Chapter 12: A Stone in the Road
One month later...
The drums behind me were drowned out by the crowd's screams as I stared at my hands, clenching them tightly around the reins of the horse I was riding. Confetti was falling from the buildings above as my horse moved forward without me guiding it. I could hear them calling my name, reaching out to me, begging for any response. But I kept my eyes forward, locked onto Olivia as she led the parade, smiling at each civilian as she passed by.
'I didn't even know this many people lived in Monaco.' I thought to myself, looking at the people above waving from their windows, throwing flowers and confetti down upon us.
Katya was throwing some huge celebration for us in Monaco of all places, and the upcoming ball would take place in the same location Olivia was when all of this started. When I realized I was beneath her. Apparently it was all to celebrate our success against Talon and their inevitable defeat. Since Talon had been causing Katya, and Monaco, the city itself which heavily relied on trade to sustain its population, a lot of trouble. I was right near the front of the parade, behind Olivia and a few others, and because I defeated Akande myself, I was being praised as some hero.
I was truly not looking forward to this ball. Apparently hundreds were going to be there, with all sorts of noise and unnecessary speeches. Although it was all praising us and our hard work, I realized how out of place I was going to feel. I'd have to wear something other than my gear. I was already dreading the moment I had to put on that tight tuxedo. It squeezed too tightly in all the wrong places.
Drums and horns were being played all around us as we slowly rode by on our horses. I watched as Lena caught a thing of flowers thrown to her by a young boy. Her grin widened what seemed like a thousand fold as she smelled the roses. For a moment, that smile spread across my own lips. Jesse was busy waving both arms at the crowd, laughing as the women near him reached out for him as they yelled his name. Genji stayed close to me, offering curt nods to those who caught his attention. I could tell by the way he held himself that he was smiling beneath that mask. Torbjörn sulked as usual, scowling at everything and everyone. Brigitte was waving diligently at them all, smiling brightly. Reinhardt, who was walking since he nearly crushed his horse when he tried to ride it, was trying to escape the grasp of multiple children as they jumped on him like he was some sort of playground. Reinhardt seemed rather used to it, oddly enough.
Angela was a few meters ahead of me, but she sat there motionless, completely ignoring the crowd. She had been offering me looks ever since I told her about my plan to leave, and tried on multiple occasions to stop me. Thankfully she never told anyone else. But the woman seemed as preoccupied with my decision as I was. To think that after all the arguments we've had, she'd be asking me to stay.
Sighing, I thought about how far we had come. We've gone from a group of outlaws to heroes, and I couldn't help but focus on Olivia. It was all possible because of her. Her and that dream.
I could hear children crying out to me, running through the crowd to keep up with my horse as it trotted along. "SCOTT! SCOTT! TELL US ALL ABOUT HOW YOU DEFEATED DOOMFIST!" I met their eyes, offering them a small smile. Despite all my scars and augmentations, they smiled right back at me, looking up at me with nothing but pure admiration.
I winced as Michael's whimpers and coughs flooded my brain, reminding me of what I had done. 'How can I smile at them knowing that I murdered that innocent boy? If they knew any better they'd resent me, or fear me. I didn't deserve any sort of praise.'
From what I could tell, the children's parents agreed with me, hushing them and standing in front of them to protect them from me. I could see the fear and hatred in their eyes as they stared at me, and I soon turned away. 'The children only look up to me because of their naive sense of justice. The things I've done are nothing to be proud of.' I reminded myself, my usual frown finding its way on to my face.
Some civilians in front of me pointed out from the sidewalks, all of them grinning at me in wild amazement. "There's Commander Gallagher up front! He's the strongest warrior in all of Overwatch!" I heard them shout, and Genji chuckled gleefully. "This is amazing! I never knew there were this many people in Monaco! I've never seen a crowd so enthusiastic in a parade before!" He laughed, waving at a few adoring fan girls as he passed by. I kept silent, thinking about what I was going to do soon enough. 'It's a good thing he doesn't know. I doubt I could bear looking him in the eyes and leaving. He had shown me nothing but kindness, and in return I was turning my back on him and everything he cared about.'
"Aren't you going to wave or even smile at them? After all, you are the hero of the battle." I felt his eyes on me, but I paid no mind to him. 'What am I going to do after this?' I thought, but my focus was snapped back to the crowd around me, and Genji as he called my name. "Scott!"
