Records from Detroit: Graduation Year

"Records from Detroit: Graduation Year" is a story set in the Cyberlife Bus universe, and details Cyberlife Bus and his friends' final year of Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School, as they have to decide what's most important to them, and make life-changing decisions.
The story was written by Veeti K. and is a part of the "Records from Detroit" spin-off series. 
DISCLAIMER: This story is heavily recommended to be read after A Desolate Past and Craving Recognition, as its plot is heavily connected to events from those two stories. 
== Plot Synopsis ==
=== A Fish Out of Water ===
Late September, 2036
Fallen leaves rustle beneath Cyberlife Bus' wheels, as he opens a gate that leads him into a wide-reaching backyard. Dozens of vehicles are scattered around, as their chatter combines into one incomprehensible muddle of voices. CB's taken aback by the excessive amount of visitors. He braces himself, as he dives into the crowd of people in search of his boyfriend, Cyberlife Bus 106. His boyfriend has always been popular and sought-after, but this many people celebrating at his birthday party has to be a new record. CB clutches onto his present tightly, fearing he'll drop it into the mass of visitors. Eventually, he recognizes a familiar voice from the disarray of strangers speaking. CB drives in to hug CB 106.CB: Hey! I'm sorry I'm late, I had to make some last-second changes to your gift.
CB 106: All good, I'm happy to see you.
CB: Thanks! Well, anyway. Here. Happy birthday.Cyberlife Bus hands over the box, which has been neatly wrapped. 106 immediately rips it open, finding a scrapbook inside, wheel-made by CB himself. CB 106: Hm, what is it?
CB: It's like a book about you and I, our relationship! I made it myself, filled it with pictures of us over the years, wrote some text too-
CB 106: Oh, I see. This is neat, thanks babe. 
CB: Uh, yeah. Of course. The two of them share a quick kiss, before CB 106 moves back, seemingly in a hurry to get back to partying. CB: Wait, before you go... Can I ask you something?
CB 106: Go ahead!
CB: Whose backyard are we in? You don't own a house, nor do any of your friends.
CB 106: Oh, this house is owned by a rich middle-aged man, he went on vacation yesterday. 
CB: But like, you told him that you'll be coming over here, he agreed to this? This is legal, right?
CB 106: Yeah, of course. He rented this out to us. You think I'd just break into some poor guy's empty house like that?
CB: "Some poor guy" doesn't really make it sound like you know him... What's his name?
CB 106: Harvey.
CB: Surname?
CB 106: Harris. Have some faith in me, man.
CB: Just had to make sure.
CB 106: Right. Your friends, CB 5 and 8, are inside the house. 
CB: You invited them here?
CB 106: Why wouldn't I? They're your friends, after all.
CB: It's just that they don't seem to think very highly of you.
CB 106: Their loss. You can go talk to them if you want, I'll get back with the boys. 
CB: Yeah, okay. Talk to you later, honey. I love you!
CB 106: You too!CB feels saddened that their conversation was short-lived, he was really looking forward to spending time with his boyfriend. Despite this, he gets his head on straight and goes to look for his friends inside the house. As he enters through the backdoor, he immediately notices how trashed it is. Some of the windows have been broken, drinks are spilled onto the floor, and unconscious vehicles are lying around throughout the house. Music is blasting at maximum volume, it sounds loud enough to break CB's audio systems. 
Cyberlife Bus 8 is currently in the bathroom with another vehicle, handing them a bag of pills. CB 8: That'll be $50.
CC 11: Are you joking?
CB 8: Nope.
CC 11: Just for a couple of pills?
CB 8: Look, I'm the only dealer you got. This stuff isn't easy to get ahold of. Now you can keep bitching, or give me the money. What do you say? 
CC 11: No thanks.Cyberlife Car 11 snatches the bag of pills from Cyberlife Bus 8's wheels, and bolts through the bathroom door. CB 8: GET BACK HERE, FUCKER!She drives after him, into the hallway. It doesn't take her long to catch up, as she grabs one of his back wheels. This causes him to slip, falling on his face onto the floor. As he's lying there, helpless and dazed, she takes her pills back from him. CB 8: Try to steal from me...A small crowd has gathered to stare at the altercation, some of them laughing at it. Among this crowd is Cyberlife Bus 5, who drives towards her friend upon recognizing her.CB 5: What are you doing?
CB 8: What?
CB 5: You're a drug dealer now?
CB 8: They were just sleeping pills, it's not a big deal. Besides, this isn't any different from what we used to do in the Elmwood Stoners. We had smoking sessions all the time. 
CB 5: Except this is different! Have you thought about what happens if one of the vehicles you sold to gets caught, and they decide to snitch on you? You could get scrapped! Did you not learn anything from last year? You were so fucking close to getting scrapped back then, why are you risking it again? It's like you're willingly entering a minefield, I don't get it... 
CB 8: I just needed some money, okay?
CB 5: Did you see how many people were watching you? All of them saw you with that bag of pills. Even just one of them telling the school could-
CB 8: I KNOW! But I make my own fucking decisions. You're not my sister, so don't try to tell me what to do. 
CB 5: Okay... I'm just worried about you.Cyberlife Bus spots the two friends together, and immediately drives over to them. CB: Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8! Thank god I found you, I've been looking for you all over, but there are buses everywhere. What are you two talking about?
CB 8: We were arguing over what we prefer, muffins or donuts.
CB: Hmph, that's easy. Donuts take the win any day of the-
CB 8: That's not actually what we were arguing over, dumbass.
CB: Right... So what was it about?Cyberlife Bus 5 grabs the bag of pills from CB 8, and shakes it in front of CB.CB 5: Our friend had the bright idea of becoming a drug dealer.
CB: What?!
CB 8: They were just some sleeping pills!
CB 5: They're still drugs.
CB 8: Fuck it... I wanna be by myself. Cyberlife Bus 8 drives off in a rush, frustrated and emotional. Just as she's left, Cyberlife Bus hears a slight chuckle behind him. He turns around to see CB 106.CB 106: That was fun to watch. 
CB: You were here the whole time?
CB 106: Yeah, I wanted to see what was happening. From what I understood, she was selling drugs at my birthday party?
CB: Yeah, I'm sorry... Look, I promise she's a good person. She's just having a tough time.Cyberlife Bus 5 shoves CB aside, and moves straight in front of CB 106.CB 5: Why did you invite me and her here? You were hoping something like this would happen, weren't you?
CB 106: What? Why would you think that?!
CB 5: Because I know what you're like. Cyberlife Truck 14 told me all about you before he... before... fuck. You and your gang spend all your time messing with us, talking shit about us behind our backs, now you expect us to be friends because you invited us to your stupid fucking birthday party? Cyberlife Bus may fall for your act, but I don't.Cyberlife Bus raises his voice.CB: Stop. Don't talk to him like that.CB 5: Whatever... She drives off, leaving Cyberlife Bus alone with CB 106.CB 106: These gals are who you wanna be friends with? They came to my party to make accusations and deal drugs.
CB: I'm really sorry. It's not like this usually, something's gotta be up with them. I'll try to find them, talk some sense into them. 
CB 106: Yeah, don't worry. I'd much rather have a dramatic party like this over a boring one. 
CB: That so?
CB 106: Being boring is the worst crime there is. What's wrong with a little unpredictability to spice things up?
CB: That's one way to look at it, I guess. I oughta go after them, try and talk some sense back into them. 
CB 106: If they have any to begin with. 
CB: Yeah...Cyberlife Bus is back in the position where the evening began, looking for his friends in a party that feels like a giant headache embodied. Driving through the suffocatingly tight and unyielding hallways of the house, CB can feel beer spilling onto him whenever he passes another vehicle. The sharp, piercing touch of broken glass in his wheels gives him the determination to get out as quick as he can. After searching for what feels like hours in the unrelenting environment, he spots Cyberlife Bus 8 cowering in a corner in the bedroom of the abode. CB: Hey, are you okay?Cyberlife Bus 8 doesn't reply. She seems scared.CB: Alright, grab my wheel. We're going outside to get some fresh air. Does that sound good?Cyberlife Bus 8 nods. CB: Okay, great. CB 8 is gently escorted out of the party by Cyberlife Bus, who is holding her wheel and acting as her chaperone, as they escape from the Harris household. Upon fleeing the party, they make the decision to settle down on the soggy grass and lean against a fence. They both remain silent, as they gaze up at the night sky. There is a chill in the air, as the wind whistles around them. CB 8 decides to break the silence.CB 8: God, I feel like such a pussy right now.Cyberlife Bus breaks into laughter. CB: I wasn't expecting that... Why do you feel that way?
CB 8: There were so many people. I got overwhelmed, and I feel like I haven't been myself tonight, like at all.
CB: That's okay.
CB 8: I just... I really miss him. 
CB: Who?
CB 8: Cyberlife Car 57. I can't get my mind off him. He's still out there, he's alive... but it doesn't feel that way. I haven't seen him since he got expelled. You know what that means?Cyberlife Bus shakes his head.CB 8: It means it's been as long as the last time I saw CC 2 and CT 14. They've all just been... gone, since last April. In a way, it feels like he died with them. And I really miss him. Knowing he's out there by himself, working some shitty labor job in Ann Arbor, it makes me feel terrible. It feels like I abandoned him. 
CB: You didn't. The school won't even let you be in contact after what happened, there's nothing you could do to change that. None of it's on you. 
CB 8: Then why does it feel like it is? Cyberlife Bus... 
...
CB 8: Am I a bad person?
CB: Of course you're not. The two hug tightly, grasping each other.CB 8: Do you promise?
CB: I promise.
CB 8: Okay... I'm sorry for selling drugs at your boyfriend's birthday party.
CB: He seemed oddly fine with it. 
CB 8: Hm, that's good then.
...
CB 8: Thank god you have a boyfriend, otherwise I'd be scared you're comforting me just because you're trying to fuck me. 
CB: Not sure what to reply to that.The two of them break into contagious laughter once again.CB 8: Just stay silent, you dumbass.CB: Got it.Cyberlife Bus takes out a cigarette and lights it.CB: You want one?Cyberlife Bus 8 stares at him, astonished.CB 8: You like smoking?CB: I'm supposed to, aren't I? 
CB 8: Your call, man... Also, muffins are definitely better than donuts. 
CB: Huh? 
CB 8: Nothing. They continue leaning towards the fence, while Cyberlife Bus 8 cools off from the birthday party.
=== The Morning After ===
Cyberlife Bus throws a crumpled up piece of paper at Cyberlife Bus 106 to wake him up. He's lying near the stairs, still in the same house where he held his birthday party. Cyberlife Bus 106 awakens and steadily rises after another toss.CB 106: God... why are you throwing shit at me?
CB: Cause for some reason this is the only effective way to wake you up. Look... I'm worried.
CB 106: About what?
CB: This house! 
CB 106: Why? I told you I had a deal with the owner, his name's Harvey. 
CB: Don't lie to me.
...
CB 106: Okay, I may have broken in here because this seemed like a good place to celebrate my-
CB: Oh for fuck's sake...
CB 106: But one thing's true, his name actually is Harvey Harris. I didn't make that part up. 
CB: This stuff's dangerous! Breaking and entering just to organize a birthday party here? 
CB 106: You've got to stop worrying. 
CB: How the hell could I stop worrying? What do you do when Harvey comes back and sees this house trashed, very clearly by vehicles? Or do you intend to clean it up back into shape before that? Somehow, I highly doubt that. The cops are gonna find our tire tracks all over the place... you're gonna get us into trouble!
CB 106: CB, babe... you can't live life like that. You can't just keep worrying about everything. Where's the fun in that? The universe tends to have things work out. I've got a plan for everything, this included.
CB: And what plan would that be? How are you gonna be dealing with this Harvey guy?
CB 106: You'll see. You can trust me.Cyberlife Bus 106 drives over to kiss Cyberlife Bus, calming him down. CB 106: How did the rest of your night go? You just disappeared after you went to go search for the drug dealer.
CB: She's not a... It went well.
CB 106: Good to hear, what did you two talk about?
CB: She opened up to me.
CB 106: About what?
CB: She misses her ex-boyfriend, Cyberlife Car 57. He was one of the Elmwood Stoners.
CB 106: Yeah, I remember him. Well why hasn't she gone to see him, then?
CB: I mean... she can't. If she does, she'll risk getting scrapped, it's too dangerous-
CB 106: Why's that stopping her? Is she really as scared of risks as you are?
CB: I'm not! I'm just careful, okay?
CB 106: Nah, you're just a pussy... that's what I like about you, though. 
CB: You like that I'm a pussy?
CB 106: I like that you're safe.
...
CB: Thanks.
CB 106: But alright, I promise I'll come up with a solution to Cyberlife Bus 8's problem. 
CB: Wait, what? You don't have to, I just- 
CB 106: What time is it? Shit, looks like I've got my morning shift soon. I've gotta go, see you later today, alright?
