The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hey everyone, it's me Hide Shinyama.
I'm really sorry for the delay. Life has been busy for me now that I have changed colleges. I decided to study a different course, too (it's Business Administration). There have been a lot of readjustments I had to make in my life whether it be time management, appointments or paper work.
But now, I finally managed to release this chapter.
Last time our heroes have captured the Metroid and kidnapped Zatouji, the Familiar Master.
But for what reason?
Find out in…
Chapter 43 – Return to the Hotel
10th of October, Saturday, 1:01 pm – living room, Trio's apartment, 5th floor, Nerima Ward
Issei, Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga were just having breakfast – or lunch actually. But because of how late during the day they woke up, it sure felt like breakfast. The four of them were seated at the table eating some toast and drinking some juice. They weren't in a mood to cook anything, hence why they resorted to a late breakfast.
Moreover, the boys had plenty to tell concerning the events of yesterday. Currently, Issei had finished talking about his adventure with Sanma yesterday.
"I can't believe you survived that!" Motohama said in astonishment at what Issei just said.
"Yeah, me neither," Matsuda seconded before shuddering a bit. "I mean we saw what that thing did to that Fallen Angel chick a few weeks ago and it still haunts my dreams."
"Yeah, I agree," Issei answered and took a bite of his toast. He chewed on it before resuming. "When the Metroid latched on my arm, I felt like my arm was shriveling up. It hurt – badly – like someone was crushing and wringing me dry."
"Damn…" Ryuga simply said before taking a sip of orange juice.
"So, what did you guys do?" Issei asked Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga. "Shinyama sent you guys on a mission, too, didn't he?"
The three of them nodded. Matsuda looked at Ryuga. Ryuga gestured with his hand to tell Matsuda to do the story telling. After finishing their story in the Familiar Forest, Issei had his eyes wide open in astonishment.
"You really fought dozens of beasts just like that?" Issei asked the three boys incredulously.
"""Mmhmm,""" the three boys of them nodded at the same time.
"And you really kidnapped the Familiar Master and brought him all the way here?" Issei asked again, as he took a drink of his cup.
"That's right. Was a hassle, but I had no choice," Ryuga admitted and took a bite of his toast sandwich.
"And you escaped from Tiamat, one of the Five Dragon Kings?" Issei sought to clarify from them, as he put his cup down.
"Yup," Motohama affirmed.
Issei remained silent, as he looked at them all with an unsure look before finally speaking.
"How the heck, did you pull that off? No, rather than that. How are you guys still alive!? Tiamat is easily as powerful as Ddraig and thus easily one of the most dangerous beings you can find. So, how in all of the Spirits, Gods and Yokai, did you get out of there alive!?" Issei demanded loudly.
Issei really had a hard time believing his ears.
"We just did. I don't know what to tell you. We outran Tiamat, hopped on the Chopping Board Type 2 and then high-tailed out of there while dodging her fire blasts. What else is there to say?" Matsuda asked of Issei – and Ddraig, as he turned his gaze towards the Boosted Gear.
[Hooo… That explains the bad premonition I had last night…] Ddraig breathed out a loud sigh.
Issei, Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga took notice.
"What now?" Issei asked his draconic partner.
[Nothing, I just thought I had some sort of bad nightmare yesterday. To think that I had a sixth sense for sensing trouble with Tiamat… Sigh…] Ddraig said partly to them and partly to himself. [You boys should beware. With Tiamat now being provoked by you, she'll do everything in her power to find you and take revenge.]
"Really? All just for trying to catch that Familiar Master?" Motohama voiced skeptically.
[The Familiar Master is not so much her concern, as far as I know. Rather, she doesn't like to be disturbed during nap time – that and causing havoc in the familiar forest. I just hope she doesn't come here anytime soon…] Ddraig explained with a shudder at the end.
Although, the boys looked at each other with unsure looks, they nonetheless moved on to other issues.
"And why does Shinyama want the Familiar Master this badly? I mean, what is it about him that makes him worth kidnapping?" Issei asked Matsuda.
"Beats me," Matsuda answered with a shrug. "Why did Shinyama have you and Sanma capture the Metroid?"
"Well, obviously, it's because that thing is dangerous. Shinyama said it was an apex predator and could destroy the world. I think you guys were there when he talked about it," Issei reminded Matsuda.
"I understand the danger part. But what I don't understand is why he had you bring it here. Wouldn't it be better if you and Sanma had just killed it? Also, why did he have us do these two missions at the same time – on the same night no less? Couldn't Shinyama let us do both missions one at a time?" Matsuda asked Issei.
At that moment, something in Ryuga, Motohama and Issei clicked.
"You make a good point. Yeah…" Ryuga stroked his chin and gazed upward in deep thought. "Why the rush? What is it that he wants to get done so badly?"
"It's like those two missions are connected somehow…" Motohama continued and was likewise in deep thought.
"You guys are right…" Issei answered them all. "…they are connected to each other… But how… and why? And just what does he have in store for the Metroid?"
Just then, the doorbell sounded, jolting the four friends from their thoughts.
"I'll get it!" Issei said and headed to the door.
Upon opening it, Issei and the others saw Shinyama Hide standing at the door.
"Speak of the devil…" Ryuga muttered quietly to himself.
"Good morning, boys. Do you mind if I join in on your lunch? Or should I say afternoon breakfast?" Shinyama joked at the end upon seeing the breakfast table.
The boys looked at the table and then back at Shinyama. It did look silly, given what time it is, but nobody laughed.
After all, everybody knew that Shinyama's arrival meant business.
10th of October, Saturday, 1:17 pm – living room, Trio's apartment, 5th floor, Nerima Ward
"I think you all know why I'm here," Shinyama said after drinking from his cup filled with orange juice.
He had taken a seat around the table with the boys looking at him, while leaving their breakfast.
"Let me guess. It's about the missions from last night," Issei spoke on behalf of them all.
"Correct," Shinyama confirmed. "I presume you guys have briefed each other about what you've done last night."
"Yeah, so?" Motohama confirmed and asked. "By the way, Sanma isn't here. Should we really hold this meeting without him?"
"It's fine," Shinyama answered with a wave of his hand. "There's no need for him to be here. In fact, this meeting actually relates only to Issei."
This surprised everyone, most of all, Issei.
"Huh? Why just me?" Issei wondered and pointed at himself.
"Yeah, why just him?" Ryuga repeated the question with narrowed eyes.
"Because only he is needed," Shinyama replied.
"What's he needed for?" Matsuda asked.
"It's regarding two things. One, it's about the Metroid and why I wanted you to bring it here. Two, it's also regarding the next mission that will be launched in a few hours," Shinyama explained.
Everybody groaned at that.
