The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hey everyone, it's me Hide Shinyama.
I sincerely apologize for the delay. If any of you have read my profile, you probably know that I had final written exams and that my computer has had technical difficulties.
Now that I've got the final written exams behind me and computer fixed, I can finally continue the story.
Now, we come to the epilogue of the Gullinbursti Arc. What is the aftermath of the whole incident?
Find out in…
Chapter 22 – Tokyo… Tokyo!
16th September, Sunday, 4:30 am – in the forest clearing
It was dark in the forest in the middle of nowhere. Owls were hooting and the sun had not yet risen to the horizon. Yet, that didn't prevent Matsuda's alarm watch from going off.
Matsuda's eyelids fluttered, before opening completely. He looked at the watch and saw the time. He yawned, right before Issei and Motohama roused from their sleep.
"Ugh… What time is it…?" Issei asked groggily.
"It's 4:31 am…" Matsuda answered. He was weary, but he knew what he had to do. "Come on, guys. Get up. It's time to go."
"But… I'm still so tired… waahhhh…" Motohama let out a yawn.
Matsuda gave him an annoyed look. "Motohama. We already went through this. We wake up in the morning and then we start the helicopter. That way we can get to Tokyo before anyone has a chance to notice a friggin' helicopter with three guys in it flying over Tokyo."
"Can't we do it at sunset?" Motohama asked tiredly.
"Nope," Issei answered, as he stood up. "Unless you want to stay here and get firewood and hunt for food."
Motohama mulled over the options. Although he wanted to sleep longer, having a potential repeat of yesterday (even without the golden boar incident) wasn't very fun. And so, he reluctantly sat himself up.
"Ahhh… What the heck… Might as well do it, if my sleep is going to be disturbed. But there better be an apartment ready for us to crash in… in… uhh…" Motohama trailed off at the end.
"Tokyo," Issei finished the phrase for him.
"No… no… I meant the district in Tokyo," Motohama clarified.
"Nerima," Matsuda simply answered.
"Oh, yeah… yeah… Now I remember…" Motohama said, as he stretched his body.
The three boys took off their clothes and took a quick wash in the river for they wanted to present themselves to the landowner as clean as possible. After putting their clothes back on, they were ready.
"Matsuda?" Issei signaled to Matsuda.
"Yeah," Matsuda nodded. He activated two buttons on his watch…
[Flash!]
… and with a flash the Chopping Board Type 1 appeared, nearly good as new. The three boys looked at the helicopter with wonder because of how different it looked.
Not only was it fixed and good as new, it also had significant changes as well.
The most significant difference was that it was bigger. Also, its turrets seemed to be bigger than before (probably had more firepower, too). And how about its ability to shrink?
Matsuda pushed the center-right button on the controller…
[VROOOOoooommm…]
The helicopter shrank down to its original size back when Matsuda first received it. So in that regard it hasn't changed…
"Dude, what are you doing? Stop messing around and let's get going," Issei said impatiently.
Matsuda gave Issei an irritated look. "OK, OK… Yeesh…" he replied and pressed the center-right button again. He held it down until it grew back to maximum size (note: growing and shrinking the helicopter are activated by the same button; the two functions take turns).
[vrooooOOOOOMMMM!]
Once the helicopter grew back to its original size, the boys got ready to enter. As soon as Motohama opened the door, he couldn't help but be astonished.
"Hey, guys! Check it out!" Motohama announced excitedly. "Look how big it is on the inside!"
Issei and Matsuda briefly looked at Motohama, before making the discovery themselves, in addition to other discoveries.
Not only was the inside bigger, but there were proper seats, instead of the down-sized sitting cushions like before. Now, that is not to say that sitting on cushions was bad, but in a helicopter like this, proper seats were much better. Also, there was room enough to fit in two seats at the front and two seats in the middle, but also what seemed to be an area at the back with an embedded sitting area at the side.
"Man! Freyr really has a good taste in helicopters! Am I right?" Matsuda remarked, as he climbed his way to the pilot's seat, taking a good look on the inside while doing so.
"Yeah, we should thank Freyr properly for this!" Issei commented, as he made his way to the co-pilot seat.
"Yup!" Motohama chimed in with a nod, taking a seat at one of the back-seats. While glancing in the back area, he also saw… boxes?
He opened one and saw…
"Those are parachutes!" Motohama exclaimed in surprise.
"What is?" Matsuda asked, as he and Issei looked at their friend.
"Parachutes, right here! See?" Motohama pointed at the inscription on the backpack with a laugh.
Issei and Matsuda widened their eyes in shock, before giving off whoops of joy.
"Now, we don't have to worry about falling to out deaths ever!" Issei exclaimed, as he and Matsuda shared a high-five.
"Yeah, never again. I wonder what else is in this thing?" Matsuda asked with excitement.
{Hello, Captain! It's a pleasure to have you on board again} a familiar voice resounded.
"Phoebe! Good to hear your voice again!" Matsuda said to Phoebe, the helicopter's A. I.
{I welcome all passengers to the Chopping Board Type 2} Phoebe announced to everyone.
This caused the boys to raise their eyebrows.
"Chopping Board Type 2?" Issei asked confused.
