PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:
Finally back with more of The Italian Dragon Emperor. Before we start, I wanna say thank you for over 200 reviews, and almost 200 follows/favs. Who'd thunk an OC in a AU fic would get this much traction? Not me, that's for sure (which is why the description now includes that to better advertise the theme of this story).
We currently have 196 follows at the time of posting this newest chapter, so lets see if we can make it to the grand 200, shall we? I've also been listening to all the messages I've gotten around the question if Anthony and Rias should get steamy in the sauna. I won't tell you the results just yet, but we have a good ratio between them. I have a feeling which one is gonna win, so while I don't have a physical poll on it yet, I'm keeping a separate doc on it. With that being said, I've began writing and planning how the scene will go and I had plenty of time to do this since catching the beer-bug myself... don't worry, I'm fine. I don't feel any different, not sore or achy, and my sense of smell is still intact. Do I know how I caught it? No. I didn't throw any "Covid-Awareness" parties...
So now I'm confided to my living quarters for a while, but the good news is that's plenty more time to edit the backlog of chapters and post them once those chapters are shipshape. In any case, once again, thanks for all the support you'll shown this story. There have been ups and downs with it, I'll admit, but the love and care given by us of this small corner of FanFiction. Net is the best thing that ever happened to me. So thank you very much. With that out of the way, let's roll out!
From OechsnerC:
Awesome update. Really enjoyed reading this chapter. I would say yes to the changing that part of the story where Issei almost lost his virginity. Also wonder if you will make any other changes like Female Vali or something else. Looking forward to reading more.
Bakuganman: Other changes are still happening, especially this chapter, which shows Xenovia and Anthony have an indirect connection. Vali will remain male, however. I have no experience with genderbending at the moment, but that is something I'm willing to try with another story someday.
From Gerden360:
I think it would be better if you put the translations in brackets
Bakuganman: Ya know, I've gotten asked this several times so, I'll tell everyone what. The next chapter, we'll do an experiment. I'll do as this guy says just this is once. But if not enough people answer about it, then I'll got back to the current format. So if anyone still reading this, be sure to remember to tell me what your thoughts on this are.
From sweetsonsabeeech:
I see I'm alittle late to the pol but I hope my opinion counts
While my heart says to stick to the source material, other things say to just go nuts.
Pun intended
Let my Italian boi get a ride
From Azhar-Ryzevim:
I mean while it would be good, to see some saucy things happening. I feel as if it isn't fitting for me.
Besides, saucy things in the sauna? I think it would be better if you came up with a different one instead of having the same thing albeit a bit differently.
I'm probably late to the poll though :v.
Bakuganman: Both of Your opinions do count. There is no physical poll as stated above since I have one currently active for my Sonic DxD fic. Now, if I do write this, this will be the second lemon scene I've ever written. And everyone knows, the second times' are better than the first. HAHA! I already have an idea how its gonna go downtown *wink wink*, but lets see what more people say. If anyone is still here, please do let me know your thoughts in a message on Discord, a review, or a PM. Of course, there's still a ways till HERO, but its gonna be so much fun when we get there.
Season NEW - Chapter 11: Keeping Secrets - Part 2
"You got your invincible Rook with you, so why am I still here?" Asked Saji, moping while hunched over as he, Anthony and Koneko walked through the streets; for every time he tried leaving, Koneko would pull him back in line.
"Because A: we need all the firepower we can get, and B: Ddraig said you could be of help" Anthony said, being honest. If it were up to him, he wouldn't have asked Saji for help. Period. The only reason he did was because Ddraig brought up some good points.
"He's stuck inside a oversized glove all day! What the hell does he know?" Saji complained, trying to walk off again, only to be yanked back in line by Koneko.
"Hmm... good question..." muttered Anthony. As they continued their trek down the street, Anthony glanced down at the back of his left hand that was carrying his bag as both moved back and forth with each step he took. What Saji said got Anthony thinking, and its not to say Anthony didn't trust Ddraig, he trusted him with his very life. The dragon was not only immensely powerful, but also very wise and shared various bits of information should Anthony be stuck on what to do or something supernatural occurs and Rias wasn't there to explain it.
Then again, that's also the issue. He seemed to know allot about people and while it could be argued it was due to a millennia of experience, the dragon was adamant about things that shouldn't normally be expected. It felt like a game breaker, like an ultimate cheat code, but it also confused Anthony. He kept mentioning something about Koneko (which Anthony still didn't understand), said something about Xenovia having an aura issue (sounded like a mental problem to him), and he knew about the strong seals at the ORC clubhouse that would've burned him to a crisp if he touched one. That's only naming a few.
'Ddraig... what are you hiding?' He asked himself, unsure of the answer. He wasn't gonna bother asking Ddraig either. Now wasn't the time and even if it was, he doubted he'll get a straight answer.
"Yo, you ok?" Asked Koneko's voice, snapping Anthony out of it. She just so happened to see Anthony's expression out of the corner of her eye, and looked up at him. While her tone was its usual monotone volume, she was genuinely concerned. Whether she liked it her not, they were on the same team. He snapped his head in her direction upon hearing her voice, looking down and seeing that she was now almost dragging Saji around by this point.
"Uh... yeah. I'm fine," Anthony said, which wasn't a total fib. His mind was just in the gutter at the moment, most likely overthinking the situation. "Just thinking how we're gonna find the Church Twins." He added, which also wasn't a lie. The problem was, this city was massive. It could take days to track them down!
"Easy. Just look for 2 people in long white robes" Koneko said.
