Chapter 26: You're an Amari

I smiled, watching as the entertainers began dancing around, skipping and kicking their legs out in merry fashion. The parade had been surprisingly enjoyable so far, as Fareeha convinced me to sit through it with her. I figured I had nothing better to do, and liked the idea of stalling for a bit. We were pretty close to our destination, where Fareeha is going to sign up and join the army. All of it against her mother's wishes, although I had no reason to remind her. Fareeha was well aware of what she was doing.

But she seemed to be having as good a time as anyone else around her, giggling as one of the jesters tripped and fell, purposely causing a mess as he plummeted into the crowds. I laughed, trying to get my mind off of what Angela said last night. I've yet to properly address the feelings I had, and I hid behind my charming smile as always. But I get the feeling I won't be able to keep up the facade for long. Fareeha is beginning to see the pain behind my grin and playful manner. Hiding behind the tears of a clown won't work forever. Although it seemed to work for those in the parade, shooting fireworks and sparklers into the sky, skipping as they locked arms and danced in synchronized laughter, the crowds cheering them on.

When the excitement began to fall back down, and the crowds fell into hushed mumbles and whispers as they brought out the next act, drums building up the anticipation, Fareeha watched those in the crowd laugh, drink and chase each other around in drunken happiness.

"Sometimes I wish I could be like them. Drink, race, travel from town to town. Not worry a wit about anything." Fareeha admitted, and I nudged her with my elbow, smirking. "Sounds like a good idea. Maybe I'll go with you. See how I'd look as a clown." I joked, but she gave me a serious look in response. "I'm serious Nathan. It'd be great. I wouldn't have to worry about anything. I'd have friends. I wouldn't be an outcast."

"C'mon, you've got me and everyone else back at base. Besides, I thought you wanted to be in Overwatch." I turned to her, and she frowned. "Yeah, I do but..." she trailed off, becoming uncertain about how she felt. "I don't know I guess. Don't really have a knack for planning." She said, and I looked at her, leaning closer.

"Your life is yours exclusively. You choose who you are." I said, sounding wiser than I anticipated. I reminded myself of Fareeha's mother for a second. Fareeha rolled her eyes, judging me. "Nathan, you know that's never been true. All because of my last name. Amari. My gift. My curse." Fareeha muttered, staring off into the crowd, scowling. I sensed a twinge of jealousy in her eyes as she watched those around her live happy and carefree lives. "I have so much expected of me. I can't just live my own life. Every choice I make will end up disappointing someone. I have to be some perfect woman, who never makes a mistake. I have to be eye candy for the public. But that's not who I am. I'm a fighter. I'm not some doll they can dress up however they like."

I sighed, thinking about what to say to her. She needed support now, more than ever. I understood where she was coming from, seeing more and more of myself in her as time goes by. I couldn't help but feel that I was battling my demons just as much as hers. Perhaps that's a good thing. "You were born with a great gift. Your family name. But it doesn't make you who you are. Only you can decide how you use your gift."

Fareeha paused, and I couldn't quite tell if that was a good sign or not. Her silence bothered me, as the crowd let another roar of applause go, and I looked at the clowns and jesters and performers. They twirled sticks set ablaze, the fire spinning wildly as the tossed them into the air, only to catch them as they crashed back down. A few others juggled glass, while the others sang folk songs I was unfamiliar with. The crowd surrounded them, either sitting in the benches, or lying under the shade of the trees planted near the steets.

"You do know you can count on me. No matter what happens." I assured her, as she giggled, nodding. I slid my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to me, smiling. This was good. I tried to keep my mind off of this entire thing ending, and what I'd have to say to Ana. I still struggled with how I was even going to explain this. No matter what I do, she's not gonna be happy. But the more that I think about it, the more and more I disagree with Ana. This isn't her life. Fareeha is willing to make the same sacrifices as her, and although she may not like it, she has to accept it. Ana can't deny Fareeha her freedom. She gets to choose what she does. No one else. I'll be sure to take care of her, no matter what. She's like a daughter to me.

Fareeha laughed, noticing the crowds begin to dance with those in the parade, mingling in one happy celebration. I smiled, listening to the instruments and voices harmonize as they all came together. It almost made me proud to know I protected these people from those that would harm them. Here, it was as if no omnic crisis ever happened, as man and omnic came together, hand in hand, embracing one another. It was surprisingly heartwarming.

