Hey! So starting now I'm going to have a lot of life get in the way, so chapters are gonna be delayed a little. So for right now there really isn't a schedule, but just expect them to be up like every two to three and a half days. I really want to do my best to make these chapters as best as I can, so I must take my time on them. I am very thankful for all of you who follow, favorite, and review this story! I just wish I could repay you some how, but all I have are my words. Thank you all again! Also, I'm glad I could make Mei's death a surprise to you all. I needed a martyr, and I just thought she was a good choice. Plus, it's pay back for freezing me as every other hero in the game :D. Also, I don't know where some of you are getting this Mercy76 vibe. I was never instigating that. While it is a good ship, it's not sailing in this fic. Lol. I mean, unless a little typo is the reason for your confusion? Maybe there was something in the lore that I missed? If there is, I have not found it. The "ship" in this is LenaxJack, because no one else will :D just clearing that up.

XXXX

No one could believe what they were seeing, except for Alejandra of course, who smiled at Morrison's actions. He had shown himself to his team, at last. Some doubt still crept up inside him, unsure of his decision. But when he saw their faces, with his real eyes, he knew he had done the right thing. Everyone else just stared, eyes wide, jaws hanging. Morrison took a moment to survey his team. There was a short moment of silence, then the former commander spoke.

"I would tell you to fight, and I would tell you to win, and that is what I'm doing now," he clenched his fist, still seeing the details of their friends' death, "We lost a good ally today… a member of the family. But we're still here. All of us. And it is our job to make sure that what happened to Mei… to Ana, to the rest of Overwatch, never happens again. I swear to you, that as long as I breathe, not one of you will die on my watch,"

They all listened, like they used to back in the old days, when they were a beacon of hope to the world. They still couldn't believe who they were seeing or who they were listening to. Their commander, their leader, who they thought had been dead and buried, was standing right before them. Jack continued.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you who I was earlier. It wasn't time. I wasn't ready. But I'm here now, and I'm going to tell you that it's time to stop hiding from Talon. It's time to take the fight to them! I thought I could find out everything by myself, solve this world's problems by myself. But I was wrong. I need my team, we need our team. And I'll be damned if I lose another one of you. It's time to get back out there, and protect our world, and show Talon that they won't pick us off one by one. Wherever Talon is, that's where we'll be. What ever Talon tries to do, we'll be there to stop it! We didn't start this war, but we're damn sure going to end it!"

Everyone heard his words, taking them in, and they believed in them; they believed in him, especially Lena, who could swear her heart was beating faster than a slipstream fighter jet. Was this happening? Was she looking at Jack Morrison? Or was her chronal accelerator malfunctioning? No, it coudln't be. Everyone else was looking at the same man. Reinhardt took a step forward.

"Commander," he said.

Jack shook his head, "I'm not your commander anymore, Reinhardt. I'm...I'm just-"

"You're back!" cried Lena.

Without thinking, she blinked instantly against him, pulling him to her, hugging him like he would leave this plane of existence if she let go.

At that moment, every Overwatch agent present joined in, crowding around in a large embrace. Jack felt the weight of everyone on him, not expecting this behavior. But then he realized this is exactly what they would do. This was his team, and he couldn't have asked for a better one, because he knew there was no better team than this. He gave a soft smile, a chuckle, and put his arms around who ever he could. He could feel Lena up against him, and a shiver went up his spine. Her cheek pressed against his chest, the warmth seemed to go right through his leather jacket. Memories flooded his mind, of better days, better nights, with her.

He pushed the memory aside, it would only spoil the moment. He looked all around him, his teammates, his family, embracing him. He hadn't felt like this in years. It was good to be back. They all backed away, giving him his space, except for Lena, who still remained closest to him, beaming up at him, but with tears of joy in her eyes.

"Why? Why didn't you tell us sooner?" she asked, wiping her tears.

Jack sighed, feeling guilty for making her cry.

"I thought it was the right thing. I thought that I could cut out this world's cancers by myself, and find out who else was responsible for the disbanding Overwatch. But I was wrong. We need our team if we're going to pull this off. Winston was right. The world needs us,"

It was at this point that Alejandra stepped forward to stand next to him. She gave a soft smile of approval at the old soldier, who smiled back. He was glad she had told him to show himself. He wasn't sure he would have done it if she hadn't suggested it.

"Also," said Jack, "I don't believe you've been properly introduced. Everyone, this is Alejandra,"

A short pause filled the room as Alejandra was addressed. She scanned the room, seeing everyone smiling brightly. It made her extremetly nervous, being put on the spot like that. She secretly wanted to punch Morrison for making her the center of attention, but pushed the thought aside. This was her time to shine, to talk to the heroes her mother had told her about when she was little. She would make this moment count. She cleared her throat and spoke.

