The echoes of mortal horror rang out far and wide enough to be heard rising up the great mountains of Japan. Sitting at a lofty cliff upon one of these many magnificent mounds was the figure of a terrifying, yet breathtaking demoness. She looked out over the carnage with a stiff face and the wings atop her head tucked in close to her.

Sirene had nestled herself on this stoop for some time and had hardly budged. She wasn't the least bit surprised by the outcome below her. She had never had the opportunity to view it for herself, but she always knew it would happen. The humans scare themselves so badly that they induce violence against each other. It was all so predictable, but the matter of the humans was not what the harpy had set her attention on.

For those several hours and days, her mind had been nearly exclusively set on one subject. Her past of bliss now turned bitter danced in her mind and yet cursed her all in the same instance. She just couldn't forget him; she couldn't expel him from her mind as hard as she tried. She felt so angered, and yet so helpless. So vengeful, and more so broken.

She could hear the sound of heavy footsteps, trying so desperately to be gentle hauling up the mountain. It was the first thing that really took her out of her musing, and she could already guess who they belonged to. She didn't turn to face him, she already knew he was there, and she was sure what he would say. Normally she would dismiss Kaim's efforts to soothe her, as it never granted her anything she desired. Oddly, however, this time she couldn't even bring herself to turn him away, for whatever reason she liked that he was there.

"Sirene?" he spoke up gently.

She sighed out her stress, but didn't say anything further.

Kaim's head dipped, but he came too far just to turn away. He worked himself up and eventually walked up right behind her.

"Sirene, I know you're upset, and I know there's nothing I can do, but I suppose I just hope that maybe I can be here for you. If you'll have me…"

He tried to reach his gaze around to touch her own. Miraculously her wide and aching eyes fell to him in return. Her face was scrunched and unpleasant looking, but it was one of the first and only times Kaim felt as though he was truly reaching her. She paused like that for some time, keeping up her rigidness as if it were some sort of defense mechanism. Though it couldn't last, her vulnerability had gotten the better of her. As much as she tried to appear tough, it was often a facade and now more than ever she couldn't bring herself to maintain it. She exhaled again and turned away from him, if she couldn't stay face then she wouldn't let him see her at all.

"You can stay, Kaim…" she practically forced herself to say. She wanted to undermine it more than anything but in the pit of her heart, she wanted nothing more than his presence. The dinazo lifted his head, shocked by her request but no less grateful. With great caution and sympathy, he now stood at her side. She still wouldn't seek out his sights, but her body gave in from beneath her as she took a seat on a nearby rock. All she could do was take slow and heavy breaths as if to mend her broken heart.

Kaim watched her and was about to open his mouth. He wanted to say something sweet and subdued, anything to alleviate her heartache just a tad. However, right as he was going to speak, she beat him to it.

"Kaim, you know you didn't have to follow me here…"

The green demon didn't expect her to say anything, and he certainly didn't want her to be saying things like that anymore. He wanted to correct her and tell her how much he wanted and chose to be there, and yet she started again anyway.

"…But you did."

Anything that Kaim had planned to say to her completely vanished from his consciousness. He was completely silent as he stared at her tenderly.

Her head lightly shook, and her eyes battled against unfallen tears, "After all this time, you always followed me, you were always there," she choked on her words momentarily. "And he wasn't," it was like she was trying to force her speech out through broken glass in her throat. The lengths she went to just to conceal her hurt was heartbreaking. Kaim had always had a strong attraction to her but never before had he felt such fierce affection for her. It was a surreal feeling for a demon, but in that instance, he wanted nothing more than to hold her close and protect her with every fiber of his being. The next action he did was one, neither could have ever possibly foreseen.

He stepped close to her and wrapped one of his huge trunk-like legs around, allowing her to nestle in close to him. Sirene instinctively wanted to pull back, she hated feeling so feeble, and yet at the same time, she never realized how much she craved this. It was like a baby taking their first steps, trying to understand it and stand firm, it was all new to her. Steadily she became closer and closer to him until all at once she surrendered falling into the crook of his neck.

"It'll be alright Sirene, I'll always be here for you, to protect you or comfort you," he reassured. There was nothing more she wanted to say. It felt like there were two dogs fighting inside her. The pride she always put forth and how she wanted to be seen as strong, versus something within her that longed for tenderness and vulnerability. She hated this desire of hers but after so long of silencing such a want it seemed now it had fully consumed her for the time being. Regardless they stayed together like that, sharing an experience most demons would reject upon consideration. Even they didn't know how to feel about it or what they were feeling at all, all they knew was that this is what they needed.

