Digimon Sha Nagba Imuru
- Thread starter Ryuugi
- Start date
Ah, well, things are a little bit different in SNI, mainly in that Gil works for Adam. So while she'll probably worry about it, Gil won't try turning Takato against her...mainly because he's tried so many times with Adam, he's pretty much given up. He doesn't like Lilith and her Lilith-ness worries him somewhat, but he's long since given up on convincing Adam (or Sophia, but that's a different story) to give up on her (besides, he knows she's done more to the two of them then pretty much everything Gil's been around to see, so if they aren't out for blood yet, well...). He's pretty much at the '...but if she tries anything...!' phase, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
So she'll probably worry more about him killing Takato or keeping him from becoming a Supernal...neither of which is an issue, since, as I said, Gil hangs out with Adam. He doesn't know everything about Adam's plan, but he's aware that he doesn't. He does, however, know more about it than...well, pretty much anyone else. He handled a lot of the stuf that was happening in the Lower Realms while Adam was confined to the Higher.
Lilith and Sophia don't know how much Gil knows, but they are pretty sure he works for Adam. Neither of them know for sure (since they can't, you know, ask Adam), but they're pretty sure. Lilith kind of expected Gil to show up eventually, no matter how much she wished he'd just go die somewhere. She just didn't expect him to show up nearly a year before anything important happened, even though he shouldn't know anything about what's going on.
Gil doesn't know that Takato will get the Agenda of Boundaries...but he does know that Adam needs it. After all, he's the other guy who has it and he nearly gave it to him. Would have given it to him, in fact, but...
So she'll probably worry more about him killing Takato or keeping him from becoming a Supernal...neither of which is an issue, since, as I said, Gil hangs out with Adam. He doesn't know everything about Adam's plan, but he's aware that he doesn't. He does, however, know more about it than...well, pretty much anyone else. He handled a lot of the stuf that was happening in the Lower Realms while Adam was confined to the Higher.
Lilith and Sophia don't know how much Gil knows, but they are pretty sure he works for Adam. Neither of them know for sure (since they can't, you know, ask Adam), but they're pretty sure. Lilith kind of expected Gil to show up eventually, no matter how much she wished he'd just go die somewhere. She just didn't expect him to show up nearly a year before anything important happened, even though he shouldn't know anything about what's going on.
Gil doesn't know that Takato will get the Agenda of Boundaries...but he does know that Adam needs it. After all, he's the other guy who has it and he nearly gave it to him. Would have given it to him, in fact, but...
XxXXxX
And so it was that Gil became the most popular kid in class.
He'd proceeded to annoy the other three boys about it for days.
ôOh, ye of little faith.ö HeÆd said, looking smug.
ôHowÆd you learn how to play so well?ö Takato asked.
He shrugged.
ôMaybe I learnt it in another life.ö He said, and he seemed to actually be pondering the possibility.
Kazu, Kenta, and Takato benefited slightly from his popularity, but otherwise, things were about the same as always. The next months passed and things were normal. The boys went to school and played cards. Gil was always good at the game and Takato couldnÆt win to save his life. Every few weeks, Gil would do something and somehow gather a large amount of attention, as if he was a celebrity that everyone forgot about until they were actually looking at him.
But otherwise, the boyÆs simply lived; did homework, played games, and had fun.
Until that day came and everything started to change.
At the time, it was only Gil who knew what was to come, but even he did not know how to feel about it.
Happiness that things were finally beginning?
Anticipation for their plan?
Sadness for Takato, his friend, would now have to go through?
àIt didnÆt matter how he felt.
Things were in motion now.
They had been since before even he had been born.
What was to comeà
It wouldnÆt stop just for some feelings.
The only way to stop things now would be to kill Takato, butàhe wouldnÆt do that.
Becauseà
XxXXxX
ôHey, guys! What are you doing; weÆre gonna be late!ö Kazu shouted.
Takato hung down over the edge of the Dinosaur and shouted back.
ôJust wait a second, Kazu!ö
Gil just chuckled, sitting beside Takato.
He knew they would come to an end eventually, but days like thisà
They werenÆt too bad, he supposed.
Takato hastily scooped his cards into their box, not bothering to be orderly. However, he accidentally tipped the box over in the process, sending itùand the cardsùtumbling over the edge.
ôAh!ö Takato exclaimed, trying to catch them in time and failing. ôAw, man; what a messàö
GilÆs chuckle became a laugh as he jumped down to the ground, ready to help put the cards back in their place.
They would be late to school again today, he thought amusedly.
ôHuh?ö
TakatoÆs surprise drew GilÆs attention and he quickly found the source.
His amusement abruptly faded.
There was a blue card amongst the others, he noticed.
There was one problem with that.
ôDid I have a card like this?ö Takato wondered, jumping down.
No, Gil wanted to say.
Takato definitely did not have a card like that.
But then the light reflected off of its surface just right and he saw the symbol upon it.
Gil was stuck between conflicting feelings in that moment.
Between æthe day had arrivedÆ and æthese days have ended.Æ
Even so, he was nothing if not through. He quickly examined the card for any hints of a trap. Nobody should have known how special Matsuki Takato was, yet; well, nobody who wanted him dead. However, itÆs possible someone had recognized him, in which case they might strike at the boy as a way of getting to him.
In which case, he would need to hunt someone down and annihilate them.
But no, that didnÆt seem to be the case. There were no traps of Supernal nature upon the card.
It did, however, feel like data, which told Gil everything he needed to know. He drew back, content to let event proceed as they would.
Takato, after a moment of hesitation, lifted the card to his scanner and slashed it.
Gil didnÆt even flinch at the sudden burst of light, even as Takato stumbled back. Sparks cackled about the device and smoke began to leak from it.
ôWhat theà?ö Takato asked, lowering his arms. ôIt broke!?ö
Numbers and words suddenly started to scroll across the screen, moving too fast to be easily seen.
Takato and Gil stared in silence, though their reasons differed.
And suddenly the school bell rang, ruining the moment.
ôOh no!ö Takato said, going back to shoveling his cards into the box. ôWeÆre late!ö
He but the strangely acting scanner in the dinosaur and turned and ran. He stopped a few meters away to look at Gil, who hadnÆt moved.
ôCome on, Gil; we gotta go!ö
Gil looked at Takato with strangely intense eyes, and the young boy subconsciously took a step back. Then the blond blinked, and the look was gone, replaced swiftly with a smile.
ôAh,ö He said. ôYouÆre right. Lead the way.ö
Takato nodded quickly and the two boys took off.
He never noticed when his blonde friend frowned.
Keep going, Takato; go as far as you can and never stop. You donÆt have to worry; you can win. AndàI will follow you, even if it takes us into Hell. After allà
You are my Master.
XxXXxX
And so it was that Gil became the most popular kid in class.
He'd proceeded to annoy the other three boys about it for days.
ôOh, ye of little faith.ö HeÆd said, looking smug.
ôHowÆd you learn how to play so well?ö Takato asked.
He shrugged.
ôMaybe I learnt it in another life.ö He said, and he seemed to actually be pondering the possibility.
Kazu, Kenta, and Takato benefited slightly from his popularity, but otherwise, things were about the same as always. The next months passed and things were normal. The boys went to school and played cards. Gil was always good at the game and Takato couldnÆt win to save his life. Every few weeks, Gil would do something and somehow gather a large amount of attention, as if he was a celebrity that everyone forgot about until they were actually looking at him.
But otherwise, the boyÆs simply lived; did homework, played games, and had fun.
Until that day came and everything started to change.
At the time, it was only Gil who knew what was to come, but even he did not know how to feel about it.
Happiness that things were finally beginning?
Anticipation for their plan?
Sadness for Takato, his friend, would now have to go through?
àIt didnÆt matter how he felt.
Things were in motion now.
They had been since before even he had been born.
What was to comeà
It wouldnÆt stop just for some feelings.
The only way to stop things now would be to kill Takato, butàhe wouldnÆt do that.
Becauseà
XxXXxX
ôHey, guys! What are you doing; weÆre gonna be late!ö Kazu shouted.
Takato hung down over the edge of the Dinosaur and shouted back.
ôJust wait a second, Kazu!ö
Gil just chuckled, sitting beside Takato.
He knew they would come to an end eventually, but days like thisà
They werenÆt too bad, he supposed.
Takato hastily scooped his cards into their box, not bothering to be orderly. However, he accidentally tipped the box over in the process, sending itùand the cardsùtumbling over the edge.
ôAh!ö Takato exclaimed, trying to catch them in time and failing. ôAw, man; what a messàö
GilÆs chuckle became a laugh as he jumped down to the ground, ready to help put the cards back in their place.
They would be late to school again today, he thought amusedly.
ôHuh?ö
TakatoÆs surprise drew GilÆs attention and he quickly found the source.
His amusement abruptly faded.
There was a blue card amongst the others, he noticed.
There was one problem with that.
ôDid I have a card like this?ö Takato wondered, jumping down.
No, Gil wanted to say.
Takato definitely did not have a card like that.
But then the light reflected off of its surface just right and he saw the symbol upon it.
Gil was stuck between conflicting feelings in that moment.
Between æthe day had arrivedÆ and æthese days have ended.Æ
Even so, he was nothing if not through. He quickly examined the card for any hints of a trap. Nobody should have known how special Matsuki Takato was, yet; well, nobody who wanted him dead. However, itÆs possible someone had recognized him, in which case they might strike at the boy as a way of getting to him.
In which case, he would need to hunt someone down and annihilate them.
But no, that didnÆt seem to be the case. There were no traps of Supernal nature upon the card.
It did, however, feel like data, which told Gil everything he needed to know. He drew back, content to let event proceed as they would.
Takato, after a moment of hesitation, lifted the card to his scanner and slashed it.
Gil didnÆt even flinch at the sudden burst of light, even as Takato stumbled back. Sparks cackled about the device and smoke began to leak from it.
ôWhat theà?ö Takato asked, lowering his arms. ôIt broke!?ö
Numbers and words suddenly started to scroll across the screen, moving too fast to be easily seen.
Takato and Gil stared in silence, though their reasons differed.
And suddenly the school bell rang, ruining the moment.
ôOh no!ö Takato said, going back to shoveling his cards into the box. ôWeÆre late!ö
He but the strangely acting scanner in the dinosaur and turned and ran. He stopped a few meters away to look at Gil, who hadnÆt moved.
ôCome on, Gil; we gotta go!ö
Gil looked at Takato with strangely intense eyes, and the young boy subconsciously took a step back. Then the blond blinked, and the look was gone, replaced swiftly with a smile.
ôAh,ö He said. ôYouÆre right. Lead the way.ö
Takato nodded quickly and the two boys took off.
He never noticed when his blonde friend frowned.
Keep going, Takato; go as far as you can and never stop. You donÆt have to worry; you can win. AndàI will follow you, even if it takes us into Hell. After allà
You are my Master.
XxXXxX
I'd like to give Hitherby Dragon's the credit it deserves, because without it, I'm not sure I could write scenes like this. Especially the stories of Siddhartha and the dove story this is based on.
____________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru
First Interlude
Of Gilgamesh, Micael, and a Dove
ôWhy, Gil,ö Micael says. ôYou have shot down a dove.ö
The boy sitting on the ground beside him looked up. They sit in the middle of the Forest, two days after the Sabbath. One of the boys is training, whilst the other simply watches, for his training is of a different nature.
It is over two thousand years before the Holy War and the Old Age of Mankind has but recently ended. The Advent of Micael has replaced it.
The blonde boyÆs name is Gilgamesh. HeÆll tell you that everyone calls him Gil, but that wouldnÆt be true. At best, only a large fraction of those who are Supernal, know enough about him to make a reference to him, and do not have cause to hate him call him that, plus a few scattered humans, and it specifically does not include Metatron.
That bastard calls him Bilgames, or so Adam tells him.
He takes a moment to fume about this, even though heÆs barely met him, and vows to kick his ass next time he does.
The other is also a man, or at least his incarnation is. He is Micael, the youngest of the Aspects of God. He has a human name as well, which in some years time will be far more famous than Micael, a name no mortal yet knows. Every human who learns of his actions will call him by that name for a long time yet, though Supernals often refer to him just as Micael. Again, there is one notable exception in the form of Lilith, who calls him Idiot.
Gil fumes about that too and resolves to kick her ass next time he sees her, though Micael doesnÆt care.
After heÆs done, he searches for the dove Micael speaks of and finds it in a moment, droplets of blood on its wing and more soaked into the Earth beneath it.
He must have hit it while training, he noted impassively, rising slowly even as Micael hurried to its side.
ôIt is still alive.ö Micael said.
ôI will kill it.ö Gil replies, walking over. ôAnd ease its suffering.ö
Gilgamesh crouches beside the bird and takes out his knife, but Micael stops him with a hand.
ôGil, have I not lived a thousand lives?ö He asked, and Gil knew he referred to his mortal soul, for Micael was very young. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
Gil blinked in casual incomprehension.
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies anyway.
ôAnd Gil, have you not lived a thousand lives?ö Micael asked, referring to GilÆs mortal soul, for in the grand scheme of things, he was not so much older than Micael. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies, though what he wanted to say was:
æI donÆt think Humanity has been around quite that longàÆ
ôAnd never once,ö Micael begins. ôIn all that time have you been like a dove? Small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world?ö
Gil denies it instantly.
ôI am Gilgamesh, King of Heroes.ö He says, as if that explained everything.
ôAnd never once,ö Micael continues. ôIn all that time have I been like a dove? Bloodied, dying, but beautiful? Struck down by things beyond my power to change or control?ö
There was meaning behind his words, but Gil did not yet see them, so he laughed instead.
ôYou are the Anointed One, Micael.ö He says. ôYou are a God of this World. You shall rule everything, when this is done. You transcend such powers; so Adam says.ö
Micael frowns.
ôPerhaps.ö He says.
Gil smiles.
ôPerhaps.ö He agrees.
Micael brushes the doveÆs feathers gently and they glowed with light. The bird thrashes, but soon subsides, and Gil could see the wound closing before his eyes.
Micael smiled happily.
ôItÆs healing.ö He said.
Gil sighs as he rises to his feet.
ôIt is a dove, Micael.ö He says. ôWe are as Gods to it.ö
ôOh?ö Micael seemed amused.
