Howdy howdy fellas, I hope everyone has been doing well. Missed you guys and I missed writing just as much.
I think I speak for everyone when I say Overwatch 2 could not be more of a disappointment, but damnit if the world and characters aren't so enticing to write about. Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in...
For now, I will ignore the shady business practices (as well as Blizzard in general) and continue writing this story, which I'm excited to get back to. And while we're on the topic of new stuff, I'm finally introducing a character I've never written before despite him being one of my favorites. Similar to Scott in quite a few ways, so needless to say they'll butt heads.
Chapter 28: With Your Death, Redemption
Efi's POV
Scott was even more insufferably stubborn now with me taking care of him than I thought possible. The idea that he worked with such a renowned team like Overwatch astonished me, what with his inability to follow simple, rudimentary instructions.
'That or he's just being an ass.' I thought, realizing that's always a possibility for him. Scott was busy ignoring my glares in his general direction as he shakily trimmed at the edges of his beard with his own titanium blades, using the mirror to see. It was almost funny, watching him do such mundane tasks like keeping up with his hygiene. 'Though not as funny as him trying to brush his teeth with a finger and muddy water.'
I was still getting used to his white hair, trying to look past it and remember he was only in his twenties. He looked like my adoptive grandpa at first glance. "You know, I could actually be of some help with that!" I called out, huffing and looking out the window. It was storming again here in Numbani, the neon advertisements in the city skyline reminding me of the years I spent out in the streets with Orisa. They never changed, after all these years. My mouth turned in response, sorrow poking at my heart again.
"I can handle it myself." Scott growled, cursing as he nicked his skin accidentally. "What, like you handled the stairs yesterday?" I reminded him, thinking of him tumbling down the stairs in exhaustion after I told him to let me help him up them. That sword really took everything out of him. I still couldn't wrap my head around it, glancing at the katana as it rested on the windowsill across the room. Was that dragon, spirit, whatever-the-hell it was going to come out again?
"I was just dizzy. Besides, I got back up." Scott replied, defending his terrible decision making once more as he stepped out of the bathroom.
"When are you going to admit we need to get you to an actual doctor?" I asked, scratching at my scalp in frustration. Scott paused, then continued to slip into his shirt with a wince. 'He's at least growing a bit more comfortable around me.' I thought, looking at the countless scars that littered his muscular build, along with the fresh burns.
Running a hand through his messy hair, he tugged at a few strands and swept them behind his ears, ignoring the ones that fell in his face. Stepping towards me, he straightened his back and sighed. "We need money for a doctor. We also need to have my face not look like the one plastered all across the world on international bounties."
Nodding, I conceded and acknowledged his point. "Yeah, though maybe the white hair would throw them for a loop." I smirked, watching in surprise as he snorted.
"Hm, sure, just say I've got an unfortunate resemblance to The Scourge. Maybe." His teeth showed in a small smile, meeting my eyes as I sat on the windowsill and traced the raindrops that trickled down with a thumb.
Our stomachs seemed to be in sync, growling simultaneously. "I'm starving..." I whined, causing his smile to transform into an annoyed scowl. "You're always hungry," Scott complained, though relinquishing as he felt the pang of hunger just as much as I did. "But damnit, if some stew doesn't sound nice..." He trailed off, smirking.
"Stew?" I looked up at him, breaking him and his melancholic thoughts apart for the moment. His remaining eye twitched and he shuddered with a sigh. "Yeah, we used to all gather around campfires, sing songs. Reinhardt would make these big pots of stew. Took him like a day to cook it, always said it needed to be perfect. I always complained and stole a few bites when he wasn't looking."
It was hard to picture such a large man using relatively small utensils for cooking in his massive hands. I was used to seeing him with a hammer in all the posters I may or may not have had in my room when I was younger. Knowing they had all died ate at me. They were my heroes. Judging by the look on Scott's face whenever he talked about them, they were his heroes too.
Hearing him tell a few tales about them over the week we've been here was a good sign at least. He seemed to be accepting what happened, a baby step at a time. He's still yet to tell me how it happened, but I wasn't going to push.
Each night he'd thrash about in his sleeping bag, sometimes wake up with a shout in a cold sweat. I ignored it, trying not to pry into it, for his sake. I knew the feeling, often dreaming of Orisa saving my life during the Omni-Incident.
I smiled up at him. "That sounds nice." I muttered, his lip quivering for a split second before stiffening. "Yeah. It was."
