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>>40696594
You are Clarissa, a half-japanese girl living in Karakura Town. A little more than a week ago you used to be a simple high-school student, about to enter her final year at Karakura High, but your life took an unpredictable turn.

One night, you were attacked and nearly killed by a Hollow - an evil spirit invisible to the eyes of most humans. You were saved by a swordswoman in black, a Shinigami named Kimiko, who had managed to slay the gray skinned behemoth with a single elegant strike; or, well, so she thought.

As the fight had suddenly gone awry and ended with her clear defeat, she offered you a chance to live on. You trusted her and allowed her to pierce your heart with her sword, accepting the desperate-sounding gamble. As her blade stripped away your life, you received new powers in death, taking up both the black mantle and the soul slaying sword of the Shinigami, the Zanpakuto, and with those new powers, fended off the beast.

The injury sustained by the mysterious girl was too much for her to bear. Although it would heal over time, she required a body to reside in to quicken her healing. You couldn't leave behind someone who needed your help, so you obliged her request.

(1/2)

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>>40696619
And you lent her the recently dead body of Aiko, your lover of several years. A girl you had killed that very same night.

Thankfully, Kimiko was more concerned with carrying out her job and keeping Karakura Town safe than the origins of her temporary 'vessel'. She declared you to be her 'substitute' in her duties for the duration of her recovery, a job the importance of which you had quickly understood and took up without much of a struggle.

And you had diligently pursued the obligations Kimiko had dumped onto you. For the duration of a week, you had to send wandering souls off to Soul Society and slay Hollows, and still mix in schoolwork and your other everyday obligations.

The battles against Hollows were a constant struggle; Kimiko warned you against engaging them head-on, but you weren't quite as good at stealth as she would have probably liked. Every fight was an exhausting endeavor through which you and Kimiko had to struggle through by the skin of your teeth, and for the most part, you managed to come out on top.

(2/3)

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>>40696638
But Hollows weren't the only threat to you and the spiritual climate of Karakura Town - your classmate Naoko found out about your secret job, and attempted to throw you off of it by revealing the 'true' nature of the Shinigami - that as the genociders of the Quincy. You listened to what she had to say, and pointed out an error in her ways, one which she was apparently not aware of - the Shinigami purify the souls of the dead; rather than purify the spirits to prevent them from turning into Hollows, her power could only destroy them, which she had been doing to keep the town safe. She wrongly but firmly believed that it was the only way.

The confrontation turned violent. Naoko was much more capable as both a fighter and a spiritualist than you; the fight was completely one sided, though it's not like you were willing to fight back. You endured her blows, and rather than responding to violence with even more violence, forced her anger to cool off.

She didn't know. She thought that it was the only way to keep others safe. You understood that, and instead of blaming her, comforted and calmed her. You were both murderers, and you both regretted it; you knew what she was going through and forgave her. Unfortunately, the girl wasn't willing to forgive herself as easily.

While Naoko took some time to rest and recover, you had to continue your Substitute Shinigami duties.

(3/4)

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>>40696657
The Hollows were a regular and frequent menace to the town, but you never personally knew the people that were being targeted. Karakura Town was relatively small, but it was still impossible to be familiar with all of the people inhabiting it. While it never served as an excuse to slack off, when a direct friend of yours became the target, the importance of your job flared like never before.

Ren lost her uncle in a recent accident. Rather than being sent on to the afterlife, the man's soul had turned into a Hollow, and his relatives became the monster's prime targets. The enemy was weak but highly cunning, and constantly threatened the innocent in order to get an upper hand. You fought him off, though your friend had been hurt in the skirmish and required treatment that Kimiko couldn't provide with her own abilities.

It was then that you were introduced to Karakura Town's Kurotsuchi Shop, a store that, on the surface, dealt in sundries, but was actually specialized in various spiritual items and services. After you negotiated with the enterprise's psychopathic owner, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, and burned a massive hole in your wallet, you managed to save Ren's life. Though highly suspicious and untrustworthy at a glance, Mayuri did as was asked, and healed her injuries perfectly, with only a single consequence remaining as an apparent 'scar' - Ren had obtained a special power of her own. You decided to explain to her the other side of the world.

(4/5)

Wow, quite the recap update. Guess I'll have to hope I get home in time to vote.

>>40696672
The approaching end of that arduous week should have been a relief, yet it ended up being everything but. Kimiko, the Shinigami you were a substitute for, had never truly lived. Born in Soul Society as an important part of an overly protective noble family, she was never given or allowed a chance to experience life as it should be; as a spirit, her sheltered existence would have continued for centuries if one day she hadn't ran away and became a Shinigami. However, even after finally getting to see the Human World, she still failed to understand 'life' and what it truly meant.

She lived as Aiko in an attempt to experience it for herself, but a single week proved too fleeting for her to obtain an answer. You offered her to stay for as long as she needed to, as her real self and not as Aiko, but she was hesitant in agreeing. As a Shinigami, such interactions were forbidden for her, and she couldn't accept in fear of retribution. At the time, it seemed like there was no solution that would have completely satisfied everyone involved.

(5/6)

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>>40696692
And on the final night appeared a black Hollow without a name or designation - as his existence was simply unknown to the Shinigami - but with the self-proclaimed title of 'No one'. A remorseless, sadistic being that sought to do nothing but cause harm to human beings, so much so that even its hunger had become a secondary goal. The monster's target was you, and it seems that you were among his favorite victims, despite him having done nothing until that dreadful night.

