Falling Leaves 36 ??

  A fox spirit who stands tall, with tan skin and short jet-black hair, wearing an all-black kimono, stands behind a counter. With him is a little girl with long jet-black hair and crystal teal eyes; her skin is tan like the man's. She wears the same color kimono.

  "Masuo! Momomoko!" Ari shouts, walking inside.

  "It's been a while, hasn't it!"

  The man named Masuo's eyes widen. "Ari?! No way! It's been ages!"

  "Sis! Sis! Sis!" The little girl Momomoko repeats, jumping over the counter and running toward Ari.

  Danya walks in behind Ari, looking around at all the weapons showcased.

  "A black bow and arrow with golden feathers around the ends… not my style…" she murmurs.

  She looks at the swords—katanas of different colors and sharpness—the blades all varying in color and marked with symbols.

  She looks closely at all of them as they sit on shelves.

  The Red blade has the symbol "火" The Blue Blade has the symbol "水" The Green Blade has the symbol "木"

  She turns to the remaining three blades: Yellow "光" (Light), Brown "土" (Earth), and Pink "天" (Sky).

  "Fire, Water, Tree, Light, Earth, and Sky…" she whispers to herself.

  Ari's and Momomoko's laughter is heard in the background as Danya focuses on the swords. "Each of the blades is related to an essence, I guess. This is one core-reliant culture."

  "Oi, lady with the red hair! Is there anything you're looking for?" Masuo asks, having noticed her meticulous inspection.

  Danya turns back to him. "Oh, uh…"

  Ari speaks quickly. "Oh, she's with me, by the way! Whatever she picks, just put it on my tab."

  "Ahhh, you don't have to worry about that. You're family! It's on the house!" Masuo insists.

  "Sis, sis, sis, are you leaving again! Please don't go again!" Momomoko says, pulling on Ari's robe.

  Ari crouches down, rubbing her head. "Yeah, sorry. I have a big mission I have to complete."

  "But hey! Once I get back, we can spend as much time together as you want!"

  "Yes, yes, yes! I want that! Spend time with sis!"

  Danya looks down at the two; her lips curl into a soft grin.

  In her head, Momomoko's appearance starts to shift, transforming into that of a girl with a low bob haircut. Her skin lightens, and her kimono turns red.

  "It's just like those times. Talk about nostalgia, huh, Aiko," Danya thinks inwardly, the genuine warmth instantly replaced by wistful pain.

  "So what are you two looking for? You know we just got a whole batch of armor and weapons made."

  Ari looks up at Masuo; her eyes widen and sparkle. "Really?! The hunters brought more materials?!"

  Masuo chuckles. "Oh, you have no idea. The amount of beasts they brought in was insane!"

  "Took me days just to craft the damn weapons and armor!"

  "SHOW ME THE NEW COLLECTION!" Ari shouts, standing up quickly.

  Masuo laughs. "Momomoko, come on, let's show her what we made!"

  "Coming!" She rushes, jumping back over the counter and walking into the back room with Masuo.

  "Ouu, I'm so excited! Did you hear that, Death Spirit?!"

  "Uh-huh," Danya hums, turning back to the weapons.

  "It's so amazing! I know you'll just love the armor they have in store here!"

  Danya rubs her finger on the pink blade meant for the Sky Core.

  "Not bad…" she whispers.

  She turns back to Ari. "I'm not really the armor type of girlie. I prefer a simple black cloak. My black cloak, actually."

  Ari chuckles. "Oh, come on! You don't have to be all grim all the time, Reaper."

  "I get being a Death Spirit comes with the brooding look, but switch it up sometimes!"

  Danya blinks, her face blank. "Did you do that on purpose? Mix Grim with Reaper? Was that a pun?"

  Ari giggles. "Maybe!"

  The shoji suddenly opens as another Fox Spirit—this time with black fur similar to Momomoko and Masuo, pale skin, and messy hair—bursts inside.

  Ari and Danya turn to face him. "Ryoshio?" Ari mutters.

  "Oh, Ari, thank goodness!" He catches his breath as the shoji closes behind him. "Have you guys seen Takio anywhere? We have a second shift! And I really don't want to get in trouble because of him!"

  Sweat drops from Ari's forehead. She rubs the back of her head. "Oh… uh…"

  She thinks to herself, "Shit… how do I explain he's unconscious—"

  "Your work buddy is currently unconscious, and I'm the one who knocked him out," Danya cuts in.

  "Huh?! Why! Why would you do that?!" Ryoshio yells.

  Danya shrugs. "Do the rules of the Spirit World not apply in this village?"

  "Once someone engages in battle with another, they both forfeit their lives."

