Omigod, how long has it been? A while, I know that. But I'm back and better than ever! The series isn't done yet, so here's the final chapter of Fade. Keep an eye out for its sequel, Nightshade.

I know I said I'd redo Fade and rename it "Radiance", but I changed my mind, figuring I'd do better with the sequel. I started to rewrite the story, but it was turning into something completely different from the original, so I abandoned it. It'll probably become a totally new series after this one and the Echo trilogy is complete.

So, here it is; the epilogue!

Epilogue: All the Right Moves

"You're sad."

It wasn't a question.

I looked up at Lesley, my entire demeanor changing. It'd only been a week, and her health was already deteriorating. She was pale, her normally shiny brown hair was limp and dull, and she hadn't eaten in two days. It was only a matter of time, now.

We were sitting on the couch in the guest room, in front of the blank TV. Lissa's cousin Jenna had a very large house, consisting of six bedrooms and four baths. I was surprised a mansion this large was even in the vicinity of Cahill.

"You don't look so hot," it was now becoming a sort of ritual greeting between us. A small comfort, a way of saying, Are you okay without really voicing the words.

Because that would make it real.

"I know I don't," she said, her dull eyes narrowing. "Have you heard from Rangiku or Hisagi?" Her voice was soft, but her tone was grave. "They should be heading out any day now."

"Hisagi called yesterday when you were sleeping," I explained, "They're going to drop by tomorrow. They're staying at that little inn near town—for surveillance purposes."

"How convenient," Lesley's lips moved into a thin line, showing her impatience. "Don't worry, though. They'll find you a way out. And plus, I couldn't find a better way to spend my final moments." Except with Nick. Her eyes said it all.

I moved to put an arm around her shoulders. How horrible must that be, dying without the person you love?

Every time I died in that cycle, Ichigo was there, looking on with pain-filled eyes. A sudden thought crossed my mind, and my hand gripped Liss's shoulder tightly. "Hey… Lesley. I have a question."

"Shoot," her voice was almost like it was before, light and playful. Happy.

"Uhm, well…" I played with the hem of my t-shirt before continuing. "Is it possible to die… before meeting your soul mate? Like, what if I died before I even met Ichigo? Could that happen?"

"Sure it could happen," Lesley said, leaning back against the plush couch. "It's not likely, but yeah, it could happen."

"Does anything… become of it?" I asked hesitantly. I wanted to know what would have happened if I'd died along with Kaien that night in the fire.

"Not really," she purses her lips, "But the whole reincarnation cycle gets thrown out of whack, which could cause some repercussions, depending on how premature the death was." She offered a weak smile. "Why? You planning on humanely euthanizing me should the pain become too much?"

"No!" I said, too quickly. "I was just curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat," she said playfully.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever." I stared out at the half-crescent moon. Wondering. Waiting. "What do you think Ichigo and Nick are doing?"

"With all the crap going on at Court?" She snorted. "Looting," she shrugged, rolling her eyes at the stern look I gave her. "Trust me, Rukia. They're fine. They're strong. And while it may hurt not to have them here, they have work to do. They have to keep you safe."

"Why is Nick wasting time on me?" I demanded. "He should be here with you."

"No, he shouldn't," Lesley said softly. "I'd never forgive him if he wasn't out there, playing the game for you. He'll see me again someday, don't you worry. You'll see me again someday. But for now, it's a friendship cut short."

Friendship cut short. I hated the way she put it. "I can't just watch you die," I whispered.

"Then don't." She smiled. "April nineteenth, midnight," she sighed. "That's my assigned date. Go out clubbing with Rangiku or something. Then you won't have to see me." She smiled broadly, like it was an everyday thing.

"No, I mean—how can you be so calm? Isn't there a way to stop this?"

"No," Lesley said slowly, her voice reduced to a murmur. "I'm sorry. Obviously, I'm really sorry. But it'll only hurt for a second," she said, "And then it'll be okay."

Would it? I stared at her, wondering why she was so okay with this.

Her smile widened, like she could guess what I was thinking. I smiled back, but it was careful, like one wrong move could break my friend.

And in a way, it could.

"Hey."

"Hi."

I smiled, speaking into the phone. Lesley was asleep inside, and I knew I should be, too. It was nearly four o'clock in the morning. "I probably shouldn't have called," I said, almost shyly. "Did I wake you up?"

"Nah," Renji's voice crackled over the static, "So. Rangiku and Hisagi mentioned you were in Georgia. Seriously? And you didn't tell me?"

I laughed, an uneasy feeling settling about me. Why did talking to my best friend feel so… taboo? I tried to shake off the feeling and focus on the conversation. "Well… no. Sorry. Kinda slipped my mind. Things have been… busy. So to speak."

"I get it," he said laughingly. "I get it. Well, I'm going to be all alone for a while. Ran and Hisagi are going to Hokkaido. Do you have any idea how lonely I am?"

"I can imagine," I said dryly, grinning. Half of me wanted to say everything I promised to keep secret—the situation with Ichigo, newfound immortality, and where Hisagi and Rangiku were really headed to. The other half was adamant not to tip anything off, or give anyone any time to question my loyalties.

Instead, I asked how life was.

School. Friends. The people I left behind.

"It's good," he said, his voice getting a little clearer, "Cold, really, but good. Inoue's groupies are so lost without her, it's so funny."

I winced at Inoue's name, but murmured a "Yeah," in response. "I suppose it would be. Um… I'll call you later. Goodnight."

"Night, Rukia."

I clicked off the cell, sliding it into my pocket. One phone call and I was already wondering how my life got so messed up.

I shouldn't have to lie.

You shouldn't have to fight for your relationships, either, some part of me whispered, referring to Ichigo. It nagged and nagged, wondering if I was doing the right thing. Wondering if I was doing the wrong thing.

But then again, I thought, opening the balcony's sliding glass door, slipping inside the room, Lissa's soft snores making me smile, Whose to say, who's right and who's wrong?

Hmm… short, even for an epilogue. Anyways, the sequel will be out sometime in February... if you guys still want me to continue, anyway. Hope you enjoyed it!

Preview:

Story: Nightshade

"This is how you party," Nel tells me, her hands up in the air as she grinds to the music, her eyes hazy with alcohol.

"You're wasted," I say quickly, grappling for her arm. "Let's go back. We'll get caught. Dorm security…"

"Screw dorm security," she says, totally ignoring me. She attaches herself to a random stranger, her eyes turning lusty. "Hi," she says, "I'm Nel."

I didn't stick around to see them flirt. I weaved my way through the sweaty crowd of gyrating bodies, making my way to the back of the club. My head was pounding. The music was too loud, and I couldn't even remember why I was here anymore.

I lifted my head to scan the crowd, looking for someone I might know, looking for—

It all happened in slow motion.

He was older than me. Maybe twenty or thirty years my senior, give or take. His hair was wavy blonde, the same shoulder-length, wavy blonde hair none of us ever inherited. I couldn't see his face, but I knew what I'd find if I could.

Kind blue eyes. The same color as mine.

Lightly tanned skin, bronzed by the sun.

The same perfect teeth Byakuya and Mitsuki had.

The same, slightly crooked nose Hisana and I shared.

"Dad?" I called out loud, hardly daring to believe it. My dad was dead. He couldn't be here.

I rushed through the crowd, lunging towards him, pushing people out of my way. "Dad?" My voice was a breathless whisper as I searched the crowds where he'd been.

And just like that, I was all alone.

Again.