The imposing figure was certainly not what he thought he would see stepping back out of the Precipice World.
"I thought you couldn't step into the World of the Living." Toshiro stated to his fellow king.
"Those rules are about as strict for me as they are for you, I just have little to no reason to ignore them compared to you." Satan chuckled lightly.
"So why are you here?" Toshiro could feel the dull throbbing returning to his limbs from the wounds he had received as adrenaline left his system. The sting in his cheek was the most noticeable, but there were a few scrapes on his arms as well that he hadn't noticed before.
"To observe history, Your Majesty." The King of Hell replied with a flourish of his hands towards the formerly sealed realm. "To see which ending the story had. I am quite pleased with this ending, to say the least, as I'm sure I would lose my job in the other ending what with his goal to remove all sin forever."
"Would he really have the power to erase you with the rest of us?" Toshiro wondered. "Your power is equal to mine, if not more due to its nature, could a Soul King truly rewrite even Hell itself?"
"Unfortunately that's just the gift that comes with being tied to the world itself." Satan shrugged. "That's why it's a forbidden act, and why it is so costly to the one who uses it. Fortunately, it will remain unused for now, which I'm quite happy about."
A hum of thought was the only response Toshiro gave, turning to look behind him into the red stained realm that had contained so many terrible creatures. He hoped to never look at it again.
"Did you know he had taken the souls of sinners?" Toshiro spoke up once more as he sensed Satan step up next to him.
"Hm, well I had some suspicions." The taller figure sighed. "Unfortunately, the nature of Hell is to slowly erase corrupted souls so that the Soul King may replace them with new, pure children as I'm sure your father taught you at some point."
"He did." It was only within a memory that his father explained such a thing, but he did learn about it. It was certainly not a task he looked forward to, but it made sense why there had been so many different kings in such short timelines when he knew Soul Reapers in Japan that lived three times as long.
"It's why someone like Yamamoto has lived a longer life than most Soul Kings." Satan seemed to know what the king was thinking and spoke it out loud. "You end up spending part of your life replacing those lost souls. Because of that, I'm afraid I didn't pay much attention to the lack of sinners in my realm, not when I had a population of demons where they shouldn't be."
"If he was erasing them, then that meant my father probably had to expend even more energy to replace them, right?"
"Indeed." Satan nodded. "But I don't think Dethmaiyn knew such a thing would occur, that he was making his enemy sicker by the day. If there's anything I noticed about him, it's that he truly believed in his purge. He bided his time BECAUSE your father was sick, but that didn't mean he knew why."
"I don't think he knew either, that's why he chased after the book Ruala gave me to teach me what I was. He realized it was corrupting him and wanted to know if it could be reversed, but he kept doing it anyway. Without even understanding the consequences, he made himself and my father sick, only it killed one of them while granting the other a horrid power."
In the pause in conversation Toshiro lifted a hand to replace the seal over the realm. Even if it was empty now, it wouldn't do any good to have living humans stumble onto it if they decided to come snooping around the area. They surely would after the chaos that occurred, leaving the land dead and black, a curiosity for sure.
"A man so desperate to reset the world and do exactly what the world was already doing." Satan couldn't help but chuckle slightly. "The powers of erasing corruption and then replacing it were split between the Soul King and Hell for a reason, but he lacked just enough information to think he could make it better with his own power."
"How do you deal with the corruption?" Toshiro looked up to Satan curiously.
"What do you think my guardians are?" The large man shrugged. "Certainly I have absorbed some of that power to keep myself alive, and as a result I am indeed a demon of my own making as Kamai is, but I know my place in the system. Most sinners are simply crushed to nothing and their energy put back into the cycle, energy you can then use to reset them without taking too much of yourself. It has worked for a long time, but every now and then someone thinks they can bend it to their will or change it. They bend too much sometimes and nearly break it, as the Quincies once did with their powers, but it always holds itself up again using the Soul King."
"So I really am just its anchor, nothing more."
