Arcane Bonds

Chapter 11: At Every Dining Table

The laughter and excitement from their adventure at the whimsical theme park still linger in the air as Kenzo and Lexis walk away, leaving the vibrant lights and joyous atmosphere behind. They find themselves strolling along a peaceful path, the moon casting a gentle glow upon their surroundings.

"That was so much fun," Kenzo remarks, a wide smile on his face as they step out of the whimsical world they had immersed themselves in.

Lexis looks at Kenzo, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for that. It was a wonderful escape," he says, his smile mirroring Kenzo's. The weight of his worries seems momentarily lifted, replaced by the warmth of friendship.

"I'll walk you home," Kenzo insists, his voice tinged with concern. Deep down, he knows the dangers that lurk in the shadows, brought about by dark witches and the precarious balance between the magical and human realms. Accidents and even deaths have occurred due to their malicious influence, and the light witches, like Kenzo, have taken on the responsibility of protecting the human world.

"You don't have to," Lexis responds, scratching his back nervously. He appreciates Kenzo's offer, but the thought of his father's disapproval looms in his mind. If his father were to see them together, he would once again misunderstand and think that Lexis is flirting with another guy, potentially causing trouble.

"I insist," Kenzo firmly states, determination evident in his voice. He genuinely wants to ensure Lexis' safety, willing to take the risk. "Don't worry. I'll accompany you until we're close to your home, and then I'll leave so your father won't see. I just want to make sure you're safe."

Lexis feels the sincerity and genuine concern in Kenzo's words. Grateful, he nods and accepts his offer. "Thank you," Lexis says softly as they resume their walk, a mixture of relief and nervousness swirling within him.

As they walk side by side, Kenzo musters the courage to ask, "Can I have your phone number?" He desires to stay connected with Lexis, to be closer to him, and he hopes to meet him again tomorrow at the festival.

Lexis takes Kenzo's phone, typing his number into the device. "The night was truly great, wasn't it?" Lexis asks, his voice filled with a sense of contentment. The spring weather caresses their skin, neither too cold nor too humid, adding to the magic of the moment.

"Absolutely," Kenzo replies, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "It was a truly amazing day." Deep inside, he feels a surge of happiness, realizing that he's getting closer to Lexis, a possibility he once believed was out of reach.

As they continue their walk, Lexis points out a house in the distance. "That's our house," he says, a sense of melancholy creeping into his voice. He wishes he could invite Kenzo inside, even just for a moment, but he knows the potential consequences with his father's unpredictable behavior.

"Goodnight, Lexis," Kenzo bids farewell, a tinge of longing in his voice. His heart yearns to stay, to protect Lexis from any harm, but he understands the delicate situation they find themselves in.

"Goodnight, Kenzo," Lexis replies softly, a mix of emotions in his voice. He watches Kenzo walk away, his heart filled with conflicting desires. "See you tomorrow," Kenzo calls out as he turns and heads in the direction of his own home.

Unbeknownst to Lexis and Kenzo, sinister forces are at work. Venro, the talking creepy crow, and Cleo, the shapeshifter, have been summoned by Lord Jeleron, their intentions veiled in darkness. Perched upon a nearby tree, the crow observes the pair with wicked eyes.

"That wizard is a thorn in our throat. We must do something about it," Venro caws, its voice laced with malice.

"We must proceed with caution," Cleo, now in human form, responds, her eyes glinting with malevolence. "We can't afford any missteps. Kenzo and Lexis are in our sights."

As Lexis and Kenzo unknowingly walk into the clutches of danger, the fates of their intertwined lives hang in the balance.

Lexis enters the familiar confines of their home, a sense of relief washing over him when he realizes his abusive father isn't there. The absence of his father's presence provides a glimmer of safety, a rare respite from the usual tension that hangs heavy in the air.

"Lexis, is that you?" his mother calls out, her voice tinged with a mix of caution and hope. She steps into the dining room, her eyes searching for confirmation that her son has returned home safely.

"Yeah," Lexis replies, his tone carrying a hint of disinterest, but beneath the surface, a flicker of happiness stirs within him, grateful that his mother isn't embroiled in another conflict with his father that night.

"Let's eat," Alexis, his mother, invites him, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "I've cooked your favorite food-hotpot." The genuine excitement in her voice resonates with Lexis, a rare occurrence in their troubled household.

Lexis follows his mother into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table. As he lays his eyes on the food his mother has prepared, his heart swells with a mixture of emotions. It has been far too long since he experienced a peaceful and loving meal within the confines of their home, as his father's toxicity continues to poison their lives.

"Shall we eat?" Alexis asks, her voice filled with a longing for connection. Though their conversations may be limited, the shared desire for peace and harmony unites them in silent understanding. Lexis nods, a grateful smile playing on his lips.

