Falling Leaves 5 ??

  Clyde sits at the tree, unable to move. No matter how much he tries, he can't even twitch a muscle.

  My lips feel dry—- my mouth and throat are all dry too—- I need water—-

  The strange girl starts to wave her hand in front of Clyde's face.

  "Hey, buddy. Is something wrong? Did the other trainee angels leave you here?" She looks on top of his head and sees a crown of leaves. "Oh! So you're the arts and crafts type? I like your crown." She smiles.

  Clyde still doesn't respond. His eyes are half open as he slouches.

  "Hmm—- well, hey, can you at least tell me your name? So I can help you back to your squadron."

  Clyde remains quiet as only leaves rustling can be heard from the wind.

  "Erm—- okay—-" She picks up Clyde and puts him over her shoulder. "For an angel, he's incredibly light—- I don't feel any energy from him?"

  She pauses for a second, her eyes widen as she gasps "OH NO! DID HE SOMEHOW LOSE HIS LIGHT?!" She starts to panic. "Poor guy! Don't worry, I'll help you! I'll take you to the nursery fast!"

  White wings spread from her back as she begins to flap them, lifting herself off the ground. She rushes away flying.

  Back with Akuji and Danya, now deeper into heaven, they're gliding in the air, enjoying the sights of the shining castles, golden skies, and heavenly architecture.

  A white horse with wings and a horn passes them as an angel wearing goggles rides it, waving at them. The horse leaves a trail of golden light.

  Danya's eyes light up. "Did you see that?! What was that?!" She turns toward the direction it flew.

  "Oh—- that? I think that's what they call, uh—- Pegasus up here." Akuji's gaze fixes in the same direction.

  "I've never seen one up close before—- that was kind of cool."Danya grins widely. "Hey! Let's find some and ride them!"

  Akuji sighs, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I'll pass on that—- I'm not trying to get messed up by falling off one of those things. I'd hate to have to kill one for trying to trample me."

  Danya giggles. "It just takes practice. You don't need to go on a murder spree."

  "It's not about that. It's the fact I don't want my face caved in by a hoof—-"

  Danya looks down and sees a village with angels and mortal souls both roaming it.

  "Ou, let's go check that out." She grabs Akuji's hand, pulling him down with her.

  "Can you stop doing that?!"

  Danya lands in the middle of the village, Akuji lands next to her, quickly removing his hand from hers.

  "You just jump from one thing to another—- and I thought my attention span was bad."

  "It is, amore." Danya grins.

  "Ugh—- You—- uh—- I can't stay mad at you—-"

  "Well who do we have here.!" An old man's voice calls out.

  Both of them turn to see who spoke. A chiseled man with long jet black hair and peachy skin towers above them both. His muscles bulge through his robe as his skin glistens.

  "Talk about cliché—-" Akuji mutters. "Is this some guy from a romance novel?"

  Danya stares at him. "Um—- were you the one who called out to us?.”

  He looks down at her without saying a word.

  "Uh—- hello? Do you speak?" Danya waves her hands in front of his face.

  He stays completely still, continuing to stare.

  "Hey, buddy, you hear her talking to you, right? Were you the one who called us out or not?" Akuji cuts in.

  The angel then smiles. "Why, no handsome, but if you want me to scream your name, I'll gladly do it."

  Akuji cringes as he steps back. "HUH?!"

  He waves his hands "Hey! Hey! STAY BACK!" The angel puts both hands together, rubbing them against his face like a schoolgirl with a crush. "Don't be scared. I like what I see." He makes a smooch face as a heart appears.

  Akuji screams, "D-DANYA, DO SOMETHING!" as he runs behind her.

  Danya rolls her eyes. "Sorry to kill your fantasy, big guy, but he's mine." She grabs Akuji by the sleeve, squeezing tightly.

  "Why are you holding so tightly—-" Akuji whispers.

  "So he doesn't take you away or something—- he's seriously into you—-"

  The angel huffs. "Fine—- if that's how it's going to be—-"

  Light surrounds him as his form starts to change. He shrinks as his body becomes more feminine, his muscles disappearing into a softer, curvy look.

