Ace: Oh, Xenovia will be something special since Anthony and her are both Italian, trust me on this. As for Rossweisse, I have plans but instead of telling and spoiling, we'll deal with that Valkyrie when we get to her. For now, let's stick to... birdwatching.
Rmarcano321: You'll learn more as you read.
MizoreShirayukiFan: Glad you think so. While I'm clearly not the first writer to make a still-human-protagonist-in-DxD, none of the fics I read involved a certain nationality of person. Usually, it would be Issei or an OC, but that's as far as it went. So I figured; why not give Anthony a little more character, maybe a bit of language lesson? Thus, The Italian Dragon Emperor was born!
Ioloroso019: The reason Rassei doesn't hate Anthony is because, like Asia, had history in the church (while its not confirmed in canon, it's heavily implied). He also has a way with animals as he's already admitted, as this will also play a role in how Anthony will bond with Koneko when we get to her big reveal as a Yokai. That, and I wanted to take an original spin in the Familiar Forest episode. Glad your enjoying the story.
One thing before we begin, despite what I said above, I'm not sure if I'll start a sequel to this series. As fun as it is to write and read your opinions on it, I'm not sure it currently has potential for a continuation. With only a fanbase of 25 favs/27 follows (at the time of posting this), I don't see a point. The view counts pretty good with 3,362 hits and counting, but not many people are reading or talking about it, so why make a product that no ones gonna buy? You'll end up wasting time and money.
Should views increase and the fanbase grows, maybe I'll have a different opinion but as of right now... I just don't know. For now, let's enjoy the fic and more Italian words/phrases/stereotypes I can teach you. I truly want to continue but in order to do that, I'm gonna need everyone to pinch in. Spread the word, share the fic and who knows? But enough about that, let's get to the moment everyone was waiting for... Riser's debut, and its something special, I promise.
Chapter 10: The Phenex Appears
The next morning in the ORC clubhouse, Rias was dealing with someone calling herself Grayfia Lucifuge, her sister-in-law. This wasn't a big surprise to Anthony, as Rias had told him everything last night about what was bothering her... everything. Suddenly, a magic circle opened, unannounced. Unlike most magic circles, this one burst into flames, which caused Anthony to reel back a bit. It kinda reminded him of the same fire that changed his life forever. In the center of it, was a man with blond hair that looked slightly older than a high school student. He wore a burgundy blazer with matching pants and black dress shoes... and while Anthony wasn't gay, even he had to admit this newcomer was devilishly handsome.
"My soon-to-be Rias Gremory. Your beloved Riser has arriv-..."
BLAM!
The man had such an arrogant tone of voice, it set Anthony off immediately, the Italian firing a beam of energy from his Boosted Gear that the man had to duck to avoid. "So... your the feather-faced nitwit that's forcing Rias into marriage?" Growled Anthony. As previously stated, Rias came clean last night and told Anthony the truth... and he wasn't happy about it, if the beam of Dragonic energy wasn't clear enough.
Riser, controlling his temper, choose to both ignore Anthony and his outburst. "And who is this? A servant of... hold on, he's a human! What is a worthless mortal doing in the..." Riser said, but was cut off by the sound of [BOOST!] and another one of Anthony's Dragon Shots, which he avoided again.
"I'm also the Red Dragon, in case you burned this mornings newspaper" said Anthony.
Now Riser lost his cool and built up a flame ball in his hand. "HOW DARE YOU...!" He yelled, about to throw the attack at Anthony's head.
"Riser... in case you've forgotten, this is MY house. Now stand down, or I'll have to kindly ask you to leave" said Rias, firmly.
Not wanting to ruin the relationship with his future wife, Riser did just that. "Forgive me, my beloved. But keep your little human pet in line" he said. With another [BOOST!], Anthony held out his arm.
"Call her amate one more time... ti sfido" Anthony hissed, wanting to stick it to this jerk.
"You too, Anthony" Rias said sternly. Though the look in her eyes told Anthony thank you, her facial expression asked him to calm down. Having no choice, Anthony deactivated his Gear... he didn't apologize, however.
Minutes later, Riser and Rias sat next to each other on one of the sofas. Anthony really... REALLY wanted to blast this guy in the face. Not only did he had the nerve to play with Rias' hair, but rub her thighs! Koneko was the one to hold Anthony back, but even she had to admit the 'Italian perv' was a nice guy. She could see the veins popping out on his neck as Riser did what whatever he wanted to Rias.
