April 20th, 2012, Kuoh Academy, After School.
The final bell's ring echoed through the halls of Kuoh Academy, a sound that usually brought a sense of release. For Makoto Yuki, it was simply a marker of time, another segment of the day completed.
He rose from his seat, stretching his limbs with a quiet sigh, the familiar weight of his schoolbag already settled on his shoulder.
"Yuki."
He turned to see Sona Sitri standing by her desk, her expression as composed as ever behind her glasses.
"I want to thank you again for our last chat. It was... very useful," she said, her voice measured.
Makoto gave a slight nod. "I assume you invited the person you were talking about, then." He was careful, avoiding any direct mention of peerages or the supernatural in the crowded classroom.
Sona nodded. "Yes. His name is Genshirou Saji, a second-year. He's now part of the Student Council."
"I hope what I told you proves to be as helpful as I hope," Makoto replied honestly, the memory of Ken and the painful lessons of SEES lingering in the back of his mind.
Sona was silent for a moment, a rare flicker of hesitation crossing her features. "Yuki, it may sound selfish, but may I ask you to help him out, like you do with Ito? When you have time, obviously."
Makoto frowned slightly, not quite understanding. "Are you sure I can be of help? I'm not even certain what I'm doing with Ito is bearing fruit."
"Of course it is," Sona insisted, a note of conviction in her voice. "Genshirou also has a Dragon Sacred Gear, like Ito. Your perspective, your experience... or anything at all actually. It would be of help."
Makoto's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Are Dragon Sacred Gears really so important?"
"You can't imagine how much," Sona replied, her own voice low and intent. "Dragons are among the strongest beings in our world. For one, even contained within a Sacred Gear, to become part of a devil's peerage is always a significant event. He isn't hosting someone like the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig, but it is still a considerable asset for my peerage and my House."
"I'll see what I can do," Makoto agreed. "Now, I have to go find Ryoji."
They exchanged brief, polite goodbyes and parted ways at the classroom door.
"Senpai!"
The enthusiastic call came from down the hall. Irumi Ito was waving, her face bright with energy.
"Ito. How are you doing?" Makoto asked, genuinely interested.
"After Saturday's training, Ddraig forced me to take some time off," she said, rolling her eyes but still smiling. "He said I was overdoing it. But now I feel more energetic than ever!"
"Good for you. But he's not wrong; don't overdo it. I speak from experience," Makoto said, a wry memory surfacing of countless nights in Tartarus, pushing himself to the brink, followed inevitably by Mitsuru's sharp, concerned reprimands. But it had been necessary. For his friends, he would do it all again.
"Yes, yes. You're starting to sound like old Ddraig now," Irumi joked. Then her expression turned hopeful. "Senpai, do you want to come to the Occult Research Club? I'm sure everyone would like you being there."
"Sorry, but I need to find Ryoji," Makoto declined.
Irumi quickly reached out and took his arm, stopping him. "Senpai, Mochizuki should be at the club too. He's been spending a lot of time there lately, especially with the President." Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you know if there's something between them?"
The question ignited a flurry of internal commentary, much to Makoto's annoyance.
'Death and the Priestess? Are we joking?' Apollo's voice was ripe with gossipy delight.
'Thanatos isn't so reckless. He knows he cannot permit himself such distractions,' Orpheus Telos countered, his tone melodic and chiding.
Leviathan responded only with a series of low, indistinguishable gurgles.
'Leviathan, are you fine, hee hoo?' Jack Frost asked. No coherent answer came, just more aquatic murmuring.
'We should not dwell on these trivial matters,' Yoshitsune stated, his samurai sensibilities offended.
'Apollo, if you are so curious, just ask Thanatos yourself,' Kohryu suggested pragmatically.
'Leet's follow the Magician! I want to speeeaak with Ddraaaig!' Fafnir screeched, his metallic voice eager.
'For once, I agree with the lizard,' Odin grumbled.
'Let us go and cease this childish gossiping, Apollo. What are you? A god or an immature teenager?' Odin soon added.
The cacophony of voices made Makoto shake his head vigorously, as if to physically clear his mind.
"Hey, Senpai, are you okay?" Irumi asked, her face etched with concern.
"Yes. They're just being noisy, more than usual." Makoto explained.
"I wonder how you deal with so many beings talking to you at once," Irumi marveled. "I barely manage with Ddraig. Jeez, he's like a grumpy old grandpa sometimes."
