Friday, June 18, 2021

C.H.E.R.U.B Slice of Life

 


Several days before the events of Helluva Boss’ “C.H.E.R.U.B.” 

 

 

Cletus, Keenie and Collin lounged in their spotless office in a giant harp-shaped building. The skyscraper building with a golden harp and strings as part of the design was C.H.E.R.U.B. headquarters. An exhausted Collin sank back on a nearby sofa, massaging his cloven wrist after several hours of completing paperwork. On a nearby white board, “God loves you,” “Be a sheep, not a creep,” and “Live a Life of Love” was written in various colored marker. Keenie had written “Damnation to all demons” in cursive on one corner of the board. The ginger-haired Cletus drank quietly from a white mug that read “God’s Faithful Disciple Is Also Your #1 Boss.” Keenie fluffed up her yellow frilly dress and straightened her red hair bow.

 

Collin smiled and handed Keenie two white roses. Keenie smiled back and took them, thinking about how adorable Collin looked.

 

“Why…do I have to fill out…all the paperwork?” Collin asked between breaths as he rested.

 

“Because you’re the best at it and you’re also pretty much a wuss everywhere else,” Keenie replied with a grin. Collin’s face turned red.

 

“That’s n-n-not very nice,” Collin replied with a stutter. “I may have been a recorder of the faiths and sins of humans for a while but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get old fast…which it does!”

 

“Oh stop it with your jittering,” Keenie replied with a roll of her large eyes. “Count yourself lucky that you’re part of a group dedicated to bettering the lives of those humans!”

 

“Indeed I am,” Collin said. He recited one of his favorite passages, one that he lived by daily:

 

“’Love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.’” John 1:6 (NCV). I do love humans…Except when they’re mean and s-s-sinful and stuff.”

 

“Either way, it’s our job,” Cletus said as he slurped his mug of iced coffee. “Don’t forget about our recent assignment we completed.”

 

“Dolly Dolores was the woman that angel requested us to bless,” Keenie said. “Thankfully it was easy to do. She’s been donating to Evangelical churches all across the U.S. Now she will live a good life and be guaranteed access to Heaven!”

 

Cletus added, “And Samuel Hawkins, inventor of modern technology to help with inter-dimensional communication. We thought global communication on Earth was impressive enough. Now we can easily call and chat with anyone in Heaven, Earth or Hell…at least, God and a few elite can in regard to the inferior realms.”

 

Collin pondered. “Does that explain why Heaven commercials sometimes appear in Hell?”

 

Cletus nodded. “Yep! Gotta bring hope to family members, even to those who have sinned. One of his inventions, Vivoom (Our online Zoom communication) was sponsored by a technology demon named Vox. He was always a fan of V names.”

 

Collin looked uneasy. “Why have I heard that name before…”

 

“We angels are given lists of dangerous demons and their traits so we can briefly study them in case they decide to attack,” Keenie said. “Of course, they’d have to go through the Exorcists first; they wouldn’t dare. One shot from angelic weapons and they’re devil dust!”

 

Keenie rammed her fist against her palm.

 

“We also bless the poor, right?” Collin asked. “I don’t recall her being very nice to the homeless.”

 

“Not as often,” Cletus said. “Usually the ones we get requests for are white human males who are family members or role models for said angel client. Often times they’re famous…and sometimes stupid.”

 

“So…we can’t just go down and bless those who truly deserve it?” Collin whispered.

 

“Nope,” Keenie declined with a wave of her hoof. “A mission is a mission. Whoever our client says we need to bless, we do it. No matter how selfish or stupid they may be. It not only keeps our clients happy but it also (hopefully) encourages the human to do good so that one day, they may arrive here in Heaven, ready to love and cherish God. Thus our civilization can thrive and grow, and all those filthy demons down below can eventually meet their end in divine hands.”

 

Her eyes briefly glowed and small eyes appeared on her wings before she quickly returned to her regular self. She smirked at Collin’s fearful face.

 

Collin shivered. “I hate it when you go to your Angel Form.”

 

“You should try it sometime. All types of angels and demons can do it. Perhaps it’ll make you less of a soft coward.”

 

“D-don’t you call me a coward!” Then he added, “I don’t think that’s how it works. Only saints, sinners and the elite can fully transform.”

 

“Hmph. Says how much you know.”

 

“That’s enough guys,” Cletus spat at his employees. “You’re interrupting my contemplation of paradise and life.” Cletus stared at a picture on the wall of a smiling white man dressed in a white top hat with a gold cross on it. His eyes were obscured under his hat. A plaque down below read, “He watches us, always.”

 

“Is that God?” Collin asked.

 

“Who else would it be?” Cletus shrugged. 

 

“Doesn’t look like him. Isn’t he just dressed up? Surely that’s not his true form.”

 

“You don’t know what his true form looks like,” Keenie said.

 

“Neither do you.”

