Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach and Tales of the Abyss.

A New Friend

"What's your name?" The girl asked.

Luke finished up the rice ball and started to get himself up.

"I'm Luke," Luke answered.

"I see, what an interesting name," The girl said and then she happily nodded, "My name is Senna. It's a pleasure to meet you Luke."

"I see, Senna…it's nice to meet you," Luke said feeling humbled.

"Likewise," Senna said with a smile.

"Um well, thank you so much for the food," Luke said, "you saved me…even though you didn't need to trouble yourself."

"Hey, hey now," Senna said, "don't be like that. I just did what I wanted to do. I don't like turning a blind eye on someone who's in trouble."

"I see," Luke said, "you're a lot better than me," Luke looked around, "so is this really the Soul Society?"

"By that question, I take it that you're new here," Senna deduced.

"Y-Yeah," Luke said with a nod.

Senna smiled, "Walk with me a bit and I'll tell you where we are."

"Uh…o-okay," Luke responded.

Luke walked with Senna and Senna was telling Luke exactly where they were in the Soul Society.

"The Rukongai?" Luke asked.

"That's right," Senna responded, "it's the largest portion of Soul Society and the most populated and is divided into 320 districts with 80 in North, 80 in West, 80 in South, and 80 in East. The Rukongai is the residential area of the Soul Society.

"So, where exactly are we in the Rukongai?" Luke asked as he looked around.

"We're in the 3rd District of the West Rukongai," Senna answered. "It's referred to as Hokutan."

"I see, so we're in the 3rd District on the Rukongai's West side," Luke said.

"Yep, oh just so you know," Senna continued, "Each numbered district in descending order on how far they are from the center. This results in the higher-numbered and farther districts decaying into slums, so while District 1 on each side is peaceful and lawful, the highest is District 80 and it's the most hardscrabble, violent, crime-infested area."

"So the further the district, the more crime ridden and non-peaceful it gets," Luke said.

"Pretty much," Senna said with a nod.

"What is this center you spoke of?" Luke asked.

"Oh right, that would be the Seireitei," Senna said.

"The Seireitei?" Luke asked.

"Yes, it's the capitol of all of the Soul Society," Senna explained, "the people who live there are members of the nobility and members of the Seireitei's military forces."

"Wait, so there are nobles in the Soul Society?" Luke asked amazed.

"That's right," Senna said with a nod.

"The military forces," Luke said, "as in an army?"

"Yes and there are three branches," Senna said, "the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukido, and the Kido Corps."

"I see…" Luke said.

Luke continued to follow Senna as he was being told about the Rukongai and of the Soul Society. Senna also explained to Luke that souls who feel hunger are also a sign that they have some spirit energy and Luke was surprised at that as well. Senna showed Luke around the places within Hokutan and Luke was starting to get a better understanding about where he was now. Senna then led Luke to a hill and when they got to the top, Luke looked at the view and was surprised.

"Wow, this is…" Luke spoke.

"Yeah," Senna said, "what you're seeing the city that I told you about. This is the Seireitei."

Luke was astonished seeing the Seireitei.

"So, that's the Seireitei," Luke said.

Later on, Luke and Senna were heading back.

"Thank you for what you did Senna," Luke said, "now with that, I think it would best that I go."

"Huh, go?" Senna asked, "Go where?"

"Um…well, somewhere," Luke answered.

"Do you even have a place where you can stay?" Senna asked.

"Um…no but I should try to find somewhere on my own," Luke said.

"You don't have to go at it alone," Senna said, "if you want, you can stay with me."

Luke looked at Senna and couldn't helped but be reminded of Ion who showed him kindness as well. Luke felt a pang of guilt as he was reminded of how he acted towards Ion in Deo Pass and he felt ashamed and disgusted with himself.

"You really are kind person Senna," Luke said with a sad smile, "you have shown kindness to me since I got here and I appreciate that," Luke then had a sad expression, "and that is why that I'm disgusted with myself."

"Disgusted with yourself?" Senna responded surprised, "But why?"

"I'm a horrible person," Luke said sadly, "I'm a despicable person who really doesn't deserve to be anywhere near a kind person like you."

"Luke, why are you saying such things about yourself?" Senna asked upset that Luke was putting himself down.

"It's because it's true," Luke said clenching his teeth in sadness, "not only that…I'm a…I…" Luke found it hard for him to say it, "I'm a terrible person that killed innocent people when I was alive."

