After a long gap I've decided to start updating this story on a more regular basis. Without further ado, here is the next chapter, taking place not long after the end of the previous chapter.

XXXX

Azure groaned as he slowly came to, the first thing he noted was the soft sound of a heartbeat monitor. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw a clean white roof. His mind was a bit hazy, wondering where he was and how he got here. Slowly gathering his thoughts, his mind started to focus, and as it did, his memories started to become clearer until he remembered, eyes suddenly snapping open, sitting up in a rush...or at least he would have if he could, as not only was he rewarded with a sharp pain through his body, he felt something stopping him from fully moving. Now fully awake, he looked down and saw that his arms had been shackled to the handles of the medical bed he was on. Eyes wide, he tried to struggle free, but all that got him were jolts of pain running through his body while the shackles held. After a moment he stopped, forcing himself to calm down as he took in his surroundings properly for the first time.

He was in a hospital room of some kind, evident by the machines that were keeping an eye on his vitals, not to mention the IV that was hooked up to him. Had it not been for the fact he'd been shackled to his bed, and the fact there weren't any windows to the outside, he'd have thought he was in a regular hospital. Even so his mind was quickly racing, recalling everything that happened. That monster that was in the school...and Jun. He gasped at that part, the last thing he clearly remembered was her scream of rage...but after that it was a blank. What had happened to her? Was she okay? Heck, for that matter, how was he here and what happened to that monster?

Those questions made him start to try and get himself free again. He needed to find out what had happened! However, as with before his struggles were basically meaningless as he couldn't break free. Even so he didn't give up...until he noticed the sound of a door opening. The moment he did, he stopped and looked to the source and saw what appeared to be a doctor and a pair of nurses walking into his room.

"Ah yes, so you are awake," the Doctor said with a nod...though Azure wasn't feeling too happy either way.

"I swear to god if this is some sick kidnapping and experimenting deal…" Azure growled.

"Of course not, this is an actual hospital. You're cuffed so you don't overreact in case of a violent wake up, especially considering how you ended up in your state." the doctor told him simply.

Azure stopped a bit at that, but still looked at him suspiciously. "Alright, where exactly then?" he frowned. "Because the last thing I remember was being clawed by a god damned MONSTER and the next thing I know I wake up in a hospital shackled to the bed!" he snarled.

"Well now, you've certainly healed up faster than expected," the Doctor mused. "Perhaps further testing to confirm if he has the Factor or not may be necessary," he said to one of the nurses.

"Factor? You just said a moment ago that this is supposed to be a hospital!" Azure snarled, struggling again.

"Oh this is a hospital, just not one for public use," the Doctor said. "Now stop that before you scrape through your skin," he sighed while one of the nurses went over with a key.

"I trust that you won't do anything stupid after I let you go?" she asked.

Azure paused for a moment...before sighing and nodding. The Nurse seemed...half convinced...before undoing the shackles. Azure rubbed his wrists, glad to have those off, but did as he promised. He was in a strange hospital with far too many questions on his mind. Running wouldn't get him his answers, and might end with him getting pumped full of lead.

"Good, now then, I imagine you have a lot of questions and as it so happens, at a special request, it's been authorized for you to have those questions answered," the Doctor said. "But first, I imagine you'd rather not be walking around in just a hospital gown," he said, as the other nurse brought out a fresh set of clothes, consisting of a simple shirt, pants, and some underwear, before putting it at the bedside.

"We'll be outside when you're done," the Nurse that had unshackled him said, before going over to his IV and holding him still for a bit, removed it, Azure wincing a little at the feeling. Once that was done, all three left the room, leaving Azure alone.

Azure...really didn't know what to think. This whole thing just screamed government conspiracy, but the fact that they for some reason were willing to answer his questions...that really made him unsure what to think. However, the fact remained that even if he wasn't sure, how much of a choice he actually had here was...highly questionable from what he'd seen. So his only real option was to follow along. Getting out of bed he could properly see that he had been dressed in a hospital gown, with bandages visible underneath, no doubt to stop the bleeding. He had no idea how long he'd been here, so he wasn't going to risk taking them off. Quickly changing into the clothes he'd been given, he soon walked out of the room to find the Doctor waiting, but instead of the nurses, he had a pair of well...the stereotypical bodyguards, seeing as they were both big men with black suits and sunglasses.

Had this been any other situation, he might have cracked a joke, but as things were, he decided it was safer not to. "Alright, where to now?" Azure asked, to which he was led down the hallway. "So...mind if I ask where I am?"

