The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hi there! It's me, Hide Shinyama!
Last time, the perverted trio take up some of Issei's training regimen in Kuoh Police Prison.
While there, they discover that their food had been poisoned! They tell a guard, but Matsuda and Motohama had many questions about the strange events surrounding Issei.
In the end, Ddraig reveals himself and thus Matsuda and Motohama discover Issei's secret and become aware of the supernatural world.
Awestruck, they decided to listen to Ddraig, who once again had to explain his story to the two perverts.
Anyway, on with it!
Chapter 6 – Finding the culprit
Kuoh Police Prison cell – 7th September, Friday, 1:35 pm
It had been a minute since Ddraig finished telling his story.
Matsuda and Motohama sat on the lower bed, listening with complete interest.
They just could not believe what was happening!
They never though that they would ever live to see or hear a dragon speak to them – let alone from a gauntlet on Issei's arm!
They heard all kinds of things from the Red Dragon Emperor called Ddraig.
They learned that he was a powerful being of ancient times that could defy supernatural beings of all kinds and did as he pleased, until the three factions and their leader destroyed his body and placed it in a so-called "Sacred Gear".
They also learned that mythological beings like angels, devils, fallen angels, youkai, dragons of all kinds and even gods existed…
They… they just could not believe it!
On the other hand, what else were you supposed to do, if you were told all your life that these kinds of creatures were fairy-tales?
Suddenly, the universe felt vaster to them than before.
Everything, they thought did not exist… existed…
However, if that is true…
""SEXY MERMAIDS EXIST, YEAH!"" Matsuda and Motohama exclaimed simultaneously.
[Ummm… What?] Ddraig asked. Clearly, he was confused at their outburst.
"Sexy mermaids? What are you guys talking about?" Issei asked just as confused. Nevertheless, Matsuda and Motohama just continued uninterrupted.
"AND HOT FAIRIES!"
"AND ELVES!"
"AND SEXY MAGICAL GIRLS PROBABLY EXIST, TOO!"
"CHIBIUSA! WE'RE COMING!"
"GUYS!" Issei shouted, causing the two of them to pipe down and look at Issei.
"Guys, there probably is a limit of beings that exist out there, so don't get your hopes high" Issei told them.
[He's right! I know for a fact that the elves and fairies like the kind you're thinking of don't exist. In fact, I even doubt magic girls exist] Ddraig added.
At this, Matsuda's and Motohama's mood plummeted.
"Oh, bother…" Matsuda said downcast.
"Sexy mermaids… *sob*" Motohama said sadly.
Issei and Ddraig just looked on with a metaphorical sweat drop running down their face.
'Wow, they really were looking forward to seeing mermaids, fairies, elves and magic girls. Huh?' Issei thought. Honestly, there was so much they had yet to see and the first thing, they have to think about are these kind of creatures?
"But say, Issei," Motohama spoke up, as he lifted his head up. "That dragon… whatever his name is…"
[Ddraig! My name is Ddraig, boy!] Ddraig said annoyed, who didn't like it when people forget his name – even more so if he just told them of his life story.
"Yeah, thanks Ddraig!" Motohama emphasized, as he, too, was annoyed by Ddraig's interruption.
"Anyway," he continued. "Ddraig never quite told us how he found you of all people. So, how come he came to you?"
At this Issei felt unwell. He really did not want to retell what happened to him on that night. But it seems like he had no choice.
"Well," Issei began. "It all happened… on the night when my parents and I came back from the Grand Theater in Kuoh…"
"That night?" Matsuda queried.
"You mean the night when the murder happened? Didn't you say back then that you went home earlier that day?" Motohama questioned.
"That… was a lie," Issei confessed, shocking his two buddies. "Actually, I sat through the opera… in its entirety…"
"You lied?" Matsuda asked shocked, before he connected the dots together. "Wait… are you telling us…?"
"Yes," Issei nodded, his mood becoming somber. "I was there that night… in that alley… I saw… how my parents… were killed…" he tried to say it with a straight face, but found it hard to do so.
His teeth clenched together, as he remembered how his mother was hit with the pistol and his father was shot with the gun, barely clinging on to life. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, as the grief came back to him once again.
Matsuda and Motohama just looked on in shock… and in pity… So that is why Issei freaked out, the other day! He witnessed the entire thing! They couldn't imagine how traumatizing it could be, but at the same time had more respect for their friend for shouldering such a burden…
"…But that wasn't all…" Issei continued his face red from crying. "…the murderer… tried to kill me, too…"
"Kill you!?" Matsuda exclaimed.