 

“I don’t care what form he takes,” Cletus replied. “As long as we follow his Word and the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ, things will go smoothly. Remember what he said recently: “Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up…’”

 

“’…so ditch the ones you cannot use,’” Keenie finished. “Makes sense to me.”

 

“Hold up!” Collin said, flying up in front of them. The other cherubs stood up and hovered in place. “I don’t think God would encourage us to ditch friends who won’t help us get to the top. He’d surely want all of us to love one another and live simple lives. Plus, that’s not even His actual quote! I read the Bible a bazillion times!”

 

“But it was explicitly stated on the sign,” Keenie argued. “With an orangeish face to prove it!”

 

“I think it was a prank,” Collin stated, crossing his arms.

 

“We’ve all learned that to glorify God, we must support and beautify our community,” Cletus explained. “Back in the 2000s, I founded C.H.E.R.U.B. on behalf of God to bless his favorite creation: man. Plus even though we live in a comfy cloudy Cherub Towne, we still need to get by. Money is money. Extravagance and respect is our ideal.”

 

Collin narrowed his eyes.

 

“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” Proverbs 13:7 (Msg)

 

Keenie looked in approval at Collin.

 

He continued. “Technically, our Father hasn’t formerly endorsed our organization,” Collin reminded them. “In fact, I think it’s illegal for angels to interact with mortals unless it’s a divine mission or an emergency...”

 

“It’s always an emergency here!” Cletus declared, flying into Collin’s face, causing the periwinkle sheep cherub to flinch back, flying into a chair and knocking it over. Bobble heads of Keenie and Collin spun around on the large white table as it briefly shook. Cletus quickly picked them up and put them in his large overall pocket.

 

Cletus blushed a bit as his companions gave him looks.

 

“Oh come on, Collin,” Keenie said. “We’re cherubs! No one would automatically suspect any lower-class citizens sneaking off to earth. That was also Cletus’ idea.” Cletus beamed with a thumbs up at Keenie and Collin.

 

“Besides,” Keenie added, “It’s only natural for us to want the best in Heaven. Recognition, money, wealth, glory. For our happiness will result in God’s joy.”

 

“Well…if you say so,” Collin said. Then he muttered, “But it still feels like greed…and if we were to get caught making a mistake…” He shuddered again.

 

“C.H.E.R.U.B. never makes mistakes!” Cletus declared. “It’s in our name: Cherishing Human Existence, Releasing Unlimited Blessings.” 

 

“I don’t think that’s what the acronym…”

 

“No one cares what you think, Collin!” Keenie added, elbowing Collin who winced. 

 

“Oh God, Keenie…”

 

“And don’t use His name in vain!”

 

“Enough!” Cletus bellowed. “Your petty arguments are getting us nowhere. For once, let a seasoned cherub have some peace and quiet!”

 

“Says you, whiny baby,” Keenie said. “You’re not even a proper animal cherub!”

 

“Oh yeah? Then what are those strange visible lumps on your chest, Keenie?”

 

Keenie briefly looked down at her breasts and turned light red. “So inappropriate, Cletus!” she seethed with a “baa.”

 

Cletus smirked. “I know, but you still got a kick outta that.”

 

“Oh, you want a kick? I’ll show you…”

 

Before Keenie could kick her companions in the groins (she was looking at Collin too), a large computer and screen on the table flickered to life. “Incoming call” was displayed on the screen as the Jesuskype (Jesus themed Skype) logo appeared. Cletus tapped the “accept” button.

 

A white sheep cherub named Rachel appeared on the light blue screen, a black cross necklace around her neck, her hands folded in prayer. The three cherubs stood in front of the computer screen and folded their hands. They did little respectful bows as signs of greeting.

 

“Greetings, fellow cherubs,” Rachel smiled. “How are you all today?”

 

“We’re doing good,” Keenie said, delighted to see their fellow friends.

 

Another sheep, Beau, appeared on the screen, licking a rainbow lollipop that had been grown like a tree. “Baaaack to work, I see?”

 

“The usual,” Cletus remarked, puffing out his chest in pride. “’Need someone to bless and love in the living world? Come to C.H.E.R.U.B.!’”

 

“You don’t need to memorize the words on our billboard, Cletus,” Keenie whispered in his ear.

 

“It never hurts,” Cletus whispered back before turning back to the screen. 

 

Beside Rachel, two yellow and orange bumblebee angels appeared with smiles on their faces.

 

“Bea! Honey!” Collin exclaimed to the two bee angels. “How’ve you been?”

 

“Busy, busy!” Bea buzzed happily. “My siblings and I are flying to and fro to different heavenly flowers, making sure they stay pollinated and healthy.”

 

“And I work with a special group to create heavenly honey to help feed families,” Honey explained. “Every bee works in their own honeycomb section. We send the substances we make to our Queen Bee CEO for review and then it gets sent off to the other Halos (districts like the Hell Rings) for the denizens to enjoy.”

