Everything in the Matrix trilogy belongs to the Wachowski Brothers. I'm just ad libbing.

Morithil.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The following 2 vignettes are set sometimes during Reloaded. Thanks to all for your comments and helpful criticism,

Morithil.

.III.

THE PATH

We've done it, Trinity. We've found him.

It seems egotistical, a little too self-praising, but I cannot help it. The words I spoke then echo in my mind as fresh as the moment I first uttered them.

He is the One.

There is no doubt in my mind now. I can only see the back of him, but his reflection is evident in the mirror behind the programme Persephone.

He walks the path for all of us now.

His expression is neutral, his eyes shielded by dark glasses. He is so confident now, so comfortable in his abilities within the Matrix. It is small wonder then, that more are beginning to believe as I do; that this war is drawing to an end, our struggle nears its final days. I had spent my life searching for him, and now he has surpassed even my hopes for everything I expected the One could and should be.

He sees more now than even I can, he is able to detect differences in the codes of the Matrix, sense things before they happen. Neo has grown so much, and I cannot help but swell slightly with a feeling almost akin to pride at his gradual surfacing and the development of his powers.

He remains respectful.

Even though he is worlds beyond me, he follows behind as I walk, keeping in step with Trinity and keeping a step behind me, as if he still wishes to continue as my example demonstrates. Incredible. Neo, you know the path, perhaps better than I do, and still you seem content to give all the impressionable authority to me.

I may be your captain, but I am not your superior.

If I lead wherever we go, it is only to pave the way for you, though it seems such introductions are unnecessary when a figure as notorious as you is abroad in the Matrix. Your path lies behind you, and it has brought you here, to perhaps the height of your powers.

The Merovingian may patronise and see fit to disregard your powers, but I do not. If he underestimates you, it is only to our advantage. I trust in you to remain true to what you believe in, for there is nothing feasible I can see that you have cause to fear besides the fate mapped out for the rest of the human race.

Your face was ashen, and your breathing laboured when you emerged from your battle with the Smiths. He is strong now, and I will be the first to say that I did not foresee his return to the Matrix after you destroyed him. But I watched you. I watched you fight each of them off, sometimes several at a time, and then I knew.

I knew you were capable of dealing with him. I stopped worrying.

Whatever his intentions are now, I am confident in you. I believe that you will be ready for him, should you meet again, and when that time comes, you will emerge victorious.

If I have to restrain Trinity from unloading her gun into Persephone's head, so be it. Now, there, I have done so. I do not question your relationship with her, as it is as obvious as Persephone herself has pointed out. She loves you. You love her. I do not know what this means, but I know one thing. Trinity has given you something more personal; something more intimate to fight for, and this can only be a good thing.

I know the path, but it is you who walk it. I cannot advise you beyond my own instincts and experience, it is you who must make your own choices.

Now, to get to the Keymaker. Another thing you have made happen.

I only know the path, but it is you who walks it.

You are the One. Your path can only lead to greatness.