Snow vs. Unnamed

Both fighters are set in a field of grass where the wind is slightly blowing and the clouds are fairly overhead as the morning comes upon them both, a slight fog passing over the dew of the grass, lowering visibility by 30% (which means, with normal sight, both fighters can barely see one another if there is more than 30ft between them; if the distance goes over 50ft, they become invisible in the fog by normal sights). Around them was a circular boundary set up, designated by an unpenetratable magical wall that was transparent, but still a bit visible, standing at fifty feet tall. Outside this barrier, cameras were set up, giving people a chance to watch this fight from the safety of their TVs, while there were watches kept on the fighter's locations.

Both fighters stood from the center by fifteen feet each, making thirty feet between them both. And then a horn goes off....

FIGHT!

Quote: Wrote:

> Size of the Arena: 100 ft diameter, Wall equals 50 ft tall > > Spectators' Location: All spectactors can only be present in some other place aside from the fighting area, using either the television to watch the match or any other appropriate method. > > Ring Out: Going over the wall, which means past the boundary itself, or ascending into the air past 60 ft. > > Special Rules: After the first post on Page 2, the fog will decrease, making visibility only 15% lower. So, both fighters can truly see one another no matter where they are, yet if they are more than 50 ft apart, they see the other barely. > > After the first post on Page 4, the fog disappears as the sun rises, yet the sun will occasionally be blocked out by the clouds. > > ((Other events may randomly occur as the match progresses, assuming it prolongs.))

Perfect.

It's rare for a fighter such as him to be in a good scenic setting, especially with fog shrouding bits of the terrain here and there. Having almost always fought in urban terrain, open plains and rocky mountains, it's hard to find a setting which fits his ability rather well.

Especially with the concentration of water clouding the air.

While the unnamed is taking his time enjoying the light breeze passing nearby, a soft "thunk!" could be heard behind him as his rival appeared, his sword impaled to the ground lazily.

Water coated his cloak and his arsenal as he stood silently in defiance, his expression betraying a dark smile underneath the hood covering his face.

Although the fog continued its lull embrace on this battlefield, oddly, some of the water was being pulled towards Snow's body, a small wind picking up for this opponent to chuckle with.

"Well then. Since the spectators are already waiting for the fight to start....shall we?" He finally asked, unsheathing his blade while the scabbard was still impaled onto the ground in its blissful state.

"....."

Thre is no words to describe what being Snow can be. For all he knew, there is no such....words, to tell who Snow is, and what Snow is. By he himself, the mere meaning itself is meaningless. Snow is not human. And yet, he is human.

The paradox of contradictions depicting the battle between mortality and fatality.

Raising the sword slowly into the air, Snow held it aiming high to the skies as the fog began to lessen by some unknown factor, drawn into the swirling vortex which began to branch out from his hand and body. He could feel the eyes piercing into his, and yet, Snow pierced back with his own eyes that stood firm against such distraught. A part of his body could be convinced that the opponent is trying to develop a sense of hallucination, and another part can see the damnation of the opponent's strength, without so much an action in forestalling.

"The figment of individuality is nothing but the mindset. Forget the answer - there is no answer in the beginning."

Though his body is but a mere mortal, it is almost a prickle in the back of his mind when his Alter Ego sensed the discharge of energy slowly compacting together within the Unnamed man's hand. Something foul is amiss, and yet Snow paid no heed to it. For all it can believe, his weakness is his strength, and yet, a curse like a two-bladed sword.

"And what about you? You who has no qualms about such thoughts of mortality, limitations of flesh and bones? What about you, who cannot help but heed to the very essence your being wishes for?"

He now aimed the sword at the unnamed.

"Is Death the eternal lullaby to my fate....or are we doomed to damnation?" The bracers worn on his elbow expelled itself out, as if unlocking in multiple mechanisms throughout the configuration. Diamond shaped crystals expelled itself out of the bracer's body as it then aligned against his sword's hilt, whirling in a quiet, effortless tune.

As if the calm before the storm.

"Come. Let us fight."

The same pose, the same thought. But with Snow who has his sword held high into the air, the bracers around his arms began to whirl and increase in pitch as the unnamed ushered the acceptance of this fight.

"...."

As if things can't get anymore odd than this, a sudden pulse of blue light shot straight out of his sword, and right into the high reaches of the skies itself.

"I am the Mortal and the Eternal, The damnation and the transcendence."

A rumbling took forth, erupting around Snow as more of the fog is swirling around his body, forming a small vortex which air is being drawn into his breath itself.

"The world is but a phantasm, Beyond the thought of good and evil. The life is but a moment, Where heavens give breath, and the damned befalled."

The blue pulse of light in the sky suddenly shattered, as if hitting a hard surface upon impact to the very heavens itself. Deep cascades of blue began to ripple and break the skies boundaries, as it branched and formed symbols here and there...

Encircling the arena, an elaborated pattern of circles and inscripture that moved as if counting down to some peculiar moment of time.

"Heed my words, Heed my mind.

Come forth, For Eternity awaits ye."

And with it, Snow threw his entire blade high into the air, letting it go before he withdrew his other blade, now charging at the unnamed with the intention for blood.

Perhaps unknown to unnamed, as the blade which was thrown into the air, it did not halt its progress and succumb to the forces of gravity. Instead, the blade continued to rise up, up, and ever so higher till it aligned itself to the point where the blue pulse of light shattered in the beginning - the origin, per se.

But enough of the preparations - the battle begins now.

His other blade is now aimed parallel to the ground, as if going in for a stab right towards the unnamed's chest. Not a fool to ignore the chain, it only spoke one thing for this opponent to know -- Distance. At best, Snow excels in close to medium range fighting. But with long range primarily designed towards arcane methods -- Snow doesn't use long range often. Seeing the opponent's weapon for the first time, it only told Snow that the unnamed has an advantage over distance and close range - literally because of the flexibility of the chain itself.

However, in this event...

Snow halted two meters away from reaching the opponent before he gave an upward slash which initially is aimed for the opponent's left hip to right shoulder, the range obviously too short to even touch the opponent at all. Yet, as all odds mounted against Snow, a thin line could be seen exploding from the ground in which Snow gave the slash, traversing to the opponent in the same speed Snow delivered the slash...

For what that thin line, wasn't some air pressure, nor some ingenius method of combat --

It was ice, before the unnamed can realize it. With all the moisture absorbed and preserved around his perimeter, Snow used that hefty concentration of water to be coated around his blade, and letting him lengthen his blade's range considerably, by...

Well, there's no need to tell the opponent how the hell that happened.

The runic markings high in the sky will serve no lateral purpose but for the sake of decoration only for the time being. It will be evident in the later posts that it will serve as something more than just a decoration to the sky itself...

(( For future references, Snow usually wields with one sword. But whenever he's angling a slash or such, he usually uses his other hand to help guide the weapon around in some situations. I'll specify more when I use two hands or when I revert back to one hand. ))

"....."

As expected, the opponent is toying around with him. Feeling the resistance spread across his sword when the ice struck hard against the Ace of Spades, Snow could only redefine his tactic to adapt to the current take of the situation right now.

Obviously the chain is a flexible weapon that can be targeted and aimed at will. And obviously - a simple impaling motion isn't enough for the damn opponent to use to test him out. If he were the opponent, the flexibility and the motion of the chain would let him first make the opponent move, followed by either wrapping and angling the chain to strike hard at the opponent's side/torso...or even worse, to wrap around the opponent and use that as a restraint or an advantage....

To test that idea out, Snow shifted his hands so that the recoil would only affect his left hand. As the ice formed in front of him was recoiled back, he then shifted his shoulder forward so that his entire left side is absorbing the motion.

"Shatter."

