Persona 3 Portable: Velvet Blue - Chapter 3

III: At the Dawn of the New Year

Since December 26th, SEES had explored Tartarus several more times. The same amount of days had passed since then as well.

She started at the door again, then spoke. "Master."

"What is it, Elizabeth?"

"Unless I am mistaken, I believe that on the other side, today is a special day known as New Year's Day."

"Now that you mention it, it seems so. It appears you have an interest in the New Year."

"Yes. I heard that they play a traditional game known as hanetsuki on New Year's. I heard that they also have a lion dance as public entertainment. I heard that they eat osechi-ryōri, a three-course meal served in special jūbako boxes, as well as zōni, a soup containing mochi rice cakes. I heard that they customarily give gifts to children, that they call ‘Toshidama—’ the ‘dama’ part means ‘ball,’ which I find most interesting. I heard that they visit shrines. These are the reasons why I am interested in New Year's."

Once she finished, from somewhere Elizabeth pulled out a rectangular furoshiki-wrapped item and placed it on the table. "I have used every last ounce of my strength to create this osechi-ryōri.” Elizabeth untied the knot of the furoshiki, revealing a three-tier set of black jūbako boxes with a luxurious decorative golden lacquer. The lacquer depicted the Persona Jack Frost, an English snow fairy that appeared like an adorable snowman. It was Elizabeth’s favorite Persona. She loved it so much that she had three Jack Frost dolls— one for display, one in storage, and one for some sort of religious purpose.

“I also handcrafted this box.”

Igor asked, impressed, “It is handmade? Quite impressive… Did you acquire this lacquer in Tartarus?”

Elizabeth smiled with a telling snicker. “I used a lacquer substitute.”

“And this substitute is…?”

“There are many things in this world that you do not know.”

“… Is that so? I see, then. It may be better that I don’t know,” he said in a tone as if it was someone else’s concern.

Igor seemed to be already less than interested in the osechi-ryōri, but Elizabeth did not seem to care, placing the three jūbako on the table in order. In the three boxes were various neatly packed dishes.

“The first box has an appetizer containing candied sardines, herring roe, and black soybeans— or something like it.”

Igor’s eyes opened more. “Something… like it?”

Elizabeth continued her explanation. “It also contains kamaboko, rolled omelet with sweet chestnut paste, and konbu maki… -esque items. The other two boxes have pickled and grilled dishes respectively. The pickled dishes only include golden brown namasu.”

“Namasu is not usually golden brown, though…”

Continuing to ignore Igor, Elizabeth went on. “Moving on, the grilled dishes include a sea bream, of which I had difficulty replicating its scales, and what would appear to be shrimp if I did not have trouble replicating the shells. For the final dish, I will omit the explanation, as it has become very tiresome. As you can see, it is a lovely, savory, golden dish— simmered, not boiled.”

Everything in the box was the same savory golden color. “Every dish has been created using roasted soybean flour, otherwise known as kinako." Elizabeth pulled out lacquered chopsticks and a porcelain plate and handed them to Igor. "Please, help yourself to what you like. Here you are."

Igor grabbed the chopsticks in one hand and the plate in the other before he froze. His mouth moved slightly. "Elizabeth."

"What is it?"

"Why do I have to eat this?"

"You do not have to, but I would like you to. I take great pride in my work. There is no chef who has better mastered the use of kinako in the world— no, throughout all of time and space." She gestured wildly with her hands, then looked up to the ceiling. "This is my unwavering love of kinako!" Kinako was Elizabeth's favorite thing.

“Wh-While I understand that… everything truly is made of kinako… I do not believe it. Or perhaps I do not want to believe it… Why, exactly?”

Igor's eyes widened in utter bewilderment. His chopsticks shaking, he turned to the rolled omelet-like dish. Typically, the main ingredient in an omelet was eggs. It was usually a different color than the chestnut paste rolled inside, but for this dish, they were the same. Igor used his chopsticks to slice a piece of the omelet, then picked it up. Being made of kinako, it was unsurprisingly firm, but it didn't crumble.

"My word..." He moved the kinako omelet dish to his mouth. He popped it in and began to chew slowly. Shortly thereafter, he pulled a pen and paper from his jacket pocket, placed the paper on the table, and wrote:

Could you please get me some tea? My mouth is incredibly dry.

"Certainly." Yet again, Elizabeth pulled out a tea set from somewhere. It was a set for black tea, not green tea. Steam was already coming from the teapot. She also procured a teacup placed on a saucer. Without a sound, she began pouring black tea into the cup. "Japanese tea leaves are quite awesome." She placed the saucer and teacup in front of Igor.

Igor placed his chopsticks onto his plate and grabbed the teacup. He started sipping the black tea. After two or three sips of tea, and a squelching chewing noise, Igor was finally able to swallow what was in his mouth.

"How did you like the flavor of the omelet-y thing?"

"It tastes like kinako, Elizabeth."

