"I will give you this chance merely once." - Ramattra

...in which the omnic brothers reunite, the team gets in a difficult situation, and Cole has to resort to drastic measures.

A/N: I'm already a fan of Ramattra's personality after having heard his voice lines and interactions, so I had to include him here. Fitting as I planned to introduce Null Sector in this fic anyway. Now I have a bit more canon content to work on, and ofc, this allows for some major parallels with the Shimada Bros as I think is intended by the devs.

HANZO

Block. Parry. Riposte. Sparring with Genji had become the norm again like it was back when they were kids. He had certainly become a more formidable foe over the years. That said, Hanzo was always a league ahead of his little brother, and that much hadn't changed. Genji might be able to surpass him in swordsmanship as he hadn't touched a blade in ten years, but in every other art style, Hanzo was superior. That didn't change that he had to work for it as Genji was by no means a slouch anymore.

Stripped down to his toraichi trousers with his haori wrapped around his waist, light sweat stung his eyes. They had sparred for hours now. Unlike Genji, he didn't have armor with its own internal cooling system.

For two weeks now had he been on this trial period.

He never strayed despite on several occasions being tempted to. Yet Hanzo was used to the burden of responsibility and had been so his entire life. Genji had been impressed, but it wasn't warranted. Not on Hanzo's terms. Either way, he understood why considering just how different the two were. How Genji always strayed from his responsibilities in their youth that had certainly left its mark.

Genji claimed to understand him, but Hanzo knew better. Him being impressed alone was proof of it. For Hanzo, merely sticking with the team and reporting in whenever he left - as well as being willing to share his phone calls and chat history if necessary - was nothing compared to what he was used to. His place as the eldest son of a Japanese yakuza clan forced him to surrender far more than that. Hobbies like his love for poetry. Personal relationships. Even his very own principles were replaced with those of the clan.

Again was he living on someone else's terms and now it was Genji's. To allow himself to be placated just to stay so he could serve a cause his little brother believed in. Yet, this time, he was content. Hanzo knew he had no right to be selfish after what he did to him.

A familiar southern drawl ripped him from his thoughts. "Evenin', fellas."

"Cassidy -" came Genji's voice. Before he knew it, Hanzo's arm was wrapped around his shoulder blades. With all his strength did he launch him halfway across the room. Genji spun in the air, and like a cat, he landed back on his feet. His little brother being mildly disoriented, he steadied himself. Yet his tone was just as light as usual. "Hey, that was not a fair move!"

"Pfe. You were always prone to distractions."

Genji snickered. "Were this a real fight, I wouldn't have!"

"Hey, now. Don't stop on my account. Just here to tell ya there's an impromptu meetin' in an hour."

Nevertheless, Hanzo didn't fail to see his absentminded grip on the revolver. Leave it to Cassidy to believe he would intentionally hurt Genji ever again. With that in mind, however, he was relieved to see just how dedicated he seemed. How he was willing to draw his gun if he wronged Genji in any shape or form. Frankly, it let him know that he could trust him with his brother's life.

"What about?"

Genji's question - zipping to Hanzo as the sparring session continued - was promptly answered. "Castillo. Talon's stirrin' up trouble and Null Sector's reportedly fightin' back. Word is their leader's there and Overwatch wants to negotiate."

Now Hanzo knew there was fault with the management. Null Sector was an infamous terrorist organization that had grown exponentially over the years consisting of only omnics. One with an omnic leader who didn't care for humans. Not even Hanamura had been free of them. Naturally, the reveal halted the sparring session. Hanzo shut his eyes tight in disapproval at the reveal as hands balled into fists at his sides. Genji, on the other hand, simply sounded tired when he opened his mouth again.

"So it would seem the situation is dire."

"I don't like it, either... but it ain't up to me. Morrison made the call. Zen suggested it," he replied, Hanzo practically feeling the shock touch Genji's hidden features. "That monk keeps a close lid on everythin', so I didn't exactly learn why. I reckon you've got a better shot."

