User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 566 (not out yet, but dis gon b gud)/@comment-29449108-20140129202825/@comment-4794735-20140129211334

I don't think As's ability is liquid. I'm pretty sure the black substance you mistook for liquid was just a visual representation of its Fear ability. More than likely it was a form of energy that had a somewhat liquid-like appearance. Likewise, I don't believe Rukia was trying to freeze the substance, rather create an ice shield to prevent it from getting to her.

While I'm here, I feel another interesting note to this chapter is the fact that Rukia could summon a random ice shield, as in the past we've only ever seen Sode no Shirayuki use its specific abilities. Perhaps this could be a sign that she's learned some new tricks with her Zanpakuto, or maybe gained freer reign over its abilities. Plus her releasing without the "Dance" command, I'm thinking we're gonna see something badass outta her here in a minute. 'Bout time too, setting as she's my favorite canon female in the series.