Author's note: While I love Bleach, I was hoping that Kubo could've done something more in this arc. While some of this will remain loyal to the canon part, the rest of the plotlines will be original, based upon an idea I had. I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Tite Kubo. The original characters belong to me.
Chapter 6: Viva La Vida 2
In Silbern's courtyard, somewhere hidden in the shadows
The Wandenreich was in uproar after Yhwach had announced Uryu Ishida to be his successor as emperor. For his loyal subjects, it was a shock, as none of them knew about Uryu, let alone his past. His most "precious children", the Sternritters, had also expressed similar feelings. As of now, divisions rose up in the Wandenreich's ranks.
In the palace's courtyard, Sternritter H: Bazz-B, was one of the many members to not take this announcement kindly and he was about to storm towards Yhwach's throne room and demand some answers. However, the man with the Mohawk stopped as Sternritter B, as well as the Grandmaster of the Sternritters: Jugram Haschwalth, stood in his way. The blonde-haired man fixed a disapproving glance towards Bazz-B.
"Jugo….." the man with Mohawk said while addressing Haschwalth by his usual nickname.
"Where do you think you are going, Bazz-B?" Haschwalth asked him calmly.
The punkish Quincy only scoffed at his words. "Where do you think? To the throne room!" Bazz-B answered in return.
"His Majesty has requested no interruptions this evening. Return to your post" the blonde-haired man strictly told him.
Despite being told this, Bazz-B did not back down. "Ya know, I always considered you to be His Majesty's successor, given how you're his favorite. But instead, you got replaced by some four-eyed dude we barley even know. Isn't that scary, Jugo?" Bazz-B asked while remaining suspicious. "I mean, most of us Sternritters wouldn't have a problem with having you as our future emperor, but this is just way too messed up! Aren't you at least worried about it!?" he added while demanding an answer.
Haschwalth remained calm and focused, despite Bazz-B's disrespectful tone. "His Majesty's decisions are absolute and final. I have no say in it, as do the rest of us serving beneath him" the blonde-haired man spoke plainly.
Bazz-B felt only disgusted by hearing this. "So, you're willing to follow whatever he's saying? Tch, you coward" he said with rudeness and started to take several steps towards Haschwalth. He eventually fixed a smug grin and began confronting the Sternritter Grandmaster. "IF YOU DON'T GIVE A SHIT, THEN YOU MIGHT AS WELL LEAVE THAT SEAT TO ME! YOU'RE ONLY A PATHETIC LAME-ASS, SO STEP ASIDE AND LET A REAL LEADER SIT ON THE THRONE!" the hotheaded Quincy suddenly declared, as he was intending on taking the throne by himself.
Haschwalth reached for his sword, yet remained calm while facing Bazz-B. "Calm down, Bazz-B" he ordered the Stenritter.
But Bazz-B ignored his request. "WHAT!? OH, I'M CALM! WAY CALMER THAN YOU ARE!" he retorted, still intending on fighting the blonde-haired man.
But before this could escalate further, a ball of poison could be spotted in the middle of the two Quncies. With quick reflexes, they backed away, hoping to avoid the ball of poison. An applause could be heard and it came from a Quincy with slick black hair, who was leaning against Silbern's wall. Apparently, he had been watching the confrontation from the sidelines. This was Sternritter D: Askin Nakk Le Vaar.
"You're right. You really are calm" Askin said with sarcasm directed towards Bazz-B, who was not amused by his answer. "However, you didn't attack him just right away. This means you absolutely are calm" he added, this time, with no sarcasm hinted in his voice.
Bazz-B only stared at him with a raised eyebrow. "Hey, Nakk Le Vaar! What's the big idea!?" he demanded an answer.
Askin only scoffed at his reactuin in return. "Oh please, you should actually be thanking me. I just did you a favor" he said while waving his right hand whimsically. "Unless I'm mistaking, His Majesty does not tolerate infighting amongst us Sternritters" he said and began eyeing sideways suspiciously. "And besides, we seem to have onlookers watching us" he added while noticing somebody spying on them from the palace.
It was a fat and black-skinned Quincy, who took great pleasure in spying on them with the help of his staff. Eventually, both Haschwalth and Bazz-B took notice of him as well. Realizing how pointless it was, the two men ceased their kafuffle. Haschwalth even turned around and started walking away from the scene.
"So the two of you can just forget about fighting. It won't be beneficial to either of you" Askin said, before facing Haschwalth, who was already on the move. "Especially you. I know the punishment won't be like poison, but I'm sure you understand how dangerous it would be. Isn't that right, Next Emperor?" he mockingly asked Haschwalth, who did not seem to take notice of his words.
The fat Quincy with sunglasses, who had been spying on his three comrades was Sternritter L: PePe Waccabrada. The moment he saw the fight end, he moaned in disappointment. "Aw man! Here I was hoping to show this to His Majesty and get some views! Stupid Askin always has to ruin the fun!" the man with white beard expressed his disappointment.
