Universe: PGSM AU
After Episode 43.

Zoisite was restless as he paced back and forth between his rooms and Endymion's rooms. There were windows looking outside in Endymion's rooms and Zoisite could see how low the sun hung in the sky. He should be returning any moment now. He knew his master understood the severity of this situation - it really was a matter of life or death. Endymion would return. Zoisite had no reason to go out and search for him.

"He's not back yet, is he?"

Zoisite whirled to see Kunzite leaning arrogantly against the door frame.

"Not yet," Zoisite replied, "But it is not sunset. He will be back."

"He's not going to make it," Kunzite said expressionlessly.

"Don't say that," the white-haired Shitennou snapped, "He knows how important this is."

" He thinks the princess is more important," Kunzite replied evenly, "He always has. Always will."

"That's not true!"

"He won't be back in time," Kunzite repeated, "Beryl-sama will go out to fetch him, or send her shadow… or send one of us." He finished with a growl.

"You're wrong. He'll be back," Zoisite turned back to the window, "He's different now."

"We'll see about that," Kunzite folded his arms.

"He'll be back," Zoisite said firmly, "He won't abandon us. He came here in the first place, didn't he?"

"He did," he yielded, "I will grant you that."

Zoisite nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting to a suggestion of a smirk.

" I still say he hasn't changed," Kunzite said, "but if you're so sure of it…"

Zoisite turned back to him and raised a brow, "What do you want?"

"I am still trying to break free from Beryl-sama," Kunzite said.

"Your revenge again," Zoisite sighed.

"I have nothing else," Kunzite said shortly.

An uncomfortable silence fell as the dark haired Shitennou walked over to Zoisite, joining him in staring out the window at the sun. So much was wrong… he had been dragged here unwillingly. His pride would not allow him to be a pawn for Beryl. And he could not stand by and watch Metallia rip the planet in half again - even if it was no longer his home. None of this would have ever happened if Endymion had not turned his eyes to the heavens. But he could not carry out his revenge, bound to Beryl as he was. She would not permit him to harm Endymion.

"I have some ideas, for breaking the control that Beryl-sama has over me," Kunzite said, "Over you as well, perhaps."

"Oh really?" Zoisite asked.

"I cannot do it alone."

Zoisite sighed softly. "There are more important things to worry about," he said, "Beryl-sama's hold over the master… the growing power of the princess…" He turned to face Kunzite again, "And I know that once you are free to do as you wish, you will attack the master. I have no desire to fight you."

"Of course, none of this will matter if he does not return before sunset," Kunzite said.

"He will!" Zoisite half-growled.

"Let's go see where he is then," Kunzite said, "He's probably with the princess, giving no thought to us."

"I don't have to go see where he is," Zoisite snapped.

Kunzite smirked, "You're afraid."

The white haired Shitennou rounded on him, "What?"

"You're afraid to go see where he is," Kunzite said, "You're afraid that he's not going to come back." He held up a hand before Zoisite could respond, "Let's make this interesting. If I'm right, and he doesn't come back before sunset, you will help me." Once again he shushed the other Shitennou, "if he doesn't come back, soon it won't matter so much about protecting him, now will it?"

Zoisite opened his mouth, and then closed it. Kunzite had a point. "And when he does return in time, then you will help me in protecting him from Beryl-sama and the princess." He narrowed his eyes, "This means, you will stop trying to kill him."

"For a time."

Zoisite nodded slowly.

Kunzite extended a hand and Zoisite shook it. "Done."

"Good," Kunzite said, not releasing Zoisite, "Then let's go find him."

Before Zoisite could protest, Kunzite's power swirled around him, teleporting him. He always felt a bit disoriented whenever someone else teleported him, and this time was no exception. But Zoisite was not about to stumble before Kunzite. Instead, he yanked his hand away, and looked around to see where they were. They were standing on a beach - the waves crashed against the shore as the sun sank into the water, turning everything a bright orange color.
But the white haired Shitennou was not interested in admiring the scenery. His eyes were glued to two figures standing on the edge of the water, also watching the sun set… Endymion and Sailor Moon.
Go back. He urged Endymion silently, Go back. There is almost no time.

Endymion and Sailor Moon kissed. The sun drowned in the ocean.

Time ran out.

"Nothing has changed," Kunzite said, watching Mamoru and Usagi play around in the waves like the children that they were. Kunzite was the strongest of the Great Four, one of the ancient Kings of Terra. He should not be responsible for this boy… and yet, all their fates were tied up in him. But Endymion cared nothing for them; he only cared to play in the water with the girl from the moon. "It is just as before. First, he abandons us, next he will abandon the planet. History repeats itself."
He could not watch any longer. With a flourish of his cape that was a bit more dramatic than necessary, he turned away and vanished, leaving Zoisite alone.

He stood there for a long time, watching them play. They were completely carefree. It was such a simple thing, return to the Dark Kingdom before sunset. With this evening playing in the water, Mamoru had signed his own death sentence.

As much as Zoisite hated to admit it… Kunzite was right.

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Authors Notes: A new thought I'd been bouncing around. Tell me what you think? I like reviews....