Spotting the hideout, I walked faster. I was convinced that I had hurt my ribs again because they were aching like hell, so I was unable to run. But I was so close. Just a little more. A little more and I could forget the whole thing. I could forget this whole duel gang war for a couple of moments.

I was able to make it without collapsing on the way somehow. Pulling aside the dusty, purple curtains that covered the entrance, I saw a comforting scene: Pearson playing Duel Monsters with the kids, the orphans that he took under his wing. Duel Monsters as a fun game rather than a game of dominance.

"Black Feather - Armored Wing attacks you directly," Pearson declared, gesturing towards Ryohei, one of the most competitive of the orphans and another of Pearson's unfortunate opponents. I guessed that was the finishing blow because the boy gave a frustrated cry while the others around him began to laugh. Another victory for Robert Pearson.

"Awww, Big Brother Robert, that's not fair!" Ryohei moaned. "I want a rematch!"

But Pearson snickered while he stood up and gathered his cards and said, "Balance your deck, then fight me. Your current deck is awful."

"Awful, awful!" one of the kids taunted with the others joining in. I knew they were just having fun, but the concept of laughing at someone's expense always irritated me. Probably because the behavior reminded me too much of Jack's.

"Oi, that's enough," I interjected. Putting a hand on my forehead out of irritation, I continued, "You all would probably be in the same position if you fought Pearson yourselves. Geez."

The kids and Pearson looked up from the table and, upon seeing me, the kids expressed their widest smiles, ran toward me, screaming, "Big Brother Crow! Big Brother Crow, you're back!"

I smiled. No matter how many times I left for my Team Satisfaction duties and came back, the kids always greeted me with such enthusiasm as if I never left. I wish I didn't have to leave them every day, but I could always rest easy since Pearson and Martha were taking care of them. At least, that's what Pearson told me after I told him that I was a part of Team Satisfaction a couple of months ago. That never stopped me from worrying about them, though.

But at least they're safe. They made it another day.

"I'm back," I said, getting down on one knee so I could be at their level. Unfortunately, my ribs didn't quite agree with that choice of movement, and I nearly fell over. If I was hoping I wouldn't worry Pearson or the kids about my injuries from the day's operation, I failed miserably. The kids were screaming at me, but my senses were fading, so the only clear sense I had was my sight. I saw Pearson hurriedly getting up from the table and running towards me before that image too was robbed from me; the next thing I knew, I was falling.


Satellite – Dr. Schmidt's Infirmary

"Crow, Crow, are you awake? Good God, Crow, pull yourself together, you runt!"

It was an eternity and then some before I regained my consciousness. I struggled to open my eyes; it was especially hard because every time I would try to force them open, it felt like someone was stabbing them with needles. But I had to let Pearson and whoever else was present that I was, at least, conscious.

"For the last time, Pearson, I'm not a runt!" I retorted, noting the raspy quality of my voice. Oh my God, I didn't think I was in that bad of a condition.

"Oh? He's awake. Thank goodness," a voice – I recognized as Martha's – said, followed by a sigh of relief. I heard her footsteps gradually get louder until they stopped; I guess I was on a bed or operating table of some sorts. "Crow, how are you feeling?"

"Well, can't open my eyes and my ribs feel like they're going to burst at any moment, but otherwise, I'm a-okay," I responded, my voice becoming even raspier.

"You sure don't sound like you're okay," Pearson noted. "You're lucky both Martha and Dr. Schmidt were around when you suddenly collapsed like that."

Before I had a chance to respond, Martha interrogated, "Crow, what happened? Don't tell me you, Yusei, Jack, and that Kiryu fellow were doing dangerous acrobatics again."

I suppose it would be a good time to explain. Martha's our foster mother who has been taking care of Yusei and Jack for as long as they could remember and of me ever since I was five years old. We've been under her care and Dr. Schmidt's ("an associate of mine", she told us) until about a year ago, when Kiryu came from out of nowhere (literally) and proposed that we should become the best dueling gang and conquer Satellite, considering we were too old to stay at the orphanage and too young to work in the factories. Yusei and Jack considered themselves too good to visit Martha and Dr. Schmidt anymore after that, and honestly, if Pearson hadn't shown up in Satellite that same time around a year ago, I would've felt the same way.

"Martha, come on," I whined. "We're not ten years old anymore!"

"You sure?" Pearson interrogated, no doubt raising his left eyebrow in mockery.

"Pearson!"

"Just tell Martha what happened and spare us the trouble, Crow."

