(Pre-Show) The Barracks

[Jack Frost]

[Before Retane Post]

"So you're going to be okay with this? "Tapion asked, "Killing people?"

Jack sighed, "I am not sure. Honestly, I don't know? These guys are immortal right? That means they will respawn at the Nexus right?"

The ice wielder had been pulled aside by the Konat. Jack had already been announced to be a part of the event, as well as Retane, and was headed that way. He was feeling determined as ever, but the Konat had had a stern look in his eye. The Guardian was starting to feel nervous again.

"You don't have to kill, you know. But they will try to kill you. This is survival of the fittest. You have some pretty neat tricks, they are protective and all that, but I have yet to see you really attack someone. Even if these guys respawn, it's still going to be able to land that killing blow. I know. I was there before." Tapion laughed.

"I had grenades, it wasn't very personal. But I also killed someone with poison, that was personal. I watched him die. I watched him give his last breath. " Tapion didn't smile, he didn't grin, it was as if he was remembering how he did it and the cold look he had given back then. "It's not about dying though. It's about surviving. But to win the event, you will have to kill at least once."

Jack Frost nodded, "Final two should always be a Horsemen right?" The figure with the red mohawk nodded. The Guardian understood that much He was determined to make sure Retane got that far. He was going to pick up where Tapion had fallen. He wouldn't be a burden. He was be an equal. He would make Dante's Abyss his own.

"I see that look, I recognize that look. I once had that look. Retane once wore that look. You want to be the one that defies everything right?" Tapion laughed.Frost paused for a moment confused.The Konat nodded calmly, "You don't have to defy anytihng. You don't have to do anything but be yourself. You are the Guardian now. Not the Guardian of Fun., but the Guardian of the Horsemen. Take that title, and make it your own. Run the Abyss, try your hardest. Just don't try to back stab that damned Namek. It doesn't work. He's too strong."

"Why did you do that to him anyways?" Jack had to ask with a curious eye.

The Mohekian laughed, "I could never beat him face to face. He's pretty damned strong. Even at his weakest, he'll die but will take you with him. I've spent some time with that wolf, Lone. I have spoke to it. I have become to understand a few things, when it comes to Retane. It is a part of him. It is part of his soul. It's a representation in animalistic form. He strives for action. He can be the lone wolf, or he can be a part of a pack. He is a predator, and if you back him into a corner, he will fight for his life.

"It's hard to kill sometihng like that." Tapion shrugged his shoulders.

"That's not the Horsemen way..." Jack almost stammered.

"Eh? You are a Horsemen. You respect the others and their choices and decisions, but we all seek to become stronger. It's just how it works. You are stronger, together you are stronger. Together you dominate and mark out your territory. Anyone that messes with you get's killed. Just like those majestic creatures that resembles Retane's soul."

Jack nodded. He liked the words but was unsure,"Can you tame a wolf?"

Tapion through his shoulders up, "I think he tames himself with age. Just try your best. You were chosen as a Horsemen for a reason. If he gets out of control, just bap him on the nose with that staff of yours and tell him 'no'."

"So do you think we have a shot here?" Jack questioned.

"I think anything can happen. Hope and pray you find him before you both become prey. It's scary, but it's possible..."


[After Retane Post]------------------

The two had been to quiet, Jack had looked back as the elevator closed and saw that no one else was there.

"So it's the two of us against everyone else now right", Jack asked looking ahead, trying to stand up, tall and strong.

"Yeah, It seems that way."

Jack glanced at the sword and sheath Retane held on his back, "Can I ask a favor?"

Retane glances at the Guardian and Frost couldn't help it, "Do you mind, making me a cloak like yours and his?"

The namekian took a deep breath and paused for a few moments and gave a nod as he closed his eyes and put his green hand on the Guardians shoulder, "Think about it hard and concentrate. Let me feel your thoughts on it."

Jack Frost gave a nod and focused, thinking hard, 'no longer a side-kick, truly a Horsemen. The Guardian of the Horsemen'. A warm sensation surrounded the ice wielder for a few seconds as Retane gripped his hand on his shoulder. The feeling subsided and Tapion looked around at his new clothing with a grin. He was now clad in a hooded cloak; The material was light but the main background of the color as a dark hue of blue, nearly black, But a keen eye could see it. On the left arm was a symbol similar to the one on the Brave Swords's sheath. The back drop of the emblem was a shield encrested with his staff, Savior. A wolf of ice was in a strong run just in front of it, and in front of that was face of Tapion, the hair had a slight crimson tint to it, but it looked as if sculptured by ice.

The rest of material was blanketed with slight shimmering white-blue wolves, snow flakes, and imiages of his staff. They glimmered and flashed as if light hit them. Jack grinned, "Once a Horsemen, always a Horsemen."

Retane pulled his own cowl up, "Tapion tell you that?"

Jack laughed, "Yeah"

"When this starts, Let's hope we can find each other." The namekian stated, as the elevator dinged.