1A) Jon: NOOOOOOOOOOO! No spoilers! NO! NO! LALALALALALALA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU! LALALALALALALA! NON ASCOLTANDO!
1B) Jon: This story takes place in an alternate timeline in 2008, the same year the franchise of DxD was born; and Kiba's reaction was saved for this chapter.
2) Rmarcano321: Every character has at least one flaw, but I'm too lazy to tell you. Read the books or watch the show and forge your own opinion.
3) Ace: Good question. We'll found out Irina's reaction when [and if] we get there. The support I'm getting is nice, but 34 follows/favs is kind of a small fanbase. If by some miracle we get to 40, then perhaps. As said before, I WANT to continue, but if no one's gonna read then what's the point? Plus, I'm also balancing out my YouTube career and this project, so it's allot.
4) Hellhamer: He will try. Even though Anthony is becoming stronger, he isn't invincible by any means. Out of those songs, I'll have to say "Cause of Death" is NOT a good choice... just my opinion, but those other 2 are a definite fit to what I envision.
5) Bro (from chapter 1): Your new to the site? Well, I'm honored you chose my story to read first.
6) YUP (from chapter 2): Thanks, Yup-San! Glad your enjoying it. (AN: No idea if I used 'San' correctly.)
7) 54godamora: I've been to Salem in Boston... it's a nice area actually, but there's always this dark feeling surrounding the place, probably because of the aforementioned events. It's also funny you mentioned Joseph the Elephant Man, I had to do a report on him back in High School.
In other news, the next episode(s) of my DxD reaction is here. But instead of me telling you every time, check my YouTube channel whenever I post a new chapter... or just subscribe to it, whichever you prefer. Enjoy this chapter and the video(s) if you decide to watch it!
Chapter 14: It's All Fun and Games, Until a Dragon Gets Heated - Part 3
After Anthony was brought back to the house, Asia began healing him with her Sacred Gear out of concern, even though this Ddraig character said he'd be fine. Rias just watched on as Asia, Akeno and (surprisingly) Koneko surrounded Anthony. The red-haired devil was still wrapping her head around Anthony's past... he's been through so much in his short 16 years of life. Not only that, she and him were born on the same day... and exactly the same age! What were the actual odds of that happening?
According to Asia, schools back in the states had a much different grading system than Japan did. For starters, there were 4 years of High School as opposed to the 3 ones Japan had, which was probably the reason Anthony was placed in second year instead of third year along with Rias and Akeno. She had asked if Asia knew anything about the old man that Anthony had met, to which the nun replied a sad no.
"President?" Came the voice of Kiba, interrupting the Crimson Princess' thoughts.
"What is it, Kiba?" Asked Rias, seeing the look of concern on his face.
"It's... about Anthony. I can't help but feel... we have somethings in common about... you know..." said Kiba, his voice drifting off. Rias didn't need him to tell her what he was trying to say. She found the Knight in the woods on the verge of death, the poor blond had no where else to go. Plus, Anthony's loved ones were killed by a psychopath, they had that in common as well.
All members stayed with Anthony for the reminder of that day, and into the night. He didn't wake up till the next morning. He offered to make breakfast for everyone, but Rias ordered him to take it easy, which he obeyed. While it wasn't as divine as his homemade meals, it was a kind gesture the ORC showed Anthony. He appreciated it, especially since Ddraig made himself known again and told Anthony he spilled the pasta to the others about his past.
The dragon didn't want to lie to his new host, and much his surprise, Anthony was ok with it (though a little upset that he wasn't the one to tell them). The Italian assured Ddraig that he'd done nothing wrong, the human found it kinda cool that Ddraig helped him as a child.
[You misunderstand, I...] Ddraig tried to say.
'You said it yourself, you felt bad, so maybe my body resonated with your spirit to give my lazy ass the push it needed... you saved my life Ddraig, and I'll make it up to you... er, somehow' thought Anthony. He had no idea how he could pay Ddraig back for indirectly helping him, but he'll figure it out.
