The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hi there, it's me Hide Shinyama.
I wanted to finish this chapter just before the year ended and… it looks like I made it – right in time for the start of a new arc.
As of now, the perverted quartet are on their way to Nerima in Tokyo with Matsuda's new size-changing helicopter.
After defeating the succubus back in Sakabasu Detention Facility, our heroes save the girls from Doki Doki Literature Club. Unfortunately, Matsuda, Motohama and Issei say their sad, but bittersweet goodbyes to their girlfriends Natsuki, Yuri and Sayori respectively (and Monika, of course).
As the girls leave for other dimensions to find their new home, while the perverted quartet leave for Nerima in the Tokyo Metropolis. After escaping from the crumbling dimension, building and barrier, the perverted quartet make their way to their destination on Matsuda's new size-changing helicopter.
What's going to happen to them? Are they going to make it to Nerima – the apartment Monika left for them?
Find out in…
Chapter 17 – Gullinbursti Arc, Part 1
15th September, Saturday, 8:34 am – somewhere in the skies above
It was a beautiful morning up in the skies of Japan. It was windy and cold, but the sky was clear and sunny. Flocks of birds of all kinds were making their way South for their annual migration, since it was that time of the year.
If one didn't know any better one could argue that there was nothing out of the ordinary. Except, well… for one thing…
"Watch out. Flocks of birds," a short white-haired girl with leathery wings said to her companions with a monotonous tone and neutral expression.
"You got it!" a blonde-haired pretty-looking boy replied.
"Ufufufu… right away!" a busty black-haired girl with a pony-tail giggled.
Both of them, having leathery wings like the first girl, dodged gracefully, as they flew through the sky. The two girls flew over the V-shaped flock, the boy flew under it. After the flock had flown past them, they flew closer to each other again.
"Ufufu…" the black-haired girl laughed. "This is fun! Why haven't we done this sooner?"
"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying this, Senpai," the blond-haired boy said with a gentle smile. "But we shouldn't lose our target out of our sight."
The white-haired girl, who kept her monotonous tone and neutral facial expression, spoke up. "Yuuto-senpai, is right," she said to the black-haired girl. "And we need to think of a plan on what to do with it, too. So, don't lose sight focus on the mission, Akeno-senpai."
The girl called Akeno just giggled. "My, my… so serious… Ufufu…"
"Anyway," the boy called Yuuto said. "Let's hurry up. I get the feeling that the longer we take, the more lessons we have to catch up. I really don't want to be burdened with a lot of homework."
"Don't worry. Ufufufu…" the Akeno giggled again. "I don't lose sight of my target that easily… especially if it's a helicopter."
"Yes… Though speaking of which, I still can't believe a helicopter could do something like that. I mean, there's no way it could have such a powerful arsenal inside to destroy a magical barrier. So, logically that would mean that somebody inside it had the ability to do so. Probably with the help of a Sacred Gear of some kind. Any ideas on what it could be, Koneko?" Yuuto asked the white-haired girl.
The stoic girl called Koneko just shook her head. "Nope. No idea," she simply answered.
"Me neither, but whoever it is…" Akeno said with a smile, before it turned… sadistic for some reason, her hands forming lightning. "…I hope that whoever is behind that blast can endure some punishment. Ufufufu…" she laughed cheerfully, but creepily.
At Akeno's rush of excitement, she picked up her speed and flew faster, causing the other two to follow her suit.
15th September, Saturday, 8:36 am – somewhere in the skies above some 300 meters ahead
"Whoa!" Issei yelped, having just awoken from a nightmare.
Both Matsuda and Motohama had also awoken upon Issei's cry and were breathing heavily. Their surprised looks turned into glares when they turned to Issei.
"Dude! What the heck!?" Motohama scolded Issei.
"Yeah, man! What was all the yelling for?" Matsuda demanded.
Issei raised his hands defensively in a bid to calm them down.
"Look, guys. I'm sorry. I… uh… just had this bad dream that's all…" Issei explained nervously.
Motohama simply frowned. "Well, could you please not shout? We're trying to get some shut-eye here. I mean… considering what we had to go through just like…" he pauses to look at his special watch. "…three hours or so, we couldn't even get some proper sleep – and we most certainly deserve that!"
"Yeah. But now that we're awake, tell us what your dream was," Matsuda insisted.
Issei sighed, as he thought about his dream, before replying. "I… had this dream that Akeno Himejima was flying through the air, smiling with this… sadistic, yandere-style grin and was going to fry the living crap out of us…"
Motohama raised his eyebrows upon hearing this. "Akeno Himejima? Sadistic and yandere-style?" Motohama questioned skeptically.
"As if," Matsuda scoffed. "And why would she want to fry us anyway? It's not like we ever peeked on her."
"Wish we did though, before we left…" Issei groaned.
It was then that Matsuda and Motohama took on somber looks on their faces.
"Oh, yeah… I wonder how my mom and dad are…" Motohama said, as he looked out the window, hoping somehow to see Kuoh from where they were.
"Me too…" Matsuda added quietly, looking outside as well. "Now that I think about it, we're leaving everybody behind, aren't we?"
"Yes, we are…" Issei said, as he looked out in the sky with his two buddies. "…I wonder if… we really should do this… you know… leaving Kuoh, leaving our families behind, leaving the academy behind, too… Wouldn't it all be better… to go back?"
Matsuda and Motohama didn't say a thing. They looked out into the horizon for a good time, before Matsuda answered.
"Dude, you know we can't do that, right?" Matsuda responded neutrally, not turning his face away from the blue sky and white cumulus clouds, covering the earth below.
Issei didn't turn away upon answering him. "I know, it's just… I just wish we could…"
"I wish so, too…" Motohama spoke up. "I mean, I miss my parents, Kuoh Academy, my porn-collection…"
"Oh, yeah… and my porn-collection. I forgot about those," Matsuda added quickly.
"And mine. I bet they're collecting dust at home…" Issei said, while feeling down.
"Well, yeah… But anyway… What I'm trying to say is… that we're fugitives… we can't go back. If we go back, the cops and… pretty much everyone in Kuoh would recognize us and before we know it, we're back in jail – a real one, might I add," Motohama said seriously.
"Yeah… no way I'd ever want that to happen," Issei said with a shudder.
"I agree," Matsuda stated with a nod. "Though, I wonder… just how my folks are feeling… or will feel once they find out that Sakabasu Detention Facility no longer exists. I mean, we just disappeared with no trace whatsoever, right? For all they know, we might be dead or missing. I'm just worried they might go off the deep-end…" he added in worry.
Motohama widened his eyes upon realizing something. "Yeah… you're right… My parents would be worried, too. And the worst part is that we can't contact them… or tell them we're alright. They'll be worried to death. What are we going to do?" Motohama said anxiously.
Issei didn't know what to say. For one, he didn't have that kind of problem, since his parents were dead (which may be the only blessing that may have come out of it, in addition to gaining the Boosted Gear – not that he'd ever give up his parents for anything).
Another reason was because Issei tried hard to think of a solution that may placate their worries. On the one hand, he wanted to suggest that they call their parents once they landed. However, there were other concerns that needed to be addressed, as well. How would the three of them explain their parents how they got out of the facility? There was no way they were going to tell them about the supernatural. Doing that might put them at risk. And even if they decided to tell their parents, where would they go from there? Go back home or alive in Tokyo, while staying in contact with their parents. What if the Japanese authorities in Tokyo happened to find out about their whereabouts through some means and come after them?
