(御坂 美琴) Misaka Mikoto (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
railgunning) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
compyuutah2013-11-21 05:32 pm
railgunning) wrote in compyuutah2013-11-21 05:32 pm
Entry tags:
cast in this unlikely role, ill-equipped to act, with insufficient tact
[It's the awfully fresh air that causes her to wake up, head bobbing forward, blinking blearily. The air of Academy City isn't this easy to breathe, and this air lacks the undercurrent of smog and who-knows-what-else due to the rampant urbanization of the modern age. Grunting woozily, Mikoto rubs at her eyes.
And stares once her vision clears. Her ears perk up at the sound of horses' hooves clopping against the cobblestones, replacing the rumbling of engines and beeping of horns so familiar to her. Her eyes widen at the sight of castles and wooden houses and wow is she seriously on a friggin' horse-drawn cart?
Mikoto swallows.
Well, she's definitely not in her proverbial Kansas anymore. All she's lacking is a small black Scottish Terrier and ridiculous bedazzled red shoes. Actually---when the hell did she change clothes? This humble dress wasn't her Tokiwadai uniform.
She frantically starts to look around in a futile effort to try and piece things together. Yet, absolutely nothing was striking her as familiar or jogging her memory as to how in the name of arse she could've possibly arrived here to begin with.
The carriage slows upon reaching a rather imposing-looking fortress. Men---armed men, with rather archaic weaponry---are starting to file out of it, surrounding the cart.
The women, elderly, and children around her are murmuring and shifting in what seems to be excitement, but Mikoto's body tenses.
She slowly rises, electricity briefly sparking by her head.
Holy shit if she's being taken prisoner, they've got another thing coming.
Actually, no, someone should just subdue her before a massacre takes place.]
And stares once her vision clears. Her ears perk up at the sound of horses' hooves clopping against the cobblestones, replacing the rumbling of engines and beeping of horns so familiar to her. Her eyes widen at the sight of castles and wooden houses and wow is she seriously on a friggin' horse-drawn cart?
Mikoto swallows.
Well, she's definitely not in her proverbial Kansas anymore. All she's lacking is a small black Scottish Terrier and ridiculous bedazzled red shoes. Actually---when the hell did she change clothes? This humble dress wasn't her Tokiwadai uniform.
She frantically starts to look around in a futile effort to try and piece things together. Yet, absolutely nothing was striking her as familiar or jogging her memory as to how in the name of arse she could've possibly arrived here to begin with.
The carriage slows upon reaching a rather imposing-looking fortress. Men---armed men, with rather archaic weaponry---are starting to file out of it, surrounding the cart.
The women, elderly, and children around her are murmuring and shifting in what seems to be excitement, but Mikoto's body tenses.
She slowly rises, electricity briefly sparking by her head.
Holy shit if she's being taken prisoner, they've got another thing coming.
Actually, no, someone should just subdue her before a massacre takes place.]
no subject
[Oh. Oh. It's like someone hit the mute button on the rest of the world. When Baroona starts similing and laughing like that, the other mercenaries get to talking amongst themselves, looking from her to him with perplexed, shocked looks on their faces, but she's too busy gawking at him with eyes widened to practically the size of dinner plates.
For one, that explained the nagging sense of deja vu she was beginning to get. She would've picked up on it! ...Eventually, but she would've!
For another, how in holy hell was she supposed to recognize you in that helmet, you jackass.
She rubs at her eyes once she regains enough presence of mind to at least move again. No. This couldn't possibly be happening. This couldn't be Baroona's world. She was dreaming. She was asleep and dreaming and when she rubs her eyes again, she'll find herself back in her dorm room, hopefully without Kuroko trying to kiss her or something.
Except she's still here, and Baroona is still in front of her, real and very much alive.
Her look of shock quickly fades into indignance and angry embarrassment (aka the usual), a bright pink spreading across her face. She clenches her fists.] What the hell was I supposed to do?! Because you decided to be funny, I got roped into things expecting a fight, you jerk! I mean, seriously, Baroona?!
