u/Mishchief_Arts

>I keep telling myself I'm only staying awake because someone needs to make sure he doesn't roll over and hurt his arm.

>That's a lie. I know it's a lie. I just don't want to admit the real reason out loud, even to myself.

>Lou is asleep against my shoulder. His head is still wrapped in bandages, his arm is broken, and the doctors had to shave his hair just to stitch up the side and back of his head.

>I hate it. Absolutely hate it.

>I keep looking at the uneven patches and thinking about how wrong it looks. How unfair it is that he's the one who ended up like this.

>I'll fix it when we get back. I'll cut his hair properly once we're at the academy. Maybe I'll even get him something nice while I'm at it.

>Something to make up for it.

>No.

>I can't think like that.

>He deserves that much... but I don't know if I deserve to be the one deciding what he deserves.

>After all, he jumped into a ravine after me.

>Gods...

>We argued before the mission. I was angry with him. He was... calm with me. I said things I probably shouldn't have, and I remember thinking that maybe I was finally getting tired of whatever this was between us.

>Maybe it would be easier if I just stopped letting him get under my skin.

>Then I fell.

>And he followed.

>No hesitation. No time to think about himself. Just instinct, or stupidity, or something I still can't name without my chest tightening.

>He just threw himself after me and took the impact meant for me.

>And now I can't stop thinking about what would have happened if he hadn't.

>I've replayed it in my head so many times that I'm starting to wonder if I even remember it properly anymore. Maybe I'm making it worse in my head because I need a reason to justify how I feel now.

>I don't know what that says about him.

>I don't know what it says about me, either.

>Maybe I've been too stubborn. Maybe I've been right to be careful.

>Maybe people who do things like that don't think about consequences, and I'm just romanticizing recklessness because I don't want to feel guilty.

>Because when I strip everything else away... his background, his lack of wealth, the fact that he doesn't come from anything I was taught to value...

>What does he have?

>Not status. Not influence. Not the sort of security I grew up being told to look for.

>But what can he give me?

>I think I'm starting to understand that.

>He's given me something I didn't realize I was missing.

>He makes me feel safe.

>Not because of what he owns or who he knows. Not because he can promise me that nothing bad will ever happen.

>Because when it mattered, he chose me.

>He didn't calculate what it would cost him. He didn't stop to think about what it would mean for him.

>He just chose me.

>I've spent so long wondering whether he'd fit into my life, whether letting him get closer would only make everything more complicated.

>I've kept finding reasons to keep him at arm's length.

>And every time, I told myself it was simply the sensible thing to do.

>But maybe I've been hiding behind that.

>Maybe I'm scared.

>Because what if this isn't just some stupid attachment?

>What if I really do care about him?

>What if I let him in and something happens to him?

>What if he keeps throwing himself into danger for me until one day he doesn't get back up?

>Maybe I should give him a chance...

>Or maybe I'm just exhausted and grateful and confusing that for something deeper.

>Not a promise. Not yet.

>Just... a chance.

>A chance to show me who he really is.

>A chance for me to stop building walls so high that I can't see over them.

>A chance to stop pretending I don't care more than I do.

>I should probably move him back.

>I should probably remind myself of all the reasons this is a bad idea.

>I haven't.

>And that scares me more than it should.

>The clouds outside are beautiful tonight. They drift beside us like nothing in the world could possibly be wrong.

>He's still here.

>I'm still here.

>And when we get back, we're going to have a very long conversation.

WEEKLY OC QUESTION :D

What would it take for your OC to completely change their opinion of someone?

(Swipe for ALT version!)

I wanted to take it a little easier this week since I've been pretty tired lately, but I didn't want to leave you guys with nothing. So here's silly little KELT chibis instead :3

Yes, bird boy Talon... is double flipping the bird...

And he also tasted the paint...

My birthday is coming up at the end of the month. I don't usually mention it, but I just felt like sharing it this year, especially since I might take a little break from drawing that week. You guys have been a great audience, and I'm truly grateful for all the support you've given me over the past year ówò ❤️

Now onto the weekly OC question!

How did your team get its name? Was it carefully planned, completely accidental, symbolic, or did someone just yell out four letters that worked and everyone went with it?

And from a meta perspective, what does the name actually mean to you and their story?

I figured you all deserved a break from the weekly emotional damage, so here's something a little lighter this week :D

I've been wanting to experiment with my simpler, 'chibi' style for a while, and this felt like the perfect excuse. Hopefully it's not too jarring of a change, especially after last weeks post

Not much else to say this week... I hope everyone's been doing well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Take care of yourselves ❤️

As for the weekly OC questions:
Who is the designated cook of your team? Who absolutely shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a kitchen? Any funny stories to share? :3c

For Team KELT, Lou is very much the cook. Kiera, on the other hand... should probably stick to instant noodles. She's many things, but a chef isn't one of them =_=

>The days following Lily Jade's assassination were chaotic, not because of the investigation itself. Long before investigators had the evidence, the court of public opinion already had its verdict.

