04/03/2012, Velvet Room, Morning
Morning light filled the Velvet Room, casting a honeyed glow that mixed with the blue tones of the space over the cluttered counter where Makoto leaned, steam curling from his mug of jasmine tea.
The scent of miso soup and freshly toasted rice lingered in the air, mingling with the buttery aroma of tamagoyaki Ryoji devoured with gusto. Death slouched on a stool, his scarf dangling perilously close to his plate, his grin as bright and chaotic as the jazz melody humming from his phone.
"So," Ryoji said around a mouthful of egg, slapping a leaflet onto the counter. The paper crackled, its edges frayed from being tucked in his pocket.
A neon saxophone glowed on the front beneath the words ElegantVille: Open Mic Night! "Tomorrow's our big debut as Kuoh students. We should celebrate."
Makoto's brow furrowed as he scanned the ad. "By… auditioning as their pianist?"
"Exactly!" Ryoji declared. "So, I want you to si—"
"No," Makoto stated, cutting him off.
"Don't be shy! You're so good at it," Ryoji said, trying to convince him, but the boy remained adamant.
"Being good at it doesn't mean I like it."
"Pretty please?"
Makoto's resolve cracked, just a hair. "...Just watching."
"Yes!" Ryoji pumped a fist, nearly upending his miso.
Makoto sighed, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips as he traced the leaflet's neon saxophone. Prodigy. The word sat uneasily, a relic of a life before seals and Shadows. But for Ryoji? He'd endure a day of singing at a local, public bar.
04/03/2012, Old Town Kuoh, Day
Ryoji and Makoto wandered down a narrow alley in Kuoh's Old Town, the air thick with the faint sweetness of cherry blossoms unfurling in early spring.
At night, lanterns would cast warm pools of light over weathered wooden facades and moss-kissed stone paths, the district a tapestry of sloping eaves and latticed windows that clung to the past.
"This place… it's like Kyoto all over again," Ryoji mused, his voice tinged with nostalgia as his gaze drifted to a gnarled cherry tree shedding petals onto a sagging tiled roof. "Same stubborn beauty, same smell of history."
Makoto shoved his hands into his pockets, skepticism narrowing his eyes. "You sure the club's here? Feels more like a museum than a jazz spot."
"Patience, mon ami!" Ryoji said dramatically, his grin sharp as he jabbed a finger toward a building tucked between two traditional machiya.
The structure was a relic of Edo-era craftsmanship—white-and-yellow timber walls, paper lanterns swaying lazily by the entrance—but a crisp white banner fluttered above the door, its bold black letters declaring: ElegantVille.
"Voilà! History with a beat. I really like this place," Ryoji crowed, sweeping an arm toward the door like a showman.
Inside, the fusion of old and new hummed in the air: tatami mats blended with Art Deco lamps, while a polished grand piano gleamed beside a wall hung with antique kimonos. A white-haired girl in a sleek black waitress uniform whirled to greet them, her light blue eyes brightening.
"Ryoji Mochizuki! You actually showed up!"
"Wouldn't miss your family's hidden gem, Momo," Ryoji replied, slinging an arm around Makoto's shoulders. "Meet my partner-in-crime, Makoto Yuki! Singer, guitarist, piano virtuoso—everything related to music, he's the right person. And a terrible liar when it comes to hiding his talents."
Momo clasped her hands, leaning forward with a conspiratorial smile. "Makoto Yuki? The Student Council's been buzzing about you! Guess fate's funny. Dad's been begging me to find a pianist since he turned this place into a jazz haunt. Traditional exterior, rebellious soul," she added, gesturing to the room's clash of jazz posters and calligraphy scrolls.
"He wanted… atmosphere without losing roots."
Makoto arched a brow. "Rebellious? Feels more like a time capsule with a saxophone."
Ryoji snorted. "Says the guy who plays Chopin like he's dueling the devil. Anyway—" He pivoted to Momo, mischief sparking in his tone. "You mentioned needing a singer too, right?"
Momo sighed, fiddling with her apron. "Dad's desperate. Local talent's scarce, and corporate scouts want someone 'marketable.' It's… a mess."
Before she finished, Ryoji slapped Makoto's back. "Lucky you! This guy's got a voice smoother than midnight whiskey. Right, Makoto?"
Makoto froze, then turned sharply toward the exit. "I'm out."
"Wait!" Ryoji lunged, hooking Makoto's shoulders. "Come on, think of it as… expanding your artistic horizons! Plus, Momo'll pay you enough to buy... I don't know, something!"
Momo stepped closer, clasping her hands pleadingly. "Please, Yuki? We're drowning here. This place really needs someone like you."
