epidemiology | [ OPEN ]

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CHARACTERS: Genji and YOU!
DATE: Arriving at Perdition's Rest.
WARNINGS: None as of yet.
SUMMARY: Genji just wants to try to make an entrance. (He's kind of a dork still.)

[ Genji has nothing to say about his master having spent so much money on a mechanical horse. He considers the action exceptionally endearing, but he is one who looks upon the Omnic with blind eyes. The planet is something like a world made for cowboys -- he can only imagine that McCree is more than tickled pink to be here, and so he should join in the festivities, as it were.

He has his own hat that is held onto his head because the two "prongs" of his head have pierced through the material so it is all but stuck. A dusty-brown serape wraps around his shoulders. Genji has his head tipped low as he saunters about on top the mechanical horse. He only stops when he notices someone is in front of him, then he lifts his index finger to attempt to tip his hat up. ]

Who am I? [ Standing up, he swings the serape up and over his head. With little wind, it falls flat on the ground. But he is standing dramatically on the horse and jumps off to land in front of the person. ] Green cyborg ninja... cowboy. [ He says with a sheepish short of voice. There is a smile underneath the visor as he goes to pick up the serape. With his free hand, he lightly pets the mechanical horse's nose. ]

Ah... you should go back to Master. I think I'm playing a bit too much... [ He mutters under his breath before turning back. ] Not as good as the movies, but ... it is fun.

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A new recruit, is that so?

[ His voice is a little filled with wonderment. Ah, was she here during that whole mess with the bugs? He can't help but let out a small sigh -- and a shiver runs up his back immediately after as he thinks of how disgusting those creatures were. ]

Well, it's good to have some times when you can laugh... especially if you are far away from places that you know. I hope that you have many more, Nyuu.

[Nyuu smiles--one that could easily brighten a room--and bows her head again, holding onto her hat so it doesn't fall off.]

Thank you very much. [She straightens herself up.] The train ride was terrifying, but everyone I've met so far has been kind to me.

[She casts a curious glance at the mechanical horse, then at Genji before asking:]

May I pet him? [Or her? Even though the horse was mechanical, it didn't feel right for Nyuu to simply say 'it.']

You're very welcome. [ Yes, the ride here was -- he frowns beneath the visor but it seems like for better or worse, everyone arrived safely. Perhaps, that is why he wanted to do what he could to make them laugh, too. He may not be as Lena is; how she can easily brighten anyone's day with her optimism and charm, but he will do what he can to lighten the hearts of the disheartened. Isn't that what Overwatch is also meant to do? ]

Yes, please do. His name is Lasso, so my master tells me. [ A soft laugh. ] I think that Master would be very happy to know that you would treat Lasso as a real horse. Isn't that right, Lasso? [ He lightly pets the robotic horse's nose before holding out his other hand to gesture for her to come forward. ]

[Timidly, she does take a few steps forward, closing the distance between her and the horse, though she steps back when Lasso snorts loudly and shakes his head. But then she's smiling again and reaching out to stroke the large space between Lasso's eyes.]

He certainly acts like a real horse, though I've never seen a real one in person, only in movies. [Nyuu's smile widens as Lasso leans into her gentle touch, making soft snorting noises.]

It must be nice to have someone you know here with you. If you get along, that is. [She lets out a chuckle.]

Perhaps, he thinks of himself as a real horse. [ A cheerful thought that these creatures actually gained sentience and believed themselves to be as they are. Or is that a cruel one? His eyebrows come together beneath the visor as he hems and haws over which is better. ]

You, too? I'm afraid that I haven't been able to be around horses that much. I believe I frighten them some, but mechanical ones do not seem to mind. [ A short laugh. ] Ah, well, I ... I get along with them more than I don't get along with them. Is that an easy answer?

Well, to be honest, I can't remember whether I've seen a real horse or not... I lost my memories some time ago.

