Chapter 9 -- The Big Secret
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Queen Beryl sat back on her throne, still furious. For hours she had blasted any youma who walked into the throne room. She had finally stopped blasting anything in sight when she realized a hundred or so youma lay lifeless on the floor. Her other minions were smart enough to stay away from the throne room. Finally it was safe to enter the great hall.
“I hate SAILOR MOON!” she thundered. She couldn’t believe her servants had fallen for the surprise attack. She should have realized her former generals would have used the powers, which were given to them by Sailor Galaxia to restore powers to the sisters. But who were the Amazon Trio and Amazon Quartet? She never heard of them before. On top of all that, the Sailor Star Lights had returned.
“Those Damn Sailor Star Lights!”
“Majesty?”
“What?” Beryl roared, turning to Viluy and Ninjanna.
“Rubeus is going to live…” Viluy said.
“But…” The Negaverse ruler knew there was a catch. She wanted to ring Rubeus’ neck for being indiscreet. He should have known Mina would scream and Malachite would try to go to her aid. He should have done it during the attack planned by the Sailor Scouts. The evil queen was even angrier when she learned that Rubeus had been kicked in the groin.
“But he is damaged beyond return. He will never be able to reproduce.”
“That’s his stupidity. He should have known better.”
“There’s more. Maybe it will be useful,” Viluy continued. “Since the battle, I have been spying on the enemy. Malachite was Mina’s first love. They had a son."
This was interesting news. “I’m listening. When?”
“Four years ago. But the boy was killed last year in a plane crash.”
“Why not his mother?”
“Apparently, the boy was in the care of another family. No one knew of the child, not even the scouts nor Mina's family.”
“What was the child’s name?”
“Malachite Tom Aino-Tushco.”
“I want you to find out everything about the child.”
“Yes, my queen.” Viluy bowed and disappeared. She didn’t understand why the queen wanted this information but she complied anyway. She didn’t want to end up like the youma scattered around the throne room.
“So they had a child,” the queen wondered aloud. “The plane crash sounds very familiar. Could it be? But I caused many crashes last year,” she asked herself. She thought back to the days where she and Sailor Galaxia had used a plane crashes as an experiment. On one particular plane, moments before the plane crashed they whisked away a young child, no older than three. They wanted a human ally to help destroy the scouts.
Beryl’s thoughts were interrupted as Ninjanna spoke. “Your Majesty.” The youma bowed. “I would like to report that I took the liberty of finding out who the Amazon Quartet and Trio are. They were minions to the Dark Moon Circus who were looking for a Pegasus hiding in someone’s dreams.”
“Dark Moon Circus? Queen Neherenia ruled that Kingdom. She tried to destroy Queen Serenity but Serenity sealed Nehernia in a mirror for all time.”
“Yes. But when the Dark Moon Circus decided to come to Earth to find the Pegasus, they found more than what they bargained for. The Amazon Trio and Quartet were healed by Sailor Moon and lost their powers.”
“So their powers have been restored as well. Find me everything you can find on the trio and quartet. I want to know their fighting styles.”
* * * * * * * *
Molly woke a little disoriented. For a few moments she was confused about why her naked body was leaning against the warmth of another. Her puzzled thoughts were interrupted when Neflite squeezed her to him. She could feel her cheeks burn from embarrassment. But her blush was quickly replaced with a grin. She savored the scent of their bodies so close, the warmth of his skin, the way her body still sang from last night’s memory.
“You're awake,” Neflite whispered.
“I am now,” Molly smiled. “It feels so good to wake up to you in my arms.”
“And it is going to stay that way.”
“I know one thing's for sure,” Molly turned to look at her future husband, “I’m right where I belong and with the right man.”
“I’ll second that.” Neflite kissed the tip of her nose.
“This week is the prom. Will you be my date?”
“What type of a question is that? You never need to ask. I’m always going to be your date. But how’s Melvin going to deal with this?”
“Like I told you, Melvin and I broke up three months ago. We had decided to be friends instead of dating. I have to tell him the truth. He deserves to know that I’m pregnant. I told him I would once I knew how to explain it.”
“Well why don’t we…” Neflite started.
Molly reached over and kissed him. It wasn’t long before they were making love all over again. This time it was more intense, more passionate. They rolled over the bed, tangling themselves in the blankets. With a thud they landed on the floor. They both started to laugh. Still laughing, they pulled away and sat on the floor, tangled in blankets.
