[ Another day, another dip into the speedforce looking for clues about how to defeat Savitar. Cisco has gotten better at this; fixing all the electrodes to his head, hitting the power switch and then feeling the rush of energy, linking that energy with the vibrations he could feel all around him, holding the universe together. Feeling around, in a way that he doesn't have words for, for that spark, that jolt he can grab hold of and ride straight into the speedforce.
Since he and Barry had gone on their rescue mission to get Wally out of the speedforce, there had been no changes. Just the same swirling tempest of energy and lightning. That afternoon, though, Cisco immediately notices a change. There's a presence. He feels it even before he sees a streak of green amidst the blue miasma around him. At first, he thinks it is a stray, discolored bit of lightning. Then it shifts, coils, and the way it's moving isn't right.
It looks... ]
No fucking way.
[ That is definitely a dragon. Some kind of coiling, green dragon made out of pure energy. And the smart thing to do would be to yank himself out, to tell Barry and the rest of them what he'd seen. But then Cisco looks closer, sees the dragon dodging the lightning, coiling around itself, looking (so far as he can tell a dragon's body language) hurt and frightened.
And Cisco stops thinking like a scientist, then, and just listens to his intuition. His intuition says that this place is dangerous, and that... thing, whatever it is, is trapped. There's only one humane thing to do. Cisco reaches out and takes hold of it, burying his fingers deep into the bright green energy, and then hauls for everything he's worth, hanging on tight as he breaks the connection to the speedforce.
Only when he opens his eyes in the lab, yanks off his vibe goggles, there is not a dragon there, but a person. Which is simultaneously very good, very bad, and very confusing. ]
[ Winston had given the red alert to a very dangerous speedster, and sent out a team on an emergency mission. Winston, Tracer, Lúcio and himself. They were disrupting Omnics in Kings Row, a place that already has seen its fair share of strife beyond just being the place where Mondatta was assassinated. (He could tell his Master wanted to join them, but he held back.)
Trying to figure out this speedster's goal wasn't really part of the mission, just trying to stop him. Genji was never much for interrogating.
But said villain quickly became noticeably irritated with their interference in whatever his nefarious plans were, and quickly changed them to focus on getting rid of their little dive team.
Which, unfortunately, Genji ended up being the main focus of as he summoned his dragon spirit. The speedster was upon him in a flash and grabbed him and the next thing Genji knew he didn't know where or when he was. There was a distant memory of a scream from Tracer and a roar from Winston, but little else.
He hopes his brother won't worry himself to death.
The roar of the dragon as it tries to keep him safe is the only thing Genji hears for what could be a few minutes, a few hours, a few days or a few months. At some point he enters some kind of meditative state to keep himself sane as the dragon thrashes and roars, trying its best to protect its ward from— this.
But suddenly there's a hand and a voice and it all stops. Genji's on the floor somewhere and he's panting so hard, steam spewing from the vents all across his body. He feels claustrophobic suddenly, like he can't get in enough air and he scrambles behind his head to disengage his helmet.
He throws it to the ground with a clatter, face drenched in sweat. The green lights from his dragon are still little fireflies in the air, green electrical crackling off of his cybernetics.
Genji looks around. He doesn't recognize the person in front of him, his blood pressure so loud in his ears he could barely hear him. ]
I— what? Where am I? Where is everyone? Are they all right?
[ Genji gets up, his knees instantly buckle and he collapses again. ]
[ Cisco doesn't quite realize that what the guy has on his head is a helmet until he pulls it off and drops it with such a loud clang that Cisco can tell it must be heavy, and sturdy, too. But his attention is not on the helmet, but the guy underneath it. For just a moment, Cisco had been worried... but it's not Eobard. Not in either of his faces. Or Jay, or Hunter Zolomon, or any speedster he's ever met.
There's an awful lot of steam and sparkling lights, which is a new one for Cisco -after-effects of the speedforce? - and the guy starts asking questions in a language Cisco's pretty sure is Japanese, but he's not entirely certain. Not too hard to guess that they are questions, though, and the tone of voice is strained, panicked even. Cisco holds up his hands in a placating gesture, but before he has a chance to say anything, Genji tries to stand and then falls again, and Cisco rushes forward to try and catch him, steady him. ]
Hey! Whoa whoa, hey, take it easy, there, buddy. Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?
[ Is Caitlin even in the building? He could use the panic button on his phone, get Barry, tell Barry to find her. He doesn't see any blood or obvious injuries, but that's not exactly his wheelhouse. He wants to ask what the hell this guy was doing in the speedforce, how he got there... but they have to be able to communicate, first.
Cisco yanks the headpiece off, setting it down carelessly on the nearest table and pushing his hair back behind his ears. ]
Uh, do you speak English? [ After a second's hesitation, he tries in Spanish: ] Or Spanish, I can do Spanish.
[ Genji looks at this (hopefully helpful) stranger, confused a moment. Speak English? Oh... oh. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what language he'd been speaking a moment ago, he'd been so frazzled. Being on autopilot and defaulting to his native tongue makes sense.
The whirs in his cybernetic parts are lessening and he's not full torso gasping anymore as he calms down. Slowly his pulse is being corrected and his internal systems stop shrieking at him quite as loudly. ]
I, yes. [ He speaks in English now, voice extremely hoarse. ] I know English. Sorry.
[ He puts his hand over his face and runs it through his hair, the sweat making it stick up a bit more. ]
I think I'm okay. I don't know. I don't know a lot right now. Where are we? Who are you? Are you with Overwatch?
[ Cisco doesn't know how he'd missed it (though the distracting pyrotechnics might have had something to do with it), but when Genji speaks again, he can hear something distinctly synthetic in his voice. A kind of reverberation that sounds as if he is not speaking with what Cisco thinks of as regular vocal chords.
But he speaks English at least, which is a relief, and he seems to be calming down. For a minute there Cisco had been worried the guy was going to lose consciousness, but he is clearly steadying. Cisco stays hovering close, ready to reach out and help at the first sign he is going to tip over or need aid.
He notices how sweaty the guy's face is and looks around, darts over to the workstation and pulls his own half-empty water bottle off it, offering it to Genji. ]
You're in S.T.A.R. Labs, uh, Central City, Missouri, U.S.A. I'm Cisco, I work here, and I've got zero clue who Overwatch is so it's a no, sorry. Do you know what happened just now? I mean, did you know you were in the speedforce?
[ All of that information just makes Genji look even more confused. He accepts the water bottle with a nod of thanks and takes a few sips, mulling that over.
He was in America? How did that happen? But— wait. Genji sputters some water. ]
The speed—?! [ He wipes at his mouth. ] Speedforce? That thing Lena gets trapped in?
[ Wait. Genji looks curious now, a thick brow raised. He might sound a little suspicious. Beyond just the speedforce, not everyone can just grab his dragon spirit. ]
[ Now that it seems Genji isn't going to topple over, Cisco is just going to take a few steps back and gently lean back against the table, because this is a whole lot to process right now. He can't imagine how much moreso, for Genji. Interesting, that he's heard of the speedforce before. That saves Cisco at least a little bit of explanation. Even if he has no clue who 'Lena' might be, or why she might get stuck in the speedforce from time to time. Maybe this guy is friends with a speedster, possibly on another Earth, and there had been an accident. The pieces are starting to fall into place.
