Roos, Cesar, and their Espada companions had stopped for a small pause in the early morning. Sleep would not be that much of an issue, since they had enough people to implement a decent rotation system, where some could rest while others continued the journey. Still, they decided to pause so the horses could rest, stretch their legs, get something to eat, or get some extra rest.
Everyone attended to different things, with Cesar and Roos taking care of their horses, before their gazes went to Sajin who was looking over his carriage. The duo exchanged looks, and being done with their mounts, decided to approach the massive beastman, who was still wearing his helmet, just like Cesar was wearing his mask.
The duo stopped behind the giant, who as soon as they did, stopped whatever he was doing and turned around, to look down at both of them.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Sajin asked politely.
"We would like to speak with you. Since you are a beastman working with humans." Roos replied with a subtle hint of curiosity.
"I was wondering if your motivations were similar to mine." Cesar pointed out in a neutral tone.
"I understand that you went through much in order to be able to aid the humans, and to try to put an end to this war, correct?" Sajin asked.
"Correct." Cesar replied in a rather stiff tone.
"Well, I cannot say that my case is the same. I am from the Abelion Hills. I was injured in a dispute with my kind over our different views on certain subjects. I ran, injured and no longer accepted among my kind. I was found by Aizen and Amelia, who saw worth in me, took me in, and healed me." The massive beastman replied in a solemn tone.
"But, doesn't that mean that they might be using your debt to them as a way to have you do what they want?" Cesar calmly argued.
"W-What are you saying?" Roos mumbled to the side, surprised Cesar being so forward about the subject.
"Perhaps you are right. However, I have no qualms with being of use to the people that saw worth in me, and took me in for who I am." Sajin said looking down at Cesar.
"Indeed. Finding somewhere to belong is difficult. Especially for us. Those who go against the norm." Cesar remarked, removing his mask in a thoughtful manner.
"Agreed. Yet, in the end I am certain one will find where they are meant to belong, one way or the other."
With this Sajin removed his helmet, revealing his face, which surprised the duo. He had wolf-like features, which wasn't the reason for the surprise. It was the fact that he was massive in size for any similar type beastman that they had ever seen.
"I-I am surprised that anyone could stand against you." Roos chuckled.
"I was taken by surprise, and they had the numbers advantage. But do not worry, I am more than ready for what is coming." Sajin said in a reassuring tone.
"Everyone! We leave in 5 minutes. Get ready." Nazz's commanding voice echoed throughout the area.
"I guess we should get going then." Roos said, giving Sajin a nod before walking away with Cesar.
"So, what did you think?" She asked Cesar, after they had put some distance between themselves and the massive beastman.
"His loyalty towards the humans is firm. There aren't many of our kind that would work for them so willingly or selflessly."
"Well, you work with me just fine." Roos remarked with a playful smirk.
"But I have a goal. An objective."
"Fair enough."
As they were walking back towards their horses, they were stopped in their tracks as their path crossed that of Nnoitra, and his seemingly ever-present smile. He leaned forwards slightly, so his mocking expression could bathe the duo, with his eye focusing on the woman as he spoke.
"You are just the most appetizing thing." He said in a malicious tone.
"Step…" Cesar went to speak, but Nnoitra was quick to turn his attention to him.
"I heard your kind was supposed to be stronger than a normal human. I don't mind taking you on for a warm up." The tall man said mockingly as he laughed.
"Step aside! You are working with us, for us. We do not have to take this from you. Now step aside!" Roos growled, with fire in her eyes.
"That's funny. Shouldn't you be showing some respect and gratitude." Nnoitra hissed, with a disturbing tone as his arm lifted towards her.
"Nnoitra, don't you have a wagon to take care of?" Grimmjow growled, approaching the trio.
"And don't you have something else to do, outside of ruining the moment?" Nnoitra spat back in annoyance.
"Huh? What moment? I simply put an end to your usual pathetic displays. You have other things to do than making yourself look bad in front of the employers." Grimmjow pointed out with a bored tone, before continuing with a mocking grin.
