In that old, abandoned courtyard the pressure in the air shifted completely. It was like a storm had been kicked up as the wind beat against all the occupants, and a thick fog descended in the blink of an eye. Sirene waited with a stern face and her breath held. Kaim was also notability weary as he watched the being in front of him seem to fall into an odd trance.
As much as Miki hated to look at what she was forced to do, she couldn't keep her eyes off him. Perhaps it was in the false hope that her efforts had been unsuccessful, even still her teary eyes didn't even blink looking at him.
Everything was becoming harder to see through the mists, but the silhouettes were still visible. As they watched, the figure that was once Devilman seemed to change ever so slightly. He appeared larger somehow and a tad more demonic, with more apparent spikes and muscles. Finally, the very last bit of doubt evaporated when at last he opened his eyes only to display a cold yellowish hue glowing through the vapor. Miki's soul felt like it had plummeted while Sirene's soared.
"Amon?" the demon-bird questioned with a spirited hope beginning to brim. His head rose and his eyes looked at her deliberately. For the first time Miki felt Sirene's iron grip loosen as her body nearly turned to putty and a relieved, joyous smile took up her face.
"Amon, Amon it's you, finally after all this time…" her voice was breathy with disbelief. Kaim's face was a mix of emotions, as he questioned if his holding there was still necessary. However, worry also appeared to be present with him as his shaky gaze glanced between the newly reformed Amon and Sirene. Finally, Miki could only stand there with a red face stained with the aftermath of tears that threatened to fall once more. She shook her head as her mouth twisted up into a sorrowful frown. Her face fell staring down at the ground, she couldn't stand to see what she had done.
Sirene's chest bobbed up and down with each catch of her breath, and despite her cuts and bruises her face beamed, never being happier. She eyed Kaim for a moment with a bit of a sneer as she spoke up.
"Kaim, get off of him," she ordered, but returned to her pleasant means right after. Kaim cautiously backed away, allowing the demon to stand free on his own. Even still it was clear there was a skepticism Kaim still held toward the legendary devil.
"I've done it, I can't believe after all this time, I've revived you!" Sirene continued trying to come closer to him. He was still shrouded in a thick vail haze, but the brightness of his eyes bled through and oddly they didn't seem all that grateful. Sirene's head tilted to the side, her face smiled still but it was clear there was something starting to eat at her.
"Amon, you know I'd forgive you for all of that. I know that little twerp has been ruining your name, I'll understand. We can forget it ever happened, go back to how things were before, when he fought together and lusted for one another?" she suggested, once again trying to approach him. Only this time he stepped further back and away from her, being clouded ever more by the mists. Everyone outwardly looked surprised by the reaction, Sirene especially as her antenna's rose, and she swallowed back a lump in her throat.
"Amon? What are you doing? There's no one controlling you anymore, you can speak to me," her grin was fading and her voice quivered. The gaze Amon gave her had remained just as it was. There was something to his eyes, they were strong yet ever so tired, stern and yet gentle, if Miki was to guess she might even mistake his look for something mournful. Regardless the girl could feel Sirene's energy it was frightfully anxious and for once feeble. Her woes only got that much worse the longer the silence remained and with it her anger resurfaced.
"What? You have nothing to say to me after all this time? Is that it!?" Sirene began to retaliate. Finally Amon's unblinking stare broke as he sighed and glanced away.
"You don't actually care for this," she said, presenting Miki in front of her. "That's the feelings of that human, you just allow it because it reminds you of her!"
She caught his attention again with that statement as his head lifted attentively. Sirene took any reaction she could get out of him and witnessing that one unburied a long-forgotten frustration within her.
"I'm right, aren't I?" she huffed. "When are you going to give it up already! You're living in the past and ignoring what's standing right in front of you! She's gone! No one's seen her in millions of years, she died in the great divine war! Can't you see that!?"
In that very proceeding second the area echoed with Amon's harsh and beastly growl as his massive hulking body placed itself right above her. Miki was scared, but the fear she picked up from Sirene in that moment was deathly. The demoness looked up into the severe gaze of the demon standing over her.
