Chp 6. Trying to Move Forward
(Warning: This chp contains heavy themes dealing with sexual assault and self-harm, so don't read this chp if reading the chp will harm or upset you in any way possible)
As the night went by, Kiryu held on tight to Angel Dust as Angel Dust looked at Kiryu as he talked to himself.
"Why would Val want something to do with you?", Angel said as he looked at the ceiling.
"I'll make sure this doesn't happen again.", Angel dust said as he started to feel tired.
"You can have me, Val, but you won't have him…I'll make sure you don't turn up like me kid…", Angel Dust said as he sighed and fell asleep. As they slept, Kiryu's nightmares had returned once more.
"N-no…", Kiryu muttered under his breath as he started to toss and turn in Angel's bed, "it's…not…my….fault…mother…please…", Kiryu muttered as he started to gasp for air
"Huh….", Angel Dust turned to see Kiryu gasping for air as his claws dug into the bed.
"Hey...hey I'm here, kid, focus on my voice, alright?", Angel Dust said as he got closer to Kiryu.
"I'm….sorry…I..failed you….forgive..me", Kiryu muttered under his breath as his breathing was slowly starting to return to a normal pace.
"Just focus on my voice..it's me Angel Dust… Kiryu", Angel Dust slowly held Kiryu's hand as he placed his head on Kiryu's shoulder. Kiryu quickly held onto Angel Dust for support as he dug his face into Angel's chest fluff.
"It's alright Kiryu I'm here. Just keep on focusing on my voice..", Angel Dust said as he rubbed Kiryu's head, trying to help him get through whatever was going through his mind.
"I'm…I'm….", Kiryu's breath had returned to a normal pace as he started to relax. As he did so, the dark image of his mother's lifeless body faded away when he saw Angel Dust's outstretched hand. He took Angel's hand as everything slowly started to get better. Once the morning came, Kiryu slowly sat up from the bed and rubbed his eyes.
"Shit…", Kiryu said as he rubbed his eyes and looked around the room, "this…isn't my room?", Kiryu said as he looked down at Fat Nuggets with a confused look on his face.
"Yeah this isn't my room-", Kiryu was about to say right as, "You 're finally awake, huh, sleepy head?", Angel Dust spoke, rubbing his eyes. Kiryu slowly turned his head to face Angel Dust as he slowly started to turn a bright shade of red on his face.
"I'M SO FUCKIN SORRY I-I!", Kiryu was going to continue to shout his apology as Angel Dust quickly hushed him.
"Shhh keep your voice down.", Angel Dust said as Kiryu quickly covered his mouth as they heard a knock at the door.
"Everything alright in there Angel I-", Charlie said as she knocked on the door a few more times.
"Yup everything's all good here Charlie!", Angel Dust said as he and Kiryu stared at the door.
"Angel by chance did you see Kiryu last night? I could have sworn that I heard him come inside the hotel but I can't find him. ", Charlie said as she placed her ear up to the door.
"He's probably out with some friends Charlie!", Angel Dust said looking over as he gave a thumbs up.
"Oh alright?", Charlie said as she walked away from the door. Once Charlie's footsteps couldn't be heard, Kiryu and Angel Dust sighed deeply.
"She's gone…", Kiryu said as he slowed down his breathing.
"Yeah…but more importantly how are you feeling right now Kiryu?", Angel Dust said as he placed his hand on Kiryu's back.
"I…oh shit", Kiryu quickly covered his mouth as, "Not in the bed! Not in the bed!", Angel Dust quickly led Kiryu off the bed and into the bathroom. Once they reached the toilet, Kiryu puked his guts out as Angel helped get the air out of his face.
"Let it all out Kiryu..just let it all out.", Angel Dust said as he rubbed his back. Once Kiryu was done, he flushed the toilet and sat on the bathroom floor, exhausted as Angel Dust sat next to him. Angel Dust let Kiryu catch his breath for a moment then asked him a question.
"Now that you're feeling better, do you remember anything from last night, Kiryu?", Angel said with a worried look.
"Sort of…it's still a blur..right now", Kiryu said as he rubbed his head. Angel Dust looked at the ground for a moment, contemplating whether or not to tell him about the love potion until Kiryu broke him out of his thoughts.
"I….I'm starting to remember I went to a club with some work friends…then I had a few drinks…after that..I-", Kiryu was about to continue to speak as he looked down at his hands and then his body.
