[My Art] Open Wide!

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 an ideal place for a nature hike. The fading twilight casts eerie shadows upon twisted tree trunks and leaves that seem to writhe like little creatures at my periphery. My heart quickens with each step as childish paranoia seeps into every corner of my mind. Despite it all, this unsettling backdrop does have a sort of haunting beauty. The deep blues settling into the waning light, casting an ethereal ambiance into the Spring air. If only to disrupt my thoughts, strange sounds intrude upon the tranquil vibe - subtle footsteps echoing alongside mine from somewhere nearby. Maybe a harmless a bunny rabbit or squirrel? *crunch crunch* Nope, too heavy —maybe a dog? Or heaven forbid…a boar? Succumbing to a more primal fear, I cast my phone light through the trees' now suffocating cover—only to find nothing there. "What am I so scared of? There's nothing to worry about—" My voice catches in my throat as I turn back to the road—someone is watching me. A scream dies within its confines when recognition takes hold. "What... what are you doing out here, Olivia?" I ask, trying to keep a semblance of composure. Like an impish apparition, Olivia bounds toward me with an infectious smile plastered on her face, causing my guard to waver. She's always had that power. She playfully points an accusatory finger at me. "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!" I sheepishly shrug. "Time got away from me. I like to come for walks out here. It's really pretty." Olivia's grin remains, but I can sense a hint of mischief lurking beneath. The tension between us grows as we continue walking, drawing closer to the road that leads back to civilization. "You're right, it is beautiful," Olivia says with an odd mixture of innocence and calculation in her voice. "But there's more to this place than just its beauty. Did you know you can find lots of beautyberries just off the trail sides? They're pink and look yummy, but they don't taste very good raw. But if you mix them into a jelly it's pretty good on toast. You can even use the stems and leaves as insect repellant. Mosquitos hate the stuff." Something is wrong here. This is too... friendly. Is this how she is when Amber and Kat aren't around? This isn't the bully that goes around farting on people; she seems different somehow—deeper. Curiosity tugs at my thoughts as we walk side by side amidst the encroaching darkness. Unable to resist any longer, I finally speak up. "Olivia? This has been nice and all…but what were you really doing in the woods this late? And why were you walking away from the road?" For a split second, her smile falters before quickly resuming its mischievous form. "Me? Just prowling around…looking to play pranks on unsuspecting hikers." A shiver runs down my spine as her words echo through me—a chilling confirmation of what I had feared deep down. "One thing you have to be careful about out here are the wild blueberries," Olivia continues nonchalantly while maintaining that unnerving grin on her face. "They may seem harmless enough when eaten in moderation, but too many and you'll end up with some pretty bad gas, high in fiber, you know..." She trails off suggestively. My instincts scream at me to take a step back—There's only one reason this girl of all girls would bring this up right now. She notices as I begin distancing myself. "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. I immediately feel trapped in her iron grip. "I-I have something in my pack that can help," I stammer, attempting to break free from her hold. "Just let go, and I'll take a look for you." Her grin widens with a predatory glint in her eyes. "I don't think so. There's another way you can help me— it won't take too long. Amber and Kat are going to get a real kick out of this." Before I can react further, Olivia forces me down onto my knees. --------------------------------------- All characters belong to me. Always welcome engagement, fanart, and fanfic!