They stayed in the Soul King's palace for another two days. By the third day, Ulquiorra announced that he had business to attend to. He was elusive about what it was when asked about it.
Sunset had approached. The king and queen had come to bid farewell to Ulquiorra and Orihime. King Amenoukihashi held out a crest with the royal insignia on it.
"This crest represents the Soul King. The one who bears this has the same authority as I do. Take it."
Ulquiorra's eyes went from the crest to the Soul King. Noticing his hesitation King Amenoukihashi continued, "My son, I know I have caused you great harm in the past. I regret to say that I cannot go back and undo all that I have done in order to make you forgive me. You were, and still are, my heir. Even if you do not forgive me I would still give you my kingdom."
The arrancar gave a slight frown. "Are you certain of that? I will not be the king you envisioned me to be."
"No, you will not." An uneasy silence ensued before the king resumed speaking. "You will be an even greater king than I ever dreamed of."
A strange sensation suddenly welled up in the pale prince's being. He found it difficult to maintain his gaze on King Amenoukihashi. He lowered his eyes to the king's outstretched hand and took the crest. Memories of his discussion with Kurosaki Isshin came flooding back into his mind.
***
"Your Highness, may I be so bold as to suggest something?"
"You may speak."
"Ever since Your Highness has departed from this world, His Majesty has been most distressed. He withdrew from most of the court affairs, all the while blaming himself for killing his own son. My prince, what took place between you and your father is now in the past. As there is life, there will inevitably be death. I know that deep down Your Highness must still love your own father. His Majesty has aged, as Your Highness has also changed; but just because these changes have occurred does not mean the bond between a parent and child is severed. Will Your Highness be willing to let the king's conscience plague him up to his final moments?"
***
"Father…"
The king and queen halted in their retreating steps and turned to look back at their son. Ulquiorra's vision became blurrier with each step that he took towards his parents. The gap between them was bridged when father and son embraced each other. Words were no longer necessary.
***
Ichigo, Isshin, Chad, and Uryuu were standing in front of a senkai gate. The last rays of the sun were on the horizon. As everyone stood marveling at the beautiful scene, Orihime and Ulquiorra approached.
The young woman turned to her husband. "Please stay safe."
He replied with a nod.
"Your Highness." Isshin approached the two. "Please do not worry. I shall ensure that the princess is safe when we return to the human world."
"Very well."
The arrancar's eyes lingered on his wife. Her eyes never left him as he walked past her and tapped the air. A gargantua opened up. Orhime watched his retreating form.
"Orihime."
The young woman turned to Ichigo.
"Don't worry. He'll be alright. Come on. Let's go home."
Orihime smiled. She believed him.
***
Night had fallen. Countless stars dotted the sky. All was quiet in Soul Society, until the appearance of a gargantua ended the silence. Ulquiorra stepped out from the gargantua, his hands in his pockets. The arrancar stared at the towering white building in front of him. Before he could take another step he felt the presence of massive spiritual pressure. There was more than one of them. He turned to the right. Before him were the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squad. Their leader took a step forward.
"Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squad pay their respects to Prince Amenoukihashi Rashifa."
They simultaneously dropped to their knees.