Particles in the air sparked and flashed as Baldir's axe charged with electricity. However, before he could manage to summon another bolt, a shadow was cast down over him. Looking up, he managed just enough of his attention to hear the espada introduce himself before the sword came down toward his head. The lightning defused as the axe moved to defend, clashing with the zanpakuto before it could split his scull. "Well it's about time things got interesting...I was beginning to think this party was a dud!" Stepping to the side, Baldir let his axe fall to his side from the weight of the attack. In a fluid but rigid motion, Baldir rose his buckler to his side and bashed into the attacking espada like a linebacker, with hopes of knocking skyward.