WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

[quaria]

[ This rising power sourcing behind him.... Although Setsuna wants to turn to witness the King's chant, he has to concentrate. He keeps his eyes forward, staring at the archers who are preparing to fire the next wave. His throat feels so dry, as although the magical bracelets they have do a magnificent of protecting them from undesirable air, the unpleasant smell of burnt corpses together with the smoke and blood is still surrounding them. This disgusting environment of war that he loathes so much, he wants to end it as quickly as possible.

Setsuna takes comfort in Gilgamesh's voice, that's always been the case all this time. So rather than allow anything to distract him, he blocks everything else out. Instead, he concentrates on that soothing voice. For now, he stays in position, acting as a shield. He wouldn't dare charge forward and risk his casting King in danger, especially with those existing orders to specifically attack a Hero who would dare assist another. Not a single hair will fall from Gilgamesh if he can help it.

The archers release their shots then, retrying as they're attempting to chip away at Setsuna's mana sword. If he loses that large sword, then he wouldn't have anything to use. Thus, they keep repetitively firing after he again and again deflects them. Little by little, that blade of mana is shrinking. But he's not showing signs of hesitation even if he would soon be dearmed. He believes in Gilgamesh, believing that his spell would be more than enough to take care of this situation. ]

[babbylon]

[As Setsuna takes comfort in Gilgamesh, so Gilgamesh takes comfort in Setsuna, knowing nothing short of an act of the gods could pull him from his side. He won't need much longer, and he silently thanks his knight for every second he can spare him. The longer he focuses, the stronger the end result will be. And to a cut a truly devastating blow through Noir's lines, they need something worthy of the task. They need something whose ability cannot be questioned or overturned by anything in enemy possession.

Something like...]

Excalibur, Sword of Promised Victory!

[Gilgamesh has projected the holy blade of King Arthur using this world's magic. A holy blade he could never hope to wield back home, but here, he holds it high above his head. Light beats behind him and all around him, and at the mere sight of it several riders are brought to heel. Even the mere appearance of Excalibur renders foes paralyzed by awe.

With Excalibur in one hand, Gilgamesh grips Setsuna shoulder with the other. As a Knight, he will feel the intensity of Gilgamesh's mana flowing through him, inspiring him.]

EEEEEEEXCALIBUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR!

[Run, run, run! The Noir forces flee instead of pushing their attack. But this proves just as foolish, providing an easy target for Excalibur to penetrate. Gilgamesh slams the massive blade onto the ground, and from it a massive wave of pure light is unleashed—chasing their backs, flooding the field in bright white. Everything it touches, it eliminates. And in a single stroke, Gilgamesh kills many, as that light pursues many more. A deadly weapon in the hands of one who has seen its strength and claimed it for himself.

Where once there was an army, there now stands broken formations and bloody remains. All around them, it is quiet.]

[quaria]

[ Once the chant is coming to an end and the soldiers start to fall back in fear, Setsuna starts moving as well. He carefully steps aside, standing beside Gilgamesh this time as he's finally able to observe this mesmerizing magic right before his eyes. This is the first time he's seeing this, but... once again, a surge of nostalgia is filling him. It's just like the time he first saw a Gundam, that angelic figure which saved his life... Captivated, he's rendered speechless with widening, almost innocent large eyes. Just like back then.

Setsuna seems to want to say something, but the words are caught in his dry throat. He shortly shakes his head to get a grip on himself, then moves his hands now to take hold the King's, that proud yet kind hand on his shoulder. After such a devastating spell, even without seeing it, anyone would be able to tell that costed nearly everything. So he does his best to return the mana, squeezing the royal's hand within his. His head lowers for a mere moment, a modest manner of extending his gratitude for the support.

Fighting together with someone... Although Setsuna's comrades from home are no longer here, it's going to be all right because he still has wonderful people like Gilgamesh with him. He doesn't have to shoulder everything by himself, is most likely what the King is trying to tell him without saying it. Though, the battle is far from over. Despite this area being cleared away, that doesn't entail that the calm has come. Rather, this silence is actually something much more fearful...

After that terrifying display, Noir knew too, that the Hero who casted that can't possibly recast it right away. That's why, in the distance, aggressive howls of foreign voices resound: "That monster... What the hell was that?", "Don't stare! They're trying to recover their mana, stop them!!", "Hurry, take the monster down immediately!!" And so, charging together, a new set of enemy Vanguards pool together with the intention of defeating Gilgamesh before he can hope to pull off another.