  "What about now—- mmm—-" His voice has changed into a woman's.

  "WHAT IS GOING ON?!" Akuji shouts.

  Danya tilts her head."Oh wow—- shapeshifting—- I never expected an angel to do that."

  "So like, are you a woman now? I never really understood shapeshifting."

  "I've always been a woman, thank you very much! I just happen to be able to transform into a man's body."

  "Ohhh, so you're like a he-she?" Danya's smile returns.

  Akuji glances at Danya "Are you seriously entertained by this?! Danya, she's literally trying to get me!"

  Danya laughs under her breath ignoring Akuji's question.

  The angel scoffs. "No! I just told you I'm a woman! I can shapeshift!"

  "So wait? You're a girl, but you can transform into a boy?" She scratches her head. "I mean, I've seen odder things."

  The angel huffs. "No! I am a woman who can transform into the form of a man, but I am STILL a woman!" She then looks at Akuji. "Now, do you mind getting away from my new husband?"

  "Whoa, slow your roll there, ladyboy. This guy is mine and mine only—- I think I told you that already." Danya hums to herself.

  "Wait, did I?"

  "Never in all my days have I experienced something like this—- I need to get out of here—-" Akuji mutters to himself.

  "Kiyoko—- stop your madness at once." A man's voice calls out from behind.

  Akuji's ears perk up. "Wait, now that sounds like the voice that first called out to us." He pulls Danya's hand off his sleeve. "About time someone stopped her—-" he mutters under his breath.

  A man wearing a black robe, with no legs, only a spirit tail, floats in front of them.

  "A mortal?—-” Akuji mutter.

  Danya chuckles. "Hey ladyboy, mortals tell you guys what to do now?"

  The man chuckles with her as he keeps his hands behind his back. "Well, I never thought I'd see you again, Shinigami. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

  "Hm?" Danya hums her gaze landing on the man. "And who are you?"

  "Oh right, you probably forgot all about me. You Shinigami do have millions of souls to reap, don't you?" The man says.

  "Ohhh, you're someone I've reaped before? Oh yeah, then I definitely don't remember you." She shrugs. "Unless you made an impression on me—-Eh.. which I doubt you did—-"

  "Figures, a reaper like you is always working." He grins, "And who's this rough gentleman behind you?"

  Danya turns to Akuji, she holds onto his hand once more. "Oh him? Just call him Shinigami number two."

  "I'm number one actually, don't listen to her—-" Akuji cuts in.

  Kiyoko winks at Akuji. "You mean my new husband."

  Akuji grits his teeth as he holds Danya's hand tightly.

  "Two Shinigami? Interesting. I thought there was only one bringer of death."

  "Phew—- oh no, I don't think I could handle collecting souls all by myself—- that's a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy." Danya says.

  "Han, how about you take the girl and show her around the village. I'll take—-" Kiyoko licks her lips. "Him—-"

  "NOPE! I STAY WITH DANYA!" Akuji shouts.

  Han grins as he floats backwards. "Well, I don't mind chaperoning both of you. Just follow me. I'll show you guys to the Foundation of Purity first."

  "Foundation of Purity?” Danya repeats “Sounds neat."

  Akuji lets out a sharp sigh, he walks with Danya, not letting go of her hand.

  Kiyoko tries to walk beside Akuji. "Aye! You walk in front of us!"

  "Aww—-" Kiyoko groans in disappointment.

  Han turns around to Akuji. "By the way, Shinigami, do you need new clothes by any chance? You look kind of damaged."

  Akuji looks down at his torn cloak. "Oh yeah I forgot about this—- it's from that demon I fought—-Yeah, I'd appreciate it if you have anything. In black, by the way."

  Han turns to Kiyoko. "Mind doing the honors?"

  "But I like seeing his chest sticking out like that—- it's so toned, a battle-torn man."

  "Hey! Can you stop this girl from trying to get at me for a second!"

  Han shakes his head. "Please stop harassing the reaper, Kiyoko, and make him the outfit."

  Kiyoko sighs, she points her finger at Akuji, a green beam fires out the tip, it hits him as a green aura surrounds him transforming his outfit. Grey bandages wrap around his right arm, his bottom half becomes part of a cloak, his shirt disappears—replaced by just bandages.

