Chapter 28: Vanilla X Vile
Gilgamesh watched Sinbad lurched over onto the metal table, a jestering finger pointed at the white haired kid's messy face being completely unaware of his silent and observing surroundings.
Gilgamesh marched over to Sinbad's ridiculous party, the crowd parted for him as he didn't dare step around the lowly shivering peasants.
Killua snatched his own white colored ice cream cone, preparing to slam it down onto Sinbad's purple precious hair to retaliate against him but after Gilgamesh entered the eating left side of the floor. Killua sensed the teen's intimidated aura, getting a slight teaser of the intense emotion of Gilgamesh's irritation.
The boy's ice cream cone hovered in the air as he and Gilgamesh locked eyes, immediately putting a halt to whatever childish act the boy had in mind.
Gilgamesh's hard soles pounded against the clean tile floors, a rhythmic clanking sound pierced each and every person's ears. The approaching beat of his shoes finally alerted the other two boys' attention, the weak and spineless archer and Sinbad.
Pokkle yelped and spun in his chair to keep the threat facing in front of him, due to his seating position, he was facing the opposite direction. His eyes dilated at the golden hair and the intimidating Floor Master approached.
And of course, Sinbad, who already knew Gilgamesh was arriving down the elevator, didn't care for his brother's intrusion and knew very well that his actions would piss him off, especially at this time of day. After living every second with the same person, he would know exactly what pisses Gilgamesh off.
Gilgamesh's footsteps didn't stop till he was directly next to the culprit of souring his nice morning. He glared down at Sinbad with the intensity of shooting spears from his golden irises. "What do you wish to accomplish by behaving like a buffoon? Do you want the whole world to believe that we live such uncivilized and barbaric lifestyles?"
Unfazed, Sinbad retrieved a handkerchief from his chest pocket and handed it to Killua. "Here."
Unable to take his eyes off Gilgamesh, Killua didn't dare take Sinbad's offering.
"Take it," said Sinbad, emphasizing the near demand with the low tone of his voice. He pushed the white and purple embroidered cloth closer in Killua's proximity. This action caught the boy's attention, snapping him back to reality and accepting the gesture. As soon as he began using the cloth to clean his face, Sinbad motioned with a graceful hand for his friend to take a seat. Which he did quickly.
After handling some business with the kitchens, Imane returned to Gilgamesh's side. The twin brother kept his intense focus on the nonchalant Sinbad.
A few seconds went by as everyone in the room watched with great focus, some subconsciously held their breaths and had to remind themselves to keep breathing, because only a few people in the room understood the magnitude of the situation. Especially as the two slowly started to release their Nen directly at each other.
Sweat built up on Pokkle and Killua's forehead as they felt the vast oceans of Nen the twins harnessed and they each understood that they were only getting a sip of the full depths of it.
As six seconds had gone by since Killua took his seat, Sinbad kept quiet and didn't even bother looking at his brother's way because he knew this was the easiest and best way to make him mad. Ignoring and refusing to answer the arrogant and spoiled king wounded his pride deeply. Especially since Giglamesh hated repeating himself.
But since Sinbad would feel bad if everyone in the room died because of him, he stopped releasing his oppressive neutral Nen and leaned forward onto the table in front of him. Casually, he rested his chin onto his right palm. "I thought you didn't care about the opinions of those beneath you, Gil? What was the word you loved calling them?"
Gilgamesh–who also ceased to release his Nen–snapped his glare onto Pokkle. "Mongrel, get up."
Terrified, Pokkle rocketed out of his seat and Gilgamesh sat in his place.
Sinbad leaned back into his chair, rose to his feet and grabbed everyone's attention. "Alright, alright! Everything is fine, I do apologize for the inconvenience."
He smiled and demonstrated his sincerity through his body language.
With Sinbad's permission and Gilgamish's position at the man's table, they slowly began to turn their attention away from them but some still felt hesitant to make any noise due to Gilgamesh's threatening command.
Sinbad turned to his brother and gave him a knowing look.
"You may speak!" Gilgamesh announced to the entire floor. Sinbad sat back down and then everything crawled back to normal.
"Gilgamesh, let's drop the hostility, surely us two brothers can have a nice enjoyable breakfast together," said Sinbad, relaxing back in the back of his chair.
Gilgamesh scoffed, folding one leg over his other thigh. "Nobody died, so I was being amiable and respectable."
Pokkle hesitantly, grabbed a nearby unused chair and pulled it near the table.
Sinbad's eyes glazed over to the pretty green skirt wearing Imane. Immediately, he dropped to a single knee to speak to and kindly ask for her hand to place a gentle kiss on her soft skin but just as quickly, he gave up on making contact, sensing a conjured sword being trained directly at his face.
