Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Crow: Armageddon ❯ The Shadow Line ( Chapter 8 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: The Wolf Demon 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Horror / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 04.14.2007 | Pages: 9 | Words: 6.7K | Visits: 251 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Horror / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 04.14.2007 | Pages: 9 | Words: 6.7K | Visits: 251 | Status: Completed
The Crow: Armageddon By The Wolf Demon
Disclaimer: The Crow is owned by James O' Barr and Dimension Films. Yu-Gi-Oh is owned by Kazuki Takahashi, 4kids TV, and Funimation. Teen Titans and Batman is owned by Warner Bros., DC comics, and Cartoon Network.
Author's note: Kokuryu decided to back out due to loss of interest but he'll still be helping out, so now I'm goin' solo on the final chapters. Countdown to Armageddon begins right here, folks. In this emotionally charged chapter, The Crow finally get his eventual confrontation with his old friend, Bakura. What is Bakura's agenda and what does he want with the Egyptian God keys? let's start the show, my fellow wolves and Crow-ites!
"YEAH!
Yeah
All I've ever wanted was destiny to be fulfilled
It is in my hands, I must not fail, I must not fail
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
This is the proving ground
Misery begins to rise
Turn away from yesterday
Tomorrow's in my eyes (Oh!)
Nevermore to be held down
By the waves against me
Nevermore to be cast aside
This day is mine
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
I will not be denied in this final hour
I will not be denied, this day is mine
This passion inside me is burning (Is burning)
This passion inside me is burning (Is burning)
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always (always)
This fire burns (fire burns) always
Always (always)"
Killswitch Engage-"This Fire Burns"
Chapter 8:
The Shadow Line
(North Gotham)
Bakura was driving around in the cool brisk evening in Gotham City. For the last couple of hours, he was searching for his old friend, Yami Yugi "The Crow" Muto and his sister, Raven Roth-Muto. Bakura didn't find him or her.
'Dammit! I can't find Yugi or his sister anywhere!' Bakura shouted in his mind. 'Once I destroy Yugi and take his Millenium Puzzle, Raven will become my queen. Then I'll destroy Marik and take his Millenium Rod along with the Egyptian God keys. No one will stop me!'
It was then something was telling him to stop in front of a nearby liquor shop. Bakura noticed a man with balding wild white hair wearing a grey suit and glasses carrying a puppet wearing an Al Capone style suit robbing the place.
"What the hell's going on in there?" Bakura asked himself as he got out the car to check it out.
Inside the liquor store, Arnold Wesker a.k.a. The Ventriloquist and his dummy boss, Scarface, stood there as the clerk placed the funds into a burlap sack.
"Hurry da fuck up and put da money in da gag!" Scarface barked as he aimed his tommy gun at the clerk.
"You better do what he says!" Arnold yelled in a startled voice. "He won't hesitate to pull the trigger!"
"Shad da fuck up, dummy!" Scarface screamed as he smacked his human accomplice with his wooden left hand. "I don't have all night, here!"
"Am I interrupting something?" A voice asked.
Arnold and Scarface noticed a white haired teenager dressed in a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. He also wore a pyramid-shaped pendant with a eyeball in the middle accented with five sharp pointer.
"Who da fuck are ya, kid!?" Scarface shouted. "Say, dats some fancy jewelry here, kid. Why not hand it over?"
"Hmph. I'm not giving up my prized Millenium Ring to some second-rate ventriloquist," Bakura said coldly.
"Hey! I'm da fuckin' grains 'round here and he's da dummy!" Scarface screamed. "Ya getter hand over dat necklace or youse ge eatin' some coppa-coated candy!"
Bakura simply gave Scarface and Arnold a dirty smirk. "It is you who is the dummy. You're nothing more than a mere cover-up for that man's cowardice."
Scarface shook violently. "Shaddup, ya punk ass gastard! Say one more word or youse be sleepin' wit da maggots!"
"Hmph. Let's see how much of a big man you are without your puppet," Bakura said as he grabbed Scarface from Wesker's hand.
"Scarface!" Wesker screamed. "Let him go!"
'Dummy, save me!' Scarface screamed fearfully. 'Quick, do somethin' here!'
Arnold tried to snatch Scarface back but all he got was a violent pie-face shove from Bakura. The Ventriloquist landed on his ass as Bakura proceeded to smash Scarface's wooden head on the floor. The left side of Scarface's face was smashed to pieces. Wesker mourned for Scarface's "death" as Bakura taunted, "Aww, the little baby's crying for his doll. Don't worry, you'll join him right now, in Hell."
"What are you doing?" Wesker asked as Bakura pulled a switchblade from his pocket.
Ryou flicked the blade out of the handle and slashed Wesker's throat then stabbed him several times in the chest. He stood over Wesker's corpse as he heard a gun click. Bakura turned to see the owner carrying a handgun and shaking nervously. He scared the clerk with a simple "boo". The clerk dropped his weapon and ran for the exit in the backroom. A short time later, the police investigated the crime scene. Commissioner Gordon assumed The Crow had once again gone bezerk and killed Arnold Wesker and his puppet crime boss, Scarface but Albrecht had his doubts.
"Do you think Yugi may have something to do with this?" Gordon asked.
"No. If Yugi did kill Arnold Wesker, he would've left behind his trademark bird calling card," Abrecht replied.
"What do you mean?" Gordon asked.
Albrecht looked at The Eye of Horus carved into Wesker's bloodied chest. "Take a good look at this; whoever murdered Mr. Wesker, wanted us to know who did this. Why the killer carved an eyeball into his chest beats the hell outta me."
"So The Crow didn't do this," Gordon said.
"Yep," Albrecht said.
(Downtown Gotham/Muto apartment)
The Crow and Raven were having a sparring match of the roof of their temporary home. They traded various blows and blasts at each other. Yugi was armed with a pair of filipino fighting sticks while Raven used her magic. The Crow spun them in his hands and smacked the roof floor with them as Raven charged up her magic.
"Don't hold back on me now," The Crow said.
"Have no intention too, big bro," Raven said.
"Let's finish this," Yami Yugi said.
Just as they were to trade blows again, Yami and Raven stopped and heard a voice saying, "Hey, Yugi and Raven."
"Robin, what are you doing?" Yugi asked.
"Arnold Wesker and Scarface were murdered a few hours ago," Robin replied.
"Who killed them?" Raven asked.
"Well, the clerk said the murderer had long white hair and light brown eyes," Robin stated.
"What? Bakura?" The Crow asked with shock as he dropped his fighting stick. "No..."
"I'm sorry, Yuge but we're gonna have to turn him in," Robin said.
"Bakura and I had been friends since we were kids," Yugi said sadly. "He would never do something like this."
"Unfortunately, he did," Batman said as he appeared on the roof.
"Batman," The Crow said. "What are you doing here?"
"I've been keeping tabs on your friend, Bakura," Batman said. "He's looking for you."
"I gotta reason with him," Yami said. "I know there's still good in him."
"He's not if he continues to commit crimes like this," Batman said truthfully.
"The Millenium Ring is making him do this!" Yugi shouted. "I know Bakura! We've been friends for a long time!"
"Why should I trust the word of a serial killer?" Batman asked grimly.
"Bear in mind that he was possessed by the dark side of his soul," Raven interjected. "Therefore, you can't say that those recent killings were his fault. And I have yet to see you turn Robin in for similar acts of lethality upon criminals. Then again, he didn't do it in 'your' city, so I doubt you care that much."
