Epilogue—

The suns were sinking slowly as ever on Courascant, reminding me that life goes on. I let out a shaky sigh, wrapping my arms around myself. I didn't know if I really wanted life to go on.

"How much?" Blood's voice floated over to her from the Sunset's Bane, where he was planning on buying the ship.

"Five hundred credits," the dealer, a slender Umbaran whispered in her low, emotionless voice. Blood frowned, shaking his head.

"No," he stated, "it's old and beat-up, and there are several parts that need to be fixed the next chance we have. Four hundred."

The Umbaran's expression didn't change, but I could feel her mind reach out into Blood's as she tilted her pale head to the side, trying to make him say yes. It was apparent she didn't know she was up against a former Sith.

"No." Blood hissed. "Four hundred."

The Umbaran's shadow-rimmed eyes flashed a slight look of surprise before she nodded, however reluctantly.

"All right."

I turned my back to the two once more, staring at the remaining flames of sunlight that stood out against the dull gray-blue of the city planet. One speeder matched the sun's colours, swinging wide and barely avoiding getting hit by several others as it sped towards up. I laughed softly as it landed, and Elan Sleazebaggano stepped down from it.

"You came," the ghost of a smile showed itself in my features as I saw my friend running up, long coat billowing out behind him.

"Of course I came!" He looked at me indignantly skidding to a stop. "You think I'd miss the chance to see if you're all right? What did I miss?"

My smile fell, and I stared just over Elan's shoulder, focusing on keeping a straight face.

"Nothing much."

"Pffft," Elan rolled his eyes. "Those words don't even belong in the same universe as you. Come on, Rain."

I sighed, putting a firm and on the Balosar's wrist. He froze, sensing this was important.

"Elan," my voice was a soft murmur, and I saw the antennae on his head protrude from his hair so he could hear me. "I'm leaving."

"When will you be back?" He asked, tilting his head slightly. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying my best to stay expressionless.

"No, you don't get it," I shook my head roughly, looking back up at my friend. "I won't be coming back!"

Elan was silent as he processed this new information. I watched him closely, not sure how he'd react. His fingers twitched, his eyes narrowed, but his overall expression was unchanging.

"I guess," he began slowly, staring off into space, "I always knew you'd leave sometime. Wherever you go, danger follows. I knew this would happen, just…" he clenched his fists, looking at the ground beneath his feet. "I never thought you'd leave so soon."

"Yeah," I sighed. "It has to be done."

"Well, you know what you need," Elan offered me a small smile. "You sure you'll be okay?"

I smiled back, patting his shoulder comfortingly.

"Yeah. Pretty sure."

"All right," Elan bit back a tear, not wanting to spoil anything. Without warning, he pulled me close, bringing me into a tight hug one last time. I stiffened for a few seconds, but eventually hugged him back. "I trust you."

"I won't be coming back," I breathed in a soft voice.

"Goodbye," he whispered. We drew apart, and I turned to join Blood at our new ship.

"And Rain?" He called, his voice almost desperate.

"Yeah?" I turned to face him once more.

"Just… don't die, okay?"

I smiled gently. "Of course."

The lone figure stood on the docking bay, barely standing out against the night sky of Courascant. He let out a long sigh, not noticing one of the workers walk up to him.

"Who was that?" He grunted, nodding towards where the Sunset's Bane had disappeared. "Your sister?"

Elan laughed quietly, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Basically."