Prologue
The S.P.A.
The Soul Plane, Two Hundred Years Ago..
The Captain of Squad Twelve, Nicodemus Nostrodomus, lay on his death bed, his Lieutenant Samuel Carlisle tending to his last words. "Captain, where will the Squad go from here? I may be the lieutenant but I'm barely a scientist. I honestly believe Gail would be a better replacement for you." Samuel remarked to the wheezing older man.
Nicodemus tried to chuckle, but only coughed. "No, my boy. You are to be the next Captain, and for many years to come. I have foreseen it, along with such destruction and hope."
"What do you mean, Captain? What have you seen?" The lieutenant asked, knowing Nicodemus was prone to having prophetic visions.
"In many years, there will be a series of events unfolding. One such that will shake the Spiritual Protection Agency to its core with the treasonous acts that will be committed. Four of our Captains will turn on their brethren and start a war. One which will bring Arrancar of such strength to our door that our forces shall dwindle more and more."
"Arrancar? But, Captain.. You said there was hope. What hope could we have against such foes?"
"In time, a young man and his sibling shall awaken their latest Soul Reaper powers.. This young man shall one day be that who shall bring the Planes of existence back into balance, and create peace between Soul Reapers and the Arrancars, for by this time the Quincy shall be all but extinct. What little shall remain of their faction will swallow their pride and join forces with the S.P.A to ensure victory.. And this young man shall hold an even greater destiny.." As if these prophetic words were what needed to be said, Samuel felt the life remaining in Nicodemus's soul fade before his body faded as well, destined to be reborn in the Living Plane as a human as he had so many years ago..
Less than a week later, Samuel had been named the new Captain of the R&D Squad. He had taken Nicodemus's last words and placed them in a book of prophecy that the former Captain had begun, of which Samuel knew only a fraction had previously come to fruition. Gail Redding, his new Lieutenant, entered the Captain's office. "Captain Carlisle, the next Captain's Meeting is about to begin. Lieutenant Winchester is being promoted to Captain of Eleven today."
Samuel turned and grinned at his lieutenant. "Which Winchester?" He asked, knowing all too well it was Dean, the more violent of the two Winchester brothers. Shaking her head, Gail walked off as Samuel followed towards the meeting hall.
Living Plane, Twenty-Five Years Ago..
Captain Elias Negron of Squad Ten exited the Spirit Gate over the borough of Crystal Springs, Meteor Heights, a city which had been seeing quite a lot of Hollow activity as of late. He had been sent to investigate a rash of attacks centering around the Industrial District. As he used his Flash Step toward the site, he felt a strong, almost un-Hollow spiritual pressure flare as if in battle, but the other spiritual pressure belonged to that of a living soul, as far as he could deduce. A very powerful spiritual pressure, at that.
Arriving at the scene, he saw a woman with long dark red hair using what looked like boxing gloves made of pure spiritual pressure jab several times at a humanoid Hollow who looked to be wielding a sword. The Hollow blocked the jabs and kicked the woman away, raisin his blade to strike as Elias interjected, blocking the enemy with his own Zapaku-to.
"Mmm haha! Finally, a Soul Reaper to test my new powers on. I was getting tired of this little human."
"Your powers will not be able to compete with mine," Elias said, kicking the Hollow back and slashing him down to the ground, injured but not beaten as he turned to the woman. She looked at him, obviously able to see Spirits, with dark green eyes he found mesmerizing. "Are you alright, miss..?"
"Basile. Gianna Basile, and yes I'm fine. He isn't beaten, though. Look out!" Elias barely moved quick enough to dodge the Hollow's blade as he pushed Gianna out of the way.
"Isn't the rule 'never take your focus off of your opponent' something they teach Soul Reapers in that academy they train you vin?" The Hollow said as he held his hand out, a red and black orb starting to form as the Hollow smirked. "Cero!"
The orb flew towards Elias, but never hit its mark as Gianna rushed in front of him and punched the oncoming attack, the Cero bouncing off of her spiritual gloves. The attack ignited as it made contact with the Hollow's face, cracking his spider-like mask. "Now!" Gianna said to Elias, proving this was definitely not the woman's first encounter with a Hollow.
Elias slashed the air with his Zanpaku-to, a symbol made of fire appearing as he slashed. "Inferno Blitz!" He said, the sword in his hand engulfing itself in flames as he split the Hollow's mask in face, the dark entity disappearing in a shimmer of black particles.
