Damn Christmas shopping. At least it was all over. Trista sighed as she took out her keys and unlocked her apartment. When she came in, she found Amara, Michelle, and Hotaru all sitting on the couch, looking like they had been frightened.

Michelle let out a sigh of relief. "We thought you were a burglar," she said.

Trista smirked. "Nope, just me." She closed the door behind her and went to her room to hide the gifts.

"So what made you come back?" asked Amara.

Returning from her room, Trista answered, "I missed you guys. That's all. Aren't we all family? You're supposed to be with family during the holidays."

Trista could tell her little lie didn't fool Hotaru, though the young girl kept silent. There was a look on her face though that suggested she would talk to Trista herself later.

"Well, help yourself, Trista. We made enough dinner for all four of us. I'm afraid I'm not used to cooking for only three people," Michelle admitted.

Trista bowed her head. "Thank you."

She was certainly home again.

**********************************************************************************

"Hades!" An angry scout stormed through the castle, searching for the Lord of the Underworld.

"I'm right here, Fate, what's the matter?"

The calm Hades only seemed to infuriate Fate even more. "You know perfectly what's the matter! You and Trista!"

Hades raised an eyebrow. "It's not like you didn't see it coming."

Fate scrunched up her face. "I know that. It's just…bah, never mind. We have bigger issues on our hands. I saw, and Trista confirmed, that Charon was on land."

"He's on Earth?"

"Yes. I don't see what he's up to yet…I've been rather busy as of late. I might even have to call Trista back if Murphy gets too out of control."

Hades chuckled. "Can't keep that boy in line, can you?"

Fate glared at him. "You know he's a mischievous little devil. I swear he must be working for Satan himself right now." She heaved a quick sigh. "But you and I…we need to talk. There's going to be a lot of changes in the next year for you and Trista."

"Like what?" Hades asked curiously.

"Well, I'd hate to see the two of you upset at each other like this. You really shouldn't be upset with her at all—after all, you did get to sleep with her. She's upset because …well, you need to talk to her too. I know when to stay out of things. Let things as they may go, but do not forget to stay true to yourself," Fate answered mysteriously. "Now…I must be going. Karma! We've got work to do!" The scout ran upstairs and was joined by her partner as she entered her tower.

Hades stared after her. He was used to Fate being mysterious, but something was up. She knew something was going to happen—perhaps Oracle had let her in on the secret. Whatever it was, it was important.

He stared out the stained-glass window, hoping Trista would return soon.

**************************************************************************************

Christmas came and went, with a huge party at the arcade in town. Trista was happy to spend time with everyone. Even Small Lady had come from the future to visit. It was a nice surprise, and good times were had all around.

Trista was also glad to have some time alone to sort out her thoughts for Hades. Hotaru had yet to confront her about what she was hiding, but she was sure it would be soon.

It was early in the morning, the day after Christmas. She rubbed her stomach, almost expecting the cramps that came this time of month. Stupid womanly thing, she reflected. She was surprised to find, however, that she wasn't having her period. Weird, she thought. Oh well, maybe it's a day or two late. Trista shrugged it off, not thinking too deeply about it.

Going back into her room, she found Hotaru waiting for her, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Ah," Trista simply said, before sitting next to her.

Hotaru cleared her throat. "What's really going on, Trista? You and I both know you can't lie to me very well."

Trista smiled with a nod. "I know, dear. You see…it's complicated."

"There's nothing complicated about love."

Trista was startled. "What makes you think—"

Hotaru giggled. "It's written all over you. So, who's the guy? Is it Hades? He's rather handsome, you know."

Yes, I do know, Trista deemed. "It is. I'm rather surprised you can figure all this out, Hotaru. Have you told the others?"

"No. It's not their business, yet. I'm just worried. You seemed to have a connection with him when we were battling the dragons, but since this last return, you look like you've lost your best friend. Did something happen? Do I need to get my glaive and—"

"Don't finish that thought," Trista threatened. She sighed. "Something did happen. You're right—and I've been avoiding admitting the truth to someone—I've fallen in love."

"Well, isn't that great?"

"Not really," Trista admitted. "You see, we're not supposed to fall in love."

Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Isn't that always the case…what about Serenity and Endymion? They weren't supposed to fall in love…and look at them now!"

True. She has a point, Trista thought. Maybe Serenity is the one I need to talk to about this situation. She felt such a bond to Hotaru, though—like she could trust her with any secret, with any burden. It was a strange thing, but Trista just chalked it up to her parental acting skills. "Perhaps you're right, Hotaru. I just need some time to think it out."

"Okay. Just be careful Trista. I don't want to see you hurt."

The older woman smiled. "Thank you."

Hotaru nodded, hopped off the bed, and went to her room, leaving Trista alone with her thoughts.