Sometimes even I forget I have other interests besides pokemon, BHA, and DR. Going to start writing things not DR related or just slapped together into my other interests more often. Got a few things like that sitting in the back of my brain at the moment and plan to slowly work on them alongside the other stuff I've been procrastinating with updating. Here's a bittersweet one that's been in my head since I learned of Vivziepop and all their wonderful content last year. Specifically hazbin Hotel.
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Beware of the bad girls is often what kaito's mother would tell him.
Always strive to try and do the right thing was also something kaito's mother would tell him.
Installing these mindsets in him at a young age were destined to clash at some point.
Especially when he fell in love with one Maki Harukawa. A beautiful brunette who knew almost nothing but violence and needing to wear a mask with a cast iron grip. While she contrasted him in her harden exterior and cold glares at first it was clear they weren't that different. Being to much opposite to someone could be unhealthy just like being to similar but somehow they were just enough of each to fit.
Kaito felt a lot of things about their very first and very last moments together but one thing he'd never feel so long as he existed was regret in having them. Yeah he could of flirted better, tried being more honest about his asthma the first three months, and maybe convinced her to skip their high school reunion. The last one would of been especially good since apparently a few former creeps that ran her cult like orphanage held a grudge. A grudge they waited 10 yrs to get revenge on her with a sneak attack.
"Thank whatever gods do exist that Emiko and her survived." Kaito thought with a sigh.
Every detail from reuniting with friends they hadn't seen in a while played in his head. The group toasts with a moment of silence for those they sadly never would see again flashed in his mind. The cute constellation sweaters they all wore that 12 yrs ago he's positive she'd look at him like he was an idiot for even implying Maki wear. Little Emiko's squealing her head off at the admittedly improved magic tricks of the ultimate magician that involved ice cream. All the happy moments coming to a violent end when four armed men jumped them in the parking lot. While it had been years since she needed to fight, Maki made quick work of the first two men.
She leapt to cover their daughter from a blast of bullets only to be hit in the sides herself. In a fit of fury Kaito shot the man down with his fallen comrade's gun and had a stand off with the last of them. He was fatally hit in the chest but not before blasting the guys brains out with the last bit of energy in his veins.
It was still kind of hard to believe all that happened just 3 years ago today. Not so hard to believe he went to hell even if he had killed in self defense of his loved ones. Being the type to try to find a plus side to almost any situation he was happy to see them still living on even if without him there.
TV in hell was a weird thing. There were specific channels either you could watch in an empty rented rooms for an hour if you didn't own a TV. On this channel no matter who you were you could watch who you wanted to watch if your soul desired. Seeing his usually strong Maki disconnect from those around her with the exception of going to work hurt.
Out of the tragedy though their past friends vowed to help with babysitting when Maki needed a break. Overtime with them and therapy she went back to work. Sometimes she'd overwork herself but the others would remind her to eat and take some self care. It felt good to see.
A sudden knock at his door interrupted his train of thought.
"Hey muttmota, I think your new friends are looking for you. Hell citizen or not that's really rude to ignore people ya know." A somewhat childish voice called. There was no need to turn around since he knew who it was.
"Shouldn't you be playing as someone's guardian angel or cleaning halo duty or whatever it is they do up top Kokichi?" Kaito replied no longer as annoyed by the nickname that his friend gave him years back.
"Finished my chores already and they still haven't really given me any role yet. I rarely remember going to church but the few things they ever mentioned was just how boooooring heaven is. What's wrong with me wanting to hang out with an old buddy anyways? I know you don't exactly hate the company." The little angel said back. Kaito hated he was kind of right.
Despite being an annoyance and frenemy of sorts, Kokichi Oma was one of the few faces he remembered in life. Always pranking and teasing people in school but never honestly malicious toward anybody. A year before kaito's demise funny enough he remember attending Kokichi's funeral. He had given up at some point in school at trying to befriend the boy since he seemed to keep others at arms length. Only a few people ever got close and hearing his death made Kaito wish he had tried harder even though that wouldn't of changed things. After graduation Kokichi had apparently become a popular wedding planner alongside his husband Rantaro. An angry ex of the bride apparently had to be escorted out of one of his client's wedding after party for becoming drunkenly violent.
When the drunk tried to drive his car into the bride outside, Kokichi shoved her out the way only to be driven over.
A few weeks after arriving in hell Kaito ran into kokichi in a demon disguise. Kokichi had been paying attention to obituaries for any signs of his friends in heaven or hell to hang out with since it was boring knowing no one.
