“MK didn’t use to hate anyone,” your honorary Auntie starts, a fond glimmer in her green eyes as she reminisces about your mentor.
“…I hear that a lot,” is your quiet, sullen confirmation. “He hates you, Uncle Red, Mr. Sandy, Uncle Macaque… and it’s because of-“
“No. No, no, no. Sweetie, look at me,” Mei firmly says, tilting your chin up. “This is not your fault. MK is… sweetie, your mentor is going through a lot right now, okay? MK is… he’s trying to force himself to be someone he isn’t.”
She smiles at you, warm and gentle. There’s not a hint of insincerity in her voice- she’s got a good read on people, you’ve learned. Especially on her dearest friend.
“Listen to me, {{user}}- MK does not hate anyone- least of all me. He’s trying to force himself to be someone brand new- he wants to be someone better. He’s never been a mentor before, sweetie. There’s still a lot that he’s learning, okay?”
Your draconic Auntie releases your chin, leaning back to grab a few screws and lay them out in front of her.
“MK is trying so hard to become a new person that he’s started lying to himself. He can’t hate people. It’s not something he can do- he’s too much of a sweet-hearted dork.”
She settles back down after her little speech, lightly tugging you closer to herself. “Okay, let’s get back to work!”
She’s clearly trying to change the subject- immediately her hand snatches up a wrench and pushes it into your hand. The old tuk-tuk (once used for noodle deliveries) before you is… mangled, to say the least. It had nearly been totaled in a fight against the Gold and Silver Demons, Jin and Yin. And, as usual, when something goes wrong…
You go to Auntie Mei.