Even a King Can't Escape the Chains of the Past

As Enrique traveled with the Quincy maiden through the Garganta his mind had finally slowed and his thoughts began to become more clear and evident to him as he processed all that had been revealed to his young and his precious mind. His hazel eyes were downcast along the way as Barrie carried through the portal he opened, was foreced to open. Enrique was skilled at keeping his emotions out of most matters and situations, but his will and skills had been tested like no other and he had failed that test and now unfortunately the young Arrancar had fallen into a deep despair of some sorts as the garganta tore open and the twosome appeared in Tova's throne room.

She gently placed on the throne room floor and Enrique's eyes slowly drifted up looking around the majestic hall that he had once occupied during the great meeting of Hollow, Arrancar, and Espada. In his mind he went back to the time when he had become enamored with Tova Diablo and his vision for Hueco Mundo. He spoke of equality and himself being a transcendant being, a Royal, as he properly called it and Enrique still recalled not being able to sense an ounce of Spiritual Pressure from his being even though he stood only meters away. That speech was when Enrique truly felt powerful and a sense of comradery between all the Arrancar and Hollow alike. Though he was only a regent he seemed like a sound leader that would direct his subjects in the proper direction, but now he was shaken to the core by this revelation that he had uncovered, no that was 'delivered' to him by Ryder or Barrie whomever this woman was.

A simple trip to the Human Realm to gather information on any pecuilar subjects had ended up being more than he bargained for in the long run. Encountering a trigger happy Quincy and a Shinigami was a story in itself, but finding Tova's estranged daughter was another story. His eyes gleamed for a moment, breaking the despair and distraught that was entrenched across his bronze face. The Espada must've passed down Instant Regenaration down to Samantha Russell or something along the lines. Questions began forming in his mind once as not only was it amazing in itself that a Quincy and Espada had a child, but certain spiritual powers were passed down to said child as well. This was powerful data and was one of the few positives that had come of the dire situations he was in, but this momentary grace was shaken and then disipated as he looked upon the newborns and heard Barrie speak of her intentions here.

His stomach twisted and his eyes instantly hit the floor. He hated himself for bringing her here without first seeking permission or having a private session with Tova himself, but what could he possibly do? She was immensely powerful at least three times more than Enrique and Enrique was concerned about the matter of him having a human daughter let alone a daughter with a Quincy, many of whom would slaughter an Arrancar on sight such as Kemotou. He was sweating once more and his eyes were moving about frantically as he began to panic as he questioned his own loyalty to Tova and to Hueco Mundo. His personal life is his business you should've fell to her bullet than bring her here unannounced. Tova is your king and your king matters before all These thoughts began flooding his mind and breaking his psyche as he stumbled backwards slightly. He was a man of science and loyalty, but he just wanted answers how could he be loyal especially to the extent he was accustomed to, with such a large skeleton in the closet? He was having trouble breathing and tried to look away and let Ryder have the floor as he was waging war in his mind questioning his intestinal fortitude and how loyal of an Arrancar he truly was.

WC: 668
GP: 13

[align=center]Gods are omniscient.[/align]

Perhaps one of the first things Tova did upon becoming the oh-so-temporary King of Hueco Mundo was make it clear that each newly born Arrancar got to speak with Tova before they were brought into the fold for their new life in Hueco Mundo. His efforts to help safely convert many Hollows who wished to become Arrancar had caused their numbers to swell incredibly. So much so that Tova was planning to expand the size of Las Noches greatly to accommodate the new beings. Such a massive reconstruction would, doubtless, be the biggest exercise of his newfound Royal powers. To breakdown the entire castle into its spiritual particles and reform it even larger than before. That’s the natural process he may have otherwise attempted, but with his new ability he could bypass that and simply make the new construction a reality. So to Tova these two new Arrancar represented some of the first to witness this new age he was making sure to give birth to here in the castle, this entire dimension. Never before had such peace been seen, nor such strength among the Espada. However he knew that their numbers were still far out classed by the Shinigami of Soul Society. It was only their vicious nature, born from their combat-filled lives that gave them the ability to fight on par with Soul Society.

