Gilgamesh decided to leave tomorrow morning, since today was too late. On the morning of the next day, everyone got ready quite early. The first to walk towards the main door was Gilgamesh, he waited with his arms crossed for Xaiver and his brothers to follow him. Edward and Cid hold Xaiver's hands tightly, then walked towards the entrance.
Once they were outside, Gilgamesh led the way to the portal that connects the human realm and the dragon realm. If he remembered correctly, it wasn't that far, but then again, he passed out and Xaiver probably carried Gilgamesh far enough from the portal.
Gilgamesh looked over his shoulder, checking if Xaiver and his brothers were still following him. Edward and Cid walk hand in hand with Xaiver, while their big brother stare at the scenery around them. Gilgamesh wondered how Xaiver feels, leaving everything behind without knowing what awaited him in the dragon realm.ย
Luckily, the portal wasn't that far from Xaiver's place. Normally there shouldn't be a house near the portal, but maybe only dragons have that rule.
Gilgamesh stopped in front of the portal, then wait patiently for Xaiver and his siblings to catch up. Edward and Cid hide behind Xaiver's legs, feeling scared of the strange sight before their eyes.
Xaiver approached Gilgamesh, looking at the portal. "This is the portal that connects both realms?" He questioned staring at Gilgamesh.
"Yes, once we step inside the portal we will reach the dragon realm." He explained ย entering the portal.
Edward and Cid hesitate, clinging tighter to Xaiver's legs. He gently pry their hands from his legs, then kneel in front of them.
"Don't be afraid, once we enter the portal we will meet lots of new people." He tried to encourage, stroking both Edward and Cid heads.
Both nodded their head, then take Xaiver's hands again. He stand up, then entered the portal holding his brothers hands tightly.
Gilgamesh waited for them on the other side, watching Edward and Cid reactions once they arrived. Both kids look around curiously, noticing the differences between both realms.ย The dragon realm was mainly a desert, most of what their eyes could see was sand. They no longer needed their warm clothes, but taking them off now would only be a waste of time.
Since they do not have horses, Gilgamesh needed to transform into a dragon to reach Uruk without wasting time. He usually never uses his dragon powers for trivial things, but Xaiver is the hope for his people, so getting to Uruk faster is for the best.
Gilgamesh transformed into a white and golden majestic dragon. His body, as if covered in light, was composed of innumerable scales. The tips of his four wings were like blades, shining with silver luster. A horn jutted out from his forehead, and a crown of twelve spires circled it. The scales glistened beneath the sun's rays, making Xaiver think of snow falling onto freshly fallen powder. Edward and Cid hide behind Xaiver's legs again, feeling intimidated by Gilgamesh appearance.
Gilgamesh lean down, motioning Xaiver and his brothers to climb on his back. He lifted Edward and Cid, then climb on Gilgamesh's back, sitting between his brothers. Once they were comfortable, he flapped his wings and fly towards Uruk.
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Gilgamesh landed outside Uruk walls. Edward and Cid slid down his back, running towards the city gates. Xaiver slide down as well, then follow his brothers.
The two guards guarding the gate saw figures in the distance, immediately recognizing their king Gilgamesh in his dragon form.
Gilgamesh transforms back into his human form and then leads the way to the gate.
"You have returned, your majesty." Both guards fall to one knee.
Gilgamesh waved his hand, ordering them to rise. "Open the gates."
Both guards obeyed Gilgamesh's order, opening the gates wide enough for Gilgamesh, Xaiver and his brothers to pass through.
The king lead Xaiver and his brothers through the streets, until they reach the castle. Edward and Cid stare amazed at Uruk citizens, watching them do their daily business. Some citizens bow their head, recognizing their king. Others watch Xaiver and his brothers curiously, wondering who they are.
The four arrived at Ziggurat, Gilgamesh's castle, the massive structure was built on the highest level of Uruk and so was visible to all. It had been constructed under the king's personal supervision, down to the most minute detail. It was said that over six hundred people had worked for years to finish it.
