Several days had passed since Aizen acquired the legendary healing herb. This meant that the 5th-Espada Carmyn finally had the necessary ingredients to continue her potion research, which was now made easier by the resources present at Las Noches. Making his way through the massive structure, Aizen went to meet Carmyn, who after these few days had announced that she had some preliminary results to present him with.
Arriving at one of the exceedingly large laboratories that existed in the massive building, Aizen walked through, getting several greetings from those working on various projects. Finally, he reached the section that was focused on the herb. There, he was met by Carmyn who was accompanied by the three other great scientific minds of Las Noches, Szayelaporro Granz, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Kisuke Urahara.
"Welcome, Aizen-sama." Granz greeted with a bow, before going back to work.
"Hoh.~ Aizen." Urahara greeted with a friendly tone.
"We need proper subjects." Mayuri growled towards Carmyn as they spoke amongst themselves.
"We have more than enough subjects to test these potions on." The Espada argued back in annoyance.
"You know very well what I meant. Our subjects are far too limited." Mayuri pointed out in consternation.
"I know that very well, but we won't go around kidnapping people to experiment on." Carmyn growled.
"Yet." Aizen remarked, getting their attention and putting a stop to their argument.
"What?" Carmyn asked in surprise.
"You are going to a place rich in potential subjects. That being said, outside of bringing back all the corpses you can, I will allow that some live subjects be brought in if needed to test your potions. Of course, for the time being this only applies to beastmen."
"See? I told you, your point of view was limited." Mayuri pointed out with a superior sneer.
"Don't get your hopes up! I will make sure you won't lay a hand on them." Carmyn hissed.
"You…" Mayuri went to argue, when Aizen calmly spoke over him.
"I believe there was something you wanted to show me, Carmyn?"
Straightening her posture, she motioned the other three individuals to step aside as she approached the table and motioned to the five finished potions resting on top. From left to right they had the glowing colors of green, orange, blue, teal, and vanilla.
"Now, as you can see these are not like the potions you will normally find out in the world. Had I managed to create any of these before meeting you, I would have died happy. However, that is not the case. That being said, these are just prototypes. They will work, but not as well as a refined version."
"I see. What do they do?" Aizen asked in a genuinely curious tone.
"We have yet to name them, but the green potion is a healing potion that will dispel any illness, poison, and once refined will enable the user to regenerate lost body parts and organs. The orange potion negates fatigue, and once refined it will allow one to use it as a replacement for a full night's rest. This blue potion allows the user to continuously regenerate from injuries, along with protection against poison and disease, for a period of 5 minutes. But that can be refined to up to 15 minutes. The teal potion boosts one's strength. Right now it can do so up to 10 minutes, but like the previous potion it can be refined to 15. Finally, we have the vanilla colored potion, which greatly enhances one's speed and dexterity, under the same limitations as the previous potion."
"Shame. Still, you can return here during your assignment, and the people here can continue work without you. I expect these to be deployed in this war you will be taking part in." Aizen calmly pointed out.
"Naturally. What do you take me for, Aizen? We will be perfecting and mass producing these in no time. As it is, we have already determined that this herb reacts surprisingly well to the atmosphere of this dimension. Which makes me wonder where this thing came from to begin with. And with the help of these three, and the other knowledge you gave me, these potions will not spoil. Meaning, we can create as many of them as we want, and have them wait until they are needed. I'm certain we will get a chance to test them on this assignment." Carmyn said proudly.
"Very well. Make sure to be ready when the time comes. We can't have our clients waiting. They are in a hurry as it is." Aizen said as he turned around in order to leave.
"Speaking of which, do I need to take Nnoitra with me?" She asked in a fatigued tone.
"Please do so. I am certain that you can control him without much trouble." With that he left.
Night had fallen, with the moonlight bathing E-Rantel and the surrounding forest with a soft luminescence. Roos and Cesar were waiting on one of the many roads leading out of the country, already on their horses ready to leave as soon as the Espada arrived. It didn't take long until they saw the group approach them. At the front was Nazz, with the armored fighter resting on top of a large black horse, who had a surprisingly hard and stern look to it.
Behind Nazz were three wagons, each pulled by four horses, and each carried a different amount of supplies. On the front wagon was Inon and Carmyn, and behind them was a massive individual whom wore a helmet, shoulder plates and gauntlets. On the third wagon was a woman with tanned skin, whose looks were enough to earn her Roos' and even Cesar's awed and admiring attention.
