Veilwalkers: Shadows Between Worlds

Chapter 11: The Doppelgänger's Trick

Riku's investigation led him to question the surviving members of the Paranormal Activity Club. Their testimony was grim and fragmented. They described finding Natsuki lying on the floor, her mouth grotesquely split open and blood pooling around her, while dark shadows flickered menacingly on the walls. The students were convinced the attack was the work of Kuchisake-onna, the vengeful spirit from Japanese folklore known for her disfigurement and terrifying presence.

Riku, however, sensed that the nature of the attack didn't quite match the typical behavior of Kuchisake-onna. Seeking clarity, he consulted the high priest at the temple. The high priest's face was etched with concern as he explained that the attacker might be a copy ghost, an elusive and dangerous entity. Unlike traditional ghosts, copy ghosts mimic the methods and appearance of other spirits, creating unpredictable and chaotic disturbances. They lack a fixed pattern, making them particularly difficult to trace and combat. Such entities are known in various cultures by different names. For instance, in Slavic folklore, there is a similar spirit known as the "Upiór", a restless being that imitates the traits and actions of other supernatural entities to instill fear.

As Riku absorbed this information, the high priest suggested seeking guidance from someone who might have a deeper understanding of the situation. "Why don't you ask her?" he suggested, referring to a particular individual who might have valuable insights. When Riku inquired further, the high priest mentioned the teacher at the school, one of the seven spirits rumored to reside within its walls.

Determined to uncover more, Riku stealthily entered the school that night. He made his way to the teacher's office, knowing that this spirit was one of the seven—protective entities linked to the school's supernatural history. As he approached, he found the teacher—an entity known for its wisdom and neutrality—appearing visibly frightened. The spirits residing in the school were generally benign, designed to safeguard rather than harm, and were unsettled by the recent disturbance. They feared that if the situation escalated, it might prompt the arrival of exorcists who could potentially drive them away, mistaking them for the source of the harm.

The teacher, now more anxious, explained that copy ghosts, also known as "Doppelgänger Spirits" in some traditions, were infamous for their ability to mimic other entities and their actions. They could adapt their methods based on their victims' fears and the folklore surrounding them, making them incredibly dangerous. This spirit, appearing to be a doppelgänger, had blended its malevolent actions with those of other well-known spirits, creating a unique and terrifying threat.

Doppelgänger Spirits, rooted in various global folklore, are malevolent entities that mimic the traits and actions of other supernatural beings. Originating from ancient myths, these spirits are known for their ability to imitate other entities' appearances and behaviors, creating chaos and confusion. 

In European traditions, the term "Doppelgänger" refers to a spirit that replicates the likeness of a living person, often with sinister intentions. In Asian folklore, similar entities, like the Japanese "Yūrei," use their mimicry to exploit cultural fears and cause harm. 

Unlike standard ghosts, Doppelgänger Spirits lack a fixed pattern, making them particularly treacherous and unpredictable. They thrive on adapting their actions to the fears and legends associated with other spirits, rendering them elusive and difficult to confront.

Doppelgänger Spirits instill fear by exploiting their ability to perfectly mimic other supernatural beings, creating deep-seated terror through deception. These spirits are adept at emulating the appearance and behavior of entities that people are already frightened of, such as notorious ghosts or demons from local folklore. 

By copying these familiar figures, they amplify existing fears and create an environment of paranoia and distrust. Their mimicry is not limited to visual replication; they also imitate the sounds and actions associated with the feared entities, making their presence more unsettling.

 This ability to adapt and reflect the fears of their victims causes confusion and amplifies the sense of dread, as people cannot distinguish between genuine threats and the deceptive Doppelgänger. 

Their actions often escalate to mimicry of the most terrifying aspects of their imitated entities, such as displaying malicious intent or causing inexplicable harm, further deepening the psychological torment. By preying on these fears and blending seamlessly into the fabric of local legends, Doppelgänger Spirits create an atmosphere of pervasive, ever-present danger, heightening their victims' terror and despair.

With this new understanding, Riku knew he had to act swiftly. The knowledge gained from the teacher and the high priest was critical in formulating a plan to confront and neutralize the copy ghost. The urgency of the situation was clear, and Riku braced himself for the challenges ahead, determined to unravel the mystery behind the haunting and restore peace to the school.