Mercy

'Simply take care when handling your regular workout routines and you should be fine. It's just a strained muscle, but it could progress to something worse if you are not careful, understand?'

'Yes, Dr. Ziegler.'

An awkward pause. This young soldier wanted to do it. Perhaps he was even dared to. With the mission to Russia still in planning, there was a lull in activities for the "grunts" of Overwatch. Winston's absence didn't quite help matters either. Still, such trivial frivolities almost disgusted Angela, and she quickly stood up, pretending to fiddle with some of her medical utensils in a dismissive matter.

'Was there anything else, my good young man?' She said teasingly, but wanted to subtly remind the soldier that he was quite a bit younger than her. Nine years her junior, to be exact, according to his file. He had enough muscle and angle to his facial features to belie such a fact, and he wasn't bad looking at all, but his file gave Angela all the information she wanted. She didn't have any interest in someone so far from her present life's place. She was already incredibly mature and brilliant, so it would be an uphill battle for the poor soul's ego, and she knew how that story played out.

'Ahem…' He cleared his throat. His name was Bradley. Now that Angela thought about it, he was the same soldier who had shown Fareeha to her room a few days ago.

'I just wanted to ask you something, Dr. Ziegler, and it may be unprofessional, but I wasn't sure who to turn to.'

Angela raised a brow, misdiagnosing the situation, perhaps. She turned once again, leaning against her desk, a familiar lab coat brushing her legs.

'Yes?'

'It is about Fareeha.'

Angela's eyes fluttered. She wasn't completely off, but for some reason this subject matter dishevelled her just a little bit. She hadn't seen Fareeha since they had arrived. Angela was overly busy setting up her office and work space. Jack wanted her help with planning the mission to Russia. A number of soldiers needed her medical advice. It's not like Angela hadn't thought of Fareeha, but it was done in passing. She liked it that way. The Egyptian had already left a mark on the older woman she didn't generally prefer to have. But the events of their encounter could yield no other results. It was only natural. It was only…natural.

'Fareeha Amari?'

'Yes. I've been assisting with her orientation. She's a talented soldier.'

'She is that.' Angela admitted easily, recalling how impressive Fareeha had been during their encounters in Ilios and Iraq. Impressive and…chivalric even. More chivalrous than any man had been to Angela before. How funny that it took a woman to prove the existence of such a thing to the good doctor.

'I understand that you and she spent some time together before arriving here. She speaks exceptionally highly of you.'

A skip in Angela's pulse, and she chuckled inwardly at herself. How silly her body could be at times.

'Yes, well, we endured quite the ordeal together.'

'It's good to see you both well.'

'Thank-you.'

Bradley hesitated again, and Angela tried to appear more inviting now that she knew she wasn't the one being asked out. However, she struggled with even this for whatever reason.

'I'm sorry. This feels foolish. But I don't want to bother Fareeha, so I'll just come out and ask: Do you think it would be ill-mannered of me to ask Ms. Amari out for a drink sometime?'

A pause, and Angela's right eye twitched.

'It depends. Would the intent be romantic?'

'…Ideally.'

'Hm.' Angela thought about Fareeha being put in such a position. This man seemed as though he had a similar cultural background, and he was very polite. He certainly wasn't hard on the eyes. Fareeha deserved to find some form of love in her life. She wasn't like Angela. She hadn't given up on such a fantasy, from what the older woman could ascertain. All these factors pointed toward a simple conclusion. It wasn't really Angela's business to begin with. Giving this man the correct encouragement could very well allow Fareeha the opportunity to meet her soulmate. How wonderful would that be? And Angela could have a hand in the girl's happiness. Just a simple affirmation toward Bradley's confidence was all that it would take. There was no reason not to.

'I don't think that would be appropriate at the time being.' Angela's words flowed from her mouth as though she were in a dream. She understood what she said a moment later, and could only commit to the reality of her recommendation. Her analysis of the situation was on point, yet her conclusion baffled even her. Bradley's dejected expression was proof that Angela had just curbed his intent with a baffling display of possessiveness.

