>>39279325
It's like a game of cat and mouse. Dead people are always either scared enough to run away from you on sight, are in the middle of doing really questionable things and thus run away in shame when discovered, or they get frightened and hide, and then have nervous breakdowns when you find them, so you feel the need to calm them down before sending them on their way. The latter are usually children.

You do wish that you didn't need to add 'usually' there. A grown-up crawling around in snot and tears and begging you not to touch them is not something you want to see again.

It's tiring, but not in the same way fighting a Hollow is. It's like babysitting an entire town.

A couple of hours into the night, Kimiko's phone lets out a beep. She looks at the screen, and her expression grows irritated.

"It's not a Hollow," She makes sure to calm you down first, and then starts pressing buttons on her device. "It's just someone being annoying."

You sigh in relief. The two of you are currently walking around town, looking for stray dead people. You weren't keeping count, but you're pretty sure that you sent off at least a dozen tonight. For now, the streets are empty. Might be a good time to talk about something.

...

>"Are you still mad about something? I feel like you've been kind of cold lately."
>"Who's bothering you on the phone?"
>"I don't really see the problem with getting help from other humans. Could you explain why you don't like it?"
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39279347
Alright, let's see here.
>"Are you still mad about something? I feel like you've been kind of cold lately."

>>39279347
>"Are you still mad about something? I feel like you've been kind of cold lately."
>"Who's bothering you on the phone?"

>>39279347
>"Are you still mad about something? I feel like you've been kind of cold lately."

>>39279347
>"Are you still mad about something? I feel like you've been kind of cold lately."

>>39279347
>"Who's bothering you on the phone?"
It's Bleach time!

Anyway, got any guesses for other potential team-members so far?
I'm thinking 4 might actually be a fine number, but 3 if we get separated from Kimiko is on the low side so I expect one more. Yuuko might be a decent guess at least, although she might serve a different purpose.

>>39279522
Ren and Naoko.

Yuuko because.. why exactly?

>>39279570
Because something's up with her of course, which is more than any of the others have.

>>39279347
I forgot to close off the voting!

Voting over, writing!

>>39279581
Ren weird would transmission powers.
Naoko Quincy powers.
Kimiko death god powers.


Yuuko obsessive and kinda creepy.

>>39279612
Yeah obviously I meant other than those 3 (hence my reference to having 4 at the moment). If we were to add any others, there's not yet been hooks for them at all unless you're very charitable with the Council Pres or Paul or something. Yuuko at least has the 'what's wrong with her' hook. Also after we last met her and her behavior around her phone (which she was on when we first met her too, and which she got a message from that made her spaghetti as we walker her home) I'm pretty convinced she's got something supernatural going on too. Or at least something other than being creepy.

>>39279347
>>"Who's bothering you on the phone?"

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>>39279393
>>39279415
"Are you still mad about something, Kimiko?" You ask her, resting a hand on your sheathed sword, above the hilt; just keeping yourself ready in case you spot a wandering soul.

"I told you why I can't be mad at you, Clarissa. This is the town you live in, so-..." She's about to repeat her explanation from before, but you interrupt her.

"I don't care why you "can't" be mad at me; I care if you ARE mad at me. You've been kind of cold lately."

"I'm not mad. I'm just acting how a Shinigami should act, especially with humans." She puts on a serious face at first and shakes her head, but then smirks. "What, you don't like it?"

"Really? You didn't care about something like that before." You can't help but feel a bit suspicious at what she claims. "Why start doing it now instead of a week ago?"

"I didn't understand why it was necessary, so I saw no reason to behave like that." Kimiko stops tapping buttons on her phone, and crosses her hands behind her back.

"So why's it necessary, then?" You ask, and Kimiko looks upwards, thinking.

"Well, tomorrow is our last night together," She muses after the slight pause. "It's probably for the best that we just forget about each other."

"So... you're just sad about that?"

"I'm... I've been acting cold to try and throw you off, I guess. So that you don't feel bad about me leaving." Kimiko chuckles.

