#and their names are two halves of a Melody

[moeblob]

I started fanart today but my thumb kinda hurts so I can't finish it so take OC art I never posted as my 'art of the day'.

Melo (mute) and Lody (can talk) are the twin advisors to the demon lord Sascha. They're probably his two most trusted demons and they adore him and respect him. While everyone in the demon army calls him "boss", Lody addresses him as "my lord" or "our lord" if with Melo.

Their pink/yellow eyes are actually a link of sorts. Whatever Melo sees, Lody can see. Whatever Lody sees, Melo can see. So they often travel apart from each other to have a wider range of what's going on in order to help Sascha determine the wisest course of action.

[aphroditelovesu]

I'm love with the yandare soulmate Au 😍 so could we please get a Eros love letter for his soulmate?

My soulmate,

In this vast cosmos, where stars dance and destinies intertwine, I found the pure essence of my existence in the radiant form of your being. From the moment our souls recognized each other, my journey gained meaning because with you I found the fulfillment I longed for.

I am the God of love, of passion, but with you, my beloved, I discover the true meaning of these words. You are the light that illuminates my being, why my heart beats so intensely. Sometimes I get stuck in a frenzy of indomitable emotions, wishing to protect you, keeping you just for me. But isn't this what soulmates feel for each other?

Every beat of my heart is an echo of your name, every sigh is a melody that sings your presence. In the most intimate corners of eternity, our destinies were intertwined by the spinneret of destiny, and the love that unites us is as old as time itself.

Our souls are two halves of a divine whole, united by the immensity of the heavens and the eternal bond of love. Our bond transcends any space or time, as we are destined to dance together in the cosmos, intertwined by the intensity of this love that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

May each dawn find our hearts aligned, and may each evening bear witness to the strength and beauty of our love. For, my dear soulmate, you are the light that illuminates my journey and the anchor that keeps my soul at peace. You are my reason for being, my divine inspiration, my inexhaustible source of happiness.

With all my love,

Eros ♡.

[desultory-novice]

Hey Dess! Are you officially back? I came up with a list of weird questions while you were out to meditate on while you rest your eyes! Some rotisserie chicken to go, if you will. First question: What are your opinions of Lololo and Lalala? Do you think they have any relation to Lolo and Lala from HAL's Eggerland series? Their offspring, alternate universe counterparts, reincarnations, whatever that thing in the anime was, etc.? Rest well dude 😘

In a matter of speaking! (Dess says, weeks later.) And weird questions are totally acceptable, as long as they're more like this! Cause it's a pleasant surprise to be asked about Lololo and Lalala!

Gosh, did you know, the first HAL game I ever played was "Adventures of Lolo" on the NES! I...couldn't beat it. I was too young to work out the puzzles. I loved how waddle-y Lolo was!!

(waddle...dee?)

So, for those not in the know, in Lolo's own series, he's... well...

:looks up the Eggerland series, since Dess had only played "Adventures of Lolo":

...Uh, wow, there were a couple of these, weren't there?! Huh, Lolo was a musician? And Lala was a dancer?! (Reminds me of my Marx and Magolor hcs... Oh no! Perfomance couple, my love...!)

Anyway, Lolo has a love interest named Lala who he rescues and marries and he becomes King Lolo and the two eventually have a kid named Lulu who is just like them but yellow!

In the anime, there are similar looking characters named Fololo and Falalala (although the "fo" was added to the English dub for.... uh, I have no idea why! ^^) who are, ahem... :checks cue cards: ...two halves of the same Nightmare Enterprises monster that were split in two as part of a money-making scheme and to hide from King Dedede that they were a super weak monster. They were somehow kicked out and taken in by the good guys after that?

(Did I get it right?)

As for Lololo and Lalala in game... ARE they from Eggerland?

I guess "from Eggerland" depends. To me, they've left their mark as 100% "official" Kirby characters. HAL Labs has included a number of cameo characters before, most notably in Dream Land 3 which not only had Chao from Yuyuki appearing in DL2 (who was turned into the "girl" Gooey in the English version) but bounty hunter Samus Aran!

For those who have any faith in the accuracy of the Kirby Encyclopedia, I want to note that Chao, Samus, and the others were noted to NOT be "true" Kirby characters. (Sorry, Escargoon fans, as the same was said of him and his appearance in Mass Attack...)

But not Lololo and Lalala! They seem to be their own characters, as distinct from their anime selves as anime Dedede, anime Meta Knight, and anime Kirby are from THEIR game selves.

(Which is probably good because that is seriously a weird origin story! There's something to be said about the delightfully gender-bending and even genderfluid-positive (!) idea that there is a fully capable masc and femme side to every person, able to live on independently - although HOW independent is arguable because Fololo and Falala never seem to want to be apart - but the fact that tacking a bow onto the girl side was the only way they could depict this was a little cheesy. I know, I know. Kid's comedy show ^^)

Another thing is that, apparently (?) before their origin as a single being is known, they are treated as siblings in the anime? (And yet, their episode is called "The Melody of Love." That's not...uh...)

While at some point (fandom wiki says in the promotional flyer for Twinkle Popo) they were called "a married couple!" I think I personally tended to see them as "together" rather than siblings and I can only assume that impression came from Adventures of Lolo since there was no way I could have seen the Twinkle Popo flyer.

That said, they're NOT the same Lolo and Lala (to me) because they're not cameo characters. And the names... Lolo and Lala's kid was Lulu but it's not weird for the next generation (or several generations down) to be named after grandparents or other family members back in the tree. But for them to both be named after one lends credence to "maybe they're siblings after all?"

....I think I just think of them as "Lololo and Lalala." I'm probably not going to ever draw ship art of them, so does it matter how they're related? To me, they're just together. From my first days with Kirby's Dream Land, once I got over the initial pleasant surprise of "Oh my gosh, It's Lolo and Lala from Adventures of Lolo!!" (Tiny Dess, they are LoloLO and LalaLA. Get it right!) they quickly grew to be like any resident of Dream Land to me! A familiar, comforting presence!

Well, okay, the whole "Castle Lolo" thing makes me see them as Dream Land / Popstarian nobility of a sort! Maybe not on the level of royalty, like his hammer-wielding majesty, although they DID side with him in the initial food-stealing incident! (They weren't chosen to protect a piece of the Star Rod, which is very interesting. Maybe the anime was onto something with them being "too weak?")

Either way, I'd say they're pretty laid back nobles, letting everyone use their castle for fights! Maybe it's one of those things where they open it up every now and then for parties and games?!

In short, while I have no answers, I like them well enough and I'm always happy to see a reappearance of them! And maybe next time they appear, HAL will let us know whether they're a pair or pairing!

(Although this is the same studio responsible for keeping the Ado / Adeleine debate going so probably not! ^_- )

[vishnavishivaa]

Haimavati

Just a small snippet on UmaShankara.

****

The Universe was humming in a melody of pure Joy, taking its cue from the beautiful notes that sprung from the Lotus hands of Sarasvati, as She played Her Veena by gently strumming the strings. Happiness for the Universe was arriving soon, and even in the depth of His meditation, Shiva knew well who it was, and why said happiness was wafting like the fragrance of Sati through Amarnath.

A smile alighted Shiva's face as the mula roopa of His other half who was ever with Him arose from the light that had the source as Mena's womb. She shone like molten gold, Her skin having taken the form of Her Kaalika roopa. Her Lotus petal eyes shone in Love, Compassion and Gentleness, even though those same ones looked like fury for those who followed the path of Adharma. She was the Mother of the Universe, much like He Himself was the Father, as well as the Protectress, which is very visible in the thousands of arms containing different weapons.

He knew She was encapsulated in His aura, and He in Hers, both ever the same, two halves of One. He was called Ardhanaarishvara, for She was one half of Him; Shiva and Shivaani, both the very same.

He smiled in gentle affection at the prayers of the Devas to their Mother, and blessed Her, for He could feel Her heart yearning for them. With a smile of maternal affection and a blessing of all wishes coming true for the Devas, Shivaani vanished into the womb of Mena once more, the latter's labour kickstarting immediately.

Delight filled Shiva, as She was born in the tithi that would be famous for His aaradhya Sri Rama, Her skin as dark as Her elder brother's, Her beauty outshining all beauty in the Universe, Her love for Him singing through every inch of her tiny body. He smiled, gentle, yet wide, joyful yet mysterious, a sign of all that was to come at the birth of Shivaani as Haimavati, the daughter of Himavan.

"Uma," He whispered, Her name in His baritone reverberating across the Universe, the name one that made His heart soar as if He were not a God, a name which was Sati's, and one that will be Haimavati's in the future, a name so dear to Him, much like every single name of His beloved's.

With another smile, this time tender and deep, Shiva resorted back to His meditation, knowing that Her childhood will be one filled with not just one form of Parattva, but every single form, owing to the equal views of Her parents.

******

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @celestesinsight @krishna-sahacharini @kaal-naagin @krishnapriyakiduniya @nirmohi-premika @chemicalmindedlotus @whippersnappersbookworm @sakhiiii @ambidextrousarcher @willkatfanfromasia @nspwriteups @dr-scribbler @rupkatha-banerjee @theramblergirl @hinsaa-paramo-dharma @moon-880 @thegleamingmoon Please let me know you thoughts, and do let me know if the rest of you want to be added to the list. 

[marattok]

Elena

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled among rolling hills, there lived a young artist named Elena. She spent her days painting the beauty of nature that surrounded her, finding solace in the vibrant colors on her canvas. One sunny afternoon, while sketching by the riverbank, she met a charming musician named Alex. He played his guitar with such passion that it stirred something within her soul.They soon fell in love, their hearts beating in harmony with the sweet melody of their burgeoning romance. Alex would serenade Elena as she painted, filling the air with music that matched the whispers of the wind through the trees. They spent endless days exploring the countryside together, discovering hidden paths and secret meadows where they would dance under the starlit sky.As their love blossomed, Elena's paintings grew more vibrant, capturing the ethereal essence of their connection. Alex found inspiration in her art, composing songs that mirrored the depth of their bond. They were like two halves of a whole, weaving their dreams and desires into an intricate tapestry of love.And so, in that quaint town among the hills, Elena and Alex found a love that transcended time and space—a love as eternal as the changing seasons and as beautiful as the masterpiece they created together.

[icravemusicx0x0]

rating music pls dont hate me #27 | ARMAGEDDON - AESPA

AESPA's themes is all about power and confidence. AESPA's aesthetic has always been supernatural or at least unique and eccentric. ARMAGEDDON is not a different breed, but the debut studio album expresses this theme and aesthetic like a whole new game, might as well be better.

