Ghost Brigade Chpt. 33

                                           The Cavalry Always Arrive Late

Duo and Xang were staring at each other straight in the eyes. Waiting for somebody to make the first move.

Then, Duo charges at Xang. He dodges and tries to elbow him from behind but Duo disappears. Xang lands on the ground, looking for Duo. He reappears in front of Xang.

Duo: Looking for me?

Nailing Xang with a headbutt. This made Xang fall to the ground. Both of their heads began to bleed. Duo walks up to Xang. [Note: Duo still had the bandaged wrapped around his head.]

Duo: Why are you fighting with the Underworld?
Xang: I have my reasons...
Duo: And what are those reasons?
Xang: You will never understand.

Duo then kneels in front of his foe.

Duo: Please... I don't want to hurt you anymore. I want you to join us. We will take better care of you.
Xang: Why do you show kindness to your enemy?
Duo: Although you are my enemy, you are not like them.

Duo places his hand in front of Xang. He looks at it. He couldn't shake it. Xang gets back on his feet.

Xang: I'm sorry... but destinies and fate can't be changed.

Duo gets back on his feet.

Duo: Xang...

Kisuke and Hayate regained consciousness. Wyatt slowly gets back on his feet. The ground began to shake. Everybody looked around.

Duo: What's that?
Xang: It's him...

A large fire appears in front of the Underworld Army. The fire disappears, revealing a human figure with black demon wings.

???: Xang. What are you doing?

Duo looks at Xang.

Duo: Who's that?
Xang: That is one of the generals in the Underworld, Draco.

Draco continued yelling to Xang.

Draco: I order you to kill them.
Xang: No. They have defeated me in a fair fight. They must be left alone.

Draco began to shake his head.

Draco: Xang... Xang... When will you ever learn that the Underworld never plays fair.

Draco begins to chant a spell. Xang covers his ears and close his eyes but then his arms fell to his side and just stands there.

Duo: Xang...?

Xang suddenly trips Duo from behind, making Duo fall. He jumps on him, making Duo yell in pain. Xang grabs his blade with one hand and grabs Duo's neck with the other. Duo looks at Xang straight into his eyes. It wasn't the same eyes as when they were talking earlier. Xang's eyes was blank as though he was possessed.

Draco: There you go. Now... Kill him.
Wyatt: Duo!

Wyatt tries to towards Duo but a ring of fire appear around Duo and Xang. Wyatt tries to use his power but the wound that he received prevented him from doing so.

Duo struggles to break free.

Duo: Xang! Snap out of it! This isn't you! I sense that you didn't want to kill any of us! Please!

Xang was still preparing to stab Duo but was hesitating.

Xang: Du... o... Pl... ease... Help...
Duo: Xang...

Draco noticed Xang's hesitation and sighs.

Draco: Pathetic.

He ordered the army to attack. Kisuke, Hayate, and Wyatt readied themselves. The army gets closer but soon large explosions appeared on the Underworld's side. Then smoke appeared around Duo and Xang, the ring of fire disappears. A sword flies and hit the ground. This made Xang retreat.

Chinooks and Black Hawks arrived. Ropes drop down from the sides. Coalition soldiers slide down the ropes. The smoke lifts. Four figures appeared around Duo. A hand grabs Duo and helps him up. Duo sees the face of the figure.

Duo: Piro!?
Piro: Yep.
Duo: What are you doing here!?
Piro: The General ordered us four to aid in the front lines.

Xang stands right next to Draco.

Draco: Seems that it's time for us to go...

Flames consumed both of them making both disappear from the battlefield.