Iemura: I want Units 11 through 16 to head over to West 56 District! The rest of you are to accompany me!

"Yes, sir!"

After all the Quincies retreated, the members of Squad 4 were quick to tend to the injured. Iemura, the leader of the first relief team, took charge of guiding the injured.

Iemura: Leave the bodies of the dead for later! Transporting the injured is our top priority! First things first, transport Substitute Shinigami (Y/N) (L/N), to safety! He is in critical condition!

Ichigo watched as his best friend's near lifeless body was taken away. Reality hit Ichigo like a brick. His best friend was at risk of dying for good.

(Y/N) used the same form that put him on par with Aizen and yet both of them were tossed around like it was nothing. If (Y/N) couldn't do anything, how could they possibly win against the Quincies when they return. Though that concern came second only to one thing. Was (Y/N) going to survive?

(Meanwhile) In the Squad 4 Barracks.

Squad 4 has been the busiest it's ever been in years. Members of Squad 4 flood the halls of the barracks. They ran back and forth between the barracks and the battlefield, bringing in as many injured soldiers as they could.

Isane stood in the same room as Unohana, watching the members of their squad scurry around helping as many people as they could.

Isane: In the end, not a single patient was brought to us while the battle was in progress... Captain Unohana... was it really the right choice for us to remain in the Squad 4 barracks? We could've saved more lives if we were out there in the Seireitei with the rest of–

Unohana: Isane. You shouldn't let your feelings dictate what you say. It would have been easy for us to vacate this place out of concern. But I know you are not so short-sighted that I have to explain why that would have been wrong.



Isane: Yes, ma'am... I'm...very sorry...!

Unohana: There's no need to cry, Isane... "Do not leave the Squad 4 barracks. No matter what." That was the final order given to us by the Head Captain...

In the midst of their conversation, Hanataro entered the room.

Hanataro: Pardon my intrusion, Captain.

Unohana: It's alright. What is it?

Hanataro: We just got word that (Y/N) (L/N) has been safely transported to an emergency room. Reports say it was a nearly clean decapitation, however it seems as though last minute Kaidou was used near the wound.

Unohana: I see.

Unohana turned around and began to leave the room.

Unohana: Isane, come with me.

Isane: Captain Unohana, are you-

Unohana: Yes. I'll personally see to (Y/N)'s surgery, and I require your help, Isane. Please check our supplies and see if we have enough bandages, stitches, anesthetic and any other medicines required. Also, I'll need you to visit Captain Kurotsuchi and ask for a copy of any medical records he has of (Y/N) and a medical journal in regards to the arrancars. They'll include crucial information in regards to this operation. Time is of the essence.

Isane: Yes Ma'am.

Isane took off and acted upon Unohana's instructions.

Unohana: *thinking* I won't let you die as long as I'm present. That still hasn't changed, (Y/N).

(Timeskip) Ichigo's POV

"Here you go, sir."

A Squad 4 member handed Ichigo a report of some kind.

Squad 4 Member: According to this message sent by Kisuke Urahara, he, Orihime Inoue, and Yasutora Sado are all safe. However, further details are unknown. We have yet to achieve audio contact but we will contact you as soon as we do.

Ichigo: I see... Thank goodness.

Ichigo then heard yelling from across the hall.

"Let me go, you idiot! The Captain... There's no way Captain Zaraki would lose!"

Ichigo saw Ikkaku being restrained to prevent him from moving anymore than he already has. One of the Squad 4 members was trying to calm him down.

"Please calm down! You need rest."

Ikkaku: Captain!

"Get me a sedative! Hurry!"

Ichigo watched as the members of Squad 4 worked tirelessly tending to everyone. Hanataro, who was in the area, called out to the distracted shinigami.

Hanataro: Ichigo! Come over here, Ichigo. You need medical treatment.

Ichigo: No, I'm fine. I already got some first-aid. You should focus on the people who really need it.

Hanataro: No, it's not okay! I can tell that you're badly wounded. You're just as crucial to us as (Y/N), so you need to be at full health.

Ichigo flinched at the mention of (Y/N).

Ichigo: Hey, Hanataro, what's going to happen to (Y/N)?

