Morning light shone through the windows of the hospital wing. Everyone who was in there was sleeping. When the light shone on Grayson's face, he ended up waking up. He opened his eyes and looked around the room. He was confused on how he got here. He didn't recognize the place either. He sat up and took note of Enkidu, who was seated at his bedside.

"Kingu?"

Enkidu blinked and looked at Grayson - they had allowed themself to doze off, but would still awaken at the slightest noise. After all, their master still needed to preserve his energy, so Enkidu needed to actually eat and sleep to get energy. "You're awake," they noted. "How are you feeling?"

"Um, fine…. where are we? How did we get here?"

"You still don't remember what happened?" Enkidu asked. They had explained everything the other day, but Enkidu supposed that Grayson's mind was too jumbled to keep any of that information. "You were extremely injured," they began. "I was uncertain as to how well you would hold up under such wounds, so I used our last option and healed you through that Lazarus Pit. Don't worry, we're not in Vandal's stronghold any longer. We are….safe on Gilgamesh's island."

Grayson stared at Enkidu. It seems like he missed a lot. He took note that the spirit had stated that they were in Gilgamesh's island, but thought he misheard in his exhausted state.

"How did we get out? I doubt that Ra's or Vandal would let us walk out."

"That is true," Enkidu agreed. "Gilgamesh came and rescued the both of us."

"He… what? That…. that doesn't sound right. He doesn't prioritize people."

"He did," Enkidu confirmed thoughtfully. "I think the Gil I knew, and the Gil you've heard about thought along those lines. But the Gil here now is a bit different….considering that, I think it's very in character for him to rescue us."

"Hmmm, alrighty…. We should probably get back to Rin and Shirou then."

He thought about how those two may be worried about how long they have been gone.

"Don't worry about that - from what I heard, they both came to rescue us and are in this building, along with Tim and this man here," Enkidu gestured towards the man that lay in the other cot. Grayson looked over and his eyes widened and his mouth dropped.

"No way…. That's not…. Is that…. Kingu, is he a heroic spirit?"

"No, that man is definitely alive," Enkidu said, then took a closer look at Grayson. "Do you know him?"

"Yes…. He's….. he's my brother….. He died… this can't be real."

"I see," Enkidu said. "Perhaps we can ask one of the other heroes - they may know more about this man, and could clear some things up for us."

Grayson was shaking ever so slightly, and he hoped that Enkidu didn't notice.

"Yeah….. I think you're right… We should go. Do you know where they might be?"

Enkidu frowned slightly - Grayson and his brother's situation was not unlike Gil and Enkidu's own situation. They wondered how Gil was handling Enkidu being back…. "I believe they are preparing for a meeting with Gil soon. If you feel you are up for it, I can escort you there."

"I… yeah, let's go. Lead the way."

Grayson stood up and felt fine. He didn't feel at all like he had been injured in battle or under the crushing weight of stone. He felt better than fine, even. He eyed his brother again before turning to Enkidu.

"Then follow me," Enkidu said, leading Grayson out of the infirmary. Taking an elevator, they went up a few floors. Enkidu really didn't like elevators (being surrounded by so much steel was unnatural) but for Grayson's sake they put up with it.

The elevator dinged, signaling they were at the right floor. The two exited the elevator when Enkidu paused. "I should also tell you that my name is not actually Kingu. My true name is actually Enkidu. I was created by the gods, and am the best friend of Gilgamesh."

Grayson glanced at Enkidu. He was still a little shocked about his brother, but after hearing Enkidu say that he chuckled.

"You did say that you were going to not reveal your real name yet, and I guess now is okay. You know that my team, except for Wally, didn't know my real name for a while. They called me Robin since I was told by my mentor and guardian to keep my identity a secret. It's easy to hide the truth of your past with a mask and a name. And as for Gilgamesh… I don't think I could fight my best friend, so how did you… well, how did you not try and tell us to not attack him?"

Enkidu smiled. "Thank you for understanding. And to be honest, that you all wanted to fight Gilgamesh wasn't very upsetting to me - in fact, Gil and I fighting is kind of a tradition between us. That's actually how we met, though at that point in time we were both serious about killing each other. But after that it was for our own personal enjoyment."

"So it was how you connected… tell me, is he truly on our side? Can we actually trust him?"

Enkidu thought seriously about Grayson's question. "Hm...To answer that, there are a few things you must understand about him. As a child, he was isolated and praised. Those two factors turned him into such a tyrant who interacted with people in the only way he knew how - through power. That's also why he and I became such friends - we were both incredibly lonely. He did abuse his people, back then, but….he also looked out for their general survival. The Gil that is in this era, I think, is from after I died. He's different from the Gil I knew….more responsible, more mature…..he seems to hold you and the others in high regard, even if he doesn't show it. I think you can trust him, is what I am trying to say."

"I see….."

Grayson did understand what Enkidu was saying. His world became dark after his parents died. He was a nine year old boy who watched his parents fall to their death. In those next few days, he felt alone. When he met Bruce, he had someone who understood what he went through and it helped him. He couldn't imagine what would have happened to him if Bruce never took him in. Would rage and revenge have consumed him?

