Inspirational spurt like WHOA, people! Actually got some stuff for 100_women in here! *gasp*

Title: The First One
Prompt: #9 First
Character(s): Yusuke & Kuroko
Genre(s): General reflection
Rating: G
Word Count: 153

The First One

She was a pain in the butt – frustrating and indignant. She was a mother to two overly-ambitious children, and had something of a fruitcake for a husband. She was a tough customer that did business with her sharp tongue and her motherly instincts.

She kicked him off of her property because he was a threat to her family. She wasn’t afraid for herself, because she knew she had the skills to fend him off but she didn’t want to use them anymore. She gave all that up to be a family woman.

She was angry and hateful, but Yusuke saw what a great mother she was to her twin kids. Kuroko beat away the human world’s greatest threat without throwing a single stone, and it was all the more reason to admire her.

Kuroko was the first Spirit Detective and Yusuke smiled, knowing he would never completely fill her shoes.


Title: Unexpected
Prompt: #15 Fear
Character(s): Botan & Kurama
Pairing(s): Kurama x Botan
Genre(s): Humor & Romance
Rating: Light PG
Word Count: 414



Unexpected

Botan made herself comfortable on the couch, stealing admiring glances at herself in the sliding glass door nearby. Her cute yellow sundress was a sure way to get Kurama to be even more romantic than usual on their afternoon outing. She giggled, congratulating herself on a job well done.

She sighed happily and perched her hands on her knees, rocking back and forth in anticipation for his grand entrance to the living room. This was only the millionth time she’d been to his apartment, but still she found herself looking at things she’d already seen and stared at before.

But there was one thing that had added itself to his décor.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!”

Botan threw a hand over her mouth to keep herself from screaming anymore and jumped up on the couch, trying to stay out of “its” way. She struggled keeping her balance amidst all of the over-sized cushions, swaying around as if she were surfing until Kurama came rushing into the room.

“What is it? What’s wrong?!” He exclaimed, looking around for any sign of an intruder. God help anybody that dared to try and hurt his girlfriend.

“O-over there! KILLIT KILLIT KILLIT!!!!” She squealed, hiding her eyes in one hand while the other pointed towards the opposing wall.

Kurama squinted at the wall. “Kill… what?”

“THE SPIDER! KILLIT!!!!!”

He looked closer and did finally notice the tiny thing crawling down towards the carpet – hardly recognizable as a threat at all. But to appease his young beauty, he sighed and searched around him for a means of getting rid of the creature. Spotting an old magazine, he waited for the spider to find its way to the floor, and once his prey was in position, Kurama merely let the magazine fall to the ground, thus stopping it “dead” in its tracks.

“D-d-did you get it?” Botan asked nervously, afraid to open her eyes. Would there suddenly be a spider outbreak if she opened them?

“Yes, Botan. It won’t come after you.” He replied calmly, stretching out his hands to steady her and bring her down from the couch.

When her eyes opened she cursed herself for ever having them closed. “Kurama…?”

“Yes love?” He said, not paying her glowing eyes any mind.

“You… you’re… I mean… ummm…” Botan finally stopped when his eyes searched her expression, as if humorously. She then let it fall out of her mouth as she stared admirably at him. “Nice towel. I wasn’t expecting that… at all.”


Title: Breaking Point
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (original)
Character(s): Michael
Genre(s): Angst & Spirituality
Rating: PG
Word Count: 531

Breaking Point

Michael looked out into the distance, asking himself questions he would never be able to answer. Why was he chosen to lead so many fearful people into a war? Why was he the father figure to a girl posessed by a servant of his enemy? Why were the pieces still missing?

He needed something - something firm and strong to keep him in place. His heart was growing unbearably heavy, overriding him with guilt of his wrongs, though he felt he was doing right at the time. The pain was deep, but present.

He wrapped his arms around himself, wishing his wings would sprout now so that he could fly to the Heavens for help, but instead he fell to his knees and wept. The Archangel was lonely and cold, crying out for saving when he was supposed to be the faithful general of the One who had already secured his salvation. He was breaking and bleeding on the inside.

"God!!" He screamed out to the rocks below him, making the earth shudder with his fists that hit the ground hard enough to make them crack open. "Help me! I can't do this alone!"

Desperation was bleeding from his throat, pouring out in his words and tears that he cried with every emotion he had. This freedom of emotion wasn't enough for him, because he needed something more - something to empty his soul, but fill his spirit. Water couldn't quench his thirst for comfort, nor could bread nourish the wound in his stomach.