AESPA's is not the least unknown in the k pop industry. they made hits like BLACK MAMBA, SAVAGE, and most notably DRAMA which reached international recognition. they even have a song for the soundtrack a film about TETRIS, even it is a hit. the concept around AESPA is about the virtual world. their group's name, AESPA, combines the english initials for "avatar" and "experience" with the english word "aspect", meaning "two sides", to symbolize the idea of "meeting another self and experiencing the new world".

we can split the already 30 minutes-short album ARMAGEDDON into two halves. the first half of the album are tracks are electro dance pop songs, ending at LICORICE. its cool and very danceable. this production style has always been a part of aespa's discography, and the track really boldens that, even more creatively. from BAHAMA so forth we get a calmer and fun tune. i like AESPA's songs that focus more on vocals, it shows a lot of talent in them. the girl quartet can really express beautiful ballad melodies just like in MELODY, the last track of the album. this makes the album experience wide in genre. yet this idea is still not really reasonable to be necessary. i believe there is another approach which can make the album better.

overall, ARMAGEDDON feels like a completed and well polished album but it still has taste of dullness in it with room to improve. yet it is still a very matured and great start to this up and coming group.

underrated gem(s): LICORICE, BAHAMA - song of the summer fr, MELODY - the key change may make people feel overwhelmed but im fine bc they ate the whole ballad performance UP.

tracks that i rec listening: SUPERNOVA, ARMAGEDDON, SET THE TONE, LIVE MY LIFE.

worst track: PROLOGUE - this is such a basic song man.

overall score 6.5/10 - this is all opinion so pls no hate

[corinneecrivaine]

The Day You Healed My Soul.

Chapter 6

Between Past and Present

Sapphic Romance Fanfiction

Main characters Kit and Jade (Willow 2022)

A soft morning light gently awoke Kit from her daydreams, lulled by memories of Emma that still permeated every corner of her room. She got up, leaving her notebook on the bedside table, preparing for her new day. However, the events of the previous day had unsettled her, subtly manifesting themselves in her every hesitant gesture and the troubled look she furtively caught in the mirror.

Arriving at the restaurant, she exchanged a shy smile with Jade before plunging into work. The day passed between services and cocktails, complicit exchanges and glances that spoke louder than words.

Jade mentioned Boorman's invitation.

— Ready for tonight? she asked.

Kit hesitated, her eyes reflecting a deep uncertainty. Going to this party represented a confrontation with her complex emotions and with the spark that was growing inside her, a spark named Jade. She let out a sigh before answering.

— I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to come.

But Jade persisted.

— And missing the Boorman parties that the whole island is talking about, impossible. (She put her hand on her friend's shoulder.) It'll just be a chance to have some fun. We can go together if you like.

Although the idea of being at this party filled her with apprehension, she finally agreed.

The hour drew near. When she opened the door, Jade's sparkling eyes awakened a glimmer of wonder in her. A mutual attraction captured in their knowing glances settled in. Although still reserved, Kit took a deep breath, preparing herself to face the life that continued to unfold around her.

Once there, the two friends found themselves immersed in a magical, enchanting atmosphere. Strings of lights surrounding the façade of Boorman's warehouse projected their dancing glow onto Jade's sparkling dress, making her even more seductive. At her side, wearing elegant black canvas pants and a navy-blue silk blouse, Kit radiated an aura of mystery and charm.

The mystical sound of musical notes, at times soft and melodious, at others percussive, combined with the enchanting scent of jasmine, carried by a gentle breeze, overwhelmed Kit with a sense of fulfillment.

The two friends were mingling with guests dressed in extravagant outfits, when Boorman, as eccentric as ever, swapping his paint-splattered vest for a psychedelic jacket, matching pants and fancy jewelry, joined them. His eyes widened with an enthusiastic smile.

— You look radiant !

Jade looked at him and replied with mischief.

— Thanks Boorman, but don't go overboard..

He placed a hand over his heart dramatically

— You make a magnificent couple.

Slightly embarrassed, Kit quickly retorted.

— We're friends.

Just then, a female voice, full of excitement, rang out in the distance.

— Jade !!!

Elora radiated unreal beauty. Dressed in white pants that harmoniously emphasized her gait, matched with a lace bustier. The lines and sophisticated cut of her outfit highlighted her natural grace, caressed by magic. Her face lit up with a radiant smile, she rushed to embrace her friend. In a burst of joy, Jade made the introductions.

— Elora, let me introduce you to Kit.

Kit smiled warmly.

— Kit, this is Elora, the island's pastry magician and our invaluable baker. She's our bread supplier.

— Ladies, I don't want to interrupt this wonderful sentimental moment, but if you'd like to head over to the buffet. Boorman exclaimed, spreading his arms wide, revealing the hearty dishes just waiting to be savored.

— Great idea, I'm starving. Said Elora enthusiastically.

Kit discovered a buffet of a thousand colors, pyramids of exotic fruits, alongside rivers of melted chocolate flowing down gourmet fountains, and veritable edible sculptures with heavenly names. A variety of seafood dishes, refreshing and phosphorescent cocktails.

— You're right, Jade, Boorman doesn't do things by halves !

Jade picked up a skewer of delicately grilled seafood and handed it to Kit.

— Here, taste this.

An explosion of flavors caressed every taste bud on her tongue, between the salty sensations and the tenderness of the grilled, spicy seafood. Kit felt transported into an ocean of delights. Her gaze met Jade's, creating a silent sensory connection between the two young women.

— Little did I know that behind this eccentric being was a famous cook.

Elora hurried to reply to Kit.

— Oh no, it wasn't Boorman who prepared all these dishes, but his friend and my baker : Lori.

Kit smiled before answering.

— In any case, this Lori seems to be an artist in the kitchen. It seems like every dish is an edible work of art. And you, Elora, what's your specialty ?

Elora laughed softly.

— My pastries. They have a fairytale touch, especially my muffins.

Jade couldn't help but intervene and add mischievously.

— You're very modest, Elora. Lori didn't cook all by himself, and the names of each preparation are rightfully yours.

Embarrassed, the young woman changed the subject.

— Welcome Kit to our enchanted world. Let yourself get lost in the magic that surrounds you.

Just then, a young man arrived, with casual elegance and a mischievous smile. He adjusted his jacket slightly, looked at Kit with an air of curiosity and declared in a soft, melodious voice.

— If magic hasn't enchanted you yet, Princess, perhaps a poetic melody might remedy that.

As he spoke, he approached Kit and curtsied, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

— May I introduce myself : Graydon.

The young woman was taken aback by the man's long black hair flowing wildly around his face, and his beard accentuating his neat, elegant appearance, making him a man from a bygone era. He wore a dark suit with a white satin shirt. His vest, adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, and a fine silk scarf accentuated his aristocratic style.

Elora smiled and answered Kit with a touch of humor.

— I don't know why, but he always thinks he's a prince from ancient times. (She turned gracefully to Graydon) My princely poet. she said before kissing him.

Graydon answered her lovingly.

— You radiate elegance, my love. I love it when you wear those refined pants and bustier. They enhance the sparkle in your eyes and your natural charm.

Exasperated, Jade retorted.

— We're going for a walk. she said, before walking away with Kit.

The two friends let themselves be carried away by the bewitching magic of the party, lost in the enchantment of a crowd vibrating to the rhythm of the music. The intoxicating phosphorescent drinks projected a verdant glow, reminiscent of fireflies dancing in the middle of the night in an enchanted forest. With every sip, a fruity explosion of exotic flavors ignited the palate. Every smile exchanged, every silence shared, forged a deepening emotional bond. Kit felt the weight of her emotions intensify, crescendoing, passionate, as she shared moments with Jade. Their eyes met, reflecting a glimmer of complicit tenderness.

A little later in the evening, everyone gathered around a campfire whose golden flames mingled with the blue of the starry night. Graydon played his flute, accompanied by local musicians improvising a gentle melody. The air was charged with aromas, a mixture of wood-fire smoke, the salty scent of the ocean and incense fragrances evoking a sense of mystery. The sea breeze gently caressed each member of the group, soothing them. Scorpia had joined them, snuggled up against Boorman, her eyes fixed on Kit.

As everyone was lulled to sleep by the music, Boorman took a deep breath and shared a few words with Kit.

— Graydon's parents have run the island's most famous family distillery for generations. They look forward to Graydon taking over.

— What does Graydon want to do ? Kit asked curiously.

Boorman smiles, delicately holding a cup of tea infused with local herbs.

— Well, he prefers to write poetry and play music. His grandmother used to say that music is a balm for the soul. He finds fulfillment in the arts, unlike the conventional family business.

Kit's face darkened slightly, her thoughts unconsciously wandering to Emma. She sighed before asking.

— Is it so difficult for him to reconcile his artistic aspirations with his family's expectations ?

Boorman shrugged his shoulders.

— I guess it's a daily struggle he has to face between his obligations and his choices.

Kit nodded and inhaled deeply, enjoying the sea breeze and the warmth of the campfire. She saw in Graydon's story her own emotional struggle.

The music gently stopped and the musicians put down their instruments. Scorpia turned to Elora.

— Why don't you tell us the story of the island's guardian.

Everyone cheered her heartily.

— Ok. A long time ago, a man seeking redemption for all his past deeds was lost at sea. Alone on his boat, doomed to certain death, he was drawn by a distant call. The benevolent spirits, protectors of the island and nature, had just saved his life. Discovering the beauty of this place, he let himself be guided by the songs in every tree, every leaf, every trickle of the waves.

Considered a living link between magic and the inhabitants, he became the island's guardian. Some say he's always there, his spirit linked to this enchanted place. In quiet moments in the middle of the night, it's possible to hear his whispers in the sound of the wind. Others claim to have seen lights guiding lost souls.

Lori arrived just then, and as she joined the group, he added.

— As much as this island has a bright, salvific side, it also has a side that will engulf anyone in the abyss of their soul.

Scorpia angrily stormed off.

— Damn it, Lori, you just ruined the mood !

But Lori insisted.

— Come on, Scorpia, don't tell me you've never felt there was something sinister going on.

Scorpia shook her head.

— No, I don't feel anything like that. This place is a source of healing and peace. That's all that matters to me.

— Fine, think what you like. But everyone knows that there can be no paradise without its dark side. This is the duality of all existing things. Shadow cannot exist without light.

To ease the tension, Boorman stood up and invited everyone to follow him.

— My faithful friends, it's time to honor our tradition of wishing lanterns.

He led them to a place where piles of lanterns twinkled like will-o'-the-wisps.

Jade, whose face was bathed in the soft light of a lantern, shared with Kit the secrets of this enchanted custom.

— It's an ancient tradition. We write our wish on this small parchment and place it in this lantern. We release it into the sky, and the universe makes it come true. Here, your turn.

She handed Kit a small piece of parchment and a lantern. The latter hesitated, skeptical at the idea, and murmured.

— A wish... Between the possible and the imaginary.

Enthralled by the mystique of the moment, Jade urged her friend to accept.

— You do have one wish, Kit. Everybody's got a wish.

— After all, we're on a magical island. she replied with a smile.

Kit took the small piece of parchment and the lantern and set off on her adventure. As she wrote her wish, it seemed to her that this intimate gesture carried meaning, as if each word placed on that small piece of parchment simultaneously connected her to Emma and freed her from her suffering.

