Grayson felt off. At the same time, he felt fine. He was proud of the two heroes he helped train when they were on the Team. He was impressed at Jaime's cooking skills and the fact that Bart managed to keep quiet about their plans. Normally, he could only do that if he wanted to help his friends not become evil and take over the world.

He looked over at the Beetle hero. If Jaime ever wanted to be anything other than a hero, he'd make a really good chef. He had chosen to try this soup that looked familiar, that Jaime created. When he took a bite, he frowned. He had this dish before, years ago. His father made it for him, and he wasn't thinking about Bruce. Jaime and Bart really went all out, didn't they, so much so that they could make him recall a time he had nearly forgotten. He silently scolded himself for that. How could he forget his own parents?

He clenched the spoon he was holding. He thought that he should visit them soon. When was the last time he just sat and talked to his parents? He thought about it and he realized he talked to them when Wally died, asking them to watch over his best friend.

"Hey, Dick… you okay?"

Grayson looked over as he was snapped out of his thoughts. It was Jason.

"Uh, yeah, Jay, I'm fine."

"Really? You've been staring at that bowl of soup for five minutes now. You aren't sick are ya?"

"No, just thinking. So, how, uh, are you handling things?"

Jason shrugged and sat down next to the older one.

"Things are as they are. Memory is still mostly gone, but I'm working with what I've got."

"You are different from how I remember. Sorry we haven't talked since you…."

"Returned from the dead? Yeah, well, Kaldur thought you had a lot on your mind already and wanted to tell you when things settled down a bit."

"Yeah, that might have been best."

"So, how are you dealing with two of your dead friends or family coming back into your life?"

"I….. I missed you guys, if that's what you were wondering. You're my brother, why wouldn't I miss you?"

"Well, after time, you will forget about those gone. They are still in your memory, but they aren't important to you anymore. You will fill that void with another."

Grayson stared at his younger brother. What did this guy mean? He went on a rampage revenge streak just to avenge his father.

"What? Jaybird, you don't mean that."

"Of course I do. I mean, you replaced me for Tim and your parents with Bruce. People leave and they get replaced…. I mean… I remember my father… he replaced my mother with my step-mother. Even I replaced my father with Bruce."

Jason took a sip of a drink Ritsuka made him which was rather fruity. Grayson was surprised that Jason even thought like that.

"Jay, that's not true and you know it!"

"I know it for a fact….. I know it because I did it. I replaced you and Tim and Bruce. The League became my family. Gil became my family and all I did was push you guys away. Even you were doing the same."

Grayson narrowed his eyes at Jason. "What are you talking about?"

"You really don't see it? I've not been here, and I have amnesia and I can still tell that something was off, so I asked around. You push people away, Dick! You refuse to let people get close to you. You refuse to accept reality!"

"Shut up, Jason!"

"No, you need to hear this. If not from the Team, or the others, than me. People who were close to you didn't die because of you! You always told me to have a clear head, but why don't you take your own advice! I saw you earlier, too. You are good at holding back in a fight, but you were fighting like how I fight. You didn't hold back, you could have hurt him."

"He was fine, and I said shut it."

"That wasn't you! What you were doing, it wasn't right! You should go and talk to him about it. You're good at talking to people."

Grayson slammed his hands on the table, stood up and looked directly at Jason. "You should stay out of it! All you are doing is poking around in things that don't concern you! You were dead, Jason. You can't just come back and act like everything is fine again? If you actually could remember, you could see that there are people that are no longer here because they died….. like you. You can't talk about what's right and what's not when you killed people! Even someone without memories should know that is wrong! And as for Shirou… if I go easy on him, he'll think that the enemy will go easy on him! He could get killed if he isn't prepared! I'm not letting that happen again!"

"You aren't responsible for everyone!"

"I never said that."

"You are acting like it!"

"Is everything alright?" a smooth voice asked - Enkidu. "Grayson? Jason?"

Jason barely even glanced over at the spirit. Grayson looked over at Enkidu. "Yes, everything is fine…. Why do you ask?"

"You both looked rather tense," Enkidu answered. They were holding a plate full of food. Enkidu held it out to them. "Here, have some of this bread. I believe that it was made based off of food from my time - it doesn't quite match up, but it is still delicious. You should both try some."

Jason glared at Enkidu. "No thanks…. I'm not hungry."

"Wow, Jason. Now you are being rude to a spirit who is actually nice. And could easily kill you…. Again."

"Will you drop that!"

"Will you stop being rude to everyone who tries to be nice to you?"

Jason looked down - him being taller - at his brother and he just looked angry. Grayson looked as if he wanted to fight Jason right then and there.

Enkidu looked between the two, and sighed. "Oh, humans," they murmured to themself. They loved people, but people could be so, incredibly… dense. "Grayson," Enkidu said pointedly - they weren't going to focus on Jason at the moment, since the other man still distrusted them, which was fine by Enkidu. "Can we walk for a moment, outside? I want some fresh air."

Well, it was more Grayson who needed the fresh air, but Enkidu wasn't going to say so.

Grayson looked away from Jason and when he looked at Enkidu, he let out a sigh. Jason crossed his arms and just walked away, slightly pissed off.

"Alright. We can do that. Though…. Why don't you go with Gilgamesh? Isn't he your friend you wanted to see so badly?"

"Gil is my friend, true. But he should be okay without me for at least a couple of minutes, I hope," Enkidu smiled. "Besides, I wanted to walk with you."

"Alright, sure. Wherever you want to go, we can go. I don't mind."

"Okay!"

The two of them left the dining room, and Enkidu led Grayson out into the open air. "I normally like forests the best," they explained. "To be surrounded by the trees, and to hear all of the wildlife….That brings me great peace. Unfortunately, there are no such forests on this island, but it seems like the beach has been, for the most part, untouched. So it's still very refreshing to me there."

