>>39688637
You find Naoko and Kimiko in a park. Kimiko is sitting on the edge of a bench. The rest of it is occupied by the other girl lying down on it in her pajamas. They both look helplessly exhausted, as if they've sprinted the entire way. Your own body feels like it's laced with lead now that you've returned to normal. The fatigue is back, echoing through your bones with a dull pain.

As soon as Kimiko notices your approach, she springs up from her seat and runs towards you, calling your name.

"Clarissa!" Just as you ready yourself for an embrace, she abruptly halts at the very last moment. Sheepishly, she turns away. "I'm... I'm happy to see you. Are you alright?"

Your surprise quickly grows into a smirk. You grab Kimiko by the shoulder and pull her in for a hug. She gasps, but doesn't resist.

"Why're you acting all shy, Kimiko? It's fine."

For a moment there, it really felt like she was trembling.

"I... I was worried. I thought you gave up, until you..." She looks up at you. "Just... what happened?"

As you think about her question, you look away and catch a glimpse of Naoko, who sat herself on the bench to look at you. Her body twitches in pain periodically, and she grimaces with each sudden movement.

...Naoko makes you think back to that scene again. The punishment of a sinner. She, along with that vile Hollow, might have to bear an eternity of torment. Just thinking that she and he would be considered 'equals' is enough to make you feel physically ill.

You don't know if you want to tell her about it. Even if she knew, what would it accomplish besides making her even more miserable? But on the other hand, it might be cruel to withhold it.

...

>"I was hoping you'd be the one to explain it, Kimiko."
>"Who was that Hollow? Do you know anything about him?"
>"Never mind that. You said Hollows get purified of sin when slain by a Zanpakuto. That doesn't seem to be the case."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39688658
>>"Who was that Hollow? Do you know anything about him?"

>>39688658
>Get that girl to a Goddamn hospital why the hell are we talking?
>Seriously call an ambulance!

>>39688658
>Naoko needs to get to the hospital
>Do you know anything about that hollow
>You said Hollows get purified of sin when slain by a Zanpakuto

>>39688658
Voting over, writing!

>>39688920
write, you beautiful bastard.

>>39688699
>>39688709
>>39688830
You let go of Kimiko and walk up to Naoko.

"Kimiko helped me. I'm better." She gestures to you that she is fine, but she's clearly not fine at all. You offer her a shoulder, and she accepts it with a little hesitation.

"She cushioned her fall by materializing spirit particles before she fell. I healed the more obvious injuries." Kimiko nods to confirm.

"Doesn't matter. She's still in pain. I'm taking you to the hospital, Naoko. Come on, it's not far from here." You firmly say, to which Naoko nods. That's a little surprising. You expected her to at least resist it for a bit before agreeing. Maybe it hurts more than she's showing.

The three of you set off, sluggishly walking through the city.

"Who was that Hollow, Kimiko? Said he's been causing shit for over 30 years. You know anything about that?" You ask. Naoko's leaning on you with her whole weight, and whenever she tries to lay off a bit to make it easier on you, her attempts result only in pained hisses. Kimiko thinks about your question for a bit.

"I've never heard of a Hollow who can avoid detection like that. It was hard to feel his presence even when he was directly in sight. I think it's possible that he was staying under the radar for all those years," The girl puts a hand to her chin, pausing. "I've heard of many Shinigami disappearances that don't have a clear cause to them, cases in which Hollows haven't been detected in the vicinity before the absence. They're relatively commonplace. It's scary to think that they could have all happened because of a single Hollow."

"Good thing he's fucking dead, then."

"You killed him?" Kimiko sounds surprised. You'd smirk at that, but just recalling that scumbag is making you angry.

"I'd never let him get away. Not after the shit he's said."

"That's... amazing, Clarissa," The girl is looking at you with wide-eyed admiration. "Then all of that power was... it was you?"

(1/2)

>>39689752
You nod. It probably was. For the rest of the way, she quietly stares at you in awe, only turning away when you occasionally throw a glance at her.

...Damn it, Naoko's heavy. Or maybe you're just too tired.

You drop your friend off at the hospital. Kimiko tells them a story about how her friend accidentally fell and could use some treatment. They were convinced pretty easily.

