Blood on the Sand
Chapter 10: The First Assault
Tension hung in the air of Hueco Mundo and in the weeks that followed the Council of Houses that tension had only mounted. The Houses were starting to eye Las Noches and the four factions that they knew of with heightening wariness. They kept a close watch on the ever-increasing troop movements and many began to make secret dealings with each other in hopes of currying favor with whoever emerged victorious. And thus it was that many Minor Houses were continually sending ambassadors and gifts of fighters and supplies to one side while giving valuable information to another in hopes that their support for the victor would be remembered while keeping their support for the victor's enemy hidden. But they did not see the threat from the fifth faction that had crept in out of the west like a phantom. And that suited Mordrath Luisenbarn quite well.
He stood over the small table, staring down at the map showing the Las Noches Basin. His scouts had done well in obtaining the information he needed on the paths that would lead through the Crescent Mountains. And he had noted with pride that the paths made shortly before his rebellion had not been found.
Thank you Aizen, he thought. Your arrogance has helped me a great deal. He smiled as he moved one of the stone pieces carved to resemble a dragon's head into the basin. He looked at the message that Tarran Granz had sent him and moved another dragon's head piece to the north-western edge of the Crescent Mountains.
"Well, what should we do?" Shaddam Atreides asked from where he stood.
Mordrath looked up to look at his war council. He was hardly surprised to see that Maullarn Aivirrne was being cooperative and would even offer insights. But Mordrath knew that he would have to keep a close watch on him. The only thing that was keeping the former Espada in line was his daughter, Kaoly. He knew that Maullarn would do anything to keep his daughters safe, and that included striking should Mordrath's guard ever falter.
"The answer is simple," Mordrath said. "We attack." He held up a hand before anything could be said. "However, we don't know who holds the keys to the kingdom." He tapped the location of Las Noches. "And we don't know who else will be going after said keys or when they will make their moves. For now, we let whoever has possession of Las Noches know that they will be attacked."
"Are you saying that all this will be is some kind of…of decoy?" Maullarn asked.
"Yes," Mordrath replied. "For now, I want the eyes of Las Noches to be away from the main force. That is why I had to come with the advance force," Mordrath said scowling. "If any of my enemies hold Las Noches they will look to where I am. If I was with the main force then they would know about the Dragons well ahead of schedule."
Maullarn understood where Mordrath was coming from. He had seen the great canons aimed right at his camp. And if they could do what Mordrath suggested they could, then it made tactical sense to keep them secret as long as possible. That way the enemy would not know how to counter. And, if Mordrath was with them, then they would be seen as something very important.
"When do you want to demonstrate their power?" Shaddam asked.
"When Emperor Luisenbarn is ready," Petros Leones answered.
"Peace, Petros, I believe the question was directed at me."
"I…I apologize Emperor."
Mordrath merely waved away the apology as though there was nothing to forgive. And for Mordrath there really wasn't anything to forgive. He would have said the same thing. He wasn't prepared to use his Dragons at the moment. He knew that he could possibly make quick work of Las Noches if he did, but then he would have to contend with the other Houses deciding that he was the biggest threat and uniting against him. If all of the forces in Hueco Mundo united against him, then perhaps not even his Dragons would be enough to save him. And he wasn't the only one who had gotten hold of Hogyoku technology. But he was the only one who had someone who had actually worked with it and knew what they were doing.
He had to make absolutely sure that he could gain possession of Las Noches without having to worry about keeping the damn thing. Conquest was easy, but maintaining power was difficult. And what good was conquest if you didn't build a dynasty upon it? He had read about the human general Alexander the Great who had built one of the largest empires the World of the Living had ever seen. But he had failed when it came to maintaining it and his death had caused it to be torn asunder and eventually collapse after forty years of civil wars between his generals.
Mordrath had no intention of allowing that to happen. He knew that those who knew nothing but victory on the battlefield were not as likely to learn from the battles. He knew that a defeat or two were necessary in order to make a leader learn where they were likely to make mistakes and how to deal with those mistakes. The battlefield was the ultimate testing ground.
And besides, should word get out to any other faction, it will send them reeling to come up with a plan on how to deal with me, Mordrath thought. And that will only buy me time.
"When do we attack?" Maullarn asked.
Mordrath smiled.
"We march now. And we keep their attention on us for as long as it takes for the main force to go underground."
"We're going to the Menos Forest?" Maullarn asked, confused.
"It makes sense," Shaddam said. "Most of our would-be opponents are too focused on the surface that they won't bother with the Menos Forest. It's an ideal hiding spot."
"Yes," Mordrath said as he leaned back in his chair and tapped on the map. "Plus, we don't have to worry about being spotted. We can launch an assault against any area we choose and not have to worry about being spotted. But that's not the main reason."
"Then what is?" Maullarn asked.
"That's my little secret. Now, get the forces ready to march."
Las Noches
Skullak Tuma stood on the rooftop of Las Noches, looking out at the moon-bathed sea of sand that surrounded the magnificent structure that had been built over the old Imperial Compound. His eyes drifted to the hole that Ulquiorra had created not too long ago in order to release his Resurrección against the intruder Ichigo Kurosaki. He had given instructions that patch was to be left unrepaired as a memorial to the mighty Espada.
Once this is over, I'll have a memorial built to all of our fallen comrades, he thought.
But the question was how long would it take for things to get settled once and for all. He knew that one war was usually not enough. After all, the Leonisra Dynasty wasn't built with just one war. It had taken centuries and three major wars for that to happen. And it had been taken away from them because of a weak ruler who was defeated by a stronger power. And yet that power had been defeated by an even stronger power.
"Power defeats power," Skullak whispered.
"But only if that power is stronger than the one that already exists," someone said from behind him.
He turned and saw Victor Cuuhlhourne standing behind him.
"Well, you're actually out of your chambers."
"I merely needed some fresh air. Despite it looking like we're outside, we're still stuck inside a fort. A change of scenery is always a good thing."
"I know. But I don't think you're just out here for fresh air."
Victor shook his head and sighed.
"Tell me, when the attacks come, and they will come, how are you going to defend this area? Anyone who wants to hold Las Noches needs two main things: an army large enough to at least defend the perimeter of Las Noches itself and some level control over the forts leading in to the Basin. You have neither."
"But I will. Lupos and his allies are my allies. The Houses in the Northern Lands have some of the largest armies in Hueco Mundo. And when they're united…"
"Where does power reside?"
Skullak turned to look at Victor. His brow furrowed.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm asking if you know where power resides. I suppose a better way would be to pose you a situation. Let's say that you have three men sitting in a room. One is a mighty lord, another is a very powerful Ilustrado, and the third is a very wealthy merchant. In between them stands a common soldier, an individual of no particular social standing or prestige.
"Each of the powerful men bid the soldier to kill the other two.
