The warm summer breeze swept through the rustling leaves and petals of the small garden outside the devillady's apartment. She looked it over with a long-forgotten gentleness as her fingers went through and plucked out the unsightly weeds. After all she had been through and the trauma she had endured, sitting here quietly with the snapdragons she held dear was well awaited. Her mind simply stuck to the plants and their needs, she didn't want to be reminded of anything else, aside from one person. He had been captivating her thoughts along with her mindless tending of the garden. She wasn't even sure if he'd be out this late in the night, but perhaps a part of her wanted to be out here, just in case.

Suddenly the sound of a bike chain clicked in her ears and that scent, that scent she recalled but only now it was much more potent to her, demanded her attention. Her head popped up over her flowers and just as she had been hoping she saw him. He looked worn out and tired, he must have been working very hard today to be coming home so late. The tickle of anticipation and guilt brushed her insides, she wanted to approach him and test if he were real, but her nerves froze her. It felt like an eternity since she had seen him, since she had killed him. She never meant to, it was all just a trance back then, she was panicked, and he was right next to her. He was caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, and she was forced to carry that burden, but perhaps no more. She breathed and at last urged herself to go after him.

"Hey, hey, Kukun!" she jogged after him. His head shot up and he appeared pretty shocked to see her. Miko had caught up to him and gained his attention, but now wasn't sure what to do next. Inside she was overjoyed to see him again but outwardly she felt just as anxious as she did before she ever became a devilman.

"Uh, hi, do I know you?" he asked, turning his head.

She giggled to herself quietly, "You could say that…"

He perked in curiosity but Miko was quick to keep the conversation moving.

"You must live in these old buildings too, that's probably why I've seen you around," she suggested. He seemed to take the explanation easily enough and smiled back to her.

"Yeah, you know you seem familiar, but not exactly," he leaned up against the bike handles. A flush of worry pooled at her features. Could he tell something was off about her she fretted. Worse would he hate her for it? In truth she felt she deserved it after what she had done to him before. She wished they could have started over, before she had ever merged with a demon, back when he could see her for who she truly was.

"It's not a bad thing though," he mentioned casually. "You seem pretty cool, what's your name by the way?"

The fear and doubt that had clutched her heart eased its grip hearing his words of reassurance. She couldn't help but allow a sheepish grin to form on her lips.

"I'm Kuroda, Miki Kuroda."

"Miki?" recollection dawned on him. "Hey kinda like Miki Makimura, huh?" he said light-heartedly but Miko's pleasantness fell abruptly. Kukun noticed the blatant disappointment on her face and tilted his head. "What's wrong? Do you know her?"

Miko sighed, "Yeah I know her."

"Oh, you don't like her, do you? I'm sorry I didn't know-"

"No, it's okay," she cut in. "She's a good person, it's just I get that a lot."

Understanding came over his expression as he nodded his head lightly, "I get it, I see. I just saw her the other day is all. I don't really know her, but I guess I know you now. So, you're Miki to me if that's worth anything."

Her face was frozen in shock, but her eyes widened with a glimmer. When she at last could bring herself to move again she smiled gratefully.

"Yeah, it means a lot."

A pleasing silence came between them as they looked to one another amiably. Miko hadn't felt so easily accepted in a long while. It was nice to just enjoy someone's company for once, especially Kukun's. She didn't even realize a light blush had come to rose her cheeks until Kukun's soft chuckle brought her back to Earth.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, but unfortunately I gotta get going. It's been a long day's work, but hopefully I'll see you around, Miki."

There was a shy bubbly swarm in her chest that forced her to look away. She chuckled still with enough courage to face him once more.

"Yeah, I'll see you around," she confirmed watching him off. Her tiredness got the better of her as she made her way back home. She knew she'd see him again; she'd make sure of it.

