In case you missed it earlier--THIS FIC HAS THAT BOY/BOY CRAP that most of you seem to not like. It's not central to the fic, but it's there. Don't want it? Hit back now. ^_^ Thank you. (Flamers, I will be interested in any flames you might have. I run a Hall of Flames and it's a pretty popular part of my page. ^_^)

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PATHOS: A quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow.

Author's Note: This story has some chess moves....
But here's what all the initials stand for:
P=Pawn
B=Bishop
R=Rook
N=Knight
Q=Queen
K=King

The first initial represents what piece was moved and the second is the position: R-QB3 for example, means that the rook piece was moved to the third square in the queen's bishop column. ^^ An "x" between two pieces mean that the second piece was "captured" by the first (RxP, for instance, means "rook takes pawn"), and a "ch" in the move means a check.

Thank you. ^_^;

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(Interrogation Room B26: Friday, 1107 HRS)

Mimir: Dearest X, again we meet. Your visits have become so frequent of late. (sits at the table, smiling at the waiting Hunter)

X: .... (doesn't meet Mimir's gaze)

Mimir: Is the weather fine today? (a sigh) It has been so long since I have seen the outside world. Two months since I have been captured, yes? (rests his chin in his hand) I am not sure. Time blends together, in here. Only your visits reassure me that Time is not standing still. (laughs)

X: (quiet) Mimir... I.. I heard today.. about your execution date.

Mimir: (curious) Did you now? And?

X: (hollow) Tomorrow. The Committee scheduled it for tomorrow.

Mimir: They finally got what they needed then. (still smiling)

X: Mimi--(voice cracks) ... Mimir... you can't.. can't--(breaks himself off)

Mimir: Cannot die, you mean? Why not? (amused)

X: You just can't!!

Mimir: (gently) Dearest X, you said so yourself... I am a traitor. A Maverick.

X: (hoarse) You know I don't believe that anymore.

Mimir: (reaching out to pat X's hand) Let us talk of more pleasant things. Did you bring the board with you today? I will not let my defeat repeat itself.

X: (visibly upset) Mimir! This is serious! You're going to die tomorrow!

Mimir: We all face Death someday--even 'gods'... The price for knowledge.

X: ... (pulls out a chess set, opening the small box to flatten the polished wooden board) Aren't you.. scared...? (spilling the stone figurines from a velvet bag onto the table)

Mimir: (pleasant) Terrified. (picking up black pieces and setting them up on the board) I am not brave but what I face is unavoidable. Dwelling upon it will change nothing, nor make it any better or worse. So I must simply accept it.

X: (silently sets up his own white figures)

Mimir: I suppose then, this will be our last game. (smiles) Let us make it a worthy finale to our short friendship.

X: (sudden) Run away.

Mimir: (blinkblink) I beg your pardon?

X: (passionate, grabbing both of Mimir's hands) Run away. I can help you escape. The Committee only reaches so far--run to Egypt, or... or.. Russia! Countries not friendly to the Committee. They'll never find you...

Mimir: (long, disbelieving stare)

X: Tonight. (nodding to himself) I can get you out tonight. I'll just tell the Anubi that the Committee wants you prepped--it's a public execution after all... they won't be able to argue with my rank...

Mimir: (soft smile) Dearest X... I am flattered that you would go so far for a scrap heap such as myself but... I must refuse.

X: And I know Zero'll help me! He's got contacts in the city to help us smuggle yo--refuse..? Mimir!

Mimir: (holding up a hand) I have my reasons. Now, if you shall not make the first move, I shall make it for you.

X: ..... (stares helplessly at the Maverick and then makes a move)

[*P-K4* Sicilian defense accelerated dragon opening]

Mimir: (rubbing his chin, studying the board before slowly pushing one of his own pawns forward two spaces) How is young Zero, by the way?

X: I think he's getting really suspicious about my constant trips down here...

[*N-KB3* go through the motions mechanically following tradition]

Mimir: Ah, well... not something you need to worry about now. (teasing) Hm, are you even paying attention to the board? Or do you think you can tramp over me without even trying? (moves)

X: (flustered) N-no... Just--

Mimir: Hush. I said no more on that subject, did I not?

X: ....

[*P-Q4* another move another step]

Mimir: I really have a final wish to go outside. The world is such a thing to take granted--amazing how one misses it when one cannot interact.

X: ... If I could, I'd let you go to the courtyard, but the Anubi would spaz...

Mimir: No matter. (laughs, spreading his arms wide) We shall pretend that this is the most beautiful garden, verdant and alive, sparkling with a thousand flowers and a thousand butterflies! Come, goddess-nymphs of the virgin wood, grace us with your presence!

X: (staring at Mimir like he's barking mad and then smiles to himself, shaking his head)

Mimir: Ah, there is that famous smile I have so sorely missed. (moves a bishop from behind front ranks)

X: You're one piece of work, Mimir. Absolutely bonkers. (laughs)

[*NxP* a light-hearted gesture but essential to the schematics]

Mimir: But madness is not always evil, yes? (makes a move glibly, as offhand as his comment)

X: .. no, I guess not... but evil does come from madness.

