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Empty Places
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An Apology
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I am so sorry everyone for what I am about to say - To all of my fans who loved Empty Places and wanted to see the story written to its fullest conclusion, I'm afraid the news is not good. Due to some complications in my life – and the fact that I have not updated this story in two years - I have decided it would be in everyone's best interests to discontinue this story.
I don't want to offer any of you anymore false hope; I have been dwelling on this decision for a long time and have told myself over and over again that I will finish Empty Places, that I will find the urge to continue writing it again. But I have to be real for once, it has been two years and the urge to write this story simply hasn't found me. And I doubt it ever will.
Now, the reason why I am so reluctant to continue writing this story has a little something to do with how the original anime ended. To say I was disappointed would be a major understatement. I hated it, absolutely hated it. And the moment the credits rolled I can remember saying exactly this, "Well, I just wasted four hours of my life. What the fuck was that!?"
I wish I had never seen the last season of Oreimo. I wish I had stopped watching after the ending of the last season and moved on to something else, keeping Oreimo as good memories. But I didn't I wanted to see how it would end, and I could not have been more disappointed.
The fact that the characters, who had been well defined and simple, completely went against their pre-conceived character traits bugged me. The stupid fake wedding between Kirino and Kyousuke where they ended their romantic feelings for each other (even though later on they can be seen staring at each other) made me eye-roll. The story did not further develop or progress the story, instead we are right back to the beginning. The characters, the story was left in complete limbo and that is one thing I hate about open ended finales. It is lazy writing, in my opinion; this is your story, give it a proper send off. And the writer did not do this. They chickened out in my opinion and left it open to interpretation.
Yuck…
After I watch the finale, my urge to write for these characters diminished immediately and, in all honesty, killed my desire to continue writing Empty Places. That may not make sense to some readers but I felt completely disconnected from this world and the characters. I couldn't hear their voices in my head anymore, so to speak, and was really struggling to write the next chapter. Eventually I gave up and said I would come back to it, I kept saying that over and over again until two years passed and I realised enough was enough.
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You needed to hear the truth and so, here it is. Empty Places is being discontinued…
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However, that does not mean Empty Places will be left completely unfinished….
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As an extension of apology to you, my fans, I have decided to upload all of my plans to Empty Places.
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Which means… The circumstances surrounding Kyousuke and many other characters in Empty Places will finally be revealed. The mystery and supernatural elements will also be explained. And how the story would have ended will also be included in the planning.
Now, this was the plan I have been working off of since Empty Places very inception. It may seem a little jumbled, as my thoughts often bounce from place to place, but if you have any questions I will be more than happy to answer them. I owe you all that much, and so much more.
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Before I leave I would like to thank every single one of you who read Empty Places… who reviewed, favorited and followed this story. Your support has meant the world to me. When I started writing for Oreimo I didn't think for one second that anyone would have any interest in my ideas or writing style. But you not only supported Empty Places, you made it one of the most popular Oreimo stories on FanFiction. To this day I still can't believe Empty Places received over 200 reviews in 13 chapters!? That is incredible.
Your support and enthusiasm helped me improve, I look back at my earlier work and can see the difference. I have become – I feel – a better and more concise writer and that is all thanks to your continued support. So, to all my regular reviewers and followers… I say goodbye and thank you for the wonderful experience you have given me. I hope you enjoy reading through all of the planning – there is a lot – and feel free to ask me any questions you might have, if something doesn't make sense I will explain everything to the best of my ability.
All the best everyone, thank you for the wonderful experience.