{The Chopping Board Type 2 is an improved version of the Chopping Board Type 1} Phoebe explained. {As you may have noticed, the size of the Chopping Board Type 2 is noticeably bigger than Type 1. It is 2 meters tall, has 6 meters in rotor diameter and is 5 meters in length. It also has an increased internal capacity and thus also more seats. Two are at the front, two at the back and two embedded benches at the back for additional passenger capacity. The hind compartment can also be used for logistical purposes, like transporting goods. Because of the increased size of the Chopping Board Type 2, it also allows the installation of proper seats, instead of the cushioning in Type 1. The turret has increased in size and weight, allowing more firepower and maneuverability. It can be directed from the pilot cockpit, as well as via remote. Both the ammunition from the turret and from the bomb hatch at the bottom are made of dark glue matter. Warning: Using either of them can be lethal and should be used in caution! In case of emergency, autopilot will be available as always. Should the Chopping Board Type 2 be completely incapacitated, there are parachute backpacks at the back, ready to be used. To activate them, first disembark from the helicopter and then pull the ripcord. Finally, the Chopping Board Type 2 not only allows the pilot to fly via controller, but also via standard controls like in regular helicopters. The condition for controlling the Chopping Board Type 2 remains placing the controller on the cockpit slot. Shrinking and increasing the size of the Chopping Board Type 2 remains as a function and can only be used outside the Chopping Board type 2. Thank you for your attention and I wish you a safe flight.}
With that, Phoebe stopped speaking.
Nobody said anything for a while. The first one who said anything was Matsuda.
"Hmm… Now that's… comprehensive…" Matsuda remarked, before turning his head to look at his friends.
Motohama and Issei agreed with nodded heads.
Matsuda turned back to face the cockpit. "Now that that's done with…" he began and put the controller into the slot.
"…let's get down to business…" Matsuda stated, as moved the Chopping Board Type 2 with his trusted controller.
The rotor turned slowly… then went faster… Matsuda pitched the hind rotor with his controller, pushed forward… and so did the helicopter.
"Good thing we found this clearing or else we'd never be able to take off!" Motohama remarked.
"Yeah," Issei nodded, as he braced himself. "But at least, we're finally leaving this forest… for good!"
"Yeah," Motohama nodded. "Let's get out of here."
Everybody looked forward, as the helicopter picked up speed and tilted downward, much to the discomfort of Issei and Motohama.
"Matsuda! Don't tilt it like that!" Issei told Matsuda, as he tried to keep himself from hitting the front window.
"Yeah, you wanna kill us?" Motohama said, as he braced himself against the front seats because of the gravity.
Their nerves were on edge right now. They feared Matsuda would make some kind of fatal mistake upon take-off. Matsuda was still new to this, so it's only natural to be worried.
"I'm trying, I'm trying!" Matsuda answered annoyed, as he tried to figure out how to keep the helicopter from tilting downward.
{Move right stick backwards to reverse forward pitch} Phoebe's monotone voice spoke.
Matsuda did so, pulled the right sticks back and sure enough the helicopter no longer tilted downward nose-first, but it did not go forward. Instead it came to a halt (more or less), but at least it was still moving higher and higher.
"Ooh… thank goodness…" Matsuda wiped the sweat from his face. "Thanks, Phoebe."
{You're welcome, Captain} Phoebe replied monotonously.
"Whew… for a second there I thought you were gonna kill us all!" Motohama breathed out in relief.
"Hey, if you can do better, why don't you fly?" Matsuda retorted, as he glared at his friend.
Motohama raised his hands defensively.
"N-n-no way! I don't want to!" Motohama stuttered. "Besides, it's your gift, so you take responsibility for it!"
Matsuda was about to say something else, but Issei stopped them.
"Guys, calm down!" Issei told them both, before turning to Matsuda. "Matsuda, just concentrate on flying, OK?"
Matsuda said nothing and neither did Motohama, but Matsuda decided that Issei was right and focused on the controls.
Motohama just turned to look outside the window. He could see the forest and all the trees becoming smaller and smaller. They were already quite high in the sky. The horizon of the night sky grew larger and larger, stretching out endlessly. The stars were still shining brightly in the night sky, while the clouds passed through them, as they rose higher almost as if they were nothing but a minor decoration in this canopy, known as the sky.
Everybody's nerves had calmed down. They could sit back and enjoy the ride.
Though wait! Matsuda forgot one thing.
"Phoebe?" Matsuda called out.
Phoebe responded immediately. {You called?}
"Yeah, uh… Which way is Tokyo?" he asked sheepishly.
Motohama and Issei almost wanted to comically hit their heads on the ground (like in comedic animes).
"Don't tell me you were going to fly in just any random direction!" Motohama bellowed incredulously.
"Yeah! What if we ended up going over the Pacific? What would we have done if the chopper ran out of gas!?" Issei scolded Matsuda.
"Hey, hey… Calm down guys… I…" Matsuda did his best to reassure his buddies, but then Phoebe gave Matsuda his requested answer.
{Your destination lies 120 km South-South East from your position. For further assistance, please look at your GPS monitor} Phoebe replied monotonously as usual.
Everybody blinked in surprise.
"GPS monitor…?" Matsuda voiced surprised, before checking the cockpit. Sure enough…
"Oh, hehe… I guess there really was a screen…" he laughed nervously upon finding the screen in question with all the necessary data in it. He could see an enlarged map of Japan and Tokyo right at the bottom of the screen (it had Google Maps quality, so the screen could show color). And right now, they were flying towards the Pacific Ocean (as Issei had predicted).