"Your Queen makes excellent tea, my dear. Would you pour Riser another cup?" Riser asked Akeno for another cup of tea, which she bowed and started to do... Anthony then got an idea, smirking. Though he had to ignore the exchange between both Devils.
Rias: Stop. (stands up off the couch, not facing her 'husband') Riser, I have no intention of marrying you, or is that too much for your brain to understand?
Anthony: (walks over to where Akeno's pouring tea) *At'ta, girl Rias!*
Riser: Rias... my love... Riser and your family both agree you can't afford to be so selfish.
Anthony: (growls) *SHE'S EGOISTA?* (Riser's last line almost got Anthony to flip out, but he remained in control, especially with what he was about to do)
Rias: I won't bring ruin to my family! Its not my place to deny you a right to the Gremory family... however, my husband will be my choice, and MY choice alone!
Riser: You do realize we are still recovering from the last war, so it's important for your husband to be pure-blooded and not some reincarnated half-breed. Both your father and Sirzechs himself already approved of this arrangement.
Anthony: (as he approaches Akeno, who looks at him in confusion, he points to the tea. Getting his message, she backs away from the tea cart, though she has no idea what he was planning) *No wonder Rias asked me about marriage... because of this Pericolo d'incendio.*
Rias: But I didn't. So for the last time... I, will not, marry you!
At this point, Anthony had already done what he needed to do. As he turned around to deliver the tea himself, he saw Riser hold Rias by her chin. He was a whisker-length away from losing his cool, but held on. This Riser was about to taste defeat, Italian-Style!
"Excuse me, lovebird..." He said, calling to Riser, making him and Rias give the Italian-American their undivided attention. The look in the blonde's eyes made Anthony wanna sock him with 100 boosts from his Boosted Gear, his eyes held arrogance and very little care. "I think we got off on the wrong wing here. So I prepared my special Italian blend just for you" said Anthony, faking a smile and offering the tea.
"Hmm... at least one of you has some sense..." said Riser, thinking nothing of it and taking a sip.
His eyes widened, and spit out the drink in a cartoonish matter, the tea getting all over his clothes as well. The ORC (Rias, Asia and Akeno mostly) had to hold in giggles, the look on his face was priceless! Faking innocence, Anthony picked up an empty bottle off the tea cart.
"Ooooooh, my bad. I put in balsamic vinegar by accident" he 'apologized'. (AN: I actually did this once to a certain dish I made by accident... too much balsamic flavor isn't pleasant, just leave it at that) Riser was not thrilled. Wiping his mouth, his eyes glowed with power.
"YOU LITTLE PEASANT!" He roared and in response, Anthony summoned his Gear and thrust it forward.
"Bring it, ya big duck!" Anthony yelled, his temper also being let loose.
"That's enough" Grayfia said in a simple, yet intimating tone to demanded respect, making the boys look at her. "Lord Sirzechs has ordered me to step in, should their be any disruption of peace" she continued. Both boys then pointed to each other and yelled: "HE STARTED IT!" But that's when her power flared and Anthony had to admit, she had ALLOT of it for a maid.
"Then if you don't get ahold of yourselves, I'll finish it" she said. Though her tone was noble and calm, it was also threatening. Riser backed down first.
"Well, if the Ultimate Queen wishes it, Riser cannot deny her" he said, respectfully.
"Did I say duck? I meant chicken" commented Anthony, but even he listened to what this 'Ultimate Queen' said. "With all due respect, ma'am; doesn't Rias get any say in the matter... she IS the blushing bride-to-be" Anthony pointed out. This got a small smile from Rias. Finally! Someone understood!
"And with all due respect, this isn't your place" said Grayfia, kindly but with a hint of authority. Rias was about to step up to Anthony's defense, to tell Grayfia that no one but no one will EVER talk to one of her servants like that, but Anthony responded beforehand with: "Wouldn't this be considered bestiality?"
That joke got an immediate reaction from Akeno, the girl snorted loudly before covering her mouth as if that was supposed to lower the volume. Kiba found the jab funny as well, but kept his head on straight. Asia also giggled. Koneko however, didn't react to it as such, just kept a stoic face... wonder why?
While Riser kept his cool despite the roast, Grayfia showed no emotion or even interest at Anthony's analogy.
"My husband prepared for such a possible conflict between you and Miss Gremory, should civilized communication break down" said the 'Ultimate Queen', ignoring Anthony and speaking to Riser.
"Communication? All I heard was quacking in the third person" said Anthony, but then realized something. "OH, RIGHT! Anthony's gotta speak in his dialetto" said Anthony, mocking Riser's used of third person, but that wasn't the only thing he did. Pulling out a remote, he played the chicken dance on a stereo he brought a few days ago... and did it too.
