The Arrancar

Walking into Las Noches Layla made her way to the throne room. As this was prior to Aizen's betrayal of the Soul Society, the Espada are in charge of Los Noches. Seeing the arrival of Layla and Nel the atmosphere froze. Besides Tier and Ulquiorra who have interacted with both Layla and Nel prior to their departure to Hell the other Espada were simply clueless on these two and were quick to take a battle stance.

"Who are you?!" Layla looked at the unknown Adjucha that questioned her and ignored them completely.

Despite their bravery, the Espada felt the overwhelming might of the Arrancar, "Are the Primera and Segunda Espada positions still vacant?" Layla looked around the room at the Hollow who were unfamiliar to her until her eyes looked onto Tier.

"Tier, tell me who number 1 is." This time it was Nel that spoke as she realized no one here would answer.

"Currently I am and, Segunda is Ulquiorra." Layla looked around the room and noticed that a large majority of the current Espada weren't worthy of the title "Espada" even though she planned on overthrowing Aizen at one point, a good foundation was still necessary.

"You two are Vasto Lorde and are worthy of the title "Espada" however the adjucha here aren't... at this point in time. So from this point, I will restructure the Espada and the Hollow army." Layla said this with a smile that brightened up the room but as Hollow, they weren't too impressed by her beauty.

"Who are you to restructure the Espada?" The same Adjucha from earlier once again asked this question as they became even more violent with their tone.

"Two years ago, I was Espada Number 1. I helped create the very palace you are in," lifting up her shirt Layla showed the number 1 that was Tattooed on her abdomen. "Due to the absence of myself and Number 2, Tier who was number three took my position. However I have returned, I am not the biggest fan of unnecessary killings but rest ȧssured I am proficient at the craft. Remember this is still Hueco Mundo."

Layla's eyes shone a dangerous glint as she let some of her spiritual pressure leak out causing the adjucha to understand the difference immediately. "Starting today Adjucha are no longer permitted to be Espada, only Vasto Lorde and above. If you do not fit that qualification...Leave." Layla's face was solemn as she looked into the eyes of all the Hollow present with the exception of the servant Hollow that lined the Throne room.

As disgruntled as the former Espada were they could only accept the Judgment of someone much more powerful than them or die. The remaining Hollow took their seat at the conference table.

"Aizen won't care much that the weaklings are gone but we must have suitable replacements for them." Currently, the Espada is composed of Layla, Nel, Hexxius, Tier, and Ulquiorra. As the servant Hollow cleaned up the place Layla took her seat at the Table.

"We need all of the Vasto Lorde class Hollow that we can find; however, many of them are secluded trying to understand not only their power but their newfound understanding of life so it is not actually feasible. What I want is a quick consolidation of power before "He" returns, the adjucha from before didn't have the potential I am looking for, but these 5." Layla reached for a sheet of paper from one of the maids, quickly she wrote down the Hollow descriptions that she remembers from the anime.

As the Paper went around the table Layla spoke, "During our trip, we came across a way to make you two Arrancar, and along with the 5 people on this list you all will be my most trusted agents. The way we are currently shackled to someone who isn't even one of our own isn't how things should be, in the future we will rectify that. Find these individuals for me and I will tell you the rest." Layla stood up and left the room, slowly making her way to her palace that still stood, and was still maintained throughout the years.

Jinzen: This method is the only way to carry on a proper conversation with one's Zanpakutō. One places their sword over their ŀȧp, takes a meditative pose, and forces their mind to become one with the Zanpakutō.

After a certain period of time, her mind was pulled into her inner world. Trees as far as the eye could see that seemed so tall they reached into the skies. Lush green grass tickled her toes as she looked around.

"You Made it!" From behind her, a voice resounded. Turning her head a Teenage boy came into view. He has a translucent glowing blue body as he floats towards Layla. "Zuex?"

"Yes! Before you ask, I am not your Zanpakuto spirit" The wind blew lightly and a second figure appeared, he stood inhumanly tall with a demon-like face, resembling a red-headed green-skinned humanoid wearing a leopard skin, carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders.

"It's been many years since an Arrancar has awakened me."

Days later the two returned from their mission with Luppi Antenor, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Szayelaporro Granz, Zommari Rureaux, and Nnoitra Gilga.

Looking at the Hollow Layla smiled slightly. "Currently you are all extremely weak but I will make you strong. Your strength from this point on will be used to ȧssist Lord Aizen with his plans. As the Espada you will be the peak authority in Hueco Mundo, only higher-ranking members of the Espada will be able to command you."

After her speech, Layla dismissed the new Espada, while Nel looked on in interest. "Why did you choose them specifically? Also, they are far stronger than the Last Hollow, aren't you just increasing the strength of the enemy?"

Layla chuckled slightly at Nel's way of thinking. "While I have technically increased the overall battle capabilities of Hueco Mundo there is a method to the madness. Right now if those Hollow were turned into Arrancar by the Hogyoku their way of thinking wouldn't change. While their intelligence would increase, the fundamental mindset of a hollow would not change. However, Hexxius said that when a Hollow evolves into an Arrancar naturally they gain EQ and IQ. You have felt it right? While we are still the same being, our brains work far differently."

Listening to the explanation Nel thought it made sense. "While I told them that they are using their powers for Lord Aizen, I am the one that is ȧssisting them the most. The Adjucha will become Vasto Lorde and then Arrancar, while the Vasto Lorde will just become Arrancar. Once Aizen returns he will, of course, be shocked at how we made them all Arrancar but there is no need to withhold the truth. Our method is superior to the Hogyoku, but it's more time-consuming. therefore we haven't ruined his plans, in fact, we may have even helped him."

Taking a pause Layla took a sip of the tea, which a servant Hollow prepared for her. "The Espada will be far more powerful than before, in fact, the gap is as wide as the gap between a cat and a Tiger. Yet in the future when they realize Aizen is just using them while on the other hand, I have been nothing but supportive and nice to them the entire situation will change. The Espada will lose faith in him and gain faith in me, this plan will only age like fine wine Nel."

As time Passed the Espada progressed into Arrancar their ranking was as Such: Espada Cero (0) Laylini Greeves, Espada Primera (1) Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Espada Segunda (2) Hexxius Greed, Espada Tres (3) Tier Harribel, Espada Cuatro (4) Ulquiorra Cifer, Espada Quinto (5) Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Espada Sexta (6) Nnoitra Gilga, Espada Septima (7) Luppi Antenor, Espada Octava (8) Zommari Rureaux, Espada Noveno (9) Szayelaporro Granz.