Chapter 6: Silent Night

Celeste gave her hair a final fluff as the buzzer ran. Nearly tripping over Selene and then her skirt, she grabbed the wall to regain her balance. The cat retreated to the opposite side of the room.

“Sorry, Celeste,” the cat said, jumping to the top of the chair.

Giving the cat an annoyed glare, she hit the intercom button. “Yes?”

“It’s Jonathan. Can I come up?”

“Of course,” Celeste replied, pressing another button. She heard the door unlock over the system. “See you in the lobby in a few minutes.”

“No, I’ll come up there. Just give me a minute.”

“Okay.”

With a sigh, she turned and leaned against the wall. “Are you sure you don’t know what he has planned, Selene?”

The cat shook her head. “Why don’t you stop worrying and just enjoy it?”

“I don’t like surprises,” Celeste grumbled, smoothing the skirt of her dress.

A few days ago, Jonathan had asked her to join him for a Christmas Eve celebration. He hadn’t given her any details. The only thing he had asked her to do was to dress formally. In the spirit of Christmas, she had chosen a dark green dress.

However, now, she felt little of the Christmas spirit. Something had been nagging her all day. It wasn’t a warning of an attack, but the lack of any new creatures had left her uneasy. Things had been too quiet, or, she realized grimly, she had been too distracted to notice.

“I really don’t like surprises.”

Selene jumped down and rubbed against Celeste’s legs. “Please, try to have some fun tonight, Celeste.”

“You know a lot more than you are letting on, don’t you, Selene?” Celeste asked gently, looking down at the cat with an unreadable expression.

Selene froze, surprised by the comment. When she started to speak, Celeste shook her head. The cat became even more confused.

“I know about secrets, Selene,” Celeste said quietly. “All that I ask is that you are truthful with me and that you perform your mission.”

A knock on the door halted the conversation. Celeste grabbed her purse and her wrap. “I’ll see you later, Selene,” she called over her shoulder. Then, giving Jonathan a quick kiss in greeting, she shut the door.

* * * * *

“You look beautiful,” Jonathan said, twirling her around to see all of her.

Celeste laughed, glad that they were alone in the elevator. “I hope so. This is your Christmas present.”

Pulling her to him and tipping her back into a dip, he lowered his face within inches of her. “Then this is my best present ever.”

“You poor deprived child,” she teased.

However, being with him was the best gift she had ever received. She couldn’t think of anything that she could want more. Suppressing a giggle, she thought how he looked in the tuxedo was just an added bonus.

The elevators reached the lobby and opened its doors with a ding. The couple was pulled out of the moment by the landlady’s gasp. Blushing slightly, they quickly exited.

“Merry Christmas,” Jonathan said, leading Celeste toward the doors of the building.

“Yes, Merry Christmas, Mrs. Johansen,” Celeste called.

The expression on the lady’s face had the pair laughing as they entered the crisp December night. Shaking her head, the older woman carried her purchases into the elevator. As the doors closed, she smiled.

“Seeing you smile, child, makes it a merry Christmas, indeed.”

* * * * *

Shifting the box to her other arm, Sofia worked on turning up the collar of her coat to fight the icy December wind. She was looking forward to a couple of days off, particularly from both work and school. But more importantly, it was Christmas Eve and she would soon be home with her family.

“Feliz Navidad, Sofia!”

Setting the box of gifts and food on the hood of her car, she turned in the direction of the voice. She smiled when she saw it was the other receptionist. “Merry Christmas, Alicia! Your pronunciation is getting better.”

“Thanks,” Alicia replied. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

“Bye,” Sofia said, waving.

She watched the blonde head to the other end of the parking toward her car. Humming “Jingle Bells” under her breath, she pulled out her keys and unlocked the car. As she was putting the box in the backseat, she heard a scream

Sofia scanned the parking lot and saw someone attacking Alicia’s car, trapping the other woman inside. Forgetting her car, she ran to the other end of the parking lot. Alicia needed her help.

