by Haruka

Zoisite watched the scenery pass by the car window without really seeing it. She kept thinking of Alan and how important he and Ann had already become to her. They were her first exposure to total selflessness, and now Alan was suffering as a result. She clenched her fists. If Malachite knew what was good for him, he'd stay far away from her. She'd like nothing better than to make him suffer next.
"Are you all right?"
Zoisite looked toward Setsuna and saw deep concern in her eyes. She'd been so worried about Alan that she hadn't really registered the fact that Setsuna was directly involved in all this. "I'm okay," she answered, then carefully added, "I hope you are. It must be difficult for you to know the truth about Malachite."
"Well, it's true I considered him a friend, but that's all we ever were," Setsuna said firmly. "At least things are starting to make sense. I couldn't figure out why the girls suddenly seemed to despise him, but I think now I do." She glanced at Zoisite. "He hurt you somehow, didn't he? That's why you were in pain yesterday."
Colour rose in Zoisite's cheeks and she averted her gaze. "I told you that was a pulled muscle."
Setsuna's tone was gentle, "Zoisite, you know I didn't believe that. Won't you tell me the truth?"
The younger girl sighed. "I may as well, you'll find out anyway." She took a deep breath. "Malachite tried to spank me the other day, but Alan and Ann stopped him. So he told the Principal that contrary to my parents' original request, I should now be eligible for corporal punishment." She shrugged. "You can guess what happened next."
Setsuna gave her a sympathetic look. "That was a mean, sneaky thing for him to do, but you shouldn't feel embarrassed."
"Wouldn't you?" Zoisite asked, then smiled faintly. "But I guess nothing like that has ever happened to you."
"Who says?" Setsuna replied and winked at her. "It was just last year that I was in high school myself, and I wasn't always a model student."
Zoisite grinned with relief. "You do understand."
"Yes, I do, and I can even understand why you're embarrassed," Setsuna said. "But I still don't think you should feel that way. If you want to feel badly for doing whatever got you in trouble, go ahead, but the method of punishment wasn't your choice. Why should you be ashamed of something you couldn't control?"
I love you, Zoisite thought fervently, resisting the urge to throw her arms around Setsuna and kiss her. "Thank you," she said gratefully.
The older girl smiled at her. "You're welcome."

Malachite paced back and forth inside the glass doors that led out back. He'd seen Setsuna leave, so he knew she was all right, and he'd also spotted Ann's bright hair among the tree's branches. Once she got a look at Alan, he hoped she'd convince the tree that they'd be safer elsewhere. Then life around the house could get back to normal. He knew he'd have some problems to work out with Setsuna, but he was certain she'd see things his way. His charm had never failed him yet--he'd win back Setsuna's confidence and before long, her affection.
A flash of green hair startled Malachite into an abrupt halt. His jaw dropped at the sight of Setsuna running toward the big tree with Zoisite.
They were holding hands.
Confusion and frustration built toward fury as he stared after the two girls. What was Zoisite doing home in the middle of the day and what was she doing with Setsuna?! He didn't think they even knew each other except by his brief introduction. He wanted to charge after them and demand to know how they dared appear on his property hand-in- hand. However, he wasn't willing to go near the tree in order to confront them. They had to go back to Setsuna's car eventually, though, and he decided to be there when they did.

"Ann!"
The pink-haired sprite looked up at Zoisite's voice and waved. Setsuna and Zoisite made their way to where Ann stood and Zoisite hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry," she murmured. "How's Alan?"
"He's being healed right now," Ann told her, and looked to where Alan lay on a nearby branch. His entire body was glowing with white light.
"Will he be okay?" Zoisite asked worriedly.
"He's never been hurt this badly before," Ann admitted. "But I'm sure the tree won't stop until he's well."
Zoisite slowly approached Alan and knelt beside him. She wanted to touch him, but didn't want to interfere with the tree's healing process. As bright as the light surrounding him was, she could still see the discoloration of bruising on his face.
"Oh, Alan," she whispered, her eyes filling. A sob caught in her throat and she lowered her head. She hadn't cried when her parents passed away or any time since, not even when she was paddled. But now, looking at Alan's battered, unconscious form, uncontrollable tears coursed down her cheeks. Comforting arms encircled her shaking shoulders and she smelled Setsuna's delicate perfume. Leaning against the older girl for support, Zoisite began to cry in earnest.

