When all was quiet, Thanatos entered the house by passing through a wall. He went into each room and observed the Galalunans. There was nothing he could do with the machine. The princess was too stable for him to manipulate. But the young man...Thanatos placed an inhuman finger on Lance's temple, near his brain. He used his otherwordly, dark powers to learn everything he could about his potential host. He learned of his past, his present, and the emotions running through his head right now. He could feel the frustration, desire, anger, confusion, and hatred. Thanatos knew he could use this to his advantage. Using his strange power, he entered Lance's subconscious.

Lance's mind was active. Why can't I have her? Why do they take her away from me?

Yes. They can't do that! Said a voice. It sounded exactly like his Lance's own.

You...are you? Asked Lance.

I am your subconscious, Lance. I am your thoughts, collected into a replica of yourself. And I can explain why the machine is taking your only potential love away from you. You were correct in accusing him of jealousy. But he desire does not desire her. He desires to experience the love and affection that only humans can display. He envies your human spirit.

Well, why does he want me to love Ilana? Lance asked his "subconscious." In truth, it was only Thanatos.

Because Ilana is not the right girl for you, but he thinks she is. Being a soulless robot, as you said, he is wrong, and you are right. Ilana is friendly, and you may appreciate her company, but you do not desire her. If you desire a woman, you must pursue her, even if she resists. It is the best for the both of you if you pursue Kristen.

But...why her? Lance asked.

Because you enjoy looking at her. If you take delight in her, than she deserves to belong to you. Remember, I know your thoughts, as well as your desires and your pain, because we are one. The details are rather complicated. You will not be interested in hearing them.

Do the others...do they understand me?

No. Only I know the pain you suffered at the loss of your father. Because he was also my father. Again, it is because we are one. Only you know the best path for yourself to take. And because I am you, I know which path is best. Take the path which leads to your true love, Lance. Kristen; she will be an endless supply of happiness.

You mean...I was right in thinking it was Kristen?

Yes. All that Octus said about her was a lie. And the princess, because she is not the girl you love, does not deserve as much protection. Kristen is your main priority. Also, when your father died, and you first thought to yourself that you needed no one, you were right. But now, times have changed. You need this girl.

But what if she is a bad influence, like Octus said?

Tell me, Lance, would a "bad influence" try to know and appreciate you and understand you, not asking for change, or be intruding, but instead respecting what you have suffered? She is like you in many ways. Ilana and Octus do not understand.

True, but...they are my friends.

Trust me, Lance. I am your subconscious. This is how you about them feel deep down. I possess feelings and attitudes you may never have fully realized you even had. I am a personification of your inner personality. Yes, they are your friends, but do they really know what is best for you?

And Thanatos left Lance's subconscious, allowing him to drift peacefully in the realm of sleep...

The next morning, Lance stayed in his bed for the first twenty minutes of his day. He felt unsure as to whether he could trust his "subconscious". But whoever he was, he seemed to let him do as he wished. The only one here worth caring for is Kristen, he thought. The others can take care of themselves. We love each other, so we must be perfect for each other, Lance rationalized. He showered, dressed, and went downstairs, ready to face whatever Octus had to say. He arrived by the time Ilana and Octus were halfway through breakfast.

Neither he nor Octus spoke at breakfast. Ilana gave her usual cheerful greeting. "Good morning!" then her voice changed to a somber tone. "Look, if you're still mad at Octus about the argument last night, I think it would be best if you both moved on," she said, glancing at Octus and Lance alternatively. "You won't always agree on things. But the important thing is that today is a new day," she said.

Lance thought about what she said. Then suddenly, Thanatos spoke from inside his mind.

Lance. This is your subconscious.

You can talk to me when I'm awake?

Yes, I can.

What do want from me?

Your opinion. What do you think of what Ilana just said?

Well...she really doesn't know what she is talking about.

Then why don't you tell her so?

I-Lance began. But then, a thought rushed into Lance's mind. Suddenly, he had no more doubt.

And without thinking, Lance said-

"What would you know about getting into arguments? You're just a spoiled princess. You would kill anybody if they disagreed with your royal wisdom," Lance said sarcastically. "And you know nothing about moving on, either," he continued. "When my father died, was I supposed to just move on and forget about it? When Baron beat me up on my first day at the academy, was I supposed to just go around thinking that today was a new day? That wouldn't have worked, and you know it!"

"Lance, I was talking about the present situation, not past events," she replied, slightly irritated. "And what's with all the sarcasm? Do you really think I'm spoiled?" she replied angrily.

Lance seemed to be able to respond to that question in a heartbeat.

"You know what? I do think you're spoiled. And I also think you shouldn't be prying into my personal business! Do you even know what Octus and I were talking about?"

"No," said Ilana, backing away.

Lance glared angrily at Octus. "Not telling her what we discussed has been the only thing you got right, scrap metal," Lance walked out of the house, took the car keys, and drove to school. Hopefully, Kristen, his only friend, would make things better. Lance wasn't sure if he could trust his subconscious. The words Lance had just said to Ilana didn't entirely feel like his own. Did this thing that claimed to be part of him really know what was best for him?

"There goes our ride," Ilana remarked. "Octus, could you get Kimmy to come and pick us up?"

