Chapter 5: Nun of that Nonsense - Part 3

Walking through the park, Anthony watched children play and have a good time, with their parents and friends... they're lives looked so perfect compared to his. 'It's not fair... Asia was an innocent girl caught in the crossfire...' he thought to himself. He blamed his new Devil friends before but after being away from them for the past hour and able to cool off... was the REAL problem himself? Rias had said the magic circle only worked on Gremory members, so maybe it wasn't all her fault. Could Anthony had done something better? With his new power, he should have been able to beat the ever-living moccolo out of that good-for-nothing priest... maybe, Anthony himself was to blame.

Sure Anthony hadn't known Rias and her peerage very long, but they didn't seem like the malicious types. Perhaps he took his anger out on them a little too much... he'll apologize later. Right now, he needed to get stronger to protect his friends. It's like Rias said, don't overestimate yourself and what did he do? Did just that, and it cost him Asia's safety. Maybe he should enroll in a gym or something... actually, there were some pull-up bars nearby like the ones you find around soccer/baseball parks; might as well start slow. He did 20 no problem...

"Anthony?"

He pulled himself up too quickly and hit his head on the bar, letting go and falling to the ground on his culo. Lifting himself back up, "Ow... warn a guy next..." he didn't finish, the rest of his words were caught in his throat. It was Asia, dressed in a new nun gown. Anthony couldn't help himself and ran to her, hugging her tight which she returned. Again, the feeling of her breasts squeezing into him flooded her brain.

"Asia... are you ok? What did that bastardo do to you? If he touched a hair on your head..." he said, looking into Asia's eyes with concern. The nun assured him that she was fine, the Fallen Angels ordered Freed to not harm her whatsoever... that did nothing to ease Anthony's nerves on the guy though. (AN: Anyone else found it odd that Issei and Asia just glossed over the fact that she was almost raped by Freed in the anime? That always bothered me that they never brought it up or talked about it, wouldn't that be the first thing out of your mouth when you see someone you know about to get violated?)

-TIME BREAK-

Asia: A-Anthony? Are you sure... there's no other way?

Anthony: Yes Asia, this must be done.

Asia: B-But... it's my first time... I don't think I'm ready...

Anthony: Senza senzo! It's just meat. Come on, you can do...

WHACK!

Anthony: OW!

"What are you doing to that poor girl, Anthony! And aren't you dating someone red-haired?" Asked a waitress. In fact, it was none other than Pesca, Anthony's neighbor. She had blond hair like Asia's but was dirty blonde more than light and it only reached down to the middle of her back. Pesca even had the same body type as Asia; just with a slightly larger bust (though smaller than Rias') and blue eyes.

"Ow... che diavolo, Pesca! Can't a guy eat a burger in peace?" Anthony asked, rubbing his head after getting whacked with Pesca's check booklet.

"That doesn't answer my question! What are you doing to this innocent young lady... and a nun of all people! Shame on you!" Said Pesca.

"I-It's ok, ma'am. Anthony's my friend. My names Asia Argento" Asia introduced herself, also clearing the air.

Pesca's eyes widened and then she grinned. "Oooooooh... so YOUR the special friend he'd always talk about" she teased, making both teens blush, Asia more-so.

"T-T-T-T-THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!" Anthony defended himself.

WHACK!

"OW!" Anthony groaned a third time, getting whacked with Pesca's check booklet again.

"And that's for cheating on your current girlfriend. Honestly Anthony, I expected better of you" said Pesca.

"Cheating? Girlfriend?... oh no, NOOOOO! That wasn't what that was all about!" Anthony tried to explain, not realizing their loud conversation had drawn other customers and employees attention.

"Then why where you sleeping with her the other day?" Pesca whispered. While she liked teasing Anthony, she didn't wanna cause a scene.

"That... that was... its hard to explain, ok? But Rias is NOT my girlfriend!" Anthony whispered back.

"Then how come you were both na-?" Pesca began asking, but Anthony clamped her mouth shut. One part was out of embarrassment, the other was part was sitting at the table with him...

"Pesca... I promise I'll talk to you about it later. But right now, I'm trying to have lunch here with my friend, so can you PLEASE calm down?" Anthony promised her. Pesca agreed and walked away, but not before putting on her 'work smile face' and waving bye to Asia, saying it was nice meeting her. Sighing, Anthony sat back down.

