Turning the Tables
By Lady1Venus

Chapter 11 - Enter Evil Darien

* * * * * * * *

The Outer Sailor Scouts had stayed at the temple when Neflite and Serena left for Molly's. They were keeping a close eye on Zoycite, making sure she wouldn't do anything. Trista had made sure that the Inner Sailor Scouts would not find them.

"Trista," Michelle said. "Why did Serena and Neflite leave earlier?"

"Serena is going to tell Molly the truth about her and the Sailor Scouts," Trista said. Suddenly Trista felt a surge of power rip through her. She collapsed to the ground.

"Trista!" Amara and Michelle whispered aloud but not loud enough for the scouts inside to hear. They ran over to Trista's side.

"Are you all right?" Amara asked as she got behind Trista. Amara braced Trista up against her legs.

"I'll be fine in a minute," Trista said. "That happens when I get an urgent message from the queen." Trista looked around. "Quickly, we must get out of here. Serena and Neflite are almost back."

Amara and Michelle helped Trista to her feet. Trista used the Garnet Orb to make the three women disappear from the deck. They reappeared in the parking lot.

"Amara, can you drive me to the park?" Trista asked. "I have to talk to Neflite."

"Yeah, sure," Amara said.

"Good. You guys can go back home until you hear from me." Trista looked at her fellow scouts as they nodded. The three scouts got in the car and drove away just as a red Ferrari pulled into the parking lot. Trista recognized the car as Neflite's. She looked at Neflite as he looked at her.

* * * * * * * *

Serena and Molly were in the back seat of the car. As Neflite parked the car in the parking lot at the bottom of Cherry Hill Temple, Serena was telling Molly of all the dangers she had to go through and how she got in and out of the house in the middle of the night without being seen. Molly was amazed that that Serena had been through so much.

"Serena, I wish you had told me sooner," Molly said. "I might have been able to help."

"Molly, you helped enough," Serena said. "You taught Neflite how to love."

"That I have to agree with," Neflite said as he opened the door to get out and then helped Serena out. After Serena was out, he went over on the other side of the car and helped Molly.

"Molly, remember my friends Raye, Amy and Lita are Sailor Mars, Mercury and Jupiter. Plus now there is a new friend, Sailor Venus. Her name is Mina," Serena said.

"I understand. It is going to be weird being around most of you guys now, knowing that you are the Sailor Scouts," Molly said.

Serena turned and started up the steps to the temple. Before Molly could follow, Neflite came up beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. When they got to the top, Serena led them to Raye's room.

Serena was the first one to enter Raye's opened door. When she entered, the other scouts looked at her. She paid them no attention as she made her way back to where she sat before. As Serena sat, Molly and Neflite entered.

Molly looked around the room and saw Zoycite standing by where Serena sat. Molly flinched against Neflite. This was going to be difficult for her, being around Zoycite. Neflite placed his other arm around her waist for reassurance.

The scouts were all watching Serena and they didn't see Molly and Neflite enter. Mina was the first one to notice Molly's presence.

"Welcome, Molly, to the scout meeting," Mina said to Molly.

The other scouts turned and looked at Molly, surprised to see her. Raye noticed her discomfort and knew it was because of Zoycite.

"Molly, you may sit over on my bed," Raye said, getting up off the bed.

"Ok," Molly said. Still pressed against Neflite, she and Neflite walked over to the bed and sat down. Raye sat down at her table.

"Any new plans since I left?" Neflite asked.

"No," Zoycite said. "All we've been doing is staring at each other." Zoycite looked at Serena. I sort of know how she feels. I can't see my love either.

"How about we get some food," Lita said, standing up from sitting on a cushion on the floor. "It's almost six and I'm starved. How about I cook up something."

"Yeah, that would be good," Raye said. "Why don't you make one of your famous meals?"

"As long as isn't chili," Neflite said.

"What is wrong with my chili?" Lita asked as she placed her hands on her waist.

"Nothing, just that Molly doesn't really care for spicy foods," Neflite said.

"All right then," Lita said. "How about chicken?"

"Yeah," Mina said. "I like chicken." She looked at her leader with sadness. I hope eating will help Serena feel better.

"Ok. Amy, how about you help me prepare super," Lita suggested.

"Sure, Lita. I like to cook when I'm not reading," Amy said. Lita and Amy left for the kitchen and Raye's room wasn't as crowded any more.

Neflite looked at Molly and whispered in her ear, "Molly, I have to leave again. Trista wishes to speak with me. Please don't tell the scouts about Trista."