With a deep reverbed voice that could make great warrior's cower, Amon at last spoke, "You're the only one living in the past here Sirene…" His tone was unnervingly calm and from it everyone in ear shot felt their blood turn cold, especially for the demon bird. Her feathers ruffled and her face turned hot. Her mouth parted as if to speak but nothing came at first. All she could do was shake her head as if not believing what it was she heard.
"Amon, what are you talking about? I'm the one here right now with you, I am the one who at last saved you. I have been nothing but present, and yet every time you let that boy rip me apart and leave me to die!" Sirene said harshly but her voice cracked in distress. She took a breath and with any courage she had left she pushed on, "You just let me die… I know you liked her more, but I guess I just thought I meant more to you than that…"
The fabled demon stood above her but the ridged expression he had started to melt ever so slightly. His head fell to the side as he watched her stare up at him with pleading eyes and shriveling face. Ever so lightly and slowly Amon allowed his hand to rest on Sirene's shoulder. The act took the air from her lungs, as all her attention was now on him.
"Sirene, you are a strong and beautiful warrior, and know that I never take pleasure in watching your demise. Our partnership in the past was dear to me for the time, and I will always hold you fondly in my memories, but Sirene… those days are over."
The demon bird looked as though she had been gut-punched. It was clear in her own mind she was doing all she could to discredit what he had said, but how could she? There was nothing left to blame other than the truth itself.
"But I…" her hands came up to cling on Amon's wrist. "No, no Amon, I don't understand…" she spoke through an angered, hurting gravel.
"Sirene, it's become clear to me that the time of my destiny is now upon me, I can't ignore it. To ensure the survival of this planet, I have to keep moving forward and adapting with it. If I am to save this world, I cannot stop now… even for old friends…"
Her face was desolate all except for the sorrow that remained. She couldn't even bring herself to be outraged, there was nothing her rage could fight that would fix anything. It was clear she was tired and devastated, now holding back a well of tears. In her moment of weakness Miki fell from her arms onto the ground, allowing the human girl to scamper away from the direct confrontation. Both Miki and Kaim waited, not even acknowledging the other as they watched invested in the conflict.
Amon's eyes were soft as her grip on his wrist got tighter. She wanted to hurt him; she wanted to lash out and put him in the pain she was in as she limply allowed her fist to beat on his chest. It wasn't enough though as she crumpled, giving into her own emotions. Her restrained tears started to fall much to her dismay.
"Damn you, damn you… How could you do this to me…?" she choked on her breaths. Amon didn't retaliate, only stood there, and allowed her to go through her emotions. Finally she sucked in and walked back and away from him shaking her head.
"After everything, after everything!" she screamed. "So that's how it's going to be? this is what you want!?"
The larger demon remained still and slowly blinked, preparing to take all that she dished out.
"Is that all you have left to say to me!?" she yelled once more.
He sighed disheartened, "Sirene, there is nothing left to be said."
Her pupils were constricted, and her eyes now freely flowed with the tears she had tried so hard to defuse. The gulp she took was visible to all the surrounding onlookers as her face fixed itself into a bleak look of grief. The wrath that was on her face dissipated into nothing but pain. Then with great effort and with pure sincerity she asked practically on the verge of a whisper.
"Why was I never enough for you…?"
It was like the Earth had froze for a second. Everyone there stopped and processed her question. Even Sirene herself seemed unsure of her own words. It was clear it caused her great discomfort as she started to step back and fight her own tears. Amon's face remained tender as his head tilted to the side and his eyes read with sympathy. Kaim appeared incredibly perturbed as he took a step closer to the languishing demoness.
"…Sirene…" he murmured under his breath.
Sirene hated all these eyes on her and feeling as she did. It was the most humiliating instance of her life and by far the most heartbreaking, and his silence only made it worse. Her face warped as all she could do was rock her head back and forth. She had to escape, to get away from this moment and run from her emotions. Her wings opened and before anyone could think on it further, she was off the ground, becoming nothing more than a faint speck in the sky, and soon not even that. All their stares lingered upwards until Kaim took yet another step, and then another.