Tearing and breaking, Michael felt his spirit trembling inside him, as if it cried for release. Within its cage, it was trapped like an animal, barking and whining to escape. Was this how Reia felt like when she would try so hard to suppress that creature within her?

Michael gripped at the dirt and ran his fingers through it, clawing at the earth mercilessly like a dog. He couldn't stop crying, his tears blinding him and his eyes pounded hard against his sockets, pulsating violently like his heart. Everything in him was shattering now, turning to dust and resting in his emptiness. Was this his final stage of breaking?

Then he breathed, inhaling the scent of the wind that swept over him. It was crisp and cool; refreshing... soothing. "Lord... are you still with me?"

His question wasn't answered by words, or really any action, but a feeling in his heart. His hand came over his chest to feel the pulse slow to a normal rate, and he looked up into the clouds, finding the one opening that showed a clear path to Heaven. The sun warmed him and calmed his radical spirit, gently sweeping away all of his fears by just looking at it. He felt whole again and with a smile he opened his arms to the sky.

"I will be your tool, your hands, your will. Strengthen me again to do what you ask, and I will do it all for your glory. Thank you for taking away the emptiness I had. It will be no more and I praise your name for it. My heart is ready to fulfill your word."



Title: Family
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Lily & Alexander
Genre(s): Comfort
Rating: G
Word Count: 967

Family

As days progressed into weeks, and weeks eased into months, Michael and his company soon found themselves to be permanent fixtures among Alexander's people. They were all welcoming and helpful, aiding the strange family of three in building a home near the central sector of their village, and also giving them the necessary items required for making a living in these lands.

By far, Alexander was the most helpful, using his own two hands to build, plant and sow for those he was already calling family when they first arrived. While yes, he had known Michael years ago, Lily found it odd that he was so warm towards strangers in a foreign land. Was he always like this?

She tried to help when she could, crawling on her hands and knees in the garden to plant seeds for the next season's crop. She cared not that she was practically covering herself in dirt, but only meant to do her part in ensuring this family maintained a healthy lifestyle. Intelligent fingers felt carefully for the small holes in the fresh soil, and once they found their spot, she would set a seed or two in the well, followed by covering it with the surrounding dirt.

"Why, I do believe you are a better gardener than I am, Lily." She heard Alexander say to her from behind, feeling him brush some of the dirt away from her dress. "You have a gift for it. One amongst many talents, I am sure."

Lily laughed quietly, lifting herself up off the ground without his aid. "You love to flatter a girl, don't you?"

"Of course, and I only dote upon the exceptionally lovely ones... which do seem to be in abundance these days." Alexander replied, laughing as well. "You really do an extraordinary job, Lily. I am certain that Michael and Lady Reia appreciate it."

"We all do it together as a family." She said in reply, finding her way into the house to locate more seeds. How she managed such a task without her sight amazed Alexander, thinking that Jehovah must have blessed her immensely in her other senses. "Your family is quite large, I noticed."

Alexander shrugged, wondering if she sensed that, too. "My people are my family, and I love them each individually for who they are. I ask nothing of them that I would not do for them in return."

"And this is why they love you so much." Lily said, her voice so positive and pleasant, Alexander was almost jealous of Michael for a moment to have won such an ideal woman's heart - and not even trying to do the latter. "These people, Alexander, are what make you so strong, I gather. They tell me every day how much they admire and respect you, and this not only coming from the young women, but from the adults and elderly. None of them have an ounce of hatred or jealousy for you."

Now he blushed, humbled that she was taking to flattering him, when it was typically the other way around. He never desired to receive praise from anyone because to him it didn't matter. All he wanted was there to be love, and an abundant amount at that. "I only do that which I can do."

"Which is a great deal, you see." Lily continued, not finished with praising him just yet. "Just yesterday I was speaking with Peter and Andrew, and I asked them if they ever knew such a thing as war, or if they had used a weapon of any kind. Peter told me that you had trained them firsthand, but that wasn't the only thing you gave them."

She paused, as if for dramatic effect, but the silence was killing Alexander on the inside. Did he unintentionally scar the young minds of the boys he treated as kin? He prayed that wasn't so and was already planning to seek their forgiveness once he excused himself from Lily's company. But her conclusion surprised him.

"Thanks to you and your peace of mind that you give them every day, the dear brothers you love as though they were your own, do not fear death at all." She smiled brightly, now appearing more like an angel than he did in that moment. "They know a great fight is coming, and they will give their lives freely to whatever cause you deem is worthy. You should be very proud of them, Alexander."

