This is just before the fight. Enjoy.

The world now knew what would happen. Several countries sent their Pilots to the ISA. Hoping to catch one first bit of the Hacker technology, they were already competing and thinking on how they could use the technology to their better.

There was still one problem. The pilot had to win the fight. It was decided that the Tempest pilot would face Kerlongsj. Chifuyu couldn't believe it.

That woman had only gotten the title Brunhilde because she resigned. She knew how strong Kerlongsj was and he would not just destroy her but shock the world in some way. She was the only one who believed in Kerlongsj ability to win.

Despite their protest, Anaton was moved to his cell. Luckily, it was one closer to the building and a lot cleaner than the last one.

He hated staying there but even the principal couldn't deny it. For the school, they had to lock up the boy. Even he didn't agree but there were too many powers playing. Anaton hated the ideas and the ways but knowing he would be properly taken care after, he resigned. Chifuyu stayed behind and talked to the principal.

Since Mattheus death, she didn't earn too many points. And now, he was asking her a deal that made the Brunhilde pale.

Kerlongsj was now dressing up his agent. Mattheus stood in a vessel where the Hacker getting his Nanites in.

Due to the school system still having Mattheus DNA in their school, it would normally be impossible to sneak him inside. The problem was that Kerlongsj was out of options. He couldn't send a Hacker with him. Those guys couldn't do it as they would fear that any other Hacker would destroy the school from the inside out.

They could watch one Hacker with abilities far beyond imagination. Not two. And Kerlongsj could only take one bodyguard with him. So having no other soldier able to take down an Infinite Stratos, Mattheus was the most logical choice. The Hunter had no problem with that but they couldn't smuggle him and Lavathenian inside the school.

Luckily, they didn't have to.

Joel had gotten his hands on the school's blueprint. With using the school, he could sneak in. Kerlongsj had just to allow one team of Hackers. The young Punk had already left with the Devil's Brigand. Due to the fight coming soon in a week, the former gang of the Devil had gone up there.

They wouldn't miss the fight and would sneak in. Kerlongsj told them he wouldn't cover up but knowing the abilities from his friends, they would get there. And they could take Joel and the unit with them. Oh, how he loved these guys. He had no problem with the illegal missions. Even stronger, he needed them there.

When he was busy fighting, the group had to free Anaton. With everything, Joel would be the best for it. The group would escort him to the school, go see the match as the many spectators and Joel would free his best friend.

Mattheus couldn't be smuggled in that way because Kerlongsj still needed a bodyguard. So with this machine, Kerlongsj had modified the guy in a way that the machines couldn't detect him. It was a drastic solution but at least, Kerlongsj didn't have to go through the events of changing Mattheus in his core.

The machines were too damn stupid so about a forty percent of small changes and they wouldn't even notice the differences.

Mattheus had changed outfits. He wore a dark vest with similar pants and he had his mask. Kerlongsj looked to the former sleeper agent with some pride. He had taken one simple guy, offered him a chance and it brought him this loyal soldier.

"How do you feel, Mattheus?" The Hunter was dizzy and his captain had to grab his arm.

"Like I went through a roller coaster. Hey, captain. How are you going to call me? Even with the changes, you just need one time to call my name and this whole cover is blown." He noticed his captain's smirk.

"Or are you hoping that they discover I'm still alive?"

Kerlongsj sighed.

"All in good time, Mattheus. As for now, your name would be…" He pondered on it.

"Witse." Mattheus looked up to the name.

"Really, you named you after a grumpy detective." Kerlongsj didn't watch that many on the television but detectives were his most favorite.

Kerlongsj grinned on his agent's remark.

"You got a better name," He asked his pupil. "Because if you do, I'm willing to hear," Mattheus grunted and sealed his fate.

He wore the mask of his old friend. It reminded Mattheus before this. A life where he lived in peace with normal problems, with normal things.

If he was going back to the ISA and if they would find out he was still alive, he hoped that Natasha could forgive him for the shit he caused her. He had played his death. She used him like he used her. Both of them weren't without faults.

She wanted to lure him like some kind of honey trap, Mattheus had faked his death and by no means, he had caused her a lot of grieve. Kerlongsj noticed that his agent was looking down.

He took both the shoulders of the man. Mattheus looked up to him.

Despite Kerlongsj being just four years older, Kerlongsj was an older brother. The Hunter acted like one but Mattheus could use an older warrior as a mentor as well.

"Don't be so down, brother. Don't your emotions cloud your ways. You fought as a warrior and the ways we chose aren't that easy." Mattheus got a cocky grin.

A grin that told Kerlongsj his Hunter was ready and back.

"Did you enjoy your night with Chifuyu?" Mattheus felt the hand on his head.

"That is not your business. So stop the nonsense, brother."

Mattheus nodded.

"Understood, captain." Kerlongsj and he walked away. They had packed and both took a suitcase. Kerlongsj would have preferred to travel with his own ships but the ISA was standing on it that they would come by plane.

Mattheus yawned. This would be a long flight.

Most of the hackers weren't there to sign their captain off. Kerlongsj understood, most were tired. Those who wanted to see the battle went with his group which wasn't that many. They would stay at hotels around the artificial island. Kerlongsj didn't expect his guys to stand at the end.

Several hackers, schoolers, veterans, old ones. They all stood together. Kerlongsj knew them all by name, by birth. He saw older ones with their sons which were now schoolers.