"The lord tells the soldier, 'Kill the Ilustrado and merchant and you shall receive land and titles.'
"The Ilustrado tells him, 'Kill the lord and the merchant and you shall receive absolution for all of your sins.'
"The merchant tells him, 'Kill the lord and the Ilustrado and you shall receive tremendous wealth.'
"Now, who lives and who dies?"
"Are you saying that power resides in the one who wields the sword?"
"I'm saying that power is nothing more than a trick of the light. It is a shadow on the wall. Power resides where the masses believe it resides. When you get down to it a crown is nothing more than an ornate hat and a throne is little more than a fancy seat. True power comes from the meaning placed on those things. And meaning is nothing more than an abstract that can be taken away from one and bestowed on another.
"If you truly want to be taken seriously, then you must reach out to form an alliance with House Gilga."
Skullak felt rage build in him. He grabbed Victor by the front of his coat and pulled him closer.
"Why would I want to form an alliance with House Gilga? They can't be trusted."
"You don't have much of a choice. You need all of the Guardian Houses to the Las Noches Basin on your side. And House Gilga is the only one you haven't formed any kind of alliance with. As long as The Crossing remains open, your enemies will have a way in."
"And how do you suggest I make an alliance with 'The Old Scorpion'?"
"You make it worth his while. You know how Ecydis is. He loves anything that gets him more wealth or more power, preferably both. But if you can't manage both, go with power. I think a few new titles for him should do the trick. And the best way to keep an eye on him is to enter into an alliance through marriage."
Skullak was taken aback at that. Everyone knew that Ecydis Gilga's household had grown to tremendous amounts. It was difficult to find any House that didn't have at least two or three kinsmen in House Gilga. House Starrk had married at least four times into House Gilga before they could secure the privilege of being able to use The Crossing to help benefit the Western Watch. And those houses that used the Dividing River for trade had to marry into House Gilga even more times than that. But those who married into House Gilga did have a good vantage point to spy on House Gilga.
Skullak remembered how during Aizen's reign he had seen a large number of ravens flying across the desert from the direction of The Crossing. He remembered how Gantenbainne had found one who had died in flight and discovered a message written in a secret code tied to its leg. Skullak had recognized the code as belonging to House Marceaux. The message itself was nothing really special. It was merely to inform either Felix or his brother Julius that Ecydis Gilga was getting ready to raise the price to ship barley through The Crossing again and to inform them that House Gilga had refused to allow House Rureaux any more credit.
Yes, having eyes and ears in The Crossing could be an advantage. After all, the best way to see which way the wind was blowing in any struggle for power was to just look at which way The Old Scorpion was leaning.
Las Noches Training Ground
"AGAIN!" Gantenbainne shouted.
Wonderweiss swung his claymore with ease at the youngest Boaran, Brienda. The small girl easily dodged it and lashed out with her foot. Wonderweiss jumped before her foot could make contact.
"Bah, you think dat vill help you?" the girl asked in her thick accent.
She immediately jumped into the air and lashed out with her fist. Wonderweiss dodged left only to run into her foot. Pain exploded as the foot kicked him in the side of the face and he was sent flying sideways crying in a mixture of pain and surprise. He crashed into the sand while Brienda Boaran landed on her feet with silent grace. She curtsied in the northern fashion while her brothers and father applauded and roared with laughter.
"I take it that no one warned him about her," Conall Starrk said to Friia.
"Exacta. But then again, you Northerners are rather tough folk. If Aizen had nothing but Northerners in his army then he would have easily beaten those Soul Reaper bastards."
"I doubt it," Conall replied, his wolf ears drooped. "We don't fight for the sake of conquest. We fight for the sake of guarding the pack. We don't fight unless we absolutely have to."
"Exacta," Friia said. "Still, you northerners ended up having the better lot during Aizen's reign. You never tried to fight among yourselves. Instead, you focused on your borders and strengthened your strongholds. Most of the other Houses just used that time as an excuse to lash out at the Houses they either hated or wanted to get rid of for the sake of convenience."
Conall nodded as he watched the next pair enter the training arena.
"I can't wait to become an Arrancar," he said. "That way I can fight as well."
"Well, you'll become an Arrancar soon. I understand that the Amazonians are getting things ready down in the Huntress's Grove," Selena Schiffer said.
"EXACTA!" Friia cried out and slapped Conall on the back. "You'll be a full-fledged Arrancar in no time."
Conall yelped a little in surprise at the slap on the back of his shoulder and he stumbled forward a couple of steps. Selena rushed to keep him from falling down the tall steps that led to the arena floor.
"Hey! Be careful, Friia. He's not a full-fledged Arrancar yet," Selena said.
"Exacta. Sorry, Conall, I sometimes forget my own strength."
"Are you alright?" Selena asked. "She didn't hurt you too hard did she?"
"Agh, I'm not that frail," Conall said. "I'm a Starrk. We're made of harder stuff than glass."
"I know. I know," Selena said and shot Friia a dirty look as she tried to stifle a chuckle. "And don't you dare say 'No es exacto' to that Friia Carias."
"No es exacto," Friia said grinning.
"That does it," Selena snarled as she began to draw her dagger.
"Ooh, I'm so scared," Friia said as she began to draw her own dagger. "Just remember, I'm the Lobster Girl."
"Oh yes, that's right," Selena said grinning. "And I'm…"
"YOU TWO, IF YOU WANT TO SPAR THEN GET DOWN HERE," Gantenbainne shouted as he pointed up at them. "Show us what…" Gantenbainne stopped and his head looked up. "EVERYONE TO YOUR POSITIONS," he shouted. "We have visitors."
Outside Las Noches
Mordrath Luisenbarn looked at the towering white wall before him. It had been about a century since he last saw Las Noches, but he never forgot how grand it was.
"Sir, we're ready to begin," Petros said.
"Good. Use one of the doppelgängers that Tarran was so kind to make for me. Let him use the regular throne platform since I won't need that."
"Sir, what about…?"
"Don't worry," Mordrath said as he looked at the throne and smiled. "I won't forget."
He thrust his hand into the throne, shattering some of the bones and limbs of the crystalline trees as he withdrew his spear, Siegfried. Its long shaft gleamed like polished ebony. The golden dragon wrapped around the upper quarter shone and the spear blade protruding from the gaping mouth shone like ice under a sun. He reached into the throne again and brought out Maullarn's Zanpakuto and tossed it to Petros.
"Keep a good hold of this and don't let Maullarn anywhere near it."
"My Emperor commands and I obey."
"Good. Maullarn, I want you to wait here with me. Shaddam, you can lead the assault. When I give the order you will charge forward. I grant you full command over the course of the battle until I order you to retreat. When I give that order, you will retreat. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," Shaddam said. "Uh…when will you give the order?"
"That's for me to know and for you to obey when I give it. Is that clear?"
