#rider’s lullaby

[frosteaart]

"you're okay, you're alright. I'll never, ever leave your side."

Commission for @intotheelliwoods

[squirrilous]

[godbirdart]

is the "Rest now, tormented soul" phrase on your recently-posted art (beautiful btw!) possibly a centaurworld reference?

it is!! I like to listen to sad music a lot while I'm drawing, and I'm not immune to making song lyrics the titles for some of my art

[aceofstars16]

I one again have an idea for an animatic that I will not make lol

[pinkpoweredpunk]

———

[ ATTACHED: A video. Blake can be seen leaning on the edge of examination table, where King lay wrapped in blankets, unsettlingly still. They’re running their hand up and down the Servine’s covered back, singing a soft melody to her.

“You’re okay… you’re alright…”

King manages to open her eyes, looking towards her trainer with a soft, almost inaudible trill from her throat.

“I’ll never ever leave your side…”

Blake’s voice begins to crack and waver. They move their hand to her head, gentle rubbing her temple with their index finger.

“I will stay…”

King sighs and lets her eyes flutter shut, relaxing to the sound of her trainer’s singing.

“I will fight-…”

Their voices dwindles down into quiet sobs, and King reopens her eyes to see them burying their face into their arms. “I’m sorry,” they croak, knotting a hand through their hair. “This is all my fault. I was too reckless, I-I let my anger get the better of me. I’m so sorry.”

King lets out a weak, sorrowful noise, and you can see in her eyes how much she wants to move closer to them and nuzzle against them.

There’s a flash of red, but it’s not enough to get them to look up. Two Pokémon appear on either side of Blake; a Panpour and a Woobat. Cordelia chitters and kneels down on the table, soothingly running her paw through her trainer’s hair. Beau squeaks sadly, fluttering around them for a moment before nestling himself into the fluffy wool lining of their jacket collar.

Soon enough, their heavy cries start to ease into quiet sniffles. Cordelia looks up from the human, casting a worried gaze towards King. The Servine offers her a feeble but reassuring smile, and blinks slowly.

Twitching her ear, Cordelia returns the smile, before going back to caressing her trainer’s head.

End video.]

———

[ratasum]

Comically I only have two characters who use the canon in game voices, and that's Qirri and Vezz, who sound like Colleen O'Shaughnessy and Steve Staley respectively.

Everyone else has other voices I've picked. A small selection can be seen below:

Rosie is Jessie Mueller

Agaue is Heather Headley

Elektra is Suzanne Plechette

Oaklinna is Minnie Driver

Makko is Carrie Ann Moss

Umbra is Ashleigh Ball

Xeonna is Eden Espinosa

I have more but I can't think of them at the moment so. Short list jfkdls.

[kittdestiny]

You're okay, you're alright I'll never, ever leave your side I will stay, I will fight With you

@kingnin64 <333

[loganslowdown4]

May 2024 TS Playlist!

This playlist was indeed so calming, it was also moving and sweet. It has a je ne sai quoi about it that really scratches the part of your brain that craves stillness and peace. Give it a listen! Here are my thoughts…

[missmako-chan]

Still not over the fact the Taiko no Tatsujin song Vice was playing in that one episode was a fucking classical song. Like sure that's probably the only type Toei would be able to play aside from the machine's toku opening which would raise a few questions regarding how the past seasons fit into Revice but still.

So I don't think this man has any one preferred genre, I think if you were to look at Ikki's Gundephone you'd find Vice's playlist and the first 10 songs are PEOPLE GAME, Mad Rat Purgatory, Dvorak Symphony No. 9, Snow Halation (completely unironically, he has Not listened to SiIvagunner), Bad to the Bone, Tide Goes Out from Splatoon, Friend Like Me, Let Mom Sleep, Careless Whisper (also completely unironically), and Levan Polka by Hatsune Miku

[natasha-in-space]

Old Melody Sang Anew

SE!Saeran/cmc Natasha Stakh;

One song has the ability to evoke the strongest of memories, and when words fail, a simple melody can convey much more than even the most elaborated speech ever could.

Eyes are considered to be the window to the soul, according to a saying. Saeran wasn't very confident about that. What's so special about the way someone looks at you? Rotten people are easy to discern, regardless of their eyes. On the other hand, once your heart is overcome with overwhelming longing to feel wanted by someone you hold dear, your own eyes will easily deceive you, making you see things that are simply not there. In the end, you will only find yourself thrown away like the blind fool you really are, left to pick up the pieces of your shattered trust.