It consisted of seven levels, one on top of the other, getting progressively smaller as they went up. Each level was surrounded by pillars and decorated with beautiful sculptures, making it clear how extravagant ziggurat was.
But that splendor also gave it an impression of being incredibly majestic. It towered over Uruk, giving it a feeling of being both grand and oppressive at the same time.
At its peak was a sanctuary. Only Gilgamesh himself was allowed entry there, but supposedly there was another throne within. On that throne, Gilgamesh would receive special guests or hold audiences. The only people who could even enter the castle were those whom he personally approved of.
The exception to that rule was Enkidu, but apparently he almost never entered, saying that "It is not my place."
Gilgamesh entered the castle, followed closely by Xaiver and his brothers. Edward and Cid clung to Xaiver's pants, feeling nervous about seeing a new environment.
The throne room was located at the innermost part of the first level. Gilgamesh stopped in front of the throne room, turning around to face Xaiver.
"Wait here, I need to talk to Enkidu first." Gilgamesh ordered, opening the great doors and entering the throne room alone to explain the situation to Enkidu.
Enkidu was sitting on the throne, his face reflecting discomfort, as if he did not like taking Gilgamesh's place while he was away.
Gilgamesh approached Enkidu, catching his attention. He stand up from the throne, approaching his king.
"You are finally back!" Exclaimed Enkidu, even though only three days had passed since he left.
"Yes, and I come bearing good news."
Enkidu smile fade, replacing it with a serious expression. "Did you find the dominion ruler?"
"Indeed, but he is a human, not a dragon." Gilgamesh found it strange that the celestial dragon would choose a human as his successor.
Enkidu frown, not believing what he heard. "What? Are you sure?"
Gilgamesh nodded his head, confirming that Xaiver was indeed a human. "I brought him and his brothers, they are waiting for us outside the throne room."
Enkidu followed Gilgamesh out of the throne room, stopping in front of Xaiver and his brothers. He stared curiously at the three brothers, his eyes landed on Xaiver, noting that he is indeed the dominion ruler and also a human.
"Welcome, dominion ruler, my name is Enkidu, King Gilgamesh's right hand." Enkidu fall on one knee, showing his respect for Xaiver.
Xaiver was caught by surprise, not expecting to be treated with such respect. "You don't have to do that, just treat me normally."
"As you wish." Enkidu stood up.
"Enkidu, take them to Siduri so that she can give them suitable clothing and show them the room in which they will stay." Gilgamesh ordered.
Being a busy man himself, he cannot continue to entertain Xaiver and his brothers any longer, he must return to fulfill his duties as king.Gilgamesh then decided to leave the dominion ruler in the hands of Siduri, until the day of the ceremony. Without even looking at Xaiver and his brothers, Gilgamesh retreated to the throne room
"Looks like the king did a good job pretending to be someone he's not." Enkidu sighed.
"Pretending? What do you mean?" Xaiver wanted to know what Enkidu was talking about.
Enkidu shake his head. "Nothing important, follow me please."
Xaiver grabbed Edward and Cid hands, then followed Enkidu through Ziggurat castle searching for Siduri. Edward and Cid stick close to Xaiver, curious of their surroundings. Enkidu stop in front of a door, knocking on it twice.
A female voice answered from the other side. "Come in."
Enkidu open the door, inviting Xaiver and his brothers to enter inside. A woman was sitting behind her desk, writing something on a parchment. Siduri looked up, staring at Xaiver.
"Are these the dominion ruler and his brothers?" Siduri asked, standing up from her chair.
Enkidu nodded his head. "Yes, can you prepare some clothes for them and show them their rooms?"
Siduri bowed her head. "Of course." She turn her gaze towards Xaiver. "Please follow me, dominion ruler."
Enkidu excuse himself, returning to the throne room. Siduri grab Xaiver's attention again, leading him and his brothers out of her office. Siduri took Xaiver and his brothers to the best clothing store and picked up their clothes too.
