Hollow Hunter: a Bleach Fan Fiction

22: Rachel's Hold

Hanbu

I ran towards Yajimaru, my fist in the air as I neared him. His eyes were wide as he watched my speed.

Just as I punched him in the jaw, his own fist came up and nailed me right on the gut. I flew upwards for a bit, and crash landed on Yajimaru.

I rolled away from him before he could throw me off.

"Tell me," he spoke through gritted teeth. "How are you able to move so fast? I should be the only one capable of doing that."

I stared at him for a second, unsure of how I should answer. I didn't even understand my sudden speed. Well, I have an idea.

Yajimaru stared at me, waiting for my answer.

When I didn't say anything, he grunted and ran towards me. I swiftly dodged his punch, but he kicked me in the knee and I fell backwards.

"You always have been a terrible fighter, Hanbu," Yajimaru remarked, regarding me coldly. "You could never beat anyone."

I rolled out of the way just as Yajimaru's fist came down.

I hastily stood up, and tackled him. "You always were a bastard," I growled, glaring into his eyes. "It would kill you to be nice, wouldn't it?"

He threw me off of him and slowly stood up, holding his left arm.

I stood up and we charged at each other again. The rest of the fight was a blur, each trading blows, neither of us gaining an advantage.

At some point, we were standing across from each other, observing the destruction we had created. Miraculously, the building where Evie and the rest of her friends was still intact.

"Why did you betray us?" Yajimaru panted, exhausted from our fight.

I held a hand by my heart as I struggled to catch my breath. My chest hurt, I had never fought this long before.

I've never been much of a fighter.

Yajimaru charged at me, but I was slow to react. He grabbed my neck and threw me into the closest wall. I flew right through and landed in the rubble, dust billowing into the air. I coughed violently as I struggled to stand up.

My head smashed into the ground when a foot kicked me in the chest, and held me there.

Once my head cleared up, I stared into Yajimaru's soulless eyes.

"How is it that your speed is able to rival mine?" he growled.

"I'm not sure," I answered truthfully. "I think it has to do with my emotions. When I got worried about Evie, my speed suddenly increased."

"Speak the truth."

"He is."

My eyes widened at the female voice that came out of Yajimaru's mouth.

He looked down at his chest, where we could see a glowing blue circle. Blue veins pulsed from the circle, spreading throughout Yajimaru's body. His eyes changed colour, to a bright blue.

"Rachel," I whispered.

Yajimaru's foot got off my chest, then he helped me up. "Sorry about that," Rachel spoke kindly. "I was only able to take control of his body now, and that's only because my other pieces are coming together, thanks to Rukia."

Through the corner of my eye, I could see Evie coming towards us, glaring at Yajimaru's body.

"Wait!" I shouted, but I didn't have to say anything. She froze when she saw all of the blue.

"Rachel?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes. Now, let's get back to the World of the Living. My hold over Yajimaru's body won't stay forever."

"What about your other pieces?" Evie asked.

As if on cue, Rukia flash stepped behind Evie. "I've got them right here."

"And Hanbu's piece?"

No one answered.

"Let's go to the World of the Living," Rachel said.

Realization suddenly dawned on Evie's face. "N-no," she stuttered.

Mar, Rukia and Rachel stared at her, able to see she was upset.

"We don't have much of a choice," I finally broke the silence. 

Evie stayed quiet, but nodded. She turned on her heel and walked to everyone else, followed by Rukia. I overheard her say that we needed to go back to the World of the Living.

"Your choice will determine whether or not everything will go back to normal," Rachel stated quietly.

"We need to get back to the World of the Living as soon as possible," I said, walking towards the hole I was thrown through, avoiding looking at her.

"Alright." Rachel followed me.

When we were outside, the group was waiting for us. Evie wouldn't make eye contact with me.

"C'mon," I said, heading towards the Senkaimon. We ran towards it, hoping Rachel could keep her hold for as long as we need. It would be disastrous if Yajimaru suddenly took control while we were almost there.

I saw the gates up ahead. A feeling of dread washed over me. "This is the end," I whispered to myself as I stepped through the giant gates.