The Interview Prompt (Pitched by: Salty)
Goal: Take two OCs, one of your choosing and one chosen by your partner (writing partner, SO it doesn't matter.) And as their creator, interview them.
Characters Used: Koga and Dakini (Adult Version)
Conduct Interview:
Salty: Good to see you again, Koga.
Koga: Likewise, Salty. Shall we get started?
S: Sure thing. For the people, introduce yourself.
K: Okay. My name is Koga of the Imp Tribe. If you wanna be technical, my full name is Koga Kagura or Koga Yata.
S: You took Chizuru's name?
K: Well, Chizu isn't an Imp, so I wasn't left with much choice in that department. Tea rips me apart because of it.
S: I bet her folks didn't like that decision
K: Oh they don't. I make sure to call them Mom and Dad to tilt them. They don't like me so I make sure to milk it whenever Chizu takes me to see them.
S: Speaking of your Tea, let's talk about your relationship with her.
K: What about it?
S: It's clear that you two are thick as skin whenever you ask me to document whatever is happening then. I always notice that you and her never really squabble over anything.
K: I mean, we got all of the arguments out of our system when we were still in Kakariko Village. We were split on our paths, y'know? I was dead set on leaving on our eighteenth birthday, and she was still deciding whether to go with me or stay. That led to a lot of verbal battles between us.
S: Was her indecisiveness the only thing you two fought over?
K: No, though I wish it was. (Koga scratches his hair) I was still being a lapdog for a couple of my superiors. Everyone was noticing this except me, and Tea would use that to lash out at me. The things that would leave her mouth would make sailors question their choice of vocabulary.
S: Did those words hit in the right spots?
K: I'd think so. It definitely made me think about what would happen if I left Kakariko in the state I was in. The ritual I chose to do would cement my life for the near and far future.
S: How so?
K: As you know, Imps go under two rituals. One, to get their powers, and when they're eighteen, they choose between upgrading their powers or undergoing a ritual to gain the ability to wield a mask. My peers wanted me to take the upgrade ritual. And well (Koga flashes the Mask of Truth), you guess which ritual I underwent. That was the moment when I regained self-agency. The higher-ups who had me wrapped around their fingers were not pleased.
S: And you're much better off than them, that's for sure.
K: Absolutely. Them not being alive helps that case.
S: So, you make your living as a Detective-
K: The best Detective.
S: For sure. But your Imp brethren, for lack of a better term, are a bunch of brutes. What made you think of being a PI?
K: Huh, good question. It was outside of the box, personally. Being the adopted son of the tribe's head led most to believe that I would be a warrior or the next Chieftain. I never wanted the Chieftain position, and everyone else was a warrior. Who the hell was expecting me to say that I wanted to be a PI? Becoming a detective? Plus, if I spent my whole life seeing the same large group of people, I would lose my fucking mind.
S: I can understand that, especially with how shameless your brethren are. What did your folks think about that?
K: I don't know since I never met 'em. Mom died during childbirth because the Tribe Doctors weren't expecting twins, so they didn't prepare properly for Tea. She passed shortly after Tea came out of the womb.
S: And your father?
K: Dad was a Berserker. Remember the rituals I mentioned earlier?
S: Uh-huh.
K: Well, Berserkers are Imps who undergo all three rituals. The Powers Ritual, the Upgrade Ritual, and the Mask Ritual. As a result, their strength, endurance, and speed are multiplied ten-fold. Yet, they're cursed to live half-lives, die in battle, or die before they can raise their kids. Sometimes, all three happens, which was the case for the Old Man. He was a Berserker, and the same day Mom told him she was pregnant, he perished in the ensuing battle. He was only 33.
S: Damn.
K: Chief, however, was ecstatic. He supported me in the decision 100% and said that I had a knack for problem solving. When I got my mask, and my former peers were exposed, Tea decided to leave with me and underwent the Upgrade Ritual. Dee was already gone since she was five years older than us.
S: Was it Tea's decision to become a PI too? Or did you have some influence on that decision?
K: She wanted to leave but didn't know what to do. So I taught the basics of detective work. Turns out, she really liked the whole ordeal.
S: Is she still a PI?
K: Nah. She's a Shark now.