"That is our place." Satan shrugged once again. "There must always be a figurehead of power it can use when it's in danger of snapping. That's why people like the Quincies are dangerous. If there is not someone to take up the role of Soul King as the last one fixes the damage, it will fall apart. Quincies were humans that wanted to deal with a monster problem, but the monsters are just part of the system that need to be contained every now and then. You don't kill every predator in existence just because you lost a few sheep in your herd, you only back off the ones that get too close."
"That's not an easy thing to get through to people who have lost friends or family to the predators." Toshiro looked to the ground. "Hollows may be human souls as well, but they are a threat in their own right."
"Humans are a threat to humans in the Living World." The King of Hell pointed out. "Nature has a cruel sense of humor, even the simplest of creatures will kill if given the chance. Everyone has the instinct to fight the strong and kill the weak. Hollows are just an extreme part of that dynamic, and certainly they can break the cycle in their own way if left unchecked. That is why there are Soul Reapers. And that is why Hell opens its doors to those too far corrupted to be given another life. Our jobs are nothing more than to maintain nature, no matter how vicious a cycle it might be."
"It really does seem like such a pointless task…" Toshiro sighed, finally turning and walking away once the seal was set and the hill returned to a mundane appearance, no indication of the mini-Hell contained within. Curious, Satan turned to follow and continue the conversation. "Dethmaiyn's methods may have been sinful and extreme, but the idea behind them isn't so far-fetched. Who wouldn't want to see a world where we didn't have the instinct to kill and fight? A world where you don't have to be afraid of greedy nobles taking your livelihoods or vicious criminals taking your life? A world where you can just be…"
"In my opinion such a world would be dull and lifeless." Satan responded confidently. "For where is the will to live and create if there is no deadline in which to make it? I enjoy watching the humans that take their strife and turn it into something wonderful, to see the art and music they create even as the world tells them they are pointless in their plans to progress beyond. Those humans are of utmost importance to me. It is so easy to become a sinner and fall within my realm, but I enjoy finding the humans that blossom and fight, the ones that make others actually enjoy their short existence. It is the only thing that keeps me from dragging them all to my door and becoming the apocalypse they so fear me to be."
"It really can be amazing." Finally the Soul King felt a smile reach his lips. "I wonder if Dethmaiyn ever saw it."
"If he did, he did not think they did enough, or he would have enjoyed them as I do. He looked into Hell and looked no further."
"I can only hope his next life treats him better."
Satan looked down at the white-haired figure walking ahead of him with a curious gleam in his eye.
"I did not think to hear such kind words towards the man who threatened your home and tore apart your family."
"That man is already gone. Whoever he may become next is out of our hands, so I can only hope he doesn't repeat himself."
"A kingly thing to say." Satan sounded quite proud of this, something Toshiro looked back to glance at him curiously for. "I was not quite sure yet what kind of king you would turn out to be, only that we shared a common enemy. But I think now I can say that I might enjoy a game of chess with you every now and then. Although, I suppose that was your father's favorite, you might wish for a different one."
The fatherly rambling made Toshiro chuckle a small bit.
"I used to be really good at spinning tops back in the Rukongai."
"O-ho! Now that sounds more engaging!"
It was then that their conversation was interrupted by new arrivals. The Royal Guards had noticed the reappearance of his Spiritual Pressure and managed to track him down again, arriving to their location with haste by dragon back. One dragon in particular rushed forward to greet him with loud rumbles to mimic an excited cat's purring.
"Easy, Myndrӕl, I'm a little sore." Toshiro chuckled as he patted the blue dragon's muzzle. "Glad to see your wing is okay."
"Lady Inoue was amazingly helpful with the healers." The dragon responded. "I am ecstatic to see you victorious as well, and not too badly hurt."
"We all are." Kirio beamed as someone standing between her and Ichigo charged forward, the only soul present among them that wasn't a Royal Guard.
Myndrӕl picked his head up just in time to let Karin jump at the surprised Soul King, knocking them both to the ground. Exhausted from using so much Spirit Energy, Toshiro could only let out a grunt from the impact and had no energy to push her off.