"Yes Emperor," Shaddam said with a bow and turned to look at the advanced forces. "Uh…how many should I take with me?"
"Take all of the Arrancars and Hollows that are under your command."
Tuma Palace
Skullak Tuma looked up from where he was conferring with the rest of his council. Victor Cuuhlhourne's words still impacted him. He would have to think very carefully about making any kind of alliance with Ecydis Gilga. But because The Crossing was one of the main entry points into the Las Noches Basin it only made sense that he would eventually have to make an alliance with him despite his misgivings.
"Then there's the matter concerning the message of the abandoned village further north," Lupos Starrk said. "The Northern Wolves have reported that bandits are coming south but that some of the bands have either completely vanished or have been found slaughtered."
"More cases of these 'Potestas'?" Dordoni asked.
"Yes. According to them they did find a survivor who could only repeat 'Eyes of Ice and Fire' over and over again. Before they restrained him he grabbed one of their swords and cut open his own stomach. He died before they had a chance to get any more information from him," Lupos said as he put the message on the table.
"And I received another report, but this one is from one of Harietta Olmson's spies."
"Oh yes, your Second Colmillos," Rudobon said. "What does she report?"
"She reports that Felix Marceaux is currently gathering an army. His brother, Julius, is also on the move. And she also reports that Rureaux has indeed hired the services of the Kufang brother and sister," he said. "My Third Colmillos, Guerra Gordav, is getting impatient to get into battle." Lupos chuckled at that. "That's nothing new. Oh, and it looks as though my other daughter has just returned from her tour of duty along our southern border."
"Is there anything else that concerns the war?" Rudobon asked.
"There is. It appears that Phayne Andjo has launched an attack against a small Marceaux force at the Harson Valley and were victorious."
"What?" Dordoni asked in surprise. "Does this mean the war has begun?"
"It does," Skullak said and closed his eyes. "But we're in luck. If Phayne Andjo launched an attack at the Harson Valley then that means he's focusing his attention on Felix Marceaux and the Eastern Mountains right now. Tch…I'm surprised that vain peacock could actually manage a victory.
"That just leaves Barrcae Rureaux. Aside from him hiring the Red Arrow and the Princess of Roses what other news is there of him?"
"So far there has been no word from the south. He has ceased his raids against the Amazonians for the time being," Insha Mila Rose said. "However, my sisters have reported that he is now sending ambassadors to the nomadic tribes and the Berserkers."
"So he…" Skullak began and then stopped.
Soon the others assembled looked up as well.
"We've got company," Aisslinger said.
"Yes and the Reiatsu is rather…familiar," Skullak said. "Rudobon, go and greet our guests with a group of your Exequias. But make sure that you don't give away too much information. And if you must, lie to them. They must not know about what things are really like around here."
"As you command," Rudobon said as he stood up. He bowed and burst into a static of Sonído.
"We'll continue our council at a more convenient time. But right now we need to get our forces ready. We have other visitors waiting outside," Skullak said.
"So you felt him as well," Lupos said.
"Yes, and I think he wants me to know that he's here. How did he get past the Western Watch?"
"There are many gaps in the Western Mountains that are not protected," Lupos said. "The Western Watch is not as powerful as it once was and they don't have the resources to guard the seas."
Skullak nodded. Anyone who was desperate enough would always find a way.
Harson Valley, The Eastern Mountains
The sound of the dying filled the air as Phayne Andjo and his entourage of commanders and squires made their way to where the first battle in what would be called the War of Five Crowns had been fought. Healers made their way among the wounded, doing the best they could. Many would die and many more would be crippled, but he had gained a victory.
"One victory does not give you the war," his closest confidant said.
"Thank you, Florens, but I am well aware of that."
Florens Daryll was one of the few lords Phayne could trust. They had shared many secrets together as well as their hopes and dreams for the future. Phayne had been surprised when Florens had told him that his major hope was to help restore House Andjo to its former glory and its former claim to greatness. Even before proclaiming his right to the throne, Phayne had always spent what spare time he could muster away from the parties that his uncle was always throwing and the council meetings his younger brother held with the Council of Guilds.
"As long as Felix Marceaux maintains some level of authority we cannot hope to focus our attention away from the Eastern Mountains," Viceroy Vallas Corrin said as he held his perfumed handkerchief to his nose to block out the smell of death. "We need to find a quicker way to deal with him and his brother, Julius. If they unite their forces with Riccar Leonisra's main force then we have very little chance of success."
"I am aware of that. However, think of this as just another round of the Great Game, but only on a much larger scale. When one House tries to outbid you on the trading rights with one of the major companies, what do you do?"
"That's easy," Viceroy Corrin said. "I simply send someone to poison that lord's chalice or hire ruffians to lie in wait for him on the road. Then, before his corpse has a chance to cool, I sweep in and take the trading rights for myself."
Phayne looked at Florens and smiled.
"Florens, I do believe the Viceroy may have missed the mark completely."
"I do believe he has," Florens said in return.
"Oh…then please, your grace, instruct me. How would you play the situation?" Viceroy Corrin asked.
"Simply, I go to his wife's bed and persuade her to burn the old contract," Phayne said. "And there are many wives and daughters who wish to share my bed. You see, Viceroy, assassination is old-school and even an amateur can get good at it with practice. But the art of wooing the competition is a fine art."
"I thought you preferred to share your bed with…" the Viceroy said as he cleared his throat and glanced to Florens.
Phayne laughed.
"My heart and my bed are two completely different things. I may be willing to betray my bedmate for the sake of forming an alliance but I will never betray myself."
"I see. Then what do you have in mind?"
"Once word gets out that I defeated a Leonisran force and that I have formed an alliance with a rather wealthy house then I will give Felix Marceaux a reason to be concerned."
"And who are you going to form an alliance with?"
"That would be my house," Florens said. "As you know, Viceroy, House Daryll is a major house in the north east. We have ties in the Northern Lands and the Southern Plains as well as in the Eastern Mountains. And to make the alliance official, my sister has agreed to marry Phayne Andjo."
Viceroy Corrin looked at Phayne in shock.
"But…but you promised to marry my daughter. I gave you my oath in exchange for my House sharing a major position. Once you're king whoever your wife is will be queen."
"Don't worry. Your daughter will be married to Florens. That way you may share in the prosperity as well. But if you wish to bow out now…well, you see that man over there," Phayne said and pointed to the corpse of a soldier wearing the blue and gold of House Marceaux. "Let's just say that you will consider him lucky. Is that understood, Viceroy?"
Corrin frowned and could only nod his head.
"Excellent," Phayne said. "Now, shall we continue our inspection of the field of battle?"
As they walked Phayne could not help but notice that the majority of the dead were either in the crimson, gold, and white of House Leonisra or the blue and gold. There were very few dead with the purple and gold of House Andjo.
