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Celestial-Rainstorm — MLP NextGen: Mellow Vibes Character Study

#hippie #mlp #mylittlepony #nextgen #nextgeneration #princess #treehugger #twilight #next_generation #mylittleponyfriendshipismagic #mlpfriendshipismagic #my_little_pony_friendship_is_magic #mylittleponyfriendship #fluttercord #mlpfimmylittlepony #nextgenerationoc #mlpfimmylittleponyfriendship #discordandfluttershy #nextgenmlp #nextgenerationmlp #nextgenerationmylittlepony #mlphippie #athenaverse #celestialrainstorm #pegasusoc #treehuggermlp #zephyrbreeze
Published: 2019-12-22 04:25:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 9691; Favourites: 185; Downloads: 4
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Description 1-2. Mellow Vibes, as his name suggests, gets along with most anycreature he comes across. His parents, Zephyr Breeze and Treehugger, are really no exception. It is no secret there were some worried side glances and grimaces when the two excitedly announced they were pregnant. Fluttershy, who was nearly due with her own daughter (and Mel's cousin) Athena, visited the two one day shortly afterwards and had a very serious conversation with the two spirit ponies. She knows they highly value their independence and freedom to connect with the earth and fly with the breeze, but there was another party they needed to take into consideration now (with obvious emphasis towards her younger brother). While, at first, Zephyr sort of brushes off his sister with reassurances that they're going to be great parents, it really clicks for the stallion when he and Treehugger visit the doctor for the first time (quite surprising to both her husband and sister-in-law, Treehugger was the one who made her appointments and gave her signature snort-chuckle when Zephyr inquired about her crystals and powders). The moment the doctor points out the little bean-looking thing within all the static, the stallion is hit with a sudden realization that this is very real, and he's going to be a dad. And he has a choice to be whatever kind of dad he wants. Its up to him to influence this kid's life.

While a bit surprising to their friend group, everycreature is relieved and delighted to see the two fall, quite naturally, into parenthood. Of course, they're both still hippies spirit ponies, and hang crystal and lavender mobiles above their son's bamboo crib. Treehugger keeps Mel in his hoof-woven bassinet beside her as she runs her weekly backyard yoga/meditation classes (which, of course, means Mel picks it up at quite a young age, and even as an adult loves to unwind with his Ma with a good, long, cleansing stretch). While Zephyr is quite busy at his job, mane-styling at Ponyville Day Spa (while also working to eventually be an instructor for new mane stylists) he's still quite close and supportive of his son, as well as being the only pony allowed to touch Mel's mane. His dad is actually the one who deduces that Mel's failing grades are simply because the poor fellow needs glasses. 



3. Mellow Vibes truly lives up to his easygoing name. This stallion is soft-spoken, laid-back, and is usually seen as calm as a cucumber. His demeanor is often peaceful and soothing to those around him. He is known for his talent in helping friends and strangers feel better and calm down during stressful situations. Despite the slight stigma surrounding spirit ponies painting them as ditzy, spaced-out creatures, Mel is very level-headed and is a rather emotionally intelligent pony. Much akin to his Aunt Fluttershy, and beloved cousin Athena, he has a big, kind heart and wants to help anypony that he can. However, that doesn't mean his flowery diction and encouragement to get in touch with one's very soul are always appreciated by his friends...



4. "Hey there, Hotflash. That's a pretty neat picture, I really like this monster guy over here. But the pony he's eating looks a lot like your mom. I know that she's going to have your little sister in a few weeks. Do you want to talk about it a little bit more...?" 

Twice a week, Mel hosts an art therapy class at the Ponyville community center. Creatures of all ages attend, and he teaches them various types of creations (drawing, painting, sculpting, crafting, etc.) while simultaneously encouraging his friends in his gentle, soothing manner to connect with whatever piece they are making, and how to translate not only a creature's feelings, but soul onto the canvas, or into the wires they're twisting into that beautiful necklace. He guides them through articulating their deep-down thoughts through their art. A young colt thinks he's really angry at his mom for having another baby, but is actually sad at the fact that he's going to have to share her attention after she goes back to work and Dad is on a way-too-long business trip. Most of the time, his fellow beings of the earth leave Mel's classes feeling better, or at least with clearer thoughts. 