  Akuji looks at his arm, he moves it in front of his face “Wow—- that felt kinda good.”

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  Danya looks at him up and down. "You look great Amore!—-" she hums appreciatively.

  Akuji blushes slightly. "Oh damn—- the outfit's that good?"

  Kiyoko stares at Akuji with a smirk. “More than good to me. Mmm..” She hums.

  "Are angels usually like this? She’s been harassing me non-stop since I stepped foot here.”

  "Yeah, it's kind of weird for an angel to act like this—- she's really out there." Danya adds on.

  “Kiyoko what did I tell you before? Leave him alone.” Hans says sternly.

  “Fine—-” Kiyoko rolls her eyes “Take a joke would you—-”

  Han continues to lead them to the Foundation of Purity. As they walk through the village, other angels and souls stare at them.

  "Is that who I think it is?" a voice calls out from the crowd.

  "Is that the Reaper?"

  "Shinigami are on heaven grounds now?"

  "I thought the Shinigami were hellbeasts? What are they doing in heaven?"

  "No they aren't the reaper. The reaper is a giant black monster. That's the one who reaped me."

  Akuji sighs. "Town gossip, huh?"

  Danya stays quiet, clinging to Akuji and not wanting to be seen. She uses her free arm to pull her hood up, covering her face.

  Akuji looks over at her and chuckles under his breath. "Classic—scared of crowds." He pulls her closer.

  They make it to the fountain.

  Danya peeks out from her hood. "It's huge—-"

  The fountain sits atop a limestone staircase, surrounded by golden trees reminiscent of Sakura blossoms. Bells hang throughout the area.

  Han points up to it. "Follow me, Reapers." He floats up the steps.

  Danya goes before Akuji as he walks behind.

  As they reach the top, Han rings a bell, which sets off a chain reaction making all the other bells chime.

  "Okay, so what is all this for? What's the point of showing us this foundation?"

  "Dip your foot in and find out, my good sir."

  "Right, as if some fountain will do anything to me." Akuji walks up to it.

  "My love, be careful—- I really don't want to cause any trouble here." Danya pulls her hood down.

  "Yeah, yeah." He dips his foot in, the water turns pure black. A feeling of bliss hits him for a second, "Woah—- that's nice. Sucks it doesn't last longer." He takes his foot out.

  Han stares at the water, eyes widening. "Never has it turned pure black before—- you—- what darkness do you carry in your heart?"

  Akuji chuckles. "Use your common sense here? I'm a reaper, a being of death. You thought my heart would be anywhere near pure?"

  "How were you able to access heaven? A being like you shouldn't be here!" Han's voice trembles.

  Akuji shrugs. "You're not the first to call me that, mortal, and you won't be the last I can bet. I could honestly care less about this place. I'm only here because my girlfriend wants to see it."

  Han floats back, trying to get away from Akuji. "No, you're wrong—- you're a being of death, yes. But death isn't supposed to be evil—it's supposed to be a natural force."

  Akuji smirks. "Really? What does a mortal know of us Death Spirits? You have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. You lived and you died. Keep it like that—that was your role."

  "Death Spirits? So there are more of you?" Han responds.

  Akuji nods. "A whole society of us, actually."

  Danya taps her foot on the ground. "You're saying too much Amore."

  Akuji quickly turns to her. "Oh right, guess I do have a habit of running my mouth."

  "You're a monster—- you're no being of death—no, you're a demon." Han shouts.

  "A demon? I kinda like that." He laughs to himself. "But no, I prefer being called a devil more though."

  Kiyoko runs up the stairs with four other angels by her side. "Han, what's the matter?"

  Danya steps to the side as she watches quietly. "Hey, I kinda want to try the fountain too. I wonder what color I'd get," she thinks to herself.

  Han turns to Kiyoko. "Transform back into your warrior form now! These two are dangerous!"

  The water in the fountain starts to bubble. Akuji turns to look at it as the popping sound grows louder.

  "What the?" he mutters.

