You Again? [Saiko/Hisana]

The light of the afternoon autumn sun reflected down on the Shino Academy. And, despite it being midday, the likes of Saiko Mori had undoubtedly done a lot. Deciding to spend her morning investing in the potential of new recruits, she volunteered to teach various classes revolving around combat. Everything from the mindset, weak spots of different races, hand-to-hand fighting, the value of working in teams, and how to synchronize abilities with groups. It had many boring details, but many seemed better off for it.

So, with her volunteer work done for the day, the woman wanted to decompress for a bit, and she found herself sitting on a bench in the courtyards, watching all the people come and go. It was nice to see the Academy coming to life in the mind of Saiko as it meant there would be more people willing to keep the balance of souls in order and perhaps prevent others from going down a hard path.

Still, as lovely as those thoughts were, one couldn't live in their head for too long. There was a strange presence nearby, one which almost felt familiar. Confused by the familiarity of the soul, Saiko looked around before just calling out:

"Who is there?"

So, Saiko wasn't delusional. This WAS Hisana! A look of disbelief was on the face of The Mistress Of Glum when the Arrancar came around. The hybrid had heard of a few stories of this woman joining the Gotei, but with her being so lost in her work and redemption, it was unlikely the two would cross paths until now.

"No, you are fine. I'm on my break."

After shaking her head, the woman let out a lax chuckle before talking further.

"Considering how we last met, I was surprised you had come to the Gotei of all places."

Pausing and remaining silent for a moment, the stare of Saiko lingered. Eventually, after having time to think about things, she nodded and asked a question of her own.

"This may be out of line, but tell me, what made you want to join the Gotei? I recall you being on your own; what changed?"

Although there was a sense of awkwardness and shock at the whole situation they were in; a ginger smile came across the lips of Saiko when she heard the story of Hisana. Seeing someone else get a second shot at life from a dire circumstance was nice. Moreover, considering that the hybrid was on her own redemption quest, it gave her some sense of hope and potential that she could find her salvation along with others in this world.

"Are you liking it so far? I don't know the relationship with your family, but it must be nice to be able to connect with someone close to your blood."

Again, that buzzing was in the mind of Saiko when the subject of family came up. Although there was no physical sign anything was off, those pangs of sorrow groaned a bit in the soul of the hybrid. Still, she'd cast it aside and keep engaged with the present by speaking again.

"And I suppose we both are embarrassed about the things we've done."

Looking down at her feet, Saiko pondered about the demonic blood inside of herself. Although hollows and demons never saw eye to eye, perhaps there could be some kinship through the hellish venom that runs in both of their veins.

"The demon blood wasn't my choice. But even if that's the case, don't you think it's funny a half-demon and an Arrancar are residing in a place like this? It gives me hope that even if our souls are damaged, there is still a chance to do something better."

Even if her family was distant, it was still worth it to keep trying to make that bond and closeness. Blood is the only thing that will love you unconditionally in this life to the hybrid, so holding on to those people was worth their weight in gold to Saiko. To even have a chance of seeing her kin akin is something The Hybrid would undoubtedly risk everything for again. So, she nodded and spoke:

"You sound like you are in good spirits and will find a way to keep getting what you want from this life. I do not doubt that you and Rukia will grow stronger."

Quite odd, huh? Saiko was the mistress of glum, yet these days she felt she was anything but that.

Soon after giving a nod to Hisana, Saiko noticed the mother-like smile radiating from the woman. It was quite an interesting sight that made the hybrid lose herself in her thoughts. But more so, she was captivated by the words spoken as Hisana talked about the notion of their souls. Perhaps the demon essence in her veins wasn't a curse if she refused to see it as one. But, even if her blood is demonic, it's the intention of how the power is used that matters more than the origin or nature of the ability itself.

"Thank you for saying that. I needed to hear that. Maybe the demonic half of my powers isn't a curse but a blessing in disguise if I allow it to be."

With a smile that radiated child-like joy, Saiko felt at ease around her for the time being. Even if it felt odd, it was nice talking to Hisana like this. Maybe if they had met like this, they'd be good friends now; But hey, there is still the future to look forward to, eh?

"I'm really happy you and others trust me."

Giggling at first, Saiko's face quickly turned away from Hisana in the blink of an eye. With her stomach growling loudly, it was apparent that the woman was hungry. Just look at her! She was almost skin and bones. Yet, despite appearances, she could eat quite well when she wanted to, as all that demonic blood works up an appetite.

So, in a quiet yet audible voice, Saiko nodded:

"Yes! Let's eat ASAP."

Saiko seemed in great spirits as they entered the vendor plaza. The aroma of so many different foods hit the woman's senses that it was a wonder that she didn't gobble everything up. However, before she could indulge herself, the eyes of the hybrid darted back to Hisana as she wanted to know her name again. With a nod, Saiko gladly answered that.

"Saiko Mori~! That's my full name."

Speaking in a chipper tone, the mistress of glum seemed anything but that at the moment. Instead, she seemed more like the mistress of hunger as her stomach started to grumble. After pausing, she reflected a bit because she didn't come to this part of the Seiretei too often until recently. So, wanting to know what was good, a starry-eyed Saiko looked back at Hisana and nodded again.

"Hisana, you are pretty active here. Why don't you recommend me something good? I wanna try the best dish they have here, and I'll buy for the both of us if you want."