Enkidu led Grayson through the small little town and onto the beach. The sand was warm and got between Enkidu's toes, but they didn't mind. It wasn't dirt, but it was still pleasant. The waves rose lazily on the beach, and the sun hung overhead in the spotless blue sky.

Enkidu breathed in the fresh air and gave a little smile. "Does this make you feel better?"

"Better? I feel fine, but this is refreshing….. It's similar to the beach at Mount Justice. The Team and I had some pretty fun days there." Grayson smiled at the memory.

Enkidu debated whether or not to bring up Grayson's aggression, but opted to wait a bit. "Really? I have fond memories of the beach as well…." They thought back to when Ritsuka had gathered up all her summoned her spirits and announced a beach trip. What had erupted was absolute, mind blowing chaos. But, it had all been fairly enjoyable (except for the presence of one useless goddess, but...they were willing to overlook that).

"I don't think there are many things to make your time at the beach a downer. Unless… you have bad memories and a beach reminds you of those memories."

"That would truly be unfortunate," Enkidu remarked, looking out at the horizon. "For a peaceful place such as this to be the cause of unhappiness. I hope that a breath of nature such as this will always bring you clarity."

Grayson looked at the spirit and gave a half smile. He took Enkidu's hand and brought him to a zeta tube.

"I'll take you to the place that I go when I need clarity. Zeta tube, override, Nightwing B01. New designation Enkidu B30."

A scanner scanned Enkidu.

"Recognized, Enkidu, B30."

Grayson brought Enkidu through the tube, hearing the familiar words of the tube authorizing their travels and he and the spirit exited through a telephone booth.

"Well…. Welcome to Gotham. It's a city, but we're not here to see the city sites."

Grayson, who was not in his Nightwing uniform but rather civilian wear, brought Enkidu outside of the city. To a graveyard. He walked down the rows of tombstones. He barely looked where he was going, like he walked this path a million times. He stopped in front of two gravestones before kneeling down.

"Hey, Mom, hey Dad. Uh, I have someone I want you to meet. This… is Enkidu. He's a friend I made. Enkidu is really nice and is going to help us stop Vanadal. Enkidu saved my life from Vandal and Ra's. I might have seen you a lot sooner."

Grayson gave a half smile and looked at Enkidu before dipping his head. Jason got to his head about his parents and he thought that he should come here again, but he didn't want to be alone. It may not have been complete clarity that Enkidu spoke of, but he couldn't take Enkidu "flying" over the city. He was an acrobat, and Enkidu might not be, and he didn't want to take the chance. He didn't consider whether or not Enkidu would be okay with this. Grayson glanced up at the spirit, trying to read him.

Enkidu dipped their head at the tombstones in greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. Worry not, I will keep your son safe for as long as I am here. He has many friends, and people who care about him who think the same."

"Enkidu….. Gilgamesh will kill me if anything happens to you. Let me keep you safe. I will not lose another person to the hands of evil."

Enkidu smiled at Grayson. "You should not worry so much, either, and place trust in the abilities of those around you. I would prefer to protect you, along with the others, but if you wish to, we may protect each other."

"Protect each other… I have your back, and you have mine." Grayson gave a small sigh along with a smile at the spirit.

Enkidu nodded. "I'm glad you agree. Carrying the weight of the world alone can be tiring. At least this way, we can share the weight."

"Do you….. do you also think I should apologize to Shirou? I don't know how you feel about me pushing him as hard as I did. He's your master and all."

Enkidu looked at Grayson. "If you feel the need to apologize to my master, then I encourage you to." They knew why he had acted aggressively, but that didn't mean Grayson got a free pass. If the man thought he ought to apologize, then Enkidu would support that.

Grayson dipped his head and sighed. "I pushed him way too hard…. I could have hurt him. I probably already did. Rin isn't going to let me anywhere near him. I don't know why I felt the need to do what I did. Maybe It's because I still feel responsible for people that are on my team. I don't want him to die…. He's not a hero… It isn't his job to put his life on the line like it is mine. I don't care if he is a year older than me, he still has his own life to live."

"You did push him hard," Enkidu acknowledged. "But you must remember, my master, though a mediocre mage, is not weak. He did kill Gil two years ago, so he does have experience in combat."

"Would you call that experience or luck?"

Enkidu shrugged. "Fair enough. Gil does have a nasty habit of holding back on those he believes is weaker than himself. But still, the fact remains that he has been in tough situations before. All of that notwithstanding, you ought to make things right, if you feels hat you have done is wrong."

"Okay…. I will, when I see him…. Thank you for coming with me, by the way."

"Of course," Enkidu answered Grayson. "This is important to you."

Grayson stood up and looked at the spirit. He definitely was calmer than he had been earlier.

"If you wish, we can head back now."

"Are you sure?" Enkidu asked. "We can stay longer, if you wish."

"Yes…. We…We have to get ready for Vandal….. and I have to find Shirou. I'm sure Gilgamesh is probably wondering where you are as well. We didn't exactly tell anyone where we were going and I have a tendency to do a disappearing act." Grayson chuckled.

"I suppose you make a sound point," Enkidu said. "Then we should be off - do you want me to leave you alone here, for a moment? To say goodbye?"

"It's fine. I'll come back, so there is no reason to say goodbye. It's better to say….. until next time."

Until next time… "Hm," Enkidu said. "I like that. Then we should head back, as you said."

The two, spirit and hero, headed back to the Gotham city's zeta tube to head back to Gilhamesh's place.

Jason found himself alone in the training hall. He didn't want to be anywhere near the other heroes. Good thing they were all upstairs. He set up some training dummies and just attacked them, trying to get out any anger he had.