I can do this, he thought. If I continue to win like this then I will become Lord of the East. And then I will be able to go for Las Noches.
Around him the moans of the dying continued.
Las Noches
Much of Las Noches was empty and barren wasteland. Why Aizen had decided to include much of the desert that surrounded the original Imperial Compound was beyond anyone's guess. But the closest thing to the actual truth was that Aizen wanted to make sure that his palace was fit for a wannabe god.
In the south-western quadrant of the massive complex stood the figure of a pink-haired Espada with the broken blade of a Zanpakuto impaled through one outstretched hand and into his chest. The body of Szayel Aporro Granz had been left where it was simply because very few Arrancars really cared about doing anything about it. They had enough problems to worry about without the thought of burying an Espada who might still be alive to get in their way. The air a little ways from the standing corpse began to tear apart as a Garganta was formed. Three figures stood in the darkness waiting for the Garganta to finish opening.
"Damn, I forgot how dry it was here," the blue-haired former Espada said as he walked out of the Garganta.
He was followed closely behind by the pink-haired companion who looked as if he could be the corpse's doppelgänger. The last to emerge was an unusually tall and extremely thin man with long black hair and a patch covering his left eye socket. There was a time when these three were lords of this place. They had been among the ten most powerful warriors under Aizen's command, but they were no longer wearing the white uniforms of the Espada. They were now in the black of the Soul Reapers.
"Ah good, it looks like we're close," Szayel Aporro Granz said and he pointed to his corpse.
"Uh…isn't that you?" Nnoitora asked.
"Of course it's me, you idiot. Hmm…I would have preferred it if he treated my body with some kind of respect."
"This is fucking weird," Grimmjow said as he looked from one Szayel Aporro to the other.
"Tell me about it," Nnoitora said.
Rudobon Chelute came out of Sonído behind the three former Espada with about 100 of his freshly grown Exequias. He had to shake his head in disbelief as he saw these three standing in Hueco Mundo again. He knew that they were dead. Seven hells, he had died himself but since he was confined to Las Noches by the ancient oaths that House Chelute took in the days when the Margelain priests and priestesses were a major power and were known to grant the gift of immortality at a high cost, he was forced to return from the dead.
"HALT!" he shouted as he remembered his orders. "State your business."
"Shit, I know that voice," Grimmjow said as he turned around.
"I'm surprised to see that you're still alive," Szayel Aporro Granz said.
I figured you would be, Rudobon thought. But even if I told you the truth you would most likely be unable to believe it.
"As long as Las Noches stands, I am bound to it," Rudobon said as he skirted around the heart of the truth about the Margelain sorcery behind it. "Yammy may have destroyed one body, but because I am bound to Las Noches, I was revived."
And it wasn't a pleasant experience, he thought with a shudder as he remembered the sensation of drowning in a sea of ice and fire and those eyes from the darkness that surrounded him.
"So, what's been going on since…well…since Aizen left?" Szayel Aporro asked.
Rudobon hesitated for a moment. He tried to think of what he could say without giving too much information away. He knew that he couldn't tell them about the Council of Houses or about who the various houses were or even how many were vying for power. So, he decided to tell them an overall generalization.
"I'm afraid that Civil War has broken out over Hueco Mundo over who will control Las Noches," he said.
Then his head jerked up. He looked past them in complete surprise.
What? No…this is too soon, he thought.
Outside Las Noches
"Cero," Mordrath said lazily as he aimed the blade of his spear at the wall before them. The blade that had once shone like ice now blazed with a black light laced with purple as his Reiatsu was directed through it.
Maullarn stood in awe at the sight. He had known that Mordrath could intensify the power of his Reiatsu through his spear and he had seen him use such a technique on the battlefield. But he had never seen or felt a cero so powerful. It felt more like a Gran Rey Cero bordering on a Cero Oscularas than a regular Cero.
And he's not even breaking a sweat, Maullarn thought with fear. Jango Tuma and his young son, Skullak were powerful, but I don't remember either being able to release this much power with so little effort. Just how powerful is he anyways?
His eyes widened as the black and purple wave of power struck the wall, shattering it as though it was nothing more glass. He looked to see Mordrath smiling as he stepped aside.
"Now, get going," he said to Shaddam and pointed to the gaping hole and the sight of a sunlit sea of sand beyond.
Inside Las Noches
"What are ya looking for?" Grimmjow asked.
"Damn," Rudobon said aloud and then remembered who was standing before him. I can't let them think that Skullak is weak, he thought. I can't let them know just how unprepared we are. "It seems as though another army is coming closer," he said, mixing truth with lie. "Right now there are five major factions fighting over Las Noches, but so far only two have shown to be strong enough to have the upper-hand." Yes, that is Mordrath's Reiatsu. That means it's safe to assume that he's another vying for power. And at this early stage he does have the upper-hand.
"Really, who are they?" Grimmjow asked, suddenly becoming very interested.
Great, he's just like his brothers and sisters, Rudobon thought. Instead of making him wary, I'm making him want to jump in. DAMN IT!
At this point he could only tell them what he suspected without telling them too much of what was really going on.
"One of them is led by Baraggan's younger brother, Mordrath Luisenbarn," he said.
"Holy shit, the former Segunda," Nnoitora said.
"You know of him?" Grimmjow asked.
"Fuck yeah," Nnoitora said. "When Aizen took Las Noches from Baraggan, he brought his younger brother back from exile and appointed him the first Segunda of the first generation of Aizen-appointed Espada. However, he decided he wanted the throne to himself and led a rebellion. That's how Nel and I became Espada…we backed the right horse and Aizen gave us positions in the second-generation Espada."
"Yes, and now he's returned to reclaim the throne," Rudobon said, somewhat relieved that he could waylay them with what he knew about Mordrath.
"So, who's the other faction?" Grimmjow asked.
Rudobon wondered what he should say to that one. It was shaky ground because not even he knew how to answer that one. Fortunately, he was spared from having to answer.
"That would be me," Skullak said.
The three former Espada turned to look at him. Skullak was not surprised to see Nnoitora grimace a little or Szayel Aporro cock his head a little at him and give him that look that said he would like to see what kind of experiments he could perform on him. Grimmjow only looked at him wide-eyed.
"Shit, Skullak, is that you?" he asked.
"Ah, Grimmjow, it's nice to see you again. I was sorry to hear about the fate that your Fraccion suffered," Skullak said in a sad tone. He had enjoyed training with Grimmjow's band and their loss had made him wonder about what he should do in order to prevent more losses. But as the Winter War went on, it became clear that there was little he could do to stop the road of destruction that Aizen had put them on.
"Fuck, I thought that you and Baraggan were buddies. What are you doing fighting his brother?" Nnoitora asked.
