#BROKEN RONDO

[migueldelaguila]

Just uploaded! Miguel del Aguila's #BrokenRondo's new version for #solo #bassoon and #windensemble performed by bassoonist Carlos Clark, Central Michigan University #Sympyhonic #Wind #Ensemble/#ChrisChapman, conductor https://youtu.be/wDFCBKjyVQE Versions for bassoon and chamber orchestra or piano also available. - Miguel del Aguila

[xavigab]

Ollie being a masochist :3

So like TW‼️ for violence 

Felix goes to Ollie’s room where he hears another voice calling Ollie a whore and all these degrading names. He also heard the sounds of slapping, like, hard slapping, so he bangs on the door calling for Ollie thinking he’s getting beat up. After a while Ollie opens the door with a hand mark print on his face (he was trying to hide it with his own hand) and Felix just stares at him before pushing the door open. His eyes land on a random guy (he looks like an off-brand version of Felix) and he like punches him hard ass fuck. Ollie panics and tried to tell Felix to stop, although he’s getting really horny by seeing this side of Felix. Felix isn’t really listening to Ollie as he drags rondo out the room and throws him out with a broken nose. He closes the door, looks back at Ollie and caresses his face asking if he’s hurt and Ollie just stares at him. Felix isn’t getting an answer and thinks he should go hunt the guy down. Ollie then tells him that he shouldn’t have done that which catches Felix so off guard cuz ???

Ollie saw his confusion and then in the quietest voice said “I- I consented to…um”, then looks away not wanting to look at Felix. Ollie’s words don’t really register, so Felix is just looking at him for a bit before he drops his hand from Ollie’s face. Ollie’s just biting his bottom lip not wanting to cry as he feels Felix stare on him. Felix smiles before he violently grabs Ollie’s face making him look at Felix. Ollie let out a whimper because Felix’s grip is pushing against his already bruising cheek. Felix moves his face close enough to Ollie’s that they could practically kiss, “why didn’t you just ask me Ollie? :( I thought we were friends :( do you actually not like me at all :(“, he would totally be pouting, this little manipulating piece of shit haha. Anyways Ollie just looks at Felix before “what-“ and he didn’t get to say anything else as Felix slapped him. “You’ll let me be the only one now right? :( I mean now I know so I should be the only one, right? :)” and I mean Ollie got what he wanted I guess (・ω・)

Anyway idk, I think Felix would be a little sadistic, being so “nice” can get really boring. I just know he gets really pent up, like he would purposely make accidental problems out in the clubs just to fight someone. Anyways they get into a consensual relationship, it’s just hard to figure out new lies for Ollie’s bruises.

[waitet]

Just found out that every side order enemy has music terms in its name, so I made a list of them (spoilers below the cut)

Battering Lento - To play slowly or sluggishly , even slower than Adagio

Marching Adante - Moderate speed, ‘walking pace’

Swarming Lenguendo - To perform dramatically and feeble

Drizzling Cappriccisoso - Free, impulsive, whimsical

Panicking Allá Mambo - Salsa, up-tempo Latin music

Whirling Accelerando - Speed

Springing Spiccato - Bowing technique where the bow bounces lightly on a string

Gushing Trionfale - Triumphant, victorious

Spawning Accordo - Chord

Homing Arpeggio - ‘Broken Chord’, melodic pattern that arranges each note of a chord individually for them to be performed one by one in a sequence

Towering Nobilmente - Nobly, exclusively

Bosses:

Marina Agitando - Couldn’t find much for this, but the closest thing I could find was Agitato— agitated, restless and hurried. The Italian translation of Agitando is shaking, freaking out so take either meaning

Asynchronous Rondo - This one probably makes the most sense for the boss. A Rondo is a piece of music where the musical material stated at the beginning of the piece keeps returning over and over

Pinging Marciale - A rhythmic march

Parallel Canon - A piece of voices (or instrumental parts) that sing or play the same music starting at different times.

[its-ya-girl-phoeni]

I love the fact that Asynchronous Rondo's garbled, broken-sounding voice is actually singing the chorus to "Ebb And Flow"

[withinthecards]

ALTERNATE UNIVERSE

Note: This Verse as dark themes. Reader discretion is advised

Yami No Jou: Rondo In The Dark

It was an ordinary day

for the twenty year old Jou. He had become quite the local celebrity in various tournaments held in Domino. The local tournaments were enough to pay for a steady source of income. Katsuya was ready to leave his father’s apartment to move on with his life.

