Pom Pom Angel: Love Rescue pt. 11

Regina sat on a bench, across the street from the clothing shop, watching the blonde, perky Guardian Angel bounce around, trying on different clothes. 

The sight of that… cream puff made her sick. 

Her boss had finally given her a task as an official Demoness, and this was it.  She was supposed to screw up the bubble brains plans. 

This is not what I signed up for, she thought to herself.  When she had enrolled in Earth training she thought she would get to do something cool, like possess someone, or cause some mass destruction. 

Regina, still grumbling to herself, stood up, and started down the street.  Screw it.  She was above this job, and there was no way in hell that she would lower herself to this grunt work.  She had skills, damn it.  Sure, she hadn’t been the top of her class, and if she was being totally honest, she probably landed closer to the bottom of the ranking, but she was at least better qualified than getting “Left Shoulder Duty”. 

She shuddered at the mention. 

“And where do you think you’re going?”  A homeless man who had been passed out on the sidewalk suddenly sat up, his eyes locking with hers. 

“Oh, screw off.”  She tried to walk past him, but the bum’s hand shot up, grabbing her wrist. 

“You have a job, young lady, and you are going to see it through.”  The bum’s voice didn’t sound right.  He had to be fifty years old, at least, and from the yellow stains on his teeth, a lifetime smoker.  His voice actually sounded almost… feminine. 

Wait, had he called her young lady?

“Mom!”  Regina yanked her arm back.  “What the hell are you doing here?” 

“Keeping you from committing career suicide.”  The bum stood up, brushing a collection of dust and bird crap off of his pants.  “You were just going to walk away, weren’t you?”

“You don’t understand, I was just…” 

“No, you don’t understand.  If your father was here to see this it would break his cold, black heart.”  The bum shook his head, crocodile tears welling in his eyes.

“Please, do not make a scene.”  She glanced around the street, and noticed a few people watching them.  “Especially not when you’re dressed like… that.” 

“Now you’re ashamed of me!” The bum threw up his arms, howling. 

“I… I wasn’t going to walk away.”  She wracked her brain, trying to think of a way out of this.  “I was just going to go… stake out my ‘Left Shoulder’.”

Her mother, currently residing in the body of a homeless man who had seen better days, calmed down. 

“Everyone starts here, sweetie.”  Her mom reached out a grimy, filth coated hand and stroked her cheek, leaving a streak of dirt, soot and God knew what else on her face. “For everyone Guardian Angel on the right shoulder, a person needs a little Hellish Helper on the left.” 

“I know that, I just…” Regina shook her head, her short, black hair shaking around her pale white face.  “I thought that I might get a cool job, like a possession, or something.” 

“In due time.” 

There was a sudden ding that seemed to come out of nowhere. 

“Darn it!  The roast is ready.”  Her mother leaned over, using the homeless man’s lips to kiss her on the cheek.  “Stick with it, and I’ll check in on you later.” 

Regina cringed, the smell of urine and stale liquor filling her nostrils.  “Fine, fine, just back your human host up a little!  He’s on the ripe side.” 

“Who you calling ripe, bitch?”  The bum, now fully back in control of his body, was looking at her, his eyes drawn to slits. 

“Bitch?” Regina reached out, and grabbed the homeless man by the balls.  She squeezed, hard.  “Who you calling bitch, bitch?”

The homeless man yelped, and when she released his dangly bits, he darted away from her with a speed that she didn’t think possible. 

She glanced back at the clothing shop, watching as the Guardian Angel and a human woman exited the store, and started down the sidewalk.  As much as she didn’t want to, she had a job to do, and damn it, she was going to get it done as fast as she could.  

Accidental Demon Slayers: Melody of Light pt. 21

When Max finally made his way into his hotel room, he found Clare lying on the bed, clad only in a robe.  She was snoring softly, and her hair was damp from a shower.  Looking at her, taking in the brief moment of vulnerability, he smiled. 

Ever since he had met Clare she had always been so tough, so self-assured.  Laying there, a strand of her wet hair clinging to her cheek, he saw something else in her. He saw a woman he could spend the rest of his life with. 

He took a step towards her, letting his hand gently brush her cheek.  Her skin was soft and warm.  Her eyes fluttered at his touch, and he stepped back, unsure of how she would react to being woken up. 

Clare sat up slowly, her robe falling open as she did.  Max’s eyes were drawn to the perfect breast that had escaped the white cotton.  She smiled at him, not bothering to cover up.  Even though he had seen her naked plenty of times, the sight of her body still lit a fire inside of him. 

