Que Sera Sera

This might be a hot take, but I thought what they did for the "monster" of the Backrooms was ABSOLUTELY GENIUS! How it organically builds upon how the Backrooms work, how it connects to the real world and its people (specifically Clark), and how it creates something that is dangerous and terrifying, and yet at the same time, frighteningly human!

Let me ask you something. Do you think it's interesting that out of all the "people" that were in the Backrooms, Clark's was the only one that was actually dangerous and was actually going around killing people? That's because the Backrooms remembers things in the real world, and "the more times it remembers, the less it does" until it only remembers the details that stand out the most, like how, when you remember a childhood bedroom, you only remember specific furniture or decorations. And the same goes for people!

Because Clark's life is dominated by his anxieties, frustration, fears, and, most importantly, his desire to lash out at everything he thinks is to blame, the Backrooms only remembered those negative feelings. And eventually they all culminated into this dangerous entity. Just like how he lashed out and attacked others that he believes are the fault of where he is, this entity of his own (unintentional) making lashes out and attacks everyone in sight, because, as you can see by the expression on its face, it too is driven by those same anxieties and fears!

I definitely agree with the privileged piece of her character, she is not only a princess in her past life (which comes with inherent like physical privilege) but also has many friends who always protect her to the best of their ability and are shown on several occasions to be willing to die for her. Despite the tragic end to her life as Princess Serentiy her life after reincarnation is full of love, she has a family who cares for her dearly and before we meet her in the story she has tons of friends, then she meets the other girls and becomes close to them and also has Mamoru. All of these people care for her deeply and she has never lacked love in her life. Especially when you contrast this with other characters who are shown to live lonely, isolated lives before being brought into Usagi's inner circle. (This is shown really well in the R movie where the inner guardians and Mamoru all explicitly state that they were sad and lonely before they met her). Mako lost her parents to a plane crash, Rei's mother died of a sickness, Hotaru's mom died in a fire that left Hotaru mutilated and on top of that her dad put an evil egg inside of her, Mamoru loses his parents and memories, Setsuna guards the time gate alone, etc. Usagi has a good life as Usagi Tsukino before all of the Sailor Moon stuff starts happening (And after too but obviously my girl suffers more during that), she had a good life as Serenity even though she felt stifled on the moon and even though the fall of the moon kingdom and Endymion dying was obviously very traumatic for her, and she is shown a really nice future where she has a husband, child, and all of her friends surrounding her. All of this being something most of the other characters don't have, or at least not entirely.

As for the selfish piece I don't completely agree with it. Not that it isn't a true, but I think it's something her character does get over within the story. One of the biggest reasons she can be read as selfish is that she has friends that are willing to die for her time and time again, and the system that was set up in Silver Millenium has her being guarded by the inner senshi. Another point is her suicide after Endimiyon dies and when Mamoru is possessed during the first act of the manga. I think Usagi is a selfish character, but in the way that all she wants is for all of the fighting and violence to be over so that she can just continue hanging out with her friends. One thing that bugs me is people saying that she is selfish because the inner senshi are her guardians, because she didn't choose that. I feel like Usagi is always around during pretty much every fight and on the rest of the girl's levels until we get to like a big important fight and then everyone is prioritizing protecting her. I would have liked in the story for her to challenge that system where she is more important than her friends, like an episode/arc where she made it clear to them that she is not someone held above them in status but an equal.

Like tell me if this is an out there take but I think her suicide as princess Serenity really wasn't that selfish. She didn't have much power to fight and try and save her kingdom (she def could have tried but I don't think she would have done much) she didn't even have the silver crystal because Queen Serenity was using it, she lost Endymion and she got swept up in everything happening and took her life. Now this made it more difficult for Queen Serenity to fight off Queen Metalia and might have cost the moon kingdom it's life, but I don't think it was particularly selfish of her at all. However, I think her suicide when Mamoru was possessed was kind of selfish (I'm sorry if that sounds bad) Like she could have tried to fight Queen Metalia with the Silver Crystal, things weren't so dire yet but instead she threw her life away because she couldn't bear it anymore. (I mean it worked out in the end but still she couldn't have known that). She knew the Silver Crystal was virtually the only way she could defeat Queen Metalia, that she was the only person who could actually use it, and that it was the world's only option, but she still chose to kill herself. And while she does get grace in the end, she is a 14-year-old girl in a really difficult and overwhelming situation it still reads selfishly to me.

