ARROWS OF DESTINY

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON


Chapter 6: Mercury – Part 2

"What are you doing here?" Ami demanded, getting ready to transform should she sense any threat from the man in front of her.

Zoicite ignored her and continued to indulge in the music. The melancholic melody danced between his fingers and somehow was strangely affecting Ami's mood. The air felt heavy as Ami struggled to breath.

"Tell me!" She asked fiercely.

As the music came to an end, Zoicite relaxed his body and stood up from the piano.

"Ami…Princess of Mercury…" He called to her softly.

His words seemed to caress, sending a shiver down the princess. Ami stood with her back straight and a frown on her face.

"I came…for you…I've been waiting for you for so long…"

Ami didn't believe a word he said, "Are you here for defeat again? Beryl is long gone and I will do the same should you dare do harm again."

Zoicite shook his head sadly. "No, no, you misunderstood. Since our defeat, we generals of earth have been cleansed by power of the Imperial Silver Crystal. Our allegiance lies with Endymion, our true master. I am no longer your threat."

"How do I know I can trust your words?"

"I guess you don't really." Zoicite said as he walked closer towards her, "But if you remember your past, then you will know I speak the truth."

"My…my past..?" Ami muttered, confused. Truthfully, Ami and the other scouts never thought about their past that much. They were happy with their friends and family on earth. Her life as the princess of Mercury was too vague and distant for her to remember. But in the back of her mind, she never really discarded it either.

"Please, give me a clean start. Get to know the real me while you spend your time on Mercury. I promise you will not regret it. If not for you, then at least pity this lonely lost soul." He said humbly.

Ami took a good look at him. Zoicite's eyes were filled with a desperate hope. He still looked the same as he did so long ago when they faced each other in combat. Still the sandy blonde and a face near perfection. He might have been brainwashed by Beryl once in the past, but he was also once a trusted advisor of Endymion. If there was something she has learned from her past experiences, it's forgiveness.

Ultimately, Ami has come to a decision. "Alright, you got it. But if I were to sense any hostility or tricks, I will not hesitate to attack."

"Do not worry." His eyes brighten, "You do not ever need the power of Sailor Mercury in front of me again."

"We shall see."


Ami stepped out of the library with Zoicite to find Mira and Caduceus waiting for her.

"Thank you for the help, but I'm afraid I didn't find anything there." Ami shrugged.

Mira gave her a mysterious smile but said nothing. She and Caduceus noticed Zoicite and bowed their head in acknowledgement.

"Do you know each other?" Ami noticed the exchange.

"We have met several times, but it was a long time ago. General Zoicite has always been friendly and has made a few trips here on behalf of earth." Caduceus replied.

"Oh, I see…Well anyways, he will stay here for some time. I shall continue my search as planned."

"What search, princess?" Zoicite asked curiously.

"Call me Ami." Ami said irritably. She didn't like hearing him calling her princess for some reason. It was even harder to tell him about her quest. Somehow she didn't want him to know.

"It doesn't concern you. I will conduct the search myself." She said, perhaps a bit harshly.

Zoicite coughed uncomfortably and muttered an apology. Suddenly, silence filled all four of them.

"Why don't we all get some rest? Mira, could you please provide us a room?" Ami asked politely.

"Of course, princess."


In the next few days, Ami meet most of the Mercurians in her kingdom. There were few people but they obviously adored their princess. Ami noted the conservative Mercurians were mostly scholars that had a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Since they lived underneath the ocean, much of their time were devoted to research and experimentation. Overall, Ami found herself falling in love with this blue planet and its interesting people.

Zoicite also seemed to be making himself comfortable. The way he spoke and acted showed that he was quite familiar with Mercurians. It surprised her even more to find out he was a very capable scholar in many areas, such as medicine and chemistry.

Though she was still weary of his presence, she was starting to enjoy his company. They would meet some time to debate over many issues and it was especially exciting to hear about earth and the solar system.

