Calamity
Every calamity is a spur and valuable hint
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Twelfth
Mayuri closed the door behind him just as the last alarm echoed across the courtyard. Walking towards his desk he stopped in the middle of the room, and with both fists clenched tightly in rage before him. He didn't know who he was more mad at: himself, or...himself. No matter how many times he thought about the pile of shit that he was standing in he always came to the same conclusion: somehow, incredibly, most probably erroneously he was to blame. It irked him so badly that it just made him madder, and when he got mad he got determined, and when he got determined he got narrow minded, and when that happened he closed himself off to everyone and everything around him. Of course, that usually meant that he was in the middle of some important experiment, and on the cusp of some monumental revelation that he just couldn't be bothered with such trivial things as disturbances.
He visibly winced at the word 'trivial'.
The circumstances surrounding that word had not been one of his... grander moments... He was certainly able to see that in retrospect. Writing that damn note had been when his emotions had been running high due to chiding not only from Ashisogi Jizo, but Isane and Itegumo as well. He had felt like a school boy that had been fucked with, and then laughed at. There was very little that he couldn't handle; he could deal with being questioned, maligned, or even physically attacked. That all came part and parcel with his job as both a scientist and a shinigami. One had to expect those of lesser intelligence to question his methods, motives, or strength. Every single time he would have to straighten out the individual in question, and either make them see the error of their ways through sheer intelligence, or the use of deadly force. Sometimes both, but those were the most satisfying times. It was a two-fer, and he liked the added bonus of never having to hear stupidity fall ever again from that person. It made life so simple.
But ridicule was another beast altogether. The worst times that he had spent in The Nest were when his guards had taken their pleasure not with his physical pain or deprivation, but when he had been jeered and mocked at. Those were his darkest times. Even his sarcastic retorts or cold silences never could give him quite the satisfaction that he had craved; to burst through the cell's holding bars and spells, and then tear his tormentors apart. He was trapped and helpless. He could do nothing until his guards had decided that they had had enough, and then left on their own. Then he was left with his inner thoughts as they replayed the words over and over in his mind. The frustration became like a madness that built steadily over the years. It would become compounded, and become ingrained in his mind until they became many layers upon layers. It became almost like a sickness.
So when he had found out that the three had been making fun of him it all rushed back in a hot tsunami of emotions and memory. It couldn't be stopped, and all he could do was what he couldn't do before: escape. Leave them all behind. Unfortunately (or fortunately for them) he had to close his mind to Ashisogi Jizo, and stay away from Isane until he could compose himself. After that he could possibly explain his behavior, and maybe even somehow make up to her without having to make it seem that that was what he was doing. Not that he was in the wrong in any way. Of course not.
So he did everything that he could to avoid her. It was for her own good of course. She might not have seen it that way, but that was what it was none the less. Even through his foul temper he could feel her pain, and that just added to his own discomfort, and which in turn fueled his already churning emotions. It had been like oil being thrown on a bed of hot coals. All he had really wanted to do with the note was keep her at bay for a bit, but writing it when he had, and in the temper that he had been in just proved to be not the smartest thing. But then again, he never once claimed to be perfection.
The Gods themselves also seemed to be mocking him as just as he was about to try and confront her was when he started to hear whispers of two things that really set his blood boiling: people incorrectly speculating about his private life, and Komamura Sajin trying to horn in on his territory.
He didn't care if people talked about him. That had been going on for years, and their jealousy and/or stupidity wasn't his problem (until it affected him directly of course). It was the fact that they had been incorrect that really sent sparks flying. He knew that he wasn't the most liked or even the most trusted of the Thirteen Gotei Captains. So what? That didn't hamper him in his duties in any way, shape, or form. He liked the fact that people were afraid of him, and there were many reasons that they should be. Each and every captain was feared. They were Captains for fucks sake. Even the seemingly benign and drunken Kyoraku was given his due deference. They shouldered heavy weights and responsibilities . People should feel intimidated around them. Besides, it also just made for some amusing pastimes on his part as well.
