There was a lot known about the Shambali, and yet, so little once one really thought about it. Omnics preached about having souls, leaving a life of peace somewhere in the Himalayas. It was a common belief in places like Russia, Australia, and Mexico—places that the hate for omnics never really disappeared—that the omnics had to be planning something. Perhaps they were planning to attack from Nepal. And yet, no one ever investigated the group as the United Nations made it impossible. Even Overwatch had a slim file on them. So, how why was it that he was there?

Genji was not an omnic. Despite his exterior that gave him better mobility than he'd ever had before, he was not an omnic. But then, was he a human? He could barely call himself that anymore. Had his humanity left him as his body had done? Another thing snatched away by his clan? By his brother? He was thankful to Overwatch for keeping him alive. He owed Dr. Ziegler his life. Had it not been for her, he would've died years ago. And yet, he cursed her and the organization just as much for making him into… a monstrosity. The ninja had to wonder if how he felt was similar to the experience of Limbo. To him, it certainly felt that way. He was alive, but only because of the machine in him. So, was he truly alive?

With those thoughts in mind and with plenty of hesitation, he went to Nepal. He was looking for answers. No man or woman were able to put his mind at ease, not since the collapse of Overwatch. Back then, even if he left the organization, he was allowed to get appointments with Dr. Ziegler. She kept him grounded just enough for him not to go berserk. Now? There was no one. No doctor to guide him through the transition. No friends that would encourage him and train with him. No family that would help him stand back up if he were to fall. It wasn't the kind of existence the young Shimada wanted, but it was the one he was stuck with.

The temple and the housing surrounding it seemed to be in much better shape than he'd ever expected it to be. From what he knew, the place was run down to the point that no human would take a step there, which had been the reason why omnics took it over. That was wrong, however. Every single building had gone through many repairs, as was evident by the fresh coats of paint on their facades as well as bags of concrete and tools littered all over the place. Omnics and humans worked together, side by side. All around him, he saw the same thing. And perhaps more strangely, no one seemed to mind his sudden appearance. Not once did he catch someone staring at him. Normally, he wouldn't be able to take a step outside without someone gawking at him, be it because of his omnic body or because he still carried with him his weapons out in the open, knowing full well that no one would make to stop him.

When he was nearing the temple, someone finally approached. It was an omnic, but not just any omnic, no. Genji had seen this particular one many times online.

"Tekhartha Mondatta-dono," Genji said as he stopped by the entrance of the temple. Mondatta-dono made no move to avoid him, instead offering a small bow, which Genji returned more out of custom than anything else. Neither of them said anything else or even made a move to acknowledge the other in any other way. Mondatta-dono stared at Genji, and the ninja had to wonder about what was going through the other's mind—or would it be programing?

"Another lost soul has come to us, brother," Mondatta-dono said, confusing Genji until he noticed those words were not meant for him. Another omnic, similar in size and built to Mondatta-dono, floated from behind the latter until it hovered besides them. This omnic emitted a strange aura, should such a thing be possible. Physically, it was almost identical to Mondatta-dono, and yet, there was something very different that Genji couldn't quite put his finger on. "Introductions are in order. One-Hundred and twenty three, may I present to you my brother, Tekhartha Zenyatta."

It took the ex-Overwatch agent some time before he understood that Mondatta-dono was speaking to him this time. Genji bowed to the one called Zenyatta-san, who returned it in kind with a small chuckle. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Tekhartha Zenyatta-san."

"Please, call me Zenyatta," responded the omnic. Genji wasn't too comfortable with that, as calling someone you just met so casually was frowned upon in Japan. Nonetheless, complaining about such a things felt pointless. How Zenyatta-san detected his confusion, Genji wouldn't know, but the omnic went on to explain, "many of my omnic brothers and sisters carry the name of Tekhartha. It could confuse others if you called me by that name, and it would be a mouthful should you choose to call me by both." Genji nodded. "May we know your name, Lost One?"

Genji felt ashamed of himself for a moment. For introductions, it was normal to always start with one's self. Instead, he'd gone out and called out the name of someone else instead of offering his own. It was silly, but it still bothered the man. "My name is Shimanda Genji*. I came here… I'm not actually sure why I came here..."

"It is as you say, Mondatta," said Zenyatta-san, only turning its head slightly to look at the other omnic to his side. "A lost soul."

