At the cusp of dawn, Akira landed on Miki's balcony. His form was mixed between his devil and human self, keeping his lower body beastly and the top half mostly human. He'd been out far later than he anticipated but was glad to finally be home, the exhaustion he felt was ceaseless. So much was racking his brain but none more than the thought of his childhood friend. As tired as he was, he longed for her more than anything. He didn't want to disturb her, instead he merely peeked in to see her, just to be sure she was safe. The sight of her resting soundly was enough to relieve him in both body and mind. He smiled dotingly and felt his tail twitch happily.

"You're gonna be okay Miki. I'm here for you now, I promised I'd come back to you and I won't leave you again," he tipped his head assuredly. It was then he spread his wings and made his way back up to his own room, determined to get any sleep he could before facing the day ahead of him.

"Is that seriously Fudo?"

"He's completely different!"

"Even his personality changed…"

Akira overheard all his classmate's comments about him, they were identical to the first time this had happened. He couldn't deny the special attention was pretty flattering, but his mind was a bit more occupied than it was then.

After his encounter with Psycho Jenny last night, he knew something had to be brewing on their end, and he needed to begin his own. He just had to figure out how and planning that was a challenge when his body kept reminding him of its intense needs. He hadn't had a body in so long he nearly forgot how hungry and lustful he could get. He gladly welcomed the plates of food his female classmates were willing to throw at him and taking out his erotic desires was once again handled through porn in the auditorium, for all to hear.

As many times as he checked, no other demons were around that day; they must not know about him, yet he figured. Thus, the rest of his day went practically beat for beat as before, all until track practice rolled around. Finally, he gazed upon the person he had been yearning for that whole day. Akira had missed Miki that morning when she left early for school but now was his moment to finally reunite with her. His legs felt wobbly with anticipation, she was one of the only things that reminded him of the small nervous teen he used to be. If it were up to him, he'd run up to her then and there, no holding back and hug her tightly. However, he knew such actions might startle her and everyone else, so he refrained.

He waited for his chance. He remembered she'd come talk to him after their sprint anyway, so he readied himself and when he heard the clap, he tore out whizzing ahead of the team effortlessly. Everyone gasped around him watching in amazement. Akira knew he needed to slow himself right before crossing the finish line, even still his time was once again at ten seconds. He'd be lying if he didn't feel a twinge of pride.

"How did you do that!?" a bewildered voice spoke from behind him. He felt the rise of joy from his gut as he turned to finally face her. The excitement on his face was all encompassing; she was so beautiful he couldn't help but stare with adoring eyes.

"Luck I guess, maybe I had the wind at my back," he knew it was a terrible lie, but he went with it again anyway.

"No way," she refused. He chuckled with a shrug, as if to admit he knew as much as she did that explanation was bogus.

Akira had so much he wanted to say to her but no idea where to begin, and it seemed he wouldn't get the chance to start anyway. A mob of young girls came running to his aid with towels in toe, but he paid little mind to them. He thoughtlessly took the cloths from them and patted himself down.

"Let's do a relay-"

"Together? Sure, we would win at the tournament, don't you think?" he cut in finishing the sentence he knew she'd repeat. She seemed a bit mystified but kept up her high spirits.

"Yeah? That's exactly what I was thinking…"

He tilted his head with a smile to her as he flung the towels back at the cheering girls, not even looking their way. Miki eyed him kindly with just a hint of skepticism but her expression broke when she heard Miko call her name.

"Miki! You got a text from Mr. Nagasaki!"

Miki seemed anxious but responded anyway, "Be right there!" she hollered. Turning back to address the devilman, she continued, "Hey, I need to get my bag back, would you go with me? I'll just tell Nagasaki I can't make it."

Without hesitation Akira answered, "Yeah, of course." He was thankful she wouldn't be seeing that sicko and she never would again as far as he was concerned.

As they made their way to the riverbank, Akira's thoughts bustled. They had been walking silent but pleasantly for some time now. He desperately wanted to interrupt the silence but wasn't sure where to even start, luckily, he didn't have too.

"Thanks for saving me yesterday," she at last spoke up calmly.

Akira's body rose and his face brightened, "Aw, I didn't do anything."

"You were so brave," he could hear the sweetness in her voice and laughed nervously.

"Well, I'm glad you think so, I'll try to do better this time…"

Miki picked up on a hint of sadness in his tone. His stare was boring into the ground and the look on his face was contemplative. She tipped her head curiously to him.

"Akira, I thought you were very brave, you don't have to feel like you have to do any better. I'm okay, see!" she forced herself into his view displaying to him a goofy expression. A sting pierced his heart, but he didn't allow it to outwardly show. He simply sighed, turning his sights down again.

Miki noticed; she didn't know what was going on in his mind but whatever it was it seemed serious. She thought perhaps she could help take his mind off the severity of it.

"Well, anyway what's up with that body of yours? You haven't been doping have you?" she teased leaning into his vision again. He couldn't help but smirk watching her antics, he allowed himself to ease some.

"Of course, not…" he paused considering his next comment. He breathed and started again, "I'll tell you what happened to me soon, but it won't make any sense yet, and there's a few things I have to do first."

