Mercy

The words kept echoing in her mind.

The mission to Saint Petersburg, Russia was well underway, a large force of Overwatch agents loaded into the MV-261 Orca and already en route. Angela had even equipped her Valkyrie suit after so long, the material tight and suffocating this time. Among the Overwatch agents were some of the Grandmaster class. Soldier 76 and Horus were currently present alongside Angela, and Winston was apparently meeting the group with Genji on sight. To involve so many powerhouses from Overwatch's forces was telling. The war involving omnics in Russia was escalating, and if such a capable country fell, the rest of the world could very well follow. They were the only people who didn't require Overwatch's assistance in the first war, and yet, here Angela was, prepared to fight in one of the harshest climates the world had to offer.

And thus, the words kept echoing in her mind.

'I'll miss you.'

They had nearly made her crumble. She had held herself together rather admirably, in the doctor's personal opinion, during the difficult conversation, yet when Fareeha unabashedly said those three words, Angela's composure was threatened. She had to quickly dismiss herself after admitting the simple truth, not giving her own mind time to reconsider or re-evaluate the repercussions of such a response.

'I'll miss you too, Fareeha. Very much.'

"Very much." She would "miss Fareeha very much". Angela's face was burning at the thought, yet she wouldn't claim dishonesty. Even now, amidst the twelve-hour flight, she was having trouble focusing. She kept thinking of the young Egyptian woman and the time she wanted to spend with her, learning about her and figuring the younger woman out. She was severely intrigued, and she simply couldn't dismiss the connection she felt when conversing with the young Ms. Amari.

Unfiltered honesty. That's what Fareeha emitted, and Angela appreciated it so very, very much. And yet, in this moment, as she considered the interactions further, a deep sense of dread filled Angela from a multitude of angles. This was why she kept her distance so. She had said as much to Fareeha herself. She hated this sensation. Angela was going off to war. She was ever ready to die in her line of work, but now, that resolve came with an intense, growing fear because of what – or more accurately, "who" – she left behind. She wanted to survive this mission. She wanted to see Fareeha again. Even as the logical side of her brain argued with her emotions over the silliness of it all, she couldn't go back anymore.

Angela Ziegler felt something when she was around Fareeha Amari, and it was something she had never, ever experienced before since…

'Angela?' Horus' muffled voice shook Angela out of her internal contemplation. Angela blinked, looking at the somewhat unsettling mask of the mysterious mother whom only a select few knew the true identity of at this point. Ana, Jack, and Angela had their own personal sector of the aircraft, closed off from the rest of the team if they so desired. Delicate matters sometimes needed to be discussed amongst the higher ups, and therefore, this particular bay was utilized as such.

'Yes?' Angela answered, trying not to give away the fact she was thinking so deeply about this very woman's daughter.

'You need to remain present if this mission is to be a success.' Ana went on, and Jack readjusted the way he was sitting in his chair.

'If we can reclaim Volskaya Industries, we'll have Russia's support…under the table, of course.' Jack's gruff voice went on. 'The recent Talon attack on the place left the cornerstone of Russia's defensive production crippled. This allowed for the omnics influenced by the God Program to infiltrate and hold position for this long. The infamous Svyatogor mechs operating systems were jammed in the same hacking attack, with the few that remained unaffected taken down by a crude recreation of a Titan. Russia is barely holding their ground, and Volskaya Industries is all but lost, serving as a mere sector to maintain position before the omnics advance further.'

'I read the mission proposal, Jack.' Angela said with a twinkle in her eye.

'Yet your mind is elsewhere, Angela. This isn't like you.' Ana persisted, and Angela hated that these two could read her so competently.

'What's going on? If you're daydreaming in the middle of a fight, it could mean a life lost.' Jack pressed further, and Angela's temple pricked.

'I understand my role, Jack. Do not worry. How many other medics do you know who are willing to fight alongside the soldiers in the heat of combat? Why, I seem to recall saving your life on numerous occasions. True, it has been some time since I've been in such peril, but I will fulfill my duty as necessary.'

Jack crossed his arms but wouldn't argue. He was that smart, at least.

'The monk will be supporting you as well. He insisted on accompanying us on this mission.' Ana nodded deeper into the aircraft, and Angela knew Zenyatta was meditating in his own private quarters. He was a force to reckon with, from what his files had stated, and Angela was interested in seeing what the omnic was capable of as a support unit alongside her.

'That's reassuring.' Angela nodded.

'If Winston and Genji are there, we'll have nothing to worry about. We'll get in, get the mission done, and get back. I don't like the idea of leaving our base so defenseless for longer than a few days.' Jack huffed.