"Well, I guess I'll adjust the flight course…" Matsuda said, as he moved the relevant control sticks.
Nobody said a word until the Boosted Gear appeared on Issei's arm.
[*Sigh* Once a foolish pervert, always a foolish pervert…] Ddraig muttered in everybody's hearing.
"AS THOUGH YOU'RE ONE TO TALK!" Matsuda shouted in outrage.
Issei pinched his nose in irritation. "You know what? Just… Focus on flying…" he told Matsuda.
Matsuda glared at Issei, then at Ddraig, before turning his face back to the front. He had to fly after all and being distracted was deadly.
"Ddraig, why did you have to say that?" Issei asked Ddraig.
[It's the truth, Partner] Ddraig replied honestly.
"Yeah… Whatever… It's going to be a long flight… Which is why I'm taking a nap… zzz…" Motohama said, before falling fast asleep.
"I guess he's still pooped out from yesterday…" Issei commented neutrally, as he watched Motohama's peaceful sleeping expression.
"Well… it is still night time. Who can blame him? To be honest, I also would continue sleeping, if I weren't flying. I mean, any normal guy would, right?" Matsuda asked in response.
"Yeah…" Issei said, as he turned his face forward.
Then there was mutual silence. Not even Ddraig spoke.
That silence was interrupted by Matsuda suddenly saying: "Oh, yeah! How did I not think about it? Phoebe?"
{Yes, Captain?} Phoebe asked.
"I want you to switch on auto-pilot. Wake me up when we're there or if something urgent happens," Matsuda instructed Phoebe.
{Yes, Captain. Activating auto-pilot mode} she announced.
"There," Matsuda said with satisfaction, as he took his hands of the controls and kicked back to relax. "Now, I can finally… *snore*…" Just like Motohama before him, he fell asleep instantly.
"Sleepy heads…" Issei murmured to himself.
[Indeed, Partner. Indeed] Ddraig agreed.
Issei sighed, as he looked out the window in boredom. The sight was magnificent.
It was then that Issei remembered something. It was the conversation that he had with Ddraig earlier... about flying.
Was this the view of somebody who could fly? Obviously, yes. But actual flying was different. It wasn't like he was sitting around like this, copped up in the comfort of a helicopter. To know what that feels like… one has to do it by his own power… his own wings… Only then can he feel the wind blowing in the air, the muscles being used to soar…
[Is something the matter, Partner?] Ddraig asked with concern.
"Huh? Why do you ask?" Issei asked.
[It just seemed like you were thinking about something. That's all] Ddraig answered.
Issei continued looking out the window.
"Well… It's just… Ddraig?" Issei asked, his gaze not moving away from the night sky.
[What is it?] Ddraig asked.
"One day… I'll be able to get wings, right?" Issei asked his question.
It was then that Ddraig understood. It was about what he had told Issei earlier – about dragonizing his body and getting wings. A difficult task. But Ddraig had a feeling his host would be able to achieve this someday.
Just not now though.
[Partner…] Ddraig spoke, Issei turned his gaze to the Boosted Gear, expecting an answer.
[…]
[…someday… Partner. Someday, you will get them…] Ddraig answered simply.
Issei didn't say anything. He just looked out the window again into the vast night sky. Though Issei wasn't quite satisfied with Ddraig's answer, a small gentle smile crept up his face.
"Thanks, Partner… that means a lot to me…" Issei answered quietly.
[…]
Ddraig didn't say a word. All he gave was a small chuckle and the Boosted Gear was dismissed from Issei's arm.
Issei continued to stare out into the vast sky… just waiting for the morning sun to arise…
16th September, Sunday, 5:00 am (Japan Standard Time) – somewhere in the mountains of Scandinavia
Scandinavia. Best known as the region in Northern Europe that encompasses Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland – some of the most prosperous countries in the world in terms of living standard and human development.
However, that is not the only thing Scandinavia was known for. It was also known as the home of Vikings and their gods.
And that included one particular god with long silver hair, wearing a white robe, who was currently in his home deep in the snowy mountains. His name was Loki, the infamous god of mischief, whose ultimate desire is to be the harbinger of Ragnarok.
Indeed, Loki has caused a lot of misery, shame and pain for man, beast and god alike, but he never cared. All that mattered were his own ambitions and desires to do as he pleased. Loki didn't care if his father Odin hated him for it. In fact, ever since it became clear to him that his father favored his brother Thor, Loki lost all love for the both of them.
Now, Loki was working all that was in his power to continue his mischief from his home in the cold, cold mountains, far away from Valhalla and Asgard – the abode of the gods.
As for what Loki was doing at the moment, well… he was relaxing, taking a rest on his reclining couch at a table and enjoying the plate of fruit on it.
A very normal day for him. Well, except for the fact that…
"LOOOOOKKKKKIIIIIIII!"
…a loud angry shout disturbed his leisure time.
Loki nearly jumped up in surprise from where he reclined. He was immediately on his guard and looked to the cave entrance where the voice came from. Sure enough, an angry man in armor and a sword came before him, carrying a golden piglet at the scruff on his neck.
Loki looked at the man and relaxed. He took on a smug look on his face for he recognized the man.
"Why, if it isn't Freyr, the pig-lover…" Loki sneered.