He completely destroyed five of them and huffed. This wasn't working for him. He yelled and threw the blade straight at the wall and dropped to the ground.

"Using your fists in such a way is by no means productive," a voice said. "I can't see how you would get any satisfaction from doing such a thing."

Gilgamesh stood in the doorway, arms crossed. Jason looked at him and huffed.

"It wasn't meant to be productive. It was meant to get my frustrations out. And, it clearly isn't helping!" Jason yelled at the King spirit.

Gilgamesh studied him with narrowed eyes. Finally, he spoke. "If you wish for something to do, there is plenty. Perhaps, one of these tasks might help."

"Heh, the only thing I'm good at is fighting and getting on people's nerves. Maybe that's why I'm so replaceable."

"Fool," Gilgamesh admonished the man. "Everyone serves a purpose, either to the state, king, or individual. Thus, not a one is replaceable. I do not want to hear such ridiculous claims again."

"Yeah, you're right, Gil. I'm not replaceable. I'm just someone that can be used by others."

"I thought my child self would have more sense than to befriend such a fool," Gilgamesh said. "Where are these thoughts coming from?"

"You know about my amnesia right? Well guess what, I'm getting some of my memories back the longer I'm here. I was used by my mother, my real mother as leverage for her own life. I was someone that Bruce took pity on and became the next Robin. When I was gone, he easily replaced me with Tim. And then let's take a look at the situation we are in now. Your child self needed me. He was…. You were…. Enkidu is here now, so what do you need me for?"

"Your perspective is rather skewed, I see," the king remarked. "It is not my place as king to take interest in individuals, but I do not think I could leave this alone. So you think you are being used - there is a simple resolution to such a problem. Simply, do what you want. Thus it matters not if you are being used or not, because you would feel joy, and that's what humans should strive for in life. As for you supposedly being replaceable, tell me - do you think your brother, Grayson, is replaceable?"

"No, he isn't."

"And yet you replaced him," Gilgamesh continued. "Does this not contribute to the fact that you are worth more than you believe? It renders your belief on replacement moot."

"Sure you can say that! You're a king! A king can't be replaced. People who take the crown are pressured by the previous king."

"I know this not because I am a king, but from experience. Enkidu has never been replaceable - thus, you never replaced them. You have a spot in this world that is solely yours, and going on about replacements is wasting it - and I can not tolerate such waste, so I must make you understand."

"Gil, stop, just tell me that when this is done, you are done with me. Easier to face things now, rather than later."

Jason wanted to believe his words, but he couldn't until Gilgamesh told it to him. He knows that in the end, like everyone, he would be left alone again.

"Do you really want me to say those words?"

"It's the truth, isn't it?! When this is done, what reason do you have to stay? You will leave me…. Just like everyone I ever grew close to does."

"Do you think I want to leave?" Gilgamesh asked. "No, but that is because I have responsibilities, as a king, to protect humanity. I will leave because I must, but you won't be left alone. To disregard those around you is foolhardy. I myself did such a thing when Enkidu died, until it was too late. Your brothers are still here, and no matter what has happened, you are family, are you not?"

"Family….. tell me, what do you know about family? I can tell you, mine is not the best. Have you met them?! We all have issues! Tim, Dick and my parents are dead! Killed by villains! My family…. The mom who raised me…. She died from drugs! My father was a crook. It's amazing that I didn't turn to crime like him… oh wait, that's right! My own brother knows what I did! He called me out for it! I'm a killer!" Jason yelled at him. "I don't understand what your child self saw in me."

Gilgamesh sighed. "You really wish for me to spell it out, then - such is the work of a king. I can't say for sure as to why my child self singled you out so, but I can say this for certain - you have the potential to become a hero. So what, if you have killed people? That is what redemption is for, if you are willing to change. And it is my belief that you are. I, personally, would not call the act of killing evil either. Sometimes, it is necessary, but you must be ready to take responsibility for such acts. Fool you may be, but I choose you. At heart, you are a hero, and from what I personally have seen, I don't see anything replaceable here."

Jason stared at Gilgamesh. He couldn't tell anymore if, as Gil said, who was more of a fool. Him or the king. Jason, who would not normally do this, but given that his rage was gone and he felt like a lost child again, he hugged the older man.

Gilgamesh froze. What…...what was this mongrel…..? But he couldn't bring himself to push the boy away, so he opted to pat him on the head instead.

"Strange…. Normally my anger disappears after I either fight someone, or something…. What happened where someone like you could talk me out of it?"

"Perhaps you need more of this than you realized," Gilgamesh said. "Not violence, but… comfort."

"And maybe a little more of a reality check?"

"That too," Gilgamesh added.

Jason released Gilgamesh and looked at him before dipping his head and avoiding the King's eyes.

"I know you are tired of me saying this, but I'm sorry…. When I'm angry, I say things I don't always mean. To you and everyone I know."

"As long as you take responsibility for the things you say," Gilgamesh said. "And as long as you yourself acknowledge you do not mean them, it is fine. It is a habit humanity seems to carry with it - you are not the only one who does such a thing."

"Enkidu is lucky to have you, ya know? My brother is lucky to have met Enkidu as well. You didn't see what happened, did you?"

Jason thought back to when he yelled some hurtful things to his brother he thought Grayson needed to hear. If Enkidu didn't show up, the two of them may have started a fight between themselves.

Gilgamesh frowned. "What do you mean? What happened?"

"Uhhh, nevermind." Jason looked away slightly.

"Hm,"Gilgamesh said. "Nevertheless, I am more lucky to have Enkidu than Enkidu is to have me. But enough of that - did you not want to enjoy the food that is still out? I'm sure there is more left."

