TOKYO, JAPAN (AP) - Two days ago, a mysterious crystal spire appeared in the heart of this bustling metropolis. Today, the nation of Japan is left in a state of shock and distress, and widespread fear and uncertainty.
At approximately 8:30 PM local time yesterday evening, an unknown object which meteorologists had been tracking across Japan during the course of the afternoon arrived in Tokyo, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Once the trajectory of the object was determined, a general evacuation of the city of Tokyo was ordered.
Between 8:45 and 9:00 PM, emergency crews began reporting strange flashes of light from the object the Japanese government calls 'Nazo no Daizuishou'. Shortly after 9:00 PM, an intense earthquake struck the Juuban district. Seismologists on the scene at the time were unable to determine the strength of the quake, which lasted for fifteen minutes with no aftershocks, and which levelled the Juuban district.
Officials estimate that less than sixty percent of the residents of Juuban were safely evacuated before the earthquake. In what was once a prosperous and bustling part of Tokyo, all that remains standing is the mysterious tower of crystal which is reported to be the current headquarters of the Sailor Senshi. As this structure is situated at the very epicenter of the earthquake which razed Juuban to the ground, the government is now taking under consideration the possibility that the 'Nazo no Daizuishou' and its occupants are, in fact, a hostile force.

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Epilogue: Earth Requiem

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"You two can't sleep either, huh?"

Hotaru and Shingo, dressed in ordinary street clothes, wandered into the small commissary that branched off of the kitchens. Intended for use by the guard and Senshi, it was no surprise to the teens that they found three of their comrades sitting around a large table, looking thoroughly miserable. It was Haruka who had spoken; Michiru was seated beside her, and Minako across from the both of them. Makoto was busily preparing snacks, but it was clear she was only going through the motions to have something to do.

Shingo plopped down at the table, shaking his head. "Even if I could, I'd be afraid of nightmares." He shuddered. "Endymion...and Serenity..." He buried his face in his hands. "I can't believe this could happen..."

Hotaru put her arm around him, but her eyes were also haunted. "Who...who was that?" she asked the other Senshi present.

Makoto wandered over listlessly, plopping plates on the table. "A ghost," she said. "The last specter of a kingdom that died years ago." She heaved a sigh. "At least, I hope he was the last."

"There couldn't have been any more," Venus sobbed. "Usagi, Rei, and Ami saw Nephrite die...we were both there when Zoisite died...Usagi killed Kunzite...and Beryl..."

"So how did that bastard survive?" Haruka asked. "Serenity nuked the whole goddamn Dark Kingdom, from what I hear."

Makoto shrugged, picking idly at her food. "I wish I knew." She looked down. "We swept D-point. After we got our memories back, we made damn sure the Dark Kingdom was gone for good. It was gone..."

"None of that matters now," another voice entered the conversation. Mercury dropped into a chair, not bothering to change out of her Senshi form. "What matters now is Serenity. She's going to need all of us to survive this..." Tears filled her gentle eyes. "Our queen...our friend...her heart was ripped out tonight. I know how strong she is, but..."

"This is killing her," Minako said softly. "If we don't do everything possible to see her through this, she could just...fade away."

"Dammit," Shingo choked out miserably. "I feel so ashamed...I failed her. I failed everyone..."

Hotaru wrapped her soulmate in a tight hug. "Shingo-kun..."

Mercury patted his hand gently. "You shouldn't feel that way, Shingo-kun." She looked down. "You tried your best. There wasn't really anything any of us could do."

Haruka grunted. "Yeah, I don't know where that bastard got all that power, but..." she sighed in frustration. "Anyway, kid...you did damn good for your first time in battle."

"That's right," Makoto said. "It's not easy when you're just learning what your powers are. And this..." She frowned. "This was far from a normal battle."

Shingo looked around at all the encouragement, and smiled slightly. It didn't quite reach his eyes. "Arigatou." He looked at Hotaru. *I can't let anything like this happen again,* he decided. *I can't just sit helplessly and watch people I love get hurt...die...*

"So, Mercury," Haruka began, "how's it looking out there?"

