Dark's Pre Crisis

Arc 1: Introduction - Dark.

A long time ago...

The world was a crucible of endless possibilities....

The lives of humans, demons, and a myriad of other beings. Magic was as natural as breathing, a boundless force that coursed through the veins of the land, imbuing it with wonder and peril in equal measure.

The landscapes were as diverse as they were vast. Towering mountains pierced the clouds, while ancient forests whispered secrets of the ages. Deserts of shimmering sands concealed cities of gold beneath their shifting waves, and deep oceans harbored civilizations unknown to surface dwellers. In the skies, islands floated, held aloft by enigmatic magics, their people gazing down upon the world below with curious eyes.

Humans, the most numerous and ambitious of all the races, carved empires from the wilderness. Kingdoms rose and fell on the tides of magic and steel, each seeking dominion over the arcane secrets that lay hidden. Their cities, fortresses of learning and power, were where mages unlocked the mysteries of the cosmos and warriors trained in the art of both combat and spellcraft.

But humans were not alone in their pursuit of power. Demons roamed the earth, some acting as allies, trading knowledge for tribute, while others brought fear and destruction. These beings, ancient and powerful, varied like the stars—some noble and wise, others malevolent and cruel.

At the heart of this world was magic, a force that promised miracles and the threat of annihilation. Mages wielded this power, shaping the elements, the spirits, and even reality itself to their will. And amid the chaos and beauty of this world, warriors became legends, their deeds immortalized in song and stone.

In this age of wonder and strife, the tapestry of history was woven—a story of adventure, discovery, and the relentless quest for power.

Chapter 1: Dark

In the heart of a wild, perilous forest, a young boy named Dark navigated the shadows with eerie precision. Cloaked in darkness, his ripped black shirt and bandit mask concealed his identity. He wore soft, black shorts, and a small knife was strapped to his waist—a weapon more for survival than combat.

Dark moved like a shadow, his body agile and fluid as he leaped from rock to log, blending effortlessly into the forest's rhythm. His parkour skills mimicked the movement of a wild animal, sliding through narrow spaces and darting between trees with the ease of someone born in the wild.

Suddenly, he halted behind a tree, his breathing synchronized with the rustling of the leaves. Peering through the foliage, Dark spotted a campfire flickering in the distance, surrounded by tents—and food. His stomach tightened with hunger, but his focus shifted when he heard voices.

Laughter echoed through the trees—four voices. Two male, two female.

Dark: (thinking) If I move fast enough, I can grab the food without them noticing. But I've barely got any stamina left...

He crouched lower, scanning the camp, formulating a plan.

Dark: (thinking) Four people. If I can distract the men, I'll have a few seconds to grab what I need. For the women... maybe Nature can help me.

Dark picked up two small rocks and hurled them at the men, then threw two more in opposite directions to draw them away.

One of the men immediately reacted. "Hey, who's there?"

The other one scoffed, "Probably an animal. Let's split up and check."

As the two men ventured deeper into the forest, Dark's plan unfolded perfectly. Swift as a shadow, he dashed toward the camp. His footsteps were so quiet they could barely be heard, even by the sharpest ears. He grabbed a few bundles of food and water, then turned to slip away.