Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach and Tales of the Abyss.
A/N: I would like to give credit and thanks to EvanderAdvent for the name of Luke's Zanpakuto and the abilities for it.
Departure and Activation
The first years of the Advance Class returned from their field exercise in the Human World. There was sighs of feeling relief that they were able to come back alive. There were questions of how a Huge Hollow was able to sneak up on them. Momo, Izuru, Luke, and Renji were having their conversations as they came back as well. Ion, Guy, and Senna breathed easily and felt relived as well. Captain Aizen walked by and gave smiles for the students of the Advance Class. After some time, the students were in the buildings of the Shin'o Academy. Momo, Luke, Izuru, Renji, Senna, Guy, and Ion were all outside standing by a building.
"I'm so relived," Luke said.
Izuru chuckled although he did feel embarrassed panicking in the face of the Huge Hollows, "Yeah, me too."
"Yeah, so am I," Momo said and felt happy regarding Aizen, "Captain Aizen was amazing."
Luke got excited as well, "Yeah, did you see how he and Lieutenant Ichimaru fought? They were so strong. Captain Aizen blew away that Huge Hollow with just his Reiatsu. Man, Captain Aizen is so cool."
Momo giggled and agreed with Luke, "Yeah, it was amazing. I bet if we work real hard and train well, we'll be just as strong as them one day."
"Heh, are you kidding?" Renji spoke, "I doubt any of us would be just as strong as them. The captains and lieutenants are like monsters."
Luke and Izuru sighed and Momo shook her head.
"Oh, what happened to all that confidence you had at our field training?" Senna goaded.
"Yeah Renji," Guy said, "Didn't think you would lose your confidence so easily.
Renji flinched and glared at both Guy and Senna, "Hey, I have confidence; I'm just stating a fact about the captains and lieutenants, that's all."
"Sounds like a pitiful excuse to me," Luke said with a grin.
Renji grabbed Luke's head and gave him a glaring grin, "Hey Luke, buddy, you shouldn't be saying things like that."
"Anyway, I've decided on something," Luke said as he got Renji to release him.
"Hmm, what is it?" Momo asked with curiosity.
"When we graduate from the academy," Luke said, "I intend to join Captain Aizen's division."
"Oh, you too?" Momo replied.
"Too? Momo, you plan on joining 5th Division as well?" Luke asked.
"Yeah, ever since we first saw him when he came to inspect the class," Momo explained happily, "I was amazed at the Reiatsu he had."
Luke was amazed and then he smiled and extended his hand to Momo.
"Let's do it Momo," Luke said.
"Huh?" Momo replied.
"When we graduate from the Shino Academy, let's join Captain Aizen's division," Luke said with excitement.
Momo smiled and took Luke's hand, "Yes, let's."
Momo and Luke smiled and laughed. Meanwhile in the Kuchiki Manor, Byakuya Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki Clan who also set to be the new Captain of the 6th Division, was staring at a photo. It was the picture of Hisana, his wife who had passed away a year ago.
"Hisana," Byakuya started, "I have found her. I shall fulfill my promise to you."
A vassal came to by to see Byakuya, "Lord Byakuya, it's time to go."
Byakuya looked back at the servant and nodded and then looked at his late wife's picture, "I'm going Hisana."
Byakuya then prepared to leave and set out what he intended to do. Back in the Shin'o Academy, the students of the Advance Class were all feeling joyful and that was because they had their results of their field training and all students passed with flying colors despite the incidents with the Huge Hollows attack. Luke, Guy, Senna, Izuru, Renji, and Momo later on thanked Ion for his helped and they also praised him for his used of a high level Kido. Ion felt humbled and assured that he was just helping out and they are the one who deserve thanks for what they did despite what might have happened. Later on, Renji along with Luke and Senna decided to go see Rukia to tell her about their progress although Luke and Senna went with Renji just to make sure he didn't rub it in on Rukia. Luke felt bad about what happen before they left for the Human World and decided to try to make Rukia feel a bit better. As they got to where they saw Rukia, they call out to her.