As Elias turned back toward Gianna, his face contorted into an expression of shock as he saw Hollow spiritual pressure pulsating around the woman's body, a Hollow hole melting itself into her chest as Gianna collapsed to the ground. Hurrying over to her, Elias picked her up and cursed. "Hold on, Gianna. I know someone who should be able to help." With that, he flash-stepped across town.
The Soul Reaper Captain stopped in front of a small convenience store modeled after a classic Japanese pagoda. The sign over the entrance read 'Santos Market', but Elias knew it was just a front for the owner, who had a love of anything to do with Soul Society, the Japanese equivalent to the Spirit Protection Agency. Entering the store, a bell chimed and a man dressed in a green and white pinstriped suit and matching fedora exited the back room. "Ah, Captain Negron! What can I do for you today?" He asked, overly chipper as he usually was.
"Not a good time, Dom. We have a problem. I ran into this woman fighting a Hollow in the Industrial District. Or maybe it was an incompletely evolved Arrancar, I don't know. She has an ability to fight ten, and was able to deflect it's Cero by punching it. It looks like the Hollow's spiritual pressure leaked into her from the impact, though, as you can see."
Dominic Santos looked at the unconscious Gianna. "Oh my! Yes, that does seem to be the case. Quite a looker, she is, though. Come, bring her into the back." The two men hurriedly entered the back room of the shop, where Dominic kept some supplies he had from his days being the former Captain of Squad Twelve after Samuel Carlisle's mysterious death twenty years prior, and Dominic's own exile ten years ago.
Dominic examined the Hollow hole forming in Gianna's chest. "This doesn't look so good. The Hole is almost fully formed already. At this rate, there is only one thing I can do to ensure she isn't corrupted any further, but the operation does have it's price."
Elias knew what Dominic spoke of. The procedure was risky, and entailed that Elias give some of his spiritual pressure to the woman, thus canceling out the formation of the Hollow hole. But, it also meant he could lose his abilities as a Soul Reaper for an junknown length of time. Elias, however, was nothing if not selfless to a possibly dangerous level. "I'll do it. It's the least I can do for the woman who saved my life tonight. Just tell me how I do it, Dominic."
Dominic nodded. "That's the easy part. Just place your hands over the hole and pump your spiritual pressure into it. Your spiritual pressure will draw the Hollow's into an impenetrable shell. That's really all there is to it."
"Alright." Elias took a breath and placed his hands over Gianna, focusing as he pumped his spiritual pressure into the afflicted area. After several moments, the Hollow hole closed and Elias pulled his hands away, pantin as he felt his spiritual pressure leave him entirely, leaving him essentially human.
Seconds later, Gianna's eyes opened slowly. "Where.. Where am I?" She asked, looking around at the unfamiliar room as her green eyes focused on Elias. "You.. Did we win?" She asked to Elias' amusement.
"Yes, we did. Unfortunately, we ran into a couple of complications. What matters is that you are alright."
Gianna smiled coyly. "My hero. And I don't even know your name.."
"Elias Negron. It's my pleasure to truly meet you." Elias said, bowing his head.
"The pleasure is mine, Elias," It was then that she noticed Dominic. "And you are?"
"Dominic Santos. Just an average convenience store owner."
"Who knows a Soul Reaper? Yeah, fat chance."
Dominic gaped. "You wound me, miss. Well, Elias, I think it's about time you bring the lady home, and do remember to come back so I can check your spiritual pressure in a few days."
Elias looked at Dominic. "A few days? What are you.." Elias was sure he would have stayed in the extra rooms Dominic had in the store, but realized Gianna would have to be looked after for a time, just in case their preventive measures didn't stick. "Yes, alright. Gianna, are you alright to stand on your own?"
"Honestly, yes. But, since you obviously carried me here, I would much rather you carry me while I'm awake to know how it felt." Gianna said, her voice flirtatious.
Elias chuckled, shaking his head. "If that is what the lady wants, then she shall be given." With that, he picked Gianna up and held her bridal-style, the woman's arms wrapped around his neck as Elias nodded his departure to Dominic, who had an odd, knowing smile gracing his lips. As Elias left the store, with Gianna directing him toward where she lived, he couldn't help but think that this excursion to the Living Plane- and the consequences therein- wasn't such a bad thing in the end.
Meanwhile, Sporutal Plane, Squad Thirteen Barracks..
The Captain of Squad Thirteen sat in his office as his lieutenant entered. "Sir. It seems your latest experiment was a success, for the most part."
The Captain smirked maliciously. "Yes, it seems it was. No matter. Today's failure will only cement tomorrow's eventual true success. Come, the entire Agency will be in an uproar when they learn one of their most powerful members has all but gone missing in the next Meeting."