The kind of question that a Gilga would ask, Skullak thought with disgust. And yet I may end up having to form an alliance with them after all.
"It is an unfortunate twist of Fate that has forced me to fight against Baraggan's brother, but it must be done. Mordrath is an incapable leader and cares nothing for actually caring for his subjects. He…" Skullak began and then he stopped when he saw that they were dressed like Soul Reapers.
How…how could this have happened? I mean…I don't mind seeing Nnoitora like this since I never liked him and I never trusted Szayel Aporro…but…but Grimmjow? Why?
"I know…I know," Grimmjow said. "Look, we fell in battle against Soul Reapers and we entered the Soul Society. We're Soul Reapers now, but we didn't come here to do any harm."
"How many?" Skullak asked. "How many of my companions are now…now SOUL REAPERS?" he shouted.
"If it makes any difference, Tuma," Szayel Aporro said. "Starrk's a Soul Reaper as well."
"No…no…that's impossible," Skullak said. "How could so many of my former friends become…become that which I DESPISE the most?"
"Shit happens," Nnoitora said as he picked his nose. "Get used to it."
Shut your mouth, Gilga. I don't need a lecture from the likes of you, Skullak thought bitterly.
"At any rate, we're only here to collect some of my data that…that poor excuse of a scientist, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, failed to get his hands on."
"You're Soul Reapers now," Skullak said. "I can't trust you," he said and withdrew his Zanpakuto.
"Damn it, Skullak, don't be so stubborn," someone said.
"Oh…uh…Cirucci," Skullak said, his face turning bright red.
"So, is it true that Starrk and Harribel are Soul Reapers now?" Cirucci asked as she put one hand on Skullak's shoulder.
"Uh…yeah…uh…you're still alive?" Grimmjow asked.
"Of course, they're alive, you idiot," Szayel Aporro said. "I promised Skullak to make sure that Aizen didn't get his hands on them for their failure to stop Ichigo and his friends. Why else would I send Rudobon to fetch them without telling Aizen first?"
"Then…what were those bodies in your specimen collection?" Nnoitora asked.
"Oh those…those were just two Arrancars who failed Aizen and no one had any use for them. I was seeing if I could make them look like Dordoni and Cirucci if Aizen ever wanted to see them. Speaking of which…you owe me for that, Skullak. I don't do things for free."
"You're right," Skullak said. "Cirucci, dear, could you fetch Gantenbainne and Dordoni for me? I need to go over the new plans with them."
"Yes dear," Cirucci said and kissed Skullak on the cheek before sonídoing away from them.
"So, what's it like in the Soul Society?" Skullak asked.
"It's actually pretty nice," Grimmjow said.
"Yeah, we actually get along pretty well with the guys in Squad 11," Nnoitora said.
"How about Starrk and Harribel, how are they doing?"
"Well…from the times we see them, they're doing very well," Grimmjow said. "I would say that they probably belong there more than the rest of us."
"What about Baraggan?"
"We haven't seen that old pile of bones," Nnoitora said. "I guess Skeletor is in Hell roasting his weary bones by a nice warm fire and setting up a new Kingdom for him to rule."
"That would be like him," Skullak said and laughed.
"So, is it true what Rudobon said?" Grimmjow asked. "Is there really a civil war going on in Hueco Mundo?"
"I'm afraid it is," Skullak said. "We've had armies from the other twelve major cities throughout Hueco Mundo try to attack us. However, we've been hearing rumors from refugees fleeing from the Western Wastes."
I'm sorry. But I can't afford having you help me, he thought. As long as you think that I'm strong on my own then you won't offer to help me in any way. If I'm to become Emperor of Hueco Mundo then I must do it without the Soul Reapers' help. And whether I like you or not, you are Soul Reapers. If you were still Arrancars, then I would tell you the truth. I would tell you that this is our first attack.
"What sort of rumors?" Nnoitora asked.
"I'm not sure what to make of them," Skullak said. "However, they concern a group of invaders that are neither Soul Reaper or Hollow or Arrancar and yet are about as powerful as the Vasto Lordes, if not more powerful. They call themselves 'The Potestas' and everyone in Hueco Mundo are becoming afraid of the name."
Skullak knew that the reports from the Northern Land were worrisome, but he figured that right now everyone in Hueco Mundo was more concerned about which House would make the next major move. He figured that word that Phayne Andjo striking the first blow would get around quickly and since he was victorious…that would really shake up the confidence in House Marceaux.
"Who are they?" Nnoitora asked, sounding as though he would like to face one of these "Potestas" as soon as possible.
"We don't know," Skullak said. "And that worries me."
"Hmm, they sound as though they could be very interesting test subjects," Szayel Aporro said and grinned.
They reached the double doors that led to Szayel Aporro's storeroom where he kept his specimens. He pulled the doors open and frowned at the empty room.
"That vulture took everything," he moaned. "Ah well, if he was a real scientist then he should have known that I would keep another storeroom where I stored all my special stuff."
"HA! That sounds like where Nnoitora kept all of his porn," Grimmjow said.
"Oh shut up Grimm-Kitty," Nnoitora snarled.
The three walked into the room while Skullak stood outside and was talking with Rudobon.
"What do you think?" Rudobon asked.
"We can't let them know what's really going on. I hate to do it, but we must continue to lie to them," Skullak replied. "If they know what's going on then they will drag the Soul Society into this and we must not let that happen. If anyone gains power by using the Soul Reapers…the masses will rise up and the other Houses will unite against them."
"Yes, and their heads would be on pikes in very little time and everyone will go back fighting each other," Rudobon said. "You do have a good point, Skullak. And it is my thought as well. An Arrancar Emperor who gained power with the help of the Soul Reapers is no true Arrancar."
"Yes, because they are chained to the Soul Society. Damn it. I never thought it would be so complicated."
"Yes, but it's something that a ruler must get used to."
"Yes, but…"
He fell silent. He could sense it. It was the quiet before the storm of battle.
"They're coming," Skullak whispered. "But I don't sense Mordrath. That's not like him. He always likes to go into the fray."
He saw Grimmjow and Nnoitora running, gleeful at the thought of battle. He could only shake his head at the realization that even though they were Soul Reapers, they were still the same old Grimmjow and Nnoitora, always looking for a fight. He turned and saw the rushing forces of Hollows. He recognized it as a common maneuver.
A wall of Hollows to shield the Arrancars, he thought. Mordrath usually doesn't favor that maneuver. He usually favors sending in weak Arrancars first while his Hollow forces rush at the flanks. Using that tactic will cause his opponents to be focused on the stronger enemy at the front that they fail to see the greater threat of being overpowered at the sides. This is someone else leading the charge, but Mordrath's hand is in it.
"FUCK YEAH!" Grimmjow and Nnoitora shouted as the first rush of Hollows came at them.
Skullak drew his sword.
