A.N: Good to be back once again. With this chapter, the fourth part of the series begins.

La Batalla de la Torre

Chapter 1: 40 Years Ago

In most cases, time changes men. This is especially true for those who live long lives, like Soul Reapers and Arrancar. In order to get an understanding as to why things are the way they are at the moment, the pendulum swings back 40 years ago so we can see what set the events occurring today into motion. However, unlike last time, we will be taking a look at a past time in Las Noches.

Las Noches had changed since the days of Baraggan Louisenbarn. When Sōsuke Aizen secretly took over in one day, the area was remodeled into a more closed off building. A fitting building for the secretive activities that took place on a daily basis.

Several Arrancar were lucky enough to be allowed to take part in this shadowy organization. An average height Arrancar with short black hair and the remains of a Hollow Mask that looked like a helmet with a horn sticking out of his left side.

This young Arrancar was actually a Fracción to one of the ten Espada gathered by Aizen himself. He was a loyal one at that. Partly because his master also took time to train him, himself, creating a stronger relationship between Espada and Fracción.

The young Arrancar walked down the marble hallways of Las Noches towards his master's room. He had news to deliver him. Upon reaching the door, he politely knocked. "Come in." Came his master's voice.

The Arrancar opened the door and walked into his master's quarters, only to be smothered by a creature with feathers. He knew who it was so he didn't strike at it. "Get off of me Papagayo." He said, slightly annoyed at his master's pet.

He heard his master laugh and call Papagayo back. "You know Papagayo likes you," he said. "Don't be like that Ulquiorra."

Ulquiorra Cifer bowed to his master, ignoring his words. "Master Benito," he said. "Lord Aizen is here, he's called a meeting of the Espada."

Espada 'Ten', Benito Muerta nodded. "I thought that was his spiritual pressure I sensed," he said. "I wonder what Sōsuke could want, he rarely comes here."

Benito motioned for Ulquiorra to get up and stop bowing. "Come with me, Ulquiorra, you should attend this meeting."

Ulquiorra was surprised. "Sir..." he stammered. "I couldn't."

"Nonsense," said Benito. "I'm training you to become an Espada, you might as well meet those you will call comrades in a short amount of time."

Benito grinned at Ulquiorra. "That is, unless you've been slacking off."

Ulquiorra shook his head. "Of course not, sir. I would never disrespect you by slacking off in your teachings."

Ulquiorra gave his master a victorious smirk (yes, the very same Ulquiorra). "I was successful," he said. "Thanks to your teachings I have achieved the Segunda Etapa. You were right, such a form is possible."

Benito quickly looked out the door to make sure no one heard Ulquiorra's words. When he saw that nobody was around he smiled proudly at Ulquiorra. "Excellent," he said. "You may become an Espada sooner than you think."

The two started walking towards the Espada Meeting Room. The two chatted idly for awhile. Mostly Benito, who was telling Ulquiorra of each of the Espada and their mannerisms.

The master and subordinate were soon interrupted when a happy voice rang down the hallway. "Beni'!"

Benito spun around and smiled as a busty woman with green hair and hazel eyes ran down the hallway. "Neliel!" Benito said happily, opening up his arms for his friend.

Neliel Tu Odelschvank hugged her close friend. "It's been too long." She said affectionately.

"It's only been a few weeks." Benito pointed out.

Neliel had been on assignment with a fellow Espada. The assignment had been gathering Vasto Lordes for Aizen's army. "How was your search?" Benito asked. "Did Nnoitra give you trouble?"

Neliel looked at him. "What do you think?" She asked.

Benito shook his head, sighing. "When will that fool learn?"

Neliel giggled. "Nnoitra is a higher rank than you, silly." She said. "Don't make him come after you. I don't want a reason to kill him."

Benito chuckled. If she only knew. He thought. Nnoitra couldn't even scratch me, let alone kill me.

Neliel noticed Ulquiorra's presence for the first time. "Ulqui'!" She said happily. "It's great to see you again as well? Has Benito still been working you hard?"

Ulquiorra nodded. "All for good reason, Lady Neliel." He replied.

Neliel looked at Benito. "Beni'," she said, pouting. "Ulqui' is a good boy, don't work him so hard."

Benito smiled. "Ulquiorra is a good boy, but he also has tons of potential. Espada-level potential, in fact. He could even surpass me at some point."

