Chapter 1:

A meeting was being held to discuss a possible upcoming danger to the Soul Society. Strange things have been occurring in nearby villages involving sudden unexplained disappearances of local villagers. The Head Captain had ordered a captains' meeting for that afternoon to solve the threat. That, and find out if it was directed to the Soul Society as a whole or targeting specific people.

The meeting had gone on for some time now and none of the information was making any sense to them.

"Soi Fon, would you repeat that for us again?"

"Yes, sir!" She stepped forward. "Squad 2 was dispatched to the villages to investigate. We came up with no clues as to who the attacker was, but we did find out some useful information. The only people who were reported vanished were young children."

"Children?"

"Yes. Both male and female children ranging from ages four to fourteen," she confirmed. "Same for all the other villages."

"How many villages were attacked?"

"Three in all."

"I see. Go on."

"The children were all reported to be last seen in bed, asleep. All these attacks happened during the night. All reports were the same. The children ate dinner with their families, went to bed, and in the morning were discovered missing. Their rooms were secure."

"So, they were all abducted?"

"Not necessarily. There were no signs of forced entry. No one heard anything out of the ordinary. It's as if they simply got up and walked off themselves. But the parents all have inconsistent stories regarding that. Some say that their children would never think to do something like that, some say that their children have nowhere to go and are not capable of doing something like this, and others say that yes, their children would do it as a form of some sort of prank. Those children are mischievous, but were only likely to carry through if they had enough children to join them. If not, they would lose interest quickly."

"So what you're saying is that even the troublemakers wouldn't do it alone, right? They want to do it in a group."

"Yes, that's right. But they lack the talent to persuade others. A lot of these children were quite young, four and five years old. The children with more gall were young boys between the ages of ten and fourteen. It's unlikely that they could convince such young children to do something like this, especially when a lot of the younger children's bedtimes are much earlier than theirs."

Shunsui adjusted his hat. "Huh. Well, how do you like that? So why did they run off?"

"No one knows." Soi Fon put her hands on her hips. "It's troubling. Which leads us all to believe that they were abducted after all."

"All of them? But why?"

"No one knows that either. But there is some good news. A small group of missing children returned the other day."

"What did they say?"

"Nothing. They couldn't tell us anything about their captor." Soi Fon raised her head, showing everyone her serious eyes. "In fact, none of them were even aware that they had been missing."

"Say what?"

She nodded. "When we asked them what had happened, they were still under the impression that it was the same day of their disappearance."

Shunsui exchanged looks with his fellow captains. "Total mind-blanks. Weird."

"But what does this have to do with us?" It was Komamura's turn to speak. "How is this a threat to the Soul Society?"

"Because of this." She pulled out a map from her kimono and threw it to the floor at their feet. "I've marked the villages there with red X's. See the pattern?"

They all looked it over carefully. The villages marked were all relatively close by. In fact, according to the map, they were…

"… They're leading in our direction!" Ukitake figured it out first.

"That's correct. The first attack was reported in that village there, the furthest away. Then there was an attack there and now in that village closest to us."

"So they're all coming closer to us."

"So it would seem."

Kenpachi rested his hand on his sword. "Well, that's more than enough reason to go out there and kick some ass."

"Yes, but whose?" Byakuya inquired. "We don't even know who we're up against."

"He has a point," Hitsugaya finally spoke up. "We don't know who they are. No name, nothing."

"It could be Aizen."

"No, it's not his style."

"Back to square one, huh?"

"Captain Unohana," Yamamoto addressed. "What about you? Weren't you the one who looked over the children?"

"Yes, I did," she spoke calmly. "Once they arrived home, I went to check them over for injuries. I could find none."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute! I'm confused." Shunsui scratched his head. "So let me get this straight… Three villages were attacked in the dead of night without anyone knowing about it until morning when the children were all discovered gone, they're gone for a few days, a few of them were returned unharmed with no memory of what had happened and that's it? I don't get it. It makes no sense at all."

"I agree," Ukitake added. "These attacks are all getting closer to the Soul Society, we know that, but why are children being the only ones targeted? Think about it. If this person or persons wanted to threaten us, why would they go out of their way abducting young children like this and not even leave a note of ransom or even a threat to the Soul Society? It seems like a pretty poor way to threaten someone. More like an empty threat than anything."

