Finis Chaldea

"I call it what it is, and nothing more. What this thing refers to as Sanctuary means nothing to me; it will only be a surplus of mediocrity as these foolish wars continue through the ages," Gilgamesh claimed. In truth, that was the exact future that would come eventually. This Nexus was some sort of idiot, producing a method of raising the lower world's strongest to Finis Chaldea. It would take centuries, but eventually, history repeat itself. Those with power and those who desired it would be melded together, and events the Nexus attempted to spare humanity from in the lower world would occur in their current plane of existence as well. Even now, he could see the possibility several centuries, even millennia after the lower world crumbled. How many realms in the sky would they have to go through for a small section of humanity? "Somewhere within, there is a part of you that understands how disgusting that is. Envy is the fall of humanity a thousand times over. True Sanctuary can only be granted with prejudice."

Artoria found no fault, but Gilgamesh found few things faultless. The pharaohs were remnants of the truth in this world. Jeanne and Artoria were not quite, but certain aspects of each placed them perfectly on the line between. What of the next Holy Grail war this world enabled? What of the one after that, and those that followed even later? The negative paths he saw far outweighed the positives, and that was precisely the reason one such as himself had to mediate further. One day, some lowly dog would rise to Chaldea and need to be stamped out. In fact, he could see it happening a lot. Should Gilgamesh take those actions, and that workload, as marks of his greatness? Perhaps. Did that make it less of an annoyance? Certainly not.

Ah, but these things were featured in those dreams of the past he had. One Hoshimi Eri, and by association the sister always attached to her hip, was most of it... but there were a few more things. He recalled a great victory during a time in which he stood alone. In current life, it was processed as the dreams of an embryo. In truth, it was Ishigami Daisuke who first referred to Finis Chaldea as Sanctuary. When this world was only a video game still in development to people like them, it was his choice to create a realm separating the strong from the weak. Those who reached the upper limits would never know boredom, and those who remained weak would never have to fear the oppression of the strong. Little did Gilgamesh realize, growing up in this world had once turned him into an oppressive force for even the strong ones. Well, that hardly mattered after more recent developments. He eventually became the shelter for an even greater problem than what he was becoming. This life they all spoke of, though... could it have truly been so pitiful? "You speak of past dreams that mean nothing. Live the life you are dealt. Strive for the limits always, but never too far beyond one's own capacity. That is all that must be done. The lives you speak of are irrelevant," he surmised.

Ozymandias could agree with that notion, though he could just as easily disagree. How very conflicting that view was. Artoria had already made sense of it though, hadn't she? He'd never seen Sage-King in a collaborative video or livestream; the most that man had ever done was send his audience to someone else at the end of a stream... usually to the stream of PenDragonWitch and MaidOfOrleans if possible. It was strange to see how this life changed people from an outside perspective. Alas, not everyone could be as lucky as the pharaoh himself. "Interesting. When we appeared here, we were raised together. I was born Ramesses II, and of course... I was elated to discover that Nefertari, my fated wife, was her reincarnation. The only difficulty we had growing up was... well, going from adults to children."

Gilgamesh said truthful things, but in the end... his points were both right and wrong. Artoria would be the first to deny mediocrity at its core, but she would not be the one to turn away those who truly wished to work to become better. That was simply outside of her nature. He claimed that somewhere within Artoria she was disgusted by what the world could become if too much went wrong too quickly. "Of course. I never said I was not disgusted... but there is a reason I am always prepared to crush underfoot any whose hearts and ambitions are ill-aligned. Hope and vigilance, that is the crux of a conversation we have had before. I built my table on such a foundation," Artoria said and her sister couldn't even fault her for the logic. The Queen of Knights was allowed to incite a rebellion and murder her older sister as Arthur Pendragon because she was male and the girl was touted as evil. The issues of the world were only solved by those with the power to make it happen. And Artoria would see her own life all the way through to her own utopia.

The lives they had before were irrelevant well yes, but also no. There was a certain pretext that needed to be worked upon and that was that not everyone living in this world would do so in the bubble of their new life. Those with outer knowledge were bound to become problematic as they progressed, and their personality flaws would eventually be on display for all to see. "The lives we speak of, are how we hang on to what is left of personalities this world would have crushed, twisted or changed. It keeps some of us from becoming the worst of ourselves, but in the same light some are bound to become the worst of themselves instead with nothing around to ground them," Artoria said, Jeanne pouted in this moment. "Too pessimistic. People will be who they are, but there are good and bad sides to everything. It seems to me the good in this is those of us who made it here first, can help you... preserve this notion of yours. And that you coming here now, will allow you to make any alterations you seek now that you know how it works. The only remaining question is; Would you not accept the help?" Jeanne's words made Artoria's heartache, yes, the Queen of Saints was truly a saint. "She is right though, given the Nexus would do whatever I ask. I imagine the same would be extended to you... if you wish to keep the changes to your realm at bay, you could consider changes that would make that possible," Artoria mentioned as she'd considered something similar. But she also had the power to control all knights and the necessary knowledge to murder everyone she saw fit. Well, except the King of Heroes, as such there was very little else she needed to make the transitions possible.

The Pharaohs in Egypt lived a love story for the ages. Everyone else seemed to be struggling just to get from place to place. The worst thing mentioned by the Sun King was going through actually being raised a secondary time. And having the mind of an adult in the body of a child. For Artoria this had been worse, because she had the mind of an assassin stuck in the body of a child. There were several points in her childhood if she had been bigger that would have gone vastly differently. "I can commiserate, heartily. Childhood with my true mind was frightening though for what I imagine are very different reasons," Artoria said which made her sister chuckle. Somehow she imagined her swearing elder sister threatening to rain death and dismemberment upon the populace, challenging people to duels and then actually fighting them into submission. At the same time, she imagined the loving couple of Pharaohs, not knowing if they were old enough to continue on with the activities they enjoyed of each other physically.

Not disgusted? It seemed Artoria was unaware of what he actually meant. He saw a glimpse of her future existence, one likely more relatable to her previous self. It still wasn't clear, but that woman was one who would end the many for the few, with neither thought nor regret... and even her own people were not safe from her methods. While viewing this version of Artoria Pendragon, he spoke in the way he would refer to such a woman. "Hmph. Your current resolve and ambitions are mighty, my Lioness, but even you may sink further into tyranny. Perhaps you will see for yourself one day," he ended.

Hanging on to personalities from another cycle of life was such a pointless endeavor. Given what Gilgamesh saw of that life, he regarded it as irrelevant in the greatest way possible. Nothing of that existence could be of use here, where might truly made right. Besides, there was another side to the proverbial coin Artoria spoke of. "It remains without purpose then. Some will be kept the same regardless of their memories, and some will change irrespective of them as well. Place the mind of a goat into the shell of a mammoth; watch it try its hardest to bleat." There was no changing the soul in this world. Those who were corrupt, were corrupt by design. The pure ones would remain so unless corrupted, but Gilgamesh refused the idea that silly memories would negate that change.

Oh well. Artoria did make one decent point. As King of the Nexus, he could do whatever he pleased, no? With that being the case... "Then I tire of this discussion. This meeting's purpose has been served, so all of you, begone." This order was accompanied by a wave from Gilgamesh, which would cause the ejection of the pharaohs back to their own temple, Jeanne to the banquet outside, and Artoria... nowhere. Indeed, he was far from done with her. One side of this debate would be proved truthful eventually, but the discussion itself was one Gilgamesh initially participated in for one purpose: he was waiting for the others' eventual exodus. Was he to make another move on the Queen of Knights? Well, pleasant as that idea always was, he didn't seem keen on doing so immediately. "Splendid. Now we may share a more purposeful meeting."

Lioness? Sink further into tyranny? Artoria spent a few moments wondering if she liked that reference for herself, deciding after a moment that she did, but as for the thought that she might sink further into tyranny, nothing but a small smile spread across her face. Why? Well, because there would be no sinking. "I do not think such a thing would involve any real amount of sinking on my part King of Heroes," she said and Jeanne could only nod. It was the truth of the matter that 'tyrant' was simply part of Hoshimi Eri. It was part of her underlying personality there was no downward spiral. She was presently simply a an understanding tyrant instead of a truly tyrannical one. But it was always there just below the surface of her being, but no matter.

As for the matter of the changes in nature of people she truly couldn't argue. Her own existence was one which could not truly change given her own start. She could only live as she wished to and try to force the issues. Still, there were people who would become terrible because they now had the ability to do so, Gilgamesh himself could be considered such an individual. Ishigami Daisuke had once decided to create Sanctuary to protect the worlds low level players from high level bored ones... and he had been the tyrant of his people so high on himself during his isekai adventure that he'd been stealing people's brides from them. "The inverse is also true and leans more liberally towards that problem of envy you mentioned," she said easily. Things that thought themselves bigger than their bodies were bound to be more problematic than everyone else. She sorely wished her cup was still full but it didn't seem to matter.

