HEAVEN F.L 5

  The Lie That Entered Heaven.

  Falling Leaves 5 ??

  Chunks of the landmass continue to fall through the clouds.

  Danya looks down as she notices the hue below the clouds is pink. "Oh—- damn, we didn't even think of that. We definitely killed a few spirits doing that."

  Akuji looks down. "We've killed more than this before. Just say it was a natural disaster." An idea hits him as he looks up at Sachi. "Hey, Sachi—- can you do me a solid for a moment?"

  Sachi crosses her arms. "Hm? And what would that be?"

  He turns into purple gas, instantly appearing before her.

  Danya watches from below. "Ugh—- she's still here? I forgot about her." She mutters to herself.

  Akuji rubs the back of his head again. "Hey, uh, can you kind of revive all the spirits killed down there?"

  Sachi chuckles. "Oh? You want me to clean up your mess? After you were so cold to me?"

  Akuji sighs, "Sachi, can you p-” he sputters, “P-—-" He struggles to say a certain word.

  Sachi taps her arms with her fingers. "Get on with it. Say what you want to say. All of a sudden your speech is impaired?"

  Akuji lowers his head. "Please—-"

  Sachi lets out a low laugh as she smirks. "Well, I told you before—you'll always need me." Then she shifts her tone, "But no, I won't return them to life. I won't mess with the natural order, just because you asked."

  "But—" Akuji tries to say before he's interrupted.

  "I said no. Whoever was killed by the debris—death was on the horizon for them anyway." Sachi says sternly, "You should have thought about that before blasting everything."

  Akuji groans, "Ugh—-"

  "You erased the mortal too? Another witness you've killed. That could have given you more information about what's happening in hell." Sachi's tone grows angrier. "What were you thinking?! It's stuff like this—you don't think sometimes!"

  "Okay, I don't need a lecture—-" Akuji refuses to make eye contact.

  "You do! You decide things on a whim without thinking! It's the fact that it's your damn job! That's what pisses me off! Take something seriously for once!" She then points to Danya below, who's just watching, "And your so-called 'partner' just enables you! She's your puppet! You need someone who'll put you in check!"

  Red mist surrounds Akuji, Danya instantly appears next to him. "Is everything alright, my love? I seen her pointing at me."

  Sachi scoffs “You see? This is exactly my point." She says while crossing her arms again.

  Akuji huffs. "Everything's fine—just getting scolded right now."

  "Heh and who are you to give others lectures, Sachi? As if you're perfect." Danya says floating in front of Akuji

  "Tch— who am I?" Sachi smacks her lips, "I'm not some battle junkie with no training in manners like you, nor am I a puppet."

  Danya scoffs. "Puppet? You call me the puppet? Aren't you the same one who begs for this man to love you back constantly?"

  Sachi's eyes begin to glow golden, her voice raises. "You're filth! FILTH!"

  Danya's eyes begin to glow crimson, she grins. "About time you snap. I'll actually be able to get a kill today." She summons her scythe—large, colored black with red streaks running across it. At the tip currents of dark energy flow.

  Akuji sighs "You know what? I'm done. Rip each other's heads off for all I care." he turns his back and begins to fly away.

  White aura starts to radiate off Sachi ,winds blow furiously.

  Danya hums, readying her scythe, her eyes crinkle as she smiles.

  "Sachi, you're really living up to your title! I'm ecstatic right now!"

  Sachi grits her teeth. "You're a mistake—- a mistake the cosmos made. You were never meant to exist. I'll do everyone a favor and erase you!"

  Red aura begins to radiate from Danya as she continues to smile. "Well, it's either me or you who dies today. So let's make this count!" She says, bracing herself to charge.

  Akuji looks back at the two girls. "Okay—- maybe I should stop this." He shouts, "Hey!" as he tries to fly between them.

  Sachi sticks her hand out, sending a gust of wind that blows Akuji back. "Stay out of this! I won't miss this opportunity!"