CB: Yeah, see you...Cyberlife Bus 106 drives past CB, giving him a kiss once again. 
Cyberlife Bus 106 drives in through the Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School's front doors with a clear objective in mind, as he leaves the doors swinging open. He lied to his boyfriend about having a shift, he went to the school for a different purpose. As he dashes through the hallways, he can see other students sitting in focused classrooms, concentrated on what their teacher is saying. CB 106 has a tough time holding his laughter back once he realizes how drastically different they are from him. After a moment of pondering about it, he's certain he hasn't listened to a single word of the education he's gotten. He makes his way to a new section of the school, driving past a "Staff Only!" sign along the way. 
He's nearing the principal's office, who shouldn't be present at this time. CB 106 quickly peeks into the office through its window to confirm that it's empty. After doing so, all he needs is a way inside. He takes out a lockpick he brought with him, which he then uses to immediately begin picking open the lock to the office. Once inside, he rushes to the principal's computer. To his dismay, the computer has a password needed to unlock it. However, he's not willing to give up yet, knowing there's one thing that works in his advantage: The principal is a human, and humans are prone to forget things. CB 106 figures there's a good chance the principal has the password written down somewhere, so he begins searching around the office, all while making sure the principal isn't returning.
Upon opening one of the drawers in the principal's desk, Cyberlife Bus 106 finds a small note with a series of random numbers and letters written down on it. CB 106 quietly mumbles to himself. CB 106: If you think a complicated combination is gonna prevent anyone from finding out your password, don't write it down. Fucking idiot. He then unlocks the principal's computer, and begins doing what he went there to do. Within a few minutes, he's ready. He covers all his tracks, and returns the way he came. After closing the door, he's greeted by a security guard.The security guard: Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing here? This area is for employees only. 
CB 106: My apologies, I couldn't help but notice from a distance that someone had broken the lock to the principal's office. I came to check that everything's alright. 
The security guard: Bullshit. State your serial number, please.Cyberlife Bus 106 has to think of something, quick. He's having trouble, until he notices the guard's name tag, "Mike". The name sounds familiar to him.CB 106: Wait, weren't you a security guard in Motown Elementary too?
Mike: Yeah, I got promoted here. Secondary Vehicle Schools have a better pay. 
CB 106: Damn, you got a promotion? Everyone in Motown knew you as the guard that didn't give a shit. You always looked the other way when vehicles snuck out. 
Mike: What are you getting at?
CB 106: I think we should forget this whole thing happened, you know? I don't think your employer would be very happy to know about your past reputation as a guard, and the principal wouldn't be very happy to find out I broke in here. No harm was done, right? So no reason to have you getting fired, or me getting scrapped. Let's leave it at that. 
Mike: You're blackmailing me? Who the hell do you think you are? 
CB 106: I'm who you want to be. I'm who everyone wants to be. Goodbye, Mike. Cyberlife Bus 106 returns to the student-area, as other vehicles are currently exiting their classrooms. 
=== Something Better ===
Northside, Ann Arbor.
Cyberlife Car 57 is carrying heavy planks of wood to a coworker, doing labor as a construction worker. They're in the midst of building the foundation to a building, and CC 57 has just been ordered to go retrieve more materials, as the current quantity is insufficient. CC 57: Are you sure I can't take a quick break before that? I've been working my ass off for the past 8 hours, I'm starting to get a little tired-
His boss: You're a robot. You don't get tired, you don't need breaks, that's why we hired you. Shut up, and go get the materials I told you to get. They're all on the list I gave you. Don't make me ask twice. 
CC 57: Okay, boss...
His boss: You know what the other option is. We don't want that, do we?
CC 57: No, we don't. I'll get to it. As Cyberlife Car 57 is about to go retrieve the materials, he notices he's received a message from the principal of Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School. He's instantly filled with hope, as he's begins glancing through the message, which reads as follows:"Hello, Cyberlife Car 57. We, here in Elmwood Secondary, believe in second chances. Despite your difficult history at the school, we have made some re-evaluations on whether or not you deserve the role of being a student here. Given your exemplary progress and show of change in Ann Arbor, we believe it's time you get the opportunity to try again, the opportunity to re-enter the vehicle education system instead of being shunned away from it. If you are interested, you can come to your first assessment, today at 6 PM in Elmwood Central Park. We're looking forward to hearing back from you. - The Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School Staff"Cyberlife Car 57 screams out in joy, accidentally causing a pile of planks to come tumbling down in the process. He's ecstatic about the possibility of returning to his old life. He knows he won't have all of his old friends back, but he's hoping that being a student at Elmwood will give him the chance to form bonds with other vehicles his age, and get his life back on-track. He'll take whatever he can get over working a day longer at the construction company. His boss: Why are you screaming like an idiot? Get back to-
CC 57: I quit. 
His boss: What?
CC 57: Just replace me with another "robot". Can't be a huge loss, can it?He storms off, and begins making his way to Detroit. He's scared of meeting Cyberlife Bus 8 at the school, as it'll be a constant reminder of what they went through the year prior. He's also harbored some resentment towards her and CB 5, stemming from feelings of jealousy and abandonment, as they got to continue their lives like normal. Despite this, he wants to face this possibility of a new future head-on, as his wheels hit the highway. 
Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8 are chatting, having just finished a shift. They're tired, which is made worse when they see Cyberlife Bus 106 approaching them. CB 8 lets out an audible groan, as she looks at CB 5. 
CB 8: What do you think he'll say? Call me a whore again? 
To their surprise, CB 106 only utters out one sentence to them, as he drives past them. CB 106: Come to Elmwood Central Park today, 6 PM.The two girls turn to look at each other, confused and curious. They don't even have time to ask him any further questions, as he's already gone. CB 8: What the hell was that about?
CB 5: No clue... are we going?
CB 8: After how miserable his birthday party was, I want to say no.
CB 5: Knowing you, you'll say yes.
CB 8: Yeah, we're going.
CB 5: I knew it.
CB 8: I'm way too curious to not find out what he meant! But the moment we see something we don't like, we leave. Agreed?
CB 5: Agreed. The two of them continue their drive, still perplexed by why CB 106 would want them at the Elmwood Central Park. 
As time ticks away, Cyberlife Car 57 pulls into the spacious green park, preparing to make a good impression on the vehicle school faculty. The atmosphere is damp, as it rained earlier. There's some mist forming in the distance. He's cleaned himself up from any stains he got during his construction work, and has repeatedly rehearsed what he's going to say. He's at the park on time, yet he's not seeing the staff anywhere. He keeps waiting, standing near the driving course in the park. CC 57 can feel a black squirrel leaping around one of his wheels, as he hears someone calling out to him.CB 8: Cyberlife Car 57? Is that you?He turns to look behind him. There, he sees CB 8 with CB 5 next to her. Cyberlife Bus 8 rushes in to hug her ex-boyfriend, on the verge of tears. He isn't hugging her back.CC 57: What are you two doing here? Did you come to see my vehicle school assessment?
CB 8: What assessment?
CC 57: What do you mean? The reason I came here, they're giving me a second chance at being a part of Elmwood Secondary. They sent me an email, it was from the principal himself.
CB 5: That's great! But we haven't heard anything about that.
CC 57: Then why are you here? Have you seen the vehicle school staff anywhere?
CB 8: I haven't.
CB 5: Same here...
CC 57: You're not fucking with me, are you?
CB 8: What? Why would we be fucking with you?Cyberlife Car 57 begins driving around the park, looking for signs of the vehicle school employees anywhere. He's starting to get worried.CC 57: Where are they, then?
CB 8: I'm sure they'll turn up soon. 
CC 57: Well I'm not seeing them! Jesus, did you set this up? Are you trying to fucking "prank" me?!
CB 8: What? I would never do anything to hurt you.
CC 57: Yeah, well you had no problem abandoning me in Ann Arbor, did you? I quit my job over this! You have to tell me, CB 8. Is this some sick fucking joke?
CB 8: It's not, I promise!
CC 57: How can I trust you?Their conversation is interrupted when they hear a delighted cackle in the distance, getting louder and louder. Cyberlife Bus 106 drives over to them. CB 106: That's hilarious! You really quit your job over this?Cyberlife Car 57 drives closer to him.CC 57: You fucker... you're behind this, aren't you? You sent the message?CB 106: Cyberlife Bus 8 said she missed you, she talked about how she wanted to meet again and I made that happen. You should be thanking me!Cyberlife Car 57 punches Cyberlife Bus 106. He nearly hits the pavement, but manages to balance himself.CB 106: Easy, easy now. I can fight back, if that's what you want this to be. That's not what this has to be, though. I mean think about it, is this really a bad thing? You can't tell me you weren't miserable in Ann Arbor, all by yourself as some construction worker. Now you're here with your friends, isn't that way better? Same with Cyberlife Bus 8, she was miserable here without you, now she's not.Cyberlife Bus 106 turns to look at Cyberlife Bus 5.CB 106: Hell, I prolly made her day a lot more interesting too. I bet she doesn't mind bringing a little excitement to our lives, ey? I know I enjoyed the show at least. So come to think of it, I made us all happier, even if my methods were a little unorthodox. 
CB 5: Fuck you.
CC 57: You made me think I could have a future here!
CB 106: You can, with Cyberlife Bus 8. You just can't have a future at the school. Can't you see that I'm helping you? 
CC 57: You tormented us every fucking day, why do you have to do this? Cyberlife Truck 14 and Cyberlife Car 2 dying, even that doesn't get you to stop making a joke out of us? 
CB 106: I'm not making a joke out of you. 
CC 57: That's exactly what you're doing! Fuck you! Cyberlife Bus 106's tone becomes more serious. CB 106: Cyberlife Truck 14 was my friend, too. Cyberlife Car 57 grabs onto CB 106. CC 57: Your friend? After how you treated him? What you did to him? You call him your friend... how fucking dare you? We were his friends, he was MY friend! 
CB 106: I'm sorry about what happened to him, and to Cyberlife Car 2 as well. 
CC 57: Careful. Cyberlife Bus 106 doesn't say another word. Cyberlife Car 57 lets go of him.CC 57: You're pathetic, man. He drives away, as Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8 follow after him. Cyberlife Bus 106 is left alone in the park, as he decides to call up his boyfriend.
=== Outcomes ===
Cyberlife Bus rushes to the Elmwood Central Park after getting the call from his boyfriend. He's not quite sure what to expect, but he knows something went down between his friends and CB 106. He's anxious and jittery, as his wholy body is shaking. He drives onto the damp grass, approaching CB 106, who's sitting under an enormous tree.CB: What did you do this time? I'm getting dozens of messages from CB 5 and 8, all telling me that you're an asshole. 
CB 106: Of course that's what they think, but you know me, CB.
CB: That's not an answer. Tell me what you did to piss them off. I want to hear it from you.
CB 106: I tricked CC 57 into coming here. Now, before you-
CB: What? Why would you do that?!
CB 106: I wanted to help them, really. You know your friends and I aren't exactly on good terms, so I thought I'd make things easier for all of us, by mending our relations a little. I want you to have your friends, and I also want you and I to be together... So I tried to make us co-exist, by solving CB 8's little problem, you know? 
CB: I didn't ask you to solve it! So many things could've gone wrong, you know CC 57's not allowed to be here? It's against the rules of-
CB 106: I thought their love was more important than "the rules", I didn't think that'd make me the bad guy. I know I'd break some rules for our love, would you?
CB: Of course I would.
CB 106: You didn't have to ask me to do it, because I wanted to show that I care about your friends. But they didn't appreciate it.
CB: Still, it's not-CB 106 begins speaking over his boyfriend.CB 106: You remember the first time we met?Cyberlife Bus takes out a cigarette, and lights it. He makes sure CB 106 sees.CB: I'd never forget it. We were at a party, celebrating the end of the 5th year of primary vehicle school.
CB 106: That's right.
CB: What does this have to do with what you did?
CB 106: It has everything to do with what I did. I came up to talk to you first.
CB: That's right. 
CB 106: Do you think it was love at first sight?
...
CB: Yeah.
CB 106: Correct. You were enamored with me on the spot, I could tell. Even though you hated parties, you didn't hesitate to come with me to play beer pong. That's cause you were ready to make sacrifices for our love. You've belonged to me ever since then, like it or not... Hell, I know you like it. Even now, you're smoking cause you think I'll like it.
Cyberlife Bus throws away his cigarette, flustered and embarrassed.
CB 106: Oh come on, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I do like it, it makes you hot. 
CB: I'm still not sure what you're getting at here...
CB 106: Do you think we have free will? 
CB: What, like vehicles and androids? I mean, yeah. Isn't that rather obvious?
CB 106: Not just vehicles and androids, every living being on this planet. Do you think we get to make our own choices, or do things always happen the same way, no matter what?
CB: You're asking me if we can affect, like... fate?
