Falling Leaves 21 ??

  Away from Ari and Peter's battle with Kitsuna, a woman with silver hair and icy blue eyes wearing a silver damaged battle dress with two holes in the front and back stands in a throne room of sorts.

  The thrones are made of flowers and vines, roses and lilies surround them. The floor is one of dark wooden bark, as small butterflies roam the room.

  "AUGH!" A scream of another woman is heard as metal bangs.

  "Mistress! Please calm down!" Another voice of a woman calls out.

  "SHUT UP!" The voice shouts as glass can be heard shattering.

  "Mistress Sachi—- it's okay!" A woman with long black hair wearing a white robe with two large angel wings on back says as she runs to the raging woman.

  "Kiyoko let her vent, stay away from her." The woman with icy blue eyes says sternly as she sits on the throne of flowers.

  "But Mistress Ikigai—-" Kiyoko mumbles as she stands down.

  She holds her arm as burn marks scrape underneath her robe.

  "Nari! I swear when I get my hands on you! I'll kill you over and over again! You have my word you traitor!"

  Ikigai sighs "Sister—- Nari is long dead, he was most likely killed during The Colosseum's destruction."

  Sachi is revealed in the corner throwing glass vases, her skin burned, her battle dress torn apart revealing parts of her thighs and belly button, dried blood streaks down her mouth.

  She launches the vase on the ground as she stomps on the shards "Damn it! He needs to pay—- he needs to—-"

  "Everyone involved needs to suffer!"

  "Well, sister that won't get us anywhere right now will it? Right now we need to find a way to explain to mother why the Colosseum of Konjeteri was destroyed."

  "And the fact there are now two dead Archangels."

  Sachi smacks her lips as she crosses her arms.

  "Yes, yes let's try to explain a demonic invasion in Heaven? Why don't we? Do you know how that would look on us?!"

  "I'm aware it's not the best option but what else can we do—- all of heaven will be looking at us for an explanation. It was our event remember that."

  "Well yours—-" Ikigai says

  Sachi whirls to Ikigai "TUH! Don't try to put all the blame on me! It wasn't my fault it was the damned.."

  A flashback of Danya clashing with her replays in her head. The battle in the Podium. Sachi using a blade made of wind blocking Danya's scythe.

  Her crimson eyes haunt her, as the event replays vividly in her head, a vein appears on her forehead.

  "IT WAS THE DAMN REAPER'S FAULT!"

  "SHE'S A TERRORIST! SCUM! IF IT WASN'T FOR HER THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!"

  Ikigai hums "Yes, the Reapers they did have a big part to play in that did they? But the Akuji one did help fight the major demonic force."

  "I never said my Akuji was a terrorist did I? I meant Danya! The only other one that was there!"

  Kiyoko looks down at the wooden floor as memories start to flood her, the moment Ariel died.

  The stray lightning blast from Nari that struck her when they were trying to escape.

  "That guardian angel—- her death caused that entire invasion—-".

  "That kid she was with—- that's when he lost it."

  She speaks up "Mistress it wasn't the Rea-"

  "Kiyoko didn't we tell you to be quiet?" Ikigai's voice cuts through.

  Kiyoko freezes looking back at the ground grabbing the end of her robe. "My- my apologies—-"

  Sachi turns to Kiyoko "No wait let her speak, I want to know what she was about to say."

  Kiyoko starts to shake as Sachi's glare locks onto her.

  "I-I-I—-"

  "Go on spit it out? You wanted to speak so speak." Sachi says as she taps her feet.

  "Nothing Mistress—- it was just a stupid thought, please forgive me for speaking out of line!" Kiyoko bows shaking.

  "Hmph—-" Sachi scoffs "Wasting our time."

  "Sachi focus on the real matters here, once we return to heaven, do you know how much work we'll have to do to explain everything."

  "I don't think you're grasping how big this is."

  Sachi clenches her fist "Oh spare me the condescension! I understand perfectly how big this is! But what can we do about it right now?!"

  "We're trapped! Powerless, barely healed in this Cursed Biome!"

  Her hand presses against her burns, her voice lowering just enough to betray the truth. "The fact you even woke me at all—- the fact you healed me this much—- that's a miracle."

  Ikigai lets out a deep breath "So what? What do you suggest we do? Just disappear?"

  Sachi looks down at the ground as she taps her foot once more.

  "Well, honestly there's one way we can clear our names."

  "And that is?" Ikigai asks.

  "Finding Danya and execute her in front of everyone."

  Ikigai scoffs "Yes, only one problem with that, the masses won't believe just one Reaper caused all this."

