Summary: After receiving a letter from his late grandfather, Ishida learns that Ryuuken is actually his uncle, and that his family name was changed shortly after his birth. Turns out that he has a little brother...who happens to have a few secrets of his own. Digimon 02/Bleach crossover.

Timeline: For Digimon, this takes place a few weeks before episodes eight and nine, meaning that Ken is still the Kaiser, but hasn't yet fled to the Digital World. For Bleach, it takes place before Rukia has been taken back to Soul Society, but after Ishida's stunt of summoning all those Hollows. In other words, it's going to be quite AU starting off fairly early in both timelines. On the plus side, the Bleach manga started to be serialized in late 2001, so the actual dates match up pretty well.

A/N: Many people have noted the similarities between Ken and Uryu, both in appearance and personality. I'm usually not a fan of the "family relation" crossover, but this particular setup really resonates with me. Hopefully I'll do it justice. The prologue is short, but subsequent chapters will probably average between 2000 and 3000 words.

Prologue

Dearest Uryu,

If you are reading this, it means that I am dead, and you have passed your fifteenth birthday. I am sorry for that. However, there is something of grave importance that I must share with you. I do not know if you will think of me or your father the same way once I have imparted this knowledge, but I feel it is my duty as your teacher, and as your grandfather.

I am your grandfather, but both I and your father have been deceiving you for a very long time indeed. You see, Ryuuken is not your father: he is your uncle. Unable to have children of his own, he and his sister came to an agreement that you would be trained as a Quincy. The price was that both she and her husband be left alone, and Ryuuken and I have steadfastly honored that agreement.

However, in my final years, I have come to regret this decision. I know there is a distance between you and my son, and I feel that I am responsible for it. I also believe that you have a right to know the truth, and I feel great shame at my deception. Although it is too bold, I must implore you to understand that we thought we were doing what was best for both you and your true parents, as well as what was best for the legacy of the Quincy. Please do not resent Ryuuken. If you must place blame with someone, place it with me.

I do not know if you wish to meet with your biological parents, but you are not contrained by the bonds of the oath that I made with your real mother.

I am sorry for lying to you, my precious student. It is a selfish request, but this old man hopes that you will someday be able to forgive him.

I wish you good fortune and strength,

Ishida Soken.

Ishida Uryu stared at the address written at the bottom of the letter, then set it down on the coffee table and reached up to remove his glasses, cleaning them with the hem of his shirt.

He went to the kitchen and fixed himself a cup of tea, sitting in absolute silence as he sipped it. After he had finished it, he cleaned his glasses again and walked back to the sitting room, picking up the letter once more.

He read it thrice over, each time with a growing sense of detachment. It didn't really come as a surprise that Ryuuken wasn't his father-really, it was something of a relief. As for his grandfather's deception...well, Ishida could forgive it. His grandfather must have had his reasons.

What he knew for certain was this: Shinigami had killed his grandfather, Ryuuken was a coward, and there was now one more person in the world that he knew for sure had Quincy blood. It was her duty to help him avenge his grandfather, and he intended to make sure she knew it.

This, he thought, was the only reason why he was going to confront them.

That's what he told himself, at least.