Opening song: Ania Dabrowska – Sound of Silence
Time: 10:32PM – Phantom Task Hideout
Squall oversees Three Dragons, Shen, and Kaori's training session. Three Dragons partial deployed Oblivion and Moon Blade to spar Behemoth with Titan –M5 coursing through his body. Three Dragons felt stronger than before, landing consecutive blows with precision while Behemoth fought back. The Lion leader did not break a sweat matching move for move at Three Dragons as he was still not up to par to fight an IS pilot. Nevertheless, the dragon soldiered on to get stronger thanks to the stimulant drug he used.
Three Dragons' reflexes and strength increased by tenfold while he concentrated on surviving fighting against Behemoth. While those two were going at it, Kaori activated Phoenix to run an obstacle course Squall set up. Kaori took off instantly, doing barrel rolls and firing her gatling guns at stationary targets. The Phoenix's gatling guns spat huge firepower that disintegrated her targets in less than three seconds. Kaori launched incendiary missiles while she manipulated fire with intensifying heat that turned blue. Like a fighter jet, Kaori gracefully flew, releasing residues of fire on the ground.
Last but not least, Shen lifted weights and she did intensive core workout to build her endurance. Even though the scorpion was a capable IS pilot, Squall trained Shen to increase her stamina to ensure she can withstand consistent punishment. The trio trained with utmost determination to fight Liu, especially Three Dragons so he can steal Nightmare for good. The scorpion deployed Dread Gauntlet to train her new weapons, firing her dual railguns. The scorpion tore through moving targets with her tekko-gaki that she sliced them into ribbons. Squall remained indifferent as she turned at Madoka.
"Would you mind going down to assist Shen's training?"
Madoka frowned in disgust. "I am not her babysitter, Squall. Three Dragons can take care of the scorpion. I have better things to do, such as killing Chifuyu and Ichika."
"You will find Shen useful should you run into Chifuyu in the future."
Madoka scoffed. "No thanks, I don't need assistance to kill the Orimura sibilings."
The black butterfly stared at the dragon fighting intensively against Behemoth. Madoka was unimpressed at Shen training her new weapons. Their faces were dead serious to achieve their specific goals. Shen did not have a long-term goal, unlike Three Dragons. The scorpion's goal was to kill Chifuyu where she could not complete the last time they fought at Kyoko.
"Three Dragons is out to kill Liu so he can steal Nightmare for Kaori," Squall explained. "Shen has the same goal as you to kill Chifuyu. The scorpion might get overconfident fighting Chifuyu on her own. It's best that you keep an eye out on her to not get her carried away."
"I'm the one that deserved the right to fight Chifuyu," Madoka said. "Shen is never a match for nee-san, and she is a third-rate pilot."
"I would be careful if I were you, M."
"Why would you ask me that?"
Squall took a step back before Shen leaped upwards to land behind Madoka with an imposing height. Madoka was unfazed staring at the mechanical scorpion. Shen did not appreciate Madoka's remark towards her as she made a cutthroat gesture.
"Was that supposed to be a threat against me?" Madoka questioned the silent bodyguard.
"…"
Madoka raised her eyebrow at Shen being silent as usual. Little did Madoka know was the quiet one would be the deadliest of all. Should Madoka question Shen again, the scorpion might strike before Madoka can blink. The butterfly was annoyed at Shen's silent persona as if it was a silent insult.
Madoka clenched her left fist, feeling the anger boiling up. "You mute roach. If you have something to say, then do it in my face."
"…"
Shen threw her middle finger at Madoka, provoking her even more. Madoka clenched her teeth, feeling anger reaching to her boiling point. Madoka was on the edge of killing Shen in three seconds if the scorpion remained silent. Shen pointed her tekko-gaki that extended its sharp blades at Madoka's throat. In response to the threat, Madoka aimed her Star Breaker, charging BT energy to kill Shen in any second. Squall did not like to deal with small disputes, especially Shen and Madoka threatening to blow each other's brains out.
The leader patted Madoka and Shen to prevent them fighting at each other. "Madoka and Shen. Please put your weapons down. Or should I make you do it with my bare hands?"
Squall partial deployed Golden Dawn with her tail snaked around the duo with its sharp claws. Madoka and Shen were fixated on making their first move until the tail got closer to bind them. The duo reluctantly obeyed Squall's direct order, much to the amusement of Squall. Madoka wanted to kill Shen because of her silent personality that irked her.
"Shen," said Squall. "Madoka will provide assistance for your training. This is an opportunity for you to know each other, and play nice, okay?"
The scorpion's facial expression did not change. But Shen was unhappy having to work with Madoka that shared the same goal of killing Chifuyu. Shen attempted to rebuke Squall's decision, but the leader overturned her decision with a smile on her face. Even with a simple expression, it was merely a mask to hide her ruthlessness. Shen stood down as she went back to training with Madoka tagging along. Clearly, Madoka does not get along with Kaori, and working with Shen made it worse as she sees her irritable, mute Phantom Task agent.
The Phantom Task leader read the message Chifuyu sent her not too long ago to counter against the blackmail. Squall shook her head, knowing well that the situation has become a stalemate between her and Chifuyu. Any side that took further action will result in a violent conclusion. Squall does not like needless overdoing things as she walked away towards her foot soldiers and the remaining Lion pilots.
"Time for us to find ourselves a new home at this fine city," said Squall, adjusting her red dress. "Chifuyu played our game, and she won. The Brunhilde send out cops to flush out our presence, calling us out to challenge her. If that's what Chifuyu wants, we will give it to her."