"What the hell!?" Motohama said aloud.
It was one thing after another. Witnessing your parents die was one thing; it was another thing if somebody tried to kill you!
"And? How did you survive? Did you call Ddraig, or something like that?" Motohama asked anxiously.
Issei wiped his tears away, as he tried to address their curiosity.
"Well… sort of…" Issei explained, trying to quell his tears. "I heard his voice speaking in my head, asking me if I wanted to be stronger… I agreed… and I ended up summoning the Boosted Gear, just as you saw just recently… it caused me to boost my physical power… and, well… the rest you can probably guess what happened…"
The two of them nodded, as they remembered Issei's words and the newspaper articles about the incident. Issei broke the man's neck and spine… the report even mentioned that the thug had been put in a full nelson from behind, causing his spine to be protruding from his body the way it was found.
In fact, come to think of it… the newspaper did say some people saw a suspicious person running away from the scene, carrying a red gauntlet of some kind… that must have been Issei and the Boosted Gear! There was no mistake!
They shuddered at the thought. Issei, their best friend, had killed somebody! Not a bug or an animal or something like that… but a real human being! The grief and horror that Issei had to go through must have been… unbearable… They were surprised that he didn't stay at home and become a hikikomori, trying to recover from the horror and grief that he witnessed…
But there was one nagging question that they had to ask Issei.
"Why… didn't you tell us, Issei?" Matsuda asked, his eyes showing compassion and pity.
"I… I just… I just didn't want you guys to get involved, that's all…"
"Not get involved!" Motohama said angrily. "Issei, we're your friends! Friends are supposed to be there for each other!"
"Yeah," Matsuda said, being just as mad as his companion. "What kind of friends would we be, if we weren't there for you? You may have killed someone, but that's no reason to hide it from us!"
"You don't understand guys!" Issei retorted. "It's not just that I killed someone, it's…" Issei trailed off.
Matsuda and Motohama raised an eyebrow at Issei trailing off.
"It's what?" Matsuda asked.
"Yeah, what other reason do you have for not telling us?" Motohama questioned.
Issei sighed at first, but decided to tell them.
"…It's the fact that supernatural beings of all kinds may actually come to hunt me down…"
""WHAT!?"" Issei's friends shouted, causing Issei to flinch.
"What do you mean 'Hunt you down'?" Motohama asked.
[Just like he said] Ddraig answered this time. [There are supernatural beings of all kinds out there that wish to recruit my host by all means necessary, if not kill him! Bringing you in would have needlessly endangered you.]
Matsuda and Motohama were stupefied once again. First, Issei's parents get killed by some criminal. Then, Issei kills the same man in a… very unpleasant manner… Now, there are legions of supernatural beings that (up to half-an-hour ago) they did not know existed, were now coming to kill Issei!
Seriously! Give Issei a break! He has already gone through more than enough of what a teenage boy like him should go through…
Nevertheless, while they were on the topic of Issei's hardships, Matsuda and Motohama both looked at each other, before nodding in agreement to something.
"We don't care!" Motohama stated.
Ddraig was surprised at the response he was being given. He actually expected some kind of understanding, some kind of desire to back off… but this? They had to be lying, brave or dumb!
"Besides, we're in jail, aren't we? So, either way we're in this with Issei together. Don't think you can hog Issei all for yourself!" Matsuda exclaimed.
"Guys…" Issei said. He was touched at the kindness his friends had to him and shed tears of happiness at that.
"Dude, we're your friends. We would never abandon you. And no one, not even gods, can stop our friendship!" Motohama declared with a confident smile. "So, please… please don't cry anymore…"
At that, Issei wiped away his tears once again. Issei was glad that he had friends like them… who stood with him… even while his life was spiraling downward.
He moved towards them… and they moved towards Issei… as they looked at each other with smiles on their face…
But that moment was interrupted when they stopped and turned their heads towards the door. They heard footsteps – lots of them – coming their way.
[Partner, there are people coming this way! Quick! Dismiss the Boosted Gear!] Ddraig commanded Issei.
Issei did so, causing the gear to vanish, as though it never was on Issei's arm to begin with.
Then, all of them heard a knocking on the door.
"Pardon for disturbing. But we need to do a thorough check on the prison cell," one of the policemen outside said through the door.
The door opened, revealing several policemen. To the surprise of the perverted trio there were a total of ten policemen, among them the guard whom Issei had given the poisoned tray to.