"Already? You've gotta be kidding me!" Issei complained.
"I had a feeling that would be the case…" Motohama muttered.
"Why so soon?" Matsuda wanted to know.
Shinyama didn't reply at first. Instead, he took out the local newspaper and threw it on the table.
Issei, Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga looked at the front page.
"Kono Family Heiress in Scandal about giant pet snapping turtle…" Ryuga read out loud. "…lawsuit from insurance company claiming turtle attacked employee…"
This caused confusion among the boys and the chills in their spines.
'That crazy floozy!? Why are we even dealing with her?' Motohama and Ryuga thought to themselves.
The crazy gymnast girl had spooked them out before with her crazy behavior and crush for Sanma. Is the mission about her? Why is it about her? What has she got to do with the Metroid in the first place? Was it because she was a hostage at the Hotel incident? And was the turtle…?
As all these thoughts went through their heads, Shinyama hastily corrected himself.
"Sorry, it's on the next page," Shinyama apologized. He flipped to the next page and showed them the actual headlines he was trying to get at.
'Oh, thank goodness…' Ryuga and Motohama sighed in relief.
"Potential Cleaning Operation by Police" read the title. And on it, was a picture of Hotel Entertainment along with a statement from police regarding the goals of the cleanup. That cleanup was scheduled for today.
This caused the boys to widen their eyes in shock.
"Hey, isn't that the place where we fought against those terrorists a few weeks ago?" Matsuda asked everyone assembled.
"Yeah, we even sealed that place shut with dark glue. But didn't it have these freaky mimicry creatures?" Motohama wondered.
"Good point. Isn't it a bad idea to let them out like that? If they're let out into the world…" Issei said and then trailed off when something dawned on him.
In fact, something dawned on them all and it was not a good thing. Rather, a foreboding feeling of doom loomed over them. And they all knew what that feeling was about.
"Oh no…" Issei simply said as he looked downed at the newspaper.
"It seems you understand why the mission is coming this soon," Shinyama said. "We must not let the police breach that place. Having the X-parasites get out will spark a global disaster at an unimaginable scale."
"Let me guess," Issei said with a sigh. The brunette turned his face to the Shinyama. "We have to stop them from entering that place, right?"
"Not quite," Shinyama said to them. "Stopping the police will only prevent their entry for a while. But they'll try again… and again… and again. In general, it's useless to do it like this. What I have in mind is different."
"What's the plan?" Motohama asked this time.
"The plan is this," Shinyama began the mission briefing and looked straight at Issei. Issei and the other boys paid strict attention.
"The goal is to eliminate the source of the problem once and for all. And it's up to you to do that. Only you can do that," Shinyama looked at Issei with a serious look.
Issei gulped. He didn't like how the entire burden of responsibility was placed on him.
"And I have to go alone for that?" Issei questioned Shinyama seriously.
"Yes," Shinyama answered in one word.
There was a pregnant pause after that before Shinyama had more to add.
"Okay, maybe Matsuda's helicopter is going to be needed and so Matsuda is needed to that extent. But that's only for the start of the mission. Once you land. It will be just you," Shinyama elaborated.
[Ahem!] Ddraig cleared his throat.
"…and of course, Ddraig. But you get what I mean," Shinyama said while sounding a bit exasperated at his need to add things.
"Is it possible to still communicate with Issei?" Matsuda dared to ask.
"Of course, of course…" Shinyama replied quickly.
"So much for being alone…" Motohama whispered to Ryuga, who nodded in agreement.
"Land? So, I'll be going there?" Issei sought to clarify.
"Yes, and you will enter the building, too," Shinyama told Issei.
"Wait, won't that lead to the X-parasites being released? Isn't that why you wanted the cops to be kept out in the first place?" Matsuda asked while raising his hand.
"Well, yes. However, there is a difference between Issei and the police. The police will be unprepared and without any means to fight back against the X-parasites. You, on the other hand, will be properly equipped once you enter," Shinyama explained.
"How so?" Issei wondered at this piece of information.
"I'll explain that part later. For now, I'll continue to explain the plan. Step one, you are to be transported via helicopter. Step two, you will parachute down to the roof…" Shinyama listed the first two steps.
"Hold on, I have to parachute?" Issei voiced in shock.
"Unfortunately. I wish a normal landing were possible but given your adventures there previously, getting there won't be as easy as before. The police have made sure to keep an eye on that roof. Hence, landing is out of the question. And flying there on your own… Say, has Issei learned how to spread his wings yet, Ddraig?" Shinyama suddenly asked Issei's partner.
[Nope] Ddraig answered. [That will still take some time.]
"And there you have it," Shinyama pointed out. "That's out of the question, too."
"But hold on," Issei objected. "I don't know how to parachute."
"I'll help you put on the parachute. You just have to jump out at the right time and then pull the strap. Just have faith in me and the parachute and you'll be alright," Shinyama said with a comforting smile.
Issei remained skeptical and wary. Yet, Issei tried to keep his discomfort down and continued with the briefing.
"Third step, you are to enter into the hotel from the roof. Fourth step, you will clean up all the places filled with X-parasites. Fifth step, you will head down to the place where the X-parasites originated from…" Shinyama listed the next steps. "…Do you guys remember how I told you about the origins of the Metroid you guys met? I talked about a janitor who found it in the cellar. My suspicion is that there is a nearby bunker, the same one the terrorists were long for a few weeks back. Your goal is to find that bunker and then do step six."
"What's step six?" Issei asked Shinyama.
"Step six is to find the portal linking our world with the world where the Metroids and X-parasites come from. Once, you're inside… you and Ddraig will be all on your own…" Shinyama warned him.
"Hold on. I think you told us that already. You know, about the 'alone' part," Issei mentioned to Shinyama and made air quotes with his fingers.
"Yes. However, the difference this time is… that you won't be able to communicate with any of us, once you go through the portal. The moment you set foot into that world, you'll be cut off from all and any communication in there," Shinyama elaborated.
Issei and the others didn't like what they were hearing. A mission where one has to go inside another world? And without any means to communicate, too? They didn't like the sound of that.
"That's insane!" Motohama interjected loudly. "Why on earth would Issei even want to go to that world in the first place?"
Everybody looked at Shinyama expectantly and critically.
Shinyama took in a deep breath before answering.
"As I said earlier, the goal is to eliminate the problem at its roots. In other words, it's to make sure the X-parasites and Metroids never become a threat ever again. And the only way to do that…" Shinyama trailed off at the end.
Issei, Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga looked at Shinyama with anticipation to hear what the landlord had to say. But then Shinyama got up and headed towards the door.
"Follow me," Shinyama told the boys.
