[Video] [forward dated to the 24th because what is being patient?]

[king_of_heroes]

[ Every since people started dropping off like flies off of this island, Gilgamesh has been unusually silent. Where he would once do nothing but talk all day, so full of himself and happy about it, he mostly kept to himself now. He still showed up to work, but he rarely barked out any orders. He hadn't bothered to keep up with the network at all, and if anyone did try to get his attention? He more than likely shrugged them off. During the dark hour, he would fight much more seriously than he ever had in the past. Nobody could break his concentration. But he was smart enough to know when to stand down as well. Getting himself killed wouldn't do any good. He was careful and strategic when going into things now.

It has been a little over two weeks now. Two weeks of silent mourning, regret, and burning anger. He was tired of what he saw himself as running. It was time, time for him to set himself straight. He was a king, heavens damn it. The King of Heroes. He needed to follow the sagely advice he had been given. Prove to everyone, prove to himself, that he was worthy of such a title. After much hesitation, the all too silent video feed of the King of Heroes flickers to life. ]

Prospero. It has been some time since I last addressed you. Worry not, for I am not here to openly mock you like so many times before. Nor am I here to brag about my many accomplishments. Instead, I offer you something you may still choose to ignore. If that is your choice, so be it.

[ There is a bit of fumbling with the camera, as if he's trying to prop it against something so he doesn't have to hold it. When the view finally clams down, Gilgamesh is seen sitting on the floor of his own apartment, two lion cubs resting their heads comfortably on his lap. He may give them little pettings during this whole video. ]

I'm sure by now many of you have noticed the sudden disappearances have sky-rocketed to insane levels over the past few weeks. I understand that this may have left many of us in uncomfortable positions, both emotionally and otherwise. Even this king has been unsure what to do for some time. Any of us could disappear at any moment, so what is the point in getting to know anyone? This isn't home. Why should we care? These are not your family, your friends, your people. Why should you be obligated to help anyone? The person you save today might be gone tomorrow. What is the point of any of this?

Indeed, these are all thoughts that have plagued my mind these last few weeks. But I have given proper thought to our situation. There is only one option. One absolute option that I should have realized before now. Our backgrounds do not matter here. The past, nor the future hold any merit. We must live for today.

"Live every day as if it were your last", wasn't it? It's a regretful thing that I forgot my own lesson. I realize that some of you do have important matters awaiting you in your home worlds. But for some of us, our time has already come to an end. That is why I ask those of you who share a similar fate to see this as your second chance. Enjoy the things you were never able to in your previous life. You will only regret it if you don't.

[ There's a short pause. The lions stare up at him as he closed his eyes for a bit, letting out a small chuckle before patting their heads again. ]

My, I've rambled on far longer than I intended. My apologies, but I just had to get everything off my chest. It is a rather nice feeling. I won't keep you any longer so you can go back to your daily lives. I only have one more thing of note to mention. From now on, I will offer my sword to aid any during the dark hour. I will consider you all my allies, if you will consider this king yours.

Comments

[misplacedxsheath]

*For all the disappearances, there are new arrivals as well. And it's one of those new arrivals that now addresses the feed.*

Your advice is sound in many ways. A second chance, rather than a denial of my rest...perhaps I will use this as a chance to atone for my past mistakes.

You spoke of wielding a sword. Does that mean you've visited the supposed weapons shop in this place?

[king_of_heroes]

Indeed. A second chance for one to either correct their mistakes or simply do what they were unable to do in life. It's sad that I'm almost willing to thank these supposed Trio of Goddesses that apparently have something to do with us being here. Ha.

[ The Camera may shake a bit when one of the lions gets a little too excited and has it's trail bump into the screen. It will only take a moment for Gilgamesh to correct this. ]

I have many swords, but none are from the arms dealer located in town. I simply can not settle for less than the best. I took a month long trip around this world several months ago in order to obtain a small collection of the best steel still in this world. They could never compare to the marvelous treasury I had before my original demise, but I suppose they do they job against these damnable creatures that roam the midnight hour.

[misplacedxsheath]

Thanking goes too far, if I'm to be stuck here with one of the eternal thorns in my side. But the revival may not be ultimately pointless.

*Interesting pets, but not the topic here.*

Regardless, I find your situation enviable yet understandable. I myself would much rather regain possession of my own blade, but it seems to still be in my own world. As such, I'll have to use whatever will, as you said, "do the job against these damnable creatures".

