True Demon of Tangled Greens (PvP)

[Retane]

(This is after the Sasuke RP he is writing)

Retane looked at Jack as he stepped through the gate. Jack Frost didn't meet him with the usual nervous smile. Instead the Guardian of the Horsemen was there, leaning against Savior tapping his foot. The namekian looked at him curiously, and glanced around, removing his hood, to look him comrade in the eye. The Icer also had his face bare, and finally offered a grin, "Took you long enough. I was starting to worry."

"Why worry about me? You should know better then that." Retane shifted his eyes around, double checking. He had exited out of the fissure in space that had took him to Dante's Abyss. The encampment was not longer there and ir was again a scar in the Greens from the orcs massive self-sacrificing explosions. The more dead the better he thought for a moment, remembering the pain these tree's suffered. They weren't like Dante's plant life, blood thirsty. The flora here respected theirs and other's lives, and had reached out to him to him to be their executioner. Even if he did have a darkside.

"Well, that in itself should be a reason to worry shouldn't?" Jack tossed a wink. But the Emerald Warrior knew he had made a point. The namekian was trying hard to grasp on what exactly he would do any more. He was still trying to find and define himself. Being Hell in the Abyss, though had really tooken a toll on him. He still knew right from wrong, or he thought he did. He could still respect others choices, even if they made noe sense. But now he felt emotions that he wanted to figure out. Guilt, he knew then, could drive a person crazy.

He was also worried about Jack Frost himself. How had he been effected? The questions rolled in his head, but he saw a look in Jack's eyes, "Something wrong?"

Jack nodded, "Yes, well no. Sverit and Gulish watched it, Dante's Abyss, and have already heard chatter of people at the Empire, sending people after them."

The namekian paused for a moment and remembered that what he had explained about Project Malefactor and the orgosynth in the Abyss had been recorded. He really hated cameras. The Abyss had been recorded throughout and he knew it was all his fault., "Let's go!"

-----

The two ran on through the path for a while but the namekian smelled the air and stopped. He felt a new presence. It was near. Very near. Jack stopped close by and looked to his comrade confused by the abrupt stop. The Guardian looked around gripping his hooked staff tightly.

The namekian sniffed the air again and smelt a presence, knowing it was close. He felt like a pair of eye's were on him. As if there was a grin on the face of the new comer. Retane felt a challenge he desired and grinned himself as he rested a calm shoulder on the Guardian's shoulder.

The rogue took the duffel bag off and removed the pole-ax and scythe and slammed the poles into the ground. He paused for a moment and thought about it, and also slid off Brave Sword. He looked back at the confused Jack and handed it to him. Jack didn't except and looked nervous, "What's going on?

Retane held that calm, scowl on his face and looked toward the sounds of a waterfall, "The tree's tell me battle's have happened. Blood has been shed. They call it a demon."

"Let me come then! We are a team! We are the Horsemen!" Jack demanded almost angry.


"You are the Guardian of the Horsemen. Your Job is to take that bag, the items in it and Brave Sword, and hang it where any that enter Jade Reckoning can see. As a Horsemen, you should respect my decision that I need to do things on my own some times. Give me that respect! I ask you." The namekian looked deep in the eyes of the Ice Man and got a nod. Jack picked the bag up and the Brave Sword and gave a long sigh. Frost looked at him wanting reaffirmation and the rogue nodded, "One day you may ask me to stand down and respect you. And I will. Go defend the base and them please."

Jack nodded and was off after a few moments hesitation.

The Emerald Warrior had heard the words 'bounty hunter' and something about 'children's deaths'. There was only one Demon in Tangled Greens and that was the God of Death.


----------

Death stepped out into the clearings and looked up at the waterfall. His cloak and hood was donned and he carried the Scythe of the Reaper. Atop the waterfall stood an injured warrior. For a moment, the cloaked warrior thought it was an old comrade, but quickly realized that this couldn't be Murasaki. The cloaked warrior pointed the scythe up at the stranger and he found a blade at him in return.

"You want to fight too!?" The Soul Reaper called.

"Maybe. Tell me the name of who wants to call himself a fighter, and is called a Demon by the trees, and I may oblige you..."

[Kuzuru]

The Immortal Swordsman groaned and picked himself up. Talos’ attack did little more than injure Renji’s pride. It was the first time he had been defeated in a few thousand years. Gone were the days of his dominance as a warrior, here in the Omniverse he was no longer the strongest bladesman and this fact excited him. Finally he would be able to improve, finally he would be able to enjoy the clash of battle once more. The Swordsman grinned. He walked over and picked up his fallen sword. Immediately Kuzuru, the demon within the sword began to harass him.

He kicked your ass Renji! How could you embarrass me like that you worthless bladesman!?

“Quiet you worthless devil!” Renji snapped “I hear someone coming.”

The Swordsman walked to the edge of the waterfall and peered down. A green-skinned fiend glared back at Renji. The two stared each other down for a few moments, each sizing the other up. Renji smirked sightly, tilting his head back and revealing his crimson eyes. He had been wielding the Blade of Lost Souls for far too long at this point and Kuzuru’s blood lust had begun to take hold. The newcomer looked similar to a reaper of death, not that Renji would know considering his immorality. Thirsty for another conflict, Renji raised his sword and pointed it at the green devil “You wanna fight too?!”

