Endgame: This is the Way the World Ends - MACHINE ROOM

[animusmods]

Characters: open to those staying in the machine room
Setting: machine room
Format: any
Summary: The time has come to make decisions about what will happen after everything is over.
Warnings: psychological horror (eventually)

Comments

[bowandblade]

[He snorts at the question, another weapon sliding into view from the golden portals at his sides. Resembling a normal red pole, the weapon shrinks to the size of a needle before Gilgamesh flicks it and dematerializes it back to his treasury.]

If I was restricted to only swords, my treasury would be that much more boring. But weapons will suffice for putting Ruana in her place.

You do not look prepared for battle.

[crouching_sin]

Hopefully they will. We'll see soon enough.

[He goes quiet for a few moments, before speaking up again.]

Will you have enough mana to make it through the fight?

[bowandblade]

[He raises a brow when Naoya asks his question instead of explaining his own lack of readiness. Perhaps he had not dredged up the desire to actually fight, despite being pulled back from his dead world.]

Against that fool alone, of course. But it sounds as if she will have numerous tricks at her disposal. If she intends to use the entire Tower somehow, who knows.

[Perhaps with a real body, not restricted as he was by both the wireframe and Servant vessel, mana would not be a problem. He certainly wouldn't have died against Jason without restrictions.]

[crouching_sin]

Hmph. I'm going to remain here. I can shield others, and I can heal. More than that, though - I suspect some technical knowledge will be needed. I've hacked systems here before. I may be needed to do it again.

[... This isn't something he offers lightly, but in this final battle, they're going to need everyone functioning at as close to maximum power as they can.]

Should you wish it, I am willing to contract with you. I have plenty of mana at my disposal, and I'm not unused to the connection of a Servant.

[bowandblade]

[Gilgamesh hums and lifts his chin, lips upturned in amusement. Naoya spoke so practically and easily about the idea, without the pomposity that one would expect of a magus acting towards a familiar, an "inferior" being.

But it's the mentioning of another Servant that earns his intrigue.]

Ah, so you are already familiar with this. I would hate to have to explain these roles to someone.

[Like how Master and Servant were only functional terms.]

So you wish to still contribute your power, even if your focus is better off left here. Commendable.

[crouching_sin]

I was contracted with Avenger, while he was here.

My power is suited for something like this. I have summoned demons with my power and will and the power and will of others. I have no problem sharing that with a creature that needs it to survive. But...

[There's always a catch, Gilgamesh.]

... Even given her current and likely entourage, you are to make sure that Princess Zelda does not fall. If for no other reason than the fact that I wish to... go along to her world when this is all over. Hang back and let them do all the work if you wish, but at the last resort get her out of there.

[... And for other reasons. But those are his own personal ones.]

[bowandblade]

[His eyes had begun to slide to a half-shut, unimpressed expression upon hearing that but; he was never fond of catches unless he was the one dishing them out. Upon actually hearing Naoya's reason, he laughs -- shortly, but no less genuinely.]

Very well -- I will not disallow you a desire like that. Not because I need your power, but because you are ensuring your own future.

[He smirks.]

Better to keep walking forward than sitting in the dust, Cain.

[crouching_sin]

Exactly. Perhaps it's a foolish desire to simply walk away from that world, but it has nothing left. If my brother has really thrown in his lot with what I cannot stand, then I should leave him to it. Maybe one day I can find a way to return, provided he's come around.

But for now, I want my options open, and to live a life in a world where I can be without more worries than that of a normal human.

[He lifts his arm, pulling it back. Even if the faint image of the faded Command Seals is gone and invisible on a wireframe anyway, he remembers what it looked like.]

We've no time to waste, in any case. Let's seal this pact.

[bowandblade]

A chance to partake in pleasures away from whatever remains of your God.

[And to that, he laughs more, eyes averting downward to the raised arm.]

I am Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes -- the best and strongest of all Heroic Spirits. For our mutual gain, I will allow this pact and bestow upon you my word.

You, who would be so bold as to approach and offer yourself, unknowing of the full depth of my power...

[His own wireframe arm comes up, fingers already curled in a loose fist.]

Tell me, are you my Master?

[crouching_sin]

[He laughs as well, but quiets himself as Gilgamesh begins to speak again.]

That I am. Let it be so, until such time as we both decide to end this pact.

[The image of three red vines creeps around his arm, and then disappears into the wireframe. There's a surge of power from Naoya - he's not an inconsiderable power on his own and he definitely does have more than enough to spare.]

[bowandblade]

[His smile broadens at the rush of power and distinct feeling of that mana link, and he nods in approval as he drops his arm to his side.]

I will allow you usage of the command seals you have. Take care not to irritate me with your orders, should you use them for that reason.

[crouching_sin]

[Naoya drops his arm as well, chuckling.]

I suspect you will know well enough for me to not have to use them. If I thought you a fool in need of controlling, I would have never offered the contract in the first place.

[bowandblade]

And that is exactly why I will allow you the use of them.

[There was potential entertainment to be gained where he was concerned.

In a flash of golden light, he dons his battle garbs. Though his soul was still glowing visible in the center of his wireframe, his lower torso was clad in stylized armor. Enki in its dual sword form sits waiting on the holsters on his back.]

Unlike most fools, you will not cringe in fear nor act in arrogance should you feel the need to use it.

[crouching_sin]

Haha. True enough. I should go and make my own preparations. Those of us staying behind will need to make plans for defenses. Not that I think that any barrier will keep Ruana away for long should she decide to attempt to breach it... but a few seconds well placed may be all we need.

[bowandblade]

Then do so. I will see you at the end.

[With a smirk, he nods once more at Naoya and turns to join those gathered around Zo.]