'Indeed. But if he's also there, I suspect our battle will be much more difficult, Jack.' Ana couldn't help but raise the possibility, even if Angela wasn't following the foreboding tone's implications.

'Who?' She decided to ask, knowing she needed to remain engaged.

'Gabe.' Jack answered simply, his voice thick with numerous, nulled emotions.

'I see…' Angela left it at that knowingly, deciding to change the subject promptly, for she was quite aware of how deep Jack's agony in relation to his former best friend ran. 'Will Winston and Genji be fit for combat considering the foe they failed to subdue? And what of Tracer? I read she was permitted to pursue a private mission, but the details were purposely vague.'

Jack and Ana exchanged a look, and then Ana's calm, almost soothing voice came with some answers.

'Doomfist retreated successfully, knowing he was to be defeated otherwise, so, Winston and Genji are fine. As for Lena…she was allowed to take on a particularly dangerous task that could help turn the tides of the fight against Talon in our favour.'

'And that is?' Angela asked, her patience waning.

'She's taking down Widowmaker.' Jack grunted. 'She was given some insider information and deemed it trustworthy. I was against the whole thing, but Winston made the final call, and I won't bother going against him at this point. Sounds personal to me, and that never mixes well with a mission. Lena's too valuable to risk her life like that. Widowmaker is one of their best. It's beyond dangerous.'

Angela nodded in agreement.

'It's reckless, that cannot be denied…'

'But if she succeeds,' Ana interjected. 'Then Talon loses a key player on the board.'

'And if she fails, we do.' Jack quickly made clear.

'In war, sometimes great risks lead to greater victories. I won't argue with your apprehensions, Jack, because they're well-founded, but Tracer is a grown woman, and she, out of anyone, is at least capable of retreating should she feel the fight is a losing one.'

'Well…that's true enough.' Jack softened, perhaps reflecting on the young girl's abilities. 'Speaking of key players, that daughter of yours would have been a welcome addition to this mission. Her command of the Raptora Mark VI is supposedly uncanny. Got her mother's reflexes, huh?'

'Perhaps…' Ana sounded less than enthused.

'Her rank is officially getting changed to Diamond already. Not bad. She'll be a Master soon enough.'

'She needs to recover first. She was irresponsible during that mission, and hopefully has learned from it.'

'But you're proud.' Jack didn't smile much anymore, but even his lips curled into a small grin. Angela could almost see Ana's reluctance behind her expressionless mask.

'…Of course, I am.'

Angela giggled a little, although the subject of Fareeha wrenched at her chest, and her newfound focus on the mission was suddenly threatened.

'Have you decided to reveal yourself to her, then?' Angela attempted, wondering if it was a subject that she should continue prying at when it, arguably, didn't quite involve her.

'It is not outside the realm of possibility. I just need time.'

'Time isn't exactly on our side these days, Ana.' Angela countered, and the older woman didn't move as she responded.

'Then that is that. What will be will be. She seems to have adjusted well enough, if you're to ask my honest opinion.'

'I don't believe that is true. She misses you greatly. If she could show you how successful she has been as a warrior, like yourself, she would be overjoyed.'

'And again, I wonder about your insistence in this matter.'

Angela's throat tightened, but she felt a burning in her veins, and she spoke up, the prior thoughts of Fareeha spurring her forward and adding emotion to the doctor's otherwise fairly aloof involvement in such things.

'I have grown quite close to your daughter, Ana. She is important to me…as a friend.'

'You?' Jack interjected, disbelief in his voice. 'She get past that impenetrable gate you have around yourself? Hard to think it possible.'

'Oh, Jack; you're exaggerating.' Angela waved her hand, but the man went on.

'Heh. Am not. Don't think I don't know about the number of men that approached you in our organization alone. You were always by yourself, Angela. Even when you're surrounded by others, you don't open up to anyone. You're telling me Ana's kid somehow got you to let someone in? You finally have a "friend" you open up to even a little? Colour me impressed. Forget Diamond, Fareeha should be a Grandmaster for such a feat.'

'Come now, Jack. Don't tease.' Ana chuckled. 'But it is curious. What has transpired between you two to develop such a bond?'

'You make it out to be something impressive, but she's simply caught my attention. Perhaps my maternal instincts are shining through. How am I to know?' Angela lied, inwardly grimacing. She hated the idea of downplaying what she knew was festering in her heart, but she couldn't be certain of Fareeha's own perspective on things, and she was ever guarded in such matters. Nonetheless, she wasn't ready to openly discuss her thoughts. Not yet.

