[Don’t Hide] Ask my muse why they try to cover their scar (from smokey)
❣ | Memes :: This One |
Scars ( always doing these )
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(( I got v indecisive abt how I wanted to do this and it became a book v sorry. OTL Cut for length. ))
| Scars: Two Conversations |
The first time the other asks, he's not strong enough to answer.
He hadn't spoken to anyone since he'd gotten back, hadn't had the nerve to look his former guardian or anyone else in the eye. Mistakes were not new to him - he made plenty, frequently, but one that compromised an entire operation felt like something he couldn't really be forgiven for; the guilt made him sick, made some small part of him wonder if maybe what happened to him might be a little bit deserved. That was why he turned people away that wanted to visit him while in the infirmary, and now still did his best to avoid being spotted by anyone familiar now that he was up and walking. He kept his head down, ducking even Sengoku's visits when he could, but it was only a matter of time before he ran into someone else that knew him. And, by extension, probably just how badly he'd messed up. The voice was familiar - smoke-raspy and mid-complaint. Of course.
He'd not checked in with Smoker since his return either, a sudden break in an otherwise surprisingly well-established habit, but he didn't have the guts to let the other see just how big of a problem he had caused either, what damage a case of mistaken identity could do if the person you were mistaken for was Doflamingo. Even as he kept his head down, kept his back turned, he still recognised the other man's heavy footfalls, recognised his voice. He'd hoped, of course, that the other would not see him but that never worked out in his favour, with his stature. Smoker wasn't an easy read if you didn't know what to listen for, so the little things that hinted at concern that he could recognise made him flinch, made any sort of reply or excuse he could have made die in his throat. It was pathetic, cowardly to not even be able to look at his friend, but despite this thought he couldn't bring himself to even turn around - even as footsteps and questioning voice approached him.
" You don't want to explain what happened? Fine, but could ya at least look at me, maybe say you're all right ? What're you hiding from ? "
" I can't."
It came out more like a plea than he wanted, so soft through clenched teeth that it was almost inaudible as he finally let himself be turned around by the hand that reached out to touch his arm. The scars were still new, angry looking and only partially formed - still held together in places by dark sutures at either corner of his mouth, a grim facsimile of a grin made an inch or so broader on each side. He breathed in a stuttering hiss of a breath and bared his teeth just a little; it hurt, but it was enough to reveal the wires connecting his teeth helping to hold his fractured jaw together. Despite his best efforts to control his expression, keep it as neutral as possible, he could feel the burning, prickling sensation of tears collecting at the corners of his eyes and he'd be damned if he was going to let them be perceived as anything other than a reaction to pain. That was it, that was all. The bridge of his nose crinkled with it as he tried and failed to avoid looking deeply and irreparably wounded.
" It hurts."
---
The next time he asks it's many, many other hurts later, when they're both more tired, hollow in places.
They're in a recovering place, in the in-between of assignments - active assignments more-so on the other's part. They didn't send him out much these days, he blamed the leg and the laundry list of other damage, still not fully undone, left by his last failure of an assignment. It's a moment of quiet, rare and appreciated even if brief. Smoker always brought that steadying sort of companionable quiet with him, somehow: Rocinante still wasn't sure how, because he was fairly certain that the other had never been relaxed once in his life. The feeling of contentedness must be at least somewhat mutual, because they spent more spare time together than not these days and he genuinely doubted the other would bother otherwise. Steadying or not, he still sat with his back to the other man, working at covering up one of the marks on his face: more achievable, he thought, than anything he could do for some of the others on his hands and arms. But a lot of those don't bother him in quite the same way.
" Why hide it? "
It wasn't even the same mark as before. He could feel the other's eyes at his back, could pre-emptively tell that he wanted to say something even, but it didn't make the question any easier. This time it was the blue-black tattoo under his eye he'd been intently focused on painting over, covering it up like a lingering bruise and hiding it before a meeting with someone less familiar, but the question still made him cover his mouth with a hand as if struck; an old tell, a nervous one, difficult to break.
Why was a hard question. Not because he didn't have an answer for it - he did. It was just terribly sad and gross the way visceral memories tended to be, and if there was someone or something out there that could have made it so he would have begged for a way to explain it wholly without having to be in it. To open it all up and re-close cleanly, without the spectre of his brother there to hold it all over his head and make him feel small, even after all this time; to explain the wave of dread he feels when someone says he looks familiar, or that he a grown man still can't always get through a medical appointment without tears... but not actually tie any of those things to himself, for fear they might drown him, like a weight around his neck. It's not even that he doesn't want the other guy to know - he does actually, this guy in particular, and that might be just as scary at some level.
