"I can't contact them," I said, sighing. I threw the communicator against a wall in anger. "Why isn't this working!"
"Calm down," Hana said, walking over to me and making me face her. Her voice was soft, yet firm. She took my hands. "They'll be fine, most of them have years more experience than we do. Well, anyone has more than you, but you know what I mean."
"I know, but they wouldn't just ignore us. Something is wrong," I answered, looking away. "If they're in trouble I want to help."
"We can help them by completing the mission, ok?" Hana said, one hand gently directing my gaze back to her. She looked great, wearing shorts, sandals, and a white shirt that slipped off her shoulder. She was still dressed for the heat, even though the night was a bit cooler. I noticed the beacon for her meka was in a pocket.
"Yeah…yeah you're right," I finally said. "Let's go then, I'd hate to be late."
She smiled and, without another word, we left the hotel and grabbed a cab. The tension was thick, and I could tell she was more worried than she had let on. My eyes kept checking every corner we passed, every shadow, especially the rooftops. I didn't want to get sniped. The thought of Widowmaker was…exciting, actually. I wanted a round two, I wanted to beat her.
And I will, I reminded myself, but I need to focus on the mission. Get Lucio before trouble gets us.
With that in mind we continued towards the building, a Fundição do Progresso, where Lucio would hold his concert. It was a big building with at least three floors, the front had yellow flame-like designed, and above the main level was filled with big glassy doors that had small porches. A steady stream of people were walking in and very few were walking out. I smiled as I saw children running around cheerfully, faces painted, young adults laughing and joking, older couples holding hands, a few people kissing even. Lucio's events had all types of people, probably from all over the country. It was quite a sight, and hard to get too. I sighed.
"It's cool," Hana whispered, her fingers sliding between mine. My thoughts completely left, and I could feel my ears turning pink. But I smiled and squeezed slightly.
The two of us made our way to the long line, and I was thankful that it was moving so fast. After about ten minutes we showed our VIP passes (which Winston had bought for us online, god thank technology) and with a few other people began to make our way to the VIP room. Apparently we'd have a special view of the entire thing, and we wouldn't be very crowded. Actually, there were only fifteen VIP passes. How had Winston gotten these? Thankfully they didn't pat us down, nor was there a metal detector or anything. Guess they didn't have to worry about armed terrorists, so they didn't find my pistol tucked in my pants behind me.
"I can't believe I'm finally at one of his concerts," Hana whispered excitedly, picking up the pace. "Come on if we get there first they'll be better spots."
I chuckled, saying, "Hana, there's only fifteen of us. I think we'll have a good spot. How come you've never gone to a concert? I mean you're Diva! You're just as famous, or more, than Lucio, it should be easy to travel and see places."
Hana snorted, turning to me as we walked. "Anything but, I'm always busy with some job. Either the military, streaming, acting, or something else. So I don't get to travel a lot just for fun, I rarely have free time if I'm honest."
"Well, that sucks," I said, frowning. "I'd fight to get some time off, like seriously. How do you take it?"
"Work with something you love, and you won't work a single day," Hana said, smiling again. "I love my job, mostly, even if it doesn't let me travel or have more friends or whatever."
"Then why'd you join us?" I asked, suddenly serious. "Don't take it wrong, it's just, you had a better deal before, right? Less fighting, more fun jobs, even if you were busy. Most people wouldn't just join Overwatch illegally and lose their life as fast as you did."
"I mean, obviously helping people was the first reason," She muttered, fidgeting with her hands nervously. "But I think it was for the adventure, for the change of pace. My life has all those cool things, but there's so much I haven't done. I lost lots of things in my life when I turned into a meka pilot."
"Well, was it worth it? Are you getting those things of your life now?" I asked quietly, taking her hand. She faced me, and without thinking, we both stopped. She brushed some hair out of her face, and her eyes turned mischievous.
"Definitely worth it, I have actual friends, I've visited places, I've enjoyed myself with you guys and…"
"And?" I prodded, taking a step closer. My heart was pounding once more, but I kept a calm look.
"And then there's you," She answered, leaning forward-
"Que lindo!"
