Retane Vs Jack Frost: The Nightmare (PvP)

[Retane]

"You wanted to see me?" It was Jack Frost standing at the door of the vault.

Retane didn't answer but, instead, continued to stare at the case in front of him. The ice wielder waited a few moments before entering, even though he hadn't been given permission. Frost had never asked permission to do so yet, so didn't see any point in starting now.

The Horsemen remained quiet as he cocked his head, watching the little demonic symbiote press up against the glass as if begging to be freed. It almost even seemed more eager to be freed as The Guardian of the Horsemen approached. Retane wondered what would happen if someone that lost control when using the orgosynth put it back on. His eyes shifted to the side, putting Jack Frost in his peripherals, and decided against bringing the question out in the open.

Jack stopped when he realized that it was the Malefactor that had the Emerald Warrior's attention. Retane knew it made his comrade uneasy. Retane saw what it did to people first hand twice, and knew that it was dark and demonic. Perhaps that was why he was thinking to use it. It would be dangerous and risky if he did. No, for now it would sit there, safely tucked away and secure. The green warrior sucked in a deep breath and finally exhaled with a long sigh as he turned and looked at his closest friend.

"Yeah. I called for you." Retane saw that Krosst had tagged along, as well as Reatus and Dante. Retane had been alone in the recent weeks, letting the boys and Jack, himself, do their own thing. He had some thinking and understanding to do. He never expected to be so weak, but was starting to understand his limitations more and more. It seems he had been really weakened from the stress of Dante's Abyss, followed by fight with Renji, then the birthing of his six offspring.

"How's your training coming along?" Retane could see that Jack Frost was confused by the question. The ice wielder looked back to the trio of namekian spawn and shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

"Pretty good, I guess." Jack had been training with the three namekians while Retane had kept to himself in isolation.

"I see." Retane let his mind wonder for a few moments as he wondered just how strong Jack Frost had gotten. He had three training partners which could make for some interesting combinations. But training and an actual life threatening scenario were two different things. The namekian handed Jack Frost a slip of paper as he walked past. "Be at those coordinates in an hour."


---------------

Retane stood on a branch, leaning against the trunk up in the treetops. He was nearly a mile from the Jade Reckoning compound. Below was a small clearing. How long it had been there, the namekian was unsure. Fallen leaves of all colors of brown littered the ground, though those on the trees were mostly still fully green and vibrant. The warrior had come here a few times, as he thought on things and tried to figure them out. It would be a good setting for what was to come, he decided.

Across from the namekian, on the opposite side, there was a rustle. No wind blew currently and a simple shift of the namekian's eyes brought the two shadowed figures into Retane's peripherals. It was Alaina and Airyonna, two kunoichi from the Village Hidden in the Forest. The two were allies of The Horsemen, though Retane knew he was testing at least one of their limits today. He had only asked Alaina to come, but her sister had been in ear shot and was nearly outraged at the request and reasoning. Alaina was the calm one of the two, usually quiet, and was a member of the medical corps. Airyonna, was a hothead that was stab firast, think about giving a fuck later, kind of fighter, or so Retane thought.

They both wore dark cloaks, with hoods over their heads. Retane understood the reasoning behind it. He knew both were uneasy with what he was planning, but the namekian felt it had to be done.

Before Retane could think about much more, he heard the foot falls of others coming from the direction of Jade Reckoning. From the voices, it was easily to discern that it was Jack Frost, accompanied by the namek's own three children. He figured they would come to, as he never specified to leave them behind. They'd learn from this experience too.

"Are we almost there yet?" It was Krosst that Retane heard.

"Dammit, Dante! Why did you have to ask that question so early on? If he says it one more time, I'm going to start punching you!" Reatus' voice was high in octave, as if he had was an annoyed parent that had heard the question so many times and was on his last nerve.

Dante and Jack laughed though it was the ice wielder that answered, "Yeah we should be nearly up on the coordinates now."

"Finally", grumbled Reatus. "I bet it's this clearing here isn't it? Where's father? Anyone see him?"

Retane could see them at the edge of the clearing as they steeped forward and paused.

"No- wait, what's that?" Dante pointed up in the direction of Retane.

It wasn't the Emerald Warrior, that his son was pointing out, but the two orbs of energy that glowed in his hands. The namekian loosed the two projectiles as their tails liked had his hands. The first blast hit the ground as the group leapt away in different directions. The second blast forced them to split even more. The adolescent namekain's found themselves at the treeline, while Jack Frost had leapt ahead into the clearing.

Retane stepped forward, walking to the edge of the thick branch, revealing himself to those below. He wore a black cloak, his face also concealed as his hood shadowed it. He crossed his arms as the Guardian looked up at him in confusion. The Leader of the Horsemen glanced at his hesitating children, then to the two female ninja.

"What's going on Retane?" Jack's knuckles gripped Savior so hard that his knuckles were whiter than usual.

"You wanted me to accept your thanks. You said that you knew how I felt. You said that I feel regret? Remember?" Retane was addressing Jack's last interruption with the small spar between the namekian and Atelos.

The Guardian of the Horsemen nodded, "Yeah, I remember. I know how it ached you. I watched the videos, the replays. I saw what it did to you."

"Does it haunt you?" Retane's voice was low, though it carried.

Jack was taken aback for a moment, and hesitated, "N-no. No it doesn't!"

"You're lying." The Emerald Warrior had seen the look of Tapion when he was innocent, and what he looked like after he had first killed. Jack Frost shared the same resemblance. Tapion had finally conceded that it took a while for him to get over the aftermath of Dante's Abyss. That he had nightmares of his first kill for a while. He knew Jack was going to something similar to Tapion, but worst. The namekian had heard it from his own own room, had heard the screams and cries from behind the steal doors.

Jack Frost didn't have nightmares like he did before he had become possessed by the orgosynth. It was Retane's idea to let him wear it. Retane knew it had been a bad choice after that. Krosst had been born from that memory.