Well, that's not entirely true, Benito thought. Ulquiorra does have the potential to surpass me...but it could take him hundreds of years to do so. I, of course, only taught him so much.

Nelliel still pouted. "Well if you ever get tired of Beni' you can come with me, Pesche and Dondochaka, okay Ulqui'?"

Ulquiorra shook his head. "I can assure you, M'Lady, I'm quite content with my current position with Master Benito."

Neliel sighed dramatically. "Fine."

The Espada often change. In fact, among the current Espada, only four of the original ten remained.

The top Espada, Espada 1, Adolfo De Anza. A powerful Arrancar with an ego to match his ability. He had been a rival of Baraggan Louisenbarn's for years. De Anza was well known for instigating a coup d'tat against the God King years before Aizen's arrival. He failed due to the other Hollows fear of Baraggan himself. After Aizen found him and the ten original Espada they immediately moved to take Baraggan out of power and claim Las Noches as their home.

Espada 3, Neliel herself. She had accepted Aizen's offer in hopes of an influential position that would eventually lead to peace in Hueco Mundo.

Espada 9, Aaroniero Arruruerie. An enigma of sorts among the Espada, due to the fact that he often kept his face hidden, wouldn't interact with anyone except Aizen and would spend most of his days locked up in his personal palace.

Finally, Espada 10, Benito. Unbeknownst to even his closest friend, Neliel, Benito was actually Espada 0, a fact only known to Aizen and his two cohorts, Gin and Tōsen. In truth, his power even matched Aizen.

The rest of the Espada were either those who had come after displacing the original, or were newcomers.

First there was Espada 2, Baraggan Louisenbarn. Baraggan had been the King of Hueco Mundo before Aizen had taken over. He hated every single one of his comrades, especially Aizen and Adolfo. In fact, the story goes, after Baraggan lost his seat as king and a chance to become the top ranked Espada, he attempted to take the seat of Espada 1 from Adolfo, but failed after Adolfo countered his aging powers with his flames. A substance that never ages and only dies out once the balance between the materials used to make fire is destroyed. Since then, Baraggan carried an intense hatred for the only higher ranked Espada, at least, he thinks there's only one.

Espada 4, Gaspar Odalys. An insane man to say the least. He was easily one of the two most disliked Espada because of his tendency to torment his allies and opponents.

Espada 5, Cirucci Sanderwicci. An arrogant woman who took great pride in her appearance. Some of her comrades, including Benito, still couldn't believe she was an Espada.

Espada 6, Severo Urbano. The man seemed to have a split personality, at least that was the impression Benito got from him. He seemed to honor the idea of a fair fight, but the minute he became involved in the fight, he adopted a more sadistic personality that takes great pride in causing people pain.

Espada 7, Gantenbainne Mosqueda. Another friend of Neliel and Benito's. Mosqueda had a great sense of honor and was a heavy believer in peace and only sought battle when necessary.

Finally, Espada 8, Nnoitra Gilga. Neliel's self-proclaimed rival and one of the two most hated Espada. The man became an Espada after he ruthlessly killed the previous Espada 8 in battle. His insatiable lust for battle and chauvinistic attitude would often cause him to seek out Neliel for battle. Unfortunately for him, the difference in strength is far too great to even land a hit on the Third Espada.

In spite of these differences, the Espada were kept in line by their leader, Aizen.

When Benito, Neliel and Ulquiorra arrived at the meeting, they were immediately greeted by an angry glare from Nnoitra. The glare was mostly directed towards Neliel due to his hatred of her. However, Benito still received a piece of his glare. Neither of the men were very fond of one another either.

Adolfo also glared at Benito upon his entry. He had hated him from day one. In spite of their supposed difference in rank and power, Benito was still quite outspoken, especially when the subject is the future of Hueco Mundo. Like Neliel and Mosqueda, Benito was also a heavy believer in peace. Something Adolfo hated about him. Their kind was made to kill, that is it.

Nnoitra gave a toothy and threatening grin toward Neliel. "You better be ready for another fight Neliel, this time I'll show you I'm superior."

Neliel rolled her eyes. "Silence, beast," she replied. "I'm too busy after this meeting to waste my time with you."

With that, Neliel took her seat. Nnoitra directed his glare at Benito. "How about you, Benito?" Nnoitra asked. "Wanna fight? I'm sure a lot of people won't mind if I cut you to pieces."

