Blood on the Sand
Chapter 7: The Houses Arrive
Time was meaningless in Hueco Mundo.
The continuous night sky made sure of that.
All that Friia knew was that the ravens were sent out to every corner of the Empire. The Houses, Major and Minor, were being summoned for the Council. She sat on the roof and looked at the vast desert that ended at the Crescent Mountains that formed the border for the Las Noches Basin. She was pleased that she was assigned to keep watch for when the Houses would start arriving and best of all, in her opinion, she would get to give word to Skullak.
Maybe I can ask him to give me Sonído lessons, she thought.
She looked out at the empty stretches of desert that surrounded Las Noches.
"They did a good job fixing up the place."
She turned and saw Rey admiring the newly renovated Five Pillars that stood on top of the roof.
"What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry. I'm just here to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. I'm getting tired of that fake morning sky that Aizen left us. Ah well, I suppose that every ruler of Las Noches has to leave their mark in some way."
"Well, I say 'no es exacto' on the first part but 'exacta' on the last. I bet you came here so that way you can get an early warning of when your family arrives. That way you can have plenty of time to hide from them."
"Ouch…how did you know?"
"Everyone knows that Houses Tiburon and Harribel have a rivalry and you weren't continually trying to kill Tia. I bet that really made your family angry."
"Yeah, well, Tia and I were kind of the odd ones out in our families. Where's that Wonderweiss kid?"
"He's training with Gantenbainne and Dordoni. They're teaching him how to do that new Slash-Sonído…as if that would do any good. They tried to teach me that technique and I still can't get the hang of it."
"That's because you're useless at stopping when you attempt Sonído."
"NO ES EXACTO!" Friia yelled and kicked Rey in the knee.
"OW! Why is it that you're the only woman in all of Las Noches who'd kick me?"
Training Ground
"No, no, no, Niño," Dordoni said. "You need to slow down enough to slash your opponent before you reach him."
Wonderweiss panted as he held the practice blade. It felt odd to hold something other than the claymore he had used before. When he woke up in Las Noches he did not have a Zanpakuto of his own. Any abilities he could have had in his Resurrección could not be accessed. He was now reduced to the basic techniques.
"Try it again," Gantenbainne said. "The problem is with your timing. Try holding the blade out as you go into Sonído and focus on your target."
"Alright," Wonderweiss said.
He went back to the starting point and held the blade out. He looked at the Hollow's carcass that was his target.
"Focus on where you're going to cut, Niño," Dordoni said. "You are the wind on the sands."
Wonderweiss went into Sonído. Everything became blurred and folded. Then he saw his target he swung and came out of the Sonído. He looked behind him and was disappointed to see only a small nick in the carcass's side.
"It's better than missing," Gantenbainne said. "But it's not good enough."
"Well, how are things going?"
"Ah, Skullak," Dordoni said. "We were trying out a new technique on the new Niño."
"Are you sure he's ready to learn the Slash-Sonído?"
"I believe he is," Gantenbainne said. "After all, we need to prepare in case the Soul Reapers decide to invade again."
Skullak nodded. The Slash-Sonído method was an ancient technique that was used to great effect against the Soul Reapers at the Battle of Coldwater. However, very few Houses trained their forces in methods like the Slash-Sonído since they were extremely difficult to master.
He turned his attention to Wonderweiss who was trying to catch his breath.
He's still getting used to doing Sonído, he thought. His body hasn't fully adjusted yet, but it's getting there.
"Well, keep at it. I want him ready in case we…"
Skullak stopped before saying anymore and sighed. He shook his head and held out one arm just in time to stop Friia who was skidding out of control after coming out of her Sonído. Before Friia could fall, Skullak put his other arm to hold her steady.
"Oh…thank…thank you, Skullak," she said, blushing.
"Honestly, little Niña, I thought that you would be able to not lose control when coming out of Sonído," Dordoni sighed.
"It's your fault," she huffed.
"No, it is your fault, little Niña."
"Maybe if I had someone else to teach me…" she said and looked at Skullak.
"Sorry, but I'm too busy training the Arrancars and Rudobon is too busy preparing for the delegates, so…"
"OH! That's why I rushed down here," Friia said. "The Houses are starting to arrive."
Outside Las Noches
"Honestly, did I really have to come?" Tauroth Gilga asked.
"It was father's request," his older sister, Marra said.
"He's probably hoping that someone will lop my head off."
"Well, he isn't exactly known for being affectionate to his children," the other sister sent, Jalen, said as she looked at her gloved hands.
"Most likely he wants to get rid of three of his disappointments," Marra said.
"As far as that old bastard's concerned, we're all disappointments, except for dear Stevan. How many of our brothers has he killed?"
