(A/N: Overwatch is the property of Blizzard Entertainment)
8:00AM - Royal Winstonian Academy, Principal's Office
"The official report on the explosion at the address [REDACTED] stated that it was caused by a gas leak which turned into flames via a spark, possibly coming from a lighter or an electrical appliance. Nobody was killed in the explosion, although Lena Oxton suffered from minor burning. Lena Oxton (GBR) , Fareeha Amari (EGY) and - in particular - Angela Ziegler (SUI) and Jonathan Cujoh (JPN/USA) suffered mental trauma (Ziegler and Cujoh both sustained minor wounds to the stomach/abdomen area and Cujoh had injuries on his chest.) Nobody else was harmed, although both Hana Song (KOR) and Amélie Lacroix (FRA) are now to be considered missing. Song had been previously been kidnapped in Japan, with the Primary Suspect being Moira O'Deorain (ROI), just 4-5 days prior, before being found by a search team of Genji Shimada (JPN), Hanzo Shimada (JPN), Jesse McCree (USA) and Lena Oxton."
I was alone in the principal's office with McCree, Hanzo, Genji and Angela. Lena was in the nurse's office being treated for her wounds, and Fareeha didn't feel up to coming to school today. I don't fuckin' blame her. I feel terrible. My whole body has gone pale, and every time I remember Hana's cold words from last night, I get goosebumps running down my spine.I honestly felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe that Amélie deceived us in the way that she did. She must've been art of the group that kidnapped Hana in Japan, there's no way she wasn't. If only I had read that text message from Hanzo sooner...none of this despair that I'm feeling right now would exist. This is the second time in a week that I've managed to let Hana slip away from me…
...am I really a good boyfriend?
As I ponder my own relationship skills, Genji sits down on the table.
"Right now, we need to get Song out of Talon's hands. Her skills with technology and her reflexes are dangerous in her condition right now, if Cujoh's testimony is to be believed. I can't believe they managed to essentially re-programmed her entire consciousness…" says Genji in an unsure tone. I stand up, and begin voicing the one major concern I have.
"Is there any way to change Hana back to the way she was?" I ask McCree, who was sitting in the Principal's chair and looking through files on his laptop (Principal Winston had left to sort out a shortage of peanut butter in the cafeteria).
"I ain't got nothin' Bigshot. Ziegler, you've been thinking for a while there. You got any ideas?" asks McCree to the worried looking Angela, concerned over not only Lena's wounds but also the condition of Hana. Angela knew how hard it was on her own self when Jack Morrison, my best friend, dumped her and left without much of a goodbye to her. She knows the struggle of having your 'whole world' (or the hyperbolic opposite of it) torn away from you. Even though she has Lena with her, Angelas wounds run deep. Her relationship with Jack was her first, and filled with a lot of firsts for her. It was even rumoured that they had to abort their baby, but I don't think that's true. Angela is a strong person, and I knew she would be able to come up with something to get us out of this mess and help us take back Hana.
"It's possible to change her minds cognition back to the way it was before she was captured, however, it is a difficult process, and one which could destroy her personality altogether, which could essentially leave her as an empty husk…" Angela remarks coldly.
"...Is there no other way…" I ask half-heartedly, already knowing the answer. I don't know why I asked. I thought it might make me feel better, but nothing's changing and replacing that ever deepening and consuming despair building within me.
"I've examined the data, and this seems like the only option we have. The other one is a far-fetch…"
"What is it?" I say, standing up with determination. Angela's response returns a small bit of vigour to my soul.
"Well, it involves invoking love within her. We need to get her to express genuine love for something - or someone - she cares about. This will cause a chemical reaction which will nullify the drug Talon are using on her. This is easier said than done, even with you Jonathan. There's no guarantee that she can even remember who you truly are or what you truly mean to her anymore...she's been totally warped…"
"Even still, it's better than her becoming a soulles-"
"Enough" interjects Hanzo. "We can discuss how to re-convert Song at a later time, we have a more pressing matter, trying to find her".
I open my mouth as if to say something, but McCree shoots me a look which essentially says it's better for Hanzo to have this one. I grit my teeth and sit back down.
"Genji, I think it's time we bring the UN into this." remarks the older Shimada brother. Genji nods his head lightly in agreement.
"I doubt that the UN will send in any kind of force or task group for something like this, brother. Even if it is Talon we're talking about, it's only one girl they've taken. I'll contact Alexa, my boss, to see if they can spare anything, but right now, it's just us." Says Genji, taking out his phone and typing out a text at lightning speed.
"...Why don't we be your force" I say. I don't know what was even running through my brain. I wasn't thinking straight that's for sure. My conscience was screaming at me to try and be rational here, but my heart was taking over, despite the doubts my mind had.
"Preposterous." Remarks the older Shimada. "You're all too young."
"Doesn't mean shit, Shimada" says McCree standing up to seemingly defend me.
"What do you mean, Jesse?" asks the puzzled Japanese man.
"You've got a well-rounded man here in Bigshot. He can use any weapon you throw at him, I've seen him in PE class. You may say that we can't use that as a fair judge, but his skeet and archery skills are incredible. He's also fast on his feet if needs be. Ziegler is a textbook perfect Combat Medic, and Oxton's got the vigour, stamina and brains to outwit anything. Plus, you've got me too…" MeCree says, tipping his hat.
"...you are one hell of a shot, Jesse. You shot down 6 clay pigeons at once before, with a revolver too." says Hanzo, now on the defensive. Angela lets out quite an audible sigh.
"I don't mind getting involved but what of our families and education?"
"The UN will surely take care of that" says Genji. Angela smiles to herself and continues to read through the report of the incident.
*BRRRZZZTTT*
A vibration could be felt on the table. Genji's phone received a text.