Hopping up off the windowsill, I lightly tapped him on the arm. "Come on, let's go find something to eat. I knew a ramen shop not far from here, Orisa stopped it from burning down a while ago. Still owe me some favors."
"You seem to keep forgetting this," Scott scowled, itching at his scarred nose. "I'm a wanted man. I can't just go out into the streets unnoticed."
"Ugh, you're such an awful road trip partner. What's the point of travelling the world together to kill the woman who wronged you if we're not going to stop and smell the roses along the way?" I whined, overstepping our boundaries for a second as I brought Olivia up to the forefront of his mind. He let it slide this time, burying his hand in his palm and shaking his head.
I was trying to ignore the real reason I was so ready to get out of here. I thought I'd gotten over what happened, left my regrets behind me, but staying in my old place just musters up more grief. 'Too many ghosts, too many memories here.' I thought to myself. The more we stayed here, the better for Scott's recovery after the whole "all-consuming dragon-thingy" as I called it, but the worse it was for my sanity. It was a room for him, a jail for me.
Scott seemed to catch on to the real reason behind my carefree facade, which usually would be endearing coming from him, but only succeeded in annoying me. I suppose I'm not as good at hiding my feelings as I'd like to be.
"I get it. Really, I do." Scott mumbled, scratching at his chin, white flecks of hair contrasting with his raven black fingers.
Sighing heavily, Scott looked up at the ceiling for a second as if talking to the heavens. "Give me a break... Sure, why the hell not? But first sign of trouble, you run and don't look back."
I chortled, looking up at him. "If I did that, who would save your sorry ass?"
Ignoring my comment, Scott moved towards his katana, revering it in a new light, given the latent power it contains. Fashioning his typical frayed cloak and sheathing his sword, he hissed under his breath, uncomfortable.
"You sure it's a good idea to take that with? Nearly killed you last time."
"I would've died a long time ago without it. Wherever I go, it goes." Scott adjusted his cloak, meeting my eyes with a furrowed brow. I chose to not fight him on it, accepting that it had sentimental value and refused to waste my breath.
"Just pull up the hood at least, you stand out enough with the sword, don't add snow white hair to it as well."
Scott grumbled and did as I asked for once, pulling it above his head and covering most of his hair. A few strands poked out, but it was good enough. He tossed my coat at me as well, forcing me to catch it before it struck me square in the face.
"You do the same, it's storming out, don't need you catching a cold."
I scowled at him, masking my amusement as I began to put it on. "What're you, my mom?"
"Just shut up."
Scott's POV
The streets were busier than I'd like. My massive size wasn't doing me any favors, drawing eyes to me quickly. Efi kept right beside me, mostly in an effort not to get lost in the bustling crowds. My fingers itched, expecting some kind of trouble. I guess that's what years of paranoia and constant battle gets me.
'Talon has their eyes on you, so you bring this kid out into the streets with you to get gunned down? You sorry fool.' For once, it was my own voice scolding me. I felt I didn't have much of a choice. It was that or know she was experiencing a pain I knew all too well. I didn't like knowing she was suffering.
She tries to hide it, just like I do. But I recognize that look in her innocent, dark eyes, as well as her tossing and turning in the night. Would I have been able to stay for so long in Gibraltar, with all the ghosts of those I failed haunting me? She was stronger than me in that regard, yet another reason I felt compelled to help.
'How kind of you.' Jesse's voice mocked me, sarcasm dripping from every word. I grimaced and kept pushing forward, ignoring his comment and the pain radiating through every fiber of my being.
Genji's katana still had a grasp on me, the burns feeling somewhat better with the cold rain dripping down my cloak and soaking it. Stopping for a second, I let the rain wash over my face, allowing the cool droplets to embrace me. Rain flowed down my scarred, burned skin, rejuvenating my spirit for but a moment. I remembered Olivia, standing in the storm raging on in Gibraltar, raincoat already thoroughly soaked. Her eyes pierced into mine that day, told me all the things I was too afraid to ask of another person. Her soul, so bright I feared it may blind me. She was the most beautiful person I'd ever met, in body and in spirit. I was so deep in love from that day on I couldn't even see it. Nor could I imagine who she would become.
Memory brought me back to Monaco, the night of my departure. Those same eyes regarded me as an enemy, a villain. A monster.
Did she see me then, beneath the tree on that hilltop as the sun began to rise and peak through the clouds, the same way I see her now?