"You guys came to wave me off?" An old veteran walked to him. He served under Izof, Azalof's father.

"We came to see what you, little young Devil could do. I hope you can show these pathetic pilots what you can do. And why they shouldn't mess with us." Kerlongsj walked away with him. He and Mattheus got handshakes, pats on the shoulders or high fives were given what age they had. Eventually, the two took the bus to the place.

Waving their friends goodbye, Kerlongsj noticed his newly appointed bodyguard was staring absently out of the window.

"Are you okay?" Mattheus shook his head.

"I'm not really a travelers type. Never been. It's just. It's been a year and three months since I started at the ISA. Besides the summer where I met you at Graspop, I went back to the place. Then the three months of training here. And in those months, I have been out besides tracing back Anaton, erasing Phantom Task."

Mattheus paused when the bus made a short cut to the highway.

"I never thought I would be working as some kind of hitman." Kerlongsj pressed the hand on his friend's shoulder.

"I'm sorry for this but we'll find a way." Mattheus shook his head.

"Sir, you said that on the school, they might find out I'm still alive." Kerlongsj sighed.

"I'll tell you on the plane but to make it clear. The game we play is not just one chess game, it's multiple players. Some are free pieces like Chifuyu, others like yourself are private soldiers working for a King like myself. There are a lot of differences. First of all. I'm not from a country and I might be the only male player. The Hackers and their allies are all working under me. You're different due to your status as a pilot. But other players control more than just their organization. There are a few. One is an ultimate enemy. They are behind Phantom Task. Phantom Task is not just a disguise. It's comparable to what I do with the Metal Claw with the slight difference I respect them."

Mattheus waited, a little blown away. Sure, he always believed in the legends and rumors that a bunch of very powerful persons controlled the world. With the invention of the Infinite Stratos, that made the job easier.

That was maybe the most important reason why he joined the Hackers. Kerlongsj noticed that Mattheus had no message for dirty, shadow play. At least, not in his own men. Kerlongsj played the game dirty, hidden in the shadows. At least, that was when he had to play. Most often, he kept to themselves and left each other alone. But that was then. The now required him to get on the scene.

Not that he really cared. He would show the world what would happen if you took his little brother from him.

But for his own group. He never withheld information. Despite not even proved one thing, despite not even have one fight won, despite he saw nothing, he told Mattheus was his position was. Kerlongsj could tell a lot more but the offer that he gave Mattheus wouldn't be the best but for Mattheus, it was the best he could get.

"So the ones who kidnapped were Phantom Task." Mattheus was a bit shocked his captain shook his head.

"No, the ones who kidnapped Anaton would never bring him to the ISA. Frankly, even with everything, we don't know who they are. Like my own group, they're the only players who prefer not to get involved. I'm afraid that that is out of the question. With Anaton's abduction, they still know I'm alive. They have an idea what can happen. But surely, they don't know who hit them the last months. I'm not waging a war."

Kerlongsj stopped on the point that Mattheus could pick up. "You're telling me this because I am destroying their group. Unlike you, they don't keep to themselves. They use Phantom Task. You do the same, you just use me."

"That's a cruel way of putting it." Mattheus glared at his captain. A glare that was not disrespectful but one that told Kerlongsj he had to cut the crap.

"Call it how you like but we use one another. You don't want to get your hands dirty but you want the ones beneath Phantom Task gone. By letting me eradicate the terrorists, they will find out." Their conversation had to stop as they arrived at the airport. It had changed a lot.

The attack of the twenty-second of March 2016 was in their heads. Kerlongsj was six, Mattheus was two. They had heard what happened. Mattheus father told him a lot of that day.

They walked through it. Kerlongsj and Mattheus weren't what you could call celebrities. They had their faces hidden often and Kerlongsj did a lot to keep his organization hidden.

Well, what he could keep hidden.

At this point, the government wasn't in a comfortable position. The Hackers were the substitute but the normal people now wanted to find out. Sure, they blocked their own communications but if the neighboring countries are announcing that Kerlongsj would fight against the Tempest. Things are about to get tricky.

Kerlongsj came up with an explanation most normal people could agree on.

A group, made of men and women, (women were present in their group, in more way than one), meant as the answer for whenever a war would come against Infinite Stratos. Secret for the public to keep people safe.

Most wanted more information but Kerlongsj had his own lads sent out to cut off the intel. But he could predict most of them hijacked a few servers from England as they didn't want to miss the watch the fight.

Kerlongsj sighed.

His group was a lot but sometimes, he hoped all this secret could stop. That he could speak the truth. He and Mattheus left their pieces of luggage at the band. They walked on to their place. Despite the match, the mood was normal. Just business as usual without anyone worrying.

Nobody had actually to worry. Even if the Hackers had to subdue, they would make sure that people wouldn't notice it.

Heck. For most normal humans, the invention of the Infinite Stratos didn't change a lot in normal life. And in Belgium, that didn't have Infinite Stratos, the gender rules didn't apply. So it was just a stupid high tech machine that cost way too much for what it actually could do and not something most people would ever be confronted with.

But for Mattheus and Kerlongsj, they hoped that message could apply to them. But now, they didn't.

It took a few hours before they reached the plane. After taking off, Mattheus hoped to close his eyes. But before he could let sleep comfort him, Mattheus got information on what he and Kerlongsj had to do.

