Emerging from the portal, Aizen found himself in a small cavern with several carvings decorating the walls, while not forgetting about the wax-faced being that was currently behind him. His focus then went to the pool. The water was crystal clear, allowing him to clearly see the massive shape that rested on the bottom once he was close, along with the presence coming from it. Honestly it felt different to him. Certainly it wasn't something he had yet to come across, even if it felt slightly similar to the Deep Ones.
"Stop." His 'companion' hissed, to which Aizen complied.
Having said this, the hooded figure turned around and began to walk away, as Aizen saw the water in the pool began to move and shift as the dark mass in the bottom began to make its way upwards. As it got closer to the surface, Aizen continued to get a better feel of the being. Indeed it felt strange. Interestingly so, as it carried massive amounts of magical power, yet these seemed to be unstable and not a full capacity.
Finally, two large hands broke through the water, placing themselves on the edge as the island's god began to slowly push itself out of the water. The body was soon out of the water, as the creature that presented itself before Aizen stood as tall as Inon. The body of the being was very similar to that of a female Deep One, with slight feminine curves, and a somewhat more humanoid shape then a regular Deep One.
The head was almost exactly the same as the rest, with the same unblinking eyes. Unlike the rest however, it had barbels like a catfish. The shading of the body had, a long time ago, indeed been dark and shiny, but what Aizen saw was a paler and faded version of that display. That was what Aizen easily saw, as the creature, who was seen as a god by the people of the island, looked old and tired. A far cry from what he was certain it had once been. The creature then gave Aizen its full attention, which prompted him to respond.
"Greetings, great Cthalpi. My name is Aizen. Sōsuke Aizen." The Shinigami said with a cordial bow.
Cthalpi's head tilted slightly to the left, before returning to its base position. As it spoke, the voice was not sounding too female as it carried with it a slight gurgle.
"Sōsuke Aizen? I am not familiar with that name. Are you using your real name, perhaps?" She asked inquisitively.
Aizen was unsure of what she meant by "real name". However, he decided to go along with this line of inquiry in order to let her speak freely without feeling pressured by him.
"Indeed. This is my real, and only, name."
The creature seemed somewhat surprised by this, as the barbels then began twitching slightly from the confusion, and her thinking on his words. Anyone else might have had problems reading the creature's inhuman features, but Aizen had only a little difficulty in adjusting. He then saw as it seemed to try to think back about something, before it spoke again in a curious tone.
"Where do you come from then?"
"My apologies, but I do not understand what you mean." Aizen replied sincerely.
"Every 100 years, there is an event where the very fabric of this world weakens, and something comes forth. That happened when I arrived in this world long ago, and it happened after. But recently there was an anomaly. Something different from the rest. Was that you?" Cthalpi asked plainly.
Examining the creature once again, Aizen wasn't sure if he should reply. However, he saw no immediate reason to not answer either. After all, if given some information, Cthalpi might just do the same in good faith. Well, she would do so one way or the other, but from what he gathered, she was more than willing to share information, if it was also given in kind.
"Indeed, that was me. That being said, I am also curious about where you came from." Aizen replied, a slight hint of curiosity in his own voice.
"I guess it is only fair for me to tell you about myself. My name is Cthalpi. I came to this world… long ago, from a place known as YGGDRASIL..." She began when Aizen perked a brow and calmly spoke over her.
"YGGDRASIL? The same as in Norse mythology?" He asked in genuine surprise, causing the deity to chuckle.
"Teehehe. In a sense, but I don't think the particulars are quite necessary right now. So... Why did you come here?" Cthalpi asked, now with a more serious tone.
"An alliance, between me, the Espada, and you and your people."
"Hm? Why? We have been isolated for a very long time. I doubt we have anything that could benefit you in any way." Cthalpi informed in a plain tone.
"Isolated? How interesting. What about the disappearing ships? How you use the men on them to increase your numbers, with only some of them being freed? Certainly, you maintain a form of contact with the outside world via those methods?"
