He stood in a valley of cherry blossoms.

With a stoic face, Byakuya looked at his surroundings. The grass under his feet was a beautiful green that he had never seen before. He could not remember the last time he had seen the sky so blue. He could see nothing but cherry blossoms for miles.

Despite how peaceful and satisfying the valley was, Byakuya knew he could not enjoy it. He began to walk.

After a while, Byakuya came across a path. He got onto the path, thinking it best to follow it rather than wandering through an unfamiliar forest.

He noticed the wind began to blow harder. With the wind came a scent. At first it was too faint to think anything of it. But as the wind began to pick up, Byakuya realized how familiar that scent was. It did not take him any time to remember who that scent belonged to.

Byakuya began following it. Without knowing, his pace became faster.

At one point, the scent disappeared. He turned around and walked back to where it was stronger. The scent led him away from the path. For a moment, his common sense told him not to go. It could be a trap.

But for the first time, Byakuya ignored his conscience and walked off the path.

Out of nowhere, the wind became violent. It became so strong that he struggled to take every step. The cherry blossoms were ripped out of the trees and scattered through the sky.

He ignored the wind. He just had to see where that scent was coming from. He had to see if it really was who he thought it was.

Byakuya took another step, and the wind blew him off his feet. He crashed into a tree. He tried to open his eyes, but he could only see pink.

Byakuya-sama, get up. You're so close…

He got up and continued in the direction he had been going in.

Finally, he could see something. Behind several trees, there was a bright light.

The wind blew even harder, but he wouldn't stop. He tried fighting the vicious wind as much as he could. But eventually, the wind became too strong. It blew him off his feet and into the air.

BYAKUYA-SAMA!


The bloodcurdling scream from his dream woke him up. His body felt like it was on fire and he was breathing hard. He took a moment to calm down.

Once Byakuya had relaxed, he realized he was in his office. He sat at his desk. The document he had been working on was smudged from him resting his face on it.

Looking over at the clock, he frowned. It was late.

That day had been, by far, the most hectic at the Sixth Division. It started out normal enough; he had worked on paperwork all day. However, just when he thought he was done, everything started to go wrong. Some of his men had gotten into a fight over something he wouldn't bother himself to remember. Some important paperwork had gone missing and needed to be found. One shinigami had lost his zanpakuto. Once he had dealt with all these problems and was about to leave the office, a pile of more paperwork was brought to his desk. He hated to admit it, but he had fallen asleep halfway through his work load.

Byakuya looked at the paperwork on his desk. There was still quite a lot left. He knew it would be best to finish right now so he would not have to worry about it tomorrow.

His eyes drifted to the bottom left drawer of his desk.

With a small sigh he looked away. There was so much work to do. He shouldn't be wasting time like this.

The captain grabbed the smudged document that had been under his face and attempted to focus. He reached for a brush and dipped it in ink. As he wrote, his eyes kept turning to the drawer.

With a frown, he put the brush down. He opened the bottom left drawer. Next to his picture of Hisana was a small white box. He grabbed it and left his office.


He walked into the hospital and was met by Lieutenant Kotetsu.

She couldn't believe her eyes. "Captain Kuchiki? What brings you here at this hour?"

"I wanted to see if there was anything new in Rukia's condition. Would you be able to tell me that?"

"Yes, Sir. I have her file right here with me."

Lieutenant Kotetsu didn't know how to feel. Should she be happy Rukia's brother was here? Or was this just customary, rather than a brother worrying for his sister? She knew it had to be the latter. Regardless, she explained everything in as much detail as possible.

When she was done, Isane asked, "Is that all, Captain Kuchiki?"

He hesitated for a split second. It went unnoticed by Isane. "Would it be possible to see Rukia?"

She was so shocked that she lost her words.

"If not, then I will be on my way-"

"No!" He looked at her. Isane panicked. "Uh, pardon me. I was just a little...I can take you to her room right now, Captain. Please, follow me."