As they launched their lanterns together, watching their ascent until they disappeared into the starry background, Kit, her eyes riveted on her wish, let a slightly melancholy thought turn to Emma.

Graydon roused them from their reverie by wrapping his arms around both of them, and with a big smile, shared the existence of a mystical presence at the party.

— Ladies, would you be up for an escapade into mystical territory ? A reliable source tells me that the island's most exceptional adventure teller is attending the party.

Kit and Jade exchanged glances. Without giving them time to react, Graydon led them through the crowd, directing their attention to a small, secluded tent. The red sails danced in the night breeze, giving off a subdued glow.

Before leaving them, he spoke passionately.

— Ready to let yourself be guided through the twists and turns of spiritualism ?

— I think when it comes to magic, or whatever you want to call it, I'll be fine. Kit replied dryly.

But Jade, her eyes sparkling with excitement, was no longer listening to her friend.

— Absolutely, Graydon, we're ready. she says excitedly.

She ignored Kit's skeptical look and headed for the little tent. Kit sighed before following her, murmuring to herself, "You look too much like Emma, Jade."

Graydon left them, winking and smiling.

Inside, an enigmatic woman awaited them, seated at a small round table draped in a white velvet veil, on which rested various esoteric tools. Her hands, gloved with fine black lace, were clasped in front of her, and her mysterious allure was accentuated by a long, dark cloak that concealed most of her body. Her untidy, deep-black hair framed her face with indiscernible features, concealed by the flickering light of the candles on the table.

With a graceful wave of her hand, she invited the two friends to sit down. The young women complied, looking at each other in silence before taking their seats.

The fortune-teller gently took each woman's hand, her gloved fingers gliding tenderly over their skin. Despite the aura of mystery that surrounded her, this woman seemed imbued with benevolence. When she spoke, her soft, melodious voice echoed in their minds.

Whispering, she said :

— Together, we'll explore the depths of your soul, where your most secret aspirations and deepest fears reside. I invite you to surrender to this experience, to let go and trust the process. Be open and honest with yourself.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to harmonize her own vibrations with those of Kit and Jade. After a few seconds, she lifted her eyelids and stared at the two friends, but her attention was particularly focused on Kit.

— There are so many shadows in your Kit eyes, the past intertwined with the present, both linked by a strong pain in your soul, a burden you can no longer carry or hide behind that bandage.

Kit shivered at the words, the candlelight flickering to the rhythm of her anxious heart. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked:

— Who are you, anyway ? How do you know my name and what do you know of my pain ?

Preoccupied by what she had just heard and her friend's reaction, Jade gently placed a comforting hand on her arm while whispering softly :

— It's all right, Kit.

The fortune-teller smiled slightly at Jade's reaction, then took a deep breath before answering Kit.

— I am the messenger of the past and the present. I see beyond appearances and feel the soul's deepest emotions. Your pain is so visible in your aura, a suffering that has haunted you for far too long. What remains is an absence, a love, both unfinished. Your father knew the secrets of this island. Your beloved Emma left you a flame that consumes you.

The words struck Kit like an icy punch to the soul. Her heart raced, sweeping away any attempt at inner calm. Not knowing what to think or feel, between anger, sadness and perhaps hope. She tried to conceal her emotions, but the tone of her voice betrayed her when she asked :

— My father... What do you know about my father ?

Stunned by the evolution of the session, as she became aware of the intense pain linked to this absent father tormenting her friend's soul, Jade tightened her embrace on Kit's arm to show her presence and support, addressing her with a look of solicitude.

The fortune-teller continued to address Kit in a soft, soothing voice.

— Explore this island, Kit, discover its mysteries, dive deep into your soul. It's time to release those emotions and thoughts that hold you back. Don't be afraid of what you might discover, for it's in exploring your deepest truths that you'll find peace.

Caught up in rage, a storm of fury swirling inside her, Kit stood up abruptly.

— That's enough!!! She exclaimed as she left.

Jade turned back to the fortune-teller, her face marked by concern.

— Sorry.

But before she could leave the room, the mysterious woman called out to her.

— You were destined to meet in this place, Jade. Your destinies are intimately linked.

*******

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Kit decided to isolate herself, and as she walked through the drunken, joyful crowd, she felt a mysterious call that guided her towards Boorman's warehouse.

As she explored this unusual place, a temple of heaps of objects, each stranger than the last, the lights flickered, creating dancing shadows on each shelf. Her footsteps led her to the motorcycle. She turned to Emma.

— What am I doing here, Emma ? I don't know what to think, what to feel.

She placed her hand on the motorcycle seat, closed her eyes and let the silence wash over her.

Suddenly, a presence at her side broke the stillness of her thoughts. Kit reopened her eyes and saw a shadow approaching her. For a brief moment, she thought she saw Emma's face, but as the figure took shape, she realized it was Jade. Jade gave her a sympathetic look.

— I'm... I'm sorry, Kit, about what happened at the seance. she murmured tenderly.

But as her friend remained silent, looking back at the bike, Jade tried to soften the situation.

— Are you going to restore it ?

Kit took a deep breath and nodded her head.

— I can’t.

— Kit, accepting Boorman's offer doesn't mean you'll betray Emma's memory. (She paused before adding.) Do you think she would have wanted you to stop living ?

— What do you know about what she would have liked or not ! You don't know her !

— Kit, listen to me, I...

Jade tried to calm her down, but Kit, her fists clenched, took a deep breath, her emotions still bubbling up inside her, and cut the conversation short.

— Coming here was a terrible mistake !

She left, leaving Jade alone, silent, meditating on what had just happened.

When the young woman returned to her group of friends, Scorpia couldn't help but intervene when she saw her sister's sad face.

— Where is she ? Scorpia asked sharply.

— Stop it, I have neither the desire nor the strength to argue with you. Jade replied in exasperation.

In order to calm the tension between the two sisters, Elora addressed Jade gently.

— Come with me.

She pulled her away from her sister and began to question her.

— What happened ?

— I hurt Kit's feelings unintentionally by mentioning Emma. She locked herself in her anger. she replied sadly.

Elora took her hands.

— It's painful for her, caught between her past emotions and the present. Find her. Just tell her you're sorry. I don't think her anger is directed at you, but rather at herself.

*******

Kit walked along the moonlit beach, seeking some solitude to soothe her spirit. She gazed at the horizon, where the stars, twinkling on the surface of the ocean, lulled her soul with the gentle melody of the waves. The solitude and contemplation of this natural immensity were for her a refuge from the emotional storm that overwhelmed her. When she turned her head, her gaze met that of Jade, motionless, a few yards away. Without a word, a torrent of emotions passed between them. The gentle breeze caressed their faces and accompanied Jade's footsteps, an echo of tenderness vibrating in the air of that magical night.

She stopped beside Kit, their eyes gazing at each other. She spoke tenderly.

— I'm sorry Kit, I didn't mean to hurt you. I know how hard it is for you, this suffering you're going through.

Jade gently took her hand. Kit shivered involuntarily at the touch and, against all expectations, welcomed the gesture by tightening her fingers around Jade's.

— I'm sorry, Jade, for getting so carried away. I don't know how to deal with all this, my emotions, my pain.

— You don't have to face it alone.

Kit smiled slightly, then let herself go against Jade. The two women remained silent, lulled by the gentle melody of the waves. Their heartbeats were in tune, and a feeling of peace washed over them. The moon illuminated their silhouettes. They remained entwined, enjoying the moment.

*******

Alone at home, Kit couldn't get the fortune-teller's words out of her head. Sitting on her bed, she tried to understand the meaning of her words.

She murmured to herself, "What connection could my father have with this island ?"

Just then, she plunged her hand into the cover of her notebook and pulled out a photo of Emma. As she looked at the portrait, she thought back to the vision of the warehouse.

« Were you really there ? This place is driving me crazy. »

She thought, overwhelmed by a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

[kirric-the-fan]

Giving Big Band Precure a post to itself bc I put a lot more info for it in the oc cure season collection than I had originally. +this also adds some of the ep ideas I now have for it.

Big Band Precure:

“One! Two! Three! Four! Big-Band Pre-cure!” (Big Band Cures play in their own transformations and use music or music themes for all their attacks).

Series summary: Aoi comes to Kanon town to investigate the apparent disappearance of the Suite team. She discovers a new enemy, Discord, and a powerful dissonance that weakens her transformation and traps her within the town, only to be saved by a new precure. Aoi has to uncover the identities of the new Big Band Precure and help train them to take down Discord, and save the Suite team.

The Band have music-themed band nicknames, as well as their names and cure names.

Setsuko/Fret/Cure Tune- Blue cure, lots of rock chick vibes, lots of influence from wild azure. Guitar attacks. Lion (from Aoi’s crystal animal) guitar pick. Pocket extendable guitar handle head that extends a neck to become a guitar to strum, and the body magically appears when you strum it. Good with all guitar-like instruments. Big fan of Wild Azure.

Toshiko/Fury/Cure Rock- Black and silver punk rocker cure. Drum attacks. Item: Tambourine bracelet (Bracelet turns to tambourine and/or drum to drumkit, and sometimes other percussion). Pen and pencil drumsticks. Can play pretty much anything percussion, or that needs rhythm.

Tsuyomi/Forte/Cure Classic(al)- Burgundy, velvet cure. Smart jacket, like an orchestra performer. Item: Fan to piano attacks (The fan has a piano key pattern on and separates to make the keyboard, with the side slats becoming the stand). Often takes the more classical instruments. Violin, piano, trumpet in a pinch.

Shiori/Fandango/Cure Pop- pink+blonde cure. Sporty dancer vibes. Headphones mic dj deck and vocal attacks. Item: Compact halves that turn into headphones or microphone. Clashes a bit with Tune over who has lead vocals. Eventually learns to harmonise, and earns Tunes’ approval to sing lead. Best dancer of the squad. Tends to take lead vocals, or mixing. Sometimes keyboard. Also flute, to everyone's surprise.

Timbre: Fairy from the song kingdom hiding out on Earth. Blue fairy with a quaver quiff. Uses her limited amounts of power to help the big band cures, and needs to rest a lot in between. Turns into a keyless music box when asleep. (also has a very delicate but in tune snore). The cures later learn they have to sing the right note to unlock the music box and wake her up again. Turns out that she was the fairy companion of Ballad before he went bad, and she is trying to stop him destroying everything.

Discord- BBEG, chaotic power capable of disrupting people's heart songs.

Aoi/Cure Gelato as stuck/ mentor (Adult)

Banshee, Howler and Screech (Ellen/Siren, Hummy and Noise respectively.) (As corrupted bbeg monsters)

Ballad/Discord- BBEG. Jealous Prince of the song kingdom (Jealous of Major Land and its music). Created the dissonance and seeks discord.

