#Circus Saints and Sinners

[newyorkthegoldenage]

The Circus Saints and Sinners Club, formed to help aged and ailing circus performers, held a shindig on February 25, 1938. The gang, from left to right, are Ham Fisher, cartoonist; Gene Buck, novelist; McClelland Barclay, artist; Dudley Field Malone, lawyer; Renade Arnold, International Club President; Bill Egan, Pennsylvania stationmaster; Lewis E. Lawes, warden of Sing Sing, and "Jolly Bill" Steincke, cartoonist and radio and television performer.

Photo: Associated Press

#vintage New York #1930s #circus performers #Saints & Sinners Club #Feb 25 #25 Feb #benefit #Sing Sing #old New York

[williamthirteen]

The Shadow of Virtue #Barcelona #CarrerdePauClaris #Saint #Sinner #City #Circus #Sewer https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd340frLMO5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#barcelona #carrerdepauclaris #saint #sinner #city #circus #sewer

[whosthatfunkyrat]

Some imagery you can associate with Inej, Kaz, and Kanej:

Inej first (bc she’s my beloved):

Religious imagery/ sainthood

The moon

Acrobatics/tight rope/ circus(?)

Daggers/blades

Pirate imagery/ ships/ captain

Water & The Sea (Not sure if water counts but Kaz describes her movement like a girl under water, also the whole sailing away thing)

Smoke (Kaz also describes her as moving like smoke)

Ghost Imagery (I.e The Wraith)

Spider imagery

Crow/bird imagery (less prevalent for her than Kaz but still worth mentioning)

Wings (the whole chapter where she falls and looks for her wings, connected to the bird imagery but separate enough)

Kaz:

Dog imagery (bc he’s “Par Haskel’s rabid dog” and I feel like this nickname is heavily under appreciated)

Crow imagery

The Sun (you might be confused by this bc usually the sun is happy but think about how Kaz burns with devotion and rage, how all the crows circle around him, him always being the center of the gang ((even tho we all know Inej is their touchstone)))

Fire.

Keys? (Lemme know if this is wrong but I see a lot of people doing fanart with him holding a key- idk what that’s about I haven’t read past crooked kingdom, if you know pls tell me)

Magic/slight of hand/deck of cards/thievery (lumping them all together bc they’re too similar)

Hands & gloves (ofc)

Water & the sea too actually… unfortunately.

Honestly… Blood.

You can do knives for him as well but it’s less prevalent.

Eyeballs… bc…. The eyeball part. Also- he sorta knows/ sees everything.

Kanej:

Sun & Moon

Fire & Water

Fire & Smoke

Queen & King

Saint/Sinner (or demon)

Knife/Wielder (referring to when she worked as a dreg, and killed who he told her to, less romantic but should you be using this for writing it could work)

#my idea of imagery is very loose so bare with me #just a fun idea I thought #it’ll probably just be serving me to have them all written down #just for like art or fics or something idk #fun times #six of crows #crooked kingdom #inej ghafa #soc #kaz brekker #shadow and bone #grishaverse #kanej #ck #inej x kaz #kaz x inej #sankta inej #inej my beloved #kazzle dazzle #kaz being kaz

[cutepastelstarsalior]

Hazbin hotel review part 2

Episode 5

Ok, before I start the episode I want to say, when these episode first came out I saw the YouTuber Sarcastic Chorus made a video about episode 5-6. And he brings up a lot of good points. From the fast paced, to the telling us info rather then showing, to Charlie’s apparent Daddy Issues, the issues about Alastor’s appearance in show wise vs audience wise.

I know Hazbin only had 8 episodes and it only has 1 season. Idk if they will have a season 2, but the way this show is handling storylines and time lines is really bad. Like in episode 3, the story of Sir Pen (snake guy) being a spy for the Vees. That could have been so interesting! But because of time, that “plot” was immediately revealed and rushed. Sir Pen being a spy has no impact on the show. Not to the characters or to the story. Sure they had that “I’m sorry song” and Angel distrusting Pen for a bit, but besides that?? That whole plot could have been removed and the writer could have Pen be actually wanting to be redeemed. Pen not trusting the others is fine, but it also doesn’t matter??? Story wise. We can’t tell if everyone actually hates him because of the reveal or because they just assholes.

Eghhh, haven’t even seen the episode and I’m already rambling. Ok, let’s go.

“He (Lucifer) led the extermination happen to beginning in the first place) no?????? Charlie what the heck are you talking about???? All Lucifer did was fall in love with Lillian and gave Eve the apple. HEAVEN was the once that decided to kill sinners??

“That’s it, Almost there” SIR, SIR, DONT DO THAT. God my heart just skip a beat….😳🫣

God the way the characters with shouldpad look from behind….little twig arms coming out of nowhere..

Circus music yippie!!!!

“Hey bitch” IF X WAS WRITTEN BY VIZIEPOP. Like who father actually called their daughter/kid a bitch; like casually. Like yeah my dad called me a bitch when he’s angry at me? But never casually???

“Take that depression” ok, that got a little laugh out of me.

Lucifer is tiny….call that transmac swag.

Why is Alastor immediately starts to fight Lucifer??? Like Alastor, that like you’re freaking GOD of hell???? You literally king????

Vaggie and Charlie are girlfriends?????? You they do NOT act like it. :/ kind of wish it was a slow burn romance? I feel like that would work so much better.

Lucifer called Vaggie, Maggie. That like so much better then her actual name???? Wish it was her real name 😫😔

Alastor think of Charlie as his daughter. Yeah that’s total bullahit. They literally never interact with each other outside the pilot?? Sure as hell don’t do much for the hotel, again, outside the pilot…

“Someone also on a leash” and the whole husk on a leash thing? I don’t care. I literally DONT care. ~oooohh scary alastor and a glowing leash ooohhh~ 😒🙄

“He’s defending the hotel. He’s doing it for me.” No the fuck he’s not????? He literally said he’s doing it to show why people shouldn’t mess with the radio demon.

I don’t care about Mizzy. She’s kind of boring.

Ejemsnwiwnsejwndjsissnw Jeremy and his sing voice…I love you ❤️

Love the song, but just like YouTuber Sarcastic Chorus said in his video, this song and Charlie and her dad reconnect, it doesn’t feel earned. This is literally episode 5. Where TOLD Charlie has daddy issues, but never shown. Why don’t Lucifer not reconnect sooner? It seem like nothing was physically stopping him? Was it because of his depression? Was it Lilith? There too many things happen and not enough time or character grown or developed to have THIS big moment. It feels rushed.

Score 1-5, I give it a 2.

Episode 6

6 episodes and this is the first time Charlie and Vaggie kiss. Yay/sarcasm.

CHERRY AUSTRALIAN NOW?????

I still don’t know how to feel about Lucifer being still Abel to contact/portal to heaven. I feel like she shouldn’t have that ability.

Why. Are angels cursing??? Is this allowed??? I feel like that shouldn’t….

THATS SAINT PETER???????

Emily is a Seraphim. God I love Seraphim <3 they are SO cool. Also wow is this girl literally like Charlie…

Peter is a twink/j

HES MINE NOW. YOINK. my oc now. Gonna make him a French human ballerina + ice skater who has a model boyfriend. <3.

Her name is vagina…..why the hell would you keep that name Vaggie. Ehhh gross.

V being an angel, it really surprising. But she getting her eye and wings IMMEDIATELY after sparing a child????? It’s stupid. Like, head that Lute person is cruel but to immediately cut her eye and wings off and leave her in hell???? Aren’t you guys like, scare of heaven. Don’t you think leaving an angel in hell could like, I don’t know, backfire???? V could have betrayed you and immediately go to Lucifer or something. She could have gotten kidnapped and tourter for information???

Also V having Ichor blood <3

Why does Adam know who Angel Dust is? Didn’t Charlie mentioned him during their meeting before? I forgot if she did…

Oh my god this episode is SO long…

“It thought you were better than that” BOOO TOMATO 🍅🍅🍅🍅 BOOOO YOU DID NOT YOU LITERALLY CALLED ANGEL A LOSER 2 episodes ago??? Literally had a song about being at the bottom together????

Again. Weird that Adam and angels can curse. Weird how the Seraphim aren’t stopping it. Aren’t they more powerful than Adam???

😬😬😬 Niffty being drunk scene. I got major Infantilization vibes. It’s bad when people on TikTok say this scene is like Angel and Husk are Niffty’s dads or older brothers. Like yeah, people can be lightweights or cry when drunk, but the way this is handled??? Idk. Some people on TikTok also said Niffty age regression, and hmmm. I don’t think age regression can be influenced by alcohol..

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DONT KNOW WHAT GETS PEOPLE INTO HEAVEN?? HELLO THE 10 COMMANDMENTS?????

Sarah knows about the extermination. Others angels and non-sinners don’t. Emily is to keep the peace. Sara didn’t want Emily to keep asking questions or she can call like Lucifer…..Then why did Emily have the same ideas and views and Charlie before meeting her? How does she know about sinners?? What made her have these thoughts??

Score 1-5. I give it a 2,5.

Episode 7

Vaggie calls the hotel her home. Cute.

Charlie angry at Vaggies secret of being a angel. They known each other for 3 years. Charlie tells Vaggie everything Idk why, but it felt like Charlie is putting her own needs before Vaggies? Like yeah she’s knows know that vaggie is an angel and part of the extermination but she never killed anyone? Idk I feel like Charlie isn’t looking at Vaggies POV?

Rose is ok. I like the way she’s talks! She definitely one of those character that makes the episode more better/entertaining.

If the pilot is canon to the story then CHARLIE WHY THE HELL DID YOU MAKE A DEAL?? YOU KNOW THAT YOU SHOULDNT HAVE?? DIDNT YOU ASK ALSTOR TO HELP IN THE PILOT??? HIM TELLING YOU INFO FALLS UNDER THE HELPING CATEGORY???

Rosie saying Charlie has moxie….i guess? Idk I don’t really see it.

Oh god alastor and Rosie saying Charlie is like their daughter….that Rosie is Lilith theory might be true…

“I had faith in her” or whatever the quote was, bullshit. Alastor join because he wanted to watch Charlie fail/was bored. Oh, yeah he totally beloved her and he totally wanted to use her power or whatever. 🙄

The vaggie and Camille scene was fine. Kind of weird that Camille is so chill about Vaggie being an angel and training/fighting with her, even though she literally killed an angel to protect her daughters. Didn’t like the song, I literally muted it.

Husk, Angel, Nifty, and Sir Pent fortify the hotel. That caught me off guard:

Score 1-4, I give it a 2.5.

Episode 8

Last episode baby!!!!!

Christ.

Sir pen dies. :/ bummer

Alastor and Adam fight!!! ADAM WAS WEARING A MASK?????

Vaggie I don’t think you sparing Lute is good. Like she gonna kill you. Vaggie kill her.

The fight scenes are ok.

Adam died, thank god.

Then rebuilding the hotel is ok? I don’t know what to think of it? The Vees being happy about this is??? Why???? Also for Alastor, him trying to find a back door on his deal. I guess he was hoping if he killed Adam, then he could be free from being a sinner??

Nifty killing Adam, neat.

Also Pen getting redemption and being an angel now! Good for him.

Wait, wait WHY is Lilith in Heaven???

For this ending. It’s VERY rushed, plot wise. It’s just one battle and BAM everything is ok. Kind of. Will they get a season 2? I hope not. This first season is rough, mediocre.

Score 1-5. I give it a 4

#my thoughts #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel critical #hazbin hotel criticism #hazbin hotel spoilers

[inawearyworld]

here’s wren’s playlist (for now)!! it’ll certainly be added upon over time, but it’s meant to be in chronological order of the story

• special girl-dodie; baby, i’m a funny thing; i’m walking if it doesn’t sting

• green finch and linnet bird-stephen sondheim; is it for wages, singing to be sold? have you decided it’s safer in cages, singing when you’re told?

• how do you see-blake rouse; all the saints and the sinners think alike while it is right. while there’s for-profit in my veins, changing my name

• eat your young-hozier; there is ground to break, whatever’s still to come

• money, money, money-abba; must be funny in the rich man’s world

• wicked game-chris isaak; what a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you

• fragile-laufey; now i sit around and rust in rain, turn into dust as i just wait

• sugarblind-king mala; i’ll ask for forgiveness in the morning, sink my teeth into this tender moment

• glitter and be gay-leonard bernstein; observe how bravely i conceal the dreadful, dreadful shame i feel

• starmaker-bruce roberts and carol bayer sager; here stands everything i thought i made. it’s the only life i’ve known, and i can’t even call it my own. i got no home, i belong to you, my starmaker

• the man-taylor swift; when everyone believes ya, what’s that like?

• you’re so vain-carly simon; you had one eye in the mirror as you watched yourself gavotte

• crazy-gnarls barkley; who do you think you are? bless your soul, you really think you’re in control

• candy-robbie williams; either a little too loud or a little too close, got a hurricane in the back of her throat

• rainbow-dodie; oh, how can i be proud of what a million people shout at me?

• green flash sunset-noah floresch; there’s a moment in the sunset when the sky fills up with green. i don’t think i’ve ever seen it, but i still believe

• candyman-christina aguilera; there’s nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm

• this side of paradise-coyote theory; underneath the pale moonlight, dreaming of a circus life, carousels and ferris heights, i’ll be yours if you’ll be mine

• never enough-pasek and paul; you set off a dream in me, getting louder now. can you hear it echoing?

• what love will do to you-laufey; the world feels smaller, yet the trees look taller. there’s enchantment in the air

• you make me feel so young-frank sinatra; you make me feel there are songs to be sung, bells to be rung, a wonderful fling to be flung

• lovelight-abba; and the traffic seemed to get a little lighter. when you came into my life, it all got so much brighter

• life is good-the hunts; i never thought i could shake this heartache until i saw your light

• new romantics-taylor swift; we are too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet. baby, we’re the new romantics; the best people in life are free

• meadowlark-stephen schwartz; before my past once again can blind me, fly away

• i knew you were trouble-taylor swift; flew me to places i’d never been till you put me down

• not strong enough-boygenius; always an angel, never a god. i don’t know why i am the way i am; there’s something in the static, i think i’ve been having revelations

• get back to love-bianca gisselle; but i’ll still pray for you, ‘cause i won’t stoop as low as you

• goddess-laufey; you took me for a fool. you stole my youth. you wanted this so much. you watched me rise, then killed my light, and now you know i’m not your fucking goddess

• lose you to love me-selena gomez; you promised the world, and i fell for it. i put you first and you adored it: set fire to my forest and you let it burn, sang off-key in my chorus ‘cause it wasn’t yours

• who we are-hozier; darling, we sacrificed, we gave our time to something undefined

• i love it-icona pop; you’re on a different road, i’m in the milky way

• clean-taylor swift; when i was drowning, that’s when i could finally breathe. and, by morning, gone was any trace of you

• vienna-billy joel; cause you know that, when the truth gets told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old

• audition (the fools who dream)-pasek and paul; so bring on the rebels, the ripples from pebbles, the painters and poets and plays

• i hear a symphony-cody fry; perfection is so quick to bore. you are more beautiful by far

• songbird-fleetwood mac; and the songbirds keep singing like they know the score

• don’t be shy-cat stevens; love is where all of us belong

• waltz for sweatpants-cody fry; just a little peculiar, maybe more than a little, but life’s far too fleeting for us not to be who we are

#fiytwtb #wonka fanfiction #wonka 2023

[mogai-sunflowers]

current list of the lexic gendies im working on- feel free to send in lexic requests!

scorn, network, internet, hack, spyware, software, tomb, cemetery, pandemic, epidemic, debonair, slay, slaughter, cyber, cybersecurity, cyberspace, assassin, massacre, website, data, vendetta, fury, slasher, crime, criminal, drone, heist, fugitive, nuclear, destroy, radiation, pixel, conspiracy, saint, sinner, cookie, warp, mindwarp, malice, meat, wound, cut, gash, vampire, starve, cannibal, carnival, circus, creature, crazy, devour, dragon, witch, wizard, mage, magical, butch, twink, fag, faggot, faggy, trick, tricky, trickster, honeypie, bone, finger, decompose, shocking, electrify, wing, believe, beg, grim, gloom, it, fatal, greedy, weapon, interstellar, deadly, planetary, desperate, hatred, goddess, medieval, mortal, immortal, clock, monarch, goth, punk, pain, dungeon, prison, labyrinth, dinosaur, vindictive, psychedelic, captive, hostage, homicide, tyrant, arson, thief, acid, taunt, suicide, carcass, roadkill, scavenger, vulture, invisible, victory, loveless, heartless, turigirl, occult, poison, symbol, achillean, alive, masc, love, heart, jealousy, ace, aro, spade, ripple, skeleton, goofy, fallen, skull, spy, fae, agent, deceit, elixir, potion, disgust, extraterrestrial, bloodsucker, library, archive, locust, break, drown, phobia, liar, vigilante, technology, maggot, lethal, disease, rogue, vermin, plague, alien, frog, rip, venom, toxic, birb, snek, button, crow, heathen, crown, thorn, abuse, murderous, devil, shriek, shrivel, scream, scar, diabolical, bury, funeral, anxiety, obsession, depression, paranoia, paranoid, manipulate, martyr, blessing, trigger, sword, knight, mushroom, lesbian, sapphic, bisexual, pansexual, gay, villainous, chaotic, villain, disdain, noodle, dreadful, nugget, hideous, gruesome, morbid, ghast, ghastly, ghoul, bomb, blooper, nevermore, awful, bloodlust, bloodthirsty, disaster, omen, horrid, hellish, loathe, nasty, petrifying, shiver, shudder, scandal, scandalous, threaten, terrifying, trauma, epiphany, ephemeral, illuminate, irenic, aesthetic, blade, bleed, bloody, amnesia, needle, syringe, harvest, killer, carve, eyestrain, strangle, struggle, suffer, suffocate, sickness, guilty, fever, blame, rebellion, utopia, dystopia, idyllic, dirty, clean, cringe, cringy, delusion, delusional, hallucinate, vengeance, ravenous, beast, beastly, vague, deathcute, violence, carnage, beyond, antihero, supervillain, forevermore, rage, rampage, rainbow, hostile, risk, enemy, bloodshot, bloodshed, revenge, explode, cyborg, virus, malware, malevolent, malice, malicious

#reign rambles #tw f slur #f slur tw #f slur

[kathyprior4200]

Heaven Hotel: "Prologue"

The Story of Hell…(But not the one you know)

“Once upon a time, there were four main afterlife realms. One was a golden city guarded by golden gates known as Heaven. It was created by God and high-ranking angels who spread harmony throughout the universe. In the Hazbin Universe, Lucifer was a dreamer angel who had unique ideas for creation, but the elder angels didn’t like his wild, unconventional ideas. Sera and the angels helped create Earth and thus created Adam and Lilith in the Garden of Eden. Lilith fled the garden to escape her controlling husband, met Lucifer and fell in love. Lucifer wanted to share free will with humanity, so he gave the apple from the forbidden tree to Eve. Presumably, Roo, the Eldritch goddess of evil was able to escape the tree, corrupt the Earth and ruin the angel’s plan for humanity. Thus, Eve was corrupted, and Lucifer and Lilith were banished to Hell. Charlie, the princess of Hell, wanted to rehabilitate Sinners through her hotel to keep them safe from Adam and his female Exorcists who went down to kill them every year. A Sinner named Sir Pentious reincarnated to Heaven as an angel and Adam reincarnated as a demon after their deaths. Hell was a place with seven Rings ruled by the Seven Deadly Sins and the Sinners and demons could do whatever they wanted under Lucifer’s circus-like rule.