PePe was conversing with three other members of the Sterntitters. They were Sternritter F: Äs Nödt, Sternritter N: Robert Accutrone and Sternritter U: NaNaNa Najahkoop. However, none of them were amused by PePe's childish antics, including NaNaNa, who was quite dull in comparison to them all.
"You find entertainment in watching Quincies fighting amongst themselves?" Robert asked him with a stern glance. "What an inexplicable hobby you have, PePe" he commented.
PePe only grinned cockily in return. "Come on! Lighten up! Ever since we got back from the invasion, things have only started to get boring. We need to at least come up with something that will keep us entertained. And everybody LOVES a good fight between a hothead and a calm guy" he pointed out.
"Ignorant fool" everyone snapped by hearing the voice coming from Äs, who had grown tired of hearing PePe's mumblings. "Have you completely forgotten what has just happened? His Majesty just announced his successor to his throne" the black-haired man spoke up.
"Tell me about it, yo!" NaNaNa said in agreement. "Who in da hell, is dat four-eyed punkass bitch, who thinks he can just come right in and let himself be crowned prince!?" the black-skinned Quincy wondered while raising his arms in the air.
Robert adjusted his glasses. "Whoever he is, the name Ishida is no stranger to us Quincies" he spoke up while facing his comrades. "I believe you have heard someone by the name of Soken Ishida. He was that researcher who foolishly refused to accept the concept of the Quincy: Vollständig, sticking by the outdated Quincy: Letzt Stil" the four-eyed man went on explaining.
"But isn't he dead?" Äs asked Robert.
"Technically, yes. But his offspring must've survived, apparently" the four-eyed man answered.
Äs felt like he had heard enough and walked through the corridor. His comrades could notice how satisfaction seemed to take hold on him, as he was in fact one of the Sternritters to have stolen a Shinigami captain's Bankai. During the Wandenreich's invasion, Äs was up against Byakuya Kuchiki, who had foolishly underestimated the gothic Quincy's inducement abilities. When Byakuya was about to perform his Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Äs used his medallion and stole it from the captain. With it, he used the Bankai to torture Byakuya both physically and emotionally, eventually decimating Byakuya against a wall of blood.
"Tch, dis scary mothafucka is one hell of a show-off!" NaNaNa muttered lowly beneath his breath.
PePe only grinned by hearing him say that. "Why, are you jealous that you didn't get to steal a Bankai?" he mockingly asked the scrawny Quincy. "I mean, didn't you face one of the captains during the invasion, didn't you?" he pointed out, still insulting NaNaNa.
NaNaNa did not feel like being lectured by someone as lazy as PePe (even though he himself was pretty much lazy). "Hey PePe, shut yo fatass up! I ain't got time being schooled by some fool like you!" he snapped in return.
"Bah! All I hear from you are pathetic excuses, NaNaNa! It's actually a good thing you didn't steal a Bankai, considering your stupidity!" the round man commented, much to NaNaNa's anger. PePe felt himself getting all high and mighty. "In truth, I seriously doubt that you would even have the slightest idea of how to use it!" he continued ridiculing the lean Quincy.
"You seem very confident in your ability, PePe Waccabrada" Robert remarked sternly.
PePe only grinned in return. "Well, what can I say? With my ability, I don't even need to steal a Bankai with a medallion" he exclaimed and laughed out loud with satisfaction. His fellow Sternritters only glanced him with irritated looks.
Near Yhwach's throne room, four Sternritters were sitting on couches while servitors were serving them food and drinks. They had been discussing the latest developments so far, especially since Uryu being named the Prinz von Lichts.
"Did any of you see where Haschwalth went?" Sternritter X: Lille Barro asked his comrades while holding a rifle on his lap. "The last time I saw him, he was with His Majesty" he added to his statement.
"He went off to "discipline" that hotheaded imbecile Bazz-B" Sternritter M: Gerard Valkyrie replied and took a bite of a bread. "Hah! To think that he has enough guts to confront His Majesty! If so, then we would have to get through me first!" he added with arrogance in his voice.
Sterntitter V: Gremmy Thoumeaux only sat in silence while listening to what was being said. "You shouldn't be so full of yourself, Gerard. There are some of us whose power surpasses yours" he reminded the brutish Quincy sternly.
But Gerard only watched him with a cocky grin of his own. "Surpasses mine, you say?" he asked before bursting out into laughter. "Ridiculous! The only person to have power that surpasses that of my own is His Majesty and His Majesty alone! Get your facts straight, Gremmy!" he corrected the young boy's words.
"Damn it, Gerard! Can you stop being an ass for a second or two!?" Lille demanded while he was slightly getting fed up by the blonde-haired man's antics. "Now as I was saying, I don't trust that newbie being near His Majesty. If Haschwalth's not gonna take this seriously, then I'll do it" the black-skinned man said and was about to walk off.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you" the weird voice came from Sternritter W: Nianzol Weizol, who had long black hair and two tongues hanging from his mouth. "You know how His Majesty hates whenever somebody questions his motives Just give it up, it's not worth it" he reminded the one-eyed Quincy.
