I'm the Man [Soldier 76 x Reader]

Rival

The essence behind the entirety of the training you had was to break you down mentally, emotionally and physically.  It was to mold you to the perfect soldier- the perfect 'offspring' (so to speak) of a perfectly made man. Anyone with as rigorous training as he had would certainly come to realize that his talents and abilities came from the very bottle and fluids of tales. The super soldier serum, the very liquid you had easily identified after seeing his gait the very first time you stepped onto the base.

Added to it, his small limp of a step, and the hinderance his body informed revealed that he probably had some form of joint problem. But it had been healed by none other than Mercy, so you didn't see that small falter in his step for very long. The fact was is that you knew a bit more about your mentor than you would like to openly admit.

But who would?

Your gaze shifted downwards as you saw the moonlight glint over the metal bands that were situated just above the nubs of your elbows. The window was cracked open, and your bed room door was open as well. It was only just a couple days into your training, and you had come to terms with the fact that you wouldn't be allowed to have any rest days. Night time usually would be reserved for sleep, but your mind stirred up the reminder that within three weeks time, you would be fighting Hanzo.

Hanzo- now what did your mentor have to do with this? His teachings and methods were very different, and it worried you that you wouldn't be able to hold your ground against the archer. But would it truly make the divine difference? Perhaps- but you really weren't accepted by the rest of Overwatch, so finding out anything of Hanzo's abilities would usually mean you were (potentially) cheating.

A sigh of yours escaped into the air, following the light source for a long moment. It was peaceful- until you heard the soft thumps of a padded foot. Your head turned to the source, finding humming green lights in a series of circles going up, to the stretched v across the metallic visor.

Genji Shimada.

You immediately stood up, your body nearly collapsing under you from how weak it was getting. However, your right leg turned, stabilizing your body so you wouldn't fall any farther. "What is it?" You asked, a venomous hiss drawing out.

The cyborg shifted on his feet, his soft voice filling the night air as his fans whirred to keep part of his system cool. "Well," he begun, his robotic lilt filled the air, "I wanted to say... I'm sorry."

You were taken back. A look of shock passed over your features, and your gaze settled to stare on the visor before suspiciously looking on. "For... what?" You asked wearily, though your voice had grown quiet and it was more of a shy mouse.

"For not accepting you as you were," he firmly stated, soon giving a bow at his waist before he lowered to sit cross legged in your door frame. "I have come to realize in my meditations that I have failed to accept someone who is different. I sometimes complain that many do not accept me, as I am part machine and part man. So why should I bring about the same harsh treatment that I have received from others and inner self?"

Your upbringing had brought your animalistic instincts to turn as a rude and cruel way to this man who was trying to be nice. A question that was on the tip of your tongue, but didn't dare to be uttered: what do you want from me? Your suspicious mind had asked aloud within. But his reasoning- it led you to come to terms. He was apologizing for his hate and actions against you, and in the end, you would forgive him. He did say he went through the same thing, did he not?

He seemed to hold his breath while you contemplated his words and actions.

"I forgive you," your soft voice finally vocalized within the silver moonlight, and you came to sit cross legged before him. Your half arms dangled at your sides, and his figure perked up at your words.

"I am glad we can move past that difficult time!" He triumphantly declared. However, his voice lowered and the cyborg stole a quick glance out the hall.

"What are you doing with my apprentice?" '76's voice suddenly rang out through the dark, causing the two of you to jump.

"Mentor," your voice softly greeted, the warm red glow of his visor fighting the natural lighting of your room. He stood behind Genji, watching as he stood up. "Genji apologized for.. his hate crimes against me. We have made amends," you informed, looking as though you wanted to stand to greet the man who was training you.

'76 looked to Genji with a scrutinizing gaze below his mask, before turning and making careful steps to stand before you. His gloved hand gently grabbed below your bicep and hefted you to your feet. "I am glad to hear," his voice that was once gravelly was now low and soft.

Genji seemed to have disappeared, as you peeked around '76 to see your new friend. Giving a small frown, you then looked up at your mentor and let him guide you to the bed.

"You wont be getting up early tomorrow. I arranged for Zenyatta to guide a meditation session in the morning. In the afternoon, we'll practice stealth," your mentor informed, gently ruffling your hair. "Just get some sleep."

A frown tugged your lips further at the mention of sleep, but you couldn't help but grin at the tussle of your hair. Tomorrow would be a great day! So, you turned, laying down as careful as you could, and fell asleep.

The next morning arrived as fast as you could recall- from closing your eyes to seemingly opening them. Sleep was such a mysterious thing, one that had you trying to will the morning to come by just blinking as you laid in bed. However, the thoughts of sleep and any dreams were put to the side and you attempted to get ready for the day. Your stubs provided to be somewhat helpful as you used your teeth to pull your shirt on and wriggle your pants up. They were baggy and comfortable, an aid that you would use for the meditation and stealth. 

You walked carefully out of your room, making way to the mess hall and attempting to avoid anyone on your way. However, your feet halted when you saw the feet of that you hadn't wanted to see so soon: Hanzo Shimada.

His dark eyes shifted over your figure as you straightened to look up at him. The air was filled with a certain tension- one you couldn't figure out right away- and you found yourself searching his figure.

He held himself with a purposely straightened back, his bow and quiver missing from his person. Hanzo's left arm was exposed to reveal the blue south dragons, and his silken robes were perfectly done. Your gaze shot up to his face, glancing over his defined cheek bones and then finally to his brown orbs.

No words were said in the moment. This opted for you to walk around him and continue on your way as he stood there. Just a little bit more information on the Shimada brothers, and the fight would be in your hands: mentally.

Now the rest of the month can be focused on your physical capabilities against the archer.