“I Have Built, Deep In My Heart, A Chapel Filled With You.”

“I felt there was no point in telling anyone anything that was happening inside me.”

Christa Wolf, tr. by Jan van Heurck, from ‘Cassandra: A Novel & Four Essays’

madelame: 👩🏻‍🦰

#f7cfcf, #edd3d4, #ecdede

you realize a moment too late that there is no moon tonight to glimmer on the water; only your flashlight being reflected back at you by a dozen eyes.

𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐒 & 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄 ( 1 / ? )

Labour by Paris Paloma

+ 6 seconds of silence at the beginning to avoid copyright

All day, every day Therapist, mother, maid Nymph then a virgin, nurse then a servant Just an appendage, live to attend him So that he never lifts a finger 24-7 baby machine So he can live out his picket fence dreams It's not an act of love if you make her You make me do too much labour

MORTAL KOMBAT VERSE: REAPER OF THE NETHERREALM (PLAYLIST)

Name: Kore

Age: 2,000 years old

Creator: Demeter

Mentors: Raiden, Kharon

Birth Place: Greece (Earth Realm)

Alignment: Neutral Good / Chaotic Neutral

Aliases: Persephone (Bringer Of Death), Grim Reaper, Goddess Of Spring, Dual God.

Representative: Damien Wright

Manager: Helena Watson

Occupation: Elder God of Spring, Reaper of The Netherrealm, Kombat Contestant

Original Timeline: MK 11 - Earth B-32

Current Timeline: MK 1 - Earth D-67

THE BIRTH OF KORE: GODDESS OF SPRING

In the realm of pure creation, a being of immense love and beauty crafted Kore from the essence of a million perfect roses. Her mother, driven by a profound desire to bring life and vitality into existence, conjured Kore through her will alone. This act of creation was a testament to her boundless affection. Kore was born imbued with the power of spring, a symbol of rebirth and growth. Kore’s spring powers were remarkable. Her touch could coax flowers from barren soil, make trees flourish with verdant leaves, and summon gentle rains to nourish the earth. She had the ability to communicate with plants and command them, drawing vibrant life from the natural world. Most uniquely, Kore could manifest nymphs from the flowers she nurtured. These nymphs, ethereal and enchanting, acted as her companions and guardians, weaving through the flora she created.

DIVINE BLESSINGS: THE CURSE OF WRATH

Unbeknownst to her mother, an ancient being of discord and chaos took an interest in Kore’s pure, radiant nature. This entity saw an opportunity to inject turmoil into her existence. Under the guise of a blessing, the being imparted the curse of wrath upon Kore. This malevolent gift lay dormant until a critical moment would awaken it, turning Kore's life upside down.

The curse was a cruel twist of fate, imbuing Kore with a destructive force that would manifest when she was most vulnerable. Her mother, focused solely on the beauty and potential of her creation, could not foresee the dark implications of this curse.

THE DEATH OF SPRING: A DIVINE ACT

One fateful day, Kore witnessed a group of mortals uprooting her precious flowers, killing her beloved nymphs in the process. The act of desecration triggered an overwhelming surge of wrath within her. A cataclysmic scream erupted from her, shaking the earth and splitting the sky. Nature itself seemed to revolt as the ground cracked open, swallowing the culprits and decimating the land around her.

As the dust settled, the surviving mortals, in sheer terror, screamed out her name: "Persephone, Bringer of Death." The title resonated through the chaos she had wrought, marking her as a force of unimaginable power and destruction. Her heart ached as she stood amidst the devastation, the weight of her actions crashing down on her.

THE TRIAL: JUDGEMENT OF THE ELDER GODS

The devastation caused by Kore did not go unnoticed. The elder gods convened a trial to address the disturbance. Kore, her innocence overshadowed by the magnitude of her wrath, stood accused. Her mother, heartbroken and distraught, was present, struggling to accept the reality of her daughter’s situation.

