The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hey everyone, it's me Hide Shinyama.
I meant to release it last weekend, but I was a bit in delay, and I have some urgent deadlines to fulfill.
I also meant for this chapter to finish this arc but have decided to cut it in half for now.
The arc will finish in the next chapter.
On the last chapter, Issei went on a mission to eradicate the X-parasite and Metroid threat once and for all. Because of this, he went through a portal to another world.
Meanwhile, the terrorists are facing off against a special commando of police forces.
Will Issei succeed? Will he be alright? What about the special forces and the terrorists?
Find out in…
Chapter 44 – Planet SR388
10th of October, Saturday, 4:14 pm – somewhere deep underground, Planet SR388
In an instant, Issei fell on his knees on the rocky ground in surprise. But what overwhelmed Issei was more than the change in scenery or the sudden loss of his bearings. Rather, it was the air that was burning in his throat. The air… it was toxic!
[Partner! The filter!] Ddraig urged Issei.
Issei was feeling groggy and was about to pass out. Yet, he managed to pull out said item from his belt and put it on his face. It was a metallic mask of some sort but was really a filter to convert the toxic air into oxygen. Shinyama had given it to him before the mission began.
Issei put it in his mouth and was gasping heavily. His lungs cried out in relief. If he hadn't put on the mask, he would have been a goner.
The Metroid landed on his shoulder. It seemed like it wanted to check up on Issei. Seeing that Issei was fine, it began to float again, all while chirping happily.
With his life no longer in danger, Issei looked around. He could tell right away that he was no longer in Tokyo.
He saw that he was in a dark cave with water dripping down on the cave floor from stalactites. It was about as wide and high as a house. There was no way out other than a rugged way upwards. Besides that, behind him he could see the green shining portal that led back home to his home world.
Good, at least he knew there was a way back. And speaking of his way back…
Issei put something like a sonar beacon on one of the walls nearby so that Issei could find his way back here.
Issei climbed up the rugged way. The way was about two meters wide and rugged, even as it went upwards. Because of this, Issei had to use the wall for support.
Step for step, Issei made his way up. Although he had eyes that could see in the dark, he tended to stumble from time to time, hence the need to support.
After a minute of nothing but darkness, Issei saw something move in the dark. Green and Yellow masses appeared from the darkness and attacked Issei.
"X-parasites!" Issei called out and got ready to fight.
However, that wasn't necessary.
With loud chirps, the Metroid went straight to work. It absorbed the attacking X-parasites with quick efficiency. The X-parasites tried to flee but were quickly absorbed by the Metroid. Those that did escape, fled into the holes they had come out from. The Metroid could not chase them into the holes because of how small they were.
Seeing this, Issei had an idea.
"Say, do you want to get them?" Issei asked the Metroid.
As if saying yes, the Metroid chirped happily.
"Alright then, watch this!" Issei told the Metroid.
[Boost!] Issei summoned the Boosted Gear on his arm.
[What are you doing, Partner?] Ddraig asked him.
"Just watch," Issei simply answered with a smirk.
Then, he boosted his strength and shot against the walls.
[Dragon Shot!]
That turned out to be a mistake. The cave started to collapse, and rocks started to fall on Issei.
[RUMBLE!]
"WHOA!" Issei yelped and fell to the ground. He promptly took cover as the rubble almost entombed him.
After the shaking had stopped, Issei groaned as he emerged from the rubble.
Issei saw the remaining X-parasites try to flee, only to be absorbed by the Metroid.
"Haha… it worked…" Issei laughed after he recovered from his surprise.
[Partner…] Ddraig growled quietly. [Don't ever do this again.]
"Okay, yeesh!" Issei answered annoyed.
[I mean it, Partner. You have to be careful about using the Dragon Shot here. You might be killed the next time around] Ddraig warned him.
"Yeah, yeah… I understand," Issei replied offhandedly.
The Metroid approached Issei happily with chirps.
"Now, then little fella. How did you like the treat I gave you?" Issei asked his familiar.
The Metroid chirped in response, as if saying yes.
"Good boy… or girl. I'll give you more to eat later," Issei responded with a chuckle.
Then they went on their way up the path, which had remained largely intact.
Ddraig couldn't help but glare at the floating Metroid.
[Stupid jellyfish…] Ddraig murmured to himself.
After a minute, Issei had arrived at the end of the rugged path.
What Issei saw was a huge cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Moreover, the cave was bigger than the one he was in before. It was as large as a stadium and so was its height.
But the most noticeable thing about the cave were the massive number of eggs lying in the cave.
"Those eggs…" Issei said as he inspected one of them closely. "That greenish color… no doubt… those are…"
[…Metroid eggs…] Ddraig finished Issei's conclusion. [And there are a lot of them, too. Imagine how dangerous it would be if they all hatched…]
Both Issei and Ddraig shuddered upon thinking about it.
