Blood on the Sand
Chapter 4: The Western Towers
Fire rose and smoke filled the night sky. The tribes were battling each other in the large arena known as the Western Wastes. It was a land of Exiles and was a place where one learned how to die. However, those who had what it took survived and thrived in the lands to the west of the Three Towers that guarded the only three passes into Hueco Mundo.
Originally, the Western Wastes touched the Crescent Mountains that surrounded the Las Noches Basin. However, over time, worries began to rise that one day the Exiled would march on Las Noches and so the border was pushed back farther and farther until it was pushed back to the mountain range that became known as the Mountains of Exiles in the far west.
It was decided that at least one of the three main realms in the Empire should be responsible for making sure that no Exiled ever returned east of those mountains. The Eastern Mountains were out since they did not see any use for the land and their borders could not be extended that far. That only left the Southern Plains and the Northern Lands. In the end, Roland Starrk, who was head of the Starrk family at the time, rose to take responsibility. Part of it was because of his desire to do whatever it took to protect the Empire and the other part was to gain control of the northern part of the Dividing River which would ensure a steady stream of trade from the Southern Plains.
He placed charge for the guardianship of the Mountains of Exiles to his youngest son, Hadolf Starrk. Hadolf Starrk in turn commissioned the building of three fortifications to guard the three main passes from the Western Wastes. As the towers were being built, he hired Arrancars and Hollows from the surrounding areas. After changing the Hollows into Arrancars by using the technique of cutting the mask away from their faces, a rather painful and slow technique that was among the more common ways for lesser Hollows to become Arrancars, he then trained them in combat. They soon became one of the elite fighting forces in Hueco Mundo with only the Leonisra Fang-and-Claws and Baraggan's own Imperial Army being better fighters. They were called the Western Watch.
Tower of Joy
Toldon Hayre stood at his post above the Black Gate. Below, the Riders were heading out to patrol the smaller mountain passes against Exiled who would try to escape by using one of the goat paths. So far, only small bands of Exiled tried to get pass them yelling something about "the Dragon". He couldn't be sure, but he thought they meant Mordrath Luisenbarn and his army that they heard so much about.
He shivered at the thought of seeing white banners with the crimson dragon coming his way. It only made sense that Mordrath would try to reclaim the throne now that his older brother, Baraggan, was dead. He found himself glad that the Western Wastes never really made any attempt to fully unite. If they did, they would be in trouble.
"Toldon, keep watch and don't drift off."
"Yes sir," Toldon said and straightened as his commanding officer walked past.
When he first heard that he would be stationed at the Tower of Joy, he thought it strange that a fort with that name would be feared more than the Tower of Crows or the Tower of Carrion. However, when he arrived he realized just how much the name "Tower of Joy" was more of a cruel joke. There was nothing joyful about the place. They were the hardest hit of the Towers when the Exiled tried to launch an attack. They also had to contend with three winds hitting them at once while the other two only had to deal with two and so they were usually suffered the coldest weather among the three. Supplies would usually run low and they didn't have the luxury of being located at the coasts of the Bone Sea in the south like the Tower of Carrion or the Dark Sea in the north like the Tower of Crows.
Instead, they were stuck in the middle and supplies often took a long time to reach them. Part of it was because most of the supplies came along the Dividing River and the only way that most supplies could get to them was through The Crossing, which was a bridge that was located at the intersection of the Northern Lands with the Southern Plains and the Las Noches Basin. And the family in charge of The Crossing was House Gilga.
"So tell me, has the Old Scorpion decided to let those supplies we were promised pass through?" Toldon asked.
"What do you think?" his commanding officer asked.
"I'll take that as a 'No'."
"You guessed right," the officer said and spat. "Fucking Gilgas, all they do is finding ways of gaining more power and wealth. They don't give a shit about the Western Towers. If I was Lupos Starrk, I would march against them and stick a spear up the Old Scorpion's ass and take possession of The Crossing."
"Yeah, many have tried that and all have failed. House Gilga is too feared."
"That's because they know how to wield fear. Also, Starrk has a treaty with them. Lupos will probably have whoever's in charge of Las Noches force House Gilga to cooperate. Anyways, keep a close watch. We've been receiving reports of fires along the western end of the Mountains."
"Yes sir," Toldon said as his commanding officer walked away.
Toldon looked at the night sky and began to whistle. He looked back out and saw the fires starting up again. However, they were still where they belonged, but that didn't mean anything. He watched as some of the patrols began to come back to make their reports. So far all was quiet on the Western Front. He just hoped it would stay that way.