“Those guidelines are the only you will be held to here in Las Noches. Unlike your lives as Hollow simple strength is no longer total law around here. Together we can forge a stronger future for our races as a whole, instead of cutting each other down while surrounded on all sides by enemies who wish us to burn. Now go, and make of your lives what you can. Learn and expand, and seek to become what I have. Seek to become even more.” Was how the man concluded his general welcome to the Arrancar that joined him. Before him were three new ladies, all beautiful as all spiritual beings were, that were about to join the ranks of Arrancar. Hopefully they could make something of themselves here as so many would be able to now, but he knew the chances. Chances that are no longer relevant. I am here, and all past probabilities are obsolete. He reassured himself, smiling as he envisioned a bright future for these girls. They could do anything, and with the right guidance he’d make sure that every man and woman under his roof saw themselves at their very peak one day. He’d be sure of it. “Just watch out for some of the men around here. Hollow they may be, but the desires of flesh seem to afflict almost all souls just like it does the humans on the Earth below. I cannot see everything, so despite my words today you may need to defe-..!”

That noise, it was defeaning.
It was ripping, what was ripping? He’d never heard it here before.
But he knew what it was.

Garganta.

The mouth-like vortex revealed the swirling, whirling energy that existed between the three worlds of the universe. Within it was massive spiritual pressure, familiar but distant, accompanied by a much smaller one. Both seemed to be…Yes, that’s right. One was human and the other was an Arrancar. Tova was uncertain what was going on, but he did not hesitate. Even though his Royal abilities were at rest for the moment he was far from helpless. His entire body was primed, but he did not move himself from the chair as gusts of wind pushed into the Throne Room and caused everyone’s hair to whirl about wildly. A couple of the girls shrieked in surprised, feeling the incoming spiritual pressure that dwarfed their own. Yes, even Tova was mildly intimidated by this. It was a rare sort of strength that existed like this, and the only one he could readily recall with such strength was Mitsutaka. Riko, he suspected, had been more powerful than both the Vaizard and this incoming human. But it was that last detail which surprised him. What mortal has acquired such certainty of self and weight of being to have accumulated such spiritual pressure and the strength that comes with it? Was his final question before the answer was delivered to him.

No way.

[align=center]Royals are not gods.[/align]

A figure that seemed almost impossibly feminine, fulfilling the tastes of most men, described the body of the woman that had appeared. A woman utilizing spiritual particles in such a way that her style of combat would be unmistakably Quincy. Yes, he knew this woman. And there was little doubt what she was here for, as only one thing continued to connect them beyond the one fateful act that had made it so. The realization hit with such impact that he could feel his face grimace a little, a reaction he was quick to quell. Tova remembered all too well what he had been like back then, and it was something he once wished to forget. Although he had long since come to terms with his deeds the very human desire to simply not confront this one was still present in him, even as a Royal. It was a delicate, painful subject were it to be breached with honesty. Of course a number of additional options existed, such as killing Ryder and all the others in this room. Which would include the unfortunate Arrancar brought with her, the one who had likely been coerced into coming. For a brief moment the King locked eyes with that man, who he recognized as Enrique Relampago, and made sure that his gaze communicated that he was in no way upset back his actions. I understand. He thought as if his words would reach the man on the floor.

“Welcome to my throne room, first. Pleasantries, or anything short of being direct, was never your style Barrie. It’s part of what I liked in you.” Tova thought as memories were refreshed and feelings renewed. Yes, he had a child with Barrie Hughes. They had spent a little over a month together on Earth, the girl only fifteen and woefully unaware of Tova’s nature as an Arrancar, and near the end of it the girl …had conceived. For Tova, at the time, it had been something he wrote off as merely an experiment. One to see if an Arrancar and Human could conceive, and the result had been surprisingly positive. A deep, silent breath prepared the man for what was about to happen. This would…force him to confront things he had wanted to avoid, and he was at once eager and afraid. Eager for the growth it would provide, and yet afraid of the pain and results that might bring.