"Well, yeah, but Kuoh Town is gigantic," Anthony stated. "I mean, come on! It's not like they'll be 2 idiots ringing bells in the street asking for donations." Two seconds after saying that, he felt Koneko gently tug down on his shirt twice to get his attention. Once he looked at her to see what she wanted, all she did was point straight ahead when her index finger...
*Ring, ring, ring!*
Xenovia: OH LORD! HAVE MERCY ON US WANDERING SHEEP!
Irina: We are pitiful compared to you, oh Lord! Please give us a sign of your blessing!
Anthony couldn't believe his eyes. Both Xenovia and Irina were standing next to a handmade sign that said 'donations', with the chestnut-haired girl ringing a bell in one hand, and holding a cup in another. And ya know those Christmas Kettles that Santas'-for-hire do during the holidays in cities? Those morons were actually doing the same thing, and were out in public WEARING those robes! "Idiots like them?" Koneko 'asked'.
All Anthony did for a response was smack his forehead with his right open palm. He could've sworn his life was an anime at this point...
-TIME BREAK-
In the next scene, Xenovia and Irina were shown next to each other in a diner of some kind, plates of food all over the table, each being eaten faster than a Snorlax by both of them. Using a combination of silverware and chopsticks, both church warriors devoured every single morsel on every plate and bowl provided to them, stuffing their faces as quickly as possible as if their lives depended on it. It was... quite the sight. These two must have been insanely hungry.
"So delicious! *chomp, slurp* This is like heaven!" Said Xenovia, between gulps of food.
"This is amazing! *nom, nom, nom* I can't get enough of it!" Agreed Irina, brining a bowl up to her mouth and slurping up whatever was inside in mere seconds.
Both Koneko and Saji were sitting across, stunned at how quickly these humans ate food. Thankfully; they didn't get hit by anything flying on account on how quickly the Church Duo was eating, dropping plates, then moving onto the next target. "They're like animals" Saji said. Just watching them was intense for him.
Koneko was shocked herself. She ate a bunch of things too, but at least she was polite about it, and not ripping things apart like mindless savages. When it looked like they were about to run out of food... again... she walked up to the counter which had a tiny bell on it. She gave bit a simple ring. "Waiter. Another round" she said in her normal tone at her normal volume.
BANG!
Anthony came out immediately from the same door Luigi used when they first came to this diner. Like the old man, he was also wearing an apron but had some... excess baggage. In his hands and arms, he was balancing plates of food, which was a mix of Italian and standard Japanese dishes like Sukiyaki or Unagi, which were put on the menu for variety in case customers didn't necessarily want strictly Italian. If that wasn't enough, he also balanced drinks on the top of his head with a giant circular tray.
"Coming." He responded tonelessly, with an unamused expression with half-shut eyes. When he approached the duo back in town, of course Xenovia got on the defensive, but Irina threw herself at Anthony and hugged him, glad he had showed up when he did... that's also when her and Xenovia's stomachs growled, pretty loudly he might add, in perfect unison. They then blushed, looking really famished. Anthony felt sorry for them so with a sigh, he offered to make them something at Lezaza's since it was just down the street from where the were. He didn't think they were THIS hungry. How long did they go without eating?
An hour or so later, Irina and Xenovia were finally full; empty dishes, glasses and eating utensils littered the entire table... that's also when they realized what had just happened. "What have we done..." Xenovia gritted her teeth and shook a bit, her eyes hidden by her robe, becoming fully aware of what occurred. "In a moment of weakness, we've accepted help from the enemy."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Xenovia; its only food" said Irina, finishing off some scrapes in her dish.
"Even if this in good faith, it feels like the end of days" Xenovia, still in the same state.
"THAT'S MY THANKS FOR A HUNDRED COURSE MEAL?!" Shouted an annoyed Anthony, who took a seat next to Koneko. Not only did he take them to his job on his day off, and when they were closed for the day, but he also used the entire menu and had to cook almost all the stocked food in the back! Sure Azazel could probably use some contact to refill it being a high-ranking Fallen One and due to this restaurant only being a front; but all that hard work, time and effort Anthony just put in was NOT.
That's not even mentioning he did this all for free...
STOMP!
After finishing a sip of her drink as Anthony yelled, Koneko glanced at him, then stomped on his foot under the table, her heel dead center on it. Anthony whined through gritted teeth as the pressure was applied to his poor foot, and his expression was that of eyes bulging out of his face. "Ok... I'm good... see? I'm smiling..." He whimpered, giving a forced smile so Koneko would release the weight of her tiny foot off his own, which she did. Why couldn't she just be like other young students and call him 'Anthony-senpai' when she wanted his attention? That could've worked too!
Xenovia was sitting there clasping her hands together in silence, but Irina spoke. "Thank God you showed up when you did. Oh, Lord! Have mercy, bless Anthony and these kindhearted Devils" she said, praying herself, but going the extra mile and doing 'the Son and the Holy Spirit' bit. This also caused...
PANG!
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" While Koneko grabbed her head with both hands and a small whimper, Saji was the one to yelp out in pain and dung his fingers into his head from the side effect of being a Devil in the presence of faith. Anthony just sat in-between them with folded arms and looked back and forth to them and stopping on Saji when he spoke again. "FOR THE LOVE OF HELL, ANTHONY; TELL THEM TO KEEP THEIR BLESSINGS TO THEMSELVES!" The Sitri Pawn begged as pain surged throughout his head.
"Yeah, can you cut back on the fiducia for awhile?" Anthony requested on behalf of his Devil comrades.
"Oops, sorry. You know me. Kind of a habit" Irina innocently apologized as Xenovia took a long drink from her cup of water.
"Believe me, I know..." Anthony sighed.