  "So, as much as you'll hate this, Akuji will have to be executed as well."

  Sachi remains quiet as she holds her left arm.

  "Take time before rushing into this plan sister, if we get rid of Danya, Akuji will naturally try to intervene."

  "If we kill them both, another issue will arise how do we explain to mother and the rest of the Stars the lack of Reapers?"

  Kiyoko hearing this starts to shake "K-kill Akuji?! But—- no—-" she thinks to herself.

  "Are they seriously going to do that? Mistress was just trying to save him to keep him to herself?!"

  A flashback of Akuji plays in her mind, "But even I—- I can't lose him—-"

  "If it has to be done—- to clear our name so be it—-" Sachi mutters rubbing her arm.

  "You guys can't be serious!" Kiyoko shouts.

  Ikigai and Sachi instantly focus their gaze on her.

  "And why wouldn't we be serious?" Ikigai says her voice turning cold.

  "Because- you can't just—-"

  "Listen I know the Reapers caused a big deal in Heaven, but aren't they your counterparts?!"

  "Without life there's no death, without death there's no life. You guys are balance."

  Ikigai rolls her eyes "The balance? That's your argument? Being an angel yourself I'm shocked you're even concerned about it."

  "The laws of life and death don't apply to you, you're a being who exists and when you die you are erased."

  "You dare speak to us as if we don't know our own roles?"

  "But—-" Kiyoko whispers.

  "It seems to me that she's trying to protect the Death Spirits all of a sudden." Sachi asks.

  "What did you join the terrorists? Are you thinking about becoming one of them?"

  "It's not that it's just—-" Kiyoko stutters.

  "What?! Stop speaking softly and speak up!" Sachi steps towards Kiyoko.

  "It's just! Why all of a sudden do you want to kill Akuji when you were just trying to keep him safe! You were holding around him at the Colosseum!"

  "Mistress if you can switch your mind about someone who clearly means dear to you to that extent! Why should anyone trust you with anything!"

  Sachi grits her teeth "What? You think this is an easy decision for me? You think this is the option I would have chosen?!"

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  "It's a last resort don't speak like you know anything you're just a peasant who got lucky surviving!"

  "A last resort?! Really? I may be a peasant that's fine! But I can't just sit here and listen to this any longer!" Kiyoko shouts back.

  "Back in heaven when you were unconscious you should have seen how Nari broke down over you!"

  "You were his mistress, OUR Mistress, loved in Heaven and you betrayed it. Over what? Losing a man you kidnapped!"

  "Danya had every right to try to get Akuji back! He's her fellow Death Spirit! He doesn't belong with a Spirit of Life why don't you get that!"

  Ikigai stands from the throne "Kiyoko silence yourself now!"

  Sachi shakes as a tear drops from her left eye. "You don't know what you're talking about! I-"

  "I do know what I'm talking about and I won't be silenced! You were willing to destroy everything and everyone who revered you. Just for what?"

  "Love from a man, one who never belonged to you!"

  "HE DID! HE- AKUJI WAS MY LOVE AND MY ONLY LOVE! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"

  She sticks her palm out as she tries to gather magic in it "Speak out of turn fine! You can die like the rest of your peers!"

  Kiyoko covers herself with her wings as she curls in a ball.

  Ikigai quickly runs and grabs Sachi "Sister control yourself!"

  Holding her arm she stares at Kiyoko "Attacking won't do anything sister, it'll just prove her point, think before you act!"

  More tears start to stream down Sachi's face as she remains silent, she closes her eyes as she looks away from Kiyoko.

  Kiyoko uncovers herself as she stares up at the twins.

  Footsteps are then heard as a door opens, wood dragging across the floor can be heard.

  All three of them turn to see four figures walking in wearing black cloaks concealing their appearance.

  They stop in front of the twins as they all bow on one knee.

  "Spirits of Life, how blessed we are to be in your presence."

  "What brings you two back to the Cursed Backwoods."

  Kiyoko squints her eyes as her body tenses.

  "Who are these people?" She thinks to herself.

  "Well, took you lot long enough did it?" Ikigai says letting go of Sachi.

  Sachi continues to stare at the ground not acknowledging the four. She wipes her tears and she sniffles.

  "The Belles Maudites (Damned Beauties), I assume Malika is currently inactive correct?"

  One of the cloaked figures speaks up "Yes, she is in slumber at the moment but soon she should awake."

  Sachi scoffs "Belles Maudites (Damned Beauties)—- what even is this, Malika really just created a group on a whim."