[Mikoto's calling him by name gets the crowd talking even more. Everyone's either frowning or blinking wittily, but she manages to ignore it, too busy bitching at Sub-Commander Stupidhead (so mature) over here.
Finally, why must he do these things to her. She gives him her worst look; or makes a valiant attempt, anyway, when one factors in the blushing. The surrounding stares proceed to enter the bamboozled phase.] You know, I oughta---
["Is she his...girlfriend?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. I mean, I've never seen the Sub-Commander look so...happy. Have you?"
"But he's never mentioned having a girl!"
"Well, he doesn't talk much as it is..."
"Or maybe...this girl's his...wife! He did say to treat her nice!"
Mikoto whirls her head at the sound of the above conversation. Her eye twitches, and electricity starts to spark around her; first by her head, and then through her body. She grits her teeth as the crowd stares all the harder.
Needless to say, there's a collective gasp the moment a quick lightning bolt strikes the center of the arena.
It doesn't take long for everyone to draw their weapons, which are all swiftly yanked out of everyone's hands (save for Baroona's) by an electric wave and piled up right where the lightning struck.
"Holy shit!"
"What was that?!"
"The Sub-Commander is married to a goddess?!"
Mikoto shoots an angry glare at the crowd, causing everyone to flinch and recoil in horror, before narrowing her eyes at Baroona. She's about to open her mouth to scold him once more, until...
"Hyah!"
...She's suddenly pinned to the ground by none other than Ares.
You'd better thank your lucky stars.]
no subject
[All of this escalated too quickly. Biting back a scowl, he moves forward, grabbing Ares' hand–(how was he even here? wasn't he supposed to be away on a mission? what a time to arrive early)-and easing it back.]
Let her go.
[His voice is firm and Ares listens to it, reluctantly sliding off of her with a wary look. Baroona holds the gaze until he's all the way off.]
Release their weapons, Mikoto.
[Again, his voice is firm, albeit a bit gentler. With another reassuring glance back at Ares (who looks ready to slice Mikoto in half) he kneels down to Mikoto's level, whispering:]
You've caused a stir. It's time to end it.
[Sharp and scolding. He can sympathize with her situation but even so. Fear brings out violent reactions and there's nothing more fearful than suddenly being confronted with a god. Any longer and the troops would start to panic, maybe turn hostile towards her. That's the opposite of what he wants.
Which reminds him:]
Why are the rest of you still here? Don't you have visitors to greet?
[It's a command in the form of a question and some of the men get the hint, turning away with wary looks back at Mikoto. Amongst the crowd, there's muttered unease "Will the Sub-Commander be okay?" "What was he thinking, bringing a thing like that here?" "Do you think she's a goddess? What if she curses us?" that Baroona does his best to ignore. At least for the moment. Misconceptions can be dealt with later. For now, the primary concern was placating Ares.
He offers out a helping hand to Mikoto while he stands, turning back to the bristling Ares.
"Who is she, Baroona?"]
A friend. I'll explain more later. She's not dangerous. Give me a bit alone with her.
["What if she tries to–"]
She won't. Go say hi to Ariadne before she yells at you for ignoring her, idiot.
[It takes a couple minutes but Ares takes his advice–albeit reluctantly. Moments later they're alone, the other troops and Ares having dispersed.]
You know how to make an impression.
no subject
[Speaking through gritted teeth, Mikoto is about to throw a vicious look Ares' way as she stands back up with Baroona's help, until she sees the other mercenaries look at her with eyes full of suspicion and fear as she lets the magnetized weapons drop harmlessly to the ground.
Her expression immediately drops as well. It'd been a few years now, but she never forgot that encounter she had wih Terra Branford's Esper form, and the havoc she was wreaking. The fear and slight disgust she herself felt, at witnessing such great powers be wielded with such reckless, brazen abandon.