"Seriously though, thanks again for the food. It really was delicious" Irina thanked him. Anthony didn't bother answering with the question in his head: "Again?"; since you can barely call the previous thanks they gave a thank you.
After finishing her drink off, Xenovia put her empty glass down while still clutching it. "Yes. We appreciate the kindness," she thanked him, dropping her pride just a tad bit. Even she had to admit, if Anthony didn't show up to feed them when he did, they probably would've ended up begging for several days and even then, wouldn't have gotten much food, if any.
"Well, I couldn't let the Big Bad Wolf get such fine-looking sheep, can I?" Anthony said, making a small joke/flirt.
Xenovia stared at him. Not that the joke wasn't funny (because to her it wasn't) but because... well, she didn't know why, but sensed this wasn't done merely out of the goodness of Anthony's heart. Sure she didn't know him that well, and Irina would tell tales of how charming and friendly he was before meeting him herself, but her instincts were telling her he was after something. "Well, in any case, we'll let ourselves..." she said, letting go of the glass and starting to stand up...
GRAB!
Because she was using her hands as leverage to get off the table, Anthony's hand shot at her and grabbed one of the back of her hands. It wasn't tight or anything, and she could break out with little difficulty if she wanted too, but the way he grabbed her caught her off guard. It also caught Irina and the Devils by surprise (even though the Devils knew the secondary reason for coming here). "Why don't you stay for dessert?... My treat..." said Anthony, letting go of her hand shortly after before folding his hands on the table.
Now normally, Xenovia would cut down anyone who laid a hand on her, her sword was literally sitting next to her due its size; but couldn't bring herself to do it out of honor for his help and the attention that would bring, not to mention the destruction the both of them could cause if the sparring match was anything to go by. Plus, the way he said it confirmed her suspicions for earlier. She knew it. There WAS another motive for bringing them here. She slowly sat back down, not taking her eyes off of Anthony.
"Fine... What do you want?" She asked, already reading what 'dessert' was implying. He did something for them, they should do something for him. It was only fair. But if it was something dirty, she'll...
"To let us help you destroy Excalibur" said Anthony.
"..." Xenovia was rendered speechless for a second. She didn't expect that to come out of his mouth. She went through all the trouble of requesting him and the Devil families of this territory to stay out of this, then they beat the ever-living shit out of each other not too long ago... NOW he comes to offer his assistance? Did that last fight knock a few screws loose, or was this man just plain ignorant? "... Did you not hear a word I said the other day?" She answered, remaining as calm as possible.
"Loud and clear actually," said Anthony. "You said for the Devils to not get involved..."
Xenovia knew what card he was gonna play and spoke before he could. "Your master already agreed. This is OUR problem."
"She did... but she also said: I won't provide aide to your side either" said Anthony, mimicking Rias' voice and putting emphasis on the letter 'I'. "By that statement, she only agreed that SHE isn't gonna help you" he added. He was gonna also add that it was also due to Xenoiva's attitude that ultimately got Rias pissed, but figured bringing that up wasn't gonna help. If he wanted to get Xenovia to cooperate, he was gonna need to suppress any smart mouth comments he had and play it cool.
Xenovia continued to stare at him with a hardened glare, but confused. She didn't understand this kid. It was one thing to twist her words and logic about his and Asia's banishment, but now he was doing it to his master? WHY?! True, he wasn't a Devil like the rest of them, but he was still part of the house and as such, should follow the same rules. "No thanks. We can take care of it ourselves" she said, almost snapping at him.
"So your willing to throw your life away with the deck stacked so high against you?" Asked Anthony.
"We know what we signed up for. We find Kokabiel, we find the swords..." Xenovia tried to explain, but Anthony cut her off.
"And then what? Ask him to just hand them over?" Anthony debated. "If he went through all the trouble of stealing them, you really think he's just gonna throw them away?"
"Then we fight. That's what we've been training for. To sacrifice ourselves for faith" Xenovia answered, keeping her head cool to avoid snapping at Anthony, also avoiding saying God or any other trigger words for Devils as requested.
"In other words, they used your faith to get inside your head" Anthony said point-blank, calling out the hypocrisy again. With just that sentence, he was calling the church high-ups out for playing on Xenovia's faith and twisting it to get what they wanted, good intentions or not. He was also calling them cowards for not getting the swords themselves or at the very least, send more than just 2 people and risk starting an all-out brawl. Obviously, they wanted to keep the matter private, yet still use Irina and Xenovia as pawns.
This got Xenovia to gasp a tiny breath, and widen her eyes slightly, having not thought of it that w... no. He was doing it now. HE was trying to into her head! Turn her against her people! What does he know anyway, he was sent off for breaking a huge rule! Close friend or not, he still slept with a nun; and even if nothing came out of it, he was still the older one.
But... was he wrong?
Its true that the church sent them, and she felt honored for such a task at the time. In fact, the very reason only they were sent was to keep things on the downlow as to risk not alerting the public. Before (or if) she could argue again, Anthony continued:
"And if you can't take down a smug Italian human with a Komodo living in his arm, how the hell are only you and Irina gonna steal back your toys from a powerful entity, and LIVE? Is that really what you want... or are you simply doing it cause some guys in a long, white robes told you it was for you-know-what" He brought up, careful not to use any trigger words either, which gave Xenovia some more pause. That was a decent point, one she thought about for the longest time.
"Both of our sides what the swords back on the weapon rack or melted for new ones, right? Devils don't like them, the new leaders of the church want them out of Fallen hands, and YOU need to do everything in your power to remove them. Regardless of how you spin it, the swords need to be confiscated from the Ravens at the end of the day before someone gets hurt," Anthony continued, then finished with a know-it-all like tone: "If I am wrong; tell me."
