Cisco Ramon (
franciscoramon) wrote in
riverviewlogs2017-08-10 08:17 am
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Entry tags:
- marvel (616): teddy altman,
- marvel (mcu): sam wilson,
- marvel (mcu): tony stark,
- the adventure zone: taako taaco,
- ✖ dc comics (rebirth): jonathan kent,
- ✖ dctv (flash): cisco ramon,
- ✖ dctv (flash): eddie thawne,
- ✖ doctor who: bill potts,
- ✖ marvel (616): angela,
- ✖ marvel (mcu): margaret 'peggy' carter,
- ✖ the adventure zone: lucretia,
- ✖ the adventure zone: lup taaco,
- ✖ the adventure zone: magnus burnsides,
- ✖ yuri on ice: yuri plisetsky
[open] cancel your reservations
who: cisco + anyone!
what: catch-all, amnesia event
when: august
where: anywhere; if you want a starter, please hit me up!
warnings: discussion of murder, use of alcohol to cope, will add more as needed
i. pre-amnesia (august 5-10)
ii. amnesia (august 12-19)
iii. post-amnesia (august 20-31)
iv. misc
what: catch-all, amnesia event
when: august
where: anywhere; if you want a starter, please hit me up!
warnings: discussion of murder, use of alcohol to cope, will add more as needed
i. pre-amnesia (august 5-10)
[ Cisco knows that he is probably opening himself up to a world of headaches and unnecessary trouble, but there have been plenty of new arrivals, and more and more he is noticing that people who show up from non-technologically advanced worlds simply have no support system to really teach them all the cool things they can do even with their phones, not to mention other machines and devices. So, one day when there's a lull between projects for the RPD and other emergency services, he goes to a print shop and has flyers made:
TECHNOLOGICAL CULTURE SHOCK??? NEED LESSONS ON HOW TO USE YOUR PHONE, LAPTOP, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC GADGET??? STOP BY THE ADDRESS BELOW FOR A FREE INFORMAL LESSON!!!
Normally it's the kind of announcement he would make over the network, but what if someone is really struggling and can't even get on there? No, flyers seem like the way to go for this crowd. Cisco adds some fine print at the bottom, below the address for his workshop, but all it says is:
*NO HIDDEN AGENDA JUST A HELPFUL DUDE WANTING TO SHARE THE WONDERS OF TECHNOLOGY, LESSONS ARE FREE BUT TRIBUTE PAID IN CANDY IS ALWAYS ACCEPTED]
ii. amnesia (august 12-19)
[ The changes in Cisco are not, at first, as obvious as they may be in other people. He remembers Riverview, and everyone he has met here, and all the details of his life in this place. He remembers his name, all the movies and video games that he loves, all the technical skills and scientific know-how necessary for his job. He even remembers most stuff about his own past - that he worked at S.T.A.R. Labs, that he's a member of Team Flash and friend to Barry Allen. That he is a metahuman, with various abilities tied to manipulating multidimensional energy.
The only thing that has been carved away from his memory is, in fact, Eobard Thawne. Cisco doesn't remember his mentor's betrayal, or being murdered, or the circumstances that surrounded him discovering his powers. All of the shame and dread he's been carrying about his powers, because of Eobard and the things he'd said and done, has just vanished. In addition, Cisco's trauma over that whole experience is, for the moment, covered over. To anyone who knows him even a little he will seem inexplicably younger. Quicker to smile and laugh, volumes more trusting, and also a lot more inclined to talk about some guy named Dr. Wells in a positive, even devoted manner.
Cisco will spend this week doing what he usually does - working at his workshop (still offering those lessons), trying out new restaurants, shopping for graphic tees and games and movies, exploring the safe parts of the city a little - but with an extra spring in his step. If you've wanted your character to find out about him being a metahuman, now would be a good time for it! ]
iii. post-amnesia (august 20-31)
[ The not-remembering? Had been good. But when that's done, and all of Cisco's memories are restored to him, the transition is... rough. Putting it mildly. Back when all of it had happened, there had been so much going on - one life-or-death situation after the other - that he hadn't had time to linger too much on how he was changing, being shaped into an older, sadder, more broken version of himself.
Now, though, there is no big crisis, no distraction to divert his attention. One minute he is the old, sunny Cisco - the one he still thinks of as the person he was supposed to be - and the next, it all comes rushing back. The contrast is stark, and it's kind of fucking him up a little. Or, rather, a lot.
