( open ) may/june catch all

[flowlikewater]

who: genji and others
what: tdm prompts/catch all starters
when: end of may/beginning of june
where: all around the quarantine
warnings: none yet! will mark for them if needed

i — death from above
[ Genji had done his fair share of battling Omnics that took to the air before, but this was a bit ridiculous. It was almost like something out of a movie except it was very real and very much of a concern, and very much not something to be particularly amazed or awed about.

He takes the Perimeter Guard detail gladly and carries around a few extra umbrellas strapped to his back to hand out to those who need it. And any beast that tries to make a meal out of a citizen will be met with a swift strike indeed. If you're in the Perimeter Guard, feel free to chat him up about it, or if you need a cyborg ninja dude to help you out he will be there. ]

ii — homesick bazaar
[ Now Genji doesn't eat that much but he still indulges. Not eating was, honestly, incredibly dull. So when this bazaar shows up he figures he might as well peruse and see what's available, maybe bring something back to share. His helmet filters the air so he's left it behind for once; his tongue is entirely synthetic now and the artificial taste buds leave something to be desired, so his sense of smell is really all he has going for him in that department.

But it's that sense that makes him pause abruptly as a certain scent hits his nose, causing waves of nostalgia to roll over him. It's like he's there again, a young man, waiting impatiently in a line for a bowl of ramen. He whirls around and sees a familiar noodle eating alien creature at one of the stalls and—

Genji can't help a little laugh, putting his hand to his forehead and shaking his head. This ridiculous place, making him remember all of these things. He should go find his brother, he would hopefully get a kick out of this.

But first. He approaches the booth and anybody who is standing near it, or in line. ] I can vouch that this is quite good.

iii — where in the world is genji shimada?
[ It has been established that Genji likes to meditate, and he's needed to meditate quite a lot since coming here. He's found he enjoys the side of the river, so if you're walking on by you may come across him. Most people seem to think he's some kind of statue or sedentary robot at first glance, which is quite amusing. But he's started to leave the helmet at home, so that mistake is probably harder to make now.

If you know him, feel free to say hi. But there are other spots around the quarantine he could be! Feel free to message me for a starter/thread. ]

Comments

i

[howlongiwonder]

[Here's a citizen without an umbrella. But the woman wearing black is there on purpose, stationed by the Guard on a tall building's roof specifically to bait more aggressive monsters before they can attack someone really defenseless.

Defenseless, she is not. As soon as one of the floaters swoops down, she leaps up to meet it - sword in hand, she strikes. A rising slash causes a spray of blood from the creature's neck.]

If this is how it's going to be... I see.

[She lands, one monster defeated - but it's far from the only one, the others are screeching and circling in mid air around her. Perhaps some assistance would be appreciated!]

[flowlikewater]

Impressive! [ Genji had scaled the building to see if anyone was in need of assistance, only to see that great display of swordsmanship. He has his wakizashi drawn and he's smiling behind his visor. ] Shall we fight together, friend?

[ With that, he leaps into the air with a streak of green and slashes at an oncoming beast with trained efficiency. ]

[howlongiwonder]

Acknowledged! Let's do it.

[She won't say no to sudden reinforcements, especially when those reinforcements are so capable - with the beasts losing another one, they try to scatter! A few still feel like fighting, but 2B follows up on Genji's attack. She too is capable of performing superhumanly high jumps, despite looking (for the most part) normal.]

Ha-aaah!

[She lunges towards another creature, stabbing it from above twice and then kicking off. Long story short, the rest of the flock has enough of this and flees. Hopefully forever.]

That should do it for now, I think.

[Just the two of them left, and a few monster corpses.]

[flowlikewater]

[ He lands on the roof gracefully just in time to see his newfound ally finish off the beast. Genji flicks the blood and gore off his blade and sheaths it as he watches the corpse fall to the ground with a wet thud. He is glad that the rest of them scatter.

He crosses his arms and looks to her with a nod. ] Indeed, well done. You are quite skilled.

[howlongiwonder]

I'm just doing what I can. It's the reason I am here in the first place.

[She really means it, being an android built for combat and all. Not that it's immediately visible - though something different is.]

That was an exceptional performance just now. I have a question to ask. If you don't mind.

[There are no hostiles in the immediate area, so she might as well address it now.]

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji gives a steady now. ] That is why I agreed to assist as well. There is no point in not doing something if I am able.

[ That, and making up for all the times he didn't do anything in his youth. Or was the cause of it. But, that is a discussion for a different time. ] I do not mind at all, please ask me anything you wish.

[howlongiwonder]

Alright.

[She can agree with the sentiment, that for sure.]

Does your armor enhance your abilities?

Assuming it is armor that is.

[It does look a little similar to a design 2B knows.]

ii.