He'd rather avoid looking into people's eyes. It hasn't done any good for him thus far. He can't remember what's it like to be looked upon with anything but negative intentions. Be it his mother's soul crushing resentment towards him, as she would sneer down at him, like he was some disgusting cockroach for her to stomp upon... or Savior's - no, Rika's - cold, unmoving stare, which so stupidly fooled him into seeing some false warmth in there that was never were. Or maybe he was the reason that warmth went away.

He did his best to ignore those kinds of thoughts these days, though.

Whenever he gazed into someone's eyes for answers, which he foolishly kept on longing for, he got hurt time and time again. So, he learned to look for truth in other methods.

He didn't need to look someone in the eye to figure out their intentions towards him. Saeran concentrated on his other senses, not just sight alone. Particularly, the sound of one's voice as they conversed with him about the matter at hand. A person's voice can reveal much more about them than you would initially think. It's simple to learn how to listen. With time, he realized that he didn't even need to see the person in order to picture them in his own mind. He could do so just by hearing their voice alone. He couldn't trust his tired eyes anymore... They were trained to see only danger and betrayal, even in some places where he was supposed to be safe and sound. But, maybe, he could trust his hearing to keep him safe a bit more reliably.

A muffled sound of singing made him stop on his way back to his bedroom, as he was eager to lock himself away before his brother would wake up from his nap and bother him again. He had already heard Natasha singing quietly to a mellow song in a language he couldn't possibly understand several times, tucked away in her tiny room in the Saeyoung's bunker they both called home now.

He never had the chance to learn any other languages except for the small bits and pieces he needed to get his work done as efficiently as possible. And it wasn't at all unusual for him to make some seemingly outlandish mistakes even in his native tongue every once in a while. There was so much he didn't get to learn about this world and how it operates... Which is yet another heavy thought to ponder over, added to a huge list of similar ones.

Regardless, the soft sound of his former assistant's singing reached his weary ears through the door and brought up some distant memories for him. He didn't mean to listen in to her private moment like that, no. Even though she never minded any violation of her personal space, however disrespectful and outlandish it was. Still, he wanted to be better than that now. Just as she needed to learn how to create healthy boundaries for herself.

It just... brought up some old memories for him. So, he shuffled quietly, pressing the palm of his hand against the door and focusing on the foreign words he couldn't possibly understand even if he tried. A wave of recollection washed over him and he let out a soft sigh before closing his eyes.

She always had a talent for singing, though she never shared it with anyone unless she felt like it. Unknown was the only person she felt comfortable enough to hum her soft melodies to, and it was strange. Neither of them really brought it up to each other ever again, but he remembers all of those unspoken moments of shared fondness between them all too well. There is a good reason why he slowly but surely came to trust her more and more as time passed them by.

Though, God only knows why she cared for him so much, even though he put her through so much. It was impossible for him to comprehend her. Why she would gently shush his delirious mumblings as the elixir mercilessly burned its way into his body and mind, making him so utterly helpless and defenceless, even after all those years spent chugging this bitter mint liquid. Why she would pull his frail body off the cold floor and put his head onto her lap, promising him that everything is going to be okay, and that the pain will soon go away.

Why did she spend hours on that freezing floor, not leaving him even for a moment as he came down from his feverish turmoil? What made her sing her quiet lullabies to him and caress his head with such a gentle touch that was completely foreign to someone like him, who had never been given such unconditional comfort? Why did she merely smile at him and act as if nothing ever happened just to keep his stupid pride intact, once he would regain his strength once more?

What motivated her to go through all that trouble for someone like him? Perhaps that's something he's been trying to find the answer to up to this day. Neither of them used any labels to their relationship, and both of them had trouble expressing their feelings outloud. He knew that they cared for each other deeply, and that was enough. Actions speak louder than words... But, paradoxically, choosing the right words to convey your true feelings is much more terrifying than acting on them.

There was no definitive word to describe their connection from them. At the very least, not yet.

Still, her voice was always earnest towards him. While Natasha was definitely on the quieter side, whenever she did tell him something from her heart, it was true, regardless of the way her voice trembled from the fear of being turned away. A fear he knew all to well. Perhaps, that's why he grew softer on her eventually. They were so different, yet so similar all the same. Perhaps he saw something in her that he wanted to keep safe. He didn't really know. Getting in touch with his own feelings and emotions was something he was only starting to learn how to do, thanks to his weekly therapy sessions his brother so graciously provided. It was both confusing and terrifying at times.

Even so, knowing that Natasha was in the same situation as him was helpful. Their struggles were the same; the only difference was in the way they expressed themselves to the cruel world around them. While he grew a hard outer shell with deadly spikes to keep the danger away, she instead chose to accept it as something she had to bear in order to survive. Neither of their methods were healthy in hindsight. He found it almost impossible to trust those around him, while Natasha refused to accept any genuine care from anyone. She stubbornly tried to get through the hurdles of life all by herself, even if it meant putting herself at risk or hurting those she loved.

