A few hours later and a quick shower after, Noah pulled out an old leather trench coat, a pair of jeans, a dark sweater with a white shirt, and a cap. He pulled out some sunglasses too. They were filtered like his main eyepiece, but these were just for really sunny days.
He laid them all on the bed and opened his drawer for anything more. Rummaging through, Noah felt some soft material and pulled it out. It was a gray, but with a sugar skull on it. His eyes slightly widened when he found out it was Sombra's. His fingers tightened around it slightly. It was her neck scarf that she wore during winter times.
It wasn't even a debate as he wrapped it around his neck as he changed into the new outfit. The coat's length fell behind his knees and he found himself strapping the pistol holsters to his leg.
A knock was heard as Noah put on the cap. "Come in." He saw Angela enter and for a brief second the weight on his chest was elevated. She wasn't in her suit, but the normal lab attire. "Oh hey."
"Morning. I came to drop off a new weapon Ana thought you might needed." She pulled out a pistol and passed it over. Noah grabbed the handle and clicked the safety. "Thank you."
"Fareeha should be waking up anytime."
"I won't be around when that happens. I should be gone within the hour." Angela saw how his eyes darted to the side. "Thanks again for the gun."
"You forget your clips." She chuckled softly as she pulled the extra clips out. Noah took those two and put them in his pockets. "Noah, you don't seem in the right state of mind."
"Nah, this is just a talk with the Shimada. Shouldn't take us less than two days." Noah tried putting on a comforting smile.
"Don't give me that fake smile. I know when you fake it, you tried pulling that off me before." The smile dropped immediately. "Right, didn't know you knew that."
Angela smirked. "I know most things about you. We talked a lot and you had some interesting stories" A sad smile was barely visible when he thought of that. This woman knows more about him than he does now.
She noticed and reached out. "Are you certain that you're okay? Perhaps Zenyatta didn't do enough to purge the drug out of your…."
"I'm fine Angela. I just got into a small spat with Sombra. I'm just a little bothered about it." The doctor could see his signs again. "I guess there's no point lying to you."
"There isn't. Noah, I know how you two were close. This was a big fight wasn't it." He didn't reply when she noticed his neck scarf. She didn't say anything, but re wrapped it around his neck properly.
"Things have gotten Sombra...spooked. She wants me to away from all this, but I can't do that. I know she cares, I really do but…"
He couldn't help, but lift his arms up in defeat. Angela tightened the scarf a bit tighter and she looked at him. "I don't really know Sombra. She's quite the enigma, but I know one thing for sure. She cares for you. More than she'd like to admit, but still I'm guessing this was a rare argument."
"We argue almost everyday and I normally back down, but I couldn't. I...I should probably get going." He tried ending the conversation when Angela stopped him.
"If things get to you. You can talk to me."
"You too." He replied before he felt her lips press against his cheeks. He flushed at the action and saw her giving him a winky face. "I'll call you if Fareeha wakes up and come back safe. I don't want to hear you go missing on us again especially like that Deadlock incident."
"Dead-" He stopped as he could almost hear the umble of cars and shouting. And McCree was there with Genji. The three were somewhere and it was hard to pinpoint.
"Hm?"
"Deadlock sounds like a good wrestling name. I actually should go. I'll make sure to come back later. See you later Angela." She saw him snatch his blade off the drawer and attach the sheath to his side.
The doctor gave a weak wave as he didn't seem so focused. Noah ran down the halls and made it to the hangar. He tucked in his blade behind his back and tapped the holster. Gun was still there. The Omnic and cowboy appeared a few seconds later.
Hours passed and Noah was just looking at his phone. Sombra wouldn't really mean to part ways. They were friends and close ones at that. Okay admittedly it was more intimate than most friends, but still. He didn't regret it not at all, however this silent treatment was the closest he was to regretting it.
He looked around and saw McCree flying the ship as Zenyatta was calmly watching themselves pass the numerous clouds. Noah returned his attention to the phone and flipped through the photos. His time as Sebastian was relaxing to say the least. Compared to what the last week is, these were one of the many times he's wondered what the hell did I do before.
Japan stood out his peripheral vision and with the bounty out, many were going to find their prize walking into their hands.
He closed his eyes to sleep for the few moments he can. There was a feeling in his gut that this would be a long mission. Recruitment was easy if you knew where the recruit was. So far the only thing certain is that in one of the few nights coming, Hanzo Shimada will appear. And when he does that's when Overwatch will try to persuade him.