"...Well, if that was your plan, why the hell did you just say that?" You frown at her.

"I guess I didn't want it to succeed," She continues smiling and giggling. "I decided that I won't be taking you up on that promise, which means tomorrow really will be the last night. Having me around is just going to be a burden. That would be selfish. And besides, the town needs to be kept safe!"

Kimiko's phone lets out another persistent beep, and she turns her attention towards it. She starts pressing buttons again. Probably not a Hollow, still.

(1/2)

>>39280493
"...I really don't get it, Kimiko. Just what do you want? Do you want to stay? I told you that I'm fine with that. If any problems come up because of it, well, we'll find a way to deal with them, so don't worry." You find yourself growing irritated. It feels like although Kimiko is speaking words, nothing is actually being said.

"I told you what I want before, Clarissa. But I don't think I can figure it out. I don't know how long it might take, where I should be looking for an answer, or... anything, really. I'm not going to be selfish and keep the town in danger by not coming back to my job," Kimiko closes the lid of her phone again. "So, let's focus on the patrol?"

She then turns away, hastening her pace a bit, as if to show that she's done with the conversation. The phone beeps again.

It's kind of annoying.

...

>Press on. "The town's safety isn't the only reason you're against staying here. If you really cared about it, you'd have called backup by now, instead of relying on me. What's the real reason?"
>Change the subject. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you shouldn't bother her. "Who the heck keeps calling you?"
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39280530
>change the subject

>>39280530
"Wait, if you think that you'll still be assigned to this area after we recover, wouldn't we still be able to hang out some? Especially if there are slow nights?"

>>39280530
>>39280636
Seconded

Let's drum up some feels. She's a good friend.

Avoid the realization that you're going to have a corpse on your hands in 24 hours.

>>39280530
>Change the subject. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you shouldn't bother her. "Who the heck keeps calling you?"
I guess. Damn ghost drama.

>>39280530
>>39280636
Yeah this. Try and make sure she's not turning herself in because we hurt her feelings, because we already killed one person close to us, and doubling that would suck.

>>39280530
>>Change the subject. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you shouldn't bother her. "Who the heck keeps calling you?"

>>39280530
>>39280636
Backing this!

>>39280530
Voting over, writing!

>>39280530
>Change the subject. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you shouldn't bother her. "Who the heck keeps calling you?"
Can bring it up again at a better time maybe...

>>39280636
Supporting this.

Wonder if we'll push her over now or if we'll have to wait for next night. Will be fun to find out!

>>39281042
I just want her to confess her infatuation so we can get into why the hell she would feel that way. Like I don't think our character has been established as exceptionally competent, charming, or intellignet, and of course we murdered our last girlfriend and she's in said girlfriend's body.

>>39281083
There are plenty of potential reasons anon. Residual emotions in the body from Aiko? Kimiko trying to feel things like a real person and Clarissa accidentally being the target of that?

Or just Clarissa being really nice to her when you get down to it. Clarissa may be a mixed bag overall but our interactions with Kimiko have been pretty damn positive since the first night, especially since she's shown off her selflessness by continuing to work as Hollow exterminator.

>>39281083
Yeah I see what you're saying but I'd guess it has something to do with Clarissa's passive body language/actions.

If Clarissa isn't on her A game it's the dead come back to life. So looks/touches being comfortable around her. That sort of thing.

Though I haven't seen much of that written.

>>39281083
>>39281136
>>39281141
Another part of it could be the soul society. It always seems a bit archaic. Clarissa might be the first person of the same persuasion that Kimiko has met in awhile.

>>39281083
I really don't see what would make Clarissa NOT attractive. I mean the murder part is a good point, but I imagine for a shinigami there are multiple reasons why that wouldn't be that big a turn-off compared to if Kimiko was a real girl. And beyond that, Clarissa is pretty, has been diligent, a good friend to her, outgoing, so on so forth. Can't think of much other than the murderous part that's problematic. Clarissa has been quite competent for a mortal really, you can't compare her to other shinigami or the like in handling spiritual matters after all and she does quite well in terms of grades at school or social life.