Benito gave Nnoitra a small smile. "One day, I might just take you up on that offer, Nnoitra. Just try not to get yourself killed before that. With what Neliel tells me, you'll probably die young."

Nnoitra readied his Santa Teresa. "How about I kill you now, bastard." He said angrily.

"You will not harm, Master Benito, Nnoitra Gilga." Said Ulquiorra, coming to his master's defense.

Nnoitra's eyes widened in surprise. He then grinned again. "Well, I didn't think you'd bring your lapdog with you, Benito."

"Stand down Ulquiorra," Benito ordered. "It's not worth it."

Ulquiorra looked at his master. "Yes sir." He replied.

Benito looked at Nnoitra. "I advise you not to seek blood so freely, Nnoitra. The blood you end up seeing might just be yours in the end."

Benito let that threat hang in the air. Nnoitra's glare returned. "Bastard, what makes you think I wouldn't welcome that."

"Well, this group is as lively as ever."

The Espada all turned to the familiar voice. Their eyes widened when they saw Aizen walking towards them. "Hello, my dear Espada." He said.

Aizen addressed Benito and Nnoitra. "Is there a problem you two?"

Benito looked at Aizen. "Of course not Sōsuke. Nnoitra and I were just...talking, isn't that right, Nnoitra?"

Nnoitra glared at Benito. "Yeah," he said. "We were just talking."

The two took their seats. Aizen took his seat at the head of the table. "I suppose you're wondering why I've called you all here, today. Am I correct?"

Everyone nodded. Aizen smiled. "I gathered you all here, because today I would like to see who's worthy of keeping their titles, and who isn't." The master manipulator began.

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise. "I've found an Espada-level Vasto Lorde. With my Hōgyoku, I turned her into an Arrancar. Unfortunately, that will probably be one of its final uses before finally running its course."

Everyone nodded their understanding. "Also, I would like any of you to nominate any Numeros that you believe would be worthy of taking this prestigious position." Continued Aizen.

Everyone looked at one another. No one ever nominated a Numeros to compete for a position amongst the Espada. In fact, for Aizen to do this must be quite rare. It had to be a show of strength. Someone that Aizen personally recruited must've been fiercely loyal to him. He was obviously trying to put this woman into a high position of power. He was only involving the other Espada in this to manipulate them into believing they had a say in their fates.

Nobody knew this except Benito. He was a master of reading people. Of course, just because he was aware of this, did not mean he wasn't going to participate. "I nominate my Fracción, Ulquiorra Cifer, for the position of Espada 6."

Everyone turned to Benito in surprise. "The subordinate of Espada 10?" Adolfo laughed. "Facing off against Severo? Preposterous! He'll die!"

Benito smiled. "Ulquiorra has surpassed me." He lied. "I can assure you, This will be Severo's final day as an Espada."

Severo glared at Benito and Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra was a bit nervous, but he knew he had a chance. He knew that because of his master's teachings, he would become an Espada by the end of the day. "Very good," said Aizen. "And the woman I've found will be competing for the title of Espada 4. So Gaspar, prepare yourself, this one is quite powerful."

Gaspar scoffed. "I'm not afraid of some bitch. I'll beat her and make her my little slave."

Neliel rolled her eyes at his lecherous words. "Very well, if nobody else will put forth a nomination, this meeting is adjourned. You are all to gather within Las Noches and watch the fights. Study these two nominees, they may just become your comrades."

After returning to Benito's palace, the Espada decided to go over a few 'rules' with his subordinate. "You are to release your Resurreción only," said Benito. "You are not to release Segunda Etapa under any circumstances."

Ulquiorra was surprised. "But why?" He asked.

"You've only recently achieved that power, you must control it now. Vast power means nothing if you can't control it."

Benito paused. "That being said, there's a greater reason I don't want you revealing that power."

"A greater reason, Master?"

Benito nodded. "With your power you could easily take the rank of Espada 4 or higher. However, the problem with that is who the top 4 Espada are."

Ulquiorra was well aware of who the top 4 Espada were, but allowed his master to continue. "The top 2 Espada, Adolfo De Anza and Baraggan Louisenbarn are among the two most influential Arrancar in Hueco Mundo. Ousting either of them would create nothing but chaos and needless bloodshed." Explained Benito.

"The same goes for Gaspar Odalys." Benito continued. "As he is more loyal to Adolfo than Aizen or Baraggan, he's basically under Adolfo's protection. Therefore, we cannot afford to oust him either."

