Post by Guest on Aug 22, 2010 22:21:00 GMT -5
Name: Riko Suzumei
Current Rank: Fraccion (Arekussu)
Desired Rank: Primera Espada
Holder of desired rank: No one
Current Rank: Fraccion (Arekussu)
Desired Rank: Primera Espada
Holder of desired rank: No one
Looking over at the sands a feeling of longing filled her heart. There was something out in the sands that she could not see, but where was it? It was like knowing that there was a person behind you, watching your movements, but when you turn they’re gone. The petite arrancar didn’t like this feeling. It was like a plague hanging over her, it haunted her at all times. “Please.†She whispered her voice cracking as she spoke. She sounded like a broken record for a moment, her musical voice scratchy. What on earth was happening to her mind? It was like falling into an abyss, unable to control the movements of falling…
You’re going insane! Hehe haha! Fate is your goddess and she’s made you lose all you wanted. Everything that made you into the person you are.
“Lies.†Riko hissed back in response. Her eyes shifting upward to the lonely sky above, and for that moment she felt truly alone. Who was out there for her? Everyone had that something, but she had what? Her eyes remained locked onto the inky darkness above her. She had her dancing; but that could only fill the void for so long. Her sigh became gentle. Everyone had her demons. So what if hers liked to talk to her, and taunt her over the fact that she was slowly becoming a nutter?
Because then you have to accept us~ You can’t do that now can you, darling? Accept these voices?
“You’re not voices. You’re memories that were allowed too much room to flow, thus creating other personalities in my mind that don’t know when to shut the fuck up.†Riko grumbled, lifting a hand to rub her face. A slow sigh escaped her pale pink lips, was she really arguing with voices in her head? She had officially lost it. Her hand went over her left eye, the tips touching her golden hair. She pressed downward, wishing the voices would stop their angry onslaught. Maybe one day they would go silent forever, then she wouldn’t have to worry about a single voice.
That made her smile; if she didn’t have to worry about it then she was able to live how she wanted right? But that brought a question flitting through her mind, wasn’t she just a dog on a leash? Her eyes narrowed, she was no more than a leashed animal. Capable of feelings and emotions but truly under control of someone she didn’t know. A solider capable of killing on command even if it killed her. This was the beauty of fate; every action she went through was already predetermined according to what the Mistress of Fate chose.
Riko looked exasperated, what was she supposed to do tuck her tail between her legs and be a good little pup? This brought a wicked look to her face. The smirk that curled there was not gentle, but something of a cold hearted beast. She knew nothing of the world, true, but what she did know made her angry and confused. She knew that was caught in a constant struggle with shinigami’s because her race was monsters. Even if they were able to co-exist shinigami’s would still kill them. They’d be killed because Arrancars fed from souls to continue living.
So you are admitting that you, the arrancar that likes to pretend to be a human are a monster too? One capable of murdering thousands if she were commanded to do so? The voice hissed at her, amusement shining in its voice. It was as if the personality did not believe she were able to do so.
“Yes, I would kill anyone if it came down to it.†Riko murmured, her voice was sleek, detached from emotion at that moment. Why did the world seem so confusing? Then again why did it seem like she would never find her something? Her throat felt dry for a moment as she went back to her something. Maybe her memories could help her recover something of her something? She bit the inside of her cheek, gazing with her right eye over the desert. The cool deep blue depths seemed to be searching over the sands as she tried to find the memory.
Maybe one of her not so useful voices could help her. Sighing, she knew that this would make her a mockery with the other voices. Bah! What the hell did she care, the voices where her after all. Her judgment on herself could be ignored easily enough. “Which one of you remembers those days with Hayato-san?†She asked after a moment. The name rolling on her tongue as she spoke it. It left a bitter taste in her mouth, the man that held that name was the one who had raised her from hollow to arrancar. He had shown her how to survive and then left her in the sands alone, sobbing his name…
Eh! Hahaha, that’d be me, love. C’mere you little bitch. He hissed softly in her mind. Riko blinked for a moment, feeling weary then closed her eyes.
“Show me the memory.†Riko demanded, knowing that this memory would pain her more than she let on. She did not like showing a weak side to anyone. It didn’t matter who they were, or if their intentions were truly good. She did not care of those simple facts. She needed to see this memory to get rid of question in her mind. What was the something? Why could she remember the something? Had it been a bad thing? No, Hayato didn’t act like it was a bad thing when he said he found his in her. So maybe there was something she was missing from the moment. Which if that was the case then she needed to see back from her eyes of the event it’s self.
