April 20th, Occult Research Club, Afternoon.
The atmosphere in the Occult Research Club was thick enough to slice with a knife.
On one sofa sat Rias, her posture rigid and uncomfortable. Flanking her, with a possessiveness that made her skin crawl, was Riser Phenex, his arm draped around her waist like a gaudy chain.
Opposite them, Makotoi sat with an unnerving calm, a stark contrast to the simmering hostility between the other devils. Along the room's periphery, the two devil peerages stood like opposing armies, with Grayfia Lucifuge presiding over the tense ceasefire she had enforced.
"Do you see now... Yuki?" Riser managed to say, forcing civility into his tone where he clearly wanted to use a slur. "This isn't a matter regarding you."
'For once, I find myself agreeing with this arrogant brat,' Kohryu's wise voice rumbled in Makoto's mind. 'Preventing a marriage is not our purpose here, Universe.'
'The Huanglong speaks true,' Odin concurred. 'The Priestess is competent enough. She will resolve this herself.'
"This doesn't change anything, Riser," Rias protested, her voice strained as she tried to subtly shift away from his grip.
Riser merely grunted in response, his smirk unwavering and his chin as high as a hill.
"Lord Lucifer anticipated the possibility of Lady Rias's dissent," Grayfia interjected, her voice a cool balm on the heated room. "He proposes the matter be settled by a Rating Game."
"A what?" Irumi whispered to Akeno, her eyes narrowed at Riser.
"A simulated battle," Akeno explained quietly. "The peerages of two devils fight each other under strict rules, much like a lethal game of chess."
"Hmph, fine by me," Riser said, his cocky grin widening. He gestured flamboyantly to his fifteen female servants. "I've fought and won countless Rating Games. I have a complete, experienced set of pieces."
His gaze swept over Rias's small group—Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Irumi. "Tell me, Rias, your servants are just these four?" he mocked. "This will be a slaughter, not a game. I am telling you this to preserve your pride."
"And?" Rias shot back, her annoyance cutting through her anxiety.
"It doesn't make any sense!" Irumi suddenly shouted, her patience snapping. She pointed an accusing finger at Riser. "You're just an arrogant prick, Riser Phenex!"
"Learn your place, girl," Riser snarled, his eyes flashing with hellfire, "or I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget."
Fueled by a rage that echoed a deep, personal trauma, Irumi's response was instantaneous. The Red Dragon Emperor's gauntlet, the Boosted Gear, materialized on her arm in a flash of crimson light.
'Partner, what are you doing!?' Ddraig's voice echoed in her mind, alarmed.
'People like him are the ones I want to destroy! Arrogant and aggressive... He's just like the monster who killed my parents!' Irumi thought back, her vision tinged with red.
"Mira," Riser ordered with a dismissive flick of his wrist. "Show this impertinent child her place."
A girl with blue hair tied in six high ponytails darted forward. Mira, one of Riser's pawns, moved with blinding speed, her bō staff a blur. Before anyone could react, the staff connected with a sickening crack against Irumi's abdomen, lifting her off her feet and hurling her into the wooden ceiling.
The impact splintered the beams, and Irumi crumpled to the floor with a gasp of agony.
"Irumi!" Rias cried, rushing to her side.
"Aagh... I think one of my ribs is broken," Irumi whimpered, clutching her side.
"To think this generation's Red Dragon Empress is so weak," Riser laughed, the sound cruel and condescending. "Hilarious."
Makoto was already moving. He knelt beside Irumi, his expression unreadable. "Sorry, Senpai..." she mumbled, tears of pain and humiliation in her eyes. "The training isn't giving any results. Tell Master I'm sorry..."
'The foolish, reckless child,' Kohryu sighed internally.
"You are being way too dramatic. Diarahan," Makoto stated. A warm, green light enveloped Irumi, the healing energy knitting her broken rib and soothing her bruises in an instant.
"Thanks, Senpai," she breathed, sitting up, stunned.
Rias rose to her full height, her crimson hair seeming to glow with her rising power. She faced Riser, her earlier uncertainty burned away by protective fury.
