1A) Jesus: Aw, thank you... no, seriously. I thank you for the criticism. Sure not much has changed, but have you ever seen an Italian Dragon Emperor before? Or a fic that teaches you how to swear in another language? Besides, I haven't even brought out my best ideas yet. The story has just begun... plus, if you actually READ the story; you would have noticed some of the canon characters backstories and personalities have been changed, as well as interactions between them (not gonna waste my time defending myself by including examples, READ the story).
1B) Jesus: Oh, and by the way... next time, speak your own language and don't try to be cool or slick by writing in Spanish using Google Translate, thinking I can't read it. How do I know, you ask? Cause we Italians also use some Spanish words (mostly numbers) in our language... that; and you misspelled "fanfiction" in it. Try again pal, but if you fail; next time I'll have to bring Anthony in to roast you... and he's a helluva lot better at it than me.
2) Rmarcano321: Speed it up? As in upload/posting time? If that's what your asking, I'll try. But I'm also a YouTuber, so I have to balance out my time on both sites accordingly. Anyway; as you saw last chapter, Anthony cannot promote into a Queen, which will cause problems for him when he faces a stronger foe. Why can't he, you ask? Can't tell you that, you'll have to do what a certain someone didn't do *points up* and READ to find out. I don't wanna spoil anything for the next possible installment, so I can't say much else. I will say that when Anthony goes Juggernaut... drop the Dictionary and run.
3) 54godamora: The entire fight is here, no breaks or additional parts; so I'm SURE its up to your standards to be a good chapter ;)
The final battle with Riser is here, folks! We've come a long way with Anthony, haven't we? Before we start; I wanna take this time to thank each and every one of you for all your support. Be it by trolls, flames, PMs', follows, favorites, reviews and/or ideas. Thank you to all my loyal fans, both old and new; I never could have gotten this far without you. I honestly didn't think 44 people would become fans of this... my expectation was 16, maaaaaaybe 20 people at best. So once again, thank you so much for embracing this original spin on the DxD universe.
As Hellhammer suggested, you can play "Psycho Holiday" by Pantera or "Corporal Jigsore Quandary" by Carcass during the Riser battle, or just the original music the anime episode used. Now let's now join Anthony for one last battle! And with over 12,800 words... this is longest chapter of any fanfiction I've ever written, so you know it'll be a good one! Let's all pull out our Gears, and lend him our strength! All together... [TRANSFER!]
Chapter 16: Crashing the Party - The Fight for Freedom!
BANG!
That was the 6th punch Anthony gave his wall... his left hand hurt, but he really didn't give a shit about that right now. Just yesterday, he let Rias down... he wasn't strong enough... and it cost the Gremorys' the game. Akeno, Kiba and Koneko went to the Underworld to attend their Masters engagement party (as it was already scheduled BEFORE the Rating Game); while Anthony was left behind with Asia so she could heal him. However, she saw how angry his eyes were as she worked her magic, so she decided to leave him to himself once she was done. Sure, she was jealo... *ahem* insecure; about Rias living with them, but she knew how Anthony could be when he was mad if some one he cared about was hurt in any way... she had firsthand experience with that.
[I don't think punching your home until it falls over is gonna solve anything] Ddraig said, but Anthony either didn't hear or just ignored his dragon.
"I failed her... I promised her... and I let her down. Now she's gonna start a life... that her own families forcing her into, just to deepen their pockets... IT'S NOT RIGHT!" Said Anthony.
BANG!
7 times... now his hand went into the bathroom on the other side. Maybe he should have became a Knight so he could slap Riser across the face until his head popped off, or maybe a Rook so Anthony had more endurance... then whack his head off! Or maybe... he never could have won in the first place... he couldn't even promote to a damn Queen, so maybe Ravel was right... he never stood a chance at all. As he was thinking this, he heard the sound and saw the glow of a magic circle.
Grayfia... the Ultimate Queen appeared. "Oh, its you. What'cha want? To rub it in my face? Tell me I was a fool for even trying?" Snapped Anthony.
Much to his surprise, she smiled at him. "You did good out there... I mean it. Not many have stood up to Riser nearly as long as you did, especially first time competitors" she said, warmly. It caught Anthony off guard slightly, why was this stoic woman now being nice to him? "I've come across many men over the years until I found my husband, and like him, your an interesting boy. Your a gentle soul that cares deeply about others; and once you set your mind on something, there's no changing it... hehe, Rias is the same way. I see why she likes you" the woman complimented. Anthony just looked at her with a cocked eyebrow. At first, she appeared to be refined and mature... but now, she almost seemed a little girly.
"Why are you here? To make conversation?" Asked Anthony.
"Actually, I was ordered to deliver this" said Grayfia, pulling out a piece of paper with the Gremory symbol on it. Anthony recognized it as one of the flyers he used to hand out, having the Gremory symbol on it.
"Sirzechs asked me to... invite you. You didn't hear this from me, but... this is your last chance" she said with a smile, and teleported away. Anthony knew what this meant.
"Anthony? Who were you talking too? Ddraig?" Asked Asia, coming into Anthony's room to check on him. She saw confidence and determination in his eyes... what was he thinking?
Anthony: Asia... I need a favor...
-TIME BREAK-
In the Underworld at the Gremory castle...
"This is just an engagement party, so why the hell am I being forced to wear this wedding dress?" Rias asked her reflection, though there were a few bridesmaids with her.
"Because Riser wanted it... you look absolutely stunning, my dear" said the arrogant voice of Riser, after appearing in a swirl of flames.
"Lord Riser, it's bad luck for the groom to see his..." one of the maids said, but Riser held a hand to silence her.
"That's only human superstition. Besides, Riser only wants a quick word with his bride, then he'll be on his way" said Riser, walking up to Rias.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not your bride" said Rias.
Riser touched Rias' shoulder with one hand, and her chin with another. "Not yet... but you will. Riser wants to make a good impression on our guests, to let the entire Underworld know that our houses will be joining forces" he said. Ugh... Rias had never felt so disgusting. His touch wasn't as warming or as welcoming as Anthony's... she hoped he was ok...
Fottiti" Rias said right into Riser's eyes with venom, mixed with Anthony's personality. Riser however, didn't look even the tiniest bit insulted. He just smiled and lightly slapped her cheek twice.
"Don't worry, my love. You'll have a even more stunning dress on our wedding day, a dress full of Phoenix feathers! It's only appropriate for Riser's bride-to-be!" Riser said, turning and walking away, then disappearing in a vortex of flames.
"Humph, feathers? I'd rather wear a dress of thorns" Rias scoffed. She could only imagine what Anthony would say right about now, as she was sure he could come up with something 10x better...
"Heh? Feathers? PLEASE! She'd rather wear poison ivy than be caught dead wearing your tacky-ass hand-me-down ya got from mommy last Christmas" Anthony's imaginary voice echoed in Rias' head, sounding allot like something he WOULD say. She giggled once because of it, cheering her up a little... but then went right back to being sad. She never got to thank him... for letting her be herself... just a normal girl, who only wanted to be known FOR herself. She mumbled his name once.
"Lady Rias... its time" said one of the maids, letting her know the party was about to begin.
-TIME BREAK-
"Well, I knew my brother would win from the beginning. He had to hold back till the end so it wasn't one-sided... gotta play fair and keep the game interesting, ya know? Heheheh" giggled Ravel, talking to a few guests. Some of them gave her WTF glances, as most of them had seen the game themselves and saw Riser's team struggle... but then again, what do they know, right?
Nearby; Kiba, Koneko, Akeno and Sona stood together; drinking sodas from wine glasses. Ya know, since their still underage... even though they live almost forever.
"She's delightful, isn't she?" Asked Kiba.
"Tweety can suck it" said Koneko, taking an insult from Anthony's book along with a sip of her drink.
"Yes, she's got quite the mouth... personally, I wouldn't complain if the end result was different" said Sona.
"Thanks for the support, I'm sure Anthony and Ddraig would appreciate it" said Akeno.
"Speaking of which, is he alright? He took quite a few harsh blows; and boosted so much, that it's a miracle he stayed conscious for as long as he did" Asked Sona.
"I'm sure Asia's healing both of them as we speak. Besides, we'll get them next time" said Kiba.
As he said that, Riser appeared with Rias. He dressed in a handsome white tux that matched Rias' gown... speaking of whom, her eyes were closed in contempt. "Speak of the devil" said Koneko, taking another sip.