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Empty Places
Chapter by Chapter Progression
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Chapter 1: Introduction of the story's concept (Complete)
Chapter 2: A look into Kirino's mental wellbeing, coming across her first visions (Complete)
Chapter 3: Kirino apologizing to her friends, confrontation with Kuroneko (Complete)
Chapter 4: Parents hide the truth from Kirino, Kirino runs away from home and comes across a beach and Manami, Manami hints at the truth and Kirino collapses (Complete)
Chapter 5: Kirino is taken to the hospital, Strange things happen and she sees Kyousuke's unconscious body once more, collapses and wakes up to find Kyousuke shaking her awake (None of the fans, Kyousuke or the TV camera's are actually there… This is all a creation of Kirino's mind and an amalgamation of memories about a time she was forced to come to the hospital with Kyousuke. Offer no hints to this, however.) (Complete)
Chapter 6: Manami and Kuroneko converse while hinting at the plots change, Manami waits for Kirino, Kirino and Kyousuke talk which sets up the next chapter (Complete)
Chapter 7: Kyousuke watching Kirino talking to the director, agent talks to Kyousuke concerning Kirino but he knows what she's up to, Kyousuke leaves and Kirino follows secretly worried about him, Back home; Kirino hears crying and investigates finds her corporeal form (A fragment of her memory seeping through the cracks), Kyousuke arrives concerned but then blames her for everything and is cruel to Kirino, Kyousuke disappears and Kirino runs to his room finding he is safe, Kyousuke's body flickers in and out of existence unknown to Kirino.
Chapter 8: Laid back chapter, Kyousuke playing one of Kirino's eroge's before being called into Kirino's room, Kirino needs something (An eroge which is no longer for sale online) but Kyousuke is there to help her out, both head to Akihabara and attempt to find the game but to Kirino's annoyance (Not directed to Kyousuke) she can't seem to find it, they run into Kurneko who is her usual self but she eventually leaves, Kirino gives up on finding the game and asks Kyousuke if he's coming, He says he has some stuff he needs to do but is secretly prepared to stay until the dead of night to find this game for Kirino.
Chapter 9: Kyousuke succeeds in finding and buying the game (Which is called 'There's no Way my Onii-chan can be this perverse') but runs into Ayase and Kanako who are both suspicious of his behaviour and nerves (Hint that they are actually heading to Kyousuke's home), Ayase attempts to take the bag but Kyousuke legs it, Kyousuke returns home and gives Kirino the game who is ecstatic and actually hugs him, Knock on the door and Kyousuke opens it to see Ayase and Kanako staring sinisterly at him. "Can this day get any better" sees Ayase and Kanako at the door, "Oh shit!"
Chapter 10: Kyousuke retreats to his room and away from Ayase's terrifying glare, Kirino hid the game under her pillow but is secretly guarding it which involves many humorous moments, Ayase eventually notices a discarded box on her desk and almost screams when she sees it, Kirino suddenly remembers leaving 'Defiling little sisters' on the desk, Ayase questions why this is here, Kirino panicking, then Kyousuke casually walks in takes the box and sais "Ah, that's where I left it" and walks out again, Ayase attempts to chase him but he is holding the door closed his previous confidence had never even existed but he needed to save his sister, Ayase desperately tries to get in and succeeds when she climbs through a window (Ayase had ordered Kanako to bang on the door to give her time to get around) Kyousuke was dead meat.
Chapter 11: Kyousuke considering his options for the future while Kirino wants to know his plans without being too forward, Kyousuke will look through many future choices and consider his possible future career, Kirino talks to Kyousuke about this wanting to know if she will still have a place in his life, Kyousuke says 'there will always be a place for you in my life', Kirino relieved but hides it well, but later on in the day when they are eating dinner… Kyousuke finds out from his father that he is expected to live outside of the house and earn an income as well (Just like he did) the family would pay the majority of his funds but they wanted him to have some independence, Kirino and Kyousuke complain but Daisuke says that this is for his benefit and that Kyousuke will start searching tomorrow, Kirino refuses but Kyousuke finally agrees and says he will move out of the house by the end of next week.
