While the Espada continued their progress, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord had his avatar Kana repaired of damage and refitted with her staff, skull mask, and several bone-based adornments. With Kana in presentable shape, she was sent back to the Beastman Country, where the first thing that the avatar did was to go and see King Kaze to inform him of what happened.
The avatar arrived in the king's throne room, which was lit by several torches that lined the room. This allowed the ever growing piles of gold, jewels, and other valuable goods to shine brightly. As Kaze rested upon his mighty throne, two wolf-type female beastmen entertained him with a rather graceful and pleasing dance.
When the hobgoblin entered the room, Kaze was quick to dismiss the two females with a bored wave. An order they were quick to follow, since neither wanted to be killed by one of their King's random whims.
"My King, your servant brings you troubling news." Kana urgently informed, getting closer to the throne.
"What is it, Kana?" Kaze growled.
"Himassa has fallen. Haku and his younglings failed to stop the humans. Also... Tomo was killed." She dutifully informed.
Right away, both wolf-type beastmen quickened their pace away from the throne room. The throne itself, which had existed for several generations of rulers and built to contain the great power expected of a king, visibly cracked as Kaze's gripped its armrests in anger and disbelief.
"Lies."
"No, my King. Both Haku and Tomo were killed by those known as the 'Espada'. They are a powerful force. Much stronger than what we knew... I daresay they're a worthy opponent for you, my King." Kana humbly said, keeping her head lowered.
"Hmph! Hmm... Hah! Yeeesss... If they killed Tomo, they might be worthy of me." Kaze replied as he laughed.
"Indeed. I would even dare to say that they're worthy of the ancient gear you found, my King." She matter-of-factly added.
"..."
The gear Kana referred to were relics that Kaze found with her help. However, in truth the relics that were created with [Wild Magic], had been placed in a very particular location by the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. Then by having Kana lead Kaze to them, they were further used to get the troll's trust, and to strengthen him in case any powerful foes like the Espada were to appear.
"Feh! They're humans. They're weak." The War Troll dismissively remarked.
"They fell Tomo, my King. Was he not a worthy foe?" She pointed out, causing Kaze to growl.
"He was... I was looking forward to another fight with him... Pah! If you lying, Kana, and they aren't deserving of my full power, I'll kill you." The King informed with a laugh, now grinning like a predatory beast.
"As you wish. And you'll be able to test them soon." Kana added, getting the King's attention.
"I suggest that we stop the humans and Espada at Asike. While Oka is ruling over that land, she's too weak to stop them. So with a portion of our forces we move there. Myself and the undead I have gathered up until now included." She pointedly suggested.
A chuckle escaped Kaze's lips, and then another, and another, until finally the War Troll was laughing, his tongue hanging out in a messy display, and his grip on the throne finally breaking away a portion of the armrests.
"Hahahahahahaha~! Finally! You always said that I should be here and not worry about the humans. Finally, you understand. I do better fighting them, killing them, and eating them." Kaze laughed, rising to his feet.
"Indeed." Kana plainly remarked, taking a few steps back.
"Let's go to Asike. Get ready for when the Espada get there."
"As you wish, my King."
Stepping to the side, Kana allowed Kaze to walk past her and out of the throne room. She then promptly followed him to make ready to mobilize the King and their forces to the city of Asike. All the while Kana, or more accurately, the one in control of her body in the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, smirked as his pieces started to fall into place.
As this was happening the ship carrying Aizen, Amelia, Cthalpi, and the rest of the Espada finally arrived at the Roble Holy Kingdom. Minus Jillur, who was given leave to be with his merfolk lover. Their point of arrival was the large port-city of Rimun where, as expected, many ships were already present. Some making their way back out to sea, whilst others were in the process of arriving. Some bore flags associated with nearby nations, while one was surprising from the far southern nation of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai.
After the ship docked parallel to the port, a large ramp was placed between the ship and the port to allow Aizen and the rest to finally set foot in the Roble Holy Kingdom. Despite several people moving around the port, those waiting for them were rather distinct, given the large banner draped on the side of a carriage that had written on it, "Welcome Espada!".
Standing beside this carriage were two others, each with a rider, and were the people tasked with spreading the Espada's name and influence in this country, Hilma Cygnaeus and Kisuke Urahara. Seeing the welcoming party, the Espada made their way towards the carriages, where Hilma took the initiative in welcoming them, all the while the duplicate hid most of his face behind his hair and fan.
"I bid you welcome to the Roble Holy Kingdom." Hilma softly greeted with a rather elegant bow.
"I rather enjoy this tone of yours, Hilma." Amelia remarked with a superior chuckle.
"Oya~? I would think that you would have gotten more accustomed to us." Urahara chuckled.
"Be silent you." Hilma growled back
"Aw, don't be like that Hilma-san." The duplicate casually retorted.
"Agreed. Relaxation can come later. I assume everything is ready?" Aizen asked, defusing the situation.
"Ah, indeed~! The new base of operations is ready to be occupied and receive clients. Not only that, but I fitted it with a large chamber underneath, along with several countermeasures to make sure we lessen the chances of being spied upon and/or infiltrated." Urahara jovially said in a tone that also possessed a cunning undercurrent.