Riser then began to speak. "Greetings, citizens of the Underworld! On behalf of the House of Phenex, Riser would like to welcome you all to the festivities. This is an historic moment for all Devils, and Riser would to be the first to thank all of you for joining us as 2 noble dynasties..."
?: AW; BLAH, BLAH, BLAAAAAAAAH!
BOOOOOOOOOM!
The front doors exploded off their hinges, shocking everyone in attendance. A dust cloud blocked the view of the front doors. "What? WHO DARES?!" Yelled Riser. His question wasn't responded too right away, but when it was...
"... Ya know, this a REAL ingiuriare!" Said a voice, making Rias' eyes widen. That voice! It couldn't be! Was that...?
"FIRST! My GPS takes me halfway across this damn city. THEN! When I finally asked for directions, some E-Girl tried picking me up around the corner. AND NOW! I finally arrive to be Best Man, only to find..." said the voice, whose walking form was now being revealed due to the smoke dissipating. The form held out a piece of paper in its left arm... its metal left arm. "I'm not even on the Guest List!" The form was revealed to be a boy, pointing to the paper then throwing it aside as it fluttered in the wind. "No VIP? No Backstage Pass? No nothing?... Honestly, Riser; Anthony thought we were SUCH good friends!"
"Anthony?!" Asked Rias. He was here? But how? He had no way of knowing the party was today, so how did he get here? That didn't mean she wasn't happy to see him 'pop in', but it shocked her all the same.
"YOU! Can't you leave well enough alone?" Asked Riser, holding his temper. It was bad enough this human survived against him, but now he's HERE of all places... at HIS party? All he wants to do is force a girl to marry him, was THAT so wrong?
"Sounds like your speaking from experience" Anthony shot back, arms now folded.
"Who do you think you are, mortal? This is an engagement between 2 great powers, you have no business being here!" Shouted Riser, having enough of this American.
Anthony frowned at this, and his eyes narrowed. "That's where your wrong, birdbrain. When someone uses me as a bargaining chip, and forces my friend into something she doesn't want... I MAKE it my business! I'm Anthony Messuri! The human Pawn of Rias Gremory! And I'm here to fight for her freedom!" The Italian-American shouted back with all the gusto he could muster, unfolding his arms and showing off his Gear. Riser just growled, his patience wearing thin. Rias blushed at Anthony's words.
And Ravel...
"Seriously. Did my brother burn his common sense, or is he just plain mental?"
"Nope. Just stupid" Anthony grinned, pointing to her by making a gun with his fingers. "Riser has no time for your nonsense! Rias lost the game, we had an agreement! Now LEAVE!" Said Riser.
"Technically, it was a forfeit. You must've felt like a REAL man then, didn't ya? Instead of accepting the fact Rias wouldn't give up, you threw a temper tantrum and attacked the little guy," Anthony said, talking to Riser at first, then the crowd of Devils. "Honestly folks; you want THIS guy to lead you, let alone marry Rias? Just imagine if they had a little uhhhhhhh... family dispute? What would that mean for poor Rias?... Hell, what about your political system? Will he be a grown up, or just roll around and cry because he didn't get his way?"
Despite being human, the other Devils did see reason in Anthony's statement, and it showed in they're expressions. They did see Risers behavior, so what WOULD happen if Riser had a... minor disagreement, with someone? How would that work in the long run? Riser saw what Anthony was doing. He was planting seeds of doubt in the others' heads, making him look bad! First he made a fool of his power back in the game, now his leadership skills? He can't allow this to go on! Not able to hold back any longer, he launched a fireball at Anthony.
[BOOST!]
Anthony swatted the fireball away with his Sacred Gear, making it hit the roof and cause some rubble to fall, but luckily none fell on top of anyone. This stunned the partygoers and Anthony's friends, he didn't have this power before, so where did he get it?
"Ya see, THIS is what I'm taking about... if only you saw how he treats his Queen... poor girl" said Anthony said to the guests; thumb-pointing to Riser, then shaking his head in a 'tsk tsk' type fashion, making the Phenex realize he had fallen right for the humans trap!
"GRRRRRRRR! GUARDS! SEIZE HIM!" Riser roared, pointing to the boy who dared mock him. Castle guards suddenly swarmed Anthony, armed with spears. However, Anthony wasn't intimated.
"Unless you want those spears jabbed up your culos', I'd back off" he said, bringing up his Gear as it glowed. [Or be drowned in crimson purgatory!] Said Ddraig.
"T-The Gear?" Asked one guard, his spear now shaking in his hands. He's never heard of a talking Sacred Gear before. "I-It spoke?" Asked another guard, having the same reaction.
[Indeed! I am the Red Dragon Emperor! The Dragon of Domination! So unless you want to be flame broiled for Anthony's next dish, I highly recommend stepping away from my master... or else] said Ddraig, speaking sternly.
"The Red Dragon?!" Asked one of the party guests, a male.
"He has returned?" Asked another guest, this time a female.
"In the body of a human?" Asked a third guest, also a female. No one ever expected the lengendary dragon to return this way.
"So... what's it gonna be, boys? Spears... or my pet dragon's morning breath?" Taunted Anthony, thrusting out his Sacred Gear as it boosted him again, making each of the guards flinch.
"What are you waiting for? OFF WITH HIS HEAD!" Riser ordered the guards. Although they were visibly sacred, they took battle stances. Anthony did the same, smirking.
"Sounds like our queue, huh?" Asked Akeno.
"Eh, we got nothing else better to do" said Kiba.
"This party was getting boring away" said Koneko. With that, all 3 of them charged and attacked some of the guards for Anthony.
SWIPE!
Kiba: We're here, guys! We got your back all the way!
POW!
Koneko: They can suck it.
Anthony: Kiba... Koneko... thanks, you guys...
KA-ZAP!
"GEEEE!" Shrieked Anthony, flinching and going wide-eyed because of hearing an explosion behind him. Looking back, he saw 4 guards on the ground... jerking with electricity. "Akeno?" He asked, seeing her nearby.
"That was like, super hot of you both. Now go save Rias... or I'll have to punish you" said Akeno, smiling.
"Aye-Aye, priestess... looking forward to it" said Anthony, joining Akeno's tiny flirt. He then started running towards Rias and Riser, intent on bringing her home! Some guards did get in his way, but he dodged or pushed them aside. A few even tried stabbing him, but he evaded perfectly and knocked them down. Nothing was gonna stop Anthony, not this time!
Just as he got in front of the Groom and Bride-to-be, a line of 6 guards stood in his way. In response, he held out his left hand...
[BOOST!]
And it now held a red sphere. "Don't make me do this, I'd just HATE to blast you guys... though Rias liked it" he said. Before either side could make a move... the sound of a new voice stopped everything. It was noble and calm, but held authority that was impossible to ignore.
"That's quite enough, Red Dragon... thank you for coming on such short notice."
Looking in the new voices direction; Anthony witnessed a tall man dressed in a fine robe, having what appeared to be armored plates on his shoulders (8 in total, 4 on each side). He also had red hair... crimson red hair, like Rias'.
"Wait... is that...?" Anthony began, but Rias beat him too it.
"Sirzechs?" She asked, surprised her brother was here. He was the King of all Devils, shouldn't he be busy?
"Wait, YOUR Sirzechs?... *whistle*, looks run in the family it seems" Anthony complimented. To him, Sirzechs looked like a taller, male version of Rias. Sirzechs was smiling the whole time, but internally smiled more at Anthony's comment... he was quite the charmer...
"Thank you for coming? Sirzechs, what is the meaning of this?" Riser repeated, annoyed.
"Nothing of consequence, Riser. Just a little... entertainment" said Sirzechs.
"Oooooh, I like him already" commented Anthony.
"Entertainment? What kind of entertainment?" Asked Riser, wanting to know what was going on, as he was not informed of this.
"Well, 2 great powers don't clash everyday... I actually watched your game yesterday and quite honestly, was underwhelmed. My dear sister lacks your gaming experience and larger force but despite that, she nearly had you beat" said Sirzechs.
"It's the final result that counts" snapped Riser, not wanting to be reminded of THAT game again... he just wanted to put it aside, and move on with his life.
