Chapter 2: The growth-spurt pill

“Rukia-nee-chan! Where are we going?” cried Yachiru, as Rukia continued to drag her arm. Rukia looked at her, the corner of her eyes sparkling.

“You’ll see.” she said.

Then they stopped. There it was, standing with all its glory. The Senkai gate. Rukia raised a finger, and so did Yachiru. Two hell butterflies appeared behind them. Yachiru stared at Rukia.

“The real world? Now?” she asked. Rukia nodded, and placed a finger on her lips.

“Not a word, Yach.” she said.

Then they ran forward, to the real world.

Rukia stopped, finally. Yachiru wasn’t out of breath, thanks to her power as a fukutaicho. But she was tired of running for what seemed like an hour around an unknown place. Rukia seemed to know where she was going.

There they where, across a shabby looking hut. It had a big sign on top, which would rarely attract anybody:

Urahara Kisuke’s Candy Store

“That’s a stupid name.” said Yachiru. Rukia looked at her frantically and was about to say something, when a huge person came out. Then his face was only inches from theirs, his breath tingling their skin.

“Eh-heh.” laughed Rukia, quite nervously. Obviously it was obvious that he heared her say it.

‘Too late’ she thought, and sweat dropped as Yachiru started giggling.

“That name is not stupid.” said the big man. Yachiru nodded, and saluted.

“Hai, biggie-chan!” she said, grinning like a maniac. Rukia sighed, then pulled her closer and whispered to her ear.

“A grown-up woman would never make nick-names. You simply ask their names.” she said sternly. Yachiru looked at her with big wide eyes and said innocently,

“They don’t?” she asked. Rukia sweat dropped again. She was too cute for her own good.

“This is going to be so hard.” she muttered. Yachiru frowned.

“Anyway, this is Tessai-san… Tessai-san, this is Yachiru.” said Rukia, eyeing Yachiru who raised a hand in recognition.

Tessai looked at her, and then smiled at her.

“Yachiru-dono, you are welcome here anytime! Please come in.” he said, then gestured for the now well-lit shabby old candy store hut.

Rukia took Yachiru by her tiny shoulders and dragged her in the store. Yachiru was walking cautiously. She has never seen an uglier place in her whole life.

Then when she finally got in, she squealed in delight.

There was candy… Hundreds and rows of sweet, mouth watering candy. Yachiru’s eyes shined as she ran to the nearest shelf and picked up a colorfully wrapped piece of sweet. Rukia groaned and swiped the candy off her hands.

“We do not eat candy.” she said. Yachiru looked at her sadly.

“We don’t?” she asked, her voice sad again. Rukia nodded, and smirked.

“Well, occasionally we do. But a, uh, woman, never bounces to a bunch of candy. Ever.” said Rukia, her voice serious. Yachiru bowed her head and gave the candy a last look.

Then the door opened with a slide. There revealed an old man holding a fan and wearing sandals, and an ugly hat.

“Ah! Rukia-chan! What brings you to my humble store?” asked the strange sandal-hat man. Yachiru almost laughed out loud. He seemed too perky for an old man.

“And who is this cute little lady?” asked sandal hat. Rukia looked over at Yachiru expectantly.

Yachiru was burning inside. Cute little lady?

“My name is Kusajishi Yachiru, 11th squad fukutaicho of the 13 protection squads… You are?” she asked, her teeth gritting. Rukia giggled slightly.

Obviously she hated this man already.

Urahara fanned his face, his mouth in a wide smile.

“Welcome, Yachiru. Now, my name is Urahara Kisuke… Former 12th squad taicho, and first commander of the Bureau of Technological Development… AND the owner of the neighborhood candy store.” he said proudly. Yachiru stared at him.

‘This old man… Is elite? The hell.’ she thought. Then she bowed at him. Urahara closed his fan with a snap.

“Now I imagine that you are here for a reason?” he asked. Rukia stepped in.

“Yachiru wants to be a woman… And fast.” she said. Urahara smiled at Yachiru, who nodded vigorously.

“I have a great med—“started Tessai when a loud voices where heared at the next room. Then Tessai stood up and went to the room.

“CAN YOU NOT BE LOUD!? IT IS BAD TO BE LOUD WHEN THE ADULTS ARE TALKING!” he screamed. Rukia, Yachiru and Urahara sweat dropped. His voice was louder than them.

Then Tessai went back, but this time with a box that said:

The Growth-spurt pill

“This is what youngsters like you use for looking older.” he said. Urahara looked at him cautiously.

“Is that pill still in date?” he asked anxiously. He had his share with Tessai’s meds.

“Of course! You are lucky, Yachiru-dono.” said Tessai. Yachiru beamed and picked up the box with her small hands.

Then she read the label.

“One pill is enough to ensure a growth spurt. Do not over dose.” she said, and then looked at Rukia. “Are you sure this is necessary?”

“You can try… Just don’t over dose.” said Rukia, eyeing the box. Then she looked at Urahara. “What happens if you do?”

“As far as I know, you will turn into an old woman.” said Urahara amusedly.

“R-Right. Well, it’s worth a try.” said Yachiru, nervously. She swallowed the pill.

Rukia, Urahara, and Tessai looked at her… They were waiting for something to happen.

“Well?” they asked at the same time. Yachiru looked down at her. She didn’t feel different at all. What a disappointment.

Collective sighs sounded across the room. Urahara clapped his hands together.

“That was something! Now, will you be staying somewhere?” he asked Rukia, who was pouting.

“No… We have to get back before the sun rises.” she said, still watching Yachiru’s sad face.

The evening ended with them getting back to the Senkai gate slowly. Rukia looked at Yachiru’s disheartened face.

“Don’t worry, Yachiru. I’m going to think of something to help you…” said Rukia. Yachiru looked at her.

“Thanks.” she said, her voice sounding grown up.

Rukia looked at her, as Yachiru waved goodbye.

‘She could definitely do it… She doesn’t need telling twice if she really wants it.’ thought Rukia, her face in a smile.

Yachiru was definitely growing up… With a pill or without.

AN: How do you like the first two chapters? Im sorry if it's a little short. I'm currently busy with another fanfic... But please REVIEW! It's the only thing that makes me want to write more. :D