Noah slowly opened his eyes. Sleep wasn't coming as bad as he wanted. Landing breezed by and Noah just found himself walking down the streets of Japan. Zenyatta and McCree were dressed more casually. Though McCree's revolver was still seen in plain sight. Noah just let his feet follow the other two as his eyes darted around.
McCree had a bigger bounty on his head, but Noah had a sizeable. If someone was worth sixty million they were practically untouchable. An eight million bounty was enough to guarantee caution, but not warding off all minor threats. Even now he could see many people eyeing him suspiciously.
"Don't panic. Otherwise you'll give them go ahead." McCree said as they continued to walk. Noah saw his stare around the area and the people eyeing them looked away. "Some will go in anyways, but many want to keep their lives. Make yourself worth more than eight mil."
Noah nodded before walking on. Two people were watching on.
"Is that them?"
"Yes."
"And the one with the cowboy is worth the eight million?"
"We'll claim it once we get him alone, but we must be subtle."
0-0-0-0-0
Fareeha's eyes fluttered open. The annoying buzz in her head finally faded, but her head felt as if a massive weight was dropped on her head. The soldier picked herself up and tried to rub her head. Tried. Her wrists were tied down.
"What the-!" She pulled again and before she could do anymore the curtain opened. Her eyes widened to see Angela with bandages on her face. Not to mention a huge bruise can be seen on her chest. The purple barely peeked over her shirt.
"How're you feeling?" The doctor asked.
"I traded an annoyance for a pain."
"Do you remember what you've done since you woke up?" Angela prodded. Fareeha shook her head. Despite falling asleep, Fareeha felt exhausted and her knuckles were hurting. She looked at it and saw small scratches on the knuckles. "Because if you don't then you're gonna hate the news."
"Were we attacked?! What happened?" Angela's neutral look broke down and her bangs covered her eyes. She stepped to the side and exposed the recovering Overwatch members. Reinhardt, Roadhog, and Zarya were the least damaged and looked at Fareeha with pity. Junkrat glared at Fareeha with a cast on his arm. Hana had bruises on her neck. "Who...did this?"
"You have." Angela answered.
"Oi, what the hell! I thought we were square Amari!"
"Angela told us that she was under their control. She had no choice." Roadhog growled at Zarya. Reinhardt didn't saw a word before raising a hand. "You fought dirty, child."
"I...I did this. Angela that's impossible! I would never hurt any one of them."
Junkrat spat out a glob of saliva on the ground. "Bullshit. You came right at us and knocked Roadie out with a whack on the head. And if you haven't noticed, you broke my fuckin' arm!"
"Jameson, I will not let take your aggression out here. Every one of you should still be recovering!" Everyone stopped at that commanding voice and saw Ana walking in. "Whatever problems that plague Overwatch fall under me."
Junkrat opened his mouth to argue, but Ana's glare put him down. He laid back on his bed and grumbled to himself. Fareeha turned to Hana. "Are you okay?"
"F-Ff-Fine." Hana had hoarse out. She tried saying more, but didn't. She gave a kind thumbs up however Fareeha felt cold and clammy.
"Did I do that to you Angela?" The doctor hesitated for a second before nodding. Fareeha felt crushed as the eyes of her victims looked down at her.
"The cuts were from the window I jumped out of. You'll only bruised my chest and stomach. Nothing too serious."
"McCree also suffered. You gave him a nasty black eye."
"Améile enough." Ana started. Fareeha turned to see Widowmaker poking at he food with her eyes gazing emptily at the bowl.
"And the only to finally stop you was Noah. He had to knock you out with those metallic fists to put you down."
"Noah...stopped me?"
"Enough!" Ana almost shouted. She turned to her daughter who's entire perception was just white noise. "She may have done those things, but…" She walked over to the side and looked at Angela. The doctor nodded and the sniper unhooked the cuffs. Fareeha slowly withdrew her hands and looked at them.
"But no one was really hurt."
"She shot one of our aircrafts out of the sky." Widowmaker said blankly. Ana took a deep breath before entering a tranquil state of fury. "Honestly I'm surprised no died from that."
"What're doing? We don't need to hear this."
"She does. If you lie to her, she would just feel more betrayed, plus Junkrat would've said something in the first place."
"Damn right I would!" Reinhardt this time took a hard look at Junkrat and the Australian shut his mouth again.
Fareeha felt cold sweat run down her face as Angela turned to her. "I examined the blood sample you provided and found nanites laying dormant within your bloodstream. With the attack you and Widowmaker faced I'm certain that Aryt injected you with there."
