Well, hello again! Yes, I know that it's been forever since I updated, but hey, at least I'm spoiling you now, right? See? Always look on the bright side! Like this "Man, I ate way too much for thanksgiving dinner, and now I have a massive stomach ach! But hey, the food was great!" Ya see it's really not hard to be an optimist. Well, I've been talking (Typing, whatever) for ever, but on the bright side, now you get to read Fangs fight! Yahoo!

Disclaimer: Please reference the other 14 chapters

Claimer: See above statement.

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Fang POV

"Rico."

As I said his name. I thought I saw Max slouch a bit out of the corner of my eye, but I couldn't be sure. Rico looked up at Max, and I did the same. Max simply nodded and said, "Go ahead Rico."

Rico stepped forward and into the ring of onlookers. We stood facing each other for an immeasurable second, before he finally spoke, "So, Fang, are you ready?"

"Yep, are you? I thought that you were supposed to have a weapon."

Max cut in, "If the opponent doesn't choose to use a weapon, then he doesn't have to. Are you both ready to begin?" We both nodded, "Then, Begin!"

I slipped into a fighting crouch, as did Rico, and we circled for a moment, staring into each others eyes, each trying to predict the others first move. I made sure that I had my impassive mask on, so that I wouldn't give anything away. A split second before it happened, I saw Rico's eyes dart to my right, and then he lunged. I pivoted to the left, using my momentum to complete the turn and send a kick into his chest, but, somehow, he was ready, and easily ducked, swiping a foot out to trip me. I jumped over his extended leg, throwing a punch out as I landed. He dodged, but my fist clipped him on the shoulder. Seemingly unaffected, Rico thrust out his fist, I felt it come in contact with my chest, and stumbled back in surprise.

I know that it sounds somewhat conceded, but how could this happen? He was only human, and I was genetically altered, stronger than even the strongest man I had come up against. I was supposed to be stronger, faster, and a better fighter. I had fought real, life threatening battles my whole life, and yet, this human actually managed to land a punch. All I can say is that I was dumbfounded.

Determined to get another hit in, I launched forward, moving fast, and aimed a punch at his face. My fist connected with a satisfying thud, and Rico's head snapped to the side. Expecting him to fall, I dropped my hands and stepped back slightly, only to suddenly see Rico's elbow looming large in my vision. I felt a sharp pain in my cheek, and felt my head whip sideways, just like his had.

This time I didn't hesitate, and attacked again. He dodged, I dodged. He hit, I hit. It was as if we were teenagers, playing a juvenile game of hit for hit, no one was gaining the upper hand. I was thoroughly caught up in the fight, and it barely registered when I heard Max's voice shout out. Both Rico and I ignored it, and kept fighting.

He lunged, trying to tackle me to the ground, and I dodged him yet again, I sent a punch his way, and he blocked. We sprung apart, only to connect again in a flurry of blows. We broke once again to catch a breath.

I suddenly felt a firm hand on my chest, and somehow, my feet were knocked out from under me. Dazed, I looked up from my spot on the ground to see Rico in a similar position, staring up at an irritated looking Max. "I asked you nicely to stop, then I ordered you to stop, but you didn't listen either time, and so, I made you stop. Got a problem with it?" she growled. Rico and I bother shook our heads. "Good" said Max.

Rico and I picked ourselves up from the ground, breathing heavily. I saw with satisfaction that he had multiple bruises, a fat lip, and a scratch on his cheek. Unfortunately, I didn't seem to be in much better shape. I could taste blood on my lip, my cheek felt swollen, and I winced slightly as I prodded my sore ribs.

Max looked at me, "Congratulations, Fang, you lasted the five minutes needed to join the gang." Oh, so that's why she stopped us, "And may I just say, your lucky to have lasted that long, seeing as how I'm the only person who has ever been able to beat Rico." she continued. I kept my face carefully impassive, but on the inside my jaw was dropping. If Rico fought like that, then what was Max like? I was beginning to understand what she meant by how she climbed the latter in the gang with her fighting skills.

I finally looked around at the people surrounding us. They were quiet, and looking at me, Rico, and Max. Some looked confused, some angry, and a few surprised. I looked at Max, and though no one else would notice it, she just looked relieved. For the first time I thought of what it would have meant if I had won. Max's second in command, her right hand man, would have been gone, again. I had taken a big risk choosing Rico, and I just now noticed it. I looked at Rico with new respect, and nodded my head slightly, he returned the gesture.

"Now," said Max, "all three of you have passed your initiations, and I am very proud. Gazzy, Iggy, Fang, please come here." We all three stepped forward. Gazzy had managed to clean up a bit, Iggy didn't have a scratch on him, and here I was, covered in dirt, blood, and bruises. Very suave, huh?

Max smiled at us all in tern. Her eyes seemed to linger on mine for a second, and I saw a bit of concern there, along with love, and unfortunately, aggravation. Oh boy.

After looking us over, Max turned serious, and looked at us intently. Looking out at the group of gang members, she declared, "These three men before me have proven themselves fighters worthy of our gang. They have either bested, or matched, the abilities of one of our members, and have earned their initiation into the gang. If any of you witnesses to the fights have any objection to their entry, please speak now." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gazzy hold his breath. There was a brief moment of silence, and when no body spoke up, Max said, "Good."

She turned her gaze back onto the three of us, searching us with a penetrating gaze, enough to give even me the chills. When she seemed satisfied, Max addressed us, "Fang, Gasman, and Iggy, do you promise to vow yourselves to the Dark Angels completely, to come whenever we call, accept orders without question, and lay down your life for the safety and wellness of the gang, if necessary?"

We all nodded and said "I do"

"Very well then. Welcome to your new family. Treat every man as your brother, every woman as your sister, and those younger than you as your own child. Welcome to the Dark Angels."

Ooh, what do ya think of the long awaited fight? Tell the truth please! Anyway, I'll update soon. Love ya!

--M