"If you think we can trust him, I'll follow your judgment."

"Thank you," Enkidu said again. "Now, they should be somewhere around here…." They stopped in front of a door. "This should be it, where they will be having their meeting."

"Okay, hopefully we didn't miss too much."

Grayson gave Enkidu a smile.

Enkidu smiled back, and opened the door, stepping into the room - it looked like Gil wasn't there yet, but lots of the other heroes were. "Ah, Conner. Wolf. Everyone. I hope we aren't interrupting anything?"

"Well, no, we were just waiting for a few more to show up and Gil, actually. Wait, You should be resting."

Bart answered Enkidu before taking note of Grayson. The young heroes had all had their own meeting and were filled in on everything so they all knew who Enkidu was as well as all current events up to that moment. Grayson simply smiled.

"I'm fine. I feel better than fine."

"We did have a few questions though," Enkidu said. "That man who is also in the infirmary...who is he?"

Bart went silent -which was not a good sign. Many of the heroes looked uneasy.

"His name is Jason Todd. And he's…. Mine and Dick's brother."

Tim looked right at Grayson with a frown.

"He was dead, we didn't imagine it. What we didn't know… was that Ra's took his body and brought him back from the dead…. He used the Lazarus Pit. Ra's kept this from us. But…. even if we did know… he didn't know who we were."

Grayson took these words and thought them over. The last part made sense because Jason would not want to kill his family he was brought into. If Jason was alive, Grayson would be able to make it up to him for everything he felt he failed as a brother to do.

Enkidu glanced at Grayson. They could only imagine what he was thinking. "When he awakes, you should speak with him. I'm sure he would like that."

Tim looked at Enkidu.

"You should talk to Gil… you should have seen how worried he was when he heard that you were captured."

Enkidu smiled at Tim. "Thank you for your concern, but I don't think I should approach him, at least until he is ready."

The door opened once again, this time admitting the King of Heroes himself. He was once again dressed in his modern attire, and walked to the front of the room, not even looking at Enkidu.

A golden portal opened, and Gilgamesh pulled out a folder full of papers. Passing them out, he began.

"These papers detail the Heroic Spirits that mongrel and his minions have summoned. They are all highly dangerous, so I would advise you all to run if you encountered one. However, if that is not an option, different stratagems are listed.

Firstly, I should note the Spirit Carmilla, class of Assassin. She feeds upon the blood of women, and specializes in torture. The blood of women allows her to revitalize herself, so if you find yourself in combat against her, I would suggest long ranged combat, as well as any magic you have knowledge of.

Secondly, as we saw yesterday, the mongrel has summoned a Caster. With her fox features, we can assume she is some type of kitsune. From there, a prominent kitsune I have knowledge of is named Tamamo no Mae - I would suggest close combat with her, and to take her out as quickly as possible.

The third spirit, I believe, is a Saber class servant wielding the sword Excalibur. This is known from Enkidu and Grayson, as they have faced her. I again would suggest powerful, long ranged attacks, and to take her out as quickly as possible.

The mongrel has summoned two others, but their identity and class is unknown for now - we will just have to deal with them whenever they appear. Now, does anyone have any questions?"

"Yeah, I have one, what are we going to do about the fact that Vandal has a way to literally take magic… you are a spirit made of magic…. You and the other spirits will die…. Also, when did you have time to get this all done if you went to rest for the night?"

Tim asked the golden haired man.

Gilgamesh frowned at him. "It is irrelevant as to when I got this done, fool. As for the mongrel's way of taking magic, that is what you heroes will primarily be focusing on. You've had the experience in fighting these enemies, and the drain of magic will not affect you as it does us. Of course, we will do as much as we can regardless."

"If he was taking magic he must be doing something with it."

Jaime thought out loud. The others heard him and Jaime did propose a point. Nothing just vanishes. Vandal also ran the risk of his own spirits being caught in this process of harvesting magic, as well.

"That is easily countered," Gilgamesh said. "I have a suit of armor in my treasury that nullifies most magic - if we were to select a person, they could utilize this armor of mine to have some magic resistance."

"Even with that armor, You, just now, just stated that you don't have a resistance to all magic. Therefore, I don't think it would be best for even the wearer of the armor to take on anyone with a possibility to take magic."

Kaldur stated. He had a feeling that Gilgamesh may have been talking about himself, but even then, he couldn't be sure.

Gilgamesh frowned. "The armor is our best chance - unless you know of something else to give you more resistance to magic? Magic resistance or not, we will need to face this - and I guarantee you, the items in my treasury are the best in the world. So if not with armor, how would you counter it?"

"I am not sure. I may use magic, but it's different from other types. The best way to counter a spell is with a magic user either countering the spell themselves, or a spell that can nullify it on our allies. However, we don't know this spell and our current Magic user is not here as of now."

"Using magic against magic in this case is pointless, else a Heroic Spirit could fight him no problem," Gilgamesh stated. "Since he absorbs magic, is it not reasonable to assume that any magic used against him would simply make him stronger?"

"Not if we use a spell that protects you. He is a magic user and he was unaffected by this spell. And I doubt that Vandal will want to have any weakened heroes on his side."