"Spare me your words!" Freyr seethed in anger. "Why did you manipulate Gullinbursti?" he asked, holding out Gullinbursti, who seemed to be trembling from fear because of his master's anger.
"Your pet swine? Oh, please… Why would I ever want to do something like that?" Loki said mockingly.
"I know why, you cur," Freyr spat out. "You tried everything in your power to skew the bet you made with Brokkr in your favor! You deliberately made my familiar go on a rampage so that you would make Brokkr look bad! And if that wasn't bad enough, you had to go out of your way to sabotage the other gifts Brokkr and Eitri made by disguising yourself as a fly – all in order to frustrate their efforts!"
Loki said nothing at first, but then he started to chuckle. This chuckle turned into laughter. Freyr knew that he was being mocked, but he tried his best to keep his cool.
"Interesting accusation… but where's your proof? Do you have anything to back these claims you insinuate?" Loki challenged Freyr derisively.
Freyr didn't answer for a moment. He took a breath, before he spoke.
"I saw those eyes Gullinbursti had. They were red, but not of anger. It was manipulation magic and a very particular kind – that you use!" Freyr accused Loki with a pointed finger.
Loki just snorted. "So? I'm not the only one with that kind of magic. There are many gods and beings that could have done it. It didn't have to be me? Don't go accusing me on such flimsy evidence."
"You are the only one with a motive to inflict harm at Gullinbursti!" Freyr insisted. He then took another deep breath, before speaking. "The stable door to Gullinbursti's door… it was broken down… but not by Gullinbursti. The remnants of the doors were found in on the inside of the stable. Had Gullinbursti had broken out on his own, the remains would have been found on the outside, not the inside. The only way it could have been broken down the way it was, was if somebody had broken it down from the outside."
Loki shrugged his shoulders. "And even if all that is true. So? It could have been anyone, so you have no proof. So, why don't you move along and tend to your own business, instead of making baseless accusations," he said with furrowed eyebrows.
Freyr was furious at Loki's arrogant behavior. However, at the same time he knew that Loki was right. Freyr had no proof for Loki's wrongdoing, despite its plausibility. Issei Hyoudou himself made that very clear when he explained his theory to Freyr.
Freyr knew coming here to accuse Loki of wrongdoing was useless. But accusing him was not the only thing he had in mind.
"You're right," Freyr conceded. "I don't have any proof."
Loki face softened, as he chuckled. "Admitting your defeat so soon?" he gloated.
"Unfortunately. But I did come here for another reason…" Freyr said, his hair shadowing his bangs.
Loki chuckled again. "And what's tha-?"
"GULLINBURSTI GROW!" Freyr shouted, as he suddenly threw the little golden piglet towards Loki.
"BWWWWEEEEEEEE!" Gullinbursti squealed, as he was hurled towards Loki, before growing to maximum size within a split second.
Loki widened his eyes, as he was taken by surprise, Gullinbursti's humungous body flying towards him. Normally, anyone in Loki's situation would find himself easily crushed to death, whether it be because the person in question wasn't strong enough to repel such a large object or because one didn't react fast enough.
Unfortunately for Freyr, Loki had both.
"Fool!" Loki cried, as he quickly sat up and swatted Gullinbursti with his magic, gathered in his hands with ease.
"BWEEEE-!"
[BOOM!]
Gullinbursti hit the cave wall, causing the cave to shake a bit. Loki himself remained unharmed.
"Hmpf!" Loki snorted smugly, as he looked on Gullinbursti's downed form, now small again. "What did you think you were doing? Did you really think…?" Loki wanted to continue, but when he turned to look back at where Freyr was, he was gone.
"What? Where…?" Loki looked around fervently to find his opponent, but just as he looked behind him, he was…
[WHAM!]
"UGH!"
…punched in the face with a straight hook, courtesy of Freyr. The punch caused him to fall off his reclining couch and unto the cold floor.
Loki was dazed for a few seconds, before he managed to find his bearings.
'That insolent bastard! How dare he…?' Loki thought furiously because of what Freyr did to him. He felt his cheek and could feel a bruise forming.
Loki whirled around to glare at Freyr who by now had picked up the injured Gullinbursti and calmly made his way out of Loki's lair. Before Freyr departed, he stopped at the mouth of the cave tunnel, leading to the exit, to address Loki once more.
"Like I said. I don't have any proof. Everything I found out were theories reasoned by a young man named Issei Hyoudou. He was the one who helped me find out about your schemes. Thus, I do not have a case to bring before the gods. But I will tell you this: If I even find the smallest hint that you are engaging in your destructive mischiefs once more and more so cause harm on me, my subjects or my friends… You shall receive a lot worse than this…" Freyr threatened Loki ominously, not even looking back at him.
Loki just seethed in anger. Nobody punched Loki, one of the great Nordic Gods, in the face and get away with it. Nobody!
He readied a magical attack in his hands and was about to blast Freyr from behind.
But Freyr anticipated this and punched the cave wall to his right…
[BROOM!]
…and rubble started to fall from above, causing Loki to redirect his blast towards the incoming rubble.
[KABOOM!]
The debris, broke into multiple tiny pieces that harmlessly fell around him. Seeing that the falling rubble had been dealt with, he turned his face towards Freyr once more.
However, Freyr was already gone.
Loki seethed once more; his leisure time having been completely ruined.