"Ok," he replied. Octus was angry at once Lance had said. But then he remembered what Ilana told him. It was just merely teenage moodiness. Octus could never fully analyze the thoughts of a crazed adolescent.

So Octus called his girlfriend. Hopefully, she wouldn't be moody today. "Hey, Kimmy. I love you. Hey. Could you help me and Ilana? We are in a bit of dilemma. No, it's not a fashion emergency. No? Not even for me? Please? But we'll have to walk to all the way to...can't you just drop us off at the back? No? But..." Octus hung up. "Kimmy says she'll pick me up, but not if you're with me. I think she said she was embarrassed to be seen with you. I'm sorry, Ilana," said Octus.

"Oh, well...we can just fly using our armor. That's probably what Lance would have done if the car was gone...well, if he hadn't been the one who took it in the first place," said Ilana. "Let's try to get there quickly, Ok? I'm a little worried about Lance today. When we get to school, could you analyze him for me?"

And then the princess and her robot left the house, hoping that their soldier guardian hadn't gone off the deep end.

Subconscious guy, what did you just do? Lance asked.

What you said to Ilana was what you were thinking deep down. In your subconscious. Because I am a collection of your subconscious thoughts, I know exactly what you need to say in every scenario.

What are you talking about? That didn't help. Now Ilana is mad at me, Lance replied to Thanatos.

You may have difficulty understanding this, Lance, but I know what is best for you. I merely say for you what is on your mind; you would have said it, anyway, regardless of your being away of my presence or not. Trust the decisions I make for you, Lance. What I put words in your head, you will speak them and it will work out. And the decision I made is that you should distance yourself from Ilana.

Why should I trust you? Asked Lance.

If you trust me, I will give you what you want. Besides, there is no way to resist your subconscious. And because you and I are the same being, whatever I say is exactly what you would say. That is how it has been working for your entire life.

So...I have never had a thought of my own free will? Lance asked nervously.

Yes and no. You have never spoken a word without my consent. Whenever you change your mind about something, it is because what you were going to say contradicts that of your subconscious. In fact, you cannot tell a lie unless I approve of it. But all of my words and actions are actually yours. Therefore, you are really in control of me.

Well, why I am suddenly able to talk to you? Asked Lance. I liked it better when I didn't know you existed!

I will only communicate you like this until your internal conflict has been resolved. I am in the process of doing so for you.

Lance was scared of what his subconscious was doing next...

When Lance got to school after what seemed like an eternity, he approached Kristen, ignoring everyone else.

Observe, Lance, as I win you your true love, said Thanatos.

Before Lance could protest, he found himself saying Kristen's name to her in a low voice. And before Kristen could ask what was going on, Lance grabbed her and kissed her. When their lips broke away, he said, "I did some thinking last night. I give up. You're irresistible. I can't control myself around you. I think it means we're meant to be. I've decided that there's nothing I'd like to do more than run away with you." He kissed her again. And everyone at school saw it. Kristen's breath was taken away. "Whoa...that was amazing. What's gotten into you lately? I thought yesterday you said...?" she began.

"That was then. This is now." He tried to kiss her again, but she slapped him on the face, hoping he would snap out of whatever had happened to him. "I don't know what's gotten into you," said Kristen. "If you're trying to be flirty, now's not the time or place. I'm not gonnna go out with you if you keep doing this."

"But..." Lance was confused. Hey, subconscious! You said this would work!

It will...but in time. Kristen may pretend to be frightened, but really she is excited by your sudden change. Trust me, Lance.

But Lance was still unsure. And with good reason to be. It seemed like when his subconscious advised him to do something, it wasn't really in his control. He felt like he had no free will over his actions, and his thoughts were no longer a safe haven. So Lance decided to sit alone at lunch that day. But then he saw Ian, the leader of the band, Disenfranchised, that let him join, then kicked him out soon after. He was sitting at a nearby table; Lance saw him and scowled, still holding a grudge. His subconscious spoke again:

Lance, there he is. The one who ruined your only chance at stardom and fame. Now is your chance to get your revenge!

Revenge? I really don't care about that. I mean, I'm still a little steamed at him, but...I don't think it's the answer.

Trust me, Lance. A good fight fuels you. This is your chance to energize and settle the score with a foe.

Listen, I don't think you're really- Lance began.

But before Lance could finish a thought directed to Thanatos, a strange energy washed over his body.

And before he knew it, he had rushed over to where Ian was sitting and delivered a few punches to his face. Ian was completely taken by surprise. While he was stunned, Lance delivered a sharp kick to him in the side. Lance then stomped on his face. Lance looked at the damage he had caused. It hadn't really felt like him doing it. It felt more he like he was watching a movie, but everything was real. Ian's nose was bleeding, and he had a bruise on his forehead. Lance suddenly found his foot rising, and then...

ENOUGH! Yelled Lance. Ian thought Lance was talking to him, but he was actually talking to Thanatos. "Ian! Lance yelled. "Leave! I didn't want to hurt you, and I-"

"I'm not falling for that, man! You're just crazy!" and he fled the scene.

"GET OUT OF MY LIFE! YOU'RE NOT MY SUBCONCIOUS! YOU'RE A NIGHTMARE!" Lance yelled aloud. He saw Ilana and Octus standing nearby, in shock. Lance had an idea. "Guys, I have to use the bathroom", he whispered as he went over to them. They understood immediately.