Asodosia is free. That which not long ago seemed to be the faintest of possibilities had come to pass, and the fact those responsible for such a feat had not returned to capital didn't stop the news from spreading as fast as possible. There was simply no other way around it, and while the city was still in the process of being fully secured, with the relief forces having just arrived, the news needed to be spread as quickly as possible, the people simply needed a light shown upon their seemingly grim future.
Among the first people in the royal capital to know of it was Iain La Baran, and the young general quickly felt the pressure start to build as he knew this victory was something that was not meant to happen. This also meant that he had to go see his master as soon as possible, which he did as soon as he found the proper excuse.
Iain was now in control of his construct body, kneeling before the dark pit where the crimson eyes of his master floated. The construct form had its head lowered. Not just because Iain was showing his respect for the all-powerful Dragon Lord, but because he could feel an unseen doom hanging over him which he did not dare to look at. Not only that, but standing not too far from him was a being that he was well aware was created from those that had failed the Dragon Lord. This creature was a called a Bodak. It was a type of undead and was rarely used because despite being able to use magic, their lack of a proper mind made them less useful than an Elder Lich.
That was why Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth decided to turn those that had failed them into Bodaks. As a sort of mockery and a warning to others. Especially when the creature maintained a somewhat humanoid form, with its skin was pale, hunched over posture, and with a face twisted into an inhuman visage of sheer madness and horror. This was the future that possibly awaited Iain depending on how well this meeting went. Taking a drag from his pipe the Dragon Lord released a plum of smoke upon the construct, clearing his throat as he spoke.
"Hmm… Your forces should be commended for their victory." The Dragon Lord remarked, his voice showing no signs of irony or sarcasm.
"My apologies. I had a few plans in place to ensure we were placed at a disadvantage for the battle, but it seems…" Iain started, but the Dragon Lord simply spoke over him.
"That is no longer important. What matters now is that with this victory, many will begin to question how the enemy knew of their attack, and were able to readily intercept and ambush your forces."
Iain had no idea of what really happened. All he and everyone else knew was that Asodosia had been freed, and that most of the work had been done by the Espada. However, he feared that something like this might happen. After all, he simply couldn't trust whatever plans some non-human came up with. That was why he could still keep himself collected. He still had cards he could play to save himself.
"I-I feared that something like this might happen, my lord. That's why I've already put a plan in motion to be rid of any suspicion that might befall myself." Iain quickly informed.
"Oh? What plan is this?" The Dragon Lord asked in genuine curiosity.
"I have made arrangements to have one of my followers to take the fall. He will make it seem as if he was the one working with the enemy, and he will then kill himself, destroying his body in the process so he cannot be resurrected." Iain replied, sounding as confident as one could be in their own plans.
"Hmm... Not bad. However, are you certain this man will kill himself for you and your goals?"
Naturally, Iain did not. At least, not to the point he could openly assure the Dragon Lord that this man he had chosen, for his relatively high rank in the Royal Army and lonely life-style, would so willingly kill himself.
"I will make sure everything goes through as I have told you, master." The young general declared, earning himself some laughs from the Dragon Lord.
"Hah-hah-hah! Well then, I will not hold you any longer. Go back, and ensure your plan is seen through. Know only that any failure will mean the end of your ambitions, and my aid."
"Thank you, my lord." Getting back to his feet, Iain bowed and then left to return to his body.
Having returned to his body, Iain made his way to the home of the man that had been given the role of taking the fall for his own traitorous actions. A man named Commander Geraldo Gimenes. Iain knew he didn't have much time to do this, as he already made certain that some documents and rumors went to the proper authorities, so they would know who to go after.
Donning clothing that would hide his identity, and his wealth by being worn-out and dirty, Iain entered the man's house through the backdoor after a short trip through the city's back-alleys. Quietly making his way to the office where he knew he would be, he then heard faints sounds from within.
Geraldo was a young individual with short black hair, light-brown eyes, and a well-built body. He was the last of a family that had always lived in comfortable conditions, and was able to somewhat maintain that life-style, given the fact he lived alone with no servants or significant others. That is also what made him perfect for this, along with him agreeing with Iain's ambitions to take the throne for himself. After all, there were those like him whom saw the current queen as weak and unfit to sit on the throne. Not all were as "inspired" by her childlike appearance as others, despite her lineage.