Senna was shocked in what she just heard and when Luke saw that expression, he was sure that Senna would be disgusted with him and wished she never helped him.

"That's right," Luke said with sadness, "I killed innocent people when I was alive and all because I listened to someone I considered to be my idol, my mentor…but I was nothing to him and I alienated others just to do what he wanted and I…I destroyed a city and killed the people in it."

"Luke, you…" Senna spoke stunned.

Luke looked at Senna and thought in his head, "It's over…" Luke bowed to Senna, "I'm sorry. I won't bother you again. I'll get my disgusting presence out of your sight."

Luke turned and left and Senna shook her head and called for Luke but Luke was fast and left. Luke continued to keep walking.

"It's better this way," Luke said, "I don't deserve to be with anyone. I was a selfish stupid brat who took things for granted. All I did was paid attention to myself and I didn't even see myself clearly at all. No more…so with that…isolation for myself…" Luke thought back to the Tartarus and one by one, people were turning their back to him and upset of his action and that the only one who would stay with him was Mieu.

"Mieu," Luke spoke, "I was really terrible to him," Luke clenched his teeth again, "who the hell was I to talk down on Mieu when I did something without thinking."

Luke stopped and fell on his knees.

"I'm alone," Luke said with sadness, "it's what I deserve and with I did…I don't belong here. I belong to be somewhere where I'm tortured for all eternity for the sins I've committed. I don't deserve any happiness…or to be around people," Luke looked up in the sky, "I wonder what the others are doing right now."

Luke sighed sadly and then he got up and continued on his way.

Auldrant

The party of Asch, Natalia, Anise, Jade, and Ion were on their way to the city Belkend. They had just left the port and were travelling to get to the city.

"Do you think we'll find out what Van is up to in Belkend?" Anise asked.

"I don't know," Ion said, "but we don't have any other leads at the moment."

"Indeed, we should just go and investigate Fon Machine Lab 1 in Belkend," Jade said.

"Yeah, Van has been in and out often," Asch said, "so we're bound to find some clues."

"Oh yes, I'm certain that we'll find something," Natalia said.

The group continued on their way to Belkend. Ion walked with the others but he had thrown disapproval glances at Asch. Ion wondered if it really wise for him to go with someone who had killed Luke in cold blood. Ion got sad about Luke's death and he also concluded that it was his own fault as well. Ion hated himself for not being able to help people when it really counted and he felt guilty thinking that if he had really done something, try more than he believed he should have, he could have prevented the tragedy that occurred in Yulia City. Ion would never forgive Asch for killing Luke and he wouldn't forgive himself as well. Anise had noticed Ion's mood and she sighed sadly. She knew exactly why Ion was feeling the way he was and it frustrated her. The group arrived in Belkend and they looked around the city.

"So this is Belkend," Jade said.

"Yeah, this is the place," Asch said, "let's keep moving."

The group went on their way in the city of Belkend and they arrived at Fon Machine Lab 1. They went inside the lab. What they didn't know was that they were being seen by someone who was sitting on the roof of one of the buildings. It was the Shinigami that had sent Luke to the Soul Society.

"The people that replica was travelling with," The Shinigami said, "and the original," The Shinigami frowned and he folded his arms, "Commandant Grants believes that he'll change the world for the better and my sister is going along with it."

There was a roar that was going on and the Shinigami looked over to the side where the roar was coming from.

"There," The Shinigami said, "okay, time to get work."

The Shinigami hopped up and was floating in the air and ran to where the roar was coming from. Meanwhile, Asch and the others were in the facility trying to get some information. They went in the next area and there they were met by fomicry researcher who was an old man who wore glasses. Asch stopped and recognized the man and he got angry. The old man was Spinoza and he was involved with Van and Asch seven years ago.

"Luke!" Spinoza said surprised, "No, Asch."

"Hmph, so the traitor to Kimlasca still lives in this city," Asch said disgusted, "what a joke."

"What do you mean 'traitor'?" Natalia asked.

"This guy was involved in my kidnapping," Asch said pointing at the old man.

The others were shocked and then Jade deduced on something looking at Spinoza.

"Don't tell me you're the one who broke the ban on Fomicry," Jade said.

"It's just as you imagined Jade," Asch said.

Spinoza was surprised when he saw Jade.

"Jade!" Spinoza said, "The Necromancer!"

"Applying fomicry to living creatures is forbidden," Jade explained glaring at Spinoza.