"You may have a point," Batman conceded. "But I'm keeping an eye on you both. Something about these Millennium Items seems to drive their bearers to acts of violence. It might be better if we melted them all down."
"No, I use this puzzle for the forces of good and I will use it to help my friend," The Crow said. "Give me a chance to reason with him. Raven never gave up on me when I was psychotic and I'm not gonna give up on Bakura. That's all I'm asking."
Batman couldn't help but smile at The Crow. "All right. If you're determined to save your friend, then do it but I will catch him if he continues to commit murder. No matter what it takes. Understand?"
"Thank you," The Crow said. "Even after all this shit, you're still my hero."
"Flattery gets you nowhere," the Dark Knight answered, although he seemed to almost be smiling. "I should get going. Jason told me of an informant who knows about this mysterious cult somewhere in the city."
"I'm coming with you," Robin said. "I kinda miss having adventures with you."
"All right but don't anything stupid," Batman said.
"Whatever you say, dad," Robin said sarcastically. "Yuge, Raven, wanna come with?"
"No, thanks," Yugi said.
"Ok. We'll tell you about this cult later," Robin said. "Bye."
Batman and Robin left to find the informant. Yugi sat down while thinking about his old friend Bakura.
"What's wrong?" Raven asked.
"Just thinking about Bakura," The Crow replied. "I'm gonna go find him."
"What about practice?" Raven asked.
"That can wait," Yugi said.
"Well, then I'm coming with you," Raven said.
"All right but be careful. Who knows what Bakura will do," Yugi said.
Yugi and Raven headed downstairs to their apartment. Yugi grabbed his overcoat and draped it over him. He placed his fighting sticks into the custom pockets of the inside of his coat. They left their home, got into the GTO and searched for Bakura.
(Gotham Hotel)
Serenity was sitting on her bed while watching the news. Summer Gleason was talking about the recent murder of Arnold Wesker.
"Fifty-six year old criminal Arnold Wesker was found stabbed to death," Summer said. "The late criminal suffered from dissociative identity disorder, a common mental condition where two personalities would alternate control over one person. Police interviewed an eyewitness after the crime took place. The killer is described to be somewhere between eighteen to twenty-five years of age and five feet, seven inches tall with white hair and light brown eyes. The killer left behind this calling card on Wesker's body..."
A sketch of an eyeball appeared on the tv. It looked similiar to the eye on Yugi's Millenium Puzzle. After having enough about listen to Arnold's death, Serenity turned off the tv. She was getting ready meet everyone for a pizza run but then suddenly, the lights went out. Blood red light suddenly illuminated the room as she suddenly got scared.
"What the fuck's going on here?" Serenity asked herself in a startled tone.
Bakura suddenly appeared out of nowhere inside the room. Serenity saw him smiling evilly at her.
"Hi, Serenity. It's been awhile," Bakura said.
"Bakura? What are you doing here?" Serenity asked. "I thought you were still at the group home."
Bakura chuckled. "The doctor said I was mentally healthy enough to leave that god forsaken place. Now, there's a favor you can do for me."
"Whatever it is, I won't do it!" Serenity screamed.
"Oh, no. It's nothing like that," Bakura said as he walked toward Joey's baby sister. "I want you to pass on a message for me. Tell The Crow to meet me at Crime Alley. We've got some catching up to do."
Bakura's face was within close range of Serenity's. He smiled at her while running his fingers through the strands of her hair then backed away.
"Remember, tell Yugi to find me at Crime Alley," Bakura said as he disappeared.
Afterwards, the lights in the room returned to normal. Serenity ran out of the room to tell Joey and the others about what happened.
"Serenity, what happened?" Joey asked with concern.
"I saw Bakura," Serenity replied with a hint of terror.
"Bakura? I thought he was back at home," Tristen said.
"No, he's here in Gotham," Serenity said. "He's coming after Yugi."
"Why is he coming after Yugi?" Cyborg asked.
"I don't know but he said to tell Yugi meet him at some place called 'Crime Alley'," Serenity replied.
"I'll call Yugi and Raven and let them know about this," Superboy said while grabbing a reciever off a pay phone. "Joey, got a couple of quarters on ya?"
"Sure. Here," Joey said as he gave Superboy some quarters. "Did Bakura hurt ya, sis?"
"No but he did scare me," Serenity said. "He wasn't the same Bakura we once knew."
"It's all right, Serenity. Tristen's here for ya," Tristen said as he hugged her.
"Hey! Hands off my sister, retard boy!" Joey shouted as he pushed Tristen off Serenity. "Can't ya see she's hurtin' here!?"
"She may be your sister, Joey but she's my girlfriend!" Tristen shouted back.
"Shut the fuck up, both of you!" Mai screamed.
"Yeah, I'm trying to make a call to Yugi and Raven, you jackasses," Superboy said as he placed the two quarters into the pay phone. "C'mon, Yuge. Pick your cell, man."
Meanwhile, The Crow and Raven drove through Gotham, searching for Bakura. Yugi heard his cell phone ring. He picked it up and said, "Hello?"
"Yuge? It's Conner," Conner spoke.
"What's going on?" The Crow asked.
"Serenity just had a unwelcomed visitor," Superboy replied.
"What happened? Is she ok?" Yugi asked.
"She's fine, she just had a little scare from an old friend of yours," Superboy said.
"Bakura?" The Crow asked with shock.
"Yep. Bakura said to meet him at Crime Alley. Birthplace of the Batman," Conner said.
"All right. I'll see him there then," The Crow said as he hung up.
Yugi slammed on the brakes as the car screeched to a halt. He did a quick turn as Raven asked, "Where are we heading?"
"Crime Alley. Superboy told me Bakura could be over there," The Crow said.
(Downtown Gotham)
Batman and Robin swung through Gotham just like old times. They hadn't spoken too much to each other during their trip. They spotted Nightwing standing on a rooftop. Batman and Robin landed as Nightwing said, "Fancy meeting you here."
"You said the informant is somewhere in this building?" Batman asked.
"Yes but I don't know where the hell he is," Nightwing said. "Why's Robin here? I thought he's still mad at you."
"We made up," Robin answered simply.
Then they saw a man in a dark purple robe with his face hidden by the shadows of his hood walking to them.
"You've been looking for me, haven't you?" The hooded man asked.
"What is it you know about this cult?" The Dark Knight asked.
"We call ourselves The Ghouls," The hooded man said. "I'm sure you already knew we are the reincarnation of the dark sect that worshipped the arch-demon, Thartoc."
"Yes," Robin said. "Where's Tea and Starfire?"
"They're fine but my master has big plans for them both," the hooded man said.
"What does he want with them?" Nightwing asked.
"He plans to use their lifeforces to free the Egyptian Gods from their key prisons," the hooded man said. "Then he plans to use their powers for galatical armageddon. Guess which planet he wants first?"
"This one," Batman answered.
"Yes. Then the alien girl's home planet is next," The hooded man said.
Robin extended an X-blade. "That's not going to happen."
"And you think you can stop my master?" the hooded man asked.
"I will take him down!" Robin shouted.
"Your powers are nothing compared to Marik's," The hooded man said.
"We'll see," Robin murmured, holding the X-blade to his throat. "In the meantime, there's nothing wrong with demonstrating what awaits the bastard. Mind if I begin with you?"
Nightwing moved to restrain Robin but Batman held him back.
"Think I fear you?" The hooded man said as he grabbed Robin's wrist and tossed it aside. "Listen good, fool. Seek out Arthur Hawkins, perhaps he'll give you more of a definitive answer than me. Let The Crow know when you see him."
