Chapter 28: Wills

With a sinking heart, Celeste watched the eastern horizon lighten. The moment she had been dreading was here. Dawn would be breaking soon.

She took a final glance at her room. The bed was made and the rest of the room picked up. Everything was neat and tidy if she returned.

‘No,’ she thought, shaking her head, ‘you can’t think like that. Not now. When I return. Not if. I will be back.’

“Celeste,” Jonathan called from the living room, “the others are here.”

“I’ll be there in a second.”

She finished a couple of sentences and folded the papers. With shaky hands, she placed the pages in the envelope, addressing it with a single name on the outside. ‘Hopefully, it won’t come to this,’ she thought, tucking the envelope in a pocket of her jeans.

“Celeste, you’ve got a pretty important meeting to make.”

She fought the urge to be sarcastic with Tomiko. “I’m almost ready.”

“What is she doing in there?” Tomiko asked the others loudly. “Curling her hair?”

Celeste didn’t have to hear the words of Setsuna’s reply. Her tone was clearly scathing. It almost made Celeste smile.

However, Tomiko seemed unphased. “Like drawing this out is making it any easier.”

The other woman had point. Celeste walked to the door and turned off the light. Then she joined the others in the living room.

Sofia gave her a weak smile. The girl was still clearly in pain but she was barely limping as she walked over to give Celeste a hug. “I wish I could go with you.”

“I don’t,” Celeste said, returning the embrace. “This is my fight, Sofia. And I’m going to get our girl back.”

Sofia nodded as she stepped back. “I know you will.”

“Celeste, it’s time.”

“I know, Setsuna.

“Morpheus will go with you to the harbor.”

“No, I have to face Notus alone. I won’t risk Mara’s safety by making her angry.”

“You will be alone,” Tomiko replied. “I’m just dropping you off, Celeste. I won’t be there long.”

“You better finish your goodbyes quickly,” Setsuna said.

Jonathan tucked some hair back behind her ear. He watched her face the entire time, as if he was trying to memorize it. “Take care of yourself, Celeste.”

She looked at Jonathan, seeing every bit of worry and fear in his eyes. She forced herself to smile. “Don’t I always?”

He tried to smile back as well. However, knowing that he was failing, he grabbed her. He kissed her temple and then her lips.

One last, desperate embrace. They didn’t care that the others were there and watching. They didn’t have time for that. Yet they both knew that this one would not be enough.

Reluctantly, Celeste freed herself. She pulled the envelope from her pocket and pressed it into Jonathan’s hand. “Don’t read it now.”

“Okay.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Tomiko placed a hand on Celeste’s shoulder. “It’s really time to go.”

Celeste nodded. “I’m ready.”

“Good luck,” Setsuna said.

Before she could reply, purple light surrounded her and the living room disappeared.

* * * * *

Jonathan finally tore his eyes from the spot where Celeste and Tomiko had vanished. He noticed that he still had the envelope in his hand. “I’m going to make some coffee.”

He was grateful that neither Setsuna nor Sofia followed him into the kitchen. He heard the television turn on. However, he doubted either of the living room’s occupants was really watching it.

He sat the envelope down on the dining table and made his way to the coffee machine. In a few moments, the aroma of brewing coffee filled the room. He stared at the envelope, wondering what it contained.

The machine beeped. He poured himself a cup, mechanically fixing it to his liking. He slowly made his way to the table.

He set the mug down and with slightly trembling hands, picked up the envelope. It was surprisingly heavy. It was labeled with his name in Celeste’s flowing script.

He pulled out the sheets of paper. The first page was a letter to him. Behind it was a legal document. Jonathan quickly shifted his attention to the letter.

Jonathan,

There are so many things I want to tell you, but for whatever reason, I can’t tell you in person. I guess that makes me weak. I hope you will forgive me.

He snorted. Celeste weak? She was the strongest person he knew. Didn’t she know that?

If there was any way I could have spared you this, Jonathan, please know I would have. Life keeps handing us hard choices. I would give anything to be with you now. But I can’t leave Mara at the mercy of these monsters, not if there is any chance that I can save her.

I will try to keep my promise. If there is any way, I will come back. However, we both know there is a chance that might not happen.

In that case, I have enclosed my will. Everything I have I leave to you and a trust for Mara. I also ask that you watch over her. However, it is a request, but it is one I hope you would accept. I would hate to see Mara uprooted again.

There was an errant streak of ink across the page. Like Celeste had been startled or something. He quickly moved on to the next part of the letter.

My time has run out. Please know I love you. Never doubt that.

Jonathan, we have found each other twice now. If things don’t work out, we will find each other again. Maybe the third time will be our charm.