The two of you wait in the lobby. There seems to be an influx of patients coming in. It can't be your fault - you didn't hurt anyone, and nobody came to harm while you were fighting the two Hollows. You're still in your Shinigami form, so you can't really ask about it. With Naoko now away with the doctors, there is another subject you might want to bring up.

...

>Have Kimiko ask someone about it.
>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39689786
Shit, I'm late to the thread this time around.
>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.

>>39689786
>>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.

>>39689786
>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.

>>39689786
>>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.

Stupid Captcha... "Select all Hamburgers" one of them is a chicken burger...

>>39689786
>For the rest of the way, she quietly stares at you in awe, only turning away when you occasionally throw a glance at her.
Kimiko pls

>>39689786
>Talk with Kimiko about Hell.
>So...That's we're i'm going when i die huh.....

>>39689786
>Talk with Kimiko about hell

>>39689861
I just hit two bottom right ones and confirm until it gives up and lets me write again.

>>39689786
>Other. (Write-in).
Do we know where our body is?

>>39689861
It keeps telling me to find the cake. Those are all pies, Captcha.

It seems Kimiko has turned into a blushing schoolgirl while we fought. Are we SURE this isn't some body-snatching plot or illusion?

>>39689786
>>Other. (Write-in).

So her house, body or her brother?

Not a bit of concern for her brother yet?

>>39689786
Voting over, writing!

>>39690034
A good point anon.
At least he looked like he'd survive when we left I think?

>>39690173

Maybe. Last known scene of his.

>You turn to Paul, who has collapsed. His body is shaking and convulsing in what seems to be agony. You don't know what the cause of this might be; there is no time to figure it out, and there is no option to ask. But you suppose that beggars can't be choosers.

He might still be out, suffering or anything else.

How much suffering is Clarissa going to get is the question.

>>39690173
We think.

>>39690395
Well she's already had a LOT but signs are pointing towards infinity. Infinity suffering.

>>39690500

Bleach quests and sufferin.

>>39690768
>beat stops
er'yday I'm sufferin'
>music resumes

>>39690034
Maybe everyone forgot, anon.
Maybe Mushroom forgot too since it seems a bit weird not to worry to be honest.

>>39689820
>>39689839
How late is it? The sun will probably rise soon. The hospital is quite lively despite the time. Doctors and nurses are hurrying back and forth, their conversations echoing through the halls.

That doesn't matter, though. There's only one thing on your mind right now, even though there should probably be many more. You want to talk about it, but you're afraid. Maybe it was just a fluke that it happened? Maybe it's just something to do with your own powers? It's never happened before you went on a rampage. Maybe when you bring it up, Kimiko won't even know what the heck you're talking about?

...And what if she confirms it? If Hell really does exist, what will you do? What can you do?

You nudge Kimiko and ask for her phone. Rather than taking it for yourself, you have her put it up to her ear. This way, she won't look like a weirdo when talking with you.

"...Kimiko. When I killed the Hollow, his soul wasn't sent to Soul Society."

Kimiko stays quiet, as if she's expecting you to continue. Her eyes are cast downwards. She probably understands what you're about to say.

"I think it went to hell."

The girl sighs.

"If it isn't one thing, it's always another..." She remarks, as if in ironic jest. Nobody's laughing. Kimiko closes her eyes in something resembling frustration. "The Shinigami are death gods, Clarissa. The Zanpakuto purifies the soul, but only of the crimes it commits after death. Most Hollows don't prey on the innocent of their own free will, so they're not held responsible for that. But those who sinned while they were alive... they go to Hell as punishment."

You feel sick. If you weren't leaning against a wall, you think you'd just drop. Your body is trembling. Kimiko warily looks your way. The girl looks worried and somewhat lost. She still doesn't seem to know how to calm another.

Kimiko's just so useless sometimes. It's annoying.

...

>Lash out.
>Keep it together. It's not her fault.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39690973
>Keep it together. It's not her fault.

>>39690811

I just take it as Clarissa being so focused on what is in her face sheforgets what happened 5 minutes ago.

Or she put a mental block on it so she does not think about it. It has to be a happy ending, right?