"I'm very sorry about your friend. I could tell that you all cared about her very much… I lost my mama to Los Muertos a few days ago. I still can't believe she's gone. But she always had hope that I would live to see our world finally at peace. And seeing you all here, our heroes, together, it gives me the same hope. I want to help you all, in any way I can, to make that hope become true. I want to free my home of Los Muertos, and help make this world safe again, so that my mama can rest in peace,"

Lena smiled at this girl's bravery. She couldn't be happier to see that the world had just gotten a new hero, in training of course. She knelt in front of Alejandra and looked into her hazel eyes.

"Welcome to Overwatch, love. The cavalry just earned another soldier," Lena said.

Alejandra stood tall and proud, determined to prove her place among them. She was young, she knew, but she wanted to keep her promise to her mother. She would do what she could until she could fight along side these heroes, and live up to her name.

Despite the small moment of joy in the room, Morrison had to pull everyone back to reality. He wasn't going to just leave Mei there. The sinking feeling of a grenade being dropped into his stomach took him over, as he remembered the grizzly sight of Mei's death. They had to say goodbye to their friend properly.

"Everyone, listen up," he said.

The group looked his way, ready to hear his orders.

"We have to retrieve Mei's body. We need to send her off properly. She was family, and we don't leave family behind. Winston, you have her coordinates?"

"Affirmative," replied the scientist.

"Good. Genji, Angela, go with him. There may be Talon agents there. I'm not risking anything anymore. In the mean time, this base isn't going to start up by itself. The rest of us will get this place back up and running,"

Everyone could feel Morrison turning back into the leader he used to be, taking charge without even needing to ask. They welcomed it, because it was what they had always done; let him lead them into battle. Jack would always be a natural leader, even if he wasn't trying to be. He continued giving orders.

"Lena, you know the interior of this base better than anyone. I need you to find the back up generators and activate them, as fast as you can,"

"I'll get it done even faster!" she replied.

"Torbjorn, I want defensive turrets all around the perimeter. Nothing unauthorized is getting in here without getting through a wall of lead,"

"Let's get started," said the dwarf, brandishing his trademark hammer.

"Jesse, weapons check. Make sure every firearm is secured and accessible. I don't want an ambush taking us by surprise with our pants around our ankles,"

"I hear ya," replied the former Blackwatch agent, with a tip of his hat.

"Reinhardt, you and Brigitte unload any and all supplies from your van, and put it to good use. Also, find some supplies to repair your armor, it's about to fall apart,"

"Right away, commander!" said the old veteran, eager to see his old friend take charge again.

Jack closed his eyes, shaking his head. It didn't feel right to be called commander. That was back in a time when it meant something. He didn't want to be called by that profession. It wasn't who he was.

"I said I'm not your commander anymore. I'm just a soldier," he said, trying to tell them his days as Strike Commander Morrison were over.

But Reinhardt just laughed, pushing aside the comment. He walked over to Jack and placed his hand on his commander's shoulder, smiling down at him with his one good eye.

"Jack," He began, "You knew what you were doing the moment you took off that mask. No matter what title you give yourself, you will always be our leader,"

Jack couldn't say this wasn't true. After all, he did just order everyone to do specific tasks. The orders just came so naturally to him, like instinct. He looked up at his old friend and nodded, as if seeing Reinhardt's war torn face for the first time. He went back to face the rest of the team.

"Alright Overwatch, you have your orders. Move out!"

"Yes sir!" They all exclaimed, and went to attend to their assignments.

It was then that Morrison noticed the two newcomers; the omnic monk and Hanzo, awkwardly standing by the opposite wall, not knowing what to do with themselves.

"You two," he said, pointing to them.

Hanzo and the Zenyatta directed their attention towards Jack. He stuttered, realizing he couldn't remember the Shambali's name.

"Um, what was your name again?" he asked.

"Tekhartha Zenyatta, Mr. Morrison," he replied.

"Go help Reinhardt and Brigitte unload their supplies. I know you omnics can be surprisingly sturdy, despite your thin frame,"

Zenyatta acknowledged his task and drifted away. Morrison then addressed Hanzo. He looked him over, remembering the crimes the Shimada clan had committed, and recalled that Genji had done what he could to end their ruthless black market dealings. He was unsure why Hanzo was even here.