"Yeah, he's right! I agree! At the very least, a person should have the intelligence to threaten someone a little more clearly. At least tell us who you are so we know what we're up against. Not even a name or their intention..!"

"That's true. But they, whoever they are, probably took these children just to get our attention. They might not be part of their plan at all other than to get us to look. Effective, certainly."

"But come on! No name, no clear intention, motive unknown, kidnapping without cause other than to get our attention… But now that they have it, now what? They haven't even gotten that far yet, by the looks of it. They haven't told us anything yet. What do they want, what are they after? We have nothing!"

"Then this means that our enemy is very intelligent. To not leave any clues as to who or what they are, not even their true intention, but to leave just enough to get our attention."

"Byakuya has a point. We don't know who they are or what they're after but they have our attention. Now the real trouble starts. Now that they have our attention, what do they plan to do?"

"An enemy we cannot see and know nothing about… This is a tricky one. If we make any mistakes…"

"That's right. We must be very careful."

"Don't we have anything to go on?"

"As a matter of fact, we do!" Mayuri Kurotsuchi stepped forward and pulled something out of his sleeve. "We managed to salvage this from one of the villages."

"What is that thing?"

"This, my dear Soi Fon, just so happens to be a portable recording device. Nemu and I went back to one of the villages the other night to conduct some research of our own. Long story short, we left this laying near the entrance to see if we heard anything. The next morning we picked it up, and as a bonus, several of the children had returned as well."

"So they had been released?"

"Perhaps. Only a small handful of them, though. But that's beside the point. My point is that we had planted this recording device to get an audio of their captor. And it worked!" But before anyone could get too excited he quickly added, "But it isn't the best quality. It's very faint and hard to make out."

"Then what exactly did you managed to salvage?" Soi Fon asked impatiently.

"Just a little something something. Here's what we do have. It sounds like this." Mayuri held up the white device. It was in the shape of a box but had a black skull painted on the front. He pushed one of the eyes inward and that triggered the device to activate. The black skull's eyes started to glow bright yellow and out came a strange sound.

It was very scratchy and gargled. It didn't sound like anything. Not a voice, not music, not wind. Nothing. It was just a very faint noise, full of static to boot.

"What in the world is that?"

"It's all we have to go on, that's what."

"It sounds like nothing," commented Shunsui. "You sure that's a clue?"

"Like I said, it's all we have."

All the captains were struggling so hard to hear the sample of sound that none of them took the time to notice that Hitsugaya was acting strangely. He was frozen in place with a dazed look on his face and his pupils were beginning to dilate.

Mayuri shut the box with a snap. "Well, there you have it. A weird and bizarre mystery with no clue other than this to go on against an unknown enemy. Fun, huh?"

"Kurotsuchi, this is hardly the time for your-"

"Toshiro, are you alright?"

A few of the captains turned to look at the one staring off into space.

"Captain!" Ukitake said sharply and it was just enough to snap the young captain back to his senses.

"Huh?" He blinked and his eyes returned to normal.

"Are you alright?" Ukitake asked, voice full of worry.

"I…" He felt strange. He felt as if someone were pulling him away. He felt so distant and lightheaded all of a sudden. It was as if he were no longer there. And then so suddenly it all stopped. That strange feeling… what could it have been? "I… I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm ok. Just spaced out for a minute there… Sorry. Please continue."

He just couldn't get over that strange feeling. It was as if he were falling into some sort of trance. It was so strange. He couldn't put it behind him. It had been on his mind all day. Hopefully now he could get some rest. It was late and he was tired. Hitsugaya dawned his night robes and climbed into bed. Time to sleep.

On what seemed like a still night, something was stirring outside. It was restless.

Shortly after midnight, it happened.

A soft sweet song could be heard on the wind. Soft and welcoming. A wordless song.

Hitsugaya opened his dilated eyes and sat up in bed. He turned to the open window on his left. A song came wafting into his room, filling it. The sweet melody wrapped around him, cradling him.

Come…

He obeyed the song's hidden message. He pulled back the covers and crawled out of bed. He didn't even bother with his sandals. He walked outside as is and followed that soothing song. He had to find its source. He had to find the singer with the voice of an angel.

Following the song with no words, Hitsugaya found himself in an alley with crates and boxes stacked up on top of each other. Sitting on top of the stack was a young girl. She was singing. Her voice changed pitches. Her song was coming to an end.

She turned and spotted her audience. She smiled and said, "Come closer."

Hitsugaya stepped forward.

