"Rukia!"
A blinding arc of white slashed the tentacle holding the child, causing the hollow to writhe and contract into a thicker body of shadow. Another burst of white caught the boy.
Rukia smiled as her captain shunpoed in front of her, facing the mass gathering in front of her and holding the kid under one arm. The boy waved with a smile missing two teeth.
"It's not smart chasing a hollow by yourself, especially one that managed to get into Rukongai," Captain Ukitake said quietly. Rukia lowered her head. "However, I can see why you did it. Good work following it for this long."
"Captain..." Rukia looked upwards.
"You have a good heart," Juushiro continued, smiling for a moment. Then, his voice hardened. "Now reawaken your zanpakuto and help me finish this monster."
"Yes, Captain!" Rukia drew her sword, smirking grimly. "Sode no Shiraiyuki."
"Damn shinigami," the hollow growled deep within his body. "I'll show you for making a mockery of me." The whole form erupted.
Rukia blanched at the speed.
"Bakudo 81 Danku." The transparent barrier opened between Rukia and Captain Ukitake at the distinct words, shaking as the hollow's attack slammed against it. "Maybe too much for the likes of you, Juushiro murmured as the bang rang out, "but with the way things are now," he narrowed his eyes. "I'm not going to take any chances."
Shaking herself, Rukia reawakened Sode no Shiraiyuki, narrowing her own eyes. She wouldn't fall behind again.
"Hang on, kid, you'll be home soon," Juushiro said gently to the boy settling the boy better in his arm. "Just bear with this a little longer. " He crossed the fingers of his free hand, muttering a new Kido spell as the hollow pulled back and the Splitting Void began to lose its shape.
Rukia braced herself.
Shadows spewed out from underneath them! Something shattered.