She opened the door for him and let him in. "If you need anything, Captain Kuchiki, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will be checking in on the other patients."

He looked at her. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

With a smile, she exited the room.

Byakuya looked down at his sister. He was actually somewhat glad that she still hadn't woken up. This was probably the only rest she'd gotten in months. And contrary to what one might believe about someone in her situation, she looked at peace.

He sighed. Byakuya had tried everything to make Rukia happy. Despite his efforts, there was always something that made it impossible. The most recent obstacle was Aizen. Byakuya knew that he couldn't just relax once Aizen was gone. There was so much damage left behind. Unfortunately, that damage included Byakuya's sister.

Rukia was strong. However, she was not as strong as she tried to make everyone believe. He knew that the invincible little girl everyone saw didn't exist. Rukia has weaknesses. She gets tired and needs sleep. She wants to say "no" and not have to worry about everything. But everyone needs something, and Rukia feels the need to be that something for everyone.

Because of this, she couldn't just admit that she was hurt and scared. No one needed the weak and vulnerable Rukia, so she refused to be that. She never admitted she needed help. Byakuya, along with several of her friends, had urged her to accept help in order to heal. She refused, claiming that she was all right.

He knew this was a lie. He wanted her to heal, so Byakuya ended up forcing her to take help. He found the best doctors and psychiatrists. He bought her the best medicine. He made sure she took her medicine and he made sure she had what she needed. Yet, somehow, it was never right. He couldn't figure out what she needed because she told anyone, let alone him.

Byakuya took the white box out from his haori and opened it. In the box was a small hair pin. It had three cherry blossoms on it, with three tiny chains dangling from it. At the end of each chain was a small, yet very shiny pearl. He took it out and pinned Rukia's bangs back.

He looked down at his sister once more. He took her small hand into his own. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

With another deep breath, he let go of her hand and walked out the door.


As he was leaving, he was somewhat surprised to see Lieutenant Matsumoto going towards Rukia's room. However, he was not surprised enough to acknowledge her.

While Rangiku Matsumoto was the lieutenant of the Tenth Division, she was nothing like the captain. Toshiro Hitsugaya was well respected by many, and that included Byakuya. How a woman like Rangiku Matsumoto could be Toshiro Hitsugaya's lieutenant was beyond him. She had power and talent. However, she lacked so much that her talents weren't nearly enough to make up for her shortcomings.

Byakuya would have never even bothered to remember Rangiku's name, had it not been for Rukia. Byakuya would not take back his harsh opinions on the lieutenant, but he would admit that she was not as bad as he had originally thought. That loud and obnoxious woman lacked social graces and many other things. But she had managed to make Rukia smile during the toughest times.

Byakuya was no fool. He knew that Rukia loved to smile in order to please others. However, she never smiled for herself. He did not know if it was because she thought she didn't deserve to be happy, or because she simply didn't have the ability to be happy with herself. So when he had seen Rukia smiling and even giggling to herself, he knew there had to be someone who was making that possible.

He was unable to believe that a woman who contrasted so dramatically with Rukia would be the reason behind the smiles. At first he was appalled that Rukia would even talk to a person like Rangiku Matsumoto, let alone befriend her. Rangiku was everything he did not want Rukia to be. The lieutenant was not a role model he wanted for his younger sister.

Byakuya felt confused grey eyes on him as the two walked past each other. But he did not bother to look at her. He had little respect for her.

His eye twitched. While that was true, he knew he owed that woman several thanks.

Byakuya was about to walk out of the hospital when he felt another set of eyes looking at him.

He turned around. "Can I help you, Captain Unohana?"

She stared at him plainly. "Why no, Captain Kuchiki. I was just in my office reading over some paperwork when I noticed you were here. Forgive me for being curious, I just wanted to make sure it was really you."

He stared at her.

"You see, I found it surprising that you of all people would be here."

"How so?"

