Falling Leaves 4 ??

  Akuji appears on a floating land mass, he throws Clyde on the ground. He raises an eyebrow, looking at the broken down castle in front of him, The dark grey stone forming moss, the color of it fading away.

  “Danya’s here? Not shocked she’s always in the strangest places.”

  He clears his throat “DANYA!” He shouts.

  He waits a minute in silence waiting for a response. Nothing.

  “Am I at the wrong spot?”

  He grabs the end of the chains dragging Clyde forward as he walks towards the entrance of the castle.

  The ponds next to the withered wood reflecting the clouds from the sky.

  As Akuji stands on the bridge it breaks apart, he drops Clyde in the water below “Oh damn…”

  Clyde’s head bursts out the water catching his breath “Damn it! Where am I now?!”

  “Oh stop being so dramatic will you? You don’t have any organs you can’t drown….” Akuji says floating yanking Clyde back into the air tossing him to the entrance.

  Clyde coughs spitting water out, “What do you mean I have no organs?!”

  Akuji touches the ground near him “You’re a ghost, why would you have organs as if you’re living? Use your head.”

  “No organs? Wait what do you mean I’m a ghost? Aren’t ghosts spirits in the living world?”

  Akuji sighs “Yes but also you’re a Ghost too, you’re a Ghost in the sense that you’re a Mortal Soul in the Spirit World, basically the same both unwanted!”

  “That’s insane… I still can’t believe this is real…”

  “Tch, well believe it-” before Akuji could finish a woman’s soft voice calls out to him.

  “Akujjiii” she sings “It’s been a while hasn’t it.” His eye bursts wide as he whirls around.

  “Sa-”

  “Sachi!” He calls out with his gaze set on a woman with voluptuous Snow White curls reaching his shoulders, her eyes are golden like two shining suns, her skin is an earthly ginger. She wears a white crop-top with a long dress with petals around her waist.

  She stands across the pond with her arms folded behind her back with a warm soft smile.

  Akuji steps back “How… how did you find me?”

  “Oh I was just in the area that’s it, I was actually coming to check out this castle, I do like abandoned things you know.”

  Akuji shakes his head “No I didn’t know that… you never told me about that.”

  Sachi giggles “Oops well now you know, I swear I’ve brought it up to you before…”

  She shrugs “Who knows right? I’m just happy to see you again.”

  She steps forward, turning into a beam of light, instantly reappearing in front of Akuji.

  “Ugh!” Akuji groans unable to move, Sachi reaches her palm to Akuji’s face cupping it.

  “It’s been so long hasn’t it… look at you still as reckless as ever.”

  She rubs his cheek, as his pupils tremble “Get…” he mutters, but he can’t help but surrender to her touch, a familiar warm feeling.

  She looks into his eyes, Violet reflecting off Golden, “Remember I always had to heal you when you got hurt, always the one who soothed you when you were angry…”

  “Don’t you miss those days?”

  Clyde on the ground watches.

  Oh great he has more beautiful women on him now? What doesn’t this guy have?!

  A golden light starts to seep from her palms, it washes over Akuji radiating from his body.

  His bruises and cuts start to close, his eyes start to heal and open.

  “This feeling don’t you remember it? It’s still here for you, all yours forever will be.”

  Akuji smacks her hand off his cheek stumbling back, “I appreciate you healing me, but I want no parts. I rather stick with what I have now.”

  Sachi scoffs “Why… why are you like this! I’ve given you everything! And you’re just going to throw it in my face like it didn’t matter!”

  “You think because you’re a Reaper now you’re high and mighty? As if you’re not the same boy I’ve known for eons! Still the same little Shinigami!”

  Akuji rolls his eyes “Right… I’m just the little boy you knew, but it seems you’re still the girl who throws tantrums when you don’t get your way.”

  “But who am I to argue with you, you’re none of my concern.”

  Sachi’s eye twitches “Oh but Danya is huh?! She’s that much better? What does she give you that I didn’t give you?”

  “Sachi it’s over! Just shut up about it, you’re bringing stuff up from ages ago.” Akuji shouts.