Efi brought me back to reality, looking up at me with a concern in her eyes that was all too familiar. I frowned, zipping up her bright orange coat further, pulling her hood tighter as well. "Keep dry." I muttered.
She rolled her eyes and turned around, continuing to lead me towards this spot of hers. I ignored the fact that she tugged the zipper back down a bit.
"Almost there, Scottie." Efi claimed, though I'd heard that before. The streets seemed to stretch on endlessly.
Massive skyscrapers pierced through the clouds in the distance, towering over the markets we were in. Neon lights and smoke emanated from the buildings and stores, each one trying to draw my attention towards it. 'All these lights, perfect spot for an ambush.'
My heart pounded in my ears, my enhanced vision zooming in and analyzing the rooftops and alleyways. With Efi leading us to this supposed ramen shop, I hadn't paid any mind to how open we were. 'Mistake.'
My fingers began to twitch, Genji's sword calling to me in a way, as if warning me. 'Someone knows me.' The intrusive thought pushed its way to the forefront of my mind. I'll have to kill again, tonight. I'd lost count of how many times that thought occurred to me.
Once again, Efi was my tether to the real world, snapping me from my paranoid trance. Her soft, fragile fingers interlocked with mine, holding my hand and pulling me behind her with a huff. "Keep up, I'm starving!"
"Yes ma'am." I chuckled, pushing my thoughts to the side. I gripped her hand delicately, scared I might break it. Her warmth radiated into my lifeless, cold titanium limbs. It was... nice.
My nose caught a familiar scent, my grin widening as I registered what it was with a quick glance to my right. The blinking neon light of what appeared to be a cup of coffee with a ripple passing through its surface caught my weary eye. I halted, Efi nearly falling over, not strong enough to actually drag me behind her. 'Do you see, Jesse? Just like you used to share with me.'
"What is it now?" She whined, turning to look at me before staring at the coffee shop and frowning. "Seriously? It's like ten o'clock!" She protested, making me smile more. "For once, just let me have this." I pleaded, looking down at her, realizing her hand was still in mine.
"Ugh... fiiiiinneeee..." She conceded, walking forward with me in tow. "We're still getting ramen after, so make it quick."
Once more, that sinister feeling of being stalked crept into the back of my mind and dragged me away from my rare sense of ease. 'Don't get sloppy,' Genji's voice warned. My dark, deep-set eye stared out into the alleys behind us. Rain distorted my view, making it harder to spot any approaching dangers.
"Stay there." I ordered, not looking back at Efi. "What? What're you on about? What's wrong?" She was caught off guard, demanding answers I wouldn't give to satisfy her questions. "Go inside, now." Scowling and now turning to glare at her, she read my face. Nodding, she went in the coffee shop and disappeared behind the safety of doors.
With her safe inside, I could concentrate. That bounty was drawing attention fast. She didn't need to get caught in the crossfire.
Creeping down the streets warily and peering into the distance, I veered off the main path and into an abandoned alley filled with dumpsters. I was making myself seem to be easy prey for whoever had come for the price on my head. 'Soon, they'll see why people haven't been able to collect.'
My mind assured me, but my body was still recovering from the Shimada guardian. 'Shim-Sham.' My brain concluded, recalling the stupid nickname I'd bestowed upon the awesome, powerful spirit. My bones ached and my muscles were sore, even after a week of recovery. With any luck, this bounty hunter was just like all the rest.
The gentle breeze picked up, blowing the hood off my head and exposing my white hair to the moonlight, then stopped altogether. It was as though the very night was waiting with bated breath to see how it would all begin.
The lack of wind allowed me to hear the incoming arrow flying towards my head from behind me. I snapped in the direction and caught the arrow, snapping it like a twig. Judging from the angle, it had been shot downwards from the rooftops above, but they were devoid of life.
Yet another arrow whizzed by my ear as I dodged it, using my ears to help me tell where they were coming from. The arrow lodged into the brick walls behind me. Whoever was firing them was good. Very good.
The third arrow was sent straight for me, moving faster than I could hope to catch it, forcing me to deflect it with my blades. The sparks illuminated my grizzled face, before it was pitch black in the alley once more.
"Face me, you coward!" I bellowed out into the void that stood between me and whoever was out there.
Footsteps raced towards me from behind and my head snapped in the direction it came from. A shadow of a man leapt into the air before crashing down into me. I caught him by the bow he held, forcing him to the ground with a shout and a turn of my body.