Those are the worlds you know. But those are different to where I’m from.

The Heaven where I live (what you would call 2P Heaven) is more complex than a simple golden Hollywood city. It has Seven Halos, each ruled by an Archangel or the Seven Heavenly Virtues. Humility, the lowest, is ruled by Archangel Michael. Charity is ruled by Gabriel, Chasity by Camael, Diligence by Raphael, Patience by Uriel, Temperance by Jophiel, and Kindness by Zadkiel. The Born-Again Council is our equivalent to the Hell Overlords. Sinners are ex-humans in Hazbin Hell, Winners are ex-humans in Hazbin Heaven. Here, we call them Saints. But those in our Hell? They have a lot of complaints. They are so far gone we don’t even know what to call them…”scum” is an understatement. Instead of I.M.P. imps going down to kill those on Earth, or Hazbin Cherubs going to save people, the main commoners here are elves of E.L.F. They not only save people, but they bless their families and comfort them after their losses. Much more efficient than C.H.E.R.U.B. at least. (See “Heavenly Boss.”)

You probably are wondering who I am. I am Princess Coerciona Vespar, only one of the most important people in this Heaven world. The angels here are shapeshifters and often have blue dots on their white cheeks instead of red ones. The only ones above me are my parents King Hesperius and Queen Evanna and the Archangels and God. I have black hair, black wings with eyes on them, barbed wire in my hair, dark green/teal dots on my white face and carry all sorts of weapons. My eyes can change to a deep black with white pupils, but mostly they are ice-blue.

Not only am I a princess, I also happen to be a leader of my very own Exorcist army, the Cleansers. Unlike blonde bimbo Barbie in Hazbin Hell, I enjoy killing demons and Sinners with great passion. (And why shouldn’t I? Most of them are rapists, Nazis, serial killers and the like…if they all get any ideas, I’m just making them double dead to feed Roo.) I also enjoy daily praise, respect, and rock music. I used to have a crush on Hazbin Exorcist general Adam, but when he lost to a cyclops maid, I figured he was pathetic after all. Coercing others is my specialty.

Who are the Cleansers? They are the Exorcists 2.0. They are of all genders and all classes: Heavenborn, Saints, and even lowly elves and cherubs can sign up. You see, we don’t just go down to Hell once a year to kill; we have to constantly be on the lookout 24/7. In our universe, what you would call 2P Hell…it’s a nest for Roo and Eldritch monsters. In fact, her influence makes up part of the Hazbin Hell, where double-dead Sinners and demons serve as her food and her eyes. Here, she is more known than in the Hazbin world. In our Hell, Lucifer switches between good and evil; he actually fell after losing to Michael and now hates humanity 90% of the time. Lucifer’s face is black and looks more devil-like than a clown. Lilith in our world is a succubus but much nicer than all the other royals in Hell. Eve gets to visit Earth and Heaven to help humans as the Mother of Humanity. All the Seven Deadly Sins have their traditional appearances, and they are all greedy and malicious. (Think dragon-wolf Mammon, Sloth Belphegor, and Fly Beelzebub. If your job was to punish people every day and you always got what you wanted, you’d be that way, too. It’s the blunt karmic way of “You’re on the receiving end of rape/pain whatever sin is around”.). Hellborns are at the top and the most powerful ones are those who own the most human slave souls.

Anyway, the Cleansers have to stop these white, bat-winged Satanics from sneaking up into Heaven and turning angels into demons with their black energy weapons. (Yes, they can do that, and if those in Hazbin found out, there’d be all-around panic in Hazbin Heaven.) In our Hell, Sinners are slaves, zero-free will, having to watch demons indulge in their associated sins. The only way to escape is if they are chosen to go to Purgatory or if they make it through Dante’s Inferno Circles. If they can endure the cleansing Purgatory flames, they then have to prove their worth by completing three incarnated lives on Earth after their first main life. If they pass all three, they go to Heaven, but if they don’t, they are sent back to Hell in dishonor. (Yeah, unlike Hazbin world, our rules are very specific about who goes where. Unless you’re the lucky few in Heaven with God, the afterlife is not pleasant.) The rules? No killing unless in self-defense. No stealing unless for survival. No raping anyone for any reason. No using money for self-serving/harming others without giving back in some way. Suicide is debatable…usually it’s bad but there are exceptions. Many Sinners in our Hell desire to go double dead and become food for Roo to escape the punishment…that’s where the Cleansers come in. We can see who might be worthy enough for redemption, who still needs to suffer and who has had enough.

So I help manage the Cleansers, but I still find many of Heaven’s rules stifling. They can accept killing Sinners, but they’re still often against LGBT rights and abortion and women’s rights and all that BS? To combat the extreme opposites of sin, I created my “Heaven/Haven Hotel,” a place where angels and Saints can come by and indulge in moderate sin and hide from the Satanics, provided they follow my rules. (Let’s be honest, one night of drinking and sex and swearing out loud to punk rock isn’t gonna hurt anyone. You can call me a stereotypical mean goth girl, but I have more responsibility, power, and beauty than your average human.)

Personally, I don’t care about trying to redeem Sinners 24/7; they have to do most of the work on their own. I guess I’m a good supporter of free will but only in moderation. As for me being a “brat” as many say, I’m just cynical of Heaven, Hell, and the systems in general. Those of us in Heaven come from a variety of species, sexualities, and the like, but due to Christianity, there will be an orientation to traditional roles, much like on Earth. 

My father King Hesperius used to be Lucifer’s lost twin brother, the Evening Star. He is basically Lucifer without the desire to bring up chaos and wild ideas. He is sort of like Michael; stern, older, an opposite to Lucifer. My mother Queen Evanna is what Lilith and Eve would be had they not fallen. As for our Adam? He’s in Heaven working with Jesus to try and improve things on Earth. How’s that for the real first man? (And don’t forget my giant cherub baby bodyguards Pub and Chub.) Why am I so dark and vicious like Hazbin’s Exorcists? Perhaps I got a little too close and curious to Roo’s forbidden fruit when I was little and now I want to do things my own way; trying to follow some of Heaven’s rules while also being the best leader I can be. And if it means gloriously bathing in the blood of evil demons and getting even richer than I already am, all the better! Someday I’ll be just like the privileged Seven Deady Sins but without the Sin.

You want to know how I ran my hotel surrounded by a bunch of f**king idiots? Here you go…

0 0 0

Heaven Hotel: Season One Episode One: “Prelude”

I walked out onto a high balcony under the skies of Heaven. I wore a black undershirt with a white bow tie on top. A dark teal shirt, long white pants and white high heel shoes completed my look. My face was pale white and teal blushes were present on my cheeks. My eyes consisted of white pupils and dark blue sclera. Perched on my head was a black spiked crown. I was the inverted, antithesis of Charlie, the princess of Hell.

For all my life, I’ve been taught that all angels have good inside them. But I know that to be a lie. Ever since Lucifer and Lilith, God’s closest angels betrayed Him… I don’t think I can believe in these flawed teachings anymore…

I am Coerciona Vespar, Coercia for short. I was born and raised in Heaven…though I’m not at all one would expect to be in such a place. Some call me self-entitled and pessimistic, though I do enjoy heavy metal music, rebelling against the rules and the occasional brawl.

It makes sense that only a worthy few are able to be here in Heaven. Choosing them out of the sea of Sinner scum. Yet ironically, even the Saints and Heaven-born aren’t flawless all the time. It’s inevitable that all imperfect beings will go to Hell. They deserve to deal with suffering and challenges. Best of all, they wouldn’t be bound by social expectations. Heck, I wouldn’t be too surprised if I went to Hell if I were to piss off too many people. I do enjoy my comfortable life here, just not these restrictions.

I have two muscular servants, Pub and Chub: fat white naked cherubs with horns on their heads, small white feathery wings, and black eyes. One tested the strings on my black electric guitar while the other shot out torpedoes from a small cannon.

Outside was a white clock tower standing tall against the blue sky. The numbers read 0 then changed to 365 days. Writing above the numbers read “Days until the next cleanse in Hell.”

The Exorcists or rather the Cleansers did their job in eliminating part of the demon population in 2P Hell like they did every year in the canon Hell. But at the same time each year, the Satanics, risen white demons with white bat wings and horns, tried to invade our world. They carried glowing black pitchforks and turned innocent denizens into demons. They would carry books and tempt angels with their innermost desires. Sex, sin, self-expression, sorcery, whatever that need was. Then, once they were hooked, they were stabbed with the pitchforks, causing their wings to burn off and sending them plummeting down to Hell. Nearby families would grieve at their loss.

I leaned against the marble balcony and began to sing in a low growl.

(“I’m Always Evading Shadows”)

 “At the end of the journey, there’s suffering

Denying it, how often I’ve tried

But my life’s a disgrace

Just a slap in the face

And the harsh truths have all been denied”

“A sliver of despair in this world of light

I know this world’s not free of sin

I search for the good

But get misunderstood

And reality will always win”

“Why have I always been imperfect?

Lost in this brainwashed sea

I wonder if the world’s to blame

I wonder if it could be me”

“I’m always evading shadows

Trapped, drowning in the social flow

Free-will forbidden, my answers are hidden

Lying down below”

“Some people sugarcoat their speeches

I always blab out what I mean

I may be cruel but I am no fool

Things are never what they seem

Believe me”

“I’m always evading shadows

Waiting for people to awaken

In vain.”

A nearby portal opened and out came the Cleansers. Their weapons drew no blood, for the Sinners would be transported to Purgatory without a trace. They took off their LED masks, their white angelic faces revealed. One by one, the citizens clapped and cheered. One of the Archangels with four black wings flew up to the front, his spiked halo glowing. He took off his mask, revealing a white stern face with yellow eyes and short black hair. In his utility belt were a few daggers, whips, chains, and a bottle of emergency holy water.

“Another successful purge,” one of their other leaders Samael (Venom of God) praised. “You cleansed more Sinners while still keeping the population in a good balance. Well done, all of you.” He cleared his throat and made a cross symbol over his heart. “For the greater good in the name of our Lord.”

The angels repeated the phrase.

“Until next year. Dismissed.” The Archangel soldiers saluted and then flew off separately to see their families.

All around me, Holy City was basked in a heavenly glow. The city was located up in the sky among the clouds, but no one had to worry about falling, even the ones without their wings out. A large church with the appearance of the Notre Dame Cathedral stood proudly in the city square, made of polished marble. Choirs and songs floated through the stained-glass windows as the regular angels went in and out to pray and visit with their neighbors. A large fountain sprouted non-alcoholic wine of a golden color. It had a white statue of Mary and Jesus as a young boy at the top, both with welcoming faces.

The streets were spotless and clean. Roofs and roads were powered by the sun’s rays. The Cloud 9 supermarket had endless amounts of food for sale…no one ever had to worry about going hungry. Charity workers and volunteers worked by the dozens, passing out extra food and bestowing miracles for those who needed them. Metatron, the highest-ranking angel, was busy keeping records of human lives, deaths and the messages of God.

This version of Heaven was very similar to the Heaven in the realm next door, the one above the familiar Hell with the Hazbin Hotel. The architecture was almost the same. But unlike those angels with their blonde hair and red blushes, these angels most often had black hair and teal blushes on their pale cheeks. Like in the other Heaven, some of the bipedal angels displayed animal-like characteristics: some had heads of doves, others had swan wings and mannerisms. Many of them had fur, ears, and fluffy tails of dogs and wolves. It was the only place where dogs and cats could dance and prance together without conflict. Still a few others had faces of flowers or even objects like harps and musical instruments.

God’s Palace was the grandest place of all: it was settled at the highest point of Heaven like Mount Olympus. Only a few angels were allowed to visit there. God’s abode, the Empyrean, had an elite group of angels guarding it. Seraph angels with six fiery rainbow wings guarded the throne of God, chanting “Holy, holy, holy!” much to the annoyance to those nearby. There were rumors that in the palace gardens, the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge were grown there, heavily protected.

King Hesperius and Queen Evanna are my parents. They took the place of our version of Lucifer and Lilith after they were banished. They were named the new king and queen of Heaven (Under God and a few Archangels), thus I became the princess.

King Hesperius had a white face, teal blushes on his cheeks and short dark hair. He wore a gray suit with a dark blue bow tie and a black top hat with two white feathers attached to the brim. Evanna’s hair was long and black, and she too had typical angel features. She wore a golden halo crown and an elegant white sequined dress. Both had white wings which could turn black when they were angry or defensive. My mother keeps in contact with me more than my father and seems more supportive of my project.

Now that you know my family, let’s take a look at my sidekick character crew.

0 0 0

Along the street, a red car stopped beside the sidewalk. A tall creature opened the car door and stepped out. The dragonfly angel had a furry dark gray face and body, plus multiple slender arms: four in total. He wore tall boots, green gloves and a shirt with a teal bowtie near the top. His shirt and sleeves had black and dark green vertical stripes. Green dots resembling eyes were located under his eyes. He also had thin dragonfly wings that were surprisingly strong.

“Thank you for the ride,” said the dragonfly angel.

“No problem, Frank Myrth,” said the driver Sivart, a white furry owl guy wearing a top hat. He tipped his hat to him and drove away.

Frank Myrth walked over to a vending machine and bought himself a granola bar. He walked inside a building and onto a stage in an auditorium. The crowd settled into their seats and the debate began.

“Those other brave do gooders will do great with helping me with my presentation. Anyone want to try?”

The words came from a rather peculiar angel, E-Gull. Tall and mighty, he was an eagle angel with powerful white and brown wings covered with eyes. He wore a white top hat on his white furry head and his suit was blue with thin horizontal purple stripes. Rummaging next to him were robotic black birds tinkering with various tools. One of the birds gave a rubber duck to an angel boy with white hair. These minions were called the Nestlings.

A couple of hands shot up.

E-Gull pushed a button and a presentation showed up on a screen titled “Heaven Economics and Invention Ideas.”

“I don’t like to fight,” E-Gull said, clearing his throat, “and I’m super nervous up here…”

The Nestlings nudged him in support.

Frank Myrth rolled his eyes at his cowardly opponent eagle who then yelped, “Don’t look at me like that!”

“Heaven doesn’t need any future technology,” Frank Myrth argued as he stepped to his podium, “because we already have better things: friendships, food, and fun.”

E-Gull glanced down nervously at his note cards and read from them. “At this rate I will persuade the entire East end of Holy City by night’s beginning. Or was it day’s end? And nothing, not a single beauty in this paradise of bliss, will be able to change my mind or escape the constrictive grasp of persuasive argumentation.”

“Heaven will be ours, though it’s mine in my mind. And everybody will know the name of…”

“Bald Dud,” said a female voice.

“W-who said that?” E-Gull asked.

“You ready for a debate, old man?”

The voice belonged to Berri Blossom. She was a tall cyclops with dark skin, with a single green eye with a black cross in the center. She wore a long dark green dress and white high-heeled shoes. Her black skin was decorated in some areas near her shoulders with tiny teal specks. Her long hair was curly, blue at the top and black near the bottom. She pushed her thin dark rimmed glasses up to her face, looking at her organized set of notes in front of her.

She walked over beside her academic partner Frank Myrth. “Why don’t you play with your tinker toys somewhere else while I go over the logistics of divine law school?” She looked professional and poised. “For my presentation: Seven Reasons Why Heavenly Traditions Never Fail.”

“You want to go, madam?” E-Gull asked, a spark of rebellion in him. He fiddled with a few gadgets before the well-dressed Nestlings chirped at him on to continue. He flapped his wings a bit. “Well, let the battle for tenure and status begin!”

A neon logo appeared on the screen, saying “777 News” surrounded by a halo. The names of the news cast appeared on the bottom of the screen.

“Good afternoon, Holy City!” smiled a pale woman with short black hair, wearing a light blue dress. “I’m Catie Carejoy!”

“And I’m Ron Wrench!” said the man next to her, wearing a business suit and who had two wrenches for hands.

 After discussing the weather, various humane societies, and legends on Earth, Catie Carejoy continued, “The debate battle is underway between inventor E-Gull and professional economics expert Berri Blossom. Coming up next, we have an exclusive interview with the daughter of His Majesty King Hesperius, who’s here to discuss her brand-new passion-project! All that and more after the break!”

Inside the break room, Phalla the romantic butterfly angel adjusted my white bow tie. Nearby, a blue tinted sign read “No smoking.” Another sign read “In The Air” in large letters.

“Okay, you remember what to say?” Phalla asked.

“Yes, I’m ready,” I stated.

Phalla brushed her long black hair from her face. She had light gray skin, curly black hair with gray outlines and two large light blue eyes, her right one covered by a teal green heart. She had a matching teal green butterfly bow in her hair and a teal green shirt with a white collar and white buttons. She wore a white collar and a black Christian Cross necklace. Her skirt was white, just reaching her white leggings with black lace on top and she had black pointed shoes.

She was ever the girly romantic, always chasing after men and not having a violent bone in her body. Some claim that Phalla’s name is a nickname for “penis” since, you know. She makes for a good friend and an even better servant.

“Oh, this is gonna be great!” Phalla squealed happily. “How about you make your speech sound more exciting?”

“Come on, Phalla, I know what I’m going to say,” I scoffed, crossing her arms.

Phalla walked over to the pitcher of ambrosia punch on the table. Pub and Chub ate bagels from the table. Phalla got an idea. “Oh! What if you…”

“Sing a song about it?” I asked, with a roll of her eyes. “I’m not going to. This is serious!” I curled her hand into a fist and brought it down on the palm of her other hand. “They won’t take me seriously if I start belting out some random pop song. Life isn’t a musical.”

“But neither is it an emo tragedy,” Phalla pointed out. “Life is great, especially with all the cute guys around.” Her eye shined.

“Romance, bleh,” I made a face and Phalla giggled.

“Hey,” Phalla brightened, pulling out a piece of paper. “I have some ideas about what you could say.” She bounced up and down. “The highlighted bits are the best parts!”

“They’re all highlighted,” I replied, scanning the paper. I narrowed my eyes. “You call your childish drawing your ideas for me?”

