Author's Note: Hello everyone! Here is another chapter that I was able to do and surprisingly it was quick but I need to tell you something. The Chapter you see here is similair to Nnoitra's flashback when he fought Nelliel. Anyways let's begin because I don't want to spoil anything.


Chapter 12: Friendship

It was a new day in Las Noches and as always a new day meant knew things. Though that wasn't the case. Somewhere near the Trecera's Palace was the sound of metallic clanging as if fighting was occurring. Of two the side was the Espada. Skullak with one of his arms around Cirucci who was beside him and didn't mind his actions at all, Dordoni who stood with his hands at his side, Gantenbainne with his arms folded across his chest, Kiiro who had his hands in his pockets and Aaroniero (who was surprisingly getting out more over the years and hanged out in the group) sat in a mediation form with his arms crossed. Beside them were also the Fraccions as they stared at the fight between Nelliel and Nnoitra though the Espada could tell that Nelliel wasn't taking the fight seriously.

They watched as Nelliel easily deflected another one of Nnoitra's attack so easily and watched as he charged at her. He then swiped at Nelliel but she easily stepped to the side avoiding the attack and Nnoitra's Zanapakuto harmlessly hit the ground. He then gritted his teeth under his breath and raised his weapon to hit Nelliel but she grabbed it with ease which surprised him. Everyone then watched as the Trecera flipped her Zanpakuto until the hilt was facing Nnoitra and it began to glow pink as she jammed it in Nnoitra's stomach causing him to fly a few feet away from her and fall to the ground followed by his Zanpakuto which fell next to him.

"Okay, were done." Nelliel said as she sheathed her Zanpakuto. "I'm glad we finished in time for Lunch." She added.

Nelliel then walked over to the others who were watching the fight but she stopped when she heard Nnoitra's voice.

"Wait." He said.

She didn't turn around to face him though everyone else did as they watched him spit some blood out of his mouth. Despite his Hierro being strong he had a bruise on his face.

"I said that this was the final Showdown. We fight until the very end!" He stated.

Nelliel fully turned around to face Nnoitra with somewhat of a disappointed yet calm look.

"You mean until one of us finishes off the other?" Nelliel asked.

"Dam right." Nnoitra said.

"That's not happening. Stop trying to act like a grown-up." Nelliel said.

Everyone's eyes widen when she said that. Kiiro didn't suspect her to say that to Nnoitra and always saw Nelliel as a kind person.

"What'd you say?!" Nnoitra said with a glare.

"We've been transformed from humans to Hollow. Becoming nothing but beasts. And we regained logical minds once we became Arrancar. Those that think logically require a reason to fight. You lack that. I do not have a reason to fight you. That means I have no obligation to finish you off." Nelliel stated.

As she said that everyone understood what she was saying as they paid attention to her words.

"She's right. Haven't we all or some to be precise have been beasts at one point. Now look at us. We have our minds again and we don't do anything that always require us to kill." Aaroniero stated.

"Yeah…she's right with what she's saying." Skullak said.

Though despite her words that the Arrancars heard Nnoitra only grew angry and glared at Nelliel.

"I have a reason! I hate you!" He stated.

Nelliel simply closed her eyes and sighed seeing that Nnoitra will continue being the arrogant person he is who didn't and wouldn't understand what she was saying.

"That's not a reason. That's instinct. You're an Animal and I don't recognize you as a warrior. You're not someone I have to fight against. I don't feel like being burdened with taking the life of someone who's not even a warrior." She stated to Nnoitra.

She then walked towards everyone who had been watching the fight and they all walked off together as some of the Fraccions and even her own were happy to see her win the fight despite that the odds were in her favors. As they walked off Nnoitra couldn't help but glare at Nelliel with Rage, and Hate as she said those things and defeated him so easily without even trying. Soon Tesla was the last one who had stayed with Nnoitra and he looked at his master with somewhat if a concerned face.

"Nnoitra, are you okay?" He asked as he outstretched his hand.

As he done so Nnoitra's Zanpakuto flew past his head and stuck itself inside one of the green pillars rather forcibly as Tesla's eyes widen slightly as he looked at the corner of his eyes to see the weapon. His eyes then simply lowered and he looked at Nnoitra to see him glaring at him.