"Seeing as you haven't had your memory modified to work with the cover story, I suppose it should be alright. You are currently within a medical facility belonging to the Human Alliance, or HA if you like acronyms," the Doctor said.

"The HA?" Azure quirked an eyebrow.

"That is something that would require you seeing some things to believe. Suffice to say at her own request, Lady will be explaining the full story to you," the Doctor said.

That just added more questions. Especially how apparently someone called 'Lady' would be filling him in...apparently at her own request. He would have asked more, but they soon arrived at a room...that looked like an interrogation room of all things as he was ushered in.

"Lady will be arriving shortly. Remain seated until then," one of the 'bodyguards' said as Azure was seated on one of the chairs before they left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

"Well...this should be quite an experience…" he frowned as he waited for whoever would be explaining things to him.

XXXX

While Azure was waiting, Jun was walking through the hallways, Asuka by her side. "Are you certain you want to go through with this?" Asuka asked.

Jun was silent for a moment, her mind racing as she went through the events that had transpired. After the incident, it had been a week or so since then. The official story that the HA had used was that a wild animal had broken into the school, and caused the mass damage. In the story, Azure was injured protecting her, and thus was rushed to the hospital while authorities alerted by an anonymous source arrived and saved them in time, before shooting the animal dead. Asuka had offered to modify Azure's memory to ensure that he'd remember only the cover story, and wouldn't be aware of Devil Beasts and possibly Devilmen.

Jun was almost tempted to take that offer...but stopped herself. Azure had been injured protecting her. To just make him believe a lie like that would be disrespecting him in more ways than one. She owed it to him to at least give him the truth. Naturally Asuka wasn't too pleased about that due to how that could endanger the secrecy of the HA, but after a few arguments...and taking advantage of her parents' influence in the HA, Jun eventually got the okay for what she was going to do.

However, despite that small 'victory', it did little to erase the facts that had been rather painfully shoved in her face. Not only was her old life gone, the person she cared for had been badly injured by a Beast...and knowing that there would be more...and that she had chosen to use her power to protect humanity...it means that she would have to fight those things time and time again. Every fight would be a new danger...and seeing him taken away by paramedics...she couldn't bear to think about it happening again because he was caught in the crossfire.

That was why with a heavy heart, she'd come to a decision on what she would do once he woke up. A decision that was solidified as she went on another 'hunt' as Asuka termed it a couple of days ago, dealing with an avian Devil Beast that was revealed to be the mother of famed singer Nami Kayama. That hunt was complicated when it turned out Nami herself awakened to her own Beast Factor, and in the ensuing battle, Asuka was forced to kill the mother who had been weakened with the BB Enzyme bullets, yet was hell bent on killing her. As for Nami, fortunately Jun had been able to subdue her and she was taken into the HA's custody where she was being administered the BB Enzyme on a regular basis, while also being given an explanation, and some counseling as further research into her past revealed her...troubled...family life. Last she heard the HA hoped that Nami could become another Devilman in their ranks, but if that failed, at least she could hopefully be allowed to return to a normal life more or less.

However, that was neither here nor there, as they were already approaching the room that Azure had been told to wait in. "Yes, I'm sure. No...I HAVE to do this," Jun said, to which Asuka looked at her for a moment, before nodding slowly in acceptance.

"Alright, if you're certain," Asuka said as she backed away, allowing Jun to reach the door to the interrogation room and open it.

Inside, Azure perked up when he saw the door open, now fully alert, very much interested in seeing who this so-called 'Lady' was and why she wanted to talk to him. However, of all the things he was expecting...his girlfriend walking into the room was NOT one of them.

The moment they made eye contact, Jun shot him a melancholic smile. "Hello Azure, it's good to see you on your feet again…"

"Jun… you're this… Lady they're talking about?" he asked, concern on his face.

Jun...actually sweat dropped at that one. "Apparently I am," she sighed, taking a seat. "But in case you're wondering, no, I didn't pick that Codename. I was unceremoniously given it after the incident at the school," she sighed.

"The school…" Azure frowned. "Jun...what's going on?" he asked her after a moment.

Jun sighed, before nodding. "Well you know what happened at the time, but you don't know the full story. What we encountered is what the HA call a Devil Beast. They're...the nicest term the HA likes to apply to them is that they're humans who went through an 'incorrect' Evolution. That monster that we encountered was actually Okawa."

