Disclaimer: I own nothing except my Zodiac Senshi and Emperor Nyx. Everything else belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and Toei Animation. Thanks to everybody who bothered to read my story! I appreciate it very much, and I'm really grateful. (warm smile)
I'd also like to extend my thanks to those who reviewed my story, or put it on Story Alert, and encouraged me to keep working on it, especially on days when I was a complete wreck, or the site wouldn't let me log in. If I've forgotten someone (and I KNOW I did, I'm so sorry), please let me know.

I'd especially like to thank the following people, although EVERYBODY has my thanks:

Neptune's violin, oublie moi, serra-chan, BlueFleur, moonangel0905, moonwarrior2, PriestessHelene, vampknight364, Tinyanyhwere, sturmischen

So, without further delay, enjoy the ending (hope it came out okay)

Heirs of Tomorrow: Epilogue – Crystal Tokyo

...incess…

…Princess…

"…wake up, Princess! You must wake up!"

Two crystalline eyes slowly opened after the third call. Space and stars. That's all that was visible to the girl those eyes belonged to. The girl looked down at herself. Her once blond hair was now as white as snow, as was her Sailor Senshi uniform. With the exception of her skirt, which was no longer tri-layered nor pleated; rainbow stripes and thin pink ribbons emanated from its center, while touches of gold were prominent among the sleeves. In her hand was a large, white staff, decorated with wings and a golden starburst; ten crystals of various colors surrounded the star.

She lifted her eyes, only to see Sailor Aquarius hovering before her, smiling. The petit Zodiac Senshi was encased in a shining white aura, and appeared to be semi-transparent, two large wings sprouting from her back. Furthermore, she wasn't alone; beside Aquarius floated the rest of the Zodiac Senshi, all hovering with their own radiant wings and smiling kindly at the girl. All except one.

"Thank the gods! I thought you'd never get up!" Sailor Scorpio muttered with irritation, scowling venomously at a distant supernova.

"Princess, are you well?" Aquarius asked, ignoring her fellow Senshi.

"Yeah, kid, we thought we really blew it this time!" Sagittarius winked cheerfully at her.

The snow haired Sailor Senshi blinked. "You guys…you're alive?" Suddenly, it hit her: she had seen the uniform she was wearing before! It had been worn by –

"Sailor Cosmos," Aquarius smiled proudly, "Yes, you've finally evolved into Sailor Cosmos, our truest heir in power. And…," her smile faltered, "no, we did not survive."

Pisces spoke, "Nyx had taken our Sailor Crystals long ago; truthfully, we were already dead from the start. Aquarius died in the battle you fought against him."

Sailor Cosmos blinked back tears as she realized that Pisces was speaking the truth; she'd watched Aquarius die herself. The former Empress continued, "However, although our bodies were gone, your strength was able to save our souls; we merged with the Sailor Crystals of our heirs. What little power we had left to spare, we used to rescue you from Ophiucus's destructive death and bring you here." Pisces came closer with a kind expression. "We will always be by your side and the sides of our descendents."

Sailor Cosmos began to smile as well. "Does that mean that the Earth is safe? Chaos is finally gone?"

The Zodiac Senshi fell into a gloomy, perplexed silence, looking at one another in dismay.

Cosmos stared at them, a sense of apprehension beginning to grow in her chest. "Aquarius…what's wrong? What happened?"

Aquarius's bi-chromatic eyes looked sad and ashamed. "Unfortunately…"

The ivory Senshi's eyes went wide. Aquarius, with noticeable difficulty, continued, "Because of the Chaos Blood Virus Nyx had released, as well as the intensity of the battle you fought with the Sailor Senshi…"

She tried to finish, but choked pathetically as she tried to speak, glancing into the distance. With growing horror, Cosmos followed her gaze. Some distance away, although still clearly visible, was a small, gray planet. A sinister, dead glow hovered in the atmosphere, a feeling of sorrow and lifelessness leaking from it into the starlit void. Tears were spilling silently from Libra's eyes and Sailor Capricorn nodded solemnly towards the dead planet. "That was once Earth, about 100 years ago", the chocolate-haired girl said. "All life on that gentle star perished that day. You have been sleeping in deep space all since that time, slowly recovering your energy while we watched over you…"

"The Sailor Soldiers…gave their very souls to aid you," Sailor Aries continued, "They gave so much of themselves, they could no longer sustain their physical bodies. They became pure energy, but their flesh disintegrated."

Cosmos, in her small bubble of light, sunk to her knees, sobbing with pain. All of her friends, her family, her beloved Mamoru…dead; she couldn't even feel their energy. Everyone on Earth had been murdered mercilessly by Nyx. Her body involuntarily curled in on itself as she sobbed harder, her body shaking with her muted screams. She couldn't go on anymore, not if they were all gone. She couldn't! She had failed everyone!

