Akira sat in the spacious vacuum of white, staring at the largest collection of color there was. A pile of decadent meats lined up to one side of him while a slew of empty plates engrossed the other.

It was about mid-day, and the light was pouring in from all angles, making the already bright room that much more unbearable for a being that much preferred his environments darker. But even then, he'd rather be here than at school, he figured Miki would never need to know.

He did this pretty regularly on days he couldn't be bothered to attend class. Normally he would just do it to catch up on sleep as his sleep schedule had naturally become one more akin to a nocturnal creature ever since his transformation. But lately he wanted to keep his mind off sleep, as a matter of fact he was doing all he could to keep his mind off anything.

One after another the Devilman would eat plate after plate of meat down to its bone, displaying little to no thought in the process. There was a feral glaze over his eyes and his manners were less than tidy.

His best friend Ryo Asuka set himself across the room on the couch typing something up on his laptop Akira assumed it had to do with his research.

Ryo's eyes glanced at him, analyzing his movement and mannerisms thoroughly. He couldn't help but notice his childhood friend's behavioral change over the last week or so. He glued his gaze back to his computer screen before bringing himself to speak.

"So, Akira, you've been hungry lately, are you feeling alright?" his tone was flat. Akira seemed startled hearing Ryo speak up, but it did bring him somewhat back to his present.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I gotta eat a lot to maintain myself you know," Akira responded halfheartedly.

Ryo's stare broke from the screen again, keeping his attention on the Devilman. He could tell there was something off about him, even in his speech.

"Uh huh," Ryo got up calmly and began walking over to the countertop. Akira seemed a little more nervous now, he tried ignoring it and went back to his mindless eating.

"I just can't help but notice that the rate and quantity of which you ate just last month has rapidly increased just in this one week. You've been a Devilman for a while now Akira, and this wasn't normal behavior you had then. On top of that you seem to be struggling more with your hunting urges, you don't think I haven't noticed how often you've asked to prolong our hunts recently. Even when it's so late in the night, and that used to be something you worried about, getting home too late and worrying everybody?"

Akira stopped eating, for a moment he hardly budged at all. He finally swallowed hard, that action reactivating the rest of his natural movement.

"Well, I suppose you have a point," Akira nodded, avoiding Ryo's eyes.

"Yeah, and you used to come and sleep here a lot during the day too, which I don't think I've seen you sleep a wink this past week either. Have you been sleeping much Akira?"

"Umm, no not really…" Akira ran his fingers through his hair. He was shifting uncomfortably in his chair quite a bit and doing all he could to look away.

"Akira, are you sure you're alright? This doesn't seem healthy; can you think of anything in the past week that may have caused this?" Ryo's body was now completely facing Akira granting him his full attention.

Akira paused for a solid second before finally succumbing to a sigh.

"I don't know Ryo, I just don't feel like myself I guess," he leaned his head against his hand.

"So, like, do you feel more demonic lately?"

"No, not even that. Honestly, I'm trying to provoke my demonic side, it helps me forget. At least like that I get to just be in one moment without thinking about anything else except gratifying myself. For just a minute, I don't have to think about anything."

Ryo sat silently thinking on Akira's comment. He eventually returned to the conversation; he knew Akira wouldn't like what he would ask next, but it was necessary.

"Akira, what are you trying to avoid thinking about?"

Ryo could see Akira's body rise with a deep inhale before releasing it slowly. His eyes glared into nothing and his mouth was fixed to a frown. There was a substantial pause as the two sat through their silent standoff, until Akira finally caved.

"Look it's just that, ugh… I don't know Ryo; I keep having nightmares."

"And that's why you don't want to sleep. Because of the nightmares, right? What are they about? Do you think the nightmares are the problem or do you think there's something else causing them?" Ryo had a way of sounding analytical even in conversation, this was no exception. Akira couldn't help but begin to feel like a specimen even if he knew it was just Ryo's way of trying to help.

"I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders. "The whole bedroom itself is starting to feel cursed really," he muttered under his breath. Ryo seemed both intrigued and dreadful. He couldn't explain it but he never much cared to hear about Akira's relationship, but if it meant his health, he'd bite.

"Are you talking about your sexual relationship?"

"What?" Akira's body reared slightly in shock.

"Well, is that what you meant? Demons have strong physical needs that can affect their wellbeing I'm sure. Is that girl not doing it for you?" Ryo curiously brightened up to the last question. Akira however was mildly appalled by the suggestion.

