The Hunter | Overwatch

An Invitation Comes Calling

2068, 8 years before present time, Overwatch Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, 10:24 A.M.

Shaun hated waking up early. He’d never been a morning person, not by a long shot. The idea of waking up at the crack of dawn baffled him—why would anyone willingly put themselves through that? You’d just be tired all day, and then what? No energy left for the night. But then again, everyone makes their own choices, right?

Lately, though, that thought had been gnawing at him. Is this the right choice for my future? It echoed through his mind, following him relentlessly as he stared up at the massive structure before him: the headquarters of Overwatch. The peacekeeping organization he had admired since childhood, the dream, the impossible goal. And now, standing at its doorstep, the dream suddenly didn’t feel so… shiny.

His train of thought was abruptly derailed by a playful giggle and the familiar feeling of a hand ruffling his hair. Shaun jerked his head to the side, glaring at the culprit.

“Oh, c’mon, stop it. You know I hate that!” He huffed, exasperation coloring his voice.

The laughter only intensified.

“Lighten up, little brother! This is your chance to make a mark on the world. No one can turn down an offer from Overwatch!”

Lena Oxton. Always so cheerful, so full of light. It didn’t matter what the situation was—she’d find something positive to latch onto. Shaun couldn’t help but smile slightly as memories of their childhood flashed before him. Lena sneaking out to attend rock concerts, her carefree laughter when she’d pin the blame on him after being caught sneaking back in. He always found it ridiculous… but hilarious too.

“I still can’t believe Overwatch actually sought us out… for this,” Shaun muttered as they moved toward the entrance, still not fully comprehending the weight of the opportunity. Joining Overwatch? He’d thought about it for years, but now that it was real, now that it was happening—it felt overwhelming, like he was standing on the edge of something massive.

Lena bumped his shoulder playfully, grinning. “I bet it’s because they want to see me in action. After all, who’s the expert pilot here?”

Shaun groaned. Of course, she’d bring that up. Flying had never been his thing. Planes made him airsick, and no matter how many times he swore off stepping on one again, Lena always found a way to drag him back into it. Still, he couldn’t deny his pride in her. His sister had become the youngest member of the Royal Air Force, her talent undeniable. Shaun had always assumed she’d join just for the thrill of it, but her simple explanation had surprised him: "I just want to go faster… and faster!"

“Yeah, yeah. You know I’ve never been into flying,” Shaun muttered. “Still… there’s gotta be more to this invitation, right?”

Lena’s invitation made sense. She’d always pushed herself, always wanted to go faster, and Overwatch’s experimental flight program was a perfect fit. But him? There had to be another reason, something they weren’t telling him.

“You’re just being paranoid, little brother,” Lena said with a grin. “I’m sure they’ve got something in store for you too. Keep your head up, and don’t lose sight of your future.”

She was always like that—positive, supportive, even when he felt like the world was caving in. Shaun rolled his eyes but smiled back. Annoying as she could be, she cared about him more than anything, more than even their parents sometimes. It was just… her way.

As they neared the entrance, the massive doors slid open with a soft hiss. A figure stepped out, his walk steady and purposeful. Shaun felt his heart skip a beat as he recognized him immediately.

Jack Morrison. The Strike Commander himself.

“The Oxton siblings. We’ve been expecting you both. Come. It’s almost time.”