"We accept," she declared, her voice ringing with newfound confidence. "I promise you, Riser, you will be destroyed."
"Oh, I can't wait to see you try," Riser said, amused. He turned with a flourish, heading back to his peerage. "See you at the Rating Game, then, dear Rias." With a final smirk, he and his entire group vanished in a burst of phoenix flames.
"I shall inform my master of your decision, Lady Rias," Grayfia said with a slight bow before she too disappeared in a shimmer of silver light.
Silence descended upon the ravaged clubroom. Rias turned to Makoto, her cheeks flushed with shame.
"Yuki, I'm sorry for what you had to see today."
"You have nothing to be sorry about," he replied evenly. "But what is your plan?"
"We're going to fight, Senpai. That's obvious," Kiba said, trying to maintain a brave smile.
"Senpai, help us! Like you already do with me!" Irumi pleaded, looking at Makoto with desperate hope.
"No!" Rias's voice was sharp, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Yuki, you don't have to worry about this. I'll deal with it."
Her pride was a wall, refusing to impose further on him.
"Rias," Makoto said, his tone softening as he saw the sorrow deep in her eyes. "We are friends. Let me help you."
"I can't ask you to waste your time on us."
Makoto shook his head. "That makes no sense. Just tell me what I can do."
"The Rating Game... how much time do we have?" Kiba asked, trying to pivot to logistics.
"Less than ten days," Akeno calculated. "The marriage is set for the 30th. The game will likely be a day or two before."
"I want to punch Phenex in the face," Koneko stated softly, her small fists clenched.
"Yeah! Senpai, can you ask Master to help us?" Irumi asked, bouncing back with her characteristic resilience.
"Master?" Kiba inquired.
"Yeah! Master Kohryu is a great teacher!" Irumi explained, nodding vigorously.
'I would not be opposed to new students,' Kohryu chuckled internally, feeling a grandfatherly warmth. 'It has been too long.'
'Ten days is not enough to build foundational strength,' Yoshitsune pointed out pragmatically.
'However, it is more than enough time to refine technique and strategy,' the samurai persona added.
'Are we seriously considering this?' Apollo protested. 'We are gods, demons, heroes—not personal trainers!'
'I remember you having the time of your life training the Magician last time, hee hoo!' Jack Frost retorted.
'The Universe has already decided!' Robin Hood proclaimed. 'Helping a friend in need is our most sacred duty!'
'I agreeee! If I can spend time with Ddraiig!' Fafnir screeched, his metallic voice eager.
"He says it's okay," Makoto relayed.
Irumi celebrated with a triumphant jump. "President, you won't have to worry! We'll do it!" she declared, clenching her fist with unwavering certainty.
To everyone's surprise, Rias's response was a burst of laughter, though small tears welled in the corners of her eyes. "Rias?" Akeno asked, concerned.
"It's... it's all good," Rias managed, wiping her eyes. "Ah, you're right, Yuki. Thank you for wanting to help me... truly. I promise I will repay you."
"There's no need, really." Makoto said simply.
Rias shook her head, a determined glint in her eye.
"No, no. My honor as a Gremory demands I repay you. Just you wait," she insisted, a genuine smile finally breaking through.
April 20th, 2012, Velvet Room, Afternoon.
Ryoji Mochizuki returned to the quiet, blue-hued dimension of the Velvet Room to find Elizabeth blocking the entrance, her arms crossed and a rare, stern expression on her face.
"Attendant?" Ryoji asked, attempting to step past her.
"Good day, Death," she said, her voice laced with a pointed curiosity. "Might I inquire what you are doing with the Priestess?"
"Are you talking about Gremory? Nothing. Just assisting her with something," Ryoji replied, deliberately vague.
"By any chance, were you helping her deal with her arranged marriage to the House of Phenex?" Elizabeth's question hit its mark with unnerving accuracy, stunning Ryoji into silence.
"How do you know about that?"
"It is not significant how I know. What is significant is that you are acting foolishly. I am already devising a solution to this problem. After all, if the Priestess is forced to leave the human world, her bond with Makoto will be damaged, and by extension, so will his powers," Elizabeth explained, her gaze cold and analytical.