Malachite heard footsteps and a soft voice approaching the driveway. He stood up from where he'd been leaning against Setsuna's car and turned to watch their arrival. As they came around the corner of the house, he was greeted with another unpleasant shock.
Setsuna had her arm around Zoisite.
It took a moment for him to realize that the two of them weren't in a clinch. Zoisite looked like hell; her eyes were red and swollen and there were dried tearstains on her face. Setsuna held her closely, murmuring to her. She may only have been offering comfort, but even so they looked a little too familiar to him.
"Zoisite!" he shouted.
Both girls looked up sharply. "Malachite," Setsuna whispered.
"How dare you leave school in the middle of the day, Zoisite!" Malachite yelled. "You'd better have a good explanation for this!"
Zoisite blinked, then something flashed in her eyes and she lunged at him. Luckily for Malachite, Setsuna still held his stepsister, and fought to keep that hold as the younger girl thrashed about wildly.
"You coward, Malachite!" Zoisite screamed. "You should be shot for what you did to Alan! How gutless can you be, anyway?! You have a problem with me, you deal with me, not my friends!"
"Malachite, get out of here!" Setsuna ordered, trying desperately to control the struggling girl. "Your presence is only incensing her! Don't make things worse than they already are!"
"What are you talking about?" he exclaimed. "Things aren't that bad now that I've eliminated my biggest problem!"
"Don't bet on it!"
Malachite turned to see Ann standing on top of Setsuna's car. Before he could respond, her pink eyes glowed white, and a blast of energy hurled him half-way across the lawn.
Zoisite stopped struggling, her eyes wide. Ann looked toward she and Setsuna. "You guys can leave. I'll watch him until you're safely away." She jumped off the car and glared at Malachite, who was trying to sit up.
"You be careful, Ann," Setsuna told her.
"Don't worry, I'll just stay until you're out of sight, then I'll go back to Alan." She gave Malachite a malevolent look. "And if he tries anything, I'll drain every bit of energy he's got and leave him prone on the grass."
"Come on, Zoisite," Setsuna said gently, and led the other girl to the car. Malachite didn't say a word as he watched them prepare to leave--the memory of Ann's glowing eyes was too fresh in his mind. But when the car was gone and Ann vanished, he finally felt safe enough to move.
Things were irreconcilable with Setsuna, he knew that now. Her concern had been for Zoisite and Ann only; his being blasted across the yard hadn't bothered her at all. From the looks of it, he wasn't going to win her back. However, he thought decisively, that didn't mean he was prepared to let she and Zoisite get too chummy. Things may be innocent right now, but if either Setsuna or Zoisite got any ideas about each other, he'd make sure they'd regret it.
Maybe it was time to call in a professional.

