Extermination Day was approaching fast, and the atmosphere at The Cat's Den was a mix of anxiety and intense preparation. In just twenty-four hours, the angels would descend and begin their ruthless purge of sinners. Angel Dust, still on bed rest, was determined not to miss out on the crucial preparations. Convincing Husker to let him help had been a challenge, but eventually, Husker relented, knowing Angel's relentless spirit wouldn't be quelled easily.
Angel Dust marveled at the meticulous preparations for Extermination Day. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen. Back when he was under Valentino's control, Angel had been sheltered in the Vees' secure rooms. Though the V Tower offered refuge, its prominence in Pentagram City made it a frequent target for the angels. As a result, the Vees often lost dozens to hundreds of souls each Extermination Day.
The Cat's Den, however, had never lost a single soul during the exterminations. This fact had stunned both Angel and Arackniss. Arackniss, who had previously been part of a mafia near Husker's territory, had witnessed significant losses during the exterminations, even though their location on the city's outskirts usually left them less affected. The brothers were eager to understand Husker's methods for protecting his vast number of souls.
The day before Extermination Day, the entire hotel staff was mobilized. Every client was checked out promptly, and then the real work began. The Lucky Draw packed up its gold decor and valuable booze, Black Bijoux boxed every piece of jewelry, and All-In Attire secured all their precious garments. The rest of the staff packed their most treasured possessions, each allowed one suitcase. Simultaneously, the kitchens of Roulette Table, Royal Flush Bistro, and Double Down Deli prepared the food needed for the upcoming day. But the area that got the most work was the hospital wing, as medical equipment and medicine was hard to get by in Hell. So, most sinners were carrying things from there to the bunker in rapid succession.
As Angel assisted wherever he could, he was in awe of the seamless coordination. When all preparations were completed, the staff began the descent into the bunkers. Staff members with tablets checked off names, ensuring no one was left behind. The moment Angel saw the bunkers, his eyes widened in amazement. Unlike the luxurious, glittering world above, the bunkers were stark and utilitarian. It was an enormous, open-plan floor that seemed to stretch endlessly.
"Wow," Angel muttered, his voice echoing in the vast metallic space. Someone nearby explained that the bunkers had recently been expanded to reach all the way to the Ace of Clubs.
There were tables and seating areas scattered around, but mostly it was an open space designed to accommodate the thousands of souls under Husker's command. Storage rooms lined the perimeter, securing suitcases and inventory from Black Bijoux, The Lucky Draw, and All-In Attire. The kitchen was bustling, preparing meals from the food brought down earlier. There was even a small medical area in case anyone had a medical emergency or something.
Angel noticed the stark contrast between the luxurious world above and the practical, efficient world below. As he wandered through the bunker, he saw familiar faces among the staff, all working together with a shared purpose. In the midst of it all, Husker moved with calm authority, directing the preparations with a steady hand. Angel watched him, feeling a swell of pride and affection. Despite the dire circumstances, there was a sense of community and solidarity among everyone present.
Angel wandered around the bunker, his eyes easily picking out the veterans and the new souls. Arackniss and Cherri Bomb were surrounded by the ex-mafiosi, who looked confused and slightly uncomfortable with the meticulous care being shown to them. These mafiosi had been under Husker's command for almost a year, but since Husker had only killed their previous boss, Angel bastard of a father (for which Angel still had to thank Husker for), after the last Extermination Day, they hadn't experienced Husker's unique approach to safety during the event. Seeing their unease, Angel decided to gather the former souls of Valentino and offer some reassurance.
The ex-porn actors and actresses were fidgeting nervously, their eyes darting around as they clutched their meager belongings. Unlike the ex-mafiosi, Valentino's former whores had only joined Husker's ranks a month ago. They were still getting used to how their new overlord operated. Shockingly, they found themselves treated with a level of respect and care they had never known. They no longer had to sell their bodies, and they were given a roof over their heads, food, and even a salary. They couldn't believe their luck.
When they were told they would be sheltered in the bunkers for Extermination Day, they had feared the worst. They assumed they would have to pay for their safety with their bodies. But as they settled in and no one made any such demands, their confusion grew.
Angel stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Hey, everyone, listen up!" he called out, his voice carrying through the crowded space. "I know a lot of you are new here and might be worried about what's going to happen. But let me tell you, Husker's got this under control. You're safe here. He's never lost a soul during Extermination Day."
The ex-porn stars exchanged shocked glances, their tension easing slightly. One of them, a tall, dark-haired woman, raised her hand. "Is that really true?" she asked, her voice trembling. "We won't have to do anything... special to stay safe?"
Angel shook his head firmly. "Nope, you don't have to do anything except stay here and keep calm. Husker takes care of his own."
The relief was palpable, washing over the group in waves. They began to relax, some even managing tentative smiles. Just then, someone piped up, "But where are the hellhounds and imps? Shouldn't they be here too?"