Clarissa might end up seeing the suffering level that Gin is feeling currently in Shinigami Savant quest.

>>39690973
>Lash out.
Uh, not physically I hope.

>>39690973
>Keep it together. It's not her fault.

>>39690973
>Keep it together. It's not her fault.
>So....A-am i going there when i....Die...?

>>39690973
>Try to take your mind off it; ask Kimiko about your brother instead.
Cause it's kinda important.

>>39690973
>>Keep it together. It's not her fault.

Granted, her incompetence makes it partially her fault.

>>39690973
>Keep it together. Its not her fault
"You thought I couldn't handle it if I knew back then? Right?...its okay. Not like I didn't think I'd be going to anything like heaven in the end anyway,"

..."what's it like?"

>>39690973
Hmmm, the reality of afterlife judged by your living actions is quite the psychological blow on a sinner, huh. Will be interesting to see how Clarissa holds up, or perhaps more likely, doesn't.
>You need to let out some energy SOMEHOW, maybe going for a walk will clear your mind.

>>39691080

Back this too.

>>39690973
Voting over, writing!

Man, if only we knew exactly what happened back then.

One day!

>>39691121
It's kind of interesting that the only hollow we saw who went to hell in canon was a serial killer, and the one in this quest is about as bad. It's possible that considering how Feudal Japan everything is, standards are a bit more lax.

>>39691557
That's true anon. But would Clarissa think herself much better than them? Enough so to feel confident of her chances?

>>39688709
Kek'd

>>39691013
>>39691080
"...Fuck." You hiss through gritted teeth. Kimiko sits down by the wall and hugs her knees.

Shouldn't you be happy right now? It's punishment for your crimes. Perhaps the only one you'll ever get, considering your circumstances. And isn't that what you wanted? To be punished? Wouldn't that be the fair thing, especially to Aiko?

But you're trembling in cold sweat. You're very nearly hyperventilating and gasping for air. You don't want to go there. You'd do just about anything if it meant not going there. Of course it's fair that you receive punishment, but you don't want to spend an eternity in torment alongside that 'no one' freak. You're not... you're not as bad as him, are you?

...And that alone makes it unfair, doesn't it?

A silence arises. The echoing conversations of doctors turn to gibberish in your ears. For a few minutes you can do nothing but keep yourself tense, struggling against the urge to just blame someone for all of your troubles. You manage it. It feels like the screams that should have come out scraped on your mind like nails on glass. You bear it.

"...How is it back home?" You ask a wholly unrelated question. You thought it'd take your mind off things, but you failed to consider that there might be even more bad news within the answer.

"I don't know. I saw Paul unconscious, but he seemed to be fine otherwise. Must have fainted from the shock. I ran after you right away."

"I seriously hope he's okay. What about my body? Did it get messed up?"

"I pulled it out of the rubble; I don't think it was damaged too much."

You smirk in surprise. "You pulled me out of there?" You grab her frail, pale arm, one that must have never endured any physical effort in its entire life, to emphasize your point.

"I used magic. But it's not like I'm physically weak or anything! I'm a Shinigami, so I'm usually really strong." Kimiko pouts. It's cute, so you smile.

(1/3)

>>39692073
A doctor comes to talk about Naoko. He says that her injuries aren't serious, and that she can spend a day here, but after that, she should be fine. You sigh in relief.

Kimiko manages to skillfully avoid troublesome questions about identities and families. The doctor eventually tells her to go home.

Naoko should be fine in the care of real doctors. You and Kimiko head out, as per the subtle request - the hospital's getting kind of busy, so she's not really welcome to mingle around.

...

"That's... strange..." Kimiko murmurs as the two of you approach the house.

"What's strange?" You scratch the back of your head, examining the building. Instead of answering your question, the girl picks up her pace. The two of you enter, and Kimiko hurriedly flicks on the lights. There's nothing unusual in your house.

...Everything is normal.

The damage is gone without a trace. The flung furniture is back in place. The wooden floor is just as smooth as it was a day ago. Even the glass of water that Paul dropped has disappeared.