With each bite, the warmth of the hotpot soothes their weary souls, filling the void that has long persisted. The nourishment extends beyond the physical, bridging the emotional gaps between them.

As they savor the meal together, Alexis attempts to break the silence that often engulfs their home. "How's school?" she inquires, her gaze fixed on Lexis, her curiosity and concern evident in her eyes. It has been a while since she actively engaged in her son's life, the struggles of their household often overshadowing such simple conversations.

Lexis looks at his mother, a mixture of surprise and hesitation flickering across his face. It takes a moment for his thoughts to settle, his mind caught between his desire to shield his mother from their harsh reality and his yearning for a connection.

"It's... fun... I enjoy it a lot," Lexis finally responds, his words cautious yet genuine. He lifts his head slightly, meeting his mother's gaze, silently conveying his gratitude for her concern.

"I am glad you are," Alexis says softly, her eyes shimmering with a glimmer of hope. Their shared meal becomes a beacon of light amidst the darkness, a reminder that despite their challenges, moments of joy and understanding can still be found.

As they continue to eat, their bond, once broken, silently strengthens again. They find solace in each other's presence, relishing the simple pleasures of a peaceful meal shared between a mother and her son.

In Kenzo's house, a warm and cozy atmosphere fills the air. The aroma of breakfast delicacies wafts from the kitchen as Kenzo's mother gracefully prepares their morning meal. Meanwhile, Kendra, Kenzo's younger sister, sits at the dining table, engrossed in her homework on the laptop.

Magic-infused objects buzz with life, carrying out their assigned tasks independently. The vacuum cleaner glides across the floor, diligently removing every speck of dust. The feather duster dances through the air, delicately reaching into the nooks and crannies that the vacuum cannot reach. The wiping cloth gently caresses the table, leaving behind a pristine surface. The household chores are effortlessly taken care of, thanks to the enchantment woven into their everyday lives.

As the front door opens, signaling Kenzo's arrival, a sense of anticipation fills the room. Kendra looks up from her work, mischief sparkling in her eyes. She can't help but tease her older brother, eager to unravel the mysteries of his evening.

"Evening," Kenzo announces, his voice filled with a tinge of excitement. He settles onto the sofa, catching Kendra's gaze. He knows his sister's playful nature all too well.

"Ah, a beautiful evening to you, big bro," Kendra responds, her voice dripping with mischievous delight. She can't resist pushing his buttons. "Pray tell, what made your night so special?"

A smile tugs at the corners of Kenzo's lips as he recognizes Kendra's playful interrogation. He rises from the sofa, making his way to the kitchen, ready to lend a hand to his mother.

"You," Kenzo retorts, his tone laced with mock annoyance. He knows Kendra is fishing for information about his time spent with Lexis after school. With a knowing glance, he hints at the secret they share.

"A deceitful wizard, that's what you are," Kendra laughs, her eyes dancing with amusement. She is genuinely happy for Kenzo, sensing the growing bond between him and Lexis. In her heart, she wishes nothing but joy for her brother.

Minutes pass, and the family gathers around the table, their faces illuminated with contentment. The breakfast feast serves as a backdrop for heartfelt conversations and shared laughter. Their voices blend harmoniously, creating a symphony of familial love and warmth.

As they savor the delicious food prepared by their mother, their shared stories and genuine camaraderie nourish their souls. The chatter ebbs and flows, filled with tales of school adventures, dreams, and aspirations. In this moment, the magic of their bond transcends the mundane, creating an enchanting tapestry of family unity.

With each passing minute, the family relishes the simple joys found within their humble abode. The breakfast table becomes a vessel for love, understanding, and unbreakable connections, reminding them of the beauty that lies within the ordinary.

Around the dining table, Landon sits with his illegitimate daughter, Ruby, as they share a meal. Kristine, Landon's secret lover and Ruby's mother, has been absent for some time, leaving the two of them alone. Landon's heart sinks as he listens to Ruby's distressing revelation about being bullied at school. Anger ignites within him, fueled by a fierce desire to protect his daughter from harm.

"They're bullying me," Ruby's voice trembles with vulnerability as she recounts her painful experiences. Her father's gaze fills with a mixture of concern and fury. He can't bear the thought of anyone hurting his precious daughter.

"Ignore them, Ruby. You're intelligent, and you're a kind-hearted girl," Landon assures her, his voice brimming with paternal love and support. He desperately wants to shield her from the cruelties of the world.

Ruby's frustration surfaces as she mentions a name that strikes a chord with Landon. "That Lexis," she mutters in annoyance, her voice laced with resentment. The name triggers a reaction within Landon, for it is the first time Ruby has mentioned Lexis, his own son, in years.

