"Miki!" Akira gasped, hearing her yell from across the woodland. In no time at all he was off the ground once more and flying her way.

The young athlete had managed to descend from the tree she had been left on and was dredging through the marshy ground. She couldn't run nearly as fast as she wished but was making progress slowly but surely. Her mind was fumbling still and desperately yearning to find Akira. Her heart panged every time she attempted to reach him but never heard anything in reply. She didn't even want to imagine what could have possibly happened to him, if those monsters had gotten a hold of him, she just couldn't bear it.

"Akira, please where are you!" she screamed at her wits end. It was in that instance she heard something large flapping its wings. Apprehension knotted up in her chest, assuming what it was. She now fought even harder to push through the swamping Earth, breathing hysterically all the way.

"Miki!" she heard its raspy voice call her name and her heart rate spiked.

"Akira! Help me, please!" she shrieked. The next thing she knew she was being plucked out of the liquified landscape and into the cautious hold of the mysterious being.

"No! Let me go!" she strived to break loose.

"Miki! Miki it's okay! It is me; I am Akira!" he spoke loud and clear, keeping her close in his arms so she wouldn't fall.

Suddenly all her bodily functions seemed to stop at once and didn't reactivate for a solid moment. At last she moved, slowly turning her head to view him. He looked back at her with worry, but a shimmer of hope laid behind the whites of his demonic eyes.

"What?" her tone was flat.

He nervously began to laugh, "Surprise."

Her face seemed to freeze into a stunned state until Akira finally found a suitable place to land. He set her down first and landed next to her into a crouched position to stay level. Her figure was trembling, both from the terrorizing encounter and the cold. The rain had stopped but the damp environment and her drenched clothes weren't helping any.

"Are you okay Miki? If you're cold I can warm you, believe me!" he tried to sound cheery.

She looked back to him with her arms wrapped around herself. Her face was an odd concoction of leery, comforted and utterly bewildered. She smiled anyway stroking her wet hair behind her ear in a fidgeting motion.

"Yeah, that sounds nice," her voice was shaking as much as her body. He opened his arms and wings to her welcomingly, and with hesitance she started to inch towards him. Her eyes traced him up and down screaming with perplexion. She stopped herself right before him. A shot of dread filled Akira's heart as he tilted his head to the side.

"What's wrong?"

"I just, I-I," her face fell into her hands as she took deep breaths. When her hands finally slid away, she seemed a tad more collected. "I'm sorry, it's not you, I just feel flustered. What happened to you? What's going on?"

"Yeah, I don't blame you, it's a lot," he rested his limbs again. "Well, where do I start? I've wanted to tell you this for so long and I always thought of how I'd do it, and now it's here and it's nothing how I planned."

"Wanted to tell me for a long time? How long have you been like this?"

Akira chuckled lightly before responding, "Well only the past two days for you, I guess, but I'm always Devilman really."

She turned her head curiously, "Devilman?"

"Yeah, that's what I am. I have the body of a demon, but the heart of a human."

She nodded seeming to accept that explanation. Her eyes scanned him thoroughly once more, but this time much softer. With a timid exhale she let the smile return to her features and at last came to him fully. Akira's blood was racing, and his mind no longer could seem to keep two thoughts going at the same time. Anxiously he enfolded her into his arms and wings, keeping her warm and secure. Externally she seemed content, but the devilman could sense her timorousness, however it didn't feel the same as before.

"So how did this happen? What did that Ryo guy do to you?" her voice cut the silence and the tension. The question brought on an uneasiness to Akira. Thinking back on his life before always felt like a heavy burdening weight was being plunged into his chest. He knew she deserved to know the truth though, she had suffered as much as him, even if she couldn't recall.

"It's a long story…"

Miki's face read with intrigue, that small, inspirited smile of hers reappeared once more, encouraging the devilman to continue.

She nestled closer to him and gently stroked his side, "That's okay, I'll listen."

Her words brightened his downcast outlook, if even just a little. Finally he returned a smile and started again.

"That day Ryo came back to get me and took me away, he told me he was scared. He was scared because he discovered these beings called demons were actually real."

"Is that what that thing you were fighting was?"

"Yeah, that was just one of many. They're ruthless creatures who evolved to be best suited for survival. We were supposed to expose demon existence at this Sabbath he took me to, but it didn't exactly go that way. He summoned one of the most powerful demons to have ever lived to come and possess me. Making me into this," he said gesturing to his form. Miki followed his eyes looking him over.

She tilted her head in thought, "Do you not like it?"

He looked at her inquisitively, "Well it's not so much that. I don't like all the trouble it brings, but having this power is also the only hope I have at stopping it."

Her stare dropping musingly, "Hmm, well I don't mind it. I mean, at first you might be a little scary but when you get up close you can see how fuzzy you really are," she giggled. "You're still you Akira."

