ironchef | Victory Road Inbox

[You look like a Rock Star, Marik! Even with the anxiety heat you're doing fine.]

Nah, it's okay. I'm honored.

[Though the way Marik talks about this girl? He can tell he really likes her. Whoever this 'her' is. It sounds like she does Hunk's number one concern: consistant kindness. To him, a relationship isn't worth it if someone isn't consistantly kind to you. But the way he describes her, she sounds like an angel.]

Do you spend a lot of time together already? Er... what's her name? Or am I allowed to know that?

[He'd be glad to know that even if he's a mess, he's at least a hot mess. Marik does relax a bit when Hunk tells him he's honored though. At least he isn't being a burden.]

I really appreciate it.

Ah... a decent amount, yes. H... Her name's Fluttershy. I could tell she was pushing herself out of her comfort zone when we first spoke over the network shortly after I arrived but she's always so nice. I haven't wanted... to over step any boundaries so we haven't gotten to see each other much in person. I was able to spoil her with buying her an egg at the Battle Convention at least...

[Marik moves his hands out of the way and gently bonks his head against the table.]

Most recently I got to see Shy at the Halloween party and we watched the contest together...

[He lets out a bizarre, pathetic, nasally whine before muttering into the table.]

Shelookedreallyhotinhercostume...

Edited (redundant dialog fff) 2022-11-13 18:47 (UTC)

[That makes him chuckle a little. Not in a leering way or anything, but in that way that you have to pleasantly enjoy someone embarrassed for mostly good reasons.] She actually lives at the Voltron house!

Look, I'm a big fan of being up front. That way there's not a lot of misunderstanding and drawn out confusion. But if you're worried, my friend Allura is really good friends with her.

I could talk to Allura and see if she's open to going out on a date at all.

[Hunk's just a housemate and he's been a little distant since Pidge and Lance left, but Allura knows her. She could find out.] Not naming you specifically. Just, you know, is open to going out. Then you could ask her.

Edited 2022-11-13 19:21 (UTC)

[He deserves it. His reactions to things are always exaggerated when it comes to... well, most things.

Marik immediately looks up with wide eyes, surprised by his increasingly good luck today. First Hunk's in town at the same time as him, now he knows of Fluttershy, and one of his friends is good friends with her!]

So that's who she mentioned she was staying with down in Sevii...! I feel a lot better knowing she's with your group.

[He drums his fingers against the table, trying to decide if he should take Hunk up on his offer. The man's right in that he should be upfront though.]

That could work... I'm just... concerned I'll do the wrong thing, you know? I guess maybe I'm getting ahead of myself though if Fluttershy isn't even in interested in dating... S... Should I ask her myself? Would that... be a better way of handling this? Maybe she'd find that more... romantic?

I think it's less a romance thing and more a respect thing. The best thing you can do for anyone is act in a way that's respectful. And sometimes that's knowing someone's current boundaries. Or it's knowing that you'll be able to handle it if they're not ready for that yet.

[Hunk's mostly seen romance played out over nice meals or quiet moments. He also saw a lot of 'lonely pining guy sticking his foot in his mouth repeatedly rather than talking things out'.]

Do respectful first. Then romantic.

[Blink.]

Respectful first. Right...

[So being patient and collected will be the better way to go. No charging in without thinking, trying to impress her right off the bat. He can do that. He can do that easily. It's what he's good at, after all - playing the long game.]

Then... as long as you don't mind and if it isn't too much trouble, could you have Allura ask her? This way, if... she isn't interested, then I won't have ruined my friendship with her.

Well... If she's as nice as you say, and dude, you're awesomely polite, and you look like a rock star. I don't think your friendship would be ruined if she said no. But sometimes you just want to know what you're getting into.

Allura also came from a situation where she had a lot of weight on her so she didn't socialize that much, you know? She'll get it. She knows how hard it is.

[Hunk at least understand that his background, being as healthy as it is, is pretty lucky.]

[That comment takes him aback. Him? Polite? And... a rock star? He knew he was "exotic" looking by most people's standards and while he regards himself as incredibly handsome, to hear it actually come from someone else is odd. Certainly not a bad thing though.