  Akuji catches himself in the air. "Listen!" he shouts, "Okay, I get it—you two are mad, but come on! It's been a stressful day for all of us! Let's just calm down." He pleads, "What is this over? Me? Seriously?!"

  Sachi scoffs, "Don't be ridiculous—this isn't about you! I can't stand this scum. Everything about her makes my skin crawl. Her mere presence just disgusts me!"

  Danya giggles, "Oh, same here. I just couldn't stand you the moment I laid eyes on you. Let's call it hate at first sight."

  Sachi's gaze locks onto Danya. Her eye twitches as she swipes her arm, sending a powerful gust of wind towards her.

  "HEY, WAIT—CAN WE NOT DO THIS!" Akuji screams.

  Danya places her scythe in front of her guarding herself. Large crimson wings with sharp feathers materialize on her back, reminiscent of a raven's wings. She transfers dark energy through both of them, creating a black aura around her, beating them to create her own air currents strong enough to make the wind disperse.

  She then turns to Akuji. "Amore, I got this handled—you don't need to worry."

  Akuji watches as he facepalms. "Can I just get a break—- please—-" he mutters under his breath.

  Danya flaps her wings once more as she charges at Sachi. Sachi surrounds herself in a case of wind, she begins to charge at Danya. White and red light fill the area as they clash, causing more shockwaves to fill the sky.

  Akuji covers himself, trying not to be blown away. "I have to step in." He materializes his wings and scythe. Violet flames surround him as he rushes into the battle.

  Danya's scythe is clashing against a wind blade Sachi created with her palm as sparks fly off.

  "I'll cut your head off! Feed it to the spirits below! Filth like you deserve to end up like shit!" Sachi growls.

  "Oh, what a threat. Dark, coming from the spirit supposed to grant happiness. Tell me, what made you so glum!~" Danya continues to giggle.

  Violet light shines on them as they both look to their side. A violet blast of flames hurls at them.

  "Akuji—- why?" Sachi whispers.

  "Did he really just blast a fireball at me?!" Danya shouts.

  They both vanish at the last second, dodging the blast. White light and red mist both appear next to each other.

  Sachi forms from the light.

  Danya forms from the mist.

  Danya narrows her eyes. "Akuji, what the hell?!"

  Sachi starts to shake. "WHY?! DON'T INTERFERE!"

  "I can't just let you two kill each other! Just stop! You're both needed. Sachi, you're a Spirit of Life, damn it! You bring happiness and joy to others—why are you trying to fight to the death?" Akuji turns to Danya, "And you, Danya. You're a goddamn Reaper! You're needed just as much. Without you, the cosmos would be imbalanced."

  He snaps, "SO STOP TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER! I DON'T CARE WHAT PETTY SITUATION YOU TWO HAVE!"

  Sachi's eye twitches, her glowing gaze flickering just for a moment.

  Danya clicks her tongue, but her grip on the scythe tightens.

  "Please—- just stop—- for me, just once—-" Akuji dematerializes his scythe.

  Both of them stay quiet as they stare at each other. The tension rises as thoughts race through their heads.

  Sachi huffs thinking Fine—- I'll stop for now. But this won't be the last time I encounter you, reaper. Next time I see you, I'll have you in pieces.

  Danya's thoughts then race. I guess I'll stop for now. But the next chance I get to squash her head—- I'm taking it. I don't care what anyone says.

  Claps can be heard nearby. All three of them look around to see where it's coming from. They then hear weeping. Akuji turns around and sees Azazel holding Clyde, wiping his tears with Clyde's arms.

  "UGH, STOP!" Clyde yells.

  "I forgot completely about that mortal. Oh my stars." Akuji says to himself.

  "That was beautiful! Danya, Akuji—every time you two are together, it's always just so emotional, passionate, and beautiful—- this is what true love is!"

  "So you were watching the entire time? And you couldn't have stepped in and stopped them?" Akuji asks.