While he stalked you and plotted how to make your life miserable, you had killed your loved one with your own two hands, and unintentionally began a spiral of self-inflicted misery. Just observing that was enough entertainment for the Hollow, and as a result, he stayed his hand throughout the week. When the chance for your life to return to normal arose, and when you had mostly come to terms with your and Kimiko's problems, he had decided to get himself personally involved.

You stood no chance against a Hollow with several decades of experience and power behind him. Naoko had been ambushed and nearly killed. Kimiko was still too weakened for her attempts to have an impact. He made a mockery of you and everything you cared about, completely overwhelmed you and pushed you until you snapped.

But when you were forced to cut loose, you awakened a maddening, blissful power. With you holding nothing back, the Hollow stood no chance. And yet even in death, he managed to cause harm.

His soul couldn't be purified. Instead of Soul Society, it was banished to Hell; a place you didn't know existed. You should have been celebrating, but instead, you were scared. That fate would await you in death, as you too were guilty of a sin.

And yet, even though you knew the kind of end that ultimately awaited you, you had no options but to go on with your life.

(6/7)

>>40696713
You had power. Unsurpassed, godly power. You offered to keep Kimiko safe with it, and she agreed. You promised her safety, and all she had to do in return was live a life as herself and not as Aiko.

But after you let her leave to purchase a fake body - a body that was 'hers' instead of Aiko's - from Kurotsuchi Mayuri, she hasn't returned. Worse yet, there was no time to search for her.

Your all-out rampage on the previous night had drawn numerous Hollows into Karakura Town. While many Shinigami arrived to keep the town safe, you were still forced to get involved. Urahara Kisuke, a Shinigami Captain, locked you in with the Menos Grande. His intention was to make you demonstrate your ability, and you did so, easily coming out the victor in the seemingly hopeless battle.

You were able to cleverly shift the man's attention away from you by revealing the presence of Kurotsuchi Mayuri within the town, forcing Urahara's priorities to rapidly change. You hadn't witnessed their battle, but you felt it, as did the rest of the town; apparently the torturous pressure was something that had already been experienced by the people before, with you as the origin - another consequence of your cutting loose.

Their fight ended in something akin to a draw. Both Captains failed to slay the other, and Mayuri, with his hidden lair having been discovered, fled town. In your last conversation he declared that Kimiko went back to Soul Society. And that without his help, following her there was impossible.

Before going home, you picked up the injured Kurotsuchi Nemu from the wreckage of the shop. Luckily, she had a way of quickly recovering, a plan which you indirectly went along with.

(7/8)

>>40696733
And from then on and until now, you had nothing left to do but wait.

Without the support of your friends, you'd have probably gone mad. Kimiko has been absent for just a few days, and yet everything feels hopeless.

Either insanity or an inner spirit kept trying to push you towards depravity, but you resisted them. Whether the golden haired man you are currently speaking to really is some kind of a soul inside your head, or just a simple hallucination, is yet to be truly determined. And hopefully, you'll be able to do so now.

(Recap end, quest continuing in a few minutes)

Well geez
Time to try and deal with Gil

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Though the blond man sitting on his throne sounded eager to start, he allows you to take your time, as he promised, and keeps his silence for the time being. After you finish absentmindedly ogling your luxurious surroundings, you let out a sigh.

"Alright. I'm getting pretty tired of being jerked around with so many fucking mysteries," You put a hand on your hip; your current clothing's the same as what you went to sleep with - a white T-shirt and underwear. Fortunately, your bare feet are on the red carpet and aren't cold. "You've already said crap I ought to beat you the hell up for, but I'll let it slide if you answer my questions. Properly, this time. None of that 'you know what it means' shit. I don't."

The young man leans back as he listens, letting his chin rest on his knuckles; though his expression remains indifferent, you can't shrug off the feeling that he's sneering at you. After a pause spent in curious observation and silence, he raises his other hand, as if in cheer.

"Very well! Ask whatever you like," He declares. "But I'm afraid my answers won't change even in light of our more pleasant surroundings. You wish to know what I am? I am you. Where this is? It's our inner world. You are in a fortress I have created, in a hall of my design. My name? I have none."

"Shouldn't this world be 'mine', then, not 'ours'? And shouldn't your name be 'Clarissa' if you claim to be me?" You scoff at him, to which the blond man seems to take no heed.

"Semantics. Perhaps my name really should be 'Clarissa', but it wouldn't fit my appearance, would it? It's unsightly for a man to have a woman's name, don't you agree?" He seems to joke for a bit. Noticing your serious gaze, however, he continues. "I don't have an explanation for you. It's not that I'm withholding anything from you - I simply can't explain. What I've told you are things that I simply 'know'. And unfortunately, that's all I can tell you about myself."

(1/2)

>>40696911
"...Let's try different questions, then. Since when are you here?"

"I was always here. I suspect that even before my eyes opened and my mind became clear, even then I was here," The man gesticulates with his free hand to emphasize his words. "But I can tell you when I first truly awoke - when your heart was pierced by that woman's sword. Before that, I do not know or remember anything, much like you don't recall the time you spent in your mother's womb."

