Blood on the Sand
Chapter 6: Throne of Las Noches
The footsteps echoed through empty halls as the Arrancar made his way to the Throne Room. He stopped when he saw that the ornate doors were already open. Leo Vega sighed and rubbed his long, black hair. In many ways he resembled his little brother and his mask remnant looked much like his brother's except that the left fang was gone and the right was broken in half. His golden eyes glittered as he walked into the room where his former master, Baraggan Luisenbarn, would come to remind himself of what he hoped to regain.
The only other one in the room was a tall, broad-shouldered Arrancar with purple hair that was closely cropped. He immediately recognized him as Cuuhlhourne's saner brother.
"Hello, Victoria," Leo said.
"The name's Victor," he said in his deep voice. "Unlike my brother, I am quite satisfied with my name."
"As you say," Leo said and he stood next to Victor. "So, why are you here anyways? I thought that Skullak had this room sealed until the Council of Houses had a chance to meet."
"I'm just seeing what all of the fuss is going to be over," he said as he walked over to a small side table. "To be honest, I don't really care who sits on that throne," he said as poured himself a glass of brandy that was smuggled in from the World of the Living. "All that I care about is that I have my usual glass of brandy and that I'm left alone."
"So, you don't really care about who's sitting on the Throne just as long as they don't bother you."
"That's right. You see, unlike my brother, I don't really have a reason to fight. Maybe that's why I've survived for so long. I don't fight for anyone else's causes and my cause is for me to enjoy life."
"You like living, don't you?"
"Of course I do. The last thing I want is to be on that ugly thing."
"The real Throne is much more majestic than Aizen's throne. You should see it some time."
"I'm sure I will," Victor said as he took a sip of brandy. "So, what brings you here?"
"I don't really know. Maybe I'm trying to decide who I would like to see in it. You know that several factions are going to start fighting just to sit up there."
"That's a shame. I was really hoping that we wouldn't have to worry about having to get involved in another war. But I suppose there's no avoiding it."
The Great Gates
Skullak looked at the Hollow gatekeepers whose sole responsibility was open and closed the massive crystal doors. He turned his attention to the doors themselves, covered in engravings showing the history of Hueco Mundo. He traced his hands over the newest engraving in the collection that surrounded the central picture showing the crescent moon and the Five Patriarchs of the First Families being turned into the first Arrancars. The newest engraving showed the ten Espada falling to the ground while Aizen was being bound in chains by skull-faced devils representing the Soul Reapers.
"What a waste," he murmured.
It had been bad enough to see the Soul Reapers taking what they could from Las Noches. He remembered how only 700 years earlier the Soul Reapers launched an invasion against Hueco Mundo that ended with the Soul Reapers being forced back at Coldwater, despite Captain-Commander Yamamoto being present. It was hard to believe that only 530 years later, Baraggan Luisenbarn was overthrown by Souske Aizen.
He looked out at the sea of sand stretching out before him. In the distance he could see the block buildings that served as outposts for those Adjuchas that were not yet able to become Arrancars. He hoped that when the representatives from the Major and Minor Houses came they would not take advantage and annihilate each other as they probably would have done only the previous year.
"I thought I would find you out here," Cirucci said as she Sonídod in front of him. "Is something wrong?"
"I was just thinking," he said.
"Tell me."
"I'm just thinking that I should probably just take the Throne for myself."
"That's being too eager. You know that if you do than many important houses will renounce you and turn against you."
"I know. And some of those houses I know to be valuable allies. The problem is going to be the more ambitious Minor Houses. I've been hearing rumors that House Luna has gained prominence in the East while House Andjo is losing prominence."
"That shouldn't come as a surprise. The Eastern Mountains value ambition and those who are willing to pay the right price to achieve those ambitions. House Andjo is…not the most ambitious house in Hueco Mundo. So far the last truly ambitious Andjo to come here was Luppi and look at what happened to him."
"That's because he was a pompous prick," Skullak said. "As soon as he came in we all knew that he was an Andjo, even though he said that Antenor was his last name."
