A/N: Well here it is! The Grand Finale. Now I tell you all that this chapter will blow your mind at the end. It might make no sense but after I explain it you'll be like Oooh! So I thank you all for reading and following me through my first story, and I hope all of my same fans will read Painted Red, my hot Gaara story. I hope you enjoy this ending!

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The perfect couple strolled down the bright streets on Karakura, hand-in-hand. Right in front of them was Ichigo and Rukia, who were again arguing about something not so important. Toushirou and Moriko couldn't help but laugh at their arguing. They both thought that Rukia and Ichigo would make the best couple, and that was exactly what they were arguing about.

"You would be a terrible boyfriend!" Rukia exclaimed, Ichigo growled.

"Well you would be a bad girlfriend!!" Ichigo barked, Rukia hitting him in the head.

"What the hell was that for?!" Ichigo bellowed. Rukia folded her arms across her chest.

"For saying I would be a bad girlfriend!!" Rukia yelled. Ichigo scowled at her.

"You would! Hitting me like that is called 'Boyfriend Abuse'!" Ichigo exclaimed at her. Rukia couldn't help but laugh sarcastically.

"Well if there's 'Boyfriend Abuse', then there must be 'Girlfriend Verbal Attacks'!" Rukia exclaimed. Ichigo was about to blow up at Rukia, when Toushirou hopped on his back. Moriko put her arm around Rukia's shoulder.

"Calm down," Moriko started.

"You guys!!" Toushirou finished.

"You two would make a great couple even if you guys are mean to each other!" Moriko stated. Ichigo relaxed a bit, while Rukia looked away from the three of them. Toushirou and Moriko laughed a bit. Rukia was about to speak, when a loud hollow-like scream pierced their ears.

"What the hell?!" Ichigo exclaimed. A cluster of people and screams erupted from the dusty mist, things materializing from within the mist. All four of them gasped at what came from the mist. Grimmjow, Luppi, and Nnoitra appeared from the mist, plus many other hollow ranging in size.

(Alrighty. I know that Luppi and Nnoitra are dead and Grimmjow is the only one apparently alive, but let's twist the storyline a bit to make it interesting.)

From behind came soft foot steps, the four simultaneously turned around to see the half of the captains of the Gotei Thirteen in front of them. Not only the captains of Gotei Thirteen, but those who are worthy enough to call forth their Ban-kai. A few leaves blew by, and as the eyes of the mortals saw it, four bodies laid on the paved ground unconscious.

The three Espada took slow strides to their enemy Soul Reapers, who stood their ground, hands on their zanpactou.

"Grimmjow. What the hell are you and your little friends doing here?" Ichigo spat at them as Grimmjow and Nnoitra strolled by, Luppi skipping behind them. Grimmjow kept an evil grin on his face, as he stepped in front of Ichigo.

"We're just here to have some fun." Grimmjow said innocently. Ichigo laughed sarcastically, a scowl on his face.

"You're just here for another kick-ass, aren't you?" Ichigo barked at him. The grin on Grimmjow's face morphed onto a frown.

"You'll be the one who'll get the kick-ass" Grimmjow said with confidence. Ichigo rolled his eyes. Moriko watched Luppi crawl onto Grimmjow's back, his eyes locked on Toushirou's, who deathly stared back. Moriko watched Luppi stick his tongue out at Toushirou, his temper thinning like water through a strainer.

Moriko's heart felt as though it was going to pop right out of her chest. She was just foot distance from the man-boy thing that almost killed her. She turned her head slightly, looking at Luppi. At first he didn't look back, but when he did, Luppi winked at her. A shiver crawled down Moriko's spine, her eyes quickly darted away. Moriko couldn't hold in her fear, she wrapped her arms around herself. Moriko closed her eyes, she buried her face into her knees, something touched her shoulder. Moriko's heart skipped a beat, she slowly looked up to see Toushirou. Her shoulders relaxed, but her stomach churned with fear. He had a reassuring smile on his face.

"Don't be afraid. You're stronger than him." He said courageously. Moriko smiled unsteadily, and nodded.

Everyone stood up in a line, facing Grimmjow, Nnoitra, Luppi and numerous hollow. It seemed that the Espada were outnumbered by the Soul Reapers, but everybody standing on the right side knew that one Espada was just as strong as five taichos combined.