Marik supposes he has been playing it safe with his interactions since coming here. It's been rather easy to just... act like nothing traumatic ever happened. Not talking about his past, only having a few people from his world here, and knowing his status as a tomb keeper doesn't matter in this place has helped with that.

Might not be the best way to work through trauma but he's done well enough so far, right?]

I... I do?

[He vaguely remembers seeing some J-rock things back in Domino City. Guess his aesthetic does kind of match that... Huh.]

What if me liking her but her not feeling the same made Fluttershy feel uncomfortable around me? That's the last thing I want to have happen, no matter how kind she is...

[He's over thinking this, clearly. Marik tilts his head a bit as Hunk tells him about Allura.]

Ah... She does? Then... if she's alright doing this for me, can you pass on my thanks? ... I owe you both big time.

Hey! I'm sure she'd love to help. She totally gets how this place is a chance for a lot of people to do normal things.

['Normal' is subjective, sure. Maybe 'common' would be a better word if it wasn't as loaded as it is.]

Be careful. Worrying about it too much means you can trip over your own tongue. Here's what I believe-

[He counts off on his fingers.] Be respectful. Be genuine. And then be romantic. [Surprisingly, he's not saying 'be honest' just because sometimes you just... can't be. Sometimes it's as big as someone living a life full of secrets. Or sometimes as small as someone having a bad day and they don't need to know they're not at the top of their looks game.]

['Genuine' is better.]

I really appreciate it, Hunk. Both you and Allura.

[He listens wide eyed and intently as his friend gives him valuable advice, following along by holding up his own fingers and counting down on them as he repeats him.]

Be careful but not to the point of paranoia-

[That's... something he'll need to work on.]

Be respectful and be genuine, then be romantic if the moment is right.... I... I think I can manage that.

[It's what he's been doing with his interactions with Shy so far.

But there is another thing that pops into his mind that he hadn't thought of before. Marik lowers his fingers and looks up at Hunk.]

... Fluttershy isn't fond of scary and gruesome things. What do I do... when she starts learning more about me and... my past?

Well... What about you and your past? You've only told me a little bit but it didn't sound like you were happy about it.

People can't always help the situations they were born into, you know? In my opinion a truly good person would respect how hard it is to turn away from something difficult and do better.

[He says that pre-emptively. He knows there were plenty of Galra that needed that room to change. Some of them, like Lotor, were not actually changed enough to matter. But some of them truly wanted to be 'free'.]

[Marik's never said a lot. But it's been pretty obvious he's not had a lot of options.]

It's... a lot.

[Marik glances over at Chen for a moment, the Yamask giving him a knowing nod. The blonde takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.]

... I've gone through a lot, I've done a lot of terrible things... willingly. I know I'm not the same person I was half a year ago but... those tendencies still pop up from time to time. I've been trying to better myself though...

I don't want to scare her or make her feel unsafe with me because I'm... not entirely stable. I'd never hurt her! I just... what if I'm too intense about something? Then she's too nice to say anything to me and it just festers until it becomes a wedge between us...?

[There he goes again, over thinking things even on a friendship level.]

Edited 2022-11-14 17:23 (UTC)

[He can see the concern. He remembers how worried Kieth was about them learning about the 'real' him. The same as Pidge. Sure, they didn't have terrible backgrounds, but they'd been purposefully misleading people.]

I mean, you're trying. Nobody's perfect, things aren't ever going to go without a problem. So, I dunno.... like I said, be genuine. If that's a part of you, then let her help you through it, and use that toughness it's given you in your training.

And hey, you have friends here. We'll all help you too. It won't just be on her, as a friend or a girlfriend.

[Then he chuckles awkwardly.]

And she has friends too that'll give her good advice if she needs it. [Whether it's to 'get out' or giving her ideas on how to help. For once it barely registers when they're food is dropped on the table.]

[The way Hunk explains things helps put it into better perspective for him. Essentially just... keep doing what he's been doing. Making friends, enjoying this second chance at life, experiencing new things, surrounding himself with his people. Marik thinks this all over for a minute or so, inner monologing with himself as he always does with complicated matters like this.