  “Damn…” Clyde mutters, Sachi clenches her fist, she tilts her head peering past Akuji’s shoulder “And what’s this? Kidnapping now? Typical of you isn’t it, no regard for anyone but yourself!”

  Akuji scoffs “Coming from you? That’s rich, the princess who’s worried about what she’s gaining.”

  “Oh really?!” Sachi says pointing her finger at the Clyde’s chains, she fires a small blast of golden light breaking the chains on contact.

  Clyde instantly throws the chains away from him “Finally! Thank you lady!” He rushes running inside the castle.

  “Are you serious?” Akuji palms his face. “Why? Just why?”

  “Because what are you thinking?! Still pillaging more villages?”

  “Sachi I don’t think you understand that kid is a literal ERROR in the cosmos!” Akuji screams.

  “What?”

  “That mortal you just freed is a mistake in the cosmos! He’s not even supposed to be here!” Akuji says running to the entrance of the castle.

  “I’m not running in here looking for him I might just blow it up…”

  “No! You’ll just erase him too!” Sachi interrupts running in front of Akuji.

  “How did you manage to do that? How did you mess up that badly!”

  Akuji lets out a sharp sigh “Listen… I was reaping as usual when some stupid angel came and interrupted me! Like usual when a mortal has a Guardian Angel!”

  Sachi turns to inside the castle “It’s always like you to do dumb things like this!”.

  She turns back to him pointing her finger in his face “Exactly why you need me in your life!”

  “Oh, Dios míos… give it a rest…”

  “Hmph no you’re going to hear me!” Sachi says crossing her arms.

  Inside of the castle Clyde runs through a corridor that seems endless, his halo providing just enough light to see what’s in his path.

  The walls creak, droplets of water echo from the stone walls, he feels like a looming presence is chasing him.

  “Shit! Okay maybe this was a mistake I have no idea where I’m going!”

  He continues to run, until he finds a massive staircase covered in red carpet, dust balls and clouds surround it, broken stained glass sits in the middle of a painting of sorts.

  “This reminds me of a church…” he says to himself running up it reaching the second floor.

  The presence doesn’t vanish, his soul starts to shake as he starts to sprint.

  Two red orbs appear in front of him, “AH!” He screams, trying to stop himself from going forward, he ends up slipping on the stone, tripping face first landing directly in front of them.

  The orbs lower, as another red appears in front of them, red light starts to illuminate the room.

  Clyde grunts slowly opening his eyes, he looks up seeing a woman with long crimson hair, olive tan skin, her eyes are like two rubies gleaming crimson, her long lashes framing her almond eyes, on her forehead two black horns stick up, has two like goat slick back.

  She’s beautiful, Clyde thinks, his gaze drifting to her attire. A black cloak shrouds her figure, its sleeves shredded into ribbons from the heat of battle. Beneath the heavy fabric, black leggings clinging to her legs disappear into simple sandals. Nestled against her throat, a lone red gem glows a sharp contrast against the dark cloth.

  “And who are you supposed to be?” The woman asks crouching down near Clyde.

  Oh… no, this is a demon woman ain’t she… a succubus she has to be! Just look at her.

  “Listen demon girl I want no trouble I just need to hide! Please just spare me!”

  “Demon girl? Hey, I’m not a d-”

  “Please!” Clyde gets on his knees pressing his hands together. “I just want to enjoy my afterlife! I’m being hunted! I’ve been chained, abused, everything! I beg you just leave me be!”

  The woman raises an eyebrow “So… I’m not sure what you’re talking about, I’m not here to bother you… I’m just exploring the castle.”

  “But you say you’re being hunted, mind if I ask what you did?”

  “I’m being hunted by this guy calling himself a Reaper! He’s short like 5’9 white locs! And his eyes are unnaturally violet! He looks like a damn anime character!”

  The woman’s eyes widen “Amore?!” She says out loud.

  “Huh?!” Clyde hums “Who’s Amore?!”

  “Mi Amore, you know Mi Amore?!” The woman says standing back up, she grabs his robe pulling him up with ease.

  “What the?! How strong are you?!” He looks down at her. “This world is just filled with strong midgets!”

