The high-pitched whistle of the wind pierced the devilman's ears, and the velocity of the force around him was immense. He had to struggle to fight the gales to even face forward and when he did all his suspicions were confirmed. He was being carried through the air in the clutch of a disembodied talon. It was digging into his flesh leaving drops of blood to trickle from him. His teeth clasped together as he swallowed back his pain. He made his eyes trace the skies around him more, just to see if he could spot her directly. To his dismay the area around him was clear but he knew she was around he could sense her.
In one swift motion his whole body changed, becoming much larger and muscular. His demonic form broke open Sirene's claw freeing him. He allowed himself to fall a ways, building up speed and witnessing the claw behind him try and catch up. When he had reached the amount of speed he desired he pulled up with Sirene's arm still only inches from the tip of his tail. He grunted to himself in frustration as he lifted the antennas on his own head, attempting to scope her out.
Akira determined she wasn't far off, as a matter of fact he could sense her practically on top of him, but where exactly he couldn't see. He made sure to stay aware of the talon behind him too, the further he went the more he noticed how unruly it was. It was like it wanted to catch him but was a lot less precise then every previous battle he had with Sirene. His attention to it was stolen suddenly as he heard a loud and boisterous cackle come from the clouds. That was all the introduction he needed. Her claw returned to her, and he could see the shadow of Sirene coming through the high up fog as he braced himself.
She came down like a rocket, but he was ready and caught her force in his hands. Still her attempts started to force them both down. All the way they went at each other, kicking, clawing, and biting like ravenous animals. This little scuffle in the air couldn't last long as the ground was oncoming faster and faster. Sirene didn't seem to notice the pressing danger as much as Akira, as she still flailed and tried to cut him to ribbons. Her uncharacteristic distraction was his salvation, in one quick move he was able to get the upper hand of her, flipped her around and held her there from behind. Still like a wild dog she wanted to hurt him, she didn't even seem to have any plan in mind, just strike where she could. Akira didn't understand it, but he'd take full advantage of it. When they reached enough speed and the ground had arrived close enough Akira released her, throwing her to the ground as he pulled up.
The Earth shuddered from the impact. Akira glanced back to see the damage, in a vacant and overgrown lot is where she lay, inside a small crater of the devilman's making. He leapt up in a rush of triumph, taking his wins where he could get it. He could see her stir still he knew this wasn't over yet but at least for now he was in the lead.
Steadily she pulled herself up and by the force of pure fury alone she ignored the pain her body was in. Sirene looked back up at him in the skies as she screeched savagely. It wasn't a pretty take off and she stumbled a lot, but she was off once again going after him at all costs necessary. He grimaced, there was something most definitely wrong with her, more so than usual. Watching her come after him, he couldn't place why, but deep inside him he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Don't you run from me! Face me once and for all you coward!" she screamed catching up to him. Once more Akira felt her seemingly aimless assaults plunge into his flesh. His teeth clenched sucking in the hurt she caused; he beat her back, but she was relentless.
"Don't worry, I have no intentions of running from you, there's no way I'd let you go and allow your torment to continue. You'll only wish I'd let you run!" Akira confirmed as he bashed his fist into her face. She grunted taking the hit but the craze in her eyes remained.
"My torment!? The only tormentor here is you! You can't even have the decency to try and spare me, to try and fight for me!" she spat back in a slur. Akira seemed a tad lost by her words but even more so by her voice and actions. There was something wrong with Sirene, she wasn't acting as precise as usual, there was something off about her and Akira couldn't place exactly what. He wouldn't be granted much time to ponder on it either way, she came at him like a rabid animal, wanting nothing more than to cause harm. The devilman was able to hold his own from her and easily could counter her with the predictable tactics she was using but even still it was becoming exhausting.
Soon a portion of Sirene's attention had been taken from her glancing down to see a familiar vehicle approaching from on the ground. She started to chuckle, staring back at Devilman with a wicked look.
"Oh good, the incentive has arrived! Soon we'll hear you talk," she moved herself away as she flew back down to the car. Akira curiously kept an eye on her from above, it wasn't until he could see who was in the car did he feel a knot in his chest.