Anthony then propped up his arms on his elbows and linked his hands together, awaiting Xenovia's response. She wanted to, but he made good points about the situation they found themselves in. It would be more effective the more assistance they got, but that would also mean going against their own orders. Irina saw the look on her comrades face, seeing Anthony's words were starting to get to her. He had that effect on people. He gave the facts, and sugarcoated nothing. He didn't care if you'd get offended of what and how he said things, his only goal was to get his points across and provide a valid argument.
"Xenovia..." Irina began, getting Xenovia's attention. Before she continued, she did some last second debating whether or not she should speak on how she felt. Fighting alongside Anthony sounded great, like the RPGs' they played as kids, not to mention it was much safer that way. Each member could cover ones back, Anthony could boost their strength with his own powers should the need arise... they could work better and more efficiently as a single unit with an equal playing field rather than relying on sword skills and footwork. "... Maybe we should consider his offer."
Koneko and Saji couldn't believe they're ears. It was actually working? Then again, Irina had a prior relationship with Anthony, so that wasn't too big of a surprise. It's just they never thought they'd see the day when members of God could very well be pondering on working with Devil forces. Two opposing sides teaming up, if only a one-shot.
"I get he's part of a Devil house and all, but he himself is not. We took this job, fully knowing we might live through it but if we don't have a fighting chance, what's the point?" Irina asked, making Xenovia glance away. Great. Just what she needed, both her partner and enemy tag-teaming her.
"And if their willing to help, what's the harm? We could say they popped outta nowhere, and a sword or two ended up destroyed in the scuffle. No one'll ever know!" Irina added, Xenovia still refusing to meet her gaze. "Come on, Xenovia! If the higher-ups want this out of faith, maybe this is His way of testing ours!" She concluded, using both Anthony's and the church's talking points to try and convince the wielder of Destruction.
Xenovia could only look down at the table. While she internally agreed with all the logic presented to her, she still looked terribly indecisive. She just couldn't find it in herself to fully commit to this. On one hand, this could very will be beneficial for both parties, each side got what the other more of less wanted. However, her morals kept telling her not to stoop to this level out of faith and let that decide the outcome... but what if Irina was right, and this was faith answering her? She's never felt so confused or conflicted in her life!
She began to deny his offer. "Even so, that would mean..."
"Listen, Yuki Nonaka," Anthony interrupted her, his tone making her look up at him. His face gave an expression that could only be described as no more beating around the bush. If being nice wasn't gonna cut it, time to tell it like it was. "I heard a story about 2 beautiful badass chicks that attempted to go up against a giant bird with an army of over 300 thousand," he began. "These 2 badasses, while strong, only had 2 letter openers compared to the other 3 that were stolen BY those spear-flinging birdbrains. That left those 2 poor souls less than a 10% chance of survival if everything went giusta pioggia. And even with 2 toothpicks of raw power and transformation, that might've bumped the percentage up by 6," he continued.
"Now is that me saying if they accepted help from the Boosted Stallion, they would've survived? No. Absolutely not. But they're chances of victory would've skyrocketed to 21... 31 if they also stopped and visited the residential mascot and 4-Piece Sitri. All they wanted was to help, but they were denied over and over again, only for the most stubborn of the badasses to regret it as she and her partner saw the light. So; if you don't wanna end up like those two, lets stop playing these games, and try not make the same mistake" Anthony finished, making up a fairytale on the spot to better solidify his argument.
Xenovia stared right into his eyes, getting exactly what he was saying. He stared back, awaiting her response to his bombshell. Neither side blinked, staring hard into the other and focused on the opposing ones eyes as a form of a stand off. Koneko, Saji and Irina also watched the scene; looking to see which stubborn Italian would fall first. Will it be the dragon that can cook, or the holy warrior that could cause quakes?
...
...
...
...
...
Xenovia finally let out an exhausted sigh. "... Ok... I guess I can allow one sword to go missing..." she said, finally giving into the pressure. Irina smiled, happy to see her fellow church member was willing to team up, even if it was just this once. Koneko didn't give a visual expression, but was glad they came to an understanding without bloodshed. As for Saji...
"Why couldn't she flat-out refuse?!" He whispered to himself, for he secretly hoped the Holy Sword users would turn the offer down. Of course, he figured it was a long shot for Irina to do so since she had history with the rival Pawn; but why didn't Xenovia? WHY did she have to agree?! He wasn't gonna get punished by Sona... he was gonna get murdered! Even if he threw them under the bus, Sona would still point out he was a part of it, regardless if Koneko kept yanking him back like a dog wandering off while on a leash.
"This'll be great, Xenovia! We'll be unstoppable! You won't regret it!" Cheered Irina, being optimistic. With 2 Devils and the Red Dragon joining their cause, getting the swords or destroying them will be a snap! Best of all, Anthony was fighting with them rather than against them.
"There is..." Anthony suddenly said, getting the groups attention. "One condition..." Ah. THERE it was. Xenovia wasn't surprised, she called it a mile away. "If we're gonna do this, we gotta be on the same page. So, Xenovia?" Anthony called out the other Italians name."... Io non come te."
Xenovia didn't even blink. That was pretty blunt, telling her he didn't like her in they're native language. "Sure, you sympathize with Kiba about the swords, and are loyal to Irina; but you still disrespected me and my family, and even offered Asia freedom" Anthony continued, giving some context as to why he didn't like Xenovia. "I'm willing to overlook it for now but as far as your concerned, the only reason I'm willing to help you is because Irina is attached to you. Cuz if she wasn't, you'd still be outside begging like a dog, then probably dig through some garbage like a raccoon."
