Author Notes
Hey all, I apologise about this being a little bit later than usual, I've had a bit of a busy week so it's delayed my ability to sit down and write this Chapter out. I'm not abandoning the story or anything, it may just take me a little bit longer than usual to write out a chapter so your patience is appreciated.
As always, big thanks to all those who support this story with reviews, favs and follows - feedback is always appreciated! :-)
And please check out my new Command & Conquer and Overwatch crossover prologue, its ambitious on my part and would love to hear what you all think and whether you guys want me to continue it!
Chapter 6
Lena's genuine smiled widened slightly as she saw the look of surprise that spread across Widowmaker's face at her response, she had obviously not expected her to answer her quite like that. Widowmaker surprised expression quickly turned to a curious and pondering one that only lasted for a few seconds before she then did something Lena hadn't expected. Widowmaker wrapped her arms around Lena in an embrace and her own eyebrows raised and eyes open wide in surprise.
Widowmaker whispered in a soft tone that Lena didn't think she was actually capable of "Thank you Cheri... you don't know how much this means to me."
Lena smile softened as she returned the embrace "You don't need to thank me love, it's what friends are for."
Lena couldn't help but think she had an inkling given how Widowmaker had just acted.
"I've never had any friends before... I wouldn't know." Widowmaker answered quietly as they remained in the hug.
Lena was again finding herself surprised at what Widowmaker had said, and just a little bit lost for words; that must be a first she thought idly to herself.
"Well you got me now... cavalry is here and all that." Lena giggled slightly.
Widowmaker sighed slightly at one of Lena's infamous catch phrases, she would of pinched the bridge of her nose to try and keep the frustration from showing if it wouldn't of dragged her away from the warmth Lena's body radiated; she would be lying if this wasn't starting to become a slight guilty pleasure for herself. Lena just giggled further as they finally separated from their embrace.
"Just one thing..." Widowmaker stated coolly as she raised an eyebrow "... no more catch phrases, please."
Lena giggled "No promises love." which caused Widowmaker to sigh in resignation and close her eyes, causing a mischievous grin to form on Lena's face.
Lena then quickly stood from the bed "So you going to put that on? Thought you might like to get out of here for a bit."
Widowmaker's eyes opened as she looked back down at the Chronal Accelerator in the box and nodded, gently reaching down for the device and pick it up. After she had pulled it out of the box, Widowmaker placed the box on the floor with one hand and gave the Chronal Accelerator and its associated straps before she gracefully began to slip her arms through and adjust them as she went so that the device settled just below her chest.
It felt slightly odd to her balance as she stood, she hoped it wouldn't affect her too much in a combat situation. It was something she would inevitably have to train for with this contraption strapped to her considering what she was planning if her captors would allow her in the near future. She stood with a swift movement that contained her usual grace and she adjusted the Chronal Accelerator one last time to ensure it was comfortable, before her gaze settled on Lena who had remained quiet and patient as she waited and been watching her the entire time.
"Like what you see Cheri?" Widowmaker smirked as she leaned towards Lena with a seductive edge to her voice. Lena blushed and scratched the back of her head, but didn't respond. Widowmaker stood straight keeping the smirk on her face.
"You enjoy doing that far too much." Lena grumbled, as Widowmaker walked to stand next to her.
"So do you." Widowmaker instantly replied, her smirk growing.
"Jeez... you're terrible..." Lena giggled, her cheeks still flushed before walking towards the mirror door with Widowmaker following close behind her.
The door hissed open and Lena walked through without a second thought, she didn't realise anything was wrong till she heard Widowmaker's footsteps stop. Lena turned round quickly to see Widowmaker stood just before the open door with a fearful expression as she looked at the open space before her.
"You alright love?" Lena asked as she approached Widowmaker, she got the feeling that she would be asking that question a lot in the future.
"Are you sure it's safe?" Widowmaker asked with concern clear in her voice, her eyes now glancing between the open door before her and the Chronal Accelerator strapped to below her chest.
Realisation suddenly hit Lena as to what Widowmaker was going through at that point, she remembered doing the exact same thing when she first got her Chronal Accelerator. At least she knew how to help Widowmaker through the uncertainty and fear she was inevitably feeling right then. Lena smiled gently at her before walking back to Widowmaker and linking her arm through hers.