"Miki!" he gasped. The devilman wasted no time as he pulled in his wings and hurried down to the ground level. Both Sirene and Kaim could see him descending, she smiled and gave her companion a knowing look. With stoic features Kaim quickly went around the car and yanked the young girl out from behind. She continued to fight and scream. Miki could see Akira coming, giving her a shot of hope and adrenaline.
"Akira!" she cheered. However her delight soon turned to pain as she felt a slight shock course through her body from the demon's hand. Devilman could see this and immediately his already boiling temper overflowed at that point.
"How dare you! You let her go!" he roared. Sirene placed herself between the two of them with a cocky expression.
"Stop right there or she dies!" the harpy declared. As much as Akira hated it, as much as he wanted to turn these disgusting demons to mangled heaps of flesh, he felt himself come to a forced stop. His fangs were bared and his wrath displayed for all to clearly see. Sirene was pleased by the hold she had over him.
"That's right, you'll stop for her, won't you? Isn't that just sweet," she mocked.
"You let her go right now or I'll kill both of you right where you stand!" he barked. Sirene cracked up in an unbecoming and abnormal fit of laughter. Akira continued to stand tall and firm as he watched her with a perturbed look.
"What is it with you? What's so great about this tiny little human that holds your heart so? It's sad it's truly a sorrowing sight to see you fall this far. I believed in you, you know, I did when no one else would and this is how you repay me!" the demoness spoke as she stumbled forward.
Akira was utterly puzzled by her behavior. Nothing she had said was making sense, and her movements were even more uneasy. It was as if she were intoxicated. It was then it hit him, her scent, it was off and masked by the stench of alcohol. It wasn't right, something was very wrong about this battle that was unlike the others he had encountered. This one was hardly put together, and Sirene's already shaky state of mind was even worse.
Akira's eyes narrowed; he wouldn't entertain this nonsense any longer. He lifted his body up to stand firm as he approached her and sternly, he took hold of her by the throat. She didn't seem to acknowledge the danger like Kaim did who instantly perked up in concern. Sirene continued to cackle, if anything she seemed tickled by his violent actions.
"You will let her go now!" the Devilman growled.
"Oh, and why would I do that, you haven't held me like this in ages!" she cracked herself up. Her reaction only infuriated him more, he began to close his grip around her windpipe, doing anything he could to prove his seriousness. She gagged this time, but his act of force was promptly shut down as Kaim as last spoke up.
"Stop, let her go!" he yelled. It was in that split second Miki finally found her own opportunity with Kaim distracted, her heel came down to slam on his foot. He howled in pain allowing Miki to dart away. Akira was startled by the new events but was glad to see Miki out of their clutches, now he didn't have to hold back. Sirene was quick to take the chance herself lifting her leg up to kick the Devilman right in the face, releasing her from his hand.
He recouped from her strike and wanted nothing more than to make her pay, but his interests were stolen by the image of Miki escaping.
"Miki!" he called out to her.
She seemed to hear him as her head whirled around as she ran, "I'll be okay, go after her!" Akira was unsure of the whole situation, but he knew he had to stop the demons at all costs, only then would she really be safe. He launched himself off the ground and went after Sirene. He took her by the ankle and yanked her back down to him, but she grappled relentlessly.
From the ground Kaim watched vengefully, his body started to sputter and radiate with an electric energy. In the midst of her battle Sirene held enough sense to order Kaim otherwise.
"Go after the girl!" she screamed.
"But Sirene-" he tried to argue.
"Don't let that girl go!" she iterated. Kaim groaned to himself before turning away and doing as he was told.
Miki kept running until she found debris from an old nearby warehouse to hide herself under. She took cover behind one of the old wooden crates, attempting to catch her breath and see if she could get a decent view of Akira. She spotted him and that female demon fighting one another tooth and nail in the air. Watching the scene was more than Miki wanted to witness. She felt her stomach sink seeing him put himself in so much danger and seeing his blood spill from the skies. As much as her heart went out to him, she couldn't pay much more attention to him as suddenly she not only heard, but felt the ground rumble.