ôI am the destroyer.ö Gil said. ôA swift and terrible pain that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. You are the savior, a swift and wonderful relief that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. What point is there in your actions, Micael? It remains a dove.ö
Micael shrugs, a casual response given only to his friend, and answers.
ôThat is not for you or I to say.ö He says.
ôLet me take it aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh requested, seeing no point in doing such things for a dove. ôI will take it from your life and you will never see it again.ö
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö Micael says, picking up the dove. He cradles it to his chest and begins to walk through the forest.
Gil frowns at the use of his full name, not understanding it for Micael doesnÆt seem irritated, but he follows.
ôIt is only fair, Micael.ö Gil says. ôIt was I who shot it down. It should be I who decides its fate.ö
Micael smiles.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He repeats.
XxXXxX
____________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru
First Interlude
Of Gilgamesh, Micael, and a Dove
ôWhy, Gil,ö Micael says. ôYou have shot down a dove.ö
The boy sitting on the ground beside him looked up. They sit in the middle of the Forest, two days after the Sabbath. One of the boys is training, whilst the other simply watches, for his training is of a different nature.
It is over two thousand years before the Holy War and the Old Age of Mankind has but recently ended. The Advent of Micael has replaced it.
The blonde boyÆs name is Gilgamesh. HeÆll tell you that everyone calls him Gil, but that wouldnÆt be true. At best, only a large fraction of those who are Supernal, know enough about him to make a reference to him, and do not have cause to hate him call him that, plus a few scattered humans, and it specifically does not include Metatron.
That bastard calls him Bilgames, or so Adam tells him.
He takes a moment to fume about this, even though heÆs barely met him, and vows to kick his ass next time he does.
The other is also a man, or at least his incarnation is. He is Micael, the youngest of the Aspects of God. He has a human name as well, which in some years time will be far more famous than Micael, a name no mortal yet knows. Every human who learns of his actions will call him by that name for a long time yet, though Supernals often refer to him just as Micael. Again, there is one notable exception in the form of Lilith, who calls him Idiot.
Gil fumes about that too and resolves to kick her ass next time he sees her, though Micael doesnÆt care.
After heÆs done, he searches for the dove Micael speaks of and finds it in a moment, droplets of blood on its wing and more soaked into the Earth beneath it.
He must have hit it while training, he noted impassively, rising slowly even as Micael hurried to its side.
ôIt is still alive.ö Micael said.
ôI will kill it.ö Gil replies, walking over. ôAnd ease its suffering.ö
Gilgamesh crouches beside the bird and takes out his knife, but Micael stops him with a hand.
ôGil, have I not lived a thousand lives?ö He asked, and Gil knew he referred to his mortal soul, for Micael was very young. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
Gil blinked in casual incomprehension.
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies anyway.
ôAnd Gil, have you not lived a thousand lives?ö Micael asked, referring to GilÆs mortal soul, for in the grand scheme of things, he was not so much older than Micael. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies, though what he wanted to say was:
æI donÆt think Humanity has been around quite that longàÆ
ôAnd never once,ö Micael begins. ôIn all that time have you been like a dove? Small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world?ö
Gil denies it instantly.
ôI am Gilgamesh, King of Heroes.ö He says, as if that explained everything.
ôAnd never once,ö Micael continues. ôIn all that time have I been like a dove? Bloodied, dying, but beautiful? Struck down by things beyond my power to change or control?ö
There was meaning behind his words, but Gil did not yet see them, so he laughed instead.
ôYou are the Anointed One, Micael.ö He says. ôYou are a God of this World. You shall rule everything, when this is done. You transcend such powers; so Adam says.ö
Micael frowns.
ôPerhaps.ö He says.
Gil smiles.
ôPerhaps.ö He agrees.
Micael brushes the doveÆs feathers gently and they glowed with light. The bird thrashes, but soon subsides, and Gil could see the wound closing before his eyes.
Micael smiled happily.
ôItÆs healing.ö He said.
Gil sighs as he rises to his feet.
ôIt is a dove, Micael.ö He says. ôWe are as Gods to it.ö
ôOh?ö Micael seemed amused.
ôI am the destroyer.ö Gil said. ôA swift and terrible pain that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. You are the savior, a swift and wonderful relief that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. What point is there in your actions, Micael? It remains a dove.ö
Micael shrugs, a casual response given only to his friend, and answers.
ôThat is not for you or I to say.ö He says.
ôLet me take it aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh requested, seeing no point in doing such things for a dove. ôI will take it from your life and you will never see it again.ö
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö Micael says, picking up the dove. He cradles it to his chest and begins to walk through the forest.
Gil frowns at the use of his full name, not understanding it for Micael doesnÆt seem irritated, but he follows.
ôIt is only fair, Micael.ö Gil says. ôIt was I who shot it down. It should be I who decides its fate.ö
Micael smiles.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He repeats.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
Micael is preoccupied with his dove. Gilgamesh, be frustration and annoyance. They wander from their path through the forest, and strayed onto paths known for their dangers.
Neither notice, but itÆs unlike they would have cared if they had.
ôIt is the nature of things, Micael.ö Gilgamesh argues. ôDoves are not for saving, they are for killing. They are small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world.ö
Micael shakes his head calmly.
Gilgamesh doesnÆt back down. It was a matter of pride now; that bird needed to die.
ôThey are weak. Prey. And as prey, they are made to be cut down. That is how the world works, Micael.ö
ôIt was I who first noticed it.ö Micael countered. ôAnd it was I who healed it. I saved it; is it not then mine?ö
There was movement and a lurking of shadows and from them skulked forth a Demon name Halphas.
ôIÆm inclined to agree with your more ruthless peer.ö The Demonic Armorer said.
Micael blinked, gazing at the new arrival in confusion.
ôAnd who might you be?ö He asked.
The Demon smirked, but was unknowingly compelled to respond.
ôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a murderer of men and gods alike, taking lives as a small demon ought. I am Halphas, Count of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
The duo was silent for a moment, as Micael tilted his head to the side and Gilgamesh gazed onwards with blank eyes.
ôI meet this news with some small consternation.ö Micael admitted, not sure how to react to that. Did he know who heÆd accosted?
Some might say he was fairly lucky to stuble across the one he was looking for.
And others, Micael thought as he glanced at Gilgamesh, would know better.
ôItÆs best to be resigned to such things.ö Halphas said. ôThis world is harsh and full of suffering; all things within it know pain. Such is the way of thingsö
Gil nodded in agreement at that and reached for his knife with the intention of making it harsher and fuller of suffering for one person in particular.
Micael laid a hand on his arm.
ôI know that you wish to deal with him, my friend,ö He said. ôBut he too is wounded and he too I wish to help.ö
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh pleaded. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael laughed.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He says, smiling gently.
ôThis interaction puzzles me.ö The Count of Hell admits.
Gil sighs, resigned.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
Halphas the Count hesitates at the words of the King, but then he nods curtly and they travel on.
XxXXxX
Micael is preoccupied with his dove. Gilgamesh, be frustration and annoyance. They wander from their path through the forest, and strayed onto paths known for their dangers.
Neither notice, but itÆs unlike they would have cared if they had.
ôIt is the nature of things, Micael.ö Gilgamesh argues. ôDoves are not for saving, they are for killing. They are small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world.ö
Micael shakes his head calmly.
Gilgamesh doesnÆt back down. It was a matter of pride now; that bird needed to die.
ôThey are weak. Prey. And as prey, they are made to be cut down. That is how the world works, Micael.ö
ôIt was I who first noticed it.ö Micael countered. ôAnd it was I who healed it. I saved it; is it not then mine?ö
There was movement and a lurking of shadows and from them skulked forth a Demon name Halphas.
ôIÆm inclined to agree with your more ruthless peer.ö The Demonic Armorer said.
Micael blinked, gazing at the new arrival in confusion.
ôAnd who might you be?ö He asked.
The Demon smirked, but was unknowingly compelled to respond.
ôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a murderer of men and gods alike, taking lives as a small demon ought. I am Halphas, Count of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
The duo was silent for a moment, as Micael tilted his head to the side and Gilgamesh gazed onwards with blank eyes.
ôI meet this news with some small consternation.ö Micael admitted, not sure how to react to that. Did he know who heÆd accosted?
Some might say he was fairly lucky to stuble across the one he was looking for.
And others, Micael thought as he glanced at Gilgamesh, would know better.
ôItÆs best to be resigned to such things.ö Halphas said. ôThis world is harsh and full of suffering; all things within it know pain. Such is the way of thingsö
Gil nodded in agreement at that and reached for his knife with the intention of making it harsher and fuller of suffering for one person in particular.
Micael laid a hand on his arm.
ôI know that you wish to deal with him, my friend,ö He said. ôBut he too is wounded and he too I wish to help.ö
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh pleaded. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael laughed.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He says, smiling gently.
ôThis interaction puzzles me.ö The Count of Hell admits.
Gil sighs, resigned.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
Halphas the Count hesitates at the words of the King, but then he nods curtly and they travel on.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
ôIt is my thought,ö Micael says after some time. ôThat even in this dove lays the infinite spirit of Adam Kadmon and it is thus capable of unlimited accomplishments. That is why I have claimed it as my own, rather than allowed its life to be taken.ö
Gilgamesh gazed at him for a moment in silent contemplation before nodding.
ôVery well, my friend.ö He said, passion suddenly burning in his eyes. ôI will risk my life to test this theory in mortal combat. Man against dove; blade against beak. The power of its spirit will burst forth, unrestrained, and awe those who bear witness like the lightning and the thunder that follows it. Its battle aura shall ascend to the Heavens! And one will live and the other shall be his trophy, but which is which, I cannot say!ö
ôI should hate to lose my best friend,ö says Micael.
GilÆs mood immediately soured and he frowned at his friend, who simply closed his eyes and smiled teasingly.
ôHow cruel fate is.ö A new voice said, dripping with amusement. ôThat you should save your friend from death at the hand of a dove, only to lose him at the hands of Samigina!ö
The pairùand Halphas, who the pair had completely ignoredùturned towards the voice, which belonged to a man. He was well dressed, unfitting for someone wandering in the forest, but there didnÆt seem to be any dirt on him. From his complexion, he likely came from one of the nearby countries, though probably not the one they were currently in.
Micael raised an eyebrow.
ôYou are another demon, then?ö
And Samigina was compelled to speak.
ôôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a terror of men and gods alike, taking lives as a medium demon ought. I am Samigina, Marquis of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
Gilgamesh blinks slowly, before turning to his friend.
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh tried, though he already knew the answer. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael shook his head and Gilgamesh sighed.
Suddenly, an idea struck him and he turned to Halphas contemplatively.
ôPerhaps,ö He said to him. ôYou should engage he in battle. If you defeat her and devour his Existence, surely you will profit great, and we would be allowed to proceed unmolested.ö
ôI am a Count,ö Halphas replied. ôWhile he is a Marquis; he outmatches me.ö
Samigina smirked, making Halphas sulk.
Gilgamesh just sighed. He looked down to the Earth and up to the sky, as if he might find some answer in those places.
And then he spoke.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
His eyes turn slightly red as he speaks, catching SamiginaÆs own.
He hesitates and then nods.
ôThere are many who do not like Demons,ö He admits. ôShould I come across them, it would be convenient to have two hostages and Count at my side.ö
They continue on.
XxXXxX
ôIt is my thought,ö Micael says after some time. ôThat even in this dove lays the infinite spirit of Adam Kadmon and it is thus capable of unlimited accomplishments. That is why I have claimed it as my own, rather than allowed its life to be taken.ö
Gilgamesh gazed at him for a moment in silent contemplation before nodding.
ôVery well, my friend.ö He said, passion suddenly burning in his eyes. ôI will risk my life to test this theory in mortal combat. Man against dove; blade against beak. The power of its spirit will burst forth, unrestrained, and awe those who bear witness like the lightning and the thunder that follows it. Its battle aura shall ascend to the Heavens! And one will live and the other shall be his trophy, but which is which, I cannot say!ö
ôI should hate to lose my best friend,ö says Micael.
GilÆs mood immediately soured and he frowned at his friend, who simply closed his eyes and smiled teasingly.
ôHow cruel fate is.ö A new voice said, dripping with amusement. ôThat you should save your friend from death at the hand of a dove, only to lose him at the hands of Samigina!ö
The pairùand Halphas, who the pair had completely ignoredùturned towards the voice, which belonged to a man. He was well dressed, unfitting for someone wandering in the forest, but there didnÆt seem to be any dirt on him. From his complexion, he likely came from one of the nearby countries, though probably not the one they were currently in.
Micael raised an eyebrow.
ôYou are another demon, then?ö
And Samigina was compelled to speak.
ôôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a terror of men and gods alike, taking lives as a medium demon ought. I am Samigina, Marquis of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
Gilgamesh blinks slowly, before turning to his friend.
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh tried, though he already knew the answer. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael shook his head and Gilgamesh sighed.
Suddenly, an idea struck him and he turned to Halphas contemplatively.
ôPerhaps,ö He said to him. ôYou should engage he in battle. If you defeat her and devour his Existence, surely you will profit great, and we would be allowed to proceed unmolested.ö
ôI am a Count,ö Halphas replied. ôWhile he is a Marquis; he outmatches me.ö
Samigina smirked, making Halphas sulk.
Gilgamesh just sighed. He looked down to the Earth and up to the sky, as if he might find some answer in those places.
And then he spoke.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
His eyes turn slightly red as he speaks, catching SamiginaÆs own.
He hesitates and then nods.
ôThere are many who do not like Demons,ö He admits. ôShould I come across them, it would be convenient to have two hostages and Count at my side.ö
They continue on.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
Micael speaks again after pondering his response.
ôIt is better to heal than to destroy,ö He says firmly. ôTo, rather than casting out the soul, instead nurture it and carve from it perfection. Even this dove has the potential for perfection with in it, and that is why I claim it. You would destroy it, I would save itàSurely mine is the greater claim.ö
ôPerfection is not safety,ö Gilgamesh replies. ôEven good things may be hurt. And even good things may be weak. And even good things may be killed. Thisàis not right. But this is not wrong; it is simple a consequence. It is because ægoodÆ does not mean ævictorÆ and it does not mean æunbreakable.Æö
GilÆs thoughts drift to Sophia, but he shakes them away and continues.
