The King and his merry men

[Gilgamesh]

The small creature burst into the door, ignoring all of the guards that had attempted to stop her on the way to the throne room. Her short stubby legs waddled up to the feet of the stairs and she crossed her arms before greeting the King. The contrast between her assertive nature and her minuscule demeanor brought a smile to the King’s face. Yet, there was something familiar about this foreign being. Although the creature’s origin remained unknown like many of the beings of the Omniverse, Gilgamesh could easily sniff out a Magus a mile away. 

“What do you desire little Magus? Who are you to storm my palace?” Gilgamesh raised a brow as he spoke.

The tarutaru tapped her feet clearly upset but his somewhat demeaning remark, “Ohohohoho oh forgive me for being so bold, but it would seem I am here to see you, the one in gold." Shantotto took a quick look around to see the disparaged throne room before speaking again, this time with a little more sass in her voice, “It would seem this place is ruled by a mongrel.. a dog, the people outside live worse than a hog.” A playful twinkle sparkled in her eye, complimented with a satisfied smug on her face.

Gilgamesh frowned, why must primes think they are worthy enough to speak to him in such a manner? The Magus was quickly testing his patience and his urge to slaughter her grew by the minute. Before more banter could be exchanged, a loud knock reverberated through the throne room. One of Gilgamesh’s guards peeked his head in through the door. He took note that the King was currently speaking with a prime and decided to stay silent. His head, however, remained unwelcome in the King’s field of vision.

“Yes? You may speak up.” Gil’s voice was clearly agitated. The guard stuttered as he spoke, causing Victor to roll his eyes and groan. Victor turned to the King and whispered to him, “Are all your guards such bumbling messes?”

“M-my liege. There are two other primes to see you sire. Shall I tell them to wait?” The guard looked up at Gilgamesh like a lost puppy. Gilgamesh rubbed the bridge of his nose, letting out an irritated sigh. He is going to murder a mongrel if people don’t begin behaving as properly in your station. Gilgamesh rose his head and made eye contact with the guard, “Go ahead and let them in,” he spoke in a defeated tone.

The guard’s head quickly retracted, shutting the door for a brief second before swinging upon again. Three figures  walked into the throne room, one of them was a very familiar traitor who had abandoned his post as a prime, while the other was fully covered in what seemed to be combat armor along with a gruff man. The group noticed the small Tarutaru and walked up to be by her side.

“You all should recognize me as King Gilgamesh!” Gilgamesh outstretched his hands in a grandeur fashion, trying to preserve some of his pride. Letting his booming voice resonate a bit, he brought down his hands to the cold touch of his throne. Still peeved by the small magus’ comments, he pointed to the man who seemed to be the leader of the metallic soldier. “You there. What is your name and purpose here?” The gruff man confidently took a step forward, before giving Gilgamesh a respectful nod. This earned a smile on Gilgamesh’s face, the man was off to a good start at least.

“The names Raynor, Jim Raynor. I’m a deputy over there in the Town with No Name and I’m just checking out the place. I just want to make sure you folk are friendly.” The man shifted his weight onto one leg and his eyes scanned Gilgamesh. The combat suit behind him shifted mechanically, its joints creaking as it moved.

Gil gave Jim a polite smile before speaking with authority, “We will have no problems with The Town with No Name.’ He outstretched his hand, pointing to the assassin behind him, “ If you wish to discuss anything further, you will speak to Victor. As you can see, I have a lot to do just restoring my Kingdom.” The King’s shooed Raynor, his attention already shifted to one of the other primes. Victor, sitting beside the throne, jumped onto his feet, twisting his torso, letting out a few cracks from his vertebrae. Quickly turning to the King, Victor flourished him arm, before bowing to Gilgamesh.

“As you wish my King,” Victor spoke before he began to walk down the steps and exit the throne room, beckoning Jim and the adjutant to follow him. Waiting for the door the creak shut, he turned his attention to the traitor. He squinted his eyes and leaned forward, letting his sour mood permeate through the air.

“It has been a long time, Serraph,” he said curtly.  “What makes you think that you can show your face around here again.” The espada slightly squirmed under Gil’s stare before gathering his courage and speaking up. Taking a deep breath and puffing out  his chest, Serraph began to speak.

‘I am not the same filthy hollow that had betrayed his former master,” Serraph’s demeanor became much more confident, maintaining eye contact with the hostile King. One of the Espada’s arms reached from behind his back, before swiftly retrieving something. The gorey head of the former Serraph was presented, the head looking hollow and sunken with dried blood decorating it. Intrigued, Gilgamesh’s frown turned into a satisfied smirk and he raised an eyebrow.

Holding the outstretched head as if it were a prize, Serraph gained more confidence as he continued to speak. “I have slain the traitor and brought his captives back to the protection of this city.”

“Why?” Gilgamesh probed the prime. Serraph was startled for a bit, he thought his reasons were obvious at this point. He paused to collect his thoughts before carefully speaking.

“This thing had betrayed both it’s master, both new and old and is unworthy of the name Serraph.” His voice seemed disgusted by his former self’s actions. “So I relieved him of it and have taken his vows from him. I now only wish to serve to serve the Legendary King Gilgamesh in his stead.”

These words were music to the Golden King’s ears, his already large ego was glad to be fed. His demeanor towards Serraph turned from that of disgust to a bit of admiration. “Very well, consider your sword added to my ranks. You have good intuition of what my city needs. Your only mission is to help it as you see fit. Do not disappoint me.”

A smile grew on the Espada’s face before he wholeheartedly bowed before Gilgamesh. “I am grateful for the opportunity my Liege. I will do my best to please you.” Serraph rose up before excitedly exiting the room.

“Now that just leaves me and you little mage. What do you want?” Gilgamesh finally turned his attention to Shantotto, his mood lifted from the previous subservient prime.

“My name is Doctor Belle Shantotto, mage of the first class, I admit it is interesting, the people youve been able to amass. Though let it be known I am concerned for your people, it is my duty to protect those that are feeble.” The small mage frowned as she teetered in front of the King. “The more time which is wasted, the more life dwindles, that which is sacred.”

Gilgamesh nodded and spoke matter of factly, “I will not turn down aid to my city, especially that from a prime.” He looked to his left, a cracked window with an overview of the city. “The young prime who had just left, if you could assist him in aiding the city, I would be in your debt.”

Shantotto laughed before speaking, “Helping another would be quite the breeze, I will do anything to rid this city’s disease” Gilgamesh smiled at her response, while the mage may take too much pride in herself, he will admire her tenacity.

“As the King of Nippur, I show gratitude to you Shantotto.” He nodded his head at Shantotto, giving her an earnest smile. She responded by giving a nod back to the King before wobbling her little legs out of the throne room, leaving Gilgamesh to his own devices.