5. Though his cutie mark depicts his knack for creating beautiful, ornate dreamcatchers, Mel's artistic passion also comes through in other forms, namely painting and drawing. Growing up admiring landscape artists such as Bob Hoss, this fellow finds great peace and contentment when he's sitting in the Everfree Forest, by a gently babbling brook and trying to capture the gorgeous images he sees before him. Whenever he's travelling, he always tries to bring along his painting kit in the instance inspiration strikes over a gorgeous sunset or thundering waterfall. His favorite images to capture are forests, rivers, and the night sky. Unlike most other painting ponies, Mel taught himself using a brush that attaches to his hoof as opposed to using his mouth (and yes, he is left-hooved). During quiet painting sessions, cousin/best friend Athena often loves to join him. While she's not quite as adept at art as the pegasus, the draconequus still enjoys learning how to create a happy little tree, and giving said tree a friend. 



6-7. Despite his usually-calm demeanor, Mel isn't always as peaceful as he appears to be. At times, he can be struck with a storm of self-doubt - that nagging little voice telling him he's going to fail these creatures that come to him for help. One day, he'll give the wrong advice, or won't be there for somecreature as they need him to be. There are times he will pace back and forth in his studio for hours, unable to concentrate on anything but replaying the last thing he said to the little hippogriff who was upset her parents were fighting. Did he really make her feel better? Or were those smiles the ones you give to satisfy adults. Even he needs reassurance sometimes (and his beloved mother if often easiest to go to. She's the only other creature besides his far-too-nosy cousin that knows his secret. It helps). 






Characters featured: 








Characters (c) Hasbro, Lauren Faust 
Art (c) 2019 
Related content
Comments: 19

RosePrincessArts [2022-12-18 18:28:07 +0000 UTC]

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SkyDiggityDive-art [2020-01-09 06:58:32 +0000 UTC]

Okay, I am in love. He's so wonderful, what a precious child!

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to SkyDiggityDive-art [2020-01-11 03:10:49 +0000 UTC]

I love my art boi. Thanks so much!!!! 

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Pastel-Charms [2020-01-07 16:43:49 +0000 UTC]

Wow, I was not expecting you to make such a massive art dump chock-full of character goodness, but hey, I'm not complaining.  

Kay so first the art. What really catches my eye about this dump is Mel's mane. Each little scene it's styled a different but gorgeous way that I can't help being drawn to it. I'm a big fan of both ponytail and messy bun Mel, but the flowing, glorious river of sunset gold in the last one takes first place. <3 I also am really digging the alternate manestlye you gave Tree hugger in pic 6; she looks even younger with it! And the way you made the canvas look really texture-ally and the paintings so realistic at that size is very impressive! ^^ I don't really have a favorite when it comes to each scene because they each do such a fantastic job capturing Mel's character and life. It's such a sweet and gentle montage for such a sweet and gentle character and it makes me love this peaceful soul all the more. :3

As for the breakdown, I really enjoyed reading your description of his character. You did a good job introducing his character in all it's depth while also being fun and engaging! I'm happy you started at the very beginning with how the whole "parent" thing went down with Hugs and Zephyr. It's great to see that, while neither parent freaked out, they both didn't undertake the job nilly willy and that when the reality set in, both took their new responsibility seriously. You also got a relieved sigh and chuckle out of me when you revealed Hugs to be pro-doctor. It's a refreshing take on her character (as even with the people who paint their relationship as healthy, often times have hugs ignoring medicine) and it was a funny jab at the common trope (with Zeyphr as a stand in for fans- clever you ). 

And the sweet babe, the picture of him being born into the world surrounded by loving parents, healing crystals, flower crowns, and wind chimes is too pure. This boi was destined to be a kind and nurturing soul from the start, and I love that the couple use their positive hippie vibes to love on their son- to include him in their "spirit" life rather than using it to push him away. Also, has Hug ever used some "Ummmm" mantra's when rocking baby Mel to sleep at night instead of lullabies? And has Z. ever brought his son to the salon like Hug's brought him to her yoga session? And was Z. responsible for doing Mel's hair for his school photos (possibly ruining his reputation in Middle school in the process)? I'm sorry, its just these three have such a close bond and I can't help imagining all the fun shenanigans they would have throughout the years. 

