Chapter 02.
When humans die, they go to the spirit world where their pre-determined destination is given to them. But some humans, especially those who are victims to murder, or die with hatred and fear in their hearts stay on earth. These souls are weighed down by the overwhelming negative energy that has occupied them during their life or right before their time of death. Therefore, they cannot pass onto the spirit world and are stuck in the world of the living. They usually lose all human characteristics except speech and emotion. They walk around in monster-like forms causing mischief and trouble for the living. They don't remember ever being alive, or why they are so full of anger, but what they do know is that they like to destroy. These creatures are known as Hollows.
There is a special part of the spirit world known as the Soul Society, created especially to handle such creatures. The soul society is made up of Soul Reapers. They have never been to realm of the living before; they are born and raised in the soul society and trained to become elite fighting soul reapers. After excruciating tests and training they are assigned to squads under captains who will guide them as they handle soul society affairs. They are often sent to the realm of the living in which they are to destroy and sometimes capture Hollows who are causing trouble. Normal humans cannot see, hear, or even sense the presence of Hollows, and when they do it is seen as an encounter with a 'ghost'.
Unfortunately for the Hollows, when they are slain by a soul reaper's ZanBakTou (specials soul reaper sword, each unique to its owner and very difficult to master) their soul does not pass on to the spirit world, they are destroyed. Some Hollows are not just walking zombies who moan and have large teeth and fangs, many of them are extremely powerful and intelligent. They can combine to create a stronger Hollow, or consume those with high spiritual pressure (energy) to become more powerful.
They are always feeding off of human energy and sometimes penetrate into the soul society were they cause even more trouble and gain the power of soul reapers, in which case they become nearly invincible. They often try to break the strong bond between the squads of soul reapers in order to weaken the soul society so that they may roam free.
They have given one of the strongest soul reapers, Captain Isien, and offer of power he could not refuse. Blinded by his lust for power beyond his control, Isien accepted and joined the enemy, only to be controlled by them as they use his power for their own purposes. Ayeka, the Grand Master Kai (her most formal title), is the overseer of the soul society. She is the most powerful being known to anyone, and yet rarely displays her power openly. She does not even report to the highest council of the spirit world. Her leadership and knowledge is undeniable and so she is a frequent target of enemies and even of allies who wish to push their strength beyond hers. She is also said to be the kindest of all souls, with the power to protect all of whom she wishes. Ayeka is not a soul reaper, but does not need such powers or training to destroy a Hollow if it is necessary.
She slams the files down on the desk. Her anger is felt by everyone in the room, yet she speaks calmly. "I leave, for almost two months. And I return to find temples destroyed, the soul society in a state of panic and disorder, and soul reaper blood spilled on my steps."
The Captains of the squads were all knelt around her, their heads hung in shame and their eyes cast down to the floor.
"Well done."
The heads of the Captains lift slowly and out of sync, realizing her words were said without sarcasm and her smile genuine. The confused faces looked to each other for answers but to no avail.
"You did the best that could have been expected from you. It is not an easy task for an army to function or be organized without its general. But then again, that's why you're not an army."
They smiled back at her.
Perhaps with her return, things would be alright, things could be…alright.