The loud rumble of the bike's engine and the deafening sound of the wind raced by as the group made their travels. The speeds they were reaching brought an apprehension to Miko who clung on the devilman tightly. He was weaving in and out of traffic that didn't help her worry's any, and Taro oblivious to the possible danger was just having the time of his life.

"Yeah! Akira, faster, faster!" Taro encouraged.

Miko jerked in appalment upon hearing that, "No! As a matter of fact, we should slow down!"

Akira didn't seem to acknowledge either of them as he was too busy mapping out his plan of action. Taro was a chatterbox though, continuously going on about how cool this all was, and listing off all the things they should do next.

"Hey Akira, you should take me to school tomorrow, all the other kids would be so jealous!"

"Huh? Oh yeah, sure Taro," Akira responded distractedly.

"Yay! I'm gonna be so cool, we should drive by the temple, so the kids there know too!"

Akira's eye spread wide as the recollection dawned on him. His hands gripped the handlebars tenaciously and his body was suddenly roped in tension.

"The temple? Oh my god, the priest!" Akira rode the brakes and abruptly redirected the bike practically on its side with a screech. Miko's knuckles felt numb she was holding on so hard while a frightful squeal escaped her. Even Taro yelped slightly at the brash change of course.

"Akira, what are you doing!?" Miko finally protested.

"I forgot something important! I think we might just have enough time though, hold on!" Akira instructed pushing the bike to go even faster than he had before.

"Enough time!? I just hope I get off this thing with enough of myself still intact!" Miko shot back. "Akira, why are we rushing about so much? This is dangerous!" she attempted to reason.

"It's even more dangerous if I don't!" he rebutted. It was clear on Miko's face that his rationale and hers just didn't match.

"More dangerous? What are you talking about!?" Miko hollered over the gusts.

"Look, Miko I told you there's things that are gonna happen tonight that won't make sense until later. Just trust me, lives are on the line!" Akira was firm.

"Yeah, like mine!" Miko huffed.

"Exactly," Akira spoke bluntly. The way he answered that didn't help Miko's confusion or her concern one bit. Instead of making another remark she just held onto him like her life depended on it, wondering how she kept getting herself into these things.

Akira was driving along the river getting into parts of town that were becoming increasingly more alarming. The buildings were abandoned, and garbage decorated the ground. Everything they passed seemed to be marked in graffiti and gang symbols. Miko felt her stomach twist uneasily. When Akira finally began to slow Miko could feel her heart starting to thrash at her ribs. They were stopping just outside the old junkyard, where Miko could hear some kind of suspicious activity going down.

Akira got off the bike in a flash and was already eyeing one of the back openings. Miko's eyes were spread wide and her mouth gaped open.

"A-Akira!? Are you crazy! You're not going in there! Why are we here?" Miko was getting to her wits end. She could pick up on the worry even in Taro at this point.

"I'll be back in a second, you both stay here," Akira ordered removing his shirt and shoes, placing them on the motorcycle. Without a hitch he started making his way into the dump area, hearing Miko's plight but ultimately ignoring it. He snuck his way in and peeped behind one of the corners taking a look at the scene before him. He could smell the human's mortal fear in the air egging on the demon's cruelty. He heard them toying with him, offering him a knife and gun just for their amusement, it made Akira sick.

He had enough spectating, now was the time for action. He allowed the anger in his body to flush over him and morph his appearance. He heard gunfire and the swishing of a blade cutting the air, worse of all he could see the devil's grotesque faces grinning in the darkness. As one of the demon's was lowering its claws to grasp the priest's arm, Akira came down to pounce on the demon itself. He made short work of the unprepared devil, crushing it into a fine pulp.

The other devils in their shock were stunned in place.

"A-Amon? What are you doing?" a bewildered demon asked.

"We are all the same devil!" another one tried to ration.

"No, you're wrong! I'm Devilman!" he roared, ripping the demons apart.

The priest was sitting in the darkness hearing the racket and trembling to himself. He wanted to run, but he knew they were faster than him, he just couldn't understand why they weren't all devouring him then and there.

Akira's face was buried deep in the guts of his demonic foe, tearing its insides out like a ravenous wolf. He'd missed this thrill, this high of battle and seeing the creatures he despised wraith under his strength. He was so lost in his trance the only thing that brought him out of it was feeling the sting of a bullet graze his shoulder and its loud bang splitting his ears. His head shot up drenched in the devil's blood.

