Dark Clouds With Silver Linings {Solo}

[Mirim Frost]

It's the simple things that make life worth living.

After that fateful night during the musical festival, something had bee festering within Mirim's chest. While Los Noches had been forming tendencies of hostility and desperate clinging to every moment, a survivor's instinct, the festival showed her another light, another reflection. She had pondered on the memories of her predecessors revealed to her through song and dance, the truth of the worlds. She witnessed the hopelessness of surviving the sundering, and the desperate prayers to turn back the clock.

Her ancestor, the original Frost had divised the plan of sundering her soul, transferring these memories down each generation. As that soul would recover to full, they would split again, and that cycle would continue to her, potentially the last generation. Mirim knew the state of her soul, knew her origins as a corrupted fragment of her mother's, and yet she lived on. Her grandmother would give a piece of herself to help mend her soul, keep her living at the cost of her own emperor-given powers, but was it worth it?

Was all this sacrifice necessary to circumvent Soul Society's cycle of death and reincarnation? How would this contribute anything to the rejoining? It was so small in scope, too lacking in impact to make any difference. There had to be more to it all, this convolutedly simple plan to remain existing. There had to be more to it than just carrying the memories down to be told at a later date, unless that was the actual plan? Maybe there really wasn't any secret sauce after all.

It had been a few days since she had met Shizuka, and in light of it all she'd provide her a place to stay until her transition into this organization of hers was finalized. It was a small cozy apartment within arms reach of her incase she needed help. Truly gracious of her, inspiring even given the massacre they both witness unfold upon them. Mirim would climb out of bed and step out into the mirror before her. She was a mess, her fair skin reddened from her deep frightful thoughts. She'd shake her head and grab a change of clothes.

She needed to do something, anything! There was a local gym nearby. There she could blow off some steam and maybe get a bit of training in. Before all that however, she needed to get herself sorted out. She still smelled like hollow acid and fermented blood. To say she felt disgusting was an understatement. She'd grab her clothes and move herself towards the bathroom. The woman paused hearing the padding and clacking of claws upon tile behind her. She'd smile and turn.

"Wait outside", she'd tell him. After all, he was a hollow. Hollows were once human and this one was a male at that, even if he was a giant "kind" hearted wolf now, the mind and desires remain the same. "Won't be long", she'd promise to Wolfy's dissapointment. She'd step inside and shut the door. She'd sigh and pull off the blood soiled hoody she had been lounging in, realizing that was never going to come out no matter how many times she cleaned it. Given she only had a set of athletic gear and what she wore meant she'd need to get some clothes.

She'd look at herself in the mirror exposed to herself. The amount of fluids she had beaten out of that one spider was enough to get dried remnants of it in relatively harder to detect areas such as her back and bust. Mirim was determined to be squeeky clean before this was done. Having the evidence of a hollow attack scrubbed and eradicated from her would do nicely to help her mental state. Then there was the wound that Leonie gave her.

Her hands brushed over the crudely stitched hole in her midriff. Given it was only a week ago, it was healing nicely. The fair girl worried that it'd get infected. If it did she'd be truly screwed. Maybe not so much now as she was potentially in with some seemingly decent folk. Mirim had no doubt Shizuka would help her out if the wound did begin to fester. Being moneyless and broke, Mirim felt bad upon relying on her assistance. Between the food and shelter and employment oppurtunity, to say she was indebted to the bombastic blonde was an understatement.

"Shower time.", she'd urge herself, stepping into the small walk in shower and turned on the water. The warmth from it soothed her, flowing over her muscles and curves and washing away the pain from days past. It surprised her how wonderfully blissful it was to just stand there under warm running water trickling down, the steam rising up to kiss her pores. Los Noches had nothing like this, nor did the area of the rukongai she inhabited before her path ever started.

They say that it is the simpler things at life that make life worth living, and before this moment she'd be inclined to disagree to an extint. She lived to bear the memories of her ancestors and to project her voice, but that voice came with a price of changing her in that moment. Good moments could become wonderfully perfect and bad moments could become incredibly nightmarish. Now, though, in this moment, this warm rainfall of pleasure, it was exactly what it was and nothing more. She admired that.

But like with all good things, it couldn't last forever. the hot, steamy water would begin to cool, signalling her time to leave. she'd sigh and shut the faucet. Dispite this, the steam continued to tickle at her naked flesh, tingling strangle around her wound. It was lukewarm, cozy even. As her body cooled and she dried herself off with a soft towel, she left herself feeling lighter as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Mirim slipped on her black tights and crop top on, twisting her hips to get rid of that last bit of stiffness that comes from laying in bed for a few days. She noticed the tug of the stitches, but they'd hold, thankfully. She'd place her hand on the door handle leading out of the bathroom, its cold brass making her body shudder. It was tempting to stay here and wait for the water to warm back up for round two, but she'd live and carry on. The memory of that first shower will help her look foreward to the end of the day.

"All done, Wolfy."

12

SPOILER: Click to show

Type: Soul Specialist Version 2

Rank: 1


Stats


STR 100 [67]

SPD 50 [34]

RS 25 [17]

SPR 50 [34]

INS 50 [34]

SEN 50 [34]
ES 0



LIGHT 50
DARK 50
HE: 0

SP 325/1600

Skills


Street Fighting 1
Pain Tolerance 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1
Anti-Stealth 1
Acrobatics 1


SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU

NOW PLAYING

Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

It's the simple things that make life worth living.

Mirim had almost forgotten her keys, something she'd have to be more mindful of in the future. She had never lived in a place like this, where locked doors could actually keep others out. It was refreshing, to say the least. Of the minimal possessions she kept on her person, or owned at all for that matter, was her phone. Flipping through the maps of the surrounding area she did notice there were a few gyms nearby. Additionally a few bars hosting venues.

