#Lyrical themes: Corruption

[k-i-l-l-e-r-b-e-e-6-9]

Metallica - Master of Puppets

[waitineedaname]

just realized lion's teeth could make a good song prompt for a fic about greed and father

[strawberymilku]

Playing Dangerous

featuring: Police!Leone Abbacchio x Fem!Reader

genres: nsfw!, crimes, mention of: thugs, arson, mafia, car sex, oral sex, blowjob, dirtytalk, one night stand, fingering, doggy style, praises, police theme, corrupt, minor gunplay

a/n: i was rewatching jojo, and ive been wanting to write a police smut with lana del rey lyrics as prompt, and my bf wnted to collab so i just had to write it. not proofread yet. might do part 2 for it. word: 4k, a bit long but it was worth it.

The woman was speeding for sure, but Abbacchio could doubt if she was the witness or the culprit for committing arson, Abbacchio heard the sound of the motorcycle approaching, and he turned to face the direction in which it was coming. It was heading straight in his direction-? He wasn't sure if the person on the bike was who he suspected it to be, but he raised his revolver as the bike came closer..it certainly looked suspicious...

"Why you?!" she yelled, cursing, he was brave enough that he did not care if he died to get her, pulling him on the side of the motorbike, with a swift dash, saving his life as he was at the back of her motorbike. It was the work of the Stand for sure, but sadly the man couldn’t see Stands like that yet but just felt someone lift him on her motorbike. That certainly caught him off guard. Was she just riding directly into him? The situation was unclear...Was she trying to run him over? To escape-? He was surprised at how quickly she acted. He could have been killed if it hadn't been for her, which meant..she couldn't be the arsonist, but she still looked suspicious..and yet she saved his life... Yet her actions are justified yet "Kill me later, what is wrong with you, you would be run across in my wheels," she had a gangly Italian accent, still on the motorbike with huge speed. "Am I getting a ticket for speeding too?" she said sarcastically. He looked at her back where a group of thugs were still chasing over her. Leone had a stunned look on his face. She was certainly lively, and rather..crude. He certainly wasn't expecting that attitude from a potential arsonist, but for some odd reason he didn't feel threatened by her- in fact, he was rather intrigued- she hadn't even noticed his police uniform. After a few moments of stunned silence, he finally replied

"Ah...I'm a police officer. But I can't just let anyone ride at such high speeds..why are you speeding away from people?" "They are after me, whaddya think," she went into different roads taking a lot of turns as the gang lost track of her, after minutes of having the stranger at the back, they stopped in a random alleyway, with a big sigh, she realized it was the cop, not that she’s afraid of him anyways. "It's my job to keep the streets safe and look out for suspicious behaviour- like someone on a motorcycle riding at dangerously high speeds in a residential area."

The suspicious behaviour mentioned included the arson incident at the local gas station that happened not a day ago. Although he didn't outright believe her, he decided to look into her claim. For now, he'd only ask questions to get a grip on the situation.

"May I ask what you were doing around that area where the suspected arson took place?"

"Arson? You think I'd commit arson-" Her lighter got pulled from her pocket, he was daring enough to get that from her leather jacket. "No, please, I'm a smoker," she pulled out her cigarettes to counter his proof. The policeman took a second to think. It would be highly unusual for someone to commit a criminal offense like arson just to cover up smoking. At the same time, he had no evidence proving her guilty yet. He decided to ask another more personal question.*  

"Why were they on your tail to begin with? Do you know why these gang members were after you?" That was a sensitive topic for a mafia’s daughter, no way she could leak her identity out like that. "Yes I do, I have my own reasons, which place was getting burned again?" she tilted her head, as she was demanded to show her license, but she looked reluctant to show it.

 There was still the issue of the gang members after her that he had to inquire about.

"The Shell station at the corner of Via Maddaloni and Via Caracciolo."

"I was at a Hilton Hotel I swear, you can get the evidence," she raised her arms, showing everything from her pocket. Everything seemed suspicious to Abbacchio, no way he could get information out of her mouth like that, so the best way was to flip her body quickly, putting her hands at his back as he slapped the metal handcuffs on her wrists, locking it. He was unsure why he did that but he believed this was the best way. She sighed, "My dad will be killing me if he finds out I’m going to be late,” it was too much for just speeding up in a motorbike.

He couldn’t help but raise a small smirk. Her hands being cuffed behind her back gave him a fair idea of what he could do to her.

"I suppose you aren't very much of a good girl?"

*"Everybody knows that I'm a good girl, officer,"* she replied still with her hands on her back as she was forced to walk back to where his car was. He let out a small laugh. It was rather amusing how easily she was acting so calm over being handcuffed and detained. Even if this incident would end up being a dead end for the arson case, he was still curious. She was just detained for being a suspect, just yet. Things are getting exciting.

"And exactly what is your name, miss?" 

“Y/N,” she grunted still feeling her wrist already from the handcuffs. “Well then Y/N, too bad, you will be a warrant for, ‘reckless driving, running through stop signs, driving at dangerously high speeds, running through red lights- and for suspicion of arson. You have the right to remain silent,” he said in a stern tone, he couldn’t help but smile at her rolling her eyes. *"No, I wouldn't do a thing like that, that's for sure,"* she tried to pout her lips to use a charm on him, thinking he would let her go this time.

Abbacchio's smirk grew wider, as he tried not to laugh at her attempt at seduction.

"I don't think a pout will suffice for an excuse in court."

Her attitude was amusing he thought. Usually, people would be acting aggressively, but she seemed to have accepted the situation quite easily.

"Ah yeah, my dad told me not to talk to the police, because I can demand rights for a lawyer," she tried to rethink again, trying to stay silent as they slowly walked back to his car. She had the attitude of a spoiled teenager, but he couldn't help but be amused. Usually, people would be threatening legal action, not talking about their parents, but she was a different case.

"Your father told you not to talk to the police..? Is he one of those who would try to bribe officers to avoid arrest?"

"Oh really, does he?" she grinned, still using her legs to take sweet sweet time back to the car, it was taking so long than usual just to stall time as much as she could. She was certainly being flirty for someone who had just been arrested.

"If you're expecting me to be charmed you certainly have a poor way of showing it."

Though she certainly was charming..but he'd rather stay professional at the moment. He’s a committed policeman after all. "Am I going to jail for this?" her shoulders slouched at him trying to repeat what she committed as if he were his mom. “Like, *the house is already on fire right, I swear I’m not a liar,*” she added to him to second guess his decisions.

Abbacchio gave her a skeptical look. She definitely wasn't being completely honest. But what she said about the house being on fire definitely seemed more believable than her being the arsonist. It seemed like these gang members came after her for something else. He decided to ask just to confirm his suspicions.

“I’m not asking about the arson crime, I’m asking how are you related to those thugs, it’s very dangerous you know,” he tried to squeeze more questions to get more information out of her.

The girl didn’t reply, it was indeed a chilly night, her lips were quivering from the cold, even if she had the leather jacket on her. “Are you cold?” he asked with concern in his eyes, his hands on her handcuffs, yet pulling her close to him, trying to walk back where he came from.

*“Well, I'm a little shaken, but I'm fine, thanks for asking.”* she smiled at him to look up at him with her eye smile.

"Did you owe them money? Did you have their illegal drugs? What's your ties to these gang members?" "Tell me do you always work so late?" she didn't answer his question, as she had the right not to though. She was very charming, but also very stubborn- he almost found it admirable. Maybe he should've taken her up on her earlier offer of charm. She seemed very confident in her ability to seduce him. It could be the right moment to give in to temptation.

"It's my job to watch the late night shift, what does my work schedule have to do with your involvement with gangs?"

*"Do you really have to put those tight handcuffs on?"* she tried to pull it out but it was not to avail. Still, she didn’t give up yet to flirt with him. Abbacchio gave her a small laugh at the girl, this was the moment for which he was hoping. That is, she was very much starting to flirt with him- so now was the perfect time to reciprocate. 

"Are you sure you're not trying to get me to take the cuffs off?"   

It might just be wishful thinking, but it certainly looked like she was trying to flirt. He was hoping for it anyway, and now she had given him the right opportunity by attempting to pull her cuffs off... But he must stay professional right?

*"Let's get in the back of your cop car, officer?"* she asked a question, still finding ways to flirt with him last minute possible. Finally, they arrived at the car that had printed ‘Polizia’ on it. “Playtime is over, get in the car,” he tried to stay in a demanding tone. The ‘officer’ word did get the man inhaled deeply, oh the things he could do with her right now, as he placed her in the backseat of the car, respectfully, restraining himself from touching her. He’s a good policeman, he couldn’t be doing that. *"You can ask me anything you want, anything, like anything,"* she smiled as he slowly fell for her trap, he decided to sit in the backseat, for a while, closing the car door behind him, and locking it, giving her a dirty smirk. Abbacchio chuckled and shook his head at her flirtatious comments, yet he also realized just how tempting the situation was.

"Anything, hmm?"

He thought for a bit. His mind started to wonder as he looked down at her. She was very appealing.

"What would you do, if I decided to uncuff you- right now?" "I don't know, officer," she looked at his lips then back to him. "You do like purple lipstick, don't you, what is it? Givenchy brand?" she joked, in between, giving a mysterious appeal to the policeman wanting to give in to his desires.

"Good guess. Though I may need more than just your beauty alone to convince me."

"Like what, officer?" she leaned closer towards his neck, it was rather a risqué attempt, she was down to play with fire too, from the looks in his eyes. Leone bit his lip slightly but he still tried to hold back, he wanted to stay professional and focused. But his heart couldn't help but race as she got close. He wondered how this would end...if there was a way he could fall for the trap.

The smell of her perfume hit his nose making it that much harder to focus. He was very tempted. She seemed to have been waiting for him to reply for a minute now. *"Do you have a girl? I don't see a ring on your finger?"* she'd be the one asking questions here instead, how the tables have turned, touching his chest on his police uniform, with her fingertips. This made him raise an eyebrow, the question she had just asked was a little unexpected. Though given he was staring directly at her lips he couldn't deny that he was rather tempted to take it as a sign. But he decided to answer nonetheless.