 

Cletus was glad he didn’t have to worry about any production or farm work. Although many cherubs enjoyed doing their services to the higher up saints and angels, it was still tedious (and not enough desired pay to begin with).

 

“Sounds very productive,” Collin mentioned.

 

“It keeps us on our wings, that’s for sure,” said Bea. “So happy to be able to meet with other amazing cherubs.”

 

“You ever feel lonely?” Collin asked.

 

“Sometimes,” Bea said. “I love my heavenly family a lot. One of my friends Bumble is a bee angel, a former human.” Bea leaned in and whispered, “I heard his cousins got sent to Hell. That’s why God won’t let him see them ever again.”

 

The cherubs gasped in horror, hooves and hands covering their mouths.

 

“How awful!” Keenie whimpered.

 

“It’s true,” Bea said, flying back. “Bumble told me that Stinger, Wasp, and Buzza turned into wasp and hornet demons in Hell! Stinger was a murder hornet…literally. Wasp was greedy and kept everything for himself, and Buzza? Well, she’s what many called, a ‘whore-net.’”

 

The cherubs gasped again…Beau fainted in Rachel’s arms. Rachel comforted her companion and laid her down on a cloud. She turned back to the camera and laughed nervously. “She’ll be fine, she’ll be fine.”

 

There was an awkward silence.

 

“Anyway,” Rachel said, “My boyfriend Jacob and I are doing alright. Interesting story: one of Jacob’s old friends decided it would be funny to test his shapeshifting abilities. His friend is a mighty lion named Solael who likes to carry little cherubs around. Anyway, this angelic lion transformed into a sheep and offered himself as a sacrifice to a bunch of royal guards. (This was so he, Jacob and myself could sneak into the palace and try to catch a glimpse of Metatron at work. Jacob’s a bit of a fanatic.) Any-who, the plan didn’t work very well and we were kicked out before we could reach the doors. Solael transformed back into his Aslan form and scared off the guards, allowing us to escape. Solael bellowed, ‘Behold! My revived and true form!’ He appeared to be poorly imitating Jesus to many bystanders. As punishment, Solael was made to turn invisible every time someone looked at him (though God and a few others could see him.) Thus, he’s not as prideful anymore.”

 

“Whoa,” said Cletus with a laugh. “And they say I’m full of myself.”

 

“Last I heard of Solael, he had solemnly stated, ‘I wish I could’ve worked as secretary for C.H.E.R.U.B.’”

 

Cletus, Collin and Keenie burst into laughter. “Likely story!” Cletus chortled, his halo swaying from side to side as he caught his breath. “Being invisible doesn’t allow you to keep a job!”

 

“Ah,” Rachel sighed in content. “Good times. Say, C.H.E.R.U.B., wanna hang out with us at Christ Circle in Holy City? The Laughing Lambs will be telling jokes.”

 

“Lame,” Keenie yawned. “And don’t get me started on all those bands that feature sheep and babies playing on harps and trumpets. Gets old fast.”

 

Rachel grinned. “For the edgier types, there’s the Seraph’s Wrath. They do rock music and White Metal, and they swear behind the curtain. Perhaps Jacob can smuggle in some Cloud Nine Wine for us.”

 

Keenie grinned, “I’m in!”

 

“Ooh, ooh!” Collin beamed, light purple eyes shining, pushing slightly in front of Keenie. “I can bring angel food cake and God-opoly! Or if you’re into cards, I have the classic Go Ichthys!” Then he said in a sing-song voice, “We could even do a sleepover!”

 

He looked at Keenie and blushed with a wink. The yellow winged sheep merely raised an eyebrow at his ridiculousness. Just then…

 

“Yeeeaaahh no! No, no, no.”

 

“Oh no!” Rachel groaned at the familiar voice, looking off to the side. “Deerie’s coming back!”

 

“Gotta look prompt, look prompt!” Bea exclaimed, going into a quick salute.

 

“Oh, her?” Keenie rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Naysayer doe-doe deer is just jealous of our many accomplishments.”

 

“She should write in her records, ‘C.H.E.R.U.B. saves mortals again, kicks the divine derriere of patronizing Deerie,’” Cletus said.

 

The other cherubs snickered.

 

“Rachel!” Deerie called. “Be sure you’re doing your rounds and not talking to those trouble-making wannabe sheep! Our reports must be perfect as usual. Wouldn’t want anyone, especially me to notice any slacking off, hehehehe!”

 

“Ahhh, we gotta go!” Rachel cried, her eyes wide. “Don’t want to make our other friend mad. Can you make it later? Saturday?”

 

“Saturday’s a holy day!” Collin said.

 

“Only for Jews,” Cletus said. “Sunday’s our holy day.”

 

“Sure it wasn’t Friday?”

 

“Collin…”

 

“We’ll do a sun-check,” Cletus replied.