"Ok," she whispered back. "But what about...her?" It was obvious that she meant Zoycite.

"She'll do nothing. Trista was the one who brought her back."

Neflite removed his arms from around Molly and stood. "I have a couple things I need to do before supper is ready. I'll be back for supper, though."

"Hmmm...ok," Raye said. "Is Molly going with you?"

"No, she can stay here," he said. He started to walk out. "When will supper be ready?"

"In about an hour," Luna said. She was curled up beside Artemis on a cushion beside Mina. She kept a close eye on Zoycite.

"I'll be back by then," Neflite said as he turned the corner outside Raye's room.

When Raye knew he was gone she said, "I wonder what he had to do."

"Don't worry," Molly said. "He's just got some errands." Molly looked up at Zoycite. She realized Zoycite had been watching her when Neflite stood and left.

As they stared at each other it dawned on Zoycite where Neflite went. Of course, she thought. He went to see Trista, that Sailor Scout of time.

Molly snapped her eyes away before anyone noticed she was staring at Zoycite. She hoped Neflite wouldn't be long talking to Trista.

* * * * * * * *

Neflite got to his car and drove off to where he and Trista usually met on Earth, McKenna Park. He had received a mental message from Trista, when Molly sat down on Raye's bed, to meet him in the park. He wondered what Trista wanted to talk to him about.

It didn't take him long to get to the park, though he had to go across town. But the streets weren't busy and he sped through the city. When he got to the park, Trista was waiting for him in the parking lot.

Neflite got out of the car and walked over to Trista. "You asked me to come here?"

"Yes," Trista said. "I'm assuming you saw us leave the temple. Tell me what Molly's reaction was when she learned Serena is Sailor Moon."

"She was a bit shocked but understood why Serena never told her before," Neflite said. He was getting really curious as to why Trista asked him here.

Trista looked at Neflite and could see that he wanted to know why he was here. "The queen has just informed me that Molly isn't out of danger yet."

"What?" Neflite gasped, as he clenched his fists.

"Molly isn't in any danger from Zoycite, but she is in danger. The queen didn't go into detail about what she meant by it."

"How can you talk to the queen without going to the future?" Neflite asked unclenching his fists.

"She sends me mind messages," Trista said. "There is something that both the king and queen know and they are not telling me. I'm worried that it's something to do with Darien. I had no idea that Darien would be captured and taken to the Negaverse."

"Maybe if you knew everything that was going to happen, the future may not come to be," Neflite said. "Does the queen have any idea why Molly would still be endangered?"

"I believe she knows why, but I also believe it could be Malachite. He did try and threaten Molly."

"I'm still trying to find out what he said to her," he said. "Molly won't tell me. She says it was too frightening for her."

"I don't know what he said but I have an idea."

"What do you think he said?" Neflite asked.

"Neflite, think about it. Malachite is a man and she is a young woman."

"He wouldn't dare," Neflite hissed as he clenched his fists again.

"I don't think he would," Trista said. "But he would make threats that he would. That is one way to ruin a girl's life. Make threats about sex and rape to a girl, and now the girl is afraid. But the Sailor Scouts showed up and Malachite couldn't continue his threats that he obviously wouldn't carry out."

"Why do you say he wouldn't stoop that low?" Neflite growled.

"I don't think Zoycite would be impressed that her lover slept with her enemy's girl. Zoycite would rip him to pieces."

"Good point," Neflite said, but his anger was still clearly visible. "But why would Malachite still be after Molly?"

"Simple, to finish the job that Zoycite started. There is one way to find out what Malachite said. Ask Zoycite." Trista turned away for a moment. "Also, Queen Serenity wants me to have your help in revealing us."

"That is the other reason why you asked for me," Neflite commented to himself. "I was starting to wonder how you were going to reveal yourselves. How about we continue talking about this another day. I have to get back to the temple. Lita is cooking supper."

"One of these days I have to try her cooking," Trista said.

"Don't you get to try her cooking in the future?" Neflite chuckled.

"Yes, but I haven't in a while," Trista chuckled backed. "You're right. It is getting late. Before you head back to the temple, can you give me a lift to Amara's apartment? I'm going to stay with her."

"Speaking of places to stay, where will Zoycite stay?" Neflite asked as they started towards the car.

"What about the mansion you created?" Trista asked. "I know it's still as you left it. Maybe the two of you could stay there and try to work out your differences."

"I could try, but I don't really want to share my home with my rival," Neflite said as he got to the passenger side to help Trista in the car.

"Well, Neflite, you can't class her as your rival anymore," Trista said.