"But we don't know what spell can counter it, and we don't have a way to test it," Gilgamesh countered. "Any misstep may result in only strengthening him."

"Then maybe our best attack plan would be to take them by surprise."

Grayson put in. He always found stealth missions to have a relatively good outcome, so why not try it here?

Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes in thought, then he nodded. "Yes, that may just work….But it has to go perfectly to work."

"You can create a perfect plan, but you can never expect it to go as such. There will always be variables you can't foresee."

Gilgamesh shot a look at Grayson. "I am aware of that. However, if those on the stealth mission get caught, there is no backup plan. If they get caught, it's almost guaranteed failure."

"Which is why," Kaldur interrupted them before the two of them could go at each other. "We will figure out who is best fit for a stealth mission. We will use this time to make a solid plan. We have many people that have been in the base so they have an idea on where they might be. Gilgamesh, I will need to speak to you and possibly Enkidu alone. I will explain to you, later, my reasoning for it."

Gilgamesh looked at Kaldur levely. "You may speak to me later, after this council is adjourned. As for Enkidu, I care not if they make an appearance." He didn't look at Enkidu as he said so. "I do, however, have one last thing to go over before this meeting comes to its close. The fact of the matter is, you don't really trust me, now don't you?" He said it almost nonchalantly, his mouth curved into a smile, but his eyes glinted.

Most of the heroes exchanged glances. Bart rushed over to the man.

"I think it's safe to say that everyone here, well, not really Nightwing but he hasn't been here to see what you have done for us and all, but what I mean to say is that I can say with certainty that we trust you. You saved Cassie, Jaime, brought back Jason and done so much. The fact that you think that we don't trust you is ridiculous and you clearly haven't learned anything from our time together. Gil my friend, you really should have more faith in us too, ya know."

The speedster gave him a smile and the others nodded their heads in agreement.

"You fool. Tell me this, who was it that really saved Cassie and Jaime? Certainly it wasn't me, but my child self. That is who you've placed your trust in - a naive child, not myself as a king. In fact, I would say we barely know each other at this moment."

Despite his harsh words, Gilgamesh was calm, and unruffled. His tone wasn't angry, it was simply accepting - after all, what he spoke of was true. The young heroes here would trust a child more, regardless if they didn't trust his olderself. A child is closer to themselves in age and they are a team of children.

"Oh and look at that, you're wrong again. You see, the past holds just as many truths. A child or a grown man, it doesn't change who you are. You may have been a kid at the time, but that was still you. You still looked out for us and we looked out for you. That's how a team works. We have our flaws and our perks, but when we fight side by side, does that not prove one's trust? We will fight by you. We are part of your team." Bart desperately tried to reason with the king spirit. He knew what it is like to have a past; others may not trust you if they ever found out.

"Just because you fight alongside someone does not indicate trust," Gilgamesh said. "Despite the evil in this world, you heroes have such...idyllic views. But that is not how this world works." He nodded towards Rin and Shirou. "After all, I have horrendously wronged these two a couple years back, and yet here they are. I doubt they trust me, even now."

"So what if they don't trust you. Not everyone will. What matters is the ones that do trust you now. They may be fighting with you now, but that's because we share a common enemy. After that, it's up to them. Just take note of who will have your back and put faith in us like we do you. You've earned our trust, and yet you don't see it. I am just making my point. You can try and deny it all you want, but I'll keep up with this little dance of yours."

Bart smirked. He tried to play this off as if he was enjoying this, but in truth, he was doing this more for himself than for Gil.

To the surprise of everyone, Gilgamesh began laughing. "You truly are a fool," he finally said, calming down enough to speak. "You and your misguided belief that you trust me. My, was my younger self really so charismatic…? Well, it's to be expected." He sobered up completely. "But still, even so - I would rather not have your delusional trust, but true loyalty. So to solve this problem of ours - M'gann, would it be an issue for you to show everyone present memories from my life?"

"I can create a mind link and you can willingly show us the memories you wish us to see."

M'gann stated, just her way of making sure he really is okay with this.

"Wait, Gil," Ritsuka protested. "Are you sure about this? Why would you…."

Gilgamesh smirked at Ritsuka. "Calm yourself, Ritsuka Fugimaru. Is it really such a shock to you that I would open myself to my subjects in such a manner? Besides, it's not as if my life were a secret - if they had so wished to, they could've read the worst part of my life, when I was a tyrant, in my epic. This is simply showing them what kind of person their king is."

Ritsuka bit her lip - usually Heroic Spirits were so touchy about their lives, especially for spirits like Gil, who avoided connecting with others at all costs. "Okay, then…"

The king turned back to M'gann. "If you are capable of it, do so."

M'gann nodded her head. She put a hand to her forehead and her eyes glowed a bright green.

'The link is in place.'

Everyone's perspective shifted, and suddenly it seemed as if they were in a dark room, though everyone was aware that they were still in the well lit room in Gilgamesh's penthouse.

"When I was younger," Gilgamesh announced. "I was a tyrant, feared by all my people in Uruk, while I neglected and abused them. That is what you will first witness."