'Oho. I hadn't thought of that. You're at the age, I suppose, although I already had a toddler by then. You feeling a form of regret for not marrying and having a child by now?'

Angela bit at her lip. It wasn't something she didn't consider from time to time, but it certainly couldn't keep her up at night either. She had no desire to bring another life into the world when there were so many she had yet to save. A companion, on the other hand, wasn't a terrible concept. Traveling the world and healing those in need with a significant other by her side surely had its perks. None had ever engaged Angela's senses to consider such a route, but Fareeha made her think otherwise, and as she drew out the picture in her imagination, the woman blushed, knowing she was getting foolishly ahead of herself when she didn't even truly know Fareeha in that way.

'Looks like you hit the nail on the head.' Jack was grinning again.

'T-that's not it.' Angela defended herself. 'I simply was…That is…'

'You're almost forty, Angela. Your work is important, indeed, but remember to live your own life as well. Even I managed to have a family at one point, and it is a feeling like no other. It's complicated, do not mistake my words, but it's an irreplaceable experience, that much is, without a doubt, true.' Ana's tone softened, and Angela felt as though they were the old Overwatch again. It's where she felt she belonged, to an extent, and the sensation wasn't so bad.

'I will…think about it, I suppose.' She decided honestly.

'Oh? Should I manage the line back at the base when we reveal that the infamous bachelorette, Angela Ziegler, is prepared to take on a spouse?' Jack hadn't sounded so lively in quite some time. It almost made the teasing worth it.

'No. Please don't.'

And the three agents laughed, the looming importance of their upcoming mission somewhat lessened by the realization that they were not alone, and it was back to business as some of the original saviors of humanity.

The MV-261 Orca finally landed, the various engines and humming sounds from the machines all about dying down to a small murmur. Angela, Ana, and Jack exited their quarters and descended to the main deck area where the rest of the crew was already gearing up. Russia was known for being a merciless, cold frontier, and although the weather was somewhat co-operating at this point, it was imperative that Overwatch prepare for the conditions appropriately. Jack made some minor adjustments to his gear, while Ana was just about ready as was. Angela, on the other hand, was forced to add a layer to her Valkyrie suit for, despite it being fairly thermalized, Saint Petersburg's temperature was nothing to scoff at.

'Peace be with you.' Zenyatta seemingly snuck up on Angela, being one of the few unintimidated by her position within Overwatch and the reputation that preceded her.

'And to you, Master Zenyatta.' Angela responded politely.

'Might I be partially forward with you for but a moment?'

Angela stepped to the side with the monk, thankful Jack was keeping the rest of the agents busy with instructions before they headed out into the looming fight.

'Of course. It is an honour.'

'You're too kind. That being said, during my meditation I couldn't help but feel an abnormal amount of stress and anxiety from a surprising source.'

Angela suddenly didn't like where this conversation was heading, but held her ground, only glancing to where Jack and Ana continued to mediate their soldiers.

'There are…circumstances in my life that have unexpectantly caused my mind some turmoil. I will be fine.'

'Ah. So, you are aware. That is fortunate. Enlightenment in the workings of your own psyche is the first step to acceptance and tranquility.'

'Thank-you, Master Zenyatta. I look forward to working with you in this battle.'

'Naturally.' The omnic paused, his presence nearly ethereal somehow. Perhaps it was the way he levitated instead of walked, or it may have been the glowing orbs that he subconsciously controlled with the raw power of his mind. He was a mysterious being through and through, especially as far as omnics were concerned.

'However, it may be best to contact this individual who weighs so heavily on your mind prior to the fight, for regret can be a colossal adversary, and should discord find our presence on this mortal coil, I would want to reach out to such a transcendent force in my life before it was potentially snuffed. Indeed, I know this all too well now.'

Angela's eyes fluttered, and she swallowed harshly, her neck hurting.

'Perhaps…you are right.'

'Take a moment. We do not leave quite yet. Dream a dream only you may be capable of witnessing. A butterfly is a curious thing, no? Gripped in the talons of a predator, it is even more so. Ah, but that is unrelated for now.'

'I'll be right back.' Angela returned to the sector of the ship she, Jack, and Ana had previously occupied. She took out her phone and tapped her way to the message she had started with Fareeha. The other woman replied to her teasing, but it was evident that Fareeha wasn't particularly comfortable with placing her thoughts into writing, and thus, Angela only reviewed a single-word response that, for whatever reason, made her stomach turn a little in excitement.

"Okay."

It was somehow…endearing, and Angela breathed out slowly as she began typing her message, knowing she didn't have much time left before someone sought her out.