What could they possibly want?
"Umm… what is this investigation all about?" Issei asked in a scared, but polite manner.
"Oh, yes. We have analyzed the food, you claimed was poisoned," the guard said.
"And…?" Issei asked on hoping to hear the answer.
"You were right. We found a significant dose of cyanide inside the ramen, strong enough to kill all three of you," the man replied.
At that the perverted trio stared in shock at what the man said.
"Cyanide?" Motohama said incredulously.
"Strong enough to kill us!?" Matsuda said in like manner.
The man nodded at that. "Exactly, our forensic team had a look at the lunch you were supposed to have and sure enough, it was positive of cyanide".
"Well, that's good to know. But, why investigate our cell?" Issei asked.
"To make sure that the cyanide didn't come from you. After all, we don't know whether you three just put it in there," the man responded.
"Hey, are you accusing us of trying to poison ourselves?" Motohama accused the police officer.
"No, no…" the man reassured. "We are just making sure…just making sure that the cyanide didn't come from you…"
The policemen waiting outside the prison cell came in and started their work.
"In the meantime… please follow me," the man instructed Issei, Matsuda and Motohama. "Until the investigations finish, you will have to wait outside for a while".
The three of them nodded and followed the man just outside the cells where they had to wait until the investigation was completed.
What they didn't know (except for Ddraig, who could sense his animosity) was that one of the policemen nearby on guard duty looked at them (especially Issei!) with a look of hatred in his eyes.
Kuoh Police Prison, just outside the perverted trio's cell – 1:47 pm
While the police investigators were searching every nook and cranny, Issei and his friends were forced to wait outside.
Since then, two police officers were keeping watch over them, they talked about the recent discovery instead.
On the one hand, Issei was glad that the police found poison in the food (that confirmed Ddraig's sense of detection. Such ability would come in really handy in the future). Yet, on the other hand…
"Why do we have to wait here…?" Matsuda said, clearly annoyed and tired. "I mean, it's good that they detected cyanide in the food… Thanks, by the way, Issei. You really saved our lives there".
"No problem, Matsuda, but…" Issei started to whisper. "You have to thank Ddraig for that. He was the one who smelled out the poison".
"Oh…" Matsuda trailed off. He didn't know that, it seems.
"Seriously, guys…" Motohama started, causing the two of them to look at him. "…why are they suspecting us? I mean, we don't have a reason to put poison on our food! And even if we did, how were we supposed to smuggle in cyanide? Why would we smuggle in cyanide, huh?" he asked rhetorically.
The obvious answer, of course, would have to be that that was impossible and that they had no reason for doing it.
"I don't know… I guess they were just trying to be professional…" Issei tried to answer.
"Well, professional my a**! They can stick their professionalism where the sun don't shine!" Matsuda ranted.
Issei sighed once again until a seemingly angry police officer came up to them.
"You three, come with me!" he demanded.
The three of them were shocked and confused at his outburst.
"What? The investigations aren't o-" Issei started, but the man cut him off.
"No questions! Now, get moving and follow me!" the police man demanded aggressively.
"Hey, Shinpei!" one of the policemen said. Apparently, they were quite familiar with each other. "What are you talking about? The three of them are supposed to stay here until the investigations finish."
"Well, I've got orders to bring them to the detention facilities… Now move it!" he barked.
The three of them went in haste and followed the police officer, as they went down the hallway. They wondered what the guy's problem was and where he was taking them.
As they walked away, the two policemen went to their superior in the cell.
"Sir, Ito-san has taken the three delinquents to the detention facilities!" one of them said.
"What? Who gave him these orders?" the superior demanded.
"We don't know, sir," they replied. "But may I have permission to speak, sir?"
"Granted. What is it?"
"Sir, Ito-san has been acting strange lately…" at that, the superior officer wrinkled his eyebrows.
"Strange in what way?" he demanded.
"Well, sir," the man explained. "As you know, he and I transferred here recently from Gunma Prefecture and so I know him quite a bit".
"And…What does this have to do with anything?" the superior demanded.
"Well, he has… been quite angry lately… and very obsessed about something…" the junior officer explained.
"Angry… obsessed?" the superior asked confused. The police officer nodded.
"Yes, lately Kojima-san just told me that the other day, Ito-san had been checking the criminal database for some reason," he continued.
"And… What's the problem with that?" the superior queried.
"There's more, sir," the officer said. "On the computer, Kojima-san found that the file of Issei Hyoudou had been opened".
