The devillady's feet flew beneath her as she made her way through Tokyo's alleyways at unhuman speeds. The sweat trickled from her brow and her fingers nearly curled into the dirt as she pushed herself as fast as she could. She had always loved the feeling of running, and now she had a good reason to put that love to good use. She could see the airport was now in sight and that was her que to begin slowing down and behaving more naturally. Regardless of her cool outward demeanor inside, she was trembling keeping a watchful eye out for any sign of trace of trouble.
She entered the building and so far, she hadn't picked up on any trace of demonic activity. She wasn't even sure what Akira's parents looked like; all she knew was that she was there in case anything was to go wrong. She stood waiting at the terminal with eyes like a hawk.
The time had passed, and the people had begun to pile out, so far there had been no disturbances, but she did start to sense something. Her head propped up to view whatever it was, and it seemed her hunch was correct. Akira was bustling into the building looking more frazzled and on edge then what most would consider acceptable. Miko met up to him and even her introduction seemed to make him jump for a moment.
"Akira, are you alright? What's going on? Is there still any danger?" she asked as if checking off on a list.
Akira didn't speak immediately, only shook his head and fidgeted his eyes, "Yeah, yeah I'm fine, I took care of it. Thank you, Miko. I'm sorry I had to call you all the way out here," he walked past her. He scanned over the heads of all the people exiting, feeling every thump of his heart clatter his body. His throat bobbed as his hands nervously trembled together. Miko could see his shakiness and lent her hand out to rest on his back in a comforting manner.
"I'll be okay, Akira I haven't seen any trouble here yet," she spoke soothingly.
"Good, good," he nodded with only half his attention. It was right after that Akira's breathing and pulse nearly stopped in place. Over the sea of faces were two he knew. Their features were like a cherished memory bored into his brain and seeing them come into view filled in all the details he'd feared he'd forgotten. Every bit of external noise and distraction tuned out as his vision, like a spotlight, had found the two people he had yearned for. Their bright smiles, the joy that executed them in seeing one another again was like watching a rare and sacred anomaly, that he had always previously been forbidden from. His knees could have buckled, and he wouldn't have noticed. The flush came to his face as did an undeniable smile.
He didn't even realize his body had begun to move without his permission towards them, but he didn't care, in fact he welcomed it. The more he went the surer he became. It felt like a holiday when his parents at last looked up to see him for the first time in what felt like one hundred lifetimes.
"Mom, Dad!" he threw his arms open. His parents lit up the moment they saw him and didn't even get the chance to respond as their son crashed into them with a tight hug.
"Akira! It's been so long," his mother cooed, embracing him.
"Aww son, it's great to see you!" the father added returning a squeeze to his family. Akira's heart felt like it could explode, the excitement, jubilation and fret he had all swirled together and expelled at once. He didn't even catch on to how hard he was hugging them both until he heard them gasp and start to squirm.
"O-oh, I'm sorry," his eyes popped open as he backed away.
His mom had to catch her breath but started once more, "No your fine dear. I just wasn't expecting you to be so strong."
"Yeah, son I see you've taken after me," Reijiro boasted playfully. "You must be working out; you look so grown up now!"
"Yes, you look completely different since the last time we saw you," Kaori's hand covered her mouth. She had a tiny smile, but Akira could sense her tears before they fell. "I'm so sorry, we missed it."
Akira felt his parent's sadness, taking on their emotions he began to cry as well. Despite his falling tears he beamed blissfully.
"No it's okay, I'm just so happy to see you. I've missed you guys so much!" he came close to hug them again. Feeling the firm figure of his father and the soothing hand of his mother petting his hair felt like a crime, but a wonderful one.
"Aww, we've missed you so much too dear, and we're all together now," his mother comforted. She took her son's face in her hand, wiping away his tears lovingly.
"That's right, and we love you so much son," his dad gave him a pat on the back.
From afar Miko had been observing their reunion with a content expression. Their happiness proved contagious and seeing a change for the better was a magical feeling. The spark of hope ignited in Miko's chest as at last she came to approach the radiant group. Akira's dad looked up first to see her with a jolly face.
