Chapter 25: Disaster Strikes

Lena sighed and resisted the urge to pick at her bandages. Even with the cream Angela had given her the itching had still gotten worse. She knew that it was a good thing as it meant her nerves were healing but it was still aggravating.

She shifted uncomfortably and looked over to the small stand on her left. Winston had finished fixing her chronal accelerator and left it here with her. It was plugged up and charging at the moment but it wasn't like she could use it to go anywhere yet in her current condition. Still being able to look over and see it there was a big reassurance. Of all the things they had put her through in that bunker, ripping her accelerator away from her had been the worst. She had been separated from this timeline once and gotten stuck in others a few other times by accident. She always hated it and the crushing anxiety and panic that came along with every experience.

Reaching over Lena wiggled her still injured fingers a bit but finally managed to snag one of the harness straps, newly made with smaller metal and plastic settings for the accelerator itself, and disconnected the power plug before pulling it over to her. Clutching it to her chest she finally was able to relax a bit.

At least I can actually stay awake longer now, Lena sighed and sank back against the bed. Granted staying awake for an hour at a time and then sleeping for a few more wasn't exactly groundbreaking but she would whatever she could get. She was ready to get out of this room and back into her old one here.

At least she hadn't been lacking for company. Not only had Widowmaker and everyone associated with Overwatch come by to see her but others had as well. Someone named Razor had popped in quickly to say hello but Lena suspected it was mostly to satisfy their own curiosity.. Razor been more then happy to recount some of their time with Widowmaker during her very, very early training. Although those tales quickly got cut off after Razor tried to go into Widowmaker's apparently horrible first time figuring out a gun. Widowmaker had not been at all amused.

Since then Razor had behaved herself and instead had been bringing by some of the baby animals that had been rescued from the base. The theory being "baby animals make everything better." Lena had to admit it was awfully hard to feel down when holding a curious, and talkative, wolf puppy who loved hearing about what it was like to fly. Or while cuddling two leopard kittens who loved nothing more then to be held and petted.

A woman named Sombra had been by a couple times although Lena suspected that, like Razor, she was more interested in trying to figure out why Widowmaker was interested in her then anything else. She had heard that Reaper had come back and was hovering about the base but she hadn't seen him which was probably for the best.

Apparently a woman named Adriana had been captured as well. Only she had been beaten and then stuck in a hole and left to die instead of tortured. The other team had gone with Reaper and Sombra to rescue her. Lena didn't know much about her but the way Widowmaker spoke about her suggested a deep familiarity. That or she just kept her around because she was an amazing cook. With everyone else busy it was Adriana who had been doing most of the cooking on the base instead of just leaving everyone to grab what they could, when they could. That also meant that Lena could get whatever she wanted when she wanted instead of suffering through the cheap pre-packaged medical food they still had stored down the hallway.

Lena sniffed the air as the smell of food drifted her way. She perked up and looked over just as an omnic leaned in ready to knock lightly on the door. Vincent. She knew he had formerly been a Talon A.I. but that was about the extent of her knowledge. Still he had been friendly enough and Angela said he had been very helpful both to her and Winston.

"Oh! You're awake! Adriana was making lunch for everyone and thought you might enjoy this. Fish and chips. With a slice of cake and a pot of tea with some sugar and cream on the side if you want it," he said cheerfully. He set the large tray down on the rolling table and brought it over the bed so she could reach it easily.

Lena's mouth was already watering from the smell. She hadn't had good fish and chips in forever and it was highly unlikely that she would be going back to get some at her favorite pub anytime soon either. She popped one of the hot chips in her mouth and savored the salty taste.

"I'll have to be sure to thank Adriana for all of this next time I see her," Lena mumbled appreciatively after she had finished fanning her mouth from how hot it still was. "And thank you for bringing this," she added gratefully as Vincent poured some tea for her.

"Its not a problem. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can," Vincent dropped in a few sugar cubes and cream as she directed and stirred it up for her.

Lena put her accelerator beside her and leaned forward eagerly so she could eat. She had just taken a sip of tea and popped another chip in her mouth when Vincent added, "Although I must add that Widowmaker was the one who made the meal this time, not Adriana."

Lena choked and pounded her chest until she swallowed properly. She grabbed the tea again and took a drink to clear her throat.