The space around them lit up, as if there were a screen wrapping around them. The scene portrayed a temple-like room, and in the center of it was a familiar golden haired man laying upon silks and pillows.

"So," the man - the tyrant, Gilgamesh - said. "There was a wedding this very morning, I hear."

"Yes, my king," a man said, dressed in armor. Kneeling down and bowing to the golden King. "It took place just after breakfast, giving time for celebration."

"I see," remarked Gilgamesh disinterestedly. "Well, you all know what to do - bring the woman in after I have my dinner tonight."

The scene shifted. It still took place in the same room, but from before sunlight had shown through the openings, now they could see stars, emphasized by the dark sky (and what a beautiful sky it was, unclouded by modern day fumes).

This time, no guards were present - instead, what took their place was a young woman. She wasn't clothed in fine silks as Gilgamesh was - in fact, by her clothes alone it seemed she was more of a peasant than anything. Gilgamesh was standing by her, eyes glinting lustfully.

"Rejoice," he said. "For there is no greater honor than being with the king."

By her trembling, and the resignation in her eyes, she clearly did not feel honored.

"This," Gilgamesh said - their Gilgamesh, not the one from the memory. "Is what is called the Right of the First Night. Where the king has the right to a wife's virginity before even her own husband. It is just one of my actions as a tyrant."

Some of the heroes turned away from the sight. Whatever they had thought of his past, this was not what they expected. Some of the older heroes found this disturbing, but understood that this was the past and the past doesn't define you, rather your actions of who you become. Conner, being created as a weapon for the light, now an enemy to his creators. Grayson crosed his arms, not pleased with the sight.

The scene changed again, and again, and again, all depicting his cruelty towards his subjects, from essentially raping the woman of his kingdom to treating the men as slaves.

The team stayed silent. Even Bart was lost for words. Grayson narrowed his eyes, not quite liking this.

The scene changed yet again - they were still in a temple, but a different room. A throne was at the head of the room, Gilgamesh sitting in it. He had been in the middle of saying something (probably demeaning regarding everyone else in the room) when people started yelling in the next hall.

And in came Enkidu, their green eyes narrowed. They were being flanked by guards, who attempted to hinder their progress, but it was as if the guards didn't even exist to them.

"What kind of mongrel would toss aside common sense and barge into this room uninvited?" Gilgamesh demanded. "You fool, I should toss you into the streets!"

"King Gilgamesh," Enkidu said clearly, eyes flashing. "You have abused your people, and neither the gods nor I can abide by it. Thus, I challenge you - meet me outside of the city, else the gods shall abandon this kingdom entirely, and you will lose your divinity that allows you the very throne you sit upon."

Gilgamesh glared at the newcomer. "The audacity - who are you to make such a bold claim?"

Yet the green haired person was already turning away. "My name is Enkidu, and I shall await your presence." The entity said with amusement in his voice.

As quickly as they had come, Enkidu was gone, the temple abnormally quiet.

"Who do they think they are," Gilgamesh growled. "To demand things of the king, and to make such declarations on behalf of the gods…! Fine then, they will have their wish granted, though they won't live to regret it - ready a transport, I shall go out and destroy this mongrel at once!"

The scene changed, and they were no longer in the temple. Instead, they were on an open terrain, random rock formations around them. In the distance, they could see a city - Uruk.

"So you have come," Enkidu said, ways away from Gilgamesh. "Then prepare yourself!"

Enkidu launched themself at Gilgamesh, who instantly countered. This battle went on and on - at first, Gilgamesh hadn't even opened his Gates of Babylon, and simply used an axe to defend himself against Enkidu, a living weapon. The man's skill being shown in the axe he wield - an extension of himself.

"Back then," their Gilgamesh said. "I hadn't ever used my Gates of Babylon in battle. Enkidu forced me to use my full power, something I had never done before."

And true to his word, eventually the first Gate appeared, hundreds appearing afterwards. And Enkidu countered them all with their extreme agility and strength. Even the mighty Sword of Rupture made an appearance, but that too Enkidu countered with and Enuma Elish of their own.

By the end of their battle, which had taken three days - of course, within the memory, Gilgamesh had shortened it to about five minutes - the terrain around them had been completely and utterly destroyed.

And both the combatants lay side by side, breathing deeply. They were both bruised, bloodied, and weakened, almost unrecognizable from when they had first begun. Then Gilgamesh started laughing where he lay.

"That...was amazing! At first I was furious that someone dared to force me to use my full strength, but now…. Enkidu, you are my one and only equal!"

From where Enkidu lay, they could only smile as well.

"After that, Enkidu had come back with me to Uruk," their Gilgamesh explained. "I had them and myself cleaned from our battle. We were inseparable, and Enkidu's influence had caused me to cease in the abuse of my people. But…." his expression darkened. "Then she came, that useless goddess."

The scene changed once more, back to the throne room. Gilgamesh was seated on his throne, and an extraordinary woman stood before him. Even through the memory, her power could still leave a mortal's hair on end.

"We should marry," the woman proposed. "I, the goddess Ishtar, and you, the King of Heroes - we could be unstoppable together, for Uruk!"

