree schooled his face with a look of displeasure.
"Why'd I have to come here so early? I just came back from a mission!" McCree yelled.
"I need to see your datapad. You have some information we need for our next mission," Gabriel explained.
"How would I have the information? Morrison don't even trust me to be in them meeting!"
"Jesse, let me see your datapad and I'll explain everything."
So McCree passed it over while grumbling about always be left in the dark. Gabriel looked through the datapad, saw the unread message McCree saw, and opened it.
"It seems he wants to bring you into the fold," Gabriel said with a sigh. "I guess he does trust you more that Jack," Gabriel mused to himself.
"What are ya talkin' about? What fold!? Who would trust me and not the Strike-Commander?"
"Look, Jesse. What I'm about to tell you it top secret. The Strike-Commander doesn't even know much about what I'm going to tell you. This stays between me and you until he says otherwise," Gabriel said seriously. "He is the only one that's going to help us in dire situations, but only if he stays a secret."
"Understand," McCree says seriously. "I'll keep my mouth shut. Now who's he?"
Gabriel turns the datapad back to McCree after forwarding the message to himself. McCree looks to see the new message he got was a file from someone he didn't know.
"He is known as Wave. He's a secret agent in Blackwatch that didn't exist until a few days before we took down most Deadlock," Gabriel begins. "Wave has a wide variety of information that he reports to me for our mission. He specializes in espionage, infiltration, and communications."
"Okay, and what does this have to do with me?" McCree asked in confusion.
"He messaged me this morning that you were to be informed about him and his daughter. Wave believes you have the right to this classified information."
"So this 'Beak' person is Wave's daughter? But why allow me such a privilege? I'm nothing but a criminal in Morrison's eye."
"Wave operates off the grid, so to speak. He sees that you have potential, and you're one person he trust other than me. With what Wave has to offer and you being the second person to join this small group, you should be honored being trusted with the world's secrets."
McCree was shocked. Most people looked down on him, with Captain Amari and Gabriel being the exception. Someone who's off the grid and has never met him actually trusts him with access of information that no one else has. McCree was actually grateful for this.
"Okay, so Beak is my connection to Wave? Is that why I have the file? Cause they trust me with it?"
"That's one of the reasons. Plus, you said it yourself. You're considered a criminal. Who would think a criminal had access to large amounts of detailed information?"
McCree saw the logic behind that reasoning. No one would suspect him of having such classified and sensitive information, being a former Deadlock member. Information like this was probably safe with him than any other agent in the organization itself.
"So, what'd Beak send us? What's on the file?"
"Open it and find out. It's our next assignment since Wave gives us the information. This is top priority over anything the Strike-Commander has assigned. Is that understood, Jesse?"
"Loud n' clear, Gabe. Now let's see what our high n' mighty informant has in store."
Both of them looked at the file Laserbeak had given them. As they read, their faces became grim. At the end of the file was a couple of notes, one to lock up technically most of the Shimada clan, and to recruit both Genji and Hanzo. McCree was a bit put off by those notes.
"I can understand why we need to take down the clan, but why recruit? Why would Wave want us to take two of them clan members in?" McCree asked. "That's a weird request."
"If Wave asks us to recruit them, then we do as such," Gabriel replied. "I never questioned him since he gives such extensive and detailed information for the mission. Beside, what he says usually benefits the world and us in the end. Wave has never led me astray."
"Oh yeah? Give me one good example where his recruitin' was actually good."
"There were a few from Deadlock we took in, but they weren't on Wave's list," Gabriel said. "He only requested one person."
"And who would that be?" McCree asked.
"Go back to your room and pack," Gabriel said as he moved to leave his office. "We're leaving as soon as you're ready."
McCree quickly stood up and followed right behind Gabriel. He wasn't going on a mission to recruit people that could possibly be a danger here in Blackwatch. Despite how people in Overwatch treat him, McCree cared about everyone, especially Gabriel and Captain Amari.
"Who did Wave ask you to take in," McCree growled as he held Gabriel's wrist. "I have to know."