" I uh... "
he stops himself at the sound of his own voice because he hates the tremor he hears in it - hates it that this soft spot can be pulled up and out of his guts without his permission, and does his best to force it back to something more neutral.
" Sorry; I uh... I just don't want him to have that kind of control over me any more. "
Mortal Kombat 11 Michiko vs Canon intro fight dialogues
TW: implications of torture and ptsd
Michiko, Reiki, and Nozomi are my OCs. Reiki is genderfluid and goes by she/her and he/him pronouns. I decided to replace the guest characters with canon characters from previous games that make sense for said OC to be interacting with. Also, Sindel in this, is not the retcon Sindel she is in the games. Plus I include my own HCs. I will post the other part to this when I am finished with it. Please read below the cut.
Baraka vs Michiko
Baraka: I smell the scent of a demon.
Michiko: I would turn that nose away before you catch the scent of your own blood!
Baraka: Come and try “Earthrealmer”.
---
Baraka: How well do you handle blades?
Michiko: As long as they aren’t running with a buzz I’m cool with it.
Baraka: Then you’re in luck.
---
Baraka: Your mate burned half our camp!
Michiko: He got scared!
Baraka: He will pay!
Cassie vs Michiko
Cassie: I didn’t know there was another woman Lin Kuei.
Michiko: Wait, another!?
Cassie: Oh you have got to meet Frost!
---
Cassie: Wait, you’re Sektor’s sister!?
Michiko: I’m trying to forget that myself...
Cassie: Then how did you get powers and he didn’t?
---
Cassie: Sooo heard you and a certain fire type were together?
Michiko: Who told you about Reiki and I!?
Cassie: Yes! It’s cannon!
Cetrion vs Michiko
Cetrion: You’re friends with my niece?
Michiko: Nozomi was the first one there for me when I became lost.
Cetrion: Treasure that friendship young one.
---
Cetrion: You aren't a cryomancer?
Michiko: I’m what you would call a demon.
Cetrion: then I must send you back into the Netherrealm.
---
Cetrion: Your anger in Hanzo is misplaced.
Michiko: he’s trying to take Reiki away from me!
Cetrion: Trust me, those aren’t his intentions.
D’vorah vs Michiko
D’vorah: This one is intrigued by your ice
Michiko: Please observe from a distance.
D’vorah: Afraid of bugs, Michiko?
---
D’Vorah: The hive would like a word with your fiery friend
Michiko: You won’t put one stinger near him!
D’vorah: Fine, this one will put them in you.
---
D’vorah: You are not human?
Michiko: no.
D’vorah: This one will end you just the same
Erron vs Michiko
Erron: Boy you must be real valuable to have a warrant this high
Michiko: What are you talking about Erron?
Erron: Your brother paid me to bring ya home.
---
Erron: You stepped out with Bi Han?
Michiko: Err almost..
Erron: Hit and miss?
---
Erron: Need help with courting some ladies?
Michiko: if I did I wouldn’t ask you.
Erron: that hurt worse than a caliber.
Frost vs Michiko
Frost: Family reunion!
Michiko: Huh? What do you mean?
Frost: You're back, and Uncle Sektor is too!
---
Frost: Wait, you’re a demon?
Michiko: Unfortunately, yes.
Frost: You just became even more badass!
---
Frost: I heard you really tore Kuai a new one when he kicked me out
Michiko: Frost, you are the only reason I returned to the Lin Kuei a few years back
Frost: You... you came back for me?
Fujin vs Michiko
Fujin: Despite being of odd origins, I sense you are more human than most
Michiko: I’m a demon Fujin. A monster.
Fujin: Even demons can achieve humanity.
---
Fujin: What has possessed you to act so violently?
Michiko: Possessed. Ha, good one Fujin.
Fujin: I am being serious Michiko!
---
Fujin: Your love for Reiki carries across the winds
Michiko: Could you bless our wedding?
Fujin: I am no Elder God.
Geras vs Michiko
Geras: For an ice type, you boil over so easily
Michiko: If people could just leave me and Reiki alone I wouldn’t be angry all the time
Geras: There’s more to your anger than just your fear of losing your lover.
---
Geras: Michiko. Demon of the Lin Kuei.
Michiko: Strange sandman. Weirdo of whatever.
Geras: You are not like many others.
---
Geras: What is your greatest desire?
Michiko: I want to be far away from Earthrealm with Reiki!
Geras: Serve Kronika, and she will grant your wish
Jacqui vs Michiko
Jacqui: You’re cooler than Sub-Zero!
Michiko: Is that a compliment or an observation?