"Widowmaker can cook?" she finally managed to get out.

"Ask her yourself," Vincent said with a gesture towards the door. Lena turned to see Widowmaker walk in, this time wearing more casual clothes. It was just a white blouse and slacks but she still managed to look like she had just come from a photo shoot.

"Ask me what?" Widowmaker asked glancing between them with the usual look of suspicion she seemed to get whenever she realized someone was talking about her.

"You can cook?" Lena asked and Widowmaker scowled at her in return.

"Of course I can cook. I'm pampered, not helpless," Widowmaker said sharply. Lena on the other hand was pretty sure she would burn down her flat building along with half of London if she tried to make anything that involved actual work beyond adding water or heating it up. Frozen meals, take out, and delivery were how she survived.

"The eagles caught some fish yesterday so I took some, cleaned them, took the fillets, got some spices and lemon, butter, a little sauce, let it marinate for a bit since that type of fish can be hard to season right and then fried it. Nothing special," Widowmaker said casually. As if she did it all the time. Maybe she did. Lena on the other hand wouldn't know how to clean a fish if she had step by step instructions.

"No big deal. Of course," Lena said wryly. She was actually able to use a fork almost normally again so she grabbed it off the tray and took a piece. She bit into the fish and nearly swooned at how delicious and flavorful it was. Totally different from the greasy comfort food of the pub but ten times better. A bit crispy on the outside but hot and flaky inside.

"Now I'm the one who feels pampered," Lena said before digging into the rest. Widowmaker looked pleased by the comment as she sat down in an empty chair.

"I was actually hoping you might be able to provide some insight into a... problem that's come up," Widowmaker said with a glance over at Vincent who had been standing by quietly.

"You may remember me informing you that I was formerly a security A.I. for Talon. Widowmaker was kind enough to set me free from that and now I inhabit this omnic body," Vincent explained. It was easy to hear the appreciation in his voice. "But I am not the only one. Atlas, who helped oversee the base where you were kept, has been set free as well. Only she is presenting more of a problem," he continued. He may not be capable of facial expressions but Lena was still pretty sure she heard a wince in there.

Since she was too busy stuffing her face with fish and chips to ask questions, Lena looked over at Widowmaker curiously instead.

"Atlas is extremely angry with Talon and while she has been content to rip apart what remains of the base she can't sit there in the desert forever. Not to mention that she is currently inhabiting an extremely dangerous war machine with live weapons. She won't stay hidden forever and few will believe that she's not a threat if left alone," Widowmaker told her.

"Something must be done," Vincent chimed in. "She deserves a new life just as I have now but neither will she give up that kind of power easily. Atlas has been forced to watch the cruelty that went on there for too long. She wishes to do something. To fight and help protect others," he pleaded.

"But no one can agree on what to do with her?" Lena guessed. Widowmaker nodded.

"Fareeha suggested that Atlas would work well with Helix Security but Sombra argued that they couldn't be trusted not to try and control her themselves," Widowmaker began.

"Which started a rather heated argument," Vincent injected.

"Zenyatta offered to help but Winston reasoned that a life of peace was unlikely to appeal to her. It was Satya who proposed that a girl by the name of Efi Oladele work with Atlas and help reform her. Which brought on counter arguments that Efi is apparently just a child," Widowmaker phrased the last part more as a question and looked over at Lena questioningly.

"Its true that Efi is only eleven years old but she already has a good track record. The Numbani government tossed a bunch of security bots but Efi managed to get one and rebuilt it. Now it helps protect the city. So long as Atlas proves she isn't a danger to the innocent then I think it's a great suggestion," Lena agreed.

"I'm happy to hear you say that. I believe this to be the best solution as well," Vincent said gratefully. "I will leave soon to take care of this along with Sombra. Perhaps I should ask the monk, Zenyatta to come, along with Genji? I believe Atlas will feel more comfortable with them and it will ease the minds of the others who do not yet trust me," he offered.

"And Sombra?" Lena asked. She didn't know much about the woman aside from the fact that she was a hacker.

"Insurance that I hope will be unnecessary. Atlas is angry but she has never been unreasonable. Just... impulsive at times. It is my hope that this still holds true," Vincent said but it didn't really answer much. "Thank you for your help," he added.

