Character Questions - Koga (OoT)
Full name: Koga of the Imp Tribe
Nickname: Brother (by Link), Brat (by Ganondorf), Chief (by his tribesmen), Aniki (by the people of Clock Town as he grew up)
Occupation: Multiemployed (He leads a Tribe, is a Painter and was a Swordplay Instructor)
Appearance: The Kogas all have similar facial features but some differences are there. OoT Koga's hair is black and normally tied in a low ponytail with a few loose bangs. His skin is dark but not like Tea's. His eyes are hazel and his lips are thin, but he has very expressive facial expressions.
Age: 12 when Link was in the past, 19 when Link becomes the Hero of Time, 13 when the pair went to Termina, 21 when Link is killed and Koga returns to Hyrule to kill Ganondorf.
Mannerisms: Generally silent and was practically a mute as a kid. His time in Termina allowed Koga to emerge out of his shell and be more vocal. He's extremely intelligent as his power for his thirteenth birthday was just a massive increase to his IQ. He picked up his hobbies (painting and calligraphy) as a result.
What does he/she wear?: Koga wears a Red Scarf he received after his night with Aveil as a trophy for being the best she ever had. (No exaggeration) The scarf has the symbol of the Termina Gerudo Chapter, signifying the bond his tribe and the Gerudos have. He wears a grey duster and has chainmail underneath the coat. He wears black slacks with black cuffed boots and white wraps over his hands. He also has his Nine Ring Bagua Dao on his back. After Link's death, he wears a Gold Earring on his left ear in honor of his memory. He also carries a bag holding his painting and calligraphy equipment along with his Sealing Talismans.
Favorite color: Silver
What is he/she good at?: This Koga is multitalented. He's an accomplished painter and calligrapher. He's also a master tactician and strategist.
What is he/she bad at?: Not the most expressive, especially as a child. Koga also can't take a hint as he always wanted OoT Zelda for his own. She never expressed the same feelings, but he never picked up. He can also be very single-minded when angered and threw almost all his blessings away when Link died.
What does he/she want?: To make the Chief of the Imps proud as Koga is his adopted son. He also wants Zelda's affections. (But we know he isn't going to get it)
What is his/her goal?: Help Link defeat Ganondorf. Afterward, help Link find Navi which turns into helping Link save Termina.
What lie does he/she believe?: That he still has something to prove to his brethren in Kakariko.
What flaw results from the lie?: Koga tends to beat himself up after receiving praise and not seeing his value as a person, Imp, or warrior. Despite being loved by Link as their bond is akin to brotherhood, seen as a hero to his people, the best Swordsman in his Tribe and arguably all of Hyrule, and coming up with a completely original style.
What truth does he/she learn?: Despite not getting the woman of his dreams, Koga is still quite the human of notable quality. He has many other people that care for him in the form of Link, his brethren, his Tribe the Skellington Tribe, Aveil, and Tatl.
What is his/her background?
Regardless of what incarnation we talk about, Koga was destined for great things that not many truly understand. From the moment he could wield a weapon, he was seen as a child prodigy by the tribespeople to the point where the King of Hyrule wanted to meet the Chief and Koga in person. On the day they left Kakariko to meet the Royal Family, Koga's life would change forever in many ways. He would meet the King of Hyrule, Impa, Zelda, and Ganondorf. Once the King of Thieves caught word of Koga's prodigal skill, he challenged the boy to a duel.
In a twisted sense of irony, Koga would emerge victorious, which shocked everyone in attendance. The Chief granted him a Gold Ring on his Bagua Dao. Little did the twelve-year-old Koga know that this one victory would kickstart one of the most bitter, on-sight rivalries involving any of my OCs. Shortly thereafter, Koga would help Link deal with Dodongo's Cavern and the King Dodongo. Despite the little words the pair shared, a bond started and would last until the Hero of Time's death.