Jacqui: Both!
---
Jacqui: So are you like the girl version of Sub-Zero, or Sektor?
Michiko: Ah! Don’t compare me to my brother!
Jacqui: Roger that.
---
Jacqui: What’s your deal with Hanzo?
Michiko: He doesn’t know how to stay away from my mate!
Jacqui: A little relationship tip for ya, jealousy isn’t romantic.
Jade vs Michiko
Jade: Do you work for Quan Chi?
Michiko: I’m a demon. Not a bitch.
Jade: That does not answer my question.
---
Jade: Child of a nymph
Michiko: how did you know?
Jade: I like to study in my free time.
---
Jade: No you may not borrow my staff!
Michiko: awe please! Just for a day!
Jade: I know what your intentions are Michiko.
Jax vs Michiko
Jax: What do they call you back home?
Michiko: Depends on who you’re referring to.
Jax: Is that good or bad?
---
Jax: You’re Lin Kuei?
Michiko: Was. And I’d like to keep it that way.
Jax: Shit. Must have been a bad trip.
---
Jax: Don’t let others define you based on your origins Michiko.
Michiko: Where was this advice when I was a kid?
Jax: Probably just outside those cold walls.
Johnny vs Michiko
Johnny: So if you’re actually a demon, then where are the horns and pitchfork?
Michiko: What do you base your imagery of demons off of?
Johnny: No comment.
---
Johnny: Cassie and I thought of some ship names for you and Reiki!
Michiko: Oh by the Elder Gods, spare me!
Johnny: What about IcyHot? No no! Freezer Burn!
---
Johnny: You may have the coldest ice around, but I’m still cooler than you!
Michiko: Tch. I’m not even gonna argue with you Cage.
Johnny: ha! So you admit it!
Kabal vs Michiko
Kabal: So do you eat souls or some shit like that?
Michiko: I eat life essence, not souls.
Kabal: What’s the difference?
---
Kabal: How are you able to withstand Reiki’s heat?
Michiko: She can control the amount of heat in her flame.
Kabal: That’s actually badass.
---
Kabal: There’s no way you and Sektor are related!
Michiko: not by blood. No.
Kabal: Wait, you're adopted?
Kano vs Michiko
Kano: could use a gal like you in the Black Dragon.
Michiko: I’d rather avoid clans. Thanks..
Kano: eh. You’re loss
---
Kano: I could help you for a favor in return.
Michiko: Didn’t your parents teach you not to make deals with demons?
Kano: Making bad deals is in me blood.
---
Kano: You know your brother’s been lookin for ya.
Michiko: Whatever he paid you, I’ll triple if you can pretend you never met me.
Kano: Deal!
Kitana vs Michiko
Kitana: You are not like many other demons
Michiko: dare I ask how?
Kitana: You have more control than you realize.
---
Kitana: I’ve heard others call you a princess. Is this true?
Michiko: Oh no! It’s just a nickname they gave me.
Kitana: I hope it is used in a good way.
---
Kitana: What brings you to Outworld?
Michiko: Escape with my mate.
Kitana: I can only offer you both so much refuge
Kollector vs Michiko
Kollector: Everyone who comes to Outworld must pay a fee
Michiko: I heard you don’t actually serve the current Kahn
Kollector: She won’t be Kahn for long.
---
Kollector: How do you get by without any wealth?
Michiko: Do you know what I am?
Kollector: A pitiful mortal.
---
Kollector: I wager you're more nymph than demon.
Michiko: You know I can’t really answer that.
Kollector: I will take my wage in hand now.
Kotal Kahn vs Michiko
Kotal Kahn: Weren’t Nymphs once considered minor Goddesses?
Michiko: Not the Nymphs of this world.
Kotal Kahn: There are others?
---
Kotal Kahn: Which lineage do you honor?
Michiko: Can’t honor a lineage that died before it could really grow, now can you?
Kotal Kahn: Surely one of your parents has a deeper origin than what is known.
---
Kotal Kahn: You seem more human than anything.
Michiko: That’s because I was raised as a human.
Kotal Kahn: So it is of nurture rather than nature
Kung Lao vs Michiko
Kung Lao: You face a Shaolin warrior
Michiko: And you face whatever the fuck you feel like calling me today.
Kung Lao: I know a God that can offer you great counseling.
---
Kung Lao: Have you seen your brother?
Michiko: What brother?
Kung Lao: Are you not related to Sektor?
---
Kung Lao: Did you ever eat any Shaolin life essence?
Michiko: see that’s the thing. I don’t remember anything when I am in that form.
Kung Lao: For your sake, you better hope you didn’t!