The hooded man stepped back into the shadows and said, "Remember, find Arthur Hawkins. He's at Gotham U."
After that, the hooded man was gone. The Batman Family now had two major problems on their hands: the possible destruction of the universe if Marik obtains all the keys and find out where Arthur Hawkins lives somewhere in the city.
"Oh, crap! We gotta make sure Marik doesn't get those keys!" Robin exclaimed.
"I'll check out Gotham University. I could find Arthur's address somewhere on file," Nightwing said.
"You do that. Robin, we're gonna go find Yugi," Batman ordered. "It is vital that he knows about what that man told us."
"Right," Robin said. "Let's go."
(Crime Alley)
The Crow parked his GTO a few blocks from Crime Alley, the same place where he rescued Jaden and Alexis from a few nights back. Yugi and Raven got out of the car to find Bakura somewhere in the gritty alley way. As they stepped on one particular spot in the alley, Yugi and Raven felt a flashback coming into their minds. It was quick but graphic, they see a mugger aiming a revolver at a boy and his parents. The mugger fires one round each into the mother and the father then they fell to the ground, dead. The murderer ran off, leaving behind the boy as the sole survivor then it ended.
"What the fuck was that?" The Crow asked.
"Welcome," A voice called out.
"Bakura?" Yugi asked.
"In the flesh," Bakura said as he tilted his head. "I didn't know you would bring a guest with you. Not to mention a very beautiful guest."
"Back off!" Raven shouted.
"Feisty. That's how I like my women," Bakura said with lust.
"This isn't like you, Bakura," Yugi said. "Please, come back to us. We can help you over come the evil within you."
"No!" Bakura shouted. "The sweet and kind Bakura you once knew is dead! He died in that group home after his best friend's death!"
"I know . . . he's still in there," Yami Yugi pleaded. "Just let him come out . . . please."
"Don't you even fucking get it!?" Bakura screamed. "The Bakura you once knew is dead! Dead along with your pathetic family!"
The mark of the crow flashed angrily on Yami Yugi's forehead. "Don't ever . . . ever call my family pathetic!"
"They all deserved to die!" Bakura screamed. "After I send you back to the maggots, I'll take your Millenium Puzzle along with the God keys, and I'll make that halfbreed sister of yours my bride. No one will deny me of my destiny as ruler of Earth!"
"And why . . . would I ever become a bride to someone as twisted as you?" Raven asked, her voice laden with contempt.
"What's the matter, getting cold feet?" Bakura asked. "Just like Yugi, you are a fool too, halfbreed."
"You'll pay for calling me that!" Raven screamed. "No one calls me a halfbreed and gets away with it!"
"Aww, you two are getting mad," Bakura said sarcastically. "I know just a fitting place for the three of us, the Shadow Realm!"
Bakura shot his hands up forth as he summoned a blanket of shadows that was covering the alley. He cackled insanely until Crime Alley was completely covered in shadows. Various lost souls flew around the Shadow Realm while they wailed in misery. Yugi and Raven felt like they were in a H.R. Giger painting.
"Where are we, Yugi?" Raven asked.
"We're in the Shadow Realm," The Crow replied.
"The Shadow Realm?" Raven repeated.
"Yes, the Shadow Realm," Bakura said. "The only way to leave this place alive is to win a Shadow Duel and to make things interesting."
Bakura summoned a being bound in shadow shackles. The Crow immediately recognized the shackled man sitting on the floor.
"Bakura!" The Crow exclaimed.
"Yugi...please help me," the real Bakura said weakly.
"Shut your fucking mouth, weakling!" Yami Bakura shouted as he kicked his light counterpart in the face.
Light Bakura fell to the floor as The Crow shouted, "You god damn monster! I will make you suffer!"
"You're starting to hate me, old friend?" Yami Bakura mocked. "That's not very nice."
"Release Bakura now!" Raven shouted.
"If you and your brother wanna free my weaker side, halfbreed, you both must defeat me," Yami Bakura said. "But I highly doubt you'll win this Shadow Duel. Now I shall summon my minions!"
Two dark auras swirled in front of Yami Bakura and took on forms. One resembled a zombie dressed in a magenta colored medieval-style outfit armed with a flambert sword. The other was a knight dressed in pale silver armor armed with a sword and a shield but the knight didn't have a head.
"Meet Gravemind the Earl of Demise and Volstagg the Headless Knight!" Yami Bakura exclaimed.
"What is thy bidding, my master?" Gravemind asked.
"Destroy The Crow and his sister with extreme prejudice," Yami Bakura ordered. "Be sure not to damage my prize. I want the Millenium Puzzle intact."
"Yes, master," Gravemind said. "Thou shalt have the puzzle in thy hands." Volstagg just grunted in agreement.
"Art thou prepared to die?" Gravemind asked.
"Are you?" Yugi asked.
"Thou wilt kiss my blade for thy remark," Gravemind said coldy. "Volstagg and myself will smite thee and thy sister."
"Smite this," Raven retorted. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
Darkness surrounded Raven and lashed out at Gravemind and Volstagg.
"Thy magic art no match for us!" Gravemind said as he created a necro shield. "As thou can see, we're hellspawn."
"Yeah, yeah, I've seen hellspawn before," Raven drawled sarcastically.
"Volstagg, take the girl. The Crow is mine to destroy," Gravemind said.
Volstagg moved to attack Raven.
"Raven, take this!" The Crow yelled as he tossed her his combat knife.
Raven caught the combat knife. "Thanks, bro."
"Get ready for thy death! Have at thee!" Gravemind screamed as he raised his flambert over his head and glowed a sickly green. "Necro Strike!"
Gravemind slashed the air in a arc, sending his necro energy toward The Crow. He quickly dodge the incoming blast and pulled out his fighting sticks. The Crow tried to strike at Gravemind but the hellspawn avoided the incoming blow and stabbed him in the left shoulder. Yugi felt severe pain in his shoulder as he grunted.
"It seems mine powers can cause thee great pain," Gravemind stated. "What happens when thou hast a full blast?
Meanwhile, Raven did her best trying to avoid Volstagg's attacks. Volstagg waved his sword at Raven but she blocked it with her loaned combat knife. Then she felt pain in her shoulder too as the headless knight grunted in confusion. Yami Bakura looked at them with curiosity.
'Why are they feeling pain at the same time?' Yami Bakura asked mentally. 'Its almost like they're psychically linked.'
"Time to taste mine full power, Yugi," Gravemind said as he raised sword again. "Necro Strike!"
Gravemind fired another blast of necro magic at Yugi but he moved out of the way in time. Despite pain in his shoulder, The Crow ran toward the hellspawn and smacked him in the head with one of his fighting sticks. Volstagg roared as he tried to slash at Raven. She quickly blocked the headless knight's blade with the combat knife and kicked him in the sternum. Raven shot Volstagg with her dark powers but he blocked it with his shield. Volstagg laughed as he swung his sword at her again. Raven jumped and spin kicked him in the chest.
Volstagg grunted in anger as he charged at her but Raven jumped over him and kicked him in the upperback. The Crow blocked Gravemind's flambert with his fighting sticks and kicked him in the chin. Gravemind smacked him back with his flambert's handle.
"'Good night, sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!'" Gravemind ranted as he pointed his flambert at The Crow.
The Crow smirked. "Thanks but I don't intend to rest just yet. However . . . you look a bit tired yourself."