Trueno
Trueno was one of the few places in the Western Wastes where the heads of the various tribes that roamed the Western Tribes could gather without having to worry about being attacked. It was because it was located on what many in the Wastes considered to be holy ground and as a result killing was taboo in such areas. If an Arrancar did kill someone outside of the local arena, then they were dragged into the arena and ripped to pieces. If you wanted to settle a dispute then they would have to take it inside the arena.
Mordrath Luisenbarn watched as two Arrancars charged at each other in full fury. The two were of separate tribes and their tribal heads were watching from one of the balconies. Mordrath was surprised how outside of Trueno the two were the most bitter rivals, but here they would sit and drink and play dice together. He could never understand how enemies could possibly be friends and congratulating the other on their victories. That was not how he did things.
When he had an enemy, Mordrath would make sure to crush them completely and take delight in seeing it occur. When he was the Segunda Espada in Aizen's army, his Aspect of Death had been Envy and he never let anyone forget it.
He watched as the two representatives from their tribes circled around each other. One of them looked ready to go into Resurrección, which did not surprise him. He looked to where his own commanders sat. They looked at him and he nodded. He looked across the arena from him and saw one of Maullarn's chief allies staring back at him.
"My, my," Mordrath said and leaned forward. "It looks as though Shaddam Atreides of the Black Hawk Clan is here. Perhaps I should invite him over."
"Are you sure that's wise, my Lord?" one of his commanders asked.
"I'm sure, Petros. He won't try anything here," Mordrath said. "Oh, looks as if he's sending someone over."
Petros looked over and saw a domesticated Hollow coming towards them carrying a roll of parchment. When the Hollow arrived, it bowed before Mordrath and held out the parchment.
"A message from Chief Atreides of the Black Hawk Clan," it said. "He demands a response."
Mordrath's eyes narrowed. His face became firm as he took the message.
"Tell him that he can demand nothing from me. If he wishes to speak, then he should come over here personally instead of just sending a low-life, inferior creature like you," Mordrath said. "I feel insulted for that and I demand an apology from him. And I won't tolerate any complaints to the contrary. If he has a problem then we can solve it in the arena. His best against one of my best and the loser has to do a favor for the victor. Tell him what I told you before I decide to kill you anyways."
The Hollow nodded its head and rushed back to deliver the message. Mordrath sighed and opened the parchment and smiled.
"What does he want?" Tarran Granz asked.
"Looks as if we were both on the same page," Mordrath said. "He wants to challenge me. He even goes on to say that he could crush me since I don't have a Zanpakuto. Tch…that fool," he said as he crumpled the piece of parchment and threw it over his shoulder as if it was nothing. "I don't show off my Zanpakuto to filth like him. I only show it to those who are worthy for me to fight."
Tarran nodded and looked at the throne where Mordrath kept his Zanpakuto hidden. Very few ever saw it and those who did never lived to tell anyone else. This mystique only caused Mordrath to be feared and revered, and some said that he could have defeated his older brother in combat. It was a challenge that Mordrath never even thought about. Tarran didn't know why, but he thought that Mordrath knew that there was no real need to fight Baraggan.
"Sir, I beg you. Let me fight for you," Petros said.
Mordrath looked at Petros. His Hollow mask remnant was in the form of two gauntlets that covered the back of his hands and wrapped around his wrists, but not the fingers. His hair was black on the sides, but deep red along the crest of his head and was cut into a Mohawk that was tied into a tail with a leather cord. His Zanpakuto hung from a series of leather cords at his side.
"Petros, I admire your determination to serve me. But now is not your turn to fight on my behalf in any arena."
"But my Lord…"
"Petros Leones, are you as loyal to me as your brother was to that fool Grimmjow?"
"Yes my Lord, but I am more loyal to you. I will do whatever it takes to see you victorious."
"Then stand down for the time being. It is Saracc's turn to enter the arena. Do you have any objections, Saracc?"
Saracc, who was medium height and slight build looked at Mordrath and bowed. His black hair shone like a raven's wing and his crimson-iris eye glittered. The band of dark crimson silk covered where his other eye would have been.
"I will do as you command," he said.
Mordrath nodded and he looked at the arena floor where one of the opponents was gaining the upper hand. He looked over to where Shaddam was sitting. He was whispering something to one of his Arrancar guards who knelt before him.
"It looks as though he's agreed," Mordrath said and smiled.