Issei had questions after questions, none of which were easy to answer. But he knew that an answer had to come – one way or the other.
Suddenly, the Boosted Gear manifested itself and Ddraig spoke up, making sure everybody could hear him.
[Partner] Ddraig interrupted Issei's thoughts gaining his attention. [I know you've got a lot of things to worry about, but these things can wait. For now, focus on getting to Nerima and the rest can be solved then. Besides, I don't think you three need to worry about doing all this hiding by yourselves. There is someone who might be of assistance to you on this.]
This got not only Issei's attention, but Matsuda's and Motohama's attention, too. Motohama immediately spoke up.
"Who? Who is this someone you're talking about?" Motohama asked interested.
[Don't you remember what Monika told you about getting the apartment?] Ddraig asked.
All of them tried to remember, but shook their heads when they couldn't.
Ddraig sighed, before elaborating. [At that time, Monika told you…]
Flashback
"I arranged the purchase not too long. You see, I was betting that you'd defeat the succubus and I was right on the money – literally. I paid enough rent for you to stay there free of charge for the next five years. The landlord knows about this, so don't worry about explaining things. I did all the explaining for you."
Flashback end
[…and because Monika told the landlord about her payment and about three, it's safe to assume that she also told him about the reason why you are coming and why you are staying] Ddraig finished his explanation.
The three of them were quite surprised at Ddraig's explanation.
"Of, course… the landlord! How could we forget?" Matsuda said, as his face turned hopeful.
"Yeah, the landlord can help us make a cover-story of some kind," Motohama said with optimism in his voice.
"Not only that, he can also help us get settled, help us out or something like that..." Issei spoke astounded.
They all looked each other with excitement and gave each other high fives.
"This is great! We can finally talk to our parents again!" Matsuda exclaimed.
"Hip-hip-hooray! Ddraig just made our day!" Issei praised Ddraig in a rhyme.
[Oh… please… you flatter me…] Ddraig said, being positively flustered. [It was nothing really…]
"Ahahaha! Oh yeah! I can see it! An apartment, a new school, contacting our parents, new gadgets… We're hitting this off big time! We're on an epic adventure and everything just keeps on getting better! There's nothing that could possibly go wrong now!" Motohama laughed delighted, sincerely believing nothing could go wrong.
But he was wrong.
[ZAAAP!]
A flash of lightning streaked right passed by the helicopter, causing everyone to freeze.
Nobody said a word for a few seconds.
"Wha… What was that?" Issei finally broke the silence.
"I thought a lightning bolt just flashed by a second ago," Matsuda spoke up next.
"How can that be? The sky is completely clear how can something like that happen in the clear sky?" Motohama asked, as he looked out of the window.
Had he been able to look backwards and not merely sideways, he would have gotten his answer.
15th September, Saturday, 8:39 am – just some 150 meters behind
"Ufufufu…" Akeno laughed, as she shot another lightning bolt at the helicopter, which passed by harmlessly right next to the helicopter.
"Senpai? What are you doing?" Yuuto asked her with some concern.
"Yes, senpai. Why are you shooting at the helicopter?" Koneko asked her with usual neutral face.
Akeno just looked at Yuuto and Koneko to her right and left respectively with a cheerful smile and giggled.
"I'm just trying to see if the helicopter will do anything funny, if we provoke it. Ufufufufu…" Akeno explained, as she fired another bolt right next to helicopter – this one much closer than the last one.
"Senpai. Our job is to find out more about the helicopter and whoever is in it," Koneko simply said.
"Indeed, it is," Yuuto continued. "Besides, I'd stop if I were you. You might actually hit it."
"Oh, come on. I'll be careful. Ufufufu…" Akeno giggled, as she fired yet another bolt. This bolt, however…
15th September, Saturday, 8:40 am – back with the boys
[BOOM!]
"WHAT!?" "THE HELL!?" "GAAAH!" the three boys yelped, as they were jolted forward from the blast.
{WARNING! TAIL ROTOR HAS SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE! I REPEAT! TAIL ROTOR HAS SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE! PLEASE FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS AND BRACE YOURSELVES! ENGAGE EMERGENCY LANDING IMMEDIATELY!} Phoebe, the A. I., alerted everyone.
The boys picked themselves with groans. Matsuda looked at the screen next to the controller (there were several screens at the cockpit of the helicopter by the way) and was starting to get worried.
Sure, the main rotor was still working, but without the tail rotor the helicopter was severely handicapped. Moreover, wherever that bolt came from, they needed to get out of here!
"Matsuda! Do something, man, or we're gonna die!" Motohama cried out in panic.
Gritting his teeth, Matsuda responded "I'm trying! I'm trying!", before getting to work on the controls in order to get the helicopter to land safely.
Matsuda looked at the controls in a panic. How on earth was he going to land?
As if reading his mind, Phoebe spoke up.
{Switch off auto-pilot. Move left stick downward to land the 'Chopping Board Type 1'. Avoid unnecessary tilts. The objective is to land as safely as possible} Phoebe instructed Matsuda.
Matsuda quickly nodded, as he pushed the left stick downward.
Sure enough, the helicopter was descending carefully, something Matsuda was doing fine for now, despite the damaged tail rotor.
"Matsuda! I don't wanna die!" Issei begged his pilot friend, who tried his best to focus.
"I know! I know! Don't rush me! OK! I'm getting this thing to land!" Matsuda yelled back.
The helicopter descended lower and lower and was passing through the cumulus clouds. Issei looked out the window nervously and could see the ground coming closer.
'So far, so good…' Issei thought, while sighing in relief, though he was still a bit worried. 'Though I'd still liked to know…'
The 'Chopping Board Type 1' was descending lower into what seems to be a largely forested area, full of tall trees on a hilly area.
'Where did that bolt come from?' Issei looked up into the ever-distant sky, as if he was trying to figure out the origin the lightning bolt.
15th September, Saturday, 8:42 am – up in the sky with Akeno, Koneko and Yuuto
"Senpai?" Yuuto asked Akeno, as he stared at the descending helicopter.
Akeno didn't say a word. She was still smiling, though right now she was a bit nervous on the inside.
"What are we going to do next?" Koneko asked Yuuto neutrally.
"Continue watching the helicopter, of course," Yuuto answered, while giving Akeno a brief glance. "…and please don't go fry anything, Akeno."
"Ufufu…" she giggled, not showing her nervousness from her mistake. "…of course not."
"But senpai," Koneko spoke up, as she looked down below. "I see the helicopter is landing, but I can't see where it's landing. There are too many clouds."
Indeed, she was right. The cumulous clouds were many and truly were obstructing their view. The only way they could find the chopper was by getting closer, but being seen was out of option. For Rias had ordered them to stay out of sight, when following the helicopter (there was a risk that whoever was in it was too dangerous).
While Yuuto was thinking of a plan, Akeno spoke up. "I suggest we split and search for it on the ground. It probably has landed by now, so looking through the sky is pointless."