"I'm positive love... let's do this together at your own pace. I'll be there every step of the way." Lena said in a gentle and reassuring tone.
Widowmaker nodded with a slight gulp as she closed her eyes and took her first step outside of her room. Nothing felt different to her and she could still feel Lena's arm and the warmth it radiated around her arm. She slowly opened her eyes and let a pent up breath out that she had held in as she felt relief flood through her; it hadn't dawned on her just how much she feared and dreaded facing this moment and yet she hadn't hesitated with Lena by her side. Widowmaker gave Lena a grateful look of unspoken thanks to which Lena just smiled and nodded back, keeping her arm around Widowmaker's.
Widowmaker quickly got to grips with herself now that the first hurdle was over and her expression turned blank and her gaze cold, the thought of openly showing her current weakness to anyone who wasn't Lena being something she didn't wish to entertain on any level.
"I'm ready." she spoke coolly.
The sudden change in Widowmaker caught Lena entirely off guard, she had been expressing herself so much over the last few days in front of Lena that for Widowmaker to throw up walls like this was of some source of some confusion to Lena. Maybe she only felt comfortable enough with her to do so?
Lena let go of Widowmaker's arm seeing that it was no longer required before smiling "Alright love... lets go get some fresh air eh?"
Widowmaker simply nodded and followed alongside Lena as she lead the way down the partially lit corridor, observing and memorising everything as she went. This part of the base was obviously underground based of the occasional visible bare rock faces which made her wonder just how big the Watchpoint was. She continued making mental maps of the base as she followed Lena up a set of stairs and more corridors. Most of the base appeared to be offline and understaffed due to the fact that they ran into no one along the way.
After climbing up several floors worth of stairs and several dimly lit corridors, Lena lead Widowmaker through a last set of automated doors and out into the open air. Widowmaker looked up into the sky to see the colours of a sun setting suffuse the sky with the occasional pin prick of light showing from a bright star as night time slowly crept closer. She took a deep breath and could taste the salt of an ocean in the air and could hear the distant thunder of waves, which on top of the heat and the time of year told Widowmaker this must be Watchpoint Gibraltar if she were to hazard a guess given the rest of the circumstances. She then turned her gaze to what was around her to find herself in a rather open area that looked like a landing zone for VTOL craft and alongside a couple of hangar doors built into a cliff.
"Bollocks..." Lena cursed, which caused Widowmaker to glance at her to see that Lena was cringing in a particular direction. She quickly followed Lena's gaze and looked over to a landing pad where a single VTOL craft was sitting, heat distortions still rising from its engines. The VTOL had its boarding ramp lowered with Angela stood before it with a petrified look on her face as she looked over towards Widowmaker and Lena, with a woman stood next to her easily several inches taller than Angela with tanned skin, a tattoo of the Eye of Horus under her right eye and wearing blue military grade armour; her facial expression was that of rage.
"Shit, we need to leave." Lena said quickly and tried to guide Widowmaker back inside, although Widowmaker wouldn't budge.
"Love... we need to go." Lena pleaded with Widowmaker, who just slightly shook her head as her own cool gaze locked onto the other woman.
The tanned woman's eyes narrowed and she quickly began marching over towards them. As she approached, Lena began placing herself between Widowmaker and the angry woman although Widowmaker gently placed her hand on her shoulder and pushed her to the side much to Lena's chagrin. The tanned woman quickly closed the distance and soon as she was close enough balled her right hand into a fist and threw a punch with all her strength behind it straight at Widowmaker.
What surprised Lena more than the fact that the woman had threw the punch without hesitation was the fact that Widowmaker didn't make any attempt to avoid it, and simply let the woman punch her in the left cheek with enough force to floor Widowmaker.
"FAREEHA!" Angela's voice almost shrieked into the air as she ran over.
Lena quickly stepped between Fareeha who still had her hand balled into a fist as she glared down at Widowmaker on the floor.
"What the hell are you playing at Fareeha?!" Lena challenged with her own glare, her tone of voice betraying not only the surprise she felt but anger as well.
"What is she doing here, out of her cell?" growled Fareeha with a gentle hint of her Egyptian accent layered underneath, her tone of voice demanding while her hand shook with anger, her eyes ablaze with years of supressed rage "What is that monster doing free?"