The blue-haired Senshi sighed. "Juuban is rubble," she said. "I helped the emergency crews get all the fires under control, and they're setting up shelters for the wounded and the homeless...they weren't able to evacuate more than half the people in Juuban before..."

Michiru frowned. "Things are going to get worse before they get better," she said. "They're going to try to blame us for what happened."

The others looked uncomfortable at that thought, and Haruka cursed. "Chikushou...harassment from the government is the last thing we need right now."

Several moments were spent in silence. Finally, Minako assumed a more authoritative tone. "Mercury, I want you and Pluto to deal with outside relations for the time being. You two are best suited to diplomacy."

Sailor Mercury nodded. "I'll coordinate with Pluto as soon as possible."

"Get some rest first," the blond said. "That goes for everyone...I know it's hard, but we're going to have to take care of ourselves so we can take care of everyone and everything else."

"I want to spend tomorrow healing the wounded," Hotaru said.

Minako shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea, Hotaru. If you go out there as Saturn, you'll cause a panic. If you go out as you are now, your power will rouse suspicion. Besides," she added, "you still get weak when you use your healing power too much. We don't need any more tragedies on our hands from you pushing yourself too hard."

"What we really need to do for these people," Michiru mused, "is figure out a way to make amends for all the damage caused by Jadeite."

"I've been considering that," Mercury said. Grimacing, she added, "I'm ashamed to say it falls under the realm of political agenda."

"You're thinking this is where Crystal Tokyo is supposed to begin," Haruka commented matter-of-factly.

The azure-haired Senshi nodded. "The timing is horrendous, but...yes." An uncomfortable silence followed that statement.

Shingo stifled a yawn. "I think I'm gonna try to get some sleep," he muttered. As he stood, Hotaru rose with him, and they departed together.

"Maybe I should check in on Her Majesty before I retire for the night," Mercury said.

Minako shook her head. "She was asleep when I left. Mars is with her." She yawned. "We should all get some sleep now." Five exhausted young women shambled off to the lift, weary in body and spirit.

Outside, Minako held Mercury back. "Ami," she said quietly, "I know you're tired, but..."

"What's on your mind?" the blue-haired girl asked, detransforming.

"I didn't want to bring this up in front of the others, but..." The blond sighed, frustrated. "We're gonna have to get in touch with the government, soon, or things are going to get very ugly very fast. I can only begin to imagine the way the Prime Minister must be panicking."

Ami nodded. "I agree. There's an emergency meeting taking place at the Prime Minister's official residence. I'll go now—"

Minako shook her head. "No, you've done enough tonight...you need your rest. I'll need you tomorrow..." She fidgeted. "I don't know much about this kind of thing, but I think the best way to approach them is with a formal apology for..." She spread her arms.

"Yes, that would be...prudent."

"Also..." The blond frowned. "Okay...I know it's really early for it, but I think we need to hold a funeral for King Endymion tomorrow." She swallowed. "With everything we've got ahead of us, it's for the best if we deal with that and get it behind us."

Ami sighed. "It's going to be hard on Serenity, but...you're right." She frowned thoughtfully. "We should probably hold a state funeral, and extend an invitation to the Emperor and the Prime Minister. It might smooth tensions if they learn that we were affected by all this too."

Minako was silent for a moment. "Yeah, that's a good idea," she said. She then looked at her friend pensively. "Ami...it's not my place to be making these kinds of decisions, is it?"

The blue-haired girl shrugged. "In the Silver Millenium, Venus was the commander of the Senshi. I'm pretty sure Chibiusa said it's the same way in her time. So..." She tilted her head. "Well, you're certainly thinking and acting the part, so yes, I'd say it is your place." She smiled softly, and sketched a slight bow. "I await your command, Lady Venus."

The blond giggled despite herself. "Go get some sleep," she said in an authoritative tone. "That's an order." She looked down the corridor, and sighed. "I'm going to check in on Her Majesty, and then I'll try to meet with the Prime Minister."

