Seedling

Ash - Start of Something Different

The first thing I saw was, darkness. Complete and utter darkness. Then, a flash of white, and sounds were heard; birds tweeting, water running and the sound of happy, youthful laughter. Objects became clear as the whiteness faded and I found myself in a woodland clearing with a river right next to it. Confused, I looked around and took a few steps. It was really quite beautiful; the kind of place that couples would go to if they wanted to be alone.

Where the hell am I? I'm certainly not in Kansas, anymore, which, now that I think about it, which is such a cliché. You know, they really need to think of a new saying.

I started having a mental discussion with myself, whilst drinking in the site. I was so engrossed in having the mental conversation with myself, and exploring the clearing a little bit, unaware of the two young lads coming my way. I was still trying to take stock of my surroundings when a shout alerted me to their arrival. I ducked behind a tree and crouched, keeping a watchful eye on the two and briefly wondering if anyone else was here, checking my immediate area with wary eyes.

Damn it! I should have checked if anyone else was here. Maybe they won't notice me if I keep very still.

My eyes scanned the scenery - the woodlands seemed to be ordinary, so why did I have a bad feeling? I did one last sweep of the area before turning my attention to the two guys. Both were jovial, both appeared to be in excellent health, and...both looked exactly like each other. I was looking at identical twins.

"Come on, Castor!" cried closer of the two lads before he let out a child-like giggle, who bounded right into my view. He was lean and muscular, with his skin a healthy, olive hue. His eyes were a deep chocolate colour while his hair was mahogany in shade, curly yet flowing. The young man wore what is known as a chiton, which was of Doric style and was dyed white.

He gazed at the river for a minute before squatting down and cupping some water, and bringing it to his lips. I observed that the youth's movements were very precise and nimble, like a gazelle. I moved my face slightly closer and found myself wanting to be where the young man was; drinking the presumably cool water.

"Pollux, how does the water fare?" asked the young man coming up behind, causing me to snap my head to snap to the second young man. Wait, had he just said Pollux? Was I staring at Castor and Pollux - the Castor and Pollux? That couldn't be possible...could it? They were just myths; they couldn't be real. They were here, in front of me, though. I'd read up on them upon my frequent internet searches. I would be geeking out right now, if I wasn't trying to keep myself hidden.

"It tastes very refreshing and cool. You should try some, brother," replied Castor, who was standing up and stretching. Man, looking at that body of water made me want to streak past the twins and dive into the river; I was a little thirsty. When the two stood side by side of each other, I was unable to tell them apart. My legs were getting numb; I'd need to change positions sooner or later - my leg muscles were killing me! If I moved, though, the twins might notice and do whatever they wanted with me. On the other hand, if I didn't move, I risked not being able to move and Slowly, gradually, I stood up and shook my legs, getting rid of the pins and needles within them before stooping down, again.

My mind was still trying to process all of this when something happened. Castor, Pollux and the woodland were still there, but the sky seemed to be fighting....itself, as if it didn't know which colour it wanted to be.

What the hell? This can't be good.

I slowly stood up, again, mindful to keep myself hidden. The scream came next; a horrible, fearful scream. I put my focus on the twins, and the land around us. I stared in horror and growing curiosity as the land appeared to somehow become more vibrant in colour, and birds erupted into song and everywhere I looked, the land was green and fertile. The sun sent overpowering rays of heat down on the twins and I, and I felt like the air inside was being sucked out of me, My mind begged me to go and cool off in the river, drinking the water to keep myself from fainting from thirst but I stayed, knowing that the twins were still there.