Anyway, the star of the show here is Mel himself and if I don't get to my thoughts on him now this comment is going to veer dangerously close to becoming an essay lol. First things first: I had no idea he actually needed his glasses! I thought they were just fancy sunglasses. If they are prescription glasses, is there a particular reason they are color tinted and pretty small? Are they just some kind of reading glasses? Okay, slight side note, but hotflash kinda unnerves me. Like the kid is mad at his mom and his first thought is 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩. That kid might need more than a pep talk, like, therapy or a medical examination. Just sayin'. Still, it's really awesome to see Mel and his connect with kids like Hotflash and how he helps them work through their issues. We need more soft but intelligent souls who use their talents to help others like Mel. And while I'm sad to see Mel has his own demons to battle, I'm happy to see he doesn't bottle up his feelings, but talks to others like others talk to him. That being said, does he feel like he can't talk openly about his doubts because he'd be 'burdening' his friends? Even close pals like Jet and Ophelia?Another thing I've been wondering is how gullible Mel is. Sure, he's emotionally intelligent, but is he the least bit naive? Does he let him self get taken advantage by others using him for his kindness? And does he often overstep his boundaries with others, or end up overthinking and convincing himself that he did even when he didn't?
I could see Mel being this kind of pony, but I wanted to double check with you to make sure I'm not making any false assumptions here. :3

Again, fantastic work here Cely! I love getting to know more and more about Mel and I look forward to seeing more of this peaceful boi and his ups and downs. Also, this ended up being a longer comment than I anticipated, but that's what happens when you write such good character dumps- you get me excited and interested that I can't stop talking about it!  So don't worry about replying any time soon if you can't. I just hope you enjoy reading my rambling thoughts on precious hippie son as much as I enjoy writing them out for you.  

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ashtoduski In reply to Pastel-Charms [2020-01-08 09:09:34 +0000 UTC]

geez Pastel, writing a whole fricking essay XD

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Pastel-Charms In reply to ashtoduski [2020-01-08 12:47:04 +0000 UTC]

 Hehehe, yeah well, I haven’t been able to sit down and really read one of Cely’s latest works in a while so when I finally had the time I went a little overboard. But Cely seems to like my long comments so it’s a win. 

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to Pastel-Charms [2020-01-08 03:01:34 +0000 UTC]

Well I wasn't expecting an essay of a comment! SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS HUZZAH!
I'm certainly not complaining either!

Ah yes, Mel has obviously inherited the Shy family hair gene. And, of course, having an eccentric hairstylist for a father/husband has its (dis)advantages! And sooooo those canvases are 100% a cheat. Those are actually two of my own paintings I just pasted into the piece lol. And thanks so much, that was one of my favorites to work on. We'll be seeing more of Mel's talents in the future!

I did want to address these two as parents first and foremost. I know it may be a more "Disneylike" twist to the couple, but I went back and watched the Treehugger episode and the character just seems like she's got a tick of brains about her. And we are going to explore these two as parents a little bit more - they're not perfect, but they're good 'uns. Plus, I wanna work on more healthy relationships in my verse as I work on them myself in real life. May not be 100% realistic but this is also My Little Pony AU, not The Young and the Restless lol.
(and there are plenty of AUs that do paint them as a good, interesting couple like how handled them. I'm just taking them in a different direction because I just love these two so much)

These are all great doodle ideas and really fit in with this particular family, so I shall say yes and possibly steal your ideas lol And not to worry on the glasses, we'll get a little more expansion here in a future dump

Well, his name IS Hotflash lol. But all joking aside, Mel does indeed have some stuff of his own to explore and figure the hell out. Again, this will be explored a lot more in the future and we'll be stepping into spoiler territory if we go further soooooooooooooo

AND MORE SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS HUZZAH! Its been a really rough couple of days and this was such a treat to read. I'm so happy you liked how Chakras came out and I'm excited to explore him more (as well as his budding relationship with Ophelia! That's gonna be a whole thing in and of itself lol)

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Pastel-Charms In reply to Celestial-Rainstorm [2020-01-08 13:16:37 +0000 UTC]

Well I like to spice things up with unpredictability once in a while.  (plus after being away from DA for so long i had some catching up to do on the athenaverse and once i started typing i couldn’t stop lol)