“Sure!” Phalla said. “Look here.” It showed a list of different terms “Sinners = Winners” “Misunderstood are still good” and “demons and angels party between worlds!” Skulls were lined up at the bottom of the page: “we’re all connected by death.”

“Say, that’s actually pretty good!” I said sarcastically with a smile of sharp teeth.

“Thanks!” Phalla beamed.

I snatched the piece of paper from her and tore it in half, much to her shock. “But you should know my ideas are always better.” I tossed the pieces of paper aside, gave a salute and walked out the door.

Catie Carejoy waved with a smile. “Hi. I’m Catie Carejoy.” She held out her hand, but I didn’t take it, instead remarking, “You can put that away. I don’t touch commoners, I have standards.” Catie Carejoy looked stunned, pulling her hand back. “So, this project of yours, when did you come up with this idea of creating a hotel in order to…break the law as the rumors say?”

The angel crew murmured nervously.

“I’m gonna keep this short,” I said as I walked over to the desk. “You might think my idea doesn’t hold water, but that doesn’t matter to me. I’m too influential to give a flying feather about what some stuffy old news lady thinks of my proposal.”

The crowd gasped. Ron Wrench shook his head.

“Well, if you can’t take constructive criticism and be polite…”

“…and we’re live!” called a voice as a buzzer sounded.

“And we’re back!” Catie Carejoy said, rushing over into her seat. “So, Carrie…”

“It’s Princess Coerciona Vespar,” I spat, sitting in a chair beside her and Ron Wrench.

“Sorry. So, tell us about your so called passion project.”

I took a deep breath. “As most of you know, I was born here in Heaven, and growing up, I’ve always tried to see the good in everything around me. But recently, I don’t believe that’s always the case. We just completed another Extermination...erm Cleansing. So many sinful souls lost but for what reason? God said in the Commandments “thou shall not kill,” yet killing random people is okay in both Hells? I know I like the thought of the evil Sinners getting destroyed, but I often forget there are innocent people down there, too. If we can’t even trust ourselves with our actions and thoughts, is Heaven truly paradise? Not to mention that ever since Lucifer and Lilith betrayed Him, we don’t know who to really trust. Some people are given too many chances!” I pounded my fist on the desk, startling Catie carejoy.

I stood up and made my way forward. “No one is truly flawless. Mistakes are made, but we get blamed for doing things we sometimes enjoy. Sex, drugs, partying, swearing, even violence. All because we don’t live up to impossible standards imposed upon us, both here and on Earth! I can’t stand idly by while the place I live is subjected to such lies and propaganda! So, I’ve been thinking…isn’t there a more liberating way to hinder forced compliance here in Heaven? Perhaps we can create an alternative way to express change through…recreation? While still Cleaning those in Hell, of course. And preferably eliminating evil demons once and for all?”

The angels talked quietly amongst themselves. Phalla nodded in appreciation.

“Well, I think yes,” I continued. “So that’s what this project aims to achieve.” I walked back to the desk and sat down. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m opening the first of its kind, a hotel that encourages moderate amounts of so-called sin!” I spread out my arms.

The audience stared in stunned silence. Many of the adults were shaking their heads.

“Who is that girl?” asked a dragon watching from inside a soup kitchen. “What’s her deal with trying to cause more trouble for this world?”

“She’s nuts!” added another angel with an eagle’s head and wings, wearing a suit.

I added nervously while still trying to keep a glare, “I figure it would serve a purpose…a place to work toward self-expression. Yay.”

Among the crowd of angels watching the news outside, a tall man with a thin pale face stood toward the back. He wore a light blue dress suit, had blue and white hair, fluffy dog ears, and large blue eyes. His white wings were folded behind him. He watched the program with a look of worry. A dog creature made of light appeared beside him. A sign posted on the wall showing the same man as a DJ read: “Counseling and good times with the Techno Angel!”

A camera man shook his head at me. Phalla walked up to him and pleaded, “Please give her a chance.”

I sighed. “Look, I know every single one of you has insecurities and issues that need not be bottled up. If you could just embrace those sides of yourselves…”

I then smirked. “Maybe I’m not getting through to you.”

Phalla clapped her hands and “ooohed” in excitement as Rub and Chub got the electric guitar ready.

I barred a pair of sharp white teeth and black curved horns emerged from my head. My black feathery wings spread out from my back and an X appeared over my right eye. A harpoon appeared in my right hand and a spiked halo appeared over my head. I was in her dark angelic Exorcist form, a handy costume look I often use for my shows. I posed over the desk and began.

(“Inside of Every Angel is a Sinner”)

 “I have a dream

I’m here to tell

About a fantastic mind-blowing hotel

One of a kind, go and yell

A great place to dwell

Catering to specific clientele”

*Guitar starts and scream vocals*

“Inside of every angel is a Sinner

Inside of every do-gooder is a beast

Inside of every jolly go-lucky mentality

Is a subconscious portion we know the least”

“Resist all the rules

You’re not passive fools!

With just a little time

Down at the Hazbin Hotel!”

“So all you rescuers, priests, and heroes

Gifted athletes, jocks, and cheerios

And the sheep citizens, relief is here!

All of you angels, leaders, and stars

Traditionalists with fancy cars

And the activists on Mars

Show no fear

No taboos, no laws

Embrace your flaws

You’ll be truly free

Check in with me

It’s the right path, you’ll see”

“There’ll be no more pressure

And no more status quo

Just friendship, fun, and endless bags of dough

Establishment put to rest

You’ll be like, “Yes!”

In the tunnel of darkness you’ll go!”

“So all your hierarchies, GMOs, politics, and isms

Lectures, labor standards, and diamond studded prisms

Ancient Indian elitisms

All must die”

“All you fantasizers, artists, servers, and lords

Spoiled children, winners of awards

Imposers of chores

Face your fears!”

“Be who you are

And you’ll go so far

Our service will raise the bar

You’ll be the star

Come from near or afar at the Hazbin Hotel!

Yeah!”

I finished with a pose.

“Wow,” said an angel in a top hat. “That was…alright.”

The crowd clapped half-heartedly.

Catie Carejoy shook her head. “What in the Nine Levels of Heaven makes you think a single denizen of Heaven would give two feathers about becoming a sinful person? You have no proof that your little experiment even works! You want people to disobey God and the rules just…because?!”

I lifted up my head. “Well, we have a patron already who believes in our cause.”

“And who might that be?” Catie Carejoy asked.

“Oh, just someone named…Frank Myrth.”

“The grumpy old dragonfly?” asked Ron Wrench.

“He’s not old,” argued Catie Carejoy. “He just acts older than he is.”

“Anyway,” said Catie Carejoy. “You couldn’t even get that guy to do something bad, even if a gun was pointed at his head.”

“Oh, I beg to differ,” I argued. “He’s been troubled, dirty, and having conflicted thoughts for two weeks now.”

“Breaking news!” called a voice as the screen changed to a recent debate shown in a building.

The news came on, detailing Frank Myrth and his recent TED talk about the 7 Heavenly Virtues.

“Well, it looks like the one discussing the Heavenly Virtues is none other than…conservative Frank Myrth! What a coincidence!”

She and Ron did a “ratings!” and jazz hands.

I rolled my eyes.

“I’m sorry to say, but it looks like your plan’s departed on arrival,” said Catie Carejoy. “If you were smart, you would cease this rebellious club and embrace the way things are done here. I hope you learned a good lesson.”

My eyes twitched, her teeth barred. “Lesson?! I’ll teach you a lesson, b*tch!”  We fought fist and claw on the desk. Ron Wrench called for security.

After I was kicked out, Phalla followed me wordlessly to the white limo. Frank Myrth, Phalla, and I rode back to the hotel.

0 0 0

Frank Myrth lounged in the far seat, wearing an outfit of black with green stripes and green gloves on his four hands.

“Frank,” said Phalla with concern. “I know you were trying to do good by doing your professional speech. But could you please try not to help society in public? Now people won’t believe us when Coercia says that people are free to express their earthly desires.”

“I’m sorry Phalla,” said Frank from the other seat, “But I have a reputation to keep up. Helping the greater good is His plan for all of us. Besides, a good professional debate is a reasonable form of self-expression right?”

“Not to everyone,” said Phalla. “What about the hotel? People are thinking that you don’t care about Coercia’s project at all.”

“I do care, senorita,” said Frank. “Sort of. I just don’t think it’s going to be easy to accomplish in such a short time. So many angels are fixated on tradition, myself included.”

“I do appreciate all of your help,” I said, still fuming after the interview, arms crossed. “But I will make this project work, even if I have to do it myself.”

The white limo pulled up in front of the hotel, a pristine building made of glass and marble. The group got out of the car and stepped inside.

White wings made of rainbow scales posed as part of the structure on the roof. The stained-glass windows by the door were decorated with apples, a tree of life, and many shades of blue and green. The sign above read “Hazbin Hotel” in big letters on the roof. Inside the lobby, a painting of Adam reaching toward God was displayed on the high ceiling. The hotel had seven floors with seven rooms on each floor. A bowl of blue berries and blue raspberries sat on a table below a welcome banner. Phalla rested on a couch while Frank Myrth munched on a granola bar.

“It’s probably a good idea to stock up some more food in this place,” said Frank Myrth. “Good or bad, people always seem to be greedy when they’re hungry.”

Frank Myrth pulled out a chart and went over probabilities and graphs regarding the hotel and the potential number of visitors. I sighed and walked away toward the door. I went outside and took out my cell phone, calling my mother.

“Carol cakes!” called Evanna through the phone. I cringed.

“Mom, I told you not to call me that! I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” she said with a giggle. “How was the interview?”

“Meh. It was alright. I proposed my idea, but nobody seemed to buy it.”

Evanna’s tone turned more serious. “Coercia, why do you insist that everyone must go down to that horrible place? Why can’t you just see the good in people?”

“Because,” I said, “Everyone has flaws and they don’t realize it. Also, I didn’t say that people should go to Hell. I said that we should truly be able to do what we want in Heaven.”

“Yes, but that also applies to you, too. Before you get involved with the lives of others, you need to look inside and critique yourself.”

“I’m a princess. Everyone else has more flaws than I do.”

Evanna let out a long sigh. “Young lady, we’ve been through this I don’t know how many times. You have to push your selfish thoughts aside and just accept the way things are. It’s part of a higher purpose.”

“And what is this “higher purpose” anyway? To be His flock of dazed sheep, dancing around without any care in the world? To not experience ecstasy and adventure, even for just a moment?”

“That stuff is dangerous and forbidden. Thousands of souls would do anything to get up to this level of Heaven. And you just want to throw your life away? You’re lucky you’re not those Sinner slave sin Hell! Or those gay furries in Hazbin Heaven.”

“At least those Sinners in Hazbin Hell, disgusting as they are, get to do what they want.”

“You have delusions of what entertainment and happiness is, Carol. Sometimes, you need to take the time and appreciate the beauty that’s in front of you.”

“Other than my own refection, I don’t really see beauty in many other things. Well, heavy metal and watching battles…oh and watching Sinners beg for their last breaths…”

“You have a lot to learn, dear daughter,” Evanna replied. “I’ll leave you alone to think about it.”

“Whatever.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too. Bye.”

 I hung up and went back inside, shutting the door behind me. I leaned against the door frame, closing my eyes in frustration…trying to hold back a stream of tears from the stress.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Two knocks, four knocks, then a last one. “Shave and a Haircut” backwards. I turned around with a sigh to answer it. I swung the stained-glass door open. From outside stood a tall slender man with a pale light gray face, wearing a light blue pinstriped dress coat. A white upward cross was part of the design on his light blue undershirt. He was carrying a modern microphone atop a staff in his left hand. He had light blue and white dog ears near his light blue hair. His suit was light blue with dark blue horizontal stripes, a white Christian Cross design on his blue undershirt. He had white angel wings, a white halo, white pants, pointed white boots with blue tips and a strange blue furry tail. His eyes were big, blue and sad, a blue monocle under his left eye.

What a clown!

“Hi, excuse me…” he spoke quietly. “Is this…”

I slammed the door in his face.

I opened it again.

“…the right address?” finished the man.

“No!” I shouted, slamming it again.

“Hey Phalla!” I called.

“What?” her friend asked.

“The crybaby Dog Man is at the door!”

“What?!” she asked, blushes appearing on her cheeks.

“Who?” asked Frank Myrth.

“What should I do?”

“Well…let him in!” Phalla cried, eye shining.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. I sighed and opened the door again.

“May I talk now?” the man asked in a radio voice.

“Sure, whatever.”

The man held out a white gloved four-fingered hand. “Stalaro, it’s a pleasure to meet you, miss.” He walked in. Worry was etched on his face. “I saw your interview on the picture show and I was worried sick! I was afraid you were never coming back after your argument. Why I haven’t been that upset since the 1929 Stock Market Crash!” He sniffed, “So many poor orphans…”

“Hello there!” Phalla called with a smile, staring up and walking in front of him. She greeted in Spanish. “I’m so glad you’re here to help out my friend with this new hotel! I’m a big fan of yours and just being in your presence is just…” She swooned. “Oh just take me already you cute, pompous, talk show, blueberry pimp lord!”

She embraced him and he stood stunned, his face blushing. “I do love hugs,” he whispered as she stepped back. “I bet all of you would be so nice and soft after we get to know each other for a while…”

Phalla blushed while Frank Myrth and I made disgusted faces.

“A blowjob for you, gray fellow?” Stalaro asked Frank Myrth with a bow.

 “Not gonna happen, creep,” Frank Myrth spat.

Stalaro gave a nervous laugh and popped a strawberry and blueberry into his mouth.

“I don’t trust him,” I said.

“Me neither,” Frank Myrth agreed.

“You’re not gonna cling to us are you?” Phallas asked. “Or, you know…”

 “Dear, if I wanted to screw anyone here…I would’ve done so already.”

Stalaro tilted his head. His blue eyes briefly glowed with blue upside down radio dials in them. Electricity sparked around cyan colored voodoo symbols in the air. His eyes filled with tears, tears spilling down his pale gray cheeks.

Phalla watched in bliss, while Frank Myrth and I rolled their eyes at the show-off.

Stalaro shook his head and his eyes returned to normal blue.

“No, I’m here because I want to relax and help out.”

“Say what?” I asked, eyebrow raised.

Stalaro held up his staff which glowed blue. He said with a sad crack in his voice, “Goodbye, is this thing off?”

He tapped it. A blue sad looking eye appeared in the center of the microphone. It spoke in a mechanical voice. “You’re silent, quiet and unclear!”

“That’s your motivation motto every day?” Frank Myrth asked, crossing his four arms. “Pathetic!”

“Tragic and mysterious, I love it!” Phalla squealed. “It’s like the opposite of announcing. It’s…denouncing.”

Frank Myrth elbowed her. “Hun, could you not get attracted to every other man you see?  I’m your boyfriend.”

“I can’t help it, love!” she cried. “I just get so distracted easily.”

 “Um…you want to help?” I asked, suddenly curious.

Stalaro appeared behind us after morphing into light.

“With…” he spoke in her growl then his normal shy sounding voice, “…this random thing you’re trying to do. This hotel. I want to help you run it, if that’s okay.”

“Uh…why?”

Stalaro choked a bit on his words. “Why doesn’t anyone do anything? Sheer absolute lethargy! I’ve been partying around and keeping busy for decades. I would like to do something more relaxing and easier.”

“A sad wimp like you at parties?” I asked.

“I’m a pretty good actor,” he replied. My work became overwhelming, lacking focus. I’ve come to crave a new form of disengagement!”

I rolled my eyes. “Does getting into a fist fight with a reporter count as disengagement?”

“No,” Stalaro said. “It’s violent and messy, not really my thing. Life is truly strange…reality, fantasy, true tragedy. After all the world is a grave, and the grave is a world of disengagement!”

“You’re a f*cking disengagement,” I retorted just as Frank Myrth warned, “No swearing!”

Then I brightened a bit. “So, does this mean you think it’s possible to taint an angel? You know the selfish angels who deserve a kick in their ass? That life is meaningless without your own self to temporarily control it?”

Stalaro sniffed and held up a hand. “Who knows? Anything’s possible. Sinning, oh the vice of humanity! Oh, but I think there’s plenty left that can change such marvelous saints. But then again, the chance that was given to them was the life they lived before. The reward is this!” He spread out his arms. “According to God, there’s no undoing what is done…or at least that’s the way it should be.”

“So then, why do you want to help me if you don’t fully believe in my cause?” I asked.

Stalaro turned around to look at her. “Consider it an investment in ongoing knowledge for myself and others.” He let out a small smile. “I want to watch the blessed of this world struggle to give into temptation, only to repeatedly realize and raise themselves up the golden ladder of success!” His eyes glowed blue.

“Right…” I began. “Boring.”

“Yes indeed,” Stalaro said, both of us walking off to the side. “I see you taking risks and who better to keep you grounded than I.”

“Ah, so what’s the deal with Mr. Frown over there?” Frank Myrth asked.

“Wait, you’ve never heard of him before?” Phalla asked. “You’ve been here longer than me!”

Frank Myrth shrugged his shoulders.

“The Techno Angel, one of the most complex beings Heaven has ever seen?”

“Eh, I’m not too big on people.”

Phalla sighed and leaned in close to explain.

“Decades ago, Stalaro manifested in Heaven, seemingly in one day. He began to catch the attention of Lordships and Archangels who had kept to themselves for centuries. That kind of attraction and magic power had never been harnessed by a mortal soul before. Then, he broadcast his adventures all throughout Heaven just so everyone could experience some joy, tragedy, and emotions. Saints starting calling him the Techno Angel, (as unoriginal as that is). Many have speculated what unimaginable force enabled him to rival our world’s most ancient and constructive heroes. But one thing’s for sure: he’s an unpredictable source of silliness, a depressed spirit of mystery and a loving being of order…or disorder, the likes of which we can get involved in, especially if we want to end up aroused!”

“You done?” Frank Myrth asked. “He looks like a blueberry businessman. Or a shady con-man. Either way, you’re delusional.”

“Well, I trust him completely!”

“Do you blindly trust any man? All men?”

Phalla skipped over to me. Stalaro examined a family portrait of Hesperius, Evanna and a young me in the center. I wore a white dress with a turquoise top to it. My hair was jet black, braided in black barbed wire, my cheeks had teal blushes. Evanna had long black hair and wore a fancy white dress and a round gold crown.  Hesperius was dressed in a dress suit of white and blue, with blue and black stripes in the center below a white bow tie. He wore a large light gray top hat with a dove and a green apple on it. His cane also had a green apple on the top. Both of them were smiling, showing rows of sharp teeth, white wings folded behind them.

Phalla looked excited as she explained. “Coercia, listen to me, you can believe this dreamer. He isn’t just a sad face. He’s a miracle maker, pure good! But… don’t count on him to believe in your cause. I suppose he could be tainted and rebel, but we don’t know that. He could very well side with God and your parents. And he’s most likely looking for a way to hinder everything we’re trying to do if it means following God’s rules. But still, give him a chance. He’s really sweet.”