"Then what are your intentions?" Ryoji asked, skepticism clear in his voice.
"I can handle the situation and resolve it in a peaceful and civil manner."
"The term 'peaceful' coming from your mouth does not reassure me in the slightest," Ryoji commented.
"Trust me, Death. I know how to behave within the social standards of this world. Now, how were you helping Rias?"
Ryoji sighed, realizing resistance was futile.
"Gremory says the arrangement can be voided by a Rating Game—a formal fight between Phenex's peerage and hers." He yawned, the stress of the day weighing on him, and moved to head upstairs. Before he left, he turned back for a final warning.
"Attendant, I don't know what your plan is, but think carefully on whether it might cause more trouble than good for Makoto."
"A Rating Game? That is the worst-case scenario. Even with help, it is impossible to even the difference in power between her and her opponent," Elizabeth stated flatly.
"And what makes you say that?"
"Serafall was kind enough to show me recordings of your devil's beloved Rating Games. I saw one featuring Riser Phenex. Rias does not possess enough raw power to overcome his regenerative immortality."
Ryoji, the very embodiment of Death, let out a dry, humorless laugh. "Nothing is immortal. Only Mother is." His thoughts drifted to Nyx, the true mother of all shadows.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth's mind was already racing. 'I hope Mercurius is ready for another trip to the Underworld.'
But before she could open the Persona Compendium to once again pester the God of Thieves, the Velvet Room door opened again.
"Liz." Makoto stood in the doorway. "I will be away for a few days. Do you know where Ryoji is?"
It was a rare sight: Elizabeth, momentarily speechless. She had not expected this. "Did something happen?" she finally asked.
"Rias needs my help," he answered simply, walking in and taking a seat at the counter. "I need to revise my Personas for this."
'Ah, finally! I won't have to suffer these fools anymore!' Apollo scoffed internally.
'You say that with far too much confidence for my liking,' Odin observed dryly.
'Who do you intend to summon, Universe?' Kohryu asked.
'Ineed someone who can help Koneko and Akeno. You and Fafnir will continue Ito's training. Yoshitsune and Odin will assist Kiba. As for Rias... Lucifer, are you agreeable to that?' Makoto asked.
'I shall acquiesce, if that is your will, Universe,' the Morning Star replied, his tone suggesting he was doing them a great favor.
'Might I make a suggestion, Makoto?' Orpheus Telos's melodic voice interjected.
'Of course.'
'We have been contemplating it since Shadow Izanami's appearance. You should summon Izanagi-no-Okami.'
'And how do I do that?'
'Fuse me and Robin Hood.'
'Are you certain?' Makoto asked, concerned for his Personas.
'Yes, Universe! Do not worry about us!' Robin Hood proclaimed cheerfully.
Elizabeth, sensing his resolve, moved to the record player. The haunting melody of "Aria of the Soul" began to fill the room.
"Makoto, why the need to change your stock?" she asked, though she already suspected the answer.
"Rias needs to fight in a thing called a Rating Game."
Elizabeth didn't let him finish. She swiftly opened the massive Persona Compendium. "I see. Then the diplomatic approach is now beyond our reach," she stated, confusing him.
"What do you mean?"
"My theory is that the Rating Game between Riser Phenex and the Priestess is now official. There is no other path for her but to fight."
Makoto frowned. "You knew about this the whole time?"
Elizabeth nodded. Makoto sighed, deciding not to dwell on her secrecy. "So, who do you want to fuse?"
"I was considering who could help with Akeno and Koneko. Orpheus Telos suggested fusing Izanagi-no-Okami to deal with Izanami, which would free a spot," Makoto explained.
"Oh, the ultimate Persona of the World Arcana. Interesting. I also think the supreme god of Japan could be quite useful for the training camp you are so focused on setting up," Elizabeth joked.
"I know someone who can help us," Ryoji said, descending the stairs. "I'm sure she and Akeno will get along."
"Did you both know about Rias's problem and not think to tell me?" Makoto asked, a thread of disappointment in his voice. "Really?"