ôThe Greatest King is not the Greatest Servant.ö He says, nodding at Micael and knowing heÆd understand that. ôJust as the Greatest Woman is not the Greatest Man. The Greatest Dove is not a Gate of Atziluth and I dare say it would fly no better if it were.ö
ôSurely, Halphas, you would side with me?ö Micael tries, glancing back at the demon, who had been quiet since the arrival of the Marquis.
He probably didnÆt wish to draw attention to himself, but he replied to MicaelÆs question anyway.
ôA dove is weak,ö He said. ôAnd therefore prey. It was simply born that way. If it has been shot down, then it meat.ö
This was the code the DemonÆs lived by.
ôSamigina,ö Micael tries again. ôWould you not side with me?ö
The Marquis looked at him impassively.
ôWould you judge a sculptor by the stone?ö He asked. ôHe works with but work alone. What does it matter what lay within the dove or the stone before one sets to work? Whether it is nurtured or stolen, nothing in this world is perfect and beauty fades with time. What does it matter, then; the life of this dove?ö
Micael frowned, faintly.
They near the edge of the woods, but there is someone waiting there. He is a man and not a man; a Demon in human form like those behind them. But he is not like the others and his eyes burn with a terrible fire.
At the sight of him, Halphas and Samigina change completely, and the pair of Demons begins to cower behind the friends. Halphas is cursing quietly and Samigina staring in silent fear.
A compulsion is all it takes to learn why.
ôI am Asmodeus, Prince of Hell.ö The man stated with a smirk. ôI am an Archdemon and I stand with few equals in all the world!ö
ôAh, wonderful.ö Micael replied, smiling gently at his æbrother.Æ ôPerhaps you can help us resolve a dilemma.ö
Asmodeus pauses, not expecting such a reply. He tilts his head to one side, frowning in confusion.
ôPerhaps.ö He says, after a moment.
ôIt is the dove.ö Micael says, holding up the small creature. ôMy friend says that it belongs to him, for he shot it down. I say that it is mine, for I wish to heal it. Is it the destroyer or savior who has the greater claim?ö
ôYou are both fools,ö Asmodeus replies immediately. ôTo claim ownership of something you have hurt.ö
However, he then turns to Gilgamesh, and speaks.
ôTo claim what you hurt is not truly destruction,ö Says the one who owns Destruction. ôDestruction is like the fire and the wind, sweeping through and claiming nothing and leaving nothing but silence behind. To claim ownership goes against its purpose; the simple intention betrays the act.ö
ôAh,ö Says Micael, smiling.
GilÆs eyebrow twitched.
ôIs he smug because an Archdemon Prince agrees with him,ö Gil muttered. ôWhile my demons are merely a minor Count and a Marquis?ö
He lifts his voice.
ôLet me take him aside, my friend! I will take him from your life and you will never see him again and we can take another vote!ö
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her seven times?ö He asked carefully.
The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up, staring at the pair in fear.
ôEight times.ö Gilgamesh corrected.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her eight times? Perhaps, due to events beyond my knowledge, recently increased from seven?ö
ôYes,ö Micael said.
ôOh.ö Asmodeus replied.
End of Interlude
Micael speaks again after pondering his response.
ôIt is better to heal than to destroy,ö He says firmly. ôTo, rather than casting out the soul, instead nurture it and carve from it perfection. Even this dove has the potential for perfection with in it, and that is why I claim it. You would destroy it, I would save itàSurely mine is the greater claim.ö
ôPerfection is not safety,ö Gilgamesh replies. ôEven good things may be hurt. And even good things may be weak. And even good things may be killed. Thisàis not right. But this is not wrong; it is simple a consequence. It is because ægoodÆ does not mean ævictorÆ and it does not mean æunbreakable.Æö
GilÆs thoughts drift to Sophia, but he shakes them away and continues.
ôThe Greatest King is not the Greatest Servant.ö He says, nodding at Micael and knowing heÆd understand that. ôJust as the Greatest Woman is not the Greatest Man. The Greatest Dove is not a Gate of Atziluth and I dare say it would fly no better if it were.ö
ôSurely, Halphas, you would side with me?ö Micael tries, glancing back at the demon, who had been quiet since the arrival of the Marquis.
He probably didnÆt wish to draw attention to himself, but he replied to MicaelÆs question anyway.
ôA dove is weak,ö He said. ôAnd therefore prey. It was simply born that way. If it has been shot down, then it meat.ö
This was the code the DemonÆs lived by.
ôSamigina,ö Micael tries again. ôWould you not side with me?ö
The Marquis looked at him impassively.
ôWould you judge a sculptor by the stone?ö He asked. ôHe works with but work alone. What does it matter what lay within the dove or the stone before one sets to work? Whether it is nurtured or stolen, nothing in this world is perfect and beauty fades with time. What does it matter, then; the life of this dove?ö
Micael frowned, faintly.
They near the edge of the woods, but there is someone waiting there. He is a man and not a man; a Demon in human form like those behind them. But he is not like the others and his eyes burn with a terrible fire.
At the sight of him, Halphas and Samigina change completely, and the pair of Demons begins to cower behind the friends. Halphas is cursing quietly and Samigina staring in silent fear.
A compulsion is all it takes to learn why.
ôI am Asmodeus, Prince of Hell.ö The man stated with a smirk. ôI am an Archdemon and I stand with few equals in all the world!ö
ôAh, wonderful.ö Micael replied, smiling gently at his æbrother.Æ ôPerhaps you can help us resolve a dilemma.ö
Asmodeus pauses, not expecting such a reply. He tilts his head to one side, frowning in confusion.
ôPerhaps.ö He says, after a moment.
ôIt is the dove.ö Micael says, holding up the small creature. ôMy friend says that it belongs to him, for he shot it down. I say that it is mine, for I wish to heal it. Is it the destroyer or savior who has the greater claim?ö
ôYou are both fools,ö Asmodeus replies immediately. ôTo claim ownership of something you have hurt.ö
However, he then turns to Gilgamesh, and speaks.
ôTo claim what you hurt is not truly destruction,ö Says the one who owns Destruction. ôDestruction is like the fire and the wind, sweeping through and claiming nothing and leaving nothing but silence behind. To claim ownership goes against its purpose; the simple intention betrays the act.ö
ôAh,ö Says Micael, smiling.
GilÆs eyebrow twitched.
ôIs he smug because an Archdemon Prince agrees with him,ö Gil muttered. ôWhile my demons are merely a minor Count and a Marquis?ö
He lifts his voice.
ôLet me take him aside, my friend! I will take him from your life and you will never see him again and we can take another vote!ö
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her seven times?ö He asked carefully.
The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up, staring at the pair in fear.
ôEight times.ö Gilgamesh corrected.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her eight times? Perhaps, due to events beyond my knowledge, recently increased from seven?ö
ôYes,ö Micael said.
ôOh.ö Asmodeus replied.
End of Interlude
Aftermath
It was not in GilgameshÆs nature. He was not one for subtlety and he was even less for the means he was currently using.
He was not one to shroud himself in darkness and shadow and ghost through the crowd; he would shine like the sun and the crowds would part before him! Why should he need to resort to slipping through unnoticed and hide his approach with his power? He was Awe and Glory and Pride!
It was not like him to do a thing such as this; to wrap himself in illusions and create a Boundary between Illusion and Reality.
It was not that he was incapable, but he chose not to use such means.
Yes, it was not like him.
It was not something he would normally do.
It was something heÆd have to swallow his pride to do.
Even so, he walked through the crowds, hidden from sight. The people drifted around him, even bumping into him, but also never noticing him.
He wondered why he didnÆt just shift his location in Space; if he was going against his nature, at least that way would be faster.
But he knew why. He was walking through the crowds for the same reason he was using his powers.
Today was the day a dear friend of his suffered.
And these people had watched. Had been happy to see Micael in pain.
He thought about opening his Reality Script. It wouldnÆt be hard to kill all of them; it would be over in minutes, even if he took his time. He could hunt down everyone involved and send them screaming back to Adam Kadmon and steal Micael away and put an end to this here and now.
He didnÆt.
Instead, he looked around as he walked. He looked at the faces and the eyes of the crowd and at the emotions there in and stayed his hand.
Besides, he had more important things to do.
HeÆd taken his time, because a large part of him didnÆt want to reach his destination, but heÆd reached it anyway.
He glanced up at his friend and then glanced back down to the ground, overtaken by unpleasant emotions.
The Boundary between Illusion and Reality expanded, covering them both. No one would hear them or notice something wrong.
ôBloodied, dying, but beautiful, huh?ö He muttered, remembering something from long ago.
He hadnÆt really expected a response, but Micael gave him a tired, pained smile.
ôStruck down by things beyond my power to change or control.ö He agreed.
Anger filled Gil in that moment.
ôTo hell itÆs beyond your power!ö He snarled.
ôYou know why IÆm doing this.ö Micael said. ôYou know why I have to do this.ö
ôYou donÆt have to do anything, Micael.ö Gil disagreed. ôGive the word, Micael, and IÆll take you down from there! IÆll make this place like a desert and overthrow itÆs cities if thatÆs what you wish! IÆll hunt down everyone involved if you ask me too!ö
There was only one response and Gilgamesh knew it. HeÆd known it even before heÆd asked; he knew how this entire conversation would go before heÆd even started it. But heÆd asked anyway.
MicaelÆs response was as inevitable as his death, but it came far quicker.
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Gil snarled and kicked the ground angrily.
The friends were silent for a moment, before Micael spoke.
ôWould you really throw the entire plan away now?ö He wondered, and there was nothing but curiosity in his voice.
ôYou have as much right to live and anyone else, Micael.ö Gil replied. ôThis planàour planàit means a lot to me and even more to him. But if you did not wish to die, he would not stop me from saving you and I would not hesitate.ö
MicaelÆs smile widened.
ôI am glad.ö He said. ôDespite everything and despite this, I am really, extremely happy to have been born into this world. IÆm glad to have met Adam, I am glad to have met Lilith, IÆm glad to have met all the people I have, andàIÆm really glad that you and I met, Gilgamesh. Thank you.ö
Gilgamesh glanced away and nodded.
ôMe, too.ö He said.
Micael was silent and that silence dragged forth words from him.
ôI, too, amàreally happy that we became friends, Micael.ö
He looked his friend in the eye and let him see the conviction there.
ôDo you want me to stay until the end?ö He æoffered,Æ though heÆd already sat down and had no intention to leave.
He didnÆt like using his powers like this.
But he would use them any way, just for a few days.
They were, after all, friends.
It was not in GilgameshÆs nature. He was not one for subtlety and he was even less for the means he was currently using.
He was not one to shroud himself in darkness and shadow and ghost through the crowd; he would shine like the sun and the crowds would part before him! Why should he need to resort to slipping through unnoticed and hide his approach with his power? He was Awe and Glory and Pride!
It was not like him to do a thing such as this; to wrap himself in illusions and create a Boundary between Illusion and Reality.
It was not that he was incapable, but he chose not to use such means.
Yes, it was not like him.
It was not something he would normally do.
It was something heÆd have to swallow his pride to do.
Even so, he walked through the crowds, hidden from sight. The people drifted around him, even bumping into him, but also never noticing him.
He wondered why he didnÆt just shift his location in Space; if he was going against his nature, at least that way would be faster.
But he knew why. He was walking through the crowds for the same reason he was using his powers.
Today was the day a dear friend of his suffered.
And these people had watched. Had been happy to see Micael in pain.
He thought about opening his Reality Script. It wouldnÆt be hard to kill all of them; it would be over in minutes, even if he took his time. He could hunt down everyone involved and send them screaming back to Adam Kadmon and steal Micael away and put an end to this here and now.
He didnÆt.
Instead, he looked around as he walked. He looked at the faces and the eyes of the crowd and at the emotions there in and stayed his hand.
Besides, he had more important things to do.
HeÆd taken his time, because a large part of him didnÆt want to reach his destination, but heÆd reached it anyway.
He glanced up at his friend and then glanced back down to the ground, overtaken by unpleasant emotions.
The Boundary between Illusion and Reality expanded, covering them both. No one would hear them or notice something wrong.
ôBloodied, dying, but beautiful, huh?ö He muttered, remembering something from long ago.
He hadnÆt really expected a response, but Micael gave him a tired, pained smile.
ôStruck down by things beyond my power to change or control.ö He agreed.
Anger filled Gil in that moment.
ôTo hell itÆs beyond your power!ö He snarled.
ôYou know why IÆm doing this.ö Micael said. ôYou know why I have to do this.ö
ôYou donÆt have to do anything, Micael.ö Gil disagreed. ôGive the word, Micael, and IÆll take you down from there! IÆll make this place like a desert and overthrow itÆs cities if thatÆs what you wish! IÆll hunt down everyone involved if you ask me too!ö
There was only one response and Gilgamesh knew it. HeÆd known it even before heÆd asked; he knew how this entire conversation would go before heÆd even started it. But heÆd asked anyway.
MicaelÆs response was as inevitable as his death, but it came far quicker.
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Gil snarled and kicked the ground angrily.
The friends were silent for a moment, before Micael spoke.
ôWould you really throw the entire plan away now?ö He wondered, and there was nothing but curiosity in his voice.
ôYou have as much right to live and anyone else, Micael.ö Gil replied. ôThis planàour planàit means a lot to me and even more to him. But if you did not wish to die, he would not stop me from saving you and I would not hesitate.ö
MicaelÆs smile widened.
ôI am glad.ö He said. ôDespite everything and despite this, I am really, extremely happy to have been born into this world. IÆm glad to have met Adam, I am glad to have met Lilith, IÆm glad to have met all the people I have, andàIÆm really glad that you and I met, Gilgamesh. Thank you.ö
Gilgamesh glanced away and nodded.
ôMe, too.ö He said.
Micael was silent and that silence dragged forth words from him.
ôI, too, amàreally happy that we became friends, Micael.ö
He looked his friend in the eye and let him see the conviction there.
ôDo you want me to stay until the end?ö He æoffered,Æ though heÆd already sat down and had no intention to leave.
He didnÆt like using his powers like this.
But he would use them any way, just for a few days.
They were, after all, friends.
You mean Mary, or someone else?
Well, I honestly wasn't sure what to do with them, because in Mark, Matthew and Luke they stood afar off, but not in John.
