The Lone Vigilante Issei – High School DxD
Hey everyone, it's me Hide Shinyama.
I am terribly sorry for the delay of nearly three months. But the exams and life have gotten busy for me. At least, I have now finished the third semester and all the exams in it (along with whatever exams came in previous semesters). Though, the exams were not the only things holding me back. My draft for the final story also took time, though I still have not finished that yet and… I also procrastinated. It happens when you have not done something in a long time. Oh! And I also found work, so I found something to keep myself busy.
But enough with the excuses!
At least, I have this chapter out now. This is a transition chapter of sorts into the new arc.
What is it going to be about?
Find out in…
Chapter 56 – New Troubles Brewing
13th of November, Friday, 4:52 pm (Japan Time) – Somewhere in Scandinavia
"Curses!" Loki cursed, as he lay on a long table decked with food and drink, which had now been spilled on top of him.
For whatever reason, he was in the middle of fighting the Hulk again only to be hit by a huge lightning strike. Loki did not need to check his body for injuries for he could feel that he was unharmed. But still, the humiliation of today weighed greatly on his mind and soul. He was going to go back to the drawing board for this once again.
What also occupied Loki's thoughts were about the nature of that lightning. Just what on earth could cause such a huge lightning bolt? He knew this was no ordinary lightning. Also, it teleported him back home to Scandinavia. On top of that, this bolt caught him off guard. Logically, such lightning had to be done by some powerful being.
But just who…?
"What are you doing on my table… Loki…?" a rather grumpy man's voice could be heard speaking.
Loki turned to the source of the voice and saw the God Freyr seated in front of the table Loki was on with his servants staring at Loki in shock.
"What…?" Loki voiced out and looked around.
He was surprised to see Freyr and some servants in his lair until he looked around. This was not his home, this was Freyr's house…
"It seems the lesson I taught you last time was not enough…" Freyr stated coldly and stood up.
Loki tried to run and escape but the table had so much food and drink spilled on it that he slipped while trying to stand up.
Meanwhile, Freyr drew his fist back and…
"Oh, damn it…" Loki cursed with a sullen face before Freyr's fist reached him.
[KAPOW!] [CRASH!]
Loki was sent out flying through the window of Freyr's mansion.
As he plummeted to the ground (and he had no worry of being killed being a God and all), Loki thought one thing.
'If only it were not for that green monster called the Hulk!' Loki cursed inwardly.
Though one question ought to be asked. Where did the Hulk end up anyway?
13th of November, Friday, 4:53 pm (Japan Time) – Somewhere in the Realm of the Dead
[Who are you? How dare you appear before my throne uninvited?] said a very powerful skeleton man with a God-like aura.
The Hulk was standing in a huge throne room covered in darkness and the stench of the dead. Surrounding him were Ultimate-Class Grim Reapers with their scythes ready to kill the Hulk and take his soul.
The Hulk was not afraid. He simply said this.
"You… not Loki…"
[Loki? How dare you confuse me for that trickster of a God? I am Hades, the Lord of the Underworld and of Death! For your insolence, I will reap your soul and torture you for all eternity!] Hades declared.
The Ultimate-Class Grim Reapers advanced toward the Hulk ready to kill him.
But the Hulk looked at the approaching foes with a rage and shouted with a great shout that shook the Realm of the Dead.
"HULK SMASH YOU ALL! THEN SMASH LOKI!"
13th of November, Friday, 7:03 pm – Occult Research Club Room, Kuoh Academy, Kuoh
Rias and her peerage had arrived back to their club room in Kuoh Academy where Rias was sitting shamefaced on a sofa with her peerage standing behind her. The reason was because of the scolding by Sirzechs Lucifer with Serafall Leviathan and Sona observing it all. The latter two were coddling each other, by the way, with Sona doing so very unwillingly.
Rias hated being scolded. Shortly after Loki, the Hulk and Issei vanished, she was met by Sona, who had come to tell her to return to Kuoh immediately. Having nothing better to do, Rias and her peerage did so, which was where she was met by Sirzechs and Serafall, who demanded where she had been. After Rias told them what they wanted to hear, she had to hear her brother lecturing her about her irresponsible behavior and the consequences that arose from her actions.
"I hope you understand that what you did could have endangered yourselves and compromised our position," Rias' brother said to Rias sternly. "I hope you do not behave so recklessly in the future. Do you understand?"
"Mou… yes, big brother…" Rias promised and pouted, as she just wanted the scolding to end.
"Good," Sirzechs said, having finished his scolding to Rias. "Now, you said earlier that you saw what appeared to be Issei and Loki fighting against this monster that calls himself the Hulk – all three of whom have now disappeared into thin air?"