"Good idea, Akeno-senpai," Yuuto agreed. "Though, next time – I hope I don't offend you or anything – make sure to use that side of you more often that your sadistic mischievous one."
"Understood. Ufufufu…" Akeno giggled, as she flew down first.
Yuuto and Koneko flew down, too, each of them going separate ways in their search for the mysterious black helicopter.
15th September, Saturday, 8:43 am – down on the ground with the perverted quartet
Meanwhile, the 'Chopping Board Type 1' descended down unto the leaf-covered ground, barely missing the bough-filled yellow-leave bearing trees.
[RUMBLE!]
"Oof!" "Ugh!" "Hey!" Issei, Matsuda and Motohama cried out, as the helicopter landed with a thud, causing everybody to be knocked about a bit.
Now, that's not to say that they crashed or anything. It's rather that the helicopter didn't land as smoothly as it should be.
While everybody gained their bearing, Phoebe's voice sounded, giving some advice about landing.
{To avoid a hard landing, move the left stick slightly upwards right before hitting the ground. That way your decrease in altitude will lessen and your landing will be softened. Make sure to remain hovering, if you are unsure about landing. If you are sure, slowly decrease altitude till you touch the ground} Phoebe instructed Matsuda a bit too late, causing Matsuda to glare at wherever Phoebe's voice is coming from.
"Yeah… thanks for the tip. You came just at the right time with your advice. Thanks," Matsuda thanked Phoebe sarcastically, as he righted himself up.
Seeing out the window, Matsuda could see that they had touched the ground and could now go out. He opened the door and stepped out, Issei and Motohama doing the same. They looked about them and what they experienced was a sight of beauty.
What everybody saw were trees and fallen autumn leaves all over the place. The morning sunshine rays were shining through the trees, giving the boys a beautiful spectacle to behold. Also, the smell of damp forest leaves and wet trees was permeating the air, refreshing the souls of the boys after nearly two weeks of incarceration and several hours of being stuck in a stuffy small helicopter.
Speaking of which…
{Captain} Phoebe's voice piped up once again, interrupting everybody's forest gazing (especially Matsuda). {'Chopping Board Type 1' has suffered major damage at tail rotor and is in need of repair. Dismissal via watch recommended to repair damage. If dismissal is desired, please press the same two buttons on the watch that are used to summon 'Chopping Board Type 1'}
Matsuda looked down at his watch to find the buttons in question and found them. The helicopter was deactivated and disappeared, as if it never existed – save for the tracks on the ground and the blazers of the three boys being left on the floor (note: They actually kept their uniforms all this time, even while being in Sakabasu Detention Facility. For some reason, Monika never bothered to issue them new clothes, though she did make sure they were washed).
Matsuda wrinkled his forehead with some amazement.
'Captain?' Matsuda thought at Phoebe's remark. 'I'm a captain to her?'
Matsuda and Issei went and picked their blazers from the ground. They made sure to clean off whatever foliage was stuck on it, though the wetness of the leaves left some stains on the blazers.
"Oh, man… My shirt got all dirty…" Issei complained quietly.
[But look at the bright side, Partner] Ddraig responded. [At least, we've landed safe and sound.]
Motohama snorted. "Yeah, right. Safe and sound… If Matsuda would have landed properly, I wouldn't have to be jolted against the window."
Matsuda bristled at that comment. "Hey! You do better! You try flying a chopper with… next to no experience! Besides, it's that Phoebe's fault! She should have told me how to land properly earlier!"
"Enough, guys! Enough!" Issei stepped in and decided to act diplomatically to prevent things from escalating further. "Despite some mistakes, we at least landed safe and sound. So, thanks, Matsuda. We couldn't have done this without you." Issei said with a grateful smile towards Matsuda.
Matsuda just rubbed the back of his head flustered and flattered. "Well… ehehe… it was nothing…" Matsuda replied, while Motohama just snorted and turned his back towards Matsuda.
After that, nobody spoke for a few moments, until Motohama turned around, having cooled off for a bit, and spoke up.
"So… what do we do now?" Motohama asked the others.
The others just stood there dumbfounded. Motohama had a point. What were they going to do now?
After all, they were stuck in a forest in the middle of nowhere. How were they going to get to Tokyo? So far, they had been flying. Matsuda had this idea that they would get out at the right place where they won't get noticed and go on from there on foot. But now, that the helicopter was gone (at least for the moment), neither Matsuda, nor anyone for that matter, knew what to do or where to go.
Though wait, speaking about the helicopter…
While Issei was thinking about what to do next, Matsuda checked his watch and sure enough…
"AARGH!" Matsuda let out a frustrated cry, getting everyone's attention. Motohama and Issei approached Matsuda carefully, while he facepalmed himself.
"Dude, what's wrong?" Issei asked concerned. "The way you just sounded, it sounded like the world was going to end."
Matsuda removed his hand from his face and simply muttered. "Twelve hours…"
"Huh?" Motohama said confused. That was when Matsuda showed them his watch screen.
"We need to wait twelve hours until the helicopter is ready…" Matsuda groaned in frustration.
This caused everybody to comedically fall down face-first to the ground (like in many animes and mangas), before getting up again.
"Twelve hours! This is outrageous! Why should we wait twelve hours just to get a helicopter recharged!?" Issei bellowed in outrage (forgetting that when helicopters get damaged like this, they normally need a lot more time than this to be fixed).
"Yeah…" Motohama added rather quietly in despair. "And if that wasn't enough, we're stuck in the middle of nowhere in some forest! That means no internet, no TV, no smartphones – which were confiscated by the damn police out of all people! – no porn… and no oppai!"
"WAAAHHHH! OPPPAAAIII! WAAAAHHH!" Issei cried like a baby.
"I WANT OPPAI AND LEGS! WAAAHHHH!" Matsuda wailed.
"I ALSO MISS YURI'S BOOBS! WAAAAHHHH!" Motohama cried pathetically.
This caused Ddraig to groan inwardly for a while. But as the crying went on and on, he could bear it no longer.
[SHUT UP!] Ddraig shouted from within the Boosted Gear that had manifested on Issei's arm, causing them to hearken immediately and stop their wailing. [You are men! Not big overgrown babies! And because you're that I expect you to act like men – especially you, Partner!] he scolded Issei.
Issei was taken aback at Ddraig's accusation. "But… but Ddraig…" Issei argued weakly, but Ddraig cut him off.
[No buts! Crying will not get you anywhere! Even more so in a forest! So, pick your sorry excuses of men and find a place to camp and something to eat! In the wild, the only thing that matters is to fight for survival! Anyone who doesn't gets eaten. It's as simple as that] Ddraig told them angrily.
"But… how will we find food?" Matsuda stammered, as he spoke up. "And where will we camp? And…"
[Issei and I will find food. We will hunt, pick up berries and mushrooms, while you and Motohama will set up camp. But we will not set up camp here. We will find an ideal place together and that is where we'll set up camp until the twelve hours of recharging is done. Is that clear?] Ddraig replied.
Everybody nodded hastily, not wanting to anger the Heavenly Dragon Emperor any further.
[Now… get moving…] Ddraig said calmly, but still in an intimidating manner.
Nevertheless, the three boys dried up their tears and started walking hastily. They didn't know where they were walking, but at least they were walking. As they left to find a place to camp.