"I don't have a girlfriend..not at the moment anyway." "*Well that's interesting, have you thought of dating a* **mafia's daughter?**" she replied, dropping the biggest hint of all time, until he realized, no wonder why the gang was after her. He should let her go right? The thought of having her as a girlfriend was still tempting..her attractiveness, her flirtatious attitude, it was too much to ignore.

"Are you offering?" "Maybe I am, offering you a taste?" she leaned closer towards him slowly. It was obvious, that she a tease, still not kissing him, just yet, but their faces were just inches apart. Abbacchio held his breath. Her words were tempting, her attitude was tempting..and her lips were certainly tempting- all she had to do was just close the space between them and they'd be locked in a passionate kiss...

He felt like he might die if he didn't go through with their kiss. He wanted to play her game and play it perfectly. Her words had been tempting since she said them and he could only answer with one answer. 

Abbacchio took in a deep breath and nodded his head. **The flames are getting higher, and so is his desire. It's kind of exciting, don't you think?

"Am I playing a dangerous game, officer?" she teased, still not kissing him, just yet, she wanted to see how far this would go.

The policeman was gritting his teeth in anticipation. It was a dangerous game she was playing, and he knew he shouldn't play it. She was involved with the mafia after all. But the temptation was too much to pass up. He had to do it. The smell of her perfume still lingered, making it much more inviting.

"It's a very dangerous game." 

Abbacchio finally caved in. He knew he couldn't control himself anymore. He closed the distance and pulled her towards him, giving in their passionate kiss. She crashed on her lips softly, melting right down on this gothic policeman, without shame, he was worth a one-night stand, but she didn't really care, their kisses became hotter and hotter each second, he gripped her body, forcing her onto his thighs, looking up at her. Their kiss has started to deepen. His lips brushed against hers as he pulled her even closer. This girl..she was too irresistible. Her flirting and teasing, even the danger of her being involved with the mafia. He just wanted more. She touched his badge and looked up at him. "Abbacchio was it?" she kissed him once more, not enough of his kisses, at this point the purple lipstick has been worn off at this point, some even staining her lips.

"That is my name, yes." "So officer~" the way she said was so enticing, 

"What am I supposed to do now?" she felt his hands roaming all across her body, as if he owned her right here, no tonight, he could do whatever he wanted for tonight. 

"Will I be forgiven for this, officer?" she was like a crime he must commit just for tonight, a sin he wouldn't regret doing, for sure.

"I guess I'll have to figure out how to punish you for this..for now though, I'm sure you don't mind my hands on your body, hmm?"

His smile was quite teasing too and even though he was trying to appear professional, it was clear he was enjoying this quite a lot. He leaned back in and began kissing her again. He gave her a look that told her he was enjoying this as his hands stayed firmly on her hips. “Let’s make this exciting for the both of us,” he pulled out his revolver from his waistband, pointing at her head. He must tried it out at least, he needed to have the upper hand as well. "Officer, I will do anything to repent," her words were dripping as if it was made of honey, she wasn’t even fazed the gun barrel was pointed at her head, biting her lips. Things have gotten out of hand. "You will, will you?" he grinned of mischievous how he liked her under his power.

"How about you tell me what you'd do to repent- and I'll think about it and see if it's enough of a punishment for you." "First, I'd unbuckled that belt of yours and..." her eyes trailed downwards at the seat at the bulge forming in his navy blue pants and up to his golden purple eyes, that would be enough for his imagination to do the rest of the work. “Okay then, get to work, don’t just be an all talk,” he pressed the revolver harder on her skin, geez this man was full of sass, which made her actually take off his pants, obeying his orders, just as he wanted her to. "Oh, please don't shoot me yet, Mr Polizia, I will be good," she unravelled his hard cock from his underwear, palming it between her small hands trying to please him, her handcuffs were still on.

"So you'll be a better girl if I don't shoot you?"

He looked down at her with a teasing and tempting look, she was really quite the girl. This was the most teasing, dangerous girl he had ever come across on the job. “You know your small hands aren’t in good use, use your mouth,” he demanded, pointing the gun directly at her and even though he wasn't gonna shoot, she could clearly see the barrel against her. He looked at her with a teasing grin. She looked so pretty under him, and all the power he had on her. She nodded at his orders, bending down, licking his wet tip for a while, which made him have a satisfying moan, his impulse made him push his right hand on her head, pushing her mouth closely for the blowjob. His breath was shaky already as he felt every part of her mouth on his dick, he felt as if he was on cloud nine, it was all worth it. Worth it from a tiring shift, she was trying to suck him good, she looked like she was an expert at this, feeling his tip pushed against her throat, she was trying to be his only little good girl, a good girl just for Mr Policeman right here. Oh, how he’d wish he could possibly want her every night. Her mouth was starting to tire her, as all her saliva was all around his base, “Abbacchio, sir, are you satisfied yet?” she looked up at him for his mercy, for his approval, for his attention, with those orbs. “Not yet, I wanted to cum on your face,” he pointed the gun at her, demanding to resume her lips to work again. Her head bobbed again and again, trying to please him as much as she could, deepthroating him, her tongue twirling on his length. She liked how much vocal he was, praising her, for her good use of the mouth.

“My god, you weren’t lying when you said you will have your mouth in good use,” that was the best blowjob he received in his life so far, feeling every orgasm trying to rip from his heated skin. After minutes of torturing her throat, he finally gave in, painting on her face with his white liquids, with a satisfied smug face. “Uh, uh, uh, mi amore,” he had a menaced look over her with a tsk, “Who said I was done with you?” for a policeman like him, having stamina could be true. He bent her over, his gun still pointing at her. The time to show who is the monster here, not giving her a break.

“Look here, girl, *if you can't stand the heat. Then stay out of the fire,*” he groped all over breasts, throwing the gun away on the floor of the car. She happened to listen all to his command, like a good little girl, he pulled down her bottom clothing, his fingers trying to play her folds through her underwear, trying to tease her. “Oh, your cunt is wet here, *you might get what you desire*,” he put the underwear aside, rubbing on her clit, trying to gain some moans from her. Things are starting to get interesting. “I’m not putting on anything, yeah, just to warn you,” his cock tried to get between her wet folds, just like that. “I-uh, policia, please don’t you have a condom-” her mouth was shoved with the finger he got her pussy juices on. “Lick it up,” she couldn’t deny such requests from the hot officer, licking it, while he kept pounding her behind her back. Not enough, he needed to feel every wall of her just like that. “I’m going raw, so shut your pretty mouth like that,” He had an enormous speed, gripping her waist, her arms against the tinted glass, the car starting to fog up from the movements, “Listen here, little girl, and listen good,” he raised her body good, her boobs all over the window glass at this point, she screamed more as her G spot has been getting all this abuse from the sudden position.

“Please, please, have mercy on me, officer-” her words were cut as he pushed his fingers in her throat, attempting to shut her mouth. This man is indeed wild, the luckiest night for a girl like her. **”Even if you scream, or beg me to stop, or have mercy, I’m not stopping,”** he rutted inside her cunt as if it was meant to be shaped by his large cock.

“Not until I’m satisfied,” he hummed, using it as if she was a toy she was made just for him to fuck her. Her cries and moans filled the whole street, think to their luck no one was in the streets, a few maybe. Do you this man cares? No? **“Not like you can stop me anyways, hmm?”** he didn’t stop his thrusts, her pussy aching from all the movements, their moans were in unison. She was already tired at this point, getting the slaps on her buttocks, his hand making her chin move just to kiss him as he kept railing behind her back, his lusts and desires being fulfilled by this one girl. “If you keep doing like that, I might-” she panted for air, she needed for a moment there, “I might, cum~” her body squealed in pleasure, holding all her sanity.

It was prolonged sex for sure, he finally had to urge to orgasm, he pulled out in time, cumming all over her body, she really looked pretty as if he was the artist, painting more cum on the belly. “Know your place, just like that,” he looked coldly into her eyes, he didn’t have time for this right? The aftercare was little, he threw her tissues and a bottle of water he had in the car, putting on his clothes, he did let her go this time, unlocking her sore wrists, and going back to his driver seat. 

He did drove her back to her motorbike was at, even opening the door for her to get out, after minutes of silence, he kissed her forehead softly, like a gentleman would, before he finally let her go. But one thing for sure is that it was one of the best nights he’d ever had with a girl. A sucker for romance, *lovin’ a hurricane*

part 2?

[sailoryooons]

Gods of the Dark | Coming Soon | myg (m)

❀ Pairing: Dream god!Yoongi x f. human!reader

❀ Summary: Don’t ask for help in the dark. It’s an old tale you always heard whispered among the people of your village. But when you find yourself dragged kicking by the man you’re to marry, you have little choice but to beg for help long after the sun has set. The god who answers your pleas promises to save you, but every deal comes with a price. 

❀ Total Word Count: TBD

❀ Genre: Fantasy, angst, strangers to lovers, smut

❀ Rating: 18+ Minors are strictly prohibited from engaging and reading this content. It contains explicit content and any minors discovered reading or engaging with this work will be blocked immediately. 

❀ Series Warnings: Sexist and patriarchal society inspired by medieval europe, a lot of world building and discussion about theories/concept of dreams, discussions of morals and ethics, world building, angst, intense fight scenes, mentions/light depictions of an abusive family, discussions of gender roles and forced marriages, sexually explicit content, themes of corruption and indulgence, depictions of hedonism, discussions of sexual and sensual pleasure, Yoongi is a deity of dreams and desires. Each chapter will have its own warning.  

❀ A/N: I cannot wait to bring this to you in July! This fic is inspired by the Lilith music video and lyrics, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, scenes from the movie The Witch, and the myth of Hades and Persephone! While it was originally a story in two parts, it will be a story in four parts to better capture everything I want to include in this because I cannot control myself for world building!

❀ Disclaimer: All members of BTS are faces and name claims for this story. This is entirely a work of fiction and by no means is meant to be a projection, judgment or representation of real-life people. Any scenarios or representations of the people and places mentioned in works are not representative of real-life scenarios.