“You’re back early.”  Her voice was gravely with sleep.  She leaned back, her robe falling away from her shoulders, leaving her top half bare.

“The house wasn’t ready.”  Max began unbuttoning his shirt.  “How was your day at the pool?” 

She stretched, yawned.  “It was fine.”  She leaned forward, crawling towards him.  “I don’t think I can play the dutiful girlfriend for very long.  As great as the pool is, I don’t enjoy sitting around an waiting for anyone, not even you.” 

She reached up, parting the now flapping halves of his shirt.  Her fingers grazed his chest, her nails digging in, just slightly.  Her touch felt electric against his skin.   Her hands moved quickly, before Max could even react, and yanked his shirt off, her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him closely, pressing her lips against his. 

Even when she wasn’t in the field, she still moved like a warrior, taking control of the situation quickly.  Max didn’t mind.  He loved her strength, he loved that she never hid her power, or the fact that she was physically formidable.  It was part of what made him so attracted to her.  She was a force to be reckoned with. 

“I guess all the sun did you some good.” His voice was breathy, coming out in rasps. 

“It’s not like I was frigid back home.”  She laughed.  “Come on, we still have an hour or two before the show starts.” 

“Only an hour or two?” He felt her weight shift, and she pulled him onto the bed, on top of her, their flesh pressing against him.  The sensation of skin to skin contact sent a lightning bolt of excitement to his groin. 

“You won’t be disappointed.” She smiled; pulling at his pants, and ripping the button clean off. 

Their lovemaking had always been aggressive, one could even call it athletic, but there was something else, something Max had never experienced before.  It was uncontrollable, animalistic.  Clare seemed to rip into him, her nails digging deep trails into his back, her teeth biting at his lips and earlobes.  He actually feared his girlfriend, and deep down that excited him. 

When they were finished the sheets were bunched up and soaked with sweat.  His body was sore, scratched and bruised, and Clare looked practically stunned. 

“I… I’m not sure if I should apologize or not.”  She didn’t look at his face, just the deep, red scratches that lined his chest. 

“Don’t.” Max leaned over, kissing her cheek.  “I’m dating a modern day amazon. A few flesh wounds are expected.” 

The look on her face told him that there was something else, though.  She looked… she looked worried. 

“I’m not normally like that.” Clare finally looked him in the eye. 

“You’ve been under a lot of stress lately.  It was probably just your body letting off some steam.” Max stood up from the bed, his muscles aching as he did so.  “Come on, we should get ready for the show.  If we’re late, Bobby might kill us.” 

Clare just nodded, but never moved from the bed.  “I’ll… I’ll join you in a minute.” 

Max paused, examining her.  “Clare, if there is something bothering you, you can tell me.” 

She shook her head, a smile on her lips.  “It’s nothing.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah.”  She nodded.  “Like you said, it’s probably just stress.” 

She crawled off the bed, and stood next to him.  Max could feel her eyes looking over his bruised and battered body. 

“I can’t believe that I did all that.” She bit her lip, examining the bruising that was already starting to form on his butt cheeks. 

“Sweetie, you won a fist fight against a skinless, demon possessed gate keeper.”  He kissed her.  “I’m just glad you didn’t break anything.”  

Something is coming... Something New...

So, if you look over at the series posting schedule, you will notice a little something new.  Yep, there is a TBA listed there.

Now what could I be planning?

Check in on Halloween to find out!

Accidental Demon Slayers: Melody of Light pt. 20

A figure stood at the top of the steps, his features blotted out by darkness.  There was something, though, a brief glimmer of dark light that seemed to come from his eyes.  It was there, and then it was gone. 

“What in the world is going on here?”

The voice was male, and familiar to Ashtyn.  It was the accent. The figure stepped out of the doorway, and onto the first step.  Rita raised her flashlight, aiming it straight for the man’s face. 

“Please, direct that somewhere else.” Q lifted his hand, shielding his eyes.  “What are you all doing down here?” 

“Q?”  Ashtyn took a step forward. 

“Mr. Quint!”  Max brushed past her, and started up the stairs.  “I am sorry.  We were waiting for you when part of my crew got a little curious, and…” 

“Is everyone okay?” He smiled, and Ashtyn could feel her heart skip a beat. 

“Yes, yes.  Everyone is fine, I just…” Max glanced back at everyone.  “We should get outside.” 