"That blasted pig-head!" Loki cursed loudly.
He did not expect Freyr to find out about his plot so easily. He didn't know how Freyr found out about it all. Well… Freyr did tell him about how he found out… but regardless… It shouldn't have been found out so easily. It just… shouldn't have!
Then again… it was obvious for everybody in the Nordic Mythology as to what his motivations were in regards to his bet with Brokkr.
Besides, he would get his revenge on Freyr later… and Brokkr and Eitri, too!
The reason for that was that Loki had other plans he needed attending to. He was planning to work on some of these plans tomorrow.
But for now, because of the bruise on his cheek… he decided to put aside all his plans for today. Right now, avenging this… this insult was the first priority for him.
Freyr did say something about a young man called Issei Hyoudou. That sounded Japanese…
It was then that Loki had started the beginnings for his new plan. He walked away, still rubbing his sore cheek in anger.
Issei Hyoudou… Whoever, he was… he was going to have to go to Japan and do some research about him…
16th September, Sunday, 5:05 am – on the streets of Kuoh
It was still dark in the city of Kuoh. Most people weren't even up yet, save for those who had to get up early and start working at an early shift. Some such people were bakers or cake-makers, who had to work on the dough for their wares. Other people were dishonest people, like thieves and smugglers, working through the night to do all kinds of illegal things.
And of course, because of that there were the police on patrol to prevent such acts. Currently, there were five such police officers on duty. They were riding in patrol car on the lookout for crime.
Throughout their career, they have done a number of operations, bust-ups, arrests in these early hours, but right now, there was nothing going on. In fact, this was more the norm than the exception. Instead of being bored, the police officers decided to make the most of it. Having gotten used to waking up at 4 am in the morning, it was nice time to show up to work and well… kind of do their own thing.
But for these particular officers on duty, their "doing their own thing" was a more personal affair.
"I can't believe this!" one officer sitting at the back said frustrated. "How can an explosion just happen in a facility like that?"
"Calm down, Usui," another officer said, sitting on the right to his colleague. "I myself can't believe it either, but it did."
"Yeah, but what's weird is that it wasn't an explosion that destroyed the building, but what seemed to be a collapse," another officer sitting to the left of the officer called Usui elaborated.
The other two blinked in surprise. "Really? But I thought…" the Usui spoke.
"Yes, there was an explosion. The reports were correct about that one. But the explosion happened around the facility, not from within," the officer on the left explained.
"How is that possible?" an officer sitting at the front of the van asked.
His colleague just shrugged his shoulders. "Beats me. That's just what I heard from the investigators. They said they had evidence from satellite pictures."
The officer sitting in front just nodded.
"Yeah, aside from how it was caused, the bigger question is: Who caused it?" the officer on the seat to the right said.
"Yeah, you've got a point, Ohga," the officer on the left seat at the back stated with a nod. "Though that's not why we are here, right?"
At that, everybody's faces turned serious. Nobody said a word for a while.
The reason for that is because they all knew what they were here for.
To find out about who killed their colleague Yuusuke and all those other dead people found in the remains of the facility. It had not been too long since his body had been found and the pain was still fresh in their souls.
After all, he was a good friend and colleague… an irreplaceable one, too.
Just the day before, they had attended his funeral and helped his grieving brother to carry his coffin to his grave. It was a very somber event.
They carried much grief with them, but also a lot of questions on how Yuusuke and those other people were killed.
According to the forensics report, they didn't die from the explosion or from the collapse of the rubble. Rather, it seemed like they had died well before all that happened. What's more, their bodies were shriveled up – like they had been drained dry.
None of the investigators had any idea on how it happened or who committed the act. That's doubly true for the five officers on patrol.
The whole affair was shady. Too shady. And they knew something was going on, something sinister.
But one thing they knew. They were going to find out. And they had a lead.
Out of all the people that had been found dead, the four facility wardens and their three most recent detainees were not among them. It was like they disappeared.
But they knew better.
According to satellite pictures from the time of the explosion, not only did the investigators find out how the explosion and the collapse of the building happened, but also what else had transpired.
Footage indicated a black helicopter emerging from the ruins and causing the explosion, before leaving the area.
They did not know where the helicopter left, but they would find out about it as soon as the investigators would call them up.
"Boys," the officer on the driver's seat spoke up, getting everybody's attention.
Until now, he had remained quiet, speaking only if necessary. After all, not only was he the oldest among the five officers assembled, but also their superior.
"Yes, sir?" the office named Ohga replied.
"Be patient. A good officer knows when to act. He must not only play by the books, but also hold his emotions in check, unlike that fool Shinpei Ito," the superior officer spat out disdainfully.
Shinpei Ito. The officer that tried to kill those three escaped detainees in question and ended up in a coma because of it. Unlike with Yuusuke, they personally didn't hold much of an opinion of him, since he was newly transferred. But they all agreed that he stepped way over the line in trying to kill the three teens. Sister put in a coma or not, vigilantism was not tolerated in the police force. That was especially true for this particular superior officer, who was Ito's most recent superior officer.
"Anyway, the boys investigating told me that the results of their research will come out first thing in the morning at 8 am. So be patient. In the meantime," the superior officer said, as he reached for his pants pocket. Out of it, he took a packet of cigarettes.
"Want some?" he offered his men.
The officers nodded eagerly and accepted.