"I wilt silence thy tongue!" Gravemind shouted as he raised his flambert. "Necro Blast!"
Gravemind fired a power of necroplasm at Yugi but he crossed his arms to block it. However, the incoming blow sent shockwaves of pain throughout his body. Raven also felt it due to her link to The Crow. Yami Bakura laughed with glee as his hellspawned monsters were now ready to finish them off.
"Destroy them now! Kill them!" Yami Bakura screamed.
Volstagg and Gravemind raised their respective weapons to finish off the Muto Siblings. Light Bakura's eyes widened as he screamed, "Yugi! Don't give up!"
Upon hearing his old friend's words, The Crow blocked the incoming with his fighting sticks. Raven did the same thing with Volstagg. In an act of desperation, Gravemind knocked the fighting sticks out of Yugi's hands and fired another shot of necroplasm at him. The Crow quickly grabbed the Slypher key from his coat pocket and blocked it when the key turned into its sword form. The Crow cut the flambert into two then summoned the sword's power.
"It ends here!" The Crow said. "Thunder Force Strike!"
"No! Gravemind!" Yami Bakura shouted.
With a quick slash of the Slypher blade, The Crow severed Gravemind's head. The hellspawn's body collasped onto the shadow ground as Yugi returned his Slyper sword back to its key form and put it back in his pocket. Raven blocked Volstagg's sword with her combat knife then pushed him back. She shot the headless knight with her magic which knocked his sword out of his hands. Raven placed the combat knife to her belt and grabbed Volstagg's weapon. As Volstagg got up, Raven hacked him into two with the sword.
"You can't kill Volstagg, he'll just reform and came after you again!" Yami Bakura shouted.
"We'll see! Shadow Wave Crush!" Raven shouted as she shot Volstagg with her attack and fried him.
"God Dammit! I was so close!" Yami Bakura screamed with rage. "I will not be denied of my destiny! I will destroy you myself, Yugi Muto!"
The Crow smirked. "I don't think so, 'friend'. Let's take him down, Raven."
"I'm with you, Yugi," Raven said.
Yugi and Raven summoned dark energy within as Yami Bakura charged after them.
"Soul Killer!" The Crow and Raven shouted as they fired their blasts at Yami Bakura.
Yami Bakura was hit by the blasts. "Aaahhh! God damn you! God damn all of you!"
Yami Bakura continued screaming until he was vaporized. Soon enough, the shadow shackles on Bakura vanished as Yugi and Raven ran up to him then they all returned to the real world.
"Bakura!" The Crow exclaimed with concern. "Are you all right?"
"I'm...I'm fine," Bakura said weakly. "Yugi, it's been a long time. Where have you been after all these years?"
The Crow smiled faintly. "It doesn't matter where I've been. I'm just glad you're back."
"Likewise, Yugi," Bakura said.
"Have you met my sister, Raven?" Yugi asked.
"Hey, Bakura," Raven said softly.
"It's nice to meet you," Bakura said.
Upon saying that, Bakura's body began to fade. The Crow gasped as he asked, "Bakura, what's going on?"
"I'm sorry but my exposure to the Shadow Realm has drained me and my life force," Bakura said.
"No!" The Crow yelled sadly. "I can't lose you now! You can't go!"
"I got to, my friend," Bakura said. "I hope I find some redemption for what my evil half did. Don't worry, I'll see you on the other side. Farewell, Yugi and take down Marik for me."
After that, Bakura was gone. All was left of him was his Millenium Ring. Yugi cried quietly over the death of his friend. Raven hugged her brother as Skull Cowboy appeared.
"I'm sorry about your friend, partner," Skull Cowboy said as he picked up the Millenium Ring. "Although he was tainted by the ring's evil but you saved him in the end. I'll make sure no one uses this Millenium item for evil again."
Skull Cowboy disappeared with the Millenium Ring in hand. Meanwhile, the three biker thugs stood over the rooftops while they watched the scene.
"That was a pretty entertaining battle," Raphael said.
"Ha! It'll be a school yard fight compared to what the bossman will do to him," Valon said.
"Let's contact him right now," Alister said as he pulled out a cell phone.
(Parts unknown, Gotham City)
"Yes?" A cold voice answered.
"Boss, it's Alister," Alister said. "We've just spotted your quarry. What shall we do now?"
"Your scouting mission is complete. I shall attack The Crow when the time is right," The man replied. "Get back here on the double."
"Right, boss. Alister out," Alister said then hung up.
"Yugi is here?" Another cold voice asked, this one sounded younger.
"Yes, my friend," Slade said as he emerged from the shadows. "I know you're eager to have your vengeance on him but right now, I will take care of The Crow. Let's see if he could fare good against me, Deathstroke."
(Arkham Asylum)
The Joker met up with Marik in the cafeteria. Marik was eating some fish and chips while sipping on some ice tea.
"What is it, Joker?" Marik asked.
"I'm afraid dear ol' Bakura won't be joining us," Joker replied. "But I do have some more pressing issues here. I think there is a traitor among your little cult followers."
"What?" Marik asked.
"This isn't a joke," Joker said. "Someone has been feeding information to The Crow and his merry band of teenage brats and not to mention Batman about your little plans."
"Are you sure about this?" Marik asked.
"Oh, yes," Joker said.
"Well, then I do have a job for you," Marik said. "Find out who the traitor is and bring him to me."
"Of course," Joker said then left.
'Damn. I got enough trouble as it is' Marik said mentally.'First they steal my Slypher key and now there's a traitor within the Ghouls.'
'Talking to yourself again?' A voice said, it sounded like Marik's but much darker.
"Huh? Who said that?" Marik asked out loud.
'Thought you could keep it me contained within your mind forever?' The voice asked.
"Shut up!" Marik screamed as he smacked his dinner away.
He ran to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water then suddenly he sees himself in the mirror, only more evil. His hair was sticking out and his piercing eyes stared at him. He was dressed in a black shirt and a purple cloak.
'Thought you could do away with me, Marik?' Yami Marik asked. 'Sooner or later, I'm coming out to play.'
"No! I won't allow it!" Marik screamed then smashed the mirror. 'What the fuck's happening to me? I can't allow him to interfere with my plans! I just can't!'
Marik got out of the bathroom as the voice of his dark half continued to haunt him.
To be continued...
"looking
can't seem to get away
no one knows
no one except for me
paranoid
I can't stop looking over my shoulder
stalking me, chasing me
am I lost inside a dream
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
listening
the deafening noise of silence
no ones there
always just the two of me
turning
I can't stand with my back towards the door
halting me, following
lost in my own memory
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
shadow is drawing near
am I being taught a lesson
by my own lifes history
feel us watching
voices are speaking to me
pictures following
and they sit there pointing
I can't see, I can't fight, I can't leave, it wont die
its become part of me
I can't run, I can't hide, I can't run, it wont die
its always been a part of my life
guilt is digging deeper
guilt is stretching deeper inside
guilt is stabbing downward
guilt inside is killing me
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
shadow is drawing near
am I being taught a lesson"
Mudvayne-"Small Sihouette"
Author's note: That's over and done with now. Sorry it took so fuckin' long but I had been busy with my other stories. Anyway, I bet ya'll are wonderin' I killed Scarface and Wesker? I didn't like the way his death was portrayed in the comics, I felt someone gettin' shot in the head while eatin' spaghetti dinner wasn't very dignified. Things are really fallin' for The Crow now. First the love of his life has been kidnapped and now his friend has died. What could be worst? Let's just say Robin's old foe is coming back into the picture along with Yugi's old foe. What is Slade's interest in The Crow? Find out in the next chapter, my fellow wolves and Crow-ites.