"Hey Rukia," Renji called with excitement, "we did it. We pass our exam."
"It's great Rukia," Luke said happily, "once we pass our next one, we—"
Luke stopped himself when he, Senna, and Renji noticed that Rukia along with Homura and Shizuku were with some people and one of them was Byakuya Kuchiki. Rukia, her siblings, Byakuya, and his entourage saw Renji, Luke, and Senna.
Renji noticed the head pieces on Byakuya's head, "Those are…kenseikans… he's a noble, no doubt but what are the nobility doing here and what do they want with Rukia?"
"Byakuya Kuchiki," Senna said.
Renji was surprised as he looked at Senna.
"Hello Byakuya," Luke said with a nod.
"Luke?" Renji said.
"Oh my," An old servant of the Kuchiki Clan said, "it's Luke Suzunami and Senna Ryodoji."
"Yes, hello you two," Byakuya said.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised," Renji said in his head, "Luke and Senna are from noble families as well."
"Renji, Luke, Senna," Rukia said.
"Alas though it seems that we've been interrupted," The old servant said.
"Uh, um, sorry about that," Luke said, "we didn't know."
"Hmm, well no matter," Byakuya said.
Byakuya and his entourage decided to leave.
"We do hope that you will accept our proposal," The old Kuchiki vassal said looking at Rukia, "and of course you can be assured that your younger siblings are included as well."
Byakuya walked passed Renji and Luke and Byakuya nodded at Luke and Senna and then he went pass Senna.
"His Reiatsu is amazing and strong," Renji said in his head, "I can just feel how strong he is."
After Byakuya and his entourage left, Renji, Senna, and Luke looked over to Rukia, Shizuku, and Homura.
"Renji, Renji," Homura said.
"Renji," Shizuku said.
"Hey you two," Renji said as he greeted them warmly.
"Um…" Rukia spoke with concern.
"Oh hey, Rukia," Renji spoke.
"Um, Rukia, about Byakuya…" Luke spoke.
Rukia looked away nervously.
"You know who that was," Rukia said, "of course, I forgot that you two are from noble families as well."
"But still," Renji said, "Byakuya Kuchiki as in from the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Great Four Noble Houses of the Soul Society."
"It's surprising that you have such visitors," Senna said.
"Yeah," Rukia said looking away.
"So Rukia, if you don't mind me asking," Luke said, "what was it about?"
Rukia stayed silent for the moment.
"Huh, so it's a secret," Renji guessed, "is that—"
"That's not it," Rukia interjected, "it's just…"
"They want to adopt us," Homura said.
"Yeah, they want to make us members of their family," Shizuku said.
"Wait, really?" Luke replied as he Renji and Senna were surprised.
"That's right," Rukia said, "in addition, they say that they will have us graduate from the Shin'o Academy immediately and even have us placed in one of the divisions of the Gotei 13 but that depends solely on me if I accept," Rukia looked away with worry, "to be honest guys, I really don't know… I don't know what to do."
"Rukia, whatever you decide, we'll support you," Homura said.
"Yeah, we're with you forever," Shizuku said.
"Homura," Rukia said, "Shizuku."
Renji smiled and put his hands on Rukia's shoulders, "You say yes Rukia."
Rukia looked at Renji with a surprised expression, "Renji?"
Luke and Senna looked at Renji with a surprised expression as well and so did Shizuku and Homura.
"This is fantastic," Renji said happily and then looked at Luke and Senna, "don't you think it's fantastic you two?"
"Uh, well, I…" Luke spoke.
"Renji…" Senna said.
Renji looked at Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku with a huge grin.
"Don't you see Rukia?" Renji asked, "You're in. You and Homura and Shizuku are in. The Kuchikis are a powerful noble family and now you're going to be one of them," Renji laughs with joy, "you're going to live the rest of your life in luxury, wearing fine clothes," Renji turned to Luke and Senna, "Hey Luke, Senna, What do you nobles normally eat?"