"Fareeha." Angela began, the name making her smile slightly. "I am about to head out into Saint Petersburg to help subdue the crisis the omnics and Talon have created. I will be fighting in the frontlines, more than likely, and will not be able to communicate with you again for quite some time. Thus, I thought I would quickly write you and tell you…"

What? Tell her what, exactly? What was the point of even writing this letter? This was completely illogical. How old was Angela? She was acting like a silly schoolgirl in…in…

'Tsk. There truly is something wrong with me.' Angela rubbed her forehead. Yet, despite her recognition of her own foolishness, the process of writing Fareeha was, strangely enough, therapeutic. Her fears and apprehensions were being sedated, as though a remedial medicine was working through her system. With a shaky hand, Angela went forward with the letter.

"…that I am hoping you are doing well. Ideally, I will be returning sooner rather than later. A nice, warm drink together sounds rather nice amidst this frightfully cold weather."

Angela's mouth quivered, and her pulse stirred as she decided to voice her thoughts, wondering how it would feel to be just a little more honest considering the positive effects this practise was having.

"I am also thinking of you…quite a bit. Odd, isn't it?"

Angela giggled. She couldn't send that last piece. It was too much. Too forward. Too presumptuous. They were just becoming friends. Far be it for Angela to integrate her own confusing, developing notions into the innocent interaction. Angela prepared to delete the final couple of sentences, lining up her finger with the correct buttons displayed on the screen.

'Angela. We're heading out.' Jack's gruff voice was annoyed, and it startled Angela. She covered her phone with both hands in surprise, nodding at the man with apologetic eyes.

'Of course. My apologies.'

'Don't apologize. You have a lot on your mind. I'm counting on you.'

'Yes. I will look after everyone, as always.'

Jack nodded, and he was gone. Tentatively, Angela looked back to her phone, and her whole body froze. She had accidently sent her message as it was.

It wasn't long before the entire squad was standing in what appeared to be the remains of a museum of some kind. At nearly fifty strong, Jack guided the group, and it was a relief to find Winston already conversing with someone who was clearly high ranked within the Russian army. He was a large man, but despite this, he seemed tiny when compared to the enormous gorilla.

'What's the situation?' Jack inserted himself immediately, his large rifle resting on his broad, weathered shoulders.

'Jack. Angela. Er…Shrike?'

'Horus this time, dear.' Ana corrected.

'Ah! Very good. We were just preparing to join Russia's camp. The fighting is fairly intense today, as if they knew we were coming.' Winston fixed his glasses, his breath completely visible. 'But I'm confident we can help here.'

'You understand the agreement with our government, correct?' The Russian man tried to confirm.

'Yeah. You hired some mercenaries to help and somehow won a fight that's been in a stalemate for weeks. Nobody will guess a thing.' Jack almost growled, but it was the truth. He had every right to be frustrated. Even Angela recognized the annoyance in her mind, and she wasn't as close to any of this.

'Correct. As long as we're on the same page.' The man didn't bat an eye. 'Our camp is about eight hundred feet due east. I will escort you – '

The ground shook, with nearby explosions causing the earth to tremble, dust and debris falling from the ceiling. The tremors went on, the detonations varied and scattered in the air. The various Overwatch agents hardly reacted, and this provided Angela some relief. Jack didn't bring anybody who was below rank Platinum.

'Let's go.' The Russian man encouraged readily.

'This will be but another trial for man and omnics alike.' Zenyatta mumbled to himself more than anything. Angela mostly followed behind Jack, Ana, and Winston, with Zenyatta staying semi-close by. She tried to remain focused but couldn't help checking her phone once when she thought she could spare a second. The ground was almost constantly shaking, with more and more explosions colliding with what should've been a peaceful, industrial part of the city.

Fareeha hadn't replied. It was fine. Angela convinced herself it was nothing to be concerned about; especially when faced with what seemed like a rather brutal fight.

'Your timing couldn't be better, I suppose.' General Albert (who's name Angela had finally overheard) admitted. 'It's never been this bad. Sergeant Zarya is barely holding her ground, and that is truly saying precisely how dire the situation has become. The omnics have never been so aggressive. Whatever they're building in there, it might be almost complete.'

'So, they're using your own facility to build something? Cute.' Jack chuckled.

'We've been locked in combat with the omnics for quite some time. We thought we had them contained in Volskaya Industries, but it seems that's precisely what they wanted. We've been trying to pry them out, but it's almost impossible to get close enough to do anything. Sergeant Zarya has come close to plucking a few omnics out, but it's like a hornet's nest. However, the moment that Titan imitation steps onto the field a retreat is almost always issued. We have no way of counterattacking that monstrosity at the moment, and they don't let it travel too far from the industries, knowing we would have the advantage further from their camp.'