"You alright, Kiryu?", Angel Dust was about to place his hand on Kiryu's shoulder then suddenly Kiryu slapped his hand away and backed away from Angel Dust.
"Don't touch me! I'm….I'm….", Kiryu said with fear in his voice as he rushed out of Angel's room and into his and slammed the door. Angel Dust quickly followed behind him. As he did so he ran into Charlie and Vaggie who bombarded him with questions.
"What's wrong with Kiryu?", Charlie said with worry in her voice.
"Why did Kiryu just leave YOUR ROOM ANGEL?!", Vaggie said with venom in her voice. Angel Dust quickly explained what had happened to the both of them. Once he was finished it left both Charlie and Vaggie frozen needing a minute to take it all in.
"What should we do…", Charlie said with a bit of sadness in her voice not knowing how to best help Kiryu with what he went through.
"I'll help him right now Charlie I've been through what he's been through..", Angel Dust said as he looked at the floor remembering what Val had done to him as well.
"Alright Angel.", Charlie said as she and Vaggie both walked off. As they did so Angel Dust went right back to what he was doing.
"Kiryu wait!", Angel Dust said as he opened the door to see Kiryu's bathroom lights on and the sound of running water filled the room. Angel Dust tried to open the door but it wouldn't open. Kiryu had locked it.
"Gotta clean it off me..gotta get it off me….", Kiryu said as he threw his clothes to the ground and got into the bathtub. Kiryu tried to clean himself off of Valentino's touch but it just wouldn't come off. Kiryu could still feel it on his body. He then started to claw at his body, ripping off pieces of flesh as the once clear water was now a dark blood red. Kiryu repeated this process. Kiryu cried tears of sorrow as they had begun to turn a dark red now tears of fear and disgust. Angel Dust sat against the door as he tried to get through to Kiryu.
"Kiryu! Please open the door!", Angel Dust pleaded as he heard Kiryu's cries of misery.
"...oh god….it won't come off….it..won't…", Kiryu continued to tear at his skin. He only stopped once he saw what he had done to himself. He threw his face into his palms and cried. Then suddenly Kiryu's sorrow was stopped as a familiar song was being played on the other side of the door. The strums of a guitar were the first to peak Kiryu's interest.
Days seem sometimes as if they'll never end
Sun digs its heels to taunt you
But after sunlit days, one thing stays the same
Rises the moon
"I know you like this song Kiryu….maybe it'll help you….", Angel Dust said as he placed Kiryu's phone up against the door so he could hear it better.
Days fade into a watercolour blur
Memories swim and haunt you
But look into the lake, shimmering like smoke
Rises the moon
Kiryu had stopped his tears as he focused only on the song. First the guitar, then the lyrics, and the beat of the song too. Kiryu's mind was completely focused on the music.
Oh-oh, close your weary eyes
I promise you that soon the autumn comes
To darken fading summer skies
Breathe, breathe, breathe
"Just keep listening Kiryu..", Angel Dust said with a faint smile across his face, happy that he could finally help him deal with his trauma.
Days pull you down just like a sinking ship
Floating is getting harder
But tread the water, child, and know that meanwhile
Rises the moon
Days pull you up just like a daffodil
Uprooted from its garden
They'll tell you what you owe, but know even so
Rises the moon
You'll be visited by sleep
I promise you that soon the autumn comes
To steal away each dream you keep
Breathe, breathe, breathe
Once everything had gone quiet Angel Dust leaned against the door hoping that he was able to help Kiryu.
"...thank you…Angel Dust…", Kiryu said as he wiped the tears from his face.
"When you're ready to come out Kiryu…I'll be here…we'll get through this together..", Angel Dust said with a faint smile on his face. After a minute or two, Kiryu emerged from the bathroom fully dressed, but bits of his skin were still healing. Angel Dust looked up at Kiryu and quickly hugged him.
"I'll always be there Kiryu….I'll make sure you'll get through this..", Angel Dust said, his voice hiding some sadness.
"...thank you Angel…..", Kiryu said as he let out a deep sigh and held Angel tightly. They both stood there for a moment. Once Kiryu let go, so did Angel Dust. Kiryu lay on his bed as Angel Dust sat next to him. Angel Dust was about to say something before getting a call. Once he saw who was calling, Angel Dust excused himself and answered the phone outside of Kiryu's room. After a minute, Angel Dust returned.