  “Where is he? Please tell me where he is!”

  “I don’t know who you’re talking about lady, if you’re talking about the reap-”

  Wait… Women… asking for that Reaper… that guy is like a pimp here… that means.

  She’s connected to him!

  Clyde coughs “Uhm I don’t know! But he wasn’t really hunting me. I think I seen him by uhhh…”

  “Yeah at a temple by some tropical trees! He should still be there.”

  “Really! Grazie!” Red mist surrounds the woman as a black notebook appears in front of her.

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  Clyde’s eyes widen in fear Oh my God… no…! That notebook… she’s one of them too!

  “I’ve been needing to talk to him, but he’s always in some random place or reaping.”

  The woman hums “Oh yeah what’s your name by the way, I could always help you out with whoever’s hunting you.”

  “Uh… call me uhm.. Chuck! Yeah my name is Chuck!”

  The woman giggles “Chuck? What a strange name, say what part of the Spirit World are you from?”

  “I never seen your kind before, especially not with that golden ring on your head.”

  “Uhh, you know just from a small village, I don’t think you’ve only heard of it!” Clyde says stepping back.

  “Oh really? What biome is it in, sorry for all the questions I tend to like getting to know strangers…”

  “I’m not really good socially you see… but hey I’m learning. That’s what counts right!”

  “Y-yeahhh I guess so…” Clyde says tapping his feet.

  “Oh, mi dispiace, I didn’t introduce myself.” She bows “My name is Danya I’m one of the Grim Reapers, A Death Spirit.”

  “Eh?! You’re what now?!”

  Fuck I knew it!

  “Oh yes I forgot we’re more commonly known as Shinigami. But I usually just refer to us as Death Spirits.”

  “But anyways I should get going, this castle’s been fun to explore I collected some interesting loot here.”

  “Ciao nuovo amico!” She waves as she sticks her index out, it glows crimson as she highlights Akuji’s name instantly turning into crimson mist.

  Clyde takes a deep breath of relief he falls to the ground laying down “Finally… I can hide…”

  ——————————

  Outside the castle, Akuji and Sachi continue to argue.

  Akuji rubs his temples “Are you bored? Is the first thing on your mind when you wake up ‘bother Akuji?’

  “That’s the game we’re playing? Well maybe if you weren’t so incompetent I wouldn’t be having to scold you!” Sachi yells back.

  “Right, when you’re the one who came here uninvited. Did I ask you for your advice? I don’t think I did?”

  Sachi scoffs “So you own the place now? This castle must belong to you? Hell this entire landmass just has a sign saying you own it?!”

  Red mist appears next to Akuji as Danya forms out of it.

  “Danya?!” Akuji calls out as Sachi grits her teeth “Great…”

  Danya starts out of the mist “Amore it’s about time-” before she could finish she looks at the castle “Wasn’t I just…” she narrows her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” Akuji asks. Danya scratches her head “That Spirit in there he told me, you were at a temple…”

  “Spirit?” Akuji repeats “Wait did this Spirit, have a golden halo above his head?”

  Danya nods “Yeah, it was floating above him, like a…”

  “Danya that was a mortal!” Akuji shouts.

  Sachi standing across from them rolls her eyes.

  “Huh? A mortal why would a mortal be in the Spirit World?” Danya asks.

  Akuji groans rubbing the back of his head.

  “Idioto…” Danya mutters, “Fine I’ll go get him…”

  She summons her notebook, opening the pages. “His name was Chuck right?”

  “Uhhh…” Akuji hums. “I don’t remember honestly… it may have been that.”

  “Check damn it!” Danya shouts.

  “…” Akuji exhales sharply summoning his notebook, it flips to the page of the latest reaped soul.

  “Clyde Porsh…” Akuji reads as Danya traces the name in her notebook.

  “Got it!” She says disappearing into red mist instantly.

  “Oh to have a dog to do your dirty work like that, must be nice huh Akuji?” Sachi says.

  “Tch… don’t you have anything better to do huh?!”

  ————————————…

  Inside the castle Clyde walks into an empty room, finds a table ducking under it hiding.