'You…don't?'

'I do not.' Angela said more firmly now, still twisting in her mind with confusion.

'Can I ask "why"?'

'It hasn't been that long since Fareeha has arrived. I would give her some breathing space. Interact with her still, of course, and gauge your relationship accordingly. A woman has a way of letting someone she's interested in know it. If you are capable of picking up on some subtly flirtatious mannerisms, then act on your instinct, but at the moment, I suspect you are drawn to Fareeha's undeniable beauty. I commend you for that, by the by, because she is somewhat intimidating as well. The fact you see past the rather prickly outer display she presents is encouraging. My prescription is that of allowing time to work some of its magic.'

Bradley nodded away, obviously disappointed, but receptive.

'That makes sense. Yeah. Now that I think about it, I should give her a little space. She seems a bit out of it sometimes, like she's looking for something or…someone.'

Angela's voice was caught in her throat, but then she smirked, shaking her head angrily with herself.

'Her mother served Overwatch in a legendary way. There is no doubt she subconsciously seeks her out still; primarily when surrounded by remnants of Ana's spirit.'

'True. I hadn't thought of that…'

'In any case, you are my last planned patient for the day. I need to procure some dinner so, if you wouldn't mind…'

'Of course. I'm sorry for taking some of your time.'

'Not at all. Good day, Bradley.'

'Have a good night.'

'Ah. Yes. I suppose it's that late already.'

Bradley was gone, and Angela shirked off her lab coat, striding to her own private washroom and cleaning her face, feeling the easily accessible heated water drip down her cheeks as she stared at the reflection. Why had she cared so desperately about whether or not Fareeha was asked out? It was none of her business whatsoever. She made a point of not getting too involved on an emotional level with anyone, yet she expounded upon her reasoning for Fareeha almost intimately well, exemplifying a supposed closeness between the two of them potentially.

Then, it struck her in the chest, and the woman's knees almost buckled. She gripped the sink, breathing in sharply, her mind literally prickling with sharp pains even all her nanotechnology couldn't combat.

'Of course…' Angela muttered, her voice cracking. 'She's like a sister. Hah…' Angela's throat broke, and her mouth tightened, eyes burning with tears. 'Like the sister I could have had.'

There was no other explanation, really. Since their first encounter, Angela felt something different in relation to Fareeha Amari. Her connection to Ana assisted, but Fareeha's personality and mannerisms were endearing to Angela, and she was immediately infatuated with the younger woman, the urge to tease her overwhelming. Fareeha herself was a lovely person, and obviously had a sincerely honest heart and nature that Angela valued in these trying times. She was protective of her, and thus, she discouraged a man from even looking at her sister in such a way.

'But it changes nothing.' Angela wiped her eyes and glared at the woman who looked back at her. 'No matter how long you live, how righteous you act, or how many lives you save, it changes nothing.'

A knock on her door. The doctor sighed in frustration, trying her best to mask the breakdown that had almost seized her. Angela opened the entrance to her office and found Jack. It was a relief. She wasn't sure she could handle another agent's bump or bruise just to meet with the "famous" Dr. Ziegler.

'Angela. Are…you okay?'

Curses. He could see it right away. Why hadn't Jack's eyesight diminished yet?

'I'm fine, Jack. What do you need?' The lack of pleasantries required was refreshing.

'There's someone who's ready to see you. Do you have a moment?' The fact he didn't pry was nice, too. Regardless, Jack's tone suggested an amount of desperation, so Angela nodded.

'Of course. Lead the way.'

'We'll take a less guarded route. I think you're in for a surprise.'

'Oh, I do love surprises.' Angela mocked, but it wasn't completely a lie. Anything was better than the darkness that had almost threatened her mental wellbeing after all this time.

The "surprise" that awaited Angela wasn't anything she could possibly have imagined, however. When she entered a secluded living quarter within a rarely used part of the base, her eyes widened in disbelief at the person Jack presented to her. The figure rose, robes and cloth all about her, but a warrior's stance and a somewhat familiar glimmer of confidence in her one revealed eye.