[If that was true, then I should've helped your family! I'm sorry, Anthony! I should have been stronger, not afraid to give you the power you need to destroy that puttana! I...] Ddraig tried apologizing, but Anthony once again cut him off.
'What's done is done, pal. We can't change the past. We were both young. You said God chooses a new host for you everytime your master dies, so its like you become a baby again, right?' Thought Anthony, trying to get Ddraig to stop apologizing for something that wasn't his fault.
[Uh... well, that's... technically true, when you put it that way. But still! I have a responsibility to protect my master when they become strong enough! I fai...] Ddraig tried saying sorry for about the 5th time that day. Anthony stopped him by gently rubbing the gem that appeared on the back of his hand.
'Listen... we were born into the world and everything happened fast. It's not your fault for being unsure what to do, so if it's not your fault then it's not my fault either... agreed?' Said Anthony, making Ddraig a "deal", so to speak.
After a minute of silence Ddraig spoke up again. [... alright... agreed... thank you...] he said, disappearing into Anthony's body again.
How did Ddraig get so lucky to have such an understanding master? This was definitely the best master he'd ever had. He hoped his former wielder didn't hear that since his consciousness was still inside the Gear after he died... at least, he hoped so after that explosion. This also reminded Ddraig of the curse, would Anthony be affected by...?
No. He won't allow it. He'll protect Anthony from that kind of power. He WON'T loose another master to the Boosted Gear's power... not again...
-TIME BREAK-
The day of the Rating Game had arrived... technically it wasn't for a few hours, as it was scheduled to began at 9:00AM, SHARP! Looking at his clock, Anthony saw the time was 5:23AM... he just couldn't get back to sleep once he woke up at 4:55. Laying in his bed and staring at the dark ceiling, he heard a knock on his door.
"Anthony? Are you awake?" Came the muffled voice of Asia.
"Yeah... couldn't sleep" he said.
"Oh... would you, mind if I come in?" The blond asked.
"Go ahead, just don't tell Rias" Anthony joked, hearing a small giggle coming from outside. Speaking of whom, she was downstairs on the couch instead of trying to cuddle with him. Was Anthony surprised? Yes. Was he disappointed?... He'd be lying if he said no. What can he say? He's still a guy.
Then again, the poor princess had allot on her mind... she needed time to herself.
Asia entered to room wearing her habit she wore when she was a nun, just lacked the cross for obvious reasons. "Haven't seen you wear that since... ya know" said Anthony.
"Yeah... it makes me feel a little more comfortable, Rias said it was ok. She's really nice for a Devil" said Asia.
"Yeah... to think you and me were taught they were nothing but evil tyrants that buy souls from mortals" said Anthony.
"... I don't regret becoming a Devil, Anthony. As long as I'm by your side" said Asia, sitting on the bed with him and leaning against him... and was it just her, or did his chest feel more muscular? It gave her an odd, yet warm feeling. She had to hold back the blush that was forming on her face.
"Heh, Irina was the same way... how were you guys?... Ya know, after I left" asked Anthony. He always wanted to ask Asia this, but never got the chance. Asia stiffened, why did have to ask about her now? It's not that Asia didn't like her, Irina was a sweet girl. In fact; after Anthony 'left', she and Irina got closer and became friendlier towards each other. However, she moved out of town a few years later, and Asia never heard from her since.
"Well... she and I cried... allot. But, we started hanging out more... though she moved a few years later. Haven't heard much from her after that" said Asia.
Anthony wrapped an arm around the ex-nun, pulling her closer, and causing the blush she was hiding to get a little deeper. "Well wherever she is, I'm sure she's praying for us... who knows? Maybe God heard her and that's how you ended up here?" Anthony suggested. Asia's eyes widened, she hadn't thought of her transfer here like that before. "I'm sure she's happy, praying for us everyday. Maybe she..."
Smooch.
Anthony's sentence was stopped by Asia kissing his cheek. He didn't expect that. "You were always so sweet, Anthony. Both of us really liked that about you" said Asia, leaning on his shoulder after kissing him. They sat in silence after that, enjoying each other's company.