His spirit felt like it could float away from him, standing there at a complete loss and yet never feeling so assured. His head fell closer to her bringing her into him even more for an appreciative hug.

"Thank you, Miki. I was hoping you'd say that…" he whispered.

"I'm glad you told me," she hummed in his ear. "So, what do you do now?" she pulled away from him slightly.

Akira's face changed to one of seriousness, "Well, it's up to me to stop them. I protect people from the demons, and I'm going to save humanity from their destruction." He at last lifted back up with the wonder filled girl still in his grasp.

She perked and a look of concern came over her, "All by yourself?"

His large chest reverbed with chuckles, "No, I'm not the only devilman you know. I do need to gather them though; we need as much help as we can get."

Akira remained set in his path, taking her along with him, though she had grown quiet. Her features seemed puzzled, staring off before her, but looking at nothing in particular.

"Is there any way I can help?" at last the sound of her sweet voice ended the silence. Akira at first didn't know what to make of her question. He knew she meant it, but he didn't know how to answer.

"Oh, Miki don't worry," he shook his head lightly. "You already help so much. You're the one who inspires me to do any of this at all. You're one of the only people I can truly trust."

"Really?" she sounded amazed.

"Of course Miki, you always try to see the best in people, even people like me. I couldn't ask for anything else."

With that, the young girl's expression beamed through. A sense of hopeful pride came over her as she sat securely in his caring arms. They advanced through the shimmering forest that had newly been cleansed of its demonic presence. Miki could hardly fathom all that had taken place. There she was being carried by her best friend with the body of a beastly devil and yet she was perfectly relaxed. None of it made sense and yet it was all perfectly clear. She didn't think about it much further as her head steadily found its way to rest on his shoulder contently.

When the pair had at last made it back to the bike, Akira shrunk back down to his human form and set her at his side. He opened the motorcycle's compartment and pulled out a spare shirt and shoes he kept in it, scoffing to himself.

"What is it?" Miki asked.

"Well, it's a good thing I hadn't opened this yet," he said, displaying the new phone he had just bought still in its packaging. Instantly a gasp of dread expelled the athlete. Akira watched worriedly as she fumbled through her pockets.

"Oh no!" she whined.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

She clasped her hands over her face before running them down to flop at her sides.

"My phone, I think it got washed away…" she moped.

Akira's body deflated releasing his strained breath, "Aww, I'm sorry about that Miki. If you want you can have mine."

"No, it's okay, that one's yours, I'll just have to get another," she declined.

"Alright, if you're sure. There's actually someone I need to get a hold of, I need to warn her about the demons too."

Miki seemed interested, "Who's that?"

Akira looked back at her with a low brow and a gleeful smirk, "One of the other devilmen I was talking about. Miko's one of us too."

The girl's features jumped up taking in a sharp inhale, "She's one too?"

The devilman couldn't help but laugh a little seeing her reactions, "Yeah, and so is Taro."

Her hands covered her mouth and her eyes peeked out in pure shock, "Taro? Is that why he was acting strange this morning?"

Akira nodded his head, keeping up a pleasant smile and coming to stand closer to her. Once at her side he could practically see the hundreds of thoughts all clamoring together in her mind. She was completely flabbergasted and a part of him had to admit it was amusing to finally see how she'd take in all the information.

"S-so are they some of the other devilmen who are going to help you too?" she stuttered excitedly.

"Yep," Akira confirmed.

"Oh, this is so cool, but isn't it dangerous?" her emotions fluctuated as the possibilities came to her.

"Well yeah, but that just comes with the job. I'm working on getting everything in order and ready so we have the best possible means of success. Don't worry Miki, we'll be okay. And with you being here with me," he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "Well, our chances are already for the better."

She paused allowing his encouraging words to seep in. The ease could be seen working it's way throughout her body language lastly showing with an overflowing grin.

"That's right, you guys will be fine, and so will everyone else!" she cheered, taking both his hands excitedly.

Akira celebrated with her bashfully, allowing a few slight laughs to escape him. He loved seeing her like this, so full of hope and light, he never wanted to see her without it. He would do anything to keep her like this forever.

"Yeah, but for now we should go home. It's gonna be a long ride back," he quirked his brow at her and retook his seat on the bike.

"That's okay," she admitted with a warm expression and a shrug of her shoulders as she sat behind him, hugging him tightly.

The devillady kicked and nearly clawed at the ground, weaving, and slinking through the unnoticed parts of town. With no destination in mind she wanted to run, to feel the gusts of wind and the rush of freedom. She allowed her body to guide her as she moved thoughtlessly. Only she was beginning to question how thoughtless it truly was. No matter what direction she left in she always arrived back at the same spot.

Her breath came in pants and the sweat beaded at her forehead as she stood between those two old buildings. After the third time of coming back she finally decided to rest there for a while. She took to her stoop overlooking her snapdragons with dusk's light casting over them. Miko's chin fell into her hand as she exhaled a sigh. She couldn't deny it any longer, there was no coincidence she had kept returning to this one spot. Deep in her conscious she was hoping to find him here, and it seemed her wait was over.