"I wouldn't be so certain. He never tells me anything, either. Yet I am grateful you informed me of this."

Excusing himself to see him, Genji left their space. Hanzo felt eyes at the back of his neck as he moved to grab his sleeveless top. Gathering his belongings. With the hour provided before the briefing was he determined to take a shower to wash himself off. Grab something to eat after his training session, too. Until then, he had to deal with whatever Cassidy wanted to discuss.

"You may unhand your weapon, gunslinger."

Behind him, Cassidy stood with hands on his hips. "Now, why were your eyes down there?"

Hanzo sported a confused look.

"What are you implyi -?" he tried, only to realize. Hanzo's eyes immediately went wide. "I -" He cleared his throat as he haphazardly pulled the top over his head. "Do not flatter yourself with such preposterous accusations."

By far, it wasn't the first time others had accused him of something incorrect. Orisa had done the same. She was an omnic - meaning Hanzo didn't trust her resulting in glaring at her a few times - and she jumped to a ridiculous assessment that he wanted to ride her into battle. People's wrong assumptions of him never failed to take him off-guard and he became all the more self-conscious not to give the wrong idea. He really wasn't a people person. All too often did he take things literally and he was aware of this. It was something he had to work on.

Cassidy was an attractive man, but he would do nothing of the sort unless prompted.

He wasn't a lusting teenager lacking respect. It was insulting that he had been branded as such. That is, of course, unless it was yet another of the cowboy's jokes. Hanzo still struggled to tell.

Thankfully, Cassidy didn't stay on topic. "Castillo. Can I count on ya playin' it nice?"

"Negotiating with terrorists - omnics, least of all - will only lead to ruin."

"Never did tell me what your issue with omnics is."

"They are advanced artificial intelligence. Programmed computers. They simulate emotion and fool unsuspecting individuals that they are alive," he replied, letting his haori stay at his waist - no reason to pull its arm back up as he wasn't going to wear it for long, anyway - and threw the sling of his quiver over his shoulder. "They are not."

"Thing is, they ain't alone in 'simulating' emotions. Folks like ourselves learn when to be pissed off, happy, sad, or what have you. Ain't that big of a difference," he replied, arching a critical brow. Hanzo grabbed his bow and tested the string. Judging brows were drawn tight as he just listened. "Your brother's got a goddamn dragon at his disposal - wouldn't surprise me if you've got one, too - and you're questionin' somethin' far less otherworldly than that? I'm at a loss with you, archer."

Hanzo scowled deeply. "They are spiritual guardians. Man did not create them," he said, turning to glare at him. His free hand drawn into a fist. "The audacity of claiming me a hypocrite is obtuse."

"So is the Iris, I hear."

"This 'Iris' has no basis in reality. It is gaslighting. A ploy for humans to fall in line and believe a ridiculous claim for sympathies."

"Makin' one hell of a claim there yourself."

"I have seen the dragons with my own two eyes unlike this supposed 'transcendent' being," he replied, eyes narrowed. "Prove me wrong and I will retract my judgment. Until then, it is mere fantasy, and I will not be victim of it." Hanzo paused. "As for 'playing it nice,' I have already offered my services. That does not mean I do not disapprove of this decision. It is a mistake."

"Yeah, well. 'Least we can agree on that one," he replied, releasing his arms and setting course for the exit. "An hour, archer. No lollygaggin'. We've got a lotta ground to cover on this."

COLE

Seated in the Overwatch carrier taking them to Castillo did he get a chance to really think the mission over. He now knew why his team specifically was assigned to this. Zenyatta finally let them in on the fact that he knew the leader of Null Sector personally.

His name was Ramattra. Hulking brute of an omnic. They had both been Shambali monks before Ramattra strayed.