It was strange looking for employment or having bills in general. Lady Shizuka was gracious enough to give the shorter woman a place to stay at a reasonable price. Shizuka would foot the bill until she could get a bit of cash flow going. The feeling of responsibility was an enlightening one, but it weighed on her mind a bit more than she'd liked. She shook her head and knelt down, ruffling up the hollow wolf's coat. "After my workout", she'd tell herself. She'd look into these venues.

She'd move over to the nearby elevator and stared at it, attempting to recall the method in which to actuate it. She wasn't in a good state of mind when Shizuka led her here. "I think I'd...", she'd mutter before reaching a digit out, pressing the button that held a downwards arrow beneath its plastic casing. Mirim would assume that it meant the elevator would be called by the button press. What she didn't expect was the button to glow the moment she pressed it.

Mirim jumped back, instinctively drawn back into a closed ready stance, ready punch what would come forth from the device, but nothing would come. Relieved she'd drop her guard, stepping into the elevator as it opened. The feeling in her gut as the elevator dropped down. she'd giggle, soliciting a confused look from wolfy. How had she not been on an elevator before? Even the hollow had been on one, and he was technically dead.

The walk over to the gym was a short one on a crowded sidewalk as people moved from place to place on their daily commute. Mirim wasn't used to this many people! The sight of a crowd a few nights prior nearly brought the woman to her knees, this was almost as bad. She'd take a deep breath and perservere on, dodging and pushing through the commuters. Eventually she'd reach her destination, seeing the equipment and free weights through the windows.

It was like she was a child in a candy shop, not that she'd know what that was even. Before she'd walk in, she'd fish an eye patch she got earlier this week and fix it over her head, blocking the mechanical eye. The extra attention here on account on such an odd and potentially frightening visage. She'd take a deep breath and walk inside, the doors sliding open for her. She'd look around in wonder, standing in the doorway with awe of the atmosphere.

She could smell the effort and sweat put out by the people working to train and hone their bodies. She heard encouragement and cries of work as free weights were lifted and put back into their proper places. She could hear the whir of bicycles and treadmills as people ran until they couldn't any longer. It was like she was finally home. "Miss? Are you alright?", the receptionist spoke to her, snapping her out of her awestruck state.

She'd nod and trot over to the desk the receptionist worked at, organizing blank passes and filing paperwork. "Do you have a membership with us?", she'd ask, her voice light and kind. Mirim shook her head. "No...", she'd answer, with a bit of fear in her chest building for potentially trespassing. How would one get this 'Pass'? If she didn't would she have to leave. "No problem! we can get you a guest pass to get you set up. The pass will work up to fourteen days after today. After that you'll have to sign up for a membership. Is this alright?"

Mirim thought, but not for long. she'd nod enthusiastically. "Excellent. here. you. go", she'd state placing a blank pass down on the desk before her. "Just sign your name there and you'll be all set. That'll let you get in after hours. If you lose it just come back to us and we will replace it free of charge! In between stations make sure you have it visible on you so we can keep track on who's supposed to be here and who isn't. Armbands are quite populer, if that helps"


"Yes! thank you!", she'd reply, clutching the pass to her chest as if it were some invaluable resource covetted by all by its rarity and world changing power. She'd take the badge, noticing its spring powered clasp and fix it to her top, pinchin her boob in the process. The noise that emenated from her as she jumped was equivelent to a fusion of a squeek and gasp. she'd huff and adjust the badge so it wasn't trying to devour her girls. The receptionist tilted her head at her and Mirim would answer before she could ask. "I'm alright!"

21

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2
Rank: 1
Stats
STR 100 [67]
SPD 50 [34]
RS 25 [17]
SPR 50 [34]
INS 50 [34]
SEN 50 [34]
ES 0
LIGHT 50
DARK 50
HE: 0
SP 325/1600

Skills
Street Fighting 1
Pain Tolerance 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1
Anti-Stealth 1
Acrobatics 1


SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU



NOW PLAYING

Ah Smell the sweat, pain and gains♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

Nice Catch!

Mirim generally kept her workout routines a four day grind with a rest day seperating each rotation. Due to recent events she had slacked on her training and thus the whole gym was her oyster. The gym had all the necessities she required. There were plenty of free weights ranging from benches, barbells, dumbells, etcetera. With all these options it really was hard to choose. Her go to in this situation was to default to chest, lower back, and calves.

With these in mind she lay eyes on a nearby bench press set and move herself over. Though she was familiar with the equipment in the basic sense, most of her training was improvised with rocks and fallen hollow corpses whose bodies could facilitate such a training regimine. It was safe to say her experience with free weights was nigh nonexistant. With that said, she'd have to be careful with her form when lifting.

She'd start with the bar itself. Mirim would lay herself over the bench and reach up, clutching the grips of the bar, surprised when she applied just a lil strength to move it. She'd lift it off its supports and center it over her chest, slowly lowering it down. She'd keep her arms tucked in as much as she could, focusing on letting the chest bear the miniscule weight then when it hovered but an inch over her chest she'd hold for a few seconds and slowly push it back up. She focused on control, ensuring her movement was as smooth as possible before racking the bar.

She'd sit up and reflect on what she felt. To her it was incredibly easy, the weight hardly noticible. She'd nod at her observation and jump up from the bench and move to the weights stored nearby. Maybe if she doubled the bar's weight? She'd grab a couple 25 pound weights and test them in her grip, tossing them short distances in the air and catching them. Like the bar, the two 25 pound plates didn't register a response from her muscles. Interesting.

The short woman would decide to grab a couple of 45 pound plates instead, noticing them a bit more than the 25 pound plates. Satisfied with this she'd slide them onto the bar and secure them down with a pair of chrome clamps. She'd lay herself down on the bench and wrap hands around the grips and lifted it off the supports. Once again she'd focus on the form, lowering the weight slowly ensuring the smooth travel down was consistant. She'd feel her chest muscles engage slightly, her shoulders barely tensing as she held the bar hovering an inch above her chest.