But as to Isane? He hadn't dumped her, and not that it was anyone's business. What bullshit. After everything that he had been through? Hardly...They were both made of sterner stuff, and especially her. He just hated when people believed (and worse- perpetuated) false findings. That grated on his nerves, and made him despise all the weaker minds around him. It was so hard to be the only one clued in on everything, and all the time.
But then came the whisper about Komamura...It had reached his ears like a creeping, deadly mist, and when that had happened his nerves had become raw with anger and disbelief.
Shinigami were the worst drunks and gossips. It was natural that having to deal with death all the time one had to do something to decompress, and most found the joys of alcohol helped in the process. He never forbade drunken revelries among his own division. As long as things didn't get too out of hand, or he didn't directly hear about them he let sleeping dogs lay. Unfortunately, where there was flowing alcohol there was also bound to be flapping tongues. And during one of those occasions Lieutenant Iba (he could only deduce, be hadn't as of yet any confirmation...) had spilled incoherent, drunken babblings about Isane being in close proximity to the mangy mutt of the Seventh. That just sent his blood to boiling. He became furious with everybody. He was incensed that Komamura had not heeded his warning. He was confounded that Ashisogi Jizo had not said anything. He was hurt that Isane had been...What, exactly? She hadn't been intimate with him, or even kissing him(and that made him shudder at the visual), but still, she had been touching him...Hadn't they had a conversation regarding Komamura once before?
Whatever it was that had happened or whatever had been said to whomever didn't really matter, as word through the Shinigami Grapevine had swiftly gone into over-load. Information had quickly become warped and distorted, and to the point that it had become simultaneously ridiculously amusing and deeply offending. There was no way that he could see her now without having every eye upon them, and that was something that he was not prepared to do right now. Besides, she was a strong girl, and he knew that as soon as everything died down (or, as soon a new scandal would take its place and their attention) he would go to her, and see what she had to say about the matter.
He knew that most people would advise him for the sake of her feelings to go over there right now, but emotions played next to nothing in his daily affairs. Passion always clouded judgment and reason, and nothing good ever came of that. If he had gone over there at that time then he wasn't sure about what would have transpired between them. Most probably a wicked argument, and he wasn't in the mood for such melodrama. Besides, sentimentality was for fools.
And standing there as he was he was starting to think that maybe he was such a fool...
Closing his eyes briefly he let his shoulders uncharacteristically slump. His curiosity was starting to get the better of him. He wondered what could be going on over at the Fourth for them to call such an alarm. The Fourth usually responded to alarms, and not initiate them. So because of that the circumstances must be unusual to say the least.
Just as he was about to throw caution and common sense to the four winds a knock was sounded at his door.
"What is it," he snapped impatiently.
Nemu opened the door and bowed. "Captain, word has spread that there has been an incident in one of the underground tunnels, and that a squad of the Fourth has become trapped."
Mayuri narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth, but kept his back to his Lieutenant. "So? And how does that have anything to do with us?"
"The information coming out says that it was Lieutenant Kotetsu and her squad."
Mayuri's eyes flashed open wide. Turning around swiftly he glared at Nemu. "Is the information correct, or just rumor? Well, is it or isn't it?! Answer me!"
Nemu's face remained impassive, and her voice lowly modulated. "The information was from Captain Unohana herself."
Mayuri remained silent for a brief moment. "What else did she say?"
"She said nothing else, Captain. Those were her only words."
Trapped. Underground. Isane. He knew for a fact that Isane was afraid of the dark, and no matter how hard she tried to conceal it from those around her. It petrified her, and now...
Mayuri turned back around, and glared at the wall in front of him. Grasping Ashisogi Jizo tightly he remained silent for a moment, but then he turned back again to face Nemu, and with a grim look of determination on his face.