Setsuna gazed down at Zoisite's sleeping form fondly. The seventeen-year-old had dropped off as soon as she lay down on Serena's bed. It was probably the best thing for her, after the emotional upheaval she'd experienced earlier. Even in slumber, she's beautiful, Setsuna mused as she brushed away a wisp of hair from the girl's face. She remembered how it had felt to hold Zoisite in her arms, and found herself wishing she could do so again, this time as a loving embrace rather than an offer of comfort.
Whoa, Setsuna, slow down, she told herself. Zoisite is vulnerable right now, and you should protect her, not take advantage of her. Besides, you may just be on the rebound from Malachite.
Yeah, right. As Serena would say, like _even_.
Setsuna knew she'd never been good at lying to herself, and if she were to be totally honest, she'd admit she had feelings for Zoisite. Not only was she beautiful, but she was vibrant, fiery, compassionate, and sexy. Setsuna studied Zoisite's lovely face and wondered what it would be like to kiss her full lips.
The sound of voices downstairs startled her out of her reverie. She drew a quilt over Zoisite and stole quietly out of the room.
The sailor scouts were gathered at the foot of the stairs as she came down. "Hi, Setsuna," Serena greeted. "Is Zoisite here?"
"Yes, I have her in our room at the moment," she said. "We'll have to find somewhere else for her, I guess, but I feel somewhat responsible for her. I'd be more comfortable if she were nearby."
Raye elbowed Serena, who gave her a dirty look until she realized the other girls were all eyeing her expectantly. "Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly. "Uh, Setsuna? Why don't you just leave Zoisite where she is? I can make a room for myself in the den."
"Sure, it's small, but private," Lita added. "And close to the kitchen!"
"Right up Serena's alley," Raye said dryly.
Setsuna looked hopeful, but uncertain. "Are you sure, Serena? I don't want to kick you out."
"You're not, I'm offering," Serena replied promptly. "Zoisite shouldn't be alone in a room--not if we're going to protect her from Malachite."
"How did things go over there, anyway?" Haruka asked.
"Badly. Malachite began harassing us when we tried to leave and Zoisite went ballistic. If I hadn't held her back, I think she would have landed all over him."
"How was Alan doing?" Michiru asked in concern.
"The tree was in the process of healing him." Setsuna's expression turned solemn. "When Zoisite saw him, she broke down. I have a feeling it was a first, it took a lot out of her."
"How did you finally get past Malachite?" Mina wanted to know. "Did you have to transform?"
"No, fortunately. Ann appeared and ... let's just say the tree sprites aren't only beauty and sweetness. Their magic is a powerful weapon."
"Will Malachite recover?" Amy inquired.
"He looked fine when we left, although he hadn't yet gotten to his feet. I think Ann just gave him a warning. If he'd come at us again, things likely wouldn't have gone as well for him."
"Do you think he'll back off now?" Raye asked.
"I don't know," Setsuna admitted. "But I wouldn't count on it. He's already proven himself to be cruel and vindictive." She sat down heavily on the stairs, her gaze on the floor. "I'm ashamed that I ever listened to his advice on being a guardian."
"You didn't know any better," Amy said gently. "It's not like you wanted the job in the first place. Luna and Artemis pushed it on you."
The mooncats, who up until then had been silent, looked up indignantly. "Hey, someone had to be in charge," Artemis protested.
"Why?" Mina demanded. "None of us are juvenile delinquents. We're sailor scouts! Maybe we mess up sometimes, but you're always here to straighten us out. Besides, we can all keep each other from getting too far out of line. There's no reason why any one person has to take it on herself."
Setsuna looked up at Haruka, her eyes moist. "I'm sorry I grounded you. I had no right."
"You thought you did. And I was acting like a brat." Haruka grinned. "No hard feelings."
"Perhaps they're right, Artemis," Luna said thoughtfully. "Setsuna is only eighteen, after all. She's not even a legal adult."
"True," Artemis agreed, then gave Setsuna a mischievous look. "But if you decide to be one of the girls again, that means you're as eligible for group _and_ mooncat judgement as the others."
"I'll gladly accept those terms," Setsuna answered with a smile of relief.
"Welcome back, Set." Haruka gave her a light punch in the arm.
"Thank you," the older girl said. "It's good to _be_ back."
"I guess it's business as usual for us again, huh, Luna?" Artemis remarked.
"Good thing," Luna joked. "I'm too young to retire."