Mirim would find this weight relatively easy, but at least registered that the weight existed. She'd concentrate on her breathing, exhaling as she pushed up being concious on using just enough strength to lift the bar. She'd repeat this process until her set of twenty was complete and racked it, sitting herself up and observing her body's reaction the set. She could feel her body start to warm up, but not entirely different from when she first walked in. If anything she was calmer, more relaxed.

At this time she'd find her eye wandering to to woman benching in front of her. She'd find her quite tall even from this angle. On her bar were two plates of 45 pounds. She did notice that the left plates were not secure and the woman hadn't realized this. Mirim glanced around the room, seeing others also omit the use of the clamps but there use seemed to be deliberate. The woman before her was simply unaware.

Mirim was impressed at her form, clearly practiced in this exercise, though she did notice the clear effort put in. The woman was sweating, her muscles tensen and flexing as it lowered down. after six repititions, the unsecured plates began to slide, the difference in strength between the limbs showing. Mirim grasped a clamp from her bar and slipped it onto the woman's bar, securing the plates that were in danger of falling free.

The woman's focus was broken by Mirim's quick save and nearly dropped the bar on her chest, but Mirim's hands were their to catch it, halting its descent. "It's ok", Mirim encouraged, wanting the woman to continue their set. The woman nodded and pumped out the last remaining reps, assisted by Mirim near the end to rack the bar, taking most of the weight in her own hands as she moved it in place.

"Woo~", the woman exhaled, happy to finally get that weight free. She'd sit up and twist at her hips, really feeling that engagement but feeling a bit tense from the struggle. "Thanks for the save, you new around here?", the woman asked, brushing her dark hair back. Mirim nodded, noticing her rather muscular nature compared to her more lean form despite the strength disparity she observed between the two. "Moved in nearby."



"I see! well, I'm sure glad I had a spotter then. I was certain i could handle it at the time ha ha", she'd explain a bit sheepishly, shifting to the side of the bench and standing. She'd fold an arm arm over the other and twist, stretching out her shoulders. "Chest day as well? I could use a partner if you'd be willing.", she'd offer, resting a hand on the racked bar. "Come on. I'll spot ya. What weight you want?", she'd ask, patting the bench next to her.

Mirim shook her head. "This will do", she'd say softly, slipping down onto the bench and relaxing. Upon seeing the woman's form, Mirim felt a bit more confident and grasped at the bar. The tanned woman slipped behind her, ready to catch the weight if Mirim struggled, but the smaller girl wouldn't need it, at least she didnt think so. She'd flex her muscles and lift the combined weight of 225 pounds and began her set.

33

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2



Rank: 1





Stats





STR 100 [67]



SPD 50 [34]



RS 25 [17]



SPR 50 [34]



INS 50 [34]



SEN 50 [34]

ES 0







LIGHT 50

DARK 50

HE: 0



SP 325/1600



Skills





Street Fighting 1

Pain Tolerance 1

Battle Focus 1

Focused Eye 1

Anti-Stealth 1

Acrobatics 1





SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU



NOW PLAYING



Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

The Two of Cups

The day was quite productive. With this new friend of hers, she was able to test her strength further. The woman coached her on her form, taught her how to optimally target specific muscles. Even though her strength was far above the weight they'd be lifting, Mirim still felt sore in places she didn't think possible. After their morning together they'd swap numbers, and she'd learn her name, Aya Fuji. Mirim appreciated the short name and found it quite satisfying to say.

Aya would comment how odd her name was compared to everyone she's met. "Mirim Frost" was definitely not a japanese name, not that Mirim looked japanese or acted japanese anywho. She was fluent in the language, sure, but even the basics of living here was still in the process of being learned. Once she got this idea across, with the taller woman being surprisingly patient with her "rule of three" and didn't ask about it. Mirim concluded that their first meeting wasn't for deeper private matters like that.

Mirim had explained how she was new to the area and that she'd be job searching around the local bars or any place that might put her voice to use. Mirim lacked identification or papers. One could make a really strong argument that she was living here illegally, but one would be hard pressed to find records for her to deport her as those do not exist. Aya smiled and tapped at her phone. "That's interesting. I was looking to go drinking tonight. Let me know how your job search goes! I'll be damned if your first tip isn't from me~"

The sentiment made her blush a bit. She couldn't quite maintain eye contact with her, but she'd nod her head in approval. "I'll call~", she'd reply sheepishly. Songs are best sung to others, but even more so if it's someone familiar. She'd perk her head up and brush her hair back excitedly. "I sing well!", she'd add on as if that'd stir some kind of excitement. Aya laughed and waved at her before turning and jogging away. She'd call back to the girl. "I know, shortstack~ I'll see you later!"

Mirim's eye widened. How could she know? She didnt sing in the gym, did she? Was Aya at the music festival a few nights prior? Frost had so many questions that demanded answers. The small fullbringer began her walk back to her apartment that was just a few blocks away. During her walk, she'd recieve a call from a local nightclub called "Two of Cups", the name derived from a minor arcana card if her memory recalled correctly.

During the conversation, she'd explain what she wanted, she wanted merely to sing, but she needed a bit of income to help pay for her living expenses. It was an awkward way to go about a phone interview, which she didn't even realize that what it was. She was passionate about the expression of her voice and the boss calling her seemed to enjoy it, despite the awkward speech structure Frost was force to convey.

"Strange girl, but i like your passion. This is the same Mirim Frost that sung that 'Deliver Us' parody at the music festival right?", the boss said, his voice inquisitive. Mirim gasped, not comprehending how big this place actually was for this community. "U-um yes.", she'd confirmed nervously. "Hey hey! none of that! What happened happened. It was tragic, it was horrible, that's true, but you sang really well. You deserve a place to put that voice to work. How about it eh? Why don't you come down this afternoon before opening, we can show you around and get you ready."