At times, their approaches clashed, resulting in both major and minor conflicts. He hated the way she closed herself off from him whenever things got hard for her, making all of the worst of his inner demons and insecurities come to life. And he knew how much it hurt her to see him snap from fear disguised as anger at those closest to him, once his anxiety got the better of him. They were both still recovering and learning to live freely. When you haven't learned what it means to communicate in the first place, it's hard to start doing so in a healthy way with even those closest to you. Saeyoung faced his own struggles as well. So, they all took it one step at a time, each in their own unique way.

Oh...

Saeran's breath shook as the small voice on the other side of the door ended its song and began a new one. He slowly opened his eyes and stared blankly at the wooden surface of the door that separated him from her.

'You're okay...

You're alright'

He is intimately familiar with this one.

His body moved before he could even think through what in the world he was doing, and soon, he found himself quietly slipping into her room, padding down so cautiously, he wouldn't be at all surprised if he'd scare the living soul out of her once she would inevitably notice him standing there, not saying a word. Some part of him felt guilty for intruding onto her personal space like that, but... He chewed on his bottom lip as one simple thought formed inside of his mind.

He missed the opportunity to inquire about the meaning of the song she hummed frequently to him, and only to him. It's possible that a portion of him was too frightened to ask. He may not know what those words truly mean, but the gentlest sound of her voice conveyed everything and more that he needed to know, language barrier be damned.

'I'll never ever leave your side

Our song is this one.

I will stay...'

'And I will fight

There she was, her back turned so conveniently to him as she continued her lullaby with that soft voice of hers. She was too engrossed in doodling something in her worn out notebook to turn around and notice him. Her tendency to get lost in her own little world was almost detrimental to her safety at times. Sneaking up on her was as easy as pie. It even somewhat worried him, just how low her guard really was. But for some reason, he wanted to sneak a glance at her face right now as she sang. He was never given the chance to do that when she hummed this short song to him. Be it from him turning away from her, or his vision being too bleary to focus on anything in sight. For some reason... He wanted to see her eyes.

With you...'

Unfortunately for him, the first step he took was a clumsy one, forcing a loose floorboard to creak under his foot, albeit so quietly that it was barely audible. The young woman jumped in her cozy bed and let out a high-pitched yeep in alarm because of that hushed sound alone. Jerking around to his direction, she met his gaze with a pair of green eyes the size of dinner plates.

This is embarrassing to say the least.

When she realized who was standing in front of her, he saw her shoulders sag with relief as she exhaled shakily and laughed away her own embarrassment. She put her hand on her chest, presumably in order to calm her heart that was racing from the scare he unintentionally gave her. "Oh! It's just you, Saeran... Not going to lie, I got scared for a second there, haha. I'd die of embarrassment if Saeyoung heard me sing like that."

Saeran was at a loss for words, strangely enough. The fragile moment of unspoken vulnerability was abruptly ended with the first notes of the song he knew well. These feelings of his were too abstract and inconclusive for him to put them into the right words. It frustrated him. He turned his gaze to the ground, feeling dejected and slightly annoyed. He felt... dissatisfied for some odd reason that he couldn't understand. His hands were aching to do something that his brain couldn't possibly comprehend.

"No, I... Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. It's just..." Despite opening his mouth to speak, no words came out. What exact words did he intend to use? Was he even ready to bring up this song to her and all of those memories associated with it? And what was he expecting to get from her in return? It was a confusing and overwhelming situation. Frustrated, he huffed, putting his hands in his pockets, and turning his head away from her. "-Never mind. It's nothing important. I just needed to ask if you've eaten yet."

So much for looking into her eyes and being honest.

A moment of silence followed, filling his entire chest with a suffocating feeling that he desperately wanted to get rid of. He felt weak and defenseless - something he hated feeling most of all. Though, before he could make some sort of stupid excuse to leave as soon as possible, she spoke up again.

"Did you... hear me sing? Is that why you came in?" She sounded just as unsure as him, though there were no signs of fear in her voice, even though it was hushed.

His fingernails dug into the skin of his palms, his shoulders tensing silently with apprehension. Nonetheless, he felt somewhat relieved that she was the first to discuss this with him. Now, it didn't feel so strange starting the conversation about the topic. And yet, he was hesitant, cautious. "...Yes."

