Overwatch
Chapter 1
Auset walked through the silent alleyways of King’s Row, the dim light making the cobblestone streets appear even more eerie. She sighed as she looked away from a group of shady men standing in a dark corner, whispering to each other. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, but she ignored it. King’s Row had been like this for far too long, ever since Mondatta’s death, crime had grown to an all-time high and the people of the city were struggling.
Auset had done minor things to help, her mother and father had always taught her to do what was right, no matter the cost. Despite neighbors’ suspicion and accusations of her family, her parents had always remained generous and helped whoever was in need. Ever since she had lost her parents, she had always aspired to be like them, even if it was only in the most minor of ways. Perhaps it was the violence they were capable of that made them that way, perhaps it made Auset that way too.
Suddenly, she heard someone grunting. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and her ears perked as she ducked down a bit. The fighting was in the alleyway next to her and she only wanted to know if someone was in danger.
She peaked her head around the corner and narrowed her eyes as she saw a woman standing above a man. The woman had a sniper rifle pointed at the man as he glared up at her in contempt. Auset watched in confusion as she saw the woman’s skin had a blue tint to it, but quickly shook it off as the woman opened her mouth to speak.
“And to think,” she tutted, the French accent thick in her voice. “Your clan could have been great again, the Shimada’s working with Talon would have been powerful.”
The man grunted but said nothing as the woman laughed. Auset vaguely remembered hearing something about the fall of the great Shimada empire and looked more closely at the man. He was older, she could see the greying of his hair near his ears and the age lines on his face. She assumed he must be the older brother, knowing that the father had died, and the younger brother had mysteriously disappeared, presumably also dead.
“It is a shame, I must admit, that I have to kill you.” She murmured as she aimed her scope down at the man. Auset let out a sigh, wondering if it was worth it to save him, he was a crime lord’s son after all. Still he may be innocent and if I save him, he will no longer be on my conscience, she thought to herself as she heaved herself up to prepare herself to jump in there.
Hanzo closed his eyes as he waited for the shot that would come from Widow’s gun. He accepted his fate and wouldn't give her the satisfaction of showing fear. Just as he heard the click of the scope, his eyes shot open at the new sound coming into the alleyway.
They both looked over in shock as a giant wolf stood before them. It was growling, teeth bared, the hair on its back sticking up. He watched as Widow hesitated for a moment, her foot lifted in the air to step back, before she sniffed at the creature and glared.
“A silly dog does not scare me.” She huffed and aimed her rifle at the beast. Hanzo placed his hands on the ground, ready to push himself up to try and protect the creature from Widow.
He was surprised when the wolf took a threatening step forward, the growling becoming louder. Widow kept her gun at eye level, ready to shoot, when the wolf suddenly lunged at her. Widow cried out in shock, her gun firing, as she was knocked to the ground by the giant animal. It stood above her, a paw on each side of her head and the woman glared at it.
“Get off me, filthy mutt!” She cried out and the wolf growled before snapping its teeth at her. She fell silent and after a moment the wolf stepped away from her. It moved between Hanzo and Widow before sitting. The message was clear as the wolf glared at the woman. Widow stood there a moment longer in bewilderment before huffing and shooting out her grappling hook, taking off into the darkness.
It was silent for a moment as Hanzo studied the creature. It was clearly intelligent, but he couldn't figure out why it had protected him so fiercely, risking its life even, to save him. He tensed as the wolf stood and turned. It stepped closer and studied him for a moment, the luminescent yellow eyes glanced over his body before it huffed slightly and turned to walk away. Hanzo stared in astonishment as he watched the wolf walk out of the alleyway, but that was when he noticed the limp and heard the slight whine of pain.
“Wait,” he murmured and quickly stood. The creature saved his life and he could not just let it walk away injured. The wolf stopped for a moment, glancing at the man, before huffing again as it started to walk away. “Please, you are injured, let me help you.” He felt a little manic to be talking to an animal in such a way, but the intelligence he could see in its eyes made him believe that in some way it could understand him.
Auset stood still, unsure what she should do, the fear of getting caught was high, but she also knew that she could not treat this injury herself. She didn't know how to handle a gun shot wound and she would have a hard time explaining it to the doctors in the hospital. Possibilities raced through her mind before finally, with a sigh, she turned and sat silently in front of the man.