"The thing is that it didn't stop Grimmjow from killing him," Cirucci said. "You know that times are changing when a member of a Minor House is not afraid of killing a member of one of the First Families."
"The winds of time are changing," Skullak said. "They've been changing for quite some time; just that we didn't notice it until now."
Cirucci nodded in agreement and looked out at the endless sea of sand. Then she noticed two figures carrying something coming towards them.
"Skullak," she said, nudging him on the shoulder.
Skullak looked at her and then out to where she pointed. He put a hand on his sword, ready to draw if it became necessary.
"Are they Blood Veils?" he asked.
"I don't think so," Cirucci said as she got into a fighting stance.
One of the figures approaching raised a hand and a flash of brilliant blue and gold shot into the air. Skullak relaxed a bit.
"It's just two of the Jaegerjaquez siblings," he said, smiling a little.
"Yeah, like that's reassuring," Cirucci said and rolled her eyes. "If it's the two I think it is, we better get ready to do some more repairs to this place."
Inside Las Noches
"Aw come on, you know you want to hang out with me," Rey Tiburon said.
"Why should we?" Loly asked.
"Well, I was the one who got you down from the Fifth Tower, remember?"
"I don't recall," Loly said. "God, he's so pathetic."
"I know what you mean," Menoly said.
"Aw come on," Rey said as he put an arm around the two. "We should go out and get something to drink. I mean, now that Aizen's gone, you don't have to worry about kissing-up to him."
"HEY! WATCH IT, BUDDY! THE GOODS AREN'T FOR SALE!" Loly shouted.
"Fucking pervert," Menoly said as she slapped the hand that was touching her breast.
"Ow, you didn't have to hit me," Rey said, his emerald green eyes were filled with hurt and he gave a little pout.
"And don't think you can get us with that chibi face of yours," Loly snarled.
"Aw must you be so mean?" Rey asked as he ran a hand through his messy black hair.
"Only to creeps like you," Menoly said.
"Sheesh, you may be cute," Loly said. "But…THAT DOESN'T GIVE YOU AN EXCUSE TO COP A FEEL!"
"I was just kidding," Rey said. "Come on. I'm sorry. There, I apologized and now you have to let me buy you a drink or two or fifteen. What do you say?"
Loly and Menoly looked at each other and then back at Rey.
"NO!" they both shouted and walked back to their palace.
"Sheesh," Rey moaned. "You can't blame a guy for trying."
"Exacta."
Rey turned and was surprised to see Friia standing behind him with Wonderweiss.
"Oh, Friia," Rey said. "Hey, would you like me to buy you a drink?"
"NO ES EXACTO!" Friia shouted and kicked Rey in the balls.
"OUCH! FRIIA, DID YOU HAVE TO KICK ME THERE?" he squealed as he put his hands over his groin.
"Exacta," Friia said. "Your face is too pretty to mess up. Your balls on the other hand…"
"I…I get your point," Rey said. "So…who's this guy?" he asked as he was able to regain his composure.
"I'm Wonderweiss."
"Wait a minute. Are you…no…no way…there's no way you're the same guy. The last time I saw you all you could do was make weird noises and follow Tosen around like a little puppy dog. Speaking of which, I thought I saw that Yammy's dog was still by that fat-ass's corpse," Rey said.
"I guess I must have been," Wonderweiss said. "I remember Tosen, but not much of anything else after Aizen captured me."
"Anyways, I'm looking for Skullak. Do you know where he is?" Friia asked.
"Why are you looking for him?"
"I want him, no es exacto I need for him to teach me how to do Sonído."
"I take it that you're still having trouble stopping."
"EXACTA!"
"Do you really think he's the right one to give you Sonído lessons? Wouldn't Dordoni or Gantenbainne be better suited for that?"
"Exacta and no es exacto," Friia said.
"Uh…does she always talk like that?" Wonderweiss asked.
"It's a bad habit she picked up from her brother," Rey sighed. "Anyways, I'm Rey Tiburon, lady's man extraordinaire."