I sighed, irritated with the turn of events. But they wouldn't let me alone unless I told them what happened (and I probably wouldn't have gotten any better anyway even if I chose not to tell them), so I did. I started from the beginning, describing Kiryu's plan to overtake the B and J districts. Team Blue Star and Team Deadman were in charge of those districts; if we had any chance of conquering the districts, those two teams would have to be dealt with. We took B with ease; it was J that proved to be more difficult than we bargained for.

I was then nominated by the others to be a distraction – lure Team Deadman away from their hideout while the other three perform an all-out assault. "It's foolproof," Kiryu had said. I felt insulted since I was always chosen for the job, but then wasn't the time to complain. That afternoon, we decided to put the plan into action.

I had managed to infiltrate Team Deadman's hideout, but then something happened that we didn't count on: they weren't there. Their hideout was completely vacant. I was just about to give the signal that the coast was clear when, suddenly, a bomb went off from behind me. The sheer force propelled me forward, and I landed squarely on the floor. My ribs suffered the most from the impact and I was unable to get up. Not too long after that, I heard laughter – probably the leader of Team Deadman – and he probably said something about how we had fallen for their trap and we're going to pay for our mistake, but I couldn't make out anything he said.

Kiryu, Jack, and Yusei showed up not too long after that, but the rest was a blur. I didn't remember anything else except feeling extremely useless while they took care of the job. Again.

I relaxed my head and shoulders, signaling to Pearson, Martha, and I suppose Dr. Schmidt that I was done with my story. There was silence for a long while – a very uncomfortable silence. I can only imagine what Martha must have been thinking: "I just repaired that boy's ribs and he goes and breaks them again? Geez." Dr. Schmidt and Pearson were a little harder to determine how they felt.

"Crow . . ." Martha started, but then I heard her sigh. She was probably going to reprimand me but thought better of it. I heard the stretching of latex gloves and footsteps, but I didn't question what was happening. I knew what was going to happen anyway: Operation #3423425 on Crow's ribs.


Satellite – Daedalus Bridge

I was instructed to stay put for a few days initially, but I knew I would meet a fate worse than broken ribs if I actually followed the advice, as much as I wanted to follow it. I pleaded with Martha and Dr. Schmidt for what seemed like hours explaining that, but they were stubborn with their diagnosis. Finally, realizing I wasn't going to give up, they told me to step outside while they thought about it.

So I did and went to where I always went when my mind was in turmoil: Daedalus Bridge.

I sat on one of the platforms, my feet dangling over the body of water separating Satellite from Neo-Domino. I looked up to see the city in all its disgustingly rich beauty. It was unfair how they could enjoy pushing the Satellite residents further and further into poverty – forcing the adults to work in poorly regulated factories, forcing the children to look in the garbage that comes in from Neo-Domino for food - while, no doubt, dining on fancy steaks every night.

It just wasn't fair.

But Neo-Domino had one good thing about it. Unfortunately for them, he decided to make his home in Satellite, only visiting the city three times a week because of his business.

As if on cue, I heard a voice coming from behind me say, "Hmm, I knew I'd find you here."

I immediately turned around to find Pearson standing behind me. Before I could give any kind of response, he took his place next to me on the ledge. It was weird; Pearson almost never had time for me and me alone. He was always either working on the latest technology for his business, helping Martha and Dr. Schmidt with the clinic using said technology, or taking care of the orphans.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "You're always busy with something. You don't exactly have the luxury of traveling all this way, do you?"

He emitted a short laugh and placed a hand on my head.

"You know me too well, Crow. But coming out here to make sure you're okay is my main concern right now. That and the kids have been asking about you," he said.

I fixed my gaze to the water below my feet. That was the primary reason I came to Daedalus Bridge: I didn't want to face the kids after what happened. I told Pearson that, and he sighed – not in a way that said he was irritated but more of a "this kid has shit ton to learn" kind of way. I was preparing myself for a ten minute lecture, but instead, Pearson looked at me and asked, "Crow, you have a dream, don't you?"

"Y-Yes?" I answered, not sure where the conversation was going.

"And what is that dream?"

"To give those kids a better life."

Pearson sighed again and said, "Crow, we all have moments of weaknesses. Those Yusei and Jack kids you always talk about, they have their moments. Kiryu most likely has his. Martha. Dr. Schmidt. Even me, believe it or not."

Believe it or not, I mentally repeated to myself, withholding an urge to laugh. The guy has made more mistakes than the sun has risen on the horizon, I bet.

"But, just because we have moments of weakness doesn't mean we should stop trying. We have to learn to live with our weaknesses and learn from them so we can become better people. I think the kids understand that better than any of us. You shouldn't be afraid of showing weakness to them, Crow. They understand."