Smirking, I got an idea. Fareeha looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. Before she could ask, I pulled her from the bench, ignoring her struggles and resistance. This would be good for her. She needed to lighten up a little bit. After all, this is a pursuit of happiness. "W-what are you doing?" She demanded, as we stopped near the center of the crowd. "C'mon! Dance! Ya said you wanted to be like them. Try it on for size! Cut loose, Amari!"

Fareeha was hesitant, as I noticed her stumble, clearly not comfortable. She was used to being the center of attention, always surrounded by cameras, unable to have fun and let her guard down. I chuckled, taking her hands in mine, as we danced. Well, more of I danced and she just barely moved along with. "I said cut loose! No one is here to tell you that you can't! No one will judge you! C'mon it's fun!" I urged her, as I laughed, feeling myself fall into the rhythm of the drums and flutes.

I watched as Fareeha began to dance, closing her eyes as she focused on herself, rather than those around her for once. And it was a wonder to see. I laughed, not resisting the urge to kick and stomp in joy, closing my eyes, not even worrying if anyone saw me dancing. For once, we could feel free. We could just be a part of the crowd. We weren't some hero. We weren't Overwatch. We weren't the captain's daughter. We weren't the Hero of Numbani.

We were free.

Angela's POV

Sighing, I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration, completely exhausted. I pulled yet another all-nighter, and it's affecting me. Dark circles had formed under my eyes, and my entire body felt weak, but I continued pushing forward. Though I was beginning to feel hopeless.

We only had a day and a half to get back to base. I was getting closer to Nathan, but the closer and closer I got, the more and more I felt like it was pointless, and that I should turn my car back around. Nathan likely wanted to stay as far away from me as possible because of last night, and I can't say I blame him. What I said was cruel, and unnecessary. Nathan already has so much weighing him down, I should be picking him up, not tearing him back down.

The man was stubborn, and I've still yet to come up with an apology for my actions. This was my fault. I got him into this mess. I dragged him back to Overwatch. I pushed him to try and join up once more. I drove his chances at a normal life away. I've changed his life, yet I can't decide whether it was better for him or not.

But I promised Jack and Gabriel I'd bring him back, and I didn't intend to disappoint them. This is my fault. And I need to fix it.

Coming to a halt, I noticed a bar across the road. It was in rough shape, a window broken, and I glanced into the interior, finding broken chairs and holes in the wall. Putting two and two together, I came to the conclusion Nathan and Fareeha had stopped here. It would explain the damages. Those two weren't exactly level headed, and both of them at the time probably had a lot of pent up aggression. I pitied whoever frustrated them.

Entering the bar, I noticed it was empty, with the hinges to the door creaking as I opened it. The wooden floorboards alerted whoever ran the bar, as I assessed the damage. A few broken stools, shattered bits of glass on the floor, some bloodstains, along with a few smashed tables. A familiar knife was left in the counter, with a few hundred dollars resting beside it. As I approached the knife, I recognized the long black blade, with the Blackwatch insignia resting on the hilt of it. Nathan must've taken it with him when he left Blackwatch. I placed my hand on it, pulling it out of the counter. He deserved to have it back. Maybe it could bring back memories to help convince him.

Nathan's name was engraved into the counter, proving my assumptions correct. I ran my hand along it, smiling, the thought that he was here not too long ago filling me with determination. My hand met a glass of now room temperature whiskey, Nathan's favorite.

The bartender exited the kitchen, as he scowled as he noticed me. "If you can't tell lady, we're closed." He grumbled, the wrinkles on his skin moving downward as his eyes narrowed, eyeing me closely. I offered a weak smile, pointing at the name engraved into his counter, and he raised an eyebrow. "You're searching for 'im, aren't you?" He asked, and I nodded. "Do you have any clue where he went?"

"No. He left a few hundred dollars and went back to his car with his daughter. The man left me to clean up his mess." He answered, and I smiled, amused by his assumption that Fareeha was his daughter. "I apologize. He can be rather aggressive. Did you see which way his car went?"

"He went up north along the road. He's probably not far, drank enough to knock any man I've met out cold." He said, wiping the blood off the counter with a wet towel. "You'd be surprised." I muttered. "Thank you, I'm sorry about the mess." I apologized once more, and he shrugged. "Ah it's fine. The little shits he beat up were asking for it. His daughter is not one to be messed with." He let an slight grin show, as his eyes met mine. I nodded. "No. No she is not."

I turned to exit, off to follow Nathan's path, but the man called out to me. "Hey! Let the guy know he still owes me. He's a few bucks short of the repairs." He said, and I chuckled. "I'll let him know. Danke schoen."

