The night was young with stars decorating the sky. The warehouse was up in flames with smoke brewing like chemicals misplaced at a storage room. Firefighters fought hard to douse the flames while cops evacuated nearby civilians away from the scene. Ichika hastily took Liu to a nearby hospital, keeping pressure on his wound.

"Get a doctor! He needs help, now!"

Doctors placed Liu on a stretcher towards the emergency room. Ichika hoped that Liu can pull through from his gnarly gunshot wound. All Ichika can do is wait for the results. In the meantime, Ichika turned the TV on to watch the news in regards to the warehouse ablaze.

"A terrifying scene here of our downtown that an abandoned warehouse caught on fire. The firefighters arrived nine minutes the moment the fire alarm went off. Thanks to their quick response, they extinguished the fire before it can cause widespread damage to neighboring houses. According to the coroner, they found two men dead burned from beyond recognition. The initial cause was electrical fire, but further investigation found that the men died from gunshot to the head. Police cannot confirm that it was a suicide or gang related attack due to lack of evidence."

The reporter turned his attention to a Japanese salaryman shrugging on his trench coat. "I was walking home from work until I saw fire," said Takumi. "I dialed the fire department before the fire grew out of control. I knew better than rushing in because I'll get myself torched, but that's the best I could do. I give thanks to the firefighters' swift response; you guys never disappoint us."

The reporter nodded his head, acknowledging Takumi's comment. "Thank you, Takumi. When you see something's not right, always call the emergency services. These things you do that others may live."

Opening song: Leo Imai – Bite

(Camera pans downwards at the highway at excess speeds before it slowly moves up towards the dark)

ID wa mottenai wasureru kanrakugai (A closeup of Liu's shoulders and black tousle hair)

Kouya wo mezashite dorojiai (Liu does a pose to show off his muscular body at downtown streets)

Watashi wa houkai ashita wa mou nai (Liu walks on the sidewalk, admiring the lights shining from the signs above him)

Ikitemo shindemo kamawanai (Various IS blueprints and tattoos fall in slow motion)

Yukisaki mo nai yume nante kanchigai (From right to left, Three Dragons' weapons are on the table as Liu's clothes hang on the racks, flowing from the wind)

Guuguu naru hara no soko shika nai (Three Dragons walks with her arms in her pocket, being stoic)

Eriito no kaoiro touttara niramiai (Three Dragons and Liu's IS are covered in shadows)

Taimatsu no hi wo tada nomihoshitai (Liu stares in the night as it zooms closer to his face)

Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (A closeup of a speeding silver Porsche 911 on an empty road and IS flying in the sky that switches back-to-back every second)

Ishi wo kuichigiru (The IS booster ignites fuel before it bursts)

Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (Front closeup of a 911 traveling excess speed and IS expanding its wings)

Suna to tsuba wo haku (Scrap metal and blood littered the concrete)

Doa wo akero doa wo akero! (The IS dives down as the car drifts on a sharp right turn)

Gomi wa moyashi tsudzuketeru (A junkyard filled with worn out metal as Three Dragons' back is turned, showing off her tattoos)

Kamitsukasero kamitsukasero! (From the IS pilot's point of view, it's diving towards the light)

Makeinu wo kuruwashita wirusu (The driver gets out of the car, revealing to be Liu before he smirks)

Liu was in a coma for three weeks with Ichika visiting him once per week. During his coma trip, Liu delved deep into his inner thoughts.

To think that I…die in a hospital, me?! I can't go down…not like this! How the hell can I lose…!

Orange-hued water was all that could be seen. In a realm of motionless sunrise lies only nothing less. The only one walking on water was Liu.

I am Liu King-sang, a soldier for Righteousness Union. My life has just been fucked by a traitor that stabbed me in the back. Three Dragons and I stole two ISs to make ourselves a name in the world until she tossed me in the fire. I cannot believe that she did this to me, after what we've been through. Waddling through the dark, kissing asses and sucking toes to some people to keep up our images, and this is the thanks I get?