Azure's eyes widened at that. "Okay, I know I said I didn't trust Okawa, but I sure didn't peg him for a monster that enjoyed playing around like that," he frowned, remembering how...deliberate...so many things that monster did felt. "And you're saying that...Devil Beast...was him?" he asked, to which Jun nodded. "But then...how did either of us survive?" he asked...and at that Jun's expression fell and he had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer.

True enough… "Because…" Jun seemed to have a hard time saying it. "Because I killed him…" she finally said.

Azure felt like his world went to a screeching halt, his mind trying to process what she'd said. "You...killed...him?" he asked, as if unable to understand the words.

Jun grit her teeth and clenched her fist. "Yes...I killed him. The moment I saw what he did to you I was just so angry I couldn't hold myself back!" she said. "Just like last time...just like I killed the Beasts that attacked the Tennis Club!" she said, holding her head in her hands, an almost tired look on her face.

"The Tennis Club?!" Azure gasped before his mind clicked. "That fire...don't tell me…"

"It was all a cover story to hide the Beasts so the public wouldn't be aware of it," Jun confirmed.

Azure's mind was racing now. The Tennis Club members that survived, and now him...both times it was these monsters responsible...and both times apparently Jun was responsible for their survival. Several thoughts crossed his mind, but it came down to one question. "Jun...how…?" he asked, as he felt like he was forgetting something important.

Jun's expression was very much pained, but she knew she had to do this. He deserved to know. With that in mind, she looked him straight in the eye before speaking. "Because I've...evolved...too," she said, and before he could say anything to that, she began to explain everything. Her parents' research, the Beast Factor, and the result of the Beast Factors awakening in people, namely Devil Beasts...and Devilmen. By the time she was done, she looked almost emotionally drained from telling him everything, while Azure looked like his entire world had been pulled out from under him.

"This...this is…" Azure was completely at a loss for words. "Sorry...I just...I can't…"

"I understand...even after experiencing it first hand, it feels like a nightmare, doesn't it?" Jun looked away with a melancholic smile.

"That's one way to put it…" Azure sighed, massaging the side of his head. "It just feels so unreal. But I can't exactly deny what you just said," he said, inwardly thinking about the bandages he had on...and the scars he'd probably have once they came off.

An awkward silence descended on them, before Azure finally broke it. "So...what happens now?"

"Now...now you go home," Jun said. "As long as you keep this a secret, the HA will leave you alone. My parents being major contributors to the HA's cause, as well as my status as currently their only Devilman gives me enough pull to ask for that much at least," she said with a humorless chuckle.

Azure blinked at that "It's that easy? Sure, I can keep all this a secret easily, especially if you're a part of this."

Jun smiled a bit at that. "Thank you, Azure."

Despite the situation, Azure smiled back. "I kinda owe you for saving my life, and even before that, I'd have done this anyway...that and I doubt anyone would believe me if I actually did try to reveal this," he sweat dropped at the last bit.

Jun snorted a little, but then her expression fell and now he was worried again. "Thank you for everything, Azure," she said with a sad smile. "I really did enjoy our time together."

Azure's eyes widened at that one. "Jun...what are you…?" he started, a sinking feeling starting to build up.

"What happened at the school made me realize that...I really am not a normal human anymore. And...I've chosen to use the powers my parents gave me to help others, be it protecting humans from Devil Beasts who have completely turned...or subduing Devil Beasts who can still be saved," Jun sighed. "That's why...it's not safe for you to be with me anymore."

"What… Jun, what are you talking about?! I can't just-" he tried to say, but Jun cut him off.

"Please Azure...for your sake…" Jun said...and he could hear her voice cracking as she forced herself to speak. "Please...just forget about me. It...it's better if you find someone else who can make you...happy...someone who isn't likely to get you killed…" Jun finally managed to say...and the moment she did, the dam broke and he could see the tears starting to fall from her eyes, before she got up and left the room.

Azure was...far too stunned to say anything, his mind in such emotional turmoil that he could barely react as the bodyguards came in and soon escorted him out where a car was waiting to take him home. He didn't put up any resistance as he was ushered into the car. However, as the car was leaving the area, by chance he looked back at the building he'd been taken out of...and saw Jun in one of the windows, looking out of the window and somehow he could tell she had a forlorn look on her face. As the building soon went out of sight, Azure couldn't stop thinking about Jun, and the sad, lonely eyes she had as she told him to forget about her…

XXXX

Jun watched the car leave, her heart heavy as she watched the man she'd fallen for leave, hopefully to find a better life than she could offer him. Inwardly she felt something roaring in her. Over the last week, she'd started to feel the effects of her change. Aside from the physical ones, she also felt some of the internal changes as well. She was VERY thankful that she could talk to her parents over secure channels that Asuka provided for her. As such, they could explain to her in more detail about the changes she was going through as a Devilman.