Man, Pearson really knows when to sound badass when he wants to.

"Pearson . . . will I grow up to be as strong as you and the Legendary D-Wheeler someday?" I asked.

"Crow, strength isn't found in imitating others. It's about finding your own. Once you find that, you'll be able to do anything," he replied. All of a sudden, he stood up and said, "Come on, Crow. The kids are waiting for you,"

I gave a small smile as a response and also stood up.

"Pearson . . ."

"Yeah, Crow?"

"I'll never back down because of weakness ever again. I'll make sure everything I do helps the kids."

Pearson smiled, his eyes bearing a gentle expression. "I'm counting on you, Crow."

There was no way was I ever going back on that promise to Pearson. To go back on that promise was the same as death. After all, he was counting on me.


The Tainted Feathers
A Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's three-shot

Chapter 3: Hope on the Horizon


Daedalus Bridge – Crow and Jack

Not surprisingly, I had the lead; Jack had 3000 life points and I still had my initial 4000. I figured the element of surprise deck-wise with the Dark Synchros worked in my favor; it threw Jack off completely. At that moment, I had two level 3 monsters with a level 2 tuner monster on the field while Jack had none. It was all going according to the plan. At the rate I was going, maybe I didn't need to summon my Earthbound God. That would be disappointing, but hey. At least I would get the job done.

"What's the matter, Jack?" I taunted, having moved ahead of him. "It's your turn."

Oddly enough, there was no indication of movement from his end. No "It's my turn". No sound of a card being drawn from the deck. Nothing.

"Oi, Jack," I said again, a little annoyed with his lack of reaction. What's his deal? If he didn't make a move soon, it would count as a forfeit on his part by our D-Wheels. I was hoping for a little more fight from him.

"I heard you!"

I jolted in my seat, not expecting that kind of reaction – well, not of that intensity, anyway. However, I chuckled to myself. "Ah, there's the Jack Atlus I know. You gonna make your move or what?"

However, instead of answering the question, no sooner had I asked it, he interrogated, "Answer me this, Crow. How could you have possibly decided that being a Dark Signer was a good thing? Don't you know what the Dark Signers have even done?"

I sighed. "Okay, so we got rid of a couple of people. And?"

"We?" Jack repeated with incredulity evident in his voice. "How could you possibly associate with those people? A couple of people? Crow, they took Martha away from us!"

"Martha is fine. Yusei defeated Uru, the Earthbound God that took her. Any time an Earthbond God is defeated, the souls absorbed by it are returned. Don't be such a drama king, Jack."

There was a small pause. Jack was probably busy analyzing what I just said.

"Crow, what is wrong with you? Martha's our family! She's all we have!" After indicating his disgust with my statement with a snarl, he declared, "I set two cards face down and end my turn."

At the mention of 'family', my heart skipped a beat. All of a sudden, I became angry. Ferociously angry. As if the mention of Kiryu didn't make me angry enough already.

"She's your and Yusei's family, Jack," I corrected him. "I'm no longer your family. Hell, I don't know that I ever was part of your family. Either way, the Dark Signers are my family now. And you – you and Yusei and the rest of you damned Signers – have killed most of my family. And not only them, but you took away any chance the orphans had for a normal," my voice cracked, tears forming in my eyes, "happy life. And you – every each and one of you – will pay dearly for that."

"Crow!" Jack yelled, his voice cracking, but I cut him off before he could say any more. I was determined to finish the duel as quickly as possible. The last thing I wanted was for my emotions to get the better of me and cost me the duel. I needed to avenge Kiryu, Rudger, the kids . . .

"My turn. I summon Black Feather – Kalut the Moon Shadow to the field. And then . . ." I smirked, "Darkened gales, devour the light of this world and instill terror in the hearts of your enemies. Dark Synchro! Arise, Black Feather Dragon!"

I had never seen this monster before – let alone summon it in a duel, even during the practices back at the hideout – so its appearance was a huge surprise to me. It looked more like a deformed reptile that happened to have feathers rather than an actual bird. It didn't even have legs, to speak of. But it was still Pearson's dragon – my dragon.

However, a strange phenomenon occurred. My fore right arm started to glow purple, but simultaneously, my left also started to glow, although the glow wasn't purple. And it wasn't a consistent glow. The color alternated between white and red. I didn't quite understand what the alternate glow meant, but I recognized the particular red shade.

It was the color of those damned Signer marks.

"What the hell?" I growled, grabbing my left arm. No one told me this would happen. Not Rudger and not Carly. What did it mean?