Looking up Miki could see a giant green clomping devil charging her way. It's body cackled with spurts of energy as he came closer. In her panic she felt she couldn't wait and hide there any longer. She shot up using all her years of running and practice to try and evade the much larger being. Still it proved a challenge with his steps. The ground was unstable, and it was hard for the athlete to find good footing. She kept on though, if nothing else he was slow and tank-like maybe she could slip away from him. However, suddenly she felt a change in the air and the next thing she knew she had to duck, feeling the heat of his blast fly just over her head.
She grunted and tumbled to the ground, but was able to roll with it and come back to her feet. She couldn't run forever though; his energy was still dense in the atmosphere and Miki knew he wouldn't be letting up any time soon. Another bolt came towards her; this time there wasn't enough time to dodge. Panic tangled up in her chest knowing surely, she'd be fried, but something miraculous happened. Instinctively she tried to redirect it, she swatted her hand out and instead of it striking her she had shifted it ever so slightly to strike the ground instead.
For a moment she was caught by the shock of her own abilities as was Kaim, but the demon's frustration persisted. He came charging for her once more and tried to tase her yet again. More assured of herself this time, Miki felt the static around her and with a breath she deliberately diverted the shock for a second time. It was just as Tako said, she was manipulating the energy to her whim. Inside she could have rejoiced but there was still a great threat. She could defend herself for now, but she had to think of something and quick for both her and Akira's sake.
High in the sky the devilish beings went at one another, leaving bloody cuts and bites to their flesh. Sirene had taken the brunt of the violence through, but she seemed unphased in her inebriated state. As a matter of fact she seemed gleeful, whether she was hurt or not didn't matter, it was all about the pain he was in.
"Isn't this so much fun! It's almost like how we used to always play, don't you remember?" she spoke with a crazed slur to her voice. "Oh, wait that's right, you chose to forget!"
Her frisky nature had quickly become enraged as she lunged at him once more. He was able to back away from her just in time and considered the things she had said.
"I only wish I could forget! Killing you has always been nothing but a chore!" he retaliated.
"I wasn't speaking to you, you impotent human!" she screeched. Their hands locked together in the sky as they each tried to kick at and overpower the other.
"What are you expecting? By now you know how this goes, he's not here and you'll always lose!" Akira iterated and swiftly unclasped his fist to punch Sirene across the jaw. That sent her flying back allotting devilman enough time to catch his bearings for a split second. She had to catch herself but once she found her wings in the air again, she faced him with a smirk and clutched her chin.
"Or so you think…" she replied. Her tone was unnerving even to the mighty devilman, he tilted his head slightly in confusion.
"What are you talking about? You've never been able to awaken him, and you never will, because he's not here!"
That response set the harpy off in a fit of hysterical laughter, "We both know that's not true, and that's what makes it so much more cruel. You merely hide in that human! Am I not even enough to you to be properly spoken to!" there was a cracking in her voice. Even still she kept back her emotions, instead masking them with more fury. She wanted to hit him to bite him to torment him and thus she went at him in full.
"How do you like that! Isn't this great, just you and me like old times, huh?!" she spat in mockery.
Akira couldn't take any more of this. He tried to grasp a hold of her and finish her for good, he could crush her so easily. He managed to grab her around the torso despite how tired his muscles were. He held her tighter and tighter in hopes of crushing her bones and holding her down from hurting him further.
"Oh how forward of you," she gasped as the air was slowly squeezed from her lungs. "It's been so long and I doubt you'll stick around, you never do," she gagged once more, her words coming harder by every passing second. "So please accept my parting gift!"
In his efforts to confine her she detached her arm allowing it to slip out from his tensing arms. Akira felt the initial fret thump his heart and before he could react, he felt her claws come around and rip one of his wings clean off.
A thundering scream cut the night as the figure of a great imposing devil fell from the sky. Sirene, escaped and collected herself from the attack, still managed to stay airborne watching with joyous eyes as he fell to the Earth. His single wing flapped and struggled the best it could, but it was no use, he crashed to the hard unforgiving ground in a heap.