She had to admit, she was worried when her Father gave her the rather blunt admission that the lines between a Devil Beast and Devilman were...thinner than she'd like, namely the fact that one had lost key traits of what made humans different from animals, while the other retained them. In short, if a Devilman were to lose that 'humanity', then they'd be no different from a Devil Beast. Even so, the instincts of a Beast would emerge in her, something she'd have to learn to live with if not suppress. Either way, that conversation made her pretty sure what this was. It was her Beast instincts...and they were telling her to take back what she did...go after Azure and tell him she was wrong to say what she did...and probably do more than that if she let them fully have their way…

Groaning, she stepped away from the window, trying to sort through the emotional turmoil she was feeling. Even so she kept telling herself that it was better this way. At least this way Azure wouldn't be in the crossfire again…

Not far away, Asuka frowned as she watched Jun. She didn't need her powers to tell how much of a toll this was taking on Jun, but as it was there was nothing she could do. This was Jun's decision, and all she could do was hope that Jun could come to terms with it. However, right as she thought that, her phone started ringing, to which she picked it up. "Hello?" she started, before the voice on the other end said something quickly. "What? Are you certain?" she asked, eyes widening. "No, there isn't anything wrong," she sighed. "Understood."

"Talk about bad timing," Asuka groaned.

"Is it a Devil Beast?" Jun asked, having been close enough to hear and it wasn't hard to guess what the conversation was about.

Asuka sighed but nodded her head. "Yes. I'm sorry to have to spring this on you so suddenly, but it's time for another hunt, Lady."

Jun frowned, before taking one more look at the window, the car long gone by now, and nodded in understanding. Devilman Lady, that was who she was now aside from Jun Fudo. She'd made her choice, and as she told Azure, she would put her powers to good use.

XXXX

A few hours later saw the two women out in town. "Do I want to know why the Devil Beast is in the red light district?" Jun couldn't help but say as they were driving through said area.

"...probably not. Just be glad that for some reason it holed itself inside of the building it awakened, and we've been able to keep people away from it," Asuka sighed as they soon saw Police cordoning off the area. "The cover story this time is that there were some toxic materials found in the bar, and the area is being sealed off to avoid further contamination, as some have already been exposed," Asuka said. "Naturally that also means we can't go in through a front path."

"I imagine it WOULD be rather suspicious if two random women just walked into a cordoned area," Jun nodded as they parked the car and got off. Asuka looked around and saw someone in a suit with sunglasses in an alleyway, beckoning Jun to follow which she did.

A few twist and turns later and they found themselves emerging well within the cordoned area, next to a building that was advertising itself as a bar/club. "Is this the place?" Junn frowned.

"Yes, it's supposed to be," Asuka said, adopting a neutral expression as she focused, extending her senses inside. After a few moments, she sighed and shook her head. "I found the Beast. As the reports confirmed, it seems to be staying in a single area for some reason. Though other than that...I only felt the instincts of a Beast there. I don't believe there's any hope for this one."

"So this one is like Okawa then?" Jun frowned, earning a nod of confirmation. "...alright," she said after a moment, a reluctant expression on her face.

Asuka sighed at that. "I understand this is difficult for you, but we can't leave this Beast alone...well we could try burning the building down to see if it would work, but that might cause more problems," she said, with a thoughtful look at the last one.

Jun...quirked an eyebrow at that, not sure if she was joking or being serious. Either way she shook her head. "No, I'll do it. I've already made my choice. I can't back out of it now…" she said with sad resolution.

Asuka simply nodded in acceptance of her words and made a quick call to ensure the various HA resources were ready to act in the event things went south, she and Jun soon entered into the club. There was nothing of note on the first floor, but Asuka could tell that the Beast they were looking for was beneath them somewhere.

Seeing as they still had a little bit of time in a way before they found the Beast, Jun decided to strike up some conversation. "So, you can sense where Beasts are?" Jun asked.

"In a sense. I can sometimes tell when a Beast awakens if I'm close enough to the area, and I can 'home in' on where they are. It's...hit and miss I admit, but the HA takes what it can get, since it helps to lower casualties to a degree," Asuka explained.