He adeptly landed on his feet, light as a feather, roundhouse kicking me in the jaw with his heel, sending me sprawling back.
Rushing towards his bow that skittered onto the pavement, I shot out a blade into him, but he spun around it like water, flowing past it and straight at me.
My fist extended into his jaw, but he caught it before I could follow through, knee catching me in the stomach before he swept my feet out from under me.
"Sloppy." He mocked me, deep voice echoing in the dark. Looking up at him, I caught a glimpse of his cold eyes flicker in the moonlight. His dark black jacket was zipped all the way up, rounded out hood pulled down in our scuffle, revealing his sharp eyes and furrowed brow. Tufts of dark brown hair fell in his face, the rest of it pulled up in a casual ponytail with the sides shaved to a dark stubble.
His face was bereft of the usual rage or fear I found in my opponents' eyes, only a shade of resentment passing over his sharp features. That and an aggravating sense of superiority. His mouth twisted, tugging his trimmed beard along with it, rain drops flowing down his smooth skin.
"I'm not finished," I muttered, slinging mud at his eyes and throwing another blade his way. The mud splattered over his face, but the blade was effortlessly dodged once more. I growled when I realized it didn't work, taking advantage of the surprise attack and forcing him off balance.
The man sidestepped my weak swing, shifting his feet and lowering his shoulder into my chest, bumping me back into the narrow walls enclosed around us. My head crashed into the bricks, making me shout in frustration rather than pain.
Ignoring the side of me that warned me not to use Genji's blade, mostly in fear of killing myself with it, I ripped it from its sheathe and yelled. "Stay away from me!"
Swinging wildly in his direction, he ducked under it and jabbed me in the nose, the sharp pain blinding me. He used this moment to focus on my still weak abdomen, a flurry of punches flying out into my weary muscles. I spat out blood, brute forcing my way through his blows and headbutting him.
We both pulled away from it, both of our noses bleeding from the strike, mixing with the rain that seemed to come down even harder now, puddles splashing beneath our feet. He picked up his bow, breathing much easier than I was. I was dazed, bleeding and could barely see him, my vision failing me. He was going to kill me before Genji's sword could finish the job for him.
"First you murder him, then you rob his corpse and defile his ancestral blade?! You are not worthy of the ground you walk; let alone the blade you've stolen!"
Growling, his words caught me off guard as his hidden rage came flying out. He withdrew an arrow from his quiver and nocked it with a mastery I'd never seen, aiming directly at me. "You've no idea what you're talking about!" I bellowed, his blatant ignorance infuriating me.
The familiar burning sensation began to rush up my limbs, tearing at my skin again, begging to be set free. My silhouette was cast against the drab alleyway, sparks flying from my fists as the blade erupted in flames. It was only a matter of time before I lost control.
The man stopped dead in his tracks, watching me in amazement as the fires spread down my torso. I ignored the searing pain, focusing on him. "You... you can control his dragon..."
I charged him recklessly, batting the arrow he shot my way aside with my free hand and bringing Genji's katana upon him with all my wrath. I closed the distance quicker than he could've reacted, using my augmentations to my advantage. The slash tore through the sleeve of his jacket as he moved to the side defensively, blood covering the tip of the sword, flames searing the edges of his clothes.
His dark brown eyes were wide with shock, staggered by my assault and the flames emanating from my body.
His arm was bleeding, muscular arms covered with tattoos that resembled dragons to my untrained eye. I paused for a moment, relenting in my attack as it clearly matched the ones Genji had shown me from the stories that he told me. Stories he told me of his brother. The fires burned out instantaneously and I dropped my stance.
"You're-"
He bashed my head into the wall beside me, kicking my stomach so hard I nearly puked, swinging his bow like a club straight into my jaw.
I hit the ground with a thud, lightning flashing overhead as he stood over me. His heel crushed my throat underneath, preventing me from speaking. His vengeful eyes looked at Genji's sword, remorse reflected on his face, before his scowl met me.
I struck at his strong legs, trying to force him off me, but for once, I couldn't keep pushing. I was far, far too weak.
"With your death, redemption." He grimaced, pulling the arrow in his bow taut against the string. I was too tired to keep fighting. I just accepted the inevitable. 'Everyone, I'm coming. Wait for me.'
"WAIT!"
Efi's shrill yell filled the silence between us, pulling the man's attention towards her. His full lips pulled tightly into a thin line, his rage dissipating.