The Guardian of the Horsemen struggled for a few moments, but finally admitted it, "Yeah, I've had nightmares about it? What's this all about?"

"I'm going to fix those nightmares today. You're going to have to fight me. Anyone that tries to interfere with me, will be killed on the spot." Retane looked to his children, then to the ninja.

"What are you going on about", Jack questioned. It was nearly a demand, but there was an uneasiness about him.

"This field will be a mark of at least one death, and I don't care who dies. You said you know how I feel, then let's find out!" Retane's voice deepened as he spoke.

"What are you saying? You'd kill your own kids?" Jack was looking back at the trio. Their glances were back and forth between each other, Frost, and their father.

"If they are foolish enough to interfere, then yes. That goes for your little girlfriend as well!" Retane had set the playing field as perfectly as he could. A slight rustle in the trees got the ice wielder to look up and at the spot where she stood, trembling in anger and annoyance.

Airyonna wouldn't speak out but it was obvious that she wanted to lash out at Retane. The namekian knew he had Jack Frost exactly where he wanted him; Witnesses: Everyone Jack really knew and cared about in the area to watch the spectacle...

[Retane]

The namekian warrior hopped down from the branch.

There wouldn't really be anymore need for much verbal contact. Actions spoke louder then words.

Retane touched the ground, knowing he had set the rules clearly. He took his time looking on at the eyes of his comrade. There were murmurs from the adolescent namekians in the background. The Emerald Warrior could see that Jack heard them better and there was an unease in the Ice Wielder's visage. It was obvious that Retane had unnerverd all those in the area. It had been the point. The scenario had to be just right, and it was.

"So it's like this now is it? Have you gone completely nuts?" Jack took a defensive stance, making sure Savior was ready at a moments notice.

Retane looked quietly on at his fellow Horsemen. The defensive behavior was to be expected. It was why the Guardian of Fun had jumped forward, and not backward. 'First into the fire, in hopes of cooling it', Arith had dubbed it once before. The Emerald Warrior didn't speak though. It was no longer a time for him to do such a thing. He looked around once more, making sure that everyone kept themselves in check.

The Emerald Warrior charged then, his fist tucked low. Jack saw him coming and tapped the ground. Retane wasn't a fool, and saw the slight shiver of ice cross against the ground. The Leader sneered as he passed over, his toes dragging across the hardenend ground. The Guardian didn't have time to dodge as the fist took him by surprise. The blow sent Frost reeling head behind heels.

Jack slammed into a tree behind him. Savior, his curved staff, had left his hand and spun around inbetween the two after the initial contact. The tree the Guardian had slammed into hardly quaked, though green leaves slowly floated from it's branches.. There was an indention in the bark from Frost's backside, but the attack hardly seemed to phase the Icer.

Jack stood up and his eyes landed on Savior. Retane already knew his comrade's weakness, and that was the hooked staff. The ice started to desolved beneath the namekian's hovering feet almost as soon as the Savior and it's wielder seperated. The Emerald Warrior dashed to Savior, watching Jack's unflenching eyes. The namekian plucked it up with the toe of his boot and kicked it at Frost, who caught it. The Guardian gave a curious glance as Retane let a low solemn growl echoe from his chest.

Frost took a few steps towards the center of the open area. There was a hesitation in the walk, but the Horsemen strode to meet his counterpart. It didn't catch the green warrior off guard at all, he knew that the Guardian would try to end this peacefully.

A sneer crossed the Emerald Fiend's face, just enough for the shadows to reveal his pearly fangs. Frost caught sight of it, and leapt out of the way as Retane charged. The namekian turned as he passed his target, his heel digging into the ground to endure his speed, and dashed again at Jack Frost once again. Retane raked a swift claw at his comrade-in-arms, only to be deflected, by the same staff he had kicked to is foe. Savior's deflecting parry was cold to the touch, and the biteing pain in Retane's hand, only made him angry.

The feral namek dug his free hand into the ground and, again, spun himself around. He lunged himself at his fellow Horsemen and his knee plunged deep into the center of Jack's back. Retane took the weight and momentum of his body and drove the Guardian into the ground. The Ice Wielder maintained his grip on his staff, and the namekian noted it. Retane pushed off an away from the Guardian, but made sure that Jack would still have the adolesent namekians at his back.

Retane watched as the Guardian of the Horsemen pulled himself to his feet. The green warior hadn't really hurt Frost, but he had started a plan. However, the Emerald Warrior was almost shocked when he watched his comrade grin and ,"So this is how it is?"

"Yeah, this is how it is." Retane let his voice go in on a low rumble. The namekian didn't need much words. He never usually did. His actions would prove his point.

Small bits of clouds started to form up above. It wouldn't be long before the sky darkend. Perhaps it will cry today, the namek mused to himself. It would be ironic if it did.

[Retane]

Jack shook his head as he looked on at his comrade. Retane could only wonder what was going through his mind, but the namekian was just getting started. The Shadow Mist slowly began to pour from the Lythian Sigil marked on Retane's arm. It quickly took shape into the Champion of Lythia, Arith. The mist dissipated to give way to the golden armored warrior.

Arith looked back to Retane as he folded his arms, "Are you serious? This is your answer?"

"Kill him." Retane's voice was cold. It held little emotion, and even Jack's eyes went wide as he heard the words spoke.

The Champion of Lythia tensed up. Retane noted the hesitation and let out a low growl to enforce his command. Arith shook his head and folded his arms as he looked back at Jack Frost. "When the fuck did the 'great' Retane become to scared to do his own dirty work", Arith questioned.

The Leader of The Horsemen maintained his composure, though his eyes almost revealed his annoyance. He refused to speak anymore, emphasizing his command with silence. The dragon-helmed warrior glanced back at Retane once more before letting out a long sigh, conceding to the task he was commanded to do, "Sorry Jackie boy, but it seems I have to kill you. The boss has spoken, ya know?"