"NO ES EXACTO!" Friia shouted. "There's no way in Hueco Mundo that you're a lady's man. Now tell me where you last saw the light of my life, the only one who could make me feel so weak and flighty."
"He's right here," Rey said and pointed to his chest.
"No…es…EXACTO!" Friia shouted and clutched her short blonde hair. "I'm talking about Skullak Tuma: the Commander of the Privaron, the Ruler of the Sands, THE PRIMERA!"
"Fine, fine, he's at the main gates. If you were to walk it would probably take you a few days, so just use Sonído this time."
"Whatever," Friia moaned.
Outside the Main Gate
"Well, at least he'll live," the young man with spiky crimson hair said.
"Hey, you know you can help me out," the young woman with shortly cropped yellow hair with the exception of a longer bit hanging at the nape of her neck that was blue replied.
"Oh shut up, Sarra, you told me that you could carry him by yourself."
"DAMN IT, STRAUSS. I SAID NO SUCH THING!"
"Are you sure? I vaguely remember that I asked you if you could carry him all by yourself."
"YEAH, AND THEN YOU JUST STARTED WALKING AWAY, YOU BASTARD!"
"Oh stop your complaining. Besides, if we encountered any of the Blood Veils you would have needed me to be there to protect you."
"Fuck you," Sarra snarled.
"You've got quite a mouth on you," Strauss said. "I bet your boyfriend loves it when you use that filthy mouth on him."
"Shut up, pervert, you're no better. I mean I saw how many bottles of Fireberry Ale we had left."
"Oh come on, that wasn't my fault."
"You know full well that it was, you booze-kitty. Those bottles were found in your chambers."
"I was framed."
"Tch…yeah right," Sarra said and rolled her eyes. "Next thing you'll be blaming Rydan for that stash of WOL porn I found in your room. I mean, seriously, what were you doing with copies of Playboy?"
"I got bored. Besides Gri-," he trailed off.
"OH STOP BEING SUCH A PUSSY! JUST SAY HIS NAME! HE WAS OUR BROTHER AFTER ALL, IDIOT!"
"Agh…would you…two…p-p-please keep it down? I'm trying to take a nap," Aisslinger said.
"Well, if you're well enough to talk, then you're well enough to walk," Sarra said and dumped Aisslinger onto the ground.
"I…I'm afraid I can't," Aisslinger said. "I'm…I'm not used to these things."
"I bet," Sarra moaned. "You probably just sat around all day and watched porn while you weren't doing your monitoring duties. Sheesh, no wonder why those intruders took you by surprise; if they had come to our area…"
"Yeah, yeah, they wouldn't have gotten past us," Aisslinger said.
"DAMN RIGHT!" Sarra shouted. "WE'RE HOUSE JAGERJAQUEZ AND A JAGERJAQUEZ NEVER FAILS!"
"Except for that one time you failed to notice those Arrancars peeking in your bedroom window while you were changing. They couldn't stop talking about what they saw. I bet many of them filled their palms whenever they thought of that."
"SHUT UP!" Sarra shouted, blushing. "I swear, one of these days, I'm gonna…gonna…"
"…beat me up? Yeah, I'd like to see ya try that."
"Argh, Jaegerjaquez's, short-tempered and small-minded," Aisslinger moaned.
"AND WE SAVED YOUR WORTHLESS ASS!" Sarra and Strauss shouted in unison.
Tia Harribel's Palace
"TIA! TIA!" the young Arrancar male shouted as he ran from room to room. "MILA ROSE! SUNG-SUN! APACCI! WHERE ARE YOU? You…you said you would be back by now."
Sheelal Harribel ran out onto the large balcony, but there was no sign of the Espada who had become like a mother to him. Nor were there signs of his fellow fraccion who were like his sisters to him, except for Apacci who had become so much more to him.
"Apacci," he whispered as he sat down on the marble bench next to the door.
"So, I guess that confirms it," Rey said as he walked through the door and sat next to Sheelal.
