A/N: To answer a question, this is currently taking place before the canon plot! Enjoy!

Chapter III: Agility

After the duel had been confirmed, Baraggan's fraccion huddled around his seat; more than likely deciding which would face Mitsunari. Mitsunari himself had gravitated towards me, his gaze not meeting mine and looking just about anywhere else. I took note of him now that his mask had been mostly removed. The fragment that remained was on his jawline, going just below his lower lip and stopping on each end below his earlobes.

I got a clear view of his visage as he was busy staring into space. He had porcelain white skin without a blemish in sight; thankfully the mask was mostly gone and therefore so was most of the blood. His pale skin stood in stark contrast to his amber hues, helping to define them. Now that they didn't appear so jaded she could see how they seemed to glow with an aura of intensity. He was incredibly focused on the upcoming fight, which was emphasized further by the deadly grip he kept on his strange zanpakuto.

I would have assumed a being with so much spiritual pressure would have had a longer blade, but his zanpkauto seemed more like a dagger. Then there were the loops that his fingers had slid through, making it appear like a trench knife. It was…unusual. However, everything about him thus far seemed to be that way. He was an enigma.

As I lifted my gaze from his zanpkauto back to his face, I found his intense amber irises looking to me. And then he smiled, the intensity dying down and being replaced with an air of friendliness. "Think I have a chance?" He asked, now looking down to his zanpakuto, as if reading my earlier thoughts.

"It isn't ideal, but close-ranged combat was my specialty. I have no training how to fight with a zanpakuto, but now is about as good as time as any to learn I suppose." He gave a flippant shrug, looking back to me.

It took me a moment to find words, I hadn't really expected him to actually speak to me or be friendly. But his smile was so disarming, containing a type of genuineness I only saw sparsely from my fraccion and no one else. Well, Aizen had a disarming smile. However that smile didn't have friendliness, just absolute terror.

"You have a chance. Baraggans fraccion are powerful however. Be cautious with how you approach them, even without their release they are still proficient in combat. And don't get yourself killed, the fight isn't worth that. Aizen is aware of your potential, he is doing this merely to prove a point to Baraggan."

He seemed to digest my words, slowly nodding as he kept his eyes upon me. "I don't need to know how to use a zanpakuto fancily, just that if I get close enough to put it against his neck and end it. That is manageable. But don't worry about me dying; I didn't survive Hueco Mundo just to be cut down." His smile grew, revealing his misaligned teeth as he gave a slight bow. "I'll return to 'ya, don't worry."

I observed him a moment, keeping up the same look of indifference as I responded, "You better. I have high hopes for you."

"And I shall be sure to meet them; I have high hopes for you as my master. But I wouldn't be willing to follow you if I didn't think you were capable of meeting them. You're…different." I blinked a few times, was that a compliment?

I had no intention to ask such a bold question, but I wouldn't have had the chance regardless. After his words were spoken he began to move away to the center of the room, his opponent coming down from Barragan's personal throne.

Ggio Vega.

One of Barragan's top fraccion. It looked like he was trying to make a point as well.

I watched carefully as Ggio and Mitsunari stood across from one another, Ggio smirking as he looked him up and down. They both stood at nearly the same size, neither having a distinct advantage in that area. However, if the duel was to be zanpakuto's only with no release then Ggio had an edge due to the superior range of his blade. But there was something in the way Mitsunari stood ready to attack that told me that it wouldn't play be the deciding factor.

Mitsunari gave a palpable air of confidence, his hands coiled tightly around his zanpakuto with his fingers laced through the loops. His lips were upturned to reveal an amused yet charming grin, despite his crooked teeth. His amber eyes were now focused on Ggio and nothing else, he knew he was being counted out and was ready to show what he truly was capable of. He was eager.