"Mercury has the most pure supply of water in the solar system. Since Mercurians were able to control water, the process of changing salt water to fresh water was easy. The Moon Kingdom was dependent on Mercury for its water source, thus water is the largest export business on Mercury."

"Oh, so that's how the moon got water…" Ami said while listening intently. "What about the other planets?"

"The other planets have their own resources. Mars, for example, had superior weaponry artisans. These craftsmen's skills were unmatched. But more importantly, only the scorching fire of Mars was able to melt the toughest of metals. Jupiter was quite a different story. The lush agricultural environment of Jupiter made it the best place to grow vegetations. Thus it was produced the most delicious foods you could ever imagine. Lastly, the planet Venus was rather odd. Their main exports were raw metal and fabric. The metals used for crafting on Mars were mostly from Venus, thus creating a symbiotic relationship between the two. Venus also has some of the finest fabrics you will ever lay your eyes on. Venusians were sharp when it comes to fads, and fashion design was a national industry." Zoicite smiled.

Ami nodded in satisfaction, making a mental note to take some water with her before returning back to earth. She quickly jotted down a few facts about the other planets. Surely, the other girls will want to know.

"So in the center of all this was the Moon?" Ami asked without looking up from her notebook.

"Of course, the Moon was dependant on her vassal planets for all types of supplies."

"Oh, I see…" Ami finally finished writing it all down.

"So how goes the quest of love search?" Zoicite asked unexpectedly.

"Oh my! I've almost forgot about it!" Ami exclaimed. She was so busy and excited about all the fascinating things she was learning, she almost forgot about her true mission.

"Wait, how do you know about it?" Ami asked suspiciously.

Zoicite spread his arms out and shrugged. "I heard it from Mira."

Ami gave him an I-thought-so look.

"Anything new?"

Ami sighed. "I'm not sure if I should be telling you this, but I'm almost positive he's a Mercurian. Or else why did Venus send me here?"

Something in Zoicite's eyes flashed, but it went by so quickly, Ami didn't catch it.

"Don't worry, you'll find it. I have faith in you."

Ami looked up and found her own reflection in Zoicite's eyes. His sight was so fixed on her, that she forgot what she was about to say. Unspoken words passed between them, locking them in a trance.

Ami pulled herself out and quickly walked away, feeling her face burn from embarrassment. She chided herself for being so reckless. He could still be my enemy…She thought, though she wished he wasn't. If only she could be sure of his loyalty…

Zoicite watched her go. He didn't want to push her. Her memory will return, as he hoped. Unlike Ami, both Mira and Caduceus knew more about her past. They were both helping him, despite Caduceus' resentment.

Zoicite sighed. If only Ami could remember their past. They were so happy together before Beryl mind-controlled him to betray Endymion and the love of his life. It's been so long, but his betrayal still haunted him, reminding him constantly of his weakness. Caduceus has every right to resent him for what he did.

But fate has been kind to him. Now he was no longer being controlled. Love has guided them back together, so he will do all he could to make sure Ami remains happy. If the true love predicted by Venus is him, then Zoicite will finally find the last piece of his former life and be whole again.


"Will you play a game with me?" Zoicite called out to Ami, who was busy reading a book on the other end of the library.

Ami looked up from her book and saw a chess board in front of Zoicite. She stretched and put her book down. "Sure, I'll play."

After many days of search, Ami was beginning to wonder if Venus' prediction was true at all. She's already met most of the men here and though they were all friendly, she felt nothing towards them. The only one she has somewhat of a feeling for was…Zoicite.

Ami blushed at the thought. The more time she spent with him, the stranger she became.

"Are you alright?" Zoicite asked, noticing her red cheeks.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm a little warm." She said quickly.

Zoicite said nothing. After spending days with Ami, he was getting a little bit impatient about the progress between them. Mira told him to be patient, and that time was needed for Ami to remember. Zoicite would have told Ami everything, had Caduceus not made him promise he wouldn't, in exchange for his assistance. But, he was done waiting! It's time for him to take some action.