She climbed down from her perch and stood in front of him. "What is your name?"

"Toshiro Hitsugaya," he answered in monotone. He was like a zombie.

"And what is a child doing here of all places?"

"I am captain of Squad 10."

The girl gave a startled gasp. "You're a captain?"

He nodded.

The girl bit her lip and looked wildly around. "I have to get you out of here before-"

"Lavender!"

She jumped. "Yes, big sister?"

Another girl, this one with blue hair hurried up to her. "What are you doing? I told you that you shouldn't sing so close to this place. So instead you sing in the very place I told you to be careful in!"

"I- I'm sorry, Sapphire! I didn't mean to-"

"Didn't mean to? You know that Soul Reapers are dangerous! Look what they did to us! To our friends and families! They're no good! How many times do I have to tell you?"

"Big sister, please keep your voice down! I have an admirer." She pointed to Hitsugaya standing off to the side.

Sapphire studied him for a moment. "Who's he?"

"He lives here. He's-"

"I don't have time for this! Our sister is lost in here somewhere and you're entertaining? What if she's hurt or worse?"

"But sister, I-"

"Lavender, I'm trying to tell you that I don't have time for this! Sing on your own time! Not now! You know your little siren song only works on children, so why are you bothering using it here where there is clearly no one here to help us out?"

"Sister-"

"All those kids at that village were useless. Not a single one could help us out with our goal so we had to let them go. It's no use. If we don't find someone to help us soon-"

"Sister!"

"What?"

"I've been trying to tell you that I have found someone to help us!"

Sapphire blinked. "Y- you have? Who?"

She pointed to Hitsugaya. "Provided that you didn't wake him up, he can help us out. Guess what? He's a captain!"

Sapphire glared at the captain like a cobra. "So he's one of them? Why are you being so foolish? He's the enemy! Do you like tempting fate?"

"No, no! Please listen! Yes, he's a captain, but he's also a child! Look, see? He's under my spell. See? He'll do as I say. He can help us. Please, sister?"

Sapphire bit her lip and walked up to Hitsugaya. She studied his relaxed face and glazed eyes. She circled around his body and looked him up and down. She was a least a foot taller than he was. And seven inches taller than her sister Lavender. He was so short. How could he be a captain? "You, state your name."

"Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, Squad 10."

She looked to her sister. "Is Squad Ten high up? Does that mean he's strong?"

Her sister shrugged.

Sapphire ran her fingers through her long hair thoughtfully. "Hmm… He could work out. As long as he's under our control, we won't have to worry about him turning against us and trying to kill us. And your powers work mainly on children and there aren't too many useful kids around here that can help us. I can see where he could come in handy."

"Do you suppose he's seen our sister?"

"I'll ask. Hey, Hitsugaya, have you seen our sister Ruby?"

Hitsugaya frowned. "Mm…"

"Sister, he doesn't know what she looks like. How would he know who she is?"

"She's shorter than you, has red hair, cute, brown eyes, childish… She's always bouncing around doing something. Uh… and she wears her kimono to right about here." Sapphire measured the length of her sister's kimono to just below her knees. "And it has flowers on it, too. I think they're Scarlet Gilia." She looked over her shoulder at her younger sister. "Am I right?"

Lavender nodded. "They are Scarlet Gilia and Drummond Phlox. Two different kinds of red flowers are on her pink kimono. It's her favorite color."

"How the heck should I know that stuff? I don't know flowers like you do!" She turned back to Hitsugaya. "So have you seen her or not?"

Hitsugaya's eyes fluttered. He let out a soft moan.

Sapphire turned back to her sister, furious. "Idiot! He's waking up! I thought you had him!"

Lavender raised her hands defensively. "I swear I did! But it doesn't last forever! Everyone I use it on snaps out of it after a while!"

"Then put him back under!"

"Yes, yes! Right away!" Lavender hurried over to Hitsugaya and began to whisper her song into his ear. In no time at all, his eyes glazed over once again and became completely obedient to their will. "There, it's done."

"Good." She walked back up to Hitsugaya. "Now answer me. Did you see my sister or not?"

Hitsugaya shook his head. "No, I have not."

Sapphire kicked the wall in frustration. "Damn it! She's still out there!"

Lavender tried her best to comfort her sister. "It's alright. Don't worry. We'll find her."

"I want to find her before those damn Soul Reapers do!"

