"Look out, he's right behind you!"

The cry could be heard echoing in the depths of Tokyo's underground and the sound of harsh and heavy claws resonated after. Slicing through the demon's fleshy bodies.

"Help, please!" a low and helpless voice screamed.

"Run away!" one after another the fearful figures turned tail and tried to escape to no avail. The large and powerful being pursued them, slashing them to ribbons and gushing their vile blood across the dirt. Devilman was relishing in his deathly instincts showing the same mercy the demons always granted defenseless humans.

Ryo observed from afar, keeping an eye on things and watching Akira's back. He stared on with a smile and an analyzing gaze. The hunt was coming to a close, the rest of the opposing demons had lost their fight and Akira's violent daze was fading. That was Ryo's signal to begin packing everything away, after all it didn't seem there would be anymore major threats that Akira couldn't handle. With Ryo's back turned and Akira distracted with his face plunged into the guts of a wailing demon, another devil went unnoticed.

It latched itself to the shadows and leered in the darkness, slowly stalking up behind the unaware devilman. It inched closer and cautiously. Eventually its dim lighting ran out and it was forced to step into the brighter area but also just out of reach of the despised slayer of devil kind. It's many eyes creased at once and with quick movement its tail flicked out and jabbed into Akira's back for a split second.

A howl split the night as Devilman whipped his neck around growling at the creature fleeing back to his cowardice cover. Ryo's head snapped up in attention, seeing Akira dart off after a final demon. The blond boy could only stand and wait anxiously until he heard the chilling shriek of an impotent foe bellow its final breaths and Akira's triumphant roar.

Ryo's frame rose when he saw Akira returning, he was halfway transformed and seemed a bit tired. Without much thought Ryo met his friend and investigated him thoughtfully.

"Akira? What happened, let me see your wound," Ryo ordered. Akira didn't put up any defiance as he turned, allowing Ryo to examine his back.

"Ugh, I don't know it just snuck up on me. It's nothing to worry about anyway, thing was a push over," Akira dismissed.

Ryo's ridged features subsided, and his body relaxed, he motioned it was alright for Akira to pull away. He did so, rubbing his cut soothingly.

"Well, it doesn't look too bad, it's a little deep still. We'll disinfect it once we get back to the car, do you feel alright?" Ryo asked in a monotone voice, gathering together his things.

"Yeah, it's nothing," Akira said, moving back to the car, working his shoulder in doing so. "I just need to go home; it's starting to get late."

Ryo tipped his head in understanding. The two didn't wait around, they made it back to the car and were heading for the Makimura's residence in no time. The ride home was pretty quiet, standard for nights like these. Akira fixed his heightened gaze out the window, seeing the storm clouds slowly rolling in from over the horizon. He heard there was a chance for a pretty bad storm that night, partly responsible for his antsy mood, but more than that he just felt restless. His hand came to hold his forehead as he sighed. He just wanted to go home and rest. The relief he experienced seeing the house come into view was immeasurable. There were no parting words necessary, Akira left the car and had effortlessly flown himself back up to his room. He heard Ryo's car speed off as he flopped himself onto his bed. It was strange for some reason Akira felt as though he were on a boat sloshing back and forth suddenly. He kept trying to discredit it as he laid their figuring it would go away on its own anyway.

It had been a few minutes of endless swaying until Akira half-asleep, finally, and accidentally rolled himself out of bed. He hit the floor with a thud and a curse, sitting back up to rub his head. The next thing he knew he heard light footsteps dashing up the stairs.

"Shit!" he worried to himself, thinking he must have woken someone. That dreaded knock on the door came just as he expected.

"Akira? Are you in there? Are you okay?" Miki's honeyed voice emanated from behind the door.

"Uh, Y-Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you! You can come in!" he replied.

The door flung open without delay to reveal the pleasant yet concerned girl before him. She was dressed in her regular lounge clothes and didn't particularly stand out but deep in his mind, Akira admired her still. As a matter of fact in taking in her appearance he nearly forgot he was still sitting on the ground like a buffoon. With a sharp inhale he came to his feet, and almost lost it immediately after, feeling the head rush pound in his skull. He leaned against his bedside; it was all he could do to stay up.

