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

Start of Training

Class was over for the first day and students were leaving the classrooms. Luke, Guy, Momo, and Senna were talking to each other about their first day and how they were going to start as they exited the classroom and walked in the hallway.

"Wait, Luke, Guy," A familiar voice spoke.

Guy and Luke were surprised and they felt they recognized the voice and then they turned around and sure enough it was Ion who had called them. Luke and Guy were surprised to see him.

"I-Ion?" Luke spoke surprised, "Ion, is that you?"

Ion smiled and nodded, "Yeah Luke, it's me."

"Ion," Guy said.

"Huh? Wait, you two know him?" Momo asked.

"Ion, you're here," Luke said, "here in the academy, in the Seireitei, in the Soul Society."

"Yeah, pretty much," Ion said.

"Ion…" Luke said.

"I think it would be best to exchange information, right?" Ion suggested.

"Uh yeah, that's a good idea," Luke said.

"Yeah I agree," Guy said.

Meanwhile in a small restaurant, Cantabile entered the restaurant and there she saw Gelda and Marcel who waved at her. Cantabile joined them and sat and ordered food.

"So you were quite busy yesterday helping out with the entrance exams at the academy," Cantabile said.

"Yes I was," Gelda said, "it always the same every year."

"Well?" Cantabile said.

Gelda nodded, "Yes Fon Master Ion… or I should say the seventh replica took the entrance exam and he passed."

"I see," Cantabile said, "so he took my advice."

"In fact, he was actually able to get in the Advance Class," Gelda said.

"Really?" Cantabile said, "That's unexpected."

"That's not all," Gelda said, "Gailardia Galan Gardios."

Cantabile flinched and looked at Gelda surprised.

"Hmm, what Erika, what is it?" Marcel asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Gailardia Galan Gardios," Erika said, "of House Gardios who ruled over Hod."

"Hod?" Marcel spoke surprised, "Wait, aren't you originally from Hod?"

"Yes I am," Cantabile said, "and so was Van. In fact, Van and Gailardia was close friends before the attack on Hod by Duke Fabre, the Hod War."

"Oh, I see," Marcel said.

"Anyway Gailardia took the entrance exam and passed as well," Gelda said, "in fact, he made it in the Advance Class."

"I see," Erika said, "so Gailardia too huh? But what happened?" Erika looked at Marcel, "How did he die?"

"Right," Marcel said with a sigh, "Van killed him."

Cantabile was shocked, "Van killed him?"

"Yeah, remember when I told you about how Asch killed his replica in Yulia City?" Marcel asked.

"Yes?" Cantabile replied.

"Well Gailardia couldn't tolerate that," Marcel said, "it's obvious that Gailardia still considers Asch's replica his close friend and he wasn't going to let it go so Gailardia killed him as revenge. Of course by killing Asch, it ruined Van's plan and Van confronted him about. They got into a serious fight and Van cut him down."

Cantabile couldn't believe it and clenched her teeth in anger and then she realized that it was something that Van would do as she knew that Van was willing to kill anyone who stood in his way, no matter who it was and it was a reminder of why she resented Van so much. Meanwhile back in the Shin'o Academy, Ion looked at Luke and Guy and nodded. Ion had told them after Guy split with him and the others and Luke and Guy were shocked in what they heard. They were surprised that from Ion knew that Tear was slowing deteriorating due the miasma that had accumulated in her body from working on the passage rings and that she was at the mercy of her brother Van. Natalia was on the run due of being found out that she was not the true Princess Natalia and that she was a substitute as the real Princess Natalia was stillborn. Mohs took advantage of the information he got received and accused Natalia of being a participating person of the destruction of Akzeriuth. Natalia was saved by Asch and they escaped but it was not long afterwards that Guy confronted Asch and killed him. Guy frowned and looked away when Ion mentioned it. Anise was revealed to be a working for Mohs and had lead Ion to the Seventh Fonstone in Mt. Zaleho and it was there when Ion lost his life. Luke and Guy were shocked to hear that about Anise but Ion pointed that Mohs held her parents hostage and he didn't held it against her. Ion had also informed that Jade tried to keep things together but in the end, he had to participate in the war between Malkuth and Kimlasca and the war was more intense and bloody and even the Hod War. As Ion finished his explanation, Luke looked down and felt sad at what he had heard and Guy frowned and shook his head in sadness. Luke then asked Ion if he knew what happened to Mieu. Ion shook his head as he told him that the last time he saw Mieu, he was with Tear and Tear was held by Van but didn't know what had happened to Mieu. Luke looked down and hoped that Mieu was able to get away.