“Since we’re up, how about a shower,” Neflite suggested when his laughter was under control, but his beautiful goddess still laughed on.
“I haven’t laughed like this since before I found out about the scouts,” she laughed.
“Ok, my laughing beauty, we are having a shower.” He picked her up and carried her into the huge shower, which could fit four to six people.
As they showered, Molly washed him and he washed her. He had to kneel down so she could wash his hair. When they were done, Neflite wrapped a towel around himself and one around Molly. They sat on the bed and brushed each other’s hair.
When they were dressed, Neflite continued his interrupted conversation. “Now that we are dressed, let's head downstairs and have breakfast. Afterwards, let's go to the park and then we’ll go and keep that promise.”
“You mean…” Molly asked when Neflite smiled
“Yes. A Chocolate Parfait.” He watched her eyes light up. He gave her a quick kiss. “Where is there a café?”
“Paradise Café. Across the street from the museum. Oh no,” Molly smacked her head. “I forgot I haven’t been to work in a week. From everything that has happened, it just completely slipped my mind.”
“Don’t worry. When Grandpa was captured, I called the museum and told them that you won’t be in for a while. I said you had to go to a funeral out of town.”
“You're good,” she giggled.
“I know. Let’s eat. I am hungry and you must be too since you’re eating for two.”
“You’re learning.” Molly got off the bed and headed out, Neflite on her heels.
* * * * * * * *
As Molly and Neflite arrived in the kitchen, breakfast was being made by no other than Lita. Neflite had heard about how good Lita could cook and knew breakfast would be good. Lita didn't notice their arrival until Jedite entered. He knew right away what had gone on between the two.
“Good Morning, sleepy heads. Why so late?” Jedite teased.
Molly turned three shades of red and Neflite glared at him.
“Lay off, Jedite,” Neflite said.
“Sorry, geesh.” Jedite turned to Molly, “Sorry for that crack. You are with a good man. And I will leave it at that.”
“Jedite, could you give me a hand with breakfast? There are too many to cook for,” Lita supplied. She kept her head down hiding her smile. Way to go Molly she thought.
Rest of the morning was uneventful. All everyone had to do is take one look at Molly and they knew. She’d turn red with embarrassment. After breakfast Molly and Neflite were about to leave when Serena came up to them. She had been waiting to talk to them alone all morning.
“Molly, don’t be embarrassed. We are all happy for you,” Serena said.
“I know. But I just can’t help it,” Molly said.
“Not everyone gets a second chance with their first love.”
“Thank you, Serena.” Molly hugged her friend.
“I am glad I was wrong about you, Neflite,” Serena said, giving Neflite a hug.
“I kept wishing Molly would stay away from me. But now I’m glad she didn’t. She saw the good in me, that I didn’t even know was there.”
“Where are you two heading?” Serena asked.
“Out for the day,” the auburn-haired man said.
“Serena, I am going to tell Melvin the truth about me.” Molly said.
“The others and I have talked about our secret and I decided that I’m telling mom and dad the truth. I was also going to tell Melvin. Hey, you could tell Melvin the truth for me. Telling my parents is a big job.”
“Ok. Well, good luck with your parents,” Molly said. “Especially your father.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it,” Serena said. She watched her best friend and her lover head out to Molly’s car. She waved as they left down the road.
* * * * * * * *
Molly and Neflite arrived at McKenna Park. Neflite helped her out of the car and they linked their arms together to walk in the park. They went to the area where Neflite died. Not too far from the tree was a bench. A couple of kids came running to a grassy spot by the tree, with their parents behind with a picnic basket. After the parents had their picnic set up they went and joined their children in a game of softball.
Neflite wondered at how the parents were involved in the children’s activities. He hoped that someday he and Molly would be able to do the same thing. He took a quick glance at Molly and saw tears brimming her eyes in happiness. He guessed she wished the same thing.
One of the children, a young boy, lost the ball and came over to where Molly and Neflite were. He found the ball beside the bench. When the boy went to pick the ball his mother came over too. Molly recognized the mother. She used to be Molly’s babysitter when she was young.
When the mother noticed Molly and recognized her, “Molly? Molly Baker. Oh my, it is you.”
