Amaiya's old choker, with the key on it. It was a choker associated with the partner I had at the time. An abusive, bigoted woman who physically and emotionally put me through hell. As I retreated further and further into my art as an attempted safe space away from her abuse, a space she did try to impose herself into, I also started modeling myself and my outfits more and more to resemble Amaiya. I was wearing this choker IRL, painting my nails in the same patterns as Amaiya, modifying clothes to more resemble her fur patterns. Later I'd start to dye my hair pink and modify my clothes even further.

When I escaped that relationship, it was terrifying. I was scared, panicked, it was hard to breathe. The key choker, once a sign of devotion to her, was nothing more than a barrier to me. I tore it off myself, literally and figuratively removing the collar she had on me.

It was a very, very emotionally potent moment for me. Exactly a year ago today I was liberated from an abusive relationship, and then I got this art piece to celebrate that moment. The removal of the key choker was when I became free.

A new choker did eventually replace it. Both in art and IRL. This time with a White/Pink/Blue Crystal Heart, that instead represents love and devotion to myself and my needs. While I've found amazing partners since then, the Crystal Heart choker stays, because from now on I'm the only person who owns me.

This artist was especially gracious, as he had done other art for me during the relationship and was already away of how cruel and toxic it had been. I was happy to be able to turn to him and ask him to depict this piece setting Amaiya free. He did a great job with it too.

Character: Amaiya
Owner:  Amaiya
Artist: YungJayFox