Ami raised an eyebrow. "It's a good thing you're not planning on handling most of the diplomatic missions." She shrugged. "Still, with the current situation, they might be hoping one of us will come forward. In any case...good luck."

Minako nodded, and the two girls proceeded to the lift.

Hino Rei kept a vigil over her queen and friend, tears falling from her own eyes as she watched the regal young woman with the long golden ponytails sob in her sleep.

"Oh, Usagi," she whispered. "I should have done more...so much more. I...dammit, I just stood there and let it happen..." She buried her face in her hands and wept. "My Queen and King were under attack and I stood and did nothing. What kind of Senshi am I?"

"You're the kind of Senshi who would die to protect her Queen," Minako said softly from behind her. "You stayed at your post. You protected her first and foremost." She embraced the raven-haired Senshi from behind. "That's all any of us were able to do."

Rei turned around. "Mina-chan..." She looked up into the other girl's eyes, and saw a battle-hardened, ages-old soldier rather than the flighty young woman who had been one of her closest friends for years now. It bothered her for a moment, but she banished that thought and buried her head against the blond's shoulder, sobbing. "Why did this have to happen? Why?"

Minako comforted her as best she could. "I know, Rei...I know. I feel the same way." After a long moment, she gently pulled away, and glanced over at the sleeping queen. "But as hard as it was for her to see him die...again..." She sighed. "The next few days will be harder still. There's so much that's going to need to be done..." She took Rei's hands and squeezed them firmly. "I'm trusting you to be her strength," she said. "As her best friend...more than any of us, you'll be the one that's going to see her through this."

The raven-haired girl nodded, wiping a few tears from her face. "I'll try...I don't know if I can bear it myself, but..."

"Listen," Minako said, looking down slightly. "I hate to tell you this, and I know you'll probably hate me for it, but..." She sighed. "I've decided to hold a funeral for the King. Tomorrow at noon."

Rei gasped. "What!? Don't you think that's a little soon?"

The blond sighed. "Rei, we've got a whole lot of problems to deal with, and time isn't exactly on our side. I wish we had the luxury of waiting, but..." She ran her fingers through her bangs. "I talked it over with Ami, and she agrees that the best course of action is to go public as soon as possible. Then..." She shrugged. "Then I guess we try to help all the people whose homes were destroyed...and who lost loved ones too."

The dark-haired Senshi eyed her friend curiously. "You don't expect Serenity to be in any shape to deal with any official matters so soon, do you?"

Minako shook her head. "No, of course not. But I know she'd want us to do what we have to, and so do you." She glanced again at the young queen, and sighed. "I'm hoping she can get through the funeral, though...it might help her deal with the pain, at the very least." The expression of grief on her face washed away as she silently transformed, replaced by the stoic, professional visage of Sailor Venus.

Rei blinked. "Minako?"

"I have something important to do," the Senshi commander said as she turned to leave. "Please get some rest," she admonished. "Her Majesty will need you when she wakes up...she'll need you to lean on."

Rei watched the still form of the young queen for a long time before sleep finally claimed her as well.

In the heart of the Japanese government, nerves were frayed and tempers were high. Coffee was being consumed almost faster than aides could brew it as the Prime Minister, the cabinet, and various agency heads met to discuss the disaster in the Minato ward, the potential threat posed by the 'Nazo no Daizuishou', and the unusual report submitted at the Defense Agency by one Major Takada.

"The first question we need to ask ourselves," the weary commander of the Japan Self Defense Force began, "is whether or not the Sailor Senshi are a direct threat to national security."

"I find it hard to believe that we're considering a bunch of schoolgirls to be a public menace."

"Please," one man at the table snorted. "We've all read the reports over the years of the activities in that particular area of Tokyo. After tonight, there's no doubt that these Sailor Senshi are involved in...something...which is a direct threat to public safety."

"There's something in the report which disturbs me," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said. "According to your Major Takada, he clearly heard the Senshi refer to two individuals present as 'queen' and 'king', the latter of which is listed as presently deceased." He paused. "I hate to jump to conclusions, but it sounds to me like the Sailor Senshi have declared themselves to be a sovereign state."