Mondatta-dono noded. "Can I trust you with him, brother? I must retrieve Janina and Seventy-Six." He turned to look back at Genji, who seemed confused by the conversation, though he couldn't exactly show it with his mask on.

"Of course. Seventy-Six must be getting anxious. It is the first time he has left the temple since he joined us. I will take care of Genji."

Genji followed Mondatta-dono with his eyes as the omnic walked away. It was then joined by a couple of other figures, likely more people that would retrieve whoever Janina and Seventy-Six where. When he could no longer see the retreating figure of Mondatta-dono, Genji turned back to face Zenyatta-san. The hovering omnic only stared back, not saying a single word as the circle of spheres floated around him, emitting a small light. After a minute passed, the omnic finally spoke up.

"You are tired. Let us find you a place to call your own so that you can rest. We have many available rooms here, despite our numbers swelling in the last few years. I am sure you will find one of them suitable to your tastes." The way the omnic spoke left little room for protest, feeling more like an order than it was an invitation. When it made to guide him, Genji followed behind, thinking about the situation he found himself in. He wasn't sure if he wanted to stay. He'd only just arrived, and already he felt like he was intruding on a family of strangers. He was lost so much in his inner turmoil that he hadn't noticed Zenyatta-san looking back at him. "You are troubled. Is it because of your past? Or maybe your present?"

"I think it's very clear why I would be troubled," Genji scoffed, avoiding the piercing gaze of the omnic.

"Yes, that much is evident by the way you carry yourself. Are you bothered by your appearance?" Genji flinched. Was it that obvious? He could only glare at Zenyatta-san, as no response came to him to refute the statement, almost as if he already knew that the omnic would see right through his lie if he were to come up with one on the spot. "A human trapped by his own enhancements. Intriguing. There are many here that would identify with you, even if your degree of modification is much higher than anyone else's. By your heartbeat and how little you breath, even after taking the path up the mountain, I suspect that this modifications are keeping you alive."

The ninja's eyebrows furrowed, not that the omnic could see, however. "I would rather not talk about this with someone I just met."

"I understand." They finally came to a stop at the second level of one of the buildings. The doors were already open by the time they'd reached it. The room had little in it, mainly a mat on the floor that would work as a bed and some blankets to protect oneself from the cold of the Himalayas. It reminded Genji of the room he once shared with his brother when the two were but infants. If there had been toys and books laying around, then it would've been an exact replica of the room. Then again, the room of his infancy did not have the view this one had. "I believe you will find this room fitting. Feel free to rest as long as you need to. If you want sustenance, there is always food available at the mess hall. You are free to explore, if you like. Worry not about those around you. They are well aware of who you are. Though they will want to approach you, they know better than to do so. A lesson learned when other Overwatch agents first showed up. Should you find the need to talk, or should you seek guidance, you can find me in the temple, where I spend most of time."

Genji had only been half listening to Zenyatta-san's explanation as he explored the room further. It took him some time, but finally something clicked in his head. Other Overwatch agents? Unfortunately, he would not get to ask who those agents were as by the time he'd turned around, the omnic monk had made itself scarce. He was half tempted to seek out the omnic once more to ask about it, but then he remembered that it mattered little. Overwatch had thousands of personnel all over the world. The chances of him knowing who the particular agents Zenyatta-san had spoken about was slim to none. He suddenly felt very tired. The walk up the mountain hadn't taken much of a toll on his omnic body, but it certainly tired his mind, as it was still something that he could say with confidence still remained human.

Not minding that the sun was still far from setting, Genji closed the door and window of the room to prepare to rest. He took off his mask, turning it around in his hands as to see his exterior face. It was devoid of all emotion. A perfect mask for a ninja and an assassin. He wondered how many of his clan knew it was him behind it when he sought them out during his time with Overwatch. All of them, he told himself. The fear and hate in their eyes told him as much when he confronted them. They knew one or the other would need to die… But Genji already had. Growling at the mask, he tossed it aside before laying down on the mat and using the covers to pretend to feel a bit of warmth.

In the weeks to come, Genji learned much of the Shambali as a whole. It was as Zenyatta-san had said; they all acted as if he was just another stranger, going as far as not calling him by name, instead opting to call him nicknames like Mr. Ninja given his appearance or the Omniblade given that he carried his weapons with him. They were more tongue in cheek than he would've liked, but he didn't shy away from them. The community was friendly enough, never asking about Genji's past, instead always focusing on the present. It was curious, but in the back of the warrior's mind he wanted to scream at them for it. They pretended not to notice the discomfort he showed with himself. All, except Zenyatta-san.