"You promised you wouldn't do it alone anymore." She snapped at him, her hands on either side of his head against the ground.
"It was his fault." Toshiro pouted back up at her. "I had no choice that time, I even told him."
"Oh you're not getting out of it that easily." She lifted one hand to point accusingly at him before her expression softened and she leaned down to hug him. He let out a huff as her full weight on him pushed the air out of him. "I'm glad you're okay though."
"He won't be if you don't let him up, Karin." Ichigo snickered.
"Yes, it would be perhaps a little too ironic if our king returns victorious only to be crushed by a young lady." Ichibe chuckled even as Karin sat up with a red face and glared at them all.
"You calling me fat!?"
"You're not, I'm just tired." Toshiro decided to just remain on the ground while Karin sat next to him still glaring at her brother and Ichibe specifically. "Also, some help you guys are."
"Oh we know better than to get between a dragon pair." Kirio waved off his comment and giggled.
"Not to mention she about burned me to a crisp for trying to leave without her." Ichigo grumbled, expression turning irritated when his dragon laughed at him. "What's the King of Hell doing here anyway?"
"Enjoying a reunion." Satan had his hands clasped together and was watching silently with a sly smile. After their private discussion, Toshiro was sure the demon king was taking advantage of his time outside to enjoy the simple pleasures he'd gone on about so much.
"If you so wish, Your Majesty, I'm sure there will be quite the celebration for this victory if you wished to join us." Ichibe offered Satan with a deep bow, the other Royal Guards except for Ichigo following suit.
"Can I have a day to rest first at least?" Toshiro complained from the ground.
"Of course, my king, you'll need all your energy for the celebration."
"Why does that sound unsettling?"
The others couldn't help but laugh at the grumbling tone, knowing Toshiro was not really one for big parties. Even having an Aunt like Sylfie didn't warm him up to the idea, but at the least he wasn't refusing it. After a war like this, a party would bring back everyone's spirits.
"Once I have settled down the new influx of sinners returned after Kamai's defeat and ensured the demons are subjugated once more, I may take you up on that offer loyal guardians." Satan finally answered Ichibe's invitation.
"Wonderful!" Kirio clapped her hands together. "Now then, let's get you back home and fixed up, Lord Hitsugaya."
Hearing that, Toshiro finally pushed himself up so he was sitting, Karin reaching over to brush dirt out of his hair while Myndrӕl knelt back down and nuzzled his partner once again.
"Don't tell me you're tired after napping for a week." Ichigo smirked as he noticed the white-haired man's tired expression.
"It was not napping, and you're hardly one to talk after passing out for several days after you defeated Aizen." Toshiro growled back as he let his dragon help him stand up.
"He's got a point there, you always slept a lot after big fights." Karin gladly took the opportunity to tease her brother. Ichigo debated giving her the finger but decided to just scowl as usual. Everyone was getting back on their dragons, the Royal Guards without one hitching rides, so there wasn't time for a sibling fight. Satan waved them off before opening a small door back to his realm. The big door was saved for dragging in sinners, he had a personal one that was far less flashy.
As the dragons made their way back up through the barriers around the Soul King's realm, Toshiro leaned on Myndrӕl's cold scales with a sigh of content, the cool temperature a welcome feeling after a hard fight. So much had happened in what felt like so little time. His guards talked of celebration but he could still see the grief in his comrades' faces before Kamai forcefully took him to the dark realm. They would not be ready to celebrate yet, not with fresh wounds like that. So many had lost their lives just to keep him safe… every one of their deaths was on his hands.
'They wouldn't want you to think that way.' Myndrӕl spoke quietly in his thoughts as he noticed his partner's turmoil. 'They chose to rise to the call and fight for you, just as you risked your life to save them.'
'If only I had the power to bring them back, but I can only replace them. They were good people…'
'Then they shall be remembered for their bravery against the odds.'
Toshiro was grateful for his dragon's words, a little more hopeful now.