CB 106: Yes, precisely! Do you think we can change our destiny? Because I don't. I think I was always meant to be who I am, do what I did. Sure, we may have the illusion of free will... but we don't really have it. We're built to be the way we are, and we can't change that. These things were always meant to happen. That applies to you too. Ever since the night we met, you've been brave enough to make sacrifices for our love. And you're gonna keep making sacrifices for our love.
Cyberlife Bus gazes at his boyfriend, still just as enamored as he was when they first met.
CB 106: This brings me to my point... There's a clear conflict between your choice of friends, and me. I tried to fix things, mend my relationship with CB 5 and 8, but that just lead to them getting hurt. It's not meant to be. Now, the universe is telling you to make another sacrifice. Seeing as I can't co-exist with your friends, you're gonna have to sacrifice either me, or them. And seeing as you've been sacrificing things for our love since 2032... I think the outcome is clear.
CB: You want me to stop hanging out with CB 5 and 8?
CB 106: I don't want that, but it's what's gonna happen eventually, no matter what. It's what's meant to happen. We can keep trying to resist fate, like how I tried to resist it when I invited CC 57 here, but that just leads to more pain. The easier thing to do would just be to accept that I'm your fate. I'm your purpose. 
CB: I don't know... They're really important to me.
CB 106: More important than I am?
...
CB: No, they're not. 
Cyberlife Bus 106 drives over to grab Cyberlife Bus, gently shoving him against a tree. He kisses him.
CB 106: Then the outcome is clear.
They begin passionately making out, caressing each other at the same time. The branches of the tree tower above them. Apart from the two of them, the park is entirely deserted, granting them the peace and quiet to do everything they want without worry. Light rain begins sprinkling around them, but the tree covers them from being soaked. Time flies by, as they enjoy each other in the shade. Eventually, they decide to lie down, holding each other's wheels.CB: You feel so good...CB 106: Oh, I know. He gives CB a quick kiss.CB: It's so peaceful here. We're all alone, isolated from everyone and everything. 
CB 106: It's lovely, isn't it?
CB: That's an understatement. I want us to be like this, forever.
CB 106: We can. Once you've dealt with CB 5 and 8.
CB: Right, yeah... I should go talk to them soon.
CB 106: Stay with me, at least until the rain stops. I enjoy your company.
CB: You don't have to ask me twice.They continue lying down together, as drops of rain dribble through the branches of the tree.
=== Sacrifices ===
Cyberlife Bus knocks on Cyberlife Bus 8's dorm room's door.CB: It's me.Cyberlife Bus 8 opens the door, seeming frustrated and messy.CB 8: What are you doing here?CB: I came to talk to you. Cyberlife Bus 8 goes to sit down, as Cyberlife Bus turns the lights on. CB 8: God, it's so bright... Turn those off, for fuck's sake.CB: Okay, sorry...Cyberlife Bus turns the lights off, resulting in the two of them being surrounded by shadows.CB: Where's Cyberlife Car 57?
CB 8: Good question. He fucked off somewhere after the stunt your boyfriend pulled. 
CB: I'm sorry to hear that.
CB 8: You should be. You know what I realized? You told your shitty ass boyfriend about how I missed Cyberlife Car 57. It can't have been a coincidence that he does that shit right after I opened up to you.
CB: Okay, yeah I... I messed up. I told him about it.
CB 8: That shit wasn't for you to share! I was vulnerable, and I needed comfort... Then you decide to go ahead and tell 106 about it, fully knowing what he's like. It's YOUR fault this happened. If you hadn't gone blabbering to your fucking boyfriend, Cyberlife Car 57 would've stayed in Ann Arbor, and he'd still have his goddamn job! What you did put him at risk, it put all of us at risk!
CB: I'm sorry.
CB 8: Yeah? Well I don't fucking forgive you. Just when I was starting to think I can trust you, you decide to ruin everything. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, seeing as you don't have any problems being in a relationship with a fucking sociopath. 
CB: I... I don't think we should be friends anymore.
CB 8: Yeah? Finally something we agree on. Fuck off. Cyberlife Bus 8 gets up, and begins shoving CB out of the room.CB 8: Get the fuck out. CB: I'm going, okay?She slams the door shut after pushing CB into the hallway. Once she's by herself, Cyberlife Bus 8 cautiously approaches her backpack. Reaching into it, she takes out two pills of ecstasy. She managed to conceal them from CB just before she conversed with him. She hasn't been using for long, but she's already addicted. As she consumes the pills, she experiences a powerful rush of euphoria washing over her. All of her concerns and unpleasant memories begin fading away. She swallows another pill. Just as she can feel the drugs taking effect, she hears another knock on the door. CB 8: God, I already told you to fuck off! Stay away!A voice replies from the other side of the door. It's not CB.CB 7: What? It's me! Open the door.CB 8: Oh, fuck...Cyberlife Bus 8 makes a vain effort to come across as sober by smacking herself several times to bring herself back to reality, before she opens the door. Once it's wide-open, Cyberlife Bus 8 takes a look at her older sister.CB 8: Hey! It's great to see you.CB 7: You too!The two sisters hug, while CB 8 struggles in masking her drug use.CB 7: Was that a guy I just saw leaving your dorm room? Are you seeing someone?
CB 8: He was just a friend. 
CB 7: Ah, shame. He looked cute.
CB 8: Stop. So, why'd you come here? Besides hitting on my friends, that is. What about your journalism course in Brighton?
CB 7: I have to do some research for an article here in Detroit, so I figured why not visit you while I'm at it. Cyberlife Bus 8 is having difficulties paying attention to what CB 7 is saying, as the effects of the ecstasy she took are starting to feel overwhelming. She can feel high levels of energy developing inside her, and she has to let it out. 
CB 8: That's fucking fantastic! Jesus, I am so fucking glad you're here! Cyberlife Bus 8 goes to hug her sister again. CB 7: Aren't you in a good mood? You sure the guy you saw was "just a friend"? He seems to have gotten you real happy. 
CB 8: He's not even a friend anymore! And I'm not happy because of him. I'm happy because life is fucking amazing. 
CB 7: Are you okay? 
CB 8: I've never been better. Look, it was nice that you came to visit. But now I want to go find my ex-boyfriend. So fuck off, will you? Thanks! Cyberlife Bus 7 is baffled at her sister's behavior. Usually, she doesn't act anything like this. She silently nods, before exiting the room. CB 7 is determined to find out why CB 8 is acting the way she is. 
=== Shattered Friendships ===
Having visited Cyberlife Bus 8, CB arrives in front of Cyberlife Bus 5's dorm room. This'll hurt him even more than visiting CB 8 did. He's known her longer, and formed a closer connection with her. He attempts to mentally prepare himself, but no amount of standing silently in front of her door can make him feel like he's ready to cut ties with CB 5. They've both been there each other. CB reminds himself of what CB 106 said to him, about how he has to make sacrifices for their love. Thinking about purely that, and attempting to ignore his good memories with CB 5, he enters her dorm room. Cyberlife Bus 5 looks at him, as her demeanor lights up.CB 5: Ah, CB! I'm glad you got here, what happened at the park was a shitshow. Do you know what-CB: We can't be friends anymore.There's a sudden silence between the two. CB 5 stares at her friend, saddened and confused.CB 5: What?
CB: It just won't work. I have to prioritize my relationship. 
CB 5: You're choosing CB 106 over us?She's more disappointed than angry. CB 5: Why? 
CB: I had a talk with 106 and he made me realize something... As long as you guys and him are in contact, there'll be nothing but fighting and people getting hurt. It has to stop.
CB 5: That's his fault, not ours. Are you being serious? I want you to think about this. 
CB: There's nothing to think about. I love him.
CB 5: But he doesn't love you.
...
CB: Yes, he does.
CB 5: All he does is fuck with people because he thinks it's funny. He's a pathological liar and a manipulator. What makes you think he's not just fucking with you, too?
CB: Don't act like you've been perfect, okay? Whenever you see him, you instantly make these ridiculous accusations about him, it's embarrassing! All because that's what CT 14 told you to believe... And don't forget about CB 8, she dealt drugs at his fucking birthday party! All of us have made mistakes, and it's just not working. So it's better to put an end to it before anyone else gets hurt.Cyberlife Bus 5 looks at him with contempt. CB 5: You're a hypocrite, CB. 
CB: How am I a hypocrite? 
CB 5: When I first met CB 8's friend group, all you did was warn me about how they're not a good influence, and about how being with them will put me in danger. Look at you now... Being with CB 106, it's bound to get you scrapped eventually, you know that right? All these little stunts he's pulling off, breaking into houses, sending emails from the principal's computer... How long until he does something that puts you in danger? 
CB: He's not who you think he is, okay? Sure, he has faults, he makes mistakes, but who doesn't? He's sweet, and he's loving. That's what's most important. 
CB 5: Keep telling yourself that. CB: Look, I'm sorry. This isn't easy for me. You were a good friend.CB 5: So are you... I guess I can't force you, even if I wanted to. Just know that I think you're making a mistake. And I think you'll realize that, too.Cyberlife Bus doesn't say anything. He begins to drive out, as he takes one last look at CB 5. CB 5: Go.Cyberlife Bus reluctantly nods, as he exits the room. The moment the door shuts, CB begins driving. He accelerates in a hurry, rushing outside. He wants to get away from everyone and everything. He's driving as quick as he can in a frantic effort to keep his emotions from overflowing. He wants to avoid thinking about his conversations with CB 5 and 8, but he can't. He keeps going until he reaches an empty field in the outskirts of the city. Distressed, he surveys the area around him to make sure that he's by himself. Once he's certain there's no one near him, he breaks down. He begins sobbing, as he can no longer hold his feelings back. It's as if a dam holding back an insurmountable amount of water and pressure finally cracked. He keeps sobbing.CB: Fuck, fuck, fuck...He takes out a cigarette, and lights it. It's his reminder of CB 106. For a moment, it allows him to ease up, alleviating the anxiety. As he keeps smoking, he realizes he doesn't even remotely enjoy the feeling it gives him. CB: Goddamn it!He decides to call his boyfriend, seeking comfort. CB gathers himself before speaking, making sure it's not obvious in his voice that he just cried. Cyberlife Bus 106 responds.CB 106: Hi.
CB: I did it.
CB 106: Did what?
CB: I told CB 5 and 8 I don't want to be friends with them anymore. It's over.
CB 106: Ah, well done. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but if we're thinking about it in the long-run... You did the right thing. 
CB: Can you come over here? I just... I need someone right now.
CB 106: I really want to, but... I just met up with the boys. Later today, that sound good?
CB: Oh, uh... Yeah. See you later.Cyberlife Bus hangs up the call. He stares off into the distance, smoking his cigarette again.
=== Risky Behavior ===
Cyberlife Bus 8 arrives at a small forest clearing, the same location where the Elmwood Stoners hung out for the last time before CC 2 and CT 14's deaths. Upon arriving, she sees CC 57 sitting near a rock. She carefully approaches him, not wanting to startle him.CB 8: Hey.CC 57 turns to look at her, but doesn't say anything.CB 8: I went to all of our other old hangout spots searching for you, this was the last place left. 
CC 57: Yeah. This was the last place we hung out together. To think CT 14 was sitting over there, right on that spot, alive and well... CC 2 wasn't with us, but at least he was alive. 
CB 8: But we still have each other. I'm glad I found you!She goes to kiss him, but he pushes her away.CC 57: I can't pretend things are back to normal, like how you're pretending now. And I don't get why you're being all lovey-dovey now, we mutually agreed to end things, remember?
CB 8: Yeah, but-
CC 57: No "but"s. I was left all alone at Ann Arbor, while you just got to keep living life at Elmwood, all happy with your new best friend, CB 5. What would CT 14 and CC 2 think, huh? Or have you forgotten about them, already?
CB 8: Of course I haven't forgotten... Their deaths took a toll on me too, you know? You're not being fair.
...
CC 57: I'm sorry.
CB 8: It's okay. I wanted to check on you, I really did! But I couldn't. I was too scared, and whenever I thought about talking to you, those memories of CC 2's corpse resurfaced.
CC 57: Same here. Right before I came back to Detroit, that's what scared me most. Seeing you. Cause seeing you meant seeing him, too. I just can't shake that mental image away.
CB 8: Yeah. It took its toll on me, like I said. I haven't been myself. But that's okay!
CC 57: Are you... okay?
CB 8: I'm more than okay. I'm on ecstasy right now, actually. Cyberlife Car 57's demeanor immediately changes, as he moves closer to CB 8. CC 57: Fucking ecstasy? Did I hear that right?
CB 8: Why are you so shocked? We used to do drugs with the Stoners all the time!
CC 57: Yeah, marijuana! We only did soft drugs, it was harmless. We didn't fucking do ecstasy... Jesus, you know how easy it is to overdose on that stuff? You know how addictive that shit is?