  In that moment red light shines across the room, the sound of footsteps radiate across the stone floor.

  Clyde covers his mouth with one hand, pulling his robe above his halo covering the light concealing the light.

  The footsteps grow closer, “Okay, you can stop hiding now Claude.” Danya says.

  Clyde’s eyes widen Claude? Who the hell is-

  Before he could finish his thought, Danya punches through the table breaking it apart.

  “OH MY GOD!” Clyde yells crawling back.

  Danya flicks her wrist throwing the splinters off her.

  “Alright come on, don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

  Clyde stands raising his fist “Fuck no! I’m done being dragged around, I don’t know how you found me that easy! But I’m not going for it.”

  Danya rolls her eyes, “Are you sure it’s a fight you want?”

  Clyde breaks one of the legs of the broken table holding it like a bat “Oh I’m ready!”

  Danya blinks unimpressed, she holds her palm out.

  “Oh you’re going to blast me huh!? Go on kill me! That’s all I want right now!”

  “You’re sure a loud mouth aren’t you? You’ve just been running your mouth ever since I stepped foot in here.” Danya says stepping forward.

  “Step closer I dare you! I’ll knock your head off!”

  Danya snickers “Ohh really?” A ball of shadows forms in her palm.

  “So what makes you think I can’t just burst that little thing into pieces?”

  “Then I’ll just smash your pretty face with my fist! No big deal!”

  Danya’s eyes widen, her lips curve upwards trying to hold in her laugh. The shadow in her palm disappears.

  She giggles, “Beat me? You?”

  “Hehe! Hey I like you you’re funny! If you weren’t a cosmic mistake I’d be hanging around you!”

  “Wow thanks! That sure means a lot calling me a cosmic mistake!”

  Danya takes another step closer “But enough of the games, let’s-”

  Before she could finish Clyde swings the table leg striking her on the head, the leg breaking apart instantly into pieces.

  Each fragment of the leg hits the stone with a hollow rap, sending echoes throughout the silent room.

  Clyde huffs, “Stay back!”

  “Ow…” Danya says in a light voice. She rubs the side of her head.

  “Fine if you want a fight…” She plants her foot forward driving a punch in Clyde’s gut.

  “AUGH!” Clyde screams as his eyes roll to the back of his head.

  He stumbles back holding his stomach, “Fuck… fuck you!”

  He stands cocking his fist back, throwing a jab at Danya, she tilts her head to the side raising her palm deflecting the jab.

  She grabs his arm, “EH?” He grunts as he’s lifted in the air, she slams him on the stone causing a thud to shake the entire room.

  “Tch!” Clyde hisses ignoring the pain, he bends his knees, trying to use his core strength to flip Danya over.

  Danya moves a bit “That’s all the strength you have?.” She pulls Clyde up twirling him around tossing him across.

  Clyde stands his pupils dilated, black energy leaks out of his mouth “ENOUGH!” He shouts his voice distorted.

  Black energy starts to spill out of him once more condensing into an orb.

  “Huh?” Danya hums staring at the orb as it starts to crack open light seeps out illuminating the room.

  “Oh…” she whispers.

  ——————————————

  Back outside Akuji and Sachi stand across from each other with their backs faced towards each other.

  They remain silent as the air around them is tense.

  What’s taking her so long? Wasn’t she just supposed to grab the kid…

  Do I have to go in there?

  “There you are.” A deep voice calls out from above, Akuji and Sachi both tilt their heads upwards as a shadow looms over them.

  “Azazel!” Akuji calls out.

  Oh great this thing… Sachi thinks to herself.

  Above them a beast floats, its skin pure black as ripples course through it like a pond. His eyes are pure white, he wears a deep black cloak as it flows from the breeze, his two horns sit on top of his head sticking up.

  He touches the ground standing between Sachi and Akuji, his presence filling the gap between them, as he stands over eight feet tall.

  “So mind explaining what you’ve been doing? Why haven’t you been reaping? And where’s Danya?”

  “Tch…” Akuji grunts “I don’t need you pestering me about that damn job, I couldn’t care less about it right now!”

  “Oh you couldn’t care less huh? You realize that’s insubordination? This is your job, your duty, take it seriously or you know what happens.”