So that's how it was, eh? It figured. He was willing to work together for a common goal, but the only reason was due to her relationship with his childhood friend. So if Irina wasn't around, and/or if Kiba wasn't involved in the Project, Anthony would leave her in the dust. He wasn't done talking yet, however. "But since I fed your stomach, you feed mine," he said, then gave his ultimatum: "I help take back your oversized tampions; YOU tell me what you know about my father... everything."
... Wow. That's not what Xenovia was expecting out of him. It made sense, don't get her wrong, but she thought he moved on with his life, correct? Then again, it was kinda her fault bringing up the bias toward the Red Dragon's Old Man. That wasn't her place, and she wasn't supposed to know, only finding out out of sheer coincidence...
-FLASHBACK-
Xenovia, as a very young child, was just running out of a study hall, happy to be done with today's lessons. Once difference she had with Modern Xenovia was her hair. Instead of being chin-length, it was a bit longer, going down past her neck, but not past the halfway point of her back. There was also no green dye in on of her bangs either. As she exited, a nun was waving goodbye while hanging out the door Xenovia just exited. This nun was in a robe similar to the one Present-Day Xenovia wore, but she had blue eyes and was European. She also had this smile that radiated positivity, but also strictness.
Truth be told, she scared Young Xenovia sometimes.
The young bluenette waved back as she went downs the halls of the building, showing respect for her teacher despite her feelings. This nun was also one of the Top 5 Exorcist in the entire world, so of course her lessons were gonna be brutal. Thankfully, Xenovia was done for the day and didn't need to see her again for another 12 hours. As she went past an office room, she heard mens' voices as she went by, but didn't pay them any mind. Once she was a good 5 feet away, she then heard a loud noise from that room. It sounded like something breaking or shattering. The curious child couldn't help but go back to the door, and now noticed it was cracked open just enough for her to peek inside.
"Calm yourself, Mr. Messuri" said a heavyweight man in priest robes and a pair of glasses, speaking calmly as if in total control. Behind him on a wall was a liquid substance, also with glass on the floor around that area. Either something fell there from the shelf, which would require gravity manipulation, or something was thrown AT it for some reason.
"CALM?! When I said find volunteers for the Project, I didn't mean children!" Yelled another man, glancing daggers at the Priest... Messuri? What a weird name, Xenovia thought. Furthermore, she recognized this man from around the complex. He'd visit here from time-to-time... wait. Project? Children? What was he talking about?
"It's nothing to worry about, their mainly from orphanages; their unwanted," the Priest boasted while giving a creepy smile. This made Xenovia's eyes widen a bit. The Priest never shown this side before, the face he gave was something straight out of nightmares. "For all they know, this is they're second chance, along with a service to God."
That got Mr. Messuri to get right in the Priests face, yet the holy Father didn't lose his grin. "A service... or a sacrifice?" Growled Mr. Messuri. "When I said we needed volunteers; I meant the consent of developed, full-grown adults... not easily-impressionable, innocent children!"
"It's all under control. The children have more energy than adults anyway, and have shown marvelous signs of progress in just a few weeks," said the Priest, hands up in defense but still wasn't the least bit intimidated. "The alchemy is also proceeding right on schedule, almost every one has been recreated! In fact, I just sent you one as a gift! Was it up to speed? Wasn't it exactly what you wanted?" The holy Father then asked. Xenovia was so confused just watching all this. She didn't understand a single thing these grown men were saying. Progress? Alchemy? Recreation? Exactly what they wanted? Just want on earth was going on here, and what did Xenovia stubble upon?
That's when Messuri snapped and grabbed a fistful of the Priests robes, and with blinding speed, slammed the Father on the same wall the liquid was on, holding the rounded man in place. Xenovia let out a tiny gasp that thankfully neither of them heard. From this angle, she could see the anger and rage in Mr. Messuri's eyes; whereas the Priest, while still appearing clam, had beads of sweat coming down from the top of his head along with a small nervous smile. He clearly overstepped.
"I designed... the testing phases... for adults... ADULTS! YOU I.R. BABOON!" Roared Mr. Messuri. He strained his voice to try and use an inside volume, but then full-on unleashed his rage in the form of yelling right in the Father's face. "I DON'T GIVE A FLYING FUCK IF THEY HAVE SACRED GEARS OR NOT! THE TESTS WEREN'T DESIGNED FOR THEM, AND SOME OF THE RESEARCH IS STILL FLAWED!" He continued. "I asked you all to wait. Just WAIT! Give me a few more days to finalize the results," Mr. Messuri's volume then lowered into a cold venomous tone. "Oh-ho, but nooooo... you couldn't wait to get your hands dirty... play scienziato pazzo and stink your teeth into some fresh lab rats!"
It was here that the Priest's façade began to crumble and showed he was instead a little nervous. "L-L-Look, old friend; t-the Board already approved everything when I presented it to them. T-They already trust you judgement, so it made sense to take the next ste-."
POW!
Xenovia gasped even louder this time, and thank God the men were too busy to hear that one. Mr. Messuri had just pulled back his free arm to punch the Priest right through the left side of his head, ignoring the fact he was wearing glasses!... At least, that's the way it looked from her POV. What actually happened was Mr. Messuri punched away from his targets face, and ended up punching the wall instead just to spook him, which worked. The Priest shut his eyes in fear of getting attacked, but when no pain was felt, he slowly opened them to see what had occurred.
The Italian father pulled his fist out of the wall quickly. "But it WASN'T. DONE," he said, using the very last of his willpower to keep his top from blowing off. "Do you have ANY. IDEA... on what forces we're playing around with? That Sword was destroyed for a reason! What could happen if we aren't 100% careful with mankind's most powerful relic?! What if something goes wrong and more than unwanted children are caught in an explosion?" He continued. "The only reason I agreed to this damned Project was for the history behind it! NOT to make living miracle weapons out of innocent lives for personal gain!"
