I really feel like I'm getting the hang of this style. I'm absolutely thrilled with how everything has turned out so far. Another thing that's been super fun has been coming up with the backgrounds. Typically my background work is in a very prospectively correct space. A place to root the characters to. This is fun, but can also be limiting. These abstract backgrounds have been almost therapeutic to draw. Coming up with little things that I can do to accentuate the quirks of AKO and tell a little bit about them. I love it. This has really brought the spark back and I can't wait to continue expanding more on this in the future.

---------------------------------------

"Dang, it got late on me." The trail gravel crunches beneath my feet as I begin my trek down from the trails off Black Light Ridge, a secluded area not too far off the edge of Forgery. Usually a bike trail, but hardly anyone comes here in the evening. Making it the ideal place for a nature hike. This time was different though, this time I messed up. I didn't keep an eye on the time, now sunset is fading fast and I still have 30 minutes to go before I'm back on the road. This place is eerie in the dark. Twisted shadows of tree trunks and leaves look like wriggling creatures just off the beaten trail, ready to get me.

Still, it's not all bad. The deep blues settle into the waning light in a way that's hauntingly beautiful, helped only by the temperate Spring air. Despite my own mounting anxieties, I stop to take it all in.

But the sound of crunching gravel didn't stop with me.

My nerves aren't getting the better of me, there's an extra set of steps not far away. Maybe an animal? A harmless little bunny rabbit or maybe a squirrel?

*crunch, crunch*

Too big to be a rabbit. Maybe a dog? Or heaven forbid a boar. Giving into my baser fears I turn around, shining my phone light through the trees. Nothing.

"What am I so scared of? There's nothing to worry about about—"

As I turn around my voice catches in my throat. There's a person standing standing in the middle of the trail.

A scream catches in my throat but I manage to hold it back. This isn't just any person, this is...

"Olivia? What are you doing out here?"

Like an impish apparition, Olivia animatedly bounds towards me. An infectious smile on her face that makes it difficult to keep up my guard.

"What am I doing out here? What are YOU doing out here? For all I know you're prowling around looking to play pranks on unsuspecting hikers!" She points an accusatory finger at me, though her playful grin remains throughout.

I sheepishly shrug, "Time got away from me. I like to come for walks out here. It's really pretty."

Despite appearing to be heading where I'd come from, Olivia pivots and the two of us begin walking together towards the road together.

"It is isn't it!? You can find lots of beautyberries just off the trail sides. They're pink, don't taste very good raw but you can mix'em into a really tasty jelly."

"Oh. That's... cool." This felt wrong, strange. This Olivia just felt like a normal girl, not the one back at school that gets off on farting on people.

"You can actually use the stems and leaves as insect repellant. Mosquitos hate the stuff."

The two of us walk for a time as I listen to Olivia tell me all about the local flora, usually how to eat it. It's... nice? As the road back to society edges closer and closer, I simply can't help myself anymore.

"Olivia? This is nice and all. But just what were you doing in the woods this late? And why were you walking away from the road?"

That smile of hers falters for only a second. "Me? Just prowling around, looking to play pranks on unsuspecting hikers."

Time stands still for a moment and I wish I'd kept my mouth shut. Why couldn't I have just enjoyed our walk together?

"One thing you have to be careful about out here is the wild blueberries. They're not harmful but eating too many can cause all sorts of digestive problems. Bloating, gas, even worse if you eat way too many."

I was right about her. There's only one reason this girl of all girls would bring this up right now. I take one step back. She notices.

"In fact, I sorta pigged out on some of them earlier. They're in season this time of year so I couldn't resist. Now my belly feels all... bleh. Y'know?"

Before I can move further away she grabs my arm in her hand. I always forget how strong she is. "M-maybe I have something in my pack that can help? Just let go and I'll take a look for you."

The grin never fades, it's unnerving after a while. Almost devious in the dark.

"Nah, I have another way you can help. C'mon it won't take long. It'll be really funny too. Amber and Kat are gonna get a kick out of this."

With one hand she drops me to my knees.

---------------------------------------

All characters belong to me. Always welcome engagement, fanart, and fanfic!

Please login to post a comment.