[Yet she didn't seem too bothered by that and in all honesty, she wasn't. In fact, she really didn't want to remember her previous life now. Not after learning that she could possibly be a murderer.

As if sensing her hidden tension, Lasso moved himself away from Nyuu's hand and shook his head again, leaving her to blink with a puzzled look on her face. Most of her confusion ends up melting away when she chuckles again, though.]

It is. I am curious about one thing, though. You've mentioned your master... What does he teach you?

Oh... I'm sorry. Was that an affect of the bugs?

[ No one had mentioned anything like that. But still, he wonders how ALISTAIR could allow her to come to this planet with so few memories. Could it be that they were not aware? People are people even if they have advanced technology. He shouldn't assume that they know at all. ]

It'll be all right, Nyuu. We'll contact ALISTAIR and get this sorted out for you. [ Even if she is not bothered, he's bothered about it. And pauses at the question of what his master teaches him. ]

My master ... he teaches everything that there is to know about life ... about harmony and loving oneself ... to allow yourself to be able to be loved by others...

Bugs? [Sakura-chan mentioned something about bugs as well.] It couldn't have, my friends found me in that state about six months ago and I arrived in Oska just hours before ALASTAIR sent us off to Perdition's Rest. Why does everyone keep talking about bugs anyway?

[This time she does get visibly nervous and holds her hands out in front of her.]

I-I appreciate your concern, Genji-san, but it's alright, really. I'm happy and content with my new life back home. I have new memories to make up for the ones I lost.

[Then she lowers her hands and folds them in front of her body and smiles once again.]

That's wonderful. [She means it.] He sounds like a great man.

[Except he's actually an Omnic, whoops. Also, Nyuu can't help but wonder: Would he be able to help her with her own problem she was currently undergoing? The struggle with her "other self"? It's not something she would bring up at first sight, but she's still curious.]

I would like to meet him someday.

... ah, those bugs... when they would bite one of us, they'd send us back and forth through our time. Our time. Like instead of me standing before you, it would have been my younger self, and I would not have remembered anything of my present time. [ He wonders if that makes sense at all to say it that way, but he tries. And he should be glad -- he realizes -- that it would be his teenage self rather than the angry creature that he became. ]

... is that so? I apologize... it seems like I'm making you a little uncomfortable. I'm sorry. [ Yes, he should apologize more than once, shouldn't he? This is difficult enough without having to add on the burdens of further explaining oneself. ]

I'm certain, though, that my master would love to meet you. Anyone he is able to help, to listen, to know... he's happy to. He's a wonderful person. The best person.

They could do that? No wonder I kept hearing about them. I can't imagine how embarrassing that must have been for some people. I know I would have been. [Just thinking about it is making her blush. She can't remember what she was like when her friends first took her under their wing, but the stories they told her were just... Really, she was just like a toddler. Despite herself, she manages to let out a nervous laugh and smiles sheepishly.] Plus it would have been hard for people to understand me if I had been present during that time, because according to my friends, I could not even remember how to speak properly. I could only say "nyuu, nyuu," so that's how I received my new name.

No need to apologize for wanting to help, Genji-san. It's just that... Um. [How can she explain it while minimizing her problems as much as possible?] We never heard any reports on the news about a family who was missing their daughter, nor did we see any missing persons posters around the neighborhood, which leads me to believe that I have no relatives to return to should I regain my memories. So perhaps it's better that the old memories stay buried.

[While that's all true, it's not the full story nor is it really a wise decision since things like that have a way of reemerging, sometimes in a non pleasant way. Unfortunately, all Nyuu wants to do right now is run away from it as long as she can. She wasn't ready to face her past.]

The way you describe him reminds me of my friend Kouta. He always wants to help people, too, and he's too stubborn to just let people go if they have something that's bothering them. He can come off as a bit harsh at first, but he means well. It's thanks to him that we've been able to keep our friends all together through difficult times.

[He's also Nyuu's, as well as Lucy's, love interest, so she couldn't help but idolize him.]