Hanataro: Huh? Well, Captain Unohana said she would take the lead on his surgery, but it will be a difficult one. Had it been anyone else, they'd be dead on the spot, however (Y/N) is still fighting to stay alive. The chances that he'll survive are slim but there's a chance nonetheless, and Captain Unohana looks determined to succeed in the operation.

Ichigo: So there's a chance...

The news did uplift Ichigo's spirits somewhat. Though the news didn't stop there as Shinji joined the conversation.

Shinji: Ichigo... Rukia and Abarai have gotten out of surgery.

(Timeskip)

Ichigo and Shinji were in Rukia and Renji's operating room. The nurse in the operating room gave Ichigo and Renji a simple rundown.

For the most critical injuries for which reiatsu healing would not be sufficient, I have operated and applied spiritual stitching. They're no longer in critical condition and are now stable. Please call me if anything comes up.

As the nurse left the room, Ichigo heard a voice speak up.

"Ichigo..."

Ichigo turned around and saw Rukia was awake.

Ichigo: Rukia! Is it all right for you to talk?!

Rukia: She just said our condition was stable... Weren't you listening, you idiot?

Ichigo: Oh yeah...? It seems your mouth is working just fine...

Rukia: Ichigo... You came to protect the Soul Society, didn't you? Thank you...



Ichigo: Of course! And you better thank (Y/N) too when he gets better! Though, we couldn't do anything this time...

Shinji: You dumbass... You guys drove the enemy boss away! If you two hadn't come, things would have been even worse. You should be holding your head up high, you idiot! Matter of fact, you should boast more than usual. (Y/N) isn't here and even if he was, he'd be too humble to do it himself. So you should do it for him.

Shinji motivated Ichigo in his own unique way. Although the mention of (Y/N) did intrigue Rukia.

Rukia: Where's (Y/N)? What happened to him?

Ichigo: Well...

Shinji: Hold that thought.

Shinji could hear a commotion going on in a nearby hallway from a familiar captain. Shinji could easily guess who the captain was and what she was here for.

Shinji: I'll be right back. Someone else should be here to know what happened and she came at the right time. It's better to kill two birds with one stone.

Shinji left the room temporarily, leaving the two confused.

Rukia: I wonder who Captain Hirako was referring to.

Ichigo: No clue...

...

Ichigo: Actually, when I give it more thought, I think I have a pretty good idea.

Shinji came back a few seconds later, dragging Soi-Fon into the operation room with him.

Shinji: You idiot, what the hell do you think you're doing, making a fuss in a hospital? You sound like that fool Madarame.

Soi-Fon: Let go of me.

Shinji: You're a captain so please keep in mind that your actions can affect how others are coping with this situation. If a captain shows a weavering resolve in front of her subordinates, how do you think they'll act?

Soi-Fon couldn't find a rebuttal, leaving Shinji in a weird spot. He was used to Soi-Fon having some sort of sly remark to throw back at him but it never came.

Shinji: *sigh* I didn't drag you all the way here just to scold you. After all, this isn't something that you didn't know. It doesn't take a genius to figure out you aren't taking the news about (Y/N) too well.

Soi-Fon: All I wanted to know if what was reported was real...

Shinji: That's why I brought you here. Nobody knows what happened at the scene better than Ichigo. He was there in person.

Soi-Fon turned towards Ichigo.

Soi-Fon: Don't hide the truth. What happened to (Y/N)?

Ichigo took a deep breath before revealing what happened.

Ichigo: There's a chance (Y/N) might not survive. That Quincy Leader guy nearly tore (Y/N)'s head off... Hanataro told me that Captain Unohana was taking charge of his surgery because she thought she had the best chance of saving him...

Soi-Fon clenched her fist in anger



Soi-Fon: I was hoping for good news...

Shinji: Tough luck. This entire situation has been nothing but bad news. We just have to take the good with the bad. And that includes being happy that (Y/N) at least has a chance at life.

Soi-Fon: Do you at least know the estimated time it'll take until the surgery is done?

Shinji: Who knows. Trying to stitch an entire head back to its body isn't exactly a common practice in medical procedures. Losing a head would mean death outright. Normally it takes about 30-40 minutes to stitch a wound but an entire head may take a while. What? Are you going to sit outside his operation room until it's complete?

Soi-Fon: Why does it matter to you?

Shinji: It doesn't. I'm just curious. I have to say though, I wasn't expecting you to act so out of character. (Y/N) has you whipped.