Men and women foot soldiers stood still, waiting further orders from the leader. They were not agitated or nervous with cops enforcing the streets. In fact, they took it a stride, despite the setback they suffered from Midari arrested. Squall pointed her holographic projector with the map of the underworld, moving blocks around.
"Occupy whatever facilities you see fit," said Squall. "Preferably places that does not get yourselves arrested or killed from the cops should you run afoul. The Lion pilots are your superiors to take orders from that they will provide assistance in fights."
The foot soldiers and Lion pilots walk out of the facility to spread out at the underworld while Squall returned to train Shen, Kaori, Madoka, and Three Dragons. The reason being Squall spread out her foot soldiers and Lion pilots was the cops will raid on their hideout soon. Squall was not deterred as she can simply scatter her resources to good use. Shen and Madoka traded blows with sparks flying every direction to give it their best. Three Dragons and Behemoth were about to go again until Behemoth was called in by Squall and Rain, along with two Lion pilots codename Seryu and Gate.
Seryu was a young woman with auburn hair and amber eyes that wore her hair in a long ponytail that almost reached the ground. Gate has long waist-length silver hair and bright red eyes. Their personalities were just like Behemoth: cold, ruthless, and bereft of emotions.
"Behemoth, Seryu and Gate," said Squall. "Rain here has something to show you."
"Consider this a guarantee victory fighting against my former classmates," Rain told the three, uploading combat data from Ichika and the girls.
Behemoth, Seryu and Gate read the data while Rain looked in amusement of their appearances, notably their hair color and eyes.
Rain smirked. "Where's your biological weapon that transforms into a huge fighting machine resembling a dog? You don't have a psychotic personality with a twisted sense of right and wrong. Gate, I don't see your bunny ears that you offered yourself to the first moronic prince to save your people in the past."
Seryu and Gate frowned in disgust at Squall's niece that she had to throw out unnecessary anime references. Rain shrugged at Seryu and Gate as she waited for them to finish reviewing their data. Before Rain can poke fun at Behemoth, the lion beat her to it.
"Yes, I am the special agent that wears a gas mask at all times," said Behemoth in a sarcastic tone. "I don't need to collect a sample Titan –M5 for Phantom Task."
Perhaps Rain must have watched too much anime to point out their appearances, except for Behemoth because she was called out several times. The Lion pilots got the essentials to prepare themselves to strike back at the Academy again in the future. Squall folded her arms, watching her foot soldiers scrambling to execute the plan.
Time: 12:58PM – Righteousness Union Headquarters
Three Dragons and Shen concluded their training while Kaori stayed behind for additional training. The dragon had not seen the Dragon Head, Yuen Hoi-pang, better known as Uncle Yuen, so he decided to pay a visit. After all, it does not hurt to catch up to the Dragon Head of Righteousness Union that ran the underworld, despite the heavy presence of cops. Three Dragons and Shen stepped foot into the den of Righteousness Union, where people are either lucky to come out alive, or be dead inside.
Uncle Yuen was 54 years of age, stern and serious, yet kind. Yuen has a cigarette in his mouth, smoking casually with a QSZ-92 on his left holster. Yuen wore a charcoal grey overcoat with matching trouser, simple black button shirt, and brown dress shoes.
"Uncle Yuen," said Three Dragons, sitting next to Yuen. "I came here to visit you."
The Dragon Head gave him a cup of water. "What would you like to talk about, Three Dragons?"
"I did my contributions to the Righteousness Union. Liu is not putting his effort to keep the family alive. He is the cause that sparked this civil war between our brothers and sisters."
Yuen absorbed Three Dragons' words into his mind, noticing Three Dragons unhappy. "Keep in mind you are involved in this conflict because you and Liu fought for a long time that attracted everyone."
"Are you saying that it's my fault for exploding the keg over an…IS that I clearly got fair and square?"
"You fail to see the picture, Three Dragons. The ego and denial have gotten the better judgment of you. Liu was the first to activate it, yet you still persist to pry it off his hands."
A pause as if time has stopped momentarily. "I hope that was a joke. Otherwise, I would not be happy to accuse me as the instigator."
Three Dragons showed respect for Yuen, but the moment the latter pointed his fault, the dragon felt offended. Three Dragons gritted his teeth in anger, slowly losing his cool. The Dragon Head was correct because Three Dragons failed to notice his ego getting the best of him. Combined with his heated rivalry with Liu, he did not stop to get Nightmare by any means necessary.
"Look at how much work I put it to uphold the family," said Three Dragons.
Yuen did not say a word as he listened carefully. Three Dragons, in a fit of rage, kicked the stool that echoed the room, attracting two Righteousness Union associates.
"What will happen to my brothers and sisters I raised? How about the businesses I worked so hard to generate income? Huh? They will not survive without my guidance should I die over this conflict."
Three Dragons played the victim to sway Yuen's opinion, which the Dragon Head did not fall for. Seeing his lack of words being spoken, Three Dragons stood up, threw the glass against the wall that shattered into pieces.
"Show Uncle Yuen some respect, Three Dragons," the male Righteousness Union warned Three Dragons.
"Have you forgotten who you are addressing to?" said the female associate.
"You are not helping me, Guo and Tian…I've had it with this family that are not contributing to me! Me! Who do you think got the operations I made off the ground? Hard working money like this doesn't fund itself, you know! Yet everyone looks down on me…I don't need help from this falling family. I can sort this out with those that are loyal to me! From here on, I will form…my own society, the Harmonious Association."
