Death was not in the best mood today. It seemed that his eternal hell wouldn't be the only thing bothering him. The Talon overseers were calling him over. He was not one to take orders from them, but then again these were the people that were the biggest pains to Overwatch. Mostly thanks to him and Widowmaker. Floating through the cracks of the walls and doors, Reaper pulled himself together and faced one of the overseers. In his hands were files and the stupid air of superiority.
"Reaper. It's good to see you out and about. I trust that you've rested quite well this time. We've tried making your chambers more comfortable."
"It still feels the same. Empty. Cut to the chase. I'm not one you should disturbed so often especially now." The recent incursion to assassinate the Russian president of Volskaya Industries didn't go well without Sombra. She appeared to be missing, but when they tracked her down it was shown she was near Dorado. When questioned it was met with Sombra giving a cryptic answer.
"I needed to meet a friend there." To Widowmaker and Reaper it was highly unlikely. Widow wrote it off as slacking off, but Reaper believed she had some ties to her Los Muertos gang and decided to give them some edge. Recently the smaller gangs like Los Muertos and Deadlock have been popping in the radar. Heck, even the Junkers started to hit harder.
Talon says they'll still remain on top, but for how long? Overwatch is getting stronger by the day with more or less sanctions being unofficially lifted. Soon the U.N would deem them necessary. They need to nip the organization in the bud before things get too far.
"That maybe and it is a shame that you're mission was a failure, but you got a new one. Involving PMS Helix Security International. They're currently stationed near the Temple of Anubis."
"Eliminate those private contractors? Are you trying to excite me with this mission?" The overseer shook his head. "No, no, no Reaper. I assure you that is not the only reason you're being sent there." He pulled out a picture of a bounty hunter.
"In Cairo, we've established a possible identity to this hunter who carries information on some of our so-called "rivals". Ana Amari." The overseer sneered at Reaper's sudden still posture. "We believe Ana Amari is tracking someone in Helix Security. We've provided enough troops for a full scale assault to help divert their attention for you to continue your mission and to destroy them. Destroy or Cripple Helix Security is your first order. Your second order is to find and capture Ana Amari alongwith her target. Eliminate all obstacles in your way."
Behind his mask, the hardened scowl on his face cracked into a sinister smile followed by a deep and threatening chuckle. "Looks like I won't be wasting my time. I'll get onto a ship and leave immediately. Have the men begin their attack when I arrive." With that Reaper formed into the dark shadow he was and disappeared in wisps of black.
The overseer breathed a sigh of relief and relayed the orders. It was about time he left. The overseer is always afraid that one day reaper will turn those shotguns to their heads. Lucky for him it didn't seem today was that day.
However someone was watching and sent the message straight to Overwatch. "Sorry, but my friend is gonna need Amari more than you."
0-0-0-0-0-0
The door opened and it was Fareeha looking like she was in deep thought. She happened to be walk in on a gaming session with Hana, Lucio, and Lena. The three were taking things easy after the escape of 76 and his mysterious partner. She chuckled as she saw the Lena and Lucio struggle to beat Hana at her stream.
Lucio would've complained louder, but his jaw was swollen and needed constant ice. Hana was dabbing the ice against bulge and proved how skilled she was at multi-tasking.
"Oi, that's not fair! Most of us can't play games as often as you!"
"Get good then noob!" Hana exclaimed. Lena put down the controller and stretched her arms. She leaned back and saw Fareeha was watching them. "Oh Fareeha! I didn't see ya there. What's up?"
"Nothing Lena. I was just walking through the base." She said absently. "Somethin' the matter?"
"Of course not." Lena turned to Lucio and Hana and said she was going to get snacks. The two nodded at that continued their stream. Lena blinked over and appeared next to Fareeha, who briefly took a combat stance. No matter how often Lena may do that, Fareeha's body is hardwired for surprises. "Come on, let's talk."
The two left the gaming area and through the halls of the base. They passed several employees, secondary soldiers, and clean up crew. With Overwatch becoming more and more accepted several nations have discreetly lent Overwatch help in supplies, funds, and troops. Men, women, and Omnics work together to help lighten the load of missions. Either humanitarian or through armed forces, Overwatch's expansion was met with great enthusiasm. If agents weren't busy then they were training or helping their soldiers.