"Naturally. It is made of kinako."

Igor did not pick up his chopsticks again. Instead, he tried to change the conversation. "By the way, Elizabeth."

"What is it?"

“I ought to tell you now that Toshidama does not involve throwing literal balls around.”

Elizabeth scoffed with a knowing look in her eyes. “Indeed. I imagined it would be best to have as many Toshidama as possible, so I intended on hunting weak Wild Beasts for their iron balls, and hold a competition to see who could throw the most.” Wild Beasts were a type of Shadow that appeared in the lower levels of Tartarus. They resembled lions in both shape and size and were chained to a large iron ball.

“Elizabeth, there are not enough Wild Beasts on that side to collect their balls.”

“Indeed. I forgot that those Shadows were considered rare and irregular. If there are no Wild Beasts, what other balls could be hunted?”

“Elizabeth. You do not have to hunt for balls. Toshidama is n—”

Igor began to explain once again, but Elizabeth swiftly interrupted. “Toshidama. There are various explanations, but it is believed that it is derived from children in ancient times being given balls of mochi to offer to the gods. This is the explanation that I approve of: these new years offerings could have potentially been expressed as ‘Toshitama—’ yearly offerings. This phrase was soon corrupted into Toshidama, or ‘year balls.’ At least, that is what I believe.”

“Please, spare me, Elizabeth. This is needlessly embarrassing for the both of us.”

“I deeply apologize. I thought that you may be bored, Master, and I wanted to entertain you.”

"I am not bored, Elizabeth," he responded, without turning to her. "Are you? Perhaps you could go to Monad like your siblings." Theodore was always coming and going to take care of his pet. Margaret also made time to care for him, while also continuing preparations for Vision Quest. They were often away from the Velvet Room. Igor did not plan to challenge this behavior, so long as they stayed out of sight of SEES. "Especially Theodore. It seems he likes taking care of his pet above all else."

"I would prefer not to. That pet and I are not on the best of terms."

"Is that so? Try talking with him; perhaps it will begin to mend your relationship, if only a little."

"I shall consider it."

"Although, Theodore's pet... does worry me somewhat. It..." About to say something else, Igor's mouth closed suddenly. Elizabeth felt a chill down her spine. They both felt a fearful presence on the other side of the door. But it wasn't the Dark Hour on that side; the door led to Paulownia Mall's back alley.

"It's coming," said Igor.

The door slowly opened, and into the blue room crept in a figure, wearing a beautiful long-sleeved kimono.

It was her. The girl.

"I wish you a happy new year!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

The girl closed the door behind her. "Happy New Year!" she responded happily.

Igor and Elizabeth just stared at her, motionlessly. They thought that the girl's kimono was very elegant.

Elizabeth's astonishment took her breath away. "... Hah... You are absolutely beautiful... gorgeous beyond a doubt, unequivocally radiant. You are as glorious as the entire world's good fortune." The girl's cheeks turned a deep red. "Th... Th-That's really flattering..."

"It is not mere flattery; it is the truth. I am sure that Master thinks just the same."

Igor blinked. "Well, it certainly is quite lovely. Such unbecoming feelings would embarrass me."

The girl's face got increasingly redder. "I-I'm the one who's getting embarrassed. Could you... not stare at me like that, please?"

"It seems that she is embarrassed, Master. But I believe that your eyeballs are so enormous that it would be ineffective to point them elsewhere."

"Is that so." Igor turned his head around. The girl let out a small sigh in relief, the red on her face dissipating slightly.

"Well then. How may I help you today?"

Not wanting to dishevel the lower part of her kimono, she took small steps as she approached the table. She wore traditional stockings with sandals, likely contributing to her slow pace.

"Ah—" She suddenly fell over.

"I shall help you!" Elizabeth moved instinctively, catching the falling girl. She could see the back of her neck, as her hair was held up. It smelled like flowers. The fragrance soothed her mind. In that moment, Elizabeth was spellbound.

"Um... You can put me down now."

The troubled voice of the girl brought Elizabeth back to her senses. "I deeply apologize. I was enraptured by your lovely scent."

Her face went red again. "Please don't say that... It's embarrassing..."

"I apologize."

The girl was now free from Elizabeth. Her eyes moved to the table, settling on the jūbako boxes. "Is this osechi?"

"It is my own creation. Please, feel free to have some if you would like."

Her eyes widened, blinking in surprise. "It's all the same color... It kinda looks like kinako."

"You have a good eye. Everything has been made using kinako."

The girl became slightly worried. She tilted her head to the side. "Ummm... Ah, I can't eat too much, or else my kimono sash might come undone."

"I do not understand why she would inconvenience herself just for the purpose of dressing up," Elizabeth thought. She said aloud, "Certainly. There will be more opportunities for you to try my kinako cooking." She then returned to her spot behind Igor. "Well then, once again: How may I help you today?"

"Wanna go visit a shrine?" The girl asked, tilting her head slightly, her face still red.