What they didn't notice, however, just five minutes after they left the helicopter's landing area…
"Hmm… That's strange," Yuuto said, as he flew over the landing area in the trees above.
"I could have sworn that the helicopter landed here somewhere. It couldn't just disappear, especially considering that it's damaged," Yuuto said, as he scanned the area. He looked everywhere for it, before moving on.
While looking for the target in question, Yuuto couldn't help but admire the gaze, as he laid his eyes upon the golden leaves and the river shimmering in the morning sun. He smiled, as he took a breath of fresh air and continued his search. Yuuto lowered the height of his flight so that he flew directly over the trees. The leaves on the trees rustled in the masses, as he narrowly brushed over them.
Clearly, he was enjoying his flight.
What Yuuto didn't know (in part because he was distracted by the scenery and because the leaves were obstructing his view) …
…was that he would eventually fly right above the perverted quartet – even if it was for a brief moment.
"Man, are we there yet?" Matsuda complained, as he walked towards whatever destination they were looking for. His feet were getting tired and he just wanted to rest.
"Yeah, Ddraig," Issei joined in. "Why do you want me to find a river?"
[So that you can drink, of course] Ddraig replied. [Every living creature needs water to survive… well most of them… Unless, you want to be dehydrated, that is. Moreover, what I want you to do is to train your dragonized hearing skills. And for a dragon, using your senses is vital. So, tell me, can you hear the river flowing?]
"The river?" Issei asked. "You can here it? Where?"
[That is for you to find out. So, use your ears] Ddraig told Issei.
Issei focused. He filtered out the rustling leaves in the wind from his mind… then the wind itself… then the chirping of birds… until he was left with… the sound of flowing water. From the sound of it, it didn't seem to be a big or mighty river, but it wasn't a small one either.
"Ddraig, I found it!" Issei announced loudly, surprising his two buddies. "It's over that way! About some hundred meters away or so, but it's there!" Issei pointed with his finger in the direction.
[Good job, Partner. You're learning well] Ddraig complimented him. [You know, if you put your mind and abilities into it, you can actually get things done… which is more than what I can say about sitting there and whining.]
This caused Issei to frown.
"Ddraig…" Issei started.
[I'm just telling the truth, Partner] Ddraig defended himself.
((Rustle!))
A huge wind and a loud rustling caused the perverted quartet to stop.
"What was that? It sounded like it came from up there," Motohama said, as he looked and pointed to the top of the trees above him.
"That wind was a bit too strong, wasn't it?" Matsuda added, as he looked at the Boosted Gear.
"Ddraig? Any ideas?" Issei asked worried. He just hoped it wasn't anything unnatural.
[I'm not sure] Ddraig responded. [All I know is that I sensed something flying above us for a moment…]
"You did!?" Matsuda asked Ddraig in surprise.
[Yes. However, for some reason, I don't believe that whatever it was had any intention to attack us. My guess is that it was just passing by. So, stay on guard. Issei, move forward. We're moving towards the river. That objective hasn't changed] Ddraig instructed Issei and the others.
Issei mock-saluted Ddraig.
"Yes, sir," Issei said, as he went ahead, the other two following him, as they looked wearily above them for any signs of danger.
15th September, Saturday, 8:54 am – in the forest
Sure enough, Issei was right. Just in front of them was a clearing and in it was a river.
The river itself was about 2 meters wide and about 25 cm deep, which is rather shallow for a river. The riverside was sandy and partially covered in reeds and grass. The riverside also had moderately declining slopes on each side, leading down to the river. The river itself was glimmering in the sunlight.
All in all, it was a nice sight to see.
Nobody said a word, as they stared out at the body of water. Nobody moved either, as they were unsure what to do next.
It was then that Issei stepped forward and moved towards the river. He stood before it and looked at the water right before his feet. Issei could see that the river was clear and could see the bottom with no problems at all.
Issei slowly knelt down, dismissed the Boosted Gear with a flash and scooped some water with his hands.
Matsuda and Motohama came from behind to see what Issei was doing, but tried not to disrupt him, as they decided non-verbally to wait and see.
Issei took a sip from the water in his hands and his eyes widened. Then he downed it all in one go, swallowing it all, while Matsuda and Motohama looked in surprise. After Issei finished drinking, he panted to catch his breath, then turned to Matsuda and Motohama who were looking at him expectantly.
"The water…" Issei started, as he finished catching his breath and gave a thumbs up. "…it's drinkable!"
Matsuda's and Motohama's faces brightened, as they also scooped up some river water and drank it.
Their eyes also widened and drank it all as well.
Indeed, Issei was right. It really was drinkable.
And so, everybody scooped up some more water to quench their thirst, since all that fighting back in the facility had drained them dry. They just hadn't noticed it all this time, since they had been so tired. Now that they had tasted water once again, they were reminded of their thirst and decided to quench it.
After everyone had finished drinking, they felt refreshed and ready to go through the day with renewed strength. Only there was one problem…
(Growl…)
Issei's stomach suddenly growled. Matsuda's and Motohama's stomach growled, as well, reminding everyone of their hunger.
"Oh, man… I'm so hungry…" Matsuda said, as he rubbed his growling stomach.
"Yeah… me too…" Motohama added with a groan.
"Which reminds me…" Issei spoke up, as he summoned the Boosted Gear once again. "Ddraig? I was the one who was supposed to hunt, right?"
[Indeed, Partner. Matsuda and Motohama here will move towards the forest and set up camp there] Ddraig reminded them.
"Back to the forest?" Matsuda asked.
[Yes] Ddraig replied. [Set up camp right behind that mound over there. Right there.]
Everybody looked and saw the mound in question. It wasn't very high, but it certainly stood out, as being the highest point in their immediate vicinity. However, the trio didn't seem quite comfortable setting up camp there, which is why Issei raised a question.
"Wait. Why go back to the forest? Why not camp out here at the riverside?" Issei asked Ddraig.
"Yeah, why not?" Motohama reasoned, gesturing his surroundings. "I mean, the sun is nice, the waterside is beautiful, there is grass to lie on and…"
[…and flashfloods can come in and sweep you away unexpectedly and drown you… Is that what you want?] Ddraig asked the glasses-wearing teen rhetorically.
Motohama was stunned at Ddraig's counterargument. He honestly hadn't thought about that factor. As a result, he shook his head.
[Good] Ddraig simply said. [If there are no other objections, let's move it. Matsuda and Motohama will get some firewood, while Issei and I will get some food. Understood?]
The three boys looked at each other with uncertainty. This did not go as expected. It was already bad enough that they had to make an emergency landing in the middle of nowhere. But now, they also had to find food and set up camp. It's as if they were in 'Man vs Wild' and they were Bear Grylls. Well… except that there were four of them and worst of all… they were amateurs! However, pretty much everything they had gone through was one adventure after the other and none of them came according to their expectations.
Issei sighed. Oh well, it could be worse… At least this time, there wasn't anybody trying to kill them…
Besides, it's not like they have to stay here overnight. Once Matsuda's helicopter is up and going, they can leave this place and be on their merry way once more.
"Guys," Issei said to Matsuda and Motohama. "I'll be going with Ddraig looking for some food. You two go looking for firewood or something."
Issei was about to make his way through the forest until Motohama called out to him.
