Chapter 22
"This is incredible. An entire mountain fortress." They awed at the scale of the map. With a little bit of help from Athena and the intel, the entire group was looking at it. It was a mountain, more specifically a mountain in Madagascar. The entire thing was connected to a cave system and a surrounded in the most isolated part on the island nation.
Burr walked up and pressed some of the holographic forms. Some pictures of the towers came and everyone saw how powerful it was. Guard towers the size of the largest cave mouths, troops everywhere, and reinforced walls. It made sense that this might be the strongest Talon base they've ever seen.
"Jesus, this is quite the fortress. It would take days just navigate through and hitting it from the underground is a moot point." Ana said. Everyone else agreed, but Burr was looking for more. Pressing against another district of the fortress, he pulled out his phone and brought out Widowmaker's data. They matched exactly, but he needed more. She had the prison marked bright on his phone and he followed it's directions to find it on the holomap.
"And...there." Lena looked around and saw the numerous cells. Each one was dotted blue except for one dotted red. "Hold on. Is that where Noah could be kept?"
Soldier 76 stepped up. "It could be. It's the only one marked up. Though before we go crazy with a rescue attempt, this data seems to come at a very convenient time. Has anyone even acknowledged this was a trap?"
"I did." Burr spoke. "My old contact handed me the plans and told me to trust them. I almost didn't until you guys shown me the exact same data. This is legit."
"Alright then what's our plan. Ana pointed out how impossible the trek is. How can we infiltrate such a heavily guarded fortress?"
Everyone pondered on that question until Hana came up with an idea. "Ana said the trek took days right? Maybe we should scout ahead. Back at home we had several scouts go ahead of us for days. It gave us time to know our opponents and how to get in."
"That would solve one problem, but this something that's gonna require everyone in it. And truthfully some of us aren't the most stealthy," 76 replied. Reinhardt came up. "Ah this is just like with Omnic factories. Whenever we needed everyone, we would charge in without a second thought. Surprising the enemy! We may not have advantage on land, but the sky is still open."
"He's right! If we can get the dropships to move in fast enough we can hit those son of bitches from above!" Lena replied. Winston spoke next. "And what of the others once they find the target? It'll be quite the challenge."
"Quite the challenge? Winston, this could be the deciding battle between Overwatch and Talon." Burr said. "Look after Egypt, we crippled their forces. Helix International and Overwatch managed to kick their asses to the side. And now we find they've stocked up everything in this one fortress."
"But we won't have Helix anymore, Burr. Don't forget, the resulting battle crippled Helix as well with no idea on how far recovery can be."
"And no offense, but even with all the agents on the battlefield we can't stand a chance. We'll likely be slaughtered without everyone coming together. Who can support us?" Burr pondered on that. An idea was trying to spark up, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. "I'm working on that, but for now we still need an escape plan. Once we get Noah out, all hell will break loose to stop us."
Fareeha scratched her chin. "Perhaps the scouts for this mission can secure vehicles for our escape. That way we can have an escape route ready for us." Winston was typing away when something popped up in the corner of his eye. "Wait, we can still have the scouts, but there's another way in."
"Another?" Winston propped up the cave and showed an actual shortcut between the fortress and the outside. "A pathway in caves. The scouts can secure the vehicles there and when we need to escape, use the cave system to outrun our enemies."
"Winston, you're a goddamn genius." Burr said.
"I hope I was."
76 butted in. "Still how are we gonna attack? Even if we do a Trojan horse technique, we don't have enough support. Rallying any of our still loyal allies would take months and I don't think we have months."
"Soldier's right, we are running out of time, but we don't have any other support besides our own branches and even then it'll only slightly even the odds." Burr rubbed his head as it seemed their plan was almost complete, but missing one part. "One man army, we just need a one man…"
"Burr."
"The U.N. still has Roadhog and Junkrat, right?" Everyone's eyes widened at his proposition. "What're you-You can't be serious."
"They can be the key to this. Junkrat and Roadhog are some of the toughest sons of bitches we know. It took Symmetra all her power to put Roadhog down and Junkrat held his own. Hell we probably would've suffered more losses if we didn't know it was them."