"Hey! In my defense, I wasn't aware the Attendant knew about it!" Ryoji said, raising his hands in a placating gesture.
'I find their lack of faith disgusting,' Lucifer muttered.
"I heard that, Morning Star," Ryoji deadpanned.
"Let's just focus," Makoto said, shelving his irritation for later. "Who is this Persona, Ryoji?"
"Cendrillon," Ryoji announced.
'Not that insufferable brat, Thanatos!' Odin whined internally.
'What is the problem? I find her a delightful child,' Kohryu commented.
'This is not your choice to make. It is Makoto's mind, not yours,' Orpheus Telos chided.
Makoto considered it. Irumi had suggested Kohryu train the others, so assigning one Persona to each member of Rias's peerage made sense. Kohryu and Fafnir (at the cyber-dragon's insistent screeching) would train Irumi.
Yoshitsune, with Odin's grudging help, would drill Kiba. Lucifer would be tasked with Rias—a pairing that worried Makoto given the Devil's propensity for overkill, though he hoped Leviathan's calming presence would temper him.
Ryoji's suggestion of Cendrillon for Akeno was perfect; the Ash Princess's versatility mirrored a Queen's role.
That left Koneko. He knew little of her powers, only that she was a Rook who specialized in powerful strikes, reminiscent of Akihiko. He needed a Persona for her.
Messiah was out of the question—too potent and potentially harmful to a devil. Jack Frost was a caster. Then, a voice piped up.
'Universe, my dear Universe! I am all you need!' Apollo proclaimed proudly.
'Okay,' Makoto replied. 'You will be assigned to Koneko.'
He looked at Elizabeth as the "Aria of the Soul" neared its end. "I've decided. I want to summon Cendrillon from the Compendium and fuse Izanagi-no-Okami."
The familiar ritual began. Orpheus Telos and Robin Hood dissolved into light, their essences merging.
On the final, resonant note of the song, a new presence materialized—Izanagi-no-Okami, the divine warrior, floated serenely in the blue room.
"I am thou. Thou art I. From the Universe in thy soul I cometh. I shall be the guiding light to illuminate thy path. I am the revealer of truth and the banisher of lies. The dispeller of the fog. I am the original god: Izanagi-no-Okami."
The magnificent persona flowed into Makoto's soul.
'Salutations, Universe,' Izanagi's voice was calm and carried immense, ancient wisdom. 'I shall be the lighthouse upon your path. I pledge my assistance in your noble task.'
'The pleasure is mine,' Makoto replied.
Next, Cendrillon was summoned from the Compendium, her energy a vibrant contrast to the god's solemnity. She too joined the chorus within.
'Look who we have here!' she giggled. 'Odin! Jack Frost! And Kohryu! How are you?'
'It is good to have you on board, Cendrillon, hee hoo!' Jack Frost chimed.
'You are as energetic as ever, girl,' Kohryu said warmly.
Odin remained silent, ignoring her.
'All-Father, cat got your tongue?' Cendrillon teased, causing Fafnir to emit a mechanical chuckle.
"Are we ready to go?" Elizabeth asked, closing the Compendium.
"We?" Makoto asked, his gaze shifting between her and Ryoji.
"Is there a problem, Makoto?" Ryoji inquired.
"You two are staying here in town," Makoto stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't want to hear objections."
"Hey, Makoto, I promised Gremory I'd help her too!" Ryoji objected.
"Death," Elizabeth cut in, surprising both of them. "If that is Makoto's desire, we must accept. Our adversaries are aware of Kuoh. He is not incorrect; we cannot leave it undefended."
Her logic was sound, though her tone suggested she was far from happy about it.
April 20th, 2012, Student Council Clubroom, Afternoon.
"That is what you need to do for today, Genshirou. Thank you again."
In the Student Council room, Sona Sitri finished assigning her newest pawn, Genshirou Saji, his first official duties as a devil. He was a boy of average height with grey eyes and shockingly blonde hair, still looking utterly bewildered by his new reality.
"Thank you, President," Saji said, bowing as he accepted a stack of flyers.
A knock at the door preceded the entrance of Rias and Akeno.