Yes...I'm still recovering from my embarrassment. [ There is a slight pause as he listens to more of her explanation and he can't help thinking that is a little mean. Isn't that kind of like naming one's cat "nyaa?" But he supposes that they had good intentions and that he shouldn't be upset since she has seemed to regained her senses enough and cares deeply about the name she has been given. ] I see. It's a name given to you by the people that love you, right? Ah, though, saying love might be too far, huh?

[ That's ... rather sad. ] I'm sorry to have you relive such memories so soon. Or at least... it's sad to think that you're on your own, but I'm glad that you had your friends and here you will have your teammates. Even if we've just met, I can tell you that the people that have been called here are by majority really good people... they won't let you down.

[ A soft "ah." ] I wouldn't say that Master is ever harsh. He's always ... he has a softness to him... like he's someone that you could always be safe and happy with. Nyuu, if I'm unable to introduce you to him... that is if I can't find him to introduce you to him, please know that you can trust the monk called Zenyatta.

Would it be too much if I asked what happened?

[She certainly did and she knew that had to call her something besides "you" or "girl." She shakes her head.] Not really, they are my family now and just before I arrived in Oska, I learned how much we all meant to each other.

[Another smile, though this one carries some sadness since she's touched by his words. She delicately places a hand over where her heart is.] I believe you, because I have already experienced some of that kindness for myself. I don't know how to fight or heal, but I hope to do my part for the crew somehow.

[And though Genji can't see them right now because of her hat, Nyuu is really glad that her horns haven't bothered anyone she's met so far; even the Qorral didn't seem too fazed. Not too long ago, a woman from Kouta and Yuka's university screamed in terror when she saw them and claimed that horned people could never coexist with humans, that they were born killers. Nyuu was so sure she wasn't like that until she heard of the one called Lucy that lived inside her.]

Zenyatta. [She repeats, giving a nod of her head.] Got it. What does he look like?

No. I returned to when I was a teenager. I was pretty vain and full of myself back then.

[ A short laugh as he adds: ] I probably would have flirted with you if we met. It's something I'm embarrassed about for a lot of reasons. [ Not just the shameless behavior, but his younger self knew a lot of what was going on around him yet played ignorant about it. That's more embarrassing than anything else. ] Is that so? I feel that about my friends, too. It's wonderful that you've come across the same sort of people who will help you along in your journey.

Ah, that is... my master and the monks I lived with... I believe that we're all journeying through life and searching for something that will allow us to feel more in harmony with the world and ourselves. A way to make the world more peaceful for everyone. [ A beat. ] You don't have to do any of that, Nyuu. Sometimes the best thing is to be able to be there for your teammates, right? So, if you are in need, allow me to protect you.

[ Yet again he's offering his services this way, but it feels wrong not to, doesn't it? ] Master ... Master looks like ... the best person. [ He makes a sound in the back of his throat as he decides that he should try again. ] That is that he has nine glowing lights upon his forehead and a very kind and understanding expression. He usually is in monk gear and floating a few feet off of the ground. Ah, yes, and has cylindrical orbs floating about him.

O-Oh. [Excuse her while her cheeks tint pink, but despite that, Nyuu also manages a light laugh.] And I probably would have confused you with my childish behavior and lack of language. [She also would have turned down his advances, because despite her condition at that time, she was quick to develop romantic feelings for Kouta, though she was mostly unaware those feelings stemmed from the short time they spent together in childhood.] I'm glad that you also have people like that in your life. [She really is, even though they've just met.] No one should have to go through life all alone.

[Then she's stunned into a short silence, touched by his words and his offer.] Genji-san... [Her shocked expression soon melts into a tender smile.] Thank you. I wish I could say something similar in return, but I have yet to find my niche with ALASTAIR, so I don't know how I could help you. [A hum.] I will get back to you on that once I do. [She giggles.