While he was very relieved that he had not earned their bitterness, Alexander was overwhelmed that Peter and Andrew showed such willingness to give their lives, no matter what it was they were fighting for. They were so strong mentally and physically, but Alexander would not credit himself for giving them such courage that left his own sense of valor in the dust.

"Then... I will personally thank them for their kind words." Alexander said, at first shaky, but he smiled as well. "Perhaps I should reward them somehow for showing such heart when in battle... I think I have just the thing. Well, I thank you as well for telling me these things, Lily, but I will take my leave now. I feel those boys are calling for a family outing."

Enjoying the sound of his laughter that was the equivalent to music when there was none, Lily giggled, too, and replied in kind, "I trust you will take care of them, like you always have." He gave an affirming nod and began to walk away, his steps lighter than normal, but before he was out of hearing range, Lily called out once more. "And Alexander... just as your people that were here before us, we love you, as well. Thank you for caring for us like you would your kin."



Title: Warnings
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Alexander & Lily
Genre(s): Angst & Comfort
Rating: G
Word Count: 596

Warnings

The camp's fire seemed cold that day as Lily sat next to it alone. She was certain that Michael was either out looking for Reia... or was stewing about her disappearance the night before. Regardless, he was infuriated, and probably even felt defeated. Lily wasn't sure if she had the knowledge that would help him cope with what was weighing so heavily on his heart.

"The blind eyes of the bat stare into the fire, and yet a fox's ears know everything around her." Alexander's familiar voice called to her. "I know you have heard much... and I am sorry that I wasn't of any help to her. The fault is mine."

"No one is to blame." Lily was quick to respond. "Reia made a choice - that is all. Let us not condemn her for it."

"It wasn't my intention to condemn her in any way, but I only meant to voice my concerns. What she said to me last night broke my heart and I begged her to not leave, yet... she chose a path that could only mean more pain. Michael knows nothing of what she is truly experiencing right now..." Alexander said, his voice so somber and deep, like he was hurting as a brother would for the death of a loved one.

Lily reached out and took his hand in an instant, as if to keep him at her side should he choose to leave suddenly. "Please, I beg of you to not tell Michael of Reia's suffering, because I assure you, he knows better than anyone the burden she carries. Every day his heart bleeds for her in hopes that she will speak God's name again. Can't you see that he loves her so?"

"I understand that he cares, and deeply at that..." Alexander replied, somewhat ashamed of his irrational thinking, but continued anyway. "But if he does, then she wouldn't have left for those mountains. It is my belief that she was forced into her choice, not by Michael's words, but by his silence. He let his daughter run away to her death."

Lily began weeping, crying tears she never shed for herself, but only for those she loved, and she wept terribly. "She will not die, Alexander. She has gone to find answers - not just for herself, but for everyone. I know Reia and I know Michael. They do not relinquish their faith for anything. Believe that."

Alexander sighed, already defeated by a woman of wisdom and strength beyond his years. This Lily of the Valley was dear to Reia, as well as to him. "Forgive me, Lily. I did not mean to upset you, and yes, I do believe. In fact, I have prayed every night since your arrival that peace will come back to Reia's heart once more. She is a woman of strength and determination, so I entrust her safety to God. Now as for Michael..."

His pause disturbed Lily slightly, biting her lip to keep herself from acting to stop Alexander's movements. However, his reassuring hand holding hers lifted the weight from her shoulders and he concluded, "I will not speak to him of any of this. He has enough on his mind and I will leave him to his thoughts. There is no need in me taunting the tiger to show me his fangs."

"The eagle is wise, so the tiger will hunt other prey." Lily mused a bit, a small smile creeping onto her face.

"And it is my hope that the tiger will not grow wings any time soon."



Title: Happy Life
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Reisha, Ethian, Gabriel, Michael & Alexander
Pairing(s): Ethian x Reisha
Genre(s): Romance & General
Rating: G
Word Count: 975

Happy Life

Always quiet but ever watchful, Reisha listened intently as her future husband led her through the elaborate marble halls of his palace. The decorations astounded her, hues of purple and red adorning every wall and window, and adamant statues of armor stood in a row to welcome their royal guests. Reisha felt so unworthy, but more so blessed to be in such glorious company.

She clung to his arm needily the father in they went, for he continued to lead them through this maze, and she didn't want to find herself lost before she was made queen. And then the latter thought made her mind wander for a moment; queen... a lowly girl like her. Why was it possible and why was it happening?