Even with the fight of the Tempest, Kerlongsj had the strong idea things could get out of control. And that he most likely would be the responsible person. So, Mattheus didn't have to keep the identity of Witse.

They also had to contact his group. Kerlongsj used their shared link. They were guests on the school. Besides a large group of pilots who attended the match as representatives of their countries, they were a lot of guests. Reporters, sellers of IS machinery or even normal people. Kerlongsj four hackers and one punk didn't make a sight. So his group arrived. In the school, they could plan. But Kerlongsj hoped he could just rely on Mattheus with the discovery of his Hackers.

If shit hit the fan bad, they had to get out. Only Joel, Anaton, and Mattheus could be his allies. But knowing them, they would get some fun as well. Hey, they were the Devil's Brigand after all.

After telling his plan, he followed his soldier's example and closed his eyes. He fell asleep. This would be the begin of the long days.

Chifuyu overlooked in the academy. She had somewhat hoped on a small, uneventful but if the raven haired learned one thing, it was that Infinite Stratos was never going to go quietly. She mused on how she would actually fit better in the Hackers.

Anaton had been brought to a cell where he would stay. It was for safety measures. Kerlongsj would try to free him but the Devil was the least of her worries. He would be fighting but there were more persons who wanted Anaton dead.

Still, Ichika was a bit shocked to find out about Kerlongsj. Still, he didn't like the idea of his sister screwing a guy while she was who she was. Somewhere, it didn't sit right with him.

The most surprising part? It was Anaton who explained to him why they did what they did. A human can work without support, love or anything like that but physical contact is sometimes really needed. Ichika still had problems understanding that but Chifuyu had a very embarrassing explanation.

Why Kerlongsj used her and she used him, it was still with basic respect for each other. In this form, it was almost pathetic. Chifuyu admitted that part. But hey, she was human. Human got needs too. And at that point, it was more than just lust that played. The fact that human contact was low for the two of them made it another point.

Chifuyu hated the fact that Ichika pointed it out like that but he could understand the reasons behind it. Speaking of Ichika, the young Pilot was hard to be found. Nowadays, he often spent time towards the cell. He and Anaton could talk about a lot.

For some reason, Ichika cried his heart out at Anaton, so to speak. For some reason, if he was a problem or he wanted someone to talk to, he went to a young boy of twelve years old that was normally seen as the enemy of the Infinite Stratos.

It had more to do with the fact that Anaton was good at it. Probably because the boy, like Joel, grew up fast. Even faster, considering he wasn't hiding but more training as a warrior. She had to admit that Kerlongsj did a good job.

Even better than she did.

It was unclear for her what they were talking about but Chifuyu made the guess that it was about their previous lives. Even more, than Mattheus, Anaton was easier to relate to. Chifuyu sighed. She had hoped at some quietness but that was far too find.

A lot of big players, the USA, Russia, France, Germany, the UK. They were just the tip of the iceberg that was coming to the school. Of all of them were very sure that Kerlongsj would lose this match and the last resistance group of men would surrender to them.

Chifuyu was happy that Kerlongsj wasn't arrogant. Sure, he could take them on but he wasn't willing to wage a war for nothing. Getting Anaton back was one thing. Fucking the whole world up.

Even he couldn't do that on his own. He needed his guys for that. And Kerlongsj's group wasn't really jumping to get in a war. They have lived long enough for that. Most of them got a girl that loved them, children they had to take care for.

The Hackers weren't a group of hired killers but a group of guys who wanted to protect their country against the Infinite Stratos. That's all. Chifuyu sighed.

Unlike the Infinite Stratos, they didn't want to impress anyone. But if it was a fight they wanted, they would get one.

This had been a headache for the raven haired beauty. It all came down to her to prepare for this event. And dealing with bureaucratic had been a damn pain She was a warrior for fuck sake. But because the academy was the grateful host for this part, she was now in charge of leading it. After leading the officials from Russia to their room, she walked into the most eventful thing of these past days.

There was a huge ruckus of journalists, cameramen, and interested school girls. Before Chifuyu could even yell at them, she felt a sudden wave of energy. The group vultures were swept away landing away from the two men.

Kerlongsj looked like he saw hell. Funny, a Devil seeing hell. Chifuyu smirked and walked to him. Everyone looked at her. The males were afraid of her, the females hoped that their idol would show that punk that you couldn't deny a woman anything.

She laid her hands on her hips, flashed him a smile and in an amused tone, she began to speak.

"Well, look who it is. Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov. As the protocol comments, I have to use these lines. Welcome to the Infinite Stratos Academy, mister Orlejov."

Kerlongsj looked tired, his eyes had bangs, his hair was a bigger mess than usual, his face was sweaty. On his left shoulder, a small black bird sat down. He flapped up his wings. He went with Kerlongsj commanders and now, he was finally reunited with his master. If he could call Kerlongsj like that. He wasn't a pet. He was Kerlongsj longest and first friend.

Despite looking like shit , the guy still stirred something in her.

She could swear something in her heart went up when Kerlongsj removed his hoodie to let his dark blond hair come out. His grin was like normal. Still with humor, although serious beneath.

"Yo, Chifu." He greeted the Brunhilde and caused a stupor in the environment. That man, called the Brunhilde, the most powerful warrior on the planet with a nickname. Now, let's look at the three that weren't bothered.

