Gilgamesh watched as the heroes left his penthouse (which was rather beat up, but it was nothing money couldn't fix) with curiosity. They had used some sort of device, and in a blink of an eye they had vanished as if they had never been there. Unfortunately, the Holy Grail wasn't supplying information on this piece of technology, likely because it wasn't widely known.
"I wonder…" he mused, then opened up a portal into his treasury. Peering in, he dug around a little envisioning only that little box. It had to be in his treasury - anything and everything of value was in his treasury. That's simply how his Noble Phantasm worked - he'd never lack for anything with his ability.
His hand closed around a box, and he grinned as he pulled it out. It was a small thing, and…. he frowned. How was he supposed to use this thing? The Holy Grail, being useless, filled in none of his ignorance. Not even his clairvoyance was helping with this wretched piece of technology. There were no buttons, or anything to experiment with, which left him rather intrigued.
Then it hit him - before the group of heroes had departed his penthouse, they had seemed to murmur something to a box of their own. He began to smile - a fitting tool for a king.
"Take me," he commanded. "To the Justice League's Watchtower."
A portal opened up right before his eyes. He couldn't see through to the other side, but he knew with utmost certainty that beyond the portal was the base of the heroes. Confidently, he strode into the portal.
Gilgamesh stepped out of the portal, emerging not in his penthouse, but in what he assumed to be the Watchtower. It looked how he imagined Chaldea might look, but his entrance was ruined by a loud, blaring sound. An alarm, he supposed. Nothing he could do about it, no matter how loud and irritating it was.
At that moment, the Watchtower went into lockdown. Panels went down, blocking the windows making everything go dark. Emergency lights came on, the brilliant red flashing against the corridors.
The members of the league that were there were suddenly very alert. Someone managed to break in here? Was it Vandal? Batman got access to the security cameras and after checking most of them, found the intruder. He radioed the members that were on base. Fate, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
"Everyone who is in the Watchtower. I have eyes on the intruder. I am unsure how he got in here, but be on alert. There may be others."
Batman informed them that he was at the main base of the Watchtower. Superman and Wonder Woman headed there together.
"Clark, how do you suppose this guy got in?"
"I am not sure, Diana, but we can have a good idea."
"We could narrow it down to Magic or Boom Tubes."
"And I would agree with you on that. If it was Magic, Doctor Fate would know right away."
"I suppose you are right."
The members managed to meet up just outside the doors leading to the main base. They cautiously opened the door and walked in. Diana, when she laid her eyes on the man, felt as if she had seen him before. She couldn't remember where. Doctor Fate sensed magic on the man. Something more…. Ancient. He could only wonder if it was anything like his own.
"Who are you? How did you manage to get in here?"
Diana called out to the man.
"How could I not?" the man answered, looking around the room. "The base of humanity's protectors…. I was going to make my way here sooner or later."
Fate didn't like this feeling.
"Tell me, Mortal. Why do you have the feeling of magic of the past?"
The man laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Mortal? That's a funny one, mongrel, I would've thought that everyone knew about my heritage - but I suppose that is not the case."
"You never answered my question. Nor, Wonder Woman's. Who are you?"
Fate's patience was running thin. This was an intruder and he must be dealt with.
"Straight to the point - I must say, it's rather refreshing," the man said. "I will answer your question, as long as you answer mine. You, woman - where do you hail from, and what was the age in which you were born?"
The man was pointing at Diana.
"My name is Diana. I am from an island hidden by the world. I am an Amazon Warrior Princess. I was born 1926. My people do not age like normal humans. I have the blood of the almighty Zeus in my veins."
One of the man's brows rose. "A demigod, then. I have heard of your people's exploits. Very well - since we are…. both connected to the age of gods, then I shall tell you my identity, mongrel. I am Gilgamesh, hailing from ancient Mesopotamia. I am the King of Heroes."
Diana's eyes widened slightly.
"I have heard tales of you and how you were a powerful tyrant. What brings a man like you to us?"
"I will not hide the truth - I was a tyrant, in my younger days. However, people do change. Through the death of my only friend, and my failure to obtain immortality, I realized my task as a protector, rather than a spoiled brat," Gilgamesh explained, looking her in the eyes. He was unapologetic - what had happened, happened, and he couldn't change that. What he did in the present was only what mattered now. "I am here to make sure that humanity, which I died protecting, has defenders that can continue protecting it."
"I can assure you, we have many heroes that the people trust to fight for them and to protect them. We each have our own fights, but we know when to call for our fellow leaguers. We do our best to keep the people safe. I am sure that you can see that."
Diana spoke to Gilgamesh.
"We wish to ensure peace and protect the people of this world and off world. Superman here, is a Kryptonian. He may not be a human, but he calls Earth his home and would risk his life for the people of it. Surely, The King of Heroes wouldn't need to question whether or not the people of this world were safe when the heroes of this era have the means to protect people from everywhere."
