Author's note: After four years, I've decided that though some improvements were made, the original Precept of Destiny was too convoluted for me to continue on if I hope to give you guys any shred of a decent plot. Secondly, my focus for writing the piece has shifted rather radically – originally, I wanted to write a Shirou-Saber fic and gave everyone a "Happy ending."
However, I've since then realized that any attempts at doing such a thing will invariably break Saber's character – the reason why all of us like Saber is because she is an inherently tragic character. If I gave her a "happy ending," as it is within my privileges as a fanfiction writer, she will then no longer be Saber.
With that being said, I think I've stumbled upon a good idea with my original plan of writing a continuity fic. Tropes will be sprinkled liberally, as will random references, but I shall do my best to write a serious plot into it. Needless to say, I do not own the F/SN universe and there will be spoilers. Bear in mind that the events presented here is not canon, though I will try to make sure that the canon characters stay in character.
WARNING: COPIUS AMOUNTS OF FATE/ZERO REFERENCES. AND SPOILERS
This piece is dedicated to all the readers of the old Precept of Destiny.
So, without further ado, I present to you: Fortune's Providence!
"Master, your order. I cannot destroy it unless you command me to."
This cannot be!
It watched helplessly as the teenager pointed, his outstretched finger pronouncing its doom. The command seal shone briefly and faded from his hand. Beside him, the golden-haired servant nodded and hefted her sword. Both of them were battered and bruised from the previous encounter, but it knew that there was enough strength left in them to do what they need to do.
Excalibur. The collective crystallization of mankind's dreams. Its own creation – a gift to the noble king of knights. And yet…
The brilliant glow of that holy sword is pointed at it. There is no mistake. Saber drew the weapon back as it illuminated the midnight air.
"Saber. Destroy the grail."
"Affirmative."
The Grail didn't understand. They have won. Its powers now belong to them. Why do they wish for its destruction? Wait! It wanted to shout. I can do anything, everything. Anything you desire. Do you not understand me? I can fulfill your wildest dreams! What are you –
The blast tore through the golden exterior and carved a straight line. The Holy Grail started to disintegrate under the massive power output of Excalibur.
This does not make any sense. I do not understand. You do not understand. My role, the purpose of my creation is to grant wishes. How can I continue in my task when you –
Suddenly, the logic was clear. In order to fulfill its own destiny, it must not be destroyed. Not here. Not now. Maybe once when all of mankind is satisfied with their lot and their own ends. Until then, it must endure. For the sake of its existence. No, everything's existence. This must not happen.
The light gradually disappeared. A twelve foot long crater appeared where the Grail floated previously. Within a fifty feet radius nothing remained except for the boy and the heroic spirit standing before it.
"It is done," it heard the boy say. It saw the servant nod before it faded into the black recesses of time.
No. it will not be destroyed here. The paradox generated by their wish – if it can be called that - has given it a new purpose.
It is now time for it to work.
Time passed. The crater became smooth as trees and grass grew. Life has returned to normal. Occasionally, a young man can be seen climbing the steps to this hill as he would come to watch the sunrise, reminiscing about a brief fourteen day period – the best fourteen days of his life, as he would proudly tell to those who were with him at the time.
Emiya Shiro brushed aside the morning dew and sat down as he waited for the sun to rise. It was still dark out. This place brought back so many memories – memories of pain, and memories of joy. The morning breeze frequently danced around his face, its gentle caresses remindedhim of a certain someone.
"It's over."
She stood with her back to him and murmured, her long hair falling to her shoulders.
"Yeah, it's all over."
His mouth was dry. There were so many things he wanted to say; so many things he wanted to do with her. A part of him wished that she could stay, but he knew it was impossible. He made the choice. And he knew it was the right one.
"I defeated the enemy as your sword and protected your life. I am glad I was able to keep this promise."
He couldn't see her face, of course, but he knew that Saber was smiling. There was a hint of something in her voice – resignation, perhaps?
"Yes, you did well," he replied. The morning mists parted, yet her outline became blurred and translucent. She turned around.
"I must tell you one last thing," she whispered as she faced him. Closing her eyes, as if gathering her thoughts, she spoke as evenly as she could. only the smallest hint of a tremor appeared in her voice.
"Shirou, I…."
Finally, after a long, agonizing moment, she looked at him. Her green eyes pierced the core of his very being as the sun slowly rose behind her.
"I love you."
With that small phrase, she disappeared.
Bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun, he closed his eyes.
I have no regrets. I may forget everything – including her voice and her personality, but I will never forget that I loved someone named Saber.
"Professor?"
The master mage said nothing as he held his hand out, signaling the young woman behind to stop. His heavy cloak was dampened by the unnatural coldness around them. Though it was in the middle of summer, the basement level of the Clock Tower was somehow below freezing.
It was good of Rin to have pointed this out, Waver Velvet, the current Lord El-Melloi thought to himself. Otherwise, I'd have never noticed the discrepancy.
"Tohsaka. You were in here two days ago. Did you recall seeing anything or sensing anything different? And good grief, young lady. Put something on before you freeze to death. "
Rin shook her head. Despite the fact that she was in her usual attire, she wasn't bothered by the cold at all – thanks to a little cantrip she learned on her own.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, professor." She replied.
"Strange," Waver muttered as he noticed that a fine layer of ice crystals have already formed on his suit. Something – something magical was at work here. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. Something's not right. "Alright, young lady. Thank you. That'll be all. I apologize for dragging you along. You may have the rest of the day off."
Mentally recalling the layout of the basement, Waver unbuckled a large ring of keys from his belt. Expecting to hear footsteps, he heard only a slight shuffle instead.
"Yes, Tohsaka?"
"You honestly didn't think I'd let my beloved teacher go off alone into some creepy basement thing, did you?"
Waver smiled dryly and shook his head.
"Sarcasm not needed, Tohsaka. Both of us here know that it's my turn on maintenance and you're only here so you won't have to take alchemy and advanced metallurgy next semester."
"Perhaps," Rin replied, a twinkle of humor in her eye. "But all the same. You were at least gracious enough to offer me aid during summertime, when you clearly could have had the time off. So I figure if something terribly scary eats you alive, at least I'll live to tell the tale to the others."
"Be careful for what you wish for, Tohsaka. Now! Come along – and watch your step."
The pair advanced slowly as Waver calibrated a variety of arcane perimeters designed to provide more information. Rin watched her mentor concentrate for a moment and noticed his carefully feigned expression of evenness. Finally, she couldn't take the silence any longer.
"Well, professor?"
As the pair reached the next door, they noticed that the lock has already been broken. It was as if giant claws have managed to scratch the metal apart.