His lieutenant smiled just as mischievously. "As you say, Captain."
Little did anyone but the Squad Thirteen Captain, his lieutenant and their coconspirators know, the all-but forgotten last prophecy of Captain Nicodemus Nostrodomus had thus been set in motion. And, in time, the intertwined destinies of the entire Spirit Protection Agency, it's enemies and it's allies alike would cause change like none of them had ever thought of..
Present Day, Living Plane, Crystal Springs, Meteor Heights..
Sixteen year old Nick Negron entered his house, yawning from another long day of class over at Meteor Heights North High School. Closing the door behind him, he was rushed by his mother Gianna, who proceeded to punch him- hard- in the chest. Nick doubled over, gasping as Gianna cracked the knuckles of the hand she had just hit her son with. "You're late, young man!"
"Jeez, ma!" Nick wheezed out. "I told you this morning I was going to the arcade after school with Elliot. You knew we were excited about the newly localized games they were setting up."
"That's no excuse! You knew your sister needed to go the sports field for her lacrosse game, and promised her you would be there for it!"
"Wait, that was today?! Damnit, I totally forgot. Is she home yet?"
"Of course she is! She's up in her room, so go apologize." Gianna said, frowning at her son.
Nick nodded, looking at his mother with regret evident in his hazel eyes. He had known his twin sister's lacrosse game today was a big deal for her, being the semifinal game of the season to see who was going to the finals this year. Sighing, he walked up the stairs to his sister's bedroom. He knocked on the door, met by a thud from inside the room. "Yeah?" Came his sister's voice after a split second.
"Hey, Z, it's me. Can I come in?"
"Yeah, of course." Gaining permission, Nick opened the door and found the source of the thud: his sister's PlayStation 4 controller having dropped to the floor.
"Did I surprise you?" He asked amusedly as his sister bent to pick the remote back up.
"No, you scared the hell out of me! How the hell do you play this without getting scared to death?" Suzanna Negron answered, frowning at her brother as he looked to see what had her so freaked out. On the screen was Resident Evil VII: Biohazard.
Nick chuckled. "Because it's all jumpscares, really. Only a couple parts were truly terrifying. I thought I told you to come ask before you grabbed any of my games?"
"Of course you did, dear brother, but I thought borrowing a game or two of yours would be the least to make up for you screwing up." In contrast to Nick's hazel eyes, Suzanna's eyes were a vivid blue that bordered teal, as odd as it might seem.
Nick half-smiled. "Yeah.. About that, Zanna.."
"Don't, Nick. It's alright. I knew about the arcade, you need to have some fun, too. It would have been nice to see you cheering your sister on, but I knew you were there in spirit. Did you see him outside the house, again?"
Suzanna was referring to what the twins could only think of as a ghost that sort of squatted in their front yard by the garden. Nick nodded. "Yeah, he was admiring the roses mom is growing this year." That was one thing the twins shared, their sixth sense to see spirits in their living world.
"Poor guy, nothing to do but stare at the garden all day and night. I wonder why he doesn't just move on?"
"He may just like the garden. Mom does make it look very calming, you know. Now, you said a game or two?"
"Yeah, I grabbed Cyber Sleuth as well."
"No, you can take almost any game but Digimon. I'm about to get my whole party to Mega."
"Well, you can wait a day or two. You know I get bored of it pretty easily anyway. Plus, aren't you focused on unlocking all the hidden Kaiju?"
"Yes, but that's beside the point. Anyway, you sure you're alright about the lacrosse game? Did you guys win, at least?"
Suzanna smiled. "Yup. We are officially in the finals. Which means I expect you at that game, since you missed this one."
"Of course. I'll even try to drag Elliot to it." Nick smirked as his sister's face reddened at the mention of her crush.
"You.. Oh, by the way, Tabitha has been asking about you again."
Nick sighed. "That girl really just doesn't give up, does she?"
"Maybe you should give her a shot then. You both have that tendency."
"As nice as Tabitha Fray is, she's not really my type."
Suzanna rolled her eyes. "Nick, you don't have a type. You've barely even gone out on a date."
"And? I haven't found a girl I was interested in like that."
"Which is why you should go find a date now and then instead of waiting for someone to ask you like you tend to."
"Maybe. Well, I'm going to my room. Don't get too scared. You haven't even reached the bugs yet." He laughed at the scared face his sister made as he shut the door behind him, walking the ten feet down the hall to his own room.
