Timeskip Log

[oathshackledbird]

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Lancer) COURT Seelie (Neutral Leanings) TITLE Knight of the Golden Cadre Maskhunter/Hartslayer Shield of the Cothromach Champion of Redgate OCCUPATION Knight/Trainer ABLE TO FAST-TRAVEL Servant ability to travel at up to 100 times normal human speed. A ring given to him by Alyosha that allows him to teleport himself only pretty much anywhere. A ring given as a boon that will allow him to teleport to the side of any Seelie shardbearer if their life is in immediate danger. COMMUNICATION METHODS A magical compass from Rin. Messages sent by birds. A necklace enchanted by Rin to allow contact with Seelie/Unseelie. RESIDENCE IN 2,701 Cu Chulainn's castle, Dun Dealgan, south of Daonna, his rooms at Alyosha's villa, and occasionally his rooms at Caer Glaem when he is working on his personal training ground. RESIDENCE IN 2,702 His rooms at Alyosha's villa, and occasionally, his rooms at Caer Glaem when he is working on his personal training ground. As of May, he will be invited to move into Flora's villa in Leathann. MAJOR EVENTS MASTER/SERVANT BOND CREATED W/ALYOSHA. [ ✖ ] SETS UP HIS PERSONAL TRAINING GROUND AT CAER GLAEM. [ ✖ ] CSI: DAONNA. [ ✖ ] BECOMES A CAPTAIN IN THE RED HAND. [ ✖✖ ] MAJOR CHANGES POST BATTLE: His right arm is missing at the shoulder. There are several 'bleed over' effects from his Master/Servant bond with Alyosha because various factors. These include: When his emotions are high (especially when he is angry) he will grow fangs and the pupils of his eyes will slit like a snake's eyes. He will crave blood whenever his energy levels are low or whenever Alyosha is strongly craving it herself. This is partly because of her being a vampire, but also because on his world, blood is one of the things that carries magical energy and so he knows it is a source of gaining that energy should he need it. Because of Alyosha's shadow magic, when Diarmuid uses his fire ring, the fire summoned will be shadow tinted instead of normal. Unspecified bleed over from the sigil magic that is so tightly tied to her. POST TIMESKIP: No longer introduces himself as 'Lancer.' Instead, he uses his real name. Diarmuid's fighting style shifts to something reminiscent of Capoeira. His right leg is used as much as possible in place of his missing right arm, and as a result of that, his right leg now is lightly armored from knee to foot with armor that is much like that which was once on his left arm. His boot has also been modified with a hidden blade. The blade can be released with a certain tap of his foot giving him a second weapon should he need it.