Chapter 12: Kyousuke takes up a part time job working with Manami's shop (Maybe, otherwise he will find work in Akihabara thanks to Saori's help, might make this his second job after the first… hilarious moment when Kyousuke realises that the shop has eroge and hentai all over the shelves and nothing else, Saori had made him believe that it was just a normal rental store but she lied) Kyousuke is also looking for an apartment, Kirino upset with this and lets it be known (Commenting on the possible houses and emphasising all its negative points), eventually Kyousuke finds a place he really likes which is unfortunately a little above his finances, remorseful that he won't be living there but says that there's nothing he can do, Kirino watches him leave and asks for a moment with the seller, Kirino convinces him to sell it because she will pay the remaining fee with her own money, 'just make him think you've changed your mind and I'll pay the rest in secret' Kyousuke happily signs the paper but notices a fine print which says that Kirino would pay the outstanding fees, Kyousuke angry but Kirino surprises him by saying 'of course I'm paying for this house… I'm moving in too!' Kirino and Kyousuke would be living together under one roof.
Chapter 13: Daisuke humorously attempts to beg Kirino not to move because she is too young (this is done inside Kyousuke's new house) but Kirino refutes this saying she has enough money now considering she's a fully paid model, Kyousuke and Daisuke are left to move the furniture as Kirino sits and watching them (Acting calm and composed when in view but giggling and swinging her arms excitedly when they are not here) Eventually Yoshino arrives and keeps Kirino company while the men complain about how they are supposed to shift the furniture into the top floor of the building (Funny) Yoshino asks Kirino if she is sure that this is what she wants and Kirino looks to Kyousuke and says 'Yes, this is all I've ever wanted' Yoshino confused and Kirino nervously attempts to cover for her slip up.
Humorous moment between Kirino and Kyousuke when they finish and the sit on the sofa, Kirino sitting far closer to Kyousuke then normal but he accepts this without word, 'so… what's for dinner?' Kyousuke suddenly realises he's famished and they have no food in their fridge, comical moment as Kirino blames him for not being attentive but they eventually subside both laughing due to the childish pillow fight that ensued, 'I think things are going to be alright now.' Kyousuke says before a phantom Manami who cannot be seen walks up to them and whispers 'if only you knew!"
Chapter 14: Kirino and Kyousuke go shopping together for food and supplies, get mistaken for a young married couple at the market and Kirino blushes like crazy, Kyousuke offers to pay for lunch because Kirino has done so much for him and Kirino accepts but only if she can choose where, Kyousuke 'I should have known.' When he sees the entrance to a manga café (Cat girls waiting inside) Kirino walks in dragging Kyousuke who had silently been attempting to head towards the other store, both eat a surprisingly delectable meal but are suddenly stunned into silence when their waiter is revealed to be none other than Ayase who is mortified, explains that one of her co-models was sick and desperately needed someone to cover her shift, Ayase volunteered not realising what it would entail, Kirino keen to know the name of this girl because it would mean someone else to talk to about anime, Ayase and Kirino notice Kyousuke's wide eyed stare and is kicked out of the store by Ayase 'we reserve the right to etc etc' explanation and Kirino happily sits inside eating her delicious food… Kyousuke looking on regretfully, his tummy rumbling (They had already ordered from another waitress but Ayase had come to announce that the food would be slightly delayed, opened with that address)
Chapter 15: Kyousuke studies for his upcoming exams, working extremely hard because the college he wants to get into has high grade boundaries. (Not sure what kind of job Kyousuke would like but perhaps I can make a poll and let my readers decide.)
Kirino watches him with a hint of pride and worry before she has to leave for her own work, modelling. Kirino wants to help Kyousuke but is unsure how to, talks with Ayase who offers surprisingly gives good advice. When Kirino returns Kyousuke is still working and Kirino decides to make him dinner, prepare tableware etc hoping that she can support her onii-chan in some way. Kyousuke accepts the offer after slight resistance and is grateful to Kirino, enjoyable meal with light conversation about work both realise they sound like a married couple. After dinner, Kyousuke returns to work while Kirino watches TV, Kirino falls asleep and when she wakes she finds Kyousuke asleep at his desk, Kirino carefully wraps a blanket around him and places a pillow underneath his head, gives Kyousuke a very gentle hug and leaves with a smile on her face.