Mattheus, under his alias as Witse, looked surprised to a bit. Even he didn't talk to Chifuyu like that but because his captain told him what happened between them, he could think it was okay for now. He was more amused by the reactions. This wasn't a conversation between the most powerful beings on the planet.

This was a conversation between a man who hasn't been a man for that long and a girl who had grown faster up than she hoped for and whose relationship was shameful, clandestine but needed in their lives.

Chifuyu closed her eyes for a second before opening them with a hint of humor in it. In all honesty, she wasn't bothered by the nickname. He just cut off the last two letters of her name, made it a shorter name. It was never meant to be insulting or denigrating. It was just on a whim he has one called her that. Because his nickname never bothered her to a great extent, she agreed to it.

Chi-chan was way more annoying for her. She couldn't believe Tabane called her like that. But because the two were best friends, she let it go. The Shinonono family helped her and Ichika in their time of need so she had no choice but let it go.

Tabane had helped her to protect Ichika.

But somewhere deep down, she hoped she could introduce Tabane to Kerlongsj. He had an old score to settle with her and he would love to have a chitchat. Kerlongsj might not be serious all the time, had a way of taunting his enemies, almost fucked up a mission they had done but he was the one who saved the two, there was a simple reason why she allowed it.

He didn't annoy the fuck out of her and didn't sexually assault her.

At least, not without her permission. Kerlongsj had screwed her and she took his first time but all with mutual consent.

"I'm happy to see you again, Kerlongsj. I wouldn't think you'd come here." Jack flapped his wings to let his disapproval out of being ignored.

"I didn't forget you. Hey, Jack." The bird settled down and let the two talk.

She called him by his first name. Kerlongsj never cared a lot about his last name. Due to his age, he always made it a point that people called him by his first name. Because she returned him the favor, she gave him a nickname.

She only didn't call him like that as it would be awkward to explain.

Kerlongsj shrugged, Jack went up and still remained at its place. He found it amusing how everyone looked at it.

"Well, I didn't have much of an option." He spat on the ground. Chifuyu was unfazed by his rude action but knew how he rolled.

And she wasn't his mother so what else should she do.

"You know my policy. Touch my kid and you're going down." Chifuyu crossed her arms and looked at him.

"How are things back home?" Kerlongsj moved his head to the sky.

"Oh, now normal. Everyone is looking forward to the big fight. They expect me to wipe the floor with my opponent. Did you realize I haven't killed anyone of my guys? Gotta thank my lads for that. How are things here?"

Chifuyu titled her head. With a devil-may-care (pun not intended), she began to speak about the last hours at her place.

"Oh, things were fine. But because some idiots want a match to be held here, I'm stuck with a goddamn job. I didn't sign up for this." Kerlongsj made an apologetic look.

"Sorry for the shit I cause you."

Chifuyu placed a hand on his shoulder. While the grip would normally inflict a tremendous amount of pain, Kerlongsj felt it more like a friendly squeeze. It was notable that Chifuyu intended it as a friendly squeeze.

"Not your fault. Kerlongsj, you're the last person I blame. You came her to get your brother back. I would have done the same thing."

And she meant that. Kerlongsj didn't want all this and he was the least responsible person for this. Calling him was only to let some things know and to tell him, she had nothing to do with any of this. Kerlongsj took her arm and pushed it off his shoulders.

"Thanks. How is Anaton doing? I can't see him." Chifuyu shook her head.

It was her turn to make amends.

"No. Believe me, I would have no problem with it. He's locked up in a cell but I have made sure he's treated well. Ichika and he often chat there. I can't believe that the two get along so well." Kerlongsj smiled while Jack cocked his beck, agreeing on it.

"Maybe because he and Anaton have one similarity. A sibling like us." Like a young pup, she went over his hair and scratched it. Kerlongsj got a blush. Not a big one, not a small one either.

His cheeks just colored. Like a giant cat, he purred on it. He closed his eyes and even made a soft purr.

Mattheus was shocked. Had he taken a drug? Was he high? Were those two persons really Chifuyu Orimura and Kerlongsj Orlejov? The first Brunhilde and The Flemish Devil.

She was patting on his head, messing with his hair, like he was some kind of cat and he was purring like one.

Was this really happening?

Chifuyu continued the soft action. She didn't care what it would cause. It had been serious enough for the last days and she had enough stress running through her. Right now, she could use anything to calm down.

And Kerlongsj was here now. Kerlongsj was two years younger than her. Their age difference didn't make that big of a deal normally. But at this point, she wanted to make it count.

It lasted a few minutes until she decided she had humiliated him enough. At least, that was her idea. There was no way that you could get Kerlongsj to tell that he didn't like it. He had enjoyed it.

Chifuyu smiled at him.

"Okay, enough small talk. Kerlongsj, they have decided who they are going to let you fight." Kerlongsj looked at her, waiting for a while. Of course, he had to fight. Chifuyu politely refused and like Kerlongsj told her, this was a big plan worked out.

It didn't matter that Chifuyu was the Brunhilde. She retired and Kerlongsj had no real way to fight her on equal terms. He never cared about the retirement. If she retired, it was perfect. Kerlongsj wouldn't have to bother fighting her. In any way.

Kerlongsj waited until he saw someone coming to her. Jack looked at him and in their shared link, the bird couldn't tell how much Kerlongsj would love to fight this woman.

Mattheus stayed behind, his looks calm and collected. His boss would only call him when the damn hell that was needed. Before Chifuyu could answer, a voice cut through the air.