And it was divided up pretty easily. Winston gave out responsibilities to most agents. Armed training in both guns and melee was McCree and Genji respectfully. The weapons sector belonged to Torbjörn. Recruitment training went to Fareeha, Tracer and Zarya. And the science/medical sectors belong to Mei-Ling Zhou, Winston, and Angela. The base was however was mostly empty except due to many of them forming their own Overwatch bases around the world. Gibraltar was the head of operations and the nations allowing Overwatch activity form around it.
Fareeha was a bit happy for the arrangement. It allowed the base to have more space. Though as they greeted the few employee personnel there, Lena wanted to get to know what was bothering Fareeha. "So what's the matter with you? I take that losing 76 was a pretty hard loss."
"76? Ah, yes it was, but that is not what bothers me." Lena pondered on that. "Was it his partner? Cause I definitely understand that. The bloke wouldn't stay down and he bruised my shins. Bit hard to explain that to Emily since I visited her."
"You two are still strong together?"
"Of course! It's been a few weeks, but I spent three days with her and it was all the worth it. And with Burr back up, we can finally spend the holidays together! It'll be nice to finally relax during the holidays."
"Right, it would be." Fareeha admitted. Maybe she got Lena off the subject. "And it'll be even more relaxing if you tell me what's got you all bothered." Maybe not.
"Back on topic, of course." Fareeha racked the battle in her head. It was clear what happened, but her mind doubts that. McCree and Genji said it quite clearly, however it didn't make the exchange any less suspicious. "His partner hit me."
"Yeah, I saw that. He kicked you hard with that move of his. Didn't it crack your helmet?"
"It did, but that's not what's got me like this Lena."
"Well spit it out what is it." Fareeha took a breath and hoped her little theory didn't scare her friend too much. "I...I think that was Noah who attacked us." Lena stopped. Fareeha stopped. The Egyptian looked at Lena who was looking at her like she grew another head.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Lena-"
"Explain." She delivered that line hard. It almost Fareeha back track, but it was too late. "When we first fought Noah got me the same way the accomplice with 76 did. And when he looked at me, he said he was sorry. I-I heard him say that to me when we met the second time."
"Fareeha. That's ridiculous."
"I know, I know, but I heard him speak and it sounded just like him."
"You...Fareeha." Lena's breathing was starting to pick up. It was ridiculous, but what if Fareeha was right. If that was Noah. If there was a possibility he was still alive. She mentally shook her head to get a grip. That couldn't possibly be. She saw the video. Being on a burning cycle and falling off a cliff were good indications that a person would die from that. "That's not really the best evidence. You weren't even that close."
"Lena. We were friends. Not close, but I think I know."
"Not close is right. Because we were close friends. He and I were close almost sibling like." Lena's heartbeat started to pick up. "And yet how I can be so close to someone and not recognize that they're there in front of me. How can you possibly know its him when you weren't that close. It doesn't make any sense."
"Lena. I may have been imagining it." She tried to calm the Brit down, but Lena moved back.
"If you're right then why the hell didn't I notice? How could I have noticed? I...I would've hurt my friend badly. He would've been injured if he survived his crash and I just slammed the butt of my gun against him. But why would he fight us? It makes no sense. He-He wouldn't turn on us. Because he love us. Angela, Winston, me. How-How could he turn…?" Lena's rant turned into ramblings and Fareeha regretted her words.
"Look, Lena. I'm sorry for bringing this up. I'm probably just sad and imagined it. That's all."
"Why."
"Why, what?"
"You told me you've seen comrades, friends die before you. You never brought up imagining some of them alive. Why would it be different now? Wh-What if you're right and-and we just attacked our friend. Oh God." Lena's eyes started to water at the idea of what the might've done. What if she did shoot him? The image of his bleeding side as his eyes revealed to be betrayed. "I...What have we done, Fareeha?"
The pilot was on her knees. Her eyes freely pouring out tears as Fareeha knelt down. "Oh God, I'm so sorry Lena. I didn't mean to make you feel terrible. It may have been a mistake. A very stupid mistake on my part." Fareeha almost forgot she's got years above Lena. Besides old member or not, Lena was still a child compared to the others. She was definitely above someone like Hana, but that didn't matter.
