Mercury smiled fully now, and hugged him. The healing rib in his chest ached a bit, but he didn't feel it, the fulfillment on his heart was so complete. They separated, the glowing still around them, healing the last remaining of their battle; it was almost fading away. Mercury looked into Zoisite's eyes, and literally drowned in them. Zoisite did the same, traveling through the deeper corners of her soul.

Then, feeling as Zoisite's arms were pushing her a little, she stood on her tiptoes, and closed her eyes. So did he, making their mouths get even closer. Mercury could feel his breathing, and her heart jumped in anticipation. And then, their lips met. Zoisite covered her mouth completely, savoring he taste of her lips. They were a bit salty, like sea wind. She melted in his arms, returning the kiss, though she had never done it before. She enjoyed the feeling, and for the first time, she understood what true love was. Her rose pink little lips were eagerly kissing the more tanned and firmer ones of Zoisite's. She was so happy, in there, she never wanted to stop. Only by instinct, she took her hand to his shoulders, and caressed them lovingly.

Zoisite had to bend over a little, but he had never felt this way in his whole life. He had kissed other women before, but never like this. They always were experts, who had other intentions. But Mercury, Mercury was so innocent, so pure, so little. She was so much like him, a lonely soul that had found her other half. However, she kissed him with everything she had, not knowing what to do next. He was stroking her back, ruffling her hair, and drowning his hands in it.

But, they had to part, they no longer had air. They looked into each other eyes, and Mercury saw as Zoisite was smiling tenderly at her. She had enjoyed it so much. The feeling of being wanted, loved and cared for was so fulfilling.... yeah, she had had her friends before, but none of them had loved her as he did. She had a special place in his heart as she did in his.

Zoisite saw her eyes were shining, and new energy was inside her. She was fully alive now. Her cheeks were blushed, mixing pretty nicely with her blue eyes and hair. "Mercury, you know something? You look way too pretty with your cheeks like that."

She blushed even deeper, and pinching his nose, said: "It's Ami Zoisite, Ami."

"Excuse me?" "My name, it isn't Mercury, it's Ami."

"Ami... it's cute, just like you." She smiled, and hugging him, said: "Thanks Zoisite."

"If you told me your secret name, I'll have to do something too. Call me Zoi. It's shorter."

Zoi? I like it. That way, I can... ohhhh."

She stopped, and fell in Zoi's opportune arms. "Ami, what is it? Are you Ok?"

"Yeah... I'm just too tired. I used all the energy I had left to heal us."

"You did WHAT? How could you?"

"You silly. I couldn't let you like you were. Besides, I'm very comfortable inside your arms...."

"Little imp, here, let me take you home." Zoisite took her in his arms, just like the newly wedded do.

Mercury rested her head in his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Zoisite pressed her against his body, and looking at her, whispered: "Zoi." They disappeared in a flash of light mixed with flower petals...

Princess Serenity stood impatiently looking at the window, while her friends and the rest of the generals were pacing around the room. "Guys, you are gonna make a hole in the carpet if you don't stop that."

"I'm sorry Serenity, but I'm way too worried about Mercury. It's already morning and there has being no sign of her," answered Uranus.

"I still think we should go and look for her," said Venus, "We are from no use in here doing nothing."

"Remember what that woman said yesterday. We can't. She must face it alone."

"Yeah, Endymion, but what if Zoisite isn't with her? They may be lost in the woods," said Kunzite.

Jupiter smashed her fist against the wall, and muttered angrily: "I'm so worried about her. Mercury isn't very strong, how can she win?"

"There's no longer need to worry," said a deep voice, startling everyone. They turned around, and saw Sailor Pluto standing on the doorsill.

"What do you mean?" asked Mars. Although Pluto had warned them not to look after her friend, she had done a fire reading. She was relieved to know that with Mercury was a strange but friendly energy. She now knew that she wasn't alone, but hadn't told the rest anything. "She is safe now."

"Where is she?" asked seven female voices at a time. "All you need to know is that she is Ok."

"Excuse me, Sailor Pluto," asked Neflyte, "but do you know if our friend Zoisite is safe too?"

"He is. He certainly is."

Neptune frowned, and looking at Pluto seriously, said: "Are they together?"

"That I can't say. You will ask her tomorrow. Now, go to your rooms, and rest, you've been awake all night."

"Let's settle something here," said Jadeite, "You say that Lady Mercury is safe but you won't tell us where, you also say Zoisite is Ok, but you won't tell us where he is either. How do you expect us to believe you?"

"Do it if you want, don't if you don't want to. Now, I must return to the Time Gate. Princess Serenity (she bowed) Generals, Senshi, good-bye."

She exited through the door, disappeared in a flash of purple light. Endymion turned to his friends, and said. "that woman is strange indeed...."