Ikrei P.O.V.
Day of Sukur for the world. Day of Zur for the Zurians, seventh day of the week. Second week of the eleventh month. Three hours after sundown.
“This is a very special night!” The echo of the announcer’s voice signaled the beginning of the event.
“After a hundred years, the singer of singers, RETURNS!”
Raucous applause came from the audience. Including some whistling.
“The woman of a thousand voices! The muse of many, the nightmare of some. Please help me welcome to the stage, our band members playing in this concert for PEACE! Three Malgrunian masters and two Andurian masters, a first in more than ten thousand years!”
The dimmed blue lights showed the shadows of sister Kuyun and the other band members. Kuyun’s best friend, he was on the drums tonight.
Another gracious applause was heard. The drums, ketars and other instruments enter in unison with a small riff breakdown. Shouts and screams from the audience everywhere.
“Citizens of Zunar! Millions around the world! The Inverted Titty proudly presents, the One, the Only. The consort of the eternal flame!”
“IIIIXUUUUR!” The announcer echoing voice slowly drifted away.
The intro arrangement of the instruments was replayed.
“Lay Your Hands on Me!” The phoenix’s voice covered the entire place.
The chorus exploded with all instruments and backing vocals. The first ever slightly distorted sound effect of the colorful chords inundated all ears of the present.
Her energy was exploding everywhere.
Ixur Ember [https://i.imgur.com/ks26voW.png]
She began to sing, accompanied by the band. The intro chorus of the opening number. By compulsion or true desire, we all hummed along. The happy intro felt almost like a ritualistic experience in a small moad when no one is looking. The band covered in blue light in the shadows.
♪Lay your hands on me!
(All Eyes On Me)
You can come you can see
Your still too far from me
(Get close and see)
Lay your hands on me! ♪
Verse chords began with an energetic blend.
♪You can touch, You can see
You're still too far from me
Don't be shy, don't be coy
Don't you wanna be my boy? ♪
A groovy riff with power chords lead the song. The instruments felt alive. The power chords of “rock” music started their upbeat trend. The riffing.
‘Awesome, just awesome!’
The scene went wild. The floating orgon lights fully illuminating the stage, the artifact lights behind the band also fully lit up. Ixur exploded into a singing stance carrying the craftmic stand with her as she sang through the new device. Her clothes were shocking but not unexpected. She was barely wearing anything. A red wyvern leather jacket with a very tight short, too tight and a belt. The accompanying bra revealing everything to the present. The men were already drooling.
If it wasn’t for Yun Hee’s presence, I might have been as well. The singing phoenix’s power was too much for someone like me. The profound green eyes, the matchless olive skin and the blessing of Malgrun on her hair. Red, true red. Her well-toned body visible to everyone.
‘Round, firm, big! What will happen to Yun He’s body after this?!
I wanted to close my eyes. Singing Phoenix’s attributes were insanity inducing when combined with a blessing. The master of the many voices displayed her grandiosity. The concert for peace initiated with a bang.
♪I see you, you see me
What is it that we can be?
A fling, a midnight kiss
Just a toy for the boy
Maybe more, maybe real
Just right for this girl! ♪
The entire place was going insane. Everybody began banging their heads up and down, jumping in place or just stretching out their hands to reach her. The chorus started once more.
♪Lay your hands on me!
(All Eyes On Me)
You can come you can see
Your still too far from me
(Get close and see)
Lay your hands on me! ♪
She sang, and kicked all around the stage not once missing a beat. Her spins with the craftmic stand were spectacular. Leaving the stage behind, she walked through the installed runway. People to the sides of it, packed like chicken coops!
Everybody wanted to touch her. Even Yun Hee. The only one calm in our group was muscle mass. All that touched her passed out, she didn’t seem to care. The jacket fluttering perfectly with each step.
‘So that’s why healers are here. Orgon infused wyvern jacket! Wow!’
♪So you wanna, are you gonna?
Break a leg, take a step
I cannot wait for you all day!
Tak a chance with no regrets
I can really make you mine ♪
She danced, turned and kicked again. A perfect fluid motion. Her hair like a turning carrusel. The Malgrunians present were losing their minds watching their idol in public once more. The rest were close behind. The second verse repeated a second time with backing vocals. The final line emphasized by the phoenix.
♪Lay your hands on me!
(All Eyes On Me)
You can come you can see
Your still too far from me
(Get close and see)
Lay your hands on me! ♪
An incredible seductive pose using the stand between her legs, neither crass nor elegant. Somewhere in the middle. Right as she likes it. Yun Hee’s eyes were fixated completely on the figure of the monster called the Singing Phoenix.