"Should I destroy them?" Issei asked Ddraig for advice.
[Isn't the answer obvious?] Ddraig responded.
"I don't know… what would my Metroid buddy think about all this?" Issei wondered while looking at the Metroid larva with concern.
[Bah! Who cares about what that alien creature thinks? Besides, it's an animal. Animals don't have any feelings or concern for anybody, including for its own kind. Just do it] Ddraig said to Issei.
'No concern or feelings?' Issei thought to himself, as he gazed upon the Metroid, which was still chirping happily around him. 'Could that possibly be true?'
Issei was lost in thought for a moment, but then shook off his thoughts. There was no time to think about this.
Issei approached one of the eggs and hesitatingly raised his foot.
After mustering up his willpower, Issei stomped on the egg, crushing its contents under his heels with a sound of liquid splashing and cracking emanating from the deed.
Issei felt bad after doing this.
[Partner, you must do it. Remember the mission. Your mission is to destroy all the Metroids and X-parasites. You must not spare any of them] Ddraig reminded Issei with firmness in his voice.
With that said, Issei took a deep breath through the breathing filter and went to work.
Issei went to the next egg and stepped on it, crushing the egg and its contents inside it, this time with a bit less hesitation.
"I really have a bad feeling about this…" Issei voiced as he looked down at his shoes, now dripping with sticky liquid. It was obvious that he was concerned about something else than ethical behavior at the moment.
[Just do it] Ddraig said to him. [Though if you're concerned about getting your feet dirty, you could use the Boosted Gear to freeze these eggs to death. These creatures are vulnerable to the cold after all.]
Issei nodded and went straight to work, as he used the Boosted Gear.
[Ice orb!] The Boosted Gear called out.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
After a certain amount of time had passed, Issei punched the ground. A wave of ice engulfed the ground along with the eggs. Issei took a look around him. With this all the Metroid eggs were frozen solid.
The Metroid larva shivered from the cold and decided to warm up to Issei's side.
"Ahahaha… That tickles…" Issei laughed, as he tried to nudge the jellyfish familiar away from him. "I think we're done here. Let's go…"
[Yes, we should…] Ddraig said as he eyed the Metroid larva warily, clearly not liking the fact at how close he was getting to Issei.
And so, they departed to another pathway that led them to… who knows where?
10th of October, Saturday, 4:19 pm – 1st floor of Hotel Entertainment, Tokyo
The special forces, led by their captain and commander, were heading downwards towards the underground cellar. It was the closest point to the source of the explosion they could get. They had a strong suspicion that the explosion had something to with the Hotel and the incident that happened a few weeks ago there.
In other words, there was a high possibility that the same terrorists from that incident had something to do with it. And thus, they came prepared with special forces and everything.
"Report!" the captain called out to one of his men.
"Sir, we found a number of dead bodies in the hotel. They have been decaying for weeks and the smell is terrible," the special policeman said. If he was not wearing a helmet, one could see that he was wrinkling his nose from disgust.
"I see…" the captain replied with a nod. He made a mental note to send some transport to pick up those bodies. The captain then turned to the next man.
"Sir," the other police officer spoke up. "The mysterious glue has been discovered to cover the entire place. The building has serious damage in some places and there is rubble everywhere."
"I think that much is already clear," the captain replied neutrally.
"Sir," a third officer reported. "We have secured the building. No enemies or weapons were found from the roof all the way down to this floor."
"I see…" the captain simply replied before turning to the commander. "Sir, awaiting orders."
"We will head down. We will secure the ground floor," the commander ordered his men.
"Yes sir," the captain replied and took out his walkie-talkie to relay the order. "All men prepare to storm the ground floor."
10th of October, Saturday, 4:19 pm – 1st floor of Hotel Entertainment, Tokyo
"This must be the door to the cellar," the captain said as they arrived in front of said door.
"Sir," said one of the special force members. "We have scoured the entire ground level. No sign of any hostiles anywhere."
"I see," the captain replied and waited until all the men came before him and his boss with guns ready.
"Alright listen up, we will breach this door and I want you to stay on your toes. There might be hostiles in here," the commander told them all.
"""""Yes, sir!""""" the men all spoke in unison.
"Good, on my signal…" the commander ordered them to stand by.
With his arm in the air, he prepared to lower it.
So far so good, except for one thing.
What they did not notice was that the terrorists had already noticed their arrival and made the necessary preparations. Just a few minutes earlier, the terrorists had planted a number of explosives. Of course, the special forces, as thorough as they were, could not find these explosives, no matter how hard one checked the floor, walls, ground or ceiling.