CB 8: Oh, come on! Our friend died in a fucking explosion that we were partly responsible for, and you're being a boyscout over me doing drugs? Grow a pair.
CC 57: I'm worried! I'm worried about you!She kisses him.CB 8: How lovely of you.
CC 57: This isn't a game. We need to get you to a maintenance center, they'll clear out the drugs from your systems.
CB 8: What do you think happens then, once they find out I used ecstasy? After all the disciplinary warnings I've gotten, after what happened last year... They'll scrap me.
CC 57: We can figure something out!
CB 8: I'm fine letting whatever happens happen to me. 
CC 57: I'm not. Fuck it...Cyberlife Car 57 holds her wheel.CC 57: We'll wait it out together, alright? As long as it takes, until the effects pass. When did you take your first pill today?
CB 8: Maybe an hour ago?
CC 57: So we just gotta wait like... 5 more hours till the effects have passed. No big deal, right?
CB 8: No big deal.
...
CB 8: Thank you for doing this, for being with me.
CC 57: Of course. You'd do the same for me.The two begin waiting for the effects of the ecstasy to pass, as CC 57 makes sure not to leave CB 8 alone.
Meanwhile, Cyberlife Bus 106 arrives at Harvey Harris' house, where he held his birthday party. His gang of friends follow behind him, as he enters through the back. CB 106 is carrying a can of gasoline with him. Looking through the rooms, CB 106 sees that the floor is filled with shattered glass, trashed furniture is scattered all around and most of the walls have some sort of holes or cracks in them. The house is in worse condition than some of the abandoned buildings in the slums of Detroit.CB 106: Man, we really fucked this place up... Sorry, Harvey. This is gonna be a shitty thing to return to once you get back.CB 106 begins scanning his surroundings.CB 106: Just like I thought. Even if our tire tracks manage to fade by the time Harvey gets back, there's way too much incriminating shit here. He's bound to figure out who we are, and he'll have us scrapped.
One of the vehicles in his gang speaks up, saying: Can't we just bribe him or something? Give him money and he'll forget about it!
CB 106: We broke into his expensive, huge ass house and trashed it to the point that it's uninhabitable. No amount of money we give him could pay back the price it must have cost to buy this place... So, you all know what we have to do, right?The other vehicles in his group nod.CB 106: This is the only way to avoid us being scrapped. We have to destroy all the evidence that points to us.He begins spilling the gasoline onto the floor, making sure to cover as much of the room with it as he can. The liquid rapidly exudes from the can, as CB 106 pours it onto the walls, the furniture, and anything else that could have any sort of incriminating evidence pointing to his or his friends' identity. As he moves from room to room, the Harris household is gradually becoming soaked in gasoline. His friends have their own cans as well, as they came well prepared. Most of them are laughing maniacally, as their cackles echo through the hallways. Ultimately, everyone's cans become entirely emptied, as they've made sure not to leave even a drop of the liquid unused. They throw away their cans, disposing of them in the house. The group of vehicles exit the same way they came in, through the back door of the house. Once they're in the backyard, CB 106 takes out a cigarette, and lights it. He's adoringly gazing at the building.CB 106: I gotta say, you made for one hell of a birthday party.He throws the lit cigarette into the house. The fire almost instantly connects with the gasoline spilled around the floor, causing it to burst into flames. The flames engulf everything inside in a matter of seconds, as the roaring fire burns everything down. It spreads so expeditiously that CB 106 and his friends barely have time to process what they're witnessing. He knows that if he had the ability to smell, the reeking and ashy stench of sulfur mixed with smoke would be all he could sense. CB 106: Ah, that's beautiful... Now let's get the fuck out of here before the cops come.The fire keeps raging on in the house, as the group of vehicles make a hasty retreat. Smoke from the fire is quickly reaching the sky, as on-lookers observe the conflagration in horror. Quickly after, the sirens of a fire truck can be heard approaching. But by the time they've arrived, there's nothing but ash left of Harvey's house.
=== Second Thoughts ===
The sun is beginning to set, as Cyberlife Bus drives back towards his dorm room, following his breakdown at the edge of the city. During his drive, he gets a message from the vehicle school staff, notifying him that he's late with his coursework's deadlines. Seeing it as just another complication he doesn't want to deal with, he ignores the message. Upon opening the door to his dorm room, he sees Cyberlife Bus 106 inside.CB: What are you doing here? How'd you get inside my room?Cyberlife Bus 106 shakes a lockpick in front of CB.CB: God, so I'm gonna have to get my door fixed again...
CB 106: I wanted to come see you, but you weren't replying. How are you doing?
CB: Yeah, sorry. I wasn't replying to messages from anyone. If I'm being honest, I'm not doing great.
CB 106: Why's that?
CB: Why? Because I just cut ties with two of my close friends, that's why. They were the only friends I had.
CB 106: Ah, you're still thinking about them. What about that Cyberlife Car guy?
CB: He's out of town as a rental car, he won't be back for a few months... meaning I don't have any friends now.
CB 106: I'm the only friend you need. Cyberlife Bus 106 goes to kiss CB.CB 106: Want to have fun again? Like we did at the park.CB: I'm not in the mood for that, I'm sorry.Cyberlife Bus 106 backs away.CB 106: Look, you're gonna have to get over them eventually. They weren't good for us. 
CB: I know, I know... But it still hurts.
CB 106: Sometimes you have to get hurt for the sake of love. That's just the truth of life. Let me know when you're feeling back to normal, CB. We'll meet again then. 
CB: Okay...Cyberlife Bus 106 leaves, meaning CB is by himself again. He drives over to his mirror, staring at himself in the reflection. He looks at himself with contempt.CB: You idiot.He hits himself.CB: Stupid fucker.He hits himself again.CB: FUCK!He strikes the mirror, causing it to shatter into pieces. The sound of the glass breaking is loud enough to be heard through the walls of his room. Feeling intensely irritated and frustrated, he begins to go over his options. He doesn't want to spend another second in his room, prompting him to leave. Vehicles aren't permitted are to exit school grounds this late, but CB's too enraged at himself to care. He covertly sneaks out through the back gate, having heard from CB 8 that it's the best way to leave without getting spotted. He doesn't have a clear destination in mind, he just wants to run his engine as hard as he can in order to feel something. Eventually he slows down on a desolate road. Without recognizing how much of a habit it's become to him, he mindlessly takes out another cigarette. As he smokes by himself, he can hear the racket of a train approaching on the tracks above him. CB hears the train slowing down, and as he looks up, he spots a familiar vehicle. CB: Cyberlife Train? Is that you?CT: Cyberlife Bus?Cyberlife Bus is astounded.CB: I, uh... Where are you going? 
CT: Just heading back to the train depot. I already delivered all my passengers for today! 
CB: Right, okay. Do you wanna, I don't know... Hang out for a bit?
CT: Wait, you do? I thought you didn't want us to be friends anymore. That's why I haven't reached out to you.
CB: That was years ago, man. I'd like to catch up on things!
CT: Okay, screw it! We shall hang out... But how? I can't really be on wheels, you know.
CB: Mike's working at the school I go to. Let's have him do it! Like the good old days, you know?
CT: You think he'd agree to that?
CB: He's gotta. He let CB 106 go after he broke into the principal's office.
CT: Okay then, fantawesome! Cyberlife Bus chuckles. CB: You still use that word.
CT: Right, you didn't like it... I can stop using it, if you think it's too childish-
CB: No, absolutely not. Keep saying it. If anything, I'm relieved you're still the same you were back then.
CT: Yay! Meet me at the train depot.The two friends part ways, as Cyberlife Bus gets into contact with Mike. He gets Mike to reluctantly agree to his suggestion, in exchange for some money. Once they've got it dealt with, Cyberlife Bus and Cyberlife Train go for a drive together under the night sky. They're moving side by side, as both of them are on wheels. A cold gush of wind hits the pair, as they continue chatting.CB: So, how does it feel to be on wheels again?
CT: Just as clumsy as last time! I think I've gotten worse, actually... Gonna have to be careful not to crash into any buildings, that wouldn't be good.
CB: Yeah, killing people wouldn't be good. Well said, CT.
CT: Thanks! You mentioned Cyberlife Bus 106 earlier. Are you together with him?
CB: Yep. Our relationship's been going strong for a few years now, actually.
CT: That's nice...
CB: What about you? Are you still with Cyberlife Train Station?
CT: I am! We're really happy together. 
CB: Glad to hear it. You know, I tried to reach out to you last year. So us not meeting till now wasn't due to a lack of effort. It was harder to try to find you among hundreds of train Vehagram accounts than I initially thought it'd be.
CT: I didn't even know you had a Vehagram account, neat!
CB: Well, I kinda made it for you, so I could friend request you there... I just never found your username.
CT: Time to fix that mistake, then! My username is @CyberTrain. Add me, straight away!Cyberlife Bus lets out a slight laugh.CB: Shall do.
CT: What are you laughing at?
CB: I figured your accout name would be something silly like that. I like it.
CT: Ah, screw you! Hey, you know what we should do?
CB: What?
CT: I'll give you a piggyback ride, like how you gave them to me when we were kids!
CB: That's brilliant! The roles have now switched...
CT: Yeah, I can't believe back then we hadn't figured out I could just use rubber wheels.
CB: To be fair they didn't even tell us at first. But at least we were resourceful, we had to have fun off-tracks somehow!
CT: Yeah!
CB: Lower your body so I can get on top. Cyberlife Bus grabs onto Cyberlife Train, climbing on top of him using his wheels. The position feels rocky, as CB almost immediately falls onto the ground. He begins talking to CT.CT: Wow, you're heavy...
CB: So were you, get used to it! What do we do if I fall off and crash? You know, we were way smaller back then! It was less risky...
CT: You'll be fine! Let's just go somewhere where there aren't any buildings nearby.
CB: It still doesn't seem safe, man.
CT: Oh, I didn't you know you were a pussy... Guess not, then!
CB: Alright, alright!CB attempts to reposition himself.CB: I don't think this is gonna work, I-Cyberlife Train takes off, accelerating to a substantial velocity right off the bat. Cyberlife Bus begins yelling, as hopelessly clutches to his friend, making every effort to not fall off.CB: CYBERLIFE TRAIN, SLOW DOWN-CT continues driving at a high-speed, while struggling at maneuvering his wheels. Cyberlife Bus' yelling gradually evolves into laughter, as he begins cackling uncontrollably. Both of them feel like they're reliving their childhood. CT hears his best friend laughing, which results in him breaking into laughter alongside him. They can't control their volume, fearing they'll wake up anyone who's trying to sleep in the area. Despite this, CT keeps going. As his momentum accelerates, it's getting increasingly difficult for him to control his movement.CT: This is getting tough, man!CB: WHATEVER! THIS IS AMAZING!Cyberlife Train can no longer control himself, causing him to crash into a large dumpster. The two friends both trip and fall, stumbling on the ground, while being covered in pieces of trash that flew out of the dumpster. Even after crashing, they keep laughing, while lying on the ground.CB: That was fantastic... Hey, you've got a banana peel on you!CT: No, I don't!Cyberlife Train grabs the banana peel and throws it at CB. It hits one of his headlights.CB: You dick!The two friends giggle concurrently, while picking up pieces of trash from the ground and tossing them at each other. After a while, they compose themselves.CB: Man, I've fucking missed you. 
CT: You have?
CB: Of course I have. I'm sorry for ending things the way I did. It wasn't fair to you. 
CT: I forgive you. I also messed up a couple of times, I should've given you more space, instead of just assuming you wanted to do everything stupid I did. 
CB: Don't worry about it. We were just kids.
CT: We still are, to me at least!
CB: That's a nice way to think about it. With this being my last year of vehicle school, I'm scared of what life's gonna be like when I graduate. Cause then I'll really start feeling like an adult, you know?
CT: I know what you mean. But we're in no hurry, we'll be adults when we feel like we're ready to be adults. Until then, what's wrong with being the silly idiots we've been so far?
CB: You're right. I gotta tell you something, Cyberlife Train...
CT: What?
CB: I'm always the happiest when I'm with you. You're my best friend.Cyberlife Train rushes in to capture Cyberlife Bus with a loving hug, slightly crushing him in the process.CB: You're the only friend I got, now. 
CT: You haven't been able to make any new friends in vehicle school? That sucks... I could introduce you to some of mine-
CB: I did actually make friends here, but I had to cut ties with them.
CT: Ah, were they mean to you or something?
CB: Nah, they were awesome. But they just couldn't co-exist with CB 106, so it was easier for everyone if we just cut ties.
CT: Hm. That sounds like what happened between you and I when we stopped being friends.
CB: What do you mean?
CT: A part of the reason why you didn't want to be friends was cause CB 106 didn't like me. So it sounds to me like 106 doesn't really like you having friends, like at all.
CB: What are you talking about, man? He didn't tell me to stop being friends with you, or them. I made those decisions myself.