Masterlist | Ask | Playlist | Teaser | Coming July 8 |

[l0uterstella]

YOUR MELODY: Analysis, Merold's Manipulation

(Parts are still incomplete like the flower language) full english lyrics, Ever Red theory (MUST READ TO UNDERSTAND THIS POST) Updated: Feb 25 2024

MV

Flower Language

(thanks to my friend Lux for finding most of them)

Rimicha - sunflower, birds of paradise Sunflower: Symbols of joy, adoration, and loyalty. There's a story in Greek Mythology of a nymph who turns into the flower after losing her lover Birds of paradise:  Symbols of joy, paradise, freedom, and a sense of exploration

Hallritt - red periwinkle - symbol of purity, everlasting love, loyalty to friends, and hope

Merold - white and pink easter lily, white chrysanthemum, baby's breath, white spider lily, white and pink rose, hyacinth - together as a bouquet, all these flowers symbolize devoted love and loyalty, feelings of strong familial love and homesickness, positivity, happiness and admiration for the receiver, along with "seeking forgiveness/deep regret" with the hyacinths

Mirror flowers: lily, daisy, carnation, 4th still unknown - Together as a bouquet, these flowers represent celebration/hope for happiness, love and connection. Some flowers also share a meaning of rebirth or missing someone

Broken Mirror

Broken mirrors typically symbolize a shattered self-image, fractured identity, and a sense of loss. I'll most likely be covering the voice drama in another post, but in the first episode, Hallritt is seen easily defeating a seed in one hit. Maybe Merold feels like his role as the strongest knight is being challenged? Which is why he accuses Hallritt of being a failure as a knight in the teaser for episode 2. In another scene, these two frames are right next to each other. Instead of the diamond flipping around like it did before, Merold just completely replaces Hallritt.

The MV also had multiple "waves"/glitches, which recently has been a recurring theme of Seed's presence.

ELDRITT/HALLRITT SYSTEM

Hallritt also feels a bit "off" in the MV. It's possible that it's Eldritch Hallritt/Eldritt/The "original Hallritt" currently present. It's a bit confusing to tell which timeline the MV is set in, but it might make more sense with the System Hallritt headcanon. Eldritt formed as a protector and gatekeeper who used to hide the truth from the "current Hallritt", before deciding it'd be beneficial if he knew the truth and did something about it. Following this, the MV is in the 2nd timeline as my timeline theory suggests (with the voice dramas being the 1st timeline), and Eldritt is simply fronting instead of Hallritt.

There's also this scene where Hallritt sings: "As if two hearts are on top of each other, I want to be connected by the same rhythm"

ELDRITCH MEROLD

Merold seems to know about the 1st timeline. He holds a ribbon, which is what represents the memories of that timeline in Ever Red. He is also seen multiple times with a corrupted version, possibly hinting at him having an Eldritch (seed corruption) form as well.

The lyrics seem to have him hinting at the 1st timeline to Hallritt. If you corrupt the future, you echo its dark history.

To summarize: Merold is threathened by Hallritt's strength, yet he also knows the truth of what he did/will do. He wants to get rid of him somehow, or at least keep him in his place. He put up a face to seem trustworthy, but someday, that facade will shatter like the mirror.

BONUS

1. Merold losing his vision? Really not much proof here aside from this quick frame

2. blob people. idk who or what they are yet

3. there's one transiton where something that look like vines turn into (angel? dove?) feathers and another one with a broken crystal. could it be referencing cielomort's death? is it his crystal strawberry from aozora?

(Why? Why?) This heart (Why? Why?) It's fragile (Why? Why?) No matter what, I love you most (Why? Why?) It's overflowing (Why? Why?) These desires A melody just for you

[themanwhomadeamonster]

The 1999 combat theme and its foreshadowing because the autism got to me and I spent too long trying to figure out this soundtrack

Jumping off from @brokenjardaantech's WITW music analysis post here - go check it out, it's very insightful and lays the foundations for what I'm about to talk about! And thanks to @theterribletenno for the burst of inspiration by giving me a massive oh shit realisation in the most chilling way possible LOL

Spoilers under the read-more; TL;DR at the end :'^D

To preface, the soundtrack is structured in an ABC structure with bridges between A and B, as well as another between B and C that borrows from A. The key starts in Cm, briefly modulating to Gm in section B then back to Cm during the second bridge, and settling on Em for section C. In-game for WITW you most likely will only hear up to the first bridge since the Technocyte fight only goes for around a minute long

Sections A, the bridges and partially C feature genre similarities to grunge rock with fuzzy guitar chugging, whammy bar, and palm muting, while the drums are notably sharp snares (except for the first bridge, which are clean bass kicks that gradually distort transitioning into section B's style). Musically, it sounds like a typical fighting soundtrack meant to hype you up - the melody is confident and likes to push and pull its rhythm. But in section C it notably become emptier in its layering while keeping the distorted drums, placing emphasis on the lyrics (which I'll get to below lol). Heavier syncopation and polyrhythms are also introduced.

Section B however is the main outlier. This section is where it most strongly resembles industrial rock: rhythmic synth layers begin to accompany the melody (a pedal point line that plays every semiquaver/sixteenth note), synth drums replace acoustics and the guitars drop the fuzz that is characteristic of grunge and steadily strum every quaver/eighth note. Compared to the push and pull rhythm of section A, this section is steadier, less chaotic than the other sections, it wants you to focus on this section.

Notably, the lead guitar introduces a familiar leitmotif: This is What You Are (which @brokenjardaantech goes more in depth regarding its use in WITW). Here, though, its second chord becomes flattened (Dm -> D♭m) and introduces a diminished, dissonant sound. To me this was the first hint that the song may actually be about Arthur's downfall. This is What You Are is a musical leitmotif that recurs in moments of vulnerability, especially when someone is at risk of losing their sense of self, their identity and what they are. It plays during The Second Dream when we discover the Operator, during the New War when Eidolon!Lotus just lost herself to Ballas and can't recognise the Tenno, and in WITW during the Vessel "fight" when the Tenno is forced out of their Warframe.

I was prompted to actually dig more into the lyrics because I saw @theterribletenno bring up something really interesting

In this specific song, the leitmotif is diminished, it's corrupted. "Surrender to the corruption" - this is what Arthur is afraid of. I brought up earlier that section B had a genre shift. The contrast of the music is important, it's highlighting something, and together with the musicality of the leitmotif, it's making a sense of urgency and danger. The leitmotif is a warning to Arthur.

Section B sings these lyrics:

Break it, break it, Break it open!

Compared to the desperation in the other lines, these two lines are sung mockingly. The Infested are trying to break Arthur, and are succeeding. Their voice is becoming his. But there are actually two vocal lines in this section - you can also hear muted backing vocals in a much less aggressive and lethargic tone warning that "Disillusion". Arthur is trying so hard to keep his own voice and stay clear-minded but it's being drowned out and he's nearing his breaking point, and Albrecht, based on the Codex Fragments you find, is well aware of this.

In section C, while the layering is less intense it's noticeably more heavily syncopated and polyrhythmic, and introduces new (accompanying) echoing and dissonant synth layers reflecting the confusion and disorientation that Arthur begins to feel (these synth layers are actually introduced in the second bridge, but are more easily heard in section C). Section B and C also keep the synth/distorted drums that section A and both bridges lack (at most it's a reverb in those sections); the industrial sound of the song becoming associated with the increasing influence of the Infested over his humanity.

So I tried deciphering more lyrics for each section; I haven't figured all of it out and most of it could very well be wrong because of how heavily clipped the vocal line intentionally is so I don't want to make anymore assumptions than I need to, but I can understand enough of it to realise that the song is foreshadowing Arthur's corruption to the Infested. In green are the lyrics I'm confident are correct:

A:

Sting it, sting it, sting it! Sting it, sting it, sting it in the flesh!

Bridge:

I don't understand! It brings more disease!

B:

Break it, break it, Break it open! (Disillusion)

Bridge:

Sting it, sting it! Sting it in the flesh!

C:

Who's dreaming? Who's the [???] It's a vision[?]!

TL;DR: the grunge/industrial genre hybrid represents Arthur's humanity/Infested respectively, and the song becomes increasingly industrial as the song progresses, most noticeably through the increasing distortion of the drum sound. Section A sets the stage, section B serves as a warning to Arthur that he's losing his sense of identity as the Infestation drowns out his "voice" while a dissonant version of This is What You Are plays, and section C is him experiencing confusion and disorientation as the Infestation continues to corrupt him.

[gretavanlace]

Stars Collide

Josh Kiszka x reader

18+ only! Minors do not interact!

Warnings: graphic sexual content, language, adult themes, semi public sexual acts, dirty talk, pet names, digital penetration, etc.

First, special thanks to this ask who got my gears turning, I know it isn’t exactly what you asked for, but I hope you love it all the same. Second, I asked for josh pics and ya’ll 👏 came 👏 through 👏 Thank you so much for taking the time to help out with my little request, you guys are the greatest! They were all incredible, but in the end @jakekiszkasbelly-button killed it with this stunning pic featuring a camera flare-halo that stole my heart. Just look at him!

Photo credit to the lovely @indigo-starcatcher

You wake with a start, eyes wide with drowsy confusion, and he thinks you’re adorable. Like a tiny baby bunny, startled in the brush by rustling leaves. It makes him want to scoop you up, to hold you cupped in his hands, safe from the world. To peer down at you and soothe your nerves softly. To pet you and marvel at your softness, your warmth….

It also makes him long to corrupt all that innocence. To strip it away down to the bones of what you’re really capable of. That wicked glint in your eye that appears when there’s no one to bear witness but him - he wants to see it.

“Josh?” Your voice is gritty with the impromptu slumber you’d fallen into after the show. Curled up like a cat in one corner of the couch in the corner of his dressing room. He hadn’t the heart to disturb you.

Instead, he’d lost the satin suit and showered, and was now slipped into something a little more pedestrian, scribbling lyrics and ideas upon the lined pages of his notebook, sipping from a glass filled with honey-laced whiskey.

He speaks softly, as is so often his way “I’m here, princess.”

Your gaze swings over to him, and he watches the tension leave your form and loves you just a little bit more. They way you find solace in his presence softens his heart indescribably.

“It’s so quiet.” You sigh, arms reaching for the ceiling in a dramatic, feline stretch. “Where is everyone? Did I sleep through the apocalypse?”