(Might input a chapter here for separation, more impact for the next chapter. The chapter would need to be a continuation of previous chapters, showing Kirino and Kyousuke growing closer and closer together. Not sure what this chapter will entail but I will need to think about it carefully.)
Chapter 16: Several weeks later, Kyousuke and Kirino have grown closer and have supported once another whenever necessary without question. However, this chapter will be the big falling out (Kyousuke didn't make the grade for his first choice University but Kirino came back home cheerfully unaware of this because she had been approached to voice a character for Meruru.)
Kyousuke shouts at, all of his frustrations and insecurities boiling over. Years of being second best suddenly becoming too much for him too bear. Kirino watches trembling but Kyousuke doesn't care because to him this was all so unfair, he tried so hard and yet he failed again. Kirino hadn't even done anything remarkable and yet she was being rewarded again and again… Kyousuke livid and blaming all his failures on her, Kyousuke has really lost it.
This is then followed by Kirino making Kyousuke feel really guilty for what he had just said and done. Kirino says she did everything with Kyousuke in mind; all her success and achievements were so she could win him back and get her onii-chan back. Kyousuke shocked and regrets his actions as he notices tears in Kirino's eyes, Kyousuke remorseful but Kirino tells him to get away and even hits him when he approaches.
Kyousuke wraps her in a hug and her resistance slowly diminishes and she hugs him back, Kyousuke apologizes again but Kirino is still whimpering, promises he will do anything that will make this up to her and Kirino says 'you don't have to do anything, just don't leave me. Never leave me again, promise me Kyousuke."
First time she called him by name, Kyousuke accepts placing a kiss against her forehead (Kirino had been pondering on whether she should force him to become her boyfriend, but after her simple statement she realises that she wants Kyousuke to fall for her and not be forced, she wanted a real relationship not an artificial one.)
Chapter 17: (Kyousuke will begin to view Kirino in a different light, start of feelings and a sign of their improving relationship)
Unfortunately, after this, the rest of the chapters were scrapped because I didn't like where it was, initially, heading. This was really early on by the way. So, I didn't have a concrete plan for future chapters, I had a number of situations that were definitely going to happen but I didn't know where to put them and in what order.
I knew the next few chapters would aim for romance but I didn't quite know how. In all honesty, I wanted to write up to here and then re-evaluate things, see where I could go and which directions I hadn't explored thoroughly enough. I.e. Did people prefer the supernatural elements or the romantic moments, and sort of work from there. Listen to the readers and let them mould the story.
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Empty Places Rough Scenario Planning
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(This is where all thoughts are put down so I don't forget them. Then when I write out the chapter progression I look at this page and see what fits. It is an odd process but one I quite like. Quite a few scenarios' that I thought of off the top of my head ended up in the actual story planning.)
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At one point, Kyousuke and Kirino are having an argument which becomes extremely heated, not sure how it comes about but it must be Kyousuke's fault without him realising it, something to do with their childhood and how they separated… Kyousuke will adamantly blame her due to her success and fame resulting in him being alienated by his parents (All his achievements etc), Kirino is silent looking notably distraught until it becomes too much, she will then scream "I did it all for you"
Kirino will then tearfully state that she wanted Kyousuke to be proud of her, to win her brother back after he distanced himself which is why she tried so hard and accomplished so much… "It was all for you, I wanted you to be proud of me… to congratulate me etc etc "… "I just wanted you back…" Kyousuke will suddenly realise that it's all his fault… he never came to her first race etc etc Kirino will demand that he leaves, Kyousuke will refuse (At this point Kirino is crying on the floor) and embrace her from behind, Kirino will then turn and grab a hold of him to make sure he doesn't leave and cry into his chest… "Please don't go…"
Solidifies their newly formed bond, closer to romance…
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At one point, Kyousuke hears crying coming from Kirino's room when he leaves to investigate. She is sitting at her desk… headphones in, the screen displaying the end followed by credits… Looking closer Kirino was visibly upset, unrestrained whimpers and tears rushing down her cheeks.