"Hanzo Shimada. What exactly are you doing here? If you're looking to trade weapons with us, I'm afraid the only payment you're going to get is a prison cell," he said sternly.

Hanzo shook his head, a little urked that his family name's reputation preceded him, once again. He stared back at Morrison with fire in his eyes.

"I have come to redeem myself, and help my brother's cause. But I wished to only discuss tactics with you, then I must return to Shimada Castle," he said briefly.

"Well tactics will have to wait. We're nowhere near that stage yet. How about you join your brother in retrieving Mei's body. I'm sure they'll welcome the backup," Jack suggested.

Hanzo was opposed to this at first. This was not the plan. If there was one thing he hated more than missing a target, it was deviating from the plan.

"How will I be able to contact you then, to coordinate our cooperation? I do not have a way to communicate with you," he argued.

Morrison pondered this for a moment. If Hanzo really was going to help them, he would have to keep in touch, and not by sending letters every week. He didn't have an answer to this, but he knew someone who did.

"Go talk to Winston. I'm sure he has some kind of communications device that he can lend to you, until we find a more permanent way of keeping you in the loop," Jack finally said.

Hanzo nodded and made his way to the dropship, where his brother and new colleagues were preparing for their departure. Morrison sighed. This was it, they were rebuilding Overwatch. He couldn't believe it. For the first time in many years, Jack Morrison actually felt peaceful. He didn't even realize Alejandra still standing next to him, until she cleared her throat, obviously wanting to be noticed. He looked down at the young recruit; arms folded, looking up at him. He could tell already what she wanted before she even had to ask.

"So um, what can I do?" she asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

Morrison chuckled at her youthful eagerness, surprised that she was so quick to work. Then again, she is the kind of girl who would chase after some thugs for taking her wallet, so this behavior shouldn't be much of a surprise. He knelt down and spoke.

"You and I are going to be doing some weapons training," he said.

Alejandra smiled, and gave an enthusiastic, "Yes!". She was more than ready to learn what ever she could.

"But," Morrison interjected, "it is only for self defense. You won't be seeing any combat until you're older, and most of all, stronger,"

That put her enthusiasm to a low point. She knew she was strong. She didn't want to be held back. She wanted to pay back Los Muertos as soon as possible.

"What?! But, I'm strong! I can take-"

"Then prove it to me by doing what I say," Jack interrupted, not wanting to argue with the kid.

She stopped and thought about that for a moment. There really was no other alternative. If she wanted to be a part of this team, to avenge her mother, she couldn't argue. She looked back to Morrison and nodded.

"Okay, sorry. I'm just…"

"Eager, reckless, hard headed," Jack said.

Alejandra felt a little hurt by that, but admitted to herself that it was true. She looked away, a little shame creeping in her chest.

"Just like I was when I was your age," he finished.

She looked back at him, realizing that he meant no offense, but rather, a kind of teasing compliment. She smiled and giggled a little, which made him do the same. Morrison stood up.

"Come on kid. Let's teach you a thing or two,"

With that, they made their way to the shooting range.

XXXX

Winston, Angela, and Genji were just about to leave when Hanzo grouped up with them, explaining the situation. He told Winston about how he had to go back to Hanamura once the mission was complete, but he needed a way to communicate with Overwatch while he was gone. The scientist provided him with a device he called a 'holocom', which was essentially a wrist mounted gauntlet that could communicate with Winston's computer via hologram screen and built in microphone. Hanzo attached the new equipment to his right arm, replacing his previous gauntlet. Satisfied with how it fit, he thanked Winston. After everyone was ready, Winston put in the coordinates of Mei's base.

"Athena, set course for Lijiang Tower," said Winston.

The dropship rose into the air, cloaked itself, and made its way to its destination. Hanzo was interested as to why a former Overwatch agent in hiding would choose such a high profile place to reside. It didn't seem to make any sense. It seemed more like painting a big red target on your head. Winston explained.

"Mei was always extremely involved with the planet's ecosystem. Before Overwatch fell, she had told me that she was planning to work with Lucheng Interstellar to create some kind of atmospheric weather machine, to provide rain water for communities that could not get enough. Once Overwatch fell, however, she fled to China, and I guess she has been working there ever since. Turns out it… wasn't the best place to hide however. She didn't deserve what happened to her. She only wanted to make the world better…" Winston trailed off, unable to continue speaking. He felt a lump forming in his chest, the kind that always comes when you talk about something unpleasant.

Hanzo understood the pain Winston was feeling. It was the same pain he had felt when he thought his brother was dead. Except, there was no hope of bringing their friend back from the brink of death. They had all watched the shotgun blast remove her head from existence. He put his hand on Winston's shoulder, and looked him in the eyes.