But I feel like within the story we see her overcome her selfishness. I think the best example for this would be how she handles Mamoru being brainwashed in the first arc versus how she takes all of her friends being killed in the final arc. In the final leg of the manga, she loses everyone dear to her (All of the sailor guardians, Mamoru, Chibiusa, her future etc.) but instead of just rolling over and letting Galaxia and Chaos have their way she fights until the end. She is under the impression her friends are gone forever once the big spiky thing with all of the Sailor Crystal in it (sorry I forget what it was called) is thrown into the galaxy cauldron and she doesn't just admit defeat she decides to fight for the galaxy. She would NOT have done this in the beginning, but now she is prioritizing the universe over herself despite the immense grief she is feeling.

One more thing before I finally stop talking is a point I have seen a few times recently where people are mentioning how Usagi never really sees true loss. This is something that has always bothered me because like not once have we had a character close to Usagi die permanently (Correct me if I'm wrong obv but like at least all of her friends are just auto brought back to life) She never has to face real consequences for anything really. But I feel like that's where Sailor Cosmos comes in. She is a version of Usagi that has experienced this real loss and she feels hopeless. She is fighting something she cannot win because there is no end to it, and she has none of the people she used to love and rely on. Tying back into the selfishness piece, she comes back in time to compel Usagi to destroy the Galaxy Cauldron and all of life as they know it because she can't stand the fighting anymore. Now there is a little more to it than that, but I don't feel like I am misrepresenting the situation either. She now has seen loss where she can't just magically bring everyone and everything back to normal and she doesn't know how to deal with it, so she goes back to Usagi who also thinks she has lost everything and asks her to end it. But instead of taking the easy way out like she has done in the past she picks a solution that will end poorly for herself (If Sailor Cosmos is any indication) and saves the world instead. Other than the glimpse we get of Sailor Cosmos and her life we never really see Usagi lose anything in the entire manga, not permanently at least, and I think this plays back into the privilege her character has throughout the story. But her choice to protect the universe over her own comfort is another way she overcomes the selfishness that she has at the beginning of the story.

Sticking to the manga since that's the version that the post seems to be mostly focused on, I have no problems with Serenity's suicide. In fact, I really like it and I believe it fits the narrative of Usagi's growth.

I'm not sure what the unanimous consensus for the fandom is that caused them to often categorize Usagi as selfish, BUT I definitely know what my reason is. It is not for the circumstances out of her control, like if you believe her being the princess and being the indirect cause for her friends' suffering IS the reason she's selfish then Idk what to tell you. No, the reason I consider her a selfish person is because of her, for lack of a better term, obsession with her relationship with Mamoru. She straight up prioritizes her relationship with Mamoru over anything. Even her friends, despite very well knowing SHE is the cause for their hardship and despite knowing how tied to this shit they are because of her.

I will never be able to get over her second suicide at the end of the first arc, but most importantly I will never be able to get over the narrative never challenging the sentiment behind that action. I'm sorry, I really do want to try to be as nice and unbiased as possible writing this because I just do not like manga Usagi and I know there's people who do, but to me it is almost impossible to form an interesting deconstruction of Usagi's character and actions because I just.. can't. The source material does not want me to because it is not built for that.

Let's say I do try to explore her character and actions, let's say her suicide from the end of the first arc. It was indeed, fucked up. It shows she never did grow out of her Princess Serenity phase, she's still only thinking about herself like a spoiled princess who did not get her happy ending. Should she be distraught about her lover's death? Absolutely. I'm not trying to take away the importance of this bond for her, but look at the room and see there's at LEAST four other people who she claims to love and adore. Her friends who, not even arguably, have had a much worse upbringing than her and most importantly who are basically born to protect her. People who experienced REAL loss, grief and loneliness. Her present and loving family and her friends just.. tossed aside because Usagi cares more about this romantic relationship she had as Serenity.

I know in times of intense grief and shock we tend to do things we would otherwise not do and that makes for a really interesting, complex and challenging conflict that the narrative could put forth to challenge Usagi's character moving forward. Like, having her friends be upset, angry, having them question their roles and their loyalty to a person who's not equally loyal to them. Usagi perhaps after being revived feeling extremely guilty and apologetic, taking some time to really reflect on her responsibilities towards her friends and how she betrayed that trust, even if it was something she did while she wasn't of clear mind.