While Fareeha was trying to reassure Lena another was listening on the conversation. Burr. He was attempting to do some of his own physical therapy without Angela worrying about him. And yes the news was broken to him. Tears were shed that came after fierce denial, but that didn't mean it he was over it. Now Fareeha's perspective has him thinking as well.
He went for years without his closest companion. He barely spent time with him before entering his coma and now he could've just lost him once again. Burr kept silent as he watched Lena and Fareeha slowly stand up.
If Noah was still alive and possibly with 76, where could they possibly be? He stopped when he felt a tap on the shoulder. It was Angela and with a notice from the Egyptian Overwatch Branch. "Winston is calling for agents to be ready for deployment. An anonymous tip from Helix Security has warned us that Talon plans an assault on the PMF."
"What? An anonymous tip? Has the branch informed…"
"Do not worry. The Overwatch branch there is already mobilizing civilian containment. Local authorities have been informed as well and ready to making plans for an evacuation. They're clearing the battlefield for us." Burr nodded at Angela's message.
"I got it. When are we leaving?"
Angela led Burr to the weapons room and pulled out her staff. "We're leaving immediately. Genji and McCree will be joining us though only for support." Burr got the idea and looked out the window. "We better not keep them waiting."
0-0-0-0-0-0
The bright sun battered down on the duo. The flight was long and uncomfortable, but in Noah's mind it was at least cool inside. The effects of climate change have been getting steadily worse and if it wasn't for some good ingenuity on both food and water conservations it would be hard to get a good meal these days.
When they flew, he didn't have to wear the turban face cover, but now he did if he wanted to keep his skin from burning too easily. 76 didn't seem too bothered by the temperature, but Noah could see him sweating a little too much in his opinion. And maybe it was because 76 never changes out of that jacket or black pants. Noah was at least smart enough to bring some money to buy some more comfortable clothes. Mainly desert boots, comfy brown jeans, and a blue shirt.
76 walked next to Noah and pulled out a basket of some fruits and water. "Here."
"So what's next? We should meet our friend before our window of opportunity closes again." They arrived at Egypt for under a day and they've been searching for Ana's last known location for two days.
"Ana is one of patience and precision. In times like these it'd be better to wait till nightfall. Police and security patrols are more lax that way and we'll have the cover of night." Noah noticed some of the people looking at them, more likely looking at 76. He also seemed to notice there was a wanted sign next to them. "Yeah, but for now let's get you a new daytime disguise."
"Hmph." 76 said. "You wouldn't happen to have clothes my size." 76 insisted on not needing a disguise, but news reached fast and a few people (bounty hunters) tried getting them caught. Luckily most were silenced before any word got out.
Noah smiled widely underneath his cover and made 76 wait for a spell. A few minutes later and with lighter wallet, Noah tossed 76 some clothes. "No offense, but red, white, and blue will make you stand out. And I don't want to hide another unconscious body."
76 looked into the bag and if Noah could see his face, he would see the stoic expression give way to a deer in the headlights. Noah shooed 76 to change and the old soldier only agreed since he didn't want any authorities looking for them. The thief waited patiently, saying small greetings to passer bys, and drinking his water with little suspicion. His goggles were safety nestled away in his pocket and his fingers played with the scratches gingerly.
A loud thunk was heard in front of him and Noah looked up to see the scarred face of 76 with dark sunglasses and a tourist style hat. It all followed a nice button-up shirt with tiny Egypt around it. "I look ridiculous. I feel ridiculous."
76 looked up at Noah, who was currently covering his mouth up. "No." Noah snickered louder. "Make another noise and I will hurt you." A louder snicker. "You cruel son of a bitch."
"I'll gladly be the son of a bitch that made you dress up like you never left the country before and fit the stereotype of American grandpa tourist. Hold on." Noah reached into his bag and pulled out a camera. 76's eyebrows raised as he suddenly caught the camera and looked down at it. "You look the part now grandpa."
76 scowled. "Besides now we're square for hitting me on the head earlier." Noah wouldn't let go of when 76 shut Noah up at Mexico and 76 has been trying to understand why. "Speaking of which since you look like that you're going to need a name."