  She scoffs. "And that's exactly what he did!"

  "Uhm… actually you challenged him to battle, Reaper…" Ari interrupts.

  "That's besides the point!"

  "Do you know how much work I'll have to do if I pull this shift by myself?! I won't be able to go home for hours?!" Ryoshio yells, stomping his feet.

  "What's the problem? You're getting more pay, right?"

  "The problem is I don't get enough for that!"

  "Oh…" Danya mutters. "Understandable…"

  Ryoshio ruffles his hair. "Do you have any idea how much work I'll have to do?!"

  "Ryoshio, it's okay. Just get Takio to a nursery—he wasn't injured too bad," Ari says.

  Ryoshio huffs. "Where even is he?"

  "Check behind Shun's Training Grounds. He should still be lying there."

  "Of course it's behind there—" Before Ryoshio could finish, Masuo bursts out the back room with a large crate. He places it on the counter, causing the entire room to shake.

  Ryoshio blinks, his face one of shock. "What—what's going on here?! Masuo, you never bring out the goods in public!"

  Masuo chuckles as Momomoko pokes her head out of the crate.

  "Okay, Okay, Okay! Here are the options!"

  She pulls out 3 sets of folded clothes with armor pieces connected to them.

  The 1st is green with brown armor pieces. The 2nd is White and Pink with silver armor pieces. The 3rd is Black with gold streaks and golden armor pieces.

  "Choose, Choose, Choose!" Momomoko shouts.

  Ari looks at Danya beside her. "Well, I already know which you're choosing. Just basic black, huh?"

  Danya nods, not saying a word, and walks up to the counter. Momomoko smiles, handing her the folded clothes.

  "There, There, There you go! You don't have to walk half-naked anymore!"

  Danya's eyes twitch. "Wow, thanks…"

  "Are there any changing rooms around here or something?"

  "Changing rooms?" Masuo cuts in, laughing.

  "Just use your magic to put the outfit on."

  Danya looks down at the folded clothes in her hands.

  "Thing is—"

  Ari interjects. "Well, funny story—she can't use magic, since she most likely has a Dark Core Essence."

  She then snorts. "Or that she's always in a bad mood!"

  Danya sucks her teeth, turning her head back to Ari. "It's because of my Core Essence, thank you very much!"

  "Yeah, and also your attitude sucks," Ari says, laughing.

  "Whatever! Just shut up!" Danya shouts, turning away from Ari.

  Ari grins, walking up to the counter and grabbing the folded white clothes.

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  Ryoshio watches with his eyes wide. "Um… hey! Can I get a new set too?! How much do those even cost?"

  Masuo leans on the counter, looking at him.

  "About 15,000 Rysho a piece."

  "15,000 RYSHO A PIECE?! INSANE! I DON'T MAKE THAT MUCH?!"

  He looks at Ari. "You're crazy if you're spending that much on armor?!"

  "Well, uhm… I do have the money for it…" Ari mutters. "But I'm not trying to brag or anything! I'm really not!"

  Ryoshio's face darkens. He looks down at the ground, pouting. "Oh… I forgot. Village prodigy, special treatment…"

  "Enough of this! Let's go!" Danya shouts.

  Momomoko shakes the crate. "Wait, wait, wait! You need a weapon too!"

  She pulls out a pair of dual swords. One has a handle clear as glass, wrapped with white ribbons; the blade is long and sharp, also a transparent glass color as if carved from crystals.

  The other one is pure black with golden markings around the blade; the handle is jet-black with golden wrap around it. It shines from the light reflecting off it.

  She then pulls out a long sword, its blade glistening sky blue, its handle white as snow, with an emblem of a water drop etched on the side.

  Danya stares at the weapons. "Do you have anything more… scythe-like? Sickles? Anything of that nature."

  Momomoko looks back at Masuo, who sighs. "Sadly, we don't. No one here ever used weapons like that. I had no idea a scythe would even be effective in combat."

  "They're extremely efficient! One of the best weapons I've ever held!" Danya replies.

  She pauses for a moment.

  "But fine, the dual blades will work fine for right now… Thank you…"

  "A scythe wielder, eh? I never heard of anyone like that before."

  "Hey, what species of Spirit are you?"

  Danya turns her back, walking toward the shoji.

  "A being of death. That should answer your question."

  Masuo tilts his head. "A being of… death?"

  He remains quiet, thinking about it. "What does that mean?…" he murmurs.

  Ari chuckles. "She's something called a Death Spirit. It's no shock you don't know about them. They are quite rare to spot."

  "Ahhh, I see. Quite the ominous name, don't ya think?" Masuo laughs to himself.