  Azazel chuckles, "Well, you two almost got me killed with that blast you sent flying. You guys made quite the mess and ruckus. I'm sure the spirits below are just wondering what the hell is going on."

  Danya sneers, turning herself into red mist and appears next to Akuji.

  Sachi continues to twitch grabbing her left arm again.

  Azazel holds Clyde out as he dangles him.

  "Damn it, can you stop doing this to me!" Clyde shouts out, "And can I have some damn clothes already!"

  Sachi looks down at Clyde, making eye contact with him. Her pupils dilate like a feline's.

  Clyde can't help but shake. He gulps. It's like I'm being hunted by a predator—- Why is she looking at me like that?

  "Akuji." Sachi calls out, her voice monotone.

  He turns up to her. "What is it? What's wrong now?"

  "I'll partake in your request," she mutters under her breath. "Yes—-"

  "Wait, really? You'll revive the spirits below?"

  She nods as she raises her right arm. The sun tattoo starts to glow golden as her eyes begin to glow. She swipes her arm as a flash of golden light engulfs the area.

  All three of the reapers cover their eyes as Clyde closes his shut. "Shit! What's she doing now?!" Clyde thinks to himself panicking, I was wrong thinking this bitch was attractive—she's NUTS!

  The light dissipates as everyone uncovers their eyes.

  Tch—- just don't say anything. I'm not in the mood to fight anymore—- but did she really have to show off like that?" Danya thinks, crossing her arms.

  Clyde opens his eyes, he feels pumping in his chest. "Huh?" His joints have weight again. "No way—-"

  Azazel looks down at Clyde. "So you brought the mortal back to life as well? His little halo is gone.”

  "I'm alive?—- I'M ALIVE!!!" Clyde shouts.

  Danya looks at him, her eyes wide. "A living mortal now walking on Spirit World grounds—- What the hell—-”

  Akuji looks up at Sachi. "Uh—- thanks for that. But why bring the kid back to life too?"

  Sachi huffs as her tattoo and eyes dim. "It'll be better to research him if he's living. He has powers connected to hell, correct?"

  Akuji scratches his head "Yeah, he does, it seems, but I don't see where you're trying to get at?"

  Sachi eyes flicker gold, a rain cloud appears above her as she lifts her arm pulling water from it, making a tentacle. She then grabs Clyde, freeing him from Azazel's grasp.

  "Oh hell no! I've seen scenes like this before! The tentacle?! I'm not going out like that! She's sick! I'd rather be dead!"

  Sachi pulls him closer to her. "My point is, if he gained this power in hell, try taking him to heaven. Maybe the energy there will negate his 'demon power'—- yes, we'll call it that."

  Danya sighs. "Sucks to have to agree with her on this—- but that power is ingrained in his soul. Heaven might be the best bet to see how it works. If hell's demonic influence could have any relation to it, then the angelic influence in heaven should be able to change it."

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "So what? He'll be summoning heavenly beasts instead of hellbeasts? I doubt it'll be able to negate an ability literally connected to his soul." Akuji retorts, crossing his arms.

  "You won't know until you test it out, will you?" Sachi says while holding Clyde above her.

  "Okay, I'm tired of being just dragged around like a ragdoll—let me go!!!" Clyde shouts.

  Sachi glances up at him. "Yes—- let you go? So you could fall to your second death?"

  Clyde looks down and gulps. "Oh shit, I completely forgot we're literally in the air right now!" He thinks frantically, They're casually having a meeting about me floating in the goddamn air!

  Azazel speaks up. "You know what, Sachi? I like where your brain's at, even though you just tried to kill Danya. You aren't completely crazy. I used to think it was just—" He starts to mimic her voice. "Akuji, Akuji, Akuji, Love me, Akuji!"

  "But no, you impressed me here. Good job on this one."

  Danya tries to hold in her laugh as Akuji stares at him deadpan.

  Sachi's eye twitches. "Disgu—" she bites her tongue. "Why, thank you, Azazel. I'll take the compliment."

