Breaking the Undesirable Cycle

Chapter 21: The Cycle Continues…

oooOOOooo

"Yachiru!"

"Yachiru! Where did that girl go to this time?"

"We better find her or else." One of the two pair of men said as they frantically searched high and low. One of them was bald, unlike his counterpart that had a full locks of stylish hair (perhaps done in a salon recently). They both were scared of the consequence if they failed to locate her. It was supposed to have been a simple task; a walk around the park before nightfall. Yachiru had the sudden urge to go out and take in the fresh air. It was somewhat unlike her, but then again, she was growing up. They were aware that Yachiru wouldn't be a child forever. She may have established new interests and habits since starting high school.

There was also the search for a suitor. Yachiru was, for the moment, not engaged to anyone. Her mother was still settling that "issue". There more thousands of unmarried candidates, but hardly any that could fill her requirements. This whole year, Yachiru went through countless omais, mainly to appease her mother, but not one that interest her. Then again, there was that one meeting she went with the boy from the Ukitake clan. Usually, she would say how awful of a meeting it was when they picked her up, but she didn't. No comments escaped her mouth, instead, she gazed at the window with her hand on her chin.

As they scurry around in search for the pink hair mischief, they failed to notice a small figure above them on a tree. She made sure not to show herself until they put some distance from her. After they left, she jumped down and walked the opposite direction.

She purposely hid the moment they took their sights from her. There was something she needed to do, alone. She gave an apologetic look toward the direction they went before running off.

Today something bad was going to happen, she could feel it. There was a sign; an explicit one. When she woke up this morning, something murky appeared before her. No, it was concentrated in one spot in her room. It was a small photograph she had that included every member of her father's dojo. One of them happened to be Toshiro at the very end, all dressed up in his white gi. Upon closer inspection, there was a crack across his torso. She knew there wasn't one before when she went to bed; an ominous sign that something gruesome was going to happen.

"No matter what, I'm going to stop it."

oooOOOooo

"Are you all packed?"

Tatsuki turned to see her boyfriend. She received a text message from him about twenty minutes ago that he was on his way. Reviewing everything in her luggage, she made sure nothing was left behind; even her toothbrush. A few days prior to today, she had a rather insightful conversation between Rukia and Orihime. They were the best friends a girl could ask for.

For most of her winter vacation, she would be ALONE with Keigo far far away from anyone she knew. The location was at a famous resort that offered the best services across the country. A single night was nearly monstrous to most of the population of Japan, but Keigo managed to fund enough for a week. With that in mind, the girls suggested that Tatsuki take a more "active" approach with her relationship. At first, she didn't quite get what they were suggesting. This was where Rukia took over the conversation and began talking about her experiences. What Tatsuki had, was the opportunity to advance to the next stage with Keigo. She was already comfortable holding hands, and they made out multiple times (which felt great), but it could so much better.

That alone made the tip of her ears to warm up. Gosh, it was clear how innocent she really was though she retorted that she was fine with her current status. Thinking about it, the mangas she read before had the couple taking their relationship at a slow pace. It started out as simple gestures, until their conversation became deeper and more meaningful. Eventually, they would kiss and kiss, and would desire more than a mere kiss; a deep kiss for example. They would then begin to explore the other person's body awkwardly and cautiously, making sure not to break any barriers. Thinking about it, Tatsuki was glad she felt bored enough to take up reading mangas at Orihime's place when Orihime was cooking.

"But what about Keigo?"

That silenced her. True enough, Keigo seemed to be the one leading this relationship. He would usually be the one to take her out on dates, hold her hands and initiate the kissing. Embarrassing as it was, he was also the one to stop; either to catch some needed air or to cease from going any further than what they already had. That was all him. He was the responsible and sensible one; and Tatsuki was simply enjoying the ride.

Realizing her lack of "active" participation, she turned to her friends for guidance. Both girls looked toward each other and nodded. They agreed that part of her problem was her presentation. To take some initiative, she needed to look the part. They went shopping for some clothes, but most of all, for her "battle armor". They explained of the battle she was to face at night when the sun descended into the earth. It was greatly important that she did it right. Failure could either detain her from advancing further with her relationship or worse; total annihilation of her relationship. That was enough to make her realize how critical this next step was. FAILURE WAS NOT AN OPTION.

