Author's Notes: So I think I'm going to give up on ever writing a multi-chapter story that's not a collection of drabbles or one-shots. My luck with them doesn't quite work.

With my venture into the Bokurano fandom, I was confused and unhappy to find such a…well, non-existent fandom. Thus I'm making my contribution. My best friend inspired me to write this story upon mentioning Sandman crossovers and idly bringing up Bokurano, even though she only knows of it through my incoherent rants. For those who don't know Sandman…well, don't worry – I haven't finished it and all you need to know is explained/implied pretty fast in this.

But, um. Bokurano fans? This has spoilers for the whole manga series, even in this chapter. Read at your own risk.

Disclaimer: Bokurano and Sandman do not belong to me, nor will they ever. Most sadly. :(

The cockpit had been so full of life a moment ago.

Fifteen children watching his world's final fight. And their world's first.

Fifteen children. I'm sorry.

Fourteen of them had been contracted, including the younger Machi girl. He was almost grateful he wouldn't have to face the elder brother. The two had promised not to see each other again in this world. The punk didn't want to see his face again. The man couldn't blame him.

He wondered if the scar he'd given the elder Machi – the "Dung Beetle" of this world – hurt like his once had.

"Garaku."

He turned around, though he realized his body didn't turn with him. Instead, it lay slumped on the ground. He didn't realize death would come that fast.

A young woman in gothic clothing before him. Death.

"Or should I call you Kokopelli now?" Her lips remained a tight line as she watched him. "Seems that's how you'll be remembered in this world, anyway."

Garaku – no, Kokopelli – watched her with hollow eyes. "Take me to the place I'm supposed to be. Please."

Death walked up to him, hands on her hips. "I've got a question first. Out of all the people you could have picked, why kids?"

Why kids? Kokopelli didn't know. Was it easier that way? Tell adults they were going to "play a game" and they'd brush him off. Tell anyone the true meaning behind the fights and there would be a panic. So…it had to be kids. He didn't have time to organize a complicated pilot selection, not with his fight approaching.

But there was something more to the question.

"…Yoko made it easy," he explained. "The group she found had almost enough pilots. They came to me, I couldn't just turn away the perfect opportunity because she was their friend. Shame she has to die too. Her brother'll be pissed when he sees me again."

Death didn't say anything for a moment, nor did she lead him away. "…They might as well already be under my watch," she murmured a moment later.

A humorless smile crossed Kokopelli's face. He understood now.

"Am I going to Hell?"

Author's Notes: A small explanation. Some of you might remember Dung Beetle saying Kokopelli had a scar across his face before he came to the world we follow in the manga. He got it because one of the other pilots cut him, and then "he cut the kid back." Now flash forward to the last chapter and when Dung Beetle regains his human form, what do you know – a scar. I put the pieces together while writing this. Thought it would be a fun little thing to include and it would explain just why Dung Beetle wasn't with Kokopelli when he was gathering the kids.