Pharah

She squinted a little as she tapped her fingers across the little screen, rather dexterous with how she got the information down. Angela was obviously used to working with her phone for business purposes, although she seemed to pick up speed by the second, as if her brain recalled how reliant she was on the little device now that she was out of areas with little to no reception.

'Don't mind me. I'm simply making notes of what we witnessed today. I don't want to miss a detail.' She encouraged gently.

Fareeha nodded, and then awkwardly met Mei's eyes, the young scientist eating an ice cream cone she had purchased from one of the many vendors located around the venue. The three women and Snowball were seated at a dining area meant for relaxation and recuperation. They sat deep within the little rest stop to avoid Angela being bothered by the never-ending supply of admirers and rivals she had. It was getting late in the day, with the overly bright sun casting a deep red-hued blanket across everything. Thankfully, although the intensity of the sun was very real, the ground throughout Oasis had a temperature regulator, and thus, a form of conditioning took place to make for more comfort while traveling anywhere within the city. Not only that, but there was also a thin, clear barrier that reduced how intensely the sun could influence the populace, making for further comfort without sacrificing the beauty of nature's most important star.

'What did you think of the presentation, Mei?' Fareeha attempted, doubtful she would be able to keep up with Mei's analysis as well as Angela.

'Which one?' She swallowed, a bit of chocolate ice cream lingering around her pouty lips for but a second before Snowball dealt with the mess promptly.

'Dr. Moira O'Deorain's, I suppose.'

'Oh, right. I guess that was the biggest reveal, wasn't it? Oasis has been analyzing that black stuff for a while now, from what I read, so, it's fascinating how they found a use for it and everything. I don't really get the point though. Omnics are omnics and humans are humans. Why would one want to be the other? Other than super strength and intelligence or something. Omnics are pretty strong, and they can perform calculations as fast as a computer. Hmm…I'd rather have used the stuff to help the environment somehow; not make an omnic look more human. Kinda creepy, really.'

'It's just a ruse for what the black matter actually perpetuates.' Angela muttered wistfully.

'Oh?' Mei perked up.

'Jack and I confronted one such omnic in St. Petersburg. We barely escaped with our lives. I assume it was a prototype of some form, but even then, its strength and endurance were otherworldly. Now that I have ascertained where the raw materials likely stemmed from to create an omnic of such ability, pieces of this puzzle settle into place sufficiently.'

'Oh, my goodness!' Mei covered her mouth, and Snowball beeped about some.

'My apologies. I'm not quite finished yet.' Angela shook her head, going back to work.

'Interesting…' Mei pondered.

'It is safe to assume that Talon will be attempting to create an army of omnics that have such destructive capability. Pair that with the threat of the God Program manifesting once more across the globe and there could be a crisis like nothing before in the horizon.' Fareeha spoke aloud, and Mei nodded.

'Overwatch could shut down another Omnic Crisis, but if Talon has become as powerful as I am beginning to suspect, there could be some major complications; especially without the U.N.'s support right from the start.'

'Exactly. Overwatch is weaker than it was before. It's founding members are older, and there aren't enough new recruits that have the talent and training to replace the original agents. I consider myself a strong woman, but when compared to the best Overwatch has to offer, even I am average at best. The world has softened since the original crisis, I think. It spells disaster for our future unless we can stop the war from breaking out to begin with.' Fareeha felt her heart quicken. She had always wanted to join Overwatch, but was she prepared for what that meant exactly now in the present day? Everything was different. They weren't heroes; they were vigilantes.

'Precisely.' Angela pocketed her phone and leaned back in her chair, taking a small drink of water. 'The last thing Overwatch wants is a threefold fight between Talon, omnics, and itself. The Omnic Crisis still leaves marks all over the world, and it's far too soon for anything like that to occur again. Humanity might not recover this time.'

'So…' Mei drawled on. 'What are you going to do?'

Angela found Fareeha's eyes, and then she sighed deeply.

'I need to meet with Moira. If I can uncover anything about what she's planning, then Overwatch is all the better for it. My original mission was to dig up any information I can about Talon's motives and ambitions. I've already accumulated some useful bits, but directly accessing the source would prove beneficial, surely.'

'Is that safe?' Fareeha asked.

'Well, even if it isn't, I always have you, don't I?' She smiled, and Fareeha worked to conceal her cheeks from flushing.

'True. I best earn my keep.'

'Aw.' Mei giggled. 'You're flirting right in front of me. How nice.' And she took a big bite of her ice cream.

Mei eventually returned to her panel, suggesting that she might begin getting into contact with the U.N., claiming her work enabled her some form of credit amongst the nations' most influential figures. She didn't sound especially confident, but she felt it was worth a shot, at the very least. Angela gave her regards, and told Mei she would help in any way she could considering she too wasn't exactly a nobody in the "world's" eyes either. Being former agents of Overwatch could stain their names slightly, but their clean record since then might mitigate the damage enough to catch someone's attention.

'She was a pleasant girl.' Fareeha appraised once she and Angela began walking about the convention again. Many of the panels were wrapping up by this point, but that certainly didn't mean the events were over; not by a long shot. Presentations were planned throughout the majority of the day, and one highlight in the itinerary sparked Fareeha's interest, although she wasn't sure how to integrate its possibility into the current conversation.