Unexpectedly, the ice in front of him shattered into pieces like shrapnel, blasting outwards at first - partially - to distract the unnamed's field of vision, as well as injure him in an indirect manner. Since the Spade has blocked the contact just before it struck the Unnamed's body, it also meant that the ice was close, and beneath the defense. So by detonating it.... It would strike hard at the Unnamed's lower body and inwards, depending just on how far the Unnamed had halted it before it hit his body.

But for now, with the blade now shortened back to its normal length, Snow can focus on the time being on the chains while the Unnamed has to deal with that issue for the moment.

To combat against the Chain...

Pointing his sword back down to the ground, he quickly angled the lethal end towards the incoming projectile before slashing again with his left hand, his right hand ready to perform something as another string of ice shifted on the ground from the sword to strike the chain from beneath -- and sending it flying away from Snow's position -- most likely towards the ground on the Unnamed's far left.

To keep things simple - as Snow still doesn't know what the Unnamed can do, he'll take things one step at the time, buying himself time so...

Two posts remaining until the symbols above began to come to his advantage...

It's true that Snow was more focused on the lethal Chain, rather than the Unnamed's newly formed Spade Sword, it didn't meant that all his efforts were planned one step at a tme.

For all he cares, he's just reserving more of his firepower for later use, since the fog is still around a bit. Taking some quick steps back as the Chain's course was finally diverted and impaled towards the ground, he shifted his location so that - even if he may be unprepared for a strike by the unnamed, there is ample time for him to swivel and dodge the impeding strike through his skill in mobility.

Unlike others - who bolsters defense, offense, or speed...

Snow prefers mobility - ergo, instantaneous reaction to attacks or results. Which would explain why his footing is kept at a loose pace, mostly in an effort to keep his weight in balance and in control on the ground holding him up.

He paid no heed to the Unnamed's Chain. For all he knew, the Unnamed can lengthen the chain and impale the ground even further, going up for a strike towards Snow's body from underground...without warning, without even a notice from Snow's alert mind. So to prevent such events from happening --

He'll need to keep on moving.

And to surprise the Unnamed before his main weapon comes online -- With another slash, further ice broke through the ground and careened towards the opponent's body, seemingly aimed for the right hip to the left shoulder target. But what may be an attack towards that position, the ice suddenly careened lower so it would slash right at the Unnamed's right ankle...

For Snow simply angled his blade a bit to the right even further, changing the path ever so slightly until the Unnamed notices it for far too late for reaction.

In the skies above, thunders can be heard as the wind and the clouds were slowly drawn towards the arcane symbols above, the blue white light now glowing brightly with that very sword in the middle.

The rain is about to begin, but first, The calm before the storm...

(( Woah, wait. You attacked at the same time the chain is deflected? I thought you took your sword out when I deflected your chain in your last post....?))

The point in his release is not to block nor to defend against an object directly. What was more geared inside his subtle use of ice is to divert the course of an object away from his body, leaving the momentum still in transit and not letting the opponent have the time to pull back quickly enough without exposing parts on his body to an attack.

But if the opponent was attacking exactly the same time he deflected the blade...

The eyes narrowed, for what was intended as a strike to the unnamed's ankle quickly turned unto itself, drawing a thin arc on the ground in an inward, force, forgetting the target and retaliating with another use of power.

A sudden eruption of ice shot itself out of the ground as it formed a defensive barrier against the Spaded Sword's trajectory, intentionally sloped so that the sword that the unnamed is wielding has no choice but to be guided upwards - or be pulled back.

As the chains then came close to trap and capture Snow within the confined boundaries of space, it was then that Snow smiled, his fang secretly exposed under the plain sunlight peeking through the morning's fog. Ice was his specialty, and anything that was related to ice only increases his ability to absorb and use the energy for himself.

For that, the chains which were so reduntant on trying to clamp down on Snow quickly halted its progress, the individual links on the chains frozen stiff and beyond motion to move.

For that, Snow shifted to the side, small ruptures of ice forming on the ground to allow him the heightened mobility to escape, as the skies above finally heeded to his calls.

Light that is bright as the moon illuminated the fog clearly, and the sword which was held aloft the skies for so long, now shined with an unearthly blue color. With the tip of that sword aimed towards the unnamed's body, the diamond rings revolving around the hilt of the guard whirred to life, taking in huge quantities of air from the hilt and up as a massive short burst of beam shot forth, slicing through all that stood against its way.

Trees, grasses, the ground itself was of no match for this sudden apocalyptic nightmare. If come into contact with the chains, the mere force behind the freezing shot was enough to destroy the fundamental matter composing it, shattering the weapon to pieces and destroying what could be salvaged from it.

Having let charged for two entire posts... What's even better, is that Snow does not need to feed the energy for the celestial weapon at all. Using the atmosphere as the main source of fuel, it only leeches the energy around it and transmit it into a source of power. And from that, the cycle can be repeated and the energy reused, giving it an almost limitless potential to rain fires of burning fury upon those that stand against its way.

And as Snow is sliding across the ground to get some range between himself and the unnamed...

This is only the beginning of something that is more difficult to defeat in the end.

(( Tsk. Please don't tell me I'm fighting against another half-immortal or something...))

If things were looking grim for Snow, now would be a good time to show that his face isn't looking too happy right now. Unfortunately, unlike many "hyped" up opponents, Snow does not have the benefit of wielding absolute sorcery nor magical skills that can benefit him. Wielding only the ability that he knows - the ability to develop and use water to his advantage - that was his key difference between those of a magician, and those who calls themselves fighters.

With only that skill, he covers up his inability to summon forth stronger versions of power by his blend between magic and physical combat. And for now...

The last time he tried something entirely new to increase his attacks' efficiency, his opponent - a bulking huge armor of flesh - literally imploded and destroyed the very fabrics of the universe through the armor's immortal...whatever that asshole's name was. Though stopped and qualmed after killing the fuse - by somehow getting himself nearly killed in the process - Snow isn't in the mood to try another new move while in the middle of the tournament.

He quickly shifted his strides, increasing the weight on his footing so that his skidding on ice would yield a faster net speed, allowing him to judge the current situation.

First of all, the opponent's damn strong. The chain is a bitch to avoid, barely, and the opponent seems to be toying with him, which is putting Snow in a bad mood. Pissed off, yes, but not enough to break his calm. Second, judging from the tournament rules, one cannot summon forth a creature to fight, or use any abilities that can instantaneously shift one being to another location without hamper. Teleportation is off limits, and even projectiles cannot be teleported around....which would limit's Snow's abilities even further.

Is there a way --

Immediately he swished this way and that through quick work of his legs, seeing spikes appear out of nowhere, and impeding his progress while more ice was covering the ground in his wake. Having covered some parts of the arena ground with his ice, it allowed him some easy access to slide and skate around the objects -- but this only reminded him that the opponent might be --

Elementalist? It explains how the bastard is able to control natural environmental standards at will.

And if that's the case....

He veered his speed slower, now increasing the amount of ice produced underneath his feet so that the spikes would cause the frozen ground to be bumpy and uneven - but not fatal enough to pierce and stab through his footing.

The celestial weapon in the air changed tactics, now darting this way and that as it rained more beams of focused energy onto the unnamed, at least keeping some of the attack focused so defense is difficult to yield. But at the same time -- since the unnamed seems to not move...

Move.... ...move...

In a blink of an eye, the weapon shifted its target from the unnamed's body to the ground itself, firing the beam once again -- but towards the ground. And once coming into contact with the ground around the unnamed, it would be enough to destroy the ground itself with multiple explosions, sending the opponent high into the air just from the blast itself.

Snow was wary this time, and noticing how the unnamed never really seemed to move around... Does it mean that the opponent is dependent on the chain as a defense, and the sword as a distraction? Or, even more thoughtful, does it also mean that the opponent's attack is dependent on the ground as a catalyst? So if Snow forces the opponent airborne...

