Here's a new update! :D Hope you all enjoy...
Within a week, Crane has everything he needs. He's found the basement empty, and bought off a janitor to give him the elevator key. Some of the "well-behaved" prisoners have group therapy, and he gets the location moved guard-free to the basement. It's all or nothing now, and although he's nervous moving things this close to the chest, he has faith in Ra's promise.
He moves all of the supplies he has on stock to the Asylum's basement, and awaits the shipment of the formula's key ingredient. The powder made from the blue flower is potent, but predictable. The thing that had originally attracted Crane to the League of Shadows was the opportunity to experiment and create more. Sure, he could see Ra's point about the dying and decaying Gotham city, but he had no real solidarity with the League. When he had had enough of their games, and he was in charge, he would be safe enough to branch off on his own. He was definitely looking forward to that day.
Scarecrow was beginning to become inpatient. He was ready to instill fear in to every creature that dared to look in their direction, and create madness from a calm moment. But Crane wasn't ready yet. Crane was having a harder and harder time trying to suppress Scarecrow's desires with diminishing success.
Scarecrow couldn't figure out why Crane was in such deep denial. Fear was everything Crane ever wanted and now Scarecrow was here to make it a reality. What was holding them back?
"I'm not 100 percent… sure." Crane admitted.
I know as well as you do that this is what you have dreamed of. Just think of the possibilities!
"But I was supposed to be the sane one! Not the commander that claims a voice is telling him what to do! People will call me mad."
Then you will gas them and show them what true madness is. And then you will kill them to show that only you can rule.
Crane couldn't believe how difficult of a decision it was to act. The hope of achieving his dreams warring with the dread that he has some form of newly introduced mental illness made it hard to see a clear decision.
I'm not some man-made illness, and you know that. Don't try to excuse or think away the truth. Accept what you've been given, and embrace it. Feel the fear take hold and fight for what you dream.
"I'm sorry. This is just a lot to get used too…"
I understand that Johnny-boy, but time is running out. Our secret is going to be exposed soon, and we need to be prepared.
"I know. I just need a little more time."
Wake up, Johnny…
It's two in the morning, and Crane has finally gone to bed. He rolls over, but exhaustion keeps him from rousing. It turns out that it is a lot of work getting everything organized but still kept a secret at Arkham.
Johnny-boy, I said, wake up!
Crane still doesn't stir, and Scarecrow is getting frustrated.
If you don't wake up, I'm gonna do it myself. He warns. After a few more seconds of silence, he gives up. Fine.
He had taken the last week to subtly learn the ins and outs of Crane's head. Mostly while Crane was asleep so he wouldn't take particular notice to his shuffling. By now, he is pretty sure he can take control a little easier now, but he's sure it still is going to take a lot of energy. Maybe if he's lucky, Crane won't even notice.
He extends his awareness out to the edges of Crane's mind, pushing against its walls. It's his mind now, and attached to it is Scarecrow's body. Crane's mind feels the intrusion, and stirs gently, but recognizes Scarecrows presence as familiar, and relaxes. Scarecrow continues pushing, and soon feels the releasing feeling that allows him to spread his awareness out and through his body. Crane on the other hand, is pulled into the recesses of his own mind, and for the moment, stays oblivious, lost in the world of dreams.
Scarecrow opens his eyes and stands up, relishing the feeling of freedom. He now had a body, but he needed his own face… It was something that had been bothering him since the last time he had taken control.
Something like a mask would do, and several of Crane's memories show him a few options. Bright plastic faces smile and grimace from the images, and Scarecrow shakes his head. He wanted to create something more… Something that would not only create fear, but create something that would last a lifetime of cowering and quaking at the mere thought of him. An ordinary mask couldn't do that.
So what options did he have? Material was important. He didn't want the boring plastic, and a ski mask was out before he even considered it. He covers his face with his hands and sighs deeply. He has no idea where to start. Something demonic? Nah, too cliché. No face at all; a blank slate? Possible… but not really enough to cause fear…
Crane's subconscious thoughts catch his attention. He appears to be having a nightmare. Thousands of crows fly in a vortex above him. His legs are paralyzed with fear. Scarecrow would normally smile at such an image, but he feels a brother-like attachment to the man and wants to help. But before he does anything, Crane helps himself. A glowing figure appears beneath the swirling vortex of feathers and beaks. The birds begin scattering and cawing wildly causing Crane to huddle in fear. When the majority of crows were gone, Crane lifts his head warily, and looks for what caused them to leave. An average scarecrow held up by a wooden post sits 20 yards from him, a sewn smile on its stationary face. Its black button eyes seem to challenge him and he gets to his feet slowly…
Scarecrow withdraws from Crane's dreams, the image of the Scarecrow's face in his thoughts. It was made of burlap… That might make a scary face. He obviously wouldn't make it with button eyes or a smile…He shivers at the thought.
He walks into the kitchen and shuffles through the cupboards. He knows there's something around here, he just has forgotten where… Ah. There. A forgotten burlap bag of potatoes. It will do for now.
He dumps the rest of the brown vegetables out in the sink and shakes the dust and dirt crumbs from the bag. It's actually in pretty decent shape and he grins. It will do…
A short time later, Crane's subconscious has noticed the intrusion. Crane 'wakes' up slowly, still believing he's in a dream. Why else would Scarecrow be in control of everything?
Nope. You're awake, Johnny-boy. Scarecrow snickers. Like it?
Crane tries to figure out what is going on, but feels fuzzy. Waking up but being confined his head is disorienting, and it takes a moment to focus on Scarecrow's point. Although, after a second of thinking, it may not be Crane's eyes that are fuzzy, but the fact that scarecrow is wearing a mask impeding his vision. Why can he smell potatoes?
Focus, Crane.
Crane finally manages to see through the crudely cut-out eye holes and can't believe what he sees. They are standing in front of the bathroom mirror and the refection shows that they are wearing some sort of home-made mask made from burlap. There are two small cuts for eyes, and a stitched smile which surprisingly makes it more sinister rather than endearing. He's also wearing one of his suits for work, which brings the mask out nicely. The overall image is something powerful. Something amazing. Something frightening…
"Embrace it, Johnny. Feel the freedom. Feel what it is like to truly cause fear in the hearts of the sniveling citizens of this forsaken city."
You're right. Crane agrees. I can see your point now.
"You've been holding back, Johnny, and it's because your denying your past. To truly move forward with this, you need to confront it."
Crane immediately retreats mentally. No, no, no… I don't think I can.
"You're still plagued with nightmares and insecurities. You need to face your fear in order to be in control. I'll help you. That's why I'm here, remember."
You don't understand… I can't.
"How can you truly make your victims see their true fear when you deny your own? You can't Johnny. This needs to be done."
No. Crane tries to gain control of his movements, and Scarecrow lets him. As soon as it's over, Scarecrow let's his true intentions be seen by Crane.
I have more mental power in here, than out there, Johnny. I'm going to help you face your fear. It won't be that bad…
"No. Stop it now." Crane orders.
Get ready, Johnny. We start now…
Hope you all enjoyed! And hey, I would just love it if you would send me a quick review... ;)