1) Ioloroso019: Yeah, I know that this communities small. Others like Naruto, Pokémon, RWBY, etc. are much MUCH higher than this; but still... over 4000 stories (at the time of posting this) is quite a high number, with new ones being written every 12-48 hours (I fact-checked this... it wasn't easy, but it's accurate), at least in my opinion. Thank you for the kind speech and words of support, it sounded genuine and it made my day, everyone please give Ioloroso here a BIG hand! *clap, clap, clap!*
2) 54godamora: I see you enjoyed the roasts Riser had gotten, glad you laughed :D
3) Omnisaurus: Glad you got your wi-fi back. Also glad you approve of the meeting between Ddraig and Anthony, wanted to make it as original as possible, while still borrowing some of the canon events. As for who was Ddraig's last host... I'll leave that up to viewer interpretation.
4) Ace: Isn't birdwatching fun? Where Anthony was born is another Italian (and true) stereotype, web search it and I'll tell you if your right.
Now let's rejoin over favorite group of Devils where they left off...
Chapter 11: Training for a Rating
10 days... that's when the Rating Game was scheduled to take place. Rias had decided to use that time for training mental and physical strength. While Anthony agreed with that plan 100%... he dreaded to see what Rias will put him through this time. And he was right... he carried an oversized and overstuffed backpack while everyone else had normal backpacks to carry.
[I think she likes you] joked Ddraig. "Non ... ricordamelo" growled Anthony under his breath, not enjoying himself.
"Hurry up, slowpoke! We're burning daylight!" Called Akeno from atop of the hill they were climbing.
"GIORNO is burning?! SO ARE MY LEGS!" Yelled Anthony.
"Come on now. Look those calves, you can do this" Rias said with a smile, using his words on his and Asia's "date" against him. Groaning, Anthony continued up to the top.
After a few steps, he stopped again. "Seriously, what the hell am I..."
CRASH!
The oversized/overstuffed backpack opened up... Anthony had to bite his tongue to keep himself from yelling. "Beach chairs?... Sun lotion?... Coolers?... DO I LOOK LIKE A CAZZO LA CIBATTA TO YOU?!" Screamed Anthony, having enough of Rias' games. The King in question just smiled... oh, if she was Riser, Anthony would SO knock her a week in the future.
"You sure sound like one" said Koneko.
"I didn't ask you, Hello Kitty!" Yelled Anthony, saying this due to the fact she wore cat-faced clips in her hair. She suddenly stopped at looked down in shame, making Anthony feel a little bad... was it something he said?
"Ugh! Sorry... just... at little cranky, is all" he apologized, getting down on his kneels to pick up the fallen items and place them back in the bag, but that just caused him to get angry again. "Seriously though, what's with this stuff? Unless you plan taking me to a tanning salon, at least let me chose my own color" said Anthony.
"That's my stuff. Me and Akeno were gonna go sunbathing later" said Rias.
"Where? Sardinia?" Asked Anthony.
"Come up here and find out" said Rias.
"Just visualize, Anthony. You'll make it" said Akeno, giving Anthony some encouragement.
"Visualize what? You in swimsuits?!... actually, that's not a bad idea... OW!" Anthony said, but someone threw a rock a his face. It wasn't enough to cause him to bleed thankfully, but he couldn't tell if Koneko or Asia was the one to throw it since it came from their direction. "IT WAS A JOKE! GEEZ!... ARGH! STUPID BAG!" Said Anthony, now trying to close the bag back up. How the hell did Rias get all this crap in here? He finally managed to zip it closed and put it back on his back.
"Good job, now come on, we're almost there" called Rias.
"Sure thing, Mary Poppins. Ya got a flying umbrella too?" Anthony called back.
"Um, Rias? Don't you think that's maybe a bit too much for Anthony?" Asked Asia.
"He'll be fine. See? He's handling it like a champ" said Rias. Well, if champ meant wheezing like the penguin from Toy Story, then yes Anthony was.
"Aw, screw this... wait a second. What the hell and I doing, I'm the Red Dragon Emperor!" Said Anthony, summoning his Gear. With just a single boost, he could already feel the changes take effect. This backpack felt much MUCH lighter, just a few more and...
FLOOSH!
"SANTO CAZZO!" Anthony screeched like a girl, avoiding an energy blast in a cartoon-like manner.