>Headlines described it as a "family vacation turned tragedy." Broadcasts questioned Wei Zhang-Jade's motives, while polls claimed that a majority of viewers believed he had prior knowledge of the attack. Every evening brought another panel of experts, another podcast, another theory, another accusation...

>All of them were wrong.

>When Wei finally addressed the public, he spoke alone. The conference room was dim, illuminated more by camera flashes than by the lights overhead. An untouched glass of water rested beside the podium. On the opposite side sat a single white lily.

>He looked like a man who hadn't slept.

>For the duration of the conference, Wei answered every question he was legally permitted to answer. He never raised his voice. He never argued with the press. He simply repeated what investigators would later confirm: he neither planned nor orchestrated his wife's murder.

>The only moment that seemed to break through his composure came when a reporter asked why his daughter wasn't present.

>"Kiera isn't ready for this. She's a child, and I won't throw her into a world full of... vultures!"

>Kiera Jade never appeared before the cameras.

>Months later, the investigation reached the conclusion it had been moving toward from the very beginning. Wei Zhang-Jade was cleared of all involvement in Lily's death. One news network, Anima on Air, still repeatedly presented speculation as fact... They were successfully sued for defamation, with the court ruling decisively in his favour. All the other news networks took that as a warning and the event itself slowly died out.

>The verdict closed the case.

>It did not silence the rumours.

>People often prefer a satisfying story to an uncomfortable truth. It is easier to believe a grieving husband engineered his wife's murder than to accept that some acts cannot be explained away by greed, jealousy, or ambition.

>Some deaths are deliberate.

>Some are deserved.

>Some call it evil.

>I call it necessary.

>The Devil is dead, and I am at peace for now.

How do you think your OC would react to Wei's press conference? Would they believe the media's accusations, wait for evidence, or see through the public narrative from the start?

As always, if you have any questions about Wei, the Jade family, or the world of KELT, feel free to ask! I always enjoy chatting about the worldbuilding.

Alternatively! How is your OC perceived by the news? What did they do, and is it accurate to what's portrayed in the media?

Just a gentle reminder: please keep replies to discussion and lore only. No roleplaying in the comments, please :)

Been a really slow week, so I decided an older OC needed a makeover.

This is Gale Greyheart, a professor at Haven Academy.

Name: Gale Greyheart
Age: 47
Gender: Male
Species: Human

Affiliations & Occupations:

• Haven Academy, Professor
• Detective (Former)

History:

>Before becoming a teacher, Gale spent years working as a detective, earning a reputation for his sharp instincts and unwavering commitment to his work. His career came to an end following a failed undercover operation within Anima's criminal underworld. This left his reputation in ruins and forced him to leave the profession behind.

>Recognizing his experience, Headmaster Lionheart offered Gale a second chance at Haven Academy, where he now teaches investigative techniques, criminal psychology, and field tactics to future Huntsmen and Huntresses.

>Gale is known for being one of Havens strictest professors. He sets high standards, has little patience for excuses, and believes complacency is often the difference between life and death. His lessons are demanding, his practical exercises unforgiving, and earning his praise is no small feat. While many students initially see him as intimidating or unnecessarily harsh, they eventually realize his methods come a genuine desire to ensure they survive in a world where danger is not always just Grimm.

Any questions will be happily answered :D

(If you're wondering, Eden drew the doodle on the right)

>My dearest Kiera,

>I still don't know how you managed to convince me to go to that gala.

>You spent the whole afternoon trying to tame my hair, only for it to give up before the appetizers were even served. You laughed when you saw it. You always did say it had a mind of its own.

>I was terrified I'd embarrass you.

>You belonged there. Among the politicians, the business owners, the people who seemed to know exactly what fork to use and what words to say.

>I didn't.

>But every time I looked for you, you smiled like you were happy I came.

>When I finally found you again, you were holding a glass of wine.

>I asked if I could have a taste.

>You told me I was too much of a lightweight.

>I meant your lips.

>You rolled your eyes, called me an idiot, and still took me somewhere quiet just to give me that kiss.

>I think about that a lot.

>Sometimes I wonder how long I can keep up with your world.

>I'm just a guy who got lucky enough to meet a girl who shines brighter than anyone I've ever known.

>I don't know what the future looks like.

>I don't know if I'll always be enough.

>But if you'll let me...

>I'd like to spend whatever time I have trying to be your person, the same way you've become mine.

>I love you.

>Yours always,
Lou

- An unsent letter found, crumpled, just outside a wastebin in Lou's room.

Sorry for the late post! Just got back from a trip and finally got the chance to draw :3c

If your OC could leave one letter behind, who would it be addressed to? What would they want that person to know?

