When Kingdom Goes

Act II - Chapter 5

After he was born to his prostitute of a mother, Zero had been given to Dr. Katse from his father, Diono Varasta. Diono wanted nothing to do with the child of a prostitute, but he couldn't bring himself to kill his own blood. He told Dr. Katse to do whatever he likes with the boy, but he could not tell anyone, including the child, about his lineage.

After receiving the child, Dr. Katse used him as a prototype for the experiment he was preparing, dubbed Ether Influence. Seeing as he was simply a test for the actual experiment, the boy was given the name 'Zero'.

Dr. Katse aimed to create something spectacular out of Zero as far as his ability was concerned. With the Ouroboros as its core, he worked tirelessly to put a plan in place to turn Zero into something truly special. The ability he planned for was named Greed. Since it would be a unique ability, he couldn't be sure of how it would work, but he wanted it to take something. Whatever that something was, they would find out when the time came.

The first 8 years of Zero's life was spent cooped up in MERD's facilities. Outside of the ongoing experiment for Ability Influencing, he was used as a subject for any other tests the facility needed to perform.

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"Zero, this will be your new home from now on." Says a young Cem to an expressionless Zero. The petite cabin was situated on the outskirts of a small village surrounded by trees and a single dirt road leading into a likewise small town.

"Go ahead and open the door." Zero does as instructed and is met by an attractive young woman with shoulder length reddish-brown hair a little younger than Cem.

"Oh, I didn't know you were bringing... a child with you."

"Cem, who is this woman?" Zero says, beginning to hide behind Cem.

"This is-

"My name is Anri. What's your's?"

"Dr. Katse calls me Zero."

"Hmm... Why does he call you that?"

"I don't know."

"You are quite the kiddo aren't you?"

"Kiddo? What does that mean?"

She smiles. "It's just another way to say kid. Anyway, are you hungry? I just made dinner."

"Yes I am."

"Great, come on in."

Zero walks through a modestly furnished living room and into the kitchen, oblivious to anything but the divine scent of Anri's home cooking. Three plates of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and buttered bread sit on the dinner table, still steaming.

Anri was about to say something before being abruptly cut off by a loud stomach grumble.

She looks at Zero to confirm it was him, but the look on his face said it all. He was staring at the meal in front of him, mesmerized by the aroma.

"Go on."

He tries to contain his hunger, but he speeds over to the table and sits in the chair nearest to him and begins to devour his plate. By the time Cem and Anri are halfway done Zero had already asked for a second helping. In his eyes, this was the greatest meal he'd ever had. Lab food didn't even compare to the flavors that were coating his taste buds.

"Looks like you enjoyed it. Did you have enough?"

"Yes. It was... good." Zero says, cleaning his hands on a towel. Anri reaches over with her own towel and gently wipes his face. He looks at her and is met by a heartwarming smile. After she cleans him up, Zero lets out a yawn.