On the horse to the left of the wagons was a strange individual. He was tall yet very slim, on his face was a skin crawling smile. To the right was a man with blue hair, whose looks that transmitted the air of one who cared little for what was going on, yet still showed unmatched cockiness, with a few hints of the air a thug to him, made Roos linger on his appearance for more than she would like to admit. Behind all the wagons was Leinas, who was visibly displeased for having to ride in the back as the rear-guard.
"Stop." Nazz said to the rest of the convoy.
"I hope we didn't keep you waiting." He cordially added, as Roos and Cesar approached on their horses.
"Oh, not at all." Roos pointed out in a casual tone.
"Those are a lot of supplies." The masked Cesar remarked in curiosity.
"We decided that it would be beneficial to bring in supplies of our own. After all, I am certain that the Dragon Kingdom might be running short on their own supplies." Nazz informed.
"S-So this is all for you?" Roos asked, understanding that the Espada were not open to sharing.
"And whoever might be working with us at the time. Even if I will make certain we will operate on our own, these can always be used to help those in need." The armored warrior replied in a soft tone.
"Shouldn't we get going?" Leinas coolly asked from the back.
"Before that, let's introduce you to the Fracción that came to aid us." Nazz said, motioning to those behind him.
"Nnoitra Gilga." He said, motioning to the man with the large smile.
"Sajin Komamura." As he motioned to the massive individual with a helmet.
"Tier Harribel."
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."
"I'm looking forward to working together with all of you." Roos said, eyeing the four individuals.
"We have to work together with these weaklings?" Nnoitra said in contempt, looking at Nazz with a questioning expression.
"Hold your tongue, Nnoitra!" Carmyn growled to rebuke him.
"I'm not one to downplay enthusiasm, but getting too overconfident might just cost you." Cesar calmly pointed out.
"Is that so, mo…" Nnoitra went to speak, when Nazz's booming voice overwhelmed his.
"Enough! I will have none of this. Now, Roos, Cesar, please lead the way."
"Y-Yes." Roos said, beginning to follow her instructions.
It was sometime after their journey began, when Nazz approached Roos and Cesar, and asked them a question in a tone of jest.
"The name of 'Dragon Kingdom'... Does that mean you are ruled by a dragon?"
"No. I think if we were this war wouldn't be taking place." Roos replied with a chuckle.
"Fair enough. Still, I assume that we will get to meet the current ruler."
"Yes. Given what we are going through in order to get the aid of the Espada, the queen will make it a point to meet the one in charge of them. In this case, you." Roos replied.
"Such an honor. It's not every day one gets to meet royalty."
"Well, let's just hope you make as good as an impression as we hope." Roos remarked in a low tone.
"Hm? Why is that?" Nazz casually asked, surprising her with the fact he had heard her murmur.
"Um... Well… As you know, there are some other groups aiding us. Among them is the adventurer team, 'Crystal Tear'. They are led by Cerabrate, and…" Roos paused, as she tried to arrange the words in her mind as best as she could, for the sake of good taste.
"Let's say that he is a man of 'twisted' tastes, and that our queen fears she will have to satisfy those tastes, since he is playing a major role in protecting the Kingdom." She said with a subtle, but distinct tone of disgust.
"I see. If I am not wrong, Crystal Tear is adamantite ranked?" The armored warrior asked.
"Yes."
"Very well. They won't be an issue." Nazz calmly pointed out, much to the controlled surprise of Roos.
"O-Of course, I imagine that a group like yours has little to worry about."
"Let's hope that applies to the beastmen." Cesar stoically said.
"Is that situation that bad?" Nazz asked in a tone of concern.
"I fear it is. While we might have individuals with power comparable to Gazef Stronoff, I'm afraid that is nothing compared to the power of the current King." Cesar informed, getting the attention of all those present in varying degrees.
"You see, the current King of the beastmen is relatively new to the role. He killed the previous ruler, slaughtered those who opposed him, and turned what used to be simple raids, into a all out invasion." Roos coldly explained.
"What type of beastmen is he?" Carmyn asked.
"He's not a beastman. He's a War Troll. We don't really know where he came from, but he came accompanied by a female Hobgoblin, who is also a powerful magic caster from what I've seen and been told." Cesar replied with an edge to his voice.
"Does that mean we will get something interesting to do?" Grimmjow asked with a grin.
"Isn't an army of beastmen 'interesting' enough?" Roos asked, unsure of what to think of his words.
"I guess that all depends of how strong they are."
"…"
Roos went to speak, but Nazz spoke over her.
"Remember what Cesar said. Overconfidence might cost you."