"Wait, dude," Motohama called out. "This forest is huge. What if you get lost?"
Issei didn't say anything, but then he gave them a confident smile. "Don't worry. I've got Ddraig with me. We'll find our way back."
Then Issei turned, leaving Matsuda and Motohama behind.
Matsuda and Motohama just looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Well… what do we do?" Matsuda asked his friend.
"Well… obviously get some firewood, of course. Unless you've got a better idea, that is…" Motohama responded.
Matsuda just shook his head. "Nope."
After that, nobody said a word. They just went back into the forest to search for some wood for the fire.
15th September, Saturday, 10:25 am – somewhere in the forest
Issei was currently wandering around in the forest, looking up and down for something to eat. But upon doing so, he realized this was not going to be easy.
Issei had been doing this for more than an hour now and had found rather little.
What Issei realized was that edible plants and fruits were hard to find. All he could find were some mushrooms and a bush full of berries.
In the end, Issei only picked the berries.
With the mushrooms, it was so because Issei didn't know whether they were edible or not and Ddraig couldn't help him either, since dragons don't eat mushrooms.
As for the berries, Issei realized that they were red raspberries and knew they were edible. And so, he ended up picking up the whole bush, which resulted in him getting about seventy of them. Unfortunately, not all of them were good, so he only got this amount, but… at least that was something.
Pretty good, but not enough to satisfy himself and his two buddies.
Which is why, after Issei carried them back to the camp (using his blazer as a means to carry the raspberries) and sharing his "spoil" with his friends. While eating, Issei had found out that Matsuda and Motohama had found a decent amount of sticks and branches and had laid them together in a pile. They told him that once they found enough wood, they would start finding rocks to shield the potential bonfire from the wind.
All in all, they were making some progress. Before Issei left, the boys asked him to find some meat the next time he came back, since they really getting hungry.
Issei nodded and immediately went out into the forest to find some meat.
That's when Issei realized something else…
Animals were even harder to find here as well.
Come to think of it, even if he did manage to find some animals… there was also the question of killing them and then… ripping out their intestines and innards…
Issei shuddered at the thought.
[Partner? Is something wrong?] Ddraig asked, seeing his worries.
"No… well… yes… I… I really don't know if I can do this…" Issei replied hesitatingly.
[What do you mean?] Ddraig asked again.
"Hunting meat!" Issei replied irritated. "I've never killed an animal before! I mean, I'm used to eating meat, but actively going out to kill them and… actively tear out their organs… I… how can I do this? No wonder some people become vegans…"
[Partner…] Ddraig said with concern, completely understanding how he felt. […I know killing animals is something people like you don't like to do, but in this world… in the wilderness… it's either kill or be killed. That is the only law that exists out here.]
Issei sighed, as he calmed down, yet he still couldn't help but feel stressed. "I know… Ddraig… It's just… I don't like killing things…"
[You had no problem killing the criminal that killed your parents or that criminal in the succubus' illusion or even the succubus herself…] Ddraig reminded Issei, earning him a frown from the latter.
"They… they were different!" Issei argued back. "They were out to kill me and if I hadn't killed them, I would be the one killed or… someone else would have been killed…"
Ddraig could sense the tension and conflict in Issei's voice. Killing was never easy, especially for humans. That was the biggest challenge for everyone fighting life or death – the killing. He remembered when his past hosts also had to struggle with the dilemma of taking their first life. Yet, despite his experience, Ddraig didn't know what to tell Issei. Sure, Ddraig may have given his past hosts one advice or the other, but he didn't know how Issei would react or even if it would help him.
While Ddraig was contemplating on what to say, he was interrupted by the sound of squealing approaching them from behind a hill.
What Issei and Ddraig saw coming up from it were five feral piglets. They had light-brown and dark-brown stripes, just like you would expect from feral piglets. Their tusks hadn't grown yet and that gave them this harmless and cute appearance.
To both of their surprise, the five piglets came frolicking towards them without a care in the world. Being charmed by the cute little piglet, Issei knelt down and held out a hand towards them. This caused one of the piglets to move towards him in curiosity and sniff his hand.
Deciding to go the next step, Issei reached out to pet it. Upon touch, however, the piglet flinched back, squealing as it ran away, its siblings following suit. Together they went running back to the hill with panicked squeals.
Issei was surprised at their reaction, but he could understand their behavior. These piglets probably have never seen a human before, so running away from something one didn't know was natural. Yet, he was still glad that he got to touch a wild boar.
"Wild piglets…" Issei said happily. "They're so cute, aren't they, Ddraig?"
[Indeed. That they are, Partner… But…] Ddraig said with a hint of weariness in his voice.
Issei noticed this and looked at Ddraig with an eyebrow raised. "What's wrong?"
There was no answer at first, but then Ddraig's voice took on a sense of urgency.
[Partner. Summon your Boosted Gear. Now…] Ddraig told Issei.
"Huh? Why?" Issei interjected.
[Do it now!] Ddraig demanded, his voice a bit louder.
Feeling confused, yet still compelled, Issei summoned the Boosted Gear and it appeared on his arm.
[Good, now boost your power at least three times. Quickly!] Ddraig demanded next.
Issei complied and boosted his strength.
[Boost!]
Issei's power doubled immediately. While he was boosting his power, Issei took the opportunity to ask Ddraig about the urgency of his request.
"Ddraig, what is this all about?" Issei demanded.
[There's something you need to know about wild boars like the ones you just met] Ddraig told Issei.
Issei had a look in confusion. "What about them? And why am I boosting my power?"
[Partner, piglets like these don't come traveling alone. They always travel together with their parents] Ddraig explained further.
"And…?" Issei prodded Ddraig to speak further.
[Boost!] The Boosted Gear doubled Issei's power again.
[What I'm saying is that any moment now, the parents might show-] Ddraig started until he was interrupted by the sound of loud grunting and heavy galloping.
They turned their sight towards the hill and there was sight of a big black boar with tusks. It was a very fat boar, probably weighing more than he did. The boar was about the height of Issei's hip, which was pretty impressive…
…and it was running towards Issei full speed!
"OH CRA-" Issei cried out in a panic, barely managing to put the Boosted Gear before himself in a protective manner right as the boar sent him flying with its tusks.
"UGH!" Issei grunted, as he a tree back first. Issei felt winded, but then saw the pig readying itself to charge at him once again.
"BWEEEE!" the boar unleashed a war cry, as it ran towards Issei, its tusks ready.
[Partner!] Ddraig called to Issei, managing to stir up Issei just in time to see the boar charge!
With a fearful look, Issei jumped out of the way at the last second for the boar to ram itself tusks-first into the tree trunk. The boar struggled to get out, but couldn't because its tusks were too deeply embedded into the tree trunk.
While it struggled, Issei had gotten up and saw the boar's predicament with no small amount of amazement.
[Partner, you have to kill it!] Ddraig told Issei.
Issei looked at the Boosted Gear in shock. "Wh-wh-what!?" Issei gawked.
[Partner, hurry! If you don't kill it, it will kill you!] Ddraig urged him, right as the pig slowly wiggled its tusks out of the tree trunk.
Issei hesitatingly prepared himself for an attack. He didn't want to do it, but it seemed like there wasn't much of a choice.