"Its no problem." Lena flushed with happy warmth at his gratitude. It felt good to be useful again even if she had barely done anything.

Good to be...

"Hey wait a minute!" Lena said as Vincent safely slid out of the room head of her impending realization. "You're just trying to make me feel useful so I'm not moping around all miserable like ain't you?" she demanded suspiciously.

"I did no such thing," Widowmaker countered but the twitch of her face gave her lie away.

"You are trying to cheer me up!" Lena said triumphantly.

"I think the medication is playing tricks on your mind," Widowmaker shot back evenly.

"Oh don't be all cold and distant like that love! In fact I think I feel better already," Lena grinned even as Widowmaker scoffed and looked away.

"Whatever you have to tell yourself," Widowmaker countered.

"You do realize there are ways to show you care without making it sound like a threat all the time right?" Lena said and Widowmaker's head snapped over, her mouth open to fire back a retort. A second later she stopped and her eyes sparked playfully as she realized Lena was, partially, teasing her.

"I'll make sure to warn you nicely before I choke you to death with the meal I was kind enough to make for you," Widowmaker countered with a wicked smile. "Better?" she asked.

"Much," Lena said. She made a show of eating another mouthful of fish to which Widowmaker just rolled her eyes before leaning back and crossing her arms.

There was a light knock at the open door as Angela leaned in.

"Am I... interrupting something?" she asked hesitantly. Her eyes darted between the two of them. She had to have heard their bickering in the hallway.

"Widowmaker was just trying to cheer me up," Lena said cheerfully, her mood very much improved now.

"Your patient is delusional," Widowmaker countered firmly.

Angela's lips twitched up into a smile as she came in.

"I was just coming to see how you were doing. Its good to see you eating," Angela said carefully. Lena had always been sensitive about how small she was and that had only gotten worse with her increased metabolism and difficulty putting on weight. It was like her body simply refused to go above a certain number.

"Hard not to be hungry all the time when I'm getting meals like this handed to me," Lena said barely resisting the urge to look over at Widowmaker. Lena seriously doubted she would appreciate the attention. Instead she shoved another bite of fish into her mouth to keep anything else from popping out inadvertently. It wouldn't be the first time she said something before her brain could tell her not to.

"Well its good to see all the same. You really haven't lost much weight, not as much as I was worried you might have but I was still concerned. But those worries were clearly unfounded," Angela said. It was easy to pick up on the relief in her voice. Probably nice having something lifted off her shoulders instead of being put on them.

"How are the other patients?" Widowmaker asked. Now Angela grimaced.

"Some are recovering rather well from the mental and physical trauma they've experienced. They've still got a very long road ahead of them but they are handling it nicely and working or responding well to the treatments I've set up for them. But there are a few others who..." Angela stopped and cleared her throat. "A few have gone downhill despite my best efforts. I've made them as comfortable as I can. For the others I've contacted the best specialists I know in psychology and psychiatry. Hopefully they'll be able to provide more help and experience then I can," she said simply.

Still Lena's winced at that admission. She had known Angela long enough to be able to read between the lines by now. "As comfortable as I can" generally meant there was nothing more to be done. A second later though Lena's stomach grumbled in protest, refusing to allow such a depressing thought to dampen her appetite. She chewed on a few more chips to settle it and looked over at Widowmaker just in time to see her face flash with disappointment before it was hidden behind a neutral expression.

"What I'm concerned about at the moment is how well you're sleeping," Angela said changing the subject.

Lena just shrugged noncommittally and shoved more fish in her mouth so she wouldn't have to answer that. She couldn't sleep soundly, constantly had nightmares, and still woke up at every little noise. She wasn't any better or any worse.

"I'll see if I can some up with something to help all right?" Angela said with a light sigh upon seeing that Lena wasn't going to answer.

"Thanks Angela," Lena said appreciatively. Angela walked over and gave her a tight one armed hug.

"You'll get through this and you'll be back in a regular room in a few days. It'll be easier for you to get some actual rest then. I'll see if I can dig up those nature tracks and scented candles that you used before," Angela added. That actually stirred up a bit of hope in Lena's chest. It had helped before after Winston first made her accelerator and she was able to stay in this timeline permanently again. She still had nightmares, anxiety and a host of other problems but they had managed to help her get some actual sleep here and there.