At least, a few of them. ]
Okay, so. This is going to sound crazy. But... I can kind of go in and out of the speedforce, just a little, to the edge of it. With science. It's complicated. [ And his powers, but, well, no need to get into that just now ] And I went in just now and I saw, like, a dragon? And it seemed kind of, I don't know. Freaked out, and twisting around, and hurt, so I just sorta grabbed it and got the hell out. And I guess that... was you?
[ He raises his eyebrows, unable to believe he's about to ask what he's about to ask. ]
Are you... uh, like. A... dragon?
[ Honestly, he's encountered weirder.... but not by much. ]
[ Genji listens and... truthfully while the part of him that is black ops training says he shouldn't trust anything this guy is saying, he's just too exhausted. And, in all honesty, with all of the things he's seen and done at this point— he'd be a bit nuts to brush off this as the final straw.
That speedster could throw him into the speedforce, after all. Terrifying thought.
But then he starts asking a question and by the tone of it Genji braces himself for something about being a cyborg or Omnic or a 'What are you?' but it—
What?
Genji blinks and laughs, throwing his head back a bit. He sobers quickly and shakes his head. ]
No, I am human. I just have a connection with an ancient dragon spirit. It runs in the family.
[ Genji finally manages to stand up and takes a deep breath, then exhaling. A clearly meditative gesture. Okay, time to start gathering more information. But—
He looks back to Cisco. ]
Cisco, was it? Thank you for rescuing me. [ He bows his head. ] My name is Genji. Sorry for the intrusion.
[ Cisco just blinks as Genji throws back his head and laughs at the question. Well, okay, maybe it had been a ridiculous thing to ask. But stuff gets so mystical and incomprehensible, when it comes to the speedforce. How was he supposed to know?
And then Genji explains the truth, and it is, if possible, even more bizarre than if he had just said yes. Ancient dragon spirit. Connection that runs in the family? Now it's Cisco's turn to just blink a few times, waiting for Genji to laugh again and say he's only kidding. But he doesn't, and doesn't keep talking. So Cisco just shrugs: ]
Well... that's the wildest thing I ever heard, but, okay.
[ Cisco can see even more clearly when Genji stands up that quite a bit of his body doesn't seem to be organic. There's metal, which could just be armor, but it's clear from the size of it, and from the articulation of his joints, that they are prosthetics, instead. Impossibly complex, intricate prosthetics, the likes of which he's never seen before.
A little awkwardly, Cisco mirrors the bow, not sure if that's the polite thing to do. ]
Genji. No worries, man. I'm just glad I spotted you. Are you sure you're not hurt? We've got a med bay in here, and I can call my friend, she's a doctor...
[ He can't avoid it any longer. Before he even gives Genji a chance to answer, he blurts out: ]
How'd you get in the speedforce, anyway? Are you working for Savitar?
And I got tossed into the speedforce and ended up in Missouri, today is just strange all around.
[ Genji manages a tired little smile. Something about Cisco reminds him of all the smart people he's known throughout his life. He wonders what kind of person he is.
He tilts his head and reaches back to press something behind his ear covering, listening to read outs. ]
Despite the obvious physical stress and exhaustion, I think I am all right. Nothing resting and hydration won't fix. I tend to require, ah, very specific medical care as it is.
[ Cisco didn't seem to care that he was a cyborg, which is interesting. But at his next question, Genji raises a brow again. ]
'Savitar'? No, I've never heard that name. My team and I were fighting a speedster in Kings Row, England when— I don't know, I must have made him angry. Next thing I knew I was in that place and you rescued me.
[ Cisco is quiet, watching while Genji touches behind his ear and seems to be paying attention to something for a moment, then reports back on his health. Cisco is bursting with curiosity about what kind of tech it is he's using, but the fact is that there are just more pressing questions at the moment, and chances are if it's biomedical stuff he'll only understand half of it, anyway. This is why he and Caitlin work best as a unit. ]
Yeah, uh, I can see that.
[ There's some humor in the way he says it, but it's curious, rather than mean-spirited. After all, Cisco's never seen someone with such extensive prostheses before. It's... well, cool, but he has enough sense not to come out and just say that. ]
A speedster?
[ Cisco asks that sharply, an urgency in his voice and expression that is new. He believes Genji about not having heard of Savitar - less because he automatically trusts him and more because he's encountered Savitar's cronies before. He's not the sort of bad guy who uses spies, or inspires subtlety. He prefers followers who worship him like a god and go off on crazy rants about how he's a deity the moment his name comes up.
But if Genji had been fighting a speedster, that's his business. What is Barry? Someone else? ]
Who? What'd they look like? Why were you fighting?
[ Well that's a refreshingly... nice answer. Genji finishes drinking from the water bottle, smiling a bit. What good luck to accidentally run into something who doesn't have a grudge against cyborgs, and probably Omnics by extension.
He nods. Genji notices the urgency; if Cisco was able to enter the speedforce then of course he would know about speedsters. Genji's at least glad he doesn't have to explain as much of the details. ]
He was trying to disrupt the Omnics that lived there, make them attack humans against their will. Why, we weren't sure yet. And he was in... yellow, I believe? At the first sight of my dragon he tossed me there.
[ And then, as if suddenly remembering something, he reaches behind himself to grab for a sword he isn't sure is still there— When his hand finds nothing, he frowns deeply.
Then he looks to the floor, and a few feet away there's a blade that must have fallen when they arrived here. Genji lets out an audible and purely physical sigh of relief. He goes over to pick it up gingerly, inspecting it.
He makes a face, talking to himself in Japanese. ]
[ Omnics? Is that a division of some new British tech company that Cisco's never heard of? Or maybe a slang term for a certain class or category of people? Some kind of world religion he's not aware of that he's going to have to do a Wikipedia deep dive on later? No matter the answer, though, making them attack people (in his confusion Cisco misses the deliberateness of Genji's word choice there - 'humans' and not 'people') is bad news.
And all those details sort of don't seem important when Genji says the guy was in yellow. Yellow suit, manipulating people, causing chaos and violence? ]
Red lightning?
[ Cisco's face, his posture, his tone of voice have all changed. There's anger in his face, and he crosses his arms without quite noticing he's doing it. This wouldn't be the first time Eobard has popped up causing trouble, even though the bastard is supposed to be dead. He'd been making even more of a menace of himself recently to the Legends, and Cisco has some sense that Barry is responsible, because of fucking Flashpoint... but no, he can't let himself think about all that, right now. ]
Sounds like the Reverse Flash.
[ But then Genji is going for his sword, picking it up and looking it over. Cisco has one moment of uncertainty, but nothing about Genji's movements indicate hostility. Seems more like he's just checking it's not broken. Cisco can't understand what he said, but that sigh kind of transcended language, and his tone seemed happy rather than alarmed. Still, he asks: ]
[ Genji is temporarily distracted as he inspects his blade. It will need work and probably would shatter if he tried to use it in the state it's in, but it's nothing he can't fix.
But his attention is pulled back to his newfound friend. ]
Hmm? Oh, yes, everything is fine.
[ He stands up and sheaths the blade in simple movement, as he'd done thousands of times. And then everything Cisco said catches up to him and he puts his hands on his hips. ]
Wait— You don't know what Overwatch or Omnics are? How is that possible? [ He's reasonably sure there are no media blackouts in Missouri of all places.
But he nods. ]
Yes, there was red lightning as well. So you've heard of him then? Good, then you can help us stop him.