"...Where is Paul?" You make a dash upstairs. You fling open the door into his room, and it takes your eyes a moment to adjust to the lack of light. No, he's there. Paul is in his bed, sleeping. It's actually quite impressive that your door swinging didn't wake him up. You were about to go shake him awake and ask how he's doing, but... you don't think he can see you in your current state. When he did whatever it was he did to Clay Bone, he wasn't really looking at it. And... he's sleeping kind of peacefully.

You slowly close the door. Just what is going on? Did someone seriously clean up the mess while you were out?

"Did... you do this, Kimiko?" You ask her, but she shakes her head.

(2/3)

>>39692122
"No... I ran after you right away, as I said." She explains. The two of you head to your room. Opening the door, the collapsed pile of rubble on the floor that used to be a ceiling is gone. Your body is lying where it was, untouched and unharmed.

"Just... what in the fuck... do Shinigami do this kind of thing, Kimiko?"

"Not to my knowledge, no..." She glances at the screen of her phone. "There aren't any other Shinigami in the area, either."

Basically, she doesn't know. You assume your place back in your real body, and, after stretching out the numb muscles, sit down on your bed.

What a fucking day. It feels like if you went to sleep right now, you'd just spend the entire week in a coma.

...

>"I'll wake Paul up and see if he knows anything."
>"...Is there anything I can do to not go down there?"
>"I'm tired, Kimiko."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39692141
>"I'll wake Paul up and see if he knows anything."
>"...Is there anything I can do to not go down there?"

>>39692141
>"...Is there anything I can do to not go down there?"
>"I'm tired, Kimiko."

>>39692141
>>"I'm tired, Kimiko."

>>39692141
"I'll wake Paul up and see if he knows anything."

>>39692141
This is some weird shit.
>"I'm tired, Kimiko."
>"...Is there anything I can do to not go down there?"

>>39692141
>"...Is there anything I can do to not go down there?"

>>39692141
>"I'm tired, Kimiko."
I gotta admit, while not really IC at this point it's a little bit of a pity we never slipped up and called her Aiko. Now that would have been interesting.

>>39692141
Voting over, writing!

Please comfort us Kimiko!

>>39692141
Tonight was when she was supposed to up and leave, right?
Wonder what'll happen now.

Good to see Paul made it out okay. But we still gotta ask him about what the fuck was going on tomorrow.

>>39692903
yay!

>>39692484
That's not how you spell Naoko.

>>39693345
>Aiko
>Kimiko
>Naoko
>Yuuko (fuck you she counts!)
Hmmm, looks like we know what Clarissa's type is.

>>39692157
>>39692200
"Is there anything I can do to not go down there?" You ask her, but you're not counting on a satisfying answer. Kimiko sits down next to you.

"Not much is known about that place. I really can't say, Clarissa..." She apologetically mumbles. You weren't expecting on anything more than that. Your dejection must be obvious, as Kimiko fidgets in discomfort. It's probably bothering her that she doesn't know how to calm you down. You try to put up a smile to make her less worried, but it's just... not working.

"B-but!" She nervously exclaims. "Souls that go to hell are really, really rare!"

You turn to her in surprise. She looks away, still fidgeting, visibly struggling to find the proper words.

"And they're... they're all vile and evil people! Unapologetic and remorseless! They've committed their crimes a-a-and they don't care!" She pauses, breathing heavily, as if the effort is physically exhausting her. "A-and you're not like that at all, Clarissa! You're... you're kind and brave! You gave it everything you had, even though this is none of your business at all! You helped me without ever asking anything in return! No, you weren't even helping me! You kept going even after I told you to stop! You did all of that because it was the righteous thing to do! Y-you're a hero, Clarissa! You'd never, ever go there!"

She seems to finish. Kimiko is panting.

You're not entirely convinced. You still think yourself an unapologetic murderer. You've done it unprovoked, without a reason or excuse. You hate yourself for it and you'll never let it go. You feel like you would just ignore her words, put up a faux smile, and lie that you're alright, if they weren't spoken with Aiko's voice, and if those words weren't Kimiko's own.

(1/2)

>>39693436
You are happy to hear it. You won't forgive yourself, but you won't let this guilt overcome you, either. Your heart is brimming with a genuine joy. You're so happy you want to laugh. Kimiko's tense enough to be clutching the bed sheets. You think that if you really started laughing, it'd make her cry.