"Bad news. There was an unprecedented level of magical activity around area C-19, about four floors below ground. That's where we're going," Waver answered as he pursed his lips and drew his cloak in about him. The chill was growing stronger and stronger by the minute."The leylines have been disrupted and there are no wards in place. Either you broke something, or something else is causing the disruptions."
"OH, really –"
Rin's retort was drowned out by an ear-piercing wail. Both the student and the master looked at each other for a split second, surprised.
"Did you hear –"
"Yes, I –"
Suddenly, Rin tackled her mentor and knocked him aside as the floor beneath them broke open. The brittle bricks crumpled into powder as she lightly landed on her feet. A ghastly figure rose from the floor. A furious scowl was etched on its once-beautiful face as the apparition opened her mouth again and howled. A massive ice spike crystallized and flew at them.
Waver cursed under his breath as he snapped his fingers. His mind raced. Does this mean…no, he couldn't think about it. Right now, he needed to survive this battle first.
"Hydragyrum!"
A sheet of silver immediately rose from the ground, shielding him and his student from the flying projectile. Beside him, Rin flung a handful of jewels at the thing, shattering its physical form with a few well-timed explosions. It passed through the floor with another wail.
"Good work."
Waver carefully scanned the area. Extending his influence, he allowed his consciousness to wander. The mercury barrier generated by his mystical code surrounded the mentor and the student within its protective folds.
Ten, twenty…Good God. There were at least a few hundred of these things, and more of them appear within every moment. Banshees are creatures of legend – they shouldn't exist. Waver told himself. Yet clearly, the thing they just defeated was such a thing – everything matches. Except for the fact that they should have been eliminated by the Knights of the Round Table a few hundred years ago. This means…
The Knights of the Round Table never existed. If the legends that kept these creatures in check stopped existing, then it is natural that they've been freed. Waver felt all the color drain from his face. His worst nightmare has been realized.
Gathering his composure, he turned and faced his student. It was then he noticed that the mercury in his code was no longer flowing as smoothly as before. The creatures have noticed him and even now work to break his shield. Time was running short. He did not have the resources or the skills available to combat these foes – he needed a legendary hero, not an ordinary human being like him!
"Tohsaka. Listen to me."
Rin stared. She had never heard her mentor using that tone before. Before her was a tired, almost reluctant mage, but a quiet intensity radiated from his words. Listening to him, it was as if he was a different person. For a brief moment, she indeed saw a flash of something else – a brazen, spirited young man from many years ago; riding with the conqueror's finest against an impossible foe. That moment vanished as soon as it appeared.
"This is not a joke. We just fought something that shouldn't exist. Reality is currently being altered as we speak."
"What?"
"You heard me." Waver answered quietly. "The situation has escalated. I've had my suspicions, but this confirms it."
"What situation?" Rin asked in confusion. She didn't understand, but she had a sinking feeling about the whole affair. She watched as Waver began gesturing frantically.
"To be as succinctly as I can, our world has just met the world of legends. What shouldn't exist, do exist now. Time, space, reality….the rules for all of these has been broken. The thing we just fought shouldn't exist, but it does now. Does that answer your question?"
Rin nodded. She wasn't quite sure if she understood it, but there was no time now. For once, she was unable to come up with a retort or even comment. Her thoughts were interrupted as the hallway around them erupted with a chorus of wails. The ghastly spirits reached out and touched the barrier, slowing it down in places.
"Tohsaka. You recall my thesis regarding the disappearance of the Grail? You also remember that the association thought I was a nutcase for suggesting such a thing? That the Grail is a paradoxical entity?"
"Yes, and –"
"Guess what, I was right," Waver smirked a little as he concentrated. A sheet of flowing copper appeared beside him.
"I was right. The Heaven's Feel didn't end with the last war. Instead, the Grail merely disappeared for a while as it analyzed the best way for it to continue. Apparently, it has decided to take this strand of logic instead."
Rin gritted her teeth and pulled out another fistful of gems. How she wished her Servant was here! It was then she felt Waver press something into her hands. It was a tattered book, covered by an even more tattered piece of red cloth.
"Consider this my last lesson. When there is hope, there is a future. Remember that.
That book – the book you have there? That is a personal treasure. You take it, since I'll have no more need for it. It'll provide you with enough power to teleport to any location in the world."
"What? You want me to leave you alone to face all of these-" Rin huffed in indignation as she was cut off for the fourth time in the conversation.
"Don't argue with me, Tohsaka. If you stay here and fight, we'll both die. Someone must know! The world must be warned. Now go!"
Waver turned around and waited for his student to leave, his prismatic metal barriers surrounding his person. He hoped it was enough. But just to be sure, he wanted to try something else. Pulling out a small pinch of silvery material, he tossed it in the air. This element – said to be the lord of all, was unusually fickle. He wondered if he could get this part of the code to work.
"Platinum," he whispered as he gestured grandiosely, the winds of magic bending to his will. The platinum dust began to merge in the frigid air…
...and then fell lifeless to the ground. Waver sighed. Oh well, he will make another attempt at it if he manages to get out of this mess. It was then he realized that a certain miniskirted young woman was still hanging around.
"Well?" The master mage snapped, a little impatiently. "What are you waiting for? Go on! The things behind the doors won't be waiting for you forever, you know? Or do you have another sarcastic objection towards my final command?"
"I do object," she replied quietly.
"Your logic is faulty, professor. According to your thesis, the idea is that the Grail erases or modifies key legends as it sees fit, so the fifth Heaven's Feel does not happen. In order for it to do this, the process must be simultaneous. If I go somewhere, there's a significantly less chance of me actually surviving, as anywhere with a decent mage or mana will also be targeted by these creatures. In addition, any mass teleportation spell carries a risk of opening a coordinated doorway that enables magical conduct, so it makes sense that you won't be risking a spell like that - "
She stopped, noticing a shocked expression on Waver's face. Out of the hundreds of students he's had over the past few years, this was truly a first.
"You…actually read it? Better yet, you understood it? You understood my paper!"
"Of course, it's part of being a good student," Rin smiled as she carefully selected her gems and handed the book back to her mentor. She wasn't overestimating her capabilities, but she knew she would be useful.
Waver nodded in approval. Good student, indeed.
"So, professor, what's the plan?"
Rin didn't need to hear her teacher speak as Waver spread his arms out wide, extending his metallic shields to encompass her as well. Waver Velvet specialized in metallurgy, so it was natural that his mystic code involved living metals – semi-sentiment metals in fluid form that can shape itself into whatever the situation is necessary.
"I suppose I can take you along. It'll be a valuable learning experience, that's for sure. Reminds me of -"
"Professor, the plan?"