"Oh? I wasn't expecting to see you here, general." Geraldo cordially said, as he placed some papers on the desk.
He stood up next to his desk, when Iain's eyes went to the dagger that was also resting upon it. The weapon had some ornamentation upon it, along with containing a version of the suicide spell, [Death Before Dishonor: Cremation]. It was often used by assassins to eradicate their bodies in case a situation required it.
"We don't have much time. They will soon come for you, and you'll have to kill yourself before they arrive." Iain hurriedly and plainly said.
Suddenly he felt the air in the room change as Geraldo's frame stiffened, which Iain understood right away to mean complications. Geraldo let out a weak chuckle, as he threw the rest of the papers onto the desk and turned to meet his superior.
"Hehe… I was really hoping that was a joke…" He mumbled, looking squarely into Iain's eyes.
"It isn't. You agreed to take the fall, but that won't do us any good if you can be interrogated! If we fail now Geraldo, everything we've fought for is over." Iain strongly argued.
"And you think I don't understand that!? I'm more than open to taking the fall for you, but I won't throw my life away for nothing. Not even for you and your cause! If I wanted to get myself killed, I would have gone out there and fought the beastmen." Geraldo vehemently argued.
"Then, what do you plan to do?"
"I'll escape from here. I know how to do it before I get caught…"
"That's not good enough!" Iain quickly spat back.
As he spoke, Iain took a step towards Geraldo, a sudden action that pushed his already visibly unnerved comrade over the edge as he grabbed the dagger and pointed it at Iain.
"Don't be foolish. The investigation needs to end now. If they find all these papers, you will take the blame. They will have you and there will be no reason to continue investigating this any further." Iain grimly explained, continuing to approach.
"Keep your distance, general. Or your ambitions might end right here and now." Geraldo coldly said, strengthening his hold on the dagger.
"Or what, Geraldo? What will you do? Kill me? That's unlikely. After all, there is a reason men like you end up working for men like me. You don't have what it takes to make the important decisions." Iain declared with the same tone one would state facts.
"You shouldn't have said that."
Without further warning Geraldo attacked, going for a straight stabbing motion. In a fight he believed to have the advantage, since compared to Iain he had more battle experience than his superior. He dashed forward as he pushed his blade towards his opponent's abdomen, not caring to make it seem like Iain might have killed himself, and taking the fall Geraldo himself was meant to take.
However, as he did so, Iain threw himself to his right with expert precision and timing. He then pulled the handle of a dagger from a pouch, pressing a button so the blade would extent, and with a quick and elegant motion he sliced Geraldo's throat. Not allowing Geraldo's body fall forwards, risking any blood falling on the floor and ruining the scene, Iain used his right arm to stop the fall, and push him into a nearby chair, before picking up the fallen dagger.
"H-How…?" Geraldo gurgled as life was escaping him.
"My father raised me to be prepared, able to take things for myself, and to never trust anyone. As you can see, he was quite right in those beliefs."
Giving no time for Geraldo to process the information, Iain rammed the magic dagger into his chest, before activating the spell contained within, and engulfing his pawn in blue flames. As they quickly began to eat away at him, this left Iain to watch, and to give Geraldo some final words of respect before leaving.
"I and the rest of our people, are grateful for the sacrifice you have committed for the cause." With that Iain left.
Sometime later, the Espada and what remained of the liberating forces returned to the capital, to naturally be received as the conquering heroes that they were. Especially the Espada. Just before they arrived it was decided that a celebration would be held in the capital, and that it would last for 3-days. This naturally was an effort by the crown to help boost morale gained by the liberation of Asodosia. Morale that had been waning for some time before this.
This was also used to allow others to look into the situation beastmen ambushing them. In this the celebration was used as a means of concealing the ongoing investigation, and to perhaps lull any guilty parties into a false sense of security. A course of action pushed forward by the Prime Minister, and approved by Queen Draudillon Oriculus herself.
Shortly after the main army arrived, so did the group lead by Crystal Tear on horseback, who as they approached the capital city could already hear celebratory sounds roaring in the distance, which left them puzzled. Eventually they arrived at the back ranks of the returning army, which also seemed to be in high spirits, even if some had a few scrapes, and suffered large amounts of damage to their gear. Something that quickly helped the new arrivals to understand what had happened.