"That's ridiculous," someone scoffed. "That would imply that—"

"I'm not saying it would imply anything. All I'm saying is that this could be a delicate situation, especially if it becomes a matter for my department."

"Are you suggesting diplomatic relations with a group of people who destroyed a large section of Tokyo?" one of the others asked, not bothering to cover his anger and disbelief.

"Now, now...we have no proof the Senshi themselves are responsible for this destruction," the Minister of Education broke in. "After all, the apparent source didn't originate from the Daizuishou."

The Prime Minister sighed. "The fact is, we have no idea what the hell is going on, except that a lot of people are wounded or dead, a lot of people are now without homes, and we have a completely unknown element situated right in the middle of it all. We need to find out what exactly we're dealing with here before we go making any rash decisions about HOW to deal with it."

An aide suddenly burst into the room, a panicked expression on his face. "Sirs...forgive the intrusion, but there's someone outside who insists on meeting with the Prime Minister immediately."

"This is a closed emergency session. We're not entertaining outside concerns."

"Anou..." the aide hesitated. "You might want to make time for this one." He withered a bit under the glares of the surly politicians. "Moushiwake arimasen...I don't think we can get rid of her very easily."

The Prime Minister grumbled. "Who would have the temerity to barge in here demanding an audience at such a time?" He sighed. "Fine, let's just deal with it and be quick about it...we're not getting anywhere right now anyway."

The young aide bowed, and disappeared into the antechamber. A moment later, he returned, swallowing nervously. "I present..." he paused, apparently listening to someone standing behind him. "I present before you the Commander of Defense of the Crystal Palace, Her Ladyship Sailor Venus." The aide quickly stepped aside, bowed, and exited.

The gathered politicians stared, murmured, and generally appeared bewildered as a young woman with long golden hair in a shimmering seifuku entered the room. She bowed gracefully. Acting on autopilot, the men stood, returning the bow. "Gentlemen," Venus greeted softly.

"Ahh..." The Prime Minister swallowed. "This is highly irregular, you understand."

The Senshi nodded. "I realize, and I apologize. However, the circumstances are beyond my control, and certain measures are necessary at this point." She walked a few steps away from the door. "I believe we're all in agreement that this is a crisis situation for all concerned."

"Yes..." the JSDF commander said. "About that..."

Venus raised a gloved hand to forestall the question. "Let me first apologize on behalf of the Throne of Neo-Queen Serenity for the destruction tonight. We're very upset by it ourselves...the last thing any of us wanted was to see Juuban destroyed. We just weren't able to do enough this time." She looked down, sadness in her eyes.

The men around the table looked uncomfortable. "Ah...yes. Well, umm..." The Prime Minister paused, looking to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who shrugged.

Sailor Venus, for her part, quickly picked up on the source of the discomfort. "You may address me as Venus," she said.

"Very well then, Venus-san, are we to understand that the Sailor Senshi were in fact not responsible for the destruction of Juuban?"

The Senshi looked horrified. "Of course not! We'd never..." She looked away for a moment. "The being that destroyed Juuban was after us specifically, however, so it is somewhat our fault." At the nervous looks around the table, she continued, "You need not be concerned about a return visit by the enemy. Sailor Mercury determined that the earthquake which destroyed Juuban was caused by our enemy destroying himself."

"A kamikaze attack?" one cabinet member asked.

Venus nodded. "That's our best guess."

"That sounds consistent with the human remains we found scattered around the perimeter," the military commander said.

The Prime Minister seemed a bit bewildered, but nodded. "Very well then...but how can we be assured that there won't be other...incidents?"

Venus swallowed. "We can't," she admitted. "But that's why the Sailor Senshi are here in the first place. We're dealing with things that no military on Earth could stop. If not for us, this world would have been conquered or destroyed outright several times over by now."

There were many raised eyebrows around the table. "Is that so?" the JSDF man asked in a rhetorical fashion.