  "So it's settled—Akuji and Danya, you two take Clyde to heaven!" Azazel says as he begins to float away.

  "Huh?! Why us? Why can't you do it!" Danya responds back.

  "This is Akuji's mess, and aren't you his girlfriend? You should be supportive of him, right? Heh."

  Danya groans—she can't argue with that.

  Azazel waves. "Well, have fun, love birds!" His body starts to turn into black gas as he disappears.

  Sachi summons light from her palm as it engulfs Clyde.

  "AGH!" he screams. The light fades instantly as he now feels warmth around his body. He looks at his arms and feet as he notices he's wearing a white robe. "Hey I liked the black robe why change it?!"

  Sachi ignores him using the tentacle to flick Clyde away from her, sending him straight for Akuji.

  "HEY, WHAT'S THE DEA—" Before he could finish, Akuji catches him by the edge of his new robe.

  He lets out a deep sigh. "I have to play babysitter for a mortal now."

  Silence fills the air for a moment as Danya turns to Sachi, both of them locking eyes. Sachi's feline slits return more intensely as her eyes widen. Danya stares back unwavering, her crimson pupils locked onto her. The sunlight reflects off them, making them seem as if they're glowing. Wind fills the silence between the two as their hair sways. Sachi's blows in front of her while Danya's blows behind her.

  Sachi smacks her lips as white light surrounds her, dematerializing her body. She disappears.

  "You two are so dramatic for no reason." Akuji says while still holding Clyde.

  Clyde tilts his head up, looking at Danya. "What kind of beef do those two have?! Like, Christ—-" He turns his head to Akuji. "Hey, how about you let me go?! I learned my lesson here! I'll obey anything! I'll even go back to hell—just please!"

  Akuji ignores him as he looks at Danya. She's floating in the same spot, looking up at the sky.

  Danya turns around, forcing a smile. "You ready?"

  Akuji nods, he summons his Reaper Book, purple gas emitting from it.

  "That—- thing again, huh? It's not going to send us to the wrong place again?" Clyde asks, "Where are we going anyway?"

  Akuji sighs, "Are you deaf? You haven't heard anything we've been talking about this entire time? Or did it just not register?"

  Clyde's eye twitches. "Well, you try being dangled in the air in front of world-ending monsters?!" Clyde retorts, "There isn't exactly anything to pay attention to other than my survival!"

  "We're taking you to Heaven." Danya's voice cuts through.

  Clyde's eyes widen. "Heaven?! You mean the Kingdom of Heaven?!"

  "What else would we be talking about? Use your head, would you?" Akuji says.

  Clyde is in disbelief, "No way—- just no way?! I'm actually going to heaven?!"

  Akuji takes a glance at Clyde before he turns to Danya. "Come on, let's just get this over with."

  Danya floats next to Akuji as she holds his other hand. They all start to vanish, purple gas swirling around them.

  At the last moment, Clyde looks down at the bed of clouds below. "I can't believe this! I'm going to meet God! And the angels!"

  They disperse.

  Instantly, they arrive on pavement shining like pearls in front of a golden gate. Two large Sakura trees stand in front of it as a small waterfall flows into a pond from both.

  Clyde's body freezes. "No—- I'm actually in heaven—-" He looks up at the sky as the clouds are pure gold. A sun that radiates blissful warmth touches his skin. It feels like all my troubles just vanished—- My body won't move—- I feel so at peace but petrified at the same time.

  Danya groans. "Ugh—- look at how long the line is. I was just here not too long ago to deliver a soul, and the line barely moved!"

  Akuji shrugs. "Just cut it—we have no time to wait here." He then looks back at Clyde. "We need to make an excuse for why a living mortal is in heaven before we go up there, though."

  "Oh damn—- I didn't even think of that—-" Danya scratches her head. "We're already not favored here—- this would definitely make things worse."

  Akuji places his hand on his chin, thinking. "What's a good story to say, though?"

  "Hey, I got this. You know I've always been able to talk." Danya says as she grins and holds Akuji's hand tighter.