"I know, but..." Neflite said, at a loss for words. He shut Trista's door and went to his side of the car and got in. He started the car and drove away.

"Neflite, she won't do anything," Trista said. The rest of the trip to Amara's apartment was quiet.

* * * * * * * *

Queen Beryl sat on her throne, waiting for Prince Darien to enter the room. She had Tuxedo Mask placed in a brainwashing machine and had waited to hear when it was done. It had taken a couple days to completely brainwash Tuxedo Mask and give him new memories and a new name, Prince Darien, his name from the Moon. As she waited, she asked for Malachite to be present.

Malachite was not happy about having to go to the throne room, especially when he found out that Tuxedo Mask would be joining him soon. He had to hide his disgusted look from his queen. He needed to find a way to get his revenge on her without her knowing what he was planning.

When Malachite heard a click of boots behind him, he turned to see Tuxedo Mask, dressed as his old self, Prince Darien. When he stopped walking, he was right beside Malachite, which Malachite didn't like.

"Welcome, Prince Darien," Queen Beryl said as she watched him bow to her. "There is much work to be done. You two are to get the Imperium Silver Crystal back from Princess Serena."

"Yes, my queen," Prince Darien and Malachite said.

"If you need help, Malachite, Prince Darien will assist you." Beryl looked at Malachite, who was slightly shocked. Malachite's reactions were amusing her.

"I won't need any assistance, your majesty," Malachite said. "I work well alone."

"What do you have planned, Malachite?" Beryl asked, ignoring his comment.

"I'm going to trick Sailor Moon. The plan is almost ready to go into action," Malachite lied to his queen. He hadn't even thought of a plan yet but he had his youma doing his planning for him.

"Good, you may proceed," Beryl said.

Malachite bowed and without even a second glance at the queen, he teleported back to his castle. As he stood in his castle, he allowed his stern and confident face be replaced by anger and sadness. There was no one to share his castle with now.

"Minto!" Malachite called. He was calling one of his youmas. After the Star Light Tower crumbled, Malachite had Minto scour the area to see if there was any way to trick the scouts.

"Yes, my lord." Malachite heard a hiss. He looked down on the floor to see a snake slither to his feet. But soon the snake turned into a humanoid.

"What have you found?" Malachite demanded.

"I found this lock of hair," Minto said showing her master the hair. "It's too golden to be anyone else's but Sailor Moon's."

"Excellent!" Malachite said, snatching the lock of hair. "I will lure Sailor Moon into a trap by using her hair. I will use that new beauty salon as bait. You have done well, Minto," he laughed.

"Thank you, my lord," Minto said. She turned back into a snake and slithered away.

* * * * * * * *

After supper at the temple, the girls decided to head for home. It was getting late and they had school the next day. Molly reluctantly went with the girls. She wanted to stay with Neflite but he insisted that she go with the girls.

When the girls were gone, Raye started to clear away the empty plates and Neflite decided to help her. While Raye and Neflite straightened up the room, Zoycite sat on the floor wondering what her life was going to be like. She had to admit that she had a pretty good evening with the Sailor Scouts.

"What are you thinking about?" Raye asked Zoycite.

Zoycite turned her head to see the scout of fire sitting beside her. "That..." Zoycite looked at Neflite and realized that Raye was just being concerned. "I was thinking about my life."

"Oh. I guess it will be different for you now. Though I noticed you had a lot of fun tonight," Raye said.

"Yeah, I did. I never knew you scouts would have any enjoyment, especially when you fight all the time," Zoycite said.

"Well, we can't stop living our lives just because we have to save the world," Raye said. "Well, I think it's time for the two of you to leave." Raye was now addressing to both ex-generals. "I have school tomorrow."

"Ok," Neflite said. "Zoycite, let's go."

Zoycite glared at Neflite for ordering her. She stood anyway and went with Neflite. The two generals walked in silence to Neflite's car.

When they reached the car, Zoycite spoke. "Why did you command me?" she snapped.

"Zoycite," Neflite sighed. "The scouts don't know of Trista and I have needed to tell you that she wants both of us to stay at my mansion."

"What? The mansion? Surely the Negaverse would catch us there," Zoycite said.

"Not necessarily. Besides you, only two of my youma knew of the place. But now only you know about it. My youma were destroyed when you told Beryl I was dead."

"How do you know that?" Zoycite looked at Neflite very suspiciously.

"I used the window from the time flux to the outside world. That is how the scouts were able to foil all your plans and how I was able to find Molly."

"So you are the one who pretty much killed me. I failed the queen because of you telling the scouts," Zoycite snapped. Though Zoycite had no powers to use, she was ready to strike at Neflite anyway.