Kyousuke asks what's wrong and she whimpers "E-eroge!" before returning to tears… Kyousuke asks what happened but no response merely watching Kirino slump against her desk crying into her arms which supported her head… after a prolonged wait she whimpers "Why did she have to die…?"
Comic affect, amusing conversation between the two where Kyousuke is utterly confused and Kirino can't stop crying… Kyousuke will eventually asks what eroge she was playing and she will answer "Kana Little Sister." Before ejecting it, forcing the disk into his hand and demanding that he play it and safe (Kana) so that they can live happily ever after…
Kyousuke confused but doesn't want to anger her emotionally compromised sister… Kirino eventually comes into his room and watches him play, commenting on decisions she made and hitting him when he made the wrong choice… multiple saves, Kyousuke's mountain of homework being painfully watched by the owner of said homework…
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The nurse's record of Kirino's age will read 15, Kirino confused by this and adamant that she is 14, she would turn 15 in a couple of months to her knowledge…
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Kirino will at one point, during Kyousuke's rush to finish outstanding class and homework, pull a blanket around him and a small hug while he sleeps… Kyousuke completely unaware of this and Kirino merely smiles to herself and goes to her own room.
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Further into their romantic relationship, Kirino believes she is ready for a more physical relationship… Kyousuke unsure and believes there is still time (Concerned for her sister because she looks so scared, shaky as she says this… Kirino wants to be everything for Kyousuke and is even prepared to do things she knows will be eventually expected of her… scared that Kyousuke might grow bored of her…)
Kyousuke eventually agrees and they becoming rather heated on the bed (Only kissing at first, clothes still on, and making out with a remarkable intensity) As Kyousuke looks at her preparing to take her panties off, Kirino suddenly fights back "No, no…" the moment becomes too scary for her and as a way to calm Kirino, who is shaking and terrified, Kyousuke embraces her and says things like "We don't have to do anything, we're not ready for something like this…" comforting and heartfelt words from Kyousuke to Kirino…
Kirino admits she's not ready and wants to wait, Kyousuke agrees with a kiss on her forehead, Kirino thanks Kyousuke for understanding and Kyousuke said there is nothing to understand because it's Kirino's body and only she has the right to make such a decision… Kirino extremely grateful and they sit next to each other, Kirino sitting closely and trying to convey her feelings to him (in an attempt to make him understand how much he means to her)
Heartfelt and romantic moment between the two, ending in Kirino admitting that she doesn't believe she'll be ready for an intimate relationship for some time despite the amount of eroge she's played (Joke for earlier, poor joke by Kirino but she is trying to lessen the mood)
Suddenly will transfer to present time, doctor will be looking through Kirino's notes and asking questions before another nurse comes in with a new piece of information… After some time, the reveal will be made…
"You're pregnant…" Huge cliff-hanger (Do not explain the time shift, I.e. present time, even if the readers want to know or criticise you for it. Keep them guessing.)
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"The mind of the subject will desperately struggle to create memories where none exist." (This hint will be told by Kuroneko when she visits in a dream, no explanation must be given once again but people might start to realise what is happening. Especially those that have played Bioshock Infinite.)
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Kirino will receive a letter in the post…
Yoshino picks up the letters and returns to the lounge…
Daisuke reading the newspaper…
Yoshino handing out the letters until she gasps dropping the letter…
Daisuke turns to Yoshino (Making sure she is alright…)
Yoshino merely points to the letter…
Daisuke looks at it, turns it over and looks puzzled by Yoshino's scream (Nothing looks out of place…)
"Look at the name of the recipient…"
Daisuke reads it and sees…
Mrs. Kousaka Kirino
(Shows that Kirino is married…)
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Kyousuke's Death
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Kyousuke has been bed ridden for several weeks.
