The Extermination Day Meeting between the overlords, meticulously organized by Carmilla Carmine, arrived quicker than Husker had anticipated. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and underlying tension. Today, Husker, Alastor, and Rosie had planned something special to make their presence felt. Forgoing his usual black suit, Husker donned a striking burgundy one. The three of them were making a statement, even if they hadn't officially announced themselves as The Scarlet Trinity, a moniker given to them by the public. The trio intended to use this reputation to their advantage. If their unified presence made the other overlords nervous, all the better—what was usually a mundane and tedious meeting might just become interesting.
As Husker made his way to the meeting venue, he could already feel the eyes of other overlords on him. Entering the grand hall, his gaze immediately found Rosie and Alastor, already seated and waiting. Rosie, with her elegant poise, and Alastor, with his ever-present grin, were both clad in shades of red, matching Husker's attire perfectly. They were a sight to behold, a powerful and intimidating force.
Husker strode confidently to join them, ignoring the hushed whispers and curious glances. He took his seat beside Alastor, and the three of them began conversing as if they were at a casual tea party rather than a high-stakes meeting of Hell's most powerful figures.
"Did you hear about Niffty's latest escapade?" Alastor began, his voice rich with amusement. Out of all his souls, Niffty was sure the Radio Demon's favorite. "She managed to terrify a whole contingent of imps just by sharpening her knives in the middle of the street."
Rosie chuckled, her laugh soft but genuine. "Oh, Niffty. I do adore her antics. She's got more nerve than half the overlords here."
Husker grinned, the tension of the impending meeting momentarily forgotten. "She's a little spitfire, that's for sure. I wouldn't trade her for anything."
Their conversation continued in this light-hearted vein, each story more outrageous and entertaining than the last. They spoke of trivial matters, shared amusing anecdotes, and laughed together, creating an illusion of ease. To an outsider, it might have seemed they were completely oblivious to the gravity of the meeting. But beneath their relaxed demeanor was a keen awareness of the stakes involved.
Catching one of Vox's longing looks, Alastor's eyes sparkled mischievously. It wasn't a secret that Vox harbored a not-so-subtle crush on the Radio Demon. Alastor, fully aware of Vox's infatuation, simply chose to ignore it or occasionally fan the flames for his own amusement. He leaned closer to Husker and Rosie, whispering something that made them both chuckle. Vox's expression darkened, a mix of jealousy and frustration flickering across his face. It was almost too easy for Alastor to provoke him.
Husker, on his part, was secretly observing the reactions of the other overlords. There were glances of unease, suspicion, and outright hostility. Good, he thought. Let them worry. It was all part of the plan.
Alastor's story about Niffty reached its climax, with the small cyclops causing a near-riot by simply appearing in a crowded market, her single eye gleaming with mischief. Husker and Rosie laughed heartily, drawing even more attention. It was a calculated move—showing unity, strength, and the ability to remain unruffled in the face of potential conflict.
Finally, the room began to quiet as Carmilla Carmine took her place at the head of the table, beside Zestial. As Carmilla called the meeting to order, Husker allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. They had set the tone they wanted, and now it was time to navigate the intricacies of the overlords' politics.
The meeting finally started, drawing everyone's attention. Carmilla Carmine, commanding the room with her presence, began the discussion. "There's only one month before the angels descend and start their extermination. Last year, 5% of our population was wiped out. We need to be prepared."
Husker frowned, keeping his expression neutral despite the turmoil inside. 5% of the population? That was hundreds of millions of sinners! His thoughts drifted to Charlie and her dream of a hotel to rehabilitate sinners. Extermination Day was becoming increasingly devastating, and perhaps Charlie's plan was the only viable solution. If the hotel could help even a fraction of the sinners find redemption, it might reduce the carnage of future Extermination Days. Maybe even stop it completely. But for now, Husker kept these thoughts to himself. His connection to Charlie was a closely guarded secret, one he wasn't ready to reveal.
Out loud, he maintained his composed demeanor. "As always, The Cat's Den will be closed for Extermination Day. My staff will take shelter in the bunkers below my territory. Our location on the outskirts tends to keep us away from the worst of the angelic onslaught."
His announcement was met with nods of approval and murmurs of agreement. The Cat's Den's relative safety was well-known, and Husker's protective measures were a standard protocol by now. He fell silent, listening as the other overlords laid out their plans and made suggestions for safeguarding their domains.
Carmilla outlined a strategy for reinforcing barriers and increasing surveillance, her meticulous planning reflecting her usual thoroughness. Zeezi proposed a collaboration among territories to create safe zones, though the idea was met with skepticism. The concept of cooperation wasn't exactly popular in Hell's cutthroat environment.
Husker's attention was diverted by Vox, the TV overlord, whose gaze kept drifting in their direction. More specifically, Vox was fixated on Alastor, sending him longing looks while glaring at Rosie and Husker, who were basking in Alastor's genuine smiles and undivided attention.