He pauses briefly. His expression strains a bit, as if attempting to remember anything else that's relevant. "And when I woke, I could do nothing but carry out what you desired for the most," The spirit's eyes wander around the throne room, a satisfied, thin smile on his face. "I've done an excellent job of that, don't you think?"

You trail his gaze, but he doesn't seem to be looking anywhere in particular. "What the heck does that mean? What did I want back then?"

"Power," He declares. "Back then, you wanted to survive, and for that you needed power. I couldn't accomplish that directly. The concept of 'power' is too vague to begin with, so even if I could, I would struggle. But the woman's sword, that's where there was power. It -was- power. I simply took her weapon and created countless copies; I replicated her 'power' and then multiplied it many times over," The young man sets his leg on a knee and relaxes in his throne. Unlike you, who urgently wanted to get her answers, he was completely calm and nonchalant in his explanation.

"But the weapon that woman wielded wasn't so simple. It was both a part of her soul and it a unique soul all on its own. I realized that in the process of replication, but... it was no issue. I simply created everything there could ever be, including the things that, realistically, never will be." He stops and lets out a bit of a sigh, as if he has grown tired of talking about it. His tone has been showing off his satisfaction with himself until now, however.

(2/3)

>>40696932
"...I don't really get it. Is your power to 'make' stuff?"

"No. The only thing I can do is carry out desires - your desires."

"So you're like... a genie?" You scratch the back of your head.

He chuckles at that. "No. I can't grant you wishes in such a direct manner. I can't make something out of nothing. For example, I needed the blade and power of that Shinigami to replicate her sword."

This isn't really the point. "...Well, whatever. So what the hell do you want from me?"

"I want you to enjoy your life." He says, and then adds nothing.

"...Why do you care?"

"I cannot do anything but remain here, and yet I am you. I feel everything you feel. Anger, sadness, happiness, pleasure... When you enjoy yourself, I enjoy myself just as much, if not more. When you grieve, I can, of course, feel only that," The man briefly closes his eyes, pausing. "I cannot control you by any means, so my only way to live is through you."

...

>"And being a depraved pervert is the only way you can imagine me being happy?"
>"When Kimiko comes back, you'll be happy too, then. Until that happens, we have to wait."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>40696957
>"And being a depraved pervert is the only way you can imagine me being happy?"
Your second personality is weird, Clarissa.

>>40696957
Ask if he has any idea what's with our brother, or, if for that matter, something is up with our parents even.

>>40696985
Why is it.Gil anyway?
Cursed lack of answers!

>>40697026
Second, Deleting old vote

>>40696957
>"And being a depraved pervert is the only way you can imagine me being happy?"
>"You may be right."

>>40696957
>>Other. (Write-in).

Ponder self medication. Oh wait, Japan. No luck there.

>>"And being a depraved pervert is the only way you can imagine me being happy?"

>>40697026
I'll back this also.

>>40697046
Piss off

>>40696957
"When we first spoke, I was so clouded with doubt that I couldn't see you, and yet with Kimiko gone, I've been feeling even more adrift. Why is the fog still gone?"

>>40697094
Good point anon. What triggered it's disappearance anyway I wonder.

>>40696957
If we're doing the depraved pervert line, we should acknowledge it was irrational to not heal Nemu ourselves, but in seeing her as property we're being the same as Mayuri. Which is bad.

>>40697221
Are we seeing her as property?

>>40697221
Fuck off, We aren't going that line

>>40696957
Voting over, writing!

Countdown to Nimaiya Ouetsu showing up to hand us our ass for counterfeiting?

>>40697262
Oh boy, well let's hope we learn some more!

>>40697282
Do you have enough swords in stock, Substitute Shinigami?

>>40697319
We only need one sword...
Ea

>>40697319
Despite this guy looking like Gilgamesh, power wise it seems more like Unlimited Blade Works, which would make things interesting. Can nameless replicas stand up to the man who originally forged them?

>>40697411
yfw our brother has the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception

>>40697464
....FUCK HE DOES!

>>40697464

He does wear glasses.

>>40697464
2crossover4me

Also this guy doesn't act like Gil too much. Not quite arrogant enough and too helpful.

>>40697533
Eh, his values seem a bit off compared to societal norms

So this guy didn't wake up until we met Kimiko? If so he had nothing to do with the whole murdering thing, right? That he'd know of anyway. Assuming he's telling the truth.

>>40697533
Nah man, I'm enjoying the fuck outta this!

Why couldn't we get a cool gal for head-partner instead? Like Medea, that would have been pretty funny.

>>40697646
Nah mate, Gilgamesh best fucking bro

>>40697708
Eeehhhh...
Also it's weird to have a dude in here.

>>40697464
It was always a Nasuverse quest to begin with!

>>40697728
Can Ren's shitty ability be explained in Nasu terms?

>>40697830
She's Sacchin.

>>40697486
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
Awesome

Little did we realize that we're in a bleach world with secret Nasuverse shit going down.

I applaud you, OP. We have been right and thoroughly rused.

>>40698281
Indeed, Honestly wasn't expecting this, 10/10 would be rused again

>>40696985
>>40697026
>>40697094
"And being a depraved pervert is the only way you can imagine me being happy?" You glare at him and just barely overcome the urge to spit on his floor. You would have made his face the target, but he's too far.

