The soft rays of light tore through his windows, signalling the start of dawn. Birds chirped, servants scurrying about with soft female feet hurrying to prepare their masters bath and breakfast. First light and he was already awake, not because he wished to be but because, yet again, he had lost sleep for a third night.

Another long agonising night gone past without rest, without him closing his eyes and drifting to the enchanted ecstasy that was his dreams. The only place he could once again be with his woman, his only love and desire, Hisana.

His heart was heavy, broken, it ached heavily knowing that such trivial matters could make him lose sleep and effectively separate him from his wife.

He had no desire to get out of bed, the world would go on living, Sereitei with all its work and protocols to be followed, his duty as both captain and Lord of the clan to be steered, it was all just outside of his door waiting for him but today he lacked passion to carry out his duties.

If only he could call in sick, but no, they would immediately send a fourth squad member to look after him and he did not desire company.

He was way beyond two centuries old, and in all this time he had seen everything from gruesome deaths, beheadings, people being mutilated by hollows, death surrounded him in every turn , some by his own hand but never had he been unable to drift away to her arms in sleep.

In fact, he had always been eager to go to bed so he could tell her what bothered him and she would sing, laugh and giggle with a promise to see him the following night. And if that didn't work, a nice evening walk around his property was enough to ease his mind and cast away the problems that plagued him but yet here was, still pondering about a silly earth girl and her abilities.

He knew nothing about her but he felt himself beginning to hate their paths crossing, she had no right to keep him from his fantasies. That inner place was the only existing, real or un-real dimension that he could find serenity and she stood between them.

He sighed as he dragged himself out of bed exhausted, not believing it himself that for once he had lost the drive to take up his title but this was something he wouldn't confide in anyone. Sereitei had a record of all humans with special abilities and how they gained them, a simple trip to the hall of records would satisfy his curiosity.

Before he could leave his room a report messenger zoomed outside his door, making him wonder how these people lack shame to appear in his home without announcement...

"Reporting in! All Captains to appear before the Captain Commander immediately, analysis from investigations to be communicated."

And just as he appeared he left, not waiting for feedback or any response the messenger was gone like mist.

Great!

Byakuya thought,

It must be urgent for them to send a messenger and not a hell butterfly. Just what I needed, a busy morning and I haven't had breakfast yet. I will take a bath first.

An hour later all the captains stood in the Head Captain's chambers, waiting to hear what was so important about some analysis that was done.

Byakuya had stolen enough glances and overheard enough conversations to realise he wasn't the only one least enthusiastic about this early morning summon, Shinji had complained from the time he arrived, Shunsui and Kensei still looked half asleep and Soi-fon was ever so cranky, snapping at anyone who bothered to stand too close to her or touch her. She even hissed at him as he walked past, sometimes it almost appeared people forgot he was blue blooded before he was anything else.

He had always wondered what was up that woman's ass, the previous Squad two Captain never seemed to have a bad day, she was jovial, mischievous and always finding new ways to irritate him...then again, he was glad she was not still around.

He might have felt gratitude towards her, considering she had taught far too many things that had so far given him an upper hand over his opponents and she was the only one, other than Hisana and his grandfather, who seemed to understand him, but the woman was a thorn and there was no other way to say it that would sound so polite.

*tap* *tap*

The sound of the Head Captain's staff hitting the floor drew him and the others back to their surroundings.

No familiarities and without caring about their well being, the geezer began.

"From the analysis and the reports I have read, written by sixth squad and second squad Captains, the technological bureau and among other preliminary samples tests that we have come across, I have disturbing news.

It seems we are dealing with a new breed of enemy, one we never thought we could come across. "

He cleared his throat, and paused.

Byakuya had always wondered whether he did that on purpose for effect or it was his old age that forced him. He was the strongest Captain in Sereitei, the first Captain...so old age wasn't a problem, images of a past New Year's party came to mind with Renji trying to imitate the geezer and being caught red handed with a fake beard and a staff sitting hunched on a bar stool with Yachiru pretending to be his vice captain Sasakibe. He fought a smile.

"...A new group of Arrancar, they seem to be fractions of the fallen ones and have come up with a device that awakens old human soul memories." The old man continued. "It is not news that souls which live in soul society lose their memories when they are reborn in the real world, and always this is for the best as it is their design."

"Then how is it possible?" Soi-fon shouted.

Just like clockwork, the head Captain would explain a problem and that stiff irritable woman would interrupt with questions. Didn't she know waiting for the head Captain to finish would give her more information than she would need?

Byakuya thought to himself, as he waited for the many interruptions and questions that rose to subside.

"That is what, I as well would wish to know.

I do not wish to explain to you the amount of trouble Soul society would be in if everyone remembered their previous lives here.

Their appearances might be different, but these souls have gone through the life and death cycle multiple times and the amount of information gathered in these lifetimes would cause madness and many cases of suicide perhaps.

Therefore I am putting up a team to help solve this problem, Urahara Kisuke, the substitute shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo from the real world, Vice captains Kuchiki Rukia, Abarai Renji and Matsumoto Rangiku are already in the real world carrying out further investigations.

I would trust that they would be sufficient but what I don't need is a large number of those clowns showing up here with different versions of the story. Therefore I am appointing one of you to head this task force."

There was murmur in the room as the Captains discussed with each other over who would preferably be sent. " Hitsugaya Taichou seemed likely, considering he was always the first chosen on such events and he could never be separated from his vice captain", Unohana shared with Ukitake.

Shunsui however thought he should be sent considering he hadn't been down there in a while and he needed a break from Soul society's stiffness to get some attention from real world women and that nice weather would do him some good.

Kenpachi could only think of an opportunity to cut someone to pieces and Ichigo had found new powers, hadn't he?

Byakuya stood still, inwardly praying he wasn't picked. His duties to both the manor and the squad awaited him, though they were up-to-date, he wouldn't take the chance of leaving the squad under some subordinate, seeing Renji was also in the real world.

"SILENCE!"

The Head Captain shouted and the room fell quiet,

"Look at you all, idiots standing there giving an opinion!

Discussions were already held by Central 46 and they came to a conclusion. This mission needs a person with precaution and one who would follow protocol and not someone looking for an excuse to go on holiday and drink." He glanced at Shunsui who cowered under his hat with shame, like a turtle in his shell.

"However, all of you have been considered but Sixth squad Captain Kuchiki Byakuya has already come in contact with a potential victim and he might be able to identify many others.

From his report he mentioned a stench of death coming from the enemy which no other person has been able to identify. This attained skill will prove useful and with regard to your squad, since I know you might worry, your Lieutenant will be sent back as well as your sister. That should take care of both the clan and the squad. You are all dismissed. "


O.K O.K by now I know some or most of you know where this is heading, if not then...I would like to hear your suggestions. So whoever is wondering, I have set this as an interlude between the fullbring arc and the final war arc that is why there might be mentions of vice captain Sasakibe among others who are dead now. Rukia finally gets a break and some respect from Byakuya that is why he might not protests against her heading the family in his absence.

Again I appreciate your reviews and especially for the positive ones I have received, though I also take in the negative with grace. I will upload new chapters as soon as I can.

Love Madigan