ToNE: Cactus

 
EDIT: 1)So finally I got time to actually "finish" the drawing. I had to go back through and add in black marker in a couple places to reduce the "muddy" effect, as well as did a few little minor things. Also the description to the drawing, as well as her story, have been updated a little. A featured artist, also, has been added. I hope you like it!  2)I added quotes, songs, and more fun facts to her description. I also added in some relationships and corrected grammar mistakes in her history.

AAAAH FINALLY DONE

I felt like Cactus she deserved more attention from me ... I hadn't draw her since Christmas, so though I did enjoy drawing this, it was a bit ... er, a lot of deja vu.  It's also the first time that I directly redraw something, pose and all. ) Aaah .... I liked this drawing for a while, so I definitely hope improvement shows ; A ; I mean ... it's been 4/5 months ...

Her story is also ... finished ... that makes me super happy because for a while she was SO MUCH BEYOND UNDERDEVELOPED compared to the other characters from ToNE ... It was interesting writing about her, to say the least. I think she has the 2nd longest story after Cantua and tied with Madrono and Wisteria. I feel too that ... though her life was not terrible, her death was certainly the most tragic. I had a little trouble writing is because tbh I sometimes cringe writing the stories for my own characters But goodness, I had to do a lot of studying. I honestly ... eheh ...the Mexican Revolution and civil war was a bit confusing to me, so I hope it makes sense. It certainly helps that she hates politics. XD

I also feel like this is honestly one of the best drawings I've done; I like the lineart's flow, and even actually how I coloured it; a rarity.
However, what worries me, that I've mentioned before, is that people only watch/follow me for vibrant colours like this. The thing is ... I worry that my style isn't very unique for prismacolour artists. And if they're following me for a not very unique colouring style, that's only brought about with a certain brand and not replicable with any other, than they're really only following the brand Prismacolour, through me, not actually me. I don't think this viewpoint is selfish at all, tbh; I just want people to genuinely like what I do, not what any other artist with proper training and tools could. :/ And most artists want to be unique. I hope you can understand.
vibrant colours are fun though X'D

I hope you like this spunky salsa dancer~

Cactus

General Information:

Domain of: Cacti division 

Sex: Female

Nationality: Mexican/Latina

Country of Origin: Mexico

Original Name: Cassandra Espina

Lived: early 1898 - 1916

Birthday: June 29

Physical Age: 18 years

Physical Appearance: - (I will write it in detail later):

Downfall: She was murdered by her lover, who turned out to be a spy.

Personality:
Exteriorly, this young woman will appear naive, irritable, unapproachable and constantly negative. She also has a habit of brutal honesty, and rub many the wrong way with her antisocial attitude; can also be very jealous, which greatly contributes to her negative behaviour. Cactus also appears very determined, in whatever she attempts, and also seems to always be on a mission. Beaneath the surface, however, this prickly girl is very introspective. She does not often wish to push others away, but has great issues with trust. Once very gullible, over a life of constantly being betrayed and attacked, she learned to use this as a defense, sometimes purposely keeping others away out of fear, though secretly she despises this aspect of her personality. Once she does manage to let someone in, though, they are very near and dear to her, and will do anything to protect them. A bit selfish, which she embraces, a great fear is to be yet again betrayed; but more than this, she is afraid to let people in lest she fails to protect or loses them; she would then consider herself the betrayer, something she would never be able to live with. She can secretly be quite wistful, girly and a dreamer, despite her cynical nature, though this she keeps to herself. Has issues with body image. Loves dance and is a master of the Salsa aster coming into the New Timeline.

History: _{(please inform me of any ahistorical elements if you find any.}.)

Cassandra Espina was born in 1898 in a small town within the province of Querétaro in central Mexico. Her family, consisting of her parents, grandmother, an older brother, an older sister, herself, and two much younger children, were somewhat known for their skills with baking, though the Espinas were dirt poor and often struggling. Every child learned how to tend to their wheat crop, basic economics and most importantly, how to bake, from a very young age, Cassandra, of course, included. She showed promise with these skills, but more than anything, the little girl shone the most when at the centre of attention, twirling, spinning and dancing.