Raiden, the guardian of Earthrealm, pleaded Kore’s case with a fervent conviction. “She is but a child who has been burdened with powers she cannot fully comprehend. Her actions, though catastrophic, were driven by a grief she could not control,” he argued. The elder gods, including Cetrion, the goddess of life, and Shinnok, the ruler of the Netherrealm, were inclined towards severe punishment, perceiving Kore as a significant threat to the balance of the realms.

A SECOND CHANCE: GUIDANCE FROM RAIDEN

Raiden, recognizing the potential within Kore, intervened with a plea for guidance rather than punishment. “She must be given a chance to learn and control her powers. To condemn her now would be to destroy the very essence of what she could become,” Raiden urged. The elder gods, though reluctant, agreed to a period of exile and training under Raiden’s guidance.

A NEW PATH: REAPER OF THE NETHERREALM

Under Raiden’s mentorship, Kore began to understand the duality of her powers. As she matured, she was introduced to Kharon, a seasoned guide of death, who taught her about the balance between life and decay. Kharon provided Kore with a magical ring that allowed her to summon familiars and weapons as needed.

Kore’s newfound skills included manipulating decay, channeling death energy, and commanding spirits. Her scythe, an extension of her will, became a symbol of her role as the Netherrealm's Grim Reaper. Kharon’s teachings helped her master these abilities, transforming her into a formidable, yet compassionate, figure.

A BITTERSWEET REUNION: A MOTHER'S SORROW

After years of training and growth, Kore visited her mother, whose home had remained untouched by the chaos. The reunion was both heartwarming and sorrowful. Her mother was initially overjoyed to see her daughter but struggled to accept the reality of Kore’s duties. “Stay with us,” her mother pleaded. “You belong here, with those who love you.”

Kore, with a heavy heart, gently refused. “My place is with Raiden, who has guided me and helped me grow. I must continue my work,” she explained. As Kore turned to leave, her mother’s tears fell freely. The sight of her mother sobbing as she departed left Kore with a profound sense of loss and resolve.

AN IMPENDING DOOM: THE TIME KEEPER'S DESTRUCTION

The tranquility of Kore’s existence was shattered when Kronika, the timekeeper, launched an assault on her universe.

Kore stood amid the ruin of her once-flourishing realm, now a chaotic tableau of destruction. The sky above was a tumultuous whirlpool of dark, shifting colors as Kronika’s malevolent power tore through the fabric of reality. Her once-lush landscapes, vibrant with the life she had nurtured, were crumbling into voids of nothingness. Forests disintegrated into barren wastelands, and meadows of blooming flowers withered into skeletal remains.

The land fractured and splintered, time itself unraveling erratically. Kore struggled to maintain her balance as the very essence of her world twisted into disarray. Her magical ring, a treasured gift from Kharon, glowed erratically, its energy responding to the chaos around her. Despite her efforts to harness her power, she was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the destruction and her own roiling emotions.

Kronika materialized amid the chaos, her form a swirling vortex of temporal energy and dark intent. With a cold, calculating gaze, she prepared to deliver the final blow, her power aimed directly at Kore. The timekeeper’s presence was a palpable force of entropy, and her attack was both relentless and devastating.

Desperate and disoriented, Kore engaged Kronika with every ounce of strength she could muster. Her scythe, now a symbol of her inner conflict between spring's renewal and the wrath she had struggled to control, was wielded with fierce determination. Each swing was an act of defiance against the encroaching darkness that sought to obliterate her universe.

Amidst the struggle, Raiden arrived, his presence bringing a glimmer of hope. He understood the gravity of the situation and knew that the destruction of Kore’s universe was only a part of Kronika’s larger scheme to unravel the multiverse. Raiden’s intervention was crucial, but he had a plan of his own.