Apparently, the two hadn't spoken since the split. Yet Zenyatta was convinced that he was willing to hear him out as they were once as close as brothers. Brothers taking different paths. Cole couldn't help but compare them to the Shimadas that were currently in the carrier with him. They were seated next to each other, Genji hunched over resting forearms on his thighs while Hanzo sat straight with arms folded across his chest, being yet another difference between the two. Former enemies, and yet, willing to reconcile. He hoped Ramattra was, too.

His pessimism expected that they would be shot down from the sky, but what occurred wasn't much better. Dread seeped deep into his gut as he - seated in front next to Hana piloting the carrier - saw Null Sector at their landing zone. Alpha and Bravo were on standby in case shit hit the fan. Most likely, it would. He felt like he was leading his team into certain death.

"You sure 'bout this, Zen?"

"To be certain of anything is often short-minded. This can end in many ways. Yet I trust he is willing to hear me out."

Cole cringed. "So that's a 'no,' then."

Too many had suffered at the hands of Null Sector. Humans and omnics both. Even Null Sector's co-leaders had abandoned the cause after seeing what extreme lengths Ramattra was willing to go.

Although Cole could certainly sympathize with their cause and understand the frustration, Null Sector had given up on diplomacy. He failed to see how this time would be any different. Then again, Genji had managed to convince Hanzo to work with Overwatch. There was hope however small. Besides, he had to believe that anyone could come back after abandoning principles. Had to.

He still held out for Gabe.

Somehow, they managed to touch down. It seemed all too simple. At least Null Sector didn't have the audacity to demand their weapons confiscated. As if they wanted to meet on equal terms. Zenyatta lead the way with him shortly following, and not before long, they stood somewhat in the open with just the carrier offering cover. At least they couldn't get targeted from behind. Cole scouted the area, and thankfully, he glimpsed more cover to be had. They could get out of this without too much issue.

It wasn't until then he saw Null Sector's leader approach "...and so my brother makes his appearance with human pets - after all these years - and not to offer his aid to the cause belonging to us both. Fitting," he said, a poisonous undertone to it as he eyed them over. Ramattra paused, and if omnics could look confused, he did. "Is that... is that a bow and arrow?"

Jesus, he mused. Hanzo really did turn heads wherever he went.

To be directly addressed after someone Ramattra considered as close as a brother - not having seen him for years - was one hell of an accomplishment. It wasn't surprising, but still.

"Yes."

"Are firearms not to your taste?" he asked, tone almost offended.

"They make killing too simple."

To top it all off, Ramattra seemed at a loss at his response. "What a curious assessment. Surely killing should be as quick as possible unless you wish to inflict pain first."

"...or perhaps when you wish to think twice before firing."

Cole, by all means of the imagination, hoped he understood the gravity of Hanzo making such a statement.

"You humans are such strange creatures."

Zenyatta chimed in. "Varied. As are we all. Humans and omnics have much in common," he replied, directing the attention back to him. "Despite these circumstances... I am pleased to see you again, brother. It has been too long." His sincere tone didn't fly by him. "As for these humans, they are my friends, and it is my hope you can hear me out." Ramattra huffed and reminded him all the more of Hanzo. "I know how you view them. Even why. Yet to place an entire species under one definition is most unwise."

"Do not attempt to lecture me. We have already tried for peace and many have died for it. To what end? Omnics, to this day, are brutally beaten and killed for sport with little to no consequence. How can you ignore this, brother? Numbani is the best example for what could be considered peace, and yet, even there is it not perfect." Ramattra fell into a pause. "We do not need humans. We never did. You wage a war you cannot win."

"Even against all odds is there room to surpass all. You know this having seen Null Sector grow. There is a new sadness in you, brother."

"No," he replied, sighing. "I've simply grown tired of pretending I am content."

"Perhaps I can share your burden?"

The Null Sector leader didn't look at him. "You already do," he said, falling into another pause. "My men are growing impatient. I cannot believe I even agreed to this... this waste of time. Unlike you, I haven't turned my back on our people."