Crimson Fist Clan Camp
Chief Maullarn made his way through the camp. The Arrancars were lined up and the commanders were keeping the lesser Gillians and Adjuchas in line. The regular Hollows were kept well-away from the massive Spiritual Pressure that this part of the forces released. He looked at the banners of the clans that followed him and nodded.
His main goal was to unite all of the Western Wastes into a single army and reclaim the lands that were taken from them by Aizen. He had no intention of claiming the Throne and Crown for himself. He only wanted to bring his people to where they truly belonged. However, he did not take Mordrath Luisenbarn's desire to become Emperor into account.
He should have though. He was one of the Espada who sided with him in his rebellion. Of course he believed what Mordrath told them that he was rebelling against Aizen in order to put Baraggan back on the Throne. However, he later found out that Mordrath had no intention of doing that. Instead, Mordrath would kill his brother in secret and claim the Crown for himself. He looked at his wrist where the tattoo of 106 could be seen.
"Out of the Original Seven, how many are left?" he asked himself.
The Espada were formed by Baraggan when he took the crown from his own father by force in order to lead the ever-growing Imperial Army. There were original seven, but then Baraggan expanded it to nine. At one point there had been twenty and then it was reduced to ten when Aizen took control. As far as he knew, the only one who was a member of the Original Seven and kept their position into Aizen's Ten that were destroyed by the Invaders was Aaroniero, who originally represented both Greed and Gluttony and then only represented Greed.
"It's such a pity," he muttered. "Two of the Original Seven forced to fight each other. The Espada of Wrath versus the Espada of Envy and my rage has cooled while his envy has only increased."
"Father, are you alright?"
He turned and smiled as he saw the young girl coming towards him. Her shimmering black hair was shortly cropped except for a long length at the back that was tied back with a leather cord with bits of crystal tied in the ends. She wore a dress made from the silvery furs of a large mountain bear and was lined with fine silk. A pair of twin daggers hung on either side from gold chains that were wrapped around her waist and held in place with a silver buckle studded with emeralds.
"Kaoly," he said as he greeted the daughter who went with him into Exile. "I thought you went with Shaddam into Trueno."
"I changed my mind," Kaoly said. Her pink eyes glittered from behind the twin rings of bone that formed her Hollow mask remnant. "I decided it would be best to stay here and help you with the inspection."
He smiled and put a hand on her head.
"If only your sister was as loyal as you," he whispered.
"I thought we agreed not to speak of her," Kaoly said.
"I regret that. She probably still hates me for it just as she probably still hates herself for your mother's death."
"But she wasn't. It's true that mother died while giving birth to her, but it wasn't her fault."
"Yet, I continually told her it was. But, regretting it will do no good. Kaoly, I want you to take some of the Recruiters out to find any Exiled who will join us. The more Arrancars we can recruit, the better chance we have of breaking through the Towers."
"Yes Father," Kaoly said.
Maullarn watched his daughter rush off. She reminded him so much of her mother: loyal, kind, and slow-to-anger. His other daughter was so much like himself: impulsive, arrogant, and continuously angry. However, Maullarn Aivirrne loved them both even though he was always hard on Loly since she was so much like him.
Trueno
Shaddam Atreides approached Mordrath. The arena floor had been cleared of the remains of the warrior who fell in the last battle.
"I'm glad that you agreed to this little wager," Shaddam said.
"You should have asked me yourself," Mordrath said. "Perhaps then I wouldn't have to dirty my feet for the likes of you."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Shaddam said as he put his hand on the handle of the axe that hung at his side.
"It means the way you heard it," Mordrath said and stifled a yawn. He looked at Shaddam whose face was contorted in rage. "I wonder how Maullarn would react if he saw one of his loyal dogs preparing to bite his superior."
"My Lord has no one above him."
"That's not the way I remember it. When we were in the Original Seven, he was the Sixth Espada and I was the Second. Thus, I was his superior in every regard. Even now, I am his superior. Or did that little skirmish he brought against me mean nothing?"
"You insolent…" one of the Arrancar's standing beside Shaddam said, but Shaddam held out his hand.
"Peace, Corrin," Shaddam said and looked back to Mordrath. "It's obvious that there's only one way to settle this matter."
"I agree," Mordrath said. "However, one against one isn't very much fun. I suggest that we up it to three against one."
"I take it you want the three," Shaddam said and smirked.
"No, I'm quite satisfied with just one. It'll make a better show of how superior my troops are over that of your master's."
