The Hunter | Overwatch

A Promise Gone Awry

“Wha-what?! Initiation test?! I never agreed to an initi—”

“Oh, shut the hell up and do as I say, Oxton. As far as I know, this isn't my idea. It's his,” Reyes snapped, his tone sending a chill down Shaun's spine. The menacing voice left the young 21-year-old questioning whether the threat was real. But what confused Shaun more was the mention of someone else. His idea? Who could that be? Jack Morrison?

No... it couldnʼt be Mr. Morrison himself. He wouldn't believe I'd be useful for Overwatch, Shaun thought.

His thoughts were cut off as Reyes grabbed him by the collar, pulling him close, their faces inches apart. Fear flashed in Shaun's eyes.

“Listen here, you little brat. I donʼt like this any more than you do. But when I tell you to do something, I expect you to follow suit. Got it?” Reyes growled.

Shaun said nothing, the shakiness of his breath only further angering Reyes, who gripped his collar tighter, nearly ripping it.

“I said, is that clear?! I need an answer, damn it!” Reyes demanded.

Shaun nodded vigorously, hands raised in surrender.

“Okay, okay, I heard you!” he stammered.

Satisfied, Reyes released him and stormed out of the medical ward. Shaun stood there, dazed, while Angela gave him an apologetic look.

“Iʼm sorry, Shaun. I know this is your first time meeting Reyes, but heʼs... on edge most of the time. Itʼs normal for us,” Angela said softly.

“Itʼs fine... really. I was never a fan of Mr. Reyes and his whole... edgy, emo vibe anyway,” Shaun replied.

Angela stifled a laugh, covering her mouth but failing miserably. After a deep breath, she gave him a soft smile.

“You should go, Shaun. Everyone's waiting for you.”

“Arenʼt you... coming too?” Shaun asked.

Angela winced slightly, uncertainty filling her eyes.

“Iʼm... going to pass. I have a lot of work that needs to be done. Iʼll check in on the results later.”

Shaun noticed the hesitance in her voice but decided not to push. With a nervous smile and a nod, he thanked her.

“Alright. Thanks for checking up on me, Doctor Ziegler.”

“You're welcome, Shaun. Good luck on your test.”

As Shaun left the medical ward, Angela's calm demeanor faded, and she wiped at the tears threatening to fall.

---

Shaun wandered through the massive Overwatch Headquarters, unsure of where to go. After a few minutes, he stumbled into a large room filled with scientists bustling around a colossal machine at its center, its core pulsing with some kind of... energy? Shaun couldn't tell what it was, but the sensation in the air was unmistakable.

“Ah, you made it. Right on time, Shaun,” a voice called.

Shaun's attention snapped to Ana Amari, and his eyes lit up like Christmas lights.

“You're Ana Amari! Oh my god, itʼs such an honor to meet you!” he exclaimed.

Ana chuckled at his eager reaction, offering a motherly smile.

“Careful, young man. Too much excitement, and you might spill it onto all of us.”

Her teasing was quickly overshadowed by an irritated groan from the corner of the room.