Miki became intrigued, "What happened to you? Why can't you tell me now?"

Akira lightly chortled, shaking his head, "That's just it, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. I have to show you, but I can't right now."

"But why not though?" Miki was becoming ever more invested and Akira couldn't help his amusement. He reached his hand out to her and steadily placed it on her shoulder to face him.

"Miki, I promise I'll tell you. I want to tell you more than anything, I never want to have to keep another secret from you again, but for now it'll just have to wait. It'll all make sense soon enough don't worry," he gazed at her comfortingly. The explanation didn't defuse her curiosity, but she did back off from the topic playfully.

"Oh alright," she tossed her eyes.

When the pair had made it back to the dock Akira instructed Miki to stay put while he dealt with Wamu and the rest of his gang. He made his way down the stairs hearing their rhymes and his anxiousness building. Casually he went to grab Miki's bag, but he knew they'd notice him.

"Hey, who the Hell are you!?" Wamu hollered. Akira turned to face them; he held a smug grin as he eyed them all. A swarm of mixed emotions came flooding in, as he recalled each of the gang's members. Wamu and Gabi were two he held a sense of respect for, knowing their hearts were pure. These were two he had mourned for but as for the remaining men, Babo and Hie, he glared at with contempt.

"Just an old friend I suppose…" Akira trailed off as if to toy with them.

"I ain't never seen you around here before?" Wamu retaliated.

"Nah, you wouldn't recognize me, but it's nice to see you again. At least some of you," his stare lingered scornfully on the betrayers.

"You know what? I think this guy's full of shit, he's just messing with us!" Gabi jumped in accusingly.

"Oh, come on guys, Wamu, Gabi, I don't want any trouble with you. I just came for the bag," Akira explained, taking delight in their obvious confusion. "Anyway, I should be going now, but I'll be checking in as old friends do. Ain't that right?" his glare now fell to the traitors. "You know how they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer…" his features became stern. The mischievousness that was once discernible in his body language was all but dried up. He could feel his scorn for the two backstabbers begin to outweigh the gratefulness for his allies. The rest of the gang sensed it too putting up their defenses. Babo and Hie were on edge slightly stepping back.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Wamu asked cautiously.

Akira could feel the demon within him claw at the back of his mind, killing them now was tempting, but he knew he couldn't. He inhaled deeply reigning himself back in. He didn't respond, he knew whatever he'd say would turn sour. He stormed off back up the steps, feeling the need to release his anger, but not in front of Miki. The last thing he wanted was to worry her. When he met her back up on the steps, he didn't make eye contact with her, simply handed her bag back to her and faced away.

Miki could tell something was up with him, "Akira? Are you okay?"

He swallowed back every demonic impulse, hearing her soft voice.

"I'm okay Miki, I'm gonna be out late tonight, there's a few errands I have to run. I'm sorry if I startled you…"

before she had a chance to say anything, he was off in a dash. She watched him off with a combination of amazement and concern.

While Akira was on patrol for demons that evening, he investigated more into the Sabbath parties and their locations. He knew the one Ryo had taken him to wasn't the only one, and after last night there wasn't much left of his birthplace. If there was any hope of saving Miko and Taro from Hell he'd need another Sabbath. Once there he figured he could summon them back to their bodies much like how Ryo summoned Amon. Only problem he had left was getting them there, he could fly but that would require wasting a lot of time on explanations. He huffed to himself as he made his walk back home.

When he was coming up the street, he was so lost in contemplation he hadn't even noticed what was sitting in front of the house. If it weren't for Taro piping up Akira most likely would have walked right past it.

"Akira! There's a bike for you, from a person named Ryo!" Taro exclaimed from the window.

Realization hit him like a brick to the face. Ryo must have sent it before knowing the truth. Akira's mouth split open with a grin feeling ecstatic. He quickly flung his school bag into the house and went back up to the bike cautiously making sure there was nothing off about it, but it was just as he remembered. He mounted it regaining the feel for it.

"Thanks Ryo, you just made this easier for me," he snickered to himself.

"Are you going to ride it Akira!?" Taro asked breaking Akira from his thoughts. He could tell Taro would be elevated to take it for a spin with him and better than that he could get him right where he needed him.

"Yeah, you wanna come?" Akira gesturing his head for Taro to climb on. Taro's eyes looked like they could nearly pop out of his head.

"Yeah, I do!" he gasped.

"Then make sure to ask your parents and let's go!"

Taro tore through the house giddily, as Akira sat back and waited. When he had nearly beat down the door to get outside the boy practically lunged onto the bike.

"Oh my gosh this is amazing!" Taro gawked over the motorcycle. "Where are we gonna go?"

"To pick up another friend. Hold on tight we gotta hurry," Akira said, reeving the vehicle and taking off. Taro clung to him howling in jubilation as they sped through the great city.

Miki Kuroda sat on her bedside timidly looking down at her fidgeting hands.

"Come on Ms. Kuroda, this swimsuit will look great on you, I know it," the sleazy man said displaying the garment. Miko's gaze steadily rose to see a revealing two-piece bikini in his hand. She bit her lip thinking on it.