The priest was mortified, keeping his gun up and aiming to whatever demonic noises he could pick up on. Akira no doubt sounded like something he should be afraid of, and from the looks of it the priest was setting himself up to fire again. The Devilman figured his work here was more than done anyway and he needed to return to Miko and Taro. He opened his wings and began to take off again. In the process of escaping, he heard another fire and felt the sharp bite of ammo in his back.

"Ah, this job is thankless…" he winced, flying off into the night. Little to his knowledge he was being watched.

"It couldn't be?" a deep male's voice questioned. A beautiful woman wearing a white dress stood beside him with a musing gaze. Her light hair flowed gracefully in the night air as she turned back to face the angular man.

"Hmm, it seems Amon's heart must have been subdued," she said, beginning to walk away. She could see the pitiful man that had only moments ago been saved by seemingly one of their own rush off and slip away. She frowned.

"We should make the council aware. This new being could become a formidable threat with his power," Kaim proposed.

Sirene didn't reply immediately; she seemed to be thinking about something, allowing a smirk to etch her lips.

"We'll tell them, but not to fret. Amon will return to us, once he sees me, he'll get his old heart back."

"And what if he doesn't?" Kaim asked.

"I'll get rid of him if that happens, then I'll just devour his manhood!" she licked at her lips. Kaim eyed her excitedly.

"There will be no threat to worry about," she concluded. "Come we'll give the others the heads up, and then we'll have to track him down."

Akira flew back down just out of sight of Miko or Taro, wiping off as much of the demon's blood as he could. He hurried sprinting back to them, hoping he didn't look too incriminating. He saw the two pop up slightly upon witnessing his return, but Miko didn't look none too happy. She was sitting on the bike with her arms crossed and a sullen expression.

"Akira, you better be taking me home next," Miko gripped.

"Where have you been?" Even Taro seemed put off by his behavior now. Akira sighed, throwing his shirt and shoes back on.

"What happened to your back?" Miko noticed his recent wound.

Akira's expression rose in contemplation, "Uhh, I got shot... but don't worry I'm fine, we can go now." Akira now fully clothed got back on the motorcycle.

"Y-you got shot!?" Miko was flabbergasted. "So those were gunshots we heard?"

The sound of the bike drowned out Miko's concerns. They started off again rushing back onto the highway. Akira drove down the road staring straight forward locked to his goal and tuning out all else. He understood Miko's worries but those were all irrelevant. She'd understand soon and so would Taro.

When they made it to their destination Akira overlooked it skeptically, it was different from the Sabbath he had been too, but it would have to do.

"Alright guys we're here, let's go!" Akira tried to sound more animated. Taro jumped off curiously, his intrigue growing with each step he took.

"This is going to be so cool! It's like a real party, I can't wait to see-" before Taro could finish, he was halted in place. Akira had wrapped a blindfold over his eyes and was in the process of tying it into a knot.

"Aww...but I want to see…" Taro whined.

"Stay still Taro I'm almost done. Come on Miko, let's get going!" Akira glanced over to Miko who was still sitting stiffly on the bike.

"Akira what kind of place is this? Taro can't even see what's in there, they're not gonna let us in!" Miko argued.

"Yeah, I know, we're sneaking in, I didn't have money to pay for this anyway," Akira explained.

Miko's brow floated up in disbelief as her head shook. She just couldn't understand how this evening somehow kept getting more and more implausible.

"Are you kidding me!?" Miko's hand came to rub down her face. "No, no Akira," Miko's voice was shaken. "Can we talk for a second, privately please?"

Akira was outwardly reluctant, "Miko, we don't exactly have a lot of time."

"Well, then it'll take longer because I'm not moving from this spot otherwise!"

Akira looked between the Sabbath and Miko, before finally giving in and coming to her side with a sigh.

"Don't move Taro, we'll be right back, and you keep that blindfold on!" Akira ordered the pouting boy. Taro grumbled but did as he was told.

Akira faced Miko now who was clearly overwhelmed.

"Alright, okay…" Miko breathed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Look Akira, I don't know what's going on, but this night isn't going as I planned at all. I mean what's the deal here? I thought you wanted to hang out, I-I thought this was, well a date…" she confessed. Akira lifted up in surprise, feeling his heart nearly skip a beat.

