Hybrid !

Enzo Vandryn

Enzo's steps echoed against the stone floor as he entered the library, his arm held close to his chest, encased in a thick, uncomfortable cast. The library itself was massive, with towering shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the dark ceiling. Dust floated in the pale light that seeped in through small, arched windows, and the air was thick with the musty scent of old paper and ink. It felt ancient, like it had held secrets for centuries, hidden from those who were not ready to see them.

Scarlett was already there, waiting for him with his usual calm, assessing expression. He gestured around the room, his voice breaking the silence. "Take a look, Enzo. But don't waste your time with the books."

Enzo frowned, glancing at the shelves filled with leather-bound volumes, each one looking older than the last. "Why not?" he asked, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone.

Scarlett gave a slight smirk. "No one reads those anymore. They're relics of a past that even hybrids have forgotten." He waved a hand dismissively. "If you want to understand what you are, go to the computers. The information is organized, easier to access. More… efficient."

Enzo hesitated, his gaze drifting between the dusty books and the sleek row of computers tucked into a corner of the library, their screens humming quietly. Part of him wanted to defy Scarlett, to dig through those ancient volumes himself, to uncover the secrets buried within their pages. But with his hand in a cast, every movement ached, and the thought of flipping through thick, crumbling books felt like a struggle.

"Fine," he muttered, making his way over to the computers. He sat down, adjusting his broken arm as he positioned himself in front of the screen. A quick search brought up a wealth of information, words and images flashing across the screen in a language that felt both familiar and foreign.

"Hybrids," he typed, his fingers tapping awkwardly around his cast. The search results flooded the screen, and he selected the first file, titled

"The Legacy of the Hybrids".

As he scrolled through the file, the words sank into his mind, one by one, piecing together a story he hadn't dared to imagine.

"Hybrids are a unique lineage born of vampire, werewolf, and witch blood. Unlike their supernatural counterparts, hybrids do not inherit the powers of any one species. Instead, they carry the qualities and resilience of each, grounded in the supernatural world without being dominated by it."

Enzo's eyes narrowed as he read, his mind struggling to comprehend. They weren't vampires, weren't werewolves, weren't witches. They were something else entirely—a bridge between these worlds, but without the powers that defined each group.

"The hybrids were once revered as peacekeepers, mediators who sought to bring order to the supernatural world. Without the vulnerabilities or rivalries tied to any one faction, they stood apart, earning trust across species."

Enzo felt a strange sense of pride swell in his chest as he read those words. His family—the Vandaryns—had a legacy that was more than survival. They had once been a symbol of unity in a fractured world. But as he continued to scroll, his heart sank.

"The Fall of the Hybrids: Betrayal from Within" 

"One among them, a hybrid of great ambition, betrayed their kind. Motivated by a desire for control, this hybrid disrupted the delicate balance they had built, sparking chaos and distrust among vampires, werewolves, and witches alike. The hybrids, once a respected lineage, became outcasts, hunted by those who feared their potential influence." 

"Hybrids are now seen as threats to the balance of supernatural forces. Vampires view them as unpredictable, werewolves see them as abominations, and witches mistrust their mixed blood". Enzo sat back, his heart pounding. So this was why the organization was involved—they saw hybrids as a danger, not because of any inherent power, but because of the influence hybrids could wield. And the Vandaryns, his family, were the last known descendants of this lineage, carrying the stigma and legacy of that betrayal.

The Legacy of Summoning

Enzo's eyes scanned the screen, and as he read further, he began to understand that the hybrids' connection to the supernatural world wasn't limited to their heritage alone. They had also inherited a unique skill—the ability to summon objects, creatures, or forces, much like the ancient witches. This power wasn't inherent magic but rather an ability grounded in the hybrids' bloodline, a bridge between the physical and mystical realms.

"Summoning," the text read, "is a rare skill among hybrids, passed down through specific bloodlines. It grants them the power to call forth entities, objects, or forces from the supernatural world. While hybrids lack the full magical prowess of witches, their summoning is a skill that few can match. This ability allowed hybrids to wield influence, commanding forces beyond the reach of ordinary creatures." 