"I'm just glad to get away from that place," Jalen said. "I don't know how much more of his dishonorable conduct I can take."
Marra shook her head and looked out of the carriage at their entourage. Like many of the Old Scorpion's daughters, she did not want to just be another pawn for Ecydis to use to his whims. She wanted to make a name for herself and she knew that Jalen wanted that as well. Out of the multitude of daughters Ecydis gave birth to, they were the ones who broke the mold by becoming educated. Their father continually scored them for that.
"It's a daughter's duty to marry a wealthy Lord," their father told them. "If you become too smart, then no Noble would ever marry you. They like their women to know that their only place is on their backs, legs spread."
Gods she hated their father. Then again, all of Gilga's children hated him and he loved it. The Old Scorpion thrived on their hatred and desire to just do everyone a favor and kill him. He knew which of his children hated him most and he encouraged them.
"Hatred is the only way to determine if one of my spawn is strong enough to take over," Ecydis would say.
She knew that their father had sent them in hopes that one of his many enemies would kill them. Anyone who tried would learn that one never fucked with anyone from House Gilga.
The Great Gates
"How do I look?"
Skullak looked at Cirucci and saw that she was in a longer white dress with black trim at the low-cut neckline. The only jewelry she wore, aside from her hair-pin like Hollow mask was a silver necklace with an emerald cut to resemble a nightingale in flight.
"You look great."
"Are you sure? I mean, this is the first time that I would have seen my father and sister in a long time. I just…oh…you know…"
"Don't worry about it," Skullak said as he smoothed down his uniform's arm. "I'm sure they'll be pleased to see you."
"Sir, the first banner approaching is House Gilga's."
"Shit," Cirucci said. "I was hoping they would be the last to arrive."
"That's usually House Andjo," Rudobon said. "And I heard that he's bringing his nephew with him."
"You mean 'The Eastern Flame'?" Cirucci asked. "From what I've heard he's quite handsome."
"His uncle was handsome once," Skullak said, rather sourly.
"Oh, was that jealousy?"
Skullak didn't answer. Instead he focused his attention to the growing number of House entourages approaching Hueco Mundo. The Council of Houses of was about to begin and he hoped that family rivalries wouldn't prove to be too difficult an obstacle.
Guest Room, Privaron Quarters
Wonderweiss woke panting. He rubbed his head to try to clear the visions that came in his dreams. He didn't understand what much of it meant, but he knew that they were symbols for events that would occur. He tried to warn Kaname that Aizen and Gin would betray them, but Kaname didn't fully understand him.
Aizen designed him to counteract Captain-Commander Yamamoto's Zanpakuto, but in exchange he suppressed and even greater ability: precognition. When Wonderweiss was captured, he fought because he had a vision that he would be reduced to an empty shell with very little of his ability and that if the one responsible fell, then nothing but disaster would fall on Hueco Mundo.
"This must be stopped," he pushed the sheets off him.
He got out of the bed and rushed to the door. He opened it and saw Dordoni about ready to knock.
"Oh, you're up, Niño. Did you sleep well?"
"What…what's going on? Are the Dragons here?"
"What are you talking about?"
"The Dragons," Wonderweiss said. "I…I had a dream about large Dragons being carried by Hollows with the banner of a crimson dragon."
Dordoni looked at Wonderweiss.
"You're talking about Mordrath Luisenbarn," Dordoni said. "No, he's an Exile. And what's this about him having Dragons?"
Wonderweiss put a hand to the side of his head.
"I…I never heard of Mordrath…I…there are too many factors. I need to warn Skullak."
"What are you talking about?"
"Blood…blood will flow on the sand. And we're too late to stop it. Chaos will reign."
"Nah, that won't happen, Niño. Skullak is presiding over the Council of Houses. If anyone can help maintain order, he can."
Outside Las Noches
Lupos Starrk sighed as he looked at the dome of Las Noches. The last time he saw it was when he visited his brother, Coyote, for the last time. Now, he was returning to the heart of Hueco Mundo to help determine who should sit on the throne.
It won't do any good, he thought as he looked at the sea of banners and Hollows and Arrancars. There are too many rivals here and whoever sits on the throne must control all of them.
He could see the banners of House Harribel coming dangerously close to those of House Tiburon. For a moment he thought that the two Houses would merge in a state of combat, but instead they were being forced to march side-by-side. He understood that it was nothing more than a show of unity. One didn't need to be among those two entourages to know the tension that was mounting.
He saw that the double-headed eagle of House Marceaux was marching relatively close to the golden lion of House Leonisra, which was no surprise since the High Patriarch's daughter married into the Marceaux family purely for political reasons. House Marceaux owned one of the largest and most prestigious trading companies and was one of the Major Houses to sit on the newly formed Congress of Merchants in the Eastern Mountains. From what he heard, the current head of the Congress was a eunuch who owned a large number of brothels and smuggling outposts as well as more legitimate businesses.