After Link defeated Ganondorf, Koga was harshly refused for the last time by Zelda. In his shame and embarrassment, he would leave Hyrule with Link and helped him in his search for Navi. This led to the events of Majora's Mask. After saving the country, the pair decided to stay in Termina as opposed to heading back to Hyrule, agreeing that there was nothing left for them there. Little did Koga know that Hyrule was slowly going to hell due to their absence. On his 21st birthday, his best friend and brother was killed by Gerudo Assassins who were fanatics of Ganondorf. In an extreme fit of anger, Koga temporarily abandoned everything he built in Termina and made his way back to the country that brought him and Link nothing but trouble in their lives. The first thing he did upon his return was to head to Gerudo City and inform Nabooru of what happened. The pair then rounded up the Gerudos of the Hyrule Chapter and killed every Gerudo who showed the slightest loyalty to Ganondorf. That was more than half the Chapter.
Koga then returned to Kakariko where he received a hero's welcome and relayed everything that happened since he left. Chief told him of what happened to Hyrule. Ganondorf was released from his prison by Zelda and they became lovers and co-rule Hyrule as Tyrants. Shocked but not surprised, Koga marched to Hyrule Castle and killed Ganondorf and Zelda due to Nayru giving him the Triforce of Wisdom after Zelda lost it due to betraying the Hylian Goddesses. The Chief gave him two more Gold Rings, a final gift from him before heading back to Termina to live out the rest of his life.
Happy, but with a laundry list of regrets.
Koga (OoT)
Additional Questions for Him/Her:
- What does this version of Koga regret the most?
Wasting so much of his life pursuing Zelda even after being denied many times. He was persistent as he truly had feelings for her, but Ganondorf already got to her even when she was younger. It was only when they all grew up and Koga returned to Hyrule that he realized how much of a lost cause she was.
- How often does he think about his murdered brother?
Koga visits his grave at least twice a month to tell him what has happened since his death. And if he's wandering the world and can't do that, Link's grave is his first stop. The other Terminians make sure to take good care of it when Koga's not around since the duo did save the entire region. It was his connection to Link that prevented Kitana from attempting suicide after she lost Liu Kang to Shinnok.
- Where does Koga see himself as a 20 year old?
Koga saw himself staying at Termina for the rest of his life. He didn't start his tribe yet and also didn't establish any connection with Aveil either. He was convinced that he would never leave. And after everything he and Link did in Hyrule, why would they? Sadly, we know what would cause him to depart Termina due to blind rage. After slaying Ganondorf and Zelda and bringing peace to Hyrule, he wouldn't go back to Termina until he was nearly thirty since Termina reminded him of Link's murder.
Editor's Thoughts:
I can easily see the turmoil and despair Koga has gone through in this version of his life. It's a miracle he hadn't gone insane. I do like the latter part referencing Kitana. Koga wanted to make sure no one else fell into a similar path of heartbreak. What may be left for him to do is finally have some peace of mind.
Character Questions - Koga (Twilight Princess)
Full name: Koga of the Imp Tribe, Koga Kagura, Koga Yata
Nickname: Nii-chan (by Tea), Big Brother (by Huey), Stitches (Derogatory bordering an insult, but he's learned to deal with it), Otto (by Chizuru, which means husband), Kyodai (by Prince)
Occupation: Private Investigator and Co-Founder of the Tribal Detective Agency. TDA for short.
Appearance: Before gaining the Triforce of Power, Koga had long Black hair which he normally slicked back, save for a long strand in the front. He has milk chocolate skin (lighter than Jade, darker than Tanya for a point of reference), and amber eyes. After the events of Twilight Princess, he received his most prominent feature, the stitches that cross over his nose as a result of Ganondorf swiping him with the Sword of Sages. They are a permanent part of his face. After receiving the Triforce of Power, his hair shortened to his neck and curled up. His skin grew darker along with his eyes turning crimson red. His lips remain thin but are most often in a form of a small frown.
Age: 25 in the stories he stars in, 52 after the Time Skip in GbNF.