"You're crazy!" Fareeha almost shouted. "Even if we did manage to get them on our side, how can we expect them to trust them. They're loose cannons."
"We'll bargain and make a deal." Burr said seriously. "I know it's crazy guys, but crazy might be what we need."
76 walked toward Burr. "Fine say we brought those two lunatics to the fight. To fight for us, what about support? There's so much Ana, Lucio, and Angela can do. Healers are going to be the necessity and even my biotic fields can't do much." Genji stood up. "Then I know one who can support us."
"What? Who?" Burr asked. "My former master Zenyatta. He is an omnic of great power, capable in combat, and is able to heal many through his own power. I'm still in communication with him and could ask for his assistance."
Burr walked up and put his shoulders on Genji. "I swear to God I could kiss some of you guys right now." He let go of Genji and turned to the rest. They saw a confident smile on his face and the light in his eyes. A real possibility to save Noah and no one was going to stop them now.
"This is a plan of great risks. Before I leave to get Junkrat and Roadhog, is there anybody else we can find?"
Everyone began thinking until Angela said, "Mei-Ling Zhou."
"Mei? That's right I haven't seen since she went on to the Ecopoints investigation."
"She's been fine on that, but I think her skills in defense can help. We can get her to join us in the fight!" Burr smiled brighter and looked at everyone. "Alright then, the plan will still need to be formulated once we get our new support. I'll get Junkrat and Roadhog. Angela take a small team with you to find Mei. Her travels may have been safe, but as an Overwatch agent she's still in danger. Genji, take who you want and find Zenyatta. The Shamballi monk is going to be needed."
He turned toward the map. "Everyone else, gear up, talk to loved ones, and prepare. We're not just saving Noah, we're gonna end this fight with Talon once and for all." Everyone gained a steel-like gaze filled with determination. They dispersed. Getting ready for the battle to come.
0-0-0-0-0
"That's it. Just move your hand with mine." Sombra said. Noah moved his hand along with Sombra's. The lack of focus in his eyes barely registered her movements as he tried following. The past few days have been hell with Noah unable to even form a sentence. Sombra has taken the responsibility of rehabilitating him especially if Talon wants to continue their investigation.
The hacker sighed loudly and put her hand down. Noah didn't notice and tried continuing the pattern she was no longer doing. She stopped him and grabbed the tray of food. "Alright buddy let's eat. Can't have you doing so much without a little substance." Stabbing a cube of chicken, Sombra lifted it up to his lips and watched it slowly open like a machine and eat it.
He slowly chewed the food before swallowing it. The action barely made him react, but Sombra ignored it and put up another cubed chicken in front of him. Same action. Rinse and repeat. When she was working, Sombra made sure the security feed would go to her directly. If Reaper or Facet were to walk in, Noah wouldn't stand a chance against them.
"I'm...tired."
"Same, but we gotta keep going." Noah had a ghost of a smile on his face. "Thank you."
"No problem. Can't have my favorite asshole look like hell." Noah slightly chuckled and that was a good sign to Sombra. "I'm your favorite? Why?"
Sombra put a hand on her chin as she thought. "You've been terrible, but compared to the others I rather take on your disdain. Besides I'd be lying if I didn't say I appreciate the snark."
"Sorry."
"Hmm?" Noah rolled his arms and looked at her with an attempt to emote an emotion in his face. "I'm sorry. Maybe we can start again." She raised an eyebrow before he put up his hand. "My name is Noah Bastin. Nice to meet you."
"Sombra. To you as well." They shook hands and smiled. "Okay pal, I actually got work to do. But before I go, I have a little surprise for you." She reached into her pocket and pulled out photos. It was of his friends, all of them. Noah felt his heart warm up at seeing them with some semblance of hope. However for brief seconds, their happy smiles were replaced with the nightmare versions.
His grip tightened around the photo as he tried focusing on the memories. Talking with Angela, playing around with Lena, reminiscing with Burr, training with Fareeha, etc. The nightmare versions faded away and as along as he concentrated on the happy memories. It continued: teaming up with Lena, reuniting with Burr, kissing Angela. The last one briefly increased his heartrate, but calmed down just as fast.