"Very good. Then, shall we get going?" Aizen coolly suggested.
No one replied right away, as suddenly another figure arrived on to the scene. Emerging from the right side of the carriages and having seemingly made her way to the port on her own, was the Countess Ada Stone Victoria. Both her and her husband came to the Holy Kingdom to escape from the chaos brought about by the demons that attacked their home and holdings.
Having heard of the Espada's arrival in the country, she had taken some time to make her way to the port and see if she could greet Amelia and the others when they arrived. However, this quickly left her mind when her eyes fell upon Cthalpi. Something that Aizen more or less expected to happen.
"Countess..."
Amelia was the only one that spoke, naturally greeting the woman that had such a significant impact on her life, and in some ways could be said to be similar to a surrogate mother figure. However, Ada made no reply. She was in shock, not even noticing when Aizen instructed the Espada to disperse and casually surround her and Cthalpi. Again, he could imagine what was going to happen and he didn't want some random individual to see it.
"C-Cthalpi...?" Ada mumbled, taking a few steps before falling on her knees, as Aizen expected.
After this her hands went to the ground and she felt herself be overwhelmed by emotion. It was true that Ada had set out on her own in order to discover more of the world, and it was true that even after that she remained devoted to her god, but to think that she would once more come face-to-face with Cthalpi was beyond even what she expected.
Though Cthalpi didn't recognize Ada, seeing someone react to her in this fashion, call her by name and be a woman, reminded her of the little girl that had made her way out of the island, and whose mother to this day waited for her to return. With this in mind, she approached the cowering Countess, got on one knee and placed a hand on her right shoulder.
"There is nothing for you to worry about, child. There is no sin in setting out to find yourself."
Ada gasped, rising to a kneeling position, once more looking upon Cthalpi. Only now did she notice how her god looked so rejuvenated. Honestly, she hadn't considered this until now since the moment she saw Cthalpi, there was this singular presence that identified this younger woman as Cthalpi. Not only that, but the eyes were clearly those of her god, the vastness of what laid beyond them was unmistakable.
"W-Why..."
She wanted to question her god as to why she was there, looking so young and in the company of Amelia and Aizen, yet her voice failed to transmit these thoughts.
"Come stand. Don't risk damaging the image you have built for yourself." Cthalpi said, rising to her feet.
Ada nodded and slowly did the same, her mind still in complete chaos in this rather peculiar situation. So much so that in her thoughts about Cthalpi not being on the island, she was starting to wonder what this meant for its inhabitants, what this meant for how their god saw them and what Aizen, and even Amelia, had to do with this.
"You want to know why I am here?" Cthalpi asked, getting a dumbfounded nod in reply.
"Aizen, Annika, and Jillur came to the island. They offered me, us, an alliance. And a way to reconnect us to the rest of the world. I accepted his offer. As you can see I was rejuvenated a part of it, and as we speak members of the Espada are there, showing our people a different way of doing things. I am here to once again see the outside world. To see what I have accepted to free my children into." Cthalpi sagely informed.
Ada was honestly flabbergasted. Yes, she knew that Aizen and some of the Espada went to the island. After all, Amelia told her this much when they discussed Aizen, Annika, and Jillur's trip to the area in the ocean known for missing ships. Ada then told her story to Amelia, and showed her mark as one of the islands residents. Yet never had she imagined, even after seeing Juno's hand and being told about Aizen's great power by Amelia, that his power was that of a god too.
"Perhaps now is a good time as any to go back." Aizen calmly suggested.
Cthalpi looked back at Aizen, and even if his expression remained its usual calm self, having spent time with him and speaking with him, she could guess that this something he had to some extent planned for. She could even imagine that he had already sent word to the island regarding this.
"Perhaps it is. Would you come with me?" Cthalpi asked, looking at Ada.
"I-I cannot go back, not only did I leave, but I have a husband and..." Ada argued, just for her god to speak over her.
"I know, and this isn't permanent. Think of it as a visit. I'll send you back in a few hours, so as to not cause any problems for you."
"In that case... I would be honored, my Lady." Ada acknowledged with a bow.
"They will be waiting for you at the same location the Fracción from Las Noches arrived in." Aizen informed.
"Hm. I wonder what would have happened if I had decided to stay. [Gate]." Cthalpi mused.
"That would have been troublesome." The Shinigami said with a light chuckle as the portal opened.
"Indeed. That aside, I am thankful for both you and Amelia agreeing to have me here and accompany you. Until we meet again."
With that Cthalpi and Ada walked into the portal, which vanished shortly after. Emerging on the other side of the [Gate], both Countess and god found themselves on the beach where the Fracción had first arrived at.
Right away Ada felt overwhelmed, and deep down so did Cthalpi, though to a much smaller extent. Before them was a large bulk of the island's population, and behind them was an also a large group of Deep Ones. Among those in front were naturally the Queen of the island Eilyte, the Deep One Priest, and all of the Fracción in Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Kaname Tōsen, Shūhei Hisagi, Ikkaku Madarame, Isane Kotetsu, Kiyone Kotetsu, Nanao Ise, Nemu, and Akon.
