Kevin narrowed his eye with disappointment at the other man’s reaction. He had managed to calm himself down in an extremely short lapse of time. That meant he had eventually learnt to get rid of, or at least to keep under control, his fits of anger and anxiety. Too bad that, at the moment, it was totally working to Kevin’s disadvantage.
His relaxed smirk and that chuckle just managed to irritate him even more, almost staggering his concentration. He frowned with surprise, examining the posture of the older man. He still hadn’t unsheathed his blade. Was he so confident in his own abilities? No, he’d have never be that stupid to underestimate an opponent, he was sure of that. He was way too disciplined about everything that concerned a fight, he’d have never abandoned such deep-rooted habits. So, what that meant?
.. What’s so interesting, Xerxes?
He asked, trying to sound as calm as he could. He was just trying to gain time, anyway. He had to come out with a plan. The idea that the death of his opponent could have literally coincided with his very own death didn’t even run through his mind, and even if it did, he’d have probably embraced it with joy. That was fine for him.
Instead, something completely different was taking form in his mind. It seemed so absurd at first. But now, how high were the odds that the grinning white-haired man in front of him, that parody of himself, was even real?
Yes, what if that Break was just a figment of his imagination? What if there wasn’t anyone else there except Kevin? If the one that he was facing was just a personification of some twisted thoughts of his mind? After all, wasn’t that explanation way more plauxible than actually believing he was confronting a distorted version of himself appeared out of the blue from the future? Sure, it couldn’t be differently. He was already used to that sort of things, after all, during his stay in the Abyss. Many Chains tried to deceive him, making use of his own thoughts and memory. He knew very well how insane he had become after all the things he went through. No wonder his own mind was tricking him like that now.
You were right, Xerxes. We are the same identical person.
And I’m telling you the truth. I actually find interesting, and disgusting, how a funny being like you was concealed in some rotten corner of my mind.
His voice devoid of any trace of anger of hatred, this time actually cold and controlled. Kevin leant the flat side of his sword over his shoulder, taking some step closer towards Break, and then sidestepping, walking slowly around his adversary. His eye constantly fixated on him, never letting his gaze wandering off, studying him. The consciousness that Xerxes was just a projection of his insanity actually managed to relax him greatly, nonetheless he wasn’t going to lower the guard. Kevin stretched his neck, taking a deep breath. It’d have been fun. As much as that wasn’t making any logical sense. Having finally a real fight, with someone worth fighting.
Break was watching the other carefully, so it was obvious he had noticed the narrowing of his eye. He noticed the frown. He was getting to Kevin. Irking him with his confidence and leisure. The fact that he hadn’t gotten mad. All in all, it was amusing to the older man. The temper of his youth, that is. Had he always been that angry? He vaguely tried to remember, but mentally shrugged it off. It was amazing how much of his actual childhood that he had forgotten. Of course, he had no desire to remember it. The unpleasantness of it all wasn’t something he liked delving into.
“Ah~ What’s so interesting~?” he repeated, the grin ever present. “You, of course~”
His next comment though caught him by surprise. “Eh?” he let out, blinking and listening. He didn’t move his head to watch the other circle him, simply followed him with his one eye, and when he was in a blind spot listened to his voice, breathing, footsteps. He could tell where he was without sight. It was a skill he had gained, and had been working on for some time. After all, he wouldn’t be able to depend on sight forever.
“Oh?” he finally asked, it took him a minute to realize what the other actually meant. What the hell was be babbling on about? Concealed inside of my mind.. he pondered. From a philisophical point of view one could argue that what Xerxes was had been concealed inside of Kevin’s mind for his entire life, some potential to be someone different, that was later tapped into. But, of course, Break highly doubted the man was talking about a philisophical sense. ”Ah~!” he finally exclaimed with realization. “You think you’ve gone insane~” a chuckle. He was already insane, both of them. ”A figment of your imagination, am I~?” he asked, twirling to face the other as he walked in his circle. This time he turned as the other walked, watching him. ”Well now. Isn’t that interesting~? Actually, I suppose, you could be a figment of mine, neh~?” That was an interesting thought. Was he just imagining Kevin being before him? It really did make more sense. Though, he wouldn’t openly accept that idea, even if it was probable. He refused to accept the idea that he was going out of his mind. Other than that, it was better to be safe and cautious anyways