"Huh?" I turned to him, and he paused. "What's the matter? You seem a little down or something. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. I'm okay." I answered, nodding at him. I looked back at the crowds, and all of the people who took photos of me and waved at me. Some were even offering flowers. "This is real. It truly is. How could anyone have dreamed of this two years ago?" I muttered, smiling for a moment.
"Yeah! It's crazy!" Genji exclaimed, and I looked forward, watching as Olivia trotted forward, smiling. "But one person did. And only she saw it." I said, thinking about her dream. Thinking about how close she was to her dream. A grin spread across my lips.
"It's amazing. She did it."
I noticed Angela turn around, and our eyes met almost instantaneously. That concerned gaze of hers pierced through my hard and rough exterior, and right into every single one of my insecurities and fears. I frowned, realizing how hard leaving tomorrow was really going to be.
3 hours later...
I wore an annoyed scowl along with my tuxedo as me, Genji, Jesse, Lena, Angela, Reinhardt and a few others walked in behind Olivia as she led us in to the mansion. The large room was lit up by multiple chandeliers hanging above, holding candles above us. It was filled to the brim with waiters and waitresses who hurried around from place to place, carrying wine and champagne on their trays. The place was crowded, and I could recognize a few faces in the large groups. Plenty of them were new recruits, enjoying the fruits of fame and notoriety. Along with them, hundreds of men and women in dresses and suits fancier than the next piled up around us, smiling and raising their glasses in admiration.
As soon as Olivia entered she was swarmed with men and women, all of them asking about her work, or how it is working with us, or other dumb questions like that. Oddly enough, she seemed right at home, charming the crowds with ease. That grin of hers was enough to woo everyone in the ballroom. She wore a purple dress made from a thick velvet, along with some white silk gloves that fit her just as well as the dress did. I couldn't help but notice how lovely she looked.
I was already becoming annoyed with my suit, scratching at the irritating fabric as it restricted my movements. Unlike me, everyone else seemed glad to be out of their gear and into some fancy getups. Genji wore a tuxedo like me, which I found amusing since he was already in a suit, but he looked good. His mask was off, revealing that smile of his. Angela wore a slim red dress that shimmered in the light, and it probably attracted more eyes than she was comfortable with, which explained why she kept so close to Genji. Jesse was looking as sharp as ever, his hair slicked back, and he was clean shaven. His eyes danced along the faces of the adoring crowds as he kept his head held high. Reinhardt towered over us all, though he offered warm smiles to everyone around him. He had ripped a part of his suit because of his size, but he still looked presentable.
Lena on the other hand seemed a bit uncomfortable, and I noticed her blushing as she felt eyes on her. Lena wore a bright blue dress with a v-cut leading up to her upper thigh, probably revealing more skin than she liked. I offered her a small yet assuring grin, and she returned the same.
The sound of violins and applause soon broke out as we walked forward, the crowd making way for us as we walked through. All of them offered these proud looks, and large smiles. I felt out of place. Even more so than usual.
I heard Jesse chuckle, and he nudged Lena with his elbow. "Hey. Stick out your chest. They'll look down on you if they think you're not confident." He advised, clapping her on the back. Lena's blush remained visible on her cheeks as she replied. "I'm just so nervous. It's embarrassing!" She exclaimed, and Jesse laughed.
"To think we've come this far! To walk through these halls like this!" He grinned, and Lena nodded. "Yeah. You're right! I can't believe I'm standing in a place I only ever believed existed in fairy tales! And it's all thanks to Overwatch! Surrounded by adoring fans and smiling faces all over again...it's great!"
"Heh heh! That's more like it!" Jesse said.
We all stood nearby as even more people crowded around Olivia, each and every one of them praising her for her work. It was if they had completely forgot we were standing right here. "May you tell us about some of your tales from the battlefield? Won't you grace us with one of your fascinating stories?" They all demanded.
"I'm sure my tales, as barbaric as they are, would only bore you lovely ladies and dashing gentlemen." I heard her say, and they all continued swooning over her. Jesse stared as even more people crowded around her.
"Daaaamn. You think she could at least spare a couple of those women for me." I heard Jesse whine. Soon enough his wish was granted as a few women surrounded him, their hands finding their way to his muscular arms and chest.
"Aren't you one of the great commanders of Overwatch? Please tell us about your heroic exploits on the battlefield."