'Ana…!' Angela covered her mouth, and the kind smile from the older woman confirmed any lingering suspicion.

'How are you, Angela? It's been some time, hasn't it?'

Angela stepped lightly to her old friend, resisting the urge to hug her, but clearly wishing to. She didn't want to jinx this, nor could she humour the emotions swirling in her mind regarding another, similarly structured individual.

'I-I'm fine. But what of you? Where have you been? And…your eye…'

'Yes. A lot has happened, and I needed some time, but it's simply impossible for me to turn my back on what I can feel is happening to our world. Another war is coming, and so long as there's life in these bones, I'll fight until the end.'

Angela's doctoral mind was working in overdrive, and she cupped her chin thoughtfully.

'I suppose I am of the same mind.' She paused, seeing a small grin form on the charming, elderly woman's wrinkling face. 'But you know, Ana…there are procedures we could look into to repair your eye, if that is an issue.'

The legendary sniper sighed, always with a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

'You're very kind, but I'm comfortable with who I am now. It's a good reminder.'

Angela knew enough not to press the matter. Ana was her own woman; that was something the doctor had learned very quickly. The handicap wasn't ideal, but Angela wouldn't push for now. She felt she didn't have that form of authority.

'Do you mind if I ask what happened?'

'Only if you are fine with the brief version. On a mission, I was confronted with someone I knew in the enemy lines. I hesitated, and paid the price.'

'You know her. Amelie Lacroix. Works for Talon now. They did something to her. She's become a living weapon.' Jack stepped in, clearing his gruff voice as he spoke.

'Gerard's wife? But she was just a performer, was she not?' Angela's memories of the individuals weren't exactly crystal clear, but Gerard's mission of taking down the much smaller Talon at the time was something most Overwatch higher ups knew about.

'You'd be surprised what Talon is capable of. They obviously have someone on par with you when it comes to matters of biological and neural manipulation. Unfortunately for us, they don't have morals. They're making monsters. Gabriel is just another example.'

'Pardon? Gabriel Reyes?' Angela blinked rapidly, pushing down the annoyance surfacing from Jack's claim.

'Just the same. Jack and I confronted him shortly before making our way back here.' Ana said distantly, any semblance of a smile gone from her aging visage.

'Can barely call him that anymore. Codename: Reaper. He's obsessed with death and destruction. He's got a vendetta against Overwatch…can't say I blame him. Gave Ana and I a run for our money. He's still got it.' Jack hid his emotions well, but Angela could see how pained he was by these facts, and she could understand wholeheartedly. Jack and Gabriel were rivals, undoubtedly, but they were more akin to brothers than anything else. To have that relationship become so warped, and to have so much time pass only to meet in such a way, Jack would have to be a monster himself not to feel anything. Considering the changes in his personality, it was good to see his heart was still the same, if much more guarded.

'This…is a lot to take in.' Angela responded, trying to understand that Ana Amari was before her again. Still, despite it all, Angela's mind was distracted, and she could only ask the question that had plagued her the moment she saw this master of the gun. 'Your daughter is here. Did you know that?'

Ana chuckled sadly, breathing out in a methodic way afterward.

'I do.'

'Are you going to see her? She thinks you are no longer of this world.'

'I am not certain it would be best to make myself known to her just yet.'

'And why is that?' Angela heard an edge in her tone that surprised her. Even Jack shuffled his footing, possibly noticing the shift.

'I never wanted this for her. I wanted to keep her safe. She refused to listen to me, and we left one another's lives not on the best of terms. Now, she's fighting in Overwatch? There couldn't be a more dangerous battlefield. She's not ready.'

Angela's hand clenched, and she bit at her lip in frustration, the rising emotion continuing to perplex her.