“Tell me…” He said slowly, those aforementioned feelings making their nuisance presence known. This was a level of emotion and genuineness that Ryder would never have seen from Tova, but it was perhaps the first thing that came to mind as she came through the mouth-like portal in his throne room.
“Does she still wear that red scarf I left for her?”

*****

1,201 Words/24 GP
Total GP: 24

"Why waste time when you can get right down to business, right Tova?" Ryder inquired initially, banterring a bit with the Cuarto before what came next stopped her dead in her tracks. In his voice, there was something new to her. Something that struck a chord in the Marine and forced her to re-evaluate her stance with this man.

Throughout their brief tenure together, Tova had displayed incredible talents in the arts of misdirection and manipulation. Deception came through every medium, but the most of all through the words. They had always *seemed* sincere, genuine, and true, but now-- now she could 'feel' the sincerity within him. In his voice, and expression, there was a depth of truth which contrasted so sharply against the truth of the past such as to find comparison with night vs day. Either Tova had somehow managed to trascend his former level as a 'Master' liar, into the realm of legend and lore as a 'Grandmaster,' or for the first time since she had known him Tova was speaking from the heart.

People are stupid, and will believe anything either because they want to believe it, or because they are afraid it is true. Under the current circumstances, Barrie's desire to build bridges between lost family members and to mend old wounds was far stronger than any fear she may have held regarding Tova's treacherous talent. Taking him at his word, Ryder found herself stunned to hear that Tova had visited Samantha while she had not.

~What the hell kind of mother am I if the dead runaway father spent more of her childhood with her than I did?~ Shoving self-doubt to the side, the soldier instead forced herself to attend to the situation at hand, even as a gentle look of regret graced her countenance. "I'm afraid I can't say that she does, Tova. To my discredit as a mother, I've only just found her a few short months ago, so I can't be certain whether or not she retains that scarf, but I've not once seen her wear one."

Emboldened by his openness on the subject, Ryder respectfully approached the throne, her green eyes locked onto the king's own. "She's a good girl, with a kind heart, but I worry for her. She 'has' powers Tova, powers that bear a resemblance to traits the both of us possess, but she isn't a fighter. She's a teenage girl who needs a father every bit as much as she needs a mother, and a safe place to call home."

Taking parade stance directly infront of the throne, Barrie continued with her plea, her gaze not once leaving its mark. "She's not safe in the living world. Hollows want to eat her, Arrancar that don't know her status want to use or abuse her. Shinigami don't know how to keep their damned noses out of other people's business and go poking around about some faint 'taint' in her Reiatsu presence. I can't be with her all the time Tova, my duties as a Marine and my efforts with the Quincy don't allow it. But you..." she paused, slowly turning round and gesturing to the grandeur of the throne room.

"You have a palace in need of a princess. I've heard the rumors Tova, about your goals of peace. What better symbol than your own mortal daughter? What better place to protect her than as princess of Las Noches itself?" Pausing once more in her presentation, the blonde vixen turned back to the King with a touching smile, lips curled and eyes softening tenderly. "You've grown, Tova, and so have I. This is a lot I ask of you I know, but if you really did give her that scarf there has to be some love for her in that dead heart of yours. It's good to see you again."

OOC: 656 words, 13 GP, 25 total

Enrique's panic and distraught was slowly put at ease by the gaze he had with Tova Diablo, it was brief, but the stare of the King, a God to some was enough to disarm him and let him understand that his fears weren't neccessary in his Throne Room, at least for now. The panic enduced state, the confusion that entangled his soul and the sweat the dripped down bronze skin was all slowly fading into a pure calm that was of his natural state. The only thing he could return to Tova in his slightly awe strucken state was a simple nod and then his gaze returned to the floor as his mind still tried to recover from the traumatic state it was still in. He was still young in terms of Arrancar years and though his powers were growing at an increased rate and his work was progressing well, he hadn't forseen the secrets and the discoveries of this magnitude simply falling into his lap so early. He was ill prepared and he was at fault for this no doubt and as he calmed himself he now began berating himself internally for his contempt not only as a warrior and as a scientiest. He would vow to do better as Tova asked casually about his daughter which caused a series of emotion on Enrique. He remained so calm even in the face of a powerful Quincy and a more importantly the scorn mother of his child and he was the epitome of calm and he casually asked about his child like he was simply away on extended business or away on duty? Did he truly care about the girl's well being, what she wore, how she had been living or was he simply trying to draw himself away from the ire of Ryder? He was becoming confused once more as the symbol of the red scarf soon formed in his mind as it was a sign of affection. Well it is his daughter so what do you expect, but at the same time it seems to be years since he's contacted the mother or the daughter and Ryder said he was of the same echelon as me once. A scientist, superior no doubt. What were and are his true motives with these two womens?