“Hey, hey! Leave her alone, ugly! Take on someone your own size!”

As the person turned to face her, Sofia realized that it wasn’t a person at all. It had appeared human, yet it was covered with scales and fins. It smiled at her, its yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light of the parking lot.

“Sofia, run!” Alicia cried. “Run!”

Heeding, Sofia turned and ran. Despite the pounding of her heart, she heard the creature gaining on her and Alicia’s desperate screams for help. As the creature tackled her to the pavement, she vaguely wondered where the hospital security guards were.

* * * * *

“Celeste, are you all right?”

At the question, she turned from the window and its view of the city’s skyline. She and Jonathan had had a lovely dinner earlier and were enjoying a few moments gazing at the city from an enclosed observatory. It should have been a perfect evening, but her old worries were still plaguing.

“Huh?” She glanced up and met Jonathan’s concerned gaze. “Oh, I’m fine.”

“You’ve been kinda out of it all night,” he said. “Are you sure?”

Nodding, she pulled her wrap tighter around her shoulders. However, Jonathan grabbed her wrist. She swallowed at the intense emotions swirling in his brown eyes.

“Is it me, Celeste?” he asked quietly, grateful that they were alone for the moment. “Am I moving too fast? Do you even want to be here?”

Her jaw swung open slightly and she gaped at him. Sighing in defeat, he released her arm. “I’ll take you home if you want.”

Celeste cupped his cheek. She wanted so much to explain everything to him, and yet, she didn’t want him to worry about her or burden him with her concerns. She slid her hand to the back of his neck and kissed him, trying to reassure him.

“I want to be here, Jonathan,” she whispered as she pulled away. “I want to be with you.”

“Then why are you being so distant with me, Celeste?”

“It’s Christmas Eve, Jonathan,” she said, pulling him closer to her. “Let’s enjoy ourselves. I promise I’ll try to forget about the Senshi stuff.”

“Is that what’s bothering you?” he asked, running a hand through her hair.

“I don’t want you involved in this,” she said quietly. “Let’s enjoy this night.”

“I’m already involved in this,” he stated. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us, Celeste.”

“Not so much as secrets as memories,” she murmured quietly, looking down.

Cupping her chin, he forced her to look up at him. “What do you mean?”

She shook her head. Then, she shuddered. As the quivers subsided, she opened her eyes.

“I have to go.”

“Celeste, please, wait,” he asked, grabbing her arm.

She gave him a kiss. “I have to go, Jonathan. There’s an attack.”

Reluctantly, he let her go. “Be careful,” he said. “Please.”

She nodded. “I’ll meet you back at your place, okay?”

“Okay.” Cursing himself, he watched her disappear into the shadows.

* * * * *

“Somebody help us!” Alicia screamed, pounding on the back windshield of her car. The creature had pushed it over on its side and buckled the other doors, trapping the blonde woman inside. “Help!”

Sofia tried to shove the fish creature off of her but it had pinned her arms to her side. It stared down at her, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “What do you want!” she screamed.

“Pretty,” it croaked.

“Oh, God,” Sofia cried, nausea assailing her. “Get off! Get off of me!”

Suddenly, her forehead felt hot. She screamed as the yellow light erupted, throwing the creature several feet away. The light flared again and covered her entire body.

The fish creature staggered to its feet, shaking its head. At Alicia’s continued screams, it went back to the car. With a hefty shove, it sent the car and its occupant into the concrete wall surrounding the parking lot.

The twisting metal and the shattering glass made a grotesque sound. Then it was eerily silent. With a satisfied smile, the creature crept toward Sofia.

The dark-haired girl swayed on her feet. Unaware of the creature, she gaped at the crumpled form of the car. “Alicia!”

“Pretty,” the creature said, its yellow eyes never leaving Sofia. “My pretty.”