In Mark, none of the Disciples were there, and women were looking from a distance, among them Mary.
In Matthew, Mary Magdaline was by Mary, but still a distance away.
Luke says those he (Jesus) knew were with the women.
John, however, says the mother of Jesus, her sister (also called Mary) and Mary Magdalene stood by the cross with the disciple whom he loved. Nowhere is the disciple whom Jesus loved identified, but Christian tradition holds him to be John.
(Also, there's always a mob and some romans hanging around.)
In the end, I wasn't completely sure what to do with them, but I eventually decided that this was a story about Micael and Gil and just didn't go into it; Gil probably spoke to them at some point in the time he hung around.
Unless you're thinking of someone else?
(Also, I could always be wrong about the details of the above.)
I don't understand the Yakety Sax thing, though.
Edit: I just listened to Yakety Sax. I still don't get it.
Well, I honestly wasn't sure what to do with them, because in Mark, Matthew and Luke they stood afar off, but not in John.
In Mark, none of the Disciples were there, and women were looking from a distance, among them Mary.
In Matthew, Mary Magdaline was by Mary, but still a distance away.
Luke says those he (Jesus) knew were with the women.
John, however, says the mother of Jesus, her sister (also called Mary) and Mary Magdalene stood by the cross with the disciple whom he loved. Nowhere is the disciple whom Jesus loved identified, but Christian tradition holds him to be John.
(Also, there's always a mob and some romans hanging around.)
In the end, I wasn't completely sure what to do with them, but I eventually decided that this was a story about Micael and Gil and just didn't go into it; Gil probably spoke to them at some point in the time he hung around.
Unless you're thinking of someone else?
(Also, I could always be wrong about the details of the above.)
I don't understand the Yakety Sax thing, though.
Edit: I just listened to Yakety Sax. I still don't get it.
Oh, you were talking about Lilith. Yeah, I should probably include a part where they notice each other, huh? I remembered the Lance thing (though I forgot about the TS Christmas chapter), but I didn't realize she was right there. Which...I don't understand in hindsight, since she must have been right there.
I'll write something in, though a fight won't break out (yet). Gil is pretty much completely focused on his crucifed friend and doesn't care about Lilith at the moment. He might go after her later, though.
I'll write something in, though a fight won't break out (yet). Gil is pretty much completely focused on his crucifed friend and doesn't care about Lilith at the moment. He might go after her later, though.
Here's the fixed version.
____________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru
First Interlude
Of Gilgamesh, Micael, and a Dove
ôWhy, Gil,ö Micael says. ôYou have shot down a dove.ö
The boy sitting on the ground beside him looked up. They sit in the middle of the Forest, two days after the Sabbath. One of the boys is training, whilst the other simply watches, for his training is of a different nature.
It is over two thousand years before the Holy War and the Old Age of Mankind has but recently ended. The Advent of Micael has replaced it.
The blonde boyÆs name is Gilgamesh. HeÆll tell you that everyone calls him Gil, but that wouldnÆt be true. At best, only a large fraction of those who are Supernal, know enough about him to make a reference to him, and do not have cause to hate him call him that, plus a few scattered humans, and it specifically does not include Metatron.
That bastard calls him Bilgames, or so Adam tells him.
He takes a moment to fume about this, even though heÆs barely met him, and vows to kick his ass next time he does.
The other is also a man, or at least his incarnation is. He is Micael, the youngest of the Aspects of God. He has a human name as well, which in some years time will be far more famous than Micael, a name no mortal yet knows. Every human who learns of his actions will call him by that name for a long time yet, though Supernals often refer to him just as Micael. Again, there is one notable exception in the form of Lilith, who calls him Idiot.
Gil fumes about that too and resolves to kick her ass next time he sees her, though Micael doesnÆt care.
After heÆs done, he searches for the dove Micael speaks of and finds it in a moment, droplets of blood on its wing and more soaked into the Earth beneath it.
He must have hit it while training, he noted impassively, rising slowly even as Micael hurried to its side.
ôIt is still alive.ö Micael said.
ôI will kill it.ö Gil replies, walking over. ôAnd ease its suffering.ö
Gilgamesh crouches beside the bird and takes out his knife, but Micael stops him with a hand.
ôGil, have I not lived a thousand lives?ö He asked, and Gil knew he referred to his mortal soul, for Micael was very young. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
Gil blinked in casual incomprehension.
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies anyway.
ôAnd Gil, have you not lived a thousand lives?ö Micael asked, referring to GilÆs mortal soul, for in the grand scheme of things, he was not so much older than Micael. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies, though what he wanted to say was:
æI donÆt think Humanity has been around quite that longàÆ
ôAnd never once,ö Micael begins. ôIn all that time have you been like a dove? Small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world?ö
Gil denies it instantly.
ôI am Gilgamesh, King of Heroes.ö He says, as if that explained everything.
ôAnd never once,ö Micael continues. ôIn all that time have I been like a dove? Bloodied, dying, but beautiful? Struck down by things beyond my power to change or control?ö
There was meaning behind his words, but Gil did not yet see them, so he laughed instead.
ôYou are the Anointed One, Micael.ö He says. ôYou are a God of this World. You shall rule everything, when this is done. You transcend such powers; so Adam says.ö
Micael frowns.
ôPerhaps.ö He says.
Gil smiles.
ôPerhaps.ö He agrees.
Micael brushes the doveÆs feathers gently and they glowed with light. The bird thrashes, but soon subsides, and Gil could see the wound closing before his eyes.
Micael smiled happily.
ôItÆs healing.ö He said.
Gil sighs as he rises to his feet.
ôIt is a dove, Micael.ö He says. ôWe are as Gods to it.ö
ôOh?ö Micael seemed amused.
ôI am the destroyer.ö Gil said. ôA swift and terrible pain that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. You are the savior, a swift and wonderful relief that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. What point is there in your actions, Micael? It remains a dove.ö
Micael shrugs, a casual response given only to his friend, and answers.
ôThat is not for you or I to say.ö He says.
ôLet me take it aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh requested, seeing no point in doing such things for a dove. ôI will take it from your life and you will never see it again.ö
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö Micael says, picking up the dove. He cradles it to his chest and begins to walk through the forest.
Gil frowns at the use of his full name, not understanding it for Micael doesnÆt seem irritated, but he follows.
ôIt is only fair, Micael.ö Gil says. ôIt was I who shot it down. It should be I who decides its fate.ö
Micael smiles.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He repeats.
XxXXxX
Micael is preoccupied with his dove. Gilgamesh, be frustration and annoyance. They wander from their path through the forest, and strayed onto paths known for their dangers.
Neither notice, but itÆs unlike they would have cared if they had.
ôIt is the nature of things, Micael.ö Gilgamesh argues. ôDoves are not for saving, they are for killing. They are small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world.ö
Micael shakes his head calmly.
Gilgamesh doesnÆt back down. It was a matter of pride now; that bird needed to die.
ôThey are weak. Prey. And as prey, they are made to be cut down. That is how the world works, Micael.ö
ôIt was I who first noticed it.ö Micael countered. ôAnd it was I who healed it. I saved it; is it not then mine?ö
There was movement and a lurking of shadows and from them skulked forth a Demon name Halphas.
ôIÆm inclined to agree with your more ruthless peer.ö The Demonic Armorer said.
Micael blinked, gazing at the new arrival in confusion.
ôAnd who might you be?ö He asked.
The Demon smirked, but was unknowingly compelled to respond.
ôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a murderer of men and gods alike, taking lives as a small demon ought. I am Halphas, Count of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
The duo was silent for a moment, as Micael tilted his head to the side and Gilgamesh gazed onwards with blank eyes.
ôI meet this news with some small consternation.ö Micael admitted, not sure how to react to that. Did he know who heÆd accosted?
Some might say he was fairly lucky to stumble across the one he was looking for.
And others, Micael thought as he glanced at Gilgamesh, would know better.
ôItÆs best to be resigned to such things.ö Halphas said. ôThis world is harsh and full of suffering; all things within it know pain. Such is the way of thingsö
Gil nodded in agreement at that and reached for his knife with the intention of making it harsher and fuller of suffering for one person in particular.
Micael laid a hand on his arm.
ôI know that you wish to deal with him, my friend,ö He said. ôBut he too is wounded and he too I wish to help.ö
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh pleaded. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael laughed.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He says, smiling gently.
ôThis interaction puzzles me.ö The Count of Hell admits.
Gil sighs, resigned.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
Halphas the Count hesitates at the words of the King, but then he nods curtly and they travel on.
XxXXxX
ôIt is my thought,ö Micael says after some time. ôThat even in this dove lays the infinite spirit of Adam Kadmon and it is thus capable of unlimited accomplishments. That is why I have claimed it as my own, rather than allowed its life to be taken.ö
Gilgamesh gazed at him for a moment in silent contemplation before nodding.
ôVery well, my friend.ö He said, passion suddenly burning in his eyes. ôI will risk my life to test this theory in mortal combat. Man against dove; blade against beak. The power of its spirit will burst forth, unrestrained, and awe those who bear witness like the lightning and the thunder that follows it. Its battle aura shall ascend to the Heavens! And one will live and the other shall be his trophy, but which is which, I cannot say!ö
ôI should hate to lose my best friend,ö says Micael.
GilÆs mood immediately soured and he frowned at his friend, who simply closed his eyes and smiled teasingly.
ôHow cruel fate is.ö A new voice said, dripping with amusement. ôThat you should save your friend from death at the hand of a dove, only to lose him at the hands of Samigina!ö
The pairùand Halphas, who the pair had completely ignoredùturned towards the voice, which belonged to a man. He was well dressed, unfitting for someone wandering in the forest, but there didnÆt seem to be any dirt on him. From his complexion, he likely came from one of the nearby countries, though probably not the one they were currently in.
Micael raised an eyebrow.
ôYou are another demon, then?ö
And Samigina was compelled to speak.
ôôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a terror of men and gods alike, taking lives as a medium demon ought. I am Samigina, Marquis of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
Gilgamesh blinks slowly, before turning to his friend.
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh tried, though he already knew the answer. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael shook his head and Gilgamesh sighed.
Suddenly, an idea struck him and he turned to Halphas contemplatively.
ôPerhaps,ö He said to him. ôYou should engage he in battle. If you defeat her and devour his Existence, surely you will profit great, and we would be allowed to proceed unmolested.ö
ôI am a Count,ö Halphas replied. ôWhile he is a Marquis; he outmatches me.ö
Samigina smirked, making Halphas sulk.
Gilgamesh just sighed. He looked down to the Earth and up to the sky, as if he might find some answer in those places.
And then he spoke.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
His eyes turn slightly red as he speaks, catching SamiginaÆs own.
He hesitates and then nods.
ôThere are many who do not like Demons,ö He admits. ôShould I come across them, it would be convenient to have two hostages and Count at my side.ö
They continue on.
XxXXxX
Micael speaks again after pondering his response.
ôIt is better to heal than to destroy,ö He says firmly. ôTo, rather than casting out the soul, instead nurture it and carve from it perfection. Even this dove has the potential for perfection with in it, and that is why I claim it. You would destroy it, I would save itàSurely mine is the greater claim.ö
ôPerfection is not safety,ö Gilgamesh replies. ôEven good things may be hurt. And even good things may be weak. And even good things may be killed. Thisàis not right. But this is not wrong; it is simple a consequence. It is because ægoodÆ does not mean ævictorÆ and it does not mean æunbreakable.Æö
GilÆs thoughts drift to Sophia, but he shakes them away and continues.
ôThe Greatest King is not the Greatest Servant.ö He says, nodding at Micael and knowing heÆd understand that. ôJust as the Greatest Woman is not the Greatest Man. The Greatest Dove is not a Gate of Atziluth and I dare say it would fly no better if it were.ö
ôSurely, Halphas, you would side with me?ö Micael tries, glancing back at the demon, who had been quiet since the arrival of the Marquis.
He probably didnÆt wish to draw attention to himself, but he replied to MicaelÆs question anyway.
ôA dove is weak,ö He said. ôAnd therefore prey. It was simply born that way. If it has been shot down, then it meat.ö
This was the code the DemonÆs lived by.
ôSamigina,ö Micael tries again. ôWould you not side with me?ö
The Marquis looked at him impassively.
ôWould you judge a sculptor by the stone?ö He asked. ôHe works with but work alone. What does it matter what lay within the dove or the stone before one sets to work? Whether it is nurtured or stolen, nothing in this world is perfect and beauty fades with time. What does it matter, then; the life of this dove?ö
Micael frowned, faintly.
They near the edge of the woods, but there is someone waiting there. He is a man and not a man; a Demon in human form like those behind them. But he is not like the others and his eyes burn with a terrible fire.
At the sight of him, Halphas and Samigina change completely, and the pair of Demons begins to cower behind the friends. Halphas is cursing quietly and Samigina staring in silent fear.
A compulsion is all it takes to learn why.
ôI am Asmodeus, Prince of Hell.ö The man stated with a smirk. ôI am an Archdemon and I stand with few equals in all the world!ö
ôAh, wonderful.ö Micael replied, smiling gently at his æbrother.Æ ôPerhaps you can help us resolve a dilemma.ö
Asmodeus pauses, not expecting such a reply. He tilts his head to one side, frowning in confusion.
ôPerhaps.ö He says, after a moment.
ôIt is the dove.ö Micael says, holding up the small creature. ôMy friend says that it belongs to him, for he shot it down. I say that it is mine, for I wish to heal it. Is it the destroyer or savior who has the greater claim?ö
ôYou are both fools,ö Asmodeus replies immediately. ôTo claim ownership of something you have hurt.ö
However, he then turns to Gilgamesh, and speaks.
ôTo claim what you hurt is not truly destruction,ö Says the one who owns Destruction. ôDestruction is like the fire and the wind, sweeping through and claiming nothing and leaving nothing but silence behind. To claim ownership goes against its purpose; the simple intention betrays the act.ö
ôAh,ö Says Micael, smiling.
GilÆs eyebrow twitched.
ôIs he smug because an Archdemon Prince agrees with him,ö Gil muttered. ôWhile my demons are merely a minor Count and a Marquis?ö
He lifts his voice.
ôLet me take him aside, my friend! I will take him from your life and you will never see him again and we can take another vote!ö
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her seven times?ö He asked carefully.
The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up, staring at the pair in fear.
