The Darkest Knight

Part II: The Claws of Talon

Chapter 26: Rematch of the Century

I threw my head back and under Doomfist's strike, and my momentum carried my feet upward to the point my right foot slammed into his chin.

He let out a pained grunt as he flew back from me, supernatural strength aiding me in creating distance, but only for a moment. From the moment he was gone, the massive machine, the samurai-bot, attacked.

Its movements were slow, sluggish almost, thanks to my earlier preemptive assault on it. But that didn't take away the threat its massive sword and limbs posed. A single hit wouldn't kill me, but outnumbered a single blow that slowed me down would mean death. Or worse…

Capture.

I dove under one of the machine's strikes, blinking mid dive to come out on the other side of it. The machine was right behind me in its response, using its own momentum to twirl around and slash from my head.

My boots, powered by light, launched me over its sword before it could reach me. I slammed one foot into its chest, and using the power of Arc and my own momentum, blinked backwards.

Not a moment too soon as a sniper round and small shotgun blast ripped through the air and even clineged against the metal armor.

I landed in a roll, drawing Last Word and blindly firing in the direction I knew the sniper was at. Instinct screamed at me after three shots were off, and once more ducked, this time avoiding a swipe from Doomfist.

Even as years of combat had me stepping back, using my sword to deflect a blow from the leader of Talon, I flicked my eyes behind him and watched as the laughing man holding Hana's team hostage raised one arm.

The ground rippled around us, and I felt the earth give way.

My eyes bugged out of my skull even as Doomfist disengaged and the ground began to raise.

'Nate!'

Digs voice. A warning.

The Samurai.

It was in my face. I tried to side step, but the ground was too high and I slipped. Metal fingers the size of hammers, wrapped around my head before I could blink, then launched me aside.

My shoulder hit the ground first, but I managed to twist mid air and landed on my feet in a stumble.

I twirled Raze Lighter up and around as-

Bang!

A shot ripped through my shoulder, and I cursed as pain blossomed over my side, and the next moment a fist slammed into my gut.

I gagged as the air in my gut left me, then-

Crack!

I hit a wall, stumbled, then coughed up what was surely blood onto my visor.

I had no time to fix it.

I ducked and another shot rang through the air, ripping a hole into the concrete right above my head. I drew Last Word off my hip and fired a wild volley of shots in front of me.

The clangs and dings of bullets hitting and piercing metal filled the air, and I was rewarded with the sight of the Samurai-bot stepping back and away from me. Instinctively I sidestepped, and Doomfist's fist soared through the air, into my cape and right past me.

I fired as momentum carried him, but somehow, he pivoted with his own movement, and he slammed the giant fist back into me.

My chest ached, and I hit the grass hard, rolled once, then gavrity suddenly left me and I was picked up like a rag doll, then tossed right back at Doomfist.

I gasped as the metal monstrosity of an arm raced at me, then Blinked mid air, and reappeared right behind Doomfist. Unfortunately, I was still sideways as I had been thrown, and fell to the ground like a sack of flour.

I rolled on instinct, which was rewarded by a sword slamming into the ground next to my head instead of through my head. The blade suddenly heated up and vaporized the grass near me as well as forcing my shields to drain from the sheer intensity of the heat.

Sweet began to bead on my forehead even through my shields.

Light filled my legs, I curled up, then kicked off the blade and under the Samurai's legs. The machine stepped around as Doomfist called for something, and the momentum of my kck carried me fast enough I was able to curl up into a ball and roll onto my feet.

Without a moment's hesitation I jumped upward, light filling my feet as my jump was accelerated and I boosted upward again to avoid the massive boulder launched at me from the man still manically laughing from atop Marque's estate.

A sixth sense, and I twisted mid air, and a sniper shot clipped my helmet, screeching as it did, and I cursed.

My luck was running out.

A flash of Gold, and Doomfist landed a punch straight into my gut.

I rolled with the blow as best I could while mid air, which was more akin to me not fighting the force and letting myself get launched backwards into the perimeter gate.

I hit, and the metal screeched for a moment, before gravity took hold and I collapsed onto the ground.

My breaths were short and painful, and I felt something shift in my chest.

I could feel my Light working overtime to try and heal what wounds it could, though without Sealing Gel or a full revive, I knew it would never be enough.

I grit my teeth, placed a knee under me, and pushed up back to my feet.

