Two Days Later
*Monaco*
Tourists filled the streets of the city, all hoping to get the best seats for the Spring Arts Festival. Heavily backed by the Maximilien Funding Society, the city and the festival have seen incredible growth and grandeur. In return, the festival will ensure that Casino Monaco will host the best view, environment, and services in the city.
In response to this event, some guests are dressed in wildly extravagant costumes or attires, many which are colourful, but only one chose to be dressed as the Grim Reaper and is apparently trying to gain entry to the casino.
"Don't you know who I am?" he growled at the Omnics who are blocking his entry.
"It does not matter, without proper verification from Maximilien, we cannot allow entry, not even to the Council" the Head of Security said firmly.
Before, he would swipe them aside, but the trail that will be left behind is far too obvious, childish even, especially for his pursuers. In anger he turned around and ran, he had already lost too much time by talking to them.
They almost caught him many times before he finally slipped away at the outskirts of the city, forcing them to use non-lethal means as he shielded himself with the civilians.
Sticking to the shadows, Reaper took a moment to catch his breath. He is at a disadvantage here, a major disadvantage that he needs to rectify as soon as possible.
Though he received the same training as Morrison, he had not experienced the same persecution that his rival had. He had become accustomed to return to Venice or one of Maximilien's establishments to hide when he attracted too much attention to himself, but Morrison… Morrison had to avoid it all alone whilst keeping up the pressure upon his enemies.
Without Talon, Reaper is now exploring forgotten and unexplored territories. Running and hiding is Morrison's speciality, therefore, he will know exactly where, when, and how to hunt him down.
However, he remained confident in his skills. He is still a soldier, a veteran, trained to overcome all obstacles, no matter what they may be. He has overcome death itself, he will survive this.
Hearing footsteps, he faded through an open window at the first floor above him.
"He is here" Morrison growled, stopping just below the window.
"What's the plan?"
"Cover the port, I'll take a look around. Be careful"
"Don't worry Jack, old soldiers are hard to kill" she said before leaving.
With her gone, Reaper debated whether he should attack when Morrison looked up to the window where he was hiding and stared. Reaper held his breath and edged closer to the shadows as Morrison raised the Pulse Rifle. This standoff lasted for about a minute before he lowered his weapon and ran off.
Once it felt safe, Reaper dissolved his shotguns and smiled. With Ana's attention fully on the port, he will have a much easier time ambushing either one of them, now it's all a matter of deciding which one to be first.
This time, he will make sure they stay buried in the grave.
*Gibraltar: Watchpoint*
An unprecedented high tide crashed into the mountain, the powerful waves forced all naval and aerial transports to return to land. Which was perfect as the higher the waves are, the louder the celebration became.
"Three cheers from everyone!" the Drill Sergeant shouted.
Huzzah! Hooray! Hoorah!
They have gathered outside of the Mess Hall, each man and woman waited impatiently as they stared at the clock. When it is down to the last 5 seconds, they count in unison.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1!
Doors were swung open and delicious aroma poured out.
"Dinner is served!" the cook announced with a theatrical flair, earning another loud cheer from everyone as they poured in.
To their delight, Colonel Smith had spared no expense and had opened the vaults to some of Overwatch's most attractive delicacies.
An amazing mountain of seafood made up of lobsters, crabs, clams, and prawns met their eyes. On the sides are mashed potatoes, spicy chicken soup, and a large assortment of fruits complemented with chocolate fountains, ice cream, and, most importantly, kegs of beer that they smuggled in earlier that day, who personally supervised its arrival, assuring that if Morrison returns, he will take full responsibility for the decision.
The chefs watched in appreciation as everyone ate their fill, some were surprised that despite their smaller numbers, they ate a third of what they anticipated, but thankfully there were enough and they joined their comrades in the feasting, laughing as Reinhardt challenged everyone to an eating competition and beat them all, losing only to Torbjorn, who easily drank, and even adding more chilli, to the already spicy soup.
Music rang throughout the base and everyone danced to their heart's content, trusting Athena's sensors and the tide to mask the festivities when it only became louder as Faheera picked up the guitar and shook the mountain with skills that even she never thought she had. Genji led the dance troupe that he trained for the past couple of days, impressing everyone with their synchronization.
For those who seek a more thrilling experience went with McCree, who asked them to put an apple on their heads as he showed off his Deadeye, whilst the introverted scientists went to Mei's Lab, where she froze the floor to make a small ice skating zone, where Winston and Brigitte joined to try out.
The only ones who have not joined in were Angela, who locked herself in the Medical Bay.