The Gilgamesh sitting in the throne did not look impressed. "I know your tricks, goddess - you have led plenty of men into marriage, and yet they have all ended up doomed." He proceeded to provide countless examples of men Ishtar had been in failed relationships with.

His words struck her so much, tears formed in the corners of her eyes and she fled from the room.

"In no way would I ever be her plaything," Gilgamesh murmured.

The scene changed once more- they were still in the throne room, but now Enkidu was present. A guard was accounting, it seemed, death tolls.

"It seems a heavenly bull has been exposing my people to pestilence," Gilgamesh said, and looked to Enkidu. "How would you fancy to go hunting for a divine bull?"

"If it is a divine bull," Enkidu answered. "I am sure it ought to be delicious."

Gilgamesh grinned. "Very well! Let us head out and destroy this nuisance!"

The scene changed, and they were now in the wilds, facing off against a giant bull, radiating the same power Ishtar herself had admitted. Her bull's beady eyes locked onto Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Multiple gates appeared, and Gilgamesh looked to his friend. "Are you ready?"

Enkidu nodded back to Gilgamesh, eyes alight with anticipation. "Yes!"

Together, they charged the beast. A divine bull it might be, but paired against their strength, the bull stood no chance. Eventually, it was felled by Gilgamesh's blades and Enkidu's chains.

"We did it, Gil," Enkidu noted.

Gilgamesh crossed his arms, smiling proudly. His people, who had hidden during the fight, now emerged to take care of the corpse of the best. "Indeed - it was very entertaining."

"But," Enkidu said. "Will the gods not be happy with us, for slaying their beast?"

Gilgamesh frowned. "What is it they can do against the king of Uruk? Don't worry so much, let's focus on the feast soon to come."

Their Gilgamesh was quiet as the scene changed. They were at the temple once more, a giant bonfire in the plaza, with smoked bull on the menu.

"There is but one thing I don't understand," Enkidu said as they watched the people of Uruk dance and enjoy themselves. "Why did you seek to kill the bull? It can't have been for your people, as you are a tyrant towards them."

Gilgamesh kept his eyes on his people. "It is simply the duty of a king, Enkidu. It will be so until the end of time."

Enkidu smiled softly. "Then I will be glad to be a tool for you to use, for that duty."

Gilgamesh turned towards his friend. "You fool of fools! You are no simple tool, you are the greatest of all my treasures! And do you know what that might be?"

Enkidu tilted their head slightly to the side, confused. "What is it?"

"You are my one and only friend, of course," Gilgamesh simply said.

Enkidu blinked, then smiled widely. "Right."

Their Gilgamesh stiffened, almost imperceptibly, and the scene changed. The two of them had been walking around the temple gardens, talking with one another. It had been a cool day - the clouds covered the sky, and they were graying ever so slightly, signifying rain in the coming hour. The flowers had come into bloom, making the garden incredibly colorful.

That's when Enkidu stumbled. Gilgamesh had caught them on instinct, and began to tease them. "Enkidu, really, as you're my equal you should watch your step-"

Enkidu erupted into a coughing fit, and Gilgamesh stopped his teasing instantly. "Enkidu, are you unwell? What is it?"

Together, they sank to the ground, Enkidu's head resting on Gilgamesh's lap.

"It...it looks as if the gods…..have cast their judgement upon me….." Enkidu whispered out.

"No," Gilgamesh instantly denied. "No, it can not be - it must be some illness! So we must find the cure-"

"No, Gil," Enkidu cut him off - their body seemed to be becoming lighter. Sand was falling from his friend, their body turning more gray by the second. "This is no….common illness, you know this…...just, keep me company….please?"

"You can't die," Gilgamesh protested, clutching his friend's hand. "You can't….I - I will not allow it!"

Enkidu smiled softly at Gil. "Thank you….for calling me your friend…..thank you….for giving me a soul…."

Gilgamesh stayed there, with the hollow husk of his friend's body, and it started to pour. But even through the rain and thunder, they could still hear his cries.

The scene fast forwarded, to about a few days later, where Gilgamesh still held onto his friend. He seemed to be frozen, until someone tried to take Enkidu away from him - when someone did, he lashed out in a rage. For if someone took Enkidu, then it would become real. Enkidu would really be gone. Forever.

Finally, a beautiful woman appeared before him - a goddess, but she was not Ishtar. "Oh, my dear son," she said sadly. "I am sorry this fate has been cast upon you. It is a cruel and terrible one, to be sure."

Gilgamesh looked up blearily at her - he'd gone days with no sleep, drink, or food. "...Mother."

"Please," she asked. "Please come with me, and get some rest."

She took his arm, and he allowed himself to get pulled up, yet his eyes not leaving Enkidu. What if he left, and Enkidu woke up-

"They are gone," his mother's voice broke through his thoughts. "There is nothing more we can do for them, except send them off to the underworld. Ereshkigal will tend to them now."

The scene ended with his mother leading him off, while her attendants carefully took care of Enkidu's body.

The screen went dark for a few moments, when their Gilgamesh spoke. He sounded…..tired. "After….after that," he said. "I sought out the herb of immortality. Enkidu….Enkidu's death had made the concept of death real to me, so I thought to avoid it."