From a distance Miki could hear and see what had just occurred, the situation even taking Kaim's interest for a moment.
"Akira!" she hollered witnessing his body lying limp in the dirt. Kaim took the opportunity as needed, charging up the tusks on his shoulders and preparing to release it at the alarmed girl. The last thing Miki saw before the large green devil took her attention again was the sight of Sirene diving down to seemingly finish what she had started. Horror and anger built up inside Miki's gut as she grit her teeth and stared back at Kaim. He let loose a shock strong enough to knock her out, but Miki anticipated it. She'd never taken on an energy this strong and chaotic before, but the situation was pressing and urgent.
In a split second the lightning would have hit her, but it didn't. Instead she had caught hold of it, letting its energy flow around her and contorting it to her will. This was nothing like bouncing it away from her before, this time it was much heavier, and the focus required to control the attack was immense. It was so powerful it was like it was roasting her from the inside, but she kept a hold of it. The breeze kicked up around her and the charge in the air made Miki's hair stand on end as the green electricity wrapped around her.
Everything happened so quickly Kaim didn't even register it all until it was too late. Miki had completely redirected the blast but instead of it landing on him she aimed a little higher targeting the demon bird herself.
"Sirene!" Kaim howled in terror.
Her shriek was short lived as her unconscious body fell to the ground next to Akira's with the sparks still crackling around her. The hulking devil lost all interest in the human girl now and went rushing to his companion's aid. It was like a massive pressure expelled from Miki all at once as she collapsed to the ground. Taking control of Kaim's attack was a blessing but at the same time she felt all but wore out. Her legs gave out under her as she took quick and weighty breaths. She couldn't just sit there though Akira needed her. She glanced up to see him, he was beginning to come to once more thankfully, but it was slow and worrying.
"Akira," she squeaked out. With some struggle Miki forced herself up again as she started to stumble his way. "I'm coming, Akira, I'm coming!"
Akira's body throbbed all over as he started to lift himself. He could tell the ground was trembling and it was becoming fiercer by the second. His head felt stuffy, but he pushed himself past that to focus on what was approaching. He could see Kaim stampeding his way with a disturbed look on his face. It was then the devilman noticed Sirene was lying next to him completely out-cold, explaining Kaim's reaction. He wasn't sure how Sirene had been knocked out, but he wasn't about to wait around and find out. He stood up on his talons preparing himself for his encounter with Kaim. However, when the dinazo did make it there, it wasn't Devilman he approached but Sirene. He gently prodded and spoke softly to her. It was clear her well-being was the first and most important thing on his mind even more so than the violence and dismay demon's craved.
Akira observed Kaim and the look of genuine concern he had for the demoness. It reminded him of the sacrifice he had made and always did make just for her in the timelines before. It was something that had always baffled Akira, but ultimately it couldn't be what he had always impulsively guessed. It couldn't be love, after everything Akira had ever learned demons simply do not feel love, not after the heedless destruction they cause. Though in this instance, it was always hard to explain this behavior.
The devilman turned his head and his mind away from the two for a moment but still made sure to stay aware of them. He instead allotted himself the opportunity to sneak an eye away and search for Miki. In the distance he could see her coming. Akira was overjoyed that she was okay, but she appeared so feeble. His face became unsettled, and his heart raced for her.
"Miki! Miki, I'm coming!" he called out to her. Just as he was starting off after her, Kaim had heard what he said, and his expression of fear and distress instantly flipped to rage. Any stoicism that the demon had ever tried to uphold folded then and there. His eyes narrowed hatefully at the devilman as he kicked his foot into the ground and stormed after the bulky blue being. Akira's line of sight was on Miki, but he sensed something coming for him, his head whipped around and could see Kaim dashing towards him with the speed and ferocity of a bullet train.
Devilman had just enough time to ready his body for the collision and when it came it was like being run over by a tank. Akira kept on his feet, but his side had taken the brunt of the impact and was being bulldozed back.