Saeran knew he sounded dry and rough, even though he didn't necessarily want to come off this way to her. It was incredibly frustrating to see his body and mind act on their own accord before he could make a sound decision, as old habits die hard. Especially when there was no reason for him to put his guard up like that. He knows he's safe around her. Despite his own desires, his body would go into autopilot mode.

She hummed, shifting on the bed by the sound of it. He didn't look at her, instead relying solely on his hearing to understand her reaction. "Then I guess we connected. I actually... thought of you as I sang it. Brings up some memories, right?"

He swallowed. The fact that she hit the nail on the head was both comforting and frightening to him. Was he in the right mindset to open up this can of worms with her at this moment? Either way, he managed to sneak a single glance on her face as she sat there, seemingly resuming her wonky doodles at the far end of the bed. It made him feel relieved to know that she couldn't see just how much of a mess he really was despite his stoic facade.

Though, it's not like she hadn't already learned that about him.

She proceeded, disregarding his lack of conversation. "I think... The last time I sang this one was still back at Mint Eye. Honestly, it doesn't feel real to realize that it's now been years since we got out... Feels like just yesterday I was sorting through a ton of paperwork and lying through my teeth to keep us both safe. And yet, here we are. Life sure is a strange thing."

He noticed a hint of sadness in her whispered words. It seems like she didn't mind his dry responses as much as he expected. He could empathize with the notion she was trying to bring up, though. Sometimes, it felt like his ugly past was the only palpable portion of his life, ready to swallow him whole in its pitch dark waters the minute he puts his guard down. Moving on is not something he could see himself doing any time soon, if he were to be completely honest with himself.

It... almost didn't feel right for him to move on. After the horrible things he's done to both those he considered enemies and those he now holds dear, how can? And, despite his therapist reassuring him time and time again that he did, in fact, deserve to live a happy life... It wasn't so easy to accept.

Not when someone's life has come to an abrupt end at your hands.

He took a few steps forward, now standing in the middle of the room rather than at the far end of it. Only a line of green fairy lights adorning her walls could provide soft lighting in her dimly lit room. She never liked bright places, preferring to stay in the shade. Either way, it made him more comfortable to know that he could allow himself to be a bit more open without worrying about his inner feelings being too easy to see with one single glance. "Does it... bother you?"

This time, he focused his gaze on her, peering deeply into her features as she carried on with her routine, without noticing his blatant staring. Natasha paused, licking her lips and lowering her gaze on some specific area of her messy bedsheets. This moment of uncertainty didn't last for long, though. She merely shrugged her shoulders, before coming up with her reply. "Not really... Like I said, life is a strange thing... And, honestly? I don't know where I'd be if I didn't meet you all of those years ago. This might sound insane, but I... don't regret anything I did, including coming to Magenta and becoming your assistant. I'm happy I met you. You changed my life, Saeran. Despite all the danger and pain we had to endure... it all meant a lot to me. Still means a lot to me. It's like... It was fate for us to meet? Though, I never really believed in fate..."

Just... nerve-wracking.

He was unsure of how to respond to something like that. He could feel a tight knot forming in the pit of his stomach, but this was... a different kind of feeling he couldn't really put his finger on. It was not unpleasant or suffocating.

"In that case, you have really low standards." He stated bluntly, not even processing his own words properly before they flew off the tip of his tongue. What the hell is he even saying-?

This was dangerous.

Natasha didn't seem to mind, laughing and putting her notebook away to fully focus on him. He felt unable to look away for the second time today as he locked firmly onto her green eyes, twinkling with a promise of kindness he knew too well.

"You're not the first person to tell me that, you know! Maybe I do. And I can firmly say that my 'low standards' kept me pretty satisfied so far. You're the closest friend I ever had, and I am not planning on changing that." The way she smiled at him was so nonchalant, it left him completely baffled. Still, he... he was selfish.

He didn't want to let her go, despite the cruel voice at the back of his head insisting and repeating over and over again that he didn't deserve someone like her. That he should cut all ties keeping her attached to him in order for her to truly be free and happy like he knew she deserves to be. Truly, he was a weak human being, regardless of how desperately he wanted to appear strong and independent to the outside world. But, maybe...

Is it possible that this wasn't a weakness this time around?

His fears still got the better of him every once in a while, however... Natasha wasn't indifferent towards him. His affections were not used for her own gain, and she was more than willing to offer genuine warmth and comfort whenever he needed it. It's an odd realization to come to, but... Perhaps, they shared a mutual attachment to each other, without any need for holding any sort of power over one's head. Admittedly, Saeran wasn't used to this.

In fact, it's quite the opposite.