This skill was believed to have come from her grandmother; Madame Espina had been very well known for her skills with dancing (as she had married into the family of bakers, and had previously been a professional performer.) Cass was a very hard worker, often spending all day in the fields or hot, steaming kitchen, but was rewarded at the end of the day with dancing sessions from the woman she looked up to the most. The two grew very close over time, and the strong traits Cass already had, of stubbornness, diligence, patience and perseverance were only enhanced by the good example of her grandmother.

However, despite her extreme patience and ability to hold out, she often bottled up her frustrations, never really being good at showing emotion and being under the strict wing of her teacher. Cassandra was not able to go to school and was homeschooled all her life. As well as that, and despite being quite well known for her striking beauty, she did not have a conventionally beautiful body. Because of the jealousy of her peers, as well as these two factors, she was constantly bullied whenever she went into the city or anywhere where there were other girls.

In addition, her country was undergoing some conflicts; revolutionaries were out in the streets, constantly raiding the city and the market, hurting innocent people. A good-hearted youth, Cassandra did not like to see such things. However, she was not naturally inclined to help others and gave herself excuses often, trying to stay out of politics and stress.

Though she bore all of these wrongs patiently, Cassandra was beginning to develop a very bitter side, and gradually became very antisocial. Rather than falling into a depression, she resented humanity.

In 1911, major conflicts began to take hold of Mexico. Common people began uprisings all over the place, following this revolutionary or that, and much land and property were destroyed. One day, an influential family in the area protested violently. Government officials, in an effort to quell the vicious problem, razed their property. The Espenias were then faced with a very difficult decision to remain on the ground on which they had lived for generations, or to move on due to the intense danger. Madame persuaded them to stay and try to keep calm, arguing that anywhere else would be equally unsafe, and escaping the area, which grew more dangerous by the day, would likely prove futile.

Meanwhile, Cassandra, only 13, watched as livestock were mutilated, historic houses burned to the ground, women and children attacked on the streets. She had, to a degree, grown desensitised to the violence, but this was more than she could take. She had made up her mind; desperately she begged her family to allow her to leave, promising she could have a better life on foot and traveling than at home where she would likely bear witness to her loved ones' ends. Cass also thought she may be able to make more money elsewhere and dancing than in a completely ravished town near the war-torn capitol. Reluctantly, her wish was granted, due to her family's inability to protect her … on the grounds that she was to remain out of danger whenever possible and, if given the chance, leave the nation altogether. Cassandra agreed, and the next day, she began her journey.

For the next four years, the young girl wandered alone throughout the nation, performing for many, nearly being killed on many occasions. Often, she slept in rags on the rough ground, or in the house of a revolutionary, bound to be dragged out of his house the next morning. Through it all, however, Cassandra remained strong and vigilant of danger. She did not meet many on her travels, not remaining in one location for very long, and not trusting anyone. She also grew more selfish in this time, though she did occasionally reach out and save others (especially children), because her life was constantly endangered and her main concern was to keep herself alive. Deep inside, she was afraid of everyone, everything, and the world at large. Though she managed to earn a meager amount, she was starved, both physically and emotionally.

One night in 1915, Cassandra took a little break from her wandering, and stopped in a tiny bar _{(yes, she is drinking at 17. Who told her she couldn't?)}. She stayed late while a worker cleaned everything up. Suddenly he disappeared into another room, though the room was still obviously dirty, and the ever watchful Cass thought she spied a gun at his waist. Her suspicions aroused, she cautiously follows him. In the next room, the blond man stared at a note he had found on the ground. He grimaced at it and began to mutter and curse, and then loaded his gun. Though the authorities were largely ineffective, Cassandra was struck by courage, and in leaving to report the fishy turn of events, she made a noise and was caught by the man.