"Um well it depends," Senna said.
"I see," Renji replied and turned back to the three siblings, "but man, I'm jealous and not only that, you three get to graduate immediately. This is wonderful news. It really is the best thing that ever happened to you three. Well you deserve it."
Renji joyfully laughs and Rukia looks down while Luke and Senna couldn't bring themselves to really say anything and they actually got depressed. Truthfully for Luke and Senna, it upset them that they only got to know Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku for two months and all of a sudden they would end up leaving for the Kuchiki Clan. It would be a problem for Luke since he was part of the nobility and he has visited the Kuchiki Manor with his father and aunt and it wouldn't be a problem for Senna either even more so since her father has been discussing things with Byakuya ever since he became Head of the Kuchiki Family. Although truth be told, she had a feeling her father was plotting and was trying to get Byakuya involved. Luke and Senna were not sure if Renji would get the chance to see and talk to Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku and they wondered if Renji was really okay with what was happened as they knew that Renji and Rukia were very close and that they grew up together and they were family to each other.
"Do you really think so Renji?" Rukia asked as Renji continued to laugh.
"I'm practically speechless," Renji responded.
Rukia took Renji's hand and held on for a bit.
"Thank you Renji," Rukia whispered as she left with tears in her eyes, "Homura, Shizuku… come with me."
"Rukia, wait!" Homura said.
"Rukia," Shizuku said as it seems like he was about to cry.
Homura and Shizuku looked at Renji looking upset and disappointed and then they went after Rukia. Renji stood still and had a downcast look and Luke went up to Renji while just stood and looked back at where the three siblings went.
"Renji, are you really okay with this?" Luke asked with concerned.
"It's not my call Luke," Renji answered.
"Renji…" Luke said.
"Rukia, Homura, Shizuku, they finally found a family Luke, a real family. It wouldn't be right to interfere," Renji looked at Luke with a smile, "Anyway Luke, we should go and get something to eat."
"Renji," Senna said looking at Renji.
"Don't worry about me," Renji assured with a grin, "I'm fine really and anyway we should be happy for them."
Renji went on ahead and Luke felt sad and put his hand on his head.
"Luke," Senna said.
"I'm such an idiot," Luke said, "Renji… Renji is just trying to be considerate. He just wants them to be happy. That's how much he truly cares about them."
"Yes it's true," Senna said, "but you're not an idiot Luke. Please don't label yourself like that."
"Senna," Luke said as he turned to her and approached and got close to Senna, "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Senna said as she held on Luke's hands, "as long as you understand."
Not long afterwards, Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku caught up with Byakuya and his entourage and gave her answer that she would accept the proposal. Byakuya nodded and his old vassal smiled and thanked Rukia for accepting. Everything was set to have Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku adopted in the Kuchiki Family and for them to graduate from the Shin'o Academy and placed in one of the Gotei 13's divisions.
The next day
Rukia, Shizuku, and Homura were leaving the Shin'o Academy in their Shihakusho and looked backed at the Shin'o Academy.
"Well this is it," Rukia said, "Are you two ready?"
"Yes," Homura said as she and Shizuku nodded.
"Okay," Rukia said.
Rukia looked at the academy and saw Luke and Senna looking from the window. Luke and Senna waved at the three siblings and the three siblings waved back. Afterwards, Rukia, Homura, and Shizuku ran to where Byakuya Kuchiki was waiting for them and they respectively bowed to him. They left the grounds of the Shin'o Academy. From one of the windows of the hallway of the academy, Renji looked on as he saw the three people leave with the noble Byakuya.
"Well, this it for them," Renji commented, "from now on, they will have it easy, no more hardship, yes, this how it should be."
Luke simply looked at Renji and then looked to see them gradually leaving their sights. Later on, Luke was sitting on the side of a building with Guy and Ion.
"I see," Guy said, "so Rukia and her little siblings left."
"Yeah," Luke said.
