La Soberanía
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Seven long years, that is how long it took to rebuild La Soberanía and bring back those who managed to escape Antonio’s wrath all those years ago. A tragedy that will never be forgotten as friends and lovers alike were lost that day. But not all things end on such a sour and sad note. For one reason or another the Arrancar of Las Noches seemed to have decimated themselves, perhaps Valiosa’s loss during the invasion made them question her rule. Whatever the case may be, they are now nothing but memory although vestiges of that flame still exist in the form of Antonio. He has been running rampant as if something is chasing him, always on from one place to the next, he even had the gall to turn up at La Soberanía begging for help against some sort of enemy that comes from the shadows. He was laughed off and forced to leave by Estarossa himself.
However, after those seven long years of rebuilding in a remote location modifications were made. Stolen technology from Las Noches has allowed La Soberanía to move its location at will across Hueco Mundo. Luckily this feat is achievable due to it not being as large or vast as Las Noches itself, in reality it would be considered one of the many rooms that line that decrepit structure. As a result the Shinigami have been struggling to locate La Soberanía and its inhabitants, even during their snack runs to the Human World they are discreet. This isn’t by accident either, it is because Estarossa does not want to be found, purely due to how doggedly the Shinigami are hunting for him. Although hunting is a stretch, they come in peace, assumedly, however El Desatado (lit. The Unbound One) does as he pleases, he will be found when he wants to be.
The next three years were spent partying at La Soberanía, celebrating the revival of the safe haven, celebrating lost friends and lovers, celebrating the downfall of Las Noches, and celebrating their Freedom. In present day the festivities have died down back to a normal pace, well a pace considered normal here. The founder of La Soberanía sits up out of bed, stretching and yawning, all around him are various sleeping males and females, Arrancar and Adjucha alike. Considering their naked forms it doesn’t need to be explicitly said what happened here hours ago. The purple-haired Arrancar makes himself decent by putting on clothes and exits his room of debauchery. He yawns and stretches again, greeting or waving at anyone he happens to pass by, eventually reaching the “dining area”. A place with various spreads of food on multiple tables, from assorted meats, vegetables, pastries, fruits, candy, etc. All things Hollows typically do not eat or even think about, but here in La Soberanía these are delicacies.
An Adjucha looks up from the steak it is eating with its bare hands, it looks around at the other Hollows in the room, all of them shaking their heads or shrugging.
He goes back to eating and Estarossa sighs as he sits down on a chair, throwing his leg over the armrest of it. He leans his head back and stares up at the distant ceiling of the room.
Using a fork he cuts off a chunk from his slice of cheesecake and eats it. He thinks out loud because he has nothing to hide from anyone here. Everyone is free to voice their own thoughts, although some thoughts might lead to them being asked to leave or to take things into a more private setting. Estarossa has never once stopped to think what had Antonio running scared for so long, shadow people was something he always assumed meant Shinigami, due to their black attire, but what if it meant something else? Estarossa has no mind to go save or even help Antonio, this is merely fleeting curiosity. If he runs into that stuttering Arrancar again he’ll most certainly fight him on sight.
Three loud beeps ring out across all of La Soberanía, alerting its residence that it is about to change location again. Estarossa sighs and continues to eat his cheesecake as the structure begins to rumble and sink into the sand. Where it ends up next is unknown, even to Estarossa as it has no pattern to trace, it is truly and utterly random. The Shinigami are going to have their hands full looking for this particular Arrancar.
The sands of Hueco Mundo shake and tremble at something rising from their depths, any unsuspecting Hollows run and flee from whatever it may be encroaching upon them from below. A massive expulsion of sand rises into the air, raining back down and creating a plume of dust to obscure whatever it was that had just breached the surface. The dust settles only to reveal itself to be La Soberanía, the home of what many consider to be a strange band of Hollow kind. Within this moving fortress lies Estarossa, the community appointed leader of this faction, surrounded by many empty plates that once held a slice or two of cheese cake. He had become a true glutton in his boredom and devoured enough of the pastry to send himself into a food coma. Drool runs from his mouth and onto the table as he sleeps hunched over on it, certainly not a comfortable position to sleep in but when sleep strikes at random the body isn’t too picky about that.
Even the alarms within La Soberanía alerting all to the fact the fortress will be rising to the surface again wasn’t enough to wake him. It took a female Adjucha shaking him over and over for him to wake up at last. A significant event happened while he was out cold, something he may want to know about. As his eyes open he looks at the one who woke him, looking her up and down. She was a monstrous praying mantis type Hollow with just enough feminine details to denote her gender, not as if that would have stopped Estarossa from saying his next words.
