[ 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. ]
I suppose we will find out. I will make sure to be unarmed when we meet.
[ That response doesn't go unnoticed and Genji waits for Cisco to work through whatever it is. If this is what he deals with, time and the speedforce and whatever powers he may have— it certainly seems like a lot to carry on one's shoulders. Despite his gentle appearance, Genji can't rule out that he'd seen his fair share of strife.
You don't have that face if you haven't. It's something Genji's seen a lot over the years, from his friends and colleagues.
When he replies, Genji just nods. His tone is light. ]
That is good to know. I have no plans to hop on a plane to Japan and find my grandfather as a young man, so hopefully everything goes well. I guess this was just 'meant' to be.
[ Kind of a terrifying thought, in the scheme of things. He wonders if Cisco is still alive in his time...
After the text, Genji nods. ]
So, time to put on a shirt?
[ He gets up, turning around a little as he does so, and goes about sliding on the hoodie. The faded and damaged green dragon tattooed on his back slips underneath the fabric, blink and you'll miss it. ]
[ He hears the casualness of Genji's answer, appreciates the humor, but... well, he ought to give a disclaimer just in case, and he ought to give it before Barry gets here, because if he doesn't, things could get intensely awkward real fast. Just because Genji thinks, now, that he doesn't want to change anything, doesn't mean he might not change his mind. There might be some big disaster that was going to happen in early 2018. There could be any number of things that might tempt him to try meddling. Cisco has to be sure he's at least explained the costs of that. ]
Because I don't know if your friend Lena ever mentioned this, but if you did decide to try to change something you knew was supposed to go another way, it could go bad. Really, really bad. Even if it's before you were born. And... the way these things work, the people it's going to impact the most are going to be the people you care about. It's like- it's like breaking glass. It splinters outwards, and whoever is closest to you gets the most broken.
[ So... he's put that out there, and now, if Genji decides to mess with the timeline, it's on his own head. And probably Genji's going to have some idea that he's not speaking theoretically here, but Cisco's not inclined to explain further.
He turns and catches a glimpse of that dragon tattoo as Genji's pulling on the hoodie. His first thought is to wonder if it's a gang thing. Sure, Genji's from the future, but not that far into the future. The cultural connotations probably hadn't shifted that much, have they? He's tempted to ask, but... maybe a little later. ]
Probably a good idea, yeah. Barry gets a bad case of muscle envy every time-- oh hey, Barry!
[ There was a telltale flash of lightning and crackle, and Barry's coming to a halt a few feet in front of them. Barry gives Cisco a look and doesn't even need to say anything for Cisco to explain: ]
We're not doing the secret identity thing, okay, he already saw my face, and Wally came running in without a mask, so we're just not even gonna bother, okay?
[ As he is talking, the rest of his friends come in (clearly shortly behind Barry, who had skipped the elevator and just run down all the stairs). Cisco points them out as they enter - Joe, Iris, Wally looking a little abashed, HR behind with the fucking drumsticks, and Caitlin bringing up the rear. ]
[ Genji finishes slipping on the hoodie and turns back to smooth down his hair. He appreciates and understands Cisco's deeper warning, nodding solemnly in response.
A lot of things are going to happen, in a few years. But they aren't things Genji himself could have any sort of genuine impact on. It all needs to happen, it's what shapes the world and changes it. For good or ill. ]
Thank you for the warning. But you have my word on my honor that I will not try to change anything. The future is flawed, but I like the way things are. The way I am.
[ If Cisco was worried he might do something to try to change his fate from being a cyborg, he wouldn't. This body is who he is now, and he is better for it in all respects.
It's hard not to laugh at 'muscle envy' and it's hard to not look amused as Barry clearly shows up. Ah, yes, his other speedster friend. ]
Secret identities, you say? That's exciting. And I will respect this trust you are giving me with this information, so do not worry.
[ So then the lengthy explanations occur, on both sides. He learns about their stories, about Team Flash, and Genji explains Overwatch. What it once was, an international task force sanctioned by the United Nations and he was a part of Blackwach, the covert ops group. And what it is now, a very illegal rag tag group determined to put some good back into the world.
