The Bloodline System

Author's Note: Unedited Chapter

--------------

She decided to throw all of these thoughts to the back of her mind and proceeded to knock softly.

Kom! Kom! Kom!

Her heart was in her throat as she waited.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing her mother. A look of shock and disbelief appeared on her slightly wrinkled face with visible eyebags.

"Angy?" her mother whispered as teared welled up in her eyes.

Mom," Angy replied as her voice slowly broke down. "It's me. I'm home."

Her mother let out a sob, immediately pulling Angy into a tight embrace. "Oh, my baby!"

Mr Vilandrobadia appeared behind her mother with an expression of both shock and overwhelming relief. "Angy?" he repeated with an emotional tone. "Is it really you?"

Angy nodded with tears streaming down her face. "I'm home, Dad. I'm really home."

They enveloped her in their arms, holding her as if they would never let go.

The numerous months of worry, fear and uncertainty melted away in that moment of reunion, replaced by the warmth of their love.

"We never gave up hope," her mother said with a trembling tone. "Every day, we prayed that you one day find your way back to us."

"I'm sorry," Angy whispered, her voice filled with guilt. "I'm so sorry for putting you and Dad through so much worry."

Her mother cupped her face while looking into her eyes. "You have nothing to apologize for, Angy."

"We know it wasn't your fault. The important thing is that you're back with us now," Angy's father said with a soft tone.

They guided her inside, leading her to the living room where she sank into the familiar comfort of the couch.

Her parents sat on either side of her, their hands never leaving hers, as if they needed the physical connection to believe she was truly there.

"Where have you been all this time?" her father asked gently.

"It's a long story," Angy replied with a disturbed look. "I was... trapped somewhere for a very long time. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

Her mother squeezed her hand with tears streaming down her face. "We're just so grateful that you're safe now."

As they talked, the holographic television in the background continued to broadcast the news of Gustav's capture.

Angy glanced at the screen and her heart ached as she spotted this. She knew the truth of what had happened, the sacrifices Gustav had made. Seeing him painted as a villain was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Mom, Dad," she began with a steady voice. "There's something I need to tell you about Gustav. He's not what they say he is."

Her parents exchanged a worried glance but nodded for her to continue.

"Gustav... he saved me," she revealed with a firm tone. "He never stopped trying even when it seemed impossible. He sacrificed himself to make sure I could come back to you."

Her father frowned with his brow furrowing. "But the news... they say he's responsible for what happened at IYSOP... For the destruction of the planet and your disappearance as well."

Angy shook her head vehemently. "They're wrong. Gustav fought to protect everyone... If anything he should be getting praised because no one would have returned if it wasn't for him. He doesn't deserve what's happening to him."

Her mother face displayed a look of realization as she recalled what happened at their last encounter.

"We didn't... treat him so well the last time even when he promised to save you," She muttered with a remorseful look.

"He deserves an apology. Even after everything that had been thrown at him, he still stuck to his word and saved you," Mr Vilandrobadia was equally as remorseful.

"Everyone really painted the narrative a different way when he is infact a saviour... I just wish there was a way to make everyone see the truth."

"We'll do whatever we can to help, Angy," Her father said with a thoughtful gaze while placing a hand on her shoulder.

They wanted to hear more on exactly all of Angy's experiences but she wasn't interested in giving them full details.

She didn't want to cause more panic than necessary. How could she ever let her parents know that they were up against a literal being that could swallow up the face of this plane's existence?

"Where is Phil?" Angy asked of her little brother.

"He is in school," Angy's mother answered.

"It's been too long... He must have grown bigger by now," A smile appeared on Angy's face as she thought of her brother.

"He has... But before he returns, there is something you should know. Phil has been..."

---

In the bustling courtyard of Echelon High School, students milled about during their lunch break.

The school which was a blend of high grade architecture and lush greenery, boasted spacious grounds and state-of-the-art facilities. Large trees provided shade over neatly manicured lawns, while pathways lined with flowers wound between buildings.

This was the exact highschool Gustav had graduated from about four years back.

A tall and striking young man with silver hair and a unicorn-like horn protruding from his forehead, stood near a group of his friends.

Despite being only sixteen and in his second year, his six-foot-tall frame and slightly muscular build made him stand out.

"Hey, Phil!" a sneering voice called out.

Phil turned to see Marcus, a year-three senior, swaggering towards him with a group of cronies. Marcus was infamous for his bullying, using his bloodline abilities to intimidate others.

Today, his target was the infamous Phil of Echelon High. It would seem that he didn't care about the scary rumours he had heard about Phil.

"Your sister, Angy, she's Gustav's whore, isn't she?" Marcus jeered, drawing the attention of the surrounding students.

Phil's eyes narrowed as a surge of anger immediately flooded through him. "Take that back, Marcus."

Marcus laughed, enjoying the reaction. "Why should I? Everyone knows Gustav's been captured and your sister has been gone for ages. What does that say about her?"

The students around them murmured, watching the confrontation with growing interest. Among them, several girls couldn't help but admire Phil. He was said to be fiery and bold... Now they were seeing it in person.

"Shut up!" Phil shouted while his horn began to glow with a silver light. "You don't know anything about my sister!"

"Oh, I know plenty," Marcus taunted. "I know she's probably dead or worse because she dated that fugitive. You're just as pathetic as she is."

The insult pushed Phil over the edge. His body began to shift, muscles bulging, and silver fur sprouting all over his skin. His horn lengthened and sharpened, and his eyes took on a feral gleam.

"Get ready to eat your words," Phil growled, his voice now a deep, rumbling snarl.

Marcus's cronies stepped back, sensing the imminent fight. Marcus, however, grinned and raised his hands. Sheets of paper materialized around him, swirling in the air before forming into tightly controlled bombs.

"You think you can take me on, beast boy?" Marcus sneered.

Without another word, Phil charged. With his transformation complete, he was now a large beast covered in shimmering silver fur.

His horn crackled with energy as he moved with surprising speed for his size, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Marcus hurled a volley of paper bombs at Phil, each one exploding with a deafening bang.

Phil roared in pain as the blasts tore into his fur and skin sending him flying across the air.

Phil rammed into a tree but didn't stay down for a single second before charging forward again.

"Oh that didn't take you down... Here's more," Marcus voiced while swiping his fingers forward continuously.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Controlled explosions with a tiny range but very effective damage rang out across the place.

However it looked like Phil had suddenly developed some kind of tolerance as he kept pushing further despite getting hit with these powerful blasts.

'Impossible! He should have lost a limb by now!' Marcus couldn't believe his eyes as he cranked up the explosions.

He hadn't heard of Phil's ferocity.

Phil's powerful legs propelled him forward, and he lashed out with a swipe of his massive clawed hand.

Marcus barely managed to dodge, the claws grazing his arm and leaving deep gashes. Blood spattered the ground, and Marcus's grin faltered.

"You're going to regret that," Marcus hissed, launching more paper bombs.

Phil's horn glowed brighter, and he shot a beam of silver energy from its tip.

The beam cut through the air, intercepting the paper bombs and causing them to explode prematurely. The force of the explosions pushed Marcus back, and he stumbled, his control wavering.

Phil seized the opportunity, leaping into the air and descending hard on Marcus. His claws raked across Marcus's chest, and he followed up with a powerful headbutt as his horn cracked against Marcus's skull.

Marcus cried out in pain as a long bloody line appeared on his head, but he wasn't done yet.

With a desperate effort, he summoned a massive sheet of paper and wrapped it around Phil, trying to suffocate him. Phil roared, thrashing wildly with his claws tearing at the paper.