"No it's okay Akira," she reassured with a spirited voice. "I wasn't actually asleep; it's not a school night remember?"

"Oh right, thank goodness," he exhaled in solace. His reaction rose an amused look on her face, tilting her head to him.

"Yeah, I'd say so. When did you get home by the way? I thought I was gonna be here all by myself tonight."

"Huh?" he turned in confusion.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I'm not. My mom and dad went up to visit my aunt and uncle and are staying overnight there. They needed help clearing out their house."

"Oh, is it really that bad?" Akira asked.

Miki's features sprung up. She didn't even need to answer as she nodded showing the comic severity of the situation by her face alone.

"Geez…" he seemed to get the picture well enough. The devilman returned to the moment at hand, furrowing his brow curiously once more. "So, wait where's Taro?"

"He abandoned me to go sleep over at his friend's house. I thought you were gonna do the same thing honestly," Miki ribbed with a smile.

"Ah, nah I wanted to come home. I've had a long night." he dropped himself to sit on the edge of his bed. Akira had been vailing his inner turmoil well enough, but it was starting to get to him, the room was still spinning, and he couldn't stand any longer. Miki's face showed that she seemed to notice but wasn't quite sure.

"Well if you're not too tired, do you want to come down with me? We'll have the TV all to ourselves!"

Despite his uncomfortable mindset, he felt his heart swell and disbelief choke the air from his lungs. He made his eyes sit still on her feeling his brow float up. Akira couldn't hardly remember the last time he had gotten to just hang out with her, it had to have been when they were little. Before she grew to be so popular, and he had grown to be so socially awkward. The amount of time that past didn't register to Akira right away, it wasn't until he heard her speak again did he notice.

"Akira?" she sounded worried.

"Huh?" he hopped up. "Oh, yes! Yeah, I'd love to, it sounds like fun!"

Her features brightened once more, "Great! I've been a little lonely tonight with everyone gone, and when was the last time we got to hang out just us, huh?"

"Too long," Akira added in cheerfully. He subtly massaged his temple as he made it to her side and followed her down the stairs. He heard her going on about all the movies they could choose from, and excitedly he wanted to indulge, but his brain was still whirling. He was doing everything in his power to push through his dizziness and put on his jovial airs along with her.

"…And with any of those movie picks I also got Morinaga's, some saketoba just for you, I know how you like your protein, and I'm making dorayakis! Doesn't that sound nice!" she clasped her hands together twirling about to see him.

"Oh, yeah Miki, that sounds amazing!" he was genuinely eager, but his words still came out with a hint of struggle. Limply he allowed himself to drop onto the couch as he watched her pick through a shelf of assorted movies.

"So what are you in the mood for, we got action, comedies. Oh, horror might be fun!" she said plucking up a DVD that looked like an old cheesy monster movie. Akira couldn't help but simper, he remembered that one. Looking back it was definitely corny, but she was always scared to watch it by herself growing up, and frankly so was he, but watching it with her always made him feel a bit braver. Those were good memories.

"Yeah, let's do that one, if nothing else it'll be funny now," he jested.

"Good thinking," she winked. "Here, will you put it in while I go grab the snacks?"

"Sure," he rose up slowly doing all he could to not upset his headache any worse. He took the case from her and before he knew it, she had sprinted off to the kitchen. It was just him alone for a moment and as much as he was enjoying her company, he needed to retake his rationale. He closed his eyes and breathed deep, in and out just focusing on that, hoping it would settle his migraine. He just didn't understand what was coming over him, was it a new feature of his transformation? It couldn't be, if anything his power made him too energized, it had never hindered him as a physical affliction before.

At last his world felt as though it had stopped and was sitting beatifically in place once more. He sighed in relief and allowed his lids to part but when he opened them, he braced himself. His eyes spread wide staring at the box cover, the monster on it suddenly seemed starkly real, and it was almost like it was glaring back at him. It wasn't possible he knew it, but then what was this? He could practically see that monster gleaming its fangs at him. Impulsively he felt his lip curl and his canines grow. He heard his heavy breath become more ferocious, and his body striving to intimidate the potential opponent.