After all, one could not see something that was on the floor below – on the ceiling.
A second passed… then two… then three…
[BOOM!]
"ARGH!" "HELP!" "RAH!"
Cries of horror and anguish erupted along with the explosions and flames that had erupted from the ground. Thankfully for the captain and the commander along with a number of men, they were not caught in the explosion. However, three of their comrades were caught and had fallen into the floor below. They could not tell if they were dead or alive.
"TAKE COVER!" the commander shouted as they retreated from the demolished floor where the explosions had come from.
All the special forces retreated to some of the nearby pillars.
However, some of them couldn't do it in time.
"AGH!" "URGH!" the cries of some special police falling to the ground was heard along with the sound of zipping bullets.
The special forces watched in shock and horror at their downed comrades. They had been shot in the back. They then turned to the door leading to the cellar. They saw two gunmen in black in the now opened door shooting to kill with their guns.
"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" the commander cried out. "FIRE!"
"FIRE!" the captain repeated the order.
And thus, the terrorists and the special police forces engaged in all out combat. The gunmen at the door were easily taken out after a few seconds. However, more of them came up from behind them to replace their fallen comrades.
The shooting continued. Two more police forces were hit by bullets, though they didn't die from their injuries. They took cover from their injuries as they tried to fix their wounds.
To make matters worse…
[BOOM!] [BOOM!]
"ARGH!" "AAAHHH!"
Two more explosions occurred, engulfing two more men in the fiery flames and destroying yet more sections of the floor.
"What!? Again!?" the captain voiced in shock.
"Never mind that! Shoot those hostiles!" the commander commanded.
The special forces resumed their shooting quickly.
Just as the special forces took out the men at the cellar door, the captain and commander spotted something. From the holes, they could see more gunmen appearing under the lower floor.
"Hostiles down below!" the captain shouted and readied his gun to shoot.
Surprisingly, instead of shooting, one of the terrorists threw something towards the police officers.
"GRENADE!" one of the men cried out and jumped away from the grenade, which had landed close to his own position.
[BOOM!] The explosion destroyed yet another section of the floor, leaving yet another large hole on the floor.
"They're trying to take our men out using underground explosives!" the commander exclaimed. "Take them out!"
The special forces quickly went to work and engaged in a shootout with the terrorists down below, who were now taking cover behind walls and under remaining sections of the floor.
The commander looked around him. There were bloodstains on some parts of the floor. Bloodstains of his men.
He looked down with a look of guilt on his face, which vanished after a moment and returned to being firm and hard. Then, he took out his walkie-talkie and called.
"HQ! Requesting reinforcements! We're under attack from hostiles!" the commander shouted to his superiors.
10th of October, Saturday, 4:50 pm – somewhere deep underground, Planet SR388
After spelunking around for about at least 30 minutes, Issei saw a lot of things.
He saw caves…
"Pretty big… which way should we go?" Issei asked Ddraig.
[Whichever way leads up] Ddraig suggested.
And pathways with creatures…
"Are those frogs?" Issei asked as he caught the sight of a dozen red frogs with blue legs and huge jaws.
[Probably. Let's just hope they don't…] Ddraig wanted to say but the monster frogs discovered Issei.
"CROAK!" the masses of monster frogs attacked.
"Crap! Here they come!" Issei cried out and got ready to fight.
After less than ten seconds they were shot to death and then their carcasses took shape.
"X-parasites!" Issei exclaimed in surprise, upon seeing the faceless creatures.
His shock was short lived when he saw the Metroid kill them quickly.
"That was unexpected…" Issei remarked to Ddraig.
[They do transform into whatever creatures they want to, so perhaps it's not so surprising] Ddraig responded. [Anyway, let's go…]
…and rooms with surprises…
"What's this?" Issei wondered as he approached a sitting statue of a humanoid bird with something in its hands.
Issei touched the object in its hands carefully… then took it and inspected it.
"Ah!" Issei yelped as a sudden jolt of electricity went through his body. He stumbled backwards with the item still in his hands.
[Partner! Are you alright?] Ddraig called out worried.
"Yeah, no problem," Issei answered as he found his bearings. "It's just that… it feels like I got some information about this thing."
[What thing? That thing in your hands?] Ddraig asked.
"Yup," Issei answered with a nod. "It sounded like a message, saying 'You got Bombs' or something like that."
[Interesting… Anyway, let's go… We still need to get to the surface] Ddraig said, not being all too interested at the item in question.
[Rumble!] A rumbling sound suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"Did you hear that?" Issei asked Ddraig as he looked around.
[I did. But where is it coming from?] Ddraig asked mystified.
"It sounded like it came from…" Issei turned back to the bird statue and found that it was standing with its eyes glowing red.