The Senshi blushed. "I don't mean to sound like..." she looked genuinely nervous for a moment. "Forgive me," she said. "I'm not good at this sort of thing. I'm just a fighter, I don't know anything about talking to people like you. Um, goverment types, I mean." She paused. "In any case, it's time I got to the point of my visit, so that you gentlemen can return to your urgent business."

"Right now, Venus-san, you and your comrades are our urgent business," the Prime Minister said.

Venus nodded. "Yes, I suppose so, but it's probably best if I leave the explanations for later. This is a bit out of my area." She paused. "The reason I'm here is to extend a request to all of you, as heads of state, which also extends to the Emperor." She paused awkwardly.

"What sort of request?"

The Senshi looked uncomfortable for a moment. Steeling herself, she adopted the most formal demeanor she could manage. "On behalf of Her Majesty, Neo-Queen Serenity, of the line of Serenity, I humbly request that the Emperor and Prime Minister of the nation of Japan, as well as any high-ranking political officials you see fit to accompany you, attend the state funeral of King Endymion, to be held at noon tomorrow at the Crystal Palace." She swallowed. "I understand that such a request is rather irregular at this time, but again, the circumstances are far beyond our control." She paused. "Following the funeral, our diplomatic staff will meet with you to answer questions about the incident, the Senshi, and the Crystal Palace." Venus fidgeted for a moment. *God, I hope I did that right.*

There was a round of whispering and murmuring, and the Prime Minister stroked his chin thoughtfully. "We'll take your request under advisement," he said. "We need time to confer and to assess the danger level of exposing the Emperor and other high-ranking officials in such a manner. However," he paused, "if the situation is as it seems...it would potentially reflect poorly upon this government to refuse your request."

Sailor Venus bowed, bade the assembled officials goodbye, and disappeared. The men looked around the table at one another for a long time. Finally, the Prime Minister stood. "Gentlemen, I believe it is time to adjourn for the evening. It seems we'll be getting the answers we want very soon." As the assembled officials rose, he added, "We shall be attending a state funeral at noon tomorrow."

The morning sun greeted Neo-Queen Serenity as she stirred. She slowly sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, and looked around. Her eyes fell upon Rei, curled up on one of the sofas, and she smiled slightly.

That smile quickly gave way to a fresh bout of tears, and she buried her face in her hands. "Mamo-chan..."

Serenity stood finally, walking over to the window and looking out over the city below. Her eyes widened, a hand flying to her mouth. "No..."

Her startled gasp roused Rei, who lumbered off the sofa and moved to stand beside her queen. "Jadeite's final revenge," she said. "He destroyed himself...he apparently meant to take all of us with him. But..." Tears brimmed in her dark eyes.

Serenity crumpled to the ground, leaning against the wall. "What have we done?" she sobbed. "What in the world have we done, Rei?"

The dark-haired girl sat beside her best friend and queen. "We're not to blame, Usagi," she said. "You know it isn't our fault. Jadeite was thoroughly evil, and completely out of control. I don't know how it is he came back, but..." She paused, feeling a lump in her throat. "You and Endymion saved more than was lost." She looked Serenity in the eyes. "Ami says Jadeite had enough power to destroy most of Tokyo...maybe even more than that. I know it...I know it's not much comfort, but..."

Serenity smiled softly. "I appreciate it, Rei." She sighed, wiping her eyes. "I just...losing him again..."

Rei embraced the young queen tightly. "I know, Usagi. I know." She looked deep into the blond's clear blue eyes, and spoke softly, seriously. "Venus has a funeral set for noon. Do you think you'll be okay? We'll understand if..."

"I..." Serenity's voice was a hoarse whisper. "I don't think I'll be okay, but I'll be there." She frowned. "Did anything else happen after...?"

Rei shook her head. "No...we've all just been trying to recover from the battle, and thinking about things." She held Serenity's hand tightly. "Minako especially. I think between her and Ami, they're making a lot of plans for the next few days."

Serenity nodded. "That's good...I'll have to check with them later and see what they have in mind."