The culture of Righteousness Union emphasis brotherhood, sisterhood and unity. An act to form a new society is not tolerated by the Triad, and it would lead to heavy casualties. Yuen appeared moderately surprised when Three Dragons threatened to break with Righteousness Union.
"You're out of your rocker to do something this outrageous!" Guo berated Three Dragons.
"This will make things worse to add heavy violence with your deluded ideas," said Tian. "Do you not have common sense?"
Three Dragons glared at Guo and Tian without saying a word. The dragon felt betrayed that the Righteousness Union failed to "help" his ideas come to fruition when it was clearly his fault that ignited the conflict in the first place. Yuen remained cool as a cucumber, even when Three Dragons threw a fit.
"Let me rephrase it one more time," said Yuen, smoking a cigarette. "Three Dragons, do you plan to create your own society, is it not?"
"What am I supposed to do? I want to make everyone feel happy, but they are not with my contributions I put."
Yuen exhaled the smoke while Three Dragons growled. "Then that's all I need to hear, Three Dragons. I'm not stopping you from making your decisions, but I hope you rethink your actions to form your society. Your brothers and sisters will not be happy to turn your backs on them."
"Fine!" Three Dragons shouted. "Let them hit me! We'll see who dies first!"
Before the Dragon Head dismissed Three Dragons, Yuen dropped his advice. "Everyone has the right to compete each other. We have to maintain the equilibrium, especially those that let their egos get the best of them. You and Liu compete for a long time until it turned into heated rivalries. There's a time to cool it off. Tradition is tradition, breaking it would cause another war. The grudge is still in you that have spread out of control. It will be chaos.
Three Dragons diminished his rage. "I understand...Uncle Yuen. I'm sorry for acting improper to you."
"Learn to let it go, Three Dragons. Everyone is greedy to begin with. When I sought to get my hands on IS for selling purposes, Tabane said don't ever sell an IS. They are not made to be used for making profit. Find an alternative that does not piss her off. I was ignorant to begin with due to the lack of IS knowledge. I persisted to seek more, but the uncles reminded me to bow out gracefully. When you grow up, people will respect you. Anything else means death. Liu has claimed the IS in the first place."
The moment Three Dragons and Shen were about to leave, Yuen has another advice that will be his last.
"Wise up in your next life."
Three Dragons and Shen left the den, which marked the betrayal of Righteousness Union that raised him in the first place. He is now a traitor that turned his back on his brothers and sisters, except for his followers that are still loyal to him. The civil war turned from bad to worse with brothers and sisters blindly fight each other because of what they believe in Liu and Three Dragons' beliefs. Three Dragons had a bad day meeting with Uncle Yuen, and he needed something to relief the stress.
Time: 6:07AM – Stadium
"AAARRRGGGHHH!" –Liu grunted, flipping a tractor tire.
"Come on Liu," said Rin. "Are you going to keep me waiting all day or do I have to go down there and bust you up to keep moving?"
"No!" Liu proclaimed. "I…can do this without your help!"
Liu trained nonstop with the girls, even with Ichika for IS sparring. They made the training much harder for Liu as they felt like they were being too easy on him. The dragon did not mind the amount of effort they put in because he appreciated them to make him stronger physically and mentally. According to Liu, Houki's training was the hardest of all to endure her nonsense personality and her mentally draining workout. Ichika's training was the second hardest primarily the blue boy's major improvement piloting an IS that the dragon could not keep up his pace.
Last but not least came to Rin's training. The tiger has Liu follow a strict training regimen. Under Rin's training, Liu flipped a tractor tire on a makeshift hill with great amount of force. The heavy rubber made quick work to train Liu on exerting force quickly against larger IS pilots. Veins bulged on his biceps every time Liu flipped the tractor tire. By the time Liu finished to take a break, the training was just the beginning to make him more tired.
"Who said training was done?" Rin said, strapping ropes on Liu's back. "Start all the way from the beginning to reach to the top."
Rin threw metal beams onto the crate with the ropes attached to Liu's back. The dragon bear crawled that he put a lot of energy against the heavy weight dragging along. For her amusement and part of his training, Rin added more weights on the crate every time Liu made it to the finish line. Liu was about to complain, and if he did, Rin would increase the weight on the crate to shut him up. Liu grunted, bear crawling slower than before due to the amount of work he put in from the heavier crate. Rin hid her amusement through her serious scowl, but she let out a grin as if she enjoyed it.
Chifuyu saw the intense training, though she did not say a word as the Brunhilde let out a smirk at Rin. At least Chifuyu does not have to keep an eye out on the dragon primarily from Rin. The training was backbreaking, and unforgiving because Liu has never been through this type of workout that focused on working his entire body. The dragon was accustomed to weight training, and he learned that there's more than just lifting weights to get around.
"You will wake up at 6 in the morning every day," said Rin, writing notes for Liu's training routine. "Run around the campus as warm up, and if I catch you slacking off, I'll add additional laps. Do I make myself clear?"
"Understood, Lingyin. Getting you on the bad side is asking for a death wish."
The dragon's training started every day with an early morning roadwork to get his blood flowing. Rin wanted Liu to achieve his goals to kill Three Dragons, and she was willing to help him so long as he came back alive. The tiger did not turn her head away from Liu, not even once because she was not going to let Liu go off course. A series of rigorous workout, mostly cardio and core with some weight training and IS involved was enough to keep Liu busy. Each day was tiring for Liu that put a toll on him, but Rin did it to make his will stronger. As time flies, Liu slowly got the hang of it, and the dragon could barely feel the pain from the training.
