Chapter 7: The Meeting of Ermac and Halibel

So Halibel set out and onto battle. As she traveled along she made up her own theory on the whole situation.

The first intruder who had dealt with Menoly and Loly and the Tres Bestias afterwards was nothing but a scout. And even the account she got from Gontainbine she assumed he must have been strong to give the Privaron a run for his money. But he was a scout, send to roam the lands and learn what he could, which to her explained why he didn't want to fight because it wasn't his mission. Now Halibel thought the group that Grimmjow had spotted was a second wave of invaders sent after they'd learned of their scouts death. But they would deal with no fraccion or Privaron this time, this time they dealt with the ruler of Hueco Muendo.

Halibel made her way around the endless dessert when she came upon something. Looking in the sand she was fresh tracks, her eyes scanned the direction she went and she followed after them.

She made her way onto a small hill and looking down she saw them. Reiko, Tanya, and Li Mei were spread out in a triangle formation their tracks behind them and Reiko in the lead. They scanned the area all around, eyes looking everywhere.

There wasn't a doubt in Halibel's mind that these were the intruders based on their strange appearances. With her search over she set down to do what she went there to do, confront them. She slid down the hill, kicking up a cloud of sand as she went. Then she slid down before the three startling them at first then slowly rose up to her full height before them. Silence overtook them as the four looked each other over.

"Who are you?" questioned Reiko at last breaking the silence.

"I'll ask the questions." Said Halibel." Starting with who are you and what are you doing here?"

"Who do you think you are?!" said Tanya defiantly as she stepped up but was stopped by Reiko.

"I am Tia Halibel, Ruler of Hueco Muendo and this is my land!"

"Your land?" questioned Li Mei. Reiko stayed silent, from what they had heard from their scouts this land was supposed to be deserted but apparently they heard wrong.

"Yes my land. Now I ask again, what are you doing here?" Li Mei stepped forward to continue arguing but Reiko put up his hand silencing her, then he himself stepped up.

"We are travelers from a land called Outworld sent on a mission from our Lord and Master, The Dragon King Onaga." Halibel raised her brow in confusion she had never heard of a Outworld nor a Dragon King but she let him continue." A renegade of our land has escaped here. We have come to take him back."

"A renegade?" questioned Tia.

"A criminal." Said Reiko." Have you seen him. He's a tall man with a broad body, covering himself entirely in cloth, and he-"

"Yes." Said Halibel recognizing the description." I know of him."

"You know of him?" questioned Reiko." Where is he?"

"Dead." She quickly responded.

"Dead?!" he questioned, Tanya and Li Mei jolting with him.

"Yes he is dead. One of my people came across him in battle earlier today and killed him." Reiko couldn't help but smile, thinking of Ermac defeated and his own task had already been completed.

"If he is dead, we will not trouble you. But we would like the body."

"There is not body. The only thing left of him is a black cloth covered in his own blood."

"Then I will take that, as evidence to my master. Where is it?"

"At my palace."

"Then we will go there and take it." Reiko took a step forward but stopped once Halibel put her hand out.

"You will go no further." She warned." Your business here is concluded, leave now!" Reiko grimaced.

"My business is not concluded until I have evidence of his death." He stood up moved his hand to the sword on his belt." Must I take drastic steps?" He gripped it. Li Mei and Tanya prepared themselves at Reiko's side.

"You will find it now good" said Halibel. She reached back and grabbed the hilt of her own blade on her back. They all stood there in a standoff, none willing to back down. Finally Reiko gave the order.

"Kill her." He ordered. And with that Tanya and Li Mei flung themselves into battle with Halibel. As they rushed at her Halibel drew out her sword and prepared for combat.

Li Mei was the first to attack, jumping up and slashing her two knives at Halibel. But the Espada put up her sword and block. Then Tanya came down with her own weapon but Halibel dodged back, then took a step forward and kicked Tanya in the face.

She fell back onto the ground and Halibel quickly turned back to Li Mei and swung her sword only to be blocked by two knives.

Not too far away was Ermac. Since his meeting with Gontainbine he had gone about the lands of Hueco Muendo very peacefully and as he assumed would not be bothered by any more of the Arrancars. However his peace would soon be disturbed.

He sat with his back to the wall, not to sleep but for meditation as he thought over the past few days. He was at least sure he was safe from the Arrancars and that from now one he would battle only the forces of Outworld.

He closed his eyes and thought back to his dream, trying to remember the faces of the dying and their connection to him. But he could yield no answers and his peace was suddenly caught off by a sound.