He goes back to having nightmares almost as often as he did in those first weeks after his death, which means he isn't getting a whole lot of sleep, and it shows in the dark circles under his eyes. Cisco withdraws somewhat - not enough to worry that he's abandoning anyone, but he takes longer to answer texts, doesn't reach out to people first, doesn't go out and about in the evenings. He is quieter, with considerably more strain behind his smiles. He throws himself into his work, staying in his workshop long hours, sometimes falling asleep there, for a few fitful hours. When he can't work any more, he spends a little more time than he should in some nearby bars, drinking a little more than he ought to, trying not to think about the person he is now compared to the person he was the week before. ]
iv. misc
[ Come plot something! ]
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Despite Magnus's rather enthusiastic approach, the kitten does not seem to mind. He is still small enough that is balance is a little wobbly, and Magnus knocks him off his feet for a moment, but he's quick to get back to them, mewling in his very tiny voice. ]
He might try to-
[ Before Cisco has even finished the sentence, Shadow makes his way to Magnus' legs and starts attempting to scale his pants, hooking his claws into the fabric and rather awkwardly attempting to scramble up. ]
-yep, there he goes.
[ Cisco stands back, smiling and shaking his head. He had warned Magnus about this, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. ]
So how's, um, how are you settling in? I remember my first few weeks here were like, super weird and confusing...
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It is super weird. But I'm good! I'm making friends... Even if some of them claim to have an extensive history with me and I don't know whether or not I should believe them, at least they seem nice.
[Alas, he has to get to work, so he sets Shadow down on the floor.]
Did you have any thoughts about this bookshelf before I start, or should I just wing it?
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[ Cisco's room is on the second floor, in what is, technically speaking, the attic. When Eddie had said he could stay in the attic, Cisco had been picturing something low-ceilinged, unfinished, dusty and dim. But it's actually a cute space, much bigger than he feels like he needs. There's a bed and desk, and a long couch, but no shelves to speak of. Cisco motions with his hand, indicating an arc along the blank wall and saying. ]
So I was actually hoping maybe shelves from the floor to ceiling here, and then just a couple of high ones across, and then coming back down to the desk over here? That should be plenty, even for my nerdy needs.
[ That's it. He's doing good. Just keep talking about bookshelves. Definitely don't blurt anything about- ]
You're talking about Taako and them, right? I... didn't wanna make it weird, but now I've gotten to the point where I feel like not mentioning he and I are friends would be even weirder. He and I aren't from the same world or anything, and uh- you and me have never met before. But even though I know it's not my business... I trust Taako. Just... for what it's worth. And I. Don't... trust people. Much.
[ Well this went from zero to awkward real quick. Good job, Cisco. ]
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Yeah, that's who I'm talking about. I mean, he seems, y'know, nice. I think I trust him.
[He's being totally genuine here. His tone kind of acknowledges that in the back of his mind, he knows Taako could be lying, but he's more or less decided to give Taako the benefit of the doubt.]
Plus, you just put in a good word for him, so he's totally cool in my book.
[He shoots a smile at Cisco, then turns his attention to the general bookshelf area and starts measuring.]
I like this bookshelf concept! I might have to make one for myself. There's not a lot of space for personal stuff in communal housing.
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He takes a few steps back to let Magnus do his thing with the measuring, perching on the side of his bed so he's out of the way. ]
Yeah, no kidding. That place is... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's awesome they just give us a place to sleep when we first show up here, but the whole communal thing isn't my jam. I'm really glad I'm here, now. Less hectic.
[ God, he sounds like an old man, doesn't he? ]
So you get a chance to explore the city, yet? I think I spent the first week just getting completely lost every time I went out the door.
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I actually kinda like communal housing! I'm super extroverted, so it's nice being around people. But I know it's not for everybody.
[When he's done, he jots down some measurements in a notepad, then turns back to Cisco.]
I've been to the beach, but nowhere else, really. I've heard rumors about an animal shelter where I can play with as many dogs as I want to, but I haven't made it around there yet...
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[ And now he probably sounds like a complete basket case, but... he kind of is, and he'd rather seem like that than a snob. ]
I can show you where the animal shelter is. I had to take Shadow there after he followed me home, get him his shots and make sure he was healthy.
[ It's not just about helping Magnus to settle in, either - Cisco wants to befriend the guy, and he's used to thinking that the best way to make friends with someone is to help them in some way. After he teaches Magnus a little about how to use his phone, it'll be good to have something else he can do, to take that next step, and keep being useful. ]
There's lots of other great places, too. We could go to the zoo, if you'd like. But you're not allowed to play with the animals there.