S: A Loan Shark?
K: You sound surprised.
S: That's because I am. I never expected Tea to become one.
K: Trust me, neither did I. But she took to it really well. And her experience as a Detective really helps with debt collection.
S: What about Devin?
K: Dee runs the Agency back in Castle Town. She also helps with Tea's Sharking business as her Debt Collector. Chizu really adores them both.
S: Speaking of your wife, you have had some nice pull from what I documented for you. Let me look at the rap sheet here...
K: (Sweating lightly) Oh boy, I'm about to get exposed, huh?
S: Oh, don't worry about that. There's nothing to be ashamed of. With your track record, I'm surprised you don't show it off some more.
K: Eh, women admittedly just fall into my lap. If anyone has a good mackin' game, it's Yao.
S: I believe that too. Alright, let's see what we got here. *Ahem* Zelda, Samus, Malice, Tifa, Excella, Persephone, Mary, Zafina, Ana, and Chizuru. You dated Mary? (AD: Now THAT is an impressive list)
K: That was definitely a blight. She changed in a good way, but we both knew it wasn't going to work.
S: Malice?
K: It was either her or Athena. And I can only take so much of how Athena sounds before I get visibly annoyed.
S: Was there anyone who you had an attraction for but didn't pursue?
K: In my first case outside of Hyrule, I was hired by Old Man Yamamoto of the Soul Society to investigate the disappearance of Hinamori-chan. Hirako-san was my partner for the case. During that, I met Yoruichi-san and was crushing hard.
S: I mean, it's Yoruichi. Any straight man would crush on her. Why didn't you pursue her?
K: I was nowhere near as powerful as I am now. At the time, I didn't have the Triforce of Power and still fought like I didn't know what I was doing because I didn't. Yoruichi was multiple times more powerful than me, and I would feel uncomfortable throughout the relationship. One mistake, and I'd be dead. I didn't have complete control over my powers while still getting used to the Mask of Truth. I was a mess. Controlled, but still a mess. If I had to fight, I would have to pick my opponents well or be royally screwed. The only people I could beat convincingly at the time were Chad and Ganju. Not good if you're keeping track.
S: What about now?
K: I don't know. If I had to make an educated guess, the best I could do would probably be Captain Komamura. Wild guess, though. No idea if I'm correct or not.
S: Would you make a pass at her if you weren't married?
K: I don't think so. From what Hirako-san told me, she's a tease and a flirt. I don't like either of those things in a woman. If anything, I'd probably go back for Captain Sui Feng.
S: I see. Chizuru was correct when she said that you clearly defined your type of woman.
K: What are you talking about?
S: Fair skin, black hair, Asian facial features. That's the most consistent type you've had from the people I've listed and those attracted to you. Athena, Ashei, do I have to go on?
K: No, ya don't. Mary, Z (Zafina), and Persephone were like that too, more the former than the latter. I honestly wished I dated more of my ethnicity. Still, the chocolate I attract is too rowdy for me, save for Ana. Vanessa Lewis is a perfect example. She always acted like she had something to prove. I would consider her to be a Star-Crossed Lover.
S: Yeah, Vanessa is definitely intense. I had another question, but I forgot what it was. Curse my short-term memory. I guess you can go, Koga. Thanks again.
K: (Koga shakes Salty's hand.) No problem. Anytime, I'll tell the others you said hey.
S: Alright, see you later.
K: 'Till next time.
Conduct Interview:
Salty: Dakini, it's good to see you.
Dakini: Likewise, Salty. Sorry I haven't requested you to document me more. I enjoy our time together. (Happily hugs Salty)
S: Alright, Dakini. Have a seat so we can start.
D: Yeah, sorry. Hehe. I'm surprised you asked to interview me.
S: My editor requested you. I initially thought he would ask for your father, but I documented him and Callie enough already.
D: Yeah, your readers really love that story.
S: And the readers love you. Anyway, for consistency's sake, introduce yourself.
D: Hi! I'm Dakini Murai Maddox.
S: Murai is your middle name?
D: Yup. Named after Grandma Destiny's mom. It's a nice name.
S: I agree. So since people have little knowledge of this version of you, care to clear the air on the differences between you and your future counterpart?