When the chess pieces were set up, they sat on opposite sides and focused on the game.

Ami was a chess champion in her younger days. Though she hadn't played in years, it didn't mean she was getting rusty. She strategically planned out all of her moves. But Zoicite was not an amateur either. He attacked and defended, giving Ami a real brain work out.

Eventually, Ami got careless and realized she made a bad move, giving Zoicite an opening to win. Zoicite saw his chance, but instead of taking it, he moved his pieces to protect his queen, thus giving Ami the advantage to take the game.

"You win." Zoicite congratulated.

Ami frowned, not at all satisfied with the result. "Why did you move your pieces when you could have taken my king?"

He smiled and looked deep into her eyes. "Playing chess is like fighting a battle. The objective is to protect the king. Yet the queen is the most versatile piece. I've played many games in the past. I've lost her before, but I promised myself to never lose my queen. I refuse to let her get taken from me again."

Zoicite has such intensity in his eyes that Ami began to feel a little dizzy. Strange images were starting to appear in her head. Images of herself and Zoicite in the garden, dining together, reading scrolls together etc. flashed in her head. Ami put her hand to the side of her head and tried to shake off the unexpected sensation. Zoicite went to her side immediately.

"Ami, are you alright?" He asked in obvious concern.

She steadied herself and pushed herself on her feet. "Yes, I'm just a bit tired. I think I'll retire for now."

Ami almost ran out of the room, leaving a very concerned and thoughtful Zoicite.


"What is wrong with me?" Ami asked herself. Even since the chess match, she couldn't stop thinking about Zoicite. Not even the books could divert her attention. It's gotten so serious to a point that she started avoiding him as much as she could.

Ami sighed, not knowing what to do.

Mira came in the room and saw the sighing princess. The elderly woman sat beside Ami and brushed a gentle hand on her head.

"Princess, you are troubled?"

"You can tell?"

"Haha, it's written all over your face. You can't hide it from me, child. This is about Zoicite, is it not?"

Ami's eyes darted left and right, but admitted it in the end.

"If you have feelings for him, then you owe it to yourself to find out whether he feels the same or not. Am I right?"

"…" Ami didn't know if she had the courage to ask him. They WERE enemies in the past. Everything was happening too fast for her.

"Think about it." Mira said and quietly left the room.

Ami sat on her bed, deep in thought. She took out her communicator and contacted Minako.

After a few beeps, Minako's face appeared on the monitor. "Ami, how are you?"

"Troubled. Minako, I need some advice." Ami said.

"What is it?"

"How do I know if someone is my true love?"

Minako smiled gently. "Ami, you're the brightest and smartest of us all. But love is an emotion that cannot be reasoned out by formula or theory. You just have to feel it with your heart. I cannot tell you when you will know, only that your heart will be the judge of that. But I have to suggest that instead of thinking too much, sometimes it's better to not think at all."

"Not think at all…? I'll try my best." Ami said skeptically.

"Do that. I'll hear from you soon. Take care of yourself." Minako said as her image faded form the screen.

Ami stuffed her communicator in a safe place, took a deep breath and walked out of the room.


Ami always believed Zoicite to be her enemy. He tried to kill her and her friends with every chance he got. Never in her wildest imagination did she foresee herself developing romantic feelings toward him.

But he has changed, a small voice inside her said. He was sweet, gentle, talented and intelligent. Everyone adored him. Even Mirovia and Tethys were fighting over his company, much to Ami's dismay. All traces of his evilness seemed to have evaporated.

But did she have the heart to trust and love him?

Ami has never been so confused in her life. Minako had told her not to think at all. It was something the Princess of Mercury has never done before.

"How am I going to pull this off?" Ami muttered to herself as she let herself in into her study in the library.

"Ami!" Zoicite looked up at her.

"Zoicite!" Ami said, "What are you doing here?"

"I was given permission to use this room so I thought I might amuse myself a little." He said while brushing his hands over the piano.