"Oh, are you that willing to die, Flemish Dog?" Kerlongsj slowly turned to the voice who had mouthed the insult.

She was a young woman of Southern European looks. Tall, not as tall as Mattheus or Kerlongsj but still, in some way, older. The two hadn't finished their puberty just yet.

She had red hair that went down to her shoulders. She had green eyes to go with it and her clothes were military if Mattheus had to pick.

He had a good idea who she was, even without the context. Freya had once written about her and from what he could tell, she didn't get along at all. It was maybe a good thing that Kerlongsj would fight her.

Mattheus had learned a lot in the last months. He was no longer the somewhat weak kid. He had faster grown than Ichika and he had little issues to kill with his Infinite Stratos.

Kerlongsj wasn't the only one who had some hostility towards her. Fiora Ricci, the Tempest pilot and winner of the second Mondo Grosso championship.

Kerlongsj glanced over to Chifuyu who had some problems holding back. The woman had problems holding back. Chifuyu's face had lost all its humor, she was now pissed. Not only did that bitch won the Mondo Grosso, earning the title of Brunhilde.

"Oh and you? You haven't changed on a bit, Chifuyu. I can't believe someone like you would come to greet this dog."

Kerlongsj glanced at Mattheus. The look told the man to shut up. He could leave this better to him. She was still the winner of the Mondo Grosso, so she was by no means a pushover. Kerlongsj would prefer to deal with this himself.

"For the record, I'm called the Flemish Devil, not the Flemish Dog. It starts with the same letter but it's not the same. Care to learn that?" Kerlongsj glared at her.

He let some of his Nanites out. Faint, not noticeable but it certainly built some tension.

Jack flapped his wings. "Patience, Jack. We're going to fight her so hold yourself in."

He heard a scoff. "Talking to a bird. Man, you must have fallen low. I can't believe it. The infamous Flemish Devil. Nothing more than an idiotic kid." Kerlongsj looked at her with his hands in his pockets.

"Jack is way more intelligent than you'll ever be. And for the record, I'm insane. Not idiotic. In all honesty, you're the one who is stupid." The Tempest Pilot waited.

"Who the damn hell is stupid enough to challenge a Devil?" Kerlongsj asked her. If this turned out in a shouting match, he could do a lot.

"I'm not going to lose my time on you. I will destroy you in the match. Good luck to you damned soul. And for you Chifuyu, I couldn't believe you fell so lowly."

Kerlongsj grabbed her shoulder. "Chifuyu, no. She isn't worth it." Chifuyu sighed and let it go. The woman walked away while the two glared at her.

"I hate her."

"I can relate." Kerlongsj looked at her. "If you want to vent your anger, call me for a training. But right now, I want to take a nap." He stretched out and laid his hands on his head. "No problem. Please follow me. And who is that?"

Kerlongsj looked at the masked man.

"He is Witse. He is my bodyguard. I know I don't look like a guy who needs a bodyguard but I have to give him a chance. He's a borrowed warrior who wants to join the Hackers." Mattheus was glad Kerlongsj came up with that lie.

Chifuyu agreed on the message.

"Well, I can't say about who you pick."

The technology Kerlongsj had Mattheus covered up enough so that nobody would notice he had taken a dead man with him. Kerlongsj grinned and the two followed Chifuyu.

They were lead to the VIP area. The pilots found it polite that Kerlongsj would get the last rights as he would be killed soon enough. Chifuyu guided the men, occasionally glaring at anyone who would stop them.

Kerlongsj was glad about that. Those who never saw him fighting wouldn't think of him as a warrior and would easily underestimate him. He never let words speak, much-preferring actions. And boy, the world would be in for a horror action.

Chifuyu opened a door, letting the men in a five star room with two single beds. It had anything you could wish for. Flat screen, computers, a shower and bath. This would be the perfect holiday room. It was in the modern style that was around this academy.

"I hope you like it," Chifuyu asked him.

Kerlongsj shrugged. "I'm used to worse accommodation. It's great. I assume there is no spyware in here." Chifuyu smiled at him. She knew perfectly what he could do if that was the case.

"Even if that's the case, I know you. You can perfectly take care of it." Chifuyu was the only one who trusted in the fact Kerlongsj could win this fight easily. She had hoped to wait that Fiora wouldn't be so stupid to bully a dragon or in this case a Devil.

Chifuyu walked away, leaving the men alone. Mattheus took off his mask. "I was suffocating beneath it. Captain, I'd like an idea because there is no way I'm going to wear this mask 24/7." Kerlongsj grinned.

He took out a black cloth. Mattheus looked at it and back to it.

"Here. With this, you can cover your face. If you pull up your hoodie, you can cover yourself easily." Mattheus wore that mask when he went out after bad guys but in the hot Japan, the facecloth which would function as a mask, that was better. He pulled it over him and it covered his face.

"How do I look?" Kerlongsj shook his head.

"Like a bad guy. Look, take a shower or get some rest. I don't care but I don't want you of this room." Mattheus nodded. He would prefer to stay in his room.

"If I may ask sir, where are you going?" Kerlongsj smiled but not before he let his Nanites destroy everything of malware.

"Getting you your weapons." Kerlongsj changed into a sweater that was less on the hot weather with a light material. He pulled up his hoodie and walked out the door. Mattheus took off his cloth, removed his sweaty clothes, threw them in a corner and went for a shower. He felt the water coming removing the saltiness from the last days.