While Mayuri Kurotsuchi had originally been part of this group, he has since been called back to Las Noches to resume his work, after having helped set up the pillars that now concealed the island. With his guidance and supply of artificial souls, the Deep Ones were able to keep their Dark Young that resided in their city of Carcosa in this plane of existence.
Naturally everyone present, with the exception of the Queen, Deep One Priest, Nelliel, and Tōsen, quickly bowed and kneeled before Cthalpi, with those still on their feet quickly making their way to towards her, so they could also bow before being addressing her.
"We are blessed to once more be in your presence." Eilyte and the Priest said in unison.
"It is good to be back." Cthalpi remarked, motioning them to rise, all the while she focused on Nelliel and Tōsen.
"I hope that your stay here has been welcoming."
"While I understand that our presence here might have felt intrusive at first, it has indeed been very welcoming." Nelliel informed with a smile and nod.
"I am happy to hear that."
"We simply did as you wished." Eilyte added, earning her Cthalpi's attention.
"Is that so?" The player asked, causing the Queen to briefly become flustered.
"W-Well at first that was the case... I did not believe in their good will. Not after how Aizen behaved in your presence. However, I am the Queen of this island, and as time went on, I realized that if my reign is to matter, even if I fail to bear a child, I should do what is best for our people." Eilyte resolutely replied.
"Do not concern yourself with a child, you are still young and have a lot of time to think about such things. The rest of what you said, is quite correct. As queen it is in your best interest to look out for your people. Indeed, you are a good ruler, Eilyte." Cthalpi said with a warm and motherly tone.
"I... Thank you." The Queen gratefully said with another bow.
Returning to a vertical position, Eilyte let out a low sigh, feeling relieved that Cthalpi approved of her thoughts and that they had indeed merit to them. While siring a child was still one of her main concerns, she managed to focus on this matter, and the new things that Aizen's people brought to her island. Among them was Tōsen that, despite his initial reluctance, she had come to believe that with her current slower approach would soon "break" and agree to be with her, and surely provide her with the heir she was so desperate to get.
"M-May I approach?" One of the older priestesses suddenly spoke up.
All eyes turned to the source of the voice where a group of priestesses were. All looking surprised that one of the oldest among them had not only spoken up, but also got up to her feet.
"N-No..." Ada mumbled in disbelief.
"Come. Approach us." Cthalpi calmly said, motioning the Fracción, Eilyte, and Priest to make way.
Upon hearing to her god's words, Esta promptly left the rest of the group and made her way to Ada, tears streaming down her face. The recollection had been immediate for Esta. After all, no matter how old she was, it was still her daughter. The same happened with Ada the moment her mother spoke up. After all these years, Ada didn't know what to say, or what to feel. Even if she was also starting to cry at seeing her mother after so many years. All of these thoughts quickly came to an end, when Esta finally stopped in front of her and promptly slapped her.
"You stupid, stupid girl!" Esta cried out.
Silence fell upon the beach. While some just weren't aware of what was going on, others were surprised that Esta slapped what seemed to be a guest, and others could assume who the new woman was and were for Esta's decision. Given her power and resilience, the slap didn't do anything to Ada even if her head was moved to the side. This being caused more by her own inner turmoil than her mother's own strength.
"I-I'm so sorry, mother. I was young and I wanted to know..."
While Ada tried to explain herself and why she basically abandoned the island, her mother placed her hands on her shoulders and pulled Ada in for sudden hug. Wrapping her arms around her child and passing her right hand through her hair.
"You stupid, stupid girl. I'm so happy you returned." Esta sobbed, holding Ada close to her.
"I'm sorry..."
"It's fine. You're alive. That's all that matters."
"If anyone else wishes to join in, go ahead. I'll be taking my leave and will be present at tonight's ritual." Cthalpi informed, as she gave Eilyte a nod.
"Very well. Everyone is dismissed for the time being, return to your places and preparing for the festival. Today we welcome our god back." The Queen announced with a loud and powerful cheer, which earned her several cheers in return.
With that the crowd started to disperse, and the Deep Ones went back underneath the waves. Cthalpi, Eilyte, the Priest, and Fracción were among those that started going deeper inland, but as they prepared to do so, Ada managed to speak up from her mother's embrace.
"B-But I cannot stay that long." Ada nervously informed.
"Come find me later. You'll be taken back home." Cthalpi reassuringly said, then walking away.
Despite her clear intentions to leave, Ada still found herself in her mother's embrace, not only that but she was also being slowly surrounded by several other women. Some of them had been there to support her mother while she left, others had been Ada's friends in the past, some even having the same wish to explore before setting it aside for the safety of the island.
"Stay with us a while. Tell us what has happened to you." Esta suggested, finally stepping away.
"O-Of course... Well, I am married and a Countess..." Ada informed, and as she prepared to explain what the title meant, her mother interrupted.
"That is one of the titles that the outsiders told us about, correct?" Esta asked, looking at those around her.