"It made me attack my friends."
"Your orders if I were to guess was to incapacitate. Examining the others I found most were knocked out through restrictive respiratory means and others like Junkrat required a bit more of a beating."
"This was my good arm." Junkrat grumbled. No one stopped to shut him up this time, he did it on his own. Fareeha muttered an apology. Angela didn't say anything for a second before Ana nodded her head.
"We used my own concoction of nanobots to combat this, but they were meant for the regenerative cells of Reaper. I need time to conduct a new batch to permanently shut them down. Until then I believe it would be best for you to...not take part in any more missions till further notice."
Fareeha's head snapped up to that. "You can't be serious. Angela, I need to be out there!"
"No you don't. You need to recover Fareeha." Angela pushed back. Fareeha tried standing up.
"You can't expect me to just sit here. Guys, you can't-"
Ana stepped up and put a hard hand on her daughter's shoulder. "This isn't up for discussion this is the best action to take especially after losing Burr and the others. Please understand habiti."
Fareeha clenched her teeth and looked at her mother. "What would you think I would do if you asked what I was asking."
"I would take the advice of my allies." Ana replied. Widowmaker rolled her eyes as Fareeha slowly came around. "And you should do the same."
Her daughter's arms slumped as Angela put a hand on her back. Hana kept a hand over her throat, but kept a pitiful look on Fareeha. Angela wanted to add more, but Ana kissed her daughter's forehead.
"This is for your safety."
Fareeha tried to believe those words, but in her heart it just meant
0-0-0-0-0
-My brother is a very dangerous character Burr. Though finding him again was nice, I can still see he suffers.-
-Perhaps, but I've noticed something else. You told me that the Dragon became you. Hanzo...does he have a dragon.-
-Yes, if we ever to encounter him beware the words "Ryū ga waga teki wo kurau!" It means The Dragon Consumes my enemies. A very powerful technique that can only be countered by me. "Ryujin no ken wo kurae!", is the only thing that I can use to stop him-
-Interesting.-
He pressed the next audio log.
-Recent log: God I need a drink. Recruit mission for one Hanzo Shimada has failed. The Yakuza held up Genji and I ended up confronting him, alone. And that was a fuckin bitch to handle. This guy, this guy has some mental barriers and severe guilt over what's he done. Though if I was responsible for getting my brother killed I would...feel just as guilty. Maybe I should call Noah and...no I shouldn't. Not yet, if things get bad I need him by me, but for now I'll respect his decision of retirement. He deserves that. What was I talking about? Oh Hanzo.-
There was brief pause.
-He's not quite ready to be an Overwatch agent yet. Winston has examined him through the normal physiological and psychological tests through the footage I attained from a camera we hacked in advance. Until next time we meet him, I would keep an eye out for any change. Maybe he'll be a better agent with a little more time.
Noah shut the audio off on his phone. It was the intel Ana and the others provided for him to know what to expect. Genji's interview with Burr was one of the few bits of information that they had on Hanzo for awhile.
From the looks of it, the first interview was way before recent events. The second one seemed the same, but Burr had made contact. Then he made those remarks about him. Noah sucked in a deep breath when hearing the strain in Burr's voice. He really missed Noah and from the sounds of it, he's grown tired. Very different from the man that greeted him at the hotel, well before he tried to kill his girlfriend.
A ring caught his text and it was from Angela.
-Fareeha's up, but she's not taking the news so well.-
-Really? Shit I wish I was there.-
-Same. Ana can't help and my opinion on the matter makes her feel worse. Reinhardt, Zarya, and Hana try comforting her but it has little effect. Junkrat's being an ass about.-
-Thought about kicking it?-
-Thought, but not do. The glares he gets are enough. Still hope your mission's going well. Be careful.-
Noah felt a flutter in his chest, but he thought of Fareeha and that feeling was quashed.
-Send Fareeha my-
He paused.
-Send Fareeha my thoughts and that she shouldn't let this stop her.-
-Ok, but please be safe.-
And like that the conversation ended. Things were so much easier when he was Sebastian. Sombra didn't hate him and he didn't have to worry about a fucking bounty on his head. Other than that, the situation was doable.
The group was travelling to a small hotel that Ana put under a false John Doe. McCree claimed the room and the three walked up down the hall see their room. Noah heard a hum and opened the door right next to them. It led to a stairwell and the hum was similar to that of an ice machine. Two men bumped into Noah and he turned to face him, but he heard a cough.
