#cross symphonic

[daily-vocaloid-rock-metal]

Today's entry is IMITATION BLACK by NatsuP, Haku, and scl project featuring Kagamine Len, Kaito, and Camui Gakupo.

It is an alternative Symphonic rock song with a bpm of 116.

Taglist - @hayillaaaaaaa

[yisanged]

i hate band

[wh1msic4lwasab1]

𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫'𝐬 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

synopsis: being alone in the woods isn’t a great idea, but your village is in dire need for a savior, and who better to give you salvation than the sleeping soldier of Wallachia

tags: mentions of blood, violence, vampiric trancing, vulgar, explicit, fingering

wrd cnt: 1.5k

a/n: first ever castlevania fic w my favorite bbg

You didn’t support what happened to that poor woman. Lisa Tepes, the wife of Dracula Tepes.

Your town was always weary of the church, and the rumors of witchcraft. Fools, you said. Wherever there is a competent women, there must be witches?

The warning from the sky sent the entire country into a panic, soon enough your ears heard whispers rustling through the forest about a sleeping soldier, a savior who would end the terror of the night and vanquish Dracula and his army of demons.

No one was brave enough, but you were tired enough. Tired of locking the shutters so tight not even a sliver of moonlight could peak in, tired of sleeping so soundly not a single devil could hear your breathe, tired of the constant fear that bathed your body in a ghastly feeling.

But- there was so much to lose. The rumors- sightings of the creatures that stalks the sky’s, killing anyone who dares to venture out after dark.

You’ll sleep on it, but not for long.

….

You can hardly sleep with all the noise. The noise?

The shutters fly off the walls of your home almost fantastically, but not as loudly as the first scream of a mother. You weren’t safe any longer, and you had to make a decision now.

As you huddle in your home, praying for the dawn to come in a matter of seconds, you hear the second screams of your neighbors outside.

You know what it means - the monsters have come for your village. With your heart pounding in your chest, you grab a weapon, cross, bundle of garlic, and flee into the woods, hoping to escape the unspeakable horrors that stalk the earth.

As you run through the forest, tripping over roots and branches, you realize that you're lost. But you don't have time to worry about that right now. All that matters is getting away. You follow a particular light and hope it’s a fire, but you stumble upon a cabin, hidden deep in the woods. You dash towards it, hoping to find shelter.

The door swings open as you bash your shoulder in.

As you pant like a dog on the floorboards, you move your hair back behind your shoulders and survey the room.

Inside, you find the space lit by flickering candles. As you catch your breath and get up, you notice a strange object in the corner of the room - a coffin.

Almost in slow motion, you watch. A figure rises from inside, his eyes glowing in the dim light and his ears pointed, partly covered by his lengthy almost platinum hair.

'Alucard,' you whisper, your voice trembling. You've heard the tales of the sleeping soldier, a creature who is neither alive nor dead, son of Dracula and the Prince.

As Alucard approaches you, you can see his teeth, long and sharp, glinting in the light. You know what he is - a monster, just like the ones that have been hunting you. But as you look into his eyes, something strange happens. You don't feel fear anymore. Instead, you feel something else - something of warmth, something almost symphonic.

'You're not like them,' you say, your voice still but a whisper. 'You're different.'

“And you are?” He asks.

“Y/n-…That’s my name.”

“And why have you woken me, Y/n”. He says sternly, reminding you of the fact.

As you stand there, face to face, you can't help but feel a strange connection to him. You stutter as you try to find the right words to explain yourself.

'I-I was running from the monsters,' you say, your voice shaking. 'I didn't know where to go, and I saw your cabin. I just needed a place to hide.'

Alucard studies you for a moment, his glowing eyes never leaving your face. You can feel your heart racing as he steps closer to you, closing the distance between you. You can smell his strange, intoxicating scent, a mix of something sweet and something earthy. It's a smell that you can't quite place, but it fills your senses and makes your head swim.

'And what makes you think I'm any different from the monsters you were running from?' he asks, his voice low and husky.

You swallow hard, trying to find the words to explain what you're feeling. 'I don't know,' you admit. 'I just... I don't feel afraid of you. I feel safe.'

Alucard's expression changes at your words, and he takes another step closer to you. You can feel the heat radiating off his body, and you find yourself drawn to him, unable to look away. He reaches out and brushes a strand of hair away from your face, his touch sending shivers down your spine.

'You shouldn't feel safe around me,' he says, his voice barely above a whisper. 'I am a vampire, and you are full of blood that I can hear at this very moment coursing in and out of your heart like a little rabbit’.

Alucard's eyes darkened at the mention of blood, and he looked at you hungrily. You couldn't help but feel a little scared, but at the same time, there was something thrilling about being so close to a creature of the night. You could feel your heart racing in your chest as he leaned in closer, hoping he could hear it, his lips just a breath away from yours.

'I could take it all, you know,' he said, his voice low and menacing. 'I could drain you dry and leave you here to rot. Like a vampire.”

You swallowed hard, your throat dry with fear and excitement. 'But you won't,' you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Alucard smirked, his fangs glinting in the light. 'No, I won't,' he said. 'Because for some reason, I find myself intrigued by you, Y/n. I want to know more about you, and what makes you different from the other humans I've encountered.'

With that, he closed the distance between you, capturing your lips in a searing kiss. You gasped at the sudden contact, your body trembling with desire. You had never experienced anything like this before, and you couldn't help but wonder what had come over you.

Alucard's tongue explored your mouth, tasting every inch of you. You could feel his fangs brushing against your lips, and it only served to heighten your pleasure. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to you as the kiss grew more intense, feeling his hair envelope you.

As you kissed, you could feel yourself growing weaker, and you knew that it was only a matter of time before Alucard's thirst took over. And yet, you couldn't bring yourself to push him away. There was something about him that drew you in, something that made you feel alive.

Finally, Alucard broke the kiss, his eyes glowing with desire. 'I need to taste you, Y/n,' he whispered, his voice husky with need. 'I can't resist it any longer.'

You nodded, unable to speak. You knew what he was asking for, and you were more than willing to give it to him. Alucard's lips found your neck, and he bit down gently, his fangs piercing your skin. You cried out in pleasure, the pain mixing with the pleasure in a way that you had never experienced before.

As Alucard drank from you, you could feel yourself growing weaker, but it was a weakness that you welcomed. You had never felt so alive, so desired, and you knew that this was something that you would never forget.

And what followed was even more unforgettable.

As Alucard drank from you, you could feel the pleasure coursing through your veins. 'Don't stop,' you whispered, your voice barely audible. 'I don't want this to end.' Your legs were wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him closer to you as he continued to drink.

Finally, Alucard pulled away, leaving a small wound on your neck, licking it gently to console you. You slumped against him, completely spent. He carried you to the bed, laying you down gently before climbing in beside you.But he wasn't done with you yet. His hand began to explore your body, tracing patterns on your skin that made you shiver with delight. You looked up at him, your eyes heavy with desire. 'Do you want this? Taken by a Dhampir?' he asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

'More than anything,' you replied, his eyes dark with desire. His fingers found their way between your legs, teasing you until you were begging for more. You gasped as he slid a finger inside you, causing your body to arch off the bed with pleasure. He began to move his finger in and out, slowly at first, but then faster and faster as he curled them up.

