ITP: Chess and Other Games

[mind_over_metal]

[--oh oh oh man, it’s the worst feeling, like one of those slow-motion disasters in the movies, where you walk in on something and you immediately know that you’ve walked in on something, the awkwardness hits before your foot touches the ground for your next step but it's too late for you to turn around, the inertia is already carrying you forward

Comments

[godwinner]

He's cheating.

[goddamnemperor]

And you know this intuitively, of course. Or perhaps this is an example of, ah, a profound bond?

[godwinner]

...we agreed to it.

[goddamnemperor]

You mean your egos agreed to it.

[godwinner]

I may've appealed to his ego.

[goddamnemperor]

But to what end?

[godwinner]

You don't know? You specialise in ends.

[goddamnemperor]

[goes oddly quiet, all amusement wiped from his face]

Is that what you think? My family was cursed with endings. It's not a speciality, it is genetics as you both are so fond of saying.

[godwinner]

There's specialisation in genetics, regardless of whether it's welcomed.

[goddamnemperor]

[laughs, his genial mood returning]

Your genetics were natural, occurring due to radiation being used in the world. Mine were the product of a woman's love for her husband and her ego.

[godwinner]

We return to ego.

[goddamnemperor]

So it seems. I find it stronger than love, at times.

[godwinner]

There's only so much that can be done if you don't belong first to yourself.

[goddamnemperor]

You had quite the enlightening conversation with Charles Xavier about me. I belong to no one. Myself? I'm a civilisation in one person. In reality, Leto never truly existed.

[godwinner]

I need to be the same.

[goddamnemperor]

...I would not wish that on you, my friend. Or anyone else. [touches your chin lightly] Be proud.