  The cloaked figure speaks up "No Ma Grandeur (Your Greatness), we Belles Maudites (Damned Beauties), Malika carefully picked us to help spread her love across the Cursed Backwoods."

  "To replicate the joy and purpose you two gave to her."

  "Yes, we're aware of the story of Malika, no need for an unneeded ramble." Ikigai says.

  Kiyoko examines all the cloaked figures "The one standing on the right is huge!"

  "The rest are like ants to her! Wow—- do all Spirits of the Spirit World come in vast sizes like this?"

  Ikigai's nose wrinkled as she eyed them. "Do me a favor. Show your face. I dislike conversing with shadows."

  "Why yes! Certainly Ma Grandeur (Your Greatness)." The woman drops her hood as she reveals long ginger hair, yellow eyes, pale skin as if she's sick, as butterfly antennae stick from her head.

  "I hope you're pleased with my appearance."

  Kiyoko's eyes widen "Antennas? Is she an insect spirit of sorts?"

  "Sister why are these spirits in front of us right now? What is the purpose of this?" Sachi asks.

  Ikigai smirks "Well, I thought we could use a bit of healing, since you know we can't use our magic and all."

  "Teleporting from heaven I wasn't really thinking, my focus was just trying to escape the blast. My mistake bringing us here."

  Sachi sighs "Perfect—- stuck in a biome full of insect like creatures and criminals—- after what I just went through in Heaven—-"

  "Is this karma!?"

  Ikigai then looks at the woman with antennas "You what's your name?"

  "Oh, I'm honored you asked!" She bows.

  "I'm Soleli! D'occasion Guarde Royale (Second-in-command Royal Guard)!"

  Sachi raises an eyebrow "Speak a language we can all understand."

  Soleli smiles "Oh right! I'm second hand to the Royal Guard Malika."

  "She made a second hand? Interesting I never heard of a Royal Guard doing such a thing." Ikigai says.

  "Oui (Yes)! I'm very important to the structure of the biome as Malika rests. I keep watch."

  "And who are the three behind you?" Ikigai asks.

  Soleli continues to smile as she points to the cloaked figure behind her.

  "L'abeille (The Bee) do you mind stepping forward."

  The cloaked figure stands as they walk in front of Soleli "It's a pleasure to be in your presence, Ma Grandeur (Your Greatness)." A voice of a woman low and sweet says.

  She removes her hood revealing platinum blonde hair in a bob, she has red pupils a hue resembling roses, as a red gem sits in the middle of her neck. She also has two antennas this time similar to a bumble bee's.

  She bows "My name is L'abeille Méchante (The Mean Bee)."

  Sachi and Ikigai both look down at her as she bows.

  "Interesting—- so a butterfly spirit and a bee spirit?"

  Kiyoko watches from the sidelines "I never thought I'd ever meet such creatures in my life! Seeing different spirits like this! It's like a dream!"

  "I'm so used to seeing angels everywhere—-"

  L'abeille picks her head up as the gem on her neck starts to glow.

  A buzzing sound radiates from it.

  Sachi and Ikigai blink watching "What?" they both mutter simultaneously.

  "Oh—-" L'abeille says softly.

  Soleli turns to her "What is it L'abeille (The Bee)?"

  "Death Spirits were spotted by Pierre pour les maudits (Stone for the Damned)."

  "Surveillance reported back."

  Sachi and Ikigai's eyes widen "Death Spirits?!"

  They then look at each other "Sister there's no possible way." Sachi says her voice raising.

  "No, what are the chances they'd be in the same biome as us after all that."

  The buzzing continues as L'abeille closes her eyes humming.

  But the buzzing deepened. Images flicker across L'abeille's mind — Ari clashing with Akuji, vines hurling him through the forest, Ari and Peter vanishing with Danya in a chain of bubbles.

  Then in the image she sees Ari throw a bubble east instantly disappearing as the vines are about to attack.

  "East of Pierre pour les maudits (Stone for the Damned)—-" she whispered. "That is—- Forêt sans ame (Forest without Soul)."

  "Speak up don't keep anything hidden tell us what you know!" Sachi bellows.

  Soleli pats her on the back "L'abeille (The Bee), what's wrong?"

  The bee spirit shakes, sweat dripping down her pale face. "Le Démon écarlate (The Scarlet Demon)—-"

  Soleli gasps "You mean the one from Livre de révérence (Book of Reverence)? She was a real figure?"

  L'abeille nods "Yes—- this girl matches the exact description—- Crimson hair, black horns, and a Death Spirit."

  Sachi hearing this grits her teeth as her pupils turn into slits once more "Danya—-."