Her mind focused, and then she let her eyes flick shut. She felt like she was drifting into a dream like state. Her mind was being weighed down into darkness; she wanted to open her eyes now. Fear stirred through her. Maybe asking to see this memory would have a bad draw back on her? Well, it couldn’t make her anymore insane than she was. Taking calming breaths, she soothed her stormy mind. Then all then tension seeped from her limbs. Then the memory seemed to play before her as if she were watching a movie on one of those human television things.
[align=center]Fifty years earlier[/align]
“H-H-H-â€
“Slow down when you speak sweet heart. If you don’t slow down then you won’t be able to say what you want to me. I know you get upset over that, so try to calm yourself and speak.†The male’s voice was gentle and open. Riko glanced upward, meeting his eyes. They were a gentle violet colour, turning into a darker spiraling pattern toward the pupil. The man’s face looked more feminine than male, but he usually got offended easy when people thought he was a woman. His pale pink lips were drawn into a smile, and he dropped a hand down to ruffle the girl’s hair.
“Y-yes Hayato-kun.†She murmured softly, her face flushing from embarrassment. She wanted to tell him about the book she had read that day about a boy and his adventures with his pet dog. She held the book, clutched to her chest as if it were going to evaporate if she placed it down. Swallowing heavily the small girl looked downward she didn’t know what to say to the man now. He was awaiting her response, but picked up on the fact that she looked alarmed and ashamed that she had stumbled over her speaking.
“What was it you wanted, my little dancer?†He asked, looking very patient with the small girl before him. He sometimes wondered why she got so nervous with him, but remembered the day he had first found her in the sands. The day that she had been left laying there with wounds all over her body broken like a discarded child’s toy. He was certain that she was going to die that night. He had picked her up; she had been so frail and light in his arms.
“Hayato-san! Stop ignoring meeee!†Riko whined her blue eyes going wide, a frown flickering across her face. She didn’t want to be ignored by Hayato-san, he was like a father to her. At least what she read in her books he fit in as a father figure. Someone that was there to protect her from the harms of the world and aid her in the ways of life, that was a father. Shifting some with the book in her arms she stared up at Hayato with wide eyes that glistened with unshed tears.
Ah, he had forgotten how easy she got upset when he ignored her… Riko knew she was being a big baby but she hated being ignored by those that protected her and offered a form of friendship. He was peering at her in an apologetic manner. “I’m sorry sweetie. I was just remembering the night I saved you from death.†He said softly, and then grimaced some. “I’ll try not to be a silly old coot, forgetting things like I am. Between memories and the voices in my head I’m surprised I can still take care of you and not the other way around.†He mused, grinning to Riko.
Riko looked at the man for a moment with a slight frown, “Hayato-san, you’ll always be here to protect me! If you weren’t then… I-I wouldn’t know what to do!†Riko’s voice wavered, her bottom lip quivering like she wanted to cry at the idea. That was just silly, he couldn’t leave her! Not when he promised to give her a name and show her to become stronger on her own. She swallowed heavily for a moment, the book still clutched in her small pale hands.
“Whoa! Whoa! Slow down killer! I was only joking, there’s no reason to cry over it!†Hayato’s face clouded with concern, he kissed her forehead softly, and then wrapped his arms around her, scooping the girl up into his arms. “I didn’t mean to upset you sweetie, I just wanted to poke some fun.†He cooed to the girl in his arms. Riko wrinkled her nose unhappily.
“Wasn’t very funny Hayato-san!â€
“I know I’m sorry…â€
“Hayato-san?â€
“Yes, sweetie?†He asked, pausing in his stride from the cool desert toward their home in a cave under the sands. He peered down into her face, and Riko looked up at him in an innocent manner. One of her hands relaxed on the book and she slipped it up around the man’s neck. Hayato looked surprised by this action and paused to shift the girl in his arms so she’d be comfortable.
“Don’t ever leave me… Please? Y-you’re like a f-f-f-father I never had…†Riko whispered the words, and knew that her voice was wavering for a reason. No matter how much she failed to do something right, Hayato was always there to pick her up and tell her to try again. The man paused, his eyes going wide for a moment. She had just said that to him? He looked uncertain but tried to keep mellow about the moment. He never admitted it to anyone but he had always wanted a child, and Riko had become the daughter he never had.
