Enkidu - No Man's Land's peripheryEnkidu was running. Not as fast as he could, for he didn't want to cause an incident with these primitive vehicles occupying most of the roads available. Instead, he simply advanced at a good pace, avoiding the humans as much as possible and making sure the dragon did not distance him.
He gave it a glance, feeling more at ease with its imposing presence by his side.
"We are getting closer," he said with joy.
It was true. The buildings surrounding them gave way to more room to circulate, the area looked less crowded and he could smell an air less polluted by combustion. He forgot the setting, which had became a simple blur and only focused on keeping the same pace with his companion.
He found himself laughing, his heart alleviated from doubts and confusion. It didn't matter where they were headed. The only thing important right now was this feeling of freedom. From his very birth in this world he had always felt closer to the wild. Sprinting without a care in the world next to feral beasts brought him unmeasurable delight. It was different from being in the presence of the King but, not any less exhilarating. And the fact that the Wingless One was with him accentuated this sensation. Being alive to experiment this again was a blessing for him.
Soon, they had reached their goal and Enkidu contemplated the surroundings with a satisfied look. It didn't take him long to spot the two women headed in the same general direction than man and wyrm.
One of them had auburn hair and was shorter than her companion, her body reminiscent of those of the priestesses of Ishtar.The other one had hair on lighter side of brown and pale skin. She appeared to look a bit ill. Both wearing clothes of this era. Something that looked quite impractical to the man of another age.
With an eyebrow raised, he eyed the Wingless One. He felt a new sentiment of closeness with the scaly beast.
"Should we ask them for directions? They might know of a place we could use for ourselves."
****
Arcueid - Tokyo TowerArcueid watched the King laugh in earnest with mild interest.
You are not what I had expected from an Ancestor, certainly.
For a reason beyond her understanding, he seemed to have liked what she had said, in spite of the fact that she had been serious. She showed a pouting face when the blond man spoke once more.
I must disappoint you - I have only one friend. Only one man is my equal, and throughout all of time this will never change.
Her face stiffened. Once again, the regal leader of Uruk clearly stated that it was something he would never reconsider. A hard determination. It only told her of how high he esteemed this unique friend of his.
She knew of this man. Gilgamesh, a proud king who ruled the most glorious Kingdom of humanity. His story inspired many legends but even his might could never last for long. His story took a dark turn after a certain event. She had heard horrible tales of his cruelty and how much of a tyrant he was. But right now, all she could see was someone honoring a precious comrade. She envied him for having such a precious bond. And so, when the next question came, she was lost in her thoughts.
What of you, Ancestor?
Contemplating bitter regrets and joyful memories of her own, she didn't hear the King's question. Just for an instant, only the face of boy with glasses occupied her mind. Instead, with her gaze finally meeting his, she said.
"You're not as cold as I imagined you."
Her glare became harsher.
"I had heard of a Golden King around these parts. Someone ruling a business like they would rule over slaves. A being with a presence like no other. Someone willing to wipe out those who would stand in their way."
She paused, never breaking eye contact.
"I initially intended to crush you where you stood, King of Uruk."
Murderous intent seeped through her voice.
"You see, I can't have a tyrant engrossed in himself rule over this city."
Her serious expression softened and she gave him a smile.
"But seeing you talk warmly of your friend made me change my mind. You proved me that you're not a heartless person. You've shown genuine interest upon meeting again with this phoenix. And finally, you didn't attack me after I pushed and provoked you to that extent."
She offered him a handshake.
"You might be exactly the person the Nexus need. As you know, it is not my role to protect humanity. But you know how to rule. I only request that you stay fair as you do so."