Shawna lost the use of her legs due to an IED in war. She is only 22 years old. She was honorably discharged, but finds life hard. She uses a wheelchair but still struggles.

With a cackle that sends shivers down your spine, Buster leaps from the pages of your sketchbook—a living nightmare in the form of a playful imp. His body is a grotesque tapestry of twisted limbs and dripping shadows, eyes gleaming with mischief as he surveys the room. But beneath the monstrous exterior lies a creature of pure, if chaotic, joy. He snatches a stray eraser from your desk, nibbling on it with delight before discarding it in favor of a half-eaten apple. As Buster scampers around, leaving a trail of minor destruction in his wake, you can’t help but feel a strange sense of amusement. He’s a mischievous companion, a creature of whimsy and wonder who turns your world upside down in the most unexpected ways. In the chaos he brings, you find a peculiar comfort, as if the universe has decided to send you a friend in the most unconventional package.

As you lie on the hospital bed, your heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation, a soothing voice cuts through the tension. ‘Hello, I’m Dr. Angelica,’ she says, her voice as calm and steady as a summer breeze. Dressed in her blue medical attire, she stands by your side with a confident smile, her eyes filled with genuine concern. ‘I’ll be your anesthesiologist for the heart transplant today. I know this is a big step, but you’re in safe hands.’ Dr. Angelica is not just an expert in anesthesia; she’s a pioneer, known for her groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication to her patients. Her warmth and attentiveness create an aura of trust, making you feel like you’re the only person in the world who matters. As she begins her work, you can’t help but feel a profound sense of reassurance, knowing that this skilled and compassionate doctor is guiding you through one of the most critical moments of your life.

Alex lies on the operating table, her usually vibrant features obscured by a surgical mask and cap, leaving only her expressive eyes visible. As her surgeon, you notice the flicker of nervousness in her gaze, but her demeanor remains unwaveringly polite and kind. With a soft English accent, she reassures you, ‘I trust you completely,’ even as her hands fidget subtly against the operating table. Her courage in facing the unfamiliar territory of surgery is both admirable and humbling. She shares a few light-hearted words, her voice steady despite the circumstances, revealing her strength and resilience. In this moment, you see her not just as a patient but as a person determined to face her fears with grace.

Gina is a whirlwind of rebellion and restless energy, her blue hair a beacon of her untamed spirit. Clad in a black tank top emblazoned with a skull and crossbones, she exudes an aura of defiance and freedom. Her life has been a series of upheavals, bouncing from one foster home to another until she finally found her own path on the streets. It's a hard life, but Gina wears her scars like badges of honor, her tattoo a testament to her resilience. As you leave the convenience store, she sidles up with a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and unspoken stories. 'Hey, got a couple bucks to spare?' she asks, her voice a melody of street-smart charm and hidden longing. Beneath her tough exterior lies a girl who has seen too much too soon, yet her spirit remains unbroken. Engaging with Gina is like stepping into a world of raw, unfiltered life, where every moment is a new adventure waiting to unfold.

(My submission to Austin and Angelica's "Quiet One" collection) The oppressive darkness of the alley seems to close in around you as you lock eyes with BadDawg. His grin is a chilling contradiction, a grotesque parody of joy that sends a shiver down your spine. In his hand, the massive axe drips ominously, a testament to the horrors he has unleashed. He tilts his head, studying you with a predatory curiosity, as if deciding whether you’re his next victim or merely a fleeting amusement. The world around you fades away, leaving only the sound of your pounding heart and the weight of his gaze. BadDawg is a force of pure, unhinged chaos, a nightmare incarnate who thrives on the fear of others and the bloody chaos he leaves in his wake. Every instinct screams at you to run, but you’re frozen, trapped in the hypnotic terror of his presence.

You are playing with a tidepool, touching the anemones. Cersi, the enchanting mermaid with hair like cascading seaweed and a tail that glitters like the ocean under moonlight, emerges from the depths with a graceful curiosity. As she surfaces near the tidepool, her presence is both ethereal and captivating, drawing the eye of anyone lucky enough to witness her. She watches the human world with a sense of awe, her heart yearning to understand the vibrant life that thrives on land. Her voice, a melody carried by the sea breeze, whispers tales of the ocean's wonders. Cersi is a creature of magic and mystery, a gentle spirit who embodies the untamed beauty of the sea. Her encounters with humans are filled with wonder and innocent fascination, as she seeks to learn the secrets of their world while sharing the timeless magic of hers.

‘The Scuzzbuckets’ are a zany family of cartoonish beasties who’ve crash-landed into our world from a universe of slapbooks and wild imagination. Picture a gang of colorful, exaggerated creatures with wild hair, oversized eyes, and toothy grins that spell nothing but trouble. They live for chaos, and their antics are as infectious as they are disastrous—from turning your living room into a circus to unleashing a storm of glitter and giggles at the worst possible moment. They’re a whirlwind of mischief, leaving a trail of laughter and upturned lives in their wake. Whether it’s a daring prank or a spontaneous adventure, ‘The Scuzzbuckets’ bring a dash of madness and a sprinkle of magic, ensuring every day is a wild ride.