Jack's voice immediately sounded, "Crow . . . You're one of us. That dragon . . . That dragon is the fifth Signer dragon."

Rudger had told me before that the Signers were missing one of their comrades. There were supposed to be five of them, each of them wielding a dragon, but only four had been found. The fifth was around somewhere, he said, but he doubted that he or she would show up during this war.

There was no way I was one of them. If I were a Signer, then that would mean Pearson had to be one. To be one of those responsible for the suffering of those kids . . .

It just wasn't true. It just couldn't be.

"Bullshit," I growled. "I would never be one of you. It's a mistake," I sighed, regaining my composure.. Because Black Feather Dragon has just been summoned, I can't attack with him just yet. No matter though. I still can attack with Kalut. Kalut, attack Jack directly!"

I shifted my attention to the monitor and watched as Jack's life points went from 3000 to 1600. Didn't he have two face down cards? And he didn't use either of them? What a waste. This duel's gonna end faster than I hoped it would, at this rate.

"I place one card face down and end my turn," I announced. "I hope you plan on giving me a better fight than this. And you used to be the Duel King? Give me a bre -"

"Answer me, Crow," Jack cut me off. "Who defeated you? What happened? A Dark Signer like . . . like you doesn't become what you are while being alive."

I allowed a short pause to occur before I answered, "It was Bommer. He had become a Dark Signer and was looking for Yusei, but he met me instead while I was looking for the kids." Another pause. "He defeated me. I fell in a bad place but I didn't feel the impact. That's all there is to know, Jack."

There was another pause.

"That can't be all that happened. I know you're hiding something, Crow, and I'm going to beat it out of you, whether you like it or not. My turn. Draw!"

For some reason, the rest of Jack's turn seemed like a blur. Next thing I knew, he had revealed his two face down cards and managed to get Red Demon's Dragon on his side of the field, despite having no monsters previously. His ace monster. I was hoping I'd end the duel before that monstrosity came out, but that's what I get for yakking so much. Fortunately, I survived the turn with minimal damage to my life points. Fortunately, Kalut and Black Feather Dragon were still safe.

"Red Demon's Dragon . . ." I hissed, feeling the pain in my arms intensify from the presence of Red Demon's and apparently Black Feather Dragon.

"You remember this dragon, don't you, Crow?" Jack called. "I'm going to use this dragon – my soul – to bring you to your senses! I set one card face down and end my turn."

"As if I'd let that happen!" I retorted. "I'd much rather die than be with any of you!"

"Crow . . ."

"My turn! Draw!" I looked at the card I drew and couldn't help but smile. Finally. The card that would bring Jack down and bring the Dark Signers closer to victory. The card that will end this suffering.

"Looks like this is the end for you, Jack," I announced. "I tune my Black Feather Dragon and Black Feather – Kalut the Moon Shadow. May you be released from your prison. From the spell of the gods, you shall be set free and you shall soar far beyond them. Advent! Earthbound God, Quahitl!"

The earth shook violently, causing the ground to crack, as lightning constantly flashed in the sky. As I continued down the road, I heard screaming and saw people turn into large balls of light, traveling to and being absorbed by my Earthbound God, which had loomed over the horizon. I had remembered similar scenes when I had dueled Bommer and when I saw Yusei duel Kiryu before that.

The scene's a little different up close and personal.

The looming orange glowing black giant that resembled a parrot slowly opened its eyes, revealing orange sclera and all black irises. The monstrosity let out a piercing cry, signaling its arrival, which released a strong, fierce wind into the atmosphere. To avoid being trapped and caught up by the wind, which was travelling to the west, I accelerated my D-Wheel, hoping to eventually find a break in it. Jack did likewise.

"What do you think, Jack? Pretty cool, huh?" I taunted. "Battle! Quahitl, attack Red Demon's!"

"As if! Activate Speed Spell – The End of the Storm! By sacrificing eight of my counters, all monsters on the field are destroyed!"

I sighed. Didn't he remember that spells are virtually useless against Earthbound Gods?

"Good try, Jack, but you'll only destroy your own monster. Remember? Earthbound Gods aren't affected by measly spells."

As if on cue, Red Demon's disappeared from the field and Jack's life points went from 3000 to 2700, then from 2700 to 200 from Quahitl's direct attack. As a result of the momentum from the attack, Jack momentarily lost control of his D-Wheel but managed to regain control within moments.