Mimir: Really? Perhaps I do not believe you because I consider creativity and love a sort of madness. It seizes you like some virulent captor, occupying your mind with the object of your madness, till you can no longer understand what is real or what is fiction.

X: (brow crinkles)

[*P-QB4* a warrior sent out alone to save those he cares for]

X: I don't think I understand what you're aiming for.

Mimir: (a long silence, then... a resigned tone) No, I do not think you would.

X: (defensive) Sorry if I'm not as educated as you are.

Mimir: (quick to soothe) No! That is not what I meant... (moves a piece) I meant... well... madness, of course, derives meaning from mania... an Old Millennium word translated into something like a "god-inspired passion."

[*B-K3* patience infinite patience]

Mimir: If you think about madness that way... well, anything that seizes you in a fit of inspiration or a drive to accomplish is a madness.

X: (not seeing the point) Do you mean like the Mavericks?

Mimir: (wry) Well, I suppose we are mad. What is the saying? "They are obsessed. We are not. They win; you cannot fight obsession." Yes, I suppose we are mad.

X: (still not seeing the point)

Mimir: .... (fond look) You are absolutely dense. But I forgive you.

X: (not sure if he should be insulted or not) ....... your move.

Mimir: (complies)

[*N-QB3* planning for possible moves while going for the fastest kill possible]

Mimir: So, you will be at the execution? (a careless move, chin in hand)

X: (eyes downcast, concentrating on the board) ... yeah.. all the unit leaders in attendance. The Committee's making it a big show.

Mimir: I will be most delighted to see you decked in your formal attire.

X: (glances up, startled) .... (flushes slightly under Mimir's admiring gaze)

Mimir: (change of subject) You are quick to believe I am innocent of the crimes charged against me.

X: I thought you didn't want to talk about this.

[*B-K2* just another being so utterly worthless]

Mimir: I am just curious as to your thoughts of me. (soft smile, reaching across the table to entwine his fingers through X's own) (quiet) However, I am glad that, should I die, the knowledge of the complete truth shall not pass away with me.

X: (staring at their linked hands) ....

Mimir: (calm demeanor cracks slightly, evident in his voice) Dearest X, I...

X: (jerks away) Th-the game, Mimir.

Mimir: (long, lost stare, before it's quickly replaced by a smile touched with melancholy) Of course. What was I thinking? (a quick decision, and moves his rook)

X: Why won't you let me help you, Mimir? Run away!

[*O-O* castle king-side]

Mimir: If I ran away, X... who would I harm? Or rather, do I harm those I should not harm? Do I desert the justice that the Hunters fight so hard to uphold...?

X: I... I couldn't say.

Mimir: (a knowing smile, gazing at the chessboard for a moment, before nudging his rook again) Well, say the Committee came up to me... and inquired as to my cowardice before their judgment. 'Why have you done us this wrong, Mimir? We created you; you are our child, our servant. Now you repay us by throwing aside the very laws needed to keep the peace; tell us, Mimir, how will there be any order, any justice, if every person, unhappy with their due punishment, would overthrow the seat of power..?' What would you tell them, dearest X?

X: ... that their judgment had been unjust--and unreasonable.

[*Q-Q2* the greatest power finally moves]

Mimir: Which is what any rational person would say. But alas... the law has no agreements to the public--rather, we are to abide by the law. There is no complaint which justifies destroying the law.

X: ... but you helped the Mavericks...

Mimir: I know. You see, the law is not the problem, dearest X. It is the men behind the law. I am not a victim of laws, but of mankind. (a quick move made in the passion of the moment)

X: But they make the laws--

Mimir: (interrupting) Let us make this perfectly clear--men uphold the laws. You uphold the laws. The laws I refer to are not the silly laws written upon paper created by bored politicians but the laws of the universe. The laws that any living being, human or Reploid, has a right to. And an obligation to follow.

X: ... so it's a matter of honor to you.

[*BxN* an important capture hook line and sink 'er]

Mimir: (his hand hovers over his queen) Honor is a silly thing. As silly as pride. A nice move, by the way. I have a feeling that you are trying to distract me into loss. (a smile that says he is only kidding)

X: You say the Committee is evil though... there is no reason that you should fall to the laws that they're 'upholding'!

Mimir: (moves a figurine, face carefully smoothed out of any expression)

X: .. right...? For all your posturing and logic... there is no rational reason for you to respond to the whims of an injust government upholding just laws for their own gain.

[*P-B3* the soldier moves forward timidly]

Mimir: I have my reasons that I cannot divulge to you at this point in time.

X: (bitter?) Is there any other time than now?

Mimir: (looks away) Some things are better left hidden.

X: ....

Mimir: (clears his throat, glancing back at the board) I cannot run away. That is all I can say. Free of programming that we are, there are still other dictations that one is compelled to follow. Fate, as it should be. (a black knight captures a white bishop) Fate and atonement.