[leatherdaddy]

[ Gladiolus stands in front of him in line, apparently not ready to decide whether or not he's sold on this bowl of ramen. He shifts his weight from leg to leg, scrubbing his beard, leaning his head this way or that. This ridiculously photogenic dude is holding up the line, but apparently that unsolicited advice is just what he needed. Almost.

He turns, facing the heavily armored guy - or so he assumes - behind him. ]

Really? ...We talkin' Cup Noodle good?

[flowlikewater]

[ Well aren't you a strapping young man? Genji's simultaneously reminded of Blackwatch rookies and the muscle the clan would 'hire.' (He definitely, at some point, had a bit of an entourage himself. Oh his misspent, horrible youth.)

But at the mention of Cup Noodle, of all things, Genji gives a bit of a sneer that definitely makes him look like the arrogant man he used to be. He scoffs. ] Much better than that, believe me.

[ But the look fades as quickly as it comes and he shakes his head with a bit of a chuckle. ] This place is from my world, so I admit to being a touch biased.

[leatherdaddy]

[ Gladio looks every bit like a thug, complete with a full back tattoo that stretches out over his 'sleeves' and scars. His shoulders visibly sag as he hears the derisive sound escape the man. He clicks his tongue, clearly disagreeing. Cup Noodle is the best, it's convenient and delicious! ]

When it comes to instant noodles, Cup Noodle is where it's at. [ Hands on hips, he returns his attention to the steaming bowls of ramen and thinks they're definitely... different. They look like something you'd get in a restaurant. ]

...I guess this is on a different level though - sure, I'll take whatever this guy's having. [ Finally, he... sorta makes a choice, enough at least to keep the line moving. He drops a hand from his hip and points at Genji. ] I'm countin' on you. Don't pick something that sucks, okay?

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji will freely admit the tattoo is pretty damn impressive; and coming from a former yakuza heir with a full back tattoo of a dragon, that's saying something. (Pity it can't really be seen anymore.)

That gets a snicker out of him. ] When it comes to instant noodles, I will grant you that. But I still would rather eat military rations.

[ Genji gives the young man an amused look and a snort. ] I have wonderful taste, I will have you know. You have nothing to worry about. [ He turns to the person running the booth and asks for two tonkotsu ramen bowls. Genji gestures for his newfound noodle eating friend to take one of them. ] Shall we? I must hear your opinion.

..........I'm sorry for the food porn

[leatherdaddy]

Rations? Ugh.

[ That sounds horrible. Even Gladio would rather find a monster and roast it over a fire on cut branches before he touched that stuff. Despite being a survival instructor, he's not the type who stocks up on MREs. They're nasty. ]

Cup Noodles are convenient when you just gotta satisfy a craving, you know? Besides... not everyone can sit down to a hot bowl of soup like this when they're out past the perimeter.

[ Gladio digs out his device to pay, but when the vendor shakes his head at him he returns it to his pocket. Weird, this stuff is free? All of it? Picking up his bowl, he stares at the creamy broth, noting the mottled surface of floating, rendered fat adding a delicious richness in the steam that wafts up to his face. He flinches back, stunned at the strong aroma of garlic, onion and pork - it's so good that his mouth instantly waters, causing him to swallow audibly. Gladio flashes an uncertain smile at the armored man, as he makes his way toward a free table. ]

Don't think I've had this before... smells good, at least.

gladio and ramen sitting in a tree!!

[flowlikewater]

Of course. There is an appropriate time and place for everything. [ And MREs work great when you don't really have much of a sense of taste. He was far... more troubled when he was out in the field regularly, so he didn't much care what he ate to get energy.

Genji picks up his own bowl with one hand and follows after him towards an empty spot. The smell is definitely the same as he remembers, from what seems like another lifetime ago, and a nostalgic little smile pulls at his face. He will definitely need to bring his brother.

He hears him swallow and looks up to meet his uncertain smile, which makes Genji huff a little laugh. ] Doesn't it? This place was across the road from where I grew up, I would eat there at least once a week. [ Sometimes more... come to think of it, he hardly ever even paid. Oh, to grow up a criminal.

Genji puts the bowl down on the table when they approach it, sliding easily onto the bench. ] I just realized we are sharing a meal and have not even introduced ourselves.

S-L-U-R-P-I-N-G

[leatherdaddy]

Ah... yeah, you're right. Sorry, guess I can't really help myself when it comes to this stuff.

[ Reaching over the table toward this heavily armored ramen aficionado, Gladio offers to shake hands. ]

Gladious Amicitia. [ He lifts a chin toward what he assumes is his outfit, some kind of power suit? In any case, he's learned not to assume everything like that is Imperial in nature. ] That's a lot of protection. You in the 'Guard? Police?

ii

[blaze_it]

Thank you; I was uncertain about the quality of this particular stand.

[Genos stared at his bowl with mild curiosity and then regarded the cyborg who had just entered. The full face-mask was not all that curious, but the rest of his form was. He had clearly been built for speed which was, by in large, and unusual feature on a cyborg.]