"Oh…" Ami realized, "I hope I'm not interrupting you…"

"Not at all," He smiled, "Please, keep me company."

"...ok." She nodded, thought a little hesitant.

Zoicite waited till Ami was seated, then he sat back down. He has thought this through, and it's now or never. If he was going to reawaken Ami's memory of him, this could very well be the way to do it.

He placed his hands on the keys and breathed deeply, bracing himself for what could possibly happen.

Ami sat in her chair quietly and waited. She couldn't help but once again be awed by how graceful he looked when he played.

Zoicite raised his hands and let his fingers danced. A melancholic yet lovely song filled the study.

Ami's eyes widened as familiarity hit her in the head. The song spoke of an untold tale. She couldn't explain it, but she recognized it right away.

"What…What is this song?" Ami said, feeling nauseated by the strangeness. She put her hands to the sides of her head and squeezed her eyes shut. Zoicite was too lost in the music to see what was happened to her.

Ami stifled a whimper and bit her lips from crying out. Images flashed repeatedly…Images of herself and Zoicite, as if from a distant lifetime.

"No…no…no!" She shouted out.

Her painful cries caught Zoicite by surprise, as he stopped playing and instantly flew to her side.

"Ami, talk to me!" Zoicite said, cradling her in his arms.

Ami acted as if she didn't hear him. Tears started to flow from her closed eyes and all Zoicite could do was to hold her tight. He cursed himself for causing her pain. Never had he expected pain to be the result of his pursue.

"I'm sorry…" Zoicite spoke softly into her ears.

After a few minutes, the pain slowly lifted from Ami's head. She finally opened her eyes, and released herself from his embrace. Zoicite stepped back and apologized to her.

"Why are you sorry?" She asked softly.

"For not being able to protect you. I swore I would keep you safe and happy at all cost but I failed…again…" He said painfully.

"…" Ami shook her head silently.

Upon seeing her rejection, Zoicite bend his head down in shame and bowed, wanting to erase himself from her sight.

"Wait! Please, play for me that song once more." Ami called out.

"What? You…you want me to play again?" He replied unbelievably.

"Of course, that was my favourite piece…"

Zoicite held his breath as he saw a light of hope, "It is?"

"Yes, you composed it for me. I even remember the name…"

"You do?" He took a few steps closer.

"It's called "From the Moon to the Sea"; you wrote it for me when I told you how much I missed Mercury when I was on the moon. It was to cure me of my homesickness." She slowly smiled.

"Ami…" Zoicite couldn't believe his fortune. She remembered! She actually remembered!

"How can I forget something so beautiful?" Ami looked at him meaningfully.

He couldn't restrain himself anymore. In a few strides, he swoop her up in his arms and wrapped his arms around her. He breathed in her scent and felt the warmth of her body.

"Ami…My Ami…Please forgive me for what I have done…"

Ami also wept in joy. She had been so scared about her feelings for Zoicite. But now everything was clear. They had been lovers long before she was Mizuno Ami on earth. Minako had been right to send her here, for she did find her true love. He has been with her all along.

"There is nothing to forgive. You were not yourself, I understand. Let's start over together. Endymion will be so happy to have you back beside him."

"It's good to be back, to you and to the master." He laughed.

Ami gave him a dazzling smile, "Wonderful, but before that, won't you play for me again?"

"Anything for you."

As the two lovebirds celebrated their newfound passion for each other, Mira and Caduceus smiled at the doorway. They gently closed the door, giving the couple some privacy for this special time.

"See, I knew they would find a way back together." Mira claimed.

"I'm glad the princess is happy." Caduceus said simply.

"Oh, admit it. You like Zoicite too." She nudged him.

Caduceus said nothing and walked off, secretly smiling to himself on the union between Ami and Zoicite.


Finally, Ami and Zoicite's story is done. Althought, I do think I rushed it a bit. Haha! Next up, Rei and Jadeaite will come face to face. What' going to happen? Stay tune to find out.