The Priests smug smirk returned, having figured a play he could make. "But isn't THAT the reason?" This made Mr. Messuri glare at him. "Did you REALLY only want to preserve history..." said the Priest, then his eyes smiled as smugly as his actual lips did. "Or learn about the miracle of your son?" Mr. Messuri glared harder at the Priest. "Think about it. At the rate we're going, we'll be done in a matter of months. The children will be returned, and no-one will ever know. We get our Swords, you'll get your answers."
Xenovia was more confused than ever before. None of this was making any sense. A Sword? His son? Sacred Gear? A miracle? What was all this supposed to mean? Whatever it meant, it made the man gently release the Priest off the wall. For a few seconds, nothing else had occurred.
"... Fine. I'll make some adjustments to the testing, then we can continue with the Project" said Mr. Messuri, sounding defeated.
The Priest's smile grew. "Splendid! I'll get some more volunteers, and then..." But just as the Priest went to leave, thinking he won and the conversation was over, Messuri's hand shot in front of him and on the wall behind, trapping the Holy Father. He then got as close to his face as humanly possible, looking very intimidating.
"Leave... my son... out..."
A chill went down Xenovia's and also the Priest's spines the second those words came out of Mr. Messuri's mouth. This man was telling the Father to never bring his son into the equation ever again, and boy did it show. "Y-Y-Yes... o-o-f course. M-My apologies, good s-" the Priest was cut off by a hand slapping over his mouth.
"Skip it," ordered Mr. Messuri, which the Priest agreed to with nervous nods. It was then the 2 men began heading for the door, and Xenovia's eyes widened! She was gonna get caught! By the time they opened the door however, she was already gone. Both men went off in opposite directions, with one frowning (Mr. Messuri) and the other smiling (the Priest). As Mr. Messuri went down his own path, Xenovia was shown hiding with her back against the wall to an opening to another room. Her heart was racing, praying she wouldn't get caught like this.
Thankfully, the man left down the hallway, seemingly unaware of the bluenette's presence. With this, she calmed down and took a deep breath, sighing in relief that she wasn't exposed. She then left when the coast was clear.
-END FLASHBACK-
That would be the last time she saw Anthony's father in person. Then of course a few years later, he was reported to have been killed in a house fire. That being said, she considered Anthony's terms. It wasn't too big of a price to pay. Since there were new leaders of the church nowadays compared to the ones that originally approved the creation of these Swords', it didn't seem like there was a reason to keep this secret any longer, especially considering what they were planning to do right now. Even if she was accused of knowing the truth, she could say she found out at the same time when she was first given a sword or when the Project became community knowledge.
"Hold up your end of the bargain, then we'll see" said Xenovia, agreeing to Anthony's verbal contract, but being defensive about it.
"Fair enough. Just one more person," Anthony said, then took out his phone. No one knew who he was calling, and he sat there for a few moments while his phone rang. Eventually, Anthony spoke into it. "Hey, ya there?"
"What do you want?" Asked an upset voice on the other end. A new scene is shown to show the caller Anthony was calling, but only the mouth and chin.
Anthony: Look, just meet us at the park in a few minutes, ok?
?: Us?
Anthony: Me, Koneko and some, uh (looks around the table at everyone, and nervously smiles with a shrug with a single hand)... acquaintances.
?: ... Not interested. (goes to hang up phone)
Anthony (from phone): DON'T HANG UP!
?: (stops due to Anthony's outburst, but remains silent) ...
Anthony: Please, bro. It'll only take a minute.
?: ...
Anthony: I get it. You wanna be alone, dude. I've been there. Believe me. When I lost... ya know... I didn't want company either. That's fine, I can understand that. Ya need time to cool off, but if your not gonna talk to us... at least listen...
?: ...
Anthony: I'm worried about you, Koneko's worried about you... just hear us out, ok?
Anthony didn't know how the person was gonna respond, if at all. The person needed space, but not too much or they'll lose themself, which almost happened to him so long ago. If he didn't met Asia and Irina, it would have been all over for him. All he wanted was for the person to at least listen to what they had to say, then he'll leave the person alone if they still didn't want to be bothered. Even if the person denied them right now, he would back off out of respect, but only from verbal confirmation.
...
...
...
...
?: ... You've got 5 minutes.
Anthony: (looks relieved) Thank you.
?: Hurry up.
*Click*
With that, the call was ended from the other persons line. Anthony pulled his phone away from his ear slowly, staring at it for a moment. "Love you too." He then hung up the phone, put it back in his pocket, and began to get up from the table. Before they could start this operation, they needed one more key player.
-TIME BREAK-
At the fountain, Kiba was waiting for them to arrive, the one Anthony called. He still held the same dark expression, but it did slightly fade to surprise when he saw the Church Duo with Anthony and Koneko, as well as Saji from the Sitri House... that was one way to use acquaintances. Still, he allowed Anthony this chance so like the honorable Knight he was, he heard him out. The Italian Dragon explained everything all over again to Kiba to get him up to speed. Kiba's morals were telling him teaming up with the likes of the church goes against everything he stood for, what they did to him, not to mention to Anthony himself. With that being said however, he did make good points about how difficult it was going to be for a single side to destroy the Swords and/or deal with the Fallen.
"That pretty much covers it, I guess," said Anthony, finishing his explanation. Kiba didn't make eye contact even once. He was staring at the fountain the entire time. "I mean, we all want the same thing, just different ways... and yeah, its definitely a huge conflict of interest for you guys, but..."