“Hi, Glinda,” Molly said, excited.
“You look wonderful,” Glinda said. “Who’s the gentleman?”
“Glinda, this is Neflite Stanton. Neflite, this is Glinda my first babysitter.”
“Hello,” Neflite said.
Glinda signaled her family to come over to the bench. The family walked over, “This is my husband Dan and my children Sam and Juliet.”
Molly couldn’t believe that her favorite babysitter was married and had a family. Of course, she couldn’t believe herself that she was soon going to be married and was having a baby.
“Mommy, daddy,” the little girl asked. “Could they play with us?”
“I don’t mind,” Dan said. “If you don’t mind.”
“No not at all,” Neflite said. Molly and Neflite were delighted that they were being asked to join in the activities.
When lunchtime rolled around, Molly and Neflite left the park to go to the Paradise Café. When they arrived, Molly saw Melvin was there. He was sitting in her usual booth talking to the waitress, Sophia. Molly escorted Neflite over to her booth.
“Hi Melvin,” Molly greeted him.
“Molly!” he said.
“Well, I have to get back to work,” Sophia said. “See ya, Molly.” She walked back to the counter.
“Have a seat Mol,” Melvin offered. As Molly and Neflite sat he asked, “Who’s he? He looks a lot like Maxfield Stanton.”
“Melvin, he is Maxfield Stanton. Please let me explain,” she rushed on before he could put a word in. “His real name is Neflite.”
Neflite extended his hand for Melvin to grasp.
Out of the corner of Melvin’s eyes he saw something shiny on her finger. “What’s that?” he asked.
“This is hard to explain. Before I get to this,” she showed the ring, “you need to know I have a lot to explain. Is there any way to meet later in private?”
“Yeah, how about at the abandoned ship yard?”
“Good. Ok, for now I’ll explain the ring and me. Do you remember last Saturday when I said I’ll tell you when I have an answer?”
“Yes.” Melvin didn’t like the way this was going.
“Well,” Molly started. She felt Neflite squeezing her hand for reassurance. “Mother…made…I’m pregnant,” she managed to say.
Melvin felt like he was punched in the head. He was totally shocked. “Y-- you …are …carrying …his…”
“On no, Melvin,” Molly said hurriedly. “I was…violated.”
“You…were ra…”
“Yes,” she said sadly before he could get the word out. Neflite clenched his fists under the table. “I won’t get in the details now, I will tell you later. I hope you understand.”
“O…ok. Well…I…I…”
“Melvin there’s no need for words. But there is some good news. This ring is an engagement ring.”
Melvin’s jaw dropped in surprised. “You’re getting married to him?”
“Yes. Later I will tell you everything about him and why he went by Maxfield. But right now I am hungry.”
“Well, I have to go…anyway,” Melvin finally managed. “I have to get back to work.” He stood up and left.
Neflite stood as well and went to the counter to order. A few minutes later he returned to the booth to see Molly grinning.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Molly smiled at her gorgeous fiancé as he sat down.
“There’s got to be, since you’re grinning.”
“It’s the way you stood up and ordered just now.”
“I know what you like. And I especially know what you’re craving,” he smiled.
“We should go out tonight.”
“I like the way this date is heading.”
“You mean an old broken promise date.”
Molly laughed, “Yeah.”
* * * * * * * *
Serena arrived at home to see her father standing outside, a little irritated. She slowly walked with Darien, their arms around each other, to the front door. Luna was lying on her shoulder. Even though Serena would soon be eighteen, her father still disapproved her dating.
“Dad, you’re home. I thought you weren’t coming home until tomorrow?” Serena said.
“A tropical storm was heading up the coast. The airlines offered to take us home a day early. Where have you been? Have you been with him?”
Serena looked to Darien for support and a quick explanation. He only shrugged. “No. Not exactly,” she stammered. “Mina and Raye were in trouble. Darien and my other friends helped solve it.”
“Damn,” Darien said suddenly. Serena turned to him. “I haven’t been to work. I better get going and explain my absence.”
“I understand.” Serena gave Darien a quick kiss on the cheek and watched him leave for his car. As she watched him drive away, she continued talking to her father, “Dad, I have something important to tell you. But first I’m going in to say hi to mom and take a bath. This is going to be hard to explain. I’ve kept a secret for four years. Come on, Luna.”