"Every fomicry researcher longs to try it at least once," Spinoza replied, "You're no different Jade Curtiss," Spinoza narrowed his eyes at Jade, "Or should I refer to you as Dr. Jade Balfour," Spinoza pointed at Jade, "You're the father of Fomicry. In fact, you made dozens of replicas in the past."

The others were surprised at what they heard and Jade just stood calmly.

"It is true," Jade admitted willingly, "I won't deny it. I did indeed propose the principle of fomicry."

"Then you have no right to criticize me!" Spinoza responded.

"I'm sorry but I'm not interested in mutual wound-licking," Jade calmly rebuked, "I have no intention of covering someone just because they committed the same sin as I. I'm well aware of what I've done, that's why I forbade it. The replication of living organisms presented both technical and ethical problems," Jade pointed at Spinoza, "You, a fomicry researcher, should know well the fate of the first replicas of living creatures."

Spinoza was taken back and then the old man had his head down.

"I…but I…I only helped Van with his preservation project," Spinoza said, "I figured that if all we were doing was recording the replica information…"

"Wait, preservation project?" Asch interjected, "What are you talking about?"

Spinoza was surprised as he looked at Asch.

"Wait, you didn't know?" Spinoza asked.

"Tell us!" Asch demanded.

"I can't," Spinoza responded shaking his head, "I shouldn't have said anything in the first place."

Spinoza took off in a hurry and the group just looked on as Spinoza left and Asch clenched his teeth as he wondered what was going on.

Soul Society

Back in Hokutan, the 3rd District of the West Rukongai, Luke was walking in the forest with a sad expression.

"Thanks to Senna, I know where I am now," Luke said.

Luke was still filled with guilt about everything that had happened when he was alive in Auldrant and it was like a stab wound to his heart. Luke stopped and decided to stop walking for a bit. He saw a boulder and sat on it.

Flashback: Katsbert Ferry

"Calm down Luke," Van assured, "first we avert the war and then let everyone know of that success," Van smiled, "if we do that, it will establish your status as a hero who preserve the peace. At the very least, it would end any ideas and attempts to keep you of being a prisoner in your own home."

"Do you really think so Master Van?" Luke asked.

"Don't worry Luke," Van said, "Have confidence in yourself. You have been chosen. The power of your hyperresonance will make you a hero."

"A hero," Luke said pondering on the idea, "me…a hero…"

The sound of the Katsbert Ferry's horn went off and Luke and Van looked on.

"It sounds like we'll be arriving soon," Van said and then he looked at Luke and patted him on the shoulder, "cheer up Luke, a sullen face isn't becoming for a future hero."

"R-Right," Luke said feeling better.

Another Flashback: Dungeon within Baticul Castle

"Master, how come you're so nice to me?" Luke asked.

"…Ah that's right," Van replied, "that was also lost with the rest of your memories."

"Did I say something before?" Luke asked.

"When you were young, you told me you wanted to go to Daath with me," Van said, "you underwent cruel experiments for the purpose of hyperresonance research and you wanted to run away from this country. That is why on that day seven years ago…I kidnapped you."

"Wait, you kidnapped me?" Luke replied surprised, "Not Malkuth."

"This time, I won't fail," Van said determined, "I need you Luke."

"…This is the first time anybody has ever said that they needed me," Luke said feeling grateful, "you're the only one who's ever praised me and scolded me and taken me seriously," Luke smiled and was determined, "Master, I'll join you."

Van smiled, "Good and then let be on our way, to seize your future."

"Yeah!" Luke said with excitement.

Flashback End

Luke placed his hand on his face and was clenched his teeth.

"Master Van lied to me," Luke said upset, "he's been lying to me from the beginning. I acted like I knew what to do and figured that as long as Master Van was around, things would work out for me. I was so clueless and then…"

Flashback: Yulia City

"Why do you think you and I have the same face?" Asch asked with a glare.

"H-How should I know?" Luke responded confused.

"I'm a noble who was born in Baticul," Asch explained, "Seven years ago, I was kidnapped by a villain named Van."

Luke was shocked, "You can't mean..."

"That's right," Asch said, "you're a second-rate copy of me, a mere replica!"

Luke was stunned but he shook his head, "You're lying, it's not true, it's not true!"

Flashback End

"But it is true," Luke said sadly, "every bit of it," Luke chuckled sadly, "I didn't lose my memories, I never had any in the first place."

Luke got up and kept walking. As Luke kept walking and thinking at the same time, he suddenly felt a terrible pain to his head.