'Mei is honest almost to a fault. But she always means well, and I pray she remains safe until reuniting with everyone back at base. I, at the very least, have her contact information now.'

'Good.'

'In any case, we best check in to the banquet relatively soon. I understand it doesn't start for a couple of hours, but I know how such things go, and pre-emptively solidifying our place within the ranks will not be a disservice.'

Fareeha's ears prickled. It was the very event she had been wanting to attend. As much as she tried, she truly couldn't get into any of the panels or presentations occurring in Oasis. Some of the engineering scientists were at least a little intriguing to her, but Fareeha has always been someone who was much more comfortable actively engaging in something; not merely listening to theories and the like. She had to stifle her yawns, knowing this was all within Angela's field on some level, and wanting to be involved somehow.

However, a banquet sounded fun. It would almost be like a date, in many ways. Dining with Angela was always enjoyable, and the event stated that live music would be present as well. Although Fareeha wasn't the best of dancers, she appreciated music in all its forms mostly, and couldn't help picturing holding Angela close and swaying to a gentle tune together.

'Oh? Did I catch a sparkle in your eye just now? Are we finally not bored?' Angela poked Fareeha's side, and she twitched from the contact.

'So, I failed in concealing my lack of understanding in most cases?'

'Just a smidge.' Angela laughed.

'I'm sorry. I know you thrive in this environment, but – '

'Did I appear to be having fun, Fareeha?'

Fareeha blinked, thinking back to how little Angela had actively engaged in any of the panels, really.

'Hm. I'm not sure now.'

'I certainly find this setting not entirely sleep-inducing, but my focus has shifted since my youth. If anything, I carry a certain amount of bitterness toward such events due to the fact I feel many of these "theories" to be dead ends or wastes of time when so much more could be done in the world using these very brilliant minds looking down upon others in their ivory towers. It's frustrating.'

'I can see that.' Fareeha agreed.

'The only true reason I even agreed to this mission was because you'd be with me. Your presence makes nearly anything tolerable, I'll have you know.'

Fareeha reached for Angela's hand at the comment, and the doctor accepted it, squeezing back tightly as they walked toward the grand hall, entering a rather massive building full of even more people. Fareeha tickled the skin between Angela's index finger and thumb, loving the way Angela's smaller hand felt in her own.

'I feel the same, Angela. This mission has been a gift, more than anything.'

'Because of what transpired last night?'

'E-er…partially, I suppose. But mostly just being able to spend time with you. Like this. I can feel others' gaze upon you, but they hesitate to make any sort of move. A wise choice.'

'Would you become frightfully jealous if I was openly courted?' Angela teased, but Fareeha willingly took the bait.

'I would lose my composure, I think.'

'Heh. Not a terrible picture; especially in my name.'

'Please don't test me. I've become hopelessly possessive. Just the thought hurts my chest.'

'Trust me, Fareeha. I hardly have the intent. I can barely stand most conversations with average individuals much less those attempting to flirt with me. I'm much too old and tired for the game.'

'Stop saying you're old.'

'But I am, theoretically. A woman on the other side of thirty-five is understandably considered past her prime. How do you stand dating such a grandmother? It's quite baffling.'

Honestly, Fareeha hated discussing age. It was a reminder that her time was finite, and that meant her time with Angela was just as limited. A life without this woman at her side was terrifying. How quickly and perfectly their lives had melded together as if they were always meant to. How did Fareeha live without this woman? It physically hurt to think about.

'I wish…I had the courage to talk to you more when I was younger.' Fareeha admitted, thinking back to the seldom interactions she had had with the angel of Overwatch in her youth.

'Heheh! You were quite adorable, Fareeha, but the age gap meant much more back then.'

'True…' Fareeha agreed. 'Maybe when I was twenty or so. Would you have considered me a potential partner at that point?'

'Hmm…' Angela tapped her chin, she and Fareeha moving in a line now to sign in to the banquet and receive their seat numbers. 'I don't think so. Friends, perhaps, but not lovers. We became close at just the right time, I suspect. I was ready to entertain a relationship with another woman, for I was beginning to fathom how short one's life could be quite suddenly. I have grown much more bold and selfish. I'm not sure I am proud of the old bat I'm turning into.'

'Angela.'

'I'm sorry. The face you make is priceless.' Angela laughed into her hand, releasing Fareeha's, to the younger woman's dismay. She decided to punish the doctor, leaning in close and brushing Angela's ear with her lips.

'The body I became intimately familiar with last night was that of a woman of twenty at most. My fingers still throb with how tightly you clenched them.'

'Fareeha, you cur!' Angela exclaimed in German, gaining the attention of some of the other individuals in line. Her face turned instantly red, and she pretended to hit Fareeha on the shoulder.

'Heheh. You asked for it.'

'I certainly did not!'

'Next!' An individual at the counter called out, and Fareeha escorted a rather flustered Angela to sign their names for the banquet to be. As she did so, Fareeha watched her elegant hand stroke an elaborate quill across the page, her pasty-white skin gleaming and glowing within her gorgeously pearl dress. One of the flowers on her headband had come loose, and when Angela stood up straight again, Fareeha pulled her to the side and drew in close, fixing the accessary gently. Angela smiled up at her, the woman's blue eyes like a perfectly serene body of water, and Fareeha grinned widely, wanting to kiss her passionately, but resisting the inevitable spectacle she would create.