"Huh!? M-Miko, that's not what this was at all, I mean I like you, but as my friend-"

"Yeah, yeah I know," she cut in a tad firmer. "I found out pretty soon that's not what this was, but I'm more concerned with what it actually is. This is strange, what's gotten into you today? You look different, you're acting weird, I don't want to be rude but you're scaring me Akira…"

Akira's body sunk mildly as his sights trailed onto the ground. Miko's disposition was more than reasonable but he was so close, all he had to do was get her and Taro inside, then all would be forgiven.

"I know Miko, you're right. And I'm sorry I'm scaring you; I don't want to be…"

Miko tilted her head to him. He sounded so defeated she couldn't help but look at him with sympathy, even if he were acting questionable.

"It's alright Akira, you can just take me home now. Everything will be okay," her voice was soft.

"Oh, I can't do that, not yet. It's crucial you and Taro go in with me, at least for a second," Akira stared back at her unbudging.

Miko was startled by his insistence, "I don't understand what's so important about us going in there, why do we have to?" She asked with a gentleness Akira wasn't expected but he was thankful for.

"Do you remember when I told you things aren't going to make sense tonight, at least not till later? This is part of it but trust me when I say this is very important. I'm doing this all for you, you and Taro."

Miko didn't understand him at all, her thoughts were imploring her to turn away there and never look back. She could leave all this craziness behind and be done with it, but there was something to his face, to his voice. The sincerity of his tone melted her heart and for that she believed him, against all her judgment she trusted him.

She took a gulp before nodding her head, "Okay, I'll go in, but it better make sense when I do."

Akira could have leapt in joy releasing a tiny laugh, "I can't promise it'll be right away, but I can promise you'll appreciate it. Thank you Miko!"

In that split second Akira turned on his heel and made his way directly towards the back alley of the rejected looking building. He took Taro's hand as he went and waved Miko to follow after. She took one last deep breath and followed after his lead. There was plenty of trash and debris to climb over but once they made their way around Miko could see a partially opened window leaking with the sound of boisterous music.

"Alright this is it!" Akira announced with an eager grin. "Taro I'm gonna take you up first and drop you in. Don't you go anywhere without me saying so, okay?" Akira said, lassoing the boy in his arm.

"Uh, okay what are you dropping me into?" Taro asked as Akira scaled his way up the garbage pile and to the window's level. Akira grasped the window seal and with little effort forced it open further.

"You're going in first Taro, brace yourself, and no peeking, I mean it!" Akira directed as he lastly hoisted Taro up and back down through the window.

"Alright you're up next Miko," the devilman without glancing back reached his hand out to her. She watched him for a moment before steadily taking his hand. There was no waiting on his part he flung her up in a blink and before she knew it, she was plopped into the Sabbath.

Miko stared wide eyed at the scene before her, people all over the place were dancing half naked. They were drunk, high, hopped up on ecstasy and gratification. The music thumped and rattled the whole of the infirm building. Miko took hold of Taro's wrist and kept him close to her as Akira lastly dropped down next to her.

"Man, this sounds cool, why can't I see?" Taro continued to mewl.

"Hang in there for me Taro, we're almost done," Akira informed him.

"Alright Akira, what was I here to see now?" Miko at last asked.

"We're getting there. See this is a Sabbath party, or it will be here in a minute. There's something I still have to do," Akira said looking around the room in discontent.

"Sabbath party?" Miko's face lit up. She recalled looking up something similar to this once when she was trying to find new techniques to run faster. "Wait, is this one of those parties where people go to try and enhance their skills? Is that why you changed so suddenly?" the dots were starting to connect in her mind.

"Well, sorta," he shrugged. As he was looking over the Sabbath and the people inside, he happened to notice a couple of young girls handing out pills like candy. It hit him there that it might be helpful to have Miko under the influence of something much like he was to ensure she changed safely. There wasn't much he was willing to do for Taro though as young as he was, but for Miko he would bend some, as much as he hated to. "Actually, you know what yeah, that's why I brought you here," Akira nervously lied.

"Wait really?"

"Yeah, I knew how badly you wanted to get better at running, and well this worked for me!" Akira threw up a fake grin. Miko's face puddled into one of swooning, even though most of the night had gone badly she couldn't help but feel touched at his sentiment.

"Aww, Akira that's so nice of you," she blushed.

"So why am I here?" Taro barged back into the conversation.

"Because you wanted a ride," Akira stated crassly.

"So, what did you do to run faster?" Miko started again. Akira guided her sights to line up with his own as he turned her to face the hostesses.

