Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Bleach and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Academy Start
Ramza was standing by a tree on a hill. He made his intention known that he was going to be a Shinigami. In one week, he was going to leave for the Shin'o Academy. Ramza for now was staring at the district that he had been living in for a decade.
"Time has passed," Ramza said to himself.
"It sure has," A male voice said.
Ramza turned and was surprised to see that it was Yosuke.
"Yosuke," Ramza said.
"Hello Ramza," Yosuke greeted.
"I didn't expect you would visit again so soon," Ramza said, "you were just here a week ago."
"I had some time on hands," Yosuke said.
"I see," Ramza said.
"I just spoke to my brothers," Yosuke said, "they told me that you intend to be a Shinigami."
"Yes it's the truth," Ramza said.
"I see," Yosuke said, "if you don't mind me asking, what made you decide to be a Shinigami?"
"Well if I had to give an answer for my choice," Ramza said, "I want to be able to defend myself and people who can't defend themselves. What happened ten years ago with Reddo summoning the Archaeodaemons and how things occurred showed me that and not only that, I feel that I would learn about things that I can only get if I live in the Seireitei as a Shinigami."
"I see," Yosuke said.
"I know it won't be easy," Ramza said, "it's not meant to be easy but still I think I get what Kosei said to me in the past about not being complacent."
"Kosei," Yosuke said, "anyway, I'm actually glad that you want to do this. We can protect the Soul Society."
"Yes and maybe I'll do a better job than I did back in Ivalice and prevent needless bloodshed," Ramza said.
"Ivalice?" Yosuke asked.
"Ah sorry, never mind," Ramza said.
"You seem to do a lot of thinking about," Yosuke said, "more so with your past."
Ramza didn't respond and just looked out at the district.
"Anyway, I'll be rooting for you Ramza," Yosuke said, "I hope eventually we will be working together."
"Sure," Ramza said with a nod, "thanks Yosuke."
Ramza and Yosuke looked out of the district.
"Ramza," A female voice said.
Ramza and Yosuke turned to see Meliadoul and Satsuki.
"Meliadoul," Ramza said, "Satsuki."
Meliadoul looked at Yosuke and nodded at him.
"It's good to see you again Yosuke," Meliadoul said.
"Likewise," Yosuke said, "it's only been a year since you been here and yet it feels as though you've been here for a long time."
"Right…" Meliadoul said and then she turned to Ramza.
"So what brings you two here?" Ramza asked.
"Since you intend to become a Shinigami," Satsuki said, "Meliadoul and I made our own decisions."
"Okay, and what would that be if you don't mind me asking," Ramza said.
"Ramza," Satsuki said, "we will be joining you."
"Joining me?" Ramza replied, "Wait, what do you mean?"
"It means that we will be going with you to become Shinigami," Meliadoul said.
Ramza was surprised, "You want to join me in being Shinigami?"
"Of course," Meliadoul said, "you and I are close allies. It's only natural for me to join you. You intend to aid in keeping the balance and protect the Soul Society. It will be no different performing knight duties for country but now it expands to worlds."
"I see," Ramza said and turned to Satsuki, "Satsuki?"
"I want to follow the same path as you," Satsuki said, "for years, I have done nothing but stayed in the district meanwhile people like my sister are doing heinous acts. I never want to go back to the Seireitei but I don't want to run from my past anymore. I want to do what I can. I don't know if it will be much but whatever talent I have, I want to use it help people and defeat ones that intend to bring harm to people and even the Soul Society itself."
"I see," Ramza said.
"If that is the case, then I wish you all luck," Yosuke said, "I'm rooting for all of you."
"Thank you Yosuke," Satsuki said.
"I should head back," Yosuke said, "I have to get prepared. I have much to do the next day."
Yosuke was walking and turned and waved at the three people who waved back. As Yosuke was walking, he spotted Takeshi.
"Takeshi?" Yosuke spoke.
Takeshi saw Yosuke and looked away with a bitter expression. He then turned and ran away. Yosuke was confused at Takeshi's action and sighed and just went on his way.
