Hush Now Children

Artwork by Yuliya Litvinova

Hush dropped out of his office chair in the Hamisfore Theatorium, and turned right in the hall. Two Vesk followed -- his ever-loyal bodyguards -- closing the office door behind them (as was proper). He checked on preparations for tonight's entertainment, which included a Robot heavyweight championship, and a burlesque of everyone's latest ire. The Dream Team. Hush shouted at the group putting together the latter, never slowing his gait.
Hush: "I want that Chad fatter! And the Tesin dumber... Give her a unibrow!"
The Gnome cackled, and moved away from the theatre proper, into an elevator shaft at the end of the hall. One of the Vesks scanned a security card, and the elevator went down -- well past the registered floors on the elevator's interface -- chiming happily until it reached the bottom. The doors opened to reveal a dingy hallway, barely lit by a flickering LED. Hush kept it gloomy down here on purpose, lest anyone forget the nature of their business. There was only one security guard present, who stood dutifully at attention outside a locked door.
Hush: "Open it up. I want to collect today's winnings myself."
The guard snapped into action, fumbling with his keys for a second longer than Hush would have liked. And then the door was open.
He let the smell of unwashed bodies roll over him. The miasma of imprisonment. To Hush, it was a sweet aroma -- proof that he was in charge here, and that they were lesser than he. The room was full of Angels, chained to radiators and pipes, covered in grime and trash. He didn't give them clothes, or entertainment, or even light. They cowered from him, hiding from the harsh rays, their spirits well and truly broken. The drugs had helped with that. It was the only pleasure he allowed them.
Hush: "Come now, children. Hush, hush."
Something glorious and all-together evil cooed inside him, as he crossed over the twitching bodies, and arrived at a glass container in the center of the room. It was full of little crystals, clear as clean water. They were warm to the touch, even through the glass. He shook them, mesmerized by the sound of them clinking together. Today's haul was good.
Hush: "Thank you for the contribution!"
The Gnome howled with laughter, stepping aside so that one of the Vesks could put in a fresh container, and then they left.
Hush shut the door himself.
He loved watching the light go out of their eyes.