"Don't get all buddy-buddy with me. Just because I can't defeat her doesn't mean we're on the same level, Tesla!" Nnoitra stated with his voice seething with anger.

Tesla looked at the Zanpakuto rather calmly again and turned his attention to Nnoitra once more.

"Why Nelliel-sama? Why not challenged a different member Espada to a fight instead? There are seven other Espada that you can fight." Tesla said.

Nnoitra then stood up from the ground and looked at Tesla with a glare.

"I can't stand her!" Nnoitra said.

Tesla simply stared at Nnoitra with his eyes widen slightly after he said that and was confused about why Nnoitra would just say that out of the blue like that.

"A female standing higher than a male in battle! That's all." Nnoitra said.


Later on that day Nelliel was about to depart from her palace. Since she was going to meet everyone for lunch. She had a smile on her face since they were all going to eat at Cirucci's palace and was excited to enjoy the afternoon with her friends that was attending.

"I'm so excited. Kiiro, Skullak, Gantenbainne, Cirucci, Dordoni, and even Aaroniero are having lunch together. I'm surprised that Aaroniero is joining as well since he's usually alone most of the time but I guess he wanted to get along with his fellow Espada as well. What's more is that our Fraccions will be joining us. I'm so excited about this." Nelliel said to herself with a smile on her face.

As Nelliel exited her palace her she spotted Nnoitra who had been waiting for her. He gave her his smug looking grin as she looked at him.

"Sup!" Nnoitra said.

"You again." Nelliel said rather calmly.

"You going somewhere?" Nnoitra asked.

"That's none of your business." Nelliel said.

She then started walking a past him ignoring what he was doing but she couldn't help but stop and say something to him.

"Carrying your weapon out in the open is just a threat. If you want to appear strong, keep it hidden while you're walking around." Nelliel said.

She then began to walk away but Nnoitra grinned rather sly like and said something to her.

"You know…your Fraccion actually put up a good fight." Nnoitra said.

This caused Nelliel to stop as her eyes widen when he said that to her.

"W-wait…I…I thought Pesche and Dondochakka were with the others." Nelliel thought.

"Thought…sad to say that they were defeated by me. They were weak and insignificant compared to my power and deserved the deaths they got. Can't believe you had such worthless fools as your Fraccion." Nnoitra said as he turned around.

Nelliel felt something when Nnoitra said that to her. It was knew to her and she didn't know what it was yet…she let it consume her at that moment. Nnoitra only grinned as he raised his Zanapakuto with both hands and brought it down at Nelliel who unsheathed her Zanapakuto rather quickly and blocked the attack. Nelliel glared at Nnoitra after what he said and continued grinning at her.

"Would you look at that. I gave you a reason to fight against me." He said.

"You didn't." Nelliel said softly.

Nnoitra was somehow taken aback when she said that as he saw her look at him with angry eyes.

"This isn't a reason to fight!" She stated.

The two then backed away from each other and landed a few feet. Nnoitra was rather confused when she said that to him.

"What'd you say?!" Nnoitra asked.

"But you…you harmed the people who were very dear to me! And you're going to pay for it!" Nelliel said before rushing at Nnoitra.

She then tried stabbing him and he evaded the attack with a surprised face before Nelliel slashed at him which he was able to block. He was the forced onto a wall and she charged at him and tried stabbing him again with her Zapakuto but Nnoitra was able to block it with the staff of his Zanapakuto but was kicked through the wall by Nelliel and fell to the sandy grounds below with a loud thud. Nelliel stared down at the dust cloud below and watched as Nnoitra recovered from the attack.

"Shit…" Nnoitra groaned.

The moment was short lived as he felt Nelliels presence and looked up to see her charging down at him with her Zanpakuto aimed at him. He quickly dodged the attack and looked at the dust cloud she made but only saw her rush out and begin to hammer her with him with attacks.

"I hate her!" Nnoitra growled in his thoughts.