ôEight times.ö Gilgamesh corrected.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her eight times? Perhaps, due to events beyond my knowledge, recently increased from seven?ö
ôYes,ö Micael said.
ôOh.ö Asmodeus replied.
End of Interlude
XxXXxX
Aftermath
It was not in GilgameshÆs nature. He was not one for subtlety and he was even less for the means he was currently using.
He was not one to shroud himself in darkness and shadow and ghost through the crowd; he would shine like the sun and the crowds would part before him! Why should he need to resort to slipping through unnoticed and hide his approach with his power? He was Awe and Glory and Pride!
It was not like him to do a thing such as this; to wrap himself in illusions and create a Boundary between Illusion and Reality.
It was not that he was incapable, but he chose not to use such means.
Yes, it was not like him.
It was not something he would normally do.
It was something heÆd have to swallow his pride to do.
Even so, he walked through the crowds, hidden from sight. The people drifted around him, even bumping into him, but also never noticing him.
He wondered why he didnÆt just shift his location in Space; if he was going against his nature, at least that way would be faster.
But he knew why. He was walking through the crowds for the same reason he was using his powers.
Today was the day a dear friend of his suffered.
And these people had watched. Had been happy to see Micael in pain.
He thought about opening his Reality Script. It wouldnÆt be hard to kill all of them; it would be over in minutes, even if he took his time. He could hunt down everyone involved and send them screaming back to Adam Kadmon and steal Micael away and put an end to this here and now.
He didnÆt.
Instead, he looked around as he walked. He looked at the faces and the eyes of the crowd and at the emotions there in and stayed his hand.
He halted in his track suddenly as his eyes met anotherÆs, and for a moment his resolve wavered.
He and the woman traded glares at a distance. He could tell what he was thinking, but he thought about killing her. And those thoughts led back to opening his Script. And if the city was leveled in the processà
Suddenly, the temptation was a lot harder to resist.
He did so anyway. He looked away first, deciding to ignore her.
He wouldnÆt fight today; not over old grudges.
Besides, he had more important things to do.
So when Lilith seemed to fade into the crowd, he did not follow her. He knew she was still there and he knew she would probably stay until the end, but on this day, there was only one thing that mattered, and it was not that pitiful old hag.
He continued on.
HeÆd taken his time, because a large part of him didnÆt want to reach his destination, but heÆd reached it anyway.
He glanced up at his friend and then glanced back down to the ground, overtaken by unpleasant emotions.
The Boundary between Illusion and Reality expanded, covering them both. No one would hear them or notice something wrong.
ôBloodied, dying, but beautiful, huh?ö He muttered, remembering something from long ago.
He hadnÆt really expected a response, but Micael gave him a tired, pained smile.
ôStruck down by things beyond my power to change or control.ö He agreed.
Anger filled Gil in that moment.
ôTo hell itÆs beyond your power!ö He snarled.
ôYou know why IÆm doing this.ö Micael said. ôYou know why I have to do this.ö
ôYou donÆt have to do anything, Micael.ö Gil disagreed. ôGive the word, Micael, and IÆll take you down from there! IÆll make this place like a desert and overthrow itÆs cities if thatÆs what you wish! IÆll hunt down everyone involved if you ask me too!ö
There was only one response and Gilgamesh knew it. HeÆd known it even before heÆd asked; he knew how this entire conversation would go before heÆd even started it. But heÆd asked anyway.
MicaelÆs response was as inevitable as his death, but it came far quicker.
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Gil snarled and kicked the ground angrily.
The friends were silent for a moment, before Micael spoke.
ôWould you really throw the entire plan away now?ö He wondered, and there was nothing but curiosity in his voice.
ôYou have as much right to live and anyone else, Micael.ö Gil replied. ôThis planàour planàit means a lot to me and even more to him. But if you did not wish to die, he would not stop me from saving you and I would not hesitate.ö
MicaelÆs smile widened.
ôI am glad.ö He said. ôDespite everything and despite this, I am really, extremely happy to have been born into this world. IÆm glad to have met Adam, I am glad to have met Lilith, IÆm glad to have met all the people I have, andàIÆm really glad that you and I met, Gilgamesh. Thank you.ö
Gilgamesh glanced away and nodded.
ôMe, too.ö He said.
Micael was silent and that silence dragged forth words from him.
ôI, too, amàreally happy that we became friends, Micael.ö
He looked his friend in the eye and let him see the conviction there.
ôDo you want me to stay until the end?ö He æoffered,Æ though heÆd already sat down and had no intention to leave.
He didnÆt like using his powers like this.
But he would use them any way, just for a few days.
They were, after all, friends.
____________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru
First Interlude
Of Gilgamesh, Micael, and a Dove
ôWhy, Gil,ö Micael says. ôYou have shot down a dove.ö
The boy sitting on the ground beside him looked up. They sit in the middle of the Forest, two days after the Sabbath. One of the boys is training, whilst the other simply watches, for his training is of a different nature.
It is over two thousand years before the Holy War and the Old Age of Mankind has but recently ended. The Advent of Micael has replaced it.
The blonde boyÆs name is Gilgamesh. HeÆll tell you that everyone calls him Gil, but that wouldnÆt be true. At best, only a large fraction of those who are Supernal, know enough about him to make a reference to him, and do not have cause to hate him call him that, plus a few scattered humans, and it specifically does not include Metatron.
That bastard calls him Bilgames, or so Adam tells him.
He takes a moment to fume about this, even though heÆs barely met him, and vows to kick his ass next time he does.
The other is also a man, or at least his incarnation is. He is Micael, the youngest of the Aspects of God. He has a human name as well, which in some years time will be far more famous than Micael, a name no mortal yet knows. Every human who learns of his actions will call him by that name for a long time yet, though Supernals often refer to him just as Micael. Again, there is one notable exception in the form of Lilith, who calls him Idiot.
Gil fumes about that too and resolves to kick her ass next time he sees her, though Micael doesnÆt care.
After heÆs done, he searches for the dove Micael speaks of and finds it in a moment, droplets of blood on its wing and more soaked into the Earth beneath it.
He must have hit it while training, he noted impassively, rising slowly even as Micael hurried to its side.
ôIt is still alive.ö Micael said.
ôI will kill it.ö Gil replies, walking over. ôAnd ease its suffering.ö
Gilgamesh crouches beside the bird and takes out his knife, but Micael stops him with a hand.
ôGil, have I not lived a thousand lives?ö He asked, and Gil knew he referred to his mortal soul, for Micael was very young. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
Gil blinked in casual incomprehension.
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies anyway.
ôAnd Gil, have you not lived a thousand lives?ö Micael asked, referring to GilÆs mortal soul, for in the grand scheme of things, he was not so much older than Micael. ôTen thousand? No, a hundred thousand yet?ö
ôSo Adam says.ö He replies, though what he wanted to say was:
æI donÆt think Humanity has been around quite that longàÆ
ôAnd never once,ö Micael begins. ôIn all that time have you been like a dove? Small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world?ö
Gil denies it instantly.
ôI am Gilgamesh, King of Heroes.ö He says, as if that explained everything.
ôAnd never once,ö Micael continues. ôIn all that time have I been like a dove? Bloodied, dying, but beautiful? Struck down by things beyond my power to change or control?ö
There was meaning behind his words, but Gil did not yet see them, so he laughed instead.
ôYou are the Anointed One, Micael.ö He says. ôYou are a God of this World. You shall rule everything, when this is done. You transcend such powers; so Adam says.ö
Micael frowns.
ôPerhaps.ö He says.
Gil smiles.
ôPerhaps.ö He agrees.
Micael brushes the doveÆs feathers gently and they glowed with light. The bird thrashes, but soon subsides, and Gil could see the wound closing before his eyes.
Micael smiled happily.
ôItÆs healing.ö He said.
Gil sighs as he rises to his feet.
ôIt is a dove, Micael.ö He says. ôWe are as Gods to it.ö
ôOh?ö Micael seemed amused.
ôI am the destroyer.ö Gil said. ôA swift and terrible pain that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. You are the savior, a swift and wonderful relief that strikes out of nowhere but means nothing. What point is there in your actions, Micael? It remains a dove.ö
Micael shrugs, a casual response given only to his friend, and answers.
ôThat is not for you or I to say.ö He says.
ôLet me take it aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh requested, seeing no point in doing such things for a dove. ôI will take it from your life and you will never see it again.ö
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö Micael says, picking up the dove. He cradles it to his chest and begins to walk through the forest.
Gil frowns at the use of his full name, not understanding it for Micael doesnÆt seem irritated, but he follows.
ôIt is only fair, Micael.ö Gil says. ôIt was I who shot it down. It should be I who decides its fate.ö
Micael smiles.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He repeats.
XxXXxX
Micael is preoccupied with his dove. Gilgamesh, be frustration and annoyance. They wander from their path through the forest, and strayed onto paths known for their dangers.
Neither notice, but itÆs unlike they would have cared if they had.
ôIt is the nature of things, Micael.ö Gilgamesh argues. ôDoves are not for saving, they are for killing. They are small and frightful and awed by the powers of this world.ö
Micael shakes his head calmly.
Gilgamesh doesnÆt back down. It was a matter of pride now; that bird needed to die.
ôThey are weak. Prey. And as prey, they are made to be cut down. That is how the world works, Micael.ö
ôIt was I who first noticed it.ö Micael countered. ôAnd it was I who healed it. I saved it; is it not then mine?ö
There was movement and a lurking of shadows and from them skulked forth a Demon name Halphas.
ôIÆm inclined to agree with your more ruthless peer.ö The Demonic Armorer said.
Micael blinked, gazing at the new arrival in confusion.
ôAnd who might you be?ö He asked.
The Demon smirked, but was unknowingly compelled to respond.
ôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a murderer of men and gods alike, taking lives as a small demon ought. I am Halphas, Count of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
The duo was silent for a moment, as Micael tilted his head to the side and Gilgamesh gazed onwards with blank eyes.
ôI meet this news with some small consternation.ö Micael admitted, not sure how to react to that. Did he know who heÆd accosted?
Some might say he was fairly lucky to stumble across the one he was looking for.
And others, Micael thought as he glanced at Gilgamesh, would know better.
ôItÆs best to be resigned to such things.ö Halphas said. ôThis world is harsh and full of suffering; all things within it know pain. Such is the way of thingsö
Gil nodded in agreement at that and reached for his knife with the intention of making it harsher and fuller of suffering for one person in particular.
Micael laid a hand on his arm.
ôI know that you wish to deal with him, my friend,ö He said. ôBut he too is wounded and he too I wish to help.ö
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh pleaded. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael laughed.
ôOh, Gilgamesh.ö He says, smiling gently.
ôThis interaction puzzles me.ö The Count of Hell admits.
Gil sighs, resigned.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
Halphas the Count hesitates at the words of the King, but then he nods curtly and they travel on.
XxXXxX
ôIt is my thought,ö Micael says after some time. ôThat even in this dove lays the infinite spirit of Adam Kadmon and it is thus capable of unlimited accomplishments. That is why I have claimed it as my own, rather than allowed its life to be taken.ö
Gilgamesh gazed at him for a moment in silent contemplation before nodding.
ôVery well, my friend.ö He said, passion suddenly burning in his eyes. ôI will risk my life to test this theory in mortal combat. Man against dove; blade against beak. The power of its spirit will burst forth, unrestrained, and awe those who bear witness like the lightning and the thunder that follows it. Its battle aura shall ascend to the Heavens! And one will live and the other shall be his trophy, but which is which, I cannot say!ö
ôI should hate to lose my best friend,ö says Micael.
GilÆs mood immediately soured and he frowned at his friend, who simply closed his eyes and smiled teasingly.
ôHow cruel fate is.ö A new voice said, dripping with amusement. ôThat you should save your friend from death at the hand of a dove, only to lose him at the hands of Samigina!ö
The pairùand Halphas, who the pair had completely ignoredùturned towards the voice, which belonged to a man. He was well dressed, unfitting for someone wandering in the forest, but there didnÆt seem to be any dirt on him. From his complexion, he likely came from one of the nearby countries, though probably not the one they were currently in.
Micael raised an eyebrow.
ôYou are another demon, then?ö
And Samigina was compelled to speak.
ôôI am a traveler,ö He said. ôFrom a place far from this mortal world. I make my way through this Realm, fearing for my life, lest some greater creature strike me down. I am a thief, taking what I wish, lest my hunger and weakness is the end of me. And I am a terror of men and gods alike, taking lives as a medium demon ought. I am Samigina, Marquis of Hell, and I search for the Son of God, so that I might take his life!ö
Gilgamesh blinks slowly, before turning to his friend.
ôLet me take him aside, Micael.ö Gilgamesh tried, though he already knew the answer. ôI will take him from your life and you will never see him again.ö
Micael shook his head and Gilgamesh sighed.
Suddenly, an idea struck him and he turned to Halphas contemplatively.
ôPerhaps,ö He said to him. ôYou should engage he in battle. If you defeat her and devour his Existence, surely you will profit great, and we would be allowed to proceed unmolested.ö
ôI am a Count,ö Halphas replied. ôWhile he is a Marquis; he outmatches me.ö
Samigina smirked, making Halphas sulk.
Gilgamesh just sighed. He looked down to the Earth and up to the sky, as if he might find some answer in those places.
And then he spoke.
ôWho amongst us does not know fear?ö He asks, his demeanor changing abruptly. ôWho amongst us does not hunger? We are alike, you and I, travelling in a perilous world. Let us ally with each other then, Demon; walk with us to the edge of this forest. And if we should meet a greater killer, we will fight him at your side. If we do not, then kill us at the forestÆs edge. You will be all the safer.ö
His eyes turn slightly red as he speaks, catching SamiginaÆs own.
He hesitates and then nods.
ôThere are many who do not like Demons,ö He admits. ôShould I come across them, it would be convenient to have two hostages and Count at my side.ö
They continue on.
XxXXxX
Micael speaks again after pondering his response.
ôIt is better to heal than to destroy,ö He says firmly. ôTo, rather than casting out the soul, instead nurture it and carve from it perfection. Even this dove has the potential for perfection with in it, and that is why I claim it. You would destroy it, I would save itàSurely mine is the greater claim.ö
ôPerfection is not safety,ö Gilgamesh replies. ôEven good things may be hurt. And even good things may be weak. And even good things may be killed. Thisàis not right. But this is not wrong; it is simple a consequence. It is because ægoodÆ does not mean ævictorÆ and it does not mean æunbreakable.Æö
GilÆs thoughts drift to Sophia, but he shakes them away and continues.