"Also, do you need to be reminded of what Carmyn will do to you if she finds out about this?"
"Bastard…" Nnoitra mumbled, looking at the duo, before then walking away.
"Fine."
Grimmjow didn't even pay attention to Nnoitra as he left. He seemed focused on the duo, who he quickly eyed before speaking.
"The same goes for the both of you. Get back to your horses. The Espada don't really like to delay things like this." He pointed out with an uninterested tone.
"T-Thank you. For dealing with that bastard." Roos managed to say.
"Don't think too much into it. We don't need him to go about causing us problems."
"I still fail to understand why you keep someone like him around." Cesar growled, still incensed.
"They say he's useful. I guess he works as a good meat-shield. Either way, get moving." Grimmjow stated in an uninterested tone as he walked away.
As he did, Roos stared at his back admiringly, gaining her companion's attention as he put his mask back on.
"You can stop staring now." Cesar remarked in a deadpan.
"Eh? I-I wasn't…" Roos tried to argue, but he spoke over her.
"Try not to let him distract you too much. His type tend to be troublesome." Cesar pointed out, resuming his way to his horse.
Later that morning, Aizen, Jillur, Annika, and Obed arrived at the port where their ship waited for them. It was an older vessel named the "Arkham". Yet, it had been fully remodeled and fitted with magical items to enhance its traveling capability. So much so that the trip to the designated area should take about four hours. The ship was finishing being stocked and checked for the oncoming trip, with some people still boarding. It was visibly obvious that some of them were adventurers.
The arrival of Aizen's group got the attention of almost everyone that was currently on the ship. Mostly because they were accompanying Obed which everyone knew to be their eccentric and wealthy employer. Their eyes were then drawn to Annika, the only woman on board, and an extremely beautiful one at that. While some of the older and experienced individuals were quick to mumble something about their displeasure with having a woman on board, the younger men and those hired for the same capacity as the Espada were more open with wanting to greet her.
In the end, even they were stopped when the captain of the ship stomped onto the scene. He was an older individual, with a hardened and weathered expression, small gray beard and hair, and dark brown eyes. He was not particularly strong, but he still commanded a superiority of authority fit of a captain, and someone who had sailed with people of all kinds. Even beastmen at some points. This man's name was Enoch Conger.
"Oi! We did not agree to this!" The captain growled, his voice indicating years of heavy drinking.
"Captain Conger. I apologize if this is sudden, but I did tell you that I would be bringing 2 of the Espada with me. And you agreed based on the power they wield, as per their reputation." Obed calmly argued.
"But I made it very clear that women are not welcomed on board. Especially when she's as beautiful as she is, and the only one on board. It will affect the morale and discipline of those here."
"With all due respect, Captain…" Aizen went to speak, when Conger interrupted him.
"And who are you? You do not fit into the rest of the people he brought with him."
"This is Aizen. He, much like myself, is knowledgeable on the matter." Obed informed.
"I see. Then, what about the woman?"
"I will, naturally, take responsibility for whatever might happen. But as you all can see, she is the 2nd-Espada, making her the second strongest, with power to match even an adamantite ranked adventurer." Obed proudly replied.
Enoch eyed Annika for a brief moment, and it was true she didn't look like an ordinary woman. Her obvious beauty aside, she was probably a magic caster, and those normally looked softer than the rest.
"Hmph! Very well. She can come aboard. But whatever happens, you will answer for it." Enoch growled, before leaving for his duties.
"As you can see, that was the captain. Do not worry. He is a rather amiable individual in the right situation." Obed pointed out with a fatigued sigh, turning to face the trio.
"He does seem to have a softer side to him.~" Annika remarked with a playful grin.
"One could say that. Speaking of which, someone will take the three of you to where you will be staying for the duration of the journey. Aizen, in about an hour's time, come meet me in my cabin. There are more things I would like to discuss with you." Obed informed.
"Very well. I cannot wait to talk more about this with someone who understands the subject." Aizen said with a friendly smile, as the man gave him a nod and began to walk away with his two guards.