"Gather up a squad of those that are most familiar with the sewer system. I want those that can find their way around in pitch blackness if need be. And make it fast," he said in way of parting.
Nemu nodded and backed out of the room, and went to tell the team that was already assembled outside that they would be leaving directly.
Mayuri looked down at Ashisogi Jizo, and shook his head.
"You have a lot to explain for, Ashisogi Jizo. But for now it will look like you and Itegumo will get your wish..."
The voice that had kept quiet these past weeks burst through his skull with a harsh but warm welcome.
About time...
Mayuri gave a short but cynical laugh.
"It appears that maybe you were all right after all. It appears that I am a sentimental fool..."
There is nothing foolish about sentimentality, Mayuri-sama. It only becomes foolish when one allows their pride to stand in the way...
"Well, we shall see about that, now won't we, Ashisogi Jizo?"
Turning around he flashed out of his office to lead his troops.
The Fourth
Captain Unohana's voice was calm as she gave her orders, but people close by could see the tense lines around her eyes and mouth. They could also see her furtively glancing at the front gates of the Fourth, as if waiting for something or someone to appear. Every moment that they delayed meant that the stranded men and women down in the tunnels were possibly in danger, if not already dead. They hoped not. Everyone hoped that the frantic and almost incoherent report of the green recruit was way over-blown. They hoped that when they got there Isane and those with her were covered with nothing more then bruises and dirt. Silent prayers to the Gods were offered up in the hopes that their friends (and even family in one instance) would be found in relative good health.
Seeing that all was ready, and that no more time could be spared Captain Unohana rallied her troops, and made quickly for the front gate. As she was about to leave she was met by not only Captain Komamura and some men from the Seventh, but by Mayuri and a squad of his own from the Twelfth. She looked both relieved and wary. She knew that they might possibly need all the help that they could get, and the fact that here to assist were the two captains with the largest Bankai helped to assuage some of her fears. On the other hand, the last thing she needed at this moment was to be in the middle of a cock fight over a woman who was in this very moment most probably in peril.
She could see the storm brewing. Komamura's ears were back, and a low growl could be heard emanating from his massive chest. He stared predatorily at Kurotsuchi as if any moment he would tear the man limb from limb with his bare hands. His one hand was on the hilt of his sword while the other was clenched at his side. Lieutenant Iba was behind and to the side, but he too looked tense and wary.
Mayuri however looked acidic, and his eyes were malevolent above a snarling mouth. The palm of one hand was resting on the top of Ashisogi Jizo's hilt, and the other was deep inside the front of his haori, but touching what she didn't want to even speculate upon. Nemu too was off to the side and behind her captain, and her impassive gaze never left that of Lieutenant Iba.
Retsu knew immediately that she had to take control of things before either of them did.
"Captains, how glad I am to see both of you. So without any further delay please follow me to the tunnel entrance, and let's-"
"Captain Unohana," Mayuri said interrupting Retsu smoothly, and sparing her not even a second glance. "I believe that both our squads are more than capable of taking care of this problem. We have no need for any outside interference..."
"Outside interference? I am no more of an outside interference then you are, Kurotsuchi," Komamura said in a low snarl. "In fact, if anything I would be more of a welcome sight than you would be at this moment."
Mayuri narrowed his eyes and sneered contemptuously. "I do not see how you could be a welcome sight at anytime, or to anyone for that matter. This can be easily handled by the Twelfth and the Fourth. The Seventh can go back to their kennels."
The Sevenths gathered members mumbled and grumbled loudly at the slur, and Iba could be seen saying something angrily to his captain. Komamura just shook his head and flicked an ear back and forth.
"Gentlemen, we will all go-" Retsu started to say, but was cut off this time by Komamura.
"You dishonor not only the coat that you wear, but all those that you come in contact with," Komamura said uncharacteristically ignoring Unohana. "It is best that you and yours slither back to your dungeon labs, and stick to what you know best: destroying that which was once vibrant and alive."