[ Which... as things start to catch up with him, his shoulders fall just a little. If he was in the speedforce and... Cisco doesn't seem to know what he's talking about... then that might mean— ]
This is a potentially stupid question but, what year is it for you?
[ Cisco can't really answer the question of why he hasn't heard of some stuff he hasn't heard of. Obviously, all that is important in Genji's life, to the point where he's surprised it's not a big deal to everyone else. But neither term rings a bell with Cisco. ]
Sorry, dude. I'm pretty on top of it when it comes to local news and tech stuff, but everything else... not enough hours in the day.
[ And one of the reasons why he doesn't have the time to keep up on international news is dealing with villains like the Reverse Flash. He nods grimly when Genji confirms his suspicion. Yes, if Eobard is making trouble in England, Cisco will definitely help to stop him. Even though they're up to their ears in Savitar bullshit. He'll figure out a way. He isn't going to let that man hurt anyone else. Not if he has anything to say about it.
But before he can really work himself into a righteous rage, Genji asks what year it is, and Cisco's reaction is perhaps not what he would have expected. He raises his eyebrows, just for a moment, and then nods solemnly. He's not laughing at the silly question, or dismissing it. ]
2017. And it's not a stupid question. The speedforce exists outside time.
[ He's just going to go ahead and ask the question and hopefully save Genji some trouble: ]
Are you from the future? 'Cause it looks like you're rocking some pretty advanced tech, there, and I'm definitely getting a 'fugitive from the future' vibe right now.
[ And that answer... makes Genji sigh and put his head in a hand, cursing to himself in Japanese for a moment. Then looks back up to Cisco, looking very tired suddenly. ]
I see. Then that complicates matters.
[ He's glad that they both seem to be on the same page and he just nods, shifting to put his hands on his hips. ]
Yes, I am. From the year 2077. I shouldn't be so surprised, I knew about this from what Lena has told me. I guess you just never expect it to happen to you.
[ He huffs. ] I take it you do not have a time machine lying around? I guess this takes away some of my... urgency. Although I wish there was a way to tell my team I am all right
[ He looks a little pained all of a sudden, like as he says that he's suddenly aware what kind of loss of being misplaced in time really means. ] And my brother.
[ 2077. That is well before Eobard's time, Cisco knows, but of course that doesn't stop him from making a menace of himself. The pieces, slowly, are falling into place. As far as Cisco knows, Eobard doesn't know that Cisco's powers let him go into the speedforce, or enable him to bring anyone out. When he'd thrown Genji in, it had probably been with the expectation that he would be lost forever, or at least stuck long enough for it to destroy him. ]
You must be a hell of a fighter, for the Reverse Flash to resort to throwing you into the speedforce. He probably couldn't have beat you any other way. Coward.
[ That last word comes out brittle with anger, and Cisco turns away from Genji for a moment, going over to his computer and bending over the keyboard, typing rapidly. He is going to increase the priority of the algorithms he's got running on the S.T.A.R. Labs satellite looking for distinctive traces of the Reverse Flash, just in case he turns up. Better safe than sorry.
As he's typing, he continues to speak. ]
Fresh out of time machines, sorry. And I can basically only dip my toe in the speedforce, I can't actually travel through it or manipulate it to get you there. But don't panic, McFly. We'll figure out a way to send you back to the future. Just might take a little time, that's all.
[ Cisco stops typing when Genji mentions his brother. He had finished inputting everything he needed to, true, but it's also clear that Genji saying that had struck a nerve. Cisco thinks... if it had been Dante, if he'd been stranded somewhere, not gone for good but only stuck, still within reach-
(It's so strange, how he can be going along just fine and then the grief will open up underneath him, that void as deep and awful as ever, even still.)
His voice is low, and hurt, and earnest as he says: ]
I'll get you back to him. One way or another. That's a promise.
[ Genji can't help a little chuckle at that, shrugging his shoulders a tad. ]
He probably had never seen an ancient dragon spirit before, and didn't know what to do. Considering mine was able to shield me... I suppose he did have a reason to be wary of fighting me.
[ He's putting together the pieces that this 'Reverse Flash' had caused a lot of grief for Cisco. Genji figures, if he's going to be stuck here a while, he'll probably get the whole story eventually...
He chuckles again at the movie quips. ]
I appreciate the help, I really do. You took a gamble in rescuing me and I intend to repay your kindness as much as I can. [ A pause. ] Even though I guess I'll have to deal with the outdated movie references.
[ Genji's just as acquainted with joking in a stressful sitution, the joy of coping mechanisms. But as he gets somber as he mentions his brother, the shift in Cisco's demeanor isn't lost on him.
He recognizes that rawness in his voice. Genji doesn't pry, but his expression softens. ]
Thank you. [ He nods his head, closing his eyes a moment, before straightening up. ] I will do my best to assist you.
[ His expression gets a little lighter. ] And hopefully not be too much of a freeloader.
Honestly? Any enemy of Eobard's is a friend of mine.
[ He doesn't explain that he's referring to the Reverse Flash, but given the context, it should be clear enough. It should also be a hint that Cisco has more than just heard of him - that he is at least familiar enough with him to know his real name. ]
Hey, no worries, man. Saving people's kind of what we do around here.
[ Now that things have calmed down a little, Cisco can put away the headset and vibe goggles. Something tells him he's going to be making use of them again, soon. Not only to look for clues how to beat Savitar, but also checking the speedforce for anyone who might have gotten tossed in there by any evil speedsters. For now, though, he's going to focus on the situation at hand.
Genji's bit of sass about the movie reference makes Cisco grin, but that fades a moment later as he realizes a potential complication. ]
Probably not the only thing that's gonna feel real outdated. Are you, um - [ How to ask it politely? ] - I know it's rude, but I gotta ask, is there a timetable I should know about? In terms of your health? Like, if it takes us a month or two to figure out a way to get you home, you're not going to run out of- of a medication or super specific future-y power source or anything?
[ If Genji is going to run out of batteries or serum or something like that in two weeks, Cisco needs to know about that now, so he can figure out what's best - trying to get Genji back in time, or finding a way to keep him alive in the meantime. ]
Hey, don't worry about any of that. Even if you were a freeloader, you wouldn't be the first.
[ It's not like HR exactly contributes much to the team, but they'd made a place for him all the same. They weren't going to only help Genji on the condition that he makes himself useful.
Though that does start Cisco thinking, what they are going to do in the meantime, in terms of looking after this guy - getting him a place to stay, food - does he need food? Oh there are so many awkward questions Cisco is probably going to have to ask... ]
[ Genji smiles at that, a genuine one that reaches his eyes for the first time. ]
I am glad to hear it. You would fit in well in Overwatch.
[ Genji himself heads over to a nearby table and starts to remove his blades from his back, gently placing them down. After, he picks up his helmet he'd discarded and inspects it for any damage... scrapes and a slight crack in his visor, nothing he can't fix.
At Cisco's question he turns to look at him, almost looking confused by the question. But after a second he remembers why Cisco could be concerned. ]
Oh, right, I forget how far back I am. No, there's no need to worry about me. My prosthesis— [ He taps at the green light in the middle of his chest. ] —and my remaining organic parks work in a cyclical fashion, one giving energy to the other. State of the art biotic nanotechnology and all that.
[ A pause. ] As long as I stay hydrated and consume food with whatever my body needs, there is no cause for concern.