"Don't kill him! Please!" She begged, rushing towards us without hesitation. His heel let up, the pressure lessening greatly. "I told you to stay inside!" I barked, though I knew it was no use to berate her. She saved me after all.
"I knew you were up to something stupid! Why don't you ever just tell me!?"
She dropped to her knees beside me and helped me sit up against the wall, rain falling down as heavily as it did before. The brooding man stood over us both, seething with rage. "You think she'll stay my wrath, is that it?"
"You're Genji's brother. Hanzo." I hissed, glaring up at him as I rubbed my bruised throat.
"You- He told you of me?" He asked, lowering his bow entirely and staring at me, wide eyed.
Efi looked at me the same way, glancing back at the tall, Japanese man with pure amazement. "Yeah, he did. He told me what you did to him, too." I stated, recalling the painful story Genji had told me of why he ended up like I did. He never gave me the full picture and I felt too nervous to ever pry.
"I... what I did..." Hanzo muttered, mostly to himself. Efi turned back to me, wiping at my nose with her wet sleeve. I winced; my pride hurt more than anything else. He bested me far too easily, even with my weakened state. I can't expect mercy from Talon.
"I'm okay." I assured Efi, nodding at her weakly. "Knew I shouldn't have listened to you..." She grumbled, and I could only snort.
"Genji. You didn't kill him, did you? Midori, his dragon, his blade, it defends you. As if it were your own."
"He... he was my brother, too." I admitted, feeling sentimental for the moment as I glanced at Genji's older brother. Only now could I see the resemblance, though he had much sharper cheekbones, a stronger nose and a harsher demeanor.
Hanzo's eyes softened, wandering down to his feet as he reflected on him. "I'm sorry."
I couldn't tell if he was directing it towards me or Genji. Instead of responding, I struggled to stand, leaning on Efi until I could straighten my back with a few audible cracks.
Efi was obviously uncomfortable, eyes shifting between us as I glared at Hanzo. 'He has the gall to want vengeance, after what he did to him?'
"What happened to him? I must know."
Turning to Efi, I sighed. Sheathing Genji's katana and groaning, I raised an eyebrow. "This ramen place of yours, lead on," I nodded, gazing back at Hanzo's dejected eyes.
"As for you, asshole... follow me and I'll tell you."
Efi's POV
I shut my eyes, taking a deep whiff of the nostalgic scent, allowing it to transport me back to better times. It was just like how I remembered it. Orisa used to come with me here all the time. The owners still recognized me. Aside from ducking their questions pertaining to where I had been these past couple years, it was nice to see familiar faces.
But I'd be lying if I said that I didn't just come here for the food, smelling it once more, keeping my eyes closed a bit longer to ignore the stares I was most likely receiving at this point. 'Though half of that is because of the company I keep,' I reminded myself. Thankfully the shop wasn't as busy as usual, probably due to the storm and how late it was.
Opening my eyes, my usual corner booth I reserved in the years past was now home to the most intense late-night ramen run ever as Hanzo glared at us both from the opposite end of the booth. I avoided his sharp, harsh eyes for a bit longer, losing myself in the welcoming embrace of one of my favorite meals.
Scott sat next to me, emptying his third bowl of ramen so far, probably planning to order more. He ate it so fast it was a wonder he didn't end up choking to death. Scott didn't seem phased by our new 'travelling companion', instead opting to focus on seemingly drowning his thoughts in ramen. I planned to do the same for the time being.
"This... is barely edible. This passes for traditional ramen here in Numbani?" Hanzo's snide remark nearly earned a slap to the face from me, but I resisted the urge. 'Jackass.' I bit my tongue, hating his superior gaze and upright, stiff posture with every fiber of my being. 'And the award for man with the biggest stick up his ass goes to...'
Scott burped, taking a loud obnoxious sip of his water to wash down his food. He was still drenched from head to toe, hood pulled up to avoid suspicious eyes cascading towards him. We needed to change his outfit, the sooner the better. His katana laid between him and I, catching eyes more than I'd like.
"Genji never mentioned you were such a prick." He mumbled, matching Hanzo's demeaning attitude with ease.
Hanzo ignored the comment, though his prideful blood was boiling under his skin, I just knew it. He bristled, hands moving up to rest on the table between us.
"And what did he mention, might I ask?" He replied, making Scott stiffen up. "Not much. Got the feeling you were a touchy subject."