"After the stunt I pulled? I'm not sure. I will say, Jaime is a good cook. He even made something that was something from my childhood. I still think that it would be best if I avoid people. They probably don't want to be near me. I have no idea where Dick and Enkidu went after…" His voice trailed off and he shut his mouth.

"Nonsense," Gilgamesh objected. "There is no reason why they would not want to be near you. Besides, it is usually customary to eat well the night before battle."

"No reason? I really don't know." Jason was hesitant to go back there. He already made one person mad at him tonight. He thought to himself that the only reason he would go back was if he was dragged back.

Gilgamesh looked at him. "Fool. Avoiding them will do nothing for you. Do not let your self-consciousness hold you back from doing things you want to do. Letting what others think of you dictate what you do is ridiculous."

"I don't care what they think! I care what I might do to them!"(stopped editing here)

"That's ridiculous as well," Gilgamesh rebutted. "You won't do anything to them. And, by some chance, you do try to harm them - you won't, because I will stop you. But the mere thought of such a scenario isn't worth our time, so cease your ill-begotten thoughts."

He knew Jason wouldn't - having clairvoyance was a help, though he didn't like to use it for the most part, unless it was for the safety of the world. But if Jason would not stop this nonsense, he supposed he would have to play the future sight card.

"Uh, I can take you down in a fight." Jason recalled. Even if he didn't mean that he would hurt anyone up there physically, he could think of other ways he could hurt them.

"Oh, please," Gilgamesh scoffed. "Do you really think so little of me? Just because you are better at hand-to-hand combat does not mean you could beat me in a fight. After all, I can summon my weapons at any time I like. Don't get cocky because you won a few times while sparring."

"Uhh, before we go, if we do go, I should tell you… I kinda made my brother run off…. With Enkidu." Jason, after talking to Gilgamesh, felt guilty for being the cause of the man's best friend to run off.

"That is fine," Gilgamesh shrugged. "Enkidu is free to do as they please - this world is theirs as much as it is mine, and I am not their keeper. It is a beast's nature to remain free, after all." he smiled softly, thinking of his friend.

Jason just stared at Gilgamesh. "I don't understand how you never seem to get mad at me. I get on everyone's nerves."

"That's because I see nothing to get mad at," Gilgamesh looked at Jason. "If you do something wrong, I will admonish you, and that will be that. Getting criticism isn't something to be wary of. Now, stop dawdling. Those mongrels will eat the rest of the food soon, I'm sure."

The two of them began to walk back. "Hey, Gil… why did you leave anyway?"

Gilgamesh gritted his teeth. "Some of those mongrels don't understand the concept of respecting their king, it seems….. yet another thing this era lacks."

"I don't follow. The others seem to respect you just fine. Did someone say something to you?" Jason narrowed his eyes.

Gilgamesh brushed aside the younger man's - child's - concern. "Worry not, it was no…. serious infraction."

Jason huffed. "It had to be something serious if it caused you to leave."

"I simply needed fresh air," Gilgamesh made up the excuse. "After all, it's certainly not commonplace for a king to mingle in a room with others so casually."

"Really? Then what am I to you? You talk to me just fine." Jason questioned.

"You really are quite bold," Gilgamesh remarked. "I need not to explain my reasoning to you, mongrel."

"You know that didn't answer my question." Jason quite enjoyed messing with the King.

"You know that you shall be waiting a long time for an answer," Gilgamesh shot back. "For I need not to."

"You can't answer one question of mine? Hmmmm, wonder if M'gann can help me out."

True M'gann didn't look into the minds of her comrades, but rather the enemy, Gilgamesh didn't know that. She read his mind once already without his permission.

Gilgamesh laughed. "M'gann would not - she, unlike the other youth, seems to at least respect authority more than the rest. That is one reason, of many, why I had chosen her as the one who would report to me. But your arrogance is astounding, demanding an answer from me. If I answered your question, what would you give me in return?"

"Hmmm, an eye for an eye, right? You answer my question, and I can answer anything you want to know. Or, you can make the demand for something you want."

Gilgamesh looked at Jason with a smile - or was it a smirk? Sometimes, it was hard to tell with the king. "Nice try. You really are amusing. Ah, it seems we have arrived at the dining hall once more."

"You will answer it eventually. I won't let you not. Anyway, uhhh, after you?"

The audacity of the youth of this era…. Gilgamesh stepped into the room. "Very well."Notthat he meant that he'd answer the question, ever, of course. Only if he felt like it. Things such as that could only be given at the whim of a king.

Jason followed behind the older one. He looked around and didn't see his brother anywhere. That was good, for now. He stayed close to Gilgamesh, as he felt at the moment, that Gilgamesh was the only one that actually trusted him. He was the only one who didn't hear what he said.

"Gil! Jason!" Ritsuka exclaimed in a greeting. It appeared she had been conversing with M'gann, and he thought he saw her slip the other woman a piece of paper. "You came back! Good thing, because we still have some more food we'd like to be eaten before we pack it away."

Gilgamesh nodded. "Good. I have already eaten my fill, but Jason here has not yet eaten."

Ritsuka looked to Jason. "Oh, then you should definitely get some food - Jaime is such a good cook, almost as good as Emiya, I'd say."

Mash, next to her, nodded. "Yes, senpai - they both can create such delicious meals. I am grateful to have been able to sample some of Jaime's cooking today."

"Uh, I'm fine, Gil. I already ate, and I agree that Jaime is a good cook, Ritsuka. Uh, I don't see Dick and Enkidu…. Where are they?"

"I think they went for a walk on the beach," Ritsuka shrugged. "I wouldn't be too surprised, Enkidu likes the fresh air."

"Indeed," Gilgamesh agreed.

