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

Username: sakurakinomoto

[keystaff]

What does 'heroism' mean? I guess....in the stories, and in the news and things you hear about people who risk themselves to save others. Maybe it sort of depends on the intentions, on how people view what happens, but. That's what I think?

[As if he or anyone else would consider any other sort of answer. In some ways, being so young, Sakura is still a little stuck in that black and white view, even if she is aware of the murky grey in between it.]

I don't know if any of this is really right or wrong, the way we're getting involved, but...our intentions, ALASTAIR's intentions aren't bad? We're trying to help, at least. If I see someone in trouble, I know I try to help.

[At the expense of her own safety and health, at times, with her chasing after the Clow Cards.]

[babbylon]

[Ah, Sakura... so innocent, so young, so naive to the ways of the world. Gilgamesh smiles to hear a child's view on it, and no matter how brave she may have been, that's exactly what she was: a child playing at being an adult.

He wonders what kind of person she'll be when she's older, when she's had her heart broken time and time again. He almost looks forward to it.]

It is not enough to simply try. More will be expected from you than that, Sakura, and what will you do then?

[His brows raise and his eyes appear to darken.]

What will you do when you fail? Give up, or...?

[keystaff]

Well, you can't know if you'll succeed or fail unless you try in the first place!

[If one never even makes the attempt, it's possible and likely to regret later, to wonder on what might have been. Better to try than live a life in the past like that, she figures. Besides the general optimism she still maintains, that she will always hope for the best and see the possibilities ahead, rather than dwelling on the uncertainties, the dangers.]

If I fail....I'd try again! Try think of another way.

[Of course, she and others aren't always given that option. Sometimes, it's just one chance to do or die, as it were. Like her impending Judgement back home she can't help think on at such questions, even if Gil is meaning in a more general sense, or specific to ALASTAIR's missions.]

[babbylon]

Acting as you are, thinking as you do...

[Gilgamesh shuts his eyes a moment, seemingly lost in thought.]

[babbylon]

...you'll die, Sakura.

[But in reality, he always knew the only answer he could ever give her.]

[keystaff]

[It's a reminder of what is to come back home, in a way. The foretelling of disaster and danger should she fail. But she has barely actually mentioned that. So he must mean more in general.]

[keystaff]

I....we all might! Or we might get sent on other missions. The point is to do our best to help so we can get back home. If I...If my cards can help, then I will.

[It isn't like she hasn't risked herself before, in the process of gathering the cards back home anyway. To spare and save others. It's what she's been doing for months now. Sakura can't just ignore someone in trouble. So it may be he isn't wrong on that.

Which doesn't mean this is any easier to hear, of course.]

[babbylon]

Are you frightened?

[That's what it really came down to, after all. If she's scared, she cannot act. If she's scared... she's little more than food for a much bigger monster, prey for whatever awaited them in the trying times ahead. And even Gilgamesh cannot revel in such slaughter of a child.]

[keystaff]

Well....I am, a little. But that hasn't stopped me still trying to help. I think a lot of us are probably scared and worried, being away from home and all. The fighting. But we can't let that stop us.

[She is scared. Terrified, at times. But that hasn't yet stopped her from acting. Not yet. Sakura tries to push on and keep going in spite of her fear. Remembering the support of her friends. Having some support here, too. The drive to get back home.

It may be that one day her fear and selflessness will get the best of her and she will end up killed as a result. But not yet.]

[babbylon]

I should hope you survive, Sakura.

[And he doesn't say such a thing lightly. The life of one child means nothing to him, but this one... this one was shining brightly. And even if she was destined to fail, even if only misery awaited her at the end of her journey, she at least deserved to see it through.

Gilgamesh has come to believe in this one child and the power she holds within her heart.]

Do not forget. You have comrades here. Lean on them and do your very best.

[He offers her a small smile, however brief.]

I'll be looking forward to your efforts.

[keystaff]

Y-yes! I will! It's all we can do. Support each other and help each other through this until we make it home. So I'll do my best!

[A determined nod, even as that last gets her perhaps a little sheepish, a little flushed when she returns the small smile in kind. Oblivious as to how much of an exception she is in his interest in her and her magic, her potential.]