Under the shining rays of mid-day, a gang of four advanced through the bustling shopping district. They carried themselves in a rather relaxed and nonchalant manner, yet under the surface they kept their eyes peeled and their worry evident.

"Would Kukun really come to a place like this?" Wamu asked.

"According to Nobu, he would," Gabi answered listlessly.

"That guy ain't got no cred, don't listen to his sorry ass…" he dismissed.

"Yeah, you're probably right. It's so weird though, I could have sworn I saw him just the other day," Gabi commented.

"Oh really, where at?" Wamu asked coolly.

"In front of his apartment. He looked like he was with somebody, but I didn't recognize them," he shrugged.

"Hmm, got himself some new friends?" the leader assumed, keeping to his laid-back tone.

"Well, I don't know about that, I just can't think of a reason why he wouldn't be getting back to us," Gabi finished.

As the gang traveled, they hadn't even noticed another couple moseying along the same plaza. Miko and Kukun had drifted to this very spot, getting lost in their time together, but subconsciously the devillady knew exactly why she was here. She recalled the events that would take place and worried of them, and thus guided herself and Kukun there. Deep down she hoped the circumstances had changed, and this issue would not come to light again. In the meantime, she and Kukun had simply just been enjoying each other's company. That was until Miko, at last, found what she had dreaded to see.

"Do you think he might still be at-" just then, Gabi cut himself short. His eyes caught a glimpse of someone who looked exactly like Kukun from behind. He was walking into a clothing store; not wanting to lose him, Gabi took off after him, in hopes it was his friend. The others followed after him, unaware of who was watching them.

"...I'm still working out all the rhythms, but I think this next one I'm working on will really impress them, what do you think?" Kukun asked eagerly. However, he soon became aware Miko appeared to be in some kind of trance, as she stared off over the street. "What's wrong?"

"I think something bad is about to happen, come on!" she said, taking him by the hand and pulling him along. Lucky for him, Kukun had come to expect the unexpected from his new romantic interest, and went along with her with little resistance.

"Woah, what's up?" he asked, being dragged along with her. Unfortunately for him, there wasn't much time for an explanation. She hurried into the clothing store on held breath, as she searched for the events she knew would transpire. Then, in the distance of the store, she could see it. She could see the gang members and Gabi about to make the risky move.

She released her grip on Kukun's arm and rushed past the gang members in a blink.

"Don't!" she ordered coming up behind him.

Before anyone knew what had happened, Miko had swiftly taken hold of Gabi's shoulder and pulled him back away from the lying man just in time. The event kicked up some attention, but none nearly as bad as before. Both Gabi and the man that looked nearly identical to Kukun looked at her with shocked faces. Gabi perhaps held the most surprise, as he then realized the one he had thought was his friend was false.

"Hey, what gives? Who are you?" Gabi questioned in a genuinely curious tone. Miko didn't say anything immediately, instead, she stared daggers at the male in the pink shirt. He tried to appear tough at first; her fierce expression and predatory eyes were enough to humble him, as he silently chose to slink away instead. Miko didn't relax until he was long gone, and even a little after, she didn't even register all the questions thrown her way by Gabi and the rest of the gang. It wasn't until she heard the tender voice of Kukun did she fold.

"Miki? Miki, are you alright?" Kukun gently nudged her arm, bringing her back to Earth.

"Huh?" was all she could make out as she turned to him. The chaos hadn't ended there, though as the rest of the gang was now both rejoicing and questioning Kukun all at once.

"Yo man, where've you been!? We've been looking all over for you!"

"Why haven't you been getting back to us?"

"Who's this?" Wamu, at last, spoke again in an oddly tranquil manner, pointing to Miko.

Kukun had become sheepish and red-faced hearing that last quarry. He took hold of the back of his neck, rubbing it nervously as he kept up a smile.