'I don't need to know how to use the sword fancily, just that if I get close enough to put it against his neck and end it.' Were the words he stated earlier. I felt he had underestimated the difficulty of such a task. I had seen Baraggan fraccion spar; Ggio had a speed unparalleled to many. With more work, it was likely he could become just as agile as Starrk himself. Cornering him wouldn't be simple.

"Begin." I heard Aizen command from above, and before he could even finish the word, they were already clashing. Their blades had been ripped from their scabbards and they were clashing fiercely now. I had refused to ascend to my personal throne where my fraccion had awaited. I would stay down here and watch in case things go too out of hand; I didn't trust Baraggan not to have put malicious thoughts in Ggio's mind. On top of that, Mitsunari was my fraccion, that much I had already decided. If he lost this, I would make sure that he remained in Las Noches. He was going nowhere.

I made my decision when he spoke about the sacrifice his friends made for him and his choice to honor it. Baraggan may not have seen it, but with one eye he probably failed to see many things. He carried on not for self-survival but because he wanted to make the sacrifice his comrades gave worth it. He was easily worthy of serving by my side.

But an additional benefit to being close was the fact I could spectate it all fairly well. Mitsunari was immediately on the defensive, his short-ranged blade not allowing him to wide sweeps Ggio was performing. The arrogant smirk that had formed across Ggio's lips made me truly wish Mitsunari would clean it right off.

They broke apart for a moment before attacking and counter-attacking while using their sonido to maneuver around. This is where is where I had expected Mitsunari to fall behind. However, he didn't. In fact, as the battle for the offensive continued, Ggio began to lose ground and that wiped the arrogance right off his visage. Not how I had planned it, but it worked well enough.

I was more so astounded that Mitsunari sheer speed, I was even having trouble keeping track of him. Ggio was have an equally difficult time doing so and managing to counter each strike that came his way. I could even see other Espada take note, surprised by the speed at which his sonido allowed him to move.

But just as the tides turned in Mitsunari's favor, Ggio managed to perform a swift counter that led to a deadlock between the two, keeping Mitsunari in place. That was then followed by an abrupt strike right to Mitsunari's nose with such force that it sent him flying back in my direction, just a few meters to the side. I felt concern flare through me as I watched some blood fly through the air as Mitsunari come skidding back.

Mitsunari slowed himself by planting both hands down onto the floor and slowing down his velocity. He managed to stop just short of Aizen's throne. His head rising as he lifted a hand from the floor to slick back his light brow locks, blood dripping down his nose. Despite the blood and likely pain, he was still smiling.

It wasn't the disarming smile before or even the one of amusement. This was one of eagerness, as he wiped the blood from his nose with his forearm and took a few steps forward. There was a glint of deviousness in his eyes that gave me the feeling he was not even closed to done. Ggio was motioning him to come forward with his hand, his arrogance returning as he flourished his blade in the air. "Come on, is that all you have? I thought this would be a challenge!"

"Come on new guy, whoop his ass!" One of Grimmjow's fraccion yielded from above.

"Don't let him beat you! You can run circles around him; just hit him over that stupid mask of his!" I heard Apacci shout out, Mila Rose throwing out jeers as well. Baraggan's fraccion were of course cheering on Ggio while Baraggan looked on with a smug glint in his eye.

"All I got? Just the tip of the sand dune." Mitsunari stated softly, before taking a few large steps and bringing his blade arm back behind his head.

What was he doin-

Before I could even finish that thought, he sent his zanpakuto flying through the air aimed straight for Ggio's head. I arched my brows high; the move was audacious and honestly utterly reckless. There was no need for such action so early in a fight. It would leave him unarmed against an armed foe. The fight may have been over just as it started.

Making matters worse, it missed Ggio and sailed right over his shoulder blade. Ggio was admittedly taken by surprise as he turned his head momentarily to see where it landed. He scoffed as it clattered against the ground harmlessly, beginning to turn back. "I wouldn't have thrown that if I we-"

I felt my heart skip a beat at what happened next. That brief moment Ggio had turned away, Mitsunari had used sonido to appear right in front of him. His zanpakuto was never meant to hit, it was just a distraction. By the time Ggio had turned his head back, Mitsunari's hands had reached and firmly grabbed both of the saber teeth of his mask, yanking his head down and ramming his knee right into his face.