"Ah. I see." Hanzo stated, looking down for a moment. 'Is he ashamed of something? What the hell happened?'
"Told me you nearly killed him. Said he'd forgiven you, hoped to see you someday." Scott's gaze softened as he continued, coming to terms with the idea that that obviously wasn't in the cards. I hated to be insensitive, but this was not exactly the kind of topics I wanted to be discussing over my dinner.
"What a fool. I deserve no such thing, nor do I accept it." He replied, tucking a few stray grey strands behind his ears, his messy ponytail not holding his neatly trimmed hair as tight as it should.
"What the hell did you do to him?" Scott prodded, anger rising as he thought about it. Scott's one eye flared. I gazed intently at Hanzo as well, curious.
Hanzo seemed uncomfortable with his newfound audience, stumbling over his words as he thought of what to say. "Something I atone for every day. I have shamed myself and our family, if it can be anymore shamed than it is now..."
Scott remained quiet, scratching at the scars on his neck and sneering. "Our father had just passed. I... I tried to reason with Genji, convince him that his duties, his responsibilities to our family outweighed his personal desires. That our dynasty came first. It never would've worked; I see that now. He had never taken part in our crimes, nor have any ambitions."
"Doesn't sound like him to not fight you on your whole... crime syndicate thing." Scott remarked, forcing Hanzo from his memories. His dark eyes narrowed on both of us, before analyzing Scott once more. "He had, many times. Father always protected him from the elders, most of whom believed his neglect of his duties would lead to our downfall. With our father gone, I was in disarray, inheriting all that he had left to us. The elders came to me in a moment of weakness, reminded me of my duties. Told me to... do what must be done."
I gulped, trying to empathize with him. 'But what kind of man is willing to kill his own brother for a crime syndicate, even if it's your own?'
Scott shook his head, titanium hand clenching into a tight fist. "So, just like that? You betrayed your only remaining family?"
I hadn't seen him contain his wrath in such a way. I couldn't tell if he was truly containing it, or just holding it back until we left the building so he could rip his head off without interruptions. They meant everything to him, even a blind man could see that. Admitting to the attempted murder of one of them was bravely stupid. Or stupidly brave.
"I begged him to listen to me. To try to understand. He refused." Hanzo repeated, as if convincing both us and himself that there was more to it than that. He couldn't meet our judgmental gaze, instead staring at his feet below the table.
"You pathetic sack of shit." Scott growled, nearly rising from his table to strike him before I touched his hand. He recoiled at first, before relaxing and releasing the tension in his jaw. "You want to be redeemed, is that it? To feel better about yourself?"
"I am no fool. I will never wash that stain out, no matter how many mistakes I correct. Even with our crime syndicate gone and the elders decimated by my hand, I will spend the rest of my days haunted by what I have done. But I seek no validation from either of you, let us make that abundantly clear."
His last statement came out as a bark, staring straight at us. I nodded awkwardly, for once unable to find my voice.
"What happened to him?" Hanzo demanded, now focusing his attention of Scott. His shoulders dropped in response automatically and my ears perked up. I still don't know exactly what happened. I doubt Scott would even give him the satisfaction of a straightforward answer.
"He was murdered." Scott forced the word out as if it was stuck in his throat. "Just like almost everyone that damn woman led. She sacrificed each and every one of us to get just one step closer to her fucking goals... He was the best man I ever knew."
Scott's voice was softening as he remembered Genji, sending a twinge of pain down my chest. I wanted to offer him some form of comfort, but how could I make any of this feel better? I can't bring those he lost back to him. Running his hands through his snow-white hair, he sighed. "He died honorably, defending the woman he loved."
"And you seek his killer?" Hanzo assumed after a long silence. He had swallowed and released a breath I hadn't realized he was holding, putting on a facade of an emotionless statue. For a moment, I could see a great sadness passing through his cold eyes, snuffed out as quickly as Scott always did.
'He reminds me of him, minus the savagery and complete disregard for manners. I guess all three of us would rather let sleeping dogs lie.' I remarked.
"Make no mistake, I will end her. Olivia Colomar is a dead woman. Don't even begin to entertain the idea of stealing that from me for your petty redemption."
"I'm just after good ol' fashioned revenge. I'll rip out her spine myself." Scott finished, a viscous smile spreading across his lips. He was beginning to remind me of when I met him, completely consumed with rage and desperate for a fight. That same wicked look in his eye reappeared for the first time in weeks. 'He's never going to let it go, no matter how much time passes.'