“Maybe. Tell me the name of who wants to call himself a fighter, and is called a Demon by the trees, and I may oblige you...” the green warrior's face was obscured by a hood and he carried a vicious looking scythe. The demon in Renji's sword howled in delight,

Another fight Renji, slice him open! Rip his guts out! I don’t care how you slaughter him, just don’t lose again!

A stiff breeze swept through the clearing, sending a torrent of leaves and whirligigs across the future battlefield. Casually and with a bit of flair Renji threw his sword up into the air. Deftly and with practiced athleticism Renji hopped forward, falling down the rocky face near the waterfall. He reached out and grabbed onto a thick tree root that jutted from the stone face and slowed his momentum. The Swordsman paused for a moment before releasing his grip. Softly he landed, with barely a sound and stretched out his right arm, palm open and facing the sky. With planned precision the airborne sword landed in Renji’s outstretched hand.

The Namekian seemed none too impressed by Renji’s display “are you going to answer my question?” Little did Renji know that the man he stood before was a finalist in the recent Dante’s Abyss. Not that Renji would be intimidated by such an accomplishment, he was too cocky to be frightened by something such as that. In fact, had the swordsman came to the Omniverse earlier he would have relished the opportunity to participate in the bloodbath of the Abyss.

“Renji... Renji Kiyomasa, Demon Swordsman” his wicked grin crawled back across his face. Rarely did he refer to himself as a demon swordsman, but his mind and will were being swallowed by Kuzuru. The demon’s influence was taking its toll on Renji and every moment he held the blade was another step closer to insanity. The two warriors were now on even ground and several feet apart. A light breeze whipped leaves and dust across the battlefield and the impressive waterfall provided a nice backdrop for eventual bloodshed.

“A reasonable battlefield, wouldn’t you agree?” Renji mused, taking a few moments to look around and absorb the general layout of his surroundings. A gentle stream created by the waterfall stretched several miles past the two, and offered mutiple footholds in the form of large rocks jutting from the water. On their other side was a dense treeline, with thick underbrush that threatened to swallow any trespasser. At Renji’s back was the stone face of the waterfall. He would have preferred to not be backed against a wall, but there was no helping it. The Green Fiend smirked slightly and responded “I think it’s better suited to be your burial ground.” Kuzuru started laughing at the Namekian’s response, taking pleasure in the thought of Renji’s death.

Ohohoho he’s planning to rip you apart Renji! Well I don’t care who wins as long as I get to taste blood! Slice him open or be ripped to shreds you worthless swordsman!

Renji frowned and held his sword out in front of him, itching to spill blood. The Swordsman took a puff from his pipe and exhaled a large cloud of smoke that swirled around his twisted visage. His piercing red eyes cut through the haze and a lesser opponent would have been intimidated, but Retane was no pushover and met Renji's glare with a withering scowl. Renji could barely hide his excitement for the upcoming battle, he wanted to feel Retane’s warm blood. I wonder if his blood is red? the swordsman asked himself.

“I’d like to know the name of the man I am about to eviscerate” Renji stated, his voice full of venom and spite. He licked his lips and swallowed, unable to hide his enthusiasm.

The Jade Fiend spit into the dirt and took a moment to respond ‘Retane... The True Demon of the Tangled Green.”

[Retane]

Sometimes you have to reach down toward your inner darkness and make the toughest decisions. You have to accept your demons and let them show. Allow the world to know them and see what you see. Let them realize the pain and nightmares within you as they manifest themselves from within. Donning the profile of the Reaper and ushering the souls into the next after life. Choosing who lives and who dies by a single slice of a curved blade. Sometimes you have to bare the weight of your choices in silence... Sometimes....

“I’d like to know the name of the man I am about to eviscerate.” The man had peppered long hair tied in his back. He looked slightly aged and experienced, and had a noble, though slightly arrogant stance about him. For a moment the namekian couldn't believe that this was the man that the trees had whispered about.

Only for a moment.

The Emerald Warrior looked on staring at his foe from beneath his cowl. Demon Swordsman, eviscerate, bounty hunter, murderer of children. Those words were enough to convince him that the man that stood before him deserved death. Not a worthy peaceful one either. A death that would be painful, agonizing, and relentless. A death that that would haunt him where ever he wound up. Something he would remember. The Reaper already had a death in mind and he would be the one to serve it up to him.

"Retane... The True Demon of the Tangled Greens”, The Emerald Fiend barked as he moved, swinging the elongated blade in a fast downward slash. The swordsman parried the strike with ease, knocking it outward with a slash of his katana. The green warrior wasn't a novice with the scythe, and spun his entire body with the curved blade. He went full circle bringing the blade back up and down in a curved arc. Renji had seen the secondary attack coming and had already backed just out of range.

The namekian however, had expected his opponent to and did not stop the rotation, picking up speed this go-a-round as his blade went low with the strong slash. It came up quicker as the namekian cyclone moved his feet with the momentum and swung down with an even stronger force. Again the demon swordsmen had backed out of range, but this time he was just barely out of reach. Third time would be the charm.

The Reaper's black cloak had kicked up with the rotation's and waved nearly in a full diameter as Retane was the center axis to it and the scythe. The blade rose up and spun down to fall once again. Renji had already been nearly backed up to the stone wall, and even if this blade had not bit into his flesh, the fourth would have ripped him in half.

But Renji wasn't a fool it seemed and had noted his surroundings carefully as well. The samurai-ish warrior had actually took a step closer but his back to the river and swung his katana upward to meet the scythe where the blade ended, answering the question, 'What happens when an immovable object meets and unstoppable force'.