"Huh?" Issei voiced confused yet decided it best to comply. He got off his chair and followed Shinyama.
The other boys stood up as well, leaving their unfinished breakfast behind.
10th of October, Saturday, 1:29 pm – living room, Shinyama's apartment, 6th floor, Nerima Ward
They entered Shinyama's apartment.
The apartment was nothing special. In fact, it looked like the trio's apartment whether it be furniture or rooms. The main difference was that it was a floor above them. This was not their first time coming here since they were here to attend the briefings from last night.
There were two noticeable differences though.
One difference was the chair in the middle of the living room that had rope lying on it for some reason.
The second one was the Metroid in the container on the living room table.
"What's this all about?" Issei asked Shinyama as he observed the room.
"Yeah, and you didn't answer our question. What do you…?" Motohama tried to ask but Shinyama interrupted him.
"Have you guys ever wondered why I had you catch the Metroid and bring Zatouji, the Familiar Master, here?" Shinyama asked of them.
This caught the boys off guard. Whatever question Motohama wanted to ask was immediately forgotten.
"Yeah, good point. I completely forgot about it!" Matsuda smacked his forehead in realization.
"I guess you're going to tell us, huh?" Ryuga said as he leaned against the wall.
"That's right," Shinyama answered with a nod. "The reason for the missions is to make the Metroid into Issei's familiar."
This confused the boys but Ddraig immediately made an outburst.
[Are you crazy? That thing is dangerous! You yourself said so. You said earlier that your goal is to destroy these creatures, so why are you trying to make it into Issei's familiar!?] Ddraig admonished Shinyama.
"Ddraig? What's a familiar again?" Issei asked Ddraig.
[A familiar is a creature that is bound to its master through a magical contract. The familiar should be unable to hurt its master because of it. But…] Ddraig trailed off in his explanation as he turned his focus to Shinyama. [There is no guarantee that this will work. First of all, this creature is from a different world. It might not be bound by magic. And even if it did, how do we know that it won't go out of control and attack others?]
"You need not worry about that," Shinyama assured Ddraig. "I made sure to ask from the best to make sure that the familiar contract will not fail. That is why I asked you guys to fetch me Zatouji."
"Speaking of which, where's that guy anyway?" Ryuga asked as he looked around for him. "Don't tell me escaped…"
"Of course not," Shinyama replied. "I let him go once I got what I wanted."
"Wait! You let him go!? What if he rats out on us!?" Ryuga demanded of Shinyama.
"You don't have to worry about that either," Shinyama replied. "He won't remember a thing. I made sure to erase his memories about him being kidnapped. If all goes well, Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri should have found him sleeping nicely at Kuoh Academy."
"Wait, you dropped him at Kuoh Academy?" Matsuda asked in surprise at the revelation.
"Yes, I did," Shinyama answered Matsuda. "He's currently sleeping in a place that they can't possibly miss."
10th of October, Saturday, 1:32 pm – Occult Research Club room, Kuoh Academy, Kuoh
Rias Gremory was just about to take a shower in the club room. She couldn't wait to go to Tokyo with her peerage to find the host of the Red Dragon Emperor, who she now knew was the former 1st year student known as Issei Hyoudou.
On top of that, Toyko had a lot of sights to see and places to visit. She could not get enough of it, being a Japanophile and all.
Simply put, there was a lot to look forward to. Rias had wanted to go earlier but duties at home and at school took a lot of her time, so she had to wait until the weekend.
Well, weekend was here. So, now the trip could begin – but only right after a good, nice shower…
Rias had just taken her clothes off and was stark naked. She was about to enter the shower when…
"Eh?" Rias stopped and blinked in surprise.
Why? Because she saw Zatouji, the Familiar Master, unconscious and slumped against the walls of the shower. His clothes and hair were disheveled, and he looked like he had gone through torture of some sort.
And because of that, Rias did the one thing a girl would do in such a shocking situation.
"KYAAAAAAA!" Rias screamed her cry echoing through the academy halls.
10th of October, Saturday, 1:33 pm – living room, Shinyama's apartment, 6th floor, Nerima Ward
"Huh? What? Kuoh? And who are these people he mentioned?" Ryuga asked confused.
"They're Devils and their home base is in Kuoh. They are something like royalty in the world where they came from," Motohama answered Ryuga before drifting off into a dreamy trance. "Ehehehe… Man, what a shame… those two were hot and belong to two of the hottest girls in Kuoh Academy…"
Issei and Matsuda nodded in agreement. Indeed, what a shame…
"But anyway, how that you are here, it is time we got started," Shinyama said and went to the glass container with the Metroid in it.
"Wait, what are you…?" Issei backed away slowly, as Shinyama picked it up and went towards him.
"Don't worry," Shinyama said to Issei. "Just put your hand on the container. The Metroid won't even get out of there."
Issei looked at Shinyama uncertain. He looked at his buddies and they looked unsure, too.
He asked Ddraig internally if he should go with it. Ddraig could not give him an answer.
However, Shinyama gave a firm look and gestured with a nod.
Issei gulped and slowly laid his right hand on the container, the Metroid floated towards Issei's hand, as though it was trying to touch him.
Shinyama put his right hand on Issei's hand, both of which were now over the Metroid larva, and a magic circle appeared. It glowed in a white light.
Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga looked in awe as the light engulfed the room. Then, the light subsided. What remained was a sigil on the back of Issei's right hand. The same sigil was on the Metroid's green body.
"Is it done?" Issei asked Shinyama with wonder.
"It is," Shinyama affirmed. "Now, that you are its master, I this is what you have to know. As a familiar master, the Metroid larva is now bound to you. It won't hurt you and will stay by your side at all times. The familiar contract I placed on the Metroid makes it obedient to your commands. You are now able to communicate with it telepathically. One thought and it will follow your order."
"Really? Now, that's…" Issei said but couldn't finish the sentence out of astonishment.
"…cool…" Matsuda finished the sentence in awe.
"I'll say…" Motohama remarked impressed.
"…congratulations, man…" Ryuga congratulated Issei.
Issei couldn't help but blush. Such a thing… he felt so special…
"However, for safety reasons, it is best if we still keep it in the container for now. You will only release it once you get inside the hotel building. Now, that that's out of the way…" Shinyama spoke and continued the mission briefing. "…the reason I had you make a familiar contract with it was so that you could be prepared against the x-parasites, which are the Metroid's natural prey. With the Metroid as your familiar, you are now equipped to deal with the X-parasites in the hotel. Do be careful not to let yourself get infected by it. You are by no means immune against it."
Issei took it all in. He was glad and sort of relieved that he had the Metroid to help him out on this mission. He felt a lot safer now. And yet, why did it feel like that there was worse to come?
