Chapter 7, A Flower made of stone.
Ash was sitting casually on the passenger side. His arm was up and rested on the window, his leg pushed against the glove compartment. He was leaning back with his usual emotionless expression. Everett tried his best to keep his eyes on the road, but he couldn't help but find himself staring. Ash had a beautiful face, maybe beautiful wasn't the right word; intriguing or captivating might suit him better. So many people in Everett's life had such soft features. His father had an oval face, sandy coloured hair, and warm skin. They shared the same nose and had the same voice. People described it as welcoming at times. His mother had changed immensely; each year, she looks older; each year, she looks tired. But Everett shared her hair, auburn and fluffy, with soft curls flowing like gentle waves. Ash's contrasting raven hair and pale skin were shocking, and his sharp fox-like features made him appear cold and conniving. Maybe it was those qualities that made Everett excited to see him each time. Separately they may sound unattractive, but all together, they fit perfectly, along with his eyes. Drowsy and that deep evergreen colour, absolutely mesmerizing.
Ash flipped his head to the side, resting on his shoulder. Everett quickly darted his gaze out and to the ever-expanding winding road.
"you need to fix your stereo," Ash said in a monotone hum. Everett huffed.
"I don't mind the silence."
Ash rolled his head back, sinking into the headrest. The stereo was the first thing he asked about when they entered Everett's rusted tin can of a vehicle, and he almost looked offended when Everett explained that it had been broken for a while now.
"Don't you like to just relax?" Everett asked. Ash squinted his eyes and puckered his lips, his chunky boot thudding away on the dashboard.
"don't you like to sing?" He replied with a slight smirk. Everett scoffed slightly to Ash's annoyance; he leaned forward and lowered his feet to the ground.
"I'm being honest, I bet you have a nice voice,"
Everett's brow furrowed. As if he would actually sing in front of someone else, let alone Ash, the whole hypothetical situation seemed like a mess. Everett enjoyed just listening to the music, which he did really like, and if he had the money, he'd love to replace his stereo.
He turned his head to look at Ash, who wasn't making any sort of joking expression. His face was stern as he glared ahead. His profile was striking, his nose was long and straight and overall dominated his other sharp features. He was an odd one at times. Even this whole trip was strange. It was clear that Ash had plans with other people and Everett was clearly not invited. That's why they had to take Everett's car. There was only one seat left. He wasn't even sure what the day trip was about, something about a beach and a bonfire. The mention of alcohol was brought up, which Everett was unsure about. He hadn't been given any opportunity to drink in the past, and they both were close to 19, but they still were underage.
Everett just felt like he was intruding. Amanda looked almost devastated that Everett was going. She wasn't fond of him; well, Everett believed so. The way she looked at him reminded him of his mother. They always had something on their mind, but they chose to say nothing, which only amplified the initial heaviness.
They were taking the road opposite to where Everett used to live. The terrain around them was heavily forested with tall and tightly knit evergreens, with the odd patch of exposed jaded rock. The road was carved in, and had to abide by the land. It sometimes was like the ocean with waves that bumped up and down and other times like a stream that cascaded like running water. Everett kept himself grounded, sinking his body into his worn-out leather seat.
On the other hand, Ash was relatively carefree, every now and again closing his eyes, leaving Everett alone with the loud clunking of his jittery vehicle. They were driving for some time now, and when asking about how long it would take, Ash only replied with "a while". Luckily the road didn't merge to any side streets. It was a straight yet bumpy path forward.
Ash had opened his eyes. He looked around, examining the interior of the car. The rigid worn-out seats and brittle, broken cup holders definitely were a sight to see. That pared with the ever-controversial broken stereo, and sun-bleached dashboard just added to the whole aesthetic. Like an apple core that had been tossed on the sidewalk, discoloured, rubbery, chewed up, and with a distinct odor.
Ash pulled out some old map from the side tucked between the seat buckle and mangy cup holder. It was a map to the prairies, at least that's what it said, written with tacky block lettering. Perhaps it used to look clean and colourful but now It was browned and somewhat stained, ripped in a few places, and definitely had water damage. He took a peek inside, staring at it without much enthusiasm and closing the map not the way it had opened. His focus shifted to the glove compartment. Stuffing the crinkled map back and leaning forward. Ash fiddled with the latch a few times till it popped open, swinging down and jittering to a stop.
"What's this?" Ash asked, pushing past a few crumbled wrappers and old wadded-up recipes. He pulled out the little black notebook.
"Nothing important," Everett gritted through his teeth while adjusting his weight.
Ash began to flip through the pages, Everett darting to the book then the road.
"It's honestly not that interesting," Everett smiled. His brow was down and his hands clammy. His legs fidgeting slightly while he attempted to stay focused on the winding road ahead of him that seemed to be getting fuzzier with the sound of each page flipping.