"...I'm really tired, Kimiko." Your response surprises her, and the surprise must have jolted her out of the tension. She sighs.

You feel a sharp pain. It's as though your nerves, like circuits, shorted out. The pain is brief, sudden, and fades without a trace. Like the scream of a mute, relieved voice.

You push Kimiko down onto your bed. You immediately find yourself hesitating. It's not as though it's difficult to stop yourself after this sudden fit; the only reason you're even hesitant to break up this sudden embrace is that Kimiko looks just as uncertain as you. She's not afraid or repulsed - just shy.

"Defeat the evil man and save the princess. That's... how it goes, right?" She's the first to speak. Her attempt at ironic humor makes you smile. She's finally starting to sound like herself. Like Kimiko. "...I lied, you know. I'm still unsure. Whether I'm staying or leaving."

Even through the scent of her exhaustion you can catch traces of Aiko's flowery shampoo. You're exhausted in every possible way. The smell is too alluring, even as you understand that it's not Kimiko's own. Kimiko must be tired, too. She tries so hard for you even though she doesn't owe you anything. You know that this is wrong, but maybe it's time for both of you to catch a break?

"Will you make up my mind for me?"

...

>"I want you to stay with me, Kimiko."
>"You can't stay the way you are."

>>39693486
>"You can't stay the way you are."

>>39693486
Weeeell shit. Both of these feel wrong to me. I dunno what to choose!

>>39693486
>"You can't stay the way you are."
>"I'd like you to stay though...."

>>39693550
Second, Let's have her stay as Kimiko and not as Aiko

>>39693486
>>"You can't stay the way you are."

>>39693486
>"...that's not fair. Yeah, I want you to stay. I really want you to stay, you know. But, like this, I can't-it just feels, wrong. I want to know Kimiko, not Kimiko-as-Aiko. I'm sorry."
Best I can do. Which is shit but eh.

>>39693546
I was iffy.

But "I want you to stay with me, Kimiko," has too many romantic connotations for me.

Don't mind her sticking around.. but in Aiko's body? No thank you.

>>39693550
Supporting this.

>>39693486
Seconding these
>>39693550
>>39693572
Also fuck you and your signs captcha!

>>39693600
Yeah but the other options just feels like it's going to send her away and break her heart. Ugh.

>>39693619
Hearts break. She's a Shinigami. She's gonna live for a long time.. and hell I think she's old.

So her having a broken heart over a school girl is.. at least in my opinion kind of creepy.

>>39693486
>"You smell like Aiko, you know. Are you sure THIS is how you want to do, uh, things?"
>Hug her

>>39693657
You do remember that she's not really felt human emotions before, right? That was like her big plot-point and stuff. She's got less experience with this than a lovesick 13-year-old girl fantasizing about her crush while listening to One Direction or whatever the popular teen heartthrobs of today are. Schoolgirl is about her current batting-range to be honest.

>>39693486
>"I want you to stay with me, Kimiko."
Fuck it, I'm going in!

>>39693486
Voting over, writing!

>>39693762
Time to wait with bated breath!

>>39693550
Well, here goes nothing then.
Hopefully things don't go catastrophically wrong...but I can't help but think she'll feel hurt or sad and have to leave and we'll go to bed feeling like a piece of shit again.

>>39693821
She may either take this really well or really poorly.
On one hand we said we wanted her around, and as herself rather than pretending to be someone else. She was self-conscious about that if I recall.
That's the best case.

>>39693875
Yeah, that's what we've got to hope for. That she'll take it okay and Clarissa can cuddle a little and relax and not feel terrible.

Shy Kimiko is really cute to be honest.

>>39693875
She might not think she'd be able to stay as herself for reasons she either neglected to tell us or we forgot.

>>39693550
>>39693576
...You can't do it. You want to, but you can't. The voice is screaming at you to continue, but you won't.

"...I can't do it like this, Kimiko. I want you to stay, but not the way you are right now. I want to see you, Kimiko." You push yourself up and look at your desk, looking for one of the tools to extract her soul with.

"No... wait..." She holds you still.