The room had been the twins' father's office until he had passed away several years earlier, and Gianna had seen fit for Nick to inherit the space. Closing the door, Nick paused as he heard his cell phone ring in his pocket. Taking it out, he answered. "Hello?"
"Yo, Nick," It was Elliot Tate, Nick's best friend. "You fighting tonight?" Elliot was talking about an underground kind of fight club the students of the several high schools around town held every few days. Nick was currently top fighter.
"Maybe. Mom was pretty mad I missed Zanna's lacrosse game today. But, if I can, I'll slip out."
"You probably should. They're saying if you don't show up, your streak has to start over. Especially with you supposed to fight Finn tonight."
"What? Damnit, of course they'd pull some shit like that. Fine, I'll be there. Anything else you needed?" Nick asked as he fiddled with the controls to his stereo system.
"Nah, not now at least. Fights start at nine tonight, be there by eight-thirty because I can't sign you in this time."
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, El. See you then, bye." Nick hung up before starting a song on his phone, connecting it to the stereo as he pulled out his homework. Looking at the clock, he saw it was around six-twenty, and dinner would be at seven. Noddinto himself, he began working on the day's math homework.
Meanwhile, Spirit Plane..
Elias Negron, having been reincarnated as a spirit after he had died several years before, sighed as he entered the Squad Ten Captain's office. The Captain who had replaced him, a young man by the name of Julio Rudolfo, had previously been the Third Seat when he had been Captain and could probably pass for his now teenaged children's age. Elias had been dreading this day for three weeks, since the General-Captain had found out he had shown up in the Spirit Plane once again.
However, with the somewhat Democratic system the S.P.A utilized, it ultimately fell to the Captain of Elias' former Squad to figure out what was to do with him as well as find out what had happened all those years ago to cause Elias to go rogue. He saw the shorter man sitting behind the desk, looking at several documents strewn across the desk through the cicular-rimmed glasses he wore. "Elias Negron, reporting, Captain." Elias said, announcing his presence.
Julio looked up and gave Elias a smile. "Ah, Elias! Good, I was about to send for you. Now, you and I both know why you are here today, but protocol must be followed, you understand." Elias nodded. "Good. Now, what happened to cause your defection twenty-five years ago?"
"For the record, I did not defect. I was sent to the Living Plane on a tracking mission, as you should very well know already." Julio nodded, he did remember it. "I found the Hollow I was tracking engaged in combat with a powerful, spiritually-aware human. I interjected, killing the Hollow. In the chaos of the battle, however, the human's spirit was corrupted by the Hollow's own spiritual pressure. In an attempt to save her, I brought her to Dominic Santos and was able to save her soul at the price of my own powers.
"I remained in the Living Plane as somewhat of a guardian in case something went wrong, and I inevitably fell in love with this human. Even when my powers naturally returned to me twenty years ago, I decided to stay with her and live a second life, if you will. We had twin children and, eight years ago, I died once again from a surprise ambush by several Hollows. I woke back up here in the Spirit Plane and stayed under the radar in fear of what would be done to me, seeing as how with my actions I did technically break several of the Spirit Protection Agency's laws. That is the story in it's entirety."
The young Captain eyed the ex-Captain, nodding. "Well, your story does match up with what we were told by Dominic when we went to investigate your disappearance." This surprised Elias, as he hadn't known Dominic had been questioned. "As for what we should do with you, I have decided that you will be reinducted into Squad Ten, under customary probation until I see fit to release you. You are probably wondering why I am somewhat disregarding the laws that have been set for countless centuries, but the only answer I will give you is that before I became Captain, you were the closest thing I've had to a father since my death in the nineteen a twenties, and to pay you back for the kindness commitment you showed me, reinstating you seemed the best course. Especially now, with these new and improved Incomplete Arrancars attacking the Spirit and Living Planes more and more."
Elias bowed. "Thank you for the leniency, Captain. I will do my best to help protect the S.P.A to the best of my abilities once again."
"Very good. Now, go join the younger officers for some training. But, do go easy on them, most have been Soul Reapers only as long as you have been gone."
"What happened to the old Squad Ten spirit? If the training doesn't push you, how are you going to get better and stronger?"
Julio chuckled, shaking his head. "It's nice to see you haven't changed, Elias. Now go, I have important paperwork to do that Lieutenant Shiva refuses to complete."
Now Elias laughed as he turned to leave. "Good to know Rihta hasn't changed either."
Squad Thirteen..
