The Rose
Epilogue
Peace or Something Like It

Author's Note: I had a LOT of fun with the last part of this chapter. I REALLY hope you like it. Tell me what you think! Also, I hope you Seiya fans like what I've done for him. I know it's not Usagi, but seriously, I think this might be a real solution! Finally, I just want to thank everyone who reads and reviews and messages me. It really helps. This final chapter is dedicated to the group of ladies who have listened to me whine a bunch about this and my other stories. The SM Crystallis Group! You are all wonderful.

Kinmoku

Mamoru knew they had to be precise. They were kneeling in one of the planetary centers of power, but even with that, he was certain they couldn't lose focus. He smiled over at Usagi, who seemed less nervous than him. He remembered performing a similar healing when Metallia had attacked the Earth, though it was nothing this severe.

He was careful in placing the Golden Crystal into his right palm. Usagi did the same with the Silver Crystal. He slowly reached for her right hand with his left, and she copied his movement. They had done similar work before, and knew how to connect with each other on this level. Their Soul-Bond enabled them to work closer together than anyone else could have managed, except perhaps for identical twins.

He smiled as he met her gaze, and felt himself falling into her eyes for a long moment. The quiet breathing of the Senshi, the Shitennou, and the Starlights in the circle around the two was all that was heard for a long moment.

"Kakyuu, please think of the planet as it once was." Usagi said, her voice light and musical. She was so graceful and beautiful now, and Mamoru couldn't help but be in awe of her.

He closed his eyes and focused on the images he was getting from the other Princess. The world had been so war ravaged that it looked nothing like the wonderful pictures in her head. He focused on healing the waters and let Usagi focus on healing the land.

Unlike smaller healing, this sort took hours and hours. Once they had moved from water and land, they had to heal plants and creatures. They had to restore so many things, including certain buildings, which had been build from a strange crystal formation.

It was exhausting work, and long before the two of them had finished he felt Kunzite's strong arms wrap around him, and knew Venus was supporting Usagi in the same way. He felt the rush of pure energy from his Generals. He felt the strengthening in Usagi as the Senshi did the same for her. A strange new energy was added to theirs and he realized the inhabitants of this planet were helping as well. It was exactly what they needed to complete the task.

Sweating and shaking, Mamoru opened his eyes more than five hours after they had begun. He was exhausted and needed food and water. Usagi nearly collapsed into his arms. He held her, shaking himself, and then Kunzite and Venus were lowering them to lay side by side on the grass. It was several long minutes before he could even sit up and accept a drink of water.

He turned and looked at his Soul-Bonded and grinned. They had done it. He looked around him. Trees. Beautiful trees with purple bark and leaves of many hues, including bright pink. He looked over the lake which had seemed black and dead before the healing began. The waters were white and shimmering. Planet Kinmoku, the shining Opal. He smiled as he watched a strange flying creature that resembled a lizard. It was small, perhaps no longer than his hand. Yes, they had done it.

The New Prince

*****Seiya's POV*****

Seiya felt a strange pull and looked up. The Blue Moon was shimmering, gaining a strange brightness he had never seen in his own lifetime. He heard music and began to move forward, his steps halting as he attempted to stay beside his princess, but he had no choice. He was pulled inexorably forward, surrounded now by sapphire light. It took a moment to realize his feet were no longer on the soil of Kinmoku. He was being pulled away. He turned within the column of light that held him, and looked at Kakyuu-chan, hoping she could save him, but she only gave a knowing smile.

And suddenly he remembered the lessons he had been taught in school. The moon would chose it's next prince if none remained to stand as it's protector. Kakyuu's uncle and father had never fathered sons. That meant it was Kakyuu's future mate who would become the protector. He was being chosen. When he finally understood he was filled with indescribable joy.

The distance between the planet and the Blue Moon passed in bare moments, and he found himself of the surface, staring up at the shrine. The protectors of both moons lived below on the planet, but came once per month on the night of the full moon to fulfil their duties. He hadn't even noticed the moon was full, so focused on Kakyuu had he been.

He stepped forward, and the light around him glowed brighter. His star seed pulled out of his chest painlessly, and as he watched it began to grow and change, until it was a shimmering Sapphire Crystal, beautiful to behold. He smiled and continued to walk as it returned to him. He felt himself changing, and knew there was much that would be different in him now. Only the royals were all male or all female in this solar system, and he was finding it strange that he was changing permanently. It was an odd feeling.

His footsteps rung on the stone as he climbed the steps tot the shrine, and went to the alter of water and blue flame. He raised his hands, not knowing exactly what he was doing, and words poured from him. He'd known them since he was a child, but he had to be willing to speak them.

"I dedicate now myself and any future males of my line to the protection of the Blue Moon, and to the planet it guards. I accept this task willingly and with my whole heart. I choose the love of the Pink Moon, and will guard her line with my love, and my heart for all eternity. I am the servant and leader, and I will be fair and honest, just and true. I will give my all in the defense of the people until my final breath."