"But-"

"Lavender, you know what they're like! You know what they've done to us! They can't be trusted! It's because of them and this stupid Soul Society that everyone we know is dead! Or have you forgotten that?"

Lavender became silent. Her big sister's words hurt in a way no blade could. That emotional wound was deep. Their past was a sad one. All they had was each other. Just the three of them. They knew what had happened. She knew full well that the Soul Society was the cause of their pain. How could she ever forget what had happened? She turned her gaze to the ground and gave a small shake of her head. "No, I have not forgotten. I can never forget."

Satisfied with her answer, Sapphire patted her sister's shoulder. "I know." Her elder sister's usual strong, dominate voice had become gentle. She knew more than anyone how painful it was, being there to witness it and helping her siblings through it as well.

They both turned their gaze back towards Hitsugaya who stood there quietly, waiting for his next instructions. He looked just like a zombie. Their zombie.

"I know what to do." Sapphire stepped closer. "We'll make him ours."

Lavender let out a tiny gasp. "But, what are you planning to..?"

"You know." She raised her right hand. "Your power is only good for a short time, whereas mine can make it permanent. We can make him our slave forever. That way we can command him as much as we want without having to worry about him breaking free of our control. It's a great idea and you know it. Besides, as I said before, as long as he's under our control we won't have to worry about him doing anything to harm us. He'll be our slave and obey our every command. He'll never turn against us."

Lavender wasn't so sure. Unlike her other sisters, she was far more timid and nervous. She feared for what was to come. She worried about the consequences. But she also was afraid to disobey her older sister. So far, whatever she had done for them turned out to be for the best. "I suppose… I guess…"

"It'll only take a second." Sapphire placed her hand on Hitsugaya's forehead and his eyes slid shut. "I'll rewrite all of his memories. He won't remember being a part of this Soul Society. He'll only remember being with us. He'll be programmed to protect us. To love us."

Lavender watched her sister as she worked. Their supernatural powers were all different as well as powerful. She sang to cast her spell like a siren. Her sister Ruby's mere presence alone was enough to enslave other people, but being so young, she couldn't fully control her powers just yet. Sapphire, on the other hand, was by far the most powerful of them all. Control people's minds, rewrite memories, erase memories, enslave others… She could do practically anything she wanted. She was terrifying. Terrifying as well as beautiful. In Lavender's opinion, they ranged from cute, pretty and beautiful. She was the pretty one, making Ruby the cute one. None of them were at all ugly in any way. Perhaps that was one reason why they got away with everything. They got by on their looks.

Sapphire smiled. "Almost done. I've just finished erasing his memories. Now I just have to-"

"I thought it was coming from over here."

"Where?"

"Over there."

The two girls gasped and jumped. They had been discovered. Sapphire removed her hand from Hitsugaya's head and walked backwards toward her younger sister. "Damn! Found!"

Lavender grabbed her arm and pulled. "Come on! We have to get out of here!"

Giving no argument, Sapphire turned and ran off into the night with her sister.

"I told you I heard voices coming from over here!"

"Who would be out here in the middle of the night? We're on look-out duty. We have to keep an eye out for that threat."

"Maybe this is it."

"I doubt it. They would have some gall coming into the Seireitei like that."

Without anyone to support him, Hitsugaya fell face first onto the cold unyielding ground and lay motionless.

Four Soul Reapers flash stepped to a halt beside his body. One rolled him over. "It's Captain Hitsugaya!"

"Is he injured?"

"I can't tell. It's too dark."

The same Soul Reaper gave him a shake. "Captain! He's not moving. I think he's out cold."

"We have to get him help."

"Right!"

So they gathered him up and carried him back to where they had come from.

Down several streets, Sapphire cursed them for their timing. "I never finished casting my spell over him."

Lavender's eyes were full of worry. "What did you manage to complete?"

Sapphire sighed and punched the wall. "I didn't have time to make him my slave. I couldn't finish. So I… I don't know how much I managed to get done."

"What does this mean?"

Sapphire slumped against the wall in defeat. "I don't know. But those damn Soul Reapers are about to find out once he wakes up… If he wakes up."

It's only the begining, but I think it's good so far. I thought I'd try something a little different. Tell me what you think so far. Please be nice, though.

And just so you know, I listed the characters Ichigo and Hitsugaya because I feel they're the main characters in this, NOT as a pair. There is no yaoi in this fic.

Please review! ^-^