• • •

"Jun-Sama, where are you going?" Paku asked, catching my attention as I was packing a couple of bento boxes. Nothing that would spoil; they were filled with stuff that would last for a couple of days.

"I thought I told you earlier." I mused, laughing down at the pouting panda plushie. "I told you that I'll be gone for ten days. I've got to train while I can."

"Ten days?" Paku echoed, sounding disappointed.

"Yes," I nodded. "I might have to come back for something sometime during it, though. So, I still might see you. Remember, I need you to look after my body while I'm gone."

"Of course!"

"Orihime and Tatsuki are supposed to be coming by sometime during those ten days to teach me the 'dance' moves to that song that we're gonna be doing. So, make sure you act like me and memorize it. I'll need you to teach me when I get back." I explained, sighing as I packed the last bento. "Is that alright?"

"Yes, Jun-Sama!" Paku answered, grinning up at me.

I grinned back down at her, "Ichigo's gonna be gone for ten days training as well. However, he'll be with Urahara. So, this is a warning; if he stops by, it's really Kon. Got it?"

"Yep! Beware of Kon~!" Paku chimed, laughing.

She actually quite liked the perverted stuffed lion, so I just hoped that nothing would happen between them while they were in charge of actual living bodies for ten days. Even longer when we left for Soul Society…

"Jun-Sama, if Ichigo-Sama is training with Urahara-Dono, then who are you training with?" Paku asked.

"I'll be on my own." I answered. "It's better that way; I'll be able to communicate with my Zanpakuto in peace. I also… need to check something out."

"May I ask what?"

"It's just old family business and stuff like that." I hesitantly answered. "Remember when not too long ago I got that mysterious letter? Well, I think it was from my Uncle, so I'll need to check that out."

"Alright; just be safe, Jun-Sama." Paku pleaded, truly worried for my safety.

"Don't worry." I cooed, hugging the Mod-Soul. "I'll try to be as careful as I can. If you're this worried when I leave for training, then I'm wondering how much of a wreck you'll be when I leave for Soul Society to get Rukia."

"I'll be a whole lot worse," Paku gravely stated, before sighing. "But I know that I cannot stop you. This is what you want to do. I won't get in your way."

"Thank you, Paku."

• • •

"This is it," I muttered, looking up from the letter that I had received not too long ago. The address the author had written down was displayed in front of my eyes; this was the right house.

I raised my hand and knocked on the wooden door. It wasn't long before it was soon answered, bringing me face to face with the author of the letter.

"Ishida Ryuken-Oji-San," I murmured, lightly bowing to the tall silver haired man that had answered the door. "I had a vague suspicion that you wrote the letter."

"Come in." Ryuken muttered, opening the door a bit further.

Of course, only he could see me. Anyone else walking about outside wouldn't be able to; I was in my Shinigami form.

"I'm sorry if I came too early…" I trailed off, seeing him in his white lab coat; he had on a suit underneath, I recognized the Quincy crosses adorning the tie that he wore.

"I wrote either early or late," Ryuken coolly replied, his deep brown eyes scrutinizing me behind his glasses. Maybe he didn't like the fact that I had shown up in this form?

"I guess you're right. Now, what was it that you had to talk to me about? I don't want to make you late to work." I said, crossing my arms and tearing my eyes away from his still calculating gaze.

"I really did not have anything to talk to you about," Ryuken stated, lightly shrugging his shoulders. "I do, however, have something that your Mother told me to give you when the time was right."

"What..?" I breathed out, eyes widening once he talked about my Mother.

From what I remembered, they never really were on good terms. But, she'd left something for me in his care? Did that mean that she expected to die sooner or later?

"I believe that you heard me the first time." Ryuken's gaze hardened a bit. He then gestured to a box that was sitting on a table, "Everything your Mother left for you in in that box. I do not know what's inside; I haven't opened it because it was not for me."

"Ah, thank you." I said, bowing to Ryuken. "Thank you for keeping it all this time."

"It was her last wish. If anything were to happen to her, then I was to give you this when you were older. I can only guess as to what is inside the box, but it could be anything considering that Yuina put it together."

"I'm guessing that my Mother wasn't someone predictable?" I questioned, sadly looking at the box as I ran my hand over the closed cardboard surface.

"No, she was always one full of surprises." Ryuken answered.

"I'm sorry; you probably don't want to relive all of those memories." I apologized, meeting his gaze once more and bowing. "Thank you for doing what my Mother requested before she died. I don't want to take up any more of your time."

"I'll show you the way out." He replied, nodding at me once I picked up the box.

As he showed me to the door, I was surprised at his next statement:

"If you need any help with anything, don't hesitate to force Uryu to help. He is family, after all."

"Thanks," I nodded, softly smiling. "I'll keep that in mind."

I softly waved at my Uncle before he closed the door. Sighing, I studied the nearby street signs.

Now, it was time to find a suitable place to train.

• • •

"This looks like a good spot, Jun." Ankoku-Tatsu's voice echoed through my head, causing me to halt in my tracks.