Shaddam's eyes narrowed and he looked at the Arrancars standing beside Mordrath. He began to size each of them up and saw that the only one who looked as though they could defeat three of his best was a large, muscular man with black and deep red hair. He smiled as he looked back at Mordrath.
"That wouldn't be very fun. Unless you want to send that one against my champions," he said and pointed at Petros.
"Trust me, you'll want to have at least three champions no matter who you face," Mordrath said. "To give you a reason, how about we place a little bet?"
"Oh and what sort of bet were you thinking of?"
"Well, if any of your champions can lay a hand on my champion, then I will submit myself to Maullarn's mercy and serve him in whatever way I can."
"That sounds good to me," Shaddam said, eager to see Mordrath humiliated.
"However, if my champion kills all of your champions then you must submit yourself to me and forsake all oaths to Maullarn. You will then direct me to where Maullarn is camped so that way we can reach some kind of…understanding. Do you agree to the terms?"
Shaddam thought about it. However, there was no chance that any of Mordrath's Arrancars could possibly kill his best soldiers. He nodded.
"I agree. I name Corrin and Lailla and Vanton as my champions."
Mordrath looked at the three named and smiled. Corrin, with his large build and heavy armor hefted his great battle hammer, eager to begin. Vanton with his dual blades drawn and his spiked-covered armor gleaming looked as though the whole thing bored him. However, Lailla, a small woman looked at her potential opponents and didn't touch the blades hanging from her side. Instead, she stripped off her armor and stood nearly nude.
Clever, he thought. She suspects of which one I'm going to use and she's getting rid of anything that could slow her down or be used to trip her up. She's taking it seriously.
"Well, name your champion," Shaddam said.
"I name Saracc my champion," Mordrath said.
Saracc stepped forward and bowed before them. He looked at them in turn with his one eye and smiled. Vanton gave a slight start and looked at Shaddam who only shrugged. Corrin began to laugh.
"Are you joking?" Corrin asked. "This is going to be easy."
"Oh…is that so?" Saracc asked and cocked his head to the side. "Young lady, aren't you going to join in your friends' taunts?"
Lailla only looked at Saracc and took off her boots as well leaving her only garbed in the short fur and silk cloth around her waist with her belt and nothing else. Saracc cocked his head and frowned slightly.
"Lailla is a fool," Corrin said. "She thinks you're someone to be weary of."
"You have no idea," Saracc whispered.
"Now then, shall we begin?" Shaddam roared and raised his hands.
The crowd watching from the stands cheered. Hollows made their way through the stands, delivering messages or refreshments to their respective masters. Shaddam beckoned for Mordrath to join him in the main box where the masters of the combatants watched. Mordrath looked at Saracc who only nodded as he took off his white silk gloves to reveal his mask remnant. His left hand was completely covered in bone plates with small horns protruding from his knuckles. His right hand however resembled a normal human's hand except for the long bone-like claws that grew out of the three middle fingers.
"Leones, Granz, return to your seats," Mordrath said. "I will sit with Chief Atreides and watch the match. I doubt it will take very long."
"As you wish," Petros said with a bow. Then they used Sonído to return to their places.
"Shall we?" Mordrath asked Shaddam who nodded.
The two Sonídod to the main viewer box and sat in the stone seats provided. A Hollow came with a trey with two glasses of Silverberry Wine and bowed to them.
"I hope you don't mind that I went ahead and ordered refreshments," Mordrath said as he took one of the glasses and brought it to his lips.
"Not at all," Shaddam said as he took his own glass. "It is nice to take a break of having to face each other on the battlefield. My lord has nothing but respect for you, even though you don't have a Zanpakuto."
"First, I do have a Zanpakuto, but I don't show it to anyone who isn't worthy enough to see it. Second, if he has nothing but respect for me then why does he continue to stand in my way?"
Shaddam didn't say anything, but turned his attention to the arena below where his three champions were getting into position. He saw that Saracc wasn't even making a move to draw the short sword that was strapped horizontally behind his back. He looked at Mordrath and shrugged.
"His reasons are his own," he said.
"Indeed," Mordrath said.
On the arena floor, Saracc looked at his opponents. The only one who was keeping their calm was the woman while the other two looked ready to pounce on him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feigning distress. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the two men were smiling to each other, but the woman, Lailla, only kept her dark blue eyes focused on him.
The two will be easy, he thought. The woman will not be as easy to deal with. Those two are too cocky and she isn't.
"I suggest that you get into your Resurrección," he said.
"Why should we?" Vanton asked.
"You just should," Saracc replied as he got onto one knee. The three looked at him and then at each other. Saracc put his right hand behind his back and put the left hand on the ground. "I suggest that you come at me with everything you've got."