"Yes, Big Brother," Rias answered honestly. "I don't know where they disappeared to or whether they are dead or alive. Either way, I could not sense them anymore and to be honest, I'm glad if that were true about Loki and that Hulk creature."
Rias could not say that about Issei, for she really wanted Issei in her peerage.
"Oh my!" Serafall said, as she rubbed her cheeks against her poor sister Sona even more intensely. "I am so glad they didn't hurt you, Sona-chan. You really are the luckiest little sister that I could possibly have."
"Onee-chan, I'm the only sister you have," Sona replied, as she tried to pry Serafall off her. "And besides, there was no danger for me to begin with. By the time I arrived, the fighting had already ended."
"Still, you were lucky, my dear little Sona-chan. Ehehehehe…" Serafall giggled, as she rubbed Sona's head, much to the latter's annoyance and embarrassment.
"Anyway, what about the Fallen Angels?" Sirzechs asked of Rias.
"They teleported themselves out of there shortly before we did," Rias reported. "They said they also were there for the Sekiryuutei and obviously they failed in getting them."
Rias could not help but smirk a little. At least, they did not get what they wanted.
"I see…" Sirzechs simply said and decided to end the discussion there. "…Now that I have heard everything I wanted from your end, I must ask of you to keep this matter to yourself. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Brother…"
"Yes, Lucifer-sama!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Understood, sir!"
Rias and her peerage replied one after the other.
"Good…" Sirzechs said in satisfaction, as he turned his heel. "I must go now. The Fallen Angels have already demanded that I talk to them about today's incident. Are you coming, Serafall?"
"Mou… Yes, Sirzechs…" Serafall pouted, as she let go of Sona, much to the latter's relief.
They both teleported back to the Underworld, leaving Rias, her peerage and Sona alone.
"Well, there's that," Sona remarked, as she sighed. "I hope you don't go overboard the next time."
"Don't worry, I won't," Rias answered with a sigh as well.
"Good…" Sona said, as she yawned and stood up. "Now, if you will excuse me… I need to take a long-awaited sleep. Being smothered by Serafall is truly tiresome…"
With that said, Sona walked off to go to sleep. With Rias and her peerage by herself, Rias giggled to herself.
"Now, that that's out of the way, I wonder what we should do to Matsuda Hibiki and Motohama Todoriki…?" Rias asked herself and her peerage with a mischievous smile.
"B-Buchou!" Yuuto voiced in shock at what Rias was saying. "Didn't you just tell your brother you wouldn't…"
"I promised I won't do anything reckless," Rias clarified. "But with those two, I am sure I can get them easily."
"Ara, ara?" Akeno raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What do you even want with those two in the first place?"
"It's simple," Rias answered with a smile. "It's to have them spill out their secrets as to who has been giving them their magical helicopter. Such an item is not easy to find, and they must have gotten it from somewhere... or someone…"
And then, her face became serious.
"And I do not know why, but I believe that that someone – that mysterious benefactor for Hyoudou, Hibiki and Todoriki – had a hand in kidnapping Zatouji, the Familiar Master…" Rias said darkly, as she remembered the humiliation, she received from seeing Zatouji unconscious in her personal shower.
Rias had a feeling, of which she was sure of, that this someone was the one who placed Zatouji there solely for the purpose of humiliating her.
13th of November, Friday, 7:07 pm – Courtyard, Tengu residence, Nerima Ward
"ACHOO! Sniff…" Shinyama sneezed and rubbed his nose. "I have a feeling someone has bad plans in store for me."
Shinyama is currently in the middle of assessing Sanma's abilities. And Sanma was currently showing off how many handstand push-ups he can do. He was trying do one hundred of them.
That was when the door to the courtyard opened, revealing Ryuga entering in. Sanma stopped for a moment, as both he and Ryuga froze in surprise upon seeing each other. Their looks turned into glares. Both still had tensions regarding their love dispute about Nakane Tengu.
"What are you doing? Continue!" Shinyama interrupted their standoff, as he ordered Sanma to carry on.
"Okay…" Sanma said, as he broke eye-contact with Ryuga and continued his handstand push-ups.
Ryuga walked up to Shinyama and addressed him.
"You called me. Now tell me. Why am I here – with him?" Ryuga glanced at Sanma with his eyes.
Sanma did not like the tone Ryuga was using when speaking about him. But he did his best to ignore it and continued the exercise.
"I called you here to for your own good. I was told you fought against the Amazons today," Shinyama noted, referring to his fight with Cat Fu and Mouse.
"Yeah, I did. So?" Ryuga asked, expecting a response.
