The morning sun glowed gently over a peaceful neighborhood. Blue skies stretched across the horizon, and the air was calm. On a quiet street, a young boy named Jack walked hand-in-hand with his parents.
His mother smiled as she looked down at him.
His father ruffled Jack's hair and asked,
"So, Jack—how were your grades?"
Jack lit up, grinning from ear to ear.
"I got an 89! I did really good!"
His dad laughed proudly.
"That's awesome! But don't get cocky, alright? Just keep it up."
"Yes, Dad!" Jack nodded enthusiastically.
His mom chuckled beside them.
"Be nice. He did a great job."
They shared a warm family moment, full of love and laughter. Nothing seemed out of place.
But far away, in another dimension…
A world of shadows twisted under a blood-red sky. A monstrous being stood tall, horns curling upward, dark energy crackling around him.
"Is the portal ready?" the demon asked, his voice a deep growl.
A smaller, hunched demon bowed.
"Yes, Master. It's almost time for the reckoning."
The demon lord grinned, his fangs gleaming.
"Good. Let's see how they react. They'll be… surprised."
Back on Earth, Jack's father pointed toward a nearby ice cream stand.
"You did great, son. Let's go get some ice cream to celebrate."
"Yeah!" Jack shouted, bouncing with excitement.
"Thanks, Dad!"
But then… it happened.
A loud crack tore through the sky. The blue turned to red. A glowing, fiery portal opened above the street.
Screams filled the air.
A demon stepped out of the portal, descending slowly with burning wings and eyes like molten lava.
"Why do I always get sent to kill the ants?" he muttered.
With a wave of his hand, a wave of burning energy shot through the air. Cars exploded. Windows shattered. People ran in every direction.
"Dad!" Jack shouted in terror.
"What's happening?!"
"We need to run! Now!" his father shouted.
They grabbed Jack's hands and took off—but in the chaos, Jack tripped. His leg seized up in fear. He couldn't move.
"I... I can't—!" Jack cried.
A smaller demon leapt down, flames flickering in its throat.
"Easy prey," it hissed.
"Jack!!" his father screamed.
In one desperate motion, Jack's father dove forward and shoved his son aside.
The demon's fire struck him instead.
Jack watched in horror as his father fell to the ground, motionless.
"Dad?! Dad, wake up!"
Blood pooled beneath his body.
His mother ran to his side.
"No! Not you too!" she cried, but before she could even touch him—
Slash!
The larger demon moved at blinding speed, claws ripping through her.
Jack's mom collapsed beside his dad.
"No... Mom! Dad!"
The demon stepped over the bodies, laughing.
"So dramatic. Maybe you'll grow up and become the next Batman!"
Jack fell to his knees, screaming through tears.
His hands trembled as he touched their blood-soaked bodies.
That day—the day the sky opened—was remembered forever.
It was the beginning of the end.
The day known as… The Great Decline.