"This is all your fault!" Kaim screamed. Akira grit his fangs grappling to bring the devil to a slow. "How dare you hurt her like this! After everything she's gone through for you! You've never treated her right; you've never really cared for her, and I have to sit here and watch her get harmed further because despite it all she still wants you!" in his outrage his tusks began to glow and flicker once more. The devilman had managed to get him to halt but he was unprepared for his electricity. His eyes squeezed closed anticipating the blistering bite and yet he felt nothing. Akira's eyes peeked open, only to see Miki standing a few feet away with her arms up and an exhausted look to her. Even still she smirked proudly, knowing she had disabled the demon's ability.
"Miki?" Akira asked in surprise.
"I got him, now you can take him out!" she informed.
Akira matched her smile knowing now he could get the upper hand on the assaulting devil. Kaim's frustration was clear as was the devilman's relief. He took him by the horns and with all the power he possessed began to force his opponent back.
"I don't know what either of you two are going on about, but I don't care! None of it matters after tonight I will have killed you both either way!" Akira spat, pushing Kaim down to his front knees. Kaim wasn't giving up so easily, he pushed back fighting for traction.
Away from any wandering eyes, Sirene started to come to. Her body was still shaking with adrenaline and the aftermath of the shock. She looked up hearing a commotion from far off. Her head may have still been dizzy with tonic and alcohol, but she could make sense of the situation. The demon bird's disdainful sight landed on the girl and soon her figure followed it.
Miki could sense Kaim's power only becoming more irritable and thus more strained the longer she held it back. Akira was doing well whittling him down physically too, Miki was gaining more and more confidence that together her and Akira would overcome these devils. Only a tiny bit more she encouraged herself but suddenly her focus was completely broken. She was plucked up from the ground as a large unfriendly talon grasped around her arms and torso and another one forcefully gripped around her head. Sirene's razor sharp claws enveloped Miki's head making her heart skip a beat and a scream tear from her mouth.
The appendages on Akira's head sprung up hearing her cries but in doing so he paid a hefty toll. Kaim took his chance standing on his feet and throwing himself forward carrying Devilman along with him. He tried to stop him but there wasn't enough time, before Akira knew it the green demon had gored an old warehouse trapping him tightly between the structure and his tusks. The devilman scraped at Kaim's legs with his talons and did everything he could to try and loosen himself. Kaim choked back his whimpers of pain and instead held Devilman there tighter and charged up his attack. Miki was no longer focused to stop him and with great pleasure he electrocuted his rival stopping his squirming momentarily.
Regardless of the pain Akira was in he wouldn't give up, he'd keep trying to pry himself away. Anything to get to Miki and save her, but he fretted he wouldn't be able to accomplish his goal in time.
"Miki!" he shouted out to her. His anxiety was creeping back up on him, the thought that she was in danger, and he was in no position to rescue her sent his blood pressure skyrocketing.
Sirene laughed softly to herself listening and watching his plight. She could feel the captured girl's trembling form as well, it brought delight to her face.
"Now now, there's no need to be so worked up," Sirene spoke, gaining the devilman's attention.
"You let her go! You let her go right now and face me yourself! She has nothing to do with this!" Akira growled.
"Oh! But she has everything to do with this, now, doesn't she?" Sirene casually walked closer to him with Miki struggling in her arms. Her fingers were rough as she brought the brunette eye level with her inspecting her face. "Hmm, seems pretty familiar wouldn't you say? I'd say you have a type, and a poor one at that!" she insulted. "She's even a witch too, how rich!"
"Look I don't know what any of this is about, but you need to let her go! If you care about being a great warrior, you'd settle this fight with me fair and square!" Devilman retorted.
Sirene's face immediately began to crack up and an uncontrollable fit of guffaws came with it, "Y-you think I'm here just to fight you! Kaim, did you hear that?!" she nudged him. Kaim didn't respond, keeping to his task of restraining Akira. "You stupid child, I want nothing to do with you! I am speaking to the one that thinks he can replace me with this scrawny piece of skin and bone!" she shook Miki in her fist. Her action startled the girl and only peeved Akira worse.
"Again, I don't know what you're talking-" he was cut off.