“All right,” her father said, though his expression did not change any.
* * * * * * * *
Serena had her family gathered in the living room when she told them the truth about her. She told them about Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts. She explained her adventures and how she was able to get in and out of the house in the middle of the night, all the enemies she fought and how they became friends. She even told them of the Silver Millennium; about how she was a Princess of the Moon and Darien was a Prince of Earth, and about her real mother, Queen Serenity. She even explained the past week.
“Now we are waiting for Queen Beryl’s next move,” she finished. She looked at her family to see them sitting with their mouths gaping open.
“I don’t believe this,” Sammy said. He was the first person to come out shock.
“I figured you wouldn’t,” Serena said calmly.
“Is there proof?” her father asked, sounding a little cynical.
“Luna, dad wants proof. Can you bring in my locket?”
Luna came in the room carrying the locket in her mouth. She handed the locket to Serena and said, “I still say this is a bad idea.”
“Holy…” her father uttered.
“Yes I can talk. I’ve always been able to.” The black cat jumped on the coffee table.
Serena took the locket from Luna. “This turns me into Sailor Moon.” Serena lifted the locket and transformed.
“Oh My Gosh!” Mrs. Tsukino gasped.
“There’s more. Do you guys remember Rini?”
“Who doesn’t?” Sammy mocked.
“This will really knock your socks off. Rini was-is from the future, at least by 15 real years. She is or will be mine and Darien’s first child.” Serena watched as her family went into complete shock. “I said it would knock your socks off,” she finished. She was going to continue on when the phone rang. She was the only person who registered the phone ring.
“Hello,” Serena answered. As she listened to the caller, she detransformed. “One moment please.” She pushed the hold button on the phone and place the phone back down. “Dad, it’s for you. It’s your boss.”
“Th--Thanks.” Still stunned, he went into another room to answer the call.
Mrs. Tsukino came up to Serena, “I had better get unpacked,” she said warily. When she went past the door, the doorbell rang.
“Oh…hello Mina, and you two are?” she stuttered, pointing to Malachite and Greg.
“Hello, Mrs. Tsukino. This is Malachite and Greg. You’re home early,” Mina answered. “Has Serena told you the truth yet?
The older woman nodded
“Good. We need to talk.”
“Oh great, more shocking news.” Serena’s mother let them in.
“Serena, we have trouble,” Greg announced. “Your family is in danger.”
“Mom and dad are shocked enough as it is. They don’t need…Dad what is it?” Serena asked when her father came back in the living room upset.
“I was fired,” he said bluntly.
“Oh, honey,” his wife said.
“Serena, we have to get this over with now,” Mina said sadly. “You all better sit.”
When they were sitting, Greg continued. “Mina and I have premonitions. We both can see the future. We both had a vision that this house burns down at the hands of the Negaverse.”
“Oh god!” Luna burst out.
“I know you’re all in shock right now about Serena being Sailor Moon and all, but this is more important than that,” Mina said.
“We defeated the Negaverse yesterday and we knew they will be back for revenge. Queen Beryl doesn’t take defeat easily,” Malachite explained.
“I believe it's going to happen on an evening Serena when is not home,” Greg said.
“It will be sometime after the prom," Mina added. "Greg can see the vision but my visions go farther. I can see details.”
“Here’s the good part. We can take your possessions to Neflite’s without letting the Negaverse know what we're doing,” Malachite suggested. “I’m sorry, but there is no way to stop this fire.”
“Neflite is out right now. Where, I don’t know. But I know he won’t mind. He will protect you,” Greg added.
“And Neflite is…” Mrs. Tsukino asked.
“Molly’s new fiancé and the second general,” Serena answered.
“And who might you be?” Mr. Tsukino asked Malachite, still confused.
“Oh I’m sorry. My name is Malachite. I was a general for the Negaverse.”
“You’re the one, that Serena said was the strongest out of the generals,” Sammy said.
“You’re a good listener. I know this is heavy but we should get this done now,” Malachite announced softly. “Mina, Serena, is there any way to contact Neflite?”
“Not at the moment. He and Molly are out for the day,” Serena answered.
“Damn,” Malachite said.
“Serena, I will go and call to see if they’re at Paradise Café.” As Mina left the room, Malachite grasped her wrist and gave her a quick kiss.
