PoVs/Protagonists/Couples:
Hanzo (character belongs to Blizzard) x Ýri (OC)
Genji (character belongs to Blizzard) x Shizuka (OC)

WARNING:
This story will be a very long one, full of dialogs, drama and violence as well as grammar mistakes because none of the authors is a native English speaker. And it is for mature audiences only.

INFORMATION:
To get a little more continuity into our workflow and so all of our lovely readers know when the next update comes, we plan to update every 15th of every month from now on.

Chapter 25: Departure (Hanzo x Ýri)

»Ýri! I swear, if you don't get your stupid pet bird of me, I will have some grilled raven for dinner!«, Hanzo shouted through the Viking's apartment for Huginn had been constantly attacking him since he entered.

»You just deserve, what you got, Shimada!«, he heard her yelling from another room.

Hanzo sighed. After Christmas, New Year's Eve and during January and February up to the first weeks of March he thought their relationship was finally improving, but now … she had overheard parts of his conversation with Sígurd and was furious with him of course.

»Ýri, come on. I do not intend to stay in Hanamura forever! Just a few days and I will be back here!«

»I don't give a damn about what you do! So just leave!« Hanzo already saw the book flying towards him and dodged just in time.

»Oh, you do care! Otherwise you wouldn't set your raven on me and throw around your precious books!«

»And you really think yourself worth so much attention?!«

Damn that bakery for being closed today! So he wasn't even able to get some doughnuts to calm her rage again …

»Ýri, please … it's my brother's day of death; I just have to go … «

»Oh.« She immediately stopped. »I did not overhear that … «, she whispered silently. »Of course, you will go.« Finally she called her raven off and sat down beside him.

»I already talked it through with your father and he agrees. But please stop looking that sad. It won't be for too long«, he was trying to ensure her.

»No«, Ýri shook her head. »You will take as much time as you need.«

»And I will come back here, promise.«

Ýri seemed surprised. »But you do not have to. I am sure, my father does not expect you to either.«

He suddenly felt disappointed for some reason. Rejected even. »Maybe, but … your training, we have to-«

A shy smile appeared on her face. »Of course. I will wait for you to come back.« She carefully took his hand and he kept hers in a gentle but firm hold.

»Just don't do anything stupid. Do not roam the city on your own, especially not at night and-«

»Hanzo, really. I am capable of taking care of myself. You better tell me, when you plan to leave.«

»It has been arranged already. In two days … « He did not feel comfortable with leaving her behind, but … he had to. For Genji. I owe him.

»Okay, so what do you want to do with the time we have left?«, she wanted to know.

»What about some ramen?«, he hopefully asked.

»Again?« Ýri rolled her eyes. »But the bill is on you.«

»Fine with me«, he chuckled.

A sad expression appeared on Ýri's face as they entered the ramen bar. »Hard to believe it is supposed to be our last time here.«

»How often do I have to tell you, that it is not«, he growled impatiently as he sat down in front of her. »And now I need some fine sake.«

»From your behavior one could think there is no other alcohol in the world.«

»Well, nothing decent enough, that's for sure«, he talked back and Ýri shook her head.

»You are afraid of trying something new, aren't you, Shimada?«

»I am not scared«, he snarled, slightly offended.

»Then try something new. I am sure you will even like it«, she insisted and Hanzo got a feeling it wasn't the sake Ýri was referring to.

»I-I stay with my sake, thanks«, he replied, his cheeks burning.

»No matter what kind of alcohol, it turns every decent man into a beast«, she said and Hanzo sensed the glance she gave him at her declaration. »Not that it would make any difference with you … «

»Then you have nothing to fear.« He reached for the cup the waiter just placed in front of him, but Ýri was faster. »Hands off my sake, Viking.«

»Snarl all you want, dragon, but you don't scare me«, she answered before taking a gulp.

»Just you wait until our next training session.« They were served two steaming ramen bowls and Hanzo brought all cutleries into his possession. »Today it is chopsticks for you, little Viking.«

Ýri glared at him. »Are you kidding me?«

»You took my sake, now I need some other entertainment.«

»Oh, and you think watching me, struggling with the chopsticks is one?« There was something in her eyes he couldn't place. Something bold and challenging alike.