He cocked his blade close to his torso, his motion now taking him around the opponent in a counterclockwise arc. The chains are something to be worthy of, and Snow for once isn't going to be trapped again like a fool in the beginning. As for the Spaded sword...

Well, he might just have the counter against the opponent's unique ability.

DAMMIT!

On and on the opponent is not making much of a fuss over the attacks that Snow had unleashed. True, most of his assaults were half-assed strikes, but still, unable to gauge nor judge the situation based on the unnamed's expression nor his actions, it seems to him that everything is starting to turn into a one-sided battle.

Snow has a rough concept on how the unnamed works by now. His abilities seem to consist of the chain being the main weapon, with the sword used primarily for close range melees. Elemental strikes are mostly composed of what he can deter - earth strikes and ice type neutralizers.

As far as he's concerned, the chains is the first defense he needs to destroy or distract to land a sufficient blow into the man's exposure. With the petals growing on the grounds nearby - regardless of how torn or battered it may be - Snow has a faint impression that the spores left by the petals soon will be something either toxic...or hallucigen, or hell, just for show. Which he seriously doubts.

Looks like I have no choice...

The attacks suddenly ceased, and Snow stood a few meters away from the Unnamed, hands raised high into the air and the blade gleaming brightly against the now falling snowflakes, left by his celestial beams. There's no point in using elemental strikes if the chain can neutralize it. But if he can...

His eyes began to darken, ruptures of red and silver aura beginning to seep out of his cloth like whiffs of fluid, tainting the air with an unfamiliar presence - an unfamiliar sense of coldness. With the skies above beginning to shift and contort to the image that Snow has created, he slowly lowered his blade, holding it parallel to the ground again, but with the tip pointed towards the unnamed's chest, however far it may be away from the lethal range.

"One."

The winds ceased to exist around Snow, as the skies above now cracked and shattered with the celestial weapon.

"Two."

Is it just the spectators, or was there another celestial weapon above the skies in the first place? No - wait. Two more...four more....eight more... The numbers continue to increase, doubling in numbers and tripling in amounts.

"Three."

With the skies littered with the mere blades that can contort such powerful beams of ice, it all aligned with the ground at once, before Snow took a step forward, the intentions clear;

"And the music begins to sway."

At once, the celestial weapons that were newly formed now began to plummet down from the skies to the grounds like rain, with the exception of raindrops being replaced by the sharpness of the blades. One can term it like arrows of death, as it impaled and pierced through the path like bullets, as more and more of the weapons seems to materialize out of the blue runic symbols above - the one Snow had so painfully placed in the beginning.

"Now dance like the rain - dance to the symphony of death."

With it, Snow began to shift his weight to the sides, taking on a small run while he observed how the unnamed would act.

If the blades were simply for penetration... Then the Unnamed would be in for a surprise when Snow tries out something he just thought of afterwards.

"Third strike -- "

Though the blades were merely for the use of testing the opponent's defensive capabilities, Snow wasn't liking what he's seeing. But to not keep the opponent waiting for too long --

Swiveling his held blade around like what a conductor does with the stick, multiple blasts from the ground erupted some of the sword skywards, letting it trail in a free fall motion before it landed upon the path in which the Light Chain has taken.

If Snow can't destroy it --

Some of the swords were then intentionally aimed right for the links in the chains, stabbing it to the ground and restraining the Light chain from moving at all.

Then Snow'll lock it.

The spikes criss crossing beneath Snow's frozen ground was of no strategic importance to the wielder of ice. As he's standing still on the formed ice he made, the spikes from the ground can only attempt to break through the ice in vain, its integrity much stronger and with the environment affected to his standards. But back to topic now.

His intent is to litter the arena with swords of his own, and to a certain degree of success, some were left within the confinements of where the Unnamed stood, giving him the opportunity to...

"It's not littering the ground with swords only."

A bright blue light washed over his blades, causing shadowy appearance to form on his body - like an after image. Raising the blade, he then struck one of the nearby blades to the sides, a sudden blast of energy ricocheting from that blade...

And using all the other blades as a network to transfer the strike right at the unnamed's body. To and fro the beam bounced, interlinking and cross weaving with other portions of its own beam as it refines and focuses the overall energy, finally raining towards the unnamed's sides like a fly caught in a web.

"....It's increasing the attack area to break through your chains."

Snow didn't let the ground be littered for no purposes. For all he cares - he just needs a medium to strike at the unnamed's defenses, and what better tactic to use than a network of blades that bounces the beams rapidly to the target?

Secretly the ground underneath shows signs of frost...and perhaps Snow isn't just going to try that new tactic out, without testing another hypothesis in his mind.

It's quite obvious to Snow that he's fighting against another immortal - regardless of how benign the opponent tries to explain it. The ice had absolutely no effect, the opponent seems to swell in proportion, and whatever the case...

Snow is not in the mood to be cautious and alert anymore. With a moment's wrath, blazes of fire bursted around Snow's body as the projectile arched forth, completely incinerating the chain of Light before it could even touch nor graze Snow's body in the first place. For what leftover remains that is coming forth towards Snow was blasted off course just from the force itself.

Unlike the counterparts of fiery flames that engulfs and burns through objects, the fire itself is composed in a white, fiery blast, obviously a cold aura which cannot be explained through phenomenons nor scientific causes. A touch that is able to burn things because of its abnormal, freezing temperature, the wielder of ice grabbed one of the nearby swords, yanking it off the ground and narrowing his eyes towards the seemingly immortal foe. Because the environment itself is in a cold natural environment - influenced primarily because of the hail of swords which reigned upon this arena - Snow wasn't wasting much of his energy, constantly rechanneling it and recycling it so he could reuse the wasted energy by just standing there, letting the swords itself be the main fuel for his power.

Clashing both swords together, the sparks left behind by the metallic contacts left a rude awakening to the Unnamed's almost invicible petals and barrier.

In what seems like a massive explosion, the entire freeze on the arena literally vanished in an implosion, with Snow at the epicenter of it. Ice shattered and were destructed upon the whim, as even the petals itself swayed and withered to its death - just by the cold alone.

And within the blast, as Snow slowly stood out, the countless swords were still littered upon the ground, set and primed for any necessary counters if necessary.

Snow has changed tactics. All the wasted energy he has been using just to hit something that is a foolish cause was absorbed back into his body, recollected and charged for saving use. The main sword still in the sky was still aloft, keeping much of the symbols alive. Though diminishing, it didn't mean that the role of the behemoth is over - nay, for the fact is -

The leftover moisture still in the air slowly caused the essence of air to lack in quantity, as moisture is ripped out, and air that is not suited for human nor living life begins to pervade the area.

Snow's going to wait.

If the Unnamed cannot be touched, cannot be hit, struck, nor injured in any form or any way, then he'll wait for the unnamed to strike.

And that, is something which even the unnamed cannot fathom when Snow was on all offensive just a post ago. The unamed can't read the future. The unnamed is merely using psychological tactics to make Snow assume that he can read into the future, read all his moves...

And that, is something in which the Unnamed will not accomplish.

Bastard.

(( If you're trying to mock me, please say it in front of my face. I have no need to listen to remarks given by an opponent who looks down on others. ))

"...."

He has lost count in already how many people had mocked him before, regarding his abilities as mere "pathetic" or his weapons - "toys", by their standard. Having lost and tasting bitter defeat far more than the opponent ever knows, it was, technically, the last straw for Snow's bitter anger to hold back.

To hell with everything. To hell with death, and to everything that marked him as a weak, pathetic fool. To hell with you, and you're fcking powers.*

He began to walk towards the opponent, not caring about his own safety nor the dangers in which the chains can be. Be it sprouting underneath the ground, above in the air - even trapping Snow under the cage of death - to hell with it all.