"Akira?" the sound of her caring voice brought him back. Like a rubber band he was snapped back to what was actually happening. Slipping a glance back at the box he noticed that the monster on the front was in fact fake, nothing but a picture of a cheap costume.

He could feel his face turn red, he hoped Miki hadn't actually seen all of that. He shook himself a little and flipped his head back to her with an overcompensating grin.

"Ha, I was just noticing how silly this looks, I mean you can see the seams too right?" he laughed nervously.

"Hmm," she was a bit skeptical as she placed the food down on the coffee table. "Akira, are you feeling alright?"

An unsure pause came over him, but just as abruptly he shook it off, "Oh yeah I'm fine. It's just a little headache, I'll live."

She seemed to accept that answer as good as any. Her expression became one of sympathy as she came to sit on the edge of the couch.

"I'm sorry, do you want anything?"

"Nah," he waved. "I'll be fine, but thanks," he finished and at last placed the disk in the player and joined her on the sofa.

The opening trailers began, sweeping the two into an instant sense of blissful nostalgia. Akira could smell all the decadent goodies Miki had brought over, tipping off his ravenous appetite. Scanning over the plates he noticed there were two small bowls of plain rice and two packets of dried bonito flakes.

"Hey, you got us some…" he didn't even finish his words as he pointed to the dish and stared at the grinning girl.

"Some dried bonito flakes? Yeah, I thought it would be a nice touch. I know it's one of your favorites!" she chimed.

A large and giddy smile came to the hybrid's face as he snatched up the offering, "This is a great idea!" He tore his packet over the rice, watching the flakes wither and sway in the steam with childlike joy. Miki giggled watching him and then even more when he happily sprinkled her flakes in for her too. "Here, Miki you gotta eat it hot while it still moves, so then it's like you're eating worms!" he said nudging her with his shoulder.

"Eww, don't make me think of that!" she couldn't help but laugh through her disgust. She began to dig into hers and that was his que to start his own, however, when he looked at it again something was off. Watching the flakes dance and roll under his nose was as mesmerizing as it was off-putting. He couldn't help it, the longer he gazed the more numb his mind became. Lastly the thing to stir him was feeling the warmth of the food on his skin. He had unknowingly dipped his face in the bowl and only brought himself up upon the stimulation.

His eyes frisked the room anxiously, pleading she hadn't looked his way. By her actions she didn't seem to. Ease came to his muscles and finally he began to voraciously gulp down his snack. After all he couldn't be bothered by it if it weren't around anymore.

"Oh! Akira it's starting!" Miki piped up again. Her sudden words compelled Akira to look up with a surprised face and cheeks stuffed with rice. "I'm so excited, this was a great idea, don't you think!?"

He swallowed hard, "Yeah, I'm really happy we could spend time together." His sights fell to her, with a soft sincerity. She found his as well and appeared to share the same contentment.

Bashfully and with a sugary smile her eyes met with the floor, "Me too."

The growing ambiance of the film replaced the teens attention, but there was a buzzing tension welling up for them. They let the movie run, making quips and remarks here and there, but more than that it seemed the distance between them was closing. Neither of them acknowledged it outwardly but they both knew.

Most of Akira's interest was no longer even on the movie as much as it was on her. He couldn't deny the idea of causally placing his arm around her was tempting but his nerves got the better of him. Still he was up for any excuse to be closer to her.

Just in that moment the sound of rain tapping on the window became audible, and in only moments that light rain began to pour. The shift in weather was noticeable even inside the house with the temperature dropping. It didn't bother Akira much, but he could see Miki begin wrapping herself up in her limbs. An opportunistic smile came to his lips, and with a moment of psyching himself up he opened his mouth.

"Hey Miki? Are you cold?" he asked knowingly. A grin brimmed on her features, as if she were hoping he'd ask that.

"Yeah, a little," she confessed.

"Hmm, you know, not to toot my own horn but I have been told I'm pretty hot," he joked, receiving a light eye roll from the girl.

