Turning the Tables
By Lady1Venus

Chapter 13 - Zoycite Lives

* * * * * * * *

After the Outer Sailor Scouts revealed themselves, the eight scouts went to the temple and transformed back to normal form. They were now sitting around outside, since it was too crowded in Raye's room, as Trista told the Inner Scouts about her and the Outer Sailors.

"So you see," Trista said. "You scouts weren't supposed to meet us, but when I helped to keep Neflite alive, the Negaforce became stronger, which led us into having to reveal ourselves."

"Yeah, you've said that once already," Raye said impatiently. "So what do we do now?"

"We all help Zoycite convince Malachite to join our side," Amara said.

"Are you crazy?" Lita said. "Malachite almost killed us this evening."

"That may be so," Trista continued. "But when Malachite learns that Zoycite is alive, I know he won't tell Beryl about her. By the way, just so you'll know, Beryl killed Zoycite, and on Zoycite's last breath, I intervened to keep her alive."

"You kept her alive!" Serena burst out. "I thought it was Neflite."

"Neflite led you to believe that he did it all by himself," Trista said. "But he had no choice. He couldn't tell anyone about me. However, Molly has met me but she doesn't know who I am."

"How did Molly meet you?" Serena asked.

"It was the day Molly was kidnapped by the Negaverse," Trista answered. "In fact, it was minutes after we met that the girls from your school captured her."

"Have those girls given Molly any more trouble?" Amara asked, amused.

"Actually, no," Serena said. "Whenever the girls see Neflite they quickly walk past us and head the down the street, without saying a word."

"That still puzzles me," Amy said. "Why are they now so scared of Neflite?"

"They saw Neflite teleport," Michelle answered. "I would be scared too if it was the first time I saw someone disappear without a magician's box."

"I'm having a hard time believing this. Let me see if I've got this straight," Lita said shaking her head. "You, Trista, are from the future and you helped Neflite to stay alive and there's more Sailor Scouts. This is getting weird."

"Yes, Lita," Trista said. "Well, we better go."

"If any of you girls would like a ride home, I can fit two more in my car," Amara said.

"Ah...sure," Serena said.

"Serena!" Raye snapped.

"Raye, they are scouts and they even said that Zoycite and Neflite know them," Serena said.

"Raye, Serena has a point," Amy said. "Molly even knows Trista. I'll go with you."

"Ok," Amara nodded.

"Amara, I'm going to take the long way home," Trista said. "So someone can take my place."

"I will," Mina said.

Mina, Amy and Serena left the temple, following Amara and Michelle to the parking lot. When they got to the car, the three Inner Scouts got in the back. When Amara pulled away, the ride to the Inner Scouts' home was quiet, except for Serena's sighs. A few times she even sniffled and wiped her eyes. Amara guessed that Serena was thinking about Darien.

When Serena was the only Inner Scout left in the car, Amara decided to break the silence. "It's hard to believe that you are the Moon Princess."

"Yeah, it is," Serena said. "I still can't even believe it. Even when I turned into the Moon Princess, when the Negaverse first captured Darien," her voice shook and she had to wipe away another tear, "I couldn't believe it."

"I understand how it must have felt finding out that you are the Moon Princess," Amara said.

"Do you know where I live?" Serena asked.

"Yes," Amara said. "Trista had asked us to watch you guys. A few times we were ready to give ourselves away when you were fighting."

"Oh," Serena said.

The rest of the trip to Serena's home was silent.

* * * * * * * *

Zoycite was quietly watching Malachite in the time flux. She was spending most of her time there trying to find a way for the scouts to help Malachite. The more she watched, the harder it was to keep herself hidden. On a couple of occasions, she actually went into the Negaverse to watch Malachite sleep, but she made sure she was back in the flux before he awoke.

"Any luck in finding a way to get him?" Neflite asked as he came up behind her.

"No," Zoycite answered. "The only thing I do know is that the queen is getting very irritated at him, for failing."

"It's not Malachite's fault that he's failing, it's actually Tuxedo Mask's fault. He's the one who keeps interfering in Malachite's plans."

"And so are we."

The two ex-generals fell silent. Leaving the flux, they both went back to the mansion. When they got back into the mansion, Zoycite asked, "Is there a dance coming up?"

"On Friday," Neflite answered. "It's another formal theme dance but this time it's a fundraiser for SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's only for Cross Roads Junior High School."

"Serena was telling me about the last masquerade dance. She had a goofy date that she didn't even like."