A HEROIC ACT: RAIDEN'S SACRIFICE

He told Kore that they needed to escape, that her survival was vital to the fight against Kronika. As the battle intensified, Raiden revealed his true intention—sending Kore through a vortex to an alternate universe, while he faced Kronika himself. This sacrifice was necessary to ensure that at least one of them could continue the fight against the timekeeper’s apocalyptic designs.

With a heavy heart, Kore was pushed into the vortex. She watched in anguish as her world continued to disintegrate, the remnants of her universe falling away as she was propelled through the swirling energy. The sight of Raiden’s confrontation with Kronika and the destruction of everything she had known left her deeply shaken and filled with a devastating sorrow.

A NEW UNIVERSE: A NEW HOME TO DEFEND

Emerging from the vortex, Kore found herself in an unfamiliar universe. The transition was jarring, and the weight of her loss was immense. With the knowledge that her universe had been destroyed and Raiden had sacrificed himself, Kore felt an unyielding determination to stop Kronika from causing further devastation.

In this new realm, Kore began to prepare herself for the challenges ahead. She was driven by a deep resolve to confront the timekeeper and prevent any more destruction. The fight against Kronika was now not only a battle for survival but also a quest for justice and retribution for her lost world. As she faced the uncertainties of this new universe, Kore’s resolve hardened—she would be ready to challenge the timekeeper and protect what remained.

THE TIMELINE: MK 1 - Earth D-67

In this universe, the Elder Gods have evolved to reflect the diverse and complex nature of the realms they govern. Among them, an ancient deity thrives on the violence and bloodshed of the tournaments, a relic of times when sacrifices were the norm. This god's presence is felt strongly during the Kombat tournaments, where the blood of the defeated nourishes their power.

Kombat tournaments have become a grand tradition, with contestants from all across the realms participating in these brutal trials. Each realm brings its unique culture and combat styles, adding to the rich tapestry of the competition. While Earthrealm has adapted the tournaments into a commercial spectacle, complete with sponsorships and representatives, other realms continue to view Kombat as a sacred and honorable tradition.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the tournaments, a darker narrative unfolds behind the scenes. Political machinations, assassinations, and civil wars simmer beneath the surface, making the off-camera actions just as critical as the fights in the arena. These clandestine activities can alter the course of the tournaments, turning the tide in unexpected ways.

Kore, having escaped the destruction of her timeline by Kronika, has found refuge in this universe. She secured a sponsorship with Damien, a shrewd and influential representative, allowing her to participate in the upcoming tournament. As representatives and fighters prepare for the next event, both seasoned veterans and new challengers enter the fray, each with their own motivations and secrets.

Kore, now acclimating to this new reality, understands that the true struggle lies not only in the arena but also in the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power plays that define the realms. As the tournament draws near, she steels herself for the challenges ahead, knowing that every move she makes could tip the balance of power.

IN-DEPTH HEADCANON: PERSEPHONE'S EMOTIONAL HANDLING & TRAUMA RESPONSE.

Persephone's journey through life is marked by her struggle to maintain control over her emotions and her complex relationship with her trauma. While she projects an image of cold, calculated detachment, beneath the surface lies a deeply scarred individual grappling with intense emotions and repressed memories. Her unique abilities and skills, coupled with her undiagnosed borderline personality disorder, create a multifaceted character constantly navigating the delicate balance between control and chaos.

# # # HANDLING EMOTIONS.

EMOTIONAL SUPPRESSION

Persephone has honed the ability to suppress her emotions to maintain her controlled and sociopathic facade. She views emotions as weaknesses that can be exploited by others, and thus, she has developed techniques to compartmentalize and bury her feelings. When emotions begin to breach the surface, she relies on deep breathing exercises and mental compartmentalization, forcing herself to focus on logical, analytical thoughts to drown out the emotional turmoil.

COGNITIVE REFRAMING

When Persephone does experience intense emotions, she reframes them cognitively to fit within a logical narrative. For example, if she feels anger or sadness, she might rationalize these emotions as necessary reactions to unjust or unfair situations, allowing her to channel them into calculated actions rather than emotional outbursts.

