04/03/2012, Velvet Room, Morning

"So, tomorrow's first day of school?" asks Ryojj while eating the breakfast Makoto has prepared for both of them. "Yes" answers Makoto sipping his tea. "I know what we can do to spend this day" Ryoji puts a leaflet on the counter showing the advertisement of a jazz bar.

"Yesterday I found this place and they are searching for a pianist so I thought I could ask them to let me play" Ryoji explains his plan to Makoto. "What I have to do with it?" asks him perplexed. "I want you to sin-" Makoto silences his friend before he can finish the phrase. "No".

"Don't be shy! You are so good at it" Ryoji says trying to convince Makoto, but the boy is adamant on his refusal. "Being good at it doesn't mean I like it".

"Pretty please?" asks Ryoji trying to move him, but nothing Makoto doesn't seem to surrender. "Fine, at least could you come with me?" says Ryoji to which Makoto nods.

04/03/2012, Old Town Kuoh, Day

Ryoji and Makoto are walking down an alley in Kuoh's Old Town. "This part of the city reminds me of our trip to Kyoto" says Ryoji gazing at the traditional houses and cherry trees who are starting to blossom due to the start of spring. "Are you sure the jazz club's here? It doesn'r seem like a place meant for it" asks Makoto dubious about Ryoji's sense of orientation.

"It should be around here" Ryoji looks around himself and points to one of the houses in the alley.

The building is the tradition japanese house made of wood painted in white and yellow, a white banner hangs as a sign: 'ElegantVille' it says. "This is the place" says Ryoji triumphant. The two guys enter the house.

"Welcome to the Elephant Elegant, oh Mochizuki! You came!" a white haired girl with light blue eyes wearing a waitress uniform welcomes Makoto and Ryoji with a smile. "Ehy Momo! This is my best friend, Makoto Yuki" greets Ryoji. "Makoto, this is Momo Hanakai I met her yesterday at the temple".

"Yuki? I heard about you! I'm part of the Student Council too. I work here part time it's a family business" the girl smiles shaking hands with Makoto. "You are already famous Makoto" laughs Ryoji making Momo laugh. "This place isn't the usual jazz club, being in the old town and in a place like this. Why's that?" asks Makoto, interested in such an unusual choice. "My father wanted to modernize this place so he decides to transform it into a jazz club" answers Momo.

The teenagers chat for a while with Momo explaining Makoto the local needed a pianist and Ryoji offered voluntary. "Momo you also need a singing voice right?" asks Ryoji looking at Makoto. "Oh yes, my father wanted to hire a singer, but there aren't many town he was thinking about asking the company he works for to scout someone from around here, but it's still difficult finding someone" complains the girl.

"Well, you see my friend here is a great singer, right Makoto?" before Momo or Ryoji can say anything else Makoto turns back heading out. "I'm out" he says sternly. "Wait wait Makoto come on! Help a friend!" Ryoji takes Makoto by his shoulders stopping him. "Yes Yuki if you really are a singer hell us! Don't worry you will be paid seeing that you would work here" Momo looks at the blue haired boy, hope in her eyes.

With both Momo and Ryoji looking at him it's hard for Makoto to refuse. 'Why they must be so insistent?' he thinks to himself. Makoto scratches his neck clearly uncomfortable, but he eventually desists looking at the grinning face of Ryoji. "I'll do it" he says making Ryoji jump in joy and hugging him. "We'll make a perfect duo Makoto, just you see it. This evening right?" asks him to Momo. "Yes this evening. I'll let my father know" she says and thanks Makoto.

Meanwhile, in the Old School Building's basement an interrogation was going to start soon. Rias and Sona along with their respective queens, Akeno and Tsubaki, were discussing how to deal with Sothillis. "How do we unfreeze him?" asks Rias staring at the the block of ice containing the oni.

"The problem is what we do with him. From Kiba's and Koneko's report he doesn't seem someone who's going to cooperate" says Sona cleaning her glasses with a tissue. "President maybe it's better to contact the Underworld" suggests Tsubaki to her king. "No!" say both Rias and Sona in unison.