The Samurai was closest, sword raised, while Doomfist gave me a cocktail grin as he flexed the fingers on his metal arm into a fist and stalked towards me.

I raised Last Word with one hand and let loose a wet, painful cough as I began to pool my light into my free hand.

"Surrender and perhaps we'll spare the girl from her fate."

I narrowed my eyes, but said nothing.

Instead I opened fire with Last Word, to which the man raised his fist up to block the shots.

A boulder flew at me, and the Samurai lunged.

I blinked upward away from the threats, and Solar fire erupted over my free arm with Golden gun forming.

I fired at the man on the roof.

A shield of dazzling blue popped up to life in front of him, and shattered with a flash as Solar power tore through the hardlight.

Bang!

A sniper round slammed into my shoulder once again. The high powered shot ripped through my armor, and blood flew from me as something snapped.

"Shit!" I roared as pain flared through my side and my Solar power broke apart and dissipated.

I spun around mid air, only for another boulder to slam into me.

Like a tumbling ballI fell to the ground without any grace. I hit shoulder first and flopped onto my chest.

I wheezed.

My chest burned.

My shoulder wasn't responding.

My head spun.

"Nate." Digs voice in my helmet. "You're suffering internal injuries. The Widow's using high caliber weaponry. New tech from what I know. Do you want the ship here? Strafing run?"

"I wish." But we couldn't risk it with hostages.

I grimaced as I forced myself to stand, noticing how Doomfist and the others were simply standing around the grass square and forming a loose semi circle around me.

"Why aren't they finishing me off?" I grunted.

I drew a knife with my still working arm and let Solar power wash over my broken shoulder. The fire was a warm welcome, helping to stitch together the broken appendage and increasing my resilience enough I was able to flex my fingers and at least draw the Last Word.

"They're stalling."

On that I could agree.

"Why?"

My Ghost didn't answer me and I huffed out a breath as I flipped my knife in my hand and let Solar power wash over all of me.

I cleared my throat with a cough.

"That all you got?"

I stood straight and aimed Last Word at them.

Whatever they were stalling for, I couldn't let them. I needed to either die or kill them and escape to fight another day.

But four on one was a tall order. Even three wizards from the Hive were powerful enough to kill even the most experienced Guardians. And while none of these people were Crota, or his sisters, it took twelve Guardians to put them down.

These people weren't complete slouches. Four powerful individuals who quite frankly, had great teamwork. And hostages.

The only way I could beat them would be to separate them. And even then, they would see it and use the hostages against me even if I got close to winning.

So there was one option.

I let out a slow breath and fired.

Doomfist raised his arm and blocked the shots with the shields radiating over his armor.

My best chance was letting myself die here and now, but it would reveal my largest advantage over anyone in this world. They would know I could resurrect, and if the months had taught me anything, it was that Talon would consistently find a way around my strengths.

But I didn't have a choice. It would catch them off guard. It was the only way to save Hana's team.

Doomfist grinned.

"I am glad to see you still have fight in you!" He strode forward, flexing his armored hands as he did. "I was afraid you would turn and run once you realized your own folly! I am glad to see my fears were unfounded!"

I snorted. "I aim to please."

Solar power flared over me and I frowned before I added, "but I'm a little let down. For the so called strongest there is, you're not fighting me on your own. Disappointing if I'm honest."

The man laughed once more. "A truly inspirational challenge! Then I shall indulge you my friend."

Doomfist stepped forward and slammed his fists together. The others visibly relaxed, and I had a keen feeling that the Widowmaker's scope was likely on my head.

"Let us see who is truly the best."

I rolled my eyes. "Why not?"

The man grinned and then pulled his fist back. The fist glowed, and then he blasted forth like some cartoonish rocket that was headed straight for me.

I narrowed my eyes, and blinked right past him.

My trigger finger was already moving by the time I reappeared, and five shots roared out in the time it took anyone else to even blink.

The Silver Samurai flinched back as the high powered rounds tore into his chassis. The fourth figure in black frowned and waved their hand, a red shield appearing and blocking my two shots meant for him.

I instinctively twisted my head to the side and a sniper round flew through the space next to me. Solar power blasted out from me, incinerating the grass around me, and forcing Doomfist to raise his arms to protect from the overwhelming heat.

With a flick of my wrist I threw my knife like a dart towards the roof.

