(Preshow) Preshow Facility

[Gilgamesh]

Hands were pressed against Gilgamesh’s back as he was escorted out of the room. Two other Syntech Agents were pulling at Gilgamesh’s arms until they had left the room, with a door quickly shutting behind them. With a sneer, Gil tore his arms from the agent’s grasp and bared his teeth. Transfering all of his fury onto the Agents, Gilgamesh screamed at them.

“That is enough! I will not be manhandled!” His breathing was heavy and his blood felt as if it were boiling over. He took an aggressive step towards the trio of agents, expecting some sort of fear from them. However, they like machinery and were completely unphased by his aggressive demeanor. Their faces looked more bored than frightened and each of them had a glazed look in their eye. Their indifference unsettled Gilgamesh, mixing his absolute hatred with confusion.

“Please refrain from fighting with other competitors. We hope you avoid future conflicts and enjoy the rest of your stay.” Giving the King a forced smile, the trio swiftly turned around with no interaction. Goosebumps rose on his skin as he scoffed at them. Though he brushed off the interaction, the whole Danteverse disturbed him. It seemed so ...fake.

Swiftly turning away, Gilgamesh walked aimlessly down the rest of the hall with a scowl on his face and his fists clenched. Brushing past many competitors as he walked by, Gilgamesh looked for something to take his mind of the two villains. The idea that either of them call themselves heroes disgusted Gilgamesh but even more so infuriated him. Their idealistic visions will do nothing but bring misery. He prayed for the moment that he could teach them this lesson. He smirked, maybe this competition will bring them on the wrong side of his sword.

Blinking rapidly, Gil for a moment had no idea where he was. Being lost in thought, his idle walking had brought him into an unfamiliar situation. The practice swords on the wall and the plethora of dummies, however, gave the King a good guess of what this place was to be used for. A resounding *thwack* echoed through the room with a loud grunt accompanying it. A few seconds passed until another *thwack*. Intrigued, Gilgamesh took a few steps forward in the empty gym passing by empty hall after empty hall, with the fierce sounds growing ever louder.

As Gil reached the end of the hallway, he noticed Yu Kanda mercilessly battling a wooden dummy with a Shinai. Sweat dripped down the excorsist’s forehead, his face battle-hardened and stoic. His breathing was heavier than normal and his aggressive stand made him seem as angry as the King was. He swung the Shinai once more, knocking the dummy forcefully of its ‘feet’ and onto the floor.

Inspiring Gilgamesh to take his own frustrations out on the helpless dummies, the King took one of the Shinai on the wall. He examined the bamboo sword casually before leaping forward and striking a different dummy than Kanda. Kanda, slightly startled, brought up his sword in a defensive stand against Gil before realizing who it was. While he brought down his sword, the frown on his face lingered. Without speaking, Kanda turned back to the target and delivered another quick strike.


Raising an eyebrow at the swordsman, Gilgamesh leaned against the wall and probed him a bit. “What can bother the almighty exorcist I wonder?” Gilgamesh questioned sarcastically, his joking demeanor alleviating some of his anger. Kanda returned the banter with a deadly glare, smacking the dummy with another strike. The Swordsman raised his shinai up for a strike, but was intercepted by Gilgamesh’s. Kanda’s faced jerked and gave him another dirty look. Gil returned with a mixture of seriousness and empathy.

“What’s wrong?” Gil’s almost magical voice was indescribably smooth and wrapped itself around Kanda, lifting a bit of weight off of his chest. Lowering his sword, the exorcist’s face softened a bit. Eventually letting his sword rest upon the floor, Kanda let out a frustrated sigh.

“A horrible succubus has been taunting me and your Lord has been doing nothing but provoking him. Why is he one of your lords anyways?” Kanda cast his eyes down in shame as he spoke, a bit embarrassed by the fact he has been helpless about the fact. The surprise of Gilgamesh’s soft hand on his shoulder startled Kanda, looking up into Gilgamesh’s charismatic eyes.

Taking the time to collect his thoughts, Gilgamesh spoke. “Loyalty is hard to come by in the Dunes. I was gone for two entire years and he still serves me? So many mongrels rebel against me, loyalty needs to be rewarded.”

Kanda nodded, but Gilgamesh returned with a sly smirk. “Although if you’re lucky you might be able to kick both their asses in this event.” Kanda returned the King’s smile and his entire demeanor brightened. Gil walked in front of Kanda and rose his sword to challenge his.

“Now why don’t you try hitting a moving target?”

Kanda and Gil are in the Gym sparring each other