'Oh, God,' you cried out, your body on fire with desire. You had never felt anything like this before. And then, he added a second finger, stretching you wider.

‘The Gods are not here to save you. I am.’ He whispered.

You cried out with pleasure, your body shaking with the force of your orgasm. 'Don't stop,' you begged, your voice ragged with pleasure.

‘You’re quite demanding, could have fooled me.” He says, ‘If I help you- when I help you, we’d do good to stick together’.

Shit, you just remembered, the whole reason you left was to get help. Now you’re about to fuck the help.

whimsic4alwasab1 ™ - do not copy, translate, modify, or claim any of my work as your own.

[love-and-deepspace-wiki]

Random Facts: Xavier

Xavier's Music Collection

We've all seen the intro sequence for the game. As always, the obscure details intrigued me. So, today, I'm going to talk about this particular scene. Shout out to Rachelcookie321 on X for the image and their CD identifications!

Collection List:

In order from the right side of the screen to the left side, here's what I could identify. But from what I discovered, Xavier is a big fan of Leonard Bernstein!

"Passando Per Laterra • Purple Dawn • The Seven Stages • Variation 10"

?

"Bernstein Conducts Beethoven"

?

?

"Two Step (...)"

"Symphonic Dances & Rumble • West Side Story"

"Üegar Stjornurnar Falla • Katie Mahan"

Another "Passando Per Laterra"

"Waiting For Nobody • Alone - The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete"

"Four Anniversaries: 3 • For David Diamond (July 9, 1915)"

Another "Üegar Stjornurnar Falla"

Another "Bernstein Conducts Beethoven"

?

"Blue Danube Waltz"

Another "Waiting For Nobody • Alone - The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete"

"Champions of Folly • Roy Harris, Bold Lovell"

Another "Passando Per Laterra"

"Hovhaness A.: Lousadzak / Shatakh / Achtamar / Tziakerk"

Collection Details:

Passando Per Laterra • Purple Dawn • The Seven Stages • Variation 10

"Passando Per Laterra" translates to "Passing Through The Earth". The words beyond that were identified by Rachelcookie123, but I've been unable to find any matches for this one.

Bernstein Conducts Beethoven

Album by: Leonard Bernstein

This is an album of Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic in Beethoven symphonies, recorded between 1958 and 1964.

Symphonic Dances & Rumble • West Side Story

Composer: Leonard Bernstein

This musical is a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, telling the story of star-crossed lovers in 1950s New York. The score is a mixture of jazz, Latin rhythms, and Broadway style.

Üegar Stjornurnar Palla • Katie Mahan

Composer or Performer: Katie Mahan

Katie Mahan is an American pianist. In Icelandic, this translates to "When The Stars Fall", but I've been unable to find a work/performance of hers by this name.

Waiting For Nobody • Alone ~ The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete

Composer: ?

This one stumped me. Couldn't find anything at all about it.

Four Anniversaries: 3 • For David Diamond (July 9, 1915)

Composer: Leonard Bernstein

Four Anniversaries is a piano composition written by Leonard Bernstein in 1948. It consists of four movements, each dedicated to a specific person in his life. Xavier has a CD of the third movement, written for David Leo Diamond. David Diamond was also an established composer and this movement reflected his unique style.

Blue Danube Waltz

Composer: Johann Strauss II

This is a consistently popular piece in any classical musicians repetoire.

Fun fact: Among other uses in popular culture, this is the song used in Netflix's show "Squid Game" to announce the start of arepertoire.

Champions of Folly • Roy Harris

Album by: Roy Harris

Roy Harris was a popular American composer in the 1940s. "Champions of Folly" is a specific album of his music and "The Saucy Bold Robber" is a piece from that album.

Hovhaness A.: Lousadzak / Shatakh / Achtamar / Tziakerk

Composer: Alan Hovhaness

This is a recording of pieces by Alan Hovhaness that includes: Lousadzak, Shatakh, Achtamar, and Tsiakerk. Alan Hovhaness was an American composer who was one of the most prolific of the 20th century. While his official catalog includes 67 symphonies and 493 opus numbers, a true tally of his total works comes in at more than 500 surviving works.

Bonus CD:

The subsequent part of the intro scene shows Xavier selecting one CD and putting it into a CD player. On the CD are the words "Deep Space Legend: Beyond the Universe".

[fkapommel]

I believe that it is thematically necessary for griddlehark full lyctorhood, or on Harrowhark Christ

Together, Harrow and Gideon complete the symbolism of Christ. You have the obvious Christographic imagery in the start and end of Gideon's life: she is a "virgin" birth, a genetic product of God without any sexual interaction between her mother and father; she was concieved in order to die, specifically to be sacrificed to save the souls - in a literal and metaphorical sense - of the innocent, i.e. non-necros; and she died ultimately by her own choice, dying with the use of pentrative weapons.

But Harrow is literally the "child of man" - she is the cumulation of a generation, not one but many, the many made one. Harrow resembles young Jesus debating and educating the priests of the Temple, already knowing more about the arts of the spirit, of life and death, than his teachers as an infant. Both are prodigies of their craft. She is literally and figurarively carrying her cross all of HtN, the sword physically resembles a cross and is a burden of both her and Gideon's sins. And Harrow, in her soup making era, pulled off the Eucharist, transforming Mithraeum family dinner night into sacrifical, (not metaphysical) cannibalism night. Though both G & H have lain entombed and miraculously resurected, it was Harrow that descended into Hell to interact with the dead (more on this when ATN reveals what she did in Hell).

In one way, this creates friction, a literary rivalry, between the two characters. Who is more Jesus-like? Who is more central to the narrative? I argue that its in merging them that we see a clearer narrative reflection of the scriptural material of both the physical book series and the religio-imperalist model Jod based his empire on. This meta-textual symbolism HAS to be incorporated within the narrative itself given the device of lyctohood, wherein two souls literally meld to become inseperable and indistinguishable. By becoming full lyctors (and seperately i suspect that theyll become perfect lyctor numero dos), the Christographic symbolism embodied by both Gideon and Harrow will become literal and plot relevant, and solidify their lyctorhood not just as a narrative goalpost, a "hell yea" moment for the reader, or a completion of the main narrative conflict of their constant division. Their merging via the Eightfold Path will be semi-prophetic and imbued with religious significance as they both represent a halved Christ.

Gideon and Harrow HAVE to become full/perfect lyctors not just to release the symphonic tension of their constant coming togethers and going aparts, but to complete the image of a divided messiah.

Tldr: yes gideon is jesus, but harrow is jesus too and together they make Double Jesus. Jesus pt. 2 WILL become canon via full or perfect lyctorization!!!

Edit: I do NOT think ATN will /end/ with lyctor!griddlehark; thats just not in character for either of them, nor would that provide a morally satisfying end that is in contrast to Jod's ethos. I believe they will uncover the process and either temporarily inhabit full/perfect lyctorhood, find a way to balance their soul melange equally, or sever their soul bond completely (worst option!) Them uncovering the truth to lyctorhood, however, is necessary to resolve (meta)narrative tension.