SUMMARY OF KNOWN DETAILS If Diarmuid was confused going into the battle, he is even more so coming out of it. Both castles lie in ruins, untold numbers are dead on all sides, and who knows how many worlds went with them? What good came of all of it? None. None that Diarmuid can see. As a result, he is pushed even more toward favoring the neutral side. Deep down, he no longer fully considers himself Seelie. The golden cloak that marks him as a knight of the Golden Cadre is not a badge of honor, but a reminder that even knights can take the wrong path. After he recovers from losing his right arm and spends some time learning to fight again, he will focus on strengthening his bonds with his family and friends. It doesn't matter what side they are on for he does not see them as Seelie or Unseelie. They are family. They are friend. That is all that matters. When not helping Alyosha, his new Master, and fighting the Neutral fight, he will also spend time training others, building his personal training ground at Caer Glaem, and...breeding bandersnatches? Well, at least trying. Who knows if the bandersnatches will cooperate... Of course, all of that will be put to the side when it comes time to spoil babbins and mercenar-- Err, wait, that should be spoiling babbins and LEADING mercenaries. That's better... PLANS Recover from his injuries both physically and mentally. Adjust to his new Master/Servant bond with Alyosha and the bleed over. Learn to fight again. (Looking into a new arm will come later.) Work on getting the personal training ground he has been granted built to his specifications. Meet with Lancelot to discuss worries etc about Tarz's tactics. Keep in contact with his Unseelie friends. Find ways to meet with them despite the crack down on cross court interaction. Spend more time with Grainne. Teach fighting and shard training as requested. Tag team fighting with his new Master so they can learn to be badasses together. :-D Do whatever he can to help the Neutral side. Go hunting for new bandersnatch friends with Alice. TIMELINE OF EVENTS Things Occurring THROUGHOUT the Timeskip Working on his training grounds at Caer Glaem. Learning to fight again/Practicing with his shard.(Alyosha and Lancelot will help.) Training others to fight/use their shards. Becoming used to his bond with Alyosha and the overflow from it. SPRING IN 2,701 (Mar, Apr, May) MARCH - Ask Rin to enchant the necklace he got from Merida so he can contact all Seelie/Unseelie with it (Late Feb). Talk to Politezerker about his arm. (Late Feb) Recovery from losing his arm. (Both mental and physical.) Visits the new Barrel. Check in on Kayneth. Meet Gilgamesh. Visit Zuko at Azure to help unfreeze things and for fire training. More unfreezing and fire training with Merida. Finds a strange and very large egg... Begin work on his training ground in Caer Glaem after a handwaved talk with John and Lancelot(Flora will help with terrains). Long talk (and cry session) with Grainne about his arm, her losing the baby, and other things from her time back home (handwaved). Talking to Lancelot about Tarz. Check in with Saber now that she has had time to calm down. Go hunting for bandersnatches with Alice. APRIL - Travel to the Cothromach and renew his vows to it and Sansa. Talk about ferry system work. Meeting Aslan at Caer Glaem (Training Grounds). Teach Hikaru (Lucifer) to use her(his) shard @ the Station. Trip to the Barrel to celebrate his birthday. The strange egg hatches right around his birthday. Congratulations Diarmuid! It's a fluffy green bird?!? Well, at least it's not a dinosaur... MAY - Map out the waterways around the Cothromach for Sansa & the ferry project. Hunt golden swans with Thrall (get at least two--one for Caer and one for Aengus) Start training Oscar the bandersnatch to hunt. Work on the training grounds with Flora. Drop into the Art Gallery Opening in Parrais. SUMMER IN 2,701 (Jun, Jul, Aug) JUNE - Training for those who wish it: Gilgamesh-shard. Goes to the Treun tournament. Observes, but does not participate because of his arm. Bonds with Merida. Meets Javik at the tournament. Acts as Alyosha's witness at the duel between her and Hermione. JULY - CSI: Daonna (Quest)--Sent to Daonna after the hangings to investigate for Waver. Interview Alice, Merida, Faolan. Work with Sara & Politezerker. Lén accompanies Diarmuid to help. AUGUST - Fire training with Merida. Talk with her about battle/Master stuff. Meeting Remus Lupin. Golem hunting with Javik. Visit the Cothromach's Markets. FALL IN 2,701 (Sept, Oct, Nov) SEPTEMBER - Heartbreak: Grainne is sent home from the Drabwurld. Language kerfuffle! Just how close to Gaelic is Drabbish anyway? Help Alice with her orphanage. Training: Gilgamesh/Work on the Training Grounds OCTOBER - Samhain! Meet the Black Shuck Meets Sam. Anniversary of his arrival. NOVEMBER - Hunts inmates. Protects others from the inmates. Meets up with Lancelot to talk. Becomes co-parents to a bunch of mercs with John Grimm. WINTER IN 2,701/2,702 (Dec, Jan, Feb) DECEMBER - Yule! Silliness with Fox Merida. Hunt the White Hart. Slays him with Katsa. Reward: 200 gold pieces, a while cloak and the title of Hartslayer until the next hunt comes around. Anniversary of the Fox Hunt. JANUARY - Shard Training. Working on his Training Grounds. 'Learning' to relax a little with Kaldur. Meeting up with Gilgamesh at Caer Glaem. FEBRUARY - Runs into Grell at the Noa Woods for sparring. Goes to Parrais for the Ostara Feast. 1 year anniversary with Alyosha. SPRING IN 2,702 (Mar, Apr) MARCH - Fight zombies. Visits Lumina's Chocobo Ranch and does some undead removal. Gets a new friend for Aengus? Learning to fight again complete. APRIL - Shelters his fairy groupies to keep them safe. Work on his training grounds at Caer Glaem finishes.

( codes by whambam )

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

Someone must be, otherwise there is a chance that last bit of light needed to guide another's footsteps as they move along the darkest part of their path may be lost.

[Not for the first time, Diarmuid can't help but be tempted to ask Gilgamesh about how the war ends for him. The golden king obviously knows from the things he has said--the hints he has dropped. Wouldn't it be better to know instead of finally learning the truth at an inopportune time?