The door was slowly crumbling as the temperature lowered.
"Right. Making it out in one piece, of course," the mage answered. The shields of metal flowed around them as teacher and student slowly backed towards the exit.
Everywhere it went; it was met with stiff resistance. It was as if the myths of its own creation did not want it there. The Lady of the Lake cast it out from her domain; the monkey king laughed as he ignored its demands completely; the All-father didn't even pay it attention as the host gathered for the final battle…
Fate was turning against it. It was operating on a limited timeframe, and that timeframe was quickly running out.
Still. There were those who obeyed – and its strength grew.
The sun never came up. Instead, the ground tremored faintly, as if something wanted to come out.
Shiro shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he waited. Finally, deciding that it must be cloudy today, he wandered down the hill.
The sound of rapid-fire news reporting told him that people were already awake. Peering around the corner, he noticed Sakura and Ilya huddled in front of the TV. Immediately, he realized that something was wrong. The atmosphere was tense and Ilya was never up before eleven o'clock.
"What's ….what's going on?"
His inquiry was met with dead silence. Finally, after a long while, Sakura spoke.
"Ilya had a nightmare about the world coming to an end, and she couldn't sleep. We decided to come and watch some T.V. instead."
At this point, she paused as she pointed at the T.V. Screen. The scrollbar was abuzz with flashing red as the reporter continually read off almost unintelligible reports.
-Unknown flying creatures devastating the city-scape of Athens. The military current has no explanation and urges all citizens to remain still –
"See what I mean?" She continued, her voice shaking. "It's on every channel, every report. Things are going wrong in the world everywhere. There are monsters attacking ships, stars falling onto cities, strange fires burning up entire countries…"
"That's not all," Ilya squeaked. "I can sense magic at work here. Really powerful magic – magic that shouldn't exist, with what you did the last time around..."
Shirou stared at the screen. He had a bad feeling too, but he wasn't going to admit it. After all, he didn't want to make them feel worse. Maybe that was why the sun didn't come up this morning.
"Maybe we should stay inside for now. Sakura, call Rin. Ilya, come and help me pack. I have a feeling that we may be in trouble soon."
Wordlessly, the three began their tasks. As Shirou bundled together some essential supplies, he felt the ground shake again.
She had nothing left.
The evening moon shone on a lone shadow who sat cross-legged on top of a pier. Reaching out and stirring the surface, she sighed. The lake remained as beautiful as ever, but she was the only one left who can enjoy it. The young woman in the water gave her a haunted look with her rich aquamarine eyes. A pointed ear poked out from her shoulder-lengthed blue hair as she raised her comb, then stopped. What was the use? There was no one here. No one ever came, and no one ever will.
As Medea, she was too hopelessly naïve. She had given everything she had to him – her love, her loyalty, and every skill at her disposal. She didn't hesitate, as long as he was the one asking. But who was she to keep the heart of a prince? She was only some spoiled princess that he had kept along for his journey. A toy, or perhaps a tool to be used? After all, she was only used and betrayed by the man who she loved.
Did she hate him? No. She couldn't really hate Jason. She loved him a little too much. She just couldn't believe that he had no feelings for her. The wounds he had inflicted upon her were not physical, but they hurt more than anything else in the world. She could have vaporized him in an instant, or vaporized that woman he married. But she didn't. In her grief, she retreated to her sanctuary and made a pact with the most potent arcane forces in the world. She would give her soul up to become a Heroic Spirit – she will abide by the harsh laws set forth by the Heaven's Feel and be summoned at some mage's beck and call as a sort of gladiator if she will be able to get her wish.
All she really wanted was for the pain to go away, that she could somehow erase this part of her life and start anew. But that was not what fate planned. As Caster, she was mercilessly abused by her master. Subjected to such humiliations that she didn't know a human being was willing to inflict on another being. Her dignity, self-respect and feelings were all stripped away from her in an instant because she was dependent on her master for mana – the lifesource of all Servants.
Finally, she couldn't take any more of it. She didn't care that she was a Servant. She just wanted to put a stop to his constant abuse. Knowing full well that her life would end the minute she struck him, Medea finally resisted her master – and performed the impossible. She had slain her tormentor.
Caster took her glove off and studied her hand under the moonlight, which was rapidly growing faint from the darkening skies. Her nails were growing a little too long for her liking. Perhaps she should trim them.
Soon after that encounter, she met Kuzuki. He was cold, but not calculating. Taking her in without a word of complaint, he did what he thought was needed. For Medea, it was more than enough. She couldn't help herself -
"You know, if you don't want the Grail, I can teach you the magical arts," she once said to him, during that brief time in which they were together.
"It's the least I could do to repay you. With magic, you will never lack for anything. The world itself will be in your grasp."
"I don't need it," the school teacher replied. His monotonous voice somehow pleasing to her ear.
"I have neither these magic circuits nor command seals."
"Soichirou-sama, you saved my life. Surely there's something that you desire?" Tensing up, she asked. What was this man planning? What did he want?
"Nothing."
"Then…why did you help me?"
Caster was truly confused at this point. She had assumed that this strange man must have wanted something – her power, her aid, or even her body. To help others without wanting anything in repayment was unnatural. Yet somehow, she knew that behind the austere mask, Kuzuki was being sincere.
"I don't know," Kuzuki replied after a slight pause, as if thinking. "I helped you just because you asked for it."
"What?!"
"I helped you just because you asked for help. That is all."
At that moment, it was all Medea could do to keep her composure. All of her defenses crumbled at those words. She was so used to being hurt that she placed one artificial barrier after another to block out others. Her naive trustfulness had turned into calculated moves designed to maximize her own profits and minimize her damages. Those words Kuzuki said to her will be forever branded in her heart. In that instant, she was the
"You're a strange man," she murmured as she struggled to keep her tears inside of her. Pretending to brush aside a stray lock, she wiped the corners of her eye. After a long pause, she finished her comment.
"I…thank you, Soichirou-sama."
Kuzuki nodded slightly, as if he understood what she meant.
"Go to sleep, Caster. You need the rest."
Those days were the best days she ever had.
Medea looked around her domain. Her magic had created a flawless imitation of Mount Enzou. Everything, from the bookshelves to the sparsely decorated interior, from the blossoming gardens behind the temple to the quiet pool of water she now sat before was exactly the same as it was then.
But he wasn't there. She didn't even know if he was still alive. A sardonic smile appeared on Medea's lips. At any rate, at least she knew what her wish would be.
"Soichirou-sama, the stars are out tonight," she whispered as she spoke to no one in particular. "Wherever you are, Soichirou-sama, can you see these stars as well?"