Hueco Mundo

Asch was walking and felt bitter with everything that has happened.

"I failed to stop Van," Asch said bitterly, "I failed to kill him. I failed to prevent Akzeriuth from falling. I couldn't even help Natalia."

Flashback: Yulia City

Tear turned to face Luke and walked up a bit.

"How long are you going to stand there?" Tear asked, "Everyone's gone to the mayor's house."

"All they're going to do is keep accusing of stuff," Luke whined, "I don't want to go."

"You're even more pathetic than I thought, reject!" Asch said in disgust.

Luke, Mieu, and Tear turned and saw the God-General who looked at Luke with contempt.

"You!" Luke said in anger, "What are you doing here? Where's Master Van?"

Asch walked passed Luke and was astonished with his replica after everything that had happened.

"Ha, you still call him Master even after he betrayed you?" Asch replied.

"Betrayed me?" Luke responded shocked, "So Master Van did want me to destroyed Akzeriuth?"

"Dammit, if I had realized what Van was planning sooner, this never would have happened," Asch said bitterly and then turned to Luke with disgust, "and you… why didn't you think before using your hyperresonance?!"

"So you're saying it's my fault too?" Luke asked upset.

"Of course it's your fault!" Asch replied, "Don't even try to deny it."

"It's not my fault!" Luke insisted, "It's not my fault. It's not…"

"Are all replica brains this defective?" Asch asked annoyed.

"Replica?" Luke responded, "Master Van used the word replica too…"

"You still haven't figured it out?" Asch said surprised, "is this somebody's idea of a sick joke?"

"W-What the hell are you talking?" Luke asked.

"I'll tell you 'Luke'," Asch responded.

"Asch, stop!" Tear said.

Asch ignored her and just faced Luke with distain.

"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!"

Luke decided to draw his sword and face Asch and Asch was not impressed with what Luke's intentions.

"You want to fight replica?" Asch asked in a taunting tone.

"Stop lying!" Luke responded.

Flashback End

Asch growled as he kept walking.

"Stupid dreck," Asch said bitterly, "everything would have been fine if he wasn't so stupid. I did what I had to do so why the hell was I looked at with contempt. But then again, it was to be expected from Van's sister and that fool Guy."

Asch suddenly heard noises and he stopped and looked around.

"Are you the one?" A male voice asked.

"Huh?" Asch replied.

Seireitei, Soul Society

The first year students arrived at the dorms within the academy and they all went on their way to their assigned rooms. Luke just looked at the paper that told him where his room was and just went. Luke didn't hear Guy or Momo but then Luke did stop and when someone tugged on his sleeve. Luke looked and saw that it was Senna.

"Luke, come with me for a moment," Senna requested.

"Huh?" Luke replied confused.

Later on Luke and Senna were by themselves at another area.

"Luke, are you going to be okay?" Senna asked with concern.

"Huh, oh yeah, I'll be okay," Luke said and then sighed, "Just that after hearing what happened with Ion and in Auldrant. I can't help but to feel terrible."

"Just remember that you're not to blame for what has been going on," Senna said, "remember you were killed."

"Yeah, I know…" Luke said, "I'll be fine Senna, really but thanks."

Senna smiled in response, "It's what friends do and you and I will always be friends."

Luke smiled in response, "You're right. Thanks."

Luke and Senna went back and met up with Ion, Momo, and Guy. Luke assured them that he was okay and apologized for making them worry. The others assured that Luke didn't need to apologize and were just glad. Later on, Luke and Guy arrived at the room and it was a room that they were both sharing.

"Looks like you and I are roommates," Guy said.

"Yeah, it seems that we are," Luke said.

The rest of the first years started headed to their rooms and got familiar with them. Some students decided to take it easy for a bit while there were some who decided to some study in preparations. One thing for sure, it was going to be busy for the students as they would really begin their training.

The Next Day

It was the start of a new morning and Luke and Guy were still sleeping. They opened their eyes gingerly and looked up at the ceiling of his room. He both thought of something and quickly got up and went to get ready.