Something silvery came into Cosmos's blurred line of vision, and a soft voice reached her ears. "Sailor Cosmos, all hope is not lost," Sailor Cancer whispered to her. Cosmos gazed at her, noting that there was no trace of weakness in her lilting voice now. She was no longer so pale either; she looked truly like a goddess carved in silver and ivory. "You can resurrect them…but there's a cost."

Cosmos looked up, feverish hope on her face. Taking a quick breath, Cancer continued, "You must forfeit being a Sailor Senshi." Before Cosmos could interject, Sailor Leo cut her off, "Right now, Sailor Cosmos, your power is unequal to any other being in the universe. You could keep that power and remain as ruler of this realm, our realm. There are still other life-filled planets in existence that Nyx hadn't destroyed. However, you can also choose to use up all of that power and bring everyone on Earth to life. You would lose all power as a Sailor Senshi, although the Silver Moon Crystal would still belong to you, since you are, by birthright, Cancer's heiress."

"It is similar to the way your mother, Queen Serenity, allowed the Moon Kingdom to be reborn," Sailor Scorpio interjected softly. "To save lives with the Silver Crystal, a sacrifice of life, no; a sacrifice of destiny, is required. You would be sacrificing your life as a Sailor Senshi, which would fulfill those requirements. Queen Selene only was meant for one destiny, as ruler of the Silver Millennium. To restore her people, she forfeited that fate, and thus she has no other reason to live on."

"Although I know which you'd pick, the choice is up to you", Sagittarius finished.

Cosmos clutched her staff as the crystals gleamed softly, reflecting the starlight. Her thoughts were swirling like a storm. If I stop being a Sailor Senshi, I can save everyone. My family, Mamoru, my friends…but if I don't, what's really left to defend? A dead planet? A planet that generations of my true family, the Moon Kingdom, worked so hard to keep safe and peaceful? A planet I had lived on, that I had loved?

The Sailor Crystals of the Celestial Staff began to glow as Cosmos, rising to her feet, lifted it into the air. Surrounded by white light, her Senshi uniform began to shine like a supernova. Sailor Aquarius smiled and nodded to the other Zodiac Senshi.

"Looks like the decision's been made." The Zodiac Senshi looked at the now radiant Sailor Cosmos with great pride, and began to join hands in a circle around her.

Staring straight at the Earth, Cosmos began to think. Fighting with Shingo over a plushie, beating her father at Sailor V, and helping her mother make pancakes. Shopping for necklaces with Naru, giggling over ice cream. The first time she met Luna and learned that she was actually Sailor Moon. Finally finding Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako. Her first kiss with Mamoru under the moonlight. Tackling Chibi-Usa out of the way for a slice of cheesecake. Speaking with Sailor Pluto through the Luna P ball. Sitting beside Haruka and watching Michiru play her violin with awe. Getting teased by Seiya, making Taiki laugh, being insulted by Yaten. All the memories came flooding back to her.

Finally, closing her eyes, Sailor Cosmos screamed out, accompanied by the Zodiac Senshi, "Cosmic Crystal Power MAKE-UP!"

Light exploded around the Senshi, resembling an exploding sun. The whole solar system began to gleam with the power emanating from the Celestial Staff, which shone through the light like a shinning rainbow. Suddenly, without warning, the Mercury Crystal sailed off the staff and rocketed towards the earth like a sapphire comet. It looped about the earth several times, with each pass making the earth glow solid blue. In her mind's eye, Sailor Cosmos saw, on Earth, water begin to creep up in light trickles from the dark, cold ground. After a final circle, the Mercury Crystal plummeted through the atmosphere, only visible now as a tiny pinpoint of blue.

After this display, the ruby shine of the Mars Crystal departed from the staff and began its circumference of the Earth. The ground, once dark gray and lifeless, was beginning to turn red, then subsided into a warm, fallow yellow. The crystal then joined the blue pinpoint, becoming a small speck of red. One by one, each Sailor Crystal flew off of the Celestial Staff and brought its own gift to the world: the Jupiter Crystal brought rains, the Neptune Crystal restored the seas, the Pluto Crystal restored the pulse of Time, and so forth. Each Crystal then made its way to join the other Crystals that had descended on Earth. However, those were not the only changes taking place. As each crystal made its way to Earth, the radiance of Cosmos's uniform began to wane. In its place slowly materialized, from the feet up, a pristine white gown with a bodice of golden ovals, beads and lines; the back was held by a large white bow, which resembled the outstretched wings of an angel.

The Saturn Crystal then flew away like a violet meteor. Cosmos, with a gasp of joy, saw something miraculous: wherever the Saturn Crystal passed, people and animals began to return to life. She saw dolphins leap in the seas, spiders spinning their webs in the lush forests, people looking about in awe. Many of those people had begun to notice the luminous shine in the night sky and shielded their eyes. Any that had been sick or deformed, Cosmos somehow knew they were now completely healed.

