Chapter 23
Widowmaker took deep breaths as she hid from more Talon soldiers. The soldiers were following her latest moves and gaining extra speed. She checked her ammo. One to two more clips were left and if they were to last several guards would have to die by her hand. Checking the the ammo in her gun, three bullets left. Approximately twelve skilled soldiers and three bullets. Killing four with one bullet is highly improbable and she would be wasting time on that. For now she would focus on quiet assassinations.
She took another deep breath before running around quietly. Sneaking around the corner, she peeked to see a soldier walking toward her. Being as quiet as she can, Widow grabbed the soldier, stole her knife, and jammed it in her neck. The assassin waited for the struggling to stop before reaching down and finding her cask of water. Twisting off the cap, Widow drank happily with the semi-cold water.
She's been on the run since she gave the information away. Talon would try to kill her, but she was intent on living. Gibraltar was her goal, Overwatch was her goal. Otherwise no place on Earth would be safe for her to leave. Widow was aware of the tracking device, but no one was stupid enough to remove it from her. Wherever it was, Talon would be right behind it.
"Mongoose? You there?" The soldier's comrades. She almost forgot them. She looted the dead body and found a silenced pistol with about seventeen shots. She took the safety off and strapped her rifle on her back. Lowering her goggles, Widow silently moved across the warehouse with little effort.
One. Two. Three headshots. She found another two about to split up. Raising the pistol up once more, Widowmaker fired an accurate headshot.
PLING! The bullet pushed the soldier in confusion before he realized he was shot. "Merde!"
The soldier turned toward Widow's direction and lifted up his gattling gun. Lifting her grapple, the assassin fired it and moved to the higher railings. The bullets fired her and she ran across the walkways. Once behind some crates, the bullets ceased. Widow stopped to take a breath, but two arms grabbed her from behind and tried pinning her. She struggled against the hold when another Talon soldier came running towards her. Reaching down to her holder's belt, Widow unpinned a grenade and tossed it.
The approaching soldier caught the grenade and panicked. He was at safe distance to not be extremely damaged, but Widow and her captor were blow off the walkway and onto the ground. She groaned as the Talon's numbing procedures were slowly giving away. Pain was more evident now. She rolled to the side and found her captor trying to get up. Rolling forward, she pulled the knife from her first kill and stabbed him between the eyes. He struggled for a second until Widowmaker applied extra force to it.
The assassin panted when she heard lumbering footsteps. The armored soldier was back and his machine gun was ready. It whirred to warm up, but Widow was faster. She fired one sniper round and the helmet was knocked off. Not wasting anytime Widow ran forward, jumped off the crates, and landed on the soldier's back. She put him in a sleep hold and the man struggled. Slamming her against the crate multiple times, Widow kept feeling flashes of pain rock through her body before the soldier finally slammed her one more time before slowly sliding down the wall.
She made sure he stayed still when she finally snapped his neck. He went completely limp and Widow finally let go rubbed her sore back. "Hopefully that's the last of them."
The lights turned off and Widow shook her head at how unlucky she was. "Mon Dieu." She placed her goggles on and the lights suddenly turned on to face Sombra. The hacker waved with a haughty smile.
"So you got yourself in quite the bind."
"What of it?" Sombra looked at all the dead bodies and turned each one off at the same time. "It's a bind that you could've easily avoided."
"Quoi?" Sombra made sure everything was secure. "I'm saying you leaking out our base was almost useless considering I did it first. And sent it to all Overwatch agent." Widow's eyes widened before she walked. "You must be joking. I put a lot on the line."
"When I can just send an email. Now look what's going on. You're on the run and I'm here to make sure you're dead. Otherwise Gabe's just going to do it."
"I see. Wait, you're here to kill me?" She raised her rifle as Sombra quickly raised her hands in surrender. "Relax, relax I'm here to help. Since you drugged my contact and have a strained relationship with his best friend, I'm here be nice to you for once. Especially if you intend to survive your next meeting with Noah."
"Last I checked, he was a broken man."
"Broken, but not defeated. He's beginning to recover and when he does, Talon's probably considering to send him after you."