Several moments had passed. Kaim and Sirene had been ignoring it for some time but the terror attack by the rest of their kind was still very much present in their ears. It finally came to a point where the dinazo couldn't keep his mouth shut any longer.

"We should probably get back. I'm sure the King has noticed our absence, they probably need us," he spoke calmly. Sirene hadn't reacted. Kaim sighed he knew what she was going through was difficult, but he also knew how important their duties were. He started to slightly move away from her and was about to start again.

"Sirene-"

"Let them be," she cut in.

The green demon was surprised, so much so he didn't say anything more, allowing her to elaborate.

"If they want to keep this racket going, then let them. It's never done anybody any good and I've wasted enough time and energy on their fruitless endeavors!"

Kaim's head bobbed up in both intrigue and astonishment. Sirene may have never been one for alliances, but she always took great fulfillment in her position as a warrior amongst the council. It was such an odd thing to hear her speak so flippantly about the demon's military.

"Sirene, what are you saying? You and I both know how hard you've worked to be such a high-ranking member of the demon council. You know they need us," he counterargued. His voice was not at all harsh, exasperated by the prospect, but there was no malice.

"None of it matters Kaim. I'm tired of wasting my life trying to live up to others' expectations and gaining nothing from it. Especially when those others prove time and time again, they have no idea what they're doing. There is nothing for me there," she concluded.

Her explanation was enough, more than enough even for her companion. His face eased into one of understanding. Admittedly he had somewhat felt similarly but never had the reason nor motivation to turn away from the council.

"So what will you do now?" he asked.

Sirene took a breath as she glanced out over the distant horizon. It was as if she would find her answer somewhere out there, but nothing came up.

"I don't know, all I know is I need this planet to survive. If I want to do whatever I please, I need a place to do it."

Kaim tilted his head, "What are you saying? Are we still going to help in the fight against God?"

The stern features of Sirene's face were still very much present as she once again viewed Kaim.

"Why of course, but on our own terms. For now, we'll wait and see how all this plays out," punctuating her statement the harpies wings spread open. "Come along Kaim, we've wasted enough time."

She flew a ways above him as he watched on the ground. He admired her beauty and her determination as she moved further away. Not wanting to lose her, he broke through his own trance and began trotting along below her.

Outside, sirens continued to blare, and the hysterical shrieks of confused and frightened people persisted. Akira could feel a shift in energy, as could Miki. The attack was, at last, dying down but the damage had been done. Now more than ever the devilman knew time was of the essence.

His eyes were sternly glued to the girl's balcony door as he sat with her at her bedside. Both her and Tako were slowly but surely recovering from the extensive amount of energy they were forced to exert. At the very least their efforts were not in vain as everyone in the household was still safe, which is more than any of them could ask for.

"Akira?" he heard the soft voice call out to him. All the harshness of his face instantly melted away as he turned to face her. She was weary, but the sweetness of her stare peeking out from the comfort of her blankets was enough to soothe even the savage beast that lived within himself.

He lightly smiled and tilted his head, "Yeah?"

"Are you alright?"

Akira breathed out a slight laugh. Here she was asking about his well-being, while her's far outweighed any concern he may have had for his own.

"Yeah, yeah I'm alright Miki. It's you I'm worried for," he said as he leaned down closer to her. Gently he swept the bangs out of her eyes, making her features light up all the more.

"Aww, I'll be okay, it's the least I can do," she said. It seemed she had more she wanted to add to that, but her thoughts had whisked her away. Akira noticed but wasn't fully sure what exactly it was troubling her.

"Nah Miki, you've done an amazing job. I couldn't be more thankful. You've helped me so much keeping everyone safe," he said calmly.

Her sights dipped down. There was pleasantness to her face, but Akira could see something was still bothering her just beneath the surface.

"I know, but it's still not enough," she stated. "We need to resurrect the rest of the devilman, we're still very outnumbered without them."

Akira wasn't sure whether to be glad for her eagerness or concerned. He saw her starting to rise from the bed weakly. He gently redirected her, taking hold of her, and nestling her into the crook of his arm.

"I know, but you're in no state right now to do it. You need to regain your strength and then we'll bring everybody back, I promise," he cupped her cheek.

The disappointment she had couldn't last feeling the warmth of his touch. He had a way of cheering her up even in dark times like these. She felt her body impulsive move closer to his. She rested her head against his chest where she could hear his heart beating. Admittedly he was a bit nervous, being so close to her in this way. He could feel the lustful thoughts nipping at the back of his brain, but with all his willpower he defused them, at least for the time being.