That was the only sound she made in response to his blatant advance, it also managed to fluster her slightly as well considering she, as probably all Adjucha, don’t expect someone to ever say something like that to them. She quickly composes herself to relay the information to him.
Estarossa yawned while listening to her speak and continued to stare at her with a flirty expression on his face.
Estarossa drops the flirty expression and sits up straight. He stands up out of the chair next, it is very obvious he is taking this seriously.
And with that Estarossa heads out, not even waiting for a response from the Adjucha who was left in a flustered state once again and yet, oddly enough despite what her instincts and nature are telling her, she decides to await Estarossa’s return.
Beneath La Soberanía, Estarossa and a different Adjucha exit into the Forest of Menos, making their way towards the last known location of Emillia in hopes of asking her questions about what she fought and maybe even asking what the Shinigami are doing here as well. Two things have been bothering Estarossa lately, the first is this weird shadow group that has been culling the remnants of Las Noches loyalists, while he is all for that he isn’t a fan of how they are being hunted like dogs. Very strong arm tactics are being done and it feels like bullying more than anything else. The second thing is the Shinigami who have been occupying Hueco Mundo since the end of the Unhallowed Wars centuries ago. It has a lot of Hollow running scared or hiding in their own domain. It isn’t right, his kind shouldn’t have to walk on egg shells in their own realm, he’ll make these thoughts known to the Shinigami when he potentially meets them.
[To Hueco Mundo Deserts: Menos Forest]
TEN DAYS LATER
Cayo was rediscovering Hueco Mundo, a world he had known for centuries, but his hibernation had clearly brought about changes unlike anything he had seen before. He had seen periods of calm—moments governed by strict rules that prohibited mass infighting. He had seen war, with battles so fierce that the white sands became discolored from widespread bloodshed. He had seen the rise and fall of kings and queens, of tyrants, and of wannabe idealists. And yet, what had become of the realm during his slumber was a truly new experience.
The long-standing infrastructure had completely shattered, the moonlit palace had crumbled, and a new layer of silence had overtaken the sprawling desert. There were still some prominent figures among the Hollows, but they were neither unified nor at each other's throats. It was as if a bunch of wounded animals kept to their own corners, encircling their territories while the rest of the realm was swept over by the wind. It was ultimately depressing as much as it was new for Cayo... yet somehow still not the most surprising outcome. The cycle of hubris ate away at itself until there was nothing left. Attempts to rule and change through sheer force had fractured that balance.
The weak scrambled for scraps like cockroaches, while those who possessed something resembling strength hoarded it in burrows. Cayo desired a break from the status quo, but this was ultimately pathetic. His journey to La Soberanía came with a lot of reflection on what he knew. He noted the shadows that shifted as he advanced—weary eyes observing this unfamiliar face from safe distances, just as they once did in Las Noches. Was this curiosity? Fear? Or simply the stalking of potential prey? Regardless of the intention, his journey went unimpeded. That was true, at least, until he arrived at the epicenter of this particular congregation of Hollows.
The long-standing infrastructure had completely shattered, the moonlit palace had crumbled, and a new layer of silence had overtaken the sprawling desert. There were still some prominent figures among the Hollows, but they were neither unified nor at each other's throats. It was as if a bunch of wounded animals kept to their own corners, encircling their territories while the rest of the realm was swept over by the wind. It was ultimately depressing as much as it was new for Cayo... yet somehow still not the most surprising outcome. The cycle of hubris ate away at itself until there was nothing left. Attempts to rule and change through sheer force had fractured that balance.
The weak scrambled for scraps like cockroaches, while those who possessed something resembling strength hoarded it in burrows. Cayo desired a break from the status quo, but this was ultimately pathetic. His journey to La Soberanía came with a lot of reflection on what he knew. He noted the shadows that shifted as he advanced—weary eyes observing this unfamiliar face from safe distances, just as they once did in Las Noches. Was this curiosity? Fear? Or simply the stalking of potential prey? Regardless of the intention, his journey went unimpeded. That was true, at least, until he arrived at the epicenter of this particular congregation of Hollows.