"Senpai Gremory!? Senpai Himejima!?" Saji yelped, frantically trying to hide the demonic flyers behind his back.
"Rias," Sona said, adjusting her glasses. "To what do I owe this visit?"
"My peerage and I will be away starting tomorrow," Rias announced. "I am handing over responsibility for Kuoh Town to you for the next week." She then noticed Saji's panic. "Well, it appears you have a new peerage member."
Saji's mouth hung open. "She knows?!"
"I intended to tell you later," Sona explained calmly. "But here in Kuoh, I am not the only high-class devil. Rias is the other. She also maintains a peerage."
"I-I see! It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Gremory. I'm Genshirou Saji, the President's latest pawn," he said, bowing deeply.
Akeno giggled. "What a polite young man."
"Rias, does your departure concern Riser?" Sona asked, getting straight to the point.
Rias nodded. "Yes. The Rating Game has been decided. And Yuki has volunteered to help us."
"Rating Game? The same one you mentioned, President?" Saji asked, his eyes wide.
"Yes, Genshirou." Sona turned back to Rias. "Do not worry, Rias. I will manage the town's affairs in your absence. Just... do not lose to Phenex. I would hate to see my rival forced into a marriage with an arrogant fool like him."
Rias thanked her and left with Akeno.
"President," Saji began once they were gone, "by Yuki, do you mean the third-year who hangs out with Hanakai? Is he a devil too?"
"No... Yuki is human. But his situation is... peculiar," Sona replied.
"So what's so special about him? Does he have a Sacred Gear?" Saji pressed.
"It is not important," Sona said, her tone final, effectively ending the conversation.
April 20th, 2012, Old School Building, Late Afternoon.
Rias and Makoto had gathered the entire Gremory peerage in the courtyard of the Old School Building. The evening air was cool, carrying a sense of impending purpose.
"We are going to an estate owned by my family on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, at the foot of Mount Fuji," Rias explained. "We leave tomorrow. Grayfia has already prepared everything we will need."
She then gestured to Makoto. "And now, the word goes to our coach, Yuki."
'This might even be fun,' Rias thought, a spark of optimism cutting through her anxiety.
Kiba raised his hand. "Senpai, will Senpai Mochizuki and Miss Elizabeth be joining us?"
"No," Makoto answered. "They will remain here in town. Just in case anything happens."
"My apologies for the interruption," Kiba said politely.
Makoto's gaze swept over the group, and his expression grew serious. "I would like to clarify something. From what I understand, you devils often fight in these Rating Games for sport. I do not. Every time I have fought in my life, it has been for the sake of others. The concept of fighting for fun... is something I despise. Completely."
A respectful silence fell over the group. They listened intently.
"Rias, the only reason I am helping you is that this Rating Game will decide your future. I detest when people force their will upon others." He paused, letting his words sink in. "With that said, I hope you will all do your best. I believe we can succeed."
A unified, loud "Yes!" echoed from Rias and her peerage.
"I think so too, Senpai!" Irumi shouted, her fist clenched. "I hate that arrogant Riser! He thinks he's above us and can do whatever he wants!"
Rias looked at her peerage—her family—their faces alight with determination and loyalty. A wave of gratitude washed over her.
'I am so lucky,' she thought. 'Lucky to have such devoted servants, and lucky to have a friend like Makoto.' A single tear escaped, which she quickly brushed away.
"At what time do we leave?" Makoto asked.
"Six tomorrow morning. We will teleport," Rias replied.
Makoto nodded in understanding before turning to leave for the Velvet Room to make his final preparations.
"I wonder what Senpai will have us do," Kiba mused aloud, pondering Makoto's words.
Fighting for the sake of others? What did that mean for him, for Kiba Yuuto... for the ghost of Isaiah? He had vowed to fight for Rias Gremory for life, but the ember of his personal vengeance still glowed within him.
"It'll be so useful, just you wait, Kiba!" Irumi's enthusiasm snapped him from his thoughts.
"I'm sure it will be," Kiba agreed, offering her a smile.
"Get plenty of rest tonight," Rias instructed, her voice firm but encouraging. "Starting tomorrow, we give it our all!"