The tip of the Reaper's scythe had barely pierced the flesh of the swordsmen in the center of the forehead as the two demonic weapons struggled at each other to force the the other in the opposite direction. A droplet of blood slowly trickled down towards the long haired warrior's nose, but wouldn't have made it there, had the Demon Swordsman not turned his head to look beneath the hood of the Reaper and grin. The curved blade etched a crimson line into the flesh of it's victim just over his right eye, but it had hardly been anything that would hinder the foe.

"Is that the best you got? Spinning around like a ballerina? That's very impressive." The tone was mocking and the sarcasm was obvious. Retane, however, saw the gleam in the eye's of his foe. Looked deeper and saw something more. Something aged. His foe was experienced even beyond his years. His eyes had told on him.

Renji showed his experience then, as he brought his leg up and a dug his sandal deep into the abdomen of the namekian, sending him him flying a few feet back at an angle onto the grassy area just out of the forest. The Reaper landed on his back, sliding across the ground and losing the grip of his scythe as he slid a few more feet. His chest stung with pain as he came to a stop and his spine lurched with the impact. But the Emerald Fiend was not one to show pain and this was just the two testing each other.

Still Retane was the Reaper, and the Tangled Greens only had enough room for one demon, and he had already made this his home.

The dark warrior pulled himself to his feet to see his target coming at him in haste, blade trailing behind him and ready to strike. The Emerald Warrior glanced down and dove for his scythe in a roll. As he snatched it and moved, the demon katana came down towards him, faster then the Reaper had suspected, and the Emerald Fiend let out a low growl as the back of his left shoulder and arm were dug into. The namekian found his feet and leapt backwards, putting a few feet in between himself and his foe.

The Emerald Fiend looked back at his prey from beneath his cowl. The Demon Swordsman looked from his blade, that had just tasted it's first drops of namekian blood with it's purplish color, to the Reaper with a wicked and arrogant visage. The namekian warrior sneered at the Millennium Swordsmen for a moment before rematerializing the cut cloth, disguising the wound in the darkness of the cloak. The dark warrior placed his second hand on the scythe and again let out a low growl.

The Reaper took his blade to the right, just as his foe did, bringing their weapons behind them. The two would collide weapons again, trying to out match each other with techniques for a second time it would seem. But that was not Retane's plan.

With a stern grip on the handle, the weapon flashed a dark green color and the scythe became a chained sickle with most the links wrapped in the Reaper's left hand. The Emerald Fiend stopped in his tracks and launched the hooked blade at his foe. The Demon Swordsman dug his heels in as soon as he saw the attack coming and swung his katana to intercept the ranged weapon. At the last moment however, the Reaper whipped his blade, forcing it to miss the striking parry and wrap over and over around the demonic blade.

The namekian snatched the blade tight within the links and looked again, into the eyes of his opponent.

Sometimes a Reaper has to make choices... Choices he has carry upon his shoulders. Sometimes it's for pleasure... Sometimes...

[Kuzuru]

His blood is delicious Renji! The blood of a true warrior! Oh how I’ve missed the flavor!

Instinctively Renji pulled against the chains that ensnared his weapon. For a few slight moments the two warriors found themselves at a standstill, neither wanted to give an inch. Renji could feel his grip slipping, the namekian was stronger than he was and would win this tug of war unless the swordsman acted. Blood stung his right eye and forced him to keep his eyelid closed, his body strained against the namekian's pull. The Eternal swordsman knew he had to act soon or Retane would simply overpower him. It was a gamble, but it was one that Renji had to make. He released his sword, letting the green warrior rip it across the battlefield and stake it into the ground.

Instantly the connection between Renji and the blade’s demon was severed. His mind was no longer clouded by blood thirst, but his body could no longer rely on the demon’s power. He dashed towards the namekian, moving much slower than normal. If it wasn’t for the element of surprise the fiend would’ve struck him down before he even made it halfway. But Renji’s unexpected manuever caught Retane off guard and the swordsman ran in close, hoping to sweep the Reaper’s legs. However, Retane was no fool and leaped into the air and over Renji’s slow attack leaving the swordsman vulnerable and surprised. A green orb flashed from Retane’s hand and rocketed towards his opponent. The ball of energy crashed into Renji’s back, driving him into the ground. Another orb quickly followed the first, but Renji managed to dive out of the way in time.

It never occurred to Renji that his opponent was actually flying, but when he glanced over his shoulder the realization hit him hard. How was he supposed to deal with someone who could fly? Another energy blast darted at Renji, forcing him into the cover of the treeline. His sword was staked into the ground halfway between the two combatants. Another blast tore into the treeline and Renji dove into a thick chunk of underbrush to hide from the Reaper.

“Where do you think you’re going!?” Retane shouted while firing another energy blast in Renji’s direction. From his hidden nest of bramble Renji watched as the namekian began to charge an attack. Light green energy crackled in the Jade Fiend’s hand and Renji knew this was his chance to act. He bolted from the clearing towards his source of power, his blade. Retane fire the first bolt of energy in a salvo of destruction. It arced wide, smashing into the ground to Renji’s right. The swordsman kept running, if he stopped then surely he would be slain. The barrage of energy bolts crashed into the ground, one right after another. Several of the blasts clipped Renji and one cracked into his shoulder, forcing him to stumble and almost fall to the ground. Through the cloud of smoke Renji pressed forward, and finally reached his sword. He ripped it from the ground and instantly Kuzuru’s demonic energies filled him with a thirst for the Reaper’s blood.