May the wolf spirit guide thee...
Disclaimer: The Crow is owned by James O' Barr and Dimension Films. Yu-Gi-Oh is owned by Kazuki Takahashi, 4kids TV, and Funimation. Teen Titans and Batman is owned by Warner Bros., DC comics, and Cartoon Network.
Author's note: Kokuryu decided to back out due to loss of interest but he'll still be helping out, so now I'm goin' solo on the final chapters. Countdown to Armageddon begins right here, folks. In this emotionally charged chapter, The Crow finally get his eventual confrontation with his old friend, Bakura. What is Bakura's agenda and what does he want with the Egyptian God keys? let's start the show, my fellow wolves and Crow-ites!
"YEAH!
Yeah
All I've ever wanted was destiny to be fulfilled
It is in my hands, I must not fail, I must not fail
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
This is the proving ground
Misery begins to rise
Turn away from yesterday
Tomorrow's in my eyes (Oh!)
Nevermore to be held down
By the waves against me
Nevermore to be cast aside
This day is mine
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
I will not be denied in this final hour
I will not be denied, this day is mine
This passion inside me is burning (Is burning)
This passion inside me is burning (Is burning)
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always (always)
This fire burns (fire burns) always
Always (always)"
Killswitch Engage-"This Fire Burns"
Chapter 8:
The Shadow Line
(North Gotham)
Bakura was driving around in the cool brisk evening in Gotham City. For the last couple of hours, he was searching for his old friend, Yami Yugi "The Crow" Muto and his sister, Raven Roth-Muto. Bakura didn't find him or her.
'Dammit! I can't find Yugi or his sister anywhere!' Bakura shouted in his mind. 'Once I destroy Yugi and take his Millenium Puzzle, Raven will become my queen. Then I'll destroy Marik and take his Millenium Rod along with the Egyptian God keys. No one will stop me!'
It was then something was telling him to stop in front of a nearby liquor shop. Bakura noticed a man with balding wild white hair wearing a grey suit and glasses carrying a puppet wearing an Al Capone style suit robbing the place.
"What the hell's going on in there?" Bakura asked himself as he got out the car to check it out.
Inside the liquor store, Arnold Wesker a.k.a. The Ventriloquist and his dummy boss, Scarface, stood there as the clerk placed the funds into a burlap sack.
"Hurry da fuck up and put da money in da gag!" Scarface barked as he aimed his tommy gun at the clerk.
"You better do what he says!" Arnold yelled in a startled voice. "He won't hesitate to pull the trigger!"
"Shad da fuck up, dummy!" Scarface screamed as he smacked his human accomplice with his wooden left hand. "I don't have all night, here!"
"Am I interrupting something?" A voice asked.
Arnold and Scarface noticed a white haired teenager dressed in a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. He also wore a pyramid-shaped pendant with a eyeball in the middle accented with five sharp pointer.
"Who da fuck are ya, kid!?" Scarface shouted. "Say, dats some fancy jewelry here, kid. Why not hand it over?"
"Hmph. I'm not giving up my prized Millenium Ring to some second-rate ventriloquist," Bakura said coldly.
"Hey! I'm da fuckin' grains 'round here and he's da dummy!" Scarface screamed. "Ya getter hand over dat necklace or youse ge eatin' some coppa-coated candy!"
Bakura simply gave Scarface and Arnold a dirty smirk. "It is you who is the dummy. You're nothing more than a mere cover-up for that man's cowardice."
Scarface shook violently. "Shaddup, ya punk ass gastard! Say one more word or youse be sleepin' wit da maggots!"
"Hmph. Let's see how much of a big man you are without your puppet," Bakura said as he grabbed Scarface from Wesker's hand.
"Scarface!" Wesker screamed. "Let him go!"
'Dummy, save me!' Scarface screamed fearfully. 'Quick, do somethin' here!'
Arnold tried to snatch Scarface back but all he got was a violent pie-face shove from Bakura. The Ventriloquist landed on his ass as Bakura proceeded to smash Scarface's wooden head on the floor. The left side of Scarface's face was smashed to pieces. Wesker mourned for Scarface's "death" as Bakura taunted, "Aww, the little baby's crying for his doll. Don't worry, you'll join him right now, in Hell."
"What are you doing?" Wesker asked as Bakura pulled a switchblade from his pocket.
Ryou flicked the blade out of the handle and slashed Wesker's throat then stabbed him several times in the chest. He stood over Wesker's corpse as he heard a gun click. Bakura turned to see the owner carrying a handgun and shaking nervously. He scared the clerk with a simple "boo". The clerk dropped his weapon and ran for the exit in the backroom. A short time later, the police investigated the crime scene. Commissioner Gordon assumed The Crow had once again gone bezerk and killed Arnold Wesker and his puppet crime boss, Scarface but Albrecht had his doubts.
"Do you think Yugi may have something to do with this?" Gordon asked.
"No. If Yugi did kill Arnold Wesker, he would've left behind his trademark bird calling card," Abrecht replied.
"What do you mean?" Gordon asked.
Albrecht looked at The Eye of Horus carved into Wesker's bloodied chest. "Take a good look at this; whoever murdered Mr. Wesker, wanted us to know who did this. Why the killer carved an eyeball into his chest beats the hell outta me."
"So The Crow didn't do this," Gordon said.
"Yep," Albrecht said.
(Downtown Gotham/Muto apartment)
The Crow and Raven were having a sparring match of the roof of their temporary home. They traded various blows and blasts at each other. Yugi was armed with a pair of filipino fighting sticks while Raven used her magic. The Crow spun them in his hands and smacked the roof floor with them as Raven charged up her magic.
"Don't hold back on me now," The Crow said.
"Have no intention too, big bro," Raven said.
"Let's finish this," Yami Yugi said.
Just as they were to trade blows again, Yami and Raven stopped and heard a voice saying, "Hey, Yugi and Raven."
"Robin, what are you doing?" Yugi asked.
"Arnold Wesker and Scarface were murdered a few hours ago," Robin replied.
"Who killed them?" Raven asked.
"Well, the clerk said the murderer had long white hair and light brown eyes," Robin stated.
"What? Bakura?" The Crow asked with shock as he dropped his fighting stick. "No..."
"I'm sorry, Yuge but we're gonna have to turn him in," Robin said.
"Bakura and I had been friends since we were kids," Yugi said sadly. "He would never do something like this."
"Unfortunately, he did," Batman said as he appeared on the roof.
"Batman," The Crow said. "What are you doing here?"
"I've been keeping tabs on your friend, Bakura," Batman said. "He's looking for you."
"I gotta reason with him," Yami said. "I know there's still good in him."
"He's not if he continues to commit crimes like this," Batman said truthfully.
"The Millenium Ring is making him do this!" Yugi shouted. "I know Bakura! We've been friends for a long time!"
"Why should I trust the word of a serial killer?" Batman asked grimly.
"Bear in mind that he was possessed by the dark side of his soul," Raven interjected. "Therefore, you can't say that those recent killings were his fault. And I have yet to see you turn Robin in for similar acts of lethality upon criminals. Then again, he didn't do it in 'your' city, so I doubt you care that much."
"You may have a point," Batman conceded. "But I'm keeping an eye on you both. Something about these Millennium Items seems to drive their bearers to acts of violence. It might be better if we melted them all down."