It isn't until the food is set in front of them that he snaps out of it.]

Hnn... Yes... You're right. I've met so many wonderful people here and everyone's helped me grow as a person...

[He finally smiles again, looking more at ease with things.]

You included, of course. And I'll keep trying to better myself.

[Chen quietly claps his hands together. His big brother is happy again...!]

Thank you, Hunk. I'm glad I came to you for this. I'm even more glad that we've finally gotten to meet though.

[He looks down at the cheesecake for a second and grabs a forkful.]

How long are you going to be in Goldenrod for?

Well... I should probably admit I didn't get out much after Lance and Pidge left. I needed my friends then, too. [Not just his Voltron teammates, but new friends.] But I kind of just... went quiet. Put all my projects to the side until I could go to Goldenrod for a while.

It probably wouldn't have been as hard if I had went out and had some fun.

[It's not as if they're dead. They're fine, in whatever universe they've landed in.]

So you're doing me a favor too! Coming out and trusting me and hanging out with me! It's not like you're some burden to get to know. Just hanging out is helping me, too.

You have a lot to give. [Friendship is a two way street, though, and Marik is giving.]

[The tomb keeper listens intently as he nibbles on the cheesecake. (Although he does a double take at his initial bite. That's really good!)]

I'm sorry you've been dealing with that. I get why you shut yourself away though.

[If Kaiba were to ever return home, he'd probably do the same thing. That's... a strange thought.

Here Marik was trying to get the conversation off of himself and Hunk's going and feeding his ego. He smiles sheepishly, picking at the remaining crumbs on his plate. (He scarfed that down fast.)]

... No one's ever said that to me. T-that I have a lot to give. But I'm glad I'm able to help you in return.

[Outside of Ishizu when they were younger but he feels that doesn't count.]

You know you're more than welcome to hit me up whenever you feel like it. I'm not going to be very busy this winter anyways. Kaiba, Atem, and I have a place up in Ecruteak we're renting because [he whined about the cold weather a lot] it seemed like the smart thing to do for the time being.

Yeah. At home we'd already gone our seperate ways, but I was with my family. Right now I'm from a different time to Keith, Allura, and Shiro and that's it's own bucket of weird.

[He offers Marik a gentle smile.] You sound like you're used to only being 'good for' helping someone else's agenda.

[That has Marik thinking for a bit.]

Huh... I never asked what point everyone from my world is... I'm only aware that Atem's from further than my time. It's... weird but... not bad.

[Which is why he's able to be more open about his own past now.

Hunk's next comment makes him pause again, his shoulders slumping a little and his expression falling.

Might as well put his cards on the table.]

... That... Yeah. That is... my life's purpose, unfortunately.

It's pretty rough 'cause... well I know some bad things happen. Really bad things. Two of my friends knew about them but they left, so now it's only me, knowing too much, and knowing I can't change it.

[He's glad for what this place gives others, but sometimes he really doesn't like it. Everyone is so convinced that they can't interfere with time, he can't hope for alternate universes.]

What exactly is your lifes purpose? Maybe we can help you get away from it.

I'm sorry you have had to deal with that. I can't begin to imagine how that must feel...

[Marik places his hands on his knees under the table, his posture somewhat rigid. He's talked vaguely about it to Lucius but that's only because the man is from the era where Egypt was still a super power in the world and when traditions and duty were still prevalent. When Kemetism was still being practiced regularly.

He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, Chen giving him another reassuring nod. You've got this, big brother.]

... How familiar are you with Egyptian culture and practices? And... what's your opinion on magic?

Well, our robots kind of ran on a form of quantifiable magic- Quintessence. And you are free to ask me in the future sometime about the technicalities, because I love the technicalities.

[But that said, he leaves the other topic (as he really doesn't know what to do with the other topic anyway) and pays attention.]

I only know what you learn in school.

I guess that will work in comparison.

[He pauses again.]

I don't know what they teach in school. Mmn... but... My people used to believe that when a person dies, the God Osiris chooses whether you pass on to the Afterlife or are reincarnated. It's considered a great honor to be reborn even if you don't retain your memories of your previous life. Most don't.