"Father, isn't that House Andjo's entourage?" Edvarrd asked.
He turned and shook his head. He knew that House Andjo would go all-out in their décor, but he wasn't expecting them to bring a whole caravan with them. He was not surprised to see the guardsmen clad in golden armor on top of the purple-and-crimson uniforms. He was not surprised to see the minstrels and jugglers and acrobats and dancers in the train as well that surrounded the massive gold-gilded, gem ornamented, black-wood carriage that was being drawn by twelve Hollows. What surprised him was that it looked as though High Lord Andjo brought most of his legendary harem with him, each of his "Doves" in their own smaller carriage.
"Such a disgrace," Edmonn said. "He dares to show off his wealth in such a manner."
"He's not the only one trying to show off," Lupos said. "I bet you that most of Gilga's entourage is made up of the Old Scorpion's horde of bastard children. As for House Rureaux…"
He pointed to where a procession led by a banner with the black horned viper on a crimson field led a large gold-and-moonstone litter covered with crimson and orange silk sheets that hung down from the white-wood roof. The soldiers from House Rureaux were all dressed in brightly-covered silks and furs and decorated Hollow hides.
"Every House wants to show off their wealth," Lupos continued. "Don't forget that. Power can come as much from appearances as it does from actual reality. However, we Starrks aren't here to make a power-grab. We're here to do our duty and do what is best for Hueco Mundo."
His two sons nodded in agreement. Lupos sighed. He looked to where Conall sat on his own Hollow, watching in awe as the processions made their way to the Great Gates. It was decided that they would see if they could have him undergo the Becoming at the most sacred grove in all of Hueco Mundo, the Huntress's Grove. He knew that those Starrks who underwent the Becoming at that sacred site became legendary figures in Hueco Mundo and the last one to do so was Roland Starrk, who led the United Arrancar Forces against the Soul Reaper scum and forced them back at Coldwater.
"Well, let's get going," Lupos said. "I would hate for High Patriarch Andjo to be denied his right of being the last to arrive."
Fountain Square
Skullak stood at the place known as Fountain Square. The great road that led from the Great Gates to the Five Towers was already lined with servants ready to take the guests' luggage to their palaces. Aizen never realized why there were so many palaces in Las Noches and it wouldn't have mattered to him if someone told him that those palaces were used whenever a House decided to come and visit. During Aizen's time as ruler of Las Noches, hardly any of the Houses came to visit. It was fortunate that the palaces that were destroyed during the Winter War were quickly rebuilt thanks to the Exequias. He didn't know if he had the heart to tell Lord Goya Granz that he and his small entourage would have to stay in the Privaron quarters.
Even though he didn't get along with Szayel Aporro, Skullak was on friendly terms with the warrior lord whom many called "Blood Fist" because of how fatal his punches could be. However, on first glance, one could never believe that someone so slender and frail-looking could be that strong. The only things menacing about him was his mask remnant that took on the form of a conical helmet with two horns facing forward that protruded from the sides and the left-side of his face, which was covered in burn scars. However, he was someone you underestimated at your peril.
"I'm glad to see that you could make it," Skullak said.
"I thought of not coming," Goya said in his deep voice. "I don't really care for this kind of thing, but then my lady reminded me that I had a duty to Hueco Mundo." He glared at the other delegates. "I bet most of these pompous peacocks are here for only one reason: see which ass they should kiss."
Skullak laughed a little at that.
"I suppose you're right. Although, whenever Nobles get together they're always kissing ass and then plotting on how to kick the ass they were kissing."
"Yeah, it's not like in the old days when Lords were more open about whom they were siding with. I guess we can blame those fucking merchants for fucking everything up."
"I suppose you're right," Skullak said as he glanced over to where a group of the delegates from the Eastern Mountains were talking in hushed whispers with a sallow-faced Arrancar with his black hair gleaming with scented oil. "It seems as though the merchants are gaining more prestige."
Goya nodded. Skullak sighed. So much was changing and yet one thing remained a constant: the scheming. He could see that it was already starting. However, one group in particular caught his attention.
Standing close to the statues showing the Five First Patriarchs was a group of four youths who looked to be the sons of some of the emissaries or Lords. They were obviously having a heated discussion, but the main reason why they caught his attention was the one who had damp rags wrapped around his forehead and left arm. However, he could still see bits of yellow puss seeping through.
He must be a member of House Mauvant, he thought. They usually get bad cases of Grey Skin.
