Reflections

The man rushed along the dimly lit road that disappeared into the fog. He glanced frequently at his watch, staring deep into the diamond encrusted gold. The man's old fashioned cloak billowed around his ankles, twisting with the wind that gusted past them.1

Lights flickered as he passed, sending the alley into even darker gloom. On, off, on, off. Almost hypnotic in the rhythmic beating. Behind the man a scientist waddled along, his threadbare hair trying futilely to wave as his companion's did.2

The second man's white lab jacket swung out behind him, lacking the grace and elegance of the other's.3

"Patrick, Wait up!" He called hoarsely ahead. "The experiment isn't ready, who knows what It could do!"4

Without looking back Patrick kept walking, ignoring the pleas. The scientist tried to break into a run but his body wasn't built for exercise and he soon gave up, his friend still far ahead. Finally Patrick answered him.5

"Alan, you worry too much. All your deputies assured me that it was ready to go, I don't think that your... perfectionist needs are entirely business related. Wasn't it your competitor that started the research?"6

Alan stopped in surprise, he hadn't expected that. He hurried to bridge the distance again.7

"You don't, you can't possibly believe I'm jealous do you?"8

Patrick smirked and increased his pace. Strike one for him, his stab had hit the mark. They reached an old abandoned house just as clouds began to roll over their heads, obscuring the little light of the moon that made it through the fog. He opened the door with a rusty squeal, it hadn't been greased in a long time.9

Thunder clashed directly above their heads, deafening them. High above lightning flashed in the clouds, creating brief instances of light. Patrick entered the mansion as Alan finally caught up. They traveled into complete darkness as rain began to pelt against the walls, drumming hard as if a monster outside wanted to get in. They walked down further and further, feeling their way along.10

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With a satisfied cry Patrick found the lamp and lit it with a match. The flames flickered wildly, sending shadows flying around the. Eventually it settled to a steady glow. They ventured down the well worn steps and into the basement. It was filled with high tech science equipment that Alan had collected over the years. 12

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With an ease gathered from years of practise he moved quickly from computer to computer, checking steams of data that flowed through them. Apparently as happy as he was going to get with the results he reluctantly beckoned to Patrick.14

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Alan led his companion into a dank, dirty room completely empty, except for a single body length mirror. A particularly loud boom of thunder rocked the house, sending objects rattling. The mirror tinkled quietly, as if in anticipation of what was coming next. Alan shone the lamp into the mirror, waiting for the glass too absorb a small amount.16

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Outside a jagged piece of red lightning pierced the horizon, almost touching the ground outside the window. It illuminated the room momentarily, before fading away back into the clouds. The power cut out abruptly, shutting down all the computers and cameras. The only light was the lamp.18

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Alan silently moved over to Patrick's side.20

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"Are you sure about this?"22

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"As sure as I'll ever be..."24

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Was it an echo or did someone else repeat that nervous statement? Patrick walked over to stand in front of the mirror as another bolt of red light flashed past.26

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"Let it be done!"28

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The lightning jaggedly reached towards them and hit a long metal line. It was drawn along it, crackling with barely suppressed power. It weaved through the eaves and empty rooms the followed it down the levels before finally hitting the mirror. With a blinding crash it merged into the glass, lighting up the room brighter than day.30

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Patrick shielded his eyes as Alan looked on, his eyes as wild as the flashes that filled them. It died away slowly and Patrick looked back cautiously, lowering his arm. In the mirror was himself, himself with his are still thrown across his eyes. Curiously the man moved closer, his shoes creaking on the loose boards.32

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Slowly the man in the mirror moved, to look at him. It came closer and pressed it's hand against the glass, to feel it wonderingly. Alan let out a sigh of relief, back to normal.34

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"It worked, It's a success!"36

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Patrick turned and smiled triumphantly. It, or he, was alive. They retreated back to their home, planning to return the next morning. Down below in the mansion the reflection reached it's hand through the glass and smiled, an evil parody of the original's triumph. He pulled the rest of his body through.38

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Patrick rested under the warm flow of water, letting it calm his still shaking body. He turned and opened his eyes. Standing in front of him was himself, grinning.40

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It grasped him roughly and tore him open as he screamed voicelessly. He left himself dying on the shower floor and turned, ready to begin life on Earth, after all, he's always been there.42

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The next morning Alan rung Patrick's house over and over again, with no reply. He decided to go check what was keeping him. Calling all over the house he finally ran into the bathroom. A metallic scrawl covered half the wall. Dripping down in blood were the words 'Help me'. A handprint slid down the wall, liquid still hitting the ground.44

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Gagging Alan turned. Into Patrick.46

Screams echoed around the house, scaring birds. A few minuted later, satisfied with his work, Patrick left the house, returning to his mirror. Thinking quickly he smiled, a grim parody of the original's grin.47

He sank down and reached through the glass, sending a jilt of electricity rushing through.48

If you ever see your reflection do something you do not, board up your mirror...49

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