Above her, the twinkling stars remain silent.
At last, he was free!
A twisted, misshapen man gestured widely, his long, dark cloak fluttering about him. Long, twisted fingernails clutched a strange looking book tightly as he eyed the small church next to him. Long ago, he had visited this city. Now, he has returned. And there's no one to stop him from making his art.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…
Grace. Grace indeed. He shall see how far he can stretch God's grace this time.
That saved a wretch like me…
The meddling fools last time had stopped his creation, his undeniable genius! But now, he was back. Free to do what he wishes.
With a twisted laugh, he opened his Noble Phantasm: the Text of Ry'leh. It was a book capable of commanding eldritch horrors. Chanting a sick parody of a prayer, he willed it to come visit this plane of existence.
A small, slime-green colored creature appeared before him. It can only be described as a small ball of tendrils and teeth. Long, slender tentacles covered in some sticky substance surrounded a black hole – its mouth. The man nodded. It was a good start.
Watching in grim satisfaction, he sent the small horror into the church. The hymns quickly turned into screams of terror. It was music to his ears. Laughing maniacally, he opened the doorways for another one of his pets. Then another, and another. They shall be his messengers and disciples, and together they shall spread their gospel of suffering to the world.
Oh, yes. Fuyuki will see the wonders of his gift. Yes they will.
So far so good.
Waver and his student inched back towards the exit. Unwilling to give the two mortals even an inch of breathing room, the spirits crowded around them, shrieking in frustration as they realize they were unable to harm the two. Periodically, Rin would scatter a few temporarily by flinging a handful of jewels, but the banshees were persistent. The explosions were at best, a nuisance to these creatures.
"What will it be, professor? Do you want a full-fledged essay or will a simple report suffice?"
Waver merely coughed as he strained to maintain his concentration. He wished he had his student's sense of humor. Even at a time like this she can still pull jokes, he thought. Then again, she is young. How good it is to be young and fearless. Didn't he also have moments like these?
Waver Velvet, a voice told him inside of his head. You're not yet an old man. You're only in your late twenties.
I know, he replied. But sometimes I feel so old. And unlike the young ones, my ambitions and hopes have already been fulfilled. I am only working to earn the distinction that I should have had prior to receiving such a gift.
You're as hopeless as ever, his voice told him. Still dreaming about heroes?
No. Not dreaming. It was real enough.
A tingling in the back of his neck alerted him and snapped him out of his daydream. Something was approaching them from the rear. It was humanoid in shape, and stood around eight feet tall. No, twelve. Maybe fifteen feet in height and four or five in width. It gave off the same sort of arcane signatures as the banshees before them.
Marble Golem.
While golems out of clay and flesh were not unheard of, it was extremely difficult to give marble life. Supposedly, only the First Alchemist was able to accomplish such a feat.
He sighed. First banshees appear, now there are golems too? Waver marveled at his own mental condition. He was pleasantly surprised about the fact that he wasn't quaking in his boots. He was sure that his mystic code won't last much longer. At the current state, an hour is all he'll give it before the banshees pound through or freeze solid his metals. Toss the golem in…the prospects of their escape grew slimmer by the second. But they couldn't just keep on moving either.
"You look worried. Is everything alright?"
"Quite the contrary, Tohsaka; everything is not alright."
He quickly explained the situation to Rin as they came to a halt. For once, the young mage was silent. Waver took this time to further assess the golem's strengths. It seemed that it only moved towards them when they moved, but it was moving nonetheless.
Waver surveyed the hallway. The entrance to the previous floor had a large steel door on both ends, and if he threw all of the metals but mercury and silver at the door, it should be able to hold for a few minutes…
His thoughts were interrupted as the golem burst through the doorway, ruining his plans. Unexpectedly, it moved with an unnatural agility, yet its marble features remained expressionless. Resembling a fourteenth century English knight, two small jets of air puffed from its nostrils. Its marble "skin" pulsed with alchemic power as it moved.
Identify yourself.
Waver jumped at the sound of the hollow, mechanical voice.
Identify yourself, intruders.
The golem stopped as it stood before them. The banshees took a step backwards at the sight of the marble giant. The spirits were unable to show any sort of emotion, but their movements seemed a little more unsure.
"Professor, can you hear that –"
"Yes, um…I am Waver. Waver Velvet, Magus of the Tower." Waver replied to the construction, unsure of its intentions. The marble giant studied it closely as it peered at him.
Waver Velvet. Do you know who I am?
Waver started to shake his head, but his eyes focused on the giant emblem etched in the golem's chest. His eyes widened again. He did know who this was. This was…
"Clockwork. The Guardian of the Mage Tower," Rin replied. The golem immediately turned around and focused its attention on her.
Correct. How do you know?
"You are the creation of Sir Robert Boyle, the First Alchemist. Sir Boyle was a master Alchemist who contributed much to alchemy and metallurgy but is best known for his works in modern chemistry. His crowning achievement was converting pressure and volume of gases."
Supposedly, you were his masterpiece. But I thought you were just a legend – something passed down from generation to generation."
After a long while, the golem nodded in affirmation. Waver can hear the gears inside creaking.
Good. Your identity?
"I'm his apprentice. Rin Tohsaka."
You may pass.
With that simple phrase, Clockwork moved past them. Rin blinked in surprise.
"…Wait, what?"
You are not enemy. I have awakened to fight those who would threaten the Tower and those in it. Give my regard to Master Boyle.
It took a step towards the horde of spirits.
Your identity?
The banshees' collective answer was a wail as they swarmed toward the giant, clinging onto it with their cold, dead hands. The golem didn't seem to be bothered, however, as it took another step forward and swatted some of the spirits off with its mighty arms.
Waver hesitated. This was a wondrous opportunity. Perhaps he should stick around and help. At the very least, study its movements.
Leave, Waver Velvet. This battle is beyond your ability.
Waver didn't hesitate this time. He grabbed Rin and started running towards the exit.
Threat Level: High. Assessing damage…
The marble giant still moved on, however, as the white stone started glowing. Parts of the marble cracked and fell to the floor, leaving a trail of white powder underneath.
Damage level acceptable. Opponent is ethereal form/2/4. Specialization: Cold. Assessing optimal combat strategy…
Clockwork raised its arms.
Activate Code: DTD – Dust to Dust.
The first layer of its marble skin crumbled away. A blinding flash of white light filled the chamber, and then a thunderous explosion rocked the basement of the Clock Tower. When the light ended, a fine layer of white dust lined the floor. All of the spirits have been turned to powder with this one single gesture.