Grey Skin was one of the most dreadful diseases he ever heard about. He was glad that it could only be spread through a House's genetics. If a member of a House had a case of Grey Skin then the odds were very likely that their children would be infected with the disease.
From what he heard, the pain that the sufferer endured as their skin hardened and rotted away was so great that they would either go completely insane or take their own lives. He always viewed it as a mercy to just kill the sufferer the moment that the disease started showing itself. That way they could avoid the agony and the insanity that followed.
He looked towards the Great Gates and smiled when he saw the banner of House Sanderwicci at the head of the small entourage.
"Excuse me, Goya. Cirucci would like to know that her family's here."
"Something tells me she already knows," Goya said, smiling.
"DADDY!"
"Well, I think you're right," Skullak said and laughed.
Cirucci ran to the tall, lean man with raven-black hair that hung to his shoulders. His violet eyes gleamed with excitement.
"SWALLOW!" he cried out and caught his youngest daughter in an embrace. "I'm glad to see that you're alright. I was so worried when I heard that the Soul Reapers invaded Las Noches."
"You didn't have to worry about me, Daddy. AH! ABIGAIL!"
She hugged her older sister who returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm.
"Hello, Rucci," she said.
"Agh, you're still using that nickname for me? How could you?"
"I'm your big sister. It's my duty to make fun of you."
"Agh, you're such a pain."
"I know."
"So…aren't you going to introduce me?"
Cirucci looked in surprise at the Arrancar man standing next to her father. She didn't recognize him, but there was something familiar about him. His wavy black hair hung to the nape of his neck. She looked at his grey eyes and saw the same glimmer that was in her father's eyes.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Lord Harker Sanderwicci said. "Cirucci, this is your brother, Larson."
Cirucci was confused. As long as she knew she didn't have a brother. There was only one explanation for it: her brother was a bastard. Bastard-born children were usually not recognized. The idea that her father could possibly have an illegitimate child was shocking. However, it didn't surprise her that her father had slept with another woman. However, she still didn't know what to say.
"I know it may come as a shock, but…" Larson began.
"Well, look at this," someone sneered.
They turned and saw Lord Felix Marceaux glaring at them. His long, honey-brown hair was held back with a gold ring. He wore a long black coat with gold embroidery along the collar and a double-headed eagle embroidered on the left breast in gold thread.
"I saw that the Cripple was here and now we have a bastard. And I heard that High Patriarch Starrk is bringing his un-Become son. I thought that gatherings like these were only for those who were able to fend for themselves and true-bred Arrancars."
"If that's the case, then we could obviously let half of your entourage out," Tauroth Gilga said as he limped his way to them. "And I'm not fully crippled. I just have a mal-formed leg and I can take care of myself better than you can. I heard that you have five servants help you when you're on the toilet."
"You…"
"That's enough, Lord Marceaux," Skullak said. "Lord Sanderwicci asked me for my blessing to allow his son to attend and I gave it."
"Oh…is that so?" Lord Marceaux asked. "I have a feeling that you're little pet bird helped to make the decision. But keep in mind, the eagle and the lion will always kill the nightingale."
"Is that a threat?" Skullak asked.
"Merely a fact," Marceaux said, smiling. "I highly doubt that you have much authority left."
"He has enough authority."
They turned and saw Lupos Starrk walking towards them. Lupos was dressed like most of the other House members from the Northern Lands: furs and practical clothing. The silver wolf was embroidered on the black jerkin he wore under his silver fur lined coat. Marceaux noticed that some of the other House Lords and Ladies bow and curtsy to him. Even though House Tuma's authority as one of the five First Houses had diminished, House Starrk's authority was as strong as ever.
"High Patriarch," Marceaux said, using the formal title for whoever was in charge of any of the five First Houses. "I was merely stating…"
"You were mocking our host," Lupos said. "I would advise that you apologize to High Patriarch Tuma and to Lord Sanderwicci."
"As you say, High Patriarch," Lord Marceaux snarled. He turned to Skullak and Starker and grimaced slightly as he bent the knee and placed his hand over the left side of his chest where his Hollow Hole was concealed by the coat. "I…humbly beg your pardon."
"Accepted," Skullak said a bit too harshly.
"Accepted," Starker said.
"Not accepted," Larson hissed under his breath.
"He accepts your apology as well," Starker said and placed a hand on Larson's shoulder.
"There, that's good," Lupos said. "The last thing we want is for some House rivalry to get in the way of the business at hand. Plus, I'm sure you may want to speak to one of your…Ilustrado."
Marceaux looked to where Lupos was gesturing with his head. He frowned as he saw Orexis Grindina looking at him. He only looked at Starrk and bowed before taking his leave.
"I wonder what the Faith of the Twelve wants with him," Skullak muttered.