His father has incurred many debts in life; between borrowing money and a intense gambling addiction; he was deep in the red. It was until a benefactor witnessed his son’s dueling and strength. A deal was struck unknown to Jou between his father and the benefactor.

Jou’s father encouraged him to meet this benefactor during the evening; explaining that the man wished to sponsor the blonde in the industry of professional duelists. Wary of his father’s intention but thinking he just wished for funds; Jou decides to at least hear out what the benefactor had to say. It wouldn’t hurt to just hear him, Jou thought.

A meeting place was set on the outskirts of town in a private estate. Jou was none the wiser as his father had really cleaned up for the occasion. The blonde was rather impressed. The benefactor was a charismatic man with a silver tongue. He spoke with confidence and those sweet words hid his darker intentions well.

A deal had been made and the benefactor offered the two a drink of wine. Jou took the drink and a toast was made to the new career Jou had obtained. The wine tasted sweet and the blonde felt his future become brighter. From the streets to a professional duelist; it was an inspiring story to say the least. Slowly; Jou began to feel drowsy and then extremely dizzy. It was then he realized he was in the process of blacking out. It was too late and soon he fell limp and left to be vulnerable.

------

There were flashes of images; a ceiling of a car; muffled voices; darkness and quiet. The blonde found himself falling in and out of consciousness with no concept of time. What was happening to him? Where was he? Why did this happen? An intense cold could be felt as the wetness dripped down his face. Jou was shocked awake and in a panic began to look around but found himself tied to a chair within a very dark and plain room. What he knew is that he was facing a wall.

The blonde’s wrists felt extremely heavy and he tried to move them. The sound of clanking could be heard and Jou realized he was in shackles and chains; like a prisoner. It was then a figure wearing a dark robe and a white mask entered. The figure began to go on; unhinged about plans, about an evil god, and other nonsense. Jou then realized he had been abducted by a cult. The goal of this cult was to revive Zorc and wipe out humanity.

Jou struggled against his restraints screaming out how crazy that was. The outbursts seemed to give the figure glee. The blonde had a strong will which the members of the cult seem to sought out for. The masked figure could only laugh as Jou’s torment was about to begin.

------

Over the course of a year; Jou underwent various torture in order to break his spirit; to break his will. It was explained that the cult needed to extract broken souls to fuel their plans of revival. Only those who are about to give up their hope and their lives were the most ideal. The duelist underwent experimentation with arcane dark magic. This magic was gifted to the cult members through their bloodlines. These bloodlines trace back in ancient history and were blessed by Zorc himself. Jou went through intense pain during these trials.

Jou is a strong willed man and his mind didn’t break from the intense pain and torture. There were times he was locked in a cell with other victims. The cell was almost pitch black and at first; he began to waver but calmed himself. Soon he became used to the dark. During his time in nothingness; his mind began to wander. He began to think of “If only I was a hero...I could save us all” He longed to help those who were taken.

It was then something unexpected happened. A new persona was born from the mixture of Jou and the arcane experiments. This new personality was benevolent towards Jou. It spoke often to Jou during his time imprisoned. This new alter ego spoke so differently; like a hero that Jou dreamt of becoming. More time passed and now it’s been a year and half since his kidnapping. Jou and his new persona which he named “Kage” became very close. In their closeness; they began to plot a means of escape despite Jou’s body starting to reach it’s limits. The blonde knew he had to make a move or die in the cell.

Jou, with little remaining strength attempted to break the lock on the door. He got it free and rallied the survivors only to find them either in a state of brokenness or laying upon the concrete dead. The blonde felt his despair swell but he had to move on. The blonde tried to steel himself for what was ahead but he wasn’t prepared. Within the next room; a strong scent of decay hit his senses. Laying littered and discarded was the bodies of some of the prisoners. The sight was horrid and Jou felt his hope vanish. Despair crept in and his mind began to break.

Kage pleaded with Jou to not give up; to keep moving forward and that no one person could save everyone but the deep despair was too much. He began to fear the people that kidnapped him. He felt himself sit back and he wept. Never again he would see his family or friends. That thought alone caused him to suffer more pain. So he spoke to Kage in his mind’s eye and told him.

“Please, Live.”