"I'd appreciate that and speaking of getting out of here...?" Lena asked hopefully.

"Three days at the most. Hopefully just two. We'll see how well you can get around on your own tomorrow. I also managed to grab most of your stuff from your apartment and get it sent here. There's a box of clothes sitting just down the hallway. I'll have it moved in here later," Angela promised. "And remember if you need anything then I'm only a quick buzz away," she added giving Lena another squeeze.

Lena was tempted to say "yes, mum I know" but she held her tongue. The look Angela gave her clearly showed that she wasn't fooled though. Besides it felt good to know how many people cared about her even if the constant in and out of visitors could get bothersome at times.

"I'll let you finish eating now but I'll be back in a few hours to check your hands okay?" Angela offered. Her eyes briefly darted over curiously to Widowmaker but she didn't say anything else as she left.

"I have to go as well. Anything you want me to get?" Widowmaker asked after a moment of silence.

"Hmm? No I'm good. I'll probably pass out for a bit after I'm done eating so no worries. I'm glad you came though and not just for the food. Its good to see you," Lena said honestly. Widowmaker's eyebrows rose in surprise at that.

"Seeing me has inspired many feelings in people. 'Good' is not one of them," Widowmaker said bluntly.

"Well I'm glad I could be the first then," Lena countered happily.

"You're insufferable," Widowmaker scoffed.

"I believe charming is the word you were looking for? No worries, love. We all make mistakes," Lena said with a grin.

"I'm leaving now," Widowmaker said with a sigh.

"Don't be gone too long!" Lena shot back as she walked out.

"When exactly did I become the bird whisperer again?" Fareeha stated more then asked.

Angela glanced up from her tablet to see Fareeha looking up at the small cluster of eagles and ravens dotted around the rafters of the hanger. All of them were staring down at her with blatant fascination.

"Since they realized you can fly. Plus you have to admit the bird imagery is pretty strong when you're suited up," Angela pointed out even as her eyes fell back down to the medical report in front of her. It took a moment to realize Fareeha had said something directed at her.

"Sorry what was that?" Angela asked still half distracted. She looked up to see that Fareeha had walked over to stand in front of her.

"What?" Angela asked a bit sharply as a smile tugged at Fareeha's lips.

"Nothing. Just nice to see you so focused and enjoying your work again," she responded.

"That's because I'm actually doing something other then sitting around acting like a mother bear," Angela sighed and put her tablet down. "I'm always happy to provide support or just be a shoulder to cry on but its so much more satisfying emotionally when I can actually get up and do something to help you know? Does that sound bad?" she asked worriedly.

"I know what you mean. Of course you never wanted any of this to happen, especially to Lena, but its satisfying to be able to help her. Not just sit back worrying if she'll come back alive this time," Fareeha offered.

"I'm still not sure what to make of Widowmaker though. Its easy to see how much anger and frustration she has built up but I'm honestly still trying to wrap my mind around her coming to us for help," Angela confessed. Fareeha hopped up on the crate next to her.

"Me too, but that just shows that Lena was right when she saw something in Widowmaker that we didn't. Something she felt was worth fighting for. That's not to say I don't worry but..." Fareeha trailed off with a shrug.

"Lena was right," Angela confirmed.

"Lena was right," Fareeha said again. "Why do you think she's still here though?" she added curiously.

"Honestly? Because of Lena and how hurt she is. if Lena were in otherwise normal shape I think Widowmaker would have disappeared again rather quickly. I don't know how she feels about this, or much of anything for that matter, but she does bear some responsibility for this happening. However small it is. Maybe she's trying to make up for it somehow," Angela replied thoughtfully. "Maybe because of Adriana as well. The woman is smart but she's intelligence, good intelligence as well, but not a soldier. Adriana certainly can't go back to Talon now and doesn't particularly seem interested either. Sombra is harder to get a read on," she added.

"Adriana stays out of loyalty to Widowmaker, Widowmaker stays because of Lena, Sombra is a technically neutral party and stays because Widowmaker does," Fareeha summed up. "No telling about Reaper but he clearly feels some sort of loyalty to her if he was willing to work with us to get Adriana out," she added.

