Something Immortal

56: The Pool of Recollection Part Three

"You've waited for me?" Som questioned as he also stepped closer to her. "What do you want?"

The woman tilted her head from side to side and Som thought he was staring across the water; the subtle interaction of wind caused the capillary waves but they died down as quickly as they formed. "It isn't about what I want. It is about what you want."

"They said you ask for something in return for a favor. I want to know my past."

"Firebird," she smiled once more, "You have so many pasts. Which one do you seek?"

"I seek the one that reveals the real me, my real purpose."

"Very well. However, I warned you, for you may not like what is unveiled before your eyes. In time, you might have to make a choice."

"What kind of choice?"

"That is for you to decide, Firebird."

As she spoke, she spread her palms and the water emerged from the pool connecting to her fingertips, spinning in a circular motion. Som followed it with his eyes, marveling at the sight and wondering how it looked vividly alive.

"Wait," he recalled something significant as he did not wish to be tricked by an ancient creature. "The payment..."

"The payment comes when the request is granted."

"Let me know what is the payment first," he insisted. "I am not going to be tricked by you."

She looked momentarily aghast at the accusation. "Dear Firebird, there will be no amount of treachery on my part. You can trust me."

Before Som could protest this deal, the water suddenly shot itself right through him, piercing his body in all different directions. At once, he felt the coldness and the warmth coursing through his body, enveloping him like a blanket. He tried to look around him, to turn to the side and call to his companions. But it was either too late or he was too deep into the water. Suddenly, he was surrounded by a blur and all he could see were the ripples as though he was submerged in the ocean...

✧༺♥༻∞

When he opened his eyes, he was lying in the middle of the field feeling light in body and mind. He blinked back as the sun was shining brightly on his face. Pushing himself using his elbow, he sat down on the grassy mound, looking all around the surroundings. It was then that he discovered that he was in the middle of the cornfield and the tall grass was hovering above him like an imposing edifice.

Som stood up walking without a specific direction, trying to seek the outskirts of the corn rows. Glaring against the heat of the sun, he started calling out the names of his companions but neither one of them could hear or see him. Where the fuck am I? Som asked himself.

He was also beginning to feel something unusual following him but was unable to tell where it was coming from. Walking faster than usual but not wanting to arouse whatever was hiding behind the fields, Som tried his best to find his way out and waved his hand to move the grass away from his face. Just then, he saw a dark silhouette flashing in the corner of his eye, and as he turned to look, he also started to run. He couldn't understand why but he felt like he was not safe in this place, sprinting through the corn, the sward slapped at him as he was moving so fast.

The dark silhouette blasts off the post toward him—

It was not running but rather flying after him! It was like a big dark shape, rocketing over the stalks. Som had no intention of verifying what kind of nightmare it must be until it kicked him on the back, tackling him down as he hit the ground.