He then lifted Ggio's body up before slamming him down onto the floor. The sudden strike certainly left Ggio reeling, blood now gushing from his nose and his lip appeared to have been cut open as well. Mitsunari had quickly moved away as Ggio swung his zanpakuto freely in a vain attempt at swiping him. Mitsunari retrieved his zanpakuto, smirking as his he mockingly flourished it and slowly began to approach again.

Ggio, for all the talk he bolstered, managed to get back up on his feet with a scowl on his lips. I could hear cheers from Grimmjow's fraccion, and even Nnoitra seemed to cheering this on. However, he probably desired to simply see blood more than anything else; knowing how animalistic he was.

There were no words exchanged this time as they went at it in a mix of zanpakuto strikes and melee combat. Once again, they were using their sonido. Once again, Mitsunari got the upper hand. Ggio had actually managed to connect a few body shots against Mitsunari but it those only seemed to amplify his vigor and make him attack more fervently. That in turn led to Mitsunari landing body shots of his own, strikes that seemed to contain more force than the last.

The range of Mitsunari's zanpakuto was not a deciding factor at all, mainly because Mitsunari kept a high press against Ggio and didn't allow him to utilize his superior range. By now it was fruitless and Ggio was entirely on the defensive, blocking for his life as Mitsunari's sonido had clearly outmatched him. The way in which he moved was captivating, feigning right and left or simply vanishing from thin air just to reappear and throw him off.

After even this short while of fighting I was able to distinguish his style of fighting, that and of course his own words from earlier. As he said, he preferred close-combat situations. And the reason was quite clear, with superior agility and a smaller body frame he was capable of easily avoiding strikes and landing them at any available opening. Now with a zanpakuto that acted as a hybrid of iron knuckles and a trench knife could make him far more lethal.

On top of that, he was cunning. The way he knew to feign and read his opponents or merely psych them out was executed well enough to show that he had experience in that field. Or how he distracted Ggio by throwing his zanpakuto so he could get a clean blow in. It was a bit unorthodox but that was sometimes the best offensive, especially if no one saw it coming.

And the final trait to describe the way he fought was opportunistic. Any minor error Ggio made was seized upon with no hesitation. That small lapse of attention? He probably got a broken nose from it. Every time he failed to properly parry a strike from Mitsunari he was left exposed in some way that Mitsunari would take advantage of.

I watched as Ggio swung his zanpakuto in a wide horizontal arc, one in which Mitsunari had little trouble ducking underneath , leaving Ggio exposed. And just like that he seized the opportunity, only this one could possibly be the end for Ggio. Mitsunari threw one solid left jab, his fingers laced with the iron knuckles as they connected square with Ggio's jaw and sent him flying right into the base of Baraggan's throne tower.

Mitsunari stood where he was, lowering his arm and looking to Ggio's writhing form. He wasn't down for the count yet, but he didn't have much left. I spared a glance up and I could see Baraggan practically seething in fury as Mitsunari jeered. "Come on, no smart comment about what I should be doing? You wanted a challenge, and now you have it. Am I a bit too much? Stand up, hit me!" Mitsunari taunted, further mocking by motioning him forward just as Ggio had done to him earlier.

The cockiness wasn't something I exactly approved of, it would be better to finish him off than give him the chance to counter. And just like that, Ggio had tore away from the slight indent he made and was sonidoing right at Mitsunari leading with his zanpakuto. I half expected Mitsunari to be pushed back for his arrogance, or even hit.

However, neither of those two scenarios occurred. Mitsunari simply vanished.