The next morning had come in a blur. When Akira woke up it was in a cold sweat, he nearly lurched right out of bed recollecting on the dream that disturbed him so. It was like flashes of disoriented colors and sounds but from what he could make out, the shapes were those of demons. However they didn't feel like demons, they felt familiar, as if he were close to them, like devilmen. Either way he sighed and rubbed his face carelessly flinging the blanket off himself. It was just a dream anyway. Akira felt lightheaded; he recalled coming home and putting Taro right to bed. He knew he got a scolding from the Makimura's for keeping Taro out so late but mostly they were just happy they came home safely. The devilman just let himself breathe and when he rose back up, he noticed the mass amount of black hair clinging to his mattress. He wasn't surprised by it anymore, but it did remind him of this particular morning.

"Miki!" he gasped, rushing to the window. He saw her sitting down there on her balcony tending to a potted plant. He felt the tingling excitement spread inside his chest as he impulsively dropped down to her balcony. The sudden intrusion alarmed the brunette girl. She spun her head about to see him in a quiet shriek, before settling herself again.

"Oh Akira, you scared me," she said breathy.

A guilty grin came to his lips, "Ah, sorry about that." He hopped down off the railing and sat down next to her.

"You're up late today. We already had breakfast, but there's probably still some down there for you. We missed you and Taro last night at dinner. My parents and I were so worried."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that too. I should have made sure he actually asked your parents before he went with me," Akira squirmed.

Kind features rooted on the girls face watching him, "Nah, it's alright. I thought I heard Taro yell something about going on a bike ride with you on his way out but that was it."

"Oh Taro," he rolled his eyes lightheartedly.

"Yeah, you two were out pretty late last night though, he's still not awake yet, which is weird for him. Where did you guys go?"

Akira's posture instantly became anxious, and his eyes frisked about searching for a response.

"Well, I just took him for a ride. We got so far we left the city and saw some deer," he answered as casually as possible.

Miki seemed to like the answer as her figure sprung up, "Oh really! I bet they were cute; I'd love to see a deer."

A sudden hopeful sheen flickered in his eye and spread to the rest of his face.

Joyously he gasped, "Hey! That's actually a great idea!"

"What is?"

"You want to go on a ride with me today? I could show you that surprise I was talking about yesterday too," he offered.

"Oh yeah, that surprise I could only see to believe huh?"

He nodded in earnest, seeing her playful skepticism.

"Well it better be good then; do you think I'll like it?"

He gently smiled through an easing breath. She had on that adorable teasing face he couldn't get enough of. It was so nice to see it again and not just as a memory, but for real.

"I sure hope so…"

Just then their conversation was interrupted by a cheerful repeating ring stemming from Miki's pocket. Akira instinctively clenched his fangs, remembering who was on the other line.

"Makimura speaking," she answered.

"Hey Miki…" The sound of the man's voice alone sent the heat in the devilman's blood skyrocketing. Without permission or even thought he swiped the phone out of the girl's hand. Both she and Nagasaki gasped unanimously, but Akira disregarded them.

"Hey who the heck are you, give me back to Miki now!" the pervert shouted. Akira glared down at him with a grimace. Miki tried taking back her phone, but he lightly held her back at a distance.

"Akira, what are you doing? That's rude!"

He didn't listen to her. Instead he invested his energy into holding back the overt disdain in his voice and on his features.

"Are you at that studio right now?" his tone was gruff.

"Yeah, and it's only free for now, put Miki back on, you're wasting my time!"

"Good we'll be there," he hung up the phone just as he finished and passed it back to the stunned girl.

"Akira, what did you do that for? I didn't want to go!" she argued.

"I'm sorry Miki," he spoke much calmer, bringing himself down from his outburst. "You don't actually have to see him; I don't want you around him anyway. I was planning to teach that guy a lesson so he wouldn't mess with you or anyone else anymore."

Miki's body relaxed, "You don't have to do that you know."

He shook his head and kept his gaze downward, "No, those types of people don't give up. Not until they get what they want out of you. I can't stand watching people try and take advantage of your innocence."

When their sight met, Miki tilted her head to him in understanding. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but there was a tired wisdom to him in that moment that she just couldn't refute. She wasn't given much opportunity to think on it further anyway as both her and Akira's head propped up hearing a sudden ruckus from downstairs.