[ He goes back to checking his armor, only finding superficial scratch and scorch marks. Genji huffs. ]
So I'm not the first wayward soul you've found, then? I suppose that makes me feel better.
[ Genji runs a hand through his hair, making a face. He's definitely... sweaty feeling. ]
I guess my first imposition will be if you have a shower and a change of clothes for the time being? [ He knocks on the white parts of his armor, on his chest and upper leg. ] I'm not always head to toe in armor, thankfully.
Yeah, you're gonna need to explain to me what that means at some point.
[ He can put two and two together enough to deduce it is probably the name of the team that Genji mentioned being a part of (and the name's pretty self explanatory). But that doesn't tell him much about what it actually entailed, and what they were watching over, against which threats. It could be anything from dystopian future police state nightmare fuel to something more like the superhero teams Cisco is used to. ]
'Cause to me, 'Overwatch' is just one of my friend's code names for field stuff. Lucky for you she lives a few hundred miles away so there shouldn't be any confusion.
[ Felicity is certainly going to get a kick out of this story, when Cisco tells her later. ]
Not the second or third, either. It's getting to be a habit honestly.
[ Cisco, glad for an easy task, pushes away from the desk and heads towards the door, beckoning Genji to follow. ]
Sure, there's a fully stocked shower right by the Speed Lab, and I can get you some spare clothes...
[ And, well, it'll give him the opportunity to confirm Genji's story. Cisco leads the way down, points to the soap and clean towels and washcloths (there are a lot on hand; they have any amount of sweaty sweaty speedsters running about the place, so Cisco keeps it prepped). He still needs to text the team about all of this, but this is an opportunity he isn't sure he'll get again. So after Cisco sets out the clothes for Genji just outside the shower, he pauses by Genji's armor. He hears the shower still running, and Genji only just got started, but he doesn't know how long he'll have.
He reaches out and lays his hand on one of the pieces of armor, concentrating on the past (he's not trying to vibe where Genji is right now; he knows that and isn't trying to be a creeper. Just... doing a background check). He sees Genji, fighting alongside... a guy in a cowboy hat? A gorilla?! A girl who definitely has got some speedster moves. Cisco only gets glimpses of the Reverse Flash, but there's no mistaking that ugly yellow suit, the glowing red eyes.
It's not an iron-clad guarantee, though. That part of his story might have been true, but he could still have an agenda, a sinister overarching plan. Cisco pushes back further, grabbing for something earlier. It's a bit of a crapshoot, fishing around like this. He sees a snowy place - it looks like a temple or something from a martial arts movie, and Genji is there, or at least someone in his armor is there. Sitting cross-legged, meditating, next to... a robot that is also meditating?
He pulls himself out of the vibe, feeling satisfied, for the time being, that Genji is on the level about who he is and where he came from. He goes to get Genji one of the sports drinks they keep on hand, writing up a text for the STAR Labs group chat explaining the situation and that he's handling it, but to be on lowkey alert in case shit goes sideways. He says everybody should just avoid the showers and the Speed Lab for now, because the guy's having a weird enough day and doesn't need any more surprises.
A request that is promptly ignored by the team's youngest member, but by the time Cisco sees the streak of lightning going by, there's obviously nothing he can do about it. He's almost back, and swears, running the last bit and calling out: ]
Wally! What did I just-!
[ He hears a muffled voice saying exuberantly: ]
You're a ninja from the FUTURE?!
[ Because Wally had just run right into the showers, politeness be damned, to yell at Genji from just outside the curtain. Cisco catches up, panting as he shouts: ]
Don't freak out, Genji, it's just- just a friend. A friend who doesn't know how to read apparently.
[ That last bit comes out through gritted teeth as Cisco glares at Wally, who looks completely unrepentant. ]
You're right, and I will. Once I'm no longer caked in sweat.
[ He nods and follows after Cisco, thanking him for the clothes and towels and such. He removes his top most armor pieces before he heads into the showers, taking off the more 'intimate' coverings that are necessary before he bathes.
He takes the time to center himself, taking a deep breath of the humid air and exhaling it slowly. Okay. Time to focus on getting back home, or at least figuring out a way to let them know he's okay. Even though he can't say he entirely trusts Cisco and this place yet, he can't deny he needs their help now. Goodness knows he couldn't wander around in public in 2017 with the body he had.
He hopes it will all work out. His chest already slightly aches with 'what ifs.' What if months have already passed back home? Years? What if he was erased from history?
A calming voice and a distant tune echos in his mind, thinking of what his master would say. There is no evidence of any of that yet... so he won't dwell on it. It will only hold him back from moving forward.
He hopes his brother is okay. Although for all he knows, he's already drunk himself into a stupor. And McCree... McCree. He should have said something by now. Why was he holding back? He—
That train of thought is cut short by the sudden shower invader, startling him a little. Genji peaks his head out of the shower curtain, keeping his modesty. This must be one of Cisco's friend and Genji's a bit too exhausted to even be annoyed by the interruption.
So he laughs a little, squinting through the damp hair on his forehead and water in his eyes. ]
It's fine, don't worry. And yes, I am. [ A pause. ] Green cyborg ninja dude.
[ Cisco answers before Wally can get in another word, grabbing the boisterous young speedster by his arm and hauling him out of the room with an apologetic look in Genji's direction and a mouthed 'I'M SORRY'. He gets Wally out and lets the door thunk shut behind him, and with Genji's hearing being what he is, he will probably be able to hear at least Cisco's initial: ]
Dude? Come on, Wally. How would you like it if-
[ He doesn't give Wally that hard of a time (who could, really? the kid is too charming by half), but at least impresses upon him that Genji is separated from his friends, that he's in a strange and probably hostile-seeming place, and that he deserves not to be badgered while he's in the shower. Then Cisco walks further away with Wally, out of earshot, so Genji will have some privacy to finish his shower and get dressed.
When he emerges and wanders back out to the Speed Lab, Genji will find Cisco alone, sitting at one of the chairs. ]
That was Wally. I sent a text to my team just to let 'em know what had happened and he, uh, jumped the gun a bit. I sent him home for now. Well, okay, I called his sister and got her to send him home, since apparently nobody listens to me around here.
[ He sighs, and there's a touch of nervous awkwardness in the humor. Genji might not be their first stray, but he's the first one that Cisco has dealt with on his own, and the first one from the future. He pushes his hair back, meets Genji's gaze and says: ]
I... wish Wally hadn't run in on you like that, but I'm not gonna lie. They're all kinda eager to meet you. Do you... think you're up to that?
[ Genji just chuckles. It isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to him (obviously) so he doesn't mind much. He appreciates Cisco speaking with Wally, even though he was hardly morally offended by the interruption. Being under doctor and cyberneticist microscope for years will do that to a person; Genji has long since lost any shame in regards to it.
He dries himself off, expelling any water that may have gotten into his ports in a quick burst of steam from his vents. Genji slides on the pants given to him but keeps his shirt off, letting the towel drape around his shoulders. He's still a bit warm and, well, humid but it also has a degree of symbolism to it. He's quite literally armorless and defenseless, showing that he is taking a risk and extending a branch of trust towards his newfound friends.
Picking up the complementary S.T.A.R Labs hoodie, Genji heads back into the Speed Lab to find Cisco sitting. He shakes his head, holding up a hand. ]
It isn't an issue, do no worry. I appreciate you intervening, but you will find it takes a lot more than that to upset me.