Captain Henry Sykes looked over the information gathered from the recent Incomplete Arranger attacks from around the Spirit Plane, attacks he himself had set in motion. As of yet, no one else in the S.P.A knew he was even behind the attacks, and even his lieutenant and the few other coconspirators they had barely knew why he was instigating so many attacks. The S.P.A had been weakened by the attacks, but nowhere near enough to cause any real damage. "Soon, however, my Arrancars will not just be complete, but Perfect. And then, my real plan shall begin." He chuckled evily as he placed the reports back on his desk, ready to continue the illusion that he was the S.P.A's loyal servant once again.
Later, Squad Twelve Barracks..
Elias walked into Squad Twelve, delivering a package to Captain Carlisle from his own captain. As he entered the main chamber of the science building, he heard one of the squad members call out. "Captain! That unusual spiritual pressure has appeared again."
Samuel Carlisle walked over to the officer. "Somewhere in Meteor Heights, no doubt. Can we gain a visual?"
"Coming onto the screen now, sir." As if on cue, the big central monitor flashed on and showed what looked like two teenagers fighting in a mockup of a boxing ring, a crowd of other teenagers gathered to watch. Elias could sense the spiritual pressure the officer was talking about, emanating from one of the teenagers.
The boy had slightly longer than average black hair and hazel eyes that, as the visual of the scene shifted around, changed to more of a green. What made Elias freeze, however, was the spiritual shell that surrounded the boy's hands, amplifying his own power as he struck out at his opponent. That looks like.. No, that couldn't be Nick.. Elias thought, connecting the similar ability between his still-living wife and their son but dismissing it. He wouldn't just know how to use any of his powers, not his mother's and certainly not mine.. But if that is Nick, does Suzanna have abilities like their mother as well? His attention was brought back to the physical world as Captain Carlisle noticed him.
"We have been detecting this strange spiritual pressure every few nights or so, always emanating from Meteor Heights. As far as we can tell, that boy is human, but that power suggests something more along the lines of a Soul Reaper, and even slight variations in his power output that leads us to believe there is something.. Hollow about the boy."
Elias nodded, knowing how a mix of power would make this teenager, whom he was sure was his son now, a powerhouse if trained properly. He sighed, knowing the truth would eventually come out and decided against keeping it secret. "That confirms my own suspicions then." The Captain looked at Elias. "The boy is my son. He would probably be about sixteen now. Those spirit gauntlets are almost identical to his mother's, and the mix would be from both me and the slight Hollow spiritual pressure laying dormant inside my wife in the Living Plane."
Samuel laughed. "Well, I'll be sure to keep that fact away from the General-Captain. At least, until it truly becomes relevant to the survival of the S.P.A."
"Understood. Thank you, Captain. My children knew nothing of my past. I'm surprised Nick even knew how to tap into his powers, even if for such a thing as fight club."
Minutes Earlier, Living Plane, Meteor Heights, Derelict Asylum Basement..
Nick entered the makeshift ring for the fight. His opponent, Finn Damero, cracked his knuckles as he smirked towards Nick. Elliot, acting as tonight's proctor of the match, rang the bell, shouting. "Fight!"
Nick was instantly caught off guard as Finn rushed him, punching Nick hard in the center of his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Nick grit his teeth as he caught his breath. Great, and here I thought I wouldn't need to use them. He thought, focusing as a shell of what he figured could be spiritual energy formed gauntlets around his hands.
Standing back up, Nick took up a stance. "I have to warn you, Finn. Mess with me, you will get fucked up."
Finn laughed. "Big talk, but I'm going to take that streak from you tonight."
"If you say so." Nick replied and rushed the taller boy, sending a rapid one-two jab to his opponent.
Finn blocked the first strike, but the force knocked his arms back as the second connected with his right kidney. Coughing, Finn took a step back and winced at the shot of pain. "Fuck! How do you have so much power in that scrawny little body?"
"I'm much stronger than I look." Nick threw another punch, but was deflected again. Thinking fast, Nick ducked under Finn's retaliatory punch and swept his leg at Finn, sending the boy onto his back.
Nick took the advantage and got on top of Finn, jabbing his opponent in the chest before Finn made contact with Nick's chest, making him groan. Nick wasn't about to be caught off guard and retaliated accordingly, punching Finn in the nose. Finn's head made contact with the ground beneath him and was knocked unconscious. As Nick got off of the bigger teenager, he wiped the sweat from his brow. "I warned you, idiot."
Elliot came into the ring with two others, who hauled Finn off to the side. "Our winner, and still reigning township champion, Nick Negron everybody!" There were cheers all around the ring as another voice called out.
"Nicholas Anthony!" It was Suzanna, who entered the ring. "Another fight?! Mom almost found out about this shit the last time!"