"Turn end," I announced. I couldn't fight the urge to laugh. It wasn't just a condescending laugh, but more of a laugh to release the tension I had built myself prior to this match. I had to admit, I was a bit scared of dueling Jack. His brain may not be all there, but he's a pretty good duelist to make up for it. But, luckily for me, it looked like he was having a big off day.

"Jack, Jack. If this keeps up, you'll lose!" I teased, wagging my right pointer finger. "And if that happens, you'll be one of us. I mean, that would be bad for the both of us and probably for Bommer too, but Carly would be pleased, I'm sur –"

"Carly?!"He exclaimed, cutting me off. "How? How do you know her?"

"First of all, we're both Dark Signers, in case you didn't put that together yet," I explained, having made no effort to hide the irritation in my voice. "Second of all, I actually wouldn't have assimilated to the Dark Signer life as well as I have without her. She's the one who helped me figure out the special quirks the Dark Signers have as well as help train me, even if she really didn't talk to me all that much. So I owe her a lot, actually."

"You too, huh?" he responded.

"Not sure what that means, but I suppose you're right," I remarked, shrugging my shoulders. "Speaking of owing people, though, I'm supposed to pass on a message from her to you. She said she would deliver it herself, but since I'm dueling you, I might as well deliver it."

"You better not be messing around with me, Crow," Jack said, his voice being as if he would stop his D-Wheel, get off, and beat me to a pulp at any moment.

Ooooooooh, so there was more to this Carly and Jack relationship than I thought. It was all starting to come together. Still, I was surprised. Not that a girl liked Jack – I figured there were plenty of those in Neo-Domino. But, I was really surprised that it was also the other way around. Jack was the last person I – as well as Yusei and the rest of us at the orphanage – thought would show affection, much less to a girl. To say the least, this was quite a turn of events.

I wonder what Carly actually did now. Maybe I should ask when I bring Jack to her.

"I may hate your guts, but I still wouldn't lie to you," I said. "Anyway, let's see . . . what did she say?" I muttered, trying to remember what she told me to tell him. Then I said, "Oh! She said for me to tell you that she's sorry – whatever that means – and that she loves you."

Jack gasped, probably not expecting such a bluntly stated secondhand confession. Even I was a bit surprised of how blunt it sounded. Well, there ya go, Carly. I subconsciously thought of a way to confess for you. Hope you appreciate it when this war's all over.

"By the way, it's your turn now, in case you haven't noticed," I reminded him.

"I know that!" he responded. "I draw!"

Another pause.

"You know, despite being a Dark Signer, you really haven't changed that much."

"HUH?!" I reacted. "What's that supposed to mean?" All of a sudden, my muscles became tense – inhumanely tense.

"Just that. You claim to hate us Signers for taking away what could have been a happier life for the orphans. You claim to disown us because you feel more at home with the Dark Signers. You said you would make sure we would pay dearly for our actions. But tell me, Crow. You told me Martha is fine. You passed on a message from Carly, a Dark Signer, to me, a despicable Signer. Why? If I'm such a damned Signer, like you claim, why bother telling me things that have not made me despair, but glad. Unless you haven't changed that much."

Jack's miniature speech reduced me to silence. I could only make a noise of disapproval, not thinking of anything to say in return. But the more I thought about what he said, the angrier I became. What did he mean I haven't "changed"? If I haven't changed at all, I've let so many people down: Rudger, Kiryu.

Pearson.

The kids.

I had to change to avenge Rudger and Kiryu.

I had to change to keep my promise with Pearson.

I had to change to protect the kids and to give them a better future.

Forget the jabs at Kiryu. This was by far the most insulting thing Jack has ever said to me, not only within the course of the past hour, but perhaps my whole life.

And.

And even the most painful.

"Jack . . ." I responded, struggling to maintain my composure at this point. "You can say what you want about me. You can call me an accursed Dark Signer all you want. You can compare me to Kiryu as much as you please. But. Don't you dare say I haven't changed!"

"C-Crow – "

"Just finish your damn turn! I don't have time for this," I yelled, slamming a fist on the right side of my D-Wheel.

"Fine. I set a monster facedown and two more cards facedown and end my turn."

"It's about time. I draw!" My hand wasn't looking too great, but it didn't matter. Quahitl was already on the field. My victory was assured. "I don't know what you thought you were going to accomplish with that facedown, Jack. Don't you remember? Earthbound Gods can attack directly without having to deal with the small fry. Battle! Quahitl, attack Jack directly and end this joke of a duel once and for all!"

"Not so fast! I Special Summon Battle Fader from my hand and negate your attack and end your Battle Phase!" Jack interjected.

