First, I am really sorry that last week went without a chapter, especially after what I believe was one of the highlights of this series. I was sent away to a training, had to pass its exams, so the schedule got a bit roughed up.
Second, I think I have fixed the live stream thing to a good enough quality so here are the details:
1. It will be a YouTube Live on my Channel
2. 1st August (Saturday) 8:00am - 10am Western Australian Time
3. Which would mean 31st July (Friday) 8:00pm - 10pm New York Time
4. I'm thinking Q&A Session regarding the Fanfic but my goal is to try to entertain you all with what skills I have for the game haha, so just come along and relax :D
5. First time streaming so be kind XD
6. Video Title for the Stream is = Overwatch Stream for Adventures of Quillion (1st August 2020 WA Time)
7. Channel Name = CJH
8. Link = Listed in my Account Profile
*Maximilien's Mansion*
The moment the doors closed, he could hear the whirring of blades protruding out of the remaining Twin's body, hungry to avenge his brother. Taking a seat next to the door, he waited while accessing all of his operations across the world: casino, distillery, book sales, black market deals, and various other projects, finding great satisfaction to see that his profits have skyrocketed.
"Doomfist you fool, now I have the power to continue my legacy while you play with the silly idea of evolution. You should have known that in the end, machines will be the ultimate victors…"
Gunshots and metal grinding sounded from the room.
"Even you must admit that you are a hypocrite, you know the strength of flesh and bone are limited, that is why you desperately fuse yourself with machines, as if that would make any difference"
Dust billowed from under the door as a small explosion was heard, to which Omnic servants immediately went to clean it up.
"And now you spread your poison to my Null Sector brethren… Making them explore the prospect of fusing human emotions to guide their actions, as if humanity fusing with machines is not enough"
An incredibly stupid notion but it had opened an unexpected opportunity to buy most of their more strategically upgraded generals. Through manipulation, bribery, or even threats, they are now waiting for his orders to overthrow the so called High Council, effectively giving him supreme military presence in the world.
Two minutes left and the room is mostly quiet, saved for someone muttering.
Opening the door, he was disgusted at the sight. The silk curtains have been slashed to ribbons, the once elegant ivory table now lies broken on the floor, and even the finely crafted pillars that had beautiful carvings of ancient Egyptian mythologies did not escape damage.
"You will have to compensate for the damage"
"I'm fine too, thanks… Put it on my tab"
Maximilien turned his head towards McCree, who is leaning on the pillar smoking a cigar, looking quite ruffled but unharmed, with surprise. His calculations have opted for the Twin to be the victor, or at least cause some lasting injury, this is one of the very rare occasions he has been wrong of an outcome.
"You looked like you've seen a ghost there partner"
"Seems to me that you humans seem to have a certain tenacity to be respected" he said before turning to one of the butlers "Make sure McCree here gets a good rest"
Bowing slighting, it waited until Maximilien was gone before turning to McCree.
"This way sir" it said and McCree followed, whistling as he walked.
Passing through many rooms, he noticed that it became more elaborate than the last. One reminds him of some live theatre room only much smaller, on one side of the room is a stage and a few rows of seats facing it on the other.
The other room seemed to be some form of dining room. An elongated table is placed in the middle with expensive looking tablecloths and decorations with beautifully crafted chairs pushed in, however, all that's on the tables are computers.
"Guess they eat data" he thought.
Climbing up a flight of stairs, they reached his room at the end of the hall, it gave him a tour of his room.
The room is at least the size of a bar. Three large sofas are set up comfortably on one side of the room with a huge coffee table between them, next to it is a business table under a large chandelier, complete with plenty of expensive looking stationary, even the paper looks expensive. He noticed that the television is bigger than himself.
The backroom is even larger than the last. Another sofa is backed against the window and the king size bed looked small in comparison, only noticeable because it is elevated, requiring two steps to reach it. Facing the bed is another large television with the words "Welcome Jesse McCree" with room service details on it.
Finally the bathroom does not lack luxuries either. Showers, bathtub, and sink all come equipped with solid gold valves, even the toothbrush's handle is gold.
