Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or it's characters, that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Bleach or it's characters, that right belongs to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: This chapter is meant to change the flow of the story. Introducing more mystery about Kagome Higurashi. And, I repeat myself, I am not posting the pairing until it is revealed in the story. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you toturn around and leave now. Because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.

Shinsui stood there with Nano as they watched the seals and wards be placed on Kagome. To his left was Kagome's Captain and Lieutenant. And to his right was Byakuya and Hitsugaya and their respective Lieutenants. The last Captain to enter the room had been at Kenpachi's request after everything Kagome had agreed to had been explained after he had spent himself threatening everyone present at that meeting, Isane and her Lieutenant. It had been a bit of a surprise, but a rational and logical choice. One he, himself, would have made.

As the Inquisitors finished and stepped back from Kagome, who just looked ahead, Shinsui shot a quick to Kenpachi and saw that in a piece of cloth was Kagome's Zanpaku-to. There was a lot about the girl that had been strange from the moment a member of the fourth Squad had noticed her. The fact that she was healing people in the Rukongai and didn't take crap from those who thought to muscle in and use her gifts for personal gain. Then there were all the rumors and reports from her classmates and teachers in the Academy.

He knew about secrets, what it meant to keep them, as well as the fact the problems they could cause. In honesty, he didn't think that Kagome was dangerous, but back in November, when that brilliant light covered all of the Rukongai and Seretei, it had been soothing and painful to them. When he got the nod from the lead Inquisitor, Shinsui gave a small nod of his head go begin, making sure to keep an eye on Kenpachi, so the man didn't lose his cool.

Shinsui had at length talked to Kenpachi and Ikkaku yesterday about Kagome. He knew enough about the young woman to know she didn't lie, ever. And he had confirmed it with Kenpachi and Ikkaku. A part of him hoped it would make this whole process go quicker.

In seconds a soft hum filled the room as the seals and wards were activated. Five of the six white-robed and hooded people spreading out to stand in a pentagram shape, as the last stood before Kagome. They knew their job, knew which questions were requested to ask by the Captain Commander. But they had been given a few more by the Central 46, the people they officially worked for. And it had them on edge with five Captains and Lieutenants in the room with them. Their orders had been very specific, to get answers no matter what from the girl, for reasons that were explained to them.

"Give your name and squad."

"My name is Higurashi, Kagome. I am in Squad Eleven."

"What is your Rank in Squad Eleven?"

"I am unseated."

"Why is that?"

"I didn't want to be ranked."

There was a soft snort from outside the interrogation area. None of them had to look to know it was the girl's Captain. He was the one that had them all on edge — each aware of how protective he was of her, as well as all of Squad Eleven.

"How old are you, Higurashi?"

"I believe I am twenty-six."

The answer was exact. And they all knew Kagome hadn't been in Soul Society for more than a decade. But as the ropes never changed color to indicate an attempt to lie, they figured it was an estimate based on her appearance.

"Your Zanpaku-to, White Fang, is Kido based?"

"Yes."

"While you were in school, it was revealed that your Zanpaku-to had a second release form?"

"Yes."

"Is it Kido based."

"No."

Again they watched as the white ropes stayed white. Each person in the interrogation room was listening carefully and filing away the information. There had been reports of it while she had been in school and the level of destruction the one time it was revealed had done to the classroom. While two of the five Captains and one Lieutenant kept their faces blank.

"Tell me about the spirit that inhabits you, Zanpaku-to."

"He is a stuffy, arrogant bastard, who is protective of what he sees as his."

The answer was blunt, and it gave a clue about this bond that had been heard mentioned through rumors.

"Do you communicate with him often?"

"Yes."

"Do you do this through meditation."

"Sometimes."

"How else would you communicate with your Zanpaku-to?"

They all saw the shift in her demeanor.

"He talks directly into my head. No matter where we are at."

This was a bit concerning. Last time they had a Zanpaku-to who did something similar to this, it caused a lot of problems. An overly sentient Zanpaku-to that could materialize and could control others was problematic. Its owner had gone power crazy and had to have been sealed away.

"Have you been to your Zanpaku-to's inner world? If so, describe it to us."

"Yes. It is an open field with soft winds and flowers. He likes his peace."

It was time to shift the topic to the more pressing one. The one that had caused concern.

"Two and a half months ago, you and your Squad were sent to the front lines to fight Hollows."

"Yes."