  Akuji remains silent gritting his teeth “Screw you and that-”

  “Azazel, give him a break.” Sachi cuts in. “Huh?” Akuji hums confused.

  “He’s been through a lot recently, just let him rest up for a bit.”

  “Well, I’d never thought I’d see you taking up for him again. It’s been years since I’ve seen you two near each other.” Azazel says.

  “Fine… you have three hours, if you don’t return to work by then I’ll be forced to report to the higher…”

  As he speaks the air grows tense, He, Akuji and Sachi all freeze, their bodies running with chills.

  Oh no… Akuji thinks to himself.

  Azazel turns to the castle This pressure it feels like…

  Sachi’s thoughts race as sweat runs down her face, What is this feeling it feels like I’m being chased… like I’m being stalked it feels like-

  The roof of the castle bursts apart, a giant demon with cracks around its skin flies out of it.

  “GWROUHHH!” It roars raising its fist, Danya flies above it now with two crimson feathered wings, her eyes and hair glow crimson, her hair flutters in the wind, she’s giggling.

  “Ottimo! Ottimo!” She says with a maniacal laugh.

  “Of course it’s Danya! Shit!” Akuji yells.

  “Stop your girl before she loses control! I’m not dealing with this right now!” Azazel bellows.

  Sachi clenches her fist.

  I should take this chance to kill her… but… no not yet.

  Sachi looks up at Clyde riding on top of the demon his eyes locked onto Danya.

  Did he summon that thing?

  The demon throws its fist at Danya, she summons her scythe red mist emitting from it, she slashes down at it, cutting through its knuckles.

  Blood sprays on her face, she continues to smile, her fangs shining through, she flaps her wings flying higher.

  Clyde’s focus remains on her, “KEEP ON DON’T STOP ATTACKING HER!” The demon flaps its own wings causing a gust breaking the castle apart more.

  Akuji sucks his teeth, “Great!” He spreads his wings summoning his scythe, he turns into purple mist transporting to Danya.

  The demon tries to swat Danya out of the air like a fly, Danya uses crimson energy to create a barrier around her.

  The demon’s hand bounces off it, as a shockwave of red energy bursts from the barrier, Danya breaks through her barrier, flapping her wings charging straight down at the Demon.

  “GWRAH!?” It shouts in confusion, as Danya launches herself into its gut, the demon’s head jolts back.

  Clyde on top holds onto one of its spikes trying not to fall “FUCK! HOW POWERFUL IS THIS GIRL?!”

  The demon crashes back into the castle, rubble covers it as Clyde still holds on.

  “Get up! We can’t afford to be idle!” Clyde yells.

  Danya jumps off the demon’s torso, laughing “Come on! That can’t be it! I know you have more fight in you than that…”

  The Demon instantly sits up opening its mouth, red light shines from it covering Danya.

  Clyde smiles “ERASE HER HERE!”

  The demon fires a point blank blast at Danya, “HEHE!” Danya giggles using her scythe to block the blast.

  The blast pushes her back into the sky, Clyde taps the Demon on the head once more as it stands back up.

  “After we beat her there’s two more we need to get rid of! I’m getting my payback!”

  In the sky Danya tilts her scythe to the right deflecting the beam off her blade.

  “I wonder what circle of hell this demon derives from, I’ve never seen such a creature…”

  She smiles and shrugs “Oh well~ doesn’t matter it dies today!”

  Purple mist appears in front of her, as Akuji materializes.

  “Danya!” He shouts.

  “Amore? What’s wrong?”

  Akuji grabs her by the shoulder pulling her in “Okay we need you to calm down! Please don’t go berserk over something like this…”

  “Huh?!” Danya gasps “You think I’ll go crazy over this thing?! I’m not even trying!”

  “Let me have a little bit of fun once in a while!”

  The Demon flaps its wings launching itself towards the pair.

  “I never said you can’t have your fun, but I have to make sure you don’t go berserk. You know your Sanguine likes to go haywire..”

  As the Demon approaches it swipes its hand, before it can land the two both turn into mist.