"It's hard to say," Lupos said and smiled. "It's good to see you again, Skullak," Lupos said as he clasped Skullak's forearm.
"The feeling's mutual," Skullak said as he clasped Lupos's forearm in return.
They embraced each other and laughed. Skullak always felt he could be friends with anyone from House Starrk. They had looked after him after his father and mother were killed in an ambush and he got to know most of the Starrks well. He didn't meet Lupos's older brother until Coyote came to Las Noches and the two had hit it off almost immediately.
"I'm glad you could make it," Skullak said. "I'm not good at this politicking shit."
"Don't worry. I'm not good at it either. So, who's the man Cirucci talking to?"
"That would be her brother."
"Oh," Lupos said and he nodded. "So that's what Marceaux was going on about. I should have known."
"He also mentioned your son, Conall."
"I'm not surprised. Look, the reason why I brought him here was because I hoped that he could Become in the Huntress's Grove as Wolfarr Starrk and Roland Starrk did before him."
"I'm sure that can be arranged," Skullak said. "The Amazonians arrived before you did and they're down there saying prayers to the Huntress. I could send a messenger and…"
"No, no, this is something that Conall and I must do. Customs must be maintained."
Skullak sighed and nodded.
"I suppose you're right. In the meantime, I can show your other sons to their rooms."
"I…I would appreciate it if we could stay in Coyote's old palace."
"That's what I had in mind. After all, it is the Starrk palace. Although, I'm not too keen on allowing the Harribels anywhere near their sister's palace. You know what they thought of their sister."
Lupos nodded. He heard much about how Tia's brother and sister were trying to get her to go on a killing rampage and claim the throne for them. However, she refused to do so and that caused them to completely disown her.
"Also," Skullak continued. "Her adaptive son is living there now along with Rey Tiburon."
"I see. Then it wouldn't do to let them stay there. I bet you can find a vacant palace to put them, and you better find one as far away from the Tiburon palace as you can. Otherwise, everyone would…"
"DAMN IT, YOU IDIOT!"
"OUCH, SARRA, WHY'D YOU DO THAT FOR?"
"I DID IT BECAUSE YOU WERE BEING A DUMBASS!"
"Shit, those two again," Skullak said.
Lupos burst out laughing when he saw Sarra and Strauss fighting with each other. Some of the others began to cheer and laugh at the spectacle while some of the more snobbish Lords and Ladies looked away in disgust. An Arrancar servant carrying a tray of wine glasses jumped over the fighting pair and began to offer wine to the guests assembled. Sarra and Strauss paused long enough to grab two glasses and drain them and then began their fight again.
"I'm telling you," Lupos said, still shaking from his laughter. "There's never a dull moment when a Jaegerjaquez or two are around."
"I know," Skullak said, shaking his head. "They're all so…"
"Entertaining," Lupos said.
"That's one way to put it."
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" someone roared.
The two Jaegerjaquez stopped their quarrel and all turned. Knees immediately bent and heads lowered as the Great Lion, Riccar Leonisra, strode forward. He was dressed in steel armor gilded with crimson gold to form the outline of a roaring lion. Even though his House rank was reduced to Chancellor by Baraggan Luisenbarn, he was still an imposing figure. His golden, lion-like eyes glared over the assembled and rested on Skullak and Lupos who were not kneeling.
"Ah, I see that once again the wolf has beaten the lion to the chase," he said in his deep, rumbling voice. "That is most unfortunate for me. However, seeing these disgraces fighting like little more than Hollows and you two standing aside…. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE! We are the Great Patriarchs and we must show that we have a greater pride than these…these…lowlifes."
"Are you sure it's a good idea to call these honorable Lords and Ladies, 'lowlifes', father?"
Clarice Leonisra Marceaux strode forward. Her golden hair was tied in a braid and tied with a crimson ribbon. Her low-cut white dress was decorated with the double-headed eagle and the lion on each long sleeve. Her shoulders were bare and a necklace of diamonds and sapphires hung just above her bosom. Her own yellow eyes sparkled.
By her side was a young boy who had Become at a rather early stage in development. His hair was relatively short and his golden eyes looked about him with curiosity. He clutched at his mother when Riccar's eyes fell upon him.
Riccar looked at his daughter.
"You seem to forget to whom you speak, daughter," he said. "However, by 'lowlifes' I was merely referring to House Jaegerjaquez. I am surprised to see that the members of House Gilga are behaving themselves."
"That's only because we're away from the dunghill," Tauroth said. "However, I dare say that should you bring a scorpion in our midst, we could very well revert to the roles our dear father has assigned us."
"Hush, brother," Marra said. "High Patriarch, please forgive our brother for his tongue."
"Why should I care about the words of any Gilga?" Leonisra said.