Let me taste his blood again Renji! I want to swallow his flesh and devour his soul!

Kuzuru’s mad cackling was interrupted as Retane swung his chained sickle in a wide arc towards the Demon Swordsman. The swordsman took a deep breath and closed his eyes. With practiced focus and patience he waited for the sickle to strike. The deafening clang of metal-on-metal echoed through the forest. Borrowing power from his forsaken sword Renji was able to deflect the strike, sending the chained sickle into the stream. The Emerald Warrior began to reel in his weapon. Fighting a ground battle against a flying opponent was a fool’s fight and Renji knew this. He had to level the playing field somehow. Dodging another energy blast Renji ran for a nearby tree. His metal-plated sandals dug into the bark and with almost blinding speed he ran several feet up the tree. Before Retane could react Renji had leaped into the air, hoping to collide with his green-skinned opponent. The two met mid air and the swordsman grabbed onto the namekian, hoping to drag them both back to earth.

Retane growled and tried to throw Renji off, but the swordsman had a solid grip on the green warrior’s scythe arm. They both began to plummet back to earth, but Retane still held an advantage. The swordman’s blade was almost impossible to wield while grappling and he tried his best to keep Retane’s sickle pinned against his side. Despite this Retane had a weapon that Renji did not, his claws. Vicious claws tore into Renji’s side, forcing him to scream in pain. Retane’s wicked onslaught was only halted by the duo’s descent. Both warriors crashed hard against the ground, momentarily stunning both of them. The two climbed to their feet and squared off against each other once more.

As a man possessed Renji clutched his wounded side, letting his own blood flow through his fingers. Like a madman he grinned wickedly and laughed slightly. The demon blade had consumed him, his sanity was submerged in a sea of bloodlust. He held his bloody hand up to his mouth and tasted the warm liquid.

“This is the first time in centuries I’ve found a competent fighter, you should feel honored that you’ve drawn my blood.”

Retane scoffed at Renji and his chain sickle took the form of a reaper’s scythe once more. Without another wasted breath Renji dashed forward, his movements erratic, but none less fluid than before. The Emerald Warrior braced himself for the attack, blocking a wild swing with the hilt of the scythe. He shoved back at Renji and took a half-swing to edge the swordsman backwards. The positions had reversed, Retane now had his back to the wall of stone and Renji wanted to pin him against it. The wicked swordsman slashed several more times, each reckless swing was blocked by the reaper’s scythe. Every attack pushed Retane closer to the wall. He knew that being pushed against the wall would be his end so he swung in a wide arc, hoping to force distance between the two. Renji barely managed to duck underneath the swing, the reaper’s scythe came close enough to cut a lock of hair from the bladesman’s head. But the possessed man did not falter and followed with an upward cut, slicing a line of fire into Retane’s chest. It was a shallow cut, but this battle would be decided by inches and every scrape would count.

[Retane]

Other times you need to look at yourself through a reflection. You need to remember the primal foundation that had allowed you survive. Remind the world that you are a formidable foe. Let the instincts that were given to you at birth to flex their muscles. Focus your attention on your goal and take what is yours. Prove to yourself that you have not weakened, but instead, strengthened your resolve. Let the feral side loose and know that when it's all said and done that the world will know you were there. Other times you have to let them know that your bite is worst then your bark... Other times...

The blade sliced up, the edge digging through his cloak and ripping cleanly into his chest, narrowly missing his neck and chin as the slash completed and passed him. The cut was clean and hadn't went deep enough to expose his serum, but the pain was seering and more of his lifeforce had started to flow down towards is lower abdomen. A low growl quickly became a vocal snarl as he clutched his chest feeling his blood pour through the gaps of his fingers. His snarl became a roar as he punched the crazed swordsman dead center in the chest, causing him to stumble backwards.

The injured renegade grabbed his scythe and leapt to the side, putting the thick of the Tangled Greens to his back. He dropped down to a knee, sticking the butt of the curved blade into the ground with the weight of his descent. The namekian took a moment and observed his battle injury. It was more superficial and non lifethreatening. The pain was annoying, however; Enough to force a curl in the Emerald Fiend's lips. He glanced up at his foe, who had regained his footing, and placed the katana in between the two, ready to charge again.

The Emerald Fiend stood up then, not using the scythe as leverage. The namekian extended the arm that had gripped at his chest, ripping and casting aside the cloak and vest that he had been wearing. They would hinder him at this point and he was not afraid to reveal his battle scars to his foe. The demonic swordsman in return flashed a wicked visage, showing his excitement at the violet blood that seeped from the long cut. The green warrior grabbed the scythe, and at it's touch, transformed it into a it's chained version. He placed it on his back, where a strap materialized across his neck and back to hold the versatile weapon.

As the rogue fighter brought his hand back down, another weapon manifested itself into his hand. It was a sharp wicked pole-ax, the curved blade over a foot long; Crimson in color, with a the elongated blade, sharp and hungry. The backside was schraded, with three teeth, all of them ready to rip and tear at anything that got in their way in a blackslash type maneuver. He placed the butt of the staff against the ground as his foe laughed with a dark snicker, "First one wasn't good enough so you pick something different?"

The Emerald Warrior let out a vile grin of his own, "Does it scare you?"

"Bring them on! I have no problem feasting on your blood even more. It's tangy and sweet at the same time!" Not letting it sink in, Renji darted forward with speed once again.