 

“Don’t you mean rain check?” Collin asked.

 

Keenie slapped Collin in the face a few times as hearts briefly appeared in his eyes.

 

“May God bless you all! Goodbye!” Rachel called before the screen went blank.

 

The office was silent once more.

 

“That was…interesting,” Collin said, straightening his white bow tie. “Anyone wanna listen to my ‘Human Happiness Should Take Priority Over Our Material Benefits’ speech?”

 

“Get back to work, sheep!” Cletus and Keenie bellowed in response.

 

“O-okay…” Collin stuttered, sitting at the desk and rummaging through the last of the paperwork stacks.

 

“Don’t forget, we film our new commercial tomorrow,” said Cletus. “On Earth at 7:00AM sharp. Be prepared to sing our jingle.”

 

“And try not to get mauled by wild animals,” Keenie added.

 

Collin groaned, his head banging against the desk. 


Friday, June 11, 2021

INSANE

 



An original Alastor song created by Alastor's singing voice actor, Gabriel Brown/Black Gryph0n
and Baasik

June 11 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juJkNKodgdE

The song describes Alastor's murderous rampages when he first arrived in Hell. He was probably surprised at all the power he had after making deals with other demons. In regards to his "old pal," it may be Mimzy, Husk or Niffty.


Lyrics:

 

Dearly beloved,

For your entertainment, it’s my pleasure to introduce to you Hell’s latest arrival

The equal-opportunity killer, Alastor!

 

Hello, it’s nice to meet you!

Can you tell me where I am?

I don’t know how I got here

But I think I’m starting to understand

I don’t belong among the angels

And baby that’s just fine with me

The things I did up there were high school

But now I’m going for my degree

 

(Chorus)

 

Hey

Sorry but you just got in my way

I promise honey I can feel your pain

And maybe I enjoy it just a little bit

Does that make me insane?

Haven’t been the same since I expired

Doesn’t mean that I plan to retire

And now I have the power to bathe all of you in entertaining fire!

 

 

Wait a minute, do I know you?

Weren’t you an old pal of mine?

Departed from us too early

But now we’re meeting a second time

We used to have such fun together

And maybe you have what I need

But first I have one tiny question

Tell me, do you demons bleed?

 

 

Sorry but you just got in my way

I promise honey I can feel your pain

And maybe I enjoy it just a little bit

Does that make me insane?

Haven’t been the same since I expired

Doesn’t mean that I plan to retire

And now I have the power to bathe all of you in entertaining fire!

 

Sorry but you just got in my way

I promise honey I can feel your pain

And maybe I enjoy it just a little bit

Does that make me insane?


Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Welcome to Wacky Wally Wackford's Wacky Wild World!

 


Greetings, I say, greetings demons of all ages! The name’s Wally Wackford, an oh so suave man of business! You may not know me, but surely you’ve seen me…pretty much everywhere. Yes, I’ve never been the type to stay in one place for long. Life can be pretty wild at times. But that’s what makes it oh so fun!

 

So what’s my story, you say, you say? Well look no further, ‘cause I have a tale to tell.

 

I’ve been doing freelance work off and on, laboring at one job, moving onto the next. The jobs vary a lot, but I’m a Wally of many trades. (Yes, I’ve been fired many times as well, figuratively and literally…it is Hell after all.) Early on, I found out that living in poverty is never a lot of fun. I quickly learned how to scam other people…and boy did I enjoy it! It was the only way I could inch toward the top, get some power of my own. I’d make a few deals here and there and then when clients got desperate, I’d say something like, “Oh I’m so sorry but there’s an extra fee you have to pay. Forgot to mention that.” Then I’d point to that small scribbled section on the contract I added in moments ago.

 

“I’m starving, sir!” they’d say. Or, “I left my money at home,” or my favorite: “Shove it up your trickster rear!”

 

Sometimes they did pay me extra. Other times they didn’t…and those were the ones who soon forgot about everything forever. (chuckles).

 

Anyway, moving on.

 

Sometimes when my days got long and hard, I’d go to saloons for a nice bottled drink. The emerald colored Greed Mead is my favorite. Twirling my thin black mustache, I’d wink at some pretty imp gals nearby and say, “Hey there. You’ve been in Hell for a long time. Is that why you’re so hot?”

 

Most of the time, I’d get a swift punch to the face in response. The glares on their pretty faces, “Take that remark to the Sloth Ring, lazy bootleg fucker.”

 

So many aggressive people these days. I could tip my black hat to many imps and they’d either fall to my charms or roll their eyes. I was fine with that. There’s not much else to do in Hell then to live your life and amuse yourself with watching others struggle. In fact, pretty much every sin is encouraged, so why not keep going?

 

After stalking around looking for more people to scam, I came across Loo-Loo Land in the Ring of Greed. I’ve always loved that place, its vibrant atmosphere emitting joyful fun and chaotic flair. I walked on over and asked the vendor, “I say, you have any jobs here?”