'She's a grown woman, Ana. I've seen her in action myself. She's more than ready. She protected my life with skills and courage. She rose in the ranks of the Egyptian army. She's been trusted with one of the most powerful weapons a singular human could wield beyond mechanized suits and the like. I mean no disrespect, but I have to adamantly disagree with your analysis of your daughter's abilities. She will prove more than an asset to Overwatch. Winston knows this, and that's why he personally recruited her. Her time is now, and she will make you proud, of that I promise.'

A pause. Jack was keeping quiet, but his arms were crossed, looking to Ana for a response. Angela might have even caught a twitch in the corner of his mouth.

'You speak of her with an odd amount of affection, Angela. I wasn't aware you were so close to Fareeha.'

'I-I'm not.' Angela stammered, her chest tightening. 'We just spent some time together, and I was able to understand her quite well. Near-death scenarios have the tendency to bring souls closer, I would imagine.'

'Hm. True…' Ana huffed, shaking her head still. 'I'll consider your words, Dr. Ziegler, but for now, I stand by my decision. She needs to focus. Having "mommy" around won't do that child any favours.'

Angela wanted to provide yet another rebuttal, but she was suddenly self-conscious of her actions, and remained silent.

'It is ultimately your decision.'

'Indeed.' Ana agreed.

'Are we done here? Good.' Jack cut in sharply. 'There's plenty to do, and Winston is taking his leisurely time getting back here. I've received confirmation of a few other "old friends" returning to the fight. Our forces are strengthening, but we can't be too careful. Talon is moving forward with their plans as much as we are. There's also the crisis in Russia that we'll be assisting with soon. The situation is being evaluated, but I'm assuming we'll be sending a special unit to help with that particular war. It's just the beginning. It's only a matter of time before other places get as bad. We're in over our heads.'

'Do we have an E.T.A. for Winston's team returning?' Ana shifted all focus without missing a beat. Thoughts of how Fareeha would feel about Ana's survival wouldn't release Angela, but she pushed the feelings down, as always, and joined the conversation.

'From what I understand, Tracer and Genji are with him?'

'Yes.' Jack nodded. 'However, their potential opponent could give even such an elite squad trouble. I'm waiting to hear from Winston, but I'm beginning to have my doubts.'

'Well, then I best prepare my facilities just in case. Keep me informed, would you?' Angela dismissed herself, knowing the meeting was concluded for the time being. Jack and Ana could talk war all they wanted, but Angela wanted to focus elsewhere. Until they heard something about Winston, any major operations were on hold for the moment.

The doctor made it back to her office without much fuss beyond some newer Overwatch agents wanting to greet her. Once the solitude of her workspace was found, Angela hung her lab coat and sat in her chair, the back of it allowing her to lean comfortably. It was rare for her to take a moment for herself, but she could only sit and think, pushing past the dark ceiling of her sanctuary.

At once, being part of Overwatch was as fulfilling as ever, but at the same time, it meant participating in death and destruction. Jack and Ana were ready to kill, yet Angela wanted no part of such an act. It was a foolhardy mindset at best, but it was how she felt, and no matter of time would change that. Angela was given her gift to help and heal, not warp humanity, as her supposed rival in Talon willingly did. Speaking of which, Angela should like to meet this individual. If she could persuade them to join Overwatch, perhaps they could formulate a way to mass produce the nanomachines within Angela for all of humanity. How wonderful would that be?

'Heheh…' Angela laughed, pushing a hand through her blonde hair and undoing her ponytail.

She was being hopelessly romantic. Someone who was far gone enough to twist their talent in a way that could change an innocent girl into a killing machine was lost. Even Angela wouldn't think anything else. She was tired, and she knew it. She was also, oddly enough, feeling quite lonely, which was rather rare. Angela valued her downtime when she had it, but the last few days proved the hum of her equipment wasn't enough anymore. Was all this talk of partnership and love over the last week affecting her? How silly.

Angela allowed an uncontrollable thought of Fareeha to pass through her intelligent mind one more time before she dismissed the girl altogether and prepared to get some food and call it a night as soon as possible. She needed refreshment. She needed to stop thinking so incessantly for once in her life.