He approached her slowly, she could smell the slight fear he was giving off and she couldn't blame him, not after the show she had just displayed. Hanzo watched her closely as he continued to move closer, finally coming to a stop before the wolf and bending down to its level. She watched him wearily as he studied her for a moment before slowly lifting a hand. She wanted to roll her eyes but stayed still as the man patted her head. She would be lying to herself though if she didn't admit that it felt good when he scratched her softly behind the ear, a soft smile on his face.
Suddenly, she jumped up and turned, growling at the darkness of the alleyway. Hanzo furrowed his eyebrows as he studied the darkness but let out a small sigh of relief when he saw it was only his brother.
“Brother, what is this?” Genji asked curiously, his hands up to show the animal he meant no harm. He wasn't sure if he had ever seen his brother like this. His face was relaxed as he tried to soothe the animal to sit again. He heard the wolf whine slightly in pain and watched in concern.
“Widowmaker found me, this creature saved me from death but was injured in the process. I want to heal it before it takes off.” Hanzo told him and Genji nodded as he stepped closer. The wolf looked between the two men, its black fur looking soft and smooth as it shined in the moonlight. Those yellow eyes studied him closely as she watched his mechanical hand reach toward her.
This is what happened to the other Shimada? The little brother? She listened to the mechanical whirring of the suit and tilted her head to the side as she wondered what was left in the suit. It appeared to her that it wasn't just some sort of suit to put on, but a body of sorts. She let him gently pat her head as she studied the mask before her. Auset sniffed at the mask and he pulled his head back a bit in shock, but she had gathered the information that she needed. She could still smell human on him which meant he was only part omnic.
She had nothing against the omnics of course, she could not blame all for the violence of some. In fact, it would be quite hypocritical for her to do so in her own opinion. She was merely curious and was hoping that he was not completely omnic because she could not imagine how horrible such a transition that would be. To lose such a large part of who you are, she could not imagine it. Auset began to feel slightly sympathetic for the man and pushed her head into his hand, letting him know her appreciation.
Hanzo huffed and rolled his eyes, this was nothing new to him. Everything under the sun seemed to love his brother almost immediately. He was surprised, though, when the wolf looked at him and scooted over to him, laying down and placing its head in his lap. It looked up at him and whined slightly, happily panting when he began to gently pet its head.
“Is it a boy or girl?” Genji asked and Hanzo shrugged slightly, he honestly had no clue.
“Are you a boy?” He asked and the wolf growled slightly, shaking its head. Genji began to chuckle and looked at his brother.
“I suppose that is our answer.” He said and Auset could hear the amusement in his voice as she shut her eyes. She had begun to feel sleepy as Hanzo continued to rub his hand behind her ear.
She immediately shot up as she realized what she was doing. She couldn't fall asleep, if she fell asleep she would become human again and they would know her secret. Auset let out another whine as her leg burned at her fast movement.
“We must take her to the ship. Angela will be there and I am sure she will be able to think of something.” Genji said and Hanzo nodded in agreement. As he stood he watched when the wolf tried to stand as well but falter slightly in her movement.
“I am not sure she will be able to walk on her own.” He observed and Genji looked at the large wolf as well before nodding.
“Very well, I will carry her then.” Genji said calmly and took a step toward her. She froze momentarily and stared at the man wearily before taking a few uneasy steps towards him. She would give them at least this much trust.
Genji gently grasped her around her butt and chest, picking her up and resting her against his chest. She was big enough that she could rest her head on the man’s shoulder and she watched as Hanzo trailed after them silently.
The trip back to the jet took longer than they planned it to be, but they couldn’t exactly be jumping rooftops and running down alleyways while carrying a giant wolf. Genji almost scoffed as the thought of him carry this wolf crossed his mind. He honestly wouldn’t have believed it if someone else told them the same story happened to them. He gently clutched his fingers into her fur to make sure he didn’t drop her as she whined softly again at the pain in her leg. Hanzo said nothing as he covered Genji’s back lest Widow decided to stay and hide on a rooftop, lying in wait.