"Damn . . ." I hissed under my breath. "I end my turn." Then I gave a small laugh. "Not bad, Jack. But once it's my turn again, you'll be finished!"

Another pause.

"I wonder what the kids would say if they saw this duel. What would they think of their Big Brother now."

He did not just say that.

He did not just say what I thought he said.

"You need to learn to shut that big mouth of yours, Jack! This is between you and me. Leave the kids out of this!" I screamed.

"Didn't you say so yourself? You said I took away any chance the orphans had for a normal and happy life. And I would pay dearly for that. That's what this duel is about, isn't it? Those kids you're so fond of – they were part of this fight between us from the very beginning, whether you like it or not, Crow," he responded. "Besides, I'm merely asking if those same kids would like that you're fighting to destroy me. Are you sure that's what those kids would want?"

"Shut up . . ."

"Crow, those kids have moved on. They understand why they aren't living happier lives with their parents. The only one who hasn't moved on, apparently, is you."

"I said shut up!" I snapped. "You clearly don't understand the pain they've gone through. You can't just say they moved on when they haven't!"

"And do you think destroying the rest of humanity, including them, is going to fix that?"

" . . ."

"You claim you're fighting for those kids, for a better life for them. But there's got to be more to it. You only found out about Yusei's father's experiment being responsible for Zero Reverse after you became a Dark Signer. You couldn't have possibly had the kids on your mind when you went through that process, did you?"

I took a couple of moments to process the accusations. They stung and they stung like hell. Not because those statements were actually true, but because Jack – of all people – actually got me. He got me. He's actually not as dense as I remembered him to be after all. Instead of crying, though, I started to laugh . . . and I couldn't stop. It was as if the pain I had experienced all my life had culminated in this one moment and the only way to cope with it instead of hiding it or crying was to laugh.

"Fine. Fine! You got me, Jack!" I exclaimed, facing in his direction. Then I turned back around and said, "I never felt like I fit in with you guys. You and Yusei – you were always away doing something that seemed more important than spending time with me. 'Crow, don't do this. Crow don't do that. No, Crow, you can't come with us.' I had thought by finding the orphanage, all those years of loneliness that I experienced would be erased, but you assholes only added to it."

"Crow . . ."

But I continued, "And with Team Satisfaction. At first, I was excited to join the gang but when I saw how Duel Monsters was used to divide people instead of bringing them together . . . I started to question my involvement, but I didn't want to be left out, so I stayed. But even then, I was the last thought on everyone's minds. Always the decoy. Always the bait. Wasn't useful to the team other than that."

"Crow, that's not tru – "

"The hell it is!" I interjected. "That's why I always stuck by the kids more than with you. They understood. They knew what it was like to be rejected. With them, I actually felt needed, that I had a purpose. And I will do anything and everything to give them the happiness they deserve, even if it means joining the Dark Signers. Even if it means wiping out humanity. Because they were there for me more than you and Yusei ever were."

That shut him up. If it weren't for the consistent whirring of our D-Wheels, you could've heard a pen drop 40 kilometers away. I relaxed my shoulders, feeling as though the heaviest weight of the world had been lifted from them.

"Consider yourself fortunate, Jack," I said. "I've never told anyone that before. Not even the kids."

Not even Pearson.

"So that's what really happened," he sighed. "I get it. I get it now. It's my turn! Draw!"

"No matter what you play, your defeat is assured. You might as well give up and spare yourself the embarrassment," I taunted, giving away a tiny laugh.

"After what you just told me? I don't think so," he replied. "You're so caught up in your own world that you don't understand anything at all."

"What? I understand everything perfect –" I started to say, becoming indignant again, but he cut me off.

"No. You don't. So Yusei and me didn't include you in everything we did back at the orphanage. We did that to protect you, Crow. Those punk kids we met up with while we were still living there, they would have clobbered you on the spot because they hated you so much. You weren't exactly the strongest then and we didn't need Martha to worry about you any more than she already was."

What . . . what was he saying?

"You-You're making that up," I said, although I wasn't sure I believed that statement.

"Most of the kids liked you because you knew how to play Duel Monsters, yeah, but some of those other kids wanted you gone because of how much attention you were getting when you first got there. Though, you seemed oblivious to that. We didn't want them to hurt you, so Yusei and me took care of them. That's what a family's for, after all."

"So when you told Martha you got those cuts from accidentally bumping into metal and you went off just because you couldn't stand living in the orphanage anymore . . . that . . . that was a lie?" I interrogated, not believing what I was hearing.

"Yes. We cared about you, Crow. We really did. And we still do. Maybe we didn't treat you as well as we should have during the Team Satisfaction days, but we all make mistakes, don't we? And we definitely care about those kids. You gotta trust me."