  "Danya—-. Danya—- Danya—-" she continues to mutter.

  Ikigai looks at Sachi "Sister calm down, calm down."

  She whirls her head toward L'abeille. "Explain more. Describe who she's with."

  L'abeille's voice trembles. "A man with horns, similar to Le Démon écarlate (The Scarlet Demon). He has long white hair, pure as snow. Violet eyes. His body is damaged, covered in blood. He was thrown north by the vines."

  "A Fox Spirit, one of kitsune heritage I believe with dark blue hair and fur."

  "And—-"

  She pauses.

  "What is it? An unidentified being with a golden ring around his head. Wearing black armor."

  Kiyoko's ears perk up hearing this "Golden ring above his head? Does she mean a halo? Do Spirits here have halos like the humans in heaven too?"

  "What? A golden ring above his head?" Ikigai says.

  Sachi squeezes her arm "A golden ring? That sounds like a halo?"

  "That's not possible, Spirits shouldn't have that, they can't have one, only dead mortals acquire those."

  Ikigai nods "Yes—- how odd—- Bee Spirit tell me is the ring glowing? What does this being look like?"

  "Yes—- it's glowing and floating above his head, it follows him everywhere he goes."

  Ikigai's eyes widen in shock "Impossible—-"

  Memories start to flood Sachi of her first time seeing Clyde, "There was that one mortal—- Akuji brought, he had a similar—- condition—- is this the same guy—-"

  "No I brought him back to life, that's not impossible—- are there more dead mortals roaming the Spirit World?"

  She shakes her head snapping out of it "Okay here's the plan! L'abeille (The Bee) hunt down Danya and the creature with the halo!"

  "And one of the other Belles find Akuji! The one with white hair she described!"

  All four of them bow and say calmly "Oui (Yes), Ma Grandeur (Your Greatness)."

  Ikigai cuts in "Two stay here! Big one you stay with us! And Soleli you stay with us too."

  Soleli bows "Oui (Yes)."

  She then turns to the figure covered in a black cloak behind her. "Do you hear that L'automne (Autumn)? Do you mind searching for the white haired man?"

  "No not at all—- I'd be honored to." A woman speaks up.

  Soleli grins "Bien (Good)!"

  Sachi turns to Kiyoko her gaze sending chills down her spine. "Make yourself useful and go around with the one in the cloak."

  "Maybe then I'll spare your life for speaking out of turn like you did before."

  Kiyoko gulps, her body trembling. "Hai (Yes)—-" she blurts in Japanese, the word slipping out of her mouth without thought.

  L'abeille and L'automne walk towards the door as their footsteps click on the wood.

  "What are you waiting for? Go!"

  Kiyoko runs to L'automne's side.

  L'abeille opens the door as it scrapes across the ground once more.

  The light from the outside blinds Kiyoko as she covers herself.

  As she removes her arm from the view of the area, "Wow—-" she whispers in awe.

  The green skies are filled with auroras, stretching across them like ocean waves, skyscrapers of blue mushrooms glow in the sky as if they're piercing the heavens.

  The view of a vast green ocean and the mountains and rock structures surround it.

  She then turns to the doors and sees the exterior around it is that of a tree.

  "Wait were we in a giant tree this whole time?" She thinks to herself.

  "L'abeille (The Bee) what was the location of the white haired man again?" L'automne asks.

  "South of Pierre pour les maudits (Stone for the Damned)."

  She then grabs the gem on her neck as it begins to buzz once more. She closes her eyes as an image of Akuji lying bloody and unconscious near soul trees forms in her head.

  She then holds out her hand as a yellow gooey substance forms taking the shape of a bee.

  Kiyoko watches perplexed.

  The bee flies to L'automne "That bee should guide you to him."

  "Merci (Thank you)." L'automne says as she starts to float.

  "L'ange (The Angel) come, Ma Grandeur (Your Greatness) ordered you to tag along."

  Kiyoko perks up "Uh- Yeah—- coming!"

  She sprouts her wings, as she begins to flap meeting L'automne in the air.

  As they fly away L'abeille grabs the gem thinking about tracking Ari and Peter.

  A vision then forms in her head, the two of them fighting in Forêt sans ame (Forest without Soul) against Kitsuna at the tree cabin.

  "What is that black creature they are battling?"

  "Where is Le Démon écarlate (The Scarlet Demon)?"

  Four wasp wings sprout ripping through her cloak as loud buzzing echoes through the air as they flap.

  She bolts to the East, tracking the three.

  TO BE CONTINUED