[ He finds a chair and sits down with an ease that only comes from being mostly cybernetic. There's still a faint white noise of a hum coming from his chest, as his body finishes up expelling the water and humidity.
Genji smiles. ]
I have no problem with meeting your friends, no. If I am going to be here a while, there is no point in avoiding them.
[ Genji makes a face suddenly, jaw setting with a click. ]
My friend, Lena, told me once that the past doesn't want to change. But I am not sure how much of a potential risk I am by being here.
[ Without his armor on, Cisco can't help noticing that... well, there's more to Genji's prostheses than he'd originally guessed. Whatever had happened to the guy had been bad. The kind of bad that almost certainly would've meant death, in 2017. Cisco would feel jealous about the state of medical tech in the future, but there's no point to it. The future is the future.
He wonders if he should mention that he knows two time travelers, that he has made a time machine before, technically. But he wants to save all that for after he's talked with Barry - and maybe Jay Garrick if he can get a hold of him - about their game plan here. ]
You might regret those words. You haven't met HR yet. He's got a knack for upsetting the un-upset-able.
[ Still, there's a kind of grudging fondness in the way Cisco is referring to this friend of his, whoever he might be. And at least Genji has some warning.
When he brings up his concerns about changing the past, Cisco's reaction is, perhaps, a little unusual. His jaw goes tight, and he looks away from Genji momentarily. He's trying to move past it, to forgive Barry for Flashpoint, to not think about all the damage he'd done by twisting the timeline according to his whims, and then deciding he didn't like it and twisting it back. And here Genji is, stranded, and his first thought is how not to do any harm.
He stays quiet a moment or two, until he masters himself and can shake his head. ]
I'm not an expert, but I can tell you there's a big difference, between just being in the past, and going back to a time you've been in before, and changing stuff that you know is supposed to happen a certain way. As long as you don't deliberately alter something you know should be true, then we can operate under the assumption that all this was supposed to have happened, by your time, and that you're just going along with time.
[ He sends out the text to call in Barry and Iris and Caitlin and Joe and HR. Julian... is still new enough to the friend group that he can wait, thanks. ]
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franciscoramon) wrote2017-05-20 05:42 pm
no subject
Since he and Barry had gone on their rescue mission to get Wally out of the speedforce, there had been no changes. Just the same swirling tempest of energy and lightning. That afternoon, though, Cisco immediately notices a change. There's a presence. He feels it even before he sees a streak of green amidst the blue miasma around him. At first, he thinks it is a stray, discolored bit of lightning. Then it shifts, coils, and the way it's moving isn't right.
It looks... ]
No fucking way.
[ That is definitely a dragon. Some kind of coiling, green dragon made out of pure energy. And the smart thing to do would be to yank himself out, to tell Barry and the rest of them what he'd seen. But then Cisco looks closer, sees the dragon dodging the lightning, coiling around itself, looking (so far as he can tell a dragon's body language) hurt and frightened.
And Cisco stops thinking like a scientist, then, and just listens to his intuition. His intuition says that this place is dangerous, and that... thing, whatever it is, is trapped. There's only one humane thing to do. Cisco reaches out and takes hold of it, burying his fingers deep into the bright green energy, and then hauls for everything he's worth, hanging on tight as he breaks the connection to the speedforce.
Only when he opens his eyes in the lab, yanks off his vibe goggles, there is not a dragon there, but a person. Which is simultaneously very good, very bad, and very confusing. ]
Uh- are... you okay?
no subject
Trying to figure out this speedster's goal wasn't really part of the mission, just trying to stop him. Genji was never much for interrogating.
But said villain quickly became noticeably irritated with their interference in whatever his nefarious plans were, and quickly changed them to focus on getting rid of their little dive team.
Which, unfortunately, Genji ended up being the main focus of as he summoned his dragon spirit. The speedster was upon him in a flash and grabbed him and the next thing Genji knew he didn't know where or when he was. There was a distant memory of a scream from Tracer and a roar from Winston, but little else.
He hopes his brother won't worry himself to death.
The roar of the dragon as it tries to keep him safe is the only thing Genji hears for what could be a few minutes, a few hours, a few days or a few months. At some point he enters some kind of meditative state to keep himself sane as the dragon thrashes and roars, trying its best to protect its ward from— this.
But suddenly there's a hand and a voice and it all stops. Genji's on the floor somewhere and he's panting so hard, steam spewing from the vents all across his body. He feels claustrophobic suddenly, like he can't get in enough air and he scrambles behind his head to disengage his helmet.
He throws it to the ground with a clatter, face drenched in sweat. The green lights from his dragon are still little fireflies in the air, green electrical crackling off of his cybernetics.
Genji looks around. He doesn't recognize the person in front of him, his blood pressure so loud in his ears he could barely hear him. ]
I— what? Where am I? Where is everyone? Are they all right?
[ Genji gets up, his knees instantly buckle and he collapses again. ]
no subject
There's an awful lot of steam and sparkling lights, which is a new one for Cisco -after-effects of the speedforce? - and the guy starts asking questions in a language Cisco's pretty sure is Japanese, but he's not entirely certain. Not too hard to guess that they are questions, though, and the tone of voice is strained, panicked even. Cisco holds up his hands in a placating gesture, but before he has a chance to say anything, Genji tries to stand and then falls again, and Cisco rushes forward to try and catch him, steady him. ]
Hey! Whoa whoa, hey, take it easy, there, buddy. Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?
[ Is Caitlin even in the building? He could use the panic button on his phone, get Barry, tell Barry to find her. He doesn't see any blood or obvious injuries, but that's not exactly his wheelhouse. He wants to ask what the hell this guy was doing in the speedforce, how he got there... but they have to be able to communicate, first.
Cisco yanks the headpiece off, setting it down carelessly on the nearest table and pushing his hair back behind his ears. ]
Uh, do you speak English? [ After a second's hesitation, he tries in Spanish: ] Or Spanish, I can do Spanish.
[ Worth a shot, anyway. ]
no subject
The whirs in his cybernetic parts are lessening and he's not full torso gasping anymore as he calms down. Slowly his pulse is being corrected and his internal systems stop shrieking at him quite as loudly. ]
I, yes. [ He speaks in English now, voice extremely hoarse. ] I know English. Sorry.
[ He puts his hand over his face and runs it through his hair, the sweat making it stick up a bit more. ]
I think I'm okay. I don't know. I don't know a lot right now. Where are we? Who are you? Are you with Overwatch?
no subject
But he speaks English at least, which is a relief, and he seems to be calming down. For a minute there Cisco had been worried the guy was going to lose consciousness, but he is clearly steadying. Cisco stays hovering close, ready to reach out and help at the first sign he is going to tip over or need aid.
He notices how sweaty the guy's face is and looks around, darts over to the workstation and pulls his own half-empty water bottle off it, offering it to Genji. ]
You're in S.T.A.R. Labs, uh, Central City, Missouri, U.S.A. I'm Cisco, I work here, and I've got zero clue who Overwatch is so it's a no, sorry. Do you know what happened just now? I mean, did you know you were in the speedforce?
no subject
He was in America? How did that happen? But— wait. Genji sputters some water. ]
The speed—?! [ He wipes at his mouth. ] Speedforce? That thing Lena gets trapped in?