"It can't be…" Cerabrate mumbled in dawning surprise.
"Don't sound so distraught, leader. It makes you look bad." Their elf ranger Emma stoically remarked.
"Agreed. Why don't you ask someone here before jumping to conclusions?" Their divine magic caster Diogo suggested in a friendly tone.
"What's there to ask? It's obvious what's happened." Cerabrate replied in an oddly aggressive tone as he narrowed his vision onto the distance, and tightly gripped his horse's reins.
"…"
As they were partaking in this back and forth, their [Monk] Bane moved past them, intent on approaching the first person that he could find. He touched their shoulder, and this person happened to be Apollo Fedele Casto.
"We won?" Bane asked in a nonchalant manner, as Apollo then turned around.
"It wasn't easy, but we did." Apollo replied.
"Was the enemy stronger than we expected?" Cerabrate asked as his horse sidled up to them.
"Ah, not at all. We even got ambushed, and for a while all hope seemed lost. But then the Espada saved us, and turned the tide of the battle in our favor. If I'm not mistaken, three of them were responsible for clearing out the whole city too.~"
All eyes went wide within Team Crystal Tear and their nearby support troops at the news. Even Cerabrate, someone celebrated as an adamantite-ranked adventurer on par with Gazef Stronoff himself, could not pull off such a feat. He could take on 500 Beastman Regulars by himself if pressed, and 1,000 with the support of his team, but that was the limit for the five of them. And that did not even include the appearance of Beastman Betas, and gods forbid any commanding Alphas. The thought of clearing out an entire city filled with those kinds of enemies seemed…
"Impos…" Cerabrate went to say, when Diogo spoke over him.
"Ahem! A-Apologies, but you have to understand it is a bit hard to believe that three individuals cleared an entire city of beastmen themselves…" Diogo began, but was then promptly interrupted.
"I would agree with you, but when you see one of them taking out armored ogres with a single punch, your perception of things changes. Hehe." Apollo said with a weak chuckle.
"Are you seri…" Cerabrate began, just for Bane to speak over him.
"Gods damn! One punch!? Phew! Depending on their strength, even I would have some problems doing that." Bane said in an awed tone as he whistled.
"That's not even the best thing…" Said a nearby magic caster Worker with an odd grin.
"…Tell them how the small one, Carmyn I think, used the 5th-tier [Teleportation] spell, and still had it in her to control a Gigant Basilisk, and help us fight and heal our forces."
"Are you seri…" Diogo went to say, when Afonso excitedly spoke over him.
"R-Really!?"
"Of course! That Carmyn has to be the strongest magic caster we have." He finished saying with awe clear in his voice.
"Can we go meet her!?" Afonso asked with a bubbly excitement while looking at his team.
"Y-Yes. Let's go meet her when we have the chance." Diogo replied, his eyes wide from the sheer surprise, while Cerabrate remained silent.
"Hehe. Not bad. Shame I couldn't have been there basking in such carnage." Labrax said with a dry chuckle while approaching them.
"You don't sound impressed." Emma remarked with a neutral tone.
"I am…" He went to say, just for Emma to interrupt him.
"But you've seen better?"
"Well, I could ask you the same thing." He argued with a knowing smirk, silencing her.
As the celebrations slowly began, Nazz, Cerabrate, and Abel were called to a meeting by the Prime Minister. While Nazz and Cerabrate were the respective leaders of their teams, Abel was chosen for being among the highest ranking members of their forces to have survived the liberation of Asodosia, and for what was told of his actions during the battle. They were taken to the same building Nazz had first met Draudillon, but this time only the Prime Minister, Iain, and Sol was waiting for them within, along with a sizable force keeping watch over the building.
"Welcome." Falko said in an official tone, as the trio entered the room.
"…"
Cerabrate went for a greeting, but the Prime Minister raised his hand to forestall him.
"We can save the formalities for later. For now, we need to focus on this victory." He said, his attention then going to Nazz and Abel.