The Return Home

Mamoru smiled as he watched Seiya wrap his arm around Kakyuu's waist. The four survivors had been joined by several dozen more. The planetary Senshi had been returned before they began the healing, but he hadn't really interacted with them. He'd been so focused on doing what was needed to heal the planet and link the planetary crystals to the now strengthened Pink Moon Crystal and Blue Moon Crystal.

It had been a busy three days. Several weddings, including the one between Seiya and Kakyuu had kept them up into the early hours of the morning, and he was still feeling the effects from healing the planet. Usagi's hand was wrapped tightly in his own. People were waving at them, some crying as they prepared to leave.

He hoped Kakyuu was able to teach them not to fear. They were a peaceful people, and he hoped their society would grow. Treaties would be made, and he was sure he and Usagi would be visiting often after Crystal Tokyo led to them ascending the throne.

He smiled at the little blonde who was now resting her head against his upper arm. She was too short even to reach his shoulder. He grinned. She was perfect. Well, not completely perfect. That would be boring. But she was perfect for him.

The Senshi and Shitennou surrounded them. Ami, still untransformed, was calling out last minute reminders about the computer system. It took Rei shoulder checking her twice before she lifted her henshin pen and became Sailor Mercury. She gave a sheepish grin but no one was really mad.

"Call us if you need us!" Kakyuu called out.

"You do the same," Usagi called back.

And then there was a brilliant white light and the Sailor Scouts called out the teleport. It was fast. They had grown so much more powerful. No longer did they fly through space in a bubble. They simply disappeared and reappeared at home, in the field behind the Hikawah Jinga. Mamoru smiled as he smelled the familiar sents of sakura blossoms.

Usagi's family was waiting at the edge of the field, as was Grandfather Hino. They rushed forward the moment the light dissipated and Mamoru found himself in a tight hug with Usagi and the Tsukino family. He grinned. He'd always wanted a family. He was home.

Relative Peace

Sitting in the little iron chairs around the tiny café table Usagi had convinced him to buy for the balcony, the two lovers smiled up at the moonlight. It had been two weeks since their return from Kinmoku. Luna had come to him earlier in the day to let him know there were strange occurrences in Tokyo, so he'd decided now was the time to take Kenji's advice. They'd all had a difficult time catching up on work and school, and family obligations. During the short time of relative peace, they had done their best to live a normal life. The weather was still warm and so he and Usagi often spent a few hours on the balcony.

He would sip at coffee, she would drink hot chocolate or have a chocolate shake. Kunzite and the others seemed to think it was hilarious to pop in whenever she ran out of something and replace it before she could so much as set it down. Tonight though, they were eating dinner, and he had asked the others to let them be for the evening.

As Usagi put down her chopsticks, Mamoru took her hand, and with careful sleight of hand, slid her promise ring from her finger. He grinned when she didn't notice, and simply took a sip of her shake. While she was distracted he slipped the promise ring into the slot on the engagement ring. There was a third portion that wouldn't be added until they were married, but that was a simple band carved with crescent moons and roses. This portion was a shimmering diamond moon on one side of the heart. On the other was a glittering ruby heart.

He'd had the ring made shortly after they'd begun to date, and wanted to see her reaction when she saw it. He grinned mischievously, and took her hand again. She thought nothing of it. When they were alone he was often the one to initiate contact. He knew he could be reserved in public, but she never seemed to mind. It was ingrained in his upbringing and the Japanese culture, and he wouldn't be ashamed of who he was. Usagi would be mad at him if he were.

He was careful to slip the ring back on her finger, now expanded, in one swift, undetectable movement, while slowly rubbing his thumb across her palm as a distraction. He grinned at her.

"Usako?"

"Mamo-chan?"

"Do you know just how much I love you?" She nodded and was about to speak when he held up a single finger. "You are everything to me Usako. You are the my dreams, and my reality. You make me better than I am on my own. I love you so much Usako, and I want to spend every moment of eternity together. Would you please be my wife?"

Tears poured down her cheeks as she nodded enthusiastically. She leaped from her chair and into his arms, swiping at the salty trails on her face. He hugged her tightly, waiting.

"Um, Mamo-chan?"

"Look at your rink Usako," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

Usagi looked down and gasped. "How?" She looked closer and squealed. "It's US!" She bounced a bit in his lap, and his mind wandered to fun ways they could celebrate their engagement, but before he could suggest anything she had opened her communicator and screamed for the girls to show up. A few minutes later the apartment was completely full, and he found himself shaking hands and smiling, his grin wide. His face hurt from the amount he was smiling, but he didn't care. As long as Usagi was in his life he knew he'd always have a reason to smile.

Chibi-Usa

There was a knock on the door. Mamoru looked around the room as he moved across the living room. He opened the door and was attacked by a rambunctiously happy pink haired princess.

"I knew you were okay," she screamed, and then began sobbing into his chest. "Where's Usagi? She wasn't home!"

He heard footsteps behind him, padding down the short hallway. Usagi came up behind him and the little girl detached herself from his waist to throw herself at Usagi.

"Usagi," she sobbed.

"What's going on Chibi-Usa? Are you okay?" Usagi picked her up and held her tight. But the little Princess was very angry. She turned her head and glared at Mamoru.

"You didn't tell her I was THERE?" She screeched, reaching out a hand to smack his shoulder.