"You know when to call upon fellow leaguers, do you?" Gilgamesh asked casually. "The hero Nightwing seemed to have difficulty turning to his allies for assistance. A king's work is never done, and as many powerful heroes you have there is still the question of powerful villains."
Bruce was surprised to hear his son's name be mentioned by this guy. The Watchtower was not his first stop. Bruce thought about how everyone did make small comments about him as of late. However, this was a surprise to hear. Grayson knew to wait for backup. What was going through his son's head?
"You mentioned Nightwing. Did you run into him before coming here or did you watch him from afar? Nightwing is still young and foolish. He makes mistakes. And as for the powerful villains, we know how to handle them."
Diana spoke before Bruce had the chance to.
"Using the excuse that he is young and foolish will not cut it," Gilgamesh said, frowning. "He is still a hero, and as a hero he must safeguard those under his protection. When do you think his 'youth and foolishness' will get other people killed? Get that boy therapy. He obviously has war trauma - I've seen it in my own people."
Clark looked at Bruce. He knew that Bruce became a hero through trauma. He didn't know Grayson's full story, except that Bruce adopted him when his parents died, but he guessed that having Bruce as a dad has its pros and cons.
"Batman, I think that man may be right. You need to get your boy help. At least do what you did with… well, put him off active duty for now."
"I will speak with him. For now, let's just focus on you."
He stared right at Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh tilted his head. "I do like the attention, but don't you think it's rather stuffy in here, with all the locked down windows? I always held court in an open room - to think people have become so impolite."
"This was just a lockdown after you came in here and well, you weren't recognized by our systems. Watchtower, override lockdown Wonder Woman 03."
The doors and windows were no longer locked and the lights returned to normal.
"Is that better, King of Heroes?"
Instead of responding, Gilgamesh strode forward to the window and stared off into space. "The world…" he murmured to himself. "It's almost as if...I could reach out and grab it."
Then tearing his eyes away from the marvelous sight of his world, a sight Enkidu nor Siduri would never see, he again acknowledged the heroes. "This is fine. However, I did come here, to this exact location, with another purpose than to judge the heroes. I want to know everything about the mongrel Vandal Savage."
The members froze. Why did this man wish to know of that tyrant of man?
"Not much is known about Vandal, but we can tell you this. He works with The Light and is one of their leaders. He is-"
"That man is not someone you should be worried about."
Doctor Fate interrupted Diana. His voice was full of pain, sorrow and betrayal.
"What becomes of him will be dealt with by me."
Gilgamesh studied the heroes, then sighed. "It seems he has done great harm to you and yours. Fine, then - I will not look into this man's existence any further unless it becomes necessary I do so, though I do remain curious…. Regardless of that, I do believe that something will be happening, and soon. Else, I don't think I would've been summoned to this age."
Of course, while he had said he would not look into Vandal Savage, something about that mongrel's existence bothered him - so he would continue to keep an eye out for the elusive leader of the Light he had heard so much about.
"What do you plan on doing while you are here in wait of this coming danger?"
Diana asked with worry in her voice. If danger was coming, they would have to be prepared.
"Do you think I am a fool?" Gilgamesh asked. "I will build my own base of operations and monitor each threat. I am no stranger to fighting off evil."
"Do you wish to work alongside us?"
"We shall be allies," he said. "But I have my own way of doing things. Worry not, I will be here, shall you be in need of aid."
Diana paused to think. She knew that Bruce would rather know of his location and pretty much know everything at all times about him.
"What if you helped our more…. Younger heroes? Train them in ways we couldn't. You have different experiences that they could learn from."
"Do I look like their babysitter, mongrel?" Gilgamesh asked sharply, a hand put to his head in exasperation. Then he sighed. "Fine, then. But it will not be easy nor conventional training - they will be worked to the bone. That, I promise you."
Bruce seemed pleased (if you could even tell whether or not he was pleased).
"Good. They need to be pushed to the limits."
The king laughed. "They do indeed, but perhaps not in the way you are thinking. Well, I shall be off - there is much work to be done. Do provide me with a list of the youth you wish for me to oversee, and send it to me through that mongrel of yours, Nightwing." Gilgamesh pulled out the Father Box, and murmured something into it. Without looking back, he strode into the portal leaving behind the heroes of the Justice League.
The Team had brought Tim to the lounge area and set him on the couch. Gilgamesh was right when he said that Tim wasn't injured. Tim told them that the pain he feels must just be in his head. When M'gann checked his shoulder, he was, indeed, unharmed. That left the question as to if anything that happened was real or an illusion. After the night they had, Tim fell asleep and Grayson…. He just wanted to leave. Clear his head after what happened. His former team was not going to allow that to happen. As Grayson turned to leave, he found Kaldur, Artemis, M'gann, Will, and Conner standing in his way.
"What are you guys doing?"
"We need to talk to you."
"And I am not interested, Kaldur. I have to go out on patrol."