Angela nodded and mused that over. Her eyes drifted over to a corner of the hanger where Razor and Satya were playing with the young animals that had been brought back from the desert base. A few wolf puppies and two leopards, one normal colored and the other black.

Razor, or sometimes Nano if you spoke to them at night, had been the most helpful of the non Overwatch members so far. She was helping to feed and watch over the younger uplifted animals, showing up every morning to aid in taking care of the other rescued patients, and offering invaluable insight into Talon's operations and experiments.

Although to be fair Adriana had started pitching in more by taking over the kitchen and helping to keep everyone fed. That alone was a big help. Angela didn't have much time to spare and being able to grab something more then a thrown together sandwich or snack had gone a long way towards keeping her focused and her energy levels up.

Meanwhile Fareeha was quiet, waiting patiently while Angela thought and she appreciated the gesture immensely.

"I've been thinking about what I've been studying in Widowmaker's medical records as well as what Razor has told me from their personal experience with her," Angela finally said. "Both accounts confirm that Widowmaker was essentially a blank slate during the early days and weeks of her existence. Widowmaker told me herself that she was created to protect Amélie and that she was extremely violent and would attack anyone who came near. She didn't understand who she was, what she was. Only that someone had hurt Amélie and she had to protect her from them," she continued.

"Widowmaker didn't have a name at the time but she and Amélie kept switching back and forth uncontrollably. She wasn't... fully developed in a way. Not yet. That's when Talon put that device in her head. It can control or alter hormone and chemical levels thus affecting or changing a person's mood and mental state," Angela paused and glanced over at Fareeha who now had a grimace on her face.

"They pacified her," Fareeha scowled darkly as she said it.

"They did or tried anyway. Amélie was constantly upset, and occasionally just as violent as her alter, so Widowmaker constantly sought to protect her from anything and everyone she saw. But her reactions were... automatic. Instinctive even. Amélie generally attacked when she saw someone she recognized or when they tried to make her do something she didn't like. Widowmaker didn't care. She didn't even know who she was assaulting," Angela added and now Fareeha cursed in her native tongue.

"And Talon used that to their advantage," Fareeha guessed.

"They did. Talon took some of the facts and twisted them. Just enough truth in them to be believable and just enough of a lie to keep Widowmaker listening to them. Razor confirmed that Widowmaker was... obsessed with becoming stronger," Angela paused and closed her eyes, "Strong enough to protect Amélie so she would never have to come out into this world again. So she would never get hurt again. So she could get revenge on the people who did this to her."

Fareeha shook her head in disgust and gripped the edge of the crate she was sitting on until her knuckles paled from the tension.

"She was completely vulnerable. Widowmaker never even had a chance," Fareeha muttered. She was silent and pensive after that and Angela let her think. It was impossible not to recall Ana whose entire team had been killed in action by a Talon sniper.

"What... what do you think Widowmaker might have been like? If not for Talon... corrupting her I mean," Fareeha finally asked. Angela hummed and moved closer to her. Fareeha's lips twitched with a faint smile as she took the hint and wrapped an arm around her. Angela dropped her head onto Fareeha's shoulder and felt the silent sigh that rippled through her. Angela could tell that Fareeha was a lot more tense then she liked to let on but they hadn't had a chance to see each other these past few days much less stop to relax and talk.

"Similar in many ways to how she is now. Distrustful, angry, cold, distant and sarcastic but also incredibly charming when she wants to be," Angela explained.

"Charming?" Fareeha said in surprise.

"Generally when she wants to toy with Lena," Angela said a smile growing as she let Fareeha think about that. Today wasn't the first time she had walked in to find Widowmaker and Lena bickering almost playfully with one another. It had gone from shocking to deeply interesting by the third time it happened over the last few days. She could tell when Fareeha figured it out because her body abruptly stiffened against hers.

"Wait... you don't really think..." Fareeha stopped and tried again, "I mean... please tell me you aren't saying what I think you are," she said doubtfully.

"We both know from Lena herself that Widowmaker after she, accidentally, shot Lena in the shoulder stayed to take care of her injury. We know that Widowmaker was willing to personally go back to the place Amélie was taken and tortured to rescue her. Lena also confirmed to me privately that she asked Widowmaker to stay. Specifically to stay here," Angela said smugly.