Akira took a sharp inhale already guessing what it was. He got up excusing himself in a hast as he tore through her room and down the stairs. When he made it to the kitchen, he saw Taro hugging both his parents around the waist tightly and nearly on the verge of tears. Akira felt them beading in his eyes, but he wiped it away before they fell.

"Aww Taro, you sure are affectionate this morning," his mom cooed. His grip on them seemed to get tighter causing them both to groan slightly in alarm.

"Now Taro, that's very sweet but loosen up a bit," his father spoke stoically but Akira could tell his breathing wasn't coming as easy. Akira didn't wait around he cut in scooping Taro up in his arms.

"Hey now, let's not crush them," he chuckled tensely. Akira felt the strain in the young boy's muscles hearing that.

"No! I don't want to hurt them!" he sniveled, wiggling himself free.

"Oh it's alright Taro," Mrs. Makimura composed herself.

"Yes, you sure got yourself a grip there son," Mr. Makimura added a tad more doubtingly.

"Yeah, isn't that something. Hey Taro, I heard there's leftover breakfast, why don't you go get some, before I eat it all?" Akira distracted him.

"No please don't!" Taro spoke back, tearing off to raid the fridge. Akira allowed himself a second of relief slipping in a much-needed sigh. Mrs. Makimura took notice of Taro's ravenous appetite, but in an amusing manner.

"My Taro, if you're that hungry I think we might still have some leftovers from dinner last night if you'd like?" his mother informed. Mentioning the night before seemed to jog something in her memory as she turned to Akira with a honeyed expression.

"Oh Akira, you and Taro weren't here last night, you missed the news," she began.

Akira seemed interested, "What news?"

Just then Miki had met everyone else downstairs appearing to recall what was about to be said.

"Oh yeah that," she said, taking a seat.

"What?" he asked again.

"I was talking to the priest's wife from the temple, and she was telling me this wild story that he thought he'd seen a monster."

Initially Akira became stiff where he stood, and his eyes flew wide open. He hurriedly hid this reaction and did all he could to look unphased.

"Oh, that's weird. What did he say about it?" he tried to sound blasé.

"Didn't he mention there were a bunch of them trying to eat him too, or something?" Miki added. It was at that point even Taro was paying attention to the conversation.

"Yeah, I don't know if it's the stress of having a new child or what, but this all worries me," Noel mentioned, looking up from the vegetables he was dicing.

"Hey Akira, was that-" Taro started but was promptly stopped by the blunt glare Akira was sending him.

"Nah yeah, it sounds like the stress is getting to him," he shrugged it off.

"Hmm, I wouldn't be so sure. His wife also mentioned to me he had some strange marks on his arm. He apparently had to fire his gun to scare them all away."

Akira's face seemed to sour mildly, but he didn't keep to it.

"You kids need to be vigilant out there. I'm sure he was just exaggerating but it's possible he could have actually been mugged and couldn't see it," the father finished.

"That's right make sure you kids tell us where you're going, and keep your phones with you," Akiko insisted.

The conversation had reminded Akira of something necessary he had been missing. Before Ryo had given him a phone but now, he'd have to get one himself. He knew the Makimura's wouldn't mind, Miki mentioned it herself, but the reluctance still tugged at him.

"Hey, you know I was thinking," he muttered looking down.

"Thinking what?" Mrs. Makimura asked.

"Well, to help keep in contact when I'm out, maybe I could get a phone?"

"Say that's a great idea. Wouldn't you say dear?" she addressed her husband.

"Yes, why don't you go see if you can get one today, if you have nothing planned."

Akira's stance calmed again, nodding his head gratefully, "That sounds great. I was just about to be heading out anyway."

"Good let us know how it goes, here take this with you," she chimed handing over some money from her purse. Akira couldn't thank them enough taking their generous offer. He soon dressed himself and was prepared to leave, only halting his progress to find Miki.