"Oh, are you?"

"Well, temperature wise I can assure you I am. If you want you can find out for yourself," he suggested unfolding his arms in front of her. Her smile expanded and a rosy blush puddled on her plumped cheeks. She glanced at him but didn't keep her eyes on him long as she slowly scooched closer with her gaze on the ground. Finally he felt her slim frame hug up against his and without even thinking Akira put his arms around her. Feeling her there in his hold so trusting and so content put him in a state of ecstasy that couldn't be described in words. This was a moment he had only ever imagined but never thought possible.

A shy but overjoyed grin dominated his expression, as he at last leaned into her himself, placing his chin on top of her head and hugging her tightly. He was so happy he could have purred, and maybe even was but in that moment, he didn't care, right now everything was just as he had always dreamed.

A sudden blinding flash rapidly illuminated the darkened room, startling the pair out of their idealistic mood. Akira could feel Miki jump against him, triggering him to tense his muscles around her protectively. The TV sputtered through the electrical surge, cutting in and out of the movie.

The whole feel of the room had now immediately changed, he could smell the faint shot of fear emitting from the young girl and the strobing of light clouded his vision. The line between what was real and what was fake was becoming harder for him to define, as the storm flashed and so did the screen.

The boom that followed shook the very foundation of the house itself. Akira found himself spiraling into an instinctual trance, hearing the parallel commotion coming from the TV coupled with the world around him.

"Doctor, what is it?"

"Oh, God he's paralyzed with fear!"

"What do we do!"

"It's coming right for us!"

The sound of a young girl screaming came from the speakers commanding Akira's attention. His eyes were strained and void of any pupils watching the events play out on the screen. Only what he saw looked nothing like it was coming off a screen. It was just like before; everything was happening right there before him. He just couldn't shake it. He watched in horror as the shape of a demon took off with the lead actress. It was the monster, it had her, and at last it leered at him, at him. It wasn't possible but yet here it was displaying its fangs and swishing its claws at him. Was this a challenge? Akira wouldn't stand for it; he wouldn't let anything touch Miki.

The young brunette felt the adrenaline slowly seeping from her quivering form. The abrupt lighting and thunder had caught her off guard, but she soon realized there was nothing to fear. Especially being held firmly in Akira's strong arms, she felt absolutely safe.

"Gee, the storm sounds like it's really whipping up now, huh Akira?" she said bringing her attention back to him. "It kinda startled me there, for a minute…"

The sounds of low and throaty pants halted the girl, and her eyes steadily climbed up Akira's sturdy figure. When she at last landed on his eyes, he seemed distant, almost inhuman.

"Akira? Are you okay?" she asked concernedly but just as she had Akira's whole body jumped over hers. He was crouched over her defensively glaring at the screen. He hovered over her like some kind of cat shielding its newly captured prey.

"A-Akira!? What are you-" her voice was drowned out by the TV monster's roar and then by Akira's own. His shirt became shreds falling over her as his body became more imposing and his wings expanded out. Miki couldn't even form words anymore as she watched in shock and horror as the figure of her best friend had changed into a much less human shape. He was practically frothing at the mouth trying to threaten the nonexistent enemy.

The devilman stared daggers at the image in front of him. That creature wanted her, it wanted to take Miki from him, he knew it. Akira could tell it was sizing him up preparing to strike and claim Miki as its own. He could have chuckled; poor thing didn't know what it was getting itself into. Akira was a fierce beast to be reckoned with and it'd find out the hard way.

In a swift and boastful shift Akira allowed himself to morph completely, flicking his tail and showing off his fangs. He was honestly surprised his opponent hadn't fled then and there but he wouldn't complain too much, he was always itching for a good scrap.

The next thing Miki knew she heard a grunt and following it was a thud. Full force, what was Akira had leapt off her and pounced at the TV stand knocking it off it's shelf.

"Hey, no!" Miki yelled but went unnoticed. He kept on, he scaled the walls and tore out up and down the room. It was like he was after something. Of what Miki had no idea, as a matter of fact she didn't have a clue at all as to what was going on anymore. Her body had clasped in place right where she was on the couch, helplessly watching this new form of Akira rampage throughout her house.

