1) Rmarcano321: I never said anything about a Rating Game last chapter dude, now I know your not really reading the story :(
2) Ioloroso019: You put this review in chapter one, but you talk about the events of last chapter. I almost didn't see it, so try to be more careful next time, bud. There is actually a hint of the Holy Sword Arc here, which will give you a taste of the direction I'm gonna go with it. I feel bad you don't see my reasoning for Anthony remaining seem totally legit; but hey, ya can't win them all. While this won't be made into an arc, its actually a step in foreshadowing a certain Devil he will met and bond with. Anthony will have a deeper relationship with him than Issei did because of this reason. Can anyone guess whom this devil could be? Thanks for sticking with me, I'm grateful for your support!
3) Ace: At least someone finds the 'remained human' reason to be credible. I've been hinting at it for a while.
4) 54godamora: Aww, look at you; caring about Anthony. That makes me feel good, like I've accomplished something. It makes me feel like I made not only a relatable character, but also a likable one; which also makes me happy. I didn't think I'd be able to tug at someone's heartstrings, but looks like I succeeded with you. Don't worry, nothing bad is going to happen to Anthony... though I think Issei dies in the manga at one point... (AN: NO SPOILERS! I'M LOOKING AT YOU, JON!)
Speaking of whom...
5) Jon: I actually just answered this question indirectly. I was looking to make a relatable and likable character. In this case, Anthony himself.
This will be yet another original chapter, it will answer some questions... and slap you in the face with something you NEVER could have saw coming. It'll feel like it'll come out of left field, but its been one of the end goals since this project was started. I can tell you more, but why not read the answers for yourself? Also, the chapter is a little short, but I'm dealing with mold in my recording room that I use for... well... recording YouTube videos. So it might be sometime before the next video or next chapter/fic is posted. Thanks for your patience!
Epilogue: Page 3
After dinner that night, Anthony did clean up with Rias and Asia, as everyone else had already left; but both girls noticed the lack of emotion in his face. Usually, he tries to make even tedious tasks enjoyable; such as doing homework or contracts for clients. But it appeared that he was doing stuff now just to get it done. He didn't even say good night, just washed his hands after cleaning and went straight upstairs into his room. Rias was going to join him due to feeling sorry for him, but Asia stopped her by gently grabbing her arm with a pained expression... and a shake of her head.
Rias' first instinct was something along the lines of (to put lightly): WTF bitch?! My servant needs me! But after reading the expression on Asia's face more clearly, the red-head realized she'd only make the situation worse. This was unfortunately something, even she as a Devil, couldn't fix. Anthony's own body, was the culprit that couldn't be caught nor charged. It was something he had to live with everyday, the knowledge of the fact that HE was his own roadblock.
In fact, Rias knew of one other person in her family that had a similar problem to his...
2 days later...
Anthony hadn't been to school either. Some of the students, especially some female ones, began to talk and express their worries. The Perverted Duo along with some males were not pleased. They thought with Anthony gone, they had a better chance to... steal the spotlight, so to speak. The ones who were afflicted the most were the ORC, their favorite Pawn hadn't left his home in days, let alone show up for school. Kiba was sitting on one couch next to Asia; and Koneko was eating, or at least trying to, but a strange feeling in her chest prevented her from doing so. She did force herself to take a few bites of her snack, which was a small egg roll. But ultimately, the odd feeling she was having stopped her completely, and she put the snack down on the small coffee table in front of her.
She didn't understand why though... maybe she was full?
Rias was sitting at her big desk trying to focus on contracts, and failing, to do so. Akeno was standing next to Rias, eyeing her body language. If she had any doubts about Rias' feelings, they were all gone now. The red-head obviously cared deeply about her newest servant, which is not to say she didn't care about her others... but Anthony? It was different. Clearly different. It might have been just started out as teasing in the beginning, then a blooming friendship a few weeks after... but now?... It seemed to be turning into something a little bit more...
CREEK!
The sound of the oak doors got everyone's attention. Looking up... "ANTHONY?!" Was the sound of an almost-squealing of Rias, partially shooting up in her chair. She didn't expect to see Anthony due to his mental state, but here he was. Everyone didn't move, still processing what they were seeing. A moment of silence later, Anthony walked up to Rias' desk.
"... so?... What's the next assignment?" He asked with a silly smile.
...
...
...
SLAP!
"... ow?" Was the only thing Anthony could say in response to Rias slapping him across the face, his head also snapping sideways due to the force of the impact. He also answered like Ned from Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. He began to feel the mark the red-haired Devil gifted him, but that's when she glomped the American from in front. He didn't know if she ran around the desk, or leaped over it... she moved faster than Kiba that time.
The redhead hugged Anthony tightly, and also was tearing up a little. "Don't you EVER... do that again! You haven't left the house in 2 days!" Rias said between gasps, as she was trying not to cry. This was a shock to the ORC. Anthony more-so. Where did this affection suddenly come from? It couldn't just be teasing, could it?
[Are you THAT dense?] Asked Ddraig. Before Anthony could answer Ddraig, "Your an asshole! 2 days... 2 fucking days! No text, no call... not even at LEAST summoning Rassei to let me know your ok! You had me worried sick!" Cried Rias.
Anthony didn't know what else he could do, so he just hugged back. Rias seemed to calm down at his touch, so at least there was that... although he had to try to part himself away from her an extra time due to her arms locking in place.
"Yeah... sorry about that... was taking allot of things in, ya know?" Said Anthony, finally managing to part from the redhead. Rias wiped a tear off her face.
"That's fine... just tell me next time" she said.
"Alright... deal. Can you just do me one favor?" Asked Anthony. "Of course, anything you need" said Rias.
"Can you take me here?" Asked Anthony, as he pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Rias. It was a menu for a restaurant.
"Lezaza's?" Rias asked aloud with a cocked eyebrow. She knew the place. It was a restaurant that wasn't too far from Kuoh Academy, and it was quite popular with the students for this reason... plus they have amazing deserts. But why would Anthony have...? "Wait... you work THERE?" Asked a surprised Rias, putting the pieces together. She didn't think Anthony would be working at that restaurant of all places.
"Yeah. Loyal employee since the day I came to this town" said Anthony.
"How come you never told me?" Asked Rias.
"You never asked" smirked Anthony with a shrug.
"Why couldn't ya just go there yourself?" Asked Koneko in her normal monotone voice.
"... gee, I don't know. Maybe invite you guys FOR LUNCH!" Anthony answered sarcastically while glaring at the freshman.
"But today's Wednesday, they don't open until 12" said Akeno, who found it sweet that Anthony was inviting everyone for a group lunch, but confused as it was 10:00AM... the restaurant wouldn't open for a few more hours.
Anthony grinned, and pulled a set of jiggling keys out of his pocket. "They will be soon."
Again, sorry for the short chapter, but I had to get something out for you guys. I'll see ya guys next time, have a good one! :)