The jet finally loomed in front of them as Genji felt the wolf readjust her head on his shoulder. He glanced behind him to ensure Hanzo was behind him, watching as his brother checked to make sure no one had followed them nor was watching them. Hanzo nodded and they quickly made their way over to the door of the jet.
“Genji, Hanzo, you’re back!” Angela said in surprise as Genji carried the massive creature inside. Lena appeared next to them suddenly and Hanzo glared at the woman, her tendency to just ‘appear’ in places annoyed him greatly.
“What on earth is that, loves?” She asked and Hanzo merely continued to glare at her, she didn’t need to know.
“This wolf saved Hanzo’s life, but she was injured in the process, Hanzo wants to heal her leg before we let her go.” Genji replied to Lena calmly and her eyebrows raised as Angela took a step closer to him.
Auset lifted her head wearily as she glanced around the jet. She could see Hanzo was standing next to Genji as two women stood in front of them. Behind Genji she could see a man resting in one of the chairs, his cowboy hat covering his face. Another woman sat next to him, a tattoo, the Eye of Horus, under her right eye. Auset shivered as the older woman stared into her eyes, she felt as if the woman knew what she really was, but how could she possibly know something such as that?
“May I…touch her?” Angela asked gently, eyeing the wolf warily as Auset turned her head to stare at the tall blonde. She had a gentle smile on her face as she lifted her hand closer to Genji. Auset leaned her head out to the woman, sniffing her fingers and staring the woman in the eyes.
Angela could see the intelligence in the wolf’s eyes and tried not to shiver as the wolf leaned closer to sniff her hand. The unnaturally large creature could snap her hand straight off her wrist if she really wanted to. Angela had no idea why the animal would want to save Hanzo, but she would do her best to help her as a way to show her gratitude. Auset merely rested her head on Genji’s shoulder again as she felt Angela’s hand run down her back softly. She could feel the woman silently checking for injuries under the ruse of petting her.
“She is quite large, unnaturally so, I have never seen or heard of such a species of wolf before, especially in King’s Row.” Angela murmured quietly as Ana stood and took a quiet step towards them. Auset felt the old woman’s eyes on her again and stared back at her warily, the woman was acting too suspiciously in her opinion but she didn’t growl at her as she stepped closer. If she wanted help with her leg she had to have some trust, she trusted that the two brothers would not bring her into danger, or at least she hoped they wouldn’t.
“In Egypt,” the woman began and everyone turned to face her. Her voice was soothing, reassuring almost, as she continued to watch Auset, who had lifted her head, her eyes holding suspicion in their depths. “There are legends of humans who would turn into giant beasts in the effort to protect Isis’s children from danger. They were supposedly able to form an army of unspeakable horror, one large enough to scare any king and his own army. They would maintain their intelligence but would take the form of a large beast when any innocent was in danger, they had made a silent oath to Isis that they would take care of any of her innocent children no matter the cost to them.”
Auset stared incredulously at the woman as she heard the man with cowboy hat begin to chuckle behind the older, Egyptian woman. The blonde had pulled her hand away from Auset by now and moved next to the woman.
“Ana, yah sure you didn’t knock yer head on the way back here?” The man asked the woman as he continued to chuckle and Ana glared at him.
“You best hope not McCree because there will be no one else left willing to save your ass on the field.” She scolded and the man looked at her with wide eyes as he placed his hat on his head once more.
“Surely you don’t mean that darlin’, I’m sure yer right as rain, I’m only teasin’.” He said quickly as Angela began giggling at the two’s antics. Auset couldn’t help the amusement that lit up in her eyes as she continued to stare at Ana.
“Ana, you could not possibly mean that this wolf is actually a human?” Angela asked, her German accent softly leaking through as she glanced at the woman questioningly. Ana stayed silent for a moment as she stared at Auset, whose soft yellow eyes were glowing with anxiety.
“Of course not,” she finally said, flashing a smile in the doctor’s direction. “How could that possibly be true? They are merely stories, the size of this animal only reminded me of them. They used to be Fareeha’s favorite stories as a child, you know.” She said and Auset held in her sigh of relief. Fareeha is a beautiful name, Auset thought to herself
“Now may we heal her?” Hanzo impatiently cut in, a mild look of irritation on his face as they continued to converse with one another. “Surely, she must still be in pain, correct? No need to torture her while you needlessly go on with childhood stories.”