Ah, the King of Heroes was done with the discussion with everyone. Artoria herself had relayed the information she found necessary, still... it was a little strange to have her younger sister's warm rather suddenly disappear from her side. "That was rude..." she said now holding both an empty cup and a missing warmth. Now they could have a more purposeful conversation? Truly? "And what would you like to discuss, King of Heroes?" she said staring at him the flame of curiosity dancing behind her eyes. She seemed unworried about being alone with him, even though her earlier leave of his person said she would rather not be so. She still did not truly understand how she felt about him, but she was not feeling particularly murderous in the moment so that was fine right?

"Easily said when you have done so much to float upon the surface thus far," he countered. True, tyranny was in her nature; he could see that. Even so, the simple fact that she rose above the level more true to her meant some sort of downfall. Ah, but he never said it was a downfall he would not gaze upon favorably. In the eyes of Gilgamesh, this woman could truly do no wrong. Whatever the case, more points were thrown. Was that comment about the inverse some sort of jab? Well, it wouldn't be wrong. Gilgamesh had so few memories of his original life, he hardly knew what he was like. Perhaps he had been one to fall into depravity through this rebirth. If so, it only meant he was tainted from the beginning... but perhaps his self-alteration spoke to the contrary.

All these things were too much bother for a discussion between the two of them─ at least now that they were alone. Was it so rude that he rid them of the riffraff? He thought not. "Worry not. I willed them to the places they have more comfort. The pharaohs may indulge in each other in their own home, as opposed to breaking in a place I may use as our wedding venue. Your sister, however, has been returned to Siduri and the others. You, Nexus! Fill my chalice." Ending with a demand to the realm around them, Gilgamesh had his own grail topped off. The wine was even sweeter while they were alone and sharing words, and it was clear they both desired another. He would surely have one for himself while Artoria questioned his desired topic of conversation. "The matter is yours, is it not? You were to tell me of your selfish tendencies. That is, unless you would rather christen this empty gutter meant to be our shared throne over all creation."

"The restrictions I place upon myself are for the good of everyone else," Artoria countered. Yes, she was floating on the surface of her own tyrannical nature, but she could so easily wrap that around herself, it would be like snuggling up in one's favorite blanket. Right before she picked up a nearby object and slayed an entire room full of people without remorse. Whatever the case, after she called this man rude he went on to explain that he'd simply moved the others to places they would find more comfortable. Her younger sister back in Siduri's care, and the Pharaohs back in their own temple to avoid them 'christening' this venue. "If not rude in the straight forward sense, then at least sudden... but I suppose you are simply like this," she said seeming to accept at face value the way he was even if it did not quite line up with conventions.

Now what were they going to talk about alone in a room like this. He wanted either to know of her selfish tendencies or to christen the room. How very him as a demand. "I will also require another," she said watching as her own cup filled. Once it was full again she brought it up to her lips while giving thought to how to broach the topic of her selfishness. "This is a strange topic to undertake," she said trying to think about how to start speaking on her former life and why she wished to live and die by the rules she set. "I... seek redemption," she said carefully. "In the simplest terms my life was one where I made only one choice of my own. I was in that time, a remorseless and merciless killer, an assassin for hire. I was so much, a killer that the only thing that gave me anything resembling happiness was figuring out how I would kill the next target on my list, cleaning weapons, and my time spent with my family," she said. "I made the choice to be that to spare my brother and younger sister from such a life, and I was fine with that... Both of them are better people than I can be," she gave it consideration while speaking on it, taking a long sip of wine while she considered her stance. She hadn't changed her mind at all. Even know, she'd take on the terrible parts of the story of King Arthur, if only so her brother wouldn't have to bear with the parts that would break him, this was simply the kind of person she was, realistically.

"That much is obvious," Gilgamesh spoke without hesitation. Her restrictions certainly weren't for her own sake; essentially nothing she did could be counted as such. Destroy everything to save everything. That was her way, but even in destroying herself, she refused to save herself. Such fallacy could not stand.

The King of Heroes drank and drank, while hearing Artoria's explanation of her selfishness. So many words passed her lips, and some of them even made sense. However, the whole of it was completely ridiculous. She was a remorseless assassin? Fine. She made only one choice of her own, and it was to dive headlong into the life of merciless killing to spare her younger siblings the same fate? Also fine. She wanted redemption for making that choice? Foolish! Regardless, he let her speak her mind. For every few words that left her mouth, a sip of wine entered his. Artoria Pendragon was far from a fool, despite how easily he referred to any and everyone as such; but he could not find an ounce of wisdom in her current decision. Did she not see? It was clear as the cloudless sky how foolish she was being! "I see..." he said, seeming quite serious after that information dump. Suddenly though, the King of Heroes laughed, as if to mock her stupid decisions. "I didn't imagine even you could be so foolish. Queen of Knights, has your body that refuses to grow managed to impact your mental development as well? Fuhaha!"

Of course, there was purpose to his laughter. It was hilarious, wasn't it? Artoria took the time to say all those things, just to claim that her selfishness was some desire to fill an endless cycle, closing it without breaking the proverbial wheel. "You lived a life, you made the choice to throw it away. You are granted another life by fate, so you choose to do the same thing for redemption? I will not fault your desire for forgiveness, but tell me, what is to be forgiven? Killing, that your loved ones may live in bliss? Even a common beast would do as much. If you believe your life is owed as a debt, it should be considered that your life has already been given twice. If you believe differently, you are free to show me the difference between a man who died and a child never born. Don't bother. The difference is subjective, depending on whether the man lived his life to the fullest. You, Artoria Pendragon, have not yet been born... So why do you not live?"

The Queen of Knights went through her explanation and then she drank wine. The words and laughter of Gilgamesh were about what she expected. She knew no one would agree with her on this matter, but that is why it was selfish. She couldn't even help the small smile that formed on her lips in the face of such a thing, as hearing the King of Heroes laugh properly even for just a moment. When did that sound become something likeable? "No, I still have my own brain aside from the rages, I am myself..." she said truthfully. His summary made her sound so outlandish but it wasn't really that big a leap was it? "I gave away a life, on purpose. And I am holding the place of another, incidentally, but I made the choice to live this one in a manner which I could like it," she said that very carefully. "That first decision I made, knowing full well I would never know who that person was. I do not know the girl assassin, or anything associated with her. She was never really a person, she was a tool, her siblings refused to treat as such. Artoria Pendragon, is a person I know and one I can like..." she said of her current self. "I do not expect anyone to understand... but ever since I was born in this world, I have dreamed of a utopia at the end of the world, in the most beautiful and quiet space my life could know. Even more quiet than my brain gets before I kill something... I have never seen that before, it intrigues me," she said this and couldn't help herself but be elated at the thought. "I know it is absolutely selfish, and foolish and stupid, but I want to live and die on the terms I set and then happily sit in the solitude of my own creation, even if it is forever. I will live the life of an upstanding protector, and have an honorable death that does not just drown the world in the blood from my hands," she said with a smirk.

"And the truth of it is, I know that everyone would be upset. And I know that none will understand why I made the choice, but I made it because it is mine to make and I wish to live the way I want and die that way as well. It would not even be anything worth being upset about if it was not the case that I will not return. But I am fine with that as well..." she said. "When I die I will not return so I will live this life on my terms, without regret and create the standard I wish upheld. And then I will die the way I lived and that is something I could not have, without taking it for myself." Artoria's words were foolish. She realized it was flawed and she knew no one would go along with her logic, but it was what she wanted and she would have it. She resolved herself to the life and death of King Arthur even if it meant she had to disappear from this world too... and she would do all she could to walk the line and embrace the death at the end. Strangely, though... the King of Heroes words still resonated with her. Every time he accepted something about her, she found herself, confused surrounding the King of Heroes. 'Are you really so content, to insert yourself into my mind as something I cannot peacefully leave behind? Will you truly set yourself up to be something I regret?' That question danced behind her eyes like a strange flame. The King of Heroes was a person she could not tell her feelings about but at the same time she also could not easily separate herself from him. It was strange. "I live the terms I want. I do not reach for things I do not understand because I will not have my resolve shaken. I am not the sort of person to let go of anything... so to live the way you would define it would open my heart to swaying and I will not allow it."