Sheathing one sword into the scabbard left on his right hip, he cocked the other remaining sword to show the lethal edge of the blade before charging right at the Unnamed directly, not wavering off course and seemingly charging towards the manifestation of the petals which barred his path.

Swords upon swords were still embedded on the ground, making the running difficult but also keeping his motion uneven - occasionally moving to the left, then to the right as he arc and weaved through his own creations, the tip of his held blade pointed towards the barrier like a stab. With the rumble beneath the ground, Snow has no point in dodging it. Ground is a mobility factor, and the Unnamed controls it through his chains and the damned petals.

So why dodge it. He'll slash the damn thing apart. Why avoid the chains? He'll break it in half.

Of course, Snow didn't forget about the Spaded Sword that the Unnamed was using. But since everything turned inward since the Blossoming Path unfolded, whether or not the Unnamed used the Sword in relation to the chains is not of Snow's concern.

His face is expressionless, and only the emotion of bitterness guided him through as he charged in what seemed like a suicidal assault towards the enemy's stronghold.

Is it suicidal or not? Only the conflict and the clash of sword against sword can deem it to be yes or no.

(( Dammit...Gaia ate my entire post....))

Not even going to try to give a technical spec about how the blade works, and how his ability is gathered, focused, and then charged into a state of readiness due to the last narrative crash, the narrator decides to skip the two page long concept on Snow's past achievements and refinement to develop a method of attack that tries to overwhelm and strike hard at the enemy's exposure.

So, coughing and ignoring the beraged look on Snow's face once he realizes what the narrator has done, the narrator gets back to the situation in which Snow is thus charging through the barrier, the blade still pointed forward to act partially as a detector and a method of attack/defense - if - the Unnamed decides to attack as well.

Now. Back to topic.

The only thing Snow can say as he charged through the lethal petals, was that motion was almost a standstill for him. Resistance was so great that even he can't really move his limbs around like he used to, as if trying to run in a wind tunnel which is blasting speeds up to 60 miles per hour at him directly, in an approximate guess.

But once getting out into the open, imagine the look on Snow's face when he saw the insides relatively untouched, as if standing within the eye of a hurricane.

He heard the unnamed's voice. Quickly whirling about to face the opponent, Snow tries again to deliver a slash towards the opponent's position, using his sword as a catalyst to fire a slash of ice towards - Well, theoretically towards the foe. However, the situation is turning for the worst. Not seeing nor feeling the slash burst out of the sword itself, Snow gave a side glance towards the weapon - only to see the aura surrounding the sword beginning to dissipate and be absorbed into the petals surrounding the two predators.

Realization struck.

"So that's why..." No wonder the previous attacks didn't seem to work at all against the unnamed. The petals weren't some decoration, nor some corrosive agent - well, hopefully not.

"...Negation, is it?" It would also explain why the beams never got to the unnamed, and why all the previous efforts against the unnamed were in vain. Technically, since Snow didn't see the unnamed get injured while he was calling forth the rain of blades, Snow was under the impression that the unnamed is yawning and batting it off as if it was an everyday routine.

An impression, that is. He calmed himself, the rage boiling down a bit.

Cocking the blade to the side, Snow lowered it for a sec as he smirked at what the Unnamed has to say. "I've been cursed to die since the beginning of my existence. I have seen, met, and waltzed with Death more times than you can imagine. I have died many times, and suffered many years. What more does death have that I do not yet know? Unlike you..."

He raised the sword back up, holding it above his head with two hands this time. Knowing that it would leave his torso and lower parts vulnerable to attacks, the stance was very basic, and very effective in its own method.

"You, who are like the others...unlike you, why do you care for the meaning of death? You who has not seen the depths of hell, you who has not experienced the taste of being mortal and weak in comparison..."

The legs shifted slightly, spreading itself apart so that most of his center weight was poised on his left leg, while the right leg was barely touching the ground, allowing Snow fluid motion for something which has yet to happen. The sheathed sword still worn on his right hip swayed along with his leg motions, and Snow gave a small 'hmph' under his breath.

"Death has no meaning for the likes of you. So come forth, and waltz with me. I'll show you what it is like to be killed by the fate of Death...the fate of being cursed to damnation by your own, filthy blood..."

Somehow, the mention of filthy blood was muttered to Snow himself, as if cursing something within his body that is lurking like death.

"Hmph."

Though faint, it is obvious that his reach of control is weakening as the Unnamed continues to probe Snow with more questions and statements. But with the growth of the petals crisscrossing to and hither, Snow wasn't naive enough to barge out of the destructive cyclone swirling around the two opponents. Especially when the Unnamed seems to not be wary of Snow being inside this affected field.

Unfortunately, that meant that Snow will have to fight in a desperation move, since none of his elemental nor arcane methods would possibly work within this realm of negation. Especially since his swords has shown him that, when he tried to summon a slash of ice a few moments before.

"I speak of is the life that ceases to be, that has the fate of ending earlier than any cause deemed by death. Unlike old age which brings the mortal meaning of death..."

As if something bitter shot through Snow's mind, his sword showed signs of shaking.

"My life has been destined to end before I reach old age. Much too short to have meaning at all..."

He pointed the tip of the lethal weapon towards the Unnamed's position, shifting his stance so that his body took a sudden basic kendo stance - right leg in front, left leg behind and with the toes pointing towards the enemy. The sword is now held on his left hand as he then pulled it back somewhat, having it angled with his left arm held slightly bent in front of him.

Unconsciously the right hand is holding the base of the scabbard on his right hip, gripping down on the hilt and ready to unsheathe it on a moment's whim - perhaps.

"We mortals begin to die the moment we come into existance. And I, a demon of this act, shall deny myself the right to die without a struggle."

The eyes took over a glassy expression, and the tone of his voice was surprisingly calm and focused. For Snow, he was beginning to think again with his mind. From all the attacks he had dealt with against the Unnamed, there is some factors which he must consider. One - is the fact that the unnamed can use the chains to his will - but most of the time lengthen it absurdly to burrow or act independently from the base of the mind itself. Which meant that the ground surrounding Snow is not safe to stand on, nor to use as support, if the Unnamed tries another burrowing trick with the chains.

Second. The Spaded sword which the unnamed held had unknown factors which Snow needs to take heed of. Seeing how the Unnamed is preparing for another sprint, it could only mean that the chains will be a diversion, while the sword - will be the main weapon for the assault.

Fine.

The cloak flapped against the wind caressing nearby as Snow took a step forward with his right toe, using it to balance his weight about. Unlike last time when he charged, he's on high alert this time.

For the Unnamed would not likely strike at Snow if he doesn't make the first move.... Unless...

"Strength is overrated. What one needs is the will to win, and the price to pay for each and every victory."

Thinks were locking in place, and Snow could begin to see the Unnamed's tactics being composed almost completely on the defensive, or dependant on counters. Using small lapses of weakness or gaps in an offensive move, Snow then saw that the Unnamed isn't the type of person to rush and strike - rather, he's the type that goes with the turtle tactic; Defend, retaliate, and build up such a strong defense that an offensive is useless against the fortification.

Which meant that for Snow, rushing in with a charge or a run would be to the Unnamed's advantage. So, to top it off...

Snow slowly took a step forward again. Then another. Then another. And instead of running, Snow was striding towards the Unnamed at a slow pace, the blade held evenly in front of him, with still his arm bent from holding the blade. Shifting the footing, his left leg was in the lead this time, keeping his pace relatively slow and absurdly easy to counter.

Secretely, Snow was untying the string holding his scabbard in place on his right hip, letting it slacken and allow him...

All in all, Snow was careful with the ground as well, walking as if treading through a minefield...

Being overly cautious can be Snow's disadvantage, and besides - it's not as if he can read minds and know that the Unnamed can't use the chains within the barrier itself. But to make sure that the Unnamed can't pull any fast tricks against him --

Snow crouched suddenly, and dashed towards the Unnamed's right side in a quick show of footwork, using his held blade to deliver a slightly medium blow directly at the unnamed's sword in an attempt to bat it away - nowhere else. Not the chest, not the neck, not the torso...