"This mission is going to be dangerous. Once you head through the other side of the portal, you will be facing a variety of different creatures, including X-parasites and Metroids. I will give you a list of some of them later, so learn them before you start the mission," Shinyama instructed Issei.
"But wait, I still don't get it. What am I supposed to do there? You said you wanted me to stop the problem at its roots. But I don't know what to do," Issei stated to Shinyama.
Shinyama put a hand on his shoulder and looked at him.
"Step six…" Shinyama began to say to Issei.
What everybody heard shocked them to the core.
10th of October, Saturday, 2:48 pm – roof of the apartment building, Nerima Ward
"I've got to say. I've never been up here before…" Issei said to Matsuda, Motohama and Ryuga.
They were looking out into the skyline of Nerima from the roof. It was windy and the clouds were gray. It seemed like a storm was brewing in the distance. How ironic, considering how much of a storm this mission will be for Issei. It felt distant and ominous at the same time. And yet, Issei knew that it was coming either way.
"You know? When I first came up here, I thought it was kind of cool that we had something like our own heliport right over our apartment. And the skyline over the city…" Matsuda said as he gazed out towards the horizon.
"…It's beautiful. Shame, it's cloudy though…" Motohama shook his head.
Shinyama then addressed Matsuda. "You know what you need to do, right?"
"Of course, leave it to me," Matsuda replied.
He called out the Chopping Board Type 2 and increased it to maximum size.
"I'll see you go guys later, okay?" Issei said to Motohama and Ryuga.
"Hey, you've come back alive before. This mission is going to be a piece of cake," Motohama replied.
"Yeah, so don't turn chicken on us," Ryuga added.
"You got it," Issei made an okay sign and departed.
Matsuda, Issei and Shinyama went inside the helicopter and closed the doors. Matsuda went into the pilot cockpit, while Issei and Shinyama got into the back.
Shinyama helped Issei put on the parachute and instructed him on what to do.
"I'll accompany you until we reach the hotel building. Once you touch the ground, immediately warp up the chute and head in. Make sure nobody finds you," Shinyama instructed Issei.
"Got it," Issei answered and got ready for takeoff.
The engine had just started, and the chopper was ready to fly.
"Ready to go?" Matsuda asked the two passengers.
"Yup. Everything needed is on board and so are all participants," Shinyama confirmed.
"Good. Phoebe?" Matsuda addressed his A. I.
{Yes, Captain.} Phoebe announced. {All passengers are advised to fasten your seatbelts}
The instructions were followed, and everyone strapped in.
{Starting takeoff} Phoebe announced.
The chopper lifted from the ground and into the sky.
Ryuga and Motohama waved their friends goodbye even as the helicopter ascended into the sky…
…and towards the mission.
10th of October, Saturday, 2:58 pm – 900 meters over the roof of Hotel Entertainment
"We're here," Matsuda announced as he looked out the window. "Hang on tight everyone. Phoebe, open the doors."
{Roger, Captain. Opening door. Beware of gales} Phoebe warned them, and the doors on both sides opened.
Immediately, the wild winds of the sky blew into the helicopter. It was shivering cold, though that paled compared to the long drop down below.
"This is it…" Issei said as he stared down the hotel roof.
Currently, they were hovering above it.
Issei felt sick. It was so high up. He never parachuted before and yet he had to jump.
That was so crazy…
[You've done crazier things, Partner. This is small potatoes by comparison] Ddraig said to Issei.
"You think so? I think it's extreme enough!" Issei replied to Ddraig while shivering from the cold and from fear.
"Issei?" Shinyama spoke to him.
"Y-yeah?" Issei stuttered and turned to face him.
"Do you have the container with the Metroid in it?" Shinyama asked him.
"Uhuh…" Issei responded. "I have it right under my belt."
Issei pointed at the glass container strapped to his belt around his coat. It was a special belt meant for strapping items securely.
"Good then… Are you ready?" Shinyama asked him.
Issei looked down for a moment and then back at Shinyama.
"I am… just… give me a moment…" Issei asked of Shinyama.
He looked down and then steeled himself.
"This is it… the moment of truth…" Issei said to himself, as he took off his seatbelt and scooted towards the door. "I have to admit, this is scary. This is actually… really scary… and that's saying a lot considering how many foes I've come across… I really wonder if…"
[Boosted Gear!] the Boosted Gear suddenly manifested itself on Issei's arm, much to everyone's surprise.
[Enough of this stalling! Dragon Shot!] Ddraig called out impatiently as he forced Issei's arm to aim away from the door and making Issei turn with his back towards it.
"Wait! Ddrai-!" "Don't!" "Everyone get down!"
Everybody was either trying to brace himself, duck or trying to stop Ddraig. However, it was useless.
[Dragon Shot!] The Dragon Shot shot out of the Boosted Gear and out through the other opened door.
A simple Dragon Shot was more than enough to make Issei fall backwards and plummet towards the ground.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!" Issei screamed as he flailed his arms helplessly while falling to the ground at a rapid speed.
"ISSEI!" Matsuda cried out after his falling friend.
"THE PARACHUTE! NOW!" Shinyama cried out after him.
Thankfully, Issei managed to catch that.
"Right! The parachute strap!" Issei said to himself.
He fumbled for the strap even as he was rapidly approaching the hotel roof.
"There!" Issei called out as he finally laid hands on it and yanked it with all his strength.
The chute immediately came out the backpack and expanded… then Issei's fall stopped suddenly.
Looking up, he could see that the parachute had opened up. And looking downward, he could see that he was approaching the roof.
"Thank goodness… it worked…" Issei sighed in relief as he waited for his awaited landing.
[Of course, it worked, Partner] Ddraig remarked.
At that, Issei became angry with Ddraig. "What on earth were you thinking!? Were you trying to kill me?"
[No, I was making you jump. The way you were hesitating back there told me you never would have jumped] Ddraig responded. [I was doing you a favor by giving you a nudge.]
"You…" Issei wanted to say something but then decided against it.
Ddraig had a point. What's more, Issei had more important things to worry about.
As Issei was slowly reaching the rooftop of Hotel Entertainment his mission, he realized…
…had just begun.
[Tap!] Issei landed gently on the ground with the parachute covering him.
It was 3:00 pm and the mission had officially started.
Issei got off from under the parachute, folded it and put in the bag. He looked around him. Nobody in sight. No policemen and no blockades.
In the sky above him, Issei saw the Chopping Board Type 2 hovering above him.
Just then, Issei received a call on his wristwatch.
"Issei? Do you read me?" Motohama answered from the other end of the line.
"Yeah, I read you," Issei replied.
"Thank goodness," Motohama voiced a sigh of relief. "Matsuda told me that you dropped out of the helicopter. I feared for the worst."
