An Uneven Matchup? Rick vs Cyclo
This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc
Cyclo dropped to the ground and rolled around laughing. He then stood up and jeered at Rick.
"You think you can take me, boy? You must be a teenager, thinking you can take on challenges you are horribly unqualified for! Fine with me! If you want to die first, I can take you clowns on from youngest to oldest!"
"I, and everyone else in our crew will not be dying today." Rick replied boldly. "Even you aren't going to die Cyclo. But I promise you that when this is over, you won't terrorize Tamma, Jahno, this town, or anyone and anyplace ever again."
"Not gonna kill me eh? Then you will definitely fail lad! Well, I declare that I am going to kill you. And I promise that it will be a very excruciating, painful death!"
"You've got this Rick, we believe in you." The Pirate smiled as he patted Rick's shoulder. "Go ahead and teach this Goliath wannabe a lesson!"
"The Pirate and I will protect Tamma and Jahno, starting with a force field spell." Cerissa added. "Essie, can you back Rick up if needed?"
"Of course I will." Essie said in a tone that sounded both brave and affectionate. She then embraced Rick. "I have your back, always."
"Thanks Essie, I will always protect you.... and everyone else too of course!" Rick was grateful for his helmet covering up his blushing.
"Awwwww, how freaking wholesome!" Cyclo mocked. "Can we get to the fight already, before you win by putting me to sleep, or making me vomit?"
"Sure thing Cyclo, we've all waited long enough for this fight!" Rick shouted as he charged at Cyclo. Cyclo laughed gleefully and also sprinted towards his opponent. Once they were close enough, Rick followed through with a closed fist to Cyclo's face. The force of Rick's punch sent the cyclops flying into a distant barn, causing the structure to collapse. Cyclo emerged from the wreckage and limped back to his much smaller foe, his expression reflecting his shock and anger.
"How.... did.... you.... do that?!?"
"Trade secret." Rick replied in a mocking tone of his own. "Ready to continue being pounced, or will you surrender now?"
To be continued....
Corinthians 14:15-19 - Power Through Words (Bible Journal)
"[15] Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. [16] For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? [17] You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. [18] I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. [19] But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language (1 Corinthians 14:15-19 NLT)."
There can be awe inspiring power in observing the process of someone speaking in tongues, but without a translation in understandable language, the words themselves aren't going to help anyone that isn't following what is being communicated. Words that we can understand and use to interact with others have incredible power when it comes to passing on a message, including messages God wants us to hear. Paul's point of preferring "five understandable words" was in contrast to just speaking in tongues, but even when it comes to many words in an understandable language, just a few can sometimes be enough to be life changing. This week I want to work on paying attention to the words God is passing on through those He has entrusted with them. By doing this I seek to not only learn more about God, but also grow closer to Him. Whether the words are many that come from a lengthy podcast, or a quick quote from a short devotional, God's power can shine through, and I want to soak them in.
Walking Alongside You, Today and Always
*For my wife*
I am grateful and proud of the role you play in our family.
Thanks to you, we have children that also walk beside us.
Thanks to you, our children continue to learn, grow, and change throughout that walk.
This journey, and our family, is much more exciting and fulfilling thanks to all you've done (and do).
We may not know what's ahead, but I'm thankful to find out alongside you.
Thank you for being the one our children call mom, and thank you for being the beautiful presence that you are in our family.
I look forward to all of us continuing to walk together, now and always.
Happy Mother's Day, I love you!
- This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule
All of the sights of Little Dafford had left Brian in awe, but nothing like the training grounds of the warrior army. Once he stepped through the iron gate that Coban opened, he observed sparring matches of a good hundred warriors, all armored with protection that was on par with the iron walls that surrounded the vast dirt grounds. Brian had not seen much combat in his life besides a few fist fights in his school days, but instead of being overwhelmed by the mighty men and women battling around him, he felt more determined than ever to join their ranks.
The pair finally reached a large roundhouse, and Brian followed Coban in. A tall, lanky man sat up on a cot and smiled at Coban.
"Lad! I thought I gave thee the day off? Or do ye have a recruit for me?"
"He requested an audience with you." Coban groaned. "My brother dumped him on me, and insisted I answer his questions. The bloke wouldn't drop the prospect of being trained to fight as a warrior. Can you deal with him? My apologies Master Ravok."