>>39280636
>>39280735
"Not like we won't get to see each other when you're back on duty." You say, placing a hand on your hip. Kimiko abruptly stops and turns your way, smiling. Her smile isn't happy. It's like she's laughing at someone's misery.

"It's unacceptable for a Shinigami to have relationships with humans. Shinigami are supposed to be impartial, neutral guardians. I can't get attached even if I want to. And besides..." She pauses, her melancholic smile growing a little wider. "You wouldn't even recognize me, Clarissa."

You frown again. She's... right.

"Well, just... tell me if it's you, then. Or show me what you look like, so that I can know. It was a really messed up situation back then, and it was dark as hell, so you can't really blame me for... not remembering it that well."

Kimiko turns away, her smirk fading. The phone is beeping again, but she puts her hands behind her back and ignores it.

"I... don't see why I should show you that," She says after a pause. "It will get me in trouble, and... there aren't any benefits for me." Her head is still turned, but her eyes meet with yours. "I want to find out what it's like to live. This body, the way I am now, it's... probably my only chance. After I'm out of it, our relationship has no reason to continue. You're a good person and friend, but it's too dangerous to keep you involved with me. You've quite clearly shown that you are too much of a hero to not interfere if you think that someone's in danger. Really, I think you'd help me even if I'm not threatened, just to make it easier on me. So, there's just no need for us to keep in touch after this is over."

"...Is there really no other way for you to find the answer? If we just spend time together as friends, even when you're not... the way you are now, you don't think you'd figure it out?"

(1/2)

>>39281903
"I thought that being a regular girl, going to school like everyone else, having friends and doing casual and fun things would help me understand it. A week has passed, but I don't think I've gotten closer, and I don't think I will," Kimiko sighs. "Just changing my lifestyle isn't enough; I should have known, really. But I just don't know what else I can do, what else I could have done."

"Maybe it's because you're... living as Aiko, and not as yourself?"

"I can't live as 'myself' in this world, Clarissa. Even if I were to acquire myself a fake body, give everyone fake memories and make them believe that my presence is completely normal, it would all be just a lie. The memories will fade over time because they'll have no basis to them, and my illicit life will inevitably be put to a stop by other Shinigami," The girl raises her hands and looks at her palms. "But as Aiko, my life is genuine, even if it's not really mine. I just need to experience it, understand it. I... can't explain it well, Clarissa. I'm sorry. This is all... probably really strange to you. Let's just focus on the patrol."

...

>"Well... life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?"
>"What makes you think that living here is different from living in Soul Society, anyway? Maybe you can't find the answer because, well... you already have it?"
>"It's true, I don't really get it. It's probably not something I can understand. But I can offer you more time and hope that you can figure it out on. Reconsider my offer to stay, Kimiko."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39281936
>>"What makes you think that living here is different from living in Soul Society, anyway? Maybe you can't find the answer because, well... you already have it?"

>>39281936
>Well...life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?

>>39281936
>"Well... life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?"
"Tell you what, if tomorrow is effectively your last day on Earth, how about we skip school and pack as much living as we can into one day?"

Also ask how bad the soul society and shinigami are, if being with them makes her feel so dead inside?

>>39281936
>"Well... life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?"
>"I mean, that's a very limited experience. You have little context and as we've both seen, Aiko's past does as much to put obstacles in your way as it helps you experience things. And a week of the same school, home, patrol, repeat routine won't really do much."
>"But most of all, if you're keeping yourself from making connections and getting attached, how are you going to make any progress? I'm not saying you're wrong to avoid those, it's probably smart if you have to stop right? But it also means you can't experience life the way we humans do."

>>39281936
>>39282076
>>39282110
I'm usually not a fan of write ins but I'll second these.