Makoto stared at the floor, jaw tight. The silence stretched, broken only by the creak of floorboards and Ryoji's overly innocent whistle. Finally, Makoto dragged a hand through his hair, defeat roughening his voice.
"...Fine. One night."
Ryoji whooped, nearly tackling him. "That's the spirit! We'll kill it—you on vocals, me on piano. Jazz duo of the century!"
Momo clapped, relief softening her features. "Thank you so much! Dad'll be thrilled. I'll prep everything for tonight!"
As Ryoji rambled about setlists, Makoto eyed the piano, its polished surface reflecting his reluctant resolve. 'Why do I let him talk me into these things?' he thought.
04/03/2012, 2012, Old School Building Basement, Afternoon
The basement of the Old School Building reeked of damp stone and lingering frost, the air sharp enough to bite. Rias and Sona stood flanked by their Queens, their human-like faces hardened under the flicker of a single overhead bulb.
Between them, the massive block of ice imprisoning Sothillis glowed faintly, its surface etched with jagged fractures.
"How do we thaw him without unleashing a tantrum?" Rias muttered, crimson nails tapping her arm as she eyed the frozen oni.
Sona adjusted her glasses, her voice clipped. "The thawing is simple. The problem is what follows." She nodded to Tsubaki, who knelt to trace fresh binding sigils into the floor. "From what Kiba and Koneko described, he's… unyielding."
"Perhaps we should involve the Underworld," Tsubaki began, but Rias and Sona snapped in unison: "No."
Sona's jaw tightened. "This stays between us. We'll handle it here."
Akeno's laugh was honeyed, but her eyes glinted. "Always so proud, these heiresses. No wonder their families fret."
Rias ignored her, raising a palm as swirling crimson energy coalesced. "Ready?"
Sona gave a curt nod, her magic circles flaring to life—layered rings of azure light humming with restraint. The ice shattered under Rias's bolt, and Sothillis collapsed, gasping, frost clinging to his scarred skin.
He lurched upward, muscles coiled, but the bindings snapped taut, chains of light pinning him mid-snarl.
"Devil whelps," he spat, veins bulging as he strained against the magic. "If that witch hadn't meddled, your pawns would be carrion!"
Rias's aura flared, ruby hair lifting like flame. "This territory is ours," she hissed. "Who sent you? Speak, or your death becomes a footnote."
Sothillis's yellowed teeth gleamed as he leered at Akeno and Tsubaki. "Himejima. Shinra. Traitors to your blood, licking devil boots."
Lightning crackled in Akeno's palms, but Rias's glare silenced her.
"Do not say that name," Akeno spat.
Tsubaki remained still, though her knuckles whitened around her naginata.
Sona stepped forward, her voice glacial. "Last chance, oni. Who sent you?"
"No one," he growled. "I serve Yomi's mistress, and she hungers."
Rias's destruction sphere hummed, inches from his face. "Then greet her in hell."
Sothillis threw back his head, laughter raw and unhinged. "She'll feast on your bones!"
The orb detonated.
Ash drifted where he had stood.
Sona exhaled, pushing up her glasses. "A waste of time."
04/03/2012, 2012 – ElegantVille, Evening
The ElegantVille was more crowded than usual, making the owner of the jazz bar—Momo's father, Haruki Hanakai—happy as a clam. The man greeted and served each customer, helped by his daughter and wife. Meanwhile, Ryoji played the piano at the center of the club while Makoto sang, accompanied by his friend's music.
Everyone enjoyed the performance, and the evening went as smoothly as silk.
It was late when the ElegantVille closed, and its owner reached for Makoto and Ryoji, hugging them tightly.
"Ah, you were magnificent, boys!" he said, beaming with happiness. "I don't even remember the last time my bar was so crowded. Thank you so much—I hope you'll come again."
"Yes, thank you, Mochizuki, Yuki," Momo said as she finished tidying the tables.
"We should be the ones thanking you. It's been so long since I had this much fun," Ryoji said. "Right, Makoto?"
"I guess so," Makoto answered.
"You were astounding, Yuki!" Momo grabbed Makoto's hand, beaming with excitement. "You're such a great singer!"
"You could almost say he's a god of music," Ryoji joked teasingly, looking at Makoto, who rolled his eyes.
'Death's not wrong,' Orpheus Telos chuckled from Makoto's mind, making him sigh.
"Well, tomorrow is our first school day. I wouldn't like to be late," Makoto said, standing up and thanking Mr. Hanakai for his kindness.
"Party killer," Ryoji booed, earning laughter from Momo.
"The boy's right, Momo. Go to bed—I'll handle the cleaning. And goodbye to you two," the bar's owner said gently.
"Okay, Dad…" Momo whined.
As Ryoji and Makoto were about to exit, Momo stopped the blue-haired boy.
