The noise was constant. Chisel against stone, blade against wood, the wet slap of plaster, the scratching of pencil against paper; the sounds of a great endeavor being undertaken. The outer defenses were being strengthened. Many men were out in force erecting new walls, reinforcing existing walls, surveying new angles, working in harmony. The armies of Earth serve with pride and distinction. Even when they were not at war, they served the people. For the pride and privilege of their service, they endured small sacrifices; building roads, homes, schools and bridges, keeping records, harvesting crops, digging mines and wells, serving Earth with all they had to offer.

They were led by example. Endymion and his Shitennou stood shoulder to shoulder with them, lifting just as much weight, and toiling just as hard. They brought their joy with them as well, spreading it among the men. The service of Earth was their highest honor, and they let it shine through, ensuring that every soldier felt the same. During battle, the men must follow them into battle and even unto death without hesitation. Thus, during the peace, they ensure that the men love them. They do this, by loving their men first, and doing so equally. Peace must be fought for, so it must be loved above all else.

"Tell me General Kunzite," Endymion asks loudly, knowing all can hear. "Are we on schedule?"

Kunzite smirks, knowing what is about to come. "We are in danger of lapsing behind sir. We have many fine men working, but precious few fine men to lead."

A few fits of laughter trickle through the men. It is an old game the Prince and his High General are playing. It has been a particularly tough day for Zoisite and Jadeite, and the distraction will do them good.

"Perhaps we should see which of our pitiful commanders is in need of correction."

Tools are dropped and the men form a circle, ready to enjoy the sport their leaders have planned.

"Jadeite! Zoisite! On the line!"

Even though there is peace, and the men are at ease, there is still command in Kunzite's voice. It can not be ignored.

Nephrite stands before them, playing his part. "Take notice men! You see before you those wretched souls who are threatening to put our great endeavor in doubt. Will we stand for this?"

The men are fully engrossed now. "No Sir!"

Kunzite again takes command. "To the riverbank and back. On Nephrite's count."

Nephrite smirks and raises his hand. "Three… two… ONE!"

Jadeite and Zoisite take off, neck and neck. They do not hold back. The plan is already formulating in both their heads. As they plant to make the turn, they lock, wrestling for supremacy. A discrete elbow from Zoisite makes victory easy, and Jadeite is thrown in the river as Zoisite takes his victory lap. The roar from the men drowns out the fact that Jadeite has emerged from the river and is running down his opponent. He grabs hold and drags Zoisite back to river and throws him in. The roar from the men is even louder as Jadeite emerges from the water and pumps his fist in victory.

With the men at a fever pitch, Endymion charges out in front. He strips off his tunic and hoists it over his head like a flag.

"To Battle!" he orders.

With a mighty roar, the army charges forward.

It is quiet, save for a few small noises. There are no words exchanged as the four men prepare the lanterns. They have long since lost count of how many they have made. It is fitting, for they have long since lost count of the deaths they are responsible for. Solemly, they place the lanterns in the water, watching them float away to the sea, joined by many more.

It is rare for there to be more lanterns than participants in the Toro nagashi. But this is not an ordinary age. Most of the Earth's population vanished in the final battle. Those that remain grieve not only for those they remember, but for those who are forgotten because no one remains to grieve. Crystal Tokyo may be paradise, but it is built from the ashes of a world that is lost. That world, in turn, was built upon the sacrifice of Queen Selenity. It is for her that Neo-Queen Serenity organized the Obon commemorations. The sacrifices of the ancestors are to be remembered. The lanterns floating down the river are a striking reminder. It has seemed at times that the Earth was covered in darkness. The river is so dense with chochin that it seems to be a stream of light, a testament to love and friendship that endures beyond death.

The fireworks begin, and Nephrite feels a familiar presence beside him.

"We always seem to meet like this, don't we General?"

"It is becoming a ritual between us Princess."

Rei takes a moment to enjoy the fireworks. Today has been a busy day for her.

"It was very gracious of you to lead the proceedings Princess."

"Thank you."

"You didn't find it odd to lead a Buddhist ceremony today?"

Rei meets his eyes. "You and I both know that I did nothing contrary to my faith. I served the will of the gods and honored the ancestors."

A moment of understanding passes between them.

"Perhaps fate may have been different if I had done the same a thousand years ago."

"It's too late to know that now General. The sacrifices of those who we honor today can not be taken back. It would disgrace their memory for us to try."

She is right, and Nephrite knows this. The truth does not ease his burdens. He can only watch as Rei joins Makoto at the water's edge. She has a single lantern, while Makoto has a pair. They float them away and hold hands in silence as they watch them travel down to the sea.

Jadeite joins him and they watch for a moment. An unspoken agreement is shared and they head down to the river where there is a hand waiting for each of them.

All along the river, hands are joined as the lanterns float to the sea. The best wishes of those gathered go with them, hoping that the spirits of those lost find peace in the next life. The joined hands show promise that the same peace might be found in this life.