Soi-Fon turned red in embarrassment from Shinji's comment.

Soi-Fon: Excuse me?

Shinji: Settle down, I told you already. We're in a hospital... Don't worry about (Y/N), alright. (Y/N) isn't going to give up his life without a fight, and Unohana is the best medic in Soul Society.

Ichigo: Yeah, you're right... (Y/N) said it once before, but we do break the mold quite a bit. If there's someone who wouldn't abide by standard rules, it's him. He'll make it out of that operating room alive.

Rukia: Well said. I'll put my trust into (Y/N)'s full recovery.

Soi-Fon: (Y/N) would be disappointed if I didn't have faith in him. So I'll do the same.

Just then, a Member from Squad 12 entered the room in a hurry.

Squad 12 Member: Mr. Ichigo Kurosaki! Captain Kurotsuchi would like to see you. It's in regards to (Y/N) (L/N) and your Zanpakuto...

Ichigo: I'll be right there. Sorry guys, this is pretty important.

Shinji: Then go. We won't stop you.

Ichigo nodded and headed off.

Soi-Fon: Ichigo never mentioned anything about their zanpakutos during his explanation. He didn't have his zanpakuto with him either.

Shinji: I noticed.

Soi-Fon: I'll follow him and-

Shinji: No. It's best to stay put for now. There's a great chance that any Captain that isn't injured or working like Unohana will be called in sooner or later for a meeting.

Soi-Fon: Right... If that's the case, then I'll just visit after the meeting.

...

...

...

Shinji: You two really are like a married couple.

Soi-Fon: Refrain from speaking or you'll be the next one on the operating table.

(Y/N)'s POV

(Y/N) stood face to face with his mother, the very last person he ever thought he'd see again.

(Y/N): So you said I wasn't dead but...

(M/N): I understand. Seeing me here contradicts that.

(Y/N): Speaking of here... Where are we...

(M/N): If I had to guess... This is what they call Limbo.

(Y/N): Limbo? You mean like, between life and death?

(M/N): Yep. You're still holding onto life even after being decapitated. Usually, one would die immediately, but whether it was because of Bankai or sheer willpower, your soul is fighting to stay alive.

(Y/N): If I'm really in Limbo, then I was right about you... You're not real. Mom wouldn't be stuck here. She'd have long passed away by now.

(M/N): Maybe I'm real or maybe I'm not... Maybe I was just created from your memories or maybe I left a bit of my spiritual energy with you in my last moments so that we can talk again, one last time. Whatever the case may be, you can ask me anything you want. At least until you're either saved or until your resurrection fails.

(Y/N): Well... Whether you're real or not doesn't matter. It's just nice to see you again in person instead of in photos.

(M/N): It's good to see you again too, son. You've grown so much...

(Y/N): Well it's been almost a decade since... you know what, I'll just shut up.

(M/N): No, it's alright. But to think you've become a Shinigami...

(Y/N): I've picked up a lot of things about being a hollow too! I'll have you know I took out Baraggan with some help and became King of Hueco Mundo temporarily.

(M/N): That old coot finally kicked the bucket? And you caused it?

(M/N) pulled (Y/N) in for a hug.

(M/N): I'm so proud of you, my baby boy!

(Y/N): I-I'm not a baby!

(M/N): That's something a baby would say!

(Y/N): You sound just like dad!

(Y/N) then realized something...

(Y/N): Wait a minute... We're making contact with each other... Does that mean you're real after all?

(M/N): Oops!

(Y/N): You knew this whole time didn't you?!

(M/N): I guess the gig is up!

(Y/N): Seriously, if you knew, why did you act like you didn't?

(M/N): Because I didn't want you to feel like you'd gain something from throwing your life away.

(Y/N): ...

(M/N): That silence meant you had slimmer of a second thought.

(Y/N): I know... I have so many more people to live for but... sometimes I wonder what it would be like if you were still there.

(M/N): My time has already come. And your time will eventually come too, but don't rush towards it. You'll miss out on so many nice people and so many experiences. Look at you now. I bet the discovery of the supernatural turned your world upside down.

(Y/N): You're right about that.

(M/N): Well just like how you were able to find brand new experiences from the supernatural, I found new experiences living among the ordinary. What I'm trying to say is... you've already overcome the past. Don't chase it again. There will be a time where we'll see each other again. Until then, enjoy what you have in front of you instead of what you lost. There's still so much more you have to see of the world before it's your time to move on from it.