Love always,

Celeste

He read and reread the letter several times. Finally he forced himself to place it and the will back in the envelope. Her words kept repeating them in his head.

Maybe the third time will be our charm.

“I don’t want a third time,” he muttered. “I want you here, this time. God, wherever you are, Celeste, please be careful. Make it back.”

* * * * *

The harbor was empty. There was no sign of Notus or Aeolus. More importantly, there was no sign of Mara.

“They will be here,” Morpheus said, sensing Celeste’s alarm. The Japanese woman was dressed in a purple and gray Senshi uniform. “They’ll keep their part of the bargain.”

“You should be leaving.”

Morpheus nodded. “But first, you asked me once how you got your powers back.”

“I don’t have time for this!”

“Yes, you do, Sol!” Her eyes were serious as grabbed the other woman’s arm. “You have great powers as the Celestial Phoenix, and you have saved this system countless times by giving you life as a final act of dedication. But your greatest power doesn’t lie in death.”

Morpheus pressed a jewel-encrusted brooch in Celeste’s hand. “You got your powers back because you found the will to live. When things become their darkest, remember what you have to live for. Hold on to that love, the love you have for Mara and for Jonathan. They depend on you as Celeste more than they do on you as Sailor Sol.”

“Morpheus, I . . .”

“To transform, say ‘Sol Star Crisis Power, Make-Up!’ However, don’t it immediately. They don’t know you have your powers back and that could be an advantage.”

Celeste stared at the brooch before looking up at the other woman. “Thank you. Thanks for everything.”

“I haven’t done anything, Celeste. It was you. It’s always been you.”

A purple aura enveloped Morpheus, temporarily blinding Celeste. As the light faded, the redhead found herself alone at the harbor. However, she wasn’t alone for long.

A gust of wind announced the arrival of Notus. The Wind stared down at Celeste from balcony of a decaying building. “I see that you made it, Sol. Honestly, I didn’t know if you would show.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Celeste replied evenly. She tucked the brooch into the pocket of her jeans. “So, where’s Mara?”

“Impatient to see your ward, Sol?” She jumped off the ledge, landing easily in front of Celeste. “Well, why don’t I show you?”

The wind tore at her, making Celeste fight the urge to cry out. However, mocking laughter surrounded her. Then, it was over and the harbor was once more deserted.