The sword that the unnamed is wielding. It's a rather simple move, and obviously the unnamed would either bring his sword back to increase his hold on it, or to shift his footings to glide either to Snow's left side, and strike there. However, given the fact that there's a huge burst of energy within the barrier that's all to the Unnamed's disposal, Snow wanted to test the idea out, and begin the attack from there.

He was, by then, holding his right scabbard with the index finger planted directly beneath his grasp, unconsciously allowing him to revolve and twist the scabbard counterclockwise - perpendicular to the ground - so he could use the scabbard's tip as a secondary strike...

But for now, one step at a time, no?

(( Heads up. I won't be able to reply after the 6th or 7th, since that's the time of my flight. So in case we don't finish it around Sunday, I will have to postpone the fight until I can get a stable internet connection by then. ))

There is a sole reason why Snow intentionally went for a strike against the unnamed's weapon in the beginning. Had he aimed elsewhere, the unnamed would've taken the gap within his defensive stance - specifically near his biceps and left torso and have at it while he would be recovering from a counter made by the opponent.

So, to keep the opponent in a high state of mindset, especially with those abusrdly defensible blocks, it isn't the katanas which the unnamed should be worried about -- It would be Snow's footwork on the ground. Since he's been going at a pace with his left leaning more than his right before the dash and during the dash, it gave him a leverage to first make contact with the Unnamed's weapon, and to also evaluate the disposition on the spot. And that was when Snow shifted his footing to brace the weight on his heel, using that to revolve around in a counterclockwise motion - and to also keep the Unnamed's spaded sword at bay with his own resistance against the weapon itself.

Using the motion then set, Snow would thus be able to shift the Unnamed's push to his left side, allowing his right to get ever so closer to the Unnamed's body, where the -- In a quick revolution, the second blade - still sheathed within his loosened scabbard - burst out from beneath as Snow shot the tip of the scabbard up, directly pointing the tip at the Unnamed's chin. Holding the hilt when he shoved the momentum up, it hold a special advantage for Snow -

But it depends on the Unnamed's reaction, obviously, whether or not it will be revealed or not.

Anticipated or not, there is no time for Snow to be worried that his weapons might be batted out of his hands. Since his body is already in motion, even if there is some slight miraculous method of keeping his weapons held on both sides, chances are a bit slim for him.

But. If Snow can't break the situation, He'll adapt to it.

His footing was already shifted to a kendo shift, with his right leg gliding effortlessly among the ground faster than what the Unnamed might expect. Since the bulk of his weight is held on his left heel and pelvis, chances of falling was reduced by that motion, and to combat the problem, Snow took on another approach.

His left weapon is holding the Spaded Sword at bay, but there was room for him to push his weapon forward if needed, and then to keep the enemy's blade against his guard to lock it in place.

Yet. The initial intention to strike hard at the Unnamed's chin wasn't going out as planned. Before Snow can deliver the strike, the Unnamed has caught it under his chains, keeping the blade held within the sheath and cutting off his second strike capability within the moment.

Shoot.

Not really thinking of how to act, Snow reacted to the counter instinctively by planting his right foot between the Unnamed's position, using that as a fulcrum to shift and apply a heavy shoulder thrust right into the Unnamed's chest - just as he pulled on Snow's scabbard, giving Snow the momentum to carry his weight to - and to plant it on the spot.

So balance, by then, would be, perhaps, to Snow's favor..? But none can tell - only the action of the battlefield can determine whether or not the shift in plan works or not.

Aware of the consequences, the only feat that Snow has against the Unnamed is that if he doesn't push forward, then he won't have a chance to strike and deliver a crushing blow towards the enemy's dispositions. There are some risks which he must take, and unfortunately, some which has to be self inflicted in order to gain a tactical standpoint within this battle.

The chain was well wrapped around his scabbard, but since its initial momentum was thrusted upward by the scabbard, the path of the chain would shift in accordance from its swing and directed slightly up as a result of the thrust itself. Which also meant, in short terms, that the expected damage would be less than anticipated due to the extra factor counted in. But that didn't meant that when the bulk of the weight crashed against the shoulder it didn't hurt like hell.

Most certainly it did, but Snow could care less - his hold on the blade slacked a bit, and using his elbow to support the weight of his own weapon, he allowed his torso to be bent back in a recoil from the shoulder thrust, using that to spread the damage out and reduce the pain factor by some, however small, degree.

(( I will assume that you sweeped my right leg, am I right? ))

It was then that the opponent disappeared from Snow's eyesight, and alarmed by it, he shifted his weight back to his left heel so that he could push hims-- Without warning, something struck hard against Snow's right leg, as it was, technically, the closest body part in relation to the Unnamed's sweep. But having no weight behind it, Snow could merely shift his leg so that it would draw a circle clockwise on the ground, using that time lapse to yank on the taut chain on his right scabbard so he could deliver a headbutt - or at least something close enough to that - against the Unnamed's motion.

Having his left sword freed when the Unnamed made his turn, Snow had the tip pointed towards the Unnamed's main body - but still held in the same spot in case the enemy's sword tries to sneak its way past his left guard.

A tear fell out of his eye as he grimaced at the pain on his right shoulder, primarily using his elbow as the force to yank the damn opponent close for a kill.

(( Whoa. 6' 8''? Mine is 6' 1''... I thought yours was around human height. Then should I modify my post then to fit the situation?

Then again, since I'm using both of my feet to brace myself, the weight would be evenly spread a bit when you gave a sweep...unless you argue that the weight behind the sweep is too much for Snow's weight to push back?

Snow's stance would allow him to keep his footing to be held around his center weight - ergo, 20-24'' apart usually. So when weight is then forced, he could shrink the stance or widen it to increase his weight on the foot, allowing him leverage, that the sort...

... .... Wouldn't a sweep of that size be unbalanced, since the Unnamed spun a whole 360 degree and set his balance a bit off? ))

(( >_>;....If you say so. I was more assuming that the chains are around the medium/lightweight section, since there's...a whole ton of it wrapped around your arm. o.o; So to swing that around without dislocating your shoulders...

But whatever the case, very well. I'll modify my post. Hold on...))

Aware of the consequences, the only feat that Snow has against the Unnamed is that if he doesn't push forward, then he won't have a chance to strike and deliver a crushing blow towards the enemy's dispositions. There are some risks which he must take, and unfortunately, some which has to be self inflicted in order to gain a tactical standpoint within this battle.

The chain was well wrapped around his scabbard, but since its initial momentum was thrusted upward by the scabbard, the path of the chain would shift in accordance from its swing and directed slightly up as a result of the thrust itself. Which also meant, in short terms, that the expected damage would be less than anticipated due to the extra factor counted in. But that didn't meant that when the bulk of the weight crashed against the shoulder it didn't hurt like hell.

Most certainly it did, but Snow could care less - his hold on the blade slacked a bit, and using his elbow to support the weight of his own weapon, he allowed his torso to be bent back in a recoil from the shoulder thrust, using that to spread the damage out and reduce the pain factor by some, however small, degree.

It was then that the opponent disappeared from Snow's eyesight, and alarmed by it, he shifted his weight back to his left heel so that he could push hims--

::EDIT::

Before realizing the situation, his body is tumbling backwards and tripping from the Unnamed's deceptive sweep. Out of sheer act of surprise, Snow tried to - at least - lean his weight to the right in which the chain would pull taut against the scabbard, unsheathing his right sword and allowing him leverage to the right position. Unfortunately, it also meant that he's falling to his right shoulder. Without thinking much about how he's going to recover from this fall, he's already moving his right knuckle to slam the ground hard, using that to roll sideways to - one, avoid the Unnamed's charge if he comes forth, and two - to deliver a counter slash with his right hilt when he finishes his first rotation so he could gain distance away from the Unnamed.