Kyousuke has already been informed that he has only a few days to live due to cancer, or something which is perhaps more sudden and leaves him little time to live.
Has wanted to leave the hospital since all of the operations, knows he's going to die but doesn't want to die in here wants to die in his home where it is familiar.
Kirino was with him every step of the way, make mention of the wedding ring placed on her finger.
(Kyousuke proposes in front of the viaduct, during the moment when Kirino's life had been turned upside down, and not in the good way. She had been turned away when attending her voice acting role for Meruru, decision influenced by the Head of the Company's son who had made advances on Kirino. Kirino rejected and refused to trade sexual favours for a role on Meruru, the show she loved the most. The Head of Company's son became angry and threatened to end her career but Kirino refused to budge, and left.)
Kirino's dream role had been taken away from her and she had been left embarrassed by the son. (Kirino had arrived only to be humiliated by the Head of the Company's son who had spread nasty and malicious rumours to the media and the staff of Meruru, Kirino unaware of this while she was preparing for her role. Kirino is then told by the decision makers that she needs to leave and that her role with Meruru had been given to someone else because of her behaviour, I.e. sleeping around to get ahead. There was apparently footage of Kirino having sex with a sixty-year-old man – the footage never shows Kirino's face but the body shape is very similar to her own. The Head of Company's son had staged the whole thing, getting a body double to have sex with a top hiring agent so that he could embarrass and humiliate Kirino.)
However, when Kyousuke reveals the ring and gets down on his knee, Kirino forgets all about the awful day she had experienced and stares at the ring. At first, Kirino was confused but then, with tears in her eyes, she happily agreed to the marriage. It would be a secret marriage that only they knew about – as they could not actually get married – but both knew there was no one else for them.
A beautiful and happy moment which will hold relevance for the latter passages of this story.
However, as the pair return to their room to sleep, Kyousuke suddenly realises something is wrong. Kyousuke is woken up later at night by a coughing fit, something which had happened before in previous chapters, for no reason, and had been miss-construed as a simple cold. Then, when Kyousuke runs to the bathroom, and coughs rather violently, Kyousuke sees blood in the sink and on his hand. Immediately knows something is wrong but turns the tap and cleans his hands, Kirino must not know what is going on.
Kyousuke's health will decline rapidly in the next few weeks but Kyousuke will do his best to hide this from Kirino. That is until Kirino returns home one day to see Kyousuke like unconscious on the floor, his handkerchief splattered by thick blood.
(Parents will not know about the wedding, neither will friends or relatives as it is a secret only Kirino and Kyousuke will ever know about.)
Friends and family will visit Kyousuke when he is hospitalised, including Manami who sealed a promise with Kyousuke that concerned Kirino's wellbeing after he dies. Manami promised to look after Kirino after he was gone, to offer support should she ever need it.
Kuroneko is also aware that he is ill but doesn't believe everyone who says he's going to die. (The doctor's told Kyousuke and his family the news that he didn't have long to live due to cancer or something similar to that, still unsure, will need to look this up and see what disease I should use for Kyousuke's death.)
Kuroneko refuses to come and meet him in his final moments. Kuroneko stubborn and pays for it; even Manami had tried to get Kuroneko to see Kyousuke in his last moments but she refused. This will be Kuroneko's biggest regret, that she could not say goodbye to Kyousuke or be there for him when he might have needed her.
One day, Kirino visits Kyousuke at his hospital, at the dead of night…
Kirino has been refused admittance to Kyousuke's patient room because of the state he is in. (This rule applies to everyone and is not specific to her, nobody knows that Kyousuke and Kirino are married.)