With each attack that Nelliel was bringing down on him Nnoitra began to back away as he blocked each of her attacks. The two the continued to fight until Nnoitra backed away onto a green platform which was followed by Nelliel. He the grinned widely which Nelliel ignored and she thrusted her sword towards him but he jumped up evading the attack.

"Too slow!" Nelliel stated.

She then swung her weapon at Nnoitra but when it hit him her blade went directly through him and he turned into nothing but mist. Her eyes widen in both shock and despair after what she witnessed. She didn't realize it but Nnoitra had been behind her the entire time. His grin wider then usual as he saw is opportunity to strike Nelliel down.

"Gotcha!" Nnoitra thought with an insane grin.

He then swung his blade at Nelliel's head with the anticipation to kill but as soon as it reached her within a mere inch the blade stopped. Nnoitra's eyes widen in complete shock wondering why his blade stopped and if so he didn't stop the attack but before he could calculate what just happened he felt a fist ram itself in the center of his face and sent him flying through one of the pillars that was on the platform he was on. He landed on the ground with a thud and shocked filled his face. He then sat up rather quickly and looked at the platform with wide eyes.

"You!" Nnoitra said angrily.

-A few minutes ago-

The Espada along with their Fraccion were at Cirucci's palace as they prepared for lunch. Some of the Fraccions and Espada spoke to one another while those who insisted prepared for lunch. Kiiro on the other hand did neither as he sat on a cushion while reading a book silently to himself as he waited patiently.

"Nelliel is taking a little longer then expected. I wonder what she's doing?" Kiiro thought.

"Kiiro." a voice called out

Kiiro couldn't help but look up from his book to see Skullak looking at him with somewhat of a worried and concern look on his face He understood why since Nelliel wasn't here and could tell that he cared for her very much for her since she was their friend after all.

"Nelliel hasn't arrived yet and…I'm worried about it." Skullak said.

"What do you think? Do you think she's fighting Nnoitra?" Kiiro asked.

"I don't know but earlier today I heard Nnoitra speaking to Szayel. Do you mind if you can find Nelliel just in case. I'm having a bad feeling that something may happen." Skullak insisted.

Kiiro looked at them before closing the book he was reading and stood up.

"Yeah…I was worried about Nelliel myself so I'll go figure out were she is." Kiiro said with a serious look.

"Alright. I'm gonna go inspect something myself." Skullak said

Kiiro nodded and the two Espada Sonido'd off without anybody realizing it. Kiiro suddenly reappeared in Nelliel's palace and began to look around for Tercera as he wondered where she could be. He then began to explore and look around for his friend by searching in every room and every hall. Since looking for her wasn't an option Kiiro decided on calling out to her.

"Nelliel…Nelliel where are you!?" Kiiro called out.

He waited about a minute for her to show herself and sighed seeing her not coming. He then looked around for her in each room again and behind some things and couldn't find her anywhere.

"Where is she?" Kiiro muttered.

Before he could give up on his search he heard a loud noise as if something was breaking. He figured that was outside and ran out of the dorm area. As he did he saw a hole in the wall leading outside and metallic clanging as well. Without any second thought. He approached the hole and stuck his head outside to see Nelliel fighting Nnoitra.

"That bastard! Skullak was right about Nnoitra fighting Nelliel but…the way how Nelliel is fighting is worrying me. She's fighting as if she's angry but why." Kiiro muttered.

Kiiro only watched as Nelliel started pushing Nnoitra back and saw Nnoitra go onto the green platform. He continued to watch as Nelliel also Nnoitra but as she did so Kiiro saw Nnoitra grin and this made him worried. Before he wondered what happened he watched as Nnoitra jumped and landed behind Nelliel who turned around and slashed at him but as soon as she did his body seemed to disappear which shocked him and Nelliel. Kiiro then saw Nnoitra behind Nelliel and he appeared to have been standing there for quite a while which surprised him and scared him at the same time since Nelliel was unaware of it.

"No!" Kiiro said softly.

-Now-

Kiiro stood beside Nelliel who appeared to be still caught in her daze. She then shook her head and turned around to see Kiiro and wondered when he got here.

"K-Kiiro…" She said rather softly and shocked.

Kiiro turned his head slightly towards Nelliel and gave her a smile seeing that she was safe from Nnoitra's attack.