"While you were on the field, you were attacked and hurt?"

"Yes."

"Do you recall the events that happened before you were hurt?"

"Yes."

"Explain them to us."

The room was silent as all eyes watched Kagome sitting there in the chair. The unfocus look in her eyes as her lips turned down as she began to recall the events.

"I was fighting beside my third seat when a powerful Hollow Reiatsu appeared. And I did a quick check of the battlefield after finishing killing the Hollow I was fighting. There, coming towards us, was an abnormally large Hollow rushing towards us, it Reiatsu building for an attack. Not thinking, I pushed Yumichika out of the way and felt pain explode from my abdomen and screamed as I got a good look at the Hollow. Then my world went black, and I don't recall anything until I woke in Squad Fours medical rooms."

They had all read the reports and had it memorized. Kagome hadn't deviated from what she had said initially. Yet the ropes were vibrating, indicating that something was being held back.

"Higurashi, do you recall a brilliant Lilac light washing over the battlefield before you passed out?"

"No."

"Do you recall what that Hollow looked like?"

"Yes."

"Describe it for us."

Again they all watched as Kagome recalled what was asked. But it was evident as her skin began to pale, and a faint sheen of sweat appeared on her brow; it was distressing her. But the compulsion of the wards and seals would do their job and force her to talk about it.

"The Hollow looked humanoid in shape at first, but from its back.. its back... there were legs... many legs... like-like-like... a spider. Its hollow mask was that of a... of a baboons head, yet it... Its hair was long, wild... white."

The fact she was struggling as she spoke. Her distress causing tears to fall from Kagomes eyes as her body visibly shook as her pupils fully dilated. There was no mistaking that Kagome was exhibiting signs of fear. Something was off.

"Was there something familiar to you about this Hollow?"

The rapid shallow breathing as they all watched Kagome licked her lips. There had been a few cases where a shinigami ran across a Hollow that directly correlated to their former human life.

"Answer the question, Higurashi."

The sound of rattling filled the room, drawing the Head Inquisitor's attention from Kagome to Kenpachi, who was holding up the Zanpaku-to that belonged to the girl. There was no mistaking the killing aura rolling off it.

Tension filled the room as a gasp came from Captain Isane. Her dark eyes narrowed as they all looked back at Kagome. Who had blood seeping from her ears, eyes, and nose? Her body was violently convulsing. Her breathing was rapid, shallow.

"You will cease this interrogation now. We have the answers that were needed, there is no need to continue to push Kagome, or you will kill her," Isane stated.

All eyes turned to the Captain Commander, who nodded his head. In seconds the seals and wards were removed. They were leaving the poor woman to slump and shake in her chair.

He wasted no time moving forward and tearing the bindings that held her. The moment she was free, Kenpachi scooped her up and placed her angry Zanpaku-to on her body. There was no mistaking the oppressive killing aura that began to radiate from it when they asked about the Hollow. But the fact that Kagome didn't remember the Lilac light, let alone it came from her, was all that mattered.

Turning, he shot a pointed glare at Isane who had moved toward him and walked from the room. He knew the woman would follow him wherever he went. And right now, that was back to the barracks of his Squad. The only thing keeping him from attacking the Inquisitors or heading to Central 46 to kill the new bastards that had been replaced after Aizen's debacle was his subordinate in his arms.

It had been almost a week since the interrogation, and Kagome was still unconscious on a pallet that he had Ikkaku put in his office so he could watch Kagome. He was bored out of his mind, but couldn't bring himself to walk away from her while she was like this. Kenpachi rested his chin in his hand as he leaned over his desk. In the last few days, he had watched her toss and turn, cry out in pain and fear. It was apparent that those questions had triggered nightmares in her.

And her being like this was affecting the rest of his Squad. Then again, they pretty much blocked anyone but a Captain or Lieutenant coming to visit her after one of the other squad members, Squad Five, if he recalled, mentioning that it might be best if Kagome was transferred to another squad. He hadn't been there, but the beat down that one had him leaving his office to investigate.

The result was a lecture and a whole bunch of paperwork, but so worth it because now that topic was taboo if a Squad Eleven member was anywhere nearby when it was stated. And he had made it clear to the Captain Commander, he'd not transfer her and that Kagome wouldn't leave. Explaining that if it were forced, they'd get to deal with her temper. Surprisingly the midget Captain of the 10th Squad had backed him up. Giving a detailed report of what she was like when in a good mood and not afraid to throw a knife at her Captain to keep him from her Kitchen.