Simultaneously all three Captains let out a burst of reiatsu, but it was Unohana's that won the show. Many people seemed to forget that the quiet and gentle healer could be at times anything but. For a brief moment she out-shown her male comrades, and with her terrible beauty so rarely seen beat them quickly into submission.
"Captains! I will not allow myself to be delayed any further. You can either come or not, but I am hoping that you both come...Now, let me pass," she said moving forward, and motioning for those behind her to follow without fear.
Not missing a beat Mayuri fell into step beside Retsu, but not without a petty sneer at his rival who was silently bringing up the rear.
"Mayuri, that is both childish and inappropriate," Retsu said snapping at her companion. "I am seriously getting tired of having to play House Mother to you other captains. Try and act as if you deserve your position," she said with an irritated side long glance.
Mayuri just smirked, but he turned to look ahead, and his face became grim.
"Don't you think that maybe we should light a fire under it Retsu? This meandering is certainly not appropriate."
Without a word Retsu maliciously flash-stepped away, but with two captains and their squads hot on her heels.
The Sewers
Isane
Isane woke again to pitch blackness, but it wasn't necessarily because she was underground. Grit and dirt kept her eyes tightly closed, and her body produced constant tears in order to rinse the grim from her eyes. She tried to pull a hand to her face, but found herself pinned tightly so that she was virtually immobile. The only thing that she could tell was that she was partially on her side, and that her head hung down at a slight angle. Beyond that she had no clue as to what was going on or how long it had been. All she could remember was that when the ball of light had illuminated the ceiling she knew immediately that there would be trouble. Seeing the faulty and partially decomposed ceiling caused a shiver to run down her spine, and one that quickly made her insides clench as they started to fall apart right before her stunned eyes. The moment that her ball of light was enveloped by a hail of broken pieces of the ceiling Isane knew that she had to get out as fast as she could. But even flash-stepping away wasn't fast enough, as all of a sudden the ceiling caved in on her. Dodging falling chunks wasn't good enough, and before she knew it a piece had hit her, and quickly brought her down. She hadn't been pinned the first time that she had woken up, so something further must have happened to cause the weight on her to shift. Coughing and trying her best to move she quickly found that there was nothing she could do. She was pinned tightly, and with no hope of extracting herself. All she could do was wait for the help that she knew had to be coming.
She was scared and uncomfortable, but not to the point that she could neither think semi-coherently nor feel that any moment she would run out of air. It wasn't the best place to find herself, but neither was it the worst. Isane kept telling herself over and over that sooner rather then later someone would haul her out of this. Her captain just had to be on the way...
The only other unfortunate thing about this was that her tie to Itegumo was hazy and tenuous. She couldn't raise her snow cat. That frightened her more than her own predicament. If she could have spoken to Itegumo then she might have been able to get a word out, and most probably to Ashisogi Jizo.
Thinking about the other zanpaktou made Isane immediately think about Mayuri. She was both sad and mad about the whole thing. She was saddened that for some reason he was upset with her, and for what she had no idea. All she knew was that for a brief moment of time she had never been happier. Their relationship could certainly not have been called normal by any means, but that was one of the things that she liked so much about it. People thought automatically that he was the abnormal one, but in many respects she considered herself the abnormal one. She would never be as smart or as brave as he was. Mayuri to her was a man that was confident in not only his position, but more importantly in who he was, and the whole world could go to Hell for all he cared. She on the other hand...she was a woman that most probably would never reach Bankai, and would always have the moniker of being 'impetuous' attached to her name. Rarely could people see beyond her gangliness or her owl-eyed stare (one past date had told her that her saucer-like eyes creeped him out...). Two things that she could not help, but were always attributes that people focused on.
She was also angry at him as well. If he hadn't been acting the ass then she never would have been here in the first place. If she hadn't felt the need to hide herself away, and run down here for some non-important busy work then she would have never found herself in this mess to begin with.