"Yeah, and he got jealous when Serena was talking to me. I don't think she's going to have a date this time. She's still quite depressed about Tuxedo Mask."

"Hello." Neflite and Zoycite whipped their heads around to see Trista sitting in one of the leather chairs.

"Trista, don't do that," Neflite snapped.

"Sorry, but I thought to let you know that we have revealed ourselves to the scouts," Trista said as she stood up.

"How did they react?" Neflite asked calmly.

"Shocked, suspicious," Trista said. "Especially when I told them that you two already knew about us."

"Where did you just come from?" Zoycite asked.

"The temple. Amara and Michelle took three of the girls home and I came here. Any plans for Malachite yet?"

"Queen Beryl is getting tired of Malachite. She may very well kill him since she really has no use for him anymore," Zoycite said.

"So, we need to get to him first, before Beryl," Trista said. "Soon, Beryl is going to be strong enough to strike."

* * * * * * * *

It was late Friday afternoon, and Molly was in her room, deciding on what outfit to wear. Neflite had given her some money, so she and her mother went out shopping a few days beforehand and bought three evening dresses. The dance was a fundraiser for SIDS, and had a blue theme. Everyone had to wear blue. It would be beautiful, Molly thought, with everyone wearing a hundred different shades of blue.

"Molly, honey," Molly's mother said from outside the bedroom door. "Your date will be here soon."

In a quick decision, Molly decided on a nice light blue halter gown. The gown was slim fitting to the waist then flared out into a chiffon skirt. The back went midway down. Looking over herself in her floor length mirror, Molly couldn't help but blush. Neflite was going to be surprised at how pretty she looked.

Molly looked over on her dresser and remembered the jewelry Neflite had bought her. He wanted her to wear the jewelry at the dance. She just got the earrings and necklace on when she heard voices in the other room. Neflite was there. She was so happy now that she could call Neflite by his real name. She just wished she could tell her mother the truth about Neflite.

Molly took another quick look in her mirror and then walked out in the other room.

* * * * * * * *

"Mr. Stanton, It's nice to see you again," Mrs. Baker said.

"Hello, Mrs. Baker. It's nice to see you," Neflite said. "Do you know..." He stopped dead short as he looked up and saw Molly emerge from her bedroom.

Mrs. Baker turned and watched as her daughter entered the living room. Mrs. Baker smiled at Neflite's shock at how Molly looked.

When Molly stood beside her mother, she blushed.

For a few minutes Neflite was speechless. "You look wonderful," he said in a quiet voice that Molly never heard before from him.

"Thank you," Molly blushed even more. She grabbed her long coat that matched the dress.

"Well, you two better get going. I know you have something special planned for my daughter, Mr. Stanton. Have a good time."

Mrs. Baker watched the couple leave. When they were no longer in the room, Mrs. Baker leaned against the door, smiling. "Maxfield, you are a wonderful man to my daughter," she said to herself.

* * * * * * * *

When they were outside, it took Neflite a few more minutes to get over the shock. When he had his composure back, he silently offered his arm to Molly and she took it gracefully. They walked down stairs to the limo that waited for them.

Once outside, Molly could see a woman standing by an opened door of the limo. When Molly got closer, she could see that it was Zoycite. Her hair was down and she was wearing a simple blue long sleeve dress. Molly was confused.

Zoycite noticed the confusion. "The Scouts suggested I come to the dance to keep an eye out for Malachite. He could take an advantage of the dance for one of his plans."

Zoycite turned and got in the limo. When she was in Molly got in and Neflite behind her. When the three were seated, the limo drove away.

"Where are we going?" Molly asked.

"Dinner before the dance," Neflite answered her. "The Country Club."

"What is the Country Club?" Zoycite asked.

"It's a restaurant," Neflite answered. "Molly and I went there before the last theme dance."

"Oh," Zoycite said. "I suppose you want a dinner for two?"

Molly silently watched as the two ex-generals, rivals, talked like civil people. Then it occurred to her that they were starting to become friends. "Actually Zoycite," Molly said. "It would be nice if you came as well and besides we can't leave you to eat in the limo."

Both Neflite and Zoycite looked at her, stunned. Molly was going to actually give Zoycite a second chance. After a minute, they shrugged and continued talking.

* * * * * * * *

At the dance, Serena was waiting outside for Neflite's limo to pull up to the school before she walked in. Her ex-date from the last dance was at the school and she didn't want to be with him this time.

When she saw the limo pull up, she relaxed. When the limo stopped, the driver opened up the back door to allow Neflite to step out. When Neflite was out he helped Molly out and then Zoycite.

