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]

Is that really the question you wished to ask?

[Gilgamesh sees through it. Levi may be a strong man and a fit soldier but he's by no means clever enough to run circles around the likes of himself. He understands that he's poking and prodding for weak points but, perhaps surprisingly, answers him anyway.]

It exists in another dimension, in a world beyond worlds. And as I've mentioned on prior occasion, there's sufficient firepower within to end any conflict in a matter of minutes. Seconds, even. Perhaps the Grail itself is buried somewhere in its depths.

[So in turn, Gilgamesh pokes and prods at Levi's greed, or lack thereof. What would you give to end your war?]

[powerdriven]

[ does he? Levi relents on peaceful terms, for now. ]

I'm not asking because I'm planning a fight.

[ if he were, it would seem he really had regretted his decision not to end his life back there in the jail. that isn't the case, though he is satisfied to have his question answered without much flourish. ]

Rin Tohsaka told me that you were starving. Things must be different now, but I'd wondered if using your Gate so frivolously was expending your energy.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh pauses and heaves a mental sigh. So she too has decided to interfere. Doubtless her Servant was running about as well divulging the same sort of information. It's not that it's unexpected, but... it does make things a bit more difficult to maneuver.

But for now, he'll tell Levi the truth. There's no sense in hiding it. Levi isn't what he'd call smart, but he's smart enough to sniff out bullshit, he suspects.]

At the time, she was correct. I have since formed a contract to remedy the situation.

[For his trouble, he'll even give a name. Or maybe just to gauge his reaction.]

The Crystal Gem known as Pearl is now my Master.

[powerdriven]

[ the thing about that is... he's aware. the lines of the magic jewelry communicators have been open for quite long enough for him to get adjusted to the occasional snooping. a conversation with Pearl after the operation might have helped him to figure it out, as well. hence that's what he was referring to when he said Gilgamesh should roll in the provided slop of his contract.

and hence his going silent right now, for a moment of lips pursing. ]

I know that. [ surprise. ] A "hero," right? What I'm trying to understand is why you're so flippant, even after this.

[babbylon]

Because I can afford to be.

[It's almost refreshingly straightforward. No tricks, no veils. He just gives him what he's after, no strings attached. Gilgamesh now had nothing to fear from anyone, not even the likes of Saber, and Archer and Lancer both knew better to pick fights they couldn't win.

He was sitting damn pretty and he knew it. He raises a refilled glass to the feed and grins.]

And perhaps now you will see the true power I wield when backed by a suitable Master.

[Translation: mistakes were made here and nearly all of them made by an unwitting Pearl for allowing this to happen.]