Lille only sighed in annoyance by hearing this. "God how annoying your voice is, Nianzol" he remarked before proceeding walking. "Besides, with Haschwalth now returning to his quarters, I might as well go and ensure His Majesty's security myself" the Quincy added while moving on.
"Then allow me to accompany you, Lille!" Gerard said as he moved and joined up with his comrade.
This left Gremmy and Nianzol alone by the couches and they were among the most reclusive members of the Sternritters. Or that's what many other Quincies thought.
"Oh, we seem to have company" Gremmy noted with zero enthusiasm, much to Nianzol's confusion.
The Quincy with two tongues didn't get the blonde-haired boy's words. "What'cha mean by…." the black-haired boy paused as he could notice the Spiritual Pressure coming from two elusive members of the Sternritters.
The first one was Sternritter Σ: Shaz Domino. He was considered to be one of the orders most unique members, considering that his Schrift was actually a Greek letter instead of a Latin letter. Accompanying him was Sternritter C: Pernida Parnkgjas. No one knew who this mysterious hooded being was, but Pernida was known for his undying loyalty to Yhwach.
Shaz smirked while facing the two Quincies. "Gremmy. Nianzol. Lovely day it is outside, wouldn't you say?" he mockingly asked the two.
Nianzol immediately snapped in surprise. "What? Is there actually a sun outside?" he asked. Shaz could only laugh at his stupidity. Gremmy only facepalmed in seeing how Nianzol easily felt for Shaz's trickery.
"No, you idiot! He is just fooling you!" Gremmy scolded his comrade before fixing his attention to Shaz. "Anyway. Why are you bothering us, Shaz?" he asked with annoyance.
Shaz took a sip from a glass of water a servitor had brought him before answering. "We only came here to check out how you were doing. Come on, aren't comrades allowed to socialize with one another?" he asked while adjusting his glasses. "We had just visited Bambietta and her friends. But they were having a slumber party at her quarters, so me and Pernida didn't feel like sticking around them" Shaz then explained to them.
Gremmy listened to this with boredom. "Those girls are nothing but overgrown brats. I'm surprised that His Majesty has not eliminated them yet" he thought with disdain of the female members of the Sternritters.
"So, what are you two doing here by yourselves?" Shaz then asked them cunningly.
"We were just discussing something with Lille and Gerard. But they are both headed towards His Majesty's throne room as we speak" Nianzol answered.
Shaz whistled in amazement by hearing this. "You don't say. Then perhaps we should also head to the throne room and see how things are going" he remarked before facing his strange comrade. "Wouldn't you agree, Pernida?" he quizzed the mysterious Quincy, who was mostly focused on both Gremmy and Nianzol at the moment.
For some reason, the two boys could feel some hint of uneasiness when they saw Pernida gaze right into them. They were about to angrily retaliate, before Pernida vanished from the scene by using his Hirenkyaku.
Shaz chuckled by seeing this. "Heh, guess I'll hang around with Pernida for a while. He does get quite lonely sometimes" he noted before waving his hand at both Nianzol and Gremmy in a whimsical fashion. "Still, I hope to see the two of you very soon! Toodles!" he said to them before using his Hirenkyaku to vanish from the scene.
As both Shaz and Pernida were gone, the two boys could not help but to sigh deeply to catch their breaths. Apparently, they had been intimidated by Pernida and his enormous Spiritual Pressure.
"Pernida…...really is scary sometimes…" Nianzol admitted as his tongues sweated alongside his skin.
But Gremmy did not feel like being told about this. "Shut up…...Nianzol" the blonde-haired boy told him, as he could feel a hint of anger and jealousy towards Pernida burning inside of him.
Inside Yhwach's throne room, Uryu had partaken a ritual for receiving a power from Yhwach. The four-eyed man drank the emperor's blood and he was now granted a Schrift by Yhwach: The Letter A, just like the one his superior had. However, there was something Uryu had yet to understand with being the Crown Prince of the Wandenreich. He felt the need to ask Yhwach about all this choice of his.
"I don't understand any of this" he said lowly, causing Yhwach to glance at him with his usual unfazed expression. "Your declaration caused a huge uproar and discord amongst your servants. That is understandable, considering that you made an outsider such as me the successor to your throne" he went on explaining the reactions from the various Sternritters and other subordinates.
Yhwach surprisingly grinned by hearing Uryu say that. "Heh. I am glad that they are not just some mindless sheep who are only blindly following the shepherd like some hypnotized beasts. It is good to see that they do possess some level of independence and autonomy. However, they will never understand the things that I see within you" he explained, but the man with the black moustache could see that Uryu was still not convinced. Yhwach realized that he needed to be more informative. "Still not convinced? Very well. Allow me to ask you this simple question. Uryu…..why are you still alive?" he then asked him cunningly.
This immediately sent a chill down Uryu's spine, as the raven-haired man did not expect to be asked a question such as this. The emperor took notice of this and formed a smirk beneath his moustache.
"You catch on pretty fast. I like that" he commented. "Nine years ago, my Auswählen took the lives of all Gemischt Quincies in the Human World. But you, were the sole survivor of it and the first one in our history to have ever accomplished such. That is why I called you The Last Quincy, the last one to exist in the Human World" the emperor went on explaining.