"This... shrine you speak of. Do you mean Naganaki Shrine, which we visited together once before?"

"Yeah. We had a great time there..."

Elizabeth remembered the time they spent together around the shrine. There were no visitors praying, no children playing on the playground; every corner of the shrine was filled with silence. But it served as a somber backdrop to her beautiful memory.

"You thought it was… great?" Elizabeth asked, moving her neck to the side so as to conceal her own fervent curiosity. "But alas, I cannot. My last time on that side was my last, as I said before."

"... But why?" Her face was one of both anticipation and disappointment.

Elizabeth turned to face her. "It pains me as well, but I..."

"I have begun to lose myself when I visit there. A ruler of power cannot think such things." She did not say a word out loud.

The continually flowing piano melody was interrupted by Igor. "You may go, Elizabeth."

"But Master—"

"This may be the path to your answer. Or do you perhaps wish to regret it someday?" Igor turned to face the quivering Elizabeth. She could see herself in the reflection in his eyeballs— able to see nothing, and yet everything. It appeared just as expressionless as ever, but she could see the shadow of loneliness evident in her face.

"Why does my face look like that?"

Regret. That word grew like a weight in her chest.

"... Master, I do want to leave this place. If you would excuse my absence, that is."

"Well then, let's go!" the girl exclaimed.

"Yes, let's. Though it is regrettable that I must go back on my words, it is certainly nice to go out with you again."

"Yeah!" the girl said with a big nod, walking around the table to Elizabeth. She clutched her hand, excited. "It's already dusk, so let's get going before it gets dark!" She began pulling Elizabeth toward the door.

Elizabeth made eye contact with Igor. "Well then, I shall be off."

Igor cackled delightfully. "Have fun, you two." After seeing the two off, he eyed the osechi-ryōri that sat on the table before him. He thought for a while, before saying aloud: "Perhaps Theodore would not mind eating the rest of this. He of all people would be able to withstand it."

Monad: Ninth Floor. Theodore was crouched down, taking care of his pet, quivering. Suddenly, a powerful chill ran down his spine. “Wh… What in the world…” His hand, about to give food to Pochi, suddenly stopped. He checked his surroundings. They were in a dead end of the passageway. He was facing a wall, in front of which was only Pochi, who had now grown to the size of a sheep. Behind him was only darkness; he could not sense any hostile Shadows. Even still, he felt that chill on his back.

“What on earth? Why do I feel so worried?” Not understanding the source of his uneasiness, he began to feel even more worried.

“Theodore. Are you okay?” A childlike voice came from Pochi’s mask. The same Pochi that previously wanted to eat Theodore now spoke to him with such eloquence.

The stiff-faced Theodore chuckled a bit, stroking Pochi's mask. "I'm fine. I'm not worried."

"Food," he begged. Theodore grabbed an item from his pile of food and tossed towards Pochi. He caught it using a tentacle before absorbing it into his mucous body. Watching him gesticulate as he digested the food, Theodore felt like an old man watching over his grandchild. He continued to throw food at him, one after another.

Soon, his hand only grabbed air. Theodore murmured, looking down at the furoshiki. "All out of food…" He had hunted a considerable number of Shadows in Tartarus and filled his furoshiki with treats, but he now saw that the furoshiki was empty.

Pochi was still hungry. He grew several more flailing tentacles. Theodore said, "You already ate it." One of Pochi's tentacles wrapped around Theodore and grabbed his Persona Compendium. "Hold on. This is not food."

"I wanna eat. I wanna eat." Pochi tightened his tentacle and pulled it in without hesitation.

"You can't!" Theodore anxiously tried to snatch the Compendium away. He grabbed on the book, pulling it like a game of tug of war. "If you keep this up, then it will be a Megidolaon for you!!" Theodore shouted at Pochi, losing his temper. Pochi dropped the Compendium, shaking. He crawled away from Theodore towards the wall. Theodore immediately understood, and grimaced. “Ah, my bad, Pochi. I did not intend to scare you.” Theodore turned to the furoshiki, hoping that food may be able to fix things, but there was none left. He clasped his hands together. “Now that I think of it, Sister gave me a bento box earlier today!”

When Theodore left the Velvet Room, Elizabeth said to him, “It may be unlike me, but I made you a bento box,” and handed him a lunch box wrapped in a napkin. He had kept it nearby for Pochi to eat later.

“Please wait here just a moment.” He went and picked up the napkin-wrapped lunchbox off the floor and came back to Pochi. He tried to untie the napkin while holding his Compendium under his arm in order to give Pochi the food inside as quickly as he could. But even quicker was Pochi, who snatched the box with his tentacle in a swift motion.

"H-Hold on!" Not listening to Theodore's authoritative voice, Pochi absorbed the lunch box into himself. His mucous body gesticulated intensely as the sound of the plastic lunch box breaking down could be heard. Suddenly, he stopped.

"... Are you okay?" Theodore inquired.

