Falling Leaves 11 ??

  Danya and Ariel soar through the golden skies, Ariel leading the way as Clyde holds onto her hand. His fear of dangling in the air fading, only focused on the task of arriving at the Colosseum.

  Danya only inches behind, stays silent. She visualizes the ways she'll kill Sachi and every other angel who stands in her way.

  Crimson feathers fall from her wings, as Ariel's light trails behind her.

  At the Colosseum, Sachi is sitting at the highest podium. She lays on Akuji, as he's sitting on a velvet throne unconscious, her legs wrapped around his, as she rubs his face, putting her head on his chest.

  The sounds of cheering below, as the neighs and stomps of Pegasus echo across the arena. Nari stands in front of Sachi by the window, watching a race unfold.

  He then turns to her, "Mistress? What do we do about these games once the Reaper arrives? Once the guardian angels bring the Shinigami?"

  Sachi stretches. "Good question and honestly, we'll just stop it. Just say a terrorist has arrived. Knowing Danya, she's most likely freed—- those two Guardian Angels have most likely been killed by her."

  Nari nods as he turns back to the race.

  Sachi caresses Akuji's face. "I finally have you back—- I can't put the joy I have in words—-" she whispers. She lays her head on Akuji's chest.

  "Mistress, I do have a question?" Nari's says his eyes glued to the race below.

  "What is it?" She doesn't look his way, her eyes closed.

  "Why are you protecting that terrorist? Yet trying to kill the other one? Shouldn't we dispose of both of them?"

  Sachi opens her eyes,her golden pupils begin to gleam. She scolds, "You don't touch him—- you don't touch my happiness! I'll deal with him my way."

  "As you wish." Nari remains calm.

  He glances at her as he watches her close her eyes again, snuggling on Akuji. Anger fills him, as he clenches his fist.

  Kiyoko, now in the form of a man, stepped onto the podium, dragging something behind him. With a dull thud, he dropped a corpse at Sachi's feet. It was Akuji— or at least, a version of him.

  "Mistress," Kiyoko panted slightly. "So—- what are we supposed to do with this one?"

  Sachi opened her eyes again, slowly lifting her head from the real Akuji's chest. Her golden gaze fell on the dead clone.

  She didn't speak at first. Then, coolly, "Can you explain how this happened? You said you witnessed everything—- when you reported your village being attacked."

  "Yes!" Kiyoko pointed at the real Akuji. "According to Han, this guy stepped into the Foundation of Purity. The water—instantly—it turned pitch black. Before I even made it up the stairs."

  He swallowed, glancing down at the dead clone, then continues, "When I finally got to him, the water was steaming. Like it was boiling from the inside. Then it rose up—formed this thick, black fog—and wham!" He kicked the clone lightly with his boot. "This guy popped out. Looked exactly like him. But it wasn't."

  "Interesting—- it certainly looks like him, other than the fact—- he's a bit more put together."

  Sachi floats off Akuji, hovering above the clone, her golden pupils beginning to burn brighter. The sun-shaped tattoos along her hand and leg pulsed, casting radiant beams through the air.

  Kiyoko watches in awe, his jaw slack. Even Nari, ever composed, had to glance twice—his hands tightening behind his back to hide the tremble.

  Golden energy surrounds and twirls around Sachi, as she places her palm on the clone's chest where he was slashed. The wound closes, as the clone glows golden for a split second. For a moment, the clone's body glowed gold—then flickered.

  Then—He gasped.

  "Wha—where—-"

  Kiyoko jolted back, eyes wide, "Amazing! I just witnessed a Spirit of Life bring someone back from erasure!"

  Nari's voice was low, almost reverent, "Unreal—- so this is the power of returning life—-"

  The cheering from outside grows louder, as shouts can be heard. Spectators roaring for their favorite racer to win.

  The clone sits up rubbing his head, his eyes meeting Sachi's.

  "Sa- Sachi—-" he whispers, unable to process what's happening.

  "Yes, that's me. And who might you be? You look like the Grim Reaper over here." She giggles pointing to Akuji, "So do you mind explaining what you are exactly?"

  "What I am? Sachi it's me Akuji."

  Sachi tilts her head. "You're Akuji? Sorry but this isn't the time for jokes. You're way too—- what's the word—-" She places her chin on her hand. "Hm—-Prissy?"

  She looked at him a bit closer than nods, "Yes. Way too prissy!"