Before Ggio could probably even notice through his irritation, Mitsunari had moved around behind him and firmly grabbed him right by the collar of his attire. This brought Ggio to a sudden halt as his body was jerked back and tossed right back into Baraggan's throne tower with a thud.

"Checkmate." Mitsunari called as he began to approach the throne now where Ggio lay. The arrogance and boasting from earlier was apparently an act to coax out Ggio. He was playing the fraccion like a fiddle, and playing him well.

Now Mitsunari kept his guard up as he approached slowly, aware the same trick wouldn't work twice and making sure Ggio made no sudden movements. Ggio didn't, he squinted bitterly ahead with a scowl pulled across his expression. Had he truly accepted defeat?

The answer came with the bright red glow that began to emit from his hand as he instantly lifted it towards Mitsunari, a cero in the process of charging. There was no specification against ceros, but since the goal of this duel wasn't to kill I could only assume this wasn't something Aizen would stand for or had expected. However he didn't intervene or voice any qualms.

I could feel my body tense as Mitsunari froze and stared at the cero, his body stiffening at the unexpected offensive. He seemed conflicted on what to do. I contemplated rushing in to the end this now before my fraccion got an additional hole put through him. One was enough for today. However, I didn't want to intervene and risk dishonoring Mitsunari.

Thankfully, I didn't have to decide. Mitsunari snapped out of his trance and used his sonido to escape Ggio's aim, moving far off to the side and towards me. His eyes were still shocked as he glanced over to me briefly, almost to ask if I was alright. Seeing that I had no marks on me, unlike him, he then looked back to Ggio.

Ggio hadn't tried adjusted his aim after Mitsunari, but merely let his cero evaporate. He began to cackle as he rose from the indent he had crashed into.

"Oh man, you should have seen your face! You totally thought I was going to fire. Good thing you bought that or that may have been the end of this duel. Also good thing I didn't fire or else you'd have one more hole in 'ya, just this one would be straight through your stomach." Ggio claimed, his movement sluggish due to the sores and cuts that were prominent across his frame. He gently brushed a bit of the dust off as he tightened his grip on his zanpakuto.

I hadn't given the young fraccion enough credit, he was just as cunning as Mitsunari was. It may have been under-handed, but if this were a life or death situation it wouldn't matter as long as you survived. It would also be a good lesson for Mitsunari, to never underestimate his foes.

They immediately clashed again, Ggio's attacks were now fueled by desperation and made sloppy. If they landed it could prove an issue, but they were easy to parry. Mitsunari made no issue with that as he kept toe to toe with Ggio.

"You know, I am usually the one being underestimated. Dumb of me to doubt you, but a good lesson for I suppose. One I'll learn from. You may have won this round but next time, when we can actually use our releases, I will put you in your place." Ggio claimed, speaking at a lower voice that those above probably wouldn't pick up. Thankfully with the fight only happening a few meters from me, I heard his words clear as a bell over the sound of blades clashing.

Ggio put all his strength into one final slash that Mitsunari ducked out of the way of.

"You're a formidable opponent, quite crafty and you aren't dreadfully slow either! But next time my friend; the result will be the same." Ggio's expression seemed to flash with askance as he loosed another wild swing. Mitsunari easily knocked the strike away, lifting his right arm as a white glow began to form within the palm of his hand.

I felt my breath hitch, please don't tell me he was that moronic to actually fire off a cero right when he had the duel won. Don't disqualify yourself and worse, get punishment just to prove a point. Ggio seemed to think the same thing as the next swing he made was cut off from the sudden cero charge. He tried to move out of the way, attempting to juke left but was met with the pommel of Mitsunari's zanpkauto. Mitsunari had expected the move and rammed the pommel squarer into his chest, right above his hollow hole.

The strike was abrupt enough and sent Ggio flat onto his back, his lips parting as the wind was knocked clean out of him. Mitsunari let his cero evaporate as he gave a cheeky grin. He had just used Ggio's tactic against him, and executed it wonderfully. He sheathed his zanpkauto as he turned towards Baraggan's throne. I felt a bit of amusement rise in me as he gave a bow, grinning all the while.