Sheelal moved a little bit away from Rey and allowed a hand to run through his smooth blonde hair. He looked away.
"So, I guess you're still shy around me," Rey said. "Damn it, Sheelal. I thought I made it clear that you could talk to me. I mean the number of times I came to visit should have made that clear."
"Sorry," Sheelal muttered.
"Don't be. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
"No, no, I'm sorry. I just…I don't like not having them here."
"I know what you mean. But my ear drums won't miss Apacci and Mila Rose yelling at me," Rey said and laughed. However, when he saw that Sheelal wasn't joining in he stopped. "Look, I'm sure we'll see them again. I mean. They…may be…uh…"
"Dead," Sheelal said.
"Sheesh, and here I thought you would just break down crying if I said that word," Rey said.
"You're right. We'll see them again."
"Damn right we will. We don't know when or how, but I'm sure of it. I mean, death can't be the end. It sure wasn't when our physical selves died. So why can't it hold true for Arrancars?"
"Yeah, and then I'll see Apacci again," Sheelal said, grinning.
"Well now, this is a nice bit of gossip. Sheelal Harribel likes Apacci. Oh man, info like that will totally go well with the ladies."
The Great Gates
Skullak supported Aisslinger as he returned from using Sonído.
"AISSLINGER!" Cirucci shouted. "Skullak, will he be alright?"
"He will."
"Yeah, thanks to us," Strauss said.
"No shit," Sarra said. "So you better be grateful."
"So, if you don't mind me asking," Skullak said. "What were you doing out there?"
"Dad sent us out to investigate that huge plume of sand we saw coming from where Corridor 22 was," Strauss said. "We thought that the Blood Veils attacked."
"Yeah, but it turned out it was just three brats and they left this poor sap for dead," Sarra said.
"Anyone could have told you it wasn't the Blood Veils. They don't attack installations like the Corridors and Outposts," Cirucci said.
"Yeah, yeah, so…have you seen any Red Veils?" Sarra asked. "I could use the exercise."
"You can go to the training arena," Skullak said. "I think that some of the Arrancars left here are training, which is a good thing."
"What are you talking about? And where's that giant sandman guy who was here the last time I came to visit?" Strauss asked.
"Unfortunately, Runoganga was controlled by Aizen," Skullak said. "He was created by Saracc Chelute and Aizen forced him to surrender control to him."
"How did he do that?" Sarra asked.
"He had Saracc give him one of his eyes," Cirucci said. "As a result, he can't create any more sand giants unless he gets his eye back."
"Saracc was always one of the best Arrancars when it came to earth manipulation," Skullak said. "No one knew how he was able to do it, but it seemed to require that he have both eyes and in order to surrender control of any sand giants he created he would have to give the new master one of his eyes and then that master could only pass it on to another by surrendering one of their own eyes."
"Lovely," Cirucci said. "No wonder why Aizen never considered surrendering authority over Runoganga if anything happened to him. He didn't want to walk around with a hole in his face like Nnoitora."
"Whatever reason, we can't use Runoganga," Skullak said. "Now come on, let's get Aisslinger to medical. He should be fine in a few hours or so."
"That sounds…fine," Aisslinger moaned. "I…I just need to get used to…to having…legs," he muttered.
"Of course you do," Cirucci said. "That's what you get for wishing to be in a permanent state of Resurrección."
"Now, Cirucci, Aisslinger's been through a lot. He barely survived Corridor 22 collapsing," Skullak said. "I'll take him from here," Skullak said.
"Fine with me," Strauss said. "I don't really care what happens to him."
"Idiot, that's not something to say about someone," Sarra said.
"Would you just give it a rest? A few minutes ago you were saying the same thing."
"And now I'm contradicting you. That's my job as your sister."
"And it's my job as your brother to tell you to drop it."
"I think we better get going before they start dragging others into their little…discussion," Skullak said as he draped Aisslinger over his shoulder.
"No kidding," Cirucci said.