"Perhaps... but I wonder if your family would feel the same way?" Sirzechs questioned, making Riser glare at him. "In fact, you couldn't even defeat a mere human... and he was able to wipe out half your force on his own... including your infamous Bomb Queen in a single strike. And besides, you only won due to a resignation. I can't imagine how disappointed your family will be... especially once the public starts talking about your final result" said Sirzechs, basically shoving Risers logic and ego down his throat.
"Oof.. I think I'm in love..." Anthony swooned, playfully. He loved this guy right now... FINALLY, some respect! And the King's sarcasm matched his own! Now THIS was a match made in hell... why didn't Rias introduce him to her big bro sooner?
"Its such an embarrassment, isn't it? But I'm a believer of second chances, I think you could redeem yourself... that, and we don't get a celebration like this everyday. This party could use a little more... flare. So, Mister Anthony? Thank you again for accepting that last minute invitation... it's unprofessional, my most humble apologies" said Sirzechs.
"Heh, I know the feeling, guy. I worked at Wal-Mart" said Anthony.
"I see... you want Riser and Anthony to pick up where we left off" Riser deduced, no longer annoyed. Riser could embarrass Anthony so much, that he'll never show that smug Italian face again! What better way to reduce stress... than beat the ever-living scales off a dragon?
"Exactly. The Immortal Bird Vs The Dragon of Domination... I'm sure our guests would enjoy seeing an all-out battle, no rules or restrictions" said Sirzechs.
"An excellent idea, my lord. Riser will be honored to entertain you" Riser smirked, imagining himself burning Anthony to a crisp.
"Finally... something Anthony and Riser both agree on" Anthony said, punching his open Sacred Geared palm. Rias didn't like this at all, she flashed back to when Anthony was beat up... except it now showed Riser holding Anthony by his shirt and burning him alive since she wasn't there to stop it. She can't allow this to happen!
"No! Wait...!" Rias tried to intervene.
"Relax, Rias... Mister Messuri is a big boy, he can make his own decisions" Riser cut her off.
"He's right... Big Bird needs to leave the nido sometime" said Anthony.
"Also... to raise the stakes, the victor shall receive a reward of anything his heart desires... compensation for your time, of course" said Sirzechs.
"Riser needs nothing... he's got everything he needs" said Riser smugly, glancing and smirking at Rias. Anthony had to stop himself from rushing at Riser, the bird was SO asking for a plucking!
"And what of you, Red Dragon?" Asked Sirzechs, which caused outrage from some of the guests.
"For him?"
"You can't be serious!"
"A reward for a human?"
"Screw that, he's not even a Low-Class Devil!"
"Your King. Has spoken" said Sirzechs, a little sternly. "Devil or not, he'll his prize... I'm the one who requested his appearance, after all. So what is it you desire? Eternal wealth?... A more fitting title?... A woman of great beauty? Simply ask... and you shall receive" continued the Devil King. Anthony folded his arms, closed his eyes... and started chuckling.
"Money... power... or beauty... Sorry, Zechy; but I'll have to decline your offer" Anthony said, shocking everyone. A human? Not wanting anything in return? "Because why would I want any ONE of those things... *opens eyes slowly* when I already had the full package?" Anthony continued. Rias blushed and her eyes widened, was he referring too...?
"And its name... IS RIAS GREMORY!" Anthony stated, pointing to Rias herself with a Geared finger.
His Gear then glowed. [And as compensation for waking ME up, I have a request as well, Devil] said Ddraig.
"Well, you are part of Mister Messuri. I see no issue" said Sirzechs, kindly and not appearing at all shocked by Ddraig's powerful voice.
[Should we be victorious, Miss Gremory... will NEVER, be dragged into political matters surrounding you Devils, ever again. Unless she decrees otherwise, she is to make her own choice... and hers alone] Ddraig said, placing his terms.
"Unless of course... your afraid of a mere human and his salamander?" Anthony said with cockiness.
"Riser?" Asked Sirzechs, eyeing the other participant.
"No objections... Riser will make this quick" said the Phenex.
"Ooh, I hope not... Rias hates quickies, bro. Ya gotta last long with her" Anthony 'advised'. Akeno's soft giggle was heard, but Riser just ignored him... though was tempted to burn Anthony's face off. At least he won't have to deal with this foul-mouthed human much longer...
Rias had no words, she just stared at Anthony. He and Ddraig... they came all this way... went through all this trouble... all for her...
-TIME BREAK-
The one-on-one battle was set up in an arena in another dimension, with giant chess pieces surrounding the battle field. "Let the battle begin" Sirzechs said, his face was projected in the sky. Anthony took a battle stance. This was it, his second chance... he couldn't screw up this time... he won't. Not after the sacrifice he made...
"Finally. I always wanted to try Roast Duck" said Anthony.
"You messed with the wrong Phenex, Messuri! My brother's gonna burn you to cinders!" Shouted Ravel.
"Well boy, this is it. Let's finish this once and for all! FIGHT ME!" Said Riser, taking flight with his fiery wings.
"You asked for it! You ready, Ddraig?" Said Anthony. [YES!] Said the Dragon, his gem glowing. "Alright, let's rank up!" Anthony said, running towards a flying Riser.
Rias watched on. 'Anthony... Ddraig... be careful.'
As Anthony ran, the Promotion Ability surrounded him. 'Promotion - Queen!'
...
...
...
It didn't work. 'Still?! Ma stai scherzando?!' Anthony thought to himself. There were a few comments the partygoers gave at this:
Guest #12 (Male): What the hell was that?
Guest #22 (Female): But he's a Pawn, right?
Guest #14 (Female): What kind of Pawn can't promote?
Guest #36 (Male): Probably cause he's a weak human.
Guest #25 (Female): And he defeated the Bomb Queen on his own?
Guest #43 (Male): This kids a joke!
Koneko, Kiba and Akeno were also surprised. Anthony couldn't promote? Why? It made no sense. He did before against Freed...
"What's wrong, boy? Losing your nerve?" Said Riser, throwing a ball of fire. Anthony had to dodge, but Riser's aim was almost perfect! If he was a second slower, he'd be fried right in his shoes! He didn't understand, why can't he promote into a Queen? He thought it was an exhaustion thing during the Rating Game, but he was at full strength now...
Aw, screw it! No time to dwell on it... Ok, Bishop didn't work last time, so... Promotion - Rook!' Anthony thought. Once again, his Promotion Ability worked this time. He still didn't understand though, if he's able to promote into the other 3 pieces, then why not a Queen? As said before, he'll worry about that later. Right now, he had a bird to flip... and a friend to save!
"Promote as many times as you want, its no use! A human like you can never beat Riser!" Riser said, launching another fireball. Anthony was able to resist the attack and knock it away, just like earlier... but Riser was definitely strong. He had no choice but to pull out his trump card, and end this quickly. The Phenex was about to to taunt Anthony again, but Riser felt a wave of power from... Anthony?! What was this? Where was this power coming from? He didn't have THIS during the game.
Likewise, the crowd watching also felt the surge... which included Rias. 'W-What is this... this power... is it, from Anthony?' She asked herself. Back on the field, Anthony's gauntlet was glowing... the brightest thus far!
"Your right, Riser; I AM human. I'm not a Devil like Rias... I don't have the speed of Kiba... nor the power of Akeno... the strength of Koneko... or even the magic of Asia... I'm not like them and I don't have their talents, but if its one thing I DO have... ITS HONOR!" Said Anthony, energy starting to surround him again. "I made a promise to someone special, that I INTEND to keep! And NO ONE is gonna stop me from keeping my word! Not a fire... not a Fallen Angel... and most certainly, NOT YOU!" Anthony roared, raising his Sacred Gear to the heavens, where it glowed as bright as a 1000 suns! "LET'S FRY THIS POMPOUS PARROT, DDRAIG! TIME FOR... OVER BOOSTER!"
[WELSH DRAGON - OVER BOOSTER!] Ddraig announced. No one was prepared for what happened next...
As the Sacred Gear glowed with light, patches of red armor started appearing around Anthony's body, covering him head-to-toe. Green gems, like the one on his arm, started appearing his knees and chest, as well as his other arm. His feet also gained talon-like toes, the same happening to his hands. A tiny pair of thrusters appeared on the back of his shoulders, resembling small wings. A long tail-like appendage extended from the back of Anthony's neck.