  Han, Danya, Kiyoko, and the angels all stare at the fountain. Black smoke begins rising from the water, forming a dark cloud above them all. Angels and souls below the staircase watch as the cloud grows in size. Commotion starts.

  "So is this supposed to happen?" Akuji asks, stepping back a bit.

  "No! I've never seen it do this before!" Han shouts.

  The cloud starts to condense itself into a humanoid shape. Everyone looks on in awe and shock as an exact replica of Akuji emerges. This time wearing a pure white cloak, his horns gone, his hair neat, straight and slicked down.

  "Okay, now what the hell is this?" Akuji mutters to himself. He looks around, "Oi! Mind explaining to me what game you guys are playing right now?"

  Danya looks up at the new Akuji. "What’s going on? Another Akuji? But more—-prissy?”

  Kiyoko and the other angels gape in shock.

  The new Akuji lands in front of Akuji. "Why hello there, me."

  Akuji stares at him. "W-what the—-"

  The new Akuji then turns to everyone else. "And for the rest of you, I hope you're having a blessed day today. I hope I didn't interrupt anything."

  "Well you did! Actually, you did more than interrupt. You think it's funny using my appearance?" Akuji summons violet flames in his palms, his eyes glow violet. "I should slaughter you right here. Show me your true form before I char you."

  The new Akuji puts his hand up. "No need for violence, friend. This is my true appearance—we just happen to look like each other”. He scoffs “Even though I wouldn't be caught dead wearing what you're wearing or to even speak like you.”

  "Hm? Don't play with me!" Akuji sticks his palm out, ready to blast.

  The new Akuji shows no fear. "Please calm down. This isn't the time for this—this time is for Danya and me to spend time together."

  Danya perks up. "Huh?"

  Akuji's eye twitches, he fires the blast point-blank, causing an explosion that destroys the fountain and sends Han, Kiyoko, and the other angels flying from the shrine.

  "I was done talking—-" He spits on the ground. "First using my face, then wanting to try to claim Danya? Yeah okay."

  "I told you there was no need for violence. You're acting completely unnecessarily." The new Akuji's voice cuts through the smoke.

  He waves his arm, dispatching the smoke, he appears next to Danya grabbing her hand holding it softly, facing her.

  "HEY! GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!" Akuji screams as his eyes gleam violet.

  Danya stands there confused. "Um—- I don't know what’s going—"

  The new Akuji gently places a finger on Danya's lips, "Shh, my love, shh. It's okay."

  Danya blushes slightly. "W-ha—-"

  "Amora, have I ever told you how beautiful you are? How lucky I am to have you beside me?"

  "Um—- um—- no, you've never told me—-" she stutters.

  Akuji summons his scythe. "Oh, that's it—- you're dead—- You're DEAD!" Black and purple aura radiates off him as the hue of the area turns violet.

  The angels below shake with fear.

  Kiyoko pants. "This was the power they were hiding this entire time—- I was flirting with erasure this entire time?!”

  Han falls to the ground, unable to handle the pressure.

  The new Akuji turns to Akuji. "How about you act your age? This isn't a battleground—it's sacred land."

  "Screw you and this land, you prissy fuck! Get your hands off my woman!"

  The new Akuji looks Danya in the eyes. "Your eyes are so beautiful. Everything about you, truly made in heaven."

  Danya blushes more. "S-stop, no, don't say that—-I know I shouldn't be entertaining this! I'm trying not to, but it's his face and voice—- I can't help myself—- she thinks to herself, trying to fight her urges.

  Akuji charges at his clone, ready to dice him. He hooks his scythe towards the clone's head,Before the blade reaches the clone, he jumps and disappears into white gas, avoiding Akuji's slash. He then reappears, kicking Akuji on the side, sending him flying back.

  Akuji stops himself from being sent off the platform, he places his hand on the ground, he does a front flip, landing on his feet.

  "He can even use my techniques?!"

  The clone grabs Danya's hands once more looking back at Akuji, "How about you leave this man-child here? Come with me—I'll show you around heaven just like you wanted, my love."

  "Oh—- um—-" She looks down.

  "DANYA, DON'T YOU DARE! GET AWAY FROM THAT SELF-RIGHTEOUS BASTARD!"