Seireitei
Yosuke had just arrived back in the Seireitei and was heading back to the First Division Barracks.
"Ha, I figured that it was you," A male voice said.
Yosuke was surprised as he turned and saw that Kosei who smiled.
"Kosei, it's you," Yosuke said.
"Hey now, no need to be so stiff," Kosei said, "We're all comrades now."
"If you say so," Yosuke said.
"Anyway, how are things back in Takame?" Kosei asked.
"Everyone there is fine," Yosuke said.
"I see…" Kosei said, "what about Ramza?"
"He's fine," Yosuke said, "he actually plans to be a Shinigami."
"Oh?" Kosei replied as he was pleased, "So he finally came around. That is good. Someone like him shouldn't let his talents go to waste just sitting and doing nothing."
"Why are you so concern with Ramza Beoulve?" Yosuke asked.
"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Kosei replied, "Because I find him interesting."
"You find him interesting," Yosuke replied raising an eyebrow, "That's your reason?"
"There more to him that meets the eye," Kosei said, "he's rare with power and talent and if pointed at the right direction, he could help change things for the better."
"What are you talking about?" Yosuke asked.
"If things go the set path, you might be able to see what I'm getting at," Kosei said, "anyway take care Matsuzaki."
Kosei left leaving Yosuke confused and being concerned if Kosei had plans for Ramza that was not good. Yosuke sighed and headed for the First Division Barracks. There was a Shinigami who was standing and he was an old Shinigami with slick back gray hair and a beard. He was surprised when he heard Yosuke and Kosei talk. He was specifically surprised to hear a certain name as he did not expect to hear.
"Ramza Beoulve?" The old Shinigami said surprised, "Is he here? Is he really in the Soul Society as well?"
One Week Later, District 40 of West Rukongai
Ramza, Meliadoul, and Satsuki were walking and they looked back seeing people who were seeing them off including the two Matsuzaki brothers. As the three left to the take the entrance exam, someone looked on from a distance and it was Takeshi who just frowned. The teenage boy clenched his teeth and left.
Seireitei
People were gathering and heading to the Shin'o Academy. Nobles and residents of the Rukongai alike were arriving to take the entrance exam in order to be enrolled in the academy. Ramza, Meliadoul, and Satsuki came from the western gate and looked around and were in awe.
"So this is the Shin'o Academy," Meliadoul said.
"A lot of people here as always," Satsuki said as she looked around.
"Is it always like this?" Ramza asked.
"Yes, every year people come whether from within Seireitei itself or from the Rukongai to take part of this and be Shinigami," Satsuki said.
They were seeing Shinigami directing the people arriving to get in lines for the entrance exam.
"Shinigami here," Meliadoul said.
"Yes and it's always the First Division that handles this," Satsuki said.
"Isn't Yosuke part of the First Division?" Meliadoul asked.
"Yes," Ramza said as he looked around, "I don't see him here so he could be at one of the other entrances."
"Anyway, we should go ourselves," Satsuki said.
"Right, it wouldn't do us go just to stand here," Ramza said.
Ramza, Meliadoul, and Satsuki went on their way and got in line for them to take their exams. Meanwhile in the eastern gate, people were coming from the East Rukongai coming in and headed for the academy for the entrance exam as they were being directed by the Shinigami keeping charge. One of the people was Isilud and he looked around.
"Here we are," Isilud said.
Two came and stood behind Isilud and both were dark skinned.
"So we can become a Shinigami here," A female voice said.
"That is assuming we pass the exam first," A male voice said.
Isilud looked back at the two who spoke and had a sad expression.
"Will you stop looking at us like that?" The female voice said.
"Staring at us with sadness is not going to help either of us so please I request that you stop," A male voice said.
"You're right," Isilud said as he turned, "my apologies Marach and Rapha."
Rapha and Marach Galthena stood behind Isilud. Rapha wore a white and red robe with a green sash while Marach wore a white and blue robe with and a green sash. From the northern gate, Tietra arrived and looked around.
"The Shin'o Academy," Tietra said.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" A female voice asked.
