Chapter Text
The first time you’d heard about the Hell Guards was on an old flyer laying on the ground in an alleyway. Soaked in mud , but still eligible enough to read. Near a food vendor’s shop. You had been looking for another job either it be cleaning used weapons or punching someone's guts. You were desperate to do something to get yourself moving again. To stimulate your mind , distract your stringy emotions.
Ever since you had died and given a second chance at life your new existence had been a living hell. Your new parents? Dead. The only memories you have of them was their lifeless bodies on bed coats withering away from dying from an incurable disease. The slums , soaked in death and greed , were your new and unwanted home. Your stomach constantly growling , your hands and knuckles bruised from fighting against traffickers and rapists , and worst of all was the trash.
It was everywhere.
The skies are always muddy , it's almost impossible to see even a glimpse of the blue clear sky you once knew. You had to assume you had reincarnated into some post-apocalyptic world , or one where humans had fucked over the world so much it turned into an entire waste land. What terrible sins you had committed before couldn't possibly amount to the new life you had been given? Are you even using the word ‘post-apocalyptic’ right?
To be honest your mind is still pretty scrambled. sixteen years old now but when you had died you had been around sixteen too, just sky of your seventeen birthday. So that would technically make you thirty-two but you didn't feel like it at all. It was like your mind was stuck at the age you had died.
It made your head hurt , thinking about your own death. You remember everything from before , but despite retaining your memories, pieces of them felt empty. Ripped out or scribbled over with a black marker.
Everyday you fought to live.
Everyday you found new ways to incapacitate someone , knock a grown man off their feet , run without a single sound echoing off your body. It was hell , but you were alive.
Not a single possession to your name but a light yellow comb and knife.
Your parents , you don't even remember their faces very well and you only had lived with them for a short amount of time , but fuck you missed them with every bone in your small body. You remember the one raggy blanket they’d wrap you in when winter hit the slums hard. The smell of your father’s skin dripping with sweat and oil after he’d come home from work. tired , but always smiled when you ran up to him. The one pair of earrings your mom would always wear she’d use the comb—that now was yours, to brush her white hair.
Thinking about them hurts like a bitch , that's why you distract yourself with any job you could take.
When you overheard that a rich guy had gotten lost in the slums, you were interested. It was too good to be true really but you’d rather not miss out on a chance to pickpocket some airhead snob and miss out on buying a full meal and some clothes for winter.
That was your first mistake.
The guy was bald wearing traditional Japanese clothing. Is Japan still a thing in this strange future? That at least gave you some idea of the world you were in.
He didn't look lost , no he looked like he was here for a reason like he was looking for someone. How peculiar you crouched down next to a broken wheel barrel .
You easily took him down , he wasn't mad nor scared . He almost seemed ... .interested?
You held his bag in your hand when he asked you, “What is your name girl?”
He’s asking for my name , not his bag? Maybe you should respond, maybe you shouldn't but you got the feeling he wasn't a real threat or trying to deliberately trick you , so you didn't have much to lose.
Then he said you had potential , potential to become more than just a kid from the slums , potential to be someone great. You weren't persuaded by his sweet talk until he brought up the name Hell Guard.
That’s right…the flyer. You had been interested in joining but you doubted you could make it there without a map or your lack of knowledge of the land that was limited to just the slums. Every time you mustered up the courage to ask someone about them they gave you a pissed off stare and told you to scram.
This guy was part of the Hell Guards.
For some reason the title Hell Guard always made you feel this strange sensation of Deja vu you could never pinpoint as to why.
His job was teaching the future generations of guards that would step up to keep an iron fist around criminals and unruly humans.
He offered you a deal you couldn't ignore. A way out , a way out of this shitty life you were living.
The Kamuatari District.
Now you are inside a large dome , within it is a large town with architecture akin to traditional Japanese.
You felt a bit stupid that now you have realized many cultures would still exist now. Your own name even sounds Japanese-like.