Kyousuke sees her and they embrace on the bed, Kirino noticing that he is looking surly and weak.
Kyousuke pleads Kirino to help him out of the hospital, Kirino refuses.
But Kirino is eventually talked into it, Kyousuke using Kirino's strength to help him hobble and struggle out of his ward.
The pair comes across their father who immediately stands up blocking their way; he doesn't want to believe his son is going to die as he still had a slim chance. The doctors had told him that his son had a slim chance of prolonging his life by a few more years.
Kyousuke talks to him and begs his father to let them go, father initially refuses.
But after Kirino's pleas, begging his father to look at Kyousuke who looked ill and terrible (Kyousuke will deliver the final blow "I'm not going to live, dad. Look at me, I don't want to die here, like this. Etc etc" Must elaborate further, make it sound convincing, so that the readers would believe a father would allow their child to leave and die. Will need to write this in the moment, to keep it fresh etc etc.
Their father, with what looks like tears in his eyes, nods and wordlessly opens the door for them.
Kyousuke whispers "Thank you." And rests his hand against his fathers shoulder, adding. "Please protect her… protect our family."
The pair leave, Kyousuke struggling down the pavement. No longer in his hospital uniform but his clothes which had been left beside his bed by Kirino the day before.
(Next scene will happen at midnight. Stars etc street lights and cars etc etc)
As the pair walk, passing the (Aqueduct?) Kyousuke stops and looks at it.
"Do you remember this place…? Kirino?"
Kirino looks around and realises it was the place where they sealed their relationship, where they became husband and wife.
Kirino talks about it fondly, unaware that Kyousuke is suddenly suffering great pain his body slouching in Kirino's grip.
Kyousuke suddenly becomes weak, falling to the floor as Kirino falls with him.
Kirino tries to help Kyousuke up but he is breathing shallowly, unresponsive to her cries. (They fall to the ground on a curve of grass which looks upon the beautiful water, a river I think.)
Kirino eventually gives up and sits beside Kyousuke, the pair looking at the river and the place which meant so much to them. (Previously, Kirino had been tearfully begging Kyousuke to get up, but Kyousuke is too exhausted, content to stare up at the sky as he wheezes from the effort.)
Kyousuke will talk about finding happiness, grateful to have been a part of Kirino's life, to the friends he made and most importantly for finding the girl of his dreams in such an unlikely place.
Must send a beautiful mood through this moment.
Kirino responding to his every word, commenting on what he says and even sharing some of her own thoughts and memories with him.
All happy memories, precious memories.
(Not sure how I'll end it, or the conversation, but it will end on a sombre note. Kyousuke turning to Kirino "I will… always… love you." Before his head sags and he passes away.)
Kirino does not cry immediately, sounds return to her first… the sound of the birds chirping up ahead. Unaware shoppers milling and talking in raised voices. Kirino staying stock still. Battling against the tears which threatened to fall, biting on her bottom lip as unshed tears remained within her eyes.
For a moment Kirino does nothing, and then silently she cuddles close to Kyousuke's lifeless body and whispers "I will never forget you, Aniki."
(Kyousuke had previously joked that Kirino never had the courage to call him "Aniki." But she finally says the words at his final moments. Kyousuke always teased and wanted Kirino to refer to her as Aniki at least once. And he finally got his wish.)
She will place a kiss on his forehead and while cuddling up to him, she will look into the night sky. Before whispering…
"Goodbye, my love."
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Kirino and Kyousuke will be found an hour later, by paramedics, lying next to one another, one silently breathing… the other breathing no more. (Kirino had called her father to say he had died, Kirino gave his father her location and an ambulance was dispatched.)
Kirino suffered from PTSD and any memories she had of their moments together were lost. Doctors told her parents that it was their belief that she would never recover those memories. Kirino's family, believing their daughter needed a new start, decided to move far away where nobody, not her friends and not even the media could find her. She needed peace, to start a new life, fresh and away from others.