As Anthony sat with Asia, he thought back to the training he had done over the last 10 days... and Rias' crying face, the night before the bird flew in and showed himself. He wouldn't allow him to win... he can't, it was out of the question! He looked down at this left palm, and made a fist. 'You saved me, Rias... now, è il mio turno.'
-TIME BREAK-
That morning in the club room, the ORC was just awaiting teleportation via magic circle. Koneko was putting gloves on, Kiba was sheathing his sword (Anthony had no idea WHY he took it out, the blond just looked at it with determination and put it away... must be a Knight thing), Akeno made some tea that Rias was also drinking, and Asia just sat next to Anthony while petting Rassei. Anthony did this too, but was mostly paying attention to reading his cookbook... does he EVER stop reading that thing?
"Today's your big day, Rias Gremory. It's your first Rating Game, wouldn't miss this for the world" said Sona, who had walked into the club room with one of her council members.
"Um... thanks?... Why is she here again? Her peerage ci aiuterà or is that too much to hope for?" Asked Anthony.
"The Rating Games are live broadcast all over the Underworld, plus Sona's also the MC for this match" explained Rias.
"No shit? I'm gonna be on TV?" Asked Anthony, then playfully spit into his palms one each and starting touching up his hair, looking up at it as he worked. Akeno, Asia and the extra council member giggled at Anthony's antic.
"I'll do EVERYTHING in my power to make this VERY entertaining... can I also do a post-credits scene of the Turkey with an apple in his mouth? I'll have a bib on and everything" He said, posing with imaginary silverware in his hands while licking his lips. "Kinda debating whether he'd taste better in piccata or milanese" he continued, and that's when Grayfiya appeared.
"It's time" Grayfiya said, bowing upon entry and stepping aside for the Gremory Team to enter the magic circle.
"Good luck, Rias. I'll keep watch in the council room" said Sona, beginning to head out. "Oh... and beat that scumbag 7 ways from Sunday" the Head of the Council continued, turning back around for a second to say that.
"Heh, Sunday? He'll be squawking for the next 3 weeks when we're done with him" said Anthony, confidently.
Sona gave the Italian a small smile. "...I have no doubt about that" she answered, exiting the room.
Once the ORC and the Ultimate Queen were alone, she spoke to Rias. "Also... Great Devil Lucifer will be watching, I thought you might want to know" she said. This made Rias' eyes widen slightly, not expecting a member of her family to come and watch... ya know, political BS came before their daughters feelings.
"Well, BENE! Now Daddy-O can watch as his badass daughter wipes the floor with King Douchebag himself" said Anthony, but everyone (excluding Asia) gave him a 'the hell are you taking about' look. Anthony also felt Ddraig face-claw himself. "What? Lucifer is king of all Devils, right? He bumped the headboard an X amount of times and POP! Rias Gremory" said Anthony.
"... your thinking of the first Devil King. Sirzechs is the current Devil King... and Miss Gremory's brother" said Grayfia.
That came as a surprise to Anthony and Asia. "Sirzechs lead us through a dark time after the Great War, when the Original Lucifer was killed" said Kiba. This piece of information chilled Anthony and Asia; who were taught in church that Lucifer, in this case the original one, abandoned God for his own power... of course that meant he became a Fallen Angel yet the 2 friends had learned this was a common human mistake... UGH! This stuff was still so confusing!
"Well... that explains why Rias is the next heir to the throne" said Asia.
Anthony just looked at Rias with understanding. While his farther was alive, many treated him like a special kid (there were still a few bad apples, of course); the same was now applying to Rias. The ORC then stepped into the magic circle, and once the light flashed before Anthony's eyes...
...
...
...
"... uh? Did we even go dovunque?" He asked, seeing as they didn't teleport out of the room. That changed when he heard Grayfia's stoic voice from the intercom, saying this was a perfect replica of Kuoh Academy. "How?" Asked Anthony.
"Look outside" said Rias. Anthony did just that and right in the sky, was some kind of aurora.
"... again... how?" said Anthony, still trying to grasp what he was seeing.