I am more accustomed to Udon, honestly. Though neither are native to my home city.

[If the man knew this variety of cuisine well, it would behoove him to make friends. If Sensei ever arrived, Genos would like to be prepared with a comprehensive list of available food stands within Saitama's discerning price range.]

So you recommend any particular flavor? I am making a list; such information would be invaluable.

[Genos lifted his chopsticks in one hand and a menu in the other, gesturing at one hand with the other, and then his bowl. He was deeply interested in the food but, given the composition of his form, was less interested in eating it than most.]

I am asking for a friend.

[He clarified, unnecessarily.]

[flowlikewater]

[ Goodness, you're chatty! But Genji isn't irritated by it, he just gives the young man an easy smile as he speaks. He notices the black sclera of his eyes, which then leads to him noticing the metal of his arms— interesting. Was he a cyborg? Admittedly Genji hadn't seen many others like him outside of Overwatch or the military proper, as civilian life was a struggle.

He nods and gestures to an item on the menu in his hand. ] I always enjoyed the tonkotsu ramen when I would eat here. Over ten years ago, but I doubt it has changed much. [ Genji raises a brow. ] For your friend. Are you not interested in eating...?

[ Sort of an intentional leading question. Are you able to eat, is really what he means. ]

[blaze_it]

[Chatty is definitely a word for it, yes.

Genos regards the menu and considers both his suggestion and, alongside it, the price of the item. It is above Saitama's preferred range, but if it is superior to the others, then it is worthy of note.]

I am interested in eating, but I am not especially discerning. The calories are only a supplemental fuel for my system.

[He sets his menu down and, with all the grace and conversational ease of a Mac truck hitting a brick wall, introduces himself.]

I am Genos. To date, I know no one in this city. If you also ingest food, and know of local stands of quality, I would appreciate assistance as well as casual companionship.

[Had that been any less awkward, and Genos's face any less severe, it might've been possible to mistake it for flirting. As is, Genos had never been good at making friends or small talk and attempting to do both at once is a skill he...needs to work on.]

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji nods to that. ] Food is much the same for me.

[ And then at this young man's bluntness, Genji is genuinely taken aback for a moment. A rare thing to do but generally people weren't always so... blunt. He's used to people being at least slightly confused and tentative around him. But he does seem to be a fellow cyborg, so—

Genji blinks slowly then gives a half little smile. ] It is nice to meet you, Genos, I am Genji. And I would be happy to show you some good places around here. Are you new, then?

[ Even if it was flirting, it wouldn't be the worst Genji's ever heard. (Genos is too young for it to even cross his mind away.) ]

[blaze_it]

[Genji--a good name, a bit archaic but, frankly, who was Genos to judge when it came to names.]

I am, for a given value of new.

[Genos settles his hands on the table and considers the man beside him.]

Are you no longer new? Has your stay here been considerable?

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji's a bit of an anachronism at times, but he welcomes it. And Genos wasn't a name he had ever heard of himself, but he doesn't think much of it. ] I have only been here about a month and a half myself. However it doesn't seem like anyone has been here for a great length of time, it is hard to tell.

i

[hellshot]

[Be him the last person who would need or ask for an umbrella--it's not like the water is bothering him, and his hood keeps out enough of the water to even care.

It's the image of the ninja running about with extra umbrellas on his back what catches the wraith off-guard, and while he's been making a habit of avoiding the Shimadas (for good reasons), he really has to ask.]

Plan on fighting monsters with those? [He knows full well that the cyborg isn't, but...]

[flowlikewater]

[ That gravelly rasp makes him stop short; so different yet so similar, echos of the man he was buried under so much. Genji stands up straight and turns to him, hands clenched into fists at his side.

He hasn't seen him or wanted to see him since— all of that. Genji takes a steadying breath before he answers his former commander. ] They are to help people, something you have clearly forgotten how to do.

[hellshot]

I haven't forgotten. [He lets out a low sneer, his eyes following the other from under the dark hollows of his mask.]

I never did forget.

But it's not the responsibility of the dead to help the living.

Especially not when all i got for helping others was a target between my eyes.

[flowlikewater]

I never thought we did anything in Blackwatch just for the recognition. [ He clenches and unfurls a fist slowly, to ease his sudden spike in blood pressure. He definitely doesn't need his internal sensors going wild just because of his frustration.

...frustration at? Frustration that Reyes now seems a reflection of the troubled young man he used to be, under his command? ] And the dead cannot talk back, and yet here you are.

[hellshot]

And yet, we did get recognised. Too much, by people who wanted us forcibly erased. Remember?

[How Blackwatch was suspended, shut down--how everyone in his sect were treated like criminals--McCree had left when Overwatch had split down the middle, and then...]

The dead talks plenty, if you have the ears to listen.