Confused

Tony strode toward the towering figures of the high entities, his countenance a chilling void that sent shivers down the spines of those who crossed his path. His singular obsession consumed his every thought: the whereabouts of Viole.

Drawing closer, Tony paid no heed to the slumbering gatekeeper, who appeared to have melded with a book that lay open upon his face. Unperturbed by the lackadaisical guardian, Tony slipped through the gates just as they began to close. Stirred from his somnolence, the gatekeeper mumbled, "No permission sought, as expected. I've grown accustomed to his impudence." Meanwhile, Tony found himself within the realm of the high entities.

Without preamble, Tony addressed them, his words dripping with disdain, "I know you despise me, and I feel the same about you lot. So, I won't bother with pleasantries or any..."

"Like you ever did!" interjected one of the high entities, their voice thunderous with anger.

Undeterred, Tony pressed on, "Well, you've done nothing to earn my politeness. You simply take, like ravenous beasts."

"What did you..." boomed another high entity, seething with fury.

"Anyway, I've come here for you to send me to Viole. You lunatics left him trapped with that white-haired bastard," Tony retorted, paying no mind to their mounting anger.

"You waltz in here, demanding, and await a response? Leave! Your request is denied," one of the high entities bellowed.

"I couldn't care less about my life. Take it. Just grant me half an hour, and I can..." Tony was interrupted by another high entity, their voice filled with disdain. "Don't you comprehend? It's not about an exchange or your crude manner of speech. An individual like you, an Ales, is crucial, especially in these dire times. We require your presence here. Viole would be disheartened if you were to abandon the fifth dimension just to aid him when he doesn't truly need it."

Tony's anger surged, and he clenched his hand tightly, causing blood to trickle through his fingers. Defiantly, he stated, "You speak grandly, yet you remain motionless in your seats." Losing control, Tony prepared to launch an attack.

But within seconds, the gatekeeper materialized out of thin air, gripping Tony's shoulder. He declared, "I believe that's enough for today, Defender Tony, don't you think?"

In an instant, they teleported out of the room. As they reappeared, the gatekeeper uttered, "Have a pleasant day."

Tony retorted, "Pleasant day my ass! Remove your filthy hands from me."

The gatekeeper released Tony, returning to his chair.

Tony found himself thoroughly confounded, the weight of stress and sorrow for Viole bearing down on him. He attempted to turn back and rejoin the high entities, but the gatekeeper materialized before him, asking, "Weren't you leaving, buddy?"

Taken aback by the gatekeeper's swiftness, Tony retorted, "Get the hell out of my way, you sleepy face."

"What a sharp tongue you possess. But it's not enough..." Before the gatekeeper could finish, Tony lunged forward with his right hand, only to stop just shy of the gatekeeper's face.

"Oh, you want a fight? I'd be delighted to oblige, given I have little else to occupy me here," the gatekeeper responded with unwavering confidence.

Tony stood frozen, shocked by the realization that this man existed on an entirely different plane. "My hand... I can't reach him?" Tony muttered to himself.

Observing Tony's distress and astonishment, the gatekeeper seized his hand, tauntingly asking, "Surprised, huh? Don't you want to fight me now, Tony?" His menacing gaze sent shivers down Tony's spine.

Tony lowered his hand and turned to leave. The gatekeeper, slightly taken aback by Tony's refusal to engage after provoking him, remarked, "Well, here I am, alone once more. I was truly prepared for a confrontation."

Filled with disappointment and regret gnawing at his insides, Tony departed, questioning himself, "Who even am I, when you're not here?"