I jumped as a couple girls appeared, fawning over how cute we were. They spoke so much, and so fast, I began to feel dizzy trying to understand them. I smiled nervously, opening my mouth to answer somehow but Hana grabbed my wrist and angrily led us away, down the hall. I tumbled after her and could see the girls giggling and smiling. Were they drunk? I managed to walk correctly, and was about to say something, but when she began squeezing my hand hard enough that I had to pull away. I decided to keep quiet and hope she wouldn't kill me.
Well, can you blame her?
I momentarily forgot about that as we walked onto the porch, already with some people on it. The building was old, but these were new installments, floating around with gravity enhancers underneath. Actually, plenty of the original building had been knocked down to make it even bigger, or else these floating porches wouldn't even have space. It was quite huge and impressive now. Our porch broke away from the wall to get a better view. The crowd was quiet, extremely quiet, and I saw them smiling widely and murmuring excitedly. My eyes turned towards the main stage, which was brightly lit but held no one, then suddenly an explosion of green light went throughout the room. I suddenly felt energized, and so much better for some reason. I could climb a mountain and I could fight one-hundred Widowmakers! I could-
Focus. I reminded myself, shaking my head as to clear it. I noticed Hana was looking just as awake and energized as I felt. What was that green light?
"Vamos esculashar!" A voice yelled, and I saw someone fall onto the stage. The green light spread over us again in a huge, and quite harmless, explosion of light. The crowd began to roar, and I found myself joining them. I felt too good right now not to join. Hana laughed and cheered with me, waving her arms wildly. The light dimmed down enough for us to see the stage now, and in the middle was Lucio himself, finally! His weapon and instrument, a stereo gun-like item that could shoot sound somehow, was pressed against the ground and he was on one knee. Slowly he stood up and faced the crowd, silencing us all with his gaze only. We waited a solid minute, quiet as can be, watching his serious face…and he suddenly broke into a wild smile.
"Que començe a festa!"
Like a switch, everyone suddenly began roaring and the small walls between the audience and the rest of the building sunk into the ground. People rushed forward and the music began blaring. I saw people going in groups, coupling up, or just roaming around by themselves and having fun. Lucio began singing and damn he had a good voice, and he had some good skills with that weapon/instrument of his. I didn't understand all the words, but he was singing about partying, enjoying life, not giving in to work and boredom. I couldn't help but smile, tapping my foot to the beat. I was pulled back and now had Hana in front of me, who was smirking.
"Well? Let's dance!"
And we did. I was pretty awkward at first, but Hana didn't notice or didn't care. She danced like a pro, all those weird foot movements EDM lovers do, and after a bit, she turned to something more practical that I could follow. Soon enough we were a series of spins, laughs, and movements back and forth on the porch. I heard some cheering and notice the other people on the porch had gone to the edges to give us space, and were recording us with their phones. But I didn't care, and I laughed loudly as Hana spun straight into my arms. I grabbed her waist and picked her up, continuing with her momentum and putting her on the railing. Her arms were around my neck, we were both breathing hard and smiling widely.
"Where'd you learn to dance like that?" Hana asked, speaking loudly to be heard over the music.
"Uh, right now?" I answered nervously. She laughed and pushed herself off, still in my arms, and we were at it again.
I don't how long we did it, or how many songs passed, but together we danced and danced, almost like we were reading each other's minds to know exactly what we'd do next. We were in perfect sync. Hana took my hand and I spun with her, immediately afterward she pulled herself close and, one arm around her waist, I'd spin again and let her drop nearly to the floor before pulling her back up. The others had joined us, and we all began laughing and dancing together. Hana and I exchanged partners for a few moves, always returning to each other. Another man and I had a challenge of sorts, and we ended up in a circle made by the rest as we danced in literally anyway. I didn't win, of course, his zamba moves were incredibly, but we both laughed and shared a drink before returning to our girls. And we continued for hours, with no notion of time. So this is what a rave was, huh? I had never been to one, and I could definitely get used to it.
Especially if she's here. I thought. It was sudden, but I didn't mind it. I was resting up a bit as Hana danced with two other girls, the three laughing and enjoying themselves. She looked so, well, beautiful. Especially now, so full of life, with that smile on her face. I sighed contently, sipping my caipirinha. The music began to quiet down until it stopped completely, and Lucio began to speak.
"Agora!" He called, looking over the entire audience. "Pra voceis, um clasico!"