"Yes I'm sure," Tietra said and then turned, "I'm happy that you came with me Alma."
Tietra was facing the young woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail and it was Alma Beoulve who wore a light red robe with a white sash.
"It is fine," Alma said with a smile, "I'm just glad to be with you."
Tietra was touched by Alma's words. Meanwhile from the southern gate, Ovelia looked at the building that was the Shin'o Academy.
"This is it," Ovelia said.
"Yes, but are you sure about this?" A female voice asked.
"Yes, this is what I want to do," Ovelia said and then she turned her head to the side, "I apologize for my selfishness."
"You have nothing to apologize for Your Highness," A female voice assured.
With Ovelia was actually Agrias Oaks who wore a light blue robe with a red sash.
"I want to make it clear," Agrias said, "I want to stay by your side. I want to do what I can to be your sword and shield and…" Agrias had a sad expression, "I want to make up for my failure to protect you. I should have stayed with you and I failed you for not doing so when you requested."
"No please don't Agrias," Ovelia said, "I accepted and understood what you and Ramza had to do and besides, in hindsight I'm glad you left to do what you had to do because had you stayed, you would have suffered as well and be used and thrown away by Delita."
Agrias was aggravated as she recalled what Ovelia had told her that led to her death by the hands of Delita. She was disgusted and disappointed when she remembered that Ramza considered him his friend and assured that he was a good person. She wasn't sure how Ramza would feel if she somehow met him again and told him the truth as she was aware that Ramza had suffered betrayals before. Ovelia then turned to her other side and four other people were with her and Agrias. There were two young woman and they were also part of the Lionsguard. They were Alicia and Lavian who wore white robes with black sashes. They were two young men and it was Ladd who wore a brown sleeveless robe with yellow stripes and Mustadio who wore a gray sleeveless robe with a dark blue sash.
"So we shall do this," Mustadio said.
"So if we make it through, our jobs will be protecting the Soul Society and keep the balance," Ladd said.
"Yes," Alicia said.
"Of course," Lavian said.
"Let us be our way," Ovelia said.
"Yes of course," Agrias said.
"Oh and one more thing before we go," Ovelia said.
"Yes what is it Your Highness," Ovelia said.
"Please stop referring me as 'Your Highness'," Ovelia said.
Agrias, Lavian, Alicia, Mustadio, and Ladd were surprised.
"I am no longer royalty as far as I am concern," Ovelia clarify, "we are no longer in Ivalice and not only that my life that I knew or given to me is over and I now am just someone who is going to protect the Soul Society."
Back at the western side, Ramza, Meliadoul, and Satsuki were in line as people were going up on platforms to introduce themselves to the faculty members. Not long, Ramza was called up next to go up and was directed by one of the three instructors who are doing registrations and overseeing the exam.
"State your name and where you are from," One of the instructors said.
"Ramza Beoulve," Ramza said, "from the Fortieth District of West Rukongai, Takame."
The instructor wrote it down and nodded.
"Very well Beoulve," The instructor said, "follow me."
"Yes," Ramza replied with a nod.
Meliadoul just got on the platform and started as well.
"Meliadoul Tengille," Meliadoul said, "I am from the West Rukongai's 40th District, Takame."
Satsuki got up on the next platform and spoke.
"Name and where you are from," One of the instructors said.
Satsuki had her hands together and nodded.
"Of course," Satsuki said, "Satsuki Akechi of the Akechi Clan of the Seireitei although I did reside in the 40th District of West Rukongai, Takame for the past twenty years."
The instructor was surprised and looked at Satsuki.
"Akechi?" The instructor asked.