There was a cry out in the distance. Ermac quickly opened his eyes and jumped to his feet, scanning the area around him. But from what he could tell there was nothing at least not in his general area that could have produced that sound. So he waited and sure enough there was another sound. The sound of clashing blades. Ermac cocked his head over to the right, the direction he concluded the fighting was going on.

So he ran to a nearby hill and peered out into the distance. And looking out he was finally able to see the battle that was going on.

There was some woman fighting against Li Mei and Tanya. And from what Ermac could tell she was dominating the fight. Li Mie and Tanya flung themselves at the woman again and again but were not match for her.

Then Ermac gazed past them and saw Reiko standing watching the whole thing. And Ermac's rage returned to him, remembering that is was Reiko who under Onaga's orders had betrayed him. Now with his desire for vengeance burning in his heart once more Ermac leapt up from his spot and headed down to the battle, ready to spill the blood of his enemies.

Li Mei flung herself at Halibel once more, only for the Espada to with a swing of her arm hit her in the face and sending her down to the ground.

Tanya attacked next swinging her blades at Halibel furiously only for the Espada to block or dodge. Tanya swung one knife forward but Halibel dodged by stepping to the side, when she struck with the other Halibel blocked with her sword. Then Halibel took a step forward and head-butted Tanya in the face, forcing her to stumble back.

Halibel squared herself away while Tanya stood there. Reiko stood back and watched, knowing all too well what was about to happen. Tanya rushed forward, blades in both hands and charged Halibel. But the Ruler of Hueco Muendo did not falter. She raised but her sword and when Tanya was directly before her she swung down. With a simple swing of her arms her sword came down and landed right in Tanya's chest, cutting from her right shoulder down.

With another clean stroke Halibel pulled her sword from her enemy and Tanya's body fell onto the ground with a thud. She would not be getting up. She then looked over and saw Li Mei, moving slightly but Halibel considered her out of commission. So then she turned to the leader of the group, Reiko.

He had watched the battle unfold before him and saw Halibel walk towards him, knowing that it was now his turn to battle. He had seen her fighting just now and had observed her fighting style and pattern giving him an edge. Reiko's face hardened, he moved his hand to his waist and drew the sword form it's sheath. Then he too began advancing towards her.

Halibel gripped her sword with both hands and ran at Reiko. When the two were close together she jumped up and swung her blade trying to take his head. But Reiko put up his own sword and block then with a shove sent her off in the other direction. She stumbled slightly but she quickly turned around and faced him.

While their battle went on Ermac was racing towards them, unaware of what was going on. Reiko held his sword with both hands and pointed it towards Halibel who stood back with one hand on her's.

Then Reiko took a step forward and swung his sword only for Halibel to swing her sword out and block. Then Reiko swung around again this time in the opposite direction only for Halibel to block once more. But then Reiko took another step forward and swung his arm out trying to punch her. But Halibel swung around and ducked, and when she came up hit Reiko in the back of the head with her sword.

He stumbled off several feet, Halibel following. He touched his hand to the back of his head and found it bleeding. He turned around to see her coming towards him. He gripped his sword once again, then when she got close he swung out only for her to block. Then she took another step forward and swung at him, Reiko narrowly managing to dodge.

At this time Li Mei had slowly recovered and had managed to crawl over and towards her weapons. Her knives lay together and they were just in her reach. She looked back to see Reiko in heavy combat and knew it was her duty to go and held him. She turned back and reached out for her blades but when she did a large boot came down and stomped her hand into the ground. She cried out at first and then followed the leg up to the body and then to the head, recognizing who it was immediately.

"Ermac." She said in a panted breath. He looked upon her and saw her face beaten and red with blood. He lifted his foot slightly allowing her hand to escape. She panted slightly as she managed to get on her knees, despite the pain." We've found you." She said." Please." She lifted up her hands on put them on his body." Help me." Her voice was strained. But Ermac rolled his eyes and brushed her aside, walking past her. Li Mei toppled over for a second but managed to get back up. "Surely, you wouldn't leave me like this?" she asked. Ermac cocked his head over his shoulder and looked at her." Help out an friend for old time's sake."

"Indeed." He said turning back to her. Taking a heavy step forward and then another, stopping when he was a foot before her. She relaxed expecting him to help her up." We shall do unto you as you planned to do unto us." And with those words Li Mei's eyes open wide in fear. Ermac lunged forward and kicked her in the face, sending her onto her back. Then as he hovered over her he reached down and wrapped his hands around her neck. She struggled and kicked but could not fight against his overwhelming strength.