A blue shield appeared before the laughing man, which cracked the moment my knife colidded then exploded in a brilliant flash of orange and yellow.

I twisted again, and another sniper shot flew through where I had been. I grimaced and pooled light into my now free hand, and threw the burning ball of light right for Doomfist. The man roared in annoyance and to my genuine surprise, his charged fist ripped through my ball of light, and slammed into my chest.

I flew back, only for a giant hand to grab me mid-air, then slam me into the ground. I grit my teeth even as blood seeped into my mouth and a wheezing began to accompany my breathing.

"Nate. We have a problem."

"No shit." I managed then gave a pained grunt as the machine lifted me.

I blinked my eyes a few times to brush away the black spots dancing in my vision.

"Dishonoring our agreement," Doomfist sneered in my direction then continued, "I can not fault you, but it is distasteful none the less."

"Nate, we have confirmed Talon attacks across the globe. The US, The UK, Brazil, and several other places. Sydney is under siege by the largest omnic force seen since the war, and the top General's from South Korea, from the Nexus task force, are all reported missing or dead."

Dig's report had my eyes going wide.

Now it made sense.

They were waiting for Hana.

They wanted her since she was one of the highest ranking officials on the Task Force. Her friends were collateral, and I was an unwelcome surprise to their plans. Though, it seemed my presence hadn't done much to stop the attacks.

"How many dead?"

"Hundreds of thousands. And climbing. It'll likely hit over two million by the time emergency services and the militaries of the world get it under control."

I grit my teeth and felt an itch in my hands.

Doomfist however simply shook his head then crossed his arms as he stared at me.

"Truly, I wish we could have fought like two warriors determined to see who is truly the strongest. But greater things must take precedence to our desires. In the next life we can duel to our hearts content." Doomfist frowned and tilted his head forward.

The crack of a Sniper.

A wall of red appeared before me and the bullet slammed into the shield, leaving me with a head.

I turned my head to look at the figure cloaked in black, their red eyes glaring at Doomfist.

The mechanical voice gave a disappointed 'tsk', 'tsk', 'tsk', as if it was scolding children, then spoke, "I told you. He is to be left for someone else."

Doomfists lips turned down, and he turned from me to face them.

"His death should be more than enough to satisfy your sharlet."

"His defeat is," The figure hummed lightly, "but death? No, no. That's for them."

The Talon brawler however growled and stepped forward, "this man is to die by our hands today. Otherwise we risk him interfering in that which we cannot allow to fail."

"True," they replied, "but nonetheless the decree was made. He is not yours."

Doomfist huffed, and for a moment, the rage in his eyes hinted at further action. The figure anticipated it and their glowing red eyes narrowed from under their hood, straightening up and flexing their hands for what they likely assumed was inevitable betrayal.

"Dig, what's Overwatch's status?"

"From what I can tell, Winston is deploying everyone he can, even calling in old allies just in case. McCree, Rien, Torb, Genji, everyone. No word from Angela or Mei though."

I frowned but Doomfists loud laugh brought my attention back to the situation at hand. The man stepped forward and raised his hands in surrender with a truly charming smile, "I see we cannot agree on this instance. Very well, it is more beneficial for us to leave our partnership intact, he is yours then."

My eyes grew wide.

"Nate if they capture you-"

"No shit, Dig!"

I coughed loudly, drawing the eyes of my captors to myself, then spoke up to my assailants, "so bad guys being assholes together how awesome. Let me guess, Talon and the Nexus are working together to bring down civilization?"

Doomfist turned to me and tilted his head with an amused smirk, "trying to pry information for your inevitable escape?"

"I would shrug," I glanced down at the metal hands wrapped around me, "but I'm currently being manhandled by your boy toy. So how about we let me go and then I kick your ass?"

I felt my light growing in both my hands, which were both conveniently covered by the metal monster holding me like some sort of toy soldier.

"Ha!" the crazy asshole on top of the house laughed aloud, "a true genius! I see you boy!"

"The good doctor is correct," Doomfist shook his head, "you try to create tension. An admirable ploy, but pointless at the end."

I shook my head.

"Maybe it was pointless."

I felt the power in my hands reach a tipping point and I smirked.

"But I just needed to stall."

Light poured from my hands, and in the lull, in the silence that took hold for a moment, I then added, "see you on the other side assholes."

Then pure solar fire engulfed my sight.

