Crow tossed around under the covers. A nightmare version of his memory of when Pearson died was replaying in his dreams.
He ran into the burning building. It wasn't an exact one-for-one recreation of the event. Pearson was nowhere to be found. Amidst the flames there was laughter. A shadowy figure floating about causing a ruckus. Crow couldn't make out what it was. It was no use trying to follow it as the flames were blocking the way. The fire became more intense causing part of the building to cave in.
Crow shot up, breathing hard. Beads of sweat falling down his face. The tail mark glowing brightly on his arm before dimming down. The last thing he wanted was to relive one of the worsts time in his life while asleep. He didn't want to recall that memory properly when awake.
"What was that dream…?" He looked at his arm.
The day started off relatively normal. Crow got up and got ready for work. Just before that he checked the mail. A letter was addressed to him.
Hey, Crow! I found out you made it to the city! There was only one person I know that could have a name like 'Blackbird Delivery'. So I did some snooping around. I hope you don't mind. It is good to know you are doing well. I know it has been a long time since we met, so this might feel sudden. Once I got my company up and running, I got a grave for Pearson. I know how much he meant to you, so I thought I let you know.
From, Bolton.
At the of the letter was directions to the grave-site. It has been a long time since he has ever thought of his mentor and Bolton. He made a note to visit the grave at some point.
Though he did have to wonder about the impeccable timing of this letter. Right after that dream.
Crow let out a yawn preparing for today's work.
That night the memory played out again. When he ran in, he saw Pearson. He knew it was dream but he still wanted to save his mentor. When Crow got close, the shadowy figure from last time flew between them. It fanned the flames, making the fire spread and rise. A piece of the ceiling came falling down on Crow.
Crow jolted awake. Gasping for air. His right arm once again glowing a dim light. Was the Crimson Dragon trying to tell him something? It had to be because the only other option was that Pearson was trying to reach him from death. For normal people that would be a crazy thought. But for Crow, that possibly had to be a consideration. After two nights in a row of prophetic dreams, he figured it was time to pay a visit to an old friend.
He arrived at the graveyard, following the instructions Bolton gave him in the letter. There was a lot he had to tell his old friend. He didn't think to bring flowers, so he came empty handed.
"Crow is that you?" Hearing a familiar voice, Crow looked up to see another longtime friend.
"Bolton!" Crow shouts.
The two greeted each other.
"Crow, man it has been so long. I am glad my letter reached you." Bolton said.
"What brings you here." Crow asks. "I would think a CEO like yourself would be too busy for stuff like this."
"Aww, don't be like that." Unlike Crow Bolton brought flowers. He placed them on the grave. "Let's talk for a while."
The duo chatted about the past and their new lives.
"So you are joining the WRPG?" Bolton asked. "If so, I can sponsor your team. I can get you brand new engines and everything you need."
"Huh, that would be great!" Excited he almost agreed without discussing his team. This could put an end to their engine problem. "Let me talk to my friends first."
Bolton looked in the direction of Blackbird. "I want to do whatever I can to help you."
"Thanks Pearson. I'll get back with you as soon as possible."
"I should get going."
"Um Bolton… were you… able to talk to him before his death?" Crow asked. It was silent between the two. Bolton could tell this was hitting Crow hard.
"I was off doing my own thing. I don't even remember what I said to him before he died." Bolton placed a hand on Crow's shoulder. "Let's work hard to continue what Pearson wanted."
The two parted ways for now. Crow looked to the sky. His day was just beginning. His next destination was the factory.
Those dreams were recollections of the day he found Pearson burning alive. The key difference between his memory and the dream was the shadow. He did not remember a shadow during the event. He glanced down at his right arm. Just what was it trying to tell him? That was the mystery.
He arrived at the abandoned factory. It was barely standing. This whole place was a danger zone. Fallen beams everywhere. Bad air quality. But there was no choice but to go inside. He had to hope that the mark would give him a clue. Walking in Crow took careful steps over the burnt debris. Further in he recalled all the memories he had in this place.
The mark began to shine when he reached a certain spot. The area began to morph. The walls became fixed and there was no sign of arson. In the vision the shadow monster was attacking Crow's monster. It was a Blackwing that belongs to Pearson. When the monster attacked, it knocked over an oil lamp setting off the fire. When that happen, the area returned to the present and the mark stopped glowing.
"What was that?" Crow had been paying more attention to the monster than the person controlling it. One was for sure; this wasn't a freak accident. Pearson was murdered. Crow was going to find out who did it.