"THIS is the Dragon Emperors TRUE power!" Anthony said, as a thick helmet with horns on the side and large green eyes covered his head, completing the transformation. "The Boosted Gears, Scale Mail Armor! Better known... as BALANCE BREAKER!" Anthony finished, now in a full suit of badass dragon-like armor.
"B-Balance Breaker?" Asked a surprised Rias. She didn't understand! Based on what she's heard, Balance Breaker can only be activated when the Gear fully evolves... but how did Anthony achieve this power, only a day AFTER unlocking another?! The overwhelming stress of something like that could kill a Devil, let alone a human.
"He didn't have that during the Rating Game" said Kiba.
"Where did that come from?" Asked Akeno. While Koneko and Sona were silent, they too were stunned and was trying to grasp what they saw.
Riser growled at the sight. Ugh... this boy and his parlor tricks! But how did he obtain such a power so quickly?
Thrusters bursting, Anthony took flight at Riser. "Rias'll never belong to you while I'm still breathing, stronza!" Shouted Anthony, shooting overclocked Dragon Shots with both hands. What surprised Riser, was how quickly the armor was saying 'Boost', meaning this attack was gonna hurt if he didn't get out of the way! He barely managed to avoid the strike... the shots crashed to earth, destroying one of the chess piece statues in a huge explosion.
Riser turned around on instinct, as was shocked at how much damage Anthony had just caused. Rooks' don't normally have that much demonic power but then again, he had a Balance Breaker on.
[ONE!]
One? What did that mean? Not worrying about that right now, Riser turned back around to fire a fireball... where did Anthony go? Riser looked around a few times for the human, he was just...
Anthony: PEEK-A-BOO!
POW! CRASH!
Suddenly appearing out of nowhere, Riser was punched in the chest by Anthony, sending the King crashing into another chess statue. "That was for Rias... and farmi arrabbiare" said Anthony.
[TWO!]
Two? Seriously, what kind of announcement was that? More importantly, where did this speed and strength come from? Risers never seen anything like this before. He pulled himself out of the rubble, the wounds healing in flames... and he was angry at Anthony for the sucker punch.
"Grrrr... lucky shot, human! Your still nothing compared to Riser, NOTHING! The flame of the Immortal Bird burns within me! And its hellfire with scorch you TO DUST!" Shouted Riser, enveloping himself in flames, and circled around the now-broken chess piece before homing in on his target.
"Yeah, keep talking; Foghorn Leghorn! I'm gonna make you wish you never heard of Anthony Messuri!" Anthony shouted back, boosting multiple times before meeting Riser head-to-head.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
They're power was equal, so they ended up causing an explosion again, with them caught right in the middle! The cameras watching them brightened so much, that the crowd had to look away to avoid possibly losing their eyesight. Both men ended up crashing on the floor at the same time, grunting upon impact.
[THREE!]
"Ugh... yeah... that hurt" said Anthony, sitting up due to landing on his back.
[Good thing you chose the Rook, otherwise the outcome would be less favorable than a stalemate] said Ddraig.
"Yeah... his hellfire attack is no candle either" Anthony said.
"Ugh... if you... weren't hiding behind that armor PAWN... you'd be nothing... but a pile of ashes!" Said Riser, recovering and throwing another fireball. Anthony just blocked it by crossing his arms, the defensive power of the Rook combined with his dragon armor nullified the attack.
"You think I'm scared of you, Riser? I'll never back down when a friend's on the line... NEVER!" Said Anthony, taking flight again with Riser copying. Riser's fist turned into flames while Anthony's glowed with dragonic energy. They met each other for another square off, punching each others faces.
[FOUR!]
"GACK!" Went Anthony, blood coming out of the hole in his armors mouth. This also caused Anthony to lower his fist away from Riser's face, dragging it down his chest involuntarily.
"Your throu-... ARGH!" Riser was about to taunt, but felt incredible burning pain down his chest, coughing blood of his own. "This pain... how? How did you...?" Said Riser, looking over as both he and Anthony fell from the sky. He saw a twinkle in Anthony's left hand, in the shape of... "A CROSS?!" Riser shouted, not believing it. He was so focused on Anthony, it must've slipped past his Devil senses. Both men once again crashed on the ground.
"NRGH! Where... did you... get that...?" Asked Riser, pain flooding his body. Since it wasn't a physical injury, he couldn't regenerate from it; and Devils don't mix well with holy items.
[FIVE!]
"Oh... nowhere special. Just that our Bishop and I used to attend the same church... And since she has no need for this anymore, I figured she wouldn't mind if I borrowed it for a while" Anthony said, slowly getting up. "Ugh... how's it feel, Riser? Knowing that a weak human like me... can resist something you can't? How a mighty bird falls to his knees over a tiny necklace? No matter how powerful you are... your nothing compared to the power of the Cross in my hand!" Said Anthony.
[SIX!]
Riser growled at Anthony, but then realized something... how did he get a Balance Breaker so quickly? It made no sense! Even a Devil would need months of practice to even come close to being able to Balance Break! And at Anthony's level, it should've destroyed him by now.
"Wait a minute... this is impossible! You shouldn't be able to Balance Break now! Even IF you weren't human, at your level, initiating a Balance Break should tear your body apart!" Said Riser.
[Normally Phenex, this is true. At Anthony's current level, a Balance Break would've normally killed him upon activation... however... dragons' have been known to make pacts with mortals in the ancient past...] Ddraig spoke out.
"What does that have do to with anything, dragon? That shouldn't..." Riser was saying, but then gasped and his eyes widened.
There was a reason Anthony was about to knock away his fireball back at the party with an arm... Riser put the pieces together, and it became clear HOW Anthony had accomplished all this in a single day... "Wait a minute... that arm... that's not your arm anymore, isn't it?... YOU OFFERED THAT DRAGON YOUR OWN ARM?!" (AN: I always found it odd how Riser figured out Issei gave Ddraig his arm without a proper explanation... seemed like a rushed plot point to me.)
-FLASHBACK-
"Asia... I need a favor. Get me your cross" Anthony asked.
"Um, ok. Why though?" Asked Asia.
"Just in case I need His help" smiled Anthony.
"Oh, ok. Be right back" Asia nodded, leaving the room. She thought nothing of the request... besides, not like she needs it anymore. Once she closed the door behind her, Anthony sat in silence for a few seconds before bringing up his hand.
"Hey Ddraig... ya still there?" He asked.
...
...
...
The back of Anthony's hand glowed. [Well, I'm not going on a hot date anytime soon. What is it?] Said Ddraig.
"Listen... one of Risers sisters mentioned something about a Balance Breaker..." Anthony started, and Ddraig knew what he was asking of him.
[No. Your not yet ready for that kind of power. You just unlocked Liberation, it'll be sometime before you can Balance Break] said Ddraig, cutting Anthony off and explaining.
"Come on, Ddraig; PLEASE! You boosted my power before, so what's to say you can't give me more?" Asked Anthony.
[Boosting is one thing, but a Balance Breaker?... I-I'm sorry, Anthony; but I won't do it! I refuse to tax your body anymore than its already been!] Said Ddraig, concerned for his partners safety.
"But we have to save Rias from marrying Quack-mire, Ddraig! I need more power!" Said Anthony.
[Its not happening, Anthony. I won't allow you to destroy yourself, and nothing you say can make me change my mind!] Ddraig stayed, speaking sternly to try and end the discussion there.
Anthony didn't want to do this, but Ddraig was leaving him with little choice. "So... your gonna break YOUR promise now?" He said, preying on Ddraig's honor.
[... What?] The dragon asked.
"She told me after I woke up that day you revealed yourself to them. You said, and I quote: 'on my honor as a dragon'... so your gonna dishonor Rias, just because your scared?" Anthony said.
[I... I am NOT scared, of Daffy Phenex! Your body cannot handle the stress of a Balance Breaker yet! ITS SUICIDE!] Yelled Ddraig.
"Then how about BOTH our bodies?!" Asked Anthony. This made Ddraig pause... Anthony wasn't really considering... THAT, was he?
[... Anthony... do you have... any idea... of what your asking of me?] Asked Ddraig.
"I'm willing to make a trade... that's how dragons did it in ancient times when they would agree to guard Kings treasures? Right?" Anthony said, throwing some mythology in Ddraig's face.