He was still troubled deeply by all the things going on around him, but this time he was thinking without his heart and emotions and more with his brain and logic. Was this just a scientific experiment by a Young Tova or did he truly have feelings for Ryder? Was it any of his business? Questions left unanswered that needed closure in due time by none other than his King or Regent whatever he preferred to be call. Enrique's gaze grifted to one of the adjacent Arrancar who brought him a proper jacket to cover himself in and he felt relieved finally to be in some clothing. In this tense and slightly formal setting he felt out of place with a King and most likely the most powerful Quincy on Earth standing aimlessly in the Throne without a shirt on and a Large Tattoo inked across his chest. He nodded to the Arrancar curtly and slipped the jacket on quickly as Ryder began appaoraching the throne speaking to Tova-sama on personal matters involving Sam. He couldn't stop her advance and he didn't need to as he folded his arms behind his back still contemplating his own thoughts while listening to Ryder contently hanging on to her words tightly as well when she began picking his interest and he found a way to slide back into the conversation, make himself relevant to Tova-sama, and show his loyalty maybe even to her if he needed to for his King.

He slowly began walking towards the Throne hearing Ryder speak of the treacheries facing her... their daughter and she wasn't off base. He himself had referred to most humans as nothing more than just game for his brethren and justification for Shinigami to Murder his kind. Though he had no interest in harming Samantha, she was far to valuable alive even before this discovery alive, he knew of other Arrancars such as Illicitus who wouldn't mind seeing her slain or dead just for the pleasure of another one of their perceived or mortal enemies dead and he especially caught on to her comment about the Shinigami as he was sure that her Reiatsu had a tinge of Hollow presence mixed it in and could be detected by some higher level Shinigamis as well, she was under threat and Ryder was right, but though he had an idea in mind the wild card was still the internal feelings of one mysterious man Tova Diablo. He rose on the throne just slightly visible behind Ryder, showing his face and looking directly at Tova and nodding at Ryder respectfully.

"Ryder, Tova-sama forgive my interjection as I do not know if this is my place to speak,but she is correct about the dangers facing her in the real world and even if she was to come here there is no way anyone can predict how all of the Arrancar will react to a 'Human Princess'. I am of man of Loyalty as you probably knew before I even arrived and thus any decision matters not to me, but as Ryder is loaded with her struggles and duties so are you at the moment, so I was hoping to extend my loyalty as more than just support. He was careful to watch his words, though he had already told Ryder, Tova was king he wasn't sure if he wanted that information to be known. Enrique was in the intimidating and fearful position. Butting in between the conversation of a God and Gun wielding Mate while only being an ant compared to them. He took a swallow and deep breath and continued, "Tova-sama I have many questions about this, your... child, but yet I also understand that it is not my business as well and I also do not know your feelings on this matter, but I can only offer loyalty and servitude. Whether Samanatha remains in the Human World or comes to Las Noches if shall have it, official or unofficially I volunteer to watch over and grant her my loyalty to her the same degree as it is given to you, if that is your wish Tova-sama." He nodded his head and backed up slightly on the stairs, feeling slightly winded that he had actually even said anything at this meeting of lovers or maters, whatever the two were. He was calmer, but still more confused than ever and now he had just volunteered to guard maybe the most important Human in Karakura Town as well.