  Danya huffs, opening the shoji. "Let's go."

  Ryoshio turns back to her. "Hold it! How come you're not paying for the equipment you just got?!"

  "Ryoshio, it's okay. I got her covered," Ari says.

  "Two sets of armor and weapons… c'mon, at least get a pair too!"

  Masuo smirks. "Ryoshio, you shouldn't beg. It really isn't becoming."

  "Bu—" Ryoshio stutters. He turns around, facing the shoji. "Fine… I guess you have a point…"

  Ari lets out a soft sigh. She waves at Masuo. "Well, I guess it's time to get going. Again, thanks for everything!"

  Masuo and Momomoko bow. "Of course! Stop by anytime! Me and Momomoko are always down to help you!"

  Ari smiles as she walks toward the shoji.

  She passes Ryoshio, who's pouting, looking at the ground. "Life isn't fair…" he mutters.

  As Ari walks outside, Danya stands there inspecting her new set of armor—the two dual blades in the ground with the golden armor pieces.

  "Now what is this?" Danya says, holding her clothing upright.

  The other villagers stop and watch her as the bandages start to fall off, revealing more skin.

  Ari's eyes snap wide. "Hey! Don't get dressed in public!" she yells, sticking her palm out.

  "Huh?" Danya mutters, facing her.

  Water particles form around Ari, creating a giant bubble.

  She blasts the bubble at Danya.

  "What are you doing?!" Danya shouts as the bubble encases her.

  "I'm giving you some privacy! And some public decency!" Ari says, crossing her arms.

  The bubble starts to darken, hiding Danya inside.

  Ari lets out a huff. "This reaper is going to be the end of me…"

  "It's like she doesn't know basic things!"

  Ryoshio walks out of the shoji, standing next to Ari.

  He takes a deep breath, remaining quiet.

  "I'm done! Let me out of here!" Danya screams, the sound of it muffled through the bubble.

  Ari clenches her fist tightly, making the bubble burst open.

  Drops of water spread in all directions as the burst echoes across the village.

  The villagers cover their eyes and ears.

  "Sorry!" Ari shouts.

  Danya steps forward. Ari and Ryoshio look in awe.

  She wears sleek black clothing with armor wrapping around her arms, the black metal reflecting the light from the sky. She wears a black metallic bra covered in golden plates that glisten.

  Her torso is exposed, revealing her flat stomach. She also wears a black waistcoat with black armored plates on both sides of her waist.

  She wears a black hood as her hair sways in the wind.

  Ryoshio slams his tail on the ground. "Oh great, and the armor is cool too?! Not to mention she's hot!"

  "This really is unfair—an outsider gets this kind of treatment."

  Danya looks at her outfit, examining her arms and legs.

  She lets out a sigh. "Couldn't there be anything more modest…" she whispers to herself.

  Ari claps her hands as the villagers begin to whisper.

  Some yip as if they're catcalling.

  Danya turns to them, her eyes twitching. "What are those sounds! Can you all just go back to normal lives?!"

  Ari summons another bubble, surrounding herself in it. Danya quickly turns to her.

  "AH!" Ryoshio shouts as it pushes him back.

  He falls in a patch of leaves on the ground.

  "Damn… could have given me a warning…"

  Ari's bubble pops once more, causing water droplets to splash everywhere.

  Danya covers herself with her arm as all the villagers duck, covering their ears.

  "HEY, CAN YOU STOP DOING THAT!" one of the villagers screams.

  Danya grits her teeth and whirls to the crowd. "HOW ABOUT ALL OF YOU LEAVE?! NO ONE TOLD YOU TO STAND HERE AND WATCH!"

  "Who do you think you are to tell us what to do!" a woman shouts.

  "Yeah, you aren't the elder. We can do what we please!" a man adds on.

  "This outsider thinks because she has fancy armor she's the big shot now? Heh!" another man adds on.

  Ari runs to Danya, grabbing her shoulder. "It's okay! We don't have time to argue with them right now."

  Danya turns her back to Ari.

  "These—" Before she could finish, she notices Ari's new clothes.

  A pink battle kimono with hanging sleeves, a gold armor waistband around her torso wrapped with a pink ribbon. Sakura patterns are adorned on the kimono; the bottom is skirt-like with ribbons flowing from it.

  Her boots are pure black with pink laces.

  "Well, nice outfit, I guess…" Danya whispers.

  "And just where do you two think you're going?" an old man's voice rings through the air.

  Shun walks from the crowd.

  "Didn't I tell you not to do anything foolish? Why are you all armored up?"

  Danya sucks her teeth. "I don't believe I owe you any explanation. I'm out of here."