...She was being no different, was she? These men were looking at her as if she were that very beast. While she knows Baroona is accepting of her abilities, there's a slight sting to the wary stares, and especially to the narrowing of Ares' eye before he finally heads out.
She's still unused to people fearing her powers; everyone wanted to be gifted back home. Even though she later befriended the girl, a part of Mikoto feared that she, too, would lose control like Terra did, and end up harming her friends.
Mikoto closes her eyes and sucks her teeth indignantly before looking at Baroona.
She's still frazzled, but there's a hint of uncertainty in her eyes as she crosses her arms.]
Well, you know me. Though, you could've just, like, met up with me or something.
[A beat, and she looks around at the rather intimidating scenery of the training grounds. She takes a small breath.]
So this is your world, huh? [A small, slightly half-hearted laugh.] Guess karma really knows how to get even.
no subject
[Unlike Academy City, where Mikoto had influence but no power–here, Baroona has both. A legacy and connections for influence and the power of numerous titles to gain respect. A clear place to stand.
He offers her a reassuring smile, small and subtle but there without a doubt.]
I'll talk to Ares later. You made him worried. That's the only reason he's suspicious.
[The smile grows with a twitch. He pats her head, ruffling her hair.]
It's good to see you again. It's been a couple years.
[Not that he looks much different. Only slightly taller and with a couple more visible scars. He scratches the most prominent one–one near his ear–with a finger.]
You haven't changed much.
[At least attitude-wise. It's refreshing. Everything about her is, really. Maybe that's why he can't stop smiling.]
no subject
[The guy looked honestly about to kill her, but she supposed they were probably chummy, or at least on equal terms, as he referred to Baroona by name in lieu of rank----unlike the other mercs. Kuroko was just as extreme toward Baroona, if not even more so.
She finds herself wishing she were here, even though she'd have only made things worse with her teleporting. But at least...she wouldn't feel so...out of place.
Mikoto didn't blame Baroona for being so apprehensive and wary during his own visit now. She turns pink as he ruffles her hair, giving him her usual flat look.] I'm honored, 'Sub-Commander.' [She makes 'quote-unquote' gestures with her fingers. Why is he smiling so damn much? It's making her feel...strangely self-conscious. Needless to say, she doesn't look all that different, either; her hair's gotten a bit longer. Her face looks slightly less rounded. She's filled out just a smidge.
Letting out a 'tsk,' she shakes her head in mock exasperation.] You might have a higher rank, but you haven't changed, either.
[However, that fades away to frowning as she spots his new scars.
You just never catch a break, huh?
That means he's had more brushes with death. Worriment gradually takes a seat in the pit of her stomach, but outwardly, she simply arches her eyebrows, twirling her finger at him.]
Still getting yourself into trouble, I see.
[She throws her hands up.]
And that is why I never stop asking myself---what am I going to do with you?
no subject
It comes with the job.
["Daddy!" If Baroona was going to respond, it's cut short by the call of a young girl's voice. Looking past Mikoto, his smile dims to something more subtle and controlled, though the sincerity's still there.]
I told you not to call me that.
[Not that he seems all that put off by it. Clara rushes up to him and he kneels down to scoop her up, holding her in one arm and making an exaggerated face.] You've gotten heavier. Jeez.
[Clara smacks him for that and he breathes out another laugh. She turns her attention to Mikoto.
"Dad was a real jerk. I'm sorry, Miss." And now, back to Baroona: "She's been through a lot. We found her fainted and everything. You have to be nice."]
Alright, alright.
[Easing her back down, he looks up at Mikoto with a smirk and a quirked brow.]
You look like a real lady in that dress.
[Clara smacks him again for that he shoots her a sour look. "Stop being a jerk!" Baroona sighs.]
We should get you something else to wear.
[It's weird, thinking of Mikoto as a woman.]
no subject
[Upon hearing Clara's call, though, Mikoto stops in mid-sentence, blinking.
