The quiet repeating hum of the phone rang in Akira's ears several times and with each one he felt his heart squeeze in apprehension. He gulped, glancing at Miki as she stood beside him keeping a caring hand on his shoulder. Her head silently gestured to him supportively until finally the buzzing had stopped.

"Hello, Dr. Fudo speaking."

Akira's mouth fell open and his respiration had initially stopped for some mere moments. He could see Miki perk up as she tapped him back to life allowing Akira to swallow hard. His fingers were quivering holding up the phone. He wanted to speak but had no clue what to even say, the euphoria of hearing his own father's voice had made him speechless.

"Hello?"

It was then Akira's heart jumped knowing he was using up too much time.

"H-Hey, dad," the hybrid stammered, hurriedly dealing out the first words that came to mind.

"Akira? Hey son, what's going on?" Akira could hear the firmness in his tone wash away being replaced with a parental warmth. The devilman felt like he was caught in a dream, it was surreal talking to his father.

"Uh," Akira breathed an anxious laugh. "I just, I, it's great to hear your voice dad."

"Aww, it's great to hear your voice too son, you sound so grown up, I barely recognized you. I bet you'll look really grown up too which makes me a little nervous, but mostly I'm proud. I'm just sorry I couldn't have watched you grow up for myself, but we'll get to see each other tomorrow!"

Akira once again found himself utterly tongue-tied. A hoard of mixed emotions wadded up in his chest, relief, sadness, joy all came together clashing against one another forming a pained smile on his face.

"Thanks, dad, I can't wait to see you," he choked out. Taking a breath to ease himself he started again, "So, you're both coming tomorrow?"

"Yeah, ah, did I spoil the surprise? Well your mother was supposed to call you tonight about it anyway. Besides that, we have an even better surprise for you."

Akira's brow lifted attentively, and his eyes widened, "What other surprise?"

A hearty chuckle came from the other end, "Nice try, but I know better than that buddy. I gotta keep this secret or else your mom will have my neck."

Akira's features knit in thought. This was different, he had never known about this second surprise before. He could feel the curiosity and fret dig into him, but he had to do everything in his power to suppress it.

"Ah, hey I gotta get going. There's a birthday party for a colleague of mine tonight and they're all getting ready to head out."

It was at that second realization struck Akira; his face became fierce with concern as he took in a sharp breath.

"No! Don't go!" the teen nearly yelled. His outburst startled Miki, her face becoming concerned and the abrupt silence on the other end of the line implied the same could be said for his father. A moment passed like this before his dad began again much more consoling.

"Son, don't worry. I don't plan to stay too long anyway. They're having it at some club I've never heard of and I need to have enough time to pack so I can see you guys tomorrow," he tried to reason.

Akira's fingers came to claw into his mess of hair, "No, no please don't go dad, please! Something bad's going to happen, I know it!"

Another span of silence filled the conversation as Akira waited on bated breath. A long and hefty sigh finally came over the phone until his father's grizzled, yet soft words started.

"Okay son, Alright, I won't go. I'll just send him a card."

It was like a 10-ton weight had been removed from Akira's chest at last allowing him to breathe properly. He relaxed his hand letting it slide down his face and flop to his side.

"Thank you, dad," Akira replied gratefully.

"It's okay, you're more important to me than some party. I have to be going though, I gotta get ready to head home. I love you son, I can 't wait to see you and your mother tomorrow."

Akira's knees felt weak listening to his father's sincere words, at last hearing what he had for so long been yearning for. Akira was thankful Miki was there to help stabilize him as he mustered the means to speak.

"I can't either, I love you too dad…" the devilman practically whispered.

"Goodbye son," with that the phone hung up. Miki stared up to him kindly and with a curious itch on her brain she started to speak.

"So is he going to be okay now?"

"I think so, at least I know he won't be possessed by Jinmen. I have a chance to protect them before anything bad happens now," Akira answered tiredly.

"That's good, so what about your mom?" Miki continued.

"She'll call me tonight and tell me I need to meet her at the airport. This time I'll actually get to see them," the teen said, leaning himself off the wall.

"Did you want me to go with you?" she offered, repositioning herself after him.

Akira seemed a smidge surprised hearing her ask, but a grin ate up any uneasy emotion he may have had.

"No it's okay Miki, I'm sure the demons will still have something up their sleeve. I don't want to risk putting you in harm's way too," he eyed her earnestly.

"What do you think they'll do?" her reaction was disquiet.

"No telling, that's why I have to stay on guard at all times and keep everyone prepared. Speaking of which, that reminds me, I need to take Taro hunting tonight too. And then I still need to look into all that witch business, and keep patrol," Akira pinched the bridge of his nose stressfully. Miki observed him with a frown and worried eyes. Slowly she came closer, placing her hands on his arm tenderly.

"It'll be okay Akira don't push yourself too hard, you don't have to do this alone," she soothed.

Glancing back at her, Akira could sense he needed to compose himself, knowing his fussing was rubbing off on her. Taking a quick breath he brought himself back up and appreciatively nodded to her.