"You make potions?"
"I don't" Everett quickly replied. He bit his lip, tugging himself closer to the steering wheel, fighting the urge to snap the notebook out of Ash's hands. His left hand twitched slightly, contemplating unrolling the window so he could toss the book out and be rid of it, but he couldn't conjure up the strength to lift even his index finger.
"it's not mine" Everett blurted out.
"Too bad, I wanted you to make me something" Ash shrugged, continuing to flip through the pages, stopping every now and again to read the quick blurb that was scribbled at the top of the page, and commented on how strange some of the ingredients were. His hands trailed to the piece of paper slipped in between two pages, roughly around the middle. Tugging on it slightly before opening it completely. Everett took a deep breath, exhaling with a slight quiver.
"There isn't a lot of info on this one" Ash trailed his fingered across the page and flipped to the next. His fingers stopped, slightly tapping down on the page a few times.
"Restriction potion?" Ash frowned, squinting his eyes and turning to Everett,
"Kinky."
"What!" Everett's eyes went large, and his teeth clenched. He snapped his head to Ash.
Ash let out a slight laugh, "I'm kidding," he continued to flip through, bypassing the bookmarked pages. Everett took slow breaths, taking a quick peek in the mirror at his red face and jittery eyes. He could practically see his heart pounding in his chest. After calming himself slightly, Everett directed his attention to Ash again.
"you believe in potions?" Everett asked softly, hiding the tremble in his throat. Ash lifted his gaze from the notebook, looking out at the road.
"I'd think I'd be a fool if I didn't," he responded calmly. He paused for a moment, still looking out. Till he lifted up his arm, his hand up.
His fingers were long but delicate. Soft but defined at the joints. They shared that same paleness as his face. They almost seemed regal, which surprised Everett since he knows Ash did labour at the docks. But perhaps the most important part wasn't his hands but what was on it, or instead what was on his finger: the large ring, a slate silver colour with a deep emerald gem. One of the most impressive rings Everett had ever seen, shaped into a bird that wrapped around with defined feathers and a complex expression.
"I believe in this," Ash said softly. His bright eyes seemed dull, and there was a weariness within his tone. Everett couldn't help but feel the presence of the ring, pushing deep within him. It didn't make him feel joy, but it also wasn't dreadful. It was a feeling that left Everett pondering its meaning. There was a heaviness that verged on hopelessness that carved a glittering tingle that left him breathless and craving its aura.
"Is it charmed?" Everett asked curiously. Ash nodded, slipping it close to himself.
"I don't have anything charmed; what was the spell?" Everett hopefully asked, but Ash just shrugged.
"It was my father's." He added. He was looking at it closely, his eyes following its pattern.
"And he won't tell you?"
"He's dead."
Everett bit his lip, clutching the steering wheel harder as he sunk deeper forward. Ash looked back up to Everett, who was grasping for the correct response.
Ash lifted himself up slightly, leaning towards the sweating teen.
"I didn't know him well, so it's all good, plus this ring wasn't even supposed to be mine." Ash gave Everett a smile. "I stole it from my mother when I left" he leaned back into his seat, "but why shouldn't it be mine?" His voice trailed off.
There would have been a silence if the engine wasn't radiating a loud clucking noise. Everett let out a huff, thinking he should really stop asking questions. This was the second time this week that he commented on a person he didn't know was dead.
In an attempt to lighten the mood and confess his sins, Everett let Ash know that he took the notebook from Thomas's office. Ash's eyes went wide, and he smiled a crooked grin. Everett demanded that he not say anything. Ash crossed his arms and sunk into the seat, promptly agreeing. They both shared a laugh. Ash told Everett that he wasn't surprised. The Miller's were known for their understanding of potions, crystals, and charms. All the magic that gets thrown to the side. Everett's mother was the sort to not believe them, thinking there were hoaxes that made a mockery of magic. His father was the same, but he was willing to suspend his disbelief, thinking that there's no harm in using them. Everett didn't know what he thought. He grew up with them being forced on him by his father. Drink this Potion, drink that one, then they would watch him with glazed-over eyes. Did they do anything? Maybe? It got to the point where everything just muddled together, leaving Everett in a state of demur.
"We should make a potion," Ash bluntly declared. Everett furrowed his brow.
"I don't think I can,"
"What do you mean, you have magic," Ash chuckled, shaking his head slightly at Everett's absurd response. Everett let out a sigh.
"I'm honest. I don't know much magic." Ash let out another laugh that quickly faded when he focused on Everett's dour expression. He smacked his lips a few times, still concentrated on Everett.
"But you released energy when you snapped your fingers, your soul was so present." Ash expressed. Everett shrugged, unsure what to tell him.
"a fun party trick," Everett chuckled.