Jack nodded, "You don't have to do this. You and I both know you are better then that."

Arith let out a long sigh as he shook his head, "You are wrong. I am compelled to do this. It's my job."

The Golden Warrior reached for his blades and let out a low breath, "I'm sorry, but this wont be like one of our usual spars. I have to kill you, or you have to kill me."

Jack tried to protest, but Arith shook his head before the Guardian could speak and produced his twin sabers. The Champion of Lythia dashed towards his rival, slashing with one blade, and following with the other. Jack had more speed and dodged the more obvious attacks with ease, but as the onslaught continued, Arith fell into his rhythm and began his dance of fangs. The Guardian of Fun was agile and used Savior to pole vault himself over the Dragon Warrior. Arith had seen this maneuver before an expected it, shifting his body and crossing his blades to snag the hook of the Guardian's staff, in an attempt to slingshot him back to the ground.

Jack Frost was one step ahead of Arith this time, and had foreseen the action, and remembered the results of the last two attempts at the maneuver, This time Jack had put his all into the pole-vault, not hesitating or wondering if it would work with his full effort. Arith was caught off guard with the force of the technique and uncrossed his sabers too late. The failed counter flung Arith across the opening even further then Jack expected but that was only because the Lythian had released before impact.

The Champion of Lythian hit the ground hard, unable to gain control of his body in the air. He did manage to sheath his blades and brace for impact, but it helped little if any. He rolled across the cool grass in a tumble, his body banging the ground over and over till his came to a halt, looking face up. The clouds had opened up slightly and a light mist had started to fall. Arith breathed as calmly as he could, feeling the cool touch of the rain. He turned his head towards where Retane stood, arms folded as he watched things unfold. Fucking Gremlins, Arith thought.

Arith heard the squishing of Frost's feet as he came closer and turned his attention to him. The Ice Wielder seemed nearly unphased, though their was a strange look on his face. The loss of innocence had truly changed Jack Frost, even if Jack couldn't realize it. All the Golden Warrior could do was laugh, even though his breathing was ragged. The Guardian of the Horsemen stopped and looked down at his comrade turned opponent, "What's so funny?"

The Champion of Lythia shook his head as he noted that the air was cooler then usual when it rained with the Ice Wielder in the area. "I-it's s-s-so c-cold Jack..." Arith's voice was shivering and his voice was a whimper."

Jack's head tilted downward towards the ground, almost understanding what he had done. If there was a tear in his eye, it was masked.

Arith took in a long raspy breath, and coughed, "Tell me something Jack..."

"W-what is it?" Jack started to kneel down towards the Golden Warrior.

"Will your heart go on?" The Lythian' voice was weaker then.
M
"What?" Jack asked almost confused.

"Sing it to me Jack. Sing to me that you heart will go on..." Arith's voice had returned to normal.

Used Assist - 1 SP

[Jack Frost]

[BEFORE-LAST-POST]

The Icer took his eyes off of the responding Namek to look to the sky.

"Looks like it might rain today Ret." Jack noted aloud, as he noticed the new blanket of grey clouds obscuring the sun. "Honestly i really hope it does, it gets hot in this forest, ya' know? The humidity should chill now." Jack continued as he looked back to Retane. The Namek barred his teeth as he maintained his ferral pose. The boy figured this would really only be a one-sided conversation.

"Enough small talk Guardian!" The warrior responded with a roar of malice and another surge of motion at Jack. The adolecent, taking note of what foot the Namekian led with, dashed to the left aiming for the treeline. The feeble attempt to disable his own footing barely phased the namek, as he simply rose a few inches off the ground and summoned even more speed for himself. Jack felt Retane at his heels, reaching for the Icer's hood, but before the green man could force his hands upon it, the boy rose parallel to the now adjacent trees above. The Green warrior's groping did not go unnoticed though, as he did fill his arm's reach with wood creating a resounding crack to be heard. Retane realized he had indeed imbeded his arms within the trunk of a large maple and took to the wood as a ferral cougar would to a hare.

"Hey Ret," Jack called from a thick maple branch as he casually lulled on his perch a few feet above the Namek, "'wood' you consider putting this whole thing behind us? Seriously though, aren't you takin-" Frost was forced to leap from the tree as an orb of energy blasted the maple apart, it's source coming from Retane himself. Before Jack could right himself from the fall Retane was already upon him slashing away with his claw-like nails. Jack was struck with the first strike, unable to slip it, leaving three jagged holes in his hoodie and an equal amount of slices on his chest, bleeding steadily red. Retane lurched forward for another swipe at Frost but this time Jack was ready and parried it with savior while bringing the butt of the staff to the Namekian's chest, the force of which blowing them in separate directions.

Jack let his free hand wander to the source of the stinging pain in his chest, still keeping his eyes on the now crouched Namek. Jack traced his hand over the prominent lines feeling the lukewarm liquid it oozed. Him and the Namek had been friends so he thought, why would he try to hurt him? After all the two had been through, did Retane actually feel malice towards him? Jack turned his gaze to the treeline where the three child Name's stood. Krosst looked troubled at the occurring battle, Jack saw the worry in his puerile face.

"Why Retane. What is the purpose of this?" Jack let his words fill the empty space between the two, as well as bringing his eyes back to Retane. "Do you mean to traumatize your children comrade? Look at them, showing them this nature is beyond you Ret." Jack pleaded with the Namek. Retane showed no interest with the Icer's plea's, "This is nature." He growled back, "But your point is indeed not moot. Why waste my time on you anymore?" Retane was standing now, seeing fear in the adolescent's eyes. He could only wonder exactly what pulsed in his mind.

Jack knew Retane well enough to tell this fight had only just begun. It was then when the sky let loose it's tears.

[Jack Frost]

Jack now saw how the golden clad warrior had been playing into his emotions with his little acting performance.

"Arith," The icer called through the rain, his tone peaking seriousness, "Do you ever think for yourself?" If Jack had any chance to change Retane's minion it was now.