“I don’t think so,” a voice shouted. “Sol Corona Flare!!”

The creature turned in time to see the red-orange arc of energy head toward it. It screamed as the arc tore through it. With a flash of light, the creature was reduced to a pile of ashes.

Satisfied that the creature was destroyed, Sol worked on extracting the blonde woman from the car. With a sigh of relief, Sol realized that she only had a slight concussion with some small cuts and bruise. The blonde would be all right.

“Alicia? Is she going to be all right?” Sofia asked, kneeling down beside Sol.

Sol nodded. “It should only be a slight concussion. She should be okay. Where is the hospital security?”

“That’s what I would like to know,” Sofia mumbled. She turned and faced the red-haired woman in the weird sailor costume. “Who are you?”

The other woman smiled at her. “I am Sailor Sol. Who are you?”

“I’m Sofia,” she replied, her voice shaky. “Sofia Martinez.”

Sol shook her head. “No, other than that. Who are you?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You are a Sailor Soldier, too, Sofia,” Sol stated. “Which one are you?”

Sofia gasped as she realized that she was dressed in a sailor outfit as well. The skirt, the top of her gloves and the knee-high boots were brown, while the two bows and her choker were yellow. “I don’t know.”

Sol nodded. “I could help you find out more, but you must make a decision.”

“What kind of decision?”

“There are more creatures like the one you faced tonight, Sofia,” Sol stated. “I need help fighting them. You have been chosen for this. You have been given the gifts for this task. It won’t be easy. And it can be dangerous. Therefore, the decision to fight is up to you.”

Sofia looked down at Alicia. If there were other creatures out there, she had to help stop them. “I’ll join you.”

“Thank you.” Sol stood up and held the Sun Staff in front of her with both hands. “Sol Awakening Fire!”

Sofia gasped as the whirlwind of fire surrounded. She was surprised that the fire didn’t burn her, infusing her with warmth and knowledge. With a contented sigh, she watched the flames fade away.

“I’m Sailor Athene,” Sofia said, “the Sailor Soldier of Wisdom.”