That's how he explained it anyway but much like when he was alive it felt like he was being only half truthful with Kaito. While he couldn't see it there was some kind of unique color coded long number over a person's head only angels could see. It was how he recognized the former astronaut despite even kaito not recognizing himself when he saw his reflection in a store window.
No one will ever know how bad he screamed when he first saw his deformed dog-like head attached to a gator body standing on its hindlegs. At least his purple eyes looked the same. That was where Kokichi decided to coin the oh so affectionate nickname of Muttmota to him.
"Whatever, I'm done watching now. If your curious I can change the channel to whatever rantaro is doing while your here."
"Nah, I already know his routine so far though I think its changed a bit..." Kokichi's voice trailed off some which made kaito turn to look at him fully now. Kokichi's disguise was just a blue turtle looking costume with 1 fake eye painted on his face and a horn. If anyone thought it looked off no one cared to report him yet. In his real eyes there seemed to be a bit of sad acceptance to his face. While he was usually the type to hide what he felt it seemed he was comfortable enough with Kaito now to not change his expression when he noticed Kaito looking at him.
"Kokichi, is something up?" Kaito asked
"I've noticed he's been texting Maki more and bringing her lunch to. Do you think that's weird?" Kokichi asked. Over time now Kaito had learned when the angel was asking a rhetorical question. Both knew that their lovers would have to move on at some point even if it was painful to see. While he honestly didn't remember to much about Rantaro there was nothing really bad to say about him.
"If Maki roll has been bothered by any of that then she hasn't said anything. Not really in her character to not tell people when she's annoyed." Kaito replied.
A sudden knock at the door interrupted the two.
"Hey Kaito are you in here? I know you enjoy your hour in here but we need your help finishing up the hotel's bunker!" Called the familiar voice of Charlie Morningstar. It shocked him to learn that the daughter of hell's biggest overlord was a fairly nice creature. She even chose to look human-ish most of time he'd known her to make the guests feel at ease in the happy hotel.
"Yeah, I'm hear just give me a few seconds!" Kaito shouted back before turning the TV off and moving to leave.
"Hey that's right, I almost forgot it's hells favorite time of the year coming up." Kokichi said with a humorless tone despite his smile. Apparently every once a year the angels from heaven come down to hell to "purify" the place as they like to put it. This was meant to clear up room so hell didn't get overpopulated. While yes most of the beings here weren't just down here for things as spur of the moment sins like Kaito, it didn't make hearing the hours of pained screams hurt less. Even Charlie was fair game if she was caught outside in the wrong place at the wrong time. She made a bunker in the hotel basement just in case any angels tried crossing the seals on the house.
Just as kaito was about to walk out the door he felt kokichi tap him on the shoulder.
"Before you go can I ask you if you know anything about imps?" He asked.
"Imps? I mean yeah I've met a few here and there but I'm not really friends with any of them. Why?"
"Oh, I just thought I'd ask since the heavenly times press has been complaining about screwed up numbers due to a few. Apparently there are some that have made a business in going to the living world. They've messed up a few numbers by killing people on requests from hellions here for a few years now. The rant articles are pretty funny considering how unphased the angels like acting about everything. Its honestly been one of the few entertaining things in the papers. That and a few of Ken Shimura's comedy clubs up there. Guy has still got it even dead."
"You met Ken Shimura?! Wish I could meet him but no I don't really know anything about a company like that or at least I don't think I do."
With that and a small wave goodbye, kaito exited the room to meet up with Charlie and the others. The conversation with kokichi played back in his mind a few times and he couldn't help but be curious. A way to the living world would be pointless for him with how he looked now. He'd give his family nightmares.
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Upon returning to happy hotel kaito set to work with setting up enchanted scrolls and boards to keep out angels. The talk with Kokichi made his mind wander some to a few what if scenarios.
"Something on your mind young chap?" The static creepy voice of Alaster suddenly startled him.
"How many times do I have to tell you to make noise when you sneak up on people!?" Kaito screamed
Annoyingly unphased by being shouted at as usual the demon lord just shrugged with a smile. The guy gave kaito the creeps and his reputation completely justified these feelings from what he'd been told.
"Oh well, you see I'm no expert on wall craftsmanship but I do believe slamming the nail into the wall rather then just a hole would help this move along. Now granted I know only a bit about of your short living life from Charlie's little "group therapy" sessions. " Alister paused in his speaking to laugh at either what he knew or just the concept of therapy. Could of been both.
"Still I'd think there's something up there to know how to hit a nail." The demon lord finished before flicking him teasingly on the forehead with his microphone.