>>39281936
>"Well I dunno, but the thing about life is it's all about the experiences. So isn't your method kind of faulty in the end? If you're keeping yourself on a strict leash like that and trying to stay disconnected to everyone, it's no wonder you're doing poorly right? And even when you do allow yourself to get social, it's just as Aiko. Seems like beyond me you're not making any relationships at all, so going all distant on me seems counterproductive."

>>39282110
Yeah, maybe say that a fundamental part of being alive that she's missing out on is not thinking things through and making mistakes.

>>39281936
>"How are you going to experience life if you won't even do any living?"
Bit snappier!

>>39281936
Voting over, writing!

>>39281936
>"Well... life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?"

It is a point at least that her idea of severing all contact if she starts having actual emotions is very counterproductive to learning how to live. Like, geez lady!

>>39282420
Though I feel like we should ask if she's this reserved and cautious when she's with her peers in the soul society?

>>39282453
Yeah, it'd be a good idea. It's definitely a change from how she's usually been with us, but that might just be her attempts at socializing. Then again she wasn't very awkward at it...

>>39282498
Not just that, but it ties into the second prompt. Like though we have no in-character knowledge of this, it seems like shinigami are capable of living like crazy, or at least having fun/social lives/hobbies etc. Makes me wonder if she's tried that when she's herself.

I can't believe she thinks we wouldn't recognize her! Also could she stop checking her phone for five minutes? Does any one remember if anyone else reacted to Yuuko's presence?

>>39283471
No, I can't.
However if I'm reading your idea right, what would the phone be for?

>>39283471
...That'd be too much mindfuck for me. And this is a Kubo quest.

>>39282110
>>39282204
"Well... life's not just about... friendship and going to school, you know?" You scratch the back of your head and tilt it upwards a bit, trying to think of a good way to relay what's on your mind. "You're not really going to learn anything if that's all you do."

"But it's new to me. It's not like this in Soul Society."

"Yeah, well, just going through human routines isn't going to cut it. Though, that's not even the biggest problem, I think," You shake your head a bit and fold your arms on your chest. "Life is all about making connections and getting attached. If you're denying yourself that, I don't think you'll ever get what it's like to live."

"It's not like I'm avoiding them completely. I... I made friends with Ren and the others, and with you. I mean, I always kept it in mind that I'll have to leave, but..."

"Well, maybe you're not letting yourself get attached -enough- because of that thinking." You tell her, and Kimiko smirks.

"And just how attached should I be getting, Clarissa? If being friends is apparently not enough, do you want me to fall for you?" She keeps up a mischievous smile and tries to joke, but you're not really in the mood to mess around.

"As attached as you want to get, Kimiko. Stop thinking that you'll have to leave one day. Everyone will have to 'leave' one day, but most people don't let it get to them. You shouldn't, either." Your words seem to make Kimiko think, as her cheer fades. "And besides, I think... well... does being Aiko not bother you?"

"I told you why that's necessary, Clarissa." She basically waves off your concern. After a few moments of quiet contemplation, she comes to a pretty disappointing conclusion. "Well, there's only one day left, so it's too late for me to do anything."

"...Quit it with the pessimism. I told you that you can stay for as long as you like." You frown at her again, growing a little irritated.

(1/2)

>>39283471
I can't remember since it's been so long, but didn't Clarissa recognize her as a classmate? How would that work?

>>39283779
Kimiko casts her eyes downwards, thinking about something again.

"Who is it that you want to stay, I wonder..." The girl mumbles after a pause.

She says it softly enough to make you question if you were meant to hear it. It takes you a moment to realize just what it is she's implying. Perhaps it's the complete absurdity of it that makes your head spike with a sudden, sharp pain, as if someone shoved a needle through your brain. It passes quickly, almost as soon as it starts; you feel dizzy, but... it's no big deal.

...

