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screamingeyepress · 2 months ago

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The History of Mischief Night

(AKA The Night Those Little Bastards Messed My Shit Up!)

By Chauncey Haworth

Ahhh Mischief Night, that time of year when the air is filled with the promise of pranks, laughter, and a touch of chaos. It’s a holiday that transcends generations, captivating the hearts of children, teenagers, and some freaky adults. Not sure what Mischief Night is? Well, let’s explore its origin and evolution.

The Origins of Mischief Night

Over in certain regions of England, the playful antics of Mischief Night didn’t always coincide with Halloween. Instead, they had their roots in the May Day celebrations. However, someone decided it was time to shake things up a bit and move the mischief to a different time of year. Various regions opted for different dates. Some held fast to the classic allure of November 4th, the night before Bonfire Night (AKA Guy Fawkes Night), while others chose to dive into the fun on October 30th, the eve of Halloween. Nowadays, the latter has become the preferred occasion for the revelry.

Mischief in America

Mischief Night as we know it today began to take shape in the United States during the early 20th century. Communities across the country saw an influx of pranks, often involving harmless mischief like toilet papering houses, soaping windows, and egging cars. It was all in good fun, a rite of passage for youngsters to engage in playful tricks, and a time for teenagers to show their rebelliousness.

These pranks typically came with a set of unwritten rules – no permanent damage, no harm to people or animals, and, most importantly, no crossing the line into vandalism or criminal activities. It was a night filled with laughter and a bit of suspense as people wondered what surprises Mischief Night would bring.

Mischief Night soon became an outlet for creativity, as participants dreamed up elaborate pranks that would surprise and amuse their neighbors.

One famous Mischief Night tradition is the “doorbell ditch.” Another tradition is the creation of “dummy” figures, often dressed in old clothes and left sitting on porches or driveways, confusing anyone who stumbles upon them.

The Most Mischiefy of Mischief Nights

During the Great Depression, Detroit was grappling with unemployment and economic hardships. It was in this environment that the tradition of Devil’s Night began. In the 1930s, it was still known as “Mischief Night” or “Hell Night.” As the 1940s rolled in, the world was plunged into World War II. Detroit, known as the “Arsenal of Democracy,” played a pivotal role in the war effort with its booming manufacturing industry. Mischief Night, however, did not go on a hiatus; instead, it took on a more patriotic flavor. The pranks often included collecting scrap metal for the war, reflecting Detroit’s unwavering dedication to the cause.

The post-war years, particularly the late 1940s, marked the beginning of a shift in Devil’s Night. As the city’s population continued to grow, so did the magnitude of the pranks. What once were harmless antics evolved into acts of vandalism and arson.

By the 1970s, mischief and mayhem escalated to jaw-dropping levels, creating a spectacle of destruction that left hundreds of homes and structures engulfed in flames or defaced by vandals year after year. The economic challenges that Detroit faced in the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s significantly contributed to the city’s declining population and the widespread decay of its buildings. The result was a perfect storm of abandonment and dilapidation, intensifying the impact of the devastation on the city’s landscape.The peak of chaos arrived in the 1980s, with a staggering 800 fires set ablaze in 1984 alone, and the numbers consistently reaching the three-digit mark annually until 2011.

Mischief Night Today

Over the years, Mischief Night has evolved into a night of mixed emotions. While many communities still celebrate it with good-natured pranks, others have seen an increase in destructive behavior. Vandalism, property damage, and dangerous pranks have, in some areas, overshadowed the original spirit of the holiday.

In response to these negative aspects, communities have taken measures to curb the destructive behavior. Increased policing, neighborhood watch groups, and public awareness campaigns have aimed to preserve the harmless, mischievous spirit of the holiday while discouraging harmful actions. In Detroit specifically they have attempted to rebrand the night as “Angel’s Night,” where tens of thousands of volunteers patrol neighborhoods.

Mischief Night still exists in its purest form in many communities, where children and teenagers engage in harmless pranks, create joy, and strengthen bonds with their neighbors. However, in some areas, it has taken a darker turn, requiring increased vigilance from law enforcement and concerned citizens.

Mischief Night has also found a place in pop culture, often depicted in movies and television shows as a night of excitement and hilarity. Its influence can be seen in the misadventures of beloved characters who embark on their own Mischief Night journeys.

Are You Gonna Lock Your Doors This Mischief Night

Mischief Night continues to captivate the hearts of people of all ages, myself included. Back in my home town we used to put on vinyl nights where people would bring their own records to a bar and play them on our record players. Every October 30th was specifically Devil’s Night, which was basically just another vinyl night but you had to come dressed in red. Do you have any memorable Mischief Night experiences?