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So I guess it's good for you, having your own space, huh? That's good!
[Not super tactful, but very genuine. He hopes it comes across.]
Hey, anywhere that I can see animals is a good time for me! Does the zoo have bears? ...Are bears a thing? I still don't really know what animals exist in this universe.
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[ Cisco will take genuine over tactful any day of the week. In his experience, tactful people are usually the ones who have gotten that way because they had so much practice concealing the incriminating truth. Dante had always been tactful - that was part of why everyone always let him get away with so much. Oliver Queen was the height of tact, after he came back from Lian Yu. And of course, most damning, Dr. Wells. Always so good at charming people, saying just the right things at just the right time. ]
The zoo does have a few species of bears. No pandas, but I think there are a few grizzlies and some black bears. Maybe some other kinds, I don't really remember. I don't think any of them are native, but they've got animals from all sorts of different universes in there. Probably stuff you've never even heard of.
[ Cisco smiles, standing up once more from his bed and offering: ] If you... wanted to go today, I can show you some tricks on your phone while we're there? Two birds, one stone?
[ He'd originally suggested the zoo as a possibility for another day, an excuse to see Magnus again in the future. But he had just seemed so excited, now, and it's contagious - Cisco doesn't want to wait, either. ]
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[ Magnus is actually very excited at the possibility of going to the zoo sooner rather than later! And, also, to hang out with Cisco. The enthusiasm is catching. ]
I'd love to! I haven't had a good bear sighting since I've been here and it's a cryin' shame, honestly. And I think I need to learn more about this place and its animals, anyway.
[ Suddenly, his eyes light up at a thought that pops into his head. ] I bet this place has super cool bears that I haven't seen before! Oh my gosh, we gotta go like, right now.
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[ It wasn't like the process of soundproofing his room was beyond Cisco's capabilities, but he had been somewhat dreading it. The work would be mildly strenuous, physically, but un-engaging intellectually, which has never been his strong suit. And even if he took measures to entertain or distract himself while he did it, it would be hard not to spend the entire time dwelling on why it was necessary, and thinking too much about his life and all the events that had led him here, and wondering whether he was always going to be so messed up in the head that he had to do shit like soundproof his room so other people didn't get sick of him.
So he'd been putting it off, and is more than happy to pass the job off to someone else, who could do this relatively simple thing without all that unpleasantness. ]
Then let's go right now. YOLO, right? Well, I mean, not-
[ Cisco catches himself just in time, before he says well, not you of course. That would have been Bad. Cisco had explained to Magnus, in one of their few text conversations, what 'yolo' meant, and Magnus might not remember the loops aboard the Starblaster, but he's bound to remember a conversation from a few days ago. Cisco's been doing well up until now, not even letting any tiny hints slip about Magnus's life. Revealing the fact that Magnus has died a bunch would definitely be not a tiny slip, but a massive fuck up.
He course corrects, somewhat awkwardly: ]
-not....... uh, cats! Nine lives and all that.
[ It's not the world's greatest recovery, but it could've been worse. Cisco scoops up a jacket from his closet and then says: ]
Let's roll, dude.
[ And together the two of them are making their way out into the street; Cisco locks up and leads the way in the direction of the zoo, which is only a mile or so away. ]
Don't get me wrong, I think bears are pretty dope, but I'm kinda glad your bear sighting counter is at zero, 'cause if it wasn't that would mean there were random bears wandering around the city and I'm not really looking to get mauled when I'm just walking down the street for an ice cream.
[ Cisco's run into a monster, on the other side of the wall, and some pretty mean carnivorous plants near the wall that had gotten over it, but for the most part the city has been safe, and he'd like it to stay that way, thanks. ]
Are there any animals you don't like?
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Yeah, totally! ... I have no clue how expensive the setup would be to make the room completely soundproof, but we could at least get some dampeners in here. I can talk to the higher-ups at work and see what we have in stock if you want me to.
[He follows Cisco out into the town and laughs at his quip about bears.] I mean, you think the streets are safe. But you gotta be prepared for an attack at any time, dude.
Uh... [He considers the question: does Magnus actually dislike any animals?] ...Nope! No, animals are all good in my book. I mean some of them are conjured up by like... by conjuration magic, but those aren't real animals, you know what I mean?
