The plan was simple. For once, he would get the better of the elusive blue-eyed girl. She thought she was so clever, and that the fog would always hide her. She probably didn't even realize that Zoisite had been studying each of their encounters, learning the patters of her arrival, and determining what conditions allowed her to make the journey from the Moon to Earth.
There was much Zoisite knew that she surely did not realize, or she would have been more careful. For instance, few on Earth knew that there were four Senshi. Zoisite had, in fact, seen each of them, even through the various enchantments they used to hide themselves, and their curious princess. He knew they each had distinct hair colors, varying uniform motifs, and mastery of different elements. He had heard whispers of names: Serenity, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. But he was consumed with only one.
Mercury.
He knew her. His dreams were haunted by her. The others were beautiful, no doubt. But none of the others filled his waking hours the way she did. From his first encounter, those deep blue eyes had captivated him. Her very presence on Earth teased him, challenging his ability to keep the kingdom safe from intruders, no matter how dangerous, or desirable.
And so, Zoisite was resolved to meet this challenge head on. He may have been the youngest of the Shitennou, but none of his brothers could match him in his fervor to overcome a challenge. This girl would be taught a most satisfactory lesson. He would not be denied.
He knew tonight was the night. Endymion had been hurrying through his duties all day. When no one was looking, he had a dreamy, far off look in his eyes. Zoisite knew there was only one thing that could move the heart of his solemn prince in such a way.
The weather was right. It would be a cold, damp night, making it easiest for her to travel. Zoisite made sure to change a few key patrol routes, allowing his enchantress to believe she had a safe window to enter through, never knowing that she was, in fact, trapping herself in the lion's den.
Well before any alarm sounded, Zoisite knew they were here. He allowed his prince some leniency tonight before he forced Serenity to run. He just made sure she would run in the direction he wanted.
A few random patrols forced the secret lovers to a corner with only one exit, forcing Serenity to flee for the clearing outside the gardens. He knew Mercury would be there. The patrols had been moved to ensure she would choose this spot to bring her princess home.
He was already in position when Serenity came around the corner. He remained hidden in the shadows as Mercury brought the fog in to cover her princess's escape. He knew that, as a guardian, she would remain behind until she was certain her charge was safe. That would be his chance.
He felt the surge of power that indicated Serenity was no longer on Earth. The window was brief. He could already feel Mercury preparing to leave. As quick as lightning he covered the distance between them and took her by the arms, quickly enclosing her in a hold that was already half an embrace. He delighted in her yelp of surprise as she realized she was beaten. A smirk began to grow on his face as he whispered into her ear.
"I've got you now."
"I've got you now."
He was almost disappointed. It was so easy in the end. She never suspected a thing.
He had been planning a way to quickly drain the protective river that stopped his army from marching on the Moon Kingdom. The spell had taken days to perfect, and now, his army was fording what was left of the river, preparing for the final march.
He knew she would be at the river, trying to overcome his spell. But Metallia was greater than the pitiful Senshi of Mercury. When he came upon her, she didn't even resist as he subdued her, blade held to her throat. He felt the warm splash of tears on his forearm as he held her in an embrace that had no warmth, no tenderness, no pity.
He couldn't resist smirking. He wanted her to beg, so he could see the hope dashed in her eyes before he spilled her blood.
"I didn't want to believe it."
"Foolish girl. Did you really think we'd sit idly by while you wove your evil spells over us?"
She did not reply. He could feel her go limp in his arms. She was giving up. It was time to finish what he came to do.
"Is this truly how it ends?" she asked in a small voice.
"Yes," he hissed. And just as quickly, he slit her throat. Her body fell heavily to the ground. He walked over to the river's edge to rid his blade of her filth. The moment his blade touched the water, he saw the river begin to churn, and a mighty rumble went up from the ground. He looked up to see an enormous wave growing.
He didn't even have time to scream before he and his army were consumed.
The plan was simple. His heart had not returned, and his dreams were still consumed by a witch who had long been dead.
He was not supposed to have come back.
He did not deserve to come back.
He was twice a traitor, many times a murderer.
He could see the pain in Ami's eyes whenever he was near. He didn't know which was worse: seeing that pain now, or remembering how the light had left her eyes when he killed her a thousand years ago.
Either way, he needed to be gone. This time, he had to stay away forever. He had to make sure she was safe, and that he could not hurt her again.
And so, he marched out to the river and walked in. The water was cold, but it was nothing compared to the cold emptiness inside his chest. He knew what it was to die this way. That didn't frighten him anymore. He knew there were far more frightening things in the world.
Just as the water was about to come over his head, he felt a powerful wave hit him in the chest. It lifted him out of the water and onto the banks where he felt a familiar pair of arms encircle him.
She was crying, squeezing him tightly.
Something inside of him broke.
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to hurt you anymore."
"It would have hurt more if you left."
"I'm just so afraid. I don't know what to do."
She held him even tighter.
"It's okay. I've got you now."