General Albert was sounding more exhausted by the second. The fight was weighing on him, and Angela watched as the group neared the obvious base of the Russian army. She had seen enough of such establishments, although this particular battle was so contained for now that the Russian army didn't exactly seem hard done by, fortunately.

'It won't be a problem. This is our specialty. So long as your men and women are willing to listen to our plan, everything should be fine.' Jack's confidence was one of his strong points, and Angela remembered why the troops rallied around him so easily in the past. This man seemed invincible, and with Angela's support on the field, it wasn't precisely far from the truth.

'At this point, we're willing to try anything. These omnics are getting smarter. They're purposely dragging this out, knowing our morale and reserves are beginning to wane. The city has been mostly evacuated, just in case, and the isolation from family is trying many of our troops as more time passes.'

The earth shook again, another explosion much closer than before. They were in the Russian camp now, and Jack immediately asked General Albert to call everyone in. When one of Overwatch's finest had the attention of those directly around him, he began speaking, and Angela tried to listen attentively. She felt disconnected, and she knew that was a major problem as the primary medic for the team.

Jack reviewed the maps hastily, formulating actions for squads he created as he went. Winston contributed here and there, but this was Soldier 76's forte, and it was clear he knew precisely how to approach this situation. When Genji seemingly appeared out of nowhere and spoke quietly to the assumed leader of the new attack, Angela knew Jack's collection of information was complete, and he could put the final phases of his move into place. The ninja gave Angela only the smallest of glances, an unspoken bond between the two ever solidified.

'Their scars could carve this land into pieces aplenty.' Zenyatta hummed beside Angela, and she gripped at her Caduceus Staff, aware this was the calm before the storm. Jack likely sensed it, too, based on what General Albert had said. This war in Saint Petersburg had swollen to the point of bursting. Whatever had possessed the omnics to hold up such a facility while it was compromised was soon to be revealed, and Jack likely didn't want to give his adversaries time to do that very thing. His instincts, when it came to this very situation, were razor sharp still.

'Angela…you're with me. You know what that means, right?' Jack addressed her directly, and Angela's heart jumped. It meant she was in the frontlines. It meant she would be where the most danger lurked. It meant Jack was relying on her ability to not only heal him, but take severe damage herself in the midst of lethal combat. Angela could regenerate, to an extent, and being with Jack meant taking a few bullets or worse.

Fareeha would never approve. But Fareeha wasn't here. Thinking about her would only hurt those around Angela when she needed to focus.

'Or give you strength in your darkest hour.' Zenyatta almost sang, and it was as though only Angela could hear him, for time left the comment behind as the doctor was forced to respond.

'Of course. The titan will be our target, then?'

'Yes. We take it down, then you and I infiltrate the base. They won't expect a single man to be capable of such a thing. Infiltrating the enemy base will require extraordinary caution, everyone. Omnics have the ability to self-destruct, and that's why it's paramount you disable them, by any means, swiftly. This operation shouldn't last longer than an hour or two at most, and it will be our only chance with some element of surprise. The battle will end today…one way or another.'

'If we wait until Reinhardt and the others arrive, it might be even bet – '

'I called them off.' Jack shook his head, and Winston recoiled in sincere shock from his cut off thought.

'What!?'

'What's protecting our base right now? Not much. If Talon is smart – and they are – they'll strike now, while we're dealing with this mess and Tracer is off on her own. If Reinhardt, Torbjorn, and even his daughter, Brigitte, are there, I can take care of this mission with a little more peace of mind.'

'Hm. That may be true…'

'Besides, don't you think we're stacked enough here? This is overkill.' Jack's confidence continued to fuel everyone around him, and he lifted a fist into the air, pumping it enthusiastically. He gave one powerful battle cry, and all the troops present – Russian included – responded in kind.

'His soul is aflame with the life he knew.' Zenyatta narrated, ever in tune with the subtle nuances of the humans close to him.

Angela had to agree, however, for Jack's eyes were cold and dead when he first arrived back at Overwatch Gibraltar. This fight reminded him of his purpose beyond vigilante acts of supposed honour. He was years younger again, although even his body would soon give out from the strain it was under. Angela worried they wouldn't be able to function as a unit the way they had in the past.

'Final checks. We depart in ten minutes.'