A line up of Team ELMT!

It's always nice getting the chance to draw the whole team together again.

(Also happened to be an Art Fight attack :3)

Team Members and their Creators (left to right):
Enya Flint: jiggle.jiggle.skin (Instagram)
Lou Chiffon: u/mishchief_arts
Marsh Drake: u/cyantise
Nix Tovar: roguish.art (Instagram)

What's one moment that made your OC trust their team completely?

Not gonna lie, Deltarune has had me in a chokehold lately, so the more complicated piece I had planned is taking a little longer than expected .w."

In the meantime, here's a collection of some of Lou's outfits throughout his KELT and ELMT eras!

He's been through a lot over the years, and his appearance has changed alongside him, but no matter how much time passes or what life throws at him... he's still Lou.

Which Lou outfit is your favourite? :D

Do your OCs have multiple outfits or designs throughout their story? If so, what's your favourite version of them?

>"You has always have a habit of stepping in where you shouldn’t."

>"I’ve seen you do it more times than I can count. Earlier this week, you ended up defending a older Faunus student when no one else bothered to. You spoke up against a professor who let his authority and ego run wild. And now... placing yourself between me and someone who doesn’t understand the word “no” when it’s not convenient for them."

>"You don’t even hesitate. Words first, then fists if need be. Like the boundary itself matters more than what it costs you."

>"I don’t need someone to protect me. I’ve lived my entire life surrounded by people who questioned me, tested me, tried to corner me with expectations and insults dressed up as etiquette. I learned how to handle myself a long time ago."

>"But, I won’t pretend I don’t notice when you step in anyway. When you put yourself out there, like it’s the most natural thing in the world to stand between me and whatever nonsense someone thinks they’re entitled to."

>"When we first met, I couldn’t stand you. Now I’m starting to wonder how many more fights you will pick in our time together..."

- Kiera Jade, Leader of Team KELT, about Lou Chiffon

Does your OC like being protected or does it frustrate them when someone steps in without asking?

>The world can be loud.

>Missions. Expectations. Deadlines. Responsibilities.

>But every now and then, there are places where all of that feels distant. Places where the water is calm, the air is fresh, and the biggest concern of the day is whether the fish are biting.

>Lou caught a fish.

>Talon also caught a fish.

>According to Talon, they're equally impressive accomplishments.

>Kiera and Eden watch from afar.

Who caught the bigger fish?-

Just kidding, here's the actual question:

What's your OC's favourite way to spend a day off?

>For years, Lou convinced himself he could handle everything alone.

>Eventually, that belief slowly starts to break under the weight of everything he has endured... The grief, the trauma, the memories he can’t outrun, and the feeling that he has to keep going for everyone else even when he’s falling apart inside.

>So, he does something he never thought he would have to:

>He admits he needs help to his dad...

>Malion Chiffon, the man who found him as a baby and raised him with quiet, steady love, the one Lou proudly calls his dad. Mal doesn’t try to fix everything with words. He doesn’t tell his son to be strength or try offer easy answers. He just listens and opens his arms.

>And for the first time in a long time, Lou lets himself be held.
It won't solve everything, not right away, but it's a step towards recovery.

Who's the person your OC knows they can always go to?

>"I used to know what he was thinking."

>"He'd walk through that door talking about some new drawing, some appliance he wanted to fix, some recipe he's trying to make it better with what little we had. You couldn't get him to stop talking... Now he barely leaves his room..."

>"His hair had to be cut for surgery. Funny thing is, I don't think he'd notice if it grew down to his shoulders now. He doesn't even comb it anymore. The shirts stay unbuttoned. The curtains stay closed. His journal stays untouched. Maybe that's asking too much of him given his current condition. But he sleeps more than he's awake. Doesn't eat unless I remind him. Doesn't draw. Doesn't cook. Doesn't fix things. Just... exists."

>"And every now and then I catch myself wondering if the boy I raised is still in there. And I hate that thought. Because I know he is. He's just carrying something too heavy for one person."

>"So I'll give him time. I'll make sure there's food on the table, even if I don't get to eat. I'll leave his door unlocked. I'll be here when he decides he's ready to talk about what happened..."

>"I wish I knew what else to do..."

- Journal Entry of Malion Chiffon, Lou's father.

Tell me about an OC of yours who came back changed. Positive and negative changes are welcome.
What event caused such a change?

[In case you missed it, here's last week's Kiera animation! All but 1 secret has been found]

Urgent: Blood Warning

>"I used to think my life had already been decided for me."

>"The heir to Jade Nexus. The daughter of a woman whose name could move entire kingdoms. A legacy built long before I was born, one I never truly wanted to inherit."

>"But when I watched my mother die, I understood something."