It truly is a miracle, meeting you when we first met. Allow me to thank you for making me remember you betrayed me. I'll create hell just for you to die a million times over to make up for it. I've always wanted to pilot an IS. I did not care those only women are compatible. The overpowering weapon scared the nations of world to create Alaska Treaty. It only made me strive to be more powerful. If Ichika is the first male pilot, so can I. What did he do to pilot an IS? I need to find his strength.

It's clear that Liu is alone, but he heard voices somewhere.

"Liu, do you wish for this power…? Stand above those that looked down upon you?"

"Of course, I do. I was this close to get it until Three Dragons snatched it away from me! I don't care what it takes!"

"Powerful words for a Triad. Three Dragons is somewhere laughing at you. I can give you power, but it'll be a waste of time. She will come for you and you will do nothing because you can't do nothing with you in the hospital bed."

"Go fuck yourself! You don't know a goddamn thing about me."

"The truth hurts, doesn't it? You can't run away from your destiny."

At the center stood a woman of long black hair that flowed gently as the sunlight shined over her. She had tinted aviator shades, wearing her black suit over a white shirt and a green tie.

"What makes you think that I'm useless?" Liu clenched his fists. "You like to push my buttons, but you're going have to try harder than that."

But the woman was looking up at him and frowning. "Everything you did the moment you committed the robbery was your downfall, Liu."

Believe it. Or, maybe, Hey, I don't believe it either, cutting her dead – and then slice her throat, take his anger at the endless sky.

Liu does a front kick at the woman, but she teleported behind him, chuckling at the annoyed dragon.

"Are you still denying what I just said?"

"Big words coming from my imaginary friend's mouth."

Sizing him up. "This imaginary friend…hmm." She smirked at Liu huffing and puffing. "I like you, Liu. A man that does not give up his dreams, even when he knows that he will fail."

Liu does his best to not lash out at his imagination he manifested. "Better than living without a purpose."

"You are persistent, Liu," said the woman, lighting her cigar. "However, I'm open ears to sing your song. Tell me, Liu, what do you want?"

"Must I repeat myself? Or are you deaf?"

"You want to be the best of the best? Well, you aren't getting anywhere without an upgrade. You need a softer touch, a stronger spine, because making a name in the Infinite Stratos world isn't going to be easy."

"It took me a long time to realize this. But for me like this…my life is not above from a pile of shit. There's always threats coming after me and my close ones. Something I need to protect. These past months, I fought my foes that don't know when to stop. I'm not done fighting. It's not weakness to depend on others. It's a proof of my strength."

The woman is seemingly impressed of Liu's reasoning. "All right, you entertained me. I'll tell you what, Liu. Go and meet the woman named Chifuyu Orimura, Ichika's older sister. She is one of the big cats in the Infinite Stratos world. Mean as fuck, but it's worth a while to get you back on your feet."

With that being said, the woman smoked her cigar, slowly disappearing from the smoke she exhaled. The sun slowly shined the water before it turned into pure white of emptiness, engulfing Liu. He has finally woken up from his coma.

"Liu! You're finally awake. I was worried that you won't make it."

Liu turned to Ichika, "Get your older sister here. I want to talk to her."

Ichika blinked. "Beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," said Liu, pointing at Ichika. "Bring. Me. Chifuyu. Now."

Ichika dialed his iPhone 11. "On the way."

The doctor did everything to get Liu back to his feet, despite some moments where he had trouble walking. They gave him tons of medicine to alleviate the pain, although Liu can still feel it here and there. Liu was fortunate that he did not lose his vital organs. Surgeons caught a lucky break to mend his stomach. What's more was that the scar faded away.

Three knocks on the door.

Ichika opened it to see his older sister, Chifuyu. Her eyes drifted to Liu sitting on a chair. Chifuyu has never seen the young man, nor did Liu meet her. The Brunhilde had an austere expression with her hands on her hips over her tight-fitting suit.

"What the hell is this, Ichika?"

"Chifuyu-nee, this is-"

*SMACK*

Chifuyu backhanded Ichika across his face. The blue boy knew that her sister does not take kind being addressed informally.