“This is the origin of the Hell Guards , Child. Where each and every one of the guards is sharpened into greatness and discipline. “ The bald man , whose name you learned is Haruto , explains to you. putting his hand on your shoulder guiding you to a large building.
“This is the uniform worn by the students. You’ll be assigned a dorm room which you can change into. While you do that you can wait by the training room. I'll be delivering a speech for the new trainees.” You nod, taking the uniform into your hands.
Back in your first life you never liked school. You always had trouble making friends and hated getting up so early in the morning. Growing in the Slums was quite the humbling wake up call on how privileged you had lived before. There are no schools in the slums. Your late parents could only afford a few books on letters and a story about a little boy and his dog-best friend. Those books had been destroyed after someone lit a fire in the neighborhood.
You are excited though , your face might not show it you are genuinely happy to have some normalcy in your life again. As well as a guaranteed future job that would provide you a weekly paid check. You check yourself in the mirror tidying up the uniform, securing any loose strands of fabric. You pull your comb from your pocket brushing your hair down, smoothing any frizz.
I have to make a good impression, I won't just be the kid from the slums. Kids are cruel , especially high schoolers. Still you hope to make at least one friend.
Haruto returns back. “Usually we don't accept students this late into the year, but the head administrator has made an exception for you.” That’s good you worry that the only person to see any good in bringing you in would be him.
“So I expect you to give 100% while you train here in this institution .” The man leads you to his classroom , you grip your fists tight. You have fought grown men and women before , escaped from kidnappers and criminals , battled for small rations , but this makes you more nervous than any of those moments.
Just breathe , You told yourself It’s just like the first day of high school. At a super rich military-like academy.
“Attention.”
He spoke with command , you peek through the door teens in the same uniform as you stand straight as soldiers.
“At ease.” All sit down silently . You're not used to such quietness.
“In recent days we have seen a rise in criminal giver activity. This means that we must train you into Hell Guards that are strong enough to hold your own against even a giver. Those of you in this room have spent their years in rigorous training. We warmly welcome any one who shows talent.”
His eyes lock onto yours. Must be your cue to go inside. “And so….” Hands fold neatly behind your back and you look straight towards the heap of students.
“We have made an exception this year for a truly talented trainee.”
You can feel the eyes of every student analyze you.
You notice a boy with weird looking eyebrows look at you too. Huh.
That kid kinda looks like….Then something in your brain clicks.
Wait…no , that cant— Blonde and brown hair , dark blues eyes that look at you with curiosity.
Oh what ! That’s Zanka Nijiku from fucking Gachiakuta the manga and also technically anime too but I only really got the chance to watch 10 episodes of it before I died! What the hell. I’m in Gachiakuta. How did I not notice this before ?! Hell Guards , the trash , and the Kamuatari District, how did I only just notice this now? This is embarrassing, no , humiliating ! I’m gonna throw up. That guy has terrible self worth issues to be honest. My headdddd….
You feel vile crawling up your throat before doing your best to swallow it down. Geez , and you call yourself a fan?
“Now , outside everyone.”
Ohh this is going way too fast for you. All the students follow after the teacher as do you.
You clutch your forehead in pain as you walk behind the class.
Hyo.
That’s your name. But at the same time it's not. You took over another girl’s life. Like a ghost possessing a person's body.
Hyo was and is a detrimental part of Zanka's character , she was the first domino that started Zanka’s career as a cleaner. You now had to fight the entire class , but that didn't make you nervous . There's no doubt you can take them down but doing this would start the end of Zanka’s relationship with his family.
Goka and Kyouka , His father and mother would disown him. He’d be stripped of the Nijiku title.
In the end it’d be his choice , Zanka chose to pick up that wooden staff , chose to climb into that well for three days , and chose to follow the Cleaners.
So now the best thing for you to do was just follow the timeline , Maybe. Whose to say this isn't an entirely different universe from canon? Heh , just like the spider-verse movie , Ok stop being a nerd! You huff stepping outside. This was it. This was the turning point for Zanka Nijiku.