"He does have a good point, dear sister," Tauroth said as he leaned forward, using his crutch to help support him. "After all, everyone knows that Gilgas can't be trusted. And those of his brood who our father wants to see dead the most are the least trustworthy Gilgas of all."
Riccar's eyes narrowed.
"Why am I wasting my time with the words of a Gilga?" he muttered.
At that moment the sounds of music floated towards them along with the sounds of Hollows. They turned and saw the Andjo delegation arriving. Riccar shook his head at the gaudy display of wealth that House Andjo was notorious for.
"An Andjo sets foot in Las Noches again," Skullak moaned as he remembered Luppi "Antenor".
Those who were assembled along the roadway moved to the side as the massive carriage passed. The minstrels continued to play their music while the dancers and acrobats displayed their skills. The guards were clad in gold breastplates with three purple fleurs-de-lys painted on them and wore purple and crimson striped pantaloons.
"Oh…that's him," someone moaned.
"Oh gods, he's…he's a god," a woman moaned as she began to fan herself.
"So, that's 'The Eastern Flame,'" Lupos said.
"Where?" Skullak asked.
Lupos pointed to a tall, stately male Arrancar who was riding on the back of a Hollow steed. He looked to be in his late-teens to early-twenties. His shoulder-length, wavy black hair gleamed with oil. His facial structure was masculine and yet also feminine. Unlike the other soldiers, he wore a long white coat with purple trim running down the lapels and black pants with a gold sash that his Zanpakuto was tucked into. The three fleurs-de-lys on his gold breastplate were made of amethysts. However, his face held the same arrogance that Luppi had, if not even more arrogant.
"So, that's Luppi's brother," Skullak said.
"Yeah," Cirucci said, frowning. "He has that same pompous look."
The procession came to a halt just before they reached the square. Skullak looked and saw the group of youths glaring at the procession with intense disgust. However, the young Mauvant looked at it with hatred. He decided to just shrug them off. They were not going to try anything. He turned his attention to the procession where he saw the carriage door being opened and a step ladder being placed in front of the doorway. The minstrels broke out into a light-hearted tune and out stepped the High Patriarch of House Andjo.
Skullak just wanted to moan at what he saw.
Agneaux Andjo was an extremely fat Arrancar dressed in a long, purple silk cloak with thick fur trim. His black hair and beard glistened with oil and was decorated with gold rings and small silver bells that jingled with his movement. The white slippers on his feet were decorated with gold embroidery. His face was extremely red from the amount of rich wine he drank. His fat fingers were covered in some of the gaudiest rings that Skullak ever saw. One small, fat hand was wrapped around a crystal goblet filled with a deep dark wine.
Like every other Andjo whom Skullak encountered, Agneaux was a creature of comfort and appetite.
As he came out of the carriage, he was followed by two of his "Doves". The two female Arrancars were dressed in frothy white silk gowns that were so thin that they left nothing to the imagination. Gold collars decorated with fleurs-de-lys made out of amethysts, emeralds, and rubies were strapped around their swan-like necks.
"AH-HA-HA-HA, I'VE FINALLY ARRIVED!" he roared. "NOW WHERE'S THE FUCKING FEAST? I'M STARVING! AND BRING OUT YOUR FINEST BITS OF ASS! I WANNA FUCK SOMETHING!"
"He's joking, right?" Lupos asked.
Skullak only shook his head. He looked to Phayne Andjo, the self-proclaimed "Eastern Flame," and saw that he was completely disgusted at the display. Skullak knew that Agneaux's appetites, like most of House Andjo, rested in feasting, drinking, hunting, and sex. However, Phayne seemed different. Skullak thought that his appetite was more along the lines of power.
"Uncle," Phayne said, his voice was rich and smooth. "I don't believe that our honored host has gotten a chance to prepare the feast. Perhaps we should give him some time."
"Fine," Agneaux said, yawning. "I could go for a nap. Just make sure to send some of my other Doves to me. I can't sleep without piercing something with my spearhead."
"Whatever you say," Phayne said. "In the meantime, I'll interact with…some of the other honored guests," he said and looked at Skullak.
Tia Harribel's Palace
Sheelal watched as the Arrancar servants showed the guests to the palaces they would be staying during the Council meeting. He looked to where Rey was trying to stay as low as possible.
"You do realize that you can't avoid them forever, right?"
"I can try," Rey said. "The last thing I want to do is face anyone from my family. Lance was bad enough before he met his end. But my other siblings…let's just say they're worse."
"Did they really pick on you that much?"
"Are you kidding me? They kept on calling me a 'Disgrace' and a 'Dead Shark'; 'Dead Shark' for the gods' sakes. How do you think that makes me feel?"
"Bad?"