Even if he still believes nothing is set in stone?]

Maybe you can tell me sometime.

[Diarmuid doesn't explain the softly spoken statement beyond that. He has a feeling Gilgamesh will understand the invitation even without further explanation.

That said, he is more than willing to change topics. He even chuckles softly.]

I cannot help but wonder which spear it is you wish me to 'tip' more...

[babbylon]

[Rare it is that Gilgamesh drops riddles and derision for the truth, and rarer still does he feel any form of sympathy for anyone else. That too was reserved for someone very far away, very dear to his heart. But Diarmuid—the honorable Lancer who only ever wished to please his Master—should hear of it eventually, if not from his own lips, then someone nearly as worthy.

The war he helped create. The war that he worsened. Gilgamesh feels no sorrow and no regret over it, but can so declare without an ounce of doubt: Diarmuid deserved a better hand than the one fate dealt him.

Gilgamesh reaches to wrap fingers around Diarmuid's wrist. They will speak of lighter matters, but that solidarity yet remains, as two Servants cast aside from their rightful place in the world. I am here, they say. I am with you.]

You are growing bold, indeed. Not so long ago you flushed when I so much as batted an eyelash at you.

[But Gilgamesh sounds awfully proud of this, encouraging only the finest attitudes in his subjects... or the most depraved.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid tilts his head so he can wink at Gilgamesh.]

I did say I was getting better, didn't I? I swore I would and I will not let you down.

[Besides, he has always enjoyed joking with others. He just hasn't always felt like he can joke freely. With Gilgamesh, though, he feels like he can and, more importantly, should. There is no reason to hold back when he is with the golden king.]

Exactly how far out do we need to go? Are we going to just be making a little mess or trashing an entire area?

[Deep down, Diarmuid can't help but wonder if he is about to see that amazing sword again that he was shown for such a brief time during their first training session. The idea makes him even more excited than he was before.]

[babbylon]

I don't care.

[That's his reply, once they reach the outdoors, the crisp winter's air wrapping familiar about them both. But it isn't callous or the slightest bit cold; his words are warm and freeing to spite the weather, and he repeats himself.]

I don't care. I just want to run.

[Reaching up to the ribbon tying his trailing braid back, he unwinds it and lets it go on the wind. All the golden hair comes tumbling down his shoulders, along his back, and he watches the ribbon disappear with the broadest of grins, as if he's never been so happy in all his life.

Why shouldn't he be? There's no reason to hold back anymore.]

I want to run, and I want you to chase after me, and we can decide whatever we'd like then.

[oathshackledbird]

Well, it is a good thing I like to run so much, hu?

[Diarmuid turns his hand to give Gilgamesh's a squeeze and then he gently frees his hand. After that, he reaches out to catch some of that long golden hair between his fingers so he can bring it to his mouth and press it to his lips.]

We will fly free as the wind and go wherever we wish. You know I will chase you anywhere.

[He weaves his fingers through the man's hair for a few more moments before reluctantly letting it go.]

Perhaps I should grow mine out too. What do you think?

[babbylon]

I think you're an idiot.

[Which of course he breathes with the greatest of fondness. This would've been unthinkable so many months ago, to tread upon the same ground as one so lowly and to call him subject, but now it feels like second nature.

It feels like second nature to spend time with Diarmuid. It feels fun and most importantly it feels correct, like this was something he was always meant to do. The man doesn't tarnish and shame him in the slightest, doesn't slow him down or question him overmuch. If he cannot have an Enkidu, he thinks, at least he might have a Lancer.

And maybe, in this case, a Lancer would serve him far better than a Saber ever could.]

But I also think that's enough talk for right now. Come!

[He's off! Sprinting around pointed towers, bounding over walls to make it past the castle limits. It might be more of a challenge keeping up this time.]

[oathshackledbird]

Ah, but I am your idiot, so that makes it all right, yes?

[This is not the first time Diarmuid has heard the word used as a term of endearment. In fact, in the past he has used the word in just such a way to refer to someone who meant just as much to him as his family as his wife ever did.

Oscar would laugh so hard to hear Diarmuid being call it now.

When Gilgamesh takes off, Diarmuid doesn't immediately follow him. Instead, he waits a few precious seconds so he can just admire the golden king's skill and agility. Only after he gets his fill of that, does Diarmuid give chase. Quick, graceful moves takes him to the wall and over it not that far behind Gilgamesh. He is a Lancer, after all. Speed and agility are his stock and trade.