Artoria would continue sharing her resolve and all the reasons behind it. No matter how much she spoke, it was only words. Sure, those words had infinite meaning within the queen's own mind, but her selfishness was too foolish to be given proper credence. "The choice you've made is the worst choice possible," he commented, though she would be allowed to complete her speech anyway. In her initial life, she let herself inhabit the body of a tool. In this life, the way Gilgamesh saw things, she was doing no differently. No... there was a minor difference; she was a tool she could appreciate the quality of. In a way, one could say she made a trophy of herself after all the madness of previous life. Her dreams were essentially all she had, but why follow a dream when life was right there in front of her? It truly didn't make sense.

The long and short of it all was that Artoria knew her self-sacrificial path was completely selfish, and she knew it was something others would look upon negatively. If nothing else, Gilgamesh could admire her resolve. That attachment to some silly old dream was very possibly her most attractive feature. Even so, it was no less moronic a thing to do. And, of course... there was one important clause she continued to miss. Of all the issues Gilgamesh had with her purpose, one blaring thing stood above everything else. That would be the only matter worth truly discussing. "Very well then. Follow your dream, Queen of Knights, and see the utopia that waits when the bloodshed comes not from you, but from those you've indirectly mobilized to your honor," he started. Gilgamesh himself knew the outcome of Artoria's sacrifice. The battle which saw her fall... there was no honor in it. No glory, no dreams, no satisfaction for anyone involved could exist on that bleak day. However, he had no intention of halting her pursuit of that horrendous fate. "But, you are mistaken. You may go with no regrets. You may die as you wish, having lived this life by your silly terms. You may see the utopia you have dreamed, but you must remember one thing. When you know the satisfaction of utopia, you will take up your place at my side. You and I are kindred, you see. I, too, am not the type to let go of something. There is an unreachable star in my sight, and I fully intend to bypass the heavens to make grasping it with these hands into a possibility. Kick and scream if you like. Your place is with me, not in some endless realm of phantasm."

The worst possible choice? Yes, that sounded about right... still the smile on the Queen of Knight's face was so very genuine for just a moment. "Yes, it is. But it is mine to make," she said simply. Just that, the thought of that alone, and a retirement that would actually be quiet and unhindered was enough. The world did not need Artoria Pendragon. Artoria's choice was the one which was the worst. It would under most circumstances break everything. The table she held together by might alone, would likely crumble without her to hold tempers in check. The men she raised from boys would likely turn against each other in a fight for whatever the saw as right. And for a while with no one to bring the light of Excalibur to the land... it was very likely to seem bleak. But, Artoria was a warlord and tyrant. She was not fit to lead the Knights of the Roundtable. She crushed those men underfoot because she needed to do so at the time. Though she'd gained attachment to them, she'd still decided that ultimately they would not need her. There was one better suited to serve than her... and she'd leave the fixing to the one most suited to do so.

Artoria knew there would be a battle the likes of which the world have never seen. She spoiled to death her nieces and nephews knowing at some point the children of the slayed Fae Princess would turn against her. She knew the story of King Arthur better than most, because it was a personal obsession and she could die happily knowing that the hope she held was only borrowed. Ah, but the King of Heroes had something more to say. She could destroy herself, find the death and the honor she meant to take... see the bloodshed in her honor but not by her hand and then... retire. That is what all assassins wanted. A quiet life, in an endless space after two failed childhoods sounded damn good to her, but... she belonged with him? He would not let her go? Even knowing the depth of absolute stupidity she was willing to live and die on? Even knowing she did not understand his obsession with her? He would truly come after her at the end of it all? "He...hehehe...hahaha... Bwahahahaha!~" she laughed over the top of her cup pulling it away from her face in the strangest showing of humor she'd had so far. Her entire face lit up, what kind of tragedy was this? This ridiculous man stood before her, knowing how absolutely ridiculously selfish her hopes and dreams were. He knew now how very contradictory she was, to want to save those below her while wanting to die herself... and still he'd do something so ridiculous as take unto himself the demand to pull her out of her own eternity. According to him she could kick and scream if she liked, because he'd be taking her to be with him regardless. She didn't even have to look at him now to know the strength of his convictions. But as her emerald green eyes danced over his form she knew his certainty and remembered the first time she'd laid eyes on him. If there was anything in this world she could trust outside of her siblings, it was the King of Heroes, even more so than she trusted herself. Ishigami Daisuke, had always been a man to beat, one to topple and one who stood too high for her liking. He was annoying and obnoxious always raiding her streams with viewers she did not ask for and issuing that laugh of his as an emote. Hoshimi Eri hated this man and the attention he tried to give her even then, it always directly contradicted her understanding of her worth as a person. But here and now she felt quite differently. "You are and have always been such a ridiculous man, Ishigami Daisuke."

There was a mighty, and perhaps even meaningful exchange between the two monarchs of the Nexus. From that back-and-forth exchange came a fit of laughter from the former assassin. Did she think his claims ridiculous? Well, then they were both total fools. Each of them had an unwavering resolve, and goals that would be taken to the end of all creation. Both made a decision that would be held onto for an eternity, and strangely enough, those decisions did not clash with one another. Artoria was always free to seek the death she desired, but even in the wake of that death, Gilgamesh would be there to grant the life she deserved─ the life he desired. The time had come to settle, and settle, he would.

Gilgamesh did not dream in the conventional sense; Gilgamesh prophesized. Little did he know, that glimpse of a life he had before this one was very much a dreamer. All of those raided livestreams were an act of reaching for a dream, an innocent wish to be realized and accepted by an absolute star. Little did he know, his current reference for Artoria Pendragon was one he thought up in another reality. She, like himself, had been a star in the colloquial sense to all gamers, yet in a more meaningful way to... whom? Ishigami Daisuke, she said. It was so strange that she even knew that name. Gilgamesh himself had forgotten it some hundreds of years ago, before he even became a man. He became the boy who would be king, and he embodied that fully until the fated day came. So then, how was he to react after the sweet melody of the queen's mirth? How would he accept being called by a name long since lost, and referred to as ridiculous in a life he'd lost all attachment to? Well, he'd take another sip of wine before snorting a mock laugh over his grail. "Ishigami Daisuke, was it? Such a foolish name. It surely could not have been mine."

Artoria's mood was strangely good considering she'd just had a massive heart to heart. She considered that this version of the conversation went way better than a similar one she'd had with her sister, around the time she'd discussed her ability to slay her. It made her feel light and kept the smile plastered to her face. Some hundreds of years of his own lifespan before now, the man known as the King of Heroes had been Ishigami Daisuke. She knew this as fact for a few reasons. As mentioned by Pharaoh Ozymandias he was the flagship representative of the gaming community of Age of Eternity, he was always raiding her streams with her younger sister, and to that last end she'd once looked him up directly to threaten him with violence, though she'd been talked out of it. "It really was, I would know, between your being famous and looking up your address so I could threaten you with violence I am uniquely certain..." Artoria admitted without the slightest inkling of shame. She'd already admitted to being abnormally violent as an individual. Initially she thought this man to be hitting on her sister, and thus she was going to kill him to end anything sketchy about his behavior. It had been Emi herself to point out that all of his messages were aimed at Eri. And as such, she'd let him go about his life, while harboring a great amount of animosity about his visits. "Though if it is your preference, I can continue to call you the King of Heroes. I strangely felt compelled to use that name, just then..." she mused as she sipped from her own cup. Here they were comfortably conversing. Sure of the dreams of each other that were strangely not conflicting at all. And beyond all of that drinking and enjoying each other's company, what an absolutely adorable couple. Artoria's eyes would flicker over this man a time or two, did she truly like him? She liked his personality, and the sound of his laughter was growing on her. His diligence and attention were also things to like. But was that enough to define as liking? Well, there was also that kiss... she didn't dislike that, oh she was staring at his lips now. Why was that?

"Famous, eh? Well, I suppose that was me after all. And, of course, it is only fate that you would always approach me with violence and contempt." Another swig followed these words by Gilgamesh. He mulled over the thought of Hoshimi Eri looking him up in the other world, hunting him down and being at his bedside with weapons at the ready when he greeted the morning. He probably shouldn't have found that attractive, but it certainly set fire to his loins. Maybe his view of it was taken from a slightly skewed perspective? Yes, that was likely the case.

Whether Artoria referred to him as Ishigami Daisuke, Gilgamesh, or some other random phrase, he didn't particularly care. Only she could greet him with anything shy of reverence, and earn something other than his ire. What she chose would simply be the trigger for whatever type of meeting they would have thereafter. Artoria's compulsion to address him as that old human name was interesting in its own right, though. What caused such a thing? Perhaps the King of Heroes was making more headway than even he anticipated. Of course, it would even become obvious to him that she was watching his mouth each time the grail he drank from lowered. Surely Artoria didn't think he would go without commenting upon noticing this. "H'oh? And suddenly, the circle completes itself again. Don't tell me you've decided the time has come. The timing would be far too perfect, and reality itself may shatter. Or, did you think you could successfully avoid my gaze this time while gawking at me so brazenly?"