(Y/N) took his mothers words to heart.

(Y/N): Thanks mom, I really needed to ground myself again. I guess recent events were starting to negatively affect me without me realizing.

(M/N): It's my job as a parent to keep you on the right track.

(Y/N): Of course. But back to the question at hand. If you're real how are you here in Limbo?

(M/N): Well I'm not supposed to be here, but I was able to feel you slowly drifting into the hands of death. And as the dead woman I am, alongside the fact that we're so closely linked, I tried to push the limits to interact with you as much as I could. Although, because escaping death completely is impossible, I can only interact with you for a short amount of time before I'm dragged back to the pits of- well nevermind. You get the idea.

(Y/N): I... Man this is complicated but I think I understand to a certain degree.

(M/N): Death is a very complicated concept. I doubt that us mortals will ever completely grasp it.

(Y/N): As someone whose ability is centered around it, I can agree with that.

(Y/N) then had an epiphany. This was probably the only chance he could ask his mother about it.

(Y/N): Speaking of abilities. Mom, how did you learn Segunda Etapa? When did you find out it was possible?

(M/N) was shocked that (Y/N) knew that she had the ability to use Segunda Etapa.

(M/N): Did your father tell you about that? I mean, he's the only person I ever told about it, so it would make sense. Well to answer your question... I have no clue.

...

(Y/N): You have no clue?

(M/N): Not a single one.

(Y/N): Then what did you feel the moment you first used it? You first used it against Cien, right?

(M/N): Cien?

(Y/N): Oh right, wrong name... Szayelaporro.

(M/N): You mean the purple haired psychopath? Does he call himself Cien now? Psh, that's a stupid name. But then again, so is the name Szayelaporro. Maybe Cien was a better change.

(Y/N): Nah Cien is well... It's a complicated story...

(M/N): Well to answer your question, I felt a need to... evolve... I think that's the right way to say it.

(Y/N): Can you elaborate a bit more?

(M/N): Sure. I first ran into Szayelaporro while I was training for my fight for Baraggan. I guess he caught wind of my ventures in Hueco Mundo. Fighting and killing for power. By his words, I was a good test subject to run tests on. Of course, I didn't want anything to do with him. I only indulged in fighting him because I wanted to test my abilities. But the moment we began to fight, I realized how badly I underestimated him. He became an absolute monster in both strength and in mentality. He was a lunatic. He didn't care if he died in the process. His goal went from using me as a test subject to fighting to the death. And he was close to pulling it off. Once I realized the huge difference in strength I thought to myself "I can't win like this... If I wanted to beat this guy I needed to be stronger than an arrancar." I spent my whole life mastering the abilities of the hollow for my fight with Baraggan. I couldn't die before facing off against him again. And that's when it happened. In my last ditch effort I forced myself to break the boundaries that I thought were impossible. And that's when I first unlocked Segunda Etapa.

(Y/N): And with that, you defeated Syzaelaporro, right?

(M/N): Yeah. I was originally going to just kill him outright, but because it was my first time using Segunda Etapa, I felt the side effects pretty quickly. I was forced to retreat before I left myself vulnerable in front of an enemy. Surprisingly enough, I never saw that weirdo again.

(Y/N): You know, when I first heard you were a Hollow and that you were so deadly, I couldn't believe it.

(M/N): When I realized how peaceful The World of the Living was in comparison to Hueco Mundo, I had no need for my previous habits and tendencies. I could finally live in peace like I desired. That's what I trained for after all.

(Y/N): Achieving strength for peace, huh? I could relate to that.

(M/N): How so?

(Y/N): I only train as much as I do now so that I wouldn't have to worry about losing Dad, (S/N), or any of my friends.

(M/N): I didn't have many good qualities, but I'm glad you picked up on one of them.

(Y/N): Come on mom, don't say that! You're plenty good in my eyes-

(Y/N) stopped mid sentence as he saw that his mother's body started to fade.

(M/N): Huh... Seems like time is running out. One of us returning to our original realm.

(Y/N): But we still have so much to catch up on! We can't leave just yet!

(M/N): I'm sorry, I'm disappointed that we couldn't talk longer either. I'm just glad we had the chance to do so even if one of us is dead.