When he did spot her, she was laying on the couch, fumbling with her phone seeming a little bored. Timidly, he placed himself before her to speak.

"Hey Miki," he wanted to sound chipper but mostly came off uncertain.

She glanced up from the device in her hand and greeted him with a rich grin, "Hey Akira, what's up?"

His heart raced hearing her respond. More so than that he couldn't help but smile, it was a faint one but absolutely genuine. The buzz of eagerness found its way to him once more, compelling him on.

"Oh, not much, I just had some errands to run and then I figured I'd take you on a ride like I promised. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. I wouldn't mind the company."

She happily flew to her feet and didn't hesitate to confirm with him.

"That sounds like fun, let me get dressed!"

It took her only a few minutes before she came back, wearing a light, cute outfit, that was only a bit nicer than her usual outfit. She followed him so easily, reflecting back he felt a tad embarrassed of his own anxiousness but never gladder for the outcome. As they were almost out the door, Akira could see Tako eyeing him curiously.

"Wish me luck," he said to that cat as he closed the door behind him.

Picking up the phone went by much simpler than Akira could ever hope for, and having Miki there was a pleasant touch. She seemed to enjoy the trip so far, but the moment Akira had been anticipating soon basked before him. He had dreaded this part and knew Miki wasn't thrilled with it either.

"Akira, we don't have to be here, I'll just text him we couldn't make it," she suggested. He traced over the building remembering the events that took place there, what happened to her, what that photographer tried to do. His clutch on the handlebars became strangling.

"Akira?" she could feel him stiffen. That was his que to rein himself back in. Regretfully he turned to her worried face.

"It'll only take a moment, you just wait here," he sounded kind and reassuring. "He won't mess with you ever again after he hears from me!" His benign words caused her to relent some as she threw on a light smile.

"Alright, just hurry back and be careful," she ordered sweetly.

"Right!" He asserted leaving the bike and making his way inside. He glanced back at her one last time before entering the studio. Once he went inside and Miki could no longer see him the defensive demeanor, he had been masking for her sake bled through. Even being here again raised his alertness tenfold.

The building echoed with each step he took, and it reeked of chlorine and the familiar stench of Nagasaki. Akira was disgusted by the thought of him, actually having to be in his presence and remain rational was a chore to say the least.

"Miki is that you?" he heard his voice coming down from the upstairs. The piteous suave façade he was putting on made the devilman want to retch. Nagasaki was coming down with a pep in his step that immediately died the second his eyes caught sight of who it actually was.

"Oh, it's you, that little freeloading punk! You know what, I'm glad you're here we need to have a talk!" he sneered. The man tried to sound intimidating but was nowhere close to how imposing Akira was coming off with a scornful glare alone. Something about him made Nagasaki inexplicably alarmed, but he dared not show it.

He reared back some and scowled, "Look I have a business to run here and I'm never going to get anywhere if you keep getting in the way!"

"Leave her alone," he ordered cold and inflectionless. "Leave all of them alone," he got louder stepping forward. These actions awarded him an uneasy look from the photographer. Nagasaki had an offended yet leery appearance attempting to stand his ground.

"Please, like I'd take orders from a twerp like you, think you're a tough guy huh?"

Akira didn't move when Nagasaki tried to mask his own fear with aggression. He simply watched in repugnance.

"These pics sell kid, and I need money. Nobody wants to hear about any real news or discoveries, believe me. But once I make the money selling those sweet pics of little Ms. Makimura, they'll listen then, they'll have too. That girl's a gold mine with how popular she is."

"I said leave her alone!" his voice barked with ferocity. This was enough to unconsciously force Nagasaki back further in his standing, and further in his retaliation. Akira slowly pursued, fighting back every hatful instinct he possessed.

"I don't care what you said, a picture never hurt anybody. Now get out of my studio! I'll be calling your cute little girlfriend whenever I please, and anyone else I please!"

Every word that man spoke only enraged Akira further and hearing him finish like that, in that split second, something in Akira snapped.