[... yes... this is true...] Ddraig confirmed, but didn't like where this conversation was going. If Anthony did this, it would cause many complications. The most dangerous one was that he, would be aware of Ddraig's awakening. Anthony wasn't ready to face him yet... not at his current level.
"The fight isn't over, until one stops breathing... you nella or su, Ddraig?" Anthony said, using Ddraig's own words against him.
[...] Ddraig had no words
"Ddraig!" Anthony repeated. It seemed like forever that Ddraig didn't speak, even though it was only 4 seconds.
[... If you do this... there's no going back. Your failed reincarnation kept you human, but this will...] Ddraig warned him, but Anthony would not hear it.
"DDRAIG!" Anthony yelled, sternly. Once again, Ddraig remained silent, as if thinking of something... ANYTHING, to change Anthony's mind.
[... are you absolutely sure about this? You can just as easily unlock Balance Breaker through proper training and...] Ddraig stopped because he felt Anthony's gaze harden, as the human looked at the glowing orb on the back of his hand.
He was silently telling him: we don't have time... it's now, or never. A full minute passed as Anthony and Ddraig both looked at each other, looking for any hint of doubt in his hosts eyes. When he found none...
[Very well.]
Suddenly, Anthony started feeling a tingling sensation in his arm. Then, it got tighter and tighter! Pain beyond his imagination filled his arm, his Gear slowly activating on its own. Asia came barging in as she heard Anthony's cries.
"Anthony, what's wr...?" She asked, only to get her question answered on the spot. Anthony was clutching his arm, the same one with his Sacred Gear. She immediately went to start using Twilight Healing when...
[DON'T! THE PROCESS MUST NOT BE INTERRUPTED!] Roared Ddraig, stopping Asia in her tracks. What was going on, what process was Ddraig talking about... and what exactly was that dragon doing to her dear Anthony? The pain suddenly stopped, and Anthony stopped crying out in pain.
He certainly felt different... though it could also be the pain in his arm, it felt like a house was dropped on his limb... actually, didn't that happen to someone out west?
[It is done. However, I'll only give you till the count of 10. Anything beyond... your body... OUR body... will NOT survive] warned Ddraig, having fulfilled his end of the bargain.
"Heh? 10? I'm only gonna need 9" said Anthony confidently... despite the still present pain in his arm, and he thought Raynare's light spears were bad.
[I sincerely hope that's the case... for both our sakes] said Ddraig.
"... Anthony... cosa stava succedendo? What was that about?" Asked Asia, feeling she had missed something.
"Did you get it?" Anthony asked, seemingly ignoring Asia's question.
"Huh?... Oh, yes. Here. But seriously, Anthony; what did Ddraig do to you?" Said Asia, pulling out a box.
[Only what he requested. He wanted power early, but it carried a cost] said Ddraig, explaining to the ex-nun the situation.
"O-ok... cost what?" Asia asked, nervously. What price did Anthony just pay? She hoped it was nothing serious, or something important between his legs, or... she mentally slapped herself, where did that thought come from?
[Your touching it] said Ddraig, since Asia was leaning on the Boosted Gear.
"W... What?" The girl blinked, not understanding.
"My arm..." said Anthony, trying to clear the air.
"... I don't... understand... its still there" Asia said, blinking twice. Now she was REALLY confused.
[*Sigh*... Anthony. Take her hand] said Ddraig. Cocking his eyebrow in confusion, Anthony was about to tell Ddraig off for getting annoyed at Asia, but let it slide. He held her hand with his right one, making the girl blush. [WITH OUR HAND!] Rephrased Ddraig. Anthony did just that, resisting the urge to... 'flip Ddraig, the dragon'; if you know what he means.
Asia never felt the Gear like this before. It was a little cold, probably due to the metal... but it was also warming, which she guessed was from Ddraig's power. [And if I'm not mistaken, I'm sensing holy power in this room... the box, to be precise. Take it out and put in our hand... with Miss Asia's] Ddraig said, making Asia gasp. She couldn't hold a Holy Cross anymore, that's why she had put it away in the first place, but now Ddraig wanted to expose her to it? WHY?
"DUDE! ARE YOU INSANE? WE'LL BURN A HOLE THROUGH HER!" Yelled Anthony.
[JUST DO IT!... TRUST ME!] Said Ddraig. Anthony and Asia were a little unsure, what would this even prove?
"Just... do it quickly" said Asia, wanting to be over as soon as possible. Not just because it'll hurt; but because it still kinda breaks her heart that she can never interact with the Lord in any way, shape or... OW! Dumb headache!
Anthony picked up the item with his other hand... now his only human hand, and slowly began to lower it onto the palm of the Boosted Gear, were Asia's was waiting. He looked at her one last and being brave, she nodded. Anthony dropped the Holy Cross and Asia turned away with shut eyes to ready herself from the pain that would follow...
...
...
...
Huh? Nothing happened. What's going on? Did Anthony catch it and back out? Opening one of her eyes and turning her head slowly back around, both her eyes opened and widened at what she saw... the cross was in the center of her hand... and nothing was happening! She slowly began to clutch it... no pain, not a single singe. She gasped and her eyes widened even more... was this real?
[The power of the Red Dragon Emperor courses through its veins, protecting you from the ill effects the Cross has on you. This arm... is no longer his own...] said Ddraig. Asia began to cry... she only dreamed she'd be able to touch the Holy Cross again! But thanks to Ddraig, she finally could. Tears of joy streamed down her face, clutching the holy item as hard as her fingers would allow.
He gave up his own arm... Anthony and Ddraig would beat Riser now; and bring Rias home... Asia just knew it!
-END FLASHBACK-
[SEVEN!]
"SO WHAT IF I DID? That's more than you'll ever do for Rias or her family! Now I'm gonna take you down, WITH this arm; ya polygamous pigeon!" Said Anthony.
Everyone at the party watching this was stunned... a human... gave up one of his limbs... for Rias? Selfless was all they could think of, as like stereotypical humans; even a Devil would try and look for a reason to avoid giving up anything. Kiba, Akeno and Koneko weren't as surprised since they knew Anthony personally; but even they didn't expect him to go THAT far. Sona didn't know Anthony as well as the others, but was just as surprised that he was willing to give up a body part, just to increase his own power and save Rias from a life of misery... it sorta made her a bit jealous. Since she was a High-Class Devil, she didn't have time in her life to help Rias, her best friend and rival.
And Rias... she just stared. He (literally) crashed the party... challenged Riser one-on-one... and now, gave up an arm... for her? Never before had a boy rendered her as speechless as she was now...
[EIGHT!]
"Have you... nrgh, lost your mind? Ugh... you'll never... be the same again! Even a Devil can't recover from that! Nrgh... YOUR WILLING... TO LOSE YOUR OWN HUMANITY?!" Riser yelled, slowly starting to stand up, but he was still weakened from that cross. Seriously, was this guy a fool? Doesn't Anthony realize he'll loose himself to the power of the Boosted Gear by willing giving up his body?
"Lose? Heh. You kidding, right? You really think I care?... I already LOST everything, Riser! My friends... my family... all because of some puttana, who couldn't keep her legs shut!" Said Anthony, his arm glowing with the cross in it. He was powering up, ready to end this fight!
[NINE!]
"Thanks to Rias, I have a NEW family! She's more than just a title, more than a princess... she deserves SO MUCH better, than a life she doesn't want to live! She saved my life, and its time I returned the favor... BY SAVING HER FROM YOU!" Anthony roared, rushing forward with his thrusters burning and his glowing fist pulled back. Hearing that sentence made Rias freeze... she couldn't believe her ears. That's how Anthony felt? She liked him (and liked to tease him) sure, but to hear all that conviction and emotion in his speech...
Riser couldn't move due to the Holy pain still affecting his body, nor did he have enough power for a defensive barrier as Holy damage also makes Devils move sluggishly. Anthony homed in quickly, and Riser couldn't believe it... this mortal was about to knock him out... and embarrass him in front of thousands of Devils on his special day! He could only watch as the mighty dragon closed in, roaring a battle cry.
[TIME'S UP!]
"WA! Whoa, whoa, whoa! AH! OOF!" The Scale Mail disappeared back into the Boosted Gear, along with the thrusters Anthony was using for speed. Because of this, he fell but did try to regain his balance, which inevitably failed as he hopped on one leg due to the momentum... and fell in his stomach with his legs in the air for a second before they fell back down. He was now face-flat at Risers feet.