He gave his weapon to someone else and took the mic, a guitar started playing from the stereos. It sounded quite simple for his music, but the Brazilians roared their approval, and I was very surprised to realize I knew the song. I laughed and put my drink down, turning to see Hana in front of me. Without waiting I grabbed her and walked to the other end of the gravity porch.
"Seu não mente fala verdade, De que árvore vocé nasceu?"
This was a slower version of the song, and much like the other couples I put my arms around Hana's waist and held her close. She wrapped her arms around my neck and together we began swaying to the music, smiling at each other and dancing. Neither of us said a word, we just continued dancing.
"Porque meu destino, É tao parecido com o seu?"
She sighed contently, resting her head on my shoulder as our bodies swayed. It felt so perfect, so natural, and this wasn't because of Lucio's magical glow. I waited a few moments before speaking, whispering so quietly in her ear I almost thought she couldn't hear me.
"Would you be my player two?"
"Lá vem o sol, Agora digam que sim-"
She went eye-wide, her body freezing completely.
"Semente eu sou sua terra, Semente pode entrar em mim…"
She smiled and pressed her lips softly against mine. Everything melted away, the music, the people, the dancing, and my heart began racing, full of happiness. When she pulled away I couldn't stop smiling, and neither could she.
"Tenha certeza, Que vai nascer uma planta, Que a flor vai ser de esperança, De amor que pro der e vier, Oh Mulher! Semente, Semente, Semente, Semente, Semente…"
/
I laughed as Hana pulled me along, teasing me in Korean. The two of us were on the porch with the other VIP people, heading towards the back of the stage. After he sang that last song, Semente, he announced he was taking his usual ten-minute break. Everyone knew this mean they'd go backstage for a bottle of water before his last song, and that VIPs would get to see him and speak to him. Although my mind should've been on the mission, they were still on Hana. My heart was still racing, and every time she turned back and smiled at me I felt like putty. I was still smiling like an idiot as we walked through a large door, into an open with dozens of people working. They walked here and there with cameras, papers, lights, and such gear. Others were standing or sitting by tables, taking a break after the large concert, and a few were still working, tapping us as we walked into the room and shining a light on-
"Lucio!" Hana cheered. On cue, everyone suddenly saw him and the group rushed over. He was swarmed with questions and requests for autographs. But then his eyes focused on us, or rather, on Hana, and his smile grew wide.
"Get out of here! Is that the Hana Song? Dva?" Lucio asked, silencing everyone. "I saw you on the cameras but didn't know you'd come back here!"
"I'm a huge fan!" Hana said, letting go of my hand to shake his. "I love your new album."
"Dva is my fan?" Lucio put his hand behind his back, looking very happy. "Gotta take a minute to process this, I mean how cool is that?" He chuckled. "Hey, follow Ronaldo and I'll meet you guys in a few, I got something you'll love," Lucio called someone in Portuguese and then returned to the other fans, who seemed very surprised. This tall man dressed in a suit, security no doubt, beaconed us to follow him. A short walk took us to what must've been Lucio's room. The door had a star with his name in it, and inside there was music instruments, equipment, and a bed. Looks like he practiced a lot before concerts.
"He'll be here in a few minutes," Ronaldo said in heavily accented English before leaving us alone. I looked around, a bit flustered by the whole situation, but Hana couldn't have been happier. She immediately dashed to the shelves, observing several albums and tiny gadgets.
"So, I guess this makes things easier," I said. "The perks of being famous."
"I guess," Hana said. "Although I'd like to think he would've noticed me even if I wasn't famous."
"I'm sure he would've," I answered, smiling and hugging her waist from behind. "Who wouldn't? Dva is cool, but Hana Song is amazing." I chuckled as, for once, she was the one to stutter nervously and blush. At that moment the door opened and Lucio walked in, but he paused at the door.
"Am I interrupting?" He asked jokingly. My ears turned pink and I pulled away, rubbing the back of my head. He laughed. "Don't worry, amigo, it's cute. I especially loved seeing you two on the porch, trust me that song was for you."
"You…you saw us?" I asked, surprised. He laughed again and nodded.
"Someone in the crew spotted you and shone a light from above, then the cameras focused on you two, millions of people watching this live saw you two, and I gotta say I love to see this kind of thing at my concerts."