"Kiryu I'm so sorry, but something just came up. I'll be back once I'm done.", Angel Dust said as he quickly rushed out of the hotel. Kiryu nodded his head before Angel Dust left as Kiryu continued to lay on his bed. Kiryu's mind began to wander as he stared at the ceiling aimlessly.
"Look at what you've become.", a horrid voice called out.
"You've got enough power to slaughter anyone that gets in your way yet….you fall to your knees to such petty squabbles.", the voice continued to beckon. Kiryu covered his ears trying to ignore the voice call.
"I..won't do it…I won't be like him…I won't….", Kiryu's grip around his ears got tighter as he tried his hardest to ignore that voice.
"You know it to be true….don't lie to yourself you enjoyed killing those fuckers back when you first came to hell..you enjoyed the power…..you loathe that power…all that destruction and death..you took joy in it….you say you've finally got control but you don't! Now why don't we go to Valentino and show him why we should never be fucked with let's show him why Hell should fear us! You know you want to don't fucking lie to yourself!", the voice said as it got louder and louder.
"Maybe you're right….but I refuse to become a monster bent on the slaughtering of others damnit! ", Kiryu said as a few tears ran down his face, "I know mom wouldn't want me to do any of that….she wouldn't want-", Kiryu was about to say as the voice cut him off.
"Horse shit you don't know what she would want! For fucks sake you just sat there and held her corpse as you went along with what Father wanted! If you had listened to your instincts that bastard would have been dead and she would have lived! You probably wouldn't even have gone to hell or even been killed by that bomb either! You're just too weak to accept all of that, are you dipshit?!", the voice said as it got louder almost like it was screaming at him.
"I'm not weak..", Kiryu said as the tears started to stop and that rage within returned stronger than ever before.
"Then fuckin show them dick head! Because after you're little stunt everyone knows you fuckin weak you are!", the voice said as Kiryu could feel like it was starting to have a grip on his heart and mind.
"I'm not fuckin weak!", Kiryu shouted out.
"Then show them! Do it for Angel Dust! You have the strength so fuckin do it!", the voice said with glee.
"I'm not fucking weak….I'll show..them…all….but I'll do it for Angel…Dust….for him…", Kiryu said as a manic smile grew across his face. Kiryu left his room and just so happened to see Angel Dust rush to his room with what looked like to be a black eye.
"Sorry Kiryu, I gotta shower real quick, then I'll be right with you just like I promised!", Angel Dust said as he quickly shut the door to his room. Kiryu's rage had broken its limits as he walked out of the hotel and b-lined it to V-Tower. Once Kiryu reached V-Tower he opened the door and headed towards the receptionist.
"Where's Valentino?", Kiryu said as he looked down at the receptionist.
"Mr. Valentino is currently occupied with something sir you'll have to come back later.", the receptionist said as she typed away at her computer. Kiryu grunted as he grabbed the receptionist by her throat and lifted her in the air.
"Now where's Valentino?", Kiryu asked again as his voice grew with anger. The receptionist immediately gave Kiryu directions to Valentino's studio. Once Kiryu got what he wanted, he threw her to the floor. Kiryu took the nearby elevator to Valentino's studio. Once he exited the elevator, he went straight for the studio. As he made his way to the studio, his rage continued to grow. Once he saw the doors to the studio, he kicked open the door, stopping what everyone was doing. They all looked at Kiryu, but only one broke the silence.
"Who the fuck thinks they can just walk into my studio and fuck up my scene! I swear to god I'll kill the bastard who-", Valentino was about to finish his rant as Kiryu cut him off.
"Valentino you piece of fuckin shit!", Kiryu rushed at Valentino as he shoved away one who got in his way. A few got scratches and some were left bleeding but nothing stopped Kiryu's rage as he tackled Valentino to the ground.
"I'm gonna end your piece of shut lige right here and right now Valentino!", Kiryu shouted at Valentino, quickly shoved one of his guns into Kiryu's mouth and pulled the trigger. Kiryu was sent flying across the room. Valentino got up and wiped Kiryu's blood off of him.
"Ugh don't you know how hard it is to get blood off of-", Valentino was briefly cut off as Kiryu quickly got up. The hole in Kiryu's head started to heal as he spit blood out of his mouth.