'Nice joke, partner,' Ddraig's voice grumbled mentally, clearly annoyed.
'Come on! Don't take it so seriously!' Irumi shot back internally.
After a brief back-and-forth, they decided to head to the Old School Building together.
'Universe, why are you searching for Death?' Orpheus Telos inquired.
'I want to ask him if he knows what Elizabeth is plotting,' Makoto replied.
'Are you suspecting the Attendant, Universe?' Lucifer's voice cut in, cold and serious, sending a metaphorical chill through the collective consciousness shared with the other Personas.
'No.' Makoto answered firmly. 'But I don't like it when she doesn't tell me things straight.'
He would never doubt Elizabeth's loyalty, but her penchant for secrecy and cryptic behavior was a constant source of frustration.
Since arriving in this world, she had been more open, but it was clear she still held things back. He knew it was to protect him, but the desire to know the full truth burned within him.
April 20th, 2012, Occult Research Club, Afternoon.
The clubroom felt like a pressure cooker about to burst open. Rias Gremory sat at her desk, her usually confident posture slumped in frustration. Ryoji Mochizuki sat across from her, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Rias, why haven't you spoken to Ito about this mess yet?" Ryoji asked, his voice gentle but firm.
"I know... I know. You're completely right," Rias sighed, running a hand through her crimson hair. "But... I just couldn't find the right way to tell her. She's been a devil for a week, Ryoji. I don't want to drag her into this political quagmire. It's too early; I don't want to shock her. It makes sense, doesn't it?"
She sounded like she was trying to convince herself as much as him.
"You still need her for this Rating Game thing," Ryoji pointed out pragmatically. "And the sooner you tell her, the sooner she can begin to understand how your world works."
"You're right..." Rias groaned, putting her face in her hands. "Satans, I've made a mistake. Again. Like always."
The door opened, and Akeno entered, carrying a silver tray laden with a tea set and a plate of biscuits. Her serene smile faltered slightly at the tense atmosphere.
"What's with the long face, Rias?" she asked, setting the tray down. "Everything is going to be fine. We even have Mochizuki here to help us." She offered Ryoji a warm, reassuring wink.
Ryoji chuckled, his usual easy-going demeanor returning. "Akeno is right, Rias! Don't worry; we'll handle this. We still have ten days until the marriage, right?" He was trying to inject some optimism into the grim situation.
"Look at Koneko, Rias," Akeno said, her voice softening with a hint of shame. "She's fighting against her own fears every day, just to be of help."
The unspoken comparison that tortured Akeno's mind hung in the air: 'she is stronger than I am.'
"I know," Rias whispered. "But I'm still worried. All my life, I've had the constant weight of this marriage on my soul, restraining my freedom. I just want it to be over."
The door opened once again, and Koneko and Kiba entered, having just finished their classes.
"Yuuto, do you know where Irumi is?" Rias asked her knight.
The blonde shook his head. "I didn't see her after this morning. Perhaps she stopped by the Music Club?"
"She knows to come here. Let's just wait for her," Rias decided.
Before anyone could say another word, the air in the room grew hot and heavy. An ornate, fiery magic circle—orange with a stylized phoenix at its center—flared to life on the floor.
The flames died down as quickly as they appeared, revealing a blonde young man with piercing blue eyes and a cocky, arrogant grin.
He wore a flashy red blazer over a white shirt, with black pants and shoes. Two golden bracelets adorned his wrists. Behind him, fifteen girls materialized from the same circle, his peerage.
"Ah, good Satans!" the man exclaimed, his voice dripping with condescension. "The human world is just as hateful as I remembered. I truly don't see why you like it so much, dear."
He emphasized the last word with a smirk directed at Rias, who responded with a roll of her eyes.
"Riser. What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice cold enough to freeze hellfire.
Riser Phenex, the third son of the Phenex Clan, ignored her tone and strode forward, slinging an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into an unwanted embrace.
"Can't I stop by to visit my soon-to-be wife? How are you, my dear? Is this puny Earth treating you well?" His questions were empty pleasantries. His gaze then shifted to Ryoji, his eyes narrowing. "And who are you? A new servant of yours, Rias?"
"No, Riser. He is not," Rias said, her voice tight.
"I'm Ryoji Mochizuki. Nice to meet you," Ryoji said, extending his hand with his usual friendly smile.
Riser looked at the offered hand as if it were something filthy. Instead of shaking it, he slapped it away with disdain. "Don't touch me, human."