A face off began, Cass at gunpoint while holding out her own pistol. The two locked eyes, and she noticed that clearly see that this man was not native to Mexico; he had blond hair, striking blue eyes, and an extremely pale complexion, and he looked to be only a little older than she was. She had let down her guard; in a moment, the mysterious person had grabbed her and attempted to drag her out of the building. Cassandra struggled but was shocked that she had not been shot. The man grabbed a bit of cloth and was about to tie her hands when she broke loose; Cassandra was indeed muscular, though a bit weak due to her current malnutrition, and by chance was able to slap the man's face hard. He fell against the wall, holding up his hands.

But, in a moment, he spoke. His words were in a strange accent, and Cass could barely understand him, but she continued to listen. The man introduced himself as a Kaiser Vogt, from Germany. He said he had come in peace, but his duties were to be kept secret for the present. Cassandra was about to shoot him then and there, but then the German reveals to Cassandra that he had actually been watching her for quite some time and had even been to her performances, complimenting her on her dancing skills. Flattered and charmed by this handsome stranger, Cassandra begins to lower her gun. Kaiser then told her that he thought she deserved a better life, and he knew how to give it to her, to get her into a school for professional dancing … if she promised not to reveal to anyone what had taken place. Initially Cassandra does not trust him, but felt that this was her best chance for something better in many years. If she were able to become an even better performer, perhaps amassing fame, her family would also have a chance for a healthier life. She then accepted his offer.

Kaiser and the girl begin to travel north the following day. Over the course of a long journey, they pass through several destroyed towns and villages, and Cassandra began to feel afraid for her future, wondering if she made the right choice for herself and her country.

Eventually they reach the border between Mexico and the United States. Without hesitation, the German steered his horse to cross it; Cassandra nearly stopped him, but remembers her promise to her family, and proceeded to follow.

They reached the large city in southern Texas, the beginning of a long and tiresome chapter of her life. There, Kaiser, apparently very wealthy, enrolled her in a school for many types of dance, specifically tango and flamenco. The German also owned property in the area, and he allowed Cassandra to stay there for many weeks. During this time, she bore witness to many vile actions taken by her friend, including violation of the privacy of many, as well as theft,; again, her suspicions were aroused.

Eventually she was approached by him again; now he wanted her to assist him in his deeds. Appalled, Cassandra refused, only to be rebuked and insulted. Kaiser informed her that if she did not, he would send her away and spread rumours. She gave in, and was directed that she must spy on a man living near by.

She continued to closely watch anyone that Vogt instructed her to, and reported every little detail observed of their personal life. Every time she did this, Cass bore more and more guilt, and began to loathe herself.

During this time, she also gained much more skill with dance, and Kaiser informed her that she was good enough and the two needed to return to Mexico. Indignant, and starting to resent him for everything he had done to her, Cassandra refused. However, though she could not admit it to anyone, she felt she was truly in love, and was even thankful for everything Vogt had given to her, for her life had truly become better at his side. She had even convinced herself, due to how much hatred she felt to herself, that she lived only for him. Immediately she took back her word, apologisising passionately and promising her support in the future.

The two return to her home nation. While there, Kaiser kept up his vile deeds, though he seemed to take more caution to conceal them, and continued to instruct Cassandra in espionage. Though not particularly great at it, Cassandra soon became relatively skilled. People were beginning to notice her, though; if she let down her guard for even a moment, she risked being caught. She hated to spy within her home, but had convinced herself it was for the good of the nation.

In 1916, officers of the government arrive at her house. She had slipped up, and was arrested, Kaiser was nowhere to be found or seen.

For the next few long, grueling days, Cassandra is locked away in prison. While imprisoned, she started to doubt everything she had done in her life. She felt that every decision she had made was leading her and her nation down the wrong path, and came to the realisation that Kaiser was very likely a high-class spy. She made up her mind that as soon as she was able, she will clear her name and tell on Vogt. A difficult decision for her, she would have rather died in prison, and certainly would have committed suicide if it weren't for the tight security.