  Akuji raises an eyebrow. "You? Being able to talk? Danya, you fold under pressure all the time—- I'm not trying to put you down or anything, but come on. Especially in a situation like this?"

  "Have some faith in me! I can do it this time, I promise!" She shouts.

  Akuji lets out a sigh. "Fine—- just please don't mess this up."

  He drops Clyde on the ground. "Alright, come on, kid. We're moving."

  Clyde doesn't respond or move.

  "Hey, I'm talking to you—let's go." He taps his feet, growing impatient. "Man—- this son of a—"

  He turns Clyde's body over as his eyes are just wide open, his face not even twitching. Drool runs out of his mouth. A state of frozen shock.

  "Ew—-" Akuji and Danya speak in unison.

  "So—- do you still have your excuse ready?" Akuji asks.

  "Um—-" Danya mutters as she looks down at Clyde. She lets go of Akuji's hand. "Okay, so uh—- you carry him, and I'll tell the gatekeeper that—-"

  "Oh right! I'll just say he's an angel who got lost in the Spirit World! We're being good spirits by helping him out," She hesitates for a moment, "Look, he already has the white robe on—he basically fits here—-Right?"

  Akuji shrugs. "How should I know? I don't spend my time up here. I deliver and leave."

  He then places his foot under Clyde's back as he flicks his foot up, sending his body over his shoulder.

  "Maybe your excuse will work. Depends on the gatekeeper, though."

  Danya ruffles her hair. "Ahggg! Fine—- let's just go."

  They begin to walk past the line. Some of the souls recognize them. "Hey, it's the reaper girl! I never thought I'd see her again!" A guy's voice yells out at Danya.

  "Ooh, pretty boy, showing your body like that. Turn around—let me see some more." A raspy voice calls out to Akuji.

  Akuji cringes as he continues to walk. "I remember that hag—- oh my stars—-" he mutters.

  Danya whispers, "You really should have changed your cloak before we came here—it's still ripped and damaged."

  Akuji sighs. "Thanks for pointing it out. It's not like I didn't notice—-"

  "Don't ignore me, handsome—- give a lady like me a final rest-in-peace gift. I haven't seen anyone like you here yet." She calls out.

  Danya grits her teeth. "She's trying to hit on you—- why is she so comfortable? Is there something you have to tell me about, Akuji?"

  "Literally nothing! That soul has something wrong with her! I swear!"

  "Mhm—-" Danya hums as she turns her focus back ahead.

  "Oh, come on—- don't give me that! You know I don't go for mortals, and I definitely don't go for halos!"

  "Just shut up." Danya snaps.

  "Erk—-I- you know wh-—- ugh fine—-" Akuji mutters, letting out a heavy sigh as he rubs the back of his head.

  They make it to the front of the gate where a man with long golden hair, pale skin, and tall stature stands wearing a white robe, his angelic wings folded on his back.

  They hear him berate the soul in front of him. "Listen! I don't know what in heaven's name you're talking about! Do you want in or not?!" He rubs his temples in frustration.

  "Son, please don't yell at me. I'm simply asking what's a good spot to eat here." The soul pleads.

  "GO IN AND FIND OUT! WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME?" The angel bellows.

  Akuji and Danya watch deadpan as they observe the soul—a round, bigger guy with greasy hair.

  "He looks kinda familiar." Danya whispers.

  "Yeah, a total fat ass. I've seen many like this before." Akuji mutters, "Can we get a move on? I don't want to listen to this guy scream."

  "Sir, please stop screaming at me. You know, in life, I was a very important artist. I could draw your desires—" Before he could finish, Akuji transports in front of him.

  "Sorry, big guy, but can you hurry this up for me?" He positions himself between them.

  "Hey, that was rude. I was speaking to this fine gentleman here." The soul protests.

  "You were not speaking to me! You were annoying me—- now please go inside the gates!" The angel retorts.

  "But—" The soul mutters.