"Orimura-sensei," Ichika corrected.

"Better."

"This is Liu, a man I rescued from the burning building. He says he has something important to discuss."

"What did I tell you about bringing strangers to me I never met, Ichika?"

"Not supposed to?"

"Exactly. Let me handle this."

Chifuyu squinted doubtfully at Liu's creds. "Judging by the looks, you're Righteousness Union."

Ichika nervously glanced towards Liu, noting the dragon's rugged appearance. He was nervous, more nervous than normal. Even though Ichika saved lives of an illegal poaching vessel from the Silver Gospel incident, he might land himself up in shitcreek.

"My assumption is correct." This was Chifuyu's instincts, lowering his lapel that exposed his intricate, criminal tattoos.

Liu thought for a moment, then sighed. "Congratulations, you did a positive ID of me. That'll make you the golden child to the world. They might even pat you on the back like a cute dog."

"In a way," said Chifuyu, shrugging, "but I did not ask for approvals, especially from the likes of you."

"I heard about your two former students. What a shame that they did not get to see their ISs. I apologize for the loss of your precious students. On the bright side, you made it out in one piece away from Tabane and Three Dragons."

Chifuyu chuckled briefly before she punched Liu for his insolence. "Speak of them once more and I'll slice you from ear to asshole."

"One hell of a punch, Chifuyu," he said. "No wonder why people fall for you." He craned his head, shaking off the punch. "Ichika, you got yourself a smoking hot sister." He turned to Ichika. "Chifuyu taught you well everything you need to survive in the IS world."

"Umm…thanks. But what's with your compliment of Chifuyu when you barely knew her? You're a crook that tried to steal an IS."

Chifuyu tensed, then looked at Liu. "Don't get the wrong idea."

"Aww, you don't need to be shy about it. Isn't that right, Ichika?"

"My God, your sarcasm is starting to annoy me," said Chifuyu, gritting her teeth. "Drop the bullshit and tell me why I should be here."

Liu was not bothered from her threat. Normally, Liu does not take crap from anyone that looked at him sideways. He used violence to get his point across as long as it's justified. Liu could have fought back, but he did not feel inclined.

What made Liu turned mellow?

He took a deep breath, held it, exhaling. "A fucked-up way the decision to meet you, deciding that I can't turn back. Realizing that I don't have to do anything...sort of relieved me of any obligation. The longer part of the story is that I've been through a lot of shit recently, and I'll spare you all that- but my thinking's been out of place. I should have called someone else to help me instead of you. I've been thinking everything, examining my life to death, driving myself out of control. Why did I robbed an IS before I get backstabbed by Three Dragons? Did I want an IS for power or to make myself a name? It's mostly for power. So, fine—If I can't get it legally, I'll steal it, right? Okay, that's decided. I haven't got the patience to get what I want, and I was like- 'Well, you don't have to not go either.' I had these questions in my head that won't go away. But it seemed like I was setting these rules, putting up fences around me. Following rules instead of following...the flow. I do what I want. Being me. So, I decided—what do I got to lose, except my dignity? This is me proposing to have you on my side, not life-or-death. Am I right?"

It appeared that Liu struck a chord on Chifuyu when the latter does a poker face. Chifuyu took her time to think whether she will join Liu's adventure or not. Chifuyu is not a pushover, especially with her title as Brunhilde.

"So, you want to kill Three Dragons, is it not?" said Chifuyu.

"That's the plan, Chifuyu."

"This is a dangerous course you're contemplating."

Ichika chimed in. "And what do you think we should do?"

"Three Dragons deserves to die. I won't argue otherwise. Kill her, but let that be the end of it."

Liu slammed the table in anger. "That's not enough! Seeing her six feet on the ground won't make me in peace."

"It's done when you say you're finished!" she argued. "Liu, I know what Three Dragons did to you. However, nothing you do will turn the clock back."

Liu tried too hard to appear relaxed, not pissed, like everything was cool and going stressed free. But first things first: Did Liu made the right choice to have Chifuyu on his side? Why pick someone that may turn against him? Secondly: Was his only option the best outcome rather than have Righteousness Union? Who the fuck was Liu trying to be? These people are not his kin.

