Beyond the Rift ✔ (Completed)

Chapter 16: Detachment - Part-1

Alexis

The evening sun mercilessly scorches the trees and plants. The ground smolders and sends up a disorientating haze. Even the birds are silent and the grass stands still as if too hot to move. The sun is the sole entity in the sky, there are no clouds or winds. No fragrance, other than the dried foliage sitting under the tall trees. It feels like someone has sucked the life out of the Redwood Forest.

Everything seems to be still for the past two days, the mornings no longer feel alive, the nights are dead as always. 

Two days ago, Ethan and I arrived in the Redwood Forest of California. All the way, we had to make sure we were not being followed. When we got to Halitus' cabin we were greeted by a bunch of booby traps, thankfully Ethan was able to dodge his way in and stop the blazing guns.

It is easy to say that the cabin tends to creak, the floorboards are craved and broken. The windows are cracked and stained with layers of dirt sitting on it. The moldy browned wooden walls have strange symbols carved upon it. There were beds with mattresses but even though been tucked neatly, they were dank and smelly. The place didn't look haunted, regardless, the cabin was unfit to stay. So, we had to spent the first day dusting and cleaning up the space, I replaced the sheets of the beds and checked the Electricity. Surprisingly, the place had power which was a relief since I couldn't imagine a day without a ceiling fan in this part of the country. 

Also, we discovered a hidden basement with numerous substances lining up the shelves. According to Ethan, they were ingredients for spells and whatnot.

After an hour of warding the area and making it Trident-proof, Ethan gets to bed without saying another thing. He barely spoke, his responses would be brief and to the point. I kept my trap shut for most of the time; or would silently practice my water essences, but truth be told, I am getting nowhere. And Ethan turning a deaf ear is not helping either. Also, I notice him ignoring me. Leaving the room as soon as I enter, not responding to my silly jokes and puns, are all indications of Ethan considering me as an obstacle in his way.

Elvira had to stay back to fight off the tridents Duma and Azazel; the other twin might have been strong but her elder brother, Azazel gave me a bone-chilling look, I could never forget in my life. It almost felt like he was warning me. They both seem much more powerful than Ramiel; their brother.

However, Elvira is one of the best Altruist I have ever met. She must have got away but I can't assume her being alright, that loud cry said a different story. Did she? ...No! how can I even think like that?  Elvira is alive and she will come back. I have faith in her. She promised.

The day is starting to close in. The forest will soon turn as dead as the grave. We have to go with Elvira's plan, in order to be one step ahead of the tridents. And that meant we have to start training for the other essences.

...

I take a deep breath and knock on the basement door. Ethan has been in here since afternoon, all I can here is clang of metals and gun reloading, apparently the weapons in this safe house had to be cleaned.

"Come in." The hoarse voice replies.

I turn the nob and open the door. Ethan has his back towards me, he seems busy. Meanwhile, I glance through the room.

Serrated, gut hooked, talon shaped and curvy worm-like shaped Blades and daggers and other lethal looking knifes were sprawled out on a table. The blades look razor sharp and new, as if they didn't age a day. Ethan's shiny silver dagger sits amongst the rest; glinting dangerously.

While, the other table is occupied by the guns and grenades; he is currently loading the bullets into one of the shotguns. Is this a good time or a bad time? Before I could answer my question leisurely, Ethan stops his work and turns to face me. His face sulks as he withdraws the magazine from its revolver angrily. He doesn't look at me.