"Brother..."

A chill traversed down the length of his spine when he saw Talon make their appearance whilst showing no signs of hostility towards Null Sector. Talon had been at a decline for a long time, but now, they had teamed up with the biggest - and most active - terrorist organization as of date. Their numbers had never been greater. Clearly, they were outnumbered.

Eyes closed shut when lasers were directed their way. Cole pressed his lips into a thin line. Opening them back up again he didn't fail to see how Hanzo had absentmindedly placed himself in front of Genji in his peripheral.

Ramattra made it known. "Leave. Now. I will give you this chance merely once. I'm sorry, brother. You should have joined us."

...and, worst of all, Cole heard the remorse in his voice.

"So I see," came Zenyatta's response, his tone drained. "I pray you reconsider your alliance in the future. That or we will be forced to take up arms against you once again. I wish to prevent this." Ramattra turned his back to him and began to move only to halt. "All I ask is that you be careful, brother. Doomfist is not one to be trusted. Many times has this been proven."

Over his shoulder, Ramattra gave him a look. "Whatever schemes he might be foolish enough to attempt to hatch, our numbers are greater. I will break before I yield. It seems as if no one else is willing."

Although this might've seemed useless at first glance, Cole now knew something for sure. Ramattra had a soft spot for their favorite omnic monk. Enough to allow them to leave instead of opening fire on them. That, after everything he'd seen Null Sector mercilessly do, was huge. They also now knew that Talon's requirement to increase their numbers had succeeded. Cole knew they had been desperate before. Constantly trying to recruit others. He himself had been approached by Doomfist at one point.

Nevertheless, Overwatch wasn't an organization to give up. Null Sector let them leave, and thus, their new goal was to reposition to an area where they weren't surrounded. One where they could make a difference without ending up in caskets by the end of it. They were back in the air when he heard Jack speaking over the comm as he had notified the carrier leaving.

"Cassidy. Status."

"It's a goddamn bust, that's what it is. Null Sector and Talon have teamed up. Surrounded us back at the landing zone."

"...and here I thought it couldn't get any worse. Christ. The hell did you even get out alive?"

"Believe it or not, but that Ramattra made the call. Told us to leave."

Angela spoke up. "Plan B, then?"

"Positive. Alpha and Bravo have cleared the buildings out and done a sweep to ensure no one's left. It's on you, now."

"Roger that," he said. Off in the distance did he hear the explosion. Pulling out their own detonator, he nodded at Hana and pressed the button. Then came the other. Below them, folks were like ants, and the plan came through. Null Sector and Talon did indeed split up. He couldn't see Ramattra or any of the Talon leaders, but that was signal enough. Now they had a far better chance to take them on. He sure had to get in touch with Sombra after this as she had by no means informed them of the team-up. "Get us down there."

"Diving in!" Hana said, smirking.

HANZO

The Null Sector leader had refused to cooperate and Hanzo expected nothing less. Discussing anything with omnics was of no use as responses were pre-determined. Least of all with terrorist organizations like Null Sector and Talon. Whomever programmed them surely had a superiority complex believing themselves above humanity and Hanzo could do nothing but scoff.

Luckily, his arrows pierced even metal. He was prepared when they touched down. Quickly was his bow drawn and the first few shots fired. About fifteen minutes into fighting and their opponents began to use explosives to tear down buildings.

Then came Ziegler's voice over the comm. "We're cut off!"

"Jesus, this went to heck in a handbasket real fast," Cassidy said, before addressing him. "Archer! How's it lookin' over there?"

"I do not have a clear shot!"

Ziegler took a scolding tone. "Cole, I know what you are thinking! Don't!"

"Ain't got a choice, Angie! We're 'bout to be buried down here!" he replied without elaborating, readying his gun again. Hanzo, at last, had the angle to bring one headed their direction down. So he did. "Draw!"