[wilddoorpublishing]

Check out the new cover for Where the Silence Sings, illustrated by Sapro, @saprophilous ! The first book in The Symphonic Masquerade series by Emery Blaine, Where the Silence Sings is a dark, dastardly, and character-driven tale about identity, secrets, and epic exploration set against a sci-fantasy backdrop. Perfect for fans at the cross-section of the Final Fantasy franchise, N. K. Jemisin, and Joe Abercrombie.

This new edition is slated to publish 1 October 2024.

Preorder links here: https://books2read.com/b/ml9nk7 (additional retailers on the way)

Find more links and info here: https://linktr.ee/wilddoorpublishing

[quillpokebiology]

Primarina Facts

(Art by Kantarou)

-The scientific name for Primarina is "Otaria Symphona" which roughly translates to "Symphonic Little-ear"

-Primarina are mustelids, and their closest relatives are Dewgong and Samurott. Surprisingly, this means that they're also related to Pokemon like Skuntank and Furret

-The bubbles that Primarina makes are made from snot and mucus. The explosive ones are made with hydrogen and other gases

-A group of Primarina is called an Opera

-Primarina live in colonies with other members of its line. It's led by a lead Primarina who leads all of their songs

-Every once a month, usually on the full moon, Primarina will perform on beaches. These wre major tourist attractions for anyone visiting the Alola region, and it's popular for wild pokemon too

-Primarina developed their singing abilities as a way to attract mates and to lure in prey. When trying to attract mates, Primarina will gather in large crowds where a Primarina (male or female) will perform a mating call. The Primararina who like the song will then mate them. The same kind of courting is used with Lapras as well, making crossbreeds between the two very common (here's a Lapras crossed with a Primarina!)

-There are old beliefs of Primarina using their voice to lure sailors to their deaths. Despite this being popular in stories, there's no records of this ever happening

-The entire line is Crepescular, meaning they're active at evening and at night

-When courting, male Primarina will give the females gifts like seashells and pearls. Primarina that have mates will carry around said items; sometimes putting them around their naturally occurring pearls as well

-Primarina most often lay their eggs in water beds (place underwater between two objects to make sure something doesn't float away). Popplio have a lot of blubber and will float up while instinctively swimming to the surface for air as well. They'll let their mother know they hatch by giving a unique call

-They're piscovores, so they only eat shells and fish. They'll use their calls to lure in fish mon

-Primarina gained popularity worldwide after the movie, "The Little Primarina," used a Primarina as its protagonist

-Unlike Popplio and Brionne, Primarina have both lungs and gills

-Primarina's hair feels very silky. It's kept clean by natural gels they secrete. It's very thick due to naturally living in the ocean

-Primarina colonies are often matriarchal and lead by a grandma

-Primarina's voice is the most important part of them, and things like battling and communicating are impossible without them. It's important to take care if their voice, like using throat sprays and letting them rest their voices properly after battles

[happilyhertale]

Life anchor – Tom Bennett x female!reader, Part 2

Pairing: Tom Bennett x fem!reader

Warnings: Misogyny, fluff

Author’s note: Hey you (:

After the first meeting between you and Tom, you can't really forget him. Even though your husband has made it clear to you that he won't tolerate it, you can't wait to see Tom again.

English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:

Word count: 2.5k

Part 1, Part 3

Other stories of mine

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Three days passed, and then the moment had come. As you stood at the edge of the harbor, your eyes lifted to see the imposing shape of the ship. Although the idea of spending a day and a night aboard this ship does not fill you with enthusiasm, a glimmer of hope remains within you - the hope of seeing Tom again. Beside you stands William, an unwavering presence. Even as you stood in the foyer of your house, he made it clear that you should behave. A warning tone that made you shudder to the core.

Without many words, you waited with Wiliam for the other guests. You listen, lost in thought, as the water beats against the basin. How the seagulls cry out and fly over your heads. As one by one everyone gathers, your attention is drawn to the captain, who reappears and offers joyful greetings. Under his guidance, you once again enter the ship, but this time you are immediately led to your cabins, which were to house you during the night. The quarters seemed unimaginably small, but the consolation was in knowing that you would not be sharing the bed with William.

Before you even had a chance to arrange your belongings, William had already left the cabin. Along with the other men, he strolled about the ship in unison with the captain, his posture showing mock fascination. He dutifully converses with a few sailors and casts attentive glances at every detail of the ship, seeming completely immersed in maritime history.

As you leave the cabin, you look forward to spending the day without William. You seek out the other wives who have already gathered on the deck. A shared understanding of your collective situation is unspoken in the air, a silent sisterhood bound by unspoken compassion that makes every conversation feel like a comfort.

On the open deck, you have a perfect view of the harbor as the ship loosened its moorings to begin its short voyage. You lean over the railing a bit to watch the dancing waves as the ship begins to move. You focused on the rhythmic motion of the waves as they refracted through the body of the ship, while the hum of your companions' conversations provided a gentle symphonic background.

Yet amidst this tranquil scenery, your gaze instinctively lifted each time a sailor crossed your vicinity. An unspoken longing slumbered within you, a hope that those steel-blue eyes would cross with yours. But with each passing sailor, the tendrils of hope slowly gave way to a quiet disappointment, a subtle shadow that you try to push aside.

A fleeting illusion briefly played tricks on your senses as you thought you spotted Tom among the sailors. A spontaneous and carefree grin appeared on your features, only to be replaced by a startled smile when you realized that it was another blond sailor who happily returned your gaze. Startled by your own reaction, you hastily averted your eyes, and a delicate blush betrayed your slight shame. Inwardly, you admonished yourself to leave this silly fuss behind and regain your composure.

As the evening drew nearer and nearer, you gave up all your hope. During the waning hours, Tom remained an elusive specter that never crossed the path of your gaze, and you are certain that you imagined it all. In the quiet of your cabin, you prepare for the upcoming dinner. Another evening of bad jokes and drunken men. You take another deep breath in and out before leaving your cabin. With deliberate steps, you approach the dining room, already filled with the laughter and conversation. William is sitting there with the other gentlemen and they seemed to have had drinks already as well. At the neighboring tables sit sailors with the marks of their voyages etched on their faces, but there, too, the alcohol is flowing. You don't want to admit it to yourself, but your eyes wander hopefully around the room, but they don't meet those steel-blue eyes.

An oppressive feeling spreads through you as you silently take a seat next to William. An other gentleman - perhaps George - settles at your other side. Gradually, the other wives join you at the table. The drinks flow ceaselessly, making the conversation increasingly awkward. You just hope that William, in his drunken stupor, doesn't get the idea of trying to sleep with you. The pressure in your chest expands again and you long to retreat to the solitude of your cabin. But then the tone of the conversation changes abruptly and you are jolted out of your thoughts. Your fertility is the subject of discussion - and you feel the nausea rising in you.

"Why don't you have a son yet?" George asks William, without even looking at you, he leans forward and looks directly at William.

William is draining his glass and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Y/n just isn't able to grow a son inside of her...", William replies, slurring his words clearly audible.

You close your eyes for a moment and want to just throw up.