As Uryu stood and listened, sorrowful and dreadful memories began invading his thoughts, as he did in fact recall the Auswählen Yhwach had used to restore his powers. He was only a young boy at that time. Many Gemischt Quincies had perished in that horrible genocide, among them Uryu's own mother: Kanae Katagiri. The young man still remembered the reason why he never wanted to become a doctor, as he had witnessed his own father Ryuken Ishida dissect Kanae's lifeless body.
"However, there is a particular reason why I chose you to be my successor, Uryu" Yhwach revealed, thus snapping Uryu out of his thoughts. "Your survival of my Auswählen has convinced me that there is a hidden power dwelling inside of you. A power that is so powerful it can even surpass my own. I can help you with unleashing that power of yours, let alone invest in your potential. Therefore, you should not question my directions, orders or intentions. Just follow my leadership, and I will show you the truth you never realized even existed" he explained, trying to convince Uryu to never question him.
The young man did nothing but only nod to him in return. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand" he said in return before following his superior.
However, Yhwach and Uryu was approached by a Quincy who seemed very desperate as he tried to catch his breath. Yhwach only glanced at him. "My lord! I have terrible news! Tier Harribel has escaped from her prison cell!" the Quincy revealed.
While Uryu was surprised in hearing this, Yhwach seemed less than interested, although he did raise eyebrows at the announcement.
"We don't know how she managed to escape, but we found two Arrancar guards slain in the cell, their bodies torn apart!" the Quincy added. "Shall we pursue her whereabouts?" he asked his liege.
Surprisingly, Yhwach held up his palm as a no to his answer. "No, that will not be necessary" he revealed, much to both Uryu and the Quincy's shock. The emperor found their reactions to be tasteless. "Why do you fret over a mere Arrancar? Compared to my power, hers was like a fish out of water. Let that poor woman do as she pleases. She is, after all, nothing but a slave and creation of Sosuke Aizen" he revealed and easily dismissed the Quincy.
His bowed with formality before moving on. But Uryu wanted to know more about Yhwach. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, may I ask you what you were discussing with Sosuke Aizen during your trip to the Soul Society?" Uryu asked while bowing to him.
"Remember what I told you, Uryu. You must trust in my judgement and intentions. Never question them" Yhwach reminded him, causing Uryu to immediately back down.
"Of course. I apologize" the young man replied with a nod.
However, Yhwach was now thinking and he mused to himself while making sure Uryu followed him. "Aizen, you refused to join me when I was reaching out to you" he thought and he eventually smiled with delight. "A bad decision. In time, you will come to regret it, especially when "he" finds out you are still alive" he added to his thoughts.
Outside the Conociomento, in the wondrous city of El Dorado, Hueco Mundo
The magnificent city of El Dorado was bustling with Hollow and Arrancar activity. Surprisingly, the two groups lived side by side and there were no different laws made to each group. Even now, El Dorado's markets were crawling with tradesmen, as well as heralds who spoke before large gatherings of citizens. They spoke about the Wandenreich and the threat it posed to the Imperio de Hierro.
But outside the observatory, Urahara has having a little gathering with his gang, as he was happy to know that Orihime, Chad, Ururu and Jinta had made it to the city alive. He was also glad in seeing both Ganju and Hanataro making it. Right now, they were having a discussion on what to do next.
"I'm glad that all of you made it here safely. But the threats that lurks outside are far from over" the blonde-haired man said with a somewhat grim voice. "The Quincies will launch their attack at the Soul Society soon enough. But since the Court Guard have no clue about where their headquarters are, it will be difficult to predict it" he added to his explanation.
"Have you made contact with Ichigo yet, boss?" Tessai asked his long-time friend.
Urahara shook his head as a no. "It is difficult for me to reach out to him. But for now, it would be best for us if we let Ichigo do what he thinks is best for him in the Royal Realm. He will have enough time to reflect on himself as a person" he explained while assuring everyone that Ichigo was gonna be alright.
Most of Ichigo's friends smiled at what they heard as they could see the truth in Urahara's words. But there was something on Orihime's mind that she wanted to know from Urahara.
"Pardon me, Urahara. But have you heard anything from Uryu yet? We haven't spoken to him since we left for Hueco Mundo" she asked while bringing up a subject that had almost left most people forget about the four-eyed man.
"Unfortunately, we haven't" this time it was Yoruichi's turn to answer. "We have tried to contact him to let him know about the current situations we're in, but he never responds. But knowing Uryu, I think he would be absolutely insane as to join the Wandenreich. Just ask his father" the purple-haired woman told Orihime as she felt concerned about Uryu not responding.
"Where are you…Uryu?" Orihime wondered while thinking about the silent but intelligent classmate of hers.
"But what do we do now?" Chad suddenly asked everyone. "We have reached El Dorado….is there any more reasons for us to stay here, other than for safety measures?" the tall man asked Urahara.