Mamoru had honestly forgotten. "I'm sorry Chibi-Usa!" He felt horrible. How could he have forgotten his own future daughter? "I'm so very sorry! We had so much going on, and you were safe, and... there's no excuse. I'm sorry." He hung his head, feeling awful.

The little Princess sobbed a bit more, clinging tightly to Usagi's neck. Mamoru went to close the door, but she suddenly stopped him, holding tightly to his sleeve.

"Um, wait. I want to introduce you to some um... people." She sniffled and wiggled her legs until Usagi put her down. Mamoru noticed that she was now nearly as tall as Usagi. He wondered how much time had passed in the future between her visits.

She walked to the door and looked out, sticking one arm beyond the frame and beckoning for four young people to enter behind her.

"So last night, in my time, I arrived home, looking for help." She sniffled again. "Mom and Dad assured me everything was fine, and that if something bad had really happened then I wouldn't even exist anyways, so I needed to calm down. Mom used the Crystal on me." She huffed, irritated.

"So I wake up this morning, and all of a sudden, things are different. Very different. I have all these new memories I didn't have before. Not that I mind. I like the changes. But now I want you to meet a few people." She ushered the young people in to sit on one of the couches and shoved Mamoru and Usagi to the other couch.

"So," Mamoru was getting irritated with her starting every sentence with so, and he realized she must be very nervous about something. "I asked Auntie Puu if it was okay to do this, so don't think I'm breaking any rules. Puu said I had to wait until today to come see you though." she sniffed, irritated at the wait. I wanted to show up when you were all having dinner together so I could yell at you in front of everyone. Anyway." She paused again.

The little princess wrung her hands. "Nothing changed too dramatically, and Puu says your own memories won't be effected because something else was going on when I came back and she started talking about loops and weird stuff, and I kinda forgot to keep listening."

Mamoru took a moment to look at the four young ones on the couch. "So um, apparently I have some siblings now."

Usagi's jaw dropped, and Mamoru felt the same shock he saw on her face. He'd thought about adding more children, but only after Chibi-Usa had returned for the final time. He heard a giggle from the smallest of the children on the couch. She was tiny and had vivid red hair. There was a tall boy, with black hair just like Mamoru's. Another boy appeared to be around Chibi-Usa's age, and then there was a little blonde girl who looked more like Usagi than even Chibi-Usa now that he was actually paying attention.

"So, um, this is my oldest brother Motoki." She giggled at the look Mamoru and Usagi shared. "Um, he'll be born soon. Um, in less than nine months actually." another giggle as Usagi slid bonelessly off the couch and onto the floor.

"Really?" Usagi squeaked.

"Hi Mom," Motoki said, with a little wave. ]

"Well, Motoki has a strange Crystal. He has half and half. It's awesome. He has a mix of powers, and is really strong already."

"So then there was another surprise for me. Did you know in our family twins are telepathic?" She moved to stand behind the boy with purple hair. "Chibi-Mamo and I can talk to each other no matter where we are." She giggled as Mamoru blanched. "He's Mini-Mask."

Usagi was panting, which made him nervous.

She pointed to the younger blonde, who seemed not much younger than her. "Naru came next." Usagi gave a weak smile, and swallowed hard, still panting. She has a different kind of Crystal too. Hers is a Dream Crystal. Apparently it's really rare.

"And then there's Tentomushi." Chibi-Usa giggled. "She apparently started accessing her powers the day after I returned. I can remember it, but it's not one of my old memories. Very strange." The pink-haired princess shook her head. "Anyways, she becomes Sailor Ladybug! So cute, since her name means Ladybug." Another giggle. "Her Crystal is different too. She can change it to any planetary Crystal except Earth. Weird huh?"

Mamoru could only nod. This was a lot of information to take in. Usagi seemed barely conscious. Her mouth was opening and closing.

"And I promise as soon as the new baby gets born I'll bring her." Chibi-Usa said, with a wicked grin.

This was apparently a little too much for Usagi as she passed out in a heap on the floor. Motoki and Chibi-Mamo rushed to her and lifted her onto the couch. Mamoru was unable to move. He couldn't speak or even really think. This was so much more than he'd thought. Five children. No six. He supposed having a thousand or so years to work with would help, but he couldn't imagine poor Usagi going through labor that many times.

"So anyways," Mamoru was really getting annoyed with the constant so at the beginning of her sentences. He didn't remember her doing that before. "Apprently even though Motoki is oldest I will inherit the Silver Crystal and Chibi-Mamo will inherit the Gold one. I guess the ones we form on our own will sort of slide into them when it's time. I really don't want that to happen any time soon though. I like being Senshi and acting like a kid for now."

Mamoru nodded. "And now I have bunches of memories of having brothers and sisters and not being so lonely. Puu said something about a memory wipe happening when I was here before. It's all so weird. To everyone else it happened sort of seamlessly. If I hadn't said it was different, I don't think they would have even known. But Puu seems to have some understanding. I'll let her figure it out."

Mamoru nodded again, reaching out one hand and pinching himself hard on the thigh. Nope. Not dreaming. Huh! And with that he joined Usagi in unconsciousness.