>"I'm talking to you, Kimiko. Who else could it be?"
>"I feel like hitting you for even... for even suggesting something like that."
>Ignore it. "Just... think about the offer some more, alright? Let's get back to the patrol."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39283831
>>"I'm talking to you, Kimiko. Who else could it be?"

>>39283831
Ouch.
>"...turning it around on me now? If you're satisfied with the experience so far, I sure won't stop you."

>>39283831
>"I'm talking to you, Kimiko. Who else could it be?"

>>39283831
>"That hurts...in many ways."
>"You should think about it."

>>39283831
"Wow, okay. And you wonder why you've been missing out on life?"

>>39283831
>"I feel like hitting you for even... for even suggesting something like that."
Low blow! Understandable, especially after the pastebin, but still low!

>>39283831
>"You think you could make a convincing Aiko? You don't. You're nothing like fucking Aiko. Even though you look like her right now, I'd never make that mistake. Especially after I...fuck."
Not the most diplomatic, but so it goes.

>>39283831
Voting over, writing!

>>39284210
Waiting warmly!
Wonder what kind of response will be cobbled together from this vote.

>>39284243
Well I think both girls have a lot of complicated feelings on this situation so I could see a lot of reasonable (well, reasonably likely, not logical or rational) responses really. Anything from playing ignorant, getting offended, getting mad, trying to change the topic...

>>39283894
>>39284133
>>39283943
"I'm asking you, Kimiko. Of course I'm... just... why would you..." You take a step back and grasp your head. It hurts again. You don't want to look at her anymore, so you turn away.

"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Kimiko mumbles.

Does she really think that just a crappy apology is going to be enough? It just makes you feel worse. You don't want to think about these things, so why is she bringing them up? So casually and out of nowhere, too. And the fucking nerve. Just who does she think she is? Who does she think you are to suspect you of shit like this?

"Fuck... you." You hiss at her. The idea that you're keeping her around just so that you could reminisce about Aiko, as some fucked up way of holding on to her even after death, and hearing her actually say it out loud... it's just sickening. Of course, it's a thought that crossed your mind, several times, even if you didn't want to think about it. You can't deny that. But you felt repulsed at it each and every single time. You turn to face the girl. You turn to face Kimiko.

"You're not Aiko."

She's nothing like her. You remember what Aiko is like - you made sure that you don't forget - and she is nothing like her. It hurts your throat to talk about her like this, even the few words you managed to force out; it makes you think of better, happier days, and how much you miss them. You don't want to continue this discussion, and you don't want to keep thinking about those times.

Seething and lashing out at her is something you are tempted to do, but one thing will lead to another, and you won't be able to stop if you begin. You'll have all the time in the world to regret and cry, but now just isn't it. There are people who are counting on you to be strong, so you have to do it. Just for a little while longer.

(1/2)

>>39285885
"I'm... glad to hear that from you, Clarissa." You hear her mumble, softly, just barely loud enough for you to hear, and probably not meant for you again. "And I'm really sorry." Kimiko pleads in a quivering voice, with a shaky, and yet genuine smile, looking on the verge of tears herself. You wish you could see her real smile, but this is fine. You don't see it as Aiko's smile anymore - it's Kimiko smiling with the face of another girl; there is a difference you've never quite noticed until now.

Perhaps you'll get to see her one day.

"Just... don't bring shit like that up again." You mutter, not really understanding what she's so happy about. Her second apology sounded sincere, and makes you not want to hold it against her. Kimiko nods eagerly.

"I won't. I promise."

"Let's get this fucking patrol over with, then." You stutter and start walking. You briefly put a sleeve up to your eyes and then shake your head. Although you try your best not to look the part, you want to cry. Kimiko's not doing it, though, so why should you? It'd just be... embarrassing.

The two of you quietly continue to follow the designated path. Maybe you should say something, because the silence is a bit unpleasant. Kimiko's probably too afraid to.

...

>"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh?"
>"...The offer still stands, you know. If you want to, you can stay."
>"...What are you so damn happy about, Kimiko?"
>Other. (Write-in).