"Please wear this." She handed some clothes to Xaiver and then gave the clothes to the two little boys as well.
The store had some curtains where you could change clothes, Xaiver and his brothers went behind the curtains to put on their new clothes. The first to change were the two children, they both liked their clothes compared to Xaiver. He thought the clothes were too revealing for his taste, does a man really need to show his abdomen?
When Xaiver finished changing, he walked towards Siduri and his brothers, showing her their new clothes.
"Can I wear something else? I don't like these clothes," Xaiver complained.
Siduri shook head. "You must be beautiful and presentable in front of King Gilgamesh, although you are a man, your features are really pretty."
She complimented.
"Why should I? What does it mean to be the dominion ruler?" Xaiver wanted answers.
Siduri thought the king had already told Xaiver everything, but it seems he still doesn't know anything. "The king will explain everything to you very soon."
Xaiver sigh in defeat, he will ask Gilgamesh when he has time to talk to him. Siduri pay for their new clothes, then left the store, guiding Xaiver and his brothers back to Ziggurat castle.
The three followed Siduri through the castle halls until they reached the third floor. She showed Edward and Cid their room, explaining to Xaiver that it was better for him to have his own room. He disagreed, he wants to sleep with his brothers, but Siduri insisted, so he decided to comply.
"Here is your room dominion ruler, breakfast is served at 8am, lunch at 4pm and dinner at 9pm." Siduri explained, opening the room door.
Xaiver enter inside his room, finding that it was bigger than his siblings' room. Siduri closed the door, leaving him alone. He walked towards his bed, sitting down on it. He sighed tiredly, laying on his back.
"Did I make the right decision by coming to this place?" He questioned himself.
Xaiver closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.ย
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Gilgamesh was currently sitting on his throne, attending to his neglected duties. Enkidu was standing next to him, assisting him where necessary.
Enkidu couldn't stop thinking about Xaiver, he felt intrigued by him, wondering why the celestial dragon chose a human to succeed him. But there was another important matter, one that Gilgamesh probably neglected and just did as he pleased without giving Xaiver an explanation about his duties as the dominion ruler.
"My King, did you tell the dominion ruler the reason he came here?" Enkidu asked, hoping to receive a positive answer.
Gilgamesh stopped writing, lifting his gaze to stare at Enkidu. "No, why should I?"
Enkidu sigh heavily, he knew his king would say something like that. "King Gilgamesh, the dominion ruler, deserves to know why he came here, you can't just use him."
"That's none of your business, I'll deal with it later." Gilgamesh resume writing.
Enkidu knew arguing with Gilgamesh was futile, but the duties of a ruler are not easy and someone as young as Xaiver would probably give up easily.
"You should have told him before bringing him to the dragon realm, I'm surprised he agreed to accompany you without some kind of explanation."
Gilgamesh ignored Enkidu, finishing writing his documents. He stand up from his throne, handing the document to Enkidu.
"Take care of this, I have more important things to worry about." Gilgamesh planned to leave the throne room, leaving Enkidu alone.
Enkidu stared sadly at Gilgamesh's retreating figure, wondering if his king will ever change his ways.ย
"At least listen to me this time, talk to the dominion ruler and explain everything. You know more than anyone what it means to be a ruler!" Enkidu raised his voice, causing Gilgamesh to stop in his tracks.
Gilgamesh clenched his fists tightly, feeling irritated by Enkidu words. He turn around, glaring daggers at him.
"Don't push me, I will speak with the dominion ruler when I feel like it!" Gilgamesh yelled angrily, exiting the throne room.
The king walked down the hallway, heading towards his chambers. Gilgamesh hated arguing with Enkidu, but sometimes he pushes too much, trying to help him where he doesn't want him.
"Explaining the duties of the dominion ruler to that kid would not change anything, he cannot reject his destiny, so why should I bother explaining it to him?" Gilgamesh murmured to himself.
Siduri, who was heading towards the throne room, saw Gilgamesh murmuring. She approached him carefully, calling out to him.
"Your majesty, may I know what is troubling you?" Siduri asked politely.