Once they had all made their way out of the cellar, and away from that disturbing angel, Ashtyn found herself alone with Q on the front porch.  They watched as Rita began to unpack the equipment, and Max and Liz quietly argued around the back of the van. 

“Fancy meeting you here.” Q laughed, leaning back against the house. 

“So, you’re the owner?” Ashtyn looked him over.  She had so many questions, especially about why there was an odd black pool in the cellar of the house he owned, but she couldn’t form a single one. 

He was amazing to look at, for sure, but now Ashtyn was realizing just how dangerous his beauty could be.   At that moment he could have ordered her to take a dip in the black waters of the temple pool, and she would have willingly stripped down and dove in. 

“It belonged to my mother.” He looked away from her when he spoke. 

“So, you’re the son from the legend.” She cracked a smile, but seeing the sad look on Q’s face, she instantly regretted it. 

“Depends on which legend you believe, I guess.”  He still didn’t look at her. 

“I’m guessing you aren’t happy about a film crew coming in here and digging up all those old stories.” Ashtyn glanced back at the van, and the equipment. 

“Not entirely, but the money they are paying me is going towards repairs and upkeep for the house, so I allow it.” He glanced back towards the open door. 

“Maybe this is your chance to tell her side of the story.”

“Hopefully.” Finally, he looked at her, his eyes meeting hers.  “Not tonight, though.  I need to get back to the hotel.  You should, too.  I wanted to have my handyman come in and prepare the place for the crew before you started filming.  As you found out first hand, the house isn’t in the best shape.” 

“You never actually told me what you do at the hotel.” Ashtyn did her best to change the subject.  She was secretly hoping for another glimpse at that perfect smile of his. 

“I’m the lead programmer on their vocaloid.”

“Vocaloid?” She tilted her head to the side, confused. 

He finally smiled, laughing softly.  “A holographic pop star, and The Hideaway’s star attraction.  I guess you could say she’s my baby. You should come to the show tonight, I can get you seats right up front.” 

So that was what Bobby had been talking about, she thought to herself.  “And my friends?” 

“Of course.  What better press then to get a famous TV host at my show?” He stepped away from the house, and started towards the van.

“Mr. Quint…” Max rushed over to Q, Liz right behind him. 

“Please,” Q held up his hand, “call me Q.” 

“Q, I am so sorry about what happened.  I understand if you want to cancel our contract, but please reconsider.” 

Ashtyn stayed by the house, watching and secretly enjoying the show.  Max was usually so cocky and sure of himself.  She was sure that what she was witnessing at that very moment was a rare sight to behold. 

“It’s fine.”  Q patted Max on the shoulder. “But no filming in the house tonight.  I want my people to go through first, to make any repairs needed so that today’s events won’t repeat themselves.” 

“Of course, of course.”  Max was nodding vigorously.  “We’ll just shoot the introduction, and save the rest until you’re ready.” 

“I have a better idea.”  Q’s arm slipped around Max’s shoulder.  “How about you and your crew come back with me to the hotel, enjoy yourselves for the night, and then tomorrow you can get a personal interview with the ‘witch’s’ son.  Does that sound good?” 

“Even better!” Max let out an uncomfortable laugh, and Ashtyn noticed that he was also avoiding Liz’s gaze. 

“I’ll help you load your gear into the house, and then we can start back.” With a healthy pat on the back, Q headed towards Rita and started helping her lift some of the large, black camera cases. 

“As much as Max drives me nuts, I have to say, he has a way with people.” Liz was standing next to Ashtyn now. 

She couldn’t help but jump a little.  How had Liz snuck up on her like that?  She suddenly felt a chill run down her spine as she remembered the look on Liz’s face, the way she seemed almost entranced by the statue of the bone winged angel. 

For a brief moment Ashtyn could sense that same cold, oppressive essence that she had encountered in the basement and then, just as quickly, it was gone.

Liz was looking at her funny.  “Everything okay?”

“Yeah…” Ashtyn took a step away from Liz. “I should… I should go help the others.” 

As Ashtyn made her way towards the van she was very sure that Liz was watching her the entire time.   

Mini Reviews: New TV Shows

I always get a little giddy when the new Fall TV season starts.  All the new series to check out, wondering what will make it, and what will bomb. So, now that I have seen all the new shows that I wanted to check out this season, it is time for a quick rundown on my thoughts.