The namekian assumed he would and glanced back behind him at the treeline making sure of his location. At the last second he two dashed forward and over his charging foe as the demonic fighter got closer. The Emerald Warrior felt a bite in his arm as the two passed and as he hit the ground in a roll, he knew that the blade had caught a piece of his left arm. He would not be hindered though and let out a growl as he looked back at his foe, who was lowering his violet soaked blade and turning to look at back at him.

If you think the only escape is for your opponent to avoid you is to jump, then you make sure your blade is high enough to cut them in the process anyways. Still it pissed the Emerald Fiend off. He had been careless and could have possibly chosen a better option, but he had disrespected his foe and let his guard down. The Demon Swordsman still had skills and experience that the dark warrior had over looked. However, this was his home and it was time to play his own game.

The rogue took a few moments clinching his fists. In a what seemed like a hard fast flex of muscles, wind appeared around his forearms, slowly whispering in the air as they rotated around, his left arm's blood commingling with the sharp wind and turning it a light purple. The namekian's right hand clutched the Glaive of Dante and flipped it up in the air. As it came down, the namekian warrior caught it and launched it directly at his prey. The feral namek didn't wait to see if it would be deflected or not, and charged in the weapon's wake.

Renji was fast though, and stepped out of the wat as the pole-ax stuck into the ground right behind him. He had an enduring stance and a vile grin ready to slice the namekian wide open when he got close enough. The feral namek was attuned to this and thrusted the violet tinted steam of sharp wind at the Millennium Warrior. The swordsman used his blade to deflect the entire cyclone upward and it was enough for Retane to get close enough and latch onto his victim's main fighting arm with his wounded arm.

The two met eyes, both showing the hunger for blood. The Emerald Fiend snarled and sent a razor-wind coated fist into his prey's chest, letting the swordsman stagger backwards. The renegade grabbed the glaive and made his move finally, diving at his foe's weakened chest. Renji recovered quickly enough to see the attack and dove out of the way.

The vigilant swordsmen had faltered on that decision, as a predicted glaive was poised to swing outward and wide and cut a deep gash into the calf of the Millennium Warrior.

The two recovered quickly in their rolls and stood at their feet facing each other. If the cut on Renji's leg hurt, he didn't show. The feral namek could only grin however, as it would be interesting to see how his prey would react next.

Other times you have to trust in yourself and take chances... Chances that will fail or succeed... Where the outcome can be great in either decision... Other times, you have to risk it... Other times...

[Kuzuru]

Renji’s body was on fire, the heat of battle made his blood boil and the smell of fresh blood made his hair stand on end. He grinned wickedly and sniffed the air “do you smell that? The smell of battle? Its invigorating isn’t it?” The demonic swordsman chuckled deep and low before swinging his blade to the side. Retane took the initiative and charged forth. The Namekian wasted no time and began a vicious series of thrusts and slashes. Renji reacted instinctively, parrying and dodging the quick strikes. Renji was pushed back by Retane’s furious onslaught, he couldn’t keep this defense up for long.

Bleed for me Renji! Both of you bleed bleed!

The demon’s grip on Renji stopped him from retreating and instead forced him to strike out. To strike in such a situation was folly, but Renji had no choice. Retane easily side-stepped the upward slash and responded by stabbing Renji through the shoulder. “You’re getting sloppy” Retane growled as he bashed Renji’s head with the butt end of his glaive. The strike sent Renji’s world spinning, he stumbled into the stream and tried to regain his footing.

Yes! Spill more blood for me Renji you fool! Let him slice you open!

Kuzuru’s blood lust was getting out of control. Renji held his throbbing head and tried to wrestle control of his body back from the demon. Unfortunately battle was not the time for an identity crisis and Retane gave the swordsman no chanced to breath. Time seemed to freeze as the Namekian rushed forward. Renji raged against the demon’s control, Kuzuru was content with allowing the Namekian to cut Renji in half, if only for the guarantee of blood.

Come on Renji! Bleed for me! Its been so long since I’ve tasted your blood, let him slice you open!

Enough of this Kuzuru, give me back my body!

Retane raised his glaive high and swung downwards, hoping to catch Renji in the shoulder. At the last moment the swordsman was finally able to rip himself free from the demon’s control. He fell backwards into the river and kicked upwards, catching the glaive in between the metal slats bolted to the bottom of his wooden sandals. For a moment Retane pressed down, hoping to slice through the swordsman’s footwear. The wound on Renji’s leg screamed in pain as it strained to push back against the attack. Renji pulled his leg back and kicked outwards, breaking the clash. Quickly the Millennial Swordsman stood up, ready for Retane’s next attack. The demon fought furiously, trying to regain control but for the moment Renji was the captain of his body.

The world was much clearer to Renji now that he was in control. He hoped that the fight would be over before he lost control once more, but unfortunately neither warrior would give up the ghost quietly. Now that he was in control his wounds burned in agony, every cut and bruise seemed hell bent on forcing Renji to bow out. The forest seemed peacefully oblivious to the clash of battle. Birds chirped and the stream continued to flow as if none of this mattered. Renji smirked and flourished his blade.

“Something funny?” Retane asked, seemingly annoyed at the swordsman’s attitude.

“Yeah...” Renji laughed a bit “beat me and I’ll tell you.”