"We will make them pay. We'll make them all pay for what they did. There is no honor in killing someone so innocent," he said firmly.

Winston smiled at the bowman's kindness and nodded. He then took his seat in the pilot's chair, and began to indulge himself in some banana's and peanut butter.

Hanzo took a seat on the bunks at the opposite end of the dropship. Genji appeared to be sound asleep on the bunk above, his hands clasped together along his chest. Hanzo guessed it had been a long day for his brother. Good, he needed the rest. He began to adjust his storm bow when Angela sat on the bed opposite him. She had taken off the wings of her Valkyrie swift-response suit and set them neatly on the bed. Hanzo hadn't noticed her approach, so he continued to inspect his weapon. Knowing there was a long time before they reached China, Angela decided engage in conversation.

"Hello there," she said.

Hanzo looked up from what he was doing, startled. He saw Angela in front of him and set aside his bow, almost embarrassed he hadn't noticed her.

"Oh! Konichiwa. My apologies, I didn't see you there," he replied.

Angela gave Hanzo a reassuring smile, waving it off.

"No worries. I'm sorry I startled you. I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I am Angela Zielger. Pleased to meet you," she extended her hand out.

Hanzo shook it, and was thankful to realize her handshake was not as enthusiastic as Lena sama's was.

"Hanzo Shimada, at your service. You are the one who saved my brother from death, are you not?"

Angela nodded, "That is me,"

"Then I suppose he has told you how he came to be in such a state…" he said solemnly.

"Yes, he has," she acknowledged, "And while I do think that your actions to your own flesh and blood were rather extreme, I respect a man who is trying to redeem himself. So, I am pleased to meet you,"

Hanzo was relieved to hear that. He didn't want to have any feuds with his new allies, especially the one who had given his brother a second chance at life.

"For what you have done for my family, I thank you, Dr. Ziegler. I am forever in your debt," Hanzo stood and bowed humbly before her.

Angela laughed softly, not wanting to wake up Genji from his sleep.

"You are just like your brother; always being so noble and putting yourselves in my debt. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was a loan shark," joked Angela, "And please, call me Angela. I hear the name 'Dr. Ziegler' all the time from Genji. I keep telling him we're friends and that he can stop referring to me as doctor, but he still insists,"

Hanzo nodded, "If it pleases you, Angela sama," and he bowed once again.

"Danke," replied Angela.

Hanzo took his seat on the bed once and went back to inspecting his storm bow, making sure it was prepped for battle. He tightened the draw string to a desired length, adjusted the sight window, and looked through the bowsight, making sure it wasn't out of place. Satisfied, he inspected his quiver, checking to see how many arrows he had. He counted just over a dozen, meaning he had to use them sparingly. Four scatter arrows, two cable arrows, four sonic arrows, and three armor piercing arrows. He'd make every shot count

"How long until we reach our destination?" he asked the doctor.

"It is a half a day's journey to Lijiang Tower. So we have a moment to enjoy some peace and quiet. Just a moment though. Jack anticipates an ambush there, which is why he sent four of us to retrieve Mei," Angela took a sudden pause in her speech and averted her eyes from Hanzo. She clenched her fist, the scene of her friend's death still clear in her mind.

Hanzo noticed the pain and rage in her eyes, the essence of anger and sorrow mixing inside of her. She took slow, heavy breaths as the scene played vividly in her brain. It almost seemed like this wasn't the kindhearted doctor he was just conversing with. He swore that her palms would bleed through her gloves if she clenched her fists any tighter. But suddenly, she closed her eyes, took a deep, slow, tranquil breath, exhaled, and relaxed. The rage was gone, but Hanzo could still see the pain. Perhaps it would stay until they had retrieved the body, maybe not even then.

"I am deeply sorry for your loss, Angela sama," Hanzo told her, being as sympathetic as he could be. He knew the agony of loss only too well.

The medic looked back to him and smiled softly.

"Danke schön," she replied, and after a brief pause, "Let's… not talk of my friend right now. It's not good to cloud the mind with unpleasant thoughts before a mission. Let's talk of something else," She suggested.

Hanzo understood. He did not wish to make this poor woman's day worse than it already was.

"Then what shall we discuss?" he asked.

Angela thought for a moment, tapping her chin with her index finger. She wanted to learn more about her new comrade, but where to start? She snapped her fingers and smiled, finding the perfect subject for conversation.

"Genji has told me you have taken back your family's clan. What do you plan to do for your new business, if you will no longer engage in illegal arms dealings?"