Hopefully, Gilgamesh's boost in power is enough to bring him up near a Lancer level when it comes to speed or else this chase will be a short one.]

[babbylon]

[Damn right you are, Gilgamesh stops himself just short of saying.

Gilgamesh has to watch himself, too—has to avoid watching Diarmuid in his prime. Archers were built for short bursts of speed, but Lancers were endurance runners, clearing miles at a time without issue. Without their peerless agility, there wasn't much else to fall back on. He doesn't expect to match Diarmuid on natural ability alone; even Gilgamesh's ego doesn't extend quite that far.

That's why he won't play fair. Not now, not with the promises he's made. A trump card exists in that bond between Master and Servant, in the artifact from which they both drew their strength. Bottomless mana. Infinite regeneration. He could blow out his tendons and still keep right on running.

So he lets Diarmuid get close, lets him think he's caught up, then powers himself ahead with a massive burst of prana. And then another. And then another. And then there's no need to worry for Gilgamesh's chances at all.

Like this, he could wrangle Diarmuid into chasing him for days.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid is indeed in his prime. Sometimes, he just runs to keep up. Other times, he uses acrobatic tricks to get himself closer to the golden king. He is almost certain the chase is going to end quickly, and then suddenly, Gilgamesh starts using those prana bursts...

Well, that was unexpected!

To try and catch up, Diarmuid taps his shard's power to boost his own speed and agility further. However, any ground he makes up is lost again quickly when Gilgamesh just uses another prana burst. Where is all this extra energy coming from?

Just who is his new master?

That has to be it, Diarmuid decides. It's the only way Gilgamesh could be using so much energy and not be exhausting his own energy supplies. But who has so much energy that it can be used in such a way without care?

One of the monarchs? An ancient shardbearer? The choices are limited, but still many. The only way to find out is to ask Gilgamesh himself and that requires catching him. But how?

Well...if Gilgamesh is going to cheat a little, is it all that wrong for Diarmuid to cheat too? He closes his eyes and then triggers his teleportation ring so that he teleports and ends up running right beside the golden king.]

Fancy meeting you here, King of Heroes...

[babbylon]

[After a while, Gilgamesh's feet no longer even touch the ground, or else move so fast they give the illusion of it. He glides as if on air, as if a road has been paved by his own will stretching on forever. His laughter echoes, just like from the halls, and he runs, and he runs, and he runs, the King in golden armor who'd never dream of doing this back home, who revels in it now. Like he was born for it, sprinting across the snowy plains with not an ounce of shame to show for it.

Diarmuid, of course, ranks among the sharper Servants and so refuses to slouch on any front. He closes the gap through clever means, and what would've once earned fierce rebuke just gets a cocky grin pitched at him now.

Still, Gilgamesh won't give in. He challenges him at the top of his lungs:]

You won't catch me with cheap tricks like that!

[...but really, it's more like overt courtship with how he dances around and behind him, just out of reach. He's showing off, the gracefulness of his class, that boundless energy which won't allow him to tire for anything or anyone. The mana surrounding him swells again, then he's rocketing off in a completely different direction.

He could be leading them to nowhere else save the spot of that heated encounter, the spring. On occasion, Gilgamesh can hang up his tyrannical coat to don a far more romantic—and borderline sentimental—one.]

[oathshackledbird]

They are not cheap tricks! They are strategy!

[While Diarmuid tries to give Gilgamesh a stern look, the good humor in his eyes ruins the effect completely. He laughs and then joins the dance, trying though a series of graceful and agile movements to catch the golden king. Though he knows he will not, Diarmuid still enjoys trying and pushing himself to come up with new creative ways to snag a hold of the king who is--perhaps fittingly--always just beyond his reach.

It doesn't take long for Diarmuid to realize where they are heading once Gilgamesh begins running again. At first he is confused. Why the hot springs? But then it strikes him that there is an area to fight nearby and the springs do hold a good deal of good memories for them. Thinking of such memories causes a warmth to fill him. It is good to know that Gilgamesh thinks as fondly of that time as Diarmuid does. With all those who fight for the golden king's attention, Diarmuid can't help but wonder how much of it one lowly knight can hold.