At first, Genji did his best to avoid the omnic. There was something about it that Genji didn't particularly like. But no matter how hard he tried, even going as far as using some of the skills he'd learned over the years to avoid being seen, Zenyatta-san always seemed to be two steps ahead. No matter how hard he tried, Zenyatta-san always found him. It was only made worse by the fact that the omnic would not come out and say what it clearly wanted to say. It would stare at Genji, as if waiting for him to burst. Eventually, it happened. After trying once again to avoid the omnic, Genji found himself being dragged to the garden, where he sat on the ground with Zenyatta-san across from him.

"What do you want?" Genji spat the words like they were venom. Seeing if the omnic could find him had been amusing for the first couple of days, but now it was getting to him. He was in no mood for games anymore. All he wanted was to be alone, as strange as that would be given that he was the one that went to the Shambali in the first place.

"That is a question you should be asking yourself, Genji," responded the monk.

Genji scoffed, making to get up. "I have no time for mind games, monk."

"Avoiding the problem will not put you at peace." The words were enough to freeze Genji on the spot. "You are troubled by your own existence; troubled by who—or should it be what?—you've become. A man trapped inside a machine. Your situation is unique, but that does not mean we cannot help you."

"What would you know of what I'm going through?" Genji's words were heavy, sounding like a growl of sorts. He clenched his fists hard, thankful that, though he could feel the pain thanks to the technology put into his body, he could not pierce the metallic surface. "You are but a machine. You were programmed, not born."

"You are most correct. Perhaps your assumption will stray you from your path, but you can still control your destiny, Genji. If you could indulge me for a moment, I have something I would like to ask you." Still hesitant, Genji found his body moving automatically once again, retaking his spot on the ground, though his arms were crossed over his chest defensively. "As you said, I am but a machine, built by humans to perform the tasks that I programmed to do. You are not wrong in saying that. Do you think it possible then that a machine would have a soul?"

"Something that is not born cannot have a soul." The ninja's response was automatic. He regretted the way he phrased it, but his inner turmoil was taking over his actions. He would've made an apology for the harsh words given that Zenyatta-san had helped him enough to that point, but before he could, Zenyatta-san nodded and countered.

"One must be born to carry a soul within them. I believe it is not necessary for me to explain how creatures of the flesh create offspring." Genji grunted. "Then we are in agreement that humans, who have souls, create life, and hence, that life carries a soul. And yet, when humans created omnics, programmed us to think like them, to talk like them, to feel like them, and even evolve like them, we do not posses a soul?"

Genji felt like he'd been lead by a string to a trap—his words turned against him, he felt like there was no correct response, so he opted to remain silent.

"Then, what about you? Would you, who is more machine than flesh, posses a soul?"

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Zenyatta-san was not wrong. In fact, those questions were a clear reflection of what he'd been thinking all along. One could even argue that, with the state Overwatch had first found him in, he'd died and hence, his body had left him, only leaving behind a small fraction of his former self living long enough for Dr. Ziegler to transform him. "I do not know."

Zenyatta-san noded. "It is a common assumption to make that body and mind, or in this case the soul, are interconnected. One cannot live without the other. I believe it was the philosopher Rene Descartes who first proposed this view known as dualism. It was accepted as such because there was no other that would encompass people's beliefs of the afterlife as well. However, Gilbert Ryle, another philosopher, made the argument that the mind and body were independent of one another, and that the body was but a machine acting as a vessel for the soul."

Genji remembered Dr. Ziegler mentioning something similar in passing. "Ghost in the machine," he said. "Yes, I am familiar with the concept. But I think you're manipulating the words to act in your favor."

"A distinctive human trait, would you not say?" The omnic chuckled to itself. "We all like to choose whether something is subjective or objective—if something is being stated or hidden between the lines—in a way that benefits us best."

Any counterargument the young Shimada had vanished when he started laughing instead. Perhaps there was something to be learned in the Himalayas after all. "You are very wise for an omnic."

"I humbly accept your compliment," Zenyatta-san said with a bow. It looked like it would say something else, but instead, the monk suddenly seemed to perk up, looking to his surroundings. Following its example, Genji also looked in the same direction. Faintly, the sound of a familiar song echoed around them, getting louder and louder by the second. "Ah, I believe they've arrived."