He tells them about Lena "Tracer" Oxton, his friend who is some kind of half speedster. Able to move throughout time, and how Winston invented the device that keeps her on a fixated point. While speaking with Barry and Wally, Genji definitely thinks they all would get along great.
Once the introductions are complete, they try to discuss what to do. (He doesn't miss the look on Barry's face when they speak of this 'Reverse Flash.') Genji knows his friends are working on trying to locate him, so the hope is that eventually through their work they can meet each other in the middle.
Hopefully. Hopefully.
But after a good hour or so of speaking, Genji hears a beep in his ears that indicates his energy reserves are getting low. Not within danger levels, but definitely time to rest and eat some protein.
So that's how he ends up in Cisco's apartment, after locking up his armor and giving a gentle request to all to please refrain from touching his weapons without his permission, as well as hoping he can use their facilities to repair his blade. The bag of food from the burger joint is put on the coffee table and Genji looks around. ]
Thank you for letting me intrude, Cisco. Like I said, I promise to not be too much of a freeloader.
[ Cisco had been grateful for a chance to step out of the spotlight for a little while, to sit down and let some of his friends do the question asking for a while. It left him free to watch Genji, get a good look at him and how he seemed. Cisco doesn't really like being as suspicious as he is, but he's accepted it as a part of who he is now and moved on.
By the end of their conversation, he was convinced enough of Genji's good intentions that he insisted on having him stay in his place. It just seemed too cruel, leaving him at S.T.A.R. Labs where HR was sure to never give him a fucking break. And besides... besides, if he were dangerous, Cisco would rather have him close, rather than alone with HR, who was obnoxious but also helpless, and Cisco didn't really want him dead.
So Cisco brings Genji back to his place. They get a few glances from passers-by, but not too many of them. It's Central City, and a lot of people have seen weirder. They probably assume he's in costume, filming something or promoting something, or perhaps coming from a convention. By the time they reach the apartment, Cisco is feeling bone weary, and he collapses onto the couch, gesturing to the apartment around him. ]
I know it's not much, but, make yourself at home.
[ He leans forward, reaching into the bag that Genji has dropped and pulling a burger from it before melting bonelessly back into the couch. ]
And I told you, man, you're not a freeloader. You're stuck in the past and it's not your fault and it probably sucks. The last thing you oughta be worrying about is - is being an inconvenience to me. Like, honestly, compared to some of the shit I've got going on, you're like... a nice change. So don't worry about it, okay? Just come have a burger. If I'm this worn out just from pullin' you outta the speedforce, I can't even imagine how you must feel.
[ Genji had braced himself for vicious stares, but walking through the city made him really realize that Omnics hadn't been created yet. There were no judgments, just bemused looks. It was a nice change.
Genji crosses his legs and reaches for his own burger, unwrapping it neatly on his lap and picking it up. He peers at it, suddenly not sure if he recognizes all of the toppings. Well, it's not like he can really taste everything in the first place.
He smiles a little, turning to Cisco. ]
I know I am very lucky for you and your friends having rescued me. I am not sure what I would have done otherwise.
[ He takes a bite of the burger and it's warm and it's food and that's all that matters. Genji chews and swallows it before speaking again. ]
I think the adrenaline is only just now starting to fully wear off... it will probably feel more real in the morning. That I'm in the past.
[ He takes another bite. Genji knows his dragon has shielded him from most of the cosmic terror of being stuck there, but it's weighing on his mind a tad. He will have to meditate before he sleeps, just to stave off any recursive thoughts.
So he smiles a little, with tired eyes. ]
I just hope I have the chance to introduce you to all of my friends as well. [ Pause. ] And you were right about Wells being... interesting.