 

“I’ve heard of you, Wacky Wally,” he said at the ticket stand. “You may be a good pick-pocket, but your skills are nothing compared to Mammon. In fact, this whole place is a fucking rip-off of Lucifer’s Lu-Lu Land!”

 

“All the more reason to love this place!” I exclaimed.

 

“Robo Fizz is putting on another show at 7pm tomorrow,” said the beefy imp vendor. “Made in Mammon’s factory and modeled after the famous imp Fizzarolli.” He then spoke in a low whisper, “It includes some behind the scenes moments for the VIPs…you know, with tentacles and ‘special features.’”

 

“Oh that sounds delicious!” I said with a slow grin. “It’d be great to see how his…mechanics work someday…”

 

The imp vendor rolled his eyes and flinched at my lighthearted comment. Always know what to say to get that grimace reaction.

 

“Anyway,” said the vendor, “We’re running low on staff, so you can go sell those torches over there.”

 

The imp pointed to a pink cart with Mammon’s jester face on it. I shrugged and got to work.

 

I happily rolled my cart around, selling torches wherever I went. I could honestly stare into those mesmerizing green flames all day.

 

“Torches here!” I drawled in my Foghorn Leghorn southern accent. “66% off when you buy four! Parties, decoration, destruction and more!”

 

One time on my break, I got to talk to Robo Fizz about money, shows, sex and chaos. We even cracked some jokes together. The robot seemed a little nervous in my presence but then again, he was very unpredictable on a daily basis.

 

“A duck, a frog, a demon and a skunk go into a bar. The bartender told them that the drinks were one dollar each. How did they pay for them? Answer: The duck had a bill, the frog had a greenback, the demon had a soul…but the skunk only had a scent!”

 

“Hahahaha!” Robo Fizz laughed, sparks flying near him. “Your jokes are much better than Blitzo’s corny puns!”

 

“Why thank you,” I replied. “But nothing beats your organ-playing animatronics in your ‘Wonderful World of Evil’ puppet show you did last month.”

 

Robo Fizz grinned at the compliment. “You do anything else besides selling torches?”

 

“I scam, I kill, I do a little bit of both. Oh and I’m also a great inventor!”

 

“How marvelous!” Robo Fizz grinned. “Perhaps if you have enough mayhem in you, you could perform with me at the next Fizzarolli N Friends show!”

 

“I say, I’d love that! I’m sure your show will be top notch, copyright be dammed…won’t it?”

 

Robo Fizz smiled widely, hiding a strain. “You bet it will!”

 

It was during one interesting day when I pushed my cart by a large tent where several Robo Fizz posters were posted. I held up a troch with a hand and called:

 

“Torches, I say! I say! Get your inconvenient torches here!”

 

Then before I knew it, the robot and a random imp crashed right into the cart.

 

“Ow, I say OW!” I cried as the green flames quickly spread around. After getting the flames off me, I ran for the hills out of the burning park. I sat, dejected shortly afterward. So much for that job. Along with figuring out what to do next, I also happened to watch the imp fight off Robo Fizz…and the robot falling into the dragon’s mouth.

 

How unfortunate.

 

After helping Robo Fizz from the dragon’s insides, (killing said dragon, pulling out said robot, cleaning and making quick repairs), I inched closer to him and said, “You made some new friends, I say.”

 

Robo Fizz stood tense with just long wires for his body, a metal skeleton of his previous appearance. “Yes…an old time co-worker of mine. A clown of an imp named Blitzo. He and his sisters were once part of a circus act called “The Amazing Imp Siblings. A bit dowdy if you ask me. ”

 

Robo Fizz looked around. “Hahahaha! That was some chaotic fun. But now the park is ruined!”

 

“I say, if I were you,” I told him, “I’d do all I could to get this park repaired and back on track. Costs a whole lotta money. The last thing you need is to have your boss disappointed in you.”

 

A brief look of fear came on his face. “Oh yes, yes, good idea, Wally.”

 

“And your friend…whether you upstage him or what, you’d best be sure Blitzo stays out of trouble. I lost my job and almost my life because of that fight!” My yellow eyes shined in a show of sadness.

 

“I-I will not let master Mammon down…not that I have a choice.”

 

“Let Asmodeus know what’s up as well.”

 

Robo Fizz nodded, spun away and laughed. “Time to find that rodeo clown imp!”

0 0 0

 

Later on after leaving Greed, I got a brilliant idea. It was after I saw some old fashioned 1800s snake man in Pride plow down buildings with a metal bulldozer vehicle. That was it! I could start my own business!

 

I walked over to 666 News station. “Oh Katie,” I said in my sweetest voice.

 

“What is it, scum?” she asked, sitting at a mirror and doing her hair. “Can’t you see I’m preparing for a back to back broadcast right now?”