The new persona grew to love Jou as he would a brother. So; he took over the body and stood firm among the forsaken and the broken. Due to being created through a joint effort of Jou and the arcane magic; Kage was able to alter Jou’s body slightly stronger. A result of this alternation was the growth in length of the blonde’s once bright hair; now dull due to the horrors he had witnessed. There; Kage would journey to free himself from the grip of the Cult of Zorc.

[shrimplythesilliest]

Knowing that the Asychrounous Rondo is singing ebb n flow makes it more terrifying because ebb n flow seems like a song about freedom and how the Rondo sings it so tortured and broken it seems like it wants freedom because it sounds also like a male octoling sing but know it can't have its freedom so it seeks comfort through the song

[light-end-dragon]

Rondo in Amber and Lapis-En Lyrics

✦✦Valkyrie ✦✦Enstars ✦✦

**This is not an official translation. All rights to the lyrics and characters etc. are property of Happy Elements. The only thing that is my own is the translation**

Note: I suggest reading/listening to these lyrics along with Shu's solo, as they have many moments that relate to each other.

~琥珀ト瑠璃ノ輪舞曲 "Rondo in Amber and Lapis"~(1)

煤けた硝子玉  淡い月と碧い夜

The two glass beads are covered in grime / as I lay hidden, unbidden by time 

それだけを映して  時の函に横たわっていた

The pale moonlight reflects onto me / the glint in my eyes answers back ever so feebly 

優しく触れた指 轉々捲かれてく

Those fingers gently turn the gears round / over and over they spin as i am wound  

発条の魔法が 壊れていた魂にかかった

The magic of their clockworks grow / fastening life onto pieces of my shattered soul

✦✦✦✦✦

暗く……くすんでいた世界

Oh, it’s so dark….Oh, how gloomy it all carries on

色を与えてくれた 嗚呼、旋律は

Can your hands paint my world full of color too …. That song that you play….

この朽ちゆく身すら救済う

Oh, can it save me as I’m rotting away? 

✦✦✦✦✦

踊ろう 唯、その意の侭 人形に意思は要らない

And all I ask is that I can dance as you please  / A doll like me hasn’t a will to appease

黄金の繰糸が 紡いでくお伽話が  一つだけの真実

The only wish that a thing like me needs   / is to come along with the strings that you lead

それ以外棄ててしまおう 

Oh yes-tell me what you don’t like -let me gather it-and I’ll cast it away 

憧れが染み付いた琥珀も    絶望が染み付いた瑠璃も

Like this broken amber I have caught in a prayer / And this piece of lapis dark with despair 

✦✦✦✦✦

下限の三日月の   欠け��影の一片を (2)

The moon above me calls my shadow night / One a replica gave here upon the light

繕ってくれたから    人の形を纏えたんだ

The broken strings brings it as I’m sewn /  fragments that give me a body that looks like your own

時計の歯車が    轉々廻り出す

The gears click into place as they spin / round and around they all turn once again

調律師の振るう   指揮棒こそが命の鼓動さ

The rhythm of the tuner’s baton /  is the same beat that calls me to live on and on

✦✦✦✦✦

例え……崩れていく世界

Yes, and I know….that the world may crumble away

潰えてしまおうとも   嗚呼、構わない

And if I do too, then let it be so, I am just a doll

そう、痛みなどない救済

No, I don’t feel any pain at all!

✦✦✦✦✦

 歌おう 唯、欲しいのは  完璧な環を成す輪舞曲 (3)

Oh please I ask, just let me sing to the end / and let my rondo meet at its refrain

黄金の琴糸が    奏でゆく絢なる調べ     たった一つの星

If it lies with the song you once played / then the desolate star in the sky might have stayed 

この魂……燃え尽きても

Yes, that is my soul you see ….And just like the moon, it may disappear soon

溶けてゆく硝子にも映そう   永遠に消えはしない愛を

Know that though my eyes burn out on this final day / endless is their love as they melt away…..

✦✦✦✦✦

This is not as much a translation note (those are below) as it is me pointing out that I've noticed a lot of the things Mika says in these lyrics are very heavily reminiscent of things Nazuna also says during ExValk days. Mika himself has even admitted that he used his nii-chan as a reference in Acanthe, so I would like to believe this is very intentional.

✦✦✦✦✦

(1). There are a lot of 'everyone knows this' moments I'm pointing out, but either way, the 'amber' and 'lapis' here are referring to his eyes, same as in the lyrics. I also chose to translate the title as "Rondo in Amber and Lapis' b/c most classical songs are titled "Rondo in X Key" and it just sounds better to me that way.