"Lexis?" Landon's brows furrow as he seeks confirmation. "Did I hear Lexis correctly?" The revelation startles him, as if an invisible veil has been lifted, revealing the tangled webs of his fractured family dynamic.

"What did that Lexis do to you?" Landon's voice brims with restrained anger, his mind racing to protect Ruby without revealing his own secret persona. He wants to keep his masked identity hidden, shielding Ruby from the knowledge of his dual life.

Ruby seizes the opportunity, her acting skills on full display. She feigns tears, allowing them to trickle down her cheeks, as she explains the alleged torment inflicted upon her by Lexis. "He constantly competes with me, mocking me for doing my best," she confesses, her voice quivering with a sense of wounded pride. "He belittles me when I achieve higher scores or receive praise from my teachers."

Landon's shock intensifies with each revelation. "Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?" he exclaims, his voice tinged with regret. He struggles to comprehend how his son could behave in such a manner towards his own sister.

"I'm trying to be strong, Dad. I want you to see me as a brave person," Ruby explains, sipping her juice, her eyes fixated on her father's reaction. Within her, a darker motive lurks, reveling in the power of manipulation and deception.

Landon's heart sinks further as Ruby discloses more about Lexis's alleged actions. "What's his last name?" he asks, a glimmer of hope lingering within him that this might all be a misunderstanding. "Is he Lexis Anderson?"

Ruby nods, her smirk hidden beneath a facade of sorrow. "That's him, Dad. He's the one who ruined everything," she says, her voice dripping with a deceptive mix of sadness and resentment.

Landon's anger reaches its peak as Ruby reveals that Lexis had interfered with her previous relationship. "We broke up because Lexis flirted with him. Lexis destroyed our relationship," she confesses, her words cutting through Landon's heart like a jagged blade.

With each revelation, Landon's loathing for Lexis intensifies. He masks his fury, determined to offer guidance to his daughter. "Ruby, you mustn't fight fire with fire. Always be kind," he advises, his voice filled with an underlying warning. "Good people never resort to hurting others."

Unbeknownst to Landon, Ruby devilishly revels in her successful manipulation of her father's emotions. She has carefully orchestrated every detail, knowing that once Landon returns to his legal family, a terrible fate awaits Lexis. She is the mastermind of this elaborate scheme, driven by her own twisted desires.

"Thank you, Dad," Ruby responds with faux gratitude, her eyes glinting with a sinister satisfaction. Her plan is set in motion, and she eagerly awaits the impending chaos that will ensue when Landon returns to his rightful family.

As if on cue, Kristine, the unsuspecting wife, arrives home, having secretly ventured into the realm of dark witches. She enters the scene, seemingly innocent and oblivious to the brewing storm within their faux family dynamic.

"Why didn't you wait for me?" Kristine questions, her voice tinged with playful clinginess as she embraces Landon. Ruby quickly interjects, eager to maintain the facade.

"Sorry, Mom," Ruby replies, her voice filled with feigned innocence. "I asked Dad to join me because I was already starving." The three of them gather together, sharing a meal that appears to portray a harmonious family unit-a facade they meticulously maintain, concealing the darkness that lies beneath.

In the quiet solitude of their home, Lexis weary eyes scans the surroundings. The absence of his abusive father offers a glimmer of relief, a fleeting sense of safety that settles upon his restless soul. His mother, Alexis, emerges from the the kitchen, her tired face brightening upon seeing her son safe from the abusive hands of his husband.

Lexis, filled with compassion for his weary mother, takes it upon himself to do the dishes. His mother, Alexis, watches him with a mix of gratitude and sorrow as he clears the table and carries the dirty dishes to the sink. As Lexis focuses on his task, unaware of his mother's internal turmoil, a heavy weight rests upon Alexis' heart.

"I love you," she whispers silently within her mind, her voice filled with unconditional love and regret. "I love you for who you are, no matter who you choose to love. I'm sorry for everything." Tears stream down her cheeks, her sorrow and longing concealed behind a brave facade. She envisions a future where Lexis will be free from the clutches of this chaotic existence they endure.

Lexis, absorbed in his duty, remains oblivious to his mother's tears as he diligently washes the dishes. The sound of a car approaching outside interrupts the tranquility of their home. The front door slams shut, and a wave of tension washes over the atmosphere.

"Where is he?" Landon's enraged voice reverberates through the house, his anger echoing like thunder. "Where's that boy?" His furious footsteps echo through the halls as he searches for Lexis, his target for his pent-up rage.

Alexis, concerned for her son's safety, bravely approaches Landon, seeking answers. She reaches out, attempting to quell the storm brewing within her husband's heart. But Landon, fueled by an uncontrollable anger, violently shoves her aside, disregarding her pleas for peace.