"And that brings me to the agenda. I have reports that the Amazons are trying to find and kill Issei, along with Matsuda and Motohama," Shinyama explained.
"Umm… this isn't news to me. I knew that a long time ago," Ryuga retorted.
"You don't understand," Shinyama said as he shook his head. "When I say 'Amazons', I am not just referring to the three Amazons you know here. I am talking about the whole Amazon tribe."
Ryuga looked at Shinyama in confusion.
"What do you mean by the whole Amazon tribe?" Ryuga wanted to know.
"I mean hundreds of Chinese Amazons are departing China to come to Japan with one purpose," Shinyama paused for dramatic effect. "And that is to kill your three best friends – me included."
"WHAT!?" Ryuga voiced in surprise, making Shinyama and Sanma flinch back.
Sanma even fell to the ground in surprise.
"Oh, look what ya did! I only got 98 push-ups 'cuz of you!" Sanma complained, as he stood up
"Shut up, you unfaithful philanderer," Ryuga insulted Sanma, as he squared up to Sanma.
"Ya're still complaining about that? If ya really like Nakane that much, ya should just confess to her. Ya know – like a real man," Sanma rudely suggested to Ryuga.
"Well, if you like her that much, then why don't you just pick her instead of flirting with other girls. You even went out on a date with that Komachi girl earlier today," Ryuga pointed out.
Sanma was startled for a moment but regained his composure.
"We're… we're just friends," Sanma sputtered, as he made excuses. "And we still got plenty of time. We're still young so that there's no need to rush."
"So what? You're going to keep everyone in uncertainty and cheat behind their backs?" Ryuga responded angrily. "That's what I hate about you the most. You take girls, play with their feelings, and never take responsibility for them. And you lecture me on not being a real man."
"Says the guy that disguises himself as a pet pig and then cuddles up to Nakane without her knowing," Sanma pointed.
"That's… That's another matter!" Ryuga said, as he blushed in embarrassment, before regaining composure. "At least, I know which girl I want to be with. Who do you even want to be with? Nakane? Cat Fu? Komachi? Ukyu? Heck, now that I think about it, I think it's reasonable to ask if you even want to be with a girl at all."
"I… I… Shut up!" Sanma shouted at Ryuga, as he was unable to find a way to rebut what Ryuga just said.
"What? Got no answer for that?" Ryuga taunted. "Can't be helped. And you know why? You, Sanma Raotome, are probably the most cowardly, unfaithful and pathetic excuse of a man I have ever seen!"
With that, Sanma lost his cool and was about to lash out at Ryuga with his fist when Shinyama stepped in and separated the two with outstretched arms.
"All right! Enough!" Shinyama ordered both, then turned to Ryuga. "Ryuga, I did not call you here to fight with Sanma."
Shinyama then turned his face to Sanma. "You did a good job with just doing 98 push-ups. Why don't you take a break for now and head inside? I have some words to say to Ryuga."
Sama glared at Ryuga and Ryuga glared back at Sama. Nevertheless, Sanma complied and stormed off into the Tengu Residence. He entered and slammed the door shut behind him.
With Ryuga and Shinyama alone, the latter resumed his conversation from before.
"Where was I? Oh, yes! I said that the Amazons were going to kill me, Issei, Matsuda and Motohama. But because of their code of honor and conduct, they will target all those closest to them and me. Naturally, that includes the Tengu Family, Sanma and you," Shinyama explained.
"I guess I see your point…" Ryuga conceded. "Though, wait…"
Ryuga realized something and asked Shinyama about it.
"Why not stay hunkered in your apartment? Why come here?" Ryuga wanted to know.
"For good reasons. One, I don't want to get the residents of that apartment complex to get caught in the crossfire. Two, the Tengu Dojo is the best place to fight back. It had been attacked before once," Shinyama explained, as he listed the reasons.
Shinyama could not help but chuckle, as he gazed into the evening sky, which was already quite dark and cloudy.
"And three, I left a little surprise for the Amazons back in the apartment…" Shinyama said partially to himself.
13th of November, Friday, 7:10 pm – 5th floor of the apartment complex, at the door of the Trio's apartment, Nerima Ward
"This is the door?"
"Yes, grandmother. I'm sure of it."
Cat Fu, Mouse and their grandmother were in front of the door to the Trio's apartment. Although, neither of them had ever visited the three boys, it was easy to find out where they lived thanks to the class list, which had their addresses on it. The three Amazons had their weapons out and were about to rush in and kill Issei and the others.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go in NOW!" Mouse shouted impatiently and kicked open the door.
"Wait! Don't!" Grandmother Colon called out, as she felt something was off thanks to her sixth instinct.