In that moment, the island's god seemed to tense for a moment, with Aizen then seeing certain hints of emotion in her inhuman features. It seemed to turn to the sides slightly, as if looking for a way out, or someone that would help her. That was the impression that Aizen seemed to get. Ultimately, it shifted in place before speaking.
"And yet you still want to be associated with us?" Cthalpi said, with a hint of confusion in her tone.
"Yes. Of course, I can only do so openly when you change some of the things you let your subjects do."
"We won't be revealed to the world! We came here and isolated ourselves, for a good reason." Cthalpi growled, the very notion seeming to incense her.
"I understand. However, 300 years have passed, much has changed. Not only that, but we will be there to assist you. I will not force any of the women to move into a world they don't know anything about."
"300 years?... Only that much?" The creature mumbled.
"Did it seem to have been longer than that?" Aizen asked with a curious tone.
"I-I am unsure. The passage of time is rather different for me. That aside… I don't know how much I can change about what the women do."
"Oh? I thought you were their god. Won't they listen to you? Or has your current condition affected how they perceive you and your authority?"
Cthalpi let out a grunt at this, making Aizen understand that he was in the wrong, and she most likely could still influence the women as much as she would want. This gave him the idea, that it wasn't that she couldn't influence them, but that she simply didn't want to.
"Is there a reason you do not want to convince your subjects to consider an alliance?" Aizen calmly asked.
"Do not call them my subjects. But you are not wrong. Acting kindly towards outsiders, especially male ones, would risk damaging my image. I can't risk that. Not now."
"Very well. What will you do when the outside world learns of you? The ship that I came in knew that there was something here. The continued disappearance of the ships will eventually get the attention of more people. In all likelihood, they will come here and invade this island. It may take time, but it will happen. Some of those people might be like me, but only not as good-willed or understanding. What will you do then? What will become of the women that you care so much about then?"
"I won't let anything bad happen to them. If that happens, I will…" Cthalpi began, when Aizen spoke over her.
"Kill them?" He suggested plainly, to which she seemed surprised.
"That would a foolish move. It would only get you more attention, and in the state you are in, how long would you hold out if someone like me came along?" He stated matter-of-factly.
In the face of this, Cthalpi took one massive step towards Aizen, with her right hand going around his neck as she lifted him from the ground. Aizen did nothing in response, as he could see from the creature's actions and expression, that this was not a move out of rage, but one done out of simple desperation.
"Let me help you, Cthalpi. It is obvious you have been doing this for far too long. God or no, it is clear you need help." Aizen informed in a calm, cool, and rather comforting tone.
This was followed by her practically throwing Aizen aside, something he allowed to happen as he landed skillfully on his feet, and could see things were moving along nicely. Cthalpi stood frozen for a moment, her eyes going to the hand that had held Aizen, as if she was transfixed on it. Aizen, was also taking in what physical contact with her had shown him.
Her presence, and in fact her entire being, was something that truly felt like it was not of this world. Even if she was not in her prime, she felt massive, otherworldly, and in her own way eternal, and everlasting. Above all forms of earthly life. Yet, he could also see this being as so desperate. So lost. So overwhelmed by her current situation.
"S-So much power… Such presence… T-The strongest I ever felt. It makes me wonder why you would go through the trouble of forming alliances." Cthalpi said, her tone wavering as if she had received a shock.
Aizen simply smiled in a charming fashion as he realized the implications of her words, and then calmly replied.
"I could say the same thing about you isolating yourself in a place like this."
"There was no place in this world for me. The same went for the women I came across long ago, who were nothing more than slaves and toys for others. I decided to take them somewhere they would be safe, and would be able to live as they wanted to. Free from their 'masters'." She informed, in a more calm and somber tone.
"Don't you see that as a waste of your power? You could have changed the world for all people in situations similar to that."
"I had no interest in such grand plans. I also feared what kind of retaliation such an act could bring about. No, this was a much better solution… They are happy here… they are…"
"For how long? Consider my earlier words, and with an alliance I can help ensure your peace continues, and they no longer need to live solely on this island."
The being Cthalpi paused for a moment, in what Aizen could accurately guess was a state of pensivity. She then spoke, her tone communicating caution and uncertainty.