'Back home.' He thought.

Kerlongsj was walking out in the open, moving from the VIP to the guests. It was like everywhere. How lower you were on the social ladder, how lower your room standards room where. He attracted some whispers around him. But in the end, he couldn't care. He was free on his own. The meeting with Chifuyu went better than he could hope for.

Eventually, Jack pointed the room he had to go.

He knocked at the door and it opened. Denzel looked in the eyes of his captain. "Jack wanted to get out. I know get why."

Longsword told his captain. Kerlongsj smiled at him.

"I can't stay for long. Give me the rings." Kerlongsj got a small, plastic container handed. Inside were five brown rings and two white ones.

The man stuffed them in his pocket.

"Is Joel around?" As on cue, the young boy appeared. Kerlongsj smiled at him.

"Hey."

"Yo, what do you need me for?"

Kerlongsj knelt down to him.

"Joel. I and Mattheus will be busy. Can you take care of Anaton? I want you to save him when I'm busy fighting." The young Punk nodded.

"No problem. Can I be deadly?" Kerlongsj shrugged.

"It's your call. Please get him out." Joel nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll get it done." Kerlongsj stood up.

"Denzel, you and the other three might be here for a match but you can have a fight yourself."

His oldest friend leaned to the wall.

"You fear to lose control?" Kerlongsj nodded.

"Yeah, I'm intending to let my actions speak. So in case of shit hits the fan, you can watch my back." Denzel nodded and let his friend go.

"You'll be fine. Good luck captain." He walked away with the two looking at him.

"You think things are going out of control." Denzel nodded.

"Let me just tell you, kid. If you fuck with him, he can take a lot but if you fuck with his kid and you're done for." Joel sighed.

"I just hoped I could watch the fight." Joel was really hoping for that.

Denzel ruffled through the hair.

"Joel. I don't think that's a good idea. If there are videos of it, it would be age restricting. And don't give me the crap you're a former IRA kid. What Kerlongsj is about to do, it would change the way you look at him."

Joel, not understanding what Denzel meant, looked up. Denzel sighed.

"Joel. Kerlongsj doesn't live up to his nickname and he is a benevolent guy. But at this point, he is seriously going to let his actions speak. He has always been better at that." That show is going to let the whole fucking world know why he got the name The Flemish Devil."

Joel shrugged.

"You know. I think it's weird. He is a Devil and he got a Hunter working for him." Joel smiled.

"I don't get that nickname. Why does Mattheus calls himself, Hunter?" The young punk turned to the Longsword.

"Mattheus calls himself Hunter as he doesn't want to be a warrior for anyone. He wants to use his skills to fight for himself. And because he is a huge fan of Simo Häyhä." Denzel's mouth got open.

"Ah, that would explain it. A Hunter that forced Russia to its knees. But I still don't get it." Joel sighed.

"A Hunter could force Russia to its knees. He wants to do the same for Phantom Task." Joel was done with serious business.

"Hey, wanna do some card game?" Denzel nodded.

"Sure."

Kerlongsj walked back to his room. He arrived late in Japan so he went out for a stroll. The night began to fall. He texted Mattheus he would be back later. In two days, he had to prove the world that they had to leave his cause alone.

Now, you might think Kerlongsj was just thinking he could take it easy and not even bothering about his enemies. Nothing of that was true. Kerlongsj knew what was at stake, he knew where he fought for and he knew what he could lose.

It was stupid, mindfucking. He would risk everything in his life for one boy. But that boy was his brother. End of the line.

He would never underestimate his opponents. That was the one thing Azalof taught him to do.

No matter how strong, how good you become, never look down on your enemy. It's more than basic respect. It's to keep yourself alive.

Kerlongsj had to agree.

In the open, it was nice, the heat was turned off and he could enjoy the summer night. He didn't catch a dinner as he wasn't hungry.

A beep from his cellphone. Supposedly, Mattheus had already made dinner and went to bed. He looked to the sky.

"Infinite Stratos, oneindig leger." Stratos was a word that came from the Greeks. It meant army. So Infinite Army.

Kerlongsj tried to use his link with Anaton. It had been nearly a month since he got missing. He hated it. He could rush in and take Anaton but it wouldn't solve anything. He had to fight. And that wouldn't be so bad. But Joel was a counter measure. He leaned at a bridge and sighed.

He looked around and saw someone standing. That person had black hair, dark red eyes, and a slim body. The same person wore the Infinite Stratos uniform. Now, why was this weird.

Because he looked in the eyes of Ichika Orimura.

Even if you didn't know him which would be impossible as he was the most famous guy on the planet. Kerlongsj now looked at what some of his guys could the greatest traitor in the history of mankind.

Kerlongsj thought otherwise. Ichika was a guy who had the luck or the bad luck to pilot the most complex machine to date. Killing him wouldn't solve anything. Ichika looked him in the eyes.

Kerlongsj noticed the look. Only his best friends (which included Mattheus and Joel), Anaton and Chifuyu looked to him like that. A look that showed respect without fear. A look that was refreshing to see and one he hoped to see more.

Ichika stood at the end of the bridge while Kerlongsj leaned at the railings.

"Ichika Orimura, am I right?" Ichika nodded and walked to him.

Kerlongsj arms got out of their crossed state and he offered a hand.