"Why do you insist on this disguise? It looks like you're just looking for excuse to humiliate me." Noah sipped his water and tapped his sunglasses. "I'm very limited in my sight. And if I have to be with you when we find Amari, the least I can do is make sure your gear doesn't get the local authorities on us. Now shut it, 76 or shall we call you..."
He stopped to ponder a name. 76 sighed and rubbed his temples. "Jack. Call me Jack for now."
"Jack? Really? How generic." Noah said like it was a let down. Jack comically got angry. "Well what were you going to call me, huh?!"
"I was going to call Gabriel, but hey Jack is slightly more on the nose."
"Gabriel. Yeah no." Jack said. The two stayed sitting at their seats for a couple more minutes with silence being their only exchange. The sun started to set and the two didn't move. However, Noah wanted to be sure of a few things before starting their search. "Now our plan. How's that going to pan out?"
Jack didn't say anything, but reached into his pocket for a map. "Currently Helix has formed a camp throughout the city. The man Ana is tracking is around here." He pointed at district. The two didn't worry about eavesdroppers as the population around them slowly dwindled down.
"As it stands this district is where Ana may be considering she's chasing this man also it is near the outer ends of the town to the seaport a couple miles away. So our search will be mainly focused her." Noah brought out his phone.
"And I did some research on our little bounty hunter here. Or whatever the government is willing to spill about her. Apparently they've seen her take on multiple skilled guards and wield a sniper rifle on her back. Any dead criminals she brings back for the bounty die with a bullet lodged firmly in their brains. And most criminals still alive after their encounters have been seen with a dart on their skin. So she may actually retain some non-lethal rounds in her arsenal."
"If it's Ana then these men stood no chance. She's the best in the world. Even better than Widowmaker if she's still hunting. As for the ammo, that's rather nice. If we get shot by Ana it's better to get some sleep rather than bleed out."
Jack looked around and noticed many of the security personnel seemed tense. Actually a good amount looked like they were expecting some kind of attack. "They seem tense."
"Really? They look normal."
"No, I know that face. I've seen it on so many faces before a battle. That's the face of anticipation. They're expecting something." A speaker went out and people looked up confused. Local police and security began pushing people away as some were wondering what was going on. A police chief picked up the microphone and spoke: "To All .Tourists And Or Visitors Of The State. Please We Are Calling All People To Go Home For A Special Curfew. Please Go Return To Your Hotels/Homes. Thank You."
"Special curfew? When did they do those?"
"They don't." Jack and Noah got up and left to their hotel room. Once inside, Noah put his goggles on and placed his grappling hook on his side. Something was coming, he could feel it. Jack discarded his disguise and put on his mask and rifle. "Alright, we got to hurry."
The two walked out of the room and boarded their rental car. "Rental" really means borrowed with no clear return date. 76 started the car and drove down the district. Noah cocked his grappling hook and felt uneasy.
"Mind if I turn on the radio?"
"We'll be there in about ten minutes."
"Plenty of time." Noah said as he clicked it on. Static and jumbled voices filled the car, but Noah kept fiddling with the analog. "Enjoying yourself."
"Ssh. Listening." Unknown to either of them, the battlefield was being set. Helix's security firm was armed and ready. The local militia set up for evacuation orders in case the attack happens, agents of Overwatch were flying toward the city, and the phantom of a hero was looking at 76's car through a scope.
'Jack! What're you doing here?'
Near the phantom, Death glided on the rooftops with the empty husks of rooftop security on the floor. "So many poor souls. This district's time on Earth is over." Reaper looked to see the phantom watching a car drive through the empty streets. It was time. He saw his men were in position and one of them holding up a flare gun. "Begin."
The trigger was pulled and bright light flew into the air. Almost everyone saw it fly as people were wondering what that meant. 76 and Noah watched it fly into the air like everyone else before hearing a truck's horn get close to them before ramming right into them. The two screamed in pain as the vehicle began to spin wildly and into a building.
Many would notice this, but bombs started going off around the town as the battle cries of Talon were heard and the civilians caught in the middle tried fleeing from terror. The sounds of gunshots, grenades, missiles, and the utter destruction filled the empty night. 76 opened his eyes and found Noah hanging upside down unconscious.
"Noah." 76 croaked. "Noah, get up." The thief slowly opened his eyes and groaned in pain. "Uuuh, Jack what happened?" 76 didn't answer right away as he unbuckled himself and hit the ground of metal and broken glass.