Unohana did not miss the slightest hint of annoyance in his voice. "Well, you aren't really known for being compassionate, are you Captain? And you certainly confirmed this the night your sister was admitted. I know how you are, Captain. You are a stoic man. One might even say emotionless."

"Is there a point to all this, Captain Unohana?"

She smiled. "I don't mean to offend you. I just want my point to get across to you."

He remained silent.

With a sign, she continued, "Your sister is ill, Captain. I do not know what could have possibly caused such damage to her body. However, I do know this is not just from exhaustion. While exhaustion might be a factor, it is only the beginning. I am not yet able to diagnose Rukia Kuchiki, but I can tell you this: she needs you, Byakuya. She needs to know that someone believes in her. She needs to know that there is a reason for her to recover. She needs someone to be there when she is feeling hopeless. She does not need a stoic man. She needs a brother. Medicine can help her, but it is not enough for her soul. She is more than a body that can recover with drugs. There is more to all souls than their bodies. The heart and mind are nearly impossible to understand. While a drug could possibly cure whatever illness is hurting Rukia Kuchiki, that drug could never help her smile. The road to recovery is a long one. But you see, Captain Kuchiki, physically recovering is just the first part. Rukia will need you for the other."

Unbeknown to Captain Unohana, Byakuya had been listening to her intently. He already knew he was an emotionless man. He understood that his behavior made it harder for Rukia to be happy. He knew as well that if Rukia would ever recover, he needed to be a part of that process.

However, hearing that his sister was indeed ill made him remember things he didn't want to think about. He loved thinking back to his late wife. However, he did everything he could to not think about her illness. And to think that there was a possibility that history would repeat itself with Rukia...He would never admit it, but it terrified him.

"And one more thing, Captain. Six months ago, I told you that I believed your sister was suffering from PTSD. It was clear that my diagnosis offended you. And I tried not to take it personally when you went to several other doctors for a 'second opinion.' After all, Rukia is your sister, and she was just my patient for a short period after Aizen's betrayal."

He noticed the once calm and passive captain becoming more assertive, almost aggressive.

"Whether the other doctors seconded my diagnosis or not, I will no longer sit back and watch Rukia Kuchiki suffer. Her mind is betraying her. She has no idea what is going on in her head. And the confusion is not only terrifying, it's painful. She is not able and will never be able to heal on her own. And before you get offended, let me make it clear that no one can beat this disease on their own, no matter who they are. This disease was discovered not long ago and is only now being taken seriously. She needs the proper medication and therapy to overcome it. She needs a support system. But most importantly, she needs to know. You must tell her she is sick. You must tell her so she can begin to understand what is happening to her. You must tell her so she can begin to heal. She is suffering from the terrible disease that is PTSD, and now she is facing another disease that I can't seem to understand, let alone diagnose. And I do apologize because this is quite unprofessional and in no way were my intentions to offend you. However your pride is not my concern at the moment. That being said, if you do not take action, I will be forced to do it for you. And if I do, for that I do not apologize, Captain Kuchiki."

Byakuya was silent for a moment. Then, "Is that all you needed to say, Captain Unohana?"

With a sigh, she made her way back to her office. "Yes, that is all."


About a month after Aizen's betrayal, Ukitake had noticed that there was something very wrong with Rukia. He had gone to Byakuya and recommended he take her to see Unohana. That was when she diagnosed Rukia with PTSD. And it was true that Byakuya had gone to several other doctors to diagnose Rukia. What Unohana didn't know was that every doctor he had gone to agreed with her diagnosis. After hearing the same thing so many times, even though he didn't want to, Byakuya accepted the truth. He found the best doctor, bought the best medication for Rukia, and put her in therapy.

He was quite annoyed when the first few weeks of Rukia's treatment plan showed no progress. The doctor urged Byakuya to be patient. Instead, he changed doctors.

However, the same would happen every few weeks. Rukia never seemed to make any progress.

