The Makimura house was tight and deathly silent. It felt like every eyeball that landed on the devilmen weighed the world, and the decision the rest of the humans made would make all the difference. Even still, as Akira stood there being fully aware of the grating situation, having Miki there beside him, looking into her beautiful and precious gaze, it all somewhat felt minuscule.

"How do you know we're safe? How do we know we can trust you? You look like the life's been drained out of you," Wamu observed.

As undesired as Wamu's comment may have been, Akira did take notice of it. Miki did look as though she was becoming weaker by the moment, and Tako looked no better. Despite her tired appearance, Miki mustered enough strength to face him once more.

"Whether you want to believe it or not is up to you. But if you really don't feel safe here, maybe you'd feel safer out there," Miki tilted her head to the door.

That simple response seemed to subdue the gang leader for the time being, and by extension the rest of the humans. It was hard to say how truly convinced they were, but at least for now, they would test their luck.

"Could you please lower your gun?" a soft voice shuttered. Akira recognized that voice from anywhere, it was Akiko. "You're pointing it at my children." She was referring to Hie, who was still on the defense with his weapon.

An unspeakable amount of ease came over the devilmen just from that one act of comradery.

"Yes… please lower it, that's my son," Kaori tagged on, but in much more of a dazed tone. It was as if she still couldn't make any sense of it, but her heart knew better. Hie seemed to pause in precaution, and slowly the stern look of Wamu started to give in, as he gestured for Hie to put the weapon away.

Akira couldn't describe the feeling of relief that filled him, along with the rest of his fellow devilmen. He knew there were still many questions left and suspicions they all had but, with this one opportunity of trust, he would do all he could to keep them safe.

"Thank you…" the devilman practically whispered.

"Would someone please like to explain what all of this is about now? What is going on out there?" Noel asked.

Without a hitch, Akira responded, "The demons have launched an attack against us. Demons are ancient and cruel creatures that strive for survival, and they want to wipe out humans to dominate the Earth."

The explanation sounded unreasonable, and the humans knew it, but their eyes could not deceive them. There simply was no other reason for what was occurring and because of that, the people were forced to consider it.

"For now, you all need to stay here. If you're here and we're all together, we have a better chance of keeping you all out of harm's way," Miko spoke out.

"Alright, if we're so safe here, what's wrong with her?" Gabi queried, his gaze lingering on the athlete girl.

That was a question Akira himself longed to know the answer to. He had been looking over Miki and Tako, scrutinizing every single possible ailment, but kept coming up empty. He could sense a powerful energy radiating off of them both, but exactly its purpose he couldn't decipher.

Gently, the devilman turned to her and took her elbow lightly, pulling her closer to him and allowing her to lean on him. His remaining hand helped lift her chin and feel the temperature of her skin. She was frigid cold, no doubt from overusing her invaluable energy.

"Miki? What's wrong with you?" his voice was soft.

She kept up her weak grin, and somehow while her face couldn't do so in her condition, her eyes seemed to smile wider. She lightly shook her head in an attempt to settle his troubled mind.

"It's nothing, Tako and I are creating a shield around the house. It's pretty draining is all, but hopefully, the attack itself won't go on forever," she tried to sound humorous. Akira appreciated her optimism but he feared for the reality of the situation. Neither she nor Tako could keep this up forever. The only hope the devilman really had was that the demon's current rain of attack couldn't last forever either.

He felt her body begin to grow limper as he held her up. This wasn't good on her, he needed to get her away from all these people and somewhere she could lay down. His attention fell to Miko and Taro, who were just as invested in the girl's plight as him.

"Miko, Taro I need you both to stay down here and look after everybody. I gotta get Miki somewhere she can rest," Akira informed. Diligently, both Miko and Taro agreed without fail.

"Help her, we'll keep things under control down here," Miko assured.

"Take care of my sister," Taro added. Akira smiled at both of them and specifically looked at Taro in a comforting manner.

"I will, I'm counting on you." With that the devilman turned and carried Miki up the stairs. The humans watched them ascend up the stairs with nothing they could say, knowing the circumstances were well out of any of their leagues.

Even if the mood in that living room still wasn't completely trusting, Miko knew she'd do her best to keep everyone as tranquil as possible.

"Taro, why don't you go and get more seats for everyone," she busied him.

"I'll turn on the news so we can see what's happening," Akiko spoke out her actions. The TV soon came on, and illuminated the dim room bringing all the occupants in with depictions of the crumbling world outside. It showed countless deformed corpses and even a few full-fledged devils that had come to life to terrorize and run rampant through the city they knew and loved.

Miko knew it was important for them to see what was going on and be as informed as possible. She was also aware of how this could only make their panic that much worse. In a brief moment of thought, she had come to her conclusion, and made her way out of the living room.