"There's no need to disturb home" say Sona recollecting herself. "I'm sorry" apologizes Tsubaki bowing her head. "We should have expected Sona and Rias to refuse any kind of help from their families" comments Akeno patting Tsubaki's shoulder.

"We'll manage this by ourselves. Rias be ready to melt the ice" Sona sets up a pair of magical circles meant to constrain Sothillis in case he tried to fight back when freed from the ice. Rias waits for her rival to finish setting up the wards and aims a bolt of destruction power to the ice block, cracking it. The block of ice soon crumbles and Sothillis falls to the ground breathing for air.

The oni looks up and seeing the devil heiresses he tries to attack them, but he's stopped by Sona's magic circles. "You are still trapped" coldly says Sitri heiress. "If you wish to live state your business here in Kuoh" she glares at the oni. "Don't play big, girl" growls Sothillis "if that woman wasn't there I'd have killed those two little bats". Rias fumes with anger hearing the oni words.

"This town is devil territory" says the Gremory. "If you are associated with any faction this might be considered as an act of war". Sothillis then looks directly at Akeno and Tsubaki. "I see we have an Himejima and a Shinra what a surprise, I see you decided to betray Japan" the oni smirks and the two queen frown at the mention of their family name. "Don't say that name" coldly warns Akeno, lightning channeling in her hands but she calms her down when Rias looks at her.

"Now answer my question. Who sent you?" asks Sona. "I was sent by no one" answers the oni. "We won't achieve anything continuing like this" comments Rias as she looks at Sothillis. "If you don't have any useful information I will kill you right here in the name of Duke Gremory" Rias points a sphere of destruction right at the oni's face.

"You can kill me Gremory. But know that Yomi will welcome me with open arms. Oh Mistress of Night take the soul of your faithful servant!" Sothillis then start laughing like a mad man and Rias doesn't wait a second and eliminates him. "It was just a loss of time" sighs Sona leaving the basement.

04/03/2012, Evening

The ElegantVille is more crowded than usual making the owner of the jazz bar, Momo's father, Haruki Hanakai happy as a clam. The man greets and serves each and every customer helped by his daughter and his wife. Meanwhile Ryoji plays the piano in the center of the club with Makoto singing accompanied by his friend's music.

Everyone enjoys the music and the evening goes as smooth as silk. It's late when the ElegantVille closes and it's owner reaches for Makoto and Ryoji hugging them with a near hig. "Ah, you were magnificent boys!" he says 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" says the man. "Yes thank you Mochizuki, Yuki" Momo, who was finishing to tidy the tables, thanks the two musicians.

"We should be the ones to thank you it's been so much time since I had so much fun" says Ryoji "Right Makoto?". "I guess so" answers Makoto. "You were astounding Yuki!" Momo grabs Makoto's hand beaming with light. "You are such a great singer!" the girl overwhelms Makoto with her excitement. "You could almost say he's a god of music" jokes Ryoji teasingly looking at Makoto who rolls his eyes.

'Death's not wrong' Orpheus Telos chuckles from Makoto's mind making him sigh.

"Well tomorrow is our first school day I wouldn't like being late" Makoto then sits up and thanks Mr. Hanakai for his kindness. "Party killer" boos Ryoji earning a laughter from Momo. "The boy's right Momo. Go to bed, I'll do the clean. And goodbye to you guys" gently says the bar's owner. "Ok dad..." whines Momo. As Ryoji and Makoto are about to exit Momo stops the blue haired boy. "Yuki wait! I almost forgot, here's your paycheck, dad added a extra for your great performance" Momo gives Makoto an envelope. "Thanks" answers Makoto. "Well, see you tomorrow!".

'I am Thou. Thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt have the Universe blessing when choosing to create personas of the Lovers Arcana'

After hearing Elizabeth's voice Makoto smiles and heads back to the Velvet Room with Ryoji.