"Well, it's okay now. I was just caught of guard because a certain dragon here made me fall out…" Issei said while glaring at the Boosted Gear. "Other than that, I'm on the roof, right on target."
"I see…" Motohama answered, fully understanding at what Issei was trying to convey. "I'll inform the others that you're okay. Now, I guess you're ready to start the mission, right?"
"You bet I am. Over and out," Issei hung up and looked at the door leading downstairs.
"So… this is the way in, huh?" Issei said to himself.
He walked up to it and tested the door handle. He opened it easily.
"Well, here goes nothing…" Issei said and entered through the door. He closed the door behind him.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:04 pm – 15th floor, Hotel Entertainment
Issei was heading down the stairs, trying his best not to trip over anything. While it was pitch black in here, the darkness was not the main problem. Rather, the stairs were partially broken and were a cause for tripping.
Other than that, Issei didn't see anything warranting danger. Yet, he knew that was not true.
The quietness of the place was deceptive.
Suddenly, something jumped out of the darkness towards him.
"WHOA!" Issei cried out and jumped out of the way.
Something swooshed past him, barely missing him by inches.
Issei glanced behind him. It was a light spear!
Glancing in front, he saw the figure of a Fallen Angel.
"A Fallen Angel? Here? The survived in this wreck?" Issei voiced in surprise.
[No, there is no way. It has to be one of these X-parasites] Ddraig said to Issei.
"Either way…" Issei said and got ready to fight. "We've got to fight!"
The Fallen Angel formed another light spear and threw it towards him. Issei rolled out of the way and charged.
[Dragon Shot!]
The Dragon Shot hit the Fallen Angel cleanly through the chest. The Fallen Angel fell on its back dead and then morphed into the familiar yellow slimy shape.
[I knew it!] Ddraig called it. [Partner, run!]
Issei didn't need to be told twice. He darted towards the nearest staircase leading downstairs.
But the X-parasite was hot on his heels, chasing Issei with remarkable speed.
"He's catching up to me!" Issei said as he looked behind him.
Just then, he saw even more beings move out from all over the hallway. They were more Fallen Angels and black clothed terrorists. What was eerie was that some of them looked exactly alike.
"Those must be more X-parasites in disguise…" Issei said as he headed down the stairs.
[Indeed. But running away won't help. We have to take them down here] Ddraig said to Issei.
"Good idea!" Issei replied and got ready to shoot.
[Boost! Boost!] Issei's Boosted Gear went before firing another shot at the monster creatures.
Several of them died and then turned into more X-parasites. These, too, gave Issei chase.
Issei did as well as he could but for each floor, he saw more and more enemies crawl out from their hiding places. It seemed that the ruckus had drawn all of them here.
Eventually, Issei was surrounded by the time he came to the 12th floor. He saw the X-parasites, Fallen Angels and mobsters encircle him at a section of the highway.
With his back against the wall, Issei realized he had no choice.
"Ddraig, this feels like suicide," Issei remarked to Ddraig.
[Yes, indeed. But it doesn't look like we have any choice] Ddraig said resigned.
"Please work…" Issei prayed and laid his hands on the container.
As the various foes were about to attack Issei, Issei opened the glass container. Issei made a mental command and the Metroid immediately flew out.
Immediately, the Metroid latched itself on a Fallen Angel clone. It tried its best to wrench off the Metroid from its face. But it was useless. It returned to its original yellow slimy form before being absorbed by the Metroid.
Seeing this, the other X-parasites flinched back as one. It was as if they recognized the Metroid and all the dangers it entailed to their kind.
Immediately, the Metroid went and dispatched the next X-parasite with equal ease, even as the other X-parasites were fleeing.
"It's working!" Issei pumped his fist in the air. "Go get them!"
And so, Issei chased after the Metroid who was devouring the X-parasites with remarkable effectiveness like a vacuum cleaner would with dust. He went back upwards to the highest floor. Since he was going to do this, he might as well do it thoroughly.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:32 pm – 1st floor, Hotel Entertainment
What happened after that was like a clean-up job – the best cleanup job ever.
Ordering the Metroid to clean up all the X-parasites and their physical manifestations, it was apiece of cake. Of course, Issei nearly got killed twice by X-parasites that tried to ambush him. Thankfully, he kept the Metroid close enough to himself as an insurance. The Metroid was so effective in dispatching its enemies that Issei hardly had to fight himself. Occasionally, both of them were overwhelmed by numbers, especially when it came to the Fallen Angel clones. However, Issei and the Metroid held on their own.
They were like partners. Real partners, heck, even friends.
Ddraig noticed that, of course, and he was not happy. He felt like the familiar was trying to replace him. Ddraig kept his thoughts to himself.
Going down floor by floor, Issei and the Metroid would eliminate every single X-parasite they could find. It didn't matter what the alien creatures did, whether it be hiding, attacking or fleeing. Issei and his new familiar would catch them all.
Thus far, Issei was having a surprisingly great day. Well, except for the fact that even while he would go through the halls and rooms, he could still see glimpses of the tragedy a few weeks back. If only the rotting corpses and the damage in the rooms weren't there.
Despite this, Issei would shake his head and continue with his job.
Every time they cleared a floor, Issei would report to Motohama, who was glad that everything was going so smoothly.
"Man, and I thought this going to be difficult. Looks like I got worried for nothing," Motohama said in relief.
"Yeah, and I just finished clearing the first floor. All that is left is the ground floor and then we can go home," Issei said as he wiped the sweat off his brow.
"Hold on," Motohama interjected. "Cleaning the hotel of those things was only the fourth step of the plan. There are still more two more steps, remember?"
Issei froze at that. Seeing that no reply came from the other end, Motohama called Issei out.
"Issei?" Motohama addressed him.
"Huh? What?" Issei asked his friend.
"You do remember the last two steps, right?" Motohama asked of him.
"Umm… yeah… uh… what was it again?" Issei asked Motohama flustered.
"Sigh…" Motohama facepalmed on the other end. "…you are to find the portal to the other world. It's located in the cellars near some pipes and then…"
"Oh, yeah!" Issei snapped his fingers. "Now I remember!"
"Good. Anything else to report?" Motohama asked of Issei.
"Nope," Issei replied. "I'll call you when I find the portal, okay?"
"Sounds good. Over and out," Motohama answered and hung up.
"Now, then… to the ground floor…" Issei said before heading downstairs.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:36 pm – in the halls, ground floor, Hotel Entertainment
Just like the floors above, it was dark and ominous on the ground level. Issei remembered the last time he had been here. He remembered the festivities and events. He remembered the music and the throng of people going up and down the place. The laughter and the merriment…
And then the terrorists attacked the place, and all hell broke loose.