  The clone sits up as he grabs Sachi's hand, he kneels before her, "Prissy, whatever you want to call me! But I'm telling you I'm Akuji. A better version of the one you know, the one you love."

  Sachi looks down at him her eyes widening at the sight of seeing someone who looks exactly like Akuji, kneeling in front of her.

  She shakes her head trying not to think about it, "No, no, no you aren't him, my Akuji would never kneel in front of me like this. Let alone let me call him Prissy."

  "Sachi! Just hear me out! Fine, I may not be the Akuji you know—- but I am one who serves heaven." He grimaced, "Unlike this Akuji here, I will not participate in tyranny. I am an ally not an enemy."

  Nari speaks up. "If you're a warrior as you claim, then you should have no issues getting rid of these terrorists. The other Shinigami should be arriving soon."

  Sachi remains quiet as she stares at the clone. "Well, if you're with heaven—-" She smirks as she turns to Nari. "Nari, always the one with good ideas."

  She turns back to the clone, "Danya should be arriving soon, I want you to fight her, erase her if you must."

  The clone freezes for a moment. "Erase Danya??"

  The clone may be a warrior of heaven, but he's still deep down Akuji. His love for Danya mirrors the real Akuji. His gut churns.

  "Yes, must I repeat myself? Erase Danya when she arrives."

  The clone lets go of Sachi's hand as he looks at the ground. His mind races as the words, “Kill Danya” repeat in his head.

  "F-fine—-" he reluctantly responds. "If it's for the greater good so be it."

  "Perfect!" Sachi claps her hands together.

  She floats back on Akuji's lap, putting her arms and legs around him. "Well, then you're all dismissed. Go enjoy the race until it's time."

  Horns blow outside the Pulvinar, as the cheering grows louder.

  "Perfect timing too, a pause before the next race. Nari it seems like your sister is about to give a speech," Sachi flicks her wrist, "All of you out now, chop-chop. I'll make sure you're all rewarded generously."

  Nari stands silent as he disappears with a flash of lightning.

  "Yes Mistress!" Kiyoko flies out the window.

  The clone is the only one left behind as he's still on the floor.

  "Did you not hear me? Go."

  The clone stands up, sweat dripping from him. "Y-yes—-"

  He floats out the window following Kiyoko.

  Sachi sighs. "And he calls himself Akuji? What a weak pathetic excuse if you ask me," She snuggles her head against him as she holds him tighter, "Thankfully I have the real him in my grasp~"

  Outside the Colosseum.

  Danya, Ariel and Clyde arrive. Danya and Ariel hover above the entrance looking down inside. Clyde dangling holding Ariel's arm, looks around at the architecture. The Colosseum is connected to a much larger kingdom, its golden structure glistening in the sunlight, white flags waving at the top.

  Clyde looks at the kingdom that's connected to it and exclaims, "Holy shit—- these castles are huge!!! They're like cathedrals times ten!"

  Ariel looks down her face in shock. "Wait, there was an event today?! No one told me battles were taking place today!"

  Danya scoffs as she blankly stares down at all the angels sitting in the Colosseum. "That doesn't really matter now does it?"

  Ariel turns her head to Danya. "What do you mean?"

  Danya's eyes begin to glow crimson as she replies, "Nothing—- come on—- let's not waste any more time."

  Ariel nods as she descends with Clyde, Danya following suit.

  In the Colosseum an Angel with long flowing white hair stands on top of a podium. Her skin is a peachy complexion with a blush, she wears a dress made of feathers showing her cleavage, her eyes are a bright sky blue, as blue flames surround her neck and wrist.

  "Everyone here today, thank you for showing up to one of the greatest events of Konjeteri. Today is not just about battles, it's about the grit of the warriors brave enough to participate, the bravery of Heaven's finest," she bows,

  The crowd erupts with applause.

  The angel continues, "Today, we're honored with the presence of a Spirit of Life. The Daughter of the Star of Life, Mistress Sachi is spectating this event."

  The Angel directs her open palm to the Roman pulvinar Sachi sits in, "Give it up for her Grace!"

  "SACHI! SACHI! SACHI!" The crowd screams as horns are blown.

  The Pegasus starts to neigh from the noise.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Sachi still cuddling with Akuji rolls her eyes, "Ugh—- she just had to do that."

  She sighs as she floats to the window. She forces a smile on her face as she waves to the crowd.

  From below, Ariel, and Clyde run into the Colosseum.

