by Sailor Earth
"If that's what you want, then come chasing after me
That kiss is a red tattoo
A tattoo that engraves a prophecy of destiny"
translated from Moon Revenge
*Chapter Eight - Mamoru's First Revelation*
"She's here, Zoi," the girl said, "Luna told us last night." They obviously weren't aware of my presense at the window, and as much as I knew I shouldn't be eaves-dropping on their conversation, I was interested to hear what they had to say. So I stayed where I was, concealed by the curtain.
"Mamoru is convinced he's found the One, Ami, the One we've been searching for. He must be really excited."
"Well, I don't think it's a good idea for him to get his hopes up until after the meeting later. After all, no one knows for sure who the One is, but Luna and Artemis should be able to shed some more light on the situation."
"I hope so, because it's not safe for us to be here very much longer - not until we have restored the rightful King to his throne, that is."
My heart jumped at hearing this - did they know something about Papa? I was about to run downstairs and ask, when I realised I wasn't dressed, so I took a towel and my shampoo from my trunk, and headed to the bathroom. I lit the fire to heat water for the bath. Back at the palace, Coonan, or one of her sisters would have done this, but I wasn't there anymore, and I suddenly realised what a boring task waiting for the water to heat up was.
While I waited, I fetched my scrapbook. It's kind of a diary, I suppose, but I tend to stick things in it, and draw stuff, more than I write anything. I find they create much more evocative memories than I could ever create through words alone. The last things I'd stuck in had been the petals from the rose Tuxedo Kamen had thrown at Dimando that evening I first saw him, and then the mask I'd worn on my birthday. On a clean page, I drew a sketch of the view from the window - a small waterfall flowing into the brook, the shady green glade, and the surround silver-hued trees. When the water was heated, I stripped and climbed into the bath, letting the warm water was all over me. I closed my eyes and thought about how good things suddenly seemed.
I don't know how much later - I'd completely lost track of time - I emerged from the steamy bathroom, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, my skin glistening in the light, and my damp hair piled up on top of my head. Mamoru was awake now, sitting up in bed. It was only then that I really paid attention to his bare chest. He had slept like that last night, of course, but in the dim light I hadn't noticed how well-toned his chest and stomach muscles were, and the delicious bronze tan of his skin. My jaw droppped open, and I stood silent and still my feet rooted to the spot.
"There's no need to gasp, Serenity, I already know how much you want me," Mamoru drawled.
"That's rediculous!" I exclaimed, "What would you know?"
"Enough," he replied, "Come sit down next to me. There's something I want to tell you." I sat down, unsure of what to expect. "Yesterday, you saw my warriors' powers. Now what powers do you think I have, Serenity?" Mamoru continued.
"Er, I dunno...your accuracy at throwing, maybe?" I mumbled.
"No, no! That's not a power - that's just a skill I gained through lots of practice! My real powers are being able to heal, and also being able to read minds."
"I don't believe you!"
"Really? Didn't you ever wonder how I knew your name before you told me? Or how I knew you were in trouble those times?"
"I thought those were just coincidences..."
"Being nearby was each time was just a coincidence, but when I'm nearby I can read your mind. That's how I knew you were in trouble. Still don't believe I can read minds? Well, do you ever remember thinking this: (and at this point he mimicked a female voice) He has smooth skin, I just want to reach out and touch it, I can feel his muscles as he holds me close?"
I cringed - of course I remembered. That was exactly what had been running through my mind after he rescued me from Esmerodo's runaway coach. Mamoru smiled and nodded, then pulled me towards him whilst he kissed me with his gorgeous lips, the sun streaming in through the window, onto my face.