"I guess I made it just in time to rescue you." Kiiro said to her.

Nelliel was about to say something else to him but didn't when Skullak appeared while holding a scarred looking Szayel.

"Hey Kiiro. Seems that Nnoitra needed Szayels help to defeat Nelliel. So in order to do that He created that device a device that you're standing on." Skullak said as he looked down at the scared Arrancar.

Kiiro looked at Szayel with a calm face though his eyes were seething with rage. He then turned his gaze back to Nnoitra who was gritting his teeth and seemed to hate him the most.

"Guess this is going straight to Aizen and Nelliel already has a witness and evidence. Guess you're in a lot of trouble Nnoitra and the same goes for you Szayel." Kiiro said.

"Like hell I am. There's no way you're bringing me to Aizen without a f-"

Before Nnoitra could finish that sentence Kiiro sonido'd over to him and kneed him in the stomach causing the Espada to gagged after receiving the blow. Once he did that he grabbed Nnoitra by the neck and sonido'd away which was then followed by Nelliel and Skullak.

-Aizens Throne room-

Kiiro was the first to Sonido in the room and threw Nnoitra down with a thud as the Octova Espada grunted after the impact though his Hierro protected him from most of the damage. Kiiro was then joined by Nelliel and Skullak who still held his grip on Szayel and the four looked up at Aizen who was looking down at them.

"My…what's happening here?" Aizen asked with his smile.

"My lord. Kiiro and I have discovered that Nnoitra had assigned Szayel to help him defeat Nelliel in a fight and had stopped him doing anything drastic." Skullak said.

"I'd say they must be punished. Bad enough that Nnoitra keeps battling Nelliel but he really wanted to kill her when I stopped him. His weapon was close to striking Nelliel's head and it might have been able to kill her. If it was me my Lord I'd have both of them punished and Nnoitra stripped of his rank as an Espada." Kiiro said.

Aizen looked at the two Espada with a calm gaze before closing his eyes while giving them all an answer.

"I deny your request."

Skullak, Kiiro, and Nelliel looked at Aizen in shock. Even Szayel and Nnoitra were surprised with what they heard. Skullak and Kiiro were going to ask why but saw that Aizen wasn't done talking which made them both cease what they were going to say.

"After what I heard I should punish Nnoitra and Szayel but…Szayel is no longer an Espada so he can't be punished any further as it is. Nnoitra on the other hand is a different story. I can't relinquish his rank because there is no one strong enough to replace him in anyway." Aizen said.

Skullak, Kiiro and Nelliel looked at one another after what they just heard. They didn't like what Aizen said but nodded respectfully after his judgment. Szayel sighed after what Aizen said and Nnoitra simply grinned as he looked at the three Espada.

"Nnoitra." Aizen called.

The Octava Espada turned his attention to Aizen showing his attention and he was hit with a massive amount of Reiatsu that made him sweat and lose his balace. The others in the room couldn't feel it since it wasn't directed towards them but they knew that Aizen was mad at Nnoitra after what he did. This was the least that he can do for a punishment.

"I am giving you one last chance. If you do what you just did again…I will make sure that my Reiatsu isn't the only thing you feel. Do I make myself clear?" Aizen said while still keeping his smile.

"Y-Yes Lord Aizen." Nnoitra gasped as he continued to sweat.

Aizen stopped releasing his Reiatsu on Nnoitra and looked at Szayel who seemed to tense up immediately but still kept a calm face.

"The same goes for you Szayel. Do I make myself clear?" Aizen asked.

"Yes Lord Aizen. You have my word." Szayel said.

Aizen nodded and waved his hands motioning the five that they were dismissed. Of course Szayel left immediately since he needed to do something in his lab. Nnoitra on the other hand walked out of the room and looked at Skullak, Nelliel, and Kiiro with a sly grin and the three only glared at him as he departed followed by them.

"Are you alright Nelliel." Skullak asked.

"Yes I am. And thank-you both for helping me after what happened." Nelliel replied.

"Hey don't mention it. I knew that Nnoitra would have planned something like this though I didn't expect it to be so sudden." Skullak said.