Liu Kang vs Michiko
Liu Kang: I know a God that can offer you great counseling.
Michiko: Is it Raiden or Fujin?
Liu Kang: Ah, I see you’ve met them both.
---
Liu Kang: You do have a heart Michiko.
Michiko: What makes you so sure?
Liu Kang: Your love for Reiki proves it so.
---
Liu Kang: The monks can help you with your anger.
Michiko: They’d probably just exorcise me.
Liu Kang: You judge incorrectly, Karasugawa.
Mileena vs Michiko
Mileena: I heard you spoken with my sister. How is she?
Michiko: She’s doing fine actually.
Mileena: Good. Mother and I do worry about her.
--
Mileena: I heard a certain shadow’s been calling your name.
Michiko: I will have nothing to do with that traitor!
Mileena: A bitter break up?
--
Mileena: Amuse me Nymph.
Michiko: No thanks, Edenian.
Mileena: You’re actually good at this.
Nightwolf vs Michiko
Nightwolf: I seek peace with my demons. You can do the same with yours.
Michiko: I am my demons, Nightwolf.
Nightwolf: Not all of them.
---
Nightwolf: Why not help de-cyberize the Lin Kuei?
Michiko: I want nothing to do with that place!
Nightwolf: Is it the place you fear, or its current inhabitants?
---
Nightwolf: You have lost yourself Michiko.
Michiko: Do I even have a self Nightwolf? Do I?
Nightwolf: The Great Spirit can help you find it.
Noob Saibot vs Michiko
Noob Saibot: Where has your love for me gone Michiko?
Michiko: It died when you joined my brother in the time merger!
Noob Saibot: Let me explain myself.
---
Noob Saibot: I see you’re friendly with those flames now.
Michiko: At least Reiki won’t betra- flames?
Noob Saibot: Oh sweet, naïve, Michiko. Have you truly not noticed him following you like a lost puppy?
---
Noob Saibot: Do you still remember our promise?
Michiko: That promise is broken and gone like the love and trust I had for you.
Noob Saibot: You’re a terrible liar, Michiko.
Raiden vs Michiko
Raiden: I normally do not allow demons in my temple.
Michiko: I am not just a demon, Raiden.
Raiden: I am aware of this.
---
Raiden: You’re of Hinpar origins?
Michiko: And Earthrealm origins too.
Raiden: So the lost realms do exist.
---
Raiden: I sense a deeper madness in you.
Michiko: No matter how far I run, I can still sense my brother nearby.
Raiden: Blame the sorcery that has been cast to bind you two.
Rain vs Michiko
Rain: You will make a powerful ally.
Michiko: Ally or servant?
Rain: You have befriended Nozomi. So ally.
---
Rain: Your power type falls under mine.
Michiko: My ice is a category all on its own.
Rain: Prove it to me.
---
Rain: Worship me as you do Nozomi.
Michiko: I work with Nozomi, not worship her.
Rain: You would be wise to do both.
Scorpion vs Michiko
Scorpion: I promised Reiki I wouldn't let you get hurt
Michiko: That was when we all though he was dead!
Scorpion: A promise is still a promise!
---
Scorpion: How did you walk so calmly through those flames?
Michiko: My ice is not that of a cryomancer’s Hanzo.
Scorpion: It is of a Nymph, isn’t it?
---
Scorpion: We share one thing in common.
Michiko: And what is that, Hasashi?
Scorpion: Loyalty to our loved ones.
Shang Tsung vs Michiko
Shang Tsung: Are you having fun sharing thoughts with your brother, Sektor?
Michiko: So it was you who binded us!
Shang Tsung: It was your fathers’ idea.
---
Shang Tsung: Your soul will prove most delicious.
Michiko: Jokes on you, I don’t have a soul.
Shang Tsung: You have one somewhere.
---
Shang Tsung: Michiko Karasugawa. A demon-nymph of dual origins.
Michiko: How do you know of that name?
Shang Tsung: I know of its true demise.
Shao Kahn vs Michiko
Shao Kahn: Nymphs used to serve the gods.
Michiko: That’s cause the gods have treated us like their own.
Shao Kahn: Today, they will serve me
---
Shao Kahn: Do you consume souls like that wretched sorcerer?
Michiko: I don’t eat souls, Shao
Shao Kahn: That’s Shao Kahn to you, demon!
---
Shao Kahn: Your lover is a powerful one.
Michiko: Touch her and you’re dead.
Shao Kahn: Just try and kill me, nymph!
Sheeva vs Michiko
Sheeva: You release too much of your anger in the wrong way.
Michiko: There’s a right way?