"No," Ash interrupted, "if I can physically see your soul, that means you're at least a mid-level."
Ash's expression was stern, staring at Everett, waiting for a better explanation. However, after a minute or two of nothing, he turned his focus out. His eyes went wide, and his brow lifted.
"Pull over."
"What?"
"Pull over," Ash repeated.
Everett pulled over entirely to the side. Luckily there was an area that was slightly clear of trees. They came to a bumpy stop. Everett peeking around. It looked like a commonplace for people to pull over, and with further examination, he noticed a sign that indicated that this was the entrance to a hiking trail. Everett thought perhaps they made it to their destinations, but the way Ash was acting said otherwise. He opened the door quickly, jumping out and trudging to the driver's side. It took a few tugs, but he finally swung Everett's door open. Everett looked up, his hands still resting on the steering wheel.
"Come on." Ash demanded. He stood stiff, his feet correctly on the ground, his hand holding the door open, and his other in a fist at his hip. Everett went to speak, but Ash stopped him, stating that only Amanda wanted them there and the others could care less. Everett couldn't fight with that statement. Not knowing any of them, he took Ash's word. He unbuckled and slipped his way up and out. Ash didn't move when Everett exited the drivers' side, making it, so the two stood close together.
"Are you going to murder me?" Everett pouted. Ash rolled his eyes with a smirk, letting go of the car door and spinning around. He took a few steps forward, twisting his feet into the dry, gravelly dirt. He was scanning the large decrepit sign, weathered and beat down. Everett took a few steps forward as well, feeling himself teeter slightly. He was able to balance himself, using the help of the car door.
Ash seemed focused on reading the sign. A significantly large illustration of all the paths and routes to take. They were all displayed with bright colors and merging out from each other like a complex system of veins and arteries.
Everett went to close the door, noticing the black notebook Ash left out of the passenger side seat. He turned back, making sure Ash was still busy with the sign. Everett bent down, leaning his knee against the driver's side seat and grabbing the notebook, swiftly shoving it under the passenger's seat, making sure it wasn't visible before lifting himself back up. Everett gripped the car door, taking one last peek inside before promptly slamming the door closed.
At this point, Ash was done looking at the sign. And Everett shuffled his way to meet him. The air was cool, shadowed by the large fir trees that guarded the area. Ash made his way forward and into the woods, not even turning to Everett. The trail wasn't well paved. A thick layer of dirt blanketed the ground. It was bumpy, and rocks and sticks jutted out everywhere. The two spent most of the time with their eyes fixed to the ground, pacing their steps carefully.
They continued stumbling along for a while, the trail never getting better, but the trees did start to lay thinner. Ash didn't say much. He just focused on the course, turning his head slightly whenever there was another path that branched off, muttering something under his breath, then glaring back forward. Ash took full strides, now utterly unbothered by the uneven terrain. It meant Everett had to keep up, both watching his footing while keeping an eye on where he was heading.
Then, as if he was a hound that spotted a pheasant, he turned abruptly, sticking his nose forward.
"Here," Ash stated, looking out. Everett turned in the direction he was facing. He wasn't even sure it was a path. It was heavily forested with thick bushes. The ground was rocky and there looked to be a drop-off that led into a steep hill. Everett went to express concern, but Ash had already waded himself through the branches before he could. Everett went to follow, afraid to be left behind.
The first half wasn't too bad. A few sharp twigs scraped Everett slightly, but nothing he couldn't handle. The problem was with the drop-off, it was probably only around 5 feet down, but still, Everett knew his limits. A part of him just wanted to turn back. The front of his disheveled shoes hanging off the edge of the rocky ledge. Ash had made it down with no problem and was already making his way down the steep hill.
Everett placed his hand back, planting his palm on the side of a large fir tree. He took a deep breath, attempting to figure out the best way to land without hurting himself, more than he already was. His hand shifted up and down, feeling the rough bark, firm and grounded. Safe. He turned back slightly, moving away from the ledge and closer to the fir. He felt his feet dig deeper into the rocky path. His head was down, facing the ground, watching his feet as they rooted themselves. That's when a hand entered his vision.
Ash stood at the bottom of the ledge, looking up at Everett with a soft smile. His hand was up and out.
"Here, I'll help you," Ash extended his hand closer to Everett. Everett bit his bottom lip, his feet shifting back again. "Don't worry, I'll make it so you don't fall," Ash reassured.
Everett took a breath, extending his hand out to Ash till his fingertips gently brushed against him. Then slipping forward. Their fingers interlacing and their palms pressed together. Ash had warm hands, soft but slightly callused. Everett allowed himself to drop down. Instead of bracing himself, he let himself fall free, leaning on Ash, who was planted firm.