"First, I took one of those, why don't you go ahead, and I'll keep Taro with me!" he said pointing where she needed to go.

"Okay! I'll be right back!" Miko cheerfully went ahead of him. He watched her off for a moment keeping hold of Taro's hand. He knelt down to his level and made sure to speak where Taro wouldn't miss a word.

"Alright Taro we're gonna slip through this crowd now, you don't let go of me and don't draw attention to yourself, got it?"

"Yeah, but aren't we supposed to wait for Miko?"

"We will, we'll meet back up with her don't worry. I just need to do something very important," Akira stood back up. He pulled Taro after him as he disappeared into the crowd of intoxicated party goers. This was the part Akira had dreaded the most, he needed blood for this to work. He hoped he could get away with leaving a few light scratches as he went. Enough to break the skin and spill blood but not enough to be immediately noticeable or harmful. The devilman took a gulp and released his claws. As he squeezed through the mob, he left behind light scratches here and there on arms and legs. He moved through fast enough the people didn't even know it was him.

Akira could begin to pick up the addicting scent as it was becoming ever more potent. He could sense the energy of the place was shifting to that of something demonic, just as planned.

"Akira? Akira where are you!?" Miko hollard over the horde. She had done as she was told but the drug hadn't yet taken effect. She wanted to get back to Akira as soon as possible not wanting to be left on her own in a stupor. Luckily, Akira had heard her with his advanced hearing and made it back to her in a swoop.

His presence at first startled Miko but it soon calmed into comfort.

"Oh Akira, there you are! I'm glad I found you, I took that stuff you told me about, what should I do now?"

"Good, good, I need you to stay with Taro now, and don't leave him!" Akira told her, looking her right in the eye. "This is the most important part, okay, things are going to get scary but don't run away, stay right here, I'll protect you no matter what!" he said critically. Miko didn't exactly understand but she nodded to him.

"Okay…"

In that very next moment is when all Hell broke loose. Miko couldn't believe what she was seeing, all of the people at the party were suddenly transforming into monstrous shapes. She was frozen in place watching the horror unfold before her. The partiers were running and screaming for their very lives. It seemed nothing could stop the creatures from appearing, that was until she watched the form in front of her grow much larger and broader than it had before. The human guise of Akira faded away and was taken over by a beastly body. Miko gagged on her own gasps as she clutched Taro protectively.

"What's going on!" Taro yelled in terror, trying to pull up his blindfold. Miko speechless held it securely in place as she witnessed what she thought was Akira dart off into the chaos.

Just like that yellow blood began to slosh all over the dance floor as Akira cut through the monsters. He tore the devils to shreds before they would ever have the chance to lay a tooth on a single human. The demons fought back to the best of their ability but even their best proved miniscule to Devilman's might.

Miko was watching wide eyed at what was happening before her. It didn't register as real, that moment she was in couldn't exist, the events of this night weren't happening. Suddenly the world was becoming a lot less material, her vision was wobbly, and her legs were growing flimsy. She felt the young boy clutching to her hand, as if he were the only thing there grounding her from drifting away.

Akira between his scuffles could see Miko losing focus and Taro becoming ever more fearful. He couldn't ask for a better opportunity, this was it.

"Miki Kuroda, Taro Makimura, I call upon both of you from the depths of Hell, if you can hear me, now's your chance! Possess your bodies and come back!" Akira demanded from across the Sabbath. He could see a demon appear and dart its way towards the two. Miko gasped as the devil charged at her shrieking.

Akira had a jolt electrify his body that compelled him to chase after it. He had to stop it before it made it to them or else, they'd never have a chance. He gritted his teeth and pushed himself as hard as ever seeing the devil nearly on top of them.

In that sheer second something got to the devil before Akira. What was left of its body was chopped in two laying lifeless at Devilman's feet. When he glanced back to see what it was a huge gaping smile of joy and disbelief engrossed his features. The same could be said for the face that stared back at him.

Miko with the demon's innards still oozing from her claw looked back at Akira so overjoyed she was on the brink of tears. Her teary eyes shown through in Akira's as well. They shook their heads and celebrated in their silence.

"Akira, you did it!" a younger voice split the quiet. Devilman now noticed Taro was there too in his demon form, he exuded an innocent glee as he looked up to him gratefully.