Arith began to violently shake at Frost's words. The man's convulsing caused him to double over and make Jack step forward and slowly raise his hand in a concerned manner. It was then that Jack realized that the Golden warrior was laughing.

"Jackie boy," Arith began as the tremors subsided, "Are you even THINKING right now?!" The man sent his golden helm flying straight at the adolecent with such speed that Jack barely managed to knock it aside with savior as Arith regained his battle ready posture. "I serve one and one only and his name his Retane." He began to walk forward as he continued, "No matter how much I disagree with him, I am compelled to follow his orders." Jack was backing away now, clearly startled by the man's demeanor. "If I have to kill you, then so be it." Arith had unsheathed his blades now as he made the distance between the two. "I shall do it in the name of Retane."

Arith dashed towards Jack, sabers in tow, forcing the Icer to keep the warrior at bay with a parry of savior, letting the warrior's blades bounce off the frozen wood. Arith countered with a flurry of slices, all of which Jack easily bobbed his head out of the way of. Jack ended the man's onslaught with a sweep of savior and a forceful, forward strike to the base of the man's neck, sending Arith sliding away on the now ice covered ground.

Frost looked at the crumpled form of his turned ally and felt an overwhelming feeling of guilt. This was unnecessary, no one needed to die today, especially by the hand of allies. Jack turned towards the tall cloaked Namek tears stinging his eyes, "DO YOU SEE THIS?" Jack bellowed with mourn. "ARE YOU HAPPY RETANE? ARE YOU PLEASED? HAVE I FINALLY PROVEN MY WORTH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE HORSEMEN?" He yelled at the smirking green warrior.

Retane began to laugh as Arith had before. Jack heard this ugly, mishappen laughter forcing its noise in his ears like a searing iron sword being plunged in cooling waters. The adolescent felt disgusted, "You think his death is...funny?" Frost started. "YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND, YOUR....FAMILY. YOU THINK HIS DEATH IS A JOKE?!" The icer waited for the green man's response as his laughing slowly subsided. "He isn't even dead yet."

Jack saw the crumpled body of arith produce movement from the corner of his eye. He whipped his head towards Arith and stared open mouthed at his struggle to sit upright. "Finish him." Jack heard from behind his shoulder, "Do it Jack. You know you crave the feeling of death. Do it." Retane ushered him to finish what he had started. He couldn't, it wasn't in his nature, it wasn't him. "Do it Jack Frost." Retane persisted, "DO IT NOW." He roared.

Jack unconsciously began crossing the rain filled field towards the struggling man, willing his tears and blood to turn away from Arith. Was he really able to finish this monstrosity? Indeed he hadn't been the same from the moment he bonded with the orgosynth, he had nightmares of its hold over him, it's grasp on his innocence. There was no innocence anymore.

Jack stood over the body of Arith as the man fleetingly tried to rise but seemed paralysed. Retane's Cackling and bellows could no longer be heard over the pounding of blood in Jack's ears as he picked the helmless golden warrior from the ground with savior's crook wrapped around his neck. The adolescent held the man up with one hand commanding the staff, allowing Arith's head only two feet higher than his own. Jack looked deep into the eyes of the man he had once been friends with as they fleetingly fluttered in their sockets.

"Do you honestly believe death is funny Retane?" The Namek's words and bellows ceased as he looked on with interest at Jack. Jack continued to stare at Arith waiting for a reply, "So be it then." Jack finished. Arith's eyes stopped fluttering and began to focus on Jack's hand where a white shimmering ball had begun to form almost from thin air, sucking rain droplets from their intended course to the earth into the twinkling orb. Arith brought his eyes back to Jack's as the ball became full and seemed almost understanding as he glared.

"Retane is right." Jack Frost began, "Death is a joke." And with that, he forced the ball of snow with blinding speed into Arith's face, causing his neck to bend at an unusual angle and leaving a resounding crack to echo in the field as Arith's body fell to the ground.

[Retane]

The Emerald Warrior watched the spectical unfold up to the point where Arith's body fell limp towards the ground. The Lythian's golden armor never met the muddy ground though, as the Champion dissipated into the shadow mist. For Arith, death really was a joke.

The Namekian dashed forward then, while Jack Frost was watching the effects of his action. The mist dispersed and mixed with the chilling rain for a few moments, but before the black fog was gone, the Emerald Fiend had his hands on the Icer's shoulders and slammed his knee deep into his spine. Retane heard a loud crack, knowing all to well that it was the Ice Wielder's outer defenses taking the blow. Jack Frost let out a grunt of pain from the blow, as air exspelled from his lungs. Retane put his lips near his comrades ear and whispered just loud enough for Jack to hear, "How does it feel, Guardian? How does it feel to kill a comrade? Does it feel good to kill someone you were suppose to protect? What bout those that look up to you? They all just watched you do it. How will they think about you now?"

Jack moved to answer but Retane planted his boot into his comrade's back sending him sprawling forward, "You say you know how I feel, but you know nothing. NOTHING!"

Retane summoned Dante's Glaive to his hand then, palming it with the second and spinning it around a few times to remember the balanc eof the pole-ax, "Do you remember this Jack?"

The Guardian of Fun looked back to the Emerald Fiend and the wicked blade he weilded. Frost pulled himself to his feet, making sure he kept Savior in his hand. The rain was a steady pour now, and the two were wet, if Jack Frost could stay wet. The Emerald Fiend's visage was steady and stayed focused on his target, watching as the blood gashes he had created before, had stopped flowing and had been cauterized by ice. A flash of lightning appeared the shine of Dante's Glaive matching that of Jack Frost's own eyes.

"I thought so", Retane growled as he bared his teeth and charged.

Retane watched the slight tap of the staff and saw that the area around the Guardian gave off a slight glare. The Feral Namek cared little about the tactic, as his feet never touched the ground. He raised the pole-ax to strike but watched the wall shoot up as he brought the blade down. The glaive dug deep into the the thick wall of ice, but the namekian yanked it out before it could grab it. Retane pushed his speed to the limit then as he charged around the wall and saw his prey moving backward.