Her people had been shunned for just reason, but Ethian tried to welcome them back into society by visiting their far-off village frequently. He eventually made friends with some of the children and men, then finally met the young woman in Reisha. Like the other women in her tribe, she was crowned with blue hair, but her face showed so much more curiosity than the others, and thus he gave her a second glance.

A quiet but understood friendship was formed between Prince and Villager, but it was when Ethian proposed they wed in an attempt to reforge relationships lost with her people that Reisha came to realize how serious he really was with her. At first she tried to refuse, claiming she was unworthy, and he was wise to assure her that he was not only doing this to welcome her people back into society, but that he loved her as well - genuinely. He was not a power hungry man that only sought comfort when he needed it, but a humble one with joy-filled heart that he wished to share with others.

So that's how Reisha made it into the week of her wedding to the soon-to-be King Ethian, walking side by side with him through the halls. She admired every bust and statue, but she admired him more; devout, loving and merciful, she felt her decision to marry him was more than wise. His God was indeed mighty and powerful to have united two very different peoples now to be joined on a pair of thrones.

"Reisha, my love, there are a few people I would like you to meet," Ethian asked of her, drawing her attention from the past to the present. "Please, don't be shy. They are good young men who have been my closest friends for many years now. My Angels, please meet Reisha, my future wife and your future queen."

Reisha turned her eyes away from her fiancee' to the trio of blondes in front of her, each breathing somewhat heavily from what she assumed must have been physical training. The tallest introduced himself first.

"My name is Gabriel, my lady. Welcome to the Palace of The South."

In return, she bowed her head slightly and smiled. "It is a pleasure, Sir Gabriel."

The next in height followed his elder's lead. "I am Michael, better known as Archangel, Lady Reisha. It's an honor to finally make your acquaintence."

Likewise, Reisha bowed again and eyed the third man, this one smiling and jubilant to see her. "And you are...?" She said, curious to know him the most.

His smile grew wider and he took her by the hand to kiss it gently, making her blush and his comrades scoff quietly. "Lady Reisha, you are as beautiful as I imagined. I am Alexander and your humble servant. Do let me know if you need my assistance in any matter."

Reisha grinned, pleased and more relaxed now to have met someone so cheery and inviting. "Of course, Sir Alexander. I will call for you first and thank you."

Ethian couldn't help but laugh at his three Angels and their innocent, yet humorous attempts to charm his future queen. "All right, that's enough. You three may call it a day and do what you please, but steer clear of the wedding chapel - the matrons have been working far too hard preparing it for the ceremony tomorrow. I'll not have sword-slashed ribbons at my wedding."

"Yes Sire," the Three replied, excusing themselves and leaving the couple alone for a time.

When the Three were gone, Ethian sighed in relief, leading Reisha to a nearby set of well-cushioned chairs to sit down. She set herself down gracefully, only to soon find herself in a warm embrace that made her blush. She had never been this close to him before!

Trying to collect herself, she stammered for an adequate response that would take her mind off the physical contact, "W-well, I'm looking f-forward to tomorrow... are you, Ethian?"

"Very much so, my love. I eagerly await to see how lovely you will look for the ceremony, because if your beauty blinds me now, I will be walking in a darkened stupid for the rest of days thereafter. I will not mind such darkness, though - it is something I have dreamt of for some time now." Ethian held her tighter, nestling his nose in her hair to breathe her in.

The blush on her cheeks was too bright to hide now and her voice had left her; never had so much love flooded her. Her people were reclusive, bitter and quiet, but Ethian was the complete opposite; passionate, considerate and a companion for the ages. Was she really to marry this god among men?

"I can only hope that your expectations will be met, my Prince. I will serve you until the ends of the Earth, this I so swear."

"I never had any expectations, for you fulfilled every wish I had the day you accepted my proposal. We will have a happy life, Reisha, I promise you."



Title: Imperfection
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Reia & Delilah
Pairing(s): Nicholas x Reia & Nicholas x Delilah
Genre(s): Drama & some Action
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 594

Imperfection

The Temptress taunted her prey, circling her and commanding the winds to confuse her opponent, for with the shifting flows she would become hasty and misguided - just what the Witch wanted. This duel between one woman still pure against an adultress who bore no shame was finally in its climactic moment.

"Coward!" Reia cried out, shielding her eyes from the dust that whipped about her like tiny pieces of glass to cloud her vision. "You hide behind your wall of wind and will not face me - why?! You challenged me when you spoke his name so divinely on your lips, claiming that he is yours to own, but I will not have it. He is not to be had by anyone!"