"You shouldn't concern yourself with it right now, Your Majesty," Rei said. "You need time to rest and recover..."

The young queen shook her head. "No...it's my duty. I'm..." She looked down, sighing heavily. "It won't be easy for me to move on, but...my duties as Queen are too important to neglect. Mamo...Endymion would agree." Slowly, she stood. "Allow me a few moments to gather myself, and I'll be in the throne room."

Rei nodded. "Hai, Serenity-sama. I'll go on ahead, if you don't mind."

Serenity smiled. "Rei-chan...arigatou."

The raven-haired Senshi returned the smile. "I'll always be here for you, Your Majesty."

Hotaru entered the class two training facility, and promptly felt her body become extremely heavy. "Nani...?"

"Hotaru-chan!" The overwhelming pressure suddenly disappeared, and Hotaru gasped, panting. Shingo rushed over to her. "Are you alright?"

"Un..." Hotaru nodded somewhat shakily. "What was...?"

The young guard smiled sheepishly. "I was practicing." He extended one hand, and a small ball of purple-black energy formed in front of him. He seemed to strain for a moment...and then the sphere shot across the vast room, slamming into a floating chunk of crystal on the other end. The crystal spun rapidly before crashing to the floor, wreathed in dark energy.

"Sugoi," Saturn said, blinking. "How long have you been at this?"

"About an hour. When I woke up..." He shrugged. "I just felt like I had to do something, so I came down here to try and figure out what kind of powers I have."

The crystal drone lit up brilliantly and rose back into the air, Shingo's attack having dissipated. He grumbled. "It lasts longer when I use the Lance," he complained.

Hotaru giggled. "So what have you found out?"

Shingo shrugged, running a hand through his messy hair. "Well, I've got that Gravity Ring attack, like...like last night." He coughed. "Ummm...what I did just now is something I figured out a few minutes before you came in. It's pretty weak, but it's faster than the Ring, and I can control it better. I'm not sure how, but..." He shrugged. "Anyway, that's what I was doing when you came in..."

"And I just accidentally walked right into it," the Senshi realized.

"Un," Shingo blushed. "But at least now I know I can make it stop if it hits the wrong person."

Hotaru nodded. "Well, that's good..." She paused. "Anything else? I mean, having two attacks is plenty for starting out, but...do you think you have any more?"

Shingo looked uncomfortable. "There...there's one other thing, but I..." He grimaced.

"But what?"

"I don't like it," he said. "I don't like it, and I'm not sure I want to use it."

"Well, what is it?" Hotaru asked. "Come on, tell me."

Shingo frowned, but nodded. Summoning the Grave Lance, he moved a few steps away from Hotaru. "Stay back," he said. "I don't want to risk this getting anywhere near you."

As Hotaru moved a safe distance away, Shingo leveled his weapon at the silently floating drone. In a whisper that echoed ominously through the room, he intoned, "Null Drain." The naginata throbbed with dark energy, and an almost tangible essence of—something—filled the air, causing Hotaru to shiver slightly.

Across the room, the crystal drone began to dim, motes of energy flickering away from it. The dimmer the floating target became, the brighter the blade of the Grave Lance grew.

The drone went completely dark and fell to the floor, shattering and startling Hotaru. Energy flowed from the blade of Shingo's weapon down the shaft, disappearing into his hands. A brief violet flash lit his eyes as the last of the energy was absorbed.

Hotaru stared at him. "What...what was that?" she breathed.

Shingo looked at her somberly. "I absorbed its energy. All of its energy...if it was alive, I'd have just killed it." He banished the Grave Lance and looked down at his hands. "It's a terrible power..."

Rushing across the room, Hotaru embraced him. "I understand," she said. "Believe me, I understand..."

"So..." Shingo said quietly. "Is this what it's like...to have the Saturn power?"

"A little," Hotaru said. "You don't have the full power...you can't bring the Silence...but that particular attack..." She paused. "Although I don't believe I have anything like that," she mused. "Most of my attacks just erase life force." She grimaced. "That's even worse, I think."

