Episode 5
1063 Words
---
** Presently Safe**
I was having trouble breathing.
The beast and Ash stood with their backs to one another. They were both perfectly illuminated by the moon, and for a horrifying moment, I was unable to distinguish between them.
The same height. The same dark hair. The same angular jaw. The same eyes.
However, only one of them was authentic.
Slowly, the beast blinked. Then it grinned.
Not politely. Unfortunately, no.
But as if it knew it had already prevailed.
Ash moved forward. "Who are you?"
The creature had a pleasant voice. Too silky.
" Isn't it clear? I am you.
"No," snarled Ash. "You're not."
“Thank you,” the impersonator said. You didn't have a name. No location. No history. I gave it all to you. I'm coming to take it back now.
I balled my fingers into fists. "He is not your property."
The impersonator c****d his head. However, he *was* mine. You let him go. You left.
I tensed up.
"How are you aware of that?" I inquired.
The impersonator grinned once more, since I'd been observing. Listening. Leading a life he had forgotten.
Ash's entire body shook.
"What would you like?" he inquired.
The mimic's eyes grew dimmer. In three nights, the red moon will rise. That night, I will be complete. You will also be nothing.
Ash shifted ahead of me. "If I stop you, no."
The impersonator shrugged. " You're still not powerful enough. I'll give you an option, though. I promise not to harm her if you come with me immediately.
Ash stiffened. "No."
The impersonator gave me a glance. Then I'll tear her away from you once more. As previously.
That was it.
Ash sprang forth.
I yelled, "No, Ash!"
But he was on the move already.
They fought back and forth, claw to claw, fist to fist.
With my heart pounding, I watched. It was similar to witnessing a mirror battle itself.
The imitation got back stronger with each punch Ash delivered. Every move, every grunt—it seemed to *know* him.
The imitation was quicker, but Ash was stronger.
and more vicious.
Ash staggered back, his lip covered in blood. "You don't scare me."
"You ought to be," the impersonator murmured.
Then he disappeared, vanishing like smoke into the trees.
Ash fell to his knees, gasping for air.
I rushed over to him. "Are you alright?"
He wiped blood from his chin and nodded. "I've experienced worse."
I took a look around. " He was still there. He is simply hiding.
Ash got to his feet. "Then we could better hide."
We advanced quickly into the woods, past ancient trees, past chilly streams. We continued until we came to the ruins.
Buried under moss and vines is a shattered cabin.
It was the healer's hut once. The only area where no one was afraid to enter anymore.
secure.
For the time being.
Ash fell on the ground. "He outpaced me at speed."
I took a seat next to him. "But you are real."
He gave me a glance. "I didn't win because of that."
I said, "You don't have to win today." "All you have to do is live."
He exhaled deeply. "He will make another attempt."
"I understand."
He's also making fun of my face. What if *he* is mistaken for me?
I said nothing.
For that was the risk.
Could the impersonator even deceive me? What number of people would follow him?
Ash examined his hands. "I feel as though I'm losing before I've even started."
"You're not," I remarked. "You are waging a war that you did not initiate." You're still standing, too.
He faced me. "How long, though?"
I gave him all of my attention.
Weary, hurt, and perplexed.
Still, clinging to it.
"We'll take care of it," I said. "With each other."
He closed his eyes and leaned back. " I occasionally get real-feeling dreams when I'm asleep. locations I can't recall. Individuals I've never met.
I didn't breathe. "What are you observing?"
His eyes opened. "A female was standing in the snow. Weeping.
My throat constricted.
He remarked, "She's carrying something." "A baby."
My heart fell.
He gave me a glance. "You believe I had a mother?"
"Yes," I muttered. "Everyone does."
"But what if I wasn't born, but made?"
It seemed as though the imitation had taken over his thoughts.
"You *are* real," I angrily screamed. "I've kept you." I cherished you. I am aware of the sound your heart makes when it is close to mine.
His gaze wavered. "You still care about me?"
I blinked. "Yes."
He bent in. "Even though I've changed?"
"You're *more*."
We sat quietly.
For now, safe.
The night wasn't quiet, though.
Something was watching from somewhere in the woods.
I got up and looked out the windows. Just trees.
He stroked his temple with Ash. "How about we consult the Elders?"
I winced. "They believe you've passed away."
"Perhaps they should realize I'm not."
They're not going to believe it. Not without evidence.
He grinned. "I'll then provide them with evidence."
I raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
I gave him a pendant, which he took out of his pocket.
"This," he stated. They used blood and moonlight to make it. It is not replicable.
I grinned. "We then deliver it to them."
Ash got up. "Tomorrow."
I gave a nod. "We rest tonight."
He paused. " You believe me? To keep you safe?
"I always have."
The fire was modest.
Near but not touching, we laid on ancient blankets.
Now there was a gentle quiet.
Until—
Ash took a seat. "Have you heard that?"
I paid attention.
A gentle tap.
From the wall *inside*.
Both of us leaped to our feet.
He reached into the corner and picked up a rusting pipe. I got my claws ready.
One more knock. Three times.
*Clank, knock, knock.*
Ash approached it gently. "That wall has nothing behind it."
I took a step next to him. "There was a crawlspace once."
He put his hand on the wooden panel.
Then a hushed *voice*—
"Give me a break."
My breath caught.
Ash gazed at me.
Once more, the voice whispered.
It's me. *Ash* is here.
---As Ash stands next to Liana, a voice claiming to be the *real* Ash cries out inside the wall, pleading to be let out.
- Writer