(2). Another 'probably obvious' moment as I've seen it get pointed out before, but it also took me a little while to realize this entire line is a play on words involving Mika's own name.

三日月 "mi-ka-d(z)u-ki"  

欠けた影の一片を "ka-ke-ta ka-ge no hi-to-hi-ra"

plus, the 'kage' and 'hira' use the same kanji as his name does.

There isn't a really good way for this to translate it into english while keeping the meaning of the lines, but I wanted to really try my best b/c I'm stubborn, which is why the line might sound a bit odd. (I'm hoping not, but...)

However, while english has a lot more syllables and sounds for things than jp does, I did manage to get something to work.

The moon above me calls my shadow night (mi:- kɑ:)

One a replica gave here upon the light (kə: - ɡeɪ: -hɪr: əˈpɑː)

Translated more literally, the original line is something like "a piece of the waning crescent moon's broken shadow" so I was trying to match the phonetics while keeping it in line with the moon and shadow imagery, as well as Mika inferring that this is what made up his body as he was given a human form.

(3). This is another very important not for the whole song, but the line here more literally translated has Mika singing something like "my only wish is to sing/be able to sing / a rondo that forms a perfect loop"

Rondo form in music is typically characterized as a main theme or refrain of sorts (I'm using that term b/c it rhymes, I dunno if its supposed to be called that lol) alternating contrasting episodes. A typical rondo is in ABABA formation or variations of. This is likely what he means in the lyrics; he wishes to be able to sing his song until the end, so it can meet back at the beginning again like a proper rondo.

Another note like in Shu's song, a rondo can also be both a music form and a dance, and looking it up, the closest thing I see it coming out to is a ring or circle dance, which seems pretty similar to square dancing in the US. It refers to a pretty broad genre so its hard to pin down exactly what people might be saying when referring to it, but an interesting note is that a waltz can be considered a round dance, round/circle dancing is more associated with communal and folk dancing than typical waltzes.

This likely has rather little bearing on the song in general, but I didn't spend an inordinate amount of time on Wikipedia and other sites to not put something down.

And the final note that is far more relevant to the composition, is about the end. I have to preface this saying that i am not an expert on musical theory, nor am I wholly confident in saying this, so take it as you will.

That being said, I've been listening to the song and melody left and right, and if you recall what I said before about rondo structure, its typically at its simplest, ABABA? There of course can be many variations, but I don't think Mika's song ever finally loops back.

He very well might be singing an incomplete rondo, which makes his line right before it about asking that he's able to finish his song before he burns away....

I certainly feel an emotion, and it isn't good.

These lyrics are not a word for word translation, and are an adaptation of the original song's message, made to (pretty much) fit in with the original vocals. It's my interpretation, but I wanted to keep the meaning close to what it was in Jp while coming across as what one would write in an En song.

[ariaofsorrows]

My Thoughts On Castlevania: Nocturne’s Richter

So I recently watched the trailer for Castlevania: Nocturne, and I… have a lot of things to say regarding Richter’s characterization in the show. Minor spoilers for Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood. but it’s not like you’ll be playing the games anyways

Since yesterday, I was already worried about the direction Richter’s story would go, and it seems like I was right to be worried. Richter is presented as broken and sad, without much to live for. I believe this is so that the viewer will be more sympathetic towards Richter when he eventually becomes evil, just like how Dracula’s backstory was presented so that you feel bad for him.

However, having Richter be broken from the beginning would actually lessen the impact that his possession will have in the future. Symphony of the Night is all about contrast. Alucard is the main character instead of the Belmont family. Richter, the guy we knew as the hero, is now one of the villains. The reason why this contrast works so well, especially if you played Rondo of Blood beforehand, is because not only do we get to see Richter at is peak career-wise, but he also see him at his peak emotionally.

In Rondo of Blood, which is what Nocturne is adapting, Richter is happy and full of life. He is a sweet boy that’s excited to do what he’s been training for all his life. He also cares so much, maybe too much about the people around him and the job he’s doing. Right after, in Symphony of the Night, Richter is at his worst. He’s broken and desperately clinging on to fame that is fading away. He doesn’t know what to do, now that his life’s purpose has been fulfilled.