"No, I use this puzzle for the forces of good and I will use it to help my friend," The Crow said. "Give me a chance to reason with him. Raven never gave up on me when I was psychotic and I'm not gonna give up on Bakura. That's all I'm asking."
Batman couldn't help but smile at The Crow. "All right. If you're determined to save your friend, then do it but I will catch him if he continues to commit murder. No matter what it takes. Understand?"
"Thank you," The Crow said. "Even after all this shit, you're still my hero."
"Flattery gets you nowhere," the Dark Knight answered, although he seemed to almost be smiling. "I should get going. Jason told me of an informant who knows about this mysterious cult somewhere in the city."
"I'm coming with you," Robin said. "I kinda miss having adventures with you."
"All right but don't anything stupid," Batman said.
"Whatever you say, dad," Robin said sarcastically. "Yuge, Raven, wanna come with?"
"No, thanks," Yugi said.
"Ok. We'll tell you about this cult later," Robin said. "Bye."
Batman and Robin left to find the informant. Yugi sat down while thinking about his old friend Bakura.
"What's wrong?" Raven asked.
"Just thinking about Bakura," The Crow replied. "I'm gonna go find him."
"What about practice?" Raven asked.
"That can wait," Yugi said.
"Well, then I'm coming with you," Raven said.
"All right but be careful. Who knows what Bakura will do," Yugi said.
Yugi and Raven headed downstairs to their apartment. Yugi grabbed his overcoat and draped it over him. He placed his fighting sticks into the custom pockets of the inside of his coat. They left their home, got into the GTO and searched for Bakura.
(Gotham Hotel)
Serenity was sitting on her bed while watching the news. Summer Gleason was talking about the recent murder of Arnold Wesker.
"Fifty-six year old criminal Arnold Wesker was found stabbed to death," Summer said. "The late criminal suffered from dissociative identity disorder, a common mental condition where two personalities would alternate control over one person. Police interviewed an eyewitness after the crime took place. The killer is described to be somewhere between eighteen to twenty-five years of age and five feet, seven inches tall with white hair and light brown eyes. The killer left behind this calling card on Wesker's body..."
A sketch of an eyeball appeared on the tv. It looked similiar to the eye on Yugi's Millenium Puzzle. After having enough about listen to Arnold's death, Serenity turned off the tv. She was getting ready meet everyone for a pizza run but then suddenly, the lights went out. Blood red light suddenly illuminated the room as she suddenly got scared.
"What the fuck's going on here?" Serenity asked herself in a startled tone.
Bakura suddenly appeared out of nowhere inside the room. Serenity saw him smiling evilly at her.
"Hi, Serenity. It's been awhile," Bakura said.
"Bakura? What are you doing here?" Serenity asked. "I thought you were still at the group home."
Bakura chuckled. "The doctor said I was mentally healthy enough to leave that god forsaken place. Now, there's a favor you can do for me."
"Whatever it is, I won't do it!" Serenity screamed.
"Oh, no. It's nothing like that," Bakura said as he walked toward Joey's baby sister. "I want you to pass on a message for me. Tell The Crow to meet me at Crime Alley. We've got some catching up to do."
Bakura's face was within close range of Serenity's. He smiled at her while running his fingers through the strands of her hair then backed away.
"Remember, tell Yugi to find me at Crime Alley," Bakura said as he disappeared.
Afterwards, the lights in the room returned to normal. Serenity ran out of the room to tell Joey and the others about what happened.
"Serenity, what happened?" Joey asked with concern.
"I saw Bakura," Serenity replied with a hint of terror.
"Bakura? I thought he was back at home," Tristen said.
"No, he's here in Gotham," Serenity said. "He's coming after Yugi."
"Why is he coming after Yugi?" Cyborg asked.
"I don't know but he said to tell Yugi meet him at some place called 'Crime Alley'," Serenity replied.
"I'll call Yugi and Raven and let them know about this," Superboy said while grabbing a reciever off a pay phone. "Joey, got a couple of quarters on ya?"
"Sure. Here," Joey said as he gave Superboy some quarters. "Did Bakura hurt ya, sis?"
"No but he did scare me," Serenity said. "He wasn't the same Bakura we once knew."
"It's all right, Serenity. Tristen's here for ya," Tristen said as he hugged her.
"Hey! Hands off my sister, retard boy!" Joey shouted as he pushed Tristen off Serenity. "Can't ya see she's hurtin' here!?"
"She may be your sister, Joey but she's my girlfriend!" Tristen shouted back.
"Shut the fuck up, both of you!" Mai screamed.
"Yeah, I'm trying to make a call to Yugi and Raven, you jackasses," Superboy said as he placed the two quarters into the pay phone. "C'mon, Yuge. Pick your cell, man."
Meanwhile, The Crow and Raven drove through Gotham, searching for Bakura. Yugi heard his cell phone ring. He picked it up and said, "Hello?"
"Yuge? It's Conner," Conner spoke.
"What's going on?" The Crow asked.
"Serenity just had a unwelcomed visitor," Superboy replied.
"What happened? Is she ok?" Yugi asked.
"She's fine, she just had a little scare from an old friend of yours," Superboy said.
"Bakura?" The Crow asked with shock.
"Yep. Bakura said to meet him at Crime Alley. Birthplace of the Batman," Conner said.
"All right. I'll see him there then," The Crow said as he hung up.
Yugi slammed on the brakes as the car screeched to a halt. He did a quick turn as Raven asked, "Where are we heading?"
"Crime Alley. Superboy told me Bakura could be over there," The Crow said.
(Downtown Gotham)
Batman and Robin swung through Gotham just like old times. They hadn't spoken too much to each other during their trip. They spotted Nightwing standing on a rooftop. Batman and Robin landed as Nightwing said, "Fancy meeting you here."
"You said the informant is somewhere in this building?" Batman asked.
"Yes but I don't know where the hell he is," Nightwing said. "Why's Robin here? I thought he's still mad at you."
"We made up," Robin answered simply.
Then they saw a man in a dark purple robe with his face hidden by the shadows of his hood walking to them.
"You've been looking for me, haven't you?" The hooded man asked.
"What is it you know about this cult?" The Dark Knight asked.
"We call ourselves The Ghouls," The hooded man said. "I'm sure you already knew we are the reincarnation of the dark sect that worshipped the arch-demon, Thartoc."
"Yes," Robin said. "Where's Tea and Starfire?"
"They're fine but my master has big plans for them both," the hooded man said.
"What does he want with them?" Nightwing asked.
"He plans to use their lifeforces to free the Egyptian Gods from their key prisons," the hooded man said. "Then he plans to use their powers for galatical armageddon. Guess which planet he wants first?"
"This one," Batman answered.
"Yes. Then the alien girl's home planet is next," The hooded man said.
Robin extended an X-blade. "That's not going to happen."
"And you think you can stop my master?" the hooded man asked.
"I will take him down!" Robin shouted.
"Your powers are nothing compared to Marik's," The hooded man said.
"We'll see," Robin murmured, holding the X-blade to his throat. "In the meantime, there's nothing wrong with demonstrating what awaits the bastard. Mind if I begin with you?"
Nightwing moved to restrain Robin but Batman held him back.
"Think I fear you?" The hooded man said as he grabbed Robin's wrist and tossed it aside. "Listen good, fool. Seek out Arthur Hawkins, perhaps he'll give you more of a definitive answer than me. Let The Crow know when you see him."
The hooded man stepped back into the shadows and said, "Remember, find Arthur Hawkins. He's at Gotham U."