Widow scoffed. "I take it you still think of him as a minor threat. Don't think Burr can protect you from his wrath."
"I can take what the boy throws at me."
"Clearly." Sombra examined Widowmaker's exhausted state. She approached Widowmaker and swiped some blood off. "You winced. Feeling something."
"It's pain." She looked down at her feet. "Been feeling more often these days."
Sombra kept examining Widow. "Jesus, I thought you were a top assassin. How badly did these soldiers get you?"
"I've been handling these constant attacks for days now. I'm trying to secure passage to Gibraltar."
The hacker's eyes widened. "Overwatch? You know I imagined you running with your boyfriend, but I thought it would together."
"I've burnt the bridge between me and Burr. I'll turn myself in as their prisoner and hopefully I won't be dead by the time I do." Sombra pondered on that thought. "It wouldn't matter. The tracking unit will continuously be active until your body dies."
"I know, I've simply tried my best to find someone to remove it, but surprisingly no one wants the tracking device of their top assassin." Sombra noticed the sarcasm and rolled her eyes. "Come on, I can help you."
"What? What do you gain from helping me?"
"Do you want answers or a way to remove that tracking device?" Widow grumbled and followed Sombra.
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"I see. This mission is of great importance." Hanzo gripped his cup tightly as he watched his brother and Zenyatta speak. How long has Genji been alive, that couldn't be him, why now of all times when he finally seeks peace does his greatest sin finally return.
"Hanzo." He looked up to see Zenyatta facing him. "It seems my student requires my services for a very dangerous mission. Would you like to join us?"
"Join? I've barely processed my brother being here! How can expect me to join you?!" Genji stood up. "Then don't. I came here looking for my master and just happen to come across you."
""Come across." Are you saying I appeared as an inconvenience?"
"You mistake my tone, brother. I am in a hurry. We plan a massive attack on our greatest foes and this mission will decide the fate of Overwatch. Whether you come or not, that is up to you. If do not, I hope you find the peace you seek. After all it should ease your conscious that I forgive you." Hanzo opened his mouth to refute, but stopped. Genji was flashing him a small sad smile. Similar to when they were kids.
The action quelled his anger for the moment. Genji's communicator rang and the ninja pulled it out. It was Burr. "Greetings my friend."
"Hey I came to tell you we got our support here and to check on your progress, have you managed to find your master?" Zenyatta looked at the phone and waved. "Greetings. My student says you are in need of my abilities of healing."
Burr nodded. "Yes I did. It's an honor to have one of the Shambali join us." Genji could feel his master smile as he bowed respectfully. "If my assistance can help push this world to one of peace then I would be more than glad to lend my assistance." Burr chuckled before scanning Genji's surroundings and found Hanzo looking at him.
"Shit!" Hanzo almost cracked a smile at how Burr reacted to seeing him. Genji remembers the first time they met. When following their brother, Genji got held up by the other members of the Shimada clan and Burr went ahead of him. Burr barely escaped with his life that day and Genji missed his opportunity to speak to his brother.
"I remember you. You were the fool who tried recruiting me to your motley crew." Hanzo said. Burr calmed himself down and looked at Hanzo. "Well that's big talk for someone who almost lost."
"Almost. Not did. You lost that day." Genji almost laughed at how the two were before Hanzo stepped down. "It does not matter, it seems my journey isn't done yet."
"Hanzo, you can't be serious." Genji said. Burr looked on with curiosity before Zenyatta took hold of Genji's communicator. "Please pardon us. We will contact you once we solve our problem here."
"Hanzo, you cannot continue your journey. I'm here." Hanzo glared at Genji. "That body. The mere sound of your words is not a miracle. It's a constant reminder of what my sin was and how I took everything from you."
"I am at peace with what I am. Why can't you look past that." Hanzo scanned his brother once more before looking toward Zenyatta. "I cannot face you with the knowledge that you will never recover the life you once had."
