He didn't give her a chance to speak as he grabbed the bat, gripping it tightly, and ran toward the Hollow. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he leaped into the air, aiming for the creature with the bat raised high.
The Hollow turned just as he reached it, dropping Yuzu to the ground with a sickening thud. But before he could even process what was happening, the Hollow swung its massive fist, striking him across the chest with terrifying force.
Wham!
Ichigo was sent hurtling through the air, crashing through the wall like a ragdoll. The impact rattled his bones, and he groaned in pain as the world around him spun. He barely had time to recover before the Hollow came at him again, raising its arm for another devastating blow.
But before the Hollow could strike, Rukia appeared in front of it, her sword flashing as she sliced through its arm. Blood spurted from the wound, dark and thick, as the Hollow screeched in pain. It staggered back, giving Ichigo a moment to catch his breath.
Ichigo stumbled to his feet, his heart racing as he checked on Yuzu. His little sister was unconscious, her body limp and covered in blood. His chest tightened as he let out a sigh of relief—she was alive, but barely.
Rukia stood in front of him, facing the Hollow with determination. Her hand was still gripping the hilt of her sword, but she looked at him, her expression a mix of concern and command. "Stay calm. The Hollow hasn't eaten any of your family members. They're just injured."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed. He saw the Hollow slowly rising to its feet, its monstrous form towering over Rukia. But it wasn't the creature's movements that caught his attention—it was Rukia's stance. 'Wow, that was such a rookie move from her,' Ichigo thought, frustration bubbling within him. She was leaving herself wide open, and it was only a matter of time before the Hollow struck again.
And just as he feared, the Hollow lunged forward, slamming Rukia into the wall with a sickening crash.
Ka-wham!
Rukia's body crumpled to the floor, blood splattering across the room. Ichigo's stomach churned at the sight, and rage consumed him. 'Fuck it, we ball.' The thought echoed in his mind as he placed Yuzu down carefully, his expression hardening.
He stood, his fists clenched at his sides, and turned to face the Hollow, fury burning in his chest.
"Hey, ugly!" Ichigo shouted, his voice hoarse with anger. "You want my soul, right? Then fight me like a man! Forget about the others; it's me you want. So kill me!!"
Rukia's voice cut through the air, her tone sharp and desperate. "You fool!!"
But it was too late. The Hollow charged forward with terrifying speed, its gaping maw wide open. Ichigo knew what was coming next—he had no choice but to face it head-on.
In an instant, Rukia appeared between them, trying to protect him, but the Hollow's jaws clamped down on her shoulder. Blood sprayed as she screamed in pain, her body crumpling under the Hollow's immense strength. Ichigo's heart dropped into his stomach as he watched her fall to the floor, blood staining the ground around her.
"That was foolish," Rukia gasped, her voice weak, as she lay there, her words fading. "They don't care for your words. After killing you, they'll kill your family next."
Ichigo's chest tightened. He watched as her body trembled, the life draining from her as the Hollow towered over them. He couldn't think straight—he only knew one thing. He couldn't lose her.
Her words echoed in his mind, the weight of them sinking deep into his soul.
"Do you wish to save your family?"
TO BE CONTINUED