And then determine forth what to do by then.

(( Suffering from Jetlag. In a bad mood right now. But I'm back desu! scream ))

Not disoriented right now, the only thing Snow can suffice for this act is to evade, evade, and evade. Tactical advantages are running slim for his acts, but even he wouldn't just go down without a tough and grueling fight for the damned opponent to go through.

If he's in a pinch, hell, he'll give a hell of a pinch for the opponent.

Immediately shifting his weight about as he got up, the flick of the chain was sent sprawling right towards Snow's chest like a madman on narcotics - speed, per se. Obviously it's a repeat of the same action the Unnamed did before when Snow was batting off the chain in the initial battle, so to Snow, the tactic has to change right now. So to counter it --

Instead of bracing it, nor dodging it - As long as the edges of the chain weren't lethal or maneuverable at the whim, Snow has a shot at doing the outrageous. To first show what the Unnamed is up against, Snow positioned both his swords on his left side, as if preparing for a circular slash from left to right, his perspective. As soon as the chain came forth along with his own personal scabbard - that bastard! - Snow immediately shifted his weight to the left and allowed the scabbard to skim just past his right clothings, shredding a bit of his cloth and a bit more as it escaped. In a flash, he also chopped at the chain holding the scabbard loosely so that the blade was diverting the projectile in an angle towards the ground on Snow's right - while also letting the blade skim in contact with it, sparks flying, towards the Unnamed's position as he charged forth.

There was no need to question on how Snow could fend off a chain that size nor of heavy weight -- he merely chopped it at the side roughly, so the weight was diffused and caused the direction of the Chain - with his scabbard - to go in a vector format towards the ground right of him.

As for his left blade in which Snow was holding, he merely pointed it towards the Unnamed's liver area as a method to thwart off the attempt in which the Unnamed might use the Spaded Sword, again.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, would allow Snow to counter and retaliate while keeping his footing in check. If the Unnamed tries to pull any tricks with the chain - well, there's his right blade to deal with it. Same with the Spaded Sword...

Though, Snow does have to stop himself so he could at least catch his breath from all the duckings and dodges he's been doing for the past few posts. If it were any normal being, they would be out of breath...

Snow is about, too, but hanging on defensively so he could catch his breath a bit.

What about the Unnamed?

(( "Rather not go back and edit things for this misunderstanding? And I went back to edit the misunderstanding we got before... gonk Damn.

But didn't you fling your chain so that it was flying along with the scabbard during flight?

...

Dammit.))

Snow's seen the unconventional style before. The first time is when the Unnamed tried to pull a quickie on him, using the Spaded sword as a leverage to assault when the chain was averted in the first few minutes into this fight. The second time is when the Unnamed again tried to use in conjunction both the sword and the chain at the same time to knock Snow off balance, as well as using the legs to sweep at Snow in the meantime.

So even though he's not used to the style, it didn't mean that Snow is completely unable to defend off something similar to what he's seen before. From what he can judge, roughly, the Unnamed uses mobility in the similar method that Snow uses - quick reaction and motion due to footwork and torso.

The arms and limbs are just extra factors to use to develop a simple, yet complex series of assaults by different moves, so...

Snow wasn't paying attention to the sword. To hell with that - all the Unnamed would do would be to just dazzle him with some awkward moves and confuse him like he did last time. So, instead, Snow was looking at the opponent's footwork and the chain - as it had features in which he still hasn't solved yet.

But out of breath and low on energy, Snow needs to maximize his actions with the least minimal motion to conserve and replenish his depleting strength. And to do that - He relied on his footing.

At once when the Unnamed's footing went low, Snow knew that something was amiss. Shifting his weight towards his right foot instead, Snow gave a quick push to the ground to force his own body away a bit as the leg sweep carved upwards towards Snow's body, the sword and the leg sweep missing him by about, roughly, six inches. The Unnamed might be using his other leg to deliver a secondary kick - or to keep balance, so~

Taking another step back to give himself more mobility, Snow delivered a sudden slash right at the opponent's outstretched leg, using his right blade to hack itself right into the ankle - or better - the heel by this unorthodox attack. Since the Spaded sword could be used as a leg guard -- then, if Snow attacked the part in which the leg joints are weakest at, then even the momentum of the Unnamed's leg can't be diverted immediately on the whim, giving Snow something hard, solid, and thick to hack at.

If it doesn't work, then his left blade would go right for the Unnamed's behind. Since Snow is keeping himself in a relative kendo stance - weight shift and footwork would allow him to again take a step back away from any possible counters, and also give him lesser motion to waste, buying himself some time to relax and recharge.

It is by this time that Snow is having more doubts whether or not the Arena is inviting gods or immortals to play around. For all he cares - most of them are just inhuman in stamina.

The slash he gave might be weak though - as his energy is, unfortunately, not able to replenish itself that fast if he's not using his abilities of ice. But since the Petal Barrier is still in effect (( Is it? )) He'll have to work in the worst case scenario.

(( It's not about disagreeing with the action or not. It's about formality - chivalry, per se. Unless you make the claim that chivalry has died in the 21st century -- which, unfortunately, it did. crying ))

Tch. Too weak of a slash...

Limits are those in which conflicts arise - and for this, there is no need to surmise the fact that this is...quite a conflict. Blood gushed forth from where Snow finally succeeded in landing a first-ever blow right at the Unnamed's body -- at least, to his mind - which proved that even he can find some flaws within this cunning opponent of his. The attack wasn't as strong as he would've liked - had not for his stamina, he could've dealt a more fatal blow - but nonetheless, even cocky Gods have to bleed regardless in their existence.

Alas, had the petal barrier not been erected, Snow could've used his blade to deliver a shocking blow right into the wound left by his own blade, causing the injury to expand and damage the internal muscles hidden by the outer layer of the skin on this inhuman...

Blast. But still, the tide is beginning to turn, and Snow isn't going to just sit there and be the punching bag for this opponent that mocked him before. It is true that although the Unnamed still holds relative advantage over he, the wielder of ice, there was a flaw in which the Unnamed apparently seems to failed to see, and which Snow has noticed just a few seconds ago.

For the sake of fluidity, the Unnamed is still balancing on his left leg to deliver the sweep and the attack. And even though the hack on the Unnamed's right ankle was a successful strike, Snow couldn't help but go on the offensive as he suddenly pulled his right blade back, collapsing his weight on his right foot so his body would be forced to kneel on the ground on his right leg. Noticing that the Unnamed is also thinking of something sinister in his spin, the chain that Snow seemed to have deflected just a post ago was suddenly careening towards his left side, and in a effort to at least stem the damage, Snow gave a quick back strike with his right blade...

Towards the Unnamed's left leg that was holding up the weight...

While then rolling to the right side again along with the slash. It doesn't matter if the strike made contact or not - just to start the momentum so Snow can dodge and at least push himself out of the lethal force of the chain being swung towards his left side.

If by any chance it doesn't work -- well, that's why there's the left blade to deflect and/or just divert the angle away from his exposed body.

(( Don't ask. xP ))

At least Snow doesn't have to worry about the huge bulk of the chain crashing right into his body from his interruptive strike now. But rest assured, Snow is regaining some of his stamina now, and quickly taking a few steps back as well he braced his body back into a normal stance again -- right leg first, left leg near the center of his weight. His right blade was now pointed forward towards the Unnamed's position, while the left side was holding it diagonally downwards, ready to slash up or parry if need be by the simple tacit.

With the breathing calming down, Snow's body wavered a bit from left to right, as if balance was not a good thing for him as of this moment. And, also listening to the Unnamed talk in that dull, boring voice....

"....If you can defeat me, then I'll answer your question."