Angela finally reached them and knelt down next to Widowmaker who was now leaning on her elbows, although her cold golden eyes had never left Fareeha's. Angela tried to check on Widowmaker as a large bruise began forming and swelling already on her left cheek, but found herself being waved off by an irritated glance from Widowmaker.
"I'll ask again, why is she out here?!" demanded Fareeha, her tone now filling with some of her visible anger "... she is the enemy."
Angela quickly stood up and pushed Lena out of the way before she could say something.
"That's enough Fareeha." Angela spoke with surprising authority "Your mother would be ashamed if she could see what you just did... this is not how she would want it."
Fareeha snorted "How would you know Doctor? She's dead because of that thing."
"I was friends with your mother for a long time and I've known you since you were a child... this isn't you. Leave this be." Angela answered in a measured tone.
"I want answers, and I want justice..." Fareeha said quietly in a dangerous tone, her glare not leaving Widowmaker.
"That's enough... go... now." Angela commanded in a tone equally as dangerous as Fareeha's.
Fareeha finally broke her glare away from Widowmaker and turned it upon Angela with increased intensity. Angela shook her head and didn't bunch. Fareeha snorted and then turned and left, heading into the base. Once she was out of sight, Angela turned to face Lena.
"I'll be having words with you later about this... you knew Fareeha was arriving and yet you brought Widowmaker out here. I expected better from you Lena." Angela almost shouted, giving an accusatory glare at Lena who just gave an apologetic look before looking down at her feet, she had realised how badly she had screwed up the moment she saw Angela on the landing pad next to a VTOL.
Angela nodded and then turned to Widowmaker "I'll be back later to check on you, if that's alright Widowmaker?"
Widowmaker just shrugged as she stood back up. Angela's eyes narrowed briefly before she turned and walked off in the same direction as Fareeha in order to find her.
"Take me back to my room Cheri." Widowmaker requested in an even colder tone than before.
Lena flinched at the tone and just lead Widowmaker back to her room without saying a word, she couldn't help notice that Widowmaker seemed a bit zoned out since her run in with Fareeha. Lena idly thought to herself that she had really stepped in the biggest pile of proverbial dog shit she could find, and silently scolded herself for her rashness; she was definitely going to get the biggest chewing out she'd ever had from Angela for this later.
Widowmaker meanwhile was in mild shock as she followed alongside the deflated Lena, but not because she was just punched by Fareeha as she had allowed that to happen. Seeing Fareeha had been a catalyst that brought a memory back to her mind that she had not remembered before, it was about one of her first missions when she wasn't as experienced or as deep into Talon's programming; the moment a sniper bullet had been deflected by her older recon visor, the moment she returned fire and shot Ana Amari through the eye.
She remembered the rage she felt as the sting to her pride and ego at being hit by another sniper, she didn't once consider how lucky she was that her recon visor had deflected the bullet. All she wanted was to take that anger out on the one who hurt her. While the mission was a failure, Talon was pleased with the results Widowmaker had produced but had taken notice of her emotions. Emotions that showed open contempt and anger at Talon that could compromise future missions and her loyalty programmed as it was. They had wasted no time in throwing her back to the scientists to recondition her further. It hadn't been a pleasant process and had destroyed what was left of Amelie's conscious mind that had hidden itself away. After that mission was when she truly became Widowmaker.
It was only now that Widowmaker realised she was standing back in her room with Lena gently shaking her shoulder.
"Widowmaker, you ok? I'm so sorry about that, I-" Lena began before Widowmaker cut her off.
"Non {No}, it isn't your fault Cherie... I deserved it." Widowmaker spoke quietly as she moved over to her bed and sat down on it.
Lena frowned as she removed her hand from Widowmaker's shoulder as she walked towards her bed, the large swollen bruise and ugly albeit temporary addition to her face.
"I remember it..." Widowmaker quietly said as she held her head in her hands, her voice etched with guilt "... I remember the moment I killed Ana Amari."
Lena's frown intensified "It wasn't you... that was Talon's programming... you had no control over yourself."
Widowmaker answered in an even quieter tone forcing Lena to sit next to her on the bed "Non {No}... I wasn't as deep in their clutches then, it was one of my first missions... I killed Ana because she landed a hit on me, it stung my pride and I filled with rage... I shot her, because I wanted revenge for the slight. It was only after that mission did Talon make me into what I would become later. I deserved what I just got."