"Is it the Big wigs?" asks the cowboy.
"Indeed. They won't provide us with any personnel, however they will equip up for a squad of seven people, with the following inventory;
My personal Shuriken and Katana
A combat bow made from the strongest polymer and titanium, along with one thousand carbon fibre arrows with steel tips.
A Peacemaker Model revolver with Deadeye Sights, 1,000 Magnum Caliber Rounds
Two Automatic Machine Pistols, 100 Magazines of 9mm Parabellum Ammo
A Medical Set - Caduceus Variety, including a blaster and Valkyrie Suit
A Raptora Version V Jetsuit with an area clearing dart and Rocket Launcher with 400 rockets. The suit has access to 25 high powered missiles that are fired from all areas of the front of the suit.
And finally, a Striker Shotgun with 600 Shells, along with 5 sets of bulletproof vests."
"Only 5? Isn't there equipment for seven people though?" asks Hanzo
"I assume the Valkyrie and Raptora systems have built in armour…" remarks Genji.
"Okay, we have our equipment sorted...now it's just who gets what…" says McCree in thought. I liked the idea of duel-wielding pistols myself, but a Shotgun sounds even more tempting…
"I'll obviously take the Valkyrie suit" says Angela, raising her hand. Nobody objected. Before anyone else could claim anything, two familiar faces waltzed on into the room…
"Alright loves…" says Lena in a way that is the complete opposite of the way she would normally act. Fareeha followed her in, only giving a small "hey" out to everyone.
"What's everyone upto Angie…" questions Lena to her lover. ANgela proceeds to explain the situation to her with probably more detail than she needed to, but regardless of such, Lena and Fareeha were caught up on the issue at hand.
"Alright, well how about it Fareeha?" asks Lena to our Egyptian friends. Fareeha blinked at Lena for a few seconds to process what had just been asked of her. After a minute of thinking about it though, she came to a conclusion.
"I'll take the Raptora system. I'm not afraid of the sky, I embrace it. I shall rain justice on those who dare to hurt my friends." Fareeha declares with a frightening conviction, determination glowing in her eyes.
"I'll take the revolver. You best take the dual pistols Oxron. Your speed will probably cause you to be inaccurate in battle, so the pistols with their spread will at least fit in with your style" says McCree to Lena, who nods her head in agreement.
"I shall take the bow. It has been a few years but, I feel like my aim is true, even now." says Hanzo in a voice which seems to echo nostalgia and melancholy. Perhaps he misses his youth…
"Guess I'll take the shotgun then…" I say, not having much of a choice since Genji had all but confirmed that he was taking the blade set.
"Alright. We will mobilise tomorrow-"
"Hang on how do we even know where they are?" I butt in, interrupting Genji.
"Simple. We've spotted Talon activity in Busan again. Seems like they want to really get rid of that place. Either way, that's where we're headed tomorrow. There are reports that the leader of Talon is there. We haven't been able to identify him, other than he's a man around your guys age and he's from this country. Other than that, we know nothing." says Genji, pondering the mysterious identity of the leader of Talon.
"Our main objective will be to locate and secure Hana Song from the hands of Talon, but if we can, we will eliminate Amélie Lacroix and their leader." says Hanzo. We all nod in agreement (well, McCree doesn't nod more so he tips that stupid hat of his again).
"Okay then. We meet tomorrow at Patras Airport at 9:00 AM. The UN will fly us out there. Be prepared as we WILL be engaging in combat as soon as we land in Korea. The flight will take a while, so you can sleep on it if you need to. That is all." Says Genji, leaving the room in quite a hurry. One by one, everyone leaves the office until I am the only one left there. I sit on the desk and breathe in for a moment. This is crazy. This is all happening way too fast. I can't believe I actually came up with that idea and they fucking agreed to do it. Fareeha barely fucking knows Hana! Why would they act so selflessly for this one person they barely know…
...it's not for my sake, is it?
The Next Day - 9:00 AM - Patras Airport
It wasn't as cold as the day we went to Japan, but it definitely felt like I was gonna freeze up at any second as I boarded the UN Plane. It was quite lavish for a "military plane" as it had bedrooms for all the crew and soldiers (although since there was only seven of us, we had plenty of space. As we all settled in, Genji gathered us together in the briefing room.
"We will be landing in Busan in 20 hours. We need to decide on code-names for the Operation. I will go by my real name though, as I have no fear of my identity" says Genji in a proud fashion.
"You are a true Shimada my younger brother, I shall be the same. Call me Hanzo."
"Just stick with McCree for me…" says the Cowboy, tipping his at once again.
"I shall be known as Pharah" exclaims Fareeha, stating that she wnated something close, but different to her actual name.
"Cheers loves, Tracer's 'ere!" says Lena in her trademark upbeat British tone.
"Call me Mercy" says the serene Angela Ziegler.
"What about you, Jonathan? Will we call you JoJo?" says Lena, trying to get people to call me by that stupid nickname.
"Good grief...no….just call me…" I steal a quick glance over at McCree
"Bigshot."
"Okay then. From this moment on, we will be known as the UN Task Force 141: Overwatch." Genji says with pride.
Overwatch. I like it. Has a nice ring to it. I smile to myself as we all return to our rooms. I may not be overly confident in the success of the mission, but I gotta do what I can...for Hana.
(A/N: And that's a wrap. Lemme know what you thought of this one guys! I'm sorry for the relatively long wait, I've been busy with some things here in the real world. I hope that you all have a great day regardless and I hope to see you next time. The next chapter will definitely not be very plot heavy, and won't involve Jonathan at all, which is a nice change of pace I think. Plus for all your AngeLena fans...be sure to keep your eyes open for the next chapter ;) )