"It seems we will be staying in the same space together." Jillur said in an empty tone.
"We will be staying in the same space as Aizen-sama~? Oh my…" Annika said with a girlish giggle.
"Don't go getting your hopes up. The Captain won't have any depravity happen on this ship." The voice of another older man spoke up.
Their attention was drawn to another older sailor. He was much slimmer than the Captain, carried a cigar on his lips, and smelled like that was not something new. He had a long white beard, and medium sized messy hair, which did not detract from his ocean blue eyes. His name was Georg, and was one of the captain's trusted aids.
Georg was quick to lead the trio into what would be serving as their quarters for the duration of the voyage. He explained that since they were only expecting 2 additional people, and were only able to carry 50 people, their quarters would be rather cramped, and that someone would be having the pleasure of sleeping on the floor. Opening the door to said room, the trio was greeted with a single bed bunk. Almost immediately next to it was an old mattress, with a single sheet, and a small window next to it.
"Enjoy. Like I said, try not to cause any depravity. And lock the door at night. A lot of things can happen with a single woman onboard." Georg informed in an ominous tone, handing the key to Aizen.
"What…" Annika went to comment on this with an almost innocent head-tilt, when Aizen spoke over her.
"We'll make sure to do so." Aizen informed, as the old sailor walked away.
"Perhaps Annika should keep the key." Jillur suggested.
"Agreed. Leave your things here and take this time to look around the ship." Aizen instructed.
"Very well. But I think this is a bit much." Annika mumbled, taking the key from her superior.
"It is just a precaution. There should be no reason to worry since the trip will be a short one." Jillur said.
Having left their few things in the room, the trio split up, with each going to do a specific task. Jillur was quick to find something to do, and ended up helping around the ship. This was something which was rather appreciated by the sailors, since none of the other hired hands were doing so.
Annika took some time walking around the ship, getting herself the attention of pretty much all those around her. This did not seem to phase her, as for the most part she gave them a polite smile, a nod, and a friendly wave. Nothing that would necessarily get their hopes up. Especially as these acts could be interpreted as politeness, with her not directing a word towards any of them. That was until someone decided to deliberately put himself in her way.
This man was taller than her by at least one foot. He had an athletic build, with short blonde hair, and green eyes. He did not seem to be an adventurer since he did not wear a plate. Giving Annika a confident smile, he took a small bow, taking her hand in his as he kissed it and introduced himself.
"My name is Ricci Silva, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance." He said, with a charming smile.
"Ah! A pleasure.~ My name is Annika Masador Aenar.~" The Espada greeted, with a mischievous tone.
"I was wondering if I could keep you company." Ricci suggested, keeping on a confident expression.
Annika did not reply right away, giving him a thoughtful expression. She looked around, moving a bit in what seemed to be a mindless gesture that just happened to showcase more of her figure to him. Something Ricci had no problems with. Especially when she looked as otherworldly as she did. It was as if she had been created simply for the attention of men, and he wasn't going to let such an opportunity slip by.
"Oh, I don't know. I already have some good company.~" Annika said in a coquettish tone, bringing Ricci back from his thoughts.
"Yet you are here all alone. It would be wrong of me to let a lady like you walk around here by herself."
The Espada gave him a warm smile, which for him seemed to show that his efforts were actually going somewhere. Even more so, when she lifted her hands towards him, just to strangely straighten what he was wearing, even if he felt her fingers brush pass his neck several times, heat permeating throughout his body with every touch.
"I can see that you are very caring.~ However, why don't you worry about what you have back on land~?" She asked with a slight head-tilt.
"W-What?" Ricci gasped, unbelieving of what she said.
"You have a family back home, correct~?"
"Y-Yes. But…" He tried to talk his way out of it, when she placed her left index finger on his lips.
"I want you to think about them. You will think of them every time you look at me, or any other woman with those intentions. You will think of them and why you are doing this. You will see them be disappointed in you. You will see your children ask their mother why their father abandoned them. She will be crying, unsure of what to say."