“Of course, Hanzo, you’re right we should have treated her first.” Angela conceded with a smile and walked away from them for a moment. When she came back Auset’s eyes widen and she struggled in Genji’s arms, whining slightly. Angela was carrying a syringe in her hand and Auset knew exactly what was in it. She couldn’t let them dose her with an anesthetic, she would return to her human form!
“Shh, little one, she is not going to hurt you.” Genji murmured to the creature wiggling in his arms, trying to soothe her as Angela grew closer. When she was within arms distance, Auset, in a last act of desperation turned her body in Genji’s arms and growled fiercely at Angela. Her teeth were bared as her eyes glowed dangerously, the fur on her back raising to make herself look larger than she already was.
The reaction was immediate, McCree had whipped out his pistol and pointed it straight at Auset’s head, his jaw clenching the cigar in his mouth as he glared at the wolf. Hanzo, with just as much speed, had taken his bow off his back and nocked an arrow, the tip nearly touching McCree’s temple as he glared at him. Angela had thrown her hands up in shock, taking a step back with wide eyes.
The tense air was near suffocating as Ana cautiously looked between the two men, one hand secretly poised to grab her sleep gun as she stepped closer to them. McCree had never got along well with either of the Shimada brothers, but it was worse with Hanzo. Genji had the patience to deal with McCree’s antics and jabs while Hanzo, on the other hand, could be quick to irritate and anger.
“Now, boys, there’s no need for all of this.” Ana said slowly as neither man moved a muscle. Auset had now turned her vicious glare toward the cowboy, her teeth still bared as she felt Genji grip her tightly, ready to hold her still if she decided to pounce.
“I’m not lettin’ some mutt hurt Angie over the whim of some pompous man.” McCree growled out as Hanzo’s glare grew fiercer, his hand clenching his bow even tighter. The poor animal was scared, she was reacting in the only way she knew how.
“You touch her and I will kill you.” Hanzo threatened as his brother turned toward him while Ana stepped up to McCree, gently placing her hand on the arm holding his pistol. Most days the spats between McCree and Hanzo remained mild and mostly meaningless jabs at one another. When they did escalate though, usually Genji and Ana were the only ones to stop them from destroying the whole base.
“Brother, this will not solve anything, you are only making her more tense.” Genji scolded and his brother glanced at him.
“I will not move until he lowers his weapon.” He growled out as his dark glare returned to the cowboy who was now glaring at him as well.
“Jesse, put the gun down, are you trying to make us all deaf? The poor animal isn’t going to hurt her, she’s only scared.” Ana scolded as she pressed her hand harder against McCree’s flesh arm and gave him a look that only she could give. After a moment, he sighed and lowered his weapon, flipping it back into its holster.
Hanzo waited a moment longer before releasing the tension in his bow and returning the arrow back to its quiver. His body was still rigid and his glare of suspicion remained as he watched Jesse carefully. Ana then glanced at Auset who was panting by now in her own fear, her eyes darting to each of them, but mostly returning to the blonde doctor who still held the syringe in her hand. Once Auset’s eyes met Ana’s though she stopped, her eyes widening as she realized what the woman intended to do. A look of apology was on her face as she pulled out a small gun, her arm as fast as lightening as she brought it up, aimed, and fired. Auset didn’t even have to time to comprehend what was happening, she had already been hit by the sleep dart by the time she realized what the woman was up to.
“Ana!” Angela cried out as she rushed over to the wolf that was now limp in Genji’s arms.
“I’m sorry, Angela, I do not think she would have let you put her under, she is too scared.” Ana explained as she stepped up to Genji and grabbed his elbow, pulling him to the back of the jet, Angela following quickly behind them. “Please put her here,” Ana murmured as she quickly closed the curtain. Genji stared at her for a moment, wondering what she was up to, before sighing and gently placing the canine on the table. “Now go.” She said shortly, staring straight into Genji’s eyes, daring him to protest.
