Gods Among Men

The evening star of death

"My mother was struck by lightning when I was born."

Death looked up in bewilderment as the young girl started her interview. Her dark cat like eyes flickered around the room but stilled when she spoke.

"She gave birth to me under the stormy clouds as rain poured on us, she wasn't allowed into the tent for everyone feared she would wake the master. I was born between deserts as a refugee. Mother gave birth to me in the rain and a stranger took me from her and swaddled me in rags that once held raw tobacco. Soon after my mother was struck by lightning and died, from what we are still unsure. Some say lightning, some say sickness, some say both. The master said I would need a name so the woman called me, Stormy."

Death looked up as the young girl shifted. She crossed her legs and flipped a black lock from her eyes. She leaned back in the chair and smiled.

"So you are speaking for the orphanage of refugee children, why did they send you?"

"I was the only one who volunteered, I was confident I could get you to choose the children and make them your children of the night." Stormy smiled and slammed her fist on the table.

Death smiled.

"Very interesting. Who all would compete?"

"Justice Alburn, Lyra Magritte, Charlotte Snow, Travi Roy, Cakari and Neiko Mikoto ,Ananiel Smith, Leo Oza, Makari Kato, Magnus O'Darby and Ash Silverstream."

"And what will you and Neiko be listed under?"

Stormy swallowed hard.

"Whatever requirements.... need to be met." Stormy said stone faced.

"Very well... how many children will be saved upon you winning?" Death asked writing down the names.

"50,000 refugees and many more."

"How old is the youngest member on your team and how old is the eldest."

"Ash is merely 13 and Makari is 16 at best guess."

"Young... and you do realize death is guaranteed and a very high risk for your team."

"Yes..."

Death paused and looked at Stormy with concern. The young girl sat defiant and bold as she got ready to defend anything, say anything and Death could tell she was prepared.

"Very well Stormy, you are now entered in the Overlord Games, does your team have a name."

"The North Stars, m'lady death.

"hmm, my sister shall hate that name but I like it."

"Its what we all followed to travel, it means a lot to us."

"Very well, you shall be moved tomorrow morning. All of you should be prepared for it by then and I will try my best but do understand you and Neiko have slim chances of being with the girls..."

"I understand." Stormy said bowing her head.

"And the other teams will be weaker, younger, stronger, older and all in-between and no matter what you have to kill them. Their is also one that is bigger. Your team must make it out alive no matter what, be it one, or all."

Stormy nodded now looking at the floor.

"And no gods shall here your prayers inside, we have made sure of that." Death said lifting the young girl's chin.

"I understand."

"If you think you have this thing figured out, I suggest you turn back now..."

"Spare me m'lady, I know my chances are slim but I can not stand by and let us suffer anymore. If death brings us refuge or we save them all, then we have done something good, even if we all die, at least we will not die cowards and I know someone will stand if we fall." Stormy said proudly standing up.

"You really were prepared for everything... Very well bring news to your people, the send the next person in."

Stormy smiled, and nodded. "Thank you." Stormy then turned and left and Death smiled.

This would be interesting.

############

Stormy never believed she would here refugees scream as loud as they did when they were happy. She always knew screaming to be a sad or awful thing. Yet when she returned it was something that just had to make her smile.
"We have to pack!" Justice said as she ran about the room gathering clothing.
"Bring as much as you can travel with, food, water and weapons is more important than cloths." Makari pointed out
"What did Death say about us sharing rooms?" Neiko asked.
"Well it will be tough but she's fighting for us."
"Close enough..." Neiko sighed then took Ash's hand.
"Do we have a strategy?"
"Stay alive." Stormy sighed.
Everyone nodded.
This was real, this was going to happen. They packed their bags and hugged everyone goodbye. There was a knock at the door as the sun rose up and there was a knock at the door