Crawling
By SMYGO4EVA
Akira was not a devil, and yet he was not human. Not anymore.
Ryo was a wolf in sheep's clothing, born from vengeance eons long past.
They sought to keep the world safe from demons, from monsters, from humans. it. That suited them both just fine; they had a bond that was unbreakable. No one understood, and they never would.
They were old friends, since they were kids. They knew each other, their thoughts, their emotions, limits, and their wants. The human factor of Akira's heart did indeed tip the scales; Ryo knew that well.
Ryo looked upon the carnage, what was left of his enemies. There were bodies of demons and devilmen alike strewn everywhere, the smell of iron wafting in the air. Akira was that very monster, his fur matted with blood, his claws dulled from what punishment he wrought.
Akira turned his head, his teeth gritted, close to breaking, tears streaking down his face.
Ryo only smiled.
The humans had turned into devilmen – they were beyond repair, beyond redemption. Yellow and red blood as well as entrails were scattered all over the floor, walls, and ceiling. There was no reversing time, as devilmen were only to be devoured from the inside, slowly and mercilessly.
Akira shut his eyes, but his tears of sorrow and guilt clung to him. His heart sank, and he couldn't move.
Physical pain had nothing to what he had just done.
But then it happened again.
And again.
And again.
Ryo clapped for his Devilman, his Akira. He reached out, a small gesture, cupping Akira's monstrous face in his hands.
"You did well, Akira, you just never cease to amaze me."
Akira blinked back his tears, his bloodstreaked hands on top of Ryo's, and he stared.
"Your potential was wasted in a human shell. By becoming a Devilman, you're free of that curse."
Akira wiped away the tears from his demonic features, but the tears kept coming.
Stop crying, Akira, don't you ever run out of tears?
Ryo leaned in and smiled. "Know this, Akira Fudo – you belong to me now."
Akira opened his mouth, his voice barely a whisper, but Ryo heard him loud and clear.
"I am Devilman…."