They lay in beds beside eachother and Unohana-taichou had just finished healing them.
- So, Rai's back again, she said smiling her usual serene smile, I guess I better start getting used to healing them together again.
- Huh? Ikkaku spoke raising an eyebrow, you mean they've done this before?
- Well, yes. A few times a week atleast the year she was in your squad.
- Ken-chan likes Rai-chan, she always gives him good fights, Yachiru giggled.
- I know, Unohana smiled, the wounds they inflict on eachother are messy but never lethal. And to think that the people of his own squad hasn't noticed their behaviour amazes me.
- Now when you say it, Yumichika said, he always let her ride his back together with Yachiru and she was unusually often at his office hanging out.
- But to think that the taichou was in love, Ikkaku muttered, it's so unlike him.
As Rai opened her eyes she immediately recognized the ceiling of the treatment room. She had been here so many times before. She looked to her right and saw Kenpachi looking at her. They were quiet, looking at eachother and it was Kenpachi who broke the silence.
- Why did you leave?
It was the question she had wanted to avoid all this time.
- Don't get mushy Kenpachi, it doesn't suit you.
- Damnit Rai, I'm not talking to you as Kenpachi, but as your taichou and I demand an answer!
- I left to defeat my inner hollow. Happy now? She glared at him.
- I'm so looking forward to the day I kill you.
- That will never happen and you know it.
She rose from the bed, felt her bandages, decided that they were sufficient and started walking away.
- My office tonight, she heard him murmur as she left.
- I know, was her simple answer.
She walked the busy street of Seireitei and felt the blissfull anonymity of being a face amongst a lot of other faces. Few would recognize her since her appearance had changed alot while she had been away. She was on her way to the department of development and technologies and she was met by blank faces as she entered.
- Where's your taichou, she asked them.
- That would be me, a low voice from behind spoke.
She turned around and saw the never changing face of her former taichou.
- Well, if it isn't Rai, he said.
- Mayuri-sama, I'm glad I found you.
- What brings us the doubted pleasure of your visit?
- I'm here to pick up my old files, since they no longer are of use for you.
- And what if I decide not to give them to you?
- Then I'll kill you, was her cold answer.
- I really hate when you behave like you're superior to us all, but I know your sincerity with what you say and I really don't have time to play with you.
He had one of the researchers fetch the box labeled "Zaraki Rai, 11th squad's fourth seat" and handed it over.
- Look, she said amused, you even have the label updated!
- Get out of my sight, trash!
He lashed out an arm against Rai's face and to his surprise she didn't dodge and let him hit her. He looked at her in disbelief.
- See it as a last gratification. I do not tend to come back here. Ever!
She turned around and left the place where she had spent 6 years as a guineapig.