"Thanks Miki, I know I can count on you. I'll just worry about Taro and the patrol tonight, I'll have Miko and Tako get back to me on the rest."

Miki tipped her head to him approvingly, "That's right, and I'll be here every step of the way too!"

"Exactly," Akira agreed with a smile.

"Well, I better let you get to it, but if you ever need anything you just ask, okay?" Miki quirked her brow at him making her way out.

"I know," Akira confirmed, watching her departure. The warm feeling he got from her presence still fluttered in his chest even after she had left. He knew he couldn't wait around anymore though, there was so much to do and with little time to act. With great care and stealth he slipped out his window, beginning his day of responsibilities.

"Jenny, have you found any trace of Satan yet?" an authoritative voice asked. The room was dim and thick with tension. The demonesses appeared like a frazzled mess, her hair sprawling, and her eyes appeared strained and tired. She was placing the final touches on the reptilian Jinmen's memories as the three head council members observed her work.

"Ghelmer failed us, we're losing ground, we need Master Satan's guidance!" the elderly man squawked.

"I understand that!" Jenny turned about in a snap. Jinmen appeared slightly dazed but was coming out of the hypnosis he had been under.

Jenny sighed, closing her eyes with rigid features before looking to the head council again, "We have worse things to fear that aren't just the boy anymore."

"What are you saying?" the head female member questioned.

"I sense the divine threat is upon us once more…" she answered severely. The room fell quiet, the pangs of all their hearts could nearly be heard.

"Are they here already?" the lead chairmen spoke up critically.

"I picked up on a scout, a strong one, it was targeting lord Satan. I must retrieve him, for his life is far more at risk than I had initially anticipated," she insisted. The council all seemed in unanimous agreement nodding affirmingly to the psychic. She could feel the urgency pulsing throughout each of them, knowing the faith they placed in her predictions. Flipping back again Jenny stared up at the turtle demon with a grave gaze.

"I need you to buy me as much time as possible. I have no extra energy to concern myself with the devilmen at this time, do you understand?"

"Please, I'll make short work of Devilman. He won't stand a chance against my Coup De Grace!" the raspy voice replied, slapping his tail harshly.

"Ghelmer thought the same," Jenny reminded coldly.

"Ghelmer was a limp-wrist! I wouldn't let that disgusting hybrid beat me again!" he declared.

"We'll see to it," The council head spoke. Jinmen's eyes tapered to him and with a lingering glare the turtle went on his way, exiting the hideout. Jenny and the three head figures remained. The leaders eyed the psychic, she seemed antsy staring off in deep thought.

"Jenny, we need to know how many divine scouts have already arrived, can you sense them?" the center male questioned.

"I can, but it is more pressing to me at this moment that lord Satan is safe. I will find him first," she said and without second opinion, she flew off in a hurry. The council stalled observing her until there was nothing left of her to be seen.

The screech of a vehicle's wheels could be heard just outside the apartment complex. The teen clambered out of his car in a flash, his white coat flowing behind him. There was an ever-present craze in his eye as he stormed through the lobby and to the elevator. He kept a leery watch over everyone around him, causing an unspoken alarm amongst the nearby public. When he made it to the top his nerves were on edge, keeping a stiff hand within his coat and on the handle of his gun at all times. Ryo regardfully stepped foot inside his own home, his eyes darted to every shadow and corner for a trace of trouble.

Inching his way inside he investigated the area making sure there wasn't anyone else there. He didn't see anything nor hear anything but he for sure sensed something. He didn't know how but he knew he wasn't alone. At last he drew his gun he had no target but was ready to find one.

Suddenly the silence disappeared, and he heard that familiar song once more. It was like it was within his own ears he could deduce where it was coming from. The spike of panic burned in his gut as he looked on with startled and crazed eyes.

"Who are you! Show yourself!" Ryo demanded. The melody stayed but no figure to go with it. In a fit of frustration the professor shot his gun three times in all directions throughout the empty room. For a moment everything went still bringing a glimmer of hope to the teen but then it all started again and this time much worse. The music that seemed to emit from his own head only got that much more voicetress. Ryo felt as if he could hardly breathe. He covered his ears to try and drown it out, but nothing helped. He couldn't escape it, he felt helpless he began to fold in on himself letting his hysteria consume him.

"Stop! Leave me alone!" Ryo begged. "Leave me alone…"

The sounds were becoming deafening, forcing him to focus on it despite his resistance. For a moment just as the tune was reaching its climax he felt as though he recalled something. The feeling of being swaddled in a warm glow and a shimmering palace high in the heavens constructed of shimmering stars. It was faint vision like something he had dreamed of as a child but almost entirely forgot. He felt as if his spirit was leaving his body the more he thought on it, but just then everything reverted to how it was.

"Asuka sir! I found you!" the sound of Jenny's voice struck him like an anchor, hauling Ryo back to reality. His body erected where he sat, sitting at attention with his weapon aimed. Jenny noticed his reaction but was not at all surprised as he stared her down with the look of a mad man.