"You ok?"
"Peachy." He replied. The memories were now his only comfort and hopefully Sombra can be the same thing. The hacker actually reached down and hugged him goodbye. He returned it and let go just to stare at his photo. With a wave of her hand Sombra disappeared, leaving Noah alone with his focus on making the nightmares going away.
Noah, Noah. Look at momma. He quickly looked around to find the source of the voice, but no one was there. Noah look at your mother please. I don't like it when you ignore me.
His settings changed and now the prison cell was now a laboratory. He looked at his hands and found them the size of a child's, unfettered and undamaged. Noah, it's a very important day for us.
Why mom? He turned around and saw a woman in a lab coat standing near her son while they look over her work. Momma's got a lot of work for some very important people. And these people will help us get a nice little house away from all the bad people here.
But mom, we know there's good people here. Can we bring them? The woman rubbed her dark circles underneath her eyes. They can visit us, but I want to be where your dad wanted us. A nice little home in a nice little town. Especially since my little boy needs to go to a really important school. Don't you want to be like Dr. Ziegler?
Mooom! I have other ideas for my life besides isn't she a child prodigy? Who joins Overwatch after being a doctor at 17?
You're right. She is a prodigy and what do I have? A lazy little boy like you. The way the woman snarked at her child was very familiar. Speaking of...do you want to meet one of the leaders that's coming here and watch us? I'm sure you would.
Mom, but I wanna see my friends. Noah gritted his teeth. Such a foolish child. This would be one of your last moments of peace with her. Don't throw it away. The woman smiled sadly as she picked up the papers. Ok, ok if you say so. Just remember that you're gonna miss out on something fun.
It's only fun when you're not near your boss.
Why? I thought you liked him.
He's trying to replace dad. I don't want a new dad. The woman looked surprised as she placed a hand on her child's shoulder. No one can replace your dad. Not even him.
Ok! Well I'm gonna find my friends. I'll see you later, mom! Noah felt tears beginning to form. He tried raising his voice, to tell the child to stay. The child ran to the door and waved goodbye to his mother. The mother blew a kiss at him and the child blushed in embarrassment. The door shut and Noah tried reaching for the door, hoping to open it. He phased through the door and faced the mother. She had a tired yet warm stare at the door. I love you, Noah.
"I love you too, Mom." Noah said as the laboratory vanished and the cold cell returned.
0-0-0-0-0
Footsteps echoed with Tracer, Pharah, and Mercy through the Ecopoint. "Mei should be here. The last report we got from here did say she was here."
"Christ it's bloody cold here." Pharah agreed with her armor barely doing anything against the cold tower. "We should be arriving on her location soon." Angela led the two and found a door. Wiping off the snow, it was passcode.
-Identification Needed Place Fingerprint Down-
Angela removed her glove and placed all her fingers against the screen. The computer processed the data before giving the green light.
-Welcome Angela Ziegler, Please Enjoy Your Stay-
The doors opened and the three walked in. There were only red lights in the area. The only other light was from Tracer's chronal accelerator. Pharah drew her weapon out and kept it ready. Angela walked forward and hit the floor with the butt of her staff. The echoes rung loudly in the chamber and they listened for any movement.
The Ecopoints were shut down long ago for some reason. It didn't get anyone's attention because of Overwatch's disbandment, but Angela kept an eye on them a few years after. They heard footsteps and immediately the three tensed up.
The footsteps got louder and louder. Everyone pointed their weapons to the doorway until it suddenly bursted open and a person fell down. It was Mei! She was on the ground with small cuts and burns all over.
"Mei!" Angela ran to her side, but Mei raised her ice gun. "Stop!" Angela raised her arms in surrender before Mei realized who it was. "Dr. Ziegler. Oh thank goodness. I almost froze you."
"You just might. Could you please…?" Mei put down her gun and stood up. "It's been too long my friend. Two years and only a few reports. Gibraltar isn't too far."
"I apologize greatly my friend. My investigation on the Ecopoints had to be solved. I've come close to finding out why these things have happened."