"Yo hey guys, I'm sorry about all this. I've been meaning to text y'all back, but it's been so busy lately with work and my dad, and-and, well uh… other things," he chuckled away his stammers. Wamu and the others didn't seem to be buying it, but at the same didn't seem inclined to hound any further. However, there was a glimmer of insight glowing in the back of Wamu's eye as he shifted his sights between Kukun and his new friend. Soon, a cheeky smirk came to his face, as he opened his mouth once more.

"No worries, man, no worries. I know how it is, being all busy with your new friend here, huh?" The gang's leader teased. The other immediately caught on, audibly expressing their shock and happiness for their friend. Miko admittedly couldn't help but blush at the suggestion, but once she turned to Kukun he could have put a tomato to shame. He fumbled around, clearly being engulfed by the embarrassment, as he did all he could not to make eye contact with them.

"Oh, yeah… well, this is Miki by the way. Miki, this is the gang," Kukun quickly changed the subject. Miko couldn't help but laugh a little at his shyness, the gang seemed pretty entertained by it as well.

Wamu turned to Miko, and respectfully tipped his head to her in greeting, "Pleasure to meet you. Seems like we might be seeing each other a lot more often."

Miko lightly smiled, "Seems like it."

"Yeah, and I guess I'm meaning to thank you," Gabi piped up. "You saved me some trouble there, you sure do move fast."

"You have no idea…" Miko replied. She could hear the boys continue to catch up with one another, however hearing all that she couldn't help but reminisce. If she hadn't had been there, it would have been very likely the gang would have been in a serious mess. It was then she began to catch on to something very different from before though, where was Miki? The question wouldn't leave her mind, and thus pushed her to investigate.

Her eyes landed on Kukun, she hated to leave him but surely, he would be safe with his group for the time being.

"Hey Kukun," she regained his focus.

"Ya, what is it?" he grinned at her.

"I just remembered, I need to go check up with a friend, do you think it would be alright if I meet up with you again later?"

"Oh, yeah of course!" Kukun encouraged. "It's probably best, for now, I gotta do some catching up with the gang."

"That's for sure," Gabi teased. The boys laughed amongst themselves before Kukun turned back to tip his head to Miko.

"I'll be seeing you around," he confirmed, as he and the rest of the boys were beginning to head off in their own direction. Miko of course said her goodbyes, and watched him off. There was a subtle euphoria to seeing all of them back together again, off to live more life and enjoy each other. It dawned on Miko that this was a golden sight, one worth a thousand lifetimes, and she could have indulged in it for far longer. Maintaining that however, was a constant job she had to see what had happened to Miki, and inform Akira of all that has changed. From the events just now, Miko was sure something on Miki's path had changed, and most likely for Akira as well. She sighed and allowed herself to turn away, hurrying off for the two she sought out the most.

The tired, yet spirited girl sat amongst a pile of books on her floor, a cat watching her from a lofty shelf. She had a math book open to one side of her, and a Grimoire to the other, neither of her eyes could hardly stay open for either.

"Miki, are you alright? You know it's okay to take a break," Tako commented seeing her exhaustion.

"Huh?" Miki lifted her body back up. "No, no I'm fine," she sounded a bit more chipper, but the grogginess remained in her voice. "I just have this test tomorrow, and I need to refine my powers. After what happened last night, I need to be prepared for if those two come back," she rationalized.

"I understand, but remember don't push yourself. A sleepy witch is a sorry witch," Tako came down to rub at her side. Miko let a smile come to her face as she felt him purr beside her.

"Thanks, Tako, I'll be fine."

The young witch was about to return to her lessons, when suddenly Tako had perked up, and she thought she heard something outside her window. Immediately she felt a swarm build up in her gut, assuming who it could be. She came to her feet and flew open the balcony doors, hoping to meet with who she suspected.

"Akira!" she spoke up, but instantly took it back. She could see the person that had landed on her balcony was not Akira, but still a pleasant face.

"Miko?" she asked, seeing her classmate standing in front of her. Despite having run all the way there and scaled the two-story residency, Miko appeared as though she had never broken a sweat. Breaking through her naturally rigged expression, Miko smiled at her friend.