"Do not touch my assistant," snapped Gilgamesh. Aware of his brother's charming manipulating tactics, Imane was the last person he wanted her to interact with.
Sinbad threw his hands up and whistled. Embarrassed, he climbed back onto his metal chair. "Fine, I just wanted to make a great impression and greet myself."
Imane–who completely ignored Sinbad–trained her attention onto Killua. "It's nice to see you again, Killua."
Killua looked away, still upset because of the way she treated him when she got off the elevator a week ago.
"We've already seen each other."
Sinbad pointed between the two of them. "Wait, you two know each other."
"Yes, Killua is a childhood acquaintance of mine," answered Imane like she was reading off of a script, harboring no deeper emotions toward the statement.
Sinbad switched his attention onto Gilgamesh. "I'm assuming you had no idea."
Gilgamesh shook his head.
"However the past may have been, it no longer matters of my concern. I've devoted my whole existence to Your Excellency, Gilgamesh," Imane answered and at this, Sinbad noticed the hint of affection in the tone of her voice. Her fingers tightened its grip on the black clipboard. "I will be by his side and help the rightful King retain his status as King."
Even in her dark black pupils, they glowed with determination and admiration for Gilgamesh. Sinbad could only gently smile, understanding the hidden threat and acknowledgement of the Contest of Kings.
"I wish you the best of luck in your insurmountable task," responded Sinbad, slightly bowing his head out of respect.
Gilgamesh scanned the table, getting a closer look at Sinbad's anointed Vessels. The useless scraps he adopted from attending the pointless Hunter Exams and was quickly disappointed to the point of laughter. "Being surrounded by such weaklings will be a testament of your character, Sinbad."
Anger surged through Killua and Pokkle as they clenched their fists underneath the table but ultimately knew that they couldn't do anything to disprove Gilgamesh. They silently took the loud mockery on the chin and hung their heads.
After Gilgamesh finished laughing for five seconds, Sinbad slammed his hands onto the table.
"Lift your heads with pride, Killua and Pokkle," Sinbad said, gaining the attention of his friends. He stared deeply at each of them, pouring admiration and hope into both of them. "Have I ever looked down at either of you? Have I ever once spoken ill of your talents and voice disappointment of your strengths?"
Killua and Pokkle silently shook their heads.
"And I will never do so because we are all growing together, that is why we are fighting in the Heavens Arena," Sinbad spoke, interchangeable looking at the two of them. "Here to get stronger and deepen our understanding about Nen. That is what makes all of this so fun, right?"
Killua and Pokkle nodded their heads. Light and hope returned into their eyes as this was the duty and responsibility of a King.
"Disgusting," said Gilgamesh.
"Little miss assistant?" Sinbad called out to Imane. A bit surprised by this, Imane was startled and then looked at him. "In my opinion, a true king should inspire and offer strength to his people. What do you think a king should be?"
Imane smiled as she didn't hesitate to answer. "A king must be all powerful."
Gilgamesh smirked and nodded, pleased by this answer as this was the first time he heard her honest thoughts on the manner. Killua and Pokkle were a little confused on the relevance of the conversation but deep down they understood the importance, so naturally they turned their attention to Sinbad.
Simultaneously, their mouths widened and the tiny hairs on their arms flared up from fear as they witnessed Sinbad's eyes expand with burning curiosity as his lips stretched into a ridiculous smile. "I couldn't agree more, Miss Assistant."
Imane's whole body shivered from the horrific sensation she felt by Sinbad's intense stare like a fat mouse in front of a deadly starving snake. The only thought persisting on her mind was to flee as fast as possible but her terrified body profusely refused the command as if defying the eyes of the snake would mean imminent death.
This all happened under a second of Sinbad's threatening and fascinating all consuming stare and in the next second, two professional chefs carrying platters of vanilla ice cream cones breached their inner circle. The first to be served was Gilgamesh–who kept his attention on Sinbad–retreived his desert.
After monitoring the crowded room, he acquired the knowledge on the best way to consume the delight and licked the white cold soft serve. "Careful, Sinbad. Your true self is showing."
Snapping out of his fervor, Sinbad chuckled at himself, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.
"My apologies, I may have over invested my emotions in the subject of our conversation."
Flawlessly, his mannerisms and body language flowed back to his flamboyant and charming self.
Gilgamesh rose to his feet, snatching another ice cream cone. He turned to leave. "Let's go."
Still shaken up from the complete 180 of personality displayed by Sinbad, she remained rooted to the spot.
Sinbad shooed and urged Imane to follow Gilgamesh. "Go, he hates to be kept waiting but I'm sure you already know all too well about that."