"This is wonderful, Lita," Zoisite remarked over dinner. "Our cook never made chicken this flavorful."
"It's my own blend of herbs and spices," Lita said. "I'm glad you like it."
"Did you sleep well, Zoisite?" Mina asked.
The older girl nodded. "I was really wiped out. But it was wonderful to wake up and know I wouldn't have to face Malachite right away."
Seated beside Zoisite, Setsuna smiled reassuringly at her. "You're safe here."
"I feel safe," Zoisite said. "I even feel relaxed, which I never did at home."
Artemis looked up from his dish. "We're glad, becau--mmph!" He was cut off as Mina used her foot to push his face into his meal.
Zoisite was looking around in alarm. "Who said that? I heard a male voice!"
Haruka cleared her throat awkwardly. "Uh, that was me," she said, deepening her already-husky voice. "I had something sticking in my throat."
"Oh," Zoisite said uncertainly.
Setsuna quickly changed the subject. "I was wondering when you might think it safe for us to pick up your clothes and things."
"That's the problem, there is no safe time," Zoisite said with regret. "Malachite doesn't keep a set schedule, except for his classes, and he may skip those anytime he wants. He did today."
"I don't see why Zoisite has to go at all," Haruka remarked. "Michi and I can go get her stuff, and if Malachite gives us any trouble, Ann's nearby to help out."
"Maybe I should go with you," Setsuna remarked.
"If you go, I go," Zoisite said firmly.
"That defeats the whole purpose!" Haruka exclaimed.
Serena gave a sudden shriek and everyone turned to see what frightened her. Standing behind Zoisite's chair holding two suitcases was Ann. By her side stood a smiling Alan.
"Alan!" Zoisite cried and leapt up to hug him.
"I'm okay," he murmured. "I promise I'm okay."
"Those are the sprites?" Raye said in surprise.
Mina grinned. "They're cute!"
"Hi, Ann, how's it going?" Lita asked.
"Better now." Ann put the suitcases down. "Alan's still weak, but a couple more shots of energy and he'll be fine."
"What's Malachite doing?" Amy wanted to know.
Ann shrugged. "I haven't seen him since Zoisite left earlier."
"Did you change your mind about moving in?" Setsuna asked, nodding at the suitcases.
"Oh, those are full of Zoisite's clothes and personal items," Alan said. "We knew she'd need them."
"You guys are the best!" Zoisite kissed both their cheeks, then looked serious. "I wish you hadn't risked running into Malachite by going into the house, though."
Ann waved a hand blithely. "I doubt he'll be a problem to Alan and I anymore. He's afraid of us now."
"Don't underestimate him," Haruka warned. "You did that once and look what happened to Alan."
"She's got a point," Zoisite said.
"Ann's minimizing our concern, but we're not ignoring the facts," Alan told her. "We're on guard and so is the tree. He won't get hold of either one of us again." He gave Zoisite a hug. "We have to get back, we promised the tree we wouldn't be gone long."
"You'll keep in touch, won't you?" she asked hopefully. "I don't know when I'll be able to go over to the house."
"It's better if you don't even try," Ann told her as they hugged. "But don't worry, we'll come see you, we promise."
The pair disappeared and Zoisite sighed. "I'll miss them."
Setsuna gave her a little squeeze. "Don't feel badly. They love you. They're not going to forget you."
Zoisite lay her head on Setsuna's shoulder as the older girl stroked her hair. The other scouts watched them, exchanging knowing smiles.

Malachite studied the pictures laid out in front of him and frowned. In each shot was Zoisite; smiling, laughing, and talking to one of Setsuna's girls--but most often to Setsuna herself. There was Setsuna helping Zoisite with her homework, and there was Zoisite looking over Setsuna's shoulder as she worked at her sewing machine. Zoisite and Setsuna making dinner together. Setsuna turning the hose on Zoisite as they washed her car. Zoisite and Setsuna. Setsuna and Zoisite.
Malachite swept his arm across the table, knocking the pictures to the floor. "Why are they always together?!" he yelled at Nephrite, a friend he'd known since grade school.
When they graduated, Nephrite had chosen to go to work, despite being as wealthy as Malachite. His two loves of photography and butting into others' lives served him well as a private investigator. Ignoring Malachite's display of temper, he leaned back in his chair and answered the proffered question. "When they left here, Setsuna was Zoisite's protector. She may still be that, but over the past few days, they've grown closer. Not only are they together most of the time when not in classes, but they also share a room."
"Do they share a bed?" Malachite asked tightly.
"Not yet," Nephrite replied. "They use twin beds for now."
Malachite's jawline tightened. "But you think it's only a matter of time, don't you?"
"There's only so much I can discern from observing without being able to hear them. There's a lot of mutual attraction in their looks and gestures, but neither has made a move to confirm it to the other." Nephrite smiled wryly. "They haven't even kissed yet."
"Why have you not brought me pictures of they in their bedroom?" Malachite demanded. "You've obviously seen them there!"
"I'd have to use a flash if I took pictures at night, and that's the only time they're together in the room. It was safer using the telescope."
"If they do begin sharing a bed, get the picture, no matter what the risk," Malachite said icily. "I'll require proof before taking steps to destroy them."