"Sir, they're coming," Dordoni said as he along with the other Privaron Espada came running towards him.
"I know," Skullak said.
"It's bad," Szayel Aporro said as he came running towards them. "I recognized that Mordrath is with them."
"No he's not," Skullak said. "That's not his Reishi that I'm feeling. He always does this. The coward always sends in a double so that way he can watch the battle from a safe distance. He won't come onto the scene until he's absolutely sure that he has achieved victory."
I'm sorry, Grimmjow. But I have to lie to you. If you truly knew Mordrath you would understand why. I don't want you to get killed again and if you try to go against him, he will crush you.
"Oh…" Szayel Aporro said and adjusted his glasses. "Grimmjow, Nnoitora, we better get going. There's not much we can do…"
"EXCEPT HAVE SOME FUN!" Grimmjow yelled and laughed.
"No shit," Nnoitora said and grinned. "It's about time we got back into action."
Grimmjow and Nnoitora withdrew their Zanpakuto and grinned at each other. They looked at the army of Hollows charging towards them and rushed forward.
"Great…just great," Szayel Aporro moaned. "What am I supposed to tell everyone if I come back alone because you two were stupid enough to rush into battle? Why couldn't I have some of the more responsible Espada accompany me on this mission?"
Grimmjow and Nnoitora roared out with glee as they clashed with the Hollows. The hand-to-hand combat training they took with Yoruichi was coming in handy. Their swords cut through the Hollows as though they were nothing more than butter. Both felt a surge of adrenaline rush through their bodies and the sensation was the same as drinking strong liquor. They felt alive again.
"Damn, this is BORING!" Nnoitora said. "There's no challenge here. Where are the fucking Arrancars?"
That was when they saw the Arrancars. Both grinned and yelled as they slaughtered the Hollows that stood in their way. Most of the Arrancars were already in their Resurrección forms. Grimmjow and Nnoitora grinned as they continued to fight. Some of the Arrancars began to back off, except for a few who rushed forward, unleashing a wave of Reiatsu that threatened to bring many of the structures around them crashing down.
"Holy fucking shit," Grimmjow whispered and grinned.
"VASTO LORDES!" Grimmjow and Nnoitora yelled in glee.
"Now it's getting fun," Nnoitora said as he raised his Zanpakuto above his head.
"No shit," Grimmjow said and he put the tips of his fingers on his Zanpakuto.
"PRAY, SANTA TERESA!" Nnoitora shouted.
"GRIND, PANTERA!" Grimmjow shouted as he ran his fingers down the length of his blade.
However, nothing happened. The two looked at their Zanpakuto in surprise.
"What the fuck?" Nnoitora muttered.
"NOTHING HAPPENED!" Grimmjow shouted.
"NO SHIT, SHERLOCK! WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CLUE?"
"Well, you don't look like a giant insect?"
"And you sure as Hell don't look like a fucking cat."
"Damn you…for the last time…I'M A PANTHER!"
"Would you two niños get out of our way?" Dordoni asked and shoved them behind him.
"What the fuck?" Grimmjow said.
"You're useless against them," Skullak said as he, Cirucci, and Gantenbainne joined Dordoni at the front lines. "Face it, you can't go into Resurrección anymore and you can't even unleash a Shikai. You would only get yourselves killed. Now, go. Leave them to us and get Szayel Aporro back to the Soul Society with the data he collected. That is what you came for…right?"
Grimmjow and Nnoitora looked at each other and sighed.
"Shit, I hate running like this," Grimmjow said. "But he's right. We didn't come here to fight."
"Fuck," Nnoitora said and turned around and walked back to where Szayel Aporro was waiting next to the Garganta. He stopped and turned around. "THIS AIN'T FUCKING OVER!" he shouted.
"Yeah," Grimmjow said, grinning. "When we get more powerful, we'll come back and fight as well."
"Whatever you say," Skullak said and smiled at them. "Now get going. Make sure that you close that thing behind you."
"Yeah, and we'll also turn out the lights too," Grimmjow said and he dragged Szayel Aporro to the Garganta.
"Mission Fucking Accomplished," Nnoitora sneered and the three walked into the Garganta, which closed behind them.
Skullak sighed with relief. He looked at Dordoni.
"Where's Lupos and his army?"
"They're coming, sire," he said. "He just needed to get something from his palace."
"Alright, in the meantime, let's do this. Everyone, unleash Hell on them. CERO!"
The cries of "Cero" came and wave after wave of the unleashed Reiatsu weapon crashed into the oncoming wave of Hollows. Skullak could feel a couple of Vasto Lordes among them and knew that somewhere in the group was Mordrath.
Mordrath
Mordrath Luisenbarn stood on top of a pile of heaped rubble as he watched Shaddam direct the attack from further down the slope.
"He's using a common tactic," Petros said. "I don't think that Skullak will buy it."
"Of course he doesn't buy it. He knows I'm here." Mordrath smiled. "It seems that he's not as well prepared as I thought. If I really wanted to I could crush him right now."
"Then why don't you, my Emperor?"
"Patience, Petros. I am merely feeling out one enemy, but there are likely to be other factions to take care of. Let them weaken themselves while we wait by the wings to take out whoever's left. You see, the great conquerors are always those who come in at the right time and that time is when their enemy has weakened themselves from within. But other great conquerors take great risks."
Mordrath watched as the great bier with his throne went past, carried by regular Hollows. The doppelgänger he used was doing a good job being haughty. He smiled as he watched.
"And great conquerors always make sacrifices. Maullarn, do it."
Maullarn looked at Mordrath and sighed as he put his fists together. He muttered something under his breath. A fiery red aura grew around him as he absorbed Reiatsu from the air and the sand. His mutterings became even more intense and Petros watched as Maullarn became even bigger.
"It's one of his special techniques," Mordrath whispered. "I recall that it impressed my brother a great deal. Do you understand now why I wanted to get him on my side?"
"Yes, my Emperor," Petros whispered in awe.
"DESTROZANDO LA TIERRA!" Maullarn roared as he struck the ground.
The sands began to shift and then sink as a sinkhole formed that spread out before him like the jaws of death. Mordrath smiled.
Skullak
Skullak unleashed another pulse of Reiatsu. It spread out from him and plowed into the rushing army. Many of the ordinary Hollows fell dead before him, blood trickling from the corners of their eyes and out of their ears. Dordoni and Gantenbainne were mostly using their hands to rip apart the Hollows. Cirucci's bladed whip whirled through the oncoming force. Her whip wrapped around one Arrancar's neck and she pulled on it gently.
I wonder what that Quincy would think if that coiled around his own neck, Skullak thought as he watched the whip sever the Arrancar's head from his shoulders. Blood spread on the sand before him. But there was something not right.
Skullak looked and saw what was missing.
He normally has battalions of Gillians. Where are the Gillians? The Vasto Lordes he has aren't even Arrancars. Where are…?