  Shun huffs. "Death Spirit, you can do whatever you like. This isn't about you."

  He points to Ari. "It's about you, miss. You're going to disobey a direct order to stay put?"

  Ari freezes up. "M-Master S-Shun…" she stutters.

  The crowd starts to shout again. "Master! Ari and this strange woman have been causing disturbances this entire time!"

  "Yeah! We've been splashed, loud bursts ringing our ears—it's a lot!" another villager says.

  Shun turns to them. "I understand all your frustrations. I will handle this. Please calm down."

  "May you all return to your duties and homes. This is not a show."

  Masuo and Momomoko open the shoji, peeking their heads from inside, trying to listen to the commotion.

  "Dad, Dad, Dad! Ari's in trouble!" Momomoko says.

  "Sh!" Masuo puts his finger on her mouth. "I want to hear this."

  "Master Shun, please—" Ari's voice calls out.

  "No!" Shun says, approaching her.

  "I told you, you weren't going anywhere with this Death Spirit! Do you not understand the danger you're walking into!"

  "Prodigy or not! You cannot handle the Royal Guard! You will get killed!"

  He grits his teeth. "Or even worse… become another one of her slaves…"

  Ari remains quiet as Danya picks up her dual blades.

  "Listen, I don't have time for this! I keep telling you this! It's either you're coming or not!"

  "I'm running out of patience, so if you'll excuse me, I'm leaving!" Danya says, walking past Ari.

  Ari reaches out her arms toward Danya. "Wait!"

  "Ari, listen to me, please just listen!" Shun says, running and grabbing Ari's arm.

  "I don't want to lose you… this village doesn't want to lose you. So please—"

  "No! I'm going. If I fall, that's on me!" Ari says, slapping Shun's hands off her.

  Danya turns her head back to her, hearing this.

  "I told you I have someone I have to see. This is for me!"

  Shun's hands tremble. "So you'll travel with death to meet this someone?"

  "You'll run to your end just for that? I expected you to be smarter than this!"

  Ari turns to Danya. "Yes, if that's what you want to hear, then yes."

  "I'm not the kind of girl to back down from something I've committed to, and you know this!"

  Ari runs toward Danya, sticking her arm out. A pillar of water forms in it, forming a katana with a shining blue blade.

  "Ari…" Shun says, defeated, as he and other villagers watch Ari stand next to Danya.

  "About time!" Danya says.

  "So what's your plan for finding where they are?" Danya asks.

  Ari hums, thinking.

  "Hmmm…"

  "Oh, I completely forgot about that!"

  She grins. "So before, when I fought L'abeille, I placed a transport bubble in Peter's skin."

  "I can track him by sensing my energy in it."

  She raises her hand. "And then I can just transport us to where they are!"

  Danya places her hand on her chin. "A sneak attack, huh?"

  She chuckles. "I like the sound of that."

  Ari closes her eyes, sensing for her energy signature.

  Danya watches, clenching her blades, her thoughts racing.

  "About time…"

  "Save Akuji… and cut down whatever this Malika is…"

  Her eyes and hair start to glow; a grin grows on her face, bearing her fangs.

  "I'm excited! I get to kill! I get to kill!"

  "I found him!" Ari shouts.

  Danya places her blade on the ground, holding out her hand. "Let me see that elixir for a moment…"

  "What? Why? You can only take a sip, remember?" Ari says.

  "I'm not going to drink it. Just trust me."

  "Ugh… fine…" Ari mutters.

  She reaches in her pocket, grabbing the capsule and handing it to Danya.

  Shun watches from the distance. "Is that?!"

  "NO!" He yells, running toward the two.

  Danya takes a swig, puffing her cheeks out.

  "Hey, I said not to drink—"

  Danya shakes her head. "Mmmhmmm!" She makes a sound, holding the liquid in her mouth.

  "What… are you doing?" Ari says.

  "Whatever, just grab onto me!"

  Danya closes the capsule, handing it back to Ari quickly, then licks out her blade.

  "HOW DID YOU TWO GET THE KITSUNE ELIXIR!"

  Danya grabs Ari's arm, and instantly they transport away.

  Shun jumps at the last moment, trying to grab them, but ends up falling on the ground.

  "Master Shun!" the other villagers yell as they rush to him.

  "She really did it! She stole the elixir!"

  "That girl really is something else… just young and reckless!"

  He sighs. "If she makes it back, I swear she's going to get it!"

  The villagers help him up as Ryoshio stands by Masuo's shop, watching.

  "This is unbelievable… I hope she makes it back okay though…"

  And with that, Danya and Ari travel to Peter's whereabouts, not knowing what's in store for them. A gamble of survival.

  END