[ Wait. Genji looks curious now, a thick brow raised. He might sound a little suspicious. Beyond just the speedforce, not everyone can just grab his dragon spirit. ]
If I was there, then how did you get me out?
no subject
At least, a few of them. ]
Okay, so. This is going to sound crazy. But... I can kind of go in and out of the speedforce, just a little, to the edge of it. With science. It's complicated. [ And his powers, but, well, no need to get into that just now ] And I went in just now and I saw, like, a dragon? And it seemed kind of, I don't know. Freaked out, and twisting around, and hurt, so I just sorta grabbed it and got the hell out. And I guess that... was you?
[ He raises his eyebrows, unable to believe he's about to ask what he's about to ask. ]
Are you... uh, like. A... dragon?
[ Honestly, he's encountered weirder.... but not by much. ]
no subject
That speedster could throw him into the speedforce, after all. Terrifying thought.
But then he starts asking a question and by the tone of it Genji braces himself for something about being a cyborg or Omnic or a 'What are you?' but it—
What?
Genji blinks and laughs, throwing his head back a bit. He sobers quickly and shakes his head. ]
No, I am human. I just have a connection with an ancient dragon spirit. It runs in the family.
[ Genji finally manages to stand up and takes a deep breath, then exhaling. A clearly meditative gesture. Okay, time to start gathering more information. But—
He looks back to Cisco. ]
Cisco, was it? Thank you for rescuing me. [ He bows his head. ] My name is Genji. Sorry for the intrusion.
no subject
And then Genji explains the truth, and it is, if possible, even more bizarre than if he had just said yes. Ancient dragon spirit. Connection that runs in the family? Now it's Cisco's turn to just blink a few times, waiting for Genji to laugh again and say he's only kidding. But he doesn't, and doesn't keep talking. So Cisco just shrugs: ]
Well... that's the wildest thing I ever heard, but, okay.
[ Cisco can see even more clearly when Genji stands up that quite a bit of his body doesn't seem to be organic. There's metal, which could just be armor, but it's clear from the size of it, and from the articulation of his joints, that they are prosthetics, instead. Impossibly complex, intricate prosthetics, the likes of which he's never seen before.
A little awkwardly, Cisco mirrors the bow, not sure if that's the polite thing to do. ]
Genji. No worries, man. I'm just glad I spotted you. Are you sure you're not hurt? We've got a med bay in here, and I can call my friend, she's a doctor...
[ He can't avoid it any longer. Before he even gives Genji a chance to answer, he blurts out: ]
How'd you get in the speedforce, anyway? Are you working for Savitar?
no subject
And I got tossed into the speedforce and ended up in Missouri, today is just strange all around.
[ Genji manages a tired little smile. Something about Cisco reminds him of all the smart people he's known throughout his life. He wonders what kind of person he is.
He tilts his head and reaches back to press something behind his ear covering, listening to read outs. ]
Despite the obvious physical stress and exhaustion, I think I am all right. Nothing resting and hydration won't fix. I tend to require, ah, very specific medical care as it is.
[ Cisco didn't seem to care that he was a cyborg, which is interesting. But at his next question, Genji raises a brow again. ]
'Savitar'? No, I've never heard that name. My team and I were fighting a speedster in Kings Row, England when— I don't know, I must have made him angry. Next thing I knew I was in that place and you rescued me.
no subject
Yeah, uh, I can see that.
[ There's some humor in the way he says it, but it's curious, rather than mean-spirited. After all, Cisco's never seen someone with such extensive prostheses before. It's... well, cool, but he has enough sense not to come out and just say that. ]
A speedster?
[ Cisco asks that sharply, an urgency in his voice and expression that is new. He believes Genji about not having heard of Savitar - less because he automatically trusts him and more because he's encountered Savitar's cronies before. He's not the sort of bad guy who uses spies, or inspires subtlety. He prefers followers who worship him like a god and go off on crazy rants about how he's a deity the moment his name comes up.
But if Genji had been fighting a speedster, that's his business. What is Barry? Someone else? ]
Who? What'd they look like? Why were you fighting?
no subject
He nods. Genji notices the urgency; if Cisco was able to enter the speedforce then of course he would know about speedsters. Genji's at least glad he doesn't have to explain as much of the details. ]
He was trying to disrupt the Omnics that lived there, make them attack humans against their will. Why, we weren't sure yet. And he was in... yellow, I believe? At the first sight of my dragon he tossed me there.
[ And then, as if suddenly remembering something, he reaches behind himself to grab for a sword he isn't sure is still there— When his hand finds nothing, he frowns deeply.
Then he looks to the floor, and a few feet away there's a blade that must have fallen when they arrived here. Genji lets out an audible and purely physical sigh of relief. He goes over to pick it up gingerly, inspecting it.
He makes a face, talking to himself in Japanese. ]
Damn. I have my work cut out for me with you.
no subject
[ Omnics? Is that a division of some new British tech company that Cisco's never heard of? Or maybe a slang term for a certain class or category of people? Some kind of world religion he's not aware of that he's going to have to do a Wikipedia deep dive on later? No matter the answer, though, making them attack people (in his confusion Cisco misses the deliberateness of Genji's word choice there - 'humans' and not 'people') is bad news.
And all those details sort of don't seem important when Genji says the guy was in yellow. Yellow suit, manipulating people, causing chaos and violence? ]
Red lightning?
[ Cisco's face, his posture, his tone of voice have all changed. There's anger in his face, and he crosses his arms without quite noticing he's doing it. This wouldn't be the first time Eobard has popped up causing trouble, even though the bastard is supposed to be dead. He'd been making even more of a menace of himself recently to the Legends, and Cisco has some sense that Barry is responsible, because of fucking Flashpoint... but no, he can't let himself think about all that, right now. ]
Sounds like the Reverse Flash.
[ But then Genji is going for his sword, picking it up and looking it over. Cisco has one moment of uncertainty, but nothing about Genji's movements indicate hostility. Seems more like he's just checking it's not broken. Cisco can't understand what he said, but that sigh kind of transcended language, and his tone seemed happy rather than alarmed. Still, he asks: ]
Uh, everything okay?
no subject
But his attention is pulled back to his newfound friend. ]
Hmm? Oh, yes, everything is fine.
[ He stands up and sheaths the blade in simple movement, as he'd done thousands of times. And then everything Cisco said catches up to him and he puts his hands on his hips. ]
Wait— You don't know what Overwatch or Omnics are? How is that possible? [ He's reasonably sure there are no media blackouts in Missouri of all places.
But he nods. ]
Yes, there was red lightning as well. So you've heard of him then? Good, then you can help us stop him.
[ Which... as things start to catch up with him, his shoulders fall just a little. If he was in the speedforce and... Cisco doesn't seem to know what he's talking about... then that might mean— ]
This is a potentially stupid question but, what year is it for you?
no subject
Sorry, dude. I'm pretty on top of it when it comes to local news and tech stuff, but everything else... not enough hours in the day.
[ And one of the reasons why he doesn't have the time to keep up on international news is dealing with villains like the Reverse Flash. He nods grimly when Genji confirms his suspicion. Yes, if Eobard is making trouble in England, Cisco will definitely help to stop him. Even though they're up to their ears in Savitar bullshit. He'll figure out a way. He isn't going to let that man hurt anyone else. Not if he has anything to say about it.