"Zanna, no worries!" Elliot said in Nick's defense. "He'll only have light bruising. If it bruises. Finn barely got a hit on our boy here."
"Don't you fucking dare condone this shit, Elliot! Why do you two even do this?! Why do any of these fight-hungry idiots do this?!" Suzanna was visibly pissed.
"Because it gives us bored teenagers some excitement. Not to mention your brother has an unnatural ability for hand-to-hand combat."
"That is not an excuse, Elliot! Come on, Nick, we need to get home. Now."
Nick put his hands up in defeat. "Fine, Z. Who am I to deny my little sister? But I won't stop fighting."
"You sure as hell will if mom finds out."
"You wouldn't tell mom. If you did, I'd have to tell her about your excursions every few nights."
"Ugh! Fuckin jerk, fine! Now come on!"
"Oh, Suzanna!" Zanna turned to Elliot, scowling. "How about a movie Friday?"
Blushing like mad, Suzanna rned back to her brother. "You fucking told him?!"
"No, I've known for a while. Just figured if you were here, it would make it a little easier to ask."
Suzanna scoffed. "Fine. Pick me up at seven, and watch yourself when mom answers the door." She said before her and Nick left the area.
As the siblings walked down the street, the only light coming from the scattered streetlights, Nick kept his hands in his pockets. Suzanna had her arms crossed over her chest, still upset over the earlier events. "You're lucky it was me who came and got you, Nick."
Nick sighed. "Yeah, I know, Zanna. But you know what they say happened to dad. I fight to make sure that isn't going to happen. Not to you, not to me, and especially not to mom. I have a duty to protect my family, like any good son does."
Suzanna laughed. "Yeah, but a good son would also know when not to agitate their mother, or make her worry that you're out doing God knows what."
"Mom knows I'm a good kid. I just have a problem with authority because of how quickly the police shut down the investigation into dad's death. Saying it was a mugging gone violent makes no sense. Dad was practically unstoppable, and no mugger uses a fucking sword."
Suzanna couldnt help but nod. Her brother always did have an uncanny sense of intuition. If Nick said something was wrong with the way the authorities handled their father's death, then Suzanna believed him. "You have a point, brother dear. Now, what is the deal with those gloves that I know I saw, but no one else did?"
"I dont really know what they are. I can just summon them at will and use them as, say, brass knuckles. But, Elliot can see them too, and a couple of our other friends in school. But definitely not Finn." He laughed.
Suzanna rolled her eyes. "You really didn't tell El about my crush, did you?"
"Nah. I really didn't have to. When I got to the fight he asked me if it was okay to ask you out. I guess he's a bit more old-fashioned than I thought. But that's good, I know he won't hurt you. Why the interest in my Spirit Knuckles all of a sudden?"
Suzanna looked at him humorously. "Spirit Knuckles? Did you just come up with that?" Nick nodded. "You're so cheesy. It does fit, though. And no reason, just seems odd you can do that and I can't. Also, what makes you so sure those things are made out of Spirit Energy?"
"It fits. Mom mentioned something to dad when we were little. I remember her saying ''Spirit Knuckles' and I guess now that we're older, I connected the dots about it. But, that means you should be able to do it, too."
"Wow, the kid really is smart. Must get that from you, Kit." Said an unknown voice in Nick's mind, followed by a third.
"Yes, well it certainly wasn't from you. You are just a creature of instinct. Explains his fighting prowess, however."
There was a cackle. "True enough. Combine the two, this kid could be seriously dangerous."
"Zanna, do you hear that?" Nick's twin looked at him, confused. "There are two voices talking about me."
"And now he can sense our presence in his soul? It seems his powers are growing more quickly then we previously anticipated."
"Nah. If his powers were growing quickly, he would've found a way into here to talk with us by now. Of course, his sister should have heard mine by now then as well." The first, more sinister voice cackled again.
Suzanna went wide-eyed. "You too? Thank God, I thought it was just me." That seemed to shut up the cackling voice. So she has voices too? Nick thought to himself.
"Does one sound like you, but more.. I don't know, sinister?"
"Oh my God, yes! It's so freaky. And the other is a bit calmer, but always sounds so annoyed."
"You'd be annoyed to if you could hear the other parts of your soul but not be able to use any of the Spiritual power you possess. Oh, wait, you can't." Said the annoyed voice in Suzanna's mind.
"Right? God, this girl irks the shit out of me!" Interjected the identical but sinister voice.