He laughs gently, eyes trained on the page where he’s finishing a rough sketch to present to wardrobe. You’re right to ask questions, he knows. Normally the energy backstage is electric before a show, and even more so after. Voices booming from all directions, golf carts grinding up and down the halls, equipment being dragged across concrete, shouts of congratulations and instructions. The rock and roll circus of live wire sound is easily tuned out as seasoned as you all are. Silence, on the other hand, is deafening.

“They’ve all gone back to the hotel.” He shrugs, setting everything aside in order to focus on you. He loves to watch you do anything, but witnessing you inch your way out of floating dreams deserves his full attention. “I told them we’d just call a car. Wanted to let you sleep.”

You shimmy your shoulders in a mock shudder. “This feels weird. It’s way too quiet.”

A smile that it feels like he can’t help, shapes his lips beautifully. You resemble a fallen angel, all wrinkled skirt and tangled hair, a groupie who just clawed her way out of the pit, disheveled and out of breath, all for him. “It is sort of weird, isn’t it?”

An idea lights his face up, urging an unsure giggle out of your sleepy chest before he’s even shared what he’s thinking.

“You want to go walk around a little? It’ll be like being at school after a play. Remember that? When the halls and classrooms were dark and it felt like you shouldn’t be there…when it felt like some strange, alien, terrain…remember?”

His enthusiasm is catching, “No, I don’t remember that…I wasn’t a theater nerd.” You toss a tasseled throw pillow at him and, in retaliation, he rises and grabs your hands, tugging you to your feet.

“That’s what’s wrong with you, my love.” He nudges you closer to your shoes and smooths out your clothes while you toe them on. “Too much time bouncing around in your little cheerleader uniform and not enough time down in the trenches with the drama club dreck.”

“I wasn’t a cheerleader and you damn well know it.” You roll your eyes with love and swing open the door to find the hall desolate and dimly lit. “You don’t think we’re completely alone in here, do you?”

“Nah,” he steps out behind you. “They’d kick us out before all that. But even if they missed us, there’d be security. Still, probably the closest to alone we’re ever gonna be.”

You spin around, grabbing up his hand tightly in both of yours…the spirited fire in your eyes lighting his own. “Let’s go check out the stage. Think anyone will stop us?”

“Pfft,” he scoffs, waving you off like he can’t believe you even said such a thing. “Do you have any idea who I am, princess?”

“Humble, aren’t you, Kiszka?” You kiss the air at him and trot off ahead in the wrong direction.

“Hey, Lewis and Clark?” He calls out smugly, “Stage is this way.”

~

“Look at all these seats,” you marvel, staring out at a sea of now empty chairs feeling nearly worshipful. An incredible talent stands beside you. Warm as the sun, and just as revered. You’d kneel at his feet, a peasant before her king, if it might please him…though he would likely despise it.

Unbeknownst to you, he’s thinking the same thing about you. Wondering at your beauty, and how it threatens to steal the breath from his lungs, even in the shadows of the darkened arena. Loving you and your gorgeous soul. Adoring your light. You are an angel. His angel. His princess.

“You fill these seats,” you shake your head, amazed by him as if he’s brand new. “Ever think about that? You and your brothers, you fill these seats. It’s incredible what you guys do. I’ll never get enough of it.”

He sidles up behind you and wraps his arms around your waist, chin on your shoulder. “You don’t get bored with it? Same show night after night? Rehearsal after rehearsal?”

“Same jokes…” you tease sweetly, “champagne, caviar, anyone?”

“Shut up,” he squeezes you with a quiet chuckle, “I haven’t used that one in a while. It’s a classic, though.”

“You look like a god, you know?” You’ve fallen hushed, picturing the way he shines, “Divine, a graven image come to life. Sometimes it’s like…it’s like I forget I even know you. You aren’t my Josh, how could that breathtaking spirit glittering under lights be mine? You’re magic.”

“Not to negate the poetry in which you’ve just showered me, but it makes my dick hard when you talk like that.” His lips have found the spot just below your earlobe that makes you shiver.

“Yeah?” You’ve begun swaying along with him to some inaudible song it seems you both can hear. “Well, what doesn’t make your dick hard?”

“Hey!” He nips at the side of your throat in punishment. “I put it away for this tour.”

You gasp and tingle beneath his kiss, but hold fast to your footing. “Mmm-hmm. We’ll see how long that lasts. You’ll get tired of tucking. Plus, you like it when they look.”

Now, his arms have loosened to allow his hands to explore the silken skin of your stomach…palms searching and slow, hidden below your shirt. “Maybe I do like it. Maybe there’s no maybe about it.” He pulls you closer and there is his cock, hard and inviting, no longer concealed behind a stage costume, but pressing into the small of your back like an offering. “Do you like it? When they look? When they want what’s yours? When they want to fuck what’s yours?”

He wants you to say yes. He wants to know that you find some sort of perverse pleasure in it, the same way he does. He wants you to love their need as much as he does. He wants you to be secure in his love enough to enjoy it all.

And he’s in luck.

“I do like it when they look. Sometimes it makes me want to go out there and drop to my knees right in front of them,” you confess, listening to his breathing pick up, “makes me want to suck your cock right in front of them. To show them that you don’t only sound pretty when you sing.”

He’s toying with the button on your skirt now, like he’s contemplating unfastening them, like he’s wrestling with the idea of something he knows he shouldn’t want.

And he is. He’s thinking about laying you right down, of giving it to you right there on the catwalk beneath both of your feet. He’s imagining how lovely you’d sound given the acoustics, he’s wondering how loud he could allow you to be. His beautiful mind is pondering how open you might be to the idea, whether you’d think about the risk of getting caught, whether you’d care even if you did think about it.

“When do I sound pretty, princess? Besides when I sing?” He gives in to how badly he wants you, but forgoes the buttons, choosing to slip his hand under your skirt from behind, instead. “Hm? Tell me.”

“Josh,” it squeaks out of you, and he’s never loved the sound of his own name more. His fingers inch under the hem of your panties in reward.

“You sound pretty when you can’t catch your breath,” the pads of his fingers circle your trembling entrance, gathering your warm, slick, desire, as his opposite forearm snakes around your throat to hold you in place. He listens with rapt attention as you whisper his praises. “And when you moan. When you get close and start to whimper, that’s pretty…the filthy things you say, pretty…even prettier when you cum. I think about it all the time, the way you sound.”

He sinks into you, curling and stroking, petting you from the inside. “Wish they could hear you. All those beautiful little whines when you’re right on the edge. You’re a star, princess. You’re a fucking star.”

Thankful for his centering hold on you, you reach back, gripping his thigh for a moment before grabbing at his cock as your body rolls and arches, free hand squeezing viciously at your breast, urgent and frantic in your need.

With a kiss bestowed upon your temple he brings his lips to the shell of your ear and hums, “Reach down and touch your clit. Rub her just right while I finger fuck your sweet little cunt. Want you to feel good. Can you do that, baby? Can you feel good for me?”

A hurried nod accompanies a breathy gasp of his name as he works you over on stage, on display like art for the gaze of anyone who might happen upon the both of you.

You can’t imagine caring any less. You want this, and you want it now. Let them see.

“Be a good girl and close your eyes, princess.” Your lids drift shut, instantly obeying his gentle command. “You listen so well. My princess likes to make me proud, doesn’t she?”

“Yes,” you thrust your hips forward, wanting, needing, him deeper still.

“I’m honored, my love.” His lips are kissing over your cheek, nuzzling and pecking tenderly as he fucks against that heavenly spot deep inside that makes you want to scream. “Keep your eyes closed. Picture them out there. Watching you. Watching you flush and squirm. Watching me want you, watching me touch you, watching me take you apart. Wanting to be you. Wanting to be the girl up here with her cunt wrapped up tight and wet around my fingers…making such a pretty mess of me.”

“Fuck,” the obscenity flits off your tongue as you gush into his palm.

“Yeah?” He taunts, biting tingles into your dewy skin. “You like that? Show them, princess. Show them what a gorgeous girl you are when I make you cum. C’mon, show them how pretty my favorite star shines.”

“Josh, please,” you’re balanced upon the razor, praying to be sliced open and bared to him. It’s so close, but…

“Please what, princess?” He’s rocking his clothed cock against the swell of your ass from behind, fucking those perfect, insistent, fingers into you at a delicious clip, coaxing you nearer and nearer as you soak his skin and your thighs. “Tell me what you need. I’ll give it to you, baby, I’ll fucking give it to you. You know I will.”

Your fingernails want to bury into his flesh, but you’re careful not to leave marks. “I’m gonna cum…” it breathes out of you wildly, as an uncontrollable desperation steps in to steal your sense. “I’m gonna cum. Talk to me, Josh. Talk to me while I cum for you. I want your voice…talk me through it.”

A feral sound growls out of him, but it dissolves into something weak, as though he can’t handle you. “I’ll talk to you princess, don’t you worry that pretty fucking head. I’ve got you, baby, I’ve got you. You feel that?”

He tightens his grip, holding you upright, and you fuck against his hand faster in reply, thrusting your hand back to bury into, and pull at, his curls “Yeah you do. My girl feels it. She knows. She knows I’ve got her, and she’s gonna cum pretty just for me, isn’t she?”

You explode into sensation in response. Sparks fly and batter themselves against your nerve endings as you coil up sung around his pumping fingers…pouring and dripping against his skin like warm, floral bath water.

“There you go, sweet girl…” he praises softly, in contrast with the relentless pace his hand is working away at you. “You let it all go, alright? Yes, baby, that’s it. That’s it. Let it out, princess, just for me, let it all out. good girl, fucking sing for me just like that.”

You’re wailing into the empty space, likely alerting anyone still wandering the halls, but you can’t hear yourself and he can’t be bothered to care.

His voice carries you through, groaning your praises as he ruts his aching cock against you, holding you fast and safe in his embrace until you fall limp, a rag doll with his blissful fingers still filling her throbbing cunt.

“That’s my girl, princess…” he kisses along the curve of your jaw, bringing you down gingerly. “So, so good. You’re an angel.”