"Why? What do you want us for?"
"I want to do what you feared to so long ago. I want to change this world. To make it a place where all can live equally. No slavery, no people being used as toys, or you feeling out of place for how you look, or what you are. However, I need help to do this. I would like you to be part of that help."
Cthalpi's unblinking eyes then seemed to widen at the proclamation, which to her was completely honest and genuine. Aizen could rightly guess that this was outside the bounds of what she had expected of him, as she then seemed to collect herself before speaking in a neutral tone.
"I'll have to leave this island, correct?"
"I'm afraid so. I believe you are wasting yourself by staying here. Of course, your current condition is not the best, but…" Aizen began, when she raised her left hand to interrupt him.
"It will pass. With the correct potions that is."
"Ah, I see. Then I was correct to think that this was not the result of 'normal' aging?"
"I am immortal. Age does not affect me. This is the result of a great and continuous strain I put myself through, for the good of the island."
"The barrier? You are the one that keeps it?" Aizen asked, as the realization finally became clear, to which Cthalpi seemed to smile at.
"Indeed. [Veil of Apate]. It's a magical barrier that surpasses the 10th-tier. Where I am from, it is referred to as, 'Super-Tier Magic'. It forces me to remain stationary and in a state of hibernation, with its usage causing strain on the caster. I've maintained the barrier for several years at a time, only taking breaks for brief moments, and have reduced myself to this state because of it."
"Hmm... A rather impressive feat. It seems I was correct when I sensed you had great magical capabilities." He pointed out in a praising tone, causing her to chuckle.
"It becomes easier, when one focuses their entire time on one thing."
"I see. In that case, allow me to bring you to full health." Aizen confidently stated.
"Right now?" Cthalpi asked, genuinely stunned.
"Of course. It will work to show you my honesty, and how important I consider this alliance to be." Aizen replied.
"I... They will never accept this." Cthalpi mumbled under her breath.
"That is when you convince them of how this is important for their well-being and survival."
"B-But how they see me might change. I cannot risk, having their world changed so drastically. Especially, after so many years of them acting alone." She spat back.
"But did you not influence them?"
"At first. But since I had to maintain the barrier, much of what they did was based upon my early 'teachings', which became twisted and altered as time went on. I had never intended for them to act like this. At least, not at this level."
Pathetic. That was the word that went through Aizen's mind. What other word could have used, at the sight of a being as powerful as she seemed to be, driving herself so low. He saw that he had to give her an extra push, as now was not the time to let her move at her own pace.
"Pathetic." He coldly said, staring her down.
"You...! Do not judge me! You have no right to do so!" Cthalpi growled back.
"You are failing your people. You are their savior. You brought them here and gave them the freedom they lacked. Yet in your search to give them a world of their own, you failed to properly educate their descendants. Even when you created a queen, your own flesh and blood, she too failed to move them in the right direction. All because you also neglected your own descendants in your own search for peace. I am sure that you have realized this long ago. You failed these people."
"H-How do you know so much!?" Cthalpi roared, her patience now hitting its limits.
"My people have come into contact with someone who was born here, and left to explore the outside world." Aizen calmly replied, this shocking Cthalpi.
"S-She survived!?"
"She did."
"I... I'm glad…" Cthalpi sighed in relief, recomposing herself.
"… You are correct. I have failed my people. I can try to make it right, however I want you to promise me that they will be kept safe." She hissed, starring him down.
"I promise."
Cthalpi pushed her senses which far surpassed mortals to their absolute limit, and sensed no deception from his words. Whether Aizen could perfectly control himself to conceal such deception, she could not say. However, for the moment she felt that he was sincere. Even if he wasn't, if what she felt from him was accurate, there was no way she could oppose him. Especially in her current state. Knowing this, she resigned her self as she spoke...
"Very well. Do as you wish."
Approaching Cthalpi, Aizen lifted both his hands towards her, which began to emit green colored light. This eventually enveloping her body, filling her with an unfamiliar, but incredibly pleasant and warm sensation. Almost immediately she began to feel the changes, her body beginning to be taken over by a long lost and forgotten vitality, with her muscles twitching as strength began to course into them.