Her words hit Ricci like several devastating physical blows. His senses weren't even able to process her words. It was almost as if they had automatically become facts in his mind. Ricci took a step back and blinked several times, each time seeing what Annika had just said. He tried to regain his composure, but his mind was overflowing with that image, of him failing his family and goals, just for simple self-fulfillment.
"I-I'm sorry. I did not mean any offense. If you'll excuse me, I have to go." Ricci said, taking a step aside before walking past Annika.
"You are welcome.~" She mumbled, with a pleased smile.
Having taken care of him, Annika continued her progress through the ship, knowing that sooner or later someone else would come greet her. Had it been any other situation, she might just take some of them up on their offers. However, taking into account how worried the captain was about a woman being on board and Aizen's presence, she had decided that she would not be indulging anyone during this assignment.
Aizen made his way to Obed's office, as it wasn't too hard to find as one of his guards was at the door, with the other one being inside personality looking after the elder's well-being. The room he was currently in was the largest on the ship, and was normally occupied by the captain. However, this time around it belonged to Obed, who was in charge of the operation. There was a small desk inside with two chairs, a small bed to his right, with a large trunk next to it. Behind Obed, who was sitting at the desk, was a large glass window, which allowed him to watch the see as they traveled.
"I'm glad that you came. Please sit down." The elder said, motioning towards the empty seat.
"Thank you. You seemed eager to discuss something with me." Aizen remarked, doing as Obed instructed.
"That is indeed true. To begin with, what do you think of the Captain Enoch Conger?"
"A stern man, most likely because of his position as captain, and the things he has experienced throughout his life. Even if he is stern, he is not without reason, as he saw enough value in your words, and Annika being here to allow her to stay." Aizen replied in a dispassionate, analytical tone.
"You are a sharp one. Much sharper than you seem." Obed remarked with a fascinated tone, before then continuing.
"There is a particular reason I chose him for this assignment. First, is that he is indeed a very experienced captain. He is not of high standing, but he has the knowledge we need to properly navigate during this trip. He's also one of those that was found on a small boat with children with him."
"Is that so?" Aizen asked, his interest piqued.
"Indeed. From what I could uncover and what he told me, he was taken about 30 years ago. Being found on the beach approximately 3 years after that. From what he's said, he doesn't remember a thing. He vaguely remembers leaving port, and after that he has memories of being a drift with the children, only regaining full consciousness and recollection when he was found."
"What about the children?"
"He never saw them again. Motherless babies, especially ones as young as those were, are very valuable. Most likely some of them were acquired by noble families, while others were left to their fate in some hole." He said in a grim tone.
"Do you believe that these children could be his?"
"Probably. But I believe that maybe that is not the case for all of them, given the fact that there are more men to go missing. I also know that it is always boys that accompany these survivors."
"Yet, not every man returns, and the same might be possible for other male children… First of all, I believe we might be dealing with a uncharted island, or some kind of underwater base. Where the people from the ship, and the ship itself, are taken." Aizen thoughtfully suggested.
"An island? I don't think so. Someone would have seen it by now, and even if they didn't get close enough, I believe there would be mention of it, somewhere."
"Not if said island was hidden. In this case with magic."
"But that would take very powerful magic. Not to mention it would have to be active at every possible moment. For that to be the case, such an action would have to be performed with an item. A very powerful, almost mythical one at that. Also, there is the question of what would be attacking the ships. Are you thinking it some kind of water based demihuman?"
"We live in a very old and complicated world. I am not against the possibility of such an item existing, even if it is strange for it to be in the middle of the ocean, possibly in the hands of demihumans. And yes I believe that is the case. From what Jillur told me, there is this race of aquatic humanoids called 'Deep Ones', who seem to live somewhere within the area you defined."
"And how does he know of their existence? I have never heard of them, not even during my study of this matter."
"He's interacted with the Merfolk, and they have told him of these Deep Ones. A race of humanoid, fish-like people who seemingly do not attack unless provoked."
"I doubt the ships would have provoked them. Which would imply they are attacking them for some reason." Obed thoughtfully mused.