"Hey, sorry it's been a while. I've been busy, but I got some news," she explained herself. "Have you seen Akira in a while?"

Miki put on a sweet expression as she began once more, "You're alright, and yeah I was with him last night, what's up?"

"Things are changing, I'm sure you know. Like just now, I had to save Wamu and the rest of his gang, when you did before," Miko let herself in, talking a mile a minute. "That's what reminded me to come here, and check on you."

The witch seemed a little behind but tried to stay up with her, "Umm, I'm sure you're right, but who's Wamu? And what did I do?"

"Huh?" Miko seemed confused at first, but caught herself. "Oh, yeah sorry, you wouldn't know. Well there's this gang of rapper boys, and they almost got themselves in a bit of trouble, but you saved them in all the timelines before, this time I had to though."

Miki's eyes lit up with recollection, "Hey wait, rapper boys? I think I know who you're talking about. I saw them at the docks before, I saved them?"

"Well, not this time, but they are important to us, so it's best we get on their good side. I actually saved one of them already," Miko seemed a tad bashful to bring him up. Miki noticed this, but did mention it outwardly.

"In that case, I'll make sure to keep an eye out for them. It's been crazy for us too; Akira and I were attacked by two demons last night at the same time. We really need more help, I feel like we're going to be outnumbered soon, that's why I've been studying like crazy to summon the other devilmen. But even summoning them could be risky…" the girl mentioned the last part under her breath. Her body language seemed to become distant as well. Miko observed this, and became intrigued.

"How did you two get out of it?" Miko questioned. Her asking only seemed to muddle Miki further, as she took a deep breath.

"I had to do something I really didn't want to, luckily it worked out, but still…" she trailed off.

Miko's brow creased in curiosity, "What did you have to do?"

There was a stall before Miki's next response, and when she did it was with a heavy heart.

"I had to summon a devil. The devil that lives in Akira, I had to let it take him over, or else. That demoness was going to kill him…" the young witch quivered. That statement even seemed to get through Miko's sternness.

"Is he alright?"

"Yeah, thankfully. He's fine, it just scared me…" she admitted.

"I bet. Akira's demon is supposed to be the fiercest. You must be one powerful witch to get him to turn back around," Miko tried to lighten the mood.

"Well that's just it, I don't think my power did anything at all. It was really strange…" Miki recollected.

"What do you mean?"

"...Amon wasn't what I expected. I think he let Akira come back?" she answered unsurely. Hearing that even seemed to puzzle Miko.

"Why would he let Akira come back?" the devillady scrunched up her face, befuddled.

Miki shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. I think he knows something though, Amon…"

Both the girls sat with their musings, and considered the meaning of these unusual circumstances. The first thing to break the silence, however, wasn't one of them, but an unexpected voice.

"Why don't you talk to him?" The high-pitched cat spoke up cheerfully. The girls seemed set back by the suggestion.

"What, you mean summon Amon out of him again on purpose?" Miki asked.

"Yes, it could give you some information. And it could even be a good excuse to practice summoning devils for the devilman army," the cat tilted his head to her.

Upon hearing that, Miki instantly reacted.

"No, I couldn't do that! Not again. Who knows what will happen to Akira? I could have just gotten lucky this time," she cradled her forehead.

"That's fair," Tako agreed. He hopped onto the bed and began to curl himself up into a ball. "Just remember, if you must, it's always an option. Not all things are always what they seem."

Miki watched him till he was completely nestled in, with his words clearly buzzing around her head. It was clear it weighed on her, and she was in no mood to entertain the notion any longer.

"So, was there anything else you were meaning to let us know?" Miki changed the subject.

"Oh, yeah I've been meaning to talk to Akira about someone," Miko's memory jogged as she pulled out her phone. She glanced at it for a moment, seeming to become more and more perturbed the longer she looked at it.

