*Malaysia: Somewhere in the Jungle*
Behind the Agong's Mansion is the backyard, which is nothing more than a 500 acre of forest that has been compounded by a giant electrified fence. Within this fully airconditioned part of the jungle, there is a massive training field.
Every year Agong will buy hundreds of boys from the black market (which caused some to speculate he is a pedophile), and throw them into this area where only the strongest may survive, but even then, there is no guarantee as literal thousands have been buried.
Those that survived and reach 25, they will go through one more screening process, which is considered the one with the most fatalities. They will each go through intense torture for a full month and within this time, it was told that their only hope to escape is to pledge allegiance to Agong and this is their baptism. Not many will survive.
The survivors are the people he is visiting today, all 12 of them.
"How are my children doing?" Agong asked, wearing nothing but a silk robe, he slowly inspects the group of the finest murderers and killers he has ever invested standing before him.
Their reputation is non-existent to the general public, but they are legendary amongst the most well informed of crime lords, who are envious that Agong has access to this quality in a non-existent country.
Each man has been shaven bald, medium build, and has been forbidden to have tattoos of any kind, and their fingerprints have been seared off. All of them are also dressed with a white shirt, black jacket and pants, complete with a red tie.
Many concluded that their creation has been heavily influenced by an ancient game called "Hitman" that the Agong used to play as a child.
"What is our mission?" the leader asked, identified by a gold earring at his right ear.
"We are going after the woman who almost killed your father's life. What happens to those who wants to kill Daddy-Agong?"
"Death" they echoed, dropping to one knee in reverence before him.
"Some of you served my father and you succeeded. The rest passed my tests... Now I ask you to guarantee my safety as we hunt those who wish to destroy us"
"We shall" they chorused, remaining on the ground, their heads bowed.
"Rise my children"
They stood up in unison, almost as if they are machines. But machines can be hacked. However, a man with a conditioned mind mixed with religion? Unbreakable.
"Overwatch... An old relic has returned to the world... And they are our prey"
"They are our prey" they echoed.
"And who are you?"
"We are the Agong's Harimau (Tiger), and the Harimaus (Tigers) will devour Agong's enemies"
"These are the faces of your prey"
Agong held up a picture of that Sombra planted from their last meeting.
"The Mexican. The British. The Redhead" Agong said, pointing to each of them, the Tigers following with vengeance in their eyes.
"We have some friends that will be the bait in England but I expect they will betray us at any given moment, so I need all of you to be prepared"
They nodded silently, an unnecessary reminder as betrayal is as common as breathing in their profession.
"It has also come to my attention this British is the 'Biru Hantu (Blue Ghost)' who attacked one of my drug den months ago, then the Mexican came and destroyed almost all of my dens. My children... It is time we strike back"
The Tigers gritted their teeth in anger, how dare anyone attack their beloved master so harshly and remain unpunished?
"Calm my children... Calm... We leave for London tonight, we will find and study their behavior first, then you can unleash your wrath upon my enemies"
"But first, prove yourself to me that you have not been slacking"
Fear and concern flashed across each Tiger, slacking? Have they failed him somehow?
"My new friends were very kind to provide me with some toys for you, Enforcers they call them, about oh... 15? Yes 15 of them are waiting for you outside. Show me why I should use you instead of them"
Without responding nor waiting, all of them immediately exited the room, each eager to prove themselves worthy to their master.
Agong sat down on the chair and casually lights himself a cigar as gunfire and screams filled the air as he pulled out a gold pocket watch, wondering how long would it take for them to kill 30 Enforcers who are waiting for them under his instructions.
It only took 2 minutes before the Tigers returned, some bruised but mostly unharmed. The leader was the last to come in, dragging in a bloodied Enforcer and kicking him to the ground before Agong and ripping off his helmet.
Counting their numbers and to his displeasure only 10 stood before him now.
"So... How did my Tigers do?" Agong asked, puffing his cigar.
"You will pay for this" the Enforcer seethed, earning a kick from a Tiger.