The monster was fast, faster than Akira had assumed. It was like with each flash of light the creature was in a new position. Devilman was rushing all over the house after the accursed being, accidentally knocking items off selves and furniture out of the way. He felt bad about it, but he could fix it later, right now saving Miki was his top priority.

A few more moments of this senseless mayhem went on until at last Miki unglued herself from her spot. She had enough, shooting off the couch she seized her opportunity with her housemates back turned and darted up the stairs. She nearly went sliding over the floor she had made such a hard turn, but once she did, she was back in her room slamming the door shut behind her. At last she could catch a breath, her respiration coming through violent gasps. Miki clutched her hands over her chest with a gaping mouth and wide bewildered eyes. The events that just took place couldn't be possible, it just wasn't. How could something like this happen? Only minutes ago she was sitting in his arms, joyful as can be, and then all Hell broke loose.

She swallowed hard allowing herself to slide down all the way to the floor. She curled up into a ball and sat there trying to catch her brain back up to what was happening. There had to have been some kind of explanation, there just had to, she thought.

Akira became light on his hands and feet stalking up to where he knew his foe had to be hiding. He remained as silent as possible creeping up to the closet door. An old classic trick of monsters hiding in closets, this beast was proving to be just as cheesy as the film it sprung from. The gleam of the devilman's canines shined through the darkness as a wide grin grew ever more on his face. He was just outside the door now and his tail flicked in anticipation.

A bolt of lightning and the howl of wind sparked Akira into action swinging the door open and finally cornering the intruder. He jumped at it and heard it scream as he ripped his teeth through its body and raked his claws along its husk. Akira bounded with laughter indulging in his violent desires and punishing the heinous creature. Only trouble was it wasn't going down as easy as Devilman had hoped. He could feel it snaking its appendages around him, wanting to tie him down and hold him still. Akira wouldn't let it get that better of him, he rolled away bringing both it and him out into the open.

Miki hadn't moved in quite some time, but the commotion downstairs was getting too much to ignore. She was horrified but she couldn't just let him destroy the house either. It took some mulling over in her head before she finally cracked the door open again and stuck her nose out. The noise was only that much worse with the door open. Miki had to regain her courage to even step out. Once she did she slowly descended down the stairs staying hugged up against the wall as best she could. At the bottom she took a deep breath and spied around the corner.

She saw the demonic form of Akira again. He seemed to be writhing on the ground and was all tangled up in what looked like shredded up coats. Her brow furrowed being utterly baffled at what was displayed before her. She moved herself back once more, ducking behind the stair railing and racking her brain to think of some solution.

With one final slash Akira could feel the monster's arms let him free as they fell in pieces to the floor. His breathing was deep and rough, but it soon changed to victorious cackles. Clutched beneath his hands were the sorry remains of the monster, Akira had won.

"That'll teach you, no one messes with me or my girl!" Akira cheered with a slight slur to his voice.

Miki perked some hearing him speak and registering what he said only intrigued her more. It was the first time the idea that this new being could actually be Akira felt real to her. She didn't make herself known yet, but her worries lightened ever so slightly.

Akira merrily stomped around as a proud victor, he leaned against the wall and nearly tipped over his own talons, but he didn't mind. In his world all was well and Miki was safe. The recollection made the fins on his head stand up.

"Miki," he muttered. A joyful smile grew on his lips and his tail wagged haphazardly thinking of her. He could smell she was nearby which encouraged him more.

"Miki! Miki where are you?" he spoke playfully.

The young brunette heard him call out to her, but her body was still like stone. She could see him wander into her view as he continued his hunt. He just didn't seem right. Even if he did change so much outwardly, he acted as if he was intoxicated as he fumbled around nearly falling over himself. Eventually he just ended up on all fours and even then, his footing was clumsy. Miki could only watch dumbfounded until something caught her attention. On his back there was a sizable welt and it appeared discolored from the rest of his body. Her forehead creased curiously.

Her wondering was put on hold then however, as his eyes in the dim lighting finally gleamed through and right on her.