Ichigo, Rukia, Chad, Uryuu, Renji, Rangiku, Ikkaku, Yumichicka, Urahara, Yoruichi, Soi Fon, Kenpachi, Moriko and Toushirou had their hands on the halt of their zanpactou. Everyone besides Chad and Uryuu pulled out a shining blade that in the fading glow. The Soul Reapers called out for their special companion with a special call, all but Chad and Uryuu. The chorus of voices echoed in a bright flash of blades changing from the casual katana to something extravagant. From a white beauty, to a deadly stinger, to a black hawk-like blade. But the Soul Reapers aren't the only ones to show off magnificent beauty to the attackers. On the arm of one who fights for only good, that will never stop, stitched a giant shield like arm that spoke multiple feelings. Another smaller silhouette figure held an iced blue bow, ready to let go his arrows of virtuous.

Some of which who had released their shi-kai, had also released their Ban-kai in better hopes they will defeat the Espada. One of which, was of course, Moriko. She knew that fighting in her Shi-kai wasn't enough to stop an Espada if one did go after her. But ordered to fight only hollow was easier said than done. Moriko couldn't keep her eyes on all of them, there were just too many.

Everyone began to run towards the Espada, but they just stood casually until the timing was right. Most went for the Espada, but some fell back fighting the hollow. One of those who stayed back was Moriko. One whistle chased another, as the light lotuses flew off her furisode.

Through her eyes, it looked like everyone was doing quite fine. But it wasn't how she imagined it. Every inch of the surrounding was filled with clicks and clatters of the zanpactou. And every once in a while there would be a shriek of pain, but the most the that made Moriko's heart sink was the shattering of ice. She knew that every time an icicle of ice fell from him, it shattered, which practically made Moriko's heart shatter as well. But she knew that she had to fight, it was what they all wanted.

It seemed like the fight had gone on for days, but little did both the Soul Reapers and the Espada know that it had only been hours.

"Getsuga Tenshou!" Everyone heard yelled into the atmosphere. After the words exceeded from Ichigo's lips, a loud shatter of a building and the crash of one, everybody and every thing stopped. All their heads turned to the east, waiting for something to happen.

Standing in front of Moriko was, a dozen hollow. She blow through her lips, a bass-like shriek made multiple lotuses appear in front of her. Waiting for a command, Moriko snapped her fingers, a shimmer of red petals swarmed the hollow before they could.

Moriko slowly turned around, crashes and screams ignited yet again. She heard light footsteps coming from behind her, she turned back around quickly, a sharp pain struck her stomach. It churned, and it felt as though it had imploded. Moriko looked at her killer, it was Luppi. He had on a devious grin, his long tentacle-like arm glued to her stomach. With her last breath, Moriko whistled. All the intricate designs on her furisode flew off of her and darted at Luppi, there design faded into needles. Most hit him with lightening speed, the others go past him. Before he jumped away, Moriko heard him hiss past her ear the words she dreaded.

"Good night, love."

The pain in her stomach shuddered, along with her back. Moriko's red furisode evanescently faded to a red mist as she hit the hard concrete. Her eyes fluttered, she could barely watch what happened. She could only make out that someone had struck Luppi as he fell to the floor as well. As for voices, she heard screams and yells for revenge. But somewhere in the distance, Moriko heard foot steps of retreat, and laughs. Beams of light appeared from nowhere as for the Espada took their deceased comrade and stepped into the light, the hollow disappearing along with them.

Almost everyone ran towards her, the smell of her cool addiction wafted past her. Moriko hadn't notice that she had been gasping for breath by the time her taichos and fukutaichos had arrived. The first person to go to her was, Toushirou. His face was fear-stricken, and worried torn into his eyes. By instinct, Moriko put her hand over her wound, the crimson blood spitting into her hands. By now, her Ban-kai had faded, and Moriko was in her soul reaper uniform. She couched once, a warm substance came up her throat, she couched again. The red paint-like liquid dripped down the corners of her lips, making her look like a vampire that had just drank from an unfortunate human.