"Fuck. Now they're both talking about me again. What do you think it means?" Suzanna asked her brother.
"I really don't know, Z. But I think mom has some explaining to do. Unfortunatwly, it's going to have to wait until tomorrow, granted she's not up and waiting for us at home." Nick sighed as the twins kept walking towards their house.
Meanwhile, Negron House..
Gianna Negron sat at the dining room table, her foot tapping impatiently on the hardwood floors. She had been woken up by a flare of Spiritual Pressure she knew all too well. "Nick is able to use his powers. Doesn't really surprise me, as bright as he is. But then why can't Zanna use her powers? Elias told me by now they both would be able to access their powers, whether it be the Hollow, Soul Reaper or even my own brand, whatever it turned out to be. We never did figure it out.." She spoke to herself, but her thoughts were diverted when she jeard the front door open and close.
"Nick? Zanna? Is that you?"
Like dogs caught doing something they shouldn't, the twins entered the dining room. "Oh, hey mom. We were just-" Gianna cut her son off.
"Don't make an excuse. I know you were fighting again. And i don't mind it if it keeps you out of trouble and getting good grades in school." This surprised both twins as she continued. "My question is when you were going to tell me that you can use these." With that, the twins watched as Gianna covered her hands with gloves almost identical to Nick's.
Nick's eyes widened. "I knew it! What haven't you told us, mom?" He asked, crossing his arms.
Gianna sighed. You both might as well sit down. It's a long story." Looking at each other, Nick and Suzanna both sat down, looking at their mother for the explanation they now knew was coming.
Spirit Plane, Squad Ten Captain's Office..
Elias entered the room and sighed. "Captain, I need to tell you something, nefore it gets out in the open. I may need your help."
Captain Rudolfo looked at Elias. "What can I do?"
"It's about mt children in the Living Plane. They, or at least my son, can access his powers. Not much, he can willingly manifest the same guantlets his mother can. Squad Twelve knows about him, his Spiritual Pressure has been showing up every few nights for the last four months or so. I know I would not be allowed to go back to the Living Plane for a while. But, maybe you can send someone to check things out? Make sure he isn't endangering himself too much by flaring his powers so often. It is only a matter of time before Hollows or, God forbid Arrancars show up looking for him."
The Captain nodded. "Of course. Squad Ten is next to send a new watcher in Crystal Springs. I will tell them to drop in on your family, see if they can help them at least hide their powers. Do you wish to tell your wife anything?"
"I will prepare a letter for her. When does the next patrol leave?"
"Tomorrow evening. Have your letter on my desk in the morning."
"Thank you, Captain. I dont deserve a friend or comrade as understanding as you."
Julio laughed. "Come now, Elias. We have known each other for far too long to allow me to take a feiendly request from you and turn it down. Get some rest, I will be leaving the morning training to you."
"Of course, Captain. Night." Elias left the room.
Dark Plane (Hueco Mundo)..
In a large white castle-like structure, the light from the overly-bright moon outside shined on a circular ring. Out of the shadows lining the room, several figures appeared. Humanoid in appearance, each figure had a Hollow hole located somewhere on their body. These were the first of Henry Sykes' Perfect Arrancar, the first of his Arrancar army to be fully formed after many years of experimentation. Currently, there were only seven of the thirteen he envisioned would battle the Thirteen Court Squads of the S.P.A.
The first figure, a man with pale skin and his upper left arm encased in the white armor symbolizing a Hollow with four long backward-curved spines, spoke. "The first official meeting of the Nueva Espada shall now begin. I have gotten word feom Master Sykes that we are to begin sending our fraccion into the Living Plane to disrupt the peace the Spirit Protection Agency have fought so hard to keep."
The second figure, this one another man with a stocky, muscular build and a boot made of Hollow bone with a two-inch knife-like appendage laughed. "Those Soul Reapers are no match for us! We Perfect Arrancar are much more powerful than some Gillian and Adjuchas class Hollows. Why aren't we going to the Living Plane?"
"Because, Jamal," Started the third, this Arrancar a woman with what looked like a holster on her right hip made of bone. "That would make the S.P.A aware that Arrancars are around and would send them here, to try and deal woth us before Master Sykes can truly initiate his plans."
Jamal growled. "Shut up, you no good whore! Fuck what that asshole thinks. He is a Soul Reaper as well. We should be destroying him as well as the rest of the S.P.A.!"
"Sybil is right, Jamal." Stated the first Arrancar. "Going and rushing into battle is no way to fight an upcoming war. We wait for Sykes' command to start the real fighting. Does anyone else object to the current plan?"