"Keh! F-Fine. I'll make sure not to underestimate them." Gimmjow remarked, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
With that they continued their long journey from E-Rantel to the Dragon Kingdom. Roos and Cesar now somewhat unsure of where these people actually stood in terms of how strong and prepared they really were. Yes, they had great power, and even brought with them several supplies, but they all seemed relatively calm in the face of walking into a warzone. It was also during this night that Jillur and Annika had returned from their own assignment, to the Espada's manor in E-Rantel.
Early in the morning Unohana was brought to the front door by the knocking of a possible new client. Opening it, she was greeted by three men, with the two to the sides obviously playing the role of guards to the one in the middle. This individual was an older man, with slightly pale skin, and sunken eyes from a lack of sleep. His face was also clean shaven, with his head lacking in hair. He used a cane, along with wearing black clothes as one would wear during mourning.
"Greetings. My name is Retsu Unohana. How my I be of service?" She asked in a warm tone, taking a small bow before the trio
"Good morning young lady. My name is Obed Upton Pickman Marsh."
"Please come in. To my right you will find a room where you may wait, while I go to speak with my employers." Unohana cordially and softly said, motioning to the room.
"Hm. Very well."
Unohana took a step aside, as Obed motioned his two guards to follow him as he went into the waiting room. Leaving Unohana to go and speak with her more immediate superior, Amelia, since Aizen was still in Las Noches. At this time she knocked on the door of Amelia's bedroom. The door opened a few moments later, as Amelia emerged, having just finished getting ready for the day.
"Did something happen?" Amelia calmly asked.
"Good morning, Amelia-sama. We have a new client, already in the waiting room."
"Oh? Does he look promising?"
"I am not sure. He seems to be rather exhausted and desperate." The maid replied matter-of-factly.
"Huh. I see... Go and get Aizen, and have him head straight for the office. I will go meet this new client myself." Amelia curtly instructed.
"As you wish." Unohana said with a bow.
Amelia quickly went to the waiting room, doing her part to give Aizen time to return from Hueco Mundo. Arriving in the waiting room, she was met with three men, and quickly recognized two of them as being guards, while the older of the three seemed to be the client.
"Welcome. How, can we of the Espada be of assistance?" Amelia asked while approaching the trio.
"Lady Aigner?" The elder asked, getting up from his seat with some effort.
"Correct. I am Amelia Bedelia Aigner. I believe that we have yet the pleasure of meeting…" Amelia pointed out, pausing so the man could speak.
"Obed Upton Pickman Marsh."
"I hope we can be of help. Why don't we move upstairs to my office? So, we can speak in private."
Obed said nothing, instead opting to weakly motion Amelia to lead the way, which she did. As they went to the office Amelia, even as she walked at the head of the group, had noted that the man was rather weak and frail, having difficulty going up the stairs. It was here that she also noticed, that the two guards, also played a role in aiding the man, as they helped him climb those stairs.
Opening the door to the office, Amelia was greeted by Juno and Aizen, already in his disguise, walking towards her seat behind the desk, she proceeded to introduce Obed to those present.
"This is Obed Upton Pickman Marsh, our latest client." She said motioning to the elder.
"This is Juno Ulmeyda, my bodyguard, and he is Sōsuke Aizen, my assistant." Amelia informed while taking her seat.
Obed simply gave them a nod, before taking his seat and letting out a tired and labored sigh. The trip from the waiting room to his current location, apparently had taken a lot out of him. Something that didn't seem to surprise Amelia, or Aizen, as they saw the already ragged look of the man in front of them.
"We can begin whenever you wish. I would like to know more about you, before knowing of the request itself. This would allow us to know that you are trustworthy." Amelia said smoothly, yet bluntly.
"We don't mean this as an insult, but…" Aizen went to say, when the man raised his hand to silence him.
"I understand. This is a business after all, and you need certain assurances. I am more than willing to tell you about myself. At this point I am willing to do anything." Obed informed, mumbling the last phrase.
"I used to be a noble of the Baharuth Empire. I was designated as 'untrustworthy', so I was to be purged. Luckily, I still had some contacts which warned me about my fate, allowing me to escape, and call in a few favors to allow me to live on a manor near the Theocracy. I still had part of my business and wealth, meaning the loss wasn't that grave. That was until 10 months ago. I had a son, Wilbur, who at the time had gone on one of the ships we used for business. That ship vanished and I haven't seen him since." Obed said, pausing for a moment as he did his best to keep his composure.
"You want us to look for your son?" Amelia asked, however when the elder spoke he seemed to have not heard her speak.
