Your Doppelgänger and You

A/N: An odd little thing for BigBadBear's "What is Evil and Good?" Contest.

Introduction

So, you have a doppelgänger.

You are it, and it is you. So logically, it’s safe to assume that it has you in turn. Whilst this may sound a bit odd, it is perfectly normal, I assure you. You are most certainly not the only person with a doppelgänger, so don’t feel shy or embarrassed. It is a completely normal exchange between two different parts of your soul; there are a great many people who go through this experience as well.

While it may sound confusing and slightly alarming at first, I guarantee you that it is perfectly safe. There have been very few reports of doppelgänger-related deaths (to the owner, anyways). That is to say, more than likely those that did suffer self-inflicted injuries or death did not abide by the proper doppelgänger ownership rules. For your safety and your doppelgänger’s, we advise you to follow these important rules, tips, and suggestions we have to offer.

1. How did I get my doppelgänger?

Alright, so by now you’re probably wondering what exactly your doppelgänger is. In other words, as stated before, your doppelgänger is you, and you are it. Many human beings have a doppelgänger; in fact, it is fairly uncommon to find someone who does not have one. A doppelgänger is “born” alongside its human companion, or match, so to speak. It is the other half of your spiritual soul, yet is a completely different entity.

Simply put, it is the darkness within you that has grown strong enough to manifest itself into its most familiar subject – you. Everyone is born with this darkness in their souls – it is extremely rare (though it has happened) to find someone who does not have the darkness in them. Some people can manage the darkness within them, and some can even manage to just barely snub it out completely.

Then there’s you.

You were born with darkness in your soul, and because you have not yet managed to control it, it has grown into a living being that is now bound to you forever. Congratulations! Now, before we really begin this insightful trek into self-awareness, let’s get to know a little bit more about your doppelgänger.

2. What does my doppelgänger look like?

Your doppelgänger is exactly like you in every way, shape, and form. Other than the fact that it is the evil in you manifested, you would never know the difference! Doppelgängers are terribly shy, and do not often enjoy separating from their host (you) for very long periods of time. There is the rare occasion that doppelgängers and their hosts switch roles completely, and the doppelgänger becomes the dominant being.

Regardless, doppelgängers can only be seen when they separate from their host. That is, on the instance where they need to exercise (please see following F.A.Q., “What does my doppelgänger do?”). When they are detached from you, other human beings can see them as well as you – however, because your doppelgänger wants to get its work out over with, it is often gone in the blink of an eye. Very few doppelgänger owners have reported as “glimpsing their own dark shadow”.

3. What does my doppelgänger do?

Your doppelgänger doesn’t do much physical-wise, so that’s already a bonus in itself. Still, just like most other beings, it needs its exercise every once in a while. This can be accomplished through walks.

No, this is not an average stroll through the park. When walking your doppelgänger, you are allowing them to physically separate from you so that they may go out and interact with the world around them. Keep in mind: doppelgängers are dark beings, and their idea of “fun” is fairly different from most humans! Their activities will most likely end in police, court dates, and jail time (for you, anyway). But because of their innate longing to return to their host, their escapades normally don't last longer than twelve to twenty-four hours.

While your doppelgänger is away, you remain in a safe, secluded state of euphoria, so don’t worry about the other half of your soul missing.

Most doppelgängers are a bit on the inactive side, so you should only look forward to about one walk a month. However, just like humans, doppelgänger’s physical status’ can range from inactive to very active, and some may need to be walked once every few days.

4. What kind of relationship should I have with my doppelgänger?

Your relationship with your doppelgänger should be a fairly positive experience.

However, many people abuse their doppelgängers. They use them as a scapegoat for punishments, which is not tolerable in the least. Sure, it was the doppelgänger who did it in the first place, but regardless, you are it and it is you. You accept the punishments, while your other self is deserving of them. A simple concept, really, though not many seem to understand.

Also, contact is not a necessary element when communicating with your doppelgänger. Communication via regular feeding and exercise will suffice for the both of you.

5. How do I take care of my doppelgänger?

The method of feeding a doppelgänger is a fairly easy task, and does not take much work on either of your parts.

It’s a sort of unspoken agreement between the two of you. To survive, one must latch onto the other, and without that bond you both will die. This bond is held together by the need to feed. As a human, you feed off of pain and misery. The suffering of others is your natural fuel, and without it you cease to exist. No, this doesn’t mean you’re a bad person – not in the least. It is simply human nature (for many humans, at least). Please keep that in mind as we continue.

Your doppelgänger feeds on everything you don’t – i.e. love, happiness and other positive emotions.

Think of the exchange process as photosynthesis. When you soak up the negative emotions and energy around you, you expel the converted energy – in your case, positive emotions – for your doppelgänger to absorb. In turn, it will do the exact opposite – release converted positive energy into misery and woe, therefore allowing you to feed and thus continuing the cycle.

One thing you must remember regarding this exchange is that your doppelgänger is dependent on you and you alone. It cannot draw in the proper emotions needed for its survival from other human souls. Saying that, it is still impossible for you to try and rid yourself of your doppelgänger.

If, for any reason, you wish to remove your doppelgänger by denying it the proper nutrition (for instance, you remain in a peaceful environment away from the necessary misery) your doppelgänger will die. However, your doppelgänger’s soul (having fused with your own) will drag you to Hell along with it. So be wary! Always be sure to stay in a properly depressing atmosphere; for your sake and your doppelgänger’s!

6. So I have a doppelgänger – what do I do now?

Go out and see the world anew with your lifetime companion! Your doppelgänger and you will have a long, healthy life if you remember this guide – and as long as your doppelgänger doesn’t land you in jail.