"... fan-fucking-tastic..." he muttered with his face on the floor. This was just embarrassing.
-ANTHONY'S MIND-
[That was a valiant effort; but unfortunately, you ran out of time] said Ddraig.
"Come on, seriously?! Would an extra second really kill me?" Anthony asked, sarcastically.
[Yes, it actually would have] said Ddraig, matching Anthony's tone.
"What is this, some Ben10 shit? It can't be THAT bad" said Anthony.
[Let me put it this way for you: would you rather have had the armor taken by me... or had the armor devour your life force until you burned inside-out?] Asked Ddraig with the same tone... and for once, Anthony couldn't think of a snappy comeback. [We had a deal... the count of 10... no further. You would have died, and if you die...] Ddraig was saying, but Anthony cut him off.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah; lo so, lo so... I die, you die; I get it! So what do ya need now? An ear? A nostril? A head? I'll give ya one of my eggplants if ya want them, just tell me what you need!" Said Anthony, offering Ddraig more of his body, figuring more dragon body parts = more power.
[That's not the way it works. You could give your entire body, and that STILL wouldn't give you any additional time. With your current physical abilities, I can't modify your body anymore... I'm sorry... but there's just nothing more I can do, without killing you in the process] Ddraig thoroughly explained, so there would be no room for argument.
Anthony cursed with his head down. He was still too weak to do much then. A quick flashback shows that just before he left to rescue Rias, Anthony stopped off in Asia's room and grabbed a bottle of her dresser. "... what about the last boost? Did you do what I asked?" Asked Anthony.
[... yes, and I'm glad you told me ahead of time, or it would've been taken by the armor. I stored the last boost you activated in the gem. Using it now will be over your limit. While it won't be enough to kill you, it'll hurt like a bitch later on... I'm just not sure if it'll be enough to counter Riser's regenerative abilities...] said Ddraig.
"We still have to try. We've can't give up, now... not when we're so close!" Said Anthony.
-REAL WORLD-
"I... won't give up... won't run... I... URK!" Said Anthony, getting lifted up by his shirt by Riser. Rias gasped, and the rest of the present ORC members along with Sona watched with similar reactions... it was happening all over again!
"Aw, well that's too bad... looks like the dragon lost his scales. Riser thinks it's time to end this little game" said Riser. He might have been weakened, but he still had more than enough strength to finish off the human without his armor protecting him! Wait a minute... why was he smiling? "What's so funny, mortal?" Riser asked Anthony.
"Nothing... you just look a little thirsty" said Anthony, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a bottle... the same bottle from Asia's room! Using his thumb to pop the cork, he brought it around quickly and...
SPLASH!
"DRINK UP, BUCO!"
[TRANSFER!]
Using the energy from the last Balance Break boost, Ddraig transferred his dragonic energy into the liquid that splashed out. Riser didn't think anything of it... until it burned the skin on his face. He screamed in a high-pitched voice as he grabbed his face in pain, his phoenix flames trying to heal him... but they weren't working for some reason.
"And don't worry, its sulla casa" Anthony joked, dropping the bottle... it had a cross on it. The Devils watching the fight were shocked, though after putting two-and-two together, it made perfect sense to some.
Guest #87 (Female): Look at Lord Riser!
Guest #124 (Female): What did that human do to him?
Guest #97 (Male): It's the water, it was blessed- *gets sudden headache* OW!
"Big brother!" Ravel called out, confused and concerned. He was a Phenex Devil like her, so why wasn't he regenerating?
"Well, looks like Mister Messuri has found Risers' one weakness" said Sirzechs, making the young Phenex and even Rias turn to him in shock.
"Weakness? What weakness?" Ravel asked, almost demanding. Rias just turned back around, seeing Riser in pain... it clicked right as her brother explained it.
"Riser might be a Phenex... but still a Devil... and Mister Messuri knows it" said Sirzechs.
Ravel now realized what this meant. "But... but that's cheating!" She said, in an attempt to stop the battle for being 'unfair'
"Not according to your brother. Like he said... no objections" said Sirzechs, making it perfectly clear not only did Riser agree to this, but there also was no legal ground she could sue Anthony on. That... and the Devil King had no intention of intervening.
"Should've expected as much... just like in our game, he deliberately put himself in a corner to get Riser to lower his guard" said Sona, impressed at Anthony's tactic but internalized it.
"But... I thought Riser can rise from his ashes" said Kiba.
"Indeed... his BODY can regenerate... but not his mind" said Sona; making the Gremory Knight, Rook, and Queen watch in amazement. Once again, Anthony pulled a 180 and turned the battle in his favor, figuring out that even though a Devils body is immortal... their minds and emotions are as mortal as he was.
"Oh-ho, I'm sorry. I thought you were a Phoenix, not an H20 intolerant seahorse. Thanks to Rias, I was able to learn some new tricks from some special friends. My time at the church with Asia taught me that ALL Devils... even the best ones... are vulnerable to Crosses and Holy Water. Mix them together, and it's a cocktail that even one as powerful as you can't resist!" Said Anthony.
3rd degree burns were all over Risers face; making him a bloody, burnt mess... those might also scar if not treated soon. His body was also shaking, showing fatigue. This was the first time someone had ever drew blood from him, making him feel weak... and it made him angry. Without thinking, he used up all his power on another giant fireball and shot it towards Anthony. Due to combined power of the Holy items, his charging time was slowed exponentially so by the time he fired, Anthony had ripped the floor up, throwing a piece of rubble to intercept the attack. He was able to accomplish this thanks to the power of a Rook.
"Kiba taught me to keep my eyes on my environment, and use the battlefield to my advantage!" Anthony said, thrusting his left arm forward with the Holy Cross between his fingers.
[BOOST!]
A little pain. Anthony was at his limit, but he ignored it. "Akeno taught me how to use my body's natural auras to strengthen my attacks and cast spells! Allowing me use magic and amplify my power!"
[BOOST!]
Some more pain, but Anthony persisted. He wasn't gonna quit, he had to keep going! "And Koneko... taught me to aim for the center of the body... for MAXIMUM damage at the heart of my enemies!"
[BOOST!]
Even more pain, the tightening feeling from the training had returned. Just one more... he just wanted one more. As he was about to deliver the final blow; Rias, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko felt butterflies in their stomachs upon hearing Anthony's words. Indirectly, he was thanking them for all their support, and saying he didn't pull off this victory alone.
Riser couldn't move. He exhausted all his power and was wide open for an attack. He did the only thing he could think of... "No... s-stop... y-you can't do this!... This engagement isn't just important for the Gremorys' and Phenexs'... but the future of ALL Devils, you fool! A human like you can never understand what we went through during the Great War! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT GETTING INVOLVED IN THE MATTERS OF THE IMMORTALS!" Riser yelled.
"AND WERE YOU NOT LISTENING TO A GODDAMNED WORD I SAID? OR DID ALL THAT FIRE BURN YOUR FRONTAL LOBE?! I... DON'T... CARE! NONE OF THAT SHITS IMPORTANT!" Yelled Anthony. "It's Rias... SHE'S what's most important to me right now... not some political plot" said Anthony, lowering his voice to calm down and then sighed. If Rias' eyes weren't wide before, they were now.
"Do you even know how far you pushed her, bro?... How upset and desperate this made her?... She lashed out..." said Anthony, having a flashback when Rias yelled when he first played chess, stating: its not just a game. "She tried to damage herself..." said Anthony, flash-backing again to when Rias jumped on top of him that night. "And she cried... all because of what you and her own family did to her..." said Anthony, flashing back again to when he held her when he denied her that same night, while keeping his temper barely in check.
"Do YOU know what that's like? To be pushed to your limit and not seeing any other option but to give yourself up? Its one thing for you to do it, but her family?... FAMILY... is more important, than some wedding to stretch out your wallets. *Sigh* The fact that both sides forced her to be with you..." Anthony had one final flashback... when Rias resigned the game in tears.
"When she obviously wants NOTHING to do with you! Well, I hope the buffet's still open..." Anthony said, all the rage he felt from letting Rias down before combined with his feelings left his body, now on display for the Phenex King to see. The human rushed forward, pulled back the Sacred Gear...
"CAUSE YOUR NEXT ON THE MENU, ZUKO!"
[BOOOOOOOOOST!]
POW!