"Grayson, we don't think that is a good idea. You haven't been acting like yourself and everyone here knows it. You go off on your own, you choose to only call for backup if you truly don't think you will succeed. You act as if you are invincible. You aren't. Not even Conner is. You no longer seem to care if you were the one to get hurt."
Kaldur confronted Grayson. Grayson turned to look away from one of his oldest friends. M'gann could see the hurt look within him. M'gann had noticed the change in her younger friend when Jason died. She saw him push away many people, including his old team. She did ask Bruce if Grayson was alright. Bruce told her that he was going to be alright. She was the one who had the idea to make a memorial for their fallen comrades. She actually, one time, found Grayson asleep against Jason's memorial and she could see that he had been crying, and when she asked about it, he denied it. To her, she could see he was having difficulties moving on. Each member tried to help, but he avoided them unless he asked for their help.
Wally had been the only one to actually get through to him. He was his best friend. He was the one there for Grayson when the news was stated that Jason Todd was no longer among the living. Wally was the one to help Grayson move past Jason. Wally was the one who helped him get with Barbara. Wally was the one who helped Grayson get close to Tim. Wally was the one who helped him with everything. Now, Wally was gone. Even though it was Jamie's Scarab that missed the last disruptor that ended up killing Wally, he always had that guilt carried on his shoulders. He thought that if they stopped The Reach sooner, Wally would still be here.
M'gann walked over to her younger friend. She rested a hand on his shoulder and he glanced at her. No one missed the look of guilt. Survivor's guilt. This was a look that many heroes would come to face when they failed to save someone. Grayson has had this feeling one too many times. He needed help but refused to get any.
"Grayson, you are not alone. We all miss Wally, and we all know that you refuse to get help because you don't want anyone close to you to die, but we know the risk. We choose to put our lives on the line for the good of the people. We need you to talk to us. We are your teammates and your friends."
Grayson was silent. He looked straight at his former team. He sighed. He moved away from M'gann's touch.
"I am fine. I just…. Have a lot on my mind. Nothing I can't handle. Just…. You know what, I'll see you later."
He started to head out, not before M'gann read his mind. She could feel the pain and guilt. And she could slightly feel the younger hero's feelings falter and for a second, she felt him feel longingness. He wanted to go to them, but at the same time, keep his distance. M'gann frowned as she watched her oldest friend leave. What will it take to get through to him?
"Trace, on," Shirou murmured, hands beginning to glow - and out of nothing, a sword materialized before him. Concentrating more, the sword's twin appeared next to it.
He sighed - it was always those swords that appeared. They were, after all, a part of him and he couldn't deny that having them with him felt right in a way no other weapon would (barring, perhaps, the classic bow and arrow).
Shirou's thoughts flickered to Archer - he wondered what the man would've thought about his life. Would he approve, disapprove…? He had no way of knowing, but that wouldn't stop him from living how he wanted to, whether or not it would cause his downfall.
In the background, the television buzzed. It was turned on to the news, but Shirou was barely listening. Somehow, the extra noise helped him concentrate. On the couch, Rin was studying for her various magic classes - earlier, she had been muttering something about beating Luvia, so she was determinedly going through her countless textbooks. If someone had mentioned a couple of years ago that he and Rin would become a couple, he would've laughed. Rin was selfish and demanding, but…. she was also kind, smart and strong, not to mention beautiful -
Shirou froze, a few key words from the television registering. He turned to Rin. "Did you hear that?"
Rin looked up from her book, a crease in her brow. "Hear what, Shirou?"
In return, he turned the television volume up louder.
"-an example to us all, his donations to several charities have helped greatly improve the lives of many people. Oh, and here he is - Kirei Kotomine!"
Rin blinked. "...Kirei?"
Shirou frowned and looked at his girlfriend. "Didn't Lancer, you know, kill him in the Grail War?"
Rin nodded. "Yeah, and I can't imagine anyone wanting to throw that false priest's name around-"
"No way…" Shirou murmured, unintentionally cutting Rin off - the shock was just too great.
This 'Kirei Kotomine' had walked into the view of the camera, confirming that Kirei Kotomine hadn't somehow returned from the dead. No, it was worse - the man who had ripped out his little sister's heart, the man who had almost destroyed the known world, was alive and in their era once more.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Rin exclaimed, and Shirou couldn't help but match her shock. Was it another war? Or was it something more sinister? However, one thing was bugging Shirou….
"But if he really is back," he began to wonder. "Why is he giving donations to charities?"
A/N: So, the King is busy at work, he's meeting the Justice League and he is enjoying himself.(However, must he say Mongrel so much? The answer is clearly yes.) Also, Rin and Shirou have made an appearance. My poor child(Grayson). He was just worried about Tim. After Wally died, it left an impact on him. Well, that was chapter two and it was nice to have some of the Justice League make an appearance. Maybe not Fate because of what he did and does do with Zatanna and her father. That gets on my nerves a little bit, but it is what it is. Also, as of now, this is one of the shorter chapters we have. Anyway, see ya in the next chapter.
~Akira
Posted: 7/10/2021