 

“I was considering doing my very own commercial about me exploiting…erm, employing other demons for my new factory.”

 

Katie barked out a laugh. “Good luck with that, filthy old man! Now get out of my studio.”

 

“Very well,” I said. As quiet as a hell mouse, I snatched a camera with an eye at the center and made my way out the door. The rest of the materials I needed came from a nearby junkyard. (Thankfully I avoided the wrath of some hungry kangaroo parasitic queen demon). I was running out of money fast; with no job around the corner, I figured I’d start my own!

 

Even I don’t really know where I got my inventing skills from. Many say it was my natural trait. Others say I learned from other experts in the trade. After all, one of the quickset ways to a man’s wallet is through the latest technology.

 

But I, Wally Wackford would not settle for your standard modern devices. No. I preferred to make things…well, wacky.

 

In no time at all, I had built myself my own mini studio where I could film my commercial! Now, what to call my company? Hmm…

 

 The Onceler One In a Lifetime Opportunity? No, not enough Ws.

 

Wowing Whimsical Wonderous Wonders? Nah, too many Ws.

 

Ah…of course! What is a company if you don’t have your name on it?

0 0 0

“Uh huh, keep going, keep going, keep going!” Blitzo insisted at the I.M.P. office.

 

Moxxie switched the channel again. This time, an imp appeared wearing a large black top hat, a white shirt and pants, gray vest, black bow tie and black boots. He held a cane in his hands and he also had a thin curly mustache. A mischievous grin of sharp teeth appeared on his face.

 

“I say, I say!” the imp exclaimed, briefly pointing his cane at the camera. “Are you looking to get work making crazy contraptions and goofy gadgets?” “Crazy Contraptions” and “Goofy Gadgets” appeared in bold spiked icons to the imp’s left and right. The imp twirled his cane.

 

“Well call me at Wacky Wally Wackford’s Wacky Idea ‘Factory!’”

 

He pulled down another screen. The title appeared in bold red, gray and white letters surrounded by pinkish circles reminiscent of classic cartoons. “Factory” appeared in quotations. Wally Wackford appeared again.

 

“Where you make the things and I make the money!”

 

Wally Wackford then got up closer to the camera with a pleading look. “Please, I’m very desperate!”

 

“Bingo!” Blitzo called, shooting and exploding the TV again.

 

0 0 0

 

It was actually really easy to find where Blitzo was and the new sinner inventors. The killing company of imps had me very curious. If they could start a business, why shouldn’t I? And being in the company of amazing inventors…

 

I could almost see the soul dollar bills floating into my hands.

 

I snuck up to the building, merged into the floor, eavesdropped on their fascinating conversation…

 

 0 0 0

Crash!

 

A metal plank crashed into the room from above as Moxxie scurried out of the way. Loopty Goopty strolled down the plank. “Blitz!”

 

“Loofa!” Blitzo called, saying his name wrong. “We can explain everything. I was…”

 

Crash!

 

Millie pulled Moxxie out of the way before another metal plank landed in the spot where he would’ve been. From on the floor, Blitzo’s butt was very much in view. Blitzo glanced down at him and remarked, “Oh chill out Moxxie, if you kiss my ass any harder you’ll go right inside me.”

 

Moxxie turned beet red in the face and scooted further back. Millie helped him up again. 

 

“Thanks for saving me again,” Moxxie said. “I would’ve foamed at the mouth and maybe died again.”

 

“Why would you think I would ever ignore you?”

 

Moxxie shrugged.

 

Just then, the demonic form of a man rolled down the plank. His body was black and spherical, with a mint green head wearing a black bowler hat on top. He had a large bushy light gray mustache and pince-nez goggles with dark red spirals on the lens like Loopty. His grinning teeth resembled piano keys.

 

“Lyle Lipton?!” Millie, Moxxie, and Blitzo asked in unison.

 

“I don’t understand,” said Millie. “We thought you went to Heaven.”

 

Lyle Lipton chuckled. “Heaven?” He rolled toward Loopty Goopty. “You don’t make millions in technological advances in robotics by not experimenting on the poor!” He laughed.

 

Loopy Goopty grinned as he unleashed his weapons in front of Lyle Lipton. “Finally! We meet again at last! Now that you’re dead, you have no money to keep from me!”

 

“Well, I’m a better inventor than you!” Lyle scoffed. “And I’ll make the most money here first!”

 

“Nonsense you no good son of a bitch!”

 

“Tie yourself in a knot, loony Loopty!”

 

“Roll in your grave, fat shit inventor!”

 

“Two robotic inventors?!” called a nearby voice. A steampunk blimp hovered in the air and a well-dressed snake demon appeared from a hole in his ship.

 

“Who is that guy?” Lyle Lipton asked.