»Definitively.« A purring sound escaped his throat before he even knew it.

Now Ýri stared back a little put off. »Okay, Hanzo, this is weird. Find yourself another distraction.«

For some reason he felt his ears burning now as well. »N-not like this … «, he said as he noticed her grip on the chopsticks. Clumsily he took her hand to guide her. »Like this. There you go.« But instead of finally starting to eat, Ýri just kept staring at him.

»Oh, bon dieu de merde! Will you stop be'aving like some couple straight out of a romance movie?!«

Hanzo turned around, shocked. There, a few tables away in some remote corner, she sat. »Widowmaker … «

»I would have waited until you finished eating, but then I was afraid I would never manage to stop vomiting in time.«

How he hated that terrible French accent. »What do you want?«

»Just the same as ever«, she replied with a wicked smile. »But this time I am not alone.«

Hanzo turned his head and in another corner close to the exit sat a man in black combat gear with the emblem of two dragons biting their tails on his chest. His blood ran cold.

»Ýri … «

His hand was searching for her to pull her behind him, but as he did so, he recognized a sizzling sound.

»ÝRI!«

He grabbed her, shielding her with his body from the exploding poisoned mines.

He was unable to spot anything beyond the smoke and couldn't hear anything over Ýri's coughing either. But something closed around his throat and ripped him away from her. He crashed to the ground with the Shimada assassin, trying to free himself from the garrotte.

While he fought for breath and against the threatening loss of consciousness, he could finally hear Widowmaker's voice and saw her laser pointer wandering through the smoke searching for an aim. »Where are you, little Viking princess? Come out, this world is no place for weaklings.«

He was able to recognize her silhouette. The Talon sniper was standing close to him.

»You will leave her alone!« Hanzo reared up, grabbed her leg and brought Widowmaker down to the ground. »Ýri! Run!«

As the poisonous smoke started to clear off, he saw the Viking right in front of them, her axe prepared. »I won't run«, she whispered.

Widowmaker burst out laughing. »How adorable. Seems like Hanzo found himself a friend.« She kicked his face to make him lose his grip on her.

Hanzo groaned when feeling his nose cracking. »What are you doing, Ýri?! Run!« He was dragged even farther away, his head started to spin dizzily from the lag of fresh air.

»Oh oui, what are you doing, little Viking? I like it better, when my prey runs from me.«

»I won't leave him behind«, Ýri snarled back.

»As you wish. Playtime is over.« Widowmaker took aim again.

»N-no … «, he weakly cawed, his movements getting more and more feeble.

Next thing he remembered was a dazzling green light, the roar of a bear, a shot and Widowmaker shouting something.

»You are not ready for this. Go, Ýri, now … «, he whispered.

But suddenly he heard some ugly cracking noise behind him and the insufferable pressure on his throat vanished. Still heavily couching he snatched Ýri's exhausted body and escaped the poisonous cloud to the outside.

She managed to get on her knees, still heavily trembling.

»What were you thinking?!«, he yelled as soon as his voice found enough strength again and Widowmaker was nowhere to be seen.

»Helping … you … «, she managed to choke out.

»I know!«, he started searching his pocket for some antidote and forced it down her throat. »But you should have left me behind to get somewhere safe!«

»To prove her, I am exactly the stupid weakling she thinks I am?!«, she yelled back.

»And exposing your spirit powers right in front of a Shimada assassin! Are you insane?!« He helped her stand. »Did you kill him at least?!«

She nodded weakly.

»Let's just leave and tell your father before the police is all over the place.« He picked her up to carry her. »I am the one protecting you. Not the other way around. I am your guard, so next time I tell you to run, you do just that, understood?«

»I would do so again … «, she whispered.