Suddenly there is a hand on your thigh and you look down at your thighs, startled. That hand doesn't belong to William and your gaze jumps to George, "Maybe you're not fucking her neatly enough?" And though he looks at you with his glazed eyes and lets his gaze wander over your body, his words are directed at William.

You bat his hand away, but he puts it back on your thigh and grabs you tighter. The other men laugh lightly and you hear William chuckle beside you.

"Well, I guess she just dried up," William says, sipping his next drink. The other women's gazes are on you. The looks reflect a mixture of compassion and hidden relief at not being the topic of conversation.

A haze of tears gathers in your eyes, and with greater determination you slap George's outstretched hand away from your thigh. Despite his insistent grin, you rise from the table, nearly knocking over the chair in your haste. Without a single word, you leave the room, your hurried footsteps echoing through the room as you exit the dining area.

With a purposeful stride, you cross the unfamiliar path ahead of you. Not knowing your destination, you let your feet guide you, propelled by a wave of raw emotion. The pressure in your chest becomes an unbearable burden, and as tears blur your surroundings, you navigate carefully to avoid accidental collisions. Your footsteps carry you on amid your sobs until you suddenly find yourself on top of the deck, which becomes a place of solitude in the evening hours.

You almost breathe a sigh of relief - a moment of seclusion that gives you peace. Your path leads you to the stern of the ship, where you lean against the railing, your breath coming in rapid gasps, and fatigue settling in your bones. Again you are struck by the calm of the waves crashing against the hull. An almost soothing rhythm in contrast to the turmoil inside you.

Your eyes are fixed on the vastness of the black sea, while your thoughts linger on your inner turmoil. The salty smell of the sea air fills your senses. At that moment, the thought of surrendering to the embrace of the sea and escaping the burden of existence becomes a tantalizing prospect. A heavy gulp follows, hindered by the spreading heaviness that has settled in your chest. Your fingers clutch the railing, your grip is desperate and determined at the same time. Before your mind can catch up with you, you find yourself on the first bar of the railing, suspended between two worlds.

You breathe heavily and feel the adrenaline in your limbs. Determined, you swing your leg over the railing, still holding on tightly to it. You can literally feel the great expanse spreading out behind you, the fresh wind blowing around you and seeming to dispel the heaviness in your chest. Almost magically, the darkness of the sea draws you in. It wants to envelop you, to finally give you peace and quiet. You close your eyes and notice how your fingers loosen around the railing.

"Y/n?" it suddenly sounds and your attention is diverted from your supposed salvation.

You open your eyes and see the steel-blue eyes. The eyes you've been longing for, the eyes that would take the heaviness off your chest.

But Tom doesn't seem relaxed. He looks worried. And suddenly you remember you're on the wrong side of the railing. Your fingers grip the railing tighter again.

"Y/n... What are ya doing...?" he says in a calm voice, but you notice that this calmness doesn't reach the rest of his body.

You don't answer, but your heavy breathing can clearly be heard.

"Please don't do that...", Tom whispers. He takes a step towards you. He moves very slowly, afraid that he might scare you.

"I would have to save ya. Jump in after ya, ya know," he says with a slightly desperate smile.

"You wouldn't have to," you reply quietly, but in a firm voice.

But he just nods slightly and takes another step toward you.

"I'm a sailor... It's my job to protect ya," he says. He takes the next step.

"It's not," you say in an even firmer voice.

"And I'm tired of men telling me what their job is, what to do and what not to do.... What I have to do," you say a little angrily, not paying attention for a moment. Your one foot loses its grip and slips into the dark void, you cry out slightly.

"Hey!", Tom shouts loudly and is immediately at your side.

He holds your arms tightly and tries to pull you back up.

You look at him and breathe heavily. His blue eyes stare at you, taking the heaviness out of your chest.

"Okay. I'm not going to tell ya what to do..." he says softly, but you can feel how hard he's breathing, "But I can't let ya fall into the water right now, okay?"

You nod just slightly, and suddenly you feel a fear that if you let go now, you wouldn't be able to see his blue eyes.

"Come..." he says gently, helping you climb back over the railing. With careful steps, you climb back over the railing. Tom's hands don't even leave your body. Only as you stand in front of him, safe, does his grip become gentler. He begins to gently rub your arms, coaxing warmth back into your being.

After some time, a slight smile plays around his lips.

"Come, I'll show ya something," he whispers.

With a slight nod of your head, you comply and surrender to his guidance. His arm wraps around your shoulders, a support that pulls you close. At that moment, his scent dances into your senses, an intoxicating elixir that completely captivates you. Your gaze is transfixed on his face and you notice the warm feeling inside you that you already felt while dancing. You sink into his pleasant nearness.

Lost in the flood of your feelings, you don't notice the path Tom is taking until he unexpectedly comes to a stop. Standing at the bow of the ship, your eyes are fixed on the distance the ship is heading. Tom places your hands on the railing as he stands close behind you. His arms are wrapped around you as if in an embrace, making you feel safe. His hands rest on yours, his thumbs gently stroking the backs of your hands. Your shared silence makes this moment perfect. You feel his warm breath on the back of your neck, his nose gently grazing your ear. The sea, once so alluring, has completely lost its magic. Its call is muffled, no longer as irresistible as the refuge in Tom's embrace.

"Don't look behind... You'll miss so many beautiful things...", Tom whispers in your ear, "If ya look ahead, you'll see much more beautiful, new things."

When you turn your gaze to the side and meet his eyes, goose bumps run down your skin. At that moment, tears well up in your eyes - the expression for the overwhelming feelings that rise within you. It is like a profound realization; a lifetime spent in the sea of uncertainty, and suddenly, as if predestined by fate, he appears. In seemingly no time at all, he reshapes the world you know and makes you the center of his world. A gentle nod escapes you, a wordless approval of the deep connection unfolding.

In the midst of this tender interlude, a soft smile plays around Tom's lips, his touches resembling a gentle whisper as he gently caress your cheek with his nose. The warmth of his breath continues to dance on your skin, a tantalizing foretaste of what might come - but he holds back the kiss. You've never longed so much to feel a man's lips. It's a moment suspended in time, full of unspoken promises and the exquisite tension of a love that is just beginning to unfurl its wings.

"Let me take ya to bed..." he suddenly says softly.

Your eyes widen as your breath catches in your throat and your cheeks flush.

"Not like that, love," he says immediately when he sees the blush on your cheeks and chuckles briefly.

"Well... actually, yes, but no," he adds and again he manages to elicit a laugh from you. He smiles at you, "I like your laugh much better than those sad features," he says softly. You feel the heaviness in your chest fade into the background with Tom at your side. Again you lose yourself in his gaze.

"Okay, sailor... Take me to bed," you say with a slight smile.

"At your service, milady," he says with a smile. Gently, he withdraws from you, carrying with him the comforting embrace of his presence. Immediately, an all-encompassing longing blossoms within you, yearning to be enveloped by his nearness once again. Hesitantly, your grip around the railing loosens, and you turn to face Tom. He stands there in his uniform, giving you a bright smile, a beacon of reassurance. He extends his hand, a silent invitation, and you grasp the life anchor he offers you. Gradually he leads you along the path to your cabin, each step a harmonious dance of shared anticipation of what may be to come, and at the same time with the conscience that your time together will soon be over.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Tag list:

@aemonds-wifey @hoshi-miharu-blog @arryn-nyx @aemonds-eyeball @praline357 @melsunshine @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @lauftivy @bellaisasleep @snh96

[black-arcana]

"Oh my god, there was so much talk: ‘I bet there’s a real rivalry going on!'" How Within Temptation and Tarja Turunen formed the ultimate symphonic metal tag team for blockbuster single Paradise (What About Us?)