"You joining us partner?" McCree asked.
"Yeah, I'm coming." He entered the small room and dropped his luggage on the second bed. Zenyatta nestled himself comfortably in the corner with the desk. McCree laid on his bed and sighed.
"We should go over mission detail before turning in for the night. Zenyatta."
"Understood. Ana has given us specific instructions with the information me and Genji provided. It is around Genji's anniversary where Hanzo cut him down."
"Harsh." Noah responded.
"It is. The doc's seen Genji when we saved him. She claims to have seen more mutilations on Genji than any soldier before him. The time in Blackwatch really defined that as well." McCree answered.
Zenyatta nodded. "So we are to stake out the Shimada Clan hideout in the early hours and infiltrate it within night time. Hanzo shall make his appearance by then."
"And what're we supposed to do? Ask him to join?"
"That's the plan." McCree said as he unzipped his suit case. He pulled out his revolver and bullet belt. "And if he refuses we'll make him join. With Burr and Winston gone, 76 and Genji alongside him we lost a good amount of force for our tanks and offense. Defense is the next best thing while Ana tries to find new recruits. I think Torbjorn had an idea."
An hour passed before McCree pulled out a bottle. Noah didn't question him as the cowboy opened the fridge. "Shit we got no ice."
"I'll get it." Noah said as he got his phone out. He opened the door and closed it softly. His eyes scanned over Sombra's contact.
"Come on. Come on. Sombra we can talk." The phone was the only way to reach her, but Noah tried thinking of the words. "Would she block me?" He didn't notice the two men behind him slowly following.
"Sombra, please." He held his phone to his ear and heard a click.
-Hello?-
"Sombra I-"
-Haha! You fell for that! Sorry, sorry I'm not at the phone right now. And if you're with the government or church I'd burn this number. How's that for a voicemail Sebastian?-
The man cursed at himself.
It was the funny voicemails Sombra and him recorded for April. He somewhat smiled at the gesture as he remembered that. That smile fell and Noah felt sour again.
Noah grumbled to himself when he unpacked a load of ice into the bucket. He didn't notice two men walking in and locking the door behind them. Mumbles of japanese behind him caught his attention.
What really caught his eye was the hand in a pocket. The two walked closer behind him. Noah took a moment to breath and finally heft the ice bucket. The two charged but one was caught by the ice bucket. That one went sprawling to the ground while Noah raised his other arm to catch the next fist.
The man growled before Noah twisted his arm around and struck him in the chest. The other got up and hopped on his back. Noah was pulled back and smashed the man into the wall. The guy slumped on the floor. His partner pulled out a knife and charged.
Noah tried weaving out, but the blade grazed his side. The attacker smirks before Noah grabs his head and knees him in the face. And he fell to the floor.
Noah hissed at the cut and checked his side. The brown leather was darkening and the white shirt underneath was turning red. "Shit." He picked up the ice and unlocked the door.
Before he took another step, a huge weight jumped on him and the two tumbled down the stairs. The loud sound of a metal bucket and ice crashed on the floor.
"Yoshi!" The second cried. Noah turned and saw the man called Yoshi charge. "You said this would be an easy eight hundred job." The two looked at each other as Noah tried getting up. Yoshi turned his attention to Noah.
"Yahiko get my gun!" The second went back into the room as Yoshi tackled Noah again and smashed him against the wall. Noah groaned before lifting him up and throwing him down the next flight of stairs. Yoshi tumbled and hit the wall with a hefty groan. Noah took a step before a bullet hit the wall next to his face he turned to see Yahiko barely standing against the rain.
Noah gave a huff before pulling out his own gun. The blade was in his room, but the gun stayed in his holster. One bang and Yahiko fell onto the ground clutching his shoulder. Yoshi stood up and Noah put the gun against his head.
"Did you really think this was a smart idea?"
"Depends." Noah struck him in the face and broke his nose. The Japanese man fell back against the wall and clutched his nose.
Noah put the gun against Yoshi's temple and cocked the gun. "Who sent you?"
"Yahiko." Noah gave a confused look before feeling a sharp blade hit his shoulder. Noah screamed in pain as the blade pierced his clothes, skin, and muscles. Yoshi tripped Noah and kicked him down the stairs.
The gun fell out of his hand and passed the railing. It fell to the bottom floor as Noah tried standing up. His hand wrapped around the hilt as he tried pulling it out.
"Good job."