Would Artoria always approach him with violence and contempt? Well, he made it easy to do, "Violence is the way I approach most things, especially those I do not understand... But I am not particularly contemptuous," she said these words but there was a smile on her face. To be honest, she only did not follow through on that particular action because it was obvious to Emi that the man wasn't interested in her. Hoshimi Eri would do anything for her family and was definitely the type to kill over her little sister.

Whatever the case, she'd managed not to slay Ishigami Daisuke, she'd managed not to slay Gilgamesh and she was now sitting alone in a room with him, finishing her eighth cup of wine as if this was an excellent idea. That body of hers though was still acting of its own accord, and of course this snippet man would take pride in the fact that she was watching him, and bring attention to it. When they were alone her reaction wasn't quite so starkly negative, but it couldn't be given her own personality, "Brazen gawking? Is that what we would call it? This room is empty and white, we are speaking, quite peacefully I might add, where else would I look?" Ah yes, deflection! That always worked. A bit snarky too... she'd be able to hold her own as long as he wasn't berating her mind with images she didn't need it holding. Of course, she knew it wouldn't last long this confidence of hers, but that was about the best she could come up with on the spot. It was a bit annoying to be caught like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar. Even so, she couldn't really stop what she was doing either. This whole attraction thing was strange, surely, there was a logical explanation for her wandering eye. It couldn't have been something ridiculous like a desire to kiss a man who annoyed her to no end. That would make no sense.

"Hmph." Not contemptuous, eh? What an interesting thing to admit just then and there. The layers of Artoria Pendragon were peeling away piece by piece. The toughest, crunchiest part was all but gone in moments like these. Here and now, all that remained was the soft interior, though even that was littered with brittle chunks. For instance, who in the world did she think she was deflecting against? Yes, they were the only ones conversing in an empty, white space. She wasn't simply looking at him, though; something that simple would have been ignored with ease. No, the part of Artoria's mind that she would rather shut away was at work. She'd woken the part that would one day become his bride, and failing to smother it beneath the pillow. Even her little excuse could have been passable though, if not for the fact that she had nothing but more ammunition to grant the King of Heroes. Another snort escaped the male, and another sip of wine passed his lips. Once that was taken care of, he began staring her down properly. They'd danced this dance before. If Gilgamesh had his way, they would dance it a million times more. "It would be all too easy to show you a better place to look. Magnanimous as I am, I would even be willing to do so even though I've been offered nothing from the likes of you. That is the altruism of a king, is it not?"

Artoria didn't like the sound that escaped Gilgamesh's lips. Why? Because it implied a surety that would only end with her embarrassment. Ah, he was still drinking out of his cup. There was a moment or two of silence, oh but he wasn't done. Apparently, he'd held this off just for the sake of turning his eyes towards her. Did she like that? Did she not like that? She wasn't entirely sure. She had an almost innate desire to stare back. Why did this feel like fighting? Was it her fault? Was it violence that was buried deep in her soul? did she not really feel anything else? She wouldn't be surprised, but it wasn't always about violence when she was talking to him... she could at least admit that. 'Why? Why am I always so out of my depth while talking to this man? I am a murderer, this shouldn't be so fucking hard!' Artoria's mind was always full of strange sentences in reaction to the things the King of Heroes said. Why was he always so difficult? "I..." there was a pause.

What did she say that didn't end her up in some strange situation she was not yet ready to face? He said he would show her something she should look at and all she could think is that he was going to take off his clothes. She didn't want that, right? Yes, right... she'd seen him naked. It wasn't necessary. Of course, she also realized that it was much easier to ignore a naked person when you were certain of your lack of interest. No, she definitely did not want him removing anything from his person. All while she thought there were gears turning in her mind, the flames of her eyes flickering as she tried and failed to come to a conclusion. "I have no reason to offer a man who has everything, anything. Especially not on the day he orchestrated a celebration I did not ask for." she said. "Also it cannot be counted as altruism if you are obviously teasing me for your amusement." Yes, that sounded firm. Too bad her eyes hadn't moved at all from this man's mouth since his cup did. Where else would he have her look. If he got naked she should react with anger, as she did the first time, but now she did not trust her body to do the right thing and act as expected. No. She could not risk any of this. She should leave. And place so much space between the two of them it would be a hassle for them to cross paths. Still staring at his lips though, would it hurt anything to go for another kiss? Whose mind was this?

Silence fell. Well, it wasn't quite silence. Artoria spoke a single word, and then there was nothing for some time. All the while, he was most casually sipping wine from the grail. Would she take the bait? He wondered. It was all too easy to plant things in this woman's head, but she tended to avoid being reeled in fully each time the bait was taken. Just once, he'd managed. Even then though, she broke free just before the catch... but what a fight it was along the way.

Speaking of a fight, there was almost one happening right here, right now. He could almost feel the tension of Artoria's very soul as she struggled against him, and struggled against herself. Some time ago, he imagined she would have already assaulted him. Now, the situation was quite unpredictable while he wasn't utilizing the power of his eyes. Now then, what was this about a celebration she didn't ask for? "A celebration you've enjoyed nonetheless. Eight chalices," he counted. More importantly, though he may have been teasing her for his own amusement, there was far more to it than the present moment. She was already right back to playing that little game of chicken they participated in earlier this day. The outcome could be anything, he thought. "Oh, but it can be. I take only a moment of amusement, all to organize the heavenly bliss both of us will know the moment you cease your defiant behavior. Even now, you struggle. I make an offer, and you question its generosity instead of denying it outright? That is a far cry from what I expected of you only a few hours ago, which leaves open many new possibilities. What sort of dance will we have this time? I'm rather excited to find out."

Artoria was at war with herself. Everything about her, her words, her reactions and even the count of drinks she'd consumed was being watched with more acuity than could be offered by a hawk. Artoria had a moment of silence all the while she was watching the King of Heroes. Was she interested in him? It didn't seem like that was the right phrase. Ah, but what was this, she'd drank eight of these chalices full since the start of her party? And that was truly the showing of her happiness with this situation. What could she possibly say to something like that being pointed out. "Shit," her eyes widened. "Oops. Look do not tell anyone I said that. And no one can know I had eight cups... I can already hear Lancelot clucking like a mother hen about my bad decisions," Artoria had a single hand on her face but knowing she was already in trouble she went ahead and began drinking from her cup again. 'In for a penny.' The truth of Artoria was that she was always so busy suppressing her base self, that when she was alone or in trusted company she started to crumble. She had sworn more in the King of Heroes presence in the last day, than she'd actually sworn even in her own head in about a decade. "In fairness, I have not disliked today..." she admitted as she was always going to, though she'd wanted no party she could not deny she'd enjoyed the gathering, and the company of the King of Heroes.

Now though she was sipping from her cup and hearing the words of the King of Heroes. He would offer heavenly bliss if she stopped resisting? He was watching her struggle? Her behavior was already outside of her norm? "No one knows more than me how far outside of the norm my behavior is King of Heroes," she nearly snapped. That was like the most obvious statement in the world. "You provoke me at every turn, and it makes me want to fight but you do not simply die or back down. I am not used to being defied!" Artoria could have neared outrage but she also could not. "But I do not dislike such a personality and when I am given honesty as clear as yours, I find myself replying in kind," she mentioned. Her eyes ended up back on this man and they would not move. "Everything about you confuses me but I do not find it to be all together negative. So of course, struggle is inevitable," she mumbled into the rim of her cup. "It is a problem to be this way! And defiance is all I have left," she declared at the end. It had all been much simpler when she'd just kissed him, but she wasn't sure she could win such a battle nor was she sure she could stop her own body from reacting to him. Treacherous beast that it was, she could hardly take her eyes off him already. If he moved for her and she did not back down she'd find herself in another strange predicament. And, if she called his bluff and approached him it would be worse, right?

Once more, the Queen of Knights had only a swear to offer. She made it clear yet again that she wanted none to hear about that, but Gilgamesh's concern was in regards to how he could make those a frequent and purposeful reaction. Surely he could manage that within a matter of minutes, given the right situation. Ah, but this time, it wasn't simply her sister's reaction to be concerned about. She spoke of the knight Lancelot, comparing his behavior to a mother hen. "Fufu... ahahahaha!" he guffawed, having to force himself to stop just to finish his own drink. While he did so, he heard a very familiar phrase from the queen. Infinitely intriguing was the fact that she always claimed to not dislike things, but never claimed to like them. "How reserved. Soon enough, you will have an experience too magnificent that you cannot be silent about loving it," he declared.