"Well met, your Majesty." Mitsunari state with what I could only assume was faux sincerity. Baraggan came to that same assumption and he looked ready to pop a blood vessel. Then came the cheers from my own fraccion and Grimmjow's as well, I noted no Espada dared applaud but many stared on with satisfaction.

I looked to Starrk and had expected him to be asleep; however he was actually paying attention. He didn't look too interested, but the fact he was at least paying attention was a rarity.

"So the winner is Mitsunari. Well done…Baraggan, are you satisfied now with his potential?" The question was rhetorical, regardless of Baraggan's opinion Aizen would disregard it. I didn't pay further attention and focused on Mitsunari who came sauntering in my direction with the same charming grin spread across his features. His caramel-colored tresses were in mass disarray now, and god the boy stunk. He'd need a bath once we were allowed to leave.

But there was still a certain charm he had. His smile was genuine as he gave a slight wave with his hand, closing the gap between us. I noted his bruises, a few were across his cheek and his nose had certainly swollen up with a bit of dried blood above his upper lip. Then across his chest were a few extra bruises from the strikes Ggio did manage to connect with his fist.

"I told you I would return."

"Yes, and looking even worse." I chided, reaching out and cupping his cheek to examine his bruises. He tried to brush my hand away and lean away, waving it off, "Hey, I'm fine! It doesn't hur-" My fingertips grazed the bridge of his nose and he cut himself off as he bit back a hiss of pain. I narrowed my eyes at him as he sheepishly smiled, "Maybe they hurt just a bit? Nothing some rest won't-"

"You will be cleaned thoroughly to prevent from infection and then have then mended to ensure they heal well. You are my fraccion and you will do as I say." The command was clear in my tone and he seemed to straighten, giving a nod.

He parted his lips, as if to retort but was cut off by the arrival of my fraccion, and his new comrades. They swarmed him, their curiosity taking over as they took in every feature he had. He shuffled awkwardly under the sudden attention, giving a sheepish smile as he put his hands up to try and ward off their curiosity but to no avail. He gave me a pleading gaze for assistance and I just shrugged, leaving him on his own. That was the punishment for trying to hide your injuries from your superior.

There was a sudden rumble that brought my attention to the center of the Throne Room, as well as the rest of my fraccion. It was Baraggan, he hand landed and was standing over Ggio who was finally managing to regain his breath. He was soon on both feet as he stared up, realize the looming shadow over him. He instantly dropped to both knees, pressing his head to the ground and seeming to plead for clemency.

"You worthless peon!" Baraggan roared, drawing the attention of all those within the room. Ggio visibly stiffened at the words as Baraggan reached for his zanpakuto. "I have no use for such pathetic fraccion in my ranks! If you can't even beat some worthless mutt from the wastes of Hueco Mundo then what use are you!?"

He couldn't possibly have any intentions to punish him so publicly could he? I watched as he drew his zanpakuto and I knew then that this wasn't a punishment. This was an execution. I spared a glance back to observe Aizen who kept a stoic expression and made no move to intervene.

'it is an Espada's choice for whom they bring into their fold.' He had said earlier, and it was an Espada's choice when a fraccion was deemed worthless and better off dead. I turned back to watch the scene, feeling my gut constrict. Was Baraggan's ego so fragile?

I gazed to my fraccion for a brief second and felt a sense of relief before realization hit me. There were only three. I was supposed to have four now- Where the hell was Mitsunari!? I whipped my head back to Baraggan and saw Mitsunari quickly closing the gap. Before Baraggan's zanpakuto could even fully be unsheathed, Mitsunari had whirled around him and stood tall in front of Ggio, facing Barggan.

I could only watch as an eerie silence passed over the room due to the defiant gesture of my fraccion.