"Wh- Ryo! It's not Miki, if it's anyone it's me! I can't even please her anymore!" Akira's cheeks immediately went red and he sat back sheepishly. Ryo reacted similarly to the now awkward air, but eventually cleared his throat to try again.

"If you don't mind me asking, for health reasons, what exactly do you mean by that? Do you not feel sexual desire suddenly?"

"No! No Ryo I have plenty!" Akira's demeanor was a bit huffier due to the nature of the conversation, but he did all he could to stay level and honest. "Look Ryo, it's definitely not that I don't want it and it's not that she doesn't want it. That's not the problem, the problem is I physically cannot!"

The blond boy seemed genuinely puzzled, he tilted his head and furrowed his brow. Akira took a deep breath before starting again calmer.

"I just, I can't keep it down anymore. I've always dealt with having to stay focused during intimacy so I wouldn't get too rough or change form, even though I may have really wanted to. But now it's like I can't get past the foreplay without getting too excited and changing. She says it's fine and we'll figure something out, but I know that's not true. I can't please her, I can't please her at all…"

Ryo could feel there was a difference in Akira's meaning. As much as he didn't care for the subject, he felt they were getting warmer and thus he continued.

"Are you still just meaning sex or is there something else?"

Akira squirmed and gripped his upper arms, he didn't want to look at Ryo, instead he gazed distantly and musing. His throat bobbed with a hard gulp until he parted his lips again.

"For the last few weeks, I've cried, I've cried with her…" he shook his head weakly. "And I don't know why."

Ryo turned his head up in interest, "You've cried? Do you feel sad?"

"Ryo, I don't cry when I'm upset. The thing is I am crying though, and it's only around her, and usually when I think she's the happiest. Just the other night to set things right, I put aside time for just the two of us. I dressed nicely, I took her out to one of her favorite restaurants and then for a ride on the bike. Normally she loves those, and she acted like she did, I parked the bike and we sat and talked for a while and looked over the beautiful night sky. Finally, we came together to kiss a little, and everything was perfect, everything was supposed to be perfect, but then, I still cried…" his voice fizzled out. Ryo allowed him a moment as Akira worked to find his words again.

"I keep asking her if she's alright, and she tells me she's fine, happy even, but then Ryo, this doesn't make sense, why do I feel like this? I have no reason to be upset yet I am, and it's messing with me, I'm stressed, I'm worried, I feel like I'm losing control and I don't know what to do!"

His body collapsed and his face fell into his hands. His teeth were grit, and his eyes were shut tight, it was all he could do to restrain the pressure he felt. Ryo couldn't understand it, but he felt a twinge in his chest witnessing Akira's pain.

"…I just want to make her happy…" the sweet simple confession stung.

Ryo didn't speak, he sat there silently with his childhood friend wearing a downcast expression. There really was no way to respond to such a raw statement directly. Ryo thought at the least, maybe he could think of a solution for the time being, for Akira's sake.

Just as he was going to finally speak again, he heard hefty pants coming from Akira, and he could see his body seem to flex in agitation.

"Akira, what's the matter? What's wrong?" Ryo asked urgently. Akira wrapped his arms around himself again viselike. It was as if he were about to split at the seams and the only thing keeping him together was his own hold. Akira's rapid breaths became deeper and sounded more and more like shallow growls.

"I-I need to hunt. I need to get this out. Please, Ryo!" he gasped.

"Akira, it's daytime, demonic activity isn't at its strongest or most common until nightfall, you know that!"

Akira shot up from his seat and began to stumble around the apartment. Ryo quickly came to his feet, racking his brain trying to think of what he could do. He knew he needed to get Akira out, maybe if he got him far enough, he could let Akira run his energy off somewhere secluded. He put his hands up and slowly approached the Devilman attempting to corral him.

"It's gonna be alright Akira, how about we get you out of here. I can take you someplace with no people and let you run loose for a bit. How does that sound, huh?"

Akira's eyes were void of pupils and glossed over; it was as if he were staring into a world Ryo couldn't comprehend. The whole of his stature and mannerisms had become entranced but at the very least he did seem a tad more at ease.

He didn't respond in words, but he slowly nodded his head and groaned in an approving tone as far as Ryo was concerned.

"Okay, let's get you out of here," he guided the dazed Devilman out and to his car.