In conclusion, Liu can't turn his actions back. Chifuyu was the ideal person that had similar goals to end Three Dragons.

"This is not about bringing out street justice. It's about making that bitch feel what it's like to lose everything, watch…as I snatch it all away from her."

"You're on a one-way road, Liu. The moment you step foot, there's no turning back."

Liu took a careful look around. "I'll take my chances, but what about you? I'll do the heavy lifting on this, Chifuyu, but once I clear the road, I'm counting on you to step up."

"It appears we are on the same page, Liu. I'll do more than stepping up. I'll either be capturing up Three Dragons' and her pissant friends, or kill her the way she murdered my students. To be honest, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference to me either way."

"I thought you were worried about hurting someone's feelings."

Chifuyu sat on a chair, grasping her hands on the table. "No need to shed tears over scrubs I dealt with. I already forgot who they are."

"I remember a story," said Liu, drinking a cup of water. "Two idiots are waiting for their kidney transplant but only one kidney is available. So, they play a game. They put a card on each other's pockets. Whoever guesses the card in his own pocket wins."

"You know, I can already see your card when we met."

"I think so too."

"You try to do anything that involves me or my brother as bait, I'll kill you."

"Let's see. We should be more careful."

"I will. Let's see about that when you're going to die."

Liu extended his hand for a handshake. "Ever seen someone shake a corpse's hand?"

Chifuyu shook Liu's hand. "Go fuck yourself."

"Chifuyu, I'm tired from fucking your star pupil Tatenashi. How's Ichika?"

"Good, he's tired from fucking Houki."

"Orimura-sensei, that's not true! What made you say that?"

"Ichika, I don't mean it literally."

Ichika remained cautious at the underworld dragon. "Chifuyu may have shook hands, but I don't trust you and your goals."

Liu looked a moment longer, not budging until Ichika understood it. "I'm not like you. To you, being Triad is a way to die or land in prison. To me...it's a way to live. We walk the same path, but you're battling towards saving the world, while I fight for life. You'll see in the end."

Ichika said, "Sorry, but I'd rather down a mug of my own pride than suffer through beers with you."

Liu held up two fingers, showing his disappointment. "Such a shame you play the positive role model."

"You're masking your bad guy persona. Everyone will know who you are."

"Listen, life is not like mixed martial arts. The man who gets knocked down is not the loser, the man loses if he can't tough it out till the end. There are no knockouts in this IS world. I'll tell you what Ichika, being a Righteousness Union or pretending to be a good guy does not mean anything to me. You trying to make me feel guilty for what I done? I couldn't give a fuck. As long as I'm breathing and alive, I'll keep coming back for more! Which is why...a half ass like you is the one thing I can't stand!"

"Why you-!"

"Enough, both of you!" Chifuyu shouted.

Liu and Ichika quiet down, not wanting to aggravate Chifuyu again. The Brunhilde tolerated Liu for a while but when he insulted Ichika, she had to put Liu in a position.

A nurse barged into the room. "You can't bring visitors here! You must make an appointment beforehand."

Chifuyu crushed a vase with her fist. "It's spending time with a loved one fighting cancer."

The nurse was intimidated by Chifuyu's sheer strength before she took her leave as if nothing happened. Liu glared at the off-handed comment, but Chifuyu did not care.

"You're not seriously considering taking an alliance with Liu, are you?"

Chifuyu closed her eyes to think while Ichika is slightly irritated.

"Orimura-sensei!"

"Calm down, Ichika. I'm thinking."

"You can't just go up to a crook who seeks revenge and ask if they want to be friends."

"You have me avenge my students' death?"

"You're better off with someone else that is not a loose cannon. Liu can't control his vendetta."

"Sure, give me names that are legitimate. However, I'm not taking the heat if you go and do something idiotic."

"You'd just bend over then!?"

"A fight or war does not come cheap."

"Money is always brought up. You call yourself Brunhilde!?"