In quick succession, Cassidy took the airborne grenades out. Debris between them crumbled. Instead of moving away, however, Cassidy just stood there with a mild sway to his feet. Reached behind himself as if seeking something solid to keep himself upright. Or to push Hanzo back if he had somehow seen him moving towards the opening he wasn't sure how long would last. Hanzo's eyes went wide, and in the chaos, a pillar was about to crush the man before him. He thought fast.

With a firm grip around Cassidy's outstretched wrist did he pull him in. Nevertheless, his balance had indeed been compromised. Cassidy landed on his back just out of reach not to get crushed by it. Another pillar - this one of slightly smaller size - was about to fall. So Hanzo made the split decision to stop it as he stood over him.

At the weight now on his back, he groaned, but kept standing. "Move!"

Thankfully, Cassidy had come to. With a look of angry shock - likely one gained after Hanzo had yanked him in - did he quickly do as ordered. As Hanzo felt it about to give in, hoisting it up for leverage with the intent of ducking quickly once it briefly lifted off him, it was Cassidy's turn to grab him by the bicep. The pillar pummeled to the floor and Hanzo remained on his feet as the dust settled.

Wide-eyed did he stare at his rescuer. It would've been so easy to leave him there. Make it all end quickly. Yet that wasn't the only reason for his stare. He had seen the red streak of blood dripping down Cassidy's right eye.

"I'd say we're just 'bout even, archer."

At least he had the decency to let go of him.

Sun no longer blinding him, he and Cassidy both looked up to see the emerged silhouettes of Genji and Angela.

Morrison spoke up. "I heard explosions. Cassidy's comm went offline. Everyone all right?"

"Barely, but yes," came Ziegler's voice before he had the chance to respond, two fingers at the earpiece. She had a mildly annoyed tone. One that was clearly not directed at Morrison. "We are fine despite being split up at the moment."

"Glad to hear it. Do what you can to group up. Let me know when it's done."

Clearly, Cassidy's communicator was broken. "Much obliged back there."

"You are bleeding."

Cassidy, with a half-hazy look, turned to frown at him. Instinctively, two fingers touched the area just below his eye. He extended his arm ever so slightly to see the red seeping through his fingerprints. Cringing, he rubbed his thumb against them before looking away.

"Any word from Alpha?" he asked, avoiding the statement. "Got my communicator all scrambled."

Hanzo wasn't stupid. It was obvious that he didn't want to talk about it. Yet it was none of his business.

"Hm. They are safe."

Not before long, they met up. Ziegler gave Cassidy a pointed look as if scolding him. Curious. Attentively, Hanzo just watched. The doctor didn't say anything and simply touched his face likely stopping the internal bleeding.

If he was to guess, he would assume she knew Cassidy's obvious condition and respected his privacy. She was a medic, after all. One that needed to know what she was dealing with. Medical records, use of prosthetics, mental states, allergies, et cetra. One of the things Hanzo had to clarify to her was that his legs weren't prosthetics like many believed. Just greaves he rarely took off as he had weaker ankles than most. Hanzo suspected Cassidy had some kind of implant of sorts that allowed for easier targeting.

Whatever it was, Ziegler clearly didn't approve of him using it.

A/N: I headcanon that Null Sector and Talon were teamed up briefly before Ramattra was made aware of Doomfist's 'scheming.' So their alliance in this fic is only temporary. I'm one of those people who want a 'redemption arc' for characters like Ramattra, Reaper, and Widowmaker as they're all so wonderfully layered/three-dimensional. Best part of Overwatch is easily its characters.

I know Doomfist had Ramattra's attention before OVW disbanded - and before getting his gauntlet back - as proven by Storm Rising, but I don't think Ramattra agreed to team up so soon considering that Doomfist is human. Talon also seems desperate for recruits in interactions, so if they already had Null Sector on their side... well, that wouldn't be necessary. They would've already had the upper hand considering how big Null Sector is.