[ Cisco eats in silence for a few moments, not knowing that Genji is feeling rather solemn at that moment, too. It's drifted into his mind on and off, since he'd pulled Genji out, how his situation is similar to Eobard's. Cisco had tried not to think about that, but it keeps coming back. Eobard had been willing to spy, and manipulate, and murder, all to get away from Cisco's time, to get back home. And he didn't even, as far as Cisco knows, have someone he was trying to get back to. What if they make little progress. What if Genji is stuck for long enough that he starts to-
But Cisco cuts off that line of speculation. It wasn't being trapped in the past that made Eobard evil. He already was. He'd come back to murder a child, and Genji is a member of Overwatch, who sounded like they were pretty much superheroes. No need to go borrowing problems from the future. ]
I'd love to meet them. It sounds like you guys are fighting the good fight.
[ Cisco smiles at Genji's careful politeness, in how he phrases that. Sinking a little lower on the couch, Cisco says: ]
D'you know, he's actually the third Wells I've worked with? True story. Well, okay, technically the second, kinda, depending on your point of view. HR is from Earth-19, and before he came here I used to work with Harry Wells from Earth-2, who's a real piece of work, and before that I was working with a guy I thought was the Harrison Wells from this Earth, except he wasn't at all, he had just been literally body-snatched by a supervillain, who was none other thannnnn-! You guessed it. The Reverse Flash.
[ It's so ridiculous there's nothing to do but laugh about it, honestly. And Cisco just wants to make extra sure that Genji understands how very accustomed he is to complicated situations even worse than 'helping out a nice ninja guy from the future'.
Cisco glances over, to check that Genji is doing okay, and can see just the tiniest bit of Genji's tattoo peeking out over the collar of the STAR Labs sweater. His earlier reservations about bringing it up seem less important, now. Probably because he's tired. Still, he says: ]
Love the tat by the way. It's dope. Totally on-brand with the whole dragon spirit theme.
[ Belatedly, and with horror, Cisco realizes that maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut, and that he might be giving entirely the wrong impression. Hastily he adds: ]
I'm not- that wasn't- I'm not like. I wasn't looking or anything I just couldn't help noticing it earlier. I... I just wanna be super clear, just in case, that that wasn't me hitting on you, I was just saying it's. A nice, um. It's a good tattoo.
We are doing our best. The world being a chaotic place is not something you can fix, only manage. Some things always stay the same.
[ He takes another bite of burger and listens to Cisco little spiel about the apparent different world versions of Wells, not to mention the body snatching. Genji swallows his bite very carefully and deliberately, tilting his head a little. ]
I am... going to compartmentalize that information and deal with it later. I can't even begin to fathom the concept of alternate worlds. [ He smiles a little though. ] I suppose I am glad I am probably not the strangest anomaly you have ever seen, it gives me a little comfort.
[ He goes back to munching on his food as Cisco compliments his tattoo; he has a mouthful so he doesn't immediately respond, but that leads into Cisco's admittedly very endearing embarrassed babble.
He swallows before he can choke and starts to laugh, tilting his head back a bit. It's not a mocking laugh, one of genuine amusement. He scratches the back of his head, shaking it a little. ]
Do not worry, I didn't take it that way. Men are allowed to compliment each other in the future, you are fine.
[ Society will never be perfect, but it's a little farther along sixty or so years in the future. ]
But thank you. It's tied to my ability, a way to ground the spirit to my body and soul. It runs in the family, as I said.
[ He affects a tone, clearly imitating his father and grandfather and everyone who had said it before him. ] 'Only a Shimada can control the dragons.'
[ That is not even close to the strangest story Cisco could tell, but Genji has plenty to process already. He takes that as an unintentional (but helpful) hint not to heap any new information on the poor guy tonight. There's a time and a place to explain multiverse theory, but this isn't either. ]
Okay, uh. Good. Yeah.
[ Cisco's face is hot with embarrassment, but of the possible responses, laughing wasn't a bad one. Much better than if Genji were visibly creeped out, or angry. Cisco rubs a hand against the back of his neck, feeling mortified, taking a big bite of burger to just stop himself from saying any more stupid shit he's going to regret.
He's extremely grateful that Genji starts talking to him about the tattoo, so he can just pretend that whole awkward exchange never happened. ]
That's so cool.