“Sweetie! You’re my baby girl! You ARE my daughter. I raised you, taught you how to read, sing and help with your dancing…†The man spoke the words, his voice filled with warmth. Riko paused for a moment, her eyes going wide. He truly saw her as his daughter? Then she looked surprised, and then smiled slightly, burying her head against the nook of his neck. “You are my little princess, dancer of the night.†The man cooed softly as he carried Riko back to their home.
Riko looked at the sand from the corner of her eye and held onto Hayato never wanting to lose him. He had given her life meaning and something to believe in. Hayato had taught her that fate brought them together, and fate was their master. Riko had accepted this with mere ease. After all someone who knew nothing of the world and had no beliefs would readily accept something if it were offered to them. Shifting some, the small girl rested on Hayato. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a sleep. The man glanced downward at the child in his arms.
She meant the world to him and he would kill anyone that tainted her. But if she wanted to find love he would allow her. The girl had become his something special. What exactly was the something special? Love and companionship to ease the pain that had crossed his heart. She was the person he loved most in the world, but he’d be her father figure. This was for the best if he kept protecting her, aiding the girl when she needed. Yes he’d be there as a father, but when she changed to an arrancar he’d leave her to find her own love. If it brought her back to him then he would accept her with wide open arms.
After a few hours, Riko found herself curled up on her normal sleeping spot in their caves. She was sprawled out on the bed roll, with a confused look crossing her face. She was still sleepy, but yawned. Hayato wasn’t in the room… She looked about confused, with frown crossing her face. No… He couldn’t have left her when she slept, could he of? Glancing around nervously she swallowed hard, but then relaxed when she heard someone humming and approaching the room. There was Hayato…
Hayato entered the room looking surprised when he spotted Riko staring in his direction. Then he grinned slightly, “I got a name for you sweetie.†He said softly, and Riko felt surprise. She’d have her own name!? She shifted around on the crumpled blankets, and then waited for Hayato to reach her. Which he did with elegant slinking steps, his pace slow and relaxed. The grin on his face made him look handsome. Riko shifted around once more feeling anxious.
Imagine a name! And one of her! She could express the feelings that went through her at such a quick pace. Maybe she’d have a name like Rin? Or, Sakura? She peered at Hayato waiting him anxiously. He shifted, and then sat down beside Riko on the bed roll. He knew she was excited, and he felt rather proud with the name he had found for her. Riko grasped his arm in her small hands, pulling herself into the man’s lap. Her arms went around her automatically.
“Weeeeelllllll?†Riko said with an impatient tone to her voice.
“Well what?†Hayato responded looking downward at the girl in his lap, pretending to be confused.
“Hayato! Don’t be mean!†Riko whined her musical voice wavering, and Hayato chuckled slightly.
“Okay okay!†He said lifting a hand up in a mock surrender. Then he gazed at her with a warm smile. He was giving his daughter a name, something she’d be able to call herself and be happy to have it. He was glad he had saved her that day in the sands. He had been about to let her die, but she had been crying while staring at the moon, muttering to herself about its beauty. Never before had he known a creature such like Riko and interested him deeply. Shaking his head from the memory, the man stared down at the girl. “Riko.â€
Riko blinked in surprise, and then smiled softly. “That’s a pretty name Hayato-san!†She said brightly, shifting some. Then she leaned forward placing a hand against his cheek. She felt proud of herself. She finally had a name… Which meant she had a reason for existing! Squeaking as the thought came to mind, Riko scuttled out of the man’s arms crossing the room in a matter of seconds. Hayato looked after her confused for a minute, but Riko soon returned carrying a book in her hand.
Hayato smiled gently, this was the very first book he taught her how to read. To think that she still had it… Gazing down at the book, he noticed all the pages were well worn and dog eared as if she had been reading the book many times. He was glad that she enjoyed the short story so much. Maybe one day she’d write her own book since she loved reading them so much… But no, he knew she’d always be his little dancer. Imagine if she became someone worth noting. Someone who held power and was capable of doing things with precision and grace.
“Riko means truth. I’m sure this fits you as you are certain to find your own truth.†Hayato said after a moment of peering at the book. Riko watched him with interest and found pride in herself. She was the path to truth then? Shifting some she anxiously pulled on a strand of hair in a nervous manner.
“Hayato-san…?â€
“Yes Riko?†He asked looking curious for a moment before she held something else out, in her free hand. It was a small gem carved into a small bird. Riko had been working on the gem for a few days now, hiding it when ever the man came to see her. She felt pride in it, and looked to see emotion filling the man’s eyes. “Oh, sweetie…†He whispered, picking it up from her hand holding it gently in his. “I’ll cherish it forever.†He said, smiling when he looked up from the small bird in his hand.