"Uh-oh…" Issei voiced out as he stepped back.
The bird statue shot a beam from its arms. Issei hastily dodged it and got ready to fight.
With the Boosted Gear, Issei charged his power.
[Boost!]
The bird statue walked towards Issei and raised its claw-like arms to hurt him.
[Move!] Ddraig cried out.
Issei jumped out of the way and rolled on the ground, then took aim when he got on his feet.
[Dragon Shot!]
The blast hit the bird statue which flew back and slammed into the wall.
It lay in a crater and remained prone… but got up after a few seconds.
"Dang it!" Issei cursed.
[Boost!]
Issei charged once more.
The bird statue threw some projectiles into the air, which exploded all around Issei.
"GRK!" Issei gritted his teeth as he barely dodged all the bombs before taking aim.
[Dragon Shot!]
The blast hit the statue again which slammed it back into the wall.
Issei panted, fully hoping this would keep it down. But to his consternation, it got up again.
"Dang! How do I destroy it?" Issei voiced in frustration.
[Partner, I think it's time you used the Dragon Scale Mail] Ddraig advised him.
"What? But the last time I did that I ended up bed-ridden!" Issei protested.
[You will have to get used to using it if you want to become stronger! Besides, if all goes well, you might just need a second or two to defeat it] Ddraig said to him.
Issei looked at the bird statue, which charged a beam coming from its chest.
It was do or die.
[Balance Breaker!]
With a bright flash of crimson, Issei was in the red armor.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
With massive power charged in front of Issei's hand, he fired it with full force.
The bird statue fired its beam as well.
[Dragon Shot!]
The Dragon Shot pushed back against the beam with ease and slammed into the bird statue.
[BOOOOOOM!]
With a huge blast, the wall was destroyed, and masses of rubble fell down Issei's head.
Issei emerged from the rubble with his armor before deactivating it.
[Reset!] The Scale Mail vanished and Issei lost his power.
Issei collapsed in exhaustion before looking at where the statue had been. It was in a hundred pieces and no longer a threat.
[Partner?] Ddraig addressed Issei.
"Yeah…?" Issei answered on the floor in fatigue.
[You have a long way to go. But you're making baby steps] Ddraig said to him.
Issei said nothing to that as he slowly got up. With nothing else to do here, Issei walked to the next place.
…and more paths with creatures…
"A Metroid larva?" Issei voiced surprised at the second Metroid larva floating before him.
[Indeed, it is…] Ddraig affirmed.
"Hey, look! Your brother is here!" Issei told his own Metroid larva.
But his own Metroid decided to hide behind Issei and shivered. It seemed like it wanted nothing to do with the other one.
"What's wro-? Huh?" Issei wondered at his familiar's behavior when he noticed an odd action from the wild Metroid larva.
It turned from green to a more yellowish color, then turned gray.
"Wha… what?" Issei voiced confused at what was happening.
After a few seconds, the Matroid larva skin molted away from its body and revealed…
Issei flinched back in horror.
Instead of the larva, a very different creature floated before Issei. It looked like an ugly red beetle with a green shell on a red and white nucleus of some kind.
"What is that?" Issei asked with a look of shock and disgust. "It's… disgusting…"
What's worse, it even charged electricity in its mouth. It was about to attack him!
[No idea! Just kill it!] Ddraig told Issei, seemingly grossed out as well.
The bug creature on the nucleus dashed at Issei.
Issei instinctively blocked with the arm with the Boosted Gear. Its jaws clamped down on Issei's gauntleted arm.
There was a tug-of-war between both combatants with neither having the upper hand.
But then, the electricity coming from the creature became more intense. Issei could feel its dangerous heat through the gauntlet.
"Ddraig?" Issei asked, hoping his friendly dragon might help.
[Uhh… freeze it!] Ddraig quickly suggested.
Issei went right to it. He boosted a few times and…
[Ice orb!] Ice emanated from the Boosted Gear.
…the creature was frozen solid. It fell to the ground.
Issei went right for the kill and smashed the creature to bits.
Issei calmed down from the adrenaline rush. And when he did, he wondered to himself this.
"Was that… an X-parasite?" Issei wondered out loud.
[I somehow don't think so…] Ddraig replied. [I think it really was a Metroid.]
"A… Metroid…?" Issei widened his eyes and then remembered.
Flashback
"The Metroids can evolve into very different forms," Shinyama explained to Issei on their way on board the Chopping Board Type 2. "The Metroid you have here is an infant or a larva. When it evolves, it becomes an Alpha Metroid, then a Gamma Metroid, then a Zeta Metroid, then Omega and possibly even Queen. Be very careful when you see them."
Flashback end
"Alpha Metroid…" Issei mumbled.