The ground shook, Zarya's fight intensifying by the second. Ten minutes. In ten minutes Angela would be truly back on the field. Back to fighting and death. Back to saving those in need. Back to furiously trying to keep everyone alive, exposing herself, in turn, to injury and pain. Her powers had decreased some. She wasn't what she once was. Her body had aged, despite the nanotechnology belying such truth. In her prime, Angela was capable of mass reviving soldiers so long as they were within a certain radius around her and their souls hadn't completely dissolved. After some time, she couldn't perform such miracles on that grand of a scale, but she could still bring back one or two men if the right scenario played out. Additionally, her Valkyrie suit allowed her flight and speed that turned her into an angel of life and death. Now, she was nearing her limit. She could revive a single man within a certain time frame, but it took her so long, and she was so vulnerable during the process. She couldn't move as fast in flight. She couldn't change the tide of battle anymore. She could only heal quickly and leave herself exposed more frequently. It was frightening, but she knew it was her place. She knew her ability to heal and boost attack power alternatively was what Jack relied on to make this mission a success. Beating the titanic omnic, in particular, required her to perform her very best within the parameters available.

Angela tried to resist the urge, but when the soldiers and agents began collecting near Jack, she knew she wouldn't have another chance…perhaps ever, as morbid as it was to think about. She checked her phone, and it was a foreign feeling how much her heart sunk. She wanted to read Fareeha's words. And with this realization, Angela realized quite clearly that she had it very bad…

'You know your squads. Squad leaders, move to your respective positions with your troops. Winston, Horus, and myself are your leaders. Those of you in my squad will be rallying with Sergeant Zarya once we join the fight. At that point, Angela and I will break away to deal with the titan or, if luck is on our side, infiltrating the base ourselves and taking out whatever those omnics are working on. Again, if the titan appears after Angela and I have moved in, keep it distracted as long as possible. Genji can take it down if he has the right situation, so, just worry about staying alive. Understood?'

"Yessir!"

'Good. I have faith this mission will be a success. I trust in my team, and I know, as the only country who didn't need help in the first war, that Russia's soldiers won't disappoint me either.'

"Yeah!"

'Let's move out!'

And it started. Angela's suit allowed her to temporarily latch onto individuals of her choice, drawing herself to them as though a magnet was at work. She kept up with Jack in such a fashion, and only briefly glanced around at the other squads spreading out along the large expanse of industry and snow. Winston's party took the front, while Ana's flanked. Jack followed in somewhat close to Winston, and within less than ten minutes, the battle was in view, the explosions and destruction that had reminded everyone of the fight's presence completely visible in all its violent glory.

Angela hated the sight. Snow was soaked with crimson, and omnic pieces remained scattered every which way. Makeshift barriers were erected here and there, with shouting and the sound of weapons going off filling the air, echoing every which way endlessly. It was so very, very familiar, and it formed a knot in Angela's throat. Omnics of every shape and size were pouring out of the Volskaya Industries, and a single unit seemed to be keeping them at bay. A monster of an individual, who Angela could only assume to be the infamous Zarya herself, fought with such zeal it was hard to look away. Her enormous gun alternated between a deadly laser and energy bombs that caused immense destruction in its wake. She could temporarily protect herself and someone close by as well, it appeared, during strict intervals with a shield. Her personal squad was almost single-handedly holding position against the waves of enemies thanks to her careful distribution of power, but it was clear the omnics were wearing them down, and this seeming final push became that much more obvious.

Jack's pace increased, and Winston actually leapt high into the air, sensing the desperation of the fight. The incredible gorilla landed, the snow all around him exploding where he impacted, and he was tossing the smaller omnics to the side like bugs. The bigger adversaries, however, weren't so easily dealt with, and they recognized the sudden threat as lethal, directing their focus on Winston's rampaging form.

'Hiiiiya! That's good! That's good!" Zarya shouted, her accent thick, but her voice feeding her men's confidence. "Come at me!'

And, as if answering her challenge, the ground trembled, forcing everyone back immediately, even the omnics spreading out and changing formation without missing a beat.

'Hmph. This is it…' Jack grunted, running becoming more of a burden with every tremor that indicated the approach of such a massive machine of destruction. 'Boost me until I say so. Don't switch to medical support without my word!'

'Understood.' Angela nodded, feeling the weight of her own weapon in hand.

'My foolish brothers. So, it has come to this.' Zenyatta's words lingered, but he was gone suddenly, golden orbs flying all about the battlefield, obviously crippled and injured men and women showing signs of slow, progressive improvement in tandem.