"I'll be on watch to make sure everything's secure around here," Miko announced and didn't wait for a reply.

She made her rounds throughout the house, peaking through windows and seeing if she could sense anything off. What she did ultimately notice was not a demon, nor a threat at all.

The frame of Kukun came into her view, and upon witnessing him, her rigid appearance relaxed. Deep down as glad as she was to see him, she feared for what he had to say. She thought over in her head how he would have no other option than to leave her, how he would try to let her down, she hoped easily but didn't expect it. Honestly, she couldn't even blame him, it was a lot to take in, and he had every right not to want her. Still, she smiled at him with pleading eyes.

"Hey…" she faintly whispered.

"Hey," his voice was more enthused than her. That fact alone helped her along somewhat, but she wouldn't get too cozy; she could tell there was more.

"So, you're a devilman? Is that right?" he asked, trying to remain positive.

Miko couldn't even talk, she nodded her head in confirmation. There was an awkward pause as Kukun seemed to think about that prospect.

"Is it alright if I see you? What you look like?" he requested, now sounding much more nervous. Miko gulped, she knew this was it. It would make or break her, and she already knew her chances were slim. She took a breath, and broke eye contact with him as her body backed away slightly. The discomfort was evident and Kukun could sense it.

"Hey, you know it's alright. You don't have to if you don't want to. I mean it doesn't really make a difference anyway, right?" he shrugged it off.

Hearing that, Miko's mannerisms instantly changed. She wore her surprise openly for some time before slowly leaning back into him. A part of her wasn't sure he actually meant that, or more likely didn't understand exactly what he was saying.

"It really doesn't bother you?" she sounded doubtful. However, all of her suspicions couldn't outweigh his blunt honesty.

He simply raised his shoulders and wore a smile, "Not really."

The devillady was now more confused than ever. It just didn't make any sense to her, how could it not bother him, any person within reason would be scared knowing what she was.

"I mean, you've been like this the whole time I've known you right?"

"Well, yeah but-"

"Then that means you're still the hardworking, crazy cute girl I've always known. Nothing would have changed, you're still Miki to me, remember?"

It felt like tiny sparks of pure ecstasy began to tumble in the girl's stomach, before it reached all the way to her fingertips and toes. As amazing as she felt, her facial features were still cautious, but even that soon began to lighten.

"Yeah…" her voice was breathy, and her head began to slowly nod. Kukun allowed a smile to take place on his lips, and without warning, he came closer. Miko didn't resist as she felt his warm arms twine around her and bring her into a comforting embrace. She could hardly recall the last time she had been taken on so easily and so earnestly. The only thing that could really come to her mind was the time before, on that one fateful and gruesome night. The night Miki accepted her and reassured her of their long-standing friendship and how it still endured. The thought rattled these buried emotions from deep inside her. She felt the stress and hurt she had tried to turn away and ignore come back up all at once, as her eyes flowed with wet and relieving tears.

As her arms came to return the gesture, she managed to find her voice, "Thank you, Mayuta."

In the room over the young devilman sat uneasily. Between witnessing the horrific and graphic scenes on the TV and feeling the inevitable side-eyes leer at him, he couldn't help but be restless. His parents must have taken notice, as the feeling of his mother's hand on his back initially startled him.

"Taro, it's alright it's just me," his mother's tone was soothing. "Maybe it would be best if you didn't watch this, it is rather gruesome, wouldn't you say, dear?"

Noel seemed musing as he overlooked his son, but somehow never lost the softness in his gaze.

"Yes, how about you go into the kitchen, maybe we have some leftover meat for you to snack on. I'm sure you get pretty hungry," his father spoke compassionately.

Taro seemed both glad and uncomfortable by the suggestion. He felt his mother guide him at his back to the kitchen and his father led them both. It was simultaneously blissful as it was nerve-wracking for the young devilman. On one hand, having both his parents be so consoling to him was amazing, but duly he couldn't push away that thought, that tormenting memory.

Once they arrived, his mother pointed him to his seat while both she and Noel rummaged through the fridge, searching for something their son could eat. Taro fidgeted and fumbled with his hands as his line of sight stayed downward, as if in shame.

"Alright Taro, I think we have at least a few leftovers you can snack on," his mother said cheerfully.

He could smell the meat as his father reheated it in the microwave. The scent itself stirred his instincts but he was diligent not to let himself slip too far. He didn't speak and when his treat was finally done, his parents placed it before him. Everything about the food in front of him was tempting and he could feel himself starting to drool, but against it all, he didn't budge.

Confused by his behavior, his parents shared a look with one another.

"What is it Taro? Are you not hungry?" his father questioned.

The boy squirmed and appeared somehow even more ashamed. Worry stricken, Akiko knelt down to try and look Taro in the face as she reassuringly placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Taro, is everything alright?"