[Alpha Metroid?] Ddraig asked.
"Yeah, Shinyama told me about it. It's the form that comes after a Metroid becomes a larva," Issei explained.
His eyes wandered to his familiar.
As the Metroid returned to its normal cheerful self, Issei could not help but wonder.
'Is this what you'll become when you grow up?' Issei wondered in deep thought.
Issei reached out with his hand to touch it. The Metroid larva chirped happily and rubbed itself against Issei's hand.
"You really don't like your older cousins, do you?" Issei asked playfully.
The Metroid chirped, as though it were saying yes.
[Partner, that thing can't talk. Don't bother] Ddraig said to Issei.
Issei turned to Ddraig with a cheeky grin. "Are you jealous?"
[No!] Ddraig declared loudly. [Now, can we move on?]
"Yes… spoilsport…" Issei responded and rolled his eyes.
They went on their way.
…and, of course, there were unpleasant setbacks…
"AHHH! UGH!" Issei screamed as he dropped on his rear.
He was walking through the cave when the ground suddenly gave way. Issei could still see the hole he had fallen into… until he didn't for the floor suddenly covered up over him like there never was a hole to begin with.
"What!? How!?" Issei was absolutely bewildered and sought for Ddraig's advice.
[I am as baffled as you are] Ddraig admitted frankly.
…all until Issei couldn't take it anymore.
"How long is this going to take?" Issei said, now clearly annoyed at his lack of progress.
[I don't know…] Ddraig simply answered.
Issei breathed out a loud sigh.
"What a drag…" he moaned.
[What's the matter?] Ddraig asked of Issei.
"What's the matter? Let me see…" Issei said and then pretended to be in deep thought. "First of all, this is taking too long. At the rate I'm going, I'll be stuck here for days. Secondly, I have no idea where I am going. There is no map nor GPS, so I don't know how to get to the surface. Third, there are creatures attacking me from everywhere in all shapes and sizes. Fourth, its dark. Fifth, it's cold. Sixth, I can't sleep here. Seventh, I can't eat without taking this mask off and if I do, I'm dead! So, tell me why I shouldn't be feeling down!?" Issei finished his rant.
Issei breathed heavily as he awaited an answer from Ddraig. But Ddraig did not answer.
Seeing that Ddraig was not going to answer him, Issei continued speaking.
"Which is why I'll speed things up…" Issei announced and braced himself.
He took a deep breath. Then he raised his arm. He adjusted his arm in such a way that it made a specific angle. More specifically, it was a 30-degree angle from the ground up.
"Little buddy? You might want to take cover. Go as far away from here as possible, then return when I call you, okay?" Issei asked of the Metroid.
The Metroid chirped and went someplace else.
[Partner, what are you doing?] Ddraig asked Issei.
"Like I said, Ddraig. Speeding things up," Issei answered cryptically.
[What do you…?] Ddraig didn't finish his question the moment Issei started boosting.
[Boost!]
[Boost!]
[Boost!]
[Partner…?] Ddraig asked in concern.
[Balance breaker!] Immediately, the red crimson armor reappeared.
[Partner!] Ddraig called out.
"Ready or not, here goes!" Issei called out, as he boosted his power to a maximum.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
[DRAGON SHOT!]
[BOOOM!]
10th of October, Saturday, 4:52 pm – staircase between the 1st and the ground floor of Hotel Entertainment, Tokyo
"It's good to see you here, sir," the captain said to his colleague, who was also a captain of special forces.
Currently, they had retreated from the gunfire and had met up with reinforcements of twenty men who were led by an additional captain. With the reinforcements now present, the special forces went on the counteroffensive and were fighting the terrorists once more.
"It's not a problem," said the second captain. "But seriously, five men missing in action and six of you injured – a group of twenty men excluding yourself and the commander? How did that happen?"
"We were caught by surprise. The terrorists came prepared. And they used the terrain to their advantage," the first captain explained.
"That would explain the holes…" the second captain gazed at the broken floor.
"Yes, but this time. We have the advantage – thanks to you," the commander told them and watched the fight.
The special forces had submachine guns and were taking down multiple foes. Just as the commander had said, the special forces had the advantage.
Just a floor below…
By now, the terrorists had lost dozens of men and were about to retreat.
"We can't hold on for much longer," said the terrorist known as Hans as he spoke to the Boss on his walkie-talkie. "We're losing too many men."
"Retreat," came the reply. "Go back through the cellar. Plant more traps to delay them as quickly as possible. We're making our escape."
"Escape? Where to?" Hans asked his boss.
"To the bunker. Someone has broken into it," the Boss answered.
"Broken into it? Who could that be?" Hans asked surprised.