Riser: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
With a powerful uppercut, Anthony attacked Riser in his gut, making the man hunch over and cough up blood... both from the psychical pain of the punch, and the spiritual pain from the Cross. "Lascialo Avere, Ddraig!" Said Anthony.
[EXPLOSION!] Ddraig said, unleashing the boosted power with all his might. Riser felt the warmth of the energy, and his body being lifted by the human it originated from. "Resquieta in PACE!" Roared Anthony, using the boosted strength of the Gear along with his own to finish the uppercut.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAH! ARGH!" Riser soared into the remains of the giant chess piece behind them, making a Phenex-sized indentation.
Riser tried getting up, but he had no strength left, so he held himself against the bricks of the statue... no... this couldn't be true! Riser? Lose to a Pawn?... Scratch that, a MORTAL Pawn?! He was fading in and out of consciousnesses, but he did see a smirk on Anthony's face.
"Like you said... any death... is an accident" Anthony said, running forward again to finish the job.
"NO! DON'T HURT HIM!" Cried Ravel, disappearing in a magic circle. She transported herself in front of her brother, thinking Anthony won't go through with it... But that only caused him to smirk wider and close in. Thrusting his Sacred Gear forward...
...
...
...
It stopped in front of Ravel, who closed her eyes waiting on impact. When none came, she opened them... seeing Anthony's fist a meter from her face. "Relax... just a warning, in case he tries this again. Now as cute as you are, Tweety; I'd move aside... or else this big, bad Puddy Tat's gonna split your cage open" said Anthony, not pulling back his fist and had a confident smile on his face. As Ravel looked from the fist, directly into his eyes as he spoke... she now saw what Rias saw...
Ferocity...
Bravery...
Loyalty...
Drive...
Strength...
Heart...
Compassion...
All those things and everything similar radiated from that smile he gave... she couldn't help but blush. Then he suddenly DID pull it back, and looked to the sky. He was facing the camera (though he didn't realize this fact), his gaze piercing all that watched. "And that goes for the rest of you! NO ONE... messes with Rias Gremory, or ANY friend of mine... UNDERSTAND?! God or Demon... Angel or Devil... High-Class or Low-Class, I don't care who or what you are! If ANYONE, makes someone cry on my watch... your gonna have to answer... to the ITALIAN DRAGON EMPEROR!" Said Anthony, showing off his Gear as it glowed in agreement.
Rias' eyes began to glaze... he did it... he actually did it! "Anthony... you did it... son of a bitch... you really did it..." she said, her voice softening with happiness. She felt like she could cry, and it showed in her voice. Sirzechs then got out of his chair.
"This battle is over... go to him" he said, warmly. Without needing further provocation, Rias spread her wings.
Back at the battlefield, the dimension began to fall apart. Ravel took her unconscious brother before they fell back to the Underworld... wait, they were in the air the whole time?! "SHIT! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Screamed Anthony, starting to fall. If he had known THIS, he would've saved his Balance Breaker and just Holy Watered Riser! "AAAAAAAAAAAH... huh?... Oh. Thanks, Koneko" said Anthony, as he stopped falling but keep screaming until he realized he was being held by a flying Koneko.
"Way to bring down the house, Anthony" said Akeno, also flying up.
"Ya totally rocked the party!" Said Kiba, joining them. "Yeah. The Underworlds pretty cool place and all; but can we get down, fetch Rias, and go home?" Asked Anthony. He regretted asking that when Koneko...
"Sure... enjoy your flight." After she let him go, Anthony flapped his arms and while he stayed up for 2 seconds thanks to cartoon physics... he inevitably started falling.
"GAAAAAAAH-HA-HA-HAAAAAAA! YOU BIIIIIIIIIIIITCH!" The poor Italian-American cried out.
SMOOSH!
Phew... good thing he landed in this pillow... wait, what? Looking behind him, Anthony saw Rias' face full of tears... this time, they were of joy. The Devil hugged Anthony as she held them both in the night sky. "Anthony... thank you... you saved my life!" Rias said, embracing and caressing him, crying more happy tears. She was free... she was finally free!
-TIME BREAK-
FLASH!
A Griffon was summoned by Rias from a Gremory flyer she held out. "OH! I get it now! Gremory... Gryffindor... ya got a house sword too?" Anthony joked.
"Very funny, it's my brothers" said Rias.
"And he's so cute! Since you saved the day, Anthony; you should ride with Rias" said Akeno.
"Wait, me? Why?" Asked Anthony.
"It's tradition after a big celebration. We summon our family Griffon to ride the skies... unless, you don't want to?" Said Rias, suddenly looking a little bashful, which was a rare sight for Anthony to see. Everyone noticed Anthony looked nervous.
[Calm down. I'm sure its not like your "ride" back in Grade School] spoke Ddraig, making Anthony flinch. Did his dragon know about...?
"Beg your pardon?" Asked Rias, looking interested. Anthony began to pray, PLEASE don't let Ddraig bring up...
[Oh, he hasn't told you? He once rode a pony when his school brought his class a petting zoo, but he flew off the second it ran... he couldn't put his short legs in the stirrups] chuckled Ddraig. "I WASN'T TOO SHORT! THE STIRRUPS WERE TOO LONG!" Defended Anthony.
[Then a week after that; his mother took him the County Fair, but he wasn't tall enough for any ride.]
"THE MEASURING BARS WERE TOO HIGH!"
[And a month after that; his father took him to an actual zoo, where he got his foot stuck in a Groundhog burrow.]
"THAT WAS VERY! DEEP! HOLE!... SMETTERE DI RIDERE!"
The ORC and Sona laughed at Anthony's expense... even Koneko, who giggled cutely. Now if Anthony had the gall to call her short again, she had some ammo to return fire. "Grrrr... lets just go" Anthony grumbled, getting on the Griffons back and holding his hand out to help Rias up, which she did like the princess she was. Whipping the reins, the Griffon took off into the sparkling, beautiful night sky. As the ORC and Sona waved to them while the Griffon flew away...
Akeno: Don't slip outta the saddle!
Kiba: Or loose your footing!
Koneko: Or fall to your death.
Anthony: (from afar) Screw you guys!
Sirzechs and his wife Grayfia watched as the scene played out. "Ya know, I was going summon that Griffon for them... in case Mister Messuri lost" admitted Sirzechs. Unlike his father, who wanted this marriage to take place, Sirzechs saw how Rias felt.
Even with his position as Devil King, he had no control over what went on in the Gremory family. In fact, he even tried to make his father see reason, but the elder Gremory was very old fashioned... nothing will change that old dogs mind easily. Of course, even when he finds out about this, he'll have no power as Riser and Anthony had already set terms... he couldn't stop a deal from an opposing house, only make one. Here's to hoping the old man drops his ambitions to force they're own daughter into a life she doesn't want to live...
"Thank goodness it didn't come to that... such a shame for a marriage to fall apart like this" said Grayfia, being sarcastic as she also knew of Rias' feelings on the matter.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. Perhaps my father and Lord Phenex can find another form of common ground" said Sirzechs.
"And Anthony... with his Balance Breaker now active, its only a matter of time before the White One seeks him out" said Grayifa.
"I have faith in the young man... he's resourceful for a human, and has a strong will. He proved that today, saving my dear sister" said Sirzechs, continuing to watch the Griffon fly. He might not have been able to see his sister's face, but somehow... he sensed that she was indeed happy... the happiest she's ever been in her life...
-TIME BREAK-
About 2 minutes later up above, Anthony admired the view of the Underworld. And to think he and Asia were told it was a hellish place where chaos runs rampant... from what he's seen, that was far from the truth. It was beautiful, lights lit the city below them like his hometown. Speaking of which, now that he's conquered his past... should he ask the old man for them? As he was looking around, enjoying the sight, he felt Rias rub his arm... the one with his still active Sacred Gear. She looked at it with a pained expression, like as if this was her fault.
Deciding to try and lighten the mood, Anthony spoke up. "So... what were you gonna wear for your wedding? A dress of feathers? You'd probably rather wear poison ivy if it came to that" said Anthony, Rias gained a smile and gave a low giggle as a result... wonder why? Despite that, she went right back to staring at his arm, sadly. It was obvious to Anthony she was thinking about the Gear, but WHAT about it was the question. "Something wrong?" He asked.
[We'd thought you be happy] said Ddraig, entering the conversation.