The drive was unnervingly quiet. Ryo glanced at Akira every now and again, thankful he wasn't behaving irrationally, though how he was acting wasn't much more relieving. He was sitting hunched over and clutching his torso, still having that distant stare and a few strands of drool running down his chin. Occasionally Ryo thought it sounded as if Akira was mumbling something and acting as if he was living out a conversation, of what exactly, Ryo had no idea and didn't want to ask.

When they were far away from any civilization, Ryo parked in a concealed patch of forest that he figured would give Akira plenty of space to run loose as he pleased. Lucky for them, the drive had killed some time on the way and the sun was already setting. He figured Akira would feel a lot more satisfied to have some demons to battle with and extinguish his frustrations. However, for now, he'd have to just run.

"Alright Akira, this should be far enough, now get out and do whatever it is you need to do," Ryo said, noticing how statue-like Akira had become. If it wasn't for the subtle reminder that he was breathing, Ryo might have mistaken him for dead. He leaned closer to him and tried to get a decent look at his face.

"Hey Akira!" he waved his hand in front of his face. "Akira are you okay?" he tried snapping his fingers. He moaned a little and his figure rose ever so slightly acknowledging Ryo's attempts at awakening him, but nothing seemed to be effective at fully bringing him out of this stupor.

Ryo drooped back into his seat; he was beginning to get a little agitated but even more concerned with the situation. He was thinking back on everything Akira had told him before for anything that might bring him an answer. The main and most glaring thing that came to his mind was Akira talking about that girl. She's messing with him somehow, Ryo thought but couldn't quite pin down what it was. Akira said he'd asked her many times before about it but with no results. Then what was it? Ryo's elbow rested on the car door while his hand cradled his head as he sat there taking a long sigh.

The sound of a pleasant repetitive chime tore Ryo out of his thoughts and seemed to be provoking Akira somewhat. It wasn't enough to break his trance, just enough to show he was aware of it. Ryo searched for the source and found that it was coming from Akira's pocket. He instantly assumed who it was and narrowed his gaze at Akira, awaiting his reaction.

"Akira, aren't you going to answer that? I think it's that girl," Ryo seemed repulsed by his own assumption.

Akira remained unphased. Ryo exhaled irritability, he hated to admit it, but he needed her help. He steadily reached his hand over. Akira didn't seem to mind him, so Ryo continued and plucked the buzzing phone out of his pocket releasing a thankful breath afterwards. He answered it and put the phone on speaker.

"Akira? Akira are you there?" the pleasing young voice of Miki filled the car.

"He's here but he's a little out of it," Ryo answered in a deadpan tone.

"Ryo? Ryo, what's wrong with Akira?" she asked with worry.

"I don't know, but I think it's between you two. See if you can talk some sense into him. He hasn't budged for me," Ryo said as he turned to face Akira again, only this time his stomach nearly leaped into his throat. Akira was at full attention bending over trying to get right next to that phone, his pure white eyes locked to it intensely. Ryo inched back and stretched his arm out as far as it could go. He placed his hand on the car door handle just in case, keeping a wary eye on him.

"Akira? Akira are you there? what's wrong dear? Are you feeling alright? I've been worried sick about you."

The Devilman's face seemed to twitch as if trying to express something that just wouldn't come out.

"Miki…" he grunted. Ryo's features rose in awe.

"Akira? Is that you? You don't sound like yourself babe."

"Miki…Miki…Miki, Miki, Miki!" he said over and over, becoming ever more forceful and desperate. He started to lunge towards the phone, startling Ryo enough to open the door and tumble out of the car. Ryo felt his fingers instinctively reflex close to the gun he kept within his coat, no matter how much he didn't want to have to use it, he prepared for the worst.

"Ryo!? Ryo!? Are you still there? Please talk to me, what's going on?"

Ryo's pulse was rocketing as he felt the cold sweat bead at his forehead watching Akira crawl out from the car inhumanly.

"H-hey listen," Ryo was breathing heavy as he spoke closer to the phone. "You need to tell him what you're pissed at him for! Please just communicate already, this is going too far!"

"W-what?! Ryo what are you talking about, I'm not mad at Akira for anything, I'm worried about him."

"Well, there's definitely something wrong. Can you tell me how this all started? What happened?" Ryo asked crucially, as he watched Akira slink his way over to him. His posture was hunched and zombie like, but he had a clear target he was dead set on.

"I can't think of anything that really happened. The first night he started crying out of the blue he was just telling me about a nightmare he had. He acted like it wasn't any big deal, so we forgot about it. We've been having troubles with it ever since, but I always tell him how much I love him and that we'll work through it all together."