Lena had no answer for that, not at first at least. She had no understanding of any of the processes at play that Talon had used to make Amelie Lacroix into Widowmaker, nor the fact it had been a gradual process of 'fine tuning' based on mission performance.
"Look love... you can't live in the past. It happened, and you were under Talon's thumb even if you still had some fight left in you. It's not your fault, you didn't choose to be a weapon and nor were you ever given that choice. You can't be blamed for something you had no control over." Lena said reassuringly and with steel in her voice.
"That doesn't change the fact that I killed Fareeha's mother..." Widowmaker spat coldly "... I remember her... little flashes of Ana with her daughter as a little girl at the Overwatch HQ. Ana had her own daughter and still had the time to be a mother to everyone else, and I killed her without a seconds hesitation. Fareeha is right, I'm a monster."
Lena put her arm around Widowmaker and pulled her close to her before she spoke gently "No, you're not a monster; would a monster feel remorse at the things they've done outside of their control? No. You're a person who has been abused, manipulated and forced to be something they're not. It may take the others a while to see and understand this, but that doesn't matter for I understand it, and I'm here."
Widowmaker blinked for a moment as Lena's words sank in as she rested her head on Lena's shoulder. She couldn't really argue the points Lena had made despite wishing she could. She wanted to deserve it, she almost needed to deserve it, but Lena's surprisingly logical yet caring statement had cut through any argument she could make in her mind.
Widowmaker sighed in resignation, although she did feel slightly better "Cherie... sometimes you surprise me with the things you say."
Lena giggled softly "I just like to appear outwardly shallow so that I can shock everyone when I say something serious and meaningful, makes people underestimate me. Will admit it doesn't happen often though."
Widowmaker snorted in amusement as she leaned into Lena a bit more, enjoying her warmth "I'll keep that in mind for the future."
"I'm sure you will." smiled Lena for a moment before frowning "I'm sorry I put you in that situation though, I didn't think."
"It's fine Cherie." Widowmaker smiled slightly "You don't need to apologise to anyone. If I've learned anything these past few days it's that not expressing your emotions hurts, I hope Fareeha feels better now..."
Lena blinked and looked down at Widowmaker's head on her shoulder, her face showing how surprised she felt. Did Widowmaker just show concern for another person?
"... I don't particularly look forward to being punched again though." Widowmaker added, but her voice was tinted with amusement.
Lena smiled and giggled at that "I think some of your jokes need work love."
"That makes two of us then." Widowmaker stated flatly.
Lena rolled her eyes still smiling as her voice took on a mock defensive tone "What? I'm the life of the party, everyone likes my jokes!"
"If you say so." Widowmaker intoned.
They then enjoyed several moments of comfortable silence, with Widowmaker leaning against Lena who continued to keep her arm around her, until it was interrupted with the hiss of the mirror door opening. Widowmaker instantly moved away from Lena and wore a stern expression on her face as Angela entered the room carrying her usual medical case. Lena in contrast seemed to shrink ever so slightly and looked down into her lap where she was nervously fidgeting with her hands.
Angela gave a momentary glare at Lena before her gaze softened and turned to look at Widowmaker.
"I'd like to apologise for what happened earlier Widowmaker. It shouldn't of happened." Angela spoke with a genuine tone "How are you feeling? Would you like for me to check that bruise?"
"It's happened, it's in the past." Widowmaker shrugged in response with a cold tone "... if you must check then go ahead."
Angela frowned slightly but walked up to Widowmaker who remained sat on her bed, before she knelt down in front of her. Angela quickly opened her medical case, pulling out her scanner and quickly scanning the left side of Widowmaker's face.
"You're lucky Fareeha didn't cause any fractures... I'm surprised you don't even have some sort of concussion, she did hit you with a power armoured fist after all." Angela observed in a serious tone.
"I'm built sturdier than most." Widowmaker simply answered with a casual shrug, the implications of her statement making Angela visibly flinch; despite Angela knowing what Talon had done to Widowmaker and understanding most of it, she would never be comfortable with how blasé she was about the whole thing.
Angela finished her scans and put the device away and pulled out a packet of pain killers "Well there is nothing serious, but here are some pain killers in case you need them. Take no more than two every four hours."