Several seconds later: "This bad. Body dry." Pochi's body burst open at a corner, creating a loud hissing noise.

"W-What is this!?" Theodore's vision was soon clouded by a yellow dust. "This is… Achoo!" The fine powder agitated his nose, and he began to sneeze. "Ah… achoo! Achoo! Ahh… achoo! Ah, ahhh…" He could not stop sneezing. His face was a mess, with teary eyes and a runny nose. Theodore soon realized the true nature of this powder.

Kinako.

There was no doubt that Elizabeth's lunch box contained the food she was (supposedly) so proficient with. Pochi had spat it out after eating it.

"Sister is certainly capable of such scary things…!" Theodore had eaten her kinako before; the flour instantly dried his mouth, making it a very difficult experience. Theodore was amazed at his stupidity. Elizabeth prepared this bento box. He should have known immediately that it would be full of kinako. Theodore, while sneezing in the yellow dust, swore to himself to never, ever, eat a kinako dish again. Little did he know that Igor's command to eat the remaining osechi-ryōri would soon break that vow.

Elizabeth and the girl exited the Velvet Room through the alleyway, and entered Paulownia Mall. Elizabeth could see red and white decorations, as well as New Year's decor such as kadomatsu, adorn the storefronts.

"Is this the bustle of the new year?"

"It's really busy around Christmas, but New Year's is something else."

"Certainly. I am glad to have come out, if only to experience this." Feeling uplifted, Elizabeth exhaled. She gripped her hand holding her Compendium. "Calm yourself. You always become so giddy on this side."

"Well then, let us be off." Elizabeth consciously stretched her back more than usual and walked fiercely. It was like the walk of a supermodel, catching the eyes of all passersby, though Elizabeth did not notice. She did not even notice the embarrassed smile of the girl next to her. As she walked, she repeatedly thought to herself: "You will need to utilize public transportation to reach the destination, Naganaki Shrine. The nearest station from Paulownia Mall is Tatsumi Port Island Station. Take the monorail, get off at Iwatodai Station and walk to the shrine. To and from Iwatodai Station, Naganaki Shrine, and her dormitory— I have used the monorail six times before."

"Anehazuru Transportation— it is nothing to be afraid of." Elizabeth, oddly saying the official name of the monorail, looked to her side.

"What do you mean, afraid of? Ah, are you nervous to use the monorail? Do you get motion sickness?"

"No, that is not the case. Well, I now see the entrance to Tatsumi Port Island Station. I shall be your escort for today."

The two quickly passed through the station square, where the flower shop and movie theater are located, and made for the ticket gate at the top of the stairs. Elizabeth turned to the girl: "I shall buy a ticket." She headed for the ticket machine and bought a ticket to Iwatodai Station; the girl already had a commuter pass for school.

Elizabeth made it past the ticket gate, a strange machine which blocked her when she was impatient, and headed to the platform. It was even busier than during rush hour, perhaps because it was New Year's.

"It's a bit crowded," the girl said.

"Please, do not stray too far." Elizabeth unknowingly held her hand.

The train came into the station, making a light braking noise. Tatsumi Port Island Station was the home station for the Anehazuru Transportation monorail. The train would unload its passengers here and turn back to Iwatodai. The train that arrived was full of passengers.

"If we walk through that crowd, her kimono will be ruined."

Elizabeth opened her eyes in front of the opening door. She gave off a murderous intent that even non-Persona users could feel.

"W-What's going on?" She seemed to be distressed.

Elizabeth became calm again. "I shall protect you."

The passengers moved as she expected— like a stream flowing around rocks, the crowd avoided her and the girl. All of them stared, wondering what on earth these girls were. They were all scared of Elizabeth's aura and changed course.

The girl giggled. "This might become some kinda weird urban legend." Even the others waiting on the platform were turned away from the two.

"The car is now vacant. Please watch your step."

Elizabeth released her murderous aura and boarded the train. Passengers followed one after another, staying at least a meter away from Elizabeth, an effect of the aura she had given off.

Only Elizabeth and the girl were not cramped during the ride to Iwatodai.

The two of them left the train and went through the ticket gate holding hands. Iwatodai Station had an escalator that connected the elevated station to the square. Elizabeth made way towards the upwards escalator.

“Hey umm...” Catching wind of the girl's bewildered voice, Elizabeth hurried her pace.

“We must use the flowing stairs. Please, come with me.” Just like when they first visited the station, Elizabeth ran down the escalator. This apparatus was a tool made to be utilized as a training device, put to use by running in the direction opposite of which it flows. At least, this was Elizabeth’s understanding, though she was completely unaware that this was wrong. And thus, in her blissful ignorance, Elizabeth continued to run down the upwards escalator.

Elizabeth found her way off at the bottom and took a deep breath. “Yet again the trial has failed to claim me, so it seems.” The young girl laughs from a mix of both bewilderment and second-hand embarrassment, being associated with Elizabeth’s boldly innocent antics. In the next moment, the station announcer's voice came over the intercom.