'I love you.' She said suddenly, surprising herself. But Angela seemingly gushed, placing her hands on Fareeha's chest and almost touching her nose to the taller woman's.

'I'm in love with you too, Fareeha.' She replied with such confidence and affection that there was no room for doubt in Fareeha's mind.

She would value every singular second with this girl. She would take more pictures. She would write down her thoughts. She would treat every day she had with Angela Ziegler as a gift, and treasure them evermore. She wanted no regrets. She wanted to lift Angela up and hold her constantly. "Love" seemed like a cheap word for what Fareeha felt, but she would settle for it at this moment, an idea forming that she might explore later.

'What?' Fareeha asked, noting the way Angela's eyes flickered oddly.

'Nothing…' She sighed. 'I just…I believe you.'

'I hope so!' Fareeha laughed, but Angela nodded solemnly, progressing her thought.

'Let's relax a little before the banquet, shall we? I need to make some preparations.'

And Angela stepped away almost abruptly. Was it just the way she acted sometimes? Fareeha prayed that's all it could possibly be.

It wasn't long before Fareeha was amongst many other finely dressed individuals – humans and omnics alike – entering a rather impressive hall with tables, chairs, and perfectly spaced stations of food and drinks. It was late evening by the time she and Angela were embracing the last moments of the convention. They would stay another night, and then depart for Overwatch Gibraltar the following day. Thus far, Fareeha had performed her duty with ease. If anything, Fareeha almost felt she should be the one owing Overwatch compensation for this outing, for the amount of pleasure she had obtained throughout the duration of the "mission" couldn't be matched by anything Fareeha had experienced in her life up until this very moment.

Soft, string-heavy music played by a live band set the mood, with lighting that painted a pale glow within open space. The colour scheme of the room could change within a second, mostly cool colours being used to illuminate the beautiful furniture and guests; whites, blues, and blacks the main choice of cascading prisms similar to that of the chandeliers above.

'So much money put into a singular event. What a waste.' Angela mumbled.

Fareeha felt bad for simply thinking how lovely the doctor looked considering their setting, and shook her head as she received Angela by pulling out her chair and tucking her in. Fareeha seated herself, and adjusted her collar, her cleavage still surprising her anytime she looked down.

The two women were soon joined by a number of other guests, all of them knowing Angela by her full name and accomplishments. Small talk ensued, and Fareeha felt bad, for she couldn't relieve Angela much of the engagement. She really was talked at rather than to, and it frustrated the bodyguard extensively, knowing how charming the woman beneath the scientist was. She thought about interrupting many times, throwing out a detail about the very human person aside from "Dr. Ziegler", but hesitated due to the fact she knew Angela herself might disapprove. She was a grown woman, and had taken care of herself until this point, hadn't she?

Eventually, Mei fumbled her way to the table, changed into what appeared to be a traditional Chinese dress that did little to conceal her voluptuous body like her earlier outfit could. Her breasts, in particular, were distractingly large, and she had applied some makeup, successfully transforming herself into a rather attractive young woman.

'Heya! Looks like we got lucky, huh?' Mei greeted everyone, but was obviously speaking to Angela and Fareeha primarily.

'Indeed!' Angela clapped a little.

'Allow me.' Fareeha helped Mei into her chair, and the girl giggled to herself.

'How chivalric!'

'Isn't she?' Angela agreed with pride.

'Fareeha Amari, are you not?' One of the guests at the table commented at last, acknowledging Fareeha as more than Angela's accessary. She was an older woman, but had a certain amount of elegance to her, her heritage perhaps Italian based on her accent.

'Yes.' Fareeha nodded.

'Oh! Ana Amari's daughter? I thought you looked familiar. That woman was a legend back when Overwatch was active! She was quite beautiful as well, I might add.' A rather obese man contributed.

'She was…very talented, yes.' Fareeha now knew precisely how Angela felt. How could so many individuals be looking through her at once? It was uncanny.

Fortunately, the evening's festivities officially started with a master of ceremonies taking the stage. It was the same "omnic" that Moira had put on display, and the sight of it sent chills through Fareeha's spine. It moved in a frightfully human way, and when it began speaking, a mouth actually moved, the insides of his mechanical form glimmering in the spotlight above him.

'Ladies and gentlemen, omnics and everyone in between, welcome to the sixth official Oasis Convention of Progressive Science. I am your host, Tobias, but some of you may remember me as the gorgeous model Dr. Moira O'Deorain presented just hours ago. Shall we give her a round of applause for spearheading the improvements made on my physical form?'

It was unsettling at best. Even "Tobias'" voice was more human, lacking the distinct mechanical echo that subtly invaded any and all omnic communication. If Fareeha hadn't seen this being prior, would she even be able to tell easily that he was, at his core, an omnic? The black substance stretched across his body was the only obvious indicator, really, beyond his glowing eyes.

'Hm.' Angela stood up, and was joined by many others, but she was staring directly at Moira, and Fareeha was quite certain the rival doctor was meeting that gaze, her posture perfect and still as she nodded slowly in response to the appreciation sent her way.

Tobias went on, describing the timeline for the evening, and Angela shuffled in close to Fareeha, speaking softly into her ear.