"Indeed. It is a position of rather high standing within a society." One of the present warriors replied.
"Then, it isn't all bad. What about the man you married? Is he good? Do you have a child?" Esta eagerly asked.
Marriage was the thing that most surprised the women, because even if they knew what that was and Aizen's people have brought with them different views on the relationship between a man and woman, the idea was still strange to them.
"He is. He has done much for me and even allowed me to continue my worship. B-But I do not have a child. He never showed interest in having one and I wasn't going to force the subject upon him." Ada gently informed.
This too surprised the women. Given how they went about maintaining their population and how the men's wishes on the matter didn't matter all that much. After all it was a matter of survival for them.
"Well, your being alive is even more than I could have hoped for, so I guess grandchildren aren't as large of a concern... Still, look at you so grown up, and so plump~!" Esta excited chuckled, lightly pulling on her cheek, much to her embarrassment.
Afterward, Ada went about looking through her former home, telling her mother more about her life outside the island. How she was captured and almost turned into a slave and how her husband saved her. Seeing how her mother was very angry at the thought of her daughter being enslaved, Ada refrained from mentioning that while she was the Count's wife, she also served as his bodyguard and in a sense was still a servant.
Ada was also surprised by the things Aizen and his people had brought on to the island, further showing her how powerful he was. Thanks to Aizen, Cthalpi no longer had to keep the island hidden, and now four great invisible pillars were used to keep the barrier around the island. His people also brought in knowledge of the outside, allowing the island's women to learn more concrete facts about the world.
Their approach to capturing men was also changed, while they continued to capture ships for men and influenced them in order to be able to perform, they were now treated better, and even most were set free back into the world with their memories altered, instead of turned into Deep Ones or other creatures.
It was a day full of emotions, nostalgia, surprise, and relief for both women. Still, as night began to settle, Ada went to meet Cthalpi, and the duo made their way to the beach where the Deep One Priest and her mother were waiting. This surprised Ada, since she had already more or less said goodbye to her mother. However, when her eyes fell on her mother's calm and accepting expression, along with the Priest it dawned on her what was going to happen.
"I have come to say goodbye. For good this time." Esta informed in acceptance.
"B-But..." Ada tried to argue, but her mother simply embraced her.
"No. This is the way things have to be. I am a priestess. It is my duty to serve. However, I have been running from the 'Deep Dive' ritual in hopes that one day I would get to see you again. That day has come. I've seen you. We've talked, we've laughed, we've cried, and now we move on. You've grown well and strong. As a mother, I could not be more proud, nor so happy to have seen you again. But this is our way, and my duty as a resident of this island."
With that Esta distanced herself from Ada and both women shared a moment of silence, all the while the Deep One Priest opened a [Gate] to Carcosa.
"Again, I am so sorry for what I've done. I love you, mother." Ada said, tears starting to roll down her cheeks.
"I love you too." Esta said, also tearing up as she walked into the portal vanishing.
"I'll be back in time for the festival." The Priest plainly informed, also vanishing along with the portal.
Ada used her hands to wipe away her tears as best as she could. While she had in a sense accepted that she would never see her mother again, having now seen her and gotten a chance to talk to her again, it wasn't as easy to accept. Still, she wouldn't have stopped her mother's wishes. It was her duty, the duty of most women on the island, but also because of her time spent away she didn't feel like she could, or should say anything.
"Are you ready?" Cthalpi sympathetically asked.
"Y-Yes."
"[Gate]. I can only send you back to the port. Can you make your way back on your own?"
"I can. I can also handle the Count and whatever questions he has." Ada wearily replied.
"I expected no less from someone who made her way onto an unknown land and made a life there. I can relate in a sense. I wish you the best of luck." Cthalpi reassuringly said.
"I am thankful for your blessing. I won't fail it." Ada said, giving her god a deep bow before leaving.
While Ada spent her time on the island, Aizen and the rest of his crew arrived at their new headquarters in the port-city of Rimun. The building was located in a large Cul-de-sac, and was comprised of two stories, with a gate to its right to allow the passage of carriages. Its overall coloring was a rather vibrant white and blue. A style that fit with many of those in the area, since they were the national colors of the Roble Holy Kingdom.
Leaving the carriages, the group made their way inside, where they were greeted by a large room that had magical lamps on the ceiling, some plants and paintings. Doors on each side led to different waiting rooms and a door to the front that led to the rest of the manor. In this room, Aizen and Amelia were also greeted by a group of maids, butlers, and guards made up entirely of locals.
The rest of the manor was filled with rooms for basic necessities and functions like kitchens, bedrooms, restrooms, storage, and much like in E-Rantel a main office was on the second floor. After a brief tour Urahara, Hilma, Aizen, and Amelia went there in order to discuss the state of things. When one entered the office, there was a large bookshelf on the left, a desk in front with a window behind it, two chairs in front of it and one behind and magic lamp on the ceiling that, like all others in the manor, was enchanted with the [Continual Light] spell.
"This was good work." Amelia admitted as she took a seat behind the desk.
"Oh, why thank you~!" Urahara jovially said, still waving his fan in front of his face.