She must admit that she does feel a sense of envy that people are able to enjoy large crowds, loud music or festivities, but she knew that she would not be able to enjoy any of it even if she tried. Being alone after missions, especially after the last one, has always been her preferred method of rest, however, this is one of the rare occasions where she feels the need for a companion. Just someone to share a moment with.
Knock knock
"I already said I am not going" she called out.
"Which is why I brought something" Genji replied.
Jumping out from her seat, she quickly pulled him in and locked the door, not wanting other soldiers to try to see that she was seeing any patients. She blushed slightly when her stomach grumbled when she saw what he brought her.
Half a lobster, a small selection of clams and prawns in one hand, the other holding a plate of all her favourite fruits with a small bowl of melted chocolate next to them.
"I must apologize, the chocolate is not Swiss" he said.
"It'll do, thank you Genji, coffee?" she said, placing the plates on the table.
"Yes I would like that"
For a split second, her mind jumped to a scene where Genji is pushing her against the wall, but shook her head. She must really be tired to think of such childish things.
"Why are you not out there?"
"A doctor's work is never finished, besides, I still don't know how to take this armor off" she said, indicating what she dubbed as 'Dragoon Armor' that she is still encased in.
"Are you concerned?"
"No… I must admit I do feel safer in this, and it had actually assisted me in everything I need to do, even this"
She demonstrated by grabbing the lobster's claw and cracked it open with hers, giving her full access to all the flesh as if she was peeling a banana.
"You are amazing Angela, to adapt to everything. You've always been amazing"
Normally she would brush off the compliment, but her heart skipped at those words. In fact, there is a strange, almost scary, sense of desire building up inside of her for him. Looking down, she saw that the emerald eyes of the dragon are glowing brighter.
"I think you should go" she said, fighting back the rush and reaching for the door.
"No" he said before grabbing and pulling her into his arms.
"Genji!" she gasped, her body on fire as he pushed her against the wall and ripped his mask off.
"I can feel your desires Angela" he groaned into her ear, making her shudder "The dragon demands our union"
Unfamiliar need drowned her mind as she rubbed herself against him, moaning louder with each passing second as his hands eagerly studied her body. She could feel his too, an almost bestial lust that both of them now shared, melting away all thoughts of resistance as their tongues danced with each other.
"Bloody hell!" Lena squeaked before Blinking away to the other side of the door "Should I come back later?"
Genji groaned and hit his head against the wall in frustration as the moment was torn away.
"What was that?" Angela said in amazement.
"We should continue this some other time" he finally said.
"Yes… Lets…" she sighed, regaining control over herself as the green glow faded away "Come in Lena"
"You sure? I can always come back later"
She opened the door, revealing a beet red faced Lena holding a piece of cake and coffee.
"Th-they just served this and I did-didn't see you, s-so I thought to bring you these" she said timidly.
"Thank you" Angela said, accepting the food as Genji walked out, making Lena blush harder when he acknowledged her with a nod.
"Would you like to come in?" she asked when she realized that Lena is not leaving.
Lena merely nodded, her face still red, and took a seat.
"What can I help you with?"
"I'm just here to check on him" Lena said after clearing her throat.
"Ahh… Sure, follow me"
Lena never wanted to come, using the recent order that she should stay away as Overwatch continues their bogus investigations on him as an excuse. She had hoped to hear that he had made a full recovery or at least woken up, but as the days passed, she felt she should visit at least once to see how he is doing.
The last time Lena was here, the beds were all filled with the dying and injured, but now it is all vacant and no longer smells of smoke or blood. Only one bed at the far end is occupied with the Caduceus Staff and its healing stream still attached to him.
The sight was as terrifying as she had imagined. The results of all her faults. If she was not blinded by her anger, he would not have attacked Talon alone, if she had not been so weak, he would be celebrating with the others out there right now. If she had not been so selfish, he would not have had to buy the rings and Emily would still be alive now.
"For someone who jumps around time, you seem to be spending a lot of it in the past" Angela said, as if reading her mind.
"How could you tell?"
"Because you're not the type who can accept a mistake"
Lena sighed. Out of everyone in the base, Angie has always been one who understood her the best, even if she is almost always too busy to spend some time with her.
"No one likes to make mistakes"
"I said accepting one, not making them"
"What's the difference then?"
"A lot of people can learn from their mistakes, but if you do not accept it, it will haunt you in a negative way for the rest of your life"
"Is there even a positive haunting?"
"Normally we call it learning"
Lena said nothing, how could she ever accept Emily's death as 'learning'? But she was not angry, she knew that Angie has always meant what she says and does not have any ill intent. Regardless, she changed the topic.