"Asodosia is free… I would be lying if I believed such a thing would ever happen, and I cannot remember the last time I was this happy to be wrong. Nazz, leader of the Espada's contingent here, what our initial reports have told us, show that…"
Prime Minister Falko went silent, as his mind tried to structure the feelings he, and the rest of those around him, should feel in the face of the Espada's achievement, and not let those be tainted by what he knew of "Nazz", and his true nature.
"… Anyone would have been a fool to have doubted your abilities. Truly, what you told us was not a lie, nor was it overconfidence. For that we are all thankful." He finished saying with a grateful bow.
"I'd also like to extend my personal thanks for having helped my people on their assignment." Sol added with a head-bow.
"Don't think too much of it. We simply did what we promised. Asodosia was the first step. One of many." Nazz resolutely remarked.
"… Indeed. Now moving on to you, Commander Abel." Falko said with a slight smile.
"Commander, sir?" Abel asked in bewilderment, unsure if what his superior had just said was a mistake.
"Correct. Taking into account what has been told of your exploits during this battle, we decided that it was only appropriate to give you the rank of commander." Iain replied in a stoic manner.
"I-I am grateful, sirs. I hope to be able to live up to this new responsibility." Abel said taking a deep bow.
"I'm sure you will. We've looked through your records before this meeting, and you have a very enviable track record. While for some a higher rank might lead to an increased ego and such problems, I don't think that will be the case for you." Falko pointed out in a pleased fashion.
"However, taking into account the losses we suffered, don't expect any changes to your current role. We are in need of people like you on the front lines. Do you understand?" Iain asked in an authoritarian manner.
"I do, sir! I wouldn't walk away from the front-lines for anything. It is my duty to see this fight through." The newly promoted Commander Abel Cujo steadfastly stated as he stood straight and bowed.
"Very good. We look forward to your future performance. Now, shall we move on to Crystal Tear?" The young general asked, then looking towards Falko.
"We shall. As it is, another success was to be expected of you, your team, and your troops Cerabrate. Especially when taking out those camps ensured that our forces in Asodosia didn't have to deal with the possibility of enemy reinforcements." Prime Minister Falko said matter-of-factly.
Cerabrate held back his anger and frustration at the clear upstaging a mere captain and leader of some mercenary band had forced upon him. He knew that this was not the time or place to make a scene. Even if the Queen, the object of his affections and ambitions, was not present. Perhaps that was for the best, as her presence, and reacting in person to their achievements might put his plans and standing at risk.
"I am thankful for your praise. We of Crystal Tear wish nothing but to aid the Kingdom reach victory. Even if we weren't part of the main force, we are glad our efforts allowed for an easier victory." He smoothly said in a convincingly humble tone.
"Ah, there's no need to be humble, Cerabrate. Your accomplishments speak for themselves, and we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and your team." Iain pointed out in a genuinely friendly manner.
"Now then, let us move on to the other reason you were brought here. Since all of you will be showered with all kinds of praise during these following days…" The Prime Minister began, with his eyes going momentarily to Nazz as he paused.
"…From what we know and were told, it seems that a traitor was among us. Someone who gave the enemy information on our attack, allowing for the ambush that befell our forces."
The change in the room was immediate, as the air became heavier and more tense. Nazz's armor shifted in response, Cerabrate remained somewhat collected but still let showed signs of shock and surprise, while Abel was visibly confounded by this. After all he had witnessed and experienced, he could not understand why anyone would betray their nation to something like the beastmen.
"We will have to look for this traitor, correct?" Abel asked with a hardened expression, already showing his eagerness.
"Not exactly. Not long after we learned of the result of your mission, we were informed of the existence of said individual. Even learning who he is. However, when guardsmen were sent to his home, he only found a pile of ash. We believed it to have been the traitor." Sol grimly informed.
"We believe he was sold-out by a co-conspirator, and killed himself when he finally understood that he had no way to run." Iain added in a flat, neutral tone.
"Even if that is the case, an investigation still needs to be made." Nazz pointed out, giving Iain his attention.
"Agreed. As we speak, we have people examining his estate, the ash, and the papers he left behind. It may take some time, but we will learn whatever there is to learn of this traitor, and his motives." Sol firmly said.
"But until then, this remains between us. We informed you because of your ranks, and because you all can keep an eye out for certain things in the field. Still, do try to keep this information to yourselves as much as possible. I trust I don't need to explain the reason why." Falko informed.