"I'm gonna gut you like the fuckin pig you are Valentino!.", Kiryu said as he rushed at Valentino again, this time landing a few slashes on him.
"Shit that fucki-", Valentino was cut off as Kiryu grabbed him by the throat and slammed him down into the ground with enough force to shake all of V-Tower. For a brief moment, Valentino was stunned by Kiryu's strength. He quickly got his pistol and revolver and aimed them at Kiryu's eyes which he shot forcing Kiryu to let him go.
"MY EYES YOU FUCKNING PIECE OF TRASH! SHIT THIS HURTS LIKE A MOTHERFUCKER! YOU FUCKIN BITCH!", Kiryu screamed in pain as he laid on the floor covering his face. As he did so Vox appeared through a nearby TV.
"Val what the fuck are you-" Vox was about to chew out Valentino as he saw Kiryu screaming in pain and quickly left.
"How's that you little-", Valentino was thrown across the room as Kiryu used his nuclear pulse.
"I WILL RIP YOU'RE GUTS OUT FROM YOU'RE STOMACH VALENTINO!", Kiryu shouted now with his eyes fully healed he rushed at Valentino while charging his atomic breath.
"I'm an overlord for a reason dick!", Valentino aimed both of his guns at Kiryu's knees and shot them causing Kiryu to fall as he fired his atomic breath at Valentino. It almost hit Valentino as he dodged out of the way only burning up some of his wings.
"NOTHING WILL STOP ME FROM MAKING SURE YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD YOU PIECE OF LIVING SHI-", Kiryu was about to continue to scream at Valentino while trying to stand up struggling heavily, as Valentino cut him off.
"Alright I'm done playing with my food you arrogant little shit time to show you why you don't fuck with me.", Valentino used his wings to knock Kiryu back as he did so he used both his pistol and revolver and fired shot after shot. They all landed on Kiryu leaving his body spilling blood on the floor. Kiryu had fallen to his knees as he bled more.
"Haha not the first time I brought an arrogant bitch to their knees", Valentino said as he walked towards Kiryu, "Look at you…a bloody mess…you piece of worthless trash!", Valentino shouted as he pistol-slapped Kiryu.
"You're like a wild dog…and now I think it's time I put a leash on that neck of yours.", Valentino kneeled to Kiryu's level, pulled Kiryu by his hair, and forcefully kissed Kiryu. Kiryu tried to fight back, but that rage he'd always used disappeared as Valentino's pheromones started to make his body go numb and his mind goes blank. As a last resort, Kiryu bit Valentino's tongue. Valentino quickly threw Kiryu away from him as he covered his bleeding mouth while also shouting profanities. Kiryu slowly got up struggling a bit as he faced Valentino once again.
"After what you did to Angel Dust……….and me…………I'll make sure until my last dying breath that you're killed by my hands……….asshole.", Kiryu said with a faint smirk on his face.
"You're doing all this for that fuckin whore!?", Valentino said as his tongue fully healed and faced Kiryu.
"I…won't fall…no matter what Valentino….today you're fucking life ends here and now.", Kiryu was about to charge his atomic breath again as Charlie and Vaggie burst into the room.
"Kiryu stop please!", Charlie got in front of Kiryu as Vaggie aimed her spear at Valentino.
"Charlie….Vaggie?", Kiryu said confused, "what…are you two doing here?", Kiryu once again struggled to stand properly.
"We'll explain it later Kiryu first we need to take you back to the hotel," Charlie helped Kiryu stand, "We're so sorry Valentino we-", Charlie was about to continue to apologize as Valentino quickly cut her off.
"It's alright princess…just remember to keep a better check on your residents now haha", Valentino said with a fake laugh.
"Oh uh alright? Vaggie, help me here.", Vaggie helped Charlie with Kiryu as they left Valentino's studio. Right before they left Kiryu made sure to flip off Valentino, pissing him off as he did so. Vaggie and Charlie helped Kiryu make his way to the hotel. On the way, they explained why they showed up from what Angel Dust told them about his night to their song. Once they made it to the hotel they placed Kiryu on his bed to heal. Angel Dust quickly entered the room and rushed to Kiryu's side. Both Charlie and Vaggie left the room leaving Angel Dust with Kiryu.
"I-", Kiryu was about to say something as Angel Dust quickly cut him off.
"You fuckin idiot you could have gotten yourself killed!", Angel Dust said as tears ran across his face and landed on Kiryu's arm.