As Nyuu listens to the way Genji describes Zenyatta's appearance, her eyes fill with wonder.] Your master sounds amazing both personality-wise and appearance-wise. Did your world have many people that looked different from everyone else? [A beat before she corrects herself.] Ah, from "normal humans," I mean.

Yes, I'm certain that I'd help you, though... once I got that all out of my system. [ He sighs about his past self. But he's happy that he's able to admit this part. At the very least, it seems like she's able to smile and laugh with him. ] Right ... we shouldn't ever forget about the people that helped us to get to where we are now.

[ He makes a soft sound as he notes her surprise. ] That's a bit forward of me, isn't it? [ Genji starts out by saying but he hears the 'thank you' after and gives a small bob of his head to show his own embarrassment. ] That's all right. Just do things at your own pace. That's what is best, isn't it?

[ If one could beam with a faceless visor, he is definitely beaming about her saying such kind things about Zenyatta. ] ... ah... [ Right. ] I'm ... a cyborg. There actually aren't that many cyborgs that are about. But Zenyatta is an omnic. That is that he's a sentient robot. [ A beat. ] Though, calling him a 'robot' ... I don't like that at all... but there are quite a few Omnics. Quite a community of them, actually.

You're right. Plus I was once told that not all the missions are centered around fighting.

[Once again, Nyuu's looking at him with curiosity, but not disgust or fear. Her timeline was set in the early 2000s, when the existence of a population of sentient robots was but a dream. She didn't carry the fear and distrust of 'machines' like many of those in Genji's time did.] I was wondering about your appearance, but I didn't want to sound impudent by asking about it so directly.

'Omnic.' [She tests how the word sounds on her own tongue before smiling softly and nodding.] I also like the sound of that better than 'robot.' Do they get along with the humans? Are they able to walk outside freely?

Not all things must be.

[ Related to fighting, that is. He's glad when there are peaceful missions, too. ] No, I'm honestly surprised -- ah, most would think that this is a costume, too, right? [ Genji laughs in a good-natured kind of way. He doesn't mind it anymore. This is his body and who he is, right? ]

... no. [ A complicated answer, but he doesn't like the idea of anyone having prejudices against his master. Yet -- he presses his lips together beneath the visor. ] There -- there was a war. In fact, it carried on through most of my lifetime. But Master is not part of those that started the war. He ... he came into being far after that time... he joined with the Omnics that wanted to think more on themselves and went to, well, become monks. Not all joined my master... there are quite a few Omnics, really.

The monks, the average civilian, the military... just like people... but they're greatly distrusted due to what happened.

[She's relieved to hear him laugh, because for a moment she was worried that his mood might be dampened from bringing the subject of his altered appearance up.] I thought it was some sort of armor.

[She laughs with Genji until he starts explaining the conflict between humans and Omnics. She can't help but be reminded of her own situation. While the only other horned person she knew besides herself was her friend Nana, their human friends always made it an important point for the two of them to hide their horns whenever they went out the house, fearing that if other people saw them, the word would spread and they'd be taken away to be experimented on. Unfortunately, and unknown to Nyuu, that would certainly be the case as Lucy had been kept in a research facility for three years.]

That's not fair... The humans should not put them all under a single label just because of what happened. Just as there are good and bad humans, there are probably good and bad Omnics, right? [A sad sigh.] But... I have an idea of what it feels like to be looked upon in such a way, because I'm...

[Nyuu reaches up for her hat with both hands, hesitates, then slowly removes it from her head, revealing the two white horns that stuck out from her long, pink hair. She nervously grips her hat by the brim, holding it in front of her chest.]

It does work as an armor, too. [ He pauses to look down at his arm, turning it over to look at it. There is a smile that remains in his voice. ] But this is me. But don't be too worried. It isn't really all that bad. It's quite comfortable. [ A beat. ] It sound more like I am describing armor.