"I suppose it is that way, Chad. Moreover, we are soon to be one of the few outsiders to be granted entry…to Esperanza" Urahara revealed, much to everyone's surprise. He nodded his head at their reactions. "That's right. We're going inside the palace…to witness a summit. But we will also get to see…...the leader of this empire" the blonde-haired man revealed, with a hint of uneasiness creeping upon him.
Ganju whistled in amazement. "We're getting an audience with their emperor? Now that's interesting! I bet that he must be a very powerful and mighty ruler, based upon what we've heard from the Legionarios" he remarked with interest in his voice.
"It is not that he must be a very powerful and mighty ruler, Ganju Shiba. He IS a very powerful and mighty ruler!" Tessai explained while adjusting his glasses.
Ganju could not help but to feel unease over hearing this. "You know what, I take that back" he gulped.
"Who is the Imperio de Hierro's leader?" Chad asked the leading trio. "And how come we could feel his Spiritual Pressure as far as outside this mountain?" he added to his question.
Even Hanataro showed hints of fear while this subject was being brought into the conversation. "That Spiritual Pressure we felt…" the timid Shinigami recalled what they had all felt when they were standing outside the Negal Ruins. "It was monstrous…...enormous…..just what kind of creature possesses such strength!?" he asked while sounding paranoid.
Realizing that it was no use in hiding the truth, Urahara took a deep breath, despite feeling very uneasy about telling them this. "The ruler of this empire…makes you kind of wonder whether he even is a Hollow….or an Arrancar for that matter. In fact…...even Aizen feared him…more than anything" he revealed to everyone as they listened carefully.
"But Aizen has enormous Spiritual Pressure, as he's empowered by the Hogyoku.…...how could he possibly fear someone else, when he possesses such monstrous power?" Chad asked lowly.
The blonde-haired man sighed deeply. "The reason…is because that even if Aizen had become one with the Hogyoku…he wouldn't have stood a chance against him" Urahara's answer blurted out. "I will let you all in a secret: the only few living Shingamis who has knowledge about this empire's ruler, are me, Yoruichi, Tessai, Aizen and Kurotsuchi and a few of the Vizards. But yet, we dare not to mention his name, despite knowing it" he added while sounding reluctant to speak up.
"Wait! Is what you are telling us something that you never learn at the Shin'o Academy?" Hanataro asked while he felt surprised.
This time, Yoruichi was the one to answer. "Correct. At the time when we were children, Central 46 adopted new laws that declared all literature considered a threat to the laws of the Soul Society needed to be purged. All literature that previously told us about ancient times, including the previous war between Shinigamis and Quincies were burned to ashes. And despite the Shin'o Academy being independent, both Central 46 and the 13 Court Guard Squads pressured it to remove what they considered to be inappropriate literature for future Shinigamis" the purple-haired woman told everyone.
"However, there was one man who refused to burn the literature. And he kept them safe, somewhere in his lair beneath the forests of the Soul Society" Urahara suddenly spoke up with a slight smile forming across his face. "That man was our mentor as children, and at that time, Captain of Squad 3: Bansui Amatsuki" he spoke up while getting slightly emotional.
The group of friends could also see Yoruichi and Tessai feeling the same way, as they felt like this Bansui Amatsuki had been a great influence in their childhood, before becoming well-renowned Shinigamis.
"So you had a captain as a mentor? That sounds wonderful" Orihime asked as she was fascinated. But she then felt like not asking anything more, as she could see how slightly saddened the three Shinigamis had become when mentioning this captain. The young woman felt bad for being this curious.
"But we can't drift back the past. We will tell you our story some other time. First, we have to focus on this situation we're in with the Imperio de Hierro" Yoruichi said while fixing a determined glance. "And to do that, you will have to know about the empire's ruler" she added while facing the gang.
"Who is this ruler you keep bragging about?" Chad asked, as he really wanted an answer from one of the Shinigamis.
Tessai decided he had to speak up on behalf of his boss. "The name of the Emperor of the Imperio de Hierro as well as the true ruler of Hueco Mundo is…Augustus Zod Allowin: The Skyfather" he added while mentioning the ruler's name. "We cannot say for sure if he is alive. But If he really is…then perhaps this world is in more danger than before" Tessai added with a hint of distress in his voice.
"Hold on just a sec!" Jinta's impatient voice interrupted everyone. "Are you saying that some dangerous Arrancar has been living since you were all kids!?" he asked while wanting to know the answer.
Before anyone could answer, the entire gang could hear the sound of Hollow-horses arriving outside the tent. Urahara and his associates went outside, only to see five members of the Conquistadores along with Appius Titus Caesar standing before the tent. However, they were not alone, as a strange Arrancar dressed in white and dirty cloth, as well as burlap mask with two tanks sticking out of his mouth. He almost looked like a scarecrow with a gas mask. It seemed that those two tanks hanging out from the opening of his mask seemed to be his Hollow-shell, and he wore two claws on his hands, indicating that they were his Zanpakutou.