Setsuna studied Zoisite's lovely profile as she gave her rapt attention to Haruka and Michiru. The two of them were performing a mini-concert of piano and violin duets for their friends, with Zoisite hearing them play together for the first time.
"They're amazing," she murmured.
Setsuna nodded agreement. "They're both extremely talented as individuals, but together they're magic."
The song Haruka and Michiru were playing was reaching its climax, and when it did, the beautiful, clear lilt of a flute joined in. Everyone smiled at the surprise arrival of Alan and Ann, while Alan concentrated on finishing the piece with Michi and Haruka. As the final note hovered and faded, the room erupted in enthusiastic applause.
"That was great, you guys!" Raye declared.
"Just beautiful," Setsuna remarked.
Zoisite had jumped up to hug the sprites while Haruka grinned. "Hey, Alan, anytime you want to jam with us, you're welcome to."
"Definitely," Michiru told him.
"Thanks," Alan said. "I'd love to play with you again."
"How are things with you two?" Amy asked.
"With us, things are fine," Ann said. "But I think Malachite may be up to something."
"Why?" Setsuna asked.
"A guy in a fancy red sports car has been by the house twice in the past few days," Alan explained. "He's very handsome, about Malachite's age, with long wavy brown hair. Good dresser too."
"That sounds like Nephrite," Zoisite remarked.
Haruka looked at her. "Is he bad news?"
"He's a lot like Malachite, that pretty much says it all," Zoisite said dryly. "He made a pass at me a couple of years ago and I kneed him in the groin." She chuckled. "Funny, but he never came around much after that."
"I guess now he feels it's safe, since you aren't home anymore," Lita pointed out.
"I think it's more than that," Ann said. "Alan and I popped into the house a couple of times to try and find out what the story was, but Malachite seemed to anticipate us. He and Nephrite locked themselves in the den and posted Graham outside as a guard. We couldn't get anywhere near close enough to eavesdrop."
Luna opened her mouth to say something, then shut it again quickly. She and Artemis shared a frustrated glance. Mina noticed and jumped into the conversation. "It sounds suspicious to me, too, Ann," she said. "Why would Malachite take such precautions if he wasn't hiding something?"
"We'll keep an eye on the situation," Alan promised. "But if he's becoming paranoid about our possibly overhearing, we may have a hard time of it."
"We'll be on guard ourselves," Haruka stated.
"In the meantime, how about you guys play some more?" Zoisite suggested. "Alan, you too."
"Yes, Alan, come join us," Michiru invited.
Alan perched himself cross-legged on top of the piano and joined in the performance. Setsuna settled back to listen but soon felt something touching her ankle. She glanced down and saw Luna looking up at her impatiently. The mooncat jerked her head toward the doorway and started to leave. Setsuna turned to Zoisite and patted her arm. "I'll be right back."
"Don't be long," Zoisite advised. "You'll miss it all."
"I'll hurry." Setsuna quickly left the living room, finding both cats waiting in the foyer. "What's going on?"
"We can't continue like this any longer," Artemis said frankly. "Luna and I need to be able to speak freely to you girls and we can't do that with Zoisite present."
"I hope you're not suggesting that we send her home," Setsuna retorted. "Because if you are, the answer is no."
Luna's tail twitched. "No, we were not suggesting that, and please don't take that tone of voice again."
Setsuna flushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just so worried that Malachite is planning something and I don't want Zoisite to be vulnerable."
"In a way, we all are vulnerable right now," Artemis said. "We can't plan any strategy to guard against Malachite, not when Luna and I can't speak and none of you can refer to your scout powers. We also can't do without Zoisite's input. She knows Malachite best."
"So what should we do?" Setsuna asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Luna said, meeting her eyes. "We'll have to take Zoisite into our confidence."
Setsuna looked torn between doubt and relief. "A-Are you sure?"
"It's our best chance of protecting her," Artemis answered.
"When should we tell her?" Setsuna asked.
"You should tell her as soon as Alan and Ann leave," Luna replied.
"Wait a minute, why me?"
"Because you're the one she trusts the most," Artemis said logically. "She'll be more likely to believe you than anyone else."
"But what if--" Setsuna stopped herself and looked away.
"What were you going to say?" Luna asked gently.
"Nothing." Setsuna's expression was resigned. "I'll tell her."