04/04/2012, Kuoh Academy, School Time

The sky is clear with the Sun warming the city and cherry trees finally fully blossomed. Dozens of Kuoh Academy's students are flowing like a river inside the school ground while chatting among themselves excited for the new school year. The first year students are guided by the teachers to the auditorium with the second and third years close behind. Once the hall is fully crowded with students the principal wishes everyone the best year possible.

After the principal greets the crowd, Sona goes on stage ready to give her fellow students a welcoming speech. "Good morning to you all, I am Sona Shitori and for the ones of you who don't know I'm the Student Council president" Sona starts her speech with many students looking at her in awe, it's clear she has many admirers. "Today a new school year begins, which I hope will be full of fulfillment and happy memories, I as president of the Student Council vow to make the environment for all of you as pleasant as possible encouraging you and nurturing your talents. I am honored to be your student president and always remember that you can always count on me and the Student Council for any problem" as Sona ends her speech the crowd vigorously clap their hands.

"Ehy Makoto what is our class?" asks Ryoji to Makoto hitting him with his elbow to get his attention. "We were put in different classes. Mine is 3-A, yours 3-B" answers Makoto standing up with his schoolbag under his shoulder. "No fair" complains Ryoji.

"Hello class we have a new student this year. Please present yourself" the teacher gives Makoto a chalk so he can write his name. "I'm Makoto Yuki, pleased to meet you" he quietly says. Makoto notices that he's in the dame classroom as Sona and Tsubaki. "Are there any questions for Yuki?" asks the teacher looking at the students. Some students ask Makoto some basic questions, like where is he from, what does he like and his hobbies. After answering Makoto sits down in the only empty seat near Sona and the lesson starts.

Meanwhile Ryoji was being overwhelmed by questions by his classmates. "What is 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 are so cool!" "Let's be friends" "Who do you think you are?". The questions doesn't seem to end so the teacher slams her palm on the desk. "Enough!" she shouts silencing the class. "Mochizuki you can sit down, thank you" she briefly says. Ryoji sits down next to a red haired girl. "Hi. Ryoji Mochizuki nice to meet you" he says smiling. "Rias Gremory, nice to meet you too" answers the girl.

As the lunch time bell rings Ryoji is surrounded by girls asking him to eat together. "I'd love to girls, but I promised my friend to eat with him" the girls complain but eventually let Ryoji walk away. 'Guess that even here people's desire for death still remains' Ryoji sighs a sad forced smile on his face thinking at how much people, like shadows, craved to be reunited with death. 'At least here I'm not the Appraiser, so maybe whichever shadow may appear won't rush here. I hope'. While he walks Ryoji stumbles across a short girl. "Oh sorry, I didn't see you" say Ryoji offering his hand to the girl.

Koneko stares at the boy in front of her. 'What was he thinking about? How can someone be so absent minded?' she thinks scrutinizing the black haired boy. He feels and smells strange. Koneko can't decipher what it is, but there is something in this boy that doesn't feel normal. "Are you hurt?" asks concerned Ryoji. "Sorry I wasn't paying attention. My name is Ryoji Mochizuki! I just transferred here" Ryoji smiles at the girl offering his hand. "Koneko" she says getting back on her feet. "Nice to meet you Koneko! I'd love to speak more with you but I have a place to go bye!" with that said Ryoji hurries towards the cafeteria. Koneko watches as Ryoji leaves rolling her eyes. 'Should I speak with president about him?' thinks Koneko thinking about the possibility of Ryoji having a Sacred Gear. 'I just want to eat...' Koneko then goes somewhere secluded to eat her lunch.

"Yuki do you want to eat with us at the Student Council?" asks Sona before Makoto leaves class. 'Knowing Thanatos he's probably asking girls around to go out with him' says Thoth mocking Ryoji. 'What do you mean?' asks Makoto back. 'Nothing Universe, just that you should accept an invitation from someone your age' Makoto scowls. 'Thoth is right, I know you and Thanatos are close, but you are still a kid, Universe, you should frequent people your age. Please don't forgive that just enjoy your time' tenderly says Kohryu. "Yuki?" Sona looks at him confused. "Yes, I'd like to" answers Makoto back to reality.