She did everything they asked, tried every dress they recommended and gazed at every undergarments handed to her. When reviewing her stuff, she took out each one to do one final inspection. There was no time for mistakes. So when her boyfriend came barging in, she nearly died from embarrassment. Her "battle clothes" were scattered around her bed when he arrived. The logical choice of action she had, was simple.

Embarrassed as she was, she performed a sidekick that dug into Keigo's abdomen, sending him flying out of her room. Before closing the door shut and locking the door in the process, she gave a quick look at her boyfriend on the floor and spoke. "H-HAVEN'T YOU HEARD OF KNOCKING!" Slam. God, her face was like a steamed cherry. She gave herself a few minutes to calm down before resuming her work. She only hoped he didn't see them. That could jeopardize everything.

On the other side, Keigo was on the floor dazed. The impact of his head to the wall stunned the poor boy, but he quickly shook it off. The pain in his stomach was far worse, but even so, he was relieved. Actually, he was glad. Since becoming a couple, the only reaction he got from her was her embarrassment. Any PDA he did, was met with a cherry-head Tatsuki. It was cute, but since he knew her as some fiery beast, he began to miss the old habits. Just now, he got to witness a smooth blend of the two that made his heart to skip a beat.

"Are you alright?"

He spotted Tatsuki's mother by the staircase. She wore a plain apron

"I'm fine. Actually, I was starting to mess her abuse." He couldn't help himself as he smiled. Either way, she didn't seem too please about it, evident by the shaking of her head. She walked and tried to open the door, but found that it was locked from the inside. She then began to knock.

"Tatsuki! That's no way of treating your boyfriend!" Moments later, the door to Tatsuki's room wobbled by her scream.

"Aarrgh! Can't you see I'm busy packing!" Tatsuki roared. Her mother simple let out a sigh before turning her attention back to the boy. Funny enough, she smiled alongside him.

"Keigo, do you want to help me with the cooking? Maybe by then, she would be done with packing."

"Sure."

Tatsuki let out a sigh when she heard footsteps descending the staircase. That was close…too close. Tatsuki thought for sure he saw those garments. She was only going to wear them at night, when she takes a more "active approach". From what she learned, they would help to guarantee her success. Embarrassing as they were, she resolved to wear them after receiving their complimentary massage at the hotel and soaking in their legendary hot-spring. She had only a few hours left to prepare her heart before taking the big leap.

They were going to be alone. With no one, but them, they would be under the sheets. Each one wearing nothing more, but their robes. Eventually they too would be removed as they would start with a simple kiss. The kiss would be to get them settled as they transitioned into something DEEPER. His hand would drop down to her legs, caressing the side of her muscle as he gave his compliments. Karate really did wonders for her body. He wouldn't settle with just that. His lips would follow a similar course of action as they planted small trail of kisses along her jaw-line. Giving out a gasp, she would force another kiss. Everything he did, only made the feeling more vibrant until his hand got to a spot between her legs and stomach.

"AAAAUUGGGHHH!" Tatsuki cried, her mind overheated by the mere thought of her first night with Keigo. Trying to shake the feeling out, she fell back on her bed. Her heart was pounding tremendously as she tried to return it to normal. She was getting all worked up for something that hasn't happen it.

"Tatsuki! Are you alright sweetie?" She heard her mother asked from below

"YES MOM!"

God…no more… She let out a sigh. "I better not waste this shot."

oooOOOooo

Around the same time, another couple were already on the road; track (they were on a train). Although Ichigo insisted to do everything, Rukia provided the ride. For a rich girl, she did not like to be spoiled. So she asked Rui to drive them to the train station where they would take a train to go to the countryside. Everything beyond that was on Ichigo as she gazed out through the window excitedly. The lights from the houses could be seen along with the street lights. Even though it was the evening, night came earlier. Today was Toshiro's birthday. She planned to send a text message when they arrived. Knowing his mother, a party would be the least of his problem. Rangiku really loved Toshiro, especially by how she would show her affections; suffocation by her breasts. What a cruel way of going, she thought. Even so, I hope you are enjoying your birthday…Toshiro.