"Aaarrgghh!" Luke was in pain with his hand on his head.

"Fragment of…my soul…heed my voice…" The voice said in Luke's head.

"W-What is this?" Luke spoke feeling the pain from his head and fell on his knees, "Errh, I thought I wouldn't have to go through this after I died," Luke was enduring the pain, "Damn it, why is this happening to me?"

"Heed my voice…" The voice said, "Luke…heed my voice…Luke…!"

Luke struggled trying to endure the pain.

"Luke! Luke!" Another voice called.

"Huh?" Luke responded, "S-Senna?"

Luke looked over and saw Senna rushing towards him. The voice stopped and Luke's pain gradually went away as Senna went to Luke's side.

"Luke, are you okay?" Senna said with worry, "Please answer me."

Luke shifted his eyes and looked and saw Senna and stared at her for a moment.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Luke answered.

"Thank goodness," Senna said with relief, "I was worried when I saw you writhing in pain."

"Wait, did you come looking for me?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, of course I did," Senna answered.

"But why?" Luke said as he got up, "I was sure that you wouldn't bother with me after what I told you."

"Well, I couldn't exactly just leave you alone," Senna said, "at least not with the sadness you had in your eyes."

Luke looked away feeling ashamed, "You really don't need to worry about me. I'm not someone worth being concern for."

"You keep saying such gloomy and depressing things," Senna said, "'I'm not worth the concern. I'm a terrible person. I'm disgusted with myself.'" Senna sighed, "Luke, I don't know what you were like before and I don't know what happened but I don't believe that it's good to put yourself down so much," Senna smiled, "Look, why don't you just stick with me for a while."

"Senna…?" Luke asked.

"The truth is that I'm actually alone," Senna said, "and I know it hasn't been long since we met but I really like having you around."

"Why?" Luke asked.

"Well if I had to give my reason," Senna said thinking about it a bit, "intuition."

"Intuition?" Luke asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, I don't the whole story about you Luke but with the impression I'm getting from you, I don't think that you're as horrible as you say you are…in fact, I see your eyes and all I see is sadness and someone who lost his way and his belief to himself."

"And I don't deserve to be—" Luke spoke.

"Luke stop," Senna interjected, "no more okay?"

"I…" Luke spoke and then had his head down.

"Let's go," Senna said, "Just you and me."

"S-Senna," Luke spoke looking at the purple haired girl.

Senna smiled at Luke and held out her hand. Luke looked and then he reluctantly took Senna's hand and got up. Senna grinned happily.

"You took my hand," Senna said happily, "then it's settled."

"What's settled?" Luke asked.

"From now on, you and I are friends," Senna declared.

"F-Friends?" Luke asked surprised, "Really?"

"Yeah," Senna said happily.

"You really don't mind being friends with someone like me?" Luke asked.

"Not at all," Senna said, "so what do you say Luke? You'll be my friend, right?"

"I don't want to cause you any problems," Luke said.

"I know you won't but if you do, we'll simply deal with it," Senna said, "that what friends do."

"Senna, I…" Luke spoke.

Luke thought about what had happened in Auldrant and then when Senna approached him and helped him out and even gave him info about being in the Soul Society. Luke was grateful to Senna and smiled.

"Senna, thank you," Luke said.

"You're welcome," Senna said happily, "and…I like that smile you're giving me. That's expression I wanted to see."

"I see," Luke said still smiling.

Luke and Senna laughed happily. Luke decided to start over in the Soul Society and try to not to let himself be completely consumed by his past actions and guilt. Luke thought about his time when from his seven years in the manor, being transported with Tear from Baticul to Malkuth territory, dealing with the God-Generals and the schemes regarding of the Order of Lorelei, going to Akzeriuth but destroying it instead of saving with learning Van's true nature and the disgust and disappointing looks from Tear, Guy, Natalia, Jade, Anise, and Ion with Mieu trying to cheer him up, and finally learning the truth of his origins from Asch who was his original and fighting him which why he was now dead and residing in the Soul Society. Luke knew there was nothing he could do about what was going on in Auldrant and he had no way to make up for what he had done but he figured this was sign for him to move forward and make something of himself. Senna became his new friend and to repay her kindness towards him, Luke decided to stick with her and figured that things may not be so bad after all with Senna with him.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Back in Auldrant, Tear and Guy learns the truth of the reason Akzeriuth fell and they head back to the Outer Lands while dealing with Luke's death.