"So that makes him yours, I suppose?" Delilah purred, still a safe distance away from her adversary. "Tell me, what are your dreams, young Reia? Are they to wait for your love until the night of your wedding, where you will be whisked away into a night of bliss? Will you always cherish that memory in your heart? Or will you take my road? And my dear, it is a most pleasurable one..."

Reia scowled angrily, never before so infuriated in her life. "You mean one of sin and shame. You should be in the pits of Hell for what acts you've committed."

"Shame? Why no, my dear... both the predator and prey have enjoyed every second I've offered myself. They never denied me, so why should I deny that I liked it? If you would only relinquish your hold on those ancient teachings, you, too could experience the passion and the love I've felt for so many years." Delilah now parted the dusty cloud, approaching the former princess from behind. "And Reia, don't deny that you have done more than just dream about being your sweet Nicholas' bride."

Startled, Reia turned around and made her lance clash with Delilah's staff, fending her off for only a second before the next attack came. "I have done no such thing..." Reia hissed.

"Oh but you have, my dear. You see, I have a very... unique gift, one with which I can see the sensual desires of one's heart and mind." Delilah objected, steadily getting closer each time their weapons met, parrying and dodging with ease. "I can see how you have envisioned him and the way you see yourself. Don't be ashamed, dear, because you are indeed quite the lovely little thing."

"Lies!" Reia screeched this time, shoving Delilah away with an unexpected surge of strength. "Your feeble attempts to trick me into living the way you do are falling on deaf ears. I have lived my life as purely as possible and I will not have any witch try to convince me otherwise. You have been in sin - and you will remain in it."

"You are not as innocent as you think you are, because I see something else far worse than my supposed sin, and it's inside you, begging to come out." Delilah snickered, her eyes flashing scarlet then returning to their dull grey hue. "If you call yourself holy and worshipful, than I'm more a saint than you! So go on and preach whatever you like - I know what you are."

Reia glared and leveled her weapon in front of her. She was far from happy now. "Mark my words, Delilah, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. You are no more perfect than I am - I know my flaws."



Title: Leaving
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Reia & Nicholas
Pairing(s): Nicholas x Reia
Genre(s): Angst & Drama
Rating: G
Word Count: 721

Leaving

"Nicholas!" She shouted after him in the young man's apparent foolishness, abandoning the group when he was needed. "Where are you going?"

He turned to face her, but his eyes went back down the ground; he was so ashamed of himself. "I'm not what I want to be. I'm not the protector I should be. I've grown... weak."

Reia shook her head, trying to smile. "You've never been weak, Nicholas, you know this. Please don't leave us."

"I can't fight for you if what I'm fighting is able to penetrate any barrier I've ever had to shield myself!" He yelled back, a rare moment in which his temper flared. His ego was non-existent, but his devotion to her was wavering. Something was causing him to lose sight of what he treasured.

Reia tried to step towards him, but he instinctively took another step backwards, keeping his distance from her. "I don't understand... what is it you can't fight?"

"The witch. She's done something to me and I hate the way it makes me feel..." Nicholas replied bitterly, not daring to utter the temptress' name in Reia's presence. "I nearly fell into her temptation, and that's something I can't afford to do. If I'm that easy to prey upon, then I'm not worth being a guardian to you. I hope you can forgive me."

Not caring that this would likely cause her to be shoved away and avoided, Reia shook her head again and surged towards him, clutching his arms tightly to keep herself near him if he chose to struggle. "There is nothing to forgive you for. All people sin and repent for it. You are not at fault because your few flaws were exposed for a short moment in time."

He withheld a growl and took her by the arm, remembering to be gentle, but stern. "But my sin put you in danger. I must leave for a time and see if the man I want to be for you is still there in my soul. One day you will understand my reasoning."

"I don't understand it now!" Reia pleaded loudly, crying into his chest without care that he was trying to pry her off of him. "Even if you can't forgive yourself, I do! Can't you see that?!"

"Then you must hate me for not doing so."

"I will never hate you!"

Nicholas loosened his grip and allowed his hand to drift up to hers, where his fingers played a little with her own. Slightly dirtied skin met the dryness of his lips, and Reia sobbed louder, knowing what he meant by the act. This moment would haunt her for many sleepless nights until he would return.

"And if you can never hate me, and you will always forgive me, then you will let me go."