‘Is this close to idol worship, I wonder?’
The bridge I clearly remembered from the recording resounded.
♪Grab a lady, grab a hand
Close together (not too far)
One forever (there you are)
The real deal, the one girl ♪
Chorus time again. Everybody tried reaching out to the red hot idol.
A small breakdown and the instruments bursted forth. Sister Kuyun came forward with the ketar and two floating glyph cubes rotating around her. The effects for her music.
Her magnificent solo was even better than in the recording.
The phoenix smiled. They were in sync.
Sister Kuyun was flying. Ixur head banging.
With the last note of the solo, Kuyun returned to the stage next to the drums as the chorus returned.
♪Lay your hands on me!
(All Eyes On Me)
You can come you can see
Your still too far from me
(Get close and see)
Lay your hands on me! ♪
All of us were smiling happily. The “Raging Heart” blessing of the great consort in full effect. The exquisite artifact jacket glowing, more specifically, the phoenix symbol on its back. Gold with fiery red. A spectacle.
Once more, a final belt with greater feel. Ixur danced seductively, people touching her and falling down.
“Her spinning trick with the craftmic stand will never get old.” Krigsain commented.
“♪Lay your hands on me! ♪” A wild fist pump into the air by the phoenix followed her singing.
The music ending in a distorted final burst, ketars, drums and all.
Bottles went flying, drinks were spilled. And some people grabbed the wrong ass.
‘Yep, still the Inverted Titty, no matter who comes.’
And like this, the first song of a night that would bring many surprises ended. The birth of rock music in the world of Ladnahlayr. Krigsain’s crazy counteroffensive.
Everyone at our table was happily shocked, well not all of us.
“I told you it would be fun.” The troublemaker was smiling all the way through.
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Freslia P.O.V.
In a private viewing room in Malaktaraf castle.
“The music ain’t half bad, huh?”
I mussed by myself.
Steps were heard while more music played.
“Hello Lord Sarkan, were you feeling lonely?”
“I came here because I wanted to understand why did you help the unruly one?”
“I just sent Lord Akathos a message, that was all.”
“Just a message? Don’t play with me, Claimere.” Sarkan was sincere.
I wasn’t happy that my enjoyment was being interrupted when I have very little free time.
“What do we protect Lord Sarkan? Liberty? Our way of life?”
“All of those things and more, you know this. Your point?”
“The more things there are that we value, the better. Music is just that, an expression of what’s in our hearts. This rock music is just one more thing that all of us will love.”
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“Love, something to love? The lives of innocents and plenty of political maneuvering are a steep price and it is barely starting.” He countered with recent facts.
“He has agreed to follow your procedure because I agreed to help him. He cannot be forced into absolute compliance. He will follow your orders and he will become an unbeatable fighter. A beacon for the Andurin. We cannot save all of us but he will try. That’s enough for me.”
I explained hoping that my explanation would satisfy a clearly displeased Sarkan.
“Hope you and Akathos are in the right, this time. For all of our sakes.” He walked away.
I had missed an entire song due to our little conversation.
‘I did this for you too goldilocks. Love is a battlefield.’
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Ixur P.O.V.
“How are we doing out there tonight?”
It was all rhetorical. I knew they were having fun. Screams and some crazy shouts reached the stage.
“You have been gone too long!”
“Phoenix! Phoenix!”
“Marry me!”
I recognized that last voice.
“You here, my boy? You are always at all of my shows. What number is this, sixty-nine shows?” I was honestly surprised.
“Seventy-seven, my phoenix! Give me a chance!”
I pointed to the stage crew. He was going to get to finally meet me after the concert.
‘It is important to treat your faithful with appreciation.’
I motioned for the crowd to give me a chance to speak.
“They say that we should always strive to ascend, to be better, to be blessed, to receive the embrace of the gods. I say we should strive to treat each other better. Heaven is not up there or out there but here among all of us. Heaven is what we make of it!”
“Fate” began playing with a snare and a power riff.
‘This is one of my favorites from the list.’
The riff was uplifting and filled with energy. Kuyun’s friend was not too shabby on the drums, acceptable.
♪Do we deserve a second chance?
How did we fall into this circumstance?
We weren't so straight and narrow
This is much more than we deserve
A higher voice has called the tune
Two hearts that lost the beat will now resume
The gift of life extension
By divine intervention ♪
I was careful, not wanting more black outs from the crowd. A more controlled performance. We were barely half way through the set. It was time for the chorus. A simple tom fill established the pace.