Withdrawing my phone, I called Nathan once more, heading to my car. As I sat down, I was surprised to hear him answer. "Yeah?" He asked, and I could overhear crowds cheering behind him. "Oh. I didn't expect you to answer." I admitted, feeling a bit awkward. "Yeah. Just hurry up and find me. I know you're coming anyways. Fareeha and I are almost there. I'll see you then, I suppose. We can figure this shit out." He muttered, as I heard him sigh.

"Is Fareeha okay?" I asked. "Yeah, yeah she's doing great. She's getting ready to join the army." He answered, and I giggled. "I expected that. Though I don't know what to tell Ana. She's not going to like this." I replied, and he snorted. "No. Not one bit. But I'll handle her. I'm proud of Fareeha. This is the right thing to do. It's her life."

"That it is. I hope she'll be okay." I muttered, and he chuckled. "I'd say she'll do great. I'll see you later I guess. Can't say I'm looking forward to it." He said bluntly, and I admired his honesty. "I understand. We'll talk later."

"Yeah."

Nathan's POV

We both exited the car, a feeling of bittersweet memories flooding both of us as we approached the building. This was where we needed to be. This was why we came out here. This whole pursuit of happiness was for this. I could only imagine how overwhelmed Fareeha must be feeling. I glanced at her, and she took a deep breath. I offered her a smile, and she returned the same.

"This is it. Hard to believe this is finally happening." She muttered, and I stepped towards her, nudging her shoulder. "Sure this is what you want?" I asked, trying to be certain this was right. She nodded quickly. "I'm sick of waiting. Sick of hiding. I will flee no more."

"Alright. Then I won't keep you any longer. This is your moment kid." I replied, and she grinned, reminiscing about something, as she shook her head in amusement.

"Those months at Gibraltar and the Swiss base, they passed so quickly." Fareeha said, looking out into the distance, the sun beginning to set. I smiled, thinking of how stubborn and quick witted she was. Even now, I see her as a daughter of some sorts. I still see the little girl I first met those few years ago. I was proud.

"Remember me training on the pendulum? How I feared I'd never manage? Yet you forbade me from giving up." Fareeha said, and I chuckled, thinking of her swinging the dull wooden sword around for hand to hand combat, balancing on the planks of wood as she hacked at the pendulum that swung back and forth. Her strength was unquestionable, but she lacked the balance required to complete it, often falling and bruising herself. I remember one day, she tried to completely give up, snapping at me in frustration. I remained calm, and told her no. She couldn't leave until she got it right. We were up all night, until early in the morning, after hours of failed attempts, she finally got it right. Her footwork was amazing, as she hopped from one plank to another, no fear of falling down.

"How could I forget?" I smiled, looking at her. Fareeha laughed, but there was something she was holding back. Like she was afraid. "You alright?" I asked, and she sighed, folding her arms. "I'm just nervous. What will people think when they find out who I am? The public always wanted me to be 'lady', and be kind and beautiful. But I just want to be a soldier. What if they treat me differently?" She asked.

I sighed, understanding her fears. "They won't. Once you show them your skills and discipline, they'll treat you like all the rest. Trust me, you'll make it." I assured her, but she clenched her fists, still scared. "But what if I'm not good enough? What if they don't want me?"

"They will. You're damn near good enough to take me down." I responded, and I stepped towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine. You're an Amari." I smirked, as she giggled, turning to me, her smile fading quickly.

"How do you do it? How do you always manage to pull yourself together, even in the worst of times?" She asked, and I frowned, walking a few steps away, as she turned to face me as I was behind her. I ran my hand along the hood of the car, gathering the snow in my hands, bundling it into a ball. "There's a certain ancient method. Angela taught it to me."

I smirked, turning to her, as she frowned. I threw the snow into her face, as she stumbled back. She giggled, and I smiled at her. "You'll regret that!" She said in between laughs, leaning down to gather snow into her hands. "Show me whatcha got!"

Fareeha threw a snowball my way, and I dodged it, responding with a snowball of my own. It hit her leg, my deadly accuracy with a gun coming in handy. She hurled a large one my way as I bent down to pick up more snow, hitting me in the cheek, as she laughed, causing me to smile. It was good to see her lighten up. I laughed myself, tossing one her way, and she dodged it.

