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

Shin'o Academy

After some time, Luke and Senna had just arrived at the Shino Academy. They looked at the building with awe.

"Wow, so this is the Shino Academy," Luke said.

"It's amazing," Senna said.

Luke and Senna looked around and saw people were going to the building. Luke stepped forward a bit and saw a few lines forming and a few Shinigamis directing the lines.

"Oh Senna look," Luke said, "these must be the lines to take the entrance exam."

"Okay, then that's where we need to go," Senna said.

Luke was excited and went on but he was looking around and wasn't paying attention of what was in front of him. Senna looked and someone and tried to call Luke to watch out but it was too late. Luke suddenly bumped into someone and he and the person he bumped to fell on the ground. Luke recovered and saw the person he bumped into.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Luke said with remorse, "Are you okay?"

Luke got up and offered his hand to the person he bumped into and it was Rukia that he bumped into.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Rukia said as she took Luke's hand and got up.

"I'm really sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Luke said.

"It's fine," Rukia assured, "I wasn't exactly paying attention as well, so I'm also at fault as well."

"Rukia!" A young man's voice called.

"Rukia!" Homura's voice called.

Rukia!" Shikuzu's voice called.

Luke looked and saw a young man that had long red hair that tied in an upper ponytail as well as the twins Homura and Shizuku.

"Renji," Rukia responded, "Homura… Shizuku.

Renji went up to check on Rukia, "Rukia, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Rukia replied.

Renji turned to Luke with a glare.

"Hey buddy, why don't you watch where you're going?" Renji said angrily.

"I'm sorry," Luke responded nervously.

"Renji, stop it," Rukia admonished Renji.

"But—" Renji spoke.

"There's no harm done," Rukia pointed out, "and besides, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going as well."

Renji kept glaring at Luke and Rukia elbowed Renji in the gut causing some pain to the taller red head while Homura and Shizuku just looked at Luke.

Rukia smiled at Luke, "Sorry about my friend, he can be… overbearing at times."

"No, it's okay," Luke replied, "I guess you four are here the entrance examination as well. I'm Luke."

Rukia nodded, "Nice to meet you Luke, I'm Rukia," she pointed her thumb to Renji, "and this is Renji," Rukia then turned to twin kids, "and these two are…"

"Hi I'm Homura," Homura said and then smiled, "I'm Rukia's sister."

"I… I'm Shizuku," Shizuku said nervously, "I'm her brother."

"I see," Luke replied with a warm smile, "It's nice to meet you all."

"Luke," Senna said as she came over.

"Oh Senna," Luke said.

"Luke, you should be careful," Senna said with concern.

"Yeah you're right," Luke said, "oh Senna…"

Meanwhile Ion had just arrived at the academy and looked at the building.

"So this is the place," Ion said to himself, "I wonder… can I really do this?" Ion was silent and then he sighed, "Guess I'll find out."

Back with Luke, Senna was introduced to Rukia, Renji, Homura, and Shizuku.

"It's nice to meet you all," Senna said with a warm smile.

"Y-Yeah, nice to meet you as well," Renji said.

"It's nice to meet you," Rukia said with kindness.

"Hey, you six, get in line, right now," A Shinigami said to the six individuals.

"Oh, sorry," Luke said to the Shinigami.

Luke, Senna, Renji, Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku scattered and got in their lines and waited in their lines. Luke and Senna were in such a rush that they accidently bumped into another person. This time, it was a young well-dressed man with short blond hair.

"Oh, are you okay?" The blond haired individual asked.

"Ah, yeah, sorry about that," Luke said.

"We weren't watching where we were going," Senna responded, "sorry."

"It's okay," The blonde haired young man assured, "no harm done."

"Hey Izuru, what are you doing?" A friend of his asked waving at him.

The young man that was named Izuru waved at him, "I'm coming," Izuru looked at Luke and Senna, "we'll I better get going."

"Yeah, no problem," Luke said.

"Yeah, anyway," Izuru said, "it was a pleasure to meet you...uh…?"

"I'm Luke," Luke answered and turned to Senna, "this is Senna."

"Your name is Izuru," Senna said.

"Yeah," Izuru smiled, "well, let's get through the entrance exam."

"Right," Luke responded smiling.

"Absolutely," Senna said with a smile

Izuru went on his own way.

"Hey Luke," Guy's voice called.

Luke and Senna looked and saw Guy with Momo with him.

"Guy," Luke said happily.

"Oh, is that your friend that you were telling me about?" Senna asked.