>"Some people are not given the luxury of choosing who they become."

>"From that moment onward, my life stopped belonging entirely to me."

>"There were expectations. Responsibilities. Sacrifices I learned to carry because I thought I had to."

>"And for a long time... I hated it."

>"Then I met my team."

>"For the first time in my life, I had people who saw me as more than a surname. More than a future seat at the head of a company."

>"With them, I found something dangerously close to peace."

>"But peace is fragile."

>"And deep down, I think I always knew good things do not last forever."

Thank you all so much for the support lately. Waking up to people theorising about the story of KELT has been a wonderful experience. I hope this animation keeps you all up at night.

But to ensure you all don't go on a wild goose chase, I will leave you all with the following: There are hidden secrets.

>!3 Codes. 1 Symbol.!<

As to where those are, I leave that up to you (unless you ask me, I'll tell you TTOTT)

As for the animation itself, this is my first time animating on Clip Studio EX. If you guys are interested in more animations like this, I hope to improve enough to meet your expectations.

Thank you all >W<

It's been a year since I dropped KELT onto this subreddit and 3 years since I first started working on them. I figured I’d open up a proper Q&A for anyone curious about KELT, the characters or the worldbuilding behind it 😄

You don’t need to have seen everything or pieced anything together to ask questions. Anything is fine, whether it’s about lore, timelines, character decisions, symbolism, weapons, or just general curiosity.

I’ll try to answer as much as I can without completely spoiling everything (despite my latest post)… emphasis on try 😭

Kindly avoid RP-type questions though. Unfortunately, the mods closed the Phantom post I did a few months ago because of that, so let’s avoid repeating history.

Ask away >W<

Kelt.

A salmon that survived the journey.

Barely.

Most do not make it back.

>"People love talking about strength like it’s something simple."

>"Hit harder. Move faster. Win the fight."

>"And sure... being strong matters. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. There were plenty of times my team survived because I was strong enough."

>"But eventually you learn strength alone doesn’t rebuild homes. It doesn’t calm frightened people. It doesn’t put food back on someone’s table after everything they had gets torn apart."

>"I grew up around places people stopped caring about. Towns barely holding together. People surviving one bad day at a time, barely scraping through Winters."

>"You learn pretty quickly that nobody’s coming to save those places. Especially now, with the Crisis and everything going on. There are a lot of places like that scattered across Anima..."

>"I guess that’s why the Academy [Haven Academy] sent all of us out there in the first place... and honestly? I couldn’t be happier about it. We’re actually there. We’re helping."

>"If something breaks, we help rebuild it. If someone falls behind, we help carry them forward. And if people are scared, then we give them something solid enough to stand behind."

>"It isn’t just about killing Grimm... even if I’m pretty damn good at it, hah."

>"My time in KELT taught me that strength means very little if it only serves you."

>"The strongest people aren’t the ones who leave destruction behind them."

>"It’s the ones who-"

>"Hey! Don’t go acting too strong! Let me help ya there, kid-"
(transcript ends abruptly)

- Talon 'Rusty' Steel, Former Member of Team KELT

When things fell apart, did your OC help rebuild them?

Places, people, relationships...? Or were they the ones who broke them in the first place?

(Bonus fluffy Talon, should he keep the beard?)

>"A lot of people have this idea that bravery is standing tall. Looking unshaken. Facing danger without fear..."

>"But bravery was never about fearlessness..."

>"It is fear. The kind that tightens your chest... and makes your hands shake... The kind that tells you to run, to survive, to save yourself... and choosing not to."

>"I was never the strongest on my team... not the fastest. Not the one who could break through every obstacle with force."

>"But my time in KELT taught me that strength was never the point."

>"There will always be moments where you are afraid. Moments where you know you might fail. Moments when standing your ground hurts more than giving in."

>"But if someone behind you is counting on you, then sometimes bravery means becoming the wall between them and what would hurt them."

>"Even if it means facing death in their place."

>- Eden Valor, Former Member of Team KELT (service concluded)

What does bravery mean to your OC?

>"Leadership isn’t glory. It isn’t being the strongest, or the loudest, or the one standing tallest when the fight is over."

>"To lead is to carry what others cannot: fear, loss, responsibility... the cost of every choice, and every life placed in your hands."

>"No one teaches you how heavy that becomes..."

>"I was born into a name that carried weight long before I understood it. A legacy built by hands stronger and crueler than mine, one that shaped the world around me before I ever had a say in it. People see the name Jade and expect certainty... strength... answers..."

>"But leadership is not certainty. The crisis taught me that leading means accepting there will be wounds you cannot prevent, losses you cannot undo, and choices that will stay with you long after the battle is over."

>"Sometimes, all you can do is carry them and keep fighting."

>- Kiera Jade, Former Leader of Team KELT (file closed)

What does leadership mean to your OC?