Mirm would express her thanks and inquired on uniforms or required attire, explaining she only had an extra change of clothes and a fall-out boy hoody. The man laughed but assured her they'll figure something out. There were extra bits of clothing at the club in the back and they'd find something appropriate once she'd arrive. "Don't worry about it darling. You'll be accomadated. If you sing even slightly as well as you did at the festival, you'll be getting paid tonight. How's that sound, hm?"

Mirim nearly squeeled and dropped the phone. "I'll be there!", she'd laugh out before hanging up the phone lest she say something inappropriate in her excitement. She'd pocket the phone and shadow boxed the empty air enthusiastically. "Yes, yes, yes!". She'd laugh and fist pump. This day could not have gone any better. She had dragged herself out of bed and got a good workout in. In the process of doing so she made a friend who seemed just as much an outsider to this place as she was, *and* she got a job.

Once she got back to her room she immediately went to work. She showered, brushed her hair, washed her clothes twice for good measure and she flopped onto her bed for a nap before the night began. She'd need the rest, especially if they intended to have her on stage for a decent portion for whatever shift they intended for her to have. "Nap time now~", she'd huff and beary her face into the gentle pillow.

44

SPOILER: Click to show

Type: Soul Specialist Version 2



Rank: 1





Stats





STR 100 [67]
SPD 50 [34]
RS 25 [17]
SPR 50 [34]
INS 50 [34]
SEN 50 [34]

ES 0


LIGHT 50

DARK 50

HE: 0



SP 325/1600



Skills





Street Fighting 1

Pain Tolerance 1

Battle Focus 1

Focused Eye 1

Anti-Stealth 1

Acrobatics 1





SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU



NOW PLAYING



Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

Busy Bee

The club or bar or whatever it is, was quite the overwhelming experience when she walked in, hands clutching together in her hoody. It was empty at the time. The barkeep was cleaning the bar and setting out various glasses and mugs. The buff and brawn security guards chatted near the door way and checked in with the dancers who were getting them situated. Sound technicians scurried about, verifying equipment, testing lights and speakers.

It was chaotic, but everything had a purpose down to the smallest task. Soon enough the man of the hour came out from the backrooms, sporting a short comb over, vest, and slacks. He was quite a handsome fellow, but she could easily match the voice over the phone with his own. She'd approach him excitedly. "Hi! Am Mirim", she'd introduce, tapping her chest with her knuckles. The man smiled and laughed. "My my, arn't you the adorable one. You looked much taller at the festival. Perhaps it was the performance you gave?"

Mirim shrugged, not really seeing immediately the effect of her performance, but apparently it did entrap many in the audience. "I suppose that's besides the point. Welcome to the Two of Cups, a local watering-hole for people to unwind, dance, enjoy music and socialize with others in this upbeat atmosphere. Here, let me take you around." He'd explain before motioning her to follow. He'd show her the stage fit for a small number of entertainers, the long polished bar kissed with vibrand LEDs.

He'd take her into the back, showing her the few offices they had where accountants and assistants clacked away on their keyboards, catching up from the night's prior. The boss showed her then to the expansive dressing room, where the women and men alike stored personal effects and shifted into various outfits for the night. She couldn't imagine the amount of combinations she could create with the options here.

The boss snickered and gave her a little push inside. "Get yourself comfy. It's pirate night, so I hope you know some good shanties.", he'd state, crossing his arms over his chest, revealing the two chalices tattooed over his forearms. "You get payed per the song and we are in a shortage of songstresses. Given your situation, for the time being, you'll keep all the tips you get, so sing well and keep the customers happy haha. " He'd explain before turning to leave.

"Oh! you also have the first and last slots tonight. In between you'll work with the barkeep, unless you manage to get another slot. Work hard tonight, and welcome to the Two of Cups." With that he'd leave her there to process it all. To say she could barely contain herself was an understatement. Venting a bit of it out, she'd flick out her phone and send the news to Aya who replied. "Good job! I knew you'd get the part, there's just something about you. I'll be in later to see you sing!"

Mirim smiled happily and put the phone away, looking to claim a locker for herself here. She'd then scan through the dressers and wardrobes of outfits before finding a white lace up blouse, a long hempen skirt, and some leather thighboots. She'd also grab a tricorne hat and a more fitting eye patch to complete the look. Putting the outfit on though was a bit of a challenge. She found she didn't have as much dexterity with her hands as she'd like.

A pair of twins tasked with assisting her on stage just happen to be nearby. They'd saunter over, obviously uncomfortable in their unbroken-in boots, she'd brought a smile to Mirim. She herself had chosen a pair that were previously broken in, thankfully. They'd gladly help her tighten up the blouse and in return she'd help them out. "Your boots.", she'd get their attention. "Not broken in." she'd comment. Their eyes widened and quickly scurried to the back to change out their boots.

Oh boy it's gonna be a long night.

52

SPOILER: Click to show

Type: Soul Specialist Version 2







Rank: 1











Stats


STR 100 [67]

SPD 50 [34]

RS 25 [17]

SPR 50 [34]

INS 50 [34]

SEN 50 [34]
ES 0


LIGHT 50
DARK 50
HE: 0
SP 325/1600


Skills
Street Fighting 1
Pain Tolerance 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1
Anti-Stealth 1
Acrobatics 1


SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU
NOW PLAYING







Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

Good Morning Ladies All

Mirim found her outfit quite snug, not snug in the way her athletic gear was, but rather a stiffness around midsection. Her movements had to be altered to accomodate. The twins assigned to her would help her on the tall stage and she'd walk along its edge, gauging how much free reign she had with the other two nearby. The plan was simple, when the doors open, they'd open up with Good Morning Ladies All.

Mirim will lead the shantie, with the twins serving to help her immerse into the song as well as repeat the chorus for the crowd to repeat. If she heard correctly, the line was already long. Mirim could feel herself gettting nervous. She'd find herself tapping the stage with her boots, her hands shuffling with the microphone. One of the Twins, Saki gave her shoulder a pat. "You'll be fine, just do what you feel is right. Take a deep breath. We're not gonna let you flounder, you hear?"