Crow, we all have moments of weaknesses. Those Yusei and Jack kids you always talk about, they have their moments.

"I . . . I . . ."

I was confused. If what Jack was saying was true, then . . .

What the hell was I doing?

Was Rudger wrong? Was Kiryu wrong? Were the Dark Signers wrong? Were Jack and Yusei really good people?

Yusei's dad caused that accident, but did that really make Yusei the bad guy?

Was I fighting on the wrong side?

Was Jack right? Would the kids really want me to do this? Did Yusei and Jack really care about me?

I.

I didn't know what to believe anymore.

"Jack, I . . ."

I hadn't noticed that Jack had caught up and was right next to me until I looked up.

"Crow, stop this ridiculous duel and come back to us . . . please," Jack implored in a tone I've never heard him talk in before. "You're a Signer, not a Dark Signer. You're one of us. Always have and always will."

Always have and always will.

That was a promise Jack, Yusei, and me made when we were kids. Always have each other's backs and always will be there for each other. Jack was the last person I would have ever thought to still remember that.

"What am I doing?" I asked, shaking my head. "This isn't right. I shouldn't be fighting my family like this."

"Crow! You're back to normal!" Jack said. "Thank goodness . . ."

I gave a weak smile. I was tired. Tired of all the whole thing. Tired of this war. I just wanted it to be over and be with my family. My true family.

"This is pointless," I said. I positioned my hand over the duel disk, preparing to surrender the duel. The palm of my hand barely touched the orb when I felt a sharp pain in my chest and heard a loud heartbeat, presumably mine. I was rapidly losing my vision and before I blacked out completely, I heard Jack call out, "Crow . . . ? Crow! Crow!"


When I regained my vision, there was nothing in front of me. No Jack, no Earthbound God, no D-Wheels, no purple flames . . . nothing. The only reason I recognized this space was because I would consistently have nightmares about it. Vivid, lucid nightmares I would always think were actually happening to me. It would start with some memory of my past, then someone's voice would sound distorted, and Quahitl would show up –

Oh.

Fuck.

"So you finally realize where you are," the familiar, nasal-like, and high-pitched voice rang out and echoed throughout the space. "Took you long enough."

"Quahitl! What's the meaning of this?"

The annoying bastard materialized in front of me in a crouching position, bearing that same disgusting smirk that he always had whenever he showed up. However, after he materialized, he extended his arm and reached for my neck, grabbing it and squeezing it until I could no longer breathe properly. If he had squeezed it any more, I would have died then and there.

"Remember what I told you? Before you dueled Jack?" he asked, his murderous intent ever growing. "If you disappointed me again, I'd have to intervene. And wow, have you been a disappointment."

"D-Don't you dare!" I gasped, struggling for breath. I raised my arms just a little to try and grab his, but my oxygen levels wouldn't allow for such movement.

"You want to forfeit the duel because that dumb as dirt Tail Signer said what you wanted to hear? Because he said that he and Yusei actually cared about you? You are so stupid."

"S-Stop . . ."

"What about Kiryu? What about Pearson? What about the orphans? Don't you care about them at all, you selfish piece of shit?"

"I – I do care about them! But destroying the Signers isn't the answer!" I choked.

"Huh. The same crap Kiryu said to Ccapac Apu," Quahitl spat square in my face. Definitely worse than human saliva by far. "I'm taking over, Crow. And there is nothing you can do about it."

He released his grip on my neck and I collapsed on the floor, coughing and gasping for breath. In the midst of my coughing fit, my Dark Signer arm began to glow and I had enough strength left to see Quahitl disappearing, particle by particle. At that moment, I was deathly afraid. Even though I knew the answer, even though I knew what he would try to do, I stupidly said, "Do whatever you want, Quahitl. But please . . . Don't hurt Jack."

The freak turned around, his face completely contorted to reveal a beast-like smile, his aura extremely deadly and intoxicating, and his power ever intensifying. I had never been more horrified of him – of myself – until that moment. Did any of the other Dark Signers experience this? Is this what Bommer saw before he gave into the Earthbound God influence when he dueled me?

I understood then what Kiryu meant when he said, "We're in hell."

"Don't worry, Crow," Quahitl cackled, "I'll make sure Jack has the swiftest, painless death possible. Consider yourself lucky. I would much rather have him squirm and die the most painful death possible, but we can't always have what we want."