[ It definitely makes him think of Game of Thrones but he's wary enough after his little rambling session just now not to say that, both because the reference will seem super outdated to Genji if he gets it at all, and because he can't quite tell if this is the sort of thing he's allowed to joke about. Yeah, sure, Genji doing that affected old man voice seems like he's poking a bit of fun at himself, but that doesn't mean he wants other people to poke fun, too. And it's related to family and something that sounds not entirely un-religious and those are two bears that Cisco does not poke lightly, thanks. ]
So is there just one spirit?
[ Him traveling back in time might mean there are two, then... his and his great-grandfather's or whatever. That could be a complication. Cisco makes a mental note for tomorrow. For tonight, he's going to leave the timeline to fend for itself. ]
[ Genji moves past it as well, not wanting to embarrass him. They just met, after all, definitely not at the 'friendly teasing' point yet. (Although it makes him think of his friends, McCree, and he aches a little.)
He takes another bite and shakes his head lightly, swallowing. ]
No, there are multiple. My brother has two, tattooed along his arm. [ He gently wiggles his left arm. ] Because he's older, I assume.
[ After a second, he seems to catch on to what Cisco might be getting at. Time shenanigans... but considering his dragon hasn't been making any sort of ruckus or become uncontrollable, it shouldn't be an issue. ]
The dragons themselves are ancient and eternal beings. I was always told that an ancestor of mine gained their favor, or became indebted to them, it differs on who tells the story. [ He huffs. ] Considering mine protected me, one can assume 'time' means little if nothing to them.
[ A pause. ] Which might be why this Reverse Flash was so threatened by it.
[ Cisco isn't sure if there's a cultural significance to having the tattoos on his arms, rather than his back. Could be a future thing, could be a Japanese thing, hell just could be a family thing. But he can guess at the rest of Genji's line of logic. Older sibling, more responsibility, twice the dragons. He remembers what Genji said earlier, about wanting to get a message to his team, his brother, so they wouldn't worry. ]
Tomorrow we should see if - if we can first of all make some kind of time capsule message that'll survive a few decades and get into trustworthy hands. Won't be any risk of messing up the timeline if I program it not to open before, like, an hour after you disappeared. Go full on Hari Seldon on that motherfucker. That way they'll at least know you're not dead, and you're working on getting back.
[ The how isn't as important as the idea itself; the benefit of being stuck in the past is that the future is staying where it is, and they have plenty of time to figure out a way to send information into the future. (How did so much of his life become worrying about the future? First stopping Savitar from killing Iris, now this?) ]
Okay, that's really good. I just wanted to check.
[ Cisco gives a small, distinctly bitter snort at Genji's guess, adding a sharp: ]
He always did anything he couldn't control.
[ Today has had really about 400% more thinking about Dante and talking about Eobard than Cisco wants in any given day. He gets to his feet, then, wandering towards the fridge and asking: ]
You want a beer? I know it's, like, Tuesday, but...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
franciscoramon) wrote2017-05-20 05:42 pm
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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?
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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.
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[ 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?
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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?
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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[ 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... ]
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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.
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[ 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. ]
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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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I suppose we will find out. I will make sure to be unarmed when we meet.
[ That response doesn't go unnoticed and Genji waits for Cisco to work through whatever it is. If this is what he deals with, time and the speedforce and whatever powers he may have— it certainly seems like a lot to carry on one's shoulders. Despite his gentle appearance, Genji can't rule out that he'd seen his fair share of strife.
You don't have that face if you haven't. It's something Genji's seen a lot over the years, from his friends and colleagues.
When he replies, Genji just nods. His tone is light. ]
That is good to know. I have no plans to hop on a plane to Japan and find my grandfather as a young man, so hopefully everything goes well. I guess this was just 'meant' to be.
[ Kind of a terrifying thought, in the scheme of things. He wonders if Cisco is still alive in his time...
After the text, Genji nods. ]
So, time to put on a shirt?