"It's a dimensional space made just for the game. Since it's not real, we can really do some damage... if we wanted too, we could watch it burn" said Akeno, blushing at her own thoughts of destruction.
"Uh... yeah. I'll stick to dancing as I learn" sweatdropped Anthony.
Rias' Team started at the ORC clubhouse, while Riser's was located in the principals office. Before Rias gave out her attack plans, she had Koneko hand out a small glowing orb to everyone. "Eh? What's this thing do?" Anthony had asked, eyeing the ball of light between his fingers... then it flew into his ear and he panicked. "GAH! FARLO USCIRE, FARLO USCIRE, FARLO USCIRE, FARLO USCIRE!" He yelped, digging into his ear with his finger, trying in vain to get the foreign object out.
Akeno and Asia giggled, Kiba chuckled, Koneko was blank. "Anthony! Are you ok?" Asia asked, getting over her laugh and going over to Anthony to try and help... though she had no idea what to do.
[You do realize that was SUPPOSED to go in your ear, right?] Said Ddraig... why did God chose this kid for him... why?
"I don't care if it's supposed to go up my ass! Farlo... uscire!" Anthony answered.
[Will you calm down before you give yourself an ear infection? Think of it as an earpiece that a super-spy uses, that's all it is, just more convenient] said Ddraig, while Anthony was banging the side of his head with his palm like a kid trying to get water out of his ears. He stopped upon hearing Ddraig's explanation.
"Oh... that's some cool Jame's Bond type shit" said the Italian, now standing upright. He also noticed Rias was just watching him with a smile on her face... she clearly enjoyed the show. She then went over to her desk and pulled out a map of the school.
"Riser's base is just across the way. We could cut through the school grounds, but its a risky move" said Rias.
"Maybe we could sneak around? Use the back entrance? Asked Kiba.
"Good play, but too obvious. He'll see that coming a mile away" said Rias, going over the map for a possible move. She had to come up with something soon, for the longer she waits, the longer Riser gets to take control of the field. Anthony eyed the map carefully as Rias remained silent.
After a moment of silence, she was about to make her statement when, [Why not the gymnasium?] Asked Ddraig, catching everyone except Anthony off guard.
"Exactly... here" said Anthony, tapping the gym's picture. "Sure its piccolo, but its the center of the field. Equal distance between our bases... and best of all, it'll draw his attention" Anthony said.
Rias was surprised but then again, she really shouldn't be at this point. Anthony was good at spotting things that can be exploited... she knew that from personal experience. She nodded at Anthony and Ddraig's suggestion. "Alright... Koneko, Kiba; lay same traps. Once that's done, Koneko will go and secure the gym. Akeno, your illusion magic will be handy for the traps as well as diversions, so be prepared. Asia, you'll need to say at home base here with me, your healing powers will be better suited here than out on the field... Let's move, people!" Ordered Rias, and the directed parties left the room quickly to carry out the commands.
"Hey! You didn't forget your favorite Pawn, did ya?" Asked Anthony, jokingly.
"Oh no, Anthony. You have the most important job of all..." said Rias, smiling at him and sitting on the sofa. "Here" she said, patting the cushion next to her. Anthony didn't know what she was up to, but he had to keep a leveled head... the one on his shoulders too.
"Oooooookaaaaaaaaaaaay..." said Anthony, sitting next to the crimson-haired girl.
"I didn't say, sit" said Rias.
"Then what else could you possibly...?" Asked Anthony, looking at Rias... and saw her patting her thighs.
...
...
...
"... no way. Not a good idea."
[Don't be rude! The lady wants your head, be a gentleman and let her have it!] Ddraig yelled at Anthony in his head.
'Chi ti ha chiesto?!' Anthony thought back.
"Aw, come on. Can't my favorite Pawn relax with me for just a minute?" Asked Rias, feigning disappointment.
"Not there, he's not" said Anthony.
"So you, don't want to lay down on my lap?" Rias asked with a smile.
"NO!... I mean... not that you don't look comfortable, I... wait, that came out wro..." Anthony said, trying to explain himself.