"Why did you even do something like this?! I told you I would be with you after I was done with my shower why didn't you fuckin listen to me god damnit", Angel Dust said as the tears continued to flow.
"I…did for you Angel…", Kiryu said with a weak smile.
"For me?! You nearly killed yourself for me!? How arrogant do you have to be too", Angel Dust was cut off as Kiryu spoke.
"Ever since you told me your story….I wanted Valentino dead….seeing you with that black eye sent me over the edge….and after what Valentino did to me I thought all of that could justify his death…..then I wouldn't be weak another too…", Kiryu said as he looked at the ceiling.
"You're….not weak Kiryu….you've gotta be the strongest sinner I know to take on Valentino like that….and also the dumbest too.", Angel Dust said as Kiryu chuckled a bit.
"We'll get through this together Kiryu but without the violence and death alright?", Angel Dust said as he looked at a smiling Kiryu.
"Alright.", Kiryu said with a weak smile.
"I'll let you rest now Kiryu, you need it", Angel Dust said as he left the room. Kiryu sighed as he started to fall asleep.
"What do you want Alastor?", Kiryu said as he looked to his left and saw Alastor sitting on a chair in his room.
"I know what happened between you and Valentino Kiryu.", Alastor said with his usual smile.
"And what of it? Came here to mock me for it dick head?", Kiryu said as he sat up on his bed.
"Not at all lad..although the thought did come to mind earlier haha," Alastor laughed, "for you to take down Valentino you'll need to learn to not only harness your power but to acquire souls as well. Remember what I said about you being an overlord during the meeting?", Alastor said as he got off the chair and walked towards Kiryu.
"Yeah I do?", Kiryu said as he looked confused at what Alastor was planning.
"Being an overlord grants those vast powers via having sinners sell their souls to you. This means you'll become strong enough to not only defeat Valentino but anyone who could stand in your way. You could even defend those you love and cherish as well." Alastor looked down at Kiryu.
"So if I get more souls from sinners I'll be strong…strong enough to kill Valentino…to protect those I love?", Kiryu said as he looked up at Alastor.
"Precisely lad!", Alastor said with his same smile, "And I'll take you under my wing personally now, what do you say Kiryu?", Alastor said as he placed both of his hands on his cane.
"I'll do it….but if you fuck me over in any way possible I'll fucking end you Alastor," Kiryu said as he got off the bed and faced Alastor looking down at him.
"Good to know that crazed spirit in you still burns Kiryu", Alastor laughed, "I'll come to you once I'm ready, so be prepared, Kiryu.", Alastor said as he vanished into the shadows.
"I hope I didn't just fuck myself in the ass right now..", Kiryu said as he sighed and got back into bed.
Back at V-Tower Vox could be seen having a group of scientists examine Kiryu's blood on the ground and putting it inside of test tubes. Then Vox went to speak with Valentino in his room.
"Val you're lucky you spilled his blood because if he hadn't killed you I sure would!", Vox said to Valentino who was cleaning his clothes from Kiryu's blood.
"The kid's strong..really strong I can see why you want him on our side Voxxy and besides you wouldn't even think about killing me…hell if it weren't for me you wouldn't have gotten all that blood..and this.", Valentino handed Vox a piece of charred clothing.
"Is this?", Vox was about to ask as Valentino nodded his head, "with this and the blood we'll finally know what makes you tick Kiryu hahaHAHAHAHAHAH", Vox laughed crazily.
First off, the song I used in the chp is called rises the moon by Liana Flores, so all credit goes to her. I heavily recommend checking the song out it's so good! Now, with that out of the way, that's the end of chp 5! Know I know that Kiryu's been going through some real heavy shit these past few chps, so the next chp will be a bit more of a happy one! But more importantly, how will Alastor teach Kiryu to become an overlord? Did Kiryu make a good decision going under Alastor's wing? How will Kiryu and Angel Dust handle all the pain and suffering they've experienced from Valentino? Will Kiryu ever truly manage that rage within him? What will Vox do with Kiryu's blood and that piece of charred clothing? What will the media say about Valentino and Kiryu's battle? Y'all will have to find out in chp 7! Don't forget to follow for more chps and leave a review of what you thought too! Also, I don't own either Godzilla nor the characters used from Helluva Boss or Hazbin Hotel they all belong to their respective owners .