Taking down Zanka was surprisingly easy. It's true Zanka was at the top of his class for a reason. Many open areas and flaws showed when they battled. Zanka still had that air of confidence. Through all his hard work he had expected to win. Afterall Zanka is a Nijiku that family practically breeds themselves to be the top of the top. Yet again you were able to beat him . place the wooden dagger against his throat and feel his body tremble in loss and disbelief.
“Exalent work! You’ve defeated your entire class in one sparring session , Your talent does not cease to amaze me.” Sir clapped his hands together and you felt a mix of awkwardness and joy from the praise. The rest of the class awed in shock . looks of annoyance and jealousy soon took over their faces. Seeing it on your broken little phone was much worse now that you were living it in real time.
Geez , everyone is staring at me… you looked down at your shoes avoiding their gazes. You had always preferred being alone than interacting with other people. You place your hand on a nearby tree feeling the textured bark. There are no trees in the slums. Let alone any weeds. Vegetation was practically non-existent there. Even so , you missed it. You admit most of it was clouded by nostalgia , but for all the terrible living conditions , drug dealers , dead bodies , and horrible scent you grew up there. Your family had raised you with love you could remember , eventually losing their lives to illness. The slums is home.
‘I bet she thinks she's better than us , huh ? even someone from the slums.” One student mutters.
“I’ve never seen the teacher be so nice to another student before.”
“Honestly I can't imagine someone like her graduating.”
You’ve tuned out their harsh words by now , how did Hyo manage to do that ? having to spend time surrounded by people who’ve been incredibly too-faced to her? It’s not unbelievable but you really don't want to spend the rest of the year not knowing who was genuine and who was just being flat out fake. Well there goes my social connections!, You thought to yourself .
Dumb excuse you’d kick their asses to hell and back even on their best day, you weren’t even trying to be egotistical living in slums had you fighting for your life nearly everyday.
Another boy continued.” I mean…she took out Zanka.”
Zanka, right. The talk between him and Hyo was approaching again. There he is standing , looking at you with that expression. The boy sputtered when he noticed Zanka was hearing the words coming out of his mouth.
Zanka was, of course , pissed. Humiliated and embarrassed but he hid all under a faux want to improve himself and do better next time. It really gave off the impression he wanted to improve himself the way he talked. That was just a mask he hid under well. You really had to knock him down a peg. You felt bad , but it was necessary. As much as he is your favorite out of team Akuta , you didn't have it in you to keep him all to yourself. He was destined to be a cleaner; you couldn't rip him away from his makeshift family.
Plus , you kinda had too. The only reason the hell guards took you in was because you made a good human weapon. If you slipped , even just a little , you were sure enough they’d kick you to the curb once you lost your usefulness.
This was the best you were gonna get. There's no way in hell you could return to the slums living the life you once had. Starving on the streets , fighting for just the tiniest of scraps. You didn't want that again.
You still had it though , the ability to make Zanka completely co-dependent on you. Just like he was with Enjin, a single word of praise from the man had Zanka glowing like the sun. You could become just that to Zanka. It was pretty crazy just how desperate he is for a single tiny amount of praise. Especially after joining cleaners and being disowned by his family.
Your eyes followed his back , watching him disappear into the trees.
Maybe you could just be a little greedy , of course you wouldn't change anything too drastically in Zanka’s destiny . Despite the obvious gap that was forming between the two of you , you still wanted to be his friend. Back in your first life you’d always had trouble making friends. taking comfort in watching shows or reading books imagining yourself with all those amazing characters. Now you have that chance.
You’d just make a few small changes , that’s all. Zanka was going to become a cleaner no matter what. You would not step in the way of that.
Maybe you’d visit him when he throws himself into that well on day two , you’d even get the chance to meet Riyo and Enjin! When you would eventually become a fully fledged Hell Guard you could surprise him at HQ , the look on Zanka’s face would be priceless.