"Time for us to get go," Guy said.

"Yeah, we'll be doing some training with arts," Luke said.

Moments later, Luke and Guy were in their uniforms and headed out of their room and headed for class. Luke and Guy were in the hallway and there Luke saw someone he recognized and that person was Rukia.

"Oh Guy, go on ahead," Luke said.

"Huh?" Guy replied.

Luke went on and met with Rukia.

"Hey, Rukia," Luke greeted with a smile.

Rukia turned to Luke's direction and was surprised.

"Oh, it's you Luke," Rukia replied.

Luke stopped in front of Rukia and smiled.

"How've you been?" Luke asked.

"I'm fine," Rukia said, "on your way to class?"

"Yeah, I'm going to be starting with some of combat areas with demonstrations today."

"…What class are you in Luke?" Rukia asked.

"Me? Well, I'm in the advance class," Luke answered.

Rukia was surprised but kept her composure, "I see… that's good."

Luke rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, what about you?"

"Well, Class 2 for me and for Homura and Shizuku," Rukia said.

"Oh yeah, where are they?" Luke asked, "Are they not with you?"

"They went on ahead," Rukia said, "I told them to go on ahead. Anyway, I need to go and catch up to them. Take care Luke."

"Oh yeah," Luke said, "you're right."

"See you around Luke," Rukia said as she quickly left.

"Yeah, see ya Rukia," Luke paused for a moment, "I wonder, was it just me or did Rukia seem down…"

"Someone you know Luke?" Guy asked as he approached Luke.

"Guy… yeah," Luke said, "Me and Senna met her yesterday."

"I see," Guy said.

Luke and Guy arrived in class and sat in their seats with Momo and Senna with them and Ion arrived and greeted them. When class got started, the instructor of the class began his lesson with introductions and talked about the beginning of the Gotei 13 and its founder who was still the leader of the Gotei 13, the Captain-Commander himself Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Later on, it was Law and Government Class and students was jotting down notes as he was learning about Central 46 that serves the Shinigami royalty. They are made up of 40 wise men and 6 judges, selected from all of Soul Society. They are sealed into an enclave in the Seireitei called Seijotokyorin which no one else may enter, regardless of their military or civilian status. They act as a supreme judiciary organization whose authority puts it in direct control of the legal system. They handle all rulings on Shinigami and souls who have violated prohibitions. The students also were beginning to learn about the laws of the Soul Society and what would be the consequences should a Shinigami ever break any of the laws.

Two Hours Later

The students of the advance class were outside and ready to practice Kido. There were three lines of students that consist of groups. The Kido instructor explained that they would start with practicing with one of the Kido spells.

"All right, Group One to the line," The Kido instructor announced.

"Yes sir!" The students of Group One complied which included Momo and Luke.

"All of you, you will now demonstrate Hado," The instructor said, "Begin!"

"Right!" The students said in unison.

Luke and Momo put out their hands to start the spell.

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh," Momo chanted.

"All creation, flutter of wings," Luke chanted.

"Ye who bears the name of Man!" Momo chanted.

"Inferno and pandemonium," Luke chanted.

"The sea barrier surges," Momo chanted.

"March on to the south!" Luke chanted.

Luke and Momo chanted, "Hado #31: Shakkaho!"

Luke and Momo succeeded in hitting their targets with their spells while most of them missed their targets although Momo hit the corner of her target and Luke hit the side of his target but they were both happy that they hit their targets.

Luke was impressed with what he did and went back.

"Very good, next group…" The teacher announced as Luke and Momo went back to sit.

"Yes sir!" The students of Group Two complied which included Senna and Guy.

Luke had high fived both Guy and Senna as they were both impressed with Luke.

"That was a great shot," One of the female classmates said to Momo, "how you do it?"

"I only hit the corner," Momo said, "probably just luck."

"Well I'm still impressed," The female classmate said, "Most of them didn't even reach their target."

"Luke, that was amazing," Ion said.

"Thanks Ion," Luke said, "although I wish I had done better."

"But you still did great," Ion said with a smile.

Luke and Ion spoke with Momo and smiled and then they looked on and a shot was made that was loud and hit the target perfectly, completely destroying it. This surprised everyone in the class and people saw that it was Izuru.