He did in fact open his mouth to protest but let out another sigh as his shoulders slumped slightly. He gave a small nod before turning, stepping around Angela, and exiting the little room. Ana stepped to the side to make room for Angela who looked at her.
“What are we doing in here? There isn’t a need for privacy.” Ana said nothing as she nodded her head toward the knocked-out beast.
“I would put her under now, she won’t be asleep for much longer.” Ana warned and Angela nodded quickly before inserting the syringe into Auset, putting her in a deep sleep. They were quiet for a moment as Angela stepped away to grab her equipment.
Ana’s eyes widened in amazement as she watched the wolf slowly transform into a naked young woman. Her eyes were closed as her long black hair rested gently under her head. She was shorter than Ana would have imagined, her muscles lithe and hidden, but strong and dangerous. Her skin was the same color as Ana’s daughter and she leaned in closer as she saw what appeared to be a tattoo of the Knot of Isis resting on her hip.
“Amazing,” Ana breathed as she leaned back again to look over the young woman once more. She didn’t know how she knew, but when the wolf had looked at her, her luminescent eyes glowing with intelligence, Ana just knew. Perhaps Isis had seen her little warrior’s distress and this is her way of helping the poor girl, Ana mused as she waited for the German doctor’s inevitable return.
Angela yelped as she walked back into the small room, her eyes wide as she nearly dropped her instruments. She didn’t move as she continued to stare at the young woman now lying on the table. Ana quickly leaned around her and shut the curtain tightly, making sure no one else in the jet saw anything.
“Wh-where is the wolf? Where did this woman come from?” Angela asked in shock as she stepped closer to the woman lying on the table. Ana sighed and glanced at Angela.
“They are one in the same.” She said simply and Angela turned her wide eyes to Ana, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to say something. “Angela, we’ll think about it later, right now you should fix this girl.” Ana said quickly and Angela stopped for a moment, staring at the floor in thought before nodding quickly.
It didn’t take long before she finished removing the bullet from the woman’s thigh, stitching it closed, and then wrapping it up. Ana stood as a silent guard through the whole process, making sure no one could come into the room. She could see the fear in the girl’s eyes when Angela brought out the syringe, she was afraid that they would find out her secret. Ana wasn’t sure why but she wanted to protect the girl, she kept an innocent safe, one of her own, and risked her secret for it.
“Now, you will tell me what is going on, Ana.” Angela said as she wiped her hands dry, a sharp look in her eyes. Ana nodded in consent with a sigh and turned away from the sliver in the curtain that she had been peeking out of. “Who is this woman? How do you know her?”
“I don’t know her,” Ana said and Angela raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
“So, what? You just happened to guess that the damn wolf is an actual human girl?!” Angela whispered harshly so the rest of the jet could not hear her and Ana nodded slowly. Angela wanted to begin laughing hysterically but had to keep herself silent.
“Angela, you have managed to bring people back from death. Lucio has made a weapon that uses music as it’s ammo. Jack has survived an explosion because of a soldier program, just the fact that Genji is alive period, let alone a cyborg-human ninja. Both of the Shimada brothers can control mythical spirit dragons for goodness sake! Surely this cannot be so hard to believe.” Ana said with a raised eyebrow and Angela sighed, slumping against the table the girl was laying on.
“No, I suppose not.” She murmured as she tucked the blanket more tightly around the woman, Ana had gotten it while Angela was working on her. “This is different though, it seems as if it is…natural.” She said and glanced at Ana, who merely shrugged.
“I am not sure how I knew what I know, all I have come to realize is the moment those eyes looked into mine, I saw a frightened young girl and not the horrid beast everyone else saw. Her eyes showed intelligence, they showed she was human.” She said as she crossed her arms and leaned against the table with Angela.
“What shall we tell the others?” Angela asked after a moment of silence and Ana shook her head.
“Nothing, we wait until she awakens and can return to the form we found her in and then we…let her go I suppose.” Ana said quietly as she saw shadows moving around on the other side of the curtain.
“If Jack finds out we found something like this and didn’t…” Angela began but Ana sent her a sharp glare.
“Jack will not find out about this, she wishes to remain a secret and that is what we shall do for her. She deserves nothing less from us.” Ana said sternly and Angela nodded slowly with a sigh.