When Rin saw Liu progressing, the tiger increased the difficulty of his training to add resistance. For instance, Rin made Liu do pull ups with a twist. Liu had to move his head left to right, vice versa every time he pulled up. By the time Rin trained Liu on IS combat, she showed him some techniques. Even before Ichika and the girls trained Liu, he already had a very refined physique. Rin's training regimen, combined with Ichika and the girls, Liu's body was even more refined with bulging biceps, pecks, and a hardened 6-pack stomach.
"You became much more refined," Rin complimented. "However, we're not done yet because we have not fought each other. I hope those muscles of yours don't drag you around."
"Which I'm looking forward to fight you from the training I learned from you guys," said Liu, stretching his arms. "After all, there's more than just weight training to be stronger."
"We'll see about that, and don't you disappoint me if I don't see improvements from you."
Rin and Liu walked together towards the hallways while Ichika and the gang train nonstop to improve their skills. Rin was amazed of Liu's body that resembled a lightweight boxer, and she could not help but stare at the dragon. Rin could tell that Liu has changed not just appearance wise, but his personality. The rigorous training Liu went through made him somewhat calmer and more mature. As evident shown that Liu was less prone to talk back, and he does not exhibit being stubborn, reckless, and most of all, selfish.
Liu learned that going alone to stop Three Dragons was not the best solution. Not only it puts himself in danger, but Rin was also affected since she looked out for him.
"The training Ichika and the girls put up was unforgettable," said Liu. "I get to know them better as part of their training for me to bond."
Rin petted his head. "That's the point to come out of the dark to step into the light. You were reckless with a short temper that blows up everything you see as a threat. Being selfish was your main characteristic, which was unpleasant to begin with."
Liu gave a small defeated laugh. "I guess those traits led me to being tortured by Three Dragons, and losing my friends because I refused listening to you."
"If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. You got rid of your bad habits to prove it without being paranoid of Three Dragons going after you."
"I'll admit that I did not like the repetitive, easy training before it got really hard to make me change one way or the other."
Rin gave Liu a bottle of water. "That's the way to see if you put in effort to change. I would have been worried constantly every time you go out on your own, but not anymore."
"Were you really that worried about me?" Liu questioned. "Even after I left you behind not once, but twice because I was fixated on settling my scores?"
"I brought you here not just to keep you safe," said Rin , smiling. "But I want to know you better since the beginning. There were lessons behind the journey you went through, along with the training we provided."
At first, Liu thought Rin was talking nonsense, but when he looked back at his misguided attempts to stop Three Dragons on his own, it cost him his friends and nearly his life. Rin went on a suicide mission to save his life from being tortured by Three Dragons. Liu does not have a solution to pay back Rin for looking out for him.
"Liu, do you know the lessons they were supposed to give you since day one I took you in?"
The dragon blinked in confusion. "A philosophy book pulled from the forgotten library?"
"No, Liu, you may have not noticed it, but if you don't know, ask me for answers."
Liu stopped momentarily to answer her questions, but he shook his head. "You tell me, I don't know what the hidden lessons are."
Rin flipped her twin tails back. "Lesson one, retain calmness and self-control. A fighter who attacks in anger is a fighter that never wins. Your anger and emotions clouded your senses that you attack every sight you see as a threat."
Liu attempted to fight Tabane, but he was in pure rage, and Liu lost. He did not learn from his mistake when Liu blasted Rin once for pulling him away from his vendettas. He let his emotions get his point across, which was not the way to get in confrontations. Rin was not done yet as she has some lessons to lecture the dragon.
"Lesson two, accept defeat if it is the wisest option," said Rin.
"What? Was that a lesson or one of your wisecracking jokes? That's ridiculous and stupid! To surrender is not the warrior's way."
"You won't be an IS pilot without your head. Besides, an IS pilot that never fails never learns."
Rin looked off across the window at the campus. "Lesson three, have patience and tolerance."
The lessons were not just for combat purposes, but life lessons for Liu to remember. Rin saved the last to wrap it up.
"Last lesson, forgive yourself; you are only a mortal being, and doing your best is enough."
Liu sipped his bottle of water for a brief break before he concluded his thought.
"What a roller coaster ride we have been through. Thanks to the birth of Infinite Stratos, the world has turned upside down. Women can only pilot IS restricted to candidates of their countries, but that does not stop criminals to get their hands on to see what's fit in their eyes."
The tiger and dragon walked pass the Brunhilde's office, completely unaware that Chifuyu was already inside.
Chifuyu's iPhone 6 rang in her pocket, and the caller was unknown. Suspicious, Chifuyu picked up the phone, wondering if it's a prank call or something sensible.
"Hello?"
"Chifuyu Orimura," said Yuen in a calm tone. "Long time no see. Did you make progress cleaning up crime infested streets?"
The moment Chifuyu heard Yuen's voice, she felt like she witnessed a napalm bomb exploded in front of her. Chifuyu kept her cool, going toe to toe with the Dragon Head of Righteousness Union.
"What do you want from me, Uncle Yuen?"
"I believe you have a student that goes by the name Liu King-sang. How is he doing at his new school?"
Chifuyu realized that Uncle Yuen knows Liu due to his affiliation with Righteousness Union. Chifuyu attempted to steer him away to not go back to his old ways.
"Liu is doing fine, he does not need to see you thank you very much."
Uncle Yuen lit his Cuban cigar. "I did not say it's a request, Brunhilde. It's an immediate order to give me Liu."