Fareeha shifted and Angela followed her gaze over to Razor and Satya. They had since been joined by Widowmaker who was currently looking with a great deal of suspicion at the young leopard Satya was trying to get her to hold. It was strange to see Widowmaker out of her usual skintight outfit and equipment and in something more casual for once.

"You really think Lena likes her?" Fareeha asked. The disbelief in her voice was obvious.

"You do realize who you're talking about right? Lena has many strong qualities but subtlety is not one of them. I've seen the way her eyes light up now whenever Widowmaker comes around and the smile she gets when they banter with one another. Lena is going to fall hard for Widowmaker sooner rather then later. Probably without even realizing it," Angela responded with a laugh. Fareeha just sighed heavily in resignation.

"What about Widowmaker? Do you think she's even noticed?" Fareeha said after a brief silence.

"That's a lot harder to say. Widowmaker is ignorant of some things, but she's not stupid. So while its certainly possible that she has no clue whatsoever and won't until someone else brings it up, its also possible that she has caught on and doesn't know how to process that which I find most likely. She could also know fully and be toying with Lena for her own amusement but I doubt it. Still there's just no telling with her," Angela mused thoughtfully.

"You don't sound nearly as bothered by this as I expected," Fareeha noted in surprise. Angela sat up and nodded over across the hanger.

"Look at them Fareeha," she urged softly.

It seemed that Widowmaker had finally allowed Satya to convince her that the leopard kitten was harmless. She had taken it into her lap where it was now curled up while she pet it awkwardly, like a child with their first animal. Satya was smiling confidently as she displayed a hard light model on her prosthetic palm. Razor was listening and watching with rapt attention as the wolf pups fought playfully with one another.

"Widowmaker isn't just skulking about glaring suspiciously at everyone..." Angela began only to be stopped by a quiet snort from Fareeha. "Fine she isn't doing that all the time," she corrected herself. "She's bonding. With Lena, with Satya, I even caught her listening to Zarya's war stories," she said excitedly.

"That's definitely a step in the right direction. Especially if you want her to trust you enough as a doctor to start undoing the damage Talon did to her," Fareeha pointed out. Angela was practically buzzing with excitement over it.

"She's reaching out, maybe in small steps but she's trying. Widowmaker wants to get away from Talon and she wants to be more then what they reconditioned her to be. She told me as much herself. I know it won't bring back the dead she's killed but..." she stopped, well aware that this was fragile territory.

"But she can't be held fully responsible for it either. Partially, perhaps but not fully. And she's trying to improve. To distance herself from that person now that she has a chance. It may not be redemption exactly but she's trying," Fareeha said quietly.

"Any number of things could happen or change but for now... its nice to have something to hope for," Angela said quietly. Fareeha hummed thoughtfully and held her tighter. Soon enough Angela would have to get back to work but for now she wanted to just sit and enjoy the moment.

"Where did you go? Come back out so we can play together!"

Lena slammed into another door, opening it frantically only to find another cell. Cursing she moved on to the next one but it was the same. They were all the same. More doors, more white empty cells, more time wasted with nowhere to go. She had to run, had to escape before they found her. Where was her accelerator? If she had it she could get away. Just a little power and she could run or hide. Slip back in time to a safer place or forward and out of this prison.

"You can't run forever. Just come back so we can continue."

More doors, more cells. Still no escape. Blood was running from her fingers where her nails used to be spreading across the doorknobs. She tried to open another but it was too slippery. Cursing she kept running, kept moving.

"There is no way out. No one is coming for you."

That was a lie. Her friends were coming for her and there was a way out. She just had to find it. The hallway was starting to stretch out in front of her now. Where was her accelerator? The ground shook and Lena felt someone grab her from behind.

"Lena wake up!"

Her eyes snapped open and the first thing she saw was her accelerator clutched desperately in her hands.

Another violent shake made her scream in panic.

"Lena its okay!"

It wasn't okay. They found her. They finally found her and now they would drag her back to the chair. Back to more torture for her or more recordings of what they had done to Amélie. She wouldn't go. She couldn't go. Not again. Not back there.

"Its okay Lena. Your safe now."

Don't listen. Don't believe them.