"Issei Hyoudou…" the superior officer thought. "That's one of the inmates of this cell, isn't it?"
"Correct, sir" the officer affirmed.
"You mentioned something about him having anger issues, didn't you?" the superior questioned further.
"Yes, sir. Apparently, he has had this foul mood around him, ever since his sister ended up in a coma just recently."
"In a coma… Why is she in a coma, officer?" he demanded.
"Well, I heard she got into a fight with a boy at the local academy. The boy was arrested soon afterwards along with two others" this caused something to click in the superior's head.
"Wait, a boy and two others who were arrested… for a brawl no less… Tell me, officer, what were the three young men from this cell arrested for?"
"That…I'm not sure…" the officer responded shyly.
"Sir," the other officer who guarded the perverted trio spoke up. "They were arrested for attacking and injuring girls in cla- Wait, sir. Do you think, they are the same boys that beat up Ito-san's little sister?" he asked.
His superior did not answer, instead he was thinking about the facts that he just heard. There was something about it that seemed fishy… but what…?
"Sir, another thing," the first officer spoke up. "When Ito-san took them away, he also seemed unusually angry. For some reason, he seemed to direct his anger towards the three young men".
Suddenly, all the pieces of the puzzle came together. The inspector stood there visibly stunned.
It made sense. Ito-san being angry… the coma of his sister… him looking up Issei Hyoudou on the database… Issei Hyoudou being incarcerated for violence against girls… his food being laced with cyanide… Ito-san's angry reaction towards Issei and his friends…
"Ummm… sir?" one of the officers asked, hoping to get his attention
Immediately, the superior took action.
"Go, to the detention facility and find Ito-san and those boys!" he told his men urgently.
"""Yes, sir! Right away, sir!""" they responded and marched away.
The superior did not stop there. He took his cell-phone and dialed the phone number of his boss.
"Captain, we've got an emergency situation of a sort. One of our officers is tring to kill some of our inmates!"
Meanwhile with Issei and his friends
The perverted trio followed the officer to the detention facility. It had been quite some time when they were last there. The three of them shuddered as they remembered the interrogations by the investigators there. It wasn't as bad as they had imagined, but it wasn't very pleasant either…
Anyway, the perverted trio nervously followed the police officer called Shinpei Ito as they came closer to the cells.
On the way there, Ddraig spoke to Issei.
[Partner, there's something wrong.]
'What?' Issei asked surprised. 'What do you mean?'
[I've been watching that particular policeman for quite some time now and something doesn't add up] Ddraig answered.
'What doesn't add up?' Issei asked, intrigued by what Ddraig said.
[That police officer claimed that he had orders from someone else, but ever since he came in with his other colleagues, he was just leaning back against the wall there, staring at you] Ddraig replied.
Issei widened his eyes, but resisted the urge to yelp in surprise. 'Watching me!?'
Ddraig nodded. [Yes, Partner. Moreover, all that time he was standing there, he didn't say anything or do anything. In fact, nobody even bothered to approach him for all this time. He didn't pick up his phone either. Yet, how did he receive orders from someone telling him to take you to the detention facilities?]
Something inside Issei clicked.
Yes, that's right… Come to think of it, he did see that man – and that man was doing nothing, but standing against the wall… He may not have seen his face, but he did think that the police officer was acting weird compared to his other colleagues.
[Partner, that's not all!] Ddraig continued. [The police officer has been showing a lot of killing intent towards you for some reason.]
At that statement, Issei felt a chill down his spine, as he glanced at the Ito's back. He wasn't able to see his face, but what he was able to see was Ito's hand was anxiously reaching for the gun…
Issei watched in horror, as he started to fear the worst.
'Ddraig? What are you trying to say?' Issei asked nervously.
[I'm saying you should be on your guard, Partner. That police officer is acting far too suspiciously… Prepare to summon me, if necessary…] Ddraig warned him.
After Ddraig said that, the four of them arrived at one of the cells.
The suspicious officer unlocked the door and opened it.
"Get in!" Ito commanded. Matsuda and Motohama nodded nervously and went in. Why? Why was he doing this? What did they do to deserve this?
Issei on the other hand was sweating anxiously as he went in because he knew what was going to happen.
Their lives were in danger! Matsuda, Motohama and himself could be killed!
[Calm down, Partner! The moment you lose your cool, is also the moment you lose your lives. You need to focus. Once that person shuts the door, summon your Boosted Gear. This person is definitely out to kill you! In situations like this, I would have you use the Dragon Shot, but you're not ready for that.]