"Taro, Miko y-you're both okay… I…" he didn't need to say anymore as Miko wrapped her limbs around him. He was soon pulled in by both of them for a warm hug of pure relieved bliss. The moment was so magical Akira had nearly forgotten about the mayhem ensuing around him. The sound of a demon's roar yanked his thoughts back into battle. He spun around and met the advancing devil, only to halt it in its tracks. He stabbed it through with his claws and next to him Miko had gotten the same idea.

She nodded to him knowingly. He hesitated but gently returned the gesture, letting the idea grow on him. To his other side Taro was also getting in on the action, taking huge bites out of the enemy army.

Akira wore a naughty grin as he locked onto his next targets laughing boisterously. He motioned for his group to follow after him allowing the bloodbath to begin. Devilish delight coursed through them as the conflict climaxed. Akira felt triumphant in his success basking in the reward of fighting alongside those he cared for once again. The ground was drowning in demonic fluids and corpses as the trio left behind their carnage.

When all began to settle again, the group had morphed back into their human bodies and was on the decline of their buzz. Akira was cleaning himself off from the demon's mess, taking notice to the wonder and fascination on Miko and Taro's face now that they could shift forms. Much like himself their memories were slowly returning to them as well.

"So, what now, Akira?" Miko finally asked. Akira was remarkably calm and thoughtful; it seemed the most at peace he'd been in a while and the most hopeful for certain.

"We have to resurrect the others," Akira said coolly making his way out. He waved for Taro to follow who did so promptly.

"The others?" she questioned.

"Oh yeah, after you and everybody else died, I gained an army of devilmen to fight the demons and Satan. Unfortunately, we were pretty outnumbered and underprepared, we weren't successful obviously."

"Yeah…" Miko nodded downcast.

"But I promised them if I ever found a way, I would bring them back with me. Well, I found a way and now the only question is how?" Akira stopped in front of his bike.

"I'm not sure, but it sounds like that's what we're gonna be figuring out isn't it?" Miko joined him at his side.

"Guess so, but there's a couple things I need to fix in the meantime too. I did a lot of things wrong the first time, I'm gonna do better, I can't fail everyone again," he said rigidly. Miko heard the affliction in his voice and saw it on his body.

She looked down sighing deeply, "Hey Akira, if you don't mind me asking, how long were you on your own? How did you die?"

Akira seemed troubled as he lingered to answer, "Longer than I like to think about…" he gulped struggling to start again. Miko placed a friendly hand on his back and looked at him with empathy, it was enough to coax him back to talking. "Umm, I died because… well I would say I was killed but at that point it was really just suicide anyway, I didn't want to live. The only thing driving me at all was just… the pain and anger that built up inside me, how much I hated him it just… it started to dry up… I had nothing left, there was nothing left to even fight over, I couldn't keep it up. But then when I did die, there wasn't any relief there either, all that hate just came flooding back even more…there was just no end…" Akira now leaned against his bike, his figure starting to cave remembering all that he had tried to forget.

"It's okay Akira," Miko came closer to him, Taro did the same looking on curiously.

Akira bit back his emotions, inhaling sharply, "Look I, it's done now," he wobbled his head. "All we can do now is try and fix what failed the first time."

"That's right Akira," Miko smiled softly and patted his shoulder. "You're doing great so far, you brought us back, and I couldn't thank you enough…" the two shared a placid look lightening their spirits.

"Yeah, I told you you would thank me," he teased.

Miko giggled and left him a jovial punch to the arm, "Well I do, but you sure did take me on one weird night before hand that's for sure."

"Weird just comes with being a devilman," Akira said taking his seat on the bike and starting it. "Come on Taro hop on we gotta get going home," he watched the boy get on and waited for Miko to do the same. However, Miko didn't seem all there anymore, her mind was wandering elsewhere as she stood unbudging. She remembered someone, someone she desperately wanted to see again, she needed to recall their name.

"Miko!" Akira broke through to her. She was shook back to reality and gazed over to her friend's worried face.

"Huh? Oh yeah w-what is it?" she asked as if she had just awoken.

"Are you coming?" he gestured to the back of the motorcycle.

Miko's sight trailed, "Nah, I think I'll take it from here for now." She met his eyes, "thank you Akira, for everything." She nodded herself off and sprinted out of sight at speeds no human would be capable of. The two males didn't go until she was completely gone but didn't stick around after that. The bike growled and the two were on their way home. Akira regardless of how tired he may have been had a vigor pumping in his blood. He was successful this time and he was determined to keep it that way. There was no stopping him now.