Miki acknowledged this, creasing her brow, "What is it?"

"...Speak of the devil," Miko murmured. Miki leaned in closer letting her curiosity get the better of her.

Miko sneered and began to read a headline of her phone out loud, "Super high schooler track event cancelled, two male athletes mysteriously missing."

Suddenly Miki gasped, "Hey, I heard about that! There were rumors on the track field that they were going to cancel. Apparently, no one's seen the super high schooler or another runner in some time, I wonder what could have happened to them? Do you think the demons may have gotten to them?"

"More like Moyuru Koda is the demon to worry about," Miko huffed.

"You think so?" she questioned earnestly.

"Yeah, I'd bet he ate that other guy and is just trying to cover his tracks again," she tossed her head.

"So, what are we going to do about it?" Miki spoke with concern.

"I'm gonna let Akira know, we'll probably have to confront Koda ourselves, and soon," Miko informed.

"Right," Miki nodded her head.

With that, Miko began to dial for Akira, and in only a single ring, the phone was answered.

"Hey it's me," Miko began. "I was needing to tell you I spotted Koda just the other day, he seems to be settling down in some bunker. The super high schooler track event was canceled too, since him and some other runner are all of the sudden missing. I think he's up to something, what do you want to do?" her tone was militant and focused.

Both Miki and Miko waited to hear Akira's final decision, and when it finally came it was stern and blunt.

"Show me where you saw him. I'll have you come with me, and we'll put a stop to him here and now," Akira ordered.

"Will do," Miko responded. Immediately tailing her reply, Miki popped into the conversation.

"We'll meet you over there now!" she added energetically.

"Wait Miki, don't," Akira's voice changed slightly. No longer was it frank and rigid, but instead had become much gentler and more worried knowing her presence. Miki was at a bit of a loss by his choice, as her head slipped to the side.

"What do you mean?"

Akira sounded a tad flustered thinking of a proper answer, "Well, well I mean it could be really dangerous. After last night the last thing I want to do is put you in harm's way…"

"I know, but we'll be okay, we're a team. It's dangerous for you too," Miki argued downcast.

The devilman chuckled a little listening to that, "Oh, don't worry Miki, I've seen a lot worse. And besides, Miko will be my backup. You stay there, after all we need you safe and sound to help summon the rest of the devilmen."

The brunette girl's lips contorted into a pout, but otherwise she appeared understanding. Her body bobbed as she took in a deep inhale and slowly released it.

"You're right, you guys just be careful okay," she insisted.

"We always do," Akira livened up.

Suddenly, from seemingly nowhere, a new presence made itself known. He tumbled out from behind the other side of Miki's bedroom door with a glower.

"Hey, what about me? Can I come!?" Taro begged, walking into the room.

"Taro? How long have you been out there?" Miki lightly scolded.

"He's been listening for almost the whole time I've been here," Miko enlightened in a deadpan manner.

The siblings both lifted up in surprise.

"You knew he was out there?" Miki questioned.

"How did you know?" Taro added in disappointment.

Miko chuckled at the situation, "Yeah, it takes more stealth than that to slip under this devillady's nose."

Taro's face slumped in a huffy manner as he crossed his arms, "Well, can I still go?"

Akira overheard the ordeal, and found Taro's antics amusing, but ultimately had already determined how the mission would go.

"Sorry Taro, not this time. I need you to stay there, maybe you can help Miki. it would be a big help to us," Akira encouraged.

The room became silent for a moment, as Taro thought about it with a puffy stance. Eventually he gave in, and sat on the floor with his sister.

"Fine…" he replied.

"Thanks Taro, and you too Miki. We'll be back before you know it. Miko, meet me at your apartment complex, I'm leaving now," he finished. Everyone could hear the click of the phone on the other end, as they all settled into their roles. Miko gave Miki, Taro and Tako all a departing nod, as she climbed out the window and disappeared on her way. The siblings stayed where they were, and continued to do what they could, hoping Akira and Miko would return soon.