“Warning: Please refrain from going up the down escalator, and vice versa. Thank you.”

And at about the same time, a kindergarten-aged girl and a woman stepped onto the same escalator.

“Excuse me, that is dangerous.” Elizabeth said to them upon hearing the announcer's advisory, believing that the previous announcement was intended for them. The same announcement had played the last time that Elizabeth pulled the same antics on these escalators, however as she believed she was in the right, she did not seem to be paying it much mind at all.

“Dangerous? What?” the woman asked, turning to her.

“The correct way to use an escalator is—" Elizabeth was interrupted by her guest hurriedly pulling her hand.

“I-it's okay, don’t mind her. These escalators are completely safe to ride.”

“But the announcer said-”

“Don't worry about it.”

“Hm, is that so...” Elizabeth was completely confused.

The two left the station. The western sky was dyed red, and the eastern sky began to dim. It seemed that it would not be long before sunset.

“Come on, keep up!” she said while tugging on Elizabeth's hand. After making their way through the sea of people, the steps of the shrine came into view.

The entrance was decorated with lanterns that emitted a faint glow, the light giving a warming twilight atmosphere. Elizabeth and the girl saw various food stalls lined up on their left.

“There is so much commotion at this place…”

“That’s because it’s the New Year. Food stalls like this also come out for the Summer Festival.” the girl explained. The same shrine that was quiet and serene was now crowded with worshippers and festival goers. It was hard to believe that this was the same shrine as back then.

Elizabeth looked around, following the others’ lead, putting money in the offering box. She asked, “This is what is called hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, correct?”

“Nice, right? Everybody is so lively!” the girl exclaimed with cheer. True to her word, the facial expressions of those around them were filled with a bright glow. Then, Elizabeth remembered. The fact that the girl made mention of Nyx to her.

It was not long before Nyx would make her appearance, and with it, the inevitable destruction of the world. All of the other festival-goers were completely unaware of this fact; it was hard to believe that they would have these same merry expressions if they did.

Elizabeth could feel the girl's strong will through her hands, pulling her along. Catching a glimpse of her face, the girl's lips moved ever so slightly. Although not a peep of her voice could be heard, it was as if she was saying’ I’ll protect this world’.

Elizabeth could feel the girl's strength. She had grown considerably from when she first ventured into Tartarus. She might be able to beat even the Reaper— a praiseworthy feat for a Persona User. However, if she could not, she would have no chance against stronger opponents. Elizabeth decided that her next request to her would be to slay the Reaper. And then once she does that, then—

“You okay?” The girl noticed Elizabeth's thoughtful gaze.

"No, it’s nothing." Elizabeth reassured herself that the girl would be fine, as always. During this exchange, the two finally reached the shrine's altar.

Elizabeth tried to move her hand, remembering she was still holding the girl's.

“I still have your hand. Please, excuse me.” Elizabeth regrettably released her hand with a smile; the girl smiled brightly in response. Elizabeth realized that her cheeks had become warmer. “W-Well then... I would like to make an offering.”

Recomposing herself, Elizabeth reaches into her dress’s hidden pocket and pulls a wallet that was swollen to the point of tearing. Leveraging it above the offering box and turning it upside down, she opened it and a large number of coins poured into the box, clearly an amount that would exceed the wallet's maximum capacity. She did the same during her last visit to the shrine.

"One is blessed in correlation with the amount of money offered." She naïvely continued to pour even more money in. By the time her last coin fell, the offering box was already filled to the brim. The onlookers surrounding her were bewildered, but Elizabeth did not take notice of it. “After offering this much, the Gods are sure to grant any wish that you may have. Please, go ahead.”

“How about we make a wish together?” the girl replied. Joining their hands together, they pray.

"May she find the answer during her journey;" that was Elizabeth's wish for the girl. But at this moment, all she wanted was to remain by her side.

After their prayer, consisting of two bows, two claps, and a final bow, the girls step away from the offering box.

“Well then...” started the girl. “You drew a lot of fortunes from here before, remember? Do you wanna draw one today too?”

The last time she visited, Elizabeth drew many fortunes. Collecting every type, all of the fortunes were stored neatly in her collection. “I am fine for today. I have already drawn plenty from here before.”

“Omikuji aren’t meant to be collectibles...” with a sheepish smile, the girl glanced at the leather, fine-banded watch on her left hand.

“My, what a beautiful watch.”

“Yeah... It’s precious to me...”

By the look on her face, it was easy for Elizabeth to see. She must have been given that watch by somebody precious to her. The girl turned her wrist to look at the watch face.

“Time sure flies... but I’ve made my decision. No matter what comes between us, I’m gonna look to the future, and never look back.” A resolute fire burned in her eyes; her mind was made up. Her eyes are set to the future.

