Chapter one: Falling

Kiada sat on a swing, pumping her legs forward and back. Bankotsu's hands pushed her even higher.

They were in a garden. The swing hung from large momiji tree, surrounded by bamboo, Suakura trees in full bloom, and soft green grass. Heaven was better than Kiada had ever imagined: there was no drama or problems. No arguing or anger and it was impossible to be upset in the afterlife. Bankotsu was still cynical but nothing ever came of it. They were alone in their own little world, doing whatever they felt like every day. For some reason, doing nothing and only seeing one another, didn't get boring. The best part, she had the wings she had always dreamed of. Long, gorgeous feathers that flowed like water off her back. They were the most beautiful shades of silver and white. They were so much better than the brown, plain pair she had before her run in the Council.

Up the path was a Shinden-zukuri filled with soft pillows and silk. There would be plenty of the best sake and kimonos for Kiada in every design and color imaginable. There was a dojo that had every weapon available to Bankotsu. He would practice for hours on end; during this time, he had become very good at archery and swords smaller than his Banryu. Every sword and weapon imaginable, even a sword exactly like Jakotsu's retractable sword, could be found in the dojo, but for some reason, a halberd the size and style of Banryu was missing, much to Bankotu's disappointment. Outside was several small rivers and ponds filled with the brightest koi fish and turtles. Sometimes, cranes would come and dance in the shallows for each other. There was always a soft breeze blowing that smelled of sandalwood and bells could be heard.

Bankotsu plucked a blue Ajisai from a bush and handed it to her as she swung back. She took it from his hand and took a deep sniff. She smiled at him and tucked it in her hair.

Kiada leapt off her swing and hit the soft ground on her knees; it was like hitting cotton balls. She jumped up and started running, looking over her shoulder to see Bankotsu running after her. She laughed at him and ran faster, just out of her reach. He tackled her, circling her knees with her arms. She hit the ground laughing.

Bankotsu tickled her sides as she screamed. She rolled over and let him kiss her. She wrapped her muscular arms around his neck and pulled him in. He kissed her neck and shoulder. Down to her collar bone. He was nearly to her cleavage when Kiada looked up at the sky.

The perfect blue sky turned dark, ugly purple. Everything around them lost color and wilted. The sky seemed to crack down the middle, revealing a black void. Bankotsu looked up and then back down at Kiada.

"Run!" He yelled his eyes widening. Kiada had never seen that look of fear in his eyes, even while they were alive in the most dangerous situations.

Kiada jumped up after Bankotsu and tried to run after him but her knees gave out under her. The ground gave away, like a sink hole. She screamed, feeling fear for the first time since she died.

Bankotsu spun back around and tried to grab her hand as she quickly dropped downwards. His finger tips brushed hers before she fell out of reach.

She screamed as she fell. The cloud she had been on rapidly disappeared and she was swallowed by darkness.

Momiji= maple

Ajisai- hydrangea

Shinden-Zukuri- aristocratic mansions