Her magical reserves also began to quickly rise, with her fish like scales returning to the dark and shiny color they were always meant to have. The process didn't take long, and in the end Aizen now stood before a full powered Cthalpi, which his senses told him made her only slightly weaker than the vampire Shalltear, but in the case she was to wear similar gear, she probably could take on that vampire and win.
"Impressive." Cthalpi said in approval, looking at the results of Aizen's aid.
"Perhaps now, we can sit down and speak properly?" Aizen cordially suggested.
"Very well."
Cthalpi followed this, by materializing a golden colored robe on her body, which until now was completely bare, and followed this with a spell of her own.
"[Shape of Humanity]."
Cthalpi's body was then engulfed by an intense light, with it slowly growing smaller in size, and taking a more humanoid form, quickly telling Aizen that she was transforming into something that mimicked a humanoid being.
When the light faded, Aizen stood in the presence of a woman of almost unparalleled beauty. Her long hair was black and seemed to be as smooth as silk to the touch. Her skin was decorated with a healthy tan, and her features seemed to have been sculpted by the hands of the gods themselves. In another world, she could have been compared to an ancient Egyptian, even if it easily surpassed them. Finally, there were her orange eyes, which seemed like gates to the infinite, cold, and dark void.
Aizen recognized her. When the Espada were given the assignment to recover a painting for an old acquaintance of Amelia named Wilde, they were given the description of said painting. It was that of a woman who looked just like Cthalpi. Something that was supported by the description given by Carmyn and Inon after their assignment was over.
"Is something the matter?~" She asked with a voice that was as smooth as honey.
"There is a painting of you out there, that goes by the name of 'The Dark Empress from Beyond'." He replied, visually surprising her once more.
"Oh, my.~ Do you know what happened to the painter?" She asked in concern.
"From what I was told, he was haunted by your image in his dreams, and it ruined his life in the end. I do not know anymore than this."
"I-I guess that is to be expected." Cthalpi remarked with a sigh, sounding rather uncomfortable with the situation.
"You don't seem too surprised."
"I possess several passive abilities that affect lower leveled beings. That could be the reason for what happened to him."
"I take it that I do not count as lower level?" Aizen commented with a smile, to which Cthalpi responded with a smirk.
"Oh, not at all. Of course, much has changed since then, and something like that won't happen again. Unless I wish it to happen."
"I see. How interesting. Now then, shall we discuss the terms of our alliance?" Aizen suggested with a hand gesturing out into the connecting tunnel.
"Very well.~" Cthalpi replies as she takes his invitation and walks past him.
It was early in the morning when Roos, Cesar, and their Espada companions found themselves just a few minutes away from the invisible line that separated the outside world from the Dragon Kingdom. The duo of Roos and Cesar, who were leading the rest, suddenly came to an halt, moving their horses to the side to face the Espada.
"Is something the matter?" Nazz asked in a relaxed tone.
"I will be heading in another direction. My presence is not welcomed among the people of this Kingdom, and would cause too many problems should my presence be found." Cesar replied in a neutral tone, while getting off his horse.
"Is that so? Then what about me?" Sajin asked in a concerned tone of voice.
"Perhaps it would be for the better for you were to stay with Cesar. That is, if that isn't a problem for you?" Roos said, then looking at her beastman companion.
"I don't mind an extra pair of hands."
"Very well. Go with him, Sajin." Nazz stoically instructed.
"As you wish." Sajin acknowledged with a head bow.
With that, Sajin picked up his blade and began to follow Cesar. The duo separated from the main group, and proceeded to delve deeper into a nearby forest, and in the direction of the territory controlled by the Beastman Country.
"We should continue." Roos said in a tired tone.
"Hm. Lead the way." Nazz replied.
While they continued their trip, on the Kingdom's side of the invisible line a group of workers were already waiting for the new arrivals. The leader of said group was Elim Cusak. The same man Leinas had met before being called upon by Aizen to join the Espada. The rest of the group was composed of four women, which some had wrongly assumed to be his "harem".