"Nonsense son, the more the merrier!" Ravok chuckled. "Leave 'em ere, and I'll size up his potential."
Coban bowed down, then ran out as quick as he could. Ravok arose from the cot, and walked to the corner of the room where the cries "Sword Up!" were coming out of a crystal that flashed various bright colors. Ravok put his hand on the crystal, and it reverted to a bright white before going silent.
"Sorry, figured better turn off thee game so I could hear ye out." Ravok said warmly as he approached Brian.
"That was a game?" Brian asked. "I assumed that was a battle!"
"Nah, just an old game where two teams are trying to get thee other's king. The crystal there taps into locations where games get played, and I listen to 'em to relax."
"So, like a radio broadcast?"
"Never heard of a radio, that some kind of magic from ye village?"
"Yeah, some kind of magic." Brian replied.
This is really the leader? He seems too laid back compared to everyone outside.
"Anyway, you're the leader of the warriors? Pardon me if I sound a bit rude, but you seem a bit different from the others out there."
Ravok looked at Brian incredulously before letting out a great belly laugh.
"Don't believe in me skills eh? Alright then, take me on if ye think ye can!"
"Hold on, I have no training! Forgive me, I didn't mean to upset-"
"Upset? Hardly! I've seen much on the battlefield far more upsetting. I have nothing to prove, just want to see what ye may bring to the army. Here, let me give ye something to help."
Ravok stomped his foot, and a hole opened up in the floor. A shelf emerged from the opening in front of Brian. The shelf was decked with various armor, helmets, shields, and weapons.
"Go on, feel free to borrow from me armory." Ravok said cheerfully. "Everything here is imbued with magic, and will enhance ye abilities."
Brian donned a matching steel helmet, chest plate, and a long sword. Ravok wasn't bluffing, as Brian now felt like he could take on ten armies thanks to the magic from the gear. He turned to Ravok, who then carried over a handful of white powder, which he then proceeded to spread around Brian.
"Before ye face me, let's see how ye fare in a farce battle."
"Farce battle?" Brian questioned.
"The substance around ye will simulate a battleground, and a foe of ye choice." Ravok explained as the powder evaporated into a fog that surrounded Brian. "Ye thoughts will be read, and the battle ye envision will appear. Don't worry, tis merely an illusion, but a fine way to measure fighting skills."
Brian was surrounded by darkness, and one of the fiends that had previously tortured him stood before him, wearing his wife's face and smirking.
"After I play with you, I'm gonna gut you and deliver your insides to your lady." The monster laughed cruelly.
"Not this time!" Brian screamed, charging at the beast. He felt amazing as he lunged, not only feeling faster and stronger, but fully aware of how to use the sword he held, even without proper training. Magic truly is an amazing thing.
"Awwwww, so the hapless fool thinks he can take me now, huh?" The monster mocked as Brian drew closer. "No matter what enhancements you hold, you are noth-"
Brian sliced the monster's head off, apologizing to Sarah under his breath. He continued slashing the headless fiend until a bloody pile of gore was all that remained. The darkness cleared and the creature remains then vanished. Brian then found himself looking at a grinning Ravok a few feet ahead.
"The gear ye chose approved of ye, well done indeed! Now come at me lad, and face a real opponent!"
"Aren't you going to equip yourself?" Brian asked.
"No need, I am protected enough." Ravok smiled. "Ye have shown me what ye can do, now give me ye best!"
Brian was worried that he could truly maim Ravok with the power he held from his armor and sword, but he assumed that Ravok wouldn't agree to this without some kind of enhancements of his own, even if he was only wearing a simple leather shirt and trousers. He felt the same level of skill that he had felt during the mock battle a moment ago as he charged at Ravok.
"Impressive approach, now use thee sword lad!" Ravok said as he stood his ground, even without a weapon of his own at his disposal.
Brian swung the sword involuntarily as instructed. Ravok smiled as he ducked under the strike. He then lunged at Brian and tripped him, knocking him to the ground. Ravok caught the sword that slipped from his opponent's grasp, and pointed it at his neck.
"This gear is incredible, and made me feel incredible." Brian said with awe, as Ravok lowered the sword and helped him up. "But I still had no chance against you. Please tell me, was there a special magic that you used just now?"
"Nay lad, just me own personal strength from training, along with the blessing of the great Lyrane!"