"It's not working?" she asked, pointing to the staff.
"It is working, but not in a way I would ever guess"
"How is it working? His wounds have not even closed up yet"
"It is literally keeping him alive, the moment the beam stops, he will die"
She felt an odd chill flow through her body. If she had not acted the way she did yesterday and added the healing stream onto him at that moment… Is this how Angela feels every time she's in the field? To have the terrifying thought that if she did not add the stream to the right person at the right time, will easily result in someone's death?
"Any guess why it's reacting to him like this?" she asked, keeping her voice calm.
"I have a guess? A feeling? I'm not sure…" Angela said, unconsciously tapping the dragon head "The staff is… Confused… On how to react to him"
"How could it be confused? Did you create the staff to be sentient or something?"
"I think it is still trying to decide if he is compatible or not"
"Alright, you've gotta explain to me how that works, after all these years you've always avoided the question" Lena said.
Seeing that Lena is determined to have an answer now with no way of getting her out of the room, Angela sighed and sat down on one of the beds, inviting Lena to join her.
"Do you remember when I first joined Overwatch, I made it extremely clear that my research is purely to advance its medical fields and nothing else?"
"Uh huh"
"As time went on, Overwatch became more militaristic and soon, it weaponized my work"
"Captain Amari's Rifle?" Lena said, to which Angela nodded.
"I tried to stop it, but in the end I realized that I must improvise prevent any more exploitations to my ideas for violence"
"Why didn't you leave?"
"Because I was the only one standing in their way, it was exceedingly difficult, but I developed a program that would only react to those that it fits its criterias"
"How does it work?"
"In layman's terms, it will scan the body to detect if the person have suffered great pain, stress, or sacrifice but maintains a great sense of control and endurance, only when those conditions are met, will the staff begin to heal the target"
"Isn't that like… A lot of people?"
"With the parameters I've set, only a select few are compatible, most of them who are in Overwatch"
"You mean like Reinhardt and the others?"
"Yes, or in short, Heroes"
"Which means…" Lena said, looking at the staff again.
"It is now trying to determine if he is a hero or not"
*Mexico*
The safehouse is a small apartment that Sombra assured Baptiste that the place is sealed off from the public as the police are investigating it for 'murder', while in actual fact, it is a meeting place where corrupt businessmen used, all which had been put behind bars by her.
Baptiste fought the need to wrinkle his nose when she turned on the lights. He had been in many different settings before, both on the battlefield and away, he could only describe the place as filthy. Cockroaches roamed free and all surfaces are dusty, the only place that is clean is what must be her workstation at the corner. Multiple screens and a few desktops are neatly arranged and the only place where there is evidence of cleaning.
"Cosy" he lied, using his hand to wipe the chair before sitting on it.
"Sorry that it does not meet up to your standards" Sombra said sarcastically, throwing a bag of chips at him.
"Ya know, these things aren't healthy for you" he said, setting it aside.
Rolling her eyes, she looked out the window, making sure that no one followed them. Hacking into the airport's systems and autopiloting them over here in such a short amount of time will definitely raise eyebrows.
"How's your fingers?"
"They're fine, tomorrow I'll go and get my nails done"
"Didn't think you're that kind of gal"
"For hacking!"
She couldn't help but smile as he laughed, he had always been good at pushing her buttons. And she must also admit that his company is a welcomed change compared to the pot of cactus that she keeps next to the computer. Flicking her wrist, she activated the television and changed the channel to the news.
"Make yourself useful and let me know if anything comes up" she yawned.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to take a nap, it's been a long day"
"You got any food here though? I'm starving"
She debated for a moment but decided that since Baptiste has evaded Talon for so long, he should be able to avoid detection.
"There's a good enchiladas place across the street, there's some money in the cookie jar"
*One hour later*
"Anything interesting?" Sombra yawned, walking out from one of the rooms.
"Well, it's all in Spanish but if I understood it correctly, it's mostly about Venice"
"Anything else?"
"Well, there were very brief mentions about a few of our ex-colleagues we went 'missing', Oasis University is particularly panicky… Err... Something about 'all Tigers' escaping from UK's prisons? They seemed like they're dangerous… Err..."
"What about Gibraltar? Anything about it?"
"Gibraltar?"
"Never mind"
Sitting down in front of the computer, she began to hack various local banks as a warmup before passing a dataslate to Baptiste.
"What's this?"
"New passports, new identities, one of the inactive accounts from the bank… Everything you need for the next few months"
Baptiste let out a whistle and looked at the details.