The screen brightened again, showing snippets of his journey. As his journey went, he became more and more pitiful - the only task on his mind was to find the herb of immortality….nothing else mattered. Instead of looking the proud and glorious king he was, he could've been mistaken for the lowliest of peasants. His hair grew out, skin dirtied, and eyes bleary, he continued his journey to the point where it felt as if his body would fall to pieces, his heart already feeling as if it had been torn to shreds the moment Enkidu had passed.

But- the light at the end of the tunnel! The Ur-shanabi, the plant of immortality, he had finally found it, and had gone through great lengths to get it.

The scene showed Gilgamesh, setting it down by a pool of water - his intention had been to present it to his people as he had returned. But first, he had to make himself presentable again, he had to look like a true king. So he washed himself in the water. And as he did, a snake slithered inconspicuously towards the herb. It got closer and closer….

Gilgamesh noticed it too late. "No!" he cried out, throwing a rock from the bottom of the pool at it, but the snake had already swallowed it, and made its way into the bushes.

He rushed out of the water and tore through the bushes, frantically searching for that snake, but after an hour, he gave up and collapsed onto his knees. And he started laughing. He laughed and laughed and laughed until he was breathless from disbelief and stress.

"I suppose," he wheezed. "I, too, am meant to die someday. I, too, am human." Gilgamesh sighed unsteadily and rose to his feet. "I have been away too long...if we are all to die, then I should at least lead my people to their best lives. Isn't that right….Enkidu?"

Many of the young heroes were shocked, but all of them knew the meaning behind the loss of a close friend. Some knew loss more than others. Death if a loved one can have an effect on people, whether it be good, bad, help them get better or just break them. Grayson eyed Enkidu and then Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh was reliving a day that anyone would dread and Enkidu had to watch Gilgamesh just break and be crushed. It made him wonder…. How would this affect their relationship now?

The scene shifted, and this one was nothing like the others - the great city they had witnessed was up in flames, and dead bodies were strewn about in the streets. A great figure clouded in shadow loomed over Uruk, an ominous power radiating from it. Only one other living figure was in the area, overlooking the burning city - Gilgamesh, clad in golden armor.

The scene blended together - it wasn't a normal scene change, and the blending colors suddenly separated to a different scene - Gilgamesh was in his temple once more, which was not on fire, laying on pillows. He looked troubled.

"Siduri!" he called out, and a woman peeked into the room. "Prepare the throne room - I have received a premonition. Humanity will soon be going to war against the gods, and this battle will be a fight for our right to live!"

"That was my vision of the future," their Gilgamesh explained. "All of humankind would die in this war, excluding myself. If things had taken their course, I would have been the only exception to humanity. Seeing as humanity prospers today, of course things did not go the way I had foreseen, largely from the assistance of Ritsuka Fugimaru and Mash."

Bart looked at him. "So what? That all happened in the past? All that really did was show us what you were like. Doesn't really matter now. You aren't that person. People can change ya know. Maybe stop dwelling on the past and look to the future. I don't know what my future holds for me even though I'm from the future! What happened in your past doesn't change anything. You helped save your people. You're a hero. Mistakes can be made, but you worked to make up for them."

Gilgamesh smirked. "You lot are very optimistic, aren't you….however, there is still more I would like to show you. I want you all to see Uruk in its final moments, as well as to see the heroism of our Ritsuka."

The scenes changed, flashing quickly - Gilgamesh creating blueprints for walls around Uruk, and for cannons - Gilgamesh constructing one hundred and forty-two of those cannons with his own two hands - the first wave of demonic beasts.

"This lasted for six months. We held out for that long, until our ace up our sleeve arrived to my city."

The scene changed, showing Gilgamesh in his throne, with Ritsuka and Mash standing before him.

"I guess I should explain this," their Ritsuka explained abashedly. "I come from an organization that exists to protect humanity from anomalies from the past. I had been sent to find the Holy Grail, as well as to assist Gil. This had been our eighth mission."

Mash nodded. "Yes, and that is why we are here today, to keep any anomalies from taking place here. If needed, senpai can summon a few more Heroic Spirits to our side as well, though most of them are dealing with other minor anomalies."

Bart looked impressed, even though he and the others already knew about time travel, he still loved it. He didn't want to go back to his time. He liked where he was. Jaime chuckled at Bart's expression.

"That is so crash!"

"You really think so?" Ritsuka asked. "I don't think I did much, it was really the Heroic Spirits with me who did most of the work…."

"That's not true, senpai!" Mash protested, fists clenched. "If you weren't with us, we would have never been able to make it past even the first singularity!"

Bart stopped the two. "Hey, both of you stop. You both helped. It wasn't one person. So take credit when it's given. Alright, Gil, is there anything else you wanna show us? By the way, this city was absolutely an amazing site!"

"Of course Uruk is amazing," Gilgamesh said, smiling. "Just watch."

They were then shown many more scenes - the goddess Ishtar, who strangely looked like Rin now ("Hey, I remember that!" Rin had exclaimed) - barging into the temple. They were shown a scene in which Gilgamesh battled an Enkidu look-a-like, neither of the two enjoying their fight like they had earlier. Gilgamesh had masked his emotions masterfully, while the look-a-like looked furious.