This is not about her loving Mamoru, HE is her lover, I understand that, but I also understand that Usagi, Sailor Moon as she stands, also has undeniable responsibilities towards the people she has dragged through this destiny (being willingly or not). She's 100% aware that these people cannot just walk away from this as much as she can't.

She's free to not gaf, in fact I personally see Princess Serenity being that way. She doesn't care about her role as princess (spoken from the lenses of an extremely privileged position, but that's for another day), or her guardians. I can see Serenity developing this incredibly meaningful and almost sacred connection with her lover because it is the only one single connection SHE made. Endymion was not someone her mother shoved to her as an arranged spouse, he's not a relationship that was forged through artificial bonds of loyalty, servitude or royalty. She MADE that, it was her decision and I can see that being SO PRECIOUS for her because he loves her for her. All her worries, insecurities, fears and loneliness vanishing when in the presence of a bond that makes her feel like she can be more than just Princess Serenity. So her killing herself, to me, is actually really compelling and tragic in a realistically flawed human way.

Usagi on the other hand, has been pretty explicitly shown to care. She cares about her friends, she loves them. She has formed those bonds herself organically, born from a desire to create meaningful connections first. She grows through the first arc to understand that, as Sailor Moon, The Princess and as Usagi, she has responsibilities not only to help people and stop the Dark Kingdom, but also to be there for her friends. Not only because they are her guardians and she is their princess but also because they are friends, friends who have shown unwavering loyalty to her. A loyalty and trust she broke when she repeated her actions of the past and killed herself. That despite this new life, meaningful organic connections and choices free from the shackles of obligations and royalty, she still put this relationship above all. That she has not grown, she's still Serenity, the sorrowful self-absorbed princess who cares nothing but for a life of peace with her lover. Even if the bonds and connections she has made as Usagi still matter to her, they don't matter as much as her past bond with Endymion. Also less important but still something to keep in mind, I do feel a little offended to be asked to care about this friendship between Usagi and the inners when Usagi herself (and the narrative) explicitly tell me through all of this shebacle that she does not even care enough to apologize to them. Not that they would care, which is itself insulting, but wtv... I still care so Ig the joke's on me.

But, yeah.. No one cares. The suicide happens, they both get revived and literally nobody gives a fuck. This whole giant introspective I just wrote is meaningless because I'm told by the story that there is in fact, nothing wrong with what she did. It was simply a spur of the moment dramatized parallel to Romeo and Juliet that I am not supposed to reflect on at all outside of feeling bad for poor Usagi. When both the narrative AND fanbase are telling me I am not supposed to think about it this hard then I just don't.

Is it fair of me to judge a character based on my own personal read of the events instead of reading it inside the established confines of the text? Maybe not, but I'm also not forced to like a character which I feel forced to read strictly through a predetermined lens.

Does Usagi objectively get less selfish through the manga? Yes. But at that point, it is already too late for me to care because the narrative never established it to be a problem in the first place. And it sucks cause I do really feel like Usagi is a victim of her own story's format. The latter being structured in a way where BIG emotional romantic metaphor like events and actions shape the characters and story. It has strong points! It absolutely does, even I, not being a big fan of the manga, recognize that. But characters are not one of the them for me and for Usagi especially, I feel like you either love or hate her based on your personal enjoyment of that type of format. (I've received ironic comments before like "mfw the romance driven manga is mostly about the romance". I get it. I'm not dumb, I know it is mostly about the romance. Doesn't mean I need to like it tho and most other adaptations aren't soo, I'm not really convinced it makes it exempt from criticism on that aspect. Especially since the franchise in itself has mostly become unanimous with friendship AND love. See how you can do both? Crazy right. Sorry this was mean but it is ONLY targeted at the people who commented that shit before. You know who you are, I see that stuff.)

People can genuinely do what they want, especially at this point I'm happy seeing others resonate with a story or character I personally was not able to connect to as much but I will say that it is a bit perplexing seeing the way sometimes some people in the fandom will try to have the cake and eat it too. (not referring to op here, they were actually really fair and on the majority of their talking points)

Also really quick, but this is not a manga vs anime debate, I do not care. Some of what I said can be mirrored to Usagi as a character from the anime, neither is perfect and it's, again, all subjective.

