I've always wanted to write this! Faithful is my favorite character in Pilgrim's Progress. I've read and watched many adaptations of the book, and in this story, Faithful is a girl; mixing and matching from my favorites.
Faithful felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. "Open your eyes, my child," came a voice. Faithful obeyed. The celestial King was standing in front of her! Behind Him was the city she had been traveling to and longing for. Shining Ones were coming out to meet her. The King knelt down and raised her up off the ground.
Faithful couldn't believe it. Moments ago, she had received an unimaginable beating before the cruelest death that could be invented. She had tried to help the residents of Vanity Fair see the error of their ways, but they wouldn't listen. She had failed the King.
She hadn't realized she had spoken out loud until the King said gently, "My child, you did not fail. You were my messenger to the people at Vanity Fair. You obeyed my call to preach the good news to all people, no matter the cost. Despite this, they reviled you, delivered you up to tribulation, and put you to death. Do you remember the words in the Book? "Precious in the King's sight is the death of those who die for His name." Faithful, you have done well. You shall receive a white robe and the crown of life. Enter into the joy of your Master and King."
Tears of joy stood in Faithful's eyes. They would be the only kind of tears she cried from now on. The King embraced her, and led her inside the Celestial City. The Shining Ones sang praises to the King all the way.
A/N: Bible verses I used as inspiration or paraphrased—Matthew 28: 19; 24:9; Psalms 116:15; 25:23; Revelation 1:10; 3:4.