"Oh I will pay, I have all the money in the world, I'm sure I can compensate for your lives"
"Yeah... Not unless you are dead!" the Enforcer shouted, charging forwards so suddenly that his captors did not have time to react, his entire strength drove a hidden knife towards Agong.
With a flick, the cigar hit the Enforcer in the eye, blinding him from the hand that wrapped around his neck. Before the Enforcer could retaliate, Agong flicked his thumb, breaking his neck instantly.
"Tsk tsk tsk... That's too bad, was hoping for a review"
The Tigers immediately prostrate themselves before him, awaiting his punishment for their failure to protect him. Their failure to prevent him from raising his finger against his enemies.
"Rise my children... Do not worry, you have proven yourselves more capable than these Enforcers, so I will delay your punishment until after the mission"
"We will not fail you" the leader vowed, echoed by the rest.
"We will board in a few hours, do not be late"
They remain prostrated until Agong left.
*South Korea: Gimpo International Airport*
"Can't remember the last time I wore like this" Quillion said as he looks at himself in a mirror.
He has opted to wear sunglasses, a blue sweater, jeans, and a cap.
"I would suggest you to grab a jacket luv, it's winter here after all" Lena said, grabbing a light grey coat.
"So just to recap, we are fans who won a free flight to England?" Quillion asked as he puts on his glasses.
"Yup! Winners of one of her less known competition. How do I look by the way?"
"You need the mirror?"
"No, I prefer someone else to tell me how I look"
Under the coat she is wearing a brown turtleneck and jeans, completed with what she calls 'nerdy glasses' that she borrowed from Angela and her Chronal Accelerator's core has been removed and packed in a bag along with his pistol that she wore on a sling (which Quillion took special care to keep an eye on it).
She looks amazing. He secretly wished he could sketch her.
"Meh... Average" he teased.
"Ha! What would a caveman know?" she laughed.
"How about me? How do I look?"
He instinctively stood straighter and puffed out his chest, hoping that she would be impressed with his muscles as she examines his choice of clothing.
"Meh... Average" she copied.
"Oh common! Get your own jokes!"
"How can I? Nothing is lamer than yours"
"Enjoy your vacation" Athena said as they stepped out of the shuttle, which they were met by the snowy wind.
"Ya know what, I'm grabbing a jacket" Quillion said as he immediately turn back into the shuttle.
"Told ya!"
Now wearing a black jacket, they made their way through customs.
Lena went first and his heart clenched when she had to put her bag through the metal detector but everything after that went by smoothly.
However the most worrying part was when they could not find his passport in their systems for a few minutes, which felt like eternity. Thankfully the Customs Officer blamed it on their computer instead of suspecting that it is a fake passport.
After a few more painful tries, it is finally approved and he reunited with Lena who is waiting for him behind the counters.
"That was exciting" she said, relieved that he got through.
"Exciting... Right... Next time it's gonna be you"
"Don't jinx it!"
Grabbing his cap, she ran towards the Arrival Hall, clearly excited that her vacation has begun.
"Hey! Wait!" he shouted as he chased after her, earning the disapproval look of many around them. As excited as she may be, Morrison's warning about agents being hunted remain as a very real threat.
"It's been forever since I've came to Korea! These are so cute" Lena exclaimed as she stood in front of a billboard has flashing colorful lights, cartoons and food.
"Can't you guys pick a sponsor that's more… Low key?" he said, as the billboard changed to Hana making a heartshape sign with her hands.
"Hey I didn't pick them"
Then it flashed to the other members of the Exo-Force.
"Hana, King, Overlord, Casino, Yuna... I've read reports they are all gamers become defenders and I still can't believe it" Quillion said as he reads their descriptions.
"Were you ever a gamer?"
"Oh yeah, I'm the best in my squad"
"Are they any good?"
"Nope"
"Diana? Timothy?" a man asked behind them.
Turning around they saw that it is Dae-Hyun, Quillion noticed he is a bit shorter than what he read in the reports.
