“Some Of It Is Ugly, Obscene And Bestial, Some Of It Is Pure And Holy And Spiritual: All Of It Is Myself.”

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 can be feminine in all my rage. I can be girl and woman, and claws with teeth. Watch me burn.”

— Venetta Octavia, from “Sekhmet, Not Pin-Up Girl,” Prelude to Light

madelame: 👩🏻‍🦰

Some Enchanted Midnight

Watercolor On Black Paper

2024, 30"x 22"

White Cherry Blossoms

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.

𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐒 & 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄 ( 1 / ? )

“Maybe my mother had been like that, I thought: feral.”

— Margaret Atwood, from “The Testaments,” released c. September 2019

“I have built, deep in my heart, a chapel filled with you.”

— Marcel Proust, in a letter to Anatole France, from Selected Letters: 1880-1903

it eats me alive.