video; [KINGOFHEROES]

[babbylon]

[The feed opens to Gilgamesh lounging on a couch, wine in hand, smirking faintly at nothing in particular. A snowy white lion which some of you may recognize lies curled on the floor, napping away; as for Gilgamesh himself, he's as relaxed as could be. Quite a far cry from his time in imprisonment.

And indeed, when he speaks, he sounds confident as ever—albeit in a lazy sort of way, words flowing like syrup.]

What does "heroism" mean to you?

[An open-ended question he allows to hang, for a moment or so, before continuing on.]

Would you consider what we're doing here to fall along those lines? Or, perhaps... yes, I'm aware some of you are new to this little group activity of ours, regarding the sun. And doubtful that you're all as sincerely invested as ALASTAIR wishes us to be. It does seem a bit trifling.

[Only Gilgamesh could consider the death of light itself to be trifling. He yawns, then rolls over, kicking his feet impatiently like a child awaiting entertainment.]

If they all died, it wouldn't really matter, would it? ALASTAIR would spirit us away to the next grand adventure and the cycle starts anew.

[In his obstinance, Gilgamesh dumps his wine right on the floor. He seems to revel in it, in the mess he's made. In the mess he intends to make.]

So I suppose what I'm asking is [smile blossoming into a grin] do you believe it's possible to save everyone, at the expense of yourself? Is that the proper way of a hero, or just someone naive enough to pursue "goodness"? To those we put atop pedestals, were they ever worth admiring at all?

[His eyes narrow at his jewelry. To call them serpentine would be an understatement.]

To those who believe firmly in the principles of justice—do you earnestly think you were doing the right thing all along? I wonder.

Comments

[babbylon]

Are you losing faith, Pearl?

[He doesn't comment on it either way. Just stares, unblinkingly, at the necklace, expecting an answer.]

[beyourrock]

Faith?

[In ALASTAIR? Maybe. Then again, there was no reason to trust the organization in the first place, seeing how they snatched her and Steven away from home. Pearl smiles a little, bittersweet with a knitted brow.]

I know many people here are trying their best with what they have to work with here. I'm just not sure about ALASTAIR's motives, even more so than before.

[babbylon]

Well, it makes no difference.

[Despite all he's said, he's willing to divulge more of the truth to Pearl. Their bond had been no accidental feat; he intends to honor it, for as long as it keeps him alive. That is her use to him. For as long as that contract remains, he will heed her will and abide her orders.

But no further than that. He's too wild for anything like true obedience. Inside, rebellion churns.]

We are acting together now. So if you tell me to strike someone down, I will. And if I must salvage the sun, I will. It's as simple as that.

[beyourrock]

There will be no need to strike anyone down.

[She says sternly, sitting up straighter as her hand absentmindedly covers her command seals. Her lips purse into a thin line as she studies the heroic spirit for a moment.]

Do you wish to help these people? Human and goblin alike?

[babbylon]

No.

[No need to lie, and he can't, really. She will undoubtedly learn, in due time, how to skim his thoughts; he had already mastered hers. And so she will learn just what she made such a deal with and will come to regret it as all others before her. In the end, even Kirei likely pitied himself.

...but there's nothing to be sad about. That's just the way of things.]

The world called "Earth" was entrusted to my oversight, so to that garden I must return. This one holds no relevance for me.

[beyourrock]

[Pearl feels her chest deflate at his answer. But, again, he makes a good point. This wasn't Earth. This wasn't home. But, Pearl herself felt obligated to help. These were innocent lives being affected over a squabble! Her fingers curl against her knees into small loose fists... but she nods. Understanding, despite the disappointment in her downcasted gaze.]

I see.

I'm still going to help return the sun, in any way I can assist. [She doesn't know how but... she'll figure out some way.]

And when we return the sun... maybe we'll be one step closer to returning home.

[babbylon]

Pearl.

[Gilgamesh sits up and directs a level gaze at the feed.]

I will return. I am no animal for someone to stick in a cage and order about for sport. But until that time, I have chosen to assist you. Do not despair, and do not presume my whims so fanciful that I would neglect our arrangement. If it is your wish to restore the sun...

[He can't cement it with a smile; this sort of loyalty isn't quite earnest. This isn't what he wants. But he does nod, decisively, and that seems to seal the deal instead.]

Then let us see it done. I will follow through on that much.

[beyourrock]

It's not my wish. It's all of these people. It's their wish. To be able to see the light again. To see their world in all of it's natural beauty, instead of it being overshadowed by eternal darkness. They deserve to be happy again, and to be worry free.

[With all this tension rising, and now ALASTAIR's own being seen as fugitives... Surely people were afraid to step out of their homes without a weapon on hand. The goblins were accomidating for the time being, but how long would it be before the scales would be tipped once more?

She bows her head, grateful, satisfied that Gilgamesh was settled on helping.]

Thank you. For your support.

[babbylon]

There is no need for thanks.

[He didn't have much of a use for it. But he's long since recognized that she can be a flighty and uncertain thing, so he lets her have this. The role to building self-confidence wasn't paved with constant put-downs and pessimism, after all, and he wouldn't mind seeing her a bit more confident.

He'll just remain privately unenthused and keep his scruples to himself.]

And there is little else I can do besides help, stuck in these pigsties they call domiciles. Let us file it away as a happy coincidence and leave it at that.

[beyourrock]

[She offers a small smile, her chest puffing up a fraction.]

Do you need anything? I'm sure living as a fugitive is less than appealing to you but... you seem pretty comtent with Shishi there.

[babbylon]

[What do I need? That's a very good question.]

I wouldn't mind having a pretty thing to warm my bed. As always.

[...which he totally and completely beefs on the spot.]

[beyourrock]

[Oh boy. Her cheeks balloon with a frown and brighten with a blue hue, but she waves it off dismissvely with her branded hand.]

I think you have everything you need. [He does have his Gate. And he's so willing to waste all that wine of his.]

I'm sure you can find your 'pretty thing' elsewhere.

[babbylon]

Do Gems not experience romantic pleasure of any kind?

[Yes, he's airing this out over the entire network. No, you never should have agreed to be my Master. Your friends were right, Pearl.]

[beyourrock]

[Pearl's eyes widen. Is he really asking--

She purses her lips into a thin line. It was like that conversation with Gintoki all over again. Only its on the network.]

That's nothing to concern yourself with right now.

[babbylon]

[Oh... could she be...?]

Are you sensitive about it? How cute! To think that even treasure would house such sentiments, it's positively endearing!

[beyourrock]

I'm not...!! It's...!!

[Pearl hunches her shoulders before she smothers her necklace, which rested on the bed, with a pillow, covering it completely before it disconnects.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh spends the next hour or so texting Pearl obnoxious hearts...

♥♥♥

...it's a symbol of his affection and not a sign that he literally has nothing better to do right now. Yeah.]

[beyourrock]

[Yeah she's just gonna let her jewel sit under her pillow for the night.

Or the next few days.]