The Crossing
Edson Lindocruz walked along the docks that formed House Gilga's river checkpoint. High above, about 350 feet over the surface of the river, the great bridge for land traffic across The Crossing was becoming lively. He was amused that each time he did his duty he was walking in three different regions: the Northern Lands, the Southern Plains, and the Las Noches Basin. He looked at the ledger in his hand and made his way to the next ship that was flying a Gorgon's head on a bronze field, the emblem of House Persivus.
He checked the ship against his ledger and nodded in approval. All of the ships docked were registered and had paid their dues.
"Total revenue for this group is 450 gold coins, 674 silver coins, and 345 pounds of produce and ore. All ships are paid for," he muttered as he made his way to the river gate.
He looked at the other end and saw that the gate there was closed and the next group of ships was waiting their turn to be processed before heading north. On the other side of the central island, south-bound ships were making their way to the gate as their processing was complete.
"Signal for ships to advance to the gate," he said to the Gate Master.
"Yes sir," the Gate Master said and grabbed a flag made of green and copper stripes.
"Good, when you've finished, open the river gate. Oh…Master Tauroth, what are you doing here?"
Tauroth Gilga was slightly shorter than most of his brothers and he walked with a heavy limp as he leaned against a crutch. He was considered a disgrace in the Gilga family since he required the use of a crutch in order to walk. As a result he was referred to as "Tauroth the Lame".
"I believe that's my business," Tauroth sighed and limping the rest of the way down the ramp to the docks.
"I just want to make sure that your father doesn't mind you being here."
"I dare say he probably hopes that I'd fall into the river and drown or get run over by a slow-moving ship or perhaps hang myself from the river gate."
"You really shouldn't say such things."
"Why not? It's true. I dare say the only ones he hates more than me are my sisters."
"That's not true. There's also his latest wife."
"And the numerous others before her," Tauroth said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to be moody and ponder the mysteries of the universe for no real reason except that I have nothing better to do."
"You do whatever you want," Edson said. "In the meantime, I have a job to do."
"Of course you do, and my father has another hole to fuck before he cuts off another head and has it mounted."
"Now you're exaggerating."
However, Edson knew that Tauroth was not exaggerating. It was customary for the Old Scorpion to take a wife, get a few spawn from her and then chop her head off and have it mounted. As for his never-ending brood, he would have them fight each other to determine who would succeed him and if they thought they were ready to challenge him, he would just cut their head off and mount it to the wall along with the heads of his wives.
"And you're being an ass-kisser," Tauroth said. "Do me a favor and just ignore me and I'll ignore you."
"As you wish," Edson said and walked Tauroth limp off. "I don't understand why Lord Gilga hasn't killed him yet. Fucking cripple," he snarled.
Training Arena
Wonderweiss watched as Leo Vega sparred with Sarra and Strauss Jaegerjaquez. The Training Arena was a large and spacious area. Pillars rose from the sandy surface at various heights and various distances between them. Some of the pillars even had narrow ramps between them. Sarra launched herself onto one of the higher pillars and fired a Bala at Leo who dodged it by doing a back flip onto a narrow, slanted ramp at a lower level.
"So, when can I practice with Commander Tuma on my Sonído?" Friia asked.
"Oh, so you're calling him, 'Commander Tuma' now?" Rey asked.
"Exacta, this is the Training Arena. This is his domain. Here, one must show proper respect to one's superior."
"I thought you were heading to the Great Gates to meet him."
"I did, but…no es exacto…he wasn't there."
"Whatever," Rey moaned.
"Huh, so this is where all of the Arrancars trained," Wonderweiss said.
"The Espada had a separate training facility," Rey said. "I went in there once and I barely came out alive."
"Really?" Friia asked. "Is it true that they use un-evolved Gillians and Adjuchas?"
"It is."
"Oh man, that sounds so exciting," Friia said. "Where is it? Where is it?"
"Well…"
"He's never been to the Espada's private training area," Sheelal said.
"HEY!"
Medical Bay
Aisslinger still felt weak, and he still felt odd for having legs and arms. However, he was beginning to get used to them. He watched as he moved his toes.