D: Well, Future Dakini was around 325 and is a Nightwolf due to Onaga's madness. I come from a time where he was appropriately slain. The Nightwolf was taken from me as I no longer needed it and was allowed a normal life. Normal for an Edenian woman, that is.
S: But you still dress like a Nightwolf.
D: Old habits die hard, Salty. Being Nightwolf was the only thing that kept me alive, so it left quite an impression on me. But I'm not bound by the same rules. I can kill whomever, travel wherever, and do whatever within reason.
S: I don't see Hamlet around. Did he go with your powers too?
D: Sadly... I aged when my burden was lifted. As a result, Hamlet aged rapidly until he died. I miss him...
S: I'm pretty sure your entire household misses him. So as you've said, you were Nightwolf until Onaga's death, which meant that you traversed between Edenia and Earth frequently.
D: That's right.
S: Do you prefer one realm over the other?
D: Ooh, good question. Being Nightwolf made me one with Earthrealm's nature, and I grew to enjoy being in the outdoors. But Edenia's my home realm, the motherland. You can't replace your home, y'know? Although, Auntie was definitely right about some of her people. There are just some you can't redeem.
S: Why would anyone test you of all people? Especially when they have to know who your parents are.
D: Some people have no fear, Salty. While it's admirable, it's not very smart in the long run.
S: You certainly have an air of confidence about yourself. Your future self has the same air, but it's hidden through closeted fear. Care to tell me how you got over those fears?
D: Oh, my God. Another great question. When I was young, I had a lot to fear and lose. I mean... I lost everything. Phae and the Great Spirit gave me a second chance at life. So I was justifiably on edge all the time, fearing a repeat would occur. Once I grew more comfortable around everyone and noticed they were vastly different from the versions I knew from my time, the layers of fear started peeling away.
S: Jeez, you look identical to your mother.
D: I know, Salty. I wish I got something from Dad in terms of appearance. Ted looks like a combination of Ms. Sareena and Dad in the best way. Even Ruby and Randy look like a combination of Ma and Dad.
S: Speaking of your siblings, what's it like being the oldest of four?
D: Technically, I'm the second oldest. I'm older than Ted because he didn't exist in my time and was miscarried. But I don't know how to feel. In all honesty, I'm still getting used to being called 'Big Sister' by Ruby and Randy. And Ted always calls me by name. I don't live with my parents, so they don't get to see me as much as they do Mama and Dad. But I still love them all.
S: Tell us a little about them.
D: Ted's a bit of a hothead, very excitable with a lot of energy, even as he matured. The guy can Box, though, as that's what he does for a living.
S: And the twins?
D: Well, they're kids still, so they act accordingly. Not much I can say about that, I'm afraid.
S: Are you happy for them?
D: Of course, I am. If not jealous that they get to have a conflict less childhood, unlike Ted and me. But it's jealousy in the best way. Would I trade my life for theirs? Absolutely not.
S: Well said. To get the sickos off my back, I gotta ask. Do you have a significant other?
D: Sure I do.
S: (Chuckles at the blunt answer) Are you gonna tell me who he or she is?
D: Sure. You're my significant other, Salty. And you (Pecks Salty's cheek) are looking as handsome since the day we met.
S: (Blushes heavily) You're such a fucking tease, Dakini. Seriously.
D: (Laughs heartily before giving a wink) Cute of you to think that I'm joking. I've got eyes only for you.
S: I appreciate it. Jeez, this is like Kalina all over again.
D: But unlike her, I'm not married. So this is still holy.
S: Tch. You sound like Kim.
D: With her being Ted's Godmother, I got used to having her around.
S: So you've met Kole?
D: I have and consider her a good friend and number one travel partner.
S: Wow, more than Hamlet?
D: Hamlet was fantastic to have around, but I'm the only one who can literally understand him. Kole adds just the right amount of insanity to my life when I have her around.
S: What do you mean?
D: Whenever I ran into Kole while we were still in Skyrim, she was always in the middle of something crazy. She joined the Companions and became a Werewolf while investigating the Forsworn Conspiracy before being thrown into the Cidhna Mines. Then she went back to her home country as I returned to Earthrealm. And don't even get me started on Dawnguard and Solstheim. Traveling with her has given me stories and memories to last a lifetime.