"Do not make this about me when I know it's about you." Genji said. He walked up to his brother and pointed at his heart. "You cannot change the past, if you continue to swim in that river your life will drown under all the whirlpool of your mistakes. And the redemption you seek will be nothing, but a distant dream."
Hanzo looked at his brother and turned his back. "It is never that simple brother." With that he disappeared. Genji stared at the spot where his brother was before sighing. He pulled up his communicator and left a voice note. "Hanzo Shimada. Potential Overwatch Agent."
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Burr looked at his communicator and sighed. Ana and 76 were standing near an armored truck as their dropship came in. "I still think this is a bad idea."
"You worry too much."
"These two are dangerous individuals Ana, don't tell me to be calm." The sniper looked at the soldier and shook her head. "It's time to put some trust in Burr. He and Winston have led Overwatch rather well."
"Rather well barely cuts it." Ana rolled her eye and saw Junkrat and Roadhog being led by Burr. "You know we could learn a thing or two. He seems just as capable as you were in your prime."
"My prime? Heh, I thought this stuff was supposed to keep me in my prime." Ana laughed. "No Jack, it just slows it down." The two criminals looked at the ship and Junkrat looked at with awe. "Ah man. Roadie, imagine all the things we can do if we joyride this thing!"
"No joyrides." Burr said as the ship landed. Junkrat laughed off the rule and held his cuffs out. Burr looked at them confused. "Well mate? Aren't you gonna cut us loose?"
"Not yet buddy." Junkrat looked appalled as Burr opened the door. "Would you immediately release a dangerous criminal. Especially if they can blow you up with some of the materials here?"
"Hey! I can blow you up in twelve different ways! Not several." 76 almost laughed as did Ana when they saw the deadpan expression of Burr. "Come on Roadie, we get to give a middle finger to some terrorists." Roadhog shook his head and boarded the ship.
"I still think this is a bad idea."
"Oh hush Jack. Have some faith."
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Noah sat on his bed with the photos placed on his bedpost. He looked at the photos and saw their nightmare forms. The screams and the utter destructive devastation with their words echoed through his head. He took deep breaths, happy memories broke through, and the noise finally drowned down.
The process kept repeating itself over and over. Sometimes it would barely last a few minutes. Other times it would last hours. He rubbed the small beard he was forming from months without a razor. He twirled a strand of long hair and wondered if he could ever tie it up. Questions about his style was nice distraction. It kept things to a minimum.
'I wonder if Angela or Fareeha likes guys with beards?' He thought. He never pulled the style with them around, but was now considering it. If, no when he was free, Noah was going to ask them. He looked at the photo and smiled warmly. The cold cell was being slowly replaced with the Overwatch headquarters.
His friends would be there. Drinking with McCree, listening to Genji about his experiences as a robot, trying his best to race Lena down the halls, Burr listening to his stories, etc. The thought almost brought a smile to his face before the world he created turned dark.
The cheerful expressions were replaced with disdain and the world began breaking down. The shattered pieces were scattered around him with dark reflections looking at him. How can you dream of peace? This was your fault.
You got captured. You were too weak to fight off Reaper or even to get a direct line to your allies.
How long do expect to wait for them to save you?! This is a fortress! You can never escape! Noah looked up to see two other versions of him. One was in his gear from Egypt. A face mask, blue shirt, brown pants, and a grappling gun strapped to his leg. The second was one before Overwatch. In a casual red plaid shirt and blue jeans, he held his phone out. You are pathetic.
'Your words do not harm me.' Noah replied feebly. 'I won't let it.'
Keep telling yourself that. You know these drugs aren't making anything new, they just uncorked the bottle of your issues. And unlike before you can't hide behind an actual bottle. Noah remembered the times he ever drank. He only did to numb the pain and to repress all that was wrong. We're the culmination of your guilt, your incompetence. It's a wonder it took us this long to take form.
'It doesn't matter. Once Angela gets a hold of me, I'll be able to get rid of you guys for good.' Noah said somberly. His Overwatch-self grabbed him by the shoulders and looked at him. You cannot hide behind the doctor from us. You know I had a theory that the reason Angela never took a chance on you was that she knew in her heart how toxic you were.