“Gladly”

Whips of wind began to swirl around Retane’s forearms. Renji had seen this attack before and readied himself for the drills of wind. The first one ripped forth and Renji focused for a moment before side-stepping it. However this was the Emerald Warrior’s plan, the first attack was only a distraction. The second strike barreled forth and crashed into one of the boulders in the river, cracking it and sending large chunks of stone shrapnel at Renji. He raised his arm to protect himself from the debris, but realized it was only a screen for Retane’s attack. No longer under the influence of Kuzuru’s blood lust Renji was not a fool and leaned backwards as Retane’s glaive stabbed over him. The swordsman did a back-flip and kicked the glaive high into the air. He tried to follow up by slashing Retane, but his injuries forced him to stumble.

Come on Renji, give me back control. You’ll die if you don’t. I’ll be good, I promise.

The demon was right, without Kuzuru’s strength the swordsman just couldn’t keep up with his opponent. Reluctantly he slowly slipped back into insanity. Almost instantly the his demeanor changed, his noble posture relaxed and his vicious grin returned.

“What’s wrong with you?” Retane growled as he caught his spear as it came back to earth. However the demon swordsman was done with talking, no he wanted to slay his enemy. He dashed forward, his feet splashing in the shallow river. The two warriors locked eyes, both of them ready to end the fight. Renji stepped onto one of the stones sticking from the river and jumped into the air, hoping to catch Retane off-guard with an aerial strike. A flash of steel and the clang of metal punctuated the clash of two demons. Their weapons locked onto each other as Renji landed. Both warrior’s pressed against their weapons, hoping to overpower the other.

“Die!” Renji shouted, pulling his weapon back and kicking upwards catching Retane in the jaw with his metal-plated footwear.

The Namekian growled and rubbed his sore jaw. Renji began to laugh, but was cut short by Retane smashing his fist into the swordsman’s jaw. The green-skinned warrior hit much harder than Renji and sent him stumbling backwards. The copper taste of blood filled his mouth and forced him to smile again, revealing his bloodied teeth and gums.

“Hit me like that again! I like the taste of blood!”

His sanity was truly gone and all that was left was the yearning for delicious carnage. He charged forward, trying to press the attack. Retane’s mind was still clear and he jumped backwards onto the bank of the river, narrowly avoiding Renji’s slash. The demonic swordsman groaned and charged forth again.

“Stop avoiding me! I can’t taste your blood if you keep avoiding me!”

Retane sidestepped another swing, waiting for his opportunity.

[Retane]

In the end you have to define yourself. Look through your experiences and make the judgments that you can stand behind. You have to be strong in your resolve and not let others hinder your decisions. To be the Leader of the Horsemen you have to accept victory and defeat. You have to be the balance of life and chaos. Make the decisions to kill when need be, and spare when obvious. Yet, you can never show weakness. You must always be that Brave Sword; That strong blade. Without the Horsemen there can be no balance. In the end the Horsemen must be recognized for who they are... In the end...

“Stop avoiding me!" The crazed warrior barked, "I can’t taste your blood if you keep avoiding me!”

The namekian had watched the transgression from a sword wielding warrior to a crazed demonic warrior. The swordsman's eyes had told the tale as he struggled within himself.

Renji's eyes had showed the same vile eyes as his comrade, Jack Frost , back when he had lost his innocence in Dante and been possessed by the Malefactor. The Emerald Warrior had noticed his foe switch through demeanors and almost felt sorry for him.

Almost.

The Emerald Warrior dodged another crazed slash as the Mellenium Swordsman swung the unquenchable blade. The attacks were relentless and swift. The older foe would swing down, shifting his feet to curve the blade at and upward angle, then come down again. The whole time, Retane found himself in range of the blade's strikes, but just to close to wield his own pole-ax for a viscous strike. Getting any closer for some, up close and personal, hand-to-hand strikes seemed almost impossible and risky. He could easily take a kick and slash from his wicked foe. There was truly only one tactical opton and he had to take it.

As the demonic warrior swung down, the mercenary propelled himself backward, putting distance in between himself and his rival combatant. The Emerald Warrior didn't have much time, but he wouldn't need much more then he had bought himself. The Demon Swordsman cursed something under his breath before shouting, "Fight me coward! Stop running like a bitch! Come let me split you in half and eat your heart while it still pumps for the last time."

The Emerald Warrior only grinned at the demand and slammed the glaive's butt down into the soft soil beneath him, "Come, let me see you try! You can't even control yourself. What makes you think that you could so such a thing to me? Do you not know who I am? I am Retane, Demon of the Tangled Greens! I am Death, the reaper that ushers lost souls to their demise. I The Exiled, Feral Namek. I am-"

"You are about to be dead!' The vile fighter sneered as he charged directly at the namek. Retane jumped back away from the glaive, keeping it in between himself and his soon to be victim. Renji had shouwed that he could manipulate his speed and increase ig but with the pole-ax from Dante's Abyss as a medium, he's have to go around it to get at him.

The namekian closed his eyes for a moment, thinking; Concentrating and focusing on what he desired. He felt a strong bond and knew it would come to his beckoned call. He envisioned the red and black scabbard with the profile of the crimson konat embedded in the material. It was the symbol of who he was and what he strove to accomplish. Retane felt the eyes of the image looking at him, almost envisioning a gleam in the eye and felt a warmth on his back. It was comforting but nearly weightless. It was, however, empty.

The Emerald Warrior heard his foe's footsteps, tracking them as they neared. There was a slight 'hmph' as Renji had leapt over the glaive. The crazed swordsman would soon be delivering a striking blow from the aerial assault, the mercenary knew, but he, himself wasn't done."I am not about to be dead.." The green warrior barked as he heard a slicing of the wind from up above.