So much was happening during this vacation. Hopefully Tatsuki would have a great time with Keigo, especially when they do "that". Tatsuki was really nervous about her first time, and even came to Rukia and Orihime for advice. They made sure she was prepared to commit the deed as the rest was up to her. To think, she was finally going to advance in her relationship. Rukia couldn't wait to return to Karakura Town to hear how it went. She was sure they were either going to talk in a three-way conversation by phone or have a slumber party and discuss the experience in person with Orihime. No matter what, Rukia was going to find out along with Orihime.

Aside from the pain, the meaning behind it was tremendous. If they thought they were connected now, wait until after they have committed the act.

"What are you smiling about?"

Her eyes shifted until they spotted a carrot top staring at her from his seat. His eyes were staring at her, presenting the cute iris from within.

"Nothing…just excited."

The boy smiled back. "About this trip?"

"That and something else…with Tatsuki." She admitted.

Ichigo looked up, thinking about that. Tatsuki and Keigo were newly formed couple, which of itself was surprising. They were the most unlikely people to pair up, and after their trip in Kyoto, they magically begun to date. Ichigo was still having trouble making the transition. He was so used to the beating Keigo would receive from Tatsuki (especially in the morning), that he still flinched whenever he sees them performing PDA. Then again, he noticed that Tatsuki was growing out her hair. Probably because of Keigo.

"Something the matter?" Rukia took notice the expression Ichigo had on his face.

"It's just that… I still can't believe they're a couple now. You know?" He looked down at his girlfriend. He hoped she understood him. The three of them knew each other since Kindergarten, and those two were like oil and water; they don't mix at all. Something must have changed.

"I'm still surprised myself, but I'm also happy for them. They really do make a cute couple…like you and me."

They smiled at each other. Their intertwined hand only got tighter as they laid their heads against each other. Only an hour more before they arrived to their destination. Everything was going to be right with them.

oooOOOooo

"Hey Toshiro…"

"Toshiro."

Toshiro finally opened his eyes upon the second call. He came to realize that he was no longer on the floor in the streets of Karakura Town. No. Instead, he now stood up and able to move freely; unlike before. He no longer felt the pain, which was weird. He could have sworn he was on the floor, bleeding to death; perhaps with some broken bones.

"Do you remember the first time we met?"

He looked to the source, and found Sojiro standing before him. They were on a soccer field; alone. The only thing that made sense was the fact that it was still dark with the stars and moon as their witnesses. He nodded upon processing his friend's question. Of course he remembered. There was no way he could forget something so important to him. He took notice of the lack of wind. Each blade of grass did not wave.

"It was back in middle school. I just entered the 7th grade. It was the first time I was separated from Rukia and I knew no one in my class."

"That's right. The first day of school I sat next to you in class. No one else dared talk to the Toshiro Hitsugaya with his intimidating stare and rebellious white hair. At first, I knew nothing about you nor the family you belonged to. It didn't really matter to me then, even with the rumors. Eventually, I found that your hair was natural along with the scowl. Do you remember our first real conversation?"

"It was about a soccer match between two schools. Someone brought it up, and I corrected them when they were describing who scored."

"You finally spoke, and I became interested in you when I discovered that you like soccer. I found something to talk to you about. Before that, every form of conversation I made with you, was met with silence from your part."

"I wasn't much for a conversation."

"I noticed, but when it came to soccer, you were. You eventually began the conversation. How happy was I? Or when you didn't talk, I did all the talking for the both of us because I knew you found soccer interesting."

Back then, Sojiro made it almost a mission to befriend Toshiro. He didn't mind, especially by the way Rukia was behaving. It probably never occurred to her that she was pushing Toshiro away by her actions. All she could talk about was Ichigo this and Ichigo that. How annoying was that? Did she not realize what it felt like from his perspective? No. Back then, Toshiro needed someone he could complain his problems to. Sojiro happened to be there to fill that spot. So he knew of his problems with Rukia.