"Hey there! Akira, is this a friend of yours?" his dead said in a teasing manner and a raised brow. Akira caught on to his implications, he chuckled in response.
"Yeah, dad she's just a friend," the teen clarified. "This is Miko, she came to help me pick you guys up."
"Pleased to meet you both," Miko greeted.
"Pleasure to meet you too. And that is so sweet of you, but I'm sure we can handle it," Kaori said, taking hold of her luggage.
"Yeah, look at the time we better get going honey, the cab's waiting," Reijiro recalled looking up from his phone.
"Where are you guys going to go?" Akira asked.
"We're going to drop off our stuff first and talk to a few people, but it shouldn't take long. We'll meet you back at the Makimura's house. I can't wait to see Akiko again, I could never repay her or her family for all she's done for us," Kaori said gratefully.
"Oh, do you guys have to? Maybe I can go with you?" Akira offered nervously. Both his parents seemed to jump upon hearing that.
"Ah no, not just yet," his dad piped up and his mom shook her head along with him.
"What do you mean?" Akira asked with a lost expression.
"It'll only take us a little bit dear; we promise we'll be back real soon, and we'll spend the rest of our time together," his mother insisted calmly. Akira hated to seem paranoid, but he hated the thought of losing them more. A frown came upon him as did a slight grimace.
Noticing his discontent his parents softened more, "Aww Akira, we know we've been away a lot. But trust us this is important, you'll see."
"Yeah, and then we'll have all the rest of our time to ourselves son," his father joined in. Akira didn't hardly budge, the only thing bringing him around was feeling the slight tap of Miko at his arm. She nodded her head to him in solace, encouraging him to ease up. Finally a sigh escaped his lungs looking back to his parents.
"Okay, just don't be gone too long please," Akira forced out. Breathing in relief his mom left a kiss on his cheek and his dad gave him a hearty grip on the shoulder before turning to leave.
"Thank you for understanding Akira, we won't be gone long, we promise sweetheart," his mother finished with his father in agreement. They said their temporary goodbyes as Akira watched them make their way out of the airport anxiously.
"You can't keep an eye on everyone all the time, Akira. It'll be alright," Miko spoke behind him.
He didn't speak back immediately, keeping on a tense and unflinching stare, "We'll see. But thanks for everything Miko. I'll give you a ride."
"It's nothing," Miko waved it off as they had begun to shuffle out of the building.
"Where's Miki?" the male spoke bluntly.
Listening to him ask that was like opening up a flood gate of memories as Miko's eyes broadened, "Oh, right. I called Taro to check on everyone like you asked. The Makimura's were fine, but Taro said Miki went off with Tako somewhere."
That captured Akira's full attention as his head whirled around to view Miko. His face was questioning as his brow knit.
"Went off with Tako? To where, why?"
Miko's shoulders rose, "I don't know, that's all he told me."
There was a pit brewing in Akira's gut that stirred his discomfort. After the events that had just taken place, it was crucial to him that he made sure everyone was safe and accounted for. At last standing before his bike he mounted it and gestured for Miko to climb on.
"Miko, I'm gonna swing by the Makimura's first, then I'll take you home if that's alright. I just have to make sure there's no demons lurking around."
Miko tipped her head as the bike roared signaling for Akira to take off. At great speeds he zoomed past traffic and made way to their next destination. .
Traversing down the cracked sidewalks, Miki found herself in a part of her neighborhood she wasn't as familiar with. The houses seemed older than her own but no less quaint. She looked down to see the little black fuzz ball she'd been following for the past 20 minutes or so and was beginning to become restless.
"So Tako where are we going? Are we almost there?" she spoke quietly to hide the fact from potential bystanders that she was speaking to a cat.
"We're almost there, just be patient," he responded in a high-pitch and cheerful tone. Miki bought that explanation for the time being. Soon enough as Tako had said his direction had changed and this time he was hopping his way into a broken window of a seemingly abandoned house. Miki's eyes dashed around making sure no one was around before going after him.
