Dark's Pre Crisis

Arc3- My "Weakling"

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Halewick Academy's grand halls, casting soft light across the bustling students. But today, all eyes were subtly fixed on one particular pair as they moved through the academy corridors: Dark and Lara. With each step, Lara clung to Dark's arm, her radiant smile contrasting sharply with Dark's usual quiet and understated demeanor.

Whispers rippled through the students like an undercurrent, curious glances thrown their way by everyone who passed.

Student 1: (whispering) Is that... Dark? With Lara? How did that happen?

Student 2: (grumbling) It doesn't make sense. He barely passes his classes. She could have anyone she wanted.

Student 3: (muttering, jealous) She's clinging to him like he's some hero. Why him?

Dark tried to ignore the stares, his face a mask of indifference as he let Lara lead him through the hallways. To him, the stares and whispers were just part of the act, just background noise to the real mission that kept him in this world. But Lara seemed oblivious or simply unbothered, her cheerful demeanor radiating an air of defiance, as if daring anyone to question her choice.

Cron, Tier, Leona, and Gilmuar lingered nearby, close enough to keep an eye on Dark but careful not to draw attention to themselves. They watched the dynamic between Dark and Lara with varying expressions—Cron smirking, Leona looking slightly bitter, and Tier and Gilmuar sharing quiet nods, a silent recognition of their friend's unusual but undeniable bond with the academy's "princess."

A group of noble boys, well-known for their arrogance and competitiveness, noticed Dark and Lara and exchanged dark looks, jealousy flaring in their eyes. They huddled for a moment before one of them, emboldened by his friends' murmured encouragements, stepped into Dark's path.

Jealous Noble Boy: (sneering) So, this is the academy's famous weakling? Seems like you've got a bit of a... royal escort today.

Lara's gaze turned icy, and she took a step closer to Dark, tightening her grip on his arm.

Lara: (firmly) Be careful with your words. Dark is with me. And you know what that means.

The noble boy faltered, his sneer wavering as he took in Lara's fierce gaze. But he quickly masked his uncertainty, trying to regain his composure in front of his friends.

Jealous Noble Boy: (smirking) Just surprised, that's all. Didn't think someone as... powerful as you would bother with someone who's... (mockingly) barely passing his classes.

Cron, watching from a distance, crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing slightly. He exchanged a look with Tier, a silent agreement passing between them, but they stayed back, letting Dark handle the situation his way.

Dark's eyes met the noble boy's, a flicker of something dangerous beneath his calm exterior. He didn't need to respond; the intensity of his gaze alone was enough to silence the boy's mockery. But Lara wasn't one to let insults slide.

Lara: (smiling coldly) Funny how you're concerned with Dark's "weakness." Last I checked, none of you had the courage to approach me yourselves.

The noble boy's friends exchanged nervous glances, clearly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. With a scowl, the boy took a step back, muttering something under his breath as he retreated with his entourage, throwing one last glare in Dark's direction.

Dark felt a faint smirk tug at his lips as they left, and he leaned slightly toward Lara.

Dark: (quietly) You didn't have to do that, you know.

Lara shrugged, her smile softening as she looked up at him.

Lara: (whispering) I wanted to. Let them talk. They don't know you like I do.