The other twin, Paul, would nod to concur and nudged her a bit foreward as she had backed up a lil close between them. She was the main attraction here, they were meant to assist. "Alright boys and girls, it's time! Stations people, Stations!", the boss cried as he moved through the place to the entrance, starting the long night. Mirim inhaled deeply and brought the mic to her lips. "Here we go", she spoke into the mic, hearing the speakers amplify it more so than the mic at the festival.

"We are outward bound for Karakura Town", she'd start, with the twins following up with a boisterous "With a heave,ho, haul!" Mirim swallowed and took a hand gripping some invisible wheel as if acting as a helm upon some old pirate ship. "And we'll heave the old wheel round and round. " The twins took a step foreward, on looking out over the crowd as if searching for land, the other mimicking giving orders to men attending to the crew. "Good morning Ladies All!"

She could almost feel the sea breese brush through her hair. Before her wasn't the audience, the clientel flocking too and fro carrying drinks and dancing about, but rather a hard working crew, shirtless and tending to various duties. She saw men and women alike scrubbing the decks, adjusting the sails. Seagulls flew overhead, relaxing and nesting along the various towering masts. The sea rocked the ship as the waves slapped the side of the hull

"Them girls down south are free and gay, With a heave, ho, haul! With them, we'll spend our hard-earned pay, Good Morning Ladies all", The atmosphere was brimming with booze and song. The crowd had begun to sing along, their chants seeemingly shaking the boat with their voice. "We'll swing around and have good fun, with a heave, ho, haul! And soon we'll we'll spend our hard-earned pay."

Through the excitement of the club, reality and her mind's distortion blended together. It was intoxicating and she relished every moment. Her eye scanned over the crowd of dancing customers and working crew. She'd catch the resemblence of one familiar to her, Aya herself. She'd smile, almost breaking her immersion but continued on. "We'll swing around and have good fun, with a heave, ho, haul! And soon we'll be back on the homeward run, good morning ladies all!"

"And when we get to Tokyo, with a heave, ho, haul! For the very last time we'll waltz around, goood morning ladies all!" Mirim laughed and twirled about, spinning about her taller assistants to show off her flexibility and strength. The crowd was abuzz and her eyes caught Aya's, who fist pumped at her wielding a full mug of brew. "With Paul and Saki and Aya too, wieth a heav, ho, haul! We'll drink and dance with a hullabaloo. Good morning ladies all!"

As the music slowed and died down, Paul would hop from the stage and wave over the next set of artists. The crowd's energy died down and she'd hop down, but the song wasn't finish that. As Aya moved in closer, she'd sing the last verse. "So a long goodbye to all you dears, with a heave, ho, haul! Don't cry for us, don't waste your tears, Good morning ladies all". She'd take a deep breath and hand off the mic to the next set before turning to Aya.

"Good to see!", she'd mention, bowing gently towards her. "Right on! Simple shanty but you did well up there. Not the typical place i normally go, but I see why you'd like it.", she'd laugh patting at her shoulder, the soft silk of the blouse kissing her skin. "Also, you've a good eye for outfits. That pirate get'up looks great on you, but I have to say, it looks very uncomfy." Mirim giggled embarrasingly, blushing gently at the observation. "Too tight", she'd agree, tugging at the laces tied away snuggly around her midsection.

Catching sight of her boss giving her a thumbs up of approval in one hand and a stack of cash in the other, Mirim put on her professional face. She was on the clock after all. "Drink fill-up"?

63

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2



Rank: 1





Stats





STR 100 [67]



SPD 50 [34]



RS 25 [17]



SPR 50 [34]



INS 50 [34]



SEN 50 [34]

ES 0







LIGHT 50

DARK 50

HE: 0



SP 325/1600



Skills





Street Fighting 1

Pain Tolerance 1

Battle Focus 1

Focused Eye 1

Anti-Stealth 1

Acrobatics 1





SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU



NOW PLAYING



Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

I Hate Cardio

In the coming days, Mirim would be getting used to her job and her daily routine. In the morning she'd link up with Aya, moving on with their regimine. Today was cardio day, one of Mirim's most hated enemies. Though she was in peak physical condition in terms of strength, she'd find herself heavy and unable to keep up with Aya during their warm up laps around the block. The plan was to run a 5k that day, but Mirim found herself nearly soaked with sweat.

Fortunately for her, Aya recognized this and kept her going the whole way. The conversation helped the girl, though in her state she couldn't contribute. Her friend didn't mind and proceded to chat her ears off. The distraction was enough to ignore the pain in her legs or the heavy thumping of her heart in her ears. During this, Mirim would learn quite a bit of Aya and her place here in Karakura town.

Aya was quite in an odd situation. Being born of a Japanese mother and American Father, she'd grow up in the United States and spent her childhood there. Near her 17th birthday, her father would fall ill and pass on with cancer to blame. Heartbroken, her mother would return to Karakura. Aya would remain with her grandparents and enlist in the Marines, serving full tour of 5 years. It was here she gained the taste of physical fitness.

Once her tour was up, she'd take her money and return to Japan to look after her now sickly mother. Having dual citizenship, she'd face the challenge of integrate into Japanese society. Though looking the part, having taken much in terms of appearance from her mother, her personality and tendencies were an outlier. This undoubtedly made this reintegration difficult. It was hard to find proper work when she had nothing in terms of credentials or even a fundamental grasp on how this society worked.

Essentially, she was seventeen years behind here. Her Japanese also wasn't quite up to par, but she'd pick it up relatively quickly in this phase as she already retained that foundation in her childhood. Its been a couple years since her arrival here, and only now was things turning around for her. She had a suitable job working security locally here in Karakura with goals of eventually going down the path to become a police officer.

