abheirrant | ❧ i n b o x

[The words are recited as if it's some sort of spiritual mantra, a tone that he recognizes from his time in the monastery. There's even some familiarity there, the waking eye, we are all one beneath the iris - maybe they have some similar beliefs.]

Precisely. But I know it is hard to do so, to apply such things to yourself when they seem better suited to others.

All we can do is continue to try - maybe eventually there will be acceptance. And then redemption, and that is all we can ask for.

I suppose it is all we can ask for. I was given neither acceptance, nor redemption in life, but... perhaps that is because I sought it from others rather than myself.

[And frankly, he thinks he has a better chance getting his aloof goddess' attention than finding forgiveness for his failings within his own embittered heart; however, it's clear he will never find solace if he doesn't search at all. Would he have done better to have accepted his affliction sooner, living life to the fullest rather than in constant fear of himself? Would he have been less remorseful about what happened to his family if he'd allowed himself to grieve rather than blaming himself for being cursed? Would he have had any lingering regrets at all upon his death, enough to animate him as a Revenant?

He does not know; he cannot know. He must accept that those are questions to which he will never know the answers rather than allowing himself to become mired in the doubts of what-ifs. That's the most challenging task of all, and one he's not sure he's up for.

But he will try. He must.]

What started as simply laundry day has given me much to consider. Much to reflect upon.

The simplest tasks are often the most important.

[He smiles softly as he dries off his hands and starts sliding the armor back down over his arm.]

My Master used to say that often, and I never truly understood. I suppose hearing it and experiencing it are different.

I hope one day I shall be able to tell him I finally get it.

[Carlisle does his best not to stare, but he can't help his interest in how the armor slides down over Genji's arm, the plates fitting together so perfectly.]

Let us hope you are taken back to him, and that he is not brought here.

[It took a long time to get to this, his previous armor came off in chunks and it took him forever to get into and out of it.]

He would probably enjoy this, he likes adventures and new experiences. Meeting new people.

[Genji can actually picture Zenyatta floating around exclaiming: How wonderful! at basically everything here.]

I, however; would rather it be as you hope.

Do you live with him? Your master.

[Tell him all about your home, Genji. Anything to take his mind off himself for a minute.]

I did for a time. He lived in Nepal high up in a temple in the mountains.

There is still a room for me should I desire to return.

[With his worldly possessions: some clothes, a photo, the sword his brother used to cut him to pieces...]

It was so peaceful there. Tranquil. The first time I truly felt as though I was myself and not a hybrid of two disparate things.

A temple? Like a church, then?

[He recalls that Genji did say his master was a monk of some sort, a follower of a god he doesn't recognize. He wonders what kinds of gods the other worlds have, and if they are as aloof as his own.]

Yes. A monastery.

[He's almost about to explain the whole: omnics contemplating their existance thing - when he remembers who he's talking to and doesn't want Carlisle to have an aneurysm thinking about a monastery of robots. ]

It is more to study life and all its aspects rather than worshiping a deity. I thought perhaps they could find who I was. And it was helpful, but the true soul searching I must do myself. There are no easy routes.

[Good call, Genji. Technology is still scary to him, despite the fact he's now entrenched in it. He's just glad his new ninja friend isn't all cogs and gears under the armor.]

No one can truly decide who you are but you. I thought I learned that early in life, but... [He lets out a quiet sigh, his eyes back on his bony hands as he considers how he views himself now, struggling to differentiate between being a man or a monster.] I suppose I need to revisit and reflect upon it once more, as I seem to have forgotten the lesson.

[He is zero percent gears or cogs, but he is approximately 60% wires. It's fine, it means he gets cool lights.]

It is different when it comes to yourself. I understand.

We both have a lot to think on.

Yes, we do.

[He sighs, collecting his gloves and mask to hang them to dry in his room. It is different when it comes to following his own advice, but it's something he'll have to work on. He has time now, surely... so long as he doesn't revert back to being the Blight Heir.

And he won't if he can get a grip on his energies. One step at a time.]

Thank you, Genji. If- if there is ever anything I can do for you, you need only ask. I... appreciate your help, and your insight.

You have already helped me.

[He gestures to his laundry going round and round.]

But I am glad to have helped you as well. It is good to not be alone.

[Have a genuine smile, Genji: it's soft, but a rare sight these days, given he's so often covered by his mask. He supposes he did help a little, at least with the laundry.]

Indeed it is. I suppose I need only remember that for now, and try to find strength in it.

[Monstrous as he may feel, he still has someone who believes in his underlying humanity. It's more faith than he's had at other points in his life, and it will have to be enough for now.]

❧ i n b o x

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