"Is it not up to your standards?" the butler asked as McCree looked unimpressed throughout the tour.
"These sort of things are never my type"
"Too bland?"
"Too rich"
"And that was what he said"
Maximilien waved and the butler backed out of the room, bowing as he left. He looked out the window and at the moon, pondering when he will be able to visit Horizon Lunar Colony and potentially buy a substantial share of it when something caught his eye, an unnatural glitter flickered from amongst the sand dunes just outside the grounds.
Carefully but casually moving to the side, he pressed a button next to the window while pretending to dust off a painting, activating a thin layer of bulletproof glass to rise in between the windows and sending a signal to the guards. Once the almost invisible protection was raised, he returned his attention to where he thought he saw the glint.
After a few adjustments on his lenses, he spotted him hiding behind a sand dune, the glittering of the scope located just behind two trees in front of it.
"Amateur" he commented, sending the coordinates.
Ensuring he is visible for the intruder, he exposed himself at the window, attracting its attention while the guards opened the gates quietly and began to surround the coordinates quietly, their presence highlighted as silhouettes for him to watch when a message came in.
"Incoming call from the President"
"Good evening Mr President, how may I be of assistance?" he said.
The guards closed their distance and began their search, their metallic legs wading through the sands like water as they looked for the intruder, causing Maximilien to consider hiring smaller and lighter models instead of the big bulky ones.
"Good evening Mr Maxmilien, I would just like to apologize to you that we could not come to a conclusion this afternoon"
"May I know when you will be able to give me the answer Mr President?"
"It'll be soon I promise you" he said, clearing his throat before continuing "May I have confirmation that you will be present for the summit meeting tomorrow?"
One of the guards uncharacteristically dropped to the ground, causing the others to look around frantically with callouts of a white, nimble character with Japanese themed weapons.
"I may not be present"
Blue light flashes randomly as tasers are being shot. Strangely enough, it seemed to be bouncing back at the guards instead of its intended target.
"Oh? A-are you sure? I mean the media will be there, it will be good coverage!"
"We got him!" a voice called through the coms.
"Yes, I will be busy tomorrow, however, I shall send my representative, good night Mr President"
Switching channels, he ordered the guards to bring in whoever they caught and meet him at the back of the mansion in the garden.
*30 minutes later*
"I remember you… You are with Overwatch" Maximilien said, pacing as he looked down at a kneeling Genji, whose arms and legs are bound.
"I am flattered you would remember me after so many years" was the sarcastic reply.
"How could I forget? Since you were the one who held a blade at my face after making a mess of my distillery"
"Glad we made an impression"
"Indeed… So tell me, why have you come? Seeking to have another introduction? Or do you think that you can capture me again?"
Before he could reply, one of the guards kneeled down and snatched an object away from Genji's hands and was about to break it when Maximilien held out his hand.
"Ahh… This would sell for a high price in the market, I thank you with my compliments" he said, holding up the shuriken into the moonlight "It has been exceedingly difficult to collect your shuriken in such a condition, you have done well to engineer it to be nearly impossible to replicate after use"
Pocketing his new souvenir into his pocket, he walked to a seat that had been pre-prepared next to the fountain, a few bottles of wine set out on the table.
"I did not know that you are able to drink" Genji said.
"Oh no, I don't drink these, I merely study them" he chuckled.
Removing the cork, he poured out a glass for himself and dipped a glass instrument next to it, bringing it to life and flashed a series of data for all to see, but could not understand.
"Ahh… This is a good blend… But good is not good enough" he said.
In a sudden display of violence, he threw the bottle at Genji with the force of a bullet, shattering the bottle at his shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Before he could register the damage, the guards pulled him roughly back onto his knees.
"Why are you here? Why do you snoop around like a rat?"
"Well, what's going on here?" a voice called out from the door.
They looked and saw McCree leaning against the door, flipping a coin and watching the whole thing with interest.
"I have not summoned you" Maximilien said, feeling frustrated that McCree operates with so much autonomy.
"Then I wouldn't be much of a bodyguard if I have to wait for you to call me, eh?"