He wasn't even sure what exactly happened at first, he just heard a loud smack and felt the impact on his hand. The first thing that sprung out to him was the sight of red, blood red. It was everywhere. The next thing he noticed was the sputtering of screams and his own weighted breath that sounded like the growls of a beast. His already hammering heart rate spiked then. He tried to clear his head and focus on what was before him. Nagasaki was writhing on the ground yelling and clutching his blood-soaked face. Akira's eyes followed the trail of blood and found that it led to his own fingers, no those weren't his fingers, they were his claws.

The icy prick of realization struck him like a mallet, and for a moment his entire body succumbed to fear. He brought his hand back close to him and witnessed what he had done. As he stood and stared, he knew he should feel regret and cry for this man's pain, but he never did. A numbness had engrossed him but even that was beginning to change, and not too guilt, but pleasure.

He was unsure with his feelings, but the feral grin came to his face impulsively as did his continued movement. Akira walked up to the man lying on the ground and overlooked him. He was absolutely pathetic, the devilman kneeled down to him with abhorrence.

"Gah! Wh-what the, what the Hell!?" he yelled hysterically.

Akira could feel the heat of rage morphing his figure, but not entirely. He grabbed him forcefully by the jaw and made Nagasaki face him.

"You violate and take advantage of the innocent carelessly! You do this every time, to Miko, to Miki! You've never changed!" his voice got deeper and more monstrous. No longer could he withhold his fury, it came through swiftly and in a daze. Akira could hear him plea and shout and it only encouraged him further. He tore into him letting the blood slosh everywhere. The smell of blood, it was intoxicating and inescapable, Akira lapped it up digging his nails into a mess of intestines. The sound of painful hollers and snapping bones serenaded him, and as he bit, ripping chunks of his body, the taste of flesh excited him. He couldn't take it anymore, at long last he felt his fangs plunged into Nagasaki's jugular.

Koji gasped and grappled desperately trying to free himself, but it was to no success. Slowly he became weaker and limp in the devilman's hold, until there was nothing left.

Akira felt disoriented, like the feeling of coming down from a rush as he sat there, and lastly acknowledged Nagasaki's neck was still in his mouth. He spit him out repulsively. Rising back up he took in the gruesome sight of his frenzy's aftermath. Akira hardly could recall causing so much damage, it didn't seem like much in the moment. His attention finally came to the bloody corpse of Nagasaki himself. He was horribly disfigured, and his face was now permanently etched in his final moment's trauma. Strangely, Akira saw him and felt nothing but content, to him this was not the body of a man, but the carcass of yet another meager devil.

The devilman sighed and turned away, trying to wipe the blood off himself but it was resilient. His clothes weren't much better being spotted in the murderous red liquid. He hurriedly made his way to the bathroom, scrubbing his skin and clothes, exercising the stains out of it. At last he looked in the mirror finding himself to be decently presentable again, at least in appearance. The look in his eyes however wasn't as familiar. His stare was frigid and tired. The sight sent a chill up his spine, one strong enough to break him from this stalling and return to the task at hand.

The time ticked by and with it so did Miki's peace of mind. She had been waiting on Akira's bike for some time now and was beginning to fidget, hoping all was going well. In a determined huff she hyped herself up and was setting to rise off the motorcycle, only just then she stopped. She could see a tall lean figure exiting the studio, and he didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest. Miki calmed herself and allowed a timid smile to come to her.

"What took so long?" she asked him in a sugary tone.

Akira put all his awareness towards her as if coming out of stupor. It took him a second to register her question but once he did, he shook his head and took on much more welcoming features.

"Oh, it just took him a while to see my point," he scoffed, retaking his seat on the bike.

"Do you really think he got it?"

"He got it, don't you worry, he'll never bother you again Miki," Akira said, starting up the motor. Revving the engine the pair drove away from the studio, setting course for their next destination. What was left behind only barely began to be noticeable as the smoke plumes leaked from the building's crevasses. Inside the structure a fire was left to eat away all the evidence, and the body of Koji along with it.