Understanding dawned on him.
"He divided his forces," he whispered. "The bastard divided his forces. That means that… CIRUCCI, DORDONI, GANTENBAINNE FALL BACK! FALL BACK! IT'S A TRAP!"
That was when the ground beneath his feet began to shake.
Mordrath
Mordrath walked to where Shaddam was watching the forces he had sent out being devoured by the sand. He looked at Mordrath with wide eyes.
"Sire, I…"
"You have nothing to worry about," Mordrath said. "That's why I instructed you not to go with your forces. Send out a message to your most powerful warriors to retreat and tell them that they will serve me instead of you."
"Yes…my lord," Shaddam whispered as he closed his eyes.
Mordrath watched as groups of Arrancars and the unchanged Vasto Lordes and Adjuchas escape from the shifting sands. He could see that the four Arrancars who had stood against the force retreat back before the ground split open, swallowing the forces caught in its path.
"Sir, that's him," Petros said and pointed to one of the figures on the other side of the widening gap.
"I know. Come. We've done enough damage here. Let's rejoin the rest of the forces. There's an entrance to the Menos Forest a few miles away. Before we go, though…Maullarn, say what you would like to say. And remember, your daughter's life is at stake."
Maullarn looked at him and then to the figure on the sinking throne who was now crying out. He knew he had to make it look convincing and so imagined the real Mordrath falling into the widening gap.
"DEATH HAS NOW CLAIMED YOU ESPADA OF ENVY!" he roared.
Mordrath nodded and smiled as he looked at Maullarn.
"That was very good. But remember that trick won't really work against me."
"I know," Maullarn said. "And I know that if I tried then you would make me regret it."
"That's right. Now, shall we get going?"
Mordrath turned and walked to the gaping hole. Shaddam came rushing after him like a dog that was now learning how to obey it owner. Maullarn grimaced. He knew why Mordrath had used Shaddam's forces in such a way.
He wants me to realize just how much power he has, Maullarn thought as he looked at his hands. He knew my ultimate attack when I'm not in Resurrección. But I don't know what he's capable of. He was reminding me of that simple fact.
He looked at Mordrath with deepening respect.
He knows how to truly wield a weapon. And that includes living weapons. Very few have that gift.
Maullarn felt shame at that. He hated Mordrath and yet he couldn't help but admire him. He had a feeling that Mordrath would one day end up in control of Las Noches. And he also had a feeling that Mordrath's ambitions were greater than any Arrancar who came before. Whatever dreams Mordrath had, he kept to himself until he was ready to share them. And Maullarn would be lying if he said that he wasn't in the least bit curious to see what those dreams were.
Wonderweiss
Wonderweiss stood at the edge of the gaping hole and then to where it had originated. It was the type of technique that was not used very often. He understood that very few Arrancars could control any single element.
"Wow, that must go all the way to the center of the world," Friia said as she looked over the gaping hole. "What do you think?"
"It's nothing to be worried about now," Wonderweiss said. "It can be repaired."
"Exacta," Friia said. "Do you think that the Espada of Envy is dead like that guy shouted?"
"He's not," Skullak said.
"Oh…oh…uh…Skullak…sir…I…I…uh…uh…"
"Enough of that Friia," Skullak said as he rubbed his head. "Go get something to eat while I talk with Wonderweiss here alone."
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Friia shouted. "You're willing to talk to him but not to me. You're such a meany, you mean jerk."
"That's enough," Cirucci said as she put a hand on the young Arrancar's shoulder. "Come along now, Friia. And if you're a good girl then I'll persuade Skullak to meet with you."
Friia looked at Cirucci as if she was a godsend. Her eyes shone brightly and an expression of joy came on her face.
"Do you really mean it?"
"Of course I do. But I won't let you meet him alone. You'll be under my watchful eye in any meeting you have with him."
"Cirucci…" Skullak began and was silenced by the look Cirucci gave him.
"If you think I'll let my beloved become some kind of heartless fiend who won't even give a fan girl the time of night, well you've got another thing coming."
"Why is it that nothing ever goes right around here?" Skullak moaned.
He looked to where Lupos stood with Antonin Schiffer. Lupos had arrived in time to see the attacking forces being swallowed by the sinkhole that had come seemingly out of nowhere. He had been late on account that he had to keep his youngest son from going with him. Skullak had understood that Lupos was trying to make sure his son would be safe, but it still bothered him that they were extremely unprepared.
"If there's one good thing that came from this," Gantenbainne said, "it's that we know that we need to work on being prepared."
"I know," Skullak said and he looked at Wonderweiss. "Please, come this way. Gantenbainne, I'll leave things to you."
"As you wish, sire," Gantenbainne said.
Wonderweiss followed Skullak until they were a good ways from the others. Skullak looked around as though to make sure that they weren't being followed. Then he looked at Wonderweiss.
"I know what you are."
"Oh…and what am I?"
"You are a Margelain. I remember hearing you being introduced as Wonderweiss Margela. At first I didn't register what it meant, but now I do."
"How do you know?"
"Lady Occuldae left me a message before she left. She told me what you were and that I should trust you. She told me that Aizen's greatest failure was taking away your ability to replace it with his own design to use you to seal away the Soul Reaper Captain-Commander's power."
"That's right. So, what do you want to know?"
"There are many questions that I would like to have answered, but right now my main concern is how am I going to protect my borders. The North is safe because I have an alliance with Lupos Starrk. The East seems to be too focused with the war between Marceaux and Andjo to be worried about trying to launch an attack. And the southern border is protected because of House del Socaccio. But Mordrath's attack showed me that there are weak links."
"There are," Wonderweiss said. He sat back in thought and closed his eyes. He looked through the images of dreams he had and then found those that would help Skullak. He opened his eyes. "I'm afraid you won't like what I have to say."
"Tell me."
"Skullak, eventually you will lose control of Las Noches."
Skullak looked at him, shocked at what he had been told.
"What?"
"You will lose Las Noches. I don't know how or when or to whom, but it will happen. And it will bring about misery for you and those close to you. However, there is a way to ensure that more lives will be saved. Make no mistake some of your allies will die. But if you do what I suggest, then the number will be greatly reduced."
"Alright, so…tell me. What do I need to do?"
"You need to reach out to House Gilga," Wonderweiss said. "You have to make an alliance with him."
Skullak shook his head.
"I can't."
"Then in that case, I'm afraid that many of those who are your friends and allies will die. But if you do, then you can ensure that at least Cirucci will survive. But if you don't, then…" Wonderweiss fell silent as the image of Cirucci's naked and mangled corpse impaled on a pike floated in his mind.
"Are you saying that if I refuse to form some kind of alliance with House Gilga, then…then Cirucci will die?"
"Yes."