‘Those ketar effects are glorious.’
♪It's gotta be a strange twist of fate
Telling me that Heaven can wait
Telling me to get it right this time
Life doesn't mean a thing
Without the love you bring
Love is what we've found
The second time around ♪
I walked around the stage to the beat of the screaming fans.
‘Who knew some high nobles would scream like little girls after all these years? I should have charged double.’
♪Don't understand what's going on
Woke up this morning all the hurt was gone
This is a new beginning
I'm back in the land of the living ♪
A full power drum fill and into the chorus once more.
♪It's gotta be a strange twist of fate
Telling me that Heaven can wait
And I'm gonna get it right this time
Life (life) doesn't mean a thing
Without the love you bring
Love is what we've found
The second time around ♪
The beautiful interlude began. A mix of magiboard effects, ketar distortion and drums. I danced with the lights feeling the flow. The entire place was in a trance. Well not all of them. There were quite a few powerful eyes in attendance. Even a guy who wanted to capture me just a little while ago.
‘Absolutely shameless!’
The chorus came again.
♪It's gotta be a strange twist of fate
Telling me that Heaven can wait
Oh, I'm gonna get it right this time
Life (life) doesn't mean a thing
Without the love you bring
A love is what we've found
The second time around ♪
“Take it!” I waved for the band to take over.
I headed backstage and let the band play for a bit. It was time to introduce my new friend to the world.
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Ikrei P.O.V.
Sister Kuyun was playing a personal musical piece on the acoustic ketar called “Awakening.” That was our signal to head backstage. Our numbers were up.
“You go brother!” Puri smiled warmly.
“You can do it coop master. Krigs don’t let us down!” Ciel was encouraging.
Iru just gave us a thumbs up.
That last comment made Yun Hee smile, she was almost laughing too.
‘No plushy cats for a month! Saints shouldn’t put down their friends like this.’
She could feel my preoccupation. I could feel her reassurance. A feeling of “it will be fine.”
‘This soul contract thing is scary and comforting. Wow.’
“Let’s go my man, time to light it up!”
“You go horsy!” Kletay’s weird compliment mode was activated.
We left our VIP table behind. Strangely enough Iru and Yun Hee were quite a conversational pair. Kletay was joyfully drinking, a bit much, I thought.
----------------------------------------
I was seating touching the piano keys on the stage. It was time for introductions by the phoenix.
“Hello, again. The boy next to me is my new Andurian friend and the lyricist for many of the songs you are listening to tonight. And the author of this next piece.”
A warm applause came from the crowd.
“Brett Black, the world. World, meet Brett Black!”
More applause all around, more subdued this time.
“A change of pace. This next number is a play on words and dedicated to all who are losing loved ones for many reasons. Many for this stupid conflict like the girl in this song, wherever you are Anya, this one’s for you.”
Ixur sat next to me on a chair the staff had brought.
“Are we our memories? Do we exist without them? This is called Me.” Ixur posed questions to the crowd as a preface.
I began playing the somber yet gentle piano melody with arrangements on the white keys. Her colorful, simple interpretation felt right.
♪I do miss those days when we were as one
Of things that I remember that are no more
Don’t tell me to forget them, just let me cry
Goodbyes are always sad
Is it that easy for you?
Not that simple for me
You are tired while I’m angry
All things that should have been
But now will no longer be
A fleeting touch that means nothing♪
The pre chorus section came up, nothing major just the feel. I could see several couples and many individuals show glimpses of emotion.
♪Tell me where should I turn?
For all the answers are now burnt
Forgetting is easy when you don’t lose ♪
♪Memories, memories
Memories, it is ♪
I carefully played a flourish on the keys. The one that was practiced to the point of nausea. The second verse came around, back to original chord progression.
♪I do miss those days when all felt new
Of places I remember that will be no more
I know that I’ll forget them, but it won’t be tonight
Goodbyes are always sad
A single table for two?
A single red rose for me
You are gone while I’m lonely
All things that I once cherished
But now will no longer exist
A single fleeting heart that feels nothing ♪
♪Tell me where should I turn?
For all the answers are now burnt
Forgetting is easy when you don’t lose ♪
♪Memories, memories
Memories, it is ♪
I danced on the keys with an arrangement created for this song. The phoenix was pleased.
♪Tell me where should I turn?
For all the answers are now burnt
Forgetting is easy when you don’t lose ♪
♪Memories, memories
Memories, it is ♪
A final flourish and the end. There were few claps. I did notice a few pensive faces.
‘Maybe it is because this isn’t really rock?’