"Riser, I ask you to respect my friend," Rias demanded, her frown deepening.
"Friend? This human?" Riser chuckled, a nasty, mocking sound. "This makes me laugh, Rias."
Rias growled low in her throat, a sound of pure anger that Riser didn't miss. He puffed out his chest and released her.
"It's fortunate you found me in a good mood, human. I shall let you go," he said to Ryoji, pointing imperiously toward the door.
Ryoji didn't move. He simply looked at Riser, his smile never wavering. "I don't think you're the one to decide who leaves or stays in this room. Rias is."
The challenge was direct and open. Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko had to quickly hide their amused smiles.
Riser's face contorted with rage. He slammed his fist on Rias's desk, hellflames erupting around his clenched hand.
"HOW DARE YOU, HUMAN!?" he shouted, making a move to grab Ryoji.
"Riser!" Rias shouted, stepping between them. She turned to Ryoji, her eyes pleading. "Mochizuki, thanks for coming. I'll see you soon, okay?" It was a clear, diplomatic dismissal.
Ryoji looked confused but nodded. He trusted her. As he walked to the door, he passed through the ranks of Riser's peerage, meeting the deadly glares of fifteen powerful devil women. The most intense came from Riser's queen, Yubelluna.
She was a tall woman with long, wavy purple hair that fell down her back, one strand covering her right eye. Her matching purple eyes burned with malice. She wore an elaborate white navy cape with golden epaulets over a long purple dress and a blue corset. An orange jewel adorned her headband. She hissed at Ryoji like a serpent, her body coiling as if ready to strike.
"Yubelluna, don't waste your time with that mere human," Riser called out, noticing his queen's aggression.
"Thanks," Ryoji said flatly to Yubelluna before opening the door and exiting, leaving a room thick with tension.
"Humans," Riser snorted, turning his attention back to Rias. "I can't understand why you like them and their world so much, dear."
"At least here I can be myself, Riser," Rias retorted.
"You're still in your rebellious phase, dear? And here I thought you'd finally accepted how things are." Riser sat down and eyed the empty teacup on Rias's desk. "I'd like a cup of tea, too," he ordered, smirking at Akeno.
Reluctantly, Akeno gave a slow nod and moved to prepare another cup.
"I'm not rebellious. I just won't marry you. No matter what," Rias stated, her voice firm.
"Rias, Rias, my dear Rias," Riser said, shaking his head with faux sadness. "You can't be so selfish. Remember, this is a deal made by our fathers for the sake of both our clans and the Underworld as a whole. Remember, it's the Gremorys who will benefit more from this alliance."
"That doesn't change anything! I will marry someone I choose. The future of my house is not at risk!" Rias shot back, standing up and slamming her hands on the desk.
Riser's smirk vanished. He stood, his movements suddenly predatory, and grabbed Rias's chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. A subtle, dangerous threat glittered in his gaze. Akeno and Koneko gasped; Kiba tensed, ready to intervene.
"Rias," Riser said, his voice low and dangerous. "I am a Phenex. I am trying to be polite, but your refusal brings shame to my family name. I will bring you back to the Underworld, and there is nothing you can do to stop me. Am I clear?" His eyes burned with angry flames.
In response, Rias's own power flared. Swirls of destructive crimson energy gathered around her hands. The room seemed to hold its breath, poised on the edge of violence.
SLAM!
The door to the ORC was thrown open with a deafening crash.
"President, sorry for being late! I was talking with Senpai Yuki!" Irumi shouted, bowing her head in apology. She slowly looked up, her eyes widening as she took in the scene: Riser, his entire peerage, and the girl she had just accidentally hit with the door.
"Lady Ravel!" Riser's peerage cried out in unison.
Riser immediately released Rias and rushed to his sister's side. "I'm fine, brother. It's just a door," Ravel Phenex said, brushing herself off. Her devil physiology obviously made her far sturdier than a common wooden door.
Riser's head snapped toward Irumi, his face a mask of pure fury. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?" he roared, his fist igniting with hellfire as he launched a punch at the startled girl.
"Riser!" Rias shouted.
"Ito, care—!" Kiba sprinted forward, but he was too far away.
The punch never landed.
"What are you doing?" a calm voice asked.
Riser's fist was caught in a vice-like grip. Makoto stood between them, his hand clamped around Riser's wrist, stopping the blow cold.