"Exactly."
"And do you think they will attack us?" Obed asked with a more serious expression.
"I do not know. But I believe that as long as we continue doing as you have planned nothing will happen."
"I see…"
Aizen watched as Obed said this, and while the elder was somewhat blank in some of his expressions, Aizen could still read him with some ease. Especially in this moment, as he saw in Obed's face, not the fear of those Deep Ones, but a wish for his words to be true, and possibly for them to attack.
Night had fallen, by this time the Arkham had long ago arrived at the invisible barrier between the ocean and the area defined by Obed. This meant that some preliminary dives and investigation had already began, but all of them with no success, from the elder's point of view. From that point on, Obed felt it was just a matter of waiting...
In E-Rantel, Unohana was brought to the door by the sounds of light knocking. Thinking this was a possible client, she opened the door, and was greeted by the beauty of a woman in her 40s, with fiery red hair, deep blue eyes, and expensive looking clothing.
"…"
The maid went to speak, but the woman ended up speaking over her as she introduced herself.
"Good evening. My name is Ada Stone Victoria. I was wondering if I could speak with Amelia." The woman said with a superior yet warm tone to her voice.
"Is this a business matter?"
"Not at all. It simply has been too long since I've seen her. And since I was in the area, I decided that we could catch up."
Unohana saw nothing wrong with what was being said, and everything felt like the truth, even if the woman herself was difficult to read. Giving her a nod, she motioned Ada in and proceeded to lead her to the door to Amelia's office, where she knocked and waited. Shortly after it opened revealing Juno.
"There is someone who wishes to see Lady Amelia." The maid informed, stepping aside to reveal Ada.
"Hello, Juno. It's been some time." The countess greeted in a friendly manner.
"You are dismissed, Unohana. Please come in, Countess."
Ada entered the office, as Juno closed the door behind her. At her sight Amelia was visibly surprised, as she was not expecting the countess to be in E-Rantel.
"Lady Ada." Amelia said, raising from her chair so as to properly greet the countess.
"Oh, there's no need to get up, Amelia. After all, it is just us here." Ada pointed out with a smile, taking a seat.
"I did not know you were coming to E-Rantel."
"Neither did I, honestly. I am taking part in a business trip with the count. However, we got delayed and now will have to spend the night here, before we depart tomorrow morning. And since I knew you were now working here, I decided to come see you."
"Juno can you serve us some tea?" Amelia asked, which Juno was quick to do.
"I hope you have been well." Ada remarked in a caring tone.
"I have. Business has been quite good. This is far more interesting than continuing to do the regular work as my father wishes."
"But you know that one day he will call you back, correct? From what I've heard, your father sees this more as a hobby than an actual business." The countess pointed out, causing Amelia to roll her eyes.
"He is a stubborn as ever. I wished he would understand once and for all that I have no interest in continuing the family business. This is far more interesting and exciting."
As Amelia said this, Juno served both women their tea, which Ada was quick to taste, her eyes showing some surprise at how good it was.
"Hoh! Your tastes in tea have greatly improved, Amelia." She said with a small chuckle.
"That was actually Aizen. He is far more into it than I am."
"Speaking of which, where is Aizen?" Ada asked, putting her cup down.
"He is out on an assignment with two of the Espada." Amelia replied, with a subtle glint of displeasure in her eye.
"Really? I thought that he also remained here with you."
"He does. But he was curious about this newest assignment that we received. He had studied the situation himself and wanted to go there. And when this assignment was given to us, he decided that it was the perfect opportunity." Amelia replied, with a less than pleased expression.
"You wanted to go with him?"
"Heh. Is it that obvious?"
"For me, it is. Still, where did he want to go so badly?"
"Someplace in the ocean. It is related to a series of missing ships."
The reaction was almost immediate. So much so that it surprised Amelia greatly, even if she managed to keep part of it hidden, unlike Ada. The countess had gone pale for a single moment. Even if she managed to somewhat regain her composure, she had taken long enough for Amelia to fully pick up on it.