Jason was about to say something when a yellow blur and a small gust of wind rushed over.

"Gil! There you are! I was wondering….. how'd we do recreating Uruk's dishes? Was it like a blast from your past? Did…. Well, did this help you? Ya know, after every that happened to you? That's…. That's all we wanted to do."

Gilgamesh smiled at Bart. He had not shown them his life so they would feel pity for him - that was the last possible thing he wanted - but he had to commend them for their efforts. "You've done very well. It is a fine feast."

"Yay!"

Bart gave the golden haired king a tight hug because it's Bart and he still has that impulse side to him.

Gilgamesh stared at the young boy. "Yes, yes, alright. Enough of that." The king said, stepping out of Bart's grasp. What was with the youths today? Did they not know of the boundaries of a king…?

"Haha, sorry about that. They didn't call me Impulse for nothing. Anyway, Jaime and I have a lot of cleaning up to do in the kitchen, so we should get started. You just enjoy yourself for the rest of the time."

The speedster smiled at the king before rushing away. He just wanted to make sure the man was okay. Now that he did, he left to join up with Jaime.

"All the food is gone already?" someone said - Rin had entered the room with Shirou. "Shoot, I was looking forward to eating something good."

"It's no problem, I can whip up something for you, you know," Shirou said. "Besides, it looks like there's still some stuff out on the table."

"I guess you're right," Rin said, already beginning to mull over the dishes still left out. "It all looks so delicious - Saber would've loved it."

Shirou smiled. "She would've - who knew that the King of Knights could eat like that." He looked over the food as well, appreciatively. He was a cook, so eating food other people made was always fun.

Most of the people were gone from the room, all having wandered off to do their own thing.

More voices came from outside the room.

"-should've seen him, it was rather funny." Enkidu walked in, Grayson close" behind. "Oh, Gil, there you are."

"I'm the one who should be saying that," Gilgamesh said. "You went and got some fresh air, I've heard."

"Yep," Enkidu nodded with a smile. "It was very nice outside. We should go and see the beach sometime."

"And so we shall," Gilgamesh agreed.

There was an awkward silence.

"Oh, hey Grayson," Shirou said, breaking the silence. "Are you feeling better from earlier?"

Grayson didn't quite understand why everyone kept asking if he was better. "I'm fine, I'm the one that should be asking you that… how's… how's your arm?"

Shirou smiled. "Ah, it's a little tender, but it's nothing rest won't fix."

Grayson sighed and headed toward Shirou. "I'm sorry for what I did. I could have hurt you…. More than I already did "

"It's no problem, really. But thanks for apologizing," Shirou said. "I really appreciate it."

"Just don't do it again," Rin said. "There's a difference between training and actually harming someone, you know."

"I know that! I just….. went overboard."

"That's one word for it-"

Shirou interrupted Rin with a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, he apologized. We're all good now, okay?"

"Fine," Rin huffed. "But if I catch it happening again, you'll have to deal with me, you hear?"

"Alright. I'll make sure I won't hurt him…. Again." Grayson gave a smile. His bright blue eyes landed on Jason and he frowned.

"Let's…. Uh, let's go sit down or you two can go get something to eat since all I needed to really say to you guys was sorry."

"Sure," Shirou agreed, looking between the two brothers, and took a seat at the table. He and Rin began to eat. Naturally, Gilgamesh and Enkidu sat together in close conversation, leaving Grayson and Jason.

Jason let his gaze land on the older one. He found his brother looking rather upset. He understood why.

"Dick, I-"

"Save it, Jason. I don't want to hear it."

"Look, I just-"

"I said save it!"

Grayson yelled at him. Jason shut his mouth. Grayson took a breath and let it out, calming himself down. His eyes narrowed at the younger one. Jason frowned and just left and sat next to Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Grayson left the room altogether. Jason muttered to himself. "I screwed up…."

"No, you didn't," Enkidu said kindly. "I just think Grayson hasn't been able to process everything that's been happening."

Gilgamesh looked at the door with a frown. "What a fool. He ought to have let you speak. Such insolence…"

Jason shook his head. "No, Gil. He's not a fool. If we were to talk again, we would only fight again. I said some things and touched a….. tough and touchy subject. It's understandable."

"Still," Gilgamesh said. "That was not how he should have reacted."

"And," Enkidu added. "For what it's worth, I do think what you're trying to tell him is something he needs to hear."

"Really? If I didn't tell him anything, he wouldn't have gotten upset in the first place. Where was it, in my place, to tell him anything? After all, I don't really have a say in what he does after…. The whole being dead and all."

"That wasn't your choice," Enkidu pointed out. "But he did need to hear what you had to say, and that's why it made him so angry - because he is denying it."

"Exactly," Gilgamesh nodded. "Enkidu is right - you were not to blame for dying. The blame goes to those useless gods, and the one who killed you in the first place. In that regard, you are blameless."

"He… he knows that I am not completely to blame… But, I'm sure by now, you have met the stubbornness that comes with our family."

Gilgamesh laughed. "Stubbornness - that's one thing to call it."

Jason eyed Gilgamesh. "You're stubborn too, ya know."

"But I am a king, so it matters not," Gilgamesh grinned.

"You know using the 'I'm a king' card can only take you so far. Right?" Jason stated.

"I did not realize you were a king, to have such insight. As I see it, being a king will take me as far as I wish - even the gods, as worthless as they may be, acknowledged that."

"Gil, I may not act like it, but I respect you. Just know, in this time, people won't see you as a king. So stating it over again to the people who already do know, is pointless."

Jason shrugged.

"Won't see me as a king, you say? How foolish, when they have royalty of their own still in this era. I suppose, though, for mongrels who have not learned to respect individuals such as myself may have a difficult time with it though….but, that is fine. By the time I must leave this era, I will leave them with a healthy respect of kings."