'I've arranged a meeting with her.' She claimed, and Fareeha recoiled a bit.

'Just from that?'

'You noticed?'

'You rarely focus so intently on someone.'

'Ah, true. The last person to spark the need was you, I suppose.'

Fareeha restrained her smile.

'Are you certain?'

'I am. Don't leave my side when we meet. It'll likely happen much later, but we'll both know when she's ready. We'll have to humour her whims, for she certainly won't be ordered around by me, that's for sure.'

'I see…' Fareeha's lip twitched.

'…Dr. Angela Ziegler, who has been quite busy, from what we know!' Tobias indicated Angela's table, and a spotlight went over her. She had a brief moment of confusion, but then stood up, waving delicately as another applause erupted, this one notably a little louder than Moira's.

'Damn it.' Angela cursed, sitting back down.

'What's wrong?' Fareeha inquired, Tobias continuing his job with relative ease in the background.

'She's clever enough. By drawing attention to me she's guaranteed I remain preoccupied for most of the evening with colleagues wishing to speak with me. It's going to be a long night. Then, perhaps mentally fatigued, she will humour my desire to speak with her. I need to be at my best when engaging with Moira, otherwise, the conversation might prove fruitless.'

'You think she would do such a thing?' Fareeha wondered.

'She would. It's politically competent. She doesn't deny me my wish to speak with her, but avoids potentially divulging any important information by easily directing our words.'

'Then I will earn my keep by filtering your guests. Will that work?'

Angela placed a hand on Fareeha's thigh under the table, moving it upward until it dipped slightly into her groin as she looked up at her with a seductive gaze.

'I would much rather just spend all night with you, Fareeha Amari.' She said quite assuredly before returning back to a proper position in her chair.

The feeling was mutual, of course, but Fareeha needed to calm herself from the sudden arousal, fixing the bottom of her outfit and clearing her throat, noticing that Mei was shaking her head in a mixture of embarrassment and jealousy, perhaps? Fortunately, the rest of the table had been engaged with what Tobias was saying, and that was that.

At least the food was good. It was done in a buffet style, which meant Fareeha could load her plate up with as much as she wanted. By this point in the evening, she was relatively hungry, so, she didn't hold back as she tried two different kinds of pasta, buns, vegetables, fish, potatoes, and salad on the side. Angela had been quick to tease her, but it was par for the course by this point, and Fareeha took it all in stride.

The table's conversation centered mostly around Tobias and how uncanny his mannerisms were when compared to that of a human's. The various guests speculated what it would be like to not be capable of telling humans and omnics apart. It was an interesting notion, really, but one that didn't strike Fareeha as exceptionally riveting. Thus, she finished her meal and dismissed herself, going to the deserts and picking at the pretty looking pastries and such. She found some cute little jello shots, and decided it would be fun to share a few with Angela, if she so desired to partake.

As Fareeha placed a couple of cupcakes upon her miniature plate as well, a man made a sound beside her, and when she looked to see who had gotten somewhat close, a knot formed in her throat, and she audibly gasped, almost dropping her plate.

'Josiah!' She uttered after a moment, and the tall, well-built man laughed, his handsome jawline strapped by perfectly groomed facial hair. His curly, black locks hung about his pleasing head attractively, and the shaved sides only amplified how distracting of a specimen this man was for his sex.

'Fareeha. Imagine my shock when I saw your pretty face sitting next to Doctor Angela Ziegler, of all people!'

His grey eyes barely attempted to avoid Fareeha's chest, and she lightly tugged at the opening of her dress in response. Josiah still had a deep scar lining the right side of his cheek, but beyond that, he stood over 6'4", and was in the army alongside Fareeha for quite some time. He always talked big; stating he would be in the special forces one day. It was alluring to Fareeha at the time, and it was the tipping point for when he had asked her out on a date. He still had a dazzling smile that could make any girl's toes curl, and he carried himself with such charisma and confidence it was sometimes hard to look away.

But then Fareeha recalled the way he had finished with her, nonchalantly lighting a cigarette and commenting on her body's "tightness", the act lasting barely longer than five minutes, and Fareeha being completely confused with what the point of it all was.

Indeed, Josiah had been her first. To see him here, of all places, was a cruel twist of Fate's hand.

'I'm looking after her during the convention, yes.'

'Good for you. Guess we both got some important doctors to keep an eye on.'

'Oh?' Fareeha gave a quick glance around.

'Heh. I'm at the head table there with the guest of honour, although she looks as miserable as ever, even with all this food around. Maybe she's pissed that the old fogeys running this joint aren't even here. Whatever. A job's a job.'

Fareeha spotted Moira, and she did appear a little agitated and bored.

'You're…a mercenary now?'

'No, no. Still in the army, but she asked for me specifically for some reason. I opted in to these kinda gigs, but I never thought I'd be picked out of all the candidates.'

Moira met Fareeha's eyes in this moment, and the young woman turned away, as if it would distance herself from the predatory gaze she had met. Was it possible Moira was playing another kind of game as well? Could she somehow know about Fareeha's history with Josiah? It didn't seem possible…

'You were always a good soldier.' Fareeha snapped herself back eventually.

'Aw. Thanks. You, too.' He lowered his voice, and Fareeha's skin prickled in agitation. 'You're still one of the most beautiful girls I've ever met. Maybe we can catch up after this? I have a sweet hotel room all to myself. King-size mattress and everything.'