Chifuyu stood up and glared at her brother before she turned to Liu. "You proposed to work with me, yes? Or are you having second thoughts?"

"I can't think of anyone else that can support me. No, I'm not chickening out. I'm not asking for a pat in the back or relate my problems. Chifuyu, if you'd allow it…will you not throw me under the bus once this is all over?"

"Certainly. You want to avoid all-out war too, then?"

Liu nodded his head. "What a twist to imagine we agree to this, but I'm aware of making a deal with a devil. Yet…this was my own doing."

"Liu, if you slip up, you're dead. You wouldn't…look to trade Three Dragons' life for your own?"

"That all depends on her response."

Chifuyu is amused of Liu's confidence as she said, "Are you still trying to atone for your robbery? Was that not Three Dragons' influence? It isn't your responsibility to bear."

"Three Dragons and I were together way back before Righteousness Union," said Liu. "We were tighter than blood siblings. Any debts Three Dragons left are now hers to pay with her life."

"Even if I say no…you'd go?"

Liu remained firm on his decision, and Chifuyu looked at him critically before nodding.

"I'm not exactly been the oblivious fool myself, but lately, I seen a few people who lived like idiots…and they died like idiots. But that crazy, batshit lifestyle...I'd say it made them some of the finest bastards I've ever known. You're still living with a fucked-up lifestyle I'll give you that."

"Why I feel flattered, Chifuyu."

"Hold on! Are you sure having him on your side? I will not accept it! Please think this through!"

Having had enough of Ichika playing righteous hero, Chifuyu drew her katana, and sliced the table in half, hitting the hard floor. Her eyes were hard as steel.

"Liu planned to risk his life not just to avenge my students, but to stop Three Dragons. Ichika, I love you as a brother, but don't interfere my business! Unless you piss off the wrong person, your head and torso will have a sorrowful parting. If this fails, there's no turning back! It will mean a war with everyone that wants our heads, including Madoka."

The truth was harsh, hard for the blue boy to swallow. Ichika was shocked as his emotions got the best of him, clenching his left fist. A bad trait he has yet to fix. The blue boy thought things would settle down, but it jumpstarted with a new chapter. Ichika had a hard time accepting Liu and Chifuyu working together.

Liu scorred. "A Triad and the Brunhilde join forces to kill Three Dragons. This is going to be interesting."

"Chifuyu…what have we become?"

Ichika left the room, not wanting to accept the truth.

Chifuyu retrieved some sort of device and set it on the table. Liu was about to question Chifuyu before she pressed a button.

A Triad and the Brunhilde join forces to kill Three Dragons. This is going to be interesting.

"You motherfucker." Liu hissed.

"We're on the same boat. I'd be an idiot not to have insurance. Can't trust someone with loose lips. It's not like we can draft a contract, right?"

Liu laughed, snapped it in two. "You went all the trouble to record me? Did you really think you could have leverage over me?"

Chifuyu maintained her stoic expression. "Look above. This is what happens when you try to play smart with me."

Chifuyu turned on the camcorders. Liu could not believe how low Chifuyu would play.

Liu was infuriated. "Just because I'm lenient doesn't mean you can use me as your meat shield. Fuck this up, I'll bury you myself!"

"This is turning into a sappy romance world with us two. Fuck this world."

"I suggest that you look out after your students."

"I blame myself for trusting you."

"You trusted me? No one would buy that. Nothing's changed, we'll still nab Three Dragons so I can kill her."

Liu thought that he had control until Chifuyu reminded him who was in control. He will learn how to follow directions from the Brunhilde.

Back out in the living room, clothes clinging, Three Dragons cooled herself with a small black and gold fan, admiring at the two ISs she stole. They were stored safely inside the storage room. Three Dragons was remorseless of her actions betraying Liu. She was confident that Liu died from his gut shot wound. Three Dragons took a good look around. Three Dragons admired Saint John on Patmos painting in front of her, and her expensive colorful vases on the shelf. She had a top-of-the-line stereo set on a steel-wire hardware-store shelf unit. A 4K TV placed against the wall. A comfortable breakfast table stood outside the kitchenette squeaky clean, a brown ledger, and wad of cash banded together. The centerpiece was a rack of champagne glasses free of water spots.