"I see, but that's not quite what I meant. Your kingdom is gone. What's left is a memory. With Uruk gone, what is the point of a king with no kingdom to rule?"

Gilgamesh sat back in his chair, mirth fading from his eyes. "You need not tell me Uruk is gone - I watched it burn with my own eyes. But I don't just represent myself, here in this era. I carry with me the hopes and aspirations of my people. They may be gone, but what they stood for stands even now. I don't expect you to understand, and that is fine. It is simply my duty."

Jason stared at Gilgamesh, realizing he once again spoke out of line. He already knew that Gilgamesh didn't like it when he kept apologizing, so he just held his tongue.'Why do I keep doing this?'He thought to himself, feelings of guilt flooded over him.

"Well," Enkidu said thoughtfully. "I think you're both right. Gil is a king, but at the same time he isn't." Enkidu nudged their friend. "It's alright for you to take it easy once and a while, you know. And you don't need to give the humans here a hard time about acknowledging you as king - they aren't technically your subjects. Think of them as….foreign dignitaries, or something."

"Foreign dignitaries still are expected to have the proper amount of respect for the leader of a country," Gilgamesh said dryly to his friend.

"Still," Enkidu shrugged. "You have to play by this era's rules, and make what you can from it. Though there are some royalty out and about these days, I don't think that's the main government…..not that I'd really know too much about that, though to be fair - I've been basically listening to the news for days straight when I was first summoned. And you, Jason," Enkidu smiled at the young man. "Don't be afraid to speak your mind, especially if it's something you think someone needs to hear."

Jason just hummed in response. He looked at Enkidu. "You…. you calmed my brother down….. And you are good at talking to people… something I lack, could you talk to him? You don't make people upset."

"I will talk to him, and make him calm again," Enkidu said carefully. "But what's truly important must come from you. If you avoid talking to him, you may never become close to him again," Enkidu said sadly. "I would not want that for either of you. Second chances like this don't come often, so I recommend you make the most of it."

"Second chances?" Jason placed his head on the table.

"I think I am the one person here that can say that I am done with chances. How many different lives will I be thrown in?"

He muttered the last part under his breath.

A hand grasped Jason's shoulder. Enkidu had reached across the table and held his shoulder firmly, but gently. They looked him straight in the eyes. "I know you are tired, I know how you feel, truly. But each second chance you receive gives you more opportunity to love, and be loved, and find those who care for you. Being human is a marvelous experience. You may think it a curse, but fate has led you back to where your brothers are. Is that in itself not cause for joy?"

"In my case, I have been here longer to nearly kill them, hurt them, rather than support them."

"And you are still young," Enkidu said. "You have time to amend that. You have decades ahead of you, a future to create in which what you think you are will just be a far distant past. That is the gift of those who are still alive, as they can change to become something else."

"I can see why you get along so well with my brother."

Jason smiled. Just being near these two was comforting. He wondered if it was because they were people that could understand him, even if it was just a little bit.

Enkidu sat back into their seat and shrugged with a smile. "Really? I'm glad. Now, should we go and find your brother once more? This time, I will play a more active mediator. I apologize for letting things go so out of hand earlier."

"Excuse me? Wait. You want me to go with you?"

Enkidu blinked. "Unless you wanted to go alone….?"

"No, uh, that would be bad." Jason rubbed the back of his head.

"Then let us go," Enkidu rose from their chair. "After all, it's never good to enter battle with such friction between allies, right?"

Jason looked at Gilgamesh. Would he stay here or go with him? Would he be okay with this or think that Grayson just needed space?

"Enkidu's instincts are usually right - I trust their judgement," the man said. "But your brother and I are not...close, so my presence would deter the progress you are trying to make. So I shall retire to my office, while the two of you get this worked out."

"I…. okay…." Jason turners to face Enkidu. "Uhhhm, shall we?"

"We shall," Enkidu nodded with a smile. Taking Jason's hand, they took off. They descended floor after floor after floor - they went from around the top of the building, to below it in the basement.

Now, it wasn't a typical basement, of course - this one didn't even feel like it was underground, it just felt like a regular work room. Screens lined the walls, and people sat at computers clicking through various scenes. Some speedily typed while others wrote notes down.

"Ah, so this is how Gil is keeping track of the world," Enkidu noted, looking around. "He could use his clairvoyance, or Merlin's present sight, but the world has a lot of space to cover. But," they looked around. "Where is your brother…. ah, I think I see him. Give me a moment, I'll talk to him and then I'll take him to…. that room, right over there," Enkidu gestured to a doorway. "That way it will be more private for the two of you. Does this plan sound satisfactory for you?"

Jason thought this over and nodded. "I'll head over there now." He walked away from the spirit and went into the room.

Meanwhile, Enkidu headed over to Grayson. The man was looking at one of the screens, the person working at it seeming to be explaining something. "There you are, Grayson." they smoothly cut into the conversation. "I've been wondering where you had gone so suddenly."

"Hmm, oh, Hey Enkidu. Yeah, I came down here to try and get some progress in finding Vandal. What's up?"

"Could we speak? It is not something I believe can wait."

"Uh, sure. We can talk. Tell me, Enkidu, do you think I should be worried about these strange, unexplainable, and unexpected fires that are getting reported?"

Enkidu frowned. "It does sound concerning…. is it perhaps global warming? Truly, it is very concerning. As interesting as humans are, I wish they would be more kind to nature…."

"Some are, not all, and I don't think this is global warming. I'll have Oracle send a drone to one of the fire sites. Something just… doesn't feel right about these fires…"

His voice trailed off as he went back to typing at the keyboard, switching the monitors' screens.