"Yeah, that's Guy," Luke said.

Guy and Momo met up with Luke and they were in a line together.

"I see, you're Senna," Guy said, "Luke told me about you. You really helped him out from the beginning and I want to thank you for that. Thank you for helping Luke."

"Oh it's not a problem," Senna assured, "really, if anything, Luke has helped me out more."

"But you helped me when I felt lost," Luke said, "even when I told about the things I did."

Guy had a sad expression and Momo was confused.

"Wait, the things you did?" Momo asked.

"Oh, just something from my past," Luke said, "things that I'm ashamed of."

"Luke, don't torture yourself," Guy said, "it's all in the past."

"Guy," Luke said.

"Anyway, I'm excited," Momo said, "let's work hard."

Senna, Luke, and Guy smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Momo, right?" Senna said, "I like your energy and enthusiasm."

"Thank you," Momo said, "it's a pleasure to meet you Senna."

Meanwhile Ion was in a line and he felt nervous.

"Should I really do this?" Ion asked himself, "I need to pass and hopefully it won't take me long. I just hope that I'll make it in time to find Luke.

Ion was worried about Luke.

"If only I…" Ion spoke with sadness.

Flashback: ND2018, The Qliphoth

On the deck of the large landship, the Tartarus that was heading for Yulia City, the party had their concerns, especially the Cheagle Mieu.

"No matter how far we go, there's nothing in sight," Guy commented, "Are we really underground?"

"In a way," Tear responded, "the place you live is known down here as the Outer Lands… the world's outer shell. It's a floating land supported by pillars known as Sephiroth Trees that extends from the Qliphoth."

"I don't understand," Natalia said.

"Long ago, the Outer Lands were here in the Qliphoth," Tear explained.

This surprised the others except for Ion when they heard what Tear had just said.

"Unbelievable…" Anise said still amazed.

"2,000 years ago, the miasma enveloped Auldrant and infected the land," Tear continued, "that is when Yulia read the seven-part Score, finding a way to escape destruction and bring prosperity."

"Based on the Score," Ion added, "Yulia proposed raising the planet's crust using the Sephiroth."

"And that was the beginning of the Outer Lands, huh?" Guy said, "That's quite a story…"

"Yes, only Maestros and above in the Order of Lorelei know," Ion explained, "As do those born in the Qliphoth."

This gave the other indication about Tear

"Then, you're from the Qliphoth, Tear?" Anise asked.

Tear simply nodded in response.

"At any rate we've fallen down here, we were saved thanks to Tear's fonic hymn," Ion said.

"Why did this happen?" Jade asked, "You said Akzeriuth was supported by a pillar, correct?"

"Yes but… that pillar disintegrated," Ion said.

"How?" Anise asked.

Tear and Ion looked straight at Luke and the others then looked at Luke when they saw Tear and Ion look at him and Luke was taken aback.

"I… I don't anything about it! I was just trying to neutralize the miasma!" Luke defensively said, "He told me that if I caused a hyperresonance there that the miasma would disappear!"

"My brother deceived you," Tear pointed out, "and you destroyed the pillar that supported Akzeriuth."

"N-No, that can't be…" Luke said as he was stunned.

"Van ordered you to stand by the passage ring," Ion said, "those passage rings are what supported those pillars. Tear is probably right. I was careless… I never dreamed that Van would make Luke do such a thing."

"I wished Luke had at least discussed it with us beforehand," Jade said, "neutralizing the miasma could have waited until the residents were evacuated. Of course, there's little point in saying that now."

"Yes, Akzeriuth is gone," Natalia said sadly, "thousands of lives lost in an instant."

"A-Are you saying it's my fault?" Luke asked upset.

Everyone else just looked at Luke and most were bothered that Luke would even ask such a question and the tone indicated that Luke refused to believe that it was true.

"It's not… it's not my fault," Luke insisted, "Master Van said… yes Master Van told me to do. I had no idea this would happen, no one told me. It's not my fault, it's not my fault!"

Jade felt disgusted with Luke's words and turned.

"Colonel?" Tear spoke.

"I'm returning to the bridge," Jade said, "if I stay here, I'll just be irritated by some ridiculous ranting."

Jade left and headed for the bridge and Luke turned upset with what Jade said.

"What's your problem? I tried to save Akzeriuth!" Luke countered.

Natalia walked over and looked at Luke with disappointment and shock.

"Ever since you lost your memories, you're like a completely different person," Natalia said.