And darkness took hold.

Hana Song slammed her hand on the table, tears pouring from her face as the view of her home base, of South Korea, filled the computer screen before her.

Fire, smoke, and debris of all kinds littered everything in sight. The headquarters was in ruins. The barracks, almost all of them, were on fire and even now fire crews were fighting to put them out. The depots were gone. Simply eradicated with high powered bombs, and several officers were laid out across the base where obvious assassinations had taken place.

And that was only Korea. A half dozen other places across the world were in shambles.

Thousands were dead or dying. Civilians, innocent people were being slaughtered by rogue omnics, Talon agents, or the disasters caused by either of them.

Men. Women. Children. Omnic. It mattered not.

She grit her teeth and with a shake, turned to Katya Volskaya.

"Why aren't we helping them?"

Volskaya sighed from where she sat. The woman leaned back in her seat, which was located in front of the holographic screens still floating in the front of the room, then drank from the shot glass in her hand. Vodka, if Hana remembered correctly.

Either way, the woman simply glanced over to Hana, and narrowed her eyes. She then replied, "because we are playing the long game, now enough crying and start thinking. Vhat opportunities has Talon afforded us by assaulting the Generals of the South Korean military? What does a mysterious group of individuals gain from such an action?"

"I don't know!" Hana yelled, throwing her hands up as she turned to the Russian leader. She didn't care that the others in the secret base were all staring at her from their own workstations, and pointed a finger at Volskaya. "It doesn't matter either way! How many people died! We could have stopped them entirely! Isn't that the point of this!"

Volskaya narrowed her eyes and gently paced her glass down on the small table next to her.

"Tell me then Ms Song. Vhat should Ve have done?"

Hanas face softened and Volskjaya pressed on.

"Vhat should ve have done? Should I have mobilized the entirety of my military in a preemptive defense of other nations around the vorld when the Nexus are already within our own borders vreaking havoc? Should I have left my people defenseless?"

"W-well no-"

"Ah," Volskaya sat forward and smiled. It was a hollow and cold thing however and had Hana stepping back. "So then ve should have Sombra reveal her true loyalties to sacrifice herself in some blaze of glory to attempt to stop one of the operations? As vell as Ashe's entire crew to stop the assault on US soil?"

"Thats not-"

"Or perhaps we should have the Vishkar corporation take over? Let them use their resources to enslave other cities like Rio just for a semblance of peace? Or even inform the authorities of other countries, let them debate and point fingers, and allow Talon through their nets to hit even easier and harder targets. Might as vell give them the keys to the vorld vhile ve're at it."

Volskaya shook her head, "think Ms Song. This is easy for no one."

Hana fumed, her cheeks red, her eyes watery, and her fingers tensing and relaxing over and over. Whether she was ready to fight or cry she wasn't sure, but she knew she needed to speak.

So she stepped forward and despite the fact Volskaya was still tall enough even sitting to come eye to eye with her, she stated, "it doesn't matter! We can't pretend we want to help people and let thousands die just for a step forward in some plan! That's not what hero's do!"

"Heroes?" Another voice. Sombra.

Hana turned and found the woman staring at her with an amused grin from where she sat atop the computers. The woman waved away the holographic screen she had been working on and hopped off the computers.

"Do you really think the world is full of heroes like Overwatch just trying to help everyone around the world?"

D.Va stepped back as the woman approached, shaking her head as she said, "of course not! But we're supposed to-"

"Try and be heroes?" Sombra finished for her. The woman was smirking though her eyes narrowed and her tone dropped before she replied, "you really think we can be Heroes in this day and age? Some… Guardians meant to protect the world from the evil people in it?"

"I don't-"

"Because they don't exist nina." Sombra stepped into her face, and Hana gasped and stepped back as the woman suddenly shoved her.

"Heroes don't exist! They don't come in the middle of the night as Omnic soldiers rush through your town killing everyone you've ever known. They don't come in and save leaders when the shadows strike at them! They aren't there like the movies to protect the people when catastrophe strikes just like today, Song."

Sombra's hand shot forward, and Hana was too stunned by the single tear running down the scowling face to evade it. Nails and callous fingers wrapped around Hana's cheeks and pulled her forward, nose to nose so she could stare in the taller woman's eyes.

"They don't come when your parents cry for mercy, and no great hero magically saves the day no matter how good of people they were in their own lives. Heroes don't exist, child. Stop pretending like they do."