“I…” I began. “…we don’t know that. Make up your mind. Whose side are you on, anyway? Is he a rebel or another boring elite? I’ll tell you. He’s a crying b*tch, and he probably doesn’t want to change.”

Phalla put her hands on my shoulders.

“The whole point of your hotel is to give people a chance! To have faith things will be better and people can embrace their flaws, their true selves! How can you turn someone away? You can’t. It goes against everything you’re trying to do. Everything you believe in.”

I looked downcast. She had a good point. I hated when people made good arguments against me.

“Just take care of yourself,” I said.

“Coercia,” warned Phalla, “Unless you are serious about responsibility, do not make a promise with him!”

Demons often made deals with each other that often resulted in gaining power at the cost of one’s soul or freedom. Usually the one who initiated the deal would gain advantage. A demonic deal was bad in and of itself. Breaking an angelic promise could result in rejection, eternal torture, and damnation.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I learned one thing from my dad.” I mimicked his low voice, “Ya don’t break trust with other angels!”

I marched over to the Techno Angel.

“Ok Mr. Dog-face... You’re prissy as f*ck, and you clearly see what I’m trying to do here is a too-dangerous risk. But I don’t.”

Glowing blue symbols briefly appeared around a concerned Stalaro, then vanished.

I continued. “I think everyone deserves a chance to prove they can be themselves. After all, it’s in their nature and the sooner they realize it, the better. So, I’m taking your offer to help. On the condition there be no lessons or lovey-dovey speeches made.”

Stalaro twirled his cane and held out his smallest finger from his right hand.

“So, it’s a promise, then?”

The room was surrounded by a pink aura as light spirits roamed around the walls. The wind blew against Phalla’s and Frank Myrth’s faces.

“Nope!” I yelled, holding out my hands. The energy stopped. “No shaking, no promises! I…hmmm…”

I paused in thought.

“As Princess of Heaven and heir to the throne, I hereby order that you help out with this hotel for as long as you desire.”

A moment of pause…

“Sound fair?”

“Fair enough,” Stalaro said with a slump of his shoulders and walked on. His cane vanished.

Stalaro stopped and spotted Phalla to the side.

Phalla went up and tickled him under the chin, much to his shock.

“Smile, dog man!” she giggled.

Stalaro walked on, speechless.

 “So…where is your hotel staff?” Stalaro asked me.

“Uh well,” I began. Stalaro peered at Phalla through his monocle below his left eye.

He stuttered. “You’re going to n-need more than that.”

Stalaro walked over to Frank Myrth, who was sitting on a stool.

“And what can I do, my business fellow?” asked Stalaro walking over to the dark dragonfly, blushing.

“You can suck a dick,” Frank Myrth retorted in a grumpy tone.

“AH! Ok,” said Stalaro, blushing and stepping back. “Can it be yours?”

“F*ck off,” Frank Myrth added, pulling out a long holy knife from his belt.

“Now who’s swearing?” I smirked at him. Frank Myrth glared.

Stalaro summoned his cane. “Well, this just won’t do. You want others to cause trouble, yes? I suppose I can cash in a few favors to deaden things up!”

He snapped his fingers and the wall beside the fireplace cracked. The circle went dark, the fire going out. Ice cold water appeared to fill in the circle and a shadowy figure solely formed inside. Stalaro walked over and removed the dripping figure from the water. A large single white eye with a teal iris was revealed.

Frank Myrth, Phalla and I peered at the creature. With a balloon deflating sound and a puff of white smoke, the figure was revealed.

“This little rascal is Klutzy!” Stalaro announced with a worried smile, dropping the figure.

A white-skinned short cyclops female landed on her face on the floor. She stood up with a grumpy look on her face. She wore a dark blue skirt with a white stray cat off to the left side. Her arms and legs were white and thin. Her shirt was black, and her large eye took up much of her pale white face. Her short hair was light blue with a dark blue spot off to the left. She had a halo and wings with eyes and icicles on the ends.

“I’m Klutzy,” she grumbled, clenching her fists. “It’s a waste of time to meet you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen strangers.”

 Her pupil narrowed from side to side.

“Why are you all men?” she asked. “Have any women here? Or video games? Screw this place.”

She briefly picked up Phalla, then let go.

“Oh man, this place is boring!” she exclaimed. She ran over to a vase and proceeded to knock it over with her elbow. It shattered to pieces on the floor. She tossed couch cushions aside.

“It really needs a more manly touch, disorganized clutter’s more fun.” She grinned as she poured dirt from a flowerpot onto the rug.

“Yes, yes, yep, yeah!” she yelled as she proceeded to break windows and knock down more stuff. Then she plopped down on a couch once the room was messy. “I’m bored. Make me some food or something.”

Phalla, Frank Myrth, and I looked on in worry, while Stalaro just stared off into space. “She has quite the temper sometimes.”

A cat angel was working on a Rubik’s cube with colleagues. His furry face was black, framed by white fur. His little top hat was white with a blue band across it. A big teal bow tie was under his neck, over his black furry chest framed by white fur. His wings were a brilliant blue, with black and red mathematical symbols on either side: the pi symbol, E = mc squared, signs for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, among others. More symbols were visible within his two pointed ears. His teeth were sharp and purple and his long eyebrows were teal. His eyes were purple and sclera white. The angel placed a Rubik’s cube in front of him. “Ha!” he declared in triumph. Read ‘em and weep, boys! Full…whoa…”

He felt himself being transported in a flash of light to the hotel. Part of the science room that the cat had been in was merged with the hotel lobby…posters of the elements, the solar system and Biblical works of art.

“What in Heaven’s name is going on?

Then he brightened when he saw Stalaro. “You!”

“Ah, Core, my old friend,” Stalaro sniffed. “You made it.”

“Glad to see you, you son of the sun!” Core said. “I just completed my Rubik’s cube after just an hour.”

The cube vanished as Stalaro looked on.

Core raced over to Stalaro and embraced him in a side hug. The dog-like man blushed. “So, what can I help you with this time?”

Stalaro blinked nervously. “C-Can we snuggle?”

Core laughed. “I mean, seriously, why’d you bring me here? You know you’re under my contract.”

“My friend, I’m doing some dirty work, so I took it upon myself to volunteer your services. If that’s okay?”

“You must be joking,” Core said, laughing nervously.

“I don’t think so,” he replied.

“You thought it’d be a great idea just to pull me out of nowhere? You think I’m some kind of tragic boy?”

“Maybe,” Stalaro sighed, as crying sounds came from his microphone.

“I ain’t doing no dirty work.”

Stalaro appeared behind him. “Well, I figured you would be the perfect face to greet and critique the guests at this fine establishment.”

“That’s not dirty work at all…”

He pointed his staff off toward a stand with vegetable drinks as claps and boos sounded from his staff.

“With your grumpy cat face and love of solitude…”

Core lifted up the corners of Stalaro mouth with his paws. “Aw come on. Don’t forget to smile once in a while!”

His mouth frowned once he let go.

Stalaro walked over to the stand. “Don’t worry, my friend. I can make this more interesting…if you wish.”

He conjured up a bottle of catnip with his finger.

Core stared with wide happy eyes. “What, you think you can buy me with sad eyes and some cheap catnip? Well, you can!” He purred and took the bottle with him.

The three of us arrived.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Phalla squealed. “Brilliant idea to have healthy drinks!”

“No!” I protested. “This is supposed to be a place that encourages moderate sin! Not some kind of, frilly, Zen, child’s play garbage!”

Core noticed Frank Myrth and slid up to him. “Hey cutie,” he flirted.

“Go screw yourself,” muttered Frank Myrth.

“Only if you watch me,” Core joked. “Or more likely, Stalaro will watch you.”

I leaned in close to Core. “Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel! You are going to go insane here!” I grinned, her teeth sharp.

“We’re all mad here,” Core replied, sniffing the catnip. “You don’t scare me.”

Stalaro walked in, an ever-present frown on his face. “S-so, what do you think?”

“It’s amazing!” Phalla beamed.

Phalla leaned in close between me and Stalaro, embracing us in a hug.

“This is going to be very disengaging,” Stalaro exclaimed.

“Stop using that word,” I spat.

Dubstep sounds emitted from his mouth as he stared around with worry.

Stalaro changed his light blue suit into a dark blue funeral outfit with a matching top hat. He did the same with me, Frank Myrth, Core, Klutzy, and Phalla, who were all wearing black clothing from the early 1900s. I wore a short tan flapper dress and a round matching ladies’ hat. Klutzy and I stared at our outfits in disgust, while Frank Myrth, Core and Phalla smiled as they stared at theirs. The room changed, the walls now covered with Voodoo symbols, Christian crosses and paw prints.

“Take it boys,” Stalaro said. Light spirits appeared and played violins, a piano, and a flute in a sad symphony.

Stalaro sang his reprise to me as we did a slow dance, much to my disgust.

(“Stalaro’s lament Reprise”)

“You’re on a mission

Your innocence fell

And it’s so dangerous but hey, I wish you well

Yes your blunt protests

Will send you straight to Hell

And I can’t bear to see you banished, or your soul up to sell”

“Don’t bring your life to an end

No matter what you say, I’m still your friend

We all have our wounds to mend

And you’re vulnerable feelings are real, don’t pretend”

“Inside of every angel is love and emotion

They have values and lasting devotion (devotion to God)

While you recruit those around

Don’t be swallowed by the ground

The authorities can retrieve you tight and bound (no turning around)”

“Here above the sky

Spread your wings and fly

They’ll spend a little time

Down at this Haven Ho…”

An explosion rattled the windows. Klutzy saw a door flying toward her face and she broke it in half with a karate chop.

The room and everyone’s clothing returned to normal.

Everyone looked outside and saw a podium in the air, held up by flying robotic baby birds. A familiar eagle debater appeared.

“Look who it is harboring the annoying opponent! We meet again, Stalaro!”

“Do I know you?” Stalaro asked.

E-Gull looked taken aback.  “Oh yes, you do! Watch this presentation!”

The birds danced in the air, singing a song about E-Gull trying his best to rule Heaven. He read from notecards. “My dream is to be the best inventor…in the world. I bring joy to the young…and your hotel…may cause trouble. You all can’t compete with me. Your hotel sucks. I…shall…destroy it…with… my…”

Stalaro giggled and blushed. “Your baby weiner havor?”

E-Gull looked up from his cards in anger. “How immature!”

Stalaro snapped his fingers. A portal appeared and white tentacles shot out, knocking the podium off balance. The metal birds knocked into E-Gull, and he yelled, “Ow that hurt! Show mercy!”

Stalaro used a drop of his blood and the podium exploded in green smoke.

E-Gull emerged from the crater, wings shaking. Stalaro waved a hand, and the eagle was healed.

“Shoot me with your ray gun,” said a metal bird beside him. E-Gull rolled his eyes.

Stalaro looked on, sadly while everyone else stared, stunned.

“Anyone hungry?” Stalaro asked turning around. “Please don’t make me cook jambalaya. It’s way too spicy and it nearly killed me! I much prefer tea and sugared strawberries, oh the way they melt in my mouth… but anyway, you could say the kick brought me straight into Heaven.”

Stalaro led the way back to the hotel, the group following him.

“Yes sir, new changes are about to take place. Now…”

Stalaro waved his finger at the lit-up sign above the glass, gem-encrusted building on the roof.

The sign changed from “Hazbin Hotel” to “Haven Hotel.”

“Stay tuned.” He finished with low whimpers.

0 0 0

A week later, I stared calmly out the window of my hotel, gazing at the teal sky outside. In the distance was a golden gate similar to the one in the other Heaven and several of my Cleansers were standing guard. They had white wings with a single black stripe and wore LED masks except they were white and had no xs over the eyes. They had no horns and wore proper gold and blue armor instead of the short gray shirts and leggings the canon Exorcists wore. These fine warriors never leave their angelic weapons behind in Hell, for if they did, they’d be punished on the spot by yours truly. Their weapons can kill demons and angels alike, so we always have to be careful. Removing their masks, they looked just like regular human-like angels. If I ever met Lute, I’d teach her a thing or two.

The Exterminations still appeared to be going on in Hazbin Hell. Our angelic council often sends us news about what goes on in the canon worlds just to keep us prepared. It’s incredibly hard to enter the canon universe and if we get killed there, it’s double death. That also means the canon characters can’t get killed if they come to our universe…lucky freaks.

The white angelic key in front of me morphed into my handy white dog bodyguard, a creature with sharp pointed ears, sharp teeth, small wings, and eyes along his back. I nicknamed him “EekEek,” because he can shoot fire from his mouth when provoked. I patted him on the head before he scurried off from a knock on the door. The door opened and Phalla came in.

Phalla was my closest servant, a ditzy romantic kind of lady. She had long black curly hair with a gray outline, a teal heart over her right eye (both her eyes were fine, it was just for show), and wore a teal-green shirt with white buttons, a white collar, and a Christian Cross necklace. She had a white collar around her neck. Her skirt was white as were her leggings and she wore black shoes. A teal butterfly bowtie was in her hair near her halo. Uniquely, she had butterfly wings with eyes and white angel feathers in them.

I don’t even know her real name but apparently “Phalla” relates to “penis” due to how much she lusts after men. Unlike her, I choose my men wisely and don’t let others choose my name out of mockery. I mean, why didn’t Vaggie switch her vagina name after being with her Adam? Pathetic.

“Princess Coercia?”

“Come in.”

Phalla stepped forward. “Great to see you again, your majesty.”

I turned. “We still have our clients?”

“Yeah, they’re downstairs. You thinking about anything?”

“Family stuff, I guess.”

“Did you hear from your mom yet?”

I smiled. “She talked to me yesterday. Said I was bold to start this hotel project, but she’d support it if it makes more of our people happy.”

“And your dad?”

I sighed. “Too busy as always. Still doesn’t like my idea. Says I’m breaking too many of Heaven’s bulls**t rules.”

“No need to swear all the time,” Phalla chided.

“Swearing is caring,” I smirked.

“Sometimes I think you’d fit better with those edgy demons in Hazbin Hell.”

I scoffed. “At least as a kid, I was brave enough to try a few drops of forbidden fruit in the garden when my parents weren’t looking. Made my wings black and sharpened my free will instincts. Drove them crazy. Why they didn’t have anyone guarding that tree and preventing Roo’s escape even in our world is beyond me.”

Phalla chuckled. “Frank Myrth is cute.”

“What?” I rolled my eyes.

“He is, though. Totally against drugs and porn and all that. And those cute dragonfly wings he has.”

“Whatever. My angel wings are the best there is, and they aren’t even white. Now let’s go get started on our hotel commercial.”

“Our commercial has no chance of being recognized here; even less in the canon worlds…”

“I’ll take my chances,” I said.

The church bells tolled happily from outside as I followed Phalla downstairs.

0 0 0

The television screen later showed my commercial for the Haven Hotel. It first showed two angels with white wings looking bored on a cloud. One had his head on his hand, and another was absentmindedly strumming a small harp.

I began. “Hello there ordinary Saints! Are you tired of following the same rules over and over again? Are Bible study lectures, sermons, and community charities not enough for you? Do you still like to help others? Of course, you do, that’s why you’re in Heaven! But what if I told you there was a place where you could experience true freedom?”

The scene shifted to show a large building made of marble in the sky. A white winged key with a gold eye in the center served as the front piece and the double front doors were golden. The walls were decorated with small sapphires in diamond shapes. The top sign on the roof read in lights: “HAVEN HOTEL.” Off to the left side, attached to the building, was a blue tower which housed a small studio for the angel Stalaro, complete with a dancing pole and a dubstep stereo inside. The lawn in front had golden grass and a Christian Cross on it.

“Welcome to the Haven Hotel,” I announced, “Your path to freedom and safety…founded not too long ago by yours truly, Princess Coerciona Vespar!” I posed with rocker signs and a black crown on my head. “Come place your fate in my hands, and discover your true self, as long as you follow my every command!” The slides showed a drawing of me posing on a golden podium while white-winged subjects prostrated themselves before me. Pub and Chub looked like large butler babies with black wings and thick arrows in their hands as they opened the doors. Above the mantle in the parlor room showed a portrait of me holding a spear and above that was the glowing blue sigil of Archangel Michael. EekEek slept under an onyx table near two blue couches, the frames decorated with eyes. The light fixtures had the appearances of doves and the light blue wallpaper had Hesperius’ royal symbols on it: a dove surrounded by six white wings.

“Look at this gorgeous parlor! And check out our new resident…Frank Myrth, I think his name is.”

Frank Myrth did a small wave before continuing his protection business on a computer. He wore a black suit with teal green vertical stripes, long teal-green gloves, and a white bowtie with a teal center. His right eye was black, and his left eye was white with a blue-green iris. He had white fur like Angel Dust, but he also had four dragonfly wings with eyes on them and white angel feathers. He also wore long white boots.

“We have the best rooms, cleaned by our maid, Klutzy. Hey, Ice Girl!”

A small cyclops turned around and blushed. She had one large blue eye, white skin, short light blue hair with a dark blue streak in it and a halo over her head. She wore a black shirt and a blue dress with a white cat design on it. Her thin arms and legs were white. She was eating a hamburger while a lady model magazine and a video game controller were by her side.

“Are you being messy and lazy again?”

“No?” she asked with a yawn. Icicles briefly hung from her white wings.

“Shouldn’t you get to work so more people can come in and adore my hotel?”

“Well, I was gonna keep playing ‘Slay That Demon,’ but…I guess if it’s for you…just don’t invite any men!”

She slouched and got to work.

“Gotta love that gal!” I chuckled.

“And let’s not forget our bartender of mostly non-alcoholic drinks, Core!”

A tall white cat grinned widely as he folded his hands in prayer. A Bible was next to him on the counter. He had large white wings with lots of eyes and a teal-green stripe with white small Christian Crosses along it. He wore a white top hat with a black Christian Cross and a black Christian Cross necklace. His eyebrows were long and teal with small white stripes on the ends. He wore all white clothing and his tail had blue and green scales on it.

“Welcome to the Haven Hotel, may I interest you in our tenants and the wonderous teachings of Jesus?”

“Hey, you’re not Core!” Phalla exclaimed.

“No,” he replied. “I’m his twin brother Leeson. Core’s doing sacred geometry at a university.”

Phalla facepalmed.

I scoffed. “I don’t even know what his deal is. Creep.”

The camera moved and a frightened bark sounded.

“Oh yeah, let’s not forget the d**k-loving coward, Stalaro! Say hello, loser!”