  The clone leans in near Danya, going for a kiss.

  Akuji's eyes widen as something in him snaps. He grits his teeth as violet flames erupt from him. His horns grow longer, his hair unravels from braids to messy curls.

  Fangs form in his mouth as he fires a blast of flames toward the clone before his lips can even make contact with Danya's.

  Another explosion shakes the area as the angels and souls flee. The new Akuji stands there protecting Danya, his white robe on fire.

  His arm is burned and bruised. "Augh!"

  Blood leaks onto the ground.

  "Aku!—-" Danya cries out, concerned. "No—- I can't—- I can't do this—-" Danya starts to tear up.

  Akuji summons his scythe and a soul, fusing the two together into a flaming blade.

  He shouts, "I'm done—- I'M DONE! I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD!"

  The new Akuji shouts back, "You're truly a demon! You're scum on every level! To fire attacks in heaven of all places!"

  "I don't give a damn about this place! It's not as holy as you claim it is—I'll burn it to the ground if I have to." Akuji clenches his blade. "I'll stop at nothing to see you dead!"

  "Akuji, stop!" Danya screams.

  He turns to her. "What? What do you mean, stop?"

  "Please—- it's not worth destroying heaven over this—- please just listen to me."

  Akuji grits his teeth. "I refuse! I won't let this fake take you away!"

  "He's not! I love you! No other version! Please just listen."

  The new Akuji speaks up. "It's no use, Mi Amora. He's too stuck in his ways to listen to anything."

  Danya turns to the clone—her pupils dilate for a moment as her hands shake. The urge to kill him hits her for a second.

  The new Akuji regains his balance as he stands straight.

  "Fine, you child. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get." He grins, "Toddlers need spankings once in a while, don't they?"

  The new Akuji summons his own scythe—this one purple-white with gold streaks, light radiating off it.

  "Behold, the tool of holiness—a tool I'll use to vanquish a wicked creature like you."

  Akuji remains silent as he points his blade at him.

  "Akuji, no! Don't do it!" Danya shouts.

  "Danya, stay back from this rabid beast. I'll handle him."

  "WOULD YOU JUST SHUT UP FOR A MOMENT!!"

  The new Akuji looks at Danya. "My beloved, this is for your safety."

  He summons golden chains and fires them at her. Danya, too distracted by the original Akuji, is caught off guard and wrapped in them.

  "What the hell?! Let me go!" She squirms in the chains.

  "I'm sorry, I had to! Forgive me—I'll take you to a better place when this is—"

  Before he could finish, Akuji's eyes and muscles bulge, he blitzes toward the clone, leaving a trail of violet flames in his wake.

  The clone blocks it with his scythe at the last second. "Errgg, foul beast! Return to hell!"

  He kicks Akuji, sending him staggering back off the platform, He flaps his wings pushing himself toward the village. The clone jumps and follows, not wanting to give up his attack.

  Flames surround Akuji's blade as he propels himself toward the clone, slashing and hacking continuously while the clone tries his best to block. Sparks and flames rain from the two as they hit the village.

  The houses catch fire, explosions happen, angels and souls scream for their lives and existence.

  "KIYOKO!" the clone bellows.

  Kiyoko looks at the clone being attacked relentlessly in the air by Akuji.

  "A LITTLE HELP HERE! I CAN'T BE THE ONLY DEFENDER OF HEAVEN!"

  "I'LL GET KILLED IF I JOIN IN! YOU TWO ARE ON AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEVEL!" Kiyoko shouts back.

  Akuji wraps his legs around the clone as he finds an opening to connect his fist to his face. The punch is amplified by flames and dark magic, breaking the clone's skull and nose and sending him crashing to the ground.

  Akuji grabs his blade as he spirals down to the ground with flames surrounding him like a tornado. As he reaches the ground, the impact causes an explosion, destroying any structure in a five-meter radius. The winds blow back the angels and souls.

  The clone stands up, blood dripping from his nose. "I WON'T LOSE HERE TO AN INFERIOR VERSION OF MYSELF—A HELL BEAST AT THAT!"

  His eyes start to glow violet as a bright light emits from him. White flames appear around him. "May the flames of the righteous overtake your demonic hellish fire."