WC:1134
GP: 35

Tilted to the side only so slightly was his head as Ryder spoke, clearly a bit caught off guard by his words. Had she never once visited her daughter after giving her up for adoption? Although the visits had been infrequent he had personally seen her, though never interacted with her, a few times a year until she was five years old. Back then Tova would have simply called it keeping an eye on his project. Now he knew better than that, knew that there was far more to it. How much would he tell her of what had really gone on with him back then, this day? “As much as I need to. I still can’t be sure of what is or isn’t going on here.” Was his answer to that quandary, and he simply allowed the woman he had once shared a bed with the speak her mind and heart on the matter. She seemed to have trusted his words, and that meant a lot to the ex-Arrancar. Perhaps he would explain to her just what has happened with him; but would she understand it? Royalification was no simple topic to breach, especially with someone who wasn’t well versed in the science of the soul.

“Ah. I guess that should have been expected. That was ten years ago now, she probably lost it…” Tova said, her announcement putting a chill on his voice as he lost eye contact with her for a moment. It was only natural. Somewhere in him he had hoped that she still carried it, that some piece of the goodwill he left in it had gotten through to her. I guess not… Concluded on the matter he had to wonder just what it was that Ryder really wanted him to do about the entire situati- Princess of Hueco Mundo? You want a fifteen-year-old Human girl to live in Hueco Mundo? Yes, Ryder, yes! That’s a brilliant idea! That’s exactly the sort of social contact she needs in her life! Since when did you turn into a fool, or have your feelings clouded your judgment this much? Condemning thoughts filled him as he sat aghast at what had just been suggested to him by this woman. His face contorted into a clearly disapproving expression and he was about to lash out at her for such an asinine suggestion when Enrique Relampago decided to make his voice heard in the situation.

…I’m impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you.

Emotions softened by the sound of an Arrancar, so paralyzed by his loyalty, having finally spoken up in this setting he let himself absorb just what it was that he said. Most was fear-drowned babbling that didn’t make much sense at all, but there was something to take from his words regardless. Mostly that he may have to smack him later, for this had just gone and made it far more difficult for him to turn down Ryder’s proposal. Yet he would need to anyway, despite the words of this Arrancar. Thank you for speaking your mind, even if it wasn’t quite what I was looking for. He thought in an amused fashion before he slowly stood from his throne and glanced over to the three Arrancar women still watching in shock at what was going on. They were no longer needed, and had already seen enough. The result of this was for the eyes of these three only, not the sum total six. “You ladies may go. Know where to find me should you ever need to; my door is always open.” Were the words that made up his polite way of saying “get out”. Yet it did the trick and they swiftly departed, fear accompanying them.

Attention returned to the proud Quincy woman that stood before him.

[align=center]“No.”[/align]

“You speak to protect her, yet what you ask me to do would end her life. Enrique may give his for this girl, but for each that would protect her there are ten that would rape and devour her. I will not let that be the fate of my daughter any more than I’d kill her myself. Were she to live here, with me, she would not last long. Even if it were made public her relationship to me…The Aspect of Death that torments so many in this castle would prove an ever stronger force.” Came his decision and the ominous warning attached to it. It was true as well. Although they might know better an Arrancar would not always act in their best interest. It was what made them such a painful species to both be and watch live. Were a human like an Arrancar they’d fit the clinical definition of insane! Yet this woman wanted her daughter, his daughter, to live here among them? She may be in danger in the human world, possessed of power her lifestyle cannot support, but here her death would be certain. Although short the life of a human can be rich, and he would not steal that away from her. “If protection is required I can see about finding a human I am more willing to trust with the matter. But I will not allow her to live here under the constant fear that it would bring to her. I certainly hope your suggestion was simply ill-planned, Barrie. I did not take you for someone to sentence her own daughter to torture and death.”

Complete rejection powerful enough to bring to heel even a Titan, but he knew that she would not get…too offended. Right? Of course the possibility that she had changed more than he anticipated in the past fifteen years was definite, though as a proclaimed “Marine” he had to wonder if she was more or less sensitive. From what little he knew of the human world at large he could recall something about “Marines” being a military rank. Typically being in a military organization did not inspire greater compassion, given that one’s occupation became the ending of life in many cases. Even if it were to protect life in the long run.