Ada's eyes quickly went to the tea, but she knew she had messed up, and Amelia had picked up on her moment of weakness. She did not know what to do. If it had been anyone else she might have been able to think of something, but Amelia was a different story all together.
"Is something the matter?" Amelia asked in concern.
"N-No. I just remembered that there was something I still had to do. I-I should get going, before the count notices, or he will…" Ada replied, in a tone that Amelia had never seen her use before. One of uncertainty and lament.
"What will he do?" Amelia asked in a calm, almost emotionless tone.
"He…"
Ada cursed herself for what she had said. She wasn't thinking straight and that had led her into making a rookie mistake. She was better than this, yet not good enough to be able to put up a convincing excuse in the face of Amelia. Not in this situation. Not when faced with the analytical and cold look of the girl she had so many times seen as a daughter, was giving her now.
"Nothing." She mumbled, trying to adjust herself in her seat.
"Ada, what do you know about this?" Amelia asked, leaning towards the countess.
Amelia did her very best to keep a calm look, but she was being surprised by how the countess was acting. She knew her for a long time, and never had she seen Ada look so lost in her life. However, she could not ignore the fact that Ada seemed to know something about this, to the point it had caused her to grow pale and visibly flustered.
"I-I do not know anything…"
"Would it be easier to speak if we were alone?"
"No. There is no need for Juno to leave. I don't put into question the trust you have placed in her."
"Then, why don't you tell me? If you know anything else, I want to know. So, I at least can understand what Aizen got himself into." Amelia explained, her right hand reaching out for Ada's left.
"You shouldn't think too much about it. For all we know he is already gone."
"What do you mean he's gone?" Amelia asked in a more serious tone.
"As you know, when these ships go missing, very few are able to comeback. Even if Aizen is powerful, even if his strength were to match that of Gazef Stronoff himself, he is not guaranteed to return." Ada replied in a mournful tone, her eyes fixed on the tea.
"That is impossible. Aizen will return." Juno stated matter-of-factly.
"Even though he's exceptional, he is still only human. He can only do so much." The countess argued with a distant tone and look in her eyes.
"Ada, what are you talking about. Tell me, please." Amelia said in a soft voice.
At this the countess looked at her, lifting her free hand so she could caress Amelia's cheek. How she wished things had taken a different turn. She almost regretted having come here on this day, but she could never regret the time she spent with Amelia.
"I had always imagined that I would tell you this under different circumstances. Or that I would never had to tell you this. But now I know that is was inevitable…" She said, pausing briefly.
"Very well. I will tell you everything."
"Do you want Juno to leave?"
"I am certain she won't tell of this to anyone, so she can stay."
"As you wish." Amelia remarked, leaning back onto her seat.
Taking a few deep breaths to compose herself, Ada looked Amelia in the eye as she then began speaking.
"I was born on an island, miles from the Kingdom's shores. On that island there are only women, with men being brought in from time to time from ships that were captured and brought their. These ships were brought in by the Deep Ones, a race of aquatic humanoids, and Proto-Shoggoth, a strange race of slime-like beings."
With that one brief statement, Amelia felt completely blindsided. Never had she even considered that Countess Ada, the woman she would at times consider to be a sort of surrogate mother, had been hiding such a secret. Also, the thought of an island's population being composed of only women? While intriguing, it also seemed absurd, as maintaining a population without men would not be feasible. This was explained by the disappearance of the ships. Wanting to know more, Amelia continued her questions.
"And where is this island? How has it, or these beings ever been found?"
"It happened approximately 300 years ago, when the Great God Cthalpi came to this world. It is said that upon seeing the state it was in, she decided to take a group of women, who were innocent in the middle of its chaos, and placed them on an island where they could leave in peace. In order to ensure this, Cthalpi created a barrier to hide the island from the outside world. She created the Deep Ones, the Proto-Shoggoth, and other beings to protect these women. Cthalpi also had a child with a human male, and said child became the Queen of our people. That queen had a child with a human male, to originate the next Queen, and so on. Men would be captured and taken to the island, in order to maintain the population. They would be used until there was no further use for them, or in some cases if they died they would be brought back to life. When they were no longer useful, if they had behaved in a manner that pleased his captors, they would be freed without any memories of this. Sometimes male children would be freed along with them…"
"What happened to the others?" Amelia asked, in a more serious tone.