"Who was that?" Asked Asia.

"My neighbor, Pesca. She's a dolce girl, but loves getting into my business sometimes" said Anthony.

"Ok... and who's Rias?" Asia asked again, making Anthony cringe. This was a conversation he wanted to avoid... how was he supposed to tell Asia that Rias saved his life by sleeping with him? That sounded so many levels of wrong!

"A, uh... classmate," he white-lied. "Abbastanza di questo, eat up! My treat!" Anthony said, getting back to his food. He and Asia were sitting in a local McDonald's and had the standard lunch of Burgers and Fries. He was unwrapping the juicy piece of meat when he noticed Asia just staring at the one in her plate. "Something wrong?" Asked Anthony.

Asia blushed at him. "Well... where's the silverware?" She asked. Anthony had to hold in a laugh.

"No need, that's what the buns for. Like this!" Said Anthony, taking the sandwich out of the bag and taking an overdramatic bite out of it. "Fry it... its goot" he said while chewing.

Asia never had a burger before, but Anthony seemed to enjoy it, maybe she should try her's? "Um... ok. Here goes" she said, unwrapping her own food. She lifted it up to her mouth, pausing once it was in range.

"Andiamo, principessa. Non morde" Anthony laughed.

"I, I know! Shut up!" Said Asia, whining cutely. She expected nothing less from Anthony, his personality hasn't changed over the years. When they were little, he'd poke fun at her shy nature from time-to-time, but always in a joking way. She was once afraid of a 'monster' in a church's closet... it was an outdated nun's gown from 1939, but still! In fact; Anthony once spoke about a girl he used to hang out with before meeting Asia (her chest tensed up when Anthony spoke about her for some reason), and would constantly joke that she looked like a boy. Her name was Irina or something...

Sucking up her doubts, she took a tiny bite and chewed... it was yummy! However, there was an elephant in the room that she had to clean off. "So... your a Devil now?" She asked.

"No, I'm not. I was just saved by one" Anthony said.

"Then... why did you show up for the pact?" Asia asked again. She didn't want to think Anthony would lie to her but unless he was a Devil, then there shouldn't be a reason for him to be there, right?

"I was doing a favor for someone. She was exhausted and needed rest. You know me, Asia... always the trooper" Anthony said, rubbing the back of his head. Asia knew that, he's always do so much for other people of the church's community, yet they had no problem sending him away as a thank you. The nun just sat in silence, pondering over Anthony told her.

"Listen, things were... complicated... they still kinda are. Rias, the girl with red hair, she saved my life; and I was just doing one of her servants a favor... nothing more, I swear in Gods name. I'm sorry I didn't tell you at first... can you ever forgive me?" Asked Anthony.

Asia was silent for a few more seconds before answering. "... It's ok, Anthony. I... understand. But with you with Devils now... we can't... be seen together anymore" Asia said, starting to tear up a little. Seeing Asia cry gave Anthony a flashback of the day when they were separated. Both of them crying out each others name as members of the church... they're own family... sundered them. Slamming his hands on the table, Asia looked up at Anthony to see a warm yet stern smile.

"Avvitali! Nobody gets between my friends, especially you!" He stated while making a fist. Calming down, he then held Asia's hands on the table, making her blush furiously... his hands were rough and warm, but also gentle and gave her a feeling of security. Now that she thought about it; when she and Anthony were around 10 and 11, lots of church-going girls would eye Anthony constantly. And when they would either fall over or get hurt (sometimes purposefully), Asia and Anthony would run over to help... but they were more interested in Anthony rather than Asia's healing abilities... she'd also feel her blood boil when this happened for some reason.

"Who cares what they say? Your my friend, Asia; and no one... will EVER take that away from me. How's about we spend the day together, you and me? Ai vecchi tempi?" Anthony offered, making Asia gasp and blush even harder, she also felt an increase in her heartbeat.

"Yes... of course!" She nodded, the idea of spending time with an old friend was too good for her to ignore.