It was a borderline crude offer, but Fareeha doubted such forcefulness and unapologetic advancements didn't work in Josiah's favour in most cases. Still, she tried not to shiver in disgust, the mere thought of having his genitalia presented to her face like the most appealing meal in the world again almost making her gag. Fortunately, that moment hadn't lasted long, for Fareeha was so pathetic at the act of service he skipped the foreplay and went straight for the kill, as he had been trained to do.

'I don't think so.' Fareeha laughed a little.

'No? Really?' Josiah sounded legitimately shocked. 'Can I ask why?'

Part of the truth would be too cruel, but Fareeha didn't feel revealing her relationship with Angela was appropriate either, considering she was working as her bodyguard. Therefore, Fareeha used partial facts for her explanation.

'I'm…currently seeing someone.'

'Oh!' Josiah pushed some curly hair from his forehead. 'Well, small surprise there. You could have any guy you wanted, really. Is it serious?'

Fareeha wanted to look at her, but even she knew that would be far too obvious.

'I think so.'

'Really, now!? Wow. Guess it's about time though, huh? You're, what, twenty-nine or something now?'

'Thirty-two.'

'Damn! Very nice! The good doctor sharing some of her special elixir with you? Because you almost look younger than the last time I saw you.'

'She's…sharing some things with me, yes.' Fareeha grinned.

'Know if she's single? Wouldn't mind rolling the die on that one either, you know? Never see her with a guy, so, I can only guess – '

'She's unavailable.' Fareeha almost snapped.

One aspect of the army Fareeha liked was the equality of gender there. Fareeha was, for the most part, one of the guys, although her natural beauty sometimes worked against her. Nonetheless, during drills and missions, she was expected to perform as capably as her male counterparts. Fortunately, Fareeha had managed as much and more sometimes, and because of this, she was talked to and treated as just another soldier first and a female second. She didn't fault Josiah for eyeing Angela. Hell, Fareeha couldn't resist the urge on any given day, really. He spoke to her as a fellow soldier, still, and it was somewhat comforting.

'You sure?' Josiah raised a brow.

'Positive. I've seen her partner.'

'Tch. Lucky dog. Props to him.'

'I couldn't agree more.'

'Well, I guess I've held you up long enough.' Josiah shrugged, sounding a little disappointed. 'Gotta get back to work and all that. Don't want any of these rabid scientists to get the jump on my "mission".'

'It was good seeing you, Josiah.' Fareeha lied. 'I should return to my task as well.'

'Good luck to the both of us!' The man saluted half-heartedly.

'Right!'

'Just remember,' Josiah turned partially as he was beginning to walk away. 'Don't get too attached to the mission; specially when it involves another human.'

'Of course.' Fareeha simply agreed, for it was pointless to do anything else.

Fareeha returned to Angela, and the doctor practically scowled at her.

'Um…jello shots?'

'Perhaps later.' Angela dismissed herself from the conversation with some "colleagues", arising from her seat and stepping in close to Fareeha. 'I require the use of the facilities. Would you mind escorting me?'

'Oh! Of course. I'm sorry.' Fareeha placed the desserts down, but not before consuming one of the tasty jello shots.

Angela moved out of the main hall with purpose, her heels clacking against the floor almost in anger. Was it just Fareeha's imagination? Doubtful. She knew Angela well enough by now to tell when she was irritated. She was likely at her wit's end with all the airs she had to put forth with the other guests. Fareeha hadn't been away from the table for long, but within that short span a great number of individuals had invaded. She had failed. Perhaps that's what this was about? No. Angela wasn't that petty either. She was a grown, professional woman. A little social entertainment on such a level wasn't foreign to her.

The two women shuffled into the ladies' room, and Angela checked the mirror as another female finished washing her hands. The two exchanged a small nod, and when the door could be heard clicking shut, indicating the third individual's exit, Angela turned to Fareeha, huffed, and then kissed her, holding Fareeha's face tightly and meeting her lips with a surprising amount of passion.

Fareeha eventually found Angela's waist, the fabric of her dress pleasing to the touch, and gasped upon release from the engagement, breathing in Angela's wonderful scent.

'What was that for?' Fareeha decided to ask, although it felt like looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Angela's face coloured slightly, and she breathed out in exasperation. It was rather cute.

'What have you done to me, Fareeha Amari?' She asked seriously.

'I'm afraid I'll need more context.'

Angela leaned back on the counter, the curves of her body overly tempting, forcing Fareeha to shift her focus.

'I can hardly stand the sight of you conversing with a relatively attractive male! Jealousy. Envy. Possessiveness. I was consumed by them all. It physically hurt my chest the more I observed. He was clearly smitten with you, and it took everything in my power not to intercept the interaction more aggressively than I would ever dream. Really. It was absolutely vexing! I've never felt such things! It's frustrating!'

Her German accent wasn't helping matters. Fareeha blinked, flattered but also bothered she had caused the woman such turmoil.

'He's decent looking enough, but I have zero interest, Angela. My eyes only wish to look at you with any form of affection.'

'I'm sure that's true…' Angela sighed distantly. 'However, the reality is that I shall never be capable of taking you as a man could. There's an exponential difference between what I am capable of and what the opposite sex is capable of. It has always been on my mind, to a degree, but this "friend" of yours truly drove the fact home, and the more I fall for you, the more problematic it somehow becomes.'