Despite the surprise, Cayo did not so much as flinch at the sudden appearance of the bold Arrancar. In fact, he simply stopped his advance and shifted his gaze toward her. This was the second curiosity among his kind that he had the pleasure of being acquainted with. Was it becoming common for Hollows to be more civil, or was this just a strange coincidence?
Cayo raised a brow at the offer, not in consideration, but in confusion. What had truly become of this place? He raised a hand in gesture as he resumed walking in the direction she had pointed out.
That dismissive response received a hearty scoff from the promiscuous Arrancar in return. Not a single reaction was drawn from him; he simply continued onward. The missing piece to the cumulative changes that had overtaken Hueco Mundo might come to light through a discussion with this particular man. Surely not all that remained were cockroaches, rubble, and, apparently, the famished. And if that was all there was, perhaps there would at least be an inkling of an idea on how to salvage it all.
Given everyone's reaction when referring to Estarossa as a 'leader', whatever control he held likely existed more as a strong suggestion than an iron fist. But with that suggestion likely came a considerable degree of influence and power. If anything, Hueco Mundo in its current state should have been even more lawless than before, yet somehow it crawled along in a strange, somber existence.
Given everyone's reaction when referring to Estarossa as a 'leader', whatever control he held likely existed more as a strong suggestion than an iron fist. But with that suggestion likely came a considerable degree of influence and power. If anything, Hueco Mundo in its current state should have been even more lawless than before, yet somehow it crawled along in a strange, somber existence.
La Soberanía
Ten days have passed since the Shinigami managed to sully their relationship with Estarossa and by extension, La Soberanía. Estarossa let his people know not to trust the Shinigami and to be on the look out for them in Hueco Mundo and the Human World. That day in the forest left a sour taste in his mouth that no man or woman could quell, not even the sweetness of his favorite treat, cheesecake, was enough to distance his mind from it. What helped cut the edge, only slightly, was training. Striking training dummies, even if it meant obliterating them on purpose or on accident.
It was aggression that he needed to vent from his system, aggression and anger brought on by those he thought he understood. Threatening to just take an unwilling Arrancar away and even further threatening to take him against his will as well was pure audacity. Thinking they had Emillia and Estarossa captured, the Shinigami miscalculated. The Garganta was never theirs to access freely, needing time to set up and spells to open a gate where Hollows and Arrancar open and close it freely.
The Shinigami use of Keikaigi was interesting but short sighted as the moment it enveloped the Arrancar they simply just rerouted themselves back to Hueco Mundo. Where Emillia went after this Estarossa doesn’t know but given her wandering habits he doesn’t tend to ask much. His mood has been sour ever since and he has not left La Soberanía since then. He warned the Shinigami that if he saw their kind in Hueco Mundo he would hurt them, send them back broken and if those two in particular he met that day cross his path he would kill them.
He doesn’t want to follow through on those threats, he doesn’t want to hurt the patrolling Shinigami because he doesn’t want to punch down. He put himself in a tight bind using his own words and if he ever fails to follow through on them then the Shinigami will sense weakness and probably attempt another kidnapping. It makes sense, only Estarossa could compromise his own freedoms.
His home has seen the arrival of interesting Arrancar, whispers spreading fast of one Arrancar smelling old, a smell similar to Estarossa of a Hollow who has existed for quite some time. A new arrival he may be but no attention has been thrown his way. There was another hanging around as well, he seemed quiet and keeping to himself for the most part. Those that dwell in this place forgot he was around shortly after he arrived. But now things may change as Estarossa may be on a crash course with these two individuals, although the term crash course may be a little extreme.
The leader of La Soberanía is currently picking at a half eaten New York Style Cheesecake. Fork in one hand poking and prodding at the treat while his head rests in his other hand. This typically upbeat soul is most definitely depressed. Depression that was brought on by his lack of leaving the moving fortress of La Soberanía and depression of knowing that he must follow through on his promise to hurt any Shinigami he sees and kill the two in particular that offended him. He feels like one of those despicable Espada or even worse, their awful God King. The ranks of the Espada and the seat of God King have been empty for ten years, but what they represent will never be forgotten by Estarossa. They represent a line in the sand he must never cross and for the first time in his life he feels like he is standing right on top of that line.
He leans back in his seat, sighing to himself as he glances over to see an Arrancar approaching him. He doesn’t recognize this one, nor does he know what they may want from him. He is ready to reject any and all advances as he is simply just not in the mood for that sort of company.
Estarossa looks away, staring at a far wall now.
He tosses his hands in the air as he makes his next statement, letting them fall limply to his sides once again.
