Pharah

It was like walking her to her grave. Hands gripping her sore, still-recovering arm, she was shaking. She was scared. It made everything a little simpler. Just a little. This woman, who had been, at one point, more than willing to give everything – everything including her life – for those who were suffering, hesitated. She hesitated because, presumably, she had so much more to live for now. If she were to be believed, the source of her selfish desires rested in the same girl who escorted her to the perfect point and allowed her to summon every ounce of power remaining to her.

It was at once beautiful and simultaneously heart-shattering.

The holy light enveloped her, drained her of every fibre of life within, and distributed the force to those who were suffering, Death lurking so close.

She withered almost instantly. If Fareeha's heart had been torn from her chest and ripped in half before her, she wouldn't have been shocked. It felt like that very thing had occurred despite the warmth embracing her as well in an effort to restore the lingering pains her body retained.

Yet, it could do no such thing.

The agony Fareeha felt in that moment couldn't be described. It was doubled with the knowledge that she had put her love through a similar experience. Perhaps it was the world's way of balancing the supernatural phenomena that was Mercy of Overwatch.

It was the following day that Fareeha finally excused herself from her lady's side in an attempt to retrieve some form of nutrition for the two of them. Angela wished to be alone save for her knight's company. While Fareeha felt some semblance of pride at the honour, the fact Angela had given in to her final hours was almost too much to bear. What could Fareeha do? She had asked the question until her throat bled.

Nothing. It was the only answer provided. Angela knew what she had done. Fareeha had personally encouraged the decision in an incompetent flash of justice and charity. Her Angela for Overwatch. Her Angela for the world. Her Angela for the chance of beating Talon. It was madness.

Nothing was worth her Angela's life. Nothing.

But Angela herself didn't feel that way, and after everything they had been through, Fareeha knew her too well to even attempt to dissuade her. This was why she had fallen in love with the doctor, after all. One of the many, many reasons. Her selflessness was blinding. Fareeha still couldn't look upon it or even come close to comparing.

She had chosen to depart for breakfast early in the day, hoping to miss most of the regular traffic around base. This was almost laughable, because nothing was normal anymore. The base was compromised in too many places, and a multitude of workers put in overtime in an effort to restore the finer points of the station. Still, it was quiet enough until Fareeha felt a blur bump into her, not even realizing someone was close beyond a flicker of blue light tipping off the corner of her eye.

'W-whoa! Sorry, Luv…Um…Oi! F-Fareeha?'

Tracer. The legend herself looking ever so human suddenly. They were mirror images of one another. Both worse for wear and weighed down by heartbroken burdens. Fareeha could feel the link immediately, and she grasped onto this version of reality, still praying she'd awaken from the nightmare at any moment.

'Is everything alright?' She asked, wondering if she had always sounded so…meek.

'Uh…not really.' Lena answered, her accent thick. 'Amelie – Widowmaker – is…well, apparently she's gone. Like, up and out of the base? M-maybe Athena is still messed up from the Nemesis attack or whatever, right? Could be a thing. I-I'm just…looking for her, I guess.'

Fareeha nodded slowly, her head so capable of just tumbling off her neck, it seemed.

'Oh! But…you know, is Ange seeing anybody? Are you okay? Can I do anything for you at all?'

So human. Not invincible. Not an intangible legend. Just another human willing to put it all on the line for others. To be a hero. To save someone who would have sooner killed her on sight.

'I will be fine. But no, she refuses any visitors still.'

'…Really? But what if…?'

Did she know? Was she aware of how hopeless it all seemed? Obviously, it couldn't be hidden from Athena, but still…

'We'll contact everyone if the situation changes.'

It would've been too easy if Lena gave in then, and there's no way she could have helped the Widowmaker the way she had if she was so weak-willed. Fareeha still admired this young woman, even if she was only adding to the pain with the following accusations.

'Amelie said she saw Ange's hair turn white and her skin – '

Fareeha lifted her hand, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

'Please. Don't.'

'But if Ange is gonna…y-you know, shouldn't we be there…?'

'She's an adult woman. She should be allowed this liberty after everything she's done for those around her.'

'No! She's our friend! Our comrade! We care about her!'