Rias sighed. "I am happy... but..." she said, looking at Anthony for a second, then back at the Gear. "You gave up your arm... for me" she said, placing a hand back on it.
[I did warn him of the consequences, but he was persistent. Like I told you before, he won't give up anything without a fight... even with a cost] said Ddraig. Rias would be lying if she said she wasn't touched, Anthony has already done more for her than her own family ever did... but that still didn't stop her from feeling guilty.
"Besides, it's no big deal. I'm more of a righty myself" joked Anthony.
"This isn't funny, Anthony. You may have stopped Riser, but this isn't the last we've heard of him, not by a long shot" said Rias, looking down at the city.
"Then I'll give up my other arm" Anthony said, making Rias' eyes widen and look back at him. "Anthony..." Rias sighed.
"Then my legs."
"Stop it..."
"Including the good stuff between them."
"Please..." said Rias, turning away to avoid showing Anthony tears. However, he took her chin and gently guided it back into his eyes.
"I'll give up this entire body... then if you reincarnate me again, I'll give up the other one. Nothing... is gonna stop me from protecting you, Rias. I'll ALWAYS run to your side" said Anthony. Rias felt her heart stop. The feeling of his touch, the softness in his eyes... she was in a trace, unable to look away from the Pawn... HER Pawn.
"Now we're even" said Anthony, smiling and wiping a single tear from her face with a thumb. She knew what he meant... she saved his life... now he saved her's...
...
...
...
Rias: ... Not yet.
Anthony didn't hear her because she mumbled. "What did you s...?" He asked, but his question was silently answered when Rias kissed him, pulling his face into hers. (AN: Optional, but play the ending theme from the first anime series during the credits or full song... Study-X-Study I think its called) It was another lip-lock, only this time it was full of passion and not just something to turn him on. Her eyes were closed and Anthony didn't know how, but he sensed she was happy... well, that and he felt it.
[Amazing...] Ddraig thought. Anthony didn't return the kiss... he was caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. He was glad Asia wasn't here though... that would be a 'pleasant' conversation. Rias finally pulled away, a deep blush on her face. It was cute.
"Uhhhhhh... good morning?" Said Anthony, blinking once with a blush on his cheeks... he couldn't think of anything else.
Rias giggled at the sight. "That was my first kiss, ya know" she said Hearing that, Anthony got back in his groove.
"Heh. I'm sorry... first? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember your first already being given... and don't hand me that Middle School bullshit: oh, it didn't count" he said, his voice becoming feminine at the last remark.
"I wasn't in the right mind" Rias excused with a smirk.
"A kiss is still a kiss, sweetheart" Anthony countered.
"But you denied me" said Rias, pouting playfully, now back to her flirtatious-old self.
"Um, NO! I denied you a saddle... YOU wouldn't get off the horse" Anthony joked.
"Well, how about this? We were each others first, sound better?" Asked Rias.
Before Anthony could answer, [That can't technically be true, as you WEREN'T his first] Ddraig butted in. Anthony flinched upon hearing that.
"SHUT UP! THAT'S NOT YOUR BUSINESS!" He yelled, though it wasn't clear if he was talking to both supernatural beings or just one.
"Oh, really? So you lied about being a virgin?" Asked Rias, arms crossed under her chest, faking her emotions. She was perfectly aware Anthony never shared this information, she only assumed it, but she still felt the urge to poke fun at him.
"I AM A VIRGIN!" Shouted Anthony, then slapped his mouth shut with both hands. He didn't mean to let that slip out, but Ddraig and Rias cornered him and he panicked. He hoped no one down below heard that... he prayed that...
"Besides... there's nothing wrong with being celibate, it just means I haven't found a worthy partner yet. I'm saving myself for the perfect woman" Anthony recovered. He truly did feel this way, he just didn't think he'd have to tell anyone under these circumstances... let alone, Rias. It just felt kinda... no, SUPER awkward; mostly cause she was a girl.
"Right... so, who was the lucky girl?" Asked Rias, willing the drop the subject, but was still jeal- *ahem* interested; on whom was the one to take his first kiss. She kinda felt upset knowing it wasn't her, but she wouldn't say that out loud.
Anthony: No one special.
Ddraig: [Irina Shido.]
Anthony: WILL YOU BUTT OUT! IT DIDN'T COUNT!
"Oh... so my kiss counts, but yours doesn't? How's that fair?" Asked Rias, enjoying this conversation. She missed being able to tease Anthony and see his silly reactions.
"IT WAS DIFFERENT! We were in Grade School, our cuckoos' were barely worked out!" Anthony defended.
"A kiss is still a kiss" Rias and Ddraig said at the same time, turning Anthony's logic on him.
"... I hate you guys" Anthony said with his eyes half-closed. He gripped the reins of the Griffon to drive it back to the castle. Rias then leaned against him.
"Hey... I liked it, though" she admitted, looking up at her hero with a blush.
"Pfft, of course you did. Ya came back for seconds after all" Anthony joked in a confident tone, earning him a soft punch in his shoulder by the Devil close to him as they flew past the Underworlds moon.
"Your worse than Riser, ya know that?"
"Maybe... but at least I'm honest about it."
"Keep it up. Maybe I'll marry him next time he asks me."
"Go ahead! See if I run to your rescue again."
"... your an ass."
"Missed you too, Rias. Missed you too."
RING! RING! RING!
"What is that?" Asked Rias. "My phone, excuse me..." Said Anthony, pulling a cell phone out of his pocket.
"Even in the Underworld, you shouldn't talk and drive" joked Rias. "Be Quiet... hello?" Snapped Anthony, then answered whomever called.
"Anthony? Thank God you... OW! Thank goodness you answered, I was beginning to worry" said Asia on the other end of the line.
"Thanks Asia, but I got the cargo back safe and sound, there was no need to worry" Anthony assured his friend.
"I know. Never doubted you, but I still worry" said Asia.
"Well is that the only reason you called? I'm on my way back now with our favorite King" Anthony said.
"Oh well, I went back to my room after you left but... have you seen my Holy Water? I was sure I left it right here..." said Asia, unaware that Anthony's face froze.
[BUS-TEEEEEEEEEEED] Said Ddraig. (AN: If you played the song, it ends here.)
Don't worry, this story isn't over JUST yet! There is an epilogue which I will post soon, it'll answer some questions and will also be an original chapter no one has done before. Once again as stated above, a HUGE grazie to EVERYONE for their support. Plus, we'll finally get to see the Old Man who helped Anthony when he came to Japan... but what's he got that Anthony mentioned? See ya in the epilogue, guys!
Special Grazie to:
54godmora: Even though your not the biggest fan of DxD, I appreciate you taking time reading my original version. Big Grazie for you! Everyone check out his RWBY work. I just got into RWBY recently, and I gotta say 54godmora has talent! Show him some support!
Rmarcano321: For reviewing each chapter, even it was just to say something random. Show him some love and ready his works as well.
Thomassmith69: Even if you only reviewed once, you brought up a good point. He's only written one story, but show him some support for it and get it a read!
Omnisaurus and his friend Purp: Joined the site this year, but he's got a larger fanbase than I do. Show him some love for his Ben10/DXD Xover!
Hellhammer: For song suggestions.
Emblemfan1: A writer who's an amazing person who'll help ya if you ask. Show his Ben10/Rosario Vampire Xover some support, he'll love it!
Ioloros019: For heartfelt speeches. If you decide to writer, you've got an instant fan! Show him some love! Big Grazie for you!
MizoreShirayukiFan: Has been a member for a long time and knows his/her stuff.
Ace: For helpful info I forgot, and reviewing when you got a chance.
Jon: For some manga conformation... still no spoilers, PLEASE!
All other Guest reviews; and of course...
YOU!
Anthony's Italian Dictionary:
1) Nella: means "in"
2) Su: means "out"
3) Cosa Stava Succedendo: means "what was going on"
4) Ingiuriare: means "insult"
5) Nido: means "nest"
6) Ma Stai Scherzando: means "are you kidding me"
7) Farmi Arrabbiare: means "pissing me off"
8) Lo So: means "I know"
9) Buco: can be used as another (and more discreet) way to say "asshole", though mostly used to call people a "prick" or "dick"
10) Sulla Casa: means "on the house"
11) Lascialo Avere: means "let'em have it"
12 Smettere Di Ridere: means "stop laughing"