She was so going to give him a piece of her mind when she got out of here...And whether he liked it or not. She would go over to his division if she had to, and she wouldn't care if he threw her out. She would still give him a piece of her mind, and a tongue lashing that he would never forget.
Suddenly her spirits plummeted down. What if they didn't find her? What if she wasn't the only one trapped here, and the rest of her squad was as well? Then what? How long would it take after she was over-due before anyone came looking for them? It certainly wouldn't be days, but how many hours? Plus, they would have to go through the long, winding, bifurcating expanse of tunnels just to get to them. What if she was the last in line? Would she hear them? Would she be able to wake Itegumo and have her zanpaktou send out a distress?
Isane was starting to become unraveled again when a clear but unknown voice called to her from deep within.
We come
The voice was there for a brief moment, and just as fast it was gone again. She had never heard that voice before. Its childish timber yet adult strength was new to her, and it made her freeze up. She tried calling to it again, but there was no response. Isane screamed inside her mind to try and make a re-connection, but still there was no answer. All was silent.
The Sewers
The Fourth
The Twelfth
The Seventh
Retsu, Mayuri, and Sajin stood at a fork, and where they were impatiently waiting for one of the trainees to point the direction for them to take next. Before that could happen Mayuri's eyes widened, and with a snarled cry he dashed off down the left passageway, and leaving everyone behind him to wonder what he was about, and to try and catch up.
The Sewers
Mayuri
At a break neck run Mayuri paid no heed to those that called out to him from behind. He had no time for them. The moment that Ashisogi Jizo had told him which passage to take he knew what he had to do. He knew where he had to go. He knew who he wanted out of harm's way, and back into the light.
We are almost there, Mayuri-sama! Run! RUN! She is so scared...Ashisogi Jizo said plaintively.
I am running, damn it! I am almost there...Tell her...
I have, but I can't anymore. I cannot wake up Itegumo! Save Itegumo!
Fuck Itegumo!
Oh, Mayuri-sama...! I can't hear Itegumo!
Itegumo will mean nothing if I can't get to Isane! Where is she?!
She is there! Ashisogi Jizo said excitedly.
Where?!
There! There!
Where there?! Stop fucking around, and just tell me!
Underneath that large pile!
The only place that Ashisogi Jizo could mean was the large, one-story pile of broken bits of rock off to the right. Just looking at the large pieces he knew that even with someone of Zaraki's inhuman strength would have had a hard time pulling apart. Without even giving it a second thought he did the only thing that he knew could help in such dire circumstances. Pulling out Ashisogi Jizo his voice bounced off the silent, grave-like tunnel with deathly clarity.
"Bankai."
The Fourth
Isane woke up slowly, and with each moment that they layer of unconsciousness fell from her the pain shooting through her entire body became more horribly apparent. It felt as if every nerve was on fire and every muscle either in a knot or made of rubber. She had never felt this bad. The worst part about it was that the pain in her head stopped her from trying to make any sort of decent assessment of any kind. Even opening her eyes was too much of a hardship. The only thing that she could readily tell was that instead of being pinned by rubble she was now laying on a soft mattress, and covered by a thin blanket. The smells were no longer of dankness or slight sewage, but of cleanliness and slight disinfectants. The warmth of the room accompanied by feelings of gratitude and salvation caused her to become infused with an over-whelming feeling of joy. She was safe. She could feel the warmth and security of the light upon her. Tears of happiness slipped from beneath her lids, and she started to shake from the wave of emotions running through her.
A hand suddenly came out and wiped at the excess fluid, but even then she found that she couldn't open her eyes. Trying but failing at seeing clearly she tried her best to raise a hand to her face to help aid in the process. Her arms felt like lead, and she just couldn't raise them. It was then that whomever was by her bedside next took a damp cloth and gently patted at her eyes. Finding that the additional ministrations helped immensely she was finally able to open them. Able now to properly see who it was caused her to widen her eyes in surprise, and her lips to tremble slightly.