"What? What is it? Are you shy or something, Kimiko?" You smirk at her, reaching for the tools. "I don't mind if your chest is small or something."

"I-it's not small, it's average- I'm telling you to stop, Clarissa..."

"Average by which standards? Japanese?" You chuckle and keep trying to grab the red glove. Kimiko really gives it her all and pulls you back in. She's being pretty forceful.

"I don't mind you seeing me, Clarissa; it's just that... it's about this girl..." She trails off a bit. "I don't want you to see her dead again."

You really want to see her.

"I... I don't mind, Kimiko. I-it's fine, really. We'll just... use Chappy, and then it'll be-..."

"It's not fine at all! Clarissa, I just... this is the only way I can stay with you. In this body." She turns her eyes away like a guilty child. "I... I'd really like to live with you as myself, but... it's not possible. They'll eventually find me if I try to do that. But the way I am now, they'd never figure it out. I could stay for as long as I like, Clarissa."

...You just want to cry. The way you keep getting denied happiness, how even for the smallest moments of joy there are always excuses that prohibit you from enjoying them - it's just unfair. It's so stupidly unfair it's making you want to cry.

...

>"In that case, you can stay like that."
>"You just can't stay like that, Kimiko. I don't think I could take it. And I don't want you to ruin your life because of me."
>"It doesn't matter, don't worry. I'm the fucking strongest. I'll wipe the floor with anyone who tries to take you away from me."

>>39694369
>Maybe...Maybe we can have Mayuri make you a body?

>>39694369
"Why don't I come and live with you, as myself then?"

>>39694369
>"Fuck. FUCK."
>"It doesn't matter, don't worry. I'm the fucking strongest. I'll wipe the floor with anyone who tries to take you away from me."

>>39694369
>>"You just can't stay like that, Kimiko. I don't think I could take it. And I don't want you to ruin your life because of me."

>>39694399
Second

>>39694369
>in that case you can stay like that, Kimiko

>>39694369
>>39694398
Second
Going to cost us an arm and a leg though probably...

>>39694369
>"You just can't stay like that, Kimiko. I don't think I could take it. And I don't want you to ruin your life because of me."
Lead in to asking her why she thinks we're worth it? Like eventually they'll look for her, and probably find us instead. I kind of like the spoiler option, but I just want to understand what is it she sees, when she looks at us?

>>39694399
This.

What's honestly keeping us here?

>>39694471
Our friends, Our family!

>>39694422
>>39694398
>>39694463
I'd like to clarify! This is basically what she is implying when she's talking about staying as 'herself' instead of as Aiko!

She isn't planning to hang out in her spiritual body!

>>39694480
Pretty sure those can count as >"In that case, you can stay like that." then, Also it'd be nice if you explained that a little more clearly next time

File: sssssssssssssssip.png (295 KB, 838x720)

295 KB PNG

>>39694369

>"It doesn't matter, don't worry. I'm the fucking strongest. I'll wipe the floor with anyone who tries to take you away from me."

>>39694369

>>39694399
Maybe we can skip going to hell by skipping actually dieing. If not then devoting our self to hollow fighting might be decent enough penance.

>>39694501
No? Staying like that means staying as Aiko, which isn't what they want.

>>39694501
That seems mighty presumtuous; there's a huge difference between an artificial body that looks like her and a corpse that comes with emotional baggage and its own responsibilities to keep up the charade (not even taking the morality of keeping up said charade with Aiko's friends and family into account).

>>39694369
I'm torn between the shounen answer and letting her stay like this.

Fuck it.
>"It doesn't matter, don't worry. I'm the fucking strongest. I'll wipe the floor with anyone who tries to take you away from me."

>>39694398
Second

>>39694399
Agreed

>>39694535
Anon pls.

>>39694547
What? I'd rather have Kimiko around in her own kind of body than in Aiko's

>>39694369
>"It doesn't matter, don't worry. I'm the fucking strongest. I'll wipe the floor with anyone who tries to take you away from me."
It'll lead to suffering but honestly? So will everything else.

>>39694399
I'd like to at least bring this up in the sense of why is our life worth more than hers?

>>39694560
Did you not read >>39694480?
Kimiko already answered that question.