Three Dragons looked at the floor and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Some are born with talent, and some aren't," she said, showing some game. "That's true. But that said…Those with talent never make it through talent alone. You have to overcome. Find boundaries, and break them. The only way to grow is by overcoming challenges."

Three Dragons was right, but she used people around her as nothing more than stepping stones on her rise to the top. She had no qualms scheming and backstab her way to get what she wanted. Code of honor was meaningless, and not much more than a nuisance to her.

The woman was not alone as she had company with Tabane the ultimate human Renürion, and a generic Japanese IS engineer. The engineer tapped her foot, fearing the unknown working with a Triad pilot and the childish IS creator in tow.

Three Dragons said, "You've come quite a way, Miyako. Welcome. I am Three Dragons, a foot soldier of the Righteousness Union."

Miyako has long black hair and wears a white lab coat.

"I graciously accept your hospitality," said Miyako, bowing. "I've heard the rumors that you stole two IS, Three Dragons. I thought Phantom Task is the only one stealing them. I guess everyone wants a slice of the cake."

"Exactly," agreed Three Dragons. "However, it's no longer a rumor. I have them with me."

"You spoke well. Always do."

Three Dragons shrugged it off. "Would have been better if my three friends were here. Yes, they were my sworn brothers. What happened was…very unfortunate."

Masami got agitated at Three Dragons' fake apology. "Hold it! Hey…You want to repeat what you just said? Unfortunate? Is this some kind of a sick joke? You killed them so they don't snitch on you!"

"Their death is on my hands, yes…However…those two were dead weights. Liu, on the other hand, I feared that he won't be compatible with an IS or get corrupted from the power."

"Bullshit! You think that excuses you?!"

"Quit your yapping, junior," said Three Dragons, throwing her fan on the table. "Look, you get a meeting only once in your lifetime. A kid like you should let the big girls do the talking. Am I right, Tabane?"

Tabane made an impatient noise, annoyed at the rookie engineer's outburst and Three Dragons not giving her food or drinks. "Mou! You talk too much. I want something to eat and drink!~"

"Tabane, I am truly saddened by what happened to Chifuyu's broken heart. I hope you'll accept my deepest apologies."

"Back it up a second!~ There's no need for apologies here!~ Chifuyu is one of my good friend to begin with, not her two dead students nor Miyako's dead boss. Shouldn't matter none to you how you have better things to do~"

"What a goddamn farce," said Miyako.

"Ehh?~"

"I'm supposed to believe you're sorry for killing my boss? Really, Three Dragons? Recently, you forced me to work with you after you killed my boss for refusing to take your offer. You wanted weapons and secret information off of us. Don't even think of denying it!"

Three Dragons' smile was fierce and cutting. "That's true…But, even if your boss agreed to my terms, he would secretly cut my head off for me being a bad guy. Or worse, call the cops on me to land my ass in jail."

"Are you serious? Stop shifting all the blame!"

"Okay," said Three Dragons. "Now you're looking at me I'm some bimbo with no sense of direction. It's business we're doing. You can't be too nice in this world. People will take advantage of you and you'll be pushed around. I did not force you to work with me. I offered an invitation, and you accept it."

Miyako growled at Three Dragons as Tabane reached over the fridge. "This is stupid watching a boring talk show in person~"

"Tabane," said Miyako. "We're not done here!"

"What? Handle this however you please. If you need room for mourning, just let us know, okay?~ I'll be happy to let you lend on my shoulder…Later~"

Miyako shook her head, being coerced by Three Dragons to do her dirty work. She can only hope that either Three Dragons does not throw her on the chopping block or make a miracle to escape from her hands.

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed this. I had a lot of fun working this chapter to flesh out the characters' personality from all sides. Yes, this is a bit unsettling with the trash talk, but that's how I wanted. Chifuyu is a person not to be messed with, along with Three Dragons. Stay awesome and hope you are enjoying the ride.