Husker almost chuckled at the sight. Vox's unrequited crush on Alastor was a well-known, albeit amusing, fact among the overlords. Despite his powerful status, Vox could be downright pathetic where Alastor was concerned. The radio demon seemed blissfully aware of Vox's pining looks, and simply chose to ignore them, a fact that made the situation even more entertaining for Husker.
Rosie, ever perceptive, noticed Vox's glare and raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Husker. "Seems like someone's jealous," she whispered with a smirk, her voice barely audible over the ongoing discussions.
Husker smirked back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Poor Vox," he murmured. "He'll never get it, will he?"
Alastor, fully aware of the exchange, turned slightly and gave Vox a playful, almost taunting smile. Vox's face turned a darker shade of red, a mix of anger and embarrassment. It was clear Alastor enjoyed this little game, relishing in Vox's discomfort.
The meeting continued with more discussions on preparations and defense strategies. Zeezi's idea of safe zones was debated, with some overlords showing interest while others remained skeptical. The practicality of uniting different territories under a common cause in Hell was a challenging prospect, but the increasing severity of Extermination Day made it a consideration.
Finally, as the meeting began to wind down, Husker spoke up again, addressing the room. "While we prepare for the worst, we must also think long-term. This pattern of extermination is unsustainable. We need to find a solution to prevent such loss in the future."
His words hung in the air, a somber reminder of the grim reality they faced. The overlords nodded in agreement, though none had a clear answer. The thought of Charlie's hotel lingered in Husker's mind, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness.
"Well, that was productive," Alastor remarked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Indeed," Rosie agreed, adjusting her burgundy attire. "Though some of us seemed more distracted than others."
Husker chuckled, casting another glance at Vox's form. "Let's just say, some things never change."
However, before the overlords could disperse from the meeting, Husker received a message. Not just any message, but an emergency alert that made his heart race. He quickly pulled out his phone, his eyes widening in horror at the video playing on the screen. Rosie and Alastor tensed, sensing the shift in their friend's demeanor. The playful atmosphere evaporated, replaced by an icy tension.
Husker's face contorted with rage, and before anyone could react, he leapt from his chair and had Vox pinned against the meeting table. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the room, and the other overlords recoiled in shock. Husker's form was more demonic, his magic swirling around him like a violent storm, out of control in a way that none of the other overlords had ever seen before. Not even Alastor, who had known him the longest, had witnessed such raw power.
Vox, struggling desperately to free himself, was stunned. The TV overlord had always underestimated Husker, viewing him as a mere drunkard with a penchant for gambling who hid behind Alastor's reputation. But now, as he felt the crackling energy of Husker's magic disrupting his abilities, he realized just how wrong he had been. The current of magical lightning around them made it impossible for Vox to use his electronic powers to escape.
Carmilla Carmine shouted at Husker, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Stop this madness, Husker! This meeting is a ceasefire between overlords!"
But Husker was beyond reasoning. His growl was low and feral as he glared at Vox, his grip tightening. "You Vees are cheaters, with no honor! And I will deal with you myself."
The rest of the overlords were frozen in shock, unsure how to respond. Attacks during an overlord meeting were unheard of, a breach of the unspoken truce that held their society together. The room was filled with an electric tension, each overlord wary of making any sudden movements.
Rosie and Alastor exchanged worried glances. Rosie's usually composed demeanor was cracked, her eyes wide with concern. "Husker, please," she urged softly, but her voice was drowned out by the crackling energy.
Alastor, though usually entertained by chaos, felt a rare pang of anxiety seeing his friend like this. He had seen Husker angry before, but never this uncontrolled. "Husk, think about what you're doing," he said, trying to reach through the storm of rage. "This isn't you, my feline friend. We can play with the Vees once the meeting is over."
But Husker was deaf to their pleas, his focus entirely on Vox. The TV overlord's struggles were becoming more frantic, his fear evident. The crackling magic intensified, and it seemed as though Husker might truly lose control.
In the end, it was Zestial who intervened. The towering overlord, known for his immense strength and calm demeanor, stepped forward. With a swift, decisive motion, he grabbed Husker by the cuff of his suit and lifted him off the ground as if he were a mere kitten. The sheer force of Zestial's action broke through Husker's rage, the magical storm dissipating around them.
Zestial's voice was calm but firm. "Enough, Husker." He threw Husker back, causing him to land heavily beside Rosie and Alastor. The room fell into a stunned silence, the tension palpable.
Vox, finally freed, gasped for breath, his usually composed façade shattered. He looked around, the realization of his narrow escape dawning on him. The other overlords were still in shock, the unprecedented attack leaving them unsure of how to proceed.
With the group of overlords on edge, Rosie and Alastor moved closer, flanking Husker protectively. Their smiles, usually charming, now had a deadly edge. Alastor's eyes flickered with a dangerous light as he spoke, his voice a low, menacing drawl, "Zestial, keep your hands off my feline friend."
Husker, still simmering with anger, threw his phone towards Carmilla. She caught it deftly, her eyes narrowing as she watched the video. It was a life feed of the security cameras at the casino. Her expression shifted from curiosity to shock, her features hardening with rage. "You and Valentino colluded to use my meeting as a way to attack The Cat's Den while its overlord was busy?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the room like a knife.
