Even looking back on it, How could I have known I would break that promise I made to her oh-so long ago...
I guess with my temperament I should have known...
Why was I always picking fights?
Why was I so blood thirsty?
Most importantly...
How could I do this to her...?
-
(Flashback)
-
I was sitting on the edge of Syokyoko Hill, Yachiru sitting beside me dangling and kicking her feet over the edge. She was rambling on about some delicious candy Byakuya-Taichou had given her to get out of his office. I was staring into the stars thinking about the first Yachiru I had loved...When I realized how quiet it had gotten. I looked over to where she should have been...The spot was empty. I looked down thinking she might have jumped again.
Next thing I know she is in my lap, her face shoved in mine, tiny hands holding my face so I can't look away. Her face was extremely serious and seemed "aged" in a sense. "What is it Yachiru? This isn't like you..." I asked.
She continued to stare into my eye before she said, " You'll always be here for me...Right, Kenny? You won't ever leave me?"
I was aghast at her because she rarely took such an adult serious tone. "I'll never leave you, Yachiru." I said. She replied with, "Promise me!"
"I promise..." I said quietly.
She processed my response then kissed my cheek softly and nodded before returning to her seat and candy filled chatter.
-
(End flashback)
-
I should have taken her question as an omen...but, How was I supposed to know?
Damn my own stupidity...
Ikkaku had warned me that one day that damn strawberry would snap at my persistence and annihilate me.

Well, it finally happened...

Now I am doomed to watch her weep brokenheartedly at my shrine every day...

I broke my promise...

I'm sorry Yachiru...

-Fin-