Miki kept a wary line of sight on Kaim but deep down, she knew she wasn't his main interest. He did look back at her but in no way did it appear like malice, however, he did also turn to Amon, and he received an evil eye. Kaim seemed like he wanted to spit out some kind of insult, some kind of verbal attack at the great devil, but nothing came. All he could manage was a disdainful shake of his head. The next move he made he took off into the crisp night, right in the direction Sirene had flown off in. Miki could see him make his way over the open horizon and out of the city. She couldn't hardly believe all that had just taken place, but at the same time she couldn't wait to let her brain catch up either. She felt a pinch in her heart, noticing Amon had been watching her from behind his cover of fog.
With a gasp, Miki stood on her feet and took on a defensive position. She held out her hands as he lifted his head curiously to her actions. The young witch wouldn't allot him the opportunity to cause any harm as she focused her weary energy once more. She began her enchantment in a foreign tongue, closing her eyes and allowing her spell to flow.
"Great devil Amon, your summoning here is done and completed, now return to Akira's soul that has been cheated. The mighty beast that had been awoken, fall back to sleep and erase the spell that had been spoken!"
Miki felt her powers twisting and contorting the world as it always did with her incantations. Everything felt as if it had been successful, but when she opened her eyes, to her horror, nothing had changed. Amon didn't seem phased at all, as a matter of fact he seemed somewhat intrigued. Slowly he slinked his way through the mists approaching her. The discomfort was plain on the girl's face and the fright even more so. Her insides felt icy cold, fearing her abilities were not enough to bring Akira back. She inhaled deeply, tightening her lip, and narrowing her sights.
"I call upon the soul of Akira Fudo, return and wake from your slumber!"
Once more her words seemed to go ineffective. It was then both her mind and heart raced so fast she started to feel flustered and jittery. Her head shook and her hands pulled up to her chest. She could feel every fierce beat just under her breast.
"No, no…" she shook her head harder. "Akira, please wake up!"
Amon's expressions had remained consistent as he kept creeping towards her. He was so slow and cautious in his movements, but even still Miki did not like it one bit. She bit her teeth together in an act of frustration.
"Let him go! Amon, you let Akira go, now! I command you to let him go!" she yelled as she backed away. With how frantic she felt, her steps were shaky and eventually she had accidentally fallen backwards. Now feeling more vulnerable than ever, any anger she may have been utilizing left her there, leaving only her terror and worry. She attempted to scamper backwards still, but she knew she wouldn't get far. Amon presented, coming closer and closer.
"Stay back, stay away from me!" Miki hollered. For whatever reason Amon seemed to acknowledge that request, coming to a slight halt in his efforts. Miki was thrown off by how unusually docile he appeared. It didn't make much sense to her; she had never heard of a compassionate demon before. Even still, she wouldn't let her guard down fully; for all she knew this could be a trick and Akira was very much in danger.
Both the witch and the demon stayed still staring into the eyes of the other. Each breath Miki took was quick and desperate, but finally an idea came to her. She gulped and with all her courage spoke up.
"You listened to me, you stopped when I asked you to, right?"
Amon didn't speak openly, but the look in his solemn gaze was enough. Miki decided to keep going, wanting to make sure she got every word in she could.
"Well, if you will listen to me…" she seemed hesitant to even bring up the suggestion. She closed her eyes and continued, "Please Amon, I need Akira back. We need him back, if you care about the survival of this planet like you say, maybe we can work together, maybe I could convince him to work with you. I just need him to come back, he's important to me, I…" she couldn't finish her sentence as her tears silenced her words. She allowed her head to sink as she allowed her emotions to run free inside of her, being at a loss for anything else. "Akira, you promised me…" she whimpered weakly.
The ancient demonic warrior set his sights to her solely, and with that his features became light. There was a hint of sadness there, but a look of condolence devoured what was left. Through that dense and fogging environment Amon glowing yellow eyes closed. Following that final action, a stream of tears trickled down from his lids matching Miki's own.