"So that's what all the fuss is about," he said and laid back. He looked over to where his new Zanpakuto was leaning against the wall. "Damn," he moaned.
He tried to drift off to sleep, but sleep didn't come. Instead he could only see the ceiling of the large entryway to Corridor 22 collapsing on him and the sand pouring in after it to bury him. He still didn't know how he survived or even why he survived.
"What's the point?" he muttered.
"Well, you're still up." Aisslinger tried to sit up. "No, don't try to get up. You're still recovering."
"Damn, my head is killing me, Skullak. Does recovery always feel like this?"
"That's why it's called 'recovery'," Skullak said. "When you're recovered enough, I'll start you on a training program to make sure you're ready."
"What are you talking about?"
"I suppose you don't know. Aizen's no longer in charge. His war against the Soul Society failed and…I'm afraid that Emperor Baraggan Luisenbarn is dead."
"What? I…I don't think I heard you right. Did you say that Baraggan Luisenbarn's dead and Aizen is now a prisoner to the Soul Reapers?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying. War will soon break out in Hueco Mundo, if it hasn't started already."
"So…what's going to happen now?"
"The Council of Houses will be assembled. I had the messages sent out not too long ago. In the meantime, I'm going to have the other Privaron start training the other Arrancars, including those who were merely servants. If a war is coming, then I want to make sure that we're all prepared to fight if we must."
"That's just great. I survived the collapse of Corridor 22 only to be dragged into another war. I just hope that the Council of Houses agrees on a replacement."
"I thought you knew better than that. They could never agree on anything except hating each other while pretending to be allies. The Houses in the Eastern Mountains are the worst. They're always plotting and scheming and House Andjo's influence has become too weak to keep the Eastern Mountains from falling into internal conflict."
"Why is it that most of the Major Houses have become a bunch of weak and ineffective fools?" Aisslinger moaned. "Shit, the Old Scorpion is a better choice for a replacement."
"He has no honor. I'll leave you to get some rest," Skullak said as he got up. "As soon as the healers tell me you're strong enough to get out of here, I'll start training you."
"Fine," Aisslinger moaned and lay back in the bed.
As he drifted off to sleep a single thought ran through his mind.
Skullak, you're a naïve fool. Honor is no better than a paper shield. But, I guess that's one of your endearing qualities.
The First Tower
Rudobon watched as the Exequias were raising the various banners in the Council Room. The smaller banners for the Minor Houses were hung from those houses' private balconies. Ornate chairs were being placed in their proper positions, each decorated with the House's crest.
"No, no, no," he called out. "The double-headed eagle belongs to House Marceaux. House Ordia's crest is the five white roses on a crimson field. Make sure that House Marceaux is placed as close to House Leonisra's place as possible since they're bound by marriage."
Rudobon sighed as he looked at the five central banners that were larger than the others. In the center was the white skull with a gold crown surrounded by purple and black flames on a white field, the emblem of House Luisenbarn before Mordrath decided he wanted a banner of his own. On the right was the Leonisra golden lion and on the left was the silver wolf of House Starrk. On the far right was a banner with three golden fleurs-de-lis on a purple field, the emblem of House Andjo. On the far left was a banner with a black skull that was wearing a golden gladiator helmet on a red background, the emblem of House Tuma.
I'm surprised Skullak wants us to hang that one up, Rudobon thought. I guess he thinks that he needs to remind the other Houses of the past.
He looked at the wide range of banners in the room. He knew that not all of the Houses would be present since some were completely wiped out during the Great Chaos that reigned throughout Hueco Mundo while Aizen was in charge. Other Houses were in exile or would not be able to make the journey to Las Noches for some reason.
"Hey Rudobon," Cirucci said.
"Ah, Miss Sanderwicci," Rudobon said. "What brings you here?"
"I just came to see my House's crest," she said.
"Ah, follow me. We haven't hung it up yet, but I can have it hung it up next."
"Thanks," Cirucci said. "I take it that Sarra and Strauss are staying for the Council?"