When we were done, we found ourselves covered in snow, my coat now a bright white, rather than a light brown. There were flurries of snow in my beard and hair, making me look less grizzled and more like Santa Claus. My pants were soaked, as I shivered, the cold air blowing by not helping. Fareeha had clumps of snow stuck in her black hair, along with white covering her sun kissed skin, snow on the tip of her nose, covering her now rosy cheeks.

I laughed, as I hugged her. "You feel better?" I grinned, and she nodded. "Yeah. I'll be back soon. Just gotta sign up." She answered, and I nodded. "Go get em kiddo."

She smiled, walking in the other direction to enter the building, covered in posters, encouraging people to sign up. With her back turned, a mischievous smirk met my lips, as I bent down to gather more snow, planning on hitting her. As I raised my hand to throw it, she raised her finger, not even looking. "Put it down." She ordered, and I laughed, dropping it to the ground.

Wiping the snow off my shoulders and arms, I sat down on the hood of the car, staring off at the sun as it slowly fell behind the tall mountains. I withdrew a cigar, trying to calm my nerves, remembering that Angela was on her way here to drag me back to Overwatch. And as if on cue, as I ignited my cigar, inhaling, I heard a voice come from behind me as a car door shut. "Those will kill you ya know."

I exhaled, the smoke traveling into the air. "That's what I'm hoping for." I replied, and Angela stepped beside the car I sat on, looking at me. I growled, leaning down towards her. "So. Here to convince me to come join Overwatch? Join some noble cause?" I asked, and Angela glanced towards the building Fareeha entered, turning her attention back to me. "Fareeha signing up? Not going with her?" She asked, and I shrugged.

"Can't take her seriously if I hold her hand." I replied, and she chuckled, sitting on the hood of the car beside me. "Good decision." She said, and I nodded. "Probably the first good one I've made to you." I snarked, and she sighed, looking at me. "That's not true. I just feel like you have-"

"Why did you come here? Haven't you ruined my life enough already?" I interrupted her, and she frowned, pausing. "I...I came to apologize. I shouldn't of said what I did. I was just caught up in the heat of the moment, and I was stressed out. I want what's best for you, but I didn't show it properly. I'm sorry."

I grunted, exhaling another puff of smoke. "Yeah. It's alright." I muttered in response, and Angela smiled. "I'm glad you can forgive me. Trust me, when we get back to base I can-"

"Who said I was coming back? I was just hearing you out. I'm not coming back with you. I can't just join Overwatch." I cut her off once more, and she frowned. "Why not? What is holding you back? What keeps you from becoming something better?" She asked, and I hopped off the car, turning to her. "You." I answered.

"You hold me back. I could be living a perfectly normal life if not for you. I could have my own house back. I could rest easy knowing I'm not risking my life everyday. I could finally relax, settle down. But you just come back and destroy everything!"

"Jesse came with me to get you. He got you back into this mess just as much as me!" Angela defended herself, but I quickly responded. "Overwatch knew I wouldn't come back. So they sent you! They sent you to hook me back into this shit. They knew how I felt about you! Jesse understood my position. But you. You wanted me to turn into some messiah. Some hero. That's not who I am!" I snarled, as she stood from the car, now joining this mostly one sided argument.

"It is! You are a hero! You just deny it for some reason! You push it away like...like some stray dog you found on the road! This is your life, just as much as mine! You can't seriously be blaming me for what's happened to you?!"

"I almost DIED! And that was YOU! All fucking YOU! Your job, your problems, your fucked up life! NOT MINE!" I yelled, jabbing my finger in her face accusingly, face becoming red with anger. Angela backed up, surprised by my outburst of hatred. "Alright?"

Angela stared down at the ground in shame, sadness in her eyes. "I'm sorry Nathan. I'm sorry." She apologized, and I sighed, realizing I may have blamed her for something she wasn't responsible for. She didn't deserve that. It was just as much me as it was her. This is my life, as much as I hate to say it. These were my problems. These were my friends. This was my family.

"I-I didn't mean to...look, I'm sorry Angela. I don't know what to say. I should be apologizing to you. You've been juggling all these problems and I've just been fucking up. I took all my anger out on you, and you didn't deserve it. You're right. This is who I am. Maybe Overwatch is the best thing for me. But I just don't think they'll accept me." I explained, and she looked up at me.

"We have to try. You belong with us. Overwatch could use you." Angela replied, and I sighed, barely able to contain my emotions. "I could use you."

Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt the same love I did when I first met her. My hand met her cheek, as I smiled. "Alright. We'll try." I agreed, and she smiled.