The Namekian charged at Jack Frost, his boots never touching the ice. The Emerald Feind saw the movement and felt his muscles and power thrust him forward. The Leader of the Horsemen swung once and again as Jack Frost used Savior to parry and dodge. Retane was methodical and used a single hand to weild the pole-ax. His free hand produced the elongated Scythe of the Reaper.

Two hands, two distance melee weapons. Jack only had Savior to protect him. Retane saw the advantage and thrust the pole-ax at the heart of the Ice Wielder. Frost moved just enough to avoid the curved blade and watched it slam into a tree. It was had been aimed at the same spot Jack Frost had been impaled with before. The Guardian of the Horsemen looked back at his attacker, but he was almost to late. Retane brought the poled-scythe down on him, almost ready to cut him in two. Savior was his savior though as his hand instinctively shoved the the staff upward to force wood to meet wood.

Retane could only sneer as he let another one of his legs plant into Jack's gut. The Icer flew back a few feet, sliding on his own ice. The Feral Namekian turned the pole weapon into his favored ranged sickle. Jack watched as it happened and shook his head.

"Death is funny... " Retane looked Jack Frost in the eye as he quoted the kid.

Jack Frost didn't reveal much. Retane started to spin the scythe, letting the wind howl as the blade pierced it. The Leader of the Horsemen looked deep in the eye's of his comrade and let out a long sigh. Someone would die here, and Arith couldn't die. Retane was going to push Jack to limits.

Lightning struck then, and Retane lashed out with his wicked blade. The thunder echoed as the chained weapon came back to his hand.

"Before I kill you, I'll show you what it means to be in my shoes."

[Jack Frost]

The rain poured from the clouds, as the two fighters faced one another for a still moment, and from what Jack could see it had plastered the namek's clothing to his body. On closer inspection the adolescent could even see the beads of water on Retane's chained sickle between the five feet they stood apart. Jack could feel te pelting of rain through his clothes but felt no wetness, regardless of the effect, he drew on his hood, squared his shoulders waiting for Retane's next onslaught.

"Cute." The Namekian growled before he let loose his Bladed Chains. Retane leaped the space between the two as he swung his weapon, above a ducking Jack. Retane flurried his chained scythe making Jack dance, but without prevail creating a sound of Ice on metal every few or Retane's swings.

The Winter Spirit barely kept up with Retane's offensive and he knew it wasn't a secret anymore as the green warrior spun around with his chain slack and pulled it into the air above Jack's head violently whipping it around again to catch its blade onto Jack Frost's Horsemen emblem, tearing it , leaving in place a think line in Jacks second skin that refused to bleed.

Retane jumped back then leaving the Icer to bask in this latest Blow. Jack caught on to Retane's amusement and merely glanced at his shoulder, at the same time lowering Savior down to his waist.

"My turn." Jack uttered over the storm's rain, dashing towards Retane letting Savior trail out of sight. Retane acted as fast as he could and was prepared long before the adolescent was in arms reach.

As Jack came into range he drew his arm back even further and swung Savior forwards but used the momentum of the horizontal swing to perform a twisting somersault over the unexpected, hovering Namek. Jack thrust his staff down revealing an orb of spiked dry ice and as Retane turned to the new advancement he had little time to shield his face from the Blast Where Jack Slammed the ball on the solid Ice covered ground. Shards of Dry Ice filled the surrounding area and pelted The green warriors torso forearm and lower face from the nose down.

Retane, knocked back, recovered quickly and just as fast, assessed his new wounds. He noticed he had pieces of smoking Ice embedded in is arm and torso, protruding slightly and had a larger piece piercing is lower lip, extending Where a tooth ad previously been. The quick assessment only required a moment's attention but that was all Jack needed to vanish. Retane whirred around, yanking the piece of Dry ice from his now cauterized lip and searched for the adolescent Icer.

"Hide all you want" He barked " It changes nothing!" The Namekian's voice echoed throughout the field. Retane's nostrils flared as he used is primal instincts to seek out the prey.

"Bark on this." Jack Frost's voice appeared behind the now turning warrior. Retane's sight met Jack's and the butt of Savior twice tried to grope even though Jack was already in motion and omitted a howl as the staff bludgeoned his right eye. The green humanoid swiped his clawed hand where Jack had previously been seconds before, while he covered his defective eye, streaming tears between his fingers, "You look like you need a laugh buddy."Jack called from te near treeline, sitting atop the wedged poleaxe that once killed him.

"Don't be so arrogant, guardian." Retane called as he resummoned the weapon allowing Jack to fall on his rear, while he let his hand fall to is side. His grotesque eye looked on at Jack.

"Having trouble with your foundation? I think Airyonna can help with that", Jack laughed.

Retane replied with a growl and charged with pole ax and chain in hand.

[Retane]

The Emerald Warrior whipped the Glaive of Dante in front of him and flung it at the Winter Spirit. It spun horizontally , aiming straight at Frost's torso, the the Ice Wielder saw it coming and was nimble enough to leap over the obstacle. As the pole ax sunk into a tree behind the white haired warrior, Retane was already launching the chained scythe at the Guardian of the Horsemen. Jack used Savior to knock the blade away, but the Emerald Fiend had already freed the weapon from his grasp and had both hands cupped and out stretched, aiming them at his foe.

"Hellfire Cannon!!!" As Retane called forth the attack, energy pulsed through his fingers momentarily before being unleashed at his foe and a volley of tailed energy. Jack's reaction time was nearly to slow to counter the attack, and the barrage of energy started exploding as soon as they came in contact with whatever got in their path.

Debris kicked up, but the vile Namekian wasn't going to wait on the dust to settle and dashed in the direction of his prey. The Emerald Fiend jumped over a melting wall that the Icer must have summoned in a last ditch effort to block the oncoming onslaught, but the dark warrior didn't care. He was in arms reach of his victim.