"They would normally be given to the Deep Ones. To be used to increase their own numbers, or to be used as sacrifices..."
"And why are you here? Why did you leave the island?" Amelia asked, in a slightly more aggressive tone, showing clear signs of displeasure.
This conversation, the tone Amelia was taking with her, truly hurt Ada. She had never wanted to have to go through something like this with Amelia. Sighing in resignation, she once again readjusted herself in her seat before speaking.
"It happened like over 25 years ago. I was training for being a warrior but would always wondered about the world outside the island. We knew very little of it from the information we got from the people we captured. But all of it made me want to go out and explore it. I wasn't alone, but as we grew up, most would forget about these ideas. We were safe where we were, and knew that going to an unknown land would be dangerous. I, however, wanted something different. Something more. So, one night I took a small boat and left…" Ada began, pausing as she mumbled something.
"Sometimes… I wonder how mother is…" She said with a forlorn sigh as she shook her head and continued.
"B-But, moving on. I arrived near the Kingdom. For some days I went around getting food, finding some places to sleep. Until one day I managed to arrive at a village and was given help, or so I thought. During that night I was attacked by two men, they tried to drag me, but I was powerful enough to handle them. I ran, but was ultimately stopped by another individual, who was much stronger than I was at the time. I thought I was going to be killed, or assaulted, but I was instead captured and put in a cage. I was to be sold as a slave..." She continued, Amelia carefully analyzing her as she did.
"I spent some time in that predicament. I did my best not to get sold to whatever bastard that came along and could pay for me. Then, one day the count appeared there. He was older than me, but had a certain charm and superiority to him, even how my captures spoke to him was different then the rest. I knew, then and there, that he was my way out, and even my way into learning of the world I was once so eager to discover." At this she let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"I did my best to get his attention, especially when he mentioned wanting someone that could work as a decent guard. I broke out of my cage and even manage to momentarily take out the same man who had captured me. Having caused a decent amount of chaos, I proceed to present myself to him, using what I had learned on the island and during my small time traveling, to convince him that I was the best option for him… Even then he commented on my above average beauty… He seemed pleased with me and bought me. I was taken to one of his houses and stayed there for some time training, learning how to conduct myself with more ladylike etiquette, how to better control myself, and how to blend in no matter the circumstances. Even sharing his bed from time to time. At first it was difficult, given how we handled sex on the island, but I understood how it had to work, and I didn't really mind. He is more caring then he looks." At this Ada slightly blushed.
"And one day, he came up to me and said that I was to be his wife, so I could be close to him and protect him when needed. Especially when I am much stronger than any of his other guards. At the time my name was just Ada, so he had to do some work in order to give me a believable background. After that was done, we lived as husband and wife in the eyes of the world ever since."
"…A-And how strong are you?" Amelia asked, almost stumbling over her words, unsure of how to handle the situation.
"Currently, my power is between that of Gagaran of Blue Rose and Gazef Stronoff." Ada replied, visibly stunning Amelia.
"You hide it very well." Juno respectfully remarked.
"Thank you." Ada replied with a appreciative tone and head-bow.
Amelia honestly did not know what to say. It genuinely had never crossed her mind that Ada, a person she knew since she was but a child, could be hiding something like this. She had never questioned her or suspected her of anything. Well, unless she did not count the fact that she had never seen her back. Even now she could tell, that Ada's clothing covered her back.
"I-Is that why you cover your back? Do you have some kind of scar from when you were a slave?"
"Of course…" Ada chuckled, with a weak and warm smile.