»Stupid girl«, he replied, but softer this time. »How can I leave for Hanamura, if you make me worry that much?«

»I am okay, Hanzo.«

»You are not. Widowmaker's poison is not to be taken lightly and she can still be close by. I will bring you to your room and you will stay there and rest, while I am going to talk with your father.«

»But you don't seem too effected by her poison … «

Hanzo suppressed a shudder. »I have been poisoned so many times during my training, I have grown resistant to most poisons out there.«

»That's horrible … «

Hanzo shrugged. »Daily life of a Shimada.« He hesitated before he continued to speak. »Why didn't you just run?«

»Because you needed my help. I may be weak, but I am no coward, Hanzo. I will never turn my back on you and run, when you are in danger.«

He stared down at her, touched. »Thank you«, he whispered, pressing a light kiss on her forehead.

An adorable blush swamped her face and even made her freckles vanish. »W-what was that for?«

»I … I don't know … «, he started stammering. »I never experienced something like this before. I never had something like a friend … it just felt like the right thing to do … «

She smiled brighter now. »Alright.«

They both stayed silent until they reached her rooms again, where Hanzo immediately started working on a proper antidote.

»So that's what you are keeping in the small flasks on the belt of your quiver. Poison ingredients?«, she asked.

»I am still an assassin«, he handed her a small bottle. »Drink that. Should ease the poison's effects a little.«

Ýri did so without questioning him. And spit it out right after. »What in Odin's name is that?!«

»Don't be a coward«, he chuckled before handing her another.

She grimaced at him and run into the kitchen to get herself some water. »Ugh, this is disgusting!«

»Just stay here and rest a little, while I report to your father. Think you will manage?«

She rolled her eyes. »Yes. I won't leave these rooms. Promise. But you should get your nose checked though.«

The flapping of feathered wings made him turn around. The large black raven settled on his shoulder.

»Oh no, I am not falling for that«, he glared at Huginn. »You are just waiting to claw my face off.«

»Don't be so mean, Hanzo«, Ýri pouted.

Hanzo was distracted by her for just a moment and he already felt the raven's beak biting his ear. »I knew you were evil!«, he jumped, shoving off the bird, which escaped with a quick repeating caw like a laugh.

He left her apartment and found Sígurd pacing through his office. »There you are.« The tall Viking obviously had been expecting him already. »What happened?«

»We went out to have lunch and were attacked by a Talon assassin and one of the Shimada«, Hanzo explained. »While Widowmaker aimed at Ýri, the Shimada tried to kill me. But we escaped though. The Shimada is dead due to your daughter. She is in her room now.«

Sígurd sat down heavily sighing. »Now this war is becoming hers after all.«

»At least she is able to defend herself«, Hanzo replied.

»Still«, Sígurd whispered, opening a drawer. »Here.« He placed a huge bundle of bank notes on the desk.

Hanzo looked back at him, one eyebrow raised. »I just did my job. There is no need for a bonus.«

»It is not supposed to be a bonus. It is for you, when you are returning from Hanamura«, Sígurd explained.

»I do not need any cash incentive to return either. I said, I will be back within one week or two and I mean it.« Actually Hanzo felt offended. He hoped, Sígurd would have thought higher of him.

»It is not supposed to be an incentive either.« The Viking leant back in his chair. »It is meant as emergency fund. Talon's actions are growing bolder every week. Maybe you have to flee with Ýri one day.«

Hanzo shook his head. »Even if such a situation occurs in the future, I don't need it. You paid me well and gave me board and lodging. I have saved enough to pull us both through for a while, if necessary.«

»Hanzo-«, Sígurd started again.

»I refuse«, Hanzo insisted louder this time. »Despite, why don't you ask any of your other men to do that? Why me?«

Sígurd hesitated first and then silently spoke: »They would protect her, because I ordered them to. You would do it, because you actually care about her.«

»She is my friend«, Hanzo stated. »My only friend. Of course I will keep her safe, no matter what.«

»Even if I would entirely stop paying you?«, Sígurd asked with a bitter laugh.

»Even then«, Hanzo answered with a serious expression. »You gave me a chance, Sígurd. I want to make sure, you will not regret that. And now excuse me, please. I have to start packing.«

The night before his departure was the most terrible he had in a while. His dreams always were horrifying from time to time, when he was dragged back to his childhood and youth in Hanamura. But this was worse. It was dark and confusing. He had no clue, where Ýri was, but he had to find her in time. He stumbled over one dead body after another in a starless night. The only thing he heard was a river running. Then a shot and the roar of a bear.