Though... Despite this kind of sight, Setsuna remains wordless. His face slowly returns to an emotionless front, as if something like this is nothing. It's not that he thinks this is futile, but rather he's too used something like this. With his own world wanting him dead, this isn't phasing at all. His blade is at least halfway shorter now, so his reach won't be as effective. But he doesn't care, he still has to fight. Momentarily, he decides to step closer to his King, tipping his feet up for elevation, and gently plants his lips over the royal to give the two of them faster mana recovery.

It's then that he starts running forward then, running to meet with the army to prevent them from coming closer to his King. But just as Setsuna was inspired, the Gammonian soldiers around them are the same. His charge isn't alone, as allied units run forward with him with the intention of protecting what they should. ]

[babbylon]

[Setsuna's suspicions are on the mark. Gilgamesh sways, and would've nearly fainted if not for his support.

Surely, Excalibur was a powerful trump card, but he had yet to learn how to control proper mana flow with it. As a result, it took almost everything from him. Even he, the great King of Heroes, only had so much energy to spare, and he feels completely sapped afterward. Almost, almost losing consciousness, except he's being kissed and he finds himself floating back to reality because of it. Though one would think he'd float even further away, with the look of serenity on his face.

Maybe it was a mistake, in a way, for Setsuna to spoil him like this. He intends for a mild brush, but Gilgamesh pulls him fast into a deeper kiss. Full of affection, full of faith, full of gratitude for his sword and shield. They don't have time to embrace as he would prefer; this must be enough. Another reminder to Setsuna that he has earned the love and compassion of even the most stubborn around him, and that counts for something. That means even hands stained with blood are good for plenty else, too, including acts surprisingly tender.

Gilgamesh cannot indulge in what he wants and only can take what he needs for now. Once they're through, Gilgmaesh nods to Setsuna and so speaks in their shared tongue:]

I am with you.

[Gilgamesh chases after Setsuna's charge, hot on his heels and pausing only to prepare the next spell. He'll keep going for as long as they have to.]

[quaria]

[ Maybe it was a mistake in a particular way, as the unexpected reaction from the King nearly disrupts Setsuna's battle focus. He should've expected that. However, even as he is now, he still unconsciously forgets how much overwhelming affection is already within his hands. He no longer denies that fact, no longer pretends he doesn't hear or feel them, but he still needs more time to truly recognize it: the reality of someone so precious who accepts every part of him. During their locked contact, his eyes grow along with his heart, once again reminded of how much love this beautiful person has for so many. With a muffled voice, he nearly says a certain someone's name, but couldn't.

As a person who was raised to live and breathe in the battlefield, Setsuna doesn't encounter any problem on properly regaining his focus. When their lips part, he lets out a soundless sigh to realign his status. The enemy is still coming, he says to himself. Though... hearing those touching set of words, in that language he respects and adores so much, further solidifies his determination. He nearly frowns, feeling the beats of his heart hammer. As he runs, tightly gripping the remaining of his sword of mana, he promises to himself again that he will protect his beloved country. His King.

Body after body falls to the floor, dead. Both Noir and Gammon alike are collapsing together as the song of war plays on. Fueled by rage and desire for domination, the Noirs show no sign of stopping yet despite the world losing its mind. Every time an enemy runs past Setsuna, he gives immediate chase to slam his steel heels against their spinal chords, breaking them apart as if to say: "How dare you expose your back to me." But it may as well be saying, "Don't you dare touch him."

Further angered with Setsuna's meddling presence, the Noirs finally sees the full picture. If they want to destroy Gilgamesh, they have to destroy this Knight first. Their movements are slowly changing, eyes moving away from the King only to shift them towards a new target. ]

[babbylon]

[How strange, Gilgamesh thinks, for me to be staring someone's back. The King must lead so his subjects will follow, but Setsuna was like a whirlwind come to life. Untamed, uncontrolled, unknowing of anything other than how to best slay his enemies. Maybe now he can empathize with his love of flowers, and how sad it was how mindlessly both sides were trampling over life. Maybe now he can understand why he treasured those moments so highly, because in time he would have to return to the battlefield and wipe out what he sought to protect. An endless cycle that neither god nor Innovator could hope to prevent.