A large smirk met his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Weeell, I must confess, yes I am! Sometimes I'm afraid of my own strength!" He boasted, and Angela rolled her eyes, causing Genji to laugh.
"It's him! It's him!" I heard a few females shout as they hurried over to me. Jesse seemed disappointed that they noticed me and not him. Beautiful women in fine silk dresses began to surround me as I met their gazes. "The commander of Overwatch who bested Akande singlehandedly in combat!"
"Uh, yes." I answered awkwardly, adjusting a button on one of my sleeves. For once, rather than staring in fear at my augmentations and eyes, they all gawked at them in pure joy, their hands meeting my titanium limbs as they shouted. "Tell us some of your stories!" A brunette exclaimed. Their voices began to overlap one another as I struggled to answer their questions.
"I heard you fought an entire battalion by yourself!" One woman yelled, and the topic began to shift to that. I looked to Reinhardt for help, who was already busy with even more adoring fans. He was already telling them some story as they gathered around him. "Well...yeah, but..." I trailed off and they gasped in shock. "Unbelievable! You must be the strongest man in Overwatch!" All of them were chuckling, and some old woman was beginning to pinch my cheeks like she was my grandma.
Sighinng, I pushed past them as I placed my hands in my pockets. The ladies began to voice their displeasure and disappointment as I walked away. "You take care of them!" I called out to Jesse, who seemed shocked for a moment, before chuckling. "If you insist!"
As usual, I sat in the corner of the room on a bench by myself, growling as the others seemed to be enjoying the attention. "Gah! What are they doing?!" I folded my arms, leaning back. I noticed Lena shift her gaze towards me before she excused herself from a crowd of men and rushed towards me. "Huh?"
She took my hand firmly and yanked me up, dragging me through the ballroom as she paid the rest of the room no mind. "Wh-what're you doing?" I asked, and she turned to me, running a nervous hand through her spiky hair. "Those men keep pestering me, and I don't know what to do about it! I was hoping you'd pretend to be my partner." Lena avoided my gaze, and I nodded my head.
Once we were outside on the balcony, she sat down on another bench and released a sigh. She seemed exhausted already. "Ugh. I'm not very good at things like this. Trainin' has always been more comfortable." She admitted, and I smiled.
"Yeah. I feel the same. To think you'd get all dressed up like this." I teased, and she blushed, causing me to chuckle. "Well, I don't know! Men's clothing is more practical!" She defended herself, and I sat down beside her as she offered me some room. "It's silly. I can't believe I came here wearing a dress. I look ridiculous."
"I look silly don't I? The truth." She asked, looking up at me. I shook my head. "No. You look very lovely." I answered, and she giggled. "Really?" Lena replied, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. You look a lot better than the women in there."
"Lena. Why don't you go in there and dance with the others?" I asked, watching as Angela and Genji shared a dance. I smiled once more, happy for the both of them. "Oh no! I've never been a good dancer. Besides, I'd probably just end up tripping over someone's shoes." She explained. We were silent for a few moments as a cool night breeze blew by, ruffling Lena's hair.
"Well, what about you? This appearance seems out of character for you. I didn't think you liked attending these formal celebrations."
I paused, my mind flashing back to that night on the rooftop. About when I confessed how I felt about Overwatch to her.
"I want to see everything through to the end." I muttered, looking on at all of my friends having a truly good time. It warmed my heart to see them smile. Olivia was speaking with Jesse and a few other recruits, laughing about something. "What?" Lena looked up at me once more, and I stared up at the full moon above, taking in the beauty of the night sky.
"Ever since I met you all two years ago, what Olivia and I, what you and everyone else in Overwatch has done these years, what she's won. And even what she stands to win now that she's come this far. I want to see how it all ends. That's why I came here tonight. To finish this."
There was a short moment of silence between the both of us as Lena offered me a concerned look. The same look she gave me on that rooftop. "Tell me, you want to leave, don't you? Leave Overwatch?"
I kept silent, my gaze shifting to my hands as they clenched into fists. "You do, don't you?" Lena spoke softly, and I sighed.
"I'm tired of looking up at her from inside of her dream."
The people inside began to applaud the entrance of someone, and I noticed Katya enter the large room. "Why don't you go on without me? I'm gonna stay out here and cool off. I refuse to listen to another tedious speech."