"Oh…you have no idea. What about you? Aren't you worried about your family coming?"
"Tia and the others were the only family I had," he said. "I guess you could say I'm a First-Generation Arrancar."
"Lucky," Rey said. "The longer an Arrancar family has been around, the more is expected of you."
"So that's why you avoid your own family."
"They're not my family. They disowned me. Tia's family did the same with her when she refused to do things their way. They really wanted her to become ambitious enough to betray anyone, even her friends, for the sake of their own ambitions."
"That's horrible. I wonder why she never told me."
"Maybe it didn't matter to her. She did have Coyote by that point along with you, Sung-Sun, Mila Rose, and Apacci. She told me that you were all the family she needed."
Sheelal smiled at that.
"When will they start the Council?"
"I think they'll start it sometime after the feast. I feel sorry for the servants. They have their work cut out for them."
"I just hope they come to a decision quickly. I just want them to be gone as soon as possible."
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
The Tower of Carrion
Far to the west, the Tower of Carrion stood guard over the Sea Road that ran along the coast of the Bone Sea. As one of the three towers that stood guard at the border to the Western Wastes, the Watchers at the Tower of Carrion were always alert. Grissan strode atop the cliff wall and looked out at the ocean, shrouded in fog.
"Shit," he moaned. "I can't see a damn thing."
He sighed and charged a cero. He fired into the thick grayness, hoping that at least he would make something out. However, he saw nothing.
"What am I doing? They won't try to cross by sea. They ain't got any boats."
He turned around and continued his rounds.
In the blanket of fog, Mordrath Luisenbarn signaled for the force to continue. The first wave of his invasion continued to row on the rafts made from anything that could float, including the corpses of large Hollows and Gillians. On the far shore, the second wave, led by Saracc Chelute, would wait for their orders. He hoped that they wouldn't be forced to use the Dragons quite yet. He really wanted to see Tarran Granz's invention at work on the battlefield.
The Huntress's Grove
Far below the heart of Las Noches, the great Huntress's Grove covered the underground world. When Ichigo arrived, he and his companions stumbled upon an underground passage, part of the Old Palace that Arturos Leonisra built. If he had continued down the hall, he would have come to secret down-ward pathways that led to this most sacred spot in Hueco Mundo.
Lupos Starrk led Conall down these secret ways.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Lupos said and rubbed his youngest son on the head.
Conall's wolf tail began to wag with joy. Lupos gave a slight chuckle. The two continued until they saw a soft silvery glow coming somewhere ahead of them. Lupos smiled and led his son forward. They came out into a large, spacious area. Before them was the magnificent thicket of Crystalline Trees. The branches seemed to reach out to them. For many it would seem a thing of horror, but those who held to the Faith of the Huntress understood that the groves were beckoning for Hollows to enter and undergo the Becoming so that they could reach greater heights as Arrancars.
"Who goes there? What business do you have here?"
"High Sister Insha Noelani Mila Rose," Starrk said and gave a slight bow. "I, Lupos Starrk, come to this sacred place along with my son, Conall Starrk, on a matter of great importance."
Insha stepped out of the shadows and smiled as she sheathed her Aedia horn dagger. She returned Starrk's bow.
"The Wolf Family is always welcome to run with the Huntress," she said. "So, what brings you here?"
"I seek your permission to use this grove to help my son Become. I know that there is a Sacred Grove close to Lobo de Plata, but I've always wanted for at least one of my children to Become here."
Insha sighed and put a hand on one of the Crystalline Trees. She looked at Lupos.
"You understand the risk of using this grove. The former Espada known as Aaroniero Arruruerie tried to use this. However, they did not use it appropriately. Two highly intelligent Gillian twins tried to gain power by coming here. However, they paid for their indiscretion. They became one being with two faces and when the Usurper, Aizen, came with the Hogyoku, he was the first to be tested and became little more than two heads in a jar. However, you ask permission on behalf of your son, but your son should be the one to ask permission."
"I…I forgot. I am ashamed."
"Don't be. As I said before, 'The Wolf Family is always welcome to run with the Huntress.'" She turned her attention to Conall. "Do you wish to become an Arrancar?"
"Yes," Conall said, rather excitedly. "I do. And I want to Become in this grove like my grandfather, Roland. That is…if I may."
Insha laughed.
"You have the true Starrk spirit," she said. "I shall make the proper offerings for you, but you have the permission of a High Sister to use this grove." She placed a hand on Conall's head. "I pray that the blessings of the Huntress fall on you, Young Wolf."
"My name's Conall."
Insha laughed again and looked at him.
"I know. However, all Starrks are referred to as 'Wolves' and you are still a pup. But you have a Wolf in you that want to be free and it will be."
Conall smiled.