"Tako!? Tako, what are you doing? We can't go in there!" she whispered hectically. It took a moment but eventually Miki heard the creak of the back door open from afar. She held on to her breath panicking to herself that she and her pet had possibly disturbed someone.
"It's fine, come on in!" Tako's head poked out of the broken window abruptly. Miki's heart sputtered as she flipped back to see him. She released her muscles and relaxed knowing it was only him.
"Tako, you scared me," she scolded lightly.
"Whoops, sorry. But don't worry, no one's lived here for years, come on in! I want to show you something!" he said giddily.
Miki slumped a little, she wasn't particularly comfortable with what was going on, but she had already come all this way. Taking a breath she balled up her hands and looked on with determination.
"Okay," she told herself. She went around to the back stepping over piles of old junk and suspicious looking substances Miki didn't even want to think twice about. When she at last had made it to the back and entered the decaying home the first thing that hit her was the thick smell of mildew and dust. By the looks of what was left the person who had previously owned the house must have been older. Miki could only assume the worst, that their old age or some type of ailment had gotten to them, which is why the home had sat vacant for so long. She felt a twinge of sadness for this person, almost feeling as if they were there with her.
The further in she went the more she could see jars of mysterious contents and different dried plants and herbs littering the counter tops. Perhaps this person was into scavenging, Miki wondered but didn't get the chance to ponder further seeing Tako take a seat in front of her.
"Tako, why are we here?" she asked.
"This was where my previous master used to live before she died," Tako answered calmly. The shock came over Miki's mind and expression that was soon taken over by sympathy.
"I'm so sorry," she said earnestly.
"Thank you, but I brought you here because, I think she had something that could be of use to you," the cat lightened as he sprung up onto a nearby shelf.
"What is it?" the sound of the girl's eagerness came through in her tone as her gaze followed him.
"Stand in the middle of the room. I want you to concentrate really hard for me first, okay?"
Miki couldn't understand why such a task was necessary, but without protest she stood where she was told. She planted herself there waiting for any sign or indication of what to expect next. Her hands came together at her chest as her eyes gazed around reading with puzzlement. When more time had passed then she felt comfortable with she stared back at the feline with a defeated shrug of her shoulders.
"Tako, why are you having me stand here? Is something supposed to happen?"
The cat appeared thoughtful letting his ear flick to the side, "Remember what I said? You need to stand there and concentrate."
"Concentrate on what?" she questioned further.
"Close your eyes Miki and concentrate inward. Feel the energy around you and breathe it in. Let the energy you feel within and around you flow through your body. Allow it to take its course and then finally you can expel it."
There was still a touch of skepticism that drew up her expression but with a tip of her head she closed her eyes. She breathed in and out rhythmically, focusing her attention inward as Tako had instructed. At first Miki felt no change and the shot of dread filled her heart, but then seemingly all at once she felt something. It was unusual yet at the same time familiar. It was like the presence of energy that had always been around her, but only now did she notice it.
At first, she nearly lost the feeling to her shock, but she held on tight and gave it means to grow. It started at her skin and worked its way in. She felt her fine hairs stand up; it was like the feeling of being submerged in ice water but instead of being met with sheer cold it was comforting warmth. The heat she felt came from her core and spread like a fierce wildfire all over. The gentle warmth had grown to a sweltering degree, it was wild and powerful Miki could feel it. The girl's heart was racing; she couldn't hold onto it, she just couldn't, her fear was increasing, and she knew this kind of power could devour her whole.
Tako had been watching with an unblinking intensity. His body rose, keeping dead set to her. She could feel it, he could tell.
"Miki, you're doing it, don't let go you've got it!" he exclaimed.
"Tako, I can't, it's burning me!" she cried out through grit teeth.
"Miki, this is the most important part! You have to tame this energy! You have to let it flow through you so that you may command it! If you give into it now, it'll destroy you!"
The girl clenched her fists. Every muscle in her body constricted as she felt this energy bite into her relentlessly. She could have nearly teared up, but she held it in. She held it all in. Her form felt like a balloon that was stretched to its very limits, but she held on.