"Sorry, no boosting... your Gear either" said Rias, with a grin and a Destruction spell in her hands. "You could have just said rifiuto... and what do ya mean I can't boost?! Isn't that the point of being the Red Dragon?!" Asked Anthony.
"That doesn't mean you should rely on it" Rias answered.
"Says the Princess who relies on Destruction... YIKE!" Anthony shot back, only for fire to return in the form of Destruction Magic, and avoiding it again.
"Hurry up, it's just ahead" said Rias, turning around and waking away. "And no Familiar's either" she said without turning to look at Anthony. He was actually drawing the magic square which was needed to call Rassei in the dirt, but then stopped with a deadpanned expression before continuing up the mountain, muttering "ti odio" to himself.
[Match made in hell, alright] joked Ddraig. "Shut up, Spyro" Anthony muttered again. This was gonna be a loooooooooong 10 days...
-TIME BREAK-
The 1st lesson was taught by Kiba. "So, I just gotta hit you once with this wooden sword, then we're done?" Asked Anthony.
"Yes... if you think you can" Kiba said.
"Ok... though it seems kinda unfair since your a Knight" Anthony pointed out.
"Good observation, though you can become one. You had good speed on you at the church, but let's see you put that speed to the test in close combat" said Kiba, bringing up the fact that Anthony already became a Knight once before.
"Alright then... En Grade, pretty boy!" Said Anthony rushing for Kiba. Of course, Anthony's never wielded a sword before other than a diamond one in Minecraft, so he just slashed about wildly. Kiba effortlessly blocked each one of his assaults.
Akeno taught the 2nd lesson, this one was about magic. "Try to focus your bodies natural aura, then release it on a single point" Akeno explained.
"Do I look like a blue jackal? Ya want me to use an Aura Sphere too?" Asked Anthony, slightly joking.
"I think I got it!" Cheered Asia and sure enough, she already got a magic sphere in her hands. Anthony tried... but couldn't exactly figure out what exactly Akeno was trying to teach about controlling elements such as fire and lightning. She even allowed him to use his Gear to boost himself, but still nothing.
The 3rd lesson...
CRASH!
"ARGH!" Anthony flew into a tree... thrown by Koneko.
"That was lame..." she said, but didn't expect him to get up so quickly. He threw a punch, but she avoided it. Anthony was able to kick her in the back, but due to her endurance as a Rook she didn't move. This lesson out of all of them was easiest for Anthony, as he taught himself how to fight when dealing with bullies and people ganging up on him.
"I sort of felt that, but try to aim towards the body's center, for precision and maximum damage" she said as she leapped on his neck and warped her legs around him. Cazzo, did it hurt when she twisted.
Lesson 4...
"Cooking?... Your joking, right?" Asked Anthony to Rias with an unamused expression.
"Nope, you are to make anything you want, so have fun" said Rias, but before she left... "Oh, but you can't touch anything" she added.
"THEN HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO COOK?!" Yelled Anthony. As an Italian, he took huge pride in being able to concoct whatever his heart desired when it came to cooking, AKA getting his hands dirty.
"You'll figure it out... make something magical" Rias said, looking back before finally leaving the kitchen.
"Lesson 4 my ass..." muttered Anthony, as this was obviously Lesson 2 part 2.
"Um... please boil" said Asia and just like during the 2nd lesson, the water obeyed her.
[Obviously, you'll have to try and use magic again...] said Ddraig as Anthony picked up an onion.
'No shit, Sherlock. I can summon Rassei no problem, yet can't summon my very own Aura Sphere. So how am I supposed to peel this thing without physically picking it up?' Asked Anthony.
[Akeno... she is ripe for picking, isn't she?] Said Ddraig in a slight perverted matter, giving Anthony a naked image of Akeno. Anthony was about to call him out on it (that didn't mean he didn't like what Ddraig thought), but that's when the onion suddenly just peeled itself!
'DDRAIG!' Shouted Anthony.
[Ugh, I'm sorry. I...] Ddraig tried to apologize.
'No, NO! Do that again' Anthony requested, picking up a potato this time.
[Uh... again?] Asked Ddraig.
'Did I speak francese? Yes, do it again' said Anthony. Reimagining the image of a nuda Akeno, the potato in Anthony's hand instantly peeled just like the onion.