All three remained silent, showing their understanding of the implications if word were to get out about this.
"Hm. Until then, please enjoy the celebrations." He added, dismissing them.
With that the trio left the room, and naturally began to separate. As they did so, Cerabrate remained near the door with his attention on Nazz, and what he currently felt towards the Espada. It steadfastly felt it impossible for anyone to put on a better showing than him. Not to mention for anyone to possibly be stronger than him. It simply couldn't be possible, and if it was, Cerabrate wasn't accepting it so lightly.
He could care less for what was said the Espada did. Seeing was believing, and for him there was only one way to see if they were as good as the others believed. Having decided upon his next course of action, he spoke up to get the armored Espada's attention.
"Nazz. I challenge you to a duel!" He declared as soon as Nazz turned to look at him.
There was an audible gasp that escaped all the nearby soldiers. Even Abel turned to look back at the scene with disbelief at what he had just heard. Nazz meanwhile, seemed unfazed as he slowly approached Cerabrate, and gave him his undivided attention.
"You Espada speak well, and you also seem to fight decently, but I want to confirm with my own eyes if you lot are as good as people say you are." The adventurer continued.
"Hm. Is that so? You wish to duel me?" Nazz calmly asked, stopping not too far from Cerabrate.
"I simply wish to show the people, if their faith in you is mistaken or not." He confidently replied, motioning to the soldiers around them, and with his right hand going to his blade on his back.
"I refuse." Nazz bluntly said, further surprising those present.
"Then, you understand what your standing is?" Cerabrate asked.
"No. I will duel you, but only if you agree to my terms."
"Oh? What terms?"
"We will do it alone, with only one witness each, and we'll do it at a time and place of my choosing." Nazz firmly said.
"I see… However, why not be done with it now?" Cerabrate countered.
"Then… what will you offer?"
"Offer?" Cerabrate asked with a curious head-tilt.
"We will offer the winner something as part of a wager. I won't fight a fruitless duel if there's nothing to be gained from it." Nazz replied matter-of-factly.
"Hah! Spoken like a true mercenary… Very well. I agree to your terms. As for my wager, I can offer…" Cerabrate began, but Nazz lifted a hand and spoke over him.
"Tell me only when we meet for our duel. Ensure it is something worthwhile."
With that Nazz turned and began to walk away, leaving Cerabrate speechless at the boldness of the Espada…
Meanwhile in the Beastman Country, Tomo was on the move, putting a few affairs in order before he was eventually called upon. He currently found himself in the territory ruled by his tribe who, even if he wasn't their leader, showed him even more respect than what they did their actual leader.
As Tomo made his way through the village of wood and stone houses, he looked through the area as if in search for something, ignoring the longing looks from the several females he came across. Eventually, he made his way behind a building where a lone female was preparing some boar-meat. She was shorter than him with dark brown fur. Her name was Irai, and she was his mate, kept secret for her own safety, as well as to ensure that she could not be used against him by Kaze, or any other enemy.
Feeling his arrival, she did what any other individual below his status would do by stopping her work, and began to emit low, submissive growls. To which he replied by letting out a louder growl, signaling to her he was not interested in pleasantries.
"What you want?" Irai asked in curiosity.
"Speak properly. It's if you use what I showed you from the humans." Tomo growled in disapproval.
"Hm. What do you want?"
"Better. I'm here to say goodbye. Until I come back from killing those who killed our child."
"Why go after them? They are humans. Weak. Not worth ya' time." Irai argued with her head tilting to the side.
"They slaughtered him. Our boy. How can you be so calm about it?" Tomo lightly growled in confusion.
"I do want revenge, but we need you here. Ya' told me of the plan with Nato and others. To kill Kaze. He's more important. More dangerous…" She tersely replied, showing her clear anger at the news.
"That's still true, but they'll have to wait. Until I'm finished with Crystal Tear."
"But they're weak…" She began, when he spoke over her.
"I was told they're worthy prey."
"Against others. You are unmatched. They don't deserve to be killed by you. Stay. We can have more children. I'm ready if you wish." She said with a soft purr.