Caesar took some steps forward and slammed his staff on the ground. He began facing Urahara and his friends. "It's almost time now, outsiders. Both the Dechados and the Legionarios are about to commence their summit. Furthermore, "he" has demanded that you bring all your associates to Esperanza this instant" the Arrancar with helmet revealed before turning his attention to the Arrancar beside him. "And before we go, I would like you to meet a great asset to the Imperio de Hierro. He is also the current Headmaster of Conociomento" he added.
Urahara and his associates snapped by seeing this mysterious Arrancar, who fixed a smug smile beneath his burlap mask. "Ah, you three must be Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihoin and Tessai Tsukabishi. It is a pleasure to meet each of you. I am the imperial researcher, as well as a member of the Dechados: Pieddot Picasso" he formally introduced himself. He then faced Urahara with interest. "I already know about your great accomplishments as a scientist and inventor, and they are admirable, even by my standards" the peculiar creature went on.
The blonde-haired man only fixed a smug smile in return. "I'll take that as a compliment" he said, but he suddenly noticed that Pieddot was having his eyes focused on Chad, Orihime, Yukio, Ururu, Riruka and Jinta. The six people themselves felt very confused about it.
"So, these are the Fullbringers you have brought to assist with your project? Fascinating" he wondered while studying their appearances. He then fixed his cunning eyes upon Orihime, Jinta and Ururu. "Hmmm…Interminables…such rare specimen these days" he remarked.
Orihime could not help but to compare Pieddot to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, as she felt like they would become good friends, if they ever met one another that is. However, she was also surprised to know that Pieddot knew about her.
However, Urahara, Yoruichi and Tessai all snapped when hearing what the paragon just said, as they never knew that there existed a name for the types of humans Orihime and the two teenagers were. The blonde-haired man was just about to ask Pieddot, but stopped when hearing Caesar slam his spear on the ground once again.
"Enough chatting! His Highness demands our presences at Esperanza this instant!" he demanded and mounted on his Hollow-horse, and Pieddot mounted on his as well. "I apologize for rushing things, Master Pieddot. But you can find out more about these Humans after the meeting" he told the researcher with respect in his voice.
Pieddot only chuckled smugly in return. "I know. Sometimes, I let curiosity get the best of me. But not today" he said in return smugly. He then faced the group. "Come along now, allies of the empire. You will be lucky to get a glimpse of what it is like inside Esperanza" he told them as the Hollow-horsed began leading the way.
Inside the imperial palace called Esperanza
When the group had reached the gates of Espetanza's courtyard, two giant armored Hollows with shields used their strong arms to open the gate. But while they were entering, the group could not help but to notice all the stares that they were given by Hollows or Arrancars that they had passed by through the streets. In fact, it even made them realize something.
"Strange" Chad noted as he followed his friends. "We are in a civilization of Hollows, yet none of them have so far made a move to devour us, considering that we're Humans" the tall man noted grimly, as he kept walking. "Could it be that these Hollows are smarter than they look?" he wondered in his thoughts as he and his friends entered the courtyard.
When the group entered Esperanza's courtyard, thousands of Hoplitas and other kinds of soldiers in the Imperio de Hierro's army was expecting their arrival. They all saluted when spotting Caesar and Pieddot riding into the courtyard. Some of them even helped them unmount the Hollow-horses.
The group were stunned as they could see the palace towering over not just them, but the entire city of El Dorado as well. They were escorted into the palace by the imperial guards and brought into what appeared to be an elevator
However, one particular Arrancar, who wore a cape similar to other paragons had been watching the group for a while with binoculars, having stood on one of the palace's many balconies. It was a black-skinned, brown-eyed Arracnar, who almost looked like a boy. His large curly afro was the most symbolic of his appearance His Hollow-shell appeared to be something that acted as his collar on his white gangster-like clothes. Putting his binoculars away, he moped by what he was seeing.
"Aw great! Now we have both Shinigamis and stinking Asians in here!?" he exclaimed with open disgust. "I think I'm gonna throw up!" he added.
"You're being silly, Tiradoor" a girly voice came from behind as the black-skinned Arrancar turned around and could spot a golden-eyed Arrancar girl with purple hair tied into to pigtails. She was dressed in a white dress with a purple jacket. Her Hollow-shell appeared to be those that held her pigtails together and she had blue markings running across her throat.
The one named Tiradoor sighed out of annoyance by hearing her speak. "What are you doing here, Violetta?" he asked in annoyance.
The girl named Violetta was about to answer, until someone did it for her. "No worries, mate! We just reckoned if you would get your lazy bum in the great hall!" the voice came from an Arrancar who spoke with a heavy Australian accent. Tiradoor only got more irritated by seeing who it was.
It was a spikey orange-haired and grey-eyed boy, his size similar to Tiradoor's. He had brown snake-like markings running across his cheeks and even head orange goatee. His Hollow-shell appeared to be that of an Aboriginal necklace hanging by his throat However, he had a partner hanging on his shoulder, and it was a small girl with short, brown hair. Her Hollow-shell appeared on her head like that of a koala, with both ears and head hanging on her.