One of them was Saida, an elf. She had long fiery red hair, light brown eyes, and clipped ears. These being the marks of the life she had escaped as a slave in the Theocracy. She wore a full body leather/chainmail suit, to both protect herself, and hide the scars left from her previous life.
Resting on the horse to her side was her life partner, Mira. That was not her real name, as she had dropped it when she left the Slane Theocracy with the former slave. Mira had been the daughter of a noble family where Saida used to work for. That was before both had decided to go out, and live a life of their own choosing together. She was a shorter than average individual, yet had acquired a well built body with time and necessity. Her hair was blonde in color that was short-cut, and shiny green eyes.
Resting at the back of the group, wearing an all-black, lightly armored outfit with a hood, yet made so as to give its owner all flexibly she needed, was Hissa. Her skin was slightly pale, her body lean and flexible to accommodate her role as an assassin, and her head shaved bald for unknown reasons.
Finally, to Elim's right was Melle Le Maux, and she was the second-in-command of the group. She was rather bulky from her muscular frame, but not to an extreme sense. Her skin was light brown in color, which made her a source of almost immediate interest in many situations. Especially since it was considered an exotic trait in many places. Her hair was dyed black, was straight, and held in a long ponytail, with olive colored eyes.
"What a waist of our time." Hissa mumbled in a discontented tone.
"You know, for an assassin, you are very impatient." Elim pointed out with an amused smirk.
"You know that's not the problem. We could be using this time to go out and kill some beastmen." She coldly remarked.
"Enough, you two. This is also a very important part of our assignment." Melle said with a calm and mature tone.
"Exactly. The fact we are trusted enough to welcome and show the new people around, speaks volumes about what they think of us." Their leader explained with a smile.
"Especially when we have done little in terms of killing any beastmen." Mira said with a scowl.
"Heh! Even better." Elim declared with a triumphant tone.
"Don't get too excited. I too want to get my hands on some beastmen." Melle informed with a hint of eagerness in her tone.
"Here they come." Hissa announced, directing all eyes to the path ahead.
The first to come into view was Roos. Then next to her was a massive individual in armor riding on a large, black war horse. Then came an individual the group knew rather well. Especially Elim. That being Leinas Rockbruise.
"N-No, way." Elim mumbled in his surprise.
Frankly, Elim didn't really focus on the rest of the group. His eyes were trained on the beauty of Leinas. He had never forgotten about the night they spent together, and he honestly was certain such a thing would be impossible. So, finding himself in some kind of trance, the leader of the Worker group only came back to his senses when a voice echoed through his ears and into his memory addled head.
"Excuse me? Is something the matter?" Roos asked with a confused and concerned expression.
"N-No. Not at all." He quickly replied, trying his best to regain his composure.
"I see… Well, these people are of the Espada, and they have come to help us. You make sure to show them where they will be staying. I'll take their leader to meet the queen." Roos informed.
"…"
"Understood." Melle replied, as Elim froze when his eyes met Leinas'.
"Let's get moving then." Roos told Nazz, taking the lead as her horse took up speed, with him following closely after her.
"Oi. What's wrong with him?" Grimmjow asked, approaching the Workers on his horse.
"Don't think anything of it. Just follow us." Melle quickly replied, wanting to avoid the subject entirely as she sighed.
"Are you sure about that? He looks a bit shaken up." Leinas remarked with a strangely amused tone and smirk as she approached Elim.
"I-I… It's been a long time." He finally managed to say with a nervous smile.
"Oh? You know him?" Carmyn asked in surprise.
"I do. We spent a rather 'relaxing' evening together." Leinas replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"I see…" Carmyn mumbled, picking up on things, and having lost interest in the subject.
"Ahem. W-Well…" Elim mumbled, visibly flustered by the situation.
"Really? Why him?" Nnoitra questioned in a deadpan tone.
"Silence." Carmyn growled, which he ultimately obeyed.
"Now, we should really get moving." She then added.
"Yes. Agreed." Melle added with a fatigued sigh.
"Very well. Elim, why don't you lead the way?" Leinas asked, still with a small smirk.