>>39694399
Second

>>39694369
>>39694482
I'll swap to
>"There's gotta be a way we can meet and hang out without trickery or deceit, surely. Any way. I just...FUCK."

>>39694369
Voting over, writing!

>>39694617
Yeah I mean I'd rather not have her become a criminal because of us. That makes us feel more guilty I think.

Like I think the root of this is Clarissa doesn't get why Kimiko is so willing to make sacrifices for her, and it makes her uncomfortable, especially since she's not okay with herself as a person.

>>39694715
This is a really complicated issue. I preferred fighting ghost monsters.

>>39694715
I'm sure combining all these votes won't be a problem at all for the master Mushroom!

>>39694761
It'll be a disaster, especially because there's no consensus on what we want or how we want it, either in our out of character.

>>39694735
>Like I think the root of this is Clarissa doesn't get why Kimiko is so willing to make sacrifices for her, and it makes her uncomfortable, especially since she's not okay with herself as a person.
I think that's an issue yeah, but I'd say it's far from the biggest one blocking us. The Aiko issues (both the romance part and the murder part) are more prominent and relevant I'd say. And the sacrifices themselves, even if Clarissa totally knew and accepted why Kimiko was able to make them, would still be a big deal too.

>>39694809
Don't worry anon, this quest is pretty chill anyway!

Every minute without update is worry.

>>39695712
I feel the exact same way. Like I have no idea what the right choice is morally, or what choice is the most true to who Clarissa is as a person, or what choice is best for Kimiko, or even what choice to result in happiness/continuing to not be killed for either Clarissa or Kimiko.

I know we're supposed to stop hesitating, but seriosly I'm at a loss.

>>39696017
That's when you just gotta believe in yourself! We can steer them to a happy ending!

>>39694399
>>39694427
>>39694505
You're feeling desperate. You really don't want to lose her.

"How about I... go with you instead? Then it'd be fine, a-and then nobody would be in danger, and we'd get to be together."

"Don't be ridiculous, Clarissa! That's insane! You don't have to commit suicide because of me!" Kimiko is wide-eyed at the idea, rejecting it immediately. "And it wouldn't even work out, regardless! I'm... I'm a noble! My family wouldn't let us be together! They really wouldn't, as... as cliche as it might seem to you. They've already planned my life out! It'd be even worse than it is now! Please, calm down, Clarissa. I... I'll leave. You have too much to lose. I'm not worth it. I'm just being a burden, so I'll leave."

...She's right. You really can't just go with her. It really is a crazy idea, but you felt like you would go along with it if she agreed. But that would lead to more hiding, more pain, more hoops to jump through for a chance to stay together. Kimiko tries to slip out of your embrace, but you hold her down.

There really is another way. If it wasn't for tonight, you would have never learned of it.

"You're right. But I'm sick of accepting compromises."

"Clarissa, what are you-..."

Your power is comparable to a god. You can destroy anything on a whim. Why were you so afraid that you ended up blurting out something like that? You don't have to run away from anyone. Why is Kimiko so scared when she has you? She shouldn't feel threatened by anyone. There is no one who could ever lay a finger on you, or on her.

"I want you to stay as yourself, Kimiko. You shouldn't worry about anything. You felt it, didn't you? My power. It was my power. No one is stronger than me. If anyone tries to take you away, I'll crush them."

She looks terrified, but she's not saying anything. She must know that those aren't just big words. She must have felt your might back then. The whole city must have. The whole world must have.

(1/2)

>>39696216
Clarissa pls

>>39696216
Ha ha ha, it's funny how she doesn't know just how strong Shinigami can get.

>>39696216
Kimiko's fear slackens, giving way to helpless relief. Even though she wants to, she must be unable to doubt your words in the face of such obvious facts.

"You would really go so far for me?"

You smile. She returns it. Her smile is a mischievous, wry smirk, and yet it feels more genuine than any smile you've seen on her. Her smile looks like an unwilling one, one that's forced itself across her features, and one that she doesn't wish to struggle against now that it's there. It's as though Kimiko's mind has melted, and given way to something primal and ecstatic. Even as you look at her face, you just can't see Aiko anymore. This is Kimiko, and no one else.