Her mother's condition wasn't improving, but was at least stabilized from the amount of care she was able to afford her mother. Mirim would learn that it was these mornings when she could go out and blow some steam that helped keep her going. According to Aya it had become much better with Mirim around. Aya knew that Frost was also an outlier, and outsider of sorts here. Sure, Mirim's speech was fluent enough not to be to suspicious, disregarding her speech machinations.

There was just something about Mirim that stuck out to the ex-marine. She didn't look japanese, but at the same time she didn't not look Japanese. The white hair was also an obvious clue, expecially when she didn't have any of the other traits an albino would carry. Despite all of this, Aya would press Mirim for more information out of curiosity. Mirim would tell her in time, if Aya needed to know. This was something Frost greatly appreciated.

The things Mirim knew, the memories she's lived through, the people she was associating with, it would be better if Aya remained ignorant for the time being. Even if she knew the events Mirim has seen, Aya wouldn't understand or comprehend, and it could potentially damage whatever friendship they had built thus far. Mirim was already crazy enough, damaged even. There was no need to throw fuel on that particular fire.

Regardless, they'd finish their session, though this time Aya would walk Mirim to her apartment. Her legs were as functonal as a sack of potatoes and was potentially in danger of passing out. The ex-marine scolded and laughed with her the entire way, teasing Mirim on her failure to hydrate properly and skipping cardio in her routines. These were fair comments, given her inexperience with all of this, but at the end of the day, Mirim could probably lift what Aya could single handedly.

Upon depositing the jello creature known as Mirim inside her apartment, Aya would reward her efforts with a kiss on a cheek and a promise to see them the next morning. She'd even shut the door for her on the way out, how sweet. Now alone, she'd just need to figure out how to crawl her way into the shower and cleanse herself without having to stand. It simply hurt too much to bear at this point in time.

73

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2
Rank: 1


Stats




STR 100 [67]
SPD 50 [34]
RS 25 [17]
SPR 50 [34]
INS 50 [34]
SEN 50 [34]



ES 0


LIGHT 50
DARK 50
HE: 0
SP 325/1600
Skills


Street Fighting 1
Pain Tolerance 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1
Anti-Stealth 1
Acrobatics 1




SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU







NOW PLAYING




Shower thoughts♥

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

The Most Important Words Are the Hardest to Speak

A few days later, Mirim would wake again from her slumber. Nothing was amiss, out of the ordinary. She'd enjoy her soothing shower, sift through the clothes she had recently acquired and mentally prepare herself for her morning routine at the local gym. Mirim would check her phone in route to the gym, surprised at the lack of messages Aya tended to leave behind waiting for Mirim to read upon waking, but there were none today.

As odd as that was, this didn't set off any alarms, nor did the lack of Aya's presence at the gym worry her. Maybe they went a lil too hard the previous day and Aya had to rest a bit of more. It was dissapointing, but Mirim understood. There is no sense in injuring one self just to keep the normal routine going. The body needed additional rest and care from time to time, so Mirim would simply go about her business as normal.

When she was done and beat, she'd carry herself back home. Once again she'd check her phone and find nothing waiting for her. She didn't see any new messages, no missed calls, nothing. Concerned, she'd call, but the ringtone would continue to ring, never being picked up or sent to voice mail. This was mildly relieving to the girl. Obviously this meant she was busy with something, right? Mirim simply sighed and put her phone away and take a nap.

It was her night off, so why not go out for drinks? As she woke and sifted through her clothes, she'd pick out a low cut red dress. Red wasn't just a color of anger or rage as her eye would reflect in the past, but one of passion and intensity, which she thought fit her well. As she checked her phone again, she'd send a message to Aya, inquiring on where she was this evening. There was a pause, then a message would be replied.

Aya was at a nearby dive bar, one within walking distance. Nodding, Mirim slipped the phone into her bag and took the trip. Upon first glance, the bar was relatively unassuming. There were no neon lights, no glowing open signs. Just a plain sign above the wooden door dubbing the establishment as "The Horn" and another sign stating it was open. She'd grasp a hold of the door nop and pull it open, walking inside.

The decor was relatively simple. There were a few billiards tables, a handful of small wooden tables and the bar itself. The wood finishing on the bar was rough, scratched, and scarred from years of use. There was an atmosphere of humility here, something she could respect. There was a warmth here she enjoyed along with the cozy feel of the place. It wasn't crowded and loud, so mirim could imagine coming here for some peace and quiet.

Mirim spotted Aya by the bar and approached, her hand patting her friend's back. She wouldn't react much like she usually would, only raising her head slightly as Mirim took the stool next to her and purchased a beer from the barkeep. Upon sipping from her first drink she'd set the glass down and turn to Aya. There was something wrong about her. Normally she held up this strong persona, always standing tall, always confident.

That wasn't the case here. Aya was hunched over, clutching her beer glass close, eyes hidden from the purple shades of her hair, but undoubtedly was staring into the glass. She was still, lost in her drink, seemingly not noticing Mirim's presence. Worried, Mirim hesitantly rested her hand on her friend's shoulder, her curious head dipping low to glance at her face. She'd find her friend's tanned cheeks puffy and reddened, as if she had just been crying.

Mirim frowned in concerned and reach over, lifting the veil of her hair to see her face more clearly. "Aya? What's wrong?", she'd ask softly, her heart thumping slowly in anxiety. What could have happened to crack the wall of her personality? Aya grumbled something and sat back against the chair's rest. Aya' reached up and grasped firmly, but carefully, at Mirim's hand and pulled it away from her, pressing it gently into the bartop.

Aya shook her head, the tears welling up in her emerald eyes. "My mother was found dead last night", her voice answered, dull and monatone. It must have took a lot just to tell Mirim. Frost's other hand would move to cup Aya's. Out of all the times for her voice to be restricted, this was that time she'd curse it the most. There was so much she wanted to say, to comfort. Though she couldn't personally relate to having someone so close be lost, it was something she could imagine, and it was frightening.