Benito's expression softened. "And as for Neliel...well, I won't explain that one to you. You should know why I don't wish to take her rank from her."

Ulquiorra nodded, he understood completely. "I need you in a high-ranking position as a demonstration of power, but not high enough to cause discord. That is why you will only take the rank of Espada 6." Benito finished.

Ulquiorra politely bowed his head. "I understand, Master."

Benito nodded. "Very well, since you understand, let us head to where we're meeting the others."

With that, Benito walked out the door, only to be greeted by another very familiar face. He smiled as he was brought into yet another embrace. "Hermanito." A woman said affectionately.

Benito returned the embrace. "Mi Hermana."

Alondra Muerta was Benito's older sister. She was a woman of average heigh with a form not as pronounced as Neliel's, but still quite beautiful. The most distinguishing feature Alondra had was her eyes, eyes that always seemed to reassure people when they're sad and bring smiles to their faces.

Ulquiorra watched as the two broke their embrace. He knew Alondra quite well and liked her a lot due to the kindness she always showed him. He also often took notice of Benito's mannerisms around her, and soon saw that if there was one thing he was sure of about his master, was that he greatly cared for his older sister. "I'm glad to see that you are back, Hermana." Benito said smiling. "Were you successful."

Alondra shook her head sadly. "No, Hermanito." She replied.

Like her brother, Alondra strongly desired peace, and used her service under Aizen to preach peace to Hollows. A pipe dream to some, but to an idealist like Alondra, it was possible.

While Alondra was quite powerful in her own right, she was still a pacifist by nature, more so than Neliel, who would fight at times. It is said, in fact, that Alondra hadn't drawn her Zanpakutō in the past 200 years.

"It saddens me, Hermanito." Alondra said softly. "Even after all the needless blood that's been shed on our home, our kind still doesn't want peace. They seem to fear change."

Benito looked at his sister. "Fear is a driving force." He explained. "We often fear what is different and what we can't comprehend. Do not blame yourself for their fear, Hermana. They must learn to except that fear before they can hope to change."

Alondra looked at her younger brother. "Thank you for that, Hermanito."

Alondra's eyes then dropped in sadness. "But still, I find myself wondering if our alliance with Sōsuke Aizen is truly worth it. You may have joined because you were enticed by the man and his promise of being equals, but I...I joined to help find peace."

"Peace is possible in our lawless land." Alondra continued. "Yet so many forgot that. Every day I ask myself how we can once again achieve that elusive dream?"

Benito smiled. "Don't despair Hermana, the answer is right in front of us."

Alondra's eyes widened. "You taught me everything about what true peace is Hermana," Benito continued. "But it appears you've forgotten one thing."

Benito gestured to himself. "If our land is lawless, then it is clear that the only way to bring peace, is to bring order." He explained. "One day, Hermana, I will be the one to bring that order. I will become the leader our home needs."

Ulquiorra was surprised by his master's words. As the 'Tenth' Espada, Benito's words seemed hollow. In the end, however, it seemed to have a good effect on his sister, who smiled. "Thank you, Benito, mi Hermanito." She said. "I know you will become strong enough to do that one day."

Alondra was also aware of Benito's true rank as an Espada. As flesh and blood, she also knew that he was not only much stronger than her, in spite of him being younger, but just as strong as Aizen. She knew his words weren't empty. "Yes," she said. "Maybe peace is possible to find once again."

Benito nodded and addressed Ulquiorra. "Come, Ulquiorra," he said. "We must go. We mustn't keep the rest of our comrades waiting."

Ulquiorra nodded. "Yes sir."

Aizen smiled as a new presence entered the site of the 'test'. He turned around and addressed the newcomer. The other Espada who have arrived regarded this new presence in surprise. "You've arrived," said Aizen. "Good."

The woman was tall, tan, and blonde. A Zanpakutō was stuck to her back. She wore a lower face-high jacket that accentuated her large breasts. "Are you ready, Halibel?" Aizen asked.

Tia Halibel bowed. "I am ready, Lord Aizen." She replied.

A.N: Well, ladies and gents, we've officially begun. And yes, this part will start with a brief Turn Back the Pendulum Arc.

Once that is over, however, all hell is going to break loose.

Hope you've all enjoyed this chapter. ND2014, signing off.