"Of course not," He seems to find the remark amusing and tilts his head back a bit, as if about to resolve a very silly misunderstanding. "But it's the easiest and one of the most effective ways for you. It's something you had enjoyed and done plenty of times in the recent past, and those pleasant memories aren't going to leave you any time soon."

"That's completely different, you... you rapacious fuck. I wasn't doing anything wrong, and I wasn't sleeping with anyone I wasn't supposed to. It's not an unusual thing for couples to do. What you're trying to make me do is fucking fornicate with every female I meet."

The man shakes his head. "I've been indirectly telling you this, but your thoughts were always your own. Even while you might feel bad or guilty about doing something, it doesn't mean that you didn't think of doing it; and it doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy doing it. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Those feelings are mutual for all humans."

With every word he says, you grow more and more irritated. "You're wrong. I wouldn't enjoy being a rapist."

"I'm well aware of that. But it would never be unwilling. You understand that, don't you? You've already done it once. Your desire was made true just as you wanted. You didn't forget, did you?" He laughs. "You've overdone it, in fact. That girl has gotten so confused and desperate it was just as funny as it was sad."

"Y-you mean... you mean Yuuko?" You ask, and the man nods.

...So that's what it was. And you thought that she was just a creep.

And still... that's...

"...That's fucking awful." You mutter and grasp your head.

(1/3)

>>40698387
"Don't be so discouraged. It was something caused by your inexperience, and you can easily make sure that it does not happen again. And it will wear off, so there's even less reason for you to worry," That cocky grin of his still remains on his face. "Don't look at it from the perspective you're trying to look. Not as something to dominate people with. Think of it as a way for you to overcome the 'barrier' between your gender and your preferences. It never has to be as extreme as it's gotten in that one case. You can simply make yourself appealing to your own gender, and let them decide for themselves."

His smile grows just a bit wider. The part he's left unsaid, the one that's probably amusing him so much, is that you can go balls to the walls with it if you wanted to and just mind control innocent people. Make anyone as crazy as Yuuko.

"Your desires are your own. You don't have to do anything you don't wish to do. How you use this power is entirely up to you. The most important thing for you is to use it and enjoy yourself."

Still holding onto your head, completely baffled, you nevertheless can't think of an appropriate thing to respond with.

"...You're giving me a headache. Look, let's drop that subject for a bit. Let me think. I have a few more questions."

From up on his throne, the 'king' chuckles. "Go ahead."

"Do you know what Paul did?"

"My only domain is here. You had a chance to find out more about it, but if you ask me, I'm glad that you didn't risk it. His power seems unpredictable, unknown, and frighteningly strong. Personally, I would suggest you to stay away from him. Let those fools from Soul Society trip all over themselves and try to meddle with your strange brother as much as they want, and let them all die or cripple themselves if that's where their curiosity gets them."

Basically, he doesn't really care.

(2/3)

>>40698410
"...Alright. Anything about my parents? Do... do you think they have spiritual powers, too?"

The man laughs again. "Your mother's only power is her freakish physical strength. They've never shown themselves as being capable of perceiving spirits; you've seen it for yourself many, many times. Do you remember? Your mother claimed that she could see them just to comfort you, and yet wouldn't notice a ghost standing right in front of her!"

You let out a sigh. You can't think of many more questions, so that means you'll have to go back to that uncomfortable subject soon.

"There was a fog here. You said it was... doubt, did you? Well, I don't feel much better now, so I'm surprised that it's no longer here."

"The fog dissipated along with your uncertainty. You may be unhappy, but you're absolutely certain about your wishes. You want Kimiko. You may miss the other girl, but you want Kimiko to stay with you, and not the body she was forced to inhabit."

Well... it's true. You caught yourself doubting several times; you denied it, of course - that was the only thing you could do - but only at a specific point did you no longer need to commit yourself to denial.

...And so, you ran out of any additional ideas for questions. Here we go again.

...

>"If you understand the things I like and dislike, then you know that I dislike cheating. I won't be happy because I'll feel like fucking garbage."
>"There's no need to continue talking about this, actually. I won't do as you say. I don't care about the excuses you come up with. I'm waiting for Kimiko, and that's final."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>40698387
We mindfucked Yuuko into wanting to fuck us? Damn, that's...worrying to say the least.

>>40698439
>"If you understand the things I like and dislike, then you know that I dislike cheating. I won't be happy because I'll feel like fucking garbage."

>>40698439
>"Is there any limit to what my desires can manifest?"

>>40698439
>"Alright, well, can you do anything BESIDES urging me to have fun with any and all women I meet? Like, say, something useful? We seem somewhat...incompatible, so far."

I guess ask if we also made Kimiko fall in love with us? And the big question of why did we kill Aiko and how can we be sure we won't do it again even if we get Kimiko back

>>40698439
>"So, if I'm more happy, will summoning my power be easier?"

>>40698515
>>40698528
Second

>>40698451
>>40698528
That brings the question to mind, why DID Kimiko fall in love with us? We didn't mindrape her too, did we?

>>40698566
Hopefully not, maybe it only works on regular people. If not though...we didn't exactly see Yuuko for a week straight, much less as Clarissa's dead girlfriend. If she is susceptible it's hard to see it not having happened.