'She's aware, but…it's what she wants.' Fareeha remained steadfast, hating what she was enforcing, but the wishes of her princess all she had left. 'I need to go. She's hungry, and I've delayed enough. I'm sorry.'

Fareeha left Lena behind her, hearing the girl curse about something before zipping off in continuation of her search. She didn't want to run into anyone else from the upper Overwatch ranks, but Fareeha supposed it may be inevitable. She had to steel herself for Angela. There simply wasn't much time remaining. Tears could come later. For now, she had to ensure the angel of Overwatch was comfortable for what was waiting for them both.

Fareeha supposed it could have been shock, for she was somewhat surprised by how little she had cried since finding out about Angela's condition. Perhaps she still had faith the amazing doctor would pull through somehow. Perhaps she was already in shock. It wasn't impossible. She had seen many a Helix soldier become hopelessly numb from the horrors the God program could orchestrate. Numb and completely incapable going forward. Would Fareeha become like that, too? Without Angela in her life…

No. She couldn't dwell on the thought. That was asking for trouble. She bit her lip. Hard. It was frightening how much she had to grit her teeth into her flesh to feel something. She didn't want to feel anymore. This fragility in her life was too much as it was.

Entering the cafeteria was a challenge. There were, inevitably, some agents having breakfast, their shift already half over or maybe just starting. Fortunately, the timing was awkward enough that Fareeha spotted only a few before a lone young woman caught her eye, her stout physical appearance standing upright, and her black, practically iconic sleeveless shirt showing off her muscular arms.

Brigitte. She looked exhausted. She had participated in a battle of her own the day before. Shouldn't she have been resting? The girl waved to Fareeha, her eyes indicating that she knew something. Fareeha could immediately sense her resolve crumbling. Brigitte was someone she felt intense trust with. Beyond Angela, she had grown very close to the daughter of Torbjorn, and that meant it was so much harder to feign strength when Fareeha's entire world was on the verge of collapsing atop of her.

'Hey!' Brigitte called out, a mass of…something furry in her free arm.

'Hi.' Fareeha wasn't sure if she was frowning or not.

'Um…here.' The other girl lifted the collection of white fur and allowed Fareeha to hold the purring feline. 'Her name is Mitzi. I…uh…use her to calm down when I'm stressed. I know things are tough right now, and there's not a whole lot I can do, but I wanted to at least offer you a second of relaxation.'

It was a kind gesture, and one Fareeha certainly appreciated. Brigitte had revealed earlier in their relationship just how much she loved cats, and this obviously was a thoughtful act Brigitte spent time considering.

'Thanks.' It was somewhat soothing. The vibrations in the animal's body was surprisingly fulfilling, and the way Mitzi pushed her head into Fareeha's hand was nice. Angela seemed somewhat indifferent when it came to animals. Perhaps, when they settled down someday, she would allow Fareeha a dog. They could enjoy nice walks together, and…

'Fareeha?'

'Hah…' Fareeha rubbed her eyes. Idiot. She couldn't think like that. Not anymore. It would ruin her if she did.

'It's okay to cry, you know?'

'She hasn't. I have no right to.' It was true. Angela was the epitome of calm and collected. She accepted her fate. It almost hurt how willing she was to welcome death. She knew. That was all. The moment she reached to the heavens and expelled everything she was, she knew.

'So…it's not good, huh?'

'…No.'

'Man…Papa is working himself into a tizzy. He's crazy upset. I think everyone is. Jack is trying to get plans together for Overwatch, but even he sounds tired.' Brigitte paused, petting Mitzi with Fareeha before taking her hand, her grip incredibly strong and hands full of rough patches.

'I'm here, okay? You don't have to face this alone.'

'…Please stop.' Fareeha begged, but Brigitte only brought her into a tight hug, the cat released to the ground and continuing to rub itself on its owner's legs.

'No way. I know exactly what you're doing. We're too similar. I'm not letting you play the tough girl; not now. Anyone would be dying knowing…knowing they only had so much time left with someone they cared about so much; someone they thought they would have a bunch more years with.'

'You're not helping!' Fareeha shoved her friend away, hating the face Brigitte made in response, but the squire to one of Overwatch's mightiest heroes shrugged, grinning wryly.

'I'm not going anywhere, got it? I'll be here the second you need me. But if you also need some space, it's yours. I've signed up for a mini-vacation so I can be here for you. No missions until I know you're good.'