Though she cried more tears, she finally nodded and released her grip from his arms, letting him be free to make his own choices as he always had. But then she thought... what if she had inadvertently been making his choices for him? She had never intended to do so, because he always followed her blindly without question, but now the thought would linger in the back of her mind forever.

"Be safe, Nicholas, and I pray you will find your answers soon." She told him softly. She smiled for him - a token for him to carry in his heart while on his solitary journey.

"I will, and I pray you wellness in your journey with Michael. Be blessed." He replied, just as quietly, like it was already a prayer that he almost hated to utter. He didn't want to tell her goodbye this way.

As he began to walk away, his back turned to her shaking form, he tried to focus on the matter at hand. He would go to the forest where his father trained him rigorously - he would educate himself on everything, and even if it took months, he would supersede every expectation he had for himself. He was daring to challenge his past sins, already forgiven, but only to find favor once again in his King's eyes.

Reia cried for him all night, and Michael could only watch the boy whom he had seen as a son walk away. It was just the two of them now.


Title: The Three
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Ethian, Michael, Gabriel & Alexander
Genre(s): General & some Angst
Rating: G
Word Count: 1,250

The Three

Ethian looked upon his Three, no longer boys, but had grown into young men, and they were about to execute their final test. Standing in a triangular pattern, each Angel looked at another, waiting for the moment in which their King would commence them to start. They were calm; poised. Ready for anything. They would be flawless.

"Draw your weapons," Ethian said firmly, but had to smile. He had trained these farm boys into the finest soldiers since Ethias himself? He wanted to pat himself on the back for what a magnificent job he had done, crafting them into such visions of perfection that would make even a bloodthirsty general back down from battle.

"Begin when ready."

The movements thereafter looked more like a choreographed dance, clanging, banging, and sounds of steel shifting over steel resonating in the air. They moved quick as lightning, anticipating one another's parries and strikes, and sometimes not expecting them, for each had both an advantage and a disadvantage.

While Michael found it easy to counter Alexander's twin swords, he was always seceptible to Gabriel's great sword that had a tendency to attack from above or behind. Likewise, Gabriel was easy prey for both Michael's and Alexander's agility, for in carrying such a heavy weapon, he was not as swift as his brothers. Alexander, too, had the flaw in that he had difficulty avoiding Michael's always shifting techniques - using Angelus like a sword at times, and at others he would act as if it were giant piece of timber that could knock someone out cold.

But when it came to their flaws, they were few, and rarely would these three men ever be pitted against each like this again. Ethian prayed they would never turn on one another...

After several more minutes of their constant lunges and swipes that never did any damage - as they were instructed to not hurt one another - Ethian called for them to cease and then to stand before him. "Then I do suppose it is official - you three are beyond my instruction now and have proven yourselves worthy to be known as Angels. I congratulate you on this prestigious honor, my boys."

"Thank you, King Ethian," they replied in unison, one with enthusiasm, another with a respect for his mentor, and the last with a strong sense of obligation.

"As Angels, you each have a special task, given to you by God, and this you all know already. You've seen things in your dreams, and at times in every day life. I know it has been harder for you all at times, but rest assured that I have prayed your pain be eased every day." Ethian told them comfortingly, eyeing one Angel more than the others. "Your gifts are unique. Dangerous, but well worth the cost. You hold the future of our world within your hands, as cliche' as that sounds."

Ethian continued. "So according to your gifts, you each will now hold a title that will not necessarily earn you respect or valor, but it will grant you understanding as to the purpose of your talents. Wear these names proudly or hide them - I will not force you to shout them to the world."

First, he approached Gabriel, his eldest and most stubborn, but he knew he was a man of courage and confidence. He would never fail his mentor or people, this Ethian was sure of. "Gabriel, you will be the Messenger, for you carry knowledge of many things. But beware - there is an ultimate knowledge that you will not be aware of until the moment Jehovah invokes you with it, and on that day you must proclaim it with a voice louder than any known to man. We will depend on you."

Gabriel lowered his head instinctively and allowed Ethian's hand to touch his shoulder. He didn't even shudder or feel a sense of strength pass through him. Gabriel was too stoic - too apart from everyone else.

Ethian then progressed onto Michael, who knelt respectively before his King. Ethian smiled, humbled by the gesture. "You, Michael, will be the Archangel - Jehovah's all-mighty general who will lead the attack against a great army. This day will be Armageddon, and you must be ready to face it at any time, because no man will know the day or time. Rest assured, though, that on that day your brothers will be there to fight at your side, and you will all reign victorious. Do not fear your death, Michael, because it will never be."