"I too offer thanks. However, while I do not want to sound ungrateful or rude, having done as I was instructed, I would like to know what happens next." Hilma respectfully point out.
"Yes, that is true. You've proven yourself worthy of being of use to us. I agree that you've earned yourself a reward." Amelia said, then glancing at Aizen.
"Agreed. If you are willing to work with us of your own free will, to serve us truly, I can give you a power boost similar to the one I gave the Espada, Hilma Cygnaeus." Aizen remarked with a charming tone and smile.
"I have already accepted to work with you, even if it was for my wellbeing at first, I have come to learn that there are benefits to being associated with a group like the Espada. That being said, I am nothing but willing to work with you." Hilma replied, maintain her grace and poise whilst holding back her curiosity at Aizen's statement.
"That is a wise choice, Hilma-san. You only have things to gain from serving Aizen-sama.~" Urahara pointed out.
Hilma ignored Urahara's remark, and was frankly tired of having to put up with this strange man. However, this did seem to confirm something she came to learn with time. While Amelia was indeed a figure of great power within the Espada, and a key component of their operations, many things she gathered during her time working for them were related to Aizen. Giving the impression that the widely known fact that Amelia was the one in charge was in fact a lie, and that role fell on Amelia's so-called, "right hand man".
Also, this "power boost" Aizen mentioned had certainly gotten her attention. Especially with how strong the Espada, ranked or not, were. To think she could get a chance at receiving such gift made all of this all the more worth it to her. Much better than her "partnership" with Eight Fingers.
"As Urahara said, you made a wise choice by siding with us. I'll have a snakefolk prepared soon and you'll be fused with it today, you've deserved that much." Aizen calmly informed
Hilma withheld her immediate questions and curiosity that came from such a strange sentence. She had seen Espada before, none of them had bestial features that hinted at 'fusing' with monsters, so what did he actually mean by this?
"Forgive me, but I do not understand." Hilma calmly said.
"You did well in keeping your composure. As expected of someone of your experience, Hilma. I shall give a more complete explanation when go through the procedure proper, but to put it simply, I will take the body of a dead female snakefolk and fuse it with your body and soul. Much like with a few Espada, physical changes may happen, but are rather unlikely at this point. Your power will be significantly boosted, depending on several factors. Such as for your own base power and your role for example. Though I don't think someone who isn't even a proper fighter needs to match even the lowest of Fracción. But rest assured it will be enough power to make you a challenge to most in this area. To say nothing of the Kingdom's vaunted Warrior-Captain." Aizen informed with a teacherly demeanor.
"I see... I am thankful that you saw fit to grant me such a boon. Still, I must ask why, a snakefolk?" She asked, maintaining her outward calm despite the surprising revelations.
"Your tattoo is what gave me the idea. That, and so far you've managed to slither away from problems." Aizen said in dry humor, getting a chuckle from Amelia.
"An amusing way to put it, but he's right. You've managed to make your way out of prostitution and into Eight Fingers, and when that organization came crashing down, you were lucky enough to be picked up by me. Given what we learned happened to the rest of Eight Fingers after the demonic attack, you are rather lucky. But if that is all you have to say to her, why not discuss the information we received from Unohana during our trip here?" Amelia pointedly suggested.
This didn't surprise Hilma, since during her time with Urahara she had been told about how the rings used by the Espada as a group, allowed them to communicate between each other in much the same way as the [Message] spell, only much more secure and reliable. So she assumed that was the case here.
"Oh? The recently discovered tomb, correct?" Urahara asked in an uncharacteristically serious tone, putting his fan aside.
"Indeed. The Espada have been requested to send out a team to help in overseeing the exploration of a tomb by a group of Workers by the representative of a noble from the Empire. This is... interesting. To say the least." Amelia remarked with a cunning smirk and glint in her eye.
"According to our information, is this possibly the 'Great Tomb of Nazarick'?" The duplicate added in curiosity.
"As Urahara says, it is very likely indeed that this tomb is in fact Nazarick. The home of Ainz Ooal Gown. As such, I say that we accept. Especially when we are only being asked to monitor the situation, escort the Workers to their assigned task, and not actively participate. We'll send Rylen, Jaecar, and Elsa, they are our best option at this time." Aizen plainly suggested.
"Should we prepare for battle?" Amelia nonchalantly asked.
"No. Given the small size of this operation, I do not believe anything large scale will come of it. Nor that we should risk our image because of it. While we arguably have a chance here to learn more of them, in light of the several traps and creatures Cthalpi mentioned, and the notes left behind by her comrade Akemi, we would be foolish to attack them with anything less than our full forces. And especially not without a valid reason to justify it."
"Exactly. As expected of Aizen-sama." Urahara praisingly remarked.
"Hmm... I agree. We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves in that case. I'll send word back to Unohana. Rylen's team will get things set into motion." Amelia said in a now more professional manner.
"Hilma, for the time being continue in your tasks here. We will need your experience with its inhabitants, and will supply you with a ring after the procedure, and a chance to have access to the same information we have, since we will need you to be familiar with such things as Nazarick and Ainz Ooal Gown. Urahara, you shall remain here for the time being. I still have use for you." Aizen instructed.