Not wiling to give up the race, though, Diarmuid focus his attention back to catching up with the golden king yet again. However, as he is running, something strikes him. Yes...that just might work...

Since he knows their destination now, Diarmuid teleports ahead to the hot springs and then turns to make his way back toward Gilgamesh. When he spots the golden king, he leaps for him.

One good tackle deserves another, right?]

[babbylon]

Strategy my ass! Cheater!

[So one might say he's having a good time. Maybe. Possibly. The smile that's about ready to fall off his face gives him away.

Gilgamesh loves things rather than people, now; he loves parts of them, their little pieces that make them who and what they are. He loves Kirei's total dispassion, he loves Saber's unquenchable drive, he loves Dorian's endless thirst for beauty, and he loves the heart that beats inside Diarmuid and yearns for freedom—freedom which he displays in elegant twists and turns, fluid and fast, and more than a bit distracting if he's being honest with himself.

But Gilgamesh plays to win, always, and he's confident in his own strategy... at least until Diarmuid figures him out and bounds on ahead. The teleporting throws him off, clipping his speed slightly, though only long enough for him to grin and dig his heels into the dirt. It meant giving up the chase, sure, but the ultimate prize would be more than worth it.

With all his strength braced in one place, he spreads his arms and catches Diarmuid sailing through the air. Tackle successfully foiled, and instead he's drawn into an embrace, a tight one. A protective one. He has become far too fond for his own good; he has fallen too deeply in love with that freedom which speaks too close to his own heart.]

I caught you. I win.

[Your consolation for losing is a peck on the cheek, Diarmuid. Lucky you.]

[oathshackledbird]

I am a knight! I would never cheat. I just use everything that is available so that I can be victorious!

[Because winning is the goal... Actually, that is wrong. Making people happy is the goal, and as Diarmuid flies into Giglamesh's arms, it is impossible to miss just how happy the golden king is. Maybe Diarmuid hasn't won the chase, but he is happy to lose if this much joy comes from it. His arm goes around Gilgamesh's waist and he presses a kiss to the king's jaw.]

Win you have. The power you possess now is insane as is fitting for the King of Heroes.

[Diarmuid snuggles closer as if he wants to pull some of that power into himself. He remembers well how it felt to take energy from Gilgamesh's blood before. Now...he can't even begin to imagine how good it will feel.]

What will you claim as your prize now, my dear king? Tell me and I will give it to you.

[babbylon]

[Insane is certainly a word for it. Grounding and destabilizing all at once. It chipped at his pride to take a Master in some ways and bolstered it in others, as he's never felt so spirited, so ready to tackle the world's challenges. No longer does he observe from a lazy throne on high, like their wayward monarchs. He is an adventurer, a hero, a true King of the people. He was a man worthy to lead a knight of Diarmuid's station.

There's the briefest brush of skin together, of lips trailing over Diarmuid's forehead as if to whisper I will keep you, before he's breaking away from him. Weaving their fingers together, stepping out as far as he's able with a coquettish glance over his shoulder. The King courts his mate, and proudly so. He shall let him see the beauty few others will ever gaze upon.]

I strike free the shackles upon your soul and claim you for myself. Let us fight as we were destined, as we could not before.

[Diarmuid gets his wish. He holds his free arm out, and in his fingers manifests none other than Ea itself, summoned by the unyielding strength of Gilgamesh's will. It looks natural in his grip. It looks right. It is right.

All of this—Gilgamesh, Diarmuid, Ea, them together—was right. His desires are just. And he will never be told otherwise by anyone ever again.]

Let it be your final test, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, that for you I draw my grandest weapon of all.

[oathshackledbird]

[When Gilgamesh's lips pass over Diarmuid's forehead, he can't help but sigh happily and close his eyes. The moment is so peaceful, so perfect. It is not often in this land of war that he gets to feel this way. There is always something more to be done. Something else to accomplish to ensure survival...

His eyes flutter open when Gilgamesh pulls away. He opens his mouth to complain, but when he catches that look in Gilgamesh's eyes, he close his mouth and remains silent instead, following along as the king moves forward. Deep down, there is part of Diarmuid that realizes he is being courted and he is excited beyond words. This, he never got before. Not with how he ended up with Grainne. Diarmuid still isn't sure if he deserves this attention, but he will not question the choices of his king.]