Shingo shuddered. "I think I'll avoid using that drain attack unless it's a last resort," he decided.

As the morning progressed, the mood in the Palace was somber. Venus, Mercury, and Pluto were going over ideas and plans, Jupiter and Mars were sticking to the Queen like glue, Saturn and Titanite were helping with the preparations in the courtyard, Uranus and Neptune were inspecting the Palace and the grounds for damage caused by the quake, and the two cats were busily piecing together the details of a traditional Silver Millenium royal funeral. Given the damaged memories of both cats, they found they were improvising more than remembering outright.

All too quickly, the noon hour approached. The Palace occupants assembled in the throne room. Luna spoke up. "Everyone...I know this is a painful time for all of us, but please do your best to observe formal protocol in front of our guests." She turned to Sailor Venus. "Do you have your speech?"

The Senshi commander held up a piece of paper and nodded.

"Very well then." Luna turned. "Lord Titanite, would you mind welcoming our guests and escorting them to the courtyard?"

The young guard nodded. "When will they be arriving?"

Serenity briefly seemed to be looking beyond the walls of the throne room. "They are arriving now," she said. She stood. "Thank you, Luna, for briefing everyone. We should go out to the courtyard now."

A convoy of limousines, jeeps, and police officers on motorcycles made their way along the deserted streets of Juuban, passing police checkpoints and barricades as they approached the massive crystal structure which was the sole remaining building in the district. No civilians were allowed within the devastated area, nor any press; the JSDF presence had tripled during the night, and all troops were ordered to remain especially vigilant for the duration of the official visit.

The line of vehicles arrived at their destination, and valets and bodyguards began opening doors for the assorted VIPs. A distinguished-looking elderly man bedecked with an array of medals and his equally distinguished wife exited the lead car, flanked by guards. The Prime Minister and other high-ranking government officials emerged from the other vehicles, as did the commander of the JSDF.

The procession made their way up the glassy steps, making no effort to mask their awe at the sheer beauty of the crystalline tower above them.

As they neared the front of the majestic spire, an aperture slid open at its base, discharging a young boy, perhaps fourteen years of age, wearing a crisp purple uniform with crimson trim. His lavender cape fluttered in the gentle breeze as he approached. He stopped two meters in front of them and bowed. "Your Imperial Majesties, Mister Prime Minister, honored guests," he inclined his head to each respectfully. "I am Titanite of the Crystal Palace Royal Guard." He bowed again, briefly, sweeping a hand behind him. "It is my honor to welcome you to the Crystal Palace. Please, follow me." He turned and strode back through the doorway.

The procession followed the young sentry into the Palace, where they were led down a circular hallway, pausing at a section of the wall with a single colored crystal embedded in it. "The courtyard is this way, gentlemen," Titanite said, opening another door which didn't seem to be there a moment earlier. Somewhat in awe of the incredible structure, the VIPs filed out into the expansive, beautiful courtyard.

A number of padded seats were set up in the courtyard, with a center aisle parting the way, leading to a small rectangular dais between two silvery trees. Upon that platform stood a crystalline throne embellished with silver crescent moons and a podium, similarly decorated. A number of people were already seated; the Sailor Senshi flanked the dais, four to each side.

As the dignitaries took their seats, Titanite took up a position off to the side.

Sailor Venus stepped forward. "Members of the Court of the Crystal Millenium, honored guests, please rise in respect for Her Majesty, Neo-Queen Serenity."

With a flash of silver light, the young queen appeared in midair above the throne, resplendent in her white dress, feathery wings spread wide as she glided slowly to the ground. There was, nevertheless, a deep shadow of pain in her eyes. The Senshi and Titanite faced her and knelt, heads bowed, while the seated guests rose from their seats and bowed deeply. Serenity inclined her head, then moved to sit upon the throne.

Venus smoothly stepped behind the podium as the other Senshi stood at attention and the guests were once again seated. "Friends, loved ones, honored guests," she began, "We gather together on this day to pay final respects to he who is no longer among us, having given his life in defense of his Queen and country." A pause. "We are here today to say farewell to His Majesty King Endymion, last heir to the Throne of the Kingdom of Atlantis, husband to Her Majesty, Neo-Queen Serenity.