Holding the cloth in one hand and leaning over her with a stoic look was Mayuri. His eyes rapidly searched her face, and after finding whatever it was that he was looking for he gave a small grunt, and sat back down. Placing the cloth back on the table next to her bedside he crossed his legs and folded his hands in his lap.
"You, Lieutenant Kotetsu, are a pain in the ass."
Isane was silent, as all she could do was watch him wordlessly. Too much was happening, and too quickly. She had no idea what had happened, she had no idea how Mayuri came to be there, and then to have him say that...How like him, she thought ruefully. How like Mayuri to be at the right place at the right time, but yet say the wrong thing, or at least with her. But then again, maybe it wasn't the wrong thing...
"What happened?" Isane croaked out.
Mayuri raised a sardonic brow and smirked. "Your adventures as a human sewer rat proved to be your undoing. You caused all kinds of calamity and scandal," he said chuckling. "People will be talking about it, and you for years to come."
Isane blanched at the idea. Trying her best to move herself into a sitting position (and failing miserably) all she could muster was a weak side to side motion. All she could accomplish was to have the sheet covering her bunch up uncomfortably around her.
Making a noise of disgust Mayuri stood up, and rather harshly snapped the bedding back into place. Frowning down at her impatiently he glared her into immobility.
"Stop trying to move about. All you are doing is making a mess of things...Just...just lay there!"
Isane stopped immediately, and watched as he fussed over her. Not that he would ever consider it fussing. He would most probably view it as tidying up her mess (yet again?). Seeing that he was satisfied with his actions he sat himself down next to her once again, but this time folded his arms across his chest in clear irritation.
Isane couldn't help but let a small smile creep up. He never looked more appealing to her than when he was irritated. It didn't make him cute by any means, but it did make him attractive for some reason. As his ire rose so did her happiness. No one could be quite the elitist curmudgeon that he could be. He was in a class all his own.
"Mayuri..." she said in a soft but scratchy voice. She tried to say more, but he cut her off with a gruff motion of his hand.
"Save it, Isane. Just go back to sleep."
"But how can I sleep now that you are here?" Isane's smile was still in place, and she tried her hardest to move her hand closer to him in order to just gain that small amount of contact with him that the act would give.
Seeing her futile efforts he sighed heavily, and gently placed his own hand over hers, and giving her a slight squeeze, but all the while acting as if the hand was made of the thinnest porcelain. What really made her glad was that he kept it there. Just feeling his hand covering her own made her heart pound slightly faster. She wondered if he could feel it as well...
"As exciting as contact with me is if you do not contain yourself I will be forced to give you an injection to calm your nerves, and knock you out. Now, you don't want that, do you?" He smirked down at her, and then chuckled softly at her obvious lack of fear.
"How romantic..." she said dryly.
He shook his head and gave an impatient sigh. "Now is certainly not the time for any sort of romance. How inappropriate you can be at times."
Looking at him seriously she rubbed a thumb along one of his digits. "Mayuri, about the past few weeks-"
"This is also neither the time nor the place for such discussions. We can talk about any of that maybe later."
His eyes bored into hers, and seemed to brook no further talk on the matter, but Isane shook her head. "Maybe later? No Mayuri, now is the perfect time-"
"I said 'no', Isane. Certainly not now. Stop being so difficult for once."
Isane's mouth pursed, and her eyes narrowed. "I think that now is the perfect time, Mayuri. I want a few things explained to me..."
Glaring down at her, and even gripping her fingers a little tighter his body became visibly tense. "When I say 'no', I mean 'no'. I hate having to explain myself, and especially more then once...You are smarter then that, Isane."
"Obviously I must not be, if I have to have everything spelled out for me in a simplistic manner."
"You are just being surly and difficult as usual."
"Hah! You take the number one spot for that, Mayuri, and you know it." Watching the frown that lacked real emotion behind it she smiled slightly. "I often think that you take pride in being such an elitist curmudgeon."