"I'm sorry...", mirim replied, unable to bring forth the words she wanted to say. She knew apologizing didn't really mean anything here, not right now at least. Aya shook her head and sniffled. Her body trembled, her hand squeezing Mirim's tightly. "You have *Nothing* to apologize for. You're not the one who stalked my mother. You're not the one who pulled your handgun, aimed, and unloaded the magazine into her. You're not the one who lost the *ONLY* reason for living here."

Mirim was shocked, the intense, sorrowful words pounding her soul like a hammer. She felt.. guilty. Maybe she should have said anything, especially if she didn't fully understand this loss. How could she? "So no, you're not sorry. You can't be. It wasn't your mother, this isn't your problem, so why the hell are you even here? There's no way you can understand what has happened to her, happened to *Me*"

Aya, pulled her hand free and slipped from her chair, running out the door, shielding her face and tears from the world on the way out. Mirim tried to reach for her, but she was too slow. Her brow furrowed and she'd pull a few bills from her bag and slapped them on the counter and ran after her. Aya wanted to be alone right now, and maybe it was smart to let her have her space, but Mirim didn't think this was truly the case. If it were, why was she here? why did she tell Mirim her location? Aya needed someone right now, because she had no one else. Mirim would chase after her and prove her wrong. It was the only way she could understand. She was simply too stubborn to see reason otherwise.


86

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2

Rank: 1





Stats



STR 100 [67]

SPD 50 [34]

RS 25 [17]

SPR 50 [34]

INS 50 [34]

SEN 50 [34]

ES 0



LIGHT 50

DARK 50

HE: 0

SP 325/1600

Skills

Street Fighting 1

Pain Tolerance 1

Battle Focus 1

Focused Eye 1

Anti-Stealth 1

Acrobatics 1



SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU

NOW PLAYING



-Compassion-

[/quote][/div]

[Mirim Frost]

It's the simple things that make life worth living.

Aya was running, and fast at that. As Mirim rushed out the door, leaving a few bills to pay off their drinks, she'd look for her, spotting her already a block and a half away, rounding a corner. Mirim took off, her legs still heavy from her jog today, but she'd ignore it. Catching up to Aya was her priority right now. Thankfully the sidewalks were sparse with traffic at this hour in the evening, meaning she'd spend less time barrelling through pedestrians not paying attention to what was coming.

Mirim would round the corner, spotting Aya nearly three blocks away, her stride never slowing, never slacking, though at least now Frost had a glimpse of where she was going. There was a small park area ahead with a large fountain lit with blue lights. She'd see Aya slow, catch her breath and sit down on the edge of the fountain, cradling her head. Relieved that she wouldn't have to keep up the chase, Mirim would slow to a jog, weaving through the few pedestrians that populated the sidewalk until she arrived.

Mirim slowed to a walk, carefully approaching her grieving friend. "Stay back!", she'd cry out to her as she approached, but Mirim ignored this, continuing on. "I'm warning you!" Again, Mirim ignored this until she stood in front of her friend. Mirim dropped to a single knee, becoming eye-level with the tanned woman. As a last ditch effort to drive her away, she'd throw a right hook into Mirim's face, knocking off her eyepatch she'd use to hide the light of her mechanical eye.

Frost sat there and took it, heat turned by the blow but otherwise unharmed. Her flesh stung from the blow, but it wasn't enough to illicit a response from Mirim, who simply, and calmly, turned her head back to face her friend, her eye glowing a similar blue to that of the fountain's radiance. Frost truely sympathized with her friend and knew how hard it was to carry that pain on her shoulders. To most people, it was impossible to keep it up. They were only human, not even gods in written mythology can easily carry the burden of the world on their shoulders.

"I won't leave.", she'd declare solemnly, reaching up to brush her friend's hair from their eyes. Mirim truely believed that eyes were windows into one's soul. Though normal eyes weren't as obvious as her own, any one could see the dull aching in Aya's heart from the streams pouring from her eyes, the reddened puffy cheeks and her inability to maintain eye contact with her. There was a hint of shame here, powerlessness. As one that was trapped in Los Noches for a time, there were many times where Mirim felt powerless, hopless even.

Aya didn't deserve to carry this on her own, nor did she have to. "You just don't understand...", Aya spoke, more calmly than the lashing she delivered before. Mirim smiled and shook her head. No, maybe she didn't, but she didn't have to. Mirim stood slowly and took Aya's hands into her own. Her fingertips brushed over the calouses, living testiments of her hard work day in and day out. There was only thing Mirim could do in this world, hit things really hard and sing. She chose to sing.

"I believed if I knew where I was going I'd lose my way.", she'd sing softly to her, her hands guiding her friend to her feet. "I believe that words that they told you are not your grave." Aya's head rose up, her eyes finally maintaining contact with her own, yet levened with doubt. Now on her feet, Mirim placed her hands face up on Aya's shoulders, as if shielding the weight pressing down on her, just like she did when they first met.

"I know that we are not the weight of all our memories." Mirim felt her stomach sink at these words. As a vessel carrying the memories passed down from her ancestors, Mirim refused to let these define her. Aya, similarly, held the memories of her life and let them weigh down on her, molding her life's decisions to fit in with what the past was rather that looking foreward to the future. It was tough, but one needn't suffer the weight alone.

"I believe in the things that I am afraid to say...", Mirim suffered from her inability to properly communicate, but even with this spiritual restriction, there was also a mental one. There were some things that were hard to speak, the same words that sunk a heart low and hollowed out one's soul. Aya was afraid to speak these words as well, fearing that no one would bear them, and chose to lash out, push everyone else away to let herself suffer alone. Mirim would not let this happen.

"H-how could you know any of this? How could you bear this weight of mine?" she'd shake her head and brush Mirim's hands away, but Frost would perservere and grasp at them, holding Aya's hands together before them. "Hold on.", she'd whisper softly. Again Aya would shake her hand, making a gentle effort to pull away, yet Mirim still held on. "Hold on.", she'd repeat. The shorter girl stepped onto the narrow edge of the stone fountain, guiding Aya up, who reluctantly followed.