"They confirmed it. They figured that since they're here they might as well represent their house. Ah, there's the banner for House Jaegerjaquez."
Cirucci looked where he pointed and saw a banner with a large white panther on its hind legs, its claws out, on a black field with blue lightning bolts at the corners pointing towards the panther. She gave a small smile. She remembered that when she visited Grimmjow once he had that banner hung on the wall across from his bed. She remembered how Grimmjow said that they should have added a bottle of alcohol and that would have summed up House Jaegerjaquez perfectly.
"I'm surprised they haven't added that bottle of alcohol that Grimmjow was always going on about."
"I guess they felt it was unnecessary," Rudobon said, there was a hint of humor in his voice. "All of the other Houses know that they really enjoy their liquor. Ah, looks like they're raising your house's banner now."
Cirucci looked and she felt her throat restrict. Her house's banner always brought memories of how she first met Skullak. He had been a young Adjuchas then and was visiting the other Houses. She first saw him looking at her House's banner. She remembered that she felt something for him while she looked at the banner with him and explained that if one looked close enough, they would think that the silver nightingale on the dark green field was alive.
She still felt that way. Very few of the other banners made her feel as if she was looking at something alive, but trapped in a cage of silk. She looked at the other banners and saw some from houses that she knew as being related to House Sanderwicci and others who were rivals. All of the Houses represented were allies and enemies to each other. She frowned when she saw House Gilga's banner of a golden skull being pierced by a black spear on a red field. She knew that all of the other Houses loathed them since they were notorious for betraying any House they made deals with and many of them had lost more than one daughter to him only to have their dead corpses returned to them, minus the heads.
"That's one House I don't want anything to do with," Cirucci snarled. "Rudobon, when the representatives of House Gilga come, don't introduce me to them."
"I understand," Rudobon said.
Cirucci sighed and looked at her House's banner again. For a brief moment she thought that she saw the nightingale's wings move a little.
The Catacombs
Far below the surface of Las Noches, a series of passageways formed a labyrinth of dungeons and storage areas. At the heart of it all was the most sacred grove of Hueco Mundo, the Huntress's Grove, which marked the center of Hueco Mundo. It was in the storage areas closest to this most sacred spot that the most important treasures of Las Noches were stored.
Skullak Tuma moved the thin slab of stone that sealed one of these storerooms and put his torch in the metal bracket. He stood and looked at the only item in the room in awe.
"It's as glorious as ever," he whispered.
In the middle of the room was a chair that shone like glass. Golden scrollwork was carved into its surface. At the very top of the chair, a crescent moon was carved into the wood from the Crystalline Tree that still stood at the heart of the Huntress's Grove. The skulls for Houses Tuma and Luisenbarn were under the end of each armrest and seemed to gaze at him. The three fleurs-de-lis of House Andjo were carved to the sides and below the crescent moon at the top. He focused at the end of each armrest and saw that they resembled the wolf and lion heads of Houses Starrk and Leonisra. Golden vines seemed to wrap themselves around the two posters that framed the back of the chair.
This was the Throne of Arturos Leonisra, sealed away by orders of Baraggan Luisenbarn and replaced with the Throne of Bones he favored.
"Soon," Skullak whispered. "A new King shall sit there and restore order to Hueco Mundo. The Will of the Twelve shall be done."
He walked towards it and touched the Throne of Las Noches. A sense of destiny seemed to flow in him, but he couldn't tell if it was for a favorable fate or an ill one.
End of Chapter 6
A.N.: I suppose that this is the last of the introductory chapters, but that does not mean that all of the major players have been introduced. The next chapter will focus on the Council of Houses and the rivals for the throne will be introduced since it's changed from the five I originally planned when I wrote the Introduction. I should note that the emblem of House Andjo is largely based on the emblem for French royalty since I've based some members of House Andjo on Philippe the Fair and Margaret of Anjou.
The characters of Rey Tiburon, Sheelal Harribel, and Leo Vega were provided by darkmachines and used with his permission. Thank you darkmachines.
Thank you for reading and please review.