S: I'm convinced that Koga is the medium that connects us all together. He's done cases for your parents before. Have you ever had any contact with him?
D: Not really. He's really good at his job that much I know. He's also super cute. But I know better than to mess with a married man.
S: So you'd consider him a Hall Pass?
D: I've said too much as is.
S: Well, since my editor requested this interview, I will read a couple of the questions he left for me.
D: Ooh, okay. Let's pick his brain for a bit.
Bonus Round: Questions from my Editor
Salty: Sorry to call you back in, Koga. But my editor had some questions for you.
Koga: Oh, it's no problem. I got all the time in the world nowadays. Despite being partners, Ana really likes it when I'm home, y'know?
S: That's fair. The number of times you've almost died, it's like you have a marriage with death.
K: Eh, I just like to flirt with it.
S: Don't get me started on flirting after that Dakini interview. That almost derailed the whole prompt. Anyway, the first of alwaysdoubted's questions. What made you decide to take the case regarding Daegon's presence in Earthrealm?
K: Oh, Cyclops? Daegon and his posse have been out for Ana and me since we moved to New York.
S: Really? How so?
K: Me killing Hsu Hao wasn't the first time we met. I was looking into the information we found for Duffeck. Hsu Hao, that ugly piece of shit, shot a laser at the office that luckily didn't hurt anyone. But he destroyed my KOF XIII trophy. Ana and I quickly turned in the information we had to Duffeck before we scoured Charred Mountain for him. You know what happened next. Safe to say that the old fart made it personal.
S: Jeez, I'm convinced Daegon only makes enemies. I'm looking forward to having you or Benji tell me that you put him in the dirt.
K: And what a fine day that will be.
S: Anyway, next question. The last time we saw you, you were helping Benji deal with Kotal's petty actions. Have any Outworld aggressors (like Shang Tsung, or Kotal for example.) attacked you, Ana, or any friends and family since you involved yourself with the case?
K: It's hard to get to Hyrule from Earthrealm, and only I know the way there. But even if they did know, Tea and Dee do not play when their lives are at stake. They'll kill them without hesitation. Then they'll go to Outworld and kill off everyone in the royal court to cover their tracks.
S: Sheesh, I know they don't play, but shit.
K: As for Ana and I, Shao Kahn's army was too busy trying to kill Benji and co., so they didn't attack us since I broke Rain's jaw. But the Red Dragon has. Mavado made it a personal mission to make sure we remember what we did to Hsu Hao.
S: What has he done?
K: Ana and I are trying to conceive. We thought we finally got it done and were on the way to see Doctor Maddox to have her confirm or deny our claims. On the way to the Wu Shi, Mavado attacked and primarily targeted Ana's stomach. Heartless bastard... He didn't land a hit there, but that was still low even for the Red Dragon. So, I'm looking forward to seeing him again and personally send him to hell.
S: The Red Dragon continues to stoop low, I see. Do you plan on extending your services to other realms?
K: I have already. That's why I moved to Manhattan. I took a case from Commander Hotaru because he thought that the Resistance was mounting a comeback.
S: What!? Did Benji know about this?
K: No. Ana and I were more than enough. It was relatively small, with only 10 or so people inspired by the new Resistance and their ways. We axed that before it got out of hand. As for somewhere like Outworld, I don't think so. I'm a PI, not a Bounty Hunter. I can refuse work from people I don't like. Although it hasn't stopped people like Kotal or Reiko from asking me to do cases for them. I take pleasure in telling them to take a hike.
S: Alright, last question. Will Ana be tagging along for future cases?
K: Of course. She's my partner and wife who gave up a lot to be with me. It's only fair that she accompanies me. If I ever convince her to stay home to hold down the fort, she wants us to remain in contact. So, it's better for the relationship if she comes along.
S: Okay, I have to mention the elephant in the room. I thought you and Chizuru were married. But you say that you and Ana are married. What's the deal with that?
K: When I told Ben that, I was afraid of things derailing with Chizuru if the relationship progressed. I essentially spoke it into existence. Chizuru picked up on my hesitation and understood. She was sad that her job as guardian of the Yata Mirror would drive away the only person she ever genuinely loved. But she remains our confidante since she loves seeing us together. (AD: That must have been tough on Chizuru)
S: Do you still love her?
