Elements: Age of Creation

An Attack in the Darkness

Hikaru barely had time to react.

The cloaked figure moved with unnatural speed, their strikes precise and relentless. A fist came straight for his ribs–he barely twisted in time to lessen the impact, but pain still exploded through his side.

Damn! This isn't just some random thug…

Before he could recover, a powerful kick struck his leg, knocking him off balance. Hikaru stumbled back, his breath ragged. He had no experience fighting like this. His attacker, on the other hand, was trained – highly trained.

Another strike came–a sweeping kick aimed at his head. Hikaru ducked just in time, rolling backward and putting distance between them.

"Who the hell are you?!" Hikaru demanded.

The figure didn't respond. Instead, they adjusted their stance, their presence unreadable beneath the hood. The dim light from the flickering streetlamps barely illuminated their form, making them appear like a shadow made flesh.

Hikaru gritted his teeth. If this was just some mugger, they would have asked for his wallet by now. But the way this person moved… they weren't after money.

They were after him.

But why?

His thoughts were cut off as the figure lunged forward again. Hikaru barely managed to raise his arms in defense, but the moment the next strike connected, he knew he was outmatched.

Pushed to the Edge

Hikaru hit the ground hard, gasping for air. His limbs ached, his head pounded, and his vision blurred at the edges. He tried to push himself up, but the masked figure was already standing over him, their foot pressing against his chest, pinning him down.

"This is disappointing," the figure murmured. "Is this all their heir to the Element of Light can manage?"

Hikaru's eyes widened. "What…?"

The masked figure leaned in slightly. "You don't even know, do you?" They chuckled, almost amused. "I should end this now."

A surge of panic shot through Hikaru as the attacker raised their hand. A strange, glowing energy crackled in their palm–unlike anything he had ever seen.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears.

Was this it?

Was he going to die here, without even understanding why?

No.

A fire ignited inside him–a deep, ancient power stirring within his very soul. Something primal. Something awake.

And then– 

The Awakening

A blinding light erupted from Hikaru's body.

The attacker staggered back in shock as golden energy burst from within him, illuminating the entire alleyway. The pain in Hikaru's body vanished, replaced by an overwhelming warmth–not fire, but pure radiance.

The masked figure clicked their tongue. "So, it finally awakens…"

Hikaru barely had time to process what was happening. His body moved on instinct. The light around him pulsed, and as the attacker lunged again, he raised his arm–

And a barrier of pure energy flared to life.

The moment their fist connected, a shockwave rippled through the air, forcing the masked figure to leap backward.

They stood still for a moment, studying him, before suddenly... laughing.

"Interesting," Their voice carried amusement. "You really are the one."

Before Hikaru could respond, the figure stepped back into the shadows.

And vanished.

Just like that, the suffocating pressure in their air lifted. The alley fell into silence once more.

Hikaru staggered forward, his breath heavy. His hands were still glowing with golden energy, but as the adrenaline faded, the light dimmed, retreating back into him.

"What… just happened…?" he whispered.

Then, exhaustion crashed into him like a tidal wave. His legs buckled, and the world spun around him.

A Chance Encounter

"Hey! Are you okay?!"

A voice. Warm, concerned.

Hikaru felt hands gently supporting him, stopping him from collapsing completely. His vision swam as he looked up.

Two people–a young couple–stood over him.

The man, Satoshi, had a strong yet kind face, short black hair, and was wearing a leather jacket. His expression was a mix of worry and confusion.

Beside him, the woman, Reina, had soft features, long brown hair, and a nurse's badge pinned to her coat. She knelt beside Hikaru, checking his pulse.

"You look like you just got out of a fight," Satoshi muttered. "Can you stand?"

Hikaru groaned, trying to push himself up. "I… I think so."

Reina exchanged a glance with Satoshi. "We should take him to the police. If he was attacked, he needs to report it."

Hikaru hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to explain whatever just happened to the authorities. But in his current state, he didn't have much of a choice.

"…Alright," he finally said.

Satoshi helped him to his feet, and the couple guided him toward their car. As they drove though the quiet streets, Hikaru stared out the window, his mind racing.

That masked figure had called him the heir to the Element of Light.

What did that even mean?

And more importantly…

Why was he after him?