The orange-haired Arrancar smirked at his comrade. "You better not knock back, Tiradoor. Otherwise, His Highness is gonna roast ya alive" he said with sarcasm in his voice.
"Yeah, you know better than to disobey orders!" the little girl hanging on his shoulder said.
Tiradoor knew that they spoke the truth. "Ozzy and Lizzie Namatjira. How could I have forgotten you two outback clowns?" he wondered as he entered the opening by the balcony.
The one named Ozzy felt offended by hearing this. "Hey! Don't give us a gobful here!" he said, as he and his partner got angered by his statement. But he was calmed down by Violetta, who faced him smugly in return.
"Relax, Ozzy. We all know how Tiradoor's attitude tends to get the best of him, despite the fact that he's a Dechado" she told him, and both Ozzy and Lizzie laughed at what they were told. The purple-haired girl eventually joined them in the laughing.
Tiradoor could hear their laughing in the background, but he easily dismissed with a scowl. "Tch…showoffs!" he muttered lowly before using his Sonido to vanish from the scene.
Urahara and his team were led to a giant hall the moment they exited the elevator. It was surprising that a place such as Esperanza even had an elevator. But for them, it was a relief, considering that they were high above ground. Inside, they could see various Hollows and Arrancars sit around them, almost as if they were in an assembly. It intrigued everyone as they looked around.
They had never known that Hueco Mundo had this kind of leadership. The light almost touched everything in the hall. But they could see a giant throne and it was empty, causing them to wonder if this was the throne belonging to the Emperor of the Imperio de Hierro. It sure was magnificent and imposing, built with real gold and other kinds of riches. And right now, the group was standing in the middle, surrounded by this…...unfamiliarity.
The chatting amongst the Hollows and Arrancars soon ebbed out and an elderly Arrancar, who appeared to be a speaker of some sort, sought everyone's attention. He slammed the staff on the floorboard and made sure that no one was speaking. Urahara and his group listened carefully what was being said, as Hoplitas and other soldiers watched them warily.
"Citizens of El Dorado! Today's summit will bring us questionable results to what we will do with these outsiders" the elderly man said and noise began filling the hall once again. They were mostly jeering and boos, but it soon faded out quickly. "But while we as a people have the right to decide what is best for our civilization, the fate of these outsiders will have to be decided by the Dechados, the Legionarios and of course, the His Highness himself. Let us hear their counsel and judgement!" he declared and a large door in the hall opened.
From those giant doors, many Arrancars entered the giant hall. They each took their seats besides the large throne at the hall's other end. This meant that they would be facing the group standing in the middle of it. Most members of the group could only stand and watch, as they had never been in a place like this before.
The elderly speaker faced the Arracnars with a respective nod. "Mighty Dechados. We thank you for being here with the citizens of El Dorado. Let us all know of your titles and names!" he spoke with admiration of the mighty paragons.
"Paragon Diablo Gallante" the red-skinned and one-eyed Arrancar with the scythe and eyepatch said.
"Paragon Oggrom Dorian" the long-haired and barbarous Arrancar with the two-handed axe said.
"Paragon Annabelle Luisenbarn" the elderly woman with the staff said.
"Paragon Luddenwig Van Gogh" the white-haired man in armor and carrying a blade said.
"Paragon Xerxxes Rureaux" the black-skinned man with the axe said.
"Paragon Durann Lupinus" the Arrancar with the wolf-like head as a Hollow-shell said.
"Paragon Killaman Khan" the hooded Arrancar with spikes on his back and long-white beard said.
"Paragon Pieddot Picasso" the Arrancar with the burlap mask said.
"Paragon Tiradoor Webster" the black-skinned Arrancar with afro said mischievously.
All of a sudden, the elderly speaker cleared his throat once again. "And now, let us welcome the two newest members of the Dechado. They have each been granted blessings by His Highness himself" the speaker declared as two familiar Arrancars stepped forward and showed themselves in front of the gathering. The entire assembly gasped in surprise. "For their compassion towards fellow Arrancars and Hollows, they have both been granted the title of Dechado as a testimony to what they stand for. Even as they are former Esclavos, they have renounced their past failures and have pledged loyalty to the true ruler of Hueco Mundo" the elderly speaker went on as he faced the two women.
"Paragon Nelliel Tu Odelschwank" the young woman said with formality in her voice. "I hereby pledge myself to the Imperio de Hierro to rid myself of Sosuke Aizen's corruption, and to fight the enemies of all Hollows and Arrancars" she added to her statement and the assembly cheered for her in return.
"Paragon Tier Harribel" the blonde-haired woman said while bowing her head formally. "Like Nelliel, I too seek to rid myself of the Shinigami corruption that once held onto me. But unlike many of you…I have seen the truth….the truth about why we must eliminate our enemies…..and why they are to blame for the suffering we have had to endure for millennia" she added and the audience shouted praises for her as well.
As they took their seats, Orihime and Chad had become surprised by how Nelliel had been accepted into the ranks of the empire so quickly. After thinking about it, something hit them in the head. Could her time alone with Gallente somehow have changed the Dechados' view on mankind, or the Soul Society for that matter? They even began to wonder whether the entire civilization even knew about Ichigo and who he was.