Though he was honored and humbled by such a great rank to be bestowed upon him, Michael instantly felt a guilt eat away at his heart. If he was to never die, would he have to watch everyone else around him die, too? What fate could truly be any worse than that?

"I thank you, my King." He said, dryly - he was not as excited as he had wanted to be.

Finally, there was one left, and Ethian found it difficult to look into the eyes of this boy, barely a man, without turning away in shame. "Alexander, I know that you will be likely to hate me for this, but I'm sure you already know your purpose that God has given you. You will be the great Angel of Death - the courier of spirits to Heaven. On the day of Armageddon, you, along with your Brothers, will have to slay many, but few will make the journey Home. Until then, though, you must care for the souls of the dead and welcome them to Paradise."

Alexander tried not to cry and smiled brightly for his mentor, assuring the elder man that he was prepared for whatever came his way. His swords would be at his side and his love for the people would spur him to battle, but... his love for the people...

He began to cry, but still smiled. "Thank you, my King. I will not fail you and I am blessed with this gift."

Broken in seeing Alexander fight so hard against his soft heart, Ethian smiled in return and nodded, denying tears himself in the act of biting his lower lip. Turning away and standing before his Angels again, he spoke one final time. "When you were brought here to be taught under my wing, you were not only being honed for Armageddon, but were also deemed to be guardians over those who will need your protection. For the time being, you are the kingdom's, but one day soon... there will be a child, and since you are the eldest, Gabriel, I will appoint you first to be my heir's keeper. Likewise, as more follow, Michael and Alexander will guard one, as well."

He went on. "These burdens are heavy that I have given you this day, but they are also blessings in disguise, for through your weapons and hearts, you will save this world from the sin that has corrupted it. Jehovah needs you three to finish this age and see it into the future where we will live again in peace forever. Raise your heads high, or slump your shoulders forward - I will not condone you for anything you choose to do from here on. Just remember this; you are the Angels, given human life by God to help the people. Always help your fellow man and do not think him lower than you."

"Yes, King Ethian..."



Title: Trusting
Fandom: Trinity Kingdom (Original)
Character(s): Michael, Reisha & Reiko
Genre(s): General & Comfort
Rating: G
Word Count: 1,521

Trusting

He found it in the gardens, small and obviously misplaced. Michael fingered it strangely, as if searching for impurities. Why was it out here in the grass and dirt anyway? The queen had no business leaving something so important behind for dishonest people to steal and sell for worthless trinkets. Tucking it into his pocket, he decided it best to return it to the lady as quickly as possible, and hopefully it would be without delay.

He strode past various guards and council members socializing in the courtyards, minding their own business as usual. But something kept catching his eye; a blur not quite recognizable darting from one large object to the next, obviously hiding from him. He wondered if it was a thief looking to take this precious item away for himself. Michael glared hard at the nearby shrubs, knowing this to be his shadow's new hiding place.

Instead, though, he chose to ignore his follower and made his way into the castle, bidding a good afternoon to the guards standing at the entrance. These men had seen no action and knew they would face little in the years to come thanks to their reign of prosperity and peace, but Michael tried not to brood over their ever increasing age. Soon, all those left under his command would be young boys incapable of wielding a simple sword. War was never meant for the elderly or a child.

Michael found the queen in her chamber, seeming to fret over something of an unusual sort. She was most peculiarly on her hands and knees, looking under her bed and everything else she could, hoping to find what she had lost. Little did she know that Michael had already found it.

"Beg your pardon, my Lady, but I have something for you," he spoke up, trying to announce his presence as politely as possible.

Reisha quickly hurried to her feet, a strangled look of poise on her face, but Michael knew she was frantic. Her normally perfect straight hair was tangled about in wisps in front of her face, her white dress was turning shades of grey from the dust and dirt on the floor, and her tone was shaky as she replied in kind. "Sir Michael, what could you possibly have for me? I-I should be welcoming you, not bid you come bearing gifts."

Michael gave a small laugh and pulled his hand out of his pocket, opening his grip to let the tiny thing he believed his queen had lost shine for her. "It's not a gift I originally gave, but I thought you would like to have it back just the same."

The relief on her face told the whole story as to her appearance when he found her, and she exhaled heavily. "I thank you, Michael. I don't know how I lost it, and if Ethian knew I had..."

"Don't worry, my Queen," Michael interrupted with another smile. "Your husband will not hear one word of this. Besides, it has been found and with its rightful owner. There is no more need to worry."