"I used a great deal of my resources to try and find him. However, I ended up coming across something else. It seems that for many years, centuries perhaps, ships have been vanishing in a particular area of the ocean. Most of the men on these ships are never found, but…" Obed continued, when Aizen spoke over him.
"Some do comeback. Being found on small boats, with children next to them." These words, causing Obed to freeze.
"Y-Yes. B-But none of them was my boy!" He shouted, hitting his fist on the desk.
"I too have researched this topic. However, I fail to understand how this can be related to any quest." Aizen pointed out.
"I... I understand. However, I believe that if some of the men do comeback, the same might be possible for my son. The fact they comeback shows that there is something more to this. I want to prove it as such. I want to go to near that area and investigate it." Obed said, with his eyes then burning with a fiery passion.
"Hmm... Isn't this a suicide mission?" Amelia asked, looking at both men.
"It may end up being one." Aizen replied, in an unnervingly calm tone.
"I have a ship. It is filled with skilled individuals. I simply ask for two of your Espada for extra security. And I do not plan on going into the area where all of the disappearances have taken place. We will go near it, but not inside. I don't plan on dying before finding my son!" Obed passionately growled.
"Even if that is the case. This is too much of a risk for us, we cannot allow ourselves to send off two of our people to their possible death." Amelia coldly argued.
Obed however did not seem too visibly worried, as he reached into his pocket and produced 4 platinum coins, each being worth 10 gold coins. This turn of events almost managed to show a crack in Amelia's calm mask. After all, it wasn't everyday that something like this happened. However, the same could be said for the ridiculous quest.
"What is this?" She coolly asked, carefully eyeing the man.
"An upfront payment. The rest will be given to you after the ship leaves port."
"How much?" Amelia asked with a hawk-like gaze, making sure to properly read the man.
"I can get you the equivalent of 260 gold coins."
Amelia was feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the situation. Payment-wise, this was a very lucrative situation. Meaning that he could be perfectly lying in order to get what he wanted. However, this was not the case. She could tell many things from examining the man, and she was certain that he was not lying. Even looking at Aizen she could tell the same thing. Obed was not lying.
"And you can produce this amount that easily?" She asked, causing the elder to laugh.
"I was very smart during my time. I put myself and my family through some difficulties, especially taking into account our status, in order to build up my wealth. There is also the benefit that all of the other people involved won't be payed nowhere near this amount. They don't know why we are going on this trip. Something I hope that your people can keep to themselves."
"Even if that is the case, I cannot…" Amelia went to speak, when Aizen then calmly interrupted her, looking at Obed.
"Why don't you give us some time to deliberate?"
"Of course, I understand that this is not an easy thing to decide." Obed cordially replied, though not pleased with the lack of a straight answer.
"Thank you, for your understanding. We will have an answer soon enough."
With the help of his two guards, Obed left the office, leaving Amelia, Aizen and Juno alone in the room.
"Juno. Go get Annika and Jillur." Aizen ordered.
"As you wish, Aizen-sama." She replied, leaving the room.
"Alright. What are you doing?" Amelia hissed.
"This is a very lucrative opportunity for us. There is no reason for us decline." Aizen replied, in his usual calm manner.
"No reason? You heard what he said, and you know it's true. There is the possibility that they will not return." She argued, not happy with the idea of losing two of the Espada that they went through so much work to acquire.
"Annika is incredibly powerful. So is Jillur, and he is skilled in handling water based situations. Meaning there are few things that could realistically put them in that type of danger. However, I understand your concerns of not wanting to risk losing them." The Shinigami pointed out.
"And what are we going to do about it?" Amelia asked, already understanding that Aizen had something in mind.
"They will be given teleportation items to allow for a quick escape. But, since I have been looking into this subject myself, I also plan on going with them."
Amelia was visually taken aback by this. How could he decide this on his own? Did he not understand that they no longer were going around gathering the Espada? That they had an organization to operate and plans to see through? No, this was a foolish thing to think. That was not something Aizen would do. Still, she failed to see the interest in this situation.
"W... But why?" Amelia asked with a defeated sigh.
"There is obviously something more happening here. I wish to find out what it is. After all, it might be something beneficial for us." He replied in his usual calm and confident manner.
"B-But you cannot be sure about this! Even if you are there, you do not know what is really going on. We might end up losing one of them." Amelia argued, causing Aizen to give her an amused smile.
"Have I ever failed you, Amelia?"
"No. But…" She tried to reply, with Aizen speaking over her.