'Angela…' Fareeha stepped in close, touching her girlfriend's face lovingly. 'Truthfully, I find much more comfort in playing something of a "male"-oriented role in our relationship than I ever did submitting in any way to someone like him.'

'Pardon?' Angela flinched back, and Fareeha noted her error too late. She had subconsciously decided not to cause Angela more stress by outlining her exact relationship with Josiah, but she was still flustered, and the difficult detail slipped out.

'Um…'

'You've slept with that man?' Angela's tone barely contained the rising anger, and Fareeha tried to calm her with a soft touch that only met stiffened muscle.

'He…was my first, I guess.' Fareeha admitted reluctantly, not wishing to lie to Angela of all people.

'I see.' Angela responded quietly. 'I see.' She repeated.

'Are you upset?' Fareeha asked hesitantly.

'I…am. I am.' Angela's air came out shakily. 'But…only because I love you so much, I am assuming. Yes. I am…hating the fact you have been with others romantically besides myself. Seeing someone personally who has bedded you…is so…utterly…'

She turned away completely, her shoulders shivering in minor spasms. Angela sniffed back tears, and Fareeha wasn't sure how to consult her properly.

'Forgive me.' Angela uttered between tiny sobs. 'I'm being so unreasonable. Hah…' She exhaled long and deeply. 'The matters of the heart prove to be ever so challenging. Logistically, I have no…no ground to stand on. I'm being perfectly irrational. But…b-but on the other hand…'

Angela whipped around and wrapped her arms around Fareeha, squeezing her as tightly as her slender build could manage.

'You're mine!'

Fareeha almost chuckled. Angela put on such a mature persona that it was adorable how selfish she could become. It was a testament to how close they had grown, and as Fareeha stroked the bare skin revealed on Angela's back, she returned the embrace, kissing the top of the doctor's head gently.

'I'm not going anywhere, Angela. Your side is where I wish to remain as long as you let me.'

'…Affirmative.' She answered meekly. 'And I'm sorry…again.'

'Don't be, really. To be cared about so authentically…it's very flattering.'

A lengthy pause, and then the door to the elaborate facilities clicked open, the two women parting abruptly and feigning interest in their appearances within the wall of mirrors. They quickly left thereafter, giggling a little to one another as they made their way back to the main hall.

'Let us face the falsities of human ambition once more, Fareeha.' Angela rolled her eyes.

'Understood.'

'Oh, but do be careful with how much alcohol you consume.'

'Of course. But why are you reiterating that?'

Angela beamed, nudging Fareeha with her hip. She said no more, and that made Fareeha's anticipation of the supposed implications all the more elevated.

The rest of the banquet was fine and good, but it did pass by much quicker than Fareeha could have anticipated. Keeping the multitude of individuals that wanted to speak with the Angela Ziegler back even a little proved a bigger feat than Fareeha could have ever planned for as well, and that itself contributed to the rapid events that led to the end of the night. Angela was notably fatigued by the conclusion of all the engagements, and Fareeha felt a semblance of disappointment at not really having the opportunity or courage to sweep Angela off her feet and into a dance, considering Tobias was no longer present, and only music soothed the atmosphere. Part of the problem was nobody else took the floor, despite there being obvious space for it. She chalked it up to the fact many of the guests were busy siphoning ideas and favour from one another, and Mei, whom may have been one to break the ice, consumed a little too much alcohol, and became a potato early on.

Finally, Moira and Josiah approached Angela's table, and it was as though the entire hall was watching this somewhat legendary exchange about to unfold. Bated breaths observed, and when Moira stood before Angela, both she and Fareeha arose from their seats.

'Dr. Ziegler. A pleasure, as always.' Moira maintained an expression of distant interest, feigning superiority and generosity for initiating the discussion.

'I could easily say the same, Dr. O'Deorain.'

Moira glanced around slowly, her lip upturning slightly.

'Shall we take this discussion to a more private location?'

'Naturally. However, I prefer it not be too secluded.'

'Oh, of course.' Moira mocked. 'But isn't that why you brought your "friend"? In the off chance that the big scary Talon makes some sort of move? A waste of resources, if you ask me.'

'One can never be too careful these days.' Angela didn't flinch, and Fareeha admired her for it, because Moira was a frightening woman; as instinctively frightening as any predator in the wild. She had power. It was obvious. Fareeha didn't know her well, but she could tell, based on all her training over the years and by the way this woman simply carried herself, that she could fight if it came down to it. Josiah just alleviated the effort that may be required.

'Shall we?'

The quartet exited the hall, a number of guards facilitating some nosier colleagues from following, and once they found solitude in the form of an isolated section of the enormous centre, Moira simply took a seat in one of the available cushioned benches lining the windows, and placed one leg over the other delicately, leaning in as though a parent were attempting to level the discussion they were about to have with a child.

Fareeha checked down both sides of the area, guards and facilitators for the convention peppering further in, which brought her some relief, fairly certain even Moira wouldn't try anything so publicly beyond speaking with Angela.

'So, alone at last, hm, Dr. Ziegler?'

'No thanks to you, Dr. O'Deorain.'