The atmosphere of the room had become ripe with tension. Objects began to outwardly shake and a force like wind gust through the littered papers and debris.
"You can do this Miki! You've got the flame inside you, now you must prove you have the will to match! Let it build up inside you, and once you find the strength, order it from you!" Tako called to her over the ruckus.
Miki took in her resilience through stout breaths. The pain was blatant and merciless, but she existed with it, she wouldn't let it shut her out. With one final push of her spirit she took the energy that plagued her and took it as her own. Like grasping a live ember from a fire she held it tight until the burning had ceased and now it was hers.
She opened her eyes exemplifying the end of her power struggle, and in the same moment she redirected it. In a flash the candles she hadn't even noticed were surrounding her lit up, at her command. After all that it was finally over, Miki's eyes were bugging and her breath was still irregular, but she had done it. Slowly the realization bloomed from her chest and ignited a grin onto her face.
"D-did I-did I do it?" she asked, already sensing the answer.
Tako's jubilation flickered in his eyes, "Yeah you did."
Miki sputtered to a laugh as Tako happily came to rub up at her legs. She pet him in gratitude, the smile still beaming fully on her lips.
"So, what now?" she continued.
"Well now is the time for practice," Tako replied, moving away from her hands and back up to the shelf.
"What do you mean?" Miki's face wrinkled in curiosity.
"Well now you need to study to refine your powers. I always felt you had the potential to be a great witch and it seems my hunch was correct," the cat enthused.
"A witch?" Miki asked.
"That's right!" the feline bobbed his head. "See, my last master that lived in this house was also a witch, and my master before that, and before that."
The brunette's figure rose as she began to feel the weight of her pet's explanation.
He seemed to notice her changing faces and tranquilly he looked at her and said, "You can probably tell I've been around a long time."
She nodded her head without changing the continents of her expression.
"See, I'm a devilcat, but I'm also a familiar. I have served countless witches in my time; I'd say perhaps at one point I've even served the greatest witch of all time. And now I'll serve you. Together with the devilmen we have a stronger chance than ever to save this planet and all its inhabitants."
The encouraging words accumulated on Miki's mind bringing her excitement to its climax, "Yeah! This'll be great, now I can actually do something and help!"
"Yes, well not yet," Tako corrected. "You still have a lot to learn."
"Right, right, what do I need to know that's most important?" Miki asked inquisitively.
"There's plenty to know, like learning to read symbols and runes, such as the one you're standing in," Tako's nose pointed down to below Miki's feet. She followed him and that was the first time she realized she was standing in the center of what looked like a pentagram. She hadn't seen it before as it was covered up by grime and papers, but now it had been cleared out and it's outline glowed like a faint fire. The awe came over her as her hand wandered to her mouth.
"These symbols will help amplify your abilities, it's important to know them. It'll help you read other spells too and memorize them. With these other spells you'll be able to defend yourself against demonic attacks, can help increase the power of a devil, or a devilman," Tako added with a hinting gaze. "And of course, you can eventually learn how to summon devils, which also includes devilmen."
The importance of Tako's words left a noticeable impact on the girl's face as she soaked everything in. Her eyes fell to the floor again to the symbol below her feet and the power she had gained from it. However, as real and magnificent as that feeling was, her heart felt heavy.
"Tako, do-do you think I could get in trouble for all this?" she said much quieter than before. The devilcat turned to her and tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
Miki sighed and lingered on her thoughts, "Well, it's just, I was always taught that this stuff was to be avoided. Isn't it a terrible sin to perform witchcraft?"
Tako's face sank slightly, and his expression appeared musing. He skipped a beat, and hardly moved. When movement returned to him it came as a deep inhale.
"I think that's for you to decide. What you use it for and what you make of it is all up to you. In truth you don't have to do this at all if you don't see fit. But if you do want to learn, then know I will guide you each step of the way, and even if you don't, I'll still be here with you."