He tilts his head back further onto the chair, leaning it to look in a different direction and not at the Arrancar who just arrived. If any rumors about who Estarossa was and how he acts reached Cayo he may be shocked to see a man being the complete opposite to those rumors. If anything this particular version of Estarossa looks quite defeated.
The events leading up to this moment have been nothing short of terrifying for Arrastrado. Monsters doing battle, new and old ones making an appearance. Yet amidst all of that Arrastrado still stands, kept alive through caution and cowardice alike. Or perhaps it was just luck? Regardless of why and how, here he stands, amidst numerous Hollow, all who mean no harm and can do no harm to him within La Soberania. At least not under the rules in place. Even now the fear of a possibility weighs heavy on him.
Wandering feet bring the coward through the home of Estarossa, walking through spacious halls, doing his best to avoid any form of contact for the moment. Wandering eyes peer past archways and open doors, keeping a vigilant watch for threats and simultaneously sating curiosity. The wandering home of Estarossa is an intriguing place, foreign but familiar simultaneously. Furniture belonging to the Human World decorates architecture that is distinctly Arrancar in nature. Human food that fails to nourish a Hollow in all but taste. Visitors and residents that socialise, bond and some even spar, tensions are low. Still Arrastrado cowers away from those Hollow and Arrancar.
Eventually, he comes upon a strange sight. The same fellow he’d spotted a few days ago, he was previously at odds with Shinigami and clearly in a dominant position during the exchange. Now he sits alone, picking at a sweet treat with no intention of eating it seems. This is very clearly a man who is dejected, attempting to tend to his low mood with that very cheesecake, but failing. The man speaks out.
His tone and words further confirm the suspicion of his mood, and for a moment Arrastrado ponders on how to respond. Should he deny these assumptions? Should he be open off the bat and explain his reason for being here? Or maybe just offer an ear in order to get into Estarossa’s good will? A choice is made, and Arrastrado takes a step forward to speak, only to be cut short at the very first step.
None of those words were for him, instead they were for the other monster of an Arrancar that approaches Estarossa, Cayo. The coward’s foot slides back to where it was, instead choosing to watch on for a bit longer.
Those next words muttered by an exasperated Estaross are what spur Arrastrado on to speak up. With all his willpower, he pushes the fear within him down, this is the one thing he is quite capable at, talking.
A perfectly rehearsed chuckle is made audible for Cayo and Estarossa. Arrastrado’s eyes sway between the two figures, both vastly more powerful than he, but here he steps forward, almost between the two of them. Even with his eyes slipping from one to the other, he remains vigilant for any sound or motion as best he can, be it spiritual or otherwise.
He exclaims with a false bravado as his glance shifts towards Cayo, then back to Estarossa.
His arms and body motion and mimic various things as he speaks. The mention of a city has him splay his arms out to the sides, as wide as he can, then spinning on the ball of his foot as his hands raise up just enough to mimic the walls surrounding a city. Once he’s facing the two again, the mention of a restaurant has his hands mimicking the stirring of seasoning of a piece of meat, then the stirring of a pot. His hand motions up to cover half of his face, portraying a mask, the other motioning out as if addressing a crowd, all as he acts out the mention of a theater. Finally his hands come to a stop and lower to his sides.
He catches himself smiling ecstatically at his own dream, then gives the other two a quick glance, trying to piece together what they might think. Arrastrado is well aware of the absurdity of his desires, and even more so aware of the insanity of putting it forth so blatantly towards two strangers.
It had only been a few days since Cayo had awoken, and the surreality of the situation in Hueco Mundo never seemed to cease. From his initial observation of derelict structures and the absence of any real, notable order, the land was foreign to him. Though among the options of unifying banners, he did not expect one such as that of the present company. Hollows had always been a rather indulgent group of beings, subject to avarice and displays of power, but to instead find comfort in more human habits was the furthest thing from his mind.
Though among all that irregularity came something a lot more familiar; that more acquainted designation belonged to the man whom he approached. This was not from a prior engagement, but instead simply recognizing something that he was much more accustomed to, akin to remembering a timeless fragrance.
The man's words were direct, yet lacked a certain fervor. The dismissive phrasing lacked the usual coat of paint; instead, they were traced with gloom.
