Seven-Contracts

They wind their way in, the wind blowing them like leaves from across the continent. They come in ones and twos, until there are Six.

For many, this is the first meeting in a long time. They take their appointed seats, and exchange pleasantries as they wait.

They are in a golden field of wheat, neck high, and they are completely obscured from view, not that there is anyone present to spy. They know hthat this place was chosen for that exact reason.

After speaking with each other, they sit silent. Not one pair of eyes dares to glance at the vacant seat.

The grass parts, and an unfamiliar man breaks into the circle. Instantly hands leap to a dozen concealed weapons. Envy, who is nearest, grips the bedraggled man by his throat, long thin black claws erupting from the fingers she'd stolen.

She stares into milky, soulless eyes.

"He is not who he seems. Speak, you who hold this body captive."

The man speaks, his mouth moving, independent of the limp body.

"Seat yourself, Envy. You were informed that a messenger would come. This is a breach of contract, and will not be taken lightly." the man's voice is cold, hard, and seems to come from all around him. Envy flies back into her seat, and clutches her hand as if burned. The posessed man shuffled limply to the center of the circle of chairs, and then simply rises into the air, arms spread wide.

"The time has come for the final collusion of our forces. You Seven were created to corrupt and decay, intensify the sorrows whose aspects you personify. You are now called upon to fight till the end." the air around the posessed man darkened, and his eyes smouldered deep red.

"The dark one calls and compels you. The seas will run with blood. The Horsemen will ride. And the final day of reckoning will come. You are expected to fight on your master's side, lend whatever aid you can against the foe. Hell gave you this life, and now you will repay your debts."

The body drops to the floor, the terrible voice begins to fade.

"Meet at the Devil's mount in two weeks' time for final Muster. The Horsemen will be there. You will play your part, Seven, all of you."

The spell has broken. All eyes shoot to the vacant seat, memories ancient and terrible fill minds...

"The prodigal has been contacted. Lust will join you along your path."

the body falls utterly limp, dead as stone.

Pride rises from his seat.

"Well. We knew this day would come. It's time to get to work."

The six make their preparations. This is a journey that must be undertaken properly. The Horsemen alone may ride, and sow destruction in their wake, but when Sins travel together, the effects are felt for generations.

-Locke and Peter