 

“I’m the one and only Sir Pentious!” he declared. Several Egg Bois were steering his ship. The eye on his dark top hat peered at the other sinners in curiosity. “With my dominating machines, I aim to take over all of Pentagram City!” Then he muttered, “The repairs were a fucking nightmare to endure.” He glanced at the leftover cracks and holes on the metal sides of his ship.

 

“Oooh!” Loopty exclaimed in admiration. “I’ve only seen such inventions in old time history books. How long have you been here?”

 

“Since eighteen eighty eight!”

 

“Love the loopy numbers!” Loopty grinned, making three small eights with his contraptions. “I’m Loopty Goopty! Lyle is my could’ve been partner in crime but actually rival!”

 

“When you’re rich as me, who needs a dead partner!” Lyle exclaimed.

 

“You’re dead too, you know!”

 

“Where did you cowardly sinners get here?” Sir Pentious asked.

 

“Well we just got here,” Lyle called. “Experimenting on the poor made us millionaires! Just…be careful when messing with anti-aging machines. Made us both old.”

 

“A machine that changes one’s age?” Sir Pentious pondered. “That could prove to be ussseful in the future,” he hissed.

 

“Oh, you should join us, snake man!” Loopy suggested. “Or me, rather.”

 

Sir Pentious briefly glared. “Hmm. While I’m perfectly capable of spreading my constrictive terror on my own…I suppose having some…lackey sidekicks would suffice.”

 

“Don’t call us lackeys!” Lyle sneered. “And I’m not working with him!”

 

“Maybe if we briefly collaborate as a team…”

 

Lyle grumbled in annoyance.

 

After a moment, Sir Pentious sighed. “Okay, you may join me, but…”

 

He spread out his hood, revealing pink eyes. “Don’t even think about crossssing me.” He pulled his hood back. “Now go gather your contraptions and help me manage those scrambled fucking eggs!”

 

A bunch of eggs in top hats and suits rolled out and jumped on the two inventors, who were stunned.

 

Loopty then laughed evilly. “Inventors to inventors it is!”

 

Just then, I popped out of the ground in the room.

 

 “Did someone say, I say inventors?! Name’s Wally Wackford, and I am lookin’ for creative new people to exploit! I mean employ.” I twirled my mustache with an evil grin.

 

At last, a chance to expand my business of the mass production of robotic Fizzarollis! All of Hell will go crazy when they get a chance to buy all the sex robots, the merchandise, everything...and all to profit ME!

 

“Everyone, stop fucking up my walls!” Blitzo yelled. “Moxxie’s gonna have to fix all this shit! Satan’s balls! First we deal with Heaven’s table-scraps, now this?”

 

I smiled. “Well I guess you can say, you say, you have a holey operation here, Blitzo!”

 

I slapped my knee and laughed at my own joke.

 

“Get out,” Blitzo muttered.

 

Soon I doubled down on the floor laughing. “Oh! I said, ‘o’!”

 

Blitzo yelled, “No, I’m serious, get the fuck out!”

 

Everyone in the room looked at Blitzo in shock and surprise.

0 0 0

 

And then, that one other time where I helped host the Harvest Moon Festival Pain Games!

 

Wally Wackford a.k.a. me…stood on the wooden stage, holding a gray microphone decorated with an eye in the center and small horns on the top. I wore my usual white shirt, vest, white pants and dark boots. I twirled my black cane and tipped my black top hat.

 

I spoke dramatically through the microphone.

 

“Welcome, I say welcome all to Wrath Ring’s annual Harvest Moon Festival! To kick things up, we have the great prince Stolas-a here to user in this here Pain Games!”

 

Stolas took the microphone from me and chuckled in slight embarrassment.

“How kind, Wackford.”

 

Stolas then addressed the audience. “Greetings tiny Wrath Ring imps. I hereby welcome you all to another year of celebrating the spoils of your labor that continue to feed the citizens of Hell!”

 

A crowd of imps glared at him and several boos were heard. Many of these Wrath imps were impoverished farmers who lived on scraps, meat or good crops if they were lucky. The food they worked so hard to produce was consumed by royalty and those in the other Rings. But the reward for their work was being underfed, underpaid and underappreciated instead. The unbalanced cycle had lasted for generations.

 

I, too, stared at Stolas with a glare in my eyes. That rich royal thinks he can parade around, doing whatever he wants. Well unfortunately for him, I have plans of my own. Once he sees what I’m capable of…

 

He will know who really rules the roost.

 

Stolas obliviously continued. “I’m happy to kick off the start of these games that will challenge the toughest imps to show their skill and dominance.” He did a little wave with his fingers. “Good luck to you all!” He noticed Blitzo in the crowd beside Moxxie and Striker and spoke lower. “Especially that sexy little one there! Yoo-hoo, Blitzy!”

 

“Oh fuck me,” Blitzo scowled.

 

A gun went off and the games began.

 

The first event was the race. Moxxie was instantly trampled by the other racers.