[ He gets up, turning around a little as he does so, and goes about sliding on the hoodie. The faded and damaged green dragon tattooed on his back slips underneath the fabric, blink and you'll miss it. ]
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[ He hears the casualness of Genji's answer, appreciates the humor, but... well, he ought to give a disclaimer just in case, and he ought to give it before Barry gets here, because if he doesn't, things could get intensely awkward real fast. Just because Genji thinks, now, that he doesn't want to change anything, doesn't mean he might not change his mind. There might be some big disaster that was going to happen in early 2018. There could be any number of things that might tempt him to try meddling. Cisco has to be sure he's at least explained the costs of that. ]
Because I don't know if your friend Lena ever mentioned this, but if you did decide to try to change something you knew was supposed to go another way, it could go bad. Really, really bad. Even if it's before you were born. And... the way these things work, the people it's going to impact the most are going to be the people you care about. It's like- it's like breaking glass. It splinters outwards, and whoever is closest to you gets the most broken.
[ So... he's put that out there, and now, if Genji decides to mess with the timeline, it's on his own head. And probably Genji's going to have some idea that he's not speaking theoretically here, but Cisco's not inclined to explain further.
He turns and catches a glimpse of that dragon tattoo as Genji's pulling on the hoodie. His first thought is to wonder if it's a gang thing. Sure, Genji's from the future, but not that far into the future. The cultural connotations probably hadn't shifted that much, have they? He's tempted to ask, but... maybe a little later. ]
Probably a good idea, yeah. Barry gets a bad case of muscle envy every time-- oh hey, Barry!
[ There was a telltale flash of lightning and crackle, and Barry's coming to a halt a few feet in front of them. Barry gives Cisco a look and doesn't even need to say anything for Cisco to explain: ]
We're not doing the secret identity thing, okay, he already saw my face, and Wally came running in without a mask, so we're just not even gonna bother, okay?
[ As he is talking, the rest of his friends come in (clearly shortly behind Barry, who had skipped the elevator and just run down all the stairs). Cisco points them out as they enter - Joe, Iris, Wally looking a little abashed, HR behind with the fucking drumsticks, and Caitlin bringing up the rear. ]
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A lot of things are going to happen, in a few years. But they aren't things Genji himself could have any sort of genuine impact on. It all needs to happen, it's what shapes the world and changes it. For good or ill. ]
Thank you for the warning. But you have my word on my honor that I will not try to change anything. The future is flawed, but I like the way things are. The way I am.
[ If Cisco was worried he might do something to try to change his fate from being a cyborg, he wouldn't. This body is who he is now, and he is better for it in all respects.
It's hard not to laugh at 'muscle envy' and it's hard to not look amused as Barry clearly shows up. Ah, yes, his other speedster friend. ]
Secret identities, you say? That's exciting. And I will respect this trust you are giving me with this information, so do not worry.
[ So then the lengthy explanations occur, on both sides. He learns about their stories, about Team Flash, and Genji explains Overwatch. What it once was, an international task force sanctioned by the United Nations and he was a part of Blackwach, the covert ops group. And what it is now, a very illegal rag tag group determined to put some good back into the world.
He tells them about Lena "Tracer" Oxton, his friend who is some kind of half speedster. Able to move throughout time, and how Winston invented the device that keeps her on a fixated point. While speaking with Barry and Wally, Genji definitely thinks they all would get along great.
Once the introductions are complete, they try to discuss what to do. (He doesn't miss the look on Barry's face when they speak of this 'Reverse Flash.') Genji knows his friends are working on trying to locate him, so the hope is that eventually through their work they can meet each other in the middle.
Hopefully. Hopefully.
But after a good hour or so of speaking, Genji hears a beep in his ears that indicates his energy reserves are getting low. Not within danger levels, but definitely time to rest and eat some protein.
So that's how he ends up in Cisco's apartment, after locking up his armor and giving a gentle request to all to please refrain from touching his weapons without his permission, as well as hoping he can use their facilities to repair his blade. The bag of food from the burger joint is put on the coffee table and Genji looks around. ]
Thank you for letting me intrude, Cisco. Like I said, I promise to not be too much of a freeloader.