"What's going on?" his tone was as serious as death itself.

Jenny seemed a bit reluctant to respond but eased herself regardless, "Sir, you're in danger. I am trying to protect you, I know you've seen things, and they scare you."

There was a stall in their conversation as Ryo stared at her stiff and frigid. When he started again it was low and menacing.

"Jenny, what are you?" Ryo's body had stayed still as stone.

"You already know, and it doesn't matter either way, all you need to know is that I am your ally," she said crucially.

"Have you been lying to me?" Ryo asked with a narrow gaze. "You're a demon, aren't you?"

Jenny waited thinking on her response but gave in knowing there was nothing more she could hide. Steadily she stepped forward. Ryo reared back slightly, re-adjusting his aim for precision.

"Don't come any closer!" he ordered. She stopped in place heeding his demand, but in doing so revealed her demonic form to him. His eyes somehow grew wider, but deep down he wasn't surprised, as a matter of fact for some reason he felt he expected it.

"Not all demons are a threat to you, I cared for you. I still do."

Amongst his heavy breaths and racing thoughts Ryo spoke up, "I don't understand, why?"

"You will, just know now I need you safe. Come with me," she held her hand out to him. For a moment, the teen considered it, but slowly his feet backed away and his head shook wearily.

"Please sir, you must trust me, you know there is something wrong. If you will not come to me willingly, I will be forced to take you with me!" her tone became more threatening.

"I'm not going anywhere! If you won't tell me what's going on, then I'll find out for myself! I don't care how risky it is, Akira's life is in danger!" Ryo backed away much firmer now.

"Sir, you mustn't go to the Makimura's household! You'll find no friend there," she insisted, much more panicked.

"I still have to try, and you won't stop me!" Ryo barked as he fired his gun to graze her. He didn't want to harm her if he could manage, he just knew he needed to escape. The shot was enough to distract her for a moment as Ryo turned and darted towards the door. It was a fleeting effort though with the condition of his leg. His teeth clenched as he winced in pain leaning on his front door. With all the strength he had he bit back the throbbing in his leg and yanked the door open. However, just as he was about to run through, he was stopped. Suddenly he was levitating in the air and was being pulled back in.

It was Jenny's powers he knew. He tried to free himself, kicking and flailing in the air but it wasn't any use. He flipped himself around trying to get a good view of her as he lifted his gun. He fired at her, but the bullets were stopped in thin air by her powers. Ryo felt his blood stand still in his veins for a moment as the heat retracted from his skin. He fired again and again to the same outcome, he kept firing till there was nothing left to fire. Here he had come all this way to retrieve back up ammunition and yet he wouldn't even get the chance to have that. He was completely helpless as he drifted closer to the demoness.

"My sincerest apologies sir, but it is for your own good," she spoke heavy heartedly. Her body began to float up to him preparing to leave, but not before putting him to rest.

"Put me down, Jenny!" Ryo struggled, seeing her come close he knew what she intended. Everything was falling apart before him; Akira would be doomed, and he would fall prey to the demons as well.

It killed the demoness to disregard her lord's orders, but she brought her hand up to him anyway. She fought to refrain from her instinctual response to obey his words.

He dangled in front of her, she couldn't look away from seeing the fear, the anger, and the betrayal in his features, it was enough to slow her progress. She couldn't help but remember how he was when he was a young child, and she was all he had. He may have been her master, but it had been her utmost duty to care for him to protect him when he couldn't do so himself. She kept that in mind feeling the odd sense of sadness and regret come over her, she couldn't explain it. A part of her deep inside, wanted to tell him the truth and expel his worries even if it weren't in the demon's best interests, she knew it would be for his, but knew she couldn't. She just couldn't, these were irrational emotions she had to repel for the sake of her kind, and Satan himself. She heard him yell, scream, and lash out at her, but with pained features she continued. Her hand was now inches from his face, he tried to pull back, but it was fruitless in seconds he would be asleep.

It seemed all had been settled but just as Ryo was on the cusp of unconsciousness something new appeared. It was a light, a clam yet blinding glow, he wasn't alert enough to see it for himself all he got was a glimpse of a figure. It looked like the silhouette of a young man unnervingly similar to himself.

The next thing Ryo knew he heard Jenny's alarmed gasp and the sound of her grappling with whatever it was. By the sounds of it, it was a short battle, he didn't even think he heard a grunt from the opposing newcomer. Though it's not like Ryo could tell much anyway, as he finally fell into a deep slumber, dreaming of a long-forgotten palace amongst the stars.

The psychic demoness jolted up in horror. She could see the daybreak leaking into the penthouse windows. The terror engulfed her seeing that and knowing she had been knocked out for some time now and that her master was nowhere in sight.

"Asuka! Sir, where are you!" she hollered echoing throughout the empty living space. She allowed her powers to search for him as her mind scrambled thinking on what had taken place. Her foresight had been correct, the divine beings had returned, and she had no telling on what they had planned. All Jenny knew was that it was vital she find her lord and soon.