[ WP ] Two god-like beings , disguised as old men , play a game of chess on a park bench to decide the final fate of humanity . The players , however , are distracted by a couple seated across them ...

`` I've always found this game to be charming.'' The old man with the peppered beard remarked, regarding one of the white pawns between his thumb and forefinger. `` It's funny how like chess pieces the humans are. Mere pawns, destined only to be controlled.'' Chuckling softly, he set the piece in the proper place on the board, and looked to the balding man across from him. `` And yet, they do seem to have their quirks, despite their weaknesses.'' 
 
 `` They are more like ants. Easily crushed.'' The balding old man demonstrated this by squishing an ant that had crawled up onto the table in search of food. `` Pests, and I am tired of indulging them.'' 
 
 `` Yet for all their lacking size, they have a power that you do not often think of. Like the ant, able to lift so much more than itself.'' The bearded man finished setting up the board. `` And they defend their homes and lives fiercely.'' 
 
 `` Are we going to play or not?'' 
 
 Smiling a little, the bearded man made his first move, shifting one of his pawns forward. `` You know, it'll be a mistake if you get your way from this. They're more than just insects.'' 
 
 The other man scoffed lightly, and swatted away a fly that dared come too close. It fell to the ground, dead. `` Mere insects. And I am the exterminator.'' He made his own move. `` I can not fathom why you indulge them so. It's like spoiling pigs for slaughter. They'll only die anyway.'' 
 
 `` Brother, the only thing as certain as Death is life, and these humans find so much joy in life. Perhaps you should try it sometime.'' The bearded man moved another piece, then looked pointedly up at the other. 
 
 `` Power is joy, and I have it all over them. What else do I need?'' The next move was made with less finesse, accidentally knocking over another piece. The thin man cursed softly, uprighting the other pawn. 
 
 `` Control.'' His brother observed, seeing the move. `` And wisdom.'' He moved his piece, and took the others pawn. 
 
 `` Control? I am a god to them, I am control. I know more than they ever will!'' The balding man's face became somewhat red, and his voice raised slightly as he took another move. 
 
 `` You still can not control yourself. How many years have you been told to not let yourself get flustered? You have much to learn, little brother.'' The bearded man took another piece, smiling. His attention was briefly taken by an elderly couple that settled on a bench across from them. They must have both been in their eighties, chatting softly and holding hands. 
 
 `` You sound like father.'' The other man snorted in mild disdain, moving his piece as he followed his brother's gaze. `` I sometimes do n't understand humans. They're so close to death, why are they here?'' 
 
 `` They understand something you do not. Love. They know the window of death will soon open to them, and yet they live every day in love, cherishing the value of life with each other. That is what you must learn, dear brother.'' He took another move, growing closer and closer to victory. 
 
 The balding man swept the board clean with a wave of his hand, standing up with a sigh. `` Keep your humans. I need learn nothing from them.'' And then he was gone. The bearded man smiled, going back to watching the couple. `` On the contrary. You have everything to learn.'' 
 
 And suddenly the couple was alone, smiling and sitting in blissful leave, unaware of what had occurred. 
 
 EDIT: spelling