Retane reached out and grasped the hooded sweater of his adversary, lifting Jack off the ground while grabbing the hand that wielded Savior. Jack's stern visage didn't falter as his glare met the Emerald Warrior's. The Namekain let out a growl as he looked up to the dark clouds, then back to Jack Frost with a wicked sneer. With the Ice Wielder in tow, Retane crouched slightly and took to the sky. Jack used his free hand and tried to force himself away from the Namekian, but the green daggers had a firm hold.

"What-do you think-you are-doing" Jack choked out as they neared the roaring clouds. The Leader of the Horsemen didn't need to answer, as it was obvious.

"Can you fly Jack?" Retane's sneer had become a slight wicked smile, and a nearby flash of lightning only intensified it. The Emerald Fiend moved his hand to a position where his nails could slowly start to dig into the flesh of the fist that clutched the sacred staff. Jack's hardened facial features started to quiver in pain as the claws broke through the ice defenses and penetrated skin.

"Flying's fun. Just like death, right? You're the Guardian of Fun so both should be easy for you, shouldn't they?" Retane pulled Jack close enough to feel his hot breath, even through the cold rain. His fingers dug deeper, finally causing Frost's grasp to weaken as his warm blood traveled down the green limb.

The Emerald Warrior removed his fingers and watched as Savior took the plummet. He turned his vile gaze back to the Winter Spirit "So, which will it be, Jack? Will you be able to fly or will you fall to your death? Which is more fun?"

Retane caught glimpse of a snowball forming in Jack Frost's hand, but the Namekian didn't move to stop him. A dark mist had already been forming mid-air and was already taking shape. The Emerald Warrior reached outward, extending the arm that held the Ice Wielder. Jack flung the orb of snow at Retane, but it was intercepted by the figure that appeared from the mist, the Champion of Lythia, Arith.

As the snow ball hit the helm of the Golden Warrior, there was a slight pause. Arith looked at Frost, then to Retane before stretching his arms out and singing, "I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky! Think about it ever-What the fuck!?!?"

The Champion of Lythia started to take the plunge but caught Retane's leg as soon as he realized what was going on. "This shit's getting old, god dammit", he called up to both the Horsemen,

Retane struggled to keep himself afloat with the extra baggage, but kept his focus on the Winter Spirit. "Nice try. Better luck next time?"

The Emerald Fiend let go of Jack Frost, allowing gravity to take effect. The Icer called out to Retane, but the words fell on deaf ears. The Namekian looked up to the thundering clouds and with out any hesitation murmured, "Do it."

"I really hate this shit", Arith barked before letting go of Retane's leg. The Golden Dragon Warrior tumbled in a roll for a few moments, gaining speed before straightening out and grabbing his two sabers and tucking them close to his side as he prepared to dive bomb the falling Guardian, and assist on increasing the impact with the Winter Spirit and the ground.

Used T1 Assist: 1 SP

Setting up for T1 Super Move:Dark Reckoning on Jack Frost's post.

[Jack Frost]

The feeling of falling overtook Jack Frost as he began the plummet Retane forced him into. He knew Retane had him now, he had seen the dark mist above and expected more to the plan. He had looked at him with such malice and hate before he let his bloodied hand go. The Namek's words had stung the winter spirit even more so than the claws that dug into Jack's fist. He held his gaze on his bleeding hand as he maintained the free fall.

"NOW I'M FREEEEEEEEE-" Jack broke his line of sight to turn around through the whipping air to find the source of this new sound. "FREE FAAAAAALLLIN'." The winter spirit's eyes caught on a diving golden helmed Arith. The man took a jackknife position towards Frost, who could see a gaping, wind expanded mouth through Arith's golden helm.

"DO YOU EVER GET TIRED OF BEING SUMMONED?!" Jack yelled over the roaring wind to the warrior, "BECAUSE I DO.". Arith responded with a slight shrug and broke his dive by firing his helm at the white haired boy with ferocious speed. Jack barely had time to slip the projectile, resulting in it striking his upper left hip joint and sending him spinning with a cry of pain. Through the whirl of grey clouds and green grass, the adolescent saw the rising ground over the new found pain in his leg and estimated he had little time before the fall would end. Jack straightened out his fall and faced his opponent yet again to see the golden warrior quickly covering the space between them.

Jack Frost began to form a snowball in his hand as he swiped his cupped hands through the falling rain and brought them together leaving a quickly formed snowball as he pulled his left hand away and threw it with all his might to the ground.

"I WONT FALL FOR THAT AGAIN." Arith yelled at the winter spirit as he formed another one and began his grapple with him. The warrior grabbed Jack's arms, still keeping his sabers in hand as well and managed to dislodge the snowball from Jack's hand letting it float next to the struggling pair. Jack brought his knee into his foe's side and was rewarded with the release of his arms as he recovered the white ball. Jack turned to meet Arith in mid-swing of his saber and managed to slip it, taking advantage of the follow through and flicking the ball of snow at the golden clad man.

"IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING, THE GREEN MAN LIKES ROARING!", Arith bursted into his rhyming as Jack took the sabers from his hands, throwing them away and spinning him around to plant his knees in his back while constricting the man's arms in a hammerlock in the time he had.

"WHAT-AH!" Jack pulled Arith's arms as he came to and steered him with his weight towards a small white ball resting on the grass below.

"YOU WILL DIE JACK FROST," Retane's bulldog yelled, the ground becoming dangerously close. "YOU HAVE NO CHANCE OF WINNING THIS BATTLE, YOU. WILL. DIE." Arith separated his words, meaning to get his point across.

"I will die," Jack Frost whispered into the golden warrior's ear, over the wind. "But not today." The winter spirit finished, pushing off from Arith's back with his good leg, driving him further up and sending Arith face down into the snowball on the grass while he tumbled across the field, still feeling a good bit of impact.