"I agree with you there." I spoke aloud; I knew I could get away with it because nobody was around right now. Again, even if people were around, they wouldn't be able to hear me unless they had some special awareness.

"We have ten days to train, is that correct?" My Zanpakuto spirit asked, to which I nodded.

"Yes, ten days. We can have a bit more time than that, if you wish. Urahara is training Ichigo for ten days. Then it's going to take him seven more to stabilize the Senkaimon." I explained, sitting the box that I was carrying down next to me as I rested a bit. "Although, you already know all of this, Anko."

"Yes, but I just wanted to make sure." Her voice echoed once more; I received the mental image of the giant dragon rolling her eyes at me.

"Okay." I nodded, "So, what're we going to do first?"

"You're still not ready for Bankai, so I am not going to be training you for that. There are still a few stages of Shikai that you have yet to master. During our time here, I will help you master them. Once you fully master your Shikai, then I'll think about you reaching Bankai." Ankoku-Tatsu explained her plans. "Although I will not begin your training until you open that box. I can feel your unease about it. The sooner you open it and find out what's waiting inside, the better. Then you can be fully focused on your training so you can save Rukia."

"Thanks, Anko." I softly said, once more tracing the edges of the cardboard box. "It's just like you said, though. I've got this uneasy feeling. I have no clue what she would have left behind for me. I'm a bit scared of facing whatever is in there."

"You have nothing to fear." Ankoku-Tatsu's voice magnified, filling my ears with her determined tone. "I'm here with you, remember that. Open the box."

"Alright," I sighed, inhaling air until my lungs felt like they were going to burst. I held my breath, slowly using my nails to break the seal of the masking tape used to seal the box shut. As I pulled the flaps apart, I slowly exhaled, in anticipation for what I would find inside.

"It doesn't look that scary," Ankoku-Tatsu's voice teased as I looked inside of the box.

Ankoku-Tatsu was correct.

It didn't look scary at all.

There were a couple of books, an old photo album, and a thick envelope.

"Open the envelope first." Ankoku-Tatsu ordered, "Your Mother probably left a letter explaining about why she gave you all of these old books."

I numbly nodded, reaching forward and picking up the envelope. It was one of those business looking folders; golden yellow with prongs at the top to shut it.

"You were right; it is a letter." I said, pulling out the handwritten note that was left behind. It was a couple of pages thick and all handwritten in a tiny, neat print. A clinking sound of metal against metal met my ears. Furrowing my brows, I looked down into the envelope and froze.

"Of course your Mother would leave you one." Ankoku-Tatsu's voice calmly replied. "She would have wanted you to have a way to protect yourself."

I dumped the small object into my open hand. The metal felt cool against my palm; it actually felt a little bit comforting. The small cross charm glittered back up at me.

"But, I can't be a Quincy." I muttered, sadly staring down at the charm. "I'm a Shinigami. Shinigami's cannot be Quincy's."

"How do you know?" The Zanpakuto spirit asked. "The cross that you hold in your hand is the key to the Quincy power. Anyone can be a Quincy if they have that, right? I observed that Ishida boy; all you have to do is be able to control reiatsu. And not your own reiatsu, but the reiatsu from your surroundings."

"Well, that makes sense." I nodded, lightly picked up the metal cross and eyeing it. It was a beautiful silver color, and its design closely matched the one that Ishida was currently using. It reminded me of a Celtic cross; however, where the circle in the center should be, this one had a triangle. My eyes trained onto the guard of my Zanpakuto, eyeing its triangle shape as well. "I guess it couldn't hurt to try, right?"

"Correct," Ankoku-Tatsu answered, sounding smug.

Rolling my eyes at her tone of voice, I busied myself with putting it on my left wrist; after all, I was left handed.

"I think it would be best to read the letter that your Mother left before you try anything out." Anko advised, sounding a bit worried. "After all, she might have left some tips or hints."

"You're right." I nodded, picking up the letter that I had discarded once I found the Quincy cross in the bottom of the envelope.

My dearest daughter,

If you are reading this letter, then I know that your Father and I haven't safely made it out of a battle alive; or even in one piece. For that, I apologize.

We never meant to leave you alone; that was not your Father's or my intention. However, from the moment you were born, we swore on our lives to protect you, even if it meant we lost our lives in the process. You were our world; we both loved you with all of our heart.

When you were born, we could both feel the power that resided within you. With each passing day, it seemed to grow. Of course, your Father and I managed to smother your own spiritual energy with our own [mainly your Father; Quincy's are more adept at using surrounding reiatsu]. Hollows were attracted to you because of this; and we've spent many days, which before I knew it turned to years, protecting you from them.