(Y/N): I know, I'll just give you the TLDR.

(Y/N) began to ramble.

(Y/N): Dad's doing great for himself. He still talks about you in high regards! He always takes us to your grave once a year! He never says it himself but he probably misses you just as much as I did.

(M/N): (F/N) was never scared to speak his mind. He's probably embarrassed to gush about me in front of you guys.

(Y/N): (S/N)'s still trying out acting and singing. She's been getting all kinds of roles in school plays and such. I think she misses it when you took her to recitals when we were younger...

(M/N): That's great to hear. (S/N) seemed to hate those when she was younger. I'm glad she's starting to grow attached to them.

(Y/N): There's also Calavera! She was originally my Mod Soul, but I was able to get her a real body and dad decided to adopt her so now she's a part of the family. I know you'd love her if you were able to meet her.

(M/N): Then I hope I get the chance to meet her one day.

(Y/N): Oh, how could I forget! I met Wiz!

(M/N): R-really? Wiz is still alive after all these years?

(Y/N): Yeah, she decided to follow me around after she found out you were my mother. She became my fraccion member! We took on the Espada together and she even taught me how to use my Hollow abilities better. Nowadays we work together to keep good relations between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. But we get along really well. We're almost like siblings. Wiz always talks about you and how much she wishes she could see you again.

(M/N) could be seen tearing up.

(M/N): I'm... I'm glad she isn't mad at me for leaving without any warning...

(Y/N): Oh, right! There's also Mr. Urahara! Dad told me how much you distrust him, but he's a really good guy. He trained me to become a shinigami and he's helped me so many times. I don't know how good of a shinigami I would've been if I didn't learn from him... And there's also Yoruichi, Mr. Tsukabishi and the others at Urahara Shop too!

(M/N): Don't cut yourself short, (Y/N). I'm sure you'd still be just as good as you are now...

(Y/N) also started to become more emotional.

(Y/N): Hey... why don't you come with me. Mom? My ability should allow me to take you with me! It might be a long shot but it doesn't hurt to try! That way you can see everyone again! You wouldn't have be alone anymore-

(M/N): (Y/N), my baby boy... Do you remember what I told you before?

(Y/N) looked down before responding.

(Y/N): "You've already overcome the past. Don't chase it again."

(M/N): Exactly... I'm not going anywhere. It may be decades, centuries or maybe even a millennium. But you'll eventually see me again. I'll be able to see them eventually too.

(Y/N) was now in full tears. His mother was becoming more and more transparent. He could hardly make out her form.

(Y/N): Hey, why don't you leave a message for everyone! I'll make sure to deliver it if it's the last thing I do!

(M/N): I don't really have anything in particular I want to say... but just let them know I think about them everyday and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about them.

(Y/N): Message received!

...

...

...

(Y/N): Mom...

(M/N): Yes, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): I love you...

(M/N): I love you too...

Those were (M/N)'s last words and she completely faded away. (Y/N) wiped the tears from his eyes and he stood straight. He said as much as he wanted to say to mother and now he had to return to the living.

There were people who were waiting on him.

There were people he needed to save.

(Y/N): Hold on guys... I'm on my way.

To be continued.

A few things to talk about.

-The scene between (Y/N) and (M/N) was heavily inspired by both Naruto meeting Kushina for the first time and when Naruto said goodbye to Minato after the 4 Shinobi War.

-(Y/N) has a bit more context as to what Segunda Etapa is. How's he going to achieve it? Who knows.

I've also seen some people confused about stuff that happened in the last two chapters so I felt like I should address them here.

1.) Hollows are poisonous to Quincies but not vice versa. Quincies are able to completely erase a hollow from existence though. This is how its always been in canon.

2.) Quilge's Jail is purely defensive but it's a very strong one. (Y/N) not being able to absorb the cage immediately and break is because of that fact. Ichigo had shot multiple Getsuga Tenshou and still didn't make so much of a dent into Quilge's cage. Granted, both could've eventually break out, but it would've taken a much longer time had (Y/N) not summoned Baraggan or if Ichigo's Quincy abilities didn't awaken at that moment. (Y/N)'s hollow had nothing to do with his inability to destroy the cage.

3.) (Y/N) doesn't have some sort of secret Quincy heritage. Yhwach himself even said so.