"Ow." Sparks began flying and 76 could see some of the sparks hit the leaking gas flowing into the car. Holding a low crouch, 76 kicked the front window open. "Things went to hell fast. That's what. Here." He unbuckled Noah and he fell on to the ground. The two reached for their weapons and crawled out. The two got out as smoke began to fill out. 76 pulled Noah up and the two were greeted with the sight of fire. They could hear gunfights happening all already.
Noah walked forward, but stumbled quickly. 76 caught him and held Noah up. "Did anyone see the truck that hit us?" As if some cruel answer from the universe, the sound of a truck came revving through the streets as it broke through the wall like a stack of cups.
What was in front of them was an armored tank of truck with its headlights glaring down at them. 76 and Noah's visor began showing it was heavily plated, highly traversable tires, and a mounted gun that could tear them into pieces. Noah would've reached for his grappling hook, but his arm wouldn't respond. In fact the crash dislocated his arm and was now rendered helpless.
"Soldier! My arm!" 76 understood it quickly and reached for Noah's grappling hook. The hook shot out and hit the side of the roof as truck driver floored it in order to run over their targets. The two managed to fly out of danger and onto the roof of the building. 76 didn't realize how powerful the hook was and went flying over it. He held onto Noah tightly as they rolled across the roof and landed with a thud.
"Warning. May fling you across like a rag doll." Noah groaned. 76 rolled his eyes and went to attend Noah. The battle just started and 76 could see the cuts and bruises forming. "Hold still. You feel some pain."
76 popped the arm back into its socket and Noah swore loudly under his breath. "GAH, you stupid, old, fucker! That hurt."
"Little price to pay to get your arm back." 76 looked out in the distance. The entire city wasn't under attack thankfully, but the district where Helix and possibly Ana were was becoming a war zone. His visor showed him that civilians were evacuating the premise as best they could, however 76 could see that there were still civilian casualties. His fist tightened as he watched the destruction before him.
"76." The soldier turned to Noah, who was standing on his feet now. "Look we need to find Helix's facilities in the district. If we don't find Ana, we can at least draw out her target."
"You're right. However you forgot that we have enemies surrounding us. They'll notice us taking to the rooftops and the car's out of commission as well."
"We'll stick to the alleyways then. Move behind everything. We can do our best to avoid Talon."
"Kid, you got the right idea, but not now. I bet we've got Talon scoping us. We got the element of surprise. If we go through, we can take a good amount out." Noah was racking his brain on what to do. Jack was right in that they've got the element of surprise, but how would that last. As easy as a single Talon soldier might be, they were like ants. Strong in numbers and numbers was the thing they got them beat. "I know. We should split up."
"That's the stupidest thing I heard come out of your mouth."
"No, no, no listen. It'll work out. Look over there." Noah pointed to the center of the explosions and gunfire. "That is where most Helix security forces are. I'll go ahead and scope out the area and make sure to find a safe path. You can look for Ana on your own and once you find her, wait for me to give an all clear on a path to that building."
"Are you sure about that? Son." Noah glared at him for a second. "Noah, that place is a war-zone. How can you ever expect to get there without being caught or worse yet killed?"
"I'll stay hidden." Jack rolled his eyes behind his visor and Noah could feel it. "Hey, I'm very quiet."
"Being quiet is not the problem. It's staying out of sight."
"Jack. Trust me."
"Trust is something I don't give so easily."
"Have I given you a reason not to trust me?" Jack stood still for a second. "I know we've had this kind of forced partnership, but I need you to trust me and my abilities. I got this."
Jack stared at Noah for a second and his shoulders dropped. "If you can't find a path then get back here and contact me. We'll restrategize from there." Noah smiled at the trust given.
"Here." Jack pulled out his pocket communication units. Noah put one in his ear as did Jack. "We need to stay in contact after all."
Noah nodded as he turned his back on Jack and hopped over to the next roof. The soldier watched Noah disappear into the night and sighed. However his moment alone was interrupted by the sound of a gun cocking.
He turned around and pointed his rifle at a poor sniper who fumbled to load his gun right. 76 fired and killed the sniper in one shot.
"Did you hear that?"
"It came from over there!"