'Then what do I do!?' Issei asked Ddraig in a panic.
[You'll have to make due with just the Boosted Gear and its Boost ability. Once he locks the door, don't wait for him to do whatever he is trying to do! Take him down as soon as possible using your hand-to-hand combat skills!] Ddraig advised urgently.
Issei gulped. This was going to be a very risky strategy! He loved action movies where the hero takes the bullet for someone else, but actually doing it in real life… that wasn't what he was hoping to do!
As Issei entered the cell, Officer Ito closed it and locked it from behind.
"Now, move to the back!" Ito told them.
Matsuda and Motohama complied, but Issei remained where he stood, standing right next to the angry police officer.
"I said move!" Ito said harshly, but Issei, though uncomfortable with being shouted at, stood his ground.
"No," Issei simply said in defiance. Judging from what the police officer was ordering them to do, it seems like he was trying to get them to line up the wall and shoot them dead.
The man angrily took a hold of Issei, trying to force him to the wall with his buddies.
Matsuda and Motohama were shocked. Why was Issei resisting that policeman? Was he crazy?
Issei, though, wasn't going to stay passive here, instead he summoned his Boosted Gear, appearing in a flash.
[Boost!]
"What the-" Ito started, before something hard hit his stomach and sent him flying to the door.
The angry police officer held his stomach in pain with his right hand, as he looked at Issei.
To his shock, he saw a red metal-like gauntlet on Issei's arm with a green jewel at its back.
"What…? Where the hell did you get that?" he asked in pain, as he pulled his gun with his left and pointed it at Issei.
"ISSEI, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Matsuda shouted.
"YEAH! ARE YOU CRAZY!?" Motohama shouted as well.
Issei ignored their outbursts, as he looked straight at the downed policeman.
[Boost!] the Boosted Gear sounded, as Issei doubled his power.
"Tell me. Why are you trying to kill us?" Issei asked sternly.
Ito didn't answer. Instead, he just glared at Issei with hate, as he pulled the trigger.
[BANG!]
A bullet from Ito's gun flew and hit Issei's gauntlet that Issei conveniently held up with his left arm. The bullet ricocheted to the ceiling.
Ito looked in shock. How could that boy deflect that bullet? Where did that gauntlet even come from?
That moment of shock was more than enough for Issei to rush at him in an attempt to punch him.
Unfortunately, before the punch could hit him, Ito jumped out of the way and aimed the gun at Issei a second time.
"NO!" Matsuda screamed, as he threw the table at Ito, as he crashed to the ground. The moment Ito was hit, the trigger was pulled once again.
[BANG!]
The bullet whizzed by Issei by mere inches and hit the wall.
'That was close!' Issei thought fearfully. He needed to take that rogue police officer out or the next one might actually kill them!
Ito stood up once again, but this time he aimed the gun at Matsuda.
Matsuda widened his eyes in shock and horror as he stood there frozen out of fear.
However, Motohama quickly took action.
He ran and pushed Matsuda out of the way, but unfortunately…
[BANG!]
"AAAAGHHHH!" Motohama screamed, as he and Matsuda fell.
Matsuda looked in horror at Motohama. The reason for that his horror was because the bullet had hit Motohama's left shoulder. He could see Motohama thrashing and grunting in pain, as blood flowed freely from the wound.
Likewise, Issei also looked in horror, as he saw his friend bleeding and wailing in agony on the ground.
For Issei, it seemed like time stood still, as he suddenly had flashbacks of his parents' deaths.
The gunshots, the blood, the screams…
It all seemed so similar… just like back then…
And now, it was going to happen again!
No… No… No! He would not let that happen again… He would not let that happen again!
How could he…? Why would he…?
Whatever the man's reasons for trying to kill him and his friends, Issei would never allow it!
"I won't die so easily! I'll make sure to live on – for your sakes! I've got friends, classmates, teachers, neighbors and all of Kuoh, too! I'll protect them so that nobody will have to go through the pain of losing their loved ones, like I did!"
Issei remembered what he said to his parents' graves… Yes, he said that… and it was time to follow through on that promise!
[Boost!]
Issei doubled his power once again, as he rushed at the rogue police officer.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Issei roared, as he came close to Ito.
Ito widened his eyes in shock, as Issei threw a punch at him with the Boosted Gear.
[WHAM!]