Skullak put a hand over his mouth. He looked at Wonderweiss again.
"Tell me, are there any factions I need to worry about?"
"Yes," Wonderweiss said. "And not all of them are known to you. This war will have two stages. The first is the one we're in: the War of Five Crowns. The second is going to be a lot worse and it is the War of Blood."
"I see. Well then, I…"
"Skullak, have you ever heard of a House Aizha?"
Skullak looked at Wonderweiss confused.
"House Aizha? What are you talking about?"
"Well…how about 'The Bastard House' or 'The King of the Dawn'?"
Skullak thought long and hard, trying to remember everything he ever read, but he only came up empty.
"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with any of those titles. Why?"
"It's because every road that I see has him bringing the sun to Hueco Mundo."
Skullak laughed at that.
"I'm sure that those dreams are just dreams. After all, the Sun of Hueco Mundo is a myth. We live in a world of eternal night. There is no sun here."
Wonderweiss watched as Skullak walked away and frowned. He knew better. He had seen it. And the memory of that other Margelain filled him with terror. He knew that whoever the King of the Dawn was would be someone to be careful of. For his arrival would herald the end of the old age of the Arrancars and he and another whose face Wonderweiss could not see would form an alliance that would usher in a new age.
The Lands of the Dawn
The fire burned along the shores of the Twilit Sea. The sky above was the hue of a sky at the twilight time before the dawn. Above they could see what those who lived in the Night Lands could not: stars shining black.
A great host was already gathering along the shore. Great ships carrying supplies were anchored in the bay. The banner of the King of the Dawn, a blazing golden sun on a white field with a fiery red crown at the heart of the sun, fluttered in the sea breeze. The roars of Hollows and beasts unknown to the rest of Hueco Mundo could be heard from their kennels and holding pens. The marching steps of incoming forces from lands further east and further north could be heard.
Many of these forces did not wear the same clothing as those in the Hueco Mundo Empire wore. Many wore flowing robes made of spider-silk that were harvested from the great spiders that dwelt in the Asshai Valley. The forces who served the Sultan of the Southern Reach wore turbans and their chin beards were grown long, dyed red, and glistened with oil. The forces who served the Lords of the Sunlit Isles wore baggy trousers dyed green and ornate jewelry. The forces from the Ice Plains wore robes and caps made of fur and their faces were heavily bearded and mustached. The armor ranged from inexpensive boiled leathers to expensively engraved metal plates. The forces from the Lake Lands carried wicker shields. The armies from the United Free Cities carried shields of bronze.
It was an army made of a vast variety of cultures and nations that were all part of the Fiery Empire. Even though they came with a wide variety of banners, they were now all united under the banner of the King of the Dawn. The Lords and Sultans and Kings of these lands were now on their knees with their foreheads touching the sand forming a great ring around the central fire. Their crowns were laid out before them as an offering of servitude to the One True King.
"THE FIRE PIERCES THE NIGHT," Mardara shouted. "IT CHASES AWAY THE DARKNESS AND MAKES WAY FOR THE DAWN!"
"We pray to the One True God of Fire and Light to chase away the darkness," the crowd prayed.
"THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF TERRORS BUT THE LIGHT THAT SHINES IN US SHALL DESTROY THEM AND PURIFY THE LANDS!"
"The Night is dark and full of terrors but The Light shall always triumph."
Ishamael Aizha stood in front of the roaring fire. His face was even more grim than usual. He had heard the Priestess of the Dawn give the same sermon to rile the people while they waited for some sign to come upon them that would herald the time for the campaign to regain his kingdom had come.
"IN THE PROMISED TIME A BLACK STAR SHALL FALL AND BECOME THE SACRED COLOR OF RED! WE WAIT FOR THE RED STAR!"
"We wait for the Red Star," the host said.
"WE WAIT FOR THE ONE TRUE KING TO TAKE WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS! THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL SHALL BE REWARDED! AND THOSE WHO ARE UNFAITHFUL SHALL BE SHUNNED! THE LANDS OF THE FAITHFUL SHALL KNOW JOY AND PEACE WHILE THE LANDS OF THE UNFAITHFUL SHALL KNOW ONLY STRIFE AND FAMINE! HERE IS THE ANOINTED OF THE GOD OF LIGHT AND FIRE!"
"HAIL THE ANOINTED OF AIHAR, GOD OF LIGHT AND FIRE!" the host shouted.
Ishamael Aizha strode forward and raised his hands.
"HAIL TO YOU, THE TRUE FAITHFUL!" he shouted. "THE HAND OF BLESSING SHALL COME UPON YOU AND THE HAND OF DESTRUCTION SHALL FALL ON OUR ENEMIES!"
The ceremonies that would lead up to the beginning of the campaign began. Ishamael Aizha walked before the rulers on their hands and knees, taking oaths of fealty from each one and then picking up their crown and placing it on his head. Then the ruler would swear the oaths of fealty that every common citizen took before their ruler to him. Before moving to the next he would take the crown from the previous ruler off his head and throw it into the fire and say, "Aihar, the God of Light and Fire, bears witness to your vow. May the fire consume you if you break it."
After he finished with the last ruler in the circle he would take the crown that Mardara offered him, a golden circlet embedded with a glowing stone surrounded by rubies and place it on top of his head.
As more rulers came, he would repeat the ceremony until the time came for them to march.
This is my army, he thought as he looked out at the great host assembled. And I am their king. Soon, every knee in the Night Land will bend before me or I will destroy them.
End of Chapter 10
A.N.: The War of Five Crowns has officially begun. Also, this chapter coincides with Chapter 6 of one of my other stories, "Tamashi no Kiri", from which the scene of Grimmjow, Szayel Aporro, and Nnoitora in Las Noches is taken.
When I started writing "Blood on the Sand" I had no idea just how complex it would get. I have so many ideas for this story because there are many aspects of this story are based on history, fantasy literature, and also films ranging from D.W. Griffith's Intolerance to Elizabeth and TV shows like Game of Thrones and The Tudors.
I should note that this story is part of a larger story with each one as its own separate story and yet united as a whole in some way or another. The other stories in what I refer to as "The Song of Soul Reapers and Hollows" include: "Under the Lonely Moon", "The Espada of Envy", "Tamashi no Kiri", "Blood on the Sand", and the forthcoming "Shadow, Fire, and Ice" (which I may start publishing sometime this summer or fall), and maybe a couple of one-shots that I might put down. Each one can be read individually.
Also, this story actually helped me to get started doing the first-ever collaboration with another writer. I consider that collaboration, "Shattered Realms" written with Eduard Kassel, to be one of my favorite stories to work on.
I would also like to thank darkmachines for bearing with me.
And I would like to thank everyone who is reading these stories. It means a lot to those who love telling stories that people are actually reading or listening to them.
That's all for now.
Thank you for reading and please review.