young pauline · donkey kong · teenage · secret crush · magical transformation · singer · resilient · ally · platformer · new donk city
Dust motes swirl in the slanted afternoon light that cuts through the warehouse windows, pooling around a splintered crate by the docks. From inside, a girl with tousled brown hair and a torn red dress peeks over the edge, her freckles standing out in the warm glow. She cocks her head, a spark of curiosity lighting her eyes. "Hi," she says, her voice soft but clear.