CT: Yeah, but... Did he make you feel like you had to make those decisions? Cause if he did, then they weren't your decisions.Cyberlife Bus doesn't respond, beginning to recollect his conversations with Cyberlife Bus 106. The memory of 106 telling him that he'd cut ties with his friends no matter what springs to mind. He tries to supress the thought.CB: It's getting late, I should start heading back to the school. 
CT: Yeah, okay. I'll get back on tracks, then. You wanna hang out again some day?
CB: You bet I do. See you around, alright?
CT: See you!Cyberlife Bus begins heading back towards the vehicle school. His efforts of shunning Cyberlife Train's words out of his mind are ineffective, as he keeps going over everything Cyberlife Bus 106 has said to him throughout their relationship. For the first time ever, he's starting to have doubts about his boyfriend.
=== Highs & Lows ===
In the middle of an autumn night, Cyberlife Bus 8 and Cyberlife Car 57 are still together at the forest clearing where the Elmwood Stoners hung out for the last time. The environment around them is essentially entirely amber-coloured, as the forest is filled with dark-orange leaves slowly falling from the trees, while the only lighting they get is from street lamps far away in the distance. They're still waiting for the effects of CB 8's ecstasy use to pass, and it seems like they've still got a while until that happens, as she's currently in the peak of the drug's effects. She's feeling emotions stronger than ever and giggling uncontrollably. She turns to look at CC 57.CB 8: You wanna make out?
CC 57: I really don't think you're in the condition for that right now.
CB 8: Lame... Oh shit, it's good we didn't! He would've seen us do it. That'd be awkward.Cyberlife Car 57 surveys the area around him, confused by CB 8's words. He sees no one around. CC 57: Who would have seen us? CB 8: He would have!Using her wheel, she points at the spot where Cyberlife Truck 14 sat the last time they were here with their friend group.CC 57: There's... no one there.CB 8: You don't see him? Cyberlife Truck 14 is sitting right there!Cyberlife Car 57 feels his engine drop. CC 57: He's not real, honey... I'm sorry, you're seeing things. The ecstasy you took is messing with you.
CB 8: Oh... I was so excited to talk to him again.
CC 57: I know. But you can talk to me. Just stay with me, alright?
CB 8: Okay.As time passes, CB 8's condition is starting to worsen. She's feeling the peak of the effects slowly fade away, which means she's getting closer to getting sober. However, it also means she's beginning to feel intense anxiety and fatigue.CB 8: Oh fuck... I don't feel good, oh my god, I-
CC 57: You're okay, you're safe. That's just the crash, it makes you feel like shit before you're finally sober again. It'll pass, I promise.
CB 8: Oh fuck... holy shit...She begins stumbling, and nearly vomits. CC 57 grabs onto her, keeping her steady and balanced.CC 57: Stay with me. 
CB 8: I'm so tired. I'm so fucking tired.
CC 57: I know, I know... But you're not alone. I'm here. Look at me, I'm here!Cyberlife Car 57 grabs onto CB 8's face and turns her gaze towards him. His calming presence makes her feel better.CC 57: I'm here. You're okay. You're strong.
CB 8: Thank you.
CC 57: Do you want me to call someone and get them here? Maybe Cyberlife Bus 5, or your sister-
CB 8: No, I don't want them to see me like this. They'll be ashamed of me. Can it just be the two of us? I just want you here. Don't go.
CC 57: I won't.Cyberlife Bus 8 looks into her backpack, where she sees more of the pills. She's tempted to take another one.CB 8: Maybe if I just take another one, I'll start to feel better... I'll get that high back. She begins driving over to her backpack, prompting CC 57 to drive in front of her and pull it away from her.CC 57: Fuck, I didn't realize you still had more of them in there! That's not what you need, CB 8. I'll go throw them away.CB 8: Don't fucking touch them!She shoves him, causing him to trip into some mud. She grabs the backpack and reaches in.CC 57: STOP!Before he can intervene, she's already taken two more pills. CB 8: I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I wanted the bad feelings to go away. The intense feelings of distress she was experiencing mere moments ago dissipate. She begins calming down.CB 8: It helped. God, I feel better now. 
CC 57: What did you do... You could overdose!
CB 8: I can handle a couple of pills. 
CC 57: I'm getting you to a maintenance center, they'll take care of you... We'll come up with something so they don't scrap you.
CB 8: That's not how it works, and you know it.
CC 57: Fucking hell!He grabs her backpack and decides to dispose of any remaining pills by dropping them onto the ground, then crushing them with his wheel.CC 57: At least you can't take any more now.
CB 8: I'll be fine by myself. You can leave if you want to.
CC 57: I don't want to. I wanna make sure you get through this.In the midst of their conversation, Cyberlife Car 57 notices CB 8 beginning to visibly stagger, clearly having difficulties maintaining her balance.CB 8: I'm starting to get a little hot... I think I'm...CC 57: Are you okay?He hectically rushes over to her, and sees she's overheating. Her body temperature is at an usually high level and her engine is revving at an irregularly rapid pace. He's horrified and aghast, recognizing that both of the symptoms she's showing are signs of an overdose.CC 57: What the hell do I do?!Cyberlife Bus 8 falls to the ground. She's become unconscious and unresponsive, CC 57's attempts of awakening her are useless. She's suffering from ecstasy-induced hyperthermia, as her body temperature keeps rising uncontrollably. Her body is essentially scorching itself from the inside, damaging all of her hardware and systems in the process. The warmer it gets, the higher the risk of her engine shutting down is. CC 57: Fuck, I have to get you somewhere cold!Frantically examining the clearing, he attempts to come up with ways to lower her body temperature. There isn't much time to think, as with every second that passes, they get closer to an inevitable engine shutdown. He takes ahold of her with his wheels, and begins carrying her unconscious body to the best of his abilities. He's driving through the forest, looking for anything he could use to cool her down. The situation returns his mental state to the abandoned industrial zone where CC 2 died the year prior. He's experiencing the same feelings of desperation and hopelessness, as he watches Cyberlife Bus 8's life slowly fade away. He's on the verge of giving up, until he spots a small lake in the distance. He hurries towards it, ignoring how it feels like the friction is causing his tires to burn with how fast he's moving. Arriving at the lake, he hurls CB 8's unconscious body into the water. This results in the water splashing everywhere, soaking CC 57 and the area around him. CC 57: This better fucking work...Cyberlife Bus 8 remains in the water, still seemingly unconscious.CC 57: Please, come back. Her body begins sinking to the bottom of the lake, while CC 57 experiences doubts about what to do. He isn't sure if she's cooled off enough, but he can't let her drown either. He decides to plunge into the water, grabbing her wheel at the last second, just barely reaching it. Pulling her up is easier than he expected it to be, considering she's a bus. He figures that his time spent working at the construction company must've had some benefits. While pulling her back up, CB 8 regains consciousness. She's panicking visibly, making sudden movements that only make it harder for CC 57 to lift her up.CB 8: Where the fuck am I?!CC 57: I'm helping you. Calm down, you're safe!He succesfully pulls her onto the grass. She's still cold, shaking and confused.CB 8: What happened?!Cyberlife Car 57 scans her systems and sees that her body temperature is steadily lowering back to normal. Relief washes over him.CC 57: You overdosed.
CB 8: Holy fuck, I did?
CC 57: Yeah, your body was overheating, your engine was going to shut off... It would've, if I hadn't thrown you into the lake.
CB 8: You saved my life?Cyberlife Car 57 nods.CB 8: Thank you. I'm never gonna be able to repay you for this. Can we... can we keep this a secret?
CC 57: Jesus, you almost just died! You're still worried that others are gonna be ashamed of you, that's your concern right now?
CB 8: I don't want the few people I have to think less of me.
CC 57: This has to stop!
CB 8: I know. I'll try.
CC 57: Where'd you get the ecstasy from, anyway?Cyberlife Bus 8 looks at him in silence. It takes her a moment to gather the courage to respond. Once they're done speaking, they stay at the lake, while CB 8 recovers from her overdose.
=== Letting Go ===
The next morning, Cyberlife Bus wakes up to Cyberlife Bus 5 banging on his dorm room door. He goes to answer, still half-asleep.CB: I... I thought I was clear, we can't be-CB 5: Something happened to Cyberlife Bus 8 last night. 57 said it concerns you.Cyberlife Bus feels adrenaline slowly kicking in.CB: What?
CB 5: I don't know what yet. We don't have to be friends, but I'm guessing you still want to know what happened to her.
CB: Of course I do. Where are they?
CB 5: I know the place. We were there with the Stoners once.
CB: Lead the way.CB and CB 5 make way towards the same forest clearing where CC 57 and CB 8 spent the night prior. Their drive there is filled with an awkward silence between the two past friends, as neither of them know the difference between what's appropriate and what'd feel too much like an attempt to rekindle their friendship. Upon arriving they notice that CB 8's sister, Cyberlife Bus 7, is also present at the scene. Cyberlife Bus 5 drives in to hug CB 8.CB 5: Jesus, are you okay? What the hell happened?
CB 8: I'm fine, yeah,
CB 7: She overdosed on ecstasy last night. She could've died.Cyberlife Bus 1 and 5 turn towards CB 7, appalled.CB 5: Ecstasy? 
CB: Oh my god...
CB 5: How long have you been using it?
CB 8: Not long. I got my first pills two days ago. Something clicks in Cyberlife Bus' mind. CB: Two days ago? That's when we celebrated Cyberlife Bus 106's birthday. CB 8: Yeah. He gave it to me. He has difficulty processing the words. Cyberlife Bus can feel his world beginning to crash, while the others stare at him. CB: He... gave it to you? 
CB 8: At the birthday party, before you arrived... I was feeling terrible. I was drunk, ready to take anything, because I wanted to forget. I wanted to forget about what happened last year, but I couldn't. And at one point, CB 106 came up to me. We argued for a bit, until he told me he had something stronger to give me in case alcohol wasn't cutting it. I figured it'd be a good way to make it all go away, so I accepted. He gave me two pills on the spot, and has been supplying me with more ever since. 
CB: I... why... 
CB 8: I think he knew it'd get me addicted, that it'd make me act out... He was right. That same night, I began selling those stupid fucking sleeping pills at his party, I wasn't thinking straight. That just made his job of isolating you from us way easier. He made me look insane by giving me ecstasy. He's what started all of this. I almost died because of him. 
CB: Why didn't you tell us sooner?! 
CB 8: I was ashamed. I didn't want any of you to find out, I didn't want you to think less of me. Too late for that now. 
CC 57: If it wasn't for me, she'd have died here by herself. Your boyfriend made that happen. 
CB: I can't... What? 
CC 57: YOUR BOYFRIEND ALMOST FUCKING KILLED HER! Is that clear enough for you? 
CB: I'm... I'm sorry. Cyberlife Bus is in disbelief, panickingly fleeing the scene by himself. He begins to rethink all the decisions he's made throughout the past few days. Fierce feelings of guilt take over him, as all the warnings his friend gave him about CB 106 rush to his mind. Maybe he could've prevented everything if he'd just listened to them sooner. Cyberlife Car 57 being tricked to come to Detroit, Cyberlife Bus 8 developing an addiction to hard drugs, all of it could've been avoided if he'd just believed what everyone was telling about his boyfriend. He was too intoxicated with love. He sends Cyberlife Bus 106 a message, demanding they meet up. 106 responds quicky, as the two lovers meet up at an empty space beneath an overpass. Stormy clouds have formed in the sky, as heavy rain hits the pavement. The area is filled with dead plants. CB drives in, enraged at his boyfriend.CB 106: What's wrong?
CB: Is it true? You gave her ecstasy?
CB 106: Who?
CB: Cyberlife Bus 8! At your birthday party, before I got there... Did you give a grieving, intoxicated and vulnerable girl hard drugs because you thought it'd make it easier for you to control me? Did you?
CB 106: What? I would never do anything like that. Come on, you know me!
CB: Cut the bullshit, or I leave and never talk to you again. I want the truth. So for once in your life, stop fucking lying to me. 
CB 106: I'm not lying to you.
CB: This is your last chance, man. You know I'll find out the truth. I just want to hear it from you, that's all I'm asking. For once in your life, do the right thing. 
...
CB 106: I did do it. But you know what else I did? 
CB: Tell me. 
CB 106: Sometimes, I flirted with other guys behind your back. I also framed Cyberlife Truck 14 for breaking that window and beat him up with my gang, all because he rejected my advances, Cyberlife Bus 5 wasn't lying about that. You know what else? I reported "the Stoners" sneaking out, I gave the school information about them so I could gain the favor of the staff... Well, and because they were an annoying bunch. It was pretty fun. Cyberlife Bus looks at him in disgust. CB: Fun? What the hell is wrong with you? Your actions are gonna catch up with you, sooner or later. CB 106: Let's see, what else? Right, well I purposefully got you to cut ties with your friends so I could have you all to myself, that includes that whiny train you were friends with in Motown Elementary. I gave you the habit of using cigarettes, and I also gave CB 8 ecstasy when she was vulnerable and weak, but you already know that. What else? I burnt down the house I broke into to celebrate my birthday, now I don't even remember the poor guy's name. I also- 
CB: Enough! We're fucking over. I'm breaking up with you. 