It felt like time stopped still for this place. And now, it was overrun by monsters, creatures of another world…
Issei clenched his fists. He took the place in and then scanned the place with his special glasses. He found the next targets further up ahead. Issei ordered the Metroid to attack and so it did.
The X-parasites did not stand a chance. The alien creatures dodged, attacked with light spears and tried to run. But either they were absorbed to death by the Metroid larva or were taken down by Issei.
And so, Issei proceeded to clean up the entire building, room for room.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:40 pm – concert hall, ground floor, Hotel Entertainment
Issei entered through the doors to see the once lively concert hall filled with music filled with rubble along with the decaying bodies of the dead.
Issei was instantly reminded of what he witnessed that day. The day those terrorists had forced the hostages to play their sick games before shooting them dead. And then, seeing them die… their life fading from their tear-stained eyes…
Issei felt sick to the core. But he had no time to grieve or throw up because the X-parasites attacked. They were in the form of the various hostages, men and women alike. They were coming towards Issei with the intent to kill.
Issei hesitated for a moment when he saw them. They looked just like everyday people, the kind that one would greet in the street and never hurt a fly. And yet, they were trying to kill him!
[Partner, move!] Ddraig called out to him.
Issei reacted by throwing a punch with the arm of the Boosted Gear. Some of the X-parasite humans flew back upon impact and crashed into the seats. The rest were killed by the Metroid.
Issei breathed heavily and leaned against the wall. He needed to take a break. He needed to find his resolve because of the things he had seen. The flashbacks to that day…
[Partner, are you alright?] Ddraig asked with concern.
"I'm fine… just… give me a moment…" Issei answered.
He took a deep breath before he stopped leaning against the wall.
The Metroid chirped as it flew about him playfully, like a child would do around its mother.
Issei immediately focused on its behavior. He smiled. What would he have done without it? Oh, and Ddraig, too!
With that, Issei searched up and down the hall to eliminate the remaining X-parasites. Then, once that was done, he headed out the door.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:51 pm – back in the halls, ground floor, Hotel Entertainment
Issei had now finished checking all the rooms of the ground floor. He had made sure to check every place thoroughly. With the help of the Metroid and his special glasses, finding them all was a piece of cake.
Yet, even so, Issei would come across some gruesome finds, such as the remains of other dead hostages or terrorists. Only this time around, the sight didn't shock Issei as much as it did before. He carried on with his mission undisturbed – or at least he did his best to ignore his feelings.
Ddraig happened to notice this and addressed Issei about it.
[Partner? Are you alright?] Ddraig asked Issei.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Issei replied with a confused look.
[Partner, I can tell you are disturbed by what you have witnessed. It's not healthy to keep it inside of you] Ddraig said to him.
Issei looked down with a downcast look.
"It's just… I…" Issei tried to explain but failed to form a proper sentence.
Ddraig waited for Issei to answer, while the Metroid simply flew about.
"I thought I could get used to it. You know, seeing death all around me… but… it's still uncomfortable…" Issei confessed and then his eyes were filled with sorrow. "…especially if I could have saved them sooner…"
[Partner, it's not your fault] Ddraig comforted his host.
"I… all those people… they had so much to live for… they had friends, family, coworkers, neighbors… and now they are dead… all because I couldn't save them fast enough…" Issei admitted and was breathing in such a few that it sounded like he was about to sob.
[Partner, first and for all, the ones who killed them were those gunmen, not you. Two, there is no point in grieving their deaths now and wallowing in misery. I'm pretty sure none of the dead would have wanted you to grieve like this.] Ddraig said to Issei.
Issei looked at Ddraig before the latter resumed speaking.
[Which is why… you have to move forward. Move forward and prevent the next tragedy from happening. That is why you're here, isn't it? To save people. To become a hero. Only you can do this mission and no one else. That's why Shinyama sent you here, right?] Ddraig reasoned at the end.
Issei made a smile.
Of course, it was true. Putting it this way, Issei now found full resolve to move forward. Not a temporary distracting comfort like before but a real comfort that breathed Issei with new life and purpose.
No more feeling sorry. It was time to look ahead. There was a world to save.
And only he could do it…
[BOOM!]
Suddenly, out of the blue, an explosion rocked the building. Issei lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"What was that?" Issei said in alarm as he looked about him.
[I'm not sure. It sounded like it came from underground] Ddraig guessed.
"Underground?" Issei wondered as he stood up. "Wait, could it be the police? No, wait… that makes no sense. Why would they go from underground? They could just use the roof, right?"
Issei decided it was best to call Motohama.
"Motohama, are you there?" Issei asked, as he used his wristwatch.
"Yup," Motohama responded. "What's up?"
"I just felt an explosion come from underground. I think it might be the police but I'm not sure," Issei reported.
"Are you okay?" Motohama asked his friend.
"I'm fine. Just caught off guard, that's all," Issei replied as he cleared the dust off his clothes. "Other than that, I just eliminated all the X-parasites on the ground floor. It's time to find that portal."
"Yeah. You go find that bunker. That portal has got to be in that bunker. To do that you've got to look in the cellar where the pipes are," Motohama reminded Issei. "Also, be careful down there. I've got a bad feeling about that explosion. I'll have the origin of that explosion checked out. I'll call you later."
"Thanks, man. I'll hear from you later," Issei responded, and the call ended.
"Now, then…" Issei said to himself. "If I remember correctly, the cellar is this way."
Issei walked to where he presumed the door to the cellar was. Back when he was at the event, he remembered seeing signs in the hallway pointing him to the cellar. Thankfully, it was not hard to find them and so, Issei headed towards the underground floor of the hotel.
10th of October, Saturday, 3:58 pm – cellar, underground floor, Hotel Entertainment
The staircase down to the cellar was dusty due to the recent rumbling. It was a long path down to the cellar just like the stairs connecting the other floors were. A major difference to it was that while those stairs had color and a good view out the windows, this staircase was brownish, dirty and featureless. Issei arrived at the door and tried to open it.
It was locked.
"Dang it, what do I do?" Issei cursed at his misfortune.
[Just break it down, of course] Ddraig answered as though it were the most natural answer.
Issei blushed in embarrassment at his lack of knowledge.
"Oh, right…" Issei simply said and proceeded to destroy the door with a Dragon Shot.
The Metroid chirped and headed in first. Issei followed it and scanned the room.
The room was filled with corridors filled with pipes and a musty smell. Aside from some pipes, there was nothing but empty corridors with some doors in the hallway.
Issei already disliked being here, yet he had no choice. So, better to get this over with.
Now, where were was that bunker?
Issei activated the special glasses. While he was looking for the right filter…
[BOOM!]