"You made my life easier…" Toshiro commented upon remembering those times.

"Oh, that's right. You were having problems with that girl. What was her name? Rukia Kuchiki. What a beauty. I told you, didn't I? You only needed to remind her that you were her boyfriend and fiancé. She wouldn't have looked around like she did. You didn't listen to me and paid the price. You allowed her feelings for that boy to bloom."

Toshiro had his head down, feeling the regrets. He probably could have secured his relationship with her if he was more aggressive and less considerate with how she felt; but that wasn't him.

"I knew that by reminding her of her responsibilities, she would have felt trapped inside a cage."

Sojiro chuckled by what Toshiro said. The chuckle became louder and more distinct. Toshiro said nothing about it as he looked back up. "She felt it anyway. Remember that party? The one where that boy invited her to come, not minding to invite you too if it meant her arrival. What happened? You said no, and she lied to you. She lied to you Toshiro. That's some girl you had. Good riddance I always say."

Toshiro brought his head down. Truth to his friend's words, Rukia did lie to him. They promised, yet she broke that so easily. Only because he refused to take her to that party; Ichigo's party for his little sisters. She actually broke two promises. The more she mentioned of that boy, the more they began to hang out with him. There were hardly any time for them both alone; no time for Toshiro. He needed some ground to stand and work on, and he managed to secure that when he got her to promise him that Saturday was THEIR day. No one else's. Despite that promise, she refused him that day of the week with her lie.

"I mean, what's the point in making promises, if they don't keep them. You certainly kept your side of the deal. To make matter worse, she cheated on you. The moment you were away, she took advantage and snuck a kiss. I'm still surprised you didn't say anything to her."

"That's not what happened."

"It doesn't matter, she kissed back. She liked the kiss and liked the boy she was kissing with. You should have said something."

"I couldn't."

"Couldn't? Or wouldn't?"

"I knew then that I was losing her. No matter what I did, I was going to lose her."

Everything around him was telling him the ship was sinking. There was no point in trying to keep it afloat. Rukia no longer harbored feelings for him. Who know if she even did. He was reminded of that just yesterday when he agreed to go on a date with her. No matter the time that went by, the wound was this there; unhealed.

"Was that why you poured your attention at that other girl? Because you found out that your fiancée was cheating on you?"

Momo was another person that made it easier to deal with Rukia; sweet and dependable Momo. When Rukia failed to give the attention Toshiro needed, he began to seek Momo for that attention. She wasn't seeing anyone, but she had the time to give him. She was more than happy to be there for him, though as siblings at best. He simply needed something to soothe the frustration and pain he was feeling. He nev-

"You never thought you would develop feelings for her, someone who is practically like a sister to you."

As before, Toshiro was beginning to see visions of the past. Momo was very supportive as she stood by him. What started out as a way to endure the pain afflicted by his partner, became something more intimate (at least to him). God, he wanted to bash his head on a concrete wall. Of all the people to fall for, he just had to fall for Momo. He actually thought of confessing. No. He planned to confess to her; at that soccer match. Too bad he never got the chance. Before he could, Momo managed to figure out his feelings and indirectly rejected him by avoiding him. They still won the match in the end though.

oooOOOooo

As Yachiru wandered around the streets of the town, her eyes continued to search for something white. It had been a little over an hour since she began searching. She tried calling his phone, but no luck. Of all days for her phone not to work, it had to be today. Still, she persisted. She sent a quick message about how she really needed to talk to him and continued searching. The cold air of winter was approaching, but it was not expected to snow until the 23rd; the 2nd day of winter.

Just as she took a turn as she arrived to another street, she felt something touching her small nose. Something small and white. Crossing her eyes, she spotted something fluffy and soon realized what it was; snow. A snow flake happened to make its way onto her nose. She looked up and saw many white stars descending around the entire town; it almost felt magical.

Distracted for a moment, she returned her attention to the street. There were people there, but they were not concerned about the snow. In fact, Yachiru noticed that there was a pack of them huddling close together in the middle of the streets. Some of them began to leave, like an old couple walking past her. They were whispering something, but Yachiru managed to catch every words that came from their mouths.