"Was that the blonde guy?" Momo asked and when she saw the target, she was impressed, "Amazing shot and he hit a perfect bull's eye."

Luke was amazed, "Wow, did Izuru really do that? He's amazing."

Students continued to talk about Izuru's performance as the one in question went to sit back down. When Izuru glanced at Luke, Luke nodded with a smile.

"That was impressive Izuru," Luke said with a smile.

Izuru smiled at Luke, "Thank you."

"Well we know who got us beat," Guy said with smile.

"Yeah no kidding," Senna said with a smile.

"But you two still did well," Luke said, "in fact, I would say you two did better than me."

"Oh Luke…" Senna said.

Renji looked at Izuru and had his thoughts, "That guy's pretty good. Guess now I know who my competition in this class."

"Group Three. To the line," The instructor called.

"Yes sir!" Renji and the other students of Group Three complied.

Group Three students stood up and got ready and it included Renji and Ion who was ready.

Renji got in some sort of stance and was determined.

"Whoever he is, I'm not about to let him show me up," Renji said in his head,"So he destroyed the target, then I will too," Renji put his hand out and decided not to chant the incantation, "Hado # 31: Shakkaho!"

The result caused an explosion, causing some of the students to almost get caught in it and causing a panic. The smoke nearly cleared and most of the students wondered if Renji had lost his mind.

"Ah, that could have killed us all," Momo said stunned.

"W-What the hell…?" Luke said stunned as well, "Why didn't Renji do the incantation first?"

"Is… is he crazy?" Senna asked upset.

"Talk about reckless!" Guy said.

Ion was shaken up and sighed in relief.

"That was scary," Ion said.

"What was he doing, the fool," Izuru commented upset that one of his classmates would do something reckless.

The huge smoke cleared and smoke was emanating from Renji's body. The instructor was annoyed and pointed at Renji.

"Abarai, special instruction after class," The instructor said.

"Yes sir… ugh…" Renji complied feeling embarrassed.

Luke just looked at Renji and couldn't help feel sorry for him as he heard students were starting to laugh. Later on, the Advance Class students were in the Zanjutsu Training Hall.

The Zanjutsu instructor decided to have students go in pairs for sparring matching with bokkens to see where they were in skill. After the pairs were set, the instructor decided to call the first pair and it was a Luke and Guy. They picked their bokkens and faced each other and bowed to each other and smiled at each other as they were pleased to spar with each other and were reminded back in Auldrant of how they were train each other with their swords. Luke and Guy got in his usual fighting stances and the students whispered about it wondering about their stances.

"Begin!" The instructor spoke.

Luke and Guy began their sparring and they clashed their bokkens. The two were pushing each other back and forth and it looked to be an even match. After a few moments though, Luke was getting more aggressive and was pushing Guy back and then saw an opening and with instinct, Luke used one of his strike artes.

"Sonic Thrust!" Luke said as he performed the move.

This surprised Guy and Ion who was watching as the move hit Guy on his left chest area and he flew a few inches back and fell on the ground. This surprised everyone in the class especially the fact that it seemed to most that was a unique move that Luke performed. Guy simply sighed.

"Match, Suzunami!" The instructor announced.

Luke went to Guy and offered his friend his hand.

"Guy, are you okay?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," Guy assured as he took Luke's hand, "thanks buddy."

"Okay, next up…" The instructor said.

Luke and Guy sat with Senna and Momo.

"Say Luke, what was that move?" Momo asked.

"Oh that…" Luke said, "It's a sword move that me and Guy developed on our own."

"Yeah," Guy said.

"Oh… okay," Momo said impressed.

Soon, it became Renji and Izuru's turn for their sparring match. During the match, Renji was pushing Izuru back with his aggressive attacks leaving no room for Izuru to counterattack and all Izuru could do was defend. Renji went for the finish and struck Izuru on the chest area pushing his opponent back with such force and causing Izuru to fall on the ground hard and making him feel pain and wobbly.

"Match, Abarai!" The instructor declared as Renji sighed of relief.

Most students began to gather around to Izuru to check on him.

"Are you hurt? Can you get up?" Momo asked with concern.

One of the female students glared at Renji, "You didn't have to be so rough."

"Kira, are you all right?" the instructor asked.

Izuru nodded, "Yes sir."

