Chapter 38- The Shades Of Light In His Cruel World (Infinite Backstory Part 1/2)

Zero was born to Rini and Isamu, who were the last of the Saigai Clan. The anthropomorphic jackal was 9 years old, living peacefully with his parents away from civilization and in a small cabin. The family of three enjoyed the time they had together, befriending the animals and planting crops. Before Zero was even born, what remained as the Saigai Clan fell from prominence, dividing themselves into two factions.

One half of the clan wanted to restore the Saigai Clan to their former glory. "We must bring back our days as the mighty and fierce Saigai Clan we were from the past, before we are forgotten from time."

The other half, though, disagrees with them. "Our warmongering days are over, we should plan on rebuilding our image to the world, and live harmonious lives without the constant act of violence and destruction our ancestors committed."

This sparks a civil war between the two factions, with the former half desiring to use the very essence of their will and pride of the Saigai Clan, the Phantom Ruby.

Although, this came with a heavy cost they sadly didn't know about as the accumulated power from having those who were close to death transferring their life force energy into the ruby for generations after Shi's defeat, had made the ruby incompatible to fuse with anybody else. This caused inexcusable pain to the body that slowly spread upon the clan like a plague. When the opportunity seems right, Rini and Isamu deserted the clan, taking the Phantom Ruby with them, so that it will never be in the hands of the wicked.

Back at the present, Zero was happily playing in the forest with the foxes, squirrels, owls and birds. When he came back home, a dreadful sight was shown in front of his innocent eyes. His mother lying on the floor, utterly motionless and her blood spewing in the floor. His father was dealing with two figures, with identical fur and body structure. Isamu was up against two sole living members of the Saigai Clan having sought their vengeance on him and Rini for betraying the clan.

Shima tries to draw his blade down Isamu's chest, shouting at him with extensive rage. "YOU DAMN TRAITORS! BOTH YOU AND RINI WOULD PAY FOR DESERTING US WHEN THE CLAN WAS AT ITS BRINK OF EXTINCTION!"

Isamu struggles to push back Shima, due to the cut in his abdomen done by Shima's accomplice, who he reluctantly killed after he stabbed Rini. "SHIMA! THE CLAN WAS FALL TOO DEEP WITH THEIR FOOLISH DISPUTES THAT COST THEM SO MANY LIVES STUFFED AWAY, FOR WHY? TO PROVE THE OTHER THEY ARE?!"

It doesn't take long for them to notice Zero, and Shima kicks Isamu away and aims to kill the child instead as Isamu's punishment for what he has done.

The bullet never hit Zero, as Isamu took the shot for his beloved son. "Live to the fullest, my son. Dream whatever you want to dream, and when you pass, tell me all about it, okay?"

Overcome with grief, Zero unconsciously uses the power of the Phantom Ruby and attacks his parents' killers. "H…H…HOW DARE YOU KILL MAMA AND PAPA!"

The ruby fused with his body and vaporised the killers with a beam of virtual energy, destroying most of his home.

After burying his parents, Zero, now an orphan, was forced to leave. Before he did, he left some parting words to his deceased parents. "I will do as you say, papa. Mama, Papa, I hope your free from all of the guilty and regrets from leaving your clan"

Zero begins wandering the world outside his childhood home, left to fend for himself and in search of food and shelter. One day, Zero saw a child around his age having got himself into a fight with two thugs, protecting his friend. Without any hesitation, Zero goes on to help the child and they manage to make the thugs run away. It was at that moment, Zero met Kira and Hana, orphans like himself living with Kira's grandfather.

Hana was inspecting Zero's injuries, noting how strong he is despite his frail figure. "It is as if you haven't eaten anything good for years, anyway…thank you for defending me and helping out Kira."

Soon Kira brings his grandfather to their whereabouts, taking Zero back to their house. Zero was bandaged-up and fed his first ever whole meal for a while. Kira's grandfather goes up to Zero. "Where are your parents, child?"

The mentions of his parents made Zero burst into tears, Kira's grandfather quickly comforts Zero with a warm-hearted hug. "You poor thing! If you want, you can stay with us if you want? My grandson and Hana would be delighted to have you around."

Zero mutters to him quietly, but loud enough for Kira's grandfather to hear. "Y…Y…Yes…thank…you"

Kira and Hana joined the hug, fuelling Zero's heart with so much love and happiness he hasn't felt ever since the tragic event that took away his parents from him.

As time passed, Zero, Kira and Hana became good friends, always having each other's backs and shared dreams of a future where they were in charge and could use their power to change the world to a better place. Unfortunately, tragedy struck as Kira's grandfather sadly passed away. In honour of those who had passed, Zero and his friends started a small ragtag group that would fight for the innocent, the weak, and the defenceless.

It is through these events, that modelled the villain known as Infinite. But, what drove him to the path to no return, find out in the next chapter.

See ya!