Earth. A simple world, nay, a nearly unnoticeable world in the vast web-work of realities. In truth, the first stream of light illuminated nothing but hellscape, and a spitting image of the inferno. The charred planet was silent, and it's fate to remain a shattered sphere of molten rocks seemed absolute. But of course, nothing is truly set in the bigger picture. Miracles happen, and one of the greatest graced the void.

The realms adjacent were unimaginable places of spirits and endless night. Within existed beings on par with the power of the angels and demons beyond. Through some inexplicable chance, perhaps intervention by some bored omnipotent (we shall never know) these worlds connected to earth. The event was cataclysmic and nearly obliterated the young Gaia. But from the twisting chaos of pitch black rose what would become Humanity.

These worlds would one day be known as the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. Which since touching on the battlefield of earth were stuck in an infernal war. The souls of humans began to emerge on either side, quickly discovering the unique powers that came after death.

And little changed past that day. To the moment in which we find ourselves, the world of the Hollows growing stronger, and the ranks of the high class shinigami being bolstered. It is in as much turmoil as that moment the primordial hollows encountered the formless spirits on the third kingdom soil.

To that point there had been no outside interference. Souls destroyed in the war were sent to Hell or the Land of the Dead, but that was all for a four solid millenia. And miraculously the balance remained steady.

That was...until.

Death arose from shadow, very little distinguished where darkness ended and where his huge form began. The Nephilim had been dealing with minor business when the word of the council reached him and ordered his return. He stood, unwilling to deliver any respect to the ancient beings.

The faces mumbled amongst themselves, when the third head finally took notice of their servant. All such discussion ceased as they looked over the horseman.

"Death, your work is finished?"

"As finished as it will be it seems. What dire circumstance needs my attention now?

The left began first, "Trouble brews within the third kingdom, and it's neighbors. You are aware of the situation? That the world is not only the ground in which heaven and hell fight relentlessly, but acts as a secret battlefield for two other worlds?"

"So I've heard. The Soul Society and Hollow World, both overlooked by the major powers since contact would violate the agreements." Death responded whilst remembering the one time centuries ago that he had traversed the eternal desert of Hueco Mundo to track down an artifact.

"They overstep their bounds Horseman. Their war has in the third kingdom is building to a climax, the last century has had many major conflicts between the two spirit worlds, one of which destroyed a city in the human realm. They threaten the balance, their actions could hasten and prolong the effects of Armageddon. You must do what you can to restore order Death, this matter takes priority over all others."

Death's eyes blazed, "but such work is not suited to the reaper! Is this not within the jurisdiction of War?"

The center head roared with fire in response, "You are the only Horseman who has heeded our summons with haste! Death, this issue cannot wait for any of your siblings to make their way here. Besides, I'm sure that your methods can be employed to...even the playing field."

Death grumbled, "what would you have me do then?"

A piece of parchment flared into existence at his feet, detailing the location he would first investigate. Following it were his instructions;"Deliver a message to those in power, tell them of the great fall that they will trigger. If they are reluctant or hostile, then you may thin their numbers until their fighting becomes manageable. That being said, it would be preferable if it could be solved with minimal damage."

"Another thing Horseman, these enemies are not unlike angels and demons. But they are neither, so be wary, for some things in these realms are mystery even to us."

The rider turned away silently, truly displeased with the assignment. But there was no other choice than to obey. The heads had already returned to other matters, leaving Death to make his own way out through the twisting purple portal he had arrived in.

His arrival on Earth was not significant. A small shooting star that fell without notice into the forest of the island nation. A subtle entrance, the less who knew he had returned, the easier working would become. He always thought this method of moving between the worlds was somewhat dramatic

"It seems we are slightly off. This city of Karakura lies north from here." Death said emerging from the place of impact while observing his maps.

Death had donned a hooded cloak, making his appearance quite close to descriptions of human myth. Back in the days when humans still used blade over bullet, and king over prime minister, his clothing would have blended far easier.

He rose his hand, and the ground shifted in a murky green smoke. Hoofs sounded like thunder as the rotting carcass of a mighty pale steed burst from the ground in ghastly reanimation. Despair the grim horse, truly befitting the reaper. It would likely be the only time he could ride during this mission, and he was intent on enjoying it. Death pocketed his maps and threw himself onto the saddle. He breathed the air in, cycling it through his lungs, tasting as it had the last time he had tread on the home of man.

He peered into the northern sky; a feeling of foreboding emulated from it. There were no stars over the Japanese town, only patches of darkness. And something seemed to be crawling from that darkness. Hollows, he had not seen a great many of the beasts even when in Hueco Mundo, but what he had seen fell as easily as other abominations he faced.

"A skirmish? I could not ask for better timing." He cracked the reigns, and his horse made an unearthly growl as it accelerated through the trees in a blur of green fire.