Students were still talking and Renji gritted his teeth as he was annoyed and real upset.

An Hour Later

After the Zanjutsu class was over, there was a break. Senna decided to hang with Momo while Luke and Guy decided to spend time to relax. Luke and Guy sat and leaned on a wall of a building and felt relaxed as they had their eyes closed. The two friends then heard footsteps and then they opened his eyes and saw that it was Ion.

"Oh Ion," Guy said.

"Hey Ion," Luke greeted.

"Hi Luke and Guy," Naoto said, "You two look relaxed sitting there, mind if I join you?"

"Hmm, we don't mind," Luke replied.

"Go ahead," Guy said.

"Thanks," Ion said as he sat and leaned on the wall, "Ah yes, this is relaxing."

"It sure is," Guy said.

"Say Luke, there's something I want to ask you," Ion said.

"Oh, what is it?" Luke replied.

"Well…" Ion spoke.

Meanwhile, Renji was sitting by a tree collecting his thoughts. He was very frustrated about how things went and he didn't appreciate his classmate giving him a hard time. He decided not to let it bother him too much and just relax. Renji heard footsteps approaching closer to him.

"Resting up I see," Izuru's voice spoke.

Renji looked and saw Izuru.

"Hmm, oh, it's you," Renji replied.

"I wouldn't mind joining you there," Izuru said, "That okay?"

"Uh, sure…" Renji replied.

Izuru sat down by the tree.

"Thanks," Izuru said happily as he rubbed his wrist, "Got to admit, you really let me have it in class. I was so overwhelmed by your strength I couldn't even counterattack. My whole arm is still numb."

"Well, I'm sorry about that," Renji said feeling bad about what happened earlier, "I didn't mean anything by it but I kind of messed up at target practice earlier so felt that I needed to make up for that."

Izuru smiled, "Zan… ken… so… ki. Each of these four disciplines must be mastered before we can become Shinigami. We definitely got our work cut out if that's going to happened."

"Well yeah," Renji said, "I guess so."

Izuru suddenly offered for a handshake with a smile.

"Name's Izuru Kira," Izuru said, "Hi, it's certainly a pleasure to meet you fellow freshman."

Renji just looked at Izuru, "Introduction and a handshake, your family must be from the good side of town."

Izuru was confused, "Huh?"

"Manners aren't exactly my style," Renji said with a smile, "but my name is Renji Abarai and nice to meet you too."

"Ah, thank you Renji." Izuru responded happily

Izuru and Renji then noticed that there were students rushing to get somewhere.

"Huh?" Renji spoke.

"Ah… what's going on?" Izuru asked.

Izuru and Renji went to see what the commotion was about. Near the entrance of the Shin'o Academy, students were gathering to see and there were two lines made from the entrance. Momo and Senna looked around wondered what was going.

"Hey," Luke called.

The two girls turned and saw Luke, Ion, and Guy.

"Oh Luke, Guy and Ion," Senna said.

"Say, do you know what's going on here?" Ion asked.

"That's what we want to know ourselves," Momo said.

One of the male students turned to the confused five students

"What, you guys haven't heard?" The male student asked.

"Heard what?" Luke asked.

"They say that one of the Captains of the Gotei 13 is coming to inspect the class," The male student informed.

"Really, a full-fledged Captain?" Momo replied as she and Senna were pushed further.

Senna and Momo were pushed out of the line. Luke and Guy quickly took Momo and Senna's arms to have them stand next to him.

"Are you girls okay?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, thanks," Momo replied.

"I'm fine as well," Senna replied, "thank you both."

The two that were walking by and one had with silver hair with his eyes closed and a badge wrapped around his left arm and the other wore a haori who had brown hair and squared glasses. They were members of the Gotei 13's 5th Division. The one in front was Sosuke Aizen, Captain of the 5th Division and the one following him was Gin Ichimaru, the Lieutenant of the 5th Division. Momo and Luke were amazed at the two that were passing by.

"A real captain," Momo commented.

"So, he's a captain," Luke commented as he looked at Aizen, "I can feel his Reiatsu and it's incredible. He must be really strong. He may be even stronger than Master Van..." Luke smiled, "of course so is father, Matsuri, and Fujimaru."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Luke is met by two beings in a dream and then Luke meets the Shinigami that brought him in the Soul Society.