Two symphonic metal icons united for this powerhouse 2013 single. Sharon and Tarja tell us how it all came together

(Image credit: Press)

When Within Temptation and Nightwish released their debut albums in 1997, there wasn’t a name for the kind of music they made. Within Temptation’s Enter, released in April, took obvious influence from gothic metal bands like Paradise Lost, but its grandiose, elegiac compositions and symphonic undertones hinted at the direction the band would eventually take. Conversely, Nightwish’s Angels Fall First, released in November, approached metal from a different direction, drawing more directly and heavily on folk and classical music. Ultimately, both bands would spearhead the symphonic metal movement of the early 2000s. But, anchored as it was around two charismatic women – Sharon den Adel and Tarja Turunen respectively – history tells us surely there must have been some rivalry. Symphonic metal’s answer to Blur vs Oasis perhaps, or Mustaine vs Metallica?

"You look so beautiful, Sharon!” beams Tarja, as her counterpart joins a Zoom call. Erm... maybe not then.

Hammer is speaking to both vocalists more than a decade on from their collaboration on the Within Temptation song Paradise (What About Us?), the lead single from 2014’s Hydra. As soon as Sharon joins, any notion of tension is quashed. Tarja’s expressive face lights up and the pair chat animatedly.

There’s a clear camaraderie between them as they joke and discuss new developments. Which raises the question, was the ‘rivalry’ just a load of bollocks?

“Oh my God! There was so much talk, like, ‘I bet there’s a real rivalry going on between you and Sharon’,” Tarja says, hissing like a cat to illustrate her point. “I was just very happy to see more girls singing in bands. It made me feel really proud of the movement. I still am!”

“We didn’t even really become aware of the idea of ‘symphonic metal’ until later when journalists started giving it a name,” Sharon admits. “I don’t think there was much overlap between Nightwish and Within Temptation. The music was very different but because there were some similarities, people had to give it a name!”

Those similarities were enough to turn Within Temptation and Nightwish into leaders of the burgeoning symphonic metal movement, however. Sharon and Tarja were soon upheld as inspirations for a subsequent wave of symphonically inclined artists that included Epica, Leaves’ Eyes and Delain, dispelling the notion of metal as a boys’ club.

“We often felt like the strange duck on the festival bill because there was a woman in the band where most bands had male singers,” Sharon says. “Plus, I wasn’t really from the scene when I started out – I was a big grunge girl!”

“I started out in classical music so I was a complete weirdo in metal, too!” Tarja chimes in. “Though I never let that experience bother me. I felt the embrace of the crowd, but also our colleagues were really nice, so I never needed to grow balls. Although, maybe I got used to it, because I had two brothers at home and was the only girl in my primary class. Six years with nothing but boys! Urgh!”

Although separated by more than 2,000 kilometres, it wasn’t long before the pair became aware of each other’s work.

“When I first heard Within Temptation, I was like, ‘This woman has such an angelic voice’,” recalls Tarja. “We must’ve still been working on that first Nightwish record, so I’ve been aware of them from the very beginning, really!”

“The first time I became aware of Nightwish, we played a festival together,” says Sharon. “People were really excited about the band so we went to see them. We were blown away by Tarja’s presence onstage. It was so powerful... so diva!”

However, the bands’ chances to cross paths proved surprisingly few and far between. By the end of the 2000s, Within Temptation were undeniably still symphonic metal scene leaders. They’d also grown tired of the tag. Both 2004’s The Silent Force and 2007’s The Heart Of Everything had topped the charts in their native Netherlands – as well as charting internationally – but the group were getting increasingly itchy about where they could go next. 2011’s The Unforgiving was a sprawling, multimedia concept record that saw the band incorporate more pop influence into their music. Now the pressure was on to reinvent themselves again.

“Hydra was our most difficult album,” Sharon acknowledges. “We were very much searching for direction, because we’d already achieved our biggest sound. So it wasn’t like we could go much bigger than that, particularly in terms of symphonics. We were searching for a way to evolve and take inspiration from something new.”

It was an exciting time, but the creative tumult meant some ideas almost got scrapped entirely.

“Paradise (What About Us?) was one of the few more typical Within Temptation songs on that album, but that whole record took a lot of searching,” Sharon remembers. “I actually wrote it with our keyboardist, Martijn [Spierenburg], and when I first looked back on it I was like, ‘Urgh, this is too much!’ It was Robert [Westerholt, guitars and Sharon’s husband] who insisted it was really good, and he wrote the song’s main riff. I had originally written it with just lines on the piano, but he added a whole different flavour to it that really worked. Otherwise Paradise might’ve ended up in the waste bin!”

During the writing process for the record, Within Temptation decided to reach out to a number of guest vocalists, feeling they could add unique flavours to the music. They signed up former Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones, Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and even rapper Xzibit, but by far their biggest coup was enlisting Tarja to sing on lead single Paradise (What About Us)?.

“There were two reasons we wanted Tarja for Paradise,” Sharon admits. “Not only for her voice – we felt like she could really add something – but also because in a more literal sense we figured it would be paradise for the fans! Ha ha ha!”

As it turned out, Tarja was delighted by the opportunity. She’d been trying to catch up with Sharon over the years, but their schedules had never aligned. Now they were working together, they could connect properly.

“It felt like I’d known her forever,” Tarja says happily. “I kind of felt that connection even before we met; Sharon must have gone through so many similar things to myself. We could recognise each other.”

Although they were bonding, there was still a distance between Tarja and Sharon – physically, at least. Tarja provided her vocals remotely from a studio in Buenos Aires, where she was living with her husband and infant daughter.

“I was bubbling with the joy of being a new mother and my family travelled with me everywhere, even to the studio when I recorded [2013 album] Colours In The Dark,” Tarja says. “I’d faced a lot of challenges of my own; I wasn’t really trusting in my abilities as a songwriter, for example. Paradise helped me so much, because it was so nice to even be asked about something like that. I think I had been waiting – without knowing – for something big to really happen. I didn’t doubt for a millisecond that this collaboration would be special!”

As it turned out, the distance also helped Tarja interpret the song, and gave her a bit of breathing room to work on ideas.

“I was really nervous!” she admits. “I think if Sharon and the guys had been next to me, that would have been something completely different. Because I was somewhere else, I could get into the song in my own way.”

“That’s also beautiful, because it means Tarja’s meaning for the song became its own thing,” Sharon adds. “For me, the song was about how we never learn from our mistakes as human beings. Because it’s such a big and cinematic song, Tarja’s voice added that enormity to it. She’s the empress!”