Head now descending from the rumbling clouds of the storm he’s created, you realize suddenly what you’re faced with, “Josh, I was so loud…we have to go.”

“Not now,” he protests, languidly slipping his fingers in and out of you still.

“Yes, now.” Your thighs tighten, barring his movement, until he shakes out of his stupor.

“Okay, Okay…” he lowers your skirt and sucks his fingers into his mouth, licking you from his wrist and inner forearm as you begin yanking him towards the stage exit. “But I’m about to make sure the whole hotel knows how pretty you can sing, too, princess. You’re a star.”

Taglist: @gretasintrees @greta-van-chaos @celestialfauna @s0livagant @groggyvanfleet @kiszkathecook @brokenbellz @llightmyllovee @doodle417 @seventieswhore @jake-kiszkas-smirk @weightofdreams-gvf @imdepressedaf1996 @alisonwonderland29 @gretavanfleas @gretavangroove @sparrowofthedawn @xserenax-13 @tbagggvf @obetrolncocktails @tripthelightjaketastic @jakeslovehandles @poofyloofy @70sgroupielovr @heatmyfleet @age-of-nyahh @sammiboo162 @gretasmokerising @spicedandicedtea @jakekiszkasleftnutsack @saoirsemaeve @mywickeddivinity @thelvnternskeeper @paintmyhouse @tripthelightfandomtastic @tripthelight-fanfic @mckenna4 @sarakay-gvf @theweightofjake @thewritingbeforesunrise @joshsmama @sammysvanfeet @rhythm-of-space @highladyofasgard @jordie-gvf-admin @calumspretty

[bunny-underground]

¬ BTD Guys As Songs From My Playlist ¬

//Warning it's my opinion//

Strade (Lights Out - MSI)

Lets be honest most MSI songs fit Strade but lights out is so damn catchy. Also I feel like his character isn't that fleshed out compared to everyone else (YKMET will hopefully give him a little more depth, I'm feral for the man)

Technically it's about challenging authority but tell me that this wouldn't accompany his live streams?

"Punch your lights out, hit the pavement That's what I call entertainment"

Ren (Christmas Kids - Roar)

Is this projecting slightly? Yes but that's not the point. Ren, even with the death of Strade, is still stuck with him. He's still in his house with his rotting corpse and is suffering from guilt, Stockholm syndrome and trauma.

Christmas Kids while based on a true events is ultimately singing about no matter what this person does to leave their partner/Situation they'll never truly be free of it.

"You'll change your name or change your mind And leave this fucked up place behind But I'll know, I'll know"

Lawrence (Bit by Bit - Mother Mother)

You thought I was going with Oleander huh? As much as that's my favourite song it's about needing someone even though you're toxic, which I just don't feel is Lawrence

Bit by Bit on the other hand is about disappearing into the wilderness and getting away from everyone and yourself (or at least your problems)

"I'ma gettin' on a mountain Far away from the people on the ground"

Derek (Upper Class - Seb Lowe)

If you're not from the UK I apologise, Seb Lowes music focuses on a lot of social-political issues from over here because classism is a fucking joke.

The song focuses on a young man who's part of the upper-class, better put by Music tell "wealthy, entitled, and detached from the plight of the average person."

"Got a fine for assault, his money will cover it His money, his father's money a generational covenant Family are a pack of feening wolves at the chase Pant over a half-dead corpse on his estate"

Mason (Weight of the World - Sheyfer James)

Tell me this man doesn't advocate for a state of nature. Mason views humans and animals in the same vein, the weak die and the strong continue. In one of his endings he even seems somewhat impressed/proud of MC for being able to best him.

Weight of the world is about just that, a commentary on survival of the fittest and how that's just how the world works.

"That's just the weight of the world The weak and the weary will never survive"

Celia (Maneater - Nelly Furtado)

It's basic but come on- We know she's not with her husband for love but rather for business. Not going to say girl boss because she's clearly unhappy but she's leveraging the relationship for her own gains.

Maneater is about exactly that, a woman using her hold on the men she's with too financially bleed them dry before discarding them.

"When she talks, she talks like she can handle it When she asks for somethin', boy, she means it"

Fox (People Ii: the Reckoning - AJJ)

May have gotten a wrong read on his character but- To me in the DLC Fox comes across completely detached from MC (compared to Strade who was very much into what he was doing) It almost comes across methodical with him only getting into it later on (Almost looking guilty about it). With certain dialog it's almost like he just accepts this as being the way that it is, refusing to believe Stade had anything to do with how he turned out.

This song ultimately is about Nihilism and how nobody is an inherently good person and those choosing to be good are ultimately fighting a loosing battle. I'm stuck between two lyrics for him so...

"But there's a bad man in everyone No matter who we are"

and

"So here's to you, Mrs. Robinson You live in an unforgiving place"

Jack (Mr. Apples - Madness)

Madness is an older UK band perfectly suited for an old man like him. I think its overall theme goes well with him in regards to the whole corrupt officer life he's got going on.

About a well respected member of the community who knows how to leverage the system in his favour, in private he is up too no good.

"But when that old sun go down He's heading off up the wrong side of town"

[k-i-l-l-e-r-b-e-e-6-9]

[electricalstemplates]

Template Masterlist pt 1!

Alter temps

Short

Electricity theme

Magic/space theme

Coffee love theme

Gothic theme

Space/gore theme

Book theme

Dark angelic theme

Bug theme

Mahito Jujutsu Kaisen theme

Sukuna Jujutsu Kaisen theme

DC & Marvel theme

No theme

No theme

Star theme

Whale/dolphin theme

Dark forest theme

Dialtown theme

Galaxy/cottagecore theme

Medium

No theme

No theme

No theme

No theme

Vampire theme

Naruto theme

Bee and Puppycat theme

Scaramouche/Wanderer Genshin theme

Medical theme

Brown theme

Medical/Menhera theme

Klee Genshin theme

Angel/cryptid theme

Purple space theme

Faerie theme

Black and pink cherry theme

Frankenstein theme

No theme

Coffee house theme

Bug theme

Ocean/angel theme

Circus theme

Horror/art theme

Purple ghost/arcade theme

Hank D:BH theme

Ramona Flowers theme

My Hero Academia theme

Bee/mechanical theme

King Dice theme

Green and blue tech theme

Galaxy/cottagecore theme

Julie Powers theme

Dog theme

Jonathan Sims/Magnus Archives theme

Long

Analog horror, Ranboo, forest, and Angel Hare theme

Purple grunge theme

Orchestral theme

Red/write theme

Coffee/book theme

Scene/sparkledog theme

Bug theme

Ghost/paranormal theme

Digital/corruption theme

Space/teddy bear theme

Ice/snow theme

No theme

Music/guitar theme

Forest/nature theme

Vampire theme

Ocean theme

Goblincore theme

Pandora's box theme

Pond theme

Angelic/moth theme

System temps

Short

Coffee house theme

Scream theme

Galaxy/cottagecore theme

Medium

Ocean/shark theme

Purple grunge theme

Dark/nightcore theme

Purple space theme

Tally Hall theme

Ocean/angel theme

Vampire/knight theme

Ocean/star theme

Galaxy/cottagecore theme

Sun theme

Long

Snowy theme

Rainbow theme

Blue/ocean theme

Music/lyric theme

Music/magic theme

Coffee/book theme

Scene/sparkledog theme

Book/writing theme

Bug/mechanical theme

Pond theme

Display names

Star theme

Bee/Honey theme

Rainbow theme

Ramona Flowers theme

Juile Powers theme

[serene-sun]

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖞 𝕺𝖓 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓, 𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖎𝖉𝖌𝖊 𝖁𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖊

Summary: After a multitude of wrong doings at your catholic church, you and four other nuns are sent on a mysterious transfer to a ministry nobody dares speak of. On behalf of the Count Copia, you are welcomed after a suspenseful journey. Author Note: This is the first chapter to my new series based on some of my favorite movies like Dracula, The Phantom Of The Opera and Labyrinth. You might even get some references to some others as well as a few ghost lyrics. This is going to be a build up to smut, and this will be a romance one obviously but beware this is major corruption kink coming your way. If you need some help, the ghoul in this chapter is Aether, and half of this is quite literally the exact script of Dracula. You can even look it up and see! Please enjoy, all feedback in my inbox is greatly appreciated.

Chapter one of my new series, “𝕽𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝕲𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖊𝖓 𝕱𝖚𝖓𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖑 𝕺𝖋 𝕾𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖘”

In a Coach in the Carpathian Mountains, a young woman reads to four passengers from a travel brochure.

“Among the rugged peaks that frown down on the Borgo Pass are found crumbling castles of a bygone age.” The woman is knocked from her seat by a bump in the dirt rural road.

“I say, driver, a bit slower!” Another woman says, her black veil crooked as she shakes in the mobile. 

“No, no! We must reach the mountain before sundown!” The driver says, a crack in his voice as the silent erie sound of the forest starts to swallow all sounds.

‘And why, pray?” One of the female passengers asks, closing the bible in her lap.

“When the sun sets the demons start evoking the mountain side like raging wolves and hyenas, desperate for any vulnerable being to feast upon!” The driver replies as they are enveloped in a cloud of fog, the steep road getting more bumpy.

You held tight onto the rosary in your hands, a charm of Jesus Christ on the cross between your palms as you listen to the man speak.

As the vehicle stops in the center of the small village on the ridge, the passengers eagerly step out of the transport and into the rich moist soil. This is a small village of three homes and one or two inns, mainly farmland and water sources as it fits in a small acre. 

A woman from the nearest inn steps out of the entrance as chickens follow, her hair is in a messy bun and there is soot smudged across her face and clothes with a few patches holes in her dress and apron.

“Oh dear, let me help with your luggage sisters.” She says, wiping her hands on her sides to rid of the grim.

“Oh do not worry madam, we are to arrive up top the mountain by tonight.” you say as she grabs a leathery bag.

“Tonight? But the sun is already half set? The gate keeper, he is afraid. Good fellow, he is. Wants me to ask if you can wait to go on after sunrise.” She says as she sets the luggage back into the trunk.

“Im dearly sorry but im afraid we have specific orders from our adviser to be there by sundown, and I fear we are already late.” You reply, hands still clasped together.