'I hate arrogant brats like him,' Odin's voice rumbled in Makoto's mind.
'However, we must admit he is not entirely wrong, All-Father. Universe, tell my apprentice to apologize,' Kohryu advised.
Makoto glanced at Ravel, who was now back on her feet, and then at a pale Irumi, all while maintaining his hold on Riser's fist.
"Ito, apologize," he said, his voice even.
"Are you ignoring me!?" Riser growled, trying and failing to wrench his hand free from Makoto's impossibly strong grip. "Let go of me!"
Seeing the scene, Rias couldn't suppress a small, incredulous giggle.
"Ehm... sorry," Irumi stammered, bowing her head deeply.
"You attacked Lady Ravel! Being sorry isn't enough!" shouted another of Riser's peerage, a woman named Isabela. She had light brown hair with three red streaks and wore a biker's leather jacket. She looked ready to pounce.
Only then did Makoto release Riser's fist.
"Rias," Riser spat, his voice trembling with rage, his eyes fixed on Makoto. "Care to explain who these two pests are?"
"She is my pawn, Riser," Rias said coolly. Akeno quickly took Irumi by the arm and pulled her back to stand with Koneko and Kiba.
"Senpai, what's going on?" Irumi whispered to Rias' queen, thoroughly confused.
"Just be silent, Irumi," Akeno whispered back.
"Kiba, do you know who they are?" Turning her head, Irumi asked the knight.
"He is Riser Phenex, the third son of the Phenex Pillar House. The one you hit is his sister, Ravel Phenex," Kiba explained quietly.
Irumi gulped. "They're noble high-class devils? Like the President?"
Kiba simply nodded.
"You were stupid, Senpai," Koneko murmured.
"Sorry..."
"And who," Riser demanded, towering over Makoto, "is this annoying boy?"
"He's a friend, Riser," Rias repeated, her answer doing nothing to quell the Phenex's fury.
'Makoto, this situation might escalate too fast,' Orpheus Telos warned.
'Let it be, Universe. I want to teach this insignificant brat his place. I am not liking the way you pacifists have been handling everything since we arrived,' Lucifer asserted, his voice dark.
'Morning Star, what are you saying?' Apollo asked, alarmed.
'Lucifer, not now,' Makoto mentally dismissed them.
'Universe, what is your intent?' Kohryu asked calmly.
Makoto's eyes were on Rias. She was clearly uncomfortable, trapped by this arrogant man and whatever kind of chains he represented, chains that made Lucifer grumble so much.
'I want to understand what is going on.'
"It's like Rias said. I'm her friend," Makoto answered, his voice level. "The question is, who are you?"
Riser's response was to spit at Makoto's feet, his face twisted in disgust. "Listen here, human, because I will only say this once before I lose my temper. I am Riser Phenex, son of the great House of Phenex. It would be best if you left this instant, before I turn you into ashes."
As if to emphasize his point, a pair of magnificent, fiery wings sprouted from his back, unlike the leathery bat wings of most devils—these were feathered and perpetually wreathed in flame.
Despite Lucifer's internal protests, Makoto didn't react with aggression. "Is that a threat?" he asked, his expression unchanging, showing no trace of fear.
For the second time that afternoon, a magic circle flared on the floor. This one was different—elegant and silver. From it emerged Grayfia Lucifuge, the silver-haired Queen of Sirzechs Lucifer. Her presence immediately commanded the room, freezing the devils in place.
"Lord Yuki. Lord Riser," she said, her voice cool and authoritative. "I ask that you cease this confrontation so we may resolve the situation in a civil manner."
'The Queen of Lucifer? She just called this human "Lord"? Are we for real?' Riser thought, utterly bewildered, his anger momentarily stunned by the sheer improbability of it.
"It has never been my intention to start a fight," Makoto stated calmly. He walked over to an empty sofa and sat down, as if he owned the place. "However, I must ask. What is happening here?"
"Yeah, I'm not understanding it, either," Irumi commented, raising her hand. Akeno was quick to clamp a hand over her mouth.
"Please everyone, excuse her. She's new," Akeno said with a strained smile.
'Partner, this is a matter among high-class devils,' Ddraig's voice echoed in Irumi's mind. 'Just let them resolve it alone.'
The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the crackle of Riser's flaming wings and the weight of Grayfia's imposing presence.
The strange stage was set, surely it didn't go anything like Riser Phenex had thought.