“Brett Black, everyone!” Ixur’s acknowledgment finally incited a reaction.
I slowly stood up and waved. I could feel Yun Hee’s emotion all the way up to the stage, warm, gentle feelings. I started to walk out as Krigsain appeared.
“This next number is a story about a girl and a young one from long ago. The moral of the story boys?”
Ixur’s voice became deep like a man’s.
“Never stick your stick in crazy.” She spoke like a baritone.
The entire place erupted into whistling and laughter.
“Unless it is me.” A melodic sensual voice came forth.
Everyone exploded into boisterous sounds. Yun Hee was laughing wildly, I felt it. I laughed too.
‘I like her. She’s a bit too upfront, though.’
Knightcrawler began playing.
----------------------------------------
Tosen P.O.V.
‘I see what they are going for here.’
I was looking around at the reactions from all attendants, the nobles and the powerful that were around me. The drinks on my table were supreme.
“You are causing dissension among our people.” I whispered.
I knew she was paying attention to me.
“You raised your hand against a blessed of Malgrun, it is not your place to intervene.”
She sent a mental message. All this while still performing.
“It is not your place to do as you are doing either. This will not be the end.” I stated the truth with another whisper.
I had received authorization from the Kolga to be at the concert. Even more, I was given free reign from the High Priest to gather allies and deal with the new threats. All political considerations creating problems, of course.
‘Your communion with Malgrunians through your blessing is something else, phoenix.’
It was confusing to realize that the one chosen to create massive buffs with her blessings for our armies was participating in antiwar efforts.
I knew the Kazardim had taken the events as a personal affront. The brothers of my momentary teammate were around somewhere and who knew who else. The massive presence of cultivators from all factions, including the Murim Alliance was making things very knotty.
“Incredible how many demonic cultivators want to get in those panties. Guess the Heavenly Demon called dibs.”
I was looking forward to the mayhem. The drinks were nice, very nice.
‘The Kazardim are truly crazy, blood wolves more than dogs.’
----------------------------------------
Ikrei P.O.V.
“Heartbreaker” had just finished playing. Wild eruption all around, specially the ladies and working girls in attendance. We were watching from the backstage area. Yun Hee came over due to the phoenix’s request.
“True songs are good without the need of all the bells and whistles, even rock tunes. So we are going to strip down the next one down to the basics for this show. This one is dedicated to all my girls out there and the many courtesans and femme fatales around the world.”
Wild clapping and shouts came from the women in the crowd.
“This is co-written by my Andurian friends. Kuyun Sera on the acoustic ketar. This is your true gift little consort. This is called Queen of the Night.”
With a look of surprise, “Yika” was glancing at me. Before I knew better or had the time to gloat a little, I was embracing Yika from behind with that derriere in an inviting position.
‘The power of rock music, eh?’
“Remember what I told you of next week’s training for this guy.” Krigsain spoke to Yun Hee.
“No worries, I got it, beloved of the Will.” She answered pleasantly.
Patting me in the back. Krigsain disappeared in a moment without further notice. I wasn’t sure what the special training was going to be. All I knew was that after a week, I was to undertake my final hunt.
Sister Kuyun’s acoustic ketar began playing the song. Soon enough the verse began.
♪If I say I don't need anyone, I can say these things to you
'Cause I can turn on anyone just like I've turned on you
I've got a tongue like a razor, a sweet switchblade knife
And I can do you favors but then you'll do whatever I like ♪
♪Here I am, and you're a Rocket Queen
I might be a little young, but, honey, I ain't naive
Here I am, and you're a Rocket Queen, oh yeah
I might be too much, but, honey, you're a bit obscene♪
“The thing is nice but these lyrics are a little much. What’s a rocket?” Yun Hee wondered.
♪I've seen everything imaginable pass before these eyes
I've had everything that's tangible, honey, you'd be surprised
I'm a sexual innuendo in this burned out paradise
If you turn me on to anything, you better turn me on tonight ♪
♪Here I am, and you're a Rocket Queen
I might be a little young, but, honey, I ain't naive
Here I am, and you're a Rocket Queen, oh yeah
I might be too much, but, honey, you're a bit obscene♪
“There are better ways to tell me you want some.” She pressed against me.
“I wrote the outro coming next. All else is Krigsain’s doing. The life of a night queen, that’s all.”
I could feel her curiosity and expectancy after my words. The outro began.
