"No! I won't let you!"

     "I'm sorry..." Tsuzuki explained sadly. "But we have to."

     "Young Master..." the old, scarred man began, exhausted. "We both know I've held this off for too long already."

     Hisoka couldn't meet his eyes - the boy who could have been his age, but likewise never changed. What if it had been him and Tsuzuki? "You should understand - you who also controls life and death."

     With a desperate cry, Tir tore the glove from his hand; darkness engulfed them. When it faded, the shinigami remained, staring at the wild-eyed boy.

     "Together forever, Gremio," he whispered, clutching the rune.