The Gentle Giant [Tsurugi, Murasaki]

Tsurugi Toru

Silence once more, thankfully for a much shorter period, before a small laugh would sound into the space, as if the very idea that the woman presented to her was plain ridiculous, a humorous joke even. Not one she sounded particularly happy to hear, of course, it was a laugh made more in irritation than amusement,

I am not speaking to him? I believe you have it incredibly backwards - it's he who won't speak to me.

It would feel like she had a pair of particularly interested eyes on her at the moment, as if the very presence of the Zanpakuto spirit was sizing her up, for what end would be unclear, and that perhaps added to the sense of unsettling it would give.

'Incredibly frustrating' does not begin to describe how I feel towards it. The boy's suppressing me and he cannot even see what is happening right in front of his eyes. At this rate, he has better chances in getting devoured than succeeding.

Soft hisses of annoyance were in the voice of the spirit as she spoke, however apart from the unsettling chill she gave off, there was another tone to her voice, although it was slight - Worry.

I have tried to reach out to him, just to be shut down almost immediately, like it never happened. What am I to do with a wielder who cannot even see me, much less wish to hear me?

Tsurugi Toru

I am certain it is far more than lack of direction due to inattentiveness. He possesses an incredible want to belong.

There was no silence this time, rather the spirit immediately responded to the woman's attempts at understanding the situation. If anything, the spirit sounded a little offended by the idea of her wielder simply being ignorant, even if it was a reasonable conclusion to assume with so little information to the cause of it.

Some silence fell on the connection once more, however it was occasionally interrupted by the sound of the spirit humming in thought, as if it was trying to think of something, anything that may be causing this issue.

I may remind him of something his mind does not wish to unbury.

She spoke that idea out with a degree of confidence, seeming to let out a small 'mhmm' as if in agreement with herself, before going on,

The one time we managed to see each other, even if it was for a moment.. He looked at me like a scared child. Not in the way of he was afraid of me, no no - but that something of me made him unconsciously lock up. Something his mind did not wish to see again.

Tsurugi Toru

The span of silence before the woman had come with some answer was one of knowing surely well how she would answer, the spirit merely was waiting for her to actually say it before proceeding; sure, there was no direct, definitive way to mend the situation, but it wasn't as if her wielder was a lost cause in the slightest bit.

Giving awareness surely is the first step; even if you cannot do anything to give immediate remedy to the situation, at the very least putting him on the path of understanding will do good for him in the long run.

There was... Warmth? To the voice's tones as she spoke - confidence in that it was the best thing to do at this time. Maybe the spirit was just relieved there was some potential in breaking down the barrier preventing her and her wielder from interacting...

I will say one thing before we are finished, however; Despite his appearance and demeanor, underneath he is a boy who desires to do his best for others. This failure has him feeling rather.. Crushed, even if he does not wish to make it clear. Being unable to readily connect with me has made him feel he is unable to serve as well as his comrades.

The spirit's voice sounded less intimidating, and more like a soft utterance; she merely intended to tell the Captain of the young man's true feelings, in hopes it would help in his own development, as well as her understanding of him moving forward.

...Do not be another person to give up on him.

Tsurugi Toru

Going peacefully, the connection would close, Tsurugi having been sitting in front of Murasaki, having watched her the whole time, as if he thought if he scrutinized enough, he'd see how she was doing it. However, his focused gaze immediately retreated, looking to the side once his Captain's eyes opened, accepting the sword back with what looked to be.. Some embarrassment? Upon his fierce face.

However, he seemed a bit irked by the idea the woman brought up - that he was afraid whenever his Zanpakuto tried to reach out. The idea itself bothered him, though he tried to swallow it,

"..Afraid? I do not see any reason I would be.. But if that is what you think it could be, I will contemplate it.."

Although atrocious at hiding things, he tried to carry on and distract from the idea, instead putting energy towards curiosities,

"So, how did you manage to bond with your Zanpakuto? Was it difficult, or easier due to your... Ability?"

ENTER THE BEAST

"Ah, I see. I will keep it in mind regardless."

He'd cross his arms, nodding slightly as he took this in. He wasn't certain what he would be afraid of, and why he would relate such a thing to his Zanpakuto. He tried, truly, to think about it, but it was nothing but a haze - like something wanted to come up but refused to. He'd look back at his captain, a sense of curiosity filling his gaze. He had wondered about his Captain before, and now she was right in front of him. Hopefully, it would be alright to ask...

"..I am actually quite curious of what my Captain is capable of doing. Do you have time for a sparring match?"