"To be adopted in the Kuchiki Family," Ion said, "and from I understand, they are one of the Four Great Noble Families."
"That's right," Luke said.
"Well I'm sure you'll see them," Guy said, "sure they ended up leaving the academy and joined the Gotei 13 way early but hey, you can run into them again."
"Yeah… yeah, that's true," Luke said.
Luke thought about Renji and his response and thought about how Homura and Shizuku reacted towards Renji.
"I'm sure they wanted Renji to say something completely different," Luke said in his head.
Hueco Mundo
Asch was on the ground and he was panting. Asch was in a different form and it was like his original form before being a Hollow. A cloak was just placed on him and Asch held on to it. Asch looked up and saw Arturo who just looked at Asch and had his hands in his pocket.
"So you're the one called Asch," Arturo said.
"Who the hell are you?" Asch said.
"Your master," Arturo said with a grin.
"What?" Asch replied deadpanned.
"You heard me the first time," Arturo said, "after all you owe me now for what you are now."
A Week Later, An Unknown Place
Luke was standing and saw he was in the same place as he was in his dream.
"What, I'm here again?" Luke asked in his head, "I was in my Zanjutsu class trying to contact my Zanpakuto spirit and now I'm here. Wait, does that means… this is place is actually the Inner World… my Inner World?"
"Hello again Luke," The male voice said.
Luke turned and saw the same red noble coat with white gloves, white slacks and red boots wearing, white haired gold eyed being that he first met again.
"We meet again," The white haired person said.
Luke just looked at the white haired person.
"Are you… my Zanpakuto?" Luke asked.
The person raised his arms and nodded with a grin, "Yes, I am. Now all is left is for you to say my name."
"Your name…" Luke said.
"Luke, I've been calling for you more times since you and I actually met," The Zanpakuto spirit said, "c'mon Luke, I'm …"
The Inner World was fading for Luke and he look around.
Shin'o Academy, Seireitei, Soul Society
The Zanjutsu Class was taken place and Luke along with his classmates opened their eyes and they all looked around and saw that they were outside in the field for their Zanjutsu Class. Students muttered themselves of how it went for them in trying to contact their Zanpakutos. Some of the students were disappointed with their attempt. Renji, Izuru, and Momo were discussing of how they were actually able to talk to their spirits of the Zanpakuto while Luke was amazed and yet frustrated that he was still not able to hear the name of his Zanpakuto. Guy and Ion talked about asked each other and Senna sighed and nodded.
The Next Day
Luke, Guy, Ion, and Senna entered their homeroom and saw Renji with Izuru and Momo and they went to chat with them. The homeroom instructor, Onabara arrived in the classroom and students were taking their seats giving their teacher their full attention.
"Good morning students," Onabara greeted.
"Good morning Sensei," The students greeted back.
"Now as you all remember that yesterday, you all made the attempts to make contacts with your Zanpakutos. As of result of the exercise yesterday and from what we've observed, only six students in this class came close. So today, those six students will have the chance to actually contact and finally activate their Zanpakutos. Now to oversee with activating the Zanpakutos of those six students, we have someone from the Gotei 13 who's here," Onabara turned to his left, "you may come in."
Someone entered the class it was Gelda and the students were muttering among themselves about the person walking in.
"Students, this is Gelda Nebilim, she's the Fourth Seat of the First Division," Onabara introduced, "she will be overseeing the six students chosen."
"Hello everyone, it's nice to meet you all," Gelda greeted with a smile.
The students were amazed that someone from the First Division came by.
"The First Division," One of the male students said.
"That's led by the Captain-Commander himself," One of the female students said.
"I heard that all members of the First Division can be really intimidating," Another female student said.
"The First Division's Fourth Seat will oversee the activations of the Zanpakutos?" Another male student said, "Oh man, I hope I'm one of them."
Onabara cleared his throat, "When I call your names, please come to the front of the class," Onabara had a paper with list of the six students, "Izuru Kira."
"Oh," Izuru spoke and then stood up and went to the front of the class.