Hanzo was taken back by the straight forwardness of the question, not expecting it. He was also embarrassed. He did not want to reveal the route he had taken to restore his family name.

"It is… um, none of your concern," he said, trying to redirect the conversation to a different subject.

Angela just folded her arms, determined to get her answer.

"If you expect us to be partners, then we must learn to trust each other. And trying to keep secrets from one another is not the way to start. Do not tell me that you are going to be selling illegal substances behind our backs," her eyes were full of suspicion, wanting the truth from the bowman.

Hanzo gave a sigh. She was correct. If he was to be of any use to Overwatch, and help his brother's cause, then he had to make them trust him first.

"Very well," he began, "We are not involved with illegal black market business anymore. But, in response to the recent increase in demand… the Shimada Clan will be investing resources to provide the public with… b-… body pillows…" he looked away in shame.

Angela brought her hand to her mouth, trying to conceal her laughter as best as she could, but to no avail.

"What?!" exclaimed Genji, apparently eaves dropping on the conversation.

He rolled off his bed and landed silently on his feet, but spoke to his brother with the subtlety of a tidal wave.

"Tell me you are joking. You cannot really be serious about going into that business. Surely you wouldn't put our family's name to shame like that!"

Hanzo replied, "Until we have found a better, more profitable product, this is what we must do. I don't see you providing any suggestions, Genji,"

"Hanzo, we have amazing cooks, including yourself. You could turn the court yard into a restaurant! Something much more dignifying than producing… that other item," Genji argued.

Hanzo seemed almost disgusted at the idea of letting others inside his home.

"I will not let people tarnish and disrespect my household with their outlandish lack of manners,"

"Oh you sound just like father, never wanting to let anyone, even his closest friends, set foot inside even the main gate. No wonder mother liked me better. I was always the one with an open mind!"

"I do have an open mind! I just don't want people taking advantage of my hospitality. So why let anyone in at all? And I do not sound like father," Hanzo replied, folding his arms.

Genji gave the 'what are you talking about' gesture with his hands.

"That is exactly what father would say! He was always in denial about everything mother said to him! He didn't even listen to her when she told him to take his medication so he'd live long enough for their anniversary!"

Hanzo stood up, glaring at his brother.

"Well at least I was there by his side as he passed on his death bed, while you were out with your friends! You didn't even come when I told you he had died!"

"Because he told me he was dying the day before!" Genji yelled.

Silence filled the room, Angela looking from one brother to the next, Winston staring from across the ship, silently eating a banana. Both Hanzo and Genji breathed heavily, anger and frustration coursing through them. But finally, those last words from Genji processed through Hanzo's clouded mind. He took a step closer, wanting to know the truth behind what his brother just said.

"What?" Hanzo asked.

Genji took a few breaths, realizing he had made a mistake saying what he did. But it was too late. He couldn't hide the truth from his brother. He had said too much to not tell him everything. An aching feeling clawed at his synthetic chest, the kind that you have when you break a long kept promise. He began.

"Father… spoke to me in private, the day before his death. He told me of his condition, and that he would pass the next day. I asked him why he only called me over, and not you as well. He told me that it was not your time to find out. He then…" Genji stopped, beginning to shake, and brought a trembling hand up to his face plate.

He removed his mask, and wiped the tears that were currently dripping down his face. He didn't bother to put his mask back on. He looked his brother in the eyes, and continued.

"He then held my shoulders, and told me… that he could not have been more proud of either of us. He told me that he saw our mother when he looked at me; always joking, always trying to get out of the house. He made me promise two things: to never tell you of this moment between him and I, and to never change who I was, no matter what,"

Hanzo blinked in realization. His heart felt like it had dropped right into his stomach. The elders had forced Hanzo to maim his brother for nothing. Genji continued.

"That is why I refused to obey the clan's orders, because it would dishonor our father's final wishes. Blood is always thicker than water. I thought you would have gone by the same code," he finished, securing his faceplate to his headpiece.

Hanzo's shoulders slumped, seeing how much of a fool he had been. He let the elders manipulate them like their puppet, and pitted him against his own brother. If they hadn't gone into hiding, Hanzo would have put an arrow for each of them by now. He looked back at Genji, feeling guilt crawl up inside him again, and spoke.

"Genji, I had no idea. I was only-"

His brother cut him off, holding up his hand.

"We have already had that conversation, Hanzo. We need not go back. The truth is out. That is all,"

Hanzo supposed his brother was right, trying to clear his mind of the guilt. The last thing he wanted was to be going around in circles. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off again by Genji.