"He asked me to recruit you," Gabriel said, shocking McCree. He took that moment to get out of McCree's grasp. "He gave me a file on you. I didn't trust Wave, but I saw your potential. And let me tell you. Recruiting you was the best decision I ever made. Now, get ready McCree."
With that, Gabriel left a very shocked McCree in his office. McCree was always given a hard time since he joined Blackwatch. Gabriel always trained him harsher than any other recruit, but he was allowed on deadly missions. Gabriel was training McCree to get stronger so he could survive the missions he was sent on. He finally seen how much Gabriel's harsh treatment towards him was actually how Gabriel cared for him.
With that final realization in mind, McCree quickly made his way to his room to prepare. He packed two months worth of supplies, unsure of how long this mission would take. McCree wouldn't let his realization get the better of him, because that would just get in the way.
Once McCree was done, he met Gabriel on the jet. Gabriel immediately took off once McCree was on board. They headed off to Hanamura, telling Athena that he was on an important mission that required their immediate attention. As they went, Laserbeak sat on the jet with them.
With Soundwave
Soundwave was notified of Gabriel and McCree's movement. He was relieved to hear them moving fast. Soundwave could feel the happiness flow from Laserbeak's side of their bond. Laserbeak had two people she talk to on the outside. Now she wasn't alone.
Soundwave turned back to the scene before him. He watched as Hanzo gave Genji the task to collect money from the shops in town. It was one of more simpler tasks, but Soundwave still worried. He knew Genji was very nice to the people in town, so this would be hard for him.
"Genji, while you're on this mission, make sure not to come back until sunset," Hanzo said.
"Why?" Genji asked incredulously hurt. "Am I no longer allowed home because I'm such a disgrace to the family!?"
"No!" Hanzo quickly denied. "I just want to keep you away from the elders. I'm not ashamed of you or anything. They'll be more critical from now on. I don't want them to hurt you."
"They really didn't want to believe that I'm trying to help with the family business, huh?"
"No, which is all the more reason to stay out of their sights," Hanzo said softly, as he looked away. "I would hate myself if they got a hold of you. They would do such horrible things to you. I fear they would make you suffer a fate worse than death."
Genji placed a hand on Hanzo's shoulder, making Hanzo look at him.
"Brother, I will try to stay out of their sights for as long as I can. But you know, as well as I, that the elders will eventually find me. If that happens, then I willingly accept the punishment."
"Genji!" Hanzo shouts.
"Hanzo, if it will allow me to stay by your side and help you, then so be it. I will go through all the torture they have to throw at me, just be with you. Because I love you, Anija."
"Genji … I understand what you're saying, but the elder will not allow you return to me if that were to happen," Hanzo confessed. "I couldn't bare the thought of them torturing you if I were to make mistakes. I don't want you to suffer, my little Sparrow."
"As I said before, I'll try my best to keep out of sight. I'll see you tonight, Anija."
Then Genji left for the town, leaving Hanzo to tend to other issues. Issues that the elder are supposed to handle, but shrugged the task onto Hanzo. It infuriated Soundwave to no end! But what could he do? All he could really do was watch and suggest things to help.
Though once he saw Hanzo getting the hang of things, he went to check on a little bird who struggled. Soundwave actually found him struggling a bit. Genji was at his favorite ramen joint, Rikimaru. He was trying to persuade the owner for the money, rather than demanding it.
"Come on, Rin-san," Genji pleaded. "I don't want to disappoint my brother or have the clan here to threaten your lives and business. Please, reconsider!"
"Genji-sam-"
"Just Genji, Rin-san."
"Genji-san, I can't give all that your family requests. It's not that I'm not will, rather if I do, there will be no money to get ingredients for the food here. With what your family's been taking from me. I had to close earlier and earlier, just to keep up with demands."
Genji finally realized why Rikimaru closed so early in the evening. He had seen a few times where Rikimaru staff had to apologize for saying they were closed to people who entered near closing time. He thought nothing of it, but now he understood.
Soundwave didn't like this situation. Much like Genji, Frenzy was a very understanding youngling. He let his emotions guide him. Now that wasn't a bad thing in Soundwave's optics, but it had led to trouble if Frenzy's emotions weren't kept in check.