Issei's fist smashed into Ito's face with full power.
The result was that Ito immediately flew back into the wall head-first. Not only did he suffer a bloddy and broken nose, but he also had a concussion as well. He wouldn't be waking up from that anytime soon.
Seeing that his enemy no longer posed a threat, Issei slumped down exhausted, as he dismissed the Boosted Gear.
That was close… Rushing head-on against an opponent with a gun was pretty fool-hardy – even more so if you had no back-up plan.
While Issei was still trying to recover from the stress, he heard Motohama's painful cries.
"Issei! I need your help! Motohama has been hit!" Matsuda cried out.
Issei immediately got up to tend to Motohama. His shoulder was already bleeding badly from the bullet wound. Though both of them were inwardly relieved that Motohama didn't receive any life-threatening injuries, he still needed immediate medical attention. The bullet was probably still embedded inside Motohama's shoulder, something that could cause the wound to be inflamed.
Motohama needed medical attention – now!
As if on cue, the two of them heard footsteps from outside the cell. Then the door was unlocked, as police officers came rushing in with their guns ready.
"Don't move! Put your hands up in the air, now!" they shouted.
Matsuda and Issei didn't hesitate putting their hands up, while Motohama was resting against Matsuda and still clutching his shoulder whimpering.
Thankfully, the police didn't waste any time tending to the injured Motohama, while they arrested Issei and Matsuda. They also tended to the unconscious Ito who was slumped against the wall.
And so, Matsuda and Issei were taking into another detention cell once again. Motohama and Ito, on the other hand, were taken by the medical staff for treatment.
Kuoh Police Prison interrogation cell – 2:50 pm
"So, you're telling us that police officer Ito brought you to the interrogation room, tried to kill you and you fought him self-defense, is that it?" the interrogator questioned Issei.
Issei nodded, though inwardly he was sighing once more. He already had enough on his plate with the upcoming trial, but why did he need some more legal trouble?
On the bright side, sitting next to him was his lawyer who was supposed to meet him and his buddies.
The lawyer (named Kyosuke Kashiwazaki) was dressed in brown coat, wore a gray suit with a tie and had brown hair. He was an experienced lawyer that had a long record of defending teenage criminals like Issei in court, but he had never experienced a time when the defendant was involved in another potentially criminal incident right before meeting him – no less within the Police Prison itself!
On the other side sat the same interrogator that had interrogated Issei upon his arrival. He was stern, strict – kind of like the student council president at Kuoh Academy, Souna Shitori.
Oh, how he missed Kuoh Academy… Issei longed for those carefree days when he was a free youngster going to school, instead of an imprisoned juvenile awaiting trial!
But unfortunately, as fate would have it, he was now sitting through another interrogation with a police officer asking him questions.
"Sir, if I may," the lawyer called Kashiwazaki spoke up. "My client here has stated it before. He had no control over any of the events. He was waiting for the investigations in his cell to be completed when that particular police officer came, took my client and his friends away and tried to shoot them. He was only acting in self-defense."
"I am well aware what your client has said, Mr. Kashiwazaki," the interrogator replied. "In fact, we have eyewitness accounts that confirm these things. We have also checked the police officer's background and personal life that also give us a motive on why he tried to kill Hyoudou and his friends Todoriki and Hibiki."
"And what was his motive, sir?" Kashiwazaki asked.
Issei listened intently. He too wanted to know why the rogue cop tried to kill him and his buddies.
"Well… from what we could gather, it seems that he was motivated by revenge… or so it would seem…" the investigator answered.
"Revenge?" Issei asked. What on earth could a police officer possibly have against him?
The officer looked at Issei. "Apparently, according to our investigations police officer Ito has a younger sister who happens to be in a coma because somebody injured her severely in a brawl at school. Her name is Misaka Ito. Sounds familiar to you, Hyoudou-san?"
Issei's expression turned to shock. So that was his motive…
Issei felt bad. Really bad… He wanted to apologize to him… apologize to Misaka and her entire family. He was hoping he could do it somehow in court, but now… it seems like the sins he committed against the Ito family seem to increase…
"Judging by the look on your face, it seems like you do," the investigator remarked with a smile on his face. "But do not worry, I don't see any reason to charge you with any crime. You clearly acted in self-defense."
Issei was relieved, but the investigator wasn't finished yet.
"I do have one last question for you though. What were those cuts on Ito's face?" the man asked.
Issei looked at him in confusion. "Uh… what do you mean?"
