Spector of Death/ The Red Ace Part 3

"Don, what the hell are you doing? I'm not your enemy!" Red shouted, his voice tinged with desperation as he deftly dodged his older brother's furious punches. The room around them trembled as Don's rage was unleashed, causing the walls to shudder and crack.

"You're always in the way! Always in the way of what needs to be done!" Houston's voice was dark and filled with a bitter resolve as he continued his relentless assault on Red. He swung at his younger brother with raw, unchecked aggression. Red skillfully maneuvered through the attacks, parrying some and landing a couple of hits on Don.

In a desperate move, Don managed to catch Red's fist in a vice-like grip, his fingers digging into Red's flesh. With a swift motion, he swept Red's legs out from under him, sending his little brother crashing to the floor. But Red's determination burned fiercely, and as Don lunged towards him, Red rolled out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow.

Breathing heavily and seething with a mix of anger and sorrow, the two brothers locked eyes. Red's voice cracked as he spoke, "Don, please listen to me don't listen of what Anthony and our old Commander Anderson saying please!" 

Don's eyes flashed with a strange mix of defiance and vulnerability. "No I can't I have to do this... I have to kill them again after everything they have done to us!"

Their fight raged on, a violent dance of fists and dodges, the strained brotherhood pulling them in different directions. As they exchanged blows, Red's words cut through the tension, his voice tinged with desperation.

"How? By strangling him?! We would not be better off like them!" Red shouted, narrowly evading one of Don's powerful punches.

"Don't try to mentor me! You're the one who abandoned me and let Dad blame me for your death!" Don yelled, his rage causing him to slam his fist into the wall, shattering it, as Red skillfully continued to evade his strikes.

"Brother, you don't understand what Dad did to me after I 'died'! I had to stay hidden to protect you!" Red's voice trembled with emotion as he tried to make Don see the truth.

"Liar! No wonder why Mom and Dad looked away from me after the Dallas incident!" Don's words were filled with bitterness, as he grappled with the painful memories of their past.

"Don't listen to the lies that Anderson put in your head, big brother! Don't let him control your darkness forever! You're stronger than him!" Red pleaded, trying to break through the wall of anger and despair that Don had built around himself.

"And what, listen to you?" Don's retort was filled with anger, his voice laced with doubt, as they continued to exchange blows.

Red managed to land a few well-placed hits on Don, but the fight was far from over. As they clashed, their brotherly bond strained to its limits, and the outcome of this battle held the potential to either mend their fractured relationship or shatter it irreparably.

The battle raged on, the room around them bearing the scars of their confrontation. It seemed as though neither brother was willing to back down. As they grappled with each other, Don managed to gain the upper hand, his strength and anger driving him forward.

With a sudden surge of power, Don pinned Red to the floor, his strong arms locking around Red's throat in a tight chokehold. Red gasped for air, his vision blurring as he struggled beneath his older brother's relentless grip.

"Don, please!" Red wheezed, his voice barely audible as he fought to break free. His pleas were muffled by the chokehold, but he hoped that somewhere in Don's heart, their brotherly bond would stir some compassion.

Don's face contorted with a mix of anger and pain as he continued to apply pressure. His inner turmoil was evident, torn between his obsession for revenge and the love he still held for his little brother. Red's words echoed in his mind, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Their struggle continued, both brothers locked in a fierce embrace as they grappled on the floor. Don's grip remained tight, his face hidden behind a mask of determination.

"You don't know what the hell I've been through for the last two years, little brother!" Don's voice was filled with frustration and pain as he slowly tightened his grip. But Red refused to give up.

"All I want is to save you!" Red's voice trembled with emotion as he attempted to remove the mask that concealed his older brother's face. He desperately wanted to break through to the Don he once knew.

"Like I told you before, little brother, I don't need to be saved. I'm not the hero you once knew!" Don's words were filled with a harsh finality, and the two brothers continued to grapple, their struggle intensifying.

Their battle took an unexpected turn as they crashed through a window, falling from the ruined building. Suddenly, the background shifted, and they found themselves in the midst of the Dallas Incident Match, a place of painful memories and destruction. Students from different schools were fighting against Vermont Tankery Academy, a tragic event where live weapons and ammunition had been used.

Despite the chaos and danger around them, Red and Don were still locked in combat, now wearing Vermont officer uniforms. Their relentless fight continued, even amidst the haunting memories of the past.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were alive? I trained you and made you the person you are!" Don's voice was tinged with betrayal and confusion, his fists still clenched as they battled.

"I know you don't mean that!" Red shouted back, his voice filled with sorrow and desperation as they continued to exchange blows, the emotional weight of their struggle becoming almost unbearable.

Amidst the tumultuous battle, Don's words cut through the chaos like a knife. His voice was filled with a raw, unburdened emotion as he attempted to make Red understand the torment he'd been through.

