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Dreamers Selene was peering so close at the black disc, her nose almost touching it. She had been studying as Celeste recounted the events of Japan. It took the cat several moments to realize that Celeste had stopped speaking.
“I wonder why we didn’t notice it ourselves,” Celeste said. “Well, she’s has been around for a while,” Selene replied, finally tearing her gaze away from the disc. “I’m not exactly new at this myself.” Selene sighed. Setsuna would always be a sore spot for Celeste, at least in this lifetime. But given what had happened to her, the cat could understand her grudge. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Celeste to get over it as she often wanted to. “I’m just saying that she has some knowledge that we don’t have,” the cat said, “even with your vast experience.” Celeste gave an unladylike snort. She pocketed the disc and walked over to the couch. “Vast experience?” she asked as she plopped down on the cushions. “Is that what I have?” The cat paused, wondering how to answer the question. “Selene, anything happen while I was gone?” “The police left a message, looking for you. It appears that they want to speak to you again.” “Damn. I was hoping that they would decide that I was a traumatized victim and not of any more use.” She suddenly sat up. “Selene, have there been any attacks?” “You weren’t gone that long, Celeste.” “Thank God for small mercies.” The cat studied her charge. The redhead had her eyes closed, allowing Selene her observation. Selene doubted that she had rested while she was in Tokyo. With sunset in a few hours, she wouldn’t have time for much rest. But a few hours were better than none at all. Celeste’s even breathing told her that the woman had finally surrendered to her exhaustion. On cat feet, Selene left the room. For the first time in years, Celeste dreamed as Sol. * * * * * “And how many cups does that make for you today?” Ricco asked, sitting down at his desk. His partner’s desk was cluttered with several disposable coffee cups in between stacks of old case files and notepads. “Don’t know. Lost count,” Jonathan replied, not looking up from his files. “After what?” Ricco persisted. “Five. Six. Really, lost count.” “And do you plan to sleep anytime this week?” “Chirst!” Jonathan cried, finally looking up to glare at his partner. “When did you decide to become my father?” “You can’t keep this up,” Ricco said, his tone almost gentle. “You’ve been burning the candle at both ends and you’re starting to look like hell, kid.” “I feel like it, too,” Jonathan admitted. He rubbed his eyes, hoping to get them to focus. “There’s just so much work to do. I want to catch this guy.” “So do I. And that goes for the captain, Eddie, Jasmine, and about every cop in this city. But you can’t do the work dead on your feet. You can’t help anyone in that shape.” Jonathan kept rubbing his eyes and didn’t argue back. That let Ricco know that Jonathan had realized that he was at least partially right. “What do you think I should do?” Ricco let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “Go home. Get a few hours of sleep. And for God’s sake, take a shower.” He was rewarded with a one finger salute but the younger man was smiling. “Don’t worry about dinner. Nadia’s bringing us something.” “Thanks,” Jonathan said quietly, leaning forward as he got out of his chair. As he shrugged on his coat, he said more loudly, “See ya later.” * * * * * She was so tired. It went beyond fatigue. It was more than exhaustion. She was fighting darkness on more than one front. She couldn’t surrender. Rising from her knees, she summoned strength she didn’t know she had. She didn’t even sway as she stood on her feet. “You’re not one to go down easy, are you?” her foe asked with a sneer. Her reply was to reform her staff. “Very well, your move. After all, ladies first.” * * * * * He smiled as he countered her move effectively. He could see the surprise in her eyes although her expression remained carefully neutral. The pause only lasted a moment before she whirled to attack again. They kept at it, exchanging blows. He knew that she was holding back, fighting with far less strength than sparing should warrant. It wounded his pride, but that was the only thing wounded. “You’re getting better,” she said as she stepped back to eye him. He smirked. “Have you reconsidered my offer?” She struck. He was flat on his back, gazing at the sky, in the blink of an eye. He fought to get air back into his lungs. He struggled to comprehend what had happened. It had all been too quick. She leaned over him, her head blocking out the sun. “You’re getting better but you still have some things to learn.” She left him lying there. He sat up and found the courtyard empty. She was right, he realized glumly. He still had some things to learn. * * * * * Celeste awoke just before sunset. The city was bathed in golden light. It looked deceptively peaceful. She quickly washed her face, trying to throw off the lingering effects of jet lag. Feeling slightly livelier, she went into the kitchen for a quick bite to eat. She was almost finished when Selene wandered in. “Heading out for patrol?” the cat asked. Celeste nodded. “I won’t be back until dawn. I’ll destroy the black disc while I’m gone.” “I think that’s a good idea, but be careful.” “I will.” Celeste pulled out her transformation pen and headed toward the balcony. “Don’t wait up.” But they both knew she would. |
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