"Actually Mei, we're facing a great emergency." Tracer said. "We think we found the last Talon stronghold." The scientist's eyes widened at the idea and turned toward. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah, we're planning to finish it off for good. We need all hands on deck to help us out here." Mei let the news sink in. Talon's been a thorn in Overwatch's side for too long and while she wasn't a combatant, their reach and damage have inquired her to take a stand against them.
She looked at her weapons and back at the others. "How can I help?"
"Your technology with ice can help defend us. Remember your ice wall only suffered a few cracks when Reinhardt slammed into it." Mei chuckled at the memory. The knight hit the wall had and came off shaking. "Plus with Snowball, you can freeze Talon soldiers in their place." Her smile dropped as Mei remembered the reason she was in this base.
"Actually Snowball was damaged before I went into cryogenic slumber. I transferred him here for repairs and never received him since I got back. I'm here to find him." Angela examined Mei and picked up her arm. "And how did you get these injuries?"
"They still have some of their self defense Omnics active. When I arrived, it's been wave after wave of these things. I actually was gonna call for help when I finally ran into you guys."
"Of course. The Ecopoints may have been shut down, but the emergency power up must've kept these Omnics up. How come they don't recognize us? They were programmed to not attack Overwatch personnel." Mei nodded and looked toward the door she escaped from. A loud bang was heard.
Pharah pulled up her rocket launcher. "Get behind me!" The three did as they heard banging. The metal door began to bend against the force. Everyone tensed up as the door bursted open and Omnics came pouring out. The first few died in a fiery explosion. Pharah grinned and fired another rocket. The Omnics continued to pour out and everyone got ready for a fight. Pharah flew into the air as Mercy followed. The two were airborne taking down the massive horde of Omnic soldiers in the area. Tracer zipped around the battlefield taking them down with quick, strong strikes and well placed headshots. Mei kept freezing enemies and shot icicles for precise headshots. The two worked together with almost complete sync.
Mercy boosted Pharah's attack as the soldier continued blowing hordes up one by one. "Enough." Fareeha said. Tracer heard it and saw Pharah's missiles appear. "Move Mei!" The Brit tackles the scientists and they bumped into a machine. The machine whirred to life and a voice spoke.
-Repairs Complete, companion bot known as "Snowball" is fully repaired- Mei almost gasped in surprise as the companion bot came from its chamber with it functioning like no time has passed. "Mei, freeze them! We can't let these missiles go to waste!"
"Go Snowball!" The bot complied with the order and flew to the middle of the group of Omnics. It began spraying the Omnics and freezing their movements in their place. Once Snowball froze them all. Fareeha smirked and fired all her rockets. Everyone took cover as the explosions rocked the tower. Once the shaking stopped, all that was left was useless scrap on the floor.
Pharah and Mercy dropped to the floor as Fareeha removed her helmet. "So, are you ready to go?"
0-0-0-0-0-0
Genji jumped down and landed gracefully on the floor. McCree followed along with Lucio and D-Va. "My master has last told me his location was around Hanamura. It seems we'll be visiting my home for him."
D-Va removed herself from her mech and looked toward the city in the distance. "Geez this is gonna take awhile."
"The city is large, but do not worry. I know my master and he'll be where there is conflict. For now let us ensure we're in the city before day ends. The Shimada Clan may be weak, but they still hold power over the city."
"I'm guessin with you and your brother, you're not held in the most favorable light."
Genji chuckled and nodded. "After that mission in the docks ten years ago, McCree you should know the answer more than anyone else." The cowboy laughed alongside as D-Va stretched her arms. "Let's get going."
A few hours later, the group managed to get into the city. People recognized Lucio and D-Va easily. Crowds began forming around them as everyone tried getting their autographs. Genji and McCree chuckled before Genji saw something from on the corner of his eye. A man in a robe, armed with a bow and arrows was standing with his back turned. Genji left McCree to break up the crowd as he jumped up to the roofs and followed the man.
"Hanzo." Genji said as he tried following his older brother. After a few minutes of quietly chasing his brother, Genji found him at an old temple. In his hands were some herbs for tea and a pot of hot water.