Miki didn't respond and after a minute had passed Tako looked away, departing from their eye contact. Without further explanation he jumped up onto the shelf and pulled off a large book bound in leather and decorated in runes. It made a thud as it landed at Miki's feet. It was like she was caught in a staring match with it, as she continued to look at it with her inner turmoil reaching its peak.
"Just remember it's okay no matter what you choose," Tako finished somberly as he began to make his way out of the house. Miki's eyes wandered to him and loitered there distantly for some time. Finally with a quick breath and a squeeze of her eyes, she plucked the book up off the ground.
"Tako wait," she squeaked out. Instinctively he flung his head back to view her. She seemed a tad hesitant but ultimately, she nodded to him.
"I want to learn. If it means helping all these people and doing so for the greater good, then I'm sure God will forgive me, right?" she rationalized.
Tako could have smiled as he raced back to her, "I'd say so. Even if he doesn't, the rest of us will thank you."
Miki came down to pet the cat as he purred to her, she giggled feeling his whiskers tickle her.
"Thanks, Tako, I'll do my best," she confirmed.
"And that's all I could ask for," he removed himself from her touch and backed away from her instructively. "Alright young witch, let's get started, we'll begin with the basics."
Miki smiled with a tip of her head as she opened the book's yellowed pages and thus opened her mind up to a new world of possibilities.
The sun was beating down with the heat of the day as Akira and Miko's patrol was finally coming to an end. They had used up some time by checking the area for demons, Akira checking twice just to ease his troubled mind. After an hour or so of turning up nothing it was enough for both of them. Akira's mind was running at 100 miles an hour and half the time it was worrying over Miki's whereabouts. The whole time they searched for devils he kept his radar out for her as well but alas turned up with nothing. He trusted both Miki and Tako but wasn't sure if Tako alone would be enough for a real threat.
As he finally pulled up, he and Miko dismounted the bike and went right inside. The first thing he took in was the delectable scent of food and he heard the sizzle of cooking from the kitchen. He already knew it was Miki's parents, surely whipping something up for lunch.
Akira walked down the hall with Miko in tow as he stood before the entryway. Noel and Akiko seemed to be cooking a lot more than normal for their meal, which did tickle the teen's interest. Her parents soon took notice of the two standing there before them with a jovial nature to them.
"Oh Akira you're back, and you have Miko with you. Where's your folks? Is Kaori and Reijiro on their way?"
Akira could find the words to speak up right away, but soon enough he broke through his nerves, "Yeah, how'd you know?"
"We got a message from them," Noel answered in a reserved yet delighted voice. Akira could tell Akiko's excitement was rubbing off in him too. Overall the house just felt so light and joyful, the devilman quite liked it and he wished he could indulge, but his emotions kept nagging at him.
"They're going to be here soon! They're dropping in for a surprise!" the mother beamed as she looked up from a pot she had been stirring. Taro happened to wander his way into the kitchen, presumably being aroused by the smell of food and finding it too tempting to pass up. He appeared sleepy, no less to it being the middle of the day, but still he tried to look lively, for his parents sake.
"Who's going to be here soon?" Taro asked.
"Akira's parents are coming to visit!" Akiko chimed.
"Wait, they're actually gonna be coming here?" the boy's eyes broadened.
"That's right," his father affirmed.
Taro's expression seemed to leap up as he pulled at Akira's shirt motioning for him to stoop down. The devilman had down so subtly as he let the child his ear.
"So wait you actually did it this time?" Taro whispered. Akira allowed himself a smile as he tipped his head. That little gesture was enough to make the devilchild gasp and his pupils practically shimmered.
"Hey Taro, how long ago did Miki leave? Did she say when she'd be back?" Akira changed the subject but remained gentle in tone.
"I don't know when she'll be back. She left just after you did," Taro explained. Akira showed his appreciation by bowing his head before rising back up with a serious guise. He leaned over to Miko who made herself receptive while keeping up her nonchalant airs.
"Miko, Taro said Miki left just after me, that means she's been gone for a few hours now. If she doesn't come back soon, I'm gonna go looking for her," Akira stated.