"Thanks." Noah tightened his teeth before yanking it out. His eyes saw white then black, then return to color. Yoshi and Yahiko turned to him and took a stance. "Let's finish this."
"Sure." Noah groaned before the two charged at him. Noah threw the knife and it stuck into Yoshi's leg. Yahiko turned to his ally before Noah charged up and pushed him over the rail. A sick thunk was heard as Yoshi turned to Noah. He pulled the knife out and took a stance. Noah panted hard before putting his fists up.
Yoshi took a few jabs at him before Noah grabbed his wrist and headbutted him. The two stumbled back.
"AH! Son of bitch. How the hell do action stars do this without massive amounts of pain!" Yoshi gave a battle cry and swung again. Noah caught his arm and moved himself behind. The two struggled onto the floor with Noah holding onto Yoshi's wrist.
The man brought down his enemy and twisted the knife to face the chest. Noah grabbed Yoshi's hair and pulled him down to the floor. He crawled on top of Yoshi and tired using his weight to press the knife down. Yoshi growled angrily as Noah raised his fist and punched the hilt down. One strike pierced the skin. Second struck muscle. Third pushed through into the heart. Yoshi groaned horribly before going limp.
Noah panted hard and pulled the knife out. He grabbed the bucket and saw the minimal ice inside. He limped down the stairs and took heavy breaths. The room was only a couple stories down. Luckily it was on the first floor. He finally got to the last step, Noah fell onto his knees and breathed hard.
He turned and saw Yahiko's body looked broken with eyes closed. The gun laid down next to his head. Noah reached over and picked it up before feeling a hand grasp his leg! Noah turned and saw Yahiko glaring at him. The gun shot fired another round and red splattered over the floor.
Noah breathed hard and pushed the door open to the hallway. He started to limp when he reached the door. Before he could knock, his legs gave out and he fell against the wall. Eyesight seemed to be fading when he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his phone.
"I better call...someone." His eyes looked down and saw his phone. The screen was cracked and show no color when he hit the power button. "Shit."
His hand rose up and knocked the door hard. And while he bled out, Noah could almost see Sombra giving him a blank look.
"I told you so." She whispered
"I'm...sorry." He whispered before hearing the door open and voices calling for him.
0-0-0-0-0
Gideon sat on his desk and pulled the needle with Reaper's essence. He pulled out several vials of liquid and mix them together. The black turned gray to bright pink.
"A few more seconds." He whispered. Those seconds passed and then the pink darkened. He smirked before grabbing a new syringe. Filling it to the brim, Gideon pressed the tip against his vein before plunging it in.
The needle hit the bloodstream and slowly poured in the newly constructed cells into the body. Gideon groaned as he could feel his body try again to resist the effects of the injection. He felt weak as he tried to move again.
He raised his hand and slammed his fist against the desk. It hit the vial and shattered the glass. Glass cut open his hand and blood poured like a stream. Gideon hissed in pain before smirking in relief as he looked at the skin.
One by one glass bits fell from his skin and the cut muscle slowly sealing itself. "This is good. The treatments are working. You see it?"
The computer skin turned black before an eye appeared on screen. Disoriented screeches and beeps were heard and Gideon smiled. "Yes, even if Noah manages to get me, it'll be harder to kill me."
The eye took a deep look at him as Gideon watched the hand slowly heal. "Still if he strikes a fatal blow it'll be difficult to recover. Perhaps I should let my newest toy run free and take care of him for me. Normal assassins aren't enough."
*Next Time
"I'm stronger now. Much stronger." Noah whispered. He stood up and blocked the next strike. His opponent's eyes widened before Noah grabbed his wrist and threw him to the wall.
"I...how could I do this?" Fareeha asked. Hana put a hand on the soldier's shoulder and tried speaking. "G...is...a...dick."
Gideon smiled ashe walked down the hall and turned the screens on. "Moonlark, Aryt how goes the hunt?"
-Easy so far, but...we see them.-
"Release the pet." Moonlark and Aryt nodded before releasing a latch on the crate. Solid red lines illuminated in the dark.
0-0-0-0-0
Haha! How many thought we'd see Hanzo and Genji in this chapter? Hands up, I wanna see. Alright a good amount and who here knows how long I spent writing the fight scene for them? Show of hands. Yep that's what I thought. So yeah I'm sorry for tricking you into thinking that we were gonna have the Shimada bros, but I promise on the anniversary of Among Heroes I will deliver. Hopefully. Action scenes are the hardest things to write for me.
Hope to see you guys next time!