Any other Squad wouldn't tolerate her actions. She was in his, Kenpachi's Squad, and that was where she would stay. Now he just wished she wake up because her Zanpaku-to's was rather annoying. He was having seen it switch to the large white dog. Another thing he wouldn't ever tell a damn person, not after that whole incident with everyone's Zanpaku-to coming alive and defying their owners.

Though, Kenpachi did agree with the Captain Commander. After Kagome woke up and was well enough, she would be sent on assignment to Karakura Town. Getting her away from Seretei and the Central 46, who were demanding that they get to interrogate her further about that Hollow and her reaction to it. They were claiming something as absurd as Kagome having all her previous life's memories.

She felt trapped, smothered, and though she knew she was not alone. A presence, familiar was always by her side, Kagome couldn't help the fear that kept her trapped. Why? How? These were the two predominant questions that plagued her mind. And dammit, she wanted answers.

"You are lost, confused, child of man."

Instinctively she went on alert. This voice, she knew it. She had spoken to this person before.

"Yes, you have, child of man. It has been almost nine years now."

She was sure if she were awake, she would be smiling darkly. Slowly she saw the blackness that had been trapping her start to fade to gray and white. There before her was an image she knew all too well. And Kagome gave a small bow.

"It is not necessary for you to bow, Shikon Miko."

Saying nothing, Kagome righted herself and stared at the God, Buddha, before her and waited patiently. There had to be a damned good reason he was showing himself to her now.

"There is. I will answer the questions that are plaguing you. Keeping you unconscious, Shikon Miko."

Immediately she was skeptical. Because the last time they talked, Buddha had given her another chance to have a life. Told her that she would have an opportunity. Implied, Kagome wouldn't be alone. But now, she had a Hollow that looked like a mishmash of two demons from her former life haunting her.

"You are correct; they are fused."

Still saying nothing, Kagome just stared at the God.

"You have come far, little one, and you are much stronger physically than you were. It was a surprise to me and my brethren that you had chosen the route you did. Especially after you used your Reiki to heal those in the Rukongai."

She was staying impassive when she wanted to scream and rant. Kagome filed away the knowledge that the other Gods were watching her as well. This was not a good thing. Never good when the Gods took an interest in you. Her life being messed up because of them was proof.

"That is a bit of a harsh assessment. But you are correct; when we do mettle in the affairs of mortals, things often get a little out of hand."

The jovial tone belied the seriousness of what was said. And all Kagome could do was shift her astral self to cross her arms over her chest and continue to stare.

"How and why you fought that Hollow. The two beings that compromise the Hollow are very well aware of their past life, unlike other Hollows that intentionally forget and thus crave souls to survive. They met, fought. Then at some point, while they were in a battle for dominance, they fused, creating what you saw."

This made sense for one question. But Kagome wanted to hear why.

"Because power calls to power. You and the Jewel are one entity. So, there will be those that always will seek it out. It is why I left you with your memories, Shikon Miko. As well as all your powers, because you are outside the circle of reincarnation."

Kagome felt shocked as her body froze up. There was no mistaking what Buddha had just told her. That was the knowledge that was important but dangerous. She knew while searching that the Jewel could with one wish (the wrong type) wipe out the existence of all she knew. That the Gods didn't like the damn thing, Kaguya was proof of that. Stupid Moon Goddess was an insane woman.

"You must return now, Shikon Miko. Many are worried about you. And as to why you couldn't answer, the Jewel protected you and put too much strain on you. Those who cast those wards and seals had used them to try and access your memories. Be careful who you trust from now on in the Seireitei. Especially the council of 46."

With that said, Kagome watched as Buddha vanished, and a calm washed over her. Then she had that familiar floating sensation as her subconscious began to merge with her conscious mind. It was time to wake up.

When she opened her eyes, Kagome had to orient herself. And when she did, Kagome felt the heat rushing to her face. Because she was being held up by her Captain and had a spoon with what tasted like water held to her lips. And it was almost comical how relieved he looked at seeing her looking at him.

"Good, you are awake. Drink your own damn water, woman. I am tired of babysitting your ass."

Kagome smiled up at her Captain as she felt the tic appear at the corner of her left eye. Yeah, she was back, and she was sure there was a lot to catch up on.

TBC!