""""Yes, Kuraido-san,"""" all of the officers responded in unison.
Officer Kuraido gave a light smile.
Despite all the ups and downs of his career, he was glad to be in this team.
He wouldn't have wanted it any different.
16th September, Sunday, 5:21 am – with Matsuda's and Motohama's parents
Since yesterday, Mr. Hibiki and Mr. Todoriki had received the news that the Sakabasu Detention Facility, in which their sons were held had exploded. When they heard it they were shocked to the core, followed by worry. Were their sons alive? If they weren't would their bodies be recovered?
They peppered the police anxiously with questions, but the police told them that however hard they had tried to look for them – it was all for naught. Neither they, nor their friend Issei, could be found anywhere.
When their wives heard of this, they fretted and cried relentlessly for they were their only son. They all went on to go to bed because of how devastating the news was.
However, sweet rest was not granted to them. Instead, they currently lying awake, consumed with worry. However, both Mr. Todoriki and Mr. Hibiki knew that today was another day and that their lives went on. Worrying about it all wouldn't help them.
That didn't mean though that wouldn't meet again once in a while. In fact, that is what they had been doing for the past few weeks. They even planned to do that today, now that it was Sunday. Strange how tragedies bring people together that normally would have never had anything to do with each other.
But it did.
Just like their sons, both fathers and mothers had gotten to know each other a lot better. Their lives, their hobbies, their plans, their… children… their grief… so much…
Again, worrying wouldn't do them much. All they could do was wait and see…
16th September, Sunday, 5:24 am – with the devils of Kuoh
Rias was sleeping in bed peacefully in her red negligee when her cell phone started to ring. She stirred upon hearing the annoying ringing tone to the melody of the opening of "Super Gals" (that didn't mean she didn't like it though; in fact, she actually did or else she wouldn't have set it as a ringtone).
She took it grouchily and pressed the dial key to receive the call.
"Yes…" Rias said groggily.
"Rias? I'm glad you're awake," the caller replied.
"Awake? Sona, I was in the middle of my sleep and you had to call me?" Rias said irritated, as she used her free hand to move her ruffled bangs away from her face. "Besides, it's Sunday. Can't this wait until later?"
"I'm sorry, Rias. I really didn't want to disturb you," Sona apologized. "But I have some news, news you might be interested in."
At this, Rias raised an eyebrow. "News? What could possibly be so important that it had to disturb my sleep?" she asked.
"It's this: Freyr, the god of the Nordic Mythology from yesterday contacted me just a few minutes ago. He said he found his lost familiar and has taken him home," Sona revealed.
This irked Rias. "You think this is news worth disturbing my rest? How could you possibly think this way?" she demanded angrily from Sona. However, Sona was not done yet.
"Wait. There's more. He said that the only reason he managed to find his boar was because somebody else was fighting it. When he got there, he managed to get there before his boar killed somebody. Guess what Freyr told me about what he found out about him," Sona asked of Rias.
Rias wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion. What was Sona going to tell her that would be so important? She decided to beckon Sona to tell her.
"And? What did he say?" Rias asked.
"He told me that the person who had fought against his familiar was the current Red Dragon Emperor," Sona revealed.
Rias reacted in shock. "The… The Sekiryuutei? One of the god-tier Lonignus?" she let out with an incredulous voice.
"That's right," Sona said with a nod from her end of the line.
Rias sat up immediately, all fatigue having now disappeared.
"Sona. This is serious news. I need to tell my brother…" she wanted to ramble, but Sona stopped her.
"Wait. There's something else. We even have a name," Sona added quickly.
"A name? Whose name?" Rias asked hastily.
"The current of the Red Dragon Emperor," Sona answered.
"Well, who is it?" Rias demanded.
"Well, according to Freyr he said his name was Issei Hyoudou," Sona revealed to Rias.
Rias put her hand on her forehead, as a way to help her concentrate. Issei Hyoudou? Where had she heard that name before…?
"Sona, for some reason that name seems familiar, but where have I heard that name before…?" Rias asked Sona.
"Issei Hyoudou was the first-year student who several weeks ago had started a brawl with his two friends and gotten himself arrested. Remember?" Sona reminded Rias.
Rias widened her eyes. "Oh, yes! Now I remember!" she exclaimed, as she remembered the face of that brown-haired pervert. He was part of the Perverted Trio, if memory serves her correctly. "I knew I felt a Sacred Gear in him, but I didn't know it was the Boosted Gear out of all things. But wait… does that mean he was the one who escaped that mysterious prison yesterday? And how did he get a helicopter?" Rias' head was filled with questions after questions.
"I don't know," Sona admitted. "What I do know is that his buddies, Matsuda Hibiki and Motohama Todoriki, were also there with him, meaning that however Hyoudou managed to get a helicopter and escape from prison…"
"…that his two friends were also involved in this somehow…" Rias completed the thought for Sona.
For a moment, there was silence between the two of them.
"I should get Akeno, Rias and Koneko. Sona, where did Freyr meet them?" Rias asked, as she stood up ready to get dressed.
"What? Wait a minute, Rias. I don't think going on your own is a good idea – especially because of last time," Sona put the brakes on Rias' plans.
"But if we delay now, we might never be able to catch them," Rias argued.
"First of all, that happened yesterday night. Wherever it was when Freyr met them, they certainly won't be there now," Sona told Rias.