To Kaito's embarrassment as he swiped the radio demon away from his face, he noticed he had zoned out and made a hole from mindlessly hitting the nail more then needed.
"Yeah, yeah, I know how to hammer a nail. I was just thinking about wanting to see my wife again. Only getting to see her through a screen while stuck in this place full of creeps is just torture."
"Well that is kind of the point since your in hell but believe it or not I can sympathize with your plight." Allister responded. Kaito didn't believe that for a second but listened anyway.
"I sympathize so much in fact I think I could help." Allister said. He sounded so giddy and genuinely enthusiastic that almost anyone would of thought he was being sincere.
It was a bit embarrassing to think Kaito would of probably taken the other demon's offer a few years ago if not for Charlie's intervening with a "happy hotel rules" list. Rule number one was to never make deals with Allister. Especially when he had his hand out for it like he did currently with an ominous subtle green glow.
"Human life can be pretty long and tiring even when your having fun. Its bittersweet how much I remember that even after I got where I am now it tends to get a little dull to. Other then being purged by the angels we just exist on, and on, and on here. I at least can exist with some good ole vengeance and other fun events in my long dead soul to look at for something. I know people call me an arrogant demon though not very long if their within my earshot. All the same I know I can die from a holy weapon just like any of you. Charlie wants me to help give comfort to sad souls such as yourself every now and then. All that said how about we make very small deal f-" Before he could try to reel Kaito into whatever his proposal was, their demon hostess appeared.
"Alistar! You need to help Angel dust in the kitchen. Pretty please." Charlie said with a tight smile on her face. Both him and Allister learned to read that smile and tone of hers to mean "I saw what you just did and your on thin ice ali." With a half hearted eye roll he made his way to the kitchen while calling over his shoulder that they could talk again later.
"Are you okay Kaito? Is there anything you feel like talking about?" The demon hostess inquired.
"Nah,I mean nothing really different then usual. Hating it here and wishing I was literally anywhere else should be something I'm over already I know th-"
"NO! That's wrong kaito." Charlie cut him off.
"I might of never been human but I understand missing someone close and wanting to change things you can't. There is no such thing as just "getting over it" or you'll let despair take over you when you try. I want this hotel to be a place of reforming and humans have to slowly heal first to make that happen." Charlie put a hand on his shoulder in comfort while smiling as she spoke. Unlike Alister he knew she meant her words and this wasn't their first conversation on the matter either. Despite her young appearance it was when she said things like that did he remember he was talking to a being that was centuries old.
There was a pause between them before Charlie had a thoughtful look on her face.
"You mentioned in one of out sessions this would be your anniversary month right? Since you've been pretty decent since you've been here and you've never shown any to violent or perverted intents like the other souls I think I can do you a favor as reward for your good behavior." Charlie said before taking him to her room. She pressed her fingers against a full length body mirror that started to glow a faint blue. Unlike when the radio demon's hand glowed this light felt less ominous and more welcoming.
"What is it?"
"Oh, this is an enchantment for seeing dreams of the living. It works a bit the same as the TV but the person you see can see you in anyway you want them to. You can give your wife some last words if you want tonight. How's that sound?"
Kaito's eyes almost popped out his skull with one of the few smiles she's seen in a while at the proposition was all the answer she needed.
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Moving in the dream realm was a weird experience. It was like moving through an odd endless mist that made his skin tingle. Eventually he stood on what seemed to be a beach of some kind with a gloomy looking sky blocking the sun. In the distance he saw what had to be Maki but wearing her old school uniform while sitting on a beach towel. The towel with Aquarius constellations all over it he got her the second year of hopes peak when they took a beach trip. She didn't seem to be enjoying the sight of the sea so much as looking at it with longing. Looking past it almost to something she was trying to recall.
Maki heard him coming since she seemed to twitch a bit from his footsteps but didn't turn around.
"Rantaro, I really don't feel like another smoothie or to talk right now so leave."
Kaito paused at this. "So he's been in her dreams before?"
"Not going to even thank a guy offering you a drink or his company? I don't remember you being that rude Maki roll." It felt great saying her old pet name again and even better seeing her spin around wide eyed at the sight of him.
"K-Kaito?! Your usually not in these dreams or at least not without blood stains..." Maki said before trailing off. There was a hesitant look on her face as he opened his arms but she returned the hug when he couldn't take waiting. It might of been a dream but she felt as solid as if both were flesh and blood.
"Its me Maki, this is kind of ironic when I think about it. I hated supernatural crap since I was a kid but here I am, hugging while a ghost by coming in your dreams."