The blue dog angel frowned at the camera. He wore a light blue suit with navy blue horizontal stripes and a white bowtie. His undershirt was blue with a white Christian Cross design in the center. He had a halo and white angel wings, white pants, light blue sleeves, and white shoes with blue tips. His blue monocle was under his left eye. His two large blue eyes were usually filled with sadness. He carried a magic white microphone with angel wings at the top and a square blue speaker with a white pawprint in the center. He had a gray face and thick blue hair with white tips at the bottom. Finally, he had a thick furry tail in various shades of blue and two large blue and white dog ears.

“This freak likes sweets, dubstep music, light magic, and looking at nude men. He’s always worried about something.” I smirked. “Hey, Stalaro, fetch me some water!”

Stalaro gulped and ran from the room, appearing later with a glass of water. “H-here you go, your majesty!”

“Thank you,” I said. “He’s a great servant, such a coward!”

“P-please don’t be mean!” Phalla called from nearby.

“Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of…” I began as the camera shifted to a shot of the hotel again. “All this and more at the Haven Hotel! Your path to greatness starts here!” The words on the screen read in bold blue, “CALL NOW! PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW OF FIVE STARS OR MORE…unless you’d like to volunteer for target practice!”

I turned off the TV, turned around and smiled. “So, what you do think?!”

Phalla and Stalaro sat dumbfounded on the blue couch.

“Um…” Phalla began, “I don’t really know what that was…”

“Only the best, right?” I grinned.

Phalla began. “One note, Coercia, thank you for so much for making this…seriously amazing…but, maybe the tone is a bit…off…”

I narrowed my eyes.

“We want people to come here,” Phalla said, “And you come across as…um…”

“Selfish,” Stalaro stuttered. “That’s the word.”

“Oh really?” I inquired, pacing back and forth. “I was going for amazing! It’s my hotel, after all.”

“Well not everyone is going to want to serve you right and left,” said Phalla. “There may be royals that come here, too, and you of all people should know when to treat those with respect.”

“As long as they do so for me first,” I said.

“They’ll be freaked out at your…appearance,” Stalaro said. “You aren’t exactly…”

I glanced at my wings. “Bubbly and loving? That’s the point,” I said.

“We’re also part of this team,” Phalla said. “We need to work together, it’s not all about you.”

“Well,” I shrugged, getting an idea. “I suppose if you all want to be at the forefront, I can relax with a Bloody Mother Mary instead.”

Phalla glared at me. Frank Myrth raised his hand.

“Yes?” Phalla asked, blushing at him. Frank Myrth blushed too.

“If you guys are filing a commercial, perhaps we can also discuss our earthly accomplishments, to peak up interests?”

“Your former anti-mafia police career on Earth was fine, but that’s off topic,” Phalla mentioned.

Frank Myrth shrugged. “Just thought I’d throw that out there. Haven Hotel could be a safe place to share past lives.”

“Only if you’re a Saint,” Coercia said. “We need more inclusion.”

“Says the only Heavenborn here,” Leeson mentioned. “I’m surprised that this place isn’t only for Saints.”

I bared my teeth. “It’s for any angel who wants safety from the Satanics. They could attack at any time.”

“So…Satanics can harm any angel, not just Sinners?” asked Klutzy.

“If you’re an Archangel, canon Hazbin character or mythical figure, you’re immune to them,” said Leeson. “Yes, that means you’re vulnerable, too, Coercia.”

I had to admit it was true, but I wanted to strangle that cat in the hat so bad.

Leeson continued. “Also, I believe the Hazbin Exorcists have killed Hellborn demons on the side, not just Sinners.”

“Not surprised,” I said.

“Would you kick angels out into the Satanics if they didn’t follow your rules?” Phalla asked.

I glared. “Depends.”

“A Heavenborn royal willing to let someone be turned into a filthy Sinner just for not obeying you? How low,” Leeson snapped.

“You want me to rip your whiskers off, pussy?” I seethed. “I love you and your philosophies, but go too extreme right and…”

“You’re just an extreme left away from the demons,” Leeson retorted.

“Then why are you even here at this place of freedom? I’m only against the bad Christian bias, not the good parts of it. I’m all for Jesus and love and all that…I just hate it when some people are so stubborn that they get lost in their beliefs and boss others around.”

Leeson snickered. “Ego issues much, hypocrite?”

“Both of you are equally annoying,” Klutzy mentioned. “All I need is some cold, slowness and quiet.” With a glare, she slurped frozen golden ambrosia from a cup with a straw, ignoring the food stains on her dress.

“You’ll get it soon, slob,” Leeson spat. “You’re the epitome of gluttony and sloth.”

“I guess not even angels are perfect,” Phalla added.

“What are you talking about? Angels don’t make mistakes,” I stated.

“Yeah, Hazbin Adam and Lute believed that but look what Lucifer did that got him where he is now,” Stalaro said.

“Good point,” I conceded with a sigh.

Stalaro cleared his throat and did a small smile. “Uh…princess, do you think you could film me snuggling with Frank Myrth? You know, to show this place has love and happiness in it? For those who may secretly like the more…intimate things?”

“I don’t think so,” Frank Myrth made a disgusted face. Stalaro whined glumly. “Okay, then.” Stalaro knew better than to ask Core later…he was under him in a divine contract. Core didn’t have his soul, but Core could ask him to do divine favors on occasion.

“Could I snuggle with you?” Phalla smiled at Frank Myrth.

“Please do,” Frank Myrth grinned in return.

“Get a room, freaks,” I rolled my eyes.

Just then, my cell phone rang with a ringtone of demon screams. “I’ll be back,” I said. I walked off to the side and answered it. “Hello Mother, how are you?”

My face fell and a scowl appeared. “Wait, what? He said that…oh come on! Okay, I’ll be right there.” I hung up.

“What’s going on?” Phalla asked.

“My mother called. She said that Adam…our Adam wants to meet me. Says that my hatred of demons is too strong and to be more ‘harmonious toward others.’ Give me a break.”

“When’s the meeting?”

“Today.” My eyes brightened. “Oh, I know! I will pitch my hotel idea and then I’ll pitch an idea to move the Extermination up six months instead of a year!”

“In our Hell or Hazbin Hell?”

“Both!” I grinned.

“Hazbin Adam already did that,” Phalla mentioned.

“No, he didn’t,” I said.

“As reverse denizens created after the canon characters, we can receive information about the future events of the Hazbin world, provided we don’t interfere.”

“Your talk is nonsense, Phalla! Protecting Heaven is my job!”

“But slaying Sinners in our Hell is very dangerous. It’s not like they just run away and scream; they actually fight back! It’s the reason the Cleansers only do it once a year! To end those suffering for long periods of time and to potentially choose others for Purgatory.”

“Then perhaps I need to train my warriors harder!” I raised my fist. “Find a way to eliminate all the Sinners so they don’t decide to become Satanics and invade our world like they’ve been doing for who knows how long! Never just once a year…they’ve come at such random times!”

“There’s way too many of them,” Phalla warned. “Satanics train for years and they are often regular demons. And besides, Sinners are already being punished by the Seven Deadly Sins until they can try again in Purgatory and on Earth again. That’s how it works.”

“I can see why Hazbin Heaven was so worried about a demon uprising,” Leeson added. “But they would have better reason for an Extermination if the Satanics were also there and if Roo was a confirmed threat.”

“Very true,” I finished. “But it’s not as much fun when I don’t get to be the one that does it,” I grumbled.

“You know you can’t go down there without permission from your parents and the Archangels. Once a year is enough in my opinion.”

“Says you,” I muttered in disappointment. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the meeting and to declare how much I hate this place.”

“I thought you loved your people,” Phalla said. “And I thought you would go out and sing!”

“I do…” I replied, adjusting my black pointed crown, “…if they don’t get in my way. And singing? Um…I guess I’ll do…’Just Another Crappy Day in Heaven’…ugh, I can’t make things up on the spot…”

Phalla groaned as I stormed off.

(I’m not one for cheesy musicals unless they are epic rock solos. I didn’t even bring my electric guitar with me! So, I’ll just skip my embarrassing yelling and swearing and shoving angels around as I made my way to a golden Heaven Embassy building. Maybe I’ll write the song before a concert or something.)

0 0 0

The meeting with Adam and Jesus went about as well as you’d expect…utter crap. And Jesus mostly just stood there as a holograph, listening to me and Adam debate.

“Coercia,” said Adam as he sat in a chair across from me at a round light blue table with high backed light blue chairs. We were in a small meeting room, a similar one that Charlie, Adam and Lute met in. It had blue Egyptian-fan wallpaper, stained glass windows of Christian Crosses, a few seats, a globe with angel wings on it. It had more stained-glass window designs of an Ophanim shooting rays down toward flames. There were even Exorcist sculptures protruding from the walls. Indeed, we were at one of the many golden Heaven Embassy buildings. Adam had short brown/black hair, a goatee, and white skin, looking just like his Hazbin counterpart. He even wore the same outfit with the “A” in the center of his white and golden robe. He had a golden halo and golden angel wings. He even had a matching golden harp-shaped guitar, the top of the guitar a harp shape and the main part curved and golden. However…his eyes were full of kindness and he displayed none of the arrogance of the canon Adam. Strangely enough, Adam enjoyed both ribs and apples. He was actually there in person, not a holograph like Jesus was behind him.

Nonetheless, it still didn’t make me happy when he said things like…

“You are still very young and very headstrong. The people of Heaven count on you and if you dive down into Hell and are killed down there, it’ll cause great fear up here.”

“At least I’ll die with honor,” I said.

“By becoming food for Roo? I don’t think so,” Adam shook his head. “I appreciate you wanting to protect your people. But creating a hotel just to break the rules…”

“To have liberation from mental suffering…” I cut in. “Do you really expect our people to enjoy paradise if they can’t have sex before their afterlife marriages? Or have gay relationships that are 100% accepted as they are in the Hazbin Hell? Or worse yet, have Saints be oblivious to their Sinner ex-family members in both worlds?”

Adam held out a hand. “I’ll explain. Our community is very accepting of all genders and sexualities…”

“Then why doesn’t anyone mention gay marriages on TV here? Why is divorce still a long process? Why are the Heavenborn still getting the best things?”

“Why are you going off topic?” Adam asked.

“Because all these things are connected. Maybe there wouldn’t be so many Sinners if there were more lenient rules.”

“Rules and customs take years or even centuries to change…even here. Being cautious is better than letting people run amok.”

“It’s only a matter of time before some people break down from all the stress and rules.”

“We have healing hypnotic hymns for that.”

I scoffed. “Magic can’t solve everything. Please tell me there’ve been people from here who’ve fallen to Hell.”

“Sadly, yes, but it’s not very common,” explained Adam.

“Then you admit our world and angels are not perfect either.”

Adam somberly sighed. “We do our best for the Lord, and you should, too. Yes, just like Hazbin Heaven, the denizen’s memories of Earth and their Sinner ex-family members are wiped clean. It would be heartbreaking for them to find out that they went to either Hazbin Hell or our Hell. They’d probably try to rescue them, and we all know that is utter suicide. If the citizens become too much like the demons because of your project, they will fall to either one of the Hells and you’ll be held responsible.”

“It would be their fault alone. And rapists and murderers are still family to them, right?” I almost couldn’t believe what I was saying. “So…Sinners can be redeemed right to Heaven, at least in the Hazbin world and the reverse is still true.”

“But you would be the one that encouraged the people to sin in the first place,” Adam pointed out. “Royalty can only do so much before they too, must suffer the consequences. Micheal can easily banish you just like Lucifer if you aren’t careful.”

I seethed, my eyes downcast, not knowing any retorts. Adam looked down upon me…I suddenly felt small and feeble.

“I hereby deny your request to move our Extermination up by six months. We don’t need to take any unnecessary risks. Your job is to save our people up here…and the Cleansers send the message in Hell once per year…‘We choose worthy Sinners to go through Purgatory, and those who have no life left in them shall be slain from their cycle of suffering to the second death.’ Dismissed, your majesty.”

“Man, these worlds are f***ing confusing,” I stomped in defeat, slamming the doors and walking out.

When I got back and entered the hotel, Phalla was waiting for me.

“Feel better, your majesty?”

“Yeah, I guess,” I replied in sarcasm. “If losing to authority and swearing as you walk back works. And I still can’t think of good song lyrics for this s…”

“Wait until you see this,” she said, pulling me to the couch. The whole group was sitting there. Frank Myrth sat up straight in a chair. Stalaro leaned on his cane. Klutzy lounged on the floor. I sat next to Phalla who beamed with excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to see us on TV! The way we show our love for our people in every scene!”

“It probably won’t be as good without me in it,” I pointed out. “I’m surprised you didn’t just keep mine.”

“And I know that Phalla will look beautiful in each shot,” Frank Myrth smiled, wiggling an eyebrow.

“Shh! It’s starting!” I hissed.

On TV, Phalla smiled as she stood with the group in front of the hotel sans Leeson. They were all dressed in blue, purple and white 1920’s outfits. (Core made Stalaro create them with his magic once he found out about their project, go figure.)

“Welcome to the heavenly Haven Hotel!” Phalla began, before the screen buzzed and cut to the 777News logo and choir music. Everyone groaned in anger.

Catie Carejoy and Ron Wrench appeared on screen, a black-haired woman wearing a blue dress and a male angel with wheels for a head, holding a wrench in his hands and wearing a gray suit. Three black menacing Exorcists appeared on an image on the screen with “EXTERMINATION” under it in red.

“Breaking news in Hazbin Hell today,” reported Catie Carejoy. “We have just received word from the angel messenger council that the next Extermination is happening sooner than ever before. Hell’s princess Charlie Morningstar met with the arrogant canon version of Adam, who, after being upset about the murder of one of his Exorcists, decided to move it up to six months. As expected, her idea to redeem Sinners at her hotel has not yet shown any progress.”

“Do you know what that means, Catie?” asked Ron Wrench.

“No, what does that mean, Ron?”

“It means they are totally screwed!”

“But…we’re safe, right?”

“Of course we are. We’re talking about a different universe here. Though…still keep your eyes peeled for Satanics. They may get fired up after hearing of war in other worlds. Remember, they can transform angels of all kinds into demons…”

“…even pretty royal princesses…” Leeson grinned in my head, making me briefly flinch in horror. He snickered at his use of telepathy. One of my greatest fears was turning into one of…them. I could almost feel sorry for Hazbin Adam and his future demonic fate. (Angels can see future events, too, just not future events in our own universe, which is pathetic.)

“Anyway, goodbye Hazbin Sinners…” Catie Carejoy finished with a worried look.

Recovering, I laughed manically in excitement and Leeson did a “go figure” look while the rest of the group howled in horror.

“Come on guys! This is great!” I declared, standing up. “Those Sinners are getting what they deserve!”

“But they are still human souls…” Phalla countered.

“Being murdered by their own kind if the Exorcists are ex-human!” Stalaro said, suddenly not passive.

“Not too different than the Sinners who die in our Hell,” I shrugged.

“The Hazbin Sinners are more relatable and less…monstrous,” Phalla argued. “Based on what they have shown us on TV.”

“They are not supposed to be. They had their chance on Earth!”

“I have to agree with princess here,” Leeson said with an eerie slim smile. “There is no mercy for the dammed.”

“Then why allow them second chances anyway?” asked Klutzy. “Why allow Hazbin Sinners immortality and free will to do what they want in Hell and not learn their lessons?”

“Because Lucifer is a goofy moron clown,” I replied. “At least, the canon version. Insult our Lucifer and you’ll be turned into a snack.”

“Being stuck in their habits in their world isn’t a good thing. Ironically…” Stalaro began. “In the Hazbin world, Sinners who die noble deaths and overcome their vices can be turned into angels. They only have to do it once. In our universe, they have to prove themselves many times in different ways to make sure it sticks.”

“But they can still die a second death!” I exclaimed.

“Or repent. Or redeem. Or reincarnate. The choices are endless,” said Stalaro.

“So…there is free will…?” I pondered.

“Rather like…more forced choices,” Phalla worded.

“More options…more free will,” I stated. “No use sympathizing with people we don’t know about, especially other demons.”

I stretched and yawned after a pause. “Thanks for a good for nothing commercial, since, you know, there was nothing to see! I’m going to bed.” I strolled off, leaving behind my bewildered and worried group.

“What are we gonna do?” Phalla whispered in a low concerned voice. “I love Coercia, but she only cares about herself and doing what she wants. And she doesn’t care about any human souls.”

“But there’s us,” Klutzy said. “We all used to live on Earth.”

“Yeah, but she’s a Heavenborn, after all,” said Stalaro.

“Not all Heavenborns are stuck-up,” Phalla said. “Jesus always spread the message of second chances…’love thy neighbor.’ What if even faraway demons are our greater neighbors?”

“Coercia hates humans and demons,” said Leeson. “I’m only here because Coercia enjoyed my Bible talks and how we both like Adina. You know, the demon-hating lady. And Core is joining because he likes helping people.”

“I’m here because Core dragged me along,” Stalaro whimpered.

“I’m here because it’s free room and board from…sexy royalty,” Klutzy added with a smirk.

“I’m here because I admire Coercia’s incredible discipline and her army,” Frank Myrth added.

“And I’m here because I’ve been her only outside servant and friend,” Phalla said. “Although she can be mean…I still don’t want her to…fall.”

The group sat in stunned silence. Stalaro stroked the white dog’s fur and he smiled softly.

“Very weird how such an arrogant rebel could bring a group of angelic misfits together,” Frank Myrth mentioned. “I think we should give her a chance. I mean, if all goes wrong, we can all at least walk out.”

“But she can overpower us all,” Stalaro worried.

“Let’s just be on our best behavior,” Phalla added. “Coercia may be bossy, but she has good intentions. She does want her people safe from the Satanics. And she does care about others having freedom almost as much as for herself.”

Frank Myrth pondered and then smiled. “You really do see the good in people, don’t you?”

Phalla smiled. “Trust is what I do best. So…you guys with me?”

Everyone nodded.

“Then it’s settled. Let the Haven Hotel’s grand opening begin! Tomorrow, of course.”

Everyone yawned in agreement and headed to bed.