It was different from those of the Velvet Room, who lived beyond time. Wondering what she would do if she were in her place, Elizabeth turned to face the girl and briefly looked into her eyes. But that was forbidden for a Velvet Room attendant. However, seeing the girls resolve, Elizabeth was inspired.

It was of no benefit to her for her to stay here any longer. Elizabeth gave the girl a quick bow.

“Today was a valuable experience, you have my heartfelt thanks. Well then, I shall now make my leave.”

“Huh? It’s a long way back to the Velvet Room. I can take you back.”

“No, the sun is setting and your friends are waiting for you at the dormitory, correct? Your time with them is important too, so please, do not worry. I can see you again any time in the Velvet Room.”

After a pensive glare, a smile formed on the girl's face. “Well then, I'll head back too. It got pretty cold all of a sudden.”

“Right. Well, let us get going! It would be unfortunate if you were to catch a cold.”

“Right.”

The pair make way to leave the temple grounds. Exiting down the flight of stairs, the pair once again exchange bows.

“Do you wanna come again with me next year too?”

“Well, I cannot make any promises. I believe that it would be best if I limit my visits to this side.”

The girl muttered with a disappointed smile, "Is that so? Well, that’s a shame.”

"Please don’t make such a sad face." For a moment her feelings overtook her, her hands trembling so as to drop her Compendium. However, she pursed her lips shut, believing that it would be best if she did not say anything needlessly and nodded in a casual manner.

“Well then, I will be off now.”

“Yeah, see you later... hm?” Her gaze falling lower, the girl noticed something by Elizabeth’s feet. Lifting up the hem of her kimono, she crouched down to pick up the item.

“Did you drop something just now?” The girl presented a thin, platinum plate designed with fine details. It seemed that it slipped from the book earlier when Elizabeth was panicking.

“Ah, yes. It would have been a catastrophe to have lost it here."

“Wow, that important, huh?”

“Important… well, it is an item that I am quite attached to...” Taking the fine-platinum item from the girl, Elizabeth put it back into the Persona Compendium. “Thank you for noticing it. Well then, thank you for your time today.”

“Yeah, see ya later.” Waving goodbye, Elizabeth watched as the girl made her departure, melding into the crowd of people on the opposite end of the station. Within the blink of an eye, she faded into the dark of night.

Elizabeth stood alone for a while longer, leaving once the stars became visible in the sky.

Upon her return after being summoned to the Velvet Room, Elizabeth was greeted by not only the face of Igor, but by Margaret as well.

“Elizabeth, do you know why you were called here?”

“Why is that?”

“The preparations for Vision Quest have been completed. I have informed the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad of this, and I have erected a door for them to challenge it, at Tartarus’ entrance. I will be waiting for them there as well.”

“I'm looking forward to it,” Margaret added, speaking her personal thoughts aloud.

Elizabeth shivered. Naturally as a ruler of power, Elizabeth was inspired to not fall into Margaret’s shadow. Additionally, she also understood her sister's true intentions.

Sadistic. That is what this challenge is.

Elizabeth knew well that SEES would be in a great deal of trouble if they challenged Margaret unprepared. Even after countless skirmishes against her, Elizabeth was always the one that ended up driven against the wall.

A trial prepared by Margaret is no ordinary challenge. It was only natural to assume that one misstep would seal their fates. For a moment Elizabeth wondered if it was okay to let the group undertake such a task, but then she remembered the determination on the girl’s face during their visit to the shrine.

She’s certainly worrying too much.

In silence, Elizabeth had finished questioning herself.

“What’s wrong?” Margaret asked.

Elizabeth shook her head and turned to face Igor.

“Master, is it okay if I use the phone for a moment?”

“I see no problem.” Igor said.

“Well then, don’t mind me.” Walking up to it, Elizabeth reached for the empty table. Suddenly a traditional telephone made from wood and brass appeared from nowhere. Elizabeth picked up the telephone receiver and reached for the dial, inputting the phone number of SEES’ leader. Putting the receiver to her ear, the phone rang ten times before she was connected.

“Hello? This is Elizabeth.”

“Ah, good evening! Have you already made it back to the Velvet Room?

“Yes, I have. You have my utmost thanks for spending your time with me earlier today. Is now a good time for you?”

“Yeah, now’s fine. So, what's wrong? Has somebody else gone missing?” If a normal person went missing in Tartarus, it was impossible for them to escape. This was a duty for those of the Velvet Room to attend to; it would be pitiable if they were to be abandoned. Thus, the residents of the Velvet Room would contact SEES and ask them to come to their aid. Missing persons were usually reported to the police, and if they helped, they would receive a reward.

The same went for SEES, although they aren’t registered as volunteers.

“No, it is regarding another matter. The truth is... you will be seeing my sister soon.”

“Huh? You have a sister?!” the girl exclaimed, her interest obviously piqued. Sensing her intent, Elizabeth spoke so as to answer her questions before she had the chance to ask them.