Angel blinked in surprise, realizing he hadn't seen any of them either. Before he could respond, a squirrel sinner named Hannah, who was passing by, stopped to explain. "Hellborn, like hellhounds and imps, aren't targeted by the angels," she said. "So, they stay above ground during the exterminations. If an angel flies past The Cat's Den and only sees hell born, they assume this place is a hell born establishment and leave it alone. That's how we avoid any infrastructure damage during Extermination Day."
Understanding dawned on Angel's face, and he turned back to the group. "You see? We've got nothing to worry about. Just stick together, follow the rules, and we'll all get through this."
The group nodded, visibly reassured by Hannah's explanation and Angel's confidence. The tension in the air eased significantly, and the former souls of Valentino began to settle into their temporary home for the next day.
Angel moved through the bunker, continuing to offer words of comfort and encouragement. He found Arackniss and Cherri Bomb still with the ex-mafiosi, who seemed slightly more at ease now, though still bewildered by the situation.
"How's it going over here?" Angel asked, joining them.
Arackniss shrugged. "We're getting there. These guys aren't used to this kind of treatment."
"None of us were," Angel replied, giving his brother a reassuring pat on the back. "But Husker's different. He takes care of his people."
Cherri Bomb grinned. "Damn right. We've got this, guys. Just stick together and we'll be fine."
The ex-mafiosi nodded, their confidence growing with the support from their new leaders. Angel felt a swell of pride as he looked around at the bustling bunker. He thought about how far he had come, from being a pawn under Valentino's cruel thumb to finding a place where he was truly valued. He smiled to himself, feeling a rare sense of peace.
Finally, Angel found himself at the entrance to Husker's private room within the bunker. He hesitated for a moment, then knocked softly. Husker opened the door, his stern expression softening when he saw Angel.
"Everything okay?" Husker asked, his voice gentle.
Angel nodded, stepping inside. "Yeah, I just… I wanted to see you."
Husker pulled him into a brief, reassuring hug. "We're almost ready. This will be over soon, and we'll all get through it."
Angel leaned into the embrace, drawing strength from Husker's confidence. "I know. I'm just glad I'm here with you."
They stayed like that for a moment, finding solace in each other's presence. When they finally pulled apart, Husker gave Angel a small, reassuring smile.
After cuddling and finding reassurance in Husker, they reluctantly let go of each other. Husker moved to the small bar he kept in his bunker office, and Angel couldn't help but laugh. Of course, his overlord had made sure to keep a stocked bar even in the bunker. Husker joined in the laughter, his deep chuckle warming the room as he prepared two Hurricane cocktails.
"Can't survive an Extermination Day without a good drink," Husker joked,
Angel took his Hurricane and sipped it lazily, cuddling Fat Nuggets on the sofa. The little piglet snuggled into Angel's lap, providing a soothing presence. Sometimes, explosions and crashes from above ground would make Angel flinch, his heart racing. But each time he turned to look at Husker, who remained calm and collected, Angel felt a wave of reassurance wash over him.
Five hours and two more Hurricanes later, someone knocked on the office door. Husker called for them to enter, and a group of snake-like sinners slithered in, carrying numerous boxes. Angel quickly recognized Castor, the manager of Blackjack Bijoux, leading the group.
Seeing Angel's confused expression, Husker explained, "Every month, I go through the inventory of Blackjack Bijoux to sort out the winnings I've earned from the casino. I decide what to keep as future presents for political figures and what to send to Blackjack Bijoux to sell."
This time, Husker had a different plan. "I want you to choose each piece of jewelry you like," he told Angel, his eyes twinkling. "We're going to build you a nice collection."
Angel's eyes lit up with excitement. The first box contained a stunning necklace adorned with lustrous pearls, each one perfectly round and shimmering with an ethereal light. Angel gasped, running his fingers over the smooth surface of the pearls. "These are beautiful," he whispered, eyes wide with awe.
Next, he uncovered a bracelet made of garnets from the Lust Ring. The deep red stones were set in a delicate gold band, each one catching the light and sparkling brilliantly. Angel's breath hitched as he admired the craftsmanship. "This is incredible."
Husker smiled, enjoying Angel's reaction. "Wait till you see this," he said, revealing a pair of earrings with intricate ruby settings from the Wrath Ring. The rubies were a deep, blood-red, glinting dangerously in the dim light of the bunker. Angel's eyes widened even more, the color reminding him of Husker's fierce and protective nature.
Another box revealed a dazzling diamond ring from the Pride Ring, the stone cut to perfection and set in a platinum band. The way it caught the light was mesmerizing. "This is too much," Angel murmured, his voice filled with emotion.
Husker shook his head, his eyes soft with affection. "Nothing's too much for you, Legs."
Angel's fingers brushed over a stunning emerald necklace from the Greed Ring, the green stones glowing with a serene light. He marveled at the contrast between the vibrant emeralds and the delicate gold chain. "These must have taken ages to craft."
