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

[spacegirl]

[Oh, she's definitely pouty, and still looking at him with enough anger to classify her as being flustered. And the more she tries not to let it show, the more it does.]

I'll let you call upon me whenever you like. For stories.

[A single eyebrow arches, and she silently challenges him to say that isn't an acceptable prize for winning. her stories are awesome, okay.]

[babbylon]

[...oh. She may not have been actively aiming for it, but this seems to have cornered Gilgamesh. A look of surprise spreads across his face and there's no real room for a comeback. He's genuinely intrigued by the offer and appears to be seriously considering it.]

Very well.

[He's not entirely beyond compromise...]

[babbylon]

But calling upon you for other things—

[...it's a work in progress.]

[spacegirl]

[That earns a sharp look, followed by a snort and a roll of her eyes.]

Calling upon me for what you're implying isn't happening.

[She's firm about that, her accent thicker as the words are rushed and almost forceful.]

[babbylon]

As you say.

[But he doesn't appear entirely convinced. This was going to take some time.]

[spacegirl]

I don't just say. I insist.

[She can tell that he's not convinced, and that bothers her. Not enough to not meet up for their game because she's highly competitive and driven to win.]

I also insist on meeting tomorrow, so we can see who has the better story.

[babbylon]

Don't order me around now, it takes away the fun of it later.

[Careful not to antagonize him too much, Clara. If you think he'll censor himself for a public audience, you'd be very wrong, indeed.]

I've no issue. But do bring your best, as I've said. Anything less would disappoint me.

[It goes without saying that a disappointed Gilgamesh is a dangerous Gilgamesh.]

[spacegirl]

Do I really seem like someone who would do anything less than my best?

[She'd be offended, if she wasn't busy scoffing.]

I'll see you tomorrow, Gilgamesh.

[And there's a smile, because while he's unsettled her a bit, she's enjoyed the back and forth of the conversation. It's not often she gets to have that, outside of interacting with the Doctor.]