Luke was upset to hear what Natalia said and watched as Natalia left.

"Y-You all couldn't do anything to stop it," Luke pointed out, "don't just blame me!"

"You're right, I'm powerless," Ion said, "but still…"

"Ion, don't even bother talking to him," Anise said, "He's not worth it."

Anise took Ion's hand to go to the bridge as well.

Flashback End

Ion shook his head as he was ashamed of himself.

"It was wrong of us to just blame Luke," Ion said, "I opened the door to the Sephiroth without thinking. I was such a fool yet no one was willing to call me out on it. Luke must felt that he was alone and especially for him to learn that he was a replica…"

"Hey you!" A female voice called.

Ion got out of his train of thought and looked at the female Shinigami who looked annoyed at Ion.

"You're up next," The Shinigami said, "move it."

"Oh yes," Ion said sheepishly, "sorry."

Ion rushed over to get on the platform where he met one of the instructors overseeing the entrance exam.

"State your name and where you're from," The instructor said.

"Yes," Ion said.

Meanwhile Luke was on the platform facing the instructor.

"I am Luke Suzunami," Luke said, "of the Suzunami Clan of the Seireitei."

The instructor wrote it down and nodded.

"Okay Suzunami, follow me," The instructor said.

"Yes," Luke said.

Senna just got on the platform and started as well.

"Senna Ryodoji," Senna said, "of the Ryodoji Clan of the Seireitei."

Guy got on the platform and spoke.

"Gailardia Galan Gardios," Guy said, "from the First District of West Rukongai, Junrinan."

The instructor wrote it down and nodded and then stood up.

"Follow me," The instructor said.

"Yes," Guy said.

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. Afterwards, Luke and Senna were proud of themselves as they were able to pass the entrance exams and they were also happy that Guy and Momo were able to pass their entrance exams as well. Elsewhere Ion was pleased and relieved that he was able to pass his entrance exam and elsewhere, Homura and Shizuku were jumping around with excitement that they passed the entrance exam along with Rukia and Renji. It was certainly a new beginning for those involved.

Hueco Mundo

Asch was walking and he scowled.

"Why did this have to happen?" Asch asked himself.

"Fragment of my soul," A voice said in Asch's head, "heed my voice."

"Lorelei," Asch said, "you still contact me even after all this time."

"Asch… no Luke," Lorelei said.

"That is no longer my name," Asch insisted, "it hasn't been since my life was ripped from me in Baticul."

The Next Day, First District of West Rukongai, Junrinan, Soul Society

Momo was patting Toshiro's head, much to the boy's dismay. Guy was standing by and smiling at Momo's gesture along with an old woman with them.

"We're going now, we'll see you later Little Shiro," Momo said cheerfully.

"Quit calling me Little Shiro and don't pat me on the head either," Toshiro said as he slapped Momo's hand away.

Momo just put her hands on her sides with a smile, "When you finally go to the same grown up school as we do, I'll use your real name."

"Forget that," Toshiro countered, "why would I go to some stupid Shinigami school?"

"Ah Toshiro, you putting up this tough front," Guy said in glee, "reminds me of a certain someone I know."

"It's not a front," Toshiro insisted.

"Sure whatever you say," Guy replied gleefully with grin.

"You really are annoying," Toshiro said to Guy with a glare.

"We both will be staying in the dorm from now on but we'll come visit you soon. Okay Little Shiro, bye," Momo said as she and Guy rushed off to head to the Shin'o Academy.

"All right, thanks for the warning. Don't hurry you two, especially you Momo the Bed Wetter!" Toshiro declared while scratching his stomach.

Seireitei

Within the Suzunami Manor, Luke was in his room checking himself in the mirror as he was in his uniform for the academy. Luke smiled and nodded.

"Great, I'm ready," Luke said.

There was a sudden knock.

"Luke, may I come in?" Seigen's voice asked.

"Yes Father," Luke said.

The door opened and Seigen came in with Fujimaru and Matsuri. They were impressed to see Luke in his uniform.

"Oh looking good Little Brother," Fujimaru said.

"It's suits you," Matsuri said happily.

"Thanks," Luke said, "I'll be ready to start my day and… I won't do anything to disgrace the Suzunami name."

"Relax Luke," Seigen assured, "the thought never crossed my mind and even still, don't worry about too much."

Luke was surprised and as he looked at the genuine expressions from his adoptive father and adoptive siblings, he smiled.

"Right," Luke said.