Feedback, Static, Flat, Sharp, and Mute- generals created from the other five corrupted Fairy tones (Others at: one caught with Melody and Rhythm each, and the single uncorrupted one with Muse)

The Duet of Despair- corrupted Melody and Rhythm (potential)

(Later on Discord causes a time travel break which allows Aoi to go back and find out what happened, only to learn that the corruption of the fairy tones was corrupting the treble clefs, and Gelato is forced to become the one that seals the team away to be saved in the future.)

Eps and ep ideas so far:

Ep1: Aoi's arrival, Discord, and a new tune.

Aoi Tategami, renowned rockstar and lead singer of Wild Azure, comes to Kanon town for a concert. Secretly there to check in on some missing friends and co-precures, she runs into a new enemy, Discord, bent on sowing discord, and stealing the world's music. With her lion power-up missing and unable to find her friends, Cure Gelato is caught in a one-on-one showdown where she is quickly overpowered and detransformed, in dire peril until she's saved by the appearance of a new cure, Cure Tune. But the cure disappears before she can find out who she is.

Ep2: Heart thief. Setsuko and the lion.

The newly minted Cure Tune comes to terms with her powers, and the fairy form of the crystal lion. She struggles with ethics of having 'borrowed' the lion, but after another fairy, Timbre from the song kingdom, appears and thanks her for her help, she knows she can't give it back while precure are needed. Timbre explains that Discord has conquered the Song kingdom, isolated Major Land, and has turned its eyes on Earth to destroy the music there. And they need to stop it. Timbre wants Setsuko's help in creating more cures so that they can. Timbre tries to turn a bracelet into a transformation device for the next cure, but it doesn't have enough power yet, and it falls apart, with Timbre falling into an exhausted slumber after using up her powers. Setsuko's a little put out because the bracelet was a gift for the fairy. But nevermind. She recycles the pieces she can, including a small drum charm. It's more difficult than expected explaining the situation to her friends: the rule-abiding Tsuyomi, and the hard-headed Toshiko, And matters become complicated when Aoi Tategami-san joins their school as a music teacher, planning on organising the class into bands. (Setsuko and co introduction) Setsuko saves the class from discord. The lion crystal indicates it wants to stay with Cure Tune.

Ep3: She's eccentric, isn't she?

The classes with Aoi are weird. She talks about cooking more than about playing, but is still insistent on the class forming bands. Setsuko struggles to convince her friends to join her in a band, and eventually is forced to transform in front of them to save them from one of the discordant creatures. It looks like Tune is about to be overpowered, when Tsuyomi and Toshiko get on their instruments and help her.

Something wakes in Toshiko's drums, and her drumsticks become different. She can't do anything more with them, but there's a hint she might become Precure.

Ep4: Dis-concerted

The trio catch up on what they know, and while she doesn't say it, Tsuyomi is disappointed she didn't get a transformation item. Meanwhile Toshiko's item isn't working to let her transform. Setsuko says maybe it takes time to power up- she had her guitar for a few days before she could use it. They look for another fairy, or lion crystal to help.

Tsuyomi misses out on tickets to the Wild Azure concert, despite being a big fan. Her and Toshiko clash. During the big fight, Tsuyomi is thrown into Toshiko's drum set, breaking one of the drums and silencing her music. Toshiko doesn't care, revealed to be more worried about Tsuyomi despite Tsuyomi's worries. Toshiko drum improvisation support allows Tune to beat the bad guy and protect her friends. After, Tsuyomi makes Toshiko a bracelet by way of apology, with lots of jangly bits she can play with. Toshiko loves it, and offers Tsuyomi her spare ticket to see the concert. Tsuyomi thought she'd already promised it to Setsuko. Turns out Setsuko baked Aoi a cake to try and sweet-talk her into getting into the concert, and tutoring their band. Which worked.

Ep5: Blue Azure concert.

Enemy attack. Aoi solo. Cure Tune joins her. Is nearly defeated. Aoi captured when she tries to sing still. Tune tries to sing. Toshiko tries to play the drums, but the drum set is smashed. As is the piano Tsuyomi is playing at. She is down. Toshiko declares something about the dissonance being unable to stop the beating of her heart, and drums up a storm of magic, becoming cure rock, and giving everyone the ability to get up again. They play, and the roar of the crowd knock the enemy away. They disappear before anyone realises who they are.

Timbre has regained enough energy to wake. She welcomes Cure Rock, and takes the fan Tsuyomi has, and puts magical energy into it, encouraging them to keep playing.

Ep6: Tsuyomi has a piano recital, but seems to have slipped out of her groove, especially because her teacher is being a bit hard on her. She is one of the few students still getting lessons from Hibiki's dad, but he's a bit distracted too. New enemy appears, and prevents Tune from singing. Rock is also stuck. Piano cuts through the noise, distracting the enemy long enough for the others to defeat it. When the enemy attacks her, the fan is able to knock it away, even though she doesn't transform. They defeat it.

"You know you were probably able to transform right?"

"Next time. I don't think these creatures are done with us yet."

Ep7: Recital

Tsuyomi's recital goes well as she changes tune and has fun with it, but ends up scoring badly. She gets a crowd favorite award, and says she values that more. She is in with the band 100% now, and the team go all in on their practice until Aoi tells them they're missing something. They try to find it, going all out in the next battle, all transforming together, and getting a new group attack. They're pumped up, and go back to Aoi to try and impress her but she just reiterates that they're missing something.

Ep: Aoi tells the band they need to pick a fourth member to qualify for the battle of the bands. They struggle to find someone, and even ask Aoi to join them. She turns them down, even though they work so well as a team. Setsuko heart and voice conflict. Doesn't know which way to go.

Aoi brings Shiori in to join the team. Ep: Setsuko hates Shiori, and the two immediately clash. (Shiori was kicked out of her other band by a coup because she was too single-minded). Shiori is seen as the popular kid, and a bit obnoxious. Setsuko learns how Shiori is just genuinely passionate about music, and Shiori coming to see how Setsuko is the same, but from a different angle. Setsuko also senses that Shiori has a transformation item, and that it hasn't activated yet.

Ep: She has to decide whether to give her the nudge to become Precure too. She doesn't, and Tsuyomi and Toshiko get hurt in a fight.

Ep: Setsuko decides to tell Shiori about the precure stuff. Even if it sounds crazy. Shiori is thrown. Wants to bail, but then Setsuko ends up in trouble, and Shiori saves her as Cure Pop.

Ep: They decide they could stand to listen to Aoi more and train hard for their first performance together, only for it to be crashed by Discord.

Ep: Aoi steals her lion back. Setsuko can't transform, until Shiori gives her the heart from her hairclip that turns out to be her lucky pick. Tune arrives, and the team get an upgraded joint attack. They discover Aoi is a precure.

Ep: Toshiko seems very black and white aggressive rock sorta person, but she shows a softer side by singing a ballad in a talent competition. Sings about how everyone expects her to be a certain way, and she's more than that.

Ep: One of the enemy creatures finds and attacks Toshiko whilst she's showering at home. She manages to fight it off, but the cacophony makes her parents suspicious, and she has to cover by claiming she came up with a new song for the band, and bluffs that they're looking at moving into heavy metal. Annnd her parents can't wait to hear them perform it. She has to rope the rest of the squad into making an out of character song, but they struggle to connect with it. They do their best, get to the performance, and end up flunking until one of the creatures attacks again. They have to fight the creature, and defeat it, but the audience seem to enjoy it, assuming it's just the song and the effects from all that. Toshiko reveals her parents are big metal fans. But she does say to them that she thinks they aren't going to go down that route. They're just happy they tried it out.

Ep: Tsuyomi has to teach a younger kid the piano, but he isn't interested, preferring to play computer games. She ends up playing the computer games, and trying to use them to interest the kid, even cutting the music out to show him what it would be like without. She then enlists Shiori's help to introduce him to music mixing, and that sort of thing, where they can rig up game controllers to make music. Piano is just a slightly more direct controller. Just when he's starting to get interested in playing, discord disrupts it my making the notes he plays off. They have to fight it, and give the kid the encouragement to keep trying.

[oathofpromises]

“ dance with me? “ — from Exarch to Lady Exarch

The Lady Exarch smiled down at baby Lyna, as she slept peacefully in her bed. Leaning down, the pink haired woman pressed a gentle kiss to the Viera forehead. It had been only a few months since the Exarch and her had adopted the child as their own. It was tragic, the child had seen her own parents devoured by sin eaters. It reminded Stella too much of her own parents deaths. There was a fire...and all the young Au Ra could do was scream out for anyone to help them, but no one did. At least with Lyna they arrived just in time.

Gently, the Lady Exarch shut the bedroom door, leaving it open a bit if Lyna decided she wanted to come cuddle Stella and G'raha in their room. Speaking of, she hadn't seen him since this morning, most likely attending to his Exarch duties. It worried her, how much he was working, but it was something her love wished to do. Their fates were intertwined so closely to the tower, but more so with each other. He was her light, the one thing she never wanted to live without.

Stella winced as she took off her usual black robe, the right side of her arm slowly being consumed by crystal. It was spreading and so did the pain too. The Au Ra sighed before she changed into an elegant Allagan night robe. It was red and gold, as she allowed her hair to fall down her shoulders. Today, she had decided to put it into the ponytail she used to wear it in more for nostalgic sake, but the smile on the Exarch's face made it worth it.

Gentle footsteps against the marble floor, as the Lady Exarch opened the baloney window. Even at night, the light in the sky was beyond blinding, a reminder that time for the people of the first was running out. Light wardens were a threat to everyone, but without the full extent of her powers, the Au Ra felt helpless. It was only then that she felt lips gently press against her neck. Pink eyes opened, turning to see the Exarch.

When the two were alone, he allowed himself to lower the hood that masked his identify to the world around them. Stella smiled, as she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. He was still just as beautiful as the day she had first met him. This one man had her entire heart and soul, she would do anything to see him happy.

"How did today go? I just put Lyna to bed. She missed you while you were out working today.' muttered Stella, as she felt his arms wrap around her waist pulling her closer.

Their hands held onto each other, as she felt so much happiness with him. He completed her..two halves of a whole destined to meet each other across time and space. It was only then she heard a soft melody start to fill the hallways with the Crystarium. The song G'raha had written and sang himself while the traveled around the first together. Which was so long ago, a time before this place even came to be and before they shed their names of Stella and G'raha and took on the roles of Exarch and Lady Exarch.

The Exarch smiled between kisses, as he pulled her close, taking a moment to just inhale that beautiful scent of hers. G'raha had mentioned the lily fragrance she had, calmed him. It was a comfort thing for the other. Another way he could feel her presence near even when they were apart for a brief time.

'Dance with me, my Star.'

Pink hues widened, as she recalled he had asked her the exact same thing years ago when they first met. The two were sitting by a fire, as G'raha was strumming away on his harp. It was only for a brief moment, she got to hear his beautiful singing voice.The night they had grown so close.

"Of course Raha." She whispered, calling him by the nickname she had given him years ago. This was their moment. A time for them to allow themselves the happiness they craved in their hearts. She allowed him to pull her super close, as their bodies danced in rhythm with each other. Stella reached up, cupping his face, as they danced together.