But before he can really work himself into a righteous rage, Genji asks what year it is, and Cisco's reaction is perhaps not what he would have expected. He raises his eyebrows, just for a moment, and then nods solemnly. He's not laughing at the silly question, or dismissing it. ]
2017. And it's not a stupid question. The speedforce exists outside time.
[ He's just going to go ahead and ask the question and hopefully save Genji some trouble: ]
Are you from the future? 'Cause it looks like you're rocking some pretty advanced tech, there, and I'm definitely getting a 'fugitive from the future' vibe right now.
no subject
I see. Then that complicates matters.
[ He's glad that they both seem to be on the same page and he just nods, shifting to put his hands on his hips. ]
Yes, I am. From the year 2077. I shouldn't be so surprised, I knew about this from what Lena has told me. I guess you just never expect it to happen to you.
[ He huffs. ] I take it you do not have a time machine lying around? I guess this takes away some of my... urgency. Although I wish there was a way to tell my team I am all right
[ He looks a little pained all of a sudden, like as he says that he's suddenly aware what kind of loss of being misplaced in time really means. ] And my brother.
[ And McCree. But he doesn't verbalize that. ]
no subject
You must be a hell of a fighter, for the Reverse Flash to resort to throwing you into the speedforce. He probably couldn't have beat you any other way. Coward.
[ That last word comes out brittle with anger, and Cisco turns away from Genji for a moment, going over to his computer and bending over the keyboard, typing rapidly. He is going to increase the priority of the algorithms he's got running on the S.T.A.R. Labs satellite looking for distinctive traces of the Reverse Flash, just in case he turns up. Better safe than sorry.
As he's typing, he continues to speak. ]
Fresh out of time machines, sorry. And I can basically only dip my toe in the speedforce, I can't actually travel through it or manipulate it to get you there. But don't panic, McFly. We'll figure out a way to send you back to the future. Just might take a little time, that's all.
[ Cisco stops typing when Genji mentions his brother. He had finished inputting everything he needed to, true, but it's also clear that Genji saying that had struck a nerve. Cisco thinks... if it had been Dante, if he'd been stranded somewhere, not gone for good but only stuck, still within reach-
(It's so strange, how he can be going along just fine and then the grief will open up underneath him, that void as deep and awful as ever, even still.)
His voice is low, and hurt, and earnest as he says: ]
I'll get you back to him. One way or another. That's a promise.
no subject
He probably had never seen an ancient dragon spirit before, and didn't know what to do. Considering mine was able to shield me... I suppose he did have a reason to be wary of fighting me.
[ He's putting together the pieces that this 'Reverse Flash' had caused a lot of grief for Cisco. Genji figures, if he's going to be stuck here a while, he'll probably get the whole story eventually...
He chuckles again at the movie quips. ]
I appreciate the help, I really do. You took a gamble in rescuing me and I intend to repay your kindness as much as I can. [ A pause. ] Even though I guess I'll have to deal with the outdated movie references.
[ Genji's just as acquainted with joking in a stressful sitution, the joy of coping mechanisms. But as he gets somber as he mentions his brother, the shift in Cisco's demeanor isn't lost on him.
He recognizes that rawness in his voice. Genji doesn't pry, but his expression softens. ]
Thank you. [ He nods his head, closing his eyes a moment, before straightening up. ] I will do my best to assist you.
[ His expression gets a little lighter. ] And hopefully not be too much of a freeloader.
no subject
[ He doesn't explain that he's referring to the Reverse Flash, but given the context, it should be clear enough. It should also be a hint that Cisco has more than just heard of him - that he is at least familiar enough with him to know his real name. ]
Hey, no worries, man. Saving people's kind of what we do around here.
[ Now that things have calmed down a little, Cisco can put away the headset and vibe goggles. Something tells him he's going to be making use of them again, soon. Not only to look for clues how to beat Savitar, but also checking the speedforce for anyone who might have gotten tossed in there by any evil speedsters. For now, though, he's going to focus on the situation at hand.
Genji's bit of sass about the movie reference makes Cisco grin, but that fades a moment later as he realizes a potential complication. ]
Probably not the only thing that's gonna feel real outdated. Are you, um - [ How to ask it politely? ] - I know it's rude, but I gotta ask, is there a timetable I should know about? In terms of your health? Like, if it takes us a month or two to figure out a way to get you home, you're not going to run out of- of a medication or super specific future-y power source or anything?
[ If Genji is going to run out of batteries or serum or something like that in two weeks, Cisco needs to know about that now, so he can figure out what's best - trying to get Genji back in time, or finding a way to keep him alive in the meantime. ]
Hey, don't worry about any of that. Even if you were a freeloader, you wouldn't be the first.
[ It's not like HR exactly contributes much to the team, but they'd made a place for him all the same. They weren't going to only help Genji on the condition that he makes himself useful.
Though that does start Cisco thinking, what they are going to do in the meantime, in terms of looking after this guy - getting him a place to stay, food - does he need food? Oh there are so many awkward questions Cisco is probably going to have to ask... ]
no subject
I am glad to hear it. You would fit in well in Overwatch.
[ Genji himself heads over to a nearby table and starts to remove his blades from his back, gently placing them down. After, he picks up his helmet he'd discarded and inspects it for any damage... scrapes and a slight crack in his visor, nothing he can't fix.
At Cisco's question he turns to look at him, almost looking confused by the question. But after a second he remembers why Cisco could be concerned. ]
Oh, right, I forget how far back I am. No, there's no need to worry about me. My prosthesis— [ He taps at the green light in the middle of his chest. ] —and my remaining organic parks work in a cyclical fashion, one giving energy to the other. State of the art biotic nanotechnology and all that.
[ A pause. ] As long as I stay hydrated and consume food with whatever my body needs, there is no cause for concern.
[ He goes back to checking his armor, only finding superficial scratch and scorch marks. Genji huffs. ]
So I'm not the first wayward soul you've found, then? I suppose that makes me feel better.
[ Genji runs a hand through his hair, making a face. He's definitely... sweaty feeling. ]
I guess my first imposition will be if you have a shower and a change of clothes for the time being? [ He knocks on the white parts of his armor, on his chest and upper leg. ] I'm not always head to toe in armor, thankfully.
no subject
[ He can put two and two together enough to deduce it is probably the name of the team that Genji mentioned being a part of (and the name's pretty self explanatory). But that doesn't tell him much about what it actually entailed, and what they were watching over, against which threats. It could be anything from dystopian future police state nightmare fuel to something more like the superhero teams Cisco is used to. ]
'Cause to me, 'Overwatch' is just one of my friend's code names for field stuff. Lucky for you she lives a few hundred miles away so there shouldn't be any confusion.
[ Felicity is certainly going to get a kick out of this story, when Cisco tells her later. ]
Not the second or third, either. It's getting to be a habit honestly.
[ Cisco, glad for an easy task, pushes away from the desk and heads towards the door, beckoning Genji to follow. ]
Sure, there's a fully stocked shower right by the Speed Lab, and I can get you some spare clothes...
[ And, well, it'll give him the opportunity to confirm Genji's story. Cisco leads the way down, points to the soap and clean towels and washcloths (there are a lot on hand; they have any amount of sweaty sweaty speedsters running about the place, so Cisco keeps it prepped). He still needs to text the team about all of this, but this is an opportunity he isn't sure he'll get again. So after Cisco sets out the clothes for Genji just outside the shower, he pauses by Genji's armor. He hears the shower still running, and Genji only just got started, but he doesn't know how long he'll have.
