John Galliano, 2000

it eats me alive.

Jennifer Connelly in A Beautiful Mind (2001)

doing more style studies, here's LR persephone with the stylization of pilot era LO , with some of the effects I use in LR (but adjustments made to the lineart style because looking back a lot of the pilot era LO pieces that I loved had really thin lineart, which i've always been really bad at doing sksksksk)

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.

THE ENIGMA OF PERSEPHONE: AN UNDERWORLD ODYSSEY (MAIN VERSE)

Recently graduated with degrees in Psychology, Forensic Science, and several other disciplines, Persephone finds herself navigating the complexities of life in the Underworld.

# # # BACKGROUND.

Born Kore, the young goddess spent most of her life in the Mortal Realm, accompanied by her mother and the nymphs that worked for her. Kore's birth was a unique and miraculous event, the result of ancient chthonic magic, a thousand perfect roses, and Demeter's will. This extraordinary birth was kept a secret from Kore, who only knew that her existence was a miracle. At birth, Demeter sought to have her daughter blessed by the other goddesses. Kore received blessings of intelligence from Athena, generosity and creativity from Hestia, and beauty from both Aphrodite and Hera. Unknown to Demeter, Eris also bestowed Kore with the divine wrath.

As a child, Kore created four flower nymphs—Krokos, Withy, Bloom, and Petal—from the flowers she planted in a special garden dedicated to flower nymph restoration. These nymphs became her first friends and later acted as her handmaidens. While the five of them were very close, Demeter's overprotectiveness meant Kore could only leave home with her nymphs accompanying her. This protective barrier, although well-meaning, often left Kore feeling frustrated and constrained.

Raised in the mortal realm, Kore was groomed to be the perfect daughter. However, the emotional turmoil of her upbringing, combined with her undiagnosed borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by intense emotions, fear of abandonment, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships, led Kore to develop a detached and analytical approach to life. Her emotional detachment also stems from the past trauma linked to Eris’s blessing of divine wrath.

# # # PERSONALITY.

Kore’s personality is a complex blend of emotional intensity and calculated detachment. Her undiagnosed BPD manifests in extreme emotional responses and a deep-seated fear of abandonment, which she masks behind a veneer of intellectual curiosity and professional competence. She approaches relationships with a scientific detachment, analyzing and manipulating those around her to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior.

# # # SKILLS & ABILITIES.

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE: Kore’s education and natural intellect make her a master strategist. She can analyze situations and devise plans with precision, often staying several steps ahead of those around her.

PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION: Kore’s deep understanding of human psychology allows her to manipulate and influence those around her, using techniques such as love bombing and gaslighting to achieve her goals.

EMOTIONAL DETACHMENT: Her ability to emotionally detach allows her to perform actions that others might find morally or ethically challenging, using her analytical mindset to justify her behavior.

DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATION: Kore’s charm and intellect enable her to navigate complex social and political situations, making her an effective negotiator and mediator.

FORENSIC ANALYSIS: With her background in forensic science, Kore is skilled in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and analysis, making her a valuable asset in solving crimes.

CHTHONIC MAGIC: Although not fully aware of the extent of her powers, Kore possesses latent chthonic magic that manifests in times of great need or emotional distress, providing her with a mysterious and powerful edge.

# # # RELATIONSHIPS.

HADES: Kore’s relationship with Hades is a complex psychological experiment. After being found passed out drunk in his car and brought into his home, Kore becomes Hades' primary subject of interest. Hades, intrigued and enamored by Kore, begins to lovebomb and infantilize her, showering her with affection and gifts, effectively becoming someone she can and should rely on emotionally and intimately. Kore, in turn, uses Hades’ attention to further her understanding of power dynamics and manipulation. His role as King Of The Underworld makes him a high priority subject she can't afford to lose.

DEMETER: Kore's relationship with Demeter was loving but complicated. Kore felt a deep sense of dissociation, seeing Demeter more as her creator than a traditional mother. This complex dynamic stemmed from the unique nature of her birth and the high expectations placed upon her. Despite their strong bond, Kore often struggled with feelings of detachment and a desire for independence.

MINTHE: Kore’s relationship with Minthe is fraught with tension. Minthe, who has her own designs on Hades, views Kore with suspicion and jealousy. Kore, on the other hand, sees Minthe as both a potential threat and a subject of interest, analyzing her behavior and motives with clinical detachment.

# # # KORE'S ACHIEVEMENTS.

- Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

- Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science

- Minor in Criminal Justice

- Research Publications on Behavioral Analysis

# # # CONCLUSION.

This version of Kore’s main verse highlights her complex psychological profile, her emotional detachment, and the intricate relationships she navigates within the Underworld. It focuses on her analytical approach to relationships and her strategic manipulation of those around her, particularly Hades and Minthe, while also shedding light on her unique and miraculous birth.

“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’

Journal Entry: Meeting Hades

It's been a week since that fateful night, and I still can't quite believe the turn my life has taken. It all started at Zeus’s party, a seemingly typical gathering until Eros, under his mother’s command, spiked my drink. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the home of Hades, the King of the Underworld.

I can still feel the initial panic that surged through me when I realized I was somewhere unfamiliar. Cerberus’ intimidating presence didn’t help, but Hades was quick to scold his dog and assure me that I was safe. His apologies were sincere, and despite the unconventional circumstances, there was a warmth in his hospitality that caught me off guard.

Learning that he was Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, was a revelation. Here was a god with immense power and influence, right in front of me. Our encounter, though orchestrated by forces beyond my control, felt like a blessing in disguise. From that moment forward, I knew he would be my primary, high-priority subject.

Over the past week, I’ve been reflecting on this unexpected opportunity. My roommate Artemis, who was furious with Hades for what happened, has been vocal about her distrust and dislike for him. But she doesn’t understand the potential here. This isn’t just about a chance meeting; it’s about what I can achieve with Hades in my life. His power, his resources, his position—all of it aligns perfectly with my ambitions.

Hades drove me home the next morning, ensuring I was safe, and in those moments, I began to see the possibilities. His influence could open doors I never even knew existed. While Artemis fumes, I see the situation for what it truly is: an opportunity to secure a future of power and control.

I’ve already started laying the groundwork, subtly integrating myself into his life, showing him the side of me that is curious, ambitious, and captivated by his world. He doesn’t need to know that beneath the surface, my mind is always calculating, always planning.

This past week has solidified my resolve. Hades is more than just a god; he’s a key player in the game I’m determined to win. I’ll navigate Artemis’ disdain, manage the delicate balance of appearances, and ensure that I remain indispensable to him. This unconventional encounter is the blessing I needed, a disguised path to achieving everything I’ve ever wanted.

As I move forward, I’ll continue to charm, observe, and strategize. Hades may think he’s in control, but I know better. This is my game now, and I’m playing to win.

- Persephone

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

#f7cfcf, #edd3d4, #ecdede

Happy birthday to me! I'm 27! Have a Queen Persephone 🖤