Wills With a sinking heart, Celeste watched the eastern horizon lighten. The moment she had been dreading was here. Dawn would be breaking soon. She took a final glance at her room. The bed was made and the rest of the room picked up. Everything was neat and tidy if she returned. ‘No,’ she thought, shaking her head, ‘you can’t think like that. Not now. When I return. Not if. I will be back.’ “Celeste,” Jonathan called from the living room, “the others are here.” “I’ll be there in a second.” She finished a couple of sentences and folded the papers. With shaky hands, she placed the pages in the envelope, addressing it with a single name on the outside. ‘Hopefully, it won’t come to this,’ she thought, tucking the envelope in a pocket of her jeans. “Celeste, you’ve got a pretty important meeting to make.” She fought the urge to be sarcastic with Tomiko. “I’m almost ready.” “What is she doing in there?” Tomiko asked the others loudly. “Curling her hair?” Celeste didn’t have to hear the words of Setsuna’s reply. Her tone was clearly scathing. It almost made Celeste smile. However, Tomiko seemed unphased. “Like drawing this out is making it any easier.” The other woman had point. Celeste walked to the door and turned off the light. Then she joined the others in the living room. Sofia gave her a weak smile. The girl was still clearly in pain but she was barely limping as she walked over to give Celeste a hug. “I wish I could go with you.” “I don’t,” Celeste said, returning the embrace. “This is my fight, Sofia. And I’m going to get our girl back.” Sofia nodded as she stepped back. “I know you will.” “Celeste, it’s time.” “I know, Setsuna. “Morpheus will go with you to the harbor.” “No, I have to face Notus alone. I won’t risk Mara’s safety by making her angry.” “You will be alone,” Tomiko replied. “I’m just dropping you off, Celeste. I won’t be there long.” “You better finish your goodbyes quickly,” Setsuna said. Jonathan tucked some hair back behind her ear. He watched her face the entire time, as if he was trying to memorize it. “Take care of yourself, Celeste.” She looked at Jonathan, seeing every bit of worry and fear in his eyes. She forced herself to smile. “Don’t I always?” He tried to smile back as well. However, knowing that he was failing, he grabbed her. He kissed her temple and then her lips. One last, desperate embrace. They didn’t care that the others were there and watching. They didn’t have time for that. Yet they both knew that this one would not be enough. Reluctantly, Celeste freed herself. She pulled the envelope from her pocket and pressed it into Jonathan’s hand. “Don’t read it now.” “Okay.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you.” “I love you.” Tomiko placed a hand on Celeste’s shoulder. “It’s really time to go.” Celeste nodded. “I’m ready.” “Good luck,” Setsuna said. Before she could reply, purple light surrounded her and the living room disappeared. * * * * * Jonathan finally tore his eyes from the spot where Celeste and Tomiko had vanished. He noticed that he still had the envelope in his hand. “I’m going to make some coffee.” He was grateful that neither Setsuna nor Sofia followed him into the kitchen. He heard the television turn on. However, he doubted either of the living room’s occupants was really watching it. He sat the envelope down on the dining table and made his way to the coffee machine. In a few moments, the aroma of brewing coffee filled the room. He stared at the envelope, wondering what it contained. The machine beeped. He poured himself a cup, mechanically fixing it to his liking. He slowly made his way to the table. He set the mug down and with slightly trembling hands, picked up the envelope. It was surprisingly heavy. It was labeled with his name in Celeste’s flowing script. He pulled out the sheets of paper. The first page was a letter to him. Behind it was a legal document. Jonathan quickly shifted his attention to the letter. Jonathan, There are so many things I want to tell you, but for whatever reason, I can’t tell you in person. I guess that makes me weak. I hope you will forgive me. He snorted. Celeste weak? She was the strongest person he knew. Didn’t she know that? If there was any way I could have spared you this, Jonathan, please know I would have. Life keeps handing us hard choices. I would give anything to be with you now. But I can’t leave Mara at the mercy of these monsters, not if there is any chance that I can save her. I will try to keep my promise. If there is any way, I will come back. However, we both know there is a chance that might not happen. In that case, I have enclosed my will. Everything I have I leave to you and a trust for Mara. I also ask that you watch over her. However, it is a request, but it is one I hope you would accept. I would hate to see Mara uprooted again. There was an errant streak of ink across the page. Like Celeste had been startled or something. He quickly moved on to the next part of the letter. My time has run out. Please know I love you. Never doubt that. Jonathan, we have found each other twice now. If things don’t work out, we will find each other again. Maybe the third time will be our charm. Love always, Celeste He read and reread the letter several times. Finally he forced himself to place it and the will back in the envelope. Her words kept repeating them in his head. Maybe the third time will be our charm. “I don’t want a third time,” he muttered. “I want you here, this time. God, wherever you are, Celeste, please be careful. Make it back.” * * * * * The harbor was empty. There was no sign of Notus or Aeolus. More importantly, there was no sign of Mara. “They will be here,” Morpheus said, sensing Celeste’s alarm. The Japanese woman was dressed in a purple and gray Senshi uniform. “They’ll keep their part of the bargain.” “You should be leaving.” Morpheus nodded. “But first, you asked me once how you got your powers back.” “I don’t have time for this!” “Yes, you do, Sol!” Her eyes were serious as grabbed the other woman’s arm. “You have great powers as the Celestial Phoenix, and you have saved this system countless times by giving you life as a final act of dedication. But your greatest power doesn’t lie in death.” Morpheus pressed a jewel-encrusted brooch in Celeste’s hand. “You got your powers back because you found the will to live. When things become their darkest, remember what you have to live for. Hold on to that love, the love you have for Mara and for Jonathan. They depend on you as Celeste more than they do on you as Sailor Sol.” “Morpheus, I . . .” “To transform, say ‘Sol Star Crisis Power, Make-Up!’ However, don’t it immediately. They don’t know you have your powers back and that could be an advantage.” Celeste stared at the brooch before looking up at the other woman. “Thank you. Thanks for everything.” “I haven’t done anything, Celeste. It was you. It’s always been you.” A purple aura enveloped Morpheus, temporarily blinding Celeste. As the light faded, the redhead found herself alone at the harbor. However, she wasn’t alone for long. A gust of wind announced the arrival of Notus. The Wind stared down at Celeste from balcony of a decaying building. “I see that you made it, Sol. Honestly, I didn’t know if you would show.” “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Celeste replied evenly. She tucked the brooch into the pocket of her jeans. “So, where’s Mara?” “Impatient to see your ward, Sol?” She jumped off the ledge, landing easily in front of Celeste. “Well, why don’t I show you?” The wind tore at her, making Celeste fight the urge to cry out. However, mocking laughter surrounded her. Then, it was over and the harbor was once more deserted.


Chapter 29: Surprises Sailor Sol: Battle Against the Winds