"Oh that isn't good, oh that so isn't good," I muttered. "Hana, we need to go."
"What?" Hana said, pouting. "Why?"
"We were seen by people all over the world, people say Dva with me," I answered, but she only looked offended.
"I wanted to be with you, I'm glad they saw us," She answered, crossing her arms. "Is there a problem?"
"Oh my god, Talon!" I practically hissed back. The color drained from her face. "Exactly, so let's hurry and go."
"Um…am I missing something here?" Lucio asked, looking very confused. "Is everything ok?" Hana and I shared a look, and she sighed.
"Lucio," She began, sounding much more serious and official. The expression on her face was the same as when she gamed, she was very serious about everything now. "You saved millions of people from slavery here in Rio, you fought back a corrupt company and you have incredible abilities. We think…we think you could be a member."
"A member of what?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Overwatch," I answered, crossing my arms.
In all honesty, I expected him to freak out a bit. Be very surprised, or just not really believe us at first, but he must've seen the seriousness in our faces.
"Hell yeah! The people of Overwatch are my heroes. When I revolted here in Rio, I used them as an example! They inspired us to move up and beyond, to be free!" Lucio chuckled and gave us a firm nod. "I'm in, just let me finish this concert. One more song and we can go wherever it is we have to."
"That's…that's it?" Hana asked, raising an eyebrow. "Just like that, you'll join us?"
"You guys are part of Overwatch," Lucio answered casually. "I've always looked up to you, and I think we need the heroes back more than ever. If I can help that happen…well, I won't hesitate. Anything to help others." He extended his hand to me, his face completely serious. After a moment I shook it.
"Ok, then we'll see here after the concert. Be careful, I doubt our enemies can arrive so quick, but just in case."
"Yeah, you're right, and there's no news of Dva…" Lucio smiled mischievously. "So I was wondering if you'd like to make a guest appearance. It'd be awesome."
"I'd love to!" Hana squealed, smiling excitedly.
"Woah woah woah," I raised my hands in a time-out gesture. "It isn't safe for her to go out, they saw me with her and they know I'm part of Overwatch."
"Yeah but you said they couldn't get here that fast, we can go out for five minutes," Hana argued, looking annoyed.
"It's risky," I replied, glaring at her.
"I can take care of myself," She said, stepping close to me.
"Not from a sniper that you can't even see," I countered.
"You have an obsession with that woman, we'll be fine, she can't be here yet," Hana replied, grabbing Lucio's wrist and leaving the room before I could answer. I stared at the door for a few moments, confused. Why was she so offended? My confusion quickly turned to anger, I grit my teeth and ran after them. Ronald was outside and didn't even speak, he just pointed towards the stage. I sighed as I heard applause. They were already out. I dashed towards the edge of the stage and saw them, but I didn't interrupt. There was nothing to do now but wait five minutes…
Hana took the mic, giving a few of her signature poses and quotes, which brought tremendous applause from the crowd. She had plenty of fans here. Lucio then took it back and began the last song, dancing with Dva. Anger still bubbled inside me, but now it wasn't because of the risks. I watched as she laughed, dancing with Lucio, and for some reason I wanted to punch him in the face.
Calm down, what did you think would happen? They're just dancing, duh, focus on keeping them safe.
My eyes shifted back to the audience, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary. I looked upwards but didn't see the red dot that indicated Widowmaker's rifle. No Reaper or Widow. All light suddenly flashed on the two, making Lucio falter and Hana cover her eyes, but they kept performing. I heard yelling behind me and turned to see three men arguing, messing around with a machine. It was glowing purple and it sparked before shutting down. Ronaldo was with them and turned to me with a worried face. That was all I needed. I spun and dashed towards the two, right as the crack of a rifle filled the air, and the three of us fell to the ground.
"Go, run!" I yelled. Neither hesitated, dashing straight towards safety. I pulled out my pistol and spun around, aiming directly at the red dot that was Widowmaker.
Took awhile, but here it is! As always, fav, follow, share and REVIEW because your opinions are always valued. See you guys next time!
Oh and to the person who told me the death toll in Russia wasn't 50 million, you were right! It was 50 thousand, I'm trying to fix the document without replacing all of it. Thank you for pointing that out!