"Oh god…" Please no… She ran. There were people in her way, but she continued running; pushing and shoving people to the side. There was no need or time to be considerate. She arrived at the center, her eyes becoming large and distant as her heart nearly fell from her chest. Blood. On the concrete floor was a pool of blood; they were still fresh. It was more than enough to cover a person, but there was more. There, further up ahead, was a car all battered up and on its side. Luckily for them, the car did not explode and they managed to get the driver out. A young teen apologizing over and over again about borrowing his father's car without asking and crashing it. The paramedics tried to assure him that he was going to be okay as they began to carry him off into the trunk. With one inside, the other closed the door and headed for the passenger seat in the front. The truck drove off, leaving the people around there to talk and see the scene some more.

"Poor kid…he probably never saw it coming…" Someone said. Yachiru turned and saw a man standing close to the pool of blood and staring at it. She ran to him and spoke loud and fast.

"What did he look like?" She needed to know, and quickly. It couldn't be him…it couldn't…

Startled by her question, the man tried to form the next few words without any delays and mistakes. "A y-young boy…w-with spiky white hair…maybe a first year."

No…No…No…No…No

"Do you know what hospital?"

oooOOOooo

Toshiro wished he could say his talk with his old friend was pleasant. It wasn't. His friend laughed and continued on laughing at Toshiro for his "mistakes". He couldn't help himself as he commented how great it was for Toshiro to finally bite the dust. It was expected, and Sojiro couldn't be any happier.

Toshiro didn't stop him from talking. Maybe it was great. Just as Sojiro was finishing his laugh for the 5th time, a tremor took place on the soccer field.

"Looks like they're trying to revive you, old friend." Sojiro had his eyes on the sky. They were vibrating as well. "It wouldn't do any good. They're just wasting their time. You're good as dead here."

Meanwhile, inside a moving vehicle, two paramedics were doing everything possible to sustain the life. The call came abruptly as they were returning from another night of tranquility. Nearby, an alarming car accident occurred, with two people confirmed to be badly hurt. Not much detail was said about their exact conditions, but matter not. Enough was said as they quickly made their way to the designated spot.

They knew not of the victims' age or sex. It didn't matter. When they arrived, a bunch of people were circling around the place. Did they not realize they were making it awfully difficult for them to work? A life was at stake. Two lives actually. With some help from the local authorities, they were able to pass through. At the scene, the youngest (and less experienced) of the two nearly vomited by the amount of blood. The streak of red across the street resembled that of a movie; excessive.

"Damn." One of them spoke as they quickly lifted the boy. They were careful to not cause any more harm to the already damaged body as they carried him inside the truck.

"His BP is dropping…it's on critical. How much further until we get to the hospital!"

"A few more minutes!" Shouted the driver.

Toshiro was still unconscious, but the fog from his breath could be seen clearly in his oxygen mask. He was still breathing, but for how long?

"Toshiro…do you know what happened to me? Did they tell you?"

They were not sitting on the grass, side by side. "You left in the morning of the finals."

"Yeah. You remember Coach Yuuto? Before we got to the bus that would lead us to the stadium, he came and spoke to me. Alone. He informed me that I wouldn't be playing on the field. Of course I asked why and do you know what he said? DO YOU!?"

Toshiro said nothing, though he knew. He waited until Sojiro continued. "They wanted to see more of you. Toshiro Hitsugaya, the heir to the Ukitake clan. There was so many people, important ones, attending that game and their only interest was on you. THEY TOOK ME OUT BECAUSE OF YOU! Did you think I would be alright with that!"

Although Toshiro didn't put much thought on it, he did felt guilty. "No. You had every right to be angry." When he found out that Sojiro stormed off, he went to talk to the coach. The coach found no reason to lie to Toshiro. So as Coach Yuuto spoke, Toshiro listened. It was then that Toshiro understood Sojiro's anger. They both worked so hard together and were practically in even terms with each other. The only difference were their height and their stature. "We joined the team together and poured hours and sweats to get where we were."

More tremors were happening across this world. None of them pointed that out as Sojiro continued his rant.

