Nexis couldn't believe it. He refused to believe that his friend was gone. He didn't care that Larxene was dead; she meant nothing to him. But Laska…

Laska was a different story. She meant the world to him. For the first time in his mostly emotionless life, he cried.

Soundlessly at first, tears slowly slid down his face. His fists were clenched in anger as he wiped away the swiftly coming tears. He had loved her, he now realized. But he didn't say anything, and look what happened. His heart was broken, and he was certain it would never heal.

A comforting hand on his shoulder stopped everything.

"It's okay, Nexis. I'm fine," said a whispery thin voice. He turned, and there stood Laska.

Sort of.

She wore a snow white robe that matched the walls, auburn red hair radiant against the background. Here eyes were the beautiful coffee-colored brown that should have always been, and she smiled a little. Nexis gasped, confused. He tried to speak, but couldn't find enough words to form sentences. Laska spoke for him.

"Yes, it's true. I am no longer alive. I am now a shell of what I was, a ghost, if you will. But I couldn't just leave without saying goodbye." She stepped back, and Nexis realized that she had become translucent, surrounded by small silver swirls.

"But…how can you be here...right now?" Nexis managed to say. Laska still smiled.

"My spirit was not at peace. I also had to tell you something…I love you."

"I love you too, Laska." Nexis tried to grab her other hand, but his hand went right through it. He also realized that he could no longer feel her hand that was on his shoulder. She was vanishing in a flurry of snow-white sparkles, complete happiness filling her eyes.

"I just…needed you to know," she said as she completely disappeared. Nexis started crying again, but this time, tears of joy slid down his face. Laska was completely gone now, but Nexis felt no regret. He had told her what she needed to know, and got the answer he wanted.

"I know, my friend. I know."

I know, I know, this chapter was short. But I think it was a really meaningful ending. I have uploaded the first chapter of the sequel, and I hope you all enjoy it. It's called Black Light. I would like to thank some people here.

Cheezheister, a loyal co-author and a great friend.

Fatalfeline, someone who definitely wishes I wouldn't kill my characters.

WindofDancingFlames, I thank you for not killing me (you know why).

Fencergirl00, someone who hates Larxene as much as I do (I think).

I love CHEESECAKE, for the extremely helpful reviews.

Waldica and Ferocia for the short-but-sweet reviews.

And an unsigned reviewer, Naomi, who knew just how to get me out of my Writer's Block when I most needed it.

I look forward to writing more in the future.

Until then,

horsie890.