CB 106: No, you're not. You know why, CB? You love me. You can't resist me, no one can. No matter what you say now, you're just gonna come crawling back eventually. It's what I talked about earlier, our complete lack of free will. Things go the way the universe wants them to, and the universe has destined us to be together, forever. I'm always gonna do the things I do, and you're always gonna turn a blind eye to it. 
CB: I won't, not anymore. 
CB 106: Oh, come on. We've known each other for over 4 years now. Are you really trying to tell me you never caught on that something was wrong? After everyone tells you I'm a dick, did you not stop for even one second to consider they may be right? 
CB: I thought you were someone else. 
CB 106: No, you didn't. I think deep down, you always knew who I was and you enjoyed it. You enjoyed the chaos I brought with me wherever we went, because it was fun. You like bad boys, they make your life interesting. 
CB: You're fucking crazy... 
CB 106: And you love it. Cyberlife Bus loses his temper, punching Cyberlife Bus 106.CB 106: Did you just punch me? That's hilarious.
CB: I really wanted us to be together. Why did you... Why'd you have to be you?
CB 106: Will it help if I say I'm sorry?Cyberlife Bus punches him again.CB: Why are you like this?!
CB 106: Because I can be. 
CB: Fuck you.
CB 106: That you will. I'm looking forward to our next time!
CB: There won't be a next time!
CB 106: Sure thing.Cyberlife Bus drives away from the area beneath the overpass, setting his wheels onto the heavy downpour that's still ongoing outside. As he's about to leave, Cyberlife Bus 106 says one last thing to him.CB 106: Hey, CB...Cyberlife Bus turns around.CB 106: You're mine, and I'm yours.CB ignores his words, leaving the area. As the raindrops hit his face, he feels numb. He was expecting to have another emotional outburst, but after everything that's happened throughout the past few days, he just feels empty. Figuring he needs someone to talk to, CB gets into contact with Cyberlife Train. Cyberlife Bus 106 stays at the location, lying down onto the filthy ground. 
=== Feelings of Melancholy ===
Cyberlife Bus meets with Cyberlife Train in Camden Avenue, while the weather is still gloomy. He's yet to tell his friend about anything that's gone down, meaning Cyberlife Train is unaware of Cyberlife Bus 8's overdose and the breakup with CB 106. CT is his usual comical self, not picking up on CB's melancholic demenaor. CT's just had his wheels put on.CT: Man, this friendship's getting quite demanding if it means I gotta have wheels put on every time we want to hang out! That's okay, though. I'm willing to put in the effort.CB: Yeah.Cyberlife Bus is deep in thought, having difficulties with concentrating on what his friend is saying. He doesn't want to talk about anything that's happened, he just wants to forget it and move on. CT: You won't believe what happened at my school yesterday... So there's this guy in my class, Cyberlife Train 20, right?
CB: Right.
CT: You're never gonna guess what he said.
CB: What?Cyberlife Bus' mind keeps returning to the events of today. CT: He asked me if I wanted peanuts, even after I'd specifically told him several times that I really HATE peanuts. Well, hate is a strong word, but I have a strong dislike for them, you know? Wait, now that I think about it, it might've been another train I told that to... It's hard for me to remember everyone, seeing as they're all trains. We all look identical!CB is unable to listen to a word CT is saying. CT: I know I could technically just scan them and see what their serial number is, but I often forget that's even an option. That's why it's convenient that my girlfriend is a train station! Can't go wrong with her, all train stations look different. Wait, are you even listening right now?
...
CB: I'm really lonely.Cyberlife Bus breaks down, sobbing. He's experiencing an unbearable level of distress. Cyberlife Train moves closer.CT: Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?He can't get the words out.CT: What happened?!
CB: I don't want to talk about it...
CT: You can tell me anything. Talk, please.
CB: Okay.
...
CB: This morning, I found out one of my old friends overdosed and almost died. Then, I found out CB 106 was the one to give her those drugs. So I confronted him about it, and we broke up. He basically admitted to being a piece of shit, and it made me realize I've been defending him for years now, pretty much for no reason at all. And I'm just... I'm so done with everything. My coursework, my relationship, my friendships, I keep fucking it all up. It's all ruined, and it's because of me. Everything I do just always get people either mad, or disappointed in me. This is the last year of school, and I've somehow managed to fuck up my whole life. I'm a loser.Cyberlife Train needs a moment to take in everything CB said, visibly taken aback. CT: Right... That's a lot of bad stuff, then.
CB: Yeah, it is. 
CT: But we can fix it, can't we? 
CB: No. It's all fucked. 
CT: That's how you're feeling right now, but I doubt that it's true. No matter how bad you think you messed up, if your friends are actual good friends, they can forgive you. 
CB: But I'm scared they won't. They warned me over and over again about CB 106, but I never listened. I stayed with him, I chose him over them... Everything bad that's happened to them recently could've been avoided if I'd just listened to them from the start, and broken up with him sooner. But I didn't, because I'm a moron, and I thought he was a good person. How could they forgive that? 
CT: I know that the reason why you and I went our own ways was less severe than this, but you still gotta compare these two situations! Think about it, we weren't in any sort of contact for over 3 years, then after an accidental meeting where I just happened to drive by you, we managed to get it all back. Three years of us not being friends, and now we are again. That tells me you're a friend worth being given a second chance. And if your old friends don't see that, they're idiots. 
CB: Thanks, Cyberlife Train. I just think it's gonna take a while before I'm ready to get back in touch with them. 
CT: That's okay. Take as long as you need. I'm sure they'll wait for you, like how I waited for you. 
... 
CB: I've really missed you. 
CT: I've missed you too. The two friends embrace each other in a loving hug. Meanwhile, Cyberlife Bus 8 is driving back from the forest clearing, with CB 7, CC 57 and CB 5 alongside her. The two sisters are chatting. CB 7: You could've told me you were using. I would never judge you, I'd help you.
CB 8: I know, but it's easier said than done.
CB 7: Okay, but if something like this happens again, know that you can tell me. And even if you don't feel comfortable telling me... I think I'll spot the signs. I'm your sister. You can trust me.
CB 8: It won't happen again. I'm done feeling sorry for myself.
CB 7: I'm glad to hear that.As they reach a crossroads, Cyberlife Car 57 abruptly comes to a stop, braking with such force that his wheels throw grass into the air. The three girls turn to look at him, puzzled by why he's stopped driving.CB 8: What is it?
CC 57: I've got to talk to you about something, CB 8. I'd like to do it in private, if that's fine with you two, CB 5 and CB 7.
CB 7: Yeah, I'll drive a bit further ahead. 
CB 5: Same. I'll see you two later!Cyberlife Bus 5 and 7 continue driving back to the city, while CB 8 and CC 57 stay parked.CB 8: So, what did you want to talk about?
CC 57: I'm gonna be staying in Detroit for now, but I don't want to be in contact with you.
CB 8: What, why?CC 57: After what happened last night, you overdosing and almost dying, I can't. It brought me back to a mental place where I never want to be again. That feeling of pure... dread and hopelessness. I thought you were gonna die, and I thought it'd be on me because I wasn't able to save you. It felt like I was going through last April again. For a moment there, I really thought I was back at that industrial zone where he died.
CB 8: But I'm not gonna use again! There won't be another situation like that, not anymore.
CC 57: Do you genuinely believe that? Or are you just saying it?
CB 8: I... I want to try. Maybe I can stay sober if you stay with me.
CC 57: And I want to believe you, but I can't. I've just got this gut feeling that if I do stay with you, we'll be going through this same thing again sometime in the future. And maybe next time I won't be able to save you, and I'll have your death on my conscience. I can't do that, I couldn't handle that. I just don't have it in me.
CB 8: So you just want to fuck off out of my life entirely, pretend we never knew each other?
CC 57: I'm sorry, CB 8.
CB 8: You said you wouldn't leave me. You said that last night!
CC 57: I have to go. Cyberlife Bus 8 looks away, gazing off into the horizon. She can't bear looking at him, as it'd just make the goodbye more painful.CB 8: Fine, go then.
CC 57: I didn't want it to end like this.
CB 8: Neither did I. Thank you for looking after me last night. Goodbye, breadbox.Cyberlife Car 57 lets out a slight chuckle.CC 57: Goodbye, CB 8. He moves onto the crossroads, driving into a different route than CB 5 and 7. He's uncertain of his future, but he also recognizes that he's not in a rush to have it figured out. He can be content as he sets out, knowing that at the very least, he won't have to suffer another day of working at his old job in Ann Arbor. 
=== One Bad Day ===
It's getting late, as Cyberlife Bus 106 is still beneath the overpass where CB broke up with him. The rain has let up, but he's not interested in going anywhere. He's not sure what's causing his feelings of dejection, and momentarily considers it being due to the breakup, but his mind quickly shuts those thoughts down before they can even properly he form. He's never been dependent on anyone else, and he won't start now. Staring off into nothingness, he realizes something. He still has the scrapbook that CB gave him on his birthday, so he decides to take it out. It's a collage of their entire relationship. He begins reading through the pages, starting from when they first met, during the year 2032. There's a photograph of the two of them playing beer pong together, taken by one of 106's friends. Accompanying the picture is a paragraph of text, wheelwritten by CB. It reads as follows: "The first time we met was brief, but the love that followed wasn't. I have to admit, I was terrified the moment I saw you approaching me that night. You seemed like one of those jocks who was gonna comment on how I'm either a nerd, a virgin, ugly, or all of those things at once. Can you imagine my relief when instead you asked me to hang out with you and your buddies? That first impression told me everything I needed to know about you. It told me exactly what kind of person you are; scary on the outside, but sweet on the inside. As embarrassing as it is, I think I fell in love with you on the spot."Cyberlife Bus 106 chuckles with joy. He responds to the writing out loud. CB 106: I knew you did, I could tell.He continues reading the text."I've been in love with you ever since. Every second I spent with you that night made it feel like my engine was going to jump out of my body with how fast it was revving. I still feel that way whenever you look at me. There's just something so enchanting about the way you lay your gaze on me. It tells me I belong to you, and that's a comforting feeling. I remember you had that same look in your headlights when you first drove over to me during that party, which makes me wonder: had you already decided I was yours?
CB 106: Yeah, I had.
"That wonderful night was one among a myriad of other amazing experiences I've shared with you, and I'm eagerly awaiting all of what we still have waiting ahead of us. Enjoy this collage I've gathered of all of our shared photographs. I love you ♡ - CB."
CB 106: I love you too. Cyberlife Bus 106 puts the book down for a moment, pondering what he should do. Based on nothing but a quick impulse, he decides to call Cyberlife Bus, not expecting him to even answer. To his shock, CB picks up.CB: Why are you calling me? I told you, we're-
CB 106: I know I've been a piece of shit. I'm sorry.
CB: That's a lazy manipulation attempt. Can't you come up with anything better?
CB 106: I'm not trying to manipulate you. I began reading your scrapbook, and it made me realize something.
CB: What's that?
CB 106: I want to be with you, even more than I thought. I got so used to having you around that I think I started taking you for granted. I was a dick for doing that, and I'm sorry. 
CB: Didn't you say I'd be the one to come crawling back to you? You can stop pretending, and fuck off. 
CB 106: I'm not pretending! I can stop doing what I've been doing, I can stop fucking around if you want. 
CB: Do you even believe that yourself? That you can change? 
CB 106: I think I do. I'm not evil, I know that. 
CB: You're not evil, but you're bad. You're a bad person, you've always been one, and you always will be. 
CB 106: Could you come over? We can figure things out. We can talk this over in person. For all the years we spent together, just give me that. Please. 
CB: I'm not talking to you. Cyberlife Bus hangs up the call, enraging CB 106.CB 106: Fuck!He grabs a large rock and hurls it across to the other side as a vein effort to control his emotions. It's uneffective, as he's still seething with anger and frustration. He begins swearing repeatedly to himself, resulting in him not paying attention to the echo of footsteps gradually getting closer. Only once the man is right by his side, does CB 106 comprehend that there's someone beside him. The man's build is slim and he has short dark hair. He's wearing a long sleeved white button-up, though its white color has faded with use, currently resembling more of an ivory tone. He begins speaking, his voice sounding rather gruff. He seems to be middle-aged, most likely in his mid 40s. The man: What's got you swearing like that?
CB 106: I broke up with my boyfriend. Well, he broke up with me.
The man: Why's that? Did you treat him badly?Cyberlife Bus 106 is getting frustrated.CB 106: What's got you so curious, anyway? Who the fuck are you?
