"Kuchiki," said Ukitake gently, "I know you're upset and scared. I am too. Come with me. Together we'll battle these ugly scars left upon us and soothe the pain. Return to the 13th Squad Barracks with me and we can confront them together."

He held out his hand. The Shinigami who had attended Kaien Shiba's funeral and were around them now were silent, and Rukia's eyes were blank as she stared off into the distance. But at last she turned to the man who was both her Captain and her friend. She would follow him.