"They?" he looked back at the wise omnic, who began to hover back up again with him standing up too.

"Yes." When it started floating away in the direction of the music, Genji followed close behind. The invitation was implicit, it seemed. And when Zenyatta-san didn't stop him, he thought that there would be nothing wrong with him seeing these people, who he assumed were of some importance given that there were quite a few people and omnics heading in the same direction.

A small crowd had gathered by the path leading to the temple, all looking with curiosity to whatever was heading their way. The melody of the song was clear enough for Genji to recognize it as "The flight of the Valkyries", though the rendition was very crude with beeping taking the place of all the instruments in the orchestra that would be needed to play such a piece.

When he finally saw it, his first instinct was to open his arm and take out his shurikens. He almost did too had it not been for Zenyatta-san, who placed a hand on his forearm and shook its head slightly, pointing ahead. There was a Bastion unit in its tank configuration coming towards them. Sitting peacefully on its main gun was Mondatta-dono, looking as calm as a child riding on a stroller. That was enough to put everyone else at ease, but not for Genji, who still wanted to brandish one of his weapons should the Bastion attack. But was frozen still when he noticed the ghost that to Mondatta-dono's side.

With one last, long high pitched note, the tank came to a halt in front of them all. Some of the others were applauding the performance and already greeting their leader. Meanwhile, Genji approached the ghost, who stood tall and proud in front of him, her face not hiding any of her surprise while his mask hid all of his at seeing the comrade. "Of all the people to see here, I never expect to see you here, Genji," said the older woman.

"Amari-san? But… I thought—" His words were interrupted when Amari-san patted his shoulder, showing that she already knew what was on her mind. Despite years having passed since he'd last seen her, she still looked like the same proud woman that would stand at the command room back in HQ.

"Everyone does, Genji. That was the point. It wasn't my first choice, but I've learned to live with it." She gave him one of her usual motherly smiles. "But what brings you here? I thought you would be looking for your brother by now."

"I was never able to find my brother even with the help of Overwatch," he reminded her. "With that gone, so are my chances to ever find him."

Amari-san tilted her head, her smile gone. "Do you still want to find him?"

"I am not sure anymore…"

Feeling uncomfortable, he was lucky that everyone's attention, including Amari-san's, turned to see the Bastion unit transform to its reckon form. Seeing it in person reminded the young japanese man of the cartoons he used to watch in secret with his brother when he was still a child. How much he'd loved seeing those transformation back then. Of course, that was before he learned the history of the Omnic Crisis. After that, he came to fear such things, not that he would ever admit to it. The Bastion unit turned, looking over at three figures standing behind it, beeping away in what felt like panic.

"This is so classic Seventy-Six," came the voice of an omnic, who seemed to be helping someone stand up. "Didn't get enough bed rest before, so now you'll have us all doing the lifting for you, huh?"

"Shush, Yera," chastised a young woman, who was also helping the same figure that the omnic was, the Bastion unity making it impossible for Genji to get a clear view of any of them. "God, sometimes I think there's a loose screw in there. Can't you see Dad's hurting?"

"I'm your dad now?" The third voice, that of an older man, was extremely familiar to Genji. Hadn't it been for the fact that he knew it would be impossible— No… Amari-san was there. Could it be? Genji moved to get a better look, and sure enough, there, being carried between an omnic and a woman, was the face of Overwatch himself, Strike-Commander Jack Morrison. His thoughts were hard to be put into words with the constant beeping of the Bastion, which seemed to be getting the best of the Commander as well. "I heard you the first time! Stop it already. I told you it's fine. With my luck, it had to be me…"

"Commander…?" Genji took a tentative step forward, still unsure if the man really was Jack Morrison. Compared to Amari-san, this man look much different from what he remembered. Gone was the soldier that stood tall with his perfect face and glint in his eyes. Now there was only an old man with scars marring his face and arms, and, apparently, something wrong with one of his legs by the way he was standing.

"Huh…" The Commander looked at him, his bright, almost lifeless eyes connecting with Genji's visor, though it almost felt like the man was seeing through the visor altogether. "Good to see you, kid."


AN:

Shimada Genji* —In Japan, the family name comes first. Since this chapter was locked to Genji's perspective, I went with that structure, though for anyone else it stays the same. Likewise, this is also why I used honorifics for his chapter.