(( Currently in a rush, so the post isn't as great. Sorry for the low quality for the time being. >_>; ))

Again, with more powers showing the different of levels between he and the Unnamed, his eyes narrowed to a dark stare as he saw that - alas, gods are still wretched gods, to no extent.

Against mere mortals who use their own power to fight, Gods do their own bidding, and play with their own in cheap comparison to mortality.

Emotional rage again filled his heart, and Snow was blinded to the mere calmness to what the Unnamed mocks him with. Who is he to say that he can't win? Who is he to say that he has no chance to win, even if he tries with all his might until the very end? Who is he to deem him the fate of defeat, in which he has tasted too many times, and sick of too many times?

Snow can't understand that reasoning. Snow cannot understand the amusement in which these 'gods' think of themselves, in their oh-so holy state.

Bastards.

"The swords sing of what I have experienced." Snow began, tightening his grip on both swords. "The life that I've lived, the places that I've been. You who know nothing about mortality cannot understand why I fight, and why anger fills me..."

Faintly, Snow did not realize that his heart was beating irregularly, hinting of something foul amiss within his flesh.

"You cannot understand the meaning of my life. You do not understand why I fight. So don't you even try to say as if you know me and judge me before my time is finished in this world."

Ba-dump.

"Unlike the other mortals, I do not have much time left before I die."

Ba-dump.

"Can you understand what it feels like...to know that you will die before even reaching the age of.... To know that all your work is in vain of delaying the inevitable?"

Ba-dump.

"And I will not accept that. I will not accept that, and I will defy it -- I will prove to myself that I am not weak against the will of the hateful gods. I will prove to myself that I will not follow their fates. I will not accept it. So don't you f*cking dare to tell me that I am doomed to lose. Because I will not, and I will defea----"

Before Snow could finish his sentence, blood suddenly gushed forth from his mouth, his whole body gone limp from a sudden irregularity within his soul. Both of his blades were dropped from his hands as he went down on all fours, coughing and rasping in an effort to breathe, his body twitching uncontrollably from a battle for dominance of his body and mind.

Dammit....dammit! Not now! No! No!

The pupils glowed with the bloody color of red as his hair followed along, flickering between the normal dull color of blood to a more sinister notion, his cloak flapping wildly against an invisible wind that cannot be felt, nor touched in a sense. It was cold...so cold in touch to his skin as the ground slowly frosted over, the irregularity becoming more evident, but strangely breaking apart every few seconds afterwards in a visual hiearchy.

And with a sudden scream, his entire cloak was shredded to pieces, shattered and turned to nothingness as it revealed Snow with only his bracers, a long shirt, and the clothing he wore within. Had not for the barrier in effect, the result would've been different.

And there was Snow, still on all fours while mist seeped out of his body like smoke itself...his head lowered, the eyes and expression unreadable from where the Unnamed stands right now.

None of the words could reach Snow. In the hopeless struggle where the balance is tipped, the sanity and the insecurity in which the mortal Snow felt was deeply buried under the Alter ego which serves only to kill him even more, and reducing his lifespan even further than ever.

Ba-dump.

"Me, not me, life, death...ha...hahaha..."

Ba-dump.

"The fool doubts life. And I shall end the fools life through his own stubborness and fe ar."

Ba-dump.

"Who is to say who is right? I am, that's what."

Ba-dump.

"The fool is a lost cause. How many times has it been in which a mortal challenges an immortal, and failing miserably so? Hmm? Pathetic mortals...pathetic in their own way."

The Alter side laughed, slowly picking up the blades and looking at the Unnamed with lifeless eyes. Though still bearing resemblance to the man known as Snow, the personality and the attitude was wholly different. To it, death is a meaningless factor. He'll tear himself out of the cursed shell soon, and who cares about the life in which the other inhabits? Surely not him, nor of his concerns.

"Now then. It seems that my adversary has left this battle due to...me. Well, shall we dance?"

With it, the Alter lowered his posture, the eyes glistening from that lifeless tone to the scent for bloodlust. He slowly held the left blade more into a dagger-like hold as he shifted to a right stance - the right leg amped to deliver a burst of speed when necessary.

Snow is of no more in this battle for the moment. Only the blood which won over right now is the dominant side for the demon to use to his pleasure alone.

Whatever the case, the properties which the barrier is composed of wouldn't affect this Alter side so easily as the Unnamed would've expected. Still having the vassal of mortality, the embodiment of physical, human flesh, Snow's body did not change nor "mutate".

The vassal is still human, so the effect of the barrier taking its toll on the Demonic bloodlust within his flesh would be slowed down dramatically enough for the Alter to still move with ease. It doesn't mean that the Alter ego of Snow cannot feel the deadly effects of the Barrier weighing down on him.

"Kukuku....Victory? The weak tries to be strong, the weak tries to fight..."

The demon raised one of his blades high into the air, then impales it right to his left torso, just away from the critical organs. Grinning while the pain seeped through the body, it chuckled again.

"But it forgets that the weak can be nothing else but weak. Do you really think that I care for this pitiful fool to have victory? Nay.....nay. I just enjoy seeing the flow of blood....blood from the opponent, blood from myself..."

He yanked his weapon out of his body, a flow of blood seeping down the clothings, in which the Alter looked down again and laughed at the sight of it.

"Just look..! Such a beautiful color of blood, blood, BLOOD! Can you not see it~? The beauty of death flowing beyond the worldly frame of torment and suffering?"

Apparently, the mere action of the Alter side clearly portrays perhaps, the struggle in which the mortal Snow has to face. Confronting his birth between a human and a demon, the struggle between the two dominant factors which tear and destroy his body apart, the shortening his life, his weakening ability to take the burden of the wear and the stress by these two factors...

Pitiful.

And now with a roar of laughter, the Alter ego of Snow charged right at the Unnamed without a care of what happens to this 'body' of his. For all it cares, he just wants the world around to enjoy the suffering it will bring untold.

"Different mind, but same body~!"

Blood continued to flow from the self inflicted wound, and even the laughter of death cannot be as horrifying as this Alter ego inside Snow's blood and mind, ignoring the pain and deadening the senses that would restrict his movements had he been conscious of it.

With glee and with the killing intent in his eyes, the Alter side quickly twists his torso leftwards in the same direction in which the Spaded Sword was slashing out towards as he reacted in a counter against the speed, letting it brush just a few inches away from contact before countering it. To it, reaction was everything, and the body in which the original owner of this body trained it so that the body would at least be quick enough to react to sudden changes -- sacrificing defense and power, reaction was and is a critical factor to employ in every movement and attack tactics.

"Weakness is for the weak~ like he is!"

And since the Alter Ego was holding the swords in both his hands during the maneuver - before the Unnamed can really strike back or move away, the Alter launched a right slash - from the Unnamed's perspective, from right to left - with his right blade towards the Unnamed's neck, and the left blade towards the Unnamed's pelvis - two big targets in which even the chain might have difficulty to defend against.

If not for the positioning right now, the Alter wouldn't even cared whether or not he would lose a limb or two. But since defeat of this opponent is more on the priority list, the expression on the Alter's face quickly changed from a look of madful glee to a more serious glare this time.

As if then realizing that the Unnamed is deploying small, petty tricks against a form such as he, the world went black and dark as the Alter realized that the chain was used to lash out at his legs, causing him to stumble and indirectly force to hold his own blades close to his chest and torso area.

But it would also mean that he would be cocking up some potential energy behind the bent arms, and by instinctively taking a large right stomp onto the ground to balance himself after the chain whip, the Alter glanced up -- And with a subtle change in holding his blades, his left wrist was swiveled to point down towards the Unnamed's left feet before he stabbed at where the toes would be to immobilize the prey.