"Momo Hinamori," Onabara said.
Momo nodded and stood up and went to the front of the class.
"Gailardia Galan Gardios," Onabara said.
"All right," Guy said with a smile as he stood up and went to the front of the class.
"Senna Ryodoji," Onabara said.
"Oh, me too?" Senna replied surprised, "Okay."
Senna stood up and went to the front of the class.
"Renji Abarai," Onabara said.
"Yes," Renji said as he stood up and walked to the front of the class.
"And… Luke Suzunami," Onabara said.
"Oh, okay," Luke said.
Luke got up and went to the front of the class joining his five friends.
When Luke got to the front of the class, he noticed that Gelda was smiling at him and Luke responded with a smile and nod. Luke and Guy realized that Ion was not going to join and they looked at Ion. Ion gave the expression that they shouldn't worry about him and he was glad to see them and the others being able to move on.
"All right," Onabara said, "you six standing here are on the verge of activating your Zanpakutos. Follow Fourth Seat Nebilim and good luck."
"All right, let's go," Gelda said.
"Yes ma'am," The six students said in unison.
Outside in a training area, the seven individuals arrived in a field and the six students had their swords with them.
"As you all know," Gelda started, "you six are the closest of learning the names of your Zanpakutos so now and we're going to see if you can really activate your Zanpakuto. Are you ready?"
"Yes ma'am," The six students said in unison.
"Good, let's begin," Gelda said.
Gelda had the six students stand in their own spots in various places within the area of the field and the six students began to make their communications with their Zanpakutos. Gelda looked on as the students began to concentrate and to make communications with their Zanpakutos. They all concentrated as they prepared to enter their Inner Worlds.
Luke's Inner World
Luke opened his eyes and saw that he was back in the place where ground he's standing on was darkish purple and the sky was of mix of light red and gold and he also saw various tall rock formations.
"Luke," The familiar voice said.
Luke turned to see his Zanpakuto spirit.
"Hello again," Luke greeted.
Luke's Zanpakuto spirit sighed, "Luke, why can't you say my name?"
Luke just sighed, "I don't know, it's not easy for me."
"Oh come on, seriously…" The Zanpakuto Spirit replied.
"Well, what do you want me to say?" Luke asked.
"Just concentrate, my power is yours to wield but it's pointless if you can't hear," The white haired person said.
"Hear…" Luke said.
"My power is yours to wield," The Zanpakuto spirit said, "you created it, shut everything out and feel it, I'm calling for you Luke… my name Luke, my name is …"
Luke tried to concentrate and was trying to hear the name of his Zanpakuto.
"Hear the sounds Luke…" The spirit said, "say my name…"
Training Field
After some time, one by one, the chosen students of the Advance Class were able to call upon their Zanpakutos.
Izuru had just activated and observed his Zanpakuto, Wabisuke and Momo had also activated her Zanpakuto, Tobiume.
Gelda clapped her hands and smiled, "Excellent work you two."
Momo and Izuru bowed to the Fourth Seat and simultaneously said, "Thank you Fourth Seat."
Renji had just called and activated his own Zanpakuto, Zabimaru and Izuru and Momo were impressed at what they saw.
"You did it Renji," Momo said happily.
"Way to go Renji," Izuru added.
"Thanks," Renji said with a smile and looked at his own Zanpakuto.
Gelda nodded, "Congratulations you three for activating your Zanpakutos. Now for the remaining three…"
Gelda looked at Luke, Senna, and Guy.
Senna's Inner World
Senna looked on and was facing a young looking woman who was dressed as miko and the winds were blowing like crazy around them.
"You can do it Senna," The miko said, "say my name. You know what my name is."
"Yes," Senna said.
Guy's Inner World
Guy was standing a floating platform and sky was dark gray and thunder and lightning striking violently and standing before Guy was a huge white tiger.
"You already know Gailardia," The tiger said, "you've always known."