“Yay!†Riko looked happy that he liked her gift. Shuffling backward some, Riko tripped and sprawled on the ground looking confused and then closed her eyes. It was okay there was no reason to get upset by the small tumble she had taken. She calmed herself, and then slowly using her hands, pushed herself into a sitting position. She grinned sheepishly for a moment before noting something. Hayato looked serious, she shifted around. Had she done something to upset the man? She hoped not…
“I’ve been thinking, Riko.†He began, his voice sounding smooth and warm to her ears. “You're becoming me, looking for something. It hurts when you can't find it Riko, it hurts. I saw it in you, and that hurt faded...†The man began and then stared at Riko, she looked confused and tipped her head to the side like a tiny puppy. “I’ve been watching you in the desert, Riko. I know you’re looking for that something to put your heart at ease.†He said softly.
“What is the something?†She asked, softly.
“Love, and companionship.â€
[align=center]Returning to the present day…[/align]
Riko’s eyes slowly drifted open, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Love? That had been the something… She felt bitter now, shifting from the ivory sands she had been sitting in. He was a liar wasn’t he? This was pathetic, she could not find love if she did not believe in it. She believed in a black and white world. There was no such thing as love; you could not see it with your own eyes… “But if fate brought someone to me…†Riko mused, and then closed her eyes. She was sounding like that man more and more every day.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH! You told me you loved me! Then you left me alone in these sands!†Riko screamed into the night sky, her eyes filling with tears. It was unfair. Why had he left her all alone that day? She shifted some; she could feel her emotions move about in her. He had left her alone, she had no clue where she had been only that was breathing and alive. Tearing her mask apart with her own hands had hurt more than she had expected but… She had done it because Hayato had asked her to.
If she had known he was going to leave her then she wouldn’t have done it. He had asked her, almost begged her to do it. Said it would be for the best. Closing her eyes, Riko felt scalding tears making their way down her pale cheeks. She drew her knees up to her chest, gently sobbing to herself. Her only father figure had left her, why? Had she been ugly or something? She could not understand why he left her like he had, but she felt terrible.
Aww sweetie…
“SHUT UP; DON’T TALK TO ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT!†She snarled, her eyes blazing with anger at the voice in her head. She rose from her feet, and then frowned her hand clenching in anger. She clenched her teeth together for a moment, before shifting in the sands. She went to start walking, and caught her foot on the edge of her pants. Riko’s eyes widened, and then she let out a yelp. She went tumbling down an ivory dune of sand.
At the end of the tumble she laid there for a few minutes looking up at the sky, crying and laughing at the same time. Being a klutz could be murderous to her at times. She felt herself grow tired and weary of this. So it was just…Love and companionship? Monsters like herself could not love. She felt hatred at the man for a moment. She wished that he’d walk over to her and embrace her once more. Whisper to her that everything could be okay, but she knew he wouldn’t.
No he had left her that day, and she soon learned to fight and protect herself. She could become something more. Maybe he was ashamed of her? She couldn’t figure it out for the life of her. Maybe he had found someone to replace her… Shifting some, Riko slowly stood up. She stared at the inky black sky with a look of anger. “You can only push me down for so long. One day I will push back and eradicate your existence, Hayato-san.†She whispered, swiping her white sleeve over her face.
Riko broke into a quick sonido to move over the desert. She wanted to get away from the desert now. The only way to get away was to return to the white castle. The place where her leash was at its tightest. Her eyes closed for a moment. “A dog, a solider… Screw the labels, I am Riko Suzumei.†She said with a bright look, her hair whirling around her as she moved through the sands. She did not seem to be slowing down in the slightest, she just continued hurtling through the sands as fast as she could for a few minutes.
When the white castle rose into her view she slowed down to a walk. Her sandals made not an imprint in the surface. She seemed all too light. She paused in her walking, the sand pooling around her feet. Why did she call this place home? Was it because there were other creatures here just like her? Could that really be why she thought of this place as a home? Her eyes narrowed for a moment. “It is a home because fate brought me here, and then led me to having a master such as Arekussu. One step at a time toward the right direction is all anyone can ask for.†The petite woman replied to herself, answering the question in her mind.
