She disappeared in the light for a couple of seconds, to reappear as she used to be. "M...Mercury. It's you again?" whispered Zoisite, at the edge of fainting. Ren was amazed, How could she break my spell? It was powerful enough to control three people!

"Zoisite! What has he done to you?" He couldn't answer, and tried to smile. Mercury saw the pleading in his eyes, and making a resolution, took one side of the net with her bare hands. Pain immediately filled her, as if she was being electrified. She screamed, but didn't gave up, and continued pulling with all the energy she could use. Her face started turning white, and little red shining spots appeared in her view. "Mercury... don't."

"I... I have to. You saved my life, now it's my turn to save yours."

Ren watched the scene, smiling to himself. Let her suffer a bit. That way she will know not to defy her master. Mercury felt as her hands burned with energy, but she kept trying. There. The net had loosened up. She pulled harder, until with a loud explosion, she fell backwards, landing on her bottom.

Ren was taken back. She actually did it. I'm beginning to think that I misjudged this little girl. A bump followed, and standing up, Mercury saw it was Zoisite, who had fallen to the floor. He was conscious, but too weak to stand up.

She ran to him, and resting his head on her lap, she asked: "Zoisite. Are you alright?"

The general coughed, and answered: "Ye... yes, Mercury. I'm fine."

"Oh, Zoisite. I couldn't bear to think I was about to lose you. Please, never ever again get yourself in this kind of trouble." Tears formed again in her eyes, and Zoisite clearly saw as her eyes were quivering for release.

He stretched his right hand, caressing her face weakly. He was surprised as Mercury took his hand on her own, and closed her eyes, feeling his touch. Zoisite felt stronger, seeing that Mercury was too.

"Well, I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but Mercury comes with me." Ren's voice was enough to give Zoisite all the energy he needed, filling his heart with rage.

Standing up, and shielding Mercury with his body, he said: "You will never have her, as long as I live." "Well then, let's fight for her."

Ren launched himself towards him, with energy joining in his hand. Zoisite jumped, taking Mercury in his arms. She clung to his neck, pressing all her little body against his.

Ren stopped, turned around, and fired them his attack. Zoisite, in a reflex, summoned a crystal shield, saving them both from being hit. "Mercury, we have our powers back. We must have crossed the limit from the North side."

Ren grinned, and said: "It doesn't matter to me, I'll destroy you anyway." Mercury and Zoisite landed gracefully on the ground, but they didn't separate. The Saturn Prince yelled, and blasted a tree behind them. Zoisite, understanding that Mercury was in danger, pushed her aside, and whispered: "Stay out of this, Mercury."

"But Zoisite, let me help you."

"No. Leave this to me."

"Stop that babbling!" shouted Ren. He had formed a sword with his evil energy. It was dark and flickered with sparks. Zoisite called his crystals too, and formed a sword himself. It was white, and shining with sunlight.

They jumped forward, their swords meeting in the middle. Electric sounds were heard, as evil and good encountered their forces. The weapons were locking each other, the warriors looking at each other with gritted teeth. They jumped towards the other, their swords meeting at every thrust. It wasn't possible to say who was better at using the sword, 'cause each blocked the enemy's attacks easily, answering with one of his own.

Mercury moved her head, one time looking at the general, her heart leaping in joy as he made the prince take a step back, cursing silently as Ren recovered the lost territory. She couldn't use one of her attacks, she would surely injure both of them, and that was something she didn't want to do. Her sense of justice was claiming to a fair end, and was gluing her to the floor. However, her heart was taking over her brain, demanding her to do something.

My God, what can I do? Please, don't let Zoisite be killed! This thought ran through her mind over and over again, until it lost its sense to her.

In the meanwhile, Zoisite was trying his best not to let Mercury or Ren to know that his arm was hurting like hell. Every time he moved his hand, it ached in protest, telling him to stop. Several times, he had had to pray for energy, his body too tired to continue. But just a look towards Mercury, standing there, following every movement they made, was enough to give him what he needed to go on. He surely is a good fighter. If I wasn't so skillful, he would have defeated me a long time ago! He jumped, dodged and launched forwards, but he wasn't accomplishing anything. It was like hitting a brick wall, only that this one, gave any hit back.

Ren was surprised too, but he didn't let it show through. This earthling is far more talented than I thought. I'm gonna have to use another trick to defeat him. Ren waited a little so that Zoisite was with his side turned to him, then he quickly stretched his hand, and released a powerful blast, that sent him flying several meters away. Immediately, Ren jumped, with his sword in front of him, aiming it to the general's heart.

Zoisite felt nothing, just that he was falling backwards, leaving him totally unprotected. For the first time, his eyes showed fear, as he felt totally impotent to protect himself. Mercury gasped, and knowing that Zoisite was about to die, yelled to Ren. He stopped, and looked at her in surprise. "You will never win. Do you hear me. Now, leave before you regret it."

"And who's gonna make me? You? You are just a spoiled little princess, you can never beat ME. I'm protected with the powers of the Negaforce, and you are nothing compared to it. I will kill both of you, and no one will know."