He reaches out and lays his hand on one of the pieces of armor, concentrating on the past (he's not trying to vibe where Genji is right now; he knows that and isn't trying to be a creeper. Just... doing a background check). He sees Genji, fighting alongside... a guy in a cowboy hat? A gorilla?! A girl who definitely has got some speedster moves. Cisco only gets glimpses of the Reverse Flash, but there's no mistaking that ugly yellow suit, the glowing red eyes.
It's not an iron-clad guarantee, though. That part of his story might have been true, but he could still have an agenda, a sinister overarching plan. Cisco pushes back further, grabbing for something earlier. It's a bit of a crapshoot, fishing around like this. He sees a snowy place - it looks like a temple or something from a martial arts movie, and Genji is there, or at least someone in his armor is there. Sitting cross-legged, meditating, next to... a robot that is also meditating?
He pulls himself out of the vibe, feeling satisfied, for the time being, that Genji is on the level about who he is and where he came from. He goes to get Genji one of the sports drinks they keep on hand, writing up a text for the STAR Labs group chat explaining the situation and that he's handling it, but to be on lowkey alert in case shit goes sideways. He says everybody should just avoid the showers and the Speed Lab for now, because the guy's having a weird enough day and doesn't need any more surprises.
A request that is promptly ignored by the team's youngest member, but by the time Cisco sees the streak of lightning going by, there's obviously nothing he can do about it. He's almost back, and swears, running the last bit and calling out: ]
Wally! What did I just-!
[ He hears a muffled voice saying exuberantly: ]
You're a ninja from the FUTURE?!
[ Because Wally had just run right into the showers, politeness be damned, to yell at Genji from just outside the curtain. Cisco catches up, panting as he shouts: ]
Don't freak out, Genji, it's just- just a friend. A friend who doesn't know how to read apparently.
[ That last bit comes out through gritted teeth as Cisco glares at Wally, who looks completely unrepentant. ]
no subject
You're right, and I will. Once I'm no longer caked in sweat.
[ He nods and follows after Cisco, thanking him for the clothes and towels and such. He removes his top most armor pieces before he heads into the showers, taking off the more 'intimate' coverings that are necessary before he bathes.
He takes the time to center himself, taking a deep breath of the humid air and exhaling it slowly. Okay. Time to focus on getting back home, or at least figuring out a way to let them know he's okay. Even though he can't say he entirely trusts Cisco and this place yet, he can't deny he needs their help now. Goodness knows he couldn't wander around in public in 2017 with the body he had.
He hopes it will all work out. His chest already slightly aches with 'what ifs.' What if months have already passed back home? Years? What if he was erased from history?
A calming voice and a distant tune echos in his mind, thinking of what his master would say. There is no evidence of any of that yet... so he won't dwell on it. It will only hold him back from moving forward.
He hopes his brother is okay. Although for all he knows, he's already drunk himself into a stupor. And McCree... McCree. He should have said something by now. Why was he holding back? He—
That train of thought is cut short by the sudden shower invader, startling him a little. Genji peaks his head out of the shower curtain, keeping his modesty. This must be one of Cisco's friend and Genji's a bit too exhausted to even be annoyed by the interruption.
So he laughs a little, squinting through the damp hair on his forehead and water in his eyes. ]
It's fine, don't worry. And yes, I am. [ A pause. ] Green cyborg ninja dude.
[ Another pause. ]
I'm happy to chat, but may I get dressed first?
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[ Cisco answers before Wally can get in another word, grabbing the boisterous young speedster by his arm and hauling him out of the room with an apologetic look in Genji's direction and a mouthed 'I'M SORRY'. He gets Wally out and lets the door thunk shut behind him, and with Genji's hearing being what he is, he will probably be able to hear at least Cisco's initial: ]
Dude? Come on, Wally. How would you like it if-
[ He doesn't give Wally that hard of a time (who could, really? the kid is too charming by half), but at least impresses upon him that Genji is separated from his friends, that he's in a strange and probably hostile-seeming place, and that he deserves not to be badgered while he's in the shower. Then Cisco walks further away with Wally, out of earshot, so Genji will have some privacy to finish his shower and get dressed.
When he emerges and wanders back out to the Speed Lab, Genji will find Cisco alone, sitting at one of the chairs. ]
That was Wally. I sent a text to my team just to let 'em know what had happened and he, uh, jumped the gun a bit. I sent him home for now. Well, okay, I called his sister and got her to send him home, since apparently nobody listens to me around here.
[ He sighs, and there's a touch of nervous awkwardness in the humor. Genji might not be their first stray, but he's the first one that Cisco has dealt with on his own, and the first one from the future. He pushes his hair back, meets Genji's gaze and says: ]
I... wish Wally hadn't run in on you like that, but I'm not gonna lie. They're all kinda eager to meet you. Do you... think you're up to that?
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He dries himself off, expelling any water that may have gotten into his ports in a quick burst of steam from his vents. Genji slides on the pants given to him but keeps his shirt off, letting the towel drape around his shoulders. He's still a bit warm and, well, humid but it also has a degree of symbolism to it. He's quite literally armorless and defenseless, showing that he is taking a risk and extending a branch of trust towards his newfound friends.
Picking up the complementary S.T.A.R Labs hoodie, Genji heads back into the Speed Lab to find Cisco sitting. He shakes his head, holding up a hand. ]
It isn't an issue, do no worry. I appreciate you intervening, but you will find it takes a lot more than that to upset me.
[ He finds a chair and sits down with an ease that only comes from being mostly cybernetic. There's still a faint white noise of a hum coming from his chest, as his body finishes up expelling the water and humidity.
Genji smiles. ]
I have no problem with meeting your friends, no. If I am going to be here a while, there is no point in avoiding them.
[ Genji makes a face suddenly, jaw setting with a click. ]
My friend, Lena, told me once that the past doesn't want to change. But I am not sure how much of a potential risk I am by being here.
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He wonders if he should mention that he knows two time travelers, that he has made a time machine before, technically. But he wants to save all that for after he's talked with Barry - and maybe Jay Garrick if he can get a hold of him - about their game plan here. ]
You might regret those words. You haven't met HR yet. He's got a knack for upsetting the un-upset-able.
[ Still, there's a kind of grudging fondness in the way Cisco is referring to this friend of his, whoever he might be. And at least Genji has some warning.
When he brings up his concerns about changing the past, Cisco's reaction is, perhaps, a little unusual. His jaw goes tight, and he looks away from Genji momentarily. He's trying to move past it, to forgive Barry for Flashpoint, to not think about all the damage he'd done by twisting the timeline according to his whims, and then deciding he didn't like it and twisting it back. And here Genji is, stranded, and his first thought is how not to do any harm.
He stays quiet a moment or two, until he masters himself and can shake his head. ]
I'm not an expert, but I can tell you there's a big difference, between just being in the past, and going back to a time you've been in before, and changing stuff that you know is supposed to happen a certain way. As long as you don't deliberately alter something you know should be true, then we can operate under the assumption that all this was supposed to have happened, by your time, and that you're just going along with time.
[ He sends out the text to call in Barry and Iris and Caitlin and Joe and HR. Julian... is still new enough to the friend group that he can wait, thanks. ]
They're on their way over.
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