[WP] after you die you get jobs just like you do when you’re alive. You go in for an interview at one of the largest corporations at heaven. A few days later you get a call. You got the job. You are one of the four horsemen. Pestilence. Your boss, God, says your new job starts tomorrow.

I walked briskly on my way to FHOTA (Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse) Headquarters, hair tightly secured in a ponytail. So many angels glared me down from the sidewalks, as if I wasn't supposed to be here. I ha apparently done the unthinkable. I was the first female Horseman to join the ranks of FHOTA.

I didn't think much of myself: a skinny tall woman with lush chocolate hazel brown hair and caramel skin. I was thin but agile. Innocent but fierce. God agreed. He looked over my resume, of which he was very proud.

"You'll be perfect in this position," he told me while I crossed my legs at the welcoming ceremony. The crowd in the auditorium cheered. I meekly blushed and turned away, only to come face to face with the other three horsemen. War was a scarred old man, old and battered with the brutalities he had entailed. Famine was a gaunt man with a wry sneer, long black hair that waved in front of his eyes. Death was the leader, a handsome middle-aged astute man with a striking chin, jawline, and ripe black hair. Why he didn't seem like a harbinger of doom at all.

I entered the building, a dark but magnificent complex. I hastily signed in at the counter, then into my office. I slammed my hands on the desk, a strand of hair falling out. I blew it and looked behind me. Death was staring me down.

"We're happy to have you," he chuckled as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I felt comfortable and wished for him to leave me alone. He only gripped me more firmly as he whispered in my ear. "You know, the old Pestilence was quite a pest."

I forced a laugh, then clumsily, waddled out the office with a folder. I bumped into Famine this time, who snarled at me.

"You have a lot of gut showing your face here," he spat. My eyebrows furrowed.

"I worked hard to get here, you know that." He cackled and slapped his knee. His jaw remained ajar, like a loose shelf on the wall.

"Your first shift is in eighteen minutes." I watched him drool and stagger away. Someone from behind them slapped me, commenting, "If it isn't the new horseman, or should I say horsewoman." It was War, the old chubby oaf blundering about the halls.

"I am not here because of my gender. I'm here through my effort," I stated.

"God chose ya," War remarked. "I don't know why he chose you of all the other options, but you're stuck with us. Whether you like it or not." He touched me. I gritted my teeth, then ran to where the stalls were. It was at that moment I dropped down on my knees next to my horse, wanting to cry.

"Please don't let them hurt me," I said between sobs. A shining light beamed onto my face. I squinted and looked to a window to see God's face smiling down at me.

"You will be fine, Bella. You were chosen for a reason." I smirked.

"Thank you, Lord. I won't let you down." And so it was, he dissipated with the lint. I stood up and brushed myself off. My horse neighed majestically. I fed it an apple from my pocket.

"Who's ready to plague the world?" I asked eagerly. The horse neighed as I ran my hair through its mane. I was taken aback and laughed audibly, Death hearing me from the barn entrance.

"You ready for apocalypse, rookie?" I unlocked the stalls and led my horse into the sunlight. It's mane floated in the breeze as did my hair and my spirit.

"Let's bring doom," I said ecstatically. And together, the four of us set off on horseback to the Land of Mortals. My training paid off. Everywhere I rode, I brought sickness and infection that ravaged villages and communities. My epidemics and outbreaks stirred outcry among mortals but praise from the horsemen. I have to admit I found glee in carrying plagues. I'll never forget the tears and despair of one village as family after family died in each other's arms.

/r/WritingPrompts Thread