"Grayson," Enkidu said gently. "There are others who are here to handle this job. You don't need to take it all on by yourself."

"What? I'm not. Currently, everyone is resting or preparing for a fight. I'm just doing a simple monitor check. That's all."

Enkidu gestured to the room of people. "A simple monitor check, so these people can handle it. I'm sure that they have things under control here. Plus, we still have some things to discuss."

"Alright," he sighed, "What do you want to talk about?"

"Just come with me, to that room over there. And you must hear me out, alright? At least let me say what I must, and then you can leave." Enkidu said, and lead Grayson to the room they had singled out.

Opening the door, Enkidu ushered Grayson in and closed the door.

"Why couldn't we talk out there?" Grayson questioned.

"Because I believe this is a conversation you both would like away from prying eyes," Enkidu explained. "Jason? Would you like to start?"

"I'm not the best with words, Enkidu, but I guess I should start with saying sorry. I let my temper get the best of me…. Like always."

Grayson stared at Jason before looking over at Enkidu. "Is this why you wanted me to come in here?"

"It is," Enkidu nodded. "I know it is not my place to usher this process along, but we do not have long before the final battle. It would be best to clear up any tension before then, as well as the fact that...well, despite how Gil and I handled things with each other, it would be nice to see you two on good terms."

"Enkidu, this isn't necessary. What Jay and I had was a simple dispute, that's it. We'll be fine."

"So there's nothing to work out between the two of you? Like the fact that Jason died, and your feelings surrounding that? Or how you don't know how to act, all of the sudden, now that he's back?" Enkidu asked. "Just talk. That's all I ask. If it is as you say, then this should take but only a moment." They took a seat on the ground in front of the door, barring the exit.

Jason walked toward the older hero. "Dick… I… I spoke out of line earlier. I didn't mean to make you upset."

"Spoke out of line? Is that all you think you did? Jay, you basically were trying to say that the people I cared about, who are no longer alive, mean nothing. You spoke as if the people around us are nothing more than pawns in a game that can be disposed of. And then you say I push people away? I do not."

Jason arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really? Then how come you don't do team missions anymore?"

"That's... that's different." Grayson stammered.

"How!? You make sure that there is hardly anyone with you."

"If I do that, I'm the only casualty. I'm the only one risking anything. I'm not pushing anyone away, I'm keeping them safe."

"I already told you… you aren't responsible for everyone."

"I'm responsible for the members on my team!"

"That's only half true."

"No, Jason. It's completely true. If any call I make causes them to fall, it's on me. I sent them to their death. I would have sent our friends, our family, to die. Enkidu and I could have died because of a call I made. I told Enkidu we could go and retrieve…. Some key, and we both almost died. I…. I almost got Enkidu killed…." Grayson dipped his head down. He almost got Enkidu killed.

"You shouldn't blame yourself for that," Enkidu interjected. "I would have gone regardless, unless my master had used a command seal. So you are not responsible for the decisions I made."

"I made the call! We talked it out! I made the final decision! Not to mention I lead us down that path! You're part of my team. When Shirou and Rin agreed to be allies with Tim and I, you became part of my team. I became responsible for yours and their safety."

Enkidu sighed. "It wasn't even I that almost died there, it had been you who had been wounded. So I could say I was responsible for the whole mess, that I was responsible for you getting hurt - after all, it is more or less true, is it not? In a Holy Grail War, it is the servant who is responsible for the safety of their master and allies."

"Enkidu! It doesn't matter! Servant. Master. None of that matters! A team is a team! You are equal! I know I got hurt! I don't care! I was the one that chose to fight! I only wanted to make sure you are safe! That's all I cared about!"

"And what of everyone else's wishes for you to be safe?" Enkidu asked calmly. "Does that not matter? While wishing for everyone's safety is admirable, are the desires to see you safe worthless?"

"What worth is my life if everyone I care about is dead?" Grayson questioned.

"But not everyone you care for is gone," Enkidu said softly.

"I know that… but Enkidu…." Grayson let his head fall. Jason frowned and looked at Enkidu. Jason wishes he had the spirit's way with words.

"I can't imagine what it must be like for you," Enkidu continued. "I'm the one who left my friend behind, so I don't know how you feel. But I do know that those who died wouldn't want this for you. Those who are alive don't want this for you either."

"I can say I don't want this for you. I wasn't fair to you. I'm trying to make things up to you, and to Tim. Please, Dick, just let people help you."

Jason stated. Grayson looked at him. Jason said he wasn't fair to him, but it was the other way around. Grayson sighed and nodded his head.

"Okay….. I'll…. I'll give it a chance… again."

"I'm glad," Enkidu said, standing up. "I think that's enough for today. Make sure you both get some rest tonight, alright?"

Jason nodded. "Yeah, I think I'll go get some rest."

Grayson looked skeptical. "I think I want to check out those mystery fires first. Something doesn't settle right with me about them."

"If that's what you want," Enkidu said. "Just make sure to get rest as well, and whatever you find make sure to share with the rest of us."

"I will. What about you? You gonna get some rest?"

Enkidu shrugged. "I think I will go see the beach some more. Sunsets on the horizon are beautiful to witness."

"You aren't wrong there. You have fun with that." Jason said and Grayson chuckled.

"Well, I'll see you later. See you later, Enkidu, Jason." Grayson left the two alone. Jason eyed the spirit.

"I… thank you, Enkidu."

"Of course," the spirit smiled. "Everything turned out well, so I am happy for the both of you."

"Same with you and Gil…. You are a good friend to him."

"And he is a good friend to me," Enkidu said. "I just wish that when I had died, someone could've helped him the way Grayson has people who are there for him."

"He did. Uhhhh, some girl…. Siduri I think was her name. She was there for him. He mentioned her before."