"I love you.."

[letstalktea]

Pet Zombie

Content: afab!Grima!Robin (they/them) x Risen King!Chrom, dubcon, emotionless sex, ntr(?), angst

Word Count: 2k

There was beauty in the way crimson flames licked the endlessly smoke dyed sky. The perfume of blood and the melody of the enemies’ lamentations as their cities were razed to the ground was an art form few could appreciate in full. Not like Robin could. Not like Grima could. Though, to be fair, there was hardly a distinction between the two since the day Robin came into their birthright as a vessel. The poor thing’s spirit had broken so thoroughly that what few pieces remained were being strangled by Grima’s own will. And that was, after all, for the best. Robin was born to be Grima’s flesh, not their morality or their conscience.

But, still, the flesh remembered and those tiny shards of Robin that remained longed. And, if Robin – if Grima – wanted something, then it would be theirs. Even if only so they could use it to completely destroy what remained of their other halves' rebellious nature.

The hot air around them, that of smoldering homes, smelled of ash and charred flesh, the taste of it lingering on their tongue as they breathed it in. They overlooked their work with an artist’s eye, standing above it all with rapture. Then, a sigh of contentment at the world they had wrought; a world that was theirs to undo.

“I wish you were here, Forneus,” they said to a long departed ghost. “If only so I could see your terrified face once more.”

It was a shame he had to die for his betrayal, but it was only far too human to be unable to see the beauty in the end. That’s why Grima didn’t need any humans as the world came crashing down; only their loyal Risen who understood the perfect nothingness the world was heading toward.

And in their chest they felt a stirring; a slight pang as they saw the devastation and weeped.

The poor thing was fighting again, despite how fractured it already was.

Grima took little joy in destroying what was, in essence, a speck of themselves, but they would much rather cleave away an infected limb before the rot spread throughout their body than risk letting it atrophy and decay into a stump. And the sharpest knife with which to cut was that which Robin longed for.

They stared forward into the jumping fires that consumed buildings and bodies alike and raised their voice. "Attend to me."

It was a concise order directed toward only one of their many death-embraced soldiers.

From the flames, the shadow of a figure began to come into view. His broad sword was laced with fresh blood the same color as his eyes, his silver armor clinking with every step, and his royal blue hair glowing against the backdrop of the ruination he'd directed in their name. He was their once enemy turned knight; Robin's compatriot made pet; a king turned butcher.

He was Chrom and he kneeled before Grima with reverence. 

They held their hand out to him as a master did to their lesser. "Serve."

He took their gloved hand and rolled it down their wrist without a word. There was no emotion, not even disgust, as they allowed his hands, cold and grey, to peel away their clothing was part of the plan. Every action was a calculated display to bring the disparate part of themselves back into line, not something done out of desire or malice. It was an act of service in their name.

First the robes, then the belts that held their padded armor in place, ending with the padding itself. Each article of clothing fell onto the barren ground one after another, until the only thing adorning them was the faint glow of the still burning embers of the town he'd ruined at their command.

And now, as his pale lips ghosted over their hot skin, he served them in a different way. They allowed him to kiss their stomach, to trail his way upward until he was at their breasts and running his tongue over them in a way that demonstrated he was moving only on muscle memory.

They allowed him this small bit of his former humanity, this miniscule knowledge of pleasure and how to give it, if only so they did not have to lead him through every action when they did not care for it outside of its function to keep their other half in line. If not for his use as a tool towards that end, they would have left him dead and rotting at The Dragon's Table. As far as tools went, however, this one had proven its value time and time again. Both as a leash to keep Robin suppressed and a blade to cut down the very humans he'd once attempted to protect from their own impulses.

As Chrom let fragments of memories turned instinct guide him, he wordlessly nipped and sucked at their breasts. They had the feeling that he would have said something if he had still been human enough to have such things to say. Perhaps something sweet that would make their – Robin’s – heart flutter. Although, judging by the small spark of devotion in his eyes that seemed to gaze straight past Grima themselves, it was fair to say that there was enough of a memory left in that empty skull of his to have desires of his own. Desires that bordered on heretical given that Robin and Grima were one and the same, and it was a crime to lust after one’s master with the eyes he did.

His lips were chilly as he crawled up their skin, especially when compared to the heat of the flames nearby. He reached the junction of their shoulder, trailed over their neck, and, as he rose once more, Grima stopped him before he could dare to kiss them. They placed their hand against his face, pushing him away with a grimace on their face.

“Do not overestimate your position.” It appeared the memories he was allowed to act upon went deep. Good. Memories that ran deep would also cut just as deeply. “Ready yourself and lie down.”

Like gravity, he was pulled back to the ground. This time though, he was not disrobing them but himself. Slowly but surely, he pulled off each metal metal plate, or at least the ones that needed to be. He discarded them haphazardly in the same place he had theirs and did as they commanded. He lied down. He rested his naked body against the ground and stared upward at his master. Grima would almost be disgusted that he was already hard, but that was the purpose of allowing him such human follies. It kept them from having to invest more than necessary in ensuring their tool was sharp.

They stood over him, perfect and powerful and domineering. Then, they engulfed him. With the body that they had stolen, they sat atop him with their knees on either side of his hips and their head held high. It was domination made flesh. A pose that Grima could see in their – Robin's– memories in which a stranger turned friend turned confidante lovingly put the beloved exalt of Ylisse in his place. Beneath them where he belonged. At least Grima could agree with their vessel on that front.

That memory was as stolen as their body; a voyeuristic view of what humans considered to be a happy moment. A glimpse into the life of another that would only ever serve to remind Grima of how foolish humans truly were. As much as Grima was, in some sense of the word, grateful to their other half for being born to host them, they would always be disgusted by their humanity. The same humanity they could feel Robin fighting for at the corner of their shared mind.

Robin clawed, tore, and screamed for Grima to leave this memory alone, to not spit on the shards of the humanity they were so desperately clinging to. They wailed and sobbed weakly to not have it be perverted by the destruction that Grima had carried out with their hands and the ghost of someone so precious to them. 

But Grima did not have sympathy for an infected limb.

Which is why they allowed Robin the tiniest amount of control. It was better to give Robin the rope with which to hang themselves rather than wasting their own limitless power to do the same. It would barely be a fraction of their consciousness , but it would be enough to ensure Robin truly got a taste of what they wanted.

They bent at the waist, leaning over the used-to-be man beneath them. Their white hair fell around his face, a mockery of a curtain between them and the world as they – as Robin and Robin alone – were allowed to view what remained of their partner. He was there in body, but the heartbeat had stilled and the spirit had been subsumed by the will all Risen share; the one given by Grima to see all life snuffed out just as his had been.

Robin, weak and tired inside their own body, wept. The small part of them that hadn't yet been broken and shattered wept softly, tears falling down onto Chrom's face below, even as they smiled at seeing their partner again. It was a complicated smile, joyous to once again see their partner and melancholic to know neither of them was the person they wanted to be.

Their fingers moved slowly, fighting for any amount of control they could against Grima's overpowering will, as they laid their fingers against his cheek. 

"Hi." It was all Robin's shattered consciousness could say.

Chrom had no reaction beneath them. He was, after all, ordered to serve. To not be anything more than the tool Grima made of him.

And it was that exact distance that further fractured what little of Robin's own psyche was still left struggling beneath Grima's oppressive will. The constant, agonizing realization that, no matter what they tried, no matter how often they broke free for a brief moment, no matter how much they reenacted the motions their body remembered, it would never be exactly what they longed for. The world they had built up, the life they had seized after they managed to flee once before, the people who mattered most to them and who they promised eternity to, none of it would return to them. No matter how much they longed for a different reality, this was the one they were confronted with.

And that confrontation would destroy them bit by bit until what little of them was left either vanished completely or decided this world was too cruel to let survive. Either way, Grima would win.

For now, however, it left them tired. Robin shirked back into the recesses of the mind that was once solely theirs, unable to continue watching the consequences of what it meant for them to have been born Grima's perfect vessel and lover of their enemy. 

The distinction between the two was growing weaker and weaker by the day, however. So, as a way for Grima to celebrate the cruel surgery to control the rotting limb they called Robin, they took what it was they – or, potentially a part of Robin that was finally beginning to see events their way– wanted. It was growing difficult to tell whose desires truly guided each action anymore.

They rolled their hips against his emotionlessly, allowing their body to indulge in pleasures that their mind couldn’t care less about. After all, Robin's– perhaps Grima's or both's– longing still needed to be quenched. The only difference was that Robin longed for a man long dead and gone while Grima longed for the obedient pet he had become.

[dreamse]

character  chronicles  .   

persephone quinteiro and daelorian belafonte. 

born into one of the most prestigious families in new york, it wasn’t a big surprise that media attention would come easy for persephone. rearing highs as she fancied herself to be jay gatsby, or never-ending lows as she locks herself into her room for two months straight, always a collection of empty notebooks at hand that will be filled by the end of that period. her old money family might be known by its name, but the magazines drew a blank when it came to her personality. haunting songs are released and performed, and while interviews are easily avoided, her mother would knock on her door to ask if the dosage of her meds would need to be upped. the same mother who could scream and lash out one morning, while not remembering it the next and bringing her breakfast in bed. taking her down and lifting her up, while her father stopped feeling the need to protect her from it. once doting on his daughter at every chance, he now took after your uncle, your mother’s brother, in his stoic nature. fame is a way to be loved, persephone believes. so rather than avoiding the camera’s in ways her family had done all this time, or trying to blend in with the normal class folks as if her surname held no power at all like her cousin winnie, she looked them up. after all, there was no better high than hearing people chant your name. 

persephone and daelorian have been thick as thieves from the moment someone had tried to bully them for their particularly out-there names. the yin to her yang. the sun to her moon. the peanut butter to her jelly. they have memorabilia from kindergarten, where instead of a family portrait, they would draw a picture of the two of them, to countless of bff necklaces the younger years, walls full of polaroid pictures as they entered their teen era and wanted to change up their room  ––  their, as they shared their entire boarding school experience, to having each other’s back to this very day. it was daelorian who would make sure that persephone would eat on the days she’d forget it herself. daelorian who would help her shower, help her piece her scattered lyrics into songs, who would distract persephone’s racing mind by luring her towards the piano and playing a melody. she wasn’t on persephone’s level by any means, but they were two halves of a whole. persephone would always join her on that bench, even to simply lay her head against the other’s shoulder. at least she would get out of bed. despite having a band of her own, each acoustic song persephone performed, was done with daelorian. it was their moment, sacred even when it terrified daelorian. it was persephone’s way of doing something in return, to pull daelorian out of her comfort zone. she deserved to be seen. a shared sentiment between the two of them, continuously rotating between who would be saying it to who. it’s the safest space they’ve ever known. 

as the third child to a marriage that was beyond repair, negligence came with the territory. daelorian couldn’t fix her parents, not in the way her grandparents were convinced thought she would. with thirteen aunts and uncle’s, it certainly worked for them, but her own parents needed their own houses rather than to be forced into the same room. she couldn’t remember a day where she wasn’t cuddling up to her mother in order to gain her attention, and while irritated, it would distract the older woman from her argument with her father. he, however, was harder to distract. stuck in his ways where his will would have to be law, he had the habit of pushing his youngest daughter away. a fifty dollar bill would be handed over afterwards, as if it would fix the problem, and before daelorian knew it, they would be joining her grandparents at yet another fancy event. they’d look like a united front, her older brother and sister putting their differences aside to please the grandparents as if the entire family only lives to serve them. daelorian was no one to go against it, not when her grandparents were among the founding members of one of the nation’s most elite boarding schools. she was kept soft, throughout it all. persephone made sure of it, to protect daelorian in ways she wasn’t protected herself, and daelorian let her. while there is a bite to her for the sole reason of wanting to be able to protect herself, her name, and the people around her, the softness of her heart was always present. sometimes lingering in the corners, waiting to be center stage, and sometimes from the moment someone would lay eyes on her, if they were deserving of it. for better or for worse, she didn’t want to be the child who made it explode, so she became eager for praise instead. not from the public, as it gave her the impression they would have expectations of her, too. nobody but her loved ones. 