As much as he enjoyed feeling her be so trusting and so comfortable around him, he couldn't help but be incredibly anxious. His muscles were tense all over, and the way he draped his arm across her figure held the cation of a saint.

She was so small and fragile compared to him; he'd be afraid the slightest movement he'd make might snap her in half. Therefore he hardly budged and allowed her to settle against him.

Never in his wildest hopes and dreams did he ever think he could ever get this girl, this one sweet, beautiful girl to ever be this close to him. Somehow, he had managed, and he had no idea what to do. His joy and frets were off the charts, and he knew his blood was racing from it.

Suddenly, his body had ceased all motor functions the second he heard her speak up again.

"Akira?"

He gulped in an attempt to restart and ease his body, "Yes, Miki?"

"Are you alright? You seem uncomfortable. Would you like me to move?" as she said so he felt the impression of her form leaving him. Disappointment encased his spirit as he longed for her to stay.

"No, no it's not you, you're fine, helpful actually," he quickly corrected.

She sighed with relief as she flashed him a smile once more, "Oh, that's good to hear. If anything else is bothering you, you can talk to me about it. You know I'll always listen to you."

Akira had a grateful longing look, but it was harder to speak his mind than he'd thought. With much self-deliberation, he opened his mouth.

"Well, it's just everything really. The demons and Satan are completely unpredictable, I have no idea when they'll strike again or how. And if they strike too soon, I'm worried I won't be enough to protect you all."

A gloom had cast over his face. His stare could have burned a hole in her floor as his mind calculated all the possibilities. Miki's head tipped to him sympathetically. She hated seeing how much he put on himself, she wanted to alleviate him in any way she could. Her mind began to wander as well, and suddenly a thought she hadn't considered before came to her.

"Hey, you know Akira, you did seem to know what was going on with this most recent attack. How did you know that?"

Her question was enough to break his concentration. His back straightened up ever so slightly as he entertained the idea.

"Well, I…" he worked to think back deeper on his insight. Strangely he couldn't exactly say how he knew what the demons were doing, or why. It was as if something about him just knew but there was no source. "...I don't really know. Something about me just knew, maybe they are more predictable than I give them credit for," he tried to laugh it off.

Miki held up a small smile, going along with his amusement, but she had not yet let the question go. From behind those emerald orbs a question brewed, and one she wasn't comfortable with, and she knew Akira would be even less so.

"Akira? Do you maybe think it could have been Amon?"

The devilman drew back at the query, seeming almost offended. He didn't allow it to twist him up too bad as he didn't want to upset her.

"Amon? What makes you think it was him? He's not- he doesn't have any power over me, I-I'm the one in control," the young male stammered repugnantly. It was clear he didn't have much confidence in his own statement. He wanted to dispute such a possibility, he had to prove that idea wrong. "And even if I wasn't, what would he gain from ratting out his own kind? It doesn't make sense."

Miki nodded her head. She knew what he was saying, but something about her just still pondered, and it was clear on her face.

"I know, it's just that…" she hesitated.

He leaned in towards her awaiting her reply.

"It's just what?" he asked with almost a bit of concern.

She loosened the tightness of the moment with a tiny giggle, "I don't know, it seems crazy."

Akira's head tilted, "What do you mean?"

She took her time but eventually locked stares with him again, "Maybe Amon isn't what you always thought he was. Maybe he can help us."

"What?" Akira pulled back and seemed repulsed by the suggestion. "What makes you think that?"

"Well, what else could have told you the reason behind the demon's attack? You yourself admitted you don't actually know what made you think that."

"I could be wrong, that was never proven. It was simply a strong hunch. I don't know how the demon army thinks or plans things out, and I doubt the greatest warrior they ever had would want to turn on them either. Besides, that would you actually be suggesting to risk my life again and possibly the lives of everyone else just so you can ask him?" the hybrid huffed.

Miki felt an uncomfortable heat rise from her chest and scald her cheeks. She couldn't put into words how bad she felt. He was right, it was a risk that they simply could not afford.

The young male could immediately sense her change in emotion and felt compelled to comfort her. He knew she'd never mean any real harm. He gave her a compassionate hug as he sighed. He was about to speak again and apologize for his bluntness, but he was suddenly cut short.

"Well maybe she doesn't have to talk to him, but you could," the small voice beckoned from the foot of the bed. Both teens perked as they followed the sound. They found Tako was weakly lifting his head and looking over at them.

"What do you mean?" the devilman questioned.

The cat slowly arose from his cozy balled-up position to sit and face the two directly. He still had a tiredness present in him, but that too was getting better with time.