The elderly Arrancar cleared his throat and slammed his staff onto the floor. Silence appeared in the hall once again. "Now that the Dechados have arrived, let us warmly welcome the members of the esteemed Legionarios!" he said as another wave of Arrancars entered, with the speaker bowing to them with respect once again. "Mighty Legionarios, thank you for being here with the people of El Dorado. Please let us know of your titles and names" he said as if they were holy soldiers.
One by one, each Legionario took a seat, so that they were facing the group in the middle. They seat located right next to the Dechados.
"Legionnaire Appius Titus Caesar" the Arrancar with the helmet said while taking his seat.
"Legionnaire Gantenbainne Mosqueda" the afro-haired Arrancar said.
"Legionnaire Borddum Chelute" the skull-faced Arrancar said with his low voice.
"Legionnaire Grimmjow Jeagerjacquez" the blue-haired Arrancar said while resting on his right hand, indicating that he didn't sound as enthusiastic.
"Legionnaire Yammy Llargo" the brutish Arrancar exclaimed.
"Legionnaire Ozzy Namatjira!" the laid-back Arrancar said while resting his hands behind his neck, while his partner only hanged by the chair, indicating that she was only playing and goofing off.
"Legionnaire Violetta Bracquemond" the purple-haired girl said as she sat on her seat giggling.
"Legionnaire Ùnico Barcellos De Oliveira" the muscular luchador-like Arrancar with a mask as his Hollow-shell spoke up.
"Legionnaire Belladonna Luisenbarn" the cunning brunette dressed like a harem lady said.
"Legionnaire Ssutze Briffa" the pale-skinned woman with black hair and white revealing cloth said lowly as she felt bored of this situation.
The speaker was about to speak, until he could feel the entire environment shake, as did everyone in the great hall. But it didn't take long before most people realized that this wasn't an earthquake. They could tell it by seeing how both the Dechados and the Legionarios didn't react much. But what Urahara and his group noticed was that every Arrancar fell onto their knees, as they were about to kneel before someone.
Urahara felt himself very uncomfortable when he could feel this tremor, as he knew what it was. "No…he's definitely alive…...I can feel it" he said with a hint of fear in his eyes.
In fact, all members of his group looked up and discovered that a hole had been made in the hole in the great hall's roof, but that was not just it. Someone was descending towards everyone. They all felt shocked when sensing this Spiritual Pressure. Urahara. Yoruichi and Tessai immediately recognized who it was, as this ancient but mighty Arrancar almost descended on the floor.
"It has been ages…Kisuke Urahara" the deep voice boomed as the Arrancar fully revealed himself.
It was a man whose size towered the late Shigekuni Yamamoto, but not necessarily those of Yammy nor Ùnico. But despite him being elderly and possessing a white beard that reached to his incredibly muscular chest, he seemed incredibly strong for someone at his age. But there was a scar running across his chest. He was dressed like a Roman emperor, as his crown was similar to those worn by Roman emperors. But while dressed in white silk, he wore black sandals. His hair was long and white, just like his beard and he almost resembled Hercules.
As the powerful Arrancar landed on the floor, the ground began to shake, eventually forcing some of Urahara's friends down to their knees. The blonde-haired man's eyes widened as the giant Arrancar fixed his red, glowing eyes upon him and his gang. None of them even dared look into his strict eyes.
"I am entity…I am wrath…I am" the giant and immensely powerful Arrancar began taking a few steps towards Urahara and his group as his eyes glowed with red. "Augustus Zod Allowin" he finally told them about his identity.
To be continued…..
Author's note: This was the second and final part of the Viva La Vida chapters. As promised, we got to see the Wandenreich and how they were holding up. Hope you liked them! The next will focus on the rest of this meeting, while we will get a glimpse of the meeting between Shinigamis and Arrancars.
By the way, here are what kind of voice actors I imagine my characters to have if they are voiced in English. And of course, some of the previous known Arrancars are retaining their own (like Dave Vincent for Grimmjow, Laura Bailey for Harribel and Colleen O'Shaughnessy for Nelliel).
Augustus Zod Allowin – Alan Shearman
Diablo Gallante – Steve Blum
Oggrom Dorian – Kevin Michael Richardson
Annabelle Luisenbarn – Barbara Goodson
Luddenwig Van Gogh – Crispin Freeman
Xerxxes Reraux – Phil LaMarr
Durann Lupinus – Scott McNeil
Killaman Khan – Troy Baker
Pieddot Picasso – Dino Andrade
Tiradoor Webster – Jason Spisak
Appius Titus Caesar – Chris Cason
Borddum Chulete – Matthew Yang King
Ozzy Namatjira – Gideon Emery
Lizzie Namatjira – Chantelle Berry
Violetta Bracquemond – Melissa Fahn
Ùnico Barcellos De Oliveira – Fred Tatasciore
Belladonna Luisenbarn – Jennifer Hale
Ssutze Briffa – Alicyn Packard
