"So…I guess I'll introduce myself now?" Trinity can feel eleven pairs of eyes on her, and it makes her more nervous that before. Even having Sinae and Shi in the chairs adjacent to hers isn't very comforting when the other eight sinners and Symone, who's sitting at the opposite end of the table, stare at her expectantly. "Well, I guess you already know me, but as a reminder, my name is Trinity. I've recently taken up position as Death Sinner Queen; a position left to me by my mother. I still have much to learn, and I know I may not always get it right, but I appreciate you all taking a chance on me. I created this team in order to build defenses against powerful enemies that will be invading Limbo in just a few months' time. Together, we'll defend Limbo."
"So, do you expect us to like actually fight? I mean, like, with weapons and stuff?" A mischievous voice breaks through the silence. "I don't know about anyone else, but I've never been in a real fight where my life was on the line; definitely not one where I have to take a life. I don't really care about the other sinners in this city, but I'm not a killer. I'm not even trained."
"That's a fair point Helaine, and totally valid. I understand feeling uncertain about the battle to come, but I promise I won't let any of you start a battle you're not prepared for. I will do my best to help you become battle ready in due time. Also remember that you'll never truly fight alone."
"How will you assure that exactly?" Morigain speaks now, her face neutral as ever. "Based on my observations, it seems you are still in the early stages of your planning and haven't even mastered the basics of battle yourself. Of course it's obvious you have great power, but that doesn't mean you know how to fight a war. How can you assure us that you'll train us to be ready for battle, when you're still in training yourself? Are you expecting Seleyna to take up the task?"
Trinity opens her mouth to answer, but quickly closes it again. She realizes that she took it for granted that Seleyna was capable in battle, and assumed she could help with training the team. She made that decision on her own, without even consulting Seleyna. She's been so entitled.
"About time you've realized." Seleyna makes an off-hand remark, but doesn't look at Trinity. However, she has no doubt it was intended for her, as though she could hear her thoughts. Her reply is instead directed towards Morigain. "You've called it right, our leader has a half-baked plan to take on the nine circles, but is herself so weak that even a lesser demon could end her."
"Yet, you still follow her? You must be insane." Morigain says in a matter-of-fact manner.
"No, it's not like that!" Trinity finally finds her voice. "Seleyna isn't here for my sake, she's-."
"I can defend myself." Seleyna sharply cuts Trinity off. "Morigain, right?" She confirms with a nod. "While I don't have to explain my reasons to anyone, I would never follow just anyone into battle or put my life on the line for a useless woman. Trinity is weak, but she has potential, and I know you can sense that too. All of you can, or you wouldn't be here." The room remains silent.
"Indeed, but that still doesn't answer my question. So allow me to ask you directly this time." She stares her in her eyes. "Will you take responsibility for the training of these unseasoned warriors on her behalf? It seems you are the only one capable to do it, outside Lady Symone."
"If that's what she asks of me, then I shall." Seleyna responds without hesitation. "However, surely you won't call yourself a member of this team, but not offer your expertise? Or do you intend to try and fool us into thinking you have no battle experience and incredible power?"
"I've made no such claim. I do have experience and immense power of my own. However, I don't see why that makes me obligated to share that expertise with everyone? I'm merely a member here, same as any of the others. I'm looking to our leader to lead. Am I mistaken?"
"Even if you're not here to lead, being in a team means contributing to it in some meaningful way. Otherwise, what purpose would the leader have to keep you? If you don't pull your weight, you will be dropped. Or that's what I'd like to say." She glances at Trinity. "That's not my call."
"I see." Morigain turns to face Trinity now. "Is that a rule you intend to implement for us then?"
All eyes shift to Trinity, causing her to grow anxious. "I-, that's, well…." She stumbles over her words as she speaks, the question catching her off guard. "I haven't really thought about the rules yet. But…I, uhm…." She can see the cringe looks growing on their faces. "I'm not really sure."
"Oh, so you're not sure. I'm sorry then." She casually lifts her glass of wine and drinks, then she continues to express her full thought. "I'm sorry I had such high expectations of you, my dear."
An awkward silence falls over the table, but Trinity can just make out the scattered giggles and catches a glance or two of judgmental stares. 'You'll never amount to anything, mark my words. The only thing you can offer anyone is your body. You're useless for anything more than sex.'
Trinity stands abruptly, startling some and intriguing others. For a silent room, suddenly her head is so LOUD, with echoes of the things that man would say to make her feel small and worthless. "Sorry, but I need to excuse myself for a bit. Please continue to enjoy the party though. Thanks."
They watch her quickly leave the room, and the silence continues, but no one is laughing now. They turn their attention to Morigain now, who continues to sip her wine and snack on fruit as though this situation doesn't concern her. "Have I said something wrong? Was I not correct?"
"Even if something is true, it doesn't always need to be said." Seraphine replies reasonably.
"There's also a matter of how things are said. You could've said it in a gentler way," Eirys says.
"Not to mention, you were rather cold-hearted in your approach. Be more empathetic to the fact that she's new to this role. She literally got shoved into this position by birth." Ravenna is blunt.
"Boss is trying her best. You're judging her without even knowing her. Fuck off," Sinae shames.
"We shouldn't question it. Trinity's our commander; therefore her word is law." Azura complies.
"Honestly, aren't you all being too dramatic over this? Just roll with it. It'll be fine." Nyxis tells.
"This is exhausting." Seleyna gets up and leaves, saying nothing further. Symone remains silent.
"Right, so you've all said your piece I suppose. Oh, aren't we missing someone? Helaine, right?"
"Wait…you're right. She was definitely here just a moment ago. Where could she have gone?"
"Do you actually care Miss Eirys, or are you just trying to remain ever so righteous in our eyes?"
"Now, now Nyxis, no need to be so petty. Why be hateful when we have so much love to share?"
"Not everyone wants to spread themselves wide like you do Seraphine. Have some respect, ok?"
"Could someone show me the way to my room? I've reached my limit of social time for today."
"Sure, I can show you Azura. This party blows and the guests aren't worth our time. Follow me."
"Yeah, I'm out too. I have some high quality smut waiting for me right next to my vibe. Peace."
As Sinae escorts Azura and Nyxis scurries away, Symone finally gets to her feet. "I guess I gave too much grace to you Sinners, but I hope you enjoyed yourselves. I will take my leave." She makes her way to the door. "Word of advice? Get the Kiss from Trinity, if you value your lives."