"Siduri….." Enkidu trailed off. "Yes, she was there, and she would have tried to get through to him...but Gil is stubborn. It would be nice to see her again."

"I could knock some sense into him if you want me to." Jason smiled. "I'll get him to listen. I listen to him, what's stopping him from listening to me?"

Enkidu smiled. "I appreciate the thought, but that is not necessary. He can be stubborn, but nothing I can't handle."

Jason laughed and then sighed. "I wasn't fair to you, either, Enkidu."

"That's okay," Enkidu said. "You have a lot going on as well."

"You are very forgiving. And you have this strange calming effect." Jason stated his thoughts.

"I try to be understanding," Enkidu said. "Towards most people, anyways. There is one person, however…...if we met again, I would probably throw many, many things at her."

"I'm…. Not that forgiving, I hold grudges. And I'm violent. I won't deny it."

"That is fine," Enkidu said. "You don't have to be forgiving, at least not right away. Just be yourself, and the rest should work itself out."

"Hmmmm, be myself….." Jason looked at the spirit with a grin. He walked over to Enkidu. "This could make Gil really mad, but he'll be happy later."

He headed over to the wall and pressed the talk button on the Penthouse's intercom.

"Hey, Gil. We have something for ya. Something important to discuss. Can you come down to the ground floor? We'll meet you there."

Enkidu looked at Jason curiously. "What was that for?"

Jason looked at him thoughtfully. "You'll see. Let's just wait for him to get down here."

"Okay," Enkidu said, perfectly willing to sit back and watch.

After a couple moments, the king walked into the room, frowning. He looked at Jason and Enkidu. "Jason, what is the meaning of this?"

Jason shrugged. "Nothing much. Just, the two of us were looking things over and there looked to be something off. Enkidu here wanted to check it out. Enkidu said it was somewhere on the beach. I thought maybe you should have a look, too. Enkidu can take you."

Enkidu let out a surprised laugh. "Oh, I see."

Gilgamesh looked at Jason suspiciously, then nodded. "Very well. I shall agree with your request."

Enkidu and Gilgamesh went to leave, and Enkidu gave Jason a thumbs-up behind their back. Jason smiled as he watched the two leave. He secretly hoped that Gilgamesh won't be angry for deceiving him. Be felt as if the man deserved any moment he could get with his friend. He decided instead of getting rest, he would help his brother look into those fires.

The two friends, the king and clay being, stood on the beach. Enkidu stood in the water, toes digging into the sand. Gilgamesh stood on the dry part of the sand, as close to Enkidu as he dared without actually standing in water.

"Such audacity from him," remarked Gilgamesh casually. "To call upon me like so."

"Really?" Enkidu asked. "I thought it was rather kind of him to call you down for me."

Gilgamesh rolled his eyes. "I would have come down for you regardless, Enkidu. Silly tricks and deceptions were unnecessary."

"Still, I thought it was nice," his friend said. "You knew though, didn't you?"

"Of course I did, Enkidu. How could I not? If something was truly happening on this island, I would know about it."

"And you still came," Enkidu smiled.

"I was merely curious, that is all."

Enkidu turned to look at him. "That's not all though."

"I do admit, I find enjoyment in his company," Gilgamesh admitted - he would only admit it to Enkidu though. "Though I am not sure if it is from my feelings as a child, or if I, as an adult, truly feel that way."

"Why can't it be both?" Enkidu asked. "Both can be true, you know."

"I suppose so," Gilgamesh mused. "But is it really best for him to have such an attachment to me? I suppose he can't help it - people naturally gravitate to kings, but I'm guessing after the battle we shall have to return to the throne of heroes -"

He was cut off as Enkidu splashed him with water. "Don't worry so much," Enkidu smiled. "He has people to look after him here, but it's nice to see you worry about him. Kind of like….a mother hen."

Gilgamesh smirked. "Oh, you've done it now-" taking off his shoes, and tossing them aside, he ran at Enkidu, splashing them with water.

In response, Enkidu tackled him, and they wrestled on the beach, getting completely and totally soaked as the waves rolled in. Eventually, though, they both came to a stop and sat on the beach side by side, covered in sand and sea water. Grins on their faces, they basked in the warmth of the sun.

"That was fun," Enkidu said with a smile.

"Yes," Gilgamesh agreed. "I missed sparing with you, back when…"

"This isn't the end," Enkidu reminded Gilgamesh. "Ritsuka will summon us to Chaldea. We will see each other again."

"I should hope so," Gilgamesh said.

"She will," Enkidu said confidently. "It's fate, after all - best friends must be reunited."

Gilgamesh smiled at his friend. "I've heard it the other way around, but I much prefer your perspective."

"Of course you do, it's called optimism, Gil."

Gilgamesh was suddenly tackled by Wolf, who barked.

"What-" he yelled in surprise. "Enkidu - get this beast off me!"

"I think he likes you," Enkidu smiled, but decided to help their friend, gently coaxing Wolf off of Gilgamesh, then began the pet Wolf.

Conner was not far from Wolf and easily caught up. He looked troubled. "Gilgamesh! Enkidu! There you guys are. You both need to come back."

Gilgamesh frowned, still disgruntled from the well-meant attack by Wolf. "How come? Has something happened?"

Conner nodded. "Yeah….. we found Vandal."

A/N: Sooo, I know it's been a while. I wanted to update this in October, but things got a bit busy with classes and all. I am going to upload the next few chapters before the end of the year, that I can be certain on. There really is only about... 3? left, so shouldn't be too bad. Anyway, I hope you liked this filler chapter. My writing partner and I were dreading the fight scene so we kept stretching the story a bit. XD

See you in the next chapter.

~Akira

Posted: 11/23/2024