Jack lifted his head from his sprawled body and began to rise from the mud uncovered from the fall of Arith which had flown everywhere. The adolescent stood, leaning his weight on his right leg and looked over to the place where Arith had fallen to see black mist rising to the sky, fading in with the rapidly forming black clouds. Jack began to look around for savior as he felt the urgency of the situation he had encountered. He found the staff sticking from the mud a few feet away and limped over to pull it from the ground, feeling the familiar icy touch as he spun it in his palm.

Jack diverted his attention away from savior to the dull pain in his waist. The boy guided his free hand over the skin above his femur, feeling the absence of bone and decided it was dislocated. Jack asserted his savior's crook around the left side of his hip and breathed in a deep breath as he took the staff in both hands.

"I will win."

The field filled with a scream as the clouds above grew even darker.

[Retane]

Where dark clouds once floated, a black tear had opened up to another dimension. From the void echoed the howls of pain and agony and with it came the large ball of violet energy, encased in a wicked rotation of visibly sharp wind.

"Dark Reckoning! A Thousand Lashes of a Thousand Souls!" It was Retane that had summoned the viscous attack and was intuned with it's demented nature and what it did. He looked down at the crippled Jack Frost, who looked confused, but not surprised. The Namekian knew that Jack had knowledge of a few of his techniques, but had never seen this one. Deep down Retane knew this would be the most effective against the Guardian of Fun. It was nearly time to end this, and the God of Death was going to see that it happened.

As soon as the Emerald Fiend thrust his hands in the direction of the Winter Spirit, he felt his body's change nearly complete. Retane's aura had been changing from a dark green, towards a dark shade of grey for some time, and he was sure his power was ready to peak.

The Namekian extended his limbs outward as his low growl became a huge bellow, forcing an even stronger wind to whip up and force the tree tops to bend away from the encirclement. He felt the power surging through his body and accepted it. It was familiar to him and all he could do was picture his former comrade, Tapion's, face with a slight grin. The image returned to injured Guardian with the Dark Reckoning coming straight at him, and the Namekian went silent, just as fast as he had started.

The Super Namek's muscles were corded and he was much faster and stronger then his previous form. Deep down, Retane could feel that Tapion agreed with what he was doing, just as the Konat had agreed with their back stabs in Dante's Abyss long before. His clothing was pitch black with a glimpse of crimson if you looked at it correctly. On his back also was Brave Sword, the Heart and Soul of Lythia

The Namekian showed no fear. He charged at the Guardian of the Horsemen at max speed. The Leader of the Horsemen dove at the Winter Spirit, pulled the Brave Sword from it's sheath and flung it , sticking it the ground, next to Jack. The white haired warrior didn't have much chance to respsond from the distraction before Retane had managed to grapple him from behind. Jack Frost tried to mumble in protest, but Retane was already at his ear, "You will learn what it means to be in my shoes. I promised you this, now watch your own demise!"

As the Namekian spoke, it was too late for Savior to throw up a wall and Retane was already dashing out of the way to not get hit by his own attack. Dark Reckoning hit head on, but before it did, the Emerald Fiend swore he saw a glimmer of blue light. It wouldn't matter. The Namekian had grabbed Jack Frost hard and squeezed, cracking a lot of his outer layer of protection.

The thought that the Guardian of the Horsemen would soon see was that of four gravestones; Joseph Elizabeth, Emma and Jackson Overland. Only three graves. It would flash to his sister, Emma on her death bead, crying as she told her grandchildren once more of the story of Jack Frost. He would feel her regret, the blame on herself:

It was her that had begged him to go skating. It was her fault that their father had to go into town to go get the present for her birthday party. Perhaps if her father had been there, he would have been able to tell them to stay away from the pond, because the week had been too warm for the ice to maintain it's integrity.

As she laid there on her deathbed, she clutched the gift that she was suppose to get from her big brother. It was a wooden carousel with the family's likeness holding hands in a circle. She twisted it, and it played a soft tune.

Jack would watch and know she blamed herself for it. But Jack would never be able to tell her personally that he would never be able to tell her. That's how it had to be

Jack screamed out in pain then, calling his sister's name.

Retane could only watch as it happened, but never turned away. He couldn't understand all that Jack was feeling, but knew it had to be done.

Used T1 Super Move Dark: Reckoning -1SP
Used T2 Power Up: Super Namek-2SP
I am out of SP

[Jack Frost]

Jack used Tier 1 Supermove: Believe in me (1 SP) to absorb the blow from Retane's supermove, Jack paired with krosst, if you need specifics let me know.

A shrill scream filled Jack's consciousness then, as the dark hued orb dispersed over the green, muddied field, It only took a second to realize that it came from his own self. He looked at his hands as he panted from the vision he had just seen. His pale skin had cracks as if someone had broken a porcelain vase, yet some of them bled red. He turned his eyes to his torso and saw his clothes were shreds now and revealed the cracks beneath.

Jack could feel the many stings of the cuts the razor wind had created but the pain inside was more than just a sting, he felt the guilt of his sister he had once saved from certain death. No pain could ever compare to the feeling he possessed now, he felt the guilt pour out of his body with each breath and drop of blood that he released.

"Is this real?" The winter spirit asked himself. He balled his fists feeling the coursing blood in his veins, the blood that caused it's kin to live a life of regret and pure guilt. He couldn't get her out of his mind, fifty years of guilt, a lifetime of desolation embodied Jack Frost.

"Retane." The adolescent called out as he shook, head hanging towards the ground, getting a grunt from the distanced Namek. The Namek had been watching the whole scene playing out, waiting for a reaction, waiting for Jack to show his true demons. It was then that the quivering winter spirit raised his tear filled eyes "Thank you." Jack Frost drew what was left with his hood as he finished speaking, tightened his grip on savior and dashed at Retane.

The Namek couldn't hide the shock on his face as the guardian still continued to fight. "Come then young guardian. You will not rise." The two clashed then and the chime of metal and ice resounded in the open area.