[Boost!] His Boosted Gear rang again for the third time.
Just then, the boar managed to yank itself from the tree and was turning its face toward Issei.
However, it was too late for the boar…
"YAAAAHHH!" Issei let out a cry of war, as he rushed towards the boar with the arm of the Boosted Gear thrown forward for a punch.
[WHACK!]
The supernaturally enhanced punch hit the wild boar's snout, sending it flying. It landed against a nearby tree with a blunt thud, before collapsing to the ground. The boar was bleeding from its snout and writhing and grunting in pain.
Issei breathed heavily, as he saw his work before him. He just stood there, astounded at what he had just done when Ddraig shook him from his thoughts.
[Partner. You still have one last thing to do] Ddraig informed Issei.
"What?" Issei voiced in protest. "But… it's down! It won't hurt anyone. Why would you want to-?"
[Partner. Animals like these are a lot more resilient than they appear. They need to if they want to survive. Besides, the moment you show any weakness towards your opponents, is the moment you lose your life] Ddraig simply replied, as a matter-of-fact.
Issei looked on with pity and skepticism at what Ddraig required him to do. He didn't want to kill it, more so, if it was writhing pitifully on the ground.
However, Ddraig had a point.
There was a chance that the moment it got up, it would attack him again. And for good reason, too.
As Ddraig had said earlier, piglets would always travel with their parents and thus it safe to presume that this was one of them. It probably assumed that Issei was attacking one of its young, if the frightened squeals from earlier meant anything.
Issei wished he could tell the boar that it was all a misunderstanding, that he hadn't meant to harm his offspring and just wanted to play with them.
Unfortunately, wild boars would never understand reason and could not be tamed. Issei knew this and knew…
…that there was only one way to deal with creatures like them… in a situation like this…
Issei wiped the sweat, trickling down his face.
He had to do this.
There was no turning back.
The pig had barely scrambled to its feet when Issei socked its face again with another blow of the Boosted Gear. The pig was violently thrown to the ground once again, but Issei wasn't done yet.
He threw himself on the pig and was engaging in an impromptu ground-wrestling. Issei pinned down the pig's shoulder with his knee, while holding its face with right arm. With his left arm, he used the gauntlet to punch the pig's face with repeated blows. The pig struggled to get out of Issei, trying to throw him off, as it took blow after blow. The boar succeeded doing this once, by throwing him off. But Issei quickly recovered and grabbed the boar's face by its lower jaw with his right arm and its snot with his left one, right as it scrambled to its feet.
The boar and Issei struggled to the death, both of them straining themselves to overcome the other. The boar, being the smaller of the two, was trying to use its size to get under Issei and toss him from beneath. As a result, Issei struggled to get a hold of the boar.
Issei knew that if the boar succeeded, he would be mauled to death. He had to think of something or…
That was when he had an idea on how to beat it. It was risky, but it was a risk worth taking.
It was about to succeed in overcoming Issei and throw him of balance, if Issei hadn't doubled his strength once again.
[Boost!] The Boosted Gear rang a fourth time, as Issei did the unexpected.
"RAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!" Issei roared with energy flowing through his body, as he let his left arm go of the boar's lower jaw and…
[WHAM!]
…smashed the Boosted Gear's right into the boar's throat!
The boar collapsed underneath Issei, as it grunted and wheezed for air.
Seeing his opportunity, Issei quickly put his left arm around the boar's neck, his white blazer now completely covered in dirt and leaves, and started to choke the life out of it.
The boar wheezed and grunted, as it struggled to get out of Issei's grip. It was starting to slip out of Issei's grip until threw the wild boar along with himself on its back, the boar's full weight landing on top of him.
Issei almost thought the weight was going to crush him to death, yet he decided to ignore that and instead focused on finishing his job. He held the boar in a chokehold, intent on choking the boar to death.
The boar struggled as its wheezing and grunting grew weaker and weaker. It tried to kick and roll its way out of Issei's grip, but because it remained on top of Issei with its back first, there was no way it could escape.
Finally, the wheezing and grunting, gave way to a deathly gurgling before the boar stopped struggling and remained silent forever.
The boars head dropped lifelessly to the side. That was Issei knew…
…it was done.
He threw the dead boar to the side, as he got up and dusted himself of the leaves and dirt on the floor as well, as he could.
He stared at the dead corpse for a while until he heard noises of grunting and squealing.
From the corner of his eye, Issei saw the piglets from earlier, together with another one of its parents. Issei was expecting a fight and was readying himself.
The other boar parent let out a cry and rushed towards Issei – just like its mate did earlier.
Issei narrowed his eyes and stood still, waiting for the new boar to come. He braced himself, holding out his arms in an attempt to intercept it.
The boar impacted, pushing Issei back, his feet dragging on the ground.
[Boost!] The Boosted Gear boosted for a fifth time, giving Issei the strength to halt the boar in its tracks.
Then Issei caught its face and forced his gauntlet into the boar's jaw, making it cry in pain.
Next, he used this opportunity to throw the boar to the side with the arm of the Boosted Gear still in its jaw.
While the boar writhed and whimpered in pain, Issei grabbed its face and used his supernatural strength…
[SLAM!]
…to violently swing the boar against a tree! Its back slammed against the tree, causing the tree to vibrate on impact and causing leaves to fall down.
[SLAM!] Issei smashed the boar against another tree, also back-first.
[SLAM!] This time Issei threw the boar on the ground with such violence that the ground quaked upon impact (also back-first).
Issei was ready to repeat the action, but then realized by the boar's lack of action and the blood flowing from its back and mouth…
…that it was already dead.
Issei pulled out the Boosted gear from its broken dead jaw.
Issei was no medical expert, but he could tell that the jaw had been severely dislocated. Moreover, Issei could see that the boar's back was also severely fractured through Issei's brutal thrashing.
Issei looked at the hill where the young piglets were. This time, they were all by themselves… just the five of them.
The five of them squealed in fright, as they saw Issei looking in their direction. All of them fled downhill on the other side, never to be seen again.
[Reset!] The Boosted Gear announced. Issei lost all strength and fell to the ground exhausted.
Lying on the ground, Issei looked at the dead boar and had a tired and impassive look.
He also looked at its dead mate just a good way off.
After that, Issei just lay there, looking into the blue sky in thought.
Issei didn't know what to say. He… had no words for what had transpired the past few minutes…
Out of all the things that could happen in a forest… and a wrestling match to the death with two wild boars was not one of them.
He was supposed to be getting food for himself and the others…
How did it come to this? Moreover…
Not too long ago, he was still hesitant about killing animals. But then…
…something just snapped.
Before he knew it, he was bludgeoning, pummeling and mauling two wild boars to death.
It felt so normal… natural…
So normal and natural… it was frightening!
[Partner?] Ddraig spoke up.
Despite his fatigue, Issei managed to respond to him. "Ddraig…?"
[Are you alright?] Ddraig asked concerned.
Issei simply chuckled. "Yeah… better than those pigs…" Issei said self-mockingly.
[Partner. You fought in self-defense. You did nothing wrong] Ddraig said to him.
Issei lay there, just staring at the late morning sky.