Was what the driver said true? Why would it? Perhaps he was only trying to scare the group of young women.

“And who needs you on the mountain? Who sent you faithful young holy women to the dark abbey?” The innkeeper says in disbelief, she studies the very christian and catholic constant theme on the luggage and clothes.

“Count Copia, I assure you, we are here on holy deeds.” You say, willingly ignoring the description of the abbey, surely it was not truly an unholy place, it was an abbey after all.

‘Count Copia? And to the ministry?” She hides her hands in her apron pockets with her brows knitting.

“Yes.” You nod slowly, unsure of what she means, is he not the holy man they were sent to serve? 

“No, you mustn't go there. We people of the mountains believe at the castle there are devils. Count and his ghouls!  They take the form of wolves and bats, goats and succubi. They leave their coffins at night, and they feed on the blood of the living.” She says, placing her hands on your shoulders and eagerly rushing you inside, “Look at the sun! Its already gone, come we must go indoors.”

“But thats all superstition. Why I…I cant understand why…” You try to reason as the door is slammed shut after the other nuns enter.

“But wait, I mean, just a minute. What im trying to say is that im not afraid. I've explained to the driver that its a matter of holiness and god filled right, We've explained it and we must arrive soon.” You say as she pokes at the fire, letting out a cough into her hand.

“If you must go then take this for your mothers sake,” the innkeeper hands you a small vile of blood, “This will protect you..”

‘W-what is it?” You ask, the other sisters surrounding you in curiosity.

“The blood of christ!” She says, eyes wide with fear.

For a moment you feel the need to call help for the woman, she must be a poor paranoid soul. And there is no way she of all people would have the blood of christ.

The sisters gather back into the small mobile and quickly ride upon the foggy dark mountain as the red piercing sun drowns in the horizon. 

When the car stops in the pitch black court yard, the car hurriedly drives away.

“Wait! Driver! Our luggage!” 

The groups attention is brought back to the stone path to the large entrance doors as it is lined with lit candles that come of flame. The dancing red light illuminates them to follow, you take the lead, as you seem to be the least terrified. 

You push open the large black doors and step into the Obsidian floor of the main castle. Its dark just like outside and candles suddenly egnite.

The nuns look around the room, taking in the shadowed paintings, murals, and stained glass.

A footstep spooks you as the sound comes from a taller man at the top of the main stair case.

“G-Good evening.” You bow your head slightly in respect as you can only make out his shape.

“I am…Count Copia..” He says, thick italian accent in his voice as he begins stepping down the long stairs.

“Its very good to see you. I don't know what happened to the driver and our luggage and…well…with all this..I thought I was in the wrong place.” You say, hoping to not sound rude, but there wasn't a cross in sight and the stained glass showed depictions of devilish things instead of virgin mary and jesus.

“I bid you welcome.” The count says,

Outside the large windows, there the howl of a wolf.

“Listen to them…children of the night. What music they make!” He smiles hauntingly.

The older man starts walking off down a corridor lined with paintings and candles. The hall is painted dark red with black trim. One candle stick is consumed with spider webs, it catches your attention as you follow.

“A spider spinning his web for the unwary fly. The blood…is the life, Ms…” He invited you to say your name.

“Ah of course, My name is Sister _, from the western Catholic church of god.” You say with another pleasing bow.

The man hums, his eyes darkening, “Im sure you will find this part of the ministry more inviting.” He says as he opens the doors to a larger room, it has five beds, dressers, nightstands and even an chest at the foot of every bed. Theres two couches on either side of a coffee table in the center of the room, accompanied with a vase of dead roses, a fire place, and two other chairs of black leather. What is most questionable is why the room is a circle, not one corner.

‘Oh rather! Its quite different from outside. Oh, and the fire! Its so cheerful.” You say with a smile.

“I took the liberty of having your luggage brought up. Allow me.” He says as he takes the groups wool capes, he hangs them on a coat rack.

‘Oh yes, thank you.” One of the sisters says as she sits on the neatly made bed. 

The room is painted a deep purple, black trims and wall designs. The curtains over the large windows were a pitch black, and the beds were of black steel and neatly covered with purple silk sheets and purple cotton. The room was lit with candles and a chandelier.

You pick up the letter on the bed, but you accidentally cut your finger on the sharp note card.

As a droplet of blood rolls down your finger, the man quickly turns away.

“Oh dear im sorry, its just a paper cut, I didn't know you were squeamish.” You apologize as you grab a napkin cloth and hold it.

“The infirmary is on the main hall to the left, I hope you shall never need it.” He says as he holds his hands behind his back.

“Thank you,” You smile.

‘I will have a ghoul take you there, and get a bandage.” He says with a large swallow. 

You tilt your head, “ghoul?” You ask, what is with this odd abbey?

Suddenly, out of the darkness of the room, a masked entity approaches you. His silvery devil mask shines in the candle light, through the slit shines his piercing white eyes, pupils so thin and slit like a snake your unsure if they're even there or if its the shadows playing tricks on you. Hes in a nice suit attire, a skull tie and button up pants. His dark hair is slightly wavy and is cut short at his ear and neck, he has a calming presence and you notice his ears are long and pointed. You take in the fact that this man was not infant human, but rather a demon. 

So the innkeeper was correct? About unholy ghosts here?

He leads you to the infirmary, the walk there is silent as you continue to study his form. He has a spaded tail, and his hands are a pale muted purple and his veins are visible in a lighter white color. The ghoul had long sharp claws too, as well as a thicker build. 

He opened the door to the infirmary, he lets you sit down as he gathers materials to address the minor cut.

As he comes back, he kneels in front of you and takes your hand. The pads of his fingers are rough but smooth, hes very gentle and has a calming affect to him.

You swallow, your afraid to speak.

The ghoul parts his lips, like hes about to speak but doesnt know what to say, “Your heart is racing.” he says, deep voice like a deep cave filled with echos and shadows. Its warm and heart filled, he truly means no harm.

Your hands tremble as you shiver, “w-what?”

‘Ah uh…sorry…I meant that your frightened and there is no need too be.” He quickly blurts out, like he hasn't talked to a stranger in years.,

“This is not what i was expecting..” You say as you start to ease up.

“Nobody does, don't worry, you are safe.” He says as he cleans the wound. 

“This…is not a place of god is it..?” You finally ask as he lets go to cut a piece of gauze to use.

“No. It is not.” He looks into your eyes.

You had the feeling that when your church said they were moving you, that it wasn't because you were the best sister of god there. You had started asking to many questions and you always knew that when they transferred people it was never for the better but to rather rid of the so called delinquents that questioned god. In a way you knew you would be thrown out, but not like this and to the wolves.

“Im sorry…I just…I don't want to die..” you start to tear up, ‘I don't want to burn for eternity.”

The ghoul quickly looks up at you, ‘no no no don't worry,” He chuckles, “Your not going to die here and you wont burn for eternity, I doubt god even knows you exist.” 

Your taken aback some, “But don't you eat people? Kill us for blood? Sacrifices and such?” 

“Your demonology books are far outdated…” He says as he wraps your finger.

“So….you ghouls are…kind?” You say, standing up.

He nods, “yes, everyone here is.”

You look down at your feet, “I apologize, I feel I need to introduce myself and start over.” 

The ghoul stretches his hand out, “You may call me Nameless Ghoul.”

You take his hand, “Im Sister _, I hope we can be friends.”

[horsegirlwarcrimes]

Alright, you have answered me again (SY gets two daemons sounds extremely interesting! The "what the fuck happened to Shen Qingqiu" Peak Lord meeting in this AU is going to have some shit to talk about, huh!) so now I'm moving on to the next in my list of WIPs I'm really super curious about - Scooby Gang Juniors? Juniors fics are so fun what shenanigans are they getting into?

auw im literally dead u r so kind ( ;´ - `;)♡

scooby gang juniors, actual title some 'Never Love An Anchor' lyrics bc thats the theme song of this fic, is actually the first longfic i ever started writing! it has also been a WIP for mmm. four years or so. i started writing it right after watching the untamed for the first time in 2019 lmao, but never finished it because at that point id never written ANYTHING as long as it was gearing up to be (the outline is 20k). i hope to finally finish it and post it some time soon, probs after WINR and the ZZL&YQY fics are done. its probs some of my fav writing ive ever done but never shared with anyone haha

summary: Wei Wuxian may have drafted a ritual for willingly bringing someone back from the dead somewhere in his madness in the caves of the Burial Mounds, but if he did it was never found. In the absence of a convenient literal ghost from the past to help exact his revenge, Nie Huaisang turns to the next best thing: his old friend's son.

Meanwhile, Lan Sizhui finds a man buried deep underground with soft, familiar eyes.

[Lan Sizhui, Lan Jingyi, Jin Ling, Ouyang Zizhen, and Wen Ning go on a life changing field trip, dodge their worried parents, and dig up some corpses, in approximately that order.]

