Disclaimer: Like it was mentioned in previous chapters, I do not own anything recognizable. I only own this story idea/one-shot plot(s) and any mentioned OCs, who are obvious. Thank you!

"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 006: Mamoru Chiba/Darien Shields

Anime: Sailor Moon

Prompt: What would you dream about tonight?

Chapter Warning: none

Author's Note: If anyone has any prompt ideas they would like to share/see, please leave it in a review (: Thank you!

KH*MC*KH*MC

He was dreaming again.

Not that it was anything new, but this particular dream had been occurring since he'd entered high school. Ever since he was a child and lost his parents in a car accident, one dream had been a source of comfort to him. A dream that he'd held close, had treasured when he was lonely. But now, he dreamed of something… more.

He now dreamed about finding a family just for him; of finally having that connection again with another human being. One that couldn't be severed by time and space, could weather any storm or obstacle thrown their way.

He now dreamed of finding his heart, his every waking desire, and everything he'd ever wanted or needed.

Mamoru now dreamed about finding his soul.

KH*MC*KH*MC

His dream started just like the one from his childhood. The landscape was breathtaking, with fields of flowers that were different in size, color, and shape, for as far as the eye could see. The mansion he was visiting was large, elegant, and seemed to softly glow with an inner light that mesmerized any who stared upon its magnificence.

The best view, however, was the one he could see of Earth. As the prince of such a beautiful and bountiful planet, a surge of pride always entered his chest when he thought about it.

Mamoru felt said surge as he stood beside a gently gurgling fountain, his navy eyes glued to his home planet. He'd traveled far to be present on the Moon, but the trip had been worth it if it meant peace. He just hoped his father, the King, worked out the negotiations with Queen Serenity. She seemed like a fair and just ruler, and Mamoru knew their common enemy would be a good incentive for an alliance between them. The negative forces grew stronger each day, and it was becoming more difficult to drive them off.

Sighing, Mamoru ran a hand through his hair, the other gripping the sword at his side, as if to reassure himself of its presence. Now days he didn't go anywhere unarmed. It wasn't safe or smart. And wasn't that a hell of a thing to admit?

Soft footsteps from behind caught his attention, and he glanced over his shoulder to see who was approaching. A kind smile lifted the corners of his mouth, and he turned to fully face the newcomer.

"I knew if I stayed here long enough you'd notice me," he said, voice low so that his words wouldn't carry far on the breeze.

The young woman stopped a few feet from him, dainty hands clutched together in front. Her long, wavy raven-colored hair was loose, falling in a thick waterfall down her back and ending near shapely hips. Her skin was pale, giving her an ethereal glow in the little light provided, but it just made her amethyst eyes stand out that much more. The rest of her facial features were delicate and smooth, not a single blemish in sight.

Currently, she wore a cream colored dress that seemed popular for those native to the Moon Kingdom, with thin straps, and soft designs that added emphasis to her natural beauty instead of taking away from it. On her small feet was a pair of matching cloth flats. Around her neck, she wore a pinkish-purple bauble that hung from a delicate chain.

Kagome gazed at him with a mixture of caution and sorrow. "We can't keep meeting like this, Prince Mamoru," she gently reprimanded. "You must have heard by now. Your father and Queen Serenity are arranging a marriage between you and the Moon princess to solidify the alliance."

His jaw tensed, lips thinned to show his displeasure of the situation. "I have heard the rumors," he conceded. His eyes turned pleading as he took a step closer. "But, Kagome, we both know there's a chance it won't happen. We don't need an arranged marriage between anyone for this alliance to work. Our enemies—"

"Grow stronger every day, yes, we know," she cut in, unmoved. Her hands clenched, the only sign of distress she allowed. "History has shown, however, that once a common enemy has fallen, the allies are quick to turn against each other sooner or later. A marriage as significant as this could be integral for everlasting peace. No one from Earth or the Moon Kingdom would dare attack the other if the prince from Earth and the Moon princess were wedded."

Mamoru argued, "That is not always the case. Civil war is also a high possibility in times like these or after." Placing a hand over his heart, he continued speaking. "I swore, right here in this very spot, that if I were to wed, it would be to you. No one else, Kagome. It has to be you."

His passionate words warmed her from the inside, flowing through her veins to every part of her body and centering in her heart. Kagome had always known it was love from the moment their eyes had met, but she'd also known it would be foolish to fall for him. Her little speech about history and war had been true but a cover. Uniting two families through marriage was nothing new, whether they were warring with each other or with a common foe. War, unfortunately, would always be there. Someone greedy for power, money, anything, would always be there, somewhere. A marriage between two kingdoms wouldn't stop a civil war either, as Mamoru had pointed out.

But Mamoru was a prince, while she was just a priestess. And there was the other issue, the biggest of them all…

Kagome whispered, "Princess Usagi is in love with you."

He didn't bat an eyelash. "I do not love her."

Eyes watering, she finally tore her gaze away, knowing she was about to rip her own heart out. "We may not have a choice. Let's just end things here. This will be the last time we meet like this, Prince Mamoru."

When she turned to walk away, he caught her wrist and jerked her into his arms. She fell against his chest with a small cry of surprise, and Mamoru tucked her head under his chin as his arms wrapped around her petite frame.