One of the other four as of yet unnamed Arrancar raised their hands. In appearance a girl still in her teens, she had a choker made of bone and a Hollowfied cat on her shoulder, it's head poking out of the girl's long blood red hair. "I dont think this is a good idea. We should be protecting our domain and staying alive as Hollows do."
The leader(?) chuckled. "Yes, Saryna, we all know how against this war you are, and it still makes us wonder why Master Sykes even believes you will fight."
"Oh, I will fight, Roman. But I am fighting for my survival. What is best for me, for all of us!" Saryna shouted as Jamal appeared next to her.
"I have had just about enough of your pacifistic bullshit, Saryna. I say we exile this little bitch and let her survive on her own with that useless little cat of hers. Anyone second that?"
From Saryna's shoulder, the hollow cat hissed and growled until Saryna scratched behind it's ear. "Shh, Kyo. Let me handle this. If you want me to leave, I'll leave. I have no loyalty to a Soul Reaper like you traitors- ahh!" She screamed as Jamal backhanded her, sending Saryna into the wall of the arena-like area.
"Fine, you want to go, then here," Jamal smirked. "Let me give you a hand." Using his Sonido, Jamal punched Saryna unconscious.
Snapping his fingers, Jamal opened up a garganta and threw the unconscious Arrancar into it, laughing. "Let's see how long you survive in the Living Plane once the S.P.A catch wind of it."
"Enough, Jamal. That concludes the meeting. But you are the one to tell Master Sykes about your actions." With that, the six remaining arrancars scattered back into the darkness within the castle.
Squad Twelve..
"Captain?! There has been a Hollow signal detected in Crystal Springs. Not dangerous, possibly unconscious. And heavily injured. Should we send someone to check it out?"
Samuel scratched his chin. "No, report it to Captain Rudolfo. He is sending out the next patrol tomorrow. Tell him to look out for any Arrancar in the area."
"Yes, Captain."
Negron Household..
Nick picked his head up. "Do you feel that?"
Gianna gasped. "That's a Hollow.. Or maybe an Arrancar. It feels more.. Human than Hollow."
Nick nodded. "They're hurt. I cant ignore it, I'm going to find them."
"No, Nick. You ddon't have a real grip on your powers yet. You don't stand a chance at defeating even an injured Arrancar." Gianna warned her son.
"Then it's a good thing I'm not going there ro fight it. I cant ignore someone who needs help, mom."
Gianna and Suzanna smiled at him. "Yeah, I know that, Nick. Just be careful. Please."
"I'm always careful." With that, Nick got up and rushed out the door.
Twenty minutes later, Nick arrived at the children's park near the edge of town and found the Arrancar lying face-down on the ground. Nick rushed over to it and turned the creature over to be met with one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, which surprised him because the thought barely ever crossed his mind. He took his cell phone out and dialed his mom's number. After several rings, Gianna picked up. "Mom, I found them. It's.. It's a girl, ma. Around my and Zanna's age if I had to guess. Ow! And there's a strange cat with her. The thing looks like it could be a Hollow as well."
"Bring her to Dominic's shop. He'll know what to do until we can figure out why she suddenly showed up like she did. Then come right home. You have school tomorrow."
"Yes, mom." Nick picked up the girl, wincing when the feline scratched at his leg. "Ow. I'm trying to help her, you little shit. And normally I love cats. Come on, you're coming too." Sensing the truth of the boy's worda, the Hollow cat began to follow Nick as he made his way to the Santos market.
A/N: Finally, the true beginning of my American Bleach Saga has been completed. Working on this for over three months, I feel it may still be a bit rushed, but for the purpose of the story it all had to happen here. Yes, the beginning is very reminiscent of how Ichigo's parents met and whatever, but I liked that plot so I adjusted it to fit my vision. The S.P.A is my way of thinking what an American Soul Society would be called and inspiration for the name came from how the American Ministry of Magic named themselves in Fantastic Beasts. And yes the romance aspect will be a more forbidden one, but not for the entirety of the story and series. No, I have a plan for Saryna that you will have to read and find out, however updatea will probably be slow as I figure out how everything is going from here.
And I know the traitor Captain thing is old news, but what better way to have a war then make it a Spiritual Civil War, right? Thank you for at least giving this a try and let me know what you think. Don't be assholes though. I put a lot of thoufht into my stories and how they play out, so flames not appreciated unless there's a good point in there. Until next time.
Also, I can't figure out why only most of it has the wrapping ext and I cant just change it on here apparently so ts whatever. Take it as a coding crew up lmao.