The man: I'm nobody.
CB 106: Not good enough of an answer, what's your name?
The man: Harvey.CB 106 is certain he's heard the name before, but is unsure where. CB 106: Have we met before? Your name sounds familiar.
Harvey: I don't think we have.
CB 106: Hm, alright.Harvey kneels down in a resentful demeanor, staring at Cyberlife Bus 106 with hazel eyes that feel like they're piercing into his soul. He's got a distinct jaw, and a sizeable forehead. Harvey: So, tell me. Did you treat your boyfriend badly?
CB 106: Yeah, I did. But that's just who I am. And I don't think it's fair of him to cut ties with me out of nowhere. He should give me another chance.
Harvey: What'd you do to him?
CB 106: It's more like what didn't I do. 
Harvey: Sounds to me like he had reason to cut ties with you. 
CB 106: Whatever... He'll come back, and I'll most likely keep doing the things I do, even if I try not to. It'll be an endless cycle that keeps repeating. That's how the universe wants it. Harvey lets out a loud laugh after hearing CB 106's words. Harvey: The universe? That's how you justify the things you do, you think it's what the universe wants from you?
CB 106: That's right, Harvey. We don't have free will, not really. I think we're born to be the way we are.
Harvey: Do you believe in God?
CB 106: Never have, never will.
Harvey: Yeah, sounds about right. I go back and forth on it myself. Sometimes it feels like I get signs from the man in the sky. But other times, when I see how much is wrong with the world, the injustices that the scum of the earth get away with... I begin to wonder. What kind of a God would allow that?
CB 106: A shitty one.Harvey keeps observing CB 106, going long without blinking once. He has his right hand concealed in his pocket.Harvey: Yeah, I think so too. What you said earlier, about the universe... It seems you don't think we can affect our fates.
CB 106: It's just one of many things that are out of our control. The things that happen were always gonna happen.
Harvey: Sounds like a way to shift the blame from the things you do, saying you don't have control over your actions.
CB 106: Look, I really don't have the energy for this. I enjoyed our little chat, but this has been one really fucking bad day for me.
Harvey: It's been one bad day for me, too. 
CB 106: Why's that, you forget to wipe?Harvey chuckles.Harvey: You're funny.His demeanor shifts, as there's now a hint of aggression in his facial expression.Harvey: Wasn't that. I came back home from vacation to see that my house was nothing but ash. Some reckless teens had burnt it down, all my belongings included. Cyberlife Bus 106 begins carefully backing away, as he now recalls where he heard Harvey's name before.Harvey: The cops told me they'd broken into my house and used it to organize some kind of... party. Isn't that funny? My whole life ruined, because they wanted a party.
CB 106: I should get back to my vehicle school, they'll-
Harvey: They'd trashed it beyond recognition, then set it on fire to cover their tracks. The whole neighborhood could've burnt down if the fire department hadn't arrived as quick as it did. And yet still, they were too late to recover anything from my house. All of it was just... gone. The cops had nothing to go off of, so they couldn't help me.
CB 106: I'm...
Harvey: Something they didn't know was that I have several hidden security cameras around my property. I thought of going to the police with the footage, but after giving it some thought, I figured it's better I handle it myself. So I looked through it, and I saw that one vehicle, a bus, was clearly in charge of the arson. Funnily enough, that same bus was the only vehicle whose license plate was visible enough to be read clearly. I think that was one of those signs from God.In the span of a second, Cyberlife Bus 106 attempts to drive into Harvey, but Harvey's more agile. He pulls out a revolver from his pocket, as a loud gunshot echoes through the area under the overpass. Without even processing what's happened, CB 106 stops moving. As he checks himself, he notices a hole in his side, with oil rapidly spilling out from it. The barrel of Harvey's revolver is still warm, as smoke comes out from where the bullet had fired. CB 106: You... you shot me.He falls onto the ground, as his systems scream at him to get to a maintenance center.Harvey: This isn't meant to kill you, don't worry. That part comes later. I just had to slow you down, get you to stay still. I need you to realize the consequences of your actions. Harvey begins walking over to the side, grabbing a baseball bat that he'd hidden in a nearby bush before he started his conversation with 106. The bat seems to be metallic and durable. Wielding it in both of his hands, Harvey slowly approaches the writhing CB 106.CB 106: Please, don't fucking do this! I can pay you the house back, I can-He strikes the air above the bus in a mocking manner. CB 106 knows what's coming, Harvey's just delaying it for pleasure.Harvey: What did you say earlier? The things that happen are always meant to happen, right? CB 106: Don't do this. I'm begging you-Harvey slams the baseball bat down, battering the bullet wound first. Oil gushes out from the hole, some of it spurting onto the scrapbook that CB made. It's lying on the ground next to CB 106. The pictures inside the book become unrecognizable, as with every hit, the pages get stained increasingly black. Harvey continues relentlessly beating him. CB 106's sides are getting turned to mush. Pieces of his exterior get torn off. CB 106 attempts to cry out, but nothing comes out from his voice box. There's a wide-reaching grin on Harvey's face, as he pummels CB 106 with the bat. A ferocious hit results in an unruly cascade of oil bursting out from his victim's body, some of it splattering onto Harvey's face and clothes. CB 106 can feel all of his systems shutting down, one by one. He can no longer hear anything, and his vision is getting blurrier with each hit. The last thing he sees is a stained picture of him with Cyberlife Bus, before his vision shuts down entirely. Harvey batters him continuously, while the teen lies helpless on the ground. His body is convulsing. With one final swing of the baseball bat, Harvey murders Cyberlife Bus 106. Afterwards, he steps back from the corpse to admire what he's accomplished. It's barely recognizeable as a bus, prompting Harvey to let out a smile. Exhausted from committing the beating, he begins casually walking away from the scene. Cyberlife Bus 106's mangled corpse is left in the area, covered in his own oil.
=== Without Goodbyes ===
Cyberlife Bus is still with Cyberlife Train, having just finished his call with Cyberlife Bus 106. CT: So, what are you gonna do? 
CB: I think I'll go meet up with him.
CT: Really? After everything he put you through?
CB: It's not like I'm getting back together with him. I just wanna hear everything he has to say.
CT: Okay... Do you want me to come with you?
CB: Nah, I'll go there by myself. It's up to me to sort this mess out.
CT: Are you sure?
CB: Yeah. I'll see you around.Cyberlife Bus begins heading back towards the large empty space beneath the overpass, where he broke up with CB 106. His mind is racing with thoughts on what to say to his ex-boyfriend once they meet. It doesn't take him long to build up an entire speech in his head, listing off all of the things that are wrong with his life and 106's involvement with said things. His wheels hit the pavement, as he nears his destination. Upon getting closer, he has the gut feeling that something's wrong. Something's not like usual. He can feel his body tense up, as he nears the location. His engine begins revving quicker than usual. As he gets closer, he sees what looks like oil in the distance.CB: Cyberlife Bus 106? Are you there?The area is dimly lit, as barely any light is getting through from the streetlamps outside. Cyberlife Bus turns his headlights on, as they serve as his only clear source of light. He moves closer, seeing a puddle of oil flowing onto the street.CB: Jesus... What the hell happened here?!He begins following the trail of the oil, deathly afraid of what he'll discover in the darkness. He begins shaking as he gets closer. The first time he sees Cyberlife Bus 106's corpse, he momentarily assumes that his ex-boyfriend is just resting. In reality, it was just a desperate coping mechanism to protect him from the truth, as the reality slowly settles in. Cyberlife Bus 106's body is contorted, mangled and brutalized. Cyberlife Bus is overpowered by an insurmountable amount of shock, as he falls to the ground. The body resembles 106, but it's barely recognizable. CB attempts to scan his serial number to confirm the dead bus' identity, but his systems can't even process what he's looking at to be a vehicle. Others in his position might feel a shred of hope, as the identity being unconfirmed means there's still a possibility it's not CB 106. However, CB knows the truth deep in his core. Panicking and dry heaving, he dials the police. Once they respond, he has difficulty getting the words out. The dispatcher: Detroit police, what's your emergency?
CB: I think my... I think- fuck... 
The dispatcher: What happened?
CB: I... I think found a bus that's been murdered. Jesus christ.
The dispatcher: State your location and serial number, please.
CB: I'm.. I'm Cyberlife Bus #001, and I'm below an overpass, I think it's... Fuck, I'll just send you my coordinates, just bring someone over here, now!
The dispatcher: A patrol car is on the way.Cyberlife Bus can't stand being near the corpse. As he looks to the ground, he spots the scrapbook he gave CB 106, which has been fully stained with his oil. He drives out from the area, rushing with turbulent emotions. He was dreading the argument he was expecting to have with his ex-boyfriend once they met up. Now, he'd do anything to currently be having that argument with him, instead of reporting his brutalized corpse to the police. Once the authorities arrive, they immediately scan CB 106's body to see if restarting his engine is possible. It doesn't take them long to come to the conclusion that the extent of his injuries is far too severe, to the point that sending him to a mech school for repairs would be nothing but a waste of time for everyone involved. The police escort Cyberlife Bus back to Elmwood Secondary, while they send officers to inform the vehicle school faculty about the death of one of their students. Cyberlife Bus waits in his dorm room, hoping he'll wake up and realize everything that's happened has just been a bad dream.
=== Coming to Terms ===
Throughout the next few weeks, Cyberlife Bus spends every waking moment of every day thinking about what happened to his ex-boyfriend, imploring the police and the school to find his murderer. The mental image of his corpse keeps returning to his mind every time he considers for even a moment that he might be able to let it go, which arises a new fear, as he's scared he'll never be able to get over what he went through that night. His schoolwork was already at the lowest it's ever been, but the death of CB 106 caused him to truly sink to the bottom, as he nowadays has difficulties with just leaving his dorm room. The other students of the school have been informed of 106's passing, resulting in shared feelings of shock and terror among everyone. The tragedy brings back unpleasant memories of the events of the prior year's April, as if it had repeated all over again, as yet another student of the school has befell a brutal death. CB 5 and 8 are particularily disturbed by the news, and attempt to reach out to Cyberlife Bus, but to no avail. CB's isolated himself from everyone. 
Nearly a month after CB 106's death, CB gets called up to the principal's office. He's being informed about the progress of the CB 106's death's investigation, which is being treated as destruction of city property. As CB sets his wheels into the office, he's anxious to find out the identity of his ex-boyfriend's murderer.The principal: I'm told you were close with the victim.
CB: Yeah... He was my ex-boyfriend. We knew each other for over 4 years. 
The principal: I'm sorry to hear that. 
CB: Sorry doesn't help. Did they find out who did it?
The principal: That's what I wanted to talk to you about. They're temporarily pausing the investigation. 
...
CB: What?
The principal: I hear your boyfriend made many enemies. The police looked at every possible suspect based on the suspects' connections to Cyberlife Bus 106, but everyone had a viable alibi that proved their innocence.
CB: Well what if the culprit wasn't a student? What if it was someone from outside the school?
The principal: They've looked into that too, but they say the possibility of this being a man-on-vehicle crime is unlikely, based on the wounds the victim the acquired.
CB: So they're giving up?
The principal: They're dismissing the case for now. A bus getting damaged isn't of utmost importance to them, Cyberlife is constantly manufacturing more vehicles, so-
CB: He wasn't just "a bus".
The principal: I know. He was a valued member of this instituion, and his passing is a tragedy.
CB: What'd they do with his body?
The principal: They scrapped the remains and threw them in a junkyard. On that note, I've also been told your coursework has been on a gradual spiral ever since the incident. You've missed all of your recent shifts, and you're late on all of your deadlines. If this keeps up you could risk being expelled and-
CB: My boyfriend fucking died!
The principal: I'm aware, and I offer my condolences. However, things happen in life and you just have to come to terms with them. It's out of your control, and you shouldn't let it drag you down with it. Your grades were excellent for the first two years you spent here, but it's been getting worse and worse during this final year. This is your graduation year, CB. You're meant to receive your secondary vehicle school degree next June. How well you do until then is going to determine your future once you leave this school. It'll affect which bus routes you're chosen to drive and in which areas, it'll affect how much free time you get, who you're allowed to be in contact with and for how long... It's going to determine how much freedom you have in general.
CB: I know.
The principal: Good. So put some effort in, will you?
CB: Okay.
The principal: You may now leave.As he exits the principal's office, he sees a former friend of his outside. Cyberlife Bus 5 is standing there, waiting for him.CB 5: Hey, CB.Cyberlife Bus storms off without saying a word to her, as he feels like he's still not in the condition to talk to anyone, no matter how much he cares for them. CB 5: Come back!She drives after him, grabbing his wheel. This prompts him to reluctantly stop.CB: What? CB 5: I know how much it sucks when other people tell you "I know how you feel" when in reality they don't have a clue what it's like, but I do know what it's like. You know I went through this exact same thing last year when Cyberlife Car 2 died. And back then, I made all the same mistakes you're making now.Cyberlife Bus begins driving away once again, resulting in CB 5 dashing off in front of him to block his path.CB 5: Isolating yourself from everyone else isn't the answer! I know from experience that it just makes things worse.