After that, the hooded man was gone. The Batman Family now had two major problems on their hands: the possible destruction of the universe if Marik obtains all the keys and find out where Arthur Hawkins lives somewhere in the city.
"Oh, crap! We gotta make sure Marik doesn't get those keys!" Robin exclaimed.
"I'll check out Gotham University. I could find Arthur's address somewhere on file," Nightwing said.
"You do that. Robin, we're gonna go find Yugi," Batman ordered. "It is vital that he knows about what that man told us."
"Right," Robin said. "Let's go."
(Crime Alley)
The Crow parked his GTO a few blocks from Crime Alley, the same place where he rescued Jaden and Alexis from a few nights back. Yugi and Raven got out of the car to find Bakura somewhere in the gritty alley way. As they stepped on one particular spot in the alley, Yugi and Raven felt a flashback coming into their minds. It was quick but graphic, they see a mugger aiming a revolver at a boy and his parents. The mugger fires one round each into the mother and the father then they fell to the ground, dead. The murderer ran off, leaving behind the boy as the sole survivor then it ended.
"What the fuck was that?" The Crow asked.
"Welcome," A voice called out.
"Bakura?" Yugi asked.
"In the flesh," Bakura said as he tilted his head. "I didn't know you would bring a guest with you. Not to mention a very beautiful guest."
"Back off!" Raven shouted.
"Feisty. That's how I like my women," Bakura said with lust.
"This isn't like you, Bakura," Yugi said. "Please, come back to us. We can help you over come the evil within you."
"No!" Bakura shouted. "The sweet and kind Bakura you once knew is dead! He died in that group home after his best friend's death!"
"I know . . . he's still in there," Yami Yugi pleaded. "Just let him come out . . . please."
"Don't you even fucking get it!?" Bakura screamed. "The Bakura you once knew is dead! Dead along with your pathetic family!"
The mark of the crow flashed angrily on Yami Yugi's forehead. "Don't ever . . . ever call my family pathetic!"
"They all deserved to die!" Bakura screamed. "After I send you back to the maggots, I'll take your Millenium Puzzle along with the God keys, and I'll make that halfbreed sister of yours my bride. No one will deny me of my destiny as ruler of Earth!"
"And why . . . would I ever become a bride to someone as twisted as you?" Raven asked, her voice laden with contempt.
"What's the matter, getting cold feet?" Bakura asked. "Just like Yugi, you are a fool too, halfbreed."
"You'll pay for calling me that!" Raven screamed. "No one calls me a halfbreed and gets away with it!"
"Aww, you two are getting mad," Bakura said sarcastically. "I know just a fitting place for the three of us, the Shadow Realm!"
Bakura shot his hands up forth as he summoned a blanket of shadows that was covering the alley. He cackled insanely until Crime Alley was completely covered in shadows. Various lost souls flew around the Shadow Realm while they wailed in misery. Yugi and Raven felt like they were in a H.R. Giger painting.
"Where are we, Yugi?" Raven asked.
"We're in the Shadow Realm," The Crow replied.
"The Shadow Realm?" Raven repeated.
"Yes, the Shadow Realm," Bakura said. "The only way to leave this place alive is to win a Shadow Duel and to make things interesting."
Bakura summoned a being bound in shadow shackles. The Crow immediately recognized the shackled man sitting on the floor.
"Bakura!" The Crow exclaimed.
"Yugi...please help me," the real Bakura said weakly.
"Shut your fucking mouth, weakling!" Yami Bakura shouted as he kicked his light counterpart in the face.
Light Bakura fell to the floor as The Crow shouted, "You god damn monster! I will make you suffer!"
"You're starting to hate me, old friend?" Yami Bakura mocked. "That's not very nice."
"Release Bakura now!" Raven shouted.
"If you and your brother wanna free my weaker side, halfbreed, you both must defeat me," Yami Bakura said. "But I highly doubt you'll win this Shadow Duel. Now I shall summon my minions!"
Two dark auras swirled in front of Yami Bakura and took on forms. One resembled a zombie dressed in a magenta colored medieval-style outfit armed with a flambert sword. The other was a knight dressed in pale silver armor armed with a sword and a shield but the knight didn't have a head.
"Meet Gravemind the Earl of Demise and Volstagg the Headless Knight!" Yami Bakura exclaimed.
"What is thy bidding, my master?" Gravemind asked.
"Destroy The Crow and his sister with extreme prejudice," Yami Bakura ordered. "Be sure not to damage my prize. I want the Millenium Puzzle intact."
"Yes, master," Gravemind said. "Thou shalt have the puzzle in thy hands." Volstagg just grunted in agreement.
"Art thou prepared to die?" Gravemind asked.
"Are you?" Yugi asked.
"Thou wilt kiss my blade for thy remark," Gravemind said coldy. "Volstagg and myself will smite thee and thy sister."
"Smite this," Raven retorted. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
Darkness surrounded Raven and lashed out at Gravemind and Volstagg.
"Thy magic art no match for us!" Gravemind said as he created a necro shield. "As thou can see, we're hellspawn."
"Yeah, yeah, I've seen hellspawn before," Raven drawled sarcastically.
"Volstagg, take the girl. The Crow is mine to destroy," Gravemind said.
Volstagg moved to attack Raven.
"Raven, take this!" The Crow yelled as he tossed her his combat knife.
Raven caught the combat knife. "Thanks, bro."
"Get ready for thy death! Have at thee!" Gravemind screamed as he raised his flambert over his head and glowed a sickly green. "Necro Strike!"
Gravemind slashed the air in a arc, sending his necro energy toward The Crow. He quickly dodge the incoming blast and pulled out his fighting sticks. The Crow tried to strike at Gravemind but the hellspawn avoided the incoming blow and stabbed him in the left shoulder. Yugi felt severe pain in his shoulder as he grunted.
"It seems mine powers can cause thee great pain," Gravemind stated. "What happens when thou hast a full blast?
Meanwhile, Raven did her best trying to avoid Volstagg's attacks. Volstagg waved his sword at Raven but she blocked it with her loaned combat knife. Then she felt pain in her shoulder too as the headless knight grunted in confusion. Yami Bakura looked at them with curiosity.
'Why are they feeling pain at the same time?' Yami Bakura asked mentally. 'Its almost like they're psychically linked.'
"Time to taste mine full power, Yugi," Gravemind said as he raised sword again. "Necro Strike!"
Gravemind fired another blast of necro magic at Yugi but he moved out of the way in time. Despite pain in his shoulder, The Crow ran toward the hellspawn and smacked him in the head with one of his fighting sticks. Volstagg roared as he tried to slash at Raven. She quickly blocked the headless knight's blade with the combat knife and kicked him in the sternum. Raven shot Volstagg with her dark powers but he blocked it with his shield. Volstagg laughed as he swung his sword at her again. Raven jumped and spin kicked him in the chest.
Volstagg grunted in anger as he charged at her but Raven jumped over him and kicked him in the upperback. The Crow blocked Gravemind's flambert with his fighting sticks and kicked him in the chin. Gravemind smacked him back with his flambert's handle.
"'Good night, sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!'" Gravemind ranted as he pointed his flambert at The Crow.
The Crow smirked. "Thanks but I don't intend to rest just yet. However . . . you look a bit tired yourself."
"I wilt silence thy tongue!" Gravemind shouted as he raised his flambert. "Necro Blast!"
Gravemind fired a power of necroplasm at Yugi but he crossed his arms to block it. However, the incoming blow sent shockwaves of pain throughout his body. Raven also felt it due to her link to The Crow. Yami Bakura laughed with glee as his hellspawned monsters were now ready to finish them off.