  "Oh, for the love of—" Danya's voice chimes in as she grabs the guy by the robe and tosses him to the side.

  "HEY!" He screams as he's sent flying.

  The angel sighs in relief. "Finally." He then turns to Akuji and Danya. "And how may I help you two tod—" Before he finishes his sentence, he takes a closer look at the two of them spotting their horns.

  "Oh no—- great—- when it's my turn to gatekeep, hell beasts show up." He facepalms and starts to weep. "Why me—- whyyyy."

  Danya and Akuji blink. "Uh—- we're not hell beasts—-" Danya's voice fills with concern.

  The angel looks at them once more as he wipes his tears. "Aren't you two the Shinigamis?"

  "Oh, so it seems like you know us already. So why call us hell beasts?" Akuji questions.

  "Everyone in heaven knows your kind are hellish—- it's nothing new."

  "HUHHH?! THAT'S WHAT YOU DAMNED ANGELS CALL US UP HERE NOW?!" Danya explodes.

  Akuji grabs her by the shoulders, trying to stop her from making any sudden attacks. "Danya, calm down—- it's okay! We're not here to worry about that."

  Danya huffs crossing her arms, turning away.

  Oh great—- she's in her mood—- is she still going to give the excuse? Akuji thinks to himself.

  The gatekeeper turns his attention to Clyde hunched over Akuji's shoulder. "And who is that you have with you? Another hell beast?"

  "Well—- no—- first, you can stop calling us that. We really don't want any problems right now." Akuji responds, "And second, this is uh—-" Akuji stumbles on his words.

  Danya interrupts, "It's an angel we found unconscious in the Spirit World. You angels need to keep a better eye on your own." She smirks, "It would have been bad if we just left him there. You know how you angels aren't exactly favored in the Spirit World either."

  The gatekeeper's eyes widen. "What?! We had no reports of an angel going down to the Spirit World! Everyone would have gotten alerted."

  Danya sneers, "Well, clearly not this time. Look at him—looks exactly like you lot. A sore sight on the eyes, just like you beings."

  "Oh my Stars! I have to report this to the Archangels right away!" The gatekeeper exclaims.

  Akuji jumps, "Hey, hey, no need for that. We got this covered. How about you just let us inside?"

  The gatekeeper shakes his head. "No, no, no, this is urgent! One of our own escaped without anyone knowing. Who knows how many others are trapped in that cursed world!?"

  Danya starts to shake, drops of sweat run down her face. "Let's not be hasty now!"

  Akuji turns to her thinking, Shit, I knew she'll break eventually—- she was doing so well.

  "Hell beast, thank you! But I'll take him from here."

  Akuji narrows his eyes. "I thought I told you to stop calling us that. And no, you're not taking him—he's under our watch."

  The gatekeeper raises his eyebrows. "Why would an angel be under your watch, Hel— I mean, Shinigami?"

  "We have direct orders from a Spirit of Life to bring this angel here. You reporting this to the archangels will do nothing but bring harm to her orders." Akuji declares, "You wouldn't want to piss off one of the Star's daughters, would you?"

  The gatekeeper shakes in place. "Which one of the mistresses ordered you?!"

  Akuji shrugs. "Does it matter? If it goes back to them, you're done for. So it'll be wise to let us do what we need to do. Be smart and just let us handle it. Got it?"

  The gatekeeper clenches his fist. "Fine—- do what you must."

  He summons a golden orb as he places it on the gate, making it shine. The grey color of the metal turns golden. The radiating light is blinding. Danya and Akuji cover their eyes as every soul behind them groans and complains.

  Damn, I hate this—- this is exactly why I don't come to Heaven! Akuji thinks to himself.

  Geez, does this have to be so dramatic? Just to open a damn gate? Danya wonders.

  The sound of the gate dragging across the marble floor echoes as metal scrapes. Singing angels can be heard on the other side.

  "All the souls in line, you're able to enter Heaven now!" The gatekeeper commands, "Walk in a single file line, please and thank you."