"Yuki, wait! I almost forgot—here's your paycheck. Dad added extra for your great performance." She handed Makoto an envelope.
"Thanks," Makoto said.
"Well, see you tomorrow!"
I am Thou. Thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt have the Universe's blessing when choosing to create Personas of the Lovers Arcana.
After hearing Elizabeth's voice, Makoto smiled and headed back to the Velvet Room with Ryoji.
04/03/2012, Kuoh Academy, School Time
The sky was clear, the sun warming the city as cherry trees finally blossomed fully. Dozens of Kuoh Academy students flowed like a river inside the school grounds, chatting excitedly about the new school year.
First-year students were guided by teachers to the auditorium, with second- and third-years following close behind. Once the hall was fully crowded, the principal wished everyone the best year possible.
After the principal's greeting, Sona took the stage to deliver her welcoming speech.
"Good morning to you all. I am Sona Sitri, and for those of you who don't know, I'm the Student Council president," she began, her composed demeanor drawing admiring gazes from many students.
"Today, a new school year begins—one I hope will be full of fulfillment and happy memories. As president of the Student Council, I vow to make the environment as pleasant as possible for all of you, encouraging and nurturing your talents. I am honored to serve, and always remember—you can count on me and the Student Council for any problem."
As Sona finished her speech, the crowd erupted into vigorous applause.
"Hey, Makoto, what's our class?" Ryoji asked, nudging him with his elbow to get his attention.
"We were put in different classes. Mine is 3-A, yours is 3-B," Makoto answered, standing up with his schoolbag under his arm.
"No fair," Ryoji complained.
In Classroom 3-A, the teacher gestured to Makoto.
"Class, we have a new student this year. Please introduce yourself."
The teacher handed Makoto a piece of chalk to write his name on the board.
"I'm Makoto Yuki. Pleased to meet you," he said quietly.
Makoto noticed he was in the same classroom as Sona and Tsubaki.
"Are there any questions for Yuki?" the teacher asked.
A few students asked basic questions—where he was from, his hobbies, his likes. After answering, Makoto took the only empty seat near Sona, and the lesson began.
Meanwhile, in Classroom 3-B, Ryoji was overwhelmed by questions from his classmates.
"What's your favorite color?"
"I love your scarf!"
"What do you do in your free time?"
"Are you single?"
"Can we go on a date?"
"You're so cool!"
"Let's be friends!"
"Who do you think you are?"
The questions seemed endless until the teacher slammed her palm on the desk.
"Enough!" she shouted, silencing the class. "Mochizuki, you can sit down. Thank you."
Ryoji sat next to a red-haired girl.
"Hi. Ryoji Mochizuki. Nice to meet you," he said, smiling.
"Rias Gremory. Nice to meet you too," the girl replied.
When the lunch bell rang, Ryoji was surrounded by girls asking him to eat with them.
"I'd love to, girls, but I promised my friend I'd eat with him," he said.
They complained but eventually let him go.
'Guess even here, people's desire for death remains,' Ryoji thought, a forced, sad smile on his face as he reflected on how much people—like Shadows—craved reunion with death.
'At least here, I'm not the Appraiser. So maybe whatever Shadow appears won't rush here. I hope.'
As he walked, Ryoji nearly stumbled over a short girl.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't see you," he said, offering his hand.
Koneko stared at the boy in front of her. 'What was he thinking about? How can someone be so absent-minded?' she wondered, scrutinizing him. He felt and smelled strange—something about him wasn't normal.
"Are you hurt?" Ryoji asked, concerned.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I'm Ryoji Mochizuki! I just transferred here," he said, smiling as he offered his hand.
"Koneko," she said, getting back on her feet.
"Nice to meet you, Koneko! I'd love to chat more, but I've got somewhere to be. Bye!"
With that, Ryoji hurried toward the cafeteria.
Koneko watched him leave, rolling her eyes. 'Should I tell the President about him?' she wondered, considering the possibility of Ryoji having a Sacred Gear.
'I just want to eat...'
She then headed somewhere secluded to enjoy her lunch in peace.
"Yuki, do you want to eat with us at the Student Council?" Sona asked before Makoto could leave the classroom.
'Knowing Thanatos, he's probably asking girls to go out with him,' Thoth mocked.
'What do you mean?' Makoto asked.
'Nothing, Universe. Just that you should accept an invitation from someone your age.'
Makoto scowled.
'Thoth is right. I know you and Thanatos are close, but you're still a kid, Universe. You should spend time with people your age. Please don't forget—just enjoy your time,' Kohryu said tenderly.
"Yuki?" Sona looked at him, confused.
"Yes, I'd like to," Makoto answered, snapping back to reality.