Did...did she hear that right? Daddy? Watching Clara come running up to Baroona, Mikoto stares, absolutely flabbergasted, looking from her to him and from him to her and then back again.
They looked absolutely nothing alike, and Clara seemed too old to be his biological daughter; meanwhile, despite being a little older than Mikoto (physically), Baroona was still awfully young to be a dad.
But most importantly, he'd never mentioned having a child, adopted or otherwise. Nevertheless, Mikoto scratches her head, smiling crookedly as she makes an attempt to not look too awkward, forcing a laugh.] Eh...I'm used to it. Should we swap stories? He hasn't told you anything dumb about me, has he?
[When she turns her attention to Baroona, though, Mikoto looks off to the side.] You never told me you had a kid.
[And boy, is it pretty surreal to think of Baroona as a family man. Sure, he could cook; yes, he was pretty deft at housework---that was put on display whenever they'd get saddled with chores around the dorm and school. Mikoto sighs.
On second thought, maybe it wasn't so farfetched. Perhaps it just seemed that way because she's never envisioned him being in that sort of scenario. To her, he was just...Baroona.
What's just as weird is how endearing this looks---Clara playfully chiding and smacking him. Mikoto finds herself smiling more naturally, and a chuckle escapes her throat.
Maybe her luck wasn't total crap, after all (but wow, fainted? way to make an entrance.). Smirking, Mikoto puts her hands on her hips.]
And what is that supposed to mean, Sub-Commander Dad?
[Clara laughs at that one, and nods enthusastically as she goes up to Mikoto. "Don't worry! I'll help make you look extra pretty with Miss Ariadne's help! I'm Clara! What's your name?"
Mikoto grins.] Mikoto. Nice to meet you, Clara.
[She shoots Baroona a teasing look.]
See that? She's defected.
[Although a part of her is confused. Why would she want to look pretty, and for Baroona, at that?
Ultimately, she figures Clara's just kidding around, too.]
no subject
[Clara begins to protest and he ruffles her hair to stop it, muttering something to her and nudging her off. A quick "go find Helena, we need to talk alone for a bit". Begrudgingly, Clara obeys waving enthusiastically to Mikoto as she scurries off.
Baroona smiles faintly as she leaves, staying on one knee.]
You never asked.
[To answer that earlier pointed statement. He stands up, knocking another cigarette from his carton because I can't remember if he had one again.] She's not my kid, anyway. I saved her.
no subject
[Mikoto waves back, smiling as Clara leaves---she seemed like a fun kid, even if that comment about making her 'look pretty' still baffled her. Once the latter is out of eyeshot, Mikoto blinks down at Baroona. She's seen him smile before, but this particular one is...weird. It's affectionate in a way she hasn't seen before (and if she has, she definitely never picked up on it.); he really does look like a father who loves his daughter.
It's...kind of nice, actually. Even if she didn't know why she thought it was nice, and if she wasn't sure how to feel about thinking it was nice.
She breathes in a bit, scratching the back of her head and trying to look nonchalant.
.......What is wrong with her? She never used to...] Baroona, I'd think asking something like that would be...I dunno...too personal? [Plus, the thought just never occurred to her. She's never thought that far ahead in regards to her own life.] I mean---it's not a bad thing! I just wasn't expecting it, okay?!
[Have fun making sense out of that flustered drivel. But she sharply looks up at his next statement.
...Oh. Mikoto's gaze lowers once more. Yeah.
War was common here, wasn't it? It was how Baroona lost his own family. Became a slave. A gladiator.
War kept him alive, and yet, it would end him one day, too. Her shoulders slump slightly.]
So, in a way...you really are her father. [Mikoto forces a wan smile. What'll happen to her if you die? Her laugh is equally weak.] Wow, Baroona.
[A beat, and she looks off to the side again.] That's...really nice of you.