But Gilgamesh does not falter. When Setsuna leaves him openings, he finishes off opponents without mercy. When Setsuna stabs one enemy or gouges the next, Gilgamesh burns and incinerates them with holy flame. They make a flawless team, together, because both men were raised in a very harsh homeland—where gods of magic and metal sought to tear everything away from them. And both of them had stood and said no, I will not allow this, and so seized upon their own destinies.

Gilgamesh does not falter, but he does sense when the Noir strategy shifts. He's no longer being targeted; now, the lances and beasts are turned towards Setsuna. So they think him my weakness. How wrong they were. Setsuna was his strength, his soldier, his sword. Gilgamesh permits no weakness in circle and so it is impossible to consider Setsuna as such.

Even so...

Gilgamesh risks himself. He steps out from behind Setsuna, that he might crush any ambushes before they occur. It is dangerous but it may be necessary to take on this new assault.]

Keep going!

[His voice will always be there to encourage his vassal. But how long can they keep this up for...?]

[quaria]

King!?

[ It's natural for Setsuna to be surprised by this. The Noirs are primarily after Gilgamesh after all, not him, as they consider the royal the bigger threat compared to one Knight. The reason why they shifted aggression in the first place was to rid of him, so they could corner the King... But if Gilgamesh is going to present himself like this, it's only playing right on Noir's hands. The Knight is visibly unhappy, but he also is aware that if he tries to do anything hasty, then it'll only make things even easier for their enemies.

So even though Setsuna wants Gilgamesh to stay back, he doesn't argue against it. Actually, is this meant to make him even stronger? Because if he's pushed closer at edge, then he'll be able to fight with even more strength. What a fearful King, if that's the case. Thus right after the royal signals him to continue charging, he responds with the appropriate action. His sword is now short enough to be wielded with one hand, thus as he runs forward, he slides out a second sword from his weapons belt. The very same one he's always carried ever since they dueled last winter.

Setsuna's fighting pattern changes as a result, rather than overpower the Noirs, he's now overtaking them. With two lighter swords, he's capable of moving even faster compared to when he wielded a huge two-handed one. A flurry of crescent slashes are seen, blue and white, ripping against the waves of blood and water in the air. It's a dangerous, hard-to-watch sight... One wrong move and he'll be in trouble. All of the Noirs are eager to take him down, constantly returning an almost equal amount of slashes.

But that was just a decoy. They already know they can't win against Setsuna by mere force, so they've already come up with a proper plan on this. Now that the Knight is locked in defending himself, he won't be able to run. The mob isn't thinning out anytime soon.

"We've got you..." A menacing voice says somewhere, right before a flash of light appears, followed by a loud declaration: "DVIZHE SMERTI! The Noir soldiers engaging Setsuna doesn't move away despite the incoming spell, because it's the only way to trap him in that position. The Knight could only lift his head slowly as the falling ray of light surround him and the Noir soldiers nearest to him. It explodes before anyone could blink, and the impact of the spell causes those affected to collapse harshly. The remaining soldiers raise their weapons then, preparing to attempt ending him.

"Die!"

And altogether, they swing down to Setsuna. ]

[babbylon]

[How many times will he tempt death today...?

Gilgamesh was not a selfless man. He wasn't even remotely thoughtful, most of the time. He acted in his own interests, did things because he wanted do them, not out of any desire to help his fellow man. He fought because he was King and so it was his duty to uphold personal glory on the battlefield. Gilgamesh, who had no use for vassals, in fact had betrayed himself on several occasions in this world.

And so he would again, here and now.

The Noir are never-ending, like an endless sea cresting upon them. It was foolish to take up an untenable position. But he had been goaded into it by witnessing Setsuna's effortless heroics. Of course, Setsuna never had any desire to be a hero. But he undoubtedly became one, a hero of flowers, a hero of humanity, all the same, simply by being himself. It inspires even selfish Gilgamesh to fight harder. Unfortunately, this did not lead to fighting smarter, or else both of them would have retreated once they realized they were in over their heads.

Setsuna has been surrounded, despite their best efforts. It's impossible to say who's at fault, Gilgamesh who stepped out from safety, or Setsuna who encouraged his King in the first place. It doesn't matter now. The spell strikes its intended target and takes out several of their allies, leaves Setsuna exposed and vulnerable. Like this, he will die.

Like this...

No, it won't end like this.