"Can't say I'm pleased with the university I graduated in"
"A thank you would've been nice"
"Well if you've picked a better university maybe I'll-"
He stopped talking as Sombra's screens flashed in an unnatural colour, demanding both of their attention. Sombra began furiously typing keystrokes but nothing happened except that the lights became brighter and in the blink of an eye, all monitors bear the dreaded blue screen of death. Then all screens began typing the same message as the image of The Eye appeared.
I know who you are. I know where you are.
Sirens rang from outside and a man shouted through a bullhorn, shouting at them to surrender. Looking out the window, they saw that it is the local police, each of them have a red glow emitting from inside instead of the universal blue lights that all police must wear.
The television screen fluttered, now copying the words shown on the computer.
Sombra. Baptiste. Join us.
"Ok, that's some freaky stuff" he said, blocking the door with the refrigerator.
"Lets go!" she shouted, pressing the air to open a secret door in one of the rooms.
The moment they shut the door behind them, the police opened fire, the bullets tearing the room apart before they even attempted to force the door open. Baptiste looked at her with confusion but she pushed him forwards, not being the time to explain to him that they have all been hacked.
Exiting into an old warehouse, she locked the door behind her.
"Phew, didn't expect to end up here" Baptiste said, looking at the dusty boxes when he heard the click of a gun. He turned around and saw Sombra is pointing her weapon at him.
"Did you call them?" she asked threateningly.
"Ok, I know this looks bad" he began, his hands raised above his head.
"I'm not going to ask you again"
"Let's think about this"
"All I know is that I shut my eyes for a minute, then The Conspiracy came knocking at my door"
"I know this looks bad but-"
"Are you working for the Conspiracy?"
Baptiste tried to step forward but was stopped when she fired a warning shot near his feet. Recognizing that she would not think twice to gun him down if he does not give a reason soon, he kneeled down to the ground.
"You've kept tabs on me right? That's how you found me right? So you must've known I'm clean ya?"
"There will always be a few things that slip through the cracks"
Propelling himself with his Exo Boots, he tackled Sombra to the ground and knocked her to the ground. Fighting for control of the weapon, their bodies rolled ceaselessly for dominance over the other. Finally there was a noticeable crack and Sombra yelped in pain as Baptiste grabbed her hand.
"Stop this! I am not working for them alright? Just stop!" he grunted, trying to calm her down as she struggled, the sirens just outside the doors.
*Monaco*
With endless expenses to burn, the festival was unlike any before. Fireworks, decorations that stretched throughout the city and even the pier. With so many flamboyant outfits, even Ana's Biotic Eye struggled to find a potential target. Reaper could easily waltz through her scope and she would miss him in the crowds. She could only hope that Jack would have better luck than her.
Regardless, she could not let her guard down, besides Doomfist or Widowmaker, Reaper has always been the few whom she feared the most, and to be facing against him has always been an uncomfortable thought. Her mind wandered back to Egypt when she saved Jack and ripped off his mask, a sight that even now makes her shudder.
"Ana, do you read?"
"I copy"
"I am located on top of a building facing the pier, do you see me?"
Using a pair of binoculars, she tried but could not see anything except crowds of people who have set up seats on the roof.
"Negative"
"Try again"
"I can't see anything, which roof are you on?" she said again, all buildings with clear sights to the pier.
"Where are you?"
"On top of the tallest building"
"Do you see my strobe?"
Nothing.
"Jack, this is not working, give me your coordinates"
"That won't be necessary" Reaper said directly behind her.
She tried to stand but a boot pinned her to the ground, the force knocked the wind out of her. Unable to maneuver the rifle, she reached for her Sleeping Darts but was easily stopped.
"No more darts for you, Captain" he growled, ripping away her ammunition pouch and crushing it with his fist.
"How?" she managed out, gasping as she tried to regain her breath.
"Convincing isn't it?" he laughed, tossing aside the voice changer "I had doubts it'll work but here we are"
She tried to call for help but Reaper pressed his boot down harder on her, his shotguns materializing into existence and pressed them against her back.
"Goodbye Ana" he said.
He was about to squeeze the triggers when he was shot from the back, just barely penetrating his armor. Turning around, he shoots blindly into the direction before Shadowstepping to the corner of the roof, disappearing behind one of the roof ventilation shafts. Gasping, she grabbed her rifle as Morrison set down a Biotic Field.
"And I thought you would be harder to kill" he said, pulling her up to her feet.
"How did you find me?"
"I followed you, cover me"
Without waiting for an answer, he proceeded around the corners cautiously, knowing full well how effective those shotguns are in close range.