“To be direct, my sister has taken an interest in your group; she has erected a new door at the entrance of Tartarus. Please feel free to pay a visit at your earliest convenience .”

“Right, got it - and if I go, I’ll be able to meet your sister, right?”

“That is correct. Thank you for your cooperation.” Elizabeth continued with a few more words: “Actually, I have one more request for you.”

“A request?” the girl inquired.

“For your last request, I ask that you slay the Reaper and return to me a Bloody Button as proof of your victory. You will be handsomely rewarded for your efforts, of course.”

“The Reaper? Like, the guy that appears when you stay on one floor for too long? That one?”

“Yes, the very same. I know he is quite the fearsome foe, but I’m certain that you and your friends are capable of defeating him.”

The girl deliberates in silence for a moment. “...We’ll do it. What chance do we have of beating Nyx if we can’t even win a battle like that?”

The girl and her allies are focused on the annihilation of Nyx, resolute in their determination to save the world from its impending destruction at her hands. Knowing as much, a chill permeated through Elizabeth’s body.

In that case, she’ll be just fine.

Believing so in her heart, Elizabeth delivers her parting words. “Just as I’ve come to expect of you. Well with that, we await your next visit to the Velvet Room.”

“Right, later then. Night!” And with that exchange, the conversation reached its end.

Aware that SEES would not be exploring Tartarus tonight, Elizabeth came to a decision. Elizabeth returned the receiver to its holder and the phone melted into the void, as if it were never there in the first place.

“Master. In a moment I intend to go to Monad to train. That is fine, yes?”

Just the same as the girl, so set on her goals, Elizabeth must also make her preparations, so as not to lose to her. With that in mind, Elizabeth’s expression tightened.

Igor loosened his lips and nodded, somewhat amused. “I see no problem with that.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth bowed at her master's words then turned to face Margaret, glaring into her eyes.

“Will you be joining me?”

“I see no reason to,” Margaret responded.

“I see.” And with that, Elizabeth made her way to the exit of the Velvet Room, and to the entrance of Tartarus alone.

Upon her exit, Tartarus’ long stairway lay to her left as usual. However, it seemed that behind it also lay a new silver door, more than likely the door that Margaret mentioned for her Vision Quest. Elizabeth briefly remembered some information she happened upon in a book.

“Vison Quest... I believe that the Native Americans overseas once had a ceremony of the same name, also undertaken as a means of finding one's role in life...” She doesn’t know if that was where Margaret got the name for the challenge from, nor does she really care. All that is of concern to her is that the girl and her group do not end up in any grave danger.

“Theo has gone to Monad, right? Or maybe he went to Tartarus today...” Elizabeth looked at both Tartarus’ long stairway and Monad’s door, as if to weigh the options in her mind. Though she went to Tartarus every now and then, her legs had naturally grown accustomed to going to Monad. Passing through the door, Elizabeth entered.

She immediately checked her surroundings. Just as usual, she could only see a few meters in front of her. Elizabeth casually strolled through the maze, making for the stairs that led to the higher floors. To her surprise, she did not encounter a single shadow during her travels.

"My, it’s no fun at all if there are no Shadows here to fight on the way... I'll just visit Tartarus instead.”

Speaking aloud, Elizabeth turned around to go back to the entrance. However, just as she was about to, she sensed a presence in front of her.

“This feeling... is this really a Shadow...?” Though it clearly possessed power, it was unclear whether it was strong or weak; and not to mention that, unlike the other ones, this presence did not seem to be hostile.

A small figure's outline emerged from the darkness, revealing itself.

“Good evening... is that right?” The figure revealed itself to be a boy, seemingly about the age of ten. It had a featureless face, but it seemed to be a boy. Its body was a deep jet-black color from head to toe, further pronouncing its white colored face.

The existence of this creature in a place like this was unbelievable. Neither lost nor upset, he emitted an aura of tranquility that was uncomfortable to be around.

"Maybe he’s lost and does not understand the danger he is in."

“Are you lost? If so, would you like me to help you out of here?”

“Lost? Hmm...” Taking a moment to think, the boy smiled in a mature manner, ill-befitting of a child. “That’s right. You could say that I am lost. I have been searching for myself for a long time. Even now, I’m still looking for who I really am.” The boy's philosophical words further fuel Elizabeth’s discomfort.This child did not seem to be born of normal means.

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“It’s okay if you don’t understand, but...” wearing an innocent expression, the boy extended his hand. “Would you like to be my friend?”

Elizabeth glanced at the boy’s tiny hands, and then at his face. A chill ran down her spine. It seemed that her body responded reflexively.

For a ruler of power to be scared of such a small child: it was certainly hard for Elizabeth to stomach. A bitter smile spread across her face.

"Me, your friend? Unfortunately, no.” To Elizabeth the word ‘friend’ only referred to one person; she did not need any more.

“I see... that’s a shame.” the boy said with a bittersweet smile. “He’s my only friend...”

“He?”