Meanwhile in the Ryodoji Manor, Senna was in her academy uniform and was making her way out.

"On your way to the academy," Ganryu said as he appeared.

Senna just looked at Ganryu, "Yes."

"Good," Ganryu said, "I'm counting on you to be above your classmates. Show them the greatness of being a member of the Ryodoji Clan."

"…I have to go," Senna said.

Senna rushed out and left the manor. Ganryu just looked back and then he grinned.

Meanwhile on the grounds of the Kira Manor, Izuru Kira had his eyes closed and was giving a silent prayer in front of the graves of Kagekiyo and Shizuka Kira, his deceased parents. Afterwards, he opened his eyes and looked at his parents' grave.

"Good bye Mother and Father, I'll come visit you again soon," Izuru said.

Meanwhile elsewhere, Rukia, Renji, Homura, and Shizuku were running as fast as they could to get to the Shin'o Academy.

"Great, now we're going to be late to our first day at school," Renji complained.

"Don't you blame this on me," Rukia responded, "What were you doing sleeping in a tree? We were looking everywhere for you."

"Yeah, it's going to be your fault if we're late Renji," Homura added.

"Renji just like to sleep like a lazy bum," Shizuku added.

Renji got annoyed and glared at the three siblings.

"I'll do whatever I want to," Renji countered as he and Rukia were glaring at each other, "it's none of your business where I sleep anyway."

Rukia got angry, "Ooouuugh, we should've just left without you, it would have served you right!"

Within the Shin'o Academy, Luke and Senna had just arrived back in the school. They looked at the building and the people that were entering in. Luke took a deep breath and used both of his hands and slapped both of her cheeks and had her game face on. Senna simply looked on as he felt prepared.

"All right, today is our first day Luke," Senna said.

"Yes," Luke nodded, "I'm ready.

Luke and Senna went in the building and saw a huge crowd of people lining up in different lines. They looked around and a faculty member went up to them and directed him go to one of the lines. After some time, Luke and Senna were given their class schedule and another paper of where is dorm is with who he is sharing and the informational booklet of the academy and what's to be expected. Luke looked at his schedule and was shocked as he saw what class he was placed in. The young red head couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Wow, is this real?" Luke asked to himself, "I just wanted to do well enough to get in… I never expected this."

"It's the same with me Luke," Senna said, "we should just be glad. It just means that we have talent."

"Yeah, you're right," Luke said.

"Luke, Senna," Guy's voice spoke.

Luke and Senna saw Guy and Momo and they waved each other and then they walked together. An announcer spoke throughout the academy.

"Welcome new students to the Shino 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."

In the classroom that was designated to be the homeroom of the Advance Class, students walked in the room and getting settled for the class by sitting in their seats, a bald teacher with glasses walked to the podium and faced the new freshmen students and the students settled down and paid attention.

The teacher spoke, "Let me introduce myself students. My name is Gengoro Onabara. I'm also pleased to inform you that of all the incoming freshmen, your test scores on the entrance exams were the highest. In other words, welcome to the advance class, congratulations. Of course this means the expectations of you are higher as well. You must train hard and strive to not merely serve your future division, but to excel in each of your various pursuits."

Luke was sitting in the class and internally, he was very nervous. He hoped that he wouldn't screw up as he felt the pressure of being in the advance class. He then noticed three people that were in the class and they were the two people he met yesterday for the entrance exam as he saw Renji and Izuru. He also noticed someone wasn't in the advance class and it was Rukia along with Homura and Shizuku.

"I guess they didn't make it in the advance class," Luke said in his head, "well, I'm sure I'll see her again from time to timestill, I can't believe that I'm in the advance class."

Meanwhile in the classroom designated as the homeroom for Class Two, the students were sitting in their seats as the teacher began.

"Just because you're not in the advance class, it doesn't mean you have any less of a chance of excelling," The teacher said, "In the end what matters is hard work. If you train as hard as you…"

Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku were in the class listening in the teacher although Rukia was not particular happy with the arraignment.

"Stupid Renji, I should be in the advance class, not him," Rukia thought clearly upset about the whole arrangement.

Back in the Advance Class's homeroom, Ion was sitting in the class and was listening to the teacher and then he saw two people that he recognized and was surprised.

"Is that…?" Ion spoke in his head.

Sure enough, the two people that Ion saw was Luke and Guy.

"Luke," Ion said in his head surprised, "Guy… it's really them."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Luke and Guy meet up with Ion surprising them and then the lessons and training begins.