Fareeha grit her teeth, but then nodded slowly, calming herself. She knew this was a valuable connection. She would be a fool to tarnish it in any way no matter how emotional she was getting.

'Thank-you, Brigitte…' Fareeha mumbled, passing her by and wanting to touch her in some way but not knowing how to do so appropriately. 'I'll…talk to you later.'

'That's a promise.'

Fareeha stood outside Angela's resting place in the medical ward. She exhaled shakily, staring at the ceiling and praying again she would wake up. After minutes of contemplative silence, she resigned to her fate, and gripped the tray of food, remembering the first time she had done such a thing for this woman. Another life ago. A happier occasion. The humble beginnings of a fierce, unrivaled affection. Ilios. How she longed to return to that time. To that place. Tender memories egged her on, and with a burst of courage, Fareeha was granted access to Angela's room, the dim lights almost masking what her lady had become in order to save Overwatch.

The door slid shut behind Fareeha, and she heard a small sniffle, a strained movement showing Angela wiping her eyes.

'Angela…?'

'Yes…' Her voice. It scratched Fareeha's heart. Old. Pained. Raspy. Weak. Dying.

'I brought some food.'

'My thanks.' Even that. Even something Fareeha had heard so often was foreign. Another age. Another world.

Fareeha stepped through the water, sensing her movements were slow and drugged with agony. She sat herself down, hesitated, and then looked upon Angela Ziegler; or what was left of her.

She was thinner than ever before, skin hanging about her bones as if she were well into her nineties; perhaps even older. Eyes sunken in. Mouth littered with lines. Wrinkles creating mazes all over her face. White, thin hair that was constantly falling off her balding head. Her arms thin. Her body concaved. She was fading. So fast. She hardly moved, and Fareeha noted the touch of water streaming down her blotchy neck, her veins grossly pulsating and practically exploding out of her transparent skin.

And yet, all Fareeha could think about was how much she loved her still, and wanted to hold her tight until she could hold her no more. The tears welled in the Egyptian's eyes when she understood Angela had been crying during her absence, and she held the woman's frail hand, sobbing in restraint.

'My…knight…' Angela uttered, and it was so obviously beyond troublesome for her to even speak.

'Angela…' Fareeha moaned, her vision blurry. 'My beautiful princess…'

'Heh…' She croaked, coughing thereafter. 'I…am anything but…'

'You're still my world.' Fareeha assured, meaning every word.

'You best…rediscover what drove you before, Fareeha…' Angela shivered, unable to pull at even her own covers, Fareeha having to tuck her in. 'Because…I know my time is coming. It's…very close.'

Angela's eyes winced, and her mouth trembled. Fareeha attempted to offer her some food, but it was a disaster, Angela's ability to chew too much of a struggle for her to even bother. She had already refused alternative means of obtaining nutrients. She had claimed it was pointless.

'Fareeha…' She began again, and the younger girl listened carefully. 'I have not the energy to play the pillar any longer…I don't want to leave you.'

Fareeha's face broke at that simple truth, and she touched Angela's hands, bringing them to her forehead in desperation.

'Then don't…!'

'Heh. If only there were a choice.' Angela exhaled, crackling forming in her throat. 'If only…'

'Rest.' Fareeha encouraged then.

'I can't. I fear…not awakening. It's so close…'

'But…'

'I want to see you one last time. I want to hear your voice. Feel…your touch. Oh…I wish to make love to you. There were…too few occasions…'

Fareeha was Angela's one and only. She took pride in that, but it saddened her immensely as well. She had gone so many years without know what it was like to be intimate with another human. She had given so much only…only to be taken before her time. Surely she deserved more than this. Fareeha's frustration escalated, and must've revealed itself upon her face, for her lady went on.

'I am content…for the most part. After all, hadn't it been for you, I…would never have known such incredible love…in the first place.'

'What can I do?' Fareeha begged.

'Talk to me.' Was the simple reply.

'Talk…?'

'Yes.'

'But…your voice…'

'It's dreadfully…torturous, but oh, so worth it…'

Fareeha met Angela's fading blue eyes, nodding slowly as she sunk into the doctor's world.

'Tell me, Fareeha…what did you enjoy most…about our relationship?'