Mannerisms: Koga is stoic and is almost always professional and serious. His appearance and home don't give off the impression that he's well-spoken and intelligent. His sense of humor is dry and sarcastic as Tatl is the bright, uppity part of their partnership. Though he does soften around his siblings, Tatl, his friends in the Hylian Freedom Fighters (especailly Ashei, and Telma), his friends in the form of my other OCs (especially Yao and Benji) and his significant other whether it be Ana or Chizuru. (Who is it that Koga would prefer? Ana or Chizuru? I've seen conflicting things between them)
What does he/she wear?: When he first left Kakariko with Tea, Koga had a red hoodie with black pants and matching shoes. He would more often wear the hood overhead and when he got into a fight, he put on protective gloves so as to not give himself bloody knuckles. Koga didn't really have control over his power and strength yet. After settling down as a PI of the main branch of TDA, he switched at Tea's suggestion to a golden brown Duster, with a black long sleeve shirt underneath with chainmail underneath the shirt. The shirt itself has flame streaks going horizontally and vertically similar to the Smash Bros. Symbol. He wears faded blue jeans that are distressed and black Hi-Top esque shoes. After gaining the Triforce of Power and moving to Manhattan, he switched his long sleeve shirt for a black button-up with a white tie and switched his jeans to black slacks with his shirt neatly tucked in. The Tie was Chizuru's suggestion. In fact, she taught him how to tie one. Regardless of which version of this outfit you envision, Koga's hands are taped white and had some blood splatter on some occasions. He keeps the Mask of Truth slung on the back of his pants and hidden in his Duster. Tatl who on occasion spirals out to offer her two cents also hides in his Duster.
Favorite color: Forest Green
What is he/she good at?: Since he's the World's Greatest Detective, Koga has mastered every Detective Skill needed for the job. He can read people, but not on Tea's level. He's also an expert at on-the-fly adaptation and thinking while great at intimidating others. Though he rarely uses this skill.
What is he/she bad at?: Though patient, Koga is impossible to stop when angered. He's also not easy to gain the forgiveness of. His moral compass while being very sharp can be very black or white at times which causes some of the things he does to be considered questionable. Especially when he was still in Kakariko.
What does he/she want?: Koga wants to help as many people as he can before his time on the living plane is over. It's one of the biggest reasons why he wanted to be a PI.
What is his/her goal?: To do right by his siblings and wife.
What lie does he/she believe?: That his past actions will come back to haunt him as a form of karmic retribution.
What flaw results from the lie?: Though not even close on the same level as Tea, Koga, at times can push people away he really needs in his life. Unlike his twin, those people he pushes away push back and refuse to give up on him since it's very uncharacteristic of him. Take Chizuru for example. The day she and Koga became an item was one of the happiest days of her life. Yet that same day, their conversation solidified their coupling was the most taxing and stressful conversation she's ever participated in.
What truth does he/she learn?: That Koga has already been forgiven for what happened in Kakariko, especially since what happened was out of his control.
What is his/her background?
Koga the Oni Detective is a Legend to almost everyone he's ever helped. But his beginnings weren't as bright as his life is currently. Like his direct ancestor, Koga was deemed a child prodigy in many areas. Intellect, problem-solving, and fighting were only a few avenues where he gained recognition. After gaining his powers over electricity, his notoriety only grew. However, the Chief wasn't as watchful over him as he should've been as Koga was quickly manipulated by a couple of corrupted Elders in the Tribe. They abused his power, and under the guise of hierarchy, obeyed their every command before killing a lot of people. Some weren't innocent, though most were. It wasn't until his twin Tea stepped in that he eventually snapped out of it, taking the Mask Ritual instead of the Upgrade Ritual like those Elders wanted him to do. Those Elders were killed, and that chapter of his life was over. Immense guilt over what was done still crosses his mind from time to time.
After being chosen to take the Mask of Truth and receiving his Irezumi the Eye of Truth, Koga and Tea left Kakariko and co-founded the Tribal Detective Agency. (Including driving a group of racists known as the Tribal Hunters to near extinction) Time passed as the pair got a large amount of work. Koga and Zelda started dating, breaking one of the many cycles that plagued his incarnations, which were to pine for Zelda's affections. Eventually, the events of Twilight Princess came to be, and the twins met Link and Midna. After a rocky start since Midna is a Twilight Imp being in the Realm of Light raising their suspicions, the air was cleared and they agreed to help them with Tea helping Link and Midna maneuver through the Gerudo Desert and the Arbiter's Grounds while Koga helped with Snowpeak and the Temple of Time. Koga also helped Link deal with Ganondorf as he was instrumental in Beast Ganon's defeat due to his inhumane strength. Part of the Imp Tribe's blessings.