"Destroy them now! Kill them!" Yami Bakura screamed.
Volstagg and Gravemind raised their respective weapons to finish off the Muto Siblings. Light Bakura's eyes widened as he screamed, "Yugi! Don't give up!"
Upon hearing his old friend's words, The Crow blocked the incoming with his fighting sticks. Raven did the same thing with Volstagg. In an act of desperation, Gravemind knocked the fighting sticks out of Yugi's hands and fired another shot of necroplasm at him. The Crow quickly grabbed the Slypher key from his coat pocket and blocked it when the key turned into its sword form. The Crow cut the flambert into two then summoned the sword's power.
"It ends here!" The Crow said. "Thunder Force Strike!"
"No! Gravemind!" Yami Bakura shouted.
With a quick slash of the Slypher blade, The Crow severed Gravemind's head. The hellspawn's body collasped onto the shadow ground as Yugi returned his Slyper sword back to its key form and put it back in his pocket. Raven blocked Volstagg's sword with her combat knife then pushed him back. She shot the headless knight with her magic which knocked his sword out of his hands. Raven placed the combat knife to her belt and grabbed Volstagg's weapon. As Volstagg got up, Raven hacked him into two with the sword.
"You can't kill Volstagg, he'll just reform and came after you again!" Yami Bakura shouted.
"We'll see! Shadow Wave Crush!" Raven shouted as she shot Volstagg with her attack and fried him.
"God Dammit! I was so close!" Yami Bakura screamed with rage. "I will not be denied of my destiny! I will destroy you myself, Yugi Muto!"
The Crow smirked. "I don't think so, 'friend'. Let's take him down, Raven."
"I'm with you, Yugi," Raven said.
Yugi and Raven summoned dark energy within as Yami Bakura charged after them.
"Soul Killer!" The Crow and Raven shouted as they fired their blasts at Yami Bakura.
Yami Bakura was hit by the blasts. "Aaahhh! God damn you! God damn all of you!"
Yami Bakura continued screaming until he was vaporized. Soon enough, the shadow shackles on Bakura vanished as Yugi and Raven ran up to him then they all returned to the real world.
"Bakura!" The Crow exclaimed with concern. "Are you all right?"
"I'm...I'm fine," Bakura said weakly. "Yugi, it's been a long time. Where have you been after all these years?"
The Crow smiled faintly. "It doesn't matter where I've been. I'm just glad you're back."
"Likewise, Yugi," Bakura said.
"Have you met my sister, Raven?" Yugi asked.
"Hey, Bakura," Raven said softly.
"It's nice to meet you," Bakura said.
Upon saying that, Bakura's body began to fade. The Crow gasped as he asked, "Bakura, what's going on?"
"I'm sorry but my exposure to the Shadow Realm has drained me and my life force," Bakura said.
"No!" The Crow yelled sadly. "I can't lose you now! You can't go!"
"I got to, my friend," Bakura said. "I hope I find some redemption for what my evil half did. Don't worry, I'll see you on the other side. Farewell, Yugi and take down Marik for me."
After that, Bakura was gone. All was left of him was his Millenium Ring. Yugi cried quietly over the death of his friend. Raven hugged her brother as Skull Cowboy appeared.
"I'm sorry about your friend, partner," Skull Cowboy said as he picked up the Millenium Ring. "Although he was tainted by the ring's evil but you saved him in the end. I'll make sure no one uses this Millenium item for evil again."
Skull Cowboy disappeared with the Millenium Ring in hand. Meanwhile, the three biker thugs stood over the rooftops while they watched the scene.
"That was a pretty entertaining battle," Raphael said.
"Ha! It'll be a school yard fight compared to what the bossman will do to him," Valon said.
"Let's contact him right now," Alister said as he pulled out a cell phone.
(Parts unknown, Gotham City)
"Yes?" A cold voice answered.
"Boss, it's Alister," Alister said. "We've just spotted your quarry. What shall we do now?"
"Your scouting mission is complete. I shall attack The Crow when the time is right," The man replied. "Get back here on the double."
"Right, boss. Alister out," Alister said then hung up.
"Yugi is here?" Another cold voice asked, this one sounded younger.
"Yes, my friend," Slade said as he emerged from the shadows. "I know you're eager to have your vengeance on him but right now, I will take care of The Crow. Let's see if he could fare good against me, Deathstroke."
(Arkham Asylum)
The Joker met up with Marik in the cafeteria. Marik was eating some fish and chips while sipping on some ice tea.
"What is it, Joker?" Marik asked.
"I'm afraid dear ol' Bakura won't be joining us," Joker replied. "But I do have some more pressing issues here. I think there is a traitor among your little cult followers."
"What?" Marik asked.
"This isn't a joke," Joker said. "Someone has been feeding information to The Crow and his merry band of teenage brats and not to mention Batman about your little plans."
"Are you sure about this?" Marik asked.
"Oh, yes," Joker said.
"Well, then I do have a job for you," Marik said. "Find out who the traitor is and bring him to me."
"Of course," Joker said then left.
'Damn. I got enough trouble as it is' Marik said mentally.'First they steal my Slypher key and now there's a traitor within the Ghouls.'
'Talking to yourself again?' A voice said, it sounded like Marik's but much darker.
"Huh? Who said that?" Marik asked out loud.
'Thought you could keep it me contained within your mind forever?' The voice asked.
"Shut up!" Marik screamed as he smacked his dinner away.
He ran to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water then suddenly he sees himself in the mirror, only more evil. His hair was sticking out and his piercing eyes stared at him. He was dressed in a black shirt and a purple cloak.
'Thought you could do away with me, Marik?' Yami Marik asked. 'Sooner or later, I'm coming out to play.'
"No! I won't allow it!" Marik screamed then smashed the mirror. 'What the fuck's happening to me? I can't allow him to interfere with my plans! I just can't!'
Marik got out of the bathroom as the voice of his dark half continued to haunt him.
To be continued...
"looking
can't seem to get away
no one knows
no one except for me
paranoid
I can't stop looking over my shoulder
stalking me, chasing me
am I lost inside a dream
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
listening
the deafening noise of silence
no ones there
always just the two of me
turning
I can't stand with my back towards the door
halting me, following
lost in my own memory
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
shadow is drawing near
am I being taught a lesson
by my own lifes history
feel us watching
voices are speaking to me
pictures following
and they sit there pointing
I can't see, I can't fight, I can't leave, it wont die
its become part of me
I can't run, I can't hide, I can't run, it wont die
its always been a part of my life
guilt is digging deeper
guilt is stretching deeper inside
guilt is stabbing downward
guilt inside is killing me
life consumed with fear
small silhouettes approaching
chasing through this mystery
shadow is drawing near
am I being taught a lesson"
Mudvayne-"Small Sihouette"
Author's note: That's over and done with now. Sorry it took so fuckin' long but I had been busy with my other stories. Anyway, I bet ya'll are wonderin' I killed Scarface and Wesker? I didn't like the way his death was portrayed in the comics, I felt someone gettin' shot in the head while eatin' spaghetti dinner wasn't very dignified. Things are really fallin' for The Crow now. First the love of his life has been kidnapped and now his friend has died. What could be worst? Let's just say Robin's old foe is coming back into the picture along with Yugi's old foe. What is Slade's interest in The Crow? Find out in the next chapter, my fellow wolves and Crow-ites.
May the wolf spirit guide thee...