"Fine, I'll be more than happy to oblige," Corrin said as he raised his hammer into the air. "CRUSH, PUÑO DE HIERRO!" he shouted.
The release of Spiritual Pressure was tremendous. However, Saracc ignored it. He looked up and saw Corrin in his released form. His two hands were now two great fists covered with spikes. Six spiked tentacles waved out of his back. Saracc smiled.
"How nice," he said. "But can you beat me?"
"DAMN RIGHT!" Corrin shouted and rushed at him.
"STOP YOU FOOL!" Lailla shouted.
"Too late," Saracc whispered. "Fregadero," he whispered and concentrated on the ground.
Shaddam watched from the balcony and laughed.
"Looks as though it's over," he said.
"Yes," Mordrath said and smiled. "However, the outcome is not what you think."
In the arena, Corrin raised one fist as he got closer to Saracc. Then he couldn't move.
"What the…?" he blurted and looked down. His eyes widened and he looked at Saracc who was looking at him. He looked down and saw that he was sinking into the sand. The crowds leaned in closer to take a look. "This…this can't be," he whispered and yelled as he felt himself being pulled towards Saracc. "NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOOO!" he yelled.
Saracc watched as the particles of sand that was once Corrin flow into his hand. When the last particle was absorbed into his hand, he removed his hand from the ground and looked at the three remaining opponents. The crowd roared its approval. He smiled and put his right hand on the ground.
Vanton stepped back and raised his swords in a defensive gesture. Lailla leapt further back and crouched on the ground. The crowd began to mutter among each other, eager to see what Saracc would do next.
"Aumento," he said.
A rush of sand flowed out of his fingertips and became a whirlwind. When the dust settled, Corrin stood him and the other two opponents. Corrin stumbled forward and looked around him. He was dazed and then looked at Saracc who was standing up. He took two steps back and prepared on of his great fists.
"What did you do to me?" Corrin gasped.
"Nothing," Saracc said.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?" Vanton roared and raised his two swords high over his head and struck them together. "FLY HIGH, HALCÓN!"
Saracc watched as a pillar of grey Reiatsu whirled around Vanton and then burst outward. A cloud of sand rose into the air and Vanton emerged. His head became like that of a falcon and his wings were iron grey. His fingers were long and sharp like small swords. He opened his beak and shot out a small grey Bala.
"How original," Saracc said and rolled his eyes as he twitched a finger on his right hand.
Just as Vanton thought he got Saracc, Corrin stepped in the way and lashed at the Bala. Vanton watched in horror as Corrin's fist crashed through the Bala and came right at him. Vanton flew away and looked as Lailla brought out one of her blades and rushed at Saracc. He watched as Corrin lashed out at Lailla.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Vanton roared.
"I CAN'T…I CAN'T CONTROL MYSELF!" Corrin screamed as his fist went flying towards Vanton.
Vanton dodged. He watched as Lailla tried to get at Saracc. However, each time she got close, Corrin lashed out at her.
"Vanton, he's using Corrin to keep us from closing in on him. We'll have to take him out."
"NO! I WON'T!" Vanton screamed and rushed at Saracc. He dodged as Corrin struck at him. He gritted his teeth, trying to come up with some way to get at Saracc. "Bastard…" he hissed.
He dove towards the ground and beat his wings as he glided over the arena's surface. If he couldn't get at Saracc if he could see him, then he would blind him. He rose again and beat his wings as hard as he could, and caused more sand to rise into the air. The crowds cheered at this show of tactic. Lailla thought that he might have something, but then saw Saracc rise into the air and run his left hand through the flying sand.
"Shit," she muttered. She flew at him, but then Corrin stood in her path.
"Kill me," he moaned. "It's the only way."
"I'm sorry, Corrin," she said and before he could strike her she slashed his throat. The crowd roared in approval at the flying blood. Corrin's body began to jerk before falling. "I'm sorry," she whispered and looked up. Saracc looked at her and smiled.
"Nice job, but it's too late to save your other companion," he said and thrust his left hand into the flying sand. "Empalar," he said.
"NOOOO!" she screamed as Vanton's screams rose from the dust storm.
She looked at Saracc in horror as he made his way towards her.
"The fool should have known better. Earth is my domain. All dust is mine to control and when a whirlwind comes, the earth it picks up is still mine to control." He looked at her and she had her two knives ready. "Two down and only you are left."
"BASTARD!" she cried out, but leapt back just before the sand in the air came rushing at her.