Chifuyu clenched her smartphone, nearly cracking the screen protector. Uncle Yuen got the drop on her, knowing she was not in a position to defy him.
"I have three guests that are in my house trying to sell me Tear of the Sun. One won't sell the price I want, and he goes down with his life."
BANG BANG
Chifuyu shook slightly from the gunfire Uncle Yuen shot an individual in the head, twice. The two were terrified at their fallen comrade while Uncle Yuen smoked his cigar casually before he aimed his QSZ-92 at the duo agents.
"I knew from the beginning that those three were undercover agents belong to you. Would you like to hear their last words before I carry them in a casket should you defy me?"
The Dragon Head put his phone on the petrified agent. "C-Chifuyu, pull the plugs on this operation. If we don't comply before Yuen's cigar burns out, we will die one by one."
Chifuyu gritted her teeth from the miscalculation. "Call off the operation, get out of here right now."
Uncle Yuen continued smoking his favorite cigar. "Chifuyu, I admit that this war does bring out the worst in me. But all I ever wanted is to check on Liu and see him. And our quarrel has never been with you personally. With this petty conflict with Three Dragons spiraling out of control, my only wish is to resolve the conflict peacefully. Together, Chifuyu, I believe you and I can make it a temporary reality if you stop hounding at me for your sake and Liu's."
"Fine, I'll let you see Liu, but if you plan to do something I don't like, I will come to you personally, and that's the last thing you will ever see."
"Relax, my friend. I'll return Liu back to the Academy without harming him. Now go see your agents to debrief them."
Uncle Yuen got what he wanted, and released the two agents before he hung up and poured chrysanthemum tea. Chifuyu overstepped her boundaries that prompted the Dragon Head to put the brakes on her.
"Liu, looks like you're going to meet Uncle Yuen," said Chifuyu, hiding her distaste of the Dragon Head. "It's best you get there right away, he is waiting for you."
The dragon felt sick to his stomach. "This is out of context, but why are you letting me go to see Uncle Yuen? I thought you don't like him."
"Just…go! Don't question about it anymore."
Liu turned pale as if he saw a terrifying ghost, especially when he heard Uncle Yuen. This was the worst situation Liu was in to meet the Dragon Head that he has not seen for a long time.
"Liu, I'll go with you," said Rin. "I can't standby with you alone in the underworld"
"Are you sure about this? We're talking about Uncle Yuen, the Dragon Head of Righteousness Union."
"If you're venturing on your own again, take me with you. I can't stand aside, not knowing what will happen to you if Uncle Yuen might do something to you."
Liu sighed as arguing with Rin was pointless, and he reluctantly let her tag along. Rin and Liu activated their personal IS and flew towards the underworld.
Rin saw his face still pale. "You're worried."
"I uh…I did not check up on Uncle Yuen when you cut me off from communications with Righteousness Union at the Academy," said Liu nervously.
"Look, at least I kept you alive away from Three Dragons."
"That may be just what saved us, but not the conflict I have with Three Dragons. Uncle Yuen knows all of it."
Liu shook his head. "It's not fair! I activated this IS in the first place, and Three Dragons gets delusional and greedy. What was I supposed to do? You tell me!"
"Just what you did. You can't back down from that asshole that nearly tortured you to death."
"You and him got history, huh? Guess I'm not the only one that has a feud with him."
"It started even before I transferred to the Academy," said Rin. "Three Dragons attempted to exhort my parents' restaurant. They said no, and he responded by threatening to torch it, where I fought him and his goons off. From there on, we developed grudge against each other."
"Listen…anything…should anything happen to me…don't let it affect you from helping Chifuyu to finish Operation Exorcist, along with your well-being. My allegiance is Righteousness Union, and it's an eyesore to the public society. But one thing Righteousness Union and I've got for us is each other."
Rin blinked in curiosity. "Are you referring to brothers and sisters in a family?"
"Yes, people use that word a lot, but it means something for me. And it should to you too. We look after each other, and we look after the people we love."
By the time Rin and Liu arrived at Righteousness Union headquarters, they gulp from the lion's den, which was the last place they might make it out alive.
"We can't just walk in there. Not if it's…as bad as you say."
"We don't have a lot of choice," said Liu. "That's the way it's done, Lingyin. Besides, you can't hide from Uncle Yuen. If he wants someone dead…they're dead. And I rather see it coming, you know? You should be okay, but if I get shot by the Dragon Head, do not…do anything stupid, okay?"
Rin and Liu were about to enter the Dragon Head's high rise apartment building until an RU associate stopped him.
"Hey Liu, what's wrong? You look like you saw a Jiang shi! Who's your lady friend?"
Liu rolled his eyes. "You don't need to worry about my friend. Didn't Uncle Yuen tell you not to stick your nose too much?"
"You and Three Dragons have been throwing a lot of weight around on this civil war. What's up with that?"
"Is Three Dragons here?"
"Nope, he left a while ago—without a scratch. Doesn't bode too well for the other parties involved."
The associate chuckled lightly at Liu and Rin before he let them inside the den. After all, this would be the last place for those that want to sign their death wish.
"Go right in, Liu. Have fun!"
Rin and Liu entered the elevator until they reached the 20th floor. Righteousness Union guards check Rin and Liu that they did not carry weapons before they let them in. The room was spotless with high end furniture decorated the living room. A European picture hung on the left side with a sword on the opposite. Uncle Yuen was facing the window, enjoying the views of busy downtown streets.