Husker chuckled. "Indeed, they did. But they're worth it for you."
The next item was a pair of topaz earrings from the Gluttony Ring, the blue stones twinkling like stars. Angel held them up, imagining how they'd look on him. "I feel like royalty," he giggled, his cheeks flushing with happiness.
There was also a set of delicate silver bangles adorned with tiny sapphires from the Sloth Ring, each one twinkling with a faint, magical glow. Angel stacked them on his wrist, admiring how they jingled softly with every movement. "I can't believe these are mine."
Husker's eyes softened further as he watched Angel's delighted expression. "You deserve every piece."
Angel's fingers lingered on a stunning garnet brooch from the Lust Ring, the stone's surface shimmering with an array of pink shades. He pinned it to his shirt, admiring how it transformed his outfit. "I've never seen anything like this."
Husker reached out and gently took Angel's hand. "There's more," he said, revealing a gold chain with a heart-shaped ruby locket from the Wrath Ring. Inside, there was space for two tiny pictures. "For you to keep close what matters most."
Angel's eyes filled with tears of happiness as he opened the locket and imagined whose pictures he'd placed inside. "This is the most thoughtful gift ever."
The snake-like sinners, having completed their task, quietly exited the room, leaving Husker and Angel alone. The bunker, though stark and metallic, felt cozy and intimate with just the two of them.
"Thank you, Husker," Angel said softly, his eyes shining with gratitude. "For everything."
Husker reached out and gently cupped Angel's cheek, his thumb brushing over his skin. "You're worth it, Angel. Always."
Husker pulled Angel close, capturing his lips in a fervent kiss. Angel melted into the embrace, wrapping his arms around Husker's neck and teasingly playing with the soft fur at the nape of his neck. The kiss deepened, filled with passion and unspoken emotions, their connection growing stronger with each passing second.
However, their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud ruckus from the other side of the door. The noise was so intense it made Angel flinch, his eyes widening with fear. He turned to Husker, his heart pounding. "What's happening out there?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Husker simply laughed, a deep, reassuring sound that put Angel somewhat at ease. "Come on, I'll show you," he said, taking Angel's hand and leading him out of the office.
As they stepped into the bunker, the source of the commotion became clear. The entire bunker was in chaos, with staff members and other souls shouting and laughing uproariously. In the center of it all, there was a large table surrounded by a crowd that seemed to be on the verge of a riot.
Angel's confusion grew as they approached the scene. "What's going on?" he asked, still holding Husker's hand tightly.
Husker grinned and gestured to the table. "This, my dear, is why there's no Uno table at my casino."
Angel's eyes widened as he saw the Uno game in full swing. Players were hurling down cards with wild abandon, their faces contorted with both glee and frustration. Shouts of "Draw four!" and "Reverse!" echoed through the bunker, creating an almost deafening cacophony.
The intensity of the game was palpable. Players leaned forward, their eyes blazing with competitive fire. Husker and Angel watched as one player slammed a Draw Four card onto the table, causing an eruption of groans and laughter from the others. The game was fierce, almost as if everyone was on crack, their energy levels through the roof.
Angel couldn't help but laugh, the absurdity of the scene dissolving his earlier fear. "This is insane!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Husker chuckled, squeezing Angel's hand. "It's the most brutal game in the bunker. The doctors are even on standby," he said, pointing to a group of medical staff ready to step in if things got too out of hand.
Angel shook his head in disbelief. "I never would have thought an Uno game could get this intense."
As they watched, one player dramatically threw their hands up in the air, having been hit with yet another Draw Four card. The crowd erupted in laughter and mock sympathy, while the player just glared at the deck, muttering curses under their breath.
Husker led Angel closer to the table, where they found a spot to sit and watch the chaos unfold. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the highs and lows of the game. It was a stark contrast to the Extermination Day above ground, but down here, in the safety of the bunker, it was a way for everyone to blow off steam and distract themselves from the danger outside.
Angel leaned into Husker, still holding his fourth Hurricane cocktail. "This is actually kind of amazing," he admitted, his earlier tension completely dissipated.
Husker wrapped an arm around Angel's shoulders, pulling him closer. "It's one way to keep everyone's spirits up," he said. "And it's a tradition here at The Cat's Den. No one messes with our Uno games."
As the game continued, Angel found himself getting caught up in the excitement. The players' antics were hilarious, their competitive banter and over-the-top reactions providing endless entertainment. He even started cheering for some of the players, laughing along with the rest of the crowd.
Hours passed, and the game showed no signs of slowing down. The doctors occasionally stepped in to check on players who got too heated and started throwing fists, but overall, it was all good fun. By the end of the night, as the game finally wound down, Angel felt a deep sense of belonging. He turned to Husker, his heart full.
As they made their way back to the office, the sounds of the bunker quieting down behind them, Angel realized that even in the darkest of times, they had each other. And that was more than enough.