"I won't be needing them Doctor, thank you." Widowmaker coolly replied.
Angela sighed as she closed her medical case and stood "Well I'll leave them on your desk in case you change your mind."
Widowmaker gave no response although her eyes never left Angela, causing her to sigh again as she looked at Lena one more time who had slightly come out of her deflated nervous state and just shrugged at her. She left the pain killers on the desk and quickly moved to leave the room, she was however stopped when Widowmaker spoke.
"Doctor Ziegler... might I ask a favour of you?" Widowmaker asked.
Angela stopped and turned to face Widowmaker and nodded.
"Please tell Fareeha I'm sorry for what happened, I know it will change nothing and I don't expect forgiveness. I just want her to know I regret it and that I'll avenge Ana's death on those who made it happen eventually." Widowmaker said in a deadly serious tone.
Angela was taken aback by what Widowmaker said, a shiver going up her spine as she listened to her speak as the golden eyes locked onto her own and removed the mask to show boiling need for vengeance within Widowmaker. Angela unable to form any sort of verbal response, turning slightly pale in shock, simply nodded and left the room.
Once the mirror door had closed she let out a gasp and held her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. Widowmaker may not be the weapon of talon she once was, but that look she had received actually frightened Angela; it was a look of a killer preparing to kill anyone who got in their way. Widowmaker maybe different now, but she was still incredibly dangerous and Angela could only hope that Lena knew what she was doing. With that Angela walked off to deliver Widowmaker's message, unsure as to how Fareeha would react so soon after her encounter with Widowmaker; it wasn't a message she was looking forward to delivering.
Lena gave a concerned look at Angela as she left the room before turning back to face Widowmaker "I think you scared her half to death."
"Good..." Widowmaker answered unapologetically "... my message got through clearly."
Lena frowned "Revenge won't make you feel better you know."
"How would you know?" Widowmaker looked over to Lena, an eyebrow raised expectantly for an answer.
"Well... I... err... oh fine, I don't know, but it's not healthy to fixate on it... you need to let it go." Lena answered, almost pleading the last part of what she spoke.
"I'm sorry Cheri, but what was done to me and what I was forced to do to others... I can't forgive nor forget that." Widowmaker answered in a harsh tone, before her stern expression softened and she moved closer to Lena and leaned back into her "Please don't try to stop me when the time comes Cheri, but I have to do this eventually... I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't."
Lena blinked for a moment as she looked at Widowmaker and felt her coolness as she leaned against her again, Lena felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. She knew she couldn't just let Widowmaker go out on her own as there was no telling what she would do in such a state as she was, but she also knew she couldn't leave recalled and still illegal Overwatch at such a crucial point of time. She had become Widowmaker's friend, but she didn't know how she would react and what long term impact it would have if she let her go. Lena groaned and closed her eyes as her mind began to spiral further and further between her loyalty to Overwatch and her new found loyalty to her new friend who to a certain extent needed support far more than Overwatch did. Widowmaker looked up at Lena when she groaned, she looked so sad to Lena as their eyes met and Lena thought like she could almost see all the demons that weighed down on Widowmaker's shoulders. In that brief moment Lena made her decision.
"I don't know when you'll be allowed to go free... I can't even say if it will ever happen. If it does though, I will help you no matter where it may lead." Lena promised with a genuine tone and a sincere expression on her face.
Widowmaker gave a startled look at Lena and quickly asked "You would leave Overwatch for me and help me seek vengeance against Talon?"
Lena simply nodded in turn, although she would rather look at it as seeking justice against Talon. Lena gasped as a tear rolled down Widowmaker's unblemished cheek and the most appreciative and genuine smile Lena had yet seen formed on Widowmaker's lips. Widowmaker closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Lena.
"Thank you Lena... that mean's more to me than I know how to express." Widowmaker stated softly and closed her eyes, echoing a statement she had spoken not an hour before.
Lena put her own arm around Widowmaker remaining silent not trusting herself to speak in that moment, as while she didn't doubt what Widowmaker had said she couldn't help the back of her mind from wondering if she had just put her foot in another proverbial pile of steaming dog shit. Her course was now set and there was no turning back, she would do the same for any of her friends but at that moment Widowmaker's need was greatest no matter what reservations she may have.