"Nothing wrong?" Issei repeated quietly. "How can say that? Sure, the boars attacked me first, but the way I fought them… the way I brutalized them… that wasn't self-defense. That was… I was… enjoying myself… I enjoyed it, as I massacred them. It… it almost felt like the time I killed that criminal that killed my parents… or even how I beat up those girls. Come to think of it, I just killed the parents of those piglets just now. So that means, I'm no different from that killer and-"
[Partner!] Ddraig interrupted Issei's guilt-filled rambling. [Regardless of what how you felt, you killed them because you had to. This fact will never change. As for your feelings… I think I understand what you're feeling right now… You're frightened of losing yourself to madness, hate, lust for power and violence… But you don't have to worry about that. And you know why?] Ddraig asked Issei.
Issei cocked his eyebrow. "Why?"
[It's because you have these feelings that prove you have a heart – a heart that abhors violence and misery] Ddraig said to Issei. [And it is because of that heart that you will stop right before you fall into the abyss of hate, madness, evil and all misery. Just remember one thing though…]
"What?" Issei asked with interest.
[…never forget that you are human, even if you are the host of the Red Dragon Emperor. Remember that you have friends to protect and many others coming along your way who you will love and cherish… and who feel the same way in return] Ddraig answered.
Issei said nothing, as he gave Ddraig a gentle smile. "Thanks, Ddraig… I mean it…"
[You're welcome, Partner… You're welcome…] Ddraig replied. If one could see his face, he would be giving Issei a smile just as tenderly.
Then the Boosted Gear dismissed itself in a flash.
Issei put his hands behind his head so that his head could rest on them.
He decided to enjoy his rest. He needed it after all. After that, he'd make his way back to the camp.
What a day it has been. And it's not even afternoon.
Issei looked up into the sky and looked at the clouds. For a moment, he thought the clouds had the shape of two people holding out their arms towards their child, running happily into their arms.
Issei smiled, as he remembered his parents.
'Please, whatever happens, you must never give up on life… You have so much to live for… so much to see…'
Issei remembered his mum's words echoing through his mind.
"I will, mum. You'll see…" Issei said to his mum, before closing his eyes with a smile.
'I will live…'
15th September, Saturday, 10:42 am – somewhere else in the forest
Koneko Toujou was flying over the trees, looking for the missing helicopter.
She had been looking for more than two hours and the results were fruitless. She even asked her other comrades via communication circle and they, too, had found nothing.
It didn't make any sense. How could a helicopter like that have disappeared? She knew it must have landed here somewhere.
While she looked, she heard the sound of squealing. She saw a group of five piglets all by themselves. The strange thing was that they were walking through the forest – without their parents anywhere in sight (and she looked everywhere).
That was when Koneko realized that these pigs were orphaned.
A glimpse of sadness crept up into her neutral stoic face.
They were just like herself and her sister… all alone in this cruel world without anyone to take care of them.
Koneko still envied them, though… At least they had each other. She, on the other hand, no longer had her sister by her side. Even though Koneko had a wonderful master and comrades, it didn't feel the same way.
She missed her. She really missed her…
"Kuroka…" she let out her lips.
Right then, her communication circle brought her attention and she took it.
"Koneko-san. Any luck?" Yuuto called her.
Koneko shook her head. "Nope. Nothing at all…"
"I see… Do you think the helicopter may have flown off?" Yuuto asked.
She shrugged. "I don't know."
Yuuto sighed. "Well, whatever the case. I don't think there's any point in looking any further. I'll call Akeno and if she doesn't find anything, then I'll inform Buchou and then we'll be going back."
"Understood, Yuuto-senpai…" Koneko simply answered.
Right before she was about to end the call, Yuuto spoke up once more.
"Koneko?" Yuuto said.
"Yes, Yuuto-senpai?" Koneko asked.
"Why are you crying?" Yuuto asked much to Koneko's surprise.
It was then that she felt a tear running down her cheek. She shook her head.
"It's nothing…" she said, before she ended her call.
"Wait. Wha-?" Yuuto wanted to ask some more, but was cut off by Koneko's dismissal of the communication circle.
Koneko then flew off into the sky.
So many memories… so many sad memories were going through her mind, as she soared into the air on her wings.
Even though flying was beautiful… it could not wash away her sorrow…
15th September, Saturday, 11:49 am – back at camp with Matsuda and Motohama
(Growl…) Matsuda's stomach growled for the seventh time that day.
"Uhh… crud…" Matsuda groaned, as rubbed his stomach. "When's Issei coming back. I'm starving?"
"Me too… ugh…" Motohama moaned just as badly, pacing up and down impatiently.
Right now, the boys were doing nothing, except lazing around. The firewood was already arranged, with twigs, sticks and broken branches being set up in the right order. Rocks were circling the pile of wood to protect any fire from the wind and all that was put in a small ditch, they had dug with their feet. The dirt on their shoes was proof for that.
Lazing around after some hard work was fine… if they weren't so hungry!
They've eaten nothing for what seems like forever! Well… except for those raspberries, Issei gave them earlier, but they weren't enough!
If Issei didn't come back soon, they'll be a pile of skeletons in no time!
"I'm starving like the people in Venezuela right now," Motohama continued, as his stomach growled, too.
Matsuda looked at his friend questioningly. "Why Venezuela? Shouldn't it be Africa?" he asked.
"Well that, too, but… Venezuela is worse," Motohama answered as a matter of fact.
"Really?" Matsuda asked skeptically. "Why is that so?"
"Because of- Hmm?" Motohama was about to explain when he heard footsteps and dragging.
Both of them turned their faces to look and there was Issei… dragging two fat boars by their legs! Moreover, Issei looked completely dirty and tired, his clothes covered in dirt.
How on earth did he pull that off? What the heck happened while he was gone getting food?
They went up to Issei to ask him.
"Dude!? How on earth did you do that!? What on earth happened back there!?" Motohama fired off question after question.
"Did you like wrestle with the pigs or something?" Matsuda asked Issei to which the latter nodded.
"Well, yeah…" Issei confirmed tiredly. "…But first, could you guys help me in preparing dinner? I need to wash these pigs and remove their insides so we can eat them. It's a messy job and to be honest, after I've gone through, I could need some help."
Matsuda and Motohama nodded, before carefully getting a hold of the boars' legs and then gripping it tighter and helping Issei take them to the riverside.
While they walked, Motohama couldn't help but wrinkle his nose in disgust.
Boy, they stank! And that's not only true about the pigs…
Issei, too, smelled like a pig and needed a bath.
Though now that they thought about it… removing the pigs' intestines, heart, liver, etc…
Ugh! This is going to be traumatizing!
They'll probably need a bath, too, once they were done.
Oh, well… at least they'll get something to eat after that… that's something at least…
"Matsuda? Issei?" Motohama spoke up, getting both of them to look at him, as they got closer to the river.
"Yeah?" "Yeah?" they both asked him.
"I'm never going to be a hunter. I swear on my life!" Motohama declared.
Everybody laughed at Matsuda's declaration and went to work.
15th September, Saturday, 1:31 pm – after the work is done…
Issei, Matsuda and Motohama had just finished eating their fill of wild boar pork and were now full.
Man, that was good… It took them some time, but it was worth it.
Using their knives (which they still retained after taking them from Sakabasu Detention Facility), they carefully removed all the organs, drained the boars dry of blood and decided which pieces to cut out for them to eat. It was grisly taking out all the… ugh… intestines and what not… but they were starved and had little choice. So why not?