ôThe Greatest King is not the Greatest Servant.ö He says, nodding at Micael and knowing heÆd understand that. ôJust as the Greatest Woman is not the Greatest Man. The Greatest Dove is not a Gate of Atziluth and I dare say it would fly no better if it were.ö
ôSurely, Halphas, you would side with me?ö Micael tries, glancing back at the demon, who had been quiet since the arrival of the Marquis.
He probably didnÆt wish to draw attention to himself, but he replied to MicaelÆs question anyway.
ôA dove is weak,ö He said. ôAnd therefore prey. It was simply born that way. If it has been shot down, then it meat.ö
This was the code the DemonÆs lived by.
ôSamigina,ö Micael tries again. ôWould you not side with me?ö
The Marquis looked at him impassively.
ôWould you judge a sculptor by the stone?ö He asked. ôHe works with but work alone. What does it matter what lay within the dove or the stone before one sets to work? Whether it is nurtured or stolen, nothing in this world is perfect and beauty fades with time. What does it matter, then; the life of this dove?ö
Micael frowned, faintly.
They near the edge of the woods, but there is someone waiting there. He is a man and not a man; a Demon in human form like those behind them. But he is not like the others and his eyes burn with a terrible fire.
At the sight of him, Halphas and Samigina change completely, and the pair of Demons begins to cower behind the friends. Halphas is cursing quietly and Samigina staring in silent fear.
A compulsion is all it takes to learn why.
ôI am Asmodeus, Prince of Hell.ö The man stated with a smirk. ôI am an Archdemon and I stand with few equals in all the world!ö
ôAh, wonderful.ö Micael replied, smiling gently at his æbrother.Æ ôPerhaps you can help us resolve a dilemma.ö
Asmodeus pauses, not expecting such a reply. He tilts his head to one side, frowning in confusion.
ôPerhaps.ö He says, after a moment.
ôIt is the dove.ö Micael says, holding up the small creature. ôMy friend says that it belongs to him, for he shot it down. I say that it is mine, for I wish to heal it. Is it the destroyer or savior who has the greater claim?ö
ôYou are both fools,ö Asmodeus replies immediately. ôTo claim ownership of something you have hurt.ö
However, he then turns to Gilgamesh, and speaks.
ôTo claim what you hurt is not truly destruction,ö Says the one who owns Destruction. ôDestruction is like the fire and the wind, sweeping through and claiming nothing and leaving nothing but silence behind. To claim ownership goes against its purpose; the simple intention betrays the act.ö
ôAh,ö Says Micael, smiling.
GilÆs eyebrow twitched.
ôIs he smug because an Archdemon Prince agrees with him,ö Gil muttered. ôWhile my demons are merely a minor Count and a Marquis?ö
He lifts his voice.
ôLet me take him aside, my friend! I will take him from your life and you will never see him again and we can take another vote!ö
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her seven times?ö He asked carefully.
The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up, staring at the pair in fear.
ôEight times.ö Gilgamesh corrected.
Asmodeus hesitates.
ôWould that be Gilgamesh, the King, Bane of Lilith the Supreme and who has defeated her eight times? Perhaps, due to events beyond my knowledge, recently increased from seven?ö
ôYes,ö Micael said.
ôOh.ö Asmodeus replied.
End of Interlude
XxXXxX
Aftermath
It was not in GilgameshÆs nature. He was not one for subtlety and he was even less for the means he was currently using.
He was not one to shroud himself in darkness and shadow and ghost through the crowd; he would shine like the sun and the crowds would part before him! Why should he need to resort to slipping through unnoticed and hide his approach with his power? He was Awe and Glory and Pride!
It was not like him to do a thing such as this; to wrap himself in illusions and create a Boundary between Illusion and Reality.
It was not that he was incapable, but he chose not to use such means.
Yes, it was not like him.
It was not something he would normally do.
It was something heÆd have to swallow his pride to do.
Even so, he walked through the crowds, hidden from sight. The people drifted around him, even bumping into him, but also never noticing him.
He wondered why he didnÆt just shift his location in Space; if he was going against his nature, at least that way would be faster.
But he knew why. He was walking through the crowds for the same reason he was using his powers.
Today was the day a dear friend of his suffered.
And these people had watched. Had been happy to see Micael in pain.
He thought about opening his Reality Script. It wouldnÆt be hard to kill all of them; it would be over in minutes, even if he took his time. He could hunt down everyone involved and send them screaming back to Adam Kadmon and steal Micael away and put an end to this here and now.
He didnÆt.
Instead, he looked around as he walked. He looked at the faces and the eyes of the crowd and at the emotions there in and stayed his hand.
He halted in his track suddenly as his eyes met anotherÆs, and for a moment his resolve wavered.
He and the woman traded glares at a distance. He could tell what he was thinking, but he thought about killing her. And those thoughts led back to opening his Script. And if the city was leveled in the processà
Suddenly, the temptation was a lot harder to resist.
He did so anyway. He looked away first, deciding to ignore her.
He wouldnÆt fight today; not over old grudges.
Besides, he had more important things to do.
So when Lilith seemed to fade into the crowd, he did not follow her. He knew she was still there and he knew she would probably stay until the end, but on this day, there was only one thing that mattered, and it was not that pitiful old hag.
He continued on.
HeÆd taken his time, because a large part of him didnÆt want to reach his destination, but heÆd reached it anyway.
He glanced up at his friend and then glanced back down to the ground, overtaken by unpleasant emotions.
The Boundary between Illusion and Reality expanded, covering them both. No one would hear them or notice something wrong.
ôBloodied, dying, but beautiful, huh?ö He muttered, remembering something from long ago.
He hadnÆt really expected a response, but Micael gave him a tired, pained smile.
ôStruck down by things beyond my power to change or control.ö He agreed.
Anger filled Gil in that moment.
ôTo hell itÆs beyond your power!ö He snarled.
ôYou know why IÆm doing this.ö Micael said. ôYou know why I have to do this.ö
ôYou donÆt have to do anything, Micael.ö Gil disagreed. ôGive the word, Micael, and IÆll take you down from there! IÆll make this place like a desert and overthrow itÆs cities if thatÆs what you wish! IÆll hunt down everyone involved if you ask me too!ö
There was only one response and Gilgamesh knew it. HeÆd known it even before heÆd asked; he knew how this entire conversation would go before heÆd even started it. But heÆd asked anyway.
MicaelÆs response was as inevitable as his death, but it came far quicker.
ôStay your hand, Gilgamesh.ö Micael pleaded.
Gil snarled and kicked the ground angrily.
The friends were silent for a moment, before Micael spoke.
ôWould you really throw the entire plan away now?ö He wondered, and there was nothing but curiosity in his voice.
ôYou have as much right to live and anyone else, Micael.ö Gil replied. ôThis planàour planàit means a lot to me and even more to him. But if you did not wish to die, he would not stop me from saving you and I would not hesitate.ö
MicaelÆs smile widened.
ôI am glad.ö He said. ôDespite everything and despite this, I am really, extremely happy to have been born into this world. IÆm glad to have met Adam, I am glad to have met Lilith, IÆm glad to have met all the people I have, andàIÆm really glad that you and I met, Gilgamesh. Thank you.ö
Gilgamesh glanced away and nodded.
ôMe, too.ö He said.
Micael was silent and that silence dragged forth words from him.
ôI, too, amàreally happy that we became friends, Micael.ö
He looked his friend in the eye and let him see the conviction there.
ôDo you want me to stay until the end?ö He æoffered,Æ though heÆd already sat down and had no intention to leave.
He didnÆt like using his powers like this.
But he would use them any way, just for a few days.
They were, after all, friends.
You might want to pull Lilith's name from the last scene and just refer to her as with pronouns. Dropping her name into such an important scene between Gil and Micael detracts from the moment. A lot.
And... wow. This is a lot better than I expected it to be. Not because of who its coming from, you two are great, but because the subject matter is hard to do right. I'm really enjoying the tale you're weaving.
Were you trying to fit the verse of the story to the verse of the bible? It reads like a less flowery version, but the prose is very similar.
(Which made the abrupt departure "The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up" all the more humorous!)
And... wow. This is a lot better than I expected it to be. Not because of who its coming from, you two are great, but because the subject matter is hard to do right. I'm really enjoying the tale you're weaving.
Were you trying to fit the verse of the story to the verse of the bible? It reads like a less flowery version, but the prose is very similar.
(Which made the abrupt departure "The two demons behind the friends suddenly backed the hell up" all the more humorous!)
I said I'd rewrite this eventually.
This part so far is mainly just minor changes in text, but from here on out, there are going to be some pretty major changes.
__________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru û He Who Knows Everything
Prolouge û A Meeting of Kings
He who has seen everything, I will make known to the lands.
I will teach about him who experienced all things alike.
Anu granted him the totality of knowledge of all.
He saw the Secret, discovered the Hidden,
he brought information of the time before the Flood.
He went on a distant journey, pushing himself to exhaustion,
but then was brought to peace.
He carved on a stone stela all of his toils,
and built the wall of Uruk-Haven,
the wall of the sacred Eanna Temple, the holy sanctuary.
Look at its wall which gleams like copper,
inspect its inner wall, the likes of which no one can equal!
Take hold of the threshold stone--it dates from ancient times!
Go close to the Eanna Temple, the residence of Ishtar,
such as no later king or man ever equaled!
Go up on the wall of Uruk and walk around,
examine its foundation, inspect its brickwork thoroughly.
Is not (even the core of) the brick structure made of kiln-fired brick,
and did not the Seven Sages themselves lay out its plans?
One league city, one league palm gardens, one league lowlands, the open area of the Ishtar Temple,
three leagues and the open area of Uruk it encloses.
Find the copper tablet box,
open its lock of bronze,
undo the fastening of its secret opening.
Take and read out from the lapis lazuli tablet
how Gilgamesh went through every hardship.
- Epic of Gilgamesh, Unknown
In a World Beyond Mortalsà
Once upon a time, a man named Gilgamesh forgot who he was. This was not the world he knew and he was no longer as he knew himself; before the splendor of their glory, it was hard to remember who he was.
Even so, the man travelled east, for in the east he knew something waited for him. He knew not what it was, merely that it was a place he was supposed to be.
So he left behind the furthest regions of the Lower Realms and travelled towards the one above.
He walked east until the land itself ended.
He swam east until the sea itself ended.
He flew east until he reached the end of the sky.
And then he stood upon the boundaries of the world.
He peered beyond it.
The place Beyond the World he knew was swirling and filling and closing, like the surf. Upon it were patterns of darkness and light.
And though he knew not why, as he stepped in, his Heart was full of joy, as if he was returning home.
All around him the surf crashed. He could not breathe reliably. The Sea Beyond the World kept hitting him and it got in his mouth and his nose. Its waves made a sound like the Sunset. It felt like broken hearts and looked like lost love. It tasted like joy cut short. A Chain was wrapped around him and the Chain was a Snake. Its scales were like something he should have left behind, but couldnÆt.
He knew, in that moment.
Something was killing him.
XxXXxX
To the east, there was order. There were boundaries and those boundaries gave shape and form to the world. Around him, the sea was swirling and filling and closing like the surf, but to the east there were lines and dots, colors and shade, people, places, and things, though they were not as he was used to. The Sea of Chaos crashed against the shores of that place.
So Gilgamesh walked east, though Enkidu was killing him.
ôYou are my best friend.ö He told Enkidu.
ôAnd you are mine.ö The Serpent that was a Chain replied in a voice like the Old Age and Weariness of men.
ôAnd it will always be so?ö He asked, struggling to breath.
ôForever.ö It lied, sounding like Mortality and Endings and Paths Not Taken.
XxXXxX
He was soon to die, for Enkidu was killing him. The Chains that were Coils tightened around him the further east he went.
ôYou are my best friend.ö He told Enkidu, as if to remind himself. As if it would prevent something he knew would happen, but didnÆt wish for.
The Coils that were Chains tightened again.
Gilgamesh staggered and fell, one hand coming down on something hard and alive. Something he didnÆt want to acknowledge lurked beneath the Sea. His other hand tried to squirm beneath the coils around his neck.
ôEnkidu,ö He gasped, but could say no more.
ôWe will die here, for such is the fate of all mortal men.ö The Snake and the Chain whispered at the edge of a new world.
And the open spaces of the world spoke, and its voice was everywhere and nowhere and cruel and kind, and they said, ôThen thus far, but no further, æmortal man.Æö
Gilgamesh looked up and it was obvious even to the wind that he did not understand.
ôBefore you is a world,ö the voice said. ôThat was made for those above men. And to maintain that world, it is necessary to exclude those that do not belong and cast them out. Mortal souls may return to their father or serve in Heaven or Hell, but they have no other place here. That is the will of the Aspects, who made this world as it is, and that is my will. One such as you, a soul who even now is bound by the chains called Mortality, despite casting off your mortal flesh; one such as you has no place in this world.ö
And there is was; that which he did not wish to acknowledge.
Enkidu was dead.
He rememberedà
ôLet Enkidu die, but spare Gilgamesh his life.ö Said Enlil.
Oh, Enkidu; why did they absolve me, but cast you down to sit amongst the dead?
GilgameshÆs hand slipped away from his neck. The coils tightened.
And the memories and regrets of Enkidu tightened about him and Gilgamesh could not breathe and his right foot cracked the surface of That Beneath the Sea and his left foot shifted. His hands wrapped around the body of the Snake and pulled and his back bent and his arms stretched out.
He cracked EnkiduÆs neck against That Beneath the Sea and held his head beneath the waves. The coils loosened and the Snake flailed. His hands cracked scales that shone with something dear to him as his fingers sank into the muscle of the beast.
Loop by loop, the snake fell away from him and then the snake was just a chain.
His Mortality died beneath the sea.
He did not say: Oh, Enkidu.
He staggered upon the shores of the world with a chain that was no longer a snake and he put his head in his hands. The wind did not stop him.
ôWhat have I done?ö He asked.
Enlil spun around him curiously, and it is quite some time before he speaks again.