"After I left, I couldn't think straight. Everything I did, it wasn't enough. It amounted to nothing next to you. I felt cheated because you happened to be from a noble family. Eventually, I found myself alone in a dark part of Karakura Town. And since I was wearing my uniform, I stood out as a sore thumb. It attracted a few people that did not like our school. Perhaps they were from rivaling schools. It doesn't matter, I was outnumbered and they managed to get me into a dark alley and beat the crap out of me."

Toshiro cringed as he continued to hear the abuse his friend endured. It was one thing to hear it from his coach, it was another to hear it first hand from the victim. He knew how it ended.

"When they were finished with me, they left me alone on the ground. It didn't end there, did it Toshiro? You know what happened next."

The closed eyelids of Toshiro's eyes tightened. Toshiro felt a slight pressure on his head.

"As I made my way through the street, a car came speeding along. The driver was too caught up with the rush of speed to notice me walking as he rammed into me. The impact from the car was enough to kill me almost instantly. I died that day because of someone's car. Just like what is happening to you…" Sojiro smiled. "The world can be a cruel place to be. Don't you think so too? After all, even that new girl failed you."

Toshiro shook his head. "She didn't. I failed."

BASH! Sojiro slammed the ground, but it felt like he hit a metal floor.

"STOP IT! Stop talking like it's all on you! Don't you realize that in the end, you did everything you could for them, but not one of them loved you the way you wanted them to. Don't you see! It's not you, it's them! They're the problem. They must pay for what they did to you. With interest."

"No. I can't force them to love me. That's not what I want."

"THEN WHAT IS IT! WHAT IS IT YOU WANT! Because no one can give that! NO ONE!"

What did he want? He wondered. While he pondered about this a bit more, a figure from afar was closing in on them.

"We're running out of time. You're running out of time. The bus is on its way for the both of us." Sojiro had his attention on the coming bus. It seemed like a regular coach bus that they took when going for a soccer meet. Toshiro said nothing of it as he continued to ponder. "No answer you come up with, will stop the bus from coming. Pain is pain. You're going to die."

"I love her. That's how I feel. Even with everything she did to me, my feelings won't change."

"Then why?"

"Simple, because I love them more than I love myself."

The bus finally arrived to its destination, stopping behind them. They looked at each other before getting up. Opening its doors, the bus waited for them to enter. There was no driver nor passengers inside.

"Toshiro, you still have a chance you know." Sojiro insisted. They suddenly were inside the bus, sitting across from each other. Toshiro didn't reply. It felt great actually, to be sitting inside here alongside his friend. The pain was beginning to appear in his body; particularly his chest area. The pounding of his heart was clearly heard through his ears. This was it…

Everything was coming to an end, and honestly, Toshiro was okay with that. At least with this, everyone else would be happy. Karin would happy going out with Kei. Yuzu would be happy to go out with Jinta. Rukia got Ichigo, and Momo was getting married to a fine man.

"Not going to fight this? Huh Toshiro?"

Toshiro shook his head. "No." He was tired. Probably had been for a long time. It was right about time to take a break and rest; a permanent break. Toshiro grabbed hold of the handle behind the seat in front of him. He wished he could have spent more time with everyone else. Those moments with them, annoying as they were, were fun.

Images of them began to appear before his eyes. Karin and her idea to play soccer. Yuzu and putting him to work on the kitchen. Them Kurosakis always seemed to be forcing him to do something for them. Momo. She was practically his sister and she was getting married. He promised that he would attend her wedding, and even if he wouldn't be physically there, he was going to be there. She was a great sister and no doubt would be a great wife and mother; it was just that he was a terrible brother. Rukia had Ichigo. She would be fine as long as he was there to comfort her. They made a great couple. There was no denying it. Despite the bad moments, he had some great moments with her that he would keep with him when he ascended. There was more to be said.