Artoria was not used to defiance. In that regard, they were on the same page. Just as he was bothersome for refusing to back down or fall, she was bothersome for refusing to give in. Overall, Gilgamesh could call it the most entertaining courting experience in the world. Yet again, Artoria spoke in regards to her lack of distaste. All in due time. "Your struggle is of your own creation. You needn't be confused. That, too, is something in your path that I intend to destroy." There was again a strange amount of weight behind his declaration. He even stepped forward while she claimed this demeanor was a problem for her. While Artoria was concerned about the outcome of this conversation and the accompanying feeling within, he was in the process of removing the need for consideration. Brazen as he was, there was no hesitation in his effort to snatch the woman by the back of her head, forcing their lips together once more. The first time, he'd allowed her choice in the strangest of gambles. This time however, her desire was not to be questioned. Consent? He received that hours ago, and had no use of it here.

Another laugh, Artoria's eyes flickered. His laugh was definitely much better in these sorts of contexts. When did she start liking that laugh? She truly remembered it as being an annoyance before. Perhaps she changed her mind after getting to know him a better? Or maybe this was that biology thing her older sister mentioned? Perhaps it was less annoying overall because... he was appealing to her? Is he attractive? Maybe? She didn't dislike the way he looked she was certain of this. But did she like this? "It is not a matter of reservation, King of Heroes," she managed. Maybe one day she'd figure out how to avoid these sentences which made her stumble over words and not be able to keep straight in her mind moments.

According to Gilgamesh, all manner of her current struggle was her own doing, and he would be breaking it. Her eyes went wide for a moment. What was she supposed to do with this information? Well, there was nothing to be done for her. He was approaching her, even as she told him he confused her and what would he do upon reaching her? He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in. There had been no bluff, no preparation, he truly just wanted to kiss her. And soon enough their lips were just brought together. What was she supposed to do? She kissed him back once their lips met. Apparently, her body understood its desires even if Artoria herself was unsure of what to do about it. He was so much bigger than her in a moment like this. Men standing over her in such a way was quite normal but why was this making her heartbeat faster and her face heat up? Did she like being held this way? Her empty hand was brought up, she shouldn't allow this right? So why then was her hand currently resting against his chest? Fuck! She didn't understand herself at all.

Twice now, Gilgamesh had been capable of taking bliss into his own hands and having it pass through his lips. Once again, he would not avoid savoring this moment. There was so much more to consume this time. Neither of them had much sobriety to their person, frankly, and there was hardly room to taste anything beyond the wine. Would that stop the King of Heroes breaching that barrier? Absolutely not. Each time they met, Artoria Pendragon became more honest physically, even though her mouth continued spewing falseness and half-truth. That didn't matter too much; her mouth could have far better uses. In fact, he presently found it most useful as lips were puckered against his own. The warmth of lips was not all he felt, though, was it? No, there was something else. Gilgamesh's torso was essentially always laid bare for the world to see, but in this moment, the hand of Artoria was upon it as well. How very... satisfying. Yes, that was how he would consider it. Another instance of throwing himself at this woman had resulted in another step toward tearing down her defensive walls. It was assumable that she could then feel the upturn of Gilgamesh's lips as he basked in elation. She was being far more forward this time, yet also less so. Oh well. Her mind could continue to run backwards all it liked; he was sure her body would continue running the other way to eventually pull the mind and soul along with it.

The King of Heroes was kissing the Queen of Knights and neither was pulling away. One because he did not wish to, and the other because backing down did not seem to be at all in her mindset. Actually, given that he'd walked right up to her in such an audacious way, it wouldn't have been too farfetched for her to pull a weapon on him to stop him from this nonsense. Ah, but her body did not agree. She kissed him back fiercely as a matter of course. She had problems accepting this mentally, but that was simply a matter of never having given any man, any such consideration before. As she said, she was not the type to tell other people what to do, but she never considered the need to understand it herself. But that decision was being robbed from her brain in this meeting of lips. That hand against his chest had its finger tips shift. Were men's chest always so firm? If she was being honest she'd never really looked before and while she'd been one briefly she'd not managed to get much muscle as she couldn't grow further. Damn. This was yet another thing her mind would wander over.

That gentle upturn of his lips, should have made her scoff, but instead, she enjoyed it. Was it because of the shared activity? Was it nice to be noticed when what she thought were more worthy women had been walking around? Her body couldn't take this extra heat, her mouth opened. She could not allow him to be smug when he'd started this way. She could not allow herself to be tamed by some man just because he'd figured her out. The absolute audacity he had to make her exert herself in such a way! Whenever she figured out how to make him open his mouth he would be sorry for her approaching her in such a way. These were the thoughts of petulant adolescence, dragon resistance and desire. As her heart pumped alcohol way too much for her tiny form around her body at an increasing rhythm which flooded her ears with the sound. She couldn't even hear the noise escaping her mouth. In the same time she left herself so open her body responding enough to shift that hand of hers to the back of his neck and pull him closer. No, Artoria did not know the meaning of backing down, such was obvious whenever they fought. She did not know defiance, everyone would obey her. She did what she wanted without cease, she would follow through. Even if she had no idea how to do so.

Artoria's refusal to back down would be her undoing... or rather, the cause for her unravelling. She was seeming quite a bit friskier, so to speak. Gilgamesh's eyes opened just slightly, taking in the sight of Artoria's face while so little room remained between them. Was she really trying her hand at being the aggressor this time? How adorable. Well, if she was waiting to find out how his mouth would be entered, she would have to wait her turn. Foolish enough to leave her own mouth hanging open, Artoria was susceptible to the invasion of her own maw by his tongue. Since she was feeling ravenous enough to take him by the neck and hold him in place, surely she was prepared to face the repercussions of challenging him. He'd wrestle her tongue into submission just because he could, because she made it possible for him to do so.

A sharp inhale marked the sudden increase of ferocity to Gilgamesh's approach. How Artoria behaved when the sanctity of her mouth was fully endangered was a point of interest to the king, so of course he thought to violate her orifice thoroughly this time around. It was a dangerous game, rousing the drunken King of Heroes. So long as Artoria intended to play it, however, she would have little choice but to play with high stakes. The almost hungry attack against her mouth was but a step, to which the follow-up was Gilgamesh banishing his own grail to take hold of the woman's face. Though not ridiculously firm, he went after a solid grip starting at her jawline, his hand wrapping itself around her lower jaw from beneath.

Unraveling?! Yes, that seemed to be the most appropriate explanation for what happened with someone like Artoria in a moment like this. A miscalculation had occurred, she'd left herself open in the most literal of senses. Her mouth was invaded as a direct result. Why? Why did this happen in such a way? She was almost certain she understood this scenario. She'd used it a few times herself to kill people, but... never had it been something to affect her. Was this the problem? Was it a weapon, sharpened as a skill, used against her? She was unarmed in this case, because her own use of such a skill would be disingenuous... right? Her tongue met another as the King of Heroes tried to wrestle it into submission but it would be a battle. Even unarmed with no wits the Queen of Knights could not fall in battle. No, she'd resist, striking back against her invader with instinct alone, as once completely tentative motions became more relaxed but still fierce.

Oh but this wasn't going to be like last time. The King of Heroes went after her more fiercely this time around. Her eyes opened at the audacity but then so did her mouth a bit more. She couldn't surrender but her body didn't agree. She gave the man more access as he probed he mouth with his tongue. And what was more even as her own lashed out against it, those little moans were his reward. But what was Artoria to received from this action, the gentle throbbing of her own loins and her knees seeming to weaken just a tad. His hand has shifted on her face, why did he hold her like this? And why were her face and body so hot that she was losing track of it. Her grip on his man hadn't changed initially but as one hand had pulled him closer, the other now empty of her grail as she wished a place to put it within this room seemed to find itself once more against his chest on the other side. Did she like this amount of muscle? Was she jealous? Under her fingers she found a firmness that sparked only mental curiosity though her body itself seemed to respond with tingles. Drunkenness was supposed to dull her senses, so why instead did she feel like she felt the sensation of him holding her more. Nothing made sense!

Much to the King of Heroes' satisfaction, this paradisiacal queen of his resolved herself to fight against his invasive tongue as it slathered away at her wine-stained orifice. Good; he wouldn't have it any other way. There was such a beautiful medley of purposes being fulfilled, all entertaining in their various ways. On one hand, he could see this returned aggression as a conscious effort to seek supremacy. On the other hand, he could see it as a subconscious response to the blooming flower of arousal. Just between, and reaching both ends of the spectrum in unison, was the truth.

