Healing Hearts [Saiko/Mizu]

Exhausting but satisfying. That simple sentence can be used to describe the day Saiko had. Spending it investing in the current members of the Gotei that wanted to get stronger, grow wiser, and become people that could uphold some sense of justice and hope and overall become people with the capacity to rescue the walls of this existence by balancing the souls of the known realms. That is what the duties of a shinigami were, eh?

With a mission set in her heart, The Mistress of Glum wandered freely after having just left a group of shinigami students, asking her questions on how to become stronger, how to fight, grow their spiritual strength, and matters of the heart. It brought a sense of warmth to Saiko's heart to have been of use as, day by day, she was slowly turning into an asset and was determined to prove that worth. Even if there were doubts, the absence of fear wasn't bravery; it's acting in the face of your own negativism, anxiety, and cowardice that makes you brave, and Saiko tried to cling to that as much as she could to clear her conscious of the hells of her previous life.

As time passed, dusk was starting to approach, and Saiko stopped in a quiet barracks as she gazed up at the plum and amber colors of the sky, smiling at the glistening of the twinkling stars of the heavens. This flutter of warmth in her heart was of a burning will, and she had long since forgotten what it was like to feel happy being alive.

Giggling quietly to herself, Saiko relished the moment before she sensed another person approaching. Then, turning out to find out who it was, the aqua-eyed woman just called out:

"Hello? Is someone there?"

Ah, there it was. Or rather, there SHE was. Whatever Saiko had been sensing turned out to be another sister in arms. Word gets around quickly, and the hybrid's actions may have finally started to cause rumors to spread. That was definitely a thought The Mistress of Glum hadn't considered, but one that would be dealt with later. For now, she'd address Mizu.

"Don't worry about it, Mizu. You aren't bothering me. It's nice to see allies after all."

Speaking in a gentle voice, Saiko smiled and waved gently toward the other woman. Though, after that, a brief period of silence came over her. The reason for that is that the half-breed shinigami had to think of what type of person she was. Lawful? Sinful? Apathetic? A few thoughts ran through her mind, but she decided the straightforward answer was best.

"Just a girl that is seeking redemption from a rough past. So you can say I'm a motivated woman."

Without getting too deep into her backstory with a person she just met, Saiko decided to then turn the question in on itself and give Mizu something to ponder.

"But, tell me, why are you interested in that? I'm curious to know why."

"Honestly, I'm happy people are aware I'm just...trying. That means a lot to me, Mizu."

Heh, it was always nice to have your work noticed. So a part of Saiko could blush right now if she could. But, in her heart, there was a sense of pride but also happiness that perhaps her own story and actions could motivate others to do better in their own lives. Is that what life is about, after all? So, the hybrid nodded with another smile before responding to Mizu.

"But tell me, why do you want to be great? What is motivating you to achieve something more than you are now?"

This question wasn't asked maliciously but out of genuine intrigue. Greatness doesn't come from a want; it comes from a need. When a person needs to achieve something, things fall into place. Even if it's out of their own will, there is something in a person's heart and soul that compels them to act the way they want. So the question was: what compelled Mizu's soul to keep going?

"Greatness can be found on the small scale by helping a stranger, friend, or family. But I doubt that is what you mean, so you'll have to tell me what compels you toward greatness."

Static rang in the mind of Saiko when the notion of family came up. To still have those that were living and connected to your blood? That was precious, so precious. Without caring much about boundaries, the hybrid placed each of her hands on the shoulders of Mizu and spoke boldly.

"Do not let go of your family. If nothing else, even in moments where you are pushed to the brink, keep them in your heart and use it as strength. Once they or yourself is gone, that is a scar which never leaves."

There was a great sense of urgency in the voice of Saiko before she slowly let go and stepped back just a few steps to give her some space after that.

"Sorry. That's a touchy subject for me."

Although part of her was embarrassed by that sudden outpouring of intensity, it never showed as Saiko just gave a polite smile. Despite that, the hurt in her mind and heart rang out when thinking of the notion of family. To have lost her biological kin and the last lover who could provide her with a family of her own, it brought many unpleasant memories; but she'd continue forward and not project any further those pains on Mizu.

"But your dream? It may not come true how exactly as you want it, but it is still possible to achieve small portions of it. It takes such a great will to change the world, so it makes sense to take little steps to that ideal vision in your heart. Build a community with these ideals and perhaps you will save some people from the unfairness of the world."

Now pointing to the heavens above, she continued by asking a question.

"The gods have blessed people with wealth, power, numbers and knowledge. If these blessed people stand in your way, do you have any steps to achieve your goal?"

"Don't worry about it. You are fine, Mizu."

Assuring her that she took no offense to the words spoken, Saiko gently tapped the shoulder of Mizu to give her a physical sign that she meant well. After all, one cannot expect to exist in a world where every little thing triggers them. A person will become insane if they expect the existence around them to cater to every little thing in their mind. So, the hybrid let it go.

Focusing on the words spoken after the shinigami's apology, Saiko took an interest in the fact she still wanted to move forward with her path to power. Surpassing others takes a high amount of ambition and will, so she nodded in agreement with herself and spoke:

"The road to power isn't easy, and you will suffer eventually, but you will need others around you to help you push through it, fight back against the negative and get stronger if that is your will. Make sure your ambitions and resolve don't crumble when those obstacles inevitably come."

There was a belief in Saiko's words that Mizu could achieve these things. EVERY person had that potential in them, after all. However, it was another ordeal when the time for action came. It is easy to speak such sweet and soft words, yet those ideals are tested in the midst of danger, and reality often paints a different picture. Still, it's not a reason to give up. On the contrary, having that knowledge prepares you for the days when things get tough, while when things are going right, you can relax and know what you are fighting for.

Regardless, one cannot live in their head forever. So, Saiko's stare lingered on Mizu as she spoke of wanting to master her shikai and help her Captain. Then, with a raised brow, she asked these questions out to the lively shinigami:

"But tell me: what does your shikai do? I don't need a bunch of details, but I'm curious how you plan actually to master it and increase its potency. Do you have any objective paths to achieving that?"