[king_of_heroes]

I see. Others seem to be content with the local weapon shop, but if you have more demanding tastes, I could get in you contact with one of the blacksmiths I found outside the island.

Video

[soulsborderline]

But what if we're still here to mock you?

[king_of_heroes]

Then I'll punch you in the face.

[ But hey, at least he's saying it with a smile. That counts, right? ]

[soulsborderline]

...I was thinking you'd left too, for a while. Not that that wouldn't objectively be an improvement, but it was less interesting.

[king_of_heroes]

Oh, come on now. Do you really believe I would leave this place in the state it is? This island needs at least one competent leader among its ranks. I plan to be that. Eventually.

Although it is rather adorable how you're trying to cover up your worry. Has the mighty One of Fire finally fallen for my charms?

[ video ]

[rocker]

[ He's.. being nice, sort of.. and offering to help people out..? Welp, consider David surprised, even if it's not in any bad way. After all, even if he and Gilgamesh had their.. moments.. before and aside from a jealous streak still lingering somewhere in him, this can't be a bad thing. ]

... It is good to see you so willing to aid others. [ see, David's being nice, even with lineface and all. ]

[king_of_heroes]

[ Oh, it's him. While he's trying to be positive about things these days, there's just certain things you can't get over no matter how much you try. But he'll try, because he really isn't in the mood. ]

It may come at the price of my unrestricted freedom, but I suppose it will be worth it in the long run.

[rocker]

Helping out people is always worth it in the end. [ since it's the right thing to do. ]

So even if your change of heart is rather sudden, I shall not question it and instead even welcome it.

[king_of_heroes]

It's not sudden. I have always given people what they wanted when they needed it when they showed they were worthy. One must earn what they deserve. ...And if I ever wish to respected like I once was, I suppose I'll have to prove myself worthy as well.

[ don't argue with his logic or morals! ]

[Video]

[babel_hacker]

[He's quiet, listening to Gilgamesh's speech. "Live every day as if it were your last", eh?]

Even if it's obvious, sometimes people need a reminder about what they can do here. Either do things they're unable to, or repent, as you said.

[king_of_heroes]

Ha. It's easy to forget things when you've been dead for so many years. More so when you mind is constantly focused on completely different tasks. And yet, if not for that path, I may have never ended up here. So I suppose there is good in everything.

[babel_hacker]

I've experienced many hard things back home, but if it weren't for them, I wouldn't reunite with an old friend again.

[So that's one of the good things about the lockdown.]

And Prospero...it gives me time to reflect, when I don't have the luxury for back home. So that's a point for "time".

[king_of_heroes]

Indeed. It's not often that one is given the opportunity to escape their fate, even if only for a brief moment. It's rather humbling, isn't it?

[Video]

[golden_witch]

It seems you've made your peace, then?

I'm glad to hear it. I...was worried about you. But I thought it best to give you some space.

I suppose I was right this time, hm~?

[king_of_heroes]

I suppose you could say that, yes. A bit of self discovery and remembering the past do wonders.

I will admit it was tempting to call on you, but... I can't always be asking for your help. What good is a king that can't support himself, ne?

[golden_witch]

It's surprising that a bit of self reflection could leave you so serene. I'm impressed.

And that's quite alright. I'm satisfied knowing that you thought to do so.

[needsteaplz]

[There's some stunned silence for a moment, but Saori eventually cracks a small smile.]

Okay, I'll admit it. That's the kind of speech I would expect from a king. True, I found out when I was briefly at home that there is something waiting for me but that's not stopping me from helping everyone here.

And I offer you my own skills on the battlefield in return.

[king_of_heroes]

Mm, the kind of speeches I used to always give the people of Uruk. That is, after I... grew out of my tyranny. And that only came after losing someone important to myself. Funny that the same would happen again, prompting the same reaction.

And you know I will glad take up your offer. You were already one of the ones I trusted before. Even if I didn't exactly show it.

[needsteaplz]

Yeah. The loss this time helped me to refocus on things.

Really now? Thank you. It's an honor to know that.

It's strange. Your personality at times reminds me of someone from home I'm close to. It took him a while to come around but he's doing much better now.

video;

[kitsunemimi]

This applies to just the Dark Hour? Gosh, I'd feel really bad if I couldn't elicit a reaction out of you, Blondie.

[king_of_heroes]

[ guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurl ]

I expect you to know better than that by now, Fox.

[kitsunemimi]

Kyaa! You already know my behaviors already, Blondie!