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theinnerunderrain · 8 months ago

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"Venus, planet of love was destroyed by global warming" [Yandere! Emperor x Fem! Princess Reader x Yandere! Empress]

Warnings/tags : Yandere themes, mentions of war and violence, minor character death, historical, coercion, suggestive themes.

Notes: I might write a part 2 for this but it'll be a lot darker and have more suggestive (adult) themes!

The Empress of the Solis Imperium was renowned as the most noble woman on the entire continent.

As a mere princess from a neighboring region, you had the privilege of catching sight of the empress at a few royal occasions. A single meeting was all it took for you to deem her the most noble woman you had ever encountered. Every step she took, every breath she drew, every movement she made exuded nothing but elegance. She was a true epitome of beauty. You were a mere whisper of a presence from a distant land, with no power or wealth to rival hers. So, it was almost inevitable when the Solis Imperium chose to seize your country, the invasion heralded by the clash of swords and gunfire under the dreary cover of a rainy dawn. Startled from sleep, your mother hastily draped an overcoat over your nightgown, her urgent gestures propelling you down the dimly lit hallway.

As you followed closely behind your mother, shouts echoed around you, growing louder with each step. Suddenly, a deafening gunshot pierced the air, and you watched in horror as blood began to seep from your mother's back.

Her startled scream filled the hallway as she crumpled to the floor. Dropping to her side, you tried desperately to help, but before you could do anything, imperial knights caught up to you. Their strong grip tore you away from your wailing mother. You couldn't remember what happened next, only seeing another soldier approach her before darkness enveloped you, the last sound echoing in your mind being your mother's cries.

Upon waking, expecting to find yourself in a dark dungeon surrounded by eerie creatures and chains weighing down your wrists, you were instead greeted by the comfort of a soft bed and the sensation of clean, new clothes against your skin. A maid stood beside your bed, busily preparing a warm cup of tea. As she noticed you were awake, she turned to you with a gentle smile, her expression tender and welcoming.

"Ah, you're awake," she exclaimed softly, a look of relief crossing her face. "I was worried, as the young miss has been asleep for a few days now."

You tried to reply but only managed a soft cough, prompting the maid to hand you the cup of tea. You hesitated, staring at the warm liquid, its bright orange hue inviting yet unfamiliar. Taking a cautious sip, you were pleasantly surprised by its flavor—a delightful blend of grapefruit with a hint of honey.

"It must be delicious! It was recommended by the empress, after all," the maid remarked with a smile, her eyes bright with anticipation of your reaction. You nodded in response, taking another sip and feeling the warmth of the tea soothing your sore throat.

The maid continued speaking, her voice gentle yet urgent. "Ah, perhaps I shouldn't be distracting you so much. Please wait here; I must inform the empress." With that, she hurried out of the room, leaving you alone once more with your thoughts and the weight of the news you had just received.

Before you could stop her to ask more questions, the maid hurriedly left the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts. You stared at the now empty cup of tea, trying to process everything that had just occurred. A war had broken out, your kingdom invaded, your mother attacked, and an imperial knight had apprehended you. Your family, your people, your knights—all gone. They were gone, gone, gone. Your stomach twisted at the thoughts, a wave of nausea rising as if you were about to vomit. Dropping the empty cup of tea into your lap, you buried your head in your hands, overwhelmed by the realization that you might be the only one left alive. The weight of survivor's guilt bore down on you as you thought, "I should have died too."

As the door creaked open, you were startled from your reverie, looking up to behold the empress entering the room. Your eyes widened in awe, but you swiftly composed yourself, offering a slight bow despite your bedridden state.

"Ah, you're awake. I was quite worried for you," the empress remarked, gracefully making her way to sit beside your bed. Her smile was soft yet elegant, accentuating her features. Her mahogany blonde hair was artfully pinned behind her ears, and she was dressed in a flowing pastel gown that emphasized her regal presence. Her piercing blue eyes, filled with concern yet there was an oddness of madness behind them, met yours, and you felt a wave of reassurance wash over you in her presence.

"It must have been shocking to awaken to such violence. I offer my sincere apologies for the loss of your kingdom and family," the empress continued, her voice filled with genuine sympathy.

You couldn't help but feel a wave of sickness wash over you, knowing that she was partially responsible for the decision to invade your land. Despite this, you remained silent, listening to her words. She reached out and gently took hold of your hands, her fingers adorned with a silky white glove.

"Yet, you are still a princess, and we cannot simply discard you like an expendable commoner," the empress said, her tone laced with a mixture of sympathy and detachment.

You wanted to scoff at the irony of her words, to scream and claw at her flawless facade. Her excuses and lies flowed effortlessly, masking the truth with each elegant syllable. If her words held any weight, they would have spared your elder brother, who possessed far more knowledge and capability than you. Yet, they chose to spare you, knowing you lacked the charm, power, or influence to pose any threat.

