Husk
- God damn it! – swears Husk marching down the street – „What should I buy to a sarcastic, self centered fucking maniac, a mirror?"
He never believed in Alastor. Every time he shows up something happens and it has no happy ending.
„He must be using that poor girl for his own good. What a piece of shit." – he kicks a rock – „I'm sure he has a plan about using Mira. Who would not try to use an angel."
The sun is going down on him. Hell is not the best place during the day but it is sure the worst at night.
„Talking about angels, how much easier it would be to buy something to Angel. Angel..." – for a second the most sexual pictures run through his mind. He shakes his head quickly – „Whatever."
He reaches a nearby casino. Vivid lights are flashing on the building. Through the fancy front door rich demons come in and out. The shiny limousines are stopping in front of the entrance then rushing further to pick up the next champagne-drinking man of fortune with his underdressed babe.
„How pathetic." – Husk thinks. He is standing on the other side of the road. He once was very close to that fancy life. From time to time he won a fair amount of money, but he could never keep it. He always wanted more, so he lost it all. Then he visited his mother for a loan.
„Just like your father!" – Husk hears his mother's voice in his head – „I knew you won't be any different from him! Shame on you son!"
The memory is lively after so many years, like it has happened yesterday.
„I know mom, - he sighs - but someone had to fuck with that certain bastard to give birth to me, right?" – he turns into an alley – „You must be happy that I'm not around anymore to cause you any trouble."
The alley gets narrower. „Two on the main street one in the dark. I'm getting close." He reaches the next alley. He stops for a second. It has been a while since he was here. Old memories come alive again. The all night gamblings, waking up next to a lamp after a drunk night, and the dark businesses.
„Welcome to the Black Market!" – he turn into the alley.
The small alley leads to a bigger square. In the daylight this place is quiet. Maybe some musicians are begging but that's all. In the moonlight this square is a completely new world. The beggars turn into thieves. Courtesans are talking to demons and suspicious ones making bargains. Husk gets closer to a pitch.
- Hey Husk! – a small and chubby demon welcomes him - How are you old friend?
- I'm fine George, thanks for asking. – replies Husk.
- Thought I won't ever see you here again. – George smiles at him showing the one and only tooth he has.
- Well, I thought too. – says Husk looking away for a second. He was glad that he could escape this world but yet here he is. This was the first thing that Alastor did right, saving him from his former life.
- What are you up to? – asks George. Husk takes a step closer to him.
- You know I'm working at the Hotel…– he starts.
- Yeah, that Princess is crazy right? – George interrupts him. Husk looks him in the eye, like he really hurt his feelings.
- She is fine. – says Husk. He liked Charlie.
- Come on, she fucked up once. – George keeps on talking - Only time can tell when that happens again.
Husk's eyes are getting darker. George feels uncomfortable - I mean come on... Redemption? Really?
Silence makes the air heavy between the two of them. George let's out a quiet laugh to ease up. Husk is holding the eye contact for a second more, then continues.
- So at the Hotel we have this stupid game called Secret Santa and...
- HAHAHA! – George laughs out loud - Really? Are you kids or what?
Husk looks around - You know I don't have to spend my money here. – he says.
- Sorry, sorry. Go on. – says George.
- So I drew Alastor. - Husk sighs.
- The Alastor? – asks George in a shock - The radio demon?
Husk cannot hold himself back. He grabs George's neck and pulls his face close to his.
- Mate, can I fucking finish a fucking sentence without you interrupting?! – Husk shouts.
- Hey hey hey chill bro, I'm here to help! – Geroge raises his hands and slowly escapes Husk's grip.
- So... I thought that maybe you have a trophy of a unique demon or something. – says Husk quietly. George thinks for an instant.
- Are you sure you want to give a present to him like that in front of the Princess? – says he - What if she tells her Father? What if they close the Black Market yet again?
The so called dark nights, when Lucifer shut down the Black Market. It was an ethical step to turn Hell into a better place. But it is Hell we are talking about here. A better and more ethical place?
- Do I look stupid? – says Husk - I'll put a spell on that and disguise it. Also I put a letter next to it. I tell him about the real trophy.
George was not convinced about it being a good idea.
- What if you buy him a more legal trophy? – asks he.
- What do you mean? – asks Husk wonderingly.
- I have a trophy of a wolf. –George points towards a trophy in the back - As far as I know he hates them. – he smiles.
- Hmm. – Husk rubs his chin - Not the worst idea.
- Look since it's Christmas I give it to you as a present, okay? – says George - Take it as an apology for the past. – he stretches his hand forth.
Husk was not a fan of George and that hasn't changed. They had many businesses together back in the old days. But he has no other choice now.
- Why do I have the feeling, that you'll ask me a favor later. – says Husk as he shakes George's hand.
- How could you say something like that! –says George being offended, but his face changes fast and he shows a wide smile – You know me too well dear Husk.