BOLTIN

The Pursuit Begins

"Your master has called for his son, the one you’ve kept away from for what feels like an eternity, believing you could forge a better life. If you fail to return him, you will face the wrath of Darkix." The voice echoed ominously through the hallway ,a chilling reminder of the stakes at hand. The Figures, cloaked in shadows, loomed closer, their intentions as dark as the night surrounding them.

Lecticia's heart raced, a mix of fear and defiance coursing through her veins. She had spent years in Manixville, crafting a life that felt almost normal, far removed from the chaos of her past. But now, the shadows of her former life were creeping back, threatening to unravel everything she had built.

"If it’s chaos you seek," Lecticia declared, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. With a fierce determination, she slammed her fist into the ground, unleashing the hidden power she had vowed to conceal. The earth trembled beneath her, a surge of energy radiating outward, illuminating the darkness with a brilliant light.

The force of her power sent the Figures reeling, their expressions shifting from confidence to shock. For a brief moment, she felt invincible, the weight of her past lifting as she embraced the strength she had long suppressed. But the moment was fleeting. The Figures quickly regained their footing, their eyes narrowing with renewed resolve. They were not mere shadows; they were agents of Darkix, relentless in their pursuit.

As they lunged toward her, Lecticia's instincts kicked in. She danced away from their grasp, her movements fluid and precise. Each attack she dodged was a reminder of the skills she had honed in secret, the training she had undergone to protect herself and the boy she had sworn to keep safe.

The house became a battleground, the air thick with tension and the crackle of energy. Lecticia summoned her power again, weaving it into a protective barrier that shimmered like glass around her. The Figures struck against it, their blows reverberating through her body, but she held firm, drawing strength from her resolve.

"You will not take him!" she shouted, her voice echoing off the brick walls. The thought of her nephew, innocent and unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows, fueled her determination. She had kept him hidden for a reason, away from the grasp of his dad and the Darkix Dimension and the chaos that threatened to consume them both.
As the clash raged on between Lecticia and the Darkix Figures, Lyles and Boltin were nearly at the house when a peculiar cloud caught Lyles' eye. 
"Boltin, you’re not staying home tonight," Lyles declared, quickly maneuvering out of Boltin's corner. 
"What’s happening? My aunt is inside!" Boltin yelled, panic rising in his voice. 

"Your aunt is a specialist too. Just like you, she has the ability to protect herself. They’re after you, not her." 

"Who’s after me?" 

"Your father and the Darkix Figures you saw... You’re one of the last heirs of Elektrika, and you hold a power so immense that no one can take it from you. You’re strong, but right now, you’re vulnerable, and that makes you the perfect target." 

A knot formed in Boltin's throat as the reality of his peril sank in. 

"How do you know all this?"

They arrived at Lyles' uncle's garage, a place that felt more like a hidden sanctuary than a mere storage space. The scent of oil and metal mingled with something more arcane, a hint of herbs and incense that hinted at the unusual activities that took place within these walls.

"I'll show you the ropes for now," Lyles said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "I just want to ensure your safety at all costs, so... I’ve tapped into some witchcraft, blending Darkix with specialized magic. But don’t worry, you’re safe for the moment; I’ve cast a barrier spell around you, which is why we created the vortex." His eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and seriousness, the weight of their situation settling in.

Boltin felt a strong urge to express his gratitude to his friend, realizing the potential dangers he could have faced due to his ignorance. The world of magic was vast and treacherous, and he had stumbled into it without a clue. "I really appreciate this, Lyle," he began, but Lyles raised a hand to stop him.

"Hold off on the thanks until this is all over," Lyles interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "For now, you’re part of the witchcraft world, and you’re here to learn. My uncle won’t mind as long as you don’t mess around and steer clear of his shed." The warning was clear, and Boltin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

As he stepped inside, he adhered to his friend's advice, his heart racing with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The garage was dimly lit, with shelves lined with jars of strange ingredients, books filled with cryptic symbols, and tools that looked like they belonged in a science fiction movie. His friend was right about the uncle; this was no ordinary garage.

He took in his friend's room, which resembled a lab more than a living space. The walls were plastered with posters of mythical creatures and ancient spells, confirming that his friend was indeed a bit of a nerd. A large workbench dominated one side of the room, cluttered with various magical implements and half-finished projects. It was a chaotic yet fascinating sight, and Boltin felt a thrill of curiosity.

"You can crash on my bed for now; I’ll take the couch," Lyles offered, gesturing to a small, unmade bed in the corner.

The following morning, Boltin was summoned to the office, and naturally, his friend was by his side for support. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they walked down the corridor, the fluorescent lights flickering overhead. Aunty Lecty was seated in the chair, her exhaustion evident in the deep lines etched on her face and the way her shoulders slumped slightly. She looked up as they entered, her eyes softening momentarily at the sight of Boltin, but the weight of the situation quickly returned.

"Hey there, kiddo," she said, her voice a mix of warmth and concern. "I wanted to check on you since you weren't home last night." Her gaze flickered to his friend, who stood protectively by Boltin's side, silently offering support.

"I stayed over at Lyles' place," Boltin replied, his tone casual, but there was an underlying tension in his words. "I was aware of what went down."

Lecticia's heart sank at his words, a cold knot forming in her stomach. She had feared this moment, the moment when Boltin would confront the reality of their situation. She leaned forward, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, and implored him to say it again, to reassure her that he truly understood the gravity of what they were facing.

"I understand what we are and the risks I’m facing right now," he said, his voice steady but laced with an edge of defiance. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

Lecticia felt a surge of admiration for him, but it was quickly overshadowed by fear.