[Really lame way of putting it, but it's sincere.]
no subject
[He speaks without doubt, rising from the ground. With brief annoyance, he fidgets with his cape, wrestling with it until it decides to right itself and flop back over his shoulder. Stupid, stupid piece of clothing. He contemplates cutting it off before looking back to Mikoto, expression neutral, except that invisible smirk.]
Fainted, huh?
[Lighting up the cigarette and waving the match, he doesn't wait for a response. Clara tells the truth, no matter what. It was against her morals not to.] We should get you checked out then we can get you some new clothes.
[He presses a hand against her back to guide her back towards the buildings, glancing down at the dress again. It was definitely one of Ariadne's–a delicate white sundress, slightly dirtied from the cart. Probably. He frowns at it.] That looks weird on you.
[Too... cute, maybe? His statement earlier had been joking but still held true. She did actually look like a woman. One of noble birth, at that. She'd fit right in standing next to Ariadne at some high-society ball. The thought perturbs him for reasons he can't place. He looks away.]
no subject
She huffs softly. She needed to stop...noticing things about him. That was his thing, for some odd reason. He knew her too well.
Which made her wonder---did he really not mind all of her faults? What's kept you alongside me for so long, you dummy?
Mikoto closes her eyes as unabashedly as she can muster, and shrugs.] ...I'd try my best, at any rate. And---
[Yeah, about the cape issues...Mikoto goes and straightens said accessory; well, with how it's hitched up in some places around his shoulders, it's of no wonder it's not cooperating with him. She tuts.] -----You know, if I look weird, at least I'm not having difficulties. It's just a dress; this is bound to get caught on something in a fight. Who's idea was this, anyway?
[Although, she has to admit, it sort of...makes him look dignified. Almost...heroic.
Huh.
Heroes.
Funny, because she never really could get behind those types, always needlessly sticking their noses into other people's business, always so willing to throw themselves on the line for the sake of others.
But Baroona...oh, he's suddenly looking away. Mikoto frowns at him, but ultimately exhales a bit.
He still had a habit of clamming up abruptly. She runs a hand through her hair, rolling her eyes at the idea of a checkup. Uh, after what just took place...?]
I feel fine, though. But do you seriously think anyone's gonna want to so much as stand next to me after what just went down?
[She fidgets in her dress. Looks down at it herself, recalling his earlier frowning.
It's...pretty, but it feels rather flimsy. It makes her feel self-conscious, all of a sudden. On second thought...maybe it wasn't just a dress, after all.
Mikoto sighs. Something with pants would be nice, really.]
no subject
[Having lived most of his life under authority, there was something exhilarating about the ability to lead. To give orders he had always been forced to follow. Though rarely abused, it was somewhat satisfactory when he could use his position for his own gain. So long as it was small.
He stumbles over his cape again on the way into the building, growling silently at it as he catches himself.]
Ares requires it. [Wrestling with it again, setting it back into place while his teeth gnash over his cigarette.] Said they looked cool.
[Gods, why won't it move back into place.] I'm thinking about cutting it off.
no subject
She understood, now, why he'd told her he had no regrets about all that had befallen him. Because, in the end, even though life had been hard on him, things looked up in the end, though things were still rough. She punches his arm playfully.] So, you gonna order me around, too? Sub-Commander Dad, sir!
[Mikoto gives him a jaunty salute, and ends up nearly bursting into laughter the moment he stumbles.] That so? And you're tall as it is, too. Here, dummy.
[Mikoto motions for him to be still, goes, and sweeps the cape off to his one shoulder. She giggles.]
There. Try wearing it like---
[Suddenly, there's a yell of, "Baroona!" followed by the thudding of rushed footfalls from up the hall. It's none other than Douglas, who quickly screeches to a halt and stares, mouth agape as he looks wildly from Baroona to Mikoto.
His shoulders slump, and he throws his hands up.
"Seriously?!"
Mikoto raises an eyebrow.]
...Hi?
no subject
How am I supposed to fight with this? Or eat?