I refuse it.

I, Gilgamesh, will intercede.

My life has been saved today.

I shall save another, and then—

Gilgamesh shoves Setsuna out of the way; there's no time for psionics, so he uses his body instead. He raises his blade. He prepares to shackle the attackers with chains of light. He shouts, and with all his might...]

...!

[...he is pierced from every direction by the weapons.]

[quaria]

[ No matter how much Setsuna tries to move, he couldn't break through the paralysis right away. His eyes narrow, preparing himself for the worst. Even without looking up, he can sense those weapons mercilessly coming at him. But no, it won't end like this. They're mistaken if they think they can end him with this. He'll put up with it, just as he did in the past... No matter how much pain that will come, he'll endure it all and survive. He promised them that he'll live on... No matter what, he absolutely can't fall here.

Though, just as Setsuna was bracing himself for that, something else hits his body. Pain didn't come; instead, a sensation of something familiar flows through him. The King's gentle hand... He knows this touch without looking at it. In addition to keeping him out of harm's way, that brief shove effectively acted as a mana exchange as well, causing the paralysis to weaken with the renewed flow. And together with his willpower, the curse successfully breaks. As a result, he's able to recover himself and immediately takes action.

Rather than assess the situation anew, Setsuna's honed reflexes for survival spikes up, faster and stronger than anything here. His body just knew, telling him to stand and deliver one annihilative swing. He refuses to simply witness the next events unfold. Despite their enemies successful in painfully thrusting their blades towards Gilgamesh, the Knight didn't let them, would never let them pierce through him. As if the wind of a cyclone, the surrounding Noirs didn't receive a chance to take their step forward to properly impale the royal as they're blown back, cut in half by a single silver blade. ]

As if... I would let you...!!

[ In a rare display of fury, Setsuna's eyes are glowing bright, a golden color that causes all who see it to recoil. Now that he's been angered, he picks up the remaining of his sword of mana, breaking it into smaller pieces at once. He doesn't wait for anyone. He would never let them score another move. Right after they've been broken apart, he throws them without regard: ending up to pierce heads, eyes, necks... Every one of those soldiers drop lifelessly, unable to even cry out.

And as bodies fall, Setsuna uses the corpses as shields to throw or defend himself behind, killing off the remaining targets with the aura of a mass murderer. He doesn't want this... Why should he have to resort to this all over again? Tears fill his golden eyes as he keeps his attacks, destroying more and more lives as he lets out an anguished scream. ]

[babbylon]

[Oh, Gilgamesh thinks, stunned into a dull sort of shock, I am alive. But why was he alive? He was so certain he would meet his end thanks to those soldiers. He was so certain he would be gripped by agony, right now, forced to watched his own life flowing out of him. He was so certain he would perish and do so in the arms of this man he loved dearly. He was so certain, but once again Setsuna has surprised him, by once again pushing himself much too hard.

He's... incensed. Gilgamesh did not scare easily, yet glancing upon Setsuna now invokes a shudder even in his hardened soul. It is as if he has shed his humanity outright to become something greater, and something colder at the same time. This was not the Setsuna who smiled softly, spoke gently, in fields bursting with verdant color. This was not the Setsuna who swore to protect him—or rather, this was a Setsuna who pushed that oath to its absolute limit. Nothing matters anymore, nothing save for cutting down the enemy. The bodies fall, and pile up, higher and higher, a snapshot of the nightmare he emerged from as a child.

It's gory and it's violent and it makes him sick to his stomach to the witness. He sees no joy in it. Only rage, that left unchecked could hurt Setsuna in the worst possible way.]

Setsuna!

[Gilgamesh calls out to him. Setsuna has rampaged so brutally, so relentlessly, that even the endless numbers of Noir have thinned. The enemy stands in frightful awe of what he has turned into and scurries off. But Gilgamesh knows that if he comes back at all, it will be because of him. He must act. He must reach him, as his King, as the one that guided his hand.

For once in his life, Gilgamesh must act responsibly, as a true leader would to pull his man back from the brink of hell.]

I am well! They have fled before you! Return to me...!

[No, it won't be enough. It's a dangerous move, but he has no choice. Gilgamesh presses himself to Setsuna's back, wraps arms around him. Return to me. With this embrace, Gilgamesh commands Setsuna to calm. He commands Setsuna to remember warmth, love, and laughter, as he seeks to forsake them all.]