"Do you think this makes up for her?!" Sirene leaned in closer, raising the wings on her head and pointing to Miki. Akira froze there being utterly confused by the question and yet somehow it still struck him, somewhere deep down. "Do you think this makes up for her?" the demon bird asked again, much more drawn out but even more vehement.
The devilman slowly rocked his head, "I don't know who you're talking about!"
"Yes, you do." Sirene corrected bitterly. "You'd never forget her, you'd never hurt her, you'd never let her die over and over again timeline after timeline by your own hands!" her ire and hurt came through in that final statement. Both Akira and Miki seemed intrigued by what she had said and from within admittedly Akira felt that small twinge of guilt resurface. From where he wasn't sure but it was there.
Sirene's expression was beginning to break and the wrath that was once there was becoming harder to see through her blatant sorrow. Even still a mighty warrior like her didn't want to appear weak in front of her prey, she forced on a cocky smile and continued.
"She always meant more to you, but I just never wanted to believe it…" the demoness confessed with a quivering voice. Akira's relentless features subsided for a mere moment as he released a long breath.
"Sirene, I don't know who you're talking about, you can't keep this up forever!" the devilman restated firmly.
"Speak to me!" she demanded with tight pupils. "If you don't speak, I will crush this sorry excuse for a substitute right before your face!"
Miki breathed in alarm and tried to curl in on herself.
Akira jumped up there, any bit of sympathy he might have had dried up immediately as he cursed her under his breath. Kaim had to work much harder to hold him, but the sacrifice had to be worth it, it had to be for Sirene.
"You vile devil, let her go! I'll make you regret ever coming back, you just wait!" he threatened.
"You let Amon through, you make him talk with me, and she'll survive," Sirene instructed.
Akira's teeth bared, his eyes narrowed. Even the thought of her suggestion was petrifying. There was a large possibility he may never wake up from such an act and the thought of what Amon might do if he was free was nerve-racking. All Akira's hard work, everything he had battled so severely for could be all for nothing now.
"Make up your mind now! If you can't give me what I want, then you're worthless to me. I'll kill this tiny human and then you without mercy!" she ordered impatiently.
He felt the pressure suffocate him as his heart panged and his mind fumbled for his decision. He was going back and forth when suddenly he felt a warm and wet sensation form in his eyes. He was confused by this, what would he be crying for, perhaps Sirene's tears? He glanced up only to be met by an answer he regretted. Miki being held securely in the demon bird's grating arms was crying and her sobbing eyes stared back into Akira's.
He wanted to comfort her and tell her he'd protect her as he tried to send her as much solace as possible through his face.
"Miki...I'm so sorry, don't worry, I'll take care of this, don't..." he trailed off seeing her slowly shake her head.
"No, I'm sorry Akira," she sniveled. Suddenly it sounded as if she began to sing, but in a language Akira couldn't quite decipher. However, he didn't need to know the words to guess what she was doing. A bone-chilling sensation swept over him as all the blood in his body began to sink.
"Miki?" Akira asked weakly in disbelief. "Miki, what are you doing?"
She didn't stop her incantation, she kept on forcing it out no matter how much it hurt her to do so. The thought of Akira being brutally murdered wouldn't leave her mind and she couldn't stand the thought of it, and yet still she couldn't help but feel she might be doing the same.
The gales kicked up in the area and even those who were not sensitive to the energies of the world could tell there was a shift in the atmosphere.
"Oh, great ancient slumbering spirit hear my prayer. Open thine eyes and allow your stifled soul to bare. A noble warrior of strength and power who shall never be tame. Rise from your shackles and awaken once more when I call thy name!"
Miki paused in casting her spell, finally mustering up the courage to look up. Kaim appeared to be in great shock and awe, as was Sirene but to a lesser extent. It was clear her focus pivoted more on the success of the task rather than the ritual itself. Then finally there was Akira, he didn't have to say a word for Miki to know the fear he felt. Her heart broke for him, but she knew any other way he'd be killed for sure. Meekly and with great displeasure she finished what she had started.
"Amon."