"Very good," he said as the sand went rushing back to the ground, taking with it Vanton's corpse. "I have to admit, when I saw you, I knew that you would be tough. You don't underestimate your opponent."
He looked up at Mordrath who nodded his head. Saracc looked at Lailla and his eyes widened in surprise as she came rushing at him. He dodged out of the way only to catch the glint of a dagger coming at him. He dodged just as the blade slashed the air where he stood. She used Sonído and he could tell she was coming at him from behind. He dodged before her dagger could touch him. He used Sonído and looked at her from the other end of the arena.
"You're good," he said. "I was right. Speed and agility are your main strengths."
"What if they are?" she asked.
"Well, it means that I can't exactly use my main technique on you. However, you're nowhere near powerful enough to make me unleash my Zanpakuto."
"Is that so? I'm not in Resurrección," she said and got into an offense position.
"Don't bother," he said and grinned.
She rushed at him and he smiled as her blade dug into his chest. She smirked until the image she stabbed burst into sand. She gasped in surprise.
"Atar," Saracc said from behind her and the sand coiled itself around her.
"When did you…?"
"When did I make the switch? I made it when I flung that sandstorm at you. I simply made a duplicate of myself from the sand used it like a puppet. Now, I know that our masters made a little bet that if I could kill all three of you without one of you landing a blow on me, then your master would have to follow my master. Master Luisenbarn," he said and turned his attention to Mordrath who looked at him. "I request that I spare this one. It would be a pity to waste such a warrior."
Mordrath stood up and looked at Shaddam who looked stunned. He looked back at Saracc and then to the roaring crowds.
"MY CHAMPION HAS CLAIMED THE VICTORY," Mordrath roared. "HE HAS HIS LAST OPPONENT AT HIS MERCY. SHALL SHE BE SPARED OR KILLED?"
"SPARE HER!" someone shouted and stood up with the thumbs down sign.
"SPARE HER! SPARE HER! SPARE HER!" the crowd roared, their fists pumped into the air with the thumbs down.
Mordrath looked at Saracc and held out his own fist, the thumb out sideways and then he turned it down. Saracc nodded to show that he understood.
"Libre," he said and the sand fell away from her.
Lailla fell to the ground and she lowered her head in shame. Saracc approached her and held out his hand to her.
"There's no shame in living," he said. "It just means that you can fight another day."
She looked up at him and then back at his hand. She took it and he helped her up.
"My life is yours," she said.
"No, it belongs to my master," he said.
"I'm Lailla Mallia," she said. "What is your name?"
"I am Saracc Chelute."
"Chelute," she said and then stepped back. "Are you related to Rudobon Chelute, the Guardian of Las Noches?"
"Yes," he said. "He's my brother. I guess that you are somewhat familiar with the Basin if you know that name."
"I lived in Las Noches with my sister before Aizen came. I fled when my former master was killed."
"Then it must have either been when Aizen took control of Las Noches or during my master's rebellion."
"It was when Las Noches fell to Aizen," she said.
Saracc nodded and looked at Mordrath.
"Master, I wish that she be put under my protection," he said.
"It is your right. That is if Shaddam doesn't have any objections."
"I don't have any objections," Shaddam said as he slumped in his chair.
"That's good. Now…I want to meet with Maullarn."
Crimson Fist Clan Camp
Maullarn watched as the Gillians began to line up behind the Adjuchas who were overseeing them. His focus turned to the passage that led to the Menos Forest beneath the surface where he sent some of his Vasto Lordes to find more Adjuchas and Gillians to bring into their army.
"Sir," an Arrancar said from behind him.
"What is it?"
"Chief Shaddam Atreides has returned and he brought Mordrath Luisenbarn with him."
Maullarn turned. He grabbed the Arrancar by the throat and brought him close.
"What did you say?"
"I…I…I…" the Arrancar gasped and Maullarn let him go. The Arrancar panted and looked at Maullarn. "Mordrath Luisenbarn is here."
"Are you lying to me?"
"No sir. I'm not lying. Mordrath Luisenbarn is here and…and…and…"
"SPIT IT OUT!"
"Chief Atreides has now sworn allegiance to Mordrath."
"WHAT?"
"He and Mordrath made a bet and Mordrath won."
"Damn that idiot. I warned him against gambling." Maullarn sighed and looked up. "Fine, I'll meet with Mordrath. Go inform Mordrath that I will be there."
"As you wish, sir," the Arrancar said and Sonídod to inform Mordrath.