>>40698566
That brings the question to mind, why DID we fall in love with Kimiko ? We didn't mindrape ourself too, did we?

>>40698501
May as well ask if he can bring back Aiko, or at least retrieve her soul from Clay Bone. Also how we kill that guy?

>>40698632
...Wow, that would actually make sense. We WANTED a replacement for Aiko, we willed ourselves to love Kimiko and forget about Aiko

>>40698632
>>40698657
While it's possible, dwelling on it doesn't seem too healthy. We obviously need to make sure on Kimiko's side though.

>>40698439
"From what Kimiko and Nemu said, the swords are supposed to have something living inside them, and can talk right into the wielder's head. Is there anyone inside the swords you make, and any way we can talk while I'm awake. Without you commandeering my hindbrain?"

>>40698439
"Can I change myself the same way I change others? If Kimiko doesn't want to come back, I don't want to rampage through soul society and make her love me, but just letting go is.. "

>>40698439
Voting over, writing!

This might be a bit of a long update again, but I'll try to cover everyone's questions!

>>40698760
That's understandable, no worries!

>>40698439
>>40698760
Shit, wanted to ask if he could carve a path to soul society, to at least check on Kimiko.

>>40698760
Long time indeed. Still waiting by the gates of babylon

>>40698515
>>40698528
"...Wait. Wait, wait, wait! Did I do the same thing to Kimiko? Did I also make her... unintentionally... oh god, I..."

"Calm down," He cuts in, trying to halt the panic you've started to devolve into. But there's that unpleasant pause that spikes your worries you even more, a pause that seems to clearly spell out his uncertainty on the matter. "...The truth is that I don't know. You've certainly experienced strong feelings towards her, but, honestly, since it occurred so seemingly naturally, I've never suspected that to have happened."

"What the hell?! So you don't even know when you use your weird power?"

"It's rarely a difficult task for me, and I certainly don't concern myself with the morality of your actions as long as you are pleased. I might have done it without thinking or realizing. But... it's unlikely," He ultimately shakes his head, as if to reject the assumption completely. "As I said, from what I witnessed, it seemed natural for that to happen. After all, you've given that girl a chance to realize her biggest dream; you've been understanding and kind to her in ways she might not have even experienced before, judging by how shallowly she speaks of her own life. To her, you were the person of her dreams, the charming prince on a white horse who promised to make her happy."

"...Even if you did use that power, and if it did occur after that dreadful battle, as I suspect, it was only to make the feelings towards you stronger. Strong enough to make you desirable in the same way a woman usually desires a man. But by then, it all seemed to have been decided, at least to me. Don't you think? It was simply a way for the two of you to enjoy each other in the most intimate way." He smirks again.

You frown, still not feeling entirely convinced. When he notices that, he continues.

(1/4)

>>40700268
"...To begin with, someone like her, a person with plenty of spiritual power, can't be so easily dominated like that other schoolgirl you've confused on a whimsical accident - not unless she willingly gives in and wishes for that very same thing. And at that point, why does it matter whether your power was used or not?"

You finally let yourself breathe out, relieved. "Wow, you fucking idiot, you should have just said something like that right away."

At that, the blond man only laughs. "The fact that you suspected it this much just shows off your insecurity. I want you to stop doubting yourself. There's simply no need for you to."

You sigh again. You have plenty more questions. But the ones you have in mind are just as unpleasant.

You decide to stove off the worst ones for the time being. "Well... just how much can you do, really? How far can you go with your power?"

"I can't make something out of absolutely nothing. For example, I can't simply create spiritual power out of nothing and make you permanently stronger. Even temporarily so, actually."

"But I do become stronger when I use that power."

"It's true, but it's caused by the swords you summon forth. The swords are replicas, but it's quite unfair to demean them by referring to them as 'copies'. They're exactly the same as the original ones. If the owner of a respective blade would attempt to wield something that belongs to him, he should be able to competently utilize it just as if it was his own - as it is, in fact, his own," The blondie lifts his hand and pauses for a bit, contemplating.

"So, think of your power as the ability to open a window out into your inner world. If you did that in your house, wind would come blowing into the room, right? Well, instead of wind, out comes the spiritual power of those swords, who are all genuine souls in their own right, and as a result, possess such a thing."

(2/4)

>>40700294
"Wow. That's pretty goddamn intricate." Your reaction causes further laughter.

"I want to claim that this is a result of my own foresight, but I can't. It is simply a highly fortunate coincidence." He says, resting his chin on a hand once more.

"Then... if all of those swords are real, can I learn their names?"

"...I doubt it. To begin with, I don't know how to train with them and accomplish that. I think that it's impossible. They may be 'yours', but they are based on souls - and are parts of other souls - that are all too different from your own. Perhaps it's possible in theory, but in practice, it would take too much time, and most likely require guidance from original owners, neither of which you can realistically get right now."

"Alright, I got that. And from what I noticed... well, tell me, how should I be training in using you?"

He shakes his head. "There is no need for 'training'. You simply need to enjoy your life. Quit holding your feelings back, and it'll be easier for you to summon this power whenever there is a need. If you're honest enough with yourself, then it will never require you to be under duress, and will become a matter of whim."

The conversation is trying to get back into that subject again. It seems to be unavoidable with him. Well, you have one more concern. Something you've been suspecting since the beginning, but thought it to be too convenient of an excuse for your crimes. An excuse. Nothing more.