Satsuki just looked at the instructor with a nod. People were taking the entrance exam and it was a long process to get through everyone applying and going through the process which included showing amount of spirit energy that they had and some knowledge if they knew about the four combat areas and if they had any skill of performing any of them. It was a long time and process going through every person taking the entrance exam but soon people were leaving the Shin'o Academy. Some were disappointed that they didn't pass the entrance exam and were told that if they desired that they would have to come again next year while some were able to pass the entrance exam and were giving their uniforms and were told to come back tomorrow morning for the entrance ceremony and it would be then they would know what class they would be placed in. Ramza, Meliadoul, and Satsuki came out and they were pleased because all three of them passed their entrance exams. At the northern side, Tietra and Alma left and they both were able to pass their exams and were leaving with their uniforms. At the eastern side, Isilud, Marach, and Rapha also passed their entrance exams and were leaving with their new uniforms. At the southern side, Ovelia along with Agrias, Mustadio, Alicia, Lavian, and Ladd left pleased as they all also passed their entrance exams leaving with academy uniforms.
Human World
Three people were walking and were going up to a hill. It was Argath and Gaffgarion and they were accompanying Amatsuki.
"There," Amatsuki said, "this is the place."
Gaffgarion and Argath looked and saw a temple and it looked like that it was falling apart.
"This is the place that is your base?" Argath asked, "You must be kidding. Wouldn't someone spiritually aware be able to find us immediately?"
"There's a special barrier that I created," Amatsuki said, "it will block on prying eyes and senses and not even the people in the Soul Society will be able to find us."
"If you think it will work well then I can go behind it," Gaffgarion said.
"Just going along with it…" Argath commented.
"You're here sir," A male voice spoke.
Argath and Gaffgarion looked and were surprised to see someone and Argath was shocked to see as he recognized the person even though when saw him before for the first time, he was dead.
"You…" Argath said.
Argath and Gaffgarion saw Gustav who was standing in front of entrance of the rundown temple.
"Oh, these are the ones…" Gustav said.
"Good work Gustav," Amatsuki said with a smile.
The Next Day, Seireitei, Soul Society
An announcer spoke throughout the academy.
"Welcome new students to the Shin'o Academy," The announcer said, "You're now part of a proud tradition. A unique school dedicated to building the forces of the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukido, and the Kido Corps of the future. Apply yourselves diligently to your studies and uphold the honor of our school."
Later on in the room designated to the Advance Class One, students were in coming in the class and they were taking their seats and a teacher walked in the class. The teacher was an old man who was bald and had a beard and wore glasses.
"Greeting students," The teacher started, "I am Shinnosuke Mogami and I will be your homeroom teacher. I am pleased to say that out of all scores of the entrance exams, your scores were among the highest and with that, I welcome you all in the Advance Class. Of course it means that the expectations of you all here will be higher. So with that, you all must train hard to not only serve in whichever division you may end up in your futures, but to also excel in your various pursuits."
In the center of the classroom, Ramza was sitting in the class and sitting next to him on his right was Meliadoul and sitting on his left was Satsuki. They were listening very carefully to what their teacher was saying to them. On one side, Agrias was listening but was shocked when she saw Ramza and Meliadoul. On the other side, Isilud, Rapha, and Marach were stunned seeing Ramza and Meliadoul as well and they couldn't believe it as Rapha covered her mouth with her hands and tears started to form from her eyes. In the room designated to Class Two, students in Class Two were sitting in their seats and the teacher was a man who had short brown entered the classroom and the teacher began by introducing himself.
"Hello students," The teacher started, "My name is Keitaro Shimazu and I will be your homeroom teacher and I welcome all to Class Two. Now I know that some of you may feel discouraged because you didn't make it to the Advance Class. Let me just say that yes, those in the Advance Class did have much higher scores on their entrance exams however that should not discourage any of you. The fact that you all passed the entrance exams shows that you do have what it takes, acceptable spirit energies. Just remember that not being in the Advance Class does not mean you can't excel. After all, what really matters is hard work no matter where you are."
In the center of the classroom, Alma and Tietra were sitting and listening to the teacher. On the right side of the classroom, Ovelia looked and was surprised to see someone who she had not seen for a long time and someone who she considered her only friend, Alma. Lavian, Alicia, Mustadio, and Ladd were sitting with her and they were surprised as well seeing Alma. The time began as students began their knowledge and training to be Shinigami of the Soul Society.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Surprising meetings and reunions.