The Hunter | Overwatch

Veil of Smoke and Secrets

The memory came unbidden, like sunlight slipping through the cracks of a boarded window. Shaun was no stranger to Lena's laughter, a sound so vivid it could cut through the din of the city or the silence of his own doubts. He saw her now-not the impatient, relentless pilot she'd become, but the carefree child she once was, racing ahead of him through a vast, green park.

"Come on, Shaun! You'll never catch me at this rate!" Lena's voice rang out, teasing and melodic. She turned back briefly, her hair a mess of tangled chestnut curls catching the afternoon sun. She didn't slow down, though, instead pumping her legs harder, as if daring the world itself to keep up with her.

Shaun, a wiry seven-year-old, gritted his teeth and pushed himself harder. He was close, his small hands reaching out to tag her shoulder. "I'm not letting you win this time, Lena!" he shouted between breaths, determination etched onto his face.

Lena glanced back again, grinning wildly. "Not letting me? Shaun, you can't help but let me!" she teased, her tone dripping with playful arrogance.

Shaun's frustration bubbled over. It wasn't just about the race. It never was. Lena was two years older, faster, sharper, and somehow always a step ahead. Whether it was building LEGO castles or solving riddles, she always managed to claim the spotlight. Shaun was desperate to prove that he wasn't just her shadow.

The chase continued, weaving through trees and leaping over picnic blankets. Shaun's breath came in short bursts, but his legs burned with the effort of keeping pace. Lena, meanwhile, was practically skipping ahead, her laughter mixing with the rustle of leaves overhead.

Finally, his chance came. As Lena slowed slightly to navigate a tricky patch of uneven ground, Shaun surged forward with everything he had. His hand brushed her shoulder. "Got you!" he cried triumphantly, skidding to a halt just in front of her.

Lena stopped, her eyes wide in mock surprise. Then, she burst out laughing, the kind of uncontrollable laughter that made Shaun feel like a joke rather than a victor. "Oh, Shaun," she said between giggles. "You got me because I let you. I didn't want you tripping over and breaking your nose again."

Shaun's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "You didn't let me! I caught you fair and square!" he snapped, his fists clenching at his sides.

Lena tilted her head, her expression softening. "Alright, alright," she said, raising her hands in surrender. "You got me this time, little bro. Good job." She reached out to ruffle his hair, but Shaun ducked away, still fuming.

"Don't call me that," he muttered. "I'm not just your little brother."

Lena crouched down to his level, her grin fading into something more sincere. "Hey," she said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're not just anything, Shaun. You're you. And one day, you're gonna leave me in the dust. I can feel it."

He looked up at her, his frustration melting under the weight of her words. "You really think so?" he asked quietly.

"Course I do," she said with a wink. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she stood up and darted off again, calling over her shoulder, "But that day's not today! Catch me if you can!"

Shaun watched her for a moment, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Then he took off after her, the fire in his chest reigniting. One day, he thought. One day, I'll outshine you.

---

Shaun woke to the soft hum of an engine and the sterile scent of disinfectant in the cramped medevac van. His body ached with every breath, and he could feel the steady thrum of his pulse in his temples. His head lolled to the side, and he blinked against the harsh light. Across from him, Captain Chase lay motionless, an oxygen mask strapped tightly to her face, her hands resting on the thin gurney.