K: Without question. The end of the relationship wasn't toxic, so we still care for one another. But making a decision because you're scared isn't good for your mental health, and I have enough problems as is.
S: Well, thanks for coming back in so soon. I'll let you go for real this time.
K: Alright, and don't worry too much about it. I'll see you later.
Salty: Well, Dakini. You ready for these questions?
Dakini: Ready and waiting.
S: Alright, your first question is... Oh, my God. (Salty looks visibly annoyed)
D: Oh, boy. What's the question?
S: I'm going to kill my editor for this. When did you and I start seeing each other?
D: (Starts laughing so hard, she snorts) Your editor is my hero! Well, alwaysdoubted. Since you're so curious, I'll happily tell you how we met. See, I was thrift shopping-
S: Here we go...
D: Shut up, Salty! I'm telling a story! So, before I was rudely interrupted, I was thrift shopping and saw this cute guy with headphones checking out some of the records in the music section. He had another guy with him, but he left to go to the bathroom or something. I saw my moment and strutted up to him. He noticed my approach and took his headphones off but continued surveying the records. At first, he was like an impenetrable fortress, but with my godlike charm and wit, I broke the walls down. He eventually asked me out. We've been together forever since. (Clasps Salty's hands with a cheeky smile)
S: I hope you're happy, alwaysdoubted. (AD: I am actually lol)
D: I know I am, hehe.
S: Why did I pitch this prompt? I had a feeling something like this was going to happen.
D: Whatever. You love me, and you know it.
S: Anyway, now that you've matured into an adult.
D: Your adult.
S: Stop it. What are the main differences between Earthrealm and Edenia now that you're a grown-up?
D: There's a sense of peace in Edenia that I can't really describe. Maybe it's ignorance since she was merged with Outworld for a long time. Now that she's free again, it's like the people forgot that it was merged. On the other hand, Earthrealm is always preparing for defense. Whenever the baddie of the day shows up, they always target there first. Raiden is at his wit's end.
S: I can only imagine. Do you miss being Nightwolf?
D: In a sense, I'm still Nightwolf. I use the same weapons and powers save for the ancestral callings. Like I said earlier, being Nightwolf left an enormous impression on me. In terms of the mantle, I don't miss it because I still am in spirit.
S: If there is one thing you would tell your younger self, what would it be?
D: Don't give in to despair. I know it's easy to do that because your life up until going back to the past has been hell. But if you give up hope, so will everyone around you. While their union wasn't in danger of failing, your presence surged Mom and Dad's marriage as well as reinforced Ms. Sareena's wanting a child. You've only been a catalyst for good things since you arrived, and everyone loves having you around. So, don't give in.
S: How heartfelt. Finally, Dakini. How's your mom doing?
D: She's doing fine, Salty. Can you be more specific?
S: How is Jade doing mentally? Felt like it was fair to ask, considering what Benji and Callie and your future self had me document during their time in Seido. On top of bickering with Xan in tandem with Kotal and Tanya still at large.
D: Oh... She's doing much better now that Nana has been giving her counseling. My present self, Ted, Ruby, and Randy have done a phenomenal job keeping her sane. We even dragged Xan into counseling to help him ease into society again since he's been through the ringer his whole life. (AD: Wasn't sure if that was Xan or Benji. Though I believe the whole family was with Jade as she continues going to therapy) Though Tanya is still stalking us, I can wager. And Kotal's still a creep who won't speak to Earthrealm or Edenian officials until he has what he thinks is his. That psychotic sicko.
S: Trust me, I felt uncomfortable documenting those arguments, and I can bet that alwaysdoubted felt uncomfortable editing them. (AD: You have no idea, but it evens out as the story goes along as far as comfort level and development) Nearly as uncomfortable as when your parents ask me to document when they have sex.
D: I'm so sorry. I mean that.
S: Your parents are fucking nasty, Dakini.
D: I know. I know. But at least I'm not at the house when they do it.
S: Alright, Dakini. I'll let you go.
D: So we're meeting up for lunch later?
S: Daki...
D: Okay, Okay. I'll go. You're such a brat sometimes.