"Hey, Serena," Molly said. "What are you doing out here?"

"Avoiding my date from the last dance. I can't remember his name and I know he's looking for me," Serena said. "As long as I stay by you guys, I'll feel fine."

"How about I have two dates?" Neflite joked. "If Molly doesn't mind."

"Of course, I don't mind," Molly said. "Serena could use some cheering up anyway."

"Huh?" Serena was confused.

"Zoycite and Neflite told me what happened a few nights ago, about how you almost had Darien back," Molly said. "I'm really sorry."

"I know," Serena said. "But I am going to get him back. Molly, do you mind if I get one dance out of your handsome man tonight?"

"As long as I get the first dance," Molly said.

Both girls started laughing. Neflite looked to Zoycite and saw that she was holding back a laugh. When the girls had shared their laugh, Neflite offered his arm to Molly. When her arm was linked with his, Neflite then offered his other arm to Serena, which she took.

* * * * * * * *

During the dance, guys couldn't keep their eyes of Molly. But Molly knew Neflite would protect her and she loved it when he became protective.

While Molly and Neflite were having their first slow dance, Serena and Zoycite were sitting at a table.

"I know I suggested you come to the dance," Serena said. "But it still doesn't seem right that you are here."

"I know the feeling, Serena," Zoycite said. "But I have the strangest feeling that Malachite is going to be here."

"But if he does show up, you can't let yourself be known. If he finds out that you are alive..."

"Even if he did, he wouldn't tell the queen," Zoycite interrupted. "Malachite blames the queen for my death and he doesn't like her anyway. I'm actually counting on Malachite finding me. Then he would know that you girls are good people who can help him."

"I don't think that is wise," Serena said. "If Malachite finds out that you are alive, he will find out who we are."

"Not necessarily. Anyway, I'm going to take a walk around the school, to make sure there aren't any Negaverse sightings." Zoycite stood up and left the dance area just as the slow song ended. She took a quick look at Molly and Neflite and knew now that she made the right decision in joining the scouts.

When she got outside, it was nice and quiet. This dance was the first time that she ever been in a crowded room with a lot of music. It took her a few minutes to adjust to her surroundings. As she was looking around, she noticed the three teenagers that helped her kidnap Molly.

Deciding that her disguise would protect her identity, she went over to the three teenagers. "Hello," Zoycite said.

The girls turned at the voice. The voice sounded familiar but the woman it belonged to didn't look like the Zoycite they knew.

"Hello," Corrine said. She noticed that Zoycite was not from Cross Roads Junior High. "You're not from here, are you?"

"No, I was invited to the dance," Zoycite said.

"Welcome to Cross Roads Junior High School," Janice said. "I am Janice and this is Corrine and Kelly. What's your name?"

Zoycite thought for a moment. If I tell them who I am, they'll run away. I have it; I'll tell them a different name. "My name is Zoe."

"Sorry to make this short, Zoe, but we are just about to head inside, we got sick of seeing Molly dancing with her...boyfriend." Corrine said.

"Yeah, and her dress is a showstopper," Kelly said.

"Well, talk to you later, Zoe," Janice said. The three girls left Zoycite.

"They are still quite jealous," Zoycite said.

"And you are quite lovely," a masculine voice said. "A perfect candidate for my plan."

Zoycite turned to the voice and she was facing Malachite. Zoycite gasped as she looked at him.

Malachite cocked his head wondering why she would gasp like that. Though she did look familiar, but he couldn't place where he might have seen her before.

"Surrender your energy to the Negaverse," Malachite stated flatly.

"Malachite, don't!" Zoycite shouted.

"What?" Malachite gasped. "How do you know my name?"

"Damn!" Zoycite cursed. "Malachite, it's me, Zoycite!"

"Zoycite! How is that possible? I watched her die."

"The Sailor Scouts saved my life. I've been fighting on their side."

"What?"

* * * * * * * *

Amy and Lita were taking a walk outside when they heard Malachite shout. They saw Malachite and Zoycite standing by the gate.

"Damn," Lita said. "Amy, call the scouts, and let's get the hell over there!"

Amy grabbed her communicator. "Guys, we have a problem! Malachite is here!" Amy turned off the communicator so she could transform. "I hope they heard me."

"I hope so too," Lita said. "JUPITER POWER!"

"MERCURY POWER!"

The scouts transformed as Malachite and Zoycite confronted each other.

* * * * * * * *

return to Index / go to Chapter 14

The Nephrite and Naru Treasury