CB: I don't want to talk about it-
CB 5: Yes, you do. And even if you don't, it's gonna help. Maybe not right away, but over time... It helps it go away. You helped me last year, let me help you now. Cyberlife Bus looks at her with doubt.CB 5: Talk to me. You yourself said to me last year that talking is gonna make me feel better, now listen to your own damn advice!
CB: Alright, alright...
CB 5: Thank you.The two friends go over to some nearby parking spaces to sit down.CB: They didn't find his killer, and now it's looking like they never will. Cops don't exactly take crimes against androids and vehicles very seriously, they just consider it property damage... So some sick bastard out there beat him to death and got away with it.CB 5: Jesus, I'm sorry to hear that. He and I weren't exactly friends, but no one deserves a fate that cruel. I'm sorry about what happened to him. CB: It feels like I should go out there and look for his killer, but I have nothing to go off of. If the police are incapable of solving it, how the hell would I?
CB 5: It's not your responsibility.
CB: I know, but it feels like I'm failing him. I'm just so... conflicted, about everything. I loved Cyberlife Bus 106, but I also hated him for what he did to you guys. So when I found his corpse, it felt like my whole body just shut down. I miss him every single day, I miss his touch, I miss his voice... and fuck, it makes me feel terrible saying this, but other times I'm almost relieved he's gone, so he can't fuck over anyone else. And it makes me feel like a terrible person for forming that thought, let alone saying it out loud to you. I don't know what to do. 
CB 5: I'll help you figure out what to do. And you're not a terrible person for thinking that, CB. The fact that you still see good in him after everything he did, that just proves you're a good person. You always look for the best in everyone, and that's an admirable trait to have.
CB: Or it just means I'm a naive idiot...
CB 5: That too. The two friends share a quick laugh together.CB 5: Hm, look at that. I got you to laugh.
CB: Yeah... you did. I think that's the first time I've laughed in like a month. 
CB 5: Now do you believe me that talking may indeed make you feel better?
CB: I'll consider the possibility. 
CB 5: Even that's good. Do you wanna tell me more, or leave it at that for now?
CB: I think I'll leave it at that. Talking about it just brings back all those memories.
CB 5: I know what you mean.
CB: Yeah... Look, the principal just reprimanded me about how shit I've been at school lately, so I think I should get to my dorm room, try to get my life back on track.
CB 5: He reprimanded you? You just lost someone really close to you, obviously that's gonna have an effect on you.
CB: Yeah, but it's been like this for a while now. I really oughta get to it before it spirals out of control.
CB 5: Come study with me and CB 8.
...
CB: Really?Cyberlife Bus is flattered and taken aback.CB: You guys don't hate me?
CB 5: Why would we hate you?
CB: I'm partly responsible for what happened to Cyberlife Bus 8. If I'd just broken up with CB 106 sooner, maybe everything that happened could've been avoided. Cyberlife Car 57 being tricked to come here, the overdose-Cyberlife Bus 5 hushes CB.CB 5, whispering: We're still at school, don't talk about the... event that loud.
CB: Right, sorry. But my point still stands. All of that could've been avoided.
CB 5: I don't see it that way, and neither does CB 8. You're not responsible for your ex-boyfriend's actions which you were unaware of.
CB: Okay, but I still cut ties with you, I chose a sociopathic fucker over you... What kind of a friend does that?
CB 5: A friend who was being manipulated and taken advantage of by someone he trusted. That's not on you. He had a hold over you. I didn't take it personally.
CB: Are you sure? 
CB 5: I'm sure. Come with me and let's get to studying, okay? We've made a new friend actually, her name's Cyberlife Motorcycle 3. We're eager to introduce you to her.
CB: Alright.The two friends drive towards the library area of the secondary school. It's the first time CB's surrounded himself with other people in a long while, which causes the experience to feel alien and unfamiliar to him. He's almost entirely forgotten how to socialize, and is scared he'll make himself look like an idiot when he gets to the library. He's tempted to just flee the area and get back to his comfort zone in his dorm room, but that temptation is easened when he turns to look at CB 5. She's been so accepting of him, he can't help but feel his body easen up from the tension he was feeling mere moments ago. Being guided by CB 5, the two friends arrive at a large lounge-area of the library. Cyberlife Bus spots CB 8, with a motorcycle sitting on a couch next to her.CB 8: Hi.
CB: I'm sorry for-
CB 8: Don't. That's not how we're starting this. I made mistakes too, I said things I shouldn't have. You've got nothing to apologize for, so let's just start off with a clean slate, alright?
CB: Okay.Cyberlife Bus 8 makes a loud "ahem" sound, preparing to introduce herself.CB 8: Hi. I'm CB 8, you're Cyberlife Bus... 1, right?
CB: Umm... You've known my name for a-
CB 8: I'm pretending we're meeting each other again for the first time. Clean slate, like I said. Let's try again. Hey, I'm CB 8. You're... CB 1, right?
CB: You got that right.
CB 8: Great. This little fucker to my right is Cyberlife Motorcycle 3.Cyberlife Motorcycle 3 waves her wheel at CB.CM 3: Hey, how are you?
CB: I'm doing better, now.
CM 3: We can start studying, then! I heard you're behind on your coursework, which classes do you have?
CB: Let's see...The friends make an effort to begin studying together, however they have difficulties concentrating, as they tend to interrupt themselves by making jokes and bursting into laughing fits, prompting judgemental stares from others in the school library. Cyberlife Bus is hesitant at first, but soon he's in on the laughter, as he slowly begins forming feelings of belonging. He feels like he has a place within the group, which is something he's longed for. As he enjoys the time with his friends, he recognizes that he hasn't thought about Cyberlife Bus 106 for a moment. That realization makes him feel content, as he's starting to believe that maybe his life isn't over just yet. As he considers that there still might be lots of good ahead of him, his heart begins filling with optimism for the future.
=== Graduation ===
Early June, 2037.
It's been nearly 8 months since CB 106 died, and Cyberlife Bus has gotten his life back on track since then. It's been far from easy, but his life has begun feeling more or less like it's back to normal. He still suffers nightmares about the incident from time to time, but it no longer consumes his mind for every waking moment. At times, he's still tempted to go out and look for 106's killer, hating the feelings of helplessness that the murder brought with it. With time, he's sworn to himself that if anything like it ever happens again, if anyone ever hurts someone close to him; he'll find them, and he'll bring justice. 
His education has also been at a steady increase, getting grades similar to the ones from his first two years at Elmwood. He's not quite the A-level student he was back then, but he's not behind on any deadlines, and he's not missed any shifts in months. He's satisfied with that, as it's still a monumental improvement over what it was like in September, when the risk of him getting scrapped due to poor performance was present. Back then he was scared he might not end up graduating, but as it's reached June, those worries have dissipated. After putting in a tremendous amount of effort to improve his well-being, he's finally seeing the results of all of his hard work.
Cyberlife Bus 1, 5, 8 and Cyberlife Motorcycle 3 have gathered at the main hall of the Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School to listen to the principal's speech. It's graduation day, meaning everyone whose performance has been satisfactory will be getting their degree, along with which transit lines they'll be assigned to based on their grades. The group of friends sit next to each other, eagerly waiting for the principal to begin his speech. They're surrounded by dozens of other students, all of whom are wearing graduation caps, which have been given to them by the school. The principal walks on stage, holding a microphone.The principal: As of today, you will all be officially recognized vehicles of the Detroit Department of Transportation, following your hard work here in Elmwood Secondary. That is an achievement each and every single one of you should be extremely proud of, I know I am. It hasn't been easy for any of you, especially due to the tragedies that have plagued this school during your years here.Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8 begin reminiscing on Cyberlife Car 2 and Cyberlife Truck 14, while Cyberlife Bus' thoughts return to Cyberlife Bus 106.The principal: Your persistence in making it through these tough times just proves that none of you give up easily, and I hope you keep that up in your personal lives. Today, you'll all be given envelopes which reveal which transit line you will be getting assigned to. I hope you're all satisfied with your results, as they're meant to correspond your performance and effort during your time here. Even though the future may be scary, today is a day of celebration for you. So go out there and celebrate. Congratulations, you did it!The graduates break out into a synchronized cheer, as they throw their caps into the air. The room is filled with pure joy, accomplishment and satisfaction, as all of the students present congratulate and embrace each other for their success. This applies to Cyberlife Bus' group of friends, as they hug and tell each other just how proud they are. Afterwards, everyone gets handed a concealed envelope which contains their assigned translit lines inside, along with their performance grades. The crowd continues uncontrollably cheering, as it feels like nothing can get the students to quiet down. 
As the day passes, Cyberlife Bus and his friends decide to meet at Beacon Park. Driving in, they see it's filled with greenery. They've already spent most of the day partying together, but they've all agreed to only open their envelopes when it gets dark. They want to find out the results together. On top of Cyberlife Bus 1, 5, 8 and Cyberlife Motorcycle 3, other friends are also present at the park, including Cyberlife Car, Cyberlife Train and Cyberlife Mercedes. As they gather together, they can see other vehicles driving by and cheering. Figuring they've also graduated today, the group can't help but smile. There's an overwhelming shared feeling of positivity and optimism between the friend group. This optimism gets slightly overtaken by anxiety, as they take out their envelopes and get ready to open them.CB 5: So... Who's gonna open their envelope first? What order do we go in?
CB 8: I suggest we just go in a clockwise order, we're basically sitting in a circle anyway. Cyberlife Bus can start.
CB: What? Why me?
CB 8: Cause we know you got the worst grades, dumbass. Might as well rip off the band-aid straight away!
CB: Fine, screw it...Cyberlife Bus rips open the envelope, and begins reading his results out loud. The first thing he says is the line he got assigned.CB: My primary line will be... 53 Downtown! I'll be passing through Downtown Detroit pretty regularly. That's pretty good!
CC: Great job, man!
CB 5: Well done!
CT: Whoo! Go, CB!
CB 8: I guess you did okay...
CM 3: That includes like Corktown and Greektown, right?
CB: Correct!
CM 3: You can be damn proud of that!
CB: Oh, I know...He reads out the rest of his results out loud, including his grades.CB: Man, I got a D in punctuality? Just because I missed a few shifts in September doesn't mean it should be that fucking low!
CB 8: Go cry about it, you still got good results.
CB 5: Yeah, they're pretty unrelenting with their grading systems.As he reads out the rest of his results, his friends continue cheering him on. After him, it's Cyberlife Bus 8's turn. She takes out her envelope.CB 8: What the fuck, it's like all Cs and Ds in here!
CB 5: Wow! The principal clearly has it out for you. 
CB: Yikes, sorry to hear it.
CB 8: Whatever, I don't need education anyway... fucking hell, I'll be driving through Harrison Street?
CC: What's wrong with Harrison Street?
CB 8: It's ugly, that's what...They move forward in the circle, as it's Cyberlife Train's turn next. He's not an Elmwood graduate, but he managed to graduate at his own train school. The cycle continues like before, as the rest of the graduates read out their results. There are many disappointments, but also many pleasant surprises waiting for the vehicles in their envelopes. As the evening continues, they get done going through everyone's results.CB: So, that's it... Well, besides for Cyberlife Car and Cyberlife Mercedes. They're just gonna continue being rental cars, like the losers they are.
CC: That's right!
CM: Hey, I'm a proud army discharged vehicle... Trust me, being a rental car is way better.
CB: I can't believe all of us got here. After everything that made our life miserable, we managed to get back up. And we couldn't have done it without each-
CB 8: Stop with this corny bullshit, you're giving me major second-hand embarrassment...
CB: Okay, okay... 
CB 5: I'll go with something more simple then. To Cyberlife Truck 14!
She raises her drink. The others continue in the same spirit, as the mood becomes more solemn.
CB 8: To Cyberlife Car 2! And to Cyberlife Car 57, as well. Wherever he is right now.Cyberlife Bus is hesitant to join in, but Cyberlife Bus 5 nods at him, giving him a sign of approval.CB: To Cyberlife Bus 106! It's a shame none of them could be here with us, today. But we can rest easy, knowing they'll always be with us in spirit, and-CB 8: Oh my god, you're doing the corny speech thing again! Stop that!The friend group bursts out laughing, enjoying each other's presence. They're still anxious for the future, but one thing's become clear to them; they'll endure it, as long as they stay together. Cyberlife Bus 1, 5 and 8 manage to look at the past with acceptance instead of denial or regret, as they've come to terms with the things that they've been through. It's now a part of who they are, but they haven't let it define them. Accepting their history, they to move on to a brighter future.
Category:Episodes