"I'll be inside if you need me. And Scott?" She turned to me, and I met her hazel eyes. Behind them she hid a worry I'd never seen in her eyes before. "N-nothing." She changed her mind, leaving me to myself for the moment.
When I grew tired of sitting alone outside, I stepped inside the ballroom again, my senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of it all. I wiped some of the dirt from my tuxedo and straightened the tie before stumbling through the crowds. I stood with my back up against a wall as I stared at the others dancing. There was a way they moved with such fluidity and grace that never failed to mesmerize me. I snatched a drink off of a waiter's tray as he walked by, downing the entire glass in one sip. I carelessly threw it to the side, hearing it shatter against the hard floor.
"Scott? My, might I say you look ravishing." I heard Olivia say, and I frowned in response. "I could say the same about you." I muttered. She raised a suggestive eyebrow at me, causing me to try and move past it. "So um, what do you need?"
"Well, I was wondering if you'd care to dance with me? It's rather embarrassing to be all alone when you're surrounded by happy couples." Olivia offered me a grin, and I chuckled, shaking my head in response. "Ah, apologies, but I don't think you'd want me as your dance partner. Besides, isn't there-!"
Before I could finish my sentence or resist her, she snatched my hand and dragged me with her to the center of the room, giggling the entire time. "H-hey! What the hell are you doing?!" I demanded, and she laughed, placing a finger on my lips and hushing me. "C'mon, you don't have to be all serious. We're here to have fun!" Olivia took my hand in her own, placing it on her hip before taking my other hand and holding it in the air. I felt her hand rest along my back, and I struggled to hide how uncomfortable I felt.
"H-hey! Stop spinning! I'm gonna get dizzy!" I said, making her laugh as she twirled. Her hand became intertwined with mine, and I noticed the hundreds of eyes on us. "They're staring!" I said, but she forced me to look at her. "Just focus on me. You know, for a strong warrior who has defeated hundreds, you sure do get flustered easily."
Doing as she said, I kept my eyes locked with hers, and I became lost in them as the world around us spun. Soon the eyes around us didn't bother me, and I focused on keeping up with the woman in front of me.
Our arms were outstretched as we held on to one another by the hand, spinning around as we laughed. I had never heard Olivia truly laugh like this before. She didn't stifle the laugh with a hand, and she didn't bother being formal. She just laughed. That smile of hers was enough to melt my heart, and I began grinning like a fool as well. The rush I felt with her was unlike any other, and I could feel my heart beating faster. The crowd had given us room as we spun, and I chuckled, despite what I was going to do.
'Don't focus on that. Just focus on her. For tonight, and tonight only, we can be with her. We can make her laugh and smile, and show her how we feel. But in the morning...'
'She doesn't need to know. I'll be gone before she knows it. But that's how it must be.'
Olivia smiled, and I returned the same.
Angela's POV
I struggled to focus on the book I was reading as the thunder and lightning crashed above me, causing my small room to shake. It was pouring outside, and the storm wasn't going to be letting up any time soon. Sighing, I placed my book back down in my lap, pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration.
Ever since Scott told me about his plans to leave Overwatch it's been all I can think about. He's even more quiet than usual, and he's constantly frowning. It was as if he couldn't stand being with us anymore. It aggravated me to no end. Perhaps I just didn't understand, but he was acting so selfish. After two years of hard work and dedication, and now that it's starting to let up and life is getting better, he wants to leave. I debated telling the others countless times before, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Even if I disagree with him, I'd be violating his trust by revealing his plans. But that didn't mean I wouldn't try and stop him.
Scott seemed rather happy earlier tonight though. He was laughing and dancing with the rest of us, as if enjoying his last moments with us. Genji expressed his concerns about his wellbeing, but I didn't tell him. They were such good friends, and I figured that it would probably hurt his feelings if he knew about it.
I planned on speaking with Scott in the morning. For now, I was just glad to be out of that ballroom and out of that dress. No matter how many celebrations I attend, I'll never become comfortable with them. I looked outside, looking at the bright neon lights of the city, with hundreds of signs and streetlights illuminating the streets below.
A flash of lighting struck, and within it I saw a man in a dark trench coat with a bag slung over his shoulder walking in the rain, his gaze averted to the road in front of him. 'What a fool. He doesn't even have an umbrella. Where is he-'
My thoughts came to an abrupt end as I recognized the clothes he was wearing, along with his black prosthetic limbs.
"Scott!"