They did just that, and Asia had a blast! They played some arcade games, went to a movie, they even went inside a photo booth and took silly pictures. At one point, history seemed to repeat itself, and they passed a familiar-looking crane game. it was filled of the same stuffed animal that Anthony had won in the past. Asia was the one to notice it and ran over, looking at the cute and cuddly creatures. Anthony couldn't help but smile, but then remembered the one Asia kept the whole time was discolored and old...

"So... trip down memory lane?" He asked her with a smirk. "Oh! No, its ok. I still have the one you gave me, so..." Asia's stuttering was stopped by Anthony's finger, an he played the game anyway. He was actually studying the crane from all angles before putting his money in, and won on the first try! Asia couldn't help but clap at his effort... guess that headache when he and Asia were kids paid off.

"Thanks Anthony, I'll take better care of this little guy" Asia said, holding the stuffed doll to her chest.

"You'd better. Come on, times a wasting!" Anthony joked, starting to walk away. Before Asia joined him, she hugged the doll as tight as she could.

"I'll treasure this always..." Asia muttered to herself, then followed Anthony.

-TIME BREAK-

Sitting at another park, Asia was healing Anthony's leg. When they stepped outside the arcade, his wound started acting up, which Asia took notice of and took it upon herself to make him feel better. They found this park with a man-made pond and there was no one else around.

"Does that feel better?" She asked her friend.

"Do ya even have to ask? Look at these calves!" Said Anthony, running in place as Asia finished her work.

"Awww, you moved on already? What about me, Anthony... after all we've been through?" Came a voice that Anthony thought he'd never hear again. Turning around, he saw the one that set this whole thing in motion...

Yuuma... AKA, Raynare.

"So the rumor's true... your still alive. How's your leg by the way? Hope it wasn't... a stabbing pain" said Raynare, spitefully. "And you, Asia... I expected better of you. Hanging with the likes of Devil scum? I had such high hopes for you" she continued.

"Leave her alone, Raynare... or Yuuma or whatever, she wants nothing to do with you" said Anthony.

"And you think she wants anything from you? Trust me, Asia; he's not worth your time" said Raynare.

"Heh, funny. I seem to remember you actually enjoying yourself" Anthony shot back, matching Raynare's tone.

"Oh I enjoyed a LOT, of things on our date... killing you was a high point. Why not finish, what we started?" Asked Raynare, drawing out a light spear. "If it's any consolation, I hate the thought of someone dying a virgin" she taunted.

"A virgin will die alright, but it won't be me!" Said Anthony, summoning his Sacred Gear. Raynare showed surprise. "THIS is what you wanted from me, right? Well, come and get it!" Anthony said, feeling badass. That feeling lasted until Raynare started giggling... then laughing. AT HIM!

"What's so funny?" Asked Anthony.

"That's it... THAT'S what Azazel was so worked up about? It's just a mere Twice Critical" said Raynare.

"Da what now?" Asked Anthony, looking at the gear.

"It's a weak Gear that doubles your power temporarily, but Azazel made it a point to watch out for you. Why else do you think I put on the 'innocent girl' act? Please, Anthony. Be my boyfriend" said Raynare, her voice softening to Yuuma's to taunt him even more, then laughed again.

"Like I said, I knew the game" Anthony argued.

"Yet; you fell for it in the end. Hook, line and sinker. It's not a joke, I swear! Your really handsome" Raynare mocked, changing her voice once more and laughed at him once again.

"You gonna fight, or just chiacchierare me to death?" Said Anthony, getting a little annoyed at Raynare's games.

"You really think you can take me with that piece of garbage?" Raynare said, getting angry.

"If you battle as well as you act, then I won't need it" said Anthony.

[BOOST!]

Raynare threw her light spear at Anthony. Knowing he couldn't dodge without Asia getting hurt, he pushed her down with him, both avoiding the spear. The Fallen Angel readied another. "This'll be so much easier if you just hand Asia over. Do that, and I'll leave you be" said Raynare.

"Like I'd trust the word of the same girl who stabbed me? I'm not THAT stupid" said Anthony.

[BOOST!]

Using the boosted power, Anthony fired an energy beam from his Gear. It was obvious that Raynare didn't expect it due to her facial expression, but she evaded it with a powerful flap of her wings. Soaring above the Italian, she threw another spear, but Anthony saw it coming and slid away from it as it stuck out of the ground like King Arthur's sword in the stone. Jumping upward, he went to throw a punch with his Geared fist, but Raynare had air control thanks to her wings and avoided his assault.