"When I... when... Aiko..." It's still hard to talk about even now.

But the golden man catches on. "Weren't you listening? I told you that I only awoke when Kimiko's sword pierced your heart."

You think that's his way of denying involvement. Well, of course. So it just couldn't be that easy, huh?

(3/4)

>>40700314
He seems quite handy for combat. Everything else, not as much.

>>40700314
"...Alright. Let's get back to that... other topic, then. How about something other than playing around with women?"

His face contorts into a slight frown. "Do you not understand your situation? If you intend to continue going on, especially like you are trying to do now, you'll need to offset your depression with as much joy as you can get. Even if that means that you'll have to sleep with every cute woman in town, well, what does it matter if it helps you cope with grief? Would you rather suffer nightmares alone, or would you rather peacefully sleep the nights away in the comfort of another? If you can think of something you'll enjoy doing more than that, then go ahead and tell me about it. I certainly cannot think of anything quite as suitable."

"...I hate cheating."

"You've forgotten again. Your thoughts are your own. If you want to do it, then you should go ahead. Now, of all times, you should be doing everything you can to prevent an unsightly end. She won't know, and you'll always love her just as much, regardless. Or are you so unconfident in your feelings towards her that you suspect they'll waver after the smallest intimacy with another?"

Just... what an unpleasant conversation. You grasp your head again, already regretting its willing continuation.

Noticing your discomfort, he sighs again. "...Alright. Let's look at it from a different perspective. Explain the situation to your friends. Have them do it."

"...Have them do what?"

"Think of it as another 'healing scenario', like with that doll-girl. Make them understand and look at your situation the same way they looked at hers."

You groan. This is getting worse by the minute. "It's not the same at all! Can't you think of something other than goddamn sex?"

He shakes his head. "It is similar. Your injury is grief, and that just may be the only cure, besides that girl's return. And I've told you why anything else is unsuitable."

(4/5)

>>40700381

...

>"You're really fucking desperate. But I... guess it could... work?"
>"I sure as hell don't want to get my friends involved. Even if... even if I become desperate enough to do something like that, it wouldn't be with them."
>"If there's no alternative, then I refuse. I'll wait for Kimiko. As long as it takes."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>40700405
>"If there's no alternative, then I refuse. I'll wait for Kimiko. As long as it takes."
Fuck being unfaithful!

>>40700405
>>"I sure as hell don't want to get my friends involved. Even if... even if I become desperate enough to do something like that, it wouldn't be with them."

>>40700405
>"If there's no alternative, then I refuse. I'll wait for Kimiko. As long as it takes."

>>40700405
>"Look, I'm not gonna work from the assumption that I'm such a broken human being that only fucking can make me happy. In the first place, lack of sex isn't why I miss Kimiko so I don't see why getting it would be the only way to cheer me up. And I'd appreciate it if you at least didn't fuel any lust on my part alright? It's not like I plan to spend my life waiting for her, I just want to figure out what happened to her before doing anything rash. If I can't get anywhere after exhausting my options then I'm sure she wouldn't hold moving on against me, but until then I'm gonna hold out. You say she wouldn't find out, but I can promise she would, because I'd tell her. A relationship built on lies isn't for me."

>>40700405
>"I sure as hell don't want to get my friends involved. Even if... even if I become desperate enough to do something like that, it wouldn't be with them."

>>40700527
Second

>>40700405
>>40700527
Second

>>40700405
Voting over, writing!

>>40700788
Dropped my trip, but it's true!

>>40700808
>>40700788
So has Clarissa masturbated at any point during the quest? Because maybe she could at least give that a try as a compromise.

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>>40701526

>>40701566
I don't mean on screen you jackass, but orgasms do raise endorphins.

>>40700527
"...This is fucking ridiculous. Look, I'm not gonna work from the assumption that I'm such a broken human being that only fucking can make me happy."

His relaxed gaze changes into a stern, disappointed glare. You briefly stop, expecting him to say something. He doesn't. Instead, the blond haired man stands up from his throne and starts walking to the side.

"Hey, I'm not done talking. Sit down and listen!" You yell at him, but he pays you no heed. As if something was suddenly done to lose his attention.

...That's it; you're fed up with this.

You clench your hand into a fist and quickly walk towards him. Absentmindedly, the spirit looks out through the glassless window. "Look." He suddenly says, just as you were about to turn him back around towards you.

Unintentionally, your eyes, wander towards the landscape beyond.

As far as the eye can see stretches a pale blue desert, as though lit by the moon's dim light during the night. But the sky is a clear, cloudless blue, and the sun shines brightly.

"...So?" You hiss at him, impatiently. "It's a desert. What the hell's your point?"

"I suspect that there is... a bit of a pattern when it comes to the inner worlds of people. They're not as random and as whimsical as regular dreams are. While they can be affected and changed, it would take something truly major," He pauses a bit, irritating you further with the sudden silence. "These inner worlds are probably based on the surroundings of the person in question. Perhaps they could be as small as someone's room in which they spend most of their time - perhaps most of their life, if they were born unfortunate - or if they're outgoing, as large at the town in which they reside in."

He nods at the landscape behind the window and continues. "So tell me. Does this look like anything resembling either of your home towns?"