The group landed back in the city of his realm, broken and burning in a few places but otherwise safe and empty once more. Cheers were heard as they approached the area below the palace and a large group hurried over to greet them upon their safe return. Everyone seemed to be back in perfect health thanks to Orihime, if a bit tired and sullen behind their smiles.
"For a bit there we were worried everything was about to turn upside down anyway, it's a huge relief to see you back." Yoruichi gave a thumbs up. She did have a tension in her shoulders from worrying, but it was relaxing now.
"I'm glad to finally be back." Toshiro responded in kind. "Is everyone alright?"
"Well… not everyone… but those of us still here are as good as we can be." Rangiku's usual smile was strained. "I was so worried when you suddenly vanished into the darkness like that."
"That fight was inevitable, I'm just glad I had the strength to overcome it." Carefully dismounting Myndrӕl, Toshiro approached his former Lieutenant to make sure she was really okay. She was always there for him, he didn't want to see her too badly hurt. His worry must have been obvious because she hurried forward and almost crushed him into a hug, ignoring status to have a moment just like old times. The Royal Guards pretended not to notice as they went around to check on everyone and spread the good news, Ichibe heading straight into the palace to see the Royal Families.
"I'm so proud to see the king you've become, Captain." There was a small bit of a waver to her voice and she sniffled after saying his old title.
"Come on, Rangiku, if you start crying I'll feel bad." He had to fight back his own in his lame attempt to tease her. There were no words to express how much he appreciated her support.
"Hey." Karin's voice startled Rangiku enough to let him go, both of them looking towards her. "I'm going to go check on Yuzu, don't forget to see Orihime and get some rest."
"Could both of you stop acting like my mother?"
"You're the one who complained!" With a scowl, Karin punched his arm before walking past him as he rubbed his arm.
"She has a point though, you're all scratched up again." Rangiku pointed out with a giggle.
"Yeah, I'm going." He rolled his eyes. "It's good to know you're safe though, Rangiku. I… I was terrified to find out who else I might lose in this fight."
"You can't get rid of me that easily." Outwardly she winked before shooing him off towards Orihime, but her heart swelled with joy that he'd been worried about her. Some days she wondered if he really did care and was glad to see him being more open with his feelings.
Orihime was quick to spot her new patient and already had the fairies spinning around her when he finally approached her.
"Here, take a seat, I just need a few minutes." Expression determined, Orihime wasted no time getting the bright orange barrier around him and instantly he could feel his scars closing up and the pain finally subsiding.
As he waited for the process to finish he looked around. He saw three figures lying prone with the healers around them, a few others standing nearby that had no energy to celebrate success with their friends or family not at their side. His aunt was the most vocal, Sylfie refusing to leave her daughter's side, the sister crying silently next to her with her hands together in prayer. It was hard to watch and he found himself looking at the ground instead. Ralӕn had been his family too, but he felt as if it wasn't his place to mourn her as they did. Same for Kira and Lisa… he had known both of them, Kira more so, but due to his habit of keeping people at a distance he didn't feel it right to call himself their friend, and so grieving for them felt strange. He could see Momo and Shuhei sitting next to Kira in tired silence, their tears spent.
"Are you alright?" Orihime's voice brought him out of his thoughts as she noticed his discomfort.
"I'm fine…"
She didn't push further, glancing to her side where he had been looking. Most of the time she didn't understand what was happening, but this time it was pretty obvious that even she understood.
"Head Captain Yamamoto said they would be buried as heroes of Soul Society with Ikkaku, Captain Ukitake and the others." She spoke softly to her royal patient.
"Good. It's what they deserve."
They didn't speak any further until she had finished healing him. He thanked her and started making his way towards the palace. Karin joined him on the way and kept silent company with him as he retreated to his floor to rest, managing to avoid any further conversations with either Soul Reapers or nobles. His bed had never felt so relieving, and Karin's presence was a welcome comfort as he dozed off. Just before a deep, dreamless sleep dragged him under he felt a warm kiss on his cheek and heard a whispered promise to be back soon.