Sombra then shoved her away and Hana stumbled two steps to regain her balance. She looked at Sombra's back as the woman left the room behind. Disappearing into one of the doors on the far side of the room.

She took a deep breath and looked back at Volskaya.

The woman sighed then grabbed, and took another drink of her Vodka. She then stood up and walked over to Hana, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Sombra… has harsh views. Hero's are an unwelcome idea in her mind."

"Overwatch-"

"You truly believe in them don't you?"

Hana looked up at the woman, then back at the door Sombra had disappeared through.

"I have too."

"Why?"

She looked back at Volskaya as the woman gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze then moved around her and leaned against a chair, her eyes fixated on the mekka pilot with genuine curiosity, and if Hana had to guess, even pity.

"Why do you believe in Overwatch Ms. Song?"

"Because they ended the war. They help people. They helped me."

"But did you not retreat to Japan, ignore their aid, and abandon your friends because you did not believe either would be able to help you? Did you not seek the truth above all else?"

Hana shook her head, eyes wide as she stuttered, "no, that's not what- I didn't- I trust them and I don't-"

Volskaya held up a hand, cutting her off, then spoke softly in return. "Ms. Song, you are intelligent, and brave. But even we know, you are no liar. They failed you did they not? Even your precious Knight?"

Hana grit her teeth. She refused to move a muscle. She wouldn't answer that. She saw the bait for what it was and she wouldn't give Volskaya the satisfaction of... of being right.

Her nails dug into her palms and shuddered as she breathed in.

The Russian continued speaking. "I do not blame you for wishing the world to be a better place. For the desire, and hope, that Hero's will save the world. My own daughter idolizes Overwathc."

Volskaya gave a soft chuckle, looking up to the ceiling with a somber smile.

"Ma, ma, she'll tell me. The Overvatch saved the day then! They can save us now! Vhy don't ve ask them for help? The Mercy and Tracer can stop the omnics!" Volskaya closed her eyes, shaking her head and grimacing as if a sour taste had filled her mouth. "Vhat do I tell her song? That Angela Zieglar is a rigorous, and unbending woman, whose dedication is to medicine rather than action and protection? Do I tell her of the var crimes committed by Lena Oxton? How the woman has killed dozens of people in pursuit of Overvatch's goals? Or how about the leaders that have come back from the dead and slaughter civilians and gang members alike without remorse, for their own peace of mind?"

Hana had no words. She simply stared at the woman. Tired eyes stared back. A worn smile stretched on the woman's face.

"Ms. Song, the world is not so Black and vhite for there to be heroes and villains. That vorld is a fantasy. The only thing's that matter in this life Ms Song, are the lengths you are willing to go to achieve your goals. For example, ve vill let the thousands die, so ve can save the billions later. Ve will let countries destabilize, so the vorld does not suffer another great var that it will never recover from. Ve vill let our comrades carry out their horrible deeds, if it means ve are one step closer to finding and stopping those in charge."

Volskaya leaned forward, her eyes hard in challenge and Hana's hands clenched into a fist.

"All that matters, Ms Song, is how far are you willing to go. You Ms. Song, have already shown that you know this. That even friends are expendable, so long as the truth is revealed."

Hana stepped back, her mouth falling and tears once more rushing to her eyes, "no! I won't… I didn't… I cant…" she shook her head and her breathing grew rapid as mumbles and meaningless words began to spill from her mouth.

Was she truly that far gone?

She hadn't meant to abandon her friends! They were going to forgive her once she explained to them why, and then together they would stop this next group of terrorists! That had been the plan right? She was playing it like Nate would have, using bait tactics, and coming back when… when...

No.

It was a lie.

She hadn't planned that far ahead at all.

She had willingly left them behind.

And why?

For the truth. To know who was stalking her, and who had been trying to challenge her and interfere in her life.

She left them behind just like Nate had left her alone after everything.

Right? Cause that's what Heroes do?

They… They dished out justice right? Was that… Wasn't it…

She shut her eyes and grabbed her forehead as pain began to throb and her breathing grew rapid.

She was Hana Song. D.Va. Captain.

Did a captain leave her people behind?

Nate had! But… he wasn't a captain. He wasn't a leader, and he… had he even left? She hadn't reached out either had she? She… she had assumed he would cause he was a Hero right? Like Spider-man who would go out of his way to visit a cancer patient. Or how Superman would help an old lady cross the street.

