? 2024 Grár Varg
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A Word from the Author
My humor, if you can call it that, is often dark and twisted. I use storytelling as a way to confront my own demons and process traumatic experiences. If you are struggling with PTSD or other mental health issues, please seek professional help. Talking to someone, whether it's a therapist, friend, or even a pet, can make a significant difference.
While English is not my first language, I strive to convey my thoughts and emotions as accurately as possible. Thank you for understanding.
I lay no claim on any of the shipgirls named in the story, they are owned by Yostar and Manjuu respectively. I only claim the idea dor the story.
This tells the struggle of Friedrich der Gro?e to compose not a Symphonie of Destruction, but a Symphonie for Praise and Remembrance. Azur Lane is owned by Yostar and Manjuu, I make no claim on their product. I hope you enjoy, please comment and share.
Song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and copyright to him, altered by me, I make no claims to it.
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Location: Wilhelmshaven Kriegsmarine Base
Time: 18:00 hours, 1 September, 2224
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We have an announcement from composer, RN Benedetto Marcello, light cruiser of the Sardegna Empire.” KMS Blücher says into her microphone.
“I, the great RM Benedetto Giacomo Marcello. The finest composer of the Sardegna Empire challenge a Friedrich der Gross to create a song that's never been heard before! The music and lyrics must touch the heart and soul! Win, and you will be accepted as the worlds finest Composer! Even better that I! If you loose, you will publicly admit that I am the greatest composer, and never compose music again!”
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Now, I have heard there was a secret chord
that David played, and it pleased the Lord.
But you don't really care for music, do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth,
the minor fall, the major lift.
The baffled queen composing Hallelujah!
…………………………………………………
Location: Wilhelmshaven Kriegsmarine Base
Time: 18:05 hours, 1 September 2224
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Friedrich der Gro?e sat enraged, her red eyes pulshed the color of fresh blood. Her powerful ship was pulsing, like the beat of a heart. The H-39 class warship was attuned to the emotions of its huamn form. At this instant hate is what it feels. She rips the charge cord out of her smartphone and searched for Blücher’s number. Her red eyes glowed, energy crackled around them.
“Blücher, tell that puffed up toad that I accept. We will both compose and sing an original piece. We can have one collaboater to create the piece, but we perform it alone. Each performer will be judged by a panel of flagships. Each flagship will represent a faction. Our judges will be from every faction. You had better be recording this, Blücher of the Admiral Hipper class. I want you to tell that fop my answer, TODAY!”
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Prinz Eugen's POV
I walk past the only single family house on post, as usual there is music coming from it. Mutter must be working on another symphonie of destruction. Sounds pretty, but give me metal any day over this slow crap. I am Prinz Eugen von Franz. Intelligence Officer the Bismarck and Tirpit. Second of the Admiral Hipper class of heavy cruiser. I can blame my washboard sister for introducing me to music. I found metal on my own, like smoking. I picked up the acoustic guitar first. Father had it shipped up from Espania for my tenth birthday. And he had a Les Paul 6 string electric shipped over from the Eagle Union when I was 13, I built my amp and preamp when I was 15.
So I started to learn by watching and listening to the music from college radio stations, and the music station from Berlin. This changed when the sirens attacked after three hundred years. I was born Azured like my sisters Admiral Hipper, Blücher, Seydlitz, and Lützow. Seydlitz died from SIDS, Lützow was sent to family in Russia. I attended the Eisenblut Marine Akademie in Wilhelmshaven. I graduatedin the top 2%, and from there I was sent to Intelligence. After three years I was ordered to Kiel to take up my post.
No sooner do I get unpacted than I am called to the Kommandant. “Prinz Eugen, third of the Admiral Hipper class Heavy Cruiser. Sieg Hiel!” Akademie training kicks in.
…………………………………………………
Your faith was strong but you needed proof.
You saw her bathing on the roof.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya.
She tied you to a kitchen chair,
she broke your throne, and she cut your hair.
And from your bloody lips she drew a Hallelujah!
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
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I've always known of Friedrich der Gro?e, second of the H-39 class of heavy battleship. She had 18.5 inch (469.9 mm) main guns, and a lot of armor. She was a child prodigy in music. She synchronized music to her weapons system and the tempo and beat of her music could be seem in her firing patterns. She called them Symphonie of Destruction.
Enter September of 2224. Everyone heard of the Challenge from Sardega composer Benedetto Marcello, light cruiser, to compose an original music and lyrics to a song that must touch the heart and soul. The winner wil be called the greatest composer alive. The song was to be judged on a live broadcast on Christmas Eve. She called the station and stated she accepts. The countdown began.
(3rd POV)
Prinz Eugen scoffed at the thought of such a challenge. Metal was the music of the soul, raw and powerful. This saccharine nonsense was for the weak-minded. Yet, he couldn't deny a certain morbid curiosity. Friedrich der Gro?e, a force of nature, taking on a challenge that seemed so... insignificant.