I rushed out of my room and through the hallways of the expensive hotel we were residing at, grabbing my umbrella and a light rain coat. "No no no no!" I sprinted to the exit, which Jesse and Genji were standing by, speaking about something I couldn't hear. Genji noticed me and stood up, confused. Jesse seemed just as bewildered as he adjusted his hat, frowning at me.
"Angela? What're you doing up so late? Where are you going?" Genji stopped me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. I began to catch my breath, realizing I'd have to explain what Scott was doing to the both of them. "Scott is leaving!" I yelled, and Genji frowned. "Wh-what? Where to?"
"Ah he's probably out for a cigarette." Jesse muttered, and I growled, contemplating slapping that dumb grin off his face. "He's not! Please, he's trying to leave Overwatch. Don't you get it?" I said, and I heard a familiar voice come from behind me. "What? Scott's leaving?" Lena asked, and a flash of guilt seemed to pass over her face. 'Did she know about this?' I thought, but I didn't bother asking. "I didn't think he'd actually do it..." She trailed off.
"C'mon! We need to go after him!" I exclaimed, and Lena nodded, leaving the two confused men behind us.
We both rushed out of the door and into the pouring rain, our feet splashing in the puddles below us as we hurried over to the figure who stood just below a street lamp, revealing his raven black hair.
"Scott!" Lena yelled, his name echoing off the tall buildings around us before fading away into the rain. He stopped, slowly turning around and staring straight into our eyes. There was no sadness in his eyes, nor anger or happiness. He was completely resolute and unwavering. The rain dripped off of his face, flowing around his sharp features and completely drenching him. Thunder crackled above as we looked at each other. "Scott. Are you leaving us?" I asked, but he remained silent.
"Answer me!" I shouted. "I'm sorry. I know we don't always get along that well, but we have fought side by side for so long! And all of the hard work we've endured is only now bearing fruit. And this is just the beginning!"
"Thank you. Both of you. But I've made my decision." Scott said, but Lena stepped forward. "Please don't!"
"I can't live under the weight of her dream anymore. Buried by it." He muttered, before looking up at us. A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Angela, I hope you and Genji live well. Take care of the others for me. I'll be back one day." He nodded, turning to continue walking away before another voice chimed in.
"Hey!" Jesse called out, and him and Genji walked side by side. Genji smiled at me, before walking past us as he placed a hand on Scott's shoulder. "Please, give us your company for just a moment."
The trio walked off into the distance, leaving Lena and I to try and come up with some way to stop him from departing from Overwatch. "Wait, Sombra! Sombra will be able to stop him!" Lena snapped her fingers, and we both hurried off to find our leader.
Scott's POV
Jesse was busy flirting with some woman behind us, his back turned to me as I sat in the chair opposite of him. Genji sat beside Jesse, his eyes locked with mine, his brows furrowed. Not in anger, but in confusion.
"What happened? Why're you leaving us so suddenly?" He asked for the tenth time already, and I sighed, looking down at the cold beer in front of me. Jesse was asking a bartender for another round for us as I began to speak. "It's not sudden. I've been thinking about this for around a year." I admitted, and his eyes widened.
"Why? Are you discontent?" Genji leaned forward in his chair, and I shook my head. "No Genji. It's nothing like that. These past two years have meant everything to me. It's like I'm in some amusement park. There's never a dull moment with you all." I muttered. "Then I don't understand why- Jesse! Could you please stop that for a moment?" Genji growled, his anger getting the better of him for once. Jesse clicked his tongue, scoffing. "Do ya have a problem with me getting acquainted with a woman or two at a bar?"
Jesse kicked his feet up on the table, sighing. "We've got unlimited access to whatever we could desire here in Monaco. In the street women and children mob us as we walk by. And why not? We're heroes to these folks, and we've saved countless innocents! It's about damn time we got some recognition! We've obtained the impossible, and we spilled our own blood to achieve it!" His gaze shifted to me, and he scowled in disgust. "And you're prepared to just give all this up?!"
"Answer me!" He spat, his anger growing even more verbose as he continued speaking. I frowned, but I kept quiet. "Well, do whatever makes you happy! Which for a normal man might include having a beer with his friends, but all you seem interested in is killing more enemies!"
"You're right." I said, and Jesse's eyes widened in surprise. "I'd rather fight for my life than live it."