The titanic omnic that appeared soon thereafter was not quite as brilliant as Torbjorn's original, but its massive size and evident firepower made it deadly enough. Immediately upon its arrival, an arsenal of weaponry was launched in the form of explosives and energy beams. Its aim wasn't precise, by any means, but its sheer size amounted to most of its destructive capability. It could simply crush anything and anyone beneath its weight, and Angela wondered if even Jack could take down such a foe. Distance was created between most of Russia's army and Overwatch's agents, but the attack wasn't let up, especially by those who had received Jack's instructions. He charged in, and Angela steeled her mind, following him into the fray and trying with all her might to dismiss any prior reservations.

Having spoken with Torbjorn about the construction of omnics and machines in general, Jack knew exactly where to strike first. His incredible aim and firepower was put to good use as he dashed about through the snow, his squad and Winston's doing everything in their power to push back any pursuing omnics. He went for the legs first, causing sparks and rapid destructive bursts from the titan. He launched helix rockets as needed and continued pumping the omnic full of pulse rifle rounds, his weapons boosted thanks to Angela's enhancements. She got a read every time his attacks landed, and the ping was constant in her mind, letting her know Jack was truly causing some harm to this monstrosity.

Still, even with all his efforts, the titan was only showing slight signs of distress, its natural shields and girth more than enough for a single man with minor physical manipulation. Not only that, but Jack's condition was worsening despite not being hit by any direct attack. He was pushing himself. He always had and always would, but his body was starting to betray him in old age. He couldn't fight the way he used to forever. He likely knew this, and that's why he commanded Angela not to switch her priorities mid-fight. He only had so much time…for many things. They all did. Life wasn't infinite. The possibilities youth allowed wouldn't be present evermore. Perhaps that's why Angela allowed such divisive thoughts even in the midst of combat like this.

'Don't switch, Angela…!' Jack hollered, and his visor flashed red, a sound buzzing into the air as though electricity was charging into his weapon. 'I've got you in my sights, Titan!'

The volley of shots that followed were inhuman. The pure accuracy and destructive power couldn't be compared to any other single person's save for perhaps Gabriel in his prime, and even then, Jack's range proved more advantageous. The titan buckled at last, its legs no longer capable of sustaining its massive weight, and Jack immediately infiltrated Volskaya Industries, leaving the rest to his capable squads and the Russian army.

'Jack…Your health.' Angela breathed, keeping up with the man and managing her abilities taxing her somewhat. His energy was waning, yet his bodily improvements allowed him to simply ignore such natural restrictors.

'I know, but this is our chance. They're pouring their resources into this last stand for a reason. We shut them down now or we might not have another opportunity to do so.'

It was true. The resistance Jack and Angela met was nothing compared to what was pushed through to the frontlines. Jack downed omnic after omnic. Even the OR14s that stood against him didn't last longer than a minute. He knew these opponents too well, and with Angela in his pocket, none of them stood a chance. It was a blitz attack at its finest, and once Jack and Angela made it somewhat deep into the industry, he finally took a moment, his breaths heavy, but his implications obvious enough. Angela switched to recovering her old friend's health, and he nodded in thanks, checking his equipment with restrained grunts.

'What are you suspecting we'll find?' Angela asked, sensing Jack's strength returning slowly…slower than ever before.

'Not sure. Not a single Talon agent present either. Makes a guy wonder.'

'Indeed. Is this just a distraction?'

'Hard to say. Better not to risk it either way.'

'Their resources are nothing to scoff at.'

'Omnics can have a field day in a place like this; especially ones influenced by that God Program.'

'…It's truly unfortunate. Speaking with Zenyatta and then seeing this…it's simply terrible.'

'Won't argue with that.'

A small pause between the Overwatch agents, Jack sighing deeply before he began speaking again, the distant sounds of fighting ever urging him forward.

'How much longer do I have, Doc?'

The question stun. Angela had been doing the evaluation in her head already the moment she noticed the strain her staff underwent to unnaturally repair Jack's wounds. She wasn't even sure she could bring him back if he went down anymore. His body might completely reject her at that point. Even now, it practically begged her to leave it be. It had shouldered too many fights. There were so many scars.

'It's hard to say.'

'Heh. That short, huh?'

Angela turned her gaze, the soft, golden hue from her healing illuminating the little alcove the agents took a breather in. They only had moments longer, Angela knew. Thus far, the operation was a sweltering success. Jack's plan was perfect. His firepower and utilization of those around him couldn't have been better. His experience and expertise led everyone to such a victory. It was only a matter of time…for this fight anyway. There would be more. Angela knew this was just the beginning of the war that had already started, the U.N.'s accepted ignorance be damned.

'It's fine. I can make it through for a little longer. Just gotta bring Gabe to his senses and then I can die in peace.'

'Don't talk like that, Jack.'