"Another thing that father told me once, was that he wanted you and I to leave the arms dealing business anyway,"

Hanzo was stunned even more by this than the previous news. His father took pride in their arms dealing business. Why would he want his sons to throw it all away? Not that he was going to continue the business practice anyway.

"What? Why would he say that?"

Genji chuckled before he said anything, "He said we would just run it into the ground. He told me we were good fighters and tacticians, but we would make horrible business men,"

Hanzo almost objected to the statement, but then remembered he was about to go and provide body pillows as his clan's main product. Perhaps his brother was right. It most likely was more reasonable to turn the courtyard into a restaurant. At least their family name could recover from the sins of the past. Regaining his composure, Hanzo smiled at his brother.

"Our family is full of secrets, isn't it Genji?" he said.

His brother nodded, "Indeed. But, the fate of our clan will have to wait. We must prepare for the task at hand,"

With the tension in the room settled, the rest of the flight to Lijiang Tower was rather calm. They discussed what exactly the Shimada Clan could provide for Overwatch: spies, information, names and hide outs of Overwatch enemies long thought disbanded, crooked ambassadors that may have had a part in Overwatch's downfall, even military hardware if need be. The list seemed endless, and Hanzo felt he was one step closer to redeeming himself.

It took the better part of half a day, but they finally reached the Guangxi province, where Lijiang Tower resided.

"Now arriving at Lijiang Tower," Athena reported.

Winston knuckle walked to the cockpit, to see the busy streets and the bright lights of the metropolis. Except, there were no bright lights, and the streets were not their usual busy self. Winston couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Guys… you may want to take a look at this," he called.

Everyone made their way to the cockpit, and shared the same look of disbelief with the scientist. The city below them was completely dark and abandoned; not a light in a window and not a person in the streets. They were flying above a ghost town. The only illumination that was provided was the light of the moon overhead. Other than that, the city seemed cold, dead, deserted.

Genji said, "What happened here?"

"Athena," Angela said, "show us the news, keywords, Yuunan, China,"

Instantly, the main monitor flashed on, displaying the Atlas News channel. The woman reporting the news was speaking of some kind of massive electrical magnetic pulse that originated from Lijiang Tower, and spread all across the Guangxi province. It not only fried every electrical appliance in the area, but ended the lives of every omnic citizen in the province. The news reporter stated that every human civilian had been evacuated, while the People's Armed Police were doing everything they could to retrieve the bodies of the deceased omnics. In the mean time, Lijiang Tower has been labeled off limits until experts could properly investigate the reason for the EMP.

"It has to be Talon," Winston surmised, "Who else would want to make this second omnic crisis worse? First they kill Mondatta, now they destroy an entire civilian population of omnics!"

"Not to mention," Hanzo began, "they now have a pretty large blanket to cover their escape. No one is going to see them leave in this darkness,"

Winston ordered Athena to keep them cloaked and scan Lijiang Tower for any life forms. If there were Talon operatives there, they'd be ready. Ten seconds passed, then Athena reported.

"I'm detecting seventeen life signs in total. Twelve on the second floor and five in the basement, all armed,"

The drop ship hovered ten feet away from the fourth floor of the tower. Winston gathered everyone around him in a type of huddle.

"Okay, here's the plan: There are more exits on the second floor rather than the basement, so we should begin our assault there. More enemies will be waiting for us, of course, but at least we have an escape if the Talon soldiers in the basement react quickly enough to reenforce the second floor squad. I suggest we enter through the fourth floor window, and make our way down to the Talons on the second flo- Hanzo, what are you doing?"

Everyone turned to see Hanzo walking to the emergency exit on the side of the ship not facing the building, holding a cable arrow in one hand, storm bow in the other. He opened the hatch, backed up four steps, and smirked at the other three, who just stared, not ready for what he was about to do.

"Try to keep up," he said.

With that, Hanzo sprinted and jumped out of the dropship. The three ran to the emergency exit and watched as he fell. In free fall, Hanzo spun around, bow drawn, and fired his arrow, the long, fine, titanium wire trailing behind it.

The cable was easily six and a half meters long, not including the arrow, which embedded itself in the underside of the ship. Once Hanzo was far enough, the cable became taut. Gripping it as tight as he could, he swung forward, his momentum carrying him straight for the second floor window. Cold air rushed past Hanzo's face, his hands burned from holding the titanium wire, feeling it chafe his palms. He was close enough to the window now. Hanzo released the cable, kicked his legs out, and shielded his face from the glass he was about to shatter.