She is happy. The two of you share the same delight. Neither one of you cares for the consequences. They are negligible and nonexistent. There is nothing you can't handle at your peak. It doesn't matter who or how many they send. You'll get rid of them all, and continue living in paradise.

"Clarissa, your eyes..." Kimiko murmurs, relishing them, drowning in them. "...They are exquisite."

You share a kiss. You wish you could go further.

"Tomorrow, I'll... I'll get myself an artificial body. Then we can do anything we want."

"I don't want to wait. Do I have to? I'm seriously fine with doing it with you as a Shinigami."

She chuckles. "I told you why. I don't want to wait, either, but we have to."

You sigh in frustration, plopping down on your bed. You turn the lights off. In the dark, it really feels like you're embracing her and only her. You don't want to let go. You want to sleep like this. Well, it's not like she's keeping her hands to herself, either.

You start doubting your ability to sleep in the face of such excitement, but the fatigue catches up and strikes you down. You drift off into a pleasant sleep.

...

>>39696294
Well this update isn't ominous at all!

>>39696294
On the bright side, soul society is actually pretty bad at pursuing fugitives. Like I don't think they even TRIED to find the Vizards even though they had a hundred years. And with Urahara, even though he was charged with hollowfying people they still let him sell stuff. And with Yoruichi, they didn't even ban her from entering the Soul Society the way they did Urahara.

>>39696323
Bonnie and Clyde is the closest thing to a happy ending we're gonna get. Let's enjoy the ride.

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>>39696294
Thread over for tonight, it's really late for me!

Next thread tomorrow, but watch out for unexpected events on twitter:
https://twitter.com/Mushroomgami

If you have any feedback or questions, shoot them my way!

This weird image captcha is really annoying!

Thanks for reading!

>>39696360
Noooo, that's a huge cliffhanger!

>This weird image captcha is really annoying!
I just spent 50 seconds refreshing to get a normal one, whoever invented these should get cancer of the painful sort.

>>39696216
>>39696294
I genuinely can't tell which of them is more fucked up.

>>39696360
Thanks for running, I really liked it. Good to see Paul and our body is okay, though mildly concerned that we just decided to move on from worrying about who fixed our house.

>>39696360
Thanks for running!
Would you say we fucked up bad on this last vote?

>>39696360
In case Kimiko can't afford to buy a new gigai, should we let Mayuri study us a bit? Like nothing invasive, but I'd think he'd be at least a little curious as to how we have the power of Unlimited Blade Works.

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>>39696438

why would you do that

>>39696216
>>39696294
Shit, this was a bit more...insane that I'd hoped. But, let's hope that with a new day comes new perspective and some down-to-earth thinking.

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>>39696438
>Like nothing invasive,
You REALLY think we'd have a choice in the matter?

>>39696430
>Would you say we fucked up bad on this last vote?
Not much more than any other vote!

>>39696498
So badly, then. Alright!

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>>39696450
>>39696473
What, this doesn't look like the face of someone who is completely trustworthy?

>>39696473
All things are relative, it's not like I'm vivisecting you then sewing you back together SO STOP SCREAMING ALREADY.

>>39696498
That's exactly the answer I'm looking for. Onward to despair!

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>>39696453

What do you mean, insane? That sounds like some downright plebeian shit you're expressing there, Anon.

>>39696600
I'm just saying, Clarissa didn't seem to be at her best mental health at that moment is all.

>>39696612
Eh, what has sanity really done for us so far?

Let's see where riding this crazy train gets us first.

>>39696643
Well I'm PRETTY sure the crazy train was what got us into this mess in the first place anon. So sanity is still in the lead.

>>39696662
You make a strong argument, but if you look at it from that perspective, being insane got us a better girlfriend as well as superpowers.

>>39696788
But we've never met Aiko anon, how are you so sure she's better.
Also we've had her for like 2 minutes, I wouldn't take her for granted yet either.

>>39696809
True. To be honest, I kind of want to beat up Kimiko's family for making her have such an incredibly low sense of self-worth to the point where she'd be so devoted to the likes of us.

>>39697036
But Clarissa is a beautiful, Hollow killing murderer with a heart of gold, always doing her best to help her friends and never shirking her responsibilities!