Soundwave was going to have Laserbeak message Genji a suggestion, when Genji spoke up.
"Rin-san, how about you give me half of what I need?" Genji asked. "That way, you still have money you need, and I can just get the rest from the others in town. If that doesn't cover it, then I'll just use the money I have for my daily ramen to cover the rest. How does that sound?"
Rin was shocked. His favorite customer, was sacrificing his ramen money to cover the rest of what his family is demanding for his sake. This young man before him would actually do that for him, he was so damn grateful.
"T-thank you, Genji-san. For everything that you ever done for me, whether it this or buying ramen. Thank you!"
"Rin-san, as long as you continue to sell your wonderful ramen and make people happy like you've done for me, then I won't mind making sacrifices like this. I see how your business makes others smile. That's why I always come here for."
"Genji …," Rin said with concern. He always saw Genji so happy here, that he didn't think there was anything figured Genji had problems at home, but he didn't know how to approach the topic without upsetting his favorite customer or getting in trouble.
Rin handed Genji a bag with 75% of what was asked. If this was going to help take the pressure off Genji, then he would try.
"Think nothing of it, Rin-san," Genji shook his head as he took the bag. "Just … keep up the good work." Then he turned and left the shop before Rin could offer free ramen.
Soundwave was rather impressed with Genji compromising with Rin. It would seem that Genji's emotions guided him well in this situation. Sacrificing the money he would use to get food at Rikimaru to cover what they couldn't was a good call.
Though Soundwave didn't really trust emotion over logic. He followed Genji just incase he had to have Laserbeak interven. However, Soundwave watched as Genji was able to get the money from the other stores, because they owed him favors, further impressing him.
There was the natural way people were attracted to Genji. A soft spoken leader with strong bonds of loyalty and trust. Genji's kindness could get true followers within the Shimada clan, along with loyal allies. Genji was all the difference that could benefit his clan.
Soundwave realized the elders were very blind to this. They saw Genji's natural leadership skills as naivety, and focused on Hanzo's cold attitude as strong leadership material. Genji may seem like he can't negotiate, but his understanding puts him in a greater advantage.
The arrogance of the elders would be their downfall in the end. If they had put as much effort in training Genji as they did Hanzo, the brothers would have been a fierce opponent to go against. Soundwave wished they would've been less selfish in controlling the clan.
When sunset came around, Soundwave and Genji made their way to Shimada Castle. Luckily, Genji was able to get money from other stores to cover the missing amount. If Genji did it right, he could get the money without too much hassle from every store.
The sun was down once the two entered the house. Genji stuck to the shadows, while Soundwave simply followed below, until they got to Hanzo's room.
"Hanzo, I'm back with all the money you requested from the store, and I wasn't hassled for it," Genji said as he walked up to his brother and handed the bag of money over. "We should really lighten our money demands. Some of the shops might close because of it."
"How did you get all of it!?" Hanzo asked in surprise. "Those I sent usually cause problems or don't come back with the amount we requested. That's why we demand more from the stores. Now we don't need to ask for money until next month instead of next week."
"Wow! I didn't know that!" Genji said. "That's great news. I just negotiated with them to be honest. Rikimaru couldn't pay in full so I just asked a little more from the other stores. Most were kind enough to cooperate, while others owed me favors."
"Since you did so well, this will be a permanent job of yours," Hazo said. "Now we need to find other things to keep you busy in the family business. I'll give you Monday, Wednesday, and Friday off though. Is that fine, Genji?"
"That's great!" Genji replies. "This is going better than I expected! We might just improve the future of our clan. You'll be seen as a great leader like father!"
"We, Genji," Hanzo corrects. "We will be seen as great leaders. Thank you for your hard work. Go rest now. You still have more work tomorrow."
"Alright, Anija!" Genji exclaimed happily. "Good night! I'll see you tomorrow."
Hanzo watched as Genji left the room. He was proud of his brother doing well with his assignments, but he still feared for him. The elders had it out for the brothers. He stayed hopeful, that Soundwave could help him in this endeavor.
At that moment, Soundwave was informed of Laserbeak's and their outside connections arrival. However, there was a downside that would bring downfall of the brothers.