The devillady took a breath and replied wearily, "It'll be okay, I'm sure she'll be back soon. We didn't see any demons around."
Akira appeared to deflate, "I know, I know I'm just need everyone to be okay. The demons are getting trickier, what if I missed one and she's in danger."
"You need to calm down Akira, stressing yourself over this stuff won't fix anything. We're already doing everything we can," her tone eased up as she concluded.
The devilman seemed to have heard her and appeared thankful, but she could tell his mind was still bothered.
"I know, it's just, I can't mess this up…" he shook his head.
"You won't, it's on all of us now. We're all playing a part in fighting for a better future," Miko said assuredly.
A still silence filled the gap between the two as Akira settled himself. Miko could see at least a touch of sense had broken through to him, which was more than she could have hoped for. She gave him a look of consolation before opening her mouth once more.
"It'll be okay Akira. But I can't be sticking around too much longer I have somewh-" just in that instance the girl was cut off by the sound of a door being barged open. Their heads flew up to see who had entered so urgently. Bustling through the door the thin figure of Miki came tumbling in. She seemed to be carrying a large book with her holding it neatly behind her back. Tako followed in after her, seeming pleasantly surprised that Akira was already back home. However, even his relief was drowned out by Akira's own.
A sharp breath came to the teen before rushing to her side, "Miki! Miki you're home!"
Without even a second thought he scooped her up in a flurry of elation, lifting her at the waist. Miki was startled initially dropping her book, but the gesture tickled her heart and soon a smile found its way to her lips, and a blush to her cheeks.
"Akira, I wasn't gone that long," she giggled, hugging him back. His demeanor became a tad more sheepish, as he placed her back down.
"Yeah, I know sorry, it just felt a lot longer," he chuckled. They shyly looked away from one another and in doing so happened to notice the confused look on Taro's face and the knowing one on Miko's. The two of them squirmed timidly before Akira found something else that caught his eye. The book Miki had dropped when she walked in, looked rather worn and it had symbols on it that were foreign to him.
What exactly that book was didn't fully register to him as the sound of a car door slam filled his ears. He looked away for a split second but in that same moment Miki had plucked the book back up and placed it behind her once more.
"Oh, it sounds like they're here!" Akiko hollered from the kitchen. "Taro, come help us set the table!"
A mild grumble fumbled from the boy's mouth as he turned and made his way into the kitchen, "Okay…"
"Is Miki back!?" Noel's voice came next as his head poked around the corner. He grinned, catching sight of her and everyone else. "Oh, good we want everyone here for such a special occasion. Come and help us set the table. And Miko, why don't you have a seat? We have plenty of food to go around," he said, disappearing back behind the entryway.
"Oh, thank you but I-" Miko couldn't finish as she heard Akiko speak once more.
"Oh, please dear we insist, the more the merrier!"
Miko's face seemed at odds with herself but ended up sighing either way glancing at the time on her phone.
"Alright, I can stay for just a bite," she livened slightly as she began to walk down the hall shrugging her shoulders.
Akira could feel his eagerness building now as a buzzing sensation. He could sense it's presence coursing through the whole house now touching each and every member joyously. Akira had almost forgotten what was going on in his present until he felt Miki's hand tap at him.
"Hey Akira, after lunch I need to show you something," she spoke softly. The glow on her face was enough to bring the devilman in and feel solaced by her presence. He couldn't help but draw his eyes back down to the book she had carried in and how unusual it appeared.
"Does it have something to do with that?" he questioned. His assumption seemed to get a rise out of her, brightening her expression as she nodded.
"Yeah, but I'll tell you later, I have to put this away and I'll meet you at the table!" she gave him a wink before high tailing it up the stairs. Akira watched her ascend the staircase and it seemed in all that time he was left to stand there just with himself. Everything felt like it had been put on fast forward, and now it all came to a halt as the sound of three knocks tapped on the front door. Akira faced around feeling nothing but the beat of his own heart pound inside his head, as he extended his hand to the door handle.