"Just lie down!" Rias grabbed Anthony's head and forced him to rest his noggin on her soft lap. Not even his pillows, that were made from the softest material, could compare to this. It's such an overused analogy, but it was like a cloud flying along the breeze. Anthony couldn't see Asia from this angle, but was pretty sure she wasn't exactly feeling the same vibes as he was. He tried getting up, but Rias pushed his head back down... he loved/hated her so much right now.
"So, uuuuuuh... what's this for again?" Asked Anthony.
[Who cares? This is amazing!] Cried Ddraig.
"Oh, I'm feeling kind of nervous... so I figured having a strong, handsome dragon nearby who also happens to be the BEST Pawn in the world would ease the stress" said Rias, wearing her BS-ing smile.
"Yeah, THAT'S why" Anthony sarcastically remarked, not daring to look up at her. The angle of his vision was enough to get his mind moving in... other directions. And it didn't help that he dragon had already fell for it.
[Your wish is our command, Miss Gremory] said Ddraig, a little too energetically.
"Well, if you both like it that much, all you have to do is ask" said Rias.
"Don't tease him, prez; please" begged Anthony.
"We're ready" came the voice of Akeno, freaking Anthony out at first but realizing it was probably the magic ball in his ear. Rias responded to swiftly... by getting up so fast, Anthony landed right on his nose.
"Ow... one order of Twilight, please?" He mumbled while holding his nose. While she looked annoyed, Asia eventually did what Anthony asked.
-TIME BREAK-
Koneko and Anthony snuck into the gym, being as quiet as possible. "Can't believe I'm stuck with the perv..." said Koneko, as she and Anthony snuck in through the side.
"It could be worse... we could be stuck in a room with a white tiger" commented Anthony.
[Technically, you are right now] said Ddraig, making Koneko twitch slightly.
"What? Di cosa stai parlando?" Asked Anthony, not understanding what Ddraig was talking about.
[Ugh, never mind... idiot] groaned Ddraig.
"Hey! How am I an idiot?... hello?... Hello! I know you can hear me!" Anthony said, tapping the back of his hand to try and contact Ddraig. Koneko relaxed upon hearing this, if anyone found out her secret...
"I smell with my little nose... 2 Gremory's" said a female voice. Knowing that stealth was no longer an option, the Pawn and Rook walked out.
"That... was just horrible. You need to work on your nursery rhymes... I know this creepy old dude in the woods that can help" said Anthony.
"Well, look at this... Rias Gremory sent us a Pawn and a Rook" said a girl, dressed in a cheongsam and completely ignored Anthony, the girl who spoke before. She was accompanied by 3 more girls, 2 of them were obviously twins. The second girl wore a white haori with a red obi, also carrying a wooden staff; and the 2 twins wore Kuoh Academy's gym uniform.
"I'm Mira, a Pawn of Phenex" said the girl with the staff.
"I'm Xulean, a loyal Rook" said the cheongsam girl.
"We're Ile and Nel..." said one of the twins. "And we're also Pawns!" Said the second twin.
"The Rook... her aura suggests she's on par with a Queen" said Koneko.
"Seriously? How's that fair?" Anthony asked... then got a better look at his opponents. "Second of all, is this a Rating Game, or a maledetto Anime/Gaming Convention? We got Chun-Li from Street Fighter, Leo and Luna from 5D's, and Mira... the hell you dye your hair for? Orange suits you better, plus its sexier" he said without any hesitation, pointing to each individual(s) of his roast. The girls did look surprised by this, they clearly didn't expect it.
"Jeez, I knew we were out-birded, but not out-weebed... let's just do this thing, I got a wedding to cancel. It's boosting time!" Anthony continued, holding his hand and summoning the Boosted Gear.
[BOOST!]
"Those Pawns are yours... I'll try my luck with the Rook" said Koneko, pulling back her gloves a bit.
"Aw! I wanted to smash the Rook" joked Anthony.
"Oh, please. I wouldn't smash you, even if you were the last Pawn on earth" said Xulean.
"Good thing we aren't there anymore. Why don't we get a dorm room? Show you how a REAL stallion rolls in the hay?" Said Anthony.