Narrowing his eyes back at her his mouth became a firm line. "Now you have gone too far, Lieutenant Kotetsu. To malign and insult a Captain is a punishable offense. You obviously do not know your place..."
"Oh, and where is that, I wonder?" she answered softly, and with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.
Mayuri looked like he was about to answer, but then stopped himself. Still holding her hand he never the less looked to the side, and stared at the wall silently and intently. Isane couldn't even begin to fathom what was going on behind those golden orbs, and at the moment she didn't even want to try.
Both stayed as they were, and just silently held hands. The moments ticked by, but neither capitulated and spoke first. It was as if they were at a stand off of some kind. The air hung heavy between them, but neither budged and spoke. Just as things seemed to become too much between them soft footsteps could be heard coming their way.
Captain Unohana entered quietly, and a large smile was on her face and in her eyes when she gazed at Isane. When Isane saw her she tried to rise, but was practically pushed down by Mayuri. Giving him a scowl that he pointedly ignored she turned to her captain with tears in her eyes.
"Captain! I am so glad to see you! I am so very, very sorry for all the trouble that I-"
Standing on the other side of the bed opposite Mayuri she pushed some hair away from Isane's forehead. "There is no need to be sorry, Isane. You have done nothing wrong. In fact, it is I who am sorry for everything that has happened. I am just glad to see that there was relatively little damage to you. However, you will have to stay in bed for a few days so that you may recover and gain your strength back."
"Is everyone else alright, Captain?" Isane couldn't help but think about the squad that had been with her. "Are they unharmed?"
Retsu gave Mayuri a pointed look, and one that he clearly chose to ignore. Instead, he looked as if he had never noticed it. Clearing her throat she smiled down once again at her subordinate.
"Everyone is doing much better, and discharges should start over the next few days."
Isane's eyes became wide. She looked from one captain to the other. "What happened?" she said in a breathless whisper.
"No need to concern yourself, Isane. Just go to sleep," Mayuri said with a glare in Retsu's direction.
Retsu of course ignored it. "Captain Kurotsuchi here discharged his Bankai in a closed area, and in doing so he wrecked not only the tunnel system, but the housing above it. He also ended up poisoning half the rescue team..." Retsu said with a beaming smile.
Isane looked up at Mayuri with a stunned look. "Mayuri! Why would you do that?!"
Mayuri looked mad enough to spit nails, but at the same time a slight flush could be seen, and even with his mask of white and black face paint in place. He glared daggers at Unohana, but the other woman paid him no heed. She laughed softly, and gave her version of a snarky smirk. Clearing her face quickly as if ashamed at being caught at such a childish action she looked down at Isane, and patted her shoulder lightly.
"It appears that Captain Kurotsuchi was so determined to rescue you, and get you out from underneath that rubble that he threw all caution and common sense to the winds, and didn't stop to think for even a moment that maybe Ashisogi Jizo wouldn't fit in the tunnel area... And indeed, he did not."
"Ashisogi Jizo fit just fine, I'll have you know," he said sarcastically to Retsu. "The area was ready for demolition anyway."
Retsu raised a fine brow. "And what about all the shinigami that were affected by Ashisogi Jizo's poisonous breath?"
"You're all alive, aren't you? Be grateful..." Mayuri gave Retsu such a dead panned look that both women couldn't help but chuckle slightly.
Retsu quickly composed herself, and nodded. "Yes, I am. Though to have my hospital wards once again over-flowing with wounded does put my staff back to working double-time again, and so soon!"
"Be glad that you have a job," Mayuri mumbled. "Be glad that someone considers you useful...
"But how did you find me?" Isane looked at Mayuri, and squeezed his hand when he wouldn't look at her right away. Her eyes suddenly became wide at some realization. "Oh! Mayuri, was that Ashisogi Jizo that spoke to me?!"