"Then, I ask you once again not to worry. You are more than capable to handle business here. Not only that, but you will be kept safe by Juno, and the rest of the Espada, and everyone else in Las Noches. I will make sure of it."
Amelia gave him an annoyed growl. She was not please with this. Not one bit. Not only was it possibly putting at risk their operation, but also the fact he was going off without her, especially when she was with him every step of the way before. Even when there was great danger. To think that she would miss out on whatever this was felt almost like an insult for her. Yet, Aizen's always calm demeanor was enough to make her understand that her going along was no longer an option, much to her displeasure.
At that moment, Juno returned, now accompanied by Annika and Jillur, who took their seats upon a motion from Aizen.
"We have a new quest. However, before we accept it, we need your opinion, since you will be the one taking it." He informed, his words getting a curious look from Annika and no reaction from Jillur.
"The client is Obed Upton Pickman Marsh. A former noble from the Empire. Ten months ago, the ship his son was in went missing, in an area that is located several miles away from the Re-Estize Kingdom's shores. This being but one of the many ships that went missing in the area. Few are those that come back, and when they do they normally bring male children with them..." Aizen began, pausing when he sees a small reaction from Jillur.
"He wants two Espada to go with him on a ship that will go near that area. On this ship are other skilled individuals with you. providing an extra security measure. We are discussing if we should take this quest, taking into account the risks." Aizen added.
"So, we don't have any indication of what we might have to deal with~?" Annika asked.
"I'm not sure. What do you have to say, Jillur?" Aizen remarked, looking at the weaker Espada.
Jillur looked down for a moment, unsure of what to say. This was a rare situation for him to be in, and for others to see him in. Rarely did he seem to get flustered, especially before a question from Aizen.
"I... I have connections to the Merfolk… They talk about the 'Deep Ones', who seem to come from a location that could be the one where the ships go missing. However, I am unsure of how large that area is, since I have been told that they are more active than usual, and going further and further away from their usual territory."
"But you are not sure if they are the ones sinking the ships?" Annika asked in curiosity.
"No."
"What else do you know about them? Do you know how they act? What they want?"
"I know they only attack if provoked. But they have yet to tell anything about what they want."
"And what they have to do with the ships, or the recovered men that have children with them." Amelia sternly remarked.
"I doubt they can produce offspring with humans." Annika remarked.
"And I doubt that all the ships provoked them." Jillur added.
"The attacks on ships might be explained with them entering their territory. But that doesn't explain them sending people back, with children of unknown origin." Aizen pointed out in contemplation.
"I believe this is something we could take this opportunity to look into. What do you think, Amelia?" He asked, looking at her with a charming smile.
"Ugh! I get it! There's no need to rub it in my face! Fine. This is an interesting situation, I'll give you that." Amelia growled, agreeing begrudgingly.
"Then, do you accept us going?" The Shinigami asked.
"U-Us? Do you mean you will go with us, Aizen-sama~?" Annika asked in surprise.
"I will as a fail-safe in case things do go wrong."
"What an honor~" She remarked, with an awed tone and mischievous look.
"Of course, that all depends on what Amelia has to say about it."
"...! F-Fine. I'll stay behind and take care of things myself. Just make sure all of you come back."
"I'm glad to see that you care about us, Amelia." Aizen remarked, with a playful smile.
"Of course. It would be a waste if the three of you died." Amelia replied sarcastically.
"Naturally. If that is the case, the two of you are dismissed to go and prepare. We will be leaving soon." Aizen said.
"As you wish." Annika and Jillur said in unison before leaving.
"Juno go and get Obed. Tell them that we have come to a decision."
"As you wish."
Having said this Juno left the room, arriving shortly after with the elder and his two guards.
"I was told that you had reached a decision. I hope it is positive." Obed said, taking his seat with a firm resolve in his voice.
"We agree to take on your request. That is as long as you keep your word regarding the payment. And take Aizen along with you." Amelia informed, catching the man off-guard with her final demand.
"Why do you wish to go?" He asked, looking at Aizen.
"As I've said before, I too have looked into this matter and now that I am presented with the possibility to go there myself. I would like to take it. If that is possible of course."
"V-Very well. Like I said, I have taken precautions to make this as safe as possible. I would not mind having someone else who knows of the subject on board."
"Thank you." Aizen said, with a small bow.
"I expect to leave tomorrow. Is that an issue?" Obed asked.
"While we like to have the Espada rest before going on their next assignment. Given the nature of the quest, we will allow it." Amelia replied.
"Thank you. For understanding how important this is."
"Don't mention it. Now then, let us take care of the contract..."