Hero's would do that for her.

But then… Lena had also left her alone hadn't she?

Weren't the Hero's supposed to look out for her? Help her?

Or was it her fault?

Had she pretended too much and made it seem like she was so perfect, and in a happy place, that no one, not even her own team had decided that it mattered to even look into her and see how she was doing? Was it her fault? Or theirs?

What was the answer?

Or was there one?

What was a Hero?

"Calm yourself child."

A warm arm over her shoulder and Hana whipped at the tears clouding her vision. To her surprise, she found herself sitting on the floor, with none other than Katya Volskaya sitting next to her. The woman's arm was around her, cradling her as if she was a child needing comfort.

The Russian leader didn't even look at her as she consoled her with the simple motion of a loose arm over her shoulders. A testament to her intelligence that Hana would have shoved her away at any other moment, until now. The woman then said, "calm yourself. Tears are not the enemy, but do not lose yourself to hysterical darkness. Even the greatest of minds can fall to that."

Hana nodded twice, then sucked in a breath, trying to cease the shuddering of her chest and sobs echoing from her throat.

There was a… weight in her chest. A pit in her gut almost. Like she had eaten something bad and now she wanted nothing more than to throw up then curl up in a ball and wither away into nothing.

She held it back with a deep breath, and after a moment, let it all out in one final sigh.

There was movement next to her, and her brown eyes glanced upward as Katya Volskaya stood to her full height, her mouth twisted into a frown, but her eyes beaming with determination.

She held a hand out.

Hana stared.

Accepting Katya's hand meant accepting all the truths she had spoken. Had she really just let her friends take the fall? Was her desire for the truth so great she would leave them all behind? Were the Heroes of the world so fallible that the words Sombra had spoken were true?

What was the truth?

What was she?

With closed eyes Hana Song took Volskaya's hand.

Angela stumbled to the side, gasping as air rushed past her, then the telltale sound of a shotgun blasting next to her head went off and shook her world. Her hearing turned to nothing but a ring and she roared as she spun, then slammed the palm of her hand into Reaper's chin.

Despite his size, the blow was enough to stagger the figure of death, and she took advantage of the situation by jamming her foot into his gut.

The kick created distance, allowing her to turn and run while the Reaper fell to the ground and cursed words she couldn't make out.

She grit her teeth as she ran, all while the ringing continued on in her ears. She turned a corner, pushed up against a large stack of boxes and metal containers, then drew one of the syringes from her belt.

She slammed the needle into her thigh then tossed the syringe the moment it was empty.

Nanomachiens worked overtime in her bloodstream and after mere moments, her hearing slowly began to return, as well as piece together the open wound on her side. A wound courtesy of Reaper's opening assault on her.

The low pounding and thumping of gunshots registered as her ears cleared and she cursed as Ice sprang up from somewhere deep in the warehouse and obliterated part of the ceiling. Mei's doing obviously. There was a flash of light, orange and yellow, off the side of the makeshift iceberg and she took three breaths before rushing off towards the new structure.

They had been separated. The figure, the one after Nate, had assaulted them first, but chose to focus on Mei and the kid as well as the damaged Orisa.

Reaper had gone for her.

It was a miracle she was alive at all, but her training with Jack and even Reinhardt and Nathaniel back in Gibraltar hadn't been for naught. She was alive at least, and that was enough for her. If only she had her suit and weapons.

Something tickled the back of her neck. A shift in the air. A cold malice that radiated down her spine.

She threw herself to the side, in between two stacks of crates, and a shotgun blast roared to life above her. The blast obliterated the floor where she had been, tearing chunks of concrete to ribbons, and Angela cursed under her breath before scrambling to her feet.

Another discharge of the shotgun, and she screamed as pellets ripped into her shoulder, forcing her into a stumble. Her steps were wide and clumsy as the pain rippled through her upper body but she grit her teeth, and forced herself onward through the maze of crates and boxes.

The pain began to lessen a moment later, courtesy of her nanomachines working their damndest to keep her alive.

Another blast echoed out, but she rolled to the side just as the projectiles ripped apart the floor once more. She was up and running within a second.

It was a losing battle, she knew that.

Alone the Reaper was too much for her, but if she just reached the others, maybe they would have a chance.

Maybe they could-

Bang!