STAB!

And stabbed him in the chest with a 3rd spear. Anthony fell to the ground with a thud, clutching his stomach. "Nice catch there, tiger" Raynare derided. Asia immediately ran over and used her Sacred Gear to heal Anthony's newest wound. As annoying as this was for Raynare, she didn't want to harm the little nun... she still had uses for her. "Asia, why not be a good little girl, and come with me? Your Twilight Healing is more valuable to our cause" The Fallen Angel stated.

"Twilight... Healing?" Asia asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"You mean you don't know? Didn't you find it strange that you can magically heal people with your hands? It's because you have a rare type of Scared Gear, Azazel should have been worrying about you instead of this turd" Raynare.

"That's... MISTER turd to you," Anthony said, recovering. "Ugh... so that's it? All you want is Asia's gift?" He asked, though it was more of a statement.

"Tell you what, you stick with me... and I won't murder your boyfriend" Raynare offered, ignoring Anthony.

"What... you geloso?" Anthony joked/taunted.

BOOM!

Raynare's response to that was another spear, but this one exploded at Anthony's feet and launched him backward. Out of nowhere, Raynare was behind him and kicked him in his back, sending him crashing into the pond. Asia looked on in fear and worry.

"If I wanted to, I could shred him into tiny little atoms... this is your last chance, Asia. Come with me, or he dies" Raynare warned, readying a 5th spear to prove her point. Anthony managed to stand up in the pond, soaked wet, and saw Raynare near Asia... he had to get to her... to protect her, but his body was starting to tire out.

"I'll... I'll go with you... just don't hurt him" said Asia.

"Asia!... No wait, don't do it!" Called Anthony, stumbling back down.

"Heheh, good girl. After tonight's ritual, I promise your worries will be gone forever" said Raynare, wrapping her wings around the nun, and teleporting them away. Anthony could only watch as they vanished. He failed to protect Asia... again...

-TIME BREAK-

After getting back to the ORC, Rias slapped him in the face for making her worry. Then before Anthony could apologize, she did so first, saying maybe they SHOULD have done something to help Asia. He told the ORC Yuuma/Raynare kidnapped her and he was going to save her this time, whether Rias allowed it or not. Much to his surprise, she actually agreed to help him. Akeno heard something about a ritual in an abandoned church, so it didn't take a genius to figure out this was the very same ritual Raynare spoke about. Splitting into 2 group; Akeno and Rias would keep guards busy, while Anthony and the others snuck in.

[Can you feel that?]

"No, what are ya...?" Asked Anthony, but realized it was the voice that helped him with Freed, the apparent voice of his Gear.

[There's allot of Fallen Angels and priests in there. Be careful this time] said the voice before going silent. Seriously, it was like someone was trapped inside his Gear... nah! That's crazy.

"What was that, Anthony?" Asked Kiba.

"Uh, nothing" Anthony lied. He didn't want to tell them he was hearing voices in his head, last thing he needed to be labeled as was a schizo. Koneko walked up to the doors of the church.

"Koneko! Get back here!" Said Anthony.

"No point... they know we're here" the first-year simply answered before kicking in the doors.

Anthony's Italian Dictionary:

1) Moccolo: means "snot"

2) Culo: means "butt"

3) Senza Senzo: means "nonsense"

4) Che Diavolo: means "what the hell"

5) Dolce: means "sweet"

6) Abbastanza di questo: means "enough of that"

7) Andiamo, principessa. Non morde: means "come on, princess. It won't bite"

8) Avvitali: means "screw them"

9) Ai Vecchi Tempi: means "like old times"

10) Chiacchierare: means "chit chat"

Didn't think you'd see Pesca again, did ya? Her memory, as you've seen, has not been wiped clean, so the restaurant scene could make sense... it was also cute and funny, don't deny it! Now we get to the battle of Asia's life and if you like this OC so far, then I guarantee you'll love the battle scene between him and Raynare. Not much else to say (mostly cause I don't wanna give and details away), have a good one and see ya in the next chapter of The Italian Dragon Emperor.