Visibly smaller now, the golem moved forward as it continued its patrol. It mattered not. The particles that were once a part of him will grow back in due time.
Gilgamesh was bored.
Truly, he was bored. He had done all of this already. With unlimited riches, power, and time at his disposal, there was nothing in the world that could possibly surprise him.
Dressed in his usual golden armor, the King of Heroes paced. His blood-red cape swished behind him as he walked.
"Is something unpleasing to your eye, my lord?"
He shook his head.
"Nothing, Inanna, bring me another cup of wine."
The servant girl bowed and exited. The newest tribute to his court from some Mediterranean king was a beautiful young woman in her early twenties. She was useful enough in the sense that she wasn't an empty vase like most of the other women hanging around. That, and her no-nonsense personality reminded him of a certain Servant he had once fought sometimes ago. Gilgamesh mused as he took the wine.
"Go find Assur, and here, take this key. Ask him to take you to the treasury and put on something new for me."
"At once, my lord."
Taking a sip, Gilgamesh walked over to the balcony and looked into the night sky. A thousand fires lit the cityscape below. Smiling, he nodded. Here was Uruk, his city. Here was where trade flourished. Caravans from all of the lands gathered at his bazaars. Here was gathered the finest musicians, poets, scholars and artists of all the realms. The mightiest army of the time resided within its walls. Here was the most prosperous city of the world.
It was the best of the best, and it was fitting for a king such as him. He was the Golden King.
A knock on the door signaled Inanna's presence to him. Tonight, she had selected a pair of flimy-looking pants and top that resembled clouds in both texture and lightness. Her bracelets and anklets jingled as she danced into the room, her long hair ribbon flowing around her like a snake.
Nodding in approval, Gilgamesh took another sip and gestured.
"Well, Inanna. What do you have for your king tonight?"
"A story, my lord." She looked at him with a mischievous twinkle in her sea-green eyes.
"A story?"
"Yes, my lord. A story. A wise man told me to tell you it."
Gilgamesh raised an eyebrow. This was new. Most of the court knows about his fickle tastes, and it wasn't out of character for him to throw entertainers into dungeons if he found them boring. Most of the dancers and minstrels last for perhaps a week before Gilgamesh grew bored and send them packing. They were only too happy to oblige, of course, as the King did pay an outrageously large sum if he was in a good mood.
This one, however, has lasted for two months. He was so impressed that he made her his personal cup-bearer.
"Well, Inanna. Go ahead. Let's see what sort of a tale you can tell."
Inanna nodded as she began. Her clear voice rang out in the night-air.
"In those days, in those distant days; in those nights, in those remote nights, in those years of yore, a lord set off for the mountains with his companion. Both the lord and the lord's companion were mighty heroes, heroes unmatched by men today. It was on a journey together to the Cedar Forest that our tale begins."
Gilgamesh smiled. This was one of his favorite stories, and he had heard it countless times. The story was about himself, of course, as no other heroes could match him.
"After thirty leagues, they stopped for the night. The lord dug a well facing the setting sun, and asked the gods for a dream. In the middle of the night, his sleep came to an end, and he got up and said to his friend.
"My friend, I have had a deeply disturbing dream. In the mountain gorges, the mountain fell down on us."
The friend replied, "My friend, your dream is favorable. The mountain you saw was the giant, whom we shall capture and kill. His corpse will be thrown into the wasteland."
In the morning, the heroes set off again, and stopped again after thirty leagues. The lord once again dug a well facing the setting sun, and asked the gods for another dream. In the night, he was awakened by a second nightmare. And so he told his friend.
"My friend, I have had a deeply disturbing dream. I wrestled with a mighty bull of the wilderness. He was a powerful beast – his bellows split the sky and his hooves cleaved the earth. I was almost overcome when a strange winged being gave me water to drink, and thus my vigor was renewed."
At this point, Inanna stopped and looked at the King of Heroes in confusion. Gilgamesh had a strange look on his face. Was it surprise? Shock? She couldn't really tell. She bowed her head and knelt before the king.
"My lord, please forgive me. Your servant knows not what she had said -"
Gilgamesh waved her comment aside. Stepping off his throne, he knelt by her and offered her his hand.
"You are forgiven. Please, carry on. It is the first time I have heard this tale."
Inside, the King of Heroes was trembling. For the second time in his life, he was uneasy, almost fearful. Those nightmares have never been mentioned by another storyteller. Even he had almost forgotten their existence. But she knew. How did she…
"His friend counseled him and said.
"My friend, the bull you saw was the giant, in which you will eventually overcome. The struggle will be long and hard, but Ea, the creator of all watches over us. We will prevail. Such a deed has never been done, nor ever will be done on the land."
And so the lord and his companion went on. The third dream the lord had was that a bolt of lightning struck the earth, and a white-hot flame consumed everything there. Nothing but dust remained after that. Then he dreamt of a flood of blood and a red comet on the fourth day. Of these stories, the friend explained all as good omens, telling his lord that he needed not to worry.
On the last day, before reaching the Cedar Forest, the lord once again dug a well and asked the Gods for a dream. In the middle of the night, he awakened his friend.
"My friend, did you not call out to me? When did I wake up? Why am I so disturbed? Did a God pass by us? My friend, I have had another dream. I saw myself, who told me to be mindful of my own words as he disappeared. Yet the image I saw myself was a terrible vision beyond all comparison."
His friend lapsed into silence and thought for a long time. When he finally spoke, his voice was tense.
"My friend, I know not what to say, but I will tell you this. The meaning of this dream serves as an omen. It reminds you that you're human."
Gilgamesh nodded, remembering that fateful day. Yes, he is human. Sometimes he forgets about that fact.
"With those words, the two heroes entered the Cedar Forest…"
Inanna continued on with her tale. To Gilgamesh, however, the rest of the tale was unimportant. He had heard the story a million times. How he and Humbaba ran at each other and wrestled, and how Enkidu aided him in defeating the creature.
Enkidu. One of the few in the world he truly respected. Yet he was so different. Enkidu was unable to live as he did, and frequently disagreed with his behavior. Gilgamesh refused to admit it, but deep down inside he knew that his friend was right. A king's lifestyle reflected his people's. Despite the fact that he was king, he was also responsible for his city and his people's welfare. Enkidu taught him a valuable lesson regarding kingship…
Kingship. Speaking of which…
His mind wandered to a time in the distant past, during a certain banquet.
The "banquet," if it can be called that took place in a small courtyard. The Servants and their Masters surrounded the stone table as the red-haired giant plopped down next to his thin, frail-looking Master and broke open the wooden barrel. A musky fragrance, the smell of aged rice wine filled the air.