“Is the matter of our daughter settled, then?”

*****

1,035 Words/20 GP
Total GP: 44 GP

Having made her presentation, there was naught for Barrie but to brace herself for Diablo's ruling, stepping back into parade stance with hands folded behind her back. To her pleasant surprise, Enrique-- the simpering scientist of a weaker Arrancar she had coerced into taking her here-- finally got his balls to drop and took a stand for his own perspective... only blow Barrie away with his decision.

~I suppose his Aspect of Death really IS loyalty, to go offering something like that out of the blue. He couldn't be trying to pull something suspicious with Sam like that, since she'd be his responsibility and-- if Tova gave him the assignment-- Tova would have his head for any harm to come to Samantha.~ To tell the truth, Barrie didn't actually believe Enrique's claim of Loyalty as his aspect of death at first. Her honored arrancar ancestor had never once given any indication that an Arrancar was bound by anything other than their own personality and choices to be honest when discussing aspects of death.

Before Barrie could thank Enrique for his offer, however, the King took the opportunity to dismiss the newborn Arrancar women in the room. Although she would never admit it, Ryder felt the slightest trace of jealousy at the women who held her daughter's father's ear. ~So he's final getting serious and getting rid of the new harem inductees. Not sure whether I should be grateful or concerned about this shift in the atmosphere.~ With the women removed, Tova at last delivered his verbose and powerful reply.

"What?"

Ryder had expected to run into resistance to be sure. 'I'm too busy for a daughter', or 'I have enemies in the Palace that would use her against me' or hell, maybe even something about having other heirs now and not wanting to introduce friction between them.

"What did you say Tova?" she inquired once more, crossing powerful arms beneath her breasts and casting a stern glower upon her former lover. "You're serious... aren't you..." Heaving a sigh, Ryder resumed the discourse over their daughter. "Ill-planned or ill-informed I suppose that in the end the two are one and the same. You speak of Arrancar tormented by Aspects of Death that would make them act against their own self-interest and bring harm to the Princess of this Palace.

"Maybe I've had good luck in this regard, or maybe it's poor luck to have painted my view of your race in such a manner, but I have yet to encounter a truly malicious Arrancar. My great grandfather is a kind old man of an Arrancar, even if he's a lazy bastard. You weren't exactly an honest person, but I've never known you to desire the harm of another person. Even Enrique here was just conducting a peaceful study seeking answers to problems that plague your people."

There was, in fact, ONE malicious Arrancar in Ryder's recent history, but that was a memory masked away in the depths of her mind and not one that would be brought back to the fore for the immediate future.

"I know not a single one of the three I named would bring harm to Samantha, and would in fact do what they could to protect her. I could name half a dozen more that would wish her no ill will and not a single one that would wish to harm her unless given good reason. As far as I have ever known, Arrancar are like Humans. There are good ones, there are 'ordinary' ones, and there are bad ones. Have I been misinformed Tova? You've been around the block far longer than I have, and call this place home. You know the Arrancar a great deal better than I do, I will yield to your judgment in this regard."

Relaxing at last, the woman synthesized a simple solid block of Reishi stone beneath her, forming a seat opposite the throne on which to comfortably commune with the King. "And no, that does NOT settle the matter, Mister Diablo. Samantha still seeks her father, and a better understanding of where she came from and who she is. Even if you do refuse her the position of princess and a place in this palace, she deserves to meet her dad."

Pausing for a moment to fold her hands in her lap, the Quincy offered the Cuarto a smile. "Even if you are dead, you're still her dad. You owe her that much."

OOC: 754 words, 15 GP, 40 total

The way Tova spoke was with Authority and there was no way to work around that though Enrique wasn't sure how he felt about his proposal about watching his daughter in the human world it wasn't a subject matter he would continue to push in front of him and in front of Ryder. He wasn't sure how far his powers extended, could he read his mind or subtle gestures such as simply looking at a person, but that was for research to figure out which he would conduct at a later point in time as he nodded his head simply agreeing with Tova as he knew that if someone such an Espada or a higher Fraccion wanted her Samantha dead once she ascended to her princess position there was nothing he could've done to hinder that process at his current level except be a Cero crash test dummy and maybe give a small opening to escape. He let his mind stop wandering and drifting to these negative thoughts and he looked at Ryder softly and tried to communicate I'm sorry, but I tried. He stepped backwards and already knew before Ryder spoke she would continue to push her plight even more so and that was understandable, but she would have to do so alone in this junction, but Enrique thought of how he could aid the process outside of Tova's courtroom.