"Well as you can see, I'm in no danger but you are welcomed to stay"
"Thank you kindly" he said, walking over to the group, avoiding eye contact with Genji while pretending to be sizing him up.
"I am going to ask you again, why are you here?" Maximilien continued, grabbing another botte.
"With respect Max, I doubt you'll get anything out of him like that"
Fighting back the urge to emit a sigh, he put the bottle back in its place, stood up, and told the guards to take Genji to the basement. Once they enter the mansion, Maximilien confronts McCree.
"Mr McCree, though you have been under my employment for a few hours, let me make things clear, never question or comment my actions unless asked"
"I-"
A metallic hand found its way across McCree's face.
"Did I stutter Mr McCree? Or are you deaf?"
When McCree did not answer, another punch skimmed across his face.
"I asked you a question"
"Oh I can speak now? Thought you wanted me to shut up"
"Don't test me, lest you can expect your employment to be cut short"
"Hey hey, I hear ya pumpkin"
"Good, shall we then?" Maximilien finished, ignoring the insult.
As they enter the mansion, Genji has already been tied to a pillar, his weapons displayed neatly on the side except for his katana, to which the guards seem to be wary of.
"I thought I gave instructions to remove all weapons?"
"We tried sir but… There's something strange with the blade"
As a demonstration, one of them approached it with his arm outstretched. Immediately there was a faint growling sound emitting from the sheath, growing steadily louder with each approach.
"Really? Are you all so afraid of a little sound box? Just remove it or be removed"
McCree masked his interest throughout the whole conversation, it has been strangely odd to him that these Omnic show such human-like traits. The only other Omnic that he has some relations with is Bob, to which he wonders if Ashe has ever reattached his head to a new body…
A bright flash of green energy and a roar blinded the room, followed closely with the guard yelling in pain. Their automatic filters shielded them from the brunt of the flare but still took a moment for their lenses to adjust.
"I suppose your caution has not been unfounded" Maximilien commented, looking at the severed hand on the ground.
"What happened?" McCree said, still trying to blink away the blotches.
"Get that arm fixed up, the rest of us can handle this" Maximilien instructed before turning his attention back to Genji "Tell me, how did you do that?"
"Would you believe me if I do not know myself?" Genji replied, watching the guard being escorted out by the others with great interest.
"Very well, keep your secrets, it does not matter to me, what matters now is how can I dispose of you"
A cart was pushed in by a butler, upon it are various tools, both sharp and blunt set upon it. McCree does not know if it was the way it was set up or not, but it made him feel grateful he is not on Maximlien's bad side yet.
"I never liked getting my hands dirty, but I suppose I'll make another exception now" he continued, removing and folding his suit and rolling up his sleeves.
"I have always wondered how much of you is still human…" he said, grabbing a set of pliers.
Genji glanced at McCree, who was still rubbing his eyes, and tried to get his attention by clearing his throat, but to no avail.
"There is no need to pretend, nobody will ever face torture with a calm heart"
"Oh there is no need for fear"
"Why is that?" Maximilien said as he approached the ninja.
"I have never liked to be tied down"
In a blink of an eye, the ropes fell apart and Genji leapt into action. Arming himself with his shuriken, he threw them at the Maximilien, who dropped the tools as the stars enlodged themselves into his hand.
When they heard his cry of pain, the guards poured back into the room, guns blazing, their analytics maximized to achieve the lowest possible chances to avoid shooting their boss. Once the smoke is cleared, Genji has already left the scene.
"The mansion is compromised, we need to relocate to the safehouse, come McCree, it's time for you to earn your pay"
"Whatever you say boss"
Forming a ring, they carefully but quickly make their way to the garage, where a fleet of armored cars will be waiting for them. Midway, the lights were cut off, throwing the mansion into total darkness.
"He really is an amateur, does he really think he can intimidate us like this?" Maximilien chuckled, their eyes already shifted to night vision.
"Imma just going to follow your voice then" McCree said gruffly, his eyes unable to adjust as it is still recovering from the green flare.