"Oh, wow! Look how good your getting!" Cheered Asia, happy her childhood friend was now getting the hang of magic.
"Yeah...I think I got this now" said Anthony, confidently. 'Ddraig... your a genius' he praised his partner.
-TIME BREAK-
With the new power Anthony had obtained, he and Asia made another Italian-based meal. Gorgonzola Salad, Eggplant Pancakes (this name kinda threw the ORC off, as there was nothing pancake about this dish), and Chicken Alfredo. They also had a side of freshly (or in this case, magically) sliced potato chips.
"MMMMMM! Delicious!" Said Akeno, now she knew how Rias felt about Anthony's cooking.
"I have to agree... not even Gremory chiefs can make such dishes" Kiba said honestly. Rias didn't take that as an insult at all, even she had to admit Anthony had more talent any of the finest chiefs in the Underworld.
"... its ok" said Koneko, not wanting to give the 'Italian Perv' the satisfaction.
"Says the one who just ate 3 dishes of my chicken like a cat eats tuna" Grinned Anthony. Koneko hid her blush, realizing she got caught in a lie, but didn't answer him... as much as she hated to admit it, this was a fantastic lunch. She couldn't remember the last time she had such a meal.
"Well, that was filling. I'm going to take a bath, care to join me, Anthony?" Rias said, starting her daily teasing.
"Eh... I don't know. Just you and me? That seems kinda unfair to everyone else" Anthony shot back.
"Your right. I'd like to join too, it sounds like fun. Maybe I can bathe him like a baby?" Said Akeno, joining in.
"How about you, Asia? You wouldn't feel uncomfortable doing this, would you?" Asked Rias.
"Um... no, not at all!" Said Asia with an embarrassed face at first, but then it changed to determination.
"Eh, you can count me out" Kiba joked.
"What about you, Koneko?" Asked Rias... the kids response was cracking her knuckles.
"Guess that's a no then, huh? Oh darn, I guess I'll just have to wait until bed tonight" said Anthony, faking sadness.
"And who said I was gonna sleep with you?" Asked Rias with a smirk.
"You just did. And... a little red birde, told me that someone HAS to sleep naked with someone else, or she couldn't sleep" said Anthony, bringing up Rias' confession about her sleeping patterns. She and Anthony then continued back and forth with the following:
Rias: Oh really? She sounds like a real keeper.
Anthony: Yeah... its too bad she can't handle ALLLLLL of this.
Rias: How do you figure that?
Anthony: Just look at this Italian sexiness... she'll never get over it. Plus, she supposed to get married to some Blazing Buffalo Chicken... a REEEEEEEEEEEEEAL Hot Shot.
Rias: Aw, what a shame. Is there something your gonna do for her?
Anthony: As a matter of fact, once I puck all his feathers out, I'm gonna barbecue him alive and make him into a pot pie... the girl'll be ALLLLLL over me.
Rias: Well, aren't you sweet? Be sure to tell that girl...
"Your both making me sick" said Koneko, drinking some water to wash down the flavor. Akeno giggled at Koneko's reaction, Asia was red in the face (either due to jealously or just the tone of the conversation, it was hard to tell), and Kiba just smiled like the Knight he was.
"Aw, the peanut gallery doesn't feel good? Does she want a glass of milk?" Anthony joked.
"Suck it" answered the 'peanut', going back to her food.
"Aw well, I'm hitting the shower... no peeking" said Anthony, pointing a finger to Rias and wiggling it.
"Don't tempt me..." she answered back.
Koneko had to fight the urge to pick up the table and toss it to Anthony and see if he could catch it. As happy as she was that her president was feeling better, their constant back-and-forth flirting made it difficult... what did Rias see in that guy anyway? So what if he cooks, and is charismatic... and cares about her feelings... and cute sometimes, that didn't mean anything... did it?
-TIME BREAK-
The next day went by rather quickly. Anthony did more of his training and showed improvement in all lessons (not counting the BS Lesson 4), though he still needed more work when trying to use magic, which was expected as he was still human. Rias also gave a brief lesson on the 72 Pillars, another name for high-ranking Devil houses, and that their numbers had dropped dramatically due to the Great War. Which was the reason Devil reincarnated other races instead of breeding... that of course, didn't mean breeding wasn't a factor in numbers; but since they live almost forever, they have low birthrates... how?