Gilgamesh stared at Siduri, debating whether to tell her or not. "Did the dominion ruler changed his clothes already?"
Siduri nodded her head. "Yes, I took them to their rooms, do you want me to take him to your chambers?"
Gilgamesh frowned, then remembered that Siduri knows the duties of the rulers. "Yes, bring him to me."
Siduri bowed her head. "I know I shouldn't say a word about this, but please don't be so rude to him, your majesty."
Gilgamesh glared at Siduri, warning her to keep her mouth shut. "Just go get him."
Siduri apologized, then walked towards Xaiver's room. Gilgamesh continued walking towards his chambers, wondering why Siduri said such a thing.
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Xaiver woke up minutes later, he didn't even notice that he fell asleep. He stand up from his bed, stretching his limbs to remove the stiffness caused by sleeping on his back. Then walked towards the window, staring at Uruk landscape. He wondered if Edward and Cid are okay, he hopes being in a different room doesn't bother them.
Someone knocked on his door twice, grabbing his attention. He walked towards the door, opening it. Siduri was standing on the other side, smiling kindly at him.
"Dominion ruler, the king request your presence, please follow me." Siduri requested politely.
Xaiver followed Siduri through the castle halls, heading towards Gilgamesh's chambers. He wondered why he wanted to talk to him, probably he forgot to tell him something. Siduri stopped in front of Gilgamesh's chambers, knocking twice on the door.
"Your majesty, the dominion ruler is here." Siduri announce.
Gilgamesh ordered Siduri to enter, allowing Xaiver to enter as well. Siduri opened the door, letting Xaiver enter first. Gilgamesh was sitting on his couch, with his eyes closed. Siduri closed the door, excusing herself, then leave Xaiver alone with Gilgamesh.
After learning that Gilgamesh was a king, Xaiver was unsure how to treat him, he is royalty so showing respect comes first. What a commoner should do in front of someone of high status is to kneel in their presence. Xaiver kneels on the ground, lowering his head.
Gilgamesh opened his eyes and looked at the kneeling Xaiver. He didn't expect him to do something like that, after all, the dominion ruler doesn't have to kneel before anyone.
"Rise, I never told you to kneel in my presence." Gilgamesh ordered annoyed.
Xaiver raised his head and stood up from the floor. His eyes fell on Gilgamesh, noticing that he was also wearing such revealing clothing, could this be something common here in the dragon realm?
Now that Xaiver stood up, Gilgamesh ordered him to sit next to him. He did as he was told, sitting on the same couch but a little away from the king.
Gilgamesh glanced at Xaiver and noticed that those clothes suited him perfectly, Siduri made a wise choice picking them for him. Gilgamesh stared at him shamelessly, admiring everything that caught his attention. After all he is a man who appreciate beauty, Xaiver is truly beautiful, he wondered if he's aware of that.
In the past, before Enkidu appeared in Gilgamesh's life, he claimed the most beautiful women in all of Uruk to have at his side. But they were all just decorations to him, none of them attracted Gilgamesh's attention, but he still kept them by his side just to anger the goddess Ishtar.
That woman's father wanted his daughter to marry Gilgamesh, so he did countless things to disgust her and make her leave. Of course Gilgamesh never considered marrying Ishtar, he despised her, she was spoiled and arrogant, she always did what she pleased.
Ishtar never understood that Gilgamesh didn't love her and probably never will. She threatened Gilgamesh many times, telling him that she would destroy Uruk and kill everyone if he continued to play with her feelings.
Gilgamesh didn't believe her threats, Ishtar is nothing more than a spoiled brat who cries every time she doesn't get what she wants. He insulted her many times, hurting Ishtar's pride, making her hate him even more.
But that no longer matters, since he was able to avoid getting married. Although this led to losing the protection that the goddess Ishtar provided to Uruk, Gilgamesh did not care at all and never wanted the protection of the heavens. Although the blood of a god runs through his veins, he despised them and wanted nothing to do with them.ย