"Uncle Yuen," said Liu, preparing for the worst.
The Dragon Head turned around to see Liu. "Ah, Liu! Come in, sit down. Have some tea."
Rin and Liu felt the immense aura from Uncle Yuen. They sit down, and drink tea while the tiger and dragon keep their cool.
"And you, young lady must be-"
"Lingyin Huang, Uncle Yuen," said Rin, bowing her head to show respect. "Liu has been a good friend to me. I've tried to do right by him."
Rin had courage to finish Uncle Yuen's sentence, but she was not going to let him do harm to Liu.
"I like the way you think. That's the attitude that makes us strong. Loyalty, discretion…used to be more common."
Liu sip tea to calm his nerves, but deep down, he still feared Uncle Yuen not because of his middle aged appearance. Uncle Yuen was the founder of Righteousness Union, and he was still feared and respected.
"We have not seen each other for a very long time," said Uncle Yuen. "How's IS Academy treating you so far, Liu?"
"The Academy has enough commodity to keep me cozy…what a minute…how did you know I was at the Academy?"
"Not hard to figure out when you have not shown up for a while. The last place anyone would seek refuge is IS Academy, especially those that recently learn how to pilot an IS. Am I right?"
"R-right, Uncle Yuen. Three Dragons was in denial because I activated the IS first ever since we fought over for ownership."
Uncle Yuen smoked his Cuban cigar. "I had my hands on an IS before. That was when I had no knowledge of what they actually do, and we tried to sell it to Tabane."
"The creator did not take the offering kindly, and incapacitated a few members to not ever sell an exoskeleton weapon."
"Only if we were not ignorant in the first place," said Uncle Yuen. "Now then, I assume your lady friend took care of you from the last fiasco you and Three Dragons had at the dock."
Rin nodded her head. "Yes, I recuperated his injuries that left him under the radar for a month. I realized Liu will not be safe if he continued to stay in China. So I took him to IS Academy to steer him away from Three Dragons that won't stop to get his hands on Liu's IS for his selfish needs."
"Did he now?" asked Uncle Yuen.
"Yes, Uncle Yuen."
Rin and Liu did not want to know what Uncle Yuen would do next as they remained silent. Liu thought Uncle Yuen would question Rin again, but the Dragon Head had a different approach.
"In any case, you did well on looking out after Liu. I want to show you my gratitude."
"Uncle Yuen, that is not necessary to-"
"Don't start an argument," said Uncle Yuen in a strict tone.
Rin kept her mouth shut to not get Uncle Yuen on the bad side. The tiger did not want to appear too careless taking the Dragon Head's gratitude.
"Here's a little token of my respect," said Uncle Yuen, giving Rin money wrapped in rubber bands. "I thank you for keeping him alive if it weren't for your swift actions."
"Thank you, Uncle Yuen."
"However, there's a situation that has yet to be resolved."
Sweat trickled down Liu's temple, which was the civil war caused by Liu and Three Dragons. Both of them were responsible for indirectly inciting the feud that spread like wildfire.
"You and Three Dragons have a lot of history when you initiated Righteousness Union. What started out as petty disputes slowly turned into grudges that influenced our brothers and sisters. Now it attracted the cops to quell us down, and no progress has been made to stop this war. Would you care to explain?"
Liu cleared his throat. "I was at fault for indirectly inciting the war. However, Three Dragons benefit the war to assert himself to kill me and take my IS in order to start his own society. He influenced his followers to kill whoever opposed him, including our family. I did not because brothers and sisters are bond by loyalty, not to trade their souls for riches. Three Dragons allied with Phantom Task since day one to build his new family, and that right there is uncalled. This will make the war even worse with him calling the shots."
What Liu said was correct because he was honest of his mistakes, and he proved his facts that Three Dragons was the main cause of it. Uncle Yuen nodded his head, smoking his Cuban cigar as he listened carefully.
"Chifuyu and the Academy are doing their best to assist me in stopping Three Dragons, Shen, and Kaori. Whatever methods I see appropriate, I won't hesitate to use it."
"You make some good points, my boy," said Uncle Yuen. "The question is, how would you actually stop this conflict?"
"I-"
"We don't know," said Rin. "When we see Three Dragons, Liu will take care of him, personally."
"You must realize that you cannot stand against Three Dragons alone."
"That's what everyone tells me," commented Liu. "Chifuyu said I need those that support me to take on a foe that's too strong."
"Righteousness Union has taught you well, Liu," said Uncle Yuen. "Now, I believe in Harmony. Balance. Peace. And I don't mind spilling a little blood to achieve it."
Uncle Yuen is simply a mediator as he does not support Liu or Three Dragons' ideas to bring each other down.
"There is much uncertainty in the Righteousness Union. If the conflict is resolved, we will be stable and strong. If not, the cops will not stop to take us down, and we cannot afford to appear weak."
Uncle Yuen set his Cuban cigar on the ashtray, exhaling the smoke from his mouth.
"Somehow, we gained immunity from the law, which is nearly impossible to get in any circumstances. Liu, do you know how we got it?"
"All thanks to making a deal with a silver lion," confirmed Liu. "He wanted a sample of Titan –M5 in return for giving Righteousness Union immunity."
"Very unusual, but that will do just fine. To wrap things up, put an end to the conflict, and I trust you to finish it as soon as possible, Liu King-sang. Your brothers and sisters are on the same page as you. Don't be afraid to use them for assistance. Until then, you and Lingyin are free to go."