…yet another explosion occurred, this one much louder than the last one. Issei dropped to the ground as the place shook.
As soon as the shaking stopped, Issei received a call on his wristwatch.
"Issei? Are you there?" To Issei's surprise, it was Matsuda who was calling.
"Yeah, I am. Where's Motohama?" Issei wanted to know.
"Oh, he went to the bathroom. He'll be back soon. Anyway, he wanted me to tell you that the explosion from earlier, the police had nothing to do with it," Matsuda said to Issei.
"What?" Issei voiced incredulously.
"Yeah, in fact, according to breaking news reports, the police are just as clueless as everyone else. They say it was an earthquake," Matsuda elaborated.
"An earthquake?" Issei repeated.
"Yup. It's only a breaking news report, so I can't really confirm it," Matsuda stated.
"No, I think it is something different," Issei said to Matsuda, to the latter's shock. "I just felt another quake come from nearby just seconds ago. It felt stronger than the last one and I think it's coming from underground. Which makes me think…"
"…that it's an explosion, right?" Matsuda completed the sentence for Issei.
"Right. I don't know but I've got the feeling that it has something to do with the mission…" Issei theorized.
"I see… either way, be on your guard. Call me when you have found the portal," Matsuda said to Issei.
"Roger that," Issei finished the call.
He immediately went to where the explosion originated from. He went from corridor to corridor and was rewarded by the discovery of dust and rubble nearby. The dust and rubble were found in abundance in the area – an indicator that the source of the explosion was nearby.
And that whatever blew up came from inside the room.
Issei came closer to it and opened the door. Upon entering the room, Issei saw a hole in the wall, which seemed to have collapsed from crumbling. He saw that the huge hole led to another chamber. No, it was more accurate to call it a tunnel. It was dug out from the soil and seemed to lead somewhere.
Issei went through the broken wall.
Issei walked into the tunnel and looked around. It went two ways, one to the left and one to the right.
Before he could decide which way to go, he saw something and heard noises coming from the right.
Dim lights flashed inconsistently from the right, something unusual coming from a place that is pitch black (Issei was using his dragonized eyes to see in the dark).
As for the noises, they were…
"Using two explosion charges just to break into this place… I just hoped we cracked the wall this time…" a man's voice came from the room. But it also sounded like it came from a great distance away.
Issei's heart stopped in his tracks. There were people down here!? Who were they? What were they doing down here?
Before Issei could think any more, he heard another man speaking. In addition to that, he could hear the faint footsteps coming from the tunnel. They seemed to be walking somewhere.
"Why did we even break into that hotel in the first place when we could have gotten here like this?" said another man.
"Two reasons, one is because we needed the schematics for the location of this underground bunker. We got that from those CEOs a few weeks ago. And two, we needed the money. And thanks to those VIPs and other rich people, we managed to haul in quite a fortune through their credit cards," the first man could be heard saying.
'Wait, a minute! Break into hotel? Finding the bunker? Could it be…?' Issei thought in shock.
He knew who those men were, and his face twisted into anger.
"But we lost so many of our guys. Was it really worth it?" the second man asked.
"Are you questioning the Boss?" the first man asked with a menacing undertone.
"No, no… I'm just asking… that's all…" the second man tried to placate his colleague.
"Look here and listen well. The Boss never does something unless it's worth the risk. And this is totally worth the risk," the first man reminded him firmly.
'It's them, all right… I've heard them say that about their Boss before…' Issei thought surely, remembering a particular conversation back in the canteen kitchen before he rescued Sanma and Cat Fu.
[It seems like we've found the place. But what do we do now?] Ddraig asked Issei.
"We'll wait until they leave…" Issei replied in a whisper.
But the Metroid had other ideas. It immediately chirped and flew in the direction that the men were located.
"Wa-wait!" Issei called out after it.
"What? Who is there?" one of the men called out as he tried to find out who was calling.
Lights flashed about to find Issei. But Issei hid himself behind the wall in response and out of sight.
"Hey, what is that?" asked the other one, presumably referring to the Metroid approaching them.
Then what followed were terrifying screams.
"AAGHH!"
"Oh, what the hell!?"
"GET IT OFF ME! IT HURTS!"
"I'M TRYING! JUST…"
"AAAAAAaaarrrrrgh…"
"OH, HOLY CRAP! TIM! NO! OH, HOLY MOTHER… STAY AWAY FROM ME! ARRRGGHH! AAAAAAAAAAaaaaahhhh…"
Issei cowered in dread at what was happening. Judging by what they were saying the Metroid was doing its thing. And it did not sound pleasant to say the least.
Eventually, the screams subsided. It became silent once more.
"Oh, goodness…" Issei felt weak and felt like he was about to pass out.
[Snap out of it, Partner! You can't stop here! You've got to keep going!] Ddraig urged him.
"I know… just… give me a moment…" Issei answered.
After a while, Issei got up shakily and headed towards where the Metroid had come from.
The Metroid came chirping happily to meet its master.
[What a greedy monster. All it thinks is eating. Does it ever get full?] Ddraig complained.
Issei glanced at the Metroid larva, which chirped and floated around Issei.
Issei went towards the path where the Metroid had come from. The tunnel went a long way straight, then made a curve to the left. As Issei approached the curve, he dreaded on what he might discover.
Upon making the turn…
Issei jumped back in shock!
There were the men, lying dead and shriveled up at Issei's feet. Their faces were twisted in absolute terror as they died.
Issei averted his eyes. He needed to take a break. Breathe…
Had he not seen enough dead bodies for today? Did he need any more?
Issei looked at the Metroid larva with some sadness in his eyes.
"I think I'm starting to understand why Shinyama wanted me to go alone on this… You can't hold back, can you?" Issei asked the Metroid.
The Metroid, of course, did not reply. It only chirped happily.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of someone speaking from one of the dead men's walkie talky.
"Tim, Gregor? Are you there? Have you managed to destroy the bunker walls? Are you two even listening? Answer me!" a German accented masculine voice was heard from the walkie talky.
"That voice!" Issei instantly recognized the man's voice and all horror faded away.
[That's their Boss!] Ddraig exclaimed.
No doubt about it. If the conversation of the men wasn't enough evidence of the terrorists being involved, this at least should.
"Your men are lousy, Boss. You should have at least let me do the job," another voice could be heard speaking. This man did not speak in an accent and had a deep manly voice.
"Do not lecture me on the efficiency of my men, Dohnasseek. Are boys there? Answer me!" the Boss demanded.
Naturally, there was no response.
'Dohnasseek?' Issei couldn't help but ask Ddraig.
[That's no human name. It must be a Fallen Angel] Ddraig concluded.