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By the end of their conversation, he was convinced enough of Genji's good intentions that he insisted on having him stay in his place. It just seemed too cruel, leaving him at S.T.A.R. Labs where HR was sure to never give him a fucking break. And besides... besides, if he were dangerous, Cisco would rather have him close, rather than alone with HR, who was obnoxious but also helpless, and Cisco didn't really want him dead.
So Cisco brings Genji back to his place. They get a few glances from passers-by, but not too many of them. It's Central City, and a lot of people have seen weirder. They probably assume he's in costume, filming something or promoting something, or perhaps coming from a convention. By the time they reach the apartment, Cisco is feeling bone weary, and he collapses onto the couch, gesturing to the apartment around him. ]
I know it's not much, but, make yourself at home.
[ He leans forward, reaching into the bag that Genji has dropped and pulling a burger from it before melting bonelessly back into the couch. ]
And I told you, man, you're not a freeloader. You're stuck in the past and it's not your fault and it probably sucks. The last thing you oughta be worrying about is - is being an inconvenience to me. Like, honestly, compared to some of the shit I've got going on, you're like... a nice change. So don't worry about it, okay? Just come have a burger. If I'm this worn out just from pullin' you outta the speedforce, I can't even imagine how you must feel.
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Genji crosses his legs and reaches for his own burger, unwrapping it neatly on his lap and picking it up. He peers at it, suddenly not sure if he recognizes all of the toppings. Well, it's not like he can really taste everything in the first place.
He smiles a little, turning to Cisco. ]
I know I am very lucky for you and your friends having rescued me. I am not sure what I would have done otherwise.
[ He takes a bite of the burger and it's warm and it's food and that's all that matters. Genji chews and swallows it before speaking again. ]
I think the adrenaline is only just now starting to fully wear off... it will probably feel more real in the morning. That I'm in the past.
[ He takes another bite. Genji knows his dragon has shielded him from most of the cosmic terror of being stuck there, but it's weighing on his mind a tad. He will have to meditate before he sleeps, just to stave off any recursive thoughts.
So he smiles a little, with tired eyes. ]
I just hope I have the chance to introduce you to all of my friends as well. [ Pause. ] And you were right about Wells being... interesting.
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But Cisco cuts off that line of speculation. It wasn't being trapped in the past that made Eobard evil. He already was. He'd come back to murder a child, and Genji is a member of Overwatch, who sounded like they were pretty much superheroes. No need to go borrowing problems from the future. ]
I'd love to meet them. It sounds like you guys are fighting the good fight.
[ Cisco smiles at Genji's careful politeness, in how he phrases that. Sinking a little lower on the couch, Cisco says: ]
D'you know, he's actually the third Wells I've worked with? True story. Well, okay, technically the second, kinda, depending on your point of view. HR is from Earth-19, and before he came here I used to work with Harry Wells from Earth-2, who's a real piece of work, and before that I was working with a guy I thought was the Harrison Wells from this Earth, except he wasn't at all, he had just been literally body-snatched by a supervillain, who was none other thannnnn-! You guessed it. The Reverse Flash.
[ It's so ridiculous there's nothing to do but laugh about it, honestly. And Cisco just wants to make extra sure that Genji understands how very accustomed he is to complicated situations even worse than 'helping out a nice ninja guy from the future'.
Cisco glances over, to check that Genji is doing okay, and can see just the tiniest bit of Genji's tattoo peeking out over the collar of the STAR Labs sweater. His earlier reservations about bringing it up seem less important, now. Probably because he's tired. Still, he says: ]
Love the tat by the way. It's dope. Totally on-brand with the whole dragon spirit theme.
[ Belatedly, and with horror, Cisco realizes that maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut, and that he might be giving entirely the wrong impression. Hastily he adds: ]
I'm not- that wasn't- I'm not like. I wasn't looking or anything I just couldn't help noticing it earlier. I... I just wanna be super clear, just in case, that that wasn't me hitting on you, I was just saying it's. A nice, um. It's a good tattoo.