"Moriko!" She heard everyone scream in unison. She supported herself on her right arm, her other arm holding the gap between life and death. Moriko's arm strength was beginning to fade, like the beams that drew the Espada away from Karakura. Her arm weakened until all her weight put too much pressure on it, she collapsed yet again. Toushirou caught her just before she hit the concrete.

"Don't worry! We'll get you back to the Seireitei, and Unohana-taicho will help you." His words came out like the blood coming from Moriko's wound. She shook her head, words trapped in her throat. Toushirou looked at her, confused and baffled.

"We won't make it on time." She croaked. Toushirou shook his head this time.

"Don't say that!" He said in a quiet voice, concern in his voice. Moriko smiled crookedly, he frowned.

"I've already told you once. If you died, I would never forgive myself." He said quieter than a whisper. He looked away, Moriko held a warm hand up to his face, pulling it back to hers so they would make eye contact.

"I would rather die here with you, than die without you." She said. It took a moment for Toushirou to comprehend this. The first time he thought that she meant it was his fault but he realized that she meant being in the infirmary he would be away from her, but being here they were together. A soft smile drew across his face.

Moriko had seen something like this on the televison, except the only difference about the two was that in the television it was fake. Here right now, it was real. Her stomach churned. She couched again, blood rained on her hand. Everyone gasped.

Moriko's eyes darted from person to person. Everyone had cuts on their faces, and fear as well. They all knew that they were going to lose a fellow soul reaper. One that had achieved Ban-kai at least. Moriko heard whimpering, probably from Rangiku. She would miss everyone. Miss this world as well. But she was always curious about what the next world would be like. Moriko had died once, but what was it like to die again? As a dead person.

She was pulled into reality when Toushirou shook her a bit, concerned that she was staring into space. Moriko felt her life inching away, an inch worm falling of the edge. The edge of life that is. Toushirou new from experience that the longer you let blood spill, the less time you had to live. He's gone through it too many times, but not as many to watch a loved one suffer the same way.

The taste of blood and metal filled Moriko's mouth. She knew her time was almost up. She needed to say what she needed to say, and here his reply.

He knew it was almost her time, her time to leave him. Seven years wasn't enough for him. He wanted more time. They wanted more time. He thought they would grow old, -If that was possible- and die together. But he supposed that was not what the world waned. He sighed.

Moriko looked up, puzzled. She opened her mouth to speak. The words that came out, was music to his ears.

"Oh my sweet winter.

How I long for you,

I wish for you cool breath

to kiss my warm skin.

Yet I know you won't come,

for my call isn't enough.

Being ever so cold,

by the touch of your

jagged-like skin

is like running my fingers

against a dull blade.

It never hurts, yet it doesn't

feel good either.

I'll wait and wait for you

as I as I need too.

But,

my heart will always with ache

for your cool touch,

Oh my sweet winter."

Moriko recited the words, as they appeared like a movie in her eyelids. Moriko had heard the poem recited by a young high school student. She felt the poem touch her heart, and had reminded her so much of him.

The words came from her lips like a song from a radio. He felt tears ball up in his eyes. It has been so long since Toushirou had cried. Especially for someone. He hadn't remembered the last time he cried, but he knew it was a long time.

Moriko noticed the tears forming in his eyes. She smiled sweetly, watching them fall down his face.

"Don't cry." Moriko said quietly, wiping the tears away gingerly.

"I'll still be here." She noted. Moriko lifted her head a bit, the blue diamond shimmered in the remaining sunlight. She pulled long silver chain from her neck, the blue diamond changed slowly into a light pink. The warm blood trickled down the chain, turning the diamond a deep shade of red.

"Take this." Moriko said. Toushirou looked at her, puzzled.

"Why? I gave it to you. You should keep it." He said. Moriko simply grinned at him.

"Well you gave it to me, and so that makes it mine. So now that it is mine, I'm giving it to you." She said slyly. Toushirou grinned back, taking hold of the chain. Moriko was on the brink of life now, she only had breath for one more thing. She didn't want to waste it on some kind of sob story about how much she cared about that he had given her the opportunity of a life time. In stead she made it short and sweet.

"I'll miss you guys, and I love you all. Especially you, Toushirou." Moriko said, looking him in his crystal blue eyes. Toushirou hadn't noticed that she called him by his first name. Which was out of the ordinary, since she didn't feel it was proper. He smiled lovingly, lower his face to hers. His cool breath pulled a slab of pain off of her, their lips met. The kiss lasted forever, everyone in awe.