♪I see you standin', standin' on your own
It's such a lonely place for you, for you to be
If you need a shoulder or if you need a friend
I'll be here standing until the bitter end
No one needs the sorrow, no one needs the pain
I hate to see you walking out there out in the rain
So, don't chastise me or think I, I mean you harm
Of those that take you leave you strung out much too far ♪
♪Don't ever leave me, say you'll always be there
All I ever wanted was for you to know that I care♪
“This is my gift, isn’t it?”
That was all I managed to hear as I felt her right hand touch my cheek without turning.
----------------------------------------
Krigsain P.O.V.
A powerful sealing and covering surrounded me.
“So, you are here.” I saluted my cleverly hooded partner in crime.
“The tail is off. Your little trick is going to cause a lot of infighting. They love their muse and they love this music.”
“Within range. Everything is going as expected. Probabilities holding up.”
“Causing a succubus to go into a compulsive possessive obsessive drive through her love for music is brilliant. Yet dangerous for our little friend.”
“He must overcome the fire of lust. He will fail now but it will be fine.”
“You sure? She will never be satisfied with just one man.”
“Slowly but surely he will gain a foothold in that little devilish heart. That’s enough, in the end he needs a friend more than a lover.”
She only nodded.
“I’m not touching you until you are at least half as powerful as you used to be.” She was complaining.
“I do wonder if I made a mistake in selecting you, Aysmul.”
“You wish. Your other lasses better be up to par or I’ll chase them out. Krigsain.”
“There’s plenty to do for you to worry about such matters.” I dismissed her statement with a wave.
“Fear, lust. What’s next for little left hand?”
“Regret, absolute regret. Then it will get worse.” A perfunctory answer.
“Not staying for the battle royale that’s about to happen?” She asked.
“Lóng Bì Xì is here. Everyone will die if anyone tries anything.”
“I didn’t sense anything, you certain?”
“I caught a glimpse backstage. Lucky draw.” I detailed the situation.
“Maybe I should introduce myself to the Heavenly Demon, you are still lacking and I could use a hand or two.”
“You should. I’m an equal opportunity employer.”
We slowly walked away from the Inverted Titty and into the shadows.
[Rock you, rock you like a hurricane…is that line right, young one?]
[You are enjoying this, Great One]
“You are no fun like this…hubby.” She was laughing way too hard.
‘The inconveniences of a female right hand.’
----------------------------------------
Ixur P.O.V.
“We have reached the end of our evening together, everyone.”
Shouts came from the crowd.
“No! No! No!” “Phoenix don’t leave us!” “Stay my muse!”
I was very happy, but it was time to close things off.
“Music is more than just sexy tales and pure fun. Leaders I have a few words for you. A little anger, a little hope, a little fear and a whole lotta rock!”
More shouts and some distorted effects from Kuyun as a preamble.
“This is my own creation. Phoenix Starlight, boys and girls.”
The piano gave the signal for a soulful introspective beginning.
♪Where is the wisdom in what we do?
An endless loop for power in what you do
What can I say to get through to you?
Should we reason? Should we pray?
Is it impossible to change you?
Is there a path to meet half way? ♪
One clean chord later, the instruments kicked in.
♪I am rebel I am star
You can catch me if you can
Let’s sing a song, do a tale
Clap hands together before battle
Spill blood, turn over the scales
I offer my blood if you care♪
“Do you want to touch a Star?”
Enter heavy string riffing with a power scream. Angry, angry at everything.
“Raging Fire!”
‘Perhaps a bit much, but it is metal, is it not? Time for head banging!’
♪Nowhere to run or hide
Make the best of what you got
Men marching to their end
Slipping down a bloody road♪
The small chorus began.
♪ (Lives are)
Burning out under the sky
(Nowhere)
You will never hear their cries♪
Lights shining, people stunned. It was time for another scream
♪Phoenix
(Can you see me?)
Starlight
(Can you catch me?) ♪
“Catch me! Starlight!
Burn brightly!”
More heavy strings, power drumming and head banging.
♪The dark cold embrace of life
In her eyes only tears you’ll find
(Never)
Fear be gone forever ever
In the endless deathly night.
Every day is another chance
There’s got to be a better way
Burning envy endless hate
Total eclipse of the heart♪
With another chorus and a small breakdown, a melodic solo started. Kuyun was flawless.
'Maybe I can convince her to tour with me?'
The chorus followed immediately afterward one more time.
♪ (Lives are)
Burning out under the sky
(Nowhere)
You will never hear their cries♪
And a final power outro with all the band head banging with the closing screams.
“Phoenix Starlight!”
“No War!”
The show was over, all lights turned off. The stage blackened. A successful night, the birth of rock, metal music but also the foretelling of many sorrows.