"Y-Yes. Everyone, please follow me this way." Elim quickly added, turning his head away as his face was quickly turning scarlet.
As the group made its way towards their destination, Elim and Leinas eventually took the lead, as they were the leaders of their respective groups. While in the awkward silence, Leinas finally decided to end it, and spoke in a casual tone of voice.
"So... where will we be staying?"
"R-Right. Well, normally people of the power of the Espada would be kept within the capital. B-But given the fact the Kingdom is going through a… general shortage, you will be staying in one of the many camps built to accommodate the Kingdom's fighters. You and your group, will be kept in one of the camps closer to the capital…" Elim replied, blushing slightly before speaking again.
"I-It is the same camp me and my group are staying at."
"I don't remember you having so much difficulty talking last time we met." Leinas remarked with a small, amused smile.
"O-Of course, not. N-Normally I leave things as a one night stand, with my charms taking the lead. But after our night together, I-I found myself wanting to see more of you, and wanting to know more about you." He mumbled back, visibly unsure as he looked back to Leinas, whose face was hidden by her hair.
"I see." Leinas remarked in a low tone.
"Then, I guess you will have the opportunity to know more about me." She added, in the same tone of voice.
"Yes. It seems like that is the case." Elim replied as he chuckled rather awkwardly.
Roos and Nazz found themselves in the Dragon Kingdom's Capital, Buraitonesu City. Although it could be said that the capital was rather underwhelming. Even the royal palace, which Nazz could see in the distance, was rather faded in color and even in maintenance.
"I thought I was going to meet the Queen." Nazz said in confusion.
"And you are. But… I ask you to understand that we are in a steady decline, in almost all possible ways. That includes morale… Meaning, that it was decided upon that from time to time, our queen would come closer to where those fighting for her are staying, and has small meetings with some of them." Roos informed, a frown showing she was visibly displeased with the situation.
Looking at the large building they were approaching, which Nazz assumed to be a hotel, he saw the obvious large number of guards, adventurers, and other individuals guarding the perimeter. Some of them were quick to eye Nazz's armored figure, but looked away when they saw he was accompanied by Roos.
"Hmph! What a warm welcome." Nazz remarked in a sarcastic tone.
"I apologize for that, but you can't really blame them."
Shortly after the duo stopped, they dropped down from their horses as two others came to take care of them. Roos led the leader of the Espada into the building and into one of the larger rooms on the first floor. Meanwhile, Nazz never failed to notice the guards placed all around them, showing that they did not slack on security.
"This is Nazz of the Espada Mercenary Company. I came to introduce him to the queen." She calmly, albeit firmly informed.
"Very well. He can go after Cerabrate." The guard informed.
"Our greatest hope." Another guard added, rather proudly.
"Hmm... I see."
Nazz found himself rather focused on what was behind the door, which even if he couldn't see or hear, he could still sense. He was certain that, even if faint, it was the presence of a Dragon Lord. And a female one at that. This caused a rather unwanted effect on him. While his kind were known loners for the most part, when they came together great showings of emotion could be expected. Some could be negative if claimed territory was intruded upon.
This was especially true between a male and female. In the location where his actual body was resting, the Dragon Lord began to move his tail from side to side with some rapidity, his breathing turning into rather labored and low growls, and his heartbeat picking up significantly. This reaction was augmented immensely with the fact he had not been with a female of his kind in a very long time, and he felt his blood literally beginning to boil as a result.
"Is something the matter?" Roos asked in concern, hearing the Espadas' breathing suddenly become irregular.
"I'm done waiting." Nazz growled in agitation.
Swiftly walking towards the door, the guards didn't even have time to react when the massive figure in armor opened it and stepped into the room where the meeting was taking place.
Entering the room, he saw a large desk placed in the center. On one side was a small throne where what seemed to be a female child rested. To her right was an older man in robes, which happened to be the Prime Minister of the Dragon Kingdom, Falko Kemuel Jantzi. He was wearing garments representative of his rank, along with several "accessories" to indicate his past as a devote man of faith.