Right away she regretted her words, as the air shifted around Tomo, and his anger became very evident with his body tensing. His fists clenched, causing her to shrink and back away in fear. As she did this, she backed into the table where the boar was, causing it to fall on its side, and her to instinctually turn her back to Tomo to try and stop the table. Realizing what she had done, she quickly turned to face him again, only to see his features had somewhat softened.
"Let me see your back." He said pulling her arm and turning her around, revealing a large claw mark on her back.
"Who did this?" He hissed with anger.
"Nada. The son of the chief." She calmly replied as he let go of her.
"Where is he?"
"There's no need. He young and foolish." Irai argued, as she knew what was coming.
"Your softness is foolish. Follow me."
With that Tomo began to walk away, with Irai having no other choice but to follow him, quickly seeing that their destination was the chief's home. It was the largest stone building in their village, with its massive size being justified by the belief that eventually Tomo would rule them. Entering the building, Tomo was once again greeted by several females, which he ignored as he focused on the large stone throne where the chief sat, and much to his luck said chief was in the process of arguing with his son, Nada.
"Tomo." The chief said, pushing his son aside as he rose from his throne.
"Yano. Is this your cub?" Tomo asked, stopping in front of the chief
"Yes. T…" Yano went to speak, but Nada interrupted him.
"That's me. I'm Nada, the future leader of this tribe." The youth confidently said.
Tomo's vision narrowed with a hard edge to his gaze. Something that any other in their tribe would shrink away from, but Nada didn't. An act that did not impress Tomo in the least. Though Nada was strong, he was no stronger than his now deceased son.
"Turn around." Tomo ordered Irai, to which she obeyed, showing her new injury.
"What this?" Yano asked in surprise.
"Your cub did this to her. When I told you to enforce the rule that females are to be protected and cared for." Tomo growled aggressively.
"Apologies. He's young. Unruly." Yano said contritely, lowering his head.
The chief's blood froze in his veins when he saw in the corner of his eye that his young, foolish, and arrogant cub was not following suit. Instead, his posture was prideful and unrepentant as he spoke in matching tones.
"Humph. It's her fault not…"
Whatever else Nada had to say was forever lost, as Tomo raised his closed fist upwards, sending the youngling's head flying into several pieces, and onto the ceiling above. As the body collapsed, no one made a sound, as they knew that at this point there was nothing left but his judgment. Even Yano kept his head lowered, waiting for a similar fate for his failure at raising his cub properly.
"Yano, I'm leaving to fight the humans. When I get back, I want a new leader. A strong one that imposes our laws and ideals."
"Y-Yes…" Yano said, as Tomo began to walk away.
"…Good hunting." He added.
Eventually Irai also returned to her work, and to the fallen table and boar meat, just to be surprised to see everything back in place and Tomo waiting for her.
"Hrm? I thought you were leaving." She said in confusion.
"Are you truly ready to bear me another child?" Tomo curtly asked, catching her off-guard.
"I-I am. Why you ask?"
"I want revenge for Toa, but I won't deny you your right as a mother. I have some time, and I should have more cubs at my age."
"We can go forest. Go ahead. I follow you." Irai said, beginning to feel heat overwhelm her as Tomo walked off…
In the Espada's manor in E-Rantel, Amelia had her focus placed on the newly arrived Annika and Jillur. The duo having entered her office just after they arrived from their journey to the island. The reason they took so long to return was because they had to put on an act for the people that had found them ashore, and helped them return to E-Rantel. So much so, that Annika and Jillur were wearing simple looking clothing to replace the gear that had been "damaged" during their journey.
"Where's Aizen?" Amelia tersely asked, showing little care for anything else at that moment.
"Aizen-sama went to Las Noches.~ It seems some developments occurred in the Dragon Kingdom." Annika softly replied.
"And again, he told me nothing of it!" Amelia growled, visibly angered by the lack of communication since the beginning of Aizen's early stay on the island.
"He was just informed of this." Annika informed, trying to calm down her superior with words, instead of employing any of her abilities.
"Tsk! What a pain he is sometimes… Fine, you two are dismissed." Amelia spat in aggravation, waving them away.
"But wouldn't you want to know what happened?" The Segunda Espada asked in concern.
"He'll tell me… Eventually. So Again, you may leave."