"I have returned." Hanzo said. "Good." Genji's eyes widened. Across from Hanzo was his master Zenyatta. The Omnic was floating peacefully when Hanzo dropped to his knees and mixed the herbs and water. "It seems you were right."
"Yes, I hope you manage to keep your promise in finding me peace."
"I will because your peace is closer than you think." Zenyatta looked up and Genji saw him point down. Hanzo looked up and saw Genji there. He quickly grabbed his bow and arrow, aiming it at his brother. "Another assassin?!"
Genji hopped down from his hiding spot and landed in front of his brother and master. "Master. It is good to see you."
"To you as well, my student. It is good to see that you're still at peace."
"Master? Student?" Hanzo seemed bewildered by everything when Genji stepped up. "Genji I think you will be pleased to hear that your brother seeks my teachings as well."
"What?" Hanzo's mind was reeling from this revelation as Genji stepped forward and removed his mask. "That is a rather nice surprise. Master, I believe no one else is more capable of helping my brother."
"What is going on?!" Hanzo demanded as he looked into his brother's eyes. Zenyatta placed a hand on him. "Please relax and we can discuss this over tea." Hanzo watched Zenyatta and Genji sit down as he slowly joined them.
"So my student, what brings you to me once more?"
0-0-0-0-0-0
"I do believe we're not the most welcome here."
"They can try, but they won't arrest us."
"Wanna bet on that?"
Ana, 76, and Burr were walking down the halls of one of the most maximum security prisons on the planet. Dangerous criminals were all around them when the guards stopped them. "Hold it. State your purpose."
"I'm hear to speak to Junkrat and Roadhog. It's of high importance."
"Well we don't want those lunatics outside of their goddamn cages." Burr stepped up. "It's just a talk and a plea bargain."
The guard raised an eyebrow before Burr raised up a letter. "We may have messed up, but still have a bit of support in the U.N. I suggest you let us pass and talk to your prisoners. Again this is of high importance."
The guards looked at each other before alarming the warden. The warden read the letter and saw its validity. Walking over and calling in a very secure guard unit, two prison doors opened and two dangerous criminals were being brought out. Ana and 76 had their weapons at the ready as Burr sat down. This was going to be one of his more tense yet odd memories of Overwatch.
"Oi get your hands off me!" A grunt agreed with his sentiments as the doors opened. Junkrat and Roadhog were standing at the doorway and saw the three Overwatch agents. "Hey, you're the bloody bloke a fired a grenade at. Why the hell are you still standing?"
"It's a good thing Fareeha, Winston, or Tracer aren't here. I'm was afraid we'll triggered him."
"You think I can be triggered?! That's complete bull! Come right here and say it like a man!" Burr restrained himself from being a smartass. It was time for negotiation, not hostilities. "Greetings Jamison, Mako." Roadhog glared at Burr and Burr felt a little bit of sweat. These were dangerous criminals and he wouldn't put it past him that they could kill him. Junkrat came the closest after Widowmaker. "We would like ask for assistance."
"Wot? Am I hearing you right, mate? Our assistance?" Junkrat questioned. "Yeah, that's what I'm asking from my mouth." He deadpanned. Burr could almost see the disapproving glare from Ana. Her motherly powers seemed to affect anyone that was close to her. "Look I know last time we met, you were busy ruining the U.N. building."
"I got slapped around by two dolls and ya cooked me best mate with that Indian chick you've got."
"Ok first, you got smacked around after you shot me, second is that for the record she isn't a part of Overwatch. So there." Junkrat seemed disgruntled before giving a toothy grin as he got ready for more talking. "Anyways the reason we need your assistance is to attack a Talon fortress."
"Aaannd?" Burr grinned. He knew what this man wanted. "Well the utter annihilation and explosive expertise would be nice."
"Now you're speaking my language. But no."
"Reasons?"
"You're stupid organization is just after my treasure and I ain't givin that up for shite. Plus you're gonna throw us back into the slammer once you're done with us." Ana and 76 shared a look before Burr asked, "Wait, treasure? I didn't come here for treasure."
"...oh, nevermind. Uh, utter destruction of your, uh, enemies. Right? That's what we were talking about right?" Roadhog face-palmed. Burr, 76, and Ana almost in sync turned their heads in confusion on what just been said. "Yeeah, we need your help. And if you do, we can curve your sentence into our custody."
