CHAPTER 12: Changes

Bonus chapter 3/3. Huge shoutout to everyone who got the fic to top 11. I will go back to posting like 4-5 chapters a week from now. No need to kill myself in my basement while writing :3

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The open court of Las Noches was under the roof as its ruler had claimed all the land under Hueco Mundo's sky as his domain. To earn his title, he had bested every Vasto Lorde of his era. Those who sought to defeat him died, and those who feared him became his war assets, namely the Espada.

He currently sat upon his throne with a regal air, draped in an ethereal, navy-blue robe. A crown of gold adorned his skull head. He was a Hollow very reminiscent of a lich, the pinnacle of undead as known by many.

His throne was upon a pedestal, and his followers-subjects kneeled on either side of the red carpet. Everyone in his court belonged to the Adjuchas tier or above. The Hollow lady serving him drinks from behind was a Vasto Lorde. A powerful Vasto Lorde who chose to submit her entire being to him once he beat her.

King Baraggan, the Godking of Hueco Mundo, the Ruler of Las Noches.

He was no mere Hollow. Achieving the realm of Vasto Lorde and then breaking his mask, he had become one the most fearsome being within Hueco Mundo. Bearing the Aspect of Death 'Senescence', he could decay and age any life around him at will.

He lacked nothing in Hueco Mundo.

He had everything.

Nothing in Hueco Mundo interested him anymore.

The monotony of such a life left him bored enough that he pondered over dividing his army into two factions and starting a war between them.

It was at that moment a muscular Adjuchas ran up the red carpet. "My Lord, two wandering Vasto Lorde are killing our comrades."

"Two Vasto Lorde?" whispered Baraggan before holding out a hand. "Summon them to the court. Wait, send Espada to fetch them."

Baraggab Louisenbairn considered every Vasto Lorde beneath him except for the Primordial Hollow. But two Vasto Lorde would prove to be a headache for his subordinates. Thus, he sent troops from the strongest army under him. The army that rarely got chance to show their strength.

The Espada.

"Yes, My Lord. It shall be done."

***

Keeping track of time was impossible in Hueco Mundo. Kazuya felt like it had been a month since he became a Hollow. In that unknown period of time, quite a few changes happened. Most noticeable one was in the Hollows of his party, mainly Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun. Their Reiryoku level steadily grew. Apacci's growth was the most impressive of them all. Her Reiatsu had become thicker and denser, reaching the levels of the first Adjuchas Kazuya killed. All thanks to his generosity to provide her with a steady stream of Gillians and occasionally Adjuchas.

His innate ability 'Crumbling Heart' could also be held responsible for their growth.

The second change was in Kazuya himself. Day by day, his mind and muscles became more attuned to battles. Harribel also gave immense help with honing his natural abilities. With every battle fought, he became an increasingly tougher opponent for Harribel. She also grew stronger after sparring with someone who could go toe-to-toe with her.

She could go all out against him, letting her experiment with new techniques and styles. It was a win-win situation for both of them.

Last one was a lack of response from Baraggan after he killed three Adjuchas in Baraggan's service. He was even ready for a visit from Baraggan himself, yet nothing of sorts happened. It made him question if Aizen already transformed Baraggan into an Arrancar with the Hōgyoku.

In a conundrum, he sought counsel from the wisest of his companions, Sung-Sun. He asked solemnly while she studied him with her beady eyes. Then suddenly, she threw her head back and released a cheery laugh. The earrings dangling from her ears swayed in rhythm with her joyous outburst.

"You're naïve to think King Barragan can wipe every one of his subordinates' asses."

"I overestimated him, huh?"

He overrated the structure within the current Las Noches. Baraggan never left his court, and his most loyal subordinates rarely left his side. Naturally, there would be a massive delay in recognizing the missing Adjuchas and more delay in investigating their cause of death.

"Yep, Hueco Mundo is huuuuge, and Hollows die every day in every corner of its land. He can't account for every Adjuchas under him. They might've eaten each other for all he knows." Sung-Sun coiled her tail around his waist and caressed his neck with the tip of her tail. "All I'm saying is, relax. King Baraggan won't know how and where his subordinates died."

He shrugged. "Got it."

Sung-Sun's tongue flicked in and out as she stared at him. "You look disappointed."

"I expected Baraggan to send some competent stepping stones for me to test my strength."

"Talk about confidence." Sung-Sun giggled. "What if Baraggan didn't send anyone and came himself? What would you do?"

"I'd run the fuck away, with all of you, of course."

She couldn't help but laugh at his adorable response. "Keep that mentality, and you'd live a long life in Hueco Mundo. I mean every word I said. Listen — today's defeat can be converted into a victory tomorrow. Today's death can only be converted into sorrow and tears."

Sung-Sun had thought a long time to string together a wise quote to stop her group from taking a wrong step. She wanted everyone to live… for a long time.

He shook his head. "I'd take a fun life over a long life any day of the week."

On paper, his previous life was great, if not perfect. Did he enjoy it? Not much.

"That's… I can't help but agree with you," Sung-Sun admitted with a sigh. "But we, Hollows, are confined to our fate. There isn't much we can do in the way of having fun. Why not go for long lives?"

He gently extended his hand and touched the snake's head. The cold, scaly texture of the seashell mask fused to her head made him flinch. Her eyes showed confusion as they glanced this way and that, blinking softly in the dim light.

"I'll teach you how to have fun. It's my promise, okay?"

"You treating me like a child might be the most absurd thing that ever happened to me."

He chuckled and drew back his hand. "I'll do it again if you look depressed."

She had massively helped him in adapting to Harribel's training. She was the reason Harribel didn't go full hardcore from the start and took strides in guiding him through different levels of skills.

"Note to self, don't look depressed in front of Kazuya."

"Won't work, Madame. I tend to bring out the worst in people around me. Just look at Apacci."

The mention of Apacci made Sung-Sun giggle. Over the past few weeks, Sung-Sun and Kazuya made Apacci's life lively by constantly teasing her and making pranks on her.

Hearing distinct footsteps, he looked over his shoulder. "Speak of the devil."

Apacci entered the cave, glaring at him with fire in her eyes. "What are you two plotting now?"

"I take the fifth on that."

"Me too."

"Fuck you, Sung-Sun," Apacci muttered under her breath and strode out of the cave.

Sung-Sun shook her head. "She got angry… or jealous."

"She'll be back to her flame-spitting form by tomorrow." He nudged Sung-Sun before leaving the cave. He spotted Harribel sitting alone on a hill and joined her. "Here for a breather?"

***

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