Purpose | Josh Dun (ON HOLD)

The One I'm Not (Part 1)

~Third Person POV~

Warning: Foul language and violence

The ground beneath Arielle's feet crumbled as she heard the trepidation in Zack's voice. Fear enveloped her, coating her entire body like a thick heavy blanket. She looked at Josh; all color seemed to have drained from his face. He was paper-white, as if he had seen a ghost. Maybe he did see a ghost- a ghost from his past struggles that had returned to haunt him.

"Josh, you have to stop him! You're the only one Tyler trusts, the only one who could save him!" Zack placed a hand on each of Josh's shoulders and looked up at him with pleading eyes. Josh, however, remained still. His eyes were focused on the floor, not even moving to blink. Fear's black hands had tightened their hold on Josh, not giving him any room to breathe.

"Josh," Arielle began. She cupped his face with both hands and looked deep into his eyes, "I'm not entirely sure what is going on, but I know that Tyler is in trouble. He needs you. You're best friend needs you. I need you. You can't let fear control you. You need to take the reigns, be the brave man I know you are."

Josh's eyes slowly lifted from the floor and focused onto her instead. He found comfort in her mossy green eyes. They reminded him of the forest- a forest full of life and mystery. He wanted to know those eyes, he wanted to explore the forest. He wanted to build a home, a place where he could be safe. He wanted to go down in the forest and sing choruses at the top of his lungs. But he couldn't, he was too far gone. If he got too close, he would burn that precious forest down. He would destroy all life, and the smell of gas would be on his hands.

Josh slowly took both of Arielle's hands and brought them down to his sides. He placed a small kiss atop her soft lips and pulled away.

"Elle, stay here with Zack alright? Whatever you do, do not follow me." Josh warned her.

"What? No, I'm coming with you," Arielle insisted.

"Elle, please listen to me," he looked at her with pleading eyes, "you need to stay here. It's too dangerous!"

"What's too dangerous, Josh? We're talking about Tyler, he's my friend too."

"I know he's your friend, and I know that you care. But there are some things that you don't know yet. So please just stay here, baby, please. I promise I'll tell you everything later, but tonight, I need you to stay. I need to know that you're safe, I can't risk losing you too." Josh's voice cracked as he said this. Tears rimmed his eyes, threatening to spill. Arielle reached up and wiped his tears away, kissing his forehead when she was done.

"Okay," she nodded understandingly. "I'll be right here." Josh gave his girlfriend a grateful smile before turning to look at Zack.

"Where is he? Where's Tyler?" Josh asked him. Zack looked at Josh, his body quivering like a leaf in the wind.
Then he spoke, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.

"Tyler's not here anymore, he's gone."

And at that moment, Josh knew he couldn't save his best friend.

~🎭~

Josh carefully stepped into Tyler's bedroom. He maneuvered himself over the floorboards, knowing where every single creak was. The entire room was dark, given it was late at night. The room appeared to be empty, but he knew that he was lurking in the shadows.

"Tyler? You in here?" Josh spoke into the darkness. Josh's heart was pumping loudly and quickly. It was as if his heart was pumping fear itself. With every beat, his fear seemed to grow larger and larger. He walked through the room with anticipation. He was waiting for something to happen. He knew something was going to happen, for it had all happened before.