Retane opened his eyes at the last moment to see the demon blade coming down upon him at an angle. There was also a second blade, that rushed from the sky. The sword that belonged into the sheath now strapped to the namek's back. It was a doubled edged weapon meant to be handled with one or both hands. The length was similar to that of the katana the Millennium Swordsman weilded. It was the Brave Sword, the symbol of Retane's faction and the symbol of his bond with Tapion, his fallen comrade.

Somewhere off in the woods a wolf howled in broad daylight.

"I am Retane, Leader of the Horsemen!" As the Emerald Fiend spoke in a heavy voice, the symbol of the Horsemen became a temporary shield as the demonic blade clanged against metal with the brave swords final descent. THe renegade parried out of the way and caught Tapion's favored weapon by the hilt with a single fist. His prey's blade bit into the surface ofthe Tangled Green with all of it's weight. It would have surely been a strike that could have cleaved him in half. Trust in one's instincts. Believe in the Horsemen, the namekian thought.

"Make up your mind! It doesn't matter what weapon you use, I'll gut you all the same!" The would-be Demon of the Tangled of the Greens was seething and spat loudly at the namekian, who in return was calm for once.

"Heh," Retane scoffed. "You have no chance against me. You can't control the darkness within. You struggle with it and that will be the reason that you fall here." The leader of The Horsemen stood tall and confident then and his grip tensed around the hilt of Brave Sword. His prey spat at the ground and charged, sandals kicking up grass and dirt as he charged.

Retane flashed a grin and the Millennia Warrior saw it, but didn't relent. The Horsemen saw the desire for blood as the demonic sword came at him in a downward diagonal slice. The Emerald Warrior flipped Brave Sword and met the strike with a defensive one of his own. As the steel weapons connected, and the green warrior used his second hand to grab the hilt to back his resolve, the two bladesmen found themselves nearly nose to nose. Both felt the other's hot wind, but on the breath of Renji was the scent of Namekian and Horsemen blood.

The Emerald Fiend let out a growl...

In the end, you have to be willing to accept... Accept who you are and what you are... You have to take it and make it your own... You have to have faith, even if it is in darkness... In the end,a Horsemen will be a Horsemen.. In the End...

[Kuzuru]

A sword mirrors its owner and that fact was no more apparent between these two warriors. Retane’s sword reflected his bold and confident personality, it held strong against Renji’s wicked blade. The Demon Swordsman grinned and pushed back against Retane while jumping back to break their clash. They both were at their limits, but neither fighter wanted to back down. Renji began to laugh.

That’s it Renji, let it swallow you.

“Control? You don’t get it do you!?” his stopped laughing and pointed his tainted blade at the Namekian. A sly smile cracked across his face and he continued “I’m in perfect control, I’m a god of war! The exemplar of carnage!” An ominous wind whipped across the battlefield, sending the swordsman’s bamboo hat flying into the stream. His bright red eyes met Retane’s glare and the two charged each other. The wound on Renji’s leg forced him to stumble in his charge. Retane moved quicker than his opponent and slashed diagonally to exploit his opponent’s moment of weakness. In a moment of desperation Renji slashed outwards, hoping to knock his enemy off balance.

A flash of blood and a growl of pain.

The end of the Brave Sword had found Renji’s flesh, chopping into his shoulder. The sword of the Horsemen cut through meat and bone alike, but only sank in about an inch rather than cleaving Renji in twain. Renji’s counter attack had been more effective than he had hoped. His blade had cut crossways against Retane’s pecs, and ended up piercing the Namekian’s chest as he charged forth. His blade had slipped through the Emerald Warrior’s ribs and was less than an inch from piercing his heart.

“Move another inch and we both die!” Renji rumbled through his gritted teeth.

It was true, another slight step forward and both swords would have enough range to deliver a fatal blow. For a few moments the two once again stood locked, neither having a discernible advantage. Blood flowed freely from their wounds and the demon in Renji’s sword could barely contain his excitement. In one quick movement Retane pulled a hand free from his sword and brought it back, charging another orb of green energy. A flash of light consumed Renji and pushed him back. He had no time to react to the Namekian’s energy bolt and instead focused on trying to respond to his next attack. Dipping into his demonic energy and battle prowess he focused through the crippling pain.

Through the cloud of smoke the green-skinned fiend charged. He wanted to end the fight and swung with all his might, cutting horizontally. An eternity of battle and slaughter had prepared the demonic swordsman for such a brutal attack. With a dark red flash of demonic energy and a flourish of his blade he parried the devastating attack. Bright red blood spurted from the gash in Renji’s shoulder and he yelped in pain. Even in his demonic state the swordsman could no longer savor the simple pain of his wounds.

Is this it Renji? Are you going to die here? Even with my power in your veins you’re going to die!? How pathetic...

Retane pulled his sword back for another attack and swung, refusing to give his opponent any reprieve. Desperately and like a cage animal Renji relied on his instincts. He brought his own blade to block, but it was smacked aside forcing the Demonic Swordsman to stumble backwards. “You’re dead!” Retane roared and charged forward, ignoring the blood pouring from his wounds. It had been a long since Renji had actually feared for his live and it sparked a fire in his heart. Even as death charged at him his psychosis forced him to laugh.

“Come to me green one! Meet your death at the end of my blade!”