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[ It's a good feeling, making Magnus laugh. Magnus has a good laugh, loud and boisterous, and it feels like they are one step closer to being friends. Cisco learned a long time ago that the best way to make people like him was to make them laugh. He's gotten pretty good at it over the years, too. So when Magnus says what he does about expecting attacks, Cisco's response is as lighthearted as he can think to make it. ]
Wow, Magnus - dark much? Way to make me even more paranoid than I already am.
[ And he halts in place, gripping Magnus's arm before they reach a corner and making a big show of leaning forward and peering out, as if he's looking for an attacker hidden just around the bend. He doesn't see one, obviously, and grins at his own antics as he resumes walking. ]
I've only met one conjured animal, and he was pretty nice if you ask me. We haven't got magic where I come from, so...
[ And Cisco gives a shrug. ]
Seriously, though? You're good with, like, mosquitos? Gorillas? Bees?!
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That's exactly what I mean! You learn fast, buddy.
[However, when Cisco brings up his list of unsavory animals... Magnus's face goes stony.]
Mosquitos aren't animals.
[He's joking.
Maybe.
...He laughs again so Cisco knows it's a joke.]
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So I feel like I kinda got an unfair advantage.
[ Cisco, in fact, knows that he does, and to a far greater degree than he is going to tell Magnus. But that's not what he's talking about, right now. It's related - because that feeling of inequality between them is the one thing that is keeping Cisco from unreservedly enjoying himself, without worry. He wants to even the odds, at least a little bit, if he can. Without revealing any of anyone's secrets, that is. ]
I'm friends with Taako, so I know all about the world you come from. Dwarves, elves, magic, Neverwinter, all of that good stuff. But you don't know a whole lot about Earth, right?
[ Not unless he's been speaking to Eddie, or someone from a version of Earth that is very similar to Cisco's. As the two of them stroll together, Cisco sticks his hands in his pockets, shrugs a little, and offers: ]
I guess I'm just saying - if you've got any questions, you can just ask. I promise it won't be weird. You get used to answering some pretty odd stuff, once you've lived here long enough.
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No worries, man. You can make it up to me by telling me about this Earth thing.
Wait—you guys don't have dwarves and elves? Or magic?
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No gnomes or uh- dragon-born or orcs or any of them, either. Just humans, and animals. And not talking animals or whatever, just... regular ones.
[ Regular by his own standards, anyway. Cisco tries to be sensitive with his language, remember that Earth isn't the default for a lot of people here, but it can be difficult. ]
There are a few people with special abilities, but it's not the same as magic, where anybody can learn. Just... a group of folks who got changed when a particle accelerator exploded.
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[He's nodding along as if he's taking mental notes, as if this Earth is a college course he's taking.]
You'll have to explain to me what a particle accelerator is.
[Soon enough, they come upon the front gate to the zoo, and this is much more interesting to him than science could ever be.]
... Later. First we gotta see the bears!
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[ As for the particle accelerator, Cisco had already assumed he would need to explain, sooner or later - though it had always been possible that Magnus would pull a Taako and dismiss it as a random science thing without ever asking for or desiring an explanation. Either way, he's ready. He'd gotten plenty of practice explaining what a particle accelerator was to all kinds of different audiences, back when they'd been designing and building the damn thing, not to mention after it exploded.
But that can wait, because he gets swept up in a wave of Magnus's enthusiasm. He scoops up a little paper map of the zoo, unfolding it and looking around for... ]
Ah ha! There, see. We gotta head in... that direction, they're near the back of the zoo.
[ And together the two of them set off, in the direction of the enclosures where the zoos bears are kept. It's a nice day, and the zoo is more crowded than Cisco has ever seen it; they make their way around little groups of people, past the aviary, the otters, the building that holds the nocturnal animals, the giant structures being climbed over by dozens of nimble monkeys. ]
Nearly there, I think, you see them?
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Oh—Right, right. The bears, totally.
[He catches up with Cisco and looks ahead. His face lights up when he sees the bears.]
Oh, boy, do I!
[He makes a run for them, but not so fast that he's leaving Cisco behind. A jog. When he reaches the grizzly bear enclosure, he leans into the fence excitedly.]
Yup, these are just about like the bears I have at home. [He's not disappointed to see that they're similar—rather, he's just happy to be lookin' at some bears.]