Ryo appeared a bit nauseated hearing every detail, but the part about nightmares stuck out to him, remembering when Akira had mentioned it to him earlier. He backed away as Akira advanced further, continuing to speak her name endlessly.

"He was having a nightmare? Did he tell you what it was about?"

"Yeah, he said he was dreaming about running around, but then he started to feel trapped by a big black void. Oh, yeah and he said he saw a demoness in it that reminded him of me."

Ryo's face turned to one of questioning, "A demoness that looked like you?"

Akira's frame perked. Something in him seemed to recall that dream and it sparked his responsiveness. He rushed beside Ryo in a blink causing the blond to jump in alarm and lose his grip on the phone. Akira stood right before him, yet he had never felt so distant.

"…Nike," that voice was not Akira's.

Ryo's pupils shrank and his body froze in horror. His hands squeezed around the handle of his gun before watching the life return to Akira's eyes. It was as if Akira himself was terrified by his own body enough to bring him back for a moment. The look on his face was absolutely petrified.

"Ryo!? Ryo!? Are you there!? Please tell me what's going on!" Miki shouted from the phone now muffled by the ground. Her pleas went unanswered, letting the phone eventually disconnect as Akira's spirit seemed to fade out again, returning to the blank white sockets he had previously. He wasn't completely gone though, he mouthed to speak and seemed to want to reach out to the phone. His body language and expression were strained, Ryo had never seen him look so meek yet so unpredictable.

"Akira? Can you hear me?" Ryo probed.

"Y-yes," he sounded out of breath, but it was enough for Ryo.

"Akira! Oh, good you're coming back! And just in time it's nearly nightfall, we can take you for a hunt and you'll feel better," Ryo said, attempting to take his arm. Akira pulled away and returned to his inverted position, grasping his arms around himself harshly. Ryo surprised, observed his claws were out this time and hooking into either side of his body.

"Akira?" Ryo asked leery.

For the first time in what seemed like hours Akira's gaze met Ryo's, the look was vacant, but it was directed.

"Ryo, I'm scared…" he sounded like Akira, but there was a faint whisper that spoke with him, a much graver voice.

Ryo put his guard back up, "What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid I'm going to die."

The bluntness of the response sent a chill through Ryo's body.

"Devilman is going to die…" the deeper voice spoke louder this time as the sound of Akira was drowned out.

In an instant everything shambled as the Devilman clasped his head into his hands as if he were experiencing an extreme migraine. He growled and flailed doing all he could to put as much distance between him and Ryo as he struggled from the inside out. Ryo remained as collected as possible despite how much he was panicking to himself. He didn't want to get too close, but he followed after Akira as he watched him dart off into the tree line.

"Akira, wait!" Ryo called to him.

Akira was dashing through the dense vegetation cutting through it with his sharp nails. Everything around him was becoming muddied, sounds drowned together, colors bled over each other. It was like the environment that surrounded him was collapsing in on itself, just as he felt. The experience was unbearable, it reminded him of the feeling of needing to vomit but holding it in helplessly, miserably.

Just in that moment, Akira felt his feet fall out from under him and the woods around him spill around his sight. He was rolling downhill, getting scrapped and stabbed all the way down. He must have tripped and at the worst spot, it seemed like an eternity before he slowed to a stop. He didn't want to get up, he just wanted to lay there at the hill's base. He knew it was a mistake, but he just couldn't hold out anymore. He ceased his fight for a mere second, pleading for just a moment's peace and unexpectedly, he was granted that peace, but for a hefty toll.

He felt it coming up now. There was no stopping it anymore, he had let it slip past. He cursed himself over and over, his heart was heavy in terror. He didn't know what would happen next, but this was it, he knew it, this is where Devilman would die, and he had never felt so afraid.

"Please! Please, no!" his final words.

Ryo had been charging after Akira and when he finally caught a glimpse at him laying at the bottom of the slope at first, he was glad but that disappeared. Akira's body ripped and shattered like an egg, giving life to a new being. No, returning life to that of an ancient one. Ryo recognized the looming figure taking shape before him, he couldn't explain it, but he felt an extreme apprehension seeing this particular demon. He knew this was a god among demons, but it wasn't just that, there was a whole other layer of fear this demon instilled in him. He didn't want to be seen by him; he didn't want to be anywhere near him. Ryo felt like he could break down any second, but he couldn't get away. Not when he noticed something, something small and frail setting beneath this forming monster.

"Akira?"