It was then that the three Amazons froze upon the door swinging open, laying bare what was inside the apartment.
The apartment itself was normal with a normal corridor leading to the living room. What was not normal was…
(((WOLOLOLOLO! IT'S TIME FOR THE ENCORE! THE OTHER DAY… I MET A BEAR!)))
It was upon seeing the abominable creature before them rushing towards them that they decided…
"RUN AWAY!" Grandmother Colon screamed at her two grandchildren. "Lure it out! And fight it outside!"
And so, the three of them fled in all directions to carry out their plan.
13th of November, Friday, 7:11 pm – Tengu Dojo, Tengu residence, Nerima Ward
"WHAT!? NO!" Matsuda yelled, startling Motohama. "Why on earth did he put that three-eyed-bear-thing inside our apartment!? How on earth is it even still alive!? Doesn't that thing only exist in those nightmares that the succubus created in her illusions!?"
Matsuda was hysterical upon being told by Motohama, who in turn had been told by Shinyama about this fact. They were currently undergoing some training in the dojo when they took a break, leading to this scene.
"No idea," Motohama shrugged. "I was simply told that there are things he'll tell us someday and… that's it."
Matsuda facepalmed in response. He had gone through a lot of ups and downs today. Matsuda could not take anymore, as he groaned and slump down to the floor in frustration.
"Matsuda?" Motohama could not help but ask in concern.
Matsuda then held his hand up and used his fingers to count off all that had gone wrong today.
"This day has been nothing but bullcrap! First, I found out Issei has a girlfriend. Second, the Hulk shows up and creates havoc in town and mass destruction. Third, the Amazons are trying to kill Issei and everyone related to him, too. Fourth, the Devils are in town and trying to kidnap Issei. Fifth, I get knocked out by one of them… though admittedly, she is kind of cute... Anyway… Fifth, Fallen Angels show up and try to capture Issei as well. And sixth, Loki shows up and also tries to kill Issei – again," Matsuda ranted.
"Yeah, that is a lot of bullcrap," Motohama said in agreement.
"Oh, but things can't end there… Oh, no…. Things had to get worse! Issei has disappeared after some lightning bolt and is… God knows where… Hopefully, he is still alive... and now… because the Amazons are trying to Issei and everyone around him – me and you included – we have to hunker down in the Tengu Dojo!" Matsuda continued to rant.
"Which isn't too bad. At least, it's nice and spacious!" Motohama said, as he admired the dojo.
Matsuda ignored what his friend just said and continued his rant.
"Oh, yeah! And to top it all off, I find out who Issei's girlfriend is. It turns out she is none other than the oldest daughter of the Tengu family and Nakane's oldest sister, Kasumi Tengu. Lovely girl, apparently Issei and Kasumi ended up together after he rescued her from the Fallen Angels a while ago… and since then they have been making out and… ugh!" Matsuda groaned in frustration once more. "Why is this happening to us…? And why did Issei get a girlfriend!? And… When am I going to get one?"
Motohama, seeing his friend in depression, tried to cheer him up.
"Cheer up, man! It could be worse! I mean for one… we're not dead… or being held prisoners… or being tortured… and at least, the world isn't danger of being destroyed by alien parasites and jellyfish!" Motohama listed all the positive aspects of their situation.
This caused Matsuda to calm down.
"Oh, yeah… I forgot about that incident…" Matsuda remarked, as he remembered the Metroids and the X-parasites.
"Yeah, at least we don't ever have to deal with those things ever again… or any other creature from that world either…" Motohama added with some enthusiasm.
Little did he know how wrong that statement was…
13th of November, Friday, 7:20 pm – In one of the labs of the Grigori, Underworld
In a certain glass container filled with fauna inside the Grigori lay the small white fluffy creature with big ears on the floor lifelessly… or so it seemed.
"Huh? Is it dead?" A researcher of the Grigori wondered and headed to the container.
With the press of a button, he opened the door and entered. As he approached the prone unconscious creature when suddenly…
"What the…!?" the researcher gasped in shock.
Why did he do so? It was because the white creature suddenly jumped to its feet. It turned out to be alive this whole time. Moreover, it had tricked the researcher into coming into the cage in the exact spot where it wanted. Before the researcher could scream, the white creature jumped at the researcher with huge sharp teeth and seized it by his throat.
The researcher died instantly, as he had practically been decapitated.
The white furry creature chomped and ate some of the bloodied flesh of the dead scientist before wiping the blood off its fur using the scientist's lab coat. After that, it got out of the glass container and proceeded to head to the door to the hallway.
But it discovered a problem.