Mayuri shrugged, and seemed as if he was suddenly uncomfortable for some reason. He also stayed suspiciously silent.
Retsu however looked over at Mayuri with new interest. "Captain Kurotsuchi, how interesting...A zanpaktou speaking to another person not his master? How interesting indeed...That is unheard of..."
"And certainly none of your business," he snapped out. He let go of Isane's hand, and stared furiously at Unohana over Isane. His fists clenched and his reiatsu spiked slightly. "That is something entirely between Lieutenant Kotetsu and myself, and I never want to hear anything about it. From anyone..."
"You will of course have to bring it up to General Yamamoto during your meeting with him..." she said evenly, and ignoring the man's ire. "That is something that certainly needs to be discussed."
"I don't see why..." Mayuri sneered and waived his hand dismissively in the air before him. "Besides, I know my duty as well as anyone, Captain Unohana. It is not your place to remind me."
"No, but it is General Yamamoto's place." Retsu suddenly dropped the amused smile. "I wouldn't obfuscate any of this, Captain. He isn't too pleased already, and any games on your part will not bode well, for either of you." Retsu looked from one to the other, and with a serious look on her face.
Isane shot up, and winced as she did. Mayuri instinctively reached out, and wrapped his arms around her. Seeing the gentle smile return to Retsu's face he chose to ignore it, and instead gave a disgruntled look to Isane.
"Difficult woman...What nonsense are you thinking about now?"
Isane clutched at his sleeve, and looked at him with doe-eyes. "Mayuri! Are you in trouble because of me?"
Mayuri rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Hardly. The Old Man just wants to talk with me about what happened. Nothing more, and nothing less. Contain yourself."
Isane looked between the two captains with a worried look, but let herself be set back into place. Closing her eyes she took a few deep, calming breaths.
"Some healer you are, Retsu. Do you make it a habit to scare and worry all your patients? Is that how you empty out your wards?"
Retsu smiled benignly, and shook her head. "I will be leaving now. I trust that you will not over stay your welcome, Captain Kurotsuchi? Please take care to modulate your voice as well as your temper..."
Before Mayuri could snap out an angry retort Retsu was already half way out the door. Gritting his teeth at the retreating back of the other captain in frustration he shook his head and looked back down at the once again sleeping Isane, and thought about what Retsu had said.
She hadn't been altogether incorrect. It was uncommon, and very much so for zanpaktou to speak to anyone but their wielder. Most pairs rarely if ever connected together, and not even adding the factor of a third person into the equation. But there had been instances when a zanpaktou could, on occasion speak to another person. It was rare, but it had been known to happen. He had the proof in his data banks. But the circumstances surrounding the instances were always unique. He found it incredibly exciting to think that now he too was one of those unique circumstances.
He was however not too excited to think about his upcoming meeting with General Yamamoto. He also never thought for a moment that it would just be the two of them either. Most probably all the other captains would be there as well. Protocol and circumstances demanded it. He would have to divulge way too many secrets of the Shinigami Research Institute for his liking. The Old Man as well as all the others would want detailed information, and how much detail, or more importantly how personal was something that he was not looking forward too. He had already pretty much decided what he would say, and how he would say it. The story had to be told just right... He would divulge enough information to satisfy, but not enough so that his comfort zone would be breached. He did have his ethics after all. He did have standards to maintain. It just galled him that he was being called to task for something so ridiculous. So what if a few weaklings were knocked about, or partially paralyzed? Not his concern really he mentally shrugged. They had it coming for getting into his way in the first place.
Besides, Isane had been scared...
Of course, Komamura had been one of those weaklings...and the satisfied smirk bloomed across his face. Looking down at Isane quickly he saw with a small amount of relief that she was still asleep, and so unable to see the look of satisfaction from his thoughts. Shaking his head he straightened her covers, and again tucked them in around her. He sat back down in his chair, and folding his arms across his chest he started to plan in detail how he would maneuver Yamamoto in tomorrows interview.