Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 23: The Revelation

3rd Person’s Point of View

// Present //

The group had been growing increasingly uneasy about Ashton. His behavior seemed off, and they couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Initially, they dismissed their concerns as a product of the stress and trauma they had all endured. However, little inconsistencies began to add up, creating a picture that none of them wanted to confront.

As they continued their journey, the signs became more apparent. Ashton had always been the most reliable with directions, yet he now frequently seemed unsure of their path, leading them into dead ends and wrong turns. His once detailed memory of their shared experiences now seemed vague and muddled, as if he were recalling someone else's life.

It was during a moment of crisis, trapped by a sudden rockslide that blocked their path, that the truth was finally revealed. As they argued about the best course of action, the Ashton they are with made a slip that couldn't be ignored. "We should go back to where we found the cave last week," he said, his voice oddly confident.

Jax's eyes narrowed, his suspicion crystallizing into certainty. "Ashton, di ka naman namin kasama nung nakita namin yung cave. Paano mo malalaman yun?"

The doppelganger faltered, his confidence wavering. "I-I must have heard about it from someone," he said, but it was too late. The group exchanged glances, a shared realization dawning upon them. The revelation hit them like a tidal wave, washing over them with a force that left them reeling.

Shock and disbelief gripped them, their bond tested as never before. Remy stared at the imposter, his mind racing to comprehend the betrayal. "Alam mo matagal na ako naghihinala sayo eh, sino ka? ha?" he demanded, his voice a mixture of anger and fear.

The false Ashton took a step back, his eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. "I can explain," he began, but Jax punched him already, cutting him off, his voice rising in fury.

"Explain? Kailan mo pa kami niloloko, ha? Where's the real Ashton?" Jax's face was contorted with rage, his fists clenched at his sides.

Their trust, already strained by the challenges they had faced, began to erode under the weight of suspicion. What if one of them was also not real? Paranoia set in, and accusations flew.

Remy tried to keep everyone calm, but even he felt the strain. "Guys, we need to think this through," he said, trying to project a calm he didn't feel. “Hindi to nakakatulong, eh."

But his words did little to soothe the growing unrest. Jax and Raiver argued heatedly, their tempers flaring in the tense atmosphere. "Ang galing mo din mang bintang, no?," Raiver snapped, his eyes blazing. “Baka naman ikaw ang dapat kwestyunin namin?”

Jax bristled, his anger boiling over. "Don't turn this around on me! Ikaw nga tong kahina-hinala simula pa nung una eh!.”

Killua withdrew, mistrusting everyone. He had always been the most reserved of the group, but now he seemed almost feral, his eyes darting from one friend to another. "Di ko na alam kung magtitiwala pa ako sainyo" he muttered, his voice low and filled with paranoia.

Darren, already on edge from his mystical challenge, struggled to maintain his composure. The recent trials had taken a toll on him, and this revelation pushed him to the brink. "We need to figure this out," he said, his voice trembling. "If Ashton isn't Ashton, then where is he? And how do we know we won't turn against each other?"

Their friendship, once their greatest strength, now seemed to be unraveling. The group stood on the precipice of collapse, their unity fraying under the weight of doubt and fear.