Okay getting off track.
With all the knowledge you had there are lots of things you could change , lots of moments you couldn't. There are still so many unanswered mysteries here on the Ground. Barely anything about the Sphere.
That reminds you , Rudo is still up there. In that floating island living with Regto. God , his death really pulls on your heart strings every time you think about him!
If you remember correctly Follo hasn't even joined the Supporters yet.
Really makes you realize how the cannon storyline hasn't even started yet. Everything started when Rudo fell. You really want to meet , but that wouldn't be possible until at least a year or so.
Your throat itches , that's right by now Zanka’s slamming his head against the wall in pure anger and shame. You should go get some water.
The teacher gives up permission as you head the same way Zanka did.
“It’s no big deal…I only lost once , I can still get better..! Work harder , I’m still number one here..!”
There he is. “You’re bleeding. Lots.” Zanka jumps, taken off guard by your sudden appearance.
“Wha–what are ya doin’ here ? I thought you was still with the rest of the class!” Zanka vigorously tries to rub the blood off his forehead but there’s still some painted on his skin.
Zanka has issues , he’s competitive to the max and being part of such a prestigious family doesn't help with that at all. Him losing has him banging his own head , Zanka’s was physically harming himself. It got better when he joined the cleaners , but he still had problems.
“I was just looking for some water.” You say cupping your hands filling them with water. Zanka had that fake smile on his face again.
“Y’know you’ve got some real skills , even the teacher said so. You’ve got a real chance at sittin’ on that Golden Throne!”
The Golden Throne. That’s right . the chair everyone at the academy is obsessed over.
“What is the Golden Throne supposed to be?” Zanka seemed to remember you were a complete stranger to the traditions in the Hell Guards.
“Oh! Well it’s like a Hell Guard legend . Lot’s of famous folk have sat on it before. It’s everyone’s dream. But…my big sis never got to sit on it for some reason..”
“So what’s the point ? you're just sitting still on a pretty chair so people can praise you for how amazing you are?” You wipe off the droplets of water from your chin.
Zanka has that speechless look on his face again. It’s a harsh truth you have to dish out to him. For his own character development. Maybe you try not being as blunt as Hyo was. You had to agree with her though.
“I really don't understand it..” It’s ironic. The hell guards have a public distaste for any givers. Cleaners or Raiders , it didn't make a difference in their eyes, all they saw was weakness. Co-dependency and yet…. they gave so much worth , so much meaning to some chair. The exact thing givers gave to their precious treasures . How hypocritical.
You dig into your pocket taking out a lavender colored handkerchief you found in an old bin.
“Here. for the blood.” Zanka seemed to be taken aback by your small act of generosity . taking it with hesitation.
“I—um .., thank you.”
Zanka wipes his forehead with the handkerchief rubbing off the dry blood.
“You really shouldn't bang your head against concrete , it’s dangerous.” You point out.
Zanka’s face goes all pink. It's pretty cute to be honest. “Yeah , I—..um wasn' t really thinkin’ straight.”
That should do it for today , Yeah ? Zanka’s still pretty out of it. You want nothing more than to talk to him more . get to know him, know things about him that had yet to be revealed in the books. You had a place in all this.
You turn your back. I really want to talk with him more..! This is killing me! Hitting your forehead with your fist . Stupid! I'll have another chance tomorrow , stop overreacting. Zanka doesn't get another word in before you begrudgingly walk back to class.
The day seemed to go by in a blur. You watched Zanka in the corner of your eye , still looking out of it, but to everyone else he was just knocked down and simply got up again.
He’s gonna work himself to the bone. You thought , it would only go down hill once the class picked their chosen weapons.
You place your comb and knife on top of the bedstand in your new dorm room. You could hear talk and laughter from other students' dorms. Despite what everyone thought of you , friends are what you want to have. What you need: You'd been lonely for most of your life and you weren't going to be lonely for the rest of it.
Tomorrow I'll stop being lonely.