Then the smile on her face curved some. Then fate would bring her to the place she belonged, and it would allow her to find her something. After all the mistress of fate was the ruler who watched over them. If you went against her then you had a death wish. It was as simple as that. She would not go against her fate, because the path had been laid out for her. No matter where she went she would always be doing what fate wanted of her. After all if she didn’t then she’d have nothing to look forward to. “I’ll be a good dog until I can be set free.†She whispered, glancing one last time at the moon and then approached the castle once more.
You’re going insane! Hehe haha! Fate is your goddess and she’s made you lose all you wanted. Everything that made you into the person you are.
“Lies.†Riko hissed back in response. Her eyes shifting upward to the lonely sky above, and for that moment she felt truly alone. Who was out there for her? Everyone had that something, but she had what? Her eyes remained locked onto the inky darkness above her. She had her dancing; but that could only fill the void for so long. Her sigh became gentle. Everyone had her demons. So what if hers liked to talk to her, and taunt her over the fact that she was slowly becoming a nutter?
Because then you have to accept us~ You can’t do that now can you, darling? Accept these voices?
“You’re not voices. You’re memories that were allowed too much room to flow, thus creating other personalities in my mind that don’t know when to shut the fuck up.†Riko grumbled, lifting a hand to rub her face. A slow sigh escaped her pale pink lips, was she really arguing with voices in her head? She had officially lost it. Her hand went over her left eye, the tips touching her golden hair. She pressed downward, wishing the voices would stop their angry onslaught. Maybe one day they would go silent forever, then she wouldn’t have to worry about a single voice.
That made her smile; if she didn’t have to worry about it then she was able to live how she wanted right? But that brought a question flitting through her mind, wasn’t she just a dog on a leash? Her eyes narrowed, she was no more than a leashed animal. Capable of feelings and emotions but truly under control of someone she didn’t know. A solider capable of killing on command even if it killed her. This was the beauty of fate; every action she went through was already predetermined according to what the Mistress of Fate chose.
Riko looked exasperated, what was she supposed to do tuck her tail between her legs and be a good little pup? This brought a wicked look to her face. The smirk that curled there was not gentle, but something of a cold hearted beast. She knew nothing of the world, true, but what she did know made her angry and confused. She knew that was caught in a constant struggle with shinigami’s because her race was monsters. Even if they were able to co-exist shinigami’s would still kill them. They’d be killed because Arrancars fed from souls to continue living.
So you are admitting that you, the arrancar that likes to pretend to be a human are a monster too? One capable of murdering thousands if she were commanded to do so? The voice hissed at her, amusement shining in its voice. It was as if the personality did not believe she were able to do so.
“Yes, I would kill anyone if it came down to it.†Riko murmured, her voice was sleek, detached from emotion at that moment. Why did the world seem so confusing? Then again why did it seem like she would never find her something? Her throat felt dry for a moment as she went back to her something. Maybe her memories could help her recover something of her something? She bit the inside of her cheek, gazing with her right eye over the desert. The cool deep blue depths seemed to be searching over the sands as she tried to find the memory.
Maybe one of her not so useful voices could help her. Sighing, she knew that this would make her a mockery with the other voices. Bah! What the hell did she care, the voices where her after all. Her judgment on herself could be ignored easily enough. “Which one of you remembers those days with Hayato-san?†She asked after a moment. The name rolling on her tongue as she spoke it. It left a bitter taste in her mouth, the man that held that name was the one who had raised her from hollow to arrancar. He had shown her how to survive and then left her in the sands alone, sobbing his name…
Eh! Hahaha, that’d be me, love. C’mere you little bitch. He hissed softly in her mind. Riko blinked for a moment, feeling weary then closed her eyes.
“Show me the memory.†Riko demanded, knowing that this memory would pain her more than she let on. She did not like showing a weak side to anyone. It didn’t matter who they were, or if their intentions were truly good. She did not care of those simple facts. She needed to see this memory to get rid of question in her mind. What was the something? Why could she remember the something? Had it been a bad thing? No, Hayato didn’t act like it was a bad thing when he said he found his in her. So maybe there was something she was missing from the moment. Which if that was the case then she needed to see back from her eyes of the event it’s self.
Her mind focused, and then she let her eyes flick shut. She felt like she was drifting into a dream like state. Her mind was being weighed down into darkness; she wanted to open her eyes now. Fear stirred through her. Maybe asking to see this memory would have a bad draw back on her? Well, it couldn’t make her anymore insane than she was. Taking calming breaths, she soothed her stormy mind. Then all then tension seeped from her limbs. Then the memory seemed to play before her as if she were watching a movie on one of those human television things.