"I don't know. Whoever, it was must have known about this place. Most likely we will find him on the other side. Prepare the equipment," the Boss ordered him.
"Yes sir," Hans answered and went right to it.
"Retreat! Fall back! Plant more explosives on the pillars ad walls to delay them!" Hans ordered the men. The men did as they were told.
As Hans retreated, he couldn't help but wonder who this mysterious person was who broke into the bunker.
Meanwhile, the Boss spoke to the Fallen Angel Dohnasseek about the next move.
"You're heading in?" Dohnasseek asked the Boss.
"Of course, unlike you, I cannot teleport myself away from here," the Boss answered as he was putting on his gear.
"Even though it's probably dangerous?" Dohnasseek asked with a cold smile.
"I don't choose fights that I don't win. And I have the feeling that whoever this intruder is, won't be able to take us all down by himself," the Boss answered calmly, despite the gunfire.
"If you want me to teleport back to safety, it really isn't a problem," Dohnasseek assured him.
"I thank you for the offer, but I have to reject it. I have come thus far and refuse to give up on something as important as a portal of the other world," the Boss replied.
"…" Dohnasseek remained silent and stoic-faced at that.
After a moment, the Boss asked Dohnasseek.
"So, what will you do now?" the Boss asked.
"I'll come with you. It is getting loud here after all…" Dohnasseek replied.
"Well, then let us be going," the Boss stated and gestured to the tunnel leading to the bunker.
"Right," Dohnasseek nodded.
10th of October, Saturday, 4:53 pm – somewhere deep underground, Planet SR388
Issei panted as he clawed and destroyed all the rubble in his Balance Breaker state. Getting out of the rubble was really annoying, especially if there was so much on top of someone. Issei knew, of course, that being buried by that much rubble was dangerous and could kill someone but with the Dragon Scale Mail, getting out was a piece of cake.
[Partner! I told you not to be so reckless!] Ddraig scolded Issei.
"I know, but I had to try…" Issei answered as he removed his foot from the crack between the rubble.
[Reset!]
Issei collapsed again, panting heavily while lying on the rubble.
After twenty seconds, Issei looked at where he had shot and chuckled.
"I did it… *cough*…" Issei coughed out.
[Did what?] Ddraig wanted to know.
"Create a way to the surface," Issei answered with glee. "See?"
Ddraig looked and indeed.
A huge and straight pathway was made towards the top. It was angled in such a way that one could walk one's way up. It was long but getting up there was going to be quite easy.
They could see the light shine at the other end of the tunnel.
"Little buddy!? Are you there!?" Issei called out for his familiar.
The Metroid larva came chirping as it went. It rubbed against Issei's face.
"Good boy," Issei said with a smile while petting it. "Now, let's get this done and go home."
[Yes, let us…] Ddraig said offhandedly, having now forgotten about Issei's recklessness and being engulfed by the curiosity of what was up there.
Issei made his way to the path which was two meters above ground. But thanks to the multitude of nearby rubble, Issei could climb it and start on his way upwards.
Step for step, Issei walked his way up, trying to adjust his foothold on the newly made path. It was relatively smooth and Issei's feet almost slipped after some steps. Nevertheless, Issei made his way up steadily and consistently.
10th of October, Saturday, 4:58 pm – staircase to the cellar of Hotel Entertainment, Tokyo
"All clear!" said one of the special force members.
"Good, move forward," the first captain said.
Currently, the special forces were on their way down and were securing the underground floor. All the terrorists had fled. Those that didn't were already dead.
Sadly, some of their men had also died. A total of five were dead now.
There was a feeling of anger and a desire for revenge because of this. Normally, the leading officers would have ordered their men to chase them.
But they knew better.
Something about the gunmen's retreat bothered them. They did not know what it was, but they knew.
The tactics the gunmen used were ingenious. They knew what they were doing. And so, there had to be some ace up their sleeves somewhere.
"Captain! Commander! We've found them!" one of the special forces members called out.
"You have?" the first captain asked.
"Yes," the officer answered. "Explosives have been planted, just like you said."
"Explosives?" the other officer voiced in surprise.
"Yes," the first officer confirmed. "When we were attacked earlier, they had planted explosives under our feet and blew them up. Logically, they had to have more."
Hearing this, the second captain took action.
"All men with bomb-diffusing expertise, diffuse all of them," the second captain ordered.
"Right away!" one of the officers said and so they went to work.
"They're trying to buy time. But for what?" the commander asked.
"Probably to escape. What else could it be?" the first captain asked.
"Somehow, I don't think so," the commander opined. "They came here for a reason. They're not after hostages… and they are underground… there must be something there…"
"Yes… but what?" the first captain wondered.
This put them into deep thought.
And then, the commander knew.
"I remember now," the commander said to the captains.