"I can imagine how useful that would be to finding Devil Beasts," Jun mused.

"It is, though it's not the most useful in hunting them outside of finding where they are. In that sense you could say we compliment each other," Asuka chuckled a bit. "I can find them, but killing them is a bit beyond me without a great deal of effort. That's where you come in. For you, stopping them is far more feasible."

"Thanks I think," Jun grimaced a bit.

Asuka smirked a little at that as they descended the stairs, and immediately got serious. "It's close. Be on guard," she said, taking out her gun, Jun doing the same. Oh sure, if she transformed she probably wouldn't need it...but Jun would prefer if they could handle this without her needing to transform, however thin that hope was.

With both of them ready, they nodded at each other as Asuka opened the door. The first thing that hit them was the unmistakable smell of blood, but with the lights out it was hard to see. However, as the darkness hit them, Jun's eyes glowed a little and she felt the darkness seem to become a bit brighter. "Okay, so night vision is part of the package...good to know…" Jun muttered...right before she noticed some movement in the darkness, immediately holding out her arm in front of Asuka, stopping her briefly.

"Do you see something?" Asuka frowned, very much on guard.

"Something's in here, but I can't clearly see what," Jun frowned, to which Asuka quickly looked around, and barely made out what appeared to be a flask, and seeing where they were, it wasn't hard to guess what was inside. Thinking quickly, she grabbed the flask. "Got any tissues or a handkerchief you won't miss?"

Jun blinked at that, before pulling out an old handkerchief she had on her. It wasn't anything special and if she was being honest, she probably would have to get a replacement soon anyway. She would have asked what Asuka had in mind, but the alcohol flask told her all she needed to know. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, wanting to make sure.

"Honestly? No," Asuka said. "But it's better than fighting almost blind. You might be able to see, but I'd rather not leave myself a sitting duck," Asuka said as she stuffed half of the handkerchief into the flask and, using a lighter, lit the other end. "There aren't anymore survivors, that much I can guarantee," she frowned before she threw the flask to the ground a good distance away from them, the flask breaking on impact and the fire spreading, creating a bonfire effect that lit up the room.

The moment the room was properly lit, Asuka and Jun both recoiled a bit at the massacre that had taken place here. The Devil Beast had (admittedly unsurprisingly) massacred everyone who'd been unfortunate enough to be in the same room, blood all over the floor and the severed parts of the victims strewn about. Jun felt sick at the sight, still very much unused to this level of brutality, while Asuka also looked disturbed.

"I think if there were any doubts before...they're gone now…" Asuka frowned, trying to keep her voice level, but Jun could tell this sight was affecting her too. Even so, she understood what Asuka meant. This...this was strong evidence that whatever humanity this Beast might have had...it was likely gone now. Speaking of the Beast, with the light suddenly filling the room, it seemed to have finally reacted to them as they noticed some movement in the room, the light revealing a large Devil Beast that stood at a good 7 to 8 feet, and while it retained its overall humanoid form, it had heavily mutated into a form that greatly resembled a giant stag beetle, complete with a thick carapace and a pair of wicked looking pincers.

The Devil Beast turned to them, and they could feel its compound eyes on them. The moment they realized they were in its sights, they aimed their guns and opened fire. The bullets however bounced off of the carapace, forcing the two to evade the charging Devil Beast. "Target confirmed! Beginning operation! Have backup on standby!" Asuka said urgently to a communicator she had on hand.

The Devil Beast quickly skidded to a halt, and turned to charge again, once again going for Asuka, but to their surprise, it was moving faster than expected this time. "Look out!" Jun shouted, pushing Asuka out of the way, but in the process left herself as the target, ending with her trapped between the pincers, the Beast lifting her into the air as her arms were caught in the pincers, causing her to cry out in pain.

"Jun!" Asuka gasped, before glaring at the Beast and opening fire, but the bullets still did nothing. "Transform, Jun! It's your only option!"

Jun didn't need to be told twice as she felt the pincers start to increase the pressure. Crying out a bit in pain, she felt her Beast roar in anger, as her instincts to fight rose up within her. Gritting her teeth, she glared at the Beast as her eyes glowed a feral yellow and her transformation began.