[iverlove]

Beautiful Souls I encourage you that if you Love Music, Listen to Frequencies that will fulfill your Mind, Body, and soul. Music expressions and waves channeled throughout your Inner Self straight from the Highest Power of the Universe as a Blessing that Will Restore your [Pineal Gland] creating a powerful cleansing of your Amazing existence during your Journey as of Human Being. The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body[1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles.[2] The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, which gives it its name.[3] The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join.[4][5] It is one of the neuroendocrine secretory circumventricular organs in which capillaries are mostly permeable to solutes in the blood Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Beloved Souls, Now that you know this: What are you waiting for? Will you continue letting the Toxicity of the Music with Disturbing Subliminal Messages take your Blessings Away??? Stop listening to those Toxic and Diamonic "Musicians, Artists, and Singers of the Dark!!!! I understand if some of you believe that what I am trying to tell you is to Impose a Lifestyle in your way of Living your Life. Well, Not at all; However I tell you that I am Just the Messenger; and as of matter of Fact: "Yes You Got Free Will"; God Loves every single one of you who Did that for Us. So it's Completely Up to You; To Join me in This Transformation Of Hearts by IverLove at The Gym of The Souls or Just Keep yourself in the Dark by allowing Toxicity to Deploy Your Brain, Your Life, Your Blessings, and the lives of Other Around you. To make this more Graphic in your Thoughts and Think: Those Celebrities, artists, Singers, etc. were Blessed by God; and Those are the ones after Reaching Fame; Money, etc what they DID: Was turn their back on God By spreading Evil content and corruptive and Destructive Lifestyles that had already Damaged their Brain; Without you realizing it that They become Richies and Powerful because of you. Because they achieved their Goals; which was Brainstorming with each one of you regardless of the Devastating Effects of your Journeys. My Beautiful Souls, the time has come; review your ways and remember; I do not want your Money; I don't want to take your blessings and either make your golden time go to waste. All I Want is To Love You the Way God Wants BY TRANSFORMING HEARTS At the Gym of the Souls. Sending Much Lights and Blessings to your Thoughts. IverLove Ivan Enrique Varela. IV333

[faunastanza]

Stolas: First Speech pt. 2

(part 1)

Stolas asks for a question, and River says "what's your favorite color". He asks what the opposite of looking is, and River says not knowing. Shizukan meanwhile looks more upset and shaky. Stolas asks for another question, and RIver says "what do you want to say to me?" Stolas closes his book and says this is the last part. Let's recap just for fun.

Words ⦁    Undertown -> Melody ⦁    Andrealphys -> Growing ⦁    Wishes -> Connection ⦁    Art Pyramid -> Gravity ⦁    Opposite of Rain -> Plume ⦁    Opposite of Looking -> Not knowing

Questions ⦁    How will breaking the goal save the angel's life ⦁    What's the angel's goal ⦁    Why do you choose to move ⦁    What are Stolas' feelings about angels ⦁    How are you ⦁    What's your favorite color ⦁    What do you want to say to me

How these all led to the conclusion Stolas comes to, I don't know.

He goes up to Shizukan, who's covering their face, and says that he sees them.

i see you baby

Shizukan shakes their head. Stolas says yes. He says that the angel's goal is turning Althar into an Undertown of Dreamers, with angels ruling, and that their goal was to use Stolas and that they tried to break into the art pyramid at some time. Shizukan holds a hand up to their head like they're going to faint while Myandery is like "...oh."

Stolas points at Shizukan and says "say yes or angel dies". The little dragon says that Shizukan looks like its in pain. Myandery is freaked out and asks who has to say yes. Shizukan does... something, pounding their fists on the bundle maybe. Stolas says that the angel will say yes to his words or they'll die, and that he's right.

i'm the dm here and i'll godmode if i want to

The dragon points out that Shizukan can't talk. Shizukan continues writhing and clawing at itself while Myandery says that it can't speak any words they can understand. Shizukan nods frantically as they continue pounding the floor. Stolas looks smug while saying "yes". Myandery says that Stolas was right and begs Shizukan not to hit themselves. Stolas touches the collar around Shizukan's neck, saying "unlock".  The collar falls off and it kind of looks like Shizukan splits into two? One of the halves kind of looks like that one weird sibling of Neon's that had the headlamp whose name I forget. Xenon I think.

i'm of two minds about this

Shizukan then drops the whole outer layer of its body, or some of the white it had in its design...? It's not entirely clear.

like the stupid face on the skin there.

Shizukan opens their mouth and begins screaming. Myandery is confused and terrified as Shizukan beats on their head and keeps screaming. They find a big needle on the ground with an angel eye in the hole, and they use it to stab the collar. They then get threads in their hands again while Myandery looks aghast. Stolas points to a door and says that the angel is killing someone.

This is kind of difficult to make out, but during this Razca is having some kind of seizure. I think its Razca anyway, but she dissolves into vapor to River's confusion. Myandery asks who's dying, absolutely baffled, while Phoebe, also confused, asks if they can stop it. Stolas says "Dreamer". Sweater cat and two other characters leave while the dragon stays behind, asking how to stop it. Shizukan has a whole bunch of threads going on now while Myandery sits nearby, holding onto their sombrero. The dragon asks what's going on and asks Shizukan to stop, but they take a swipe at them with their needle.

The total confusion of all of the players and the abruptness with which this happens feels like this was a plot twist Glip pulled out of nowhere and their players weren't prepared for it but had to roll with it, but that's just the vibe I get. Myandery screams at Shizukan, asking why they're killing someone. Shizukan continues screaming. Myandery responds with "That's not an answer!" which is pretty funny.

shizukan!! i beg you!!

I THINK Shizukan seals the doors so no one else can leave. Stolas grabs the bundle Shizukan was carrying and the broken collar, which startles Shizukan. They try to stab Stolas and nick his cloak in the back, causing Nuez to freak out and scream not to do that. "Why do you think you need to do that" Nuez screams, which is an odd follow-up.

Stolas grabs the needle and kicks Shizukan in the face, disarming them. Shizukan starts pounding on the floor and hitting their head again while Myandery sobs nearby. River is also watching and seems oddly unbothered. In the back of Stolas's cloak, a bunch of angel eyes open up. Nuez asks what Stolas is going to do with the needle. Stolas shoots her a death glare. Nuez, more calmly, asks him how he's feeling. Furious, Stolas shouts at her not to touch him with her words.

We go back to podium Stolas, who wonders why someone in Althar would lead him to kill himself. He doesn't know why, not yet, but he doesn't feel very much about it at the moment. He says that his own life feels more like a puzzle to solve and he's an outside observer, pushing pieces around to see what changes within himself. Can he solve this future suicide? Does he even hope to do so? Why or why not? This feels like an essay question. He says it's hard to feel, so he writes and watches and thinks.

What makes his death any different from a mite in the sand, he wonders. What made his death any different when a parasite took him? He says he doesn't know, and that's why he's searching for the answers to those questions and why he's in Althar. He looks for why his home was taken from him and for places that move him, and direction that means something to him, not Andrealphus. Fine, take away the only character I sort of liked. >:( He says he wants to see stories and will be actively looking for them. He wants to find something he wants to make alive and keep alive. Perhaps in this, he'll solve the riddle of his suicide.

He asks again for people who want a united Althar to think about what kind of stories they want to share. He then says goodnight. Did any of that stuff with Shizukan even matter or was it in the alternate future that Stolas said might not even happen? UGH

[deputygonebye]

@xgoldxnhour asked: “dance with me.”

Vinyl disc spun around and around, an old record supported by an even elder record player. What had once been considered an odd piece, a collector item that brought character and charm to their home, a bit of history not completely destroyed by the battles of the past, filled the Walsh family residence with music. Soft and simple, a country melody that accompanied slow song. Perfect for dancing, El only needed to say the word and Shane was up, upon his feet from his place on the sofa, living room coffee table moved out of the way and record player grabbed for. Far from the dance halls that they used to venture to, that little space in the living room was as grand as any. Dreamlike - untouched by the hands of time and the cold fingers of grief - a piece of heaven that could be claimed as their own. Small turntable positioned just right; on the coffee table that had been lifted, its needle adjusted to the farthest groove, static voice and gentle guitar strum played through slightly abused speakers.

Name of the song uncertain, just as was so for the featured musician who sang, it didn't matter once Shane took Eloise into his embrace, pulled her close and put one hand to her hip. The other gone to grasp her own - their fingers laced together, two halves that made a whole. Parallels uncanny, there was more gray to his hairs, then. More lines across his forehead, nearest his mouth, the light freckles that dashed across the bridge of his nose. Hands that had been scarred; marked by more than the actions of his own person, the consequences that only Shane could bestow. Some of Eloise's gold had turned to silver. Styled above her shoulders, her countenance daubed by motherhood and survival, her blues persuasive. She was no longer the woman that Shane once knew. Changed - so much like he - but familiar, nonetheless. Beloved still, still his girl, his love, the most wonderful thing to have ever happened to him. Eloise held so close, Shane guided their dance together, but they both knew that it was the heart, their hearts, that counseled their waltz pace.

Eyes gazed down onto her, contentment within those browns, Shane reminisced. "Remember the first time I took you dancin'? We went down to that little hall just outside of King County. I'll tell you what, for a girl raised outside of the Southern United States, you sure did have some good moves, El. Impressed the hell out of me, left me needin' a drink or two to refresh before the night was over!"

From one foot to the other, a sway between them, the dance continued. Followed the rhythm of the music - smooth basslines - the distance between Eloise and Shane that grew lesser, until they were pressed together, the arm around Eloise looped around her entire middle.

"Kiss me, baby." Shane commanded, though the order was far from a demand and rather an actual plea. A prayer from husband onto wife; devotion that conquered all.