"...Can you... sing that song for me again? I want to... hear it. Properly." Saeran was clueless about where this sudden surge of boldness came from. All he knew was that he wanted to hear that song he knew so well without any pain wrecking havoc on his body and mind, whether it was physical or emotional. He wanted to hear it as a free man, and he wanted to see her fully as she sang it, for the very first time.

Natasha's peaceful features showed a brief moment of surprise, but she quickly replaced it with a small smile and called him over with a simple wave of her hand. She needed no words to express what she wanted from him. This was a ritual they both knew all too well.

He stooped on the bed by her side, inhaling her sweet scent and letting out a soft sigh. He detected the aroma of freshly brewed black tea and apple pie this time. Both were something she cooked up just recently in that huge kitchen his brother never put to any good use. Food scents followed her wherever she went, a stark reminder of her love for cooking and all that's associated with it. He found it amusing how she always carried a snack or two around, just in case someone needed it.

Frequently, it was she who required it the most, though.

She didn't begin singing immediately. Instead, she simply hummed the melody without any words. Perhaps, she wanted to make him feel more comfortable, so that he wouldn't get too emotional or overwhelmed with the surge of memories, both good and bad. Or maybe, she was setting herself up in this way. Although, didn't have any reason to feel anxious in this situation. It's a certainty that he won't complain about her voice.

'You're okay

Finally, she began to sing, gently rocking back and forth to the slow melody.

You're alright

I'll never ever leave your side

I will stay...'

'...And I will fight

Altering from the normal pace of words he was used to, she prolonged the last few words, casting him a gentle smile as these lyrics that were so familiar to him left her lips. This time, he met her gaze head on, not turning away, and saw her face as clear as day in all its intricate detail. Oddly enough, she didn't look away from him as well, continuing on to sing without breaking eye contact.

With you'

'You're okay

With hesitation, he pressed his cold fingertips against the warm skin of her hand, with their direct eye contact making his seemingly simple gesture much more vulnerable. Still, despite his natural desire to look away, to put on a mask of indifference to keep his tender heart safe, Saeran persevered through his doubts and fears, taking a shaky breath and refocusing on his hearing alone, rather than his other senses that were trying to put up a wall between them.

You're alright

I'll stay here through the darkest night'

'All the way, I will fight

With care, her delicate fingers intertwined with his rough ones, squeezing them with a sturdy yet measured grip. She always treated him like he was as fragile as a flower, regardless of how intimidating he tried to appear to her. Weirdly enough, the thought made him smile with the corners of his lips, albeit faintly. Natasha's smile grew wider in return. It felt... nice. To share such a comfortable moment without sharing any words. He held his breath, knowing that the song would soon come to an end.

With you'

As the last note grew quieter and quieter, settling deeper within his chest, he slowly lowered his head to her, as if he was attempting to catch even the slightest sounds that were slipping off her lips so effortlessly. Eventually, he had to close his eyes to avoid making things too awkward for him. Natasha didn't seem to mind his strange gesture, following him in tow, until their foreheads bumped against each other ever so gently.

"Do you... want to know what this song is about? I can translate it for you. If you want to."

Saeran breathed quietly as her soft hair tickled his cheeks. For a while, neither of them spoke. This time, Natasha was the one who broke the comfortable silence.

His heart fluttered when he heard her proposition and what it could mean. Part of him was afraid. Part of him was excited. While another part felt somewhat lost on what to do. Either way, he found himself humming in agreement and gently squeezing her hand.

"Yes. I want to know."

[englishsuffix]

So I've heard some nice things about the music of Centaurworld, and I can't stop singing "Rider's Lullaby." (-v- )

This can either take place before Flik returns to the colony or after the movie, when all is calm.

[rynris]

I've been rushing to get this story to the second rough stage and managed to create this short clip! The storyboard is still a WIP but I was so excited to share @/stelanox 's (insta) beautiful singing. We're both huuuuuge Centaurworld dorks so it was only fitting to have her be the voice of Plum!

[lavenderheart16]

I made this animation with my Oc Emerald and my beloved friends oc Hazel. Hazel belongs to @pokemon22551. The story of this was Hazel had a nightmare of being separated from her sister Emerald. Emerald heard her crying and decided to check on her, so she did and asked what's wrong and Hazel told her Emerald told her to sit next to her, and she then started singing riders lullaby to tell Hazel they she will be right by her side no matter what and always be the best big sister she could have this animation almost took me two days to finish and I am really proud of how it turned out do not steal my animation, oc, nor my BFF oc and claim it as your own you will get reported and block also hate will not be tolerated on here it was my first time animating so please be respectful

[artidoesthings]

Oh hey! One of the like 5 songs I’ve heard from this show!