AN; ...In all honesty, not much will be happening in this chapter. The most relevant information will appear towards the end of this.
Disclaimer; I don't own Bleach or SAO
Chapter 10: Shadows of Light
"STOP CHEERING!" Everyone in the room turned around to face . "You knew, didn't you? I saw the way you fought. There's no way you could have stood a chance against the boss!" All those present followed Kibaou's accusing finger towards Mugetsu. "And then there's that sword of yours. No way in hell you didn't know about it before coming here!" By now most were murmuring between each other. What Kibaou said seemed to hold some possible truth. But just how some shared said opinion, other also talked about how he might have, like they have previously thought, gained the zanpakutō in his hand.
All their discussions soon came to a stop, however. The reason? A dark and mocking laugh coming from none other than Kirito. With everyone now quiet and looking at him, he calmly turned to them and put on an egotistical smile.
"Him, a beta tester? Please, I personally taught him how to wield a sword near the beginning of this whole mess. It would truly offend me if you were to compare him to me." Shock quickly filled everyone in the room, except for a few within close proximity to him. "Though I must admit, I never expected him to get so far after I abandoned him." With those words, everyone's rage was soon redirected at him.
"And that's not all," he said. "I'm far more stronger than the other beta testers. During the trial, I reached higher levels, floors, and even found more information and secrets than any info broker could ever sell you. So don't go comparing me to the rest of you." At this everyone began throwing insults at him.
"BULL SHIT!" One cry sounded over the others, once again redirecting their attention. "There's no way you know as much as you claim to." A smirk soon came onto Mugetsu's face. "Or have you forgotten, this whole world has been altered." He then raised his zanpakutō in front of his face in a horizontal position before continuing. "Now, there is no guarantee that what you learned from the beta and this new world coincide. This blade is proof of that." His usual scowl soon returned to his face as turned and looked at the others dead serious.
"Listen up! All of you who think that you can rely on what the betas have given you are sorely mistaken. Sure, there might still be some use to it, but remember, the monsters we face are no longer guaranteed to follow their set programming." Those present were taken aback by the authority and power his voice seemed to hold. "Now I don't know about you, but I have no intention about spending the rest of my life in this twisted and distorted world, created by a couple of sadistic bastards! If you want to waist time accusing others of your weakness, then be my guest. But know that it won't do anything to help you escape."
All stood in silence at what they just herd and reflected upon it. Did they really have the time to waste on discriminating the one who just instigated them? No, what had to be done was clear, as well as the path they had to take.
"I see," whispered the black haired swordsman. "So then, is this the answer you came up with?" Unspoken, yet understood, Mugetsu's response was conveyed. "Well then, in that case, I guess I would have to be in agreement with you. I too, wish to leave this wretched place as soon as possible. So, I guess we share a common goal in that scene." Swiping his hand across his inventory, Kirito equipped the «Coat of Midnight» he received as a last hit bonus from Ilfang. "Though I'll have to ask you something, don't get in my way."
"Likewise," was the response from Mugetsu. With that said, both made their way to the entrance to the second floor. None dared follow them out of both part fear and respect.
Once out of sight however, the two soon began their own private conversation as they ascended the stairs.
"Nice speech back there, Mu."
"Thanks, I guess. Though I thought your little performance was a bit... exaggerated. Especially that stupid laugh at the beginning."
"Shut up," said Kirito in an annoyed tone. "You should be thankful that I cleared the accusations about you being a beta."
"You're right, I should. But then again, who stopped the angry mob against you?"
"I didn't ask you to."
"Nor did I, so how about we call it even." They continued to walk in silence after that for a few minutes before Mugetsu decided to say something. "I meant it you know, everything I said back there." His companion turned to him with a questioning expression. "The sooner we clear this game, the sooner I can get back to the real world and see my family." Kirito merely returned his gaze forward with a smile on his face.
"I know, the same could be said about me." Before either of them could could continue their conversation, a shout stopped them dead in their tracks.
"Wait!" Turning around, they found the hooded party member of Kirito's that had played a crucial role in eliminating Ilfang, Asuna. "There's something I almost forgot to ask you. Before the whole fight, you introduced me by my name. How did you know what it was? I don't remember ever telling you."
With no real interest in the discussion to follow, Mugetsu returned his gaze forward and began walking away.
"What's up? Leaving so soon?" Stopping, he turned his head and glanced at the two with an uncaring look.
"The hell do you mean? After that act we pulled off back there, I don't think that it would be a good idea if we were to continue working together. At least, not in public." With a smirk on his face, the one who would soon become to be known as the infamous Black Swordsman nodded his head in agreement. "Well... there's that, and the fact that I've been relying heavily on you. If I truly plan on getting anywhere, then I have to forge my own path."
With his thoughts voiced, Mugetsu departed, this time without interruptions. The future ahead showed no signs of what to expect. But that didn't mean that a chain of events had not began to unravel. For both in the higher floors and the lower recesses of Aincrad, something had begun to awaken. Within time, it would bring great destruction upon all of its inhabitants. But it was not the only thing that would bring change. An unknown power to this virtual world had already set in motion something with the ability to severe said fate.
"Are we there yet?" "Can we take a break?" "When can we see our new friend again?" Trekking through a tunnel that seemed to ooze some sort of purple slime was Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the thirteenth division in the Gotei 13. Behind him followed his zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari.
"Don't worry, you two,"he said with a kind and gentle smile. "Considering what happened, we are likely to be sent back in order to tie up any loose ends we might have missed. Though I wonder, what was that large wave of energy we felt before leaving?" Both twins look at him with serious expression, remembering the dark wave of power. "Well in any case, we best come prepared and deal with any possible threats the Soul Society."
Deep within the lowest regions of Aincrad, a figure bound in chins and cloaked in darkness stirred. One of his hundred bindings came undone, and with returned a portion of what had been take.
"So," he mumbled regardless of the fact that no one would hear him, "after half a century, one of these accursed seals has finally been released. Good... now soon I will be able to finish what I began so long ago."
Alright then, hope that you guys are looking forward to reading what's to come. The events tide to the last bit won't be revealed until much later on in the story. Next chapter will be kind of a filler, but will have an impact on the future. Until next time.