He pictured her, a towering figure, her eyes ablaze with creative intensity. He could almost hear the hum of her machinery, the rhythmic pulse of her power systems. And then, the music. A symphony of destruction, a harmonious blend of chaos and control.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
A smile crept across his lips. This was going to be good. Very good. He couldn't wait to see what she would create.
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You say I took her name in vain,
I don't even know her name.
But if I did, well really, what's it to ya?
There's a blaze of light in every word!
So it doesn't matter which you heard!
The Holy or the Infernal Hallelujah!
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
…………………………………………………
Friedrich der Gro?e, a force of nature, began her composition with a cold, calculated efficiency. Her massive war machine, a symphony of steel and fire, hummed in the background, providing an industrial rhythm to her thoughts. She saw the challenge as an opportunity, a chance to showcase her unique blend of art and destruction.
The melody, a haunting dirge, emerged from the depths of her mind, a somber reflection on the fragility of life in a universe dominated by war. The lyrics, however, were a stark contrast. They were a defiant proclamation of hope, a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
As she worked, her ship, a living, breathing entity, responded to her emotions. Its systems hummed with anticipation, its weapons systems primed, ready to unleash a torrent of firepower. But for now, they remained dormant, their energy channeled into the creation of a masterpiece.
Days turned into nights as Friedrich poured her soul into her composition. The once pristine bridge of her ship was now a chaotic mess of sheet music, discarded drafts, and half-eaten energy bars. Yet, in the midst of this creative chaos, a beautiful melody was taking shape.
Friedrich der Gro?e and her sister Ulrich von Hutten, a renowned pianist, collaborate to create a perfect score for the Christmas Eve performance. Ulrich's delicate touch and profound understanding of music provide the perfect accompaniment to Friedrich's soaring melodies. The hum of the ship's machinery synchronizes with the music, creating a mesmerizing display of light and sound. The two sisters work tirelessly, playing day and night, stopping only when exhausted.
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Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the hallelujah!
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
…………………………………………………
“Ulrich! I need you! You must accompany me on the piano while I create the perfect lyrics! Here, listen to the score!” She plays the music, her sister at work hears each note.
The minor cords, the major. The rise, now the fall. Ulrich von Hutten was just as musically minded as her sister, but she dealt in the notes and cords themselves, not the words. In her mind she saw the music, where it should be either ‘sped up’ or ‘slowed down.’
Friedrich, her face etched with determination, handed the sheet music to Ulrich. The notes, a chaotic dance of sharps and flats, seemed to leap off the page. Ulrich's eyes scanned the score, her mind already translating the symbols into sound.
"A challenging piece, big sister," she murmured, a wry smile playing on her lips. "But I believe we can make it work."
As Friedrich began to sing, her voice, a powerful instrument in its own right, filled the room. Ulrich's fingers lightly danced across the keys, her playing a perfect counterpoint to Friedrich's melody. Both ships, sensing the intensity of their creative energy, hummed in response, their lights pulsing in time with the music.
Hours turned into days as the sisters worked tirelessly. They lived and breathed music, their souls intertwined with the notes and chords. With each passing day, their composition grew more powerful, more poignant. It was a symphony of hope and despair, love and loss, life and death.
And through it all, Prinz Eugen played a counter point on his acoustic guitar. Change occurred gradually in the score and lyrics as the song evolved, taking on a life all its own. He was blown away each time he returned from each mission or sortie. His luck in being assigned to a house near them was paying off.
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I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the lord of song
With nothing on my tongue but hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah!
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The discord between Friedrich and Ulrich had a ripple effect, extending beyond their personal conflict. Their ships, attuned to their emotions, mirrored the tension. The once harmonious vessels now engaged in a silent war, their powerful systems flickering with animosity.
The night sky was illuminated by the ships' erratic behavior. Their lights pulsed and winked, a macabre dance of digital discontent. The once peaceful harbor was now a stage for a technological spectacle, a stark reminder of the human emotions that could ignite such destructive power.
Prinz Eugen, a witness to this extraordinary display, was both fascinated and alarmed. He realized that the line between art and destruction was often blurred, and that even the most beautiful creations could harbor the seeds of chaos.
The slamming door echoed through the silent night, a stark reminder of the fractured harmony. Ulrich von Hutten, her heart heavy with disappointment, had left the battlefield of creativity.
Friedrich, left alone with her unfinished symphony, was a solitary figure. Yet, she was determined. The deadline loomed, a relentless force pushing her forward. She returned to her work, her fingers flying across the sheet music. The ship, sensing her renewed focus, hummed in support, its energy once again channeled into the creation of art.
As the days dwindled, Friedrich's dedication intensified. She lived and breathed music, her mind a whirlwind of melodies and lyrics. The ship, a silent guardian, watched over her, its systems humming in harmony with her creative spirit. The countdown had begun.