"Heya! Dae-Hyun right?"
"Yes! Welcome to Korea"
"Yeah too bad we can't stay here for another couple of hours to sightsee" Lena said as she glanced at the clock.
"Ahh, I've good good news and bad news for both of you"
"Bad news?" Quillion inquired.
"Yeah, bad news is that your flight has been delayed until tonight"
"Oh no! I better make a call!" Lena said, quickly walking away and pulling out a phone.
"Ever been to Korea?"
"Can't say I have"
"Sorry about that! So what's the good news?" Lena said, coming back from her call.
"You get to spend the afternoon is Seoul! Hana will join us later after her press conference, until then she asked me to take both of you out to lunch"
"Great! I'm starving for some Korean food!" Lena said happily.
Walking out of the airport, the sight filled Quillion with wonder with each passing moment.
South Korea has advanced drastically compared to what he has seen so far in this future. Flying cars, bright colorful lights that is obvious even in the broad daylight, and he could not believe his eyes when he saw that McDonalds still serves a Big Mac.
"Common! We didn't come all this way just to have that!" Lena exclaimed, pulling him away from the menu screen. Each street seems to be filled with different stores and entertainment, with one similar trend.
Hana Song's image is scattered throughout the country.
"She's that popular huh?" Quillion asked quietly.
"She's a superstar! Champion gamer! Defender of Korea! I mean, she's just amazing!" Dae-hyun laughed.
"Sounds like someone's got something more than admiration for her" Lena winked playfully, jabbing her elbow at him.
"Shut up…"
They walked a little further before they stopped outside a restaurant with a steaming pot picture on it.
"Here we are, the best BBQ in town!"
He had booked a private room with a window where they could see the streets. They sat down and let Dae-Hyun order, concerning Quillion because as he calculates his orders, it far exceeds their budget that he prepared.
"I don't think we can pay fo-" he started before Lena gave him a somewhat stern look.
"Be quiet, I'll handle the cost" she said with a smile.
"But…"
"Trust me"
"Hope you guys like spicy! We are lucky they have the spicy chicken leg in stock today"
They chatted as Quillion listened quietly, partly not knowing what to say and partly annoyed because their flight has been delayed. In this advance world are flights supposed to get delayed?
"You don't talk much do you?" Dae-Hyun asked when he noticed that he did not say anything.
Just when he is about to reply, an Omnic place their food in front of him, scaring Quillion enough to reach into Lena's bag, causing her to give him a very stern look.
"What are you doing? You can't wave a gun around! Haven't your time spent with McCree taught you anything?" she whispered angrily.
"It is because of him I think all Omnics are out to get us"
"Well, maybe it's because you are always so paranoid!"
"Paranoid? You do not know what he made me go through!"
"I know he had to save you from a herd of stampeding bulls after you try to sleep with a farmgirl!"
"I did what?!"
"He said that is the reason why you ran out in the nude"
"That son of a-"
"Hey hey hey! Common guys! This is a vacation right? Let's have some food!" Dae-Huyn said, breaking up their argument, quickly adding some food onto the cooker and the sound of sizzling meat fills the air.
"You're right, sorry" Lena said, helping herself to some kimchi, leaving Quillion silently cursing McCree for spreading all these lies, and at himself for promising never to reveal what really happened.
Suddenly the sound of cheering erupted outside, they looked as a pink machine lands outside and the pilot jumping out with a backflip. He noticed that the crowd is also chanting "Song" repeatedly as she waves to the crowd and taking pictures with some of the onlookers.
"There she is, Hana Song" Dae-Hyun said as they watch her entertain the crowd for a little while before entering the restaurant.
"Wont there be an attack on the city if she is here?" Quillion asked, noticing her arrival is being broadcasted on the holovids.
"Don't worry, the other pilots have recovered and they are on duty today"
"Tracer!"
"Hana!"
Both women ran to one another and hugged.
"Always arriving at the right time eh?" Dae-Hyun said as he checks the food, which are cooked.