PHYSICAL RELEASE

Occasionally, Persephone engages in physical activities like sparring or intense workouts to release pent-up emotions. This allows her to maintain her facade of control while providing an outlet for her feelings. She finds that the physical exertion helps her clear her mind and regain her emotional equilibrium.

CONTROLLED OUTBURSTS

In rare instances where her emotions cannot be fully suppressed, Persephone allows herself brief, controlled outbursts in private. These might involve smashing an object, screaming into a pillow, or crying for a few minutes. She ensures that these moments are short-lived and that she can quickly regain her composure afterward.

# # # HANDLING BLOCKED TRAUMA:

TRIGGERS & REACTIONS

Persephone's trauma, particularly the repressed memory of being blessed with Divine Wrath and the subsequent slaughter of the humans who harmed her nymphs, can resurface through certain triggers. These triggers might include:

- FLOWERS BEING HARMED: Seeing flowers being pulled out or destroyed can evoke a visceral reaction. She might experience a flash of anger or sadness, often followed by an intense need to protect the flowers or any perceived victims.

CHILDREN IN DISTRESS: Witnessing children or young beings in distress can trigger a sense of overwhelming sadness and protectiveness, reminiscent of her lost nymphs.

- VIOLENT SITUATIONS: Scenes of violence, especially involving helpless victims, can cause her to dissociate briefly, bringing back the suppressed memories of her own violent actions.

SUBCONSCIOUS BEHAVIORS

Persephone might exhibit subconscious behaviors when triggered, such as clenching her fists, tensing her muscles, or even briefly zoning out as the suppressed memories bubble to the surface. These moments are usually fleeting, but they leave her with a lingering sense of unease.

MEMORY REPRESSION & MAGIC

Unbeknownst to Persephone, Demeter used magic to repress the traumatic memory of the slaughter. This magical repression creates a barrier in her mind, making it difficult for her to fully recall the event. However, when faced with triggers, she might experience fragmented flashbacks or sensations that she cannot fully understand or explain.

THERAPEUTIC OUTLETS

While Persephone does not openly acknowledge her trauma, she occasionally engages in activities that provide therapeutic benefits. Gardening, for instance, allows her to connect with nature and experience a sense of nurturing and creation. These moments provide a small measure of peace and help her cope with the underlying trauma.

BREAKING POINTS

In extreme situations where the trauma threatens to overwhelm her, Persephone might reach a breaking point. During these rare moments, her carefully constructed facade can crack, leading to intense emotional outbursts. She might scream, cry, or lash out violently, unable to control the flood of emotions and memories. Afterward, she often feels drained and vulnerable, prompting her to retreat and rebuild her emotional barriers.

REBUILDING CONTROL

After experiencing an emotional breach or encountering a significant trigger, Persephone is quick to reassert her control. She engages in rituals that help her regain her composure, such as meticulously organizing her surroundings, reviewing her strategic plans, or engaging in meditation. These practices help her re-establish her sense of control and ensure that her facade remains intact.

# # # ADDITIONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Despite her emotional detachment, Persephone possesses high emotional intelligence, allowing her to read and understand the emotions of others. This skill aids her in manipulating and influencing people effectively.

EMPATHETIC PERCEPTION

Persephone has a unique ability to sense the emotions of those around her, a remnant of her connection to nature and the divine blessings she received. While she often uses this ability strategically, it also serves as a reminder of the empathy she struggles to embrace.

MAGIC RESISTANCE

Due to the ancient chthonic magic involved in her birth, Persephone has a natural resistance to certain magical influences. This resistance makes it difficult for others to use magic to control or manipulate her, giving her an edge in supernatural encounters.

NATURE MANIPULATION

Persephone can influence plant life, encouraging growth or withering at will. This ability allows her to create safe havens or traps using nature, reflecting her deep connection to the natural world and the nymphs she created.