"From what you said, you knocked officer Ito out with one punch. But on further investigation, we found cuts on officer Ito's face that normally wouldn't be on someone's face after a punch. It looked more like you hit him with something… metallic…" the investigator explained.
Issei tried his best not to appear shocked – something which he miraculously managed to do.
'Oh crap! I've got to think of something… No way I'm ever going to tell them of my Boosted Gear. If they found out, who knows what they'll do to me…' Issei thought.
"Umm… well…" Issei tried to explain. "I really don't know myself… I mean, I just punched him with nothing more than my bare fists…"
The investigator raised an eyebrow at that, as though he found it hard to believe that. Thankfully, he didn't press it any further.
"Anyway, now that that's done, I think it's time to tell you the results of the investigations regarding the cyanide found in your lunch".
"Oh, yes. I almost forgot about it," Issei said. "How did it go?"
"We have discovered that the cyanide did not come from your room," the investigator replied.
"Uh… yeah… of course it didn't… I mean why would my buddies and I smuggle cyanide in our room?" Issei asked with a deadpan face.
"However," the police officer continued. "We did find out that officer Ito was reported to have been in the kitchen at 12 o'clock."
"In the kitchen? What for?" Kashiwazaki asked this time.
"And that was the most suspicious part. Officer Ito wasn't supposed to be there, but according to staff, he seemed to claim that he 'volunteered' to be there" the investigator said with air quotes. "The kitchen staff reported to us that officer Ito was preparing food for the prisoners and asked questions to them, like 'How does the food get distributed?' or 'Do the meals have labels with the name of the prison cell numbers attached to them?'"
"And? What did was the answer?" the lawyer asked.
"Well, as Hyoudou-san should know, every tray has labels determining who gets what, since not every prisoner gets the same meals. We do take pride into taking prisoner's considerations regarding food seriously," the officer beamed.
"Anyway," he continued. "According to kitchen staff. He insisted on helping them with the labelling and putting the food into the tray".
"Well, that's interesting… but what does this have to do with the cyanide investigation?" the lawyer questioned.
"I'm getting there," the police investigator said. "As I said, we found his activities in the kitchen to be rather suspicious in light of his attempted murder and the discovery of cyanide in Hyoudou-san's food, so we investigated the kitchen for cyanide and… voilà! We were right on track. A plastic package with traces of cyanide and Ito-san's fingerprints on it was found in the trash-can. That was the all the proof we needed to prove that he was the one who put the cyanide inside the food. Though unfortunately…"
"What is it?" Kashiwazaki asked.
"Well, the medical report about officer Ito's status states that he is in a coma, just like his younger sister," the officer stated, while turning to Issei once again. "You really need to learn to hold back your punches, son. If you keep this up, you might actually be charged for manslaughter someday," the investigator warned.
Issei felt a chill down his spine. But he nodded, nonetheless.
'Well, at least he won't be blabbing about the Boosted Gear anytime soon…' Issei thought with relief.
"Speaking of injuries, what happened to my client Motohama Todoriki?" the lawyer asked.
Issei likewise wanted to know. After all, Motohama was his friend and he was injured by a bullet.
"Oh, him? Well, according to our medical reports, he'll survive, but his collarbone has been partially shattered. It will take him some time, before he completely recovers," the investigator answered.
Issei looked completely saddened. Even though Motohama survived (for which he was very thankful for), Issei couldn't help but feel saddened by the fact that all this happened because of his outburst back in Kuoh Academy.
If only he never lost his temper… the three of them wouldn't be in this situation. They wouldn't have been in jail, both of the Ito's wouldn't have been in coma and most importantly, Motohama wouldn't have gotten a gunshot at his shoulder.
Issei thought: What kind of hero was he? He did swear to protect his friends and Kuoh, but what good was it, if he was the one causing grief and misery… anger and hatred… revenge and violence…?
'Is being a hero really something for me?' Issei thought.
Eventually, the investigator decided to call it a day (he had already questioned Matsuda, so therefore it really was fair to say to call it a day).
Issei and his lawyer were accompanied out by two of the guards outside – Mr. Kashiwazaki back to the entrance and Issei back to his cell.
On the way there, Issei could not help but feel… discouraged… unsettled even.
What would his parents have said, if they were still alive?
