Rain struck the gray-black rock face, splashing into fine droplets.
The air hung heavy with the damp smell of rust, gunpowder, and blood.
The Land of Rain lived up to its name.
From the moment they crossed the border, ceaseless rain shrouded this war-ravaged land.
The roads were muddy, vegetation sparse, and the ruins of abandoned villages lay dimly visible in the distance.
Charred wooden beams soaked in the rain, rotting.
"Loathsome rain." Tier Harribel frowned slightly, her massive sword, Tiburón, resting on her shoulder.
An invisible layer of reiatsu kept the droplets sliding over her brown skin at bay, leaving her white robes spotless.
"The air reeks of death and despair."
"I think it's pretty interesting!" a bright, lively voice rang out.
Lilynette-Starrk's subordinate.
The little girl with short orange hair, purple tear markings on her face, and seemingly boundless energy was crouching beside a puddle at the roadside, poking the ripples with her finger.
"It's way more fun than the same old desert and moon in Hueco Mundo!
"Right, Starrk?"
Behind her stood Coyote Starrk-the First Espada.
The perpetually drowsy man, wearing a fur coat over his Arrancar outfit, gave a lazy yawn.
His gray-blue eyes were half closed. "Ah... whatever.
"As long as you don't disturb my sleep."
"There you go again, Starrk!
"This is a new world! There are loads of fights waiting for us!" Lilynette hopped back to Starrk's side and tugged on his coat sleeve.
"Fighting is such a pain..." Starrk muttered, but he let Lilynette drag him along.
On the other side stood Luppi, the Sixth Espada-a haughty-looking boy with short blue hair and mask remnants resembling goggles on his face.
He scoffed. "Boring.
"This barren country isn't even as good as Hueco Mundo. Your Majesty, why exactly did we come to a