  Danya has her hood up, as she looks up at the pulvinar. Her pupils dilate, as a pulse of rage hits her.

  "Sachi—-" she mutters.

  Clyde and Ariel run ahead.

  Danya whispers, "Ingannatore malvagio—-" and her body turns ghostly, as she disappears leaving a cloud of red smoke behind.

  Clyde looks behind him and notices, "Wait where's Danya!"

  Ariel turns around, "Crap! Where'd she run off to! I was supposed to bring her here!"

  From above, Sachi looks out her pulvinar, notices the two.

  "Wait.. they're alive? Where is-"

  Before she could finish, her body shakes, a cold sweat appearing on her forehead.

  "No—-" she whispers to herself, she slowly turns around and sees two beaming crimson pupils looking straight at her.

  Danya stares right at her, her scythe already summoned the blade of it scratching the ground.

  "Well, I can't say it's nice to see you again. Care to say the same reaper?" Sachi shudders

  Sachi grabs her right arm, her body shaking and twitching.

  Danya remains silent as her gaze is locked onto Sachi's, as red streaks fill her eyes.

  Sachi starts to nervously chuckle. "You're foolish—- you think just waltzing in is going to do something? You know we're on the same level of power—-".

  Danya steps closer, her scythe dragging on the ground, she passes Akuji's unconscious body sitting on the throne. Ignoring him, her only focus is Sachi.

  Outside, the cheers continue as the angel continues to announce, "Now with all that out of the way, our next event will be with our Gladiators, an airborne battle with our Pegasus. Each participant will have a spell tag!" She proceeds to take out a tag to show the audience, "Once one loses a tag or if one of the Pegasus falls, they're disqualified. A truly marvelous sport."

  Nari notices Clyde and Ariel from the stand. "What in the name of the Stars."

  He flashes into lightning appearing before them instantly.

  Ariel looks up at him and bows instinctively. "S-sir!"

  Clyde stands there, his mind getting overwhelmed, his body feels like it's shutting down.

  This is too much already! his consciousness screams at him.

  "You two, where's the one with green hair? And where's the Reaper? Did you leave her imprisoned?"

  "H-Haniel—- went to recover sir—- she lost an arm—- she's not in condition to be here."

  Nari's voice grows more aggressive. "Okay, so tell me where's the Shinigami! Where is the terrorist!"

  "S-she—-" Ariel can't tell him the truth that Danya disappeared—- fear overcomes her body, I'll get executed—- I can't tell him I lost her—-

  Akuji's clone notices from his stand, Nari talking to them.

  That's—- memories play in his head, all of the original Akuji's. From the moment he reaped Clyde's soul, accidentally sent him to the Spirit World, sending him to Hell, to him killing the demons Clyde could summon, to Sachi bringing him back to life. All of it flashes in the clone's mind.

  He grits his teeth, "Damn it!"

  He flies past the cheering crowd.

  The angel announcer continues to speak as blue flames start to radiate, "The event will begin, as I light the torches to signify blessings from myself and my brother Nari. May every angel here give their blessing to the gladiators."

  She raises her finger as blue flames ignite on the tip of her finger.

  Meanwhile, the clone lands in front of Clyde and Ariel.

  Clyde's eyes widen as he steps back, "No—- no! STAY AWAY FROM ME!"

  "Mortal—- please stop. I'm not the Akuji you think."

  "DON'T GIVE ME THAT!" Clyde snaps "JUST GO I DON'T WANT ANY MORE TORMENT!" He continues, his voice cracking as tears start to swell in his eyes.

  The clone grits his teeth. "I know of the monstrosities Akuji has done to you—- but please this isn't the time."

  Ariel clutches Clyde, trying to comfort him—even as Nari's presence sends shivers down her spine.

  "Answer the damn question—where is the Shinigami?!" he barks.

  They see the announcer point her finger at the torch at the roof while she shouts, "Is everyone ready?!"

  The gates open, with Pegasus and gladiators waiting on the other side. The crowd cheers louder.

  Kiyoko in the crowd looks up at Sachi's pulvinar.

  “Something doesn't feel right—- why isn't she watching—-. Is she just cuddling with that Shinigami?" he said to himself.

  Nari continues. "You have one more chance, speak up now, before I make an example of you in front of everybody."

  Akuji's clone reaches his hand out trying to grab Nari's shoulder. "Archangel please calm down—- she-"

  "Shut up! I won't let a clone of a hellbeast terrorist tell me what to do!" Nari slaps his hand away.