"Move, find the source of that shot!" 76 cracked his knuckles as the familiar rush of confronting his enemies ran through him. He stood over the roof and jumped down right onto a poor soldier who crumpled under his weight. His companions turned and were horrified to see the vigilante from Dorado appear before them.
0-0-0-0-0-0
The agents of Overwatch were closing in and Fareeha adjusted her helmet. Luckily it was repaired and ready for another battle. The soldier rolled her shoulder for any lockups in her armor as Burr stepped out in combat gear as well.
"Did you see it?"
"Hm?"
"They leveled the entire district Helix Security resides in. It's a full scale assault." Burr said solemnly.
"And the branch there? What're they doing?"
"Unfortunately they can only help the local authorities. Egypt still has some sanctions about Overwatch entering battle. They say if Overwatch appeared with an army it'll be too difficult to explain to the other nations."
"That's fine. We'll end it quickly." The ground echoed a couple more footsteps and they looked to see Genji and McCree. "Ah it's good to see you two up and about. I assume Winston told you what you're going to do."
"We will help Angela establish medical camps around the district and bring any wounded to her and the local doctors."
"Yeah and I'll be helping the escort unit stay safe during the attacks." McCree answered.
More and more agents poured in including Winston. Now wasn't a time to be on the sidelines. Lives are endangered and it was their call to action. "Lena, how we doing?"
"We're doing fine! Nothing out of the ordinary." Reinhardt laughed. "Great! Talon will not enjoy us spoiling the party for them."
"As long as you don't leave yourself open old man." Zarya said. The two shared a laugh as walked in with Torbjörn relaying some information about her mech. Lena and Lucio were in the pilot seats watching the night sky together.
"Hey Lena."
"Yeah?"
"You ok? You've been silent for most the ride here."
"Oh sorry, didn't mean to. Just had somethings on my mind."
"That's alright. Let's just get ready to help people." Tracer smiled at that. Hopefully after this maybe she could stop by at King's Row to visit her roommate. Her breakdown earlier that day was still heavy on her mind. The action should numb the pain for a little while. Her eyes scanned the skies until the orange from below caught her attention.
"Oh my God." Lucio looked down with Tracer and his eyes couldn't believe what he was seeing. The district looked destroyed. Massive fires were everywhere and flashes of lights were showing Talon and Helix soldiers bringing one another down. Everyone else saw and Winston was the first to step up.
"Alright we're here and we know what to do! Mercy will be followed by McCree and Genji in both evacuation and medical aid. Torbjörn will work with Reinhardt and will help initial defense against Talon. Lucio and Tracer will support each other in weeding out any nimble enemies. , Zarya, and I will lead an assault on the ground. And Pharah will attack from the skies with Burr providing any recon on the field. Is everyone ready?"
Everyone nodded as Burr took the controls from Lena and got everyone in position. Pharah was the first to leave as she took to the sky. Zarya and jumped out with Winston and the trio ran into a rather nasty firefight going on. Reinhardt and Torbjörn leapt down and were bringing many soldiers down with their combined effort. Tracer grabbed onto Lucio and the two disappeared in a blink. Burr could see green and blue lines of light race through the streets.
Burr flew the ship near the city and pulled a rifle from one of the weapon compartments. He cloaked the ship and pulled up a pair of binoculars. And as he did many people saw Overwatch's entrance. Many cheered, booed, and feared what the group was going to do.
Helix Security breathed relief as the tide of battle began to turn.
76 looked to the sky in surprise, but stopped when he heard a sinister chuckle.
The phantom on the roofs followed Pharah through her scope in solemn sadness.
Noah looked up to the sky in utter relief. One person who was more delighted to see this was Reaper. His smile was now uncontainable as it seemed Overwatch brought its best to this battlefield and it was up to him to reap their souls before the dawn breaks through the sky.
He threw down his empty shotguns and pulled another set as he left the pile of Helix soldiers and civilian bodies left to the vultures.
"Men. The agents of Overwatch have joined the battle. If you see one give me their location. A bonus for the doctor, the cowboy, and the monkey." He left the transmission when he heard footsteps around him. He turned to see Soldier 76 running at him and hitting his head with his rifle like a baseball bat.