>>39285942
So when do we break down about Aiko?
>"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh?"

>>39285942
>"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh?"
Just repress that shit and pretend it never happened, nothing unhealthy about that!

>>39285942
>>"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh?"

>>39285942
>"So who's been annoying you with texts?"
Maybe if we change the topic we'll be okay. Right? Right!

>>39285942
>"...The offer still stands, you know. If you want to, you can stay."

>>39285942

>>39286025
This too!

>>39285885
>it makes you think of better, happier days, and how much you miss them.
Once again, wonder what happened...

>>39285942
>"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh?"

>>39285942
Voting over, writing!

This went better than expected really. Though I can't imagine Clarissa will manage without some emotional fallout eventually.

>>39286345
I'm waiting until we see a hollow wicked enough to go to hell. Clarissa might believe that that's where she belongs, though it's unclear how harsh the standards really are.

>>39286588
Hah, perhaps.
If Aiko shows up again in some form, that's when things would really start tumbling down.

>>39286663
Thankfully I'm pretty sure she was eaten by the first hollow we faced.

>>39286345
I'm betting on at least attempted suicide now that she no longer has any obligations/duties.

>>39286818
>implying implications
That's not the Kubo spirit anon!

>>39286295
"Let's see if we can make tomorrow a day to remember, eh, Kimiko?" You say, turning back to her. She looks at you with slightly widened, teary eyes, maybe she didn't expect you to speak. Kimiko smiles at the proposition. "You wanna do anything special tomorrow? Could just ditch school."

"No, I quite like it there. And your friends are really entertaining people." She says, and then nods, as if to agree with herself.

You shrug, finding her adoration with school to be quite weird.

"Oh, who was it that kept ringing you over and over?"

"Soul Society. They were asking about all the souls that were coming in. It's really nothing - just routine reports."

"Alright. I guess that's fine."

You make a few more steps and realize something.

"We're done for the night. The route ends here, doesn't it?" You ask, and Kimiko nods in affirmation. It's time to head home and rest. You'll be really happy to get even those few hours of sleep, you feel. You feel tired, even though you haven't done anything major save for chasing a bunch of ordinary ghosts down. Looking at Kimiko, she probably feels the same - her attention wavers, and she's all but wobbling on her legs. You head home, and the girl follows.

(1/2)

>>39287002
...

What a quiet, peaceful night. A silence undisturbed by the living or the dead, save for the soft noise of footsteps. The air is cool and pleasant. The late evening is making you drowsy. You can't wait to get home and hide under the comforts of your warm bed. With one of the uncertainties resolved, things feel just a little better. You'll rest easy tonight.

...There really is just one more day left.

One more night of duty as a Substitute Shinigami.

It's a difficult thing to comprehend. The realization is both a relief and a chilling, sinking worry. Somehow, it's hard to believe that in just a day, your life will go back to normal.

It's scary, but time keeps flowing without a care for you or your circumstances. It's daunting to think that it might all end before you even realize it. It's frightening to think that the only thing you'll have left to do is look back and lament it all.

The presence patiently waits, but perhaps it will cease to see the need for it soon. With its patience gone, the night will set.

And then, there will be nothing but regret.

And then, her crimson eyes shall open again.

...

File: everything is fine.png (319 KB, 817x817)

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Ending thread for tonight, it's really late!

Next thread will be announced on twitter, but I'm expect friday and saturday again!

https://twitter.com/Mushroomgami

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

Thanks for reading!

>>39287097
Thanks for running!

>>39287097
Thanks for running, great thread!

>>39287097
Thanks for running.

>>39287051
>And then, her crimson eyes shall open again.
Ominous!
Thanks for the thread and have a nice week!

>>39287051
>spoiler
Nooooo open!

>>39287097
Wow, thank you so much for running. Don't think there's any storyteller I know that manages to create such empathy with the characters, and succeeds in portraying their emotions in such a recognisable manner.

>>39287508
It's quite good by questing standards at least!