  The clone bites his tongue as he looks down.

  Back with Sachi and Danya they're trading blows, clashing with each other. Sachi has made a blade of wind around her hand, as she continues to slash, Danya counters with slashes from her scythe.

  "You thought I was going to be an easy kill? Huh Reaper? It's about time I put you down myself!"

  Danya grunts. "You're sick! You make me sick! Everything about you is just filth!"

  Sachi's eyes twitch as golden energy starts to surround her like a storm. "I'm the sick one? YOU CALL ME THE SICK ONE?"

  Danya counters by gathering crimson energy around her. The energies clash, as the room shakes. Akuji's body flies back as the throne breaks apart.

  Danya lifts her palm quickly as she starts to shout "IMPULSO-!"

  Outside the announcer still points at the torch. "ON YOUR MARKS!"

  Nari surrounds himself with lightning as Ariel remains quiet. "That's it. I warned you—-"

  "SET!" The announcer yells.

  "DI MORTE!" Danya screams as red energy surrounds her palm, the sound of souls screaming fills the room.

  At the same time "GO!"

  The announcer fires a blue flame at the torch lighting a giant fire.

  The gates open as the Gladiators roar, the crowd uproars with applause, Ariel grabs her sword hoping to defend herself from Nari's attack.

  In that moment a red explosion erupts, chunks of rocks fly down as the Gladiators battle.

  Everyone stops what they're doing to look at what just occurred.

  Sachi is falling from the top of the Colosseum, burn marks on her arms.

  "MISTRESS!" Nari screams as he flashes to save her.

  The announcer looks at the hole where the explosion happened. She sees Danya standing there scythe in hand, her eyes and hair glowing crimson with two giant crimson wings resembling an angel's.

  "Is that—- the—-" she's about to mutter as Nari's cries interrupts.

  "YOU DAMNED TERRORIST!" He catches Sachi.

  The crowd starts to scream in terror, as they try to run and fly away.

  Ariel and Clyde watch in horror. Akuji's clone summons wings of white flames.

  "Damn it!" the clone cursed under his breath. He turns to Ariel and Clyde, "You two stay here, you cannot handle her!"

  The clone immediately took off towards Nari and Danya.

  The flames from the clone's wings radiant heat was too much for to handle. He starts to pant.

  Ariel grabs him tightly as she runs to a nearby staircase with him. She scolds him, "CLYDE I TOLD YOU THIS WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU? WHY DID YOU INSIST ON COMING!"

  "Be-because—- I told you—- you're the first person here to treat me right—-" Clyde pants struggling to talk, "If I die again I'd rather be helping or trying to protect you."

  Ariel holds Clyde tight as she starts to cry. "Please don't do that to yourself—-"

  Back at the battle Danya looks down at Nari who’s holding Sachi. Her lips contort into a smirk, as her eyes glow brighter.

  "Well, it's you again. I've been hoping to see you again after our last encounter." Her smirk turns into a full blown unhinged smile.

  Nari grunts as he puts Sachi down gently, "Vile hell beast! I knew I should have killed you back then!"

  "NARI, WHAT'S GOING ON?" The announcer called out in the air.

  The gladiators below start to complain, "Listen we were in a match here! Some of us have been training our whole lives for this moment! Can you guys not mess it up?"

  Another added, "Yeah, this is a big moment! Not to be ruined by Archangels, what's going on!"

  Nari looks at the announcer. "Aoi! Help me out here. We need to erase this thing now!"

  Sachi's eyes shoots open as her pupils dilate into slits once more. "YOU TWO STAY BACK! THIS IS MINE! SHE'S NOT TAKING MY AKUJI AGAIN!"

  "DANYA!" Akuji's clone rushes forward, "STOP THIS MADNESS NOW!"

  Danya tilts her head. "Oh—- I thought this fake was already dead—- you cretins revived a fraud of my boyfriend?" She giggles to herself as her crimson hair grows longer, her black horns grow, her smile grows wider, as fangs appear, "Oh no this won't do—-"

  She aims her palm towards the ground.

  Nari's gut tells him to react. "EVERYBODY GET DOWN NOW!"

  "Impulso Di Molte!" Danya giggles, as an even more powerful blast aims for the ground. The blast hits the ground as Nari and Sachi cover themselves with magic.