X: I believe we make our own fate. Our decisions decide our path.

[*K-R1* end Sicilian defense accelerated dragon opening]

Mimir: (toying with the captured bishop in his hand) Then let my decisions lead to my death.

X: (a flash of frustration before settling into resignation) It isn't fair...

Mimir: (smiles) No, but life rarely is. Ah! (slides his queen diagonally across the board) Check, dearest X!

[*Q-N5* nothing comes the echo]

X: Not yet, Mimir. (Mimir makes a face at him) ...what will the Committee do next then, after your--after you leave?

Mimir: Who knows? My knowledge stretches up only until this moment. I imagine scenario two shall go into effect.

X: Scenario two..?

Mimir: (nudges a pawn forward) Well, the Reploids are still in public favor, are they not? The people will be appeased with my execution--that justice can and will be served.

X: ... so there'll be another attack on the city?

Mimir: (shakes his head) That seems unlikely at this point.

[*NxN* two equal forces of light and darkness till one finally wins]

Mimir: No... I expect that they will try to change opinion toward the Hunters once more. A great figure, perhaps, shall follow the downfall of Sigma.

X: (eyes widen) You really think they're gonna try to infect some of the Hunters...?!

Mimir: (gold eyes stare unblinkingly at X) .... (his gaze travels to the checkered board, making a move) Maybe. Or maybe not. Perhaps just a rumor, or a double agent...

X: (lips thin) .... Mimir, what are the Mavericks gaining from this alliance with the Committee? You go on and on about freedom, but that doesn't ring right.

Mimir: (agreeing) No, it does not.

X: (another look of frustration, fingers twitching as he makes a move)

[*N-B6ch* the danger is near the reality of it all]

Mimir: Ah, dearest X, you have trapped me! But, you have left yourself open as well... (protects his king, while, at the same time, puts X himself into check again)

X: (low) Don't avoid the question. Not this time, Mimir. What is the gain?

Mimir: (smiling pleasantly) The destruction of our oppressors. We work in concert simply to entrap them--once they return to us what is ours, we shall free our people.

[*B-N6* protect the leader the leader who gives a reason for existence]

X: .. but war...?

Mimir: (suddenly cold, harsh) They started it. They created us and abandoned us. I see no grounds for mercy.

X: (brow crinkles) Even though you're harming innocent people--and Reploids?

Mimir: (coldly) Sacrifices are made for the greater good. They will be remembered. Our gods refuse to take responsibility for their actions--they should be punished; that is a universal law. (makes a move)

X: .... (gnaws on his lower lip)

Mimir: (softens a little) You do not have to agree with me. Just understand.

X: .... if they're out to kill us....

Mimir: You believe me, and you know it as well as I.

X: (pointedly) IF they're out to kill us, they should be stopped. But you're no better than them in your actions.

Mimir: It is the only way. (captures a pawn with his rook)

X: .... no, it's the way you've chosen.

[*BxR* the castle crumbles]

Mimir: (eyes close in resignation) Death... is a fact of war. I have seen too much of it. Dearest X, if there had been any other way.... I would not have participated. I am a scholar trapped in a creature of destruction. Any other way... I would have chosen it.

X: Mimir... I don't want you to die.

Mimir: (reaches across the table as if to move a piece, but suddenly changes his mind to capture X's hand again, half-standing)

X: (eyes wide as Mimir kisses X's fingertips)

Mimir: (eyes liquid with strong emotion) Dearest X... those are.. the kindest words I have heard in my entire existence.

X: (still bordering on shock, cheeks flushed)

Mimir: (jerking X to his feet, releasing his hand only to embrace him wholly, knocking aside the chess figurines with a clatter)

X: M-mimir..!

Mimir: (face buried in X's neck, holding the blue Hunter tightly) (broken) If there was another path for me...

X: (hesitantly touching Mimir's hair, unsure of how to comfort the Irregular)

Mimir: ...but I am doing what is right....

X: (whisper) As long as you believe it's right.. that's what's important. Someone I really trust told me that...

Mimir: (draws back) .... (smiles quietly, fingers dancing along X's jawline before leaning in to kiss him chastely) Do not let our people die, dearest X. I am counting on you.

X: ...... (half to himself, almost despite himself) .. checkmate...

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Ruaki's Notes:
BGM v.X: Lost Complex [Iceman, Lost Complex,]
BGM v.0: Demo Intro [Square Einhander Demo Disc]

RMX:R homepage: Complete with some artwork, and BGM files for the series. And various other stuffs. ^_^

Yes, this fic IS a Zerox fic. It SHALL remain that way, despite what this chapter might hint at. BTW, this chapter sucks. But this was the only one out of all my rewrites I was happy with. I apologize, and hopefully good times will be coming now that everything's pretty much set up. Mwahahhaaaa.... X plays the piano in the next part.. *_*

Disclaimer: I don't own most of this stuff--just like to play with them once and a while. Sorry. ^_^;