"Come to settle the score Commander?"
"I am no longer your Commander, Reyes, you've made sure of that"
"I made sure of that? Me? No, everything that happened was your doing"
"Jack above you!" Ana shouted, firing a shot.
The edges of his jacket are riddled with holes as he jumped forwards, the shotgun pellets nearly knocking him out of balance as it tore through his coat. He turned around to counter attack but saw nothing.
"You were the one who tore us apart Jack, all of this would not have happened if it weren't for your ceaseless need for praise and admiration"
"My need? I wasn't the one who run off crying when someone slapped my hand"
"How would you know? You never suffered the humiliation that I had to endure"
Morrison turned the corner and glanced at Ana, who had relocated to a higher position. Raising his weapon, he strained his ears, trying to detect where Reaper could be.
"Overwatch was destroyed from baseless lies under my command, nothing is more shameful than that, not even yours" he said, wanting to keep Reaper talking.
"So you finally accepted responsibility for our downfall"
"Accepted? You were the cause for all of it!" he yelled.
"Am I? Who allowed corruption to thrive? Who didn't have the courage to put down the ones dogs that deserve it? Who couldn't lead us to do what the world needs us to do?"
"We are not butchers nor judge, jury, and executioner"
"We see everything they have done, we know their every move and what they have planned! You know better than anyone that they deserve death!"
"If that is what you believe, why did you join the very disease that you wanted to eradicate?"
He didn't see the shotgun that was raised to his side but was saved by a dart that zipped through his hair, throwing off the mercenary's aim. Reaper tore the dart out from his arm and tried to Shadowstep away but his focus was interrupted by the butt of Morrison's rifle.
Growling, Reaper threw a haymaker that dropped Morrison to his knee, but before he could deliver a killing blow, he was forced back as Morrison got back on his feet. Knowing full well he is supported by Ana and cornered with no backup, Reaper forgone all tactics or strategies, if he could not kill them both, he will definitely kill one.
Ana winced as blood splattered around them as they both exchanged savagely without any regards to their own safety. Her heart broke not because she is witnessing two old friends fighting each other with such hate and pride, but because she had to force herself not to feel those emotions. She breathed out the seconds and pacing of the fight, trying to space out her shots carefully to assist Jack as this is her last magazine.
However, despite her healing, it is apparent that Reaper is winning the exchange. Morrison has always preferred ranged combat whilst Reaper thrives in close combat. When Reaper knocked him down for the third time and took control of the flow of the fight, she quickly raise her left wrist.
"Die!" Reaper growled triumphantly, his claws around Morrison's neck.
Morrison couldn't see an exit nor could he open one, after so many years of running he regretted not improving his hand to hand combat abilities over the years, trusting too much into his enhanced body, so much that he had forgotten that Reaper is not only on the same bar, but is extremely durable. However, he felt no fear, he was not trained to fear, only to win, even when there was no possibility to win, he fought on.
Freeing his arm, he grabbed at the hands tightening around his neck and tried to pry them off, but all he could feel was his fingers slipping off the metal gloves. Reaper laughed at the attempt and tightened his fingers. There was nothing Ana could do to save him now, nothing except…
"No, I crushed the pouch, there is no way she still has..."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a blue colored dart cut through the air and into Morrison's arm.
"No!" he yelled and twisted his hands, only to find that the neck has hardened like steel.
"Time for round two!" Morrisons shouted, colour now back into his face and threw him off like a ragdoll.
Too close to form his shotguns, Reaper attacked with his claws and drew blood, but the injuries were barely noticed as the Nanos pumped through Morrison. Seeing he needed to wait it out, he tried to fade but was kicked into the wall before he could avoid the attack.
He tried to counterattack but his body is now in shock. Pressing a hand over his numb chest, he could feel his ribs are broken. With his abilities exhausted and no support, he knew his time was up.
"Shameful isn't it? You couldn't even beat me fair and square" Reaper taunted, hoping for a last ditch effort to throw his opponent off balance "The noble soldier using dirty tricks"
"You forget one thing Reyes" he replied, grabbing him by the scruff of his coat "I'm a criminal"
The first punch did not knock him out, but it cracked the mask. The second punch sent Reaper smashing unconsciously back against the wall. The third was for good measure. But the punches that followed were dangerous.
"Jack! That's enough!" Ana shouted.
"He can take it!" he shouted, heaving back to throw another punch.
He felt a sharp poke behind his knee and he fell to the ground. Before passing out, he pulled out the object and saw it was a Sleep Dart and could hear Ana approaching.