It could not leave the room.
Just then, the white fluffy creature heard some footsteps and hid itself under a table not far from the door.
The source of the footsteps came from somebody, who had just entered the research lab, using the door to the hallway. It was none other than Dohnasseek.
Dohnasseek could be heard speaking to someone communicating though a magical communication circle.
The door opened automatically. Had he been attentive, he would have noticed the white fluffy creature sneak past him and into the hallway where it would run through the hallway undetected.
But Dohnasseek was too engrossed in his call to even notice that.
"It truly is troublesome to lose the opportunity to catch the Sekiryuutei… Yes, I realize the Devils have caused a ruckus because of that skirmish… I'm sorry for causing you trouble… Yes, I'm truly sorry… I truly am thankful for the hard diplomatic work you and Lord Azazel have done for us…" Dohnasseek repeatedly apologized to the person on the other end of the line. "…No, sir. I did not know that the Youkais and the Nordic God Loki would be involved in this… I truly did not have a hand in their involvement… No, I did not foresee the green monster's appearance either… Yes… yes… I understand… I apologize…"
Dohnasseek apologizing and behaving humbly was unusual for anybody that knew him. But he had no choice given who was on the end of the other line.
"I understand… We will stand by until further notice… We will continue the research on the test subject from Planet SR388… Understood… Until then, Lord Kokabiel…" Dohnasseek hung up after the call with "Lord Kokabiel".
With the call now over, Dohnasseek sighed loudly.
"Sigh… As if the multiple casualties caused by that Sekiryuutei brat was not enough… And as if losing the opportunities to gain a planet full of resources was not bad enough… I must deal with this mess! Could this possibly get any worse?" Dohnasseek complained to himself.
But just as the Perverted Quartet had to learn the hard way, so would Dohnasseek regarding the phrase "Could this possibly get any worse?" or any variation of the same question (or even expressed in the form of a statement). For when you say, "Could it possibly get any worse?", then getting worse is exactly what will happen.
"Huh? Why is it open?" Dohnasseek realized upon seeing the open glass container door.
He immediately recognized that something was wrong. He ran inside and saw…
"WHAT!?" Dohnasseek cried out upon seeing the dead scientist, lying there with blood oozing from his neck wound along with bite injuries across his body.
Dohnasseek wasted no time. He raised the alarm, announcing emergency measures and locking down the Grigori. But by then it was too late. The culprit had already found a place to hide in the hidden corners of the Grigori, biding its time for the right moment.
13th of November, Friday, 7:25 pm – With Sirzechs, Lilith, Underworld
In Sirzechs' office, the same said Maou was sitting and speaking to the leader of the Western Youkai Faction leader Yasaka, who had decided to speak to him via magical communication circle.
"You're saying your men got beaten up again," Sirzechs rubbed his temples.
"Yes, Lord Lucifer. This Hulk has become such a menace not only to us, but I am afraid that he has also become a threat to the other factions, too. Even the human world is no longer safe from him. At the rate this Hulk comes and goes, it will only be a matter of time before he destroys everything," Yasaka explained.
"And let me guess… You want me to join forces with you to deal with this Hulk?" Sirzechs guessed.
"Exactly," Yasaka answered. "And while we are at it, I think the Grigori and the Nordic Gods should be involved in this alliance as well."
"Well, I guess it is possible," SIrzechs replied. "And if we're considering the recent sighting of Loki, the most troublesome Nordic God, in Tokyo, I am very inclined to affirm this alliance with the Nordic Gods. As for the Fallen Angels, I have already spoken to Azazel about this Hulk. He also agrees that the threat of the Hulk is of great importance. An alliance of sorts will be quite difficult between us and the Fallen Angels. It will take some time to convince the other Devil Houses about this proposal."
"I understand, Lord Lucifer," Yasaka answered. "Thank you for your time."
"No, I must thank you, Lady Yasaka. Your assistance is giving us much needed," SIrzechs thanked Yasaka.
"I am pleased to hear this. Farewell," Yasaka answered and terminated the call.
With the call over, Sirzechs relaxed in his chair.
"Oh… things are getting very hectic… I can feel it…" Sirzechs mumbled to himself.
An alliance with the Nordic Gods is one thing, but the Grigori and their long-time enmity with the Devils will be a tedious one to make, even without having to convince the leaders of the Devil Nobility.