"Well, their helicopter was shot down so they couldn't have gotten far," Rias argued back.
"And that's just the other problem. I and my peerage should come with you, so that incident like last time never happens again," Sona answered sternly.
Rias tried to find an argument against that, but then decided to let it go, as she sighed.
"Fine… Should we get going?" Rias asked her friendly rival.
"Yes, give me some time so that I can gather the others. We don't know how strong the Red Dragon Emperor is and we need to come prepared. You should do the same, too," Sona replied.
"Yes, yes… See you soon," Rias finished her call and put down her phone.
Her face was beaming and her heart was beating from excitement. She didn't like to be disturbed from her sleep, but the news she heard made it worth it.
"Ara, ara… Rias. You look happy. Ufufufu…" Akeno said, as she popped her head inside Rias' room.
"Akeno. Good morning. Call the others. We have important business to attend to," Rias told her queen.
"All right. If you say so. What is this business going to be about?" Akeno asked.
"Well, first we'll meet with Sona and her peerage and… you'll find out then, but first things first," Rias answered.
"Yes, Rias," Akeno answered, before leaving.
Rias went to get dressed, humming happily, while doing so.
The Red Dragon Emperor… she didn't know much about how strong Issei Hyoudou was, but surely he wasn't that strong, right? Furthermore, she knew that Issei Hyoudou, being a member of the Perverted Trio, was obsessed with girls and boobs. Therefore, that meant that she knew how to get him into her peerage without fail.
Oh, yes…
With her feminine charms…
16th September, Sunday, 5:29 am – back with the Perverted Quartet
The morning sun was already appearing in the horizon, its rays illuminating the morning sky with a beautiful gold and red. Below the Chopping Board Type 2 were clouds, spanning as far as the eye can see and reflecting the golden glow of the early morning sun.
Matsuda smiled dreamily and took in the sight. To him, it felt like they were in a different world and they were its first explorers. The scenery felt to Matsuda, like he was flying through heaven or the beginnings of it. Who knows? Perhaps, this was the case, since the supernatural existed and all.
Was this what pilots felt like every time they flew?
{Attention. You have arrived at your destination – Tokyo. Do you wish to end autopilot, Captain?} Phoebe's A. I. voice announced.
Matsuda was shaken out of his thoughts. Duty called him after all.
"Yes. Deactivate autopilot," Matsuda said, as he took control once more.
{Understood. Deactivating autopilot} Phoebe announced.
Matsuda decided to fly lower. That was when Issei and Motohama awoke.
"Waaaaah…" Motohama yawned. "Are we there yet?"
"Yeah, are we? Because it seems like we're flying lower…" Issei said tiredly.
"Well, duh!" Matsuda replied. "Why else would I fly lower?"
Nobody said anything. Instead, everybody looked out of the window to see clouds passing by the helicopter, while they descended.
After a minute or so, they were finally underneath the mass of clouds and saw…
…masses of skyscrapers and other buildings as far as the eye could see.
Just from the first glance, they could make out several buildings, such as the Tokyo Skytree, the second tallest building in the world at 634 meters. Other buildings, they recognized were… the Tokyo Tower with its distinct red and white coloring… the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building... and some others…
They could also see the bay to the city of Tokyo, stretching out towards the Pacific Ocean in the distance… the famous Fuji-san as well with its snowy peaks…
The city itself was dark and quiet, but even at five in the morning there was still a lot of activity going on in this world metropolis. They could even see the trains running, ready to transport the tens of millions of people to work.
So, this… this is where they'll be living from now on… This is where their adventure would go on…
Matsuda, Issei and Motohama were sure of it. This was going to be the best moments of their lives. They couldn't wait to land and get to their new apartment.
"Boys," Matsuda told Motohama and Issei. "Here we are, right above the famous metropolis of Tokyo."
"Well, duh! We can see that ourselves…" Motohama replied with a deadpanned expression.
"…That is unless Phoebe is suffering a malfunction and we really are in Kyoto for some reason…" Issei joked.
"Shut up, man…" Matsuda retorted, but remained in a good mood. "Anyway, I think we should find a place to land somewhere…"
"Aren't we going to land in Nerima?" Motohama asked.
"No way! Too risky!" Issei exclaimed. "Even though it's still early in the morning, we can't afford to be seen coming down on a friggin' helicopter right in the middle of town. Have you forgotten what I said last night about it?"
Motohama ignored the question and asked another one. "Then what are you suggesting we do?"
"We fly around, find some place to land with no one else but us present and then make our way there on foot," Issei explained, before he turned to Matsuda. "Isn't that right, Matsuda?"
Matsuda nodded and then proceeded to ask Phoebe. "Phoebe. Where is the best place to land with little to no people near Tokyo?"
{Calculating population density... searching landing spaces at near Tokyo…} Phoebe, the A. I. said.
Everybody waited, while the helicopter's A. I. to process the request. Then Phoebe answered.
{Head West for Saiko Doman Green Park near Saitama for some eight kilometers. Do so by turning right} Phoebe instructed Matsuda.
"You got it!" Matsuda said, as he made the helicopter turn right.
From there on out, it flew straight forward, slowly lowering its altitude. On the way, they saw a river, stretching itself endlessly towards the Northwest and on its way, they could see a lush green area with a lake in it.
That had to be the destination.