"So that I may live, I take life. Over these years, I've done nothing but refine the art of killing. But then, I learned what I needed to grow stronger. Without it, I'd never truly become a better man. I met her. The woman who made me question everything I ever thought I knew. She made me need her respect, her love, her affection. She owned nothing, yet she strived to obtain everything." I spoke about Olivia with such a passion and longing I've never been able to properly put to words.
"Recognizing her ceaseless ambition, there is no one in the world I respect more than her."
My gaze shifted, and I frowned. "But to be beneath her. Serving her dream at her feet, admiring her from afar, I can no longer stomach it. I want to be at her side as an equal when I forge something for myself. No more will I be anything less than an equal to her."
Genji and Jesse shared a stunned silence, exchanging glances with one another as I sat there. "You think you're her equal?" Jesse asked, and something snapped in him as he slammed his fist on the table, standing up from his seat. "God damn you and your childish bitching! I ain't gonna listen to it! Sombra is exceptional and you are beneath her. You should be more grateful for your position, which Sombra and no one else, saw fit to bestow upon you! A rank and position an ass like you ain't deserve!" He jabbed his finger at me, and I met his eyes with an anger of my own.
"I don't want what someone else can give me. If it's given to me then it's hers to give and not my own." I replied, causing the cowboy to growl.
"What? Too good for her crumbs, huh? Listen, a real man recognizes his limitations and makes compromises! He has a responsibility to his friends and to himself to understand his flaws and accept them! But you're just too damn weak to admit that you've already exceeded your station, so you're running away from your friends, looking to the horizon and praying for what will never be, because you're just a coward!"
"McCree, that's enough!" Genji shouted, and eyes were beginning to shift to our booth in the corner of the bar. I lowered my gaze at him, but I didn't raise my voice. "What about you? Are you the only man to have never dreamed? You're right, I have exceeded my station. But unlike you, I refuse to just be some grunt like you who blindly follows orders."
There was a fury like no other inside of him as he realized what I was referring to, but luckily enough he exhaled and closed his eyes. "I've had enough. I clearly can't convince you with my words. Hopefully Sombra'll knock some sense into you. Goodnight."
Jesse stormed off, leaving with a huff and not even bothering to pay the bill. Genji sighed, offering me a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry about what he said. I think he just hates the thought of you leaving us." He assured me, but I shook my head. "No. It's quite alright. I appreciate everything you've all done for me. You, especially. You're a great friend." I smirked up at him, and he nodded.
"It's getting late, I'll show you out." He stood up from his seat, leaning over the table. "I hope you find it." His scars stretched up with his mouth as he grinned, and I smiled weakly. "That thing that makes you whole. I've been on that same trip myself. When you get back, perhaps we can share our stories."
I chuckled, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. "I hope so."
The storm was beginning to settle as the rain stopped, and Genji and I walked in relative silence, the only sounds between us were our footsteps along the hard cement road. The city was slowly dissolving in the distance, and when I turned back to look at Monaco I could only see the bright lights.
We both came to a halt near the top of a hill with a single tree standing alone at its peak. I offered the cyborg a smile, and he nodded. "This is far enough. Thanks for coming." I said, and he sighed, shrugging. I began to walk off, leaving without another word as I came to the top of the hill. "I suppose this is goodbye, Scott." I heard him mutter, but before I could reply I heard Lena shout at me once more. "Scott! Wait!"
I turned back, watching Lena rush towards me, leaving Angela, Reinhardt, and even Jesse behind. He was busy sulking as he leaned back against the lone tree on the hill. "What's this?" I looked at them all, but they didn't answer. Rain was still dripping from the leaves as I felt Lena slam into me, and I looked down at her as she cried, the tears staining my trench coat. She balled her hands into fists and pounded on my chest incessantly, and I sighed.
"Scott, you're so mean! How were you just going to leave without sayin' anythin'? After everything we've been through! What happened? Don't you like us anymore?" Lena demanded, a stray tear running down her cheek. I lacked the strength to answer her questions. "Lena...I..."
My eyes met Angela's, but she looked to her left, and a woman emerged from behind the tree.
Olivia stood there, staring at me, and there was an anger in her eyes I hadn't seen before. I could tell she must've shed a few tears, judging by her puffy eyes. 'This was what I feared. This is what I know I cannot bear.' I told myself, realizing just how cruel it was to plan on leaving like this. My grip on my bag tightened, and Olivia finally spoke, her words cutting through the silence.