Ichika looked at it, unsure what to do.

"What, aren't you going to shake it?"

It had a slightly offended tone but it cleared up when Ichika shook it.

It was strong and hard but still, it had a lot.

"Are you Kerlongsj Orlejov?"

The man nodded.

"Yep. I'm the Flemish Devil. But Kerlongsj is enough." Ichika nodded and looked up and down.

"Well, I didn't know that you were." Kerlongsj shrugged.

"Your sister told the same thing many years ago." Ichika blinked. Of course, his sister has met him. And from what Anaton told him, Kerlongsj was a good guy when you got to know him. And this was maybe a good thing for later.

"Chifuyu-nee told me she met you years ago. And Anaton told me a lot as well." Kerlongsj was honestly surprised by that. He knew Anaton well enough. Anaton like him was a social disaster. It took years for him to grow out of it.

Anaton was good with his teammates but only close towards Kerlongsj. Against the man that was named Devil, he opened up to. Kerlongsj was the only one who saw him crying. Who he told about the nightmares. Who he held on his neck when he couldn't sleep.

"So what Chifu said is true, you came to visit him. Thanks for that."

Ichika looked up and went to stand on the other end of the bridge.

"Chifu?" Kerlongsj saw Jack moving his beak, tapping the man's cheek.

"That's the nickname I gave your sister. She doesn't care about it. She hates the nickname Chi-chan more than whatever I call her." Ichika put his hands on the guardrail.

"So you know about Tabane-san?" Kerlongsj looked up to the full moon.

"Yeah but that's a long story for another day. So, why did you come to me? Don't give me the crap you went out for a stroll." Ichika's eyes got open.

Man, this guy was good.

So he gave in.

"I want advise." Ichika said and he walked to the man.

"So why did you come to me? Go to Chifuyu or anyone else." Ichika crossed his arms.

"I have learned last year that sometimes a man is the person to open to." Kerlongsj waited but the answer surprised him.

"If you want to talk, Ichika, very well. Consider it a favor I return you because you've been taking care for Anaton."

In a comfortable silence, they walked around. The lights went on and the sun was now completely gone.

"When the light begins to change
I sometimes feel a little strange
A little anxious when it's dark"

Kerlongsj sang in a soft tone. For some reason, Ichika liked the tone.

On a bench, Kerlongsj hacked them some drinks. A can of green tea and a can of cola got out. Ichika opened his can and Kerlongsj took his drink.

"So what's it you want to talk about?"

Ichika made a sigh. "Well, let's see. First of all. I find myself left out in a lot of things. Things my sister kept from me." Kerlongsj had his front teeth on the can.

"If you're wondering, I'm not going to tell anything."

He got an accusatory glare. "I'm not asking. But Chifuyu-nee, she kept a lot from me."

Kerlongsj looked at him.

"What do you mean?"

"First of all. My supposed little sister shoots the other male pilot out of the sky. In three months, he becomes some kind of super soldier."

"You're talking about Mattheus Adjzof? The Brown Hunter." Ichika nodded.

"Yeah, he and I were close."

"I can imagine. It must be nice to have someone to talk to like that. But what do you mean with little sister?"

Ichika closed his eyes and leant his head back.

"Last semester, I met a certain pilot. Someone who was looking like Chifuyu-nee, who was nearly as strong, she said she was Madoka Orimura. She wanted to kill Chifuyu-nee. So I tried to stop her. But a bomb went off and she wanted to shoot me down. Mattheus took the hit and…"

How much Kerlongsj hated it, he couldn't do it. Kerlongsj had done a lot to cover Mattheus up.

Luckily, Ichika wouldn't have live long with that. In things worked out, the way he planned, it would becoming very clear Mattheus could come out.

"But that's not everything. Suddenly, someone comes in, talking about Hackers, Chifuyu-nee seems to know them. And now we're having a match between the Tempest pilot and you. And who are you really? I heard a lot but I want to hear it from you." Kerlongsj sighed.

In theoretical ways, he owned Ichika nothing. But that was in theory. Ichika went through a lot and because Kerlongsj was somewhere responsible for it, he decided to tell him.

Besides, it wasn't because his cause fought against Infinite Stratos, he hated them or Pilots. He couldn't hate Ichika. What good would that do?

"Good. I'll guess I'll tell you. My name is Kerlongsj Evert Orjelov. I'm twenty two. I'm the younger brother of Azalof, I'm the older brother of Anaton. I have been a hacker for a decade. I was a supportive ground type until I received Devil's Code. It made it possible that I could control Close and Long rang attacks as well." He paused and took a sip.

"I met your sister a few times. She and I helped each other. She also went one time to talk about certain things. In that time, we ended up giving to our emotions. I'm a guy who prefers a talk before a fight but if you touch Anaton, that's out the window."

Kerlongsj leant forward.

"I'm a guy who is so strong they couldn't put in a category. I lived on my own even in my group. I tried to become stronger but I couldn't until I learned a reason. That reason pushed me beyond everything. Tell me, Ichika. Why do you want to be strong?"

"I want to protect my sister."

"Ironic. That's the same reason why I became strong. I want to protect Anaton. That's why I became so strong."

Ichika looked at him.

This guy was the man who could take Chifuyu-nee on and who could take down Infinite Stratos like they were flies. The man who got the nickname the Flemish Devil?

Guy didn't look like it.