"What I really tried to do is protect everyone! You, Maho, and my friends! But Dad still thinks I'm the problem for losing you, and you think I'm the problem that Mom killed herself because of me... But I'm not anymore!" Don's words were a desperate plea, his fists clenching and unclenching as he tried to convey the depths of his pain and confusion.

Red, momentarily stunned by Don's confession, saw an opening and charged at his brother with renewed determination. He landed a series of powerful hits, driving Don back to the ground. Don, however, refused to stay down, his own emotions driving him to continue the fight.

The two brothers were locked in a seemingly endless struggle, their physical and emotional wounds laid bare for all to see. Their battle was no longer just a physical fight; it was a fight to mend the wounds of their past and find a way back to the family they had once been.

The battle between the two brothers raged on, their emotions and convictions clashing just as fiercely as their fists. Don's voice was filled with a desperate determination as he continued to defend his actions.

"I can't let this go! I'm finally everything that you guys need me to be!" Don's words were filled with a sense of purpose, his eyes reflecting the struggle he had endured.

Red, however, was equally resolute. He had a different perspective on the events that had transpired since their separation.

"NO! Brother, remember the reason why we left Vermont in the first place! They were cruel, and you were the second person that Anderson wanted you to be like him! What if Maho was there during that dark time, huh? You could've killed her!" Red's words were a stark reminder of the danger they had narrowly escaped.

In a moment of desperation, Red managed to pin his brother down, preventing Don from landing any more punches. He held Don firmly, looking into his eyes with a mix of sorrow and hope.

"I know you're hurting, big brother, but you're better than this," Red implored, his voice filled with sincerity.

Don's resolve began to waver, his emotions in turmoil. He hesitated for a moment, the battle taking a toll on his already weary spirit. But then, with a sudden burst of strength, Don headbutted Red, breaking free and continuing their intense fight. The struggle between them had reached a critical point, and the final outcome remained uncertain, hanging in the balance.

The backdrop of their fight changed, now taking place in a ruined city, mirroring the chaos and destruction that had infiltrated their lives. Red's voice was filled with a mix of sorrow and determination as he continued to dodge Don's attacks.

"Don, I'm sorry for putting you in that situation when you saw me hurt! I blamed myself for that, but the people who needed you like Muller, Graham, Jefferson, Joey, and Dean... They needed a hero, and I really thought you could save them, which you did! If I was put in your situation, I'd do something that I'd regret, but what you're doing and saying is wrong!" Red's words were a plea, a heartfelt attempt to break through the walls that had been built between them.

Don's response was filled with frustration and anger. "Shut up!" he yelled, his voice filled with emotion. He was determined to prove his point, but Red's words had already struck a chord within him.

As they continued their intense struggle, Don seized a flash grenade from his belt, pulled the pin, and hurled it at Red. But Red, quick on his feet, kicked the grenade back toward Don. The grenade exploded, momentarily stunning Don, creating an opening for Red.

Seizing the opportunity, Red closed in, landing a series of punches on his brother. Finally, he delivered a powerful roundhouse kick that sent Don reeling. The force of the blow was enough to knock Don down, but the look in his eyes indicated that the battle was far from over. 

Don, driven by his anger and determination, displayed a more aggressive approach. He unleashed a series of heavy punches and powerful kicks, his attacks fueled by the belief that he was doing what was right. Each of his blows carried a weight that could crush his opponents, but Red's agility allowed him to evade most of the hits.

Red, on the other hand, used his agility and quick reflexes to his advantage. He weaved around Don's attacks, landing precise and calculated strikes to exploit any openings. Red's combat style was more finesse-based, relying on his speed and adaptability.

Their movements were a testament to the intricate bond they had shared as brothers. They anticipated each other's actions, knowing the other's strengths and weaknesses. It was as if they were dancing, but the dance was a brutal one, filled with conflict and pain.

The backdrop of the ruined city added to the atmosphere, as the crumbling buildings and debris became part of their battlefield. They continued to trade blows, their breathing heavy, and their expressions etched with a mix of anger, sorrow, and determination. 

"I'm not giving up on you, Don. You saved everyone, and this time you need to save yourself from your demons!" Red declared, his voice laced with determination and concern. With swift and precise movements, Red delivered an uppercut and a flurry of punches, finally landing a kick that sent Don tumbling away.

"I... Can't... I don't want to!" Don cried out, his voice filled with anguish as he clutched his head in pain. Despite his inner turmoil, he continued to fight against his little brother, swinging wildly as Red skillfully evaded each punch.

"You will... I'm not going to leave you again, big brother," Red vowed, his unwavering love and determination shining through as they continued their fierce exchange of blows.