Your Father, Kokawa Hayate, is in fact a Shinigami. On the other hand, I am a Quincy. In this box, there are many books about the Quincy's past. I warn you now: it's doesn't hold a happy ending. However, I do not blame the Shinigami for their part; as you know, I fell in love with your Father. He was a Shinigami, supposedly my enemy. Hayate wasn't my enemy; he never was. My Father could never understand that. I hope that you'll be able to understand that your Grandfather meant well. I also hope that you'll be able to get to know him yourself. Him and the rest of my family, as well. I know that you're on speaking terms with my older brother, Ryuken, if you are reading this. Just that thought makes me happy, even if I know that I will be gone from this world.

I've included my first Quincy cross in this envelope for you. I hope that you'll be able to figure out how it works; you probably understand the basic parts of it already: concentrate and use the surrounding reiryoku [spiritual power, if you do not already know] and use it to form the bow.

Your Father and I want you to be able to protect yourself. Your safety and well-being is all that we have ever cared about; we both want you to live life to its fullest. I want you to grow old and have children of your own. That's every parent's wish.

I know the Quincy way may not be for you.

I understand if you chose not to become a Quincy.

There are other options; becoming a Shinigami, mainly.

The way of the Shinigami is a dangerous one. Especially if you are still human. However, if that is the path that you chose, we do not care. As long as you are safe, and promise to be careful, we can both accept you becoming a Shinigami. Hayate thinks that the Shinigami path is the path for you to take; you do hold a great amount of reiatsu within you. And having a good amount of reiatsu is necessary to become a Shinigami.

If you are already a Shinigami, then congratulations! To be quite truthful, I have always dreamed of becoming a Shinigami; for they do not kill the Hollow spirit, they cleanse it of its sins so it can pass on. There is also a book to educate you on Hollows, if you do not know what I am talking about.

If you are a Shinigami, I still urge you to try using my old cross. It may not work, because you are a Shinigami, but test it out. For all I know, a Quincy has never become a Shinigami, or vice versa. There might be times when you'll need it. Your Father warns that if your Zanpakuto ever gets shattered, it'll take a bit of time for it to repair itself. If that's the case, then the Quincy cross may come in handy if you are attacked.

Junko, how old are you now? What are you like? How much have you changed from the little girl that I now know?

I know you cannot answer my questions, but I still wonder. I just cannot picture a world without watching you grow up.

Know that I love you. Hayate loves you.

We both wish you the best.

We are both sorry that we cannot be there, telling you all of this in person.

That, I know, is my biggest regret in life.

I only hope that we'll be able to watch over you. I don't want to miss out on any part of your life.

Now, I'm just depressing myself by writing you this letter. Again; I hope you never have to read this. If you are reading, then I apologize once more. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop apologizing.

Now, for my parting words of wisdom:

Stay strong.

Keep your head up high.

Don't let anything get you down.

I love you; so, so much. Much more than you know. Well, until you have children of your own. Then you will know what I mean.

Stay safe.

Love,

Your Mother,

Kokawa Yuina.

Tears were freely flowing down my face by the time I reached the end of the letter. Some were even splashing onto the paper, slightly smudging the old ink.

"Jun," Ankoku-Tatsu cooed in a soothing voice. She hated when I cried; I remember she once told me that her inner world became emerged in water whenever I cried.

"I-I'm alright." I blubbered out, furiously rubbing my eyes; in the back part of my mind, I was glad that I decided to skip out on wearing makeup today. "Th-They're not entirely s-s-sad tears… I-I'm so relieved~!"

"Yes, I could literally feel the weights being lifted from your shoulders after you read the bit about them not minding if you became a Shinigami." Ankoku-Tatsu mused, her chuckling echoing throughout my head. "I swear it's brighter in this world now."

"Haha," I laughed through my tears, happily smiling. "I'm glad it finally brightened up a bit in there for you, Anko."

"Yes, thank you for that." Ankoku-Tatsu said, and I could picture the giant dragon actually smiling. It was quite a hilarious sight. "Although, I wish you'd hurry up and try out that cross. I'm quite anxious to see if you can make it work. Your Father did bring up a good point. If I am ever shattered in a battle, you can use the bow. I care for your safety as well because we are one."

"I understand," I nodded, slightly raising my left hand so I could stare at the cool metal cross shining slightly in the sunlight. "So, what do you say we go ahead and try this thing out right now?"

"I'd say to go on ahead." Ankoku-Tatsu replied.

"Alright~!" I exclaimed, jumping up to my feet. My left hand was curled into a fist from determination. "Let's start this training~!"

"Concentrate on the surrounding reiryoku. It'll be a little bit more difficult than you think; reiryoku is difficult to come by in this world." Ankoku-Tatsu explained. "If we were still in Soul Society, this would be easier. But, if you can master this here, then it'll be easier for you in Soul Society."

"I understand." I nodded, uncurling my fingers as I held my hand out to the side; like I had seen Ishida do previously. My blue eyes watched the charm jingle from side to side from my sudden movement.

Okay, now all I have to do is concentrate on the surrounding reiryoku.

Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate!

"There you go!" Ankoku-Tatsu exclaimed, her voice ringing though my ears. "You're getting it!"

I opened my eyes to see what she was talking about, only to gasp in shock.

"W-What in the world?!"