To her left were three individuals representing their military. The first, from left to right, was Ezekiel Ross. He was the older of them, with his body showing the signs of a battle worn life. His left eye was blue, while his right was covered by the massive burn like scar that covered part of his face, with a bald head.
The one in the middle was the youngest, and had come to his role from his status rather than his experience. His name was Iain La Baran. He had a lean body, but was not that of a fighter. His eyes were brown in color, with his medium length hair a light brown. On his half smiling lips rested a small, hand rolled cigarette. Finally came Sol, who was the tallest and most well built of the 3, having olive colored eyes, and black hair that was shaved on the sides.
Sitting in front of the child was Cerabrate. He stood slightly above the average man, and he sported a well-trained and well-shaped physique that many could work for all their lives and never get. His face was decorated with a slight stubble, blue eyes, and medium length curly hair, with a mix of black and grey color, with the back part of it held in a ponytail. Most women considered him drop dead gorgeous, but Nazz was unmoved as he was focused on the child.
This was the Queen of the Dragon Kingdom, and the Dragon Lord he sensed. Of that he was certain, but it was a child. She was wearing an outfit that made her look like a doll, with a small crown, her long hair black in color, and her eyes having a certain shade of red. Nazz was about to speak, when he was suddenly surrounded by guards.
"Who let this madman in here?" Iain growled indignantly.
"We're sorry…" The guard began, when the queen spoke.
"I-It's fine.~ Everyone, please play nice.~" She said in a low, childlike manner. Her voice carrying a cute, almost innocent tone.
"But he just stormed in here. He can be dangerous." Iain cautiously argued.
"I would have to disagree. He doesn't seem to be a threat. But he does seem to lack manners." Ezekial pointed out as his gaze scrutinized the armored individual.
"I-I'm sorry. It was my fault." Roos spoke up, stepping up from behind the armored frame.
"Roos?" Falko exclaimed, raising an eyebrow at her.
"You brought him here?" Sol questioned with a disapproving look and tone.
"Y-Yes. He is the leader of the Espada Mercenary Company's group." She informed, stunning all of those present.
"So, he is the first ranked?" Ezekiel asked in curiosity.
"Well…" Roos went to reply, but Nazz spoke over her.
"No. While your original request was for all the Espada, we could not grant it. Only three ranked members came. The other four are unranked. I am one of them, but I was chosen to lead the teams based on my experience."
"I see... Everyone, stand down." Falko commanded, which the guards obeyed.
"We can talk with you later. So, can you please wait?~" The Queen said in an adorable tone.
"Ahem. Actually, I think I will be leaving now." The adventurer gracefully said.
"A-Are you sure?" Iain asked in surprise.
"Yes. I can see that this is a situation that should be handled right away."
"We are glad that you understand." The Prime Minister gratefully said, as Cerabrate got up and began to walk out.
"Thank you for your help.~" The queen said waving him away, with him doing the same as he elegantly left the room.
"Now, you can sit." Falko said, motioning Nazz to a nearby seat.
With this the guards left, closing the door, so now Nazz was sitting before the queen, with Roos to his right.
"Queen Draudillon Oriculus. This is Nazz, of the Espada Mercenary Company." Roos said, making a proper introduction.
"Ahem! I apologize for my lack of patience." Nazz said apologetically with a small bow.
However, there was no response, as the Queen was frozen in place, and seemingly overwhelmed by the massive frame of the man that now stood before her.
"Is something wrong?" Falko asked in concern, looking down at the childlike figure.
"I… S-Scary…~" She replied weakly.
While everyone else seemed befuddled at her statement, Nazz could easily tell that this was a lie. He could also tell that she was feeling the same thing as him, even if it was not to the same degree. It seemed to him that whatever the reason was for her to take that form, it also made her act like a child, which honestly wasn't making him happy. It was a degrading display for a being that seemed to be in a similar stance to him, even if she felt far weaker. He was also certain that while he could tell this was not her real form, she could tell that what was before her was a mass of [Wild Magic] controlling armor.
"I apologize. I will make sure to correct my less than favorable first impression." He chuckled awkwardly to try to lighten the mood.
"Well, let us get right to the point. We plan for the Espada to be integrated into our other units…" Iain began, just for Nazz to speak over him.