ôThe question is immaterial; you cast aside something that had no value in the first place.ö
XxXXxX
Gilgamesh was young. He was so very, very young in the grand scheme of things and he was tired and lost and ignorant.
He was a castaway on the shores of the World.
Gilgamesh laid there and did not move until the voice of the wind rose about him again.
But this voice was not that of Enlil, the God of the Sky Between Earth and Heaven. He listened and it was the voice of Goddess of the Air that he heard.
ôIt has been quite some time, Gilgamesh, son of Lugalbanda and Ninsun, grandson of Heaven and Earth. God-Slayer, why do you now lie upon the shores of this World? One would think you would be happy, to have become like onto the gods and to live forever and fear not death.ö She said.
Gilgamesh remembered the Goddess, for it was he who rebuilt her temple in Nippur.
He stood slowly.
ôI have a mother.ö He remembered. ôAnd a father. And a grandfather and grandmother. I am the grandson of Anu and Uras.ö
He clinched his hands slowly into fists, frowning.
ôBut Enkidu is dead. As am I. ButàthatÆs not right is it?ö He looked at her. ôAm I a god?ö
ôNo.ö
ôThenàwhat am I?ö
ôYou are what you have always been: Gilgamesh, King of Kings.ö
Gilgamesh closed his eyes and smirked.
ôI have tossed aside the chains of my Mortality.ö He said, holding up the literal chain that had been left behind. ôI do not understand what it is that has occurred, but I have grieved in both this life and the one before it. All that is left for me is action.ö
ôWhat will you do, then, King of Kings?ö
ôàI met Enlil, who Enkidu cursed. It is, perhaps, due to the will of Enlil that I am yet alive. But it is, perhaps, due to the will of Enlil that Enkidu is dead. Lady of the Air, what should I do? For Enlil is Uncle to me as a son of Anu and he rules all between Heaven and Earth.ö
ôCare not about the blood you share, for it is not something for which you should feel pride. Let me tell you of Enlil, who thought and did shameful things and how he has grown twisted and harden your heart that you may cut away the wrongness from the world.ö
The world around him melted away at the words of the wind, replaced quickly with images of the past.
The story of Enlil and Lilith played out before his eyes.
XxXXxX
When the tale was finished, the sun had left the sky and the world had grown dark.
ôI am angry with Enlil, who rules between Heaven and Earth.ö Gilgamesh said, before falling silent.
The wind trembled as he thought.
ôI have killed gods before.ö He said, finally.
ôThen call upon your grandmother, who rules below the Earth, where Enlil holds no sway. She has become weak as she has been forgotten, but should you give her your protection, you will find she has no loyalty to Enlil.ö
And so Gilgamesh agreed and called out to Uras and a cavern opened, barely large enough for a man.
It closed behind him as he entered and he ventured deeper into the bowels of the Earth.
In a chamber beneath the Earth, he found Nanna, the Moon. He found Nergal and Ninazu of the underworld, and a river that ran beneath the earth, whose name was Enbilulu.
The Goddess of the Air spoke to her children.
ôIf you will obey me, we shall avenge the crimes of your father.ö
The chamber immediately filled with fear.
ôBut to strike at our father is incorrect.ö Nanna said.
The attention of the air focused completely on Nanna and looked into him.
ôHave you fallen into your fatherÆs sin, Nanna?ö Ninlil asked, of the child born of LilithÆs disguise.
ôWe cannot oppose him, mother.ö Nanna said, fearfully. ôFor it is he who holds the Tablet of Destinies. Should we rise up against him, he would jerk tight the chains that bind us all and we would fall away into suffering and pain. We have no voice in the world of our father.ö
ôAnd even should we succeed,ö Nergal began. ôIt is our Father who rules the empty spaces between Heaven and Earth. If he should bring down the skyàö
ôWhat then should we do, mother?ö
ôForge his existence into a weapon, as Lilith did once to me.ö The air said, frighteningly calm. ôWhat matters then, if the Heavens fall? Enlil once separated Heaven and Earth, from which he was born. A weapon made from him could do so again.ö
Her logic was as sound as it was terrifying.
Ninazu, horrified, shook his head, but it was Enbilulu who spoke.
ôIt is not possible.ö
ôYou fear this as well?ö Ninlil asked.
ôIf it is not possible, then it will not happen.ö Enbilulu said, remarkably stoic. ôHow can I do something that will not happen? It is futile, mother.ö
ôWe are all bound by the Thread of Destiny and to the Tablet. In this world, there are those that stand free, but we are not amongst them.ö Nanna said.
ôHe would cast us down and end us and take our glory away; we have no hope, mother.ö Ninazu whispered.
Gilgamesh sneered in the darkness; are these the gods worshiped by men? These pitiful, broken creatures?
He didnÆt understand completely, butà
ôNinlil, do you ask for the impossible?ö He asked, speaking for the first time and drawing the attention of all in the chamber.
The empty space beneath the earth was silent, but the attention of the air was focused solely on him.
ôI will do this deed.ö The King of Kings said.
ôKing of Uruk, do not be a fool.ö A new voice said as its owner entered. ôYou too are bound by the Tablet and you would share the same fate as any of us would.ö
The Hero turned his gaze onto Ninurta, the God of Lagash.
He smiled, then, whether at the God or his words and strode passed him without even replying.
Ninurta watched the King go, a feeling growing within him that he did not understand; a deep and fathomless shame.
And when Ninlil spoke to her son, it did not change the feeling the King had inspired in him, for better or worse.
It merely caste light upon the source of his shame.
ôIf Gilgamesh cannot overthrow Enlil, at least he delays not to assail him, and sits not idle in fear. And it may be that Adam has set in his soul a fire greater than thou know.ö
There was a movement of air through the earth and then Ninlil was gone.
The children were left alone with their shame.
XxXXxX
This part so far is mainly just minor changes in text, but from here on out, there are going to be some pretty major changes.
__________________________________________________________________
Sha Nagba Imuru û He Who Knows Everything
Prolouge û A Meeting of Kings
He who has seen everything, I will make known to the lands.
I will teach about him who experienced all things alike.
Anu granted him the totality of knowledge of all.
He saw the Secret, discovered the Hidden,
he brought information of the time before the Flood.
He went on a distant journey, pushing himself to exhaustion,
but then was brought to peace.
He carved on a stone stela all of his toils,
and built the wall of Uruk-Haven,
the wall of the sacred Eanna Temple, the holy sanctuary.
Look at its wall which gleams like copper,
inspect its inner wall, the likes of which no one can equal!
Take hold of the threshold stone--it dates from ancient times!
Go close to the Eanna Temple, the residence of Ishtar,
such as no later king or man ever equaled!
Go up on the wall of Uruk and walk around,
examine its foundation, inspect its brickwork thoroughly.
Is not (even the core of) the brick structure made of kiln-fired brick,
and did not the Seven Sages themselves lay out its plans?
One league city, one league palm gardens, one league lowlands, the open area of the Ishtar Temple,
three leagues and the open area of Uruk it encloses.
Find the copper tablet box,
open its lock of bronze,
undo the fastening of its secret opening.
Take and read out from the lapis lazuli tablet
how Gilgamesh went through every hardship.
- Epic of Gilgamesh, Unknown
In a World Beyond Mortalsà
Once upon a time, a man named Gilgamesh forgot who he was. This was not the world he knew and he was no longer as he knew himself; before the splendor of their glory, it was hard to remember who he was.
Even so, the man travelled east, for in the east he knew something waited for him. He knew not what it was, merely that it was a place he was supposed to be.
So he left behind the furthest regions of the Lower Realms and travelled towards the one above.
He walked east until the land itself ended.
He swam east until the sea itself ended.
He flew east until he reached the end of the sky.
And then he stood upon the boundaries of the world.
He peered beyond it.
The place Beyond the World he knew was swirling and filling and closing, like the surf. Upon it were patterns of darkness and light.
And though he knew not why, as he stepped in, his Heart was full of joy, as if he was returning home.
All around him the surf crashed. He could not breathe reliably. The Sea Beyond the World kept hitting him and it got in his mouth and his nose. Its waves made a sound like the Sunset. It felt like broken hearts and looked like lost love. It tasted like joy cut short. A Chain was wrapped around him and the Chain was a Snake. Its scales were like something he should have left behind, but couldnÆt.
He knew, in that moment.
Something was killing him.
XxXXxX
To the east, there was order. There were boundaries and those boundaries gave shape and form to the world. Around him, the sea was swirling and filling and closing like the surf, but to the east there were lines and dots, colors and shade, people, places, and things, though they were not as he was used to. The Sea of Chaos crashed against the shores of that place.
So Gilgamesh walked east, though Enkidu was killing him.
ôYou are my best friend.ö He told Enkidu.
ôAnd you are mine.ö The Serpent that was a Chain replied in a voice like the Old Age and Weariness of men.
ôAnd it will always be so?ö He asked, struggling to breath.
ôForever.ö It lied, sounding like Mortality and Endings and Paths Not Taken.
XxXXxX
He was soon to die, for Enkidu was killing him. The Chains that were Coils tightened around him the further east he went.
ôYou are my best friend.ö He told Enkidu, as if to remind himself. As if it would prevent something he knew would happen, but didnÆt wish for.
The Coils that were Chains tightened again.
Gilgamesh staggered and fell, one hand coming down on something hard and alive. Something he didnÆt want to acknowledge lurked beneath the Sea. His other hand tried to squirm beneath the coils around his neck.
ôEnkidu,ö He gasped, but could say no more.
ôWe will die here, for such is the fate of all mortal men.ö The Snake and the Chain whispered at the edge of a new world.
And the open spaces of the world spoke, and its voice was everywhere and nowhere and cruel and kind, and they said, ôThen thus far, but no further, æmortal man.Æö
Gilgamesh looked up and it was obvious even to the wind that he did not understand.
ôBefore you is a world,ö the voice said. ôThat was made for those above men. And to maintain that world, it is necessary to exclude those that do not belong and cast them out. Mortal souls may return to their father or serve in Heaven or Hell, but they have no other place here. That is the will of the Aspects, who made this world as it is, and that is my will. One such as you, a soul who even now is bound by the chains called Mortality, despite casting off your mortal flesh; one such as you has no place in this world.ö
And there is was; that which he did not wish to acknowledge.
Enkidu was dead.
He rememberedà
ôLet Enkidu die, but spare Gilgamesh his life.ö Said Enlil.
Oh, Enkidu; why did they absolve me, but cast you down to sit amongst the dead?
GilgameshÆs hand slipped away from his neck. The coils tightened.
And the memories and regrets of Enkidu tightened about him and Gilgamesh could not breathe and his right foot cracked the surface of That Beneath the Sea and his left foot shifted. His hands wrapped around the body of the Snake and pulled and his back bent and his arms stretched out.
He cracked EnkiduÆs neck against That Beneath the Sea and held his head beneath the waves. The coils loosened and the Snake flailed. His hands cracked scales that shone with something dear to him as his fingers sank into the muscle of the beast.
Loop by loop, the snake fell away from him and then the snake was just a chain.
His Mortality died beneath the sea.
He did not say: Oh, Enkidu.
He staggered upon the shores of the world with a chain that was no longer a snake and he put his head in his hands. The wind did not stop him.
ôWhat have I done?ö He asked.
Enlil spun around him curiously, and it is quite some time before he speaks again.
ôThe question is immaterial; you cast aside something that had no value in the first place.ö
XxXXxX
Gilgamesh was young. He was so very, very young in the grand scheme of things and he was tired and lost and ignorant.
He was a castaway on the shores of the World.
Gilgamesh laid there and did not move until the voice of the wind rose about him again.
But this voice was not that of Enlil, the God of the Sky Between Earth and Heaven. He listened and it was the voice of Goddess of the Air that he heard.
ôIt has been quite some time, Gilgamesh, son of Lugalbanda and Ninsun, grandson of Heaven and Earth. God-Slayer, why do you now lie upon the shores of this World? One would think you would be happy, to have become like onto the gods and to live forever and fear not death.ö She said.
Gilgamesh remembered the Goddess, for it was he who rebuilt her temple in Nippur.
He stood slowly.
ôI have a mother.ö He remembered. ôAnd a father. And a grandfather and grandmother. I am the grandson of Anu and Uras.ö
He clinched his hands slowly into fists, frowning.
ôBut Enkidu is dead. As am I. ButàthatÆs not right is it?ö He looked at her. ôAm I a god?ö
ôNo.ö
ôThenàwhat am I?ö
ôYou are what you have always been: Gilgamesh, King of Kings.ö
Gilgamesh closed his eyes and smirked.
ôI have tossed aside the chains of my Mortality.ö He said, holding up the literal chain that had been left behind. ôI do not understand what it is that has occurred, but I have grieved in both this life and the one before it. All that is left for me is action.ö
ôWhat will you do, then, King of Kings?ö
ôàI met Enlil, who Enkidu cursed. It is, perhaps, due to the will of Enlil that I am yet alive. But it is, perhaps, due to the will of Enlil that Enkidu is dead. Lady of the Air, what should I do? For Enlil is Uncle to me as a son of Anu and he rules all between Heaven and Earth.ö
ôCare not about the blood you share, for it is not something for which you should feel pride. Let me tell you of Enlil, who thought and did shameful things and how he has grown twisted and harden your heart that you may cut away the wrongness from the world.ö
The world around him melted away at the words of the wind, replaced quickly with images of the past.
The story of Enlil and Lilith played out before his eyes.
XxXXxX
When the tale was finished, the sun had left the sky and the world had grown dark.
ôI am angry with Enlil, who rules between Heaven and Earth.ö Gilgamesh said, before falling silent.
The wind trembled as he thought.
ôI have killed gods before.ö He said, finally.
ôThen call upon your grandmother, who rules below the Earth, where Enlil holds no sway. She has become weak as she has been forgotten, but should you give her your protection, you will find she has no loyalty to Enlil.ö
And so Gilgamesh agreed and called out to Uras and a cavern opened, barely large enough for a man.
It closed behind him as he entered and he ventured deeper into the bowels of the Earth.
In a chamber beneath the Earth, he found Nanna, the Moon. He found Nergal and Ninazu of the underworld, and a river that ran beneath the earth, whose name was Enbilulu.
The Goddess of the Air spoke to her children.
ôIf you will obey me, we shall avenge the crimes of your father.ö
The chamber immediately filled with fear.