Actor! Gojo X Cameraperson! GN! Reader

Type: Fluff

note: im SOOOOO sorry this took so long 💧💧

Requested by @midnightking24

(divider by @designlikenonsense)

This was a professional setting, it might be one of the biggest moments of your career as a camera person. You’re in the middle of filming a soap opera— something that wouldn’t be too big of a gig if it weren’t for who you were filming. You were filming with THE Satoru Gojo. He was practically the biggest actor in the market, and you being the one who filmed him, it could be your first step into the big leagues if you did well enough— but during filming, your relationship with the gig started to shift. It started to change when you actually started talking to Satoru. He was even more charismatic than people had said, but it was simple work talk originally (or him talking about himself), but it soon became him just.. talking to you, like old friends or something. Originally it was a little bit odd, but as you really spoke to him… you started to develop feelings, as much as it feels off to admit. It could mess up your focus— it could probably mess up your relationship with Satoru too, he could think you're just a weird fan or something—

“CUT!!!” Director Yaga yells from the director’s seat behind you. He looks at you and your camera, “(Reader), you missed your cue. Once Satoru stops speaking, you're supposed to pan out from his face and get a shot of both him and Suguru together. We’ve been over this.” Damn it, you were totally unfocused. You knew your cues, just— ugh, how embarrassing… “I apologize, Mr. Yaga, I wasn’t focused..” You pitifully muttered, looking away. “Don’t apologize, just do better. We're too close to the finish line for these types of mistakes.” He replied sternly but respectfully. “Oh, don’t be too harsh on them, Mr.Yaga— it’s not like Suguru was performing that well anyway~!” Satoru called out from on set, speaking out less to defend you and more to make fun of Suguru than anything else. Suguru sighs, “Oh quiet, Satoru.” He shrugs him off. Director Yaga sighs, “Satoru, stop being childish. Everyone take a break, be back here in five.” He announces before walking away towards the directors room. You scramble off the set to escape your embarrassment.

You sit on the steps of the set, trying to soothe yourself to let go of the amount of embarrassment in your system. “Hey, what happened on set, huh?” Gojo remarks, sitting next to you. He smirks at you. “I know I’m really attractive— but you have to actually record the show too.” His statement catches you off guard, obviously on purpose. “Eh— that is not— I just got sidetracked!” You weakly retort back. Gojo laughs at you a little. “Well don’t get sidetracked anymore, the director will fire you.” He playfully pouts at you. His pouting makes something in your brain tingle a little bit. He looked oddly adorable for an expression he’s using to tease you. “I’d miss you y’know, so focus up more!” He remarked, laughing. “Pff, well you make sure to perform well so he doesn’t fire you instead.” You replied, teasing him back. Satoru pretended to gasp in shock. “Hey! I always perform well.” He pouts again, now you're laughing at him. You never want these moments with you and him to end, and that may have been the reason your crush on him developed, but even these feelings could cause your relationship to change towards him, and what if it goes bad and you lose him? “Ah, I think it’s time to head back to the set, Satoru.” You remarked, dusting yourself off. “Ughhh…” Satoru groans. “Fine.. time for me to steal the show, once again.” He chuckled, standing up. You watch him get up and start walking back toward the set. Even seeing him walk away pains you in way you can’t describe. Maybe it’s the thought that he could leave you that makes you feel that way. Is that how it’ll feel on the last day of filming? You’ll probably never see him again after this movie.. He might even forget you. If you never see him again, you might as well confess! “Uh.. Satoru. Hey, are you seeing someone?” You mutter out. He stopped walking and turned around. “Hah? No, are you asking me out or something?” He chuckled. “Well, um…. Yeah. I would like to, uh, go out with you sometime.” You mutter, looking away from him. …..

“Well, I like how bold you were to ask me out. You seem like you can handle me, so, why not?” He shrugged. “So, how about next week, huh?” He smirked.

i just think it would be hilarious if smth like that happened

reigen: omg your psychic powers are insaaaane do you wanna work for me for like 6 or 7 dollars a day

saiki: no

reigen: WAIT can we play rock paper scissors and if i win you work here for a week alright

saiki: [oh you poor clueless moron. sweet summer child. the tragedy of being so naive. i almost feel bad] alright and if i win you buy me coffee jelly

Toshinori Yagi x GN!!reader ‹ ︎ ✦ 𓏻 sfw content only

requested work by : @midnightking24

The first thing Toshinori noticed about the newcomer was that they were completely lost.