She cursed as the shot went wide thanks to her last second dodge. It tore a hole into the metal container that had been before her, and she pushed around the corner and continued on into the darkness.

Dust and pebble sized debris bounced off her as a third shot went off, missing somehow, and she responded by diving forward under a trio of pallets hanging off a large metal container. The Reaper's next shot obliterated the pallets but spared her. She rolled to her feet, waited a single moment, then she spun on her heel, ducking just as another blast went over her head, and fired at the shadows above her.

A thunk signaled that her rounds hit something, but what is was she didn't stay to find out, instead dashing away as fast as she could. She glanced up, found herself headed away from Mei's newest creation, and did a double take behind her to-

Wham!

Metal slammed into her face, ripping a gash open on her cheek as she spun and fell. She barely managed to catch herself on her hands, spitting blood from her mouth as she growled under her breath and looked behind her.

Reaper lazily stood over her, weapons at his side as he then sneered, "pity. I expected more from you, Angela."

She didn't reply. Instead, she kicked up, trying to jam her foot into the back of his knee while her left hand went behind her and grabbed the last syringe on the back of her belt.

The Reaper was ready though, and his lower half simply faded into shadow and smoke, letting her foot hit nothing instead then fall back to the ground.

Unfazed, the Reaper reached down and grabbed her by the front of her shirt, heaving her up, only for her left hand to fly out from behind her.

The needle was aimed for the Reaper's face, but a massive hand flew up and intercepted her own. She struggled to push it forward, but his strength was far beyond her own, and instead, he tightened his grip on her hand.

She tried to hold on. She really did.

But the pain was too much, and she gasped as a snap rang out. Her hand went limp and the syringe fell to the ground.

The Reaper released her, and she hit the ground hard, rolling to her back as she cradled her broken wrist.

Slowly, the monster reached down and took the syringe from the floor.

"Using your technology to kill?" A cold laughter filtered out from the Reaper even as the darkness and shadow spread. "Who would've guessed the great, Anegla Zieglar, Mercy of Overwatch, would fall so far."

She spat at him, then replied through grit teeth, "you don't know me monster."

"But I do."

Then it moved.

Almost too fast for her to track with the pain clouding her sense, and then a second pain rippled through her as her throat constricted and her breathing grew hitched.

She stared down at the syringe hanging from her throat even as the Reaper continued.

"I was there when you and Jack paved your glorious paths through overwatch. While I was left to foster the disgraced remnants of the underworld we left behind. To form Blackwatch and do what needed to be done."

Her eyes grew wide as they locked onto the dark form above her.

"Garbiel?"

One of the shotguns was raised.

"Gabriel's long dead."

Her eyes burned even as the pain in her throat intensified ten fold.

"And so is Angela Zieglar."

A/N

Nate kamikazes himself. Smart move if you ask me, considering being captured is a big no no in his mind. While its a smart move he realizes there are consequences.

Hana has a breakdown. What else did we expect at this point? Girl's seen some shit.

Angela? Well. We all know what happens when Mercy fights Reaper in close quarters.

Also I want to address one issue I saw in the comments. Nates strength and age. He's a semi-young guardian. Physically around 23 but mentally in his late thirties with loads of PTSD and trauma. Strength wise, he is NOT the Lone Wolf (Aka the Player Guardian.). Lore wise, aside from the Vanguard leaders, speical cases like Osiris and Saint-14, most Guardians are not superheros in strength. They're powerful, but they're barely crossing into super human territory. Nate is one of these, despite his access to decent weaponry and armor. (the defeat of Croat he's hinted at.) So hes not us, he's not our Guardian, he has limitations we don't. Plus the story would be a bit too boring if it was our Guardians just curbing everything with ease. Hence why I avoided doing the Lone Wolf and their fireteam of exceptional Guardians.

And yes, Nate is supposed to. He generally unlikable. Hana is supposed to be the likeable one, while Nate is supposed to be the opposite of her, and vice versa. They've kinda swapped roles a few times too depending on the situation and their beliefs. Nate believes in doing his duty at any cost and doesn't know how to be a hero. Hana believes in heros, but is tainted by desiring the truth above all else.

Anyway, hopefully you enjoyed. A shooter chapter but heavy in content. Hopefully I can get more chapters out sooner but man work is killer this year.

Review and enjoy. God bless.

-Metal4k