"If you'll allow her to do so, she can induce you into a trance where you can speak to him yourself from within. It's not too strenuous as long as you don't put up a fight, and it's a lot less of a risk than bringing Amon to the outside, if you're worried about that."

Akira held onto his frown, but it could be seen the consideration he was putting towards the idea. Miki placed a supportive hand on his back as she sat up to be part of the conversation. The young male appreciated it as he lifted a small smile directed at her. However, it couldn't stay as his compilation got the better of him.

He turned to see the cat again and started, "Even if we do that though, who's to say it's a good idea? He may not want to help me."

Tako's head slanted to the side, "Really, you think so? I'd say he's been very helpful to you so far."

Akira's expression twisted up in confusion. Just as he became lost, Miki seemed to become more enlightened.

"You know, he kinda has a point. Amon could have hurt me when I had him take over, but he didn't. He could have even returned to Sirene and went back to fight with the demons, but he didn't." The girl's eyes skimmed over her comforter as she recollected. "As a matter of fact, what he said… what he said to Sirene actually sounded like he did care about saving the Earth."

"Yeah, but for who?" he disvalued.

The athlete shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know, he made it sound like he wanted both humans and demons to prosper. Kinda like how you are now, like devilmen."

The young devilman took a breath and tried to turn his line of vision away from the others. He truly wasn't sure what to think of an idea like this one. All his time living with this demon from within him, drawing on its power, could it be possible perhaps it wasn't what he always imagined. He knew he had the desires of a demon, wants that were abhorrent and destructive, never had he thought any good would come from that. These innate feelings, the nature of a demon, but maybe the demon itself could have its own conscious. He wasn't for sure, nothing about this was a guarantee.

Akira's memories began to pool into his musings. That one instance, those horrible reflections he was forced to view in Jinmin's fog. One stuck out from the others, one that never exactly felt like his own, and yet it was a part of him. He could remember the pleas that came from his own mouth and another's heart. Request's Akira himself couldn't help but feel strongly over. None of it added up, and yet it was then the devilman commander at last, slightly, gave in to the suggestion.

Taking another long breath in and out, Akira turned back to face the discussion.

"Alright, we'll make an attempt, but if anything goes wrong you pull me out immediately, okay?" he eyed them both.

"Absolutely," they affirmed dipping their heads.

Akira inhaled again as he prepared himself for what was to come. In doing so, he caught sight of Miki once more and ever so tenderly he graced her cheek and ran his fingers through her hair. She blushed and looked to him reassuringly.

"I'll be right here with you the whole time, Akira."

"I know, I just hope it all works out," he curled in closer to her.

Their stares got lost within the others. There was nothing but beauty and admiration filling that small margin between them.

"I'm so thankful for you Miki, you have no idea. I'm sorry if I sounded testy with you."

Her face became rosy, more so than it had been previously that night. Even in the darkness, her joy beamed through like a beacon.

"No, no you're fine. You have every right to be worried. But I promise I won't lose you, okay? Just like you promised to come back for me, right?" the sugary sound of her voice was like heaven to hear. It was then he actually realized she was the closest thing to true divinity he would ever encounter. He may have met an angel, but in his eyes, she embodied everything it was meant to represent.

Akira could no longer resist the constant and nagging urge to meet his lips to hers. He just couldn't turn it away and without a second thought, he bridged the tiny gap between them. His hand brushed through her hair as he tenderly kissed her.

Miki sunk into his act of passion, and participated in sharing the affection. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he tucked her in even closer to him. It wasn't an aggressive gesture, but it certainly was raw and earnest, as the two showered one another in their feelings for one another.

Tako glanced down and allotted them their well-deserved moment, but simultaneously could not ignore the importance of their diminishing time. He gave them a minute or two further before he felt it was appropriate to regain the two's attention, and before they might grow anymore handsy.

He cleared his throat and started, "Um, I don't mean to interpret, but unfortunately we don't have a lot of time."

It was like the two's world of warmth and elation had to crash back down to the cold solid ground. They parted in a bit of a shock that soon turned into a mutual bashfulness. They giggled out their nerves as the cat smiled at them.

"Of course, sorry about that," Miki said as she toyed with her hair.

Yeah…" Akira added with a hint of disappointment, but he knew it was for the best.

"It's alright," the familiar heartened before perking up once again. "So are we ready?"

A minuscule hesitation lulled the conversation. The devilman and the witch traded a quick look, and once they had done so, courage resurfaced on their features.

They mirrored a nod, affirming their positions with one another as well as Tako.

"Perfect, let's get started then."