  Akuji looks at him as he crouches his knees, putting his sword in a stance. "You wear my face, use my voice, try to take my woman—now you use my magic? Disgusting! I never knew Heaven was a place where counterfeit frauds could thrive!"

  The clone scoffs. "Counterfeit? No, you have it mistaken—I'm the real one here. I'm everything pure a being of death is supposed to be. And once I get rid of you right here and now, I will transform what it means to be a reaper."

  Akuji remains silent after hearing this. He readies his stance. The clone does the same with his flames and scythe.

  The sound of burning wood, people screaming, and houses falling apart can be heard.

  Kiyoko runs to Han as she helps him back up. "Han, you need to go! If you get caught in this, you'll be erased!"

  "But the village—- I just can't let it get destroyed. We spent years preserving it."

  "Your existence matters more than this village! We can always build another one—JUST GO!"

  Han reluctantly agrees as he looks at the carnage taking place.

  "By the gods—- I hope they smite this demon!" he mutters as he floats away with Kiyoko.

  Back with Akuji and the clone, the standoff persists. In that moment, Akuji stomps his foot on the ground, causing a rock to fly in front of his face. He quickly slashes the rock as dust and pebbles fly toward the clone. Akuji rushes straight behind the debris.

  The clone grits his teeth as he begins to twirl his scythe like a helicopter in front of him, trying to block the incoming debris. "Blinding me won't work!"

  At the last second, Akuji jumps over the clone and lands behind him, ready to slash. The blade glows a harsh violet.

  The clone quickly moves the blade of his scythe behind him, blocking the slash.

  Akuji moves the lower part of his body off the ground while clashing blades, as he tries to throw a kick at the clone's head.

  The clone ducks his head as the kick grazes him—the wind from the force so sharp, it cuts several hair strands off his head.

  Akuji then turns himself into purple mist, disappearing.

  The clone has no time to react as Akuji reappears and charges another kick. The kick lands on his side, sending him flying and rolling on the ground.

  "Curse you—-" he mutters as he's on all fours trying to get up. Blood erupts from his mouth as he gags.

  Akuji doesn't let up the assault as he blitzes toward him once more, kicking him in the gut while he's on the ground, sending the clone blasting into the air.

  Akuji summons his own dark chains and fires them at the clone's head. The clone's eyes are closed as he writhes from the pain. The chains wrap around him. They cling tight around his torso, squeezing him. Akuji pulls him down with extreme force as he swings the chains, slamming the clone into buildings and dragging him into the raging infernos surrounding the area before slamming him into the ground.

  "AHHHG!" the clone shrieks.

  Back at the destroyed foundation, Danya struggles in the chains. Her eyes gleam crimson as she tries to gather the strength to break them.

  "Come on! Almost, almost!" She grunts, trying to gather more magic power. "Damn it, Akuji! I didn't know your chains were this strong!"

  The area continues to shake as the flames grow in size.

  Danya turns her head to see the destruction. "I have to stop him—- who knows how many souls and angels they've erased by doing this!"

  Back at the battle, Akuji unchains the clone, leaving him in the rubble. He holds out his palm, preparing for one last blast of flames.

  "A fraud of death deserves a fate like this, don't you think?" The flames grow bigger in his palm.

  "Yes, I think so—-" He starts to smirk as his eyes widen, red streaks surround his pupils as they glow violet.

  White flames start to surround the clone as he screams. He rises out of the rubble as he's being resurrected, the white flames lifting him into the air. His eyes turn pure violet as his white hair sways in the wind, flowing like water.

  Akuji looks up at him and grunts. "Disgusting—- to see myself in such a way—- I could vomit."

  The clone's top half of his robe burns off as wings materialize from the flames on his back. Wings of fire resembling angel wings appear.

  "I'll smite you myself. I've had enough of this!"

  Dark energy starts to radiate off Akuji as violet streaks of energy appear on his body. Giant wings appear on his back, full of scales with waves of shadow magic and claws at the ends.

  The clone looks down at Akuji. Vice versa, Akuji looks up at him.

  They both ready themselves to charge at each other.