[align=center]Fifty years earlier[/align]
“H-H-H-â€
“Slow down when you speak sweet heart. If you don’t slow down then you won’t be able to say what you want to me. I know you get upset over that, so try to calm yourself and speak.†The male’s voice was gentle and open. Riko glanced upward, meeting his eyes. They were a gentle violet colour, turning into a darker spiraling pattern toward the pupil. The man’s face looked more feminine than male, but he usually got offended easy when people thought he was a woman. His pale pink lips were drawn into a smile, and he dropped a hand down to ruffle the girl’s hair.
“Y-yes Hayato-kun.†She murmured softly, her face flushing from embarrassment. She wanted to tell him about the book she had read that day about a boy and his adventures with his pet dog. She held the book, clutched to her chest as if it were going to evaporate if she placed it down. Swallowing heavily the small girl looked downward she didn’t know what to say to the man now. He was awaiting her response, but picked up on the fact that she looked alarmed and ashamed that she had stumbled over her speaking.
“What was it you wanted, my little dancer?†He asked, looking very patient with the small girl before him. He sometimes wondered why she got so nervous with him, but remembered the day he had first found her in the sands. The day that she had been left laying there with wounds all over her body broken like a discarded child’s toy. He was certain that she was going to die that night. He had picked her up; she had been so frail and light in his arms.
“Hayato-san! Stop ignoring meeee!†Riko whined her blue eyes going wide, a frown flickering across her face. She didn’t want to be ignored by Hayato-san, he was like a father to her. At least what she read in her books he fit in as a father figure. Someone that was there to protect her from the harms of the world and aid her in the ways of life, that was a father. Shifting some with the book in her arms she stared up at Hayato with wide eyes that glistened with unshed tears.
Ah, he had forgotten how easy she got upset when he ignored her… Riko knew she was being a big baby but she hated being ignored by those that protected her and offered a form of friendship. He was peering at her in an apologetic manner. “I’m sorry sweetie. I was just remembering the night I saved you from death.†He said softly, and then grimaced some. “I’ll try not to be a silly old coot, forgetting things like I am. Between memories and the voices in my head I’m surprised I can still take care of you and not the other way around.†He mused, grinning to Riko.
Riko looked at the man for a moment with a slight frown, “Hayato-san, you’ll always be here to protect me! If you weren’t then… I-I wouldn’t know what to do!†Riko’s voice wavered, her bottom lip quivering like she wanted to cry at the idea. That was just silly, he couldn’t leave her! Not when he promised to give her a name and show her to become stronger on her own. She swallowed heavily for a moment, the book still clutched in her small pale hands.
“Whoa! Whoa! Slow down killer! I was only joking, there’s no reason to cry over it!†Hayato’s face clouded with concern, he kissed her forehead softly, and then wrapped his arms around her, scooping the girl up into his arms. “I didn’t mean to upset you sweetie, I just wanted to poke some fun.†He cooed to the girl in his arms. Riko wrinkled her nose unhappily.
“Wasn’t very funny Hayato-san!â€
“I know I’m sorry…â€
“Hayato-san?â€
“Yes, sweetie?†He asked, pausing in his stride from the cool desert toward their home in a cave under the sands. He peered down into her face, and Riko looked up at him in an innocent manner. One of her hands relaxed on the book and she slipped it up around the man’s neck. Hayato looked surprised by this action and paused to shift the girl in his arms so she’d be comfortable.
“Don’t ever leave me… Please? Y-you’re like a f-f-f-father I never had…†Riko whispered the words, and knew that her voice was wavering for a reason. No matter how much she failed to do something right, Hayato was always there to pick her up and tell her to try again. The man paused, his eyes going wide for a moment. She had just said that to him? He looked uncertain but tried to keep mellow about the moment. He never admitted it to anyone but he had always wanted a child, and Riko had become the daughter he never had.
“Sweetie! You’re my baby girl! You ARE my daughter. I raised you, taught you how to read, sing and help with your dancing…†The man spoke the words, his voice filled with warmth. Riko paused for a moment, her eyes going wide. He truly saw her as his daughter? Then she looked surprised, and then smiled slightly, burying her head against the nook of his neck. “You are my little princess, dancer of the night.†The man cooed softly as he carried Riko back to their home.