Mirim smiled and turned, and guided them as she walked carefully around the fountain. "I believe in the lost possibilities you. can. see", she'd jesture towards the fountain, showing Aya how the water fell into the broad pool of shimmering fluid, only to be drawn up into the ornate tower serving as the centerpiece of the fountain. Though they knew the water was drawn back up only to fall again, this process is obscured from view, such is life's events.

She'd turn to Aya, one hand hand covering her mechanical eye, though the light blue of her eye's radiance spilled through the cracks of her fingers. "And I believe that the darkness reminds us where light can be". Joy and happiness often loses its luster without the presence of sorrow and loss to balance it. Though in the pit of despair, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it was possible to follow the light back into safety.

"I can't.. this is too much.", Aya sobbed, turning and stepping to leave, but Mirim held on resolutely and tugged her over, twirling her as if they were sharing this dance of misery and life. Her back collided against Mirim's, but the shorter girl held on, her other hand grasping Aya's. She'd guide them to her chest, letting her feel her own heart beat. She was alive. Despite this pain, this weight, she was alive and could see the light of dawn again. "I know that your heart is still beating, beating, darling."

Aya would slip, but Mirim kept her upright, not letting her fall beneath the weight of life. "I believe you fell so you would land next to me." The world works in mysterious ways. Life is great at issuing one challenges to overcome only to hide its solutions for one to find. Sometimes they are hidden well, but others are hiding in plain sight. Mirim believed she was meant to help her through this burden. Aching souls often cling to each other after all.

Once she was on her feet only then she'd let go only to walk along the edge of the fountain. "Again. how do you know how im feeling? How can you hold up the weight you are unaware of?" The answer was simple. Even if Mirim hadn't faced loss in this way before, her previous incarnations all have. She knew how they felt, and as the song took over her body, she'd feel these emotions synergize with her own. Though facing incredible mountains with jagged peaks, there was always hope within reach, one merely just needed to reach for it.

"Cause I have been where you are before, and I have felt the pain of losing who you are!", she'd sing loudly and proudly, not for an crowd for an audience, but for Aya alone. Her outstretched hands let the fountain's water drench her palms and displace around it. She'd close them into tight fists, holding onto this hope she'd remember and find. "And I have died so many times, but I am still alive~"

She'd turn to aya, brushing her dripping fingers through her pail hair, drying them and brushing her silver locks back. As she looked upon her friend's face, she'd see a calmness, the hint of realization as she came to terms. Up to this point she had lived her life for her family, not really putting her own wants and needs. Being selfless to a fault was still a fault, and sometimes it takes the loss of the focus, the source, of it all to see the future.

"What am I supposed to do?", she'd ask "How can I continue to go on and on like this?", unsure but at least trying to see this light Mirim sang of. Frost approached and held onto her arms, applying pressure to her developed arms, drawing attention to her own strength. "I believe that tomorrow is stronger than yesterday." Every day they get stronger. Life's challenges, however small, test them all. They learn and perservere until they cannot any more. Right now though, they were strong enough to make that step, strong enough to hold that future close, even if Aya struggled to recognize it.

Mirim let go and placed her fingertips on Aya's forehead, drawing attention to her head. "And I believe that your head is the only thing in. your. way." Her finger tapped with each word to emphasize. Being in the military service, she should know more than anyone that thoughts can sway the success of a task or mission. Negative thoughts can chain one down and hold back the possibilities, even here.

Just as the mind holds back potential, it can often focus on the negative side of memories. They say every dark cloud has a silver lining. Every dark room had a door. She'd move her her hand to Aya's chest, pressing her finger above her beating heart. "I wish that you could see your scars turn into beauty." Experiences from these challenges life brings should not be forgotten, no matter how painful. Through reflecting on the past, one could see just how beautiful life really is and look to the future.

"I believe that today it's okay to be not okay". Its ok to feel these negative emotions. It's ok to be in a rough patch. It's okay to be vulnerable to seek help. It's what you do from this place that makes all the difference. Progress is progress, after all, and it all begins with one step. "I have been where you are before" Mirim grasped her friend's hands and guided them to step into the cold fountain water. "I have felt the pain of losing who you are" Bathed in its blue light they'd stand there, the rain rushing down atop them. "We have died so many times, but we are still alive."

Aya stood there speechless. Though still suffering, she felt relieved somewhat, this she could see in in her eyes. Tears began to well up in her eyes again, but these felt different from the ones before. While the salty tears before were of frustration and hopelessness, these were of true mourning. Mirim had triggered some memory of her mother, of her family, and she was able to see that light. It was ok to cry and she recognized it was not good to hold back to tears, so she let them come, let them flow.

"This is not the end of you. This is the beginning.", Mirim let go of her hands and cupped her cheeks, shielding them from the rough, pent up tears. "This is not the end of you, this is the beginning." Mirim stepped close into Aya, gently guiding her head down. Like a whisper she continued to sing. "This is not the end of you, this is the beginning." Mirim kissed Aya, felt her trembling lips upon her own. Beneath her warmth and compassion that kept her own resolute, she'd feel Aya's melt away to match.

"Hold on."

110

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Type: Soul Specialist Version 2



Rank: 1

Stats

STR 100 [67]
SPD 50 [34]
RS 25 [17]
SPR 50 [34]
INS 50 [34]
SEN 50 [34]
ES 0
LIGHT 50
DARK 50
HE: 0
SP 325/1600
Skills

Street Fighting 1
Pain Tolerance 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1
Anti-Stealth 1
Acrobatics 1

SKP 6/15 6 points remaining

290/340 REIATSU



NOW PLAYING
We Are The Souls - ThePruld Ft. Cristina Scabbia and VaatiVidya

[/quote][/div]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

110 paragraphs = 550 TP