He read on, intrigued and slightly unnerved.

"For the Vandaryns, emotions hold a unique power. If a hybrid wields a weapon—particularly a sword—while experiencing intense feelings, the weapon itself can absorb this energy, gaining properties beyond its physical nature. In moments of anger, pain, or fierce determination, the sword may begin to glow, emanating an aura that inflicts pain on any who face it, potentially even growing strong enough to kill."

Enzo's eyes widened as he imagined it. This wasn't just about summoning objects; it was about imbuing them with the essence of his own emotions, turning them into extensions of himself. A sword in his hand, fueled by his own will and pain, could become a weapon of unimaginable strength, capable of inflicting deep, agonizing wounds that went beyond the physical.

Enzo felt a whirlwind of emotions as he absorbed the revelation on the screen. His gaze lingered on the words "Awakening Hybrid Powers" flashing at the bottom of the document, sparking his curiosity and fueling his determination. But just as he was about to dive into this new file, a presence behind him made him pause.

A low, familiar voice cut through the silence. "Understanding this truth is a burden, Enzo."

Enzo turned to see Aegon standing behind him, his face shadowed but his eyes intense. There was a heaviness in his cousin's gaze, a weight that came from knowing things others didn't. Enzo looked at him, questions burning in his mind.

Aegon stepped forward, gesturing for Enzo to leave the computer and follow him. "The organization doesn't fear you for any powers you might wield," Aegon continued as they moved out of the library, his tone measured, filled with the caution of someone who had learned hard truths. "They fear you because of what hybrids represent. We're a symbol of unity in a world built on division. And that makes us a threat."

Enzo clenched his jaw as he walked beside Aegon, his mind racing with a mix of anger, fear, and a dawning sense of purpose. "So that's why we're hunted? Because someone betrayed us?"

Aegon nodded, his expression grim. "Power, Enzo. The supernatural world is built on it—on control, alliances, and fear. Hybrids were once seen as a balancing force, something that could tip the scales between factions. When one of our own turned against us, that balance was shattered. The supernatural factions saw hybrids as an unpredictable element, something that could disrupt their status quo, so they turned on us."

They walked in silence for a few moments, Enzo's thoughts a storm of emotions. His gaze drifted to his cast-covered arm, a painful reminder of the dangers they now faced. His family, the last of the hybrids, bore the weight of a legacy that was both revered and feared. They weren't hunted for any extraordinary powers, but for what they symbolized—a unity that threatened to topple the fragile order of the supernatural world.

As they approached the gym, Aegon's voice softened. "We can't afford to be weak, Enzo. We have to be strong—not just for ourselves, but for each other. We're all that's left, the last of a family that once sought peace between vampires, werewolves, and witches. Now, we have to protect each other because no one else will."

Enzo took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Aegon's words settle over him like a heavy cloak. The truth was no longer just knowledge; it was a responsibility, a duty to protect their family and uphold the legacy they had inherited. He knew he would have to tell the others, to make them understand the reality of who they were and why they were in danger.

They reached the gym, and Aegon turned to him, his expression resolute. "We're not monsters," Aegon said, echoing Enzo's own thoughts from earlier. "And we're not going to be hunted. Not like this. We're going to be strong enough to defend ourselves, strong enough to protect our family."

Enzo nodded, a fierce determination igniting within him. The Vandaryn legacy would not end in fear and betrayal. Not this time.

Aegon gave a slight nod, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Because they won't stop coming, Enzo. And we have to be ready."

Enzo clenched his fists, his broken arm a painful reminder of their vulnerability. But as he looked at Aegon, he knew he wasn't alone. They were Vandaryns, bound by blood, by history, and now, by the resolve to protect what was left of their family.