The ancient Pharaohs, the rulers of my people, are considered an aspect of Amun-Ra. An off-shot of Ra Himself essentially so they're treated as divine beings.

There was one particular Pharaoh... He saved the world from darkness but at the price of his identity. His name and actions were striken from history. His soul was sealed inside a powerful dark relic, waiting to be awakened someday so he could properly move on to the Afterlife.

[A moment to let Hunk take in the history lesson.]

My family, the Ishtars, are one of the clans whose duty it is to protect and watch over the unnamed Pharaoh and what he left behind. We specifically are his Tomb Keepers. Maintaining the Pharaoh's tomb, keeping the singular clue left behind to help him rediscover who he was when he's finally brought back... That's our legacy.

[Marik shifts, unconsciously reaching in his coat and over his shoulder to grip at his back, the markings feeling like they're throbbing but he knows he's just imagining it.]

The duties fall to the first born son. That... was me. I wasn't allowed to leave the temple, forced into this life of servitude for someone I didn't know or care about, studying the ancient ways, beliefs, and practices of our ancestors, having my body... not be my own.

[The teen ducks his head down, trying to hide his face under his hair again, his voice getting quieter.]

... I never wanted any of it. I just... I just wanted freedom. To enjoy being a child... How can I be told I'm... the most important person in all of this yet... feel like a prisoner? I wasn't given a choice at all...!

[Some of this, the most basic, Hunk did know from school. Osiris, the underworld, even the name Ishtar but in a religious context.]

[His expression falls a little with the admission that Marik just wanted to be normal and not to be a purpose. Not even to have purpose, but to be one.]

You do remind me a lot of Allura... [and, sadly, of Lotor. But since this is their first meeting in person? He's not going to scare off someone's fragile growing social circle by likening him to a prince that went mad.]

Just a whole lot's on her shoulders, big expectations. She's always did her best handling it, but you could tell that it was heavy. I mean, sometimes I really miss home. But I'm always glad to see people like you and here here. Just able to live their version of normal.

[But Hunk? Not being at home? That's heavy on him. So he just keeps focusing on making sure that other people are having the best of here and there.]

[Hunk wouldn't be wrong in his comparison. Marik did go mad. He'd always had darker tendencies deep in his heart but they didn't fully manifest until that fateful day Odion snuck his siblings out to the surface. Thinking their father had killed his older sibling, his other personality finally came out and only made the situation worse.

Thankfully that part of his soul has been locked away in the Shadow Realm never to return but Marik is far from innocent. Despite what his sister says about this being the "good" Marik, he's far from that. The thoughts are still there, just muted. Instead of jumping from 0 to 11, he never gets over an 8 in his emotions intensity and in the rare chance it does, it always fizzles out quickly as it came.

Which is what Hunk gets to see right now. At the mention of Allura his expression immediately softens and he looks up with a bit of hope in his eyes.]

... Although I'm not happy someone else had to go through something similar, it... helps knowing I'm not alone. I've... I've never had that before. I mean, my siblings stuck with me through it all but... it isn't the same. I should try and find an opportunity to speak with Allura...

[He shifts a bit.]

... I'm sorry to have unloaded on you like that. I've never told anyone about my past. I wasn't allowed. Technically I don't think I'm allowed to still but... the unnamed Pharaoh arrived here and he's regained his memories so... in his time, my duty has been fulfilled.

The fact that I now know that but haven't experienced it for myself is... stressful.

[Hunk just smiles at him about it though.]

Hey man, I asked, and you trusted me to hold something big! I guess after seeing what people go through, I started looking at it more like I was being trusted with something big. Just- I don't know, if the baggage metaphor was right, and someone asked me to help with their load, I'd assume they had something valuable inside and be careful with it.

[And sure, someone could take advantage of that, but he has good friends he hopes would call out the shadiness. The same as he did for them.]

Back home, my best friend was totally in love with Allura. Here he was married to my best teck friend, Pidge. Allura and Keith are together here and they were just good friends back home. I think I'm coming around to the idea that we need to treat this space as it's own life separate from that one. We have memories of our past and no affect on our future. Kind of like a pocket of reincarnation- but duty free.

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