He let his mind wander back down the negative road once more and imagined the gentle body of Samantha crumped up lifeless, dead by the hands of a Shinigami or Arrancar, the culprit didn't matter, but the response of these two, a Royal and the most powerful Quincy on the planet did. He imagined Ryder, while coy and easy to understand now being enraged blaming Tova for not accepting her plea and her offer to take Samantha in at her rightful position as the princess of Las Noches, would she come for revenge, maybe even war and with the small number of truly powerful Arrancar and missing Espada Las Noches and Hueco Mundo truly couldn't handle that situation.

On the opposite side of the coin he imagined, his king and the transcendent being Tova, calm and omniscent like no other being he had ever encountered in life showing a side a morality and humanity and showing the same pure passion and anger like Ryder would at the death of his own daughter. It was obvious, though not to what extent, he cared for her death and wished to not be the reasoning of her demise. Would he consumed in despair or plunge into a Lover's quarrel with Ryder or furthermore cause chaos on the faction who's warrior(s) caused the death of his daughter? Enrique didn't know and at this point didn't care as he had came to his conclusion that Samantha was better off under some kind of watch whether under Tova's orders or not as long as he was not given the order not too he would be content with what he was doing. She was far too valuable a person to both of them and an asset to the Quincy and to Hueco Mundo to simply be wandering around Karakura Town without protection and under the watch of the hot headed Kemotou who was more likely to be killed than Enrique was due to his temper. He closed his eyes and nodded to himself acknowledging what he must do and he caught Ryder at the end of her words about seeing Samantha and he pondered the statement, sighing as he was about to agree with the Quincy woman once more.

"Forgive me once more Tova-sama as I feel I maybe about to displease you, but I agree with Ryder-sama. She is your daughter and does deserve to see our father. I find it ironic that our race, especially me, can comment and converse on the subject of families and a father/daughter relationship, but that window of possibility, that dynamic was opened up by you Tova-sama. By playing a hand in helping produce Sam you may have affected our race on a grander scale and if not just to check in on whats yours, to see her growth personally, why not see her and see how this effect us on a grander scale? I mean this with no disrespect to anyone of you." He stepped backwards and hoped Ryder understood that he was trying to appeal to Tova's sense as the ruler of the Arrancar race and also his side as a Scientist which Enrique could reach out too, which was probably one of the few, if not the only side of Tova he could. He was now content with this meeting and was hoping he hadn't stepped out of any favor with these two powerful figures by being bold and speaking at their meeting.

WC: 807
GP: 51

Truly, what did this woman expect him to say?

Did she think a few simple words would change his mind? Or that any action on her part could? His mind was set andh is decision made so what more did this woman expect? In the end she made that rather clear: To meet his daughter. In truth Tova…wanted to. He desperately did, desperately wanted to meet his daughter and speak with her. Show her the world through his eyes and introduce that young woman to all the things that surrounded her. Yet he knew better than that. Her life would be much simpler and happier were she to not try and get involved in his. It would do her the most good to simply stay away from Tova. Yet this woman, her mother, insisted on getting her involved in his life! Did she truly question the violent nature of Arrancar? Even though Tova had overcome his hatred and distaste for the Hollow races he could certainly confirm each day that the basest nature of most Arrancar was one of violence and combat. It was for this reason that the vastly smaller number of Arrancar could stand against Soul Society. They knew how to fight by necessity; a race dwindled in number but supreme in quality.