"Both of you, enough!" The two ex-generals turned to see Trista standing behind them.

"Trista, I thought you were at Amara's," Neflite said.

"I was. But I felt a disturbance and had Amara drive me over. She is over there in her car." Trista pointed behind her. "Zoycite, you say that it was Neflite's fault that Beryl tried to kill you. But you can't really blame him. He had agreed to help the scouts. And he is not the only one to blame. Myself, Amara and Michelle also spied on you and the Negaverse."

Zoycite stared at Trista in disbelief.

"I'm starting to get tired of your selfishness towards Neflite, Zoycite, and I want it to stop," Trista said. "We need you to help defeat the Negaforce and you are the only who will be able to bring Malachite over to our side.

"Zoycite, I'm about to tell you something that you are not going to like." Trista walked over and leaned against Neflite's car. "Before I came to the past, you and Neflite were already dead. No matter if Neflite helped the scouts or not, they still would have beaten you. That was actually the original past.

"But Queen Serenity, also known as Sailor Moon in this time, always regretted that Neflite died. She asked me to change the past but only to the point of defeating the Negaforce. I had warned the queen that it would change the future but she didn't care.

"As I kept Neflite alive, the future started changing and Queen Serenity was able to feel herself dying. She found out that in the past the Negaforce was able to destroy the scouts so now she wants the Outer Sailor Scouts to be revealed earlier than expected."

Both Neflite and Zoycite were stunned to hear that the original future didn't have them in it.

"Without your interference Zoycite would have died anyway," Neflite said to himself out loud.

"Not to mention, you would be dead too," Zoycite said to Neflite.

"Yes," Trista said. "Zoycite, the queen needs your cooperation. Please, until you get your powers back and understand the scouts, just go along with Neflite."

Zoycite didn't know why, but she understood what Trista was saying and nodded. "All right."

"Good. Now please stay at the mansion. It's the safest place for both of you. When this is all over, you may live your life the way you want to." Trista turned and left for Amara's car.

Neflite heard Amara start the engine when Trista got near. He watched Trista get in the car and Amara drive away. Neflite turned to Zoycite to see her watching the car pull away.

Zoycite knew Neflite was looking at her. "Where do I start?" she said softly.

"What?" Neflite asked.

"From what Trista is saying, I have to be the first one to make peace with the scouts. Where do I start?"

"With Serena. She seems to be the one who understands and will give a helping hand."

Zoycite turned to Neflite. "She's in so much pain now. I don't think I should start with her."

"All the more reason to start with her. She is the leader of the scouts and she has a soft heart. You both are going through the same thing. Pain." Neflite turned and opened the car door.

Zoycite walked over to the other side of the car and got in.

* * * * * * * *

After school the next day, Mina went over to Serena's home. She knew her leader was not in the best of moods. During her visit, Mina took out Serena's meatballs and brushed her hair. Serena thought it was nice and soothing.

Mina told Serena about a new hair salon that had just opened up and thought it would be a great idea to go and check it out. Serena thought that was a good idea.

While they were at the salon, Mina had noticed something fishy about the place. Her suspicious were confirmed when she was attacked sitting in one of the dryer chairs. Serena, at the time, was getting her hair washed when suddenly the barber stopped washing her hair and attacked Mina.

Serena soon found out that the barber was actually a youma. Serena crawled into another room, avoiding the youma attacking Mina, who was still in human form. She had to transform into Sailor Moon, and quick, but she couldn't do it right in the main part of the shop. There were still people in the shop, but they were quickly losing consciousness.

When Serena, transformed, appeared back in the room, the youma realized her mistake. She and her barber minions were now attacking Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon managed to get outside just in time to see all the barber girls transform into one youma.

All too soon, Sailor Moon was about to be history. She closed her eyes, ready to die, but suddenly she was flying in someone's arms. She opened her eyes to see Tuxedo Mask. When Tuxedo Mask let her go, he demanded the Imperium Silver Crystal from her.

Sailor Moon was shocked that Tuxedo Mask didn't even remember her. When she got over her shock, her Sailor friends finally showed up and attacked the youma. Sailor Moon used her Crescent Moon and turned the youma back into the hairdressers.

When the women were back to normal, Sailor Moon was about to say something to Tuxedo Mask but he disappeared before she could say anything.

"Sailor Moon, are you ok?" Sailor Venus asked.

"Yes," Sailor Moon said in a distant tone. "What is wrong with Tuxedo Mask?"