"So... despite being ageless and perfect in every way, shape and form... you can't avere bambini?" Anthony asked, a little confused. Human's had good birthrates and they were mortal... so shouldn't that mean that Devils could multiply like rabbits?
"It's not that we can't, we just simply don't conceive easily" said Rias.
"Said every teen writer on Fanfiction. net" muttered the Italian.
"Pardon?" Asked Rias kindly, no hearing what Anthony had said.
"I said, wow. And I thought human life was bad" he white-lied... though it wasn't a total one. He had assumed Devils and Angels were perfect, but it seemed even they had their own Kryptonite. He was glad he wasn't a Devil now... though he'd never say that out loud in front of everyone else. "On the bright side, you get the full experience without those pesky preservativi" Anthony said.
Rias couldn't help but smile at Anthony's witty response. "Always looking where the grass is greener, aren't you?" She said with a smirk.
"Colpevole come accusato" said Anthony with a playful shrug.
"Ok, how's about a quick break? Maybe some tea?" Asked Rias.
"I'll go make it" said Akeno, getting up and heading to the kitchen.
"And don't let Anthony touch it this time" joked Rias.
"AHEM! My special is. DELICIOUS! Just ask Big Bird, he loved it" joked Anthony.
"Oh, I almost forgot... Asia? I wanted to know more about your life as a holy sister... would you mind sharing?" Asked Rias. While this wasn't exactly 100% true, it wasn't 100% wrong either. All her life, Rias wanted to know what went on on the flip side... also, this was the perfect chance to get to know the blond better, as well as some possible hints to Anthony's past. The redhead couldn't help but wonder if his failed reincarnation had something to do with it.
"Um... right now?" Asked Asia.
"No time like the present" said Rias.
Asia's life explanation was educational to say the least. She said she has done a few exorcisms before meeting Freed... and unlike his; the ones Asia did involved Holy Water, Crosses and the Bible... NOT holy swords, light spears and guns. She also tried to read her favorite verse of the bible, but that just got her a headache... she was persistent and keep trying, but with no success. Feeling bad, Anthony had to read it for her... giving EVERYONE else a headache.
"Heheh... triste" he apologized, rubbing his neck and smiling awkwardly. Asia was still thankful though.
-TIME BREAK-
That night, Anthony was exiting the kitchen after getting himself some water. In doing so, he attracted the attention of a Rias Gremory walking down the stairs wearing a silk robe. She was also holding a book against her chest.
"Anthony? Your still awake? I thought you'd be exhausted after today" said Rias.
"Oh, hey Rias... have you always wore glasses?" Asked Anthony, just noticing the Devil was also sporting some eyewear. She looked like a librarian... a sexy librarian.
"Can you follow me? I was gonna ask you about my battle plan tomorrow, but seeing as we're both still up..." she said, not answering his question.
Outside...
"Not bad... non è affatto male. What are you so worried about?" Asked Anthony, hearing the Rias' battle strategy. She was sitting on a ledge while discussing with Anthony.
"In case you've forgotten, Riser has 15 members... I only have 6 including myself" said Rias.
"We'll be fine! The Sexy King of Germory's got her an Holy Bishop, a Handsome Knight, Young but Strong Rook, and a Curvy Queen... plus a Red-Hot Dragon who is an AMAZING cook" said Anthony, trying to cheer Rias up. She smiled, so it had the desired effect, but barely.
"I appreciate your confidence, Anthony. But Riser is a member of the Phenex house... and just like the bird its named after, he can regenerate from any would inflicted on him. His family always had the highest scores in Rating Games, can't say I'm surprised... how does one lose if they always raise up?" Said Rias.
"Mortal... Immortal... it doesn't matter" said Anthony, making Rias look at Anthony in surprise. "So what if he can regenerate his dick if I shoot it off? Doesn't mean it won't hurt like a bitch" said Anthony, stepping forward towards Rias and looked straight into her eyes, also holding her hand and gently but firmly squeezing it. Once again, Rias felt warmth flood throughout her entire body as soon as contact with him was made. "Your Rias Gremory... the baddest canga in all the land, you hear me? We WILL win, you got it? And once you beat him, you can throw his wedding ring out the window, then pull a Koneko and tell him to suck it" said Anthony, with as much conviction in his voice as possible.
