2024 - Australia

The group trudges through the lifeless expanse of the Australian desert, the relentless sun beating down on them, the heat waves distorting the horizon. Dust kicks up around their boots as they walk, the desolation stretching endlessly. Suddenly, they come across a massive Deviant, its grotesque form collapsed on the ground, lifeless and still.

"This is the Deviant you fought in London?" Kingo asks, his voice tinged with curiosity as he steps closer to inspect the creature.

"It's different," Ikaris replies, his brow furrowed with concern. "There must be more out there than we thought."

Karun pushes his way through the group, his camera rolling, capturing every moment for his documentary. He stares at the grotesque figure with a mix of awe and trepidation. "Oh. Is... is this a Deviant, sir?"

"Yep." Kingo nods, his expression a mix of fascination and disgust.

Karun chuckles, still mesmerized by the sight. "It's a beautiful creature."

Kingo’s face twists in disbelief. "What? This? No. It’s hideous!" He gestures at the corpse, his voice rising with indignation. "You've never had one try to bite your head off!"

The mood shifts as they continue walking, the dry sand crunching underfoot until they arrive at a house, starkly isolated in the desolate landscape. Ikaris steps forward and knocks on the door, the sound echoing against the empty air. Kingo turns back to the camera, his excitement palpable.

"You’re about to meet two of the greatest warriors the world has ever known. Thena, legendary, deadly, fashionable," he proclaims, building the anticipation. "And her trusty friend..." He pauses dramatically, waiting for someone to answer. "...a mighty powerhouse of strength, the fearsome Gilgamesh!"

After what feels like an eternity of waiting, Gilgamesh finally swings open the door, revealing himself in a comically incongruous 'Kiss the Chef' apron that contrasts sharply with the dire situation.

"Nice apron, Gil," Ayaz teases, a smirk spreading across his face, the golden hues of his hair catching the light.

Gilgamesh grunts in acknowledgment, stepping aside to let them in. "What took you so long?" Kingo asks, irritation seeping through his friendly demeanor.

Gilgamesh brushes past them, his focus elsewhere. "You look younger today, Sprite," he says, his voice warm but teasing.

Sprite scowls, crossing her arms defiantly, her annoyance evident.

"I have the same apron," Karun comments, chuckling to himself, trying to lighten the mood.

Gilgamesh stops, eyeing Karun curiously. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Karun. Kingo's valet," Karun replies, a bright smile on his face.

"Oh, valet. Like Alfred in Batman?" Gilgamesh asks, his attention momentarily diverted as he checks on the pie baking in the oven, a hint of warmth in his demeanor.

The lightness in the air dissipates as Ikaris cuts in, his tone serious. "Gilgamesh. The Deviants are back."

Gilgamesh raises an eyebrow, sarcasm lacing his words. "No shit. I could have used some help."

"We were attacked by a Deviant in London, too," Sprite chimes in, gesturing toward Ikaris. "Even Ikaris couldn’t kill it."

Gilgamesh turns to Ikaris, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. "You couldn't?"

"I was distracted," Ikaris defends himself, his tone defensive yet lacking conviction.

"Sure, man." Gilgamesh laughs, a knowing look crossing his face, but the tension lingers like a storm cloud overhead. "Hey, you guys wanna try my pie?"

The sudden shift to lightheartedness is cut short as Ikaris drops the tragic news, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Gil. Ajak's dead."

The words hang in the air, palpable and sharp. Gilgamesh’s face falls, the joviality draining from him as he drops the pie from his hands, the dish crashing to the ground in a messy splatter.

"It’s true, pote," Ayaz confirms, his voice tinged with anguish, his golden eyes reflecting the pain that swells within him. "We lost her."

The weight of their shared grief settles over them, the harsh reality of their losses echoing in the silence of the barren landscape outside. In that moment, Ayaz feels the ache of his own heart, mourning not only Ajak but also the love he harbors for Druig, the unfulfilled potential of what could have been. The burden of their mission looms larger than the endless desert around them, a heavy reminder of the sacrifices they have all made in this relentless battle against darkness.