As we leaned in, I noticed Fareeha exit the building, as Angela and I quickly separated. "Angela?" Fareeha asked, surprised to see her here. "Hello Fareeha. How are you?" She greeted, and Fareeha raised an eyebrow, looking at me. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?"

"I came back to get Nathan." She answered, and Fareeha frowned. "But he's coming with me. He's gotta take me somewhere." She answered, though not trying to give away what she was doing. "I know. I'll accompany you on your way. I trust you're sure you want to join the army?"

"I'm sure. How's my mother?" Fareeha asked, showing concern about her mother for the first time since we left. "She's worried about you. I doubt she approves of this, but Nathan and I will convince her. I'm sure she'll come around." Angela assured her, and Fareeha nodded, smiling. "It's good to see you. I know I'm gonna miss you." Fareeha replied, and Angela nodded. "I know everyone back at base will miss you as well."

"Yeah." Fareeha muttered. A silence overcame us, and I cleared my throat, turning to Fareeha. "You ready to go, sport?" I asked, and she nodded quickly. "Alright. Let's get going."

Later...

We stopped inside, having passed security to get in. I filled out a good bit of paperwork, and Fareeha signed up, handing her forms to the men inside. They welcomed us in, and I drove down to the aircraft they told me to. We stayed silent the whole way there, taking the moment in. I felt so many mixed emotions at the same time. Sadness. Happiness. Pride. I hoped that this made Fareeha feel fulfilled. The pursuit was coming to an end, and I felt tears build up.

As we exited the vehicle, stopping nearby the aircraft that would take Fareeha away, I handed the young lady her bags, feeling like a dad sending his daughter off to college. Angela was the first to initiate a goodbye of sorts, pulling the younger woman into a tight hug, smiling. "I'm proud of you, Fareeha. I'll miss you." She said, and Fareeha sniffed, tears threatening to fall.

"You too Angie. Take good care of the others for me, will you?" Fareeha smiled, and Angela nodded. "Of course. You'll see them again soon, I promise."

"Thanks Angela. It means a lot to me."

Fareeha turned to me, smiling. I grunted, trying to prevent myself from crying. "This is it kiddo. End of the road." I said, and she frowned. She was confused by something. "You're really letting me go? You actually want this?" She asked, and I frowned. "Why would I not let you go Fareeha? I trust you. I'm proud of you." I replied, and she scowled. "You're not going to stop me? Take me back to my mother by force?" She pointed back to where we came from, tears forming in her eyes. I sighed. "I traveled around half the world with you. But I never intended to force anything on you." I answered, and she smiled. "Oh come here you old lug."

She rushed into me, hugging me, as I tightened my grip on her, not wanting to let go. I felt the urge to give her something. I couldn't just let her go. I needed her to remember me.

Withdrawing one of my revolvers from the car, I took a long look at it, running my hand along it, feeling the familiar scratches and blemishes. I handed it to her, smiling. Fareeha stared at it, her hands hovering around it, gently touching it. "This...this is-"

"It's yours now. You like it?" I asked, and she grinned, nodding. "It's beautiful. But..but this is yours. You've had it for years." She refused, offering it back. I shook my head. "I want you to have it kiddo. It'll help you remember me by." I said, and she placed her hand on the hilt, finger on the trigger, aiming down the sights. Just like I taught her. "May I?" She asked, wanting to try it out.

"Not here. You'll have ample opportunity to test it out later, soldier." I placed emphasis on the last word, grinning at her. She smiled, pulling me into another hug, crying into my shoulder. "Thank you, Nathan. This means everything to me."

"I'll miss you kiddo. Don't be a stranger, alright?" I said, and she giggled. "I promise. Good luck, Nathan. With everything." She said, and I nodded. "Thanks. Stay safe. We'll miss you." I waved, as she began to walk away, and Angela stepped towards me, taking my hand in hers. I watched as she went, sobbing softly, though still smiling. Fareeha looked back one more time, offering a bright smile, waving. Angela and I returned the same, as Fareeha exhaled, before moving forward once more.

I didn't want to leave. I wanted to watch, make sure she was alright. I had grown so attached to her over the years, and I found myself unable to stop myself from crying, Angela hushing me, offering me a smile. I felt her nudge me, and I looked up, watching as Fareeha boarded the aircraft, saluting the man inside. The hatch began to close, as it lifted off the ground. "Look."

"Our little Fareeha has turned into a young lady." Angela grinned, and I grunted, smiling, holding her close.

"How 'bout that."