"Lyrane? Who's that?"
"Our God of strength and courage of course! Me and all the warriors in our army possess Lyrane's blessing. As long as we keep his favor, we triumph in any battle, even without magic!"
Brian stood in awe once more, remembering Olban's revelation of the gods of his world earlier. So Lyrane is one of them....
"Please Ravok, train me and allow me to join your forces." Brian pleaded softly, bowing down before Ravok. "I wish to tear apart the monstrous bastards that tortured me. I am getting up there in age, but I wish to have one more adventure, and if you teach me and help me seek Lyrane's blessing, I know I could be worthwhile to you and your army."
"Stand up lad, don't bow to me!" Ravok said sharply, his smile fading. "The only one worthy of thee worship is Lyrane, and his brethren!"
"Of course, I apologize." Brian said as he stood up meekly. "Please, will you help me?"
Ravok gave Brian a kind smile but shook his head.
"I'm sorry lad, but I cannot."
"But why?" Brian asked in a dejected tone.
"Forgive me bluntness, but training ye would be a waste. Ye showed great skill with the enhanced armory, but that is all ye currently have. Tis true I could strengthen ye, but without the blessing of Lyrane, it wouldn't be enough."
"Is that it?" Brian replied with slight annoyance. "You don't think Lyrane will bless me?"
"Nay lad." Ravok answered solemnly. "Lyrane would smite ye on thee spot."
"He would? Why?"
Ravok pointed to Brian's chest and gave him a woeful look.
"Ye heart. Tis full of rage and self-fulfillment when it comes to ye desire to fight. Lyrane would never approve."
Acts of the Apostles 8:1-3 - Being Empowered Despite My Past Failures (Bible Journal)
"[1] Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. [2] (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) [3] But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison (Acts of the Apostles 8:1-3 NLT)."
I am going through a season where I am struggling with anxiety over shame for past sins and mistakes that I wish I could go back and handle differently, but I am unable to alter. Today's Scripture began with showing us a glimpse of Saul's dark feelings and actions, reflecting someone that can easily be written off as nothing more than a cruel villain. This isn't his destiny though, as later chapters reveal his encounter with the Lord, which converted Saul into a staunch Christian and ally to the Lord that we know as Paul. He couldn’t change like this on his own, but God worked through him, and Paul embraced it and allowed the Lord to empower him to do great things in the Lord's name. It is reassuring to know that if Paul could go through such a radical change even after all the wrongs he did, that I can also be changed and serve as an ally to God, regardless of my past mistakes.
Chuck Mingo's latest message ("How To Access Power" - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/270-crossroads-church-28634445/episode/s2-ep13-how-to-access-power-165384788/?cmp=android_share&sc=android_social_share&pr=false) featured some great mantras that I will be utilizing as I continue to work through internal struggles over my past failures. I loved Chuck's statement of "kicking out the trash talking voice of shame," and his reminder that "you don't have to be defined by your biggest mistake." One of the most important things Chuck helped me to remember is that I'm not alone in overcoming these feelings, as I can call on the Holy Spirit to help me work through the things I need to overcome. Constantly trying to sort through everything by my own thoughts and feelings alone is not only exhausting, but doesn't lead to complete peace in the end, as new anxieties will inevitably come into play. But trusting in God to help me through any and all of these battles, along with embracing my identity as a son that belongs to Him, will be the key that I need to use to unlock true calmness, and the path to the next step in the role God wants me to play in the growth of His Kingdom.
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your son's work on the cross, and His resurrection afterward that paid the price for all of my past, present, and future sins. Thank You for not letting that be Your only plan for my life, as there is more work that You would like to do through me. Please help me to continue to stand up to that voice of shame, and please help me to pay attention to what You truly want me to put my focus on. Please help anyone dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, and please equip me to be part of the solution for those that are going through these kind of challenges. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Money Withdrawl Declined - Cyclo Officially Challenged!
This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc
Cyclo opened the treasure chest and eyed the money within greedily. He reached in to remove the bills for counting purposes, but as he did so the money disappeared, and electric blasts emerged from the chest, shocking him.
Tamma grinned as Cyclo screamed in pain. The plan she formed with the Pirate and his crew was unfolding perfectly.
"So that's it?" Jahno asked nervously. "We've won?"