"… Actually there is something I would like to ask, about Aizen-sama." Annika said, getting the attention of Juno and Amelia.
"Oh? Why not ask him?" Amelia argued with a raised brow, not wanting to bother with this in her current ill mood.
"Well, I believe Aizen-sama would not give me a clear answer. Since you have spent the most time with him out of all of us, it is my belief that you could give me the closest thing to a clear answer."
"What? How dare you…" Juno went to retort, but Amelia raised her hand to silence her.
"Huh. I see... What is this question?" Amelia asked with a smirk, clearly amused by this.
"Well... Something I have been wondering for some time now. Why does Aizen-sama have us when he has all those created servants under his command?"
The reaction to the simple query from Juno and Jillur was immediate. Juno was about to say something, but silenced herself as she too was interested about this, while Jillur was simply taken off-guard by this. Amelia however, simply leaned back onto her seat and chuckled.
"Hehe… Ah, well, that's simple. The members of the Espada post-procedure, and not including 'Nazz', are generally stronger than any of the servants Aizen created in Hueco Mundo. Not to mention the fact he saw in all of you something that made you worthy of joining his cause." Amelia replied with a superior smile.
"I see… Then, why not create stronger servants? Wouldn't that have been simpler than the risk of giving us powers, and some of us not joining?"
"What's the meaning of these questions, Annika? Are you questioning your place among the Espada? Or even Aizen-sama himself?" Jillur asked in puzzlement and discomfort.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous. I would never do such a thing. However, I am not like you with your taciturn and impassive ways Jillur.~ There are things I would prefer to know and understand."
"Ah, the answer to that is also a simple one, Annika. Aizen was just limited by the resources available to him in their creation. So much so that only a few of them are stronger than even the weaker Espada, and those can't leave Hueco Mundo for too long since their power would quickly deplete in this world…" Amelia said casually, pausing for a moment as something else occurred to her.
"… And when it comes to your powers, do you think any of you would have gotten anything if Aizen thought you weren't fit to join him? Hah. Of course not. And how would you suggest having others joining us without enhancements? While creating servants has its merits, having people with experience and knowledge in this world is still preferable." She plainly added.
"Hmm…~ Indeed, it would be foolish to give power to those that could become a problem…" Annika sighed, lowering her head a bit in contemplation.
"Anything else?" Amelia asked, with an amused smirk, seemingly enjoying the conversation.
"Actually… There is something else I would like to ask. Something that I'm certain Aizen-sama would never answer. Why create the servants in the image of people he knew?"
Once again, Juno and Jillur's attentions piqued, as their eyes went to an ever amused Amelia, who leaned forward as she thought of a way to answer Annika's question.
"Well, there are two ways to consider this, I think. First, he might simply prefer to play a different game with similar players. After all, why not employ the same people and strategies, if he found them useful in the past?" Amelia pointed out, getting a somewhat befuddled and worried expression from Annika.
"I-I understand they are servants, but to think of them as pawns in a game…" She began, but Amelia motioned her to be silent.
"Or…~ in a very amusing turn of events…Hehe…" Amelia said with a chuckle.
"… He actually misses the people he used to interact with. That too is a good way to explain why he would go through the trouble of seemingly making copies of all of them, with some of the same personalities, save a few alterations."
The Espada looked at each other in turn, and even the usually stoic Jillur seemed lost at the sound of those words. None of them could fully comprehend even the remote possibility that Aizen would be bound by such things. After all, when one looks upon a man such as him, it is impossible not to be blinded by his presence, his charisma, his power, no one could simply see through these into him. Even they could tell, that someone like Amelia who had been with him longer than any of them, could only guess at what his reasoning was.
"T-Then, you think he might feel out of place? Alone even?" Annika hesitantly asked.
"Well…"
Amelia went to reply, but suddenly the doorknob turned, and the door was pushed open, as Aizen walked into the room, wearing clean clothing and having opted to not use his glasses for the time being. The Espada almost entered a panicked state as they were unsure of what to say next. Not when they understood that this conversation was over, given the fact Aizen had just appeared. However, Amelia was not one to miss a beat. Especially when she had been indulging Annika as a way to kill some time before Aizen himself arrived.
"Oh, I've been waiting for you, Aizen!" She spat in displeasure, rising from her seat.