  "WHAT IS THIS POWER?!" Akuji's clone is knocked back by the pressure.

  The entire Colosseum shakes and breaks apart.

  Aoi is also blown back as she covers herself with blue flames.

  The Pegasus and Gladiators scream as some are disintegrated, crushed, blown back. The crowd of angels screaming and falling due to the falling pillars and debris.

  Ariel continues to hold Clyde, as he starts to fade unconscious.

  "CLYDE PLEASE WAKE UP!" she yells.

  Flames surround the arena, as Danya smiles at the destruction. The smoke and ash turn the Golden Clouds above red.

  Nari and Sachi float above it.

  Sachi starts to lose her mind, she screeches, "THIS WAS NOT HOW THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO GO?!" In her madness, her eyes and tattoos glow golden, "FUCK THIS!"

  "MISTRESS PLEASE NO!" Nari screams, "LET AOI AND I HANDLE THIS!"

  Nari's words fall on deaf ears as golden energy spreads across the entire arena, causing it to shake more.

  Sachi's hair flows furiously from her energy. Golden ripples appear in the sky, blending with the red, hellish color.

  "NARI, STOP SACHI! I'LL HANDLE THE REAPER!" Aoi, now covered with her own blue flames, crashes down in front of Danya.

  Danya jumps down from the destroyed Pulvinar.

  "You're not the one I want. Move out of my way!" Danya declares

  Aoi doesn't budge as blue flames continue to swirl around her. She retorts, "But you're the one I want right now. My flames will burn you and your wickedness to the ground."

  Akuji's clone lands next to Aoi, as he adds white flames to her blue flames.

  Aoi whirls her head to him. "And who are you?!"

  "Don't question it right now! I'll explain later right now we have to eliminate a threat!"

  Danya points her scythe at both of them, "Ohhh now I might actually have some trouble. This clone has the same power as Akuji—- right?" she kicks the rocks on the ground. In a low voice, she mutters to herself, "Ohhhh, how I wish you were awake right now my love!"

  From above, Sachi stares down at Nari as she huffs like a primal animal, "MOVE OUT OF MY WAY OR BE DESTROYED! YOU CHOOSE!"

  Nari surrounds himself with bolts of electricity as blue lightning surrounds his body.

  He chose his words carefully, "Mistress! I can't let that happen—- you'll destroy everything—- you're as dangerous as the Shinigami right now!"

  "FINE THEN! DIE WITH HER!" Sachi screams as more energy radiates off her.

  Danya on the ground hums to herself, as she looks at the stands. Some angels are still alive clawing trying to escape.

  "Perfecto!" She grins, snapping her fingers as green orbs start to arise from every surviving angel that was in her blast.

  The angels scream in agony as the green orbs fly to her landing all over her body. She absorbs the orbs, as her hair and eyes begin to shine brighter.

  "Let's make this fair now!" She snaps her fingers again as three random souls appear in front of her.

  They all moan in confusion, "Hey what's going on!"

  "You all fight for me now! No need to waste energy summoning souls if this place is filled with them!" Danya turns all three of them into black giant minions. She commands, "Okay, so two attack, and defense. OTTIMO!"

  Three giant black masses of energy surround Danya, two of them built like fighters and the last one bulky like a knight.

  Aoi sneers in disgust watching this. "How foul! Treating souls like that! You're truly a demon!"

  Akuji's clone stays quiet as he summons his heavenly scythe. A disappointed look washes over his face.

  Danya stretches, "I don't remember ever asking for your judgment, Angel," she cracks her neck, "Now let's get this over with, I have a Spirit of Life to kill."

  Aoi smiles. "Well, if you're so eager, fine. Just a fair warning. My flames burn the more wicked someone is," She laughs to herself as she prepares to launch a wave of blue flames at Danya, "Oh what the hell you'll just find out for yourself!"

  Akuji's clone gets in a stance holding his scythe, the original Akuji's memories starting to hit him once more. He mutters to himself, "This has happened before—- she's lost it before like this—- Sanguine—- that's what this power is called."

  He grits his teeth, "Danya—- I have no other option—- for the sake of heaven."

  The clone charges at Danya as white flames trail off him.

  Danya smiles as she grabs her scythe, ready to counter.

  Back with Clyde and Ariel, Clyde lays there unconscious as Ariel holds him on her lap. The entire Colosseum shakes. She rubs rubble off his face as she surrounds herself with light energy protecting her and him from the falling debris and pillars.