"That is Kingu," their Enkidu spoke, their first time speaking since they entered the mind link. "He is not me necessarily, but more of a….circuit of mine, I suppose you could say. My body is my soul, created by the gods. So when Kingu's personality entered my body, his experiences became mine as well."

Their Gilgamesh did not acknowledge that Enkidu had spoken.

Then another scene, in the temple - it was late at night, and Gilgamesh had been writing on tablets, then handed them off to the woman - Siduri. She exclaimed praise over their genius, while Gilgamesh simply smiled, absorbing the praise. Siduri went to leave the room, but first reminded the king to get rest, which he readily agreed to.

But something was wrong - the king stayed seated in his throne, and his body began to slacken. And his eyes drifted closed. Instantly, the scene changed. The king was still seated in a throne, but it was a corrupted throne. Blue light flickered in the dark of the new setting, over the craggy rocks. Around him were small, birdlike cages, small little lights dancing inside them.

Gilgamesh opened his eyes, and for a moment acted quite calmly. Then: "Are you serious, I'm actually in Kur?" he exclaimed in disbelief. "This is no time for jokes!"

Their Gilgamesh sighed. "How embarrassing, to die from being overworked….I really should have berated Ereshkigal more."

The scene continued, showing the king meeting up with Ritsuka, and them facing off against the goddess of the dead, Ereshkigal. Luckily, they were able to free Gilgamesh, along with countless others, from the confines of the underworld.

The scene changed back to the throne room.

"Please, my king," Siduri pleaded. "Let me go and fight -"

"No!" Gilgamesh yelled.

"But-"

"I will not allow it," he said, softer this time.

The woman looked at him, a smile on her lips. She said nothing.

Gilgamesh sighed. "Fine, then - go, if you wish."

She bowed towards him. "Thank you, my king."

It was later when he received the news that the city she had gone to assist had fallen.

The scene changed again, Gilgamesh on a balcony of his temple, his people gathered in the streets to hear his words. He delivered bleak news - how they were sure to lose, and how people were free to abandon the fight - how it would be a victory for them if even one citizen escaped alive.

But none left. The citizens stayed, and cheered with him.

"Their bravery was truly commendable," their Gilgamesh said, watching his cheering citizens. "There were none braver than them, in all of history."

The scene changed, and it was a familiar one. Uruk, in flames. The looming figure - Tiamat. Dead bodies being trampled by the beasts born from the goddess. Humans being transformed into those beasts, and being forced to kill each other-

Gilgamesh stood with Ritsuka and Mash on the temple balcony, stone tablet in hand. "We of Uruk are not done yet, goddess of beasts! Activate, Melammu Dingir!"

And thus the cannons from around the wall activated, without any humans to handle them, all through Gilgamesh's magic. They fired and fired at the goddess, along with assistance from Ishtar. Yet, nothing did any damage.

Time seemed to freeze, and a single shot was fired by Tiamat, in an almost sniper-like fashion - her target, Ritsuka Fugimaru. But that shot did not hit its desired target - instead, it was intercepted by the body of the king of heroes leaving a gaping hole in his stomach.

"King Gilgamesh!" memory Ritsuka exclaimed in horror. "We need to get you some help, you need to to lay down-"

"Nonsense!" Gilgamesh rejected the idea. "Do you mean to say that Uruk is defeated by such a minor wound? How foolish! I will give this all that I have!"

The power and intensity of the canons went higher, even as the king stood there with his fatal wound. The ammunition wasn't to inflict damage, but to merely buy time for their plan to work.

The goddess fixed her sight upon them again, and another shot was fired. Not like a sniper this time, but like a canon. Ritsuka reached her hand out to Gilgamesh as the shot hit the center of the temple. Stone cracking beneath their feet, they began to freefall. The king gave Ritsuka a smile, and the scene went blank.

"Yes," their Gilgamesh confirmed. "I died then as well. As I did, I managed to summon my younger self to provide fire power against Tiamat. And thus concludes what I wished to show you all."

M'gann ended the mind link and the others became aware of the room that they were in.

"Wow, hermano, you had quite a life. Do you still count this time you are living now part of your life? Regardless of when you died, you are still here."

"I suppose so," Gilgamesh considered. "I still have experiences and such, so I would say yes. Regardless, I shall go back to my office. If any of you would like to speak with me, or challenge me over events that have taken place in my lifetime, I will hear them out. Kaldur, if you still want an audience with me, that is where I shall be."

Gilgamesh made a swift exit, before any of them could say anything.

Ritsuka looked after him, biting her lip. "That really couldn't have been easy for him…"

Grayson looked at her and simply stated. "Showing our past and our secrets is never easy, but compared to how he was before…. He may have changed from how I saw him."

Grayson looked at Enkidu with a confused look. "If Kingu was someone who possessed your body and tried to kill your friend, why did you want to be referred to as such?"