Riko looked at the sand from the corner of her eye and held onto Hayato never wanting to lose him. He had given her life meaning and something to believe in. Hayato had taught her that fate brought them together, and fate was their master. Riko had accepted this with mere ease. After all someone who knew nothing of the world and had no beliefs would readily accept something if it were offered to them. Shifting some, the small girl rested on Hayato. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a sleep. The man glanced downward at the child in his arms.
She meant the world to him and he would kill anyone that tainted her. But if she wanted to find love he would allow her. The girl had become his something special. What exactly was the something special? Love and companionship to ease the pain that had crossed his heart. She was the person he loved most in the world, but he’d be her father figure. This was for the best if he kept protecting her, aiding the girl when she needed. Yes he’d be there as a father, but when she changed to an arrancar he’d leave her to find her own love. If it brought her back to him then he would accept her with wide open arms.
After a few hours, Riko found herself curled up on her normal sleeping spot in their caves. She was sprawled out on the bed roll, with a confused look crossing her face. She was still sleepy, but yawned. Hayato wasn’t in the room… She looked about confused, with frown crossing her face. No… He couldn’t have left her when she slept, could he of? Glancing around nervously she swallowed hard, but then relaxed when she heard someone humming and approaching the room. There was Hayato…
Hayato entered the room looking surprised when he spotted Riko staring in his direction. Then he grinned slightly, “I got a name for you sweetie.†He said softly, and Riko felt surprise. She’d have her own name!? She shifted around on the crumpled blankets, and then waited for Hayato to reach her. Which he did with elegant slinking steps, his pace slow and relaxed. The grin on his face made him look handsome. Riko shifted around once more feeling anxious.
Imagine a name! And one of her! She could express the feelings that went through her at such a quick pace. Maybe she’d have a name like Rin? Or, Sakura? She peered at Hayato waiting him anxiously. He shifted, and then sat down beside Riko on the bed roll. He knew she was excited, and he felt rather proud with the name he had found for her. Riko grasped his arm in her small hands, pulling herself into the man’s lap. Her arms went around her automatically.
“Weeeeelllllll?†Riko said with an impatient tone to her voice.
“Well what?†Hayato responded looking downward at the girl in his lap, pretending to be confused.
“Hayato! Don’t be mean!†Riko whined her musical voice wavering, and Hayato chuckled slightly.
“Okay okay!†He said lifting a hand up in a mock surrender. Then he gazed at her with a warm smile. He was giving his daughter a name, something she’d be able to call herself and be happy to have it. He was glad he had saved her that day in the sands. He had been about to let her die, but she had been crying while staring at the moon, muttering to herself about its beauty. Never before had he known a creature such like Riko and interested him deeply. Shaking his head from the memory, the man stared down at the girl. “Riko.â€
Riko blinked in surprise, and then smiled softly. “That’s a pretty name Hayato-san!†She said brightly, shifting some. Then she leaned forward placing a hand against his cheek. She felt proud of herself. She finally had a name… Which meant she had a reason for existing! Squeaking as the thought came to mind, Riko scuttled out of the man’s arms crossing the room in a matter of seconds. Hayato looked after her confused for a minute, but Riko soon returned carrying a book in her hand.
Hayato smiled gently, this was the very first book he taught her how to read. To think that she still had it… Gazing down at the book, he noticed all the pages were well worn and dog eared as if she had been reading the book many times. He was glad that she enjoyed the short story so much. Maybe one day she’d write her own book since she loved reading them so much… But no, he knew she’d always be his little dancer. Imagine if she became someone worth noting. Someone who held power and was capable of doing things with precision and grace.
“Riko means truth. I’m sure this fits you as you are certain to find your own truth.†Hayato said after a moment of peering at the book. Riko watched him with interest and found pride in herself. She was the path to truth then? Shifting some she anxiously pulled on a strand of hair in a nervous manner.
“Hayato-san…?â€
“Yes Riko?†He asked looking curious for a moment before she held something else out, in her free hand. It was a small gem carved into a small bird. Riko had been working on the gem for a few days now, hiding it when ever the man came to see her. She felt pride in it, and looked to see emotion filling the man’s eyes. “Oh, sweetie…†He whispered, picking it up from her hand holding it gently in his. “I’ll cherish it forever.†He said, smiling when he looked up from the small bird in his hand.