Sounds of whirling blades cut through the air, resulting in two guards falling to the ground, their heads sparking. Tightening their formation, they looked towards the door and saw Genji casually standing there. They opened fire and they were instantly cut down by their own bullets as Genji easily deflected it all back towards them, leaving only Maximilien and McCree.
"It's time to cut you down for good" Genji said, his blade at the ready.
A small click and a flick of a wrist, a flash of light exploded in the darkness, stunning everyone, while Maximilien found himself being dragged around unceremoniously by McCree.
"Get your hands off me!" he shouted.
"If ya didn't notice, he is out to kill ya!"
Deciding to punish McCree later, he allowed himself to be manhandled around the mansion, occasionally giving directions when they turned the wrong way or when McCree stopped to shoot. The difference between McCree and the other guards who came to assist became painfully obvious to him, leading to him writing a mental note to decommission everyone in his staff and get more serious upgrades.
Once they finally reached the garage, McCree threw Maximilien into one of the armored cars before crashing it through the gates at full speed, almost tipping the car over as soon as they are in the clear.
"Do you even know how to drive?" he asked McCree, putting on his seatbelt and tried to straighten his suit as the car rocked violently from side to side.
"Nope, I'm more of a bike guy, but hey, this is one of them auto cars right? Can't be that hard" he replied, lurching the car through a tight corner, almost tipping it again.
Looking in the rear mirror, they could see part of the mansion collapsing, as if the pillars have been cut.
"Looks like you need a new place there Max"
"Where are you taking me? The safehouse is towards the East"
"I'm sure that ninja guy knows where it is if that's the show he put up, most likely he wants us to go there"
Maximilien processed that information, it is true that the cyborg seemed to allow himself to be captured if he can escape so easily, and the only one who seemed to be able to stand on par with his skills is McCree, probably the best option is to trust the man's instincts, especially since he survived so long with a large bounty.
They drove through the desert with little to no obstacles, the silence ruined by the constant whistling from McCree, to his annoyance but he stayed silent, not wanting to disturb the only protector he had left.
*Some time later*
"You want me to go in there?" he asked in disgust.
"Ya know, not all safehouses are penthouses and 5 star hotels" McCree said, opening the trunk of an old car in a garage dump.
Maximilien looked around for a more favourable place but even the town nearby is nothing more than the sewers for him.
"No, I do not think so" he said, avoiding the sight of the rust, as if its mere presence insults him.
"Hey, you want to be safe? Down there is safe"
"No, it has not been properly decontaminated, look at the rust on the sides"
"Ya know… This is why I can never stick around you folks for too long" McCree sighed.
"What?"
"All of you are just too rich" he finished, striking a match to light his cigar.
Maximilien pondered those words for a second before he collapsed to the ground, asleep.
"Finally… I thought you'd never give the signal" Ana said, walking out from behind a rusted dishwasher.
"May I ask again why can't we just kill him in the mansion?"
"One, we are not assassins, two, if they don't find the body, all his operations will cease instead of being passed to whoever his next successor is, they should conclude that he is still with you as his bodyguard, a wanted man at that, so they would know it makes sense to be out of the grid, three, we explained all this earlier"
"Give me a break Captain, that Twin guy had chainsaws coming out of his hands, can't blame me to be a bit deaf"
"That was some horrible driving" Genji said shakily, jumping down from the car.
"Like I said, I'm more of a bike guy"
"Let's tie him up and leave him here, we are needed in Italy" Ana said.
"What? Don't we have to hand him over now?"
"We can deal with that later, Morrison found Talon's headquarters, we are going to take them all out now"
"You sure it is safe to leave him here? Reyes did manage to escape" McCree added.
"Maximilien is not Reaper, I doubt he could escape if we tie him tight enough"
Tying him up with a steel cord, they carried him into the bunker and sat him at the chair before securing him more with a set of handcuffs.
"Can't he just send out signals to announce where he is?" Genji asked.
"Do not worry, this place is secure, we need to go now"
"Let me just restock and-" McCree said, making a move to the armoury.
"Now!"
At her stern voice, they followed, leaving the sleeping Maximilien in the room, making their way to an airfield where Ana used one of her many connections to borrow a plane.