"You're not going to reach any one of them you son of a bitch." Reaper laughed as he stood up and faced 76. The two stared down each before drawing their weapons out. Reaper pointed his shotguns right at 76 while chuckling maniacally. 76 didn't say a word as the tension was reaching its peak.
0-0-0-0-0
Noah felt relieved to see his friends arrive and feels he's going to owe some of them an apology. Mainly to Lucio and Lena. Fareeha would probably scold him later and Angela would help take care of his wounds after Fareeha beat him in a sparring match. In the rare moment he was alone, Noah enjoyed it. His mind slowly melted away into what he was going to do once this was over. Returning to his friends, having a day off, sleep without a vigilante staring down at you.
It would be nice. He could see his friends again and help Overwatch become more and more accepted. Maybe even settle down afterwards and...his hand was on the phone Sombra gave him.
It returned to him. The deal, the reason why he was in Egypt, why he was in the hell. Sombra made things much too complex. Adding in her mother, odd jobs he may have to take, and going behind everyone's back for something he hadn't let go of for eighteen years.
'Is it worth it?' Some part of said it was obvious. She died. People do that and the best thing he can do is move on. Though the other wanted to know why Sombra even brought it up and how it related to the drugs found in America. And he was drawn to the mystery like a moth to a distant flame. It was long, unknown, and may come across something unsavory, but it must be worth it.
Her death shaped his life. Everything he was now came from her last breath and he wanted to know everything involving her. The images of his friends of Angela or Lena or even Burr suddenly darkened. They couldn't do this. They didn't need to. It was all his choice. Everything he did from now on was his choice if that includes or excludes the people he loves.
Noah rubbed his head. 'No, no. That's not healthy. Don't think you're an island. You're human.'
The ground next to him puffed up and he yelped. "Well, well, well what do we have here? You're not native here are you?" The voice was disoriented by a modulator. Noah looked around and found three Talon soldiers.
"Great." He said under his breath. He raised his arms in surrender as the soldiers surrounded him. "Um, I'm lost. Can you help me?"
"He's armed, he could be with Helix!" An average soldier said. Noah rolled his eyes and saw one of them approached him.
"Great. I want to test out these new gloves I got from his friends." The bulkiest one said.
"Don't be an idiot, that's just a shield. Let's just kill him." The agent watched the banter between the trio as it finally ceased. "Sorry mate, we don't show mercy to our enemies." They pulled out a pistol and aimed it right at Noah's head. The second he put his finger on the trigger, Noah sprung into action. He punched his would be executioner in the face and grabbed his arm. The soldier fired wildly and the group scattered.
Breaking his arm and taking his gun, he ran straight to the next soldier and pistol whip him in the face. He noticed one Talon soldier rubbing his gloves together and walking toward him. The one in front of him lifted his assault rifle, but Noah used his weight to force the soldier to point it to the ground before he pulled up as hard as he can disarming his opponent and knocking him out with the butt of the gun.
Noah aimed his gun right at the approaching soldier and pulled the trigger. Numerous shots flew forward to their target, however it didn't reach him. The Talon soldier lifted his hands and a shield projected forward. The bullets bounced off with getting so much as of a scratch on it.
Talon chuckled and dashed toward Noah. The agent flipped the rifle and swung it like a club only for it to meet the shield again. It broke and Noah was just holding the broken muzzle of his gun. "What the hell?" Tossing the piece aside, he threw a punch at the soldier only for him to meet that dreaded blue shield. And felt like he just punched a concrete wall.
He didn't get a chance to swear as the Talon soldier grabbed him by the throat and forced him against the wall. Oxygen was cut off and Noah felt darkness protruded in his sight. He heard laughing. It was filling his ears as it became duller and duller.
BANG! The soldier dropped like a fly. Noah fell onto his knees breathing heavy. Someone landed gracefully next to him. The figure looked at the dead soldier before looking at his gloves. It picked them up and placed it in their pocket. Noah barely noticed the figure as he was rubbing his neck. The flesh was now tender due to being grasped within the iron grip of a dead man.
"You're wounded." The disorientation of the voice was either from a modulator or his ear's were not working right. "Here this should numb the pain while nanites repair the tissue."
"Wha-AH!" Noah tightened his fists as a needle was jammed into his neck. "Those clean? I hate to catch something when you're trying to heal me." He joked.