I’m definitely biased here, but I do like the games’ execution of Richter’s story a lot more. It gives me a lot to think about instead of leading me by the hand like the show is doing. Now that’s Richter’s already sad in the show, there is now an expectation that he will go bad instead of it being a surprise and a contrast like in the games.

Also, Richter’s eventual villain arc will get him sidelined, opening a spot for Alucard to save the day again because he’s the he- *gunshots*

Anyways, that’s it for the first of many posts I’ll probably make about Nocturne.

[spinningbuster98]

Castlevania Symphony of the Night Part 5: eltsaC detrevnI ehT

And here we are in the half of the game that makes it pretty obvious that this game was subjected to some crunch later in development

Yeah the idea of just having you explore the castle again only this time it’s upside down and with tougher enemies is just inherently kinda lazy and reeks of wanting to extend play time at all costs

I used to hate the Inverted Castle, mostly due to the enemy placement. Most areas are fine enough, but the Clock Tower, the Caverns and the fucking Alchemy Lab just spam enemies relentlessly without rhyme or reason, and since Sotn has a similar issue with knockback and invincibility frames as Rondo you’re gonna find yourself being more frustrated here than anything else. Then you combine the upside down level design being inherently more awkward to traverse and you have an experience that in many ways could be considered subpar

Over time however I’ve started to view this place in a more positive light

For starters the atmosphere is deliciously oppressive and dark. Yeah sure having Finale Toccata as the ost for 70% of the areas was not the best choice, but the actual track is great once it truly gets going and in general the Inverted Castle really does give off more dangerous, even abstratc vibes, also thanks to the overall darker color pallette

The fact that you have complete freedom in how you wanna approach it is also quite nice, as it means that you’ll be able to do things like gunning for the strongest weapons as soon as possible, or just go for the 5 bosses that hold the pieces of Dracula while skipping everything else just to get going if you don’t feel like it 

And while I wouldn’t call this difficulty spike well executed (or even long lasting) it at least finally forces the player to tackle the game in a more strategic way rather than just power through. It’s usually a good idea here to stand back and use spells to take out enemies, which isn’t the easiest thing to do given how irritating some of their button combinations can get, but it’s satisfying to clear a room full of tough enemies with a well placed Soul Steal or Tetra Spirits 

The worst enemy in the game by far to me are the Blue Roses. Unless you have Holy Water (which you should as it’s beyond broken in this game, like in Castlevania 1), these bitches take a while to kill and they just spam their hard hitting attacks relentlessly, not giving you a second to properly attack them. Luckily they’re only really present in the Caverns (and 1 room in the Entrance), but jeez!

Unfortunately getting 200% map completion for the best ending is a real pain here due to the inverted level design, especially in the Caverns where you have no choice but to use the wolf’s swimming ability to “poke” specific spots that won’t register on the map otherwise for some baffling reason

I have one question though: what is this place? Was it conjured up by Shaft’s magic somehow? Then why are the monsters who posses Dracula’s remains here? And also Alucard’s stolen equipment? Say what you will about HoD’s twin castles but at least that game gave a nice explanation as to their existence. Alucard? Mister “this Castle is a creature of Chaos”? Wanna explain things a bit?

[theforgowolf]

so you all know that the Asynchronous Rondo sings a broken version of Ebb and Flow, but did you know that the Pinging Marciale also sings? Apparently it is trying to sing Fly Octo Fly.

[fictional-character-fight-poll]

Milo Thatch vs. Nana Daiba

Propaganda under the cut:

Milo Thatch:

This dude has basically superhuman intelligence. Graduated/survived high school at age 11, was a double doctorate before he turned 30, this guy is SCARY smart. He's not much physically, but he thinks fast and he's resourceful. Also, the man is pretty much immune to death. He falls down a frickin cliff and only gets a tiny cut, no bruises or broken body parts at all (which he absolutely should've gotten from this fall) He also runs across ground that is breaking apart under him with LAVA splashing up just inches away from him. And he does this while holding a black metal chain. Then he's pressed onto a metal box being flown mere feet above a river of lava. Not even any burns AT ALL. He's basically Daniel Jackson, but without the dying. This guy is either an alien or a mutant of some kind.

Milo knows ways to kick your ass you'd never even think of. And ways to get away with doing it, too. (Dude figured out how to beat the mutated rage-hulk that used to be a guy he knew, and he did it in mere seconds while on board a sinking balloon that, oh yeah, WAS ON FIRE, all while somehow not getting hit by all the weapon fire around him from both sides. How did you think straight enough to do that, man? I would've panicked….and then probably died.