(1/4)

>>40702196
"Of course not. It's a desert. I've never been to a fucking desert," You think you understand what he's trying to show here. But that... feels frightening to admit. "So... what of it?"

"This world used to be a town. Almost identical to the one you live in."

"So... it's like that fog, then? A sandstorm happened here because of all the shit I went through and buried everything, is that it?"

"No. The buildings crumbled and turned to dust."

...Somehow, this statement manages to leave you in shock, even though just a moment ago, you were ready to disregard it as nothing of importance. Just something minor, something that could be fixed even if it took a lot of time and effort. Given enough time, the winds would blow the sand away, and the city would have emerged again - something along those lines.

What a sinking, dreadful feeling this sight is suddenly causing. You hold on to the window's sill and peek outside. You're just trying to find something resembling a building, or perhaps something that would disprove the spirit's statement. And yet there's nothing. No proof of either.

But this is your inner world. You may not be familiar with it, and you may not know exactly what it looked like, but you know for sure that this isn't it. It shouldn't look like this.

"I think you're severely underestimating your situation. Strength isn't only measured in the amount of weight you can lift or the capacity of your spiritual power, and you are undeniably strong in the regard of willpower. Nobody can deny that. They would be fools to. And yet even if you can endure the pain of an injury, it can still kill you all the same."

(2/4)

>>40702249
"But that doesn't seem right. Just look at this castle! I've never lived in a goddamn castle, either!"

"I've built it. I used the dust and built myself this fortress to reside in. It's something that was made by me, and was never an original part of this inner world."

"So, then... what the hell is the problem?! Just rebuild everything!"

And the builder laughs. "And what did you think I was trying to do just now? I can't do it on my own. I would need your help for that."

...What a predictable answer. But the things you've been planning to say - those things still apply to what he tried to corner you with.

"...Your way isn't going to rebuild a goddamn thing. I don't miss Kimiko because of sex, so that alone is not going to cheer me up."

He remains composed. His calm demeanor feels like a cold suit of armor, one that your words are struggling to penetrate. "It isn't a way for you to replace Kimiko. Think of it as a fun way to waste time instead. The time you would otherwise spend grieving like a miserable widow."

"I'm... not going to wait on her forever. I just need to find out what's going on and what's happening to her, and then I'll figure out what to do. There's no point in doing something rash right now, when I don't know what the fuck is going on. And if it really is the worst case scenario... if she's not coming back... then I'll move on." You didn't really want to say - no, even think - any of those things. But that's simply how things are.

"...No, that won't do."

(3/4)

>>40702314
Geez Gil, how about some cooperation?

>>40702196
>or if they're outgoing, as large at the town in which they reside in."
Wasn't Ichigo's inner world a lot of skyscrapers, and only became a replica of his town AFTER his dreams were crushed?

His blunt refusal is baffling. He turns to face you properly. The man is about as tall as you.

"You'll hurt yourself until you can't enjoy life anymore. By the time you realize it, it'll be too late."

It seems that a reasonable answer and solution is unacceptable to this person.

"This wait will drive you mad. Delaying yourself without a cause in your case is the same as stabbing yourself in the gut. How can you not understand that? If you keep at this and try to turn yourself into a lifeless husk again, you'll lose your powers. And then it'll be too late to change anything. Even if she returns one day, there won't be any point, as you will be unable to ensure her safety."

...

>"...If you don't have any other suggestions, then we're done here."
>"...I can affect people's minds, right? What about my own? If I wanted to - if it really becomes as unbearable as you claim - would I be able to wipe memories of her?"
>Other. (Write-in).

>>40702602
>"...If you don't have any other suggestions, then we're done here."

>>40702602
"Why should I get any better then? Why do you think that this isn't exactly what I have coming for me? My friends, Kimiko, even after I told them what I've done, I'm still fooling them into thinking I'm someone they should know, and you want me to do that to more people? How is this not what I want?"

>>40702683
Second

>>40702602
>"Look, what I'm actually not getting is why not having sex will turn me into a 'husk' as it were, and having it will prevent this. I managed quite fine without it most of my life you know! What exactly makes you the expert on this? You'll have to excuse me if I'm sceptical here."
>"Besides, it's hardly healthy to treat depression with debauched sex binges. Shouldn't I see a psychiatrist about it or something and treat the issue rather than the symptoms?"

>>40702602
"...Fine, I won't wait. If I'll die if I stay, then I have no reason to go to soul society to get closure one way or the other. I doubt you can get me there on your own, but they'll send another shinigami to patrol this area, and I'll get them to take me there, which shouldn't be too much for you to manage. And if not... if I raise enough of a fuss, they'll bring me in anyway."

>>40702752
Don't be stupid anon, confess to a murder and then talk about ghost samurai adventures? Also
>mental health care
>in Japan

>>40702804
Why would we have to mention that shit? Depression is very common and not the most complicated mental issue relatively speaking. We'd be fine with something like 'my girlfriend died and I feel guilty about it in addition to crushed.' As for the latter point, it's hardly guaranteed that Clarissa would take the standard Japanese view of it given her situation.

>>40702877
It's still stupid and not a viable alternative at all.

>>40702894
I completely disagree anon. Any particular reason you think so?