'You're just a product of the fear. What you say has no hold on reality?' They ignored him and it showed a different view of Noah and Angela's kiss. She just dipped a pinkie into the swirling whirlpool that is you and realized that everything she would ever do would be for naught. You tried dragging her down to your level in hopes that you wouldn't be alone. That in some way you can leave behind everything that once was and have a healthy relationship.
They showed Angela pulling back not with surprise, but horror on her face. She's a smart woman. She knew when to leave you before things got too serious.
'Stop it. I cared for Angela yes, but I never dragged her to my level. Nothing happened because of the circumstances. She can't date any of her patients!' Noah argued. Then there's Fareeha. Noah froze as Angela's form shape shifted to Fareeha's. He reached out to warn her, but his hand went through. You would've gone with Lena, but the revelation of her relationship with Emily killed that crush. So you moved on to the next woman. Daughter of the hero Ana Amari, Fareeha. A soldier who you charmed with friendship and comradery.
It showed her and Noah sparring. Their movements became fluid and the two moved closer and closer. Finally, Fareeha caught his hand and threw him to the ground. Before he got up, she pinned him. Her mouth didn't say words, but moved to say, "I win."
You moved on from the Angel to the Justice herself. Hoping this one could return your affection.
'She's my friend. I don't have feelings for her I don't.' His casual self grabbed him and pulled the memories up. Noah flashed to when Fareeha was teasing him about his texts to Angela, the time where he was staring at with...something, and before they left. He showed great concern for her that day. They shared many conversations and it was rather nice. 'We're just friends.'
Keep telling yourself that. Though you better that should be right because it would be a shame if a woman like that...Fareeha's form walked toward Noah. She smiled at him as she reached for his hand. He tried to force himself not to, but she reached forward and grabbed his hand. Pulling him up, she almost laughed when Noah pushed through her and the form dissipated. He hit the door hard with a loud thud.
"Hey! Quiet down in there!"
"Asshole."
Noah didn't pay heed to noise, but on the pain. It made his two other selves forms shake. Breathing hard, Noah slumped against the door and looked up. Fareeha was standing over him. She held her hand out again and the temptation was too strong. He reached up and slowly grabbed her hand. Fareeha pulled him up and said something. No noise reached his ears, but he could almost read her lips. It was like she was saying something important. As she spoke noise began to build up, her body became more damaged as she reached forward and coughed up blood. He pushed her back as he could see her wounds.
"Noah, don't worry. We're here to rescue you." She stopped to have another fit of coughing. He ran over and tried laying her down. "Fareeha! No, no, don't risk yourself for me. It's not worth it." She smiled at him and put a hand on him. She reached up and tried leaning in for a kiss, but her cough stopped her. Fareeha kept on it until suddenly she stopped coughing with her eyes open.
"Fareeha? Fareeha?!" Would go to the ends of the world to ensure you're safe.
He brushed Fareeha's hair out of her face and held her tightly. The last time he did however she came to life so he took a little extra caution on watching her as he grieved. It was all a hallucination, but he didn't care. This might as well have been reality.
"Repose en paix mon ami." He whispered. You will bring death and destruction to all those around. You are cursed for every life you've taken whether they were criminals, terrorists, or not. Marked forever by your mother's blood and complete with losing your chance at a happy life.
The two Noah's were now merged into one with him looking down at the broken shell that was his identity. You cannot return to them. From this moment on, you are alone. Noah...Noah!
"Noah!" It was Sombra. Noah pulled himself up and found Sombra standing right next to him. "Hey pal, I'm back. And guess who found cold pizza?" She beamed happily until she looked at his face. "You got another nightmare?"
He nodded and she sighed. "Well I should've expected that. What was it about this time?" He raised an eyebrow as she sat next to him with the pizza. "We're friends aren't we? I think you can trust me with a little bit of info?"
The prisoner grabbed the pizza and felt his mouth water. How long has he been asleep? Clearly long enough for Sombra to grab pizza after her errand. "I saw things."