You claimed me before and that claim has not lessened with time. However, you may claim me as often as you wish. I am honored to take up this challenge.

[Diarmuid's expression becomes one of awe as he watches Gilgamesh summon Ea again. The blade sings even louder than it did before and it is hard to do anything else other than stand there and listen. Still, after a few moments, Diarmuid summons Gae Dearg to his hand. He knows there is no way he can defeat Gilgamesh. He knows there is no way he can defeat that blade, but still, he will face them both and he will fight as hard as he can. Dying at the hand of such a king or such a weapon is no dishonor. In fact, it is just the opposite.

He falls into a ready battle position and grins widely at the golden king and the grandest sword to ever exist.]

Let the test begin. I will not let you down. Not with the honor above honors that you have given to me.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh lets go of Diarmuid and distances himself from the man, several paces, far enough to establish their imaginary lines in the sand. Even though he's readying himself for battle, that respect for Diarmuid yet remains, shall always remain. He has not forgotten his fealty. He has not forgotten the lips that touched his hand or the promises sworn beneath the sacred tree—their tree. When this world dies, Diarmuid lives. Gilgamesh's decision hasn't changed one bit.

Though Ea howls to greet its opponent, Gilgamesh's expression is strangely soft. Reminiscent. Kind. They will fight as Servants, but they will not fight as mortal foes. It's important to remind him of this.]

Be at peace, Diarmuid. I spare your life this day. I swear it upon the grace and glory of my crown.

[And that's a very serious vow, indeed. Gilgamesh too assumes an appropriate stance himself, Ea wielded like a spear in his grip.]

One touch. One touch from this sword, and it's over. You yield. I yield likewise to the point of your lance. Therefore, it's a contest of speed, elegance, and grace, just as you were instructed.

[Can you do it? His eyes dare it of Diarmuid. He may be courting, but he's also challenging him in a way they both know down to their bones. This is what Servants were made for. This is the honorable duel Diarmuid had wanted all along.]

Come at me when you're ready. I won't hold back in any other regard.

[oathshackledbird]

[For Diarmuid, it is hard to imagine how even just one touch from that blade could not be fatal. Calling it a sword is really misleading. It is only a sword in the vaguest sense of the term. It is really so much more. Something even more alive than his own spears are. Something that forges its own paths and destiny. Still, he trusts the will of the king wielding that living blade and so, is not troubled in the slightest.]

One touch and done. Agreed, but do not worry. I am at peace. How could someone not be at peace in the face of such greatness? Besides, no matter the outcome--win or lose, life or death--to face such a king and such a weapon is an honor.

[He bows his head acknowledging king, sword, and the rules of engagement. As he does, he catches that challenging look in Gilgamesh's eyes and feels a rush of passion fill him. Every bit of himself suddenly feels as if it is on fire and full of life. These kinds of battles. They are what Diarmuid lives for and he finds them so rarely. They are gifts. They are treasures.

He will cherish every moment of this.]

Sing for us Ageless One and watch over our dance...

[As soon as the last words leave Diarmuid's mouth, he dashes into action. Once he is within a few feet of Gilgamesh, he drops into a roll and breaks toward the the side of the golden king not protected by the sword. Gae Dearg strikes out at that unprotected side as Diarmuid attempt to use the spear's greater length to his advantage.]

[babbylon]

Well said!

[The Grail never let them fight this way. Gilgamesh never wanted to fight this way, fairly and hand-to-hand on the same level as everyone else, but Diarmuid's thirst for it has proven infectious. He remembers the hero he once was; he remembers the great adventurer he's always been. And he knows, because of Diarmuid, that his star shines brightest in the whole sky.

There's a quiet thank you on his lips, just barely heard over Ea's howling and Diarmuid's earnest prayer, and then Gilgamesh lunges. He's indeed faster than when they last met, and as Diarmuid rolls to strike, he contorts himself quickly and simply passes Ea to the opposite hand. So they clash, one weapon against the other, metal on metal.

And so Gilgamesh honors his vow and speaks words to end him—or else force him back with one beautiful shot.]

ENUMA...

