Dreams and Hospitals.

“Ikkaku wait…” Sounds, muffled through a thick cloud of pain pierced the silence. “…Is it?” the Bald-men’s voice answered. “Aizen…on…have to go, now.”

“What…him?” Another short exchange, then the feeling of getting carried. Darkness enveloped everything again. An earthquake, my eyes opened slightly. ‘I must be dreaming.’ I thought and looked at the tear in the sky. Menos were wiggling their heads at the edges of it, their otherworldly cries echoed over the giant rock. Three huge beams of light, a giant eye.

Then darkness again.

My eyes flew open and my body sprang upward. Surprisingly I felt no pain in my abdomen. Looking around I knew why, I was in the Gotei 4 building. I had been healed but that begged another question. When and how did I get here?

“Ah, you are awake.” I looked to the side of the bed I was currently sitting in. One of my subordinates was sitting there. “Took you long enough.” He said and gave me a dry smile.

“Nice to see you too, Soldier.” I said in a try to scold him for his lack of respect. He seemed to catch my drift and saluted. “Sorry, 3rd seat Nize.” That was better. “I, Suzaku, have been given the task of watching over you until you wake up.”

I stretched and left the bed. “And how long would that have been?” I asked and looked outside. It was around noon, a clear and nice day. “About 18 hours, Sir.” That wasn’t too bad. “I also have the order to inform you to see the captain at your earliest convenience.”

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. The way that was worded was unusual lenient for Soifon. “I have heard the order, you are dismissed.” I said and then added, “And send in somebody from the Gotei 4 I want to know I am free to leave already.”

Suzaku saluted a second time and then left the room. Minutes later a short guy with black hair entered. His whole body language was so nervous it was almost annoying me. Didn’t help that hos voice was similar.

“M-my name is Hanataro Yamada.” He said, “I’m in c-charge at this p-part of the hosp-pital.” Hard to believe but I have seen weirder things in my day. “I am Nize, in your care apparently. I want to know when I am free to go.”

Hanataro reached skipped through a clipping board that he had carried with him. “Apparently you are free to go. O-only if you feel like it of course.”

“Okay, thank you, you can go help the other patients now.” I said with a generous smile. He bowed and left the room. Now alone I let out a sigh. So Soifon wanted to see me at my ‘earliest convenience’ meaning that I could take care of matter I found more pressing than going to her.