When it came to butchering the boars, the trio asked Ddraig for help, who incidentally knew how to do this thanks to the experience of some of his past hosts.
Matsuda, Motohama and Issei even learned something about skinning from Ddraig, which resulted in them having two fine fur coats, which they decided to keep as a souvenir. Issei was a bit uncomfortable about keeping fur coats of real dead animals, but was overruled by Matsuda and Motohama.
They each took branches, carved it at one end with their knives and then proceeded to pierce whatever edible piece of meat they could get their hands on. They ended up deciding to eat the legs, the stomach, the hind, the shoulders, the back and the ribs – roughly all the body parts that are normally eaten.
Then they roasted the parts over the fire, then the agonizing waiting and then…
…they could finally eat…
They ate so much that they practically ate up both boars – especially Issei, who to everybody's surprise practically ate one boar by himself!
Issei's only explanation for it was something along the lines of him doing most of the work through hunting and thus needing the most food. But he was munching happily while saying that, which made it hard for the others to understand what he was saying.
And so, they rested happily enjoying their food, laughing and talking about what they had been doing these past hours. Matsuda and Motohama were shocked when Issei told them about his encounter of the boar piglets and their parents – especially considering that he fought the adult boars by practically wrestling them!
The two of them were envious at first, but then Issei told them about how uncomfortable he felt about the way he killed those two boars and how he had orphaned the young piglets. That was when their envy turned to pity and worry for their friend.
"But it's ok, now," Issei assured them. "I did what I had to. As long as I know my limits and remember who I am and what I'm fighting for, I'll be all right."
Matsuda smiled. "That's good to know, man."
"Yeah, believe me. I was starting to get worried there for a sec," Motohama added in relief.
"Again. No worries. I am all right," Issei reassured them.
Nobody said a word after that. Matsuda, Motohama and Issei just sat there on the ground, looking at the fire. Normally, one should wait till evening, before a setting up a bonfire. But for the three of them, it didn't matter.
Camping out in the wild together was a fun experience. Messy and bloody, but they still had a good time.
Of course, they still wanted to get back to civilization and watch porn and eat proper food. Staying here was not an option for them.
But it was nice, leaving all that behind and being in the wild, along with the dirt, trees, animals and plants. Even if it was just for one day. No wonder people go out camping.
Issei remembered going camping with his parents when he was little, but he never thought about doing it this way.
Issei then looked melancholy again.
"Mum… Dad…" Issei mumbled.
He still missed them.
He looked at Matsuda and Motohama who were starting to get drowsy and were trying to stay awake.
Issei envied them. At least, they still had their parents, but he didn't.
Issei wondered how many kids out there didn't have parents. That was when he remembered the orphaned piglets.
He wondered how they were doing out there on their own. Hopefully, they were doing well and would grow up to become fine boars someday.
Issei smiled sadly, before he lay and slowly drifted off to sleep.
15th September, Saturday, 1:56 pm – somewhere in the forest…
Unbeknownst to Issei, the boar piglets in question were walking down the forest, sniffing for food with their snouts.
Suddenly, there was the sound of big footsteps coming towards them, slowly but surely.
The piglets stopped their sniffing and instinctively looked and to their surprise, they saw something unexpected. Something that made their hair stand on edge.
What they saw was the appearance of a huge boar. Normally it wouldn't have stood out, if it hadn't been for its humungous size of 2 meters tall from the shoulders to the ground and 4 meters long – a truly abnormal size that even the largest boars didn't have.
What stood out even more was its majestic-looking mane and bristles of gold, something no boar of any kind had. It almost had a mystical feel to it, like it wasn't of this world.
The five piglets trembled in fear at the sight of the huge boar and were about to run away until the huge golden boar made eye-contact with all of them. After a moment, the piglets stopped their trembling and just stood there, keeping eye-contact with the boar.
It was if they communicating with each other telepathically.
After what seemed to be an eternity, they cowered and trembled in fear, as if relieving some kind of traumatic memory. They turned their heads in the direction that they came from and nudged towards it.
This caused the huge boar to look in the direction the piglets were pointing and breathe loudly and menacingly from its snout. It turned his body at where the piglets pointed and started walking in that direction. Before it departed for good, it looked at the piglets one last time, as if to say farewell. The piglets were now sitting on their hindlegs completely at ease and grunted in appreciation.
They watched as the mysterious golden boar walked and then started galloping away into the distance. It galloped faster and faster. Moreover, it glowed brighter and brighter, illuminating the forest with its golden bristles.
But what was even more noticeable was the look on its face.
It had a furious look on its face, as it snorted out fumes from its snout. It almost seemed like it was angry about something…
Something that only it and the boar piglets knew…
Wow, that went longer than expected…
Hello, everyone. Good to see you again.
As you can see, the perverted trio is stuck in a forest in the middle of nowhere and… you might be asking: "Why did you make them crash into a forest?"
Well, before the trio reach Tokyo, I wanted them to make a small stopover where I wanted our beloved perverted trio to get used to their new gadgets. I also wanted to give Issei an opportunity to develop his character and make him deal with his inhibition to kill.
In the canon story, there wasn't even a single mention of any moral struggle regarding Issei or anyone for that matter when it came to taking someone's life. The closest thing to it was the death of Raynare by Rias. But in this case, Issei felt guilty for letting go of his first love, not because he was shy about killing anybody.
In fact, now that I think about it… That's another thing I want to complain about the original story. Why does killing other living things come off as so… easy… I mean, why does Rias have no problem in doing so. Is it because she is a devil? That same question applies to the other characters, is it because they are veterans or something? As far as I'm concerned, there were quite a few first-time fighters in the canon-story, like Saji, Gasper, Asia… How come they get over fighting and killing – or at least watching it all happen – so easily? And there is some intense brutal fighting going on there and that's got to make someone wince, right?
That's just another problem with High School DxD. It just makes all the challenges too easy. Now, I know Issei does struggle to the top, but… well… I still can't shake the thought that it comes too easy for Issei & Co.
As for my version of Issei, well… although he has killed before, he hasn't completely gotten over it. And I wanted him to struggle with the idea of where the boundaries of justified killing are and what the consequences are when he crosses the red line.
This arc is also meant for him to learn how to control himself. Admittedly, the original story involved this particular challenge when it came to Juggernaut Overdrive. And to be honest, this might even become important for my story as well.
I should note that adding in Ranma ½ into this fanfic wasn't my intention. Nerima is a real place in Metropolian Tokyo after all. Perhaps a few refences here and there would do the trick.
As for this story, I have to mention that I was planning on having the perverted trio remain in Tokyo. And then when the timeline of the original story begins a year later, have them involved in the events of the original story.
I don't know if I'll follow canon or do something completely different, but do tell me what your suggestions are.
Also, if it's possible, I would like to know at what day I should begin the canon arc (you know, the day Issei gets killed by Raynare).
Give me a day on what day you would like me to start (e. g. 5th of July).
If you can give me dates for the other events in the canon story, I would really appreciate it.
Please read and review. I would love to hear from you.
Also, Happy New Year to all of you! I hope to see you all in 2019, God willing.
Until then.
Hide Shinyama
