Perez watched Mari fall and Espada bend to catch her, a sly, evil grin splitting the villain's face. He couldn't materialize, couldn't save her, couldn't do a damn thing to keep her safe because he was bound by the restrictions Ohni set forth. If he interfered with her plan, he would fail his task, and he would never be free of his curse.

He could only float there, incorporeal, nursing his rapidly dwindling powers just to remain outside the vessel. Even now, ...