"No."
"E-Excuse, you?" The young general retorted, tilting his head to the side.
"The Espada are a unit. We are used to working together as a team. All of our successes have come from the missions we did on our own. Asking us to integrate with anyone else would slow us down, and disrupt our cohesion."
"Hmm... Then, you suggest for us to send out the Espada as a single unit, without anyone else added to it for support?" Sol asked aloud in a contemplative tone.
"Yes. Of course, we will understand if you wish to split us into smaller units, and send us out with other groups. Just know that we will be working on our own in any of those situations. That is our condition."
"Oh? Even if we use you to open the way for other teams?" Ezekiel asked with a raised brow.
"If you wish." Nazz plainly replied, which seemed to please the old soldier.
"Hah! Very well! I say, why not?" He said with a laugh.
"Hey! Don't get too excited. These are people we are talking about." Sol growled in disapproval.
"What of it? If they don't mind being meat shields, I say let them. Frankly, I'm sick of sending out lambs to an unwilling slaughter. At least these lot are open to it."
Sol shook his head and sighed at his compatriot's demeanor as he spoke in concern.
"Are you certain about operating like this? You will eventually be used to spearhead certain dangerous missions. Even 'Crystal Tear' is given support from time to time."
"Do not worry. That is why we came here. Know this, Queen Draudillon: The Espada will end this war." Nazz resolutely said.
"Hah! Bold words." Iain said with a laugh.
"Okie!~" The Queen said, shocking Iain.
"What do you think, Falko?~" She sweetly asked, looking up at the Prime Minister.
"Well… If you and the rest of the Espada, are comfortable with this arrangement… And…" He paused, then looking down at Queen Draudillon.
"If that is what our queen wants…"
"It is!~" She quickly and energetically replied.
"Then we are more than happy to have the Espada work for us in this capacity." The Prime Minister affirmed.
"Thank you. You will not regret it."
"I do hope so. Then Roos, take him to where the rest of the Espada have been sent."
"As you wish." Roos acknowledged with a head bow.
A few hours later, the meetings were done and it was only Prime Minister Falko Kemuel Jantzi and Queen Draudillon Oriculus in the room. No one else was allowed in as the Queen was in the middle of a rather nervous outburst, her breath ragged, and her face flushed, looking as if she was running for miles.
"C-Call for him. I want to see him." She said, dropping the childlike tone, and sounding more like an adult woman.
"Him? You mean that Nazz? I noticed how you acted when he appeared. I understand that it wasn't fear. But…" Falko began, but she interrupted him.
"I need to speak to him alone. From what I sensed… I need to understand why someone like him is here, with the Espada." She mumbled, nervously rubbing her legs together.
"Please calm down. If there are any problems, then you need…" Once more she spoke over him.
"He's a Dragon Lord. I'm certain of it." She finally said, causing the man to grow pale as his eyes widened in shock.
The Dragon Kingdom was founded by the Brightness Dragon Lord, and thus its people held dragons in high regard. Some even hoped and prayed that one would come to save their flagging country from the beastman hordes. However, if Nazz was a Dragon Lord, why did he conceal himself? That was the question running through Prime Minister Falko's mind. While he served his queen, he was not one whom held other dragons and Dragon Lords in such high esteem. In fact, his first instincts were that of suspicion.
"In that case, what is its purpose? What if he attacks you? It will be the end for us if he thinks this a perfect time to time advantage of our weakened state."
"No. He won't attack me. I know it." The Queen resolutely stated.
"Oh? How can you confidently say that?" Falko coldly asked.
"I sensed it. I know he won't harm me, but I need to know why I feel like…" She stopped speaking, as her right hand began to lightly rub her inner thigh.
"Hmm... Are you sure?" He asked as he narrowed his eyes at the display, seeing what was happening.
"Yes." Draudillon growled in agitation.
"I-I see. It shall be done then. You will have him in your chambers tonight." Falko declared.
"…T-Thank you." Draudillion said in a relieved tone, as she quickly snatched a nearby class full of wine, and drank the contents in less than 10 seconds...