"Prince Mam—"

"You know I don't like it when you call me that, Kagome," he softly reproached. He was silent for a moment, absorbing the feel and warmth that radiated from the young woman, before speaking again. "I'll talk to my father about the rumors. If they are true, I'll make it clear to him that there's only one girl for me – and that's you, Kagome. I won't let us end like this." His voice lowered, became intimate. "I love you."

Kagome closed her eyes, letting her senses soak up his presence and his words. They were a balm to her tattered soul. She'd been so sure that this would be it for them. That their relationship, though a carefully kept secret, would come to an end. She'd been so afraid of losing him, of having to watch him marry someone else. Her heart wouldn't have been able to take it.

Giving in, she wrapped her arms tightly around Mamoru, burying her face against his firm chest. Her tears instantly dampened his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. He just held her closer, murmuring sweet nothings into her ear.

"I love you, too… Mamoru."

KH*MC*KH*MC

The constant, annoying beeping of his alarm jerked Mamoru awake. Staring at the ceiling of his bedroom, he let the dream sink in, slowly processing what he'd seen, felt… remembered. Having flashes of his previous life had become normal for him, but the new series of dreams he'd been experiencing the past few years were a bit startling, to say the least.

Growing up, he'd been under the assumption that (in his previous life) he'd been in love with the Moon princess – whoever that actually was. He remembered being betrothed, of feeling protective and willing to do whatever it took to keep the princess safe.

But now… Now he wasn't so sure. Everything was mixed up, confusing. According to these new dreams, these new memories, Mamoru was actually in love with a priestess serving the Moon Kingdom named Kagome. How had that happened? Where had Kagome come from?

Mamoru sighed, finally shutting off his alarm as he sat up in bed. His questions wouldn't be answered, he knew from experience, and he needed to get ready for school. If he still wanted to attend University in America, he couldn't afford to miss a single day of class or even a single day of work at his various part-time jobs.

Besides, he knew he'd be able to see Kagome again that night in his dreams…

I love you, too… Mamoru.

His eyes unknowingly softened as her words echoed within his head. His heart.

KH*MC*KH*MC

Sitting at his desk, ignoring those around him, including Motoki, his best friend, Mamoru's mind couldn't stop thinking about his dream from last night – but, more importantly, Kagome. He couldn't shake the feeling that something… something big was about to happen. It was that electrified sensation of anticipation, of awareness, that had Mamoru practically on the edge of his seat. But what was he waiting for? It didn't make sense. None of his previous dreams had ever affected him like this before.

What did it mean? He inwardly questioned, gaze locked outside a nearby window.

"Did you hear that, Mamoru?" Motoki asked, nudging his friend in the shoulder. It jolted Mamoru out of his daydreaming, turning his attention onto the current topic of discussion.

"Sorry, what?"

Motoki raised an eyebrow, slight concern in his eyes. "We were just talking about the new student that just transferred into our class," he replied. "You okay, man?"

Mamoru waved off his words, smiling reassuringly. "I'm fine," he answered. "But a new student? That's a little weird, considering this time of year."

"That's what we were saying," another classmate interjected. "We were wondering why it was so sudden, and if anyone knew if it was a boy or girl?"

"Well, I guess we're going to find out," Motoki said, catching sight of their homeroom teacher.

"Everyone, please take your seats," the teacher said by way of greeting. Quickly, the lingering students found their assigned desks and quieted down. Mamoru cupped his chin in a palm, only slightly interested in hearing about this supposed-new student entering their class. "As I'm sure most of you have heard by now, we'll be welcoming a new student to our classroom." The teacher gestured towards the doorway. "Please, come inside and introduce yourself."

The moment Mamoru caught the first glimpse of her, his entire world slowed down, heart hammering within his chest and thrumming in his ears. His eyes widened, surprise and shock clearly painted across his features as he stared at the newcomer.

He would recognize that long, wavy raven-colored hair anywhere. The slim, petite frame was exactly the same, too, as were the delicate hands and small feet. Her skin was just as luminous as he remembered, and just as creamy and soft, he bet. But it was her eyes, those mesmerizing amethyst orbs that had his breath catching in his lungs. Her eyes were the exact same shade that had been haunting his dreams for the last few years.

How? His mind exclaimed, even as his eyes hungrily drank her in, absorbed her presence into his being like a starved man. How is she here?

"Kagome," Mamoru muttered under his breath, still dazed and confused.

As if hearing him, Kagome's eyes immediately darted in his direction. Navy and amethyst clashed, an electric current passing between the two, as their respective worlds shifted and realigned.

Just as quickly, reality snapped back into place, and Mamoru could breathe again, a hidden weight leaving his shoulders. Unknowingly, his gaze softened, became tender, and he wondered…

He wondered if she, perhaps, had dreamed of him too. If she remembered what they had shared a lifetime ago. If she, maybe, recalled the love they had felt for the other.

His thoughts continued to whirl, but his eyes never once wavered from hers. The two were caught up in their own world, both silent, emotions swirling within, as they ignored the confused glances of their audience.

Finally, Kagome parted her lips to softly murmur one word:

"Mamoru."