Rin and Liu bow to the Dragon Head before they left the premises, sighing in relief. They thought Uncle Yuen might kill them during the conversation. They found out he was lenient and understandable, despite his stern persona.
"Goddamn it! I bet a thousand bucks I was going to be carrying you in a body bag. Uncle Yuen must like you, Liu."
"Yeah, I don't think he has opinions on me or Three Dragons either way."
The Righteousness Union associate smirked. "Three Dragons is a fine piece of art. I don't like him too, and I can't wait to see what you can do to him."
Rin and Liu returned to the Academy in one piece as Uncle Yuen kept true to his words, especially Chifuyu. The Brunhilde was busy working on Operation Exorcist while Rin and Liu went to their room to retire for the day.
Liu stripped his clothes off to take a shower. Liu looked briefly in the mirror to see his slim, muscular body from the training he went through. His tattoos remained the same as he thought of getting his back piece refined, but Liu threw it out because it would take too long. With the hot water running, Liu washed himself with shampoo and body wash to remove the persistent grime. Questions invaded his mind of how will Liu resolve the feud with Three Dragons while at the same time, come back alive. Liu rubbed shampoo on his hair, trying to ease off the stress.
"…"
Liu did not speak, nor did he have thoughts clouding his mind as steam from hot water slowly builds up. In the middle of his shower, a door was opened that revealed to be Rin, naked except with a towel around herself. Rin's long brown hair flowed freely without her twintails as she removed her towel, and opened the sliding door. Liu should have heard the sound, but the dragon so was fixated on taking his shower that he did not turn around.
Rin entered the shower, ignoring the fact she was naked with Liu, but that did not matter for her. Rin's eyes trailed on Liu's back piece of a Guan Yu with wave background dipped in dark color she found it mesmerizing. Rin's nipples were clear pink that jiggled when she walked closer to Liu.
"…"
Rin did not say a word, and she immediately hugged Liu from behind tightly. Her breasts pressed against his muscular back, and her nipples jutted out to rub his spine. Rin did not let go while her hair became wet as her hands stroked his six pack rock solid. This could be their final night to show their love for each other, and Rin want to savor it. The warmth from her body, combined with the hot water slowly aroused Rin.
Liu knew it was Rin all along as he turned around to look at her emerald green eyes for a moment. Liu leaned forward to give Rin a chaste kiss of comfort on her lips. Rin cupped his cheeks, and she returned the favor with a passionate kiss. Her tongue deepened and plunged into his mouth which made Liu surrendering to his desires by kneading her right breast with his left hand. Liu slithered his tongue every corner of Rin's lips, tasting her milk-like flavor. The two continued to kiss as Liu reached his right hand to rub her jewels.
As their pheromones sky-rocketed, Rin moaned from his two fingers stroking her sensitive areas before he inserted them. Liu felt the warmth and stickiness, yet smooth like butter between the walls with his fingers pumping through. Rin moaned louder as she wrapped her left leg around his waist. Great wave of pleasure coursed through her body, wanting more. The teasing was unbearable for Rin with the dragon teasing her, so she gripped his shoulders.
Rin snaked her arms on his neck, tightening her grip to indicate she had it with the teasing, and cut to the chase. Liu understood what Rin wanted, even without words spoken. Looking at their facial expressions and body movements were their form of communication. Wasting no time, Liu positioned himself, and entered into Rin.
"HHHAAA…!"
Rin let off a loud moan, feeling the rod of flesh in her womb that swallowed the whole length, much bigger than last time. This time, Liu did not go slow as he pumped her at a medium pace to show his love for her. Considering this was the day before the final stage of Operation Exorcist kick off, Rin and Liu were willing to give everything they have for each other. The ecstasy in her body took control to have dominance over him.
"AAHH~!"
Rin let loose a loud moan, mixed in with the sound of wet skin contact. Her voice was buffered by the downpour of hot water. Rin bounced like a ball to show dominance over Liu. The dragon sealed her lips to quell down her loud voice. Rin and Liu were lost in pure passion, kissing each other to no end until Rin reeled her head back from the immense pressure.
"Haaa! Hnh! Ugh…HAAAAH! Liu! I…I LOVE YOU!"
Every thrust Rin took made her orgasm nonstop. Rin was finally able to say the three magic words that struck a chord on Liu. The puzzle has been complete for these two to keep going. Stream of hot water pouring down their bodies, combined with their wet, messy faces made them more aroused.
"Lingyin, I love you too!"
To prove it, Liu sped up his thrust, grasping Rin's smooth back and soft, silky hair that send a shiver on her spine. Rin pulled his body closer to her, mashing his rough, muscular front with her slim, soft front that blended into one. Liu felt Rin's movement slowing down, indicating the time to switch positions. Rin breathe shortly before she flipped Liu over and moved her hips up and down vigorously. Rin traced her fingers on his tattoos across his broad chest as she grabbed his hands over her breasts. Liu's hands mashed them like dough that felt soft and addicting.
"I want…more from you!" Rin pleaded, tightening the grip on his hands.
Liu's fingers rubbed against her nipples that brushed alongside. Rin moaned louder with the fluids surging through the excitement. Her thoughts fixated on Liu, ignoring all the thoughts not related to him. The dragon got a clear view of Rin nude on top of him. Water streamed her beautiful slim figure like that of a goddess, an image engraved into his head.
Rin increased her thrust, grasping his shoulders as she felt the pressure on the base of his shaft, and her throbbing jewels milking roughly. Her inner walls clenched tightly on the edge of releasing.