Silent Night Celeste gave her hair a final fluff as the buzzer ran. Nearly tripping over Selene and then her skirt, she grabbed the wall to regain her balance. The cat retreated to the opposite side of the room. “Sorry, Celeste,” the cat said, jumping to the top of the chair. Giving the cat an annoyed glare, she hit the intercom button. “Yes?” “It’s Jonathan. Can I come up?” “Of course,” Celeste replied, pressing another button. She heard the door unlock over the system. “See you in the lobby in a few minutes.” “No, I’ll come up there. Just give me a minute.” “Okay.” With a sigh, she turned and leaned against the wall. “Are you sure you don’t know what he has planned, Selene?” The cat shook her head. “Why don’t you stop worrying and just enjoy it?” “I don’t like surprises,” Celeste grumbled, smoothing the skirt of her dress. A few days ago, Jonathan had asked her to join him for a Christmas Eve celebration. He hadn’t given her any details. The only thing he had asked her to do was to dress formally. In the spirit of Christmas, she had chosen a dark green dress. However, now, she felt little of the Christmas spirit. Something had been nagging her all day. It wasn’t a warning of an attack, but the lack of any new creatures had left her uneasy. Things had been too quiet, or, she realized grimly, she had been too distracted to notice. “I really don’t like surprises.” Selene jumped down and rubbed against Celeste’s legs. “Please, try to have some fun tonight, Celeste.” “You know a lot more than you are letting on, don’t you, Selene?” Celeste asked gently, looking down at the cat with an unreadable expression. Selene froze, surprised by the comment. When she started to speak, Celeste shook her head. The cat became even more confused. “I know about secrets, Selene,” Celeste said quietly. “All that I ask is that you are truthful with me and that you perform your mission.” A knock on the door halted the conversation. Celeste grabbed her purse and her wrap. “I’ll see you later, Selene,” she called over her shoulder. Then, giving Jonathan a quick kiss in greeting, she shut the door. * * * * * “You look beautiful,” Jonathan said, twirling her around to see all of her. Celeste laughed, glad that they were alone in the elevator. “I hope so. This is your Christmas present.” Pulling her to him and tipping her back into a dip, he lowered his face within inches of her. “Then this is my best present ever.” “You poor deprived child,” she teased. However, being with him was the best gift she had ever received. She couldn’t think of anything that she could want more. Suppressing a giggle, she thought how he looked in the tuxedo was just an added bonus. The elevators reached the lobby and opened its doors with a ding. The couple was pulled out of the moment by the landlady’s gasp. Blushing slightly, they quickly exited. “Merry Christmas,” Jonathan said, leading Celeste toward the doors of the building. “Yes, Merry Christmas, Mrs. Johansen,” Celeste called. The expression on the lady’s face had the pair laughing as they entered the crisp December night. Shaking her head, the older woman carried her purchases into the elevator. As the doors closed, she smiled. “Seeing you smile, child, makes it a merry Christmas, indeed.” * * * * * Shifting the box to her other arm, Sofia worked on turning up the collar of her coat to fight the icy December wind. She was looking forward to a couple of days off, particularly from both work and school. But more importantly, it was Christmas Eve and she would soon be home with her family. “Feliz Navidad, Sofia!” Setting the box of gifts and food on the hood of her car, she turned in the direction of the voice. She smiled when she saw it was the other receptionist. “Merry Christmas, Alicia! Your pronunciation is getting better.” “Thanks,” Alicia replied. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.” “Bye,” Sofia said, waving. She watched the blonde head to the other end of the parking toward her car. Humming “Jingle Bells” under her breath, she pulled out her keys and unlocked the car. As she was putting the box in the backseat, she heard a scream Sofia scanned the parking lot and saw someone attacking Alicia’s car, trapping the other woman inside. Forgetting her car, she ran to the other end of the parking lot. Alicia needed her help. “Hey, hey! Leave her alone, ugly! Take on someone your own size!” As the person turned to face her, Sofia realized that it wasn’t a person at all. It had appeared human, yet it was covered with scales and fins. It smiled at her, its yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light of the parking lot. “Sofia, run!” Alicia cried. “Run!” Heeding, Sofia turned and ran. Despite the pounding of her heart, she heard the creature gaining on her and Alicia’s desperate screams for help. As the creature tackled her to the pavement, she vaguely wondered where the hospital security guards were. * * * * * “Celeste, are you all right?” At the question, she turned from the window and its view of the city’s skyline. She and Jonathan had had a lovely dinner earlier and were enjoying a few moments gazing at the city from an enclosed observatory. It should have been a perfect evening, but her old worries were still plaguing. “Huh?” She glanced up and met Jonathan’s concerned