The Kurosakis twin Yuzu and Karin Kurosaki. They were different from each other, but oddly enough they were just as alike. Karin was black raven hair that was now kept in a single ponytail. She was maturing to be a lovely girl, despite how adamant she felt about being treated as a lady. Her ash gray eyes were bright enough to display her determination and fury as she poured everything into what she loved; soccer. He knew she would lead the team to greatness, and wouldn't be surprised if she continued it even in college. Contrary to her sister, Yuzu had the beautiful auburn hair Toshiro had ever came across. Her looks and smiled alone could land her as a model or idol. Then again, she was already one of the top idols in the school with a huge fan group (members were still rolling in). Although she now wore them in pigtails, at home, he would see them down, giving him a glimpse of what the future had in store for her. Aside from looks, she was quite the passionate student with her studies. He was sure she could reach top ten easily with that performance. Both Kurosakis proved that stubbornness was a genetic trait inherited. Their voices calling out his name could easily be heard along with their sudden happiness upon his arrival. Funny…it wasn't like that now.

Sojiro stretched out his hand and placed it on Toshiro's shoulder. Was he comforting him?

"I can't let you board this bus." His friend said, pushing Toshiro to the side, and somehow Toshiro found himself outside of the bus. Sojiro could easily be seen through the windows of the bus.

The horn along with the engine of the automobile could be heard between them both, signaling them that it was departing. Toshiro could not understand why his friend was doing this to him. Had he not suffered enough? How many more of his friends were planning to betray him? He quickly got up and ran to the doors. They were closed and wouldn't open. Banging on the doors, he shouted. "Why Sojiro!" He asked. Why indeed. Everything he said throughout their conversation suggested that Sojiro wanted Toshiro's demise. So why?

Sojiro's eyes became murky as the tears began to set in. Despite what he said, he cared for Toshiro and his well-being.

"Sojiro!" Toshiro shouted as the bus slowly began to move again. "No…No…No…No…No…NO… Open the door!" Toshiro began to match the pace of the buss, as he continued banging on the doors; hoping for the bus to stop and the doors to open. "Sojiro!" His friend said nothing more, but cried as Toshiro went faster and faster. He was losing his reach on the bus as it continued to accelerate. Toshiro gave one final punch before falling back; the speed of the bus was too much for him.

"Sojiro!" It was too late. The bus had left him behind. His friend had left him in this world to continue on living. He couldn't believe it. He could hear his heart pounding and it was REALLY POUNDING as he crouched from the pain. "Arugh!" He never came across a pain like this as he continued to scream in agony. The surrounding field was turning white as the world he stood began to disappear along with him. He felt a force pulling him, dragging him back. Back where? Into the cycle. The very cycle he tried so much to infringe. Just before he could feel himself returning to the real world, he let out one last shout.

"SSSSSOOOOJJJJIIIRRROOOOO!"

Everything became a blinding light and like everything else, Toshiro was swallowed by the light.

oooOOOooo

"Momo! Your show is about to start!" Shouted a guy from a different room.

"Okay, I'll right there!" She replied back as she messed around with her phone. She had that phone for years, never finding a reason to replace it with an upgrade. Despite the years, it was well kept. She went to her inbox and searched for something in particular; old messages she never bothered to delete.

MOMO'S INBOX:

About to leave for the finals. Do you still have your ticket I gave you?

Yep. I'm about to leave soon myself.

Wish me luck!

Good luck Shiro!

Momo…can we talk?

I'm sorry…but no.

It had been so long since she last messaged him. There were countless times when she could, but things between them were rough after THAT day. The only mode of talk they had, were the rare times they talked in person. They were brief as they seemed to get interrupted by one of the Kurosaki's twins. I believed her name was Yuzu…

Either way, she began typing something. There was no way she would forget something important as today; what kind of sister would she be if she forgot Toshiro's birthday? Maybe with this, they could return to a familiar point where it was simple between them. When she was done, she flipped the phone shut and walked out. Today was the season's finale and she really wanted to know if Marceline was going to survive the surgery.

Happy Birthday Toshiro.

oooOOOooo

-END

Author's Note:

This may have been the most challenging chapter to write, even though I planned it out from the beginning. I decided to extend it with one more chapter; an epilogue (another chapter if you will) to tie up any loose ends and perhaps even introduce a potential sequel. Please let me know how I did with this chapter and any comments you want to add.

If you have any questions, please let me know by leaving a review or through PM. Until next time! -sorrowXdarkness