The window broke from his impact, shards of glass flew through the room; Hanzo winced as some even scraped and cut his bare skin. He worked through the pain, like he always did. He tucked and rolled once he hit the floor, drew a scatter arrow as he knelt upright, and released it. The arrow found its mark inside a Talon agent's head, and instantly exploded into a half a dozen other arrows, hailing and ricocheting off the walls, ceiling and floor. Five more Talons dropped dead, receiving multi arrow death blows. Hanzo smirked, but quickly dove for cover behind a couch once the rest began to fire upon him.

Back on the drop ship, Winston, Angela, and Genji watched as Hanzo crashed through the window, the cable swaying back and forth underneath them. The cyber ninja turned to his colleagues.

"Well, come on!" he yelled.

He leaped from the exit and grabbed Hanzo's cable on the way down, using his momentum the same way Hanzo did, and launched himself through the empty window frame.

The Talon agents were so busy shooting at Hanzo, that they hadn't even noticed Genji flying at them, katana in hand. Still mid flight from his momentum, Genji grappled the closest Talon by the head and used his enemy's weight to anchor him down, while also snapping snapping the Talon's neck, pulling the lifeless body to the floor. He then spun and decapitated the Talon next to him, his head sliding off as blood poured from his bisected neck. The rest of the soldiers directed their attention to Genji, but they were too slow. The ninja dashed forward with his katana, slitting the throat of one enemy and then throwing three shurikens into another. Hanzo seized his chance and vaulted over the bullet torn couch and threw his arm around the second last Talon in front of him, keeping him in a choke hold. With his free arm, he pulled an arrow out of his quiver and plunged it into the Talon's chest. He gave a blood curdling scream before instantly dying, the arrow piercing his heart.

The last Talon was already running out of the room, activating his comlink,

"Backup! We need back up dammit! It's Overwatch! They're here! Everyone is – Aaaaagh!" The Talon felt two large and heavy hands drag him back.

XXXX

"Backup! We need back up dammit! It's Overwatch! They're here! Everyone is – Aaaaagh!" the feed was cut short by static.

The six remaining Talon soldiers in the basement were setting up explosive charges all around the room, ready to leave as soon as they got the all clear, and blow up Lijiang Tower, but that last transmission from the squad on the second floor told them there wasn't going to be an all clear.

"What the hell is going on up there?" Asked one of them.

The one who received the transmission replied, "Overwatch is here. Second floor needs back up,"

"Back up?! Screw that. Let's just set the charges and get the hell out of-" Crash. Crash. CRASH, "What's that noise?"

The floor above them collapsed right on top of the Talon agent, crushing him under a pile of ruble, and one pissed off looking gorilla.

"S'cuse me for dropping in," it said before roaring and leaping onto two other Talons, crushing them under his weight.

Winston swung his arm around, colliding with another enemy, sending him flying across the room, impacting on the wall on the other side. He fell to the floor, supposedly unconscious, but still breathing. Winston immediately spotted the last Talon trying to make a break for it, but to no avail. Activating his jumpjets, Winston flung himself at the Talon operative and pinned him to the floor, making sure not to completely crush the man.

The other three fell in shortly after the battle, Genji and Hanzo simply landing in the rubble, while Angela gracefully floated down with the use of her Valkyrie suit. She surveyed the area, overlooking the complete destruction of Mei's base.

"I hope that you at least left one of these unfortunate souls alive. Perhaps we could, oh, I don't know, get some information out of them?" she said with a condescending tone.

Winston already was interrogating the Talon he had pinned to the floor, not bothering to listen to Angela.

"Where is Mei's body? Answer me!" the scientist bared his teeth, his breath almost causing the soldier to gag.

"By the computer you blind ape!" he replied.

Hanzo and Genji took over for Winston, training their weapons on their captive. Winston knuckle walked over to the computer, and sure enough, he found her. Angela joined him, and shuddered. There, on the floor, in a pool of dried blood, her winter coat stained in dark crimson, with most of her head missing, lay the body of Mei. Angela placed her hand on her mouth, trembling inside. It was one thing to heal wounds, replace limbs, encase an entire man in a robotic body, but to see your own friend, dead, without even their head attached, that was something else.

Winston lifted the body from the ground and gently set it on the table. He and Angela kept their eyes downcast upon their fallen friend for a moment, filled with grief. Her blue and white winter coat was coated in dark red now. The base of her neck and her bottom jaw were all that remained of her head. Angela held onto the cold, lifeless hand. On the verge of tears, she said,

"I'm sorry...Mei. I wish we had came for you as well… I'm so sorry,"

She clenched her teeth together, the tears breaching her eyelids, streaming down her face. But she didn't make a sound; just let them fall to the ground silently.