"I know..." Kiba answered, still facing the fountain. "And I get everything your saying..." he continued, then finally turned to face the rest of the group. "I just find it funny how a wielder of an Excalibur would approve of their destruction."
"Speaking of funny, we've heard you've left the House of Gremory. Is that correct?" Xenovia asked. Kiba narrowed his eyes at her. "By default, that makes you a Stray. So would prefer to be slain now, or later?" She continued, slightly unsheathing her sword. By law, he wasn't in a Devil house, so he could propose a problem should his power go out-of-control without a King to keep it in check.
"That's not a bad idea..." said Kiba, glaring at her with contempt and summoning a magic circle his hand. Seeing a fight might break out, Anthony got in-between then, hands outstretched while facing Kiba. Irina also joined him, doing the same thing as he was back-to-back, but facing Xenovia instead.
"OOO-KAAAY, kids! Let's play nice! We can go back to love-hating each other AFTER we reduce Excalibur to a hilt" said Anthony.
"Exactly! So can we just TRY to cooperate a little bit?" Irina agreed with him. Both Xenovia and Kiba lowered their weapons/magic, calming themselves down.
"Kiba, you resentment is understandable. Like I told you before, the church also abhors the decision to create those swords. Which is why when it was discovered who was responsible, the organizer of the Project itself, he was excommunicated," Xenovia said, then revealed his name: "Valper Galiliei."
"Valper..." Kiba said in a low tone. That was a name he thought he'd never hear again.
"It's also highly likely since you mentioned you've seen Freed Sellzen, they are most likely working together alongside the Fallen Angels. As to why, the only reason we can gather is he wants the swords back for himself, and reforge the complete Excalibur" said Xenovia.
"Well then, there's no reason why I shouldn't cooperate" Kiba said, giving into the others' after thinking it over. If it was one thing he hated more than the swords themselves, it was the one responsible for making them, also putting him and his dear friends on death row after the whole thing was deemed a failure.
"Yay! Then its settled then!" Said Irina, happy things turned out ok.
"Thanks again for the food... we will return the favor someday" said Xenovia. With their business concluded, she turned to head out.
"200 courses. Nothing less" Anthony said, being half-serious.
For the first time, Xenovia gave him a small smile with her eyes closed. "150... with dessert" she said, opening her eyes back up to speak to him. Even though she still didn't know the boy well, she still respected him. He was strong, going as far as he did for both his friends that were on 2 opposing sides. It was admirable. She and Irina, who gave a peace sign, left the park. To do what, Anthony didn't know. Maybe go a church or something.
"Well... all's well that ends well, right?" Asked Anthony with a smile, putting a hand on one of Saji's shoulders. For some reason, he was turned around and slumped over.
"NO IT'S NOT!" Saji yelled. "NOT ONLY COULD WE GET KILLED, WE COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANOTHER WAR WITH THE CHURCH!"
"Anthony." Kiba called Anthony, getting everyone's attention. He still looked out of it, but nowhere near as bad during the sparing match. "Thanks... for doing this for me" Kiba thanked him.
"It wasn't a big deal," said Anthony, putting a hand on the back of his neck. "I mean, you helped me with sword-work, so its the least I can..."
"Stay out of it." Kiba cut him off, not in a rude way, just in general. This caught Anthony and Koneko by surprise, but Saji looked happy about it. "I appreciate it, I really do... but this is my personal revenge, not yours. I'd rather not drag you down with me."
"Oh, ya hear that guys? OK! Let's go ho-GACK!" Saji said, more than happy to let Kiba do this on his own, but was prevented yet again... actually, Koneko was about to do it, but Anthony beat her to it by grabbing his collar before she grabbed his shirt. Anthony didn't even need to pull him back either, as the speed Saji walked away allowed the collar to slightly choke himself when Anthony nabbed it. The poor Sitri Pawn held his neck, not choking but was still in pain from it.
"Are you serious, dude? We come all this way, and your jusy gonna blow us off?" Asked Anthony. "We're family, aren't we?"
"Of course we are, but this is my fight" Kiba said.
"That doesn't matter! Family sticks together, no matter what happens! Am I wrong?" Anthony asked again.
"... No. But your only doing this because Xenovia brought up your father, right?" Kiba asked, as the deal Anthony made was brought up in the earlier conversation. "I'll get the answers on your behalf, you don't need-."
"That's not it!" Anthony cut him off. "Even if she doesn't tell me, that doesn't mean I'm gonna sit here and watch you take on your past alone! You did it with me, let me do it with you!"
"Its not your concern. You don't need to get involved with someone's personal pursuit" Kiba insisted, assuring there was no need to involve himself.
This was getting nowhere, so Anthony played a card that you might call a scummy move, but the point still stood in context. "So your telling me that if you could go back, you'd wouldn't have held off the guards while I took on Phoenix Man?" This got a reaction from Kiba. "Or better yet, you'll also undo helping me face the place of my parents death?" Anthony continued. "Or, to go even further, you would refuse to teach me and have Rias get married to the not-so spring chicken?"
That got Kiba good. That was a good point, for it was similar to the current situation. Anthony lost people he cared about, so did Kiba. And in both those stories, the church was somehow involved. Him helping Anthony use his environment to his advantage was technically a task given to him, but how he did it was up to him entirely. Plus, the point about defending him during the engagement party wasn't an order given to him by Rias or anything... that was on his own free will. "N-No. But..."
Anthony grabbed both Kiba's shoulders, forcing to blond Devil to look right at his face. "But nothing! Your not going off on your own. I won't LET you!" He said. "We're brothers, dude! This is OUR fight! If something happened to you, I'd never forgive myself! I'm not losing another family again, not one member, you hear me?!"