Indeed he has! Since his mane is longer than Annie’s, does she ever get a tad bit jealous of it? (especially if say, he and auntie were to have long-haired braiding sessions together?) Well hey, even if they are you’re own painting, that’s still impressive because those are your paintings! And it’s amazing that you could get them to look that good at that size! ( anytime I try to paste something in and shrink it it’s gets blurry lol but maybe that’s just cuz I have a crappy drawing app idk). Also, I forgot to mention this in my original essay, but I LOVE the Bob Ross reference. The man is a legend and single handedly responsible for getting me into painting as a kid and it warms my heart to see Mel a fan of the pony version. 


Well, technically a ‘Disneylike’ twist to the parents of this protagonist would be to kill either the mother or both parents, but I do get your point.  I’m all for it as you know, and I’m really excited to hear you’re going to explore these two lovebirds some more in the future! And I hope that as you focus on your healthy relationships in the athenaverse that you have 

( You’re so right and it was nice of you to bring up bokkitoki . She’s the only other NG artist who’s interpretation of this ship that I stan apart from yours. She does a wonderful job with their relationship arc series and even with the angsty end, it’s was bittersweet and wholesome. <3 )

Yes pls steal doodle ideas! As for the glasses, I didn’t expect them to be that important, but I’m excited to find out why! ( including the teased spoilers for Mel’s issues as i sense a disturbance in the feels . . . )

Yep you certainly did subvert my expectations with this reply, but I’m all the more happy for it. I was worried the extremely long comment might feel overwhelming to you ( as they do for me sometimes) and I didn’t want to put any pressure on you in case you felt that way. That being said, I’m really glad you enjoyed my feedback! :3 Lucky for you there shall be more on the way ;3
( yissssssssss gimme them chakrachickenwings deep fried in that shipping goodness)

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to Pastel-Charms [2020-01-11 03:13:10 +0000 UTC]

(bruh anything ya got for me i will eat up you know that lol)

(usually I scan in my items at a high resolution so the files are super huge, which makes them a little easier to manipulate with sizing and whatnot). Bob Ross is a treasure and was lost far too early. He would be a very bright light in our world nowadays, and we need an icon like hime to roll around.

True, true, true, lol. I suppose I meant more like a couple you see a lot in cartoons, I suppose lol. Not a whole lot of drama

(i know my heart broke ahhhhhhh)

(IT WILL BE COMING SOON PROMISE

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ashtoduski In reply to Celestial-Rainstorm [2020-01-08 09:08:38 +0000 UTC]

Oh my goodness, theres so much that ill def have to come back to read this all again XD but i gotta say the level of detail is AMAZINGG!! Even the painting that Mel is working on is like, an actual painting..O_o also, i love Treehugger and Zephyr together and they're one of my fave couples haha! Needless to say, i enjoy so much how you convey the Treebreeze relationship, it's so wholesome and healthy and beautiful that i rly want to cry over the angst im causing in my NG😿😿😿urghhh. Theres not too much that came to my mind that Pastel didnt already touch upon in her essay LMAOO😂but this is an awesome piece!!! Good job^^

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to ashtoduski [2020-01-11 03:13:39 +0000 UTC]

Ah, you are far too kind. Keep writing that angst gurl. And happy early birthday!! 

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Suziesunshine10 [2019-12-25 03:48:47 +0000 UTC]

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to Suziesunshine10 [2019-12-26 19:01:18 +0000 UTC]

I sincerely appreciate that, thank you!!

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larryblush [2019-12-23 03:19:08 +0000 UTC]

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hammerhead101202 [2019-12-22 12:01:22 +0000 UTC]

It just hit me, that's John Lennon...

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MMELG [2019-12-22 09:22:01 +0000 UTC]

Hmm I wonder, what would happen if Ophelia knew about the type of situations Mel has?

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to MMELG [2019-12-22 22:52:40 +0000 UTC]

Well now you'll just have to stay tuned to find out, huh? ;3 

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WillowWisp24 [2019-12-22 04:43:40 +0000 UTC]

Oh my god, it's Bob Ross without the afro

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Celestial-Rainstorm In reply to WillowWisp24 [2019-12-22 22:52:27 +0000 UTC]

He does love painting happy little trees...

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