The young athlete continued to sit there, crying miserably not wanting to face the horrible mistake she had made. She kept beating herself over in her head. She should have thought of something less risky; she should have thought of something else, but truly what other option was there? She cradled her head in her hands allowing all her salty tears to soak her hands. She could have sat there for hours wallowing in her own punishment but then suddenly she noticed Amon was walking towards her once more. Her face came up in a frenzy worrying what it was he may have intended. Though oddly the next thing she knew she felt a huge yet kind hand hold her shoulder.
It was then Miki realized the energy of this being had changed somewhat. She looked up at him in earnest, taking in every detail and mannerism. Now closer than ever she could see him through the fog, and he looked just as he always appeared. Any extra details his silhouette alluded to before were gone leaving just him. Finally looking into those large, concerned eyes, they were the white hue they always had been, leaking with tears. Miki could hardly catch her breath, but she forced herself to speak anyway.
"Akira?" she questioned faintly.
"Yeah, Miki, what's wrong? What happened?" he asked tiredly, as if he had woken from a deep slumber. Miki's heart felt like it leapt from her chest and her body became weightless as she hopped up and took Akira into a tight and grateful hug.
"Akira!" she nearly shouted in joy. Akira was slightly caught off guard by her reactions but was very much grateful for them. He smiled mildly and wrapped his strong bulky arms around her. "Oh, Akira I was so worried. Are you okay?" she asked, starting to laugh through her still damp eyes.
"Yeah, are you okay? I can't remember what happened, where's Sirene and Kaim?" He questioned lifting his head alertly.
Miki nodded her head excitedly as she wiped her face, "Yeah, I'm alright, I'm alright now." She had to pause before she started again just staring at him gratefully. Akira noticed this as he allowed his body to relax enough to transform back to his human shape. He made sure to keep his lower half mostly demonic however, as to remain modest in her presence. He tilted his head to her slightly, he could tell something had happened while he was out, something that really startled her. He was pleased she was happy now but even still upsetting never set well with him.
Miki's hand had come up to cover her mouth, but it was clear there was a beam radiating right under it. She shook her head and slowly allowed her hand to fall. "I'm just so glad you're okay…"
Hearing her say that moved him to steadily take her hand and then ever so slowly take her around the waist comfortingly. She appreciated it, falling into his firm arms like a pampered kitten.
"What happened while I was out? Did you see where the demons went?" He asked again but in a much softer tone. Miki could feel the vibration of his speech in his chest as she was pressed up against him.
She looked up at him with a somber expression, "I don't know where they went, they both left. The reason I've been so upset was because I felt I didn't have any other choice than to awaken Amon inside of you. Sirene wanted him so bad, and she would have killed you otherwise," Miki started to sound a tad flustered in her voice again and her eyes fidgeted. Akira noticed and surprisingly to Miki, she felt his soft and sweet hand touch her face. It helped soothe her, as she mustered the means to look him in the eye again. He had a warm yet pensive gaze to him.
"It's okay Miki, I'm glad you did, you saved both our lives."
"I know, I guess I was just so worried it wouldn't work out, or that…or that you'd…" she couldn't even finish. She didn't want to let her mind wander to that possibility.
His knuckle came down to line her up with him again, "Miki, there's no way I'd leave you… I crawled through Hell for you, and I'd do it again if I had to…"
Any words that may have been manifesting on the witch's tongue dropped off. All she could do was get lost in the protective and loving eyes of the devilman before her. His gaze seemed just as strong as hers. Deep down their bodies both racked with nerves and there was an invisible pull between them. Never had Miki realized how attached to him she really was, she could live in his arms forever, and soon they both found themselves drifting closer together. It was like a magnet was drawing them to one another. Finally, despite all her anxiousness, Miki's eyes closed and submitted to whatever came next, and when it did an eruption of ticklish elation swept her.