"What exactly?" asked the second captain.
"The CEO of this hotel. According to his testimony, the men were after some sort of bunker. They asked him for plans and schematics. That must be what they are after!" the commander deduced.
"A bunker? What's so special about a bunker?" the first captain asked.
"I don't know… but we won't know until we get there," the commander said to them.
Indeed. They could only wait until they got there to find out… or get the answers out of the terrorists…
For now, the latter was the priority.
10th of October, Saturday, 5:05 pm – somewhere deep underground, Planet SR388
A huge creature had just awoken from its nap and had checked up to what was a horrifying sight. Its eggs have all been destroyed, frozen by something unnatural.
It was filled with rage… and roared. Its roar shook the cave and its vicinity with such intensity that it felt like the whole planet would break.
Then it sniffed. Then it followed a certain scent.
Behind it, came a variety of other creatures, snarling and roaring right on its heels. They followed this other creature to wherever it went.
10th of October, Saturday, 5:25 pm – on the surface of Planet SR388
Issei had decided to run his way up now that he was confident of not slipping.
Even so, he had to slow down since running his way up was exhausting.
At last, he could leave the dark underground and come to the surface.
What Issei saw upon reaching the surface was a breathtaking sight.
It was a desolate barren planet completely different from Earth. Issei felt the need to look around, especially when he found some ruins nearby.
[Partner, what are you doing?] Ddraig asked.
"Just checking what this place is. That's all. Might as well do it while we're here," Issei said to Ddraig.
And thus, he did, taking pictures with his special glasses all the while.
What Issei saw were the remains of an ancient civilization that seemed… advanced and primitive at the same time. He saw broken buildings and murals that had one thing in common.
They were bird men. Just like the bird statue underground.
"What do you think they are?" Issei wondered.
[Aliens of some sort. Very different from the supernatural beings back on Earth] Ddraig said to Issei.
"Yeah…" Issei replied and gazed all around him.
While he was doing this, Issei could not help but wonder.
"Are you sure that we should be doing this?" Issei asked of Ddraig.
[Doing what?] Ddraig asked.
"Ending this… all of this…" Issei said with a pang of guilt in his voice. "What if there are people… creatures living their lives in harmony only to then… lose all of it…"
Issei looked at the broken remains of the civilization present with sadness in his heart.
Ddraig felt this and knew that for all that his host was, he was a kind boy at heart. And he understood where Issei was coming from, as he valued all life.
And yet, the answer was a harsh one.
[Partner… I'm not sure if there exists sentient life on this planet… but even if there was…] Ddraig paused, as he drew Issei's attention. […there is a lot more sentient life on earth. Those are the ones you swore to protect.]
Issei said nothing. He stood there in silence.
Ddraig became worried for him until the Metroid cheered Issei up. It rubbed against Issei's face, which tickled him.
"Ahaha… please, stop…" Issei laughed as he brushed away the Metroid.
After the Metroid flew away for a bit, Issei focused on Ddraig.
"You're right… Partner…" Issei said to him. "I think I now know what to do."
With that Issei took out a device from his belt and…
[BANG!] a gunshot suddenly rang.
"AGH!" Issei cried out as he fell to the ground in surprise.
He clutched his arm painfully. Thankfully, the wound wasn't deep. But it left a bruise, which made his arm sore.
"So… you are the one…" a German accented voice came from behind.
"Yes, he must be…" a deep masculine voice was also heard.
Issei looked behind him and saw a group of men in masks and guns.
'It can't be…' Issei thought in horror. 'The terrorists…'
[Watch out, Partner! That tall one is a Fallen Angel. And he is a strong one, too] Ddraig warned Issei.
Issei eyed them wearily. He was about to get up, but the gunmen cocked their guns at him.
"I wouldn't move if I were you," the Boss warned Issei.
He walked up to him… then kicked him while he was on the ground.
"Ugh!" Issei coughed upon being kicked.
"So… you are the one… the one who killed my men. Tell me, who are you? And what are you doing here?" the Boss interrogated him.
Issei said nothing.
The Boss aimed his gun and shot Issei's leg.
[BANG!] "GRK!"
Issei grunted in pain, resisting the urge to scream.
The Boss looked at Issei's leg in mild surprise.
"So… your body is tough, huh?" the Boss remarked to Issei.
At this, Dohnasseek widened his eyes.
"That gauntlet…" Dohnasseek whispered in awe.
This caught the Boss' attention.
"Oh? Do you know who he is?" the Boss asked his partner.
"No. But I know what that gauntlet is. It is a Longinus. This boy is the Sekiryuutei – Red Dragon Emperor. He is the one who must have caused our plans to go to bust a few weeks ago," Dohnasseek said to the Boss.