“Yay!†Riko looked happy that he liked her gift. Shuffling backward some, Riko tripped and sprawled on the ground looking confused and then closed her eyes. It was okay there was no reason to get upset by the small tumble she had taken. She calmed herself, and then slowly using her hands, pushed herself into a sitting position. She grinned sheepishly for a moment before noting something. Hayato looked serious, she shifted around. Had she done something to upset the man? She hoped not…
“I’ve been thinking, Riko.†He began, his voice sounding smooth and warm to her ears. “You're becoming me, looking for something. It hurts when you can't find it Riko, it hurts. I saw it in you, and that hurt faded...†The man began and then stared at Riko, she looked confused and tipped her head to the side like a tiny puppy. “I’ve been watching you in the desert, Riko. I know you’re looking for that something to put your heart at ease.†He said softly.
“What is the something?†She asked, softly.
“Love, and companionship.â€
[align=center]Returning to the present day…[/align]
Riko’s eyes slowly drifted open, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Love? That had been the something… She felt bitter now, shifting from the ivory sands she had been sitting in. He was a liar wasn’t he? This was pathetic, she could not find love if she did not believe in it. She believed in a black and white world. There was no such thing as love; you could not see it with your own eyes… “But if fate brought someone to me…†Riko mused, and then closed her eyes. She was sounding like that man more and more every day.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH! You told me you loved me! Then you left me alone in these sands!†Riko screamed into the night sky, her eyes filling with tears. It was unfair. Why had he left her all alone that day? She shifted some; she could feel her emotions move about in her. He had left her alone, she had no clue where she had been only that was breathing and alive. Tearing her mask apart with her own hands had hurt more than she had expected but… She had done it because Hayato had asked her to.
If she had known he was going to leave her then she wouldn’t have done it. He had asked her, almost begged her to do it. Said it would be for the best. Closing her eyes, Riko felt scalding tears making their way down her pale cheeks. She drew her knees up to her chest, gently sobbing to herself. Her only father figure had left her, why? Had she been ugly or something? She could not understand why he left her like he had, but she felt terrible.
Aww sweetie…
“SHUT UP; DON’T TALK TO ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT!†She snarled, her eyes blazing with anger at the voice in her head. She rose from her feet, and then frowned her hand clenching in anger. She clenched her teeth together for a moment, before shifting in the sands. She went to start walking, and caught her foot on the edge of her pants. Riko’s eyes widened, and then she let out a yelp. She went tumbling down an ivory dune of sand.
At the end of the tumble she laid there for a few minutes looking up at the sky, crying and laughing at the same time. Being a klutz could be murderous to her at times. She felt herself grow tired and weary of this. So it was just…Love and companionship? Monsters like herself could not love. She felt hatred at the man for a moment. She wished that he’d walk over to her and embrace her once more. Whisper to her that everything could be okay, but she knew he wouldn’t.
No he had left her that day, and she soon learned to fight and protect herself. She could become something more. Maybe he was ashamed of her? She couldn’t figure it out for the life of her. Maybe he had found someone to replace her… Shifting some, Riko slowly stood up. She stared at the inky black sky with a look of anger. “You can only push me down for so long. One day I will push back and eradicate your existence, Hayato-san.†She whispered, swiping her white sleeve over her face.
Riko broke into a quick sonido to move over the desert. She wanted to get away from the desert now. The only way to get away was to return to the white castle. The place where her leash was at its tightest. Her eyes closed for a moment. “A dog, a solider… Screw the labels, I am Riko Suzumei.†She said with a bright look, her hair whirling around her as she moved through the sands. She did not seem to be slowing down in the slightest, she just continued hurtling through the sands as fast as she could for a few minutes.
When the white castle rose into her view she slowed down to a walk. Her sandals made not an imprint in the surface. She seemed all too light. She paused in her walking, the sand pooling around her feet. Why did she call this place home? Was it because there were other creatures here just like her? Could that really be why she thought of this place as a home? Her eyes narrowed for a moment. “It is a home because fate brought me here, and then led me to having a master such as Arekussu. One step at a time toward the right direction is all anyone can ask for.†The petite woman replied to herself, answering the question in her mind.
Then the smile on her face curved some. Then fate would bring her to the place she belonged, and it would allow her to find her something. After all the mistress of fate was the ruler who watched over them. If you went against her then you had a death wish. It was as simple as that. She would not go against her fate, because the path had been laid out for her. No matter where she went she would always be doing what fate wanted of her. After all if she didn’t then she’d have nothing to look forward to. “I’ll be a good dog until I can be set free.†She whispered, glancing one last time at the moon and then approached the castle once more.