In the mean time, Genji and Hanzo decided it was time to get some answers from their prisoner, the former lifting the Talon soldier off of the ground and pinning him against the wall instead. Hanzo kept his bow and arrow trained dangerously close to the Talon's head, while Genji utilized his cybernetic strength to hold him back with one arm.

"Time to talk. Who is running Talon?!" Genji demanded, brandishing his shurikens from his forearm, holding them between his fingers.

The Talon operative scoffed, "If you think I'm going to spill my guts to a bunch of freaks, you've got another thing coming,"

In response to the remark, Genji pressed his shurikens up against the Talon's midsection, making him wince.

"Oh? I don't believe we will have a problem spilling your guts. Now talk!" Genji replied.

Behind his tactical mask, the Talon agent looked past his two captors and through the open door behind them, recognizing an all too familiar silhouette holding a rifle, sights trained on him. He knew his fate then and there, and looked back to the Shimada brothers. Taking a deep breath, he said,

"Okay, okay. I'll talk… You all can go to hel-" BANG.

A bullet flew right between the heads of the two brothers, and straight through the eye of the Talon. A glorious spray of blood stained the wall they were facing. They spun around and saw the source of the gunshot. Widowmaker, standing several feet away from the door of the basement, lowered her hybrid rifle, blew a kiss to Genji and Hanzo, and ran out of sight. Genji made a move to go after her, but Hanzo stopped him.

"I've got her," he said confidently.

Scatter arrow already drawn, he released it, watching as it collided against the corner of a wall. The arrow exploded into its smaller counterparts, ricocheting off of every surface they struck.

Widowmaker was almost out the door when an arrow cleanly went through her ankle. She screamed, feeling the pain shoot up and down her leg, losing complete control of her foot. She tried to push herself up, but knew that it was pointless with her injury. Just when she thought she was about to be Overwatch's next prisoner, she heard the raspy voice of her partner.

"Well, it looks like I'm going to be the one saving your sorry ass today," Reaper said, as he materialized in front of the sniper.

For once, Widowmaker actually felt relieved to see the walking smoke cloud.

"Just get me out of here, sil vous plait," she asked coldly.

Reaper picked her up off the ground and slung her over his shoulder so that she faced his back, and, more importantly, so that her 'back' faced him.

"Hmph," she said, "you could at least carry me a little more romantically, Reyes,"

"Shut up or I'll drop you," he replied, wraith forming with her out of the building.

Hanzo ran into the main hall of Lijiang Tower, bow drawn, scanning the area. Arrows were scattered all around the room, but no sign of his target. Had he missed? No, he couldn't have. He heard her scream. Hanzo noticed something fluid by the glass doors, shining in the moonlight. He went to inspect it, and knelt down. Blood. He knew he didn't miss, she was far too slow. But still, the fact she was not hear only frustrated him. Someone must have came for her. He stood up and made his way back to the basement.

When Hanzo returned empty handed, his brother was less than pleased.

"What happened? Where is Widowmaker?" he demanded, clearly upset that they lost their only prisoner.

"She had help," said Hanzo, dismissing his brother's behavior, "I suggest we depart as well, lest they return with a greater force,"

Winston and Angela walked over to the two brothers, the former holding Mei's body in his hands. Hanzo saw the damage done to their friend, feeling his stomach churn at the sight of the gore. While he knew no one here was a stranger to grizzly images, this was their friend, and he found it wrong for them to have to see her this way. He began to remove his shirt, much to everyone's surprise.

Angela asked, "Hanzo, what are you-"

Without speaking, the bowman gently draped his shirt over Mei's corpse. No one had to say anything. They understood and nodded, grateful for the respect Hanzo gave to their fallen friend. The four of them headed out, Winston and Genji at the head of the group. As they made their way to the exit of the basement, they failed to notice one Talon soldier regain consciousness.

Laying on the floor, he feigned death until he was past their vision. Silently, he prepped a grenade, pulled the pin, and tossed it to them.

The soft clink clink of something metal echoed behind Hanzo and Angela. The former turned his head and saw the grenade roll at his feet. No time to do anything else. He tackled Angela as quickly as he could.

"Grenade!" he screamed.

Detonation.

XXXX

Longest chapter yet. This took a while. Hope you all enjoy it! Can't wait to start on the next one. Thank you all again for your wonderful comments! I'm glad I could finally get some action going. Hope there will be more coming soon!