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Okay, but now I gotta know, have you, like, ever actually fought a-
[ It's completely stupid, how it happens. Cisco is so delighted by the fine weather and the good company and the fun of it all, that he is thoughtless. The section of fence that they are standing near, which keeps zoo guests from falling down into the sunken habitat for the bears, had been damaged by all that acid rain. Evidently, it had just been lower on the priority list for repairs than some other places in the city.
Still, the bars are just rusted enough, at just enough critical junctures, that when Cisco leans his full weight against them, reaching through to point at one of the bears, the whole thing gives a shuddery groan and before he has time to do anything but yelp in surprise, three bars come completely detached and he is falling, falling much further than he had thought.
From that point it's all instinct; he manages to land not that badly, along his side, and gets an arm up over his head before one of those iron bars hits him. As is, it's going to leave a hell of a bruise on his forearm, and there will be some along his ribs from where he'd landed. But he doesn't have a whole lot of time to be grateful, because while gravity didn't mess him up too badly, he is now... in a zoo enclosure. With actual, real live grizzlies. Who are probably not all that happy about having an intruder. ]
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Shit! Cisco, you okay?
[Frantically, he looks around for an employee or something of that nature.] Don't worry, I'll find someone who... [...but looking for more than 5 seconds becomes too long a wait, and Magnus rolls his eyes. Asking for help is useless.]
Screw it. Look out below!
[...And he starts scaling the wall until he's at a safe enough distance to jump down to Cisco, then extends a hand to help him back to his feet.]
You okay, buddy?
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The fence, it... it just-
[ Cisco looks up at Magnus, eyes round with shock. But it starts to sink in, then. What has happened, and the whole situation they find themselves in. And now is exactly when he would start to seriously panic, if he was on his own down here. But since Magnus is there, instead of ]
I'm... fine, but- what are you doing?!
[ Cisco has known some pretty stupid heroic types, but jumping after him into a bear enclosure, when there are grizzlies right there and no way to get out? That's a whole new level. Still, though, his voice is more gratitude than incredulity. Cisco sticks closely to Magnus's side, eyes darting around looking for a way out. ]
There's gotta be some kind of door, right? For the zookeepers? But it's probably locked. Do you think we could climb...?
[ His voice trails off skeptically, looking at how high up that broken bit of fence is; might as well be on a different moon. ]
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[He places his hands on Cisco's shoulders to steady him. And also because it makes him feel cool.]
We're gonna get out of this.
[He gives Cisco a smile in reassurance. ... And then when he realizes he has no clue what he's doing, his smile kind of wavers. Only kind of, though. He glances around the cage in search of an exit, paying no mind to the bears.
Like, whatever, there are bears there. Oh well.He then turns around to take another look at the broken fence.]Do you think you could reach the ledge if I give you a boost?
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Yeah, but then what about you?
[ Cisco realizes a moment after he asks that Magnus wasn't even thinking about himself, or that he had just decided getting Cisco out first was the priority. His jaw sets as he says, in a voice that is more stern than is usual for him: ]
I'm not gonna leave you in here. If that's what you were thinking, you can forget it right now. Don't even argue with me on this, 'cause it ain't gonna work. Maybe... maybe we can make some kind of makeshift grappling hook?
[ It's pretty typical, that Cisco's first thought is to fashion some kind of tool. And his brain is kicking into overdrive, because one of the grizzlies has gotten to its feet, still staring at them. He doesn't know bear body language, but he doesn't think it looks super hospitable and friendly. Quickly, before he can think much of it, Cisco starts tugging off his shirts; fortunately, he gets cold easy, so he has one long-sleeve one and a long sleeve flannel underneath. He starts tying the ends of the sleeves together, too freaked out that the's gonna get eaten by a bear to be modest. He elbows Magnus, saying: ]
Shirt.
[ While he's waiting for Magnus to hand it over he feels around on the ground, finds a rock that is fairly large and heavy. He ties the end of one sleeve, drops the big stone in through the neck of that shirt, and then ties the sleeve again on the other side of the rock, trapping it there and weighing the whole thing down. If they could throw it, get it to hook or wrap around some of the non-rusted portion of the fence... but it isn't long enough, yet. ]
Pants, too. Needs to be longer.
[ Cisco has really committed to this idea, and he doesn't have time to hesitate, now. He hauls off his shoes and absolutely chucks them with all his strength out of the bear enclosure, and then quickly strips off his own jeans, tying them to the end of the makeshift rope. Which also means he's standing there in his boxers and socks, with a guy he barely knows, in a bear enclosure, in the middle of the zoo.
Just great. ]
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yeah i just failed SEVERAL rolls
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