Issei could only imagine that they would be disappointed. This wasn't what they raised him to be? A criminal guilty for ruining the lives of two people because of his violent actions… Granted, they said or did despicable things – things that weren't acceptable whatsoever – but still… it wasn't something he was proud of…
And so Issei went, feeling completely down… but the worst part is… that his trial was tomorrow. He could only hope that he – and his two buddies Matsuda and Motohama – could somehow make it through…
And that was Chapter 6 of The Lone Vigilante Issei.
So, Matsuda and Motohama learn the truth about the supernatural world.
As I've said before: I've been waiting for them to find out the truth because from there, they can catch up with Issei as he goes through trials and tribulations.
Granted, the fight scene may not have been all that great, seeing as I still didn't bring in a supernatural character. But I really felt like I had to bring Mikasa's vengeful brother in this, so that Issei could be challenged – have his character built by the mistakes that he has made and learn from them.
Speaking of challenges, Motohama is in the hospital and Issei and Matsuda have the trial up ahead! This is definitely going to be challenging, not only for them, but for me as well. I've never written a court scene before, so I need to look up how court procedures work.
And you might be asking: "Hey, what about the supernatural beings? Don't you think you're forgetting about them? When are you going to bring them into the story? Are the perverted trio going to be in jail for life?"
Well, please be patient. I don't plan on keeping them in jail forever.
I do plan to finish their trial in court in the next chapter and then we'll see…
Speaking of supernatural beings, here's a little sneak-peak of what the devils in Kuoh are doing…
Kuoh Academy – 3:15 pm
While Issei was being brought into his cell, in the three-story complex belonging to Kuoh Academy, was a Victorian-style room full of luxurious Victorian-style furniture and a pleasant aroma of ginger tea filling the air.
Preparing it was an attractive, busty Yamato Nadeshiko (ideal Japanese beauty) with a black-haired pony tail and an orange ribbon tied to it. She seemed to be good mood today for some reason.
Right next to her was an equally attractive and busty girl, except that she had red hair flowing down her shoulders. Unlike her companion, she seemed rather down, lying down on the couch while shielding her eyes from the sunlight.
Both of them were second-years in Kuoh Academy and were insanely popular among the students at Kuoh Academy (including the perverted trio).
"Ara, ara," the Yamato Nadeshiko said with a smile. "It's a really nice day outside, Rias".
"Uhh…" the red-haired girl called Rias groaned. "It's easy for you to say… You're not in the sunlight, Akeno…"
"You know if you don't want to be in the sunlight, you should just move, you know" Akeno remarked.
In the end, Rias got up and closed the curtains. But Rias still felt down nonetheless, as she let out a sigh.
"Ara, ara? What's the matter, Rias?" Akeno asked a bit concerned. "Are you not feeling well? You've been like that since Wednesday".
"It's… nothing, Akeno. Never mind…" Rias said dismissively, but tiredly.
"Rias…" Akeno said. "You know I can tell when something is bothering you, so tell me… please" she pleaded.
Rias sighed, but decided to give in.
"It's about that first-year student… Issei Hyoudou…" she started.
"Ufufufu," Akeno giggled. "What about him? Do you have a crush on him?"
Rias blushed and shook her head furiously. "N-no! That's not it! I just sensed that he had Sacred Gear inside him, that's all".
"Ufufufu. Really?" Akeno questioned her further.
"I mean it! I was hoping that I could turn him into one of my servants, but…you know…" Rias trailed off.
Akeno became serious at that. She and Rias had heard of Issei Hyoudou and his perverted antics and how she caused a lot of headaches for Sona Sitri (that was Souna Shitori's real name). But then, they heard of how his parents were killed by a criminal and that the criminal himself was also killed for some reason.
To top it all off, Issei and his friends beat up some girls in class after they made fun of their deaths. And now, they were in jail.
Akeno felt sympathy for the kouhai she had never met. She herself could relate to him through her own tragic experiences. After all, she herself had also been orphaned.
She only wondered how Issei was coping.
"But I do wonder…" Rias said, causing Akeno to pay attention to Rias. "Who killed Issei's parents' murderer…?"
"What do you mean?" Akeno asked.
"People said that they saw a boy or a man with a red gauntlet flee the scene… I wonder who it could have been…" Rias said.
"Maybe, it was Hyoudou-kun…" Akeno speculated.
"No… that's impossible… Sona told me that Hyoudou was at home… so I wonder… who was he?" Rias wondered.
Yes, a man having a red gauntlet on his arm… that sounded very much like a Sacred Gear… but what could it be? Who might be using it? And most importantly…
When could he reappear again?
Read and review. Your comments are very much appreciated. Until next time!
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