[They are the words of invocation for the surging Noble Phantasm, Enuma Elish. Archers fought from a distance, and punished anyone foolish enough to get close. Ea will devour him if he doesn't move. That is the will of the weapon that exists beyond its master.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Words spoken with meaning are never missed and so, Diarmuid hears the whispered 'thank you' even though he is in the middle of an attack. His grin widens, but that is the only reaction he has time to give, for a moment later, his spear is meeting with the wondrous sword that Gilgamesh is wielding. The clash is not a disappointment for Diarmuid never expected his strike to hit home. Had it, it would have been a sad way to end the battle and he knows better than to think the King of Heroes would ever disappoint in that way.

For as long as he dares, Diarmuid pushes back against the blade that howls its song so loudly. He wishes to come to know it as much as he can. To experience as much of it as he can. However, once he hears Gilgamesh begin to speak and feels the upswing in the gathering of the swords power, he knows he must pull back.

To the front and to the side do not guarantee safety because Diarmuid has no idea the exact range of the sword's coming attack, so instead of cutting in front of Gilgamesh, he falls back and dashes behind the golden king knowing that area will likely be the safest unless Gilgamesh wants to risk hitting himself with the attack...]

[babbylon]

[Diarmuid impresses him to hold off Ea for so long, and with just one arm and one weapon at his disposal. This was the man of the twin lances, the great bird who wounded Saber and would've won if not for the twisted circumstances of their own war. He must exercise care. He must show him the respect he's due.

With a boisterous finish of ELISH, Ea fires off a wave of wickedly powerful energy. It now becomes clear why Gilgamesh led them so far out: this would've decimated his poor training ground and taken down half of Caer Glaem along with it. The waves whirls on and on and on for miles, until it crashes clean into a mountain peak and cleaves off a good chunk of its face.

That would've been Diarmuid. So too does his promise to keep him alive become clearer.

Diarmuid has danced to his back. There's no time to hesitate. He activates the shard.]

I want it more than anything.

[The resulting pivot on his heel is sharp, and his expression fierce when he leaps to go on the attack. Whatever he's reached for, it's powerful. It will guide him to victory. He raises Ea and readies a flurry of strikes, guided by what he wants above everything else—the purified hand of Saber in his.]

[oathshackledbird]

[He is standing still much longer than he should. Diarmuid knows this, but he can't help but remain still as he watches the grand sword's power finally released. Deep down, he knows he should be terrified to be facing that, but instead of being terrified, Diarmuid feels exhilarated. He stood against that. Even just for a moment, he stood against it. It's amazing...

It is Gilgamesh activating his shard and boosting his power even higher that shakes Diarmuid out of his awed stillness. Immediately, Diarmuid activates his shard in return, power flowing out into his arms, legs, and his spear. He will not back away form this fight, Not even after seeing what he as seen. He needs to prove how well he has learned his lessons. He needs to protect. He needs to be free.

The strikes that follow Gilgamesh's turn to face him are quick, but Diarmuid is quicker. Gae Dearg spins faster than the eye can see. Sometimes Diarmuid blocks with the front end of the spear, sometimes it is the back end of the spear that meets the blade. Graceful and sure, there is no fear in Diarmuid's face. He is not worried about missing even one blow, not even when he breaks the pattern to drive Gae Dearg's point in passed the sword that he has so easily blocked so far....]

[babbylon]

[Nothing stood against Ea for long. He's confident even Saber would fall to its edge, now that he's taken a powerful Master and seen to the appropriate arrangements. If Saber could fall, so too would Diarmuid. He faces an impossible challenge and an impossible man to defeat. It is amazing that he'd willingly accept this task anyway, even for just the few moments more this would last.

As Diarmuid needs to protect, Gilgamesh needs to pierce. As Diarmuid needs to be free, Gilgamesh needs to hold him down. One, two, three, like their first dance back at Caer Glaem, and Gilgamesh can sense the flow to each and every strike that meets his. Diarmuid has mastered himself. He is elegance and grace and all things quick. Ea can outlast him, but it cannot truly outpace him. That was the absolute territory of a Lancer.

But where the Lancer falters before superior strength, the Archer endures. He's built for this sort of beating and it's that strength which defends him, catches Gae Dearg at the tip just shy of scraping his neck. The power struggle begins. A crater forms beneath their feet. The weapons quiver and shake together.]

You won't win this way, Lancer. [He's teasing him, provoking him; taking them back to their War.] You know well who I am. You understand why I can't lose.

[The shard shines brighter. Ea screams in Gilgamesh's grip. He'll yield. He'll make him.]

You understand why I alone must triumph, above all others.