While the second thing he noticed was that they were trying very hard to pretend they weren't. You stood in the middle of Agrabah's bustling marketplace , staring at six different streets as merchants shouted prices and children raced through crowds.

And somehow , despite the rushing crowds , Toshinori had noticed that your simple traveling clothes blended in well enough , but the way you held yourself didn't.

Your posture was too straight.

Too graceful.

Not to mentioned , refined.

He knew right away that you couldn't be a commoner here. Toshinori grinned , "First day in Agrabah ?" You were startled and turned toward him.

A tall and rather lanky young man leaned against a nearby wall , arms crossed. His clothes were worn from years of surviving on the streets , but his smile was warm enough to make strangers trust him immediately. "I don't know what you're talking about ," you muttered out.

"You've been right on the streets and staring everywhere for 15 minutes...?" The blond mentioned and your eyes widened.

"I have not."

"You have."

"I was observing..." You bantered.

That made Toshinori laugh a bit⸺the sound was bright and genuine. For some reason , it made you smile more than you expected yourself to.

Well...Just some small talk would be alright ?

"Well ," he said, pushing away from the wall , "as Agrabah's completely unofficial expert on culture , I suppose I could help."

His words made you scoff , "You?"

"Me." He grinned wider.

"You seem awfully confident."

"I am." He replied , "Yeah. And why ?" You tilted your head , almost challenging him to answer. "Because I've lived here my whole life." The blond extended a hand dramatically. "Toshinori. Amateur tour guide , so forgive my informality."

You hesitated before taking it. His hand was rough from years of work. "[Name]." A fake name. He could tell immediately with the way you stiffled your words ; but everyone in Agrabah had secrets , so he didn't ask.

"Nice to meet you , [name]."

Several hours later , you found herself having the most enjoyable day you'd had in years.

Toshinori knew everyone.

Every merchant.

Every baker.

Every child.

And every stray cat.

At one point , he somehow convinced an old spice seller to let them sample half the stall's inventory for free. "How did you do that ?" You asked suspiciously , and the man only shrugged. "People are nice." He blinked. "No." You shook your head , unbelieving ; Toshinori almost couldn't believe your persistence. "They are."

"Don't kid me." You sighed exhaustedly. "⸺not funny." You added. "Sure. Definitely will...." He averted his eyes and you couldn't help but laugh again.

Toshinori blinked , as for a moment , he forgot what he was saying. The sound suited you⸺more than the guarded expression you'd worn the entire afternoon.

"...See ?" He said eventually. "You should do that more often." Toshinori coughed a bit , a bit embarrassed to continue , though his vagueness confused you:

"Do what?"

"Smile." The words slipped out before he could stop them. You froze⸺both of you did ; for just a second , then you looked away instantly.

The tips of your ears turned pink , causing you to cover them with your scarf on instinct. Toshinori immediately regretted speaking. "Sorry. That sounded weird."

"A little." He continued once again.

"A lot." You mumbled.

"Right..." He groaned...And you laughed again , and somehow that made everything better.

While the sun began to set , Toshinori led you toward the highest rooftop in the city.

The climb was difficult , and you nearly slipped twice , but fortunately for you...Toshinori caught you both times. "You're terrible at this." The man commented. "I wasn't raised climbing rooftops." You sneered at his commentary , "You should've been."

He really had to get the last say , huh ?..

"Most people aren't." Not here. People climbed rooftops every night , every afternoon , every day.

He chuckled , "They're missing out."

Finally the two of you reached the top and the city stretched endlessly beneath them with olden rooftops and colorful lanterns.

The distant palace shining against the evening sky and you couldn't help but stare in wonder. "...It's..It's beautiful !" You exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah." His voice was unusually quiet , making you glance over.

Only to notice that...Toshinori wasn't looking at the city⸺he was looking at you.

The realization made your heart skip.

Quickly, you averted your gaze. "You come up here often ?" You questioned to break the silence. "Whenever things get difficult." His smile softened.

"From up here, everything seems possible." The answer surprised you ; there was something hopeful about him.

Something stubbornly optimistic despite the obvious hardships of his life.

Most people would've become bitter. Toshinori...he hadn't..Instead he'd become kind. "You're strange ," You said. "I get that a lot." Toshinori chuckled quite a bit. "No, I mean..." You searched for the right words for quite some time , about more than 30 seconds , keeping him waiting...Patiently. "You're good."