'When someone of your calibre is present at any social gathering, I would be doing my people a disservice by not indicating precisely where you are.' Moira chuckled a little, her ornate outfit shimmering and distracting with how elaborate it was; especially when compared to Angela's more traditionally charming gown.

'Nonetheless, I managed well enough, and now the truly intriguing exchange can take place.' Angela seated herself approximately half a metre from Moira, while both bodyguards remained standing, Fareeha much more in posture than Josiah, who appeared strangely relaxed.

'Of course. One cannot speak of Widowmaker openly amongst such petty fools, after all.' Moira's eyes seemed to shimmer, and Fareeha looked to Josiah, a tiny grin forming on his face. So, he was part of Talon now? Even more insulting.

'I see. I suppose I can appreciate your unwillingness to play pleasantries.'

'Like yourself, I've been engaged all day. I hardly have the patience for it now; primarily when speaking with the only doctor in the world I feel even a sliver of respect for.'

'My thanks.'

'Indeed.' Moira hardly moved, and she honestly reminded Fareeha of a snake; still until the second it struck, and by the time its prey realized what had happened, the snake was already consuming it. 'But before that, and I promise I will not avoid the topic, I must ask: how much longer do you have, my dear friend?'

Fareeha almost didn't comprehend the question, but once her brain caught up with the underlining inquiry, her posture faltered, and she almost spoke out, despite her position.

'I'm afraid I don't follow what you're asking of me.' Angela responded coldly.

'I analysed some simulations on a quiet day,' Moira claimed calmly. 'And although the exact numbers revolving around your pivotal nanomachines elude me, I discovered some rather intriguing results based on the formulas I tinkered with.'

'I don't see how this is relevant to our talk.'

'It's always been "relevant", Doctor, for it is one sector of the biological world that I have yet to reproduce adequately: self-regeneration and, dare I say it, eternal youth? My, my, I am still baffled how you cracked that particular code. Perhaps if I pardoned myself from my main veins of discovery within dehumanizing subjects I could very well produce something similar. In any case, my question remains.'

'And I see no merit in humouring it, for your formula is evidently incorrect if you are suggesting my life has, in fact, been shortened despite my physical appearance.'

'Indisputably true. My experiments could have inaccuracies, but there are truths indicating a breakdown of your nanomachines' performance. In Overwatch's days of glory, you were capable of bringing no less than five individuals back from the brink of death with but a wave of your hand. Now, I am told you can hardly manage one, and it is with a great deal of effort you even perform that miracle. If that isn't deterioration on some level, I dare say I know not what is.'

'That was many years ago, and even I am subject to Time's cruel embrace.'

'Evidently.' Moira scoffed.

'Now, since you have thankfully drawn back the curtain of wasting our breath, I will also be blunt: I plan on operating on Widowmaker when I return to my facilities.'

'The same facilities Overwatch is providing you once again?'

'My facilities.' Angela answered wisely.

'How riveting. One of my greatest achievements to be undone by Dr. Ziegler? Please; feel free to send me the report once all is said and complete. I am waiting with bated breath.'

'You don't believe it can be done?'

'Oh, it is difficult to deny you anything when you put your mind to it, Dr. Ziegler. I only wish you luck.'

A beat, and then Angela adjusted her position just so, breathing out sharply as she went on.

'There is still time, Dr. O'Deorain. Use your brilliant mind to help others; not push the world into chaos anew. Together, what couldn't we do?'

'My thoughts precisely, Dr. Ziegler. Together, nothing would be insurmountable. The world is in need of change, or so I've been told. I, truthfully, couldn't care less so long as I am given free reign to do as I please with my time and energy. Your current employer never allowed me that; my present one does.'

'My "current employer" would never use a young woman to kill her own husband. They would never hurt innocent people or ravage war-torn countries. They respond to the cries of the weak; never mock or revel in the sound.'

'Heroes, correct?' Moira muttered lazily.

'Pardon?'

'You fancy yourselves "heroes", am I wrong?'

'Heroes use the power they have to help those who cannot help themselves. It is the correct term.' Fareeha interjected at last, wanting to remind Angela that she was anything but alone.

'Precisely.' Angela smiled to her lady.

'Ugh. How vain and self-righteous. At least I'm not disillusioned.' Moira glanced up to Fareeha, snickering silently. 'And you can speak? How peculiar. I thought you nothing more than the shadow of a far more frightening woman.'

Fareeha's eye twitched, but she remained resolute, refusing to give in to the taunt.

'Can she fight?' Moira inquired now.

'Better than most.' Angela answered sharply.

'Is she an acceptable lover?' Dr. O'Deorain shot back without hardly missing a beat. Josiah finally appeared to snap awake while Angela shook her head.

'I'm sure she would be.'

Moira sighed, leaning back dismissively.

'You've changed, Dr. Ziegler. This conversation was far less enthralling than expected. I am now bored, as I have been through most of the day. You so obviously wished to speak with me, but what have you gained, ultimately?'

'The knowledge that there is no saving you, and that you truly work exclusively for a corrupt organization.'

'Oh. How enlightening. Now, the battle can truly begin. Ect. Ect.'

'I doubt we will meet again for quite some time.' Angela stood up, evidently finished as well, from what Fareeha could tell.

'Hm. Not a convincingly conclusive statement, but an interesting notion, nonetheless.'