"Endymion was a kind, noble man," the Senshi continued. "And a brave warrior. He met his death on the battlefield with honor and courage, and in so doing brought that honor to his crown and his lineage.

"As he came to us, a child of the Earth, so has he left us. Upon his death, the body of Endymion became as the dust of the land, returning his essence to the world from whence he came.

"Endymion will be dearly missed, as a friend, as a husband, and as a King. His noble sacrifice will be recorded and passed down through the ages, his legacy never to be forgotten so long as the line of Serenity flourishes upon the Earth.

"Let us now hold a moment of silence." Venus bowed her head; those assembled followed suit. After a time, the Senshi spoke again. "Her Majesty will now commence the ceremony of memorial." Genuflecting to the throne, she stepped down from the dais, rejoining her fellow Senshi.

Neo-Queen Serenity rose from the throne, stepping down from the dais. She produced from her dress a single, long-stemmed red rose. "This rose is the symbol of life eternal, the symbol of the Earth itself," she said softly. "It was given to me by my husband as he lay dying in my arms." She looked down at the simple, elegant flower for a moment, before bowing her head and closing her eyes. The crystal brooch upon her breast began to glow.

The visiting dignitaries gaped in awe as the dais and its contents began to change shape, folding in upon themselves, contracting and elongating. A wistful smile crossed Serenity's face, tears leaking from her closed eyes, as the mass of crystal began to settle into a new form, indistinct facets resolving into finer details.

Between the two silvery trees, a crystal statue now stood, mounted on a pedestal. The delicate-looking life-sized sculpture resembled a man, tall and stately, clad in full formal wear. A thin glass cape hung stiffly behind him, a broad mask covered his upper face, and a top hat graced his head. His hands were folded around the hilt of a pure silver sword, whose gleaming blade stood perfectly perpendicular to the pedestal.

Serenity approached the statue, holding out the rose. It gently floated from her hands, passing through the crystal until it had positioned itself in the center of the sculpture's torso. The flower tilted a bit to the statue's left, positioning itself in the approximate location of the heart, and remained there.

The queen regarded the statue and the embedded rose for a long moment, then turned away, choking back a sob. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks as she excused herself, making her way gracefully yet swiftly down the aisle and disappearing into the palace.

After a moment of unease over the emotional ordeal, Sailor Venus nodded toward the other Senshi, who began to form a circle around the memorial. Turning their gazes to the sky, the eight warriors' foreheads began to shimmer, emitting beams of colored light which met high above. A pure, clear note, like the ringing of a chime, filled the courtyard. A small spark of prismatic energy formed where the magical beams met, slowly descending toward the monument below. As the Senshi lowered their gazes to face the statue, the ball of light sank into it; the delicate crystal shimmered with prism hues. The Sailor Senshi knelt, heads bowed, for a moment.

Finally, they stood, and Venus addressed the assembly. "On behalf of Her Majesty, I thank you all for coming. I'm sure many of you have urgent matters to attend to; we will not detain you any longer." She paused. "Those who wish to remain to discuss matters of importance relevant to the incident last night, the Crystal Palace, and the Senshi, please follow Sailor Mercury to the meeting hall." She bowed. "Good day, gentlemen." The Senshi, the Royal Guard, and all the courtiers filed down the aisle toward the palace, save for Titanite and Mercury, who remained to see the departing guests out and lead those remaining to the meeting room, respectively.

Serenity sat on her bed, sobbing, as Mars entered the royal suite. Without saying a single word, the Senshi sat beside her queen, wrapping her up in a tight hug.

"I know, Usagi, I know," Mars said softly. "It's going to be alright. It's...it's hard, but..." She stroked the blond's hair soothingly. "You'll get through this. You have to get through this. We all need you. We need you every bit as much as he needed you..."

Two friends, a queen and her warrior, ages old yet far too young, held each other, weeping.

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