Maullarn sighed before using Sonído to his tent. He looked and saw Mordrath's throne sitting outside on its platform surrounded by regular Hollows that would carry it. He sighed as he entered his tent and saw Mordrath standing by the small table. He turned and smiled.
"Hello, Maullarn, it's been a while."
"I understand that you won a bet against Shaddam."
"That's right. Without that bet, I probably wouldn't be able to talk to you like this."
"What do you want?"
"I want you to stop standing in my way."
"I see. Why should I do that?"
"It's because you know you can't defeat me. You may be the most feared of the Clan Chiefs in the Western Wastes, but we're both former Espada. Even then, I was your superior in every regard."
"I see," Maullarn said as he approached one of the chairs. "Won't you have a seat?"
"Thank you," Mordrath said and the two sat down. "First off, I want to know why you're trying to stop me when we both want the same thing. We both want to bring the Exiled back to Hueco Mundo. Or perhaps I'm mistaken. Perhaps you were trying to unite all of the clans in order to become the King of the Wastes."
"I have no desire to become king of anything. I only want to take them home. You may say you want to do that, but I know you better than that."
"Maullarn, what are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying that I know that you're going to use the Exiled to take the Throne of Las Noches and claim the title of Emperor. I know what you're capable of."
"Then you know what happens to anyone who stands in my way. I will crush you and those you love if it means getting what I want."
"You wouldn't dare," Maullarn said.
"I would."
"Father, I'm back," Kaoly said. "We didn't find any potential recruits, but there is a massive…army…" She trailed off when she entered the tent and saw Mordrath. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were in talks."
"It's fine," Maullarn said. "We were going over some of the finer points." He turned back to Mordrath who was smiling.
"Is there anything you need?" Kaoly asked.
"We're fine. Just go outside and I'll let you know when we've come to a decision," Maullarn said. Kaoly nodded and she left the tent. Maullarn turned back to Mordrath who was still smiling.
"Did you really think that I wouldn't come without having an ace up my sleeve?"
"I know," he said and sighed.
"You know. You never answered my question. Why did you decide to stand in my way?"
"It was because I know that as soon as you gained the Throne, then you would turn on those who helped you. You were the Espada of Envy after all. You don't care if you're the last one standing. You would rather be an Emperor over corpses than not being Emperor at all. But what good would it do to have all the power of Hueco Mundo and no one to rule?"
"That's easy. Power is the only thing that matters and I will do whatever it takes to gain it all. Now, you have a choice. Either you can side with me and I can appoint you High Lord of whatever land you wish or you can refuse me and I'll have my armies completely crush yours."
"I see," Maullarn said. "You realize that you would lose a lot of Arrancars and Menos in the process."
"Well…that's why I'm so happy to have Tarran Granz on my side," Mordrath said. "Aizen used him to develop Hogyoku Technology, but that's not the only little thing he's come up with. If you refuse, then I'll be more than happy to demonstrate some of the little toys he developed."
"What are you talking about?"
"I want you to imagine the power behind a Gran Rey Cero. Now imagine it multiplied a thousand times over."
"That's impossible."
"Maybe on a natural level," Mordrath said. "However that is where Hogyoku Technology can be used. Aizen thought that it could only be used to make more Arrancars, but he was wrong. It can also be used as a weapon."
"I don't believe you."
"Whether you like it or not, it's true. I can make all of Hueco Mundo burn with the light of a thousand suns if I want. That would be a sight to see: the sun in Hueco Mundo. Of course, that weapon's still in the development stage, but I would be more than happy than to have my armies demonstrate them against your forces…or perhaps just your daughter."
"No."
"Then side with me. Kneel before me and surrender all of your armies to me. If you do that, then I will not have your daughter killed. That's the second thing I want from you: your allegiance. I am a Luisenbarn. And a Luisenbarn must be worshiped. Those who refuse to worship me will die. So, which is it going to be? Are you going to remain stiff-necked and refuse to bow to me and be forced to watch as I give your daughter to my men to do with as they please before I have her killed in front of you? Or will you bend the knee to me and save her from that fate?"
"Damn you," Maullarn said. He got to one knee and bowed his neck to expose his neck.
"Much better," Mordrath said as he put a hand on his neck. "Now, admit that I am your Emperor."
"You…you are…my Emperor," he said in a husky voice.
"That's good. That's what I want to hear. Now, give me your Zanpakuto."
"What?"
"You heard me. Give me you Zanpakuto."