"Yeah, I know it," Guy said, "you are…"
Luke's Inner World
"Remember what you said you'll do," The white haired individual said, "you said that you will become a Shinigami and protect the Seireitei, protect the Soul Society, remember?"
"Yeah, of course," Luke replied.
"Hear my sounds resonate, hear my sounds to tap into my power as they are yours to wield," The white haired person said.
Training Field
Senna opened her eyes and looked at her Zanpakuto which took the form of a Khakkhara with a pointed tip.
"Mirokumaru," Senna said.
Guy also opened his eyes and held the released formed of his Zanpakuto with the blade being all pale white with black stripes.
"Byakko," Guy said.
"All right," Gelda said, "excellent work you two. You did it."
"Guy," Senna said happily.
Guy looked at Senna happily and gave high fives to each other.
"Congratulations you too," Gelda said.
"Thank you ma'am," Senna said.
"Now the only one left…" Gelda said.
There was a sudden resonating sound and the sound effected and surprised Gelda and the five students. After the sound faded, they looked and they saw Luke holding his own Zanpakuto in its released form which was a long sword.
"That came from you Luke," Izuru said.
"Yeah sorry, it was my Zanpakuto that made that sound," Luke said, "my Zanpakuto, Nanatsu no Oto."
Luke looked at his Zanpakuto and was amazed. Momo, Renji, Izuru, Senna, and Guy clapped their hands happily.
"You did it Luke," Momo said with a smile.
"Way to go Luke," Guy added with a smile.
Luke looked at his five classmates and rubbed the back of his head with a smile, "Thanks guys."
"You activated his Zanpakuto just fine," Senna said.
Gelda went to Luke and nodded, "Excellent work Luke."
Luke bowed to Gelda, "Thank you ma'am."
"Gather together," Gelda said and the six students stood side by side and the Fourth Seat of First Division continued, "With that, you all succeeded. Congratulations all six of you of learning the names of your Zanpakutos. However, as you all are aware that just learning the names of your Zanpakutos is not enough. You have to communicate with your Zanpakutos and learn from them. By doing so, you and your Zanpakuto will sync together and become stronger with each other."
"Yes ma'am." The students said in unison.
"Good, it's time for all to head back and remember to train yourselves with your Zanpakutos."
"Yes ma'am, thank you for today Fourth Seat Nebilim," The six students said in unison and they bowed.
Soon, Luke, Izuru, Momo, Renji, Guy, and Senna were discussing things and they each looked at their Zanpakutos. Luke looked at the shape of his released Zanpakuto and was amazed.
"This is my Zanpakuto," Luke said in a soft tone, "the shape of my power," Luke imagined the appearance of his Zanpakuto spirit, Nanatsu no Oto as the spirit grinned at Luke with his arms crossed and Luke smiled, "thanks a lot."
"This is just the beginning, partner," Nanatsu no Oto said in Luke's head.
"Heh, yeah, it is," Luke replied.
The six students headed back to their homeroom class and Gelda looked at Luke.
"Luke…" Gelda said in her head, "Light of the Sacred Flame. Are you really the same Luke that I read about in the Score? I wonder if your death is really indeed linked to the Score of the Sixth Fonstone."
Luke continued to walk while having conversations with his classmates.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: A few years later and Luke and his friends continue on as sixth year students. For now here the little info for the Zanpakutos of Luke and Guy.
Luke Suzunami (formerly Luke fon Fabre)
Name: Nanatsu no Oto (Seven Sounds)
Sealed Form: Katana with red hilt, gold oval tsuba and gold pommel with a black sheath
Released Form: Takes the form of a double edged long sword that has a golden line on the middle of the blade with a dark red cross hilt, gold cross guard with each of the ends slightly upward, and a golden circular pommel.
Gailardia Galan Gardios
Name: Byakko (White Tiger)
Sealed Form: Katana with green hilt, silver circular tsuba and silver pommel with a white sheath
Released Form: The blade turns pale white and black stripes appear on the blade and white electrical sparks emit from the blade.