"Sorry Dad, but that won't be enough to stop him." Tamma advised as Cyclo's electrocution continued. "But the next phase will be starting now."
A brilliant white light generated from the electric blasts, surrounding Cyclo, Tamma, and Jahno. Once the light faded, the three found themselves standing on a vast plot of farmland, with houses far off in the distance.
"Yay, the trap and transfer worked!" Essie squealed, standing beside Rick, Cerissa, and Mitch (who had already transformed into his Pirate form). Essie and Cerissa were dressed in their mage robes, while Rick was fully armored thanks to his helmet. The crew raced over to where Tamma and Jahno stood.
Cyclo broke free from the electric blasts, then cast a fireball out of his hand that incinerated the treasure chest. He then turned to glare at Jahno, Tamma, and their new allies.
"You've really blown it this time Jahno. Now your precious daughter and the rest of your pathetic town are mine for the taking!"
"No, you.... you.... you.... are wrong." Jahno stammered nervously. "I am putting my faith in my daughter, who entrusted this Pirate and his crew to stop you."
"Thanks Dad." Tamma said softly as tears once again rolled down her cheeks. "Alright guys, Cyclo is away from everyone else in town, and he should be partially weakened from the jolt in that trap. That should make a difference in the fight to come!"
"Ha ha ha ha, your daughter is even dumber than you Mr. Mayor!" Cyclo roared with laughter. He then waved a hand over himself, fully treating his injuries with a healing spell.
"Don't you dare insult Tamma, you are the idiot here!" Rick shot back. "You will regret underestimating us, we have more than enough power and talent to stop you. Hey Pirate, is it ok if I fight him first?"
To be continued....
Genesis 3:24 - Back To The Garden Someday (Bible Journal)
"[24] After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24 NLT)."
It is a sad situation, messing up and having to leave the perfect paradise that was set up for you. It is easy to shake your head at Adam and Eve for making such a dumb move (just don't eat the fruit, follow the basic instruction you were given). Then, I remember all the sins that I have committed, and realize many of those were also dumb moves. But thanks to God giving us a way back to Him through the payment of our sins through the work Jesus did, we can one day go back to what is the equivalent of that perfect garden. I certainly don't deserve it, but I am thankful that God has made it possible.
Thank You Lord for the work of Jesus to save us from our sins, and thank You for the reminder that I'm not only far from perfect, but that I need help in resisting temptation too. Please have mercy on me for my past mistakes, and please help me to be better today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Poetry in Pieces: Week Seven w/@MeeJong
This is a collaborative poem MeeJong and I wrote together by alternating verses over a 7 day time frame. Due to the busy nature of this crazy yet wonderful thing called life, this poem slipped through the cracks about a year ago. With MeeJong's blessing, I am excited for this poem to now appear on your screens. This poem was written with a gratitude theme throughout. So without further ado, we'll kick this off with my verses, followed by MeeJong's words:
I may be weary, and I may be overwhelmed.
I may be nervous for the challenges that lie ahead.
But adversity has honed me, and helped me grow.
So today, I am thankful for personal growth through trials,
and changing by stepping outside of my comfort zone.
I may be leary, and I may be overlooked.
I may be timid in the stream of life’s force.
But experience has taught me, and helped me know.
So today, I am thankful for the life which has grown,
Even when I tried to shrink, and hide from beauty unknown.
As I prepare to face a new day, I smile with thoughts of last night.
Fellowship at our friend's place, she is an integral part of our family.
We attempted to make our own onigiri, which I likely was the weakest creator.
But it was tasty all the same, and will be one more thing I seek to improve at.
So I give thanks today, for friendships that shine brightly in our lives.
The people that are a blessing to me and mine, I treasure their contributions to my life.
The new day dawns with hope and gratitude
Last night set an easy pace
Shifting gears from the rat race
Allowing friendship and good times to shine
Refilling this empty cup of mine
I look forward to the weekend too
But first there’s so much work to do!
The work was intense, but I did all I could.
This morning I woke at my own pace,
Which is not an option I always have.
I am grateful for this restful morning,
And this opportunity to get some writing in.
Tomorrow will be busy, but I am excited for
Our next family adventure!
Gratitude
Is hard found and easily won
Or easily found and hard won?
Either way
Gratitude
Is what I seek each day
And I thank you
For the opportunity to say
Thank you for this day
And that you looked my way
Even my rougher days are a bit better
When I start the day journaling on gratitude.