This poor woman had never known the touch of a man while there was meaning behind the act. To King Gilgamesh, this was the most obvious truth bleeding through her every move when they interacted. She surely had a deposit of knowledge, yet none of the wisdom with which to utilize it. This, too, was strangely satisfying. Those movements of her tongue against his were the strangest blend of reckless and practiced, providing a form of feedback even he and his many conquests had never witnessed. Saliva and wine residue were being swapped to and fro like volleys in a war of cavalries. Artoria's hands were quite busy as well, signifying her further refusal to heel. So, she'd thrown caution to the wind, had she? That was the way Gilgamesh saw things as he made yet another advancement of his own accord, dropping the hand from the back of her head and hooking that arm around her waist. He would snatch at the woman, holding her firm to his fore as if to shun any thoughts of escape she may have in the near future. All the while, the space between their lips continued to be consumed by a protruding tongue whose onslaught offered no room for weakness.

So many things swam through the mind of Artoria Pendragon as her mind and body seemed to separate. Her mouth was moving, ah, but there was something in it. Someone else's tongue. She was moving against it, struggling to maintain herself. She was fighting and fight she would. Each movement against her was something to rebel against. She would not be tamed. "Oha~" that little noise that slipped out was an act of rebellion not a cause for surrender. Why was this man's chest so firm?

Wrong question. The King of Heroes grip on her body changed. He gripped her by the waist, her body couldn't move away? Good, she would not be backing down right now. Actually, he was so warm and firm all over. Not just his chest, but his entire torso was filled with muscle, even her own body felt soft against it. She moaned more and melted, how dare her body enjoy this contrast? That was actually pretty terrifying as a thought, since when did she care about winning a battle like this? When did she begin to wonder about the feeling of his flesh against her own? Her body was half-instinct but all fight. This was a battle she would not fall this day. But that build had her legs shift just slightly. Why did she do that? There was an almost electric feeling in her loins. Why did it feel like this? She could only wonder, but having her avenues of exit sealed off she could only move forward. As she kissed she found her tongue so busy that she could not move past this point in her own mouth. Were his defenses really so firm? Whatever, she'd find her footing eventually, right? Whatever the case, her body was still behaving as it wished, that hand at the back of his neck was no longer necessary so her fingertips danced across his shoulders. Much like she inspected weaponry the feeling of muscles beneath the skin became something to be just as entranced by as the heat of his body.

Infinitely interesting was Artoria's refusal to quit. That, too, was a thing to exploit. Any chance of escape had been taken from her for the near future, and what was she to do? She loosed his neck, shifting that hand onto his shoulder instead. With the other still exploring his musculature, it seemed the Queen of Knights had an interest in Gilgamesh's build. She'd only become more familiar with it over time, until none knew it better than her; he would see to that himself. Rebellious as the sound passing her lips may have been in the woman's mind, it only reached the king's ear as an adorable little sign of submission. Even an act of aggression, when contributing to an advancement to Gilgamesh's original plan, could only be his victory. Had the mind finally collapsed? There was a possibility.

Ah, but there was much more still to come. She hadn't seen the last of even his simplest efforts, but with her own advances becoming more common, he broke from her lips at last. This did not equal any form of separation, though. No, his tongue remained extended as he tilted her head, possessively tracing a line up her cheek with that moist, heated muscle. The king was grinning and staring into Artoria's eyes all the while, and once his tongue returned to its home, there were finally a few words to offer. "H'oh? Have you finally come to realize what hilt you should truly be grasping? The one knife handle you are free to grasp as you fall asleep every night? I assure you, taking hold of my divine tool will bring you much more comfort than a man-made one~"

Artoria was set in the idea that she would fight this man at every point he presented himself. Of course, this wasn't completely a violence thing, but instead simply the way of her mind. Every interaction was a battle she would aim for victory, supremacy and any other form of domination and tyranny she could manage. Of course, with those things would come her glory whenever she actually managed to do the things she said. Was she interested in his physical form? A bit, at the very least she was curious and every place her finger tips touched made her more so than she was initially.

Ah but he finally pulled away from her mouth and what would he do with the space created? His tongue still protruding a possessive lick came to the side of her face? Why did he just lick her face? She didn't hate it but why do it? How was she supposed to feel about that? All the while the King of Heroes was making eye contact and grinning at the Queen of Knight still held tightly in his embrace. "I... what?" she didn't even really know how to begin asking about that facial lick. And beyond that there was now a huge problem. A tool she should hold while sleeping. His divine tool? She heard these words, processed them, the light in her eyes practically flickering as she figured out his meaning. She was almost unsurprised he meant this statement just as she interpreted it, but more than that... she now had an image in her head. "How? How would I even do that?" she asked. Of course, she asked because she had images in her head, but given how she liked to sleep holding knives, how was she to hold his tool in its place? Were they to spoon, with her as the big spoon? Was she to sleep curled up facing him? Maybe on top of him using him as a pillow? That one could probably work but... "Wait. No. We should not do anything like that. Why would you put an image like that in my head and why did you lick my face? Why does nothing about you make sense to me?!" she wasn't even trying to wrest herself from his grip. Her brain had simply gone too far, and now her face was heated, her loins still tingled, but why did the King of Heroes continue to put such strange images in her head?

Curiosity was expressed once more. This came as no surprise; Artoria never knew the truth of his lesser intentions. Oh well; it only truly mattered that she knew and understood the greatest intention of all, as her doing so was the major key in his acquisition of her. When he spoke on the matter of her holding his tool at night, her first question was in regards to functionality. How would she do that? Oh, he'd have her know numerous ways to accomplish such a thing. She could even fall asleep while it remained inside her, if she liked. Ah... but that was a very separate fantasy and possibility.

Alas, she backtracked as she always would. The Queen of Knights truly thought she could get away with claiming they should do no such thing, when she'd already indirectly admitted to her own consideration. "Why would I not put such things in your head? These images you now have are worth investment. Does it not set fire to your loins just thinking about it?" In the midst of his questioning, Gilgamesh let the hand upon Artoria's face trail downwards. His finger gently slid its way down her cheek, all the way to her chin until it abandoned her flesh completely. She wanted to know why he licked her face? She could know the truth of that as well. "I lash out at your face because it is mine to lick. I would do the same with every last inch of flesh on your form," he declared. That hand wasn't quite done moving either. Gilgamesh may have asked if mental musings affected the queen's loins, but he was not only one to question. No, there was another reaction he thought to test for himself─ the reaction that would come as his descending hand grasped at Artoria Pendragon's womanhood through the ludicrous layers of fabric she wore. Of course, this action took its purpose from the whole of their discussion. "And I will pay special attention here as I'm sure you understand by now."

Artoria had fully tried to abandon the extra thoughts she had, but Gilgamesh was content to put more things in her head. Still he answered her questions more honestly than she'd expected. Why shouldn't he put such ideas in her head? According to him they were worth investment? He even questioned if such thoughts set her loins on fire. Hm, that took consideration, would she lie to the King of Heroes? No, that she could not do in the face of his honesty, even so admitting such a thing felt like treason against her person. "You would not for the sake of my sanity. It puts questions in my mind. Of the variety that I have never once given consideration across two lifespans..." Artoria had gone back to being evasive, just a little. She always would when she didn't directly wish to lie, but when telling the truth was not a viable option. She considered it strategizing.

Ah, but what about the licking of her face? Apparently, that was done as a simple mark of possession and he continued to say he would do so with every inch of her body. How strange that was for him to admit. "You realize that is a ridiculous thing to say?! And that is it even more ridiculous to mean it?!" she asked near outrage even as a finger slowly trailed down her face. She should have been more aware of him by now. Every time he touched her, the body she inhabited went more and more outside of her own control. That in and of itself was problematic to the way her mind worked. Where would that hand go once leaving her face? It'd take grip of her womanhood, sending a spike of feeling straight up her spine which made her mouth open. What would she say in reaction to that sensation which was only just shy of something rather new and frightening? A little moan with a single swear, "Fuck." Yes, that was about the right response. The thought left her head without permission and she was still held in this man's grasp. "I... ah, need you to release me King of Heroes. You are too close and I am not in not used to feeling well... anything." Artoria tried for honesty, because she wasn't at all sure of her reaction but she was very certain that she was about to have a heart attack or feel some kind of explosion.

"H'oh?" he muttered against the side of Artoria's face, his lips brushing against her cheek in the moment. She had questions floating through her mind, the likes of which she hadn't experienced in two lifetimes. Good. He was keen to know what these questions were, and how he would exploit their existence with a very physical answer. "And what manner of inquiry do you have? How long you will be capable of holding to your precious sanity? How much of me your tiny form can handle before you snap like a twig? How much of my touch you can tolerate before all other things in existence become mundane trifles? There is validity to all of these curiosities, but worry not. I offer you every chance to take advantage of heavenly bliss, even if it breaks you apart and slams the pieces back together repeatedly throughout."