"Are you leaving us?" She asked. That simple question caused me to shudder. I scowled, looking up at her. "Yeah." I muttered.
Olivia furrowed her brows in frustration, and the once warm smile she offered me tonight was replaced with an icy glare that shook me to my core. It frightened me how easily she could go from being a beautiful woman to a deadly enemy in an instant. "You're turning your back on us? On me?"
"Yes."
Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if she expected me to back down, or make some excuse. She should've known better.
"Please explain it to me so I can understand!" Lena tugged on my coat, and I looked down at her. "We spoke about this before, but I just don't get it! Why would you want to leave? Isn't Overwatch like a family to you?" I wanted to nod in response and tell her all the things I was thankful for them doing, but I couldn't. If I stay here much longer I might end up changing my mind. And then I'll never be their equal.
"Lena, leave him be." Genji approached us, offering her a stern look. "Why?" She turned to him, and he frowned. "It's a man's decision. Don't make it any harder on him."
She turned to the others in desperation, hoping for more support. "But Scott is one of our commanders! He's an important part of Overwatch!"
"Keh! We don't need him, especially not now! We can win without him!" Jesse scoffed, folding his arms. "I know, but-"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"
Jesse huffed, walking towards me as he stared up at me, his face a few inches from mine. He reeked of whiskey, his once clean and slicked back hair tumbling down into his face. He scowled. "I've hated you for a while now. Ever since we won in that battle against Talon you've done nothing but wallow around like some baby! I've never liked you since, and I finally know what's been pissing me off so much recently!"
"It's your damn face! You think you're so special because of those augmentations, always brooding and judging all the time! And let me tell you something! You're also not the only person in the world who's got problems! It's people just like you who make me sick to my stomach!" Jesse spat, and I offered him no response. I held myself back, refusing to lash out in anger. 'He's drunk.' I reminded myself, though it didn't soften the blow of his words.
He stepped back, chuckling. "Can you believe this arrogant asshole? I mean every single one of us risked our lives for 'im, but does that mean anythin' to 'im? We're finally being rewarded for everything we've been doing, and what does he do? He throws it away!" He turned back to me, his hands clenching into fists.
I frowned, realizing the truth in his words. They had all risked everything for me, and some of them were injured protecting me. And in return I was throwing everything Olivia and the others handed me and leaving.
"If you wanna suffer then be my guest, but know that you're not special like Sombra is, and you never will be!"
A satisfied grin spread across his lips, and he chuckled again. "Feels good to get that off my chest. Just know if we ever meet in a fight, you'd better watch your ass."
There were a few seconds where we all stood in silence as Jesse walked back to the tree, and I sighed, adjusting the weight of my bag on my shoulders. I smiled, my eyes flicking between them all. Some of them expressed sadness and bittersweet smiles, and others like Jesse expressed a feeling of betrayal and anger. "Thanks for everything. You've all been a family to me. I'll be back one day. I can only assume that we'll have a lot to catch up on." The others stood there in silence, and Genji nodded at me. My smile faded, and I turned to leave them.
"Goodbye."
My eyes widened in shock as I heard the sound of a gun being cocked, and I looked into Olivia's eyes, that same fire from before raging inside. Except this time, she expressed no emotion. Her eyes were fixated on me, and she held her hand steady as she raised the barrel of the gun to my chest. I could hear Angela gasp as she noticed what was happening.
"I told you long ago that you belong to me, Scott." Olivia spoke softly, never taking her eyes off me as she drew a knife from behind her back. The same knife she used two years ago in that duel. "I won you that day. I won your life, your death. They are both mine."
"If you wish to be free, it's the same as it was before." She began, placing her pistol back in her holster. Her mouth twisted in anger, and her grip around the hilt of her knife tightened.
"Come and take your freedom from me."
"Wait, please, both of you calm down!" Angela shouted from behind me. I tried to offer Olivia the same smile I always did, but she gave nothing in return. Her stance was balanced and firm, yet it wasn't rigid. "Can't you just settle for a smile, and a fond farewell?" I asked, but Olivia remained silent. I dropped my bag and sighed.
"I guess not. You've only ever settled for the best."
The blades in my arms shot outwards, and I narrowed my gaze at her, frowning. I harbored no anger or hatred towards her, but I wasn't going to back down now. My blades shimmered in the moonlight as I exhaled, closing my eyes for a moment. 'I love you, Olivia. In a way I can't comprehend. But that won't change anything. Not now.'