"Indeed. I would imagine that to be the case." He remarked with his usual cool, calm tone.
"Leave us. You're all dismissed." Amelia promptly ordered.
"Do as she says." Aizen added, leading the Espada to leave them alone in the office.
Finally alone, Amelia marched to his side with her fists clenched, and her mind going through all the things she wanted to do and tell him for having left her in the dark so long. Stopping in front of him, she let out a low growl, taking in his impassive features, before deciding what to do.
"You know what? Screw this."
With that statement, she lifted her leg right between his, landing a firm low-blow on Aizen, with it leading to the opposite effect of what she wanted. Instead of inflicting pain on him, Amelia was the one that found herself backing away slightly with her leg pained, while Aizen didn't even shift in place.
"Oh! Dammit! You should have told me what was going on!" Amelia growled.
"Apologies, but given the nature of our discovery, I decided that I should fully devote myself to securing an alliance between our forces."
"Oh, for the love of… I don't want any excuses, Aizen. If there is anyone who could find time to inform me, it's you." She spat back, going back to her seat with a slight limp.
"I always planned on informing you on what happened…" Aizen began, but she spoke over him.
"I know that, but next time, I would appreciate something. Even if it's just, 'I can't talk now'. Not that difficult!" Amelia huffed as she rubbed her pain leg before continuing.
"Bah! Well, you're here now, so you can finally tell me everything. But before we get to that, I'm curious to know… Why create the duplicates? Why shape them in the image of the people you knew?" Amelia asked, looking him directly in the eyes.
"Oh? If that is the case, you should have asked that when Annika was here…" Aizen chuckled as he took a seat in front of her.
"So, you were listening in?"
"I arrived just as you were finishing up, but it is a good question. Only the thoughtful Annika would have stopped to consider it…" He stated, then momentarily going silent.
"And… the answer?"
"Perhaps you are not too far off from the truth. They are indeed useful pawns. Especially when I know how they will act, and know how to make them useful for our goals. However, such a rudimentary approach as a very clear flaw; they are based on people that, even with changes, will act in different ways, to the point they might not be as efficient and as effective as possible. Then, you might ask why I take that risk? Why make them like this? It is simply because I opted with familiarly over efficiency." Aizen matter-of-factly replied.
"Why? You are not one to risk putting your plan at risk." Amelia asked in genuine uncertainty.
"Because I am alone, Amelia. I am a stranger to this world. I do not belong here, and find myself surrounded by people that are nothing like what I knew in the past. Although even back then, I was mostly alone. Few were those that stood at my level, but I knew them, and I knew the worlds. Having created the servants, Las Noches, and having named that dimension Hueco Mundo, I suppose it gives me a place to remember what came before, what I threw away, what I lost, and the mistakes I have made." Aizen concluded saying with a surprisingly thoughtful tone.
Amelia was rendered silent as her mind was trying to process what he had just said, and trying to understand the fact she had just seen Aizen at his most vulnerable and truthful ever since they had met. It was both an exhilarating and humbling thing, to be not only the right hand of a being like Aizen, but something akin to a confidant. Leaning forwards on her desk, she gave him a weak smile and spoke in a soft tone.
"Is it really that lonely atop that pedestal of yours?"
"More than you know." Aizen replied in a low tone.
Aizen's hand then went to the place in his clothing that covered the Hōgyoku, as the look in his eyes grew distant for just a moment. Something Amelia very nearly missed as she was raising an eyebrow at him.
"I see… And why did you never tell me this?"
"You never asked." He simply said with a smirk.
"W-What? I-I…" Amelia's words failed her at the unexpectedly simple reply, and when the feeling of being toyed with crept up within her.
"…T-Then what about me? What about the Espada, and the rest of the people you met? Don't we help?"
"You do. More than I would have expected before me coming here. Of course, I would imagine the fact you've seen me at one of my lowest points, did a lot to influence that." Aizen replied with a whimsical smile.
"Oh? Hehe… You are welcome.~" Amelia laughed, now that the air had been well and truly cleared between them, and her now wanting to get the conversation back on track.
"Now then, why don't you tell me what happened?" She asked with a relaxed smile, leaning back in her chair.
"As you wish..."