In the kitchen, Lexis senses the mounting tension, his heart racing with fear and anticipation. His trembling hands betray his internal turmoil as he grapples with the impending confrontation. He knows, deep within his core, what will follow.

Closing his eyes, tears streaming down his face, Lexis braces himself for the inevitable. The cold-hearted fist of his father collides with his fragile body, the force of the blow reverberating through his being. Pain sears through his flesh, both physical and emotional, as his father's anger is unleashed upon him.

In that heart-wrenching moment, Lexis feels a mixture of fear, anguish, and betrayal. The pain intensifies, leaving an indelible mark upon his soul. As he trembles under the weight of his father's violence, he is consumed by a torrent of emotions-fear, helplessness, and a profound sense of abandonment.

The room falls silent, except for the sound of heavy breathing and the echoes of tears hitting the floor. Alexis, recovering from the shock, rushes to her injured son's side, her heart breaking at the sight of his pain. She cradles him in her arms, offering what little solace she can amidst the chaos that surrounds them.

Lexis, his body aching, his spirit battered, gazes up at his mother, finding solace in her loving eyes. Despite the agony he endures, a flicker of resilience ignites within him. He longs for a better future, free from the grasp of his abusive father.

In the depths of his despair, Lexis finds strength. He vows to himself that he will rise above the pain, that he will not be defined by the cruelty inflicted upon him. Deep within his shattered heart, a flame of resilience burns, fueling his determination to escape the clutches of his oppressive reality.

Through the enchantment of his magic crystal, Kenzo witnesses the harrowing scene unfold before him-the violence that Lexis endures at the hands of his abusive father. Anger surges through Kenzo's veins as he watches Lexis's despair, feeling powerless to intervene. Lexis is tenderly carried away by his mother, seeking solace in the refuge of his room. Kenzo longs to be by Lexis's side, to offer comfort and support, but he can only bear witness from afar, his heart heavy with sorrow.

The image of Lexis, battered and bruised, sears into Kenzo's mind, an indelible mark of pain etched upon his soul. Tears stream down Kenzo's face as he contemplates the injustice suffered by someone as kind-hearted as Lexis. Memories resurface-recollections of the first time he encountered Lexis with bruises, when the magic ball led him to his friend's side. The memory intensifies Kenzo's determination to shield Lexis from harm, to become a steadfast protector in his life.

Summoning his magical abilities, Kenzo casts a spell to alleviate Lexis's physical pain, creating a soothing aura that envelops him, granting respite and a chance for peaceful rest. Even though Kenzo cannot audibly hear Lexis's cries, he can sense the anguish that resonates deep within his friend's being. Through the magical connection of his crystal ball, Kenzo remains vigilant, keeping watch over Lexis as he slumbers, offering his unwavering presence in the darkest hours.

As Kenzo's thoughts revolve around Lexis, a sudden notion takes hold of his mind, urging him to take action. "Don't do it," his super ego warns, attempting to dissuade him from what lies ahead. But Kenzo knows deep within his heart that he cannot find solace until he acts. "I have to," he whispers to himself, compelled by an unyielding determination. With resolution in his eyes, he retrieves his wand from his drawer, alongside his trusty magic broomstick.

Waving his wand with practiced precision, Kenzo opens the window to his room, shrouded in the clouded night sky devoid of stars. Riding his broomstick, Kenzo embarks on a solemn journey, his mind consumed by concern for Lexis. The wind whispers past him as he glides through the night, drawing closer to Lexis's house.

Hovering outside Lexis's window, Kenzo gazes into the room where his friend lies in peaceful slumber. With a gentle wave of his wand, the window creaks open, allowing Kenzo to enter silently. Lexis's battered form comes into view, his bruises a painful testament to the cruelty he endures. Tears well up in Kenzo's eyes as he murmurs, "You don't deserve this."

Driven by an unwavering belief that everyone deserves love and protection, Kenzo gently covers Lexis with a warm blanket, his touch conveying both tenderness and resolve. He runs his fingers through Lexis's hair, a gesture filled with solace and reassurance. "I will protect you," he whispers, his voice carrying the weight of unwavering determination.

Kenzo remains steadfast in Lexis's room, a silent guardian watching over his slumber until he senses a presence drawing near. Mounting his broomstick once more, Kenzo takes flight, vanishing through the window just as Lexis's mother enters the room. Relief washes over him, knowing that he is not alone in his concern for Lexis's well-being.

Unbeknownst to Kenzo, the sinister Venro, the talking creepy crow, has been a clandestine witness to his selfless act. A malevolent smirk stretches across Venro's beak, a glimmer of darkness flickering in its eyes. "Your time is already running," the eerie crow hisses, savoring the heart-wrenching scene it has observed.