Their lips met softly, shocking to both of them and yet neither was surprised. They leaned into one another giving into their desired impulses. Akira couldn't even believe it was real, this very moment he had always wanted, he held her closer just to correct his suspicions, just to make sure she wouldn't disappear. Regardless of the horrific strength he could possess and the doubts he may have had, he was nothing but benign with her. He held her in his arms preciously, tenderly. When they at last did separate it was in a daze, as they just looked at one another.
Miki at last allowed a giant smile to grow on her features, she wanted to say something but just couldn't. No words were good enough to express how touched and euphoric she was. It had been so unexpected, but it wasn't until then did she understand how much she wanted it, and how much she wanted to keep it. Akira gulped and seemed shaken by the events but no less glad. He matched her smile if a bit more unsure. The silence between them was becoming deafening, just as Miki might have thought of something to say, Akira nervously started again first.
"I'm sorry…" he squeaked, but the look of his features was unconvincing. She couldn't help but sigh through her grin, trying not to giggle.
"No, no, it's okay, I'm happy you did," she said and instantly felt like a fool after. "I-I mean, I'm grateful you did, or-"
Her stuttering was cut off by Akira's buoyant chuckles, "It's alright, I know what you mean."
They both seemed to accept that as another void of tense, yet adoring, quiet came between them. Akira hadn't even noticed how much his tail had been twitching the whole time, but he tried to gain control of it as well as the rest of himself, taking a gulp.
"I'd better get you home, with those two on the loose we'll have to be extra careful," he perked back up.
Miki nodded in understanding, "Yeah, that's good, I'm getting pretty tired honestly. What are you going to do?"
Akira released a breath in a more serious tone, "I'll have to start patrolling even more, I can't let those two be out loose, they're too dangerous."
"I understand, but you have to be careful, they could have really hurt you," Miki stared up at him with her large puppy-like eyes. His face eased seeing her, as he leaned his head to the side and cradled her cheek.
"I know, that's why I'm so thankful and lucky to have you. I'll make sure I'm extra careful," he reassured her. By the appearance of her features it seemed to have worked as her eyes shimmered.
"Good, maybe I could even patrol with you, we make a good team," she recommended.
"Yeah," Akira answered in a collected manner. "We better go now though, it's getting late," he finished.
"How are we going to get back? We don't have your bike, and they tore off your wing, you won't be able to fly," Miki spoke questioningly.
"Oh, don't worry Miki, it'll grow back after a while," he informed, before letting a smirk roll up his lip. "But in the meantime, we'll just have to run, here climb on my back," he said with a cheer in his voice. Miki was a little reluctant at first, but her giddiness got to her as she leapt on as instructed.
"Are you ready?" he questioned as he got himself into position and wagged his tail lightly.
"Yeah, what now?" she asked with a relentless smile.
"Hold on tight!" just as he finished, they were off. The devilman rushed out, hitting speeds Miki could only have ever experienced in her wildest dreams. Held securely on his back they ducked and weaved through the darkness of the city and right under the nose of all its inhabitants. Akira could scale the sides of buildings and swing on the telephone wires with the same grace and ease as a monkey. Miki couldn't get enough on this thrill; it was like being on an amusement ride but somehow even better. She tried to keep quiet, but she couldn't hold back every cheer and fit of laughter. Akira was soaking it all in himself, he loved how simple it was to excite her and how fun it was to just be himself with her.
"Akira, this is amazing!" she squealed over the wind.
"You just wait till my wing grows back; I'll show you amazing!" he chortled. Together they continued on through the night, remaining undetected and making their own entertainment as they went. As they began to reach her house, Akira had noticeably slowed down, and Miki had relaxed herself. She simply held him and laid her head peacefully against his back. They both cherished the moment for as long as they could and even when they had to part ways, their hearts still yearned for the other.
The hot and humid air clung to the fuzzy demoness with both fists. Even with the temperature as excruciating as it was, proved no match for the anger and worry that boiled her blood now. Jenny investigated one area in particular of that Peruvian jungle, one that she just couldn't ignore. They had been here, she could sense it, but the trouble was now she knew without a doubt, her master was no longer alone.