"Aw, what's the matter? I guarantee it'll flatter your figure," he said charmingly, setting his eyes directly to meet with hers. She felt the rosey blush warm her cheeks, but her legs tremble wearily.

"Oh, I don't know, it just doesn't seem like something I should do…" she said shyly. Koji's whimsy seemed to dim for a split second but no longer than that, as he masked his displeasure with a smile.

He sighed, "Well, ain't that a shame, I was really thinking it would do you well. I mean, Ms. Makimura hasn't even done something like this before, and frankly I think you could have been more of a hit. But it's up to you of course, we wouldn't have to, you can stick to second place for as long as you like."

Miko winced slightly as her face turned to one of worry. The hurt she felt fueled a much greater will, she clutched her fist and looked at him with a determination.

"No, I'll do it," she quivered.

Koji smirked, "Now that's what I like to hear, slip into this why don't you?"

Miko got up from her bed slowly, inching her hands up to the buttons on her vest to undo them. She didn't take her eyes off the swimsuit now tossed onto her bed. Her body may have been moving but her mind was pleading for an excuse to stop. Just then, like a miracle she heard a knock at her door.

The two froze in place, Koji practically held his breath.

"I thought you said no one else was going to be here?" he whipped his head to her.

Miko looked confused shrugging her shoulders, "M-my grandmother wasn't supposed to be home till later, I don't know who-"

A much harder knock interrupted her, "Miko? Miko it's me, Akira from school, I need to talk to you!"

"Akira?" Miko seemed puzzled.

Koji grimaced, "Here I'll hide this, and you go answer that!" He plucked up the bathing suit desperately trying to stuff it in his coat. "Remember everything's fine, right?" he held a slimy grin.

Miko was hesitant making eye contact with him, "Right…"

Once she had made it to the door and fixed her wardrobe she inhaled deeply and opened the door. She could see the almond eyes peek in at her, he seemed strained and frazzled.

"Akira? What brings you here?" she asked friendly. Akira's expression became suspicious, there was a smell in there that didn't belong to any of the residents, and the presence of fear and anxiousness was obvious in the air. The next thing Akira saw concluded his assumptions, Koji was there, and he was nearly sweating through his fake allure. The devilman's instincts were alive now and urging him to confront the perverted man, but with all the strength in his soul he refrained.

"Akira? Are you okay?" Miko noticed his unpleased distance. Her voice brought him back to the task, he shook himself awake and gave Miko a reassuring look.

"Uh, yeah, I'm okay Miko. I was just here to see if you wanted to go to a party with me?" Akira asked hastily. Miko was taken back as she stroked through her hair nervously.

"Oh, Akira really? T-this is so sudden?" Miko laughed through her words. Koji instantly became outwardly nerve racked.

"Isn't that just sweet, you two kids go ahead. I'm just going to head out then," he said with an uneasy chuckle. He tried to slip past Akira but not without receiving an assertive bump from his shoulder and a scornful expression. Koji noticed but didn't want anymore to do with the situation waving himself off in a rush.

"We'll catch back up later Miko, it was nice meeting you!" he called back and around the apartment stairs he disappeared. Akira rolled his eyes disdainfully.

"So, Akira about that party?" Miko squeaked.

"Huh, oh yeah, yeah, there's a party we were needing to go to, and we need to hurry as fast as we can," Akira explained with half his attention. Miko felt a bubbly sensation roll through her chest as a blush came to pink her cheeks.

"Okay! That's sounds fun, let me go change real quick-"

"No no!" Akira cut in. "We don't have a whole lot of time; we need to go now if we're going to make it."

Miko perked in surprise, "Oh, alright, well let's get going then!" She smiled excitedly, Akira returned an affirming nod and took lead ahead of her. Miko seemed a tad befuddled but didn't think on it too much. She followed after him in a dreamy stupor.

"So, what made you want to come and get me tonight Akira? You've never done anything like this before. Does it have to do with your new look?" she made agreeable conversation, twiddling with her hair.

Akira didn't appear like all his attention was there as it took him a minute to react, "Uh, oh that, well it'll all make sense soon don't worry. Sorry if I can't explain much now, or if I seem weird, you'll thank me later."

Miko tilted her head, she wasn't exactly sure how to take that, but she was willing to go with it for the time being.

"Hey Akira! You're back, you took forever!" Taro yelled from the bike parked out front. Miko halted in her tracks being completely addled.

"Wait Akira," Miko caught the crook of his arm. "Why is Miki's little brother coming with us?" she asked perplexed.

"Well, he needs to come too," Akira answered bluntly. "We'll all have to squeeze on, but if we keep Taro in the middle of the bike it should work out fine, hopefully."

Akira resumed his walk to the bike and mounted it starting the engine. Miko stood behind for a moment, contemplating to herself if this was really something she was up for.

"Come on Miko, I promise you won't regret it!" Akira said trying to lighten her spirits. His efforts proved effective, as Miko grew a pleased grin and scooched her way onto the back of the bike.

"Alright guys, here we go, no turning back now!" Akira confirmed as he started the motorcycle and took off. The next step in his grand plan was now being set in motion.