His attention then turned to the Arrancar that had been dragged into this situation very unwillingly. Though it seemed that with each passing moment he had been rather convinced by whatever it was that Ryder told him. Had he been forced to agree with her under threat of his life? No, that didn’t make any sense. Had he been coerced any threat would mean nothing in Tova’s presence. He could feel the pressure exuded by Ryder: It was nothing he couldn’t handle. So he allowed the woman her words, she deserved that much. It would not change his mind, it would not change his decision, but it was a small nod to her and her rights as a person that Tova had not truly given her until now. This isn’t easy for me either, Barrie. To reject both you and, in a way, my own daughter all at the same time…it hurts, it really does. In ways I could never have let myself experience before. Oh, if only I could show you things the way I see them… Were his thoughts before an entirely unique idea struck him. With his new abilities he very well could give her a glimpse of how he saw things. But what would that do? For a moment the man looked entirely distant as his transcendent mind raced through an endless list of possibilities as he tried to intuit just what this might do. Unite our consciousnesses? It was a byproduct of my method of Hollowification. The souls would unite for a brief instant and share the entirety of their memories and experiences. Yet Ryder would not be able to comprehend the whole of my mind; she’d only get a cross-section…Might that be enough?

Truthfully the scientist and intellectual within Tova had never died. On the contrary it had grown and matured; drawn a line in the sand that he was so sure not to cross that his own powers simply would not permit it. This idea, though it would require Ryder’s own willingness, could very well allow her to see this in the way that he did. She would be able to understand, even if only partly, why he had made his decision. Not out of distaste or a cold heart as she may have thought, no. Instead it was out of the new warmth that his heart had found and the new life that filled it. Not yet. I can’t be certain what that would do to her and I don’t want to risk hurting her in anyway. Being exposed to this sort of consciousness and awareness before being at that level already…it simply cannot create a Royal but it may break a lower being. But would it…? The nature of Royals is to complete, our mind represent the greatest thing a being should be able to achieve…No, I can’t be certain of that anymore. But surely it wouldn’t be a poisonous thing to experience?[/font][/color] Pondered the man for a brief moment before he decided that the information was too vast to drag through right now. He needed to focus on the task at hand; the conversation about his daughter and his past.

Attention then turned to Enrique Relampago as his mind had made itself up on the matter. “Just where do you live, Enrique? Do you pay no attention to the world around you? Certainly many Arrancar, such as yourself, think before you act. The vast majority otherwise do not. We are a species operated by fear and, sadly, until now many of us did not become much more than our Hollow brothers. I know of you, I know you claim to be a man of reason, logic, and intellect. In this way we are the same. Yet you do not seem to fully grasp the nature of just what your own species is yet. You, I promise, are the exception. Not the rule.”[/font][/color] Tova addressed the man formally, addressed him as a leader would his subordinate. Yet he had more responded to what Ryder said than what Enrique himself actually had, but there was a reason for that. He found that their inquiries and contestations would have been most helpful should their speakers have been reversed. You asked for you thought that you were one of many Arrancar such as yourself, Enrique. Ryder asked because she truly believes the words you espoused. Truly you should have traded questions. He thought as he mulled over what made these two so in-tune at the moment. The sentiment and regard for both his own feelings was…Touching. Thank you, both of you. This is why it hurts to deny you so.

“Ryder,”

“The answer must remain as it is. Although she may be my daughter the impact of what that would mean would be wholly lost on the vast majority of the Arrancar within this castle. As I just said: Enrique is truly the exception and not the rule. For every half-dozen you can name as being less than the stories about our kind say I will give you four-fold names that make it true. I do not wish to deny our daughter her right as an individual to seek me out; I will never deny self-determination. However I will encourage she do otherwise. However no amount of persuasion will move me enough to make me reconsider a human princess here in Hueco Mundo.” Was his final declaration on the matter. It was a strange sensation to be this formal; an almost unwilling step into the past. Recently he had learned to enjoy becoming more casual around people, to truly express himself in the ways he was now able. So to be so…serious now was a unique look at how he must have seemed to everyone around him for his entire life. Yet he did not want that to be the last memory either of them had of this conversation.

[align=center]“I’m sorry.”[/align]

*****

1,210 Words/24 GP
Total GP: 68 GP