ôBut to strike at our father is incorrect.ö Nanna said.
The attention of the air focused completely on Nanna and looked into him.
ôHave you fallen into your fatherÆs sin, Nanna?ö Ninlil asked, of the child born of LilithÆs disguise.
ôWe cannot oppose him, mother.ö Nanna said, fearfully. ôFor it is he who holds the Tablet of Destinies. Should we rise up against him, he would jerk tight the chains that bind us all and we would fall away into suffering and pain. We have no voice in the world of our father.ö
ôAnd even should we succeed,ö Nergal began. ôIt is our Father who rules the empty spaces between Heaven and Earth. If he should bring down the skyàö
ôWhat then should we do, mother?ö
ôForge his existence into a weapon, as Lilith did once to me.ö The air said, frighteningly calm. ôWhat matters then, if the Heavens fall? Enlil once separated Heaven and Earth, from which he was born. A weapon made from him could do so again.ö
Her logic was as sound as it was terrifying.
Ninazu, horrified, shook his head, but it was Enbilulu who spoke.
ôIt is not possible.ö
ôYou fear this as well?ö Ninlil asked.
ôIf it is not possible, then it will not happen.ö Enbilulu said, remarkably stoic. ôHow can I do something that will not happen? It is futile, mother.ö
ôWe are all bound by the Thread of Destiny and to the Tablet. In this world, there are those that stand free, but we are not amongst them.ö Nanna said.
ôHe would cast us down and end us and take our glory away; we have no hope, mother.ö Ninazu whispered.
Gilgamesh sneered in the darkness; are these the gods worshiped by men? These pitiful, broken creatures?
He didnÆt understand completely, butà
ôNinlil, do you ask for the impossible?ö He asked, speaking for the first time and drawing the attention of all in the chamber.
The empty space beneath the earth was silent, but the attention of the air was focused solely on him.
ôI will do this deed.ö The King of Kings said.
ôKing of Uruk, do not be a fool.ö A new voice said as its owner entered. ôYou too are bound by the Tablet and you would share the same fate as any of us would.ö
The Hero turned his gaze onto Ninurta, the God of Lagash.
He smiled, then, whether at the God or his words and strode passed him without even replying.
Ninurta watched the King go, a feeling growing within him that he did not understand; a deep and fathomless shame.
And when Ninlil spoke to her son, it did not change the feeling the King had inspired in him, for better or worse.
It merely caste light upon the source of his shame.
ôIf Gilgamesh cannot overthrow Enlil, at least he delays not to assail him, and sits not idle in fear. And it may be that Adam has set in his soul a fire greater than thou know.ö
There was a movement of air through the earth and then Ninlil was gone.
The children were left alone with their shame.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
The wind took Gilgamesh away from the gods to a secret place and revealed to him a sphere of darkness.
ôThis is the Goddess Ninlil, Lady of the Air.ö Said Ninlil, Lady of the Air.
Gilgamesh looked from Ninlil to Ninlil and spoke without hesitation.
ôI donÆt understand.ö
ôThe Mistress of Darkness forged my existence into this sphere and usurped my position to feed from the people of Sumer,ö spoke the wind. ôUntil a hero came and I was reborn into this world. Take this weapon as a sign of my favor and go forth, OÆ King of Heroes.ö
The sphere began to gravitate towards him and he held out a hand to it. It hovered a few inches above his palm.
ôWhere is Enlil?ö Gilgamesh said, nodding in thanks, though he still didnÆt understand. ôI shall go slay him now.ö
The air around him shifted.
ôEnlil is everywhere between Heaven and Earth. It is only my power that hides you from his sight.ö
ôThen go now, Lady Ninlil, and return at dawn.ö
And the wind left and the Lord of the Air filled the empty space left behind.
Gilgamesh took a deep breath and stated this:
ôTo serve the corrupt is not correct.ö
The air that filled the space between Heaven and Earth shifted and suddenly the King stood before the throne of a God.
Enlil slouched upon his throne and contemplated him.
ôGilgamesh,ö He said.
ôEnlil.ö
There was a moment of silence like the calm before the storm as Gilgamesh observed Enlil in turn.
ôYou have gone mad and grown corrupt and your actions lead to suffering for the innocents over which you rule.ö
ôYes.ö Enlil acknowledge.
ôWhy?ö
ôThis is the world I have chosen to create and this is the way I have chosen to rule it. Is that not my right? Is it not my right to rule my kingdom in the way I see fit? Surely, you would agree to being allowed to rule as you choose.ö
Gilgamesh tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes.
But he said nothing.
ôI am a God of this world. I created this world when I split the Heavens and the Earth and it is by my will that life is allowed to grow upon it! Bow before me and worship me with prayers and with sacrifices, Gilgamesh, for I am your God and I have dominion over all the realms of the World. And great shall be my wrath if you displease me. I am Enlil and I tower over the Gods as I tower over you!ö
Truly, you have gone mad, Lord of the Open Place.
But Gilgamesh could not ignore the images that he had been shown. Ninlil had showed him what Lilith had done to Enlil as well as what he had done in turn.
As he said:
ôI understand.ö
And:
ôIÆm going to kill now.ö
And Enlil smiled, as if the words were a joy to hear. He lifted himself from his slouch and instead leaned back in his chair, languid and sure of his superiority and spoke thus.
ôAnd if I forbid it?ö
ôThe God of this World,ö Gilgamesh said. ôHas chosen to create a World that brings suffering and pain to all within it. Who am I to go against the will of my God? I must bow to himùö
And here he bowed low at the waist.
ôùAnd worship himùö
He closed his eyes and swiftly uttered a prayer as he had taught his people to do.
ôùAnd sacrifice to him.ö
He rose and lifted Ninlil.
Enlil had trouble finding an answer to that.
ôItÆs the rule.ö Gilgamesh stated seriously.
ôàWho are you, Gilgamesh?ö
ôI am the King of Heroes,ö He said. ôI am the answer to the prayers of Gods and Men alike. I am the one who is going to tear down your World.ö
And for a moment, EnlilÆs heart was struck with fear, for it is the Nature of Dup Shimati to respond to the will of the strongest, and who would stand against him knowing that but one stronger than him.
And yet, Dup Shimati was yet his.
The racing heart of the God calmed and he laughed.
Gilgamesh watched the mad, laughing god but did not yet act.
When the laughter died down, Enlil smirked at Gilgamesh and shook his head.
ôYou are not up to the task, King of Uruk.ö
He stood.
The clouds of the sky gathered behind his shoulders and the stars burnt bright in the suddenly darkened sky. The world grew heavy as if to force all within it to their knees and EnlilÆs eyes smoldered.
Enlil wore dread like a cloak in that moment. Enlil was the son of Heaven and Earth in that moment. He was as strong as the earth, unsurpassable, unassailable, great and terrible, and free to act according to his desires.
The power of him held Gilgamesh still.
All that exists upon the Worlds is, in itself, both the truth and the ideal. And the truth is everything that moves, everything that acts, and everything that thinks. And it cannot truly be proven that there is more than that but there must be more, or else there would be nothing worth anything.
And yet, where is the ideal?
Where does it lay within the body? Where can you search and find it?
It doesnÆt and you canÆt.
And yet, Gilgamesh knew, he was here in this world, having left his mortal form behind, so it must exist, though he still did not know where.
But Enlil knew something Gilgamesh did not know.
And he wore it like a blaze.
He was truth and ideal as one.
It was the terror and the power of the truth and the fact and the reality of him, but it was more than that, too. It was that with his arms and his legs he could move and Gilgamesh could not stop him from moving. It was that that truth was also an ideal, unconstrained by GilgameshÆs will or the limits that Gilgamesh would rather have put on it, and capable in its action of dragging Gilgamesh ideals down.
Enlil was inevitable in that moment and Supreme. He was Truth and Fact and Victory; having spread his glory with the might of Dup Shimati he was not a thing that Gilgamesh could deny.
He could have made Gilgamesh say as much, if he wanted to.
He could make him admit to it while hating him, or to admit it while loving him, or to come through paths of logic or of faith to the conclusion that he should.
And if Gilgamesh had ever thought that was impossible, it was when he was luckier, and had never seen the might of Dup Shimati and the God Enlil, who towered above the Gods as they towered above men.
Those fingers could break GilgameshÆs will. Those hands could take his life. Those great arms could put an end to the King of Heroes.
Enlil had that power.
ôYou are not up to the task, King of Uruk.ö Enlil repeated.
And then he smiled.
ôBut I will enjoy crushing you all the same. Come.ö
The wind took Gilgamesh away from the gods to a secret place and revealed to him a sphere of darkness.
ôThis is the Goddess Ninlil, Lady of the Air.ö Said Ninlil, Lady of the Air.
Gilgamesh looked from Ninlil to Ninlil and spoke without hesitation.
ôI donÆt understand.ö
ôThe Mistress of Darkness forged my existence into this sphere and usurped my position to feed from the people of Sumer,ö spoke the wind. ôUntil a hero came and I was reborn into this world. Take this weapon as a sign of my favor and go forth, OÆ King of Heroes.ö
The sphere began to gravitate towards him and he held out a hand to it. It hovered a few inches above his palm.
ôWhere is Enlil?ö Gilgamesh said, nodding in thanks, though he still didnÆt understand. ôI shall go slay him now.ö
The air around him shifted.
ôEnlil is everywhere between Heaven and Earth. It is only my power that hides you from his sight.ö
ôThen go now, Lady Ninlil, and return at dawn.ö
And the wind left and the Lord of the Air filled the empty space left behind.
Gilgamesh took a deep breath and stated this:
ôTo serve the corrupt is not correct.ö
The air that filled the space between Heaven and Earth shifted and suddenly the King stood before the throne of a God.
Enlil slouched upon his throne and contemplated him.
ôGilgamesh,ö He said.
ôEnlil.ö
There was a moment of silence like the calm before the storm as Gilgamesh observed Enlil in turn.
ôYou have gone mad and grown corrupt and your actions lead to suffering for the innocents over which you rule.ö
ôYes.ö Enlil acknowledge.
ôWhy?ö
ôThis is the world I have chosen to create and this is the way I have chosen to rule it. Is that not my right? Is it not my right to rule my kingdom in the way I see fit? Surely, you would agree to being allowed to rule as you choose.ö
Gilgamesh tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes.
But he said nothing.
ôI am a God of this world. I created this world when I split the Heavens and the Earth and it is by my will that life is allowed to grow upon it! Bow before me and worship me with prayers and with sacrifices, Gilgamesh, for I am your God and I have dominion over all the realms of the World. And great shall be my wrath if you displease me. I am Enlil and I tower over the Gods as I tower over you!ö
Truly, you have gone mad, Lord of the Open Place.
But Gilgamesh could not ignore the images that he had been shown. Ninlil had showed him what Lilith had done to Enlil as well as what he had done in turn.
As he said:
ôI understand.ö
And:
ôIÆm going to kill now.ö
And Enlil smiled, as if the words were a joy to hear. He lifted himself from his slouch and instead leaned back in his chair, languid and sure of his superiority and spoke thus.
ôAnd if I forbid it?ö
ôThe God of this World,ö Gilgamesh said. ôHas chosen to create a World that brings suffering and pain to all within it. Who am I to go against the will of my God? I must bow to himùö
And here he bowed low at the waist.
ôùAnd worship himùö
He closed his eyes and swiftly uttered a prayer as he had taught his people to do.
ôùAnd sacrifice to him.ö
He rose and lifted Ninlil.
Enlil had trouble finding an answer to that.
ôItÆs the rule.ö Gilgamesh stated seriously.
ôàWho are you, Gilgamesh?ö
ôI am the King of Heroes,ö He said. ôI am the answer to the prayers of Gods and Men alike. I am the one who is going to tear down your World.ö
And for a moment, EnlilÆs heart was struck with fear, for it is the Nature of Dup Shimati to respond to the will of the strongest, and who would stand against him knowing that but one stronger than him.
And yet, Dup Shimati was yet his.
The racing heart of the God calmed and he laughed.
Gilgamesh watched the mad, laughing god but did not yet act.
When the laughter died down, Enlil smirked at Gilgamesh and shook his head.
ôYou are not up to the task, King of Uruk.ö
He stood.
The clouds of the sky gathered behind his shoulders and the stars burnt bright in the suddenly darkened sky. The world grew heavy as if to force all within it to their knees and EnlilÆs eyes smoldered.
Enlil wore dread like a cloak in that moment. Enlil was the son of Heaven and Earth in that moment. He was as strong as the earth, unsurpassable, unassailable, great and terrible, and free to act according to his desires.
The power of him held Gilgamesh still.
All that exists upon the Worlds is, in itself, both the truth and the ideal. And the truth is everything that moves, everything that acts, and everything that thinks. And it cannot truly be proven that there is more than that but there must be more, or else there would be nothing worth anything.
And yet, where is the ideal?
Where does it lay within the body? Where can you search and find it?
It doesnÆt and you canÆt.
And yet, Gilgamesh knew, he was here in this world, having left his mortal form behind, so it must exist, though he still did not know where.
But Enlil knew something Gilgamesh did not know.
And he wore it like a blaze.
He was truth and ideal as one.
It was the terror and the power of the truth and the fact and the reality of him, but it was more than that, too. It was that with his arms and his legs he could move and Gilgamesh could not stop him from moving. It was that that truth was also an ideal, unconstrained by GilgameshÆs will or the limits that Gilgamesh would rather have put on it, and capable in its action of dragging Gilgamesh ideals down.
Enlil was inevitable in that moment and Supreme. He was Truth and Fact and Victory; having spread his glory with the might of Dup Shimati he was not a thing that Gilgamesh could deny.
He could have made Gilgamesh say as much, if he wanted to.
He could make him admit to it while hating him, or to admit it while loving him, or to come through paths of logic or of faith to the conclusion that he should.
And if Gilgamesh had ever thought that was impossible, it was when he was luckier, and had never seen the might of Dup Shimati and the God Enlil, who towered above the Gods as they towered above men.
Those fingers could break GilgameshÆs will. Those hands could take his life. Those great arms could put an end to the King of Heroes.
Enlil had that power.
ôYou are not up to the task, King of Uruk.ö Enlil repeated.
And then he smiled.
ôBut I will enjoy crushing you all the same. Come.ö