Reisha smiled as well and eyed the priceless gift again as she rolled it around a bit in her hand. "I wonder how I lost it... Where did you find it, Michael?"

Michael furrowed his brow. "In the western garden, surprisingly. Were you there earlier today, my lady?"

She shook her head. "No, and I didn't go there yesterday, either. Strange, isn't it?"

"Most strange..." he replied, casting his eyes to the floor for a moment when his lightning quick reflexes reacted to the sound of the door creaking slightly. He waited for his pursuer to show his face, and when the moment didn't come, his impatience got the better of him and he surged at the door, catching the little stalker a moment before he could make his get away run.

"Reiko!" Reisha demanded in her motherly tone, something rarely heard, but was feared at times. "What are you doing sneaking about and trying to scare others? Don't you have studies to attend to?"

"I finished my studies early today, Mother." The boy replied, a spark of mischieviousness in his eyes, but there was still something irksome about him - Gabriel knew it right away when he first beheld the infantile form of their future ruler. "Right now I'm playing a game with Michael."

Not as convinced as she normally would have been, Reisha cooly folded her arms in front of her, assuming control of the situation without even trying. "Oh? And what sort of game is this? You will have to do far better than you just have if you mean to catch Michael off guard."

"But I'm following him because he took an important part of my game!" Reiko complained, starting a glaring contest with his superior by several years - he would never be certain how old Michael was. "And I want it back!"

Michael studied the situation for a moment, then knew exactly what was amiss. "I see - so you took your mother's ring and tried to hide it, did you? Did you have your mother's permission?"

Reiko tried not to look so defeated and small in Michael's eyes. "It's only a game! It's the treasure I'm supposed to hide from the enemy!"

Reisha looked down at her ring again, wondering for a moment if she should try to please her son by giving it to him this time, but Michael gave her a look, warning her to not do something so foolish. She knew better than anyone else how distrusted her own son was, but she was trying to show she had confidence in him ever so steadily, however Michael was practically forbidding her from handing over something so precious again.

"You avoided my question." Michael said sternly, now assuming command since Reisha didn't seem to have a firm enough grasp on her rambunctious child. "Did you, or did you not take your mother's ring without her knowing?"

Now Reiko was glaring harshly at his elder, growing angry that he had the nerve to ask him anything of the sort. "What business is it of yours to ask me that? You are not my father and you are not an exceptional guardian in the least. I suggest you leave."

Though he was just a young boy of eight at the time, he was already mastering a wide vocabulary that was more than capable of sending grown men stumbling out of a room, befuddled and embarrassed. Michael swallowed his temper and bowed to exit before glaring at the boy again. "I apologize, Lord Reiko. It was not my place."

As he turned to leave, Reisha had released the grip her teeth had on her lower lip and halted his retreat. "Wait! I... I did give my ring to Reiko, didn't I, son? Yes, yes I did. Now here, you may have it once again to play with today, but I expect it back by nightfall." With love only a mother could give, she placed the golden band in Reiko's grasp and watched him bound away in a hurry to do whatever he pleased with it. But it didn't matter to her what he did, as long as he was happy.

Michael, however, was nowhere near pleased with her actions. "Forgive me, Lady Reisha, but that was most unsettling of you to do. You are very well aware that he is not to be trusted with anything of value, and not just because he's a child capable of losing things easily, but because he's far too intelligent for his age. Jehovah only knows what he's really planning to do with it."

"What? Do you expect my son to sell my wedding ring to a traveling merchant for a weapon or other jewels?" Reisha asked the Archangel, catching him off balance just slightly with her rather forward question.

"I... I did not mean it that way, my Lady, I'm just..." He had to stop, unsure of what to say in conclusion to that thought. What Reisha suggested was really what Michael was suspecting Reiko to do - or worse.

"I understand that you're concerned, Michael, but please, be the third person to try and trust Reiko like Ethian and I do. He will prove he is smart enough to return my ring to me and will thus earn the privilege to borrow it again another day. You will see." Reisha smiled for him again, but this smile was strained and sad. Michael didn't have to look hard to see the woman's heart breaking from the inside out. She was trying to be the perfect queen and mother, and with her only child thus far proving to be more than an ordinary child-rearing obstacle, she was losing the will to climb the hill she set foot on ten years ago.

Michael wanted to believe in her and start trusting Reiko, but the look in the boy's eyes was nowhere near that of a saint. His schemes for now may have been potentially harmless, but would one day become deadly and frightening.