Their love sealed through kiss, Shane whispered against Eloise, the plush of her mouth and the taste of her lip balm, a miracle found amongst the rubble of a rundown supermarket, oranges and cream.

"I love you, Eloise Walsh. I love you so much."

[pluviacuratio-a]

@fiercelywinged whispered: ❝ Your name fit into my mouth better than my own ever has, like I was born to speak it. ❞

MEME

{ ♪ } -- Bella smiled softly, tilting her head as she looked at him with infinite affection.

Some small part of her wanted to turn to her love of romance novels and say something sweet about soulmates and whatnot... But she found that it wasn't fitting. While yes, Keigo made her soul sing, she didn't feel as if they were two halves of a whole... They were each whole in their own right, but acted as complements to one another. Harmony and melody coming together to make a beautiful song.

"There are probably some who would say they were born for their partners, who claim the whole soulmate thing... But, the entire idea of soulmates usually hinges on being halves of a whole... And I don't think that's the case. We're both whole, even if there are some parts of us that are tattered and frayed, but I think it's more akin to complementary colors... We suit one another, making each other look and feel our best."

Her hands moved to find his, smiling wide.

"Not to mention the fact that hearing you say my name, and getting to say yours, feels better than listening to my favorite symphonies."

[deadcactuswalking]

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 10/06/2023 (Dave & Central Cee, The Weeknd/Madonna/Playboi Carti, Metro Boomin’s ‘Spider-Verse’ OST)

Content warning: Incest?

It’s Dave’s third, and Central Cee’s first: their massive collaboration “Sprinter” debuts at #1 on top of the UK Singles Chart, and with a four-song EP, the two have definitely shaken things up, so welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS!

Rundown

We have a bit of a hectic week to cover this episode, so it’s of no surprise that we ended up with tons of notable dropouts, those being songs that exit the UK Top 75 - which is what I cover - after five weeks in the region or a peak in the top 40. This week’s hefty list includes Eurovision hits like “Queen of Kings” by Alessandra, “Cha Cha Cha” by Kaarija and… Ed Sheeran hits like “Life Goes On” and “Curtains”. Otherwise, we say farewell to “Tony Soprano 2” by Nines, “Princess Diana” by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, “Snow on the Beach” by Taylor Swift featuring Lana Del Rey, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner, “Sure Thing” by Miguel, “Forget Me” by Lewis Capaldi and “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic.

As for what’s filling in the gaps, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift is our only re-entry at #49, but our notable gains include boosts for “Relax My Eyes” by ANOTR and Abel Balder at #58, “UNHEALTHY” by Anne-Marie featuring Shania Twain at #48, “TMO (Turn Me On)” by Luude and Bru-C featuring Kevin Lyttle at #45 - definitely not complaining about those three - alongside some I’m not as pleased about, like “Area Codes” by Kali at #39, “Talibans” by Byron Messia at #37 and “Side Effects” by Becky Hill and Lewis Thompson at #35, though at least “Little Things” by Jorja Smith is up to #28, and “Good Love” by Hannah Laing and RoRo is big off of the debut up to #22. We also see Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” gain up to #13 and “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue at #12, both just missing the top 10, whilst “Dancing is Healing” by Rudimental, Vibe Chemistry and Charlotte Plank enters the top 10 at #8, becoming the first for Vibe Chemistry or Plank but Rudimental’s fifth; their first in five years since 2018’s “These Days” with Jess Glynne, Macklemore and Dan Caplen. It’s a shame that this new top 10 hit isn’t all that good, but what can you do?

The top five on this week’s UK Singles Chart consists of “Daylight” by David Kushner at #5, “REACT” by Switch Disco and Ella Henderson featuring the late Robert Miles at #4, “Giving Me” by Jazzy at #3, “Miracle” by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding at #2 and of course, “Sprinter” at the very top, which we’ll get to later as part of our muddled batch of this week’s new entries, which we’ll start now.

NEW ARRIVALS

#70 - “Give it to Me” - Matt Sassari

Produced by Timbaland, Danja and Matt Sassari

If this week is defined by anything, it’s that we have songs by the duo of Dave and Central Cee, songs produced by Metro Boomin and a bunch of loosies that fall into neither of the categories. This song, more known for its “Full Vocal Mix” that halves its length yet has around 100 more million streams, is by French DJ Matt Sassari, and is essentially a remix of Timbaland’s 2007 hit of the same name with Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado that was a #1 hit in both the UK and US. The original is a fascinatingly bitter takedown from the trio onto… pretty much anyone who they didn’t like, whether that be Janet Jackson, Fergie, Prince or Scott Storch - yeah, they hit some pretty big names here, and it’s one of those diss tracks that feels a bit more petty than it does deserved… though honestly, I don’t find that much of a problem given how the Timbaland solo albums are mostly celebrity showcases anyway so it makes sense to stain them with gossip. With that said, I don’t like the original that much, as whilst it’s got the classic buzzing synth bass and heavily percussive groove of Timbaland tracks, it also has some of Nelly Furtado’s weakest and most awkward performances, especially in her verse, and the vocal melody all three of them go for in the verses is sing-songy and bitter to the point where Nelly sounds completely confused, Justin sounds punchable and Timbaland just sounds funny… which means he at least has the most charming performance. Given the club-based lyrics, it makes sense for a house remix but I do feel it’s a tad awkward, especially with how disjointed the new house beat ends up feeling with the original song’s vocals, which whilst being effectively chopped up, don’t really provide any sensible alternative to this just being an instrumental, and said instrumental would be pretty cheap-sounding and boring with its typical slap house synths that cloud up into a whole lot of nothingness. If not lazy, it’s empty - so it definitely makes sense that they shortened it to not even two minutes, got rid of the instrumental and replaced it with the original verses, excluding Nelly’s, which is a welcome decision but with every Timbaland-produced track, you could tell how involved he was in ensuring everything made perfect sense and worked together. He was a star-producer for a reason, and adding his work onto some distantly made slap house beat does no justice for the original track, even if I’m not a fan.

#68 - “HEATED” - Beyoncé

Produced by Beyoncé, Sevn Thomas, Neenyo, Jahaan Sweet, Boi-1da, Cadenza, Kelman Duran, Stuart White and Harry Edwards

There are four and a half minutes of runtime on this track, and double the amount of producers… yet you can definitely tell where they’re all coming from. Sure, this is not my favourite track from RENAISSANCE, but there are so many layers to this at any point in time: the liquid-smooth acoustic guitars, the weirdly intense Afrobeats percussion, the distant distorted chanting under several different layers and harmonies of Beyoncé providing great vocals as always. Sure, there’s only one real verse, but this is the “vibiest” song on the album, coasting off personality in an actually endearing way, mostly because Bey is full of charisma and whilst the song is mostly about how only a real man can handle the unique, powerful woman that is Beyoncé, there are some nice nods to how she came up - with her subtly paying tribute to her uncle Jonny in the pre-chorus - and the completely insane outro of liberation and aggression that ends the song with the mantra that had been in the back of the mix the whole time. Like most of RENAISSANCE, it’s just a great, slickly-produced and cleverly-composed track with a lot of attention to detail - why it’s coming back now I have no idea, but it may have something to do with the leaked Drake reference track. I honestly wouldn’t have minded him on the final track, mostly because a song about being uniquely powerful makes a lot of sense for both Bey and Drake, but it’s not like he brings all that much personality to the table, so the solo version works just as fine.

#63 - “bread & butter” - Gunna

Produced by Turbo, Omar Grand and Cam Griffin

I could not care less about if Gunna “snitched” or not - it seems that he took a plea deal, which is normal and common in the legal system, and Gunna’s relationship with his friends is of no interest to me, or any white boy on Twitter who thinks they have an eye on the streets. I did expect a comeback single when he was freed, but I didn’t expect it to honestly go this hard and be so connected to the story at hand. First of all, the R&B synths sound warm and the bass is surprisingly fuzzy and dynamic for a trap beat. More importantly, Gunna maintains his hustle, dissing Lil Baby for his perceived hypocrisy as he apparently still associates with “rats”. It’s a shame to see that duo dissolve, but the melancholy flow Gunna keeps with for most of this song is pretty defiant though it shows a level of sorrow and guilt considering how he becomes so paranoid and arguably allows his flow to become quite wonky in that second verse, mentioning how many have wronged him, his addiction to prescription pills and most interestingly how he feels that he fell for a manipulation of the legal system, which isn’t exactly hard for me to believe. Ultimately, this is not a great song - it runs a little long and Gunna is still not a dynamic vocalist, even if the melody gives his bars an internal sadness that interests me about where he could possibly go next, perhaps for more vulnerable lyrics down the line. I mean, it would be interesting to hear from Gunna of all people, but I don’t think I wanted it to have to come about like this.

#60 - “Closer” - Bou featuring Slay

Produced by Bou

Okay, for once, I think we need to stop thinking about the “Children”. Bou’s recent drum and bass hit is yet another flip of the late Robert Miles’ trance classic that hit #2 in 1996, and it definitely feels overdone, especially since the piano sound here Is particularly cheap, and the build-up is so liquidy it’s practically slime, which isn’t worth it since the drum and bass break is tacky and the bass is straight-up ugly, with the borderline off-key 808 clipping in the mix. Slay is a BTEC Bru-C who just repeats the chorus for half of the song until he actually gets into a verse, which for whatever reason is set to the back of the mix with a bunch of reverb, so it sounds like a completely disjointed song. Slay can barely flow and sounds completely out of it, so everybody here is amateur hour. Next.

#59 - “Annihilate” (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) - Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, Lil Wayne and Offset

Produced by Metro Boomin, MIKE DEAN and Prince 85

I’ve heard really great things about Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and I do feel it is one of those superhero films you can enjoy without any prior knowledge of superhero films, and whilst I’m a fan of animation, so it’s probably necessary to watch it at some point, I don’t really have any interest in it, especially not after listening to the soundtrack, which feels as watered down as it could possibly be before it isn’t even recognisable as Metro Boomin production. What’s much more prominent are the flamboyant MIKE DEAN synths which make complete sense amidst all of the pop-music melodrama Swae Lee brings to the table, and honestly even Lil Wayne’s pretty great verse wherein he gives all the spider lines he must have been saving up for this groove-less trap beat. Offset on the other hand is embarrassingly basic, and Swae Lee has a verse for whatever reason that just makes the song drag on for no reason, especially since it’s a motivational song so if you’re not feeling it in the first hook, you won’t feel anything else. I get the appeal, but I’m not a fan… yet we have more Metro Boomin-Swae Lee Spider-Man tracks next week, except replacing the guests that are actually talented with, well…

#56 - “Calling” (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) - Metro Boomin, Swae Lee and NAV featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie

Produced by Metro Boomin, Chris Townsend and johan lenox

NAV. He replaced them with NAV. To be fair, A Boogie is here too, but this is mostly the Swae Lee affair once again, with a liquid guitar line and an incredibly basic trap beat relying on pianos and occasional sound effects to make it sound in any way unique to Metro or the soundtrack. NAV is dour, also saying he isn’t materialistic, because anybody is believing that, and the rest of this is a love song. Great. Naturally, most of them sell it through the idea of giving them a bunch of luxury items, as well as generic platitudes that don’t paint an actual picture, with Swae Lee relying on superhero tropes again. I quite like A Boogie here, with a particularly dynamic, ever-changing flow and particularly honest, kind of cute delivery that has slightly more reciprocal lyrics as well as a great moment where the strings come in at the end of his verse, and he sounds great over them. That verse doesn’t save the song entirely though, especially due to the overlong instrumental outro that just fades out... and without any Spider-Man vore, unfortunately. We’ll be back to your feature film presentation after these brief messages.