However, Ayase, believing she needed to be there for Kirino, decides to join them. Kirino's parents were firmly against this at first but when Kirino recognised her best friend, Ayase, they decided it was too late. Kirino's rehabilitation was in a new place but, to her eyes, it was still the same place where she had grown up with Kyousuke. Whenever she heard the street names, her School's name etc… in Kirino's head, everyone was saying the name of her childhood town. Kirino's mind was trying to fool her into thinking everything was alright, trying to help her heal.
The reason why Manami and Kuroneko were led to believe Kirino was responsible for Kyousuke death: Both overheard troubling information about Kirino taking Kyousuke out of the hospital late at night. The doctors comment on how Kirino may have killed Kyousuke whether intentionally or not. Perhaps due to grief or a lack of belief in their ability. (This is why Manami and Kuroneko believe that Kirino is the cause of Kyousuke's death.)
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The very final scene of this story will be that of both Kirino and Ushio (Which will be the babies name, and will be revealed at the final bit)
Conversation between the two, Kirino holding her daughter's hand as they prepare to visit Ushio's grandparents.
"Where are we going momma?"
"To visit grandpa and grandma, honey… and daddy as well." (Make the reader realise that Kirino and Ushio were going to visit the grave of Kyousuke.)
"Too see daddy?"
"Can I light the incense?"
"Of course, Honey. Just like last time."
Smiling Kirino takes Ushio's hand and warmly commands.
"Let's go, Ushio."
"Coming momma!"
Before they disappear into the sunset, continuing to live their lives to the fullest.
End of story, Kirino lives happily ever after with their child.
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Kyousuke and Kirino's final parting
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This will be Kirino's final farewell to Kyousuke. This whole scene will take place in her subconscious (Or maybe an alternate world? Something like that so the real Kyousuke can say goodbye to the woman he loved.)
(The final scene of the chapter will be the goodbye, Kirino holding onto Kyousuke's hand tears trailing down her cheeks as she whimpered. "Please… please don't go.")
"It's time, Kirino. I have to go."
"Please I don't want to… please don't leave me."
"… I don't want to be alone anymore."
"You're not alone, Kirino. You have a daughter now, she needs you…"
"But I don't know what to do… I don't know how to be a mother."
"Just love her. That is all you have to do…"
"You'll be an amazing mother and do you know how I know?"
"N-no?"
"Because you were an amazing wife."
Wind picks up, sign that the world was fragmenting.
"I-I don't know if I can do this. What if she hates me, what if she asks about you? What do I say? I-I need you Aniki."
"Kirino," Kyousuke and Kirino share a kiss, "You have never needed me. You were born perfect. You could do everything you set your heart on, so please my love, for me, take care of our child. Be the mother I know you can be."
"I-I will. I'll raise our child; I'll love her and care for her… until… until…"
"Until?"
"Until I can return to you. Until the day I die."
"That's the Kirino I know and love, you'll be fine. Everything will be fine."
"Aniki!"
Wind spinning around them, Kirino afraid to let go. Kirino holds Kyousuke in her arms embracing him.
"I have to go, Kirino. But this is not goodbye… I will forever be watching you."
"I-I know. I'll make you proud."
Kyousuke begins to disappear, his image becoming faint and scattered by the wind.
"There's no need, I am already so very proud of you… Kirino."
Kyousuke disappears, Kirino tears streaming down her eyes as she clutches her heart.
"Goodbye Aniki… goodbye…"
.
.
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And so, there you have it. Apologies for the disjointed nature of this plan but one of my most complete planning documents was lost when my laptop suffered a loss of data and, while many documents could be retrieved, the final plan for Empty Places was lost. So I had to scrounge up a few loose documents and put them all together.
Once again, if you have any questions please feel free to ask me but until then I wish you all the best for the future and hope you will continue to follow me in the future :D