13th of November, Friday, 8:00 pm – Japan Channel 1 Evening News Broadcast
"Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. The city of Tokyo has witnessed scenes of mayhem and destruction as a mysterious huge green man has caused panic all over the city. Reports say that this man had caused an unspecified number of injuries among civilians and police officers. In addition, buildings all over Akihabara have been badly damaged. The reports also say that a man wearing red armor was fighting him across the city and even into the sky. Although the fighting has since stopped, residents are advised to stay indoors. The city has also ordered a state of alert for the next three days. We report more on this story by our correspondent on the scene in front of the Governor's office."
"Yes, thanks. I'm standing in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Security is tight, as you can see police assembled in front of the building. Police cars are here in great numbers and the air is tense. People are anxious not just because of this recent incident, but also the incident of the giant wolf rampaging down the street and the terrorist storming of Hotel Entertainment… and let us not forget the operation to recapture Hotel Entertainment, which caused a lot of deaths on the side of the Special Forces. I'm here now with Inspector Kogoro here. Inspector, what can you say about the police's position on the numerous chaotic incidents plaguing Tokyo?"
"I have spoken to my colleagues and friends in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and the Special Forces. We are deeply grieved and saddened by all that has happened, not just because we care for city and its residents, but also because we ourselves have suffered immensely at the hand of these superpowered villains. We believe that no matter who, whether terrorists, wolves, green or red men, we will find them and bring them to justice. You have our word for it."
"Yes, can you also tell me how you are going to deal with these… beings? I mean they have superpowers, to take your definition of them."
"You can rest assured, that although I cannot give you a detailed description about how we are to do it. We are going to do it and we have our methods and the will to fight."
"Thank you, Inspector. Now back to you on the station."
"Thank you. The beforementioned incidents sparked an enormous debate on the topic "Are supernatural beings real and what is our response to it?". This will certainly be a hot topic for the time being. Now in other news, a man has been arrested this morning for causing bodily harm and rape to three elementary schoolgirls on the way to school. The suspect was described to have a fetish for flexibility because the schoolgirls described him trying to force them to do the splits. The suspect's bail conditions are set a million yen…"
13th of November, Friday, 8:02 pm – Courtyard, Tengu residence, Nerima Ward
After that confrontation between Sanma and Ryuga, it was not long when everybody ate dinner.
What was noticeable was that Nakane had finally left the room to attend dinner. Why would she do that? Although, she was still depressed because of her dispute with Sanma, she was surprised to see Ryuga in her house. After explaining the circumstances, including that Shinyama, Matsuda and Motohama were going to stay in the house, too, she was not all that comfortable. But a few words of comfort from Ryuga (he was rather shy and clumsy when speaking to Nakane) and Nakane's flood doors of tears opened, crying on Ryuga's shoulders.
In the end, Nakane and Ryuga got closer and decided to eat at the family dinner table together. Because of the number of guests, normally, some of them had to sit someplace else. But that was not a problem, for Sanma's dad was still unconscious from Shinyama's shiatsu attack and Grandmaster Hentai was still reeling from Shinyama's other attack. As a result, they were both resting in their rooms. Moreover, Sanma had decided to eat dinner later, as he did not want to face Ryuga and Nakane. Shinyama had also told Kasumi that he would not be eating, as he had some words for Sanma.
Sanma was sitting outside and watching the koi in the pond. He just sat there moping.
"Sanma-kun?" Shinyama said to him.
But Sanma did not say anything nor acknowledge him.
"Hah… Listen, about your training in Hokuto Shinken…" Shinyama started, only to interrupted by Sanma.
"Don't worry. I'll train hard… just not now… I don't feel like it…" Sanma answered tiredly.
"Yes, I understand, but… that's not all…" Shinyama explained. "Remember what I said about training you in Hokuto Shinken? About how 'this favor concerns yourself and your future more than anything'?"
This got Sanma to turn his head with tired interest, as he then nodded once.
"Well, truth be told, this is not just about the Amazons. This is also about you, as a person," Shinyama revealed.
"What… do you mean?" Sanma asked uncertain and confused.
"I mean, I want to help you with your love problems," Shinyama explained.
"Huh…?" Sanma's fatigue vanished, as his interest grew at what Shinyama was saying.
"You heard me right. The training of Hokuto Shinken and the solving of your love dilemma are one and the same. You cannot do one without the other. Which is why I am putting your training on Hokuto Shinken on hold for now and play the therapist," Shinyama said to Sanma.
"Therapist?" Sanma was baffled upon hearing that word.
It was going to be a long night. Sanma could feel it.
14th of November, Saturday, 2:12 am – somewhere in the vastness of the Underworld
[Partner… Partner… Wake up!] Ddraig called upon Issei.
Issei began to stir upon hearing the voice of Ddraig's voice. Waking up after an adventure ends. This was always going to happen…
But as he thought that Issei felt something was off. The bed beneath him felt like grass and the sky…
"What the…!?" Issei exclaimed, as he shot up…
"Ugh!" Issei grunted.