"AAAAHHHH! Liu, I'm-"
Rin squeezed Liu's shoulders as her jewels clenched his rod, secreting her essence. The suction force was enough to make Liu release his essence, and Liu growled his loudest. Rin gave a loud moan, and Liu pushed as deep as he can. They climax with their essences mixed together. Rin felt the warmth intruding her womb, feeling the burning sensation, yet pleasurable.
After emptying themselves, Rin fell forward, panting hard yet sweating with steam radiating in the room. They met with a passionate kiss, wrestling their tongues gently. All seems to come to an end until Liu grasped her cheeks.
"I'm not done with you yet…" said Liu, standing up.
When Rin heard his words drilled into her head, she was in bliss of ecstasy. However, Rin did not expect Liu to do by pinning her against the wall, and stretched her butt. Rin bend her elbows for support before he raised her right leg above his shoulder, and placed his hand on her butt. His free hand rested on her bare back.
Without warning, Liu slammed her from behind endlessly. The restraints in their minds were removed and their desires were to go all out Rin's jewels throbbed from her breathing as if it invited him to go for round two. Liu pumped her again, not taking a stroll and Rin moaned even louder than before. The feeling of going again made her mind haywire, wanting more from him. While Liu grasped her breasts that swung naturally from the rocking movement, Rin drooled as her eyes tear up in joy.
"Liu, I want more! More!" Rin moaned in bliss
Sweat decorated their bodies as Rin felt Liu's hands break free from her grip and slither round to fondle her butt. Rin moaned out of control while Liu played with her, but the dragon had something rougher in mind. Without warning, Liu raised a hand and roughly brought it down on her butt, causing a sharp yelp to escape from Rin.
"HYYYAAAHHH~!"
Rin felt the sting from being spanked by Liu rushing through her body. Yet at the same time...Rin felt an unknown pleasure that was mixed in with the pain. A pleasure she couldn't help but desire more of as she threw her head back from the amusement. Tears began falling from her eyes due to the immense pleasure, and her tongue hanged out from her mouth. Liu smacked her butt a few times to override her mind while he increased the strength of his pounding. Liu's thrust grew faster and much powerful as the wet, slapping noises went louder.
"You found it…!"
Rin did not expect that Liu would go extreme lengths to keep the ball rolling. The thrust grew more forceful and unrelenting with Rin's jewels being tainted and refitted repeatedly. Rubbing all the spots where Rin was weak and kept on going, regardless that her mind went numb. Her jewels tightened the rod of flesh penetrating her endlessly while Liu squeezed her breasts. The dragon began thrusting even faster than before, causing Rin to cry out even louder in joy.
"Liu! LIU!" Rin cried in pleasure.
Liu pulled her hair aggressively, but he could not hold on anymore, and he unleashed a large amount of his essence directly into her womb, filling her full until it leaked out. Rin released her own juice that mixed in with his, dropping her leg to the ground. Rin did not go limp just yet before she turned around, and pinned Liu to the ground. His legs were bent to his knees, and she spread her legs apart. Rin leaned forward with her breasts swinging in his face. Liu had his fun of taking control until Rin turned the tables to her favor.
"One more…" Rin drifted in bliss.
Rin and Liu were on the last stretch to wrap things up before the former thrust herself to show domination. Liu's rod of flesh fully stretched her womanhood, refitting for him to use while Rin immersed herself reaching to the intensive phase. Rin thrust forward while she gradually increased her pace. Liu grabbed the bouncing breasts that teased him to grope them like dough. The wet and slapping noises from the furious intercourse grew louder, combined with the hot water splashing their bodies.
Rin came again and again while she went as deep as she can with Liu unleashing his lust on her. The dragon squeezed her breasts tightly, indicating he was on the edge of releasing. Rin's inner walls tightened the grip on the shaft, ready to climax one last time.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH! Liu! I'm about to-!" Rin screamed at her highest pitch, discharging her essences like a hose, spraying on Liu.
Liu discharged, leaking out of Rin's jewels before they gave a loud moan as the latter felt the warmth enter through her womb, filling her up completely. A trickle of slowly oozed out, and Rin smiled in a sweet manner. Liu turned off the faucet as it was getting too hot. They stayed at that position for several seconds, basking in the afterglow of their fiery night of passion. Rin kissed Liu gently, cuddling their bodies together in silence. Each of them smiled, embracing each other to give small pecks here and there until Rin frowned, slightly shaking.
"Liu…" said Rin in a somber tone. "I'm…I'm afraid of losing you from the operation we're going tomorrow, and I want to say is…please make it back alive…"
Rin was about to cry, but Liu hugged her tightly to give her warmth and comfort. "Huang Lingyin, I will not return in a body bag. If Three Dragons wants Nightmare, he will have to try harder than that."
Rin wiped her tears away, grasping his face as Liu continued. "Once this is over, you and I will make our lives better. No more fighting with our IS constantly, no more going through endless crimes. A peaceful life is what we ask for, and I'm not stopping until we finish this damn operation to get this over with."
"Liu King-sang," said Rin, wrapping her arms across his neck. "I will be with you forever to achieve your desires. Promise me to return so our goals come to fruition."
"Thank you, Huang Lingyin..." Liu whispered.
Rin and Liu kissed once again, rubbing their bodies to extract the sensation before the two of them fell asleep, naked and wet in the shower. Their hands grasped each other, fingers interlocked, and the tiger laid her head at the crook of the dragon's neck. If this was their last moment together before Operation Exorcist begins tomorrow, it would be called 'Final Night.'