The Beast seemed to realize something was wrong and increased the pressure, but it was already too late as Jun started pushing back against the force, her body growing as her clothes ripped apart and before long, the Devil Beast felt a foot slammed right in its face, forcing it to let go as Devilman Lady freed herself. Snarling, Lady charged forward, grabbing the still reeling Beast, and with a roar, lifted it over her head before hurling it across the room, causing it smash into the bar, what remained of the liquor spilling onto the ground...and making the fires worse.

"This place isn't a stable place anymore! Take the fight somewhere more open!" Asuka shouted, before she teleported out of the room before the smoke had time to build up.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Lady growled, before she ducked under the Beast that tried to lunge for her again, and proceeded to do a powerful uppercut, sending it smashing into the roof...to which she proceeded to follow up with punch after punch, smashing the Beast repeatedly against the roof of the room, before after one strong one, they broke through to the first floor.

Not wasting time, she soon leaped out of the burning basement and into the main area of the bar. The Devil Beast was soon back on its feet, and she could swear that it was glaring at her. Not that she particularly cared. She didn't take kindly to those that tried to cut her in half either.

The Beast soon charged at her again, this time bringing its...arms? Insect legs? Honestly she wasn't sure what they were, but the point was it had them ready too and they looked sharp. Her eyes narrowing, Lady evaded the Beast, before getting behind it and grabbing hold of one of its arms. Quickly grabbing onto its back, she made use of the momentum to slam it into a wall, causing the wall to break as their fight was taken to the streets, the smoke from the fires below flowing out through the new opening.

"There they are!" Asuka said, as she and the members of the HA's task force.

"All forces on standby. Prepare armor piercing rounds!" the squad leader near her said, as their forces prepared accordingly based on what Asuka reported on the Beast's capabilities so far. Even so they held their fire as Lady was too close to the Beast. They'd rather not risk hitting her by accident and make the situation worse.

Besides, from the looks of it their help wasn't too needed right now, as the Beast charged forward, but Lady this time grabbed both pincers and pushed against them. At first it didn't seem like much, but slowly but surely Lady was forcing them apart again, and after a few moments, the Beast was the one trying to escape, but Lady didn't let it and with a roar, she tore the pincers off, causing the Beast to stumble back and fall to the ground.

Lady panted a bit, before looking at her handiwork. Even if she knew it was necessary...and the Beast in her enjoyed the thrill of the battle and the taste of victory, the part of her that was human didn't feel right basking in such feelings. Perhaps some day she might find a balance between the two, but right now...that was difficult.

"Lady, watch out! I'm still detecting mental activity from the Beast!" Asuka warned, having reached out with her powers.

The moment she heard that, Lady's eyes widened as she looked at the Beast which was bleeding profusely, just in time for the parts of the shell to shift, allowing the main head to emerge, now looking like some kind of centipede and before she could react, it had suddenly curled around her, its sharp legs stabbing into her, causing her to shout in pain. The Beast didn't intend to let her recover as it started constricting her at the same time, aiming to dig its legs deeper into her causing her to roar and growl in pain as she tried to break free, but the Beast held a firm grip. The more pain she started to feel, the more the Beast within her became agitated, and images of the Beast trying to crush her being torn apart came to the forefront of her mind. Roaring, she continued to struggle against the Beast, and despite its best efforts, she slowly but surely overpowered it, pushing free of its coils ignoring the legs digging into her before she grabbed hold of the body coiling around her and started pulling. The Beast shrieked in pain, before eventually something gave and it was torn in two, the legs digging into her pulling out as the Beast fell to the ground. This time however Lady wasn't intending to give it another chance to surprise her again, and looking straight at the head, smashed it with her foot, crushing it underheel.

"Beast elimination confirmed," Asuka said before the other HA members present called for the cleanup crew.

XXXX

A few hours later saw Jun back at home, back in human form and with a few bandages covering where the legs stabbed into her. Now that the adrenaline from the battle had run out, she was back to dealing with her main issue...her own feelings on her recent decision. Was she happy with basically telling Azure to break up with her? No she wasn't. But...remembering him covered in blood, his body covered in injuries with him just barely holding on… she couldn't bear to think that he might end up like that again if he stayed with her.

That was why...even though it tore her apart inside, even as she felt her Beast rage at her for what she was doing… she went over to a picture of her and Azure, a picture they'd taken from their first date...and pushed it so that the frame was facing downward on the table. This was the choice she'd made...and she would live with it no matter how much it tore at her…

XXXX

Even in a kinder world, it is not without pain and struggle. Even so, they will persevere. Ups and downs await everyone on the long journey ahead.