“When I realized how deeply affected by the Yiling Patriarch Hanguang-Jun was, I began to realize where this slip in righteousness had come from. You see, while I and the rest of the cultivation world believed that Lan Wangji had been in secluded cultivation for three years to move to a new level in his cultivation, or because he had been wounded fighting the Yiling Patriarch, the truth is much the opposite. Hanguang-Jun was in seclusion as punishment, for siding with the Yiling Patriarch at the Siege of the Burial Mounds. All along, these famed enemies had secretly been allied.”  Jin Guangyao shook his head, expression deeply sympathetic even as the cultivators of the room began to turn to Hanguang-Jun. Hands went to swords, only remaining undrawn due to the thick tension in the room that had yet to break. Hanguang-Jun stood immovable through it all, flawless as jade and cold as ice.  “I believe the Yiling Patriarch must have altered his mind, and had been using his demonic arts to corrupt him as far back as the Sunshot campaign. Now, with the feared patriarch dead, it seems this would no longer be such an issue. But Wei Wuxian left one final plan even after his death, a fail-safe to bring ruin to the cultivation world once again even when he was long gone, and he entrusted that plan to Hanguang-Jun before his death.”  At last, his eyes met Sizhui’s again. Sizhui’s mouth tasted electric, the buzz of the room crashing into him in waves even as it narrowed just to himself, his uncle at his back, his father, and the man before him. He inhaled through his nose and straightened, perfect Lan posture and the ribbon on his forehead proudly on display. He narrowed his eyes back at Jin Guanyao and did not drop his gaze. Jin Guangyao smiled, a flicker of amusement, before he regained his expression of earnest concern to address the crowd.  “I found proof in the records of the Wen work camps, and writings recovered from the Nightless City. You see, Lan Sizhui, ward of Hanguang-Jun and First Disciple of Gusu Lan, was neither a war orphan nor a poorly concealed bastard, but instead a child smuggled out of the Burial Mounds before the siege.”  Jin Guangyao swept a sleeve over Sizhui’s group.  “Honored cultivators, I stand before you to reveal the surviving heir of the Qishan Wen Sect. Called Lan Sizhui but born Wen Yuan, the son of Wen Xu and his first concubine. Cousin of the Ghost General, and former ward of the Yiling Patriarch, already beginning the work of reviving the Wen and overwhelming the righteous sects with demonic cultivators.”  In the chaos, only one voice cut so bitingly through the noise. Calm and cold and sure, Sizhui latched onto it with all his heart. Anything to avoid looking behind him, at the friends he had lied to.  “So you admit it.” Said Hanguang-Jun, unmoving from his spot amidst the Lan. Jin Guangyao blinked wide eyes at him.  “I’m sorry?”  Hanguang-Jun stepped forward. Even with his name being almost literally dragged through the mud, cultivators still parted around him with automatic deference.  “You admit you knew children were being tortured, in your work camps.” 

[livgr3]

Roundtable: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) dir. Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Description on Disney+: Quasi leaves his tower on Notre Dame to help a kind and beautiful gypsy.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a true hidden gem of Disney's animated filmography, and a movie I've found so fascinating, shocking, and genuinely terrifying since I was a kid. The film was produced and released by Disney in a period retroactively referred to as the "Disney Renaissance," in which the company released several cutting edge animated musicals within a few years of one another, almost all of which were based on literature, history, or cultural mythology as opposed to classic fairy tales. While many of these films were relatively progressive and boundary pushing, Hunchback remains one of Disney’s most daring ventures with its criticism of religious hypocrisy and dark themes of xenophobia, lust, and morality.

Based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 Gothic novel of the same name, The Hunchback of Notre Dame occurs in Paris in the late 15th Century and highlights tensions between Catholic officials and Romani migrants. The film tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed man who rings the bells of the Notre Dame Cathedral and must remain in the bell tower under the orders of Judge Claude Frollo, a corrupt minister who took a baby Quasimodo from Romani people attempting to flee twenty years prior. Frollo has made it his lifelong mission as the “Minister of Justice” to rid Paris of its Romani population, and hires Captain Phoebus to find the Romani’s safe haven hidden in the city. Frollo’s efforts are complicated by Esmerelda, a defiant gypsy woman whom he lusts after. Esmerelda befriends Quasimodo and the two help one another escape their situations of imprisonment. Meanwhile, Frollo begins to burn down the city of Paris until he finds Esmerelda, adamant that if he can’t “have” her, he’d like to kill her. The film is partially narrated by Clopin, a Romani jester-type figure who also plays a role within the story in the second-act. Other secondary characters are Quasimodi’s three talking gargoyle friends (one of whom is voiced by Jason Alexander/George Costanza).

Scoring and Narrative Context

Hunchback’s music is very crucial to distinguishing and defining the cultural identities of its characters, and its distinct musical styles are often associated with the space and physical location in which a musical number is performed. Given that the narrative centers on cultural differences between religious and ethnic groups, the film’s music takes influence from both Romani folk music and Catholic hymns. The uses of these two musical styles are differentiated by who is singing each number and where the number occurs. Romani folk music, for instance, makes up the introductory song “The Bells of Notre Dame” and the festival number “Topsy Turvy” which are both performed by Romani people and peasants on the streets of Paris. These numbers are fast paced, colorful, and lively, with percussion instruments and discordant chants by the crowds. Lyric and dialogue are indistinguishable from one another as these songs blend seamlessly into the diegetic space of the film and move the narrative forward.

The film uses Catholic music to underscore its scenes in the Cathedral, with deep bells and choral singing creating a contrast to the lively folk music signifying the world outside. It’s with this haunting music that the film’s critique of religious hypocrisy, characterized through Frollo, takes form. The sound of bells often linger as characters wander throughout the cathedral, a precarious space with guards at every turn despite being promoted as a “Sanctuary” for Romani people.

Quasimodo’s songs take elements from both musical styles while also embodying Disney’s more traditional “hero” songs, as he is confined to the cathedral yet yearns for the world of folk music and “freedom” on the streets of Paris.

Familiar Musical Framing

In her essay on the Western musical lens of Disney’s Moana entitled “Time to Face the Music,” Armstrong writes “This musical containment of unfamiliar sounds by familiar ones limits the audience’s access to the unfamiliar, controlling the representation of the otherness of Polynesian music” (113). This idea is quite relevant in reading Hunchback’s selective uses of Romani music and culture, specifically in regards to the character of Esmerelda (who is voiced by white actress Demi Moore).

As Quasimodo and Esmerelda become friends, Quasi remarks that Esmerelda is “not like other gypsies.” Though Esmerelda immediately refutes this claim and encourages Quasi to unlearn the discriminatory ideas which Frollo has taught him, I find that the film itself upholds Quasi’s sentiment through its formal elements. It is particularly through music that Esmerelda becomes more associated with Western culture than with the Romani culture to which she actually identifies. Her solo “I Want” song, “God Help the Outcasts,” is sung in the Cathedral and fuses elements of an archetypical Disney princess song with a Catholic prayer/hymn. It is through this Western visual and sonic environment that we are expected to most sympathize with Esmerelda.

Additionally, this number emphasizes the extent to which Esmerelda is chiefly an object of the male gaze. This is already apparent at a surface level, with her sexualized outfit, constant references to her appearance (see Disney+ description above), and the way her sexual allure brings about Frollo’s most villainous inclinations. Even further, there are only a few scenes in the whole film where Esmerelda is not being looked at by one of the three principal male characters.

For instance: (play last 30 seconds)

Even in what seems to be a private moment of prayer, Esmerelda is being watched by Quasimodo and the gaze of the camera for nearly the whole song. Her positioning within the way of light from the stained glass window at the end of the song makes her seem angelic, contrasting Frollo’s depiction of her as a seductive demon (coming up below). I argue that this over-positive representation of her is still dehumanizing, as she is represented as a conceptual figure of goodness rather than a whole person. The angelic way that Quasi views her also contributes to the film’s penultimate act of white saviorism in its climax:

Character Performance

As I began to touch on before, the musical direction of the film intrinsically links Frollo with the church, and even further associates his “religious” motives of justice and morality with evil and monstrosity. Frollo is displayed as corrupt and irredeemable from the first minutes of the film, with the chords of his song “Hellfire” played around his acts of evil several scenes before he performs the song. The film thus toys with the idea of “authenticity” by attaching Catholic-inspired music to one of Disney’s most evil characters to date. I don’t exactly think that the film is making a statement against Catholicism as a religion, but is rather pointing out the sense of evil that lies within those who believe themselves to be the most morally sound.

This brief moment from “The Bells of Notre Dame” and the iconic song “Hellfire” should speak for themselves:

(0:25-0:55)

(0:20-1:45)

Still, in making the unmistakable point that Frollo’s objectification of Esmerelda is very bad, all other acts of objectification towards her (and Romani people in the film more broadly) seem “good” in sheer comparison. The heightened attention to her beauty and sexuality also not only sexualizes Romani women, but echoes wider cultural notions of who is deemed “worthy” of saving.

[bloomandcoffee]

So The official Lyrics for “Ascension” just dropped...

...and it’s time for a musical analysis. A.k.a. I lost it because this song is juicy and the interpretation and analysis dragged me through a spin, and if I had to lose my mind, you all should too. 

Time for some interesting tidbits I've found with The lyrics of ascension, its musical cues, and phoenixflare (because bias, but I actually make good arguments for it! The song pretty much does it for me, to be quite honest.)

Warning: quite a long analysis

OK first of all, basics Here are the official lyrics, and here’s a video with the song for quick appreciation and reference. For context, Ascension is the song that plays in the final fight against Bahamut, when Phoenix and Ifrit fuse and they duke it out in space. 

The song starts with Brass & Heavy chorus but the moment Ascension is name dropped into the song is at the culmination of Joshua and Clive fusing. Afterwards it also introduces a solo of violin. A violin solo is indicative of Dion. You learn this from the OST where he fights Odin earlier in the game. This could feasibly be a nod to two things: 

1) You would think The Ascension aspect in its true form is The fusion of Ifrit and Phoenix, but since this Dion's/Bahamut's fight it's instead a clue that true ascension is what spurned the fusion in the first place: stop Bahamut, save the people and save Dion (Joshua) & Destroy the mother crystal, Protect Joshua, defeat this corrupted form of Bahamut (Clive). 

 2) This Ascended form will bring back Bahamut to his senses no matter how terrible the struggle (Brass & Heavy mournful Chorus turned again to violin solo)

3) The lyrics for that moment go as follow:

In courage, conviction (through the night) We find our redemption (find our light) That we might make our ascension

I could hazard a guess and say that the fusing of the eikons represent Forgiveness/Redemption for what they did to each other at Phoenix gate (otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to do it).

However I think it's important to point out that, even before mentioning fire further into the song, Through the night / Find our light  is also reflected in Joshua's/Phoenix theme with  From Dark light be reborn and rise from Shadow / and Shadow in the Night. 

 Night (and night as shadows) are prevalent in Joshua's/Phoenix theme and It's especially notorious since it's the only instance in Ascension where Night is mentioned. One would think "ah it's because Phoenix's theme started the night of phoenixgate”, and yeah that could be it, but why then not do more allusions on Ascension since it's also nighttime?

