Zoisite sat at his piano, just staring at the keys. They marched in perfect order, white and black, just as they should be. If he pressed one of the keys, just lightly, he knew exactly the sound it would make. Strike the keys in exactly the right order and music would come out - his music. Just as it should be.
He liked the piano, he liked music - it would always obey him, never disappoint him.
Not like people.
Not like his prince.

The piano protested as he banged his hands down on the keys in frustration. As the mangled tones faded away, he heard a clear 'thump.'
The white haired Shitennou got up to investigate. It sounded like the noise came from Endymion's room.

He skidded to a stop when he saw Endymion collapsed on the ground. He had returned, finally.

Zoisite hurried over to him, taking the prince's weight and helping him over to the bed. The prince was heavier than he thought he was going to be - it took him longer than he should have to.
Endymion gasped softly - just struggling to breathe.

"Master," Zoisite attempted to be stern, "Why couldn't you at least pretend to submit to Beryl-sama?" He sighed, "You could have come back in time, she would have removed her curse…"
Endymion didn't answer - he couldn't.

Zoisite got to his feet and turned away. It served him right. He had promised to return. Was it that hard to come back by a certain time? Endymion knew what would happen if he did not return…
Zoisite sighed and turned back to the prince, placing his hand firmly on Endymion's chest, right over his heart. He closed his eyes and concentrated.

Slowly, painfully slowly, the prince's heart resumed its normal rhythm. His breathing settled to an even pace. The prince was unconscious, but no longer dying. For now.

"Why do you bother?"

Zoisite jerked up, moving protectively in front of the bed.

"So he did return after all," Kunzite said, "He returned here to die."

"He is not going to die," Zoisite said, "Not yet."

Kunzite lounged against the wall, "Beryl-sama probably knows what you just did."

"It doesn't matter," Zoisite said, still watching Kunzite warily.

"You should be more careful," Kunzite said. He approached Zoisite, who tensed warily, "And you should also relax. He is safe from me at the moment. I have more pressing concerns." A slow smirk crossed his face, "For Endymion did not return before sunset."

Zoisite sighed, "You have a plan, I assume."

"I do," he replied, "And as soon as Beryl-sama is sufficiently distracted by the sailor senshi and the prince, we will put it into action."

"Fine."

"This will help both of us," Kunzite said, "I am sure that you don't wish to be tethered to Beryl-sama any more than I do. If this works, we will both be free."

"Free to take your revenge," Zoisite muttered.

"And you will be free to oppose me," Kunzite retorted. "You say that you remember the past, but your memories are flawed." The smirk returned to his face, "If they were not, you would be helping me."

"I remember what he did," Zoisite replied, "But I also know that there is nothing to be gained from revenge."

Kunzite turned away from him, "I will speak with you later. Do not forget."

Zoisite didn't move until Kunzite had left the room. He turned back to the motionless Endymion. The differences between Mamoru and Endymion had made him hopeful… things would be different this time. But it was still his job to watch over the prince… it had been all of their jobs, but Nephrite had gone, Jadeite was completely devoted to Beryl, and Kunzite was only loyal to his revenge against a man who was long dead.
He had pulled Endymion back from death this time, but it cost him… He didn't know how often he could manage to keep pulling him back.
Something had to be done.

*~*~*~*~*

Zoisite strode determinedly through the maze of caverns. He did not encounter anyone on his way - which was good. He might have lost his nerve. Something, indeed, had to be done.
He walked into Beryl's chambers without stopping. It should not have surprised him that Jadeite was already there - the blonde was always there, groveling at Beryl's feet.
The queen turned at the sound of his footsteps. She blinked at the sight of him.

"Queen Beryl-sama," he said, meeting her eyes.

He dropped to one knee, bowing low before her.

"What brings you here?" she asked.

"I want to save Endymion." There. He'd said it.

"He had his chance," she said, "He made his choice."

"Please," Zoisite said softly, "Spare his life. Remove the curse. Please."

She raised a brow, and looked down at the man kneeling before her.

"I know that his life is more valuable than mine," he said softly, "But, if you would consider a trade…"

The red head regarded him. He didn't look up, but he felt her gaze burning through his hair. Still, she was silent… He took a breath. "My life for his."
"You would be willing to die?" she asked

"If it would save the prince, yes," Zoisite said, "Gladly."

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Author's Notes: Well I've got two watchers. That's enough motivation to upload the next part :)
This will eventually deviate from just straight following the show... like... in the next chapter.
Stay Tuned