"Olivia Colomar. The woman leading that international sue for peace." Hanzo mumbled under his breath as he scratched at his chin, scowling in anger.
It was almost comical how Hanzo shifted his demeanor, swallowed his hatred and met Scott's crazed look with a calculating gaze. "Very well, I'll help you find and kill his murderer."
I nearly laughed, despite the situation, but Scott did it for me, his harsh chuckle rattling in my ears. "Fuck you. Like I'd let you watch my back. I'd be in the same shitshow Genji found himself in."
"I am offering my help, which frankly, you sorely need." Hanzo nodded, face remaining as hard and serious as before. "You were bested with ease by me, I've little notion how you've made it this far."
"You got lucky. I'm still recovering from that ancestral guardian you Shimada's have." Scott replied bitterly, eyeing the katana that sat between us before taking another sip of water. "You have one too?" I spoke up, amazed such spirits actually existed.
Hanzo smiled softly, nodding. "Not the same one, but yes. With proper technique and control, I can summon my own guardian spirit with my bow. Judging from your need for recovery, you did not exercise such restraint." Hanzo jabbed at Scott again, earning a scowl in reply.
"So, you could teach him how to not get himself killed?" I perked up again, earning a curt nod from Hanzo. Scott grumbled. "He's not coming with us. I don't trust him."
Rolling my eyes, I smacked his shoulder lightly. Scott eyed me curiously, scars stretching as he scrunched his nose. "Don't be such an ass! You need more help than I can give you, I'm no good in a fight. Seeing as how he knocked you on your ass and knows more about that guardian, he'd be helpful in a pinch."
"What, you worried I'm gonna die?" Scott teased, making me want to slam my head into the table in frustration. "You nearly died last time; don't you get that? I just barely brought you back, and that was sheer luck! A fucking dragon practically swallowed you whole! I'm not going to sit back and watch you kill yourself!"
Scott closed his remaining eye and sighed. I placed a hand on his arm, feeling the cold metal send a shiver up my own. "I'm not going anywhere, kiddo." He began gruffly, patting my hand gently. "Fine, you can come with. Could use a training partner anyways. But don't think this means we're friends." Scott relented, and Hanzo smiled.
"As long as justice is served to his murderers, I'll be satisfied." He stated, for once making Scott smirk. They stared at one another, some unspoken warning passing through their wary and untrusting glares. "Looks like we're all on the same team, then!" I exclaimed.
Hanzo shifted his eyes down to my level again, raising an eyebrow. "You mean to accompany us?" He asked, unsure of the wisdom in the decision. "Who exactly is this man to you?"
Scott and I both exchanged glances, an uneasy feeling passing through my stomach. 'Why do I feel nervous?'
"She's my travelling buddy. Wherever she goes, I go, and vice versa." Scott answered for me, and I blushed lightly. It was nice to hear that he wouldn't abandon me.
"Yeah," I started, brushing off my newfound sentimentality, propping my head up with my hand on the table. "We're basically BFF's." Scott chuckled softly in response, shaking his head. Hanzo eyed us both curiously, then sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Very well then," He muttered, adjusting his sleek coat and making himself more comfortable. He began to eat the 'barely edible' food with graceful, delicate bites. 'Jeez even his eating habits are so stiff and reserved.' I thought, feeling uncomfortable as I slurped up my own noodles loudly.
Scott was glancing at me, and I caught his eye. He smiled warmly at me, before it faded as quickly as it came.
"Hope you got more money to pay for this, I'm grabbing another bowl." Scott stated and waltzed off like an asshole without waiting for Hanzo's reply.
The man in question growled, retrieving his wallet from his coat pocket. "What did Genji ever see in you?" He asked, and I giggled.
"Welcome to the team."
Yep, finally got Hanzo into one of my stories properly, and it's about damn time! I'm really excited to work on his dynamics with both Scott and Efi, as him and Scott will mix about as well as oil and water. I also can't help but be a little cutesy and wholesome with Scott beginning to warm up to Efi and let down his walls, if even just a little bit. When I began this story, I didn't plan on having such a cute character growth between them, but it just seems so natural.
Thanks again for all of your support, the favorites, the follows, the reviews, everything! I'm loving where this story is headed, so be on the lookout for more. So far, I'm planning on a relatively light next chapter.
For now, I'll see you guys in the next chapter! Hopefully soon, might I add.