For once , Toshinori didn't joke.

The setting sun painted gold across his face.

"I try to be."

Burning Avarice

Chapter l Chapter ll ;

— an insatiable, extreme desire to gain and hoard wealth or possessions, often considered a formal synonym for greed. ordered by @midnightking24 !

HUNTER X HUNTER: Leorio Paradinight x Genie Reader ( Alladin AU )

CONTAINS: poverty, hunger, stealing, criminal behaviour, isolation, struggle regarding money, economic injustice, classism, discrimination, Leorio exploring caves, overthinking

Word Count: 2,457 words and 13,463 characters

MENU

the silence lingered just long enough to be weird. Leorio opened his mouth to protest, but before he could get a word out, they blinked in unison and went right back to what they were doing, leaving him standing there in a cloud of unresolved indignation.

First pic - as requested, Kamina in Aladdin outfit. Maybe was needed to pick scimitar instead of katana, but some things really unseverable.

Requested by: @midnightking24

Thank you for the request!!

Plot: Set in Agrabah. Tonraq's a thief who daily gets chased by the royal guards. After a very difficult chase, he gets brought to the captain, who decides to give him a chance.

★★★★★★★★

<<Get back here, thief!>> shouted one of the guards.

Tonraq was only able to get bread this time. He wished he'd managed to get more, but it didn't matter.

It was time to flee.

He blurred out the voices and focused on running, while making sure the loaf of bread didn't slip. If he was quick enough, he'd make it. He would've returned home to his family. After a couple of minutes, he reached a strange part of the market. Very few booths, nobody in sight. The place wasn't in great conditions, to say the least.

He could tell the stalls were not exactly new. The wood was moldy.

Tonraq wondered if he could find something else to bring home. Maybe some clothes. That would've been nice. He began searching the back of a stall.

Soon, he heard a sharp creak. Before he could move, the booth collapsed on him.

He tried to get the wooden beams off.

The sound of footsteps quickly became louder and louder, coming from all directions.

He had to get out of there or they'd catch up to him.

His body was stinging, but he still had to try.

He slowly lifted one of the beams. His muscles were pulling. A tear rolled down his cheek.

He had to get out.

For his family.

He lifted another beam and slowly rose up from the ground. He tried to catch his breath. Now he just had to go over the remainders of the booth and run.

"Slowly," Tonraq tried encourage himself, positioning his leg on the other part. He just had to shift his other leg. "Slowly..."

Tonraq was now on "free" ground.

Just in time.

He saw two guards running towards him, the rest following behing them.

Time to bolt.

"God," he scoffed to himself, "all of these guards just for a loaf of bread..."

<<Why don't you chase actual criminals instead of wasting your time like this?>>, Tonraq panted, trying to catch his breath as quickly as he could, <<I'm starting to think you're being paid just to catch me!>>

More shouting soon followed:

<<𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘢-- >>

<<𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮!>>

Maybe upsetting the already pissed-off guards wasn't exactly a smart move. He'd keep it in mind next time.

He turned the corner.

Then another.

Then another.

Then one more.

His body was hurting but it didn't matter.

He couldn't stop until the only steps he could hear were his own.

The guards' shouting gradually became fainted.

<<Where did that bastard go?!>> He heard a guard yell in the distance.

This was one of the longest chases he'd had in a long time.

He couldn't risk being caught; He had a family to feed.

He had to be sure he was alone.

He began running again.

His body was almost about to give up on him. Still, there was almost total silence.

He was just about to turn the corner again when...

<<AH!>> He felt a sharp pain in his left leg.

Tonraq collaples to the groud.

He could feel the muscle streching too much inside it every time he tried to get up. He slowly brought the leg to this chest, holding it with his hand to ease the pain slightly. A couple of minutes later, he could hear the guards shouting again. Only...it was closer and louder, this time.

The man opened his eyes just as much as the pain let him and saw two tall big figures standing in front of him.

<<You're done.>>

He felt someone pulling on his arm.

He gazed up.

Now there were guards surrounding him on all sides.

<<Get up!>>, one of them yelled. Tonraq was pulled back up, only to collapse again.