Malachite took the next couple of hours making a list of what the Tsukinos wanted saved. He knew it would take a while. The Tsukinos did what Malachite asked. Though they were stunned by the whole story but they understood the urgency.
* * * * * * * *
Neflite and Molly waited at the abandoned shipyard for Melvin. They waited for about an hour before Melvin finally appeared. When he approached and saw the look on Molly’s face, he knew she was determined in telling him the truth.
“Ok…” Melvin said. “Since you asked to have a private place to speak, I’m presuming there is more news.
“Yes, Melvin there is,” Molly answered. “This news is really going to blow you away.”
Molly first started off explaining about Neflite and who he really was before. That he was a Negaverse warrior and had been alive for a thousand years before dying. After explaining Neflite’s story, she allowed Melvin to absorb the information before continuing.
“Melvin, you should understand though,” Neflite said, “that I am no longer evil. But there is still more to be said.”
“What more is there?” Melvin asked.
“The secret identity of Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts,” Molly answered.
“You know the scouts’ identity?”
“Yes. Sailor Moon is actually Serena,” Molly explained. “The rest of the Sailor Scouts, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus are actually Amy, Raye, Mina, Lita, Trista, Hotaru, Michelle and Amara.”
Melvin almost lost his balance, and leaned against a broken pillar mass. He listened carefully as Molly explained how she knew them. She explained the life the Moon Kingdom and everything she knew about the scouts.
When she was finally done speaking, he was thankful he had chosen the abandoned shipyard for the meeting. He knew one thing for sure; the scouts’ secret must stay a secret. When he was finally over the initial shock, he was now able to piece together why Sailor Moon and Serena were alike.
* * * * * * * *
Amy and Zoisite sat around the mansion waiting for any news. Malachite had called them about the new situation with the Tsukinos. Amy knew the awkward situation was just going to get worse as the days progressed. She hated to think of what this meant to the Tsukinos, losing their home and all. She was grateful for the generals being around. With their powers they would be able to protect Serena’s family.
Zoisite was also thinking the same thing. If it weren’t for them, Serena’s family would be killed. He also kept thinking of Amy. He knew she didn’t quite remember him on the Moon but he was determined to help her remember. She was the only one not remembering her love life. She had had a relationship with him. Every time she and Greg were together, Zoisite felt the jealousy rise. He even recognized it for what it was. Zoisite was her soul mate, not Greg.
“Zoisite, did Neflite say when he’d be back?” she asked.
“Nope. Just that he and Molly were going out on a much deserved, overdue date.”
“She deserves one with all the hell she’d been through.”
“Yes, but we are all here to help her,” Zoisite said. He still couldn’t believe how beautiful Amy had become. She was more beautiful now than she was when they first met four years ago. He watched her walk over to the large living room window from the sofa.
“I’m just glad she found Neflite’s weakness four years ago. And that we interfered with Galaxia’s plan when she brought you back to life.”
Amy kept wondering why Zoisite was always staring at her when they were alone. When Greg would walk into the room, she would feel Zoisite's eyes move somewhere else in the room. It was very curious. She was the only one not able to remember her life on the Moon, and she was sure Zoisite knew about her life. But she didn’t have the courage to go up and ask him. Her thoughts were interrupted when the Starlights walked in.
“Hey guys. What’s new?” Seiya asked.
“Not much. Just Serena’s family is now in danger,” Zoisite answered. When Seiya and his brothers walked in, he had been staring at the scout of Ice. But he quickly moved his stare to the opposite wall from her.
“Ouch. That must hurt Serena,” Yaten commented.
“Right now, we’re waiting to hear from Mina or Neflite. Which ever comes first,” Amy said. She turned her head to the Starlights.
“While we're waiting, let's get this room a little organized, since it is a little disastrous,” Taiki suggested.
Both Amy and Zoisite thought that was a good idea. It took them an hour to help the Starlights clean up the mess. Zoisite and Amy cleaned up the food, while the Starlights took care of the bedding. When that was done, Zoisite used his powers to put the furniture back in place. As Zoisite moved the furniture around, Amy vacuumed the floor. The Starlights went into the kitchen and did the dishes. Before too long, the house never looked like it was used as a sleepover camp.
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return to Index / go to Chapter 10