#2phazbinhotel

[21chemicalfalloutdays]

New Discoveries 2023: April

Pitchfork Kids, AJR Perfume, Annella* The Kids Are All Rebels, Lenii Blood in the Wine, AURORA Holding Out For A Hero, Adam Lambert VANS, Arrested Youth You've Created a Monster, Bohnes* Nightmare, Saylem* That's Your Role, MELOVIN* Dogs, Magic Sugar Coffee* Walking With Giants, Rachel Sandy* Weight of the World, Shayfer James Sinners and Saints, Andrea Wasse* Mi Capitan, Kiltro Circus, Lindsay Mendez* Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian & DL), The Hu* Water Under the Bridge, Adele Injabulo, Juls, S.O.N Love Nwantiti (Acoustic Version), CKay* ADAUGO, The Cavemen

*top 10

#playlist #ajr #annella #lenii #aurora #adam lambert #arrested youth #bohnes #saylem #melovin #magic sugar coffee #rachel sandy #shayfer james #andrea wasse #kiltro #lindsay mendez #the hu #serj tankian #dl #adele #juls #s.o.n #ckay #the cavemen

[thecanvascreature]

hey do you like roblox myths (whispering)

A little bit… Only for the myths stories, I dislike the community and most of the people that run myth accounts and such. I don’t really look into it anymore though

Back in 2019 I really liked Saint Abida Tribe and Circus in the Sky, a little bit of cult family too

In October of 2022 i decided to check up on what SAT was doing and they pushed out a bit of lore about the “myth” n stuff

kinda cool, I like their Sinner character

#asks #:3 #roblox myths

[flowerboycaleb]

wanted to post more over here and had the idea to do lil reviews for albums from years past. i'm gonna try to post a review for this series, as the name suggests, every thursday!! this week we're looking at a masterpiece and career defining record from one of the greatest jazz artists of all time: Let My Children Hear Music by Charles Mingus!!! also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3

Let My Children Hear Music - Charles Mingus

◇ release year: 1972 ◇ genres: third stream, experimental big band

By the mid-1960s, following two masterful albums for the Impulse! label and some other releases here and there, Charles Mingus’s output had slowed tremendously. He was largely out of the spotlight during the spiritual jazz revolution as well as the advent of jazz fusion towards the end of the decade. However, had he been active during this time, I doubt that he would’ve played into a lot of those sounds. In the early 60’s, On albums like The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady and Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus, the “angry man of jazz” had begun to play around with big band music and had incorporated a lot of classical music influence into his compositions. It was an interesting change of pace for someone whose music had always felt so raw. Those two albums are now regarded as some of his best and I have to agree. This shift provided extra layers to his music and gave him a whole new world to explore. A world he would continue to explore nearly a decade later in his unfortunately often overlooked masterpiece Let My Children Hear Music. 

Charles Mingus, 1972

The album opens with one of my favorite Mingus compositions. “The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive Ass Slippers” is a dynamic and impressive piece. There’s so much happening here musically, but it all feels carefully orchestrated. Opening with some ascending brass instruments with a tuba providing this ominous bass to it all before giving way to an incredible saxophone part. It sounds very theatrical. From there we get to the meat of the song with what sounds like a classic Mingus piece except way more fleshed out. Every piece of this orchestra plays a crucial role. I get chills every time around the 3-minute-10-second mark when that piano comes in and has to fight for your attention briefly before becoming the main focus for a few moments. It’s such an incredible moment and shows off how talented Mingus is as a composer. This song manages to fit in so many twists and turns and each one feels more exciting than the last. 

The classical music influence is very much present on the second track, “Adagio Ma Non Troppo,” but it still has that Mingus edge to it. I love the cello playing on this track and it juxtaposes the horns on here which often have a sort of urgency to them. This song also utilizes a lot more woodwind instruments than the previous which mixes in nicely with the grand, weighty brass throughout the piece. “Don’t Be Afraid, the Clown’s Afraid Too” is probably the most experimental track here as it features, what I believe are, recordings of various zoo animals undercut by a drumroll and a very shrill, almost electric trumpet. Very offputting stuff, but it sounds so cool. This song features some callbacks to other jazz tunes. At one point, the piano playing is a reference to Duke Ellington’s “Take The ‘A’ Train” with its distinct twinkling piano part at the beginning. Towards the latter half of the song, the band shifts into this almost circus-like sound. I don’t know a better way to describe it, but it fits the theme of the track very well and shows the album’s range. It is also during this part that the band pays tribute to several Charlie Parker compositions so I think this song might act as some kind of tribute to some of the jazz greats of the 1950s that Mingus admired. It’s important to note that Mingus played with both Parker and Ellington over the years. The latter of which Mingus was very open about being inspired by and you can draw plenty of comparisons between their composition styles. Another note, perhaps the title of this song is in reference to his 1957 record The Clown. Maybe Mingus is harkening back to these jazz legends of years gone by and saying “I’m afraid of where the genre is going.” Maybe Mingus predicted the catastrophic arrival of Kenny G! Conversely, maybe he’s using it as a torch-passing moment, “don’t be afraid” in the face of the wild experimentation that had been happening in the genre at the time. I could be reading far too much into this, but it’s cool that so many conclusions like this can even be drawn in a song with no words. Reissues of the album following the 1992 CD release include “Taurus In the Arena of Life” as the next track and it’s good! It’s the shortest song here by a lot at a bit over 4-minutes, but it has plenty of great moments. Like the matador-like sound at certain moments, which again fits the theme of the title. He’s so clever. It also calls back to some of his flamenco jazz endeavors on records like Tijuana Moods and songs like “Group Dancers (Soul Fusion) (Freewoman and Oh, This Freedom's Slave Cries)” from The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. Ultimately, I’m glad it’s here, but it isn’t my favorite. I just consider it a little bonus.

The second side of the record kicks off with “Hobo Ho” and it’s another one of my favorite Mingus pieces. That thumping bass at the beginning gets me every time. It’s another example of how cinematic Mingus could get. This sounds like the soundtrack to the coolest movie never made. The directions this song takes you in are just so exhilarating. Towards the halfway point, the orchestra gets this sort of woozy sound to them. It’s almost waltz, yet way more hard-hitting. That bass I loved so much returns to lead into the finale of the song and it’s amazing. This leads into the darkest song here, “The Chill of Death (Recitation).” In this chilling piece, Mingus recites a poem he’d written decades prior. The music sort of reflects that older, almost sinister nostalgia as well. Again, I feel a bit like a broken record, but it’s cinematic. It sounds like the backdrop to an old radio drama. His gruff voice puts so much power behind these words. In the poem, he makes a woman the personification of death that “charms” him to his demise. It’s a great moment that shows Mingus’s trademark humor even when handling subjects like death. 

“The I of Hurricane Sue” closes the record and, like “Don’t Be Afraid…” earlier, it features some sound effects. This time it’s wind and rain instead of zoo animals. The music plays on over it and the sounds can faintly be heard beneath them before returning in full-force at the end. Similarly to the opener, the middle part of the song is very reminiscent of classic Mingus yet more layered. He sounds so confident as both a bandleader and composer here. It feels almost like a victory lap after an amazing album.

Charles Mingus, 1972

According to some, Mingus described Let My Children Hear Music as “the best album he ever made” in the original liner notes to the album, but I can’t find a confirmation of that. If true, it would be difficult to disagree with him. I believe this album is one of his two masterpieces, the other being The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. This was a triumphant return for one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. It is easily his most ambitious album and that ambition pays off wonderfully. This record gets a lot of acclaim in jazz circles, but I’m hoping one day this record can break through those barriers and get the reputation it deserves as one of the greatest albums of all time. 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ thanks for reading <3

#throwback thursday #music #rateyourmusic #music review #charles mingus #jazz #70s music

[ledenews]

Circus Saints And Sinners Raises $15K for Jamie’s Warriors

The Circus Saints and Sinners recently presented a check for $15,500 to Jamie’s Warriors, a Wheeling-based nonprofit that raises money for and educates people about colon cancer awareness. Jamie’s Warriors is named after the late Jamie Orth, a Wheeling resident who battled colon cancer for four years before she died in 2018 at age 31. She is the daughter of Thomas Orth and Jody Usenick of Wheeling. Usenick, who serves as the organization’s president, said the donation represents the single-largest amount ever given to the group and will go toward funding its patient support efforts. “This is the most we’ve ever received at any one time,” said Usenick. “We will use the funds to continue helping raise awareness and help offset the costs of treatment and travel for colon cancer patients. We’re very grateful to the Circus Saints and Sinners.” Circus Saints and Sinners Vice President Corey Albers said the funds were generated from the club’s 23rd Annual Charity Golf Scramble presented by Gumby’s / Geno’s. “We’ve been holding the golf scramble for 23 years and it has become one of our signature events,” said Albers. “Well over 100 golfers register each year. Their support and the support of several major corporate sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, Gumby’s Cigarette and Beer World and Geno’s Play Grounds make it possible for us to make a significant five-figure donation annually.” Read the full article

#Genos #Gumbys #JamiesWarriors #ohiocounty #SaintsandSinners

[discoverdurhamnc]

Things to Do in Durham this Weekend (Mar 23-26)

Check out our full Durham events calendar.

If you'd like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event owners to see if events change due to weather. Have a great weekend!

March Featured Event

The Hunt for the Golden Bulls with Bull City Burger and Brewery

The 13th annual “Hunt for the Golden Bulls”: a scavenger hunt inspired by the golden tickets from the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Throughout the month, clues and puzzles will be revealed on social media and at bullcityburgerandbrewery.com. The clues, once deciphered, lead participants to public spaces around Durham where a golden bull has been carefully hidden.

Golden Bulls #1, #2, and #3 have been found.

Multi-Day Events

Trevor Noah at DPAC (very few tickets remain)

Fri, Mar 24 at 8:00 p.m.

Sat, Mar 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Sun, Mar 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Mon, Mar 27 at 8:00 p.m.

National Collegiate Fencing Championships at Cameron Indoor Stadium

$30 for all sessions, $15 youth/student/senior

Thu, Mar 23 - Sun, Mar 26

2023 Retrogothic Film Series at The Carolina Theatre

RetroGothic is the counterpart to the beloved Splatterflix Film Series, but this one is for those who prefer their horror movies to involve polite vampires in velvet capes.

Fri, Mar 24 - Sun, Mar 26

Events at The Pinhook

Thu, Mar 23 at 8:00 p.m. - Officially Certified Indy Concert

Fri, Mar 24 at 10:00 p.m. - Dreaming Of The 90’s Dance Party

Sat, Mar 25 at 8:00 p.m. - Saints and Sinners Burlesque Show

Sat, Mar 25 at 10:00 p.m. - Queer Agenda Latinx Edition

Sun, Mar 26 at 3:00 p.m. - Prisoner Letter Writing Day

Sun, Mar 26 at 8:00 p.m. - Sweet Home, Bonies, Frankie And The Slight Incline

Live Music at Blue Note Grill

Thur, Mar 23 at 7:30 p.m. - Juke Joint Thursday: Julia Vo & Co

Fri, Mar 24 at 6:00 p.m. - The Duke Street Dogs

Fri, Mar 24 at 9:15 p.m. - Country Cruel

Sat, Mar 25 at 7:30 p.m. - Diane Carter & DCB

Live Music at Sharp 9 Gallery

Fri, Mar 24 at 8:00 p.m. - Kenny Phelps-McKeown Quartet: Tribute to Buster Williams

Sat, Mar 25 at 8:00 p.m. - Kate McGarry/Keith Ganz Quartet

$27.55

Events at Arcana

Thu, Mar 23 - Creme Cabaret Burlesque

Fri, Mar 24 - Tarot with Kathleen

Sat, Mar 25 - Darrien Rutherford and Tarot with Heiltje

Sun, Mar 26 - Slow Teeth w/Robert Chamberlain and Tarot with Emily

Events at Rubies on Five Points

Thu, Mar 23 at 8:00 p.m. - Erie Choir

Fri, Mar 24 at 10:00 p.m. - Perfect Kiss: All Vinyl New Wave & 80’s Dance Party

Sat, Mar 25 at 10:00 p.m. - Ill Digitz & Play Play

Improv Comedy at Mettlesome

Fri, Mar 24 at 8:00 p.m. | Well Seasoned - All Durham. All Black. All comedy.

Fri, Mar 24 at 9:00 p.m. | Hush Hush - Improv inspired by anonymous secrets from the audience.

Sat, Mar 25 at 8:00 p.m. | Bull City Press Presents... - The newest reading series from Bull City Press brings you poetry, fiction, and nonfiction from established and emerging writers for free on the fourth Saturday each month.

Sat, Mar 25 at 9:00 p.m. | Golden Age - Improv inspired by an interview with a local artist.

All shows $8

Thursday, Mar 23

Dusty's All-Star Circus at the Durham Armory

A modern adaption of the classic American Circus in an intimate atmosphere. See feats of aerial skill, juggling, comedy, and acrobatics.

4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

$40+ (admits 2 adults and up to 4 children)

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

Enjoy fresh vibes on the patio with DJ Deckades. Bring your own vinyl to share or just listen to what the DJ is spinning.

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Free admission

Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham

Show up and climb at TRC Durham, then head over to Hi-Wire for some brews. Don't worry if it's your first time or haven't bouldered before; everyone's welcome.

Your first visit to the gym with the Meetup includes free admission and gear rental, and subsequent visits with the meetup are $15 and include harness rental (outside of meetups, day pass rates of $19 apply and do not include rentals).

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Live Music in the Taproom at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - Downtown Durham

Glass Jug offers local live music EVERY Thursday in their Downtown Durham taproom.

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Free admission

Trivia Night w/Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square

Join Clouds Durham for Big Slow Tom's Trivia Night, every Thursday. Win some prizes, drink some beer, and show your smarts.

Enjoy $4 select draft and $5 rotating bartender's choice all night.

7:30 p.m.

Free admission

Hits! The Musical at The Carolina Theatre

Dionne Warwick, 6-time Grammy Award winner and music legend, presents Hits! The Musical – 90 minutes of pure joy with extraordinary singing, spectacular dancing, hundreds of costume changes and state of the art lighting and sound that will leave you amazed.

7:30 p.m.

$39+

The Black Bourbon Guy at Bull City Solera Part Deux - The Rise of Ryes at Bull City Solera and Taproom

Join Che, The Black Bourbon Guy, for an evening of whiskey education and tasting with dueling rye whiskeys themed "the Rise of Ryes." Che is a wealth of whiskey information. Tickets are limited to 20 people.

9:00 p.m.

$40.89

Friday, Mar 24

Tasting at Ten at Counter Culture Coffee

Every Friday morning at 10 am, Counter Culture Coffee opens their Training Centers to coffee lovers who want to learn more about Counter Culture Coffee’s high-quality, sustainably sourced menu.

10:00 a.m.

Free, but donations accepted

Events at The Fruit

7:00 p.m. - Larry & Joe's Album Release Party (Nuevo South Train)

9:00 p.m. - The Live From The Living Room Tour

10:00 p.m. - United House Productions Presents Max Low And Luxo

The Second City Swipes Right: An Incomplete Guide to the Ultimate Date Night at The Carolina Theatre

It’s love at first laugh with The Second City. Bring your partner, lover, significant other, spouse, friend with benefits, friend with EXTRA benefits, platonic BFF, or your spectacularly single self to The Second City Swipes Right: An Incomplete Guide to The Ultimate Date Night, the brand-new experience you’ve been aching for. Spend a naughty 90 minutes with our caliente cast of comedians as they (consensually) annihilate everything that turns us on — and off — about love, dating, relationships, and everything else in-between the sheets.

8:00 p.m.

$33

S.G. Goodman with H.C. McEntire at Motorco Music Hall

8:00 p.m.

$25 advance, $30 at the door

Open Mic Stand-Up Comedy at Durty Bull Brewing Company

This weekly event takes place indoors in the Barrel Room, with seating available for nearly 100 people. There's no better way to unwind after a long week than a night of laughter with Ashley & Ebony. Interested in performing? Please contact Ashley and Ebony.

8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

21+

Free admission

Pub Karaoke at West 94th St Pub

Hosted by All King Entertainment.

10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Free admission

Saturday, Mar 25

parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. It's up to you!

8:00 a.m.

Free admission

Mystic Highland Games at Mystic Farm & Distillery Company

Scottish music, dancing, food, and athletic competition.

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Adults $25, under 21 free

Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works

Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages.

12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunset Float at Falls Lake Durham

Join Two Sisters staff on the water for a Sunset Float. You will paddle a short distance to a perfect spot for sunset viewing. Along the way you may encounter water birds and wildlife getting ready for the approaching night.

6:30 p.m - 8:30 p.m.

$30

Orpheus and Eurydice at The Carolina Theatre

In this eternal love story, Orpheus despairs over the sudden loss of his new bride Eurydice. Pitying the ailing bard, Amore (Venus) tells him that he can recover his lost love by descending into the underworld, and bring her back on one condition: he must walk in front of her and not look back until they have reached the world of the living.

7:30 p.m.

$8.84+

Brazilian Party at Mezcalito

Brazilian music featuring DJ Vera.

11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Free admission

Sunday, Mar 26

Venezuelan Market at Durham Central Park

Enjoy Latin live music and cultural dance while shopping and learning what local vendors have to offer.

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

Public Tour at Duke University Chapel

Learn about the history, architecture, and life of Duke Chapel in this tour. The tour begins at 12:15 p.m., or immediately following the conclusion of the Sunday morning service, and lasts approximately 45 minutes. No reservation is required but if you plan to bring a large group please contact [email protected]. Meet the docent on the front steps of the Chapel.

12:15 p.m.

Free admission

Trivia at Navigator Beverage Co.

Hosted by the Triangle’s Trivia team, Hammered Trivia, gather your team and post up to compete for prizes and enjoy an afternoon of great drinks, great friends, and great games.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free admission

DPW presents "DPW FOREVER: STEEL CAGE SHOWDOWN" at the Durham Armory

Pro wrestlers from all over the world return to downtown Durham with it's very first ever steel cage main event.

7:00 p.m.

$20-55

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

1:00 p.m. - First Sunday: Blues Jam

3:00 p.m. - Language Exchange

7:00 p.m. - Moon Dog Open Mic

The Boom Bap with #SampleSaleMusic at Hayti Heritage Center

Two award-winning artists continuing in a long tradition of music and performance. Two students of craft. Two artists who are serious about making this art for the people. Join them to celebrate 50 Years of hip hop.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

$15

Running Art Exhibits

Art Exhibition: 'Marc Chagall and the Bible' at Duke Chapel

In partnership with Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA), the Chapel is presenting an exhibition of prints of works by the distinguished, modernist artist Marc Chagall. Curated by the art collector Sandra Bowden, the exhibition, Marc Chagall and the Bible, features etchings and lithographs with biblical themes.

The Chapel is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. but is sometimes closed to the public for private ceremonies

Runs through March 30

No tickets or reservations required.

The Textile Art of Debbie Secan in the Great Hall of the Golden Belt Campus

Debbie Secan fell in love with weaving as a teenager and has worked with woven structures ever since, in the textile industry and as a fine artist. The materials in her work are repurposed for environmental reasons and to exploit the breadth of resources we discard.

Runs through Mar 31

Mon-Sat from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Sun from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free admission

The Art of Nicholas Edward at the Building 2 Gallery at Golden Belt Campus

Derrick Nicholas is the artist behind Nicholas Edward. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he moved to Raleigh in 1995 and has been a Triangle resident ever since. A North Carolina A&T University class of 2008 graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, art has been Nicholas’ passion since the age of 6. He loves to express and create through various mediums including pencil, digital, and paint, and finds that each provides a unique and therapeutic satisfaction.