<<I said get up!>>

<<I can't!>>, Tonraq yelled back, clenching his jaw from the pain. <<I think...I think I broke a leg.>>

Another guard smirked. <<That's the best you got?>> He pulled out his scimitar and aimed the sharp blade just in front of Tonraq's face. <<Are you sure you really can't get up? Wouldn't risk it if I were you.>>

The man tried to get up. Again, falling back down in just a few seconds.

<<I'm telling you,>> he repeated, <<I cannot. I would've already beat you if I were lying.>>

The guard lost his temper. <<You and you>>, he pointed at two of his fellow men, <<help him stand.>>

They pulled Tonraq up, putting their arms around his shoulders. They began walking. One of them lead the way, while the rest followed; their weapons ready behind Tonraq's back, just in case.

<<You'll have fun in prison.>> The guard by Tonraq's right teased him. <<You'll be served all the slop you want.>>

<<Oh no,>>, a grin appeared on the leader's face. <<he's not going to prison. Not yet, at least.>>

<<What?! Why? He's a piece of garbage!>>

<<Don't you worry. Before prison, I think he needs to have a good talk with the the captain and you-know-who.>>

All guards laughed.

After what had felt like an eternity, they were at the palace.

<<Aren't you glad?>>, chuckled the guard on his right side.<<You finally get to meet the capitan and his right hand man.>>

<<The...the captain has a right hand man. Isn't one of you bozos the main guard?>>

One of the guards behind him made a brief gesture and tilted his scimmitar upward, to Tonraq's neck.

Yeah, it was best to keep quiet.

<<Oh, don't worry. You already know him. You're gonna have a great time.>>

The two holding him shoved him into a room. Tonraq fell on the ground.

<<He's all yours.>>

The door was shut behind him and silence filled the room.

He tried pushing himself up with his arms. He glanced up, his muscles tensing.

His eyes met the gaze of someone familiar.

Too familiar.

<<...Unalaq?>> He fell to the ground again.

The man stood in front of him, still; a smug grid on his face. <<Hello, Tonraq.>>

He hadn't changed a bit.

<<You...you're the captain?>>

Must've hit a nerve; Unalaq sighed. <<No. Not yet. You're very lucky about that. I would have already thrown you in the secret chambers.>>

His mind went to his family.

He couldn't be thrown in the secret chambers. What would have Korra and Senna done?

<<Unalaq,>> Tonraq tried, <<we are brothers.>>

<<You haven't been my brother in years, Tonraq.>>

<<I have a family to feed, I do this for them. Don't you have a family too?>>

<<My family is respectable.>>, he replied, his head held up high, <<I am respectable. You've always been reckless, hot-headed, and you are paying the price.>>

<<You don't even know what 'respect' means.>> The man groaned. <<You've always been selfish.>>

<<You are undeserving of my time.>>

Unalaq called in a bunch of guards.

<<Help me bring this...rat to the captain.>>

Now, Unalaq was on this right side, along with one guard holding him up so he could walk. Three guards standing behind them, their weapons ready to contrast any attempt of escape.

<<You couldn't even steal some clothes?>>, one of them laughed.

<<Or shoes.>> Another added.

<<Look at his pants! They got more holes than pockets!>> They were having a field day.

Tonraq stayed quiet. It was best not to upset them, especially Unalaq.

They had walked multiple halls when the guards' steps became slower, then finally stopped before a big torquoise door. Unalaq gestured to the guards and they stepped back. He knocked.

"Come in." Someone answered adamantly.

The guards opened the door. A tall figure appeared.

<<Here he is, captain.>> Tonraq was dropped to the ground. Unalaq was standing beside him. <<I advise you not to fall for his tricks. He is a great actor.>>

The captain stared at Tonraq, a mix of pity and strictness in their eyes.

<<Thank you, Unalaq.>> Y/n looked up.

<<Please, carry on with your duties.>>

<<Yes, captain.>>

The selfish man gave Tonraq one more disgusted look before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

The captain sighed. <<He's a tough one, isn't he?>>

Was it a retorical question? A test? Tonraq didn't know.

He kept quiet.

The eyes of the captain were on him once again. <<You must be in great pain...>> they turned away. Tonraq could hear something opening behind him. The silence was replaced by wooden creaks. He could hear objects being moved left and right.

