Rule the World

"Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you

Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world

It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most

Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you

So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world."

- Everybody Wants to Rule the World (the Lorde cover inspired below)

The conversation began as a joke as they lay in her chambers, all afterglow and transcendence. He couldn't recall who had made the comment – something about handling operations of the kingdom differently.

"If you were in command, what would you do?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Hypothetically."

"'Tis treason to even discuss such a situation." A gloriously naked Venus ignored the Shitennou's comment and stood up, well aware of the grey eyes on her and poured them each a dram of the highly potent Mercurian elixir. Drinking quickly, as further warmth settled over Kunzite's tan features, he relaxed and said, "You would make a gorgeous regent."

"You could defeat Endymion."

"Could I?"

"You are without equal wielding a sword."

"As are you, my pet."

Venus looked at the Sword of the Moon, lying casually in the corner, her chain draped over the hilt. Looking back at her bed partner, she said, "The Sword is powerful, yes, but not enough to take on the other senshi or the great stone."

"Nor could I defeat the other Shitennou on my own."

"Do you think they would ever join you?"

"No. Would the senshi?"

"I don't think so. Or, not without reason."

"And what reason would that be?"

"This is a hypothetical world we're speaking of, yes?"

"Of course."

"We were brought up in the same ideals you were," she answered. "Loyalty, honor, obedience to our monarchs. Pride in our home planets and kingdoms."

"Difficult lessons to overcome."

"But sometimes power can corrupt."

"Would that be your approach in overtaking Serenity? I do not think your people would respond or believe such a thing."

"And for Endymion?"

"There is already distrust. Not only for the Lunar princess, but also her mother the Queen. The relationship between our sovereigns breeds discontent among certain Terran factions."

Venus toyed with a strand of her long blonde hair and asked, "And how would they feel about a Venusian on the throne?"

"We're betrothed?"

"In this scenario, yes." They both know marriage is impossible in any other circumstance except fiction.

"Coups have happened previously."

"Not recently."

"You know our history?" He was forever surprised by her depth of knowledge and intelligence surrounding politics on Earth.

"I study things that interest me."

"And am I of interest to you?"

Venus looked at him and said, "My lord, I believe you know the answer to that question. I've examined you quite closely."

If a blush threatened his sharp cheekbones, he didn't dignify it. Rather, he was more focused on blood pooling in other places on his person. Raising his hand, he said, "You digress."

She smiled and answered, "You are distracting."

"Our history?" he prompted.

"Yes. Endymion's line has ruled for generations. I believe your population would be amenable to change."

"You do."

"Yes."

"Why is it you would usurp Serenity?" he changed the subject.

Venus walked to the window and answered, "She is too naïve."

"Some people see her innocence as hope."

"It is not realistic."

"Why?"

"Is it wrong to want more out of those who lead? I do not discredit Serenity. She is an optimist, someone who finds the best in everyone. Her love makes her strong."

"But?"

"We are inherently flawed. Thinking the best of someone does not mean they will always act in the interest of the kingdom."

"It's a good thing she has someone like you to protect her."

"So it is."

AN: This is either the start of something darker, or just a weird character study, I haven't decided.