[oathshackledbird]

[Indeed, Diarmuid knows well that strength is his weakness. That is how it always has been. He needs to move. He needs to keep his opponent moving, but at the moment he is locked down--locked down so hard that the very ground beneath his feet is buckling. How long before his knees follow suit? He has to find something to do. Something to turn this around because he is far from ready to give up.

His eyes narrow as he pushes back with all that he is and all the power he can pull from his shard. The ground groans around them, buckling even more and kicking rocks up into the air. One cuts Diarmuid's cheek and another his arm, but he ignores it. His focus is on the weapon and king he is fighting so hard against.]

Just because I can't win doesn't mean I won't try. I won't give up. Not so long as I draw breath! You taught me better than that!

[In another time or at another place, Diarmuid would be gritting his teeth in pain. His bones feel like they will shatter at any moment. His breath just won't stay in his lungs, but instead of gritting his teeth, he smiles and winks at the golden king. Then, suddenly, all the resistance he has been putting against Gilgamesh and his weapon is gone as Diarmuid unsummons his spear and drops straight down attempting to knock the golden king's legs out from under him while he is off balance from the sudden disappearance of the force that had been pushing back against him so hard.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh needs to win. Gilgamesh has to win. He's offered Diarmuid plenty of pretty words to last him a lifetime, but he remains utterly and destructively competitive at his core. Red eyes flare with a worrisome sort of madness, and up close Diarmuid's granted a frightening reminder of just where Gilgamesh draws the bulk of his power from—utter insanity that set in over thousands of years.

Diarmuid's buckling. He's breaking. He won't hold up for much longer. Gilgamesh has no need to act, grits his teeth in Diarmuid's stead until they're nearly like fangs. He revels in the pain Diarmuid must be feeling, finds joy in the promise of pending victory. He can have this much, at least, he can do this, he can win...!]

...tch.

[He's been thrown off balance.

He can still do this. He can win. Run him through the shoulder, logic hisses in his ear. Clip him in the chest, reason snarls in the other. Ea yearns for blood, to cut through flesh and snap bone. It was not meant for acts of mercy. It was meant to undo and recreate. He's thrown off balance, only a little, and he can win so long as he's willing to spear Diarmuid fast in retribution. He can win so long as he's willing to really and truly hurt him.

Will you suffer again? Like on that day.

Ea could destroy you. I could destroy you.

But there's still more you have to do, right? In that case...

I think it would be a shame if you were to fall here, Diarmuid.

But he hesitates. It leaves Diarmuid only a brief window, only with seconds to spare, but it's there. Gilgamesh has failed to act. All that remains is to exploit it.]

[oathshackledbird]

[This is dangerous. This is suicidal. He will kill you. It will kill you. These thoughts all run through Diarmuid's mind as he drops down during his attack. It is insanity almost on the level of what he sees in Gilgamesh's eyes that he has dismissed his weapon leaving himself unarmed. And, in fact, he does wonder if he has made a mistake when he feels Gilgamesh's intent skirting far too close to killing intent. Deep down, his body screams for him to respond in kind. Kill. Maim. Call your weapon. It is the only way to win....

But winning is not as important to Diarmuid as it is to Gilgamesh. Diarmuid knows not every battle can be won. Not every battle has to be won. Sometimes, losing can do more than winning can. Sometimes, losing soothes emotions and raw edges that the winner needs to be soothed. As long as the battle is fair and fought with all of one's heart, a loss does not mean failure.

However, in this moment, Diarmuid is not thinking of this in the frame of win or lose. At the moment, he thinks only of survival. For whatever reason, Gilgamesh has hesitated. For whatever reason--his promise or something else--he has not slipped completely into killing intent. There are seconds that Diarmuid can work with here. Seconds in which the balance between life and death must be found.

Fortunately, for a Lancer, seconds are all he needs.

Instead of moving from his lowered position, Diarmuid remains on the ground. His arm come up and in a blink Gae Dearg appears in it again. It is a testament to how tightly focused on fighting Diarmuid is that Gae Dearg's bindings release without him even thinking about it. The spear just knows and acts.

There is no striking, though, for the strike has already been completed. Diarmuid's spear appears, not in mid-flight, but at rest, already at its destination--pointed directly into the gap between Gilgamesh's shoulder armor and his neck. If the golden king does not react instantaneously, then this battle is over. The touch will be found and it will be found at spear point, not sword point.]