"Orders to all men available. Check the tunnel. Search for Tim and Gregor. Something is wrong. Out," the Boss could be heard speaking and the line ended.
"This doesn't sound good…" Issei remarked.
[Indeed, it doesn't. You should hurry. Get to the bunker! Fast!] Ddraig urged Issei.
"What? Are you crazy? They're heading this way! We should leave as soon as we can!" Issei insisted.
[Your job is to enter the portal. If you don't go now, you'll never have the chance once the terrorists secure the place. Now, go!] Ddraig practically ordered Issei.
Issei went right away. He hasted towards the end of the tunnel, which was quite a good distance away.
After about a hundred meters to his right, Issei saw a wall of cement, something that stood out from the muddy walls of the tunnel. That wall had been blown up.
Issei stepped in. The inside of the bunker was quite impressive. It was huge and wide. And it certainly looked like something out of the Second World War. Issei guessed that this bunker was a storage facility or something like that. Despite its solid walls, there did appear to be cracks and holes of all kinds. Those were quite old and had been around for a long time due to erosions.
Just then, Issei received a call. He picked it up.
"What gives?" Issei asked whoever was calling.
"Issei? I've got bad news!" Motohama could be heard saying. "The police have concluded that the quakes were man-made explosions. They traced the origin underneath the hotel. They've sent helicopters to storm the hotel from the roof."
"Oh, yeah? Well, that's the least of my concerns now. I just found out who blew up those explosives. They're the terrorists from the hotel," Issei revealed to Motohama.
"What!?" Motohama cried out in surprise.
"Yes. They're in this again. I just discovered two men in the tunnels they created. They're dead now, the Metroid killed them. They were working for that organization. I also overheard a conversation between their Boss and a Fallen Angel named Dohnasseek, too. And now, they're sending men into the tunnel and if I don't get away from here, I'm toast!" Issei summarized his findings.
"Wait! Tunnels? How did you find those?" Motohama wanted to know.
"I found them by accident while in the cellar," Issei explained. "They blew stuff up, created holes and I found the tunnels. Anyway, I found the bunker. I'm in it. It's a huge place. All I have to do is find the portal and…"
Just then, an unnatural green light shone from the center of the bunker.
Issei covered his eyes for a moment. When he opened it, he saw a relatively flat green circular mass of energy.
"Issei What's happening?" Motohama wanted to know.
"I found the portal…" Issei whispered.
"You what!? Already!?" Motohama exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yeah, I'm heading in there now," Issei replied.
"Yeah… though you know what this means?" Motohama said to him seriously.
"Yeah…" Issei replied. "I won't be able to communicate to you guys unless I come out."
Motohama and Issei remained silent, as the latter stared at the green portal.
"Issei?" Motohama addressed him.
"Yeah?" Issei asked.
"Good luck," Motohama said to him and hung up.
Issei stared at the portal for a bit longer.
"This is it…" Issei said solemnly and took a step towards it.
[Yes, it is, Partner…] Ddraig answered.
"Let's go…" Issei gulped and went towards it.
Step for step for step.
The Metroid chirped as it followed Issei.
And then, the portal shone brighter as Issei and the Metroid got absorbed by it.
And then…
They were gone.
10th of October, Saturday, 4:13 pm – on the roof of the hotel, Hotel Entertainment
"Get your weapons ready. All men standby…" the captain of the special forces ordered.
"""""Sir!""""" the special forces responded in unison.
The captain had just gotten all his men on his roof thanks to their helicopters. He had been told that the source of the quakes was manmade. Suspicions were that the terrorists that were responsible for the hijacking of the hotel a few weeks ago were behind this.
The captain did not know whether this was true or not, but he knew they couldn't take any risks. Better safe than sorry.
Just then, a more senior police officer walked up to the captain. The captain saluted.
"Are all the men present and ready?" the officer asked.
"Yes, commander," the captain responded.
"Good, get ready to move out," the commander told the captain.
"Yes, sir," the captain answered and saluted. He turned to his men. "All right, men! We're moving out!"
"""""Sir!"""""
Meanwhile with the terrorists…
"Sir, we're in trouble!" said one of the terrorists.
"What trouble, Hans?" the Boss asked of his subordinate with a bored look.
"The police have just breached the roof of Hotel Entertainment! They're trying to locate the origin of the explosions we just set off!" Hans reported urgently.
The Boss looked at him with a neutral expression.
"So? What has the hotel got to do with anything? It's not like they will find any of us there?" the Boss replied calmly.
"Unfortunately, we have something else to report. When we were checking to see if the explosion went off successfully, we found Tim and Gregor lying dead and mangled inside," Hans reported.
This caused the Boss to frown.
"How did that happen? Were they caught in the explosion?" the Boss asked Hans.
"We don't know," Hans answered truthfully. "What we do know is this and that's the worst part of it all. We also found out that the explosion created an opening to the underground floor of the hotel. If the police get down to that floor…"
"They'll discover us, and our plan will be for naught," the Boss concluded with a sour look on his face. "Call Dohnasseek here. Tell him we need some adjustments in our plans…"
"Yes, sir," Hans responded and went off to find Dohnasseek.
The Boss took out his walkie talkie.
"All men report for combat. Go into the underground hole of the hotel and plant explosives in the lower floors. Prepare as many as possible. We want to receive them. Properly…"
And that was Chapter 43 of The Lone Vigilante Issei.
Now, on to the chapter.
So many things are happening once. First a breakfast, a briefing, then a familiar ceremony, then a parachuting adventure, a cleanup operation, a maze quest (of a sort) and finally an Isekai.
There were a lot of things for me to add – more than I expected. Perhaps, it's for the best since they enrich the story in a lot of ways.
This time, Issei is on a solo quest with only Ddraig and a Metroid larva at his side.
His mission – to end the threat of the X-parasites and Metroids once and for all.
It will be quite the mission – and a tough one at that. How is Issei going to do it? You'll have to wait until next time.
You guys must also be asking why I put Zatouji in Rias Gremory's personal shower of all places.
First, hey, why not? Her reaction was worth it.
And secondly, she was planning on finding Issei and the others. No need for them to have more trouble on their plate. Better that Rias and Sona deal with Zatouji first before they get to our boys. The devils are an issue that the boys will deal with later.
That's especially true given how the plot has been developing.
With the police, the terrorists and the Fallen Angels all racing to get to the bunker and to the other world (intentionally and unintentionally), this has now become a race for time. The police are going to clash with the terrorists with the terrorists having the upper hand.
Who will win?
And will Issei finish his mission before things can escalate?
Stay tuned.
Until then, what did you think about this chapter?
Please read and review. I'd like to hear from you.
And as always, I hope to see you in the next chapter.
Until then.
Hide Shinyama