  “Damn them and that stupid trick….” Clyde says under his breath, they both reappear in front of the demon’s face driving their feet into it.

  “GWROH!” It screeches being sent to the ground, Clyde’s grip loosens off it, as he begins to fall “NO!”

  The demon crashes in the dirt as Clyde falls, before he can hit the ground Sachi sticks her palm out summoning wind to catch him, she flows her hand back and forth pulling him toward her.

  When he reaches her, she grabs him by the collar holding him up, her golden eyes slit like a feline’s staring at him.

  “AUGH! LET ME GO!” Clyde says kicking his feet trying to loosen Sachi’s grip.

  “Life Spirit let him go for a moment…”

  Sachi scoffs “And who are you to give me orders?”

  Azazel exhales sharply “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be… there’s three of us here and I don’t think you can handle that let alone one.”

  Sachi chuckles “Is that supposed to be threatening? Lay a finger on me and you’ll face the wrath of my mother. If you believe you can take on a god go on and do your worst!”

  “Cute threatening to call mommy on me? But that’s something we’ll deal with, it’ll be wise if you choose to live another day.”

  “So again let the mortal go.” Azazel says with a lower tone.

  Sachi grits her teeth loosening her grip, Clyde drops to the ground rubbing his neck.

  Azazel turns into black dust reforming in between Sachi and Clyde.

  Clyde looks at him with his eyes widened in fear, “What is that thing!?” He panics as Azazel scoops him up with his claws.

  “HELP!”

  The demon on the ground sits up staring up at Akuji and Danya it growls as it opens its mouth to fire another blast, red light starts to form. Its eyes burst a deep crimson, as the cracks around it start to glow red.

  Akuji and Danya look down at the demon “You know I’m tired of this…” Akuji says sticking his right palm out, his eyes start to glow violet.

  “Wouldn’t it be romantic if we did it together?” Danya says giggling standing beside him, pressing her cheek against his, she lifts her left arm opening her palm.

  “Mmm…” Akuji hums as violet flames start to form, Danya’s eyes return to glowing crimson energy surrounds her palm.

  They aim for the demon as it begins to fire the beam, an orb of red energy grows from it.

  “GRRROW!” It roars firing the blast, Akuji and Danya say in unison “Dust to dust…”

  They fire their attacks, the colors of crimson and violet mix together creating a bright magenta.

  The beams clash together, shaking the landmass, the castle starts to break apart from the shockwaves.

  Sachi covers herself with a barrier of wind as pebbles and debris fly towards her bouncing off the barrier, she steps back as white light surrounds her body.

  Bampf She teleports away, leaving Azazel and Clyde.

  Azazel turns to the clashing scene the ground beneath him cracks. The ponds start to evaporate, the castle collapses fully, treasure and dust scatter in every direction.

  “Idiotas…” Azazel mutters “Are they trying to kill everyone here?”

  His body starts to turn to dust, Clyde’s body joining suit, Clyde looks at himself disintegrating “Not even surprised anymore…” he whispers to himself.

  The blasts continue to clash, Akuji and Danya add more energy pushing back the demon’s blast.

  “GEUGH!” The demon panics, as their blast overwhelms its, its red beam breaks apart, it stares up at the magenta blast coming like a comet.

  “GWRAHHH!” It screams as it collides with it, causing an explosion that radiates across the entire landmass, magenta light shines across the land as it breaks apart.

  Rocks and boulders surrounded in magenta flames fall from the destroyed mass, raining down to the ground like a meteor shower.

  “Uhhh…” Akuji groans. Danya tilts her head “What’s wrong amore?”

  “I think we just accidentally killed a bunch of Spirits down below… you know the falling rocks…”

  “Shit…”

  Danya blinks facing downwards the clouds glowing magenta “Oh…”

  Above them Sachi appears from a pillar of light, she looks down at them her pupils still slit, her arm trembles as she grabs it with her other to calm herself down.

  Not yet… not yet… she clenches her wrist.

  Danya turns around looking upwards towards Sachi, the two lock eyes, a feeling of a deep ill will consumes both of them.

  I’ll kill her… I’ll savor every moment! But I have to wait!!

  END