Hidden away in an abyss unconnected to Nexus…
Three clans seemed to have come together, playing in harmony.
A group of Phoenixes leisurely slept together in a large nest, creating a star-like construct.
Circling phoenix nest, hundreds of Void Beast leisurely played around creating and destroying hundreds of planets to use as nests.
Much like the phoenixes, a congregation of Spiritual Beast playfully fought on a single floating island the size of Jupiter.
Overlooking this magnificent sight was a simple, albeit incredibly large, planet Earth-like planet.
Unlike the serenity and playfulness of those below, the inhabitant of this planet roared like a madman.
On the surface of the planet, a dragon laid atop seven ethereal eggs that seemed to fade in and out of existence.
The dragon's abyssal black scales looked as if they contained the essence of darkness.
However, their sleek look was broken apart when you noticed patterns of pink scales running across his body.
Adorned atop his head were six black and pink horns that created a crown-like image.
In front of the dragon, two energy projections levitated in the air as the dragon roared his worries, "Why did you two descend?! FUE! WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP HER?!"
As he roared, tears fell from his eyes, "Qi… Honey! What did Long Long do wrong for you to go to father? Think about the kids. What's happening to the kids? Why'd their flames disperse?"
Only a week had passed since his love's and her sister's energy paths weakened to the point of almost disappearing, and now even his children are in danger!
Long Long couldn't help but be consumed with anxiety and worry as tears flowed faster. He continued roaring, "IF YOU TWO AREN'T BACK, WHEN OUR KIDS ARE BORN!!! I'LL… I'll… AHHH!"
And just like that, his cries started all over again, not caring that the two who needed to hear this wouldn't be able to.
If he could, he would have stormed Nexus long ago, but leaving his children alone, even if it'll take close to a thousand years for them to hatch, would be inexcusable.
Without even being able to learn about Adrian, Long Long was left alone as the two he grew up with, for the most part, left to "help" him.
The only conciliation was that he still had the kids, so he could feel Qi's love even without her here.
Half an hour of crying later, he noticed his eggs become almost completely ethereal, causing Long Long to leak out his True Draconic and Bloodline Auras.
This shift in temperament caused everyone who had been joyfully playing below to feel their bloodlines being suppressed by a being only under the energies and Demi.
Luckily for Nexus and Long Long, his children once again became physical, and their flames relit as an extremely familiar voice rang in his head.
The voice belonged to Qi, allowing her vows to finally be transmitted, 'Mommy will be by your side before you hatch! I'm sorry it's taking longer than I thought… Long Long please wait, a little longer… I love you, hopefully I'll see you soon.'
Hearing his love's voice gave Long Long an indescribable level of comfort.
With a smile on his face, his gigantic body wrapped around his children, as he decided it was ok to wait. He'll get his payback next time!
******
Adrian's True Realm…
The Realm's laws and paths became erratic as two transformations took place back-to-back without giving the realm time to infuse everything properly.
As a side effect, the oceans of Mythos rampaged, pulling in as much energy as possible from their source.
Just as Fue fell on his chest, Adrian's body floated into the air as his energy was once again zapped to repair the Realm, except this time, it only took a small amount compared to the last time.
This time everyone witnessed as dense path principles exploded from Adrian's body, repairing the world.
At the same time, the sound of footsteps echoed in the ears of everyone still awake.
Without realizing it, Zero had adopted many mannerisms and thought processes from his time as the Immortal.
These slight changes caused his body to release music involuntarily.
As he was contemplating what had happened while walking, Zero only noticed his effect when he reached the temple's peak.
Looks of terror flashed across Sakura and Bemo's faces while Dee and Qi looked over with confused eyes.
Looking across their faces, Zero hurriedly fixed his mistake and apologized, "Forgive this old man. I was too deep in thought."
Extending his palm in a Buddhist stance, Zero flinched, noticing the changes in his actions again.
It seems that having been in control of his own body for over a hundred years facing everything he did, had changed him far deeper than he could have ever thought.
Lifting his head, Zero's gaze was met with Sakura's blazing eyes could be seen glaring into his soul, reminding him why he had been below the temple in the first place.
Without hesitation, Zero kneeled to the ground prostrating in front of Sakura, exclaiming, "This Elder has committed a grave sin against you! For that I apologize! You had reminded me of a very vulnerable time in our lives. Please, forgive my mistakes."
Stunned, Sakura could only death glare Zero without knowing the words to say.
It was only after fifty full seconds of awkward silence that Sakura came up with her words saying, "I forgive you, but answer one question for me. Why did you have to act like you did?"
Pausing for a moment, memories flashed through Zero's mind causing the shadows around him to frown, "Um… That's quite the story, but I think I can sum up my actions easily. My inner demons from…"
Taking a deep breath, Zero pointed toward the unconscious Adrian before continuing, "Our inner demons from our childhood… Overlapped with your worn out, exhausted body, causing my mind to want to save you from our fate."
***WARNING!!! Mentions of abuse and suicidal topics, skip to the next chapter if you don't want that energy today. >-< I wish you the best!***
After his words left his lips, the temple became silent as images of Adrian being abused by his classmates, how he struggled every time only to be overpowered and further beaten.
The images flashed of a fight with his father caused by Adrian not wanting to explain how he had been hurt so badly.
Zero's words played out the scenes of Adrian pushing his father out of the way as he ran out the door towards a dim alley a few blocks away.
Tears of frustration ran down his face as he didn't want to involve his ex-special forces, father, only to make it worse.
After entering the alley, Adrian was faced with his bullies, who were multiple years older than him, and had been smoking there.
Without hesitation, the 12-year-old, Adrian, ran up to the 18-year-old bullies' leader, trying to punch him in the face, sealing Adrian's own fate.
Before the punch could even connect, the other two bullies kicked him to the ground as the trio beat the living shite out of him, forcing something else to take over.
Adrian's screams and gasping quickly transformed, becoming eerily quiet for the torment he was experiencing.
It was only after fifteen minutes of beating did the bullies finally lose their joy in Adrian's pain, leaving him in a near-death state.
Fortunately or Unfortunately, Zero had taken the beating for him, leaving his mind still awake.
By the time Adrian's consciousness woke back up, the bullies had left.
At that moment, Zero returned his power and voice to sound as he finished the story while biting his lips, "Sadly at that time… The others had taken the beating leaving them unconscious. Without anyone to stop Adrian… Ran into the highway to die."
The air atop the temple's peak turned stale as an aura of depression overwhelmed everyone.
The only other who knew about the matter, from invading Adrian's mind during his time as Devolver, Dee spoke up, "Enough of that! Deddy should wake up soon! Let his past rest. Let's play till Fue and Deddy wakes up!"