Sheeva: Through Kombat.
---
Sheeva: You and Reiki will make fine warriors!
Michiko: How so?
Sheeva: There is no greater strength, then two lovers on the battlefield together.
---
Sheeva: The Lin Kuei need you Michiko.
Michiko: I’m not going back there!
Sheeva: Even the toughest of warriors must face their fears.
Sindel vs Michiko
Sindel: You are much like my Mileena.
Michiko: Wait, how?
Sindel: You have chosen to be with your lover among all else.
---
Sindel: As queen of Edenia, I welcome you and Reiki to our realm
Michiko: We might not stay long, but thank you, your highness.
Sindel: Stay as long as you need to. This is a safe place.
---
Sindel: Where in the realms did you learn to scream like that?
Michiko: I used to have at least nine screaming matches a day with my father.
Sindel: By the Elder Gods child.
Skarlet vs Michiko
Skarlet: So you are nymph and demon?
Michiko: I am.
Skarlet: Your blood must be delicious.
---
Skarlet: You and I are of similar origins.
Michiko: How?
Skarlet: I too come from a line of nymphs.
---
Skarlet: You excel at taking life?
Michiko: I am not proud of it.
Skarlet: You should be!
Sonya vs Michiko
Sonya: I am surprised to see you back at SF.
Michiko: I need more relationship tips from Jacqui.
Sonya: I can offer them too you know?
---
Sonya: We need your help with dealing with Sektor.
Michiko: I am sorry Sonya, but I would rather keep my distance from him and that place.
Sonya: But you are the only one who can help us take him down.
---
Sonya: You really don’t have a legacy to live up to huh?
Michiko: Unless you count being a demon and a nymph.
Sonya: Well that’s when you make your own!
Sub-Zero vs Michiko
Sub-Zero: You know, since the time merger, I have not seen your past self.
Michiko: That’s because I had once lived outside the time dome of this world.
Sub-Zero: Where did you go when you died?
---
Sub-Zero: Please come back.
Michiko: Why, to look at their portaits and be reminded that I too am a monster?
Sub-Zero: You are no monster Michiko.
---
Sub-Zero: How did you escape the cyber initiative?
Michiko: buzzsaw. Buzzsaw. BuzzSaw!
Sub-zero: Michiko?
Sektor vs Michiko
Sektor: Many others have told me you fear me. Why?
Michiko: You use the magic that binds us to screw with me!
Sektor: I just wanted to be close to you...
---
Sektor: You and Reiki are engaged?
Michiko: She is my soulmate after all.
Sektor: As long as she makes you happy.
---
Sektor: Come back home, little sister.
Michiko: So long as that painful, loud machinery operates, the answer is no!
Sektor: How badly have I hurt you?
Cyrax vs Michiko
Cyrax: If I’m mustard, and your brother’s ketchup, what does that make you and Reiki?
Michiko: Cherry and Plum.
Cyrax: Sweet!
---
Cyrax: Be lucky you managed to escape before you were cyberized.
Michiko: Be lucky the anesthesia actually worked for you.
Cyrax: You were awake during the process?!
---
Cyrax: Do I have permission to marry Sektor?
Michiko: Do I look like my brother's keeper?
Cyrax: Yes you do, Cain. Now answer the question.
Smoke vs Michiko
Smoke: You and my Enenra are friends?
Michiko: Wait, Enenra considers me a friend?
Smoke: He does call you his demon friend.
---
Smoke: We both harbor demons in us.
Michiko: You have a demon, I am a demon. There’s a difference Vrbada!
Smoke: Not in our circumstances, there isn’t.
---
Smoke: I finally know how you feel now…
Michiko: What are you- oh, no. Come here Tomas.
Smoke: I’ll be fine Michiko
Hydro vs Michiko
Hydro: You and Kuai both need to be careful about the fire types you associate with!
Michiko: I’m not a cryomancer, Hydro. I can handle the heat!
Hydro: That doesn’t mean you can’t be hurt!
---
Hydro: You have grown since the last time we met.
Michiko: Well demons do age quite fast.
Hydro: But you are of two odd origins.
---
Hydro: You may be grown, but have you really honed your skills little snowball?
Michiko: I have honed more skill than you can ever imagine, water spout
Hydro: Then shall we test them, little fox?
Sareena vs Michiko
Sareena: I’ve never met such a cute demon
Michiko: Wait, there are more demons?
Sareena: oh you poor baby.
---
Sareena: We can form our own clan.
Michiko: I’m quite sick of them.
Sareena: Just give it a shot.
---
Sareena: Tell me, how often do you get to release that pent up rage of yours?