Once Toushirou pulled away, Moriko blinked once, a tear rolling down her face, she mouthed the words 'I love you' and drifted off to the next world. Toushirou clutched the silver chain in his hand, letting the clear beads chase each other down his face.

..........

"Oi! Toushirou-san." Ichigo said shaking Toushirou on the shoulder. His head popped up immediately. 'What was that?' Toushirou asked himself.

"It's time to go." Ichigo said. Toushirou looked at Ichigo, then at himself. He was in uniform, Toushirou looked around. Renji and Ikkaku had two black garbage bags, one in each hand, staring at him quizzically.

"How long was I out?" Toushirou asked, rubbing one eye. Ichigo shrugged.

"Dunno. Two? Three hours?" The words hit Toushirou in the head. Moriko's whole life flashed past him in three hours. He couldn't believe it. Toushirou pulled out his Shinigami Cellular Phone thing and flipped it open. The date read September Twenty-Third. Ichigo stood behind Toushirou, reading the date along with him. At first he didn't know why the date was so important, but then it hit him.

"It's her birthday, isn't it?" Ichigo asked quietly, Toushirou nodded. Flipping the phone thing shut, he stood up grabbing his book case.

"Come on let's go." Toushirou ordered as the four of them stepped out of the room. The sun was just above the horizon, just about to say farewell, reminiscing with blue sky. Toushirou laid back behind the group, his fingers fiddling with whatever was in his pocket. He discovered something quite peculiar in his pocket and pulled it out. To his surprise it was the chain he had given to Moriko -or she gave to him.- He stared at it a bit and put it back into his pocket, a sweet smile across his face.

His book case bounced off his back, he hadn't buckled it closed, so it made an annoying clink with each step. A piece of paper fell out from his case, quiet steps following behind him. He heard squeals and dares, then finally a girl had built up enough courage to stop him.

"Hey..um? You dropped this." Said a familiar voice. Toushirou turned around to see Moriko. Or at least that's what he thought. Her hair was shorter than Moriko's, and had light blue streaks in the black. Toushirou assumed that this girls favorite color was blue, by the color of the chain she wore around her neck. It resembled the one Toushirou had given Moriko.

The girl held out the paper to him, her hand shaky. Her pale face was supported by a light pink. It reminded Toushirou so much of Moriko like when they had first kissed. He smiled at her, which made the girl blush even harder.

"Thanks." He said taking the paper. Toushirou could hear the two other girls squeal when they heard his voice. He smiled at the girl, she smiled shyly at him and ran back to her friends. Toushirou watched her walk away, she turned around to look at him. He waved at her, a content smile on his face. She blushed, waving back hesitantly.

Toushirou caught up with Ichigo and the others, just hanging behind like before.

"Happy Twenty-Fifth birthday, Moriko." Toushirou whispered, a warm smile on his face. Toushirou turned his head to the forest part of the city, a bright flame shimmered. A young man stepped from the trees, leaning against an oak tree. He smirked at Toushirou and waved with his middle and forefinger. Toushirou grinned and waved back.

Toushirou has been burned, scorched, but never been burned by love. He was burned by the total opposite of him, and he loved it. A burn was scratched across his iced heart, and he liked it that way. Toushirou felt something warm brush past him. He smiled to himself, the soles of his shoes clicked as he made his way up to the group.

The End

A/N: There it was! The end. Wasn't it mind-blowing? I told you. But don't go crazy on me! Moriko was real, but this was one year later. Toushirou had dreamt of her when he was in Karakura. That girl Toushirou confronted was Moriko's reincarnation, but she didn't know that. And that guy was Moriko's zanpactou spirit thing. Well anyways, thanks for reading! Thanks to those who favorite'd me and reviewed. Please review on this one, 'cause I wanna know what you think! Oh and by the way. That poem is mine. I wrote it for my fourth period. SO ITF YOU TAKE IT I WILL FIND YOU AND BEAT THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF YOU. If you want to use it ask first. Want more excitement? Read Painted Red, my hot Gaara story. Dry humor from Gaara and the intensifying romance that conjures between them. Love you all!