 

The second event was the high jump. Striker climbed over the high wooden ramp structure with ease and raced after Blitzo who jumped past him. Moxxie struggled to keep his balanced as he reached the top. He slipped down, trying to use his claws to hold on. He fell with a splash in a small puddle…and was promptly chewed on by a monstrous black and white shark with several red eyes.

 

The third event was an event with rope. Striker grinned as he held a tied up Blitzo. Blitzo’s arms, legs and horns were all tied up. Moxxie gulped as a stronger grinning imp tied him up with ease.

 

The fourth event was tug of war. The crowd cheered as the two teams pulled hard. Striker, Blitzo and Moxxie were on a team. Moxxie stumbled and fell into nearby water, where the shark attacked him again.

 

The fifth event was mud wrestling. Blitzo and Striker grinned as they wrestled each other, Striker getting the upper hand as he held Blitzo down, arms locked. Moxxie was instantly crushed in a football hurdle by a group of imps. As they got off of him, Moxxie sat up. And the shark leaped out of the water and over the fence.

 

“Mother fucker!” Moxxie screamed as the shark crushed him. (Moxxie somehow survived all this.)

 

I hopped back on stage.

 

“I say, I say for the first year ever, we have a tie, for the winner of the Harvest Moon Pain Games!”

 

Stolas took the microphone from me again.

 

“The winners are…Striker, and my darling Blitzy!” Stolas did a one-legged pose as the crowd cheered.

 

“Just say my name right!” Blitzo complained. He muttered “Fucking dick,” as he and Striker walked onto the stage.

0 0 0

After the event, I noticed that I.M.P. and Stolas had left. After sharing an undiscernible look with Striker, we parted ways.

 

I soon returned to a special place in Greed, tired but determined. I walked alone down dark hallways, torches burning green flames on either side. I wagged my pointed red tail.

 

I pushed open the double doors and came across a marvelous sight.

 

Gold. Heaps of it, just shining brightly all around the vast spacious chamber. Gold pillars held up the cavern-like ceiling, a chandelier made of bones and diamonds hung from above. There were chests of necklaces, precious gems, goblets and weapons of every shape and size. Hanging on a far wall, concealed in shadow were angelic weapons…at least half a dozen.

 

I stared around in amazement. Even Lucifer would be surprised if he could see this place.

 

I raced around and tossed the gold coins into the air. In a craze, I rolled around in a nearby pile of green dollar souls. With a grin, I stood up and stared with pride at the grinning face of the jester printed on there.

 

A face confident in his ability to deceive others, pursue wealth and bask in endless entertainment.

 

The grinning face was all too familiar…

 

…because it was my face.

 

Wally Wackford leaned his head back, mouth open in a high pitched shriek as dark magic flickered around him. The imp form fell and morphed into shadow. In the imp’s place, a large black beast with thick fur, razor sharp claws and red eyes decorating the body. The figure stood up on two powerful furry legs and sat comfortably in a giant golden throne that occupied the center of the chamber. Angular jester clothing of red, gold and purple stripes adorned the wolf body. And finally, a large spiked black crown sat atop the dark loopy jester hat with bells at the ends. A white and gold jester face showed sharp white teeth and glowing yellow eyes. Dark clawed hands juggled fresh demon skulls into the air and popped them into his large mouth. He crunched loudly before swallowing every bit.

 

My imp disguise was perfect. Literally no one else save for Robo Fizz and a few elites knew who was underneath. And even then, my magic was so powerful it could easily confuse anyone around me.

 

Being an imp has its advantages; you can travel anywhere and gather information along the way. You can track imps from a killing company and find out where they’ll likely travel to next. You can affiliate yourself with your own robotic creations, some slave imps and succubi…and then in your own form, work with a fellow Deadly Sin on the next stage.

 

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

 

Funny, really. Wally Wackford could easily be a separate being, born into poverty, learning to scam others at an early age and go up from there. I, however, didn’t need to learn anything…deceiving others and attracting material wealth was a natural talent. As was shapeshifting.

 

Lucifer might not be happy with me coping his idea of a theme park…but business is business…and in Hell, anything goes.

 

That incompetent prince Stolas would be dead soon enough. No more Goetia showoffs to get in the way of my rule and reputation. At least the prince’s wife was rightfully concerned with maintaining tradition that has existed for centuries. Aside from my dear friend Lucifer, I was, and should be, the most powerful being in Hell. I’ll keep exploiting those I choose because money is money.

 

Those I.M.P. assassins have no idea who they were dealing with.

 

I let out a crazed evil laugh, intermingled with a wolf’s howl. With a single touch of my hand, my nearby scepter turned into gold. I admired its shiny flawless sheen. Asmodeus, Leviathan, Lucifer, Satan, Belphegor, Beelzebub and myself…the Seven Deadly Sins…circus-loving rulers of the Overlords and in charge of maintaining chaotic order in our respective Rings.

 

 I, Mammon, had much to do.