"Wasn't that great?" Zoisite said as she walked over to the piano. She and Setsuna were alone in the living room--the other girls having dispersed after the tree sprites left.
"The music was wonderful," Setsuna agreed, watching the other girl seat herself at the piano and begin to play.
"Did you ever play any instruments, Setsuna?" Zoisite asked, without interrupting her piece.
"I'm afraid music was my worst subject." Setsuna laughed softly. "I loved listening to it, but I couldn't play it." She glanced back toward the doorway and saw Luna and Artemis peering around the edge. She gestured impatiently at them for privacy, and they obligingly walked away, casting meaningful looks over their shoulders.
"Is something wrong?"
Setsuna turned back to find that Zoisite had swung around on the piano bench and was now gazing at her with concern. This is it, she thought, and went over to sit next to the younger girl. "Nothing is wrong exactly, but I do have something serious to tell you. Something you may not even believe."
Zoisite smiled. "I have no reason to doubt anything you say."
"I hope you keep that in mind," Setsuna said, then took a deep breath. "You've heard of the sailor scouts, haven't you?"
"Of course, hasn't everyone?"
"Well," Setsuna met her eyes. "I'm Pluto."
Zoisite looked confused. "Mickey Mouse's dog?"
"No!" Setsuna exclaimed. "Sailor Pluto."
Zoisite blinked a few times, then smiled. "You almost had me going for a moment there."
"I'm being serious, Zoisite," Setsuna said calmly. "I'm Sailor Pluto, guardian of the Gates of Time."
Alarm touched Zoisite's features. "Oh Setsuna, you really believe this, don't you?" She placed a hand on the older girl's forehead. "No fever, but there has to be some reason for the delirium."
Setsuna took Zoisite's hand from her forehead and held it in both of hers. "I swear to you that I'm not delusional. I'm Sailor Pluto, and the other girls are all sailor scouts, too."
Zoisite laughed. "Next you'll be telling me that Serena is Sailor Moon!"
"She is," Setsuna said helplessly. Zoisite only laughed harder. Haruka and Michiru glanced into the living room curiously.
"What's the joke?" Haruka asked.
Giggling, Zoisite wiped tears of mirth from her eyes. "Setsuna just told me that she and the rest of you are all sailor scouts!"
Haruka and Michiru looked quickly toward Setsuna. "You did?" Michi said in disbelief.
Setsuna threw up her hands. "Luna and Artemis told me to!"
Renewed laughter burst forth from Zoisite and she nearly fell off the piano bench. "Ar ... Artemis a-and L-L-Luna ... told her to!"
"Way to go, Set," Haruka remarked, watching Zoisite with an amused smile.
"Fine then, I guess I'll have to prove it." Setsuna stood up. "Michi, please close the curtains. We don't want any of the neighbors to see this."
Michiru obediently did as she asked, then Setsuna faced the nearly-hysterical Zoisite and pulled out her transformation stick. "Pluto planet POWER!"
Zoisite looked up and the laughter died in her throat. In the middle of the living room, right before her eyes, Setsuna was changing. A cone of howling wind from an unseen source surrounded her, and for an instant her clothes seemed to vanish, with the uniform of a sailor scout taking their place. An unearthly wail was heard, a sparkle of stars passed over her lips, then it was over.

End of Chapter 10

Story contents (C) 1997 Tenou Haruka

Sailor Moon characters (C) Naoko Takeuchi