"Boys, get ready to land. We're gonna land in a few minutes," Matsuda announced.
"Yeah… we know…" Issei answered with a bit of worry on his face.
"Just… land safely, OK?" Motohama asked of Matsuda, being a bit pale in the face.
"Yeesh, guys… It's going to be OK! It's not like the chopper has been shot down or anything…" Matsuda tried to assuage their fears.
"I know, but still…" Motohama said, still unconvinced.
"Me, too… I just wish I could fly and get over with it…" Issei sighed nervously.
Matsuda's eyes twitched at their lack of faith in him. He turned to look at them.
"If your faith in me is this low… Why not just jump out of the chopper while you're at it!?" Matsuda shouted at them.
"What are you crazy?" Motohama asked incredulously at the suggestion.
"Do you want us die or something?" Issei asked rhetorically.
"Yeah, or…" Motohama wanted to say something, but then stopped himself when he had an idea.
"Wait a minute… That's it!" Motohama exclaimed.
"What jumping out?" Issei asked confused.
"No. The parachutes. There are some on the helicopter, right?" Motohama asked, as he looked behind him where the objects in question were.
"Yeah, but why…? Oh…" Issei said, finally understanding what Motohama was getting at.
"Yeah, good idea, right?" Motohama said to Issei. "That way we don't have to die a tragic death via a helicopter crash because of amateurish flying by a newbie."
"What did you just call me!?" Matsuda cried out in outrage.
"You heard me, bro!" Motohama retorted defiantly. "Now, gimme those things," he turned his face to the back.
Motohama wanted to reach for the chutes at the back, but Issei stopped him.
"Dude, I wouldn't do that if I were you," Issei said to Motohama.
"What? But I thought you agreed with me!" Motohama stated in shock.
"I never said that. Besides, you don't even know how to use, so how do you know if it's even going to work out for you?" Issei questioned Motohama.
Motohama wanted to say something, but realized… he didn't have an answer to that.
"And also. What if you land on some building in the middle of the public? You'll get everybody's attention on you and you'll be taken to the police station in no time," Issei rebuked Motohama.
"Yeah… you're right…" Motohama said, visibly deflated.
Issei put his hand on Motohama's shoulder. "Besides, let's give Motohama the chance to prove himself. After all, he is our best bet to landing safely."
"Yeah, I guess…" Motohama sighed, as he agreed to Issei with reluctance.
[Pffffff… Maybe the parachutes have holes in them and then you would be red spot of blood on the floor… pfffff…. Hihihi…] Ddraig spoke up out of nowhere, trying to hold in his laughter.
"OH, SHUT UP YOU FREAKY REPTILIAN!" Motohama yelled at Ddraig angrily.
"Guys, will you calm down! I'm trying my best to land here and right now none of you are making things easier for me! So… Shut… UP!" the irritated Matsuda shouted at the lot to be quiet.
Everybody complied. None spoke. After Matsuda calmed himself down and made the helicopter fly to the designated area.
Nobody said a word, except Ddraig, who was still complaining.
[A freaky reptilian? Grumble… grumble… How dare you insult me like that? Grumble… grumble…] Ddraig mumbled to himself.
The sun was rising further, illuminating the morning sky even more and causing the Bay of Tokyo to glitter majestically.
Even though all four of them had been squabbling a few moments ago, it was all forgotten like a fleeting memory because of the beautiful view of the city. They realized… they should do this more often every once in a while…
While the helicopter flew overhead of the inhabitants of Tokyo and the surrounding areas, the salarymen who awoke earliest were already on their way to work, going to wherever they work. One person who happened to awake at that time, however, was not a salaryman.
That particular person merely looked up into the sky at the Chopping Board Type 2 and smiled.
"Welcome to Tokyo, boys…" he said mysteriously.
And that was the Epilogue to this arc.
Again, I apologize for the delay and I hope it won't happen again.
Anyway, about the chapter…
You can see that Freyr has confronted Loki and given him a well-deserved punch. Loki will pay a bigger role much later in the story, but I'm still in the planning process on how to do it.
The police officers in this chapter will also have an arc involving them. They will be the ones to hunt the Chopping Board Type 2 in the future. Arc coming soon…
Speaking of the Chopping Board Type 2… I was hoping that instead of Matsuda just relying on his controller to fly it, he should also learn to fly it like any normal helicopter. I thought it would be good training for him. There also a whole lot of other functions that he will have to get used to. Practicing sessions will also come soon…
As for Matsuda's and Motohama's parents, don't worry. They won't be left in the dark forever. I'll be planning something with them, too.
Finally, the devils of Kuoh know about Issei being the wielder of the Boosted Gear. And you can bet that they, too, will come across our heroes sooner or later.
As you can see, the perverted trio have a lot on their plate. In addition to all the beforementioned parties, how will this turn out?
Will Loki find them and kill them?
Will the police find out the truth of the matter regarding the Succubus Arc and the perverted trio? And if they find them, will the three boys be arrested and put to jail once more?
What will happen once devils get to them? Will they recruit them like they do with many other Sacred Gear holders?
What is going to happen Matsuda's and Motohama's parents?
So many questions that I can't answer yet. You will find out soon.
Yes, I say that a lot, but that is all I can say… for now.
How did you like the Gullinbursti Arc? I would like to hear from you.
Please read and review.
I hope to see you soon.
Until then.
Hide Shinyama