[ A small sigh follows as he lowers his arm. Genji nods that it isn't fair that all the humans are assuming that the Omnics are as dangerous as the ones that started the war. ] Yes, that is right. But it's easier to just assume one is bad than not... Master is doing what he can to have people understand him, and I think that he's doing a wonderful job. [ But he still fears for Zenyatta.

Huh? ]

You're? [ His eyebrows come together as he stares at the two horns. Huh? ] They almost look like -- [ Cat ears? No, that's not right. He steps forward to get a better look at them. ] They're cute, aren't they?

[Nyuu had been holding her breath ever since she removed the hat, shoulders tense and fingers kneading away at the material of the brim. When Genji paused, she'd hung her head, thinking that he would say they looked like a demon's from those stories people would tell their children as cautionary tales. But when Nyuu hears that positive comment, her shoulders slacken in relief as though she'd just dropped a large weight off of them and she brings her head back up, small smile adorning her lips.]

My friends and I would agree with you, but... [There's a pause as some of the brightness in her hazel eyes fades.] some people find my horns monstrous. There aren't many others like me either, at least, not that I'm aware of. The only other horned person I've seen is my younger friend, Nana. Our friends would always remind us to keep our horns hidden whenever we left the house, so that we wouldn't attract unwanted attention from the police, or possibly the government.

Is that so?

[ He could tell that she was waiting for something when she took off the hat. Genji is only glad that he decided to compliment than ask too many questions. A small tilt of his head as he attempts to project the feeling of a smile. ] That is exceptionally strange... you're all ... unique. But I suppose that people seem to not be certain of what to do with what cannot quite fit in. [ Yes, he understands that. He fits in with neither Omnics or humans; not completely. ]

But ... I do not believe you should have any fear of that here. So if you want to show off your horns, I think that people will still accept you.

I've noticed that my horns don't seem to bother anyone here, which makes me glad. I once made a woman shriek in terror after she managed to catch a glimpse of them. [Needless to say it had made Nyuu feel very self-conscious of her appearance. It was also the same woman who claimed that horned people were natural-born killers.]

I've gotten curious glances here, but nothing malignant. To be honest, the way people seem to be so open here has really surprised me. Even though I want to go home eventually, I feel like I don't have to worry about being judged based on my looks alone with ALASTAIR.

I'm sorry that you had such an unfortunate encounter with someone. [ No wonder she was so worried -- no, scared -- to show him her horns. But he lightly shakes his head as he continues: ]

It seems like we're all in this together and so long as we think like that... we've no reason to give anyone more than a curious glance. If we start to doubt one another, we'll never be able to save anyone. [ A beat. ] And that goes for those that we hope to learn from... like you.

[Nyuu smiles warmly at Genji, her mood transitioning from the cloudy gloom into bright sunshine once more. Truly, she's glad that no one seems to fear her just because she looked different from everyone else. The few hours she was able to spend in Oska before being sent to this planet had been agonizing with all the apprehension she held within her heart, so much that she'd still been in a daze for the first half of the train ride. Yet from that very moment, some people already tried to help her feel welcome.]

Yes, we all want to go home someday, but until then we have to keep one another safe. I also hope to learn from yourself and the others who are here.

I do wonder, though, how long have you been with ALASTAIR, Genji-san?

[Nyuu wipes away some sweat that's gathered on her forehead from having her head exposed to the sun, so she places her hat back atop her head, covering her horns once more.]

[ He'd show her what is beneath his visor but he thinks better of it. That's different than being a cyborg. The scars upon his face and how he's missing the bottom half of his jaw -- now replaced with metal. That is more to frighten than to share anything. ]

Not terribly long if I am honest... only a few months...

[ His shoulders lift to show his own bashfulness about it. Perhaps, he is talking too much about the people that are here, but he doesn't mind. ] They've made a good impression on me and so I want to believe in them. Much like you want to believe in them, right?

[ OPEN ]

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Sorry, I ended up having to take a nap!

THAT'S ALL RIGHT. work's been kicking my butt!

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