Ermac grimaced as his grip got tighter and tighter. Li Mei's struggling got weaker and weaker in his grip. She tried to pick up her arm and hit him but she only managed a soft slap. When she tried to speak nothing came out but a gulp." An eye for an eye." He said at last. He looked into her eyes and the last thing she saw with growing fear was his face glaring down at her. Then her eyes rolled behind her head as her body went limp in his hands.

Ermac dropped her back to the ground, but only the first phase of his revenge had begun. He turned and looked over his shoulder to the battle of Halibel and Reiko.

Halibel lunged forward again with her sword, Reiko managing to block it. She swung again and he blocked. She lifted up her sword and swung down. But when she did Reiko swung his sword up and managed to locked his sword between Halibel's.

Then with his superior size and weight he began bearing down on her, pushing her back. Halibel tried to fight back but it was a losing battle. She took a few steps back and then fell down onto one knee, all the while Reiko was bearing down on her.

He thought he was winning but there was no fear in Halibel's eyes and this confused him. When he looked down at her sword he saw why. Halibel's sword began to glow yellow and sparkle. Then before he could do anything she swung her sword down and a yellow cero fired out from it.

Ermac covered his face as wind and sand flew up at him. When he looked back up there was nothing but smoke. Then Reiko turned and stumbled out of it. His armor was cracked, he was covered it dust and bleeding from several parts of his body. He walked back several feet and stumbled onto his knees, Looking back he saw Halibel walking out from the smoke unharmed.

Reiko turned his head the other way and looked at the ground. Halibel walked up behind him and raised her sword above his head. But then something happened.

Reiko swiftly turned around and from his hand shot a fireball at her from close range. Halibel was unprepared and she took the shot at close range. She flew back several feet and landed on her back, her sword flying off in another direction.

Reiko ran his hand across his bleeding lip and rose back up to his feet, picking up his sword in the process. Then he turned and began making his way over to the defenseless Halibel. Before she knew it Reiko was standing over her, the tip of his sword against her throat.

She looked up at him and knew it would take a miracle to save her now. Reiko with a cold malice in his eyes lifted his sword up and over his head, Halibel shut her eyes for the finishing blow but it never came. When she looked up there was another man there holding Reiko's arm.

Ermac now engaged himself in the battle, stopping Reiko's final blow.

"Ermac!" exclaimed Reiko in shock. Then Ermac took a step forward and head-butted Reiko sending him stumbling back. Ermac took a step over Halibel and towards him, blood running down his face that wasn't his own.

Reiko turned back with a new gash in his forehead, blood running down it. Ermac centered himself before him. Now the news of Ermac's apparent death before pleased Reiko but having him now here before him to strike down was an even greater pleasure. Even thought he had taken battle damage he still had a weapon, something he felt gave him an advantage over his rival.

So the two prepared again for combat. Halibel propped herself up on her arms just in time to see the show.

Reiko holding his sword with both hands jumped forward and swung it. But Ermac ducked under his swing and shot up punching him once in the face and hitting him with his open palm with the other. Reiko tried to lifts his hands up to swing his sword but when he tried Ermac just slid his hands down and held onto Reiko's, holding them down. Reiko found struggling useless.

As they stood there Ermac looked down at the sword and noticed that it was the one Onaga had given him as a gift just before the start of the mission before he was betrayed. He gripped Reiko's hands tighter.

"This is our's!" He said. Then jabbed the sword back, hitting Reiko in the stomach then pulling it forward freeing it from his grip. Reiko then tumbled forward and onto the ground while Ermac bearing his sword once more got his hands used to handling a blade again. He twirled it back and forth between his hands.

Then he walked over and stood over Reiko, giving him a sharp kick to the side. He hissed his pain and then Ermac rolled him over onto his side. Reiko looked up and saw Ermac towering over him. Ermac looked down upon Reiko and his rage began to take control of him. But Ermac had seen many die in battle, most were afraid but had only been the last few seconds of their lives. Like Li Mei Ermac had to take his time with Reiko, so the fear spread into him slowly thus making his vengeance more meaningful.

"All these years." Began Ermac in a normal voice." We've waged a quiet war on each other. Us and you fighting for the attention of the Dragon King. But for all your efforts we managed to beat you, our loyalty and courage defeated you every time." He gripped his sword tighter in his hands frightening Reiko as he saw the expression on Ermac's face change. " We have realized now there is something sweeter than both those things." He reached down and grabbed Reiko by his shoulder pads."Revenge!" Then Ermac lifted Reiko up into the air.