"You're wondering, right?" Ichika looked at him.

"You're wondering why they believe I could take on pilots and why your sister respects me?" Kerlongsj sighed.

"Well, that's because your sister has to. Your sister knows that I'm the only one who could take her on and who could hurt in a way that would kill her." Ichika pointed a thumb at him.

"Me." Kerlongsj nodded.

"Indeed, you're your sisters weakness. But that's not a bad thing. Me and your sis became so strong to protect our little siblings. That's a good reason. For both of us. It makes us weak but for one part, it makes us normal." Ichika looked. This wasn't an answer he would expect.

"If the guys back home know, their leader is a man who is capable of ripping them apart like they're nothing, it's not really improving anything. The guys back home, they see a man who is so strong but at the same time, they see why. When I am at home, they see me playing or talking to Anaton. The weakest of us all. Still, they understand. My weakness let them forgets I'm called Devil. It makes me human. The same with Chifuyu. The difference? Unlike her, I have no problem shattering my image as warrior. The guys know what I can do and with the kid, they believe that I'm not a bloodthirsty, rampaging killer but a guy who wants to protect his only living blood relative."

Kerlongsj looked him in the eye.

"If you want to become a warrior, that's okay but you need a reason that keeps you human. In your case, I'm guessing it's your sister or your friends. Maybe your reasons will change. I don't care. It's not my problem."

"What about Anaton? You say. He is the weakest of us all?" Kerlongsj sighed.

"Like IS compatibility, Hackers have a sync rate. I have a sync rate of thousand percent. Hackers below me got around seven hundred. How higher your sync rate is, how better you can control your powers and how stronger you are. Anaton has thirty percent." Ichika looked at him, waiting for more information.

Kerlongsj noted and picked the line-up.

"If a Hacker uses a move, it goes of the sync link. A normal attack would cost around fifteen percent. In my case, I don't look at it but I'm guessing I use easily around eighty percent. Anaton can only use thirty percent from his powers before he has to 'reload' like we call it. It takes a brief moment to use powers from us. If you don't follow, it's like your shield points." Ichika nods.

"So he has only thirty percent before his fight is over."

Kerlongsj nods.

"But that's insane. Why would you let a guy fight like that?" Kerlongsj smiles.

"Because Anaton wants to. He has shown me that he could use his powers for the better. He can use thirty percent of his Nanites but by something, he can turn up his synced power to three times his power. For some reason, he refuses to give it up. That is partly because of his Nature Low Control. He can't use that many Nanites but what he can use."

"Is beyond the normal usage of what Hackers do." Kerlongsj nods.

"It's a way we Hackers never walked but I think it's interesting." Ichika looked to the sky.

"I can't believe he would push on." Kerlongsj looked at him.

"But you can learn from him, Ichika."

Ichika waits until the man stands up.

"If I'd use all my power, I would vanquish any opponent. Not even your sister in her IS would be able to stop my strongest attacks but I fought Anaton. At one point, he and I fought. He refused to go down. I went easy on him but in the later times, he grew stronger and stronger. It began to take more. I attacked him with my special attack. You can say it's a bit like Yukihira. He took the attack head on, something your sister wouldn't survive. But he blocked it and stopped me. At that point, Ichika, I didn't have a kid but a boy from Hell. So that's why. A weakness can hold you back or get you up. He decided to gets him up. So it's up you what you do with it." Kerlongsj walks away.

"Wait, I have one last question." Kerlongsj halts and turns around.

"If you and Chifuyu-nee would fight, how would that end?" Kerlongsj looks back and shrugs.

"I can't tell. When I told you, your sister couldn't take me on, that was years ago. I don't know about now. But she has to consider I didn't stop training. If me and your sister would fight with our fullest power, it would lead to the end of the world like you know it. Not looking forward to that."

Ichika nods. He sees Kerlongsj walking away in the dark.

He was good. He could hide a lot of his power. So that meant a lot. Ichika emptied his drink and walked away as well.

He ended up in his room and laid down. He looked to the ceiling.

Would it be different if Mattheus would be here? Could he do something about his brother missing? Ichika didn't know. He heard a knock on his door. Walking to it, he opens and sees an unexpected guest.

"Houki?"

"Hey, Ichika. I was wondering. If you don't mind, can I crash over?" Ichika complements to say no as it would lead to a lot but right now, he could use it.

"Sure, but hold it down." Houki nodded and she gets in. Ichika walks to his bed and sits down.

"Is something bothering you?" She asked noticing that her childhood friend is absent in his mind.

"Yeah, I met someone crazy outside." Houki waits until she begins to go in her mind.

"You mean Kerlongsj Orlejov?" Ichika nodded.

"Yeah but don't get me wrong. He did nothing weird. He just talked and explained why he became strong." Houki looked at him and sits down.

"Is there something else?" Ichika took a deep breath.

"It's just. Things have been getting crazy. So many things happened on this month. In the last few days. And I, I don't know if I can keep it up."

Houki pulled her friend on her shoulder, making a soft moment. But unlike most times, she didn't fawn on it. She did this because she hadn't been too god for him and because she now thinks he has earned it. Because she want to make it right.

"We're here for you, Ichika. Don't worry. We'll always be there for you." She held Ichika close and eventually, he fell asleep. Softly, she laid down and she held his head towards her chest. While it might seem lewd, she did out more out of love than lust.

Things indeed got crazy.