Maullarn reached to his side and untied the sheathed Zanpakuto from its leather cords and held it out to Mordrath. Mordrath took it and withdrew it. He looked at the blade and then at Maullarn.
"This belongs to me now," Mordrath said and he re-sheathed it. "I will not permit someone who stood up against me any opportunity to try to oppose me again. I want you to know who owns you. I own your life and your daughters' lives. I will do with them as I please and you will not complain. If you try to raise a hand against me, their lives are forfeit. I have one of your daughters now and when I conquer Las Noches, I will have the other. Just keep that in mind."
"Why don't you just kill me?"
"That…is a very good question. The answer should be very obvious. You said it before. I am the Espada of Envy and Envy loves to see those it hates suffer."
"What did I do to you?"
"YOU DARED TO RAISE YOUR SWORD AGAINST ME!" Mordrath shouted. "That is all the reason I need. You dare stand in my way then you will face my wrath. What are the Luisenbarn Words?"
"Fear Our Wrath," Maullarn said.
"Exactly, and now you will know what that means. You dare to make me angry then I will come after you where it hurts the most. For you that would be your daughters. You were the Espada of Wrath, and yet you are weak because you love. I, on the other hand, can only hate and therefore I am the stronger."
Maullarn looked at Mordrath and shuddered. Six of the Original Seven represented one of the Seven Deadly Sins, with Aaroniero representing two, and he now saw why Envy was deemed the deadliest of them. Unlike Wrath, Envy festered like an open wound if it was allowed to continue. The others could be cured in some way, but Envy was the most difficult to cure since its roots were deeper than Greed or Lust or Wrath. Envy took root in the Soul and Mordrath's soul was completely tainted with it.
He must not become Emperor, Maullarn thought. No good can come out of someone like this.
Mordrath looked at Maullarn and grinned. He loved seeing one of his fellow former Espada groveling before him. It gave him pleasure the way that nothing else did.
"Maullarn, just remember that the life of your daughter Kaoly is in my hands right now. If you try anything, then I will make her life a living Hell and force you to watch."
He left the tent and Maullarn collapsed. He tried to hide the sound of his sobs, but he couldn't. Mordrath smiled.
Tower of Joy
Toldon Hayre yawned and leaned against the battlements. He sighed and he brought his cloak up tighter around him as another gust of cold wind from the north blew in. He shivered as the wind bit into him.
"Damn these winds," the commanding officer said as he walked past. "Toldon, go inside and get warm."
"I'm still on duty, sir."
"I can see that. However, the last thing I need is for you to freeze into some fucking ice sculpture. Anyways, I just got a raven from The Crossing. You'll be pleased to know that fucking Gilga finally decided to let the supplies pass over The Crossing."
"What finally persuaded him?"
"What do you think? The Old Scorpion's going to get himself another bride pretty soon. I'm surprised he can still get it up anymore."
"He's a Gilga," Toldon said with a shrug.
The commanding officer looked at him and laughed.
"THAT'S A GOOD ONE! HA! Yes…that's exactly it. He's a fucking Gilga. I hope that someone cuts off his cock and shoves it down his throat. Gilgas deserve nothing else."
"But…surely not all Gilgas deserve that."
"I'll tell ya what. If you can show me an honorable Gilga, then I'll show you a member from the Soul Reaper 'Central 46' who doesn't have their nose shoved so far up their asses that they don't mistake their assholes for their mouths."
Toldon laughed at that. Everyone knew that the Soul Reaper Central 46 were a bunch of pompous idiots who thought that their shits smelled like petunias and their farts like roses. Hell, even Soul Reapers said as much.
"So, do you have anything new to report?"
"No sir. All is still quiet on the Western Front."
"Let's hope it stays that way. Hey, do you know any good songs?"
"Why?"
"Singing always helps keep the cold away along with such things as a strong drink or a nice fire or a pretty gal."
Toldon thought about it and then sang:
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Barefoot servants too
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching
And the wind began to howl
End of Chapter 4
A.N.: The fight sequence with the arena is largely based on Ancient Roman gladiatorial games. However, despite common belief, the thumbs down was not necessarily the sign for a gladiator to kill their opponent. The actual symbologies used by the Ancient Romans to dictate life or death for a gladiator are not clear. However, I'm of the opinion that the symbols were made directly for the gladiator who had the life of their opponent in their hands. So, I interpreted it as Thumbs Down as saying "Don't Kill Him" or Thumbs Up as saying "Go Ahead and Kill Him".
Well, that's all for this chapter.
Thank you for reading, and please review.