THE RETURN

When the announcement for shinigami assignments to the REAL WORLD was posted to all the squads, Yachiru was the last person anyone would expect to take it up. Zaraki shook his head ruefully whenever he remembered her answer to his question:

"Why would you want to go to the REAL WORLD squirt?"

"Ah, Ken-chan, that's where all the candy comes from. And I love candy!"

"You do know your contract will last for 200 years?" Yachiru nodded her head vigorously.

"Aha, but I want to have fun too like you and ichi-ichi have whenever your there."

That had been awhile back. Personally, he didn't think the kid could handle hollows out there, but who was he to judge? There was no better way to learn was there?"

Right know he was lounging in I his squad quarters when Yumichika and Ikkaku walked by.

"Eh, taichou, aren't you going to see Yachiru off?", they questioned. Zaraki grunted and stretched himself fully on his futon.

"It's not like she's dying or anything. I'll see her some day."

Shrugging, they left him in peace. It wouldn't do to talk to him too much. You may say something to offend the 11th squad captain and find yourself challenged to a duel.

By the sneaky gate, a sizeable crowd had gathered. Apart from the shinigami who had signed up, several 11th squad members and the Shinigami Women's Association had come to see Yachiru off. The gate opened when she was still saying goodbye.

"…bye big-booby, bye leggy-leggy, bye baldy!" The gate guard firmly tapped her firmly on the shoulder.

"It's time to go, fukutaichou. The gates are beginning to close." She nodded and quickly run to the gate. Giving a last short wave before the small figure disappeared into the winding current.

"How long do you think she'll last?" Yumichika asked as they walked back. His best friend scratched the back of his head thoughtfully.

"He, a fortnight in the least…" They glanced at each other and burst out laughing. The REAL WORLD was great and all but once the excitement of being there faded away she'd get bored and come back. But what they didn't count on (among others from their squad) was that she didn't come back after a fortnight, a month or even a year. Time flew past and people gradually forgot about the young 11th squad fukutaichou. Most of those who signed up came back after a decade or so, but the young pink haired girl was nowhere in sight. She'd refused to use the Technological department's cable live view for reports and instead preferred to go audio the whole way. She wanted Zaraki to see how much she'd grown over the years. Very few had ever come face to face with her for more than sixty years. Those who did were told to keep her whereabouts a secret.

Around 130 years later

Yachiru watched the hell butterfly fly from her cupped hands. It rose slowly at first, then quickly gained momentum and flew high into the sky, until the darkness of the night swallowed it whole. She sighed heavily. She'd decided to go back to soul society. It wasn't a choice she wanted to act out on, but circumstances forced her hand. Besides, it would be great to meet all her old friend's; she tried to cheer her self up .She leaned back into the bench and stared at the memorial stone in front of her.

KENCHI MAKAKI

It read, in hard cold lettering. The rose haired young woman closed her eyes, only to have the shadows of the past haunt her.

Yachiru knelt to the little boy's height. If she had to guess, he was no more than nine. He possessed unruly brown locks and biggest cobalt-blue eye she'd ever seen. He was dressed in a blue shirt and white short's, a pair of little black shoes on his feet. The only thing that differed from him and any other child was the short bit of chain sticking out of his chest.

"What's your name?", she asked gently. The little boy still great fat tears in his eyes. Yachiru had just saved him from a hollow that had chased him a good bit around town.

"K-k-kenchi", he mumbled softly, hiding his eyes behind his eyes his bangs. She ruffled his soft hair playfully.

"See, that wasn't so hard." She reached for her zanpaktou ,ready to send him to soul society, but once he saw her go for her katana, he freaked out. Seeing her slice the hollow that had been after him into ribbons didn't look reassuring. She may look gentle, but now he knew how dangerous she really was.

"NO-NO-NO-NO-NO! I don't wanna die!"

Yachiru tired to convince him that she wasn't about to kill him but he wouldn't believe her. Sighing heavily she sheathed her sword and put her hand's up.

"Look, am not going to hurt you. I promise." He gave her an uncertain look before he suddenly blurted:

"What are you?"

She blinked in surprise. No many people asked about her profession. Kenchi took her sudden surprise for disapproval.

"A-a-am sorry. I didn't mean to b rude.", H said quickly, a panicky look on his face. Yachiru put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

"It's O.K, I'll tell you." He peered at her from behind his hair.

"I'm what you call a death god…?

* The shrill beeping of her watch wrenching her from her thoughts, 11.46 P.M it silently read.. She rose from the wooden bench and walked back home. In a couple of hours she'd be back in Soul Society. In just a few hours.

Phewwww…. That's finally over. For all my following readers, now that I've inherited a laptop and made deal with a cyber café owner, look forward to longer decent chappie's! PS/:My new nick is Sahara scarlet now, there were so many Scarlet Ribbons that I couldn't even find myself even if I SEARCHED! I apologise to all those who were waiting 4 a new update, It'll come up as soon as I finish putting things into order. Promise.