However, one day, someone apparently came to bail her out. Befuddled, Cassandra was led out of the prison and into an isolated area blown by desert winds.; and saw that Kaiser himself awaited her. He bore a warm smile, and Cassandra immediately was ashamed for everything she had thought while imprisoned, breaking down into tears for the first time since childhood.

Unusually, she was not embraced or comforted. Cassandra looked up with a tear-stained, agonised face at her love. He was still smiling, but somehow his expression was cold. Their eyes locked fiercely for the first time since they met; he asked Cassandra if she had had a good life, if he had helped her achieve her dreams. Shocked, she had no words. She was immobile. Kaiser reached for the gun at his side. In a moment the seventeen year old girl's blood stained the cold ground as she laid, with a bullet in her heart, staring up at the man she had loved. Without a tear, still smiling, he informed her that she knew too much about him, and proceeded to walk away without looking back. The sand splashed into her eyes, preventing her from crying. In the shadow of a tall cactus, it's delicate flowers blooming and falling onto her, she entered into the next chapter of her existence.

_{(Everyone remembers Cassandra as a traitor after her death, and the spy gets off free. Initially Kaiser had recruited her, because he saw in her talent for espionage as well as a cover for himself with her beautiful performances; indeed, he rather intended for this to happen. However, when the Americans find out about the Zimmerman telegram, the plan of which Vogt was laying the way for, he is caught and executed. Only then does this man see the senseless cruelty of his plot against the innocent young woman, and dies in an agony, his name being forgotten in time.)}

In the Garden:
Another odd thing with New Eden; since each division of the garden is basically a tiny nation, or about the size of a city state, each of the Flowers is essentially a king/queen/emperor/pharaoh/whatever. Because they need to protect their area of the Garden from the others, who may get hostile and try to take over by either recolonising/replanting their nation, or sometimes attacking more physically, all the rulers have a weapon. That of Cactus is her ability to shoot out her cactus prickles as if they were akin to porcupine spines   The back of her dress goes down quite low too, to reveal that her entire back is made of cactus skin and often she shoots out prickles at those behind her, as she's highly paranoid and will fight for little to no reason.

Relationships: - Hates Liu with a passion, for how she treats Cantua.
-Though antisocial, she becomes excellent friends with Cantua, and even likes him a bit. Usually Cactus defends him at all costs and is paranoid often regarding his wellbeing.
-Dislikes Madrono because of his constant flirting.
-Enjoys teasing Be, though the two are friends.

Fun Facts: - Though she is best at Salsa, she has also mastered many other forms of dance, such as Flamenco.
- Has a habit of being constantly on her guard due to paranoia and has been known to slap/prick many people in just one day.
-Acquired the nickname "Señorita Gourdita" in childhood when the other girls bullied her. This is largely where her body image issues began.
-In contrast to wanting to look attractive, Cactus also will absolutely not tolerate any flirting with her and cringes when she sees it involving others.
-In the modern timeline, Cactus/Cass is the most likely to give away the secret of New Eden, because of how often she becomes paranoid and sprouts cactus spines.

Now I shall clear up the ultra confusing aspects of her design.
-Her hair is very dark brown, almost black, and she has brown eyes.
-has long eyelashes that are dark greenish/black, and straight like cactus spines.
-Her body type is stocky and muscular, but she is also a bit chubby/plus size. Please don't change this when drawing her.
-Her pigtail things are the same length. It looks like one is longer but that was a mistake and totally unintentional.
-Her whole back is coverered in spines, so please don't draw her from that angle until I can properly illustrate it.

...

     
 

<sub_{Cactus/Cassandra Espina© RenewedEden
Tales of New Eden © RenewedEden
Art © @LunauroraKoro for taking. Thank you}