…only to collapse due to him feeling weak. "My body…"
Issei realized that he hadn't recovered from his injuries in his fight against the Hulk and Loki. Nevertheless, Issei checked his surroundings and looked into the sky.
Issei was shocked for the sky above him was dark, but he could see there was also a tint of crimson.
Moreover, Issei looked where he had lain and saw that the "bed" beneath him was actually tall grass. Looking around him, Issei saw that there were unfamiliar trees, plants and birds all around him.
This… this wasn't Japan. Where was he?
[Partner, you're in the Underworld] Ddraig answered his question.
"The Underworld?" Issei repeated in shock, as he checked his surroundings once more.
The red sky above him made it very clear to him. He was told that in the Underworld, the sky was red and not blue.
How on earth did he get here? He remembered fighting Hulk, then Loki, then the two of them fought against each other. Then a huge lightning bolt hit Loki from the sky, only for Loki's attacks to hit Issei and then he remembered blacking out.
[My guess is that Loki had used some teleportation spell. Why he would use it is beyond me] Ddraig answered truthfully.
Issei did not say anything to that for he had more pressing matters to worry about. How he got here was not the most important thing. Rather, the question was how would he get out of here?
And it was especially pressing, given that Issei could barely stand up.
"Dang it!" Issei cursed, as he stumbled once more.
It was then Issei heard a rustling in some bushes nearby. Issei turned his head and saw…
"Grrrrr…" A crocodile-like beast appeared with gleaming eyes, slowly approaching Issei. Its intention towards Issei was obvious considering how it licked its lips.
"Double dang it!" Issei cursed again and summoned the Boosted Gear.
Before Issei could attack, Ddraig suddenly spoke up.
[Partner, I've got an idea on how you can kill this beast and recover your strength at the same time] Ddraig told Issei.
Issei widened his eyes, as he remembered and then readily eyed his assailant.
The reptilian eyed Issei and stared at Issei intently, waiting for the kill… and then lunged at Issei with jaws wide open.
[Boost!] Issei boosted his strength and used it to seize the crocodile-like reptilian by the jaws with both hands, preventing it from biting down on Issei.
"Guuuhhh…" Issei grunted, as he felt like he was losing the fight against the obviously stronger and heavier reptile, which tried its best to bite down on Issei until…
[Absorb!]
"Groah! GROAH!" The reptile suddenly panicked, as it tried to escape.
But Issei did not let him. The reptile was becoming weaker and weaker, while Issei became stronger and stronger. The reptile eventually shriveled up and died, falling down limp unto the ground in a dry husk.
Issei, on the other hand, stood up, now fully recovered from the injuries and fatigue from yesterday.
"That was a close one. Good thing I had the absorption ability from Tomo," Issei said, as he moved his arms around to relieve his soreness.
[Yes, indeed] Ddraig answered.
"That solves one dilemma I suppose," Issei remarked. "Now, the next question is: How do I get back home?"
[When Ryuga, Matsuda and Motohama visited the Underworld, they used a portal in the Familiar Forest. Unfortunately, it is in the air, and we don't know where it is exactly] Ddraig explained.
"Well, I can just try and find it. I mean I have the Red Scale Mail and the Booster jet function on its back. I can fly around using trial and error and find it," Issei proposed.
[Well, there is another problem, which rules out going there] Ddraig answered and then became sheepish. [The Familiar Forest is where Tiamat lives, so…]
"Oh…" Issei voiced in realization. "…let me guess, she can find you the moment I set foot inside that place, right?"
[Exactly] Ddraig affirmed. [Plus, after the ruckus those three boys caused there, I am sure she is going to be extra vigilant, which is why we need to find another way.]
Issei sighed. This was going to be difficult…
As Issei looked at the vast empty horizon full of grass and shrubs, Issei realized that although it was a daunting task, it was going to be exciting all the same. Issei knew that.
Issei did not know where to go, but Issei realized that he had no other choice. He could only move forward.
"Let's go, Partner," Issei said to Ddraig.
[Yes] Ddraig replied. [Let us go, indeed.]
And so, Issei took his first steps into the vast wilderness of the Underworld.
And that was the Chapter 56 of The Lone Vigilante Issei.
Please stay since there is still an epilogue for this chapter.
From this point onward, you will be getting multiple jumps between characters and their situations. Why? Because their situations are all interconnected with each other. It took me some time to figure out what to do and how to do it. But as time goes by you do find out what to do.
Now, about this chapter.
Loki gets in an unlucky situation as expected… again. But that won't be the last time we see him.
