Chapter 72: No More Mr. Nice Guy
[Scene: The Midori kitchen. Zoi's still being held down on the table, while his father is still seated near the counter, paralyzed by the Blackmoon's mindcontrol. Chief Midori hasn't moved at all. As far as Zoi can tell he might not have even blinked.]
Justice Blackmoon: Rubeus, my powers of persuasion are stronger than Demande's, but I want you to use your binding powers to keep this idiot in his chair.
Rubeus: You mean after I gut his kid?
Justice Blackmoon: Instead of gutting his kid. There has been a change of plans.
[Justice Blackmoon walks over to Zoi and the moon on his forehead spins and a third eye opens in his forehead. A strong light hits Zoi in the eyes.]
Justice Blackmoon: You are completely under my power. I will tell you what to do and you will do it to the best of your ability. You will think no thought and perform no action that is in conflict with what I tell you to do. If I ask you to do something you don't understand, you will say "I do not understand". If I ask you to attempt something you can not do in a straightforward manner, you must make me aware of any potential complications. Otherwise, you are to perform my commands as simply and with as much efficiency as you can. Have I made myself understood?
Zoi: [imitating his father's black expression and robot speech] Yes. I understand.
Justice Blackmoon: Good. My boys are going to release you, and when they do, you are to go and fetch a pen and a sheet of your best stationery. Whatever stationery you might use to write a very important letter. You are to return to this kitchen with these items immediately. Perform no task except what I have told you. Do you understand?
Zoi: Yes. I understand.
[The Blackmoons release him and he rises from the table and walks slowly and robotically out of the kitchen. He doesn't dare look over his shoulder as he makes his way through the livingroom, but the reflection in the TV screen tells him he is followed only as far as the threshold between the kitchen and the living room.]
Kunzite's Voice: *Very good, Zoisite. You tricked them into thinking you are under their power.*
[Zoi is startled, then feels a moment of pure joy to hear Kunzite's voice again. Although he knows it is not real, it sounds real and it's the most wonderful thing in the world. He holds onto the sound of his voice like a lifeline as he walks through the living room.]
Kunzite's Voice: *Go out the back.*
[Zoi can't bring himself to think of Kunzite, but he is grateful for this small bit of solace.]
Kunzite's Voice: *There is the door. Be sure not to make a sound as you open it. Only a few more steps and then you will be free to start running.*
[Zoi turns to go up the stairs]
Kunzite's Voice: *No, Zoisite! What are you doing?*
[Zoi is now certain he's not being followed by the Blackmoons,but he walks up the stairs with the same robotic gait, just to be safe.]
Kunzite's Voice: *Zoisite. You're going the wrong way. Turn around.*
Zoi: *And do what? Slip out the back and let them chase me through the woods like some frightened little bunny. You've seen me run. How far do you think I'd get?*
[Zoi walks into his room, closes the door and goes to his desk.]
Kunzite's Voice: *Zoisite. Stop this right now.*
[The pen is easy to find. He opens a drawer where he keeps his stationery. He selects some his great aunt gave him for Christmas. Cream colored and of light cardstock with a gold Z stamped at the top before he decides it is too nice to waste on the Blackmoons so he selects some cheaper stationery another aunt gave him as a Christmas present.]
[It makes him sad to know after this, he will never celebrate another Christmas.]
Kunzite's voice: *You have your phone. Call for help.*
Zoi: *No. This is my problem. I've endangered enough people already.*
[Zoi picks up a sheet of stationery and an envelope. Justice Blackmoon did say he would be writing a letter, after all, and Zoi doesn't want him to know he is already two steps ahead of him. He takes the stationery and heads back to the kitchen.]
Kunzite's Voice: *Stop! This is reckless and childish and idiotic, Zoisite.*
Zoi: *Be quiet! You're not really Kunzite! You're just a crazy voice in my head I've created myself as a form of wish fulfillment as a sign I'm losing my sanity.*
Kunzite's Voice: *You don't know that for a fact.*
Zoi: *Yes I do. If Kunzite could see what I'm doing right now, he wouldn't be having a rational discussion with me, trying to talk me out of it. He would grab me by the scruff of the neck and drag me kicking and screaming to his castle.*
Kunzite's Voice: *Call me right now. I will come get you.*
Zoi: *No*
Kunzite's voice: *If you go back into that kitchen, you are going to die.*
Zoi: *You think I don't know that?*
Kunzite's Voice: *Do you want to kill yourself, then? Is that what this is about?*
Zoi: *Kunzite. They have my dad.*
Kunzite's Voice: *Zoisite. We will find a way to save your dad*
Zoi: *No. by then It will be too late. Goodbye Kunzite. I know you can't hear me, but thank you. For everything.*
[The voices in his head go silent as Zoi returns to the kitchen and presents the pen and stationery to Justice Blackmoon. The third eye is still open in his forehead.]
[He is careful not to look at his father. He is certain if he lets himself look at his father, the sorrow and remorse in his expression will give him away.]
Justice Blackmoon: Yes, this will do nicely. Now I want you to sit at the kitchen table and write down exactly what I tell you to write down. Cry if you'd like, but make sure the tears fall on the paper.
[Zoi does not cry. He sits and writes as Justice Blackmoon dictates.]
Dear Dad, I love you. I am so sorry. I tried to live without Kunzite. It didn't work. I am so very, very sorry. Please don't be mad at me. And don't be angry with him. It is not his fault I loved him so much more than he could ever love me. Tell him thank you, for everything. Even though it wasn't real. And please, please don't come after him. This is my fault for believing all his lies. Even though he used me, I still love him. I can't bear the thought that anyone has to be hurt because of me. Especially you. Especially him. Please, this is what is best for everyone. I love you, forgive me, Zoi-zoi
Justice Blackmoon: [reads over his shoulder] Yes, that will do very nicely. Now leave the note in the center of the table and walk over to the counter.
[Zoi rises and walks toward the counter.]
Justice Blackmoon: You are to take the gun, and stand in the center of the kitchen facing me so I can get a good view. Once there, I want you to put the barrel of the gun inside of your mouth. When I give the signal—wait! What are you doing!
[Zoi aims the gun at Justice Blackmoon's third eye.]
Justice Blackmoon: No! Stop! I command you –
Zoi: [grins like an evil fiend] ZOI!