Nana Daiba:

Okay if you give her some swords I think she could stand a fair chance here. She beat her buddies in a 6v1 once, albeit when they were starting to lose their brilliance, and also beat said friends in battle many, many times before due to her rondos. She has two swords and is good at using them. Also I'm just saying that if it's instead a theatre, script writing (for whatever reason) or baking competition she is very good at all of those too

Reasons as to why one or the other would win are encouraged in the notes. Send in additional propaganda and I'll add it to the post!

[fukuokanodivision]

An Unaware Drunkard [Kiiro Solo]

[Yuno-] Now awake as this unaware drunkard Their bickering rolling on till dawn comes Anyone looks horrible all worn out Until those thousand “voices” become hoarse Neglecting my happiness, I’ll never sober up Until I can listen to your “voice” I give into you, who has nothing to say Now, my body is dyed [Chorus] And then The mountain smeared in mud — “Though it truly isn’t that bad” Just a milligram away from succumbing… Only getting drunk, again and again — “It isn’t half bad” I’m the unaware drunkard of my rivals! [Yuno-] Their “singing” voices are uncountable Once lost in them, escape is inevitable “Hey, look at how pretty this is!,” the daydream rondo They hide a thousand while I only spit out ten

I won’t let this happiness go away Until I’m lent an ear by your side I give into you, who has nothing to say Now, my heart is dyed [Chorus] That’s just My muddy, obscured, broken vision of this future — Now it isn’t that bad I give and give in, staying alive Only getting drunk again and again — It isn’t exactly bad They’re the drunkards unaware of my story!

Dabadababibidabido — Woah~ Dabadababibidabido — Woah~ Dabadababibidabido — Woah~ Dabadababibidabido — Woah~

[shyroism]

Pokemon Violet, broken up with a Nintendo Direct, topped with Bug-types. Bon appetit~

STARTING: 21/2/24 - 22:00 JST

[vocalyrics]

Unaware Drunkard - Translyrics

I woke up from a dream

So drunk and unaware,

Until the sun comes out, I have all this fighting to bear;

I must look terrible,

I'm feeling so worn out,

Until all the voices, start to break and make no more sound.

Neglecting my own feelings,

I don't want to sober up,

Until the time comes when

I get to hear your voice again.

I give you my everything,

But you don't even say a word,

And my body is dyed red.

And so then,

Muddy and stained, something sacred chips away, but hey

That's not so bad, is it?

I feel a miligram away from just giving up.

Getting drunk again and again unexpectedly

Isn't so bad, is it?

After all, I'm a drunkard unaware of my rival in love.

Singing voices, who knows

How many they are,

And once you become lost in them, they'll end up as your– aah...

Hey, look, it's so pretty,

That daydream rondo,

I can only spit out ten from the thousand that I swallowed.

Don't let this fleeting feeling

That feels so happy fly away,

Until the time comes when

I can be by your side again.

I give you my everything,

Don't you have anything to say?

And so my heart is dyed black.

But that's just

My muddy, broken view of the future, but hey,

That's not so bad, is it?

I'm still living on, even though I've long given up.

Getting drunk again and again unexpectedly

Isn't so bad, is it?

I'm a drunkard unaware of how the story ends.

[ebvermin]

Imma just combine both asks into one;

Do you think Maxim is lowkey the true main character of Harmony of Dissonance, with how the title itself refers to him?

Additionally, I know people criticize HoD's brighter colors, but I think there's something to consider about the almost psychedelic vibes they give off, which fits into the theme of Maxim's spiritual and mental crisis. It is a game called Harmony of Dissonance after all.

Honestly, he very well could be, if you lean into the idea that HoD is a sorta prequel to Rondo and Symphony, what with Maxim's pride and downfall mirroring Richter's! Really makes me wish that the post-game second character modes had more dialogue like in DoS, would have been really interesting to see Maxim struggle with his vanity, probably egged on by Death and the spirit of Dracula? Though, I think the actual "Harmony of Dissonance" is the way the two castles kinda merge together, two broken halves becoming one mismatched whole? Or maybe it refers more to the soundtrack, i dunno And oh, i absolutely love the visuals! Never saw how it'd look on an actual GBA, but it does a really great job of highlighting the more deranged and hellish parts of Castle B, which really personifies the twisted evil of Dracula, and in turn, the darker aspects of Maxim's character!