»Ýri!«

He was running faster to the rhythm of flapping wings. Finally he saw her in the distance. Pale and frightened, another body at her feet. He was relieved, when he finally found her. He tried to get to her, but he did not notice the metallic gleam of the dagger in time.

»Ýri!«

She fell to her knees, reaching for him, but he was too late.

He fell from his bed in shock. Without even thinking he run down the hallways to her apartment. »Ýri?!«

»Woah, shit!«, she shrieked up. »What in Helheim has gotten into you?!«

Hanzo did not even care at her outrage. He stormed up to her and pulled back her covers to search her for injuries.

»Hanzo! Stop that!«

He sighed in relief, when he couldn't find one, so he started searching her rooms for anything suspicious.

»Hanzo! What has gotten into you?!«, she yelled after him. »What happened?!«

He couldn't find something strange at all and finally was able to calm down a little. » … It's nothing … Everything is just fine.«

Ýri went to the kitchen, obviously preparing some tea. »Hanzo, please. Talk to me.«

He sat down on the couch, his head buried in his hands. »Nothing. Just my imagination. Maybe I had a little too much sake … «

She forced the steaming pot into his still shaky hands. »Are you alright?«

»Yes … thank you.« Now, that I know you are …

»So … we can go back to sleep?«, she asked, still watching him concerned.

Hanzo took a deep gulp. »Of course.«

»And don't you want go back to your room?«

»I had enough sleep already«, Hanzo replied.

»Hanzo, your flight is tomorrow. It is going to be an exhausting day. You need to sleep«, she talked back.

»I said, I do not need to!«, he snarled.

»Fine … « Without another word she turned off the lights and laid back down.

He finished his tea and waited a few minutes until her breath got easier again, before he moved closer.

»What are you doing?«

Hanzo almost jumped in shock. »I thought you were sleeping again!«

»Maybe I could, if you stop acting weird«, was her blunt answer.

»I am not acting weird!«

She moved aside. »Come here. But if you are trying to steal my blanket, I will choke you with my pillow.«

He stared at her wide-eyed. She cannot be serious, can she? But what shocked him even more was the fact that he really considered doing so. Hesitatingly he laid down beside her, scrupulously ensuring he did not get too close.

»Couldn't sleep either«, she admitted. »The man I killed, I still see his face.«

»I … «, he cleared his throat. »Just had some nightmare … « He laughed, feeling stupid now. »It's idiotic … «

Nevertheless, she placed one hand on his arm. »I am here«, she whispered. »Don't worry.«

»I know … « And I will make sure it stays that way.

He did not think parting with her would be that hard. But after the last night, he felt so torn about leaving her behind to honor his dead brother or just to stay in Washington. Feelings of guilt were overcoming him … I owe it to Genji …

He turned back to Ýri, who had accompanied him to the gate together with two men of her father's personal guard. She seemed troubled.

»There is something you want to tell me«, he noticed.

»Yes … « She avoided his gaze though. »But dad forbid me to.«

Hanzo was surprised. »Doesn't he trust me?« What could it just be, Sígurd forbade her to tell him?

»I guess it is to protect you«, she answered.

Now he was even more confused. »Protect me? From what?«

Ýri sighed heavily and shook her head. »Just be careful in Hanamura, okay?«

»Okay … « He reluctantly let her drop the topic. »And you refrain from doing anything stupid while I am away.«

A weak smile appeared on her lips. »I will try.«

»Promise me«, he demanded.

Her smile grew brighter. »I do.« She stepped closer and pulled him into a hug. »Have a safe travel.«

She released him far too quickly for his taste, but he had to go. He forced himself not to turn back either, before he entered the shuttle. A gloomy sadness had taken over him. He did not want to go. Both, father and daughter seemed to accept his dark past without questioning him or looking at him like some killing machine or a deadly monster. He was no longer alone and for that he was grateful.

Especially Ýri was a gift, he did not deserve. A small light of kindness amidst the darkness inside him and he would do everything to keep it burning. I will just make it quick and get back here as soon as possible …

Still, some uneasy feeling remained …