"Yay! I'm starving! Did you order the spicy chicken legs?"
On queue, a dish of chicken legs are brought in, the smell made Quillion's stomach rumble as he realized how hungry he is.
"I do not know how you guys can eat those" Lena said, wrinkling her nose at the dish.
"Hey! Don't knock em till you've tried them!" Hana quipped, grabbing a leg.
"Quil! Tell me that you don't eat these to"
When she turned to him, he is already munching on a leg.
"What? These are good... Oh... Oh no..."
They saw his face turn red as the chilies work its magic, its stinging oil lingers on his tongue and mouth.
"You okay?" Hana asked.
All he could do is raise his hands as he coughed trying to fight the building pain.
"Here, have some juice" Dae-Hyun said, quickly pouring a glass of peach juice.
Ignoring the glass, Quillion grabbed the whole carton and drank it as if he was dying from thirst.
"Guess you're not very good with spicy things eh?" Dae-Hyun asked as they watch him drink.
"I enjoy spicy food... I'd argue this is just eating pain..." Quillion said, wiping his mouth.
"You okay?" Hana asked concerningly.
"He'll be fine, I think I'll stick to the pork for now" Lena said, helping herself to the food.
"You are going to suffer in the plane later" Dae-Hyun said.
"Oh don't remind me" Quillion said, grabbing a piece of ice from the glass and rubbed his eyes with it.
*Gibraltar: Watchpoint*
"What is the status of the Russians?" Morrison asked as he read the reports on his desk.
"Bad, ever since the terrorist attack that nearly took the lives of Katya and Zarya, morale has plummeted, combine with the fact that food and water are turning up frozen, the Null Sectors have begun pushing them back" Colonel Smith said, looking up from his notebook.
"What happened to their so called "Final Push" that they were planning for months?"
"It has been delayed again, they said it will be until their supply lines are secure"
"Fools..." Morrison thought, their military command has indeed become mediocre. While they lick their wounds the Null Sector has not only dug in, they have regained their advantage in numbers.
"How is our prisoner? Has he revealed where Talon is?"
"We are close, maybe another week more then he will break"
Morrison tapped his finger on the desk for a few moments before asking another question that has been bothering him for a while.
"Tell me Colonel, what do you think Talon is planning now?"
"I... Do not know sir" he admitted, it is a strange this because the Owl and Alex seem to believe that Talon will send something.
Morrison nodded, Talon's previous attempts to find them has almost always resulted with a search party, but this time... This time Talon remained silent...
"Shall we send someone over to Russia? We could cripple the Null Sector's factories" Colonel Smith asked.
"No... He may come... And if he does, he will not get away..."
Colonel Smith said nothing, knowing well enough to keep quiet whenever the Commander mentions the Black Mercenary.
"Do we have an update of him? Where is he now?"
Opening his notebook again, he scanned the contents and found little to nothing on him.
"No sir, the last entry we have of him was when we sent everyone to Russia to find him..."
"This was before I sent Oxton to Malaysia correct?"
"Yes sir"
"Find him, we must have more leads"
The Colonel saluted before leaving. Morrison stood and paced, his mind racing.
He hates staying in one place for too long, before Winston convinced him to come back, he expected to find Reyes by now.
He is getting tired of being a 'better' man. Allowing the men some comforts of life is not getting him anywhere, he is no closer to finding Talon or Reyes than the day he rejoined.
Looking at his Pulse Rifle and visor, he realized that they have begun collecting dust. The sight made him regret his decision to lead Overwatch grow even more. He no longer feels the joy of leading anything. He is now no more than a hunter playing pack leader.
And the pack is holding him back.
"Just two more months" he thought to himself.
Just two more months before he will issue his final command to have Winston be re-establish as the leader Overwatch and leaving a trained team under Colonel Smith will cover for his absence.
Two months before he returns to the world.
To find the ones responsible for Overwatch's collapse and bring them to justice.
This means he has two more months to break Alex.
He stood up and began making his way to the holding cells, by his estimation, he still has a few more bones to break.