The Game Of Prospe

Prologue

Death surveyed the room with distaste. Love was examining the map-looking for people to match up no doubt, it looked as if Hate was trying to start another war, Life was just walking in, Hope had failed to show up, and Luck was simply examining a four leaf clover. Death stood up from her throne, her imposing, skeletal figure and ageless face grabbing attention from everyone in the room.

"I see we're all still going at it," she remarked in her haunting tone. Her dark eyes scanned the crowd, daring someone to make a move, overlooking a blue and green butterfly sitting in the corner.

Hate rolled his own eyes, that of which reflecting images of battle and bloodshed rather than his surroundings. "I see you're still trying to scare us with that pathetic glare," he retorted in his gravely voice.

Death's expression grew darker and the air became icy. Love glided over, adjusting the elaborate up-do in her auburn hair. She rested a delicate hand on Hate's shoulder and smiled at Death. Hate looked at her with disgust.

"Perhaps, brother, you shouldn't mess with Death," she said to him in her silvery voice. "Now, why have you called us here?"

Death smiled, sending shivers down the spines of her unfortunate audience. "I just thought it had been awhile since we had a...competition."

Life glared. "Sister, you're a fool if you think we'd agree to another-"

Death raised a hand to silence him. "I know what happened the last time and it won't happen again, I assure you. I presume you all recall how our little game works?"

Life, infuriated, stormed up to his sister. "Now listen to me! You're a fool if you think-!"

"Let's play," Hate interrupted, a twisted grin playing on his lips.

Luck's emerald eyes narrowed from behind her mask. "If you are to play it would be unwise of me not to join, if only to keep you two from wreaking complete havoc."

Hate tied his hair back, it was red like his sister's but instead of a pleasant auburn it better resembled the color of dried blood. Love gazed at him warily, knowing what her brother might do.

"Fine. I'll play on the condition that none of us can directly interfere with the other's champions," she announced.

Hate shot her a sickening grin. "Now where's the fun in that?"

A mischievous smile played on Death's lips. "Deal. This should be interesting."

Hate's jaw dropped. "You must be joking."

Death shook her head. "I'm not. Now, Life, are you in or out?"

Life glared. "Fine, I'll play your stupi-"

Death clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! Now for those of you who don't remember the rules, each of us shall choose a champion. The champion must be young enough so we can mold then into, well, us. And since they're humans it will be easy to give them a, ah, nudge in the right direction. Whomever wins gets to unleash as much of their power as they wish with no limits for a full 24 hours."

Death looked around the room. "And since Hope couldn't be bothered to join us, we'll host our little game in Prospe.

Life's glare intensified but Death just smiled. Luck stepped towards Death, her large, feathered wings trailing behind her as her emerald eyes shone with outrage. Death's eyes widened slightly in surprise, it was rare that Luck made a stand on something.

"Why the sudden desire for another competition? I'm sure you recall what happened the last time we used humans as play things."

Death's​ eyes widened and she scoffed, placing her fingers over her chest in mock offense. "Play things? Why I'd never use mortals as play things."

Everyone on the room raised an eyebrow at her. She held her hands​ up innocently and grinned.

"I win if mine kills the others, Life wins if his stops mine, Love wins if hers is well liked by everyone, Hate wins if his turns them all against eachother, and Luck wins if hers survives the others. Shall we proceed with choosing the champions?"

They all looked at eachother then back at Death, a silent agreement having been reached.

Everyone nodded, the butterfly flew away.

Death grinned. "Wonderful."