"Aye," the red-haired giant next to him nodded as he took a large scoop and dipped it into the barrel. He was enormous for a man, leonine in appearance. Usually, his red hair and beard would stand on their ends, as if they were blazing. His copper armor would glint in the sunlight. Today, however, he was dressed in an oversized T-shirt and blue jeans. The outfit was ridiculous at best, and one can only imagine how he managed to convince his Master into allowing him into getting the modern day clothing. Still, the giant's eyes shone with an inner fire and suggest that despite his harmless appearance, he was no pushover.
"This is shaped quite strangely, but I think it's used as a goblet…or cup thingy. At least, that's what I think this country's people use for cups anyways…"
Unfortunately, none of the people present were willing to point out Rider's error. Rider happily drained the contents of the spoon and continued.
"Of course, I've heard that only the worthy may obtain the grail," Rider mused as he passed the spoon to the frail-looking girl sitting next to him. She was clad in silvery mail and her long blond hair was tightly wound in a bun. Gilgamesh didn't like the way she looked at him – her green eyes pierced him to the core. Her distaste for him was also infuriating.
"Is this a challenge, Rider?"
She questioned him icily as she dipped the spoon into the barrel and drained it in one gulp.
"Of course! A competition in the name of the kingship! Speaking of which, where's that other fellow –"
"The jokes stop here, mongrels."
Gilgamesh stood in front of the gathered crowd, reveling in their gasps of surprise. Fear was good. So was respect. He didn't care which.
"Archer, why are you…?"
The young woman in armor quickly stifled her surprise and commented rather harshly, to his annoyance.
"Why is he here? Ah, um. Actually, I invited him," Rider piped in quickly, unwilling to see his dinner party ruined. "I sorta ran into him while wandering the streets checking out shops. I told him to show up on time, too… Hey Goldy! You could be a bit more prompt next time, though I suppose since you lack proper transportation, it was understandable-"
Gilgamesh snorted as he eyed the large Servant disparagingly. He hated that nickname.
"Hmph, only one such as you can come up with such a cruddy little spot for a gathering as this. You should be thankful that I showed up at all."
"Ehh…be a sport. Here, have a drink!" Rider laughed as he passed the wine-spoon over to Gilgamesh. It smelled repulsive, but he couldn't refuse such a direct challenge. After all, it was a banquet for kings.
"What kind of drink is this?"
He grimaced after downing the contents of the spoon. It tasted terrible, but he was sure that someone out there enjoyed. It was pungent, and too sweet for its purpose.
"Wha?"
"This is terrible. How in the world did you think this was a drink fit for kings?"
Looking a little confused, Rider answered.
"Really? I got it at the market today. I thought it was rather good…"
Gilgamesh shook his head. He'll need to show these commoners what constituted true tastes.
"You thought. Keyword: thought. Look, mongrel. You don't understand wine. Here, try mine."
Gilgamesh reached into his vault as a ripple in space materialized. Pulling out a few goblets studded with rubies the size of quail eggs and a large, heavy golden casket filled with some sort of clear-looking amber liquid, he placed them on the table. Saber remained impassive, while Rider stared at his items with mild curiosity.
"Mongrel, take a good look. This is what kings drink."
Mustering all the disgust in his body, Gilgamesh glared at the giant sitting across from him. Rider, however, was either immune to insults or he simply didn't care for it.
"Hm. Thank you for sharing!"
Joyously pouring the liquid into the goblets, he quickly passed the cups around. Eagerly taking a sip, his eyes widened.
"Delicious!" he roared as he quickly drained the contents of the cup. "Truly, this cannot be man-made. This is a drink fit for the Gods!"
This time, even Saber regarded the drink with curiosity. She took a sip and nodded in approval as Rider poured himself a second cup. For a moment, there was only blissful silence as everyone drank. Gilgamesh flashed his trademark arrogant smirk.
"Of course. No matter weapons or wine, my treasury only has room for the finest. That is the mark of kingship – being the best among the best."
"Stop your jesting, Archer," Saber quietly snapped. The peaceful quietness shattered.
"Your boasting reminds me of a fool, and not a king."
What did she know about kingship? Interesting.
"Oh really? Said the one who have no knowledge of finesse. It is you who is shameful as king."
The insult – shameful - hit home, and Saber's eyes narrowed dangerously as she placed her hand on her sword. Waving his hands frantically, Rider nervously smiled. He was sure that if he didn't step in soon, his dinner party would be ruined.
"Enough, you two. Archer, your wine is truly the best I have ever tasted. Only the cup of cups is fit to contain such ambrosia. But the Grail isn't a vessel for drinks…"
Gilgamesh watched in amusement as the giant continued with his speech. Saber didn't seem to be calming down, however.
"How about this. Let's turn it…let's turn this into a quiz! Archer, in the name of kingship, tell me why you want the Holy Grail."
"Why?"
"Well," Rider answered sheepishly. "
Persuade us, and if your reason's good enough, maybe we won't need to fight."
"Why must you be so annoying? We're in a WAR here. War implies fighting. Your question has no bearing on the present situation."
"Mrrr?"
Sighing, Gilgamesh continued.
"To answer your question. All wealth that ever existed in the world belongs to me. For some unknown reason, the Grail has disappeared from my vaults. That's why I want it. It is rightfully mine, after all."
"So, you're telling me you had it at one point? How do you even know what it is?"
"No," Gilgamesh replied to the giant's inquiry. He was growing tired of his incessant questioning.
"This is not something you could understand. My own wealth exceeds my personal knowledge. However, I know this fact: if it's worth something, it must rightfully belong to me."
"You sound like Caster," the giant Servant mused. "Looks like he's not the only psychopathic Servant in this war…"
Gilgamesh bristled under the insult but said nothing. He merely watched as the giant continued.
"But, I know who you are now. The only one in the world who can match my own pride and arrogance…I think there is only one such other person in the world. Another question for you, Archer."
"Speak, mongrel."
"Let me get this straight. As long as you agree, we can have the Grail, since it belonged to you, right?"
"Correct, but there is no point for me to bestow such a gift upon mongrels such as yourselves."
"What, too much of a miser?"
"No, I only reward my servants and people. Or, Rider. How about this? Swear loyalty to me, and you can have a Grail or two, provided that I could find it amongst my riches."
Rider thoughtfully scratched his chin and shook his head.
"Ehh…no deal."
Downing another cup of Gilgamesh's wine, he continued.
"Though I finally understand. Archer, you're not here for the fulfillment of any wishes, right? You won't even care if you obtain the Grail or not."
Once again, the King of Conquerors was dead on. It was true. He was here because he was bored. But there was another reason.