"My death will not lead you to Onaga." Spat Reiko.

"Well." Said Ermac." We must start somewhere." Then he held up his sword preparing to swing forward and take his enemies life. But just as he planned to do so Ermac became distracted by something. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw something or someone sitting in the sand. He slowly turned his head over and saw Halibel sitting there.

She had watched on silently the whole time, gripped into each intense moment. And when he looked at her and their green eyes met all the hatred and rage in Ermac suddenly melted away.

His grip on Reiko loosened and he fell to the ground although Ermac just continued to look at Halibel and she at him. They kept eye contact for such a long time with neither breaking. It was Reiko moving around at his feet that got Ermac's attention again.

"What are you waiting for?" he said in a huffed breath as he looked at Ermac." Kill me! That's all your good for." Ermac swung forward and hit Reiko in the head with the hilt of his sword, sending him back onto the ground.

"We will kill you." He said moving one foot forward and then the other, standing right next to Reiko." Because we want you to do something for us." Reiko wiped the blood from his face and looked back at Ermac." We want you to go back to Outworld, we want you to go to the feet of the Dragon King and we want you to tell him that we're coming for him." With that Ermac turned on his heel and began walking away, sheathing the sword in his belt. He knew he had nothing to fear from Reiko now, and he was right.

His old rival got up and despite his wounds managed to grab both Tanya and Li Mei's bodies. Once he'd gotten them together he took out his medallion and opened a portal. Once it was opened he walked through it and headed back to Outworld. Ermac smirked as he watched him go.

But then he turned to the topic of greater interest for him at that moment, Tia Halibel. Despite his previous encounters with the people of this land he didn't deem her a threat, at least not after what he had just done for her.

She was still on the ground as he walked over to her. She looked up to see him standing there, unaware of his intentions he prepared for the worst. But to her quiet surprise he bent down and offered her his hand. She took it and helped her to her feet.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes." Was all she answered as he let go of her hand and she began dusting herself off. Ermac was alright with that answer and while she was dusting herself he looked over to see her sword sticking up from the ground nearby. So he reached back and pulled it out of the ground then held it before her.

Tia looked back to see him holding the blade out before her in his hands.

"Yours we believe." He said. She nodded her head, reached out and took the blade returning it to its sheath.

"Thank you." She said. Ermac nodded his head in reply then slowly turned and walked away." Where are you going?" she asked. One of his feet stomped onto the ground and the other leveled out next to it.

He turned his head and looked back at her." They'll be back." He motioned his head to where Reiko had just been." And with stronger forces, so we must move onto a more strategic position."

"You're that renegade they were looking for?" she asked.

"Yes." He replied." But we are a renegade here myself. So it's best we keep moving."

"Who says you're a renegade here?" she asked quickly.

"Everyone. That's why we've been hunted. This 'Halibel' doesn't care for strangers very much." She listened on intently." He's sent his elite forces to try and stop us."

"She." Halibel corrected. Ermac now turned back to her fully looking confused by what she said." She has sent elite forces to try and stop you." It now all became perfectly clear to him who she was." Tia Halibel, 3rd Espada, Ruler of Hueco Muendo." And that just confirmed it. Now he was hoping he could say the right things, in the hopes of avoiding another battle.

"We beg your pardon Halibel, we didn't know."

"Most would assume that I'm a man." She told. He just cleared his throat and nodded in response." And what is your name?" He didn't know if he should answer but he reacted out of uncontrolled instinct.

"We are Ermac."

"We?" she asked." Are there any more of you?"

"No."

"Your all alone?"

"Yes." He nodded.

"Well Ermac why don't you leave the cold sands of the dessert behind and come back to my palace with me?"

"We shall have to refuse."

"I wasn't asking." Ermac looked at her fully now, their green eyes meeting once again, silently battling the other for dominance. In Halibel's mind he had saved her and she was willing to show her gratitude in any way, starting with offering him a place to stay. But Ermac had learned recently that trust is a hard thing to come by and didn't think the arrancars would warm up to him as easily as she did. But then he thought that Halibel and her followers had no tie to Onaga or Outworld. He thought to himself 'The Enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

"Alright." He agreed." We will go with you."

"That's what I thought." She began walking and he waited till she was next to him and began walking with her.

"Although we don't think your people will be particular happy to see me."

"Let me worry about that." She said.