Halls of Las Noches
"So what did you want, Grindina?" Marceaux asked.
"Let's just say that I have a proposal for you," Orexis said.
"I thought you were siding with House Luna."
"He is," Tyanna said as she came out of a Sonído.
"Tyanna Luna and I have agreed to bring House Marceaux on board. That way we can have ties to one of the First Families."
"What makes you think that I will want to work with you? You killed two of my agents among the Ilustrado."
"A necessity," Tyanna Luna said. "They were allied with the Eastern Flame and fed him information about your own House."
"What?"
"Those of us in the Eastern Mountains are more practiced at these kinds of arts than you in the Southern Plains," Tyanna said. "That's what makes us valuable allies."
Marceaux looked at her and frowned.
"What are you saying?"
"We're saying that you could have to the forces of House Luna, and by default House Occuldae, and the Faith behind you," Orexis said. "We already received information that the Congress of Merchants will only side with whoever offers them the most profit and power and so right now they're siding with the Eastern Flame and he's trying to bring one of the First Families on board."
"Why would he want to do that? He's already a member of a First Family."
"That may be," Tyanna said. "However, House Andjo is not as authoritative as it used to be. Phayne Andjo, however, is trying to restore that authority by any means necessary. He's already proven himself capable of using force to get his point across. However, he lost support of the Faith when he began to tax the Ilustrado."
"He's…taxing the Ilustrado?"
"Indeed, and while some are more than happy to pay, most of us prefer to keep our…earnings," Orexis said.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"We want you to become the new Emperor by any means necessary," Tyanna said. "Then, declare House Andjo incompetent and give their lands and titles to me."
"Why should I do that?"
"You really don't want to make us your enemies," Orexis said. "Besides, you can get back at House Starrk for making you look like a fool."
"House Starrk is too popular. Who could I possibly get to do the dirty work for me?"
"Things may change," Orexis says. "However, you do have a good point. All that we can do is see how the Council decides and go from there."
Elsewhere in Las Noches
"What do want with me, Andjo?"
Skullak could not understand why Phayne Andjo wanted to talk to him. However, he had to maintain some kind of diplomacy.
"Look, I know what you must think about me since I am an Andjo. However, I'm not like my fool of an Uncle. He thinks that his name is enough to maintain power, but I know better. He forgot our House Words, "Forward in Glory" and he's just staying stagnant. His idea of moving forward is fucking a different woman after every feast or before every hunt. You've seen what he's become and most of House Andjo is like that. My sister is the only other one who is trying to regain that glory we lost."
"I see. However, you still haven't told me what you wanted."
"I want us to form an alliance. I already have the support of the Congress of Merchants."
"I've heard about this Congress of Merchants. Their motto is 'All Power is Bought.' Right?"
"That's right. And they're right about it. You may gain power through conquest, but it takes wealth to maintain it and build upon it. Your own House Words are, 'Do All Things with Honor' and I need someone of honor to side with me."
"Then why don't you ask Lupos Starrk?"
"Tch…I have. However, Lupos Starrk has told me time-and-time again that his main concern is with the Northern Lands and he won't take sides in a matter for the Eastern Mountains."
"Then you know what I'm going to say. This is your concern; not mine. I care more about what will happen to Hueco Mundo than what will happen to your House."
"Are you sure you want to refuse me?"
"I am. However, I will not view you as my enemy. This is a matter of a difference of priorities."
"I see. In that case…"
Phayne Andjo turned and began to walk away. Skullak looked after him, wondering what Phayne was thinking.
Damn, he thought. I think I just made another very powerful enemy.
Elsewhere in Las Noches
Raella had very little interest in going to the Council of Houses herself. She preferred the sanctuary of her study and pouring over the messages her spies sent her. However, with so many powerful people assembled in one place, and the wealth of information she received, she was glad she came. There was a gentle knock at the door to the room where she was staying.
She looked at the door, confused. She wasn't expecting any visitors and that unnerved her. She got up and went to the door and brought out the dagger she kept on her. She opened the door and was surprised to see two young Arrancars looking at her. She ignored the girl who was clearly flustered at being there, but the boy held her attention. She knew what he was.
"Ah…so you must be the Oracle," she said.
That grabbed the girl's attention and she looked at the boy who only nodded.
"Yes, I am Wonderweiss Margela," he said. "And you are Raella Occuldae, the Reader."
Raella sighed and nodded. She opened the door and gestured for them to come in.
End of Chapter 7
A.N.: Things are finally moving along. Plots and alliances are forming and some key players in events to come have been introduced. I've decided to reach further ahead in European History and even a little into American History for inspiration and I found some good ones from the French Revolution and Oliver Cromwell, but more on those when I come to them.
Thank you for reading and please review.