AN; Thanks for pointing out the errors that I missed. Also just to clarify, anyone else related to Bleach while in SAO will be AI's developed by the hooded man. There will be one exception, but that will be later on in the story, along with two other people from SAO. One last thing, I plan to diverge from the main story at some points to clarify a few thing that will happen later on.

Disclaimer: I don't own SAO or Bleach.

Chapter 6: Madness of a Horse

"Ukitake," said Mugetsu. "How... when did you get here? I thought that you were on the other side of the forest."

"Sorry, but now's not the time to explain. Right now, we need to defeat this hollow."

"Hollow? I thought its name is Shiro," he exclaimed.

"I don't know about its name, but that is definitely a hollow. They are born from souls who have lost their heart due to despair and anguish. The mask they wear, along with the hole on their chest are a symbol of this."

"Wait, so then why does this one have its hole sealed?"

"What!?" Looking back at the hollow, who was still recovering from using such a massive attack, Ukitake realized that where a hole should be was a strange substance. "This is bad, what ever that is, it's not normal. We need to finish this as quick as possible!"

"Easier said than done. That thing almost killed me twice already! So I hope you have a damn good plan." Both quickly turn their attention back to Shiro who was now charging straight at them. "And please, make it quick!"

As soon as Shiro was within striking distance, he vanished and reappeared behind Ukitake. "What, that thing can use flash-step!?" With a quick slash, he cut Ukitake down his back. "Damn. Guess, it's up to you now, Mugestu. If he uses that beam attack again, don't hesitate and get behind me for cover."

"Are you kidding? Look what he did to you, how could you possibly block it in the state that you're in,"he asked. "Besides, he'll most likely target you now with that wound."

"No, he won't." Mugetsu turn and looked at him asking to clarify. "For some reason, he is still after you. It's probably due to your lack of reiatsu. Even so, I can still help. I might not be able to attack anymore, but I can still defend myself," he explained with a confident tone.

With a smirk, Mugetsu charged straight at the enemy, only to be blocked. "Y'know, I'm not completely sure what's going on. But you can be sure as hell of one thing. And that's that we will win!" The arm that had been previously cutoff suddenly regret with its blade still on and raised to strike a devastating blow. With little time to think, Mugetsu jumped to the side and used the «Horizontal» sword skill and hack off both arms. Whith an outraged roar, Shiro retreated. Soon another beam was charging between his horns.

"Mugetsu, get behind me quick!" Doing as told he watched as the beam was absorbed by one of Ukitake's blades before being released through the other. When it was close to making contact however, the hollow mearrely sidestepped to avoid the redirected blast. 'So that's how he block the one that almost killed me.' "It seems that he can't attack after each cero he fires. And he doesn't seem to be able to regenerate instantly. I suggest that we get rid of at least one of his horns, so that he doesn't fire another."

"But I thought you just said he can regenerate. How can cutting his horns help us?"

"Thats the difficult part. You will need to strike when he is charging the cero. There won't be any room for hesitation. If you do we'll both end up dead!" A low, hollow growl brought their attention back to Shiro, who to their surprise only regrew one of his arms. But instead of charging, he immediately began to form another cero.

"Are you kidding me! So that thing understood what we said and changed his attack pattern?"

"Mugetsu, stick to the plan!"

"Right!" Not losing another second, he ran straight at his opponent, only for the cero to diaper before raising his sword. 'What the hell?' Quickly, Shiro latched onto Mugetsu's shoulder with his mouth and stabbed him through the heart. 'Damn it!' *cough* 'Wait, why am I coughing up blood? Was this added to this quest as a special effect? So, I guess this truly was one of those "special" quest.' An image of his family flashed through his mind. 'Karin, Yuzu, dad. Is this as far as I was ment to go? I'm sorry, I guess I won't be seeing you again.' Suddenly, he felt a strange shock to his head

'Tsk, is that really all you got to offer? Man, what a letdown you turnout to be!'

'Huh? Who's that? Where are you?'

'And here I thought you'd be stronger than that. How pathetic. Well, if this is as far you're gonna get, you might as well lay down and wait to die. So long, king.'

'Wait a second! Tell me who you are, damn it!'

'Though I should probably thank you, now I won't have to deal with that bastard. Hmm, nah. Someone as pathetic as you should just die. See yah!'

Mugetsu waited to hear the voice and confirm it was truly gone. 'He's right, I am pathetic. Am I really just going to give up and die?' New found determination surged through him as he looked his enemy straight into his visible eye. 'No! I refuse to die here! I will escape this death game and defeat any one who stands in my way. This I swear upon my soul!' Raising his sword, he placed it by Shiros neck. With one last strike, he used «Horizontal» to remove the hollow's head. Its body fell to the ground, dislodging his blade from Mugetsu's chest. His head soon followed to the ground. 'Finally,' he thought. 'It's over.' With that thought, he too colapsed to the ground on his back. His eyes met those of his vanquished enemy.

"Thank... you," he heard.

'What!?'

"Mugetsu!" His attention went to Ukitake, who was slowly walking to him due to his own injures. "How bad are your wounds? Do you have anything to heal them with you?"

"I'll be fine. Just look in my pocket for a couple of potion." He soon held two flask filed with red liquid. "Now, just let me drink one."

"Are you sure this will be enough? Wouldn't it be better for you to drink both?"

"Nah, one should do the trick. Plus, you're not looking too well yourself. You drink the other one." Not wanting to risk the young man's life due to more arguing, Ukitake complied and placed the potion in Mugetsu's also deside to drink the one he had been offered. As soon as he swallowed the liquid, he could feel is wounds slowly closing.

"Incredible," he said. "To think it would work so fast!" Mugetsu let out a smirk before closing his eyes and falling uncauntious. Ukitake's swords began to glow. When the glow subsided there stood the two boys known as Sōgyo no Kotowari, along with a regular katana.

"Is Mister okay?" they asked with worried expressions.

"Don't worry you two. He'll be fine." Both cheared upon hearing this. "But he is extremely exhausted, so he won't be able to play with you right now." This stopped their chears.

"Awww…" Both looked down in disappointment. It seemed that the promise they made would have to wait. "Soo… did we find what we came to look for?" Surprised to have forgotten about their original objective, Ukitake scaned the area for it. There was no sign of their objective, but he did find the bow that belonged to Shiro's last victim. His eyes widened upon realizing to who it belonged to.

"This can't be good. We should probably bring this back with us and inform the others." Before he could ponder further on the matter, blue light particles turned to black as they started gathering next to Mugetsu on the ground. "What… when and how could this happen!?"

Hey, so as it turns out my problem resolved itself on its own quicker than I expected. Well in any case, I'll continue the story like I have up until now.