Welcome!

This is the first Volume in my first series, so constructive criticism is appreciated. Reviews are trades for constant updates!

(Enjoy the story, too!)

Story Notes: This is in Kana's POV.

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Chapter 1: Voices…

I died when I was four.

No one knew why, or even how. Even to me it's a mystery. Everyday I wonder how my mother is, how she feels about losing her daughter so shortly after losing her son and her husband. I wonder if she feels fate has betrayed her somehow. And I wonder the same thing.

How? Why?!

Those are questions I can never answer.

But I will tell you how I was on the path to become a Shinigami. Well, you see, my brother was already a Shinigami when I reached Rukongai. He had managed to locate me and came to see me as often as he could. My brother Ichirou has grown.

He's taller than he used to be, muscular, and more confident.

Though my eyes would always travel to his katana at his side. He explained that it was a "Zanpakuto", a manifestation of its owner's soul, used in battles. My brother also mentioned that they had special abilities, and that they were your partners in battle.

Ichirou smiled as he said this.

I asked him, "Can I become one?"

His eyes glowed, but he said nothing.

Smirking, I stood and left the hut. "Silent as always, Ichirou-kun."

And soon after, my Reiatsu, which Ichirou also explained about, seemed to be out of control.

Thus my neighbors suggested the Shinigami Academy. They were overall annoyed with me, and wanted me out as soon as possible, but I knew that was the best option.

I enrolled, hoping to get a spot.

That was a failed attempt.

My neighbors protested at my return.

I did not say a word, disappointed. But my brother returned that day, encouraging me to try again the following year, knowing this was my path, as well as his.

And so I did try again.

That was a failed attempt as well.

This was beginning to irritate me. Was I really not good enough?

And Ichirou, this time, did not return. He had died in a recent battle.

I cried, and I couldn't speak a word. I remember him saying: "Those who are strong do not fear death, nor regret it if that fate befalls them."

Did Ichirou feel fear when he stepped onto that battleground?

Did he know he would die?!

Most likely not, but this thought invaded my mind. I did not sign up the following year, which irritated my neighbors even more. They even began to beg for me to leave.

And so I did.

I became a wanderer, and got in constant fights. I never won, of course, but every battle sharpened my rough skill more and more.

I trained myself, in the history of Soul Society and Kendo, in which I used a stick, but still managed.

The year after, I enrolled again.

I finally made it.

My teachers were surprised with my knowledge, but I had learned enough bits and pieces from snatches of conversation on the streets of Rukongai, and had enough training to manage enough in the beginning Kendo classes.

After a few years, my graduation from the Academy happened. I gazed at the sky on that day. I whispered, "Are you watching, Ichirou? Are you proud?"

I surely hope he was.

I was assigned to Squad 2 that day.

And that was the start of it all.

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I hope you liked it!