  The light dissipates. Akuji and Danya uncover their eyes.

  Clyde begins to groan. "Ahhughh." Drool falls on Akuji's exposed chest skin.

  "Man, WHAT THE HELL!" He shouts as he tosses Clyde off him. Clyde's body hits the ground as he slides on the marble.

  "Language! Shinigami! Please don't use that word here." The gatekeeper scolds with a stern voice.

  "Tch—- whatever." He goes to pick Clyde back up.

  "Ahem, excuse me, Mr. Gatekeeper." Danya positions her hands on her hips.

  "Yes, what is it?" He replies.

  "What's your name? You have to be the worst gatekeeper I've encountered in all my eons of delivering souls here—- very rude and condescending. I'll definitely be complaining to a higher angel about this." Danya huffs.

  The gatekeeper chuckles. "Hell beast, you can complain all you like. They won't take your side. And my name is Angelo. You can go straight to them."

  "Angelo, huh? Well, Angelo, for a simple gatekeeper, you sure are a cocky one." She tuts, "You must not know your history. If you fear the Spirits of Life, why talk to us Reapers like that? You do know we're on the same level of cosmic hierarchy?"

  "What do you mean the same level? Don't be ridiculous." Angelo responds, crossing his arms.

  Danya crinkles her eyes smiling . "Oh no, I'm telling the truth. Without life, there's no death. Without death, there's no life." She shrugs, "Food for thought, Angel Boy. I'd be more careful who you talk to."

  "You vile—- how dare you—-" Angelo mutters to himself.

  "Ta-ta." She dismisses him, walking past.

  Akuji walks past him. "Well, she really got you there, huh? Prissy Boy? Haha." He keeps walking, letting Angelo steam.

  "I swear I'm about to quit this damn gatekeeping job!" Angelo rants as the other souls walk past him.

  The guy who Danya pushed out of the way returns back in front of him. "So hey, before that rude girl interrupted me—tell me what's a good spot for relaxing in heaven."

  "GO FIND OUT!" Angelo roars as he grabs the soul tossing him through the gate.

  The gates begin to close as Akuji and Danya look at the view of heaven.

  Villages with houses of limestone and marble, trees with golden leaves, the land is vast as sunlight seeps through the clouds. White castles of limestone gleam in the distance.

  "Well, what now?" Akuji drops Clyde.

  Danya moves her head past Akuji to look at Clyde. "Well, he's unconscious—- I'm not really sure. There isn't exactly much to do until he wakes up."

  Akuji sighs heavily. "Who knows how long that'll be? What was the point of even coming here if he's just going to be out of it like this!"

  "Hmmm—-" Danya looks up at the golden sky. "Well, we could always—- uh." She presses her fingers together. "Spend time—- with each other? You know—- just take a break from reaping."

  Akuji raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Like a date? Here? What are we going to do with this guy if we do that?"

  "I have an idea!" Danya runs to Clyde picking him up putting him over her shoulder.

  Akuji watches. "Hm?"

  Wind blows as golden leaves fall in front of them.

  Danya points at the nearest tree. "Just follow me."

  What's she planning now?—- whatever, I'll just go along with it.

  They both float to the tree as it sits on a small hill. Danya places Clyde down gently under the shade and starts picking up the leaves, placing them on Clyde's head, tying the ends of them together. Making a small golden crown.

  "There we go. Now he fits in even more—no one should bother him here."

  Akuji blinks as he looks at Clyde slouched over against the tree.

  "Well—- I guess."

  Danya runs to him as she grabs his hand. "You ready?"

  "Wait, hol—" Before he can finish, Danya materializes her crimson wings.

  "Nope! No holding on! Let's go!" She laughs as she drags Akuji into the air with her.

  "Damn it, Danya!" He protests.

  Clyde is left alone under the shade, bordering between consciousness and unconsciousness. In his head, his thoughts race as he feels himself slipping away from consciousness.

  Everything grows heavy—- distant—-

  *****