Released on September 27 2013, Paradise (What About Us?) finally united two of symphonic metal’s leading ladies. Predictably, the response was ecstatic from critics and fans alike, and to date the song has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify, as well as more than 100 million on YouTube. In turn, when its parent album, Hydra, was released on February 4, it quickly became Within Temptation’s most successful release to date, topping the charts at home in the Netherlands while landing a Top 10 position in the UK (No.6) and Top 20 in the US (No.16).

More than a decade on from its release, Paradise (What About Us?) feels like the moment Within Temptation drew a line under everything that had come before, saluting the original leading lights of symphonic metal while also elevating them beyond the genre and into arena-conquering territory.

“Doing a song together, when nobody expected it, was so positive on every level,” Sharon says. “We still have this connection after all these years, and our friendship has only grown from that point.”

“It gave me a new friend in my life,” agrees Tarja. “It’s a song of friendship to me. I’m so happy we could bring people joy and love by working on this together.”

Within Temptation's latest album Bleed Out is out now. The band tour the UK with Tarja Turunen in support this month

[melancholyghoul]

another snippet !! this one for a 4alarmfire fic i am working on ~

wc: 1081 [so far]

r: explicit

Carlos and TK were on their couch. The room was coated in a blue glow emanating from the ignored TV. They had sat down to watch something, dressed in their pyjamas (TK in one of his boyfriend's light grey hoodies and black boxers, Carlos in a pair of blue plaid bottoms and a tight black t-shirt), but couldn't find anything worthwhile. Carlos ended up picking up a book from the end table next to him, TK laid his head on Carlos' shoulder, arms wrapped around his left one, hand resting on his knee. All of a sudden, TK erupted in a sweet symphonic giggle.

'What's tickled you so bad?' Carlos chuckled at him.

'Oh, It's nothing, just something Buck sent me.' He grinned at his phone in his hand, Carlos felt so warm whenever he saw that smile.

'That firefighter you met during the wildfires?' He asked, 'You sure do speak to him a lot, mi vida.'

'No I don't!' He scoffed light-heartedly, 'I speak to him a totally normal amount.'

Carlos smiled, 'Even if you did, you light up whenever you do. You get that twinkle in your eye, redness in your cheeks…' He looked at him with insistence, all he got in response was a confused look, 'you like him Tyler.'

TK sat up straight and swallowed a lump in his throat, is that what this was? The jokes and the late night conversations? Oh my God… they were flirting, 'I-I love you, Carlos.' He stated, Carlos just laughed.

'I didn't say you didn't.' He raised a hand to TK's cheek, 'What I am saying is that you are totally into this…' He picked up TK's phone, seeing Buck's Instagram profile, a picture of him in the gym flexing his bicep - a cheeky smile on his pink lips, slight blonde waves danced on his forehead, 'very attractive LA firefighter who seems to make you laugh, and smile, and blush the way I do.' He scrolls through more messages between them, it is full of flirty responses and stupid jokes, but also genuine divulgence. They shared a lot with each other, more than average 'totally normal' friends do, 'Tell me what you think of him. And be totally honest.'

TK moved to sit cross legged, facing Carlos, who moved one leg up onto the couch to face him back. His hands fidgeted in his lap and sighed, 'Buck is just… so sweet. He's thoughtful, he always messages me about things that I like and loves to share random facts. We've talked about everything, he's told me about his firehouse family - the 118; he told me about growing up in Pennsylvania, about his travels.' TK chuckled, 'He's also totally in love with his best friend and doesn't realise it.' He softened, 'He's smart, and selfless. He's been through a lot, like we have. And I can't not mention how gorgeous he is. He has these big blue eyes and adorable wavy blonde curls - you know how I love curly hair.' He runs his hands through Carlos', 'His shoulders and chest are broad, strong hands, I honestly think that if I was in a room with the two of you - I wouldn't survive.'

Carlos loved seeing his boyfriend happy. He knows he can sometimes get jealous, but not when it's so genuine like this. Maybe possessive is more the word for it. Anyone under his care and love should only get the best treatment - TK and anyone else. He knew that whatever he felt about Buck didn't mean he didn't also feel it for him as well, the two can coexist. From what TK has told him, he believed he could probably feel the same if he got to know him more. He also wasn't going to deny that the idea of adding another person to their life (and bedroom) was intriguing to him.

'So you've thought about it…' Carlos nodded his head forward, raising an accusatory eyebrow. TK's face grew very red, his eyes widening.

'W-what? I-I mean…' He stuttered, Carlos moved his hands, one to caress his shoulder, the other gripped his chin, insisting, 'Yes. Maybe. O-once or twice.'

Carlos pressed a sweet kiss to his lips, 'Just him? Or all three of us?' He asked, trailing his hands down to TK's thighs. He started to kiss down his jaw.

'B-both of you.' He breathed as Carlos sucked on his skin.

He turned TK around and pulled him onto his lap. He snaked his arms around his boyfriend's waist, hugging him closer as he whispered into the nape of his neck, 'Why don't you tell me about it?' He kissed down his shoulder, pulling at the fabric of TK's hoodie to get him to take it off. TK then relaxed against him, breathing unsteady, as Carlos roamed his hands around his naked torso, sneaking little bites across his frame.

'I, u-uh…' TK moaned, to embarrassed to say the contents of his fantasies aloud.

'Hmmm, maybe I should guess,' Carlos hummed against his skin, 'Do you want to kiss his lips and taste his tongue while you feel me suck and bruise your skin like I am right now? Stuck in-between two strong men, he reaches his hand down to stroke your cock while I grind against your ass, huh?' TK whimpered and reached his hand up to caress Carlos' hair. Carlos brought a hand down to his crotch to rub against the growing tent in his underwear. TK rocked his hips, 'Or maybe, you're riding me, feeling my hands grip your hips as he fucks your mouth, baby?'

'All of it, please.' TK whined.

'What if I cuffed you against the headboard like you like,' Carlos tucked his hand below the waistband of his boxers, 'You're laying on the bed, exposed, but you can only watch as I make-out with the other man of your fantasies.'

'God, Carlos,' TK breathed, 'I didn't think you'd be so into this.'

To be honest, neither did he, but after weeks of TK talking about this firefighter and occasionally letting his more unsavoury thoughts slip, his mind had started to wander. He liked where it was travelling.

Carlos simply growled in response, pulling TK out of his underwear, rubbing his thumb across his tip. He whined against his touch, he loved how vocal he was. He believed he was so talented in bed, and he's more than willing to share his gifts. He brought his hand to his mouth and coated it in saliva.

[flamingtunapictures]

AA Spirit of Justice - Game Review

Tl:dr - A visual and symphonic triumph, this title delivers on striking visuals, a beautiful score, and a wacky, colorful cast innate to the AA DNA. Though there is absence of robust worldbuilding, the story is engaging, ending with an epic finale episode. 

Spirit of Justice is one of the longest titles in mainline Ace Attorney games, clocking in at an average of 25-30 hours of gameplay. It features a cross oceanic adventure that takes up courtroom calls in the familiar “Japanafornia,” but also in the new Asianic/Tibetan-inspired Kingdom of Khura’in. 

Visually and symphonically this game is an absolute triumph. The game falls in line with the latest generation of Ace Attorney games, defined by immaculate employ of 3D graphics and animations. State-side character designs and animations are some of the brightest, wackiest, and most memorable of the entire series. I have found over the years the AA witness designs I reminisce over the most tend to come from this game. The main eastern counterparts are equally visually striking, albeit not as compelling or memorable as they could have been (more on that later). 