"He's been brainwashed." The Sailor Scouts turned to see Zoycite show up. "Sailor Moon, he doesn't even remember you, or even being Tuxedo Mask who always helped you."

"Then why did he save me from the youma?" Sailor Moon asked. She noticed that Zoycite was talking to her in a tender voice. She looked behind Zoycite and saw Neflite and Molly show up.

Neflite went over to the other scouts and said something to them. Sailor Moon was puzzled about what he could have said. She watched her friends leave the scene. Now it was just her and Zoycite.

"Let's go somewhere and talk. Malachite could show up," Zoycite said.

Sailor Moon was a little baffled, but she complied. She walked beside Zoycite to an alleyway in silence. At first she was asking herself why Zoycite brought her to an alleyway halfway down the alley. Then it hit her - Zoycite had brought her to the alleyway so she could transform from Sailor Moon back to Serena.

When Serena was back to normal, Zoycite continued walking. Serena soon found out that Zoycite was heading to a park. When they got to the park, Zoycite sat on a bench. Serena sat beside her.

Zoycite was the first to speak. "Serena, I know how you feel. You lost a love and so did I."

"Yes, I understand that," Serena said. "But you actually lost more than me. I just found out that Darien is still well, but he just can't remember me. You can't even see your love because he thinks you are dead."

"You are right on that one."

For a few minutes Serena and Zoycite sat quietly.

"I never knew you girls did other things beside foil our plans," Zoycite said to end the silence. "And I actually had fun last night. Especially when your friends started the pillow fight."

"It can be fun when we are at the temple. But most of the time, Raye and I are always arguing. We argue about almost anything. When we fought you, Raye wanted to be leader. I can't really blame her but now that I'm actually the Moon Princess that has all changed."

"Which one is Raye?"

Serena chuckled. "Raye is the one with black hair."

"Oh," Zoycite said. At first she was puzzled as to why Serena was chuckling but soon Zoycite was also laughing.

"Zoycite, can I ask you a question?" Serena asked.

"Sure."

"You may not be able to answer this, but do you think we'll get Darien back?" Serena asked, looking Zoycite in the eyes.

For a moment Zoycite stared into Serena's big blue eyes. "I'm sure we'll get him back. Neflite and I are going to bring Malachite over."

"Really?" Serena said, shocked.

"Yes. You girls have a huge battle ahead of you and you need all the help you can get to beat the Negaverse."

"Thank you, Zoycite," Serena said. "Even though just a few days ago you were our enemy, you are a nice person. The scouts are going to have a hard time accepting you. It was easier to accept Neflite, since his heart was starting to become good."

"Yes, I know. But with your help, I will be able to accept myself as part of your group."

"Let's get going. I haven't eaten much and I'm starved," Serena said, smiling. She stood up from the bench and started to walk to the entrance of the park.

Zoycite wasn't long in following her. Before Zoycite caught up to Serena, she glanced over by a tree and saw Trista and her gang.

* * * * * * * *

"Zoycite saw us," Amara said. Amara, Michelle and Trista were casually standing around a tree that was close to where Zoycite and Serena sat. They weren't close enough to hear them, but they were watching the two as they talked.

"That doesn't matter," Trista said. "What matters is that Serena trusts Zoycite now. Zoycite will now have an easier time accepting and being accepted into the group."

"Have you spoken to Neflite yet about how he is going to reveal us?" Michelle asked.

"I spoke with him earlier when he was waiting for Molly. He hasn't thought of anything yet, but I know he will soon. When he's not with Molly, he's thinking of a way to reveal us."

"I can't believe how different Tuxedo Mask is now," Amara said. "But he saved Sailor Moon."

"Though he has been brainwashed, his heart will always belong to her," Trista said. "His inner self knows to protect Sailor Moon from harm. He doesn't even know why he did it. And he'll probably do it again."

* * * * * * * *

In the future, the king and queen watched their past. Trista had no idea how right she was about Tuxedo Mask in saving Sailor Moon again. The king and queen looked at each other and smiled.

They knew Trista, Sailor Pluto, would protect their younger selves. And now she had help. Neflite and Zoycite were now on the good side. The queen had accomplished her task; she had saved Neflite's life and in the process convinced Zoycite that the scouts were not bad.

Even though Zoycite was now with the scouts, the king still wasn't sure if the future was now out of danger. There was still the chance that the Negaforce would be too powerful even with all three ex-generals to help the scouts fight. He hoped his queen had done the right thing in having Neflite brought back to life.

* * * * * * * *

return to Index / go to Chapter 12

The Nephrite and Naru Treasury