(Also it’s worth pointing out that the violin solo after Phoenix and Ifrit fuse is also overtaken again by brass instruments and the Chorus. So while there's hope, it's just heralding the beginning of the struggle to break Dion free)

...and Speaking of free

let's get to our next bit:

Burden shouldered Seven worlds of teardrops falling to the sea Bitter seeds, these, e're yearning to be Free! Holy Mother set us free! Strike our irons, be our

All those meta about Dion's burdens being too heavy on him, chaffing him down, making him bitter and not being able to do naught else but bear it??? Here you have your confirmation!

“Burden shouldered” is obvious the interpretation. 

“Seven worlds of teardrops falling to the sea” is a double punch because it could allude to the fact that Dion cannot allow himself to cry in a moment of weakness (he is Bahamut, the Symbol, The champion of the Empire, the Hope bringer, His Father's son) and so the seven worlds worth of tears shall fall into the sea -that is, the place where nobody can differentiate whether it's a tear or just seawater. It also alludes to the fact that, all of this is happening in an isle, surrounded by sea, but instead of his rage falling there, it rains onto the people of the dominion.

“Bitter seeds, these, e're yearning to be”: Through the time of shouldering the Burdens of the Empire with all the privations they entailed and never being recognized for them -even loathed and schemed against!- Dion has grown bitter, and was yearning to be.

Free!

But how, Oh, how does he believe he will find Freedom? 

Through Greagor, The holy Mother. Unsurprising given that he's a Scion of Sanbreque. 

And what does he envision the freedom granted by Her to constitute?

Free! Holy Mother set us free! Strike our irons, be our Solace Temperance Virtue Vengeance

Keep these words in mind (especially vengeance), because they're about to take you on a spin as did me when I realized the turn around.

After the crescendo of what Freedom through her guidance entails, this hectic section of heavy contrasting chorus, brass and tense strings ends with:

Firmament over us Fundament 'neath us

He wants to reach The firmament, leave everything beneath. Do you know who else is spurned to fly over the Firmament, and contemplate the nothingness below? Yes, you guessed it: The Phoenix. Look up to the heavens / The firmament reddens / Throw open your wings and fly! & Look down to the nether / Bid Farewell Forever / Throw open your wings and fly!

But unlike the Phoenix, there's no guiding light in the firmament, no Dawn to look forward to. Dion wants to escape it all, to Rise through the firmament, to leave it all, the chains, the guilt, the horror of what he just did behind, seeking the guidance of the Holy mother and the freedom she represents. 

Again, this section ends with a strong statement of brass and strings. You could even say it's an ultimatum, and the presentation of Dion's current emotional turmoil amplified by the Crystal's/Ultima's madness.

... and then, we go back to the strings, tense, but more prevalent before once again, trying to be overtaken by the brass instruments. And so, the chorus, milder now, assuaged somewhat, continues with the brass not being as prevalent as before (and I'm about to lose it):

Take flight into the starry heavens On high, celestial procession Fire on ruby mountaintops To guide us to the word of god(dess)

We all know this. We are all aware of this. 

"Take flight into the starry heavens", yes we are fighting in space, Dion was able to break through the firmament and leave. 

"On high, celestial procession" Dion, mad with grief, guilt, bitterness and a yearning to be free stands supreme among the stars. A procession fit for a King about to end it all. Even though we know this isn't what Dion, so full of love, of dedication and tenderness for his people would want.

He needs to be stopped from his madness, to be hold gently, to be calmed down, guided through his grief back to safety. and behold! Here comes Ifrit Risen the Phoenix (with extra help). 

"Fire on ruby mountaintops" This is self explanatory, Joshua and Clive have arrived, together, an ascended form with all the implications their ascension meant. But again, Phoenix, focus on the phoenix whose main Motivation is Dion. He arrives to 

"To guide us to the word of god(dess)" the us in this case clearly means Dion, who pleaded to Her before for freedom. Yet it is the Phoenix, who arrives and will guide him to the word of god(dess). The word of the goddess in this case means freedom since that's what Dion yearns for and pleaded to Her.

And what, pray tell, is the phoenix's guidance (also, High Sanbreque priests who? It's the Phoenix, Joshua, the one that will become the true guide to the word of the Goddess, not they who conspired against Dion, who bought into Anabella's scheme) to what true freedom, what Dion's answers and yearnings are?

Solace Temperance Virtue Ascension! 

(Bold done by me, but the exclamation mark is in the lyrics) 

Ascension The type Phoenix and Ifrit got at the beginning, that's true freedom, punctuated for emphasis. Not the Madness Bahamut has become after absorbing the crystal, that’s not Acension. 

The phoenix will guide Dion to it, to true freedom, to true Ascension So this was right where I lost it.

(it's also worth of note that "Ascension!" has an exclamation mark, while "Vengeance" had none, just forceful intonation!)

Ok no. I lied. I was THIS close to lose it, but I held on just by my nails. The song, with now a hopeful tint continues with:

Guide our spirits ever higher And higher and higher and higher, higher! On wings of Faith We'll rise again

"Wing of faith" we know refers to the phoenix, who is guiding true the word of the Goddess. (Phoenix, not Ifrit because who of these two has the wings? Thought so) and with it, Bahamut and Dion will rise again, hinting that they will not die by the end of this fight, but survive and rise again, better (and free, hopefully) and THEN. THEN!!!! Bahamut's string solo theme without brass instruments finally plays and I actually LOST it. If that isn't a confirmation in musical form I don't know what to tell you. Excuse me for a moment while I SCREAM

The song continues and yes the brass now accompany the string solo of Bahamut's theme. Now, instead of being overtaken by it and the chorus as it happened previously in the phase of the fight before this, when the chorus starts it's a whispers and it flows, it doesn't overtake.

Ware ye the madness The breeds inside us Tides of fury flowing, ebbing Mists of malice whorling, wending Veil of Nothing, never-ending Dare not seek what lurketh down beneath No!

It its frantic however, even when it states that the turmoil is waning. It's both a reassurance and a warning, conveyed by the crescendo of the chorus and culminating in the following statement:

An Evil Hiding from the sun Blinded, he screameth eschaton immanent

This is ultima btw. It's a warning about ultima.

What, pray tell, does Eschaton mean anyway? It can't be the Zettaflare, right?

 Indeed, this is what Eschaton means (via Dictionary.com)

Theology. the final age and the consummation of history, including the Last Judgment and the defeat of evil, the eternal blessedness of the righteous, and, in some traditions, the creation of a new heaven and earth:

FUCK YOU ULTIMA

[rustytrident]

music the demon brothers listen to

ch: lucifer, mammon, leviathan, satan, asmodeus, beelzebub, belphegor

cw: none

a/n: i started out thinking about what music lucifer would listen to and then it kind of escalated. also, i want to start writing more fic type of posts in the future. if anyone is reading this, could you comment (or anon ask, idm) if you'd be interested in reading that or if you prefer more chill, bite sized posts? thank you mwah

lucifer

everything. i hc that, since he was the angel of music, he finds beauty in every single song, no matter how niche or out of character it may seem. he prefers some jazz, folk or rnb though, since he uses music to relax. chet baker enthusiast. sza superfan. he listens to frank ocean when he's deep in his feels.

mammon

also a sza and frank ocean fan, though he doesn't prefer them. he wants louder and faster music, something that can distract him and keep his mind occupied. biggest fan of rap and hip hop sounds in the house – any language, any kind. he loves megan thee stallion though, claims he's her biggest fan.

leviathan

expected but yeah. vocaloid. anime ops. memes. kpop. jpop. game osts and bgms. he wants his music as full and stimulating as possible. probably unironically listens to 100 gecs. top spotify genres are kpop, jpop, kpop girl group and hyperpop. internet music. ascends every time the living tombstone come up in his playlist.

satan

very very specific about the music he listens to. it's either 2010s emo pop punk leaning metal (on rare occasions), or the softest, calmest songs ever. he has a lofi playlist on every time he reads. doodie, clairo, samsa, mxmtoon, some hobo johnson here and there. they help him stay calm. i can also see him listening to some ballads since levi is into kpop, but not always.

asmodeus

that's the metal brother. you know those memes with the dude from american psycho listening in on his headphones and it's the most bubbly pop sounding music playing? asmo is that but reversed. loves screamo. loves some hard bass. will not headbang cause he spent 40 minutes on his hair but he will scream. other than that, western pop music. is it, truly, too late now to say sorry?

beelzebub

everything, but not in the way lucifer listens to everything. following the theme of my beelzebub character study, he just absorbs the media his brothers recommend. if he hears asmo blast sabaton from the other room, you bet he'll be listening to the same song while working out. if levi recommends a new anime op, he's adding it to his playlist. if he had to choose, though, it'd be softer tunes, kind of a mix of satan's and lucifer's preferences.

belphegor

look at that demon's face and tell me he doesn't listen to green day. I'm thinking either 2000s punk rock OR show tunes. musicals. he had a hamilton phase. for a couple years his playlist would go from the helpless to creep in an instant. didn't even care, didn't even bat an eye. i think he also pays attention to the lyrics a lot. any song about corrupted systems and dystopian realities is instantly added to his spotify.

[lightineventide]

Album anniversary - "Haven"(8.5.2015*)!

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the release my absolute favourite music album of all time, so I allowed myself to share my love for it with anyone who might come across my messy blog. Kamelot is the second band I fell in love with exceptionally hard - eventually, it took the place previously held by my early-teens super favourite band Nightwish, and hasn't been toppled ever since.

Spotify YouTube

"Haven" is basically my comfort album - it never fails to calm me down and bring back so many happy memories.

I love its kind-of story (if you don't know, it isn't exactly a concept album), themes - of hope, feeling alone, love, finding your safe place in a corrupt world - and overall melodies. I can't even decide which song is the best one to recommend to someone who's never heard the album. So, I decided to share the one with the most interesting music video (in my opinion) - "My Therapy":

In the video description you can also find the curious story of what exactly inspired it.

And the second (and last) track I want to specifically mention is one of the most heartfelt songs about hope I've ever heard - I'll let its lyrics speak for themselves:

Special props (and thanks) to you who read all of my ramblings! If you happen to listen to this album after this, or have heard it in the past already, I'll be very happy to hear which song is your favourite! 💜

As a thank-you for your time, enjoy this photo I took during my first ever Kamelot concert (Sofia, 2022 - I even got a guitar pick!!!):

*World-wide release date