[BOOST!]
"Tempting... but I'll have to decline. I REALLY don't like horses... especially human ones" said Xulean, shooting back at Anthony.
"I'll tell ya straight up; humans are softer... gentler... and MORE filling, than a third-person parakeet" said Anthony.
"Quit horsing around. I'll take the Rook" repeated Koneko. Anthony then ruffled her hair, scratching that spot again... it felt good, but Koneko needed to focus.
"Listen Koneko, it's not you, its me... I really think Vivian Wong and I can be a great couple..." he said.
[BOOST!]
Once that happened, Anthony winked at the younger student. She stared at him with confusion for a second, but then realized with he was doing... he was stalling as much as he possibly could before they started fighting, so he could increase his own power. Smiling, she began to play along.
"What about me? Am I not good enough?" She asked, faking anger with a frown and pout, also turning her back on him.
"What? No! NOOOOOO! That's not it at all!" Cried Anthony, melodramatically.
"I thought you liked me."
"I do like you! It's just..."
"It's because she's bigger than me, isn't it?"
"NOOOOOO!... I mean, she does hav... NOOOOOO! I like mine small, I prefer them over a pair of gunboats!"
[BOOST!]
Normally the Phenex Clan would have wiped the floor with any challenger by now... just not a single one has ever done this before a battle, it caught the girls off guard. "What are... they doing?" Asked Mira, with a confused look on her face.
"Arguing apparently... over me" said Xeulean, assuming that's what Koneko and Anthony were doing.
"Wow... and I thought you two were bad, arguing who gets to cuddle with Riser every night" said Mira to the twins.
"We do not!" Said Ile. "Yeah! Ile always complains about it more!" Said Nel, making the second twin snap her head towards her sibling. "Huh? I do not!" Said Ile.
"Yes you do."
"Do not!
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
The twins began bickering like spoiled siblings. Mira facepalmed and groaned.
[BOOST!]
"Yours are perfect the way they are! I SWEAR!" Anthony 'cried', he was on his knees now.
"... really? You mean it?" Asked Koneko are a few seconds of silence and turning back around to face Anthony.
"YES! I do! I'm so sorry! The power of this thing makes me perverted and I wasn't thinking! Can you EVER forgive me-hehe!" Anthony begged, groveling at Koneko's feet and still 'crying'.
"... tell you what, take out all 3 Pawns yourself, and I'll consider it" she said.
"Well, I am feeling a little excited after all that foreplay... alright, let's soffocare alcuni polli" said Anthony, punching his open fist.
[I prefer mine extra crispy] said Ddraig.
"Ok; I'll start the marinate, Ko will beat the meat, and we'll deep fry them in my special blend of herbs and spices" said Anthony, boosting one last time with a confident look on his face. This was it. It was far from his first battle, but it WAS his first Rating Game... and he was gonna win! He and Koneko ran forward, ready to make their club president proud!
A little short and nothing exciting happened, but the awaited fight with Riser's peerage will begin next chapter. How will it go? All I can say is it'll be one hot battle, but it'll also show a vulnerability in Anthony. This flaw that will show itself has never been done in any High School fanfic I've ever read (and I've read ALLOT of them, both here and on wattpad), so you can bet your meatballs it'll be a fresh flavor to the community. What is this weakness you ask?... You'll have to tune in and see for yourself. Thanks for reading, and I'll see ya next time!
Anthony's Italian Dictionary:
1) Non Ascoltando: means "not listening"
2) è il mio turno: means "it's my turn"
3) Ci Aiuterà: means "gonna help us"
4) Piccata: a type of noodle
5) Milanese: a type of breading used on meat
6) Bene: can mean "good", "great", "ok", etc.
7) Dovunque: means "anywhere"
8) Farlo Uscire: means "get it out"
9) Piccolo: means "small"
10) Chi Ti Ha Chiesto: means "who asked you"
11) Di Cosa Stai Parlando: means "what are you talking about?"
12) Maledetto: means "goddamned"
13) Soffocare Alcuni Polli: means "choke some chickens"