"Given your tender age, my husband—or the emperor, in this case—has decided to position you as a concubine. Doesn't that sound wonderful?" she asked, her voice laced with a deceptive sweetness. As her thumb tenderly stroked against your palm, the scent of roses invaded your senses.

"Your only responsibility is to produce an heir. Many do not know this, but it is difficult for the emperor and me to conceive."

Your mouth instantly went dry at her words, and you stared at her with wide eyes, your lips parting slightly in disbelief. Yet, her expression remained sweet and unchanging, despite your obvious discomfort.

"Haha, don't stare at me like that. You're acting as if we're sending you to war," she teased, reaching to push a stray strand of hair behind your ear. A wave of heat washed over you, beads of sweat forming on your forehead, contrasting with the empress's cold hand against your skin. Your head began to throb, and your limbs felt heavy and weak.

"Ah, the tea must be setting in now," the empress commented, her tone nonchalant as she observed your discomfort.

The tea? The tea that the maid had served you earlier. You realized, with a sinking feeling, that it must have been laced with something to induce this sudden weakness and disorientation. Panic began to rise within you as you struggled to maintain consciousness, your thoughts racing as you tried to make sense of the situation. The empress gently pushed you back onto the bed until your head rested against the pillow. As she stood up, her beautiful face left a lasting impression in your blurry vision.

"Rest up now, my dear. You have many long days ahead of you," she said, her voice fading as darkness overtook your senses, and you slipped into unconsciousness.

Upon awakening, the gravity of the empress's words became apparent. You were swiftly ushered into a bath, attended by servants who scrubbed your skin and combed your hair with oils. Their ministrations were firm yet gentle, leaving no marks but providing a discomfort that hinted at the magnitude of your new reality. After the bath, you were clothed in a dress of beige hue, its fabric exquisite and embellished with intricate floral patterns and delicate frills. It was a garment of elegance and refinement, a stark contrast to the simple attire of your past, serving as a poignant symbol of the profound changes in your life.

After the servants had prepared you, you were ushered into a grand dining hall to have breakfast with the empress and emperor. You were seated directly across from the empress, her forever sweet smile lighting up the room, while the emperor sat at the head of the table. A lavish spread awaited you, with stacks of food including soup, bread, chicken, and vibrant fruits laid out before you. However, your attention was drawn to the two rulers. It was your first time being in such close proximity to the emperor. In contrast to the empress, his hair was as dark as the night, and his eyes were a soft shade of teal, giving him a more reserved and colder aura compared to the warm presence of the empress. He appeared to be five or six years older than the empress, meaning he was approximately ten years older than you, nearing his forties.

"Princess [First Name]."

The resonant timbre of the emperor's voice momentarily broke your reverie, prompting you to look up at him, your hands instinctively fidgeting with your dress beneath the table.

"I apologize for the delayed greeting, as my duties have demanded much of my time," he began, his tone measured and formal. "Allow me to express my deepest condolences for the tragedy that befell your land. May your family rest in peace."

His words, though seemingly sincere, lacked the warmth and empathy that would have provided true solace. It was evident that his expression of sympathy was more a matter of protocol than genuine compassion for the plight of your small nation. You forced a smile, though it failed to reach the corners of your eyes.

"Ah, thank you so much for your kindness and sincerity," you replied, the words tasting bitter on your tongue.

You thanked them, though it was for nothing. Certainly not for the loss of your family and people. Not for the seizure of your land and the imposition of a life that felt like being a doll in the hands of a capricious child. The emperor nodded at your words before continuing, delicately cutting into a piece of chicken with a silver fork that appeared to be worth a small fortune.

"You are most welcome. I trust that the empress has explained your duties here within our nation?"

"Yes.."

You replied with a hint of hesitation, savoring a sip of the soup before you. Its delightful flavors and comforting warmth brought to mind the soups your mother used to lovingly prepare for you during times of illness. The emperor appeared pleased with your response, his gaze thoughtful as he studied your face. A small, knowing smile graced his lips before he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Excellent. Then you'll be well prepared for what lies ahead," he remarked, his tone carrying a sense of reassurance or you had hope for it to be reassurance. As he reclined in his chair, the empress's smile remained fixed upon you. Despite your efforts, you couldn't help but feel a tinge of worry seep down your spine as you tried to decipher their expressions, hoping to unveil the true emotions hidden behind their masks. However, their faces revealed no clues, leaving you with a sense of uncertainty.

"We are excited to welcome you. Your duties will officially begin today."

Perhaps this new chapter wouldn't be as dreadful as you had imagined. Maybe, if you were to make a mistake, it would hasten your reunion with your family. On the other hand, serving the emperor and empress might not be so terrible.

At least, that's what you hoped.

However, a strange feeling began to form at the pit of your stomach, planting seeds of doubt within you.

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