"Is that so?" the Boss asked Issei.
Issei gritted his teeth and glared defiantly.
"Hey, don't you glare at the Boss like that!" one of the gang members threatened Issei.
He was about to shoot but the Boss raised his hand.
"Easy, there is no need to be hostile. That is unless our little friend refuses to cooperate. You'll cooperate, right?" the Boss mockingly asked Issei.
"Forget it! It doesn't really matter," Dohnasseek told the Boss. "He needs to be put down. Here and now."
"Why so eager to kill, my friend?" the Boss asked Dohnasseek.
"Because that's what's needed. Besides, mere guns won't be able to kill him. You see his injuries. No blood. Plus, he could overpower you people easily with the power of the Longinus," Dohnasseek warned him. "Let me handle this."
The Boss gave Dohnasseek an impassive look.
"Be my guest… Dohnasseek," the Boss answered and then stepped aside. He walked from Issei.
'Dohnasseek… so that's him…' Issei realized upon remembering the name from the walkie-talkie conversation earlier.
Dohnasseek summoned a light spear and glared at Issei with hostility.
"I don't know how you learned of this place or why you've tried to stop us, but I don't care. You killed a number of my Fallen Angel comrades and are now a dangerous threat. Say your last words," Dohnasseek raised his hand.
Issei was about to dodge and then prepare his attack when…
[BOOM!]
The sound of something deep underground caused tremors to happen, making everyone halt what they were doing.
"What was that?" the Boss asked as he looked around.
"An earthquake, perhaps?" Dohnasseek guessed, while eyeing his surroundings warily.
But the rumbling did not stop. Instead, it intensified at each second.
Judging by the sound of it, this was no earthquake. It sounded more like the sound of large steps made by a huge creature.
And it was getting closer…
"What on earth…?" one of the terrorists called out when he saw creatures emerge from the tunnel, they all had come out from.
The creatures came in various different shapes and sizes. They did not know what they were, but they were quite big. And they were attacking the terrorists.
"GAAAAH!" "UUUAAAGH!"
The screams of men being devoured by those creatures filled everyone's ears.
The men were either shooting or running away. But it was no use. One by one, more men were killed by these monstrous creatures.
Dohnasseek and the Boss took battle stances.
"What are those things?" the Boss asked Dohnasseek.
"They must be native creatures of this world," Dohnasseek replied.
Issei used this chance to sneak away.
He hid behind a rock.
From the rock, he saw the creatures kill the gunmen with ruthless efficiency.
"What are those things?" Issei asked Ddraig.
[More grotesque creatures. Ugh… I've had enough of these aliens…] Ddraig complained upon seeing them.
Issei watched from the sidelines as the fight went on.
That was when he noticed a number of creatures that he had seen before.
"Wait, aren't those… Alpha Metroids?" Issei widened his eyes in surprise.
[Indeed, they are] Ddraig responded.
As Issei watched, he realized that he knew what all those creatures were.
"Aren't those… Gamma Metroids over there? And those… those are Zeta Metroids…" Issei noticed in shock. "And aren't those Omega Metroids?"
[I think you're right, Partner] Ddraig said in response.
"I have a bad feeling about this…" Issei said in worry.
[BOOM!] [BOOM!] [BOOM!]
(ROOOOOAAAAARRRRR!)
The steps became even louder, and a deafening roar came from the tunnel. What emerged out of it was a humongous creature in green. It looked like a dinosaur with huge teeth and no eyes.
(RRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRR!) the huge dinosaur-like creature roared.
Issei also knew what that creature was.
"It's… a Metroid Queen…" Issei let out in shock.
And that was Chapter 44 of The Lone Vigilante Issei.
Now, I'm sure all of you who have played Metroid are familiar with some of the easter eggs I spread throughout this chapter. I hoped you liked them.
But I have to note that Issei Hyoudou here is not Samus Aran.
Samus Aran goes around through massive dungeons, fighting enemies in the masses, collecting items and solving puzzles – doing it all in who knows how many hours.
Issei, on the other hand, is not that kind of person, hence why he decided to blast a hole through stuff with the Boosted Gear.
Moreover, given a possible scenario of the police storming Hotel Entertainment and X-parasites reappearing in his home world, delaying time was not an option. That is especially true given the situation with the special forces and the terrorists.
It is a race for time. And it will be literally so for the next chapter.
For all you who have played Metroid, I think you know what I'm talking about.
Stay tuned.
I hope to release the next chapter soon and hopefully, it will be in about four weeks. Sadly, I have a paper to write, and I have to focus my time on that. I hope you guys can understand.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Did you like it?
Please read and review. I hope to hear from you.
And as always, I hope to see you next time.
Until then.
Hide Shinyama