#52 - “Sittin’ on Top of the World” - Burna Boy

Produced by Skread

So, in 1998, Brandy Norwood released “Top of the World”, featuring the laidback, effortless rap of Ma$e and the hit-making grooves of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. It’s fine. The production actually feels very underwhelming, and the conceit of the song isn’t exactly fascinating, especially with a just-okay Brandy performance, two tacked-on Ma$e verses and a post-chorus that hasn’t aged particularly well - not because it’s problematic or anything but because it sounds very jerky and missing the fine tuning that probably would exist with that kind of vocal stutter and refrain nowadays. To be fair, the strings in the bridge are great, but the song isn’t overall, and it stalled at #2 behind B*Witched… okay, so the song was at least better than that song, and I’ll admit that it’s funny to hear Brandy ask Ma$e to slow down because he’s “killin’ ‘em” considering Ma$e is one of the most - purposefully - boring rappers of all time. Is Burna Boy’s remake an improvement? Well, I say yes, actually, with a fatter bass groove than the original, and a clever interaction with the sample, which is pitch-shifted and both interrupts and completes Burna Boy’s self-liberating chorus. Sure, that vocal stutter still doesn’t sound great, but it’s more well-integrated with the blended production here, and Burna Boy’s rich voice definitely helps further how catchy and honestly just kind of cute this song is, with the wormy synth by the end sealing the deal. Mediocre sample ends up producing pretty good song. Who knew?

#51 - “Am I Dreaming” - Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky and Roisee

Produced by Metro Boomin, MIKE DEAN, Peter Lee Johnson and Scriptplugg

Our third and final track from the soundtrack is the only good one here, and yes, I’m saying that because A$AP Rocky is on it. Let’s just say I’m a fan. Seriously though, there are other factors here, mostly the whole early-2010s pop vibe it has going on, though a bit less compressed than those tracks were. The strings sound excellent and actually make this feel like a superhero anthem, especially when Roisee’s hook lines up perfectly with it, amidst the buzzing bass synths, and whilst I think that hook may be repeated a bit too much, she actually sells the motivational angle, partly because of how distorted her vocals end up sounding, indicating a filter that’s actually an obstacle between her and her dreams, whilst the rest of these tracks are complete fantasies. Similarly, Rocky mentions waking up feeling thankful for everything that’s been granted to him, and remembering how far he’s come from his impoverished childhood, even mentioning that because of the disparity he saw, he ends up ensuring his poorer friends hang out with his wealthier friends… which is not how that should work but I don’t care when he’s flowing this effortlessly, and the drums are so busy during his verse, it’s impossible not to have at least a little fun with it. I do wish Rocky was on the rest of this, but Roisee’s vocals are great, even if she doesn’t really go for an alternate melody at any point, meaning it feels a bit exhausting to try and split the chorus and verses from each other. Even if Rocky’s a non-presence for the rest of the track, MIKE DEAN is definitely here decorating the track with all his favourite synth patterns. Speaking of, even if it’s our last from him as a lead artist, Metro - and MIKE DEAN for that matter - still have yet another track debuting this week, that being…

#21 - “Popular” - The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna

Produced by Metro Boomin, MIKE DEAN and The Weeknd

Yes, this sounds bizarre on principle. The Weeknd and Madonna makes some sense considering the over-the-top pop icon status they both display, as well as both singers’ obsession with modal eras, but Playboi Carti? Well, it makes more sense when you consider Madonna was intended to be on the song firstly, and secondly, Carti’s only contributions are baby-voiced ad-libs in the post-chorus. In fact, let’s get him out of the way - he’s mixed horribly, doesn’t need to be here, sounds like he’s been sped-up and awkwardly placed in and his parts feel double the length of any actually decent elements the song brings to the table, which is a shame because this is actually a fantastic song, perfectly fit for soundtrack of The Weeknd’s HBO series The Idol not only due to its lyrics about being desperate for stardom but also with the campness of it, not pretending to be cool like any of the Spider-Verse cuts. Instead, we get Madonna’s silly spoken-word monologue over thematic synths and Metro’s drums doing their best Timbaland impression in this very 2000s funky dance-pop production. I’m pretty sure the song is about the series’ characters in some way, but I care very little about that so I’m just interested in the constant hooks exploding from everywhere, whether it be the sneaky keys, Abel’s constant grunting in the verses, the infectious “oh-oh” refrain in the pre-chorus, and of course, that impeccable chorus, whether it be the synths jabbing in and out or the catchy refrain Abel croons out. Madonna, unsurprisingly, gives not a fantastic performance but one very much within the realm of what she needed to do, as keeping it a tad more subtle was probably for the best to avoid this becoming a completely incoherent track. The cute laughs added in the bridge is a nice touch too, it does sound like this could have very well been a prime Madonna track… except you know, with The Weeknd replaced by Prince and Playboi Carti a complete non-presence. Please make a version without him, Abel, it’s the only thing that’s preventing this from being an excellent song - and you know, maybe add a bridge or synth solo in his place. Please?

#17 - “UK Rap” - Dave and Central Cee

Produced by Kyle Evans

Okay, so one thing I’ve noticed is a trend across all of our new arrivals this week: the lyrics are not interesting. If you run through them, they’re mostly either generic for no reason and as a result just uninteresting or generic because they’re soundtrack singles, with “Give it to Me” being a remix so the lyrics can’t really be totalled up there even if they are a bit more interesting. Apart from “bread & butter” and maybe “HEATED”, these three songs from Dave and Cench, all from their four-song EP Split Decision will be our only chance for some depth or at least comedy this week, since Dave is a conscious rapper and well, let’s just say Central Cee is never afraid to elaborate. Apart from the only track on the EP that didn’t chart, it’s pretty low-stakes for Dave and a comeback to making actually good music for Cench, so I’ll try and make these last three pretty quick and light-hearted. “UK Rap” is a slightly condescending nod to how British hip hop is under-represented, with Cench knowing  a girl who only listens to the two most famous British rappers - guess who - and otherwise only bumps Americans in the car. Kyle Evans provides a decent enough drill beat, even if I’d want it to be a bit more fluid with the 808s and it seems a tad too intimidating for a song that’s mostly comical in its lyrical content about this… underwhelming relationship. Cench actually goes for some wordplay as well as having a pretty confident delivery, and mostly does alright. Dave… well, his verse is just as comical, and I had to stop and replay the song after I laughed over the bars that followed him randomly dropping in his pontification about asking for feet pics. The verse honestly continues to be pretty great, as Dave has an attention to detail in his bars, with a great conversational flow, slick wordplay about Rudimental and a great fluid flow that runs all over the beat and makes it sound so much better than it actually is. Oh, and we get a Nelly Furtado mention here, which would be a book-end if this were the single.

#14 - “Trojan Horse” - Dave and Central Cee

Produced by Dave

This sample is incredible. The strings from the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra are beautiful, and they’re chopped up in a pretty awkward way on first listen but as soon as the trickling drill hi-hats come in, it all makes sense, and the bass also sounds weird first listen… but the juicy tone of it makes it sound a lot bouncier, which works for them trading bars and creates a really unique version of a drill beat. As for the bars here, Dave and Cench talk about gang violence and paranoia, that even gives him trauma when his girl puts him in cuffs, as well as a lot of flexing and girl talk as you’d expect. Apart from wanting to have sex with his step-sister, it’s a nice touch that instead of cutting out the beat when Cench says he doesn’t need a beat (because he’s “too vocal”), Dave instead gets rid of the strings sample, so that when he comes back for his verse, he can lead another one in that’s a bit more interesting and screechier than the last, keeping the beat a lot more interesting, as well as allowing the main strings loop to feel like a refrain, that fits due to the nostalgic feel of it. Dave’s rhyme schemes are satisfying and whilst I’d appreciate a bit more interplay, they have enough chemistry in that they’ll share similar rhyme schemes or content themes between verses. Dave definitely shows up Cench - as expected - in terms of pure bars, but as a result it almost feels relaxing whenever Cench comes back In, which is actually the opposite for the third and final track from the two debuting today:

#1 - “Sprinter” - Dave and Central Cee

Produced by Jo Caleb, Jonny Leslie, Dave, Jim Legxacy, Kyle Evans and TR the Producer

The big hit from the EP is actually pretty much a Central Cee showcase, as the one track on this EP where he really shines ends up getting the single and video push. I’m glad, too, since first of all, I haven’t heard Cench’s vocals in this high of a fidelity so Dave gave him more of a budget than usual, and he also put him on much more interesting production, with the six producers curating an incredibly energetic, tropical beat bringing highly percussive elements to the drill rhythm, whilst tonally, the song uses acoustic guitars and almost Pharrell-sounding vocal soundbites as well as an incredible use of bass. It’s a lot of flexing and girl talk once again, but there’s actual interplay between the two and Cench is the most infused he’s been in years, whilst Dave is effortless rapping quickly but still with this new conversational cadence I hadn’t heard from Dave until now and it really works a lot better, since his blunter delivery was what prevented me from enjoying some of his music prior. Cench’s second verse is genuinely incredible, as he goes on for way longer than I expected as the beat shifts around him into this beautiful vocal warbling that has enough attention to detail to add the “Maybach Music” tag when it’s referenced. I could probably do without Dave’s second verse, honestly, I feel like the song is kind of out of steam - and breath - by the end of the second chorus, and it ruins the catharsis the song makes me feel from having a return to the hook after Cench’s exhaustingly good verse, but as a misogynist epilogue, I suppose it works, and whilst I do prefer “Miracle”, I’m not mad this is at #1.

Conclusion

It’s getting the Best of the Week too, though you could honestly tie it with “Trojan Horse”, and as for the Honourable Mention, it only feels right to give Beyoncé a nod for “HEATED”, though Gunna was absurdly close. As much as I want to spare Metro Boomin, he did make NAV chart so “Calling” with Swae Lee featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie ends up as the Dishonourable Mention, with the Worst of the Week easily going to “Closer” by Bou featuring Slay, which I can only hope doesn’t last. As for what’s on the horizon, well, it seems like it may be the true start of Summer on the charts and it seems like the quality for this Summer’s hits are going to stay pretty high, even if the older tracks are a bit too slow in their exits, so I’m excited to see what else is coming. As for now, thank you for reading and I’ll see you next week!