[ He is an embarrassment to mankind. ]
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[ He takes another bite of burger and listens to Cisco little spiel about the apparent different world versions of Wells, not to mention the body snatching. Genji swallows his bite very carefully and deliberately, tilting his head a little. ]
I am... going to compartmentalize that information and deal with it later. I can't even begin to fathom the concept of alternate worlds. [ He smiles a little though. ] I suppose I am glad I am probably not the strangest anomaly you have ever seen, it gives me a little comfort.
[ He goes back to munching on his food as Cisco compliments his tattoo; he has a mouthful so he doesn't immediately respond, but that leads into Cisco's admittedly very endearing embarrassed babble.
He swallows before he can choke and starts to laugh, tilting his head back a bit. It's not a mocking laugh, one of genuine amusement. He scratches the back of his head, shaking it a little. ]
Do not worry, I didn't take it that way. Men are allowed to compliment each other in the future, you are fine.
[ Society will never be perfect, but it's a little farther along sixty or so years in the future. ]
But thank you. It's tied to my ability, a way to ground the spirit to my body and soul. It runs in the family, as I said.
[ He affects a tone, clearly imitating his father and grandfather and everyone who had said it before him. ] 'Only a Shimada can control the dragons.'
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Okay, uh. Good. Yeah.
[ Cisco's face is hot with embarrassment, but of the possible responses, laughing wasn't a bad one. Much better than if Genji were visibly creeped out, or angry. Cisco rubs a hand against the back of his neck, feeling mortified, taking a big bite of burger to just stop himself from saying any more stupid shit he's going to regret.
He's extremely grateful that Genji starts talking to him about the tattoo, so he can just pretend that whole awkward exchange never happened. ]
That's so cool.
[ It definitely makes him think of Game of Thrones but he's wary enough after his little rambling session just now not to say that, both because the reference will seem super outdated to Genji if he gets it at all, and because he can't quite tell if this is the sort of thing he's allowed to joke about. Yeah, sure, Genji doing that affected old man voice seems like he's poking a bit of fun at himself, but that doesn't mean he wants other people to poke fun, too. And it's related to family and something that sounds not entirely un-religious and those are two bears that Cisco does not poke lightly, thanks. ]
So is there just one spirit?
[ Him traveling back in time might mean there are two, then... his and his great-grandfather's or whatever. That could be a complication. Cisco makes a mental note for tomorrow. For tonight, he's going to leave the timeline to fend for itself. ]
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He takes another bite and shakes his head lightly, swallowing. ]
No, there are multiple. My brother has two, tattooed along his arm. [ He gently wiggles his left arm. ] Because he's older, I assume.
[ After a second, he seems to catch on to what Cisco might be getting at. Time shenanigans... but considering his dragon hasn't been making any sort of ruckus or become uncontrollable, it shouldn't be an issue. ]
The dragons themselves are ancient and eternal beings. I was always told that an ancestor of mine gained their favor, or became indebted to them, it differs on who tells the story. [ He huffs. ] Considering mine protected me, one can assume 'time' means little if nothing to them.
[ A pause. ] Which might be why this Reverse Flash was so threatened by it.
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Tomorrow we should see if - if we can first of all make some kind of time capsule message that'll survive a few decades and get into trustworthy hands. Won't be any risk of messing up the timeline if I program it not to open before, like, an hour after you disappeared. Go full on Hari Seldon on that motherfucker. That way they'll at least know you're not dead, and you're working on getting back.
[ The how isn't as important as the idea itself; the benefit of being stuck in the past is that the future is staying where it is, and they have plenty of time to figure out a way to send information into the future. (How did so much of his life become worrying about the future? First stopping Savitar from killing Iris, now this?) ]
Okay, that's really good. I just wanted to check.
[ Cisco gives a small, distinctly bitter snort at Genji's guess, adding a sharp: ]
He always did anything he couldn't control.
[ Today has had really about 400% more thinking about Dante and talking about Eobard than Cisco wants in any given day. He gets to his feet, then, wandering towards the fridge and asking: ]
You want a beer? I know it's, like, Tuesday, but...
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