Diego

Diego strolled up the walkway to Enzo's house, hands in his pockets, whistling a tune. The evening air was crisp, and the familiar sight of Enzo's place felt comforting, like a second home. He didn't have any specific reason for stopping by, but he figured he'd check in, maybe pester Enzo a bit about the mountain of homework they both had piling up.

He knocked on the door, and after a few moments, it opened to reveal Luther, Enzo's father. Luther gave him a warm smile, though his expression held a hint of curiosity.

"Diego," Luther greeted, stepping aside to let him in. "What brings you here?"

Diego shrugged, stepping into the cozy hallway. "Just came to see if Enzo was up for a study session. Figured we could tackle that history homework together before it buries us both."

Luther chuckled, shaking his head. "Enzo? Studying?" He raised an eyebrow, an amused twinkle in his eye. "I'm afraid you missed him. He's over at Aegon's house. Probably playing that old PS3 they've got, knowing those two."

Diego let out a laugh, rolling his eyes. "Figures. I come all the way over here, and he's off gaming with Aegon. Typical Enzo."

Luther nodded, leaning against the doorframe. "He'll probably be there for a while, knowing those boys. Last time, they lost track of time and nearly missed dinner. You'd think they'd invented a whole new game with the way they were yelling at each other."

Diego grinned, imagining the two cousins glued to the screen, probably trash-talking each other over some intense match. "Well, at least I know he's alive and kicking. I'll bug him tomorrow, make him catch up on the homework he's dodging."

Luther laughed. "Good luck with that. Enzo's mastered the art of procrastination. You might need to drag him out of there yourself."

Diego smirked, giving a casual shrug. "I might just do that." With a wave, he headed back out, already planning his next ambush for Enzo.

Enzo Vandryn

The night was quiet, with only the soft flicker of the lamp illuminating Enzo's room. His broken arm throbbed dully as he turned the pages of the book in front of him, absorbing every word with a focus he hadn't felt in a long time. The book was old, the edges worn and the pages slightly yellowed, filled with details about the process of awakening—a journey hybrids took to tap into their true potential, beyond mere physical training.

The text was captivating, describing how each hybrid's awakening was unique, shaped by personal trials, emotions, and the hybrid's will. It wasn't something that could be forced; it had to be experienced, often in moments of intense struggle or danger. The more he read, the more Enzo felt a fierce determination ignite within him. This was something he had to do—not just for himself, but for his entire family.

With his mind racing, Enzo closed the book and set it aside. He needed answers, guidance on how to begin this journey, and there was only one person who could help him understand.

Moments later, Enzo found Aegon in the hallway outside the gym, his cousin's face cast in shadows. Aegon looked up, a hint of surprise flickering in his gaze as Enzo approached him with purpose.

"How did you awaken your powers?" Enzo asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity and intensity.

Aegon's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. He looked away, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "I don't want to talk about it," he muttered. "It's… complicated."

Enzo pressed on, undeterred. "Complicated or not, I need to know. I'm not just asking for myself—I'm asking for all of us."

Aegon's gaze returned to him, his eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and understanding. There was a long pause, and then Enzo continued, his voice filled with determination.

"I'm going to gather the others—all of our cousins, every Vandaryn. I'm going to train them, make them stronger. I want them to know the truth, Aegon. We can't keep hiding from this. They deserve to understand what we are and what we're up against."

Aegon studied him in silence, and then he gave a slow, resigned nod. "You're right," he admitted. "I've thought about this for a long time. I can't always be there to protect everyone. It's better if we all know how to defend ourselves, to be ready for whatever comes. Training them… it's the only way."

Unbeknownst to either of them, their conversation was being observed.

In a small, dimly lit room filled with security monitors, Scarlett watched the scene unfold on a grainy screen, her face expressionless but her eyes calculating. She leaned forward, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk as she listened to their words.

"This is not good," Scarlett murmured to herself, her gaze narrowing as she watched Enzo and Aegon's resolve harden.

Back in the hallway, Enzo turned to leave, his decision made. As he walked away, he muttered to himself, barely loud enough for Aegon to hear.

"Not just train… awaken."