Perhaps it was ridiculous of him to say he would partake of her every inch. Even in being ridiculous, however, it was very much true. More ridiculous was how she responded to his touch with an utterance so rarely allowed to pass her chaste and chivalrous lips. She demanded releasing? Those lips lied yet again, and after such a truthful moan passed them to boot. How many lifetimes would Artoria Pendragon spend running from part of herself? One might wonder. Nevertheless, Gilgamesh put forth precisely zero effort toward releasing her. She said he was too close, but he would say he was not close enough until they were joined fully. She said she was not used to feeling anything, and he reacted by pressing the tip of his middle finger to where he knew a very sensitive spot would be. She rejected the actions of her own body, and he made an order for the body to fight against oppression. "Then we must simply have you acclimated to feeling everything. The Queen of Knights has spent far too much time playing knight, and not nearly enough time being a woman. Only I am fit to solve this issue you've created for yourself."

The air from his lungs moved across her face. Each word he spoke seemed to dance across her skin. She was being made crazy by his words and his supposed questions were not doing much more for her either. He'd allow her to experience bliss. What? The happiness Artoria felt usually did not concern herself. Physical bliss was something unknown to her, unless they were talking about the thrill of victory or the gentle burn after a workout. Ugh, everything about how this man spoke to and dealt with her absolutely confused her understanding of herself. It made her question everything around her. "Those questions sound like challenges or threats... they hit my ears strangely. And I do not know this thing you speak of called bliss," she said. With red hue painting her face and her own breaths coming out in short bursts. What was she supposed to do? Should she pull away? Should she stay? Her body wished to stay, it aimed to sabotage her at every intersection. Even now she could not bring herself to pull away from him... was biology truly so strong as to force this issue?

Her elder sister had given the advice that she should stay and see something interesting and fun happen. She'd taken the opinion that giving another control of her body in anyway was a terrible idea. Even so, her own curiosity was getting the better of her. Artoria Pendragon had never questioned this... and Hoshimi Eri had never experienced anything which made her even remotely wish be in such close company with a man. The King of Heroes, was winning at holding her affections, even if she wasn't quite sure of that herself yet. And he was also rather expertly manipulating her body that she hadn't known the uses of herself. What was happening now? A finger long though it was, pressed against the spot at the apex of her legs. So sensitive this nub was, never before touched with such purpose, even indirectly. How could she do anything but moan as a new jolt of sensation sent a tingle from the base of her spine up to her brain stem. Her body seemed to have lost functionality as gooseflesh spread across her skin. She was so dangerously close to a sensation she did not know how to fight against, it was like feeling herself floating by a thread. "Aaah!~" Well there was no helping that, nor the gentle moisture unknown to her previously leaking from her loins. Still she had not removed herself. She could have. If she truly felt threatened she could have used violence to remove him from her person but she did not want to offer him that... did she wish this experience? Actually, yes... it simply seemed like a lot to undertake when she barely knew how to function while not being someone specific. "You sang to me of moderation, King of Heroes. It is contradictory for you to wish to acclimate me to everything," Artoria's came out in slow breaths as she tried and failed to get her own heartbeat under control. How strange, normally... she was tranquil as a forest stream.

His questions were in fact challenges, but they were no mere threats. Gilgamesh never offered anyone something so simple as a threat. To Artoria and everyone else, he only delivered promises. To Artoria alone, he delivered the promise of everlasting euphoria. "I speak only the future that must be. Worry not. I have already chosen to forgive your ignorance of pleasure. It will function as greater entertainment for me as I explore every fiber of your being," he proclaimed, having decided that no part of Artoria Pendragon, physical or otherwise, would be spared his attention.

The fight was almost gone, and the flight had all but left the room already. In its place was a semblance of the bliss Artoria claimed she knew nothing about. The sound was a melody that could never be replicated by any bard, any instrument. He felt almost compelled to do more when hearing such a thing. In fact, there was an additional twitch of his finger that could only be called instinctual. He may have spoken to her about moderation, but he also spoke to her about indulgence. "Yet still, a woman you are. What sort of woman can you truly call yourself, if you allow femininity to evade you for eternity? Besides... if I am to overindulge in one more thing until it drives me to madness, why should it not be my perfect queen? The same should be said on the opposite end, don't you think?" Ah, the grandiose return to an attack on the mind. He would wear her down eventually. Soon enough, Artoria Pendragon would answer her own thirst for him, and he would rise to the occasion of quenching it with all he had. In the meantime, his own hunger would persist as he attacked these moments of receiving a simple bite or two. "Or do you think you can keep fighting me in addition to combating yourself for all eternity? Your body has yet to reject me, though your words continue insisting that I release you. Perhaps I should be offering you a different form of release? Part of you appears to desire as much."

Speaking only of the future that must be? Bloody, Clairvoyant individuals, removing choices from peoples' lives. Of course, Artoria couldn't actually blame that skill for the amount of smug Gilgamesh possessed in this moment. He was rather keenly able to manipulate her body, and seemed to take some strange form of entertainment from being the first to stir her in strange ways. "I... that is... I did not ask for forgiveness." That didn't even sound as forceful as she meant. While looking at him, while dangling on the precipice of something strange and maybe... exciting what was she supposed to say to him? That was scary... and exciting, maybe? Hoshimi Eri was never out of her depth, Artoria Pendragon was sovereign knight-queen of a nation, why did she feel like an embarrassed school girl right now?

Her body was betraying her. Her mind has started betraying her... even her own sense of self was crumbling with her curiosity. What did that little noise escaping her lips give her? It gave her another reflexive jolt caused by that finger tip still pressed against her. A spread of sensation that sent crimson down her face and neck to an extreme she wouldn't have found a way to quantify. And what words would the King of Heroes share, yes he advised moderation, but he also spoke of indulgence. He claimed there was no one else for someone like him to indulge in except his perfect queen and the same should be true on her end. Right. Those things were sensible enough, but she still hadn't agreed to his marriage proposal. She was a woman who did not understand his attraction to her, as honest and obvious as it was, it seemed illogical. Still, it was kind of something. It made her feel strange to hear such words directed solely at her. "Umphf~" those small noises seemed to escape whenever her mouth opened. "I cannot argue against the logic... But I barely considered myself anything until you made it blaringly obvious how you saw me..." she said carefully. He was still holding her body though. He would not release her. Or rather he could offer her a different kind of release? The king for her body, for this tingling feeling she now had with no idea how to deal with it? Would she fight with both herself and him forever? "I am for a battle against a formidable opponent... but I would much rather myself be in agreement about the subject," she said shortly. Still she was dangling on that thread feeling shooting down her body. "I will not deny my own curiosity, though I do not know this desire you speak of. If you would exploit the weakness of my words, I would have no one to blame but myself..." Chivalrous. Or was that a roundabout way of consenting to a release she did not fully understand? A challenge to make her regret her decision? She supposed it could be interpreted many ways but she could not deny liking being held like this, nor wanting her body to stop acting against her. If he could give her any of these things she supposed she would have a greater understanding for their next battle. Oh, but when did Artoria start looking forward to seeing the King of Heroes?

"That is also fine. I will forgive that as well," Gilgamesh said as if he could truly pardon someone for not asking forgiveness. In truth, there was infinite excitement to be found in Artoria's chastity. He would see her every first experience for himself, and enjoy each one more as a result. Even now, even if he couldn't see the truth through his eyes, and even if she hadn't admitted it herself, Gilgamesh could tell he was the first to touch this woman in any way that produced some sort of effect. If her quantity of will existed in contrast to the amount of blood filling her face and neck, she'd have lost consciousness long ago. How exhilarating.

For once, Artoria chose to avoid arguing against something. Of course she would prefer being in agreement to the ongoing situation, but how could one ever agree to that which they knew nothing of? That would have been foolish. As such, Gilgamesh had taken it upon himself to get the proverbial wheel turning. Finally, the walls were crumbling. She said she could blame none but herself if he were to exploit her weakness. Frankly, the clause alone was titillating. The king's loins were set ablaze by the mere presence of this woman, but now, he had a glimpse of the world burning beneath that same inferno. "You speak as a warrior. Where are the words of this world's, of Gilgamesh's queen?" he wondered. His lips brushed her neck, his tongue briefly tracing her climbing pulse while his finger shifted once more. Based on that finger alone, he seemed to be... clutching? No, that wasn't quite right. In truth, Gilgamesh put forth the simple effort of pressing firmly with that finger and dragging it back toward his palm. Of course, it remained in indirect contact with Artoria's genitalia all the while. "Hmph. I wonder if you are even ready to step onto a new plane of existence, far from the meager platform you currently stand upon. You didn't have a proper view last time, did you? The sight of this world's most magnificent form, which you presently seem content to explore with your fingers like a blindman learning to read."