<<Ah! Here they are!>> The captain was now holding a pair of crutches. <<Here,>> he helped Tonraq stand up just enough to put his hands on the crutches. <<a bit better now, right?>>

Tonraq nodded, trying to adjust to the new support. <<Thank you.>>

The captain cleared their throat.<<Now,>> they began, <<Please tell me why did you steal from the market? I know it's not your first theft.>>

<<I...I have a family to feed,>> Tonraq started, <<I do it for them. Only for them. I can't...I can't let them go hungry. I have tried to get a job but--but it was useless.>>

His eyes were now misty. What if he never saw his family again? What would they have done without him? <<Please...>>, he begged, <<I...I'm a good man. I can prove it to you.>>

<<You don't need to prove it.>>, the captain dismissed him. <<I already know.>>

Tonraq raised his eyebrows. <<I don't understand...>>

<<I saw you stealing bread from the market two weeks ago...>> The man wasn't sure where the captain was going with this. <...but later I saw you giving it to two homeless kids.>>

Tonraq's eyes widened. How could he have forgotten? The older kid was about to follow him everywhere to repay him for the bread.

"My brother's too small to help you, but I can do it! I'm strong!" He'd said to him. "I can't just take your food for free. Is there something I can do for you, sir?"

The man had ruffled his hair. "You enjoy this bread. That's all I ask."

The kid has smiled, tearing the piece. "Yes, sir!"

Then he'd turned to his brother, giving him the bigger piece. "Come on, Bolin! Eat up!"

<<Those kids are my daughter's age...>> Tonraq smiled softly, then quickly returned serious. <<No kid should ever go hungry.>>

The captain nodded. <<If it wasn't for your altruism, I would have called Unalaq to be in charge of handling your punishment...>> they explained <<I think he's made it pretty clear he can be real tough.>>

<<I've always know.>> Tonraq snickered sarcastically. <<He's my brother.>>

<<Really?...>> The captain couldn't believe it. << Well...you guys do look alike...phisically, that is...>>

<<He's always been...self-centered.>>

<<Has he ever tried helping you out?>> Y/n asked. <<In any way?>>

Tonraq sighed. <<No. I'm scum to him and so is my family.>>

<<I wonder if he knows that's the least captain-of-the-guards attitude to have. It's a rule to help the citizens.>> the captain said thoughtfully. <<Any, citizen.>>

<<Please, don't tell him I told you all this.>>

Tonraq asked. If Unalaq found out, his life would've been ruined.

<<Don't worry,>> the captain grinned. <<He's not the only one who can put up a good facade.>>

Tonraq wasn't quite sure what that meant, but he trusted them.

<<Listen,>> the captain looked him right in the eyes. <<I'm gonna convince the sultan to give you another chance>>, they said, <<I'm sure you would make a great main guard.>

<<What?!>> Tonraq shouted. <<You--you're kidding...>>

<<I promise you I'm not.>> They assured him. <<I'm not one to lie and the sultan knows that.>> The captain smiled. <<Plus, you deserve it. And I'm sure you won't dissapoint me.>>

<<Absolutely not, captain.>> Tonraq laughed, his eyes filling with tears. <<I...I don't know what to say...t--thank you!>>

<<You're very welcome.>>

<<But...>>, Tonraq's enthusiasm was short-lived. <<...what about Unalaq?>>

The captain thought for a moment. <<I can...convince him there's some other rank higher than the main guard...>> , they proposed. <<...something more important. And he could stay here at the palace Would that work?>>

<<I think it would.>> Tonraq replied. <<Could be short-term.>>

<<That's okay.>> Y/n assured him <<You're not the only one who's complained about him.>>

<<Oh.>> He wasn't sure how to respond. A part of him was sorry for Unalaq, the other part thought it was only fair for him to get the punishment he deserved.

<<Don't worry about it.>> They put a hand on his shoulder. <<Now, would you like to get started with your new job?>>

Tonraq nodded cheerfully. <<Yes, please.>>

<<Very well then...follow me,>>, Y/n smiled <<I'll get you the uniform. And,>> they added, <<we'll see if there are some clothes for your daughter and your wife.>>

Tonraq smiled. He hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

Finally, life seemed to smile at Tonraq and he was ready to embrace the big change.

★★★★★★★★

Thank you for reading!! I hope you enjoyed!! ((:

Thank you to @midnightking24 for your generous donation to https://caritasvenezuela.org/ , providing support to those in Venezuela after the devastating earthquake

Reigen if he was cool