Chapter 61: Dallion's Echo

Chapter 61: Dallion's Echo

The prospect of being an echo of himself terrified Dallion. As much as he was certain that he was the real him, there was just enough doubt for him to reconsider. If he was the original, nothing stopped him from leaving the awakening shrine. The echo would remain here, or alternatively vanish, and he would get back to challenging the village chief. However, if he turned out to be the echo, then attempting to leave would make him disappear.

Yeah, its a tough one. The other Dallion nodded. Dont know what to suggest, man. If you want, I can leave. That way youll stay here.

Or vanish, Dallion thought.

Whats the name of my first

Alabaster, though it was my moms poodle and not my own. The other finished the sentence. Look, I can read your mind. Asking questions wont get you anywhere. Even if I am the echo, Ill know the answer as you ask it.

That was hardly fair! If there was mind reading, it had to go both ways. Dallion moved to the altar. It was a solid piece of multi-colored crystal, identical to the one in the cave chamber, save for the wear and tear. Poking it revealed nothing usefulit would have been far too easy if that had revealed the truth.

So, must we fight each other? Dallion asked.

I guess? The other shrugged. She didnt tell us much. Maybe we just have to prove who is who.

How about a truce?

I thought about that, but would that help?

I dont know. Maybe if we shake hands, something will appear, or well merge in one, or something.

It was a strange idea, but given everything not the worst Dallion had come up with. The other him apparently agreed, for he went to the altar and offered his hand. Taking a deep breath, Dallion shook the hand and nothing happened. Both of them were there, just as before. There was no glowing rectangle, nor any spectacular light effects.

So, whats Plan B? The other Dallion asked.

Dont you have any ideas?

Im not the one that needs convincing what I am. I thought it would be better if you come up with your own plans. Its not like you can keep them a secret from me.

Lets go, then.

Dallion waited a few more moments, then slowly made his way towards the arch he had come from. Every step his fears increased. He felt that he was the real one, and he definitely didnt want to disappear. What if refusing to find the other him resulted in Dallion being trapped in the shrine for all eternity?

Reaching the threshold, he stopped. Somehow the dartbow had found itself in his hand. The other Dallion was only a step away. It would be so easy for him to ensure that he would be the one getting out. A single shot and

Hold a sec! Dallion shouted, taking a step back. I have it!

Youre going to shoot me, the other said in a cold voice, buckler raised high. Thats really low, you know.

No, its not. Before the other him could react, Dallion squeezed the trigger.

BOLT WOUND

Health reduced by 50%

Sharp pain came from Dallions leg. However, he didnt mind it. Rather the opposite, he felt relieved. Putting the dartbow back in its holster, he looked at the other him, a smile shining through his pain.

I never said Id be shooting at you, Dallion said. But you knew that, given that you can read my thoughts and all.

Yeah, I knew. The other smiled. All part of the test. He walked back to the altar. Good thinking. An echo can only survive one shot. Good thing that you upped your body. Dartbow bolts are serious business. Next time youre in doubt, just bang your head in the bucklersafer that way.

Right. At least now he knew exactly how much damage a bolt did. Were you in on it from the start?

Duh. I might be your echo, but I wasnt made by you. How else could I guide you? Besides, breaking the fourth wall would have been weird. Now that you know what an echo is, its okay. No hard feelings, right?

He sat on the altar, waiting for Dallion to leave.

Oh, right. The echo laughed. The thing about mind reading. Echoes always read the thoughts of their creators, not the other way around. We have to know what were supposed to be, after all.