Through the blinding pain Renjis still found the strength to raise his sword. Endorphins flooded his system and mixed with adrenaline to form a potent cocktail of recklessness. Retane aimed to run Renji through and held his blade pointed at the swordsman’s heart. At the last second Renji pulled his sword close and pirouetted to the side, avoiding his opponent’s thrust. Using the momentum from his spin he chopped horizontally into Retane’s backing. The surprising bite of Renji’s blade force the Namekian to shout in pain.

Fancy footwork swordsman... But you’re at your limit, just let him cut your throat open.

Anemia got the better of the Eternal Bladesman and his grip on his sword loosened. Retane whirled around and slashed upward, smacking the Blade of Lost Souls from Renji’s hand and high into the air. The entire weight of the battle collapsed onto Renji and he scrambled backwards. Without Kuzuru’s influence he was on the brink of the abyss. Retane was close to collapse, but remained standing even with his purple blood gushing from his fresh wounds.

“Time to die swordsman.”

Without the galvanizing strength of Kuzuru Renji’s vision blurred and he watched as the Fiend of the Tangled Greens stomped towards his prey. Renji knew he had to move, but his body was cold and on the verge of shock. Through some wicked twist of destiny his sword landed with a defeated clatter behind the Millenial Swordsman. It wasn’t very far, but in Renji’s fatigued state it might as well have been halfway across the world. Still he crawled backwards, keeping his shaky vision on Retane. The Namekian stalked forward, his wounds slowed his progress but his hatred of Renji pushed him forward through the agony.

A flash of metal and the clash of steel signalled Retane’s attack.

Renji had kicked upwards, barely deflecting the exhausted warrior’s swing with his metal-plated shoes. Using the burst of fear from Retane’s strike Renji forced his body to crawl inches close to his lost blade. Another swing came down just as Renji reached for his weapon and the Eternal Swordsman was forced to roll and avoid the swing.

“Just die already!” Retane growled.

A final swing from the frustrated Namekian aimed to cut through Renji’s chest. He reached out for his blade and his grip found the black and red hilt. Without a moment to spare he brought the blade to his chest, stopping Retane’s steel. Dipping into the insanity and strength of Kuzuru he pushed Retane’s blade back one more time.

“Get off me!”

[Kuzuru]

Retane was startled by Renji’s sudden burst of strength. The Namekian stumbled backwards and growled at his opponent. Renji staked his sword into the ground and used it as a brace to help him to his feet. A gentle breeze rolled across their blood-soaked battlefield. Both fighters had strained their bodies to the limit. The demon’s grip on Renji was concrete and he felt like he was drowning. The swordsman’s body grinned and laughed wickedly “what do you say we finish this green one? Fight! Fight!”

Retane returned with a glare “I’ll be glad to rip you apart.”

The two rushed towards each other, hoping to end the battle. Three light green blast of energy ripped from Retane’s hand and charged towards the charging swordsman. The first orb was deflected by a slash charged with demonic energy, sending it high into the air. The second arced low and crashed into the dirt, creating a small pothole and kicking up a cloud of earth and dust. Retane’s final blast found its target and crashed into the Millennial swordsman, causing him to falter in his charge. This was the opening that Retane had hoped to exploit. He came in low and fast, hoping to find a cut underneath Renji’s defenses.

A veteran of countless battles Renji was no fool and expected the low slash. He staked his sword into the ground and blocked the Namekian’s wild swing. The resounding sound of metal-on-metal echoed throughout the forest. Using the sword as a brace point Renji kicked outwards, catching Retane directly in his already wounded chest. The metal-plated sandals crashed into his chest and forced the air from his lungs. With a gasp Retane stumbled backwards and fell to his knees, trying to fill his lungs with oxygen. Without a wasted moment Renji’s body charged forth and screamed at Retane.

“This is where you die! Your blood will sate my palette!”

A peculiar mark on Retane’s arm began to glow brightly. Dark shadowy mist began to wrap around Retane’s feet. The swordsman continued his ferocious charge, stepping through the mist and raising his sword high. He brought the length of steel down toward’s Retane’s neck. From seemingly no where a gold-armored warrior materialized in front of Retane, catching Renji’s blade in between two sabers. The golden warrior laughed and responded with a quip “at sword camp, I liked to use two instead of one”. The stunned demon jumped backwards, unsure of what had just happened. Behind Retane a female with pointed ears and green armor formed from the mist. She pointed her bow at Renji and spoke coolly “take another step and it’ll be your last.”

“I thought I told you not to help” Retane growled, trying to stand up. Arith, the golden warrior kept the leader of the Horseman down.

“Two more fools into the fray!? I’ll slash both of your throats!” Renji moved to dash forward, but an arrow collided into his sword. Light green energy swirled around another arrow and crashed once more into Renji’s hand forcing him to drop his blade. The swordsman’s mind cleared and his body slumped with exhaustion. There was an awkward moment of silence between the four warriors. Renji smiled and stared past the two new fighters and met eyes with Retane.

“Looks like you’ve got friends that care about you. I’m not in the shape to finish you off, but I do have to say that was one of the greatest duels I’ve ever fought. Remember me Retane, next time we fight... Well, one of us won’t be fortunate enough to walk away.”

With that Renji moved for his sword, but was assailed by a barrage of energy charged arrows. Rushing through the cloud of arrows and smoke Renji found his sword and sheathed it before Kuzuru could take control. As quickly as the battle had started it had ended. The forest continued business as usual, as if their battle to the death meant nothing.