"I'm sure that you have been wanting to ask me that for some time…"
Amelia almost regretted having asked this, after having driven Amelia to the point she had revealed pretty much all her life to her. This being caused by the closeness she knew the countess felt for her. Amelia was tempted to silence the countess before she could speak. However, before she could do anything, Juno walked towards the desk, placing her always gloved right hand on top of it.
"I-I believe, that the countess also deserves to know more about us." The 4th-Espada said in a stoic tone.
"Hm? What are you talking about?" Ada asked in a low tone.
"Juno, this…" Amelia went to speak, but silenced herself.
Perhaps it was the fair thing to do. After all, she had moved Ada into giving them all this new information about herseld and the island. Surely telling the countess about them, would put them back on an even playing field. Something at the moment Amelia was rather keen on.
"Very well…" She decided, just for Ada to speak over her.
"Y-You don't have to do anything. I did this because I wanted to."
"No. You did this, because of me. It is only fair for you to know more about us."
"..."
"Then, allow me to continue."
Ada said this as she got up from her seat, turned around and carefully lowered her dress, so her back was now fully exposed to both women. First thing she noted, even if with her dress on, it was somewhat easy to see, was that she was indeed very well built, and in enviable shape even for those younger than her. Next was the tattoo, which depicted in black ink the form of her meditating god, Cthalpi. Both Amelia and Juno, to different extents, could feel something else coming from the tattoo, which most likely suggested the presence of considerable magic.
"It is a depiction of Cthalpi, as she maintains the barrier that hides us from the world. Funny enough, if some of my captors had their way, it would have probably been a scar." Ada informed, putting her dress back on.
"I-I am sorry, to have made you tell us all of this." Amelia managed to say, just to receive a kind smile from Ada.
"There is no need to apologize. I knew that this would have to be said sooner or later."
"Does the count know about all of this?"
"No. He didn't show much interest to begin with. He understood right away that I had nowhere else to go, and that seemed enough for him. He was interested in my tattoo, which I explained as being the god I believed in, to which he argued with it being some made up thing. Nevertheless, he allows me to continue my worship, as long as it is away from prying eyes."
"… T-Thank you. For telling me all of this. I'm sure that you already know this. But this information won't…" Amelia began to say, when Ada calmly interrupted her.
"Do not say that. I know you will tell Aizen and probably more people within the Espada. But I am certain that you will never tell anyone that is a risk of this information getting into the wrong hands."
"Y-Yes. I will make sure that never happens."
"And for that, I thank you."
"Now, as I said, allow us to tell you something about us." Amelia announced, looking at Juno.
Juno turned to meet the countess' gaze, and she began by raising her right hand and removing the glove, exposing the smooth scales and talons that decorated it. She did not stop there, perhaps going the extra mile because she was in the presence of woman and had learned the value placed upon Ada. Juno proceeded to remove the upper half of her clothing, exposing the smooth scales that so naturally decorated the outlines of her body.
"W… How?" She asked in shock and surprise, her eyes transfixed on Juno's well built and somewhat otherworldly physique.
"Well, unlike what you believe, Aizen is not a just human." Amelia said with a mischievous smirk.
As this was going on, the Arkham had stopped for the night, with almost everyone turning in to get some rest. Only the Captain and some sailors were still on watch, so as to make sure everything with the ship was in perfect working order, or if they could see anything strange in the water.
Georg was one of those looking down the side of the ship, to see if he could pick up on anything in the water. As he was doing so, he saw something dark move. It seemed to lack any defined shape, which made him think of a slime, which wasn't that difficult to happen since there were some species that could indeed live i then water, even if they preferred the sea floor. These could at times come to the surface and try to get on to ships. If one was near it, but they could be easily scarred off with some loud noises and bright lights, given the fact they lived in places where these two characteristics weren't that present.
This one however was differently than the ones he had seen, and he had seen plenty in his time. It began to move and shift, until he could make out tentacles, which were soon enough followed by eyes and several maws. He had never seen anything like it, and the things was so terribly disturbing to look at. Even more so when it began to make a noise, almost as if it was trying to articulate its inhuman growls, until finally it uttered a sound.
"Tekeli-li."
"..."