At the same time the right blade went onto the defensive to parry the Spaded Sword from injuring his left arm, raising itself so the side edge of the sword would be struck by the Unnamed's slice, and the force be absorbed and then spread throughout the entire area of his blade and into his body evenly. This would also give the Alter Snow the time to evaluate whether or not the stab was deep, or deeper on the mark.

As the barrier is starting to impair and affect his mobility, the seriousness on the Alter Ego's face is evident, but not exactly betraying the problem nor dilemma he's facing.

(( The easiest way to think of how the Alter strikes is just on striking out with his arms used like whips. By keeping the arms just a bit bent, the force can still be strengthened or diverted by just the angle itself.

...And I just then realized that you're covered with armor from top to bottom. Damn. gonk ))

Tch. So much for armor -- is there no daring opponent that can match Snow and the Alter's sacrifice of defense for the sake of increased mobility? But whatever the cause, whatever the gloomy dilemma, the Alter ego of Snow felt the jarred impact of the left blade into the metallic boot of the Unnamed, followed by it slipping to the ground and impaling it in the process.

Shit.

Not only was the mere act provokative, his entire chest was exposed to being struck by the dashing chains of pain itself. And from that disadvantage, the Alter suddenly pushed with all his might to violently force his body back, using the left blade on the ground instead as a pivot point while his defensive block on his right hand swung out to deter the Unnamed from coming any closer --

Especially if the blade is going for the face. Since the Unnamed's body all over is covered with armor, then the Alter can only strike at towards the Unnamed's face, where, supposedly, that should be where no armor would reside, yes?

It was a risky move, and certainly the Alter would be momentarily exposed to the chains coming into contact with his chest - but even the Unnamed would be surprised if the Alter was going for the face while backing off at the same time.

A flinch, per se.

And depending on the action, it would leave the Alter with only one blade to defend, and completely defenseless to both the chains and the Spaded Sword. The Alter is beginning to breathe heavily, finding the mere atmosphere within the barrier stifling as well as nearly impossible to breathe. Wondering just how fucking long this barrier will stand erect, it's the battle of the endurance as the Alter bides time to escape and recover from his slowly sapping powers.

(( Er...wouldn't Alter be striking right to left on your face? He positioned his right blade two posts ago to protect his left arm when he tried to stab your foot. So when he lurched himself back, he would be delivering a strike that would slash your right face and going left - roughly speaking.

If you want to edit your post, tell me. If you don't...tell me too, so I can post. Just to make sure. xP ))

(( Hmm.... ))

Surprise, and then delight? Perhaps. But to the increasing problem of just breathing now, the Alter can only grimace and take the opportune chance to deliver a point-blank blow which lays open before him. The successful strike into the Unnamed's flesh was all he asks for. Stopping his arm from completing the slash from left to right, just as the blade splitted the Unnamed's nose, the Alter made a clumsy attempt to impale the blade instead right into the Unnamed's nose, using the initial contact as the stepping stone to - literally - ram the entire weapon right into the Unnamed's head.

It meant that the Alter would put himself more at danger into the delivered strike towards his chest and right arm, but what happened to his left blade? After all, he had never released it yet from his grip on the ground.

Yanking it out of the ground, the Alter can only do so much as to knock the Spaded sword away from the fatal points on his chest, but as for the chains...

He could definately feel something crack underneath the mortal body of his. A few broken ribs from the full might of the chains struck true and hard into the Alter's chest - some even at his right side, causing him to gag and be knocked back, his attempt to impale weakened because of his slackening grip. Blood immediately began to seep right into the cloth, showing signs of the ribs piercing some vital organs as the weight of the chain caused the Alter to lurch up into the air slightly...

Only to fall with a loud thud onto the ground, the barrier finally taking its toll on the demon within. Thankfully the left blade was used to parry the Spaded Sword's slash/thrust...

The outcome would come as to whether or not the Alter successfully impaled the right blade deep into the Unnamed's face or not. If yes, then even such a blow would be more than enough to end the battle in a hefty draw - or, to the Alter's favor, as he's still alive.....just barely.

If not, and the attack is parried...

The Alter gurgled it's anger, blood flowing out of his mouth as he tried to fight again, but the body failing him in the process.

"Cur....se.....you...!" It would utter, trying to get up, but failing so in the process.

"Ha...hahaha!"

The strain on the Alter's voice was garbled, but the demonic fiend continued to laugh despite the pain rippling through his chest and the remains of his moving body. Clawing the ground a bit, the Alter tried to stand up to put up resistance, but once more the barrier killed his stamina and strength.

Can't....move...

A sudden searing pain made the entire blood within Snow's body boil and thrash as the Alter cried out in pain, reaching up towards the sky and the eyes betraying its angered passion.

"Grr....RRAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Whisps of aura seemed to escape and surround Snow's body as it weakened and showed signs of the demonic blood being quieted...

And the powers which Snow once had, surpressed completely by the demon becoming dormant within. Although the Alter's mind is now trapped and falling to a state of dormancy, the conscious in which Snow remained was still unconscious.

Ba-dump.

The eyes closed, as the breathing fell short to the moment of silence. No movement. No action. No response as the consciousness is still gone.

The body may listen, but who is to say that the mind will follow as well? For a few minutes the lapse of his nonresponsive mind continued to reek in the air as Snow's mind was elsewhere, in among the sea of dreams which once caused him to wish and lose hope in everything.

*But mother? Why? Why must they treat me differently like others? Why must I be hated by them?

Why must I be hated by you, mother?*

........

It's as if the demon within resonated with the dreams in which Snow saw since a long time. All those sufferings and tryings which ended up in failure - the failure to protect, the failure to be respected. It was such a young age when he realized that Respect came from those who fear, and from those who do know nothing about the person at all. The uncertainty which leads to fear, which leads to the ephemeral hesitation to do bad against the helpless individual.

The demon was awoken by the faint cries of the host - the beatings and laughter that sang nothing of joy to the victim against their barrages and their abuse. A child who was given birth by a human mother - a mother who then lost everything because the child was a bastard child. In which the love and the care for the child became anger and bitterness, in which warmth then became coldness.

Which can explain partially why the element of control for Snow was ice and water manipulation, in a subconscious matter.

The demon was born because of the inadequate, the helplessness of the child himself. A "split personality", perhaps, but nonetheless, a method to protect - and to also hate - himself in the process.

Such dreams continued to flow into the empty mind of Snow as the conscious slowly began to awake, dreams of the past and the hardships which came through it. The realization of dying once reaching a certain age, the pressure and the isolation away from the wall he has erected...

Why do I fight? Why do I lose?

Snow's body began to respond a few minutes later, struggling and slowly rolling itself to the stomach, as Snow responded to something within himself that he loathed so much.

"I've come too far...to admit defeat. I've come too far to just...let it end now..."

Why am I weak?

Struggling as if possessed, Snow ignored his depleted stamina, breathing rather heavily as he managed to get on his ankles, slowly raising his head to look at the Unnamed.

"What is the purpose of my meaning..."

He clutched at the Unnamed's cloth, doing a weak attempt to get himself to stand, and not be looked down by the spectators, the judges and the opponent that towers over him.

"What is the purpose...if I am fated..."

The grip slackened, and Snow fell down again on his face painfully, a tear falling out of his eye.

"If I am fated to lose...always? Curse this world...curse it all..."

In a way, Snow had no choice but to accept the loss today. He had let his own ambitions, his own desperate need to prove to himself cloud his judgment and focus. The release of the Alter Ego of his was unexpected, and yet, it was still his loss and his mistake which he cannot surpress. He was blinded and arrogant to his own feelings.

And those feelings were which killed his ability to achieve victory today.

His body trembled, but learning the bitter lesson today, Snow bit down, hard, on his bitterness, and slowly got up after a while, extending a hand to shake the Unnamed's.

Even if he hated the opponent, it did not mean that he does not respect the opponent.