It was then she could see how devilboy's lip was curling inward and how his face clearly was holding back a slew of emotion. At last, he couldn't hold his tears anymore and allowed them to fall.

"I-I'm sorry," he squeaked out.

Each parent glanced to the other for some kind of rationale before they both came around to hearten their child.

"Taro, what are you talking about? What are you sorry for?" his mother asked in an easing voice. The boy couldn't reply for a few minutes as he struggled to contain his sobs.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't want to hurt either of you. I don't want anybody to be scared of me," he tearfully confessed.

A slightly audible gasp could be heard coming from both his parents. Taro's eyes were covered by his arms and the wetness that coated them, but he could still sense his father kneeling down next to him.

"Taro, your mother and I might not completely understand all of this, but always know that your mother and I love you dearly and only want what's best for you. We will do everything in our power to keep you protected and cared for, as will God in these hard times," Noel explained calmly.

"That's what you said last time…" the child whimpered.

More perplexed than ever, his father's head tilted to the side, "What do you mean Taro?"

The young devilman didn't speak as he kept his stare downward, and his overall body language seemed to curl in on itself more and more. The parents weren't sure what he meant, but on impulse, they each came in closer to give their son a loving hug.

"It'll be alright Taro," his mother said as she stroked through his hair. Feeling wrapped up in their arms, the sharp twisting that tore through Taro's insides, at last, began to drown out. He squeezed his eyes shut and expelled all his final tears as a look of determination took its place. He opened up and hugged them both back securely.

"Don't worry, I won't let it happen again. Akira, Miko, and I will keep you all safe. We'll be heroes and no one will be afraid of us, you'll see, I promise," Taro declared.

"Well, that's all very sweet, but whatever are you talking about dear?" his mother questioned once more. In time, the boy released his parents and wore a hopeful smile where his tears had just streamed.

"Don't worry about it, I'll make sure you don't have anything to worry about!" he finished with a tip of his head. Before anyone could say anything, further Taro had torn off down the hall, leaving his parents to presume he went to find Miko. Noel and Akiko didn't have much they could conclude; all they knew was Taro seemed in better spirits and for now, that was the best they could hope for.

Diligently, the brother stayed close behind his fallen sibling as he watched him rush into what looked like a decrepit and abandoned building. The surrounding area wasn't much to compliment either, but Gabriel really didn't have much time to look around anything as Ryo hurried him along as they entered the structure.

"Brother, what is it we're doing here? What is this place?" he asked as they pressed further into the darkened hallways.

"Don't worry about it, just stay low and stay with me," the elder male vaguely explained.

Once they were deeper into the bowels of the building, Ryo's reckless steps lighted only slightly to make sure his brother was staying as near to him as possible. Gabriel had a bad feeling, already sensing the strong demonic activity in this place. He wouldn't be granted the means to ask further. However, as Ryo crept around a corner, and without seemingly a single care he burst his way right inside.

Within the room, a collection of Devils had been gathered, and all of them appeared to point their attention to a set of screens above them, that was until Ryo showed up. Once the angel had walked in, even the utter chaos on the TVs wasn't enough to peel away their interest.

Gabriel felt his inner turmoil begin to spill over. He watched with shaky eyes as he glanced at all the hate looks of the demons. It was like he was under a spotlight, and a life-threatening one at that. Still, anything he may have wanted to say was shot down as he heard Ryo's voice crack over the devilish gathering.

"What is the meaning of all of this?! Who gave any of you permission to pull that stunt out there!?"

The slightest pin drop could've been heard, as every single demon starred on as if they were all looking at the exact same ghost. Ryo didn't appreciate their unresponsiveness as his expression curdled further.

"Well?" he spat once more.

"L-Lord Satan?"

"Is it really him?"

"He must already remember, just like Psycho Jenny predicted."

"He has another one with him…"

The murmurs came from all around, and yet none of which were at all helpful. Ryo could feel his brother's woe's even from how far away he was. He knew how uncomfortable he was and by extension how uneasy he made the demons. Ryo understood the circumstances, but was irritated by them still. Here the world and all his plans were going up in smoke and not a single being could answer a simple question. As much as he hated to resort to it, he was ready to open his mouth once last time and lay into his subordinates, but then something stopped him.

"Master?" the voice was familiar and sounded sincere.

The angel's head turned to see the frame of Jenny entering the room and standing near to his brother. She looked both relieved and completely devastated.

"Jenny? You're back?" he was still wrapped up in his initial shock.

"Master, you now recall all that has taken place and thus the reasonings for my actions, correct?"

Ryo wasn't exactly sure the correct response he wanted to shoot for, but his head nodded anyway.

"I'm very much glad, now we can begin the war for our existence. It appears King Zennon may have begun without you regardless. I do apologize for their rash actions against your wishes," Jenny informed calmly.