The music, per usual, metered and complimented the world and narrative beautifully. From sentimental originals like Reminiscence: Inherited Hopes, to new cultural sounds of Defendant’s Lobby and reorchestrations of classics Allegro, Pursuit, and Troupe Gramarye, there was never a reason to turn the volume down.

Gameplay wise, the game functions virtually the same as all the previous titles with the addition of “Seance Divinations.” This new mechanic allows you to behold the final memories of the deceased…in order to point out contradictions in classic AA fashion. A neat thought, however not entirely memorable or largely contributive to the gameplay as a whole. If anything, it just provides another venue for player frustration at “obscure logic” to manifest (I’m looking at you “man’s voice”).

Most importantly however, as it comes to AA games, how is the story? As I mentioned before, this game is an average of 7 hours longer than your typical AA game. It features 5 episodes instead of the usual 4, bouncing between East and West to give all protagonists equal facetime. 

The first episode acts to establish the new Kingdom of Khura’in and the Divination Seance. It is quick, orientational, and full of excellent characters. My main criticism would be the generally insufferable characterization of Nick as the worst kind of tourist.* 

The second case brings you back “home” and treats fans to classic Apollo/Trucy shenanigans and more Troupe Gramarye lore. 

The (infamous) third episode returns you to the land of Khura’in to solve an unfortunately drawn-out and convoluted tale of death supported by a cast of uninspiring, vanilla characters. Its purpose was to establish plot points for the final episode. However, I’m not totally convinced they were necessary for the final episode to land as well as it did. For that reason, the main purpose of episode three was actually to celebrate the return of Maya Fey in the most Maya way possible: Maya getting accused of murder…again! 

The fourth episode brings you back stateside for a quick one day cross-examination of kooky rakugo school students helmed by Athena and special guest Simon Blackquill. It’s a rather inconsequential episode in terms of overall plot, but I found it delightful nonetheless. 

The game finally wraps up with its piece de resistance final act —Turnabout Revolution. This episode was a diligent convergence of East and West, giving both settings equal presence and relevance to the final arc. Not only did it lean into AA legacy locations/references like Kurain Village, but, much like Luke Atmey’s larceny case from Trials and Tribulations, the courtroom battle deviates from the typical murder-trial cadence. In the first act of Turnabout Revolution, Apollo and Phoenix go head to head in a civil dispute case. Gone are the too-oft’ drawn out rebuttals, ad-hominem attacks, and tangents on incompetency from the prosecution. In its place, a steady, well paced, respectful exchange is had between attorneys. The first case concludes on an ambiguously sinister note that forces the characters to deadhead east to Khura’in. It is in this new setting the final compelling plot twists, hard-hitting sentimentality, and absolutely stunning character designs are revealed.

MAIN CRITICISM

For as compelling and inspiring the final act was, there was much left wanting in this title as a whole. I think this is largely due to the Kingdom of Khura'in’s lamentable lack of depth and cultural development. Visually and musically it is executed beautifully, but nevertheless remains skin-deep. There is little for world-building fans to sink their teeth into. Consequently, characterization and story intrigue are sacrificed. 

While I could comment on the gimmicky religion that is too often treated with the reverence of parody, I would prefer to focus on what I perceive to be the largest under-miner to what could have been a robust Khura’in.

There was a notable lack of consideration taken towards the use of the Khur’ainese language. Sure, there is a word or two, the suggestion of a written language, and Sahdmadhi had that one VA line (that didn’t even sound like a convincing language), but nothing sociologically compelling. The names are some of the laziest puns in the entire series, opting to just drop letters and add apostrophes to existing English words. They are entertaining, but forfeit opportunities for a believable culture in lieu of a quick laugh.

Imagine the intrigue that could be infused if two Khura’inese characters (Dhurke and Datz for example) converse in <Khura’inese> in front of Nick. It would enforce the feeling of Nick being a foreigner in a foreign land and that the Kingdom of Khura’in is its own legitimate ecosystem. *Having characters converse in their native language in front of Nick would also help abate the irritating characterization of him as the “self-righteous,” boisterous, and meddling foreigner. The lack of basic tourist etiquette killed me during this game. I understand Phoenix is the main character, but sometimes taking a third person perspective to a country sorting out their own problems makes for a much stronger narrative.

Now let’s take a look at Apollo as another example of how the use of a <foreign language> could add more character depth. The man grew up in a foreign country and doesn’t talk about it — that is fascinating. Now imagine if the use of foreign language was mixed into how that story was revealed. What if, instead of just his father showing up after 10+ years in the Wright Anything Agency office saying, “Hi Son! Long time no see,” he said, “<Hi Son! Long time no see>,” and then Apollo responds in (rusty) Khura’inese, “<What are you doing here?>”  We would all become Trucy Wright in that moment, and the question wouldn’t just be, “How do you know this man?” It would bloom into, “How did you understand what this man said?”, “Wait, Apollo speaks a foreign language?” Then it would become “How do you know this man?” etc. The intrigue and layers this interaction alone could add to Apollo as a character are there for the taking…if only a second longer was taken to incorporate the use of <Khura'inese>.

Finally, the choice to not employ accents in the voice acting of the Khura'inese characters (Dhurke, Rayfa, Datz, Ahlbi, Guards etc) feels nothing short of lazy. The use of accents would have added a nice touch of texture to the already visually striking characters. If a game like Dragon Quest VIII can cast a variety of generically “foreign” accents to even its minor characters, there’s no legitimate reason the citizens of Khura’in should be depicted with the flattest American accents imaginable.

In conclusion, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice is a solid title to the main series. Though it suffers from weak world-building, its story is still largely compelling and enjoyable to play!

[lavenderselkie]

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「amythystkiah: When Americana and Symphonic metal cross paths!

I never thought in million years that @ amylee (Evanescence) would ever see me sing at a diner in Nashville, TN. Her band was my first introduction to symphonic metal, and her voice was one that has undoubtedly influenced me as a singer. So, for her to tell me she loved my voice was quite the full circle moment for my inner 15 y/o suburban misfit! Thanks for the hang and encouraging words, it was an honor! 🙏🏽🤘🏽⚡️」

I shared this from instagram but I had to copypaste the above caption. I just wanted to show everyone this image of Amy Lee and Amythyst Kiah.

[simonsquest]

A playlist of tracks inspired by Simon's first siege on Castlevania. :) It's significantly shorter than my last playlist, but I hope you enjoy it all the same. Like last time, I highlighted pertinent lyrics under the cut and included a link to each song on YouTube.

Genres: Power metal, symphonic metal, metalcore

Please be advised the lyrics can be quite graphic.