My eyes widened in surprise, even if I wasn't surprised by the answer. He was going to kill Jack. He was going to kill one of my best friends. And it was all my fault. And I could do nothing about it. I could only watch as Quahitl dematerialized until there was none of his being left in this space. I had no strength to get up. I had no strength to even move a muscle. He probably was planning on me to die here.

"Crow, are you alright?"

My body must have woken up. But my surroundings didn't change. I could only hear the voices on the outside. Quahitl had taken full control.

"Oh, I'm more than alright. My resolve to defeat you is stronger than ever."

Jack . . . don't listen to him. That's not me . . .

"What . . . You're not Crow! That's not his voice! Who are you?"

"What are you talking about? I'm most definitely Crow, and I'm definitely going to kill you after I defeat you here. The kids don't deserve scumbag lives that involve your existence."

I couldn't listen to this. I didn't want to listen to this. But I had no choice. I could only listen to Quahitl and Jack's conversation as they dueled, Jack trying to hold his own against his ruthless attacks. I didn't usually cry when things got tough, but there was nothing I could do. I felt so damn helpless. Just like when I dueled Bommer or when I was in Team Satisfaction.

Or when I was a child growing up by myself in Satellite.

It's almost embarrassing, the way I was crying. But the tears wouldn't stop coming and I couldn't control it. I let down Rudger. I let down Kiryu. I let down Jack and Yusei. I let down the kids. I let down Pearson. I would much rather die here than think about how much I failed them.

"Damn it . . ." I choked.

After my meltdown, I felt my heart slowing down, my breathing getting slower. This was it, wasn't it? My final moments? What a disgusting way to die. I wasn't even in control of my own body and I didn't even get the right to die with it. I guess that's what I get for being such a coward.

Those were my last thoughts before I finally – full of regret and sadness - died.


Daedalus Bridge

"Crow!"

Jack . . . ?

"Crow, hold yourself together!"

Am I . . . ?

"Crow!"

I slowly opened my eyes and caught sight of Jack staring at me, his eyes full of worry and concern. Well, that was a first. Unfortunately, I couldn't look at him for long before an unholy coughing fit erupted from my chest, blocking my vision once again.

But, if I was coughing this much, then that meant . . .

Holy shit, I was alive.

That must've meant Quahitl lost against Jack and was destroyed. But, that wasn't good news. I might have been alive, but since I was a Dark Signer and my life force was destroyed, I wouldn't be alive much longer. That was okay, though. At least I'd have my own body.

After my coughing fit was finished, I relaxed my shoulders and looked at him again.

"J-Jack . . ." I whispered, realizing I was losing my voice.

"Crow! Thank goodness you're alright," he said. He sounded like he meant it too.

"For now," I added. I saw his face fall immediately. "I'm not gonna be around much longer, so listen. Carly will be waiting for you in the B.A.D area, so please. Help her. And when you rescue the kids, tell them to take good care of themselves because that's what Big Brother Crow would want. Also, tell Yusei when you see him that . . . that I'm sorry. I screwed up big time. I'm . . . I'm really, sorry Jack."

Jack shook his head and I noticed not only was he shaking, but he was biting his lip so hard that it was bleeding a tiny bit. I had never seen him like that before. It was almost frightening.

"Jack . . . ?"

"You idiot," he said, his eyes watering. "Of course Yusei and I forgive you! We're family!"

I was stunned. After all I said and did to him? He's willing to forgive and still consider me part of the family? Just like that?

"Jack . . . you – you really mean that?"

"Of course!" he yelled, letting a few of the tears fall from his face. "You said you wouldn't lie to me, so why would I lie to you?"

"You remembered that, huh?" I smiled, closing my eyes. "I'm glad."

"Crow . . . ? Crow! Crow, wait!"

I didn't have any of my senses again except for hearing. But . . . it was alright. I did what I needed to do.

"Crow!"

Goodbye, Jack . . . Goodbye, Yusei. It's up to you to keep the promise.


A/N: WELL, THIS CHAPTER IS HELLA OVERDUE WHOOPS.

The last time I updated this was in 2012 and well. A lot's happened since 2012. Mainly surviving the rest of high school and finishing my first year of college. .D. I didn't really get the drive to work on the third chapter until the first semester of my first year of college and I worked on it when I could. And I finally finished it earlier this afternoon. Hallelujah.

Thanks to everyone who favorited this story and added it to their story watch over the last three years. It means a lot to me.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's a wrap. This three-shot is done. No more additional chapters, folks. If at all possible, please leave a review, either about this chapter or the whole story in general. I really want to know what y'all think of it.

Thanks again for all y'alls support!

Hakase Fudou - July 9, 2015