[quaria]

[ Love is terrible sometimes. Setsuna has known that for a long time. With one misstep, love can turn into hatred. What is meant to give inspiration can turn into desperation one day, what is known as admiration could fall apart into scorn and contempt. Many conflicts, including wars, sometimes start from that very fact. It's an unforgiving cycle of madness, dragging more and more victims as long as hatred exists. Today, he's reminded of it again. This is how feelings of destruction are born, reaching out from person to person, until no one can turn back anymore.

Setsuna eventually halts in place, the silver of his bright blade now coated in a dark crimson. Multiple voices run through his mind, distant voices from the past and from another world, resonating: "Show me the killing techniques that I've taught you!", "Stopping war with force is just... Fighting is despicable!", "As expected... you're still a brat!" From each voice, his eyes widen more and more. The fog that surrounds them seems to thicken more and more as well... Where is he now? What is happening now?

Everything is silent to him, as if the entire world broke. Setsuna continues to be immobile with a dull gaze, watching figures in the distance disappear. Yet as he looks at the horizon, fires from the sky keep falling as everything is curtained in deep red. It's raining, but everything is burning... For a moment, he really did think he was back home, back at Krugis. His frozen eyes glance down to his sword, hallucinating it as a rifle. Where is he now? What is happening now?

No, this is wrong. He isn't home. He'll never, ever be home. Not ever again. Once that realization washes over him, Setsuna becomes more aware of what happened. Yet he remains still, against the rain of blood falling upon him. The glow in his eyes fade, returning to a darker, warmer color as his lashes gently lower. Why... Why? Why, why, why... All he wanted was to love. But this is his true nature. No matter what, his primal instinct as a machine of war will always remain truest. As long as these chains of hatred bind the roads he walks through, he too will remain someone who will always, always fight.

Always fighting... In such a situation, where should he go...?

"Return to me...!"

Setsuna's rain-filled eyes jolt up after hearing that voice, present here with him, letting him know once again that he's not alone. A voice so close, all he had to do is turn his head to see the person calling out. As his bloody sword falls to the ground, his consciousness finally stabilizes. Alive... that's right, they're both still alive. He can't stop now. He's still trying to find the answers how to end all of this misery one day. He tells himself there, I must not give up.

He feels the embrace around him, and he wants to turn around... But just one more time, he wants to cry out. As he squeezes those arms around him, returning an embrace, he looks at the sky and screams one last time. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh was a chaotic entity by nature. He advocated violence, when necessary, and exercised it himself, quite liberally. Blood did not bother him. Death did not faze him. It was not the fact that Setsuna cut so many down that bothered him, but rather how he did so. Like a machine. Like a soulless creature that could do nothing but slaughter everything in sight. It contrasted too greatly with the compassionate man he knew—or maybe Gilgamesh simply did not want to believe that he was a cold-hearted killer after all. A monster in disguise.

Whatever the reason or the excuse, Gilgamesh's survival instinct kicks him. We must get to safety. There was no time for tears nor shouting; they needed to get out, and fast, before reinforcements arrived. So with strength perhaps surprising for a Queen, Gilgamesh takes Setsuna into his arms and whistles for Taka. His golden mount comes skittering obediently over, and with Setsuna firmly in his grip he climbs on board and commands a hasty retreat. It would be a little heavy with the both of them, but Taka could handle it. Taka was strong, too.

He doesn't think. He doesn't speak. He doesn't do much of anything, only focused on the here and now and the immediate future, where the threat of Noir no longer exists, or at least not so close. One arm still looped around Setsuna, he steers Taka with the other, around geysers and patches of lava and all the other hazards that stand in their way. And once they make it to the wall, he braces for a bumpy ride: straight up the side of it to the very top, where their own forces would cover them. Thank the gods for the natural climbing ability of spiders.

Gilgamesh finds a quiet corner, away from the cannon fire, and deposits Setsuna there, propping him upright. He descends next, sitting down beside him, shoulder to shoulder. Essentially sheltering him with his body, sharing in the warmth of mana exchange. He doesn't think. He doesn't speak. If Setsuna needs something from him, he will ask for it, at least that's what he hopes. That he has learned enough from the King to tell others when he's hurting rather than hiding it inside.

Of course, that's what Gilgamesh himself has always done, so he'd be a hypocrite to scold him for it.]