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Prinz Eugen, lost in his own world of music, was startled by the gentle touch on his shoulder. It was Friedrich der Gro?e, her face etched with a mix of curiosity and determination.
"My music, you like it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Very much so," he replied, his heart pounding. "Your lyrics, they are powerful, raw. They speak to the soul."
"Your lyrics," she continued, her eyes fixed on him, "may I use them?"
Prinz Eugen hesitated. These were not his words, but rather inspired by the ancient tales of faith and power. "They are not mine to give," he explained. "They are your cords, they are from the Bible. They belong to everyone."
Friedrich nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I understand. But your interpretation, your melody... it gives them new life." She paused, her eyes gleaming with inspiration. "Perhaps we could collaborate, you and I. A symphony of faith, a fusion of the sacred and the profane."
Prinz Eugen's heart ached as he watched Friedrich's shoulders slump. The deadline loomed, a relentless force threatening to extinguish her creative flame. "It's too late," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "The judging is in less than an hour! You must go."
Friedrich's eyes, once ablaze with inspiration, were now clouded with despair. "I forfeit," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't finish alone."
A wave of sadness washed over Prinz Eugen. He couldn't let her give up, not now. "No!" he exclaimed, his voice firm. "You go dress, I will help you! Take the initiative! Go for the attack, and defeat your foe! You never gave up before, don't start now!"
With a gentle push, he urged her towards her house. As she disappeared inside, he turned his attention to his own preparations. He loaded his guitar, amp, and preamp into his car, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. He knew that by helping Friedrich, he was sacrificing his own musical pursuits. But the opportunity to witness the birth of a masterpiece was a price he was willing to pay.
With the clock ticking, Friedrich emerged from her house, a vision of elegance and determination. Prinz Eugen, stunned by her transformation, helped her into the car. The air crackled with anticipation as they raced towards the station.
Once there, they rushed to the green room, a sanctuary of nerves and excitement. Prinz Eugen, ever the supportive friend, helped Friedrich fine-tune her performance. As she practiced, her voice filled the room, a powerful blend of raw emotion and ethereal beauty.
The moment of truth was approaching. The stage, bathed in a soft, ethereal light, awaited Friedrich. As she stepped onto the stage, a hush fell over the audience. The world held its breath, ready to witness the birth of a masterpiece.
The speaker plays various songs, all well known as the announcers talk back and forth. Benedetto Marcello is to play his masterpiece first, as the challenger and guest.
The lights dimmed, casting a spotlight on the stage. Benedetto Marcello, the renowned composer and Friedrich's challenger, took his place, a confident smile playing on his lips. He began to play, his fingers dancing across the keys of his piano. The music, a complex symphony of melodies and harmonies, filled the air, captivating the audience.
As Marcello finished his performance, a wave of applause swept through the hall. The judges, their faces etched with thoughtful expressions, deliberated, their verdict hanging in the balance.
Then, it was Friedrich's turn. She stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding attention. The audience, expectant and curious, held their breath. As she began to play, a hush fell over the room. The music, a fusion of raw emotion and ethereal beauty, flowed from her fingers like water.
The judges watched in rapt attention, their faces betraying their emotions. As the music reached its crescendo, the audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the hall.
The judges conferred, their faces grave. They had a difficult decision to make. Finally, the head judge stepped forward, his voice echoing through the silence.
"The winner of this year's competition is..." he paused, his words hanging in the air, "...Friedrich der Gro?e!"
A thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Friedrich, her face flushed with surprise and joy, stood at the center of the stage, her eyes filled with tears. She had done it. She had conquered the challenge, proving herself a true master of her craft.
As the celebration began, Friedrich and Prinz Eugen embraced, their eyes filled with pride and admiration. They had achieved something extraordinary, a testament to their talent and unwavering determination. The symphony of destruction, a testament to the power of music and the human spirit, had finally found its voice.
What began as an opportune meeting became so much more.
Indeed. What began as a chance encounter, a shared love of music, blossomed into a profound friendship. The unlikely pairing of the stoic naval officer and the passionate composer forged a bond that transcended their differences. Their collaboration, a testament to the power of human connection, resulted in a masterpiece that would be remembered for generations.
…………………………………………………
Now, I've heard there was a secret chord
that David played, and it pleased the Lord.
But you don't really care for music, do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth,
the minor fall, the major lift.
The baffled queen composing Hallelujah!
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
Your faith was strong but you needed proof.
You saw her bathing on the roof.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya.
She tied you to a kitchen chair,
she broke your throne, and she cut your hair.
And from your bloody lips she drew a Hallelujah!
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
You say I took her name in vain,
I don't even know her name.
But if I did, well really, what's it to ya?
There's a blaze of light in every word!
So it doesn't matter which you heard!
The Holy or the broken Hallelujah!
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
I did my best, but it wasn't much.
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch.
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool ya!
And even though it all went wrong,
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah!
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah!