As Red prepared for a final blow, he was suddenly kicked away and slid toward an object. His hand came to rest on a remote control, and he quickly realized its significance. The remote had the frequencies that controlled Don's emotional and mental state.

With a quick decision, Red seized the remote and, seeing Don approaching, he pressed it. The familiar, disorienting frequencies from the Dallas match filled the air once more, causing Don to fall to his knees, clutching his head and screaming in pain. Don tried to resist the control, but Red held the remote aloft, determined to break the hold it had on his older brother.

The room was filled with the agonizing cries of Don as he writhed in pain, his struggle to resist the frequencies evident. It was a painful yet necessary step to bring his big brother back from the darkness that had consumed him for far too long.

"Don... come on, man... Just focus on me, okay? Just fight it for me, please!" Red pleaded with desperation in his voice as he watched his older brother struggle against the torment of the frequencies.

Inside Don's mind, it was a desperate battle to free himself from the grip of the dark shadow that had consumed him. Just like Peter in Spider-Man 3 tearing off the black suit, Don clawed at the shadow, starting with the part that hid his face. In the real world, his hands were trembling as he struggled to remove the mask that had been forced upon him, all the while the frequencies did their best to prevent him from breaking free.

But with immense effort and a surge of willpower, he finally managed to tear the mask off, revealing his real face. His eyes were tired and baggy, bearing the signs of sleepless nights and torment. The burden that had controlled him for so long was finally vanquished, and he was himself once more.

As the frequencies faded away, Don's body went limp, and he collapsed to the floor. Red rushed to his brother's side, holding him in his arms. 

In the aftermath of the intense battle, Red held his older brother in his arms, relief washing over him. He gently cradled Don, his heart heavy with the emotions they had just endured.

"Don, you're back," Red whispered, his voice filled with both gratitude and exhaustion. Don, though physically drained, managed a weak smile, a glimmer of recognition returning to his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Red," Don finally admitted, his voice tinged with remorse. The weight of his actions and the turmoil he had experienced weighed heavily on him.

Red, however, only tightened his embrace, not blaming Don but showing him the understanding and love they had shared since childhood. "It's okay, big brother. We're going to make things right."

Slowly carrying Don over his shoulder, Red carefully made his way to safety, a sense of relief and responsibility weighing heavily on his mind. Don was still weak, but his return to sanity and the bond between them was a testament to the strength of their brotherhood.

Meanwhile, after the intense firefight against the Vermont forces, the scene shifted to Dean, who lay on a stretcher with bandages covering his gunshot wound. The Allied forces were retreating back to Davy Crockett and Ooarai Academy lines. The sight of Dean, wounded and bandaged, surprised Miho, who watched the returning Rangers with concern.

Miho approached the group, her voice laced with worry. "What happened over there?"

Sean, one of the injured Rangers, spoke up as he removed his helmet and set it aside. "It was an ambush. They caught us by surprise. I didn't expect them to be here and use live ammunition on us. I thought the Federation was here in this city, but it seems not."

The shock of the situation weighed on Miho, and she looked around at her friends who were tending to the wounded Rangers. Bloodstains marred some of their uniforms, and the medics were busy patching up the injured. Some of the boys cried out in pain, a grim reminder of the real dangers they faced.

Anzu, who stood beside Miho, shared her concerns. "When Jefferson told us about what happened during the Dallas incident and the use of live ammunition, I thought he was exaggerating. But seeing the wounded like this... it's hard to ignore the reality. Perhaps Commander Anderson, as mentioned by Muller, Graham, and Houston, is a serious threat. This match didn't turn out as we expected."

The match had taken a dark and unexpected turn, with the revelation of the Americans' ruthless tactics and the presence of old foes and disgruntled students from Vermont Tankery Academy. The girls had initially thought the match would be fun, but it had become a grim and sobering experience, with the weight of the seriousness of the situation pressing down on them.

The situation at the battlefield was filled with a mixture of emotions as the crew of the Lone Star and the newly arrived infantry took in the sight of the injured Rangers. The shock among the newcomers was palpable, while those who had been through the "incident" shared in the somber atmosphere.

Scott, the tank gunner of the Lone Star, spotted Red carrying Don towards them and immediately called out to alert the rest of the crew. With enthusiasm and relief, they rushed over to greet Red and check on their commander, Houston.

"Commander Houston and Red are back!" Scott's announcement brought Troy, Grant, and 'Machine' out of the M4A3E8 Sherman tank. They watched as Red safely placed Houston down, and the medics quickly attended to him.

Scott, overcome with gratitude, approached Red, hugging him tightly and expressing his thanks. "Thank you, Commander, or Captain Red, for bringing our Commander back."

Troy and the rest of the crew chimed in with their gratitude, patting Red on the shoulder and offering their thanks as well.