Runs through Mar 31

Mon-Sat from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Sun from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free admission

Mi Casa, Your Casa Experience at The Streets at Southpoint

Designed to look and feel like an inviting home, Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 encourages visitors to come together and feel a sense of warmth and community as they step in, swing, and relax in one of the glowing red houses.

Runs through Apr 2

The Mind’s Eye: Gallery Members Exhibition at 5 Points Gallery

5 Points Gallery celebrates cleverness in the Year of the Rabbit with their new exhibit called “The Mind’s Eye”.

Runs through Apr 15

Free admission

Beyond the Surface: Collage, Mixed Media and Textile Works from the Collection at the Nasher

This exhibition includes approximately 40 works, primarily from the Nasher Museum’s collection. With a focus on collage, mixed media and textile works, Beyond the Surface explores how artists bring together disparate materials and ideas to create artworks that engage with all audiences.

Tue-Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sun from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Runs through May 14

Free admission

Patrimonio | Heritage at John Hope Franklin Center Gallery

A series of drawing interventions on “Llanchama” (Amazonian tree bark) by Peruvian/American artist Renzo Ortega.

Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Runs through May 18

Free admission

Exhibits at 21c Museum Hotel

Whitney Stanley: We Just Be in the Vault Gallery

This We Believe in the Main Gallery

Runs through May 31

Open 24 hours

Free admission

Spirit in the Land at the Nasher

Spirit in the Land is a contemporary art exhibition that examines today’s urgent ecological concerns from a cultural perspective, demonstrating how intricately our identities and natural environments are intertwined. Through their artwork, 30 artists show us how rooted in the earth our most cherished cultural traditions are, how our relationship to land and water shapes us as individuals and communities

Tue-Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sun from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Runs through Jul 9

Free admission

Art of Peru at the Nasher

This gallery features ceramics, textiles, metalwork and carvings produced by ancient cultures across what is known as present-day Peru.

Tue-Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sun from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Runs through Dec 2

Free admission

[contrarywiseizybel]

Kinktober 2022

Day 18: Barty Crouch Jr./Albus Severus Potter + Tom Riddle Jr. (Brothel)

For long as he could remember, Al’s pa had warned him to stay away from Tom Riddle Jr.

Course his old man had reason to say that, what with being their town’s sheriff and with Riddle having his finger in every bit of crime in the area. Not that Harry Potter could prove it, just like his mentor Albus Dumbledore hadn’t been able to prove it. But Dumbledore had died suspecting Tom Riddle Jr. of all manner of wrongdoing so Sheriff Potter had taken up the mission and seemed to think his own son would follow in the steps of his name sake.

Al would sooner die.

Which, considering the rumors about Mr. Riddle, may be the case.

So he waited until his pa left for the Weasley family farm with his ma and little Lily. Waited until he was trusted to stay put and keep an eye on his older brother James, who was always causing trouble and couldn’t be trusted on his own despite being years older. Waited until the moon was high in the sky before slipping out the front door and heading straight to Tom Riddle Jr.’s saloon.

Everyone knew about the services offered at the Viper’s Pit. The first floor had whiskey so strong it’d burn for weeks after and a cactus wine known to make folks see spirits and saints. There were tables for gambling, poker and high-low and faro played for coin or ammo or bits of ore mined south of town. A band made up of former cowboys and criminals would play all night, their music swaying the saloon girls who would charm customers into paying marked up prices on watered down whiskey.

But then there was the second floor.

It was up polished stairs where Riddle’s favorites lived in their own fully furnished rooms. But to get up there took getting approval from Riddle himself. No one was allowed up those stairs without Riddle at their side, though many had tried. Two giants guarded those steps, Greg Goyle, having previously been a circus strong man and Vince Crabbe, having worked building railroads since he was old enough to swing a hammer.

Ain’t no one getting up those stairs uninvited.

And from the balcony Riddle’s favorites would survey their master’s kingdom. His girls would exchange gossip from behind their fans, hips canting to show off long legs under velvet skirts. His boys would strut like a panther watching pray, throwing sharp grins at the patrons who would looked at them like Eve to the apple.

His ma scoffed at those lost souls, wondering just where their own parents had gone wrong that they would run to a man like Riddle and wondering what wickedness ran through their veins.

The one time Al had been in the saloon, running an errand for Mr. Malfoy in exchange for a nickle, he had looked up at those favorites and had seen angels looking down at the sinners. Angels who knew no fear, for their god protected them from earthly suffering and provided them with all manner of earthly delight. And when Scorpius became one of those angels, when his father was smugly pleased instead of shamed, when he strutted through the town throwing saucy winks and smirks at his old friend, Al knew he had been right.

Mr. Riddle may have been the devil, but he wasn’t asking his favorites to become demons for him. He would never take Al out to his gran’s farm and force him to learn how to work a six shooter. He would never give Al a shovel to finish off an injured garden snake that had only been trying to flee. He would never nurse a whiskey at the dinner table while telling his wife how he didn’t know what was wrong with Al.

No, Al would take the devil over his pa.

Mr. Malfoy accompanied him to the saloon, so he wouldn’t be waylaid by those who held a grudge against old man Potter. He said it was just a favor to his son’s first friend, but Al liked to think Mr. Malfoy worried about him. Or at least he worried about him enough that before they entered the saloon he warned Al just what he price he would be paying to reach his paradise.

Hardly seemed like much of a price.

Mr. Riddle met them at the stairs, his guards relaxing from their post at Riddle’s smirk. “Evening Draco. And you must be...Albus Severus, wasn’t it?”

Once more Al cursed his sentimental father who had given their grandfather’s perfectly good name to his jerk of an older brother, leaving him with the names of Harry’s ghosts. A former sheriff who had grown smug off his legacy and a bastard pharmacist who’s love for Al’s grandma had apparently made up for the cruelty he had delivered onto their town.

“Just Al is fine, sir.” He offered, accepting Riddle’s hand into his own. It was bigger than his, much bigger, but soft from fine living. “Thank you for allowing me to meet with you.”

Say what you want about the Potter brood, but they weren’t born crass. They just tended to chose it over the alternative. But Al wore his manners proudly, offering a sweet but deferential smile at his potential employer.

It seemed to work, as Riddle smirk turned sharper, like the viper his business was named after.

“Come along, we’ll have your...interview...upstairs.”

He offered his elbow, Al graciously taking it with a small wave to Mr. Malfoy. Up in the balcony, past the landing where Riddle’s favorites congregated, he could see another silvery blond, who seemed to be making a point to not look down at his own father. Instead Scorpius met Al’s eye, winking cheerily.

Riddle showed him to a bedroom, complete with its own wash room and a stove for warmth. It was decorated in shades of green, from the thick comforter on the bed to the tasseled lampshade.

“Do you like it?” Riddle asked, ushering Al further into the room.

“I love it.”

Riddle chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that he wanted to catch with both hands. “Good. I thought it would compliment your beautiful eyes. Now, has Draco told you what’s expected tonight?”

Al nodded, face flushing and heart racing. “Yes sir.”

“And if you pass this little...test...you will be happy to stay here and work? The contract is for life. Even when you tire of this position I will expect you to take whatever opportunity I find for you within my organization.”

He nodded, thinking of older girls who had been sent back East by Riddle when they tired of the saloon work. He didn’t know any of them personally, but his cousins had shared gossip that they had been given respectable jobs or Riddle had helped them find husbands who complimented them. Scorpius had told him rumors about the boys who Riddle would send North, paying for their schooling until they were ready to join his workforce as accountants or bookies.

But the rumors he cared the most about were the favorites who were given paints or instruments. Who were taught to capture the world in their art, or were taught to move the soul with song. He thought about the gorgeous mural he had seen behind the bar and the rumor that it had been made by Barty Crouch Jr., one of Riddle’s first favorites.

And he thought of his father, who only saw Al’s future as an extension of his own. Another bullet in the gun of justice, only focused on the greater good.

“I want to work for you, sir.” Al said, worrying at his lower lip. A bad habit he could never shake. “My pa...he would never allow me to be...what I am…”

“And what are you, my dear?”

“I...I mean I’m not it yet but someday...someday I want to make art. I want to create, not destroy.”

Riddle’s grin was the grin of a wolf about to catch a deer, sharp and pleased but not cocky enough to assume the chase was done. But it was. Al was tired of being a deer. Let him be reborn at Riddle’s maw.

“You will please one of my men tonight. If you’re satisfactory, or even show just that you have potential, I will keep you in this emerald birdcage. And if not, I’m sure we can use an errand boy somewhere.” He leaned closer, towering over Al and leering, “Between you and me, I don’t see you flying off, little bird. Now, go get ready.”

Al hurried to the washroom where he was delighted to find a covered barrel of warmed water and a basin to wash in. He cleaned quickly, despite his desire to fill the basin and soak in the warmth. With his body clean he took time to tie his mess of curls to one side. His ma had been after him for ages to cut it and he was once again glad he had rebelled. A sheer green robe covered his dark skin and complimented his darker hair, making him feel downright pretty. Maybe next time, if there was a next time, he’d have time to line his eyes with the golden makeup beside the mirror.

Noise alerted him to Riddle’s return, and he shyly peeked out the door. His future employer had taken a seat in an expensive looking chair, reclining in it as though it were a throne. Another man stood by the bed, slight and possibly around his pa’s age, but surprisingly pretty. He had neatly trimmed mustache that sat over his boyish grin, and it took only a moment before his watery blue eyes caught Al’s movement.

“Are you ready, my dear?” Riddle asked, eyes raking over Al greedily as he stepped into the room. “Ah, wasn’t I right about the green?”

The newcomer answered, gaze lingering on Al’s collarbone as the shoulder of the too big robe slipped aside. “Absolutely gorgeous in green. You must be Al. My name is Barty Crouch Jr., but you can just call me Barty. A pleasure to meet you.”

Al startled, completely missing the offered hand. “You’re Barty?”

Both men laughed and Al would be grateful they weren’t mad if he wasn’t so mortified. Luckily it seemed as though Riddle had intuited why Al would be so shocked. “Our little bird must know about your art, Barty. Perhaps later you can show him your workshop.”

“A workshop? Just for your paintings?” Al asked, breathless and starstruck.

Barty just grinned, looking far younger than even Al would have suspected he was. “For making paints too. How about tomorrow? Tom won’t have you working until sundown, so we’d have time.”

His heart felt like it was swelling, so full he would lift off the ground and float away towards the horizon. But he grounded himself, remembering that he had an interview to do, had to prove to these men that he was worth this beautiful room and worth the chance to create something beautiful with his own hands.

“I’d appreciate that very much, Mr. Barty. Can I show you how much?”

He felt silly even as he said it but Barty’s grin turned sharp and Riddle seemed delighted at his attempt at seduction.

“Very well, little bird. Come show me.”

He only reached Barty’s chin, but with a hold on his thin shoulders Al was able to lift on his toes, softly pressing his lips to Barty’s. His mustache tickled, and he almost fell before Barty wrapped an arm around his waist. But after a moment Barty opened for him, allowing Al to shyly lick and nibble at Barty’s mouth. Everything he knew about sex was from eavesdropping on his older cousins, but Barty didn’t seem irritated at his hesitant advances.

Riddle on the other hand seemed bored. “Have you ever sucked a man’s prick, little bird?”

Al almost buried his face in Barty’s shoulder, face on fire from the question. But he shook his head, meeting Riddle’s eyes with as much bravado as he could.

“Well, now’s the time.”

Barty chuckled, all good spirits and gentle touches. His fingers ran through Al’s hair, soothing and sweet. Maybe it was left over from his own time as one of Riddle’s favorites, but Al rather appreciated it. Mimicking the gentle touch Al pushed Barty to the bed, dropping to the floor so quickly his knees rattled.

“You okay, kid?” Barty asked.

“Not a kid.” Al shot back immediately, glancing at Riddle to make sure he wasn’t overstepping. But Riddle just seemed amused at the display. Figuring that he was okay to continue Al rested his cheek on Barty’s knee. His fingers fiddled with the edge of Barty’s trousers, teasing them down while he gazed up through his ink black lashes. “You can keep calling me little bird. I liked that.”

The blond man started to laugh though it rapidly became a groan when Al caught his prize. Summoning every memory he had of James and Teddy’s disgusting bragging and of his cousins’ gossip, Al took a cock into his mouth for the first time.

It didn’t taste like much, despite his cousin Victoire’s repeated complaints. Just skin, salty and slightly bitter. He was so focused on his teeth that he didn’t even notice he was about to gag himself until it was too late.

“Not so fast, little bird.” Barty took himself in hand, feeding his length into Al slowly. With one hand twisted in Al’s hair he controlled their movements, allowing Al to get used to the weight on his tongue. A little at a time, easing Al into the sensation of cock tapping at the back of his throat. Drool collected quickly, falling out Al’s mouth in a way that felt disgusting but seemed to please his new boss. At least if the groans from across the room meant anything.

Trying to control his spit Al swallowed deeply, earning a startled gasp from above him. He tried again, chasing that same noise. At Barty’s prompting he swirled his tongue around the tip. He found himself preening under the groans that he was creating. He glowed when Barty bent over him, clinging to his mess of hair. He could have gloated as he watched from the corner of his eye as Riddle begun palming his own cock through his expensive trousers.

And it was with a pleased hum from Al that Barty exploded, flooding Al’s mouth with his bitter release. Al struggled to swallow it, not wanting to make more of a mess than he already had. And even as he gasped for breath Barty chuckled, warm and delighted.

“Oh, aren’t you a treasure?” He teased, thumb gathering the seed off Al’s lip. He lifted it to his own, licking himself away, returning it to the garden of his body. Despite the taste still lingering in his mouth Al found himself wanting to chase after that thieving thumb.

And so he did.

His lips caught Barty’s again, kissing roughly now that he knew neither he nor Barty would fall under a little pressure. His own cock, hard and aching, rubbed against Barty’s thigh, painful and delicious against the starched fabric. He wanted, oh he wanted…

And suddenly large hands grabbed him, pulling Al against the solid chest of his new employer. Trapped by one hand, the other grasped his dick, twisting and pulling deliciously.

“Selfish little thing, aren’t you?” Riddle teased, wolf teeth snapping beside Al’s eat, ready to gobble him up until his sun bleached bones were all that remained. And Al could only preen, could only imagine what those bones would rearrange into. What he would rearrange into.

“So, my selfish little raven, shall we see how you enjoy being fucked?”

Oh, Al thought, his ink black wings expanding to escape the corpse of the deer he had been. What a good idea this was.

#kinktober #kinktober 2022 #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #Barty Crouch Jr/Albus Severus Potter/Tom Riddle

[papermoonloveslucy]

TOAST OF THE TOWN aka THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW

“A Tribute to Lucy and Desi” (S3;E8) ~ October 3, 1954 

Directed & Choreographed by John Wray  

Ed Sullivan (Himself / Host) was a preeminent television variety show host who is best remembered for hosting his own show, at first titled “Toast of the Town” but later simply known as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which became a staple of Sunday night viewing for millions of Americans from 1948 to 1971.  As such, his name was often mentioned on “I Love Lucy” and Lucille Ball's subsequent sitcoms. He introduced America to such entertainers as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Supremes. Sullivan entered icon status when he and his television show were worked into the plot of the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie in 1960. The musical includes the song "Hymn for a Sunday Evening" which has a chorus that repeats Sullivan's name in a choir-like harmony. Hope made an appearance in the 1964 film version. The theatre on Broadway in New York City where Sullivan did his weekly show was named after him in 1967. He died in 1974.

Lucille Ball (Herself / Lucy Ricardo) was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. She began her screen career in 1933 and was known in Hollywood as ‘Queen of the B’s’ due to her many appearances in ‘B’ movies. With Richard Denning, she starred in a radio program titled “My Favorite Husband” which eventually led to the creation of “I Love Lucy,” a television situation comedy in which she co-starred with her real-life husband, Latin bandleader Desi Arnaz. The program was phenomenally successful, allowing the couple to purchase what was once RKO Studios, re-naming it Desilu. When the show ended in 1960 (in an hour-long format known as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”) so did Lucy and Desi’s marriage. In 1962, hoping to keep Desilu financially solvent, Lucy returned to the sitcom format with “The Lucy Show,” which lasted six seasons. She followed that with a similar sitcom “Here’s Lucy” co-starring with her real-life children, Lucie and Desi Jr., as well as Gale Gordon, who had joined the cast of “The Lucy Show” during season two. Before her death in 1989, Lucy made one more attempt at a sitcom with “Life With Lucy,” also with Gordon, which was not a success and was canceled after just 13 episodes. 

Desi Arnaz (Himself / Ricky Ricardo) was born in Cuba in 1917 and immigrated to America as a youngster.  He was a musician who married Lucille Ball in 1940 after meeting her on the set of 1939’s Too Many Girls, which he had done on stage in New York.  In order to keep him ‘off the road’ Ball convinced producers to cast him as her husband in a new television project based on her radio show “My Favorite Husband.” The network was convinced. In 1951, Arnaz and Ball began playing Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, roles they would be identified with for the rest of their lives. The couple had two children together, Lucie and Desi Jr.  In 1960, Ball and Arnaz divorced. Desi became a producer, responsible for such hits as “The Mothers-in-Law” (1967-69). He re-married in 1963. Desi Aranz died in 1986, just a few years before Ball.  

William Frawley (Himself / Fred Mertz) was already a Hollywood veteran when he was hired by Desi Arnaz to play Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy.” After the series concluded he joined the cast of “My Three Sons” playing Bub Casey. He did an episode of “The Lucy Show” in October 1965 which was his final TV appearance before his death in March 1966.

Vivian Vance (Herself / Ethel Mertz) was born Vivian Roberta Jones in Cherryvale, Kansas in 1909, although her family quickly moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was raised. She had extensive theatre experience, co-starring on Broadway with Ethel Merman in “Anything Goes.” She was acting in a play in Southern California when she was spotted by Desi Arnaz and hired to play Ethel Mertz, Lucy Ricardo’s neighbor and best friend. The pairing is credited with much of the success of “I Love Lucy.”  Vance was convinced to join the cast of “The Lucy Show” in 1962, but stayed with the series only through season three, making occasional guest appearances afterwards. She made a total of six appearance on “Here’s Lucy.” She also joined Lucy for a TV special “Lucy Calls the President” in 1977. Vance died two years later. 

Harry Chesney (Himself) was the vice-president of Philip Morris, the tobacco company that first sponsored “I Love Lucy” in 1951.

Howard Dietz (Himself) was a lyricist who wrote over 500 songs in his lifetime. In 1954 he was a vice-president at MGM where he is credited with developing the Leo the lion logo as well as their slogan “Ars Gratia Artis” (art for art's sake). The Long, Long Trailer was an MGM picture.

Don Dixon (Himself) was a correspondent for INS, the International News Service. He was held captive in Communist China for 18 months.