Everett landed on the ground, bouncing up and unharmed. He let out a smile along with a chuckle, looking back at where he was a second ago and commenting on how the fall wasn't that bad. Ash's hand squeezed tighter, his grasp firm around Everett's. So much so that Everett turned back, meeting Ash's gaze that had been held on him. Ash's eyes were large, but the rest of his face was tense. The two holding eye contact for a moment before Ash's mouth gaped open slightly, and his eyes trailed away, quickly snapping his hand back.
He turned and started to make his way down. Everett followed, being careful as he stumbled his way to the bottom. At the bottom was another wall of bushes, but at this point, Everett was past caring. Ash had already gotten through, and Everett didn't flinch when he pushed past the twigs and branches.
Immediately he was met with warmth. The world around him was bright and clear, and the cold, damp air of the trail was replaced with a freshness. They made it into a clearing. Giant trees surrounding a wave of yellow grass, slightly bleached by the warm sun that sat perfectly above them.
"How did you know about this place?" Everett smiled big. Ash looked back and shrugged.
Everett couldn't help but laugh. Closing his eyes and lifting his head up to feel the warm sun against his face, gently flushing his cheeks a bright peach tone. Ash joined him for a moment.
"I'll take you to my house one of these days. It's like this but on the water," Ash stated softly.
Everett agreed, and as if they were both tall sunflowers, they took in the summer day. Till Ash turned back to Everett.
"Show me how much magic you know." Everett's eyes shot open.
"What?" He spat. Ash repeated himself.
Everett paused, shifting his feet in the grass. Everything now was a little bit clearer to him, though he wasn't sure what to do. Everett wasn't lying. He didn't know much magic. Perhaps this finally resonated with Ash, who bent down picking up a small stone and laid it flat in the palm of his hand.
"do you know how to perform any basic devices?" He asked. That's when the stone swiftly lifted in the air, a soft puff of blue trailing around it and his palm. Everett nodded. Ash swung his hand back and forward, tossing the stone mid-air. Everett quickly lifted his hands, stopping the stone before it hit him. The rock wobbled before lifting up. Twisting around Everett's hands was a soft blue flame, slightly darker than Ash's. Like a puff of smoke, it danced, twirling up to the stone and back to his hands. The concentration of energy that is used when performing any magic is referred to as the Soul.
Ash smiled, prompting him to demonstrate more of what he knew. Everett took a moment, concentrating on keeping the stone in the air. He shifted his weight and held his breath; a large flame trailed up from his palms and engulfed the stone entirely. It stayed in the blue flames for a moment, Everett squinting his eyes as he focused. The flames trailed off and down floated the head of a flower. It landed in Everett's palms. Ash smiling, the largest Everett had ever seen.
Everett frowned; he could never get the colour right. The flower was the same marbled blue-gray as the stone, slightly freckled with white. Ash observed the flower that sat perfectly in Everett's hands. Its many petals were stiff, holding its cup-like shape. It was a peony. Everett told Ash that it was his favourite flower.
"isn't it strange that something that looks so delicate can actually feel this heavy?" Everett chuckled.
"Of course, the properties are the same as the stone. It's just an illusion." Ash added.
"You know so much about magic, I'm jealous," Everett grinned as he closed the palm of his hands, encasing the flower inside. Ash's smile faded slightly.
"I grew up in a place that cared about magic a lot."
"that's good." Everett sang, opening up his hands to reveal the stone again. Ash's brow dropped.
"To a degree."
The two spent the next few hours working on Everett's magic. Luckily for Ash, Everett knew more than he led on to. Though it was apparent that Everett hadn't shaped any of the skills he possessed. Ash was able to do things Everett had never seen. Like teleporting objects from one place to the other, or dim or brighten the light around them. He also could lift and move more significant items and altogether held a higher caliber of magic. To Everett, it was terrific, but Ash knew he didn't know much compared to others. Which led Everett to wonder why Ash would leave a place that had taught him so much. What Everett would give to learn more about himself.
Like anything to do with energy, the two got tired out. This, paired with the warm sun, had caused both of them to feel flushed. They wanted to stay but knew that if they didn't leave, it would get dark while driving back home. That and the growling of their empty stomachs. They hiked back to the car, the trip feeling shorter. The car sat alone, waiting for their return.
Everett unlocked his door, leaning over to open the passenger's side. Ash hopped in, scooting into his seat to get comfortable. He smacked his lips a few times, leaning in to turn the stereo on, but quickly stopped himself.
"You need to replace this," Ash sighed, "but before you do that, replace those shoes of yours," he added, his tone joking but stern.
"yes, "Everett agreed. "I will; maybe I'll buy new ones for my birthday."
"birthday?" Ash prompted.
"Yeah, it's next Friday." Everett replied. He shifted the car into reverse, backing up to turn around, so they could be on their way back to Logwood Bay.
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