Either way HoD rules so hard and i hope Juste grabs those fuckin books in the anime and gets back to being cool as heck

[luvrr-b0y]

Blessed Messiah and the Tower of Ai/祝福のメシアとアイの塔

.

.

.

Blessed Messiah and the Tower of Ai/祝福のメシアとアイの塔 - Hitoshizuku,Yama

In this land that’s near its brink of death

Children survived their only breath

Their hands were held hoping for

Them to recover

We’ll hope for sickness and health

And anything

For whatever will be dealt 

“Our fortunes and oppositions will be with us all”

On His divine judgment, foolish sheep disturbed over Gods terrain

Hoping to overthrow Him in distain 

Protecting this world from harm

The Tower of Ai shielded them from His cruel fate

Where lifespans of the world are dawned

A messenger from a kingdom 

Came bearing a prophecy of wisdom

(For the youth to hear)

For the local seamstress had become the next Messiah of us all

And the honor is bestowed upon fall

In the Tower of Ai, 9 blessings reside

Only the Messiah can retrieve them where they all hide

Traveling with you

Into this tower

To help you to find the truth

To save this world

This utopia

That we are hoped to be told

To bring a blessing to our town

Put your heart into it all

Hold onto this glory and make it your own

With everything you have

Going on with the friends you trust

Never giving up any of us

Let’s hope the fear that you have

Will be covered up thus

This very first blessing glows bright

With the feeling of water so light 

It’s a Blossoming Wave that’ll be 

Mine as I see

But an unexpected hand from a man then arose

“Our fortunes and oppositions will be with us all”

The Messiah looked so bemused 

Wondering why the first blessing was removed

While everyone stared around in contempt

At the second domain

The swordswoman looked and ran with hellish eyes

Taking the Fire Banquet with her pride

Winning the Graceful Sunlight

Elder sister looked and smiled at them and laughed

While holding it quite tight

Frustrated by the past acts

Younger sister then ran to the Peaceful Darkness

And to never be found again were then next

“What’s wrong with them?

(“You’re so selfish”)

“I’m the chosen one…”

(“Do you want us to perish?”)

“What’s with the greed that they all once did shun?”

Making a prayer to

The gift of the “Trembling Ground”

A poet then sang

To the “Rumbling Thunder” all around

To bring a blessing to our town

Sharpen your mind, don’t frown

Hold onto this glory and make it your own

With everything you have

This friendship I thought was all true

(“Who do you think is against you?”)

Was it all a ruse?

It went too far I knew

“The Whirlwind Rondo” then fades

By the dancers hands it lays

Then the older twin pushes past

Her brother and now

Turning around, and also crying at last

Her tears freeze as she steps into “The Snowy Garden”

Seeing the last blessing beyond them there

The “Accelerating Magma” almost awakens, they fear 

Deceivingly, the younger twin betrays the Messiah as the last one

And smiles deceptively as he has won

Betrayed by friendships she once thought were real

Now every blessing has been stolen and her sorrow has been revealed

Holding this torch from a flame that has been long faded

Hoping the alters fine, she’s persuaded 

At the top of the tower

(Not to be found)

The 9 blessings found her

(To tell of)

What was the meaning that so wanted her sour?

Going through this so ordeal

After hearing how you feel

Now please

Create this new paradise 

To heal your broken soul 

Drowning at the bottom sea

Dancing as the flames scorch freely

Kneeling from the drought that the light gave to me

Feeling as though I’ve lost my mind from the darkness

Being crushed from the rock of the earth 

What did you think?

Going alone would be worth?

Struck by the lightning in my path

Being torn from the storms horrid wrath 

Being frozen from my bones to my soul

Crawling through the magma

Whatever happens

Through sickness

And health

“Our fortunes and oppositions will be with us all”

I continue with the torch in my hand 

(After every life has died)

And the habit will never reach an end

(Our deaths were not in vain)

With this torch that was gave by my dearest friends

(Anything that helps you through)

I’ll avenge your cruel fate

And save this very day

The bells ring out a triumphant sound 

(Glory can be heard around)

The Messiah has completed now

(Gods will for her)

She stands there alone and smiles somberly 

The blessings were sorrows that she had brought

And reaches her hand towards the altar, distraught 

 - END -

Written by L on 5/17/2024

Updated 5/18/2024