Subversion Part II Drabble - Ending
❛❛ So in other words, you’re saying that I’m not the original Kiyomasa ? That I’ve only been alive for a few days at most ? That my memories aren’t real ? And now you’re going to seal me away somewhere or else we’ll both die ? You’ve got to be kidding me. ❜❜ There wasn’t any fear in his double’s voice, only incredulity. From the standpoint of his other self’s well-being, that was good. He wasn’t too confused yet and hadn’t lost his sanity as Kiyomasa had been warned he might. On the other hand, though, this could make his job of sealing his double more challenging. Kiyomasa had never been the sort to take information at face value. He questioned everything and tended to only accept what he himself could understand. Would Kiyomasa’s double be open to what he had to say ?
❛❛ I know ——– it’s pretty difficult to believe, isn’t it ? Even I was skeptical of the announcement, when I first heard it. To be honest, there’s a whole lot about my own situation that doesn’t make any sense. However, whoever that mysterious voice belongs to seems to be telling the truth. I’ve watched a couple other locals seal their other selves away, now. ❜❜ It wasn’t the first time Kiyomasa had to take advantage of someone to get what he wanted. However, it was strange for him to try to manipulate someone who was more or less himself. What could he do about it, though ? If he left this man around, supposedly they’d both perish. Now that he’d acted sympathetic, Kiyomasa was going to appeal to his double’s sense of pride.
❛❛ You know, you’re in a lot better shape than the two I saw. One of them was screeching about how she was going to kill her other self and live on. The other one...well, let’s just say he wasn’t operating in the same reality as the rest of us anymore. I suppose it’s a testament to my —– no, our skillset. We both know better than to let ourselves crack under pressure. ❜❜
❛❛ So, if I don’t let you seal me, I’m going to end up like them ? My genius is going to go to waste ? ❜❜
❛❛ I can’t give you any guarantees ——– but yes, I’d assume you’d reach that point eventually. ❜❜ Kiyomasa’s answer caused his double to heave a deep sigh.
❛❛ If that’s how it’s going to be, then I’ll do it. If what you said is correct, then I’ll still get a chance to live out my life, right ? Even if I don’t, though...I can’t stomach the idea of losing my mind and turning into some deranged lunatic. Not to be a downer, but even death would be preferable to a fate like that. ❜❜ Kiyomasa smiled —– he’d managed to convince his other self to be sealed.
❛❛ Alright. Once I get this thing to work, we’ll get started. ❜❜ Kiyomasa struggled with his cell phone for a bit before managing to open the SGO app. After opening it, he extended a hand to his other self. Kiyomasa’s double took Kiyomasa’s hand in his. Before he faded away, Kiyomasa caught sight of a smile full of gratitude.