Through her teary smile he could still see some sadness and confusion. He felt himself cry a bit as well since he knew this couldn't last. Charlie was generous enough to do this as a reward but it had to be a one time thing.
"I'm suppose to be the one in charge of this dream so you shouldn't be calling yourself a ghost." Still smiling sadly Kaito shook his head.
"Sorry Maki roll but that's the truth. I'm here from the other side with a bit of help since I've been good there. I don't think they'll allow me to do this often if at all after this so I just wanted to say some things before you wake up." Both still held hands as Maki seemed to compose herself enough to nod her head in understanding.
"I've been watching you from where I am and never been prouder of you or our little star. Emiko is taking after you in so many ways and I hate that I'm missing being there in person for it but I'm happy regardless. I know its been rough for both of you but I know things will get better."
Kaito paused to look away and take a few breaths before continuing where this talk had to go.
"I also think its...I think its time for you to move on. Rantaro's been texting you more right? You even thought he was here instead of me. If he or when he ever asks I think you should go for it. No one should have to act strong alone for to long. I had that problem in high school remember? I didn't tell you about my asthma because I thought it would make me look weak. I got strep throat once and told you guys I was on a spontaneous "family" vacation for a week. You and shuichi saw right through that bullshit though. You chewed me out on it but I knew it was because you cared and I was being an idiot to think either of you would think less of me having issues.
There's nothing wrong with needing someone and nothing wrong with you moving on to. If its with Rantaro or anyone else then that's fine but I'd love to know our daughter has 2 parents to grow up with. Someone else to be there for not just her needs but yours to. Both of you deserve that."
Maki listened to him speak with tears in her eyes at the beginning but had a somber expression of understanding by the end. Kissing her and exchanging final "I love you" to one another, Kaito started to fade out. He noticed as he faded that the sky above Maki had a little more sunlight and the sea moved with a little more life as he returned to his world.
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An entire year had past since the day Kaito had his final talk with Maki. Just as predicted within the next week Rantaro finally made his move. Since he knew Kokichi wasn't that fond of the gossipy angels up top enough to snitch he told of the experience. This encouraged Kokichi enough to do similar in pushing his own beloved into moving on as well in dream form. It was once again the day of the purge. Despite the protest of Charlie he promised he was staying in bunker just as safe with a friend. This was half a lie of course. He was with a friend but less in a bunker but the same vacant TV room he'd usually watch his family although the TV was currently off.
"Hey kaito, I'm kind of sick of this whole sitting and watching other people do boring things with their lives. I found a magic key out for both of us if you want. It can take us to another life. One where we are both alive though I don't know if we'll be human or look the same. The next dimension if you want to call it that. The angels gossip about it all the time and I finally got my hands on it. It involves some magic circles and sacrifice so you better not chicken out if you say yes!"
This is what kokichi said to him one night while they hung out at the park while watching the weird constellations in the underworld sky. The fact that he used his real name was somewhat shocking since he rarely did unless he was serious. It was a bit more so when he fully thought of what he must be suggesting. While Charlie did say those purged just stopped existing he wondered if that was entirely true. If there really was something else beyond this then honestly just knowing his loves were happy without him was enough.
That's why he was now standing in a chalk circle with a blind fold and facing away from Kokichi. His friend was also turned around back to back with him. The only noise in the room for a few seconds that felt eternal was the static of someone trying to contact Kokichi via walkie talkie. Despite being on the lowest setting they both could hear the less then holy words of one of the cleansing angels that dragged him out here. One thing Kaito always had to admire about the other boy was went he didn't want to be bossed around, he simply didn't. Finally breaking the silence for them both the shorter man spoke.
"So yeah, I thought this would come off as easier but it feels weird doing this now." Kokichi said.
"No worries dude, I'm nervous to but were going to meet again remember. This is just using a key right?" Kaito's voice wobbled a bit but it seemed to work from the genuine if not sad snicker he heard.
"I just never did get how you got to be so optimistic even in the dumbest situations like this. Even when people could tell you were lying."
"Just like your lying skills it takes practice but I had friends around when I burned myself out with it. I hope when we meet again that we can be friends or better yet maybe even brothers. Better circumstances to I hope."
"Yeah, I hope so to and that's not a lie." Kokichi's reply was the last of what he heard as Kaito raised the holy weapon to the side of his head. Kokichi in sync with him did the same as both mentally counted to 5 before firing it off.
-END-
Before I'm asked why I wrote this I'm not really sure myself. Just another one of those ideas that kept popping up so often you can't ignore writing it some. I don't right angst often but I guess some part of me was just in the mood.