#((also for the Witchtunist fans))

[hello-universe-lovers]

This isn't really a request but can you talk more about the relationship between Thorn and Oppy?

I love your art by the way!It's so cute and detailed!

*Cracks neck*

Thorntunist, you say?

Buckle up, folks, it's gonna be a rambling and Spoiler ramble!!

So, Thorn and Oppy. Why and when I start shipping em?

In all honesty, I was working backwards from Princess to Voice because I was new to the fandom, and didn't know Thorn was an off-shoot of the Witch. I thought she was the Damsel. So when I started crafting my First Draft AU (basically an AU where things got shuffled with a different Slayer), I thought Oppy and Thorn would work well, since they have themes of betrayal. You can guess the facepalm I did when I learned about the Witch.

BUT, I walked forward anyway, with a couple of revision.

One of the reason I am attached to the Opportunist is not necessarily for his canon actions (though I enjoyed what he brings to the table), but the potential for a psychological breakdown. See, I always find it fun to redeem characters that aren't completely irredeemable monsters because psycho-analyzing their actions and why and how and all that makes me go "Hehehe, I can break you down so you come out a better person :)". Also, at the time, I got influenced by some lovely breakdowns on the Voices and how their behavior works both in the narrative and as individuals. So those also contributed to "Poppy", an Opportunist who feels guilt for his actions and does what he can to redeem himself in the eyes of his victim, and his peers.

Now, as for Thorn. I love her, not just for pretty woman. Like I said once upon a month ago, I see a lot of myself in Thorn (and to a lesser extent the Witch): both as someone who was scorned and someone who hurt others back. For a brief period, I couldn't form relationships, for a while but some people (including my current bf) helped me get out of it by being there. I am getting better. And I love that Thorn represents that. She is hurt, she WAS hurt, and likely will carry the physical and mental scars forever, but she could see pass the pain to stop and think of what she wants: she wants to be loved, and to trust someone again. And in the case of canon, she got that, if we (the Player) choose to do the same.

As for why they are together, I see it as Poppy wanting to make up to her, and she is willing to hear him out, and trust him. (After all, she wasn't totally blameless either, tho the burden is still mostly on Poppy). Overtime, they start to enjoy each other's company, learn more about one another, and eventually started dating. Much like Cheabroken, there wasn't a big flashy confession or a moment where sparks flied, but rather a ton of tender moments of vulnerability that lead up to a confession. Not just a confession of love, but a confession of trust, and security and fears. They aren't ok, just because they are together, but being together makes getting to "ok" possible.

Is this canon compliance? No

Does this rely on heavy headcanon and projection? Yes

Do I love it with all my heart and want nothing but the best for them? Yes

Tlrd: Thorntunist is a thing bc i love 2 people learning to better themselves because they want their S/O to be happy, and in turn be happy with where they are.

Thanks for reading thus far. As a reward, have a cute Thorntunist piece I drew