Chapter 1502 Awakening In Bondage Author's Note: Unedited Chapter -------------- Angy slowly regained consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar sight. She was in a cold facility where the walls lined with a dull metallic sheen and harsh, clinical lights that reflected off the surfaces. There were ability dampeners spread across the walls. The air was thick with the buzz of machinery and the low murmur of voices. Before her was a transparent glass wall, beyond which lay another room. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢 Her heart sank as she saw Gustav there, restrained and unconscious. His body was marked with dark, sinuous lines that seemed to pulse and move across his skin. Panic surged through her as she tried to move, only to find herself similarly restrained. Glowing cuffs bound her wrists and ankles, rendering her unable to harness any of her powers. She pulled against them, but it was futile. "Gustav…" she whispered with her voice trembling in fear and desperation. In the hallway outside her cell, she noticed several MBO higher-ups and scientists. They were conversing in low tones, occasionally glancing in her direction. The atmosphere was tense and filled with an air of impending judgment. "Hey!" Angy called out, her voice stronger now. "What's going on? Why am I restrained? Let me out of here!" One of the higher-ups, a tall man with silver hair and a stern expression, turned to face her. His eyes were cold and devoid of empathy. "You're still undergoing observation," he said flatly. "We need to ensure you're no longer a threat." Angy's eyes blazed with fury. "And what about Gustav? What are you doing to him?" The man's gaze shifted to Gustav's unconscious form, then back to Angy. "He will undergo trials for his crimes against humanity and the universe at large." A surge of anger and despair overwhelmed Angy. "No! You don't understand! He's not guilty of anything! You can't do this to him!" The higher-up's expression remained unchanged. "His actions speak for themselves. The evidence is overwhelming." Angy struggled against her restraints, her frustration mounting. "You're wrong! You have to listen to me! Let me stand trial instead !" But her pleas fell on deaf ears. The scientists continued their discussions, seemingly indifferent to her cries. In her desperation, Angy focused on Gustav. She pulled against the cuffs with all her might, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free. "Please… you have to let him go…" Her voice broke, tears welling in her eyes. "This is all my fault…" The higher-up turned away, dismissing her words as inconsequential. Angy's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the gravity of their situation. Everything that had happened played in her mind and she realised just how much of a mess she had made. She feared for what might happen to Gustav if these people had their way. Angy's eyes darted around the room, searching for any means of escape. She couldn't think of anything that didn't require her bloodline abilities. "You cowards! You only want to place blames on him for your selfish interests, don't you?!" Angy's voice rang out. The higher ups turned to face her with straight looks. "Gustav Crimson is responsible for the destruction of Planet Ozious. He is has caused numerous damage across the cosmos since then. Escaping the pursuit of the MBO, destroying ships, abducting children of alien races and so many others..." The one who had spoke before, voiced once more. "That is a very big lie! Gustav didn't destroy Planet Ozious! I was present there! And I'm sure you everything else you bastards are pinning on him are false!" Angy cried out with an enraged look. "Whatever you think is not our problem." As the heated back and forth between Angy and the higher-ups intensified, the air in the facility grew thick with tension. Angy's words fell on deaf ears as the higher-ups remained resolute in their decision to keep her restrained and to put Gustav on trial. The scientists, too, seemed indifferent to her cries, focused on their data and instruments. Just then, the doors to the hallway swung open with a loud creak, and an imposing figure stepped into the room. The presence of Jack, the most powerful Mixedblood, cast a long shadow over the proceedings. His towering form and the raw aura emanating from him commanded immediate attention and respect. The higher-ups and scientists turned their heads in unison, their expressions shifting from stern determination to wary caution. "I made a promise to Gustav," Jack announced with his voice resonating through the room. "Angy is in my care." The higher-ups exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a woman with sharp features and steely eyes, stepped forward. "Jack, you know how proceedings work. We cannot simply release her. Observations need to be completed first." Jack's eyes, filled with the pride of strength bore into her. He was usually more overlooking and followed orders to the latter but he was also something who stuck to his word. "Gustav has done more to protect this world than most of you realize. Anyways, as I have stated, Angy is in my care. I am more than capable of making sure she poses no more threat." Angy, still restrained, looked at Jack with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Jack, what will happen to Gustav?" she asked in a trembling tone. Jack's gaze softened as he turned to her. "I'm not sure, Angy, but I promise you this: I will do my best to help him. If he truly isn't guilty of these charges, I will make sure he is set free." One of the higher-ups, an older man with graying hair and a stern expression, stepped forward. "Jack, are you betraying humanity by siding with them?" He voiced in suspicion. Jack's eyes narrowed as a palpable wave of power rippled through the room. "Betraying humanity? No. I am ensuring that true justice is served. I will make sure that everything is done fairly and that no one is condemned without a proper trial." The scientists, who had been silently observing, now shifted uneasily. One of them, a young woman with auburn hair, spoke up. "But the data we have... It points to significant anomalies. We can't ignore that." Jack turned his attention to her with an unreadable expression. "You can hold on to Gustav for a bit but she will be coming with me." Angy's eyes were filled with tears, both of relief and lingering fear. "Jack, please... You have to save him. He doesn't deserve this." Jack nodded. "I understand Angy. But for now, you need to stay strong. We will wait till he regains consciousness." The higher-ups seemed to be at an impasse. The woman's steely eyes met Jack's unwavering gaze. "We cannot simply hand over jurisdiction because of your promise. Protocol must be followed." Jack's presence seemed to grow even more formidable as the very air crackled with his energy. "Angy is under my protection, and I will oversee her care." The higher-ups exchanged worried looks. They knew challenging Jack outright could lead to dire consequences. The graying man spoke again, his tone more conciliatory. "Jack, we understand your position. But there must be a way to balance this without undermining the authority of the MBO." Jack took a deep breath, visibly calming himself. "All I ask is for fairneness. Angy has been freed of the dark control. I witnessed it happen. Will the MBO not take my word for it? She has already been put through enough and any further sequence would be a travesty of justice. I stand for justice regardless of the situation." The scientists began to whisper among themselves, their uncertainty evident. The auburn-haired woman stepped forward again. "What about the dark energy?" "Gustav has absorbed everything. She is free. He is the only one that I will allow you observe." Jack glanced at Gustav as the dark marks writhing across his unconscious form. "We need to understand how it affects him. He can be monitored until then but not mistreated." The higher-ups huddled together, their voices low but urgent. After a tense few moments, the steely-eyed woman turned back to Jack. "We will agree to your terms, Jack. Angy will be placed under your care, and we will ensure that Gustav receives a fair trial. But we will not tolerate any further interference." Jack nodded as the tension in the room eased slightly. "That's all I ask." The restraints on Angy began to loosen, and she was finally freed. She rubbed her wrists with a slightly relieved expression. "Thank you, Jack." Jack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. You should probably get a good look at him now before you go. I doubt they will let you visit after this." The higher-ups and scientists slowly dispersed after Jack asked for a moment of privacy. As the room emptied, Jack and Angy stood by Gustav's side. Angy had a face full of emotions as she stared at him. "This is all my fault," Tears streaked down her cheeks as she reached out to touch Gustav's face.