"What'cha talkin bout?"
Burr almost face-palmed like Roadhog. "Join Overwatch for the the duration of your time in prison. We can shorten your sentence to a more agreeable level as well. And I won't go after any of your said treasure." Junkrat pondered on it before looking at Roadhog. Burr could still see the scars of Symmetra's blasts. It made his own scar almost throb with phantom pain. "And we can let loose on them?"
"Absolutely."
Junkrat smiled wickedly and looked at Roadhog. The bigger man nodded as Junkrat looked Burr straight in the face. "I say…"
0-0-0-0-0-0
Sombra appeared in the main meeting hall. There was a single light pouring down on the floor. "Step forward."
She did and Sombra saw or rather tried to see the hidden faces of the Overwatch leaders. "Greetings Sombra. It's been some time since our last conversation."
"Yes it has been, what do you need this time? Another company leader dead? Government officials needing a bit of blackmail?"
"We've received word of a traitor in our midst." Sombra's attention was taken with a firm grip.
"Overwatch has received plans and blueprints of our base and in doing so are preparing nonetheless to rescue their friend and dismantle this organization once and for all. We cannot escape, Burr and his organization has seen to eradicating our secondary bases thanks to Tenzin's information. We've come here to take care of the traitor."
Sombra's eyes widened. How could they have known? She checked everywhere yet these bastards found a way to find out her leak. It seemed to be do or die in this scenario. "We've come to the decision for you…"
Here it comes.
"To." This was it. She gonna die.
"Eliminate Widowmaker." Now that surprised Sombra. "Widowmaker? What're you talking about?" The leaders hummed along with Sombra's confusion. "Widowmaker has been seen handing information to Burr before disappearing into the underground. We have the tracker still implanted in her and have sent dozens of men to handle her."
Images popped up of dead Talon soldiers with bullet holes on their most vital organs. "As you can see we've made her into the perfect weapon, but she's just as effective against us as she is with us. Reaper is a too loose cannon to send up her. It would be messy."
"So you want me to kill her?"
"Of course. Traitors are to be shot dead. No one can escape us, give away precious information, and live. There are consequences to every action and it's time for her to face her due payment. Eliminate her soon or we'll have Reaper do it for us."
The leader's vanished from her sight and Sombra was facing the reality of what just happened. Widow betrayed Talon, gave the information to Burr, and is on the run. Now that news is giving her something close to whiplash. This was highly unprecedented. She pulled up her screen and began looking for her signal.
It took a little while, but a red dot on the move was seen on the map. Sombra walked to the nearest hangar and got in a ship. She looked in the direction of the prison wing and sighed. As much as she didn't want to leave, she had to. Otherwise Reaper was going to leave a purple and red paste left for Burr to mourn. And if there's anything Talon needed or Noah needed, it was a distraught and angry Burr.
Meanwhile in the prison cell, Noah tossed and turned in his bed. The nightmares were returning and no amount of happy memories would be enough to subdue it. "Don't...don't touch them. Fareeha...run...please don't die. I-I'm not. Stop it. Stop it!"
Next to him, Death watched over him with his shotgun out. "How pitiful. Such a character falling to such a low to a few drugs. It would easy to put you out of your misery." He pressed the gun softly against Noah's temple. "But that would be too easy and impractical when such a unique opportunity appears." Noah slowly opened his eyes and saw Reaper there.
A little bit of energy sparked through his body as he threw a punch. Reaper caught it and punched him back. Noah went back to being unconscious as Reaper chuckled. "I guess everything that happened in Egypt was just a fluke. Burr prepare yourself because you, Jack, and everyone else is going to pay dearly for what you've done."
0-0-0-0-0
Guess who broke writer's block today? Me! That's right I'm back and going to hit the last stretch of this arc good. And this would only be the half-way point of the story. Yes, I got plenty more planned and going to give it my best. So please review, fav, follow, all that jazz and I'll post the next chapter as soon as I can! Also PM me any questions since next chapter will be an update a Q and A. I like to answer all your questions. Ciao