Her head snapped up in attention hearing him arrive. His bike was weighed down by a large pack and he seemed to be on his way to work. The thought of greeting him had crossed her mind a number of times but ultimately, she stayed where she was, tending to her plants. Her glance flicked up every now and again watching to see where he'd end up. Just as she had expected she heard his footsteps come closer to her, creating the small smile on her lips.

"Hey Miki!" Kukun started in a friendly voice. Miko met the sheen of his gold-tinted sunglasses and the kind grin of his face.

"Hey," she responded quiet but pleasantly.

"You sure do take good care of these snapdragons. It's a good thing too, brightens up the place," he complimented.

"Thanks," Miko said timidly. "Where are you off to?" she asked, noticing his supplies and already expecting his answer.

"Oh, my dad can no longer work, so I help out. As a matter of fact I'm needing to finish that," he seemed a tad disappointed. Miko tilted her head as her eyes glanced between him and the bike.

"Maybe I can help you?" she suggested. She could see Kukun's brow raise in surprise.

"Really? You don't have to do that."

"No, it's okay," she came to her feet and jumped down on the ground next to him. "I bet you I could cut your work time in half," she boasted lightly. At first, he appeared taken off guard, but the playfulness returned to his features.

"You think so huh? Well we can put that to the test," he waved her on after him as he took off back to his bicycle. Miko followed him all the way to an old supply shed where he started to unload his cargo. She didn't wait to begin hauling the entirety of his supplies over her shoulder including the part he was meaning to take as well. At first Kukun was rooted where he stood, staring in disbelief at her strength and only moments after could summon the rational to start again.

"Woah, you're strong…" he commented in wonder.

Miko sighed pleasantly through a smirk, "So did I pass?"

"With flying colors," he praised. "You sure you don't want me to take some of that?"

"No, this is nothing, where do you need it?"

"Just set it down over there, I'll take care of the rest," he pointed to one of the shacks corners. He watched impressed as she effortlessly carried and plopped down the supplies.

"Thanks, you must be one hell of an athlete," he said, taking over the task and dumping the containers insides.

"You could say that," she slid down the wall, until she was sitting on the ground with her knees as her chest. She watched him work for a while quietly, she could hear him faintly humming to himself as he did so. It made her feel calm, as she reminisces about her previous life. At last she could no longer help herself allowing herself to speak once more.

"You really like to sing, don't you?"

He lurched initially, but soon looked at her with a friendly grin and a sheepish hand at the back of his neck.

"Oh that? It's nothing," he dismissed shyly.

"It's not nothing, I think you're really good at it," she defended.

His jolly manners turned to that of questioning, "Have you ever heard me before?"

Miko felt a jolt spark in her gut, realizing she was getting ahead of herself. She paused in thought and the alarm was noticeable on her for a split moment. She regained control however, as she giggled softly to herself.

"Yeah, I have," she looked up to him earnestly. "Thin walls you know…"

Instantly his cheeks blushed, and an anxious laugh left his crooked smile, "Oh really?" He seemed to be mixed between flattery and embarrassment as his body fidgeted. "Well, then thank you, it means a lot. I certainly wish I could make a livin' off my rhymes then doing this labor any day."

"I think you could," she encouraged.

"Ya think?" he spoke excitedly. "Well, what do you wish you could be doing? I've seen you go running a lot. Is that what you'd like to do?"

She seemed to wait on that question as her eyes starred beyond him. It wasn't an unpleasant musing, her face remained soft and when at last she did speak it was through a smile.

"Just to do better I guess," she shrugged tranquilly. Kukun appeared a tad mesmerized by the response. He came down closer to her but before he could carry on further the sound of a phone began to ring. Both their attention was taken by the noise as Miko reached into her pocket and removed the phone. It was clear she didn't recognize the number, but she answered anyway.

"Hello?" she greeted skeptically at first, but any doubt evaporated soon enough. "Oh, Akira! Yeah, what is it?" she livened up. Kukun waited in intrigue as he read her expressions. There clearly seemed to be something up as her features became much more serious. "Yeah, I'll be there," she said clicking the phone off.

"What is it?" he asked.

She shook her head slightly until meeting his gaze once more, "It's nothing, but I should be going."

"Already?"

She noticed his subtle downcast mannerisms as she rose back to her feet again, "Yeah, it was nice seeing you though."

"It was nice seeing you too, as a matter of fact I-I was um…" he faded off as his hands drew down the nape of his neck.

Miko watched him endearingly, "You were what?"

"Huh?" he forced himself to face her. "Well, I was just thinking maybe we could hang out again sometime, but for real. If you want of course," he stammered.

A warmth tickled the inside of Miko's chest, and a rich smile became its aftermath. She sighed tenderly bringing herself back to the moment.

"Yes, I'd like that."