"Stop this! What do you think you're doing?!" Angela rushed towards us, standing in between us as we stood a few feet apart. 'She can't stop this. This duel is fated to happen.'
"Are you really willing to kill one another?" She demanded, looking into my eyes. "Step aside, Angela. I don't want to hurt you." I said, an odd sense of calm finding its way into my voice. I wasn't afraid, or angry, or sad. Just determined. Determined to see this through. Angela scowled up at me. "What has gotten into you?! If you really do this someone is going to die!"
Reinhardt's giant hand snatched her own, dragging her away from Olivia and I. She kicked and struggled against him, but it was no use. "Don't interfere, Angela. This is how it must end." The large man spoke gently, placing her down on her feet beside Genji. "Stop! Do you really want to see them kill each other?!"
"Now that it's come this far, there's no turning back." Genji muttered, and Jesse chuckled. "Good. Maybe losing an eye will knock some sense into him."
"What're you all doing?! Please! Help me! Genji!" Angela begged, and Genji turned to her. "This is their fight. We can't come between them."
"But-!"
"No. There's nothing else to say. If Scott really wants to leave, then he must earn his freedom back. I'm sorry, Angela."
None of us made a sound as a cool breeze passed by, my coat flapping in the wind. Olivia was preparing to strike, and I anticipated the first move. 'Her eyes look as if they're focused on an enemy. But, even if she hates me, or thinks I'm a traitor, I must go.' I thought to myself, and I began to think about everything we had been through. All of the friendships I made. I was really leaving it all behind.
'It's just like it was two years ago. Just as it started, so shall it end. A duel. It couldn't be any other way. But this does show me that you still value me.'
A drop of rain plummeted from the branch of the tree behind us, and we both launched into action.
'Enough to fight for me.'
Olivia moved forward as gracefully as ever, swinging her knife upwards as I brought my blades down with every ounce of strength in my body. Our blades clashed against one another, and a spark flew from the metal.
Her knife shattered upon impact and the upper half of the blade flew into the air, and my blades struck her shoulder. I stopped my swing just before it would've killed her, resting right beside her neck. Olivia's once proud eyes met mine, and her confidence, much like her knife, was broken.
She dropped the hilt of her knife and fell to her knees, clutching her wrist. Olivia stared at her hands in shock, her eyes widened. She sat there in the puddle of rain below her, and her body began to tremble, as if she couldn't accept what just happened. I exhaled slowly once again, recalling my blades back into my arms.
I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. The others were in awe, looking at Olivia as she struggled to comprehend that she was defeated. For a moment, I could see how heartbroken she was. Because she had lost, and because she had lost me as well. Her eyes were empty, and I contemplated saying something. Maybe confessing how I felt about her, or thanking her for everything. But I choked on my own words.
Walking by her, I didn't turn to the others or to her. "Farewell."
I continued down the road, the puddles of water splashing as I moved forward, never looking back. I left footsteps in the mud beside the road as I heard thunder crashing in the distance. Another storm was coming soon. 'This is it. I'm leaving. I've wanted this for a year now. I won my freedom back. Yet, why does it so unfulfilling?'
The others were crowding around their leader, but I couldn't hear her say anything. She was silent. "That's it? He's really leaving?" Lena muttered in disbelief. 'Why am I doing this to her? She's an amazing person, and a good friend. But this is what I repaid her kindness with.'
"I hope he stays safe." Genji said, but I didn't stay to find out what anybody else had to say. It'd only tempt me to come back or to say something.. 'But I can't. One day I'll come back as a new man with a purpose in life. One day they'll be proud of me.'
"SCOTT!" Angela's voice rang out, echoing through the night sky as I walked away. She probably expected me to turn, or to say something.
But I just kept moving, hoping to avoid my conflicting feelings. I never said a word and I resisted the urge to turn around to meet her gaze.
'You'll be alright, Olivia.' I thought, my mind flashing to her face as she collapsed to the ground. I struggled against the growing winds as they began to howl in the night. 'You just stumbled over a stone in the road. It means nothing. Your goal lies far beyond, doesn't it?' I thought about that fateful night in Monaco, and her speech about her dream. It's what started all of this.
'You'll overcome this. You'll walk again soon. And when you do, one day I'll come back with my own dream, my own purpose. Goodbye, Olivia.'