Red humbly accepted their gratitude, his focus still on his older brother as the medics worked to treat Don or Houston. "It's no problem, guys. Besides, I didn't want to abandon my older brother again."

With his brother in capable hands, Red began to make his way over to check on Dean, but he was interrupted by Miho, who tapped him on the shoulder.

"Red, are you okay?" Miho inquired, her concern evident in her voice and expression. The intense battle and the emotional rollercoaster they had just experienced had taken a toll on everyone, including Red.

Red assured Miho that he was fine, his smile mirroring hers. Miho, while checking him for any major injuries, found him mostly unharmed, but the tension in the air created an awkward silence between them. Their unspoken emotions hung heavily in the moment.

Fortunately, Jefferson's arrival broke the awkwardness. He delivered important information about their retreat and the plan to leave some units behind as part of a larger operation. Red nodded in understanding and took charge of the situation.

"Good, alright then. Let every high school know we are pulling back, but we are leaving some units behind, like the Canadians from Washington Academy and the Polish-Americans from Grand Lake High since they are part of a bigger operation."

Jefferson acknowledged the orders and left Red and Miho alone for a moment. As he turned to Miho, Red reminded her of her duty.

"Same goes for you. Tell your team we're returning back to Pottsboro."

With their conversation concluded, they both understood the necessity of their roles in this operation. The day had taken a heavy toll on them, but their commitment to their respective teams remained unwavering.

As the Allied forces regrouped and prepared to head back to the city of Pottsboro, commanders from different schools greeted each other, their camaraderie a sign of the bonds that had been formed during their time together. The medics from Davy Crockett and Grand Lake High quickly went about their work, tending to the wounded and ensuring that they received the care they needed.

Some of the boys who had been part of the infantry unit stayed behind, collecting the real firearms and supplies that they had obtained from the defeated Vermont Tankery Academy students. They began the task of taking inventory, ensuring that their limited resources were properly managed.

Red, after ensuring that his older brother was clear from any injuries, brought Don, or Houston, to the sleeping quarters of Davy Crockett High. He carefully placed him on his bed, allowing him to rest. Don's mental state had been severely affected by the events that had transpired, and Red knew that it would take time for him to heal.

Afterward, Red made his way to the quarters of Kuromorimine Girls' Academy. There, he found Maho, who had fully recovered and was back to her old self, giving orders to her crew. Red approached her, and Maho's crew discreetly excused themselves to give them privacy.

Red shared the news with Maho, a small smile on his face. "I did it... he's here."

Maho, inquisitive and concerned, immediately accompanied Red to Don's quarters. Red provided an update on Houston's condition, explaining that while he was physically fine, his mental state had been significantly affected by the events involving Commander Anderson and Anthony, his third-in-command. Maho, who had her own experience with Anderson's cruelty, understood the gravity of the situation and nodded in acknowledgment.

They entered Don's room, and Maho began to assess his condition, aware that the healing process would be a long and challenging one. Red, realizing the importance of privacy in this moment, left the two alone, closing the door behind him.

Maho, unable to hold back her emotions upon being reunited with Houston, crawled onto the bed and laid next to him, hugging him from behind and crying into his back. Houston, feeling her presence and hearing her sobbing, turned to face the wall, overwhelmed by his own emotions.

In the midst of their shared vulnerability, Houston spoke softly, apologizing for everything. "Maho... I'm sorry," he confessed, his voice heavy with remorse.

Maho, still holding him, questioned his apology. "For what?"

"Everything... I'm sorry for everything and for failing to protect you from Anderson," Houston admitted, his voice trembling.

Maho gently tried to console him. "You didn't fail me, Houston. You did protect and save me."

Houston couldn't hold back his tears any longer. He was overwhelmed by guilt and regret, knowing that Maho had suffered while he was captive. "But you were hurt... And I... I didn't want to see you hurt... I'm sorry..."

Hearing Houston's cries, Maho turned him around to face her, and their tearful eyes met. They held each other's hands under the cover of the blanket, seeking comfort and solace in each other's presence. Maho expressed her deep emotions.

"I know I was hurt... But while I was recovering, I wasn't alone. I had you," she said, showing the necklace that Houston had given her. "Since the moment Anderson took you from me again, I've always carried a piece of you with me. And I will always carry this with me."

Houston thanked her, his heart heavy with gratitude and love.

As the two lay on the bed, locked in an intimate moment of shared emotion, they kissed each other and held each other tightly, cherishing the precious and long-awaited reunion.

...

...

...

...

...

In the room next door, Red, unable to sleep, grew increasingly annoyed as he heard the sounds of their passionate embrace. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he muttered his thoughts, aware that he should have expected this. He placed a pillow over his head in an attempt to block out the noise, but the passionate sounds from the neighboring room made it impossible for him to find the rest he sought.

A/n: Poor Red lol