It was at this point, the ORC lost it. Akeno rolled on the floor laughing, Asia clutched her sides as she giggled, Kiba looked away trying to hide the silly smile on his face... even Koneko didn't expect it and had to bite her lip to prevent herself from joining in. Riser clenched his teeth hard, how dare this mortal mock him?! But in the presence of the 'Ultimate Queen', he remained as calm as he possibly could, though the rage was present on his face. While Rias controlled herself not to laugh, she couldn't deny so loved... no, fawned seeing Riser heated. It made everything he put her through worth it.
BOOM!
The stereo blew up when Anthony finished the second clapping... Grayfia held the magic circle of the Gremory house in her palm, still emotionless.
[What's her problem? That's a classic] asked Ddraig.
"Amico, non hai gusto per la musica" said Anthony.
If Lady Rias and her newest servant insists on putting her personal preferences before her family, Sirzechs himself has authorized a Rating Game to settle this dispute" said Grayfia, lowering her hand and getting back into her natural stance. There was that phrase again, Rating Game. Anthony's heard Sona and Rias speak briefly about this, but what did it exactly mean? Didn't Sona say something about it during their chess match? 'It's not a Rating Game, but I'll take it' was the sentence she used to describe chess. Now that Anthony thought about it, Rias once said that chess 'wasn't just a game'... could they be related?
"Riser has played numerous Rating Games and scored many wins... but Riser's darling inexperienced bride hasn't played a single one" said Riser, earning a glare from his 'bride'.
"Oh, so Devils do animal testing too?" Commented Anthony. Riser was starting to hate this foreigner, how dare he talk to Riser in such a way? Furthermore, it appeared the rumors were true. Rias newest [and only] Pawn was still human, so there was no possible way he'd survive a second in such a game.
"Riser finds this adorable. Compared to Riser's peerage, these servants are all you have" said Riser to Rias.
"So what? It's not like you have an A+ Healer, a handsome Knight, a cute Rook and a shocking Queen... not to mention a reasonably attractive Pawn" said Anthony. With a laugh and snap of Risers fingers, another fiery magic circle opened...
Fifteen... Fifth. Teen. Girls. "Perché non sono sorpreso?" Anthony pinched the bridge of his nose, unimpressed. Though Anthony will admit, some of the girls were hot... no pun intended. Riser then called on of his girls over... and made out with her. This not only disgusted Rias, but Anthony too. He's seen plenty of polygamous relationships in his time working at his restaurant job and learned to accept it... but fuck him! At least be subtle about it... and have some respect for the girl your supposed to be marrying! It was clear Riser was doing this as a intimation/provoke envy tactic. He even played with the woman's breasts as they continued, she was moaning into it as well. When they finally stopped, Riser looked over at Anthony. A mortal like him couldn't possibility handle that display without feeling jealous.
Anthony just looked at the man with no emotion, then slowly looked at Akeno. "Permission to pull a Mike Wazowski?" He asked, faking a sick moan.
"Go ahead, go throw up" answered Akeno, kindly. With that, Anthony stuck out his tongue and gagged overdramatically while pointing at it.
"Listen, if I wanted brother-sister one-on-one, I'd go to YouTube" said Anthony.
"This is not Riser's sister, you peon!" Said Riser, getting angry. This mortal was really getting on his nerves.
"No, but Tweety there definitely is" said Anthony, pointing to a girl with blond hair in swirly pigtails and had a pink dress with dangling tails on the back, which the human guessed were supposed to represent bird tails. "Poor girl. She's gotta grow up seeing you degrade women, how do you sleep at... oh right, ever-burning Phoenix" Anthony continued.
"You should learn your keep your mouth shut in the presence of Riser, your lucky to be in the same room as Riser" said Riser, still groping the girl he was holding.
"AW PECK ME!" Shouted Anthony.
"How dare you speak to Riser in that tone? Your just a dirty... no, Riser's wrong. Your lower than dirt, YOUR A HUMAN!" Said Riser, having enough of this Italian. Hearing this, Anthony's Boosted Gear boosted; he was also on his last nerve with the Phoenix.
"Your right, I am human. But I don't give a ratti-culo what you think of me, cause I least I have self-respect unlike you and the rest of your incest-loving sisters! Personally, I feel sorry they have to force themselves to even enjoy you, they'll never know how a REAL man would treat them... instead, they got scooped up by the claws of a horny roster" said Anthony.