04/04/2012, Kuoh Academy, After School

The first day of school has passed without problems and Makoto is currently waiting for Ryoji outside of the school gates. "Ehy Makoto!" Ryoji greets him. "Where have you gone during lunch time?" he asks.

"I was at the Student Council" answers Makoto. "Got in trouble?" teases Ryoji "Just kidding. By the way I talked with two girls they asked me if I was interested in joining the kendo club. And so I made your name". "Why?" asks Makoto.

"Why? You are seriously asking me that question? I said them you were pretty good with fencing which is true so what do you think about it?" Ryoji smiles waiting for Makoto's answer.

"I don't think I have much of a choice" answer Makoto defeated making Ryoji laugh. "Let's go" says the incarnation of Death patting his friend's shoulder.

Meanwhile in the Occult Research Club Rias was looking through the window at Ryoji and Makoto. "What are you looking at Rias?" asks Akeno looking at the same direction Rias was looking at. "That boy... Ryoji Mochizuki. You noticed it too today in class?" says Rias without averting her gaze.

"He's already quite popular and it's just been a day. He has an uncommon charm" as the two third years talk Koneko enters the clubroom.

"Hello Koneko" says Akeno greeting her comrade. Koneko looks at Rias who's still deep in thought. "President?" she looks confused seeing Rias behaving like this. "Sorry Koneko I was watching someone" says Rias sitting down. "Was it senpai Mochizuki?" asks the rook. "Yes actually. Have you noticed something?" asks Rias interested.

"When I'm near him I feel something strange. He has something deep within him" says Koneko while munching some snacks.

"Do you think he has a Sacred Gear?" Rias asks hoping for an answer that could help her situation. "It could be" answers the young girl with some candies in her mouth. "Akeno what do you say?" asks Rias to her queen. "I agree with Koneko". "Well let's be watchful then" decides Rias taking a sip from the cup of tea Akeno has just offered her. "Rias have you considered asking Elizabeth for help?" asks Akeno. "Maybe I could hire her as a pact magician, but I'm not sure" answers Rias.

Ryoji brought Makoto to the school's gymnasium where they meet a pink haired girl. "Hello, I'm Katase it's nice to meet you Yuki" the girl looks at Makoto. "Mochizuki said to me that you know how to fence right?" Makoto nods. "Would you like to have a friendly spare?" asks Katase. "No" answers Makoto surprising both Ryoji and Katase. "What? Makoto what are you saying?" says Ryoji. Makoto doesn't answer. "Ehy no problem if you change your mind I'm here" says Katase reassuringly. Ryoji looks at Makoto trying to understand him but he fails.

They are walking home and Makoto is more silent than usual deep hidden behind his music. "Makoto what's the matter?" asks concerned Ryoji. Makoto doesn't answer. "Makoto please don't bottle up your feelings". "I'm going home alone" with that said Makoto separates from Ryoji. 'Makoto...' Ryoji decides to let him alone and walks back to the Velvet Room.

Makoto doesn't know where he's going, he's just walking without a direction deep in thought. 'Universe tell us what the problem is' says Kohryu. 'The dragon's right Universe we are here to help you' says Thoth. 'Everything's fine' lies Makoto to his other selves. His personas try to reach for him, but Makoto ignores them.

The blue haired boy walks into a park, he takes a deep breath of the fresh air and sits down on a bench. Makoto stares aimlessly ahead of him.

"What is a boy like you doing out here all alone?" Makoto hears a male voice behind him. He turns back to see a man with black haire golden bangs and a goatee. "Nothing" answers Makoto.

"Can I sit?" asks the mysterious man to which the boy simply nods. "What might trouble a young boy like you? Love problems?" chuckles the man without getting any reaction from Makoto.