Everyone gasped, the revelation sending a ripple of shock through the gathered overlords. Such underhanded tactics were not just a breach of decorum—they were a declaration of war. The room buzzed with whispered outrage, the tension palpable.
Alastor turned his attention from Zestial to Vox, his smile now devoid of any warmth. "It seems, Vox, that the Vees have their days numbered," he said, his tone icy. The threat hung heavy in the air, clear to everyone in the room.
Carmilla, her fury unabated, continued her tirade against Vox. "Using my Extermination Day Meeting to mount such a despicable attack! You have dishonored the sanctity of our gatherings." She pointed a trembling finger at Vox, her voice shaking with barely contained anger. "The Vees are banned from these meetings henceforth. I cannot trust you, and neither can any of us."
Vox's usual smug demeanor faltered. He opened his mouth to retort, but the weight of the room's collective disdain silenced him. The other overlords eyed him with a mixture of contempt and wariness, the betrayal cutting deep. "I was unaware of Valentino's plan! We might be allied, but we are still overlords individually. How am I expected to know each and every one of his actions?!" the TV Overlord protested, prompting a discussion between Carmilla Carmine and Vox, with the other overlords joining into the chaos.
Ignoring the mayhem, Rosie stepped closer to Husker. "What's our next move?" she asked, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
"I need to get back to my territory, Valentino is still there," Husker growled, starting to prowl towards the exit, not caring that the meeting had not been adjourned yet. He felt more relaxed when he felt Rosie and Alastor fall in step behind him.
The Scarlet Trinity moved with swift purpose, their expressions steely and determined as they made their way to The Cat's Den. Husker, his wings unfurled majestically, soared through the air with Rosie held securely in his arms, while Alastor, his form enveloped in shifting shadows, teleported alongside them.
As they arrived at the casino and resort, the scene before them was one of chaos and carnage. Husker's people had already engaged Valentino's souls in a fierce battle, their determination evident in every clash. And there, at the center of the fray, Valentino himself was besieged from all sides by Cherri, Angel, Blitzo, and Arackniss. The four of them bore the marks of the fight, their bodies battered and bruised.
Husker's heart clenched with a mixture of anger and concern as he took in the sight of his comrades, their injuries more severe than he had anticipated. He knew instinctively that they would need urgent medical attention, their wounds too grave to be ignored.
With a decisive gesture, Alastor sprang into action, using his microphone staff to strike at Valentino with lethal precision. The moth-like pimp staggered back, ensnared by Rosie's waiting vines, his movements growing sluggish as he struggled against their grip.
Then, with a barely contained fury burning in his golden eyes, Husker advanced on Valentino, his resolve unshakeable. He stepped closer, his breath hot with rage, his voice a low growl that cut through the noise of the battlefield.
"Valentino, you've crossed every line," Husker hissed, his voice trembling with controlled fury. "You thought you could come here, hurt my friends, and get away with it. But you're about to learn the true meaning of pain."
Valentino struggled against the vines, his eyes wide with fear and defiance. "You think you can scare me, Husker? I've seen worse than you."
Husker's eyes glinted with a cold, unforgiving light. "You've underestimated me for the last time." He raised his dice-headed staff, the angelic steel gleaming ominously. "For what you've done, you will pay the ultimate price."
With a swift and decisive motion, Husker brought the staff down, decapitating Valentino in one clean strike. The moth's head rolled to the ground, and his body slumped lifelessly in Rosie's constricting vines.
As the dust settled and the conflict came to an end, Husker's attention turned to his fallen comrades. His heart sank as he saw Angel, his body stained with blood, collapse to the ground, followed closely by Cherri, Blitzo, and Arackniss. The sight of his friends in such a state ignited a mixture of anger, fear, and determination within him.
With a sense of urgency, Husker rushed to Angel's side, cradling him gently in his arms. "Get a gurney!" he shouted, his voice ringing out with authority as he called for immediate medical assistance. The urgency of the situation was clear, and Husker was determined to do whatever it took to ensure that his friends received the care they so desperately needed.
Rosie and Alastor moved to assist, their own expressions a mix of concern and resolve. Rosie's vines retracted, the tendrils coiling back as she hurried to check on Blitzo and Arackniss. Alastor, his normally playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness, knelt beside Cherri, assessing her injuries with a practiced eye.
"Hold on, Angel," Husker murmured, his voice softening as he looked down at his friend. "We're going to get you help. Just hold on a little longer."
Angel's eyes fluttered open, his usual bravado replaced by a vulnerable, pain-filled gaze. "Husker… you came for us," he whispered, his voice weak.
"Of course, I did," Husker replied, his tone fierce with emotion. "I'll always come for you."
As the medical team arrived, gurneys were brought in, and the injured were carefully lifted and secured. Leaving Husker behind as he prayed for the first time since he got to Hell. He prayed for Angel, for his friends. He prayed for the Vees and Pentagram City. Because if he were to lose Angel, there will be nothing in Hell that will stop him from burning everything to ashes.