"Your friends?" He nodded and took a small bite out of the meal. He let the taste distract his mind from trying to recall it. "I saw Angela and Fareeha."
"Ooh this sounds good." He shook his head with a faint smile before putting down the pizza. "I just saw their nightmare versions again. Chanting words, etc."
"Huh, so just like all the others." He nodded again and stared at the pizza. "Well if that's it, finish the food. Can't have anyone realizing I'm sneaking you food. Turns out you're supposed to be on a fast."
"Starving me? Wasn't drugging me enough?" She shrugged. "I suppose they just want to see you break a bit longer. I'm sure it'll end within the next few days." The hacker fiddled with her food for a second before sighing.
"I hope you're ready for the fireworks." Noah's ears perked when he looked at her. "Turns out they got info from another traitor and are on their way rescuing you." Noah's face barely broke with a smile at the thought. Sombra seemed to think so and given her occupation it was pretty reliable. Then Fareeha appeared next Sombra. Her bloody form in all its glory and in full display. We're here to rescue you!
His eyes widened before the image disappeared and Sombra looked rather confused. "Noah, are you okay? You did hear what I said right?" He nodded and she smiled again. "Great and when the fireworks been I'm sure a gun won't be the most stable weapon you can hold."
She reached into her coat pocket and took out two wristbands. "A little project from R and D. These babies are going to make those gloves you found in Egypt pale in comparison." She took his wrists and placed them on. He looked at the curiously as Sombra grabbed it. She pulled it down and Noah's eyes followed the band expand into a metal plate that soon covered his hand.
"We did a little raid on a few Vishkar labs these past few months. I nicked these little puppies for myself and had a couple of a few silent RnD guys weaponize it for me. Well was for me, but now for you."
"Sombra...thank you." She gave him a thumbs up. "All in a day's work."
"No. I really mean it. Thank you. You went to such lengths to make sure I'm recovering and safe. You didn't have to. You could've let me rot here." Sombra dropped the happy look and gave a sincere one instead. "Trust me after spending all this time with these dark bastards, I'm more than happy to help an actual friend out."
"I don't deserve to be your friend."
"Nonsense mi amigo. Similar people relate the easiest." He raised an eyebrow when he remembered that she read his file. It did take a few minutes for her to find it though. She scooted closer. "I know you spent most of life as an orphan. Losing parents is tough."
He winced, but let her continue. "You did what you had to do to survive. As did I. Only my story changed slightly when I went deeper, you went out. And now you end up with Overwatch and me Talon. I can draw parallels between us and in some ways seem what I could've been."
"If you wanted out? Or being a "hero"?" She pondered on that before giving a fifty/fifty sign. He rolled his eyes and finished the rest of the pizza. "Maybe we are a little similar, though I don't know about now."
"You'll be back. You walked off falling off a gulf and having your essence drained. You can recover from this easily." He smiled softly. "Thanks pal."
"You're welcome." She winked at him. The two let the silence fall over them as both their eyes closed slowly and something drawing them together. When Sombra opened her eyes, Noah's was looking directly at her along with something soft against her lips. She kissed him!
She resisted the urge to do most anything as drew herself back. Noah rubbed the back of his head and despite his condition was blushing pink with his heart beating fast. "I thought you wanted a hug." Sombra felt the heat rise up in her cheeks before she got up.
"Sombra wait! Please don't be mad." She chuckled. "Not mad, just surprised. I'll see you around." She vanished as Noah felt incredibly awkward now. At least the images of his potentially dead future friends seemed rather dulled at the moment.
"Goddamn it."
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"Fareeha? You okay? You seem off." Fareeha glanced up and shook her head. "Nothing's wrong Mei, I'm still a little winded from the Omnics." They were on the ship now with it heading straight back to the base.
She felt odd. Something in her chest just tightened. Fareeha ignored it.
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I'm evil I know. Now the battle is coming closer with Overwatch gaining new power, how will things pan out for our heroes? And will they be able to rescue Noah from both the prison he's in and in his mind? Review/Fav/Follow and I'll see you all next time. Also Q and A. It can be about anything about the story or questions that seem confusing for you.