"Real man? YOU? Please! The only thing REAL about you is your a little weak human that has no business in the affairs of your betters!" Yelled Riser, starting to slip. Hearing the word affair, gave Anthony an idea. "Yeah, your right... considering Anthony already had one with someone in this room... and her name rhymes with Sias Gregory" said Anthony.
THAT... got Riser's attention...
"You... what..." he growled, on the last pinch of his patience. One more tiny jab, and the fire within him would burst out like a can of burning worms. Anthony then folded his arms in a confident pose.
"Oh, you didn't know? Anthony and Sias had quite the bonding time... gotta say, Riser's missing out. He should have heard ALLLLLL the screams and cries... Sias loved what she got, calling out Anthony's name as he dannoed her..." Anthony boasted, also using the 3rd person to mock Riser more, even though none of what he said about him and Rias was true. Normally Rias would have shot down anyone who made up stories about her... but seeing the look of pure rage and jealously on Riser's face, she let it slide. She should have reincarnated Anthony years ago!
"OOOOOH, ANTONIO! SCOPAMI! SCOPAMI FORTE!" Anthony said, mimicking Sias' voice while putting a hand over his forehead on a fangirl-like gesture.
FLOOSH!
Anthony had to duck to avoid a fireball coming from a growling Riser, who tossed the girl he was groping aside just so he could launch his attack in rage, also shattering the window. "Oh my. Plucked a tail feather there, haven't I?" Anthony said with a smile, getting back up and making a tweezers-like gesture with his Sacred Geared fingers.
"YOU HOLD YOUR TONGUE IN THE PRESENCE OF RISER, UNDERSTAND?!" Riser roared, having officially lost it. Seeing the literal fire in his eyes reminded Anthony so much of the fire that killed his family... as scared as he was, he held his ground.
"See, this is what I'm talking about; throwing down your woman like a banana peel. A real man would treat his women as equals, not some object!" Anthony said, also having lost his patience with this guy.
"SILENCE!" Riser roared, raising his hand for another attack.
[BOOST!]
"Bring it, Fawkes! I'll shove that beak up your ass! And if you lay a finger in Rias again, I promise I'll PERSONALLY take you and your Ho-Ohs' out... and HAVE you for lunch with marinara sauce. And its gonna be HOT!" Anthony shot back.
No one had ever stood up for Rias' honor when it came to her marriage to Riser before, she could only stare at Anthony. Each word he spoke was full of conviction, honesty and genuine care for her own feelings... just like when he defended Asia. The Devil's heart fluttered, she couldn't express in words how she felt even if she tried.
All that ended when Grayfia's power began to flare again, much more this time. "That's... enough..." she said, still calm but she was clearly in no mood for anymore games. If Riser or Anthony spoke or acted out of turn again, they might not live to see another day. Anthony had to admit, for a maid... she was scary!
After the boys calmed down, "Grayfia..." said Rias. "Tell my brother, I agree to the terms. We will settle this with a Rating Game. If I win, Riser; you are to never approach me or even mention about marriage to me ever again. Do I make myself clear?" Rias said with all the gusto she could muster.
"I will tell him at once, my lady" said Grayfia.
"Hehehe, very well. Riser also agrees to the terms... but should Riser win, you are to be my beloved bride immediately; no questions asked" said Riser with the upmost confidence. Rias had no chance at wining against him, right? Sure she had the Red Dragon on her side, but he was still just a human. There is no way he'd lose with a mere mortal on the opposing side. He walked to his harem when Rias called to him.
"And Riser... believe me when I say, we are going to annihilate you" she said.
"Heh, I'm sure you will... see you at the game, my dear. Riser looks forward too it" Riser said, snapping his fingers and he and his peerage disappeared in a burst of flames... he also could've sworn he heard a male voice say the word Fottiti... eh, he'll deal with it at the Rating Game.
Anthony's Italian Dictionary:
1) Amate: means "beloved", though only when referring to a wife. If you wish to refer to a husband, then its Amato.
2) Ti Sfido: means "I dare you"
3) Egoista: means "selfish"
4) Pericolo D'incendio: means "fire hazard"
5) Dialetto: means "dialect"
6) Amico Non Hai Gusto Per La Musica: means "man you have no taste in music"
7) Perché Non Sono Sorpreso: means "why am I not surprised"
8) Ratti-Culo: means "rats ass"
9) Dannoed: means "ravaged"
10) Scopami! Scopami Forte: means "fuck me! fuck me hard!"
11) Fottiti: can mean "fuck you" or "go fuck yourself" (AN: More commonly the former though)