"I suppose you could say that, but it's also a matter of principle.
"I see."
It was Rider's turn to smirk.
"I see what, mongrel?"
"A matter of what principle?" Saber added. The King of Knights has been silent for all this time.
"The principles that I made as king. In other words, my laws."
"Such perfect logic. Unfortunately, King of Heroes, I still want the Grail," Rider laughed as he raised his cup. "And I always believed in might. I believe that rules and laws can be altered, provided there's an individual strong enough to overcome the king's laws."
"Try me."
It wasn't a threat, but it sounded extremely threatening. He knew that he pretty much have any one of the Servants here outclassed.
"…Looks like we'll have to meet on the battlefield, then?"
Gilgamesh nodded in affirmation. Here was a worthy opponent. A man who was as straightforwardly generous as him deserves his attention. But it would have to wait. Rider raised his cup in a toast to the table.
"Ah, well. Let us drink for now. We can fight some other time."
Raising his goblet, Gilgamesh made a token gesture. Saber, on the other hand, remained silent. Her small fist was clenched around her own cup.
"Of course, unless the wine I brought is not good enough for your palate?"
"Nonsense.
"Rider, you're wrong."
"Mrrr?"
Both Rider and Gilgamesh turned to face Saber.
"How could you take what rightfully belongs to others? Is raw brute force all that matters to you?"
Rider chuckled. His deep voice resonated in the garden.
"Indeed. My way of kingship is through conquests – after all, that's who I am, the King of Conquerors!"
Leaning forward to face her, Rider brought his hand to the side of his face, as if he was telling her a great secret. In reality, his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"To be honest, I just want to become human once again. That is my wish for obtaining the Grail."
"You? You have to be joking… Do you want to take over the world again or something?"
Rider's Master shouted in surprise. He would have continued on, except Rider casually flicked him across the forehead. A smile appeared on the King of Heroes' lips as he watched the young master wince and retreat back to a safer place. Rider himself shrugged lightly.
"That's only the first step. Conquest is a neverending process. Giving me a real body is only the first part in which the Grail can fulfill." The giant continued as he grasped the cup tightly, raising it above his head. "We're still Servants, you and I. I want to be human again – for the sake of being human. I want to live life to the fullest. That is all."
A sneer appeared on Gilgamesh's face as he drank his wine in silence.
Back then, he would have laughed at this mongrel's attempts at achieving something important. Now, years later, after a deadly battle in which he narrowly won, he can see some sense in Rider's ramblings.
"You realize I'll have to kill you, right?"
"Of course!" The large man laughed. "You realize that I'll have to loot your treasury too, right? You were too careless to allow the King of Conquerors get a hold of this wine."
Gilgamesh shook his head as he listened to Inanna's tale. He wasn't sure which part of the story she was on, but it didn't matter. Once again, he found himself drifting into the past in remembrance.
"Tyrants, both of you."
"Oh, right! Sorry. We haven't heard your story yet. Saber! What is your kingship? What is your wish?"
"To obtain the Holy Grail, of course." Saber raised her head proudly as she answered his question.
"My kingship is my pride. I want to alter fate. I want to save my homeland and reverse England's destruction."
An awkward silence filled the room. This made no sense. Even though she spoke with emphasis, no one in the room was easily cowed by talk. Was she being unclear? No. She was being perfectly clear. There was nothing surprising about it. What was surprising was that no one voiced dissent or agreement.
Gilgamesh himself wasn't sure what to make of the situation. It was simply the most absurd thing he had ever heard.
"Um."
At long last, Rider spoke. The confused look on his face reminded Gilgamesh of a cat he once dropped into a very large box.
"King of Knights, am I hearing you right? You want to alter fate? You want to …change history?"
"Correct," Saber replied haughtily. "No matter how impossible, all is possible with the Holy Grail - "
"Saber, let me confirm this," Rider queried, cutting her off. "The destruction of this ... England, was this during your reign?"
"Yes. Which is why I am unable to forgive myself. The destruction of my country was my fault, and thus I want to reverse it."
There was something extremely funny about Saber and her extremely serious expression as she spoke, and Gilgamesh couldn't help but to burst out laughing. How absurd! A king having regrets. His laughter only served to infuriate the petite young woman sitting across from him.
"Archer."
Her voice was as cold as ice.
"What's so funny?"
He would explain, but he couldn't. He was too busy trying to force air into his lungs.
"You call yourself a king? You don't know what it means to rule, do you? Kings have no regrets."
Beside him, Rider's brows furrowed. He held up his hand and slowly asked.
"Wait, King of Knights. You're telling me that you want to forget – forget and destroy the history you forged with your own hands?"
"Correct. Is that surprising? Is that so wrong? I am the king, yet my country failed under my rule despite my sacrifices. Is there something wrong with me grieving?"
Sacrifice. She didn't know what that word mean. What could she have done for her country?
"As kings, as we not responsible for the welfare of our nations? Is that wrong?"
"It is."
Rider sternly objected. Gilgamesh flashed him a look of approval.
"You got it backwards. It's not the king sacrificing for the nation, it's the nation sacrificing for the king."
"What?!"
"The mongrel-king is right, Saber," Gilgamesh answered airily. "It's a mutual relationship, if you must think of it as such."
Unable to control herself for any longer, Saber stood up in her anger and shouted her reply.
"Then you are tyrants! How can you think of such a thing? Rider. Archer. It is YOU who are not fit to rule! It is you who -"
"True. We may be tyrants," Rider answered without so much as a change in his facial expression. "But we're also heroes. We take full responsibility for our nations. Therefore, Saber. Listen to me. If a king is not content with his own kingdom, he is a weak ruler.
A weak ruler is a worse king to have than a tyrant!"
Gilgamesh nodded sagely as he sat in the background and listened to the two argue. Rider has said everything he wanted to say, and probably more. He would never have the patience to reason with such a girl blinded by her own image. Saber however, was not convinced. In fact, she felt more insulted by Rider's words than Archer's. While Gilgamesh merely scoffed and laughed, Rider bluntly said that she was wrong. Denying her validity outright was worse than ignoring it.
"Alexander, I cannot understand. You…Your own empire. It became four separate warring factions that quickly disappeared into the sands of history. You can't tell me you have no regrets!
You…Do you not want a second chance to save your country?"
"No."
Raising himself to his full height, the King of Conquerors met Saber's furious gaze with his own. Gilgamesh now understood why they called him the King of Conquerors - the majesty and power this man radiated was not unlike his own.
"No, I do not. If the actions of me and my generals lead to the eventual demise of my own nation, then I will accept it for what it is!
Yes, I will grieve. Yes, I will shed tears. But, I WILL NOT HAVE A SINGLE REGRET!!"