Finally, only the Golden Crystal and Silver Moon Crystal were left. The Golden Crystal shone beautifully but, instead of circling the rejuvenated Earth as the others had done, launched itself straight towards the heart of the planet and vanished. Suddenly, the Earth was engulfed in a soft golden aura, as though the Golden Crystal had expanded and wrapped itself around the planet. Gradually, the aura faded to a bright, pale blue, and the Golden Crystal, just a pinprick from space, headed towards the area where the other Crystals were waiting.

The Celestial Staff was now void of all Sailor Crystals, save the Silver Moon Crystal. The Zodiac Senshi finally broke hands, and solemnly approached the figure in the orb of light. Standing regally, holding the Celestial Staff, was a blond woman in a flowing, ivory gown, the golden symbol of the Moon Kingdom, rather than a golden starburst, was clear and bright on her forehead, framed by golden blond bangs. It was Neo Princess Serenity, although she now looked like a fully grown lady rather than a young maiden.

Sailor Pisces approached her and laid a hand on the crown of Serenity's head. Smiling, she looked down at the princess as the other Zodiac Senshi also laid their hands on her head. "It is now time to claim your inheritance, Princess of the Silver Millennium. As former Empresses of this universe, we now endow you with the title of Neo Queen Serenity, rightful heir of Queen Serenity and Queen of Crystal Tokyo. Rule your kingdom well, your Highness, as I know you will." So saying, golden light emanated from the various hands of the Zodiac Senshi. When they finally stepped back, a gold crown inset with a ruby-colored heart rested on Serenity's. The Silver Moon Crystal finally left its place on the staff and came to settle at the center of the small heart. Neo Queen Serenity opened her ocean blue eyes and smiled with joy.

"Wait a second!" Sailor Gemini interjected with worry, "What do we do if she wants to get married?"

"Yeah, she does have her eye on Prince Endymion's reincarnation…" Sailor Sagittarius added. Pisces raised a finger to stop the chatter. "We need not worry about that." The lavender Senshi turned to the Queen, "Chose your husband freely, and we will coronate him as king as well."

Serenity did not hesitate for a moment. "I chose Endymion as my king, Sailor Pisces, and no other." Pisces nodded, as Sailor Leo turned towards the distant Earth and reached out a hand. Instantly, the gold point of light, the Golden Crystal, sailed through the atmosphere, back towards the orb, until it came to rest in the palm of Leo's hand. With a quick explosion of light, the crystal became framed by the solid shape of a dark-haired man in a jet-black tuxedo; Tuxedo Kamen, without his top hat.

Sailor Scorpio, all solemnity and respectfulness, came up to Serenity. "All you need to do is kiss him. We shall take care of the rest," she said softly. The others nodded. Serenity looked lovingly at the boy, her prince and protector for so many years, and floated closer. As she brushed her lips against his soft, full mouth, the Zodiac Senshi came closer to Tuxedo Kamen and raised their hands above his head. "Chosen by Neo Queen Serenity, it is now time to claim your inheritance, Prince of the Golden Kingdom," Pisces recited. Sailor Cancer and Sailor Leo briefly exchanged happy and proud glances. "As former Empresses of this universe, we now endow you with the title of King Endymion, rightful heir of Earth and King of Crystal Tokyo. Rule your kingdom well, your Highness, as I know you will." Soft wisps of light began to swirl around Tuxedo Kamen's body. Wherever the light touched, his tuxedo became lighter and lighter, eventually turning it light blue, the color of morning mist. His hair was affected in the same manner.

Serenity withdrew as Endymion began to open his deep blue eyes. Awakening, his expression softened as he saw Serenity smiling sweetly at him. Holding his skull-topped cane in one hand, he offered his arm gallantly to his Queen, who took it gently.

"Well, the kids are now rulers, the Earth's been saved…"Sagittarius clapped her hands together with glee. "What are we gonna do next?" Sailor Cancer looked at her with amusement. "I do believe I am going to have another great-granddaughter, so maybe it would be best if we went to Earth ourselves now. After all, the King and Queen have yet to officially be married." Sagittarius slapped her forehead in realization. "Oh, right…oh, gods, imagine the guest list…" she groaned with mock misery.

"And whose going to feed all those people?" Sailor Taurus chimed in.

"Anyway, I believe the Queen wishes to be reunited with her people," Aquarius interrupted as she looked kindly at Serenity and Endymion, both of whom nodded. "Especially her Guardian Senshi…her friends and her family. I can sense their revival now on Earth." The small girl pointed to the cluster of brilliant rainbow lights coming from the blue planet. "Cosmos's power was able to restore their lives."

"That is correct. Let's go home," Endymion said, holding Serenity close.

"Home to where we all belong…in Crystal Tokyo." Serenity replied, smiling up at her king.

With a bright flash, the ethereal Zodiac Senshi, Queen Serenity and King Endymion vanished, leaving only the hopeful, twinkling stars of space behind. Following afterwards, the rising sun dawned, starting a new day on Earth.

END.

Again, thanks to everybody who read this. I am now going to buy a new computer! (kicks the old one) :D