[He frowns, but doesn't fix it, too busy ignoring Douglas' opening question. Sensing this, Douglas lightly shoves his shoulder.
"What happened to not knowing any girls, huh?!" Baroona passes him a slightly bewildered look.] That was years ago.
["Yeah! So? You still promised me you'd introduce me to them!"] I never promised tha–
["And yet here you are!" Douglas waves his arms around, glare-pouting at Baroona before going back to normal and offering Mikoto a smile and a hand. "Hey there." Seductive raising of eyebrows, check. "Sub-Commander Douglas, at your service."
Baroona sighs.] You're embarrassing yourself.
no subject
[Mikoto tosses him an exasperated look before focusing on Douglas, looking absolutely befuddled in the face of his, er, charms. Or attempt at being charming and suave. She's not sure which. Either way, they're both doing it wrong, because instead of swooning or batting her eyelashes at him, she goes and...
...Shakes his hand, blinking.]
It's Mikoto. Nice to meet you.
[She briefly squints at Baroona in a silent question of, WTF??? as Douglas laughs and outright takes her hand, smiling suavely as he chuckles, "hey, no need to be so formal. I'm not a stiff, unlike some people I know."
With that, he shoots a smirk Baroona's way; Mikoto, meanwhile, is subtly trying to back away. Douglas laughs again, looking from the duo with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"So. I guess this means you're both going to that gathering King Icarus is holding, huh? Man, I can only imagine what you look like all dressed up, Miss Mikoto."
He winks. Mikoto smiles crookedly.
FINISH HIM.]
i'm sorry this tag sucks cries
I'm going as Icarus' guard. We can't bring dates.
["What a shame. Guess some other lucky guy will have to take her." That earns another push. douglas laughs, batting Baroona's hand away. Baroona himself is feigning annoyance, but the end of his lips are curling upwards. douglas sees right through it, smiling and returning one of his shoves, making him stumble slightly into Mikoto.
"I'm just giving you fair warning, is all." Baroona frowns, attempting to steady himself and tripping over the cape once again. He grabs Mikoto's arm to keep himself from falling, glaring at douglas.] Yeah, thanks.
[Righting himself again and looking properly rustled this time. douglas titters to himself.] We're just friends.
["Right, sure. Might want to practice that lie some more before you try convincing the troops. They've already started a rumor about how you know a goddess." His voice becomes more serious as he explains the situation. The real reason he came here. As a reminder that Baroona still needed to clear that mess up.]
pats don't worry this one is even lamer
[Mikoto rolls her eyes as Baroona grabs her arm; without even really thinking, she puts her free arm around him to keep him from outright bowling her over, and also to fix his cape once again, re-sweeping it to over his shoulder. Douglas smirks as Mikoto---absentmindedly---fixes Baroona's helmet, which has gone crooked.
So he prods some more. Stirs the beast. "Aw, come on, it'll be fun! You'll get to look pretty and make all the guys fall all over you! I know I would...say, maybe I'll share a dance with you, huh? When I get some free time."
With that, he tosses the both of them a rather mischievous look. Mikoto grunts while pulling away from Baroona once he rights himself.] I'll pass. And it really isn't like that. On both counts. I'm not his girlfriend and I'm definitely not a goddess.
["You sure about that? Either way, you'll still have to get Ares' blessing, you know. He's not too happy right now, either." Douglas, while still chortling, gives Baroona a meaningful look. More damage control to keep in mind.
Speaking of which, though...
"Miss Mikoto! Miss Mikoto!" Clara comes scurrying in, beaming. "Wanna pick out dresses for the king's gathering?"
Douglas puts on the most shit-eatingest grin as he continues looking Baroona's way. Mikoto initially blinks, then smiles crookedly.
Uh.
That wasn't a joke? Ah, but she's Baroona's surrogate daughter and she's real cute and even Mikoto can't harshly turn away a child...] Um...sure?