"As you wish." Urahara acknowledged with a nod.
"My sentiments exactly." Hilma added.
"If that is all, should we begin with the next stage of your plan?" Amelia asked, clearly excited by the prospect.
Aizen said nothing, and simply removed his glasses as he passed his hand through his hair, dropping his disguise in a display that made it very clear to Hilma who was in fact the head of the Espada, with the presence that now emanated from Aizen. His gaze alone was now so overwhelming that she felt she would be crushed. Inspiring both fear and awe in her heart in equal measure. Compounded by the fact that she was actually chosen to serve such a man.
"The time for preparing and building our foundation has come and gone. We can now drop your façade as the head of the Espada, and focus on this country. Fixing its political situation, and using it to further out goals will now begin." Aizen announced in a firm tone that seemed to carry power with this words.
"If we take on the right clients, we can gain the support from those that oppose the crown..." Hilma went to suggest, just for Urahara to calmly speak over her.
"You're mistaken, Hilma-san. If we worked with those people, the Espada would indeed be able to cause a great impact in the Holy Kingdom, but Aizen-sama's plan is quite the opposite. We provide the Queen with strong allies, with things to make her reign credible and strengthen her position, but most importantly, we give her someone to sit at her side. We give her a King."
"Y-You... To say that is..."
For the first time, Hilma allowed her surprise to visibly show. What else could she do in the face of such a bold statement? To think they could go from running a successful mercenary organization to placing a King on the throne of a kingdom. It felt like too grand a dream, but for the man that was the true power behind the Espada, it seemed most appropriate. A light smile then creased the Aizen's lips as he seemingly spoke in reply to her thoughts.
"Our plans will end when we have unified the world. What better way to begin than to bring peace and unity to a country in a troubling political situation, with a Queen that is without a King, and in dire need of help? With your help, and that of everyone else in the Espada, I will take on that role." Aizen said, speaking as if all of this was already set in stone.
While Hilma still had some doubts, the more she looked at him and the more she heard him speak, the more she came to realize his power. The clearer it became why someone like Amelia who was associated with a successful merchant family, would agree to distance herself from that business and entertain this man's ideals.
"I... As you wish."
As their conversation continued, Amelia sent Unohana the go ahead for accepting this request, and informed Rylen, Jaecar and Elsa that they would be the ones to handle it. Since it probably was already known that they had paid a visit to the Roble Holy Kingdom, the trio would have to return to the Re-Estize Kingdom via ship the next morning.
Given the fact the meeting between Aizen, Amelia, Hilma, and Urahara's was private, the rest of the Espada were allowed to wonder through the manor and learn more about its layout. Juno decided to remain at the door to the office to continue performing her duties as bodyguard, while Annika found herself a private corner to pray since she hadn't had a chance to do so in some time. Especially with her still secret worship of Aizen. Elsa went about finding a much needed bathroom, while Rylen and Jaecar currently found themselves outside in the space reserved for carriages.
As soon as they were informed about the request, Jaecar started to look rather apprehensive, since it would mean that he would have to work with Elsa. In the past that wasn't a problem, but after having spent more time together working in the Espada, romantic feelings had come to the surface for both individuals. However, neither acted upon it. Elsa thought that it should be the man to take the first step and his lack of action was starting to become an annoyance.
Jaecar was unsure if he should say anything, because not only did Elsa feel more aggressive towards him lately, but he feared what these feelings might lead to in the future. To say nothing of how they would be able to function and face danger in the field. In the middle of this was Rylen, who much like Elsa was getting annoyed by the entire situation, even more so when he saw Jaecar's reaction to the new assignment.
"Don't you think the time has come to settle things?" Rylen curtly asked, startling Jaecar.
"I don't know what you're saying..." Jaecar went to argue, when the elder suddenly kicked the back of his right leg dropping him to one knee.
"Women can be an issue. They weaken the legs. But the same goes for distractions. Not only is your marksmanship lacking at times, but your tension with Elsa puts our teamwork at risk. Now, in the past we haven't been faced with a situation where small mistakes could put us at risk, but depending on how events unfold, this tomb might be our greatest risk yet. Go and fix this." The Primera Espada ordered with thinning patience.
Pushing himself back to a vertical position, Jaecar let out a low breath gritting his teeth, his eyes falling on Rylen, anger also starting to fill his being. He even considered attacking the elder in his anger, not only for this, but for all the training he and Elsa had been put through by him. All of the menial labor that they had to do and the general tension that had been created among the three. Luckily, Jaecar knew better. Dusting himself off and letting out a loud sigh, he looked back at Rylen, as the Noveno Espada angrily replied.
"Fine! I'll go and fix 'this', with Elsa. I still think it's a bad idea. These emotions pull teams apart."
"Bah! Stupid kid. We're already being pulled apart."
"Tsk! ...Point made."
Speaking in a way that seemed like he was trying to convince himself more than Rylen, Jaecar went back inside the manor and used his keen senses to find Elsa. It didn't take long for them to cross paths in a hallway, Jaecar failing to even start talking when Elsa simply walked past him, prompting Jaecar to grab on to her arm, letting go of her as soon as she stopped and her eyes darted to him.
