"Father."
"...Don't call me Father."
Enkidu looked at Galatur before him and felt a headache coming on.
Compared to the Shield of Humanity, the Key of Heaven and the Chains of Heaven absolutely crushed it, at least when it came to the structure of their minds.
Enkidu had gained the rudiments of a human heart after spending some time with Shamhat, then came to Uruk with Annanu. Through his subsequent interactions with humans, he gradually perfected it, ultimately gaining human emotions and a sense of self as a weapon.
As for Kurgarru and Galatur, the Shields of Humanity...
They had spent decades among humans in human form, yet still had not truly gained those emotions or that heart.
That flaw might continue to follow them from here on.
But.
Enkidu's gaze upon Kurgarru and Galatur carried a trace of complexity.
So, his choice was—
"Annanu, your turn."
Annanu: ???
"No, why is it my turn?"
Annanu stared blankly at the eager-looking Kurgarru and Galatur, directing a question from the depths of his soul at his younger brother—or sister.
"Between the two of us, you are the more outgoing one." Enkidu's voice carried a gentle smile, as comforting as a spring breeze. "So it is only right that you handle this sort of problem."
"...No, what?" Annanu still felt somewhat—
"I'm going to chat with Ereshkigal. Hold the fort for now." Enkidu fell silent after saying that.
Leaving Annanu alone to stare wide-eyed at Kurgarru and Galatur.
"Father, can you answer our doubts?"
Kurgarru repeated the question Galatur had just asked Enkidu.
"...Speak properly. Don't call me Father."
Annanu rubbed his brow, his voice full of helplessness.
"What was it you asked just now?"
Kurgarru and Galatur exchanged a glance.
"We are wondering why we exist here," Kurgarru asked honestly.
"Did