DRACULA X! - MARC HUDSON, JACKY VINCENT, ADRIENNE COWAN (warning: flashing images in the video) Alive under the blackened skies The hunter waits in disguise For the evil one's in sight tonight And the time is right Behind veils of a masquerade Descend brave and nameless heroes We will strike tonight, protect what's right Beneath the cover of moonlight For the sake of mankind, we must lead the blind And vanquish all the demons Across the devil's red sand, through thе archways grand A neverending mazе See the angels of light ever falling Voices on high ever calling "Now is the time to make a stand!" We strike, fighting through hordes of undead Searching the chambers unending For our one desire, the great vampire And banishing his soul with fire See the angels of light ever falling Voices on high ever calling "You will die now and leave this world!" In the castle walls Where the demons crawl We will end this reign of endless night As the palace burns Justice shall return And lift the shadows that once eclipsed the earth Until the day you rise again When the sun shines again over the promised land Forever enshrined upon our hands, the fate of every man See the sunlight fade away, behold the night again and witness The rising dust, call for blood, breaking the minds of men Yet the fear inside falls away tonight For our destiny awaits us As the prophecies spoke through the ages told The sun will shine again Leave behind all of life's fleeting stories Come forth tonight into glory Raise your swords high and storm the gates!

POWER OF WILL - DYNAZTY I'm here to burn down the past I rise to build something to last I shall refuse to ever bend Through the storm that has no end I'm gonna make the wrong be right No matter what I stand before I'll be afraid no more I am here, I'm awake 'Cause this world is mine to take Through the power of will I'll find my still again I will take the pain and let it make me strong 'cause I believe There's a force no pain can kill The power of will I've seen the bridge over all grief It's the power of belief I'm gonna cross it all with ease I'm gonna bend realities I know the way out of the dark I hold the compass in my heart, yes I'll tear down the past, build something to last I'll walk through the towering shadows been cast Through power of will I'll shatter the still Turn every stone till all the lies have been killed I'll bend, never break, I'll earn what I make I'll stand up for what I believe is at stake My will's made of stone, it's infused to the bone It's a fire-lit force with the potency of a cyclone

CALL OF THE WILD (FEAT. HANSI KURSCH) - POWERWOLF When in the night at the altar we're standing Staring at the icon on the wall When we unite for the sermon pretending The holy word by our blood we're defending Wear the crown of thorns to praise the fall Stand up, tonight we raise the call We bring the call of the wild to the sign of the sacristy Rest in the eye of our sanctity Before the dawn we are hallowed and praying Another night, all the sermon obeying Breaking down the altar and the verse Preaching all the night to break the curse

INCENSE & IRON - POWERWOLF Follow the dead in the dark of damnation Pious in head and a demon at heart Sworn to the night, an evangelist nation born Under the sign of the dark Gather the wild from the horde of the brave men Brothers allied, fight the storm of this curse Combat ahead and the night calls for heroes Ready for fire command Revel in red come and wake up to bring no remorse Stand up as force Rise over the dead, bring us ahead, incense and iron Fight all of the night, banners up high to the top of the land Right into the red, all you can get, incense and iron Stand, follow the fight, doing the right as we come to defend

LET’S BURY THE HATCHET… IN YOUR HEAD - ICE NINE KILLS You sold our souls, so burn in Hell You fucking did this to yourself again Now, bow your head You suffocated us for the last time We paid the price for your pathetic vice So now we're taking back what's ours: Our name, our blood, our life, our cause! Oh! So, wake up Here's a mirror so you can see This crooked, spineless, disgusting man That's become your legacy Here and now I'm pulling all my strings I have with God I'm hoping to find a better way I pray the only thing I need is time To rid the world of your lunacy You're as faithful as a false prophet So, here's a prophecy for you: Yeah, you'll remember me (remember me, remember me!) When you're struggling to breathe! Can't you see what a monster you've become? I couldn't watch the world through your eyes Salvation for you's in the hands of God So save your prayers and just beg for life I'm fucking done with you

THE PLOT SICKENS - ICE NINE KILLS We’ll make it out alive Lord hear our prayer across the air Is God’s intent final decent or just a test of our faith? If we have to crawl out, in spite of this hell We’ll find a way out, we’ll find a way out Left behind by God or the devil himself To find a way, find a way, to make it out alive The sight at hand, gruesome and grand, cannot be rectified Searching for signs of life in wreckage we can’t recognize We cry out for those who can’t be saved One foot on sacred ground and one foot in the grave Steady we climb, ready to die To look salvation in the eye If we have to crawl out, in spite of this hell We’ll find a way, find away, to make it out alive

FEED THE FLAME - THAUROROD Fire from the heart Master it while you are Searching for truth Of our lives You are the light Walk through the fire To enter the light Banish the eternal night Stand tall and proud Let your heart feed the flame Things will never again Be the same This much is true Heaven or hell It starts with you Change begins with yourself Reach for the light In our lives Fight the good fight

EAGLEHEART - STRATOVARIUS All through the night he is lying awake Wondering how much more can he take Watching the walls where the shadows dance Drifting away into a trance And his eyes are blazing with fire Dreams burnt to ashes so many times Highest of mountains, still he climbs Ready to fly 'cause he just can't stay Flame burning brighter with every day And his eyes are blazing with fire Longing for the deepest desire Fever is burning in his veins Determined with courage, breaking the chains Back against the wall, under blood red skies Prepared to fight until he dies

[thethroneislost]

Necromantia - "Crossing the Fiery Path" - 1993 Greece Black Metal, Symphonic Black Metal

[snapthistiger]

exercise 08232024

3 x 10 lat pull

3 x 5 dips

3 x 10 tricep press

3 x 10 row

30 minutes on the step mill

3 x 10 overhead press

3 x 10 seated press

worked lifeguard job 8a to 6p

the gym workers received Dove chocolates

stayed at my Mom's house last night. she was kinda cross about dinner and finally ate some cereal. she went to sleep at 930p and had a quiet night after watching some of the DNC

bottom = watched swimmers most of the day and listened to 70s rock music and Pink Floyd symphonic at work

top left = picked up McD on my lunch break

hope you have a peaceful afternoon and evening..

[fatkish]

Musical Breathing Techniques/Forms

(These are for my Demon Slayer series of HC’s and etc. Anyone can use these in their stories)

1st form: Sonata Allegro

Nunchucks are swung down and loops behind them before coming around the front creating an x

2nd Form: Symphony Battaglia

Utilizing the blades, the nunchucks are spun in circles before crossing overhead, then being spun again

3rd Form: Heaven’s Ballad

Nunchucks are held close to the body, using only the blades, the wielder jumps high in the air with their blades pointing in opposite directions and spinning, creating a fan blade like move upon descent

4th Form: Whistling Echoes

One nunchuck is swung left at the the targets feet while the other is swung upwards at the enemy’s head. This form repeats the action, thus creating a whistle like sound

5th Form: Symphony Cappriccio

Nunchucks are swung in an omnidirectional pattern creating a ringing sound as well as a defensive barrier

6th Form: Sonata Cresendo

Nunchucks are spun and then slammed into the ground. The ground breaks creating a loud sound and slight tremors

7th Form: Symphonic Counterpoint

Utilizing the blades, the nunchucks are swung parallel to each other horizontally,

8th Form: Battle Rhapsody

Utilizing the blades, the nunchucks are spun in circles as the wielder dances in an S around the enemy

9th Form: Lullaby of Sorrow

A single painless slash decapitates the target

10th Form: Magnum Opus

Similar to Giyuu’s 11th form, Dead Calm, no attacks get through