"Where's Zennon?" Ryo asked straightforwardly.

"Allow me to detect him, sir," Jenny began, but was halted in her efforts as a thundering shudder rocked the building. Everyone there knew instantly what it was and thus dared not move a muscle. Ryo's expression harshened once more, as he anticipated the demon king's arrival. The rumble of his footsteps only became that much more intense until it stopped altogether. The lord of demons didn't have any time to waste, and was preparing to storm out of there and confront him, but that task would prove to be unnecessary.

With a splintering and metallic screech, the entire roof of the hideout came flying off; glancing back down at them all was the heinous grinning face of Zennon.

As if on instinct, Ryo's outward appearance changed as he took on his full angelic form and flew up to meet the king face to face.

"Zennon! What is the meaning of all this!? These actions will only expose demonkind, not only to the humans, but to God as well!"

The king's smugness curled up his lip as he looked to the angel with an unimpressed gaze.

"What is it any concern to you? We will wipe out these humans first and get them out of the way, then our war with God will commence without any outer interference," Zennon's voice boomed.

Ryo's eyes widened with a mix of fear, disgust, and rage.

"What is it any concern to me!? You fool, you will doom us all; God has already been made aware of our actions here!" he fired back.

Steadily, Zennon's gaze tapered and crept down to view the second angel.

"Yes, I'd say he has, and it appears to me you're not working far from him," the king's voice was slimy.

Hearing that, the wings atop Ryo's head rose as did his brow. Suddenly he could feel a shift, he could hear the demons murmur amongst themselves. Ryo could practically feel their distrust fall on him, and the weight of it was immense.

"That it not what it seems, he is here to assist us. Now obey me and call off this attack!" Ryo commanded.

Zennon started to step away with a nonchalant gate, as he looked out over the mass mania, he had orchestrated just on that one horizon alone.

"Oh, do not worry, this attack will not last much longer. It was only meant to stir the pot. After all, we all know how the real destruction occurs anyway. It shouldn't be long now before the humans turn on each other and become the cause of their own demise," he spoke calmly. He looked out on the smoky sky and the distant cry of screams with a high and proud chin.

Ryo could see the rampage that Zennon brought; he'd seen it many times before and never had it ever affected him the way it was now. Something about seeing it reminded him of Akira, reminded him of that day and that moment. He could feel a sudden rush of emotion well up in his throat, and with every ounce of strength he possessed he swallowed it down. He grit his teeth as he tried to look away.

"Zennon! You will call all your remaining devils back! This is destructive and it will not aid in the fight with God, this will only cause him to lash out at us quicker!" Ryo yelled again.

The king's body eased itself and slowly faced around to level with the angel, "And what exactly makes you think I'll listen to you?"

The lord of demons felt as though he had been stunned stiff. His eyes filled with horror as his eyebrows began to crease.

"What are you saying? You appointed me your lord and savior, I know more about God and his tactics than any of you! If you still want my assistance you will listen to me, understand!"

The emotion Ryo had been attempting to hold back began to come through in his voice, a normally cool and deadpan tone that had noticeably become fiery and motivated.

As strange as it was, the towering demon's face somehow seemed pleased by the angel's vehement reaction.

"Well, it just stands to reason. For the countless centuries and endless time loops, you have never once delivered on that promise of yours. Never has your assistance aided the demon race. In truth, I don't believe you actually care about demons at all, but you do seem to care an awful lot about that one human…"

Ryo felt as though his chest was being squeezed harder and harder by every passing second and every word that left the king's mouth. Zennon also noticed this, and it only encouraged him further.

"You know, that one you dismantled our greatest demonic hero for. The one you always catch feelings for and sends us down the path to ruin every time. Actually come to think of it, you have become rather sporadic lately, even more so than times previous. These feelings you keep succumbing too, why I'd say it's only gotten worse," Zennon spoke with a hiss.

Listening to the king and his slander was already torturous as it was, but now there was yet another disturbance. It felt like the scornful eyes of the demons, the demons that had for ages adored him, were boring through his very spirit. They looked on with hate and doubt, only adding on to the angel's distress.

"Zennon, none of that is what is urgent right now. The salvation of the demons is important to me, but-"

"But?" he interrupted stepping closer. "But if you had to choose between us or that human, we all already know how that would go. Hell, you've already gone back to your old roots before us…"

Ryo didn't need to follow the king's gesture to know who he was talking about. Below Gabriel recoiled and took a defensive stance. He didn't like where any of this was going, but he knew if he made one wrong move that would be it for them both.

"Zennon, everyone's risk is at stake. Humans, demons, angels, you have to listen to me! You have to stop this now, killing all the humans only makes it worse!"

The king stared down at the angel, with both a contemptuous and yet gleeful smirk.

"You are no lord of mine, nor any demon."