gaze. “Oh, I’m fine.” “You’ve been kinda out of it all night,” he said. “Are you sure?” Nodding, she pulled her wrap tighter around her shoulders. However, Jonathan grabbed her wrist. She swallowed at the intense emotions swirling in his brown eyes. “Is it me, Celeste?” he asked quietly, grateful that they were alone for the moment. “Am I moving too fast? Do you even want to be here?” Her jaw swung open slightly and she gaped at him. Sighing in defeat, he released her arm. “I’ll take you home if you want.” Celeste cupped his cheek. She wanted so much to explain everything to him, and yet, she didn’t want him to worry about her or burden him with her concerns. She slid her hand to the back of his neck and kissed him, trying to reassure him. “I want to be here, Jonathan,” she whispered as she pulled away. “I want to be with you.” “Then why are you being so distant with me, Celeste?” “It’s Christmas Eve, Jonathan,” she said, pulling him closer to her. “Let’s enjoy ourselves. I promise I’ll try to forget about the Senshi stuff.” “Is that what’s bothering you?” he asked, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t want you involved in this,” she said quietly. “Let’s enjoy this night.” “I’m already involved in this,” he stated. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us, Celeste.” “Not so much as secrets as memories,” she murmured quietly, looking down. Cupping her chin, he forced her to look up at him. “What do you mean?” She shook her head. Then, she shuddered. As the quivers subsided, she opened her eyes. “I have to go.” “Celeste, please, wait,” he asked, grabbing her arm. She gave him a kiss. “I have to go, Jonathan. There’s an attack.” Reluctantly, he let her go. “Be careful,” he said. “Please.” She nodded. “I’ll meet you back at your place, okay?” “Okay.” Cursing himself, he watched her disappear into the shadows. * * * * * “Somebody help us!” Alicia screamed, pounding on the back windshield of her car. The creature had pushed it over on its side and buckled the other doors, trapping the blonde woman inside. “Help!” Sofia tried to shove the fish creature off of her but it had pinned her arms to her side. It stared down at her, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “What do you want!” she screamed. “Pretty,” it croaked. “Oh, God,” Sofia cried, nausea assailing her. “Get off! Get off of me!” Suddenly, her forehead felt hot. She screamed as the yellow light erupted, throwing the creature several feet away. The light flared again and covered her entire body. The fish creature staggered to its feet, shaking its head. At Alicia’s continued screams, it went back to the car. With a hefty shove, it sent the car and its occupant into the concrete wall surrounding the parking lot. The twisting metal and the shattering glass made a grotesque sound. Then it was eerily silent. With a satisfied smile, the creature crept toward Sofia. The dark-haired girl swayed on her feet. Unaware of the creature, she gaped at the crumpled form of the car. “Alicia!” “Pretty,” the creature said, its yellow eyes never leaving Sofia. “My pretty.” “I don’t think so,” a voice shouted. “Sol Corona Flare!!” The creature turned in time to see the red-orange arc of energy head toward it. It screamed as the arc tore through it. With a flash of light, the creature was reduced to a pile of ashes. Satisfied that the creature was destroyed, Sol worked on extracting the blonde woman from the car. With a sigh of relief, Sol realized that she only had a slight concussion with some small cuts and bruise. The blonde would be all right. “Alicia? Is she going to be all right?” Sofia asked, kneeling down beside Sol. Sol nodded. “It should only be a slight concussion. She should be okay. Where is the hospital security?” “That’s what I would like to know,” Sofia mumbled. She turned and faced the red-haired woman in the weird sailor costume. “Who are you?” The other woman smiled at her. “I am Sailor Sol. Who are you?” “I’m Sofia,” she replied, her voice shaky. “Sofia Martinez.” Sol shook her head. “No, other than that. Who are you?” “I don’t know what you mean.” “You are a Sailor Soldier, too, Sofia,” Sol stated. “Which one are you?” Sofia gasped as she realized that she was dressed in a sailor outfit as well. The skirt, the top of her gloves and the knee-high boots were brown, while the two bows and her choker were yellow. “I don’t know.” Sol nodded. “I could help you find out more, but you must make a decision.” “What kind of decision?” “There are more creatures like the one you faced tonight, Sofia,” Sol stated. “I need help fighting them. You have been chosen for this. You have been given the gifts for this task. It won’t be easy. And it can be dangerous. Therefore, the decision to fight is up to you.” Sofia looked down at Alicia. If there were other creatures out there, she had to help stop them. “I’ll join you.” “Thank you.” Sol stood up and held the Sun Staff in front of her with both hands. “Sol Awakening Fire!” Sofia gasped as the whirlwind of fire surrounded. She was surprised that the fire didn’t burn her, infusing her with warmth and knowledge. With a contented sigh, she watched the flames fade away. “I’m Sailor Athene,” Sofia said, “the Sailor Soldier of Wisdom.”


Chapter 7: A Christams Gift Sailor Sol: Homefront