>>40702935
It would not be entertaining to read? Anons wouldn't vote to keep their mouth shut about the truth, takes way too long and if the psychiatrist/therapist doesn't know that Clarissa were directly responsible for Aiko's death in that she murdered her, all their advice about how she shouldn't blame herself will only make Clarissa feel worse because yes she fucking should.

>>40702602
Voting over, writing!

>>40702990
You could easily gloss over the sessions to prevent most of those issues, Clarissa could easily make up an explanation for reasonably feeling guilty without being criminally liable and have the focus be.on overcoming guilt rather than convincing her that she has nothing to feel guilty about (therapists know that rarely works anyway), and it's not like Gil-man's idea is any better.

>>40702773
Like I don't know, I think we've pretty much exhausted waiting around, so let's start the Soul Society arc already. Also, I'm surprised Gilgamesh hasn't mentioned violence/bloodlust as a viable alternative, since going all out seems to make Clarissa feel better than anything else we've seen, so maybe ol' Gil has some scruples after all?

Actually

>>40702602
"I'll be honest, I am a little surprised you didn't list fighting as an alternative to feeling better, since it's worked pretty well so far."

>>40703059
It's still boring and dumb. The real takeaway is we've been sitting around moping for too long. Changing the story to something so mundane isn't going to help at all.

>>40703069
Time to start a fight club?

>>40703089
>>40703059
Also
>Clarissa could easily make up an explanation for reasonably feeling guilty without being criminally liable
Except she won't, because she hasn't in the past.

>>40703089
Well we've suggested plenty of alternate solutions to fucking and gotten a 'lol nope' to all of them, maybe mundane is our best bet.

>>40703100
Difference being that was to people she could convince because they were in the know. Tell it to a therapist or the cops and they'd get us committed instead because Kimiko's shenanigans means our story wouldn't match at all any more.

>>40703105
The obvious solution is >>40702773
We do something rash and break into the Soul Society. Ideally we do it as covertly as possible, and without dragging our friends into it since Kimiko probably won't be executed, but it's actively making steps towards a resolution. Kimiko won't come back unless we do something, so let's do something.

>>40702683
"If that's really what ends up happening... then I guess that's that."

"...What are you saying?"

"I am a murderer. And my case is exceptional in the most despicable way. I will never receive punishment for it, not by law; but, well, if the worst case scenario does happen - if Kimiko doesn't return, then... that will be my punishment. Why should I have it any better than that? I won't fool even more people into thinking that I'm someone worthwhile, especially with methods like that."

"Even for you, such punishment would be needlessly excessive," With a sigh, the blond man walks away and sits on his throne. "You've struggled enough to earn your repentance. I'm certainly not the only one to think that - it's quite clear that your friends share the same opinion."

His disappointment is almost sad to look at.

After a pause, he suddenly breaks the silence. "...You may not deserve it, but neither do the people who have to suffer because of you." The spirit's voice carries in it unexpected spite, and his red-eyed glare, although no longer directed at you after it has briefly wandered off, is filled with sudden fury. The anger passes quickly, and he seems to become calm once more, and returns his eyes to meet yours.

There is none of that welcoming, if slightly daring, tint to his crimson eyes. Despite their flamelike color, they feel cold.

"You may go. Perhaps time and experience will change your mind. Perhaps you'll find a way into that accursed Soul Society and receive the opportunity to drag her out with your own two hands. Yes, that's an option I prefer myself. Far more than the one I was suggesting previously. But until that becomes possible, it seems that my only option is to again wait for you to make a decision. Once you do, I'll know, and you'll be able to meet me here again, if that's what you wish."

(1/2)

>>40704169
What a ridiculous man. His solution would solve nothing and create only more problems; he doesn't understand it. Your views must be just as baffling to him as his are to you.

"If I see your time running out, I'll simply take action."

You don't say anything to that threat. You can't force him to leave, but you can leave yourself, and you will do so. There really is nothing more to discuss.

The two of you must be truly incompatible. Perhaps he doesn't truly belong in your inner world, after all.

"The lifeless prisoners are forced to wait once more, huh?" He remarks as you depart.

And then you open your eyes.

...

>>40704198
Welp, better find her fast before he enacts project rapist.

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>>40704198
Ending thread for tonight, it's late for me!

Next thread will be announced on twitter:
https://twitter.com/Mushroomgami

If you have any questions or feedback, shoot them my way! I have to head out right away yet again, but I'll answer them if the thread is still up when I return, or on twitter!

Thanks for reading!

I'd like to apologize for going with this somewhat inconclusive voting. A lot of writeins were proposed and a lot of opinions were presented, but I ultimately decided to go with the option with the most votes (which were 2 to everyone else's 1, which is why it seems so inconclusive to me personally) because I couldn't think of a way to represent them all competently in one update, while also making them all meaningful.

>>40704264
Thanks for running!

>>40704264
Don't worry about it, and thanks for writing man.
Any chance of thread this week or will it be next week?

>>40704264
I feel like Clarissa's guilt needed to be addressed, I just don't know why no one else wanted to start working out ways to go to the soul society. I mean what lazy bullshit is that?

>>40704404
Like I'm kind of annoyed that now we have an antagonistic relationship with the embodiment of our power because >>40702752 is a pussy.

>>40705500
What are you talking about anon? Mushroom explicitly states he didn't take the options with only one vote.