“I can see that you’re afraid of me, so I’ll leave you alone now.” With neither a step nor the tap of his feet the boy's figure fell back towards the dark, his form blending into the void beyond. Instinctively without logical reason, Elizabeth called out to the boy so as not to miss her chance to put a halt to his escape. “Wait!!!”

Without so much as even a goodbye, the boy's presence faded.

“Just what was that child...?”

The boy said ‘he’. The only person that came to mind is her younger brother.

“Theodore may have some information on him.” Theodore had not yet returned to the Velvet Room, gormlessly indulging in his fantasies of caring for his pet Maya, Pochi.

Last she checked, Pochi resided on the ninth floor of Monad. Elizabeth turned on her heels for the stairs, making pace for the ninth floor without delay and disposing of any Shadow that got in her way with just a single blow.

Upon reaching her destination, Elizabeth yelled into the darkness beyond her so as not to waste her time needlessly searching for her target. “Theo! If you’re there, then answer me!”

The sounds of panting echoed through the labyrinth before it was swallowed up completely by silence. No answer.

"Maybe he’s not here" she thought. Suddenly she heard the sounds of gnawing and chewing. She walked ahead, headed towards the source of the noise. The farther she progressed, the more audible the sounds became.

Eventually she happened upon a man dressed in blue, crouching in front of a thick black mass.

Theodore.

At his side lay various items piled up on the floor, Theodore feeding them to the black mound on the floor. It did not take Elizabeth long for her to notice that the black mass had increased in size. The last time she saw it, it was about the size of a large dog, but now it was much more comparable to a calf. It seemed that it was now more than twice the size of a normal Maya-type shadow.

“That pet of yours is growing well, Theo.”

Theodore neither turned nor responded, continuing to feed Pochi just as before.

“Theo? Hey, Theo! Are you ignoring me?!” Elizabeth grabbed Theodore’s shoulder and forcibly turned him around.

“Ahh, you’re here too, Sister?” Theodore's face looked sickly. His cheeks were flushed and dark bags were forming under his eyes, depriving them of their usual radiance. He had clearly not been resting well due to his hapless devotion to caring for his pet.

It was impossible for Elizabeth to hide her shock at what he had become. “What a sorry state. I don’t remember having such a sad sight for a brother.”

“What are you talking about, Sister? Oh Pochi, you’ve become more and more cute, my adorable little pet. Oh, why are you so cute?” Theodore reached for Pochi’s head, affectionately embracing its white mask.

On the contrary, cute was the last thing that came to Elizabeth’s mind. From her perspective, Pochi’s increasingly large mask has grown to be unsettling. She honestly doubted her brother’s sanity.

“That aside, Theo. I have some questions for you.”

“And what's that? You also wish to bask in Pochi’s cuteness, right, Sister?!” Theodore said without even turning around to face her.

Elizabeth’s eyes turned ice cold.

“What was that?” Her blunt tone instilled fear into Thedore's soul, the light in his eyes immediately diminishing. “W-what did you want to discuss?”

“Have you come across a young boy in Monad at all recently?”

“A young boy? As in a human?”

“Yes, a human-looking boy.”

“No, I haven’t. But if there is a boy in Tartarus, isn’t it likely that his life is in danger?” Theodore said seriously. “Is the boy okay?” he asks.

“Don’t worry, if you don’t know anything, then this discussion ends here. Keep playing with your pet, but feel free to return to the Velvet Room at some point. Master worries about you.”

“Master’s worried? I understand. I'll return as soon as I've finished feeding Pochi.” And turning his back to Elizabeth yet again, Theodore continues to do as such.

“Well then, I will be making my way back to the Velvet Room myself.” With their conversation concluded, Elizabeth also turned her back and took her leave.

Upon her return Elizabeth noticed that Margaret was nowhere to be seen.

“Margaret is currently away due to Vision Quest duties.” Igor said.

“I see.” she responded plainly. To her, right now the more pressing matter was that of the boy that she encountered in Monad. It was possible that Igor may know something about it. She asked, “Master, I came across a human boy in Monad earlier. Do you happen to know anything about this?”

“A human boy? What would a human be doing in Monad?”

Igor carefully considered the scenario. Then suddenly, as if he had only just remembered something now, his mouth opened.

“Could it be... No, of course not.”

Noticing Igor’s peculiar behavior, Elizabeth tilts her head. “Master?”

“Do not worry. Pay me no mind, Elizabeth.” Igor said. He never answered her question. It seemed that he had some idea about its existence, but dared not speak about it or provide any definitive information.

Upon seeing Igor’s dismissive attitude, Elizabeth came to her conclusion. It seems that she will have no choice but to investigate this herself.

Elizabeth’s chest is heavy. She could not help but think that the boy might become a hindrance to SEES.

"If it comes to it, then I’ll...”

"I will destroy it. No matter what," she muttered under her breath.

“Did you say something just now, Elizabeth?” Igor asked.

"No, it was nothing."