Both beings flew back at the force of the contact while the rain continued its monsoon. Jack quickly bounced back from his rebound and brought his staff behind him as he charged Retane yet again. The green warrior dismissed this as another attempt to use the ice shard ball he had encountered from the adolescent earlier and began to rise into the air to avoid the serious effects. Jack ran through the mud towards where Retane had been before his ascent and adjusted his staff in view of Retane, clearly showing the spiked ball of Ice within Saviors crook.

Retane tensed as the winter spirit began to swing the staff in front of him and prepared to dodge as Jack summersalted in a body spinning flip, releasing the orb right at the green warrior with threatening speed. The Namek easily maneuvered away from the ball of ice, watching it spin past him through the sky before returning his gaze to Jack Frost meeting the crouched teen's gaze before the curved ball of snow hit him dead in the face.

The Namek fell to the ground, clearly chuckling as the colors around him fused to one kaleidoscope of vision before falling to the ground. Jack stood and walked over to the near crash area of Retane who began coming to his senses as he saw him.

"Fell for that did ya?" Jack asked the rising Retane over the few feet between them. The Namek only uttered a growl answering the winter spirit. The two were clearly fatigued from battle, but neither dared to show it in any way they could.

Retane tensed his fingers as he prepared to strike while Jack entered his fight stance; What happened next was too fast for either to determine.

[Retane]

Retane looked on as there was a strong look of determination in the Winter Spirit's eyes. Jack Frost was resilient and stubborn even in the face of adversity.The Namekian shifted his eyes as a flash of lightning lit up the sky. Airyonna and Alaina looked on and waiting to see what would happen next. Reatus, Krosst and Dante huddled close together under a tree. Their eyes showed mixed emotions. They had never seen a fight of such intensity before, escpecially between to comrades.

The Namekian charged at the Guardian of the Horsemen as the pole-ax formed in his hand. Jack Frost followed suit, both warriors letting their weapons trail behind them. The Leader of the Horsemen leapt into the air as they neared each other and brought the blade down to strike at his target. Jack wasn't having it and with a tap of Savior, the ground solidified into ice. Retane hadn't foreseen the tactic and realized he had screwed up. Jack Frost slid out of the way with ease as the wicked blade shattered the ice and penetrated the soil.

Retane had seen the ice ball forming in Savior's maw once again, and used the ice to his advantage. The momentum of his strike allowed him to spin away and yank the glaive from the ground, putting distance between the two. Jack lashed out sending the ball of ice in Retane's direction. The Emerald Warrior leapt to the side but he was too slow and felt the ice penetrate his calf. as he tumbled to the ground. He looked behind him to see Jack Frost leaping into the air himself charging another ball of ballistic ice.

Almost as if his instincts kicked in, the Namekian raised the pole-ax up in defense and slammed the butt of the handle into the ground before rolling away.

"Not this time", Jack called as he batted the pole-ax away before spinning and sending the ice grenade directly at the Leader of the Horsemen.

Retane took the blow head on as he laid there. His skin penetrated all over by the shards. The Namekian felt the pain and accepted it, even laughing as his purple life force came from his throat.

"What's so funny?" Jack stood over his fallen leader another ice bomb set to slam at Retane's face in a moment's notice.

"I'm about to die", Retane answered with a wicked grin. "I told you someone would die on this feild. I just didn't expect it would be me. "

"You aren't dead yet. Why did you do this, Retane? Why?" Jack didn't drop his guard, but he wanted answers.

"Someone dies on this field today kid. You can't stop that." The Horsemen rolled his head to the side to let the violet life force pour from his mouth and to avert his eyes from looking at his comrade. It was sprinkling now.

"I don't have to kill you. I wont do it." Jack answered though the orb stayed charged.

"You kill me or I kill you. You choose." Retane looked to the clouded skies.

"No. I refuse!" Jack Frost dropped Savior then. "No one has to die today."

"Someone already has." Retane laughed as he pointed towards his children. Dante was gripping his chest, his fingers wrapped around a large shard of ice.

The Winter Spirit's eyes went wide in shock. "No!"

Krosst and Reatus gathered around their brother, trying to help him.

"How does it feel, Guardian? To know you are about to take a life? Another life?" Retane spoke as he watched his son laying their dying. Jack collapsed to his knees. They had become to weak from shock.

Retane grinned through his bloody teeth., "You are welcome, Jack."

Jack looked to Retane confused as the Namekian reached out and grabbed at his shoulder. A slight nod of the head, and Airyonna was down beside the injured Namekian child. The guardian looked back and forth for a moment, trying to grasp it all."What? Why?"

"I told you someone would die here today," Retane pulled himself up and spat a huge wad of purple in between his legs.

"No one is dead." Jack looked bewildered and confused still trying to grasp it all.

"Those nightmares. You wont scream in your sleep anymore." Retane wiped at his cheek.

"Wait! What?" Jack looked down to the ground as he started to understand a bit more.

"You took a life and it is my fault. I killed your innocence, my friend. I am sorry. But I had to remind you that you are who you are and that you have a good soul. I am sorry for all the pain I have caused you."

Jack collapsed to is posterior and rubbed his head. "Thank you."

"I'm not done." Retane let out a long low growl as he channeled what energy he had left.

Jack let his tears mix with the rain as a memory flooded into head.

----

Emma laid there looking into the Winter Spirit's eyes. He wasn't there but he was. He looked down at her as she laid on her deathbed. She reached up and caressed his face. "I know you're there Jack. I can feel you're presence. I am sorry that you had to go, but I'm glad that you were our Guardian. Don't be sad. You were the best brother ever. I am just sorry I never got to tell you."

"I love you too, Emma." Jack kissed held her hand and kissed her forehead as she slowly slipped away peacefully.

----

"Thank you, Retane." Jack wiped his eyes s Airyonna and Alaina came towards them.

"No." Retane fell back, into the wet mud. "Thank you."