The Hulk is in the Realm of the Dead and is fighting against Hades. Will he win? I'm pretty sure the Hulk will be fine.
Sanma and Ryuga… For the first time since the Hotel Entertainment incident, Sanma is being confronting by Ryuga about his problems. Sanma's problems, as you probably have noticed by now, are a major plotline for this fanfic. And I myself am here to help him. How exactly? Find out next time.
The Amazons have made their move and are trying to kill our heroes. Fortunately, thanks to my "Abilities" I summoned a certain bear from one of the previous arcs back to life. Why did I summon that thing? Well, keep the Amazons occupied and since the Amazons will be distracted for the time being, they won't be able to attack the Tengu Dojo anytime soon.
The authorities in Tokyo are also making contingency plans for further violence. That will also play a role once the Amazons attack. And let me tell you, their attack is going to be big.
The Devils, Fallen Angels and Youkai are sensing trouble because of the Hulk and are now making plans to team up because of the Hulk. This culmination is building up to the finale of this story. Stay tuned.
Rias will continue to play a role in this story, so don't count out her out yet.
Remember the white fluffy creature that hatched out of the egg that came from the Metroid Universe? I'm finally getting the ball rolling on that one. Have you already guessed what this creature is? I'll give another hint: His nickname is "Little Birdie".
Matsuda and Motohama are also going to be in the midst of all this drama and fighting, so expect them to be there in the next chapters.
As for Issei, he's going to have find his way back home. How will get home? What adventures and dangers will he meet on the way? Find out next time.
In the meantime, what did you think of this chapter?
Did you like it?
Please read and review, I would like to hear from you.
And now, for the epilogue.
14th of November, Saturday, 3:12 am – somewhere on the Southern Coastal Line of the island of Honshu far away from Tokyo
"There! You dead now… Stupid bear!" Cat Fu kicked the now dead three-eyed bear in the head.
It lay there unmoving and bloodied, as it had been stabbed, blasted and cut up in many different ways. It was resilient, but not unkillable.
"That is enough Cat Fu. That monster is dead," Colon told her granddaughter.
"Finally…" Mouse panted, as he slumped down exhausted.
The three Amazons were exhausted from fighting the bear.
Originally, they had planned to fight it at first. They were supposed to lure it out of the apartment complex and finish it off there. But something about the bear's demeanor made them shirk from doing so for it had a certain expression on its face… one of… certain carnal desire… especially towards Mouse and Cat Fu… along with a huge…
"HYAH!" Cat Fu cut off the dead bear's privates with her sword. "Just to make sure bear is no threat…"
Yeah… Anyway… They ran out to the outskirts of Tokyo but the bear was extremely persistent in chasing them. They fought against it, but the bear was agile and tanked a lot of hits, cuts and stabs from their weapons.
In the end, the Amazons decided to wage a fight of attrition. They agreed that Cat Fu and Mouse had to go separate ways. Using the three-eyed bear's obsession with Cat Fu and Mouse to its advantage, the bear would chase after Cat Fu and Cat Fu had to dodge its attacks and grabs, while weakening it with hit-and-run-attacks. After that, Cat Fu would meet up with Colon and Mouse where they would attack the bear together with combined attacks before Cat Fu hid herself to recover. Mouse would then be the object of the bear's pursuit where he would start the attack pattern Cat Fu had started and the two of them would rotate… again and again…
In the end, the three-eyed bear of a rapist was so tired, weakened, and inured that the three Amazons rushed at it and beat, stabbed, and killed it with all they had until it was dead. By then they had run so far away from Tokyo that they had arrived at the other side of the island of Honshu.
"What an abominable creature," Colon spat at the dead bear. "The enemy is truly dishonorable and evil, using such a beast against us."
"Yes, Grandmother," Mouse agreed, as he cleaned his knives with a cleaning cloth. "Where on earth would they even get such an animal to begin with? I have never heard of such an animal in my life."
"I'm afraid we shall never know," Colon replied. "What matters is that this creature is dead, and that Issei Hyoudou and his comrades are crafty and resourceful. It's a good thing we called for reinforcements."
As if on cue, several boats with lanterns could be seen coming from across the ocean towards the three Amazons. There were twenty of them and they were filled with Chinese Amazons armed to the teeth. Moreover, there were huge beasts accompanying them, too, such as giant pandas and giant birds.
"There are so many of them," Mouse said astounded.
"Those… reinforcements?" Cat Fu asked her grandmother.
"Yes, my dear girl…" Colon smiled in satisfaction. "Yes, they are…"
And as always, I hope to see you around next time.
Until then.
Hide Shinyama