"I see. At least he knows better not to try this again." Nelliel said.

The two then took note on Kiiro who was silent the entire time which made the two somewhat suspicious of what was going on his mind right now.

"Hey Kiiro…you ok?" Skullak asked.

"Yes…why do you ask?" Kiiro asked in a calm voice.

"Well…you've been quite after what just happened. Is something on your mind?" Nelliel asked.

"No…I think I'll go to my palace and get something. You both go on to Cirucci's without me. They're all probably wondering where you are." Kiiro said as he turned around and walked the opposite direction.

The two seemed wonder what was wrong with him but continued to walk on towards Cirucci's palace.


Kiiro was alone as he walked the halls. He was seething with rage and he was angry but he tried his best to stay calm as best as possible. He needed to get some space away from Nelliel and Skullak after what happened and didn't want to show anyone how he was feeling right now and needed some time to be alone. Though that was short lived when he saw a familiar figure leaning on a wall.

"Figured you come here." Nnoitra said.

"Tch." Kiiro replied as he continued walking.

As he did so Nnoitra slammed the blade of his weapon in front of Kiiro blocking his path. Kiiro took no threat to this and simply averted his eyes to look at Nnoitra with his still calm gaze.

"No one said that you can leave you know." Nnoitra said.

"And no one said for you to talk to me. I have no business with you and I already know what you did. Skullak told me you have a silver tongue and my guess is that you used it to fight Nelliel." Kiiro said.

"Hmph…guess you aren't just some dumb brat after all. Though I could do it again and I may not get caught this time." Nnoitra snickered.

Kiiro unsheathed his Zanpakuto rather quickly and aimed it at Nnoitra's neck which surprised him. The tip of the blade was touching Nnoitra's neck and Kiiro didn't even think twice about what he was doing.

"I swear…if you harm Nelliel in any way possible…I will make sure you regret it." Kiiro said hatefully.

Nnoitra was quiet when Kiiro said that and this made the Cero Espada retract his weapon and place it back into its sheath. He then walked away from Nnoitra but the Octava Espada said something.

"Heh…you care about Nelliel so much but what about that Brunette girl." Nnoitra said.

Kiiro immediately stopped in is tracks and Nnoitra seemed to grin widely seeing as how he hit the mark.

"She actually seems pretty weak and I could break her like a toothpick. She's pretty much of a arrogant, over-confident bitch if I may say. One day when you're not around…I might just K-"

Kiiro grabbed Nnoitra's neck and slammed him to the ground which shocked Nnoitra. The Octava Espada didn't react to what just happened and stared at the Cero Espada who glared at him with his finger pointed at his face. Then without any warning Kiiro began to charge a Cero at Nnoitra's face which actually made him sweat for the first time since this wasn't Aizen who did this.

"…..Don't…you…dar…say…her…name! You do not have the right to bring Loly into this and if you lay a single finger or if I see a strand of her her out of place! I will make sure that Aizen isn't the only one you need to worry about. And I'll make sure you're clear about it!" Kiiro said threateningly.

Kiiro continued his tight grip on Nnoitra and continued to charge the Cero as he prepared to fire it at such a close range. Though as he did so he felt a hand touch his shoulder which made him turn to see Nelliel looking down at him.

"Don't Kiiro. Don't stoop down to his level." She said.

Kiiro looked at Nelliel then at Nnoitra before he sighed and ceased his Cero while letting go of Nnoitra's neck.

"C'mon…let's go to Cirucci's palace. Everyone is waiting for us.

Kiiro nodded rather slowly as Nelliel placed her hand on Kiiro's shoulder and Sonido'd away towards Cirucci's palace while Nnoitra got up from the ground and tried to process what he just witnessed.


Author's Note: Ok I know what you're all thinking and I know. Nelliel should have had her Hollow skull cracked and of course lost her memory and turned into a child. Now…I like Nelliel and she's a great, and very nice character so I couldn't have her have such a defeat like that. Of course this will not change any future events that much. For now just give it a chance my dear Royal Guys and Gals and you'll see that this isn't a big change. Anyways…here's the chapter and hope you enjoyed it and review it on what you think. Laterz!