See you again

Back at the cell, Biff slammed the bars angrily. "What in Helltown was that? For a blink of an eye, I leave you alone, and you're already screwing around with customers!" he yelled.

"You were the one screwing around! And while you were busy with those call girls, I got kidnapped. If it wasn't for that nice man, my body parts would be in a lab jar by now!" Cassandra replied.

"Ha! You really think there are nice men here? A minion no less," he mocked scornfully. "Trust me, girl. You have it good here. You don't know the horrors awaiting you up on that tower."

With those words he left the area. Cassandra knew how manipulating Biff could be. Still, his words did leave an impact.

An unspecified time later, Tamara asked to speak to her. "I have some exciting news for you, Cassandra. One of your admirers, Mr. Basil paid a nifty price to spend some time with you. Looks like you won't be in our next program," she smiled, happy.

"What's happening?" the girls popped their heads curious.

"Our star has an admirer," the boss sang.

"That's wonderful," Lavinia exclaimed, patting her shoulder.

Not paying any attention to her small employee, Tamara handed Cassandra a large leather box. A revealing, yet beautiful black dress was shimmering inside.

Cassandra thanked her boss and put it on. It went well with her trusty long boots. Yet, Biff's words still rang in her head.

"Having doubts?" Tamara asked.

"Umm, perhaps?"

The female boss nodded impatiently. "Whatever it is that's bothering you, sort it out on your way there."

"What?" Cassandra gasped being pushed outside.

A spiky carriage with four drivers awaited her outside. Ready to leave, she could hear Biff screaming, "Absolutely not. We provide gladiators, not escorts. Get her back here right now or I'll tear this place apart!"

"Now, now dear. Don't be like that. This is good for us. We mustn't make such an important person upset," Tamara calmly explained.

"But what about the show? Who is going to fill in for her?"

"We'll manage. As we did before... Now, compose yourself and help me with the dishes, will you?"

"But..." Biff uttered.

"No buts, dear. Do as you are told. Alright?" Tamara commanded.

With a heavy sigh, Biff was heard mumbling, "Yes, dear."

While Cassandra was eavesdropping, one of the drivers waited impatiently, holding the carriage door. Checking her hair and her outfit, she took that time to think. The two had stopped fighting. Dubious, Cassandra sighed and slowly stepped into the vehicle. Tamara was right about one thing. There was no reason for making such an important man angry.

Her ride took her to the same skyscraper, only this time the elevator stopped somewhere in the middle. Basil awaited her, pleasant as always. The entrance led to what seemed like a park. Gray blocks formed circular paths leading to a fence overlooking the island. The large gaps were filled with little volcanic rocks, making the appearance of a garden. The only issue was the lines were arranged in such a way that made the human eye uncomfortable. As if someone took great effort to ruin even this small thing.

"I'm so glad you came?" he said and kissed her hand.

She smiled flattered. "How could I refuse after such a slick rescue?" she said softly.

"I hope that was not the only reason for this visit," he calmly uttered, extending his arm towards her.

Cassandra pondered, observing him closely. "We are here to find out, aren't we?" she smiled and walked with him.

Waterfalls or red liquid flew into pools as stone paths went all around the fence.

They walked and talked for a long time. Cassandra liked the man and did not have to force herself to laugh at his jokes. He was attractive enough and, personality wise, reminded her of her earthly husband. Trying not to reveal too much about herself, she listened to his anecdotes intrigued.

"So, from what I understand, you were a banker on Earth?" she said.

"More or less," he shrugged.

"So not much difference then what you do here?"

"Well, in a way... At least on Earth there were concrete currencies and not this chaotic haggle system. To tell you the truth, it makes me want to lose my mind."

"Yes, everything is so vague here. I wonder if that's also part of the torture."

"Most definitely."

Cassandra chuckled. "And... what would you say you miss most about Earth?" she asked.

Basil pondered for a moment. "If I have to choose. I'd say being married."

"Really?"

"Yes. I know it may sound strange, but going back home to my wife was the most relaxing part of my day. I have no idea why so many people complain about it."

Cassandra awed. "That is so sweet. I did not know there were romantics down here."

Smiling awkward, he added, "Not the most desired trait, but here I am."

"Well, I think it's adorable," she said with a wide smile. "So are you expecting your wife any time soon?"

"I would say no. She was 76 when I died, and I have spent, let's see..." he said counting on his fingers. "That's the total of 1 306 792 hell days, since I started counting. I can safely state that she ended up in a better place," he stated content.

"Hell days? How do you measure those?"

"It is easy when you have a fixed sleep schedule?" he said, making Cassandra gasp.

"Oh my," she said titillated.

"I know. I was surprised myself," he said nonchalantly.

"I remember while I was alive. I had all the time in the world to sleep but never used it well. Everything was more important then. Getting the children ready, making meals, taking care of pets, making sure my husband's shirts were ironed. All that good stuff... If I only knew what was awaiting me, I would have taken more naps."

"So you were married as well?" he asked.

"Yes, to an accountant, actually."

"Oh, so trading up, I see?" he joked.

The girl giggled. "He's still alive, but I don't expect to ever see him again. He truly was a gentle soul. Wouldn't hurt a fly... Unless, his profession-"

"Don't worry, it does not come with the job. We do not sign a secret contract with our blood before opening your first balance book."

They both had a nice laugh at that.

Basil observed her with a warm smile. "Would you like to come with me to the games? I would love to show you off, if that is alright?" he said, offering his hand gallantly.

Slightly tilting her head, she shrugged and accepted. The well-mannered man took her back to the carriage. She was surprised to hear they were approaching the gladiator pit.

"Do not fear. We are here only to enjoy the show," he said, helping her exit.

Their seats were in a separate loge for the VIPs. She would only see it from below. Basil's friends were watching the before show. Along with the demonic doctor, there were four more who greeted her cold but curious. Cassandra sat down and discretely looked around. One staircase above them was the overlord and his closest minions. Her back shivered, seeing his huge red body and tiny goat legs. Fortunately, the so-called Prince of Darkness did not seem particularly interested in her, eagerly anticipating the main event.

Ninja and Sara were in the arena, fighting with a machete and spear respectively. Their opponent was a male gladiator riding the automated horse chariot. The VIPs did not seem particularly entertained by their performance. "At least when you fight, you make it interesting," Basil's colorfully dressed friend, addressed her. He was a middle-ranking demon, flamboyant and charming. The one you do not talk down to. Cassandra took an instant liking to him, despite his demonic features.

"Thank you," she replied. "I'm honored."

Once the girls were done, Tamara raised her megaphone again. "And now for everyone's favorite gladiator. You know her, you love her, you want to be dismembered by her. Give it up for Big Bertha!"

The VIPs clapped, some even standing out of respect. Cassandra watched. The sight of her small friend entering the arena surprised her to no end. The tiny Lavinia shivered and slouched, with only a bow and some arrows as weapons.

Cassandra covered her mouth, observing Bertha's grinning face.