Cayo's words were untextured, serving only to ease any concerns listed while not trying to create any particular emotional response otherwise. Though his apparent disregard for Shinigami wasn't wholly true, as their involvement could ultimately be at least partly why the realm was in shambles. A better phrasing would have been that he did not care for their activities outside of their potential poisoning of the well. Yet it was truly just semantics, so it bore no further elaboration.
The formerly slumbering Arrancar gave a nod to the man's inquiry, but a bit of surprise was still plastered on his face. Sure, it had been days since his awakening, yet the fact that word had traveled as such was still impressive, especially with the sands in such a state. It had to have simply been the change of yet another constant shaking the firmament just enough to disrupt the otherwise empty stillness. What followed—Estarossa's description of the desert—was put rather crudely and bluntly, though not without truth. It was a direct and clear way to explain the situation at hand: the instability among the monochrome landscape.
Yet it did not answer the real question of it all—how it came to be. Sure, he had been informed of these so-called 'Quincy', but for everything to remain without structure was what was truly abnormal. No new ruler, no new Espada, nothing similar to the past. It could not just be that siege that left the Hollows on their knees.
Before Cayo could offer any response, a meek voice rang out.
It was not until this interjection that Cayo even truly focused upon the additional company. It wasn't that he hadn't been aware, but instead that he had subconsciously disregarded him. His sole focus was on clarity from La Soberanía's governor; any other slipped by his gaze. It was in his mind to simply roll over the other's words to finish inquiring about the localized depravity, yet a glimmer of intrigue halted him.
An invitation he'd humor.
Arrastrado's dream was laid out before the present company, a conclusion that initially left Cayo looking flabbergasted. And yet that apparent confusion erupted into something else...
El Hastío's laughter couldn't be contained. It poured out in bursts until he collected himself, swiping away a blackened tear that had escaped from his eye.
Cayo's words were blunt and carried the weight of a boulder. He had just spent the last week and a half taking in what remained of what he once knew, and where he was relieved things did find a new path, it was not one that left the world better. He came for clarity from the only notable name on anyone's lips, and the man looked defeated—maybe not from a singular foe, but by the woes that stitched themselves into his heart, whatever they may be. And then to bring that all together, there was a faintly flickering candle thrown into the mix, trying to brighten up a vast corridor. It all warranted such directness and scrutiny. His jab and his hook were trailed with a verbal haymaker, though his eyes were no longer honed on Arrastrado, but instead Estarossa.
An observation on Estarossa's own worse-for-wear state. Maybe it was how he always was—Cayo did not know the man—but it was unlikely. Someone so clearly sunken would not have garnered such a following; this was not likely what garnered unity. It was wholly possible that this man had reached a point similar to his own, a point at which one's eyes glaze over. The countless wars, the animalistic territorialism, the kings and queens, all of which grew tiresome. Was this what his own face looked like after it all had grown so cumbersome? Or was this something else entirely?
While he is talking Estarossa slowly turns his head to look at Cayo and with a more than obvious gesture he points at Arrastrado with his thumb and a facial expression that reads ”Get a load of this guy”. He slowly looks back to the ambitious Arrancar, letting him continue on about his dream society.
Estarossa just listens in silence, an eyebrow raised as he judges the sanity of the man before him. It isn’t too uncommon to run into unwell Hollows in Hueco Mundo but this one was a special case. From what Estarossa can sense Arrastrado isn’t exactly the strongest person in this room, which is why he isn’t too concerned about making obvious gestures in front of him. Cayo speaks up next after laughing, it's a reasonable response. If Estarossa wasn’t so down in the dumps and befuddled by the concept he too would be laughing.
Estarossa waved his hand dismissively as if to signal “no offense taken”.
The Free One just continued to listen in silence, looking between Cayo and Arrastrado wondering to himself why this conversation is happening in front of him and his cheesecake of all places. The topic was interesting, sure, but it was of no concern to Estarossa. Regardless of this supposed Society happening or not he will continue his existence within La Soberanía as he always has. Then a question was directed at him, one that snapped him out of his stupor as he was starting to zone out.
Estarossa points to himself as if he was surprised that Cayo was talking to him.
His leg starts to bounce, a clear sign of irritation.
Arrastrado has met Estarossa at a bad time. If he had met him before the debacle with the Shinigami he would have entertained the idea a bit more. He probably would have asked actual questions about it instead of hurling accusations at him. Although this does open the floor to reveal true intentions. As it stands, La Soberanía is the only “organization” in Hueco Mundo currently and through his own recent words and actions Estarossa has put a target on it. He is more defensive over it than ever.