Top Honors

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC Thursday 10/9c).  The show is dirty, soapy fun with just the right mix of crime of the week stories and heightened drama carried by a pretty and talented cast. Viola Davis fricken owns the screen whenever she's on it, and the young cast seems to be holding their own.  It isn't high art, but it already has me hooked into it's story, which is all I really ask of a TV series. The ratings are already through the rough for the premiere, and if the second episode avoids a major audience bleed, I can say this show is safe for a while.

Gracepoint (Fox Friday 9/8c)  Dark and emotionally brutal.  This show wasn't easy to watch in its original form of Broadchurch, and is as equally unsettling in its American remake.  The cast drives home the pain and fear after the violent death of a child, and the production looks beautiful, showing great restraint in its handling of a very uncomfortable, and painful subject.  As much as I loved this show, the storyline about a small town turned on its head by the murder of a 12 year old boy may be a bit too dark and painful for network viewers.  I may be wrong, but I see this one struggling in the ratings.  Luckily, this is an "Event" series, so if it doesn't make it past season one, we will still get a complete story.

Solid Showings

Selfie (ABC Tuesday 8/7c)  Funny, but very weird.  The humor is a mix of word play, gross out gags and oddly poetic dialogue.  The cast is stellar, the show is suitably bright and poppy, and the jokes come fast and furious, with more hits than misses.  Karen Gillian throws herself into the part of Eliza, tackling the physical humor, and bizarre lines with ease.  It helps that her and John Cho have solid chemistry, and play off each other very well.  An oddly sincere and sweet moment at the end of the pilot episode brought everything together to create a unique, weird TV experience. Still, the audience didn't show up for the premiere, and the sheer weirdness of the show may spell doom for the comedy.  Fingers crossed this odd, yet very creative show finds an audience, but without a solid lead in, it seems like ABC is hanging this one (and Manhattan Love Story... which I didn't bother with) out to dry.

Black-ish (ABC Wednesday 9:30/8:30c). Very funny, with a strong cast and a more grounded approach when it comes to its humor.  While it still has some over the top moments, over all this is a perfect match up to Modern Family. Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross play off each other perfectly, and Laurence Fishburn killed it as Anderson's sarcastic, droll father.  The show organically blends in the heart to heart family moments with the humor, creating a solid family friendly sitcom.  With very strong ratings for the premiere, and solid retention into the second episode, I see this one sticking around for a while, especially since it helps round out ABC's family focused sitcom night.

On the Fence

Stalker (CBS Wednesday 10/9c). A shockingly violent open involving a masked killer and a flaming car speeding down a hill backwards led to a luke warm episode.  While I enjoyed the show, the series needs to be more diverse in its crimes (and specifically victims) to shake the nasty, misogynistic tone created in the pilot. Still, there were pops of creativity, and Kevin Williamson still knows how to make a masked killer creepy, with an honest to God jump moment during a scene in a parking garage. Mix that in with some occasional pops of wit in the dialogue, and you get Scream-light for the Criminal Minds set. The cast is good, with Maggie Q easily slipping into her role as the emotionally closed off female detective with a soft side and a potentially dark past, and Dylan McDermott is seriously off putting in his role as an unhinged detective with his own secrets. The ratings were good, not great, so the second episode ratings will be needed to see if this one has staying power in an already crowded procedural market. Plus, can audiences handle back to back gruesome crime shows?  

Meh

The Mysteries of Laura (NBC Wednesday 8/7c). I caught this one by accident, actually.  It's... cute.  That can either be its saving grace, or its downfall.  The mystery was interesting, but it played second fiddle to the cast of colorful characters that populated Laura's life.  Laura herself is fairly interesting, with Debra Messing playing the straight man to the more cartoony cast surrounding her, and doing a pretty good job of it.  She does get a few moments to let her comedic side out. This is cosey murder mystery TV, which is playing very well with the Diagnosis Murder/Murder She Wrote crowd who probably find the more gruesome cop fare a little too stomach churning for their tastes.  Personally, I won't be rushing home to watch this one, but if I catch an episode here or there, I'll be okay.   The ratings are pretty strong two episodes in, so this one could stick around, as its lighter play on the police procedural works nicely in an early time slot. This is perfect for the Judging Amy/Providence crowd.   I could see this one working well with the TNT/USA marathon crowd.

Still Need to Watch:
Gotham (Fox Monday 8/7c)

Pom Pom Angel: Love Rescue pt. 10

Missy stood in the dressing room, a pile of clothes that Soul had picked out for her slumped onto the bench in front of her.  Soul stood behind her, in the open doorway. 