He'd forgive her lack of asking for forgiveness as well? Of course he would! Gilgamesh was showing himself to be quite the generous individual when it came to the Queen of Knights. Pompous, arrogant and ornery though he was from time to time, it seemed all that fell away with the notion of pleasing 'his' queen came up. She'd never been touched in a way that did anything for her. She'd never felt anything akin to desire, she still didn't quite know what to call it, even so she was drowning in it, even beneath the layers of clothing she wore. Where were the Queen's words? He wondered. He saw her speech as that of a warrior but that wasn't entirely true. "I--ah~" before she could speak properly a tongue was tracing along her neck. She definitely felt that. The grips of her fingers tightened if only for a moment as her pulse jumped in her throat. "Do not tease me, King of Heroes..." she said carefully. She was wondering plenty. How did she manage even those words? Could she manage more?

No. She had no more words to speak for a moment or two as that single finger pressed against her nether even from the outside seemed to cause the electrical pulses of her brain to cease. It was just a moment, but she could swear, there was something just on the other side of that feeling. Strangely her hips moved of their own accord, her body begging for the release she presently was just shy of, and then that finger firmly dragged towards his palm and her entire life seemed to flash before her eyes. Just an instant of feeling as she held onto him. He was saying something... She'd not seen his form properly? She had interest in it... honest words would fall from her mouth in a moment like this. "I..." she paused a tiny moan would seem to always be interrupting her. "Just maintained a curiosity. I have never really thought about the difference in my own form compared to another. I did not know it possible to feel small or soft until my hand met your chest," she said that part and meant it. "I realize you have no shame but I do not know my reaction to such a thing..." Honest. Artoria was being very honest, as her body bubbled over. What was this wetness she felt in her undergarments? Why were her legs nearly weakened? Why did she feel like she hadn't truly appreciated the sight of his nudity before? Her eyes shifted down his form for a moment and her face gained more blood. Besides her loins and her face she was quite sure her body had no blood left.

Oh? Of all the options she had, she meekly insisted that he refrain from teasing her. Well, it was a cute attempt, if nothing else. He would not be acquiescing. The most he could actually do in response to a demand like that, was... tease her more. Ah, but a single finger was already managing that much. Artoria's body knew it was being led down a path to satisfaction. If that destination was reached, Gilgamesh had no problems with it... though he intended to hear the words of a woman rather than those of a warrior. How would he fish those out? The answer would be discovered eventually.

Artoria's physical self sought more, as it tended to even when she did not speak the words herself. Oh well. He only needed one part of her to agree; the rest would buckle over time. A curiosity, she claimed. Lies. There was no such thing as curiosity. In this world, there could only be desire! "Fuhaha! You will soon learn a multitude of feelings you've never known possible. Feelings unknown to any who walk this world, but first a sight only you have been deemed worthy of. Steel your gaze, Queen of Knights. You alone may witness perfection," he stated. Gilgamesh's arm released its grasp on the woman's back, though his hand did not move from her loins even as his clothing vanished on the spot. His full "golden" form became visible, glowing like well-polished jewels as perfection itself was left on full display. This time around, he used his free arm to gestured down the full length of his flawlessly sculpted torso, all the way down to a prime source of the King of Heroes' blatant arrogance: a firm tool that looked as if it meant to threaten the queen's diaphragm even from where it rested between them. He'd hardly been joking when he spoke of breaking her apart; many minds had been contorted by use of his most personal "treasure" in past centuries. For this woman, he frankly intended nothing less. Naturally, his smugness would only grow the moment he revealed himself. "Hmph. You may gawk and profess how awestricken you are. Marvel, flounder even, knowing my flawless form will be your first and every experience!"

Artoria had asked not to be teased. Of course, she came to realize that this likely wouldn't work in her favor. But she could not stop herself from trying. Even as her body continued to be earnestly toyed with, she found herself moving regardless. He'd released his grip on her back, but still he played with her loins. Why was he still doing that? Well, because each movement of that finger was still something she wasn't sure about. Still, it seemed to be clearing her mind in the strangest way. There was a building sensation in her loins, one which she found unfamiliar but she couldn't say she disliked.

Still Gilgamesh spoke, and his next phrase included that laugh she'd come to like but some very strange words. He'd decided only she was worthy of looking upon him? She alone could witness his perfection? Those eyes of hers shifted back to his face for a moment. He truly meant this?! She'd figured this man was some sort of hedonist in truth. She didn't understand his desire to have just her view his nudity, but she supposed that gave a bit of credence to the idea that he wanted to marry her. If her mind hadn't been so full of stuff, and so empty, she might have gotten time to think about that. He wanted to show her his body and her eyes took in his form. Unlike the last time when sheer disinterest had been all she needed to avoid truly looking. Her eyes took in his form properly this time. Golden skin, glowing eyes was this perfection? Well, her eyes had never stayed on any man so long before so there was that. But what was this? She looked down his body as he gestured and she found herself unable to comprehend the sight. What was presented in front of her, was manhood almost larger than her torso could ever be. Artoria wasn't stupid by any means. She knew how babies were made, she knew how sex worked, but... how exactly did he think he would be giving her this. "Ah~" Every time she opened her mouth she moaned, her body was more treacherous like this than it was when she hungered. Or perhaps it was just a different kind of hunger. Still taking in the length and girth of his manhood her understanding of physics was soon challenged. "No. I do not think that will work. This does not at all seem like something that will work the way I understand sex. I cannot fathom." Was that encouraging or discouraging? It was honest.

Now, how would events play out when Gilgamesh bared himself before the Queen of Knights? He did not truly expect excitement; she seemed far too inexperienced for something like that. Actually, he was thrilled by the idea of her fear, her inability to understand how she could even begin to receive him. There did seem to be something of that ilk in the end. Her understanding of sex, limited though it was, could not even be faulted. There were sacred prostitutes within his own great city of Uruk who didn't see the possibility of being penetrated by King Gilgamesh... until they were. Artoria would be no different, though there was one thing strange about her declaration. She wasn't simply showing disbelief for his magnificent stature; she was expressing what she believed to be fact. Well, that was quite different. "Your innocence betrays you. The way you understand sex is more akin to the way a child understands war," he began while taking hold of his own shaft, brandishing it as a fine weapon. "Functionality is not to be questioned. You will understand soon enough, but first, Queen of Knights... you must take up your sword."

Gilgamesh was somewhat insistent in his final statement. It seemed he actually intended to have Artoria take hold of his bare tool, while his own hand kept busy pressing her dress into the space between her legs. He understood that if there happened to be a wall of some sort in this space, he'd already have her pressed against it. He'd have to go about furnishing the Nexus' vast emptiness at some point in the future, if he intended any such thing... but he'd eventually discover why something like that wasn't already done. As none of that truly mattered, Gilgamesh was content to continue his assault on Artoria in a realm of nothingness, until such a time as they could move to better venues.

According to the King of Heroes her innocence betrayed her. It did not. Artoria had spent her life as both genders. She understood the male anatomy well enough. Granted she'd never seen such a tool as this she understood the phallus in a general sense. As such she was quite certain her body was far too small to accommodate. He claimed it would work and she would understand but first she had to take up her sword. "Truly?! I own swords smaller than this... and I wield Excalibur two handed for a reason... I am small, proportionately." Physics was not to be questioned. Of course, there was a bit of an instruction or a demand rather. Even as he continued toying with her through her clothes. Her reddened face and the jolts of sensation caused by her loins made her curious.

Yes. Curious. It was obviously curiosity which drove the Queen of Knights. And that nagging sensation of being challenged at the back of her mind that would not let her step away. He was playing chicken with her, and she did not bluff. Strangely, he also did not bluff, nor was he backing down. She liked that didn't she? Not simply as a warrior but as a person. Years of killing had desensitized her, but she always enjoyed the challenge of figuring out a new person, a new target and finding the best way to slay them. This was why she had fun in the game they all played once upon a time, and it was why she found herself reaching out even as her own nether sent strange pulses of sensation up her spine. This felt a bit dangerous but she wasn't the type to back away from a challenge. She reached for it. That small hand taking hold of manhood she would have had to work to close her fingers around. She understood this, as a feeling. Artoria could easily understand what a touch to such an thing could incite. After all, she'd been a fifteen year old boy for a while, she understood that at least. And given the size of it, it was worthy of at least inspection, right? Yes, she'd do that... with the same care she used on actual weapons which bordered upon obsessive. A light touch from her holding above his hand and an upward stroke across the tip. Why was she curious? Well, it wasn't like she'd ever handled anyone else's tool before. Care was to be taken right?