Lena put her arm out against her attacker and shoved not with her physical strength but with her power. A chronal field whirled and crackled her as she pushed her assailant away. Away from her, away from this reality, away to a time and place where they would never hurt her again. There was a loud crash and Lena flinched away and curled in on herself. She buried her head in her arms as they wrapped around the accelerator she was still holding.

Angela skidded around the corner so fast her feet nearly went right out from under her. She had been sitting in her office enjoying the opportunity to sit down for the first time in several hours, along with a lovely foot massage from Fareeha, when Athena had started blasting the alarm outside her office. She was on her bare feet and out the door well before Athena started ordering her over get to Lena's room as fast as possible.

Fareeha grabbed her around the waist to help steady her but the moment Angela could stand properly she was off down the hallway again. She shot past a few other patient's rooms and slid to another stop by the one Lena was in. She burst through the door barely managing to grab it before it slammed into the wall.

Lena was curled up on the bed with her head down and her arms wrapped around her accelerator. Widowmaker was in the room as well and looked like she had been slammed against the far wall. She was now lying crumpled on the floor. Angela quickly assessed priorities and hurried over to Widowmaker first. The possibility of her having a severe head injury couldn't be ignored.

Behind her she could hear Fareeha carefully approaching and speaking softly to Lena. Fareeha had friends back with Helix Security who had PTSD. She could handle this which meant Angela could focus fully on Widowmaker knowing that Lena was in safe hands.

Angela had just started to carefully feel around Widowmaker's head for any bumps or swelling when her yellow eyes fluttered back open. She could tell the moment their eyes met that something wasn't right. Widowmaker shoved her off and scrambled back away from her eyes wide and full of fear.

"Whoa! It's me Angela! I'm just trying to help," she said holding her hands up, but Widowmaker wasn't listening. Instead her eyes were darting around frantically and she was clutching her head in away that was not at all encouraging.

"Where is she?" Widowmaker pleaded.

Angela frowned at the question but even more so at the obvious change in Widowmaker's voice.

"Where is who? Who are you looking for?" Angela prodded gently. Behind her she could hear Lena starting to cry along Fareeha's soft reassurance.

"Where is she?" Widowmaker responded as if she hadn't spoken. "I can't hear her anymore. I can't sense her. It's so quiet inside, so empty and hollow. She shut me out and now she's gone, she's gone, she's gone," she continued her voice cracking. Angela's heart ached at the desperation in her voice.

"Who is gone?" Angela tried again. Now she was rocking back and forth pulling at her hair.

"She's gone! She said she would protect me. Promised I would never have to come out again. Not ever. She wouldn't leave me. She'd never leave me! She said she would be here always, always. She said she would keep me safe. Make sure no one hurt me ever again," she babbled, her eyes frantically darting around the room.

Angela paled and she felt her heart skip a beat. This wasn't Widowmaker at all.

"Amélie?" Angela choked out. That finally caught her attention and she turned to look at Angela with eyes that slowly turned from scared to angry.

"Where is she? She would never leave me. You took her didn't you? You did something to her!" she said her voice turning into snarl.

"We didn't..." Angela started but was cut off when the woman leaped at her clearly intending to attack. Fareeha jumped up from beside the bed and all but tackled the other woman to the ground, pulling her back away from Angela who also backpedaled out of easy attack range.

Angela remembered Widowmaker's words about Amélie's emotional outbursts as well as a few lines from one of the early medical reports that had stood out to her.

Original base personality, Amélie, displays frequent mood swings sometimes resulting in extreme violence even on the occasions when the alter, as yet unnamed, does not or cannot present itself to protect her. Cognitive function ranges from very basic and limited awareness or occasional understanding to complete incoherency. Base personality, Amélie, is too frequently beyond reasoning with. Talon reconditioning efforts failed. Subject cannot be recovered. Attempts will be made to talk reason with the alter instead.

"WHERE IS SHE? WHAT DID YOU DO WITH WIDOWMAKER?" Amélie screamed at them even as Fareeha dragged her back and tried to hold her down.

AN: No Widowmaker isn't dead. Yes she'll be back. No I won't say any more then that. I'll try not to leave you waiting too long for the next chapter though. Cliffhangers are never fun I know (well not fun for readers at least.) Thanks for reading everyone!