End of the Millennium A Xian Shade Production Author's Notes: Just what is Thanatos up to? Going to the queen about permanent residence on Mercury? How does he plan to allow Saturn into the alliance? Didn't you just read all this? Disclaimer: I do not own any aspects of Sailor Moon or Phantasy Star. If I did, this would be an anime, or manga, or both. Thanatos, Ares, Chronos, Aljus, King Marcus, and the worthless one are © Xian Shade and may not be used without my permission. People failing to follow this rule have broken Xian's Law #849, paragraph 3, line 2: Don't fuck with my shit. The Path of Finding Destiny, Chapter 13: Thanatos held princess Amilia's hand as they approached the throneroom of the moon kingdom, and she seemed a little bashful doing so. He knew his feelings for this girl, but did she hold the same? It was important that she did, especially for his plan. The guards were still wary around Thanatos, but they let him pass, since he was welcomed there. Approaching the throne, she'd released his hand, and they both bowed before the Queen of the moon. "Welcome, Thanatos. Welcome, Princess Amilia. What news have you come to bring? I know the princess of Saturn has not yet matured." "Indeed not, it is not my reasoning for coming before you today. My request is from both of us." "I'm listening." she said, holding a smile for her guests. Thanatos wasn't sure if it was just for show to hide her disgust of him, or if it was genuine. "I've considered this for some time. Before I begin, I must admit I tricked you at our last meeting. I have not resided on Saturn since I first came to this system. I've been staying on Mercury." "I'm no fool, Thanatos. I'm well aware of what you said. You stated you were not from Saturn to begin with. It didn't take long for me to find out what world you'd been residing upon, especially since you didn't complain when I decreed that you could not leave it." Thanatos was aghast. "How did you find out?" "The king of Mercury was kind enough to tell me about young Amilia's 'imaginary friend Thanatos' when the girls first met. At least you did leave when you said, and didn't simply spy upon us." Thanatos was somewhat angered. Her father knew, and so did the Queen! He'd been hiding all this time for nothing, being played as a fool! But he held his calm, because he realized he deserved such treatment. She appeared to be keeping her calm for him. "I hope you are not angry. I came to speak of that, as well as the fact that we have held back our defense against the darkness, which you no doubt have found. We halted protection not because we are not permitted to leave our worlds, or that we now bear malice towards you, but rather because we have determinted the system's defenses are easily capable of handling whatever turmoil comes this way. It is no longer necessary for us to defend your solar system." "Indeed. I'm not angry anymore, Thanatos. Since that time, I've wanted to apologize for being so rash in my decision to keep Saturn out of the alliance. I also know why you're here." "Preposterous. I've not even told Princess Amilia why." he explained, not quite comprehending how she could know. "Queen Laya of Venus is quite free with information that only individuals may know, regarding... certain things." she held a devious smile for him. 'But Laya only knows of an individual's... Damn! She DOES know!' he thought. This was unnerving. He was going to have to pay a visit to Venus on some 'official business'. "I do so for more than one reason. Do you know that?" "Excuse me, I'm a little lost here." Amilia spoke, not comprehending where Thanatos was going with his proposal. "Thanatos came to offer an alliance between Mercury and Saturn, thereby uniting Saturn with the Silver Millennium." Amilia still looked confused, and turned to Thanatos. Instead, a young man stood in his place. He appeared to be past the normal age of choosing, startling jade eyes stood out beneath purple hair that tied back behind his head. He wore an ensemble of one of Saturn's Lords, though that was perhaps lost on them. A deep purple breastplate bore the most attention, and beneath it a black, form-fitting outfit, the black garb of Thanatos seemed to be upon his back like a cloak. At his side was a black cane with a cloudy purple orb attached to its handle. "I'd hoped to have surprised you with this form in private, Amilia." the young man spoke, then turned his attention to the moon's ruler. "Queen Serenity, I have decided to court princess Amilia of planet Mercury, with her father's permission, and her own, of course. You realize that if she chooses me, there will be no alternative but to allow Saturn into the Silver Millennium. Not only will I need to enforce the rulership of Saturn, which I have neglected, in order to allow the alliance, but it may require the assistance of the Silver Millennium to recover." "Impressive, Thanatos. I can see that this is truly your wish. Queen Laya would not have informed me otherwise. Come foreward, I must discuss something with you in private." "Thanatos?" Amilia looked up at the young man, and he smiled somewhat lopsidedly back to her before proceeding to the throne. After a short time before the queen, he bowed and returned to Amilia, the queen nodding and moving from her throne to a door beyond the throne room. "I told you I was thinking about it, and this was the only way I could concieve. It would work out perfectly if you'll have it." Thanatos explained to Amilia, letting her know that her old plans were indeed plausible. "I would like it very much..." she said with a blush, then looked away, as if discouraged. "...but father probably won't. He is very critical of Zoicite, the Earth general that came courting. Personally I'm not all that fond of him myself. He seems... I don't know how to put it... rat-like." She explained, scrunching up her nose to emphasize with a giggle. "Yes, I remember that pretty-boy. Jadeite got better treatment from Ares, that's for sure. At least he was sporting about it." "What? One of Earth's generals tried to court Reianna, too?" "Oh yes. Reianna had attracted quite a few courtiers. Ares allowed them the chance to do so, if they could defeat him in battle. But even if they could defeat him, they would have a bit of a time dealing with her." "That sounds unfair." "Indeed it was. That's why they chose that method. Jadeite came the closest, though, because he's the most skilled physical warrior on Earth, second only to prince Endymion himself. Besides, Ares loves the girl. She'd gone and chosen Ares anyhow, from what I've heard. The royalty of Venus turned away the Earth general Kunzite as well. They haven't tried for Jupiter, but it seems that Earth really can't worm its way into power, no matter what they do." "Ares has got a comfortable hold, then. But what about you? Father isn't going to like the fact that you want to court me, normal-appearing or not. He'd rather accept Zoicite." "It's simple. With the permission of the Queen of the Moon, a lord of Saturn may court you." he said, opening his hand, and a document sprouted forth stating all the rules of his courtship, signed by the Queen. "With your kindness in teaching me to read and write, I drew up a contract and treaty, giving this mortal form a name: Samuru Sotanaht. Perhaps I can teach your father differently of his hateful ways towards me. Let's see what he has to say." ----------------------------------------------------------- So that's what he's up to! But can Death pull off being mortal, or even royalty? He's certainly lived on Mercury long enough to know what's acceptable to the people. But must he battle for the right to court Amilia against the pretty-boy, General Zoicite? Will he even get a chance considering King Marcus' bias?