"Yes?" She brusquely asked.
"Come on, don't be like that. I'm trying to speak with you." Jaecar wearily argued.
"I can tell. But I think it's better if we only talk in the field. I mean, every time we've talked outside of missions, and even on missions, you just... infuriate me!" Elsa spat back, before both fell silent.
"Elsa, come on. You know that this isn't good for the team..." Jaecar tried to argue, but she was quick to snap back at him.
"Who cares!? I just want something for myself. Why can't you say it!?"
"Why can't you!?" He growled back at her, causing her to blush.
"You're the man! You're the one that's meant to say it." She argued, causing Jaecar to laugh.
"W-What's so funny?"
"I didn't know you were that... traditional with it."
"D-Don't turn this on me. Why don't you man up and say it!?" Elsa spat back.
"Is that why you've been like this? I don't 'man up' and you get mad at me!?"
"Of course! I wanted you to do something for yourself for once. Up until now all that we've been doing is for the Espada. For Aizen. Come on... Just say it." Elsa shouted, almost pleading at the end when her voice took a low tone.
"And I will... I love you."
Again, there was silence between them, with Jaecar slowly bringing his arms to embrace Elsa, who again annoyed by his conduct grabbed onto his collar, spun him around and pushed him onto a nearby door. Since it was partially open, this only resulted in Jaecar being thrown onto the floor. This revealed a room meant to be a bedroom and was currently being cleaned by two maids.
"Leave us." Elsa instructed.
Exchanging awkward looks, the maids simply nodded and did as they were told, closing the door behind them and leaving Elsa alone with Jaecar, who was now getting to his feet.
"What..." he went to speak, but she promptly placed a finger on his lips.
"Just, stop talking. Show me you love me with action." She said, pushing him onto the bed.
With this the two took as much time as they needed to make up for time lost bickering with each other and in silence. Annika continued to devote herself to her prayers, Jillur was spending time with the merfolk, and Juno continued to see her duties through, as Rylen could only wait for Jaecar and Elsa to be ready when a ship was ready to return to the Re-Estize Kingdom.
Jillur was not the only Espada enjoying a break, as the same also applied to Alvis and Cayo. In their case, they decided to make their way back to Las Noches to get some use of their personal palaces. Naturally, Cayo spent much of this time to lay with his several female servants. While Alvis did a small amount of that same activity, he also spent time reading and training.
Currently, Alvis was finishing up a rather intense training session. He was in a large empty chamber, allowing from greater ranges of movement and attacks. Watching over the session was Cayo and Yoruichi, while his training partner was Arisuke Sengoku of the Yasei no Kari.
Just as they agreed upon, Arisuke came to help the man that now possessed a portion of his dead lover within himself, to train and better use his powers. His efforts were not in vain, since Alvis continued to steadily improve. No longer showing any clear signs that he had spent most of his life in a village doing nothing related to combat.
"I think that's good for today." Yoruichi remarked in satisfaction.
Upon hearing her words, Arisuke stopped himself from bringing his blade down on a fallen Alvis and offered his hand to the Espada, who took it and got back up. The duo wore minimal gear that was, for the most part, severely damaged. Alvis had many cuts and bruises decorating his body, which contrasted with his vampire sparring partner.
"You are developing quite well." Arisuke pointed out in a tone of veiled pride.
"Thank you." Alvis said, giving the vampire a small, respectful bow.
"If this keeps up people are going to say that I'm lacking in my training." Cayo said good-naturedly as he chuckled.
"But you are." Yoruichi retorted with a smirk.
"Hey... You don't need to put it like that."
"You are far more skilled than I am. It's natural that you wouldn't feel as driven to train." Alvis added in understanding.
"T-That's not the point... But I guess we could spar from time-to-time." Cayo suggested as he scratched the back of his head.
"A good idea. He could use different sparring partners. No offense, Arisuke." Yoruichi casually said.
"None taken, Yoruichi-san. That being said, I believe my time to depart has come."
As Arisuke spoke, he looked at a figure that was now approaching them from behind Cayo and Yoruichi. Alvis also saw it and soon enough so did they. The new arrival was Szayelaporro Granz, who as a change from his usual duties had been tasked to come and collect Arisuke.
"I have come to return our guest to his rightful place." Granz frankly informed, fixing his glasses.
"I guess the time for the final trial has come." Arisuke mused.
"Indeed. Although you could have already been fully informed, had you agreed for us to communicate with you via your ring. It can do more than keep you 'alive' in this dimension." Granz remarked in criticism.
"I didn't want any distractions. That is all."
"Well..." Granz went to speak, when Alvis interrupted him, somewhat surprising those present.
"I don't feel like we need to discuss this again, no?"
"Indeed." Granz relented, once more fixing his glasses.
"So, this means you're returning to the rest correct? To serve as Rukia's enforcers?" Alvis asked, looking at the vampire.