“Wow, clothes sure have changed since I was alive.” She picked up a sheer blouse, lifting it up to the overhead light. 

“When was that, exactly?” Soul leaned against the doorway, her arms crossed in front of her ample chest. 

“I’m not entirely sure, actually.” Missy continued to fish through the stack of clothes, looking for something that was more her style.  She wasn’t having much luck. “You know, compared to Gus and Nando, you have taken the whole Guardian Angel thing pretty well.”  

“Guess I always believed that angels existed.” Soul stepped into the dressing room, and picked up a pink halter-top.  “Here, try this on.” 

“I don’t know.” Missy glanced at her wings.  “I still haven’t figured out how to make these things go away.”

“Well… just try to imagine that they aren’t there.”

“Really?” Missy couldn’t help but shake her head.  It couldn’t be that simple.  If it was that simple Mama would have told her that when she was having her little bug spray induced return to heaven. 

“Just try it.” Soul gave her a look that would have frozen fire.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” With a shrug Missy closed her eyes, and imagined her that her back was smooth, and the wings were tucked away someone deep inside of her. 

When she opened her eyes, and turned towards the mirror she was shocked to see that the wings were nowhere to be seen. 

“Wait, how do I get them back?”  Missy could feel the panic building up inside of her.  What if she just majorly screwed herself over, and could never fly again? 

“Do I even need to say it?” That look never left Soul’s face. 

Missy didn’t even reply.  She kept her eyes open this time, just to make sure.  She imagined her wings springing from her back, and just as she formed the image in her mind, they appeared. 

“You’re a genius!”  Missy turned, wrapping her arms around Soul. 

Soul hugged her back. 

She froze for a moment.  How long had it been since someone had hugged her?  Really hugged her?  She couldn’t remember.  As hard as she tried, she couldn’t remember the last time someone had actually held her like that.  It wasn’t a romantic hug, but just that close, friendly touch. 

Had her mother hugged her?  A boyfriend maybe?  She didn’t know.  She was sure that her mother had hugged her at some point, but no matter what she couldn’t recall it. 

“Sweetie, are you okay?” Soul pulled away slowly, and Missy was disappointed for the hug to end. 

“Yeah, why?” When she spoke she was shocked at the sound of her own voice.  Was she crying?  “Oh…” 

Without saying another word Soul pulled her back into the hug.  Missy couldn’t control herself.  She started balling her eyes out, right there in the dressing room.  She hadn’t felt sadness in so long, or loss.  To have all those emotions come flooding back to her was a shock, but in a way, it was a welcomed shock. 

After about a minute Missy let Soul go. 

“You better?”  Soul brushed a stray hair off of Missy’s forehead. 

“Yeah.”  Missy smiled and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand.  “Yeah, I am.” 

“You were young, weren’t you?” As Soul spoke she began to fish through the pile of clothes. 

“I guess I was.”  Missy looked in the mirror and tried making her wings disappear and reappear a few times.  “I’ve been an angel for a while, at least I think it’s been a while.  Anyways, your memories kind of fade away the longer you’re off the earth.  I do think I was in college, though, or maybe I was getting ready to go to college.” 

Soul just nodded her head, and Missy could see a small shimmer on Soul’s cheek.  She didn’t mention it. 

“Here,” she lifted a pale blue V-neck T-shirt up to Missy, “try this one on, and…” she looked back at the pile, “with these jeans.” 

“Okay.”  Miss smiled, taking the clothes from Soul. 

“I’ll wait outside while you get changed.” Soul quickly left the dressing room, closing the door behind her.   

Once Missy was alone she began to undress.  As she did, she watched herself in the mirror.  Her body was whole again.  It was familiar, and yet the feeling of being solid, of being something real made her body seem somehow foreign. 

She rested her hand on her bare stomach, and the sense of warmth she felt under her palm nearly made her jump.  She wasn’t supposed to feel this, or be this way.  She was supposed to be an invisible entity that gently guided her project towards their intended goal.  Yet, here she was, whole again. 

After she put on the clothes that Soul had picked she stepped out of the dressing room. 

“What do you think?” She held out her arms, and gave a little twirl. 

“Almost perfect.” Soul walked over to her. 

“Almost?” Missy looked at the woman, slightly confused. 

Soul reached up, and pulled the hair ties from Missy’s pigtails, letting the hair fall loose against Missy’s neck. 

“There we go.”  She gently placed her arms on Missy’s and turned her towards the mirror.  “You’ll blend right in.” 

Missy gasped.  She looked… she looked human.