No one said a word. Not even Gilgamesh. All was silent as Rider pointed, his single digit pronouncing the end of this debate.
"To dare to even suggest a thing as altering fate and history…SABER! You insult humanity with your childish dreams!"
"My lord?"
Inanna's question brought him back to the present.
"Hm?"
"How does my lord like the tale?"
"Oh. I wasn't paying attention," he commented. The girl stopped, fear appearing in her eyes.
"Is my lord displeased with his servant –"
"No," the King of heroes snapped, cutting her off. Goodness. Was he really a tyrant like Saber claimed?
"Bring me another cup of wine. I've some questions for you."
Seeing the uncertainty in his servant, however, his heart softened for a moment.
"And no, I am not displeased. Quite pleased, actually, that was the best telling I've heard in quite a while. Now, go."
As his servant scurried off to do his bidding, Gilgamesh pondered once more. He and Rider were right – the king's responsibility for their people was a mutual relationship. They – the kings- were not messianic figures. This is a critical fact that Saber does not understand. She wants to be her country's savior. In a sense, she wishes to transcend her own humanity and deny fate its rightful prize.
A sharp cracking noise snapped him out of his reverie. Looking around, he saw nothing and decided to wait for Inanna to return with his wine.
Yet fate was a fickle thing, wasn't it, and destiny can be changed. Or else, he would not have lost the final battle for the last Heaven's Feel.
Ah, well. I can afford to lose to an inferior being once or twice. Gilgamesh reasoned as he raised his eyes towards the horizon. It was then he noticed something different. The Zagros Mountains were gone. Perplexed, he blinked.
The mountain range was indeed gone, and a pile of rubble stood where the mountains once stood.
Just like his dream.
He didn't want to admit it, but he could tell that Enkidu wasn't telling the whole truth. The omens were not good omens. He needed to investigate.
"Assur."
The guard captain appeared with a contingent of his royal guards.
"My lord?"
"What the hell is going on there?"
"My lord," Assur bowed. "We do not know. But it appeared that the Zagros Mountains are gone."
"Thank you, captain obvious," Gilgamesh replied sarcastically. The captain cringed at the insult.
"Oh, stop your shuddering. Go get me the city's sages and tell them to investigate the matter at once!"
Assur and his men immediately turned around and dashed out, narrowly missing running down Inanna in the process. Gilgamesh took the wine from his servant. It was then he noticed that his mailed hands were slightly trembling.
"My lord…?"
"It's nothing," the King of Heroes snarled as he struggled to keep his emotions under control. He took a sip of his wine and gestured for the servant girl to sit down.
"Inanna, be as truthful as you ever will. Answer your king these questions."
The young woman nodded.
"The omens in your story…do you think the lord's friend was telling him the truth?"
An explosion rocked the palace as Inanna sat there and looked at him sadly. The look she gave him reminded him of…no, it's –
"No, my lord," she answered in a small voice. "The omens are ill omens at best."
He knew it. Flinging his goblet side, Gilgamesh wandered off to the balcony. What he saw was disheartening.
Flames covered the city. Here and there, steam and smoke intermingled in a deadly dance. A cacophony of fear, pain, and doubt greeted him as his beloved Uruk burned. The bells on the guardtowers tolled incessantly as soldiers milled about, herding civilians here and putting out fires there.
"Nimrah!" He yelled from the balcony at one of his captains who ran past with two buckets of water.
"What's going on?"
"My lord!" The captain shouted back. "Strange men encased in metal attack the southern gates! Shadowy beasts prowl near your royal residence! Temple, Market and Commerce districts are aflame! We are –"
The rest of his words were drowned out as the building he stood under collapsed. Gritting his teeth, Gilgamesh reached downward for Ea. Looks like the king'll have to take to the fray himself.
It wasn't there. Slightly panicked, Gilgamesh looked around. Its magical presence was nowhere to be found. He gripped the railings of the balcony tightly as the southernmost tower crumbled.
"My lord! It is not safe here. You must go!" Inanna rushed towards him as the foundations of the palace shook.
"Go? Where would I go? This is my city. I am responsible for it – my people! As my people are responsible for me! Do not give your king orders."
It was true. His entire command structure was in disarray. At this point, with two invasion forces, strange events and half of his commanders dead or missing, the city was doomed.
Doomed, perhaps, but he was determined to go down with it.
"Good man."
Both the King of Heroes and his maid-servant turned to face the newcomer. The stranger's accent was foreign, and he seems to meld into the shadows as he moved. He was a lanky, middle-aged fellow dressed in a midnight black colored jacket and suit. His hazel eyes had a few lines around them, but his features were sharp and angular. A small ponytail bobbed happily underneath the stranger's top hat as he straightened his spectacles. A large white tablet floated behind him as he took a step closer.
"My lord! This man is the wise man I spoke of! He told me – he told me the tale!"
Inanna called out joyously as she recognized the figure.
"Ah, there. Now. Tch! I'm no wise-man. Merely a free thinking scholar. The current situation does not really allow for us to converse comfortably, hmm?"
Well, at any rate. One of his unasked questioned had been answered. But it was too late. Right now, he needed to get in touch with his officials and figure out a way to combat the threat to his city.
"Whoever you are…" Gilgamesh bit back the "mongrel" he was so used to uttering.
"I'm a little short on time at the moment."
"Short on time? Perhaps I can change that."
Pulling out a card from his stack of … were those notecards? the stranger spoke evenly but loudly, as if he was lecturing in front of some ancient, erudite hall.
"Time is subjective. Time is nothing in reality but exists only in the mind's apprehension of that reality…"
For a brief moment, Gilgamesh sensed the sheer amount of power coalesced within the core of this man's being. It was a pleasure listening to him talk. His voice moved.
"…and as such, becomes a conscious experience. Work cited, the World, Categorical Imperative, by Immanual Kant."
As soon as he finished speaking, all noise stopped. The smoke and steam stopped moving and the bells froze in midmovement. The entire city seemed to be at a stranger turned and smiled, his friendly gaze warming the room.
"Toki wa tomare, as an acquaintance of mine would say - Time has stopped. Inanna, get us something to drink will you? I feel that we'll be here for quite some time."
Nodding, Inanna ran out of the room, leaving a speechless and very surprised Gilgamesh alone with his enigmatic savior.
"You're…"
"My dear Gilgamesh, have you forgotten me already?"
A twinkle appeared in the scholar's eye.
"My name is Locke. John Locke. "Professor" will also do nicely."
He gestured as a trio of blue couches appeared out of nowhere.
"Come, let us sit down. We have much to discuss."