"Right…" Imane replied with a whisper, taking a quick glance at Killua. Regaining control over her body and thoughts, her astute professionalism returned as she curtsied to bid them farewell.
Gilgamesh enjoyed his ice cream, licking the cold delight as he left the dining area. He remembered the insane look on Sinbad's face because that was the Sinbad he was the most familiar with; the conniving manipulator who was more than strong enough to get what he wished through strength alone but the boy found it more fun to get what he desired in his own sophisticated way.
He reached the crowded elevator doors and due to his oozing aura, the people surrounding him noticed and made their way, after waiting a few minutes, the golden doors retreated and he climbed into the elevator.
Right before the doors closed, the only one who dared board the same elevator as him was Imane.
While finishing the top protruding vanilla ice cream, he handed the extra one in his hand to Imane. Still a bit shaken, she nods and accepts the ice cream cone, standing next to Gilgamesh.
"Lucky for you the cone didn't melt or I would have dropped it a while ago," commented Gilgamesh.
Imane adjusted her golden rimmed glasses as she dipped the tip of her tongue on the swirly top of the soft serve. Her cheeks flushed from the power taste of vanilla beans. "Yes, thanks to the quality of the ice cream."
"Did this play out how you intended?" Gilgamesh asked while keeping his eyes straight forward, staring into his own golden reflection.
Imane couldn't refrain from smiling due to the soothing taste of the cold desert. "Did you enjoy the ice cream?"
"I did, however, I wouldn't want such a thing for breakfast," Gilgamesh said before turning to look down at Imane. The temperature of his gaze dropped below the desert in her hand. "But my question wasn't about the ice cream."
"Excuse me, Your Excellancy," Imane replied. Noting his tone, she realized that she must have done something wrong, so not wanting to further anger him, she appeared firm. "I don't understand."
"Lie again, Imane," Gilgamesh snapped. "I will kill you."
"Please forgive me, Your Exalted Excellency," Imane apologized, bowing. Unfortunately, her ice cream cone started to melt, the white liquid fell onto her black heels. "I arranged for these certain events to happen to get a closer look at your brother. I wanted to see who we were really up against. I whole heartily believe in your inevitable succession as King but as your perfect assistant, I needed to witness for my own eyes, the competition."
Gilgamesh folded his arms. "And?"
Imane forced her mind to not remember the man's insatiable stare to prevent herself from freezing up from fright. "Knowning the overwhelming strength of Your Majesty, I shouldn't have doubted the power of his twin brother. He terrifies me, Your Grace."
Gilgamesh scoffed. "He doesn't–"
"Yes, of course, he doesn't compare in power, Your Majesty," Imane interrupted Gilgamesh for the first time, subconsciously, she had no idea that she had. Since she had, Gilgamesh glanced at her, waiting for her to continue. "He is an extremely dangerous and vile being."
Gilgameshed chucked. "Indeed, he is vile."
The elevator doors of his Floor opened as Gilgamesh entered his living quarters while laughing. Not hearing the usual clacking of Imane's heels, he turned back at the elevator. She remained rooted inside of the elevator.
"What are you doing?" Gilgamesh asked. "Come inside."
"Am I going to be dismissed?" Imane returned with a question, sadness colored her voice. As soon as she saw the features of Gilgamesh's face twist to show his usual irritation, she leapt out of the elevator. She didn't want the man to repeat himself.
His gaze lingered on the woman, finally having the desire to know how Imane was able to know so much about him or how Sinbad would be eating there. "The way you are able to understand my wants and personality better than anyone else is through a Nen Ability, correct? And by extension through my connection as a twin, you are able to find Sinbad."
Imane nodded and activated her Nen Ability. "Assistant Seer!"
Her body glowed in hot pink Nen while holding out her black clipboard and like an invisible wind, the pages of the board flipped onto a blank page. "My ability allows me to pick a specific person as my employer and in this case, Your Majesty. I am able to see personalized information about you such as your cravings, moods, and desires. This has improved greatly since I now formally work for you. The strength of my foresight has improved, allowing me to see in clearer detail about closer upcoming events."
She flipped her clipboard to show the page to Gilgamesh. There was a miniature drawn picture of Gilgamesh with numerous stat bars underneath displaying his current bodily condition. His hunger, thirst, cleanness, mental state similar to that of a video game.
For the first time in Gilgamesh's life, he has felt vile from too much attention. Astonished that someone could be obsessive.
"Gross." Gilgamesh's face soured in disgust.
Severely embarrassed, Imane covered her face with the clipboard and deactivated her Nen Ability. 'I knew this would happen once I demonstrated my Nen Ability. I want to crawl into a hole and die."