Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men. Please don't sue me or steal my story. Thanks!

Note I: This story takes place in Belgium between December 24-25 1914, the first year of World War I. Since fighter planes were introduced to warfare in 1915, the Henri Farman and Taube biplanes featured in this story are essentially observation and reconnaissance tools. To fight, the planes' occupants had to fire at each other with revolvers or rifles or actually throw objects at each other through the air.

Note II: Britain did not establish a Royal Air Force (RAF) until 1918. Before that, British fliers were divided between the Royal Army and the Royal Navy. The air arm of the British Army was called the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), and the air arm of the British Navy was called the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

Note III: Much of the inspiration for this story was drawn from what may just be my all-time favorite Christmas song, "Snoopy's Christmas," by The Royal Guardsmen: "Christmas bells, those Christmas bells, Rang out from the land, Asking peace of all the world, and good will to Man!"; and from compiled letters of soldiers who experienced the largely illicit, totally unofficial, undeniably magical hours when, in some few spots along the lines, the British and German troops put down their weapons and, together, celebrated Christmas in the space between the trenches.

General Historical Note: WWI lasted from August 1914 until November 11, 1918. At that time, Germany was ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Nazi party had its start during the troubled Weimar Republic that was set up after the Kaiser's forced abdication and flight to Holland following the war. The Weimar period lasted from 1919 until 1933 when, on January 30, Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor. Once he was in power, he and his Nazis almost immediately got to work provoking Europe into starting WWII. In other words, no Nazis will appear in this story.

And now, without further ado: the story! I hope you enjoy it! :)

A Christmas Truce: Another World War I Adventure

By Rowena Zahnrei

"'Twas the night before Christmas…"

"Huh? What's that, Major?" said the Canadian officer, Lt. Logan.

Major John Smith glanced at the aerodrome's newest arrival and offered a very slight smile.

"I just realized," Smith spoke with a lilting, Northern English accent, "tomorrow's Christmas Day."

"What of it?" the Canadian grunted, chomping irritably on what little was left of his cigar. "Sir."

"We're expected to go up for a reconnaissance flight tomorrow," the major said musingly. "Just as if it were any other day. The war goes on and on without mercy or pause. Yet, back in August, when it all began, we were so sure we'd all be home by Christmas."

His solemn face grew grim, but he quipped, "No chance they'd end the war before midnight, then."

Logan grunted again and shuffled toward the window. He tilted his head slightly, seeming to sniff the air.

"Weather's shifted," he said. "A hard frost is comin'. We go up tomorrow, we'll freeze our tails."

"Christmas Eve, 1914… When did it start… Around…what was it…eight-thirty in the evening…?"

"It's six-forty-five," Logan informed him.

The major rose from his compact writing desk and joined the lieutenant at the window. The two men made for a rather sharp contrast: the major tall and lanky with large ears and dark, short-cropped hair; the lieutenant shorter, but thickly muscled, his powerful arms at least twice the width of his companion's.

Beyond the cracked pane, a light snow had begun to fall. Major Smith pulled a large watch from his pocket and stared at its face. Six-forty-six, it read.

After a long moment, he seemed to make a decision.

"Come on," he said, heading for the door.

"Sir?" the lieutenant questioned.

"This is an order, Lieutenant," the major said. "Follow me."

To Be Continued...

Author's Note: Hi! This is just the start of a story I've been wanting to write for several years, but I just haven't been able to find the time to pry it out of my head. I don't have the time to write it now, to be honest, but I'm going to do it anyway because it's almost Christmas and, despite everything going on and everything I have to do, it's been getting harder and harder to not write it. So, here's the teeny, tiny amount I was able to finish today, and I'll try to be back with more tomorrow. :)

If this story nugget's got you curious, I do have a completed World War I adventure featuring Wolverine, Iceman, and Nightcrawler. It's called "The Midnight Aviator," and it takes place in 1916. If you peek, please review. I'd love to know what you think! :)

Thanks for reading! Until next time!