Finally, one doctor recommended she take a leave of absence from work. Of course, Rukia strongly objected. Sadly, it was not up to her. Fortunately though, Rukia began to make real progress. The sleeping pills seemed to finally be working. The other medication also seemed to be helping tremendously. She was managing her symptoms better than ever before. She was putting on weight and she looked healthy.

She was making so much progress that Byakuya allowed her to return to work after a month of her absence. He confided in Ukitake about Rukia's situation. Ukitake took it upon himself to remind her to take her medication and to report to Byakuya if he had any concerns.

Ukitake had nothing but good to report to Byakuya. However, that all changed a month after Rukia's return. Ukitake noticed Rukia wouldn't take her medication and she had been skipping her therapy sessions. She was no longer managing her symptoms in a healthy way. And it was showing.

Byakuya took action. He told Rukia that if she did not take her medications and go to therapy he would take her out of work until she could prove to him she was responsible enough. She took his warning seriously. However, even though she continues taking her medication and going to therapy, her recent progress was still little to nothing. Byakuya didn't know what else he could do for her.

Actually, there was one thing.

Many would say that Byakuya's efforts to help his sister went above and beyond. He searched for the best doctors and bought the best medicine. He made sure Rukia took her medication and went to therapy. He had done everything possible to help her.

But he never once went to a therapy session with her. He never checked up on her at work. He never made an effort to talk with Rukia and ask how she was, or how she was feeling. When she would have nightmares - the ones that made her scream so loud that it actually sounded as though someone was physically there harming Rukia - he never rushed to her side to hold her and tell her that she was safe and that everything would be alright. And when he heard her muffled cries at night, he never went to comfort her.

He knew that what Unohana had to say was true. No matter how many doctors he took Rukia to, or how many pills she was told to take, she would not be able to fully heal. Rukia needed him to walk alongside her as she tried figuring out how to heal and how to be happy once again.

The only problem was that Byakuya Kuchiki had no idea how to actually do all this. It wasn't something that came naturally to him.

He was no longer going to let this stop him.


Instead of going to the Kuchiki Manor to finally get some sleep, Byakuya made his way to the library. As he expected, it was dead silent. Of course it was a library, but Shinigami often used the library as a place to hang out and hide from their duties. It must have been much too late at night for anyone else to be up.

Byakuya wanted to roll his eyes when he saw the shinigami at the front desk - who was entrusted to make sure all the valuable books and records were safe - was asleep.

He cleared his throat loudly. The shinigami was in such a deep sleep that he did not wake up. Byakuya didn't want to waste more time, so he walked away from the desk and searched for what he needed.

He walked through the dark library. He skimmed over the tall shelves of books. He found himself all the way in the back of the library when he finally found what he was looking for.

He read through the titles.

Conversation Through Serious Illness

Loss and Learning

On Grief and Consolation

Saying Goodbye and How to Cope

Not Ready to Say Goodbye

He paused. He wanted to read about PTSD so he could somewhat understand what his sister was going through.

But these books…They made him think about the unknown disease Rukia was now facing. Was it deadly? Was Rukia going to die?

Whatever put her in the hospital has not been diagnosed yet. Captain Unohana made it sound grave, but she did not say Rukia would die. Or was it possible that Unohana already knew Rukia would die, despite not knowing what was making her sick?

The shinigami who was supposed to be looking over the library had finally woken up. When he did, he was alarmed to feel another presence with him. He had cautiously made his way towards the spiritual pressure. He found a tall man with dark hair aimlessly staring at a book in his hands. He was relieved to see the man was a shinigami and not an intruder. "Um...Excuse me?"

The dark haired man turned around and the young shinigami panicked. How he wished the man had been an intruder. Anything would have been better than being caught sleeping on the job by Captain Byakuya Kuchiki.

The Shinigami was ready to be punished by the cold-blooded man. He felt himself trembling despite all his efforts to remain calm.

The young man was surprised when the captain simply put the book back onto the shelf and grabbed another one.

"I would like to check this book out," Byakuya stated as he walked towards the front desk.

"Yes, Sir!" the young man yelped as he quickly followed.