Fareeha prepared to escort Angela back to the main hall, but then something on the back of her neck tingled, and she surveyed the area, panic rising in her throat suddenly.

'Oh? That's some acceptable instinct.' Moira cooed.

'Angela.' Fareeha took hold of her woman, bringing her close. 'The guards are gone. We've…been isolated.'

'Indeed.' Moira sighed. 'Josiah?'

'Sorry, Beautiful. The doctor comes with us.' Josiah stepped forward.

Fareeha responded without any hesitation whatsoever. She clocked Josiah clean in the face, and then followed up with the fiercest kick she could manage between his legs. When the man buckled, she elbowed him across the cheek, blood splattering out of his mouth prior to Fareeha landing three more successive blows until he was on his back, completely out cold. She withdrew her phone and hastily clicked through some menus, her knuckles cut and red.

'Good lord. Perhaps I underestimated you, daughter of Ana.' Moira chuckled.

Fareeha brought Angela behind her, arm extended and eyes focussed narrowly on the Talon doctor.

'She stays with me. I've already reported you to the authorities. They'll be here any moment.'

'Charming.' Moira rolled her eyes. 'But I can't help it if a lover's quarrel started in my presence.'

'That's not what happened!' Fareeha hissed.

'Enough, Fareeha. Let us retreat to where there are more people. This wasn't unexpected. Dr. O'Deorain has always been envious of my work. She has finally reached the point of wishing to extract it forcibly. A pity. You had such potential.' Angela verbally attacked, and Moira's unshakeable visage showed just the tiniest hint of cracking.

'Ever the mouthy one at times. I may derive pleasure from the methods used to gain the knowledge we seek from you, Doctor Ziegler.'

'You'll have to get past my bodyguard first.' Angela touched Fareeha's back, and the taller woman felt as though she could take on the world. It was a shame she had to hurt Josiah so, but he made his bed the moment he agreed to whatever contract Talon offered. Fareeha only felt further disgusted for allowing her younger self to be so weak in the face of social expectation and peer pressure.

'Oh, I intend to.' Moira chuckled, and one of the many doors nearby leading into various rooms located around the centre slid open, Tobias appearing with his sickening smile and glowing, red eyes.

'Do not fight it!' Angela exclaimed instantly, but before Fareeha could even consider her words, the omnic was on her, its speed uncanny, and its face like something out of a nightmare as it grappled her neck and lifted her high into the air. Fareeha kicked at the machine, but she only hurt herself.

'Make a point, Tobias.' Moira drawled.

'Acknowledged.' And something like a hammer slammed into Fareeha's stomach, her body collapsing to the ground in agony, her mind ringing and the taste of blood slipping into her throat.

'No! No! Stop! I-I'll go! No more!' Angela screamed, and Fareeha could only grunt, looking around expectantly, but barely maintaining focus.

'My. How quickly your tune has changed, Dr. Ziegler.' Moira taunted. 'But fear not, for she will not die here. What leverage would I have then? No. Leverage is everything. Why, how else would I orchestrate such an opportunity amidst a well facilitated event? A little nook of privacy; it's all I asked. How sweet that those old fools would comply. Now, Talon's reach expands evermore, and my playground extends into new territory.'

'Filthy traitor.' Angela grunted.

'It's quite impossible to betray anything you're not loyal to in the first place, Doctor.' Moira responded in German, although Fareeha couldn't understand it perfectly.

However, the nearby windows suddenly shattered, and Fareeha pushed herself onto her knees, extending her arms outward as a platinum-covered suitcase popped open, pieces of armour snapping onto Fareeha within seconds, a familiar operating system booting up before her eyes as the final touches connected, her newly modified Raptora Mark VI shimmering in the lights.

'Now, that was unexpected.' Moira's eyes lit up, but Fareeha couldn't focus on her anymore. "Tobias" was on her again, but at least this time she could take a hit from him, blocking the attack and countering with a blast of her own, distancing herself from the omnic and grabbing hold of Angela in the process. It was hard to breathe, and even harder to operate her suit after the punishment she had received, but this was her opportunity, and Fareeha simply released a rocket into the general direction of Moira and the black omnic. Even if she missed, the glass shattering and the explosion of her attack would notify someone.

'Fareeha…' Angela could be heard, but Fareeha didn't have time. She tried to take to the air, yet Tobias was so agile, and he had her again, easily damaging her suit with his sheer strength and going so far as to bite at her head with his grotesque "mouth", sparks flying and sirens sounding within Fareeha's headset indicating she was being heavily compromised.

'I love you…'

Was that Angela? No. It was impossible to hear. The crushing around Fareeha's head continued, and she growled, flailing at her enemy but held in place with ease. She simply couldn't match the monster's strength. Where was Angela? Hopefully she got away while Fareeha held off this beast. As long as she was safe. As long as she was okay, Fareeha could fight. As long as…

Her suit shut down completely.

The weight lifted off her body at last.

Fareeha ripped her fragmented helmet off with trembling hands, and through her blurred vision, only dust and debris from her aimless attacks remained. Had she fallen unconscious? Footsteps were approaching her. She turned painfully, praying they were Angela's.

They were not.

More footsteps joined the first set. But none of them belonged to Angela.

Angela Ziegler a.k.a. Mercy of Overwatch…

…had been successfully abducted.