"That does seem to be the case. While your training is an important matter, I'm certain you would agree that making sure she becomes the Emperor's next wife is also a significant matter." Arisuke remarked, taking Alvis a bit by surprise.
"I-I didn't say anything against that." The Espada explained, somewhat flustered.
"Of course. Still, there's no need to be so flustered. Those are just the residual feelings of the one that use to be my lover. Don't let them get to you." The vampire matter-of-factly said, moving to Granz's side.
"A-Actually... There is one thing I do clearly feel from, 'him'. It is... regret."
For a moment silence filled the air. Arisuke bit his lip, but quickly pushed aside the rush of emotions that nearly overwhelmed him as he understood the meaning of these words. He then started to walk away, so as to put some distance between himself and the strange existence that was Alvis. Even so, some remorseful words couldn't help but escape his lips.
"Indeed... I too am burdened by great regret. Regret that I was never sterner with you, So-kun."
Arisuke completely ignored when Granz mentioned that he would get his gear back once they got to the location of the portal back to the south. His mind was simply too focused on this time in Las Noches and Alvis. When the Yasei no Kari agreed to align with Aizen and the Espada, it had been for survival, for their own good. Since at the time it was clear that their defeat was very much possible for them.
Then they go to know more about his goals, and even the three remaining members got to come and see Las Noches. The sight was mind-blowing, even for a previous member of the Thirteen Heroes in Vali. This was an entirely new dimension, that was affected by slightly different laws than their world. Yet Aizen and the rest had built a place here that was akin to a city in size and had a large population too boot. It was all so overwhelming.
With this and time it became clear where their allegiance should lay. They remained working as they did before, for whatever costumer, all the while keeping in mind their true master. Not only that, but the assignment given to them by Aizen, that for payment, they would act in a similar way to Rukia's retainers in the south, to further bolster her image.
Unlike his two comrades, Arisuke had stayed in Las Noches to help train Alvis. Something that had turned out to be a very interesting and complex task. At an emotional level it was strange to see in this boy who clearly wasn't a natural born fighter. So much of what his lover used to do, so much so that in time some things seemed to blur and Arisuke even had to momentarily regain his bearings.
Given that Alvis was not a natural born fighter, nor did he lead a life dedicated to combat, had made training even more necessary. Even with all the training he had gone through before according to Yoruichi. Even for Arisuke it wasn't easy to find ways to help the boy adapt, since he was neither human or vampire, and clearly lacked the experience his fellow Espada had. Still, Alvis showed growth and in a particular turn of events also started to show a certain interest or focus regarding Arisuke.
For the Espada it made for very confused and awkward moments since he knew that those weren't exactly his feelings. So he did his best to keep them hidden, only really sharing them with Yoruichi and Cayo since his bond with them was greater when compared to the rest.
Naturally Aizen and Amelia heard of this via Yoruichi, while this usually wasn't something she would do, her loyalty to Aizen and his interest in the growth of his Espada, made it so she had to inform him. Hearing this Aizen theorized that this sudden influx of emotions when exposed to Arisuke, was similar to what had happened with the Catastrophe Dragon Lord when he was fused with the human Aizen chose for that particular task. Something that ended up influencing the newly revived Dragon Lord's outlook on Aizen.
Arisuke did his best to keep his emotions in check, he knew that this boy wasn't his lover. If anything the boy was his "heir" in a sense. But to see such similarities and feel those emotions in him, certainly made things difficult for the vampire. So much that in this last exchange, even Arisuke let some of his true feelings slip and even feel somewhat disappointed that he had to take his leave now and miss more of the boy's growth.
Still, he had his duties to see through. Especially now that in the nation of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai, the selection of the Emperor's future wife was coming to an end, and Rukia had only one test left to get through to be chosen. Now acting as one of her retainers, Arisuke had no other option than to go.
As Arisuke and Granz walked away, Alvis was left in silence unsure of how to feel, because while he had no real attachment to this man, part of him regretted having to see him leave. He could not say if it was the vampire within him, or the part of him that began to see him as a sort of mentor figure.
"You should have gone for it when you had the chance. Just saying." Cayo pointed out with a nonchalant deadpan.
"W-What!?" Alvis gasped in surprise.
"I'm not judging. Just saying the way you're looking at him..." Cayo went to say, just for Alvis to once again speak over him.
"You're exaggerating! And you know very well how our change affects us. This has nothing to do with me... Still, what now?" The young Espada asked, looking at Yoruichi.
"I say the sparring session is done, so let's just enjoy the rest of the day. I mean who knows when Aizen-sama is going to call upon you." She replied with a shrug.
"Meaning... We're going to drink!" Cayo energetically announced, picking up Alvis and placing him over his shoulder.
"W-Wait! I need to get healed." Alvis informed in shock.
"And then we drink! Woo~!"
Alvis could only sigh at his friend and teammate's antics, though it gave him the necessary distraction to take his mind of recent complicated issues. So with he went on to get much needed healing and distractions. At the same time Arisuke had his gear returned to him and went back to the south to rejoin his comrades, especially now when Rukia had to go through a final test that involved her fighting the being known as the strongest swordsman in their land...