Makoto looks at the mysterious stranger with tired eyes. "No nothing like that" he says making the man laugh. "Everything's fine then. Listen kid, I don't know what kind of problems you are passing through but as long as you are loved all will be good. Trust me I know it more than anyone" says seriously the stranger. "Name's Azazel kid, and yours?" he asks offering Makoto's an handshake. "Makoto... Yuki" answers the boy accepting his hand.

'I am Thou. Thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt have the Universe blessing when choosing to create personas of the Councilor Arcana'.

As Makoto hears Elizabeth's voice he feels a stinging pain to his head. He grabs his head in pain. "Ehy kid are you ok?" asks Azazel looking at the boy. Makoto hears his personas fight, but can't discern the voice for the pain. Then he hears the voice of Lucifer. 'THIS CREATURE IS THE COUNCILOR? AZAZEL!' He hears Lucifer screaming making him crumble in pain. Azazel stops Makoto from falling and holds him, something awakening inside his heart, something that has been hidden for millenials.

Azazel has been brought to the park by chance, he was strolling the city wanting to check on the agebts he sent in town, but he found himself in this empty park except for this human boy. In the moment he saw Makoto alone on the bench he felt sorry for him. For the Governor of the Fallen Angels to feel this empathetic with someone is quite the rare view, but not impossible as he has already helped Vali, raising him like a son. However when he first saw Makoto it was like he felt obliged to help him, maybe it was the work of some kind of mental sacred gear, no... he was so wrong. When he saw him in pain he felt something that should have been impossible. He felt something simar to Father's love, for a mere second it was like he was back an angel, he felt holiness inside himself not corruption. It was like this boy reversed his fall something his kind tried to do for many centuries.

Azazel stares at Makoto unsure to what to do. 'This boy... what does it mean... he's not Father he can't be. He's so similar... why does it feel so like him. Yet he is so different' thinks the fallen angel. "Kid breathe. In and out, I'm here" this words exit Azazel's mouth without him noticing as he kneels near Makoto.

'UNIVERSE LET ME DESTROY THIS COWARD! LET MY STARS BURN HIM' Lucifer shouts in rage. 'You are hurting the Universe Lucifer stop this now!' orders Orpheus Telos, but Lucifer does not listen. 'I'M DOING THIS FOR HIM TOO MUSICIAN! THE SOONER HE'S DEAD THE BETTER!' Lucifer tries to manifests himself but he doesn't seem to succeed. 'Morning Star, this is not the Azazel you know' says Kohryu trying to caln down the situation. 'You are being inconsiderate Lucifer' admonishes Apollo. 'Vengeance is not the path we follow my companion!' proclaims Robin Hood. 'Makoto's in pain dear brother, you can feel it too right?' as Helel speaks to his devil-self, Lucifer calms down. He then feels the pain his other self is going through. 'I beg your pardon... Makoto' eventually says the first of the angels. 'Thank you for solving this mess Helel' says Thoth thanking Lucifer's other part.

Azazel makes Makoto lay down and sighs in relief when he sees the boy no more in pain. "I'm sorry" says ashamed Makoto. "No, don't be" Azazel tries to reassure the boy but notices that he's unnerved himself. "I have to go home" says Makoto standing up. "Right... Well, see you then boy" says Azazel hiding his nervousness and saying goodbye to the boy. 'What a day' thinks the fallen angel 'I need something strong to drink'.

04/04/2012, Velvet Room, Evening

When Makoto enters the Velvet Room Elizabeth looks at him. "You seem upset Makoto, is everything ok?" asks the attendant. "Just had a rough day" says Makoto trying to evade the subject. "I know what humans usually do in situations like this" Elizabeth stands up and gets closer to Makoto hugging him. "Better now?" she asks. "Yes" answers Makoto hugging Elizabeth back. "Is Ryoji back?" he asks. "No". "Tell him that I'm sorry when he gets back, I'm going to sleep" says Makoto heading upstairs. "I'll do it" answers Elizabeth.