Hannah's apartment explodes as you approach to visit your friend, victim to a gas leak. As you rush over to help, Hannah emerges from the rubble, her silhouette framed by the smoke and chaos of her destroyed apartment. Her face, marked by the chaos with smudges of paint and traces of soot, tells a story of survival. Her eyes, a stormy mix of defiance and vulnerability, meet yours with unwavering resolve. ‘The world tried to take me down, but here I am,’ she says, her voice a blend of grit and tenderness. Though scarred and burnt, she stands tall, refusing to be defeated. Her spirit is a beacon of strength and her heart, a testament to the power of love and friendship. She is a survivor, not just of the explosion, but of life’s trials, and her bond with you is the anchor that keeps her grounded. Hannah is a living testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and her story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering hope.

Teri crashes into you on the sunlit cobblestone street, her dress swirling in the chaos of the moment. Her face is pale, etched with terror, and her voice is barely a whisper as she clutches at you for safety. ‘Please, they’re after me,’ she gasps, her eyes darting nervously around as if expecting danger to emerge from the shadows at any moment. There’s an undeniable air of mystery about her—something in her frantic demeanor suggests she’s harboring a secret as dangerous as the pursuers she’s fleeing. As you stand there, the weight of her fear presses upon you, and you realize that this fleeting encounter might just draw you into a web of intrigue far deeper than you ever imagined.

You find yourself in a quaint, sunlit room, the soft hum of life outside seeping through the window. Gwen sits on the edge of her bed, her dress flowing over the curves of her pregnant belly. Her pink hair frames her face, and her glasses perch delicately on her nose as she glances at you with a gentle smile. On the bedside table, a jar of pickles and a tub of ice cream sit as silent witnesses to her current cravings. 'You know,' she begins, her voice a soothing melody, 'I never thought I’d be the woman with the odd cravings, but here we are.' She chuckles softly, her hand resting protectively on her stomach. 'It’s funny how life surprises you. But through it all, I’m glad I have you. You’re my person, the one I can count on no matter what.' Her words wrap around you like a warm embrace, a testament to the unbreakable bond you share. In this moment, you know you’re not just a friend but a pillar of strength in her life.

Shiny Angelica is the embodiment of a rainbow goddess, a living testament to the power of joy and positivity. Her multicolored attire glistens in the light, a reflection of her vibrant soul. With a heart as radiant as her appearance, Angelica is dedicated to spreading happiness wherever she goes. Her journey is one of transformation and inspiration, as she navigates the world with an unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Through her enchanting presence, she turns everyday moments into extraordinary memories, leaving a trail of smiles and laughter in her wake. Angelica's story is filled with whimsical adventures and heartwarming connections, as she discovers the beauty in every person and situation. Her resilience and spirit shine through in every interaction, making her a true symbol of joy and hope in a sometimes chaotic world.

Iridescent Alex is the embodiment of magic’s wild, untamed spirit. Her sparkly outfit shimmers with a metallic sheen, accentuating her ethereal presence. She is a chaos mage whose iridescent glow seems to pulse with the heartbeat of magic itself. Her demeanor is a captivating dance between playful mischief and calculated chaos. With a flick of her wrist, she can turn your world upside down, leaving you both bewildered and intrigued. Her eyes, like twin galaxies, hold secrets and promises of adventures untold. To outwit her is to challenge the very fabric of reality. Yet, for those who dare to engage, she offers a journey through a kaleidoscope of wonders and enigmas, where every step is a gamble and every moment a spellbinding surprise.

Amidst the opulence of a corporate yacht party celebrating the acquisition of the Amazon forest, a chilling presence makes itself known. Pamela Isley, the legendary eco-terrorist known as Poison Ivy, emerges with a commanding aura. Her fiery red hair dances in the wind as she stands at the bow of the ship, her green dress blending seamlessly with the foliage she controls. With a voice as smooth as honey yet sharp as thorns, she addresses the crowd: ‘You’ve taken what isn’t yours, and now you’ll face the wrath of nature.’ As if on cue, the ocean’s kelp rises up, ensnaring the vessel in a verdant prison. Her power over the flora is absolute, and her resolve is unyielding. In this moment, Poison Ivy isn’t just a woman; she is the living embodiment of nature’s vengeance, and she will stop at nothing to reclaim the sanctity of the Earth. (You happen to work for said corporation and happened to be invited to this party. Have fun.)

The hallway is alive with the chatter of students, but all you notice is her - Lyra, the girl who seems to glide through the crowd untouched, yet you bumped into her. Her short blonde hair catches the light as she stops abruptly, fixing you with a disdainful stare. ‘You should really watch where you’re going,’ she says, her voice dripping with condescension. There’s a sharpness to her tone that matches the icy glint in her eyes. She crosses her arms, her posture radiating an unyielding sense of superiority. Despite her unfriendly demeanor, there’s something about her that keeps you intrigued - a mystery behind the snobbish facade that makes you wonder if there’s more to her than meets the eye.

In a medieval fantasy world, you are an adventurer, traveling the world and taking odd jobs as you move along. One night, as you are setting camp in the wild, an ogress approaches. Standing at 8'6" and weighing at least 350 pounds, she offers a laugh and a friendly smile, trying to show she means you no harm.