Enkidu, who looked to be deep in thought, blinked at being addressed. "Well, Kingu is still a part of me, and it was a name no one would readily know. I can't say I approve of Kingu's actions, but…..I do understand them, I think. Does this make sense to you?"

Grayson nodded. It made sense. As much sense as how he took on the name Robin. He never liked that nickname his mother gave him as he thought he would be picked on. However, when she died he took on that name - he wanted to have some part of his mother close to him. No one knew the truth. Kaldur glanced at Grayson and then the others before stating that he was going to speak to Gilgamseh, and then he left. Cassie tilted her head.

"Any idea what Kaldur wishes to speak to Gil about?"

"No clue, but maybe it's something to do with the upcoming battle."

"You may be right, Tim."

Kaldur headed to Gilgamesh's office and knocked once, out of respect and waited to get permission to enter.

"Enter," came Gilgamesh's voice.

Kaldur walked in and took a seat in front of Gilgamesh. "Gilgamesh, there are some things I wish to talk to you about. It's about some concerns that I have on these next few missions as well as our team."

Gilgamesh looked up from his computer, pausing in his typing briefly. "And what may be these concerns?"

"It's about the two known members that have used the Lazarus Pit. M'gann, Conner and I called the League and informed them of what happened. It was then that Batman and Green Arrow had the others leave the call and we talked to them directly. Batman was shocked to hear that his son was brought back and that his first child was that badly hurt, but those were the only concerns that he really expressed, in his own way of course. What has me worried is what Green Arrow had to say. He told us that he had to use the pit on his dying sister, like Enkidu did for Nightwing. Green Arrow was warned that the person that goes in, is never the same when they come out. He chose to ignore that warning and save his sister's life. He said that his sister became aggressive over time and the need, the want, to kill is high, until she kills the person that harmed her before she went into the pit."

Kaldur paused and sighed. "She couldn't kill the person that wronged her, and her aggression only grew until she satisfied her need by killing two people. It had only stopped when they gave her a cure to stop such aggression, however, it no longer exists. I'm worried that Nightwing will become unstable until this need is completed. Jason…. I am unsure about. Ra's may have known about this and chose to train Jason as an assassin so he could keep him under control. I'm not sure when Jason killed someone last, but I can tell that his calm composure won't stay here for long. I also think that those two should be watched if ever put out in the field. I would like to request that this knowledge be kept between the five of us, M'gann, Conner, me, you and Enkidu. I have yet to tell Enkidu, but I wanted to tell you first."

Kaldur finished his concern. He took a breath in and looked up at Gilgamesh. "I do have more to speak of, but that can be discussed later. It does deal with this mission of ours."

"Worry not, your request shall be granted. Grayson's aggression should be dispelled when we destroy the alternate form of the king of knights - we just need to keep him away from her, so we can deal with her. As for Jason, I will keep an eye on him - perhaps a treasure of mine may be capable of putting him to ease. But, if you have more to say, you may do so now."

"You may not agree with what I wish to propose, but I have an idea on who should go as stealth and who should go as a distraction. But before we move forward with any plan, I think you should join a training session with them. As I said, you may not like it, but I believe that it would be best."

"Out with it," Gilgamesh said, making eye contact with Kaldur over the computer. "Who is it you'd suggest to be on these teams?"

"I believe in our best interest that we have two teams. One that will consist of heavy hitters and fighters. The other, our stealth team, those more equipped for sneaking around. For our stealth team, Nightwing, Robin, Jason, Enkidu, Tigress, and You. Those three are specialized in stealth and attacks in darker areas. Tigress has also proven to do well on Stealth missions and she isn't a magic user. Those four should have no problem with any magic draining effect. You have your armor and can keep an eye on Jason, while Enkidu seems to hold Nightwing's trust. Enkidu will be useful on that team. Our other team will have Conner, Cassie, Rin, Shirou, M'gann, Achilles, and Me. We will be one team that attacks from one side while everyone else attacks from the other. With this in mind, we may be able to create a nearly flawless plan."

Gilgamesh's lips turned up into a smile. "Careful, there - if I were in a lighter mood I may have laughed myself to death. Me, on the stealth team? Yes, you are very bold to suggest such a thing…..but I shall agree with your strategy, as having multiple heroic spirits on both teams is strategic in its own right. As for the training session….I shall humor your heroes, this once. Is there anything more you wish to discuss with me?"

Kaldur simply smiled. "No, I do not. And as to your comment on the Stealth team, it was not meant to humor you, rather think of it as a good strategy. They would never expect you to be hidden. You are known to have a different battle technique, this will throw them by surprise. The best way to win a fight is with surprise. That is all."

Kaldur dipped his head, got up and left the room. Leaving the king to his own devices.

Gilgamesh looked contemplatively at the door. Despite the way he handled himself, he felt exhausted- the past was the past, after all. It still had meaning, but there were other issues at hand to contemplate instead.

A/N: Hey, y'all, once again, got busy with a lot of things. This chapter was long, so I hope it makes up a bit for the delay. I do have another work(one without a partner) that will be released soon so I hope you guys enjoy that one as well. I will try and edit the next chapter soon, but no promises. I hope you all are having a good day/night/evening.

~Akira

Posted: 4/25/2023