"Of course. Though I suggest you'd get out of here while you can. It's dangerous."
"Are you with Helix?" He eyed the figure and could see the desert military garb being used. Also the straps of ammo and sniper rifle could tell that this was no ordinary sniper. "And can you take off the mask. I prefer to get a read on my rescuers. Gets me an idea on how screwed I am."
The figure chuckled and removed the mask. In the low light and the dark sky contrasting, it was a bit hard to make out. However Noah had his goggles to make it easier for him. "Fareeha?! Jesus I don't remember you having that many wrinkles. Nor do I remember you ever using a sniper rifle or wear that kind of garb. Or sound so old."
The expression on the woman's face read that of both amusement and slight annoyance. "I assume you know my daughter."
"Fareeha's your daughter?! Wait a second, then you're…" The old woman nodded. "Oh my God Ana Amari! I've been looking all over for you!"
"You have? Now why would a young man want with someone like me? In fact how did you even think about coming here to find me."
The professional tone and the imposing aura around Ana was getting to Noah. "Uh-I mean I didn't track you. I mean Jack and I did track you down, but I should just shut up now."
"Jack? You were with him? I thought he came here alone!" Ana said. "No, actually. I was with him for most our time here. Though I guess we did split up a couple of times to cover ground." He mumbled.
"Where is Jack?" Ana asked. Before Noah could answer another explosion went off near them and the wall of a house was crumbled. Voices were heard and seemed to get The two stood up immediately as Ana pulled the gloves out her pocket. "Here, take these!"
"The gloves?" Noah grabbed them, but didn't put them on. He looked at them for a second and remembered the soldier that almost killed him. The voices got closer and then more Talon soldiers arrived to see the two standing there. Panicking Noah put the gloves on as Ana pulled her rifle out.
When the gloves were on, the fabric tightened around his hand to fit perfectly. Blue energy sparked for a second before looking like normal black fingerless gloves. The squadron of soldiers took only one look at them and aimed their weapons. Ana took a surrendering position and strapped the gun to her back. "We have a visual! Ana Amari is in our sights. I repeat Ana Amari is in our sights. Send back up and the capture unit to our location. Orders for her companion?" Their sights were trained at them.
"Shit." Ana grumbled when they were surrounded. "Now what?" Noah wondered.
"Can't kill them all with a single shot. And there's no cover we can reach without getting shot to pieces. Activate the shield." Ana whispered.
"What?! Are you crazy?" He quietly yelled. The leader of the squadron looked at him and fired a warning shot. "If you want to live and fight another day then do it." Noah flexed his fingers and blue sparks appeared, but no shield. Ana's good eye looked at him pleadingly. He would dead if it didn't work. "Understood."
Noah shook his hands and was wondering what was going on. It had to work. It was working for that other guy and the Helix soldier he raided it from. "Kill the boy."
Ana reached for her sniper rifle, but it was too late. Noah flinched and raised his hands in front of him as a last desperate plea as the squadron's guns took proper aim at him. And then a something whistled past Noah's ear and into the squadron. It exploded and sent a good amount of Talon soldiers to go flying. The ones who didn't go flying saw a blue blitz before falling into the floor with plasma shots in their torsos or heads.
Ana chuckled at the remarkable speed they were taken out as Noah looked up more happy in his life. With her back turned to them the British aviator jack stood out along with the glowing core. Their rescuer turned around and smiled with tears in her eyes. "Don't worry and cheers luv, the calvaries here!"
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Holy Shit. I managed to fill in so much in such a chapter I feel because it will take me a long time for me to the next one down. Anyways I'm so happy to get this one out also special shout to the Nameless Ghost. Noah gets a new addition to his aresenal, but what's this new item and why isn't it working? Anyways next chapter is going to be a breather chapter. I've given two chapters with action, drama, tears, and tired hands. My hands are so tired from writing.
Also shipping. This was an OC x Tracer story, but things have changed. I got Sombra, Angela, and Fareeha(I dunno I think I could pull it off. I think?). Anyone got any idea who Noah should end up with? And before I go I'm still up for a Q and A session. Ask me anything. It could be about the story, the OCs, heck predictions on what might happen. Just PM me and we can get a discussion rolling.
Hoped you enjoyed the chapter! Ciao.