Although days like today are much easier
When it comes to finding thankfulness.
On a day Iike today where I'm normally at work,
I have a vacation day instead, and I was even able to get some grocery shopping done early.
Not the most poetic or exciting content to capture, but sometimes the little stuff is the best.
I am thankful for this chance to pause, take a breath, and write some words with you.
Capturing content
Can be an art
But also
Just a release of the heart
So hearing about gratitude
The small joys
In your daily existence
A reminder to breathe
To write our truth
Is a wonderful way
To start my day
So thank you
Thank you for the reminder, it is something I needed.
It has been a very stressful week, with new classroom dynamics pushing me to the limit.
But now I breathe a sigh of relief, and look forward to some down time at home.
A nice long birthday weekend, is exactly what I need to count my blessings again.
I am grateful for this chance to reset, make family memories, and enjoy life admist the challenges.
Work stress is real
Heavier each day
My back ready to break
My head pounds away
My heart seeks solitude
A weekend escape
It’s on the schedule!
Just have to get through today
Had a weekend escape of my own yesterday, meeting some anime actors and book authors at a convention we've never been to before.
Now I rest from that fun but long trip, and spend a quiet day home with my crew.
I've completed another trip around the sun, and I don't feel qualified to be at this new age.
But despite that, I thank God for where I've been, what I've overcome, what I'm still overcoming, and who is there with me on this journey.... including you.
I long for the time
When I would pass days
In any multitude of ways
But now
My days pass me
Blurring past so fast
My reflection itself
Is merely a blur
So let me pause
Hold this time
And gratitude
In my heart
And offer it to you
I agree, and can't believe it's March already.
Fall is the time of year I feel most alive, ironic
considering I spend a chunk of it dressed like the undead.
But warm temperatures, swimming with my loved ones,
and baseball season sound nice.
Today I give thanks for the Spring and Summer to come, with some fun memories to go along with them.
I come alive in Spring
The weight of winter
Lifting
Although my allergies
Are another of life’s little jokes
As I want to be outside
Enjoying the weather
But if I do
I turn into
The Abominable Snot Monster
That being said
I am grateful
For the change of seasons
My shifting mindset
And for finally being able
To write again.
Gratitude Journal For The Week of 3/4/2024
A Church I follow has an app (Crossroads Anywhere) where we journal together as a community, and one of the things we journal about are things we are thankful for. I wrote these for last week's prompts from the app.
I am going to continue to do gratitude journals, but I will likely only be posting them in the Crossroads Anywhere app going forward. To anyone that read these journals in the past, I thank you :-)
3/4/2024
"What are you looking forward to this week?"
- Working on improving time management at work and at home.
- Seeing my favorite volleyball team play.
- A family adventure.
3/5/2024
"What are you grateful for today?"
I am grateful for the chance to make some progress on the work I have to get done this week, for the coffee I am about to drink, and the chance to spend a little more time with my family this morning due to a carpooling situation.
3/7/2024
"How did someone help you this week?"
My wife for transporting us around when needed, and showing us the blessings of helping a friend in need.
3/8/2024
Affirmation: "God will never leave me or abandon me."
"Is there anything you would like to thank God for this week?"
Thank You Lord for Your help and guidance this week, for some time off with my family, and mutual interests to be passionate about.
Gratitude Journal For The Week of 2/26/2024
A Church I follow has an app (Crossroads Anywhere) where we journal together as a community, and one of the things we journal about are things we are thankful for. I wrote these for this week's prompts from the app....
2/26/2024
"What are you looking forward to this week?"
- A shorter work week.
- Working on some life improvements - getting back into reading, exercising, working on my voice acting class.
- Time with my family.
2/27/2024
"What are you grateful for today?"
- One more extra day off, even if it is for a dentist appointment.
- New music to check out.
- No shortage of sports to check out.
2/29/2024
"How did someone help you this week?"
- Ben and Jerry for their delicious ice cream, which was a nice treat after a rough day at work.
- The Antique Mall by my work for being a warm place to walk on my break.
- My dentist for continuing to help me.
3/1/2024
Affirmation: "God will never leave me or abandon me."
"Is there anything you would like to thank God for this week?"
Thank You God for being with me through a short but challenging work week. Thank You for a few days to rest and enjoy family, hobbies, and You.