Its not that Kiba was surprised, this was Anthony's personality from the start, he just didn't expect him to go as far as he was. When one he has a bond with is threatened, he goes swinging. It happened with Asia, it happened with Rias... now? It was his turn. "But... if Rias..." said Kiba, bringing up what will happen if Rias were to find out Anthony went behind her back. She might be willing to listen, but she did have her moments. A slap to the face would be the least of their worries by doing something this serious.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT RIAS SAID!" Shouted Anthony. "She's worried sick about you. And I have to endure some kind of punishment to bring you home, so be it!"
Hearing Rias' name and that she was concerned about him triggered something inside of Kiba. "... Rias... of course. She's the reason I'm still alive..."
Kiba went on to explain, in graphic detail, the horrors he had to endure along with several 100's of other children. Day after day, they were experimented on like monkeys' in a lab. They weren't even treated as human. They were subjected to all kinds of experiments, a large majority of them could only be described as inhumane. But as time went on, days turns to weeks, weeks turned to months, yet not a single person could wield a Holy Sword... some kids never even returned. The one thing that kept them going was the cruel lie they were fed, that they were chosen by God himself, and would end up getting closer to him than any human.
Ironically, that was the ONLY truth they were ever told. For when they were no longer needed, they were simply disposed of via the use of toxic gas by people in special suits. All those that inhaled these fumes began coughing blood, crawling on all fours sometimes just to try and escape. They even begged God for help, along with the people to stop, but the fumes just kept coming. Figuring they were gonna die anyway, some kids held the men back, allowing Kiba to escape. As he ran out into the snowy night, he ended up tripping on himself due to the poison spreading throughout his body. The people looking for him gave up after not being able to find him, for he was covered by the falling snow as he laid there... besides, either by them, the poison or the weather; Kiba was as good as dead anyway.
This Project... NEVER happened.
With sheer will, Kiba attempted to rise, which was a struggle within itself. He wanted to make things right, avenge his friends for their sacrifice. He couldn't die... he won't die. Not here. Not now... Sadly, it was to no avail. He had no energy left, and is ice-cold body was already on Death's doorstep, falling back into the cold snow. He maybe had a minute or so before his eyes would close... and never reopen.
That's when he heard the sweet sound of Rias' voice calling out to him. Lifting his head, he saw a girl in winter clothes with long, crimson hair blowing in the night breeze as the moon shined behind her. Which was weird, because he was pretty sure she wasn't there a second ago... almost like she appeared out of thin air. She told him if he was gonna die anyway, then why not live for her? She'll adopt him, were her exact words. Kiba, being a child, had no idea who this woman was... but what she did for him, he owed her his life. Using a chess piece, she somehow restored his strength. From that day on, and in the years that followed, he pledged his services to this strange girl, vowing never to leave her side.
"I can't thank Rias enough for saving my life. From the bottom of my heart, I do. But the truth is, if my comrades never gave their lives for me... she would have never found me there in the first place. The only reason I'm standing before you now is because of that sacrifice. So in return, I use those memories and their pain as a source of power for my Demonic Swords. So when the time comes, I can destroy every last Excalibur that was ever constructed, and ensure their deaths weren't in vain." Kiba said, finishing his story. That was quiet the baggage, Anthony had to admit, rivaling his own painful memories.
Saji was now bawling comically after hearing Kiba's tragic past. "Kiba, I had no idea how much you were suffering," he said. "To hell with Sona's punishment! Messuri, I swear I'll help you guys with everything I've got!" Saji added, now taking both of Anthony's hands and shaking them up and down overdramatically.
"Uh? Thanks. Much appreciated" Anthony answered, feeling a bit awkward. 'So that's all it took huh?'
Koneko walked over to Kiba and tugged gently on his shirt to get his attention, which Anthony noticed now that he got Saji to stop. He had to admit, even if Koneko was a hard-ass sometimes, she can be pretty damn cute on her mannerisms. "Kiba?" She asked him.
"Koneko?" Kiba asked, looking down at her.
"I'm gonna help too," Koneko said, in a tone Anthony never heard her use. It was soft rather than stern. "I don't want you to leave us, Kiba-senpai. It won't be the same without you."
Anthony grew a forehead vein out of annoyance. 'Oh, sure. Ya can him Senpai,' thought Anthony, then he heard Ddraig heartily laughing his head. 'Shut up, you.'
Kiba's demeanor fully changed then, looking back to the way he usually looked with happy glaze in his eyes and a smile. "Heh. Well if even your going along with this, then there's no way I can say no."
Anthony heard that. "You mean it?"
"We all agree who the true enemy is... I'll gladly accept all your help" said Kiba, his former self now finally restored. He then looked straight at Anthony. "And Anthony?... Thanks so much." He thanked Anthony for pulling him out of his slump.
"Hey, being the assholes my job, remember?" Said Anthony, smiling at Kiba and pointing to himself with a thumb.
Kiba returned the smile with brighter one, and a small chuckle. "That it is."
And with that, the first half of Season New is reaching its close! Kiba revealed his past, Xenovia had a flashback that foreshadows a bombshell once Anthony finds it out, but at least they're now fighting on the same side. Things are never as they seem in this Alternate DxD-verse. Thanks for reading this chapter, hope you all enjoyed it, and I'll see ya next time in the next chapter of The Italian Dragon Emperor.
Anthony's Italian Dictionary:
1) Fiducia: means "faith"
2) Giusta Pioggia: means "right as rain"
3) Io Non Come Te: means "I don't like you"
4) Scienziato Pazzo: means "mad scientist"