But Ganondorf never forgot what his previous incarnation did. In a last-ditch effort to kill his bitter enemy on top of being petty, the King of Thieves swiped the Sword of Sages at Koga, permanently injuring him and requiring Holy Magic from the Guardians to close the wound. To add to the misfortune, Zelda broke their relationship with no explanation given. And it took Tatl, Tea, the Hylian Freedom Fighters, and his returning big sister, Devin to prevent him from getting depressed. As a result of hearing about this, Zelda impulsively had Koga arrested and thrown in jail for killing the Tribal Hunters. The entire city stood up in their defense of him. Shortly after he was released and all the charges were dropped, Koga saw that the people of Castle Town, even the stushy North Enders cared for him and Tea.
After Tea decided to leave TDA to become a Loan Shark, Koga felt like his time in Castle Town's South End was up. He said his goodbyes to the people he grew to treasure and cherish before he and Tatl began to wander, taking cases big and small wherever they could. Before settling in Manhattan, he had helped a Goddess end her own world due to the cruel injustices her fellow deities wreaked on the innocent. Prevented the World of Trophies from being destroyed by a Supernatural Entity alongside his siblings and a few other heroes. Became a member of a winning King of Fighters Team alongside Ash Crimson, Shen Woo, and Oswald who he'd maintained contact and became friends with, as well as a long list of other adventures. After moving to Manhattan, he assisted the Egyptian Army with weeding the roots of its own corruption, met his first wife, met his closest friends in the Maddox, Shio, and Wuming Families, reluctantly divorced his first wife, becoming a Two Time King of Fighters Tournament Winner alongside Tea, Wuming Yao, and a Fourth Member that I'm keeping to myself until I write that story because I really want to do that story since it solidifies in Koga meeting his second and current wife in Chizuru Kagura.
Despite not giving him as much exposure as I want to, Koga the Oni Detective is truly one of a kind.
Additional Questions for Him/Her:
- Where does his inspiration come from?
When I first created Koga, I said he was the closest thing I'll ever get to a self-insert since I based his personality on mine at the time: Aloof, brilliant, lazy, gives off the vibe that he's an idiot but knows more of his surroundings than he lets on. But as the original run of UA went on, I slowly gave him more of a background as his, as well as the other siblings' personalities and backstories, were done all on the cuff. Koga's personality now is more original than his old one.
He's inspired by self-motivation. Koga always wanted to be a PI from the moment he learned that was the best use of his talents. He dived deep when he was young and it all paid off, though this motivation was manipulated and contorted. It was fixed thanks to Tea, but now it turned into workaholicism.
- How much more will Koga factor into GbNF?
With the introduction of the last Maddox, Koga's appearance will wane in GbNF since Mulan is a member of his Agency. He'll be represented through her. He might make a couple of sporadic appearances here and there to provide an exposition dump. But I wouldn't count on seeing him much other than that.
- Have Koga and Chizuru thought about children at this stage?
Kids are an interesting topic to them.
They've had discussions about the possibility but agreed that now's not a good time. Koga knows that despite breaking the cycle Demise placed on Link and Zelda, they, as well as he, will still be reincarnated. So there's no need to rush.
For Chizuru's opinion on the matter, her parents are very controlling and after they accepted Koga as their son-in-law, they've tried to push them into having a child so they can groom them to be the next guardian of the Yata Mirror. That only makes the couple less inclined to have children. Koga still doesn't like his stepparents because they were extremely racist towards him and Chizuru cherishes her independence from them.
The simple answer is yes, but the elongated answer is no.
Editor's Thoughts:
This Koga seems to have a lot more on his plate than his predecessor in terms of workload, family, and other things. Yet, he's determined to make it all work out in the end. Having Mulan as a member will surely ease the burden in that regard. And self-motivation can only go so far to continue your life's work. That's where Chizuru came in. I agree they should enjoy their freedom as a couple. Only decide on children when you're in agreement. Otherwise, it will drive you apart.