Rias didn't know what to say at first, but then got back to reality. "Anthony... do you know why I'm engaged to Riser?" She asked him.
"Cause the horny dodo can't except your feelings and has commitment issues?" Asked Anthony, half-joking and half serious. Rias had to hold back a giggle with how stoic Anthony was upon asking.
"Not exactly. As one of the few 72 Pillars left, combining our 2 families together is important to our political v..." Rias explained, but stopped upon seeing Anthony's face harden.
"There it is... so he's only marrying you to further his and your families political cazzate" he growled, not liking Rias' confession. "The nerve... not just him, but your own family. They're supposed to love and care for you, not sell you to the highest bidder" he continued, getting a little angrier. It was one thing for Riser to do this, but Rias' own family? That was low.
"It's true... everyone just sees me as the next head of the Gremory house, no one..." Rias attempted to calm him down.
BLAM!
Subconsciously... Anthony blew a hole in the marble flooring with his Boosted Gear, shocking her. She appreciated his support, but it wasn't his problem so why was he getting so mad? Before she could ask, Anthony grabbed her chin and made her stare directly into his eyes. Rias couldn't help but get lost in them until he started speaking. "You listen to me... your NOT, an oggetto. Your a person... not some premio to be won, you understand? Your Rias Gremory... the woman who saved the life of some nessuno... and he'll be DAMNED if you EVER. Refer to yourself as anything less. So pull yourself together, stand tall against that overgrown firework, and show your family that YOU decide your future. Not them. Not God. YOU!"
Anthony words made her blush and freeze up... no one had EVER said that about her before, it was only something she wished. "Anthony..." said Rias, but he wasn't through.
"That walking barbecue only like you for your name? Well, I like you for WHO you are, not some title. Look what you did for me; you gave me a new life, amazing friends... not to mention a kick-ass dragon gauntlet... I just really wish... I could pay you back... for everything..." Anthony said, finally calming down and letting go of the girl. The Devil was struck speechless. She waited her entire life for someone... anyone... to say those words. She didn't expect it like this.
Anthony continued on still. "Besides, your the Princess of Destruction, right? No one with a name like that is easy to beat. What's Riser gonna do? Rise above you in the third person? He can't touch you, your..."
SMOOSH!
Anthony was abruptly stopped by being pulled into a hug, her buxom pair crushed against his chest... and she wasn't wearing a bra. She was also crying tears of joy. "... thank you, Anthony. I... I needed that" Rias thanked him. Anthony returned the hug after a moment of recovery, and she sank into it, feeling at peace.
"I promise Rias... his winning streak is over, you have my word" Anthony promised her. He wasn't gonna let Riser win. Tomorrow... there would be a new King in town, and it wasn't big enough for the two of them.
Quick note about the Eggplant Pancakes cause I'm sure I lost some of you there. Eggplant Pancakes traditionally are NOT made with batter, but with baking powder and its fried in vegetable oil as opposed to a pancake; which is all batter with your choice of syrup and butter. And hopefully you appreciated the joke I made about FanFiction. Though I will admit; unlike most fantasy in books or TV, at least DxD made it a POINT to say that, and not just make it up for the sake of plot convenience... looking at you, 87% of Lemon writers!
As you can also see, I'm making Ddraig a bigger part in this series. While I have no problem with his role in canon, he seems underutilized... which is a shame for such a character. Sure he has some points in the story, but still very limited. This is, of course, coming from someone who has yet to read the novels and manga. Hope you all enjoyed and see ya in the next chapter!
Anthony's Italian Dictionary:
1) Non Ricordamelo: means "don't remind me"
2) Giorno: means "daylight"
3) La Cibatta: means "mule"
4) Santo Cazzo: means "holy fuck"
5) Rifiuto: means "no" (AN: it's an advanced way of saying no, the English word is also used in our language)
6) Ti Odio: means "I hate you"
7) Francese: means "french"
8) Avere Bambini: means "have kids"
9) Preservativi: means "condoms"
10) Colpevole Come Accusato: means "guilty as charged"
11) Triste: means "sorry"
12) Non è Affatto Male: means "not bad at all"
13) Canga: means "bitch"
14) Oggetto: means "object"
15) Premio: means "prize"
16) Nessuno: means "nobody"