John Hodiak (Himself) was a busy actor at MGM who had co-starred with Lucille Ball in their 1946 film Two Smart People. He was also seen in the 1944 film Lifeboat with Tallulah Bankhead.

Tex O'Rourke (Himself) was a toastmaster famous for moderating his “Circus Saints and Sinners” tributes. 

Dusty Rhodes (Himself) was a member of 1954 World Series Champion team the New York Giants. He would return to “The Ed Sullivan Show” in April 1955.

Robert Taylor (Archival Footage from Bataan) acted alongside Desi Arnaz in the 1943 film Bataan. He never appeared on “I Love Lucy,” but during the Ricardo's stay in Hollywood, Lucy Ricardo mentioned meeting him at a farmers market and getting his autograph on an orange.

Keenan Wynn (Archival Footage from The Long, Long Trailer)

Marjorie Main (Archival Footage from The Long, Long Trailer)

Johnny Roventini (Philip Morris Bellhop, uncredited)

Julia Meade (Voice of Mercury Commercial)

This show was aired on CBS on October 3, 1954. Sunday nights were known as “Ed Sullivan Show” nights in the same way that Lucy and Desi “owned” Monday nights throughout the 1950s. This show was done live in front of a studio audience at (what is now known as) the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York City. 

The next day “I Love Lucy” began its fourth season on the air with “The Business Manager” (ILL S4;E1) co-starring Charles Lane (above) as Mr. Hickox. Two weeks later the series celebrated its 100th show.

The same night this show aired, “Father Knows Best” made its TV debut on CBS at 10pm. Prior to that the series had been aired on radio since 1949. On TV, it ran for one season and was canceled. The series was picked up by NBC, where it remained for three seasons. After a second cancellation in 1958, the series was picked up yet again, by CBS, where it aired until May 1960.   

This was the second of Lucille Ball's dozen appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Ball and Arnaz had been on earlier in the year, after Ed Sullivan presented “I Love Lucy” with an Emmy Award in April 1954. Desi made eight appearances, the last being in 1960. This is the only time the full hour of Sullivan's show is devoted solely to Lucy and Desi.

“Toast of the Town” was not filmed in Hollywood, like “I Love Lucy.” It was broadcast live from New York and then kinescoped to the West Coast. Consequently, prints of this show are generally of poor quality.  

During the run of “I Love Lucy,” Ed Sullivan and his show were mentioned several times:

Lucy: (about Fred the dog) “He learned obedience, but he’s not ready for ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’.” 

~ “The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue” (ILL S6;E27) 

Johnny Clark: (to Ricky) “I think I've got you planted on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ for next month.” 

[Celebrities would often be asked to stand-up and wave if they were spotted on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”] ~ “Face to Face” aka “The Ricardos Are Interviewed” (ILL S5;E7)

Lucy: (to a stoic Buckingham Palace Guard) “Wow, you make Ed Sullivan look like laughing boy.” 

[Sullivan was known not to smile or laugh, something Lucy chides him for in the tribute.] ~ “Lucy Meets the Queen” (ILL S5;E15)

To kick off the hour, Lucy and Desi perform a sketch about their meeting with Ed Sullivan. Although the sketch feels like an episode of “I Love Lucy,” Lucy and Desi use their own names. It opens with Lucy knitting and Desi at home (in Beverly Hills), relaxing and reading the Sunday papers, which are spread out all over the room. Desi is looking for the “spor' session” [“sports section”]. 

The newspaper Desi holds is the Sunday, October 3, 1954, edition of the New York Daily news, with the back page headline “GIANTS CHAMPS”! The previous day, the New York Giants triumphed over the Cleveland Indians in the 1954 World Series. Interestingly, this was not good news to Lucy's good friend Bob Hope, who was part-owner of the Indians. 

Two years later, October 8, 1956, Lucy and Desi guest-starred on “The Bob Hope Chevy Show” which for the evening was broadcast in Ed Sullivan's time slot, a fact Hope acknowledged in his monologue. Like this Ed Sullivan show, it was the day after a world series victory and the MVP was invited to appear on the show. For this “Toast of the Town” that player was Dusty Rhodes of the New York Giants. In 1956 it would be Don Larsen of the New York Yankees.  

When Lucy shows off what she's been knitting, Desi immediately jumps to conclusions: “Lucy! Again?  We've already done that bit!” Desi is referring to Lucy Ricardo having a baby on “I Love Lucy.” Prior to that, in 1951's “Drafted” (ILL S1;E11, above), Ricky and Fred mistake the girls knitting them sweaters for a clue that they are expecting.

Lucy tells him to relax, that she's knitting it for Eve Arden's new baby. Arden, a friend of Ball's from her B-movie days, was currently starring in TV's “Our Miss Brooks” filmed at Desilu. On September 17, 1954, she gave birth to what would be her only biological child, Douglas Brooks West.  

After arguing who should answer the telephone, Desi answers it, but can't quite figure out who it is on the other end.

Desi (to Lucy, covering the phone receiver): “I think it's somebody from a bakery.  A guy called Solomon.  Ed Solomon. He says he's selling toast in this part of the town.”

Lucy grabs the phone and  it turns out to be Ed Sullivan who is coming right over, despite the fact that their house is a mess and they aren't properly dressed. Desi says they should let Ed see them as they really are, with no pretense.

Lucy: “The show is called 'Toast of the Town', not 'Crumbs of the Town'.”

She then implores Desi to put on his shoes, to which he replies, “What for? He knows I got feet.”  

This is very similar to an exchange in “Men Are Messy” (ILL S1;E8) from 1951.  

Lucy Ricardo: “Put your shoes on and pick up those papers. Company is coming.” Ricky Ricardo: “It isn't company, it's Fred and Ethel.” Lucy Ricardo: “Well, put your shoes on.” Ricky Ricardo: “They know I have feet.”

In the next scene, they are dressed to the nines, and Lucille makes her entrance to the strains of “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” by Irving Berlin. In 1955's , “Lucy Gets Into Pictures” (ILL S4;E18) Lucy Ricardo gets a role as a showgirl, strutting down a staircase wearing a giant head-dress, while this song is playing.

Before Sullivan arrives, Lucy and Desi silently practice being acknowledged from the audience, just in case that is what Sullivan has in mind. This is visually similar to when Lucy and Ricky rehearse being surprised with a “Housewarming” (ILL S6;E23) party when they first move to Connecticut in 1957.  

The phone rings again and Lucy talks to their agent Don Sharpe about the purpose of Sullivan's visit, while Desi hovers anxiously behind her: 

Lucille (into the phone): “He is!  He isn't?  He isn't?  He is!  He isn't!” (she hangs up) Desi: “Well, is he or isn't he?”

This is another gag taken directly from “I Love Lucy.” It is possible that the “I Love Lucy” writers participated in the scripting of this sketch.

When Sullivan finally arrives at the Arnaz home, they rush him off his feet and pretend not to have already heard the news. Sullivan finally spills the beans.  

Lucy: “'Toast of the Town' and the whole slice about us!”

When Sullivan asks Lucille for a cigarette, the Philip Morris bellhop Johnny Roventini literally pops out of the coffee table and gives him one!  Although Philip Morris was not a sponsor of “Toast of the Town,” the gag acknowledges the company's initial support of “I Love Lucy.”

Vivian Vance just happens to drop by – and then almost immediately Bill Frawley. The just happen to be ready to regale Sullivan with a song, “Hullaballoo,” which Frawley says is an old vaudeville tune from 1913. He also claims that they previously performed it “on one of the old Lucy shows” but no such song was ever sung by Fred and Ethel on “I Love Lucy.”  

A curtain then closes for their bows. Sullivan reminds Vivian that they last met when he presented the Emmy Award to “I Love Lucy” in Hollywood. He recalls first meeting Frawley in Leone's Restaurant. Jimmy Walker introduced him to Sullivan. Walker was mayor of New York City from 1926 to 1932, when Sullivan was a news correspondent.

Sullivan discusses the film Bataan featuring Desi Arnaz and Robert Taylor.  Baatan (1943) was an MGM film about the World War II Battle of Bataan, a region of the Philippines.

After a Mercury commercial narrated by Julia Meade, Ed Sullivan introduces the trailer from The Long, Long Trailer, a 1954 color film based on a novel of the same name by Clinton Twiss. It is about a couple who buy a new trailer home and spend a year traveling across the United States.The film stars Lucille Ball as Tacy Collini and Desi Arnaz as Nicky Collini. The characters' names were changed from the book to sound more like ‘Lucy and Ricky’ (Tacy and Nicky, say it fast).  

Desi Arnaz performs his signature song “Babalu.” He performed the song on “I Love Lucy” in "The Audition" (ILL S1;E6) and in "The Ricardos Visit Cuba" (ILL S6;E9), where Desi was joined by Richard Keith (Little Ricky). Other times it was partially heard or sung for comedic purposes, such as in "Lucy Hires an English Tutor" (ILL S2;E13), “Ricky's Life Story" (ILL S3;E1), "The Publicity Agent" (ILL S1;E31) and “The Young Fans" (ILL S1;E20). Desi Arnaz first recorded the song in 1947, although he had performed it as part of his nightclub act prior to that.

After Desi finishes singing, Sullivan tells his audience that Desi has had a fever of 101 all day, but insisted on singing “Babalu” anyway.

Finally, the "Circus Saints and Sinners Luncheon" begins, a formal tribute (the actual “Toast” of the town) with speeches from and about the Arnazes.  

A clip from “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16), which first aired on January 19, 1953. This was Desi Arnaz’s favorite episode.This is the episode that made “I Love Lucy” a national phenomenon. It is estimated that 72% of the American public who owned a television tuned in to see the birth of Little Ricky. His birth was timed to coincide with Desi Jr.'s birth, that same day. This episode aired the day before the inauguration of President Eisenhower and five months before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. More people watched this “I Love Lucy” episode than either one of those televised historic events. 

To kick things off, Ed Sullivan reads a letter from Bernard Baruch (1870-1965). Baruch was a financier and powerful political consultant who had served with Sullivan on a Government-appointed Entertainment Committee to bolster post-war morale in America.  

Toastmaster Tex O’Rourke discusses Ball and Arnaz’s childhoods and their early work in show-business.

Baseball player Dusty Rhodes some brief comments of his own.

Lucille Ball is first to make her remarks, thanking the networks and production staff of “I Love Lucy,” and ultimately Desi:

Lucy: “This guy, who seems to be in all places at once, making like an actor, a banker, a politician – in short, a producer – gets my vote as the greatest producer of all time. And I have two little Arnazes at home to prove it.”

Desi Arnaz expresses his appreciation to Lucy and the United States of America for giving him the opportunities he has enjoyed.

Desi: “We came to this country and we didn't have a cent in our pockets.  From cleaning canary cages to this night in New York is a long ways. And I don’t think there’s any other country in the world that could give you that opportunity.” 

Both Lucy and Desi become visibly emotional while making their speeches. "Desi was very sincere about that," said Madelyn Davis, who along with her partner, Bob Carroll Jr., wrote every episode of the first four seasons of “I Love Lucy” with Jess Oppenheimer. "Lucy got teary and even Ed Sullivan. Desi wasn't kidding. They had nothing."

The show includes Lincoln Mercury commercials starring Ed Sullivan. Lucy and Desi had participated in such commercials in their first appearance on “Toast of the Town” in April 1954. During the sketch that starts the show, Lucy says the words “High dramatic” and Ed reminds her that on his show, it is “Merc-O-Matic,” which was Lincoln Mercury's own automatic transmission, introduced in 1951.

This Date in Lucy History – October 3rd

"Lucy Visits Grauman's" (ILL S5;E1) – October 3, 1955

"Lucy and Paul Winchell" (TLS S5;E4) – October 3, 1966

#Toast of the Town #The Ed Sullivan Show #Ed Sullivan #Lucille Ball #Desi Arnaz #I Love Lucy #Vivian Vance #William Frawley #1954 #CBS #John Wray #Harry Chesney #Johnny Roventini #Howard Dietz #Don Dixon #John Hodiak #Tex O'Rourke #Circus Saints and Sinners #Dusty Rhodes #New York Giants #Robert Taylor #Bataan #Keenan Wynn #Julia Meade #Marjorie Main #The Long Long Trailer #MGM #Eve Arden #Don Sharpe #Hullabaloo

[libraryofva]

Recent Acquisition - Ephemera Collection 

I Am  (Jimmy Walthall) .  The WW Workman Tent, Circus Saints & Sinners Club of America presents A “Fall Guy” Show and dinner in honor of Lt. Governor Charles “Chuck” Robb “Mr. Charisma” Friday, October 26, 1979 

#1970s #political #politics #Chuck Robb #Richmond #Virginia #VA #vintage #ephemera #circus #Saints & Sinners

[ariadnaes]

╭﹒❍﹒𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖕𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖊𝖑 — a writeblr re-introduction.

⋆˚﹆⟠﹒𝕮HRISTENING ! 

hi, my name’s aurora (aura / rora) and i use she/her pronouns! i was previously @winteranarchy on writeblr but i’ve decided to rebrand and reintroduce myself. my writing will be posted here on this blog and a list of my current projects can be found on this page, but i’ll also start being more active on my writing twitter @rorawrites. you can also find me at my main @warstorm which is my litblr where i post and reblog edits.  i’m a scorpio, slytherin, i/entj and vietnamese-australia. i’m a lover of literature and mythology as well as classical and fantasy novels and some of my favourite books include the night circus, the picture of dorian gray and perfume: the story of a murderer. please feel free to add me to any of your tag lists or chat with me through my inbox or dms, i’d love to get to know more you lovely people and get acquainted with your writing too !

projects and taglist below the cut.

⋆˚﹅♡⃕﹒𝕿HE 𝖁ISION !

₀₁・𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐

— The first installment in the Iron Star Duology.

Crimson Falling is the story of tempests, of serpents and of saints. It is the story of blood and the tragic fates of the decadent and the cunning. After a night of hallucinated memories leading to their nemesis’ body found floating in the school’s lake, a group of seven students become ensnared within a plot to cover up what they believe to be blood upon their hands. They soon begin to realise that their academy is not what it seems upon the surface, as they begin to unearth the curious evils that lie within the institute and the secrets thought lost and buried alongside the dead heiress.

introduction (coming soon!) | wip page | wip tag

₀₂・𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚜

— The first installment in the Silver Sun Trilogy.

The court has descended into madness. In a land where daylight rises and cedes in a cycle of seven weeks, a kingdom has awoken at the first fall of sun to their beloved monarchs beheaded; murdered by their own son and heir to their throne. The crown now falls into the lap of the youngest prince, a boy who never planned to hold such great power and had no clue on how to keep it. Amidst the battle for his rightful throne, Prince Castiel must not only deal with the rebellion that his brother ignited and his sister’s mysterious disappearance but also travel to the ends of the land to find the last enchantress, the only one who can save his decaying soul, before the sun sets on the seventh week. In a land of deceit, ambition and betrayal; with only one crown to be claimed and a desperate, incumbent prince determined to keep it in the wake of his parent’s assassination, tensions have never be higher within the Court of Silver Suns.

introduction (coming soon!) | wip page | wip tag

₀₃・𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚢𝚙𝚛𝚞𝚜

— A short story retelling of Pygmalion and Galatea set in the Decadent Era and inspired by Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian Gray and Perfume: the story of a murderer.

When a single drop of blood falls into a sea of foaming sapphire and azure hues, a monster of beautiful destruction is created. The Birth of Venus catalyses within its sweeping strokes, an even greater beauty that it beholds; but even from the same likeness of the goddess, the Mériadec portrait outshines its predecessor both in aestheticism and in gore. At an Italian gallery exhibit in the year 1817, French portrait painter, Pascal Mériadec, is challenged by scornful critics to commission a portrait more beautiful than Venus herself. With each brush of paint upon his canvas, Mériadec slowly begins to fall obsessively in love with the woman in the frame; spending every waking hour with the girl whom he has named Eglantine, the Lady of Cyprus. Filled with the desperate desire for the love he shared with Eglantine to be real, the artist would do anything in his power to bring her to life, even if it meant leaving death in his wake.

introduction (coming soon!) | wip page | wip tag

₀₄・𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚡

— The first installment in the Pantheon Duology.

A world basked in ivory and gold, painted with age old myth upon every surface; hides the flaws of a government whose corruption will cause the downfall of their people. Unbeknownst to the revelling and immoral power of the city, the seeds of rebellion have long since been planted, flowers now blooming in the cracked pavement where blood and tears have watered them. The House of Pollux, one organisation in a triumvirate of self-proclaimed saviours, has set their sights on overthrowing the government and fighting the rising discord that threatens the city. Seven abducted prodigies, stolen from homes that have never belonged to them and from names they will never remember, are tasked with the infiltration and assassination of their country’s leader. These gifted individuals who have grown where the light has not found them, have now come forth to reclaim the world that belongs to them and to save the country from the clutches of beautiful tyrants. And thus glorious mutiny arises, in the name of the Pantheon.

introduction (coming soon!) | wip page | wip tag

₀₅・𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚢

— Standalone Novel (possibility of a prequel novella).

Eternity appears to be a rather long time for punishment, no matter how malicious the criminal was, however, in her liminal state drifting between immortality and mortality, the Empress didn't care, rather she loved it. The Duchess of the Netherworld floats between beautiful places, corrupting them with her presence, rendering victims mad only for her mere entertainment. And when she tires of her station, she finds herself a new arena for her twisted games, each time a new setting that she has only dreamt of in her eternal torture. She does not greet you as you are welcomed through the entrance of The Winter Anarchy; an opera house of such opulence and decadence so uncommon to mankind. The vestibules of hell embrace your tortured and devious soul and you are welcomed like the mad sinner that you are. You are not dead though, not quite yet at least. She has saved you from such a fate for now and you really ought to thank her for her ill intended grace. You are a puppet, merely here to play a game… her game. Win and you shall be graced with the eternal glory, freedom and power of beings such as she is but lose and you must pay the most treacherous price for every drop of unholy blood running through your veins.

introduction (coming soon!) | wip page | wip tag

taglist. (tagging a few friends, mutuals and writeblrs that i admire. let me know if you would like to be added or removed from future taglists!) @vaelinor . @kalliopeian . @veiliza . @rapunzelle . @aeternve . @laythe . @xiyais . @queen-of-dust . @bintiskandar . @theheartbreakclub . @elizaabennet . @duskbourne . @ortolon . @sourrcandy . @atelierwriting . @sprigofbasil . @serpentarii . @herondalelucies . @thetragediies . @chuchoters . @parsel-tongue . @arkicts . @ikilledmyocs​ . @hiswraith​ . @oasis-of-you​

#aurora.txt #+writeblr intro #+mine #writeblr #writeblr intro #writers on tumblr #writersnet #writing community #sunsetdistrict&starfallisland #wtwcommunity