'It's how I talk now, Angela. I've changed. We all have. It's not like it was before. As much as Winston wants it to be, Overwatch will never be the same. We're not heroes. We're organized vigilantes. But that's okay. It's better this way.' Jack pushed himself up, reloading his Heavy Pulse Rifle.

'For now, perhaps, but there is hope for change. This battle is a start, wouldn't you say?'

Jack raised a brow behind his red optic visor, staring Angela down for a moment.

'Yeah. We've changed alright. Some for the better, maybe.' And he left it at that, dashing forward and continuing his rampage. His energy mostly restored, Jack took down any further resistance even more efficiently than before. Angela could hardly keep up, and sometimes had to manage her distance and safety by navigating corners and corridors perfectly while maintaining a connection. Jack was more brutal with his attacks than he had ever been in the past. There was an anger and viciousness to his movements where there had been pride and finesse before. His heart had hardened. His mind was cold. There were hints of the old Jack, but in the end, he was out for blood, and it wasn't completely uncalled for, despite how Angela generally felt about such things.

Finally, Jack and Angela made it to the seeming core of the omnic operation. A multitude of OR14 sentries guarded the point, but Jack took one out and damaged another with a single helix rocket, and then finished the rest with perfect aim, his pulse rifle's bullets penetrating the weak parts in the construct of such omnics with relative ease. The room was fairly large, with extensive mechanisms moving about, automatically working on a single omnic, presumably, in the middle. A soft, unnatural green light glowed where the various Volskayan instruments performed, their code overwritten by the omnics that had infiltrated the facility for so long.

'This it?' Jack approached the fairly grand makeshift lab.

'Careful, Jack.' Angela urged, the distant sounds of the battle outside still managing to echo into the factory.

'All this time, and they're still trying to put something together? God Program must make them dumb in exchange for pure savagery. One bullet and this thing is done.'

Jack approached the centre of the room, shooting down the robotic arms working away without missing a beat. Sparks hissed across the ground alongside the OR14's groans, and Angela stepped forward as well, instinctively switching to health support with her staff.

'What are you do – ?' Jack began, but he didn't finish. His body flew across the room, high into the sky before slamming into a wall, dropping him to the ground with a crunching thud.

'Jack…!' Angela screamed, his body's state in critical condition. 'Genji! Winston! Ana! Get in here – !'

Angela had been shot before. Many times, in fact. She had endured pain when others may have even died. She knew what agony was. Healing from a mortal wound was not a simple matter. Her body rejected the nanomachines every time, but her science always overturned natural evolution. It was unnatural, but that was fine with the doctor.

This pain, however…

Angela inhaled, but when she tried to breathe out, blood poured from her mouth and nose, her one eye caked shut practically.

This pain, however…

She couldn't feel her body. Her one good eye registered that her stomach had been completely blown apart. Her armour had protected her organs from spilling out completely, but just barely. She was dying. She was dying much more hastily than she had ever been in the past.

This pain…

The nanomachines hurt. They hurt they attempted to reconstruct her basic makeup so desperately. She couldn't move. As a faint, humanoid being of light approached her, she couldn't do a thing. She was heading into shock. Her mind was shutting down. It was the only choice. She couldn't repair herself otherwise. This never happened. Not to her. Not to the prodigy. Not to the Goddess of the battlefield.

This…pain…

In a half unconscious state, Angela's eye drunkenly scanned the floor. The black specks were overcoming her. They would consume her before long. Everything was shutting off. As a doctor, Angela knew precisely what her body was doing. Nonetheless, she saw a small, thin device just out of reach, its screen cracked despite not even being in the brunt of the attack.

This…

The impact had shaken it awake. The wonders of technology. The wonders of science in all its form. How could Angela think such things when death potentially approached her in the form of an unknown, seemingly sentient being? The message glowing on the screen that her mind forcibly committed to a logical transference of information shocked her nerves.

"Me too."

'I…' Angela muttered through a raspy throat, her body's repairs practically burning her insides now. Not yet. Not now. Not anymore. She was ready to accept death when the time was right for what she had done in her past, but that time wasn't now. It wasn't too late to change her perspective. It wasn't too late to grow. It wasn't too late to see the world through a different lens. She still had people to save. She still had those who needed her protection. She still had time to make medical advancements that could help the world. And not only that…not only all that which had sustained her for so long…

She still had an inkling she could find a trace of honest, intimate human companionship.

Perhaps it was selfish, but it's what put Angela Ziegler over the edge, and as she stood up, her bowels oozing and body trembling, an aura of angelic, ethereal light surrounded her, and she grasped her Caduceus Staff so tightly her knuckles cracked.

'I…will watch over you…!'