'Everything.' Was the natural response.

'You are very sweet…' Angela swallowed, her neck convulsing and her eyes fluttering in pain. 'But please, do specify. We doctors…are quite detail…oriented…'

Why? It was killing her. Even the mundane act of talking threatened to snuff what little was left.

'Please.' Angela practically sobbed, and Fareeha tensed her jaw, thinking back upon all the time spent together.

'Your…presence.' She began, trying to flesh out her thoughts. 'Knowing I had my best friend so close. Knowing…I could always be honest with you.'

'Yes. I can agree with that…'

'Your intelligence. Your wisdom. Your dedication to helping those in need. I loved it all.'

'We are not…so dissimilar…'

'Your beautiful hair. Your kind smile. Your gorgeous eyes.'

'Your full lips…Your…strong grip. Your…tender kisses…Your…honour…and pride…'

Angela's eyes blinked, flickering as they rolled back.

'Angela…!'

'H-hah…' She grasped at staying conscious. 'Please…help those I couldn't, Fareeha. My life's work…continue with it…'

'I cannot…I don't have your powers…'

'You do. You still have a piece of me. You always will. I…created documents describing how to use them for others. How to…allow the nanomachines to temporarily assist in…healing…'

'But you're a doctor. I'm…'

'One of the bravest…strongest…kindest soldiers I've ever met. Step in only…when nothing else can be done by modern medicine.'

Fareeha swallowed shards of glass, touching Angela's wrinkled face.

'Without you…?'

Angela's hand trembled to touch Fareeha's own.

'Without me.'

It finally hit her in full force right there in that conclusive utterance. Without Angela Ziegler? Without the woman she loved? No. No! It would destroy her. How could she find motivation knowing what she had lost? It seemed so…impossible!

'How…?' Fareeha sobbed. 'How did you push on when I…?'

'Heh…That's the irony.' Angela coughed, eyes red and streaming tears, staring at Fareeha full of love. 'I couldn't.' She whimpered. 'Thus…here you are.'

'Then how the hell am I supposed to do it!?'

'Because…you're so very, very…strong…and brave…' She smiled, then, staring into the distance briefly with glassy pupils. 'I think back…often…to the first moment I lay eyes on you again in Iraq. So…handsome.' She giggled, but coughed profusely, blood spraying from her lungs. 'I…felt my heart skip, I think. Like it does…every time I see you still…'

Fareeha sniffed back the urge to cry without reserve. Angela needed her to be present; not overcome with sorrow. She looked upon the wilting angel of Overwatch and touched her wrinkled face, hands shaking with awareness of what was coming.

'Don't…go…' Angela begged, as she had many times before. Perhaps alluding to this very moment unconsciously.

'Never.'

'Stay…with me…'

'Forever.'

'Heh. My…thanks…'

'Alright, already. Enough of the cryfest.' A drawling voice punctured the air as the door slid open and Sombra moved her hand across her body, revealing herself in a veil of violet, nothing but a short, revealing shirt draping off one of her shoulders and tight pants accentuating her surprisingly fit physique.

'Get out!' Fareeha shouted instinctively, standing in aggravation.

'Uh…you sure you want me to do that?' The hacker rolled her eyes. 'I'm, like, the hero of Overwatch, you know? Beat Nemesis and all that. Brought some folks back from a bogey mission. Might wanna bow or something, cause I'm totally gonna deus ex machina this shit.'

Fareeha blinked, recognizing the term and repressing the blink of hope pulsating in her veins.

'Sombra…' Angela leaned back. 'You…received my data.'

'Obviously. That kinda juice is sweet stuff. Did a little research of my own and came up with a thing or two. Believe it or not? Hacking Nemesis gave me the jolt I needed. Guy had an archive of information ripe for the picking…even if it almost fried my freakin' circuits. Jesus…'

'What…is happening?' Fareeha looked between the two women, her body trembling without her even realizing it.

'Heh…' Angela giggled, suppressing the need to cough. 'I…kept my promise…my knight. I can only pray…this final effort…succeeds…'

'Take a seat, Birdie.' Sombra cracked her fingers, bringing up four purple monitors out of thin air and situating herself right next to Angela. 'Doctor's in the house. Turn that sexy "operation" sign on. I got work to do.'