Night falls on the city and Cipher hides on the roof next to some statues overlooking the life below him. The building besides him is Club68 as he sees the leader of Los Soldados de Reyes, Gomez Santiago walking to the club with a small number of people with him.
Gomez: Are they in there?
Reyes thug1: Yea. But they don’t look like no gang. Just look like a bunch of white people in black clothing. It’s kinda weird looking at them though.
Gomez: Fucking sake, look don’t laugh or smirk in front of them got it? I an’t gonna help ya if you do.
They enter the club and all around them are flashing lights with loud music as people are dancing and drinking. Club68 became famous for being a hangout for gangs and young people to party till morning. Gomez and his crew go pass all the people on the ground floor and go to the second level of the club and go into one of the rooms overlooking the first floor. There they sit across to the leader of Cross, Samuel wearing a smiling mask with a black coat.
Samuel: It’s been a while… hasn’t it Gomez.
Gomez: Look I’m just here to give you people the money and bounce got it? *gives them the luggage of money*
Samuel: Is this the package those mercenaries were going to be given?
Gomez: Yeah. We’re done now.
Samuel: Wait up a minute. Don’t you want to enjoy the night here and party till there’s no tomorrow?
Gomez: Not at the moment, you can have fun on our behalf.
Samuel: My modest aren’t you? Also there’s something I also wanted to ask. You saw the Bloodstained Crow right?
Gomez: W-what’s that got to do-
Samuel: He’s been interfering with my group’s affairs, killing my members which have diminished Cross in less than 3 weeks. The same Cross that took over this rotten Los Angeles and gained control from all gangs especially like yours, the Bulldogs, M.O.S., and the others. None of them have ever gotten to see the Bloodstained Crow like you have. Why is that?
Gomez: That’s just a fucking-
Samuel: A what!? A coincidence? How can I believe that?
Gomez: Cause its fucking true! I don’t even know why you would bring this up now!
Samuel: Then as proof, I will need something for you to “sacrifice” in order prove your innocence.
Gomez: DA FUCK YOU MEAN! I’m not gonna let you near me for you sick games, pedazo de mierda!
Samuel: Then would you prefer your lovely child to be it. Or your family that lives in the ghetto located in Inglewood.
Gomez: …How the fuck you know that?
Samuel: I had some of my people trace you guys to your homes when you leave. It’s quite fascinating the hypocrisy you people have when it comes to families, willing to take lives for you "brothers" and allow your own true blood to just die. Don’t look too surprised, I have knowledge of all the gangs’ whereabouts for instants like this.
Gomez remained silent knowing in his mask after threatening his and his gangs’ families just for proving his innocence. Then one of his gang members walks in front of Gomez.
Reyes thug1: I’ll do it. If it means my homies here are telling the truth then I’ll do whatever you need me to do.
Gomez: What are you doing!? I’m not letting you go be his bitch!
Reyes thug1: No it’s cool. You and all the others are my family, even though we’ve done some shitty things ourselves least we an’t like these fucking lunatics.
Samuel: Ah I know you. You were the one that was holding in his laughter when you saw us right? *punches the thug on the throat*
The Soldados were unable to do anything as more Cross members showed up to make sure they didn’t interfere.
Samuel: See, I learned some martial arts when I was younger as my mother wanted me to. Of course I eventually got better as I got older. *crouches near the top of Reyes thug1’s face* Gomez, do you know why I called you and all the other gangs’ hypocrites? It’s because you all gained this power by killing and showing fear towards the weaker people. And when it comes to your own kin weak or not you show kindness. All that money and power for your own gain…
He then pulls out a knife and two hooded Cross members hold down the thug’s arms as it gets closer to the thugs nose with his knife. He then removes the mask he’s had on showing his eyes of a lunatic.
Samuel: You want to know something. I made Cross with one thing in mind, to gain power so that I may show people that anyone can gain the same power against any threat.
Gomez: What?
Samuel: This includes my "father" I know that he is trying to use me as some way for himself to go even higher in the pyramid scheme called society. After all if my father is strong, that just means I must be stronger. That is what we should be doing Gomez. Not gain money and power for ourselves, but for everyone. Family or not we should save them, and whoever gets in our way, we shall make them regret it. *starts to slice off the Reyes thug’s nose from the nostrils*
As the thug starts to scream, Samuel grabs a rag and places it onto the thug’s mouth so that the screaming is muted. After cutting it completely off the thug passes out from the pain. Samuel then begins to talk to two Cross members next to him.
Gomez: (This fucker is fucking crazy… please forgive me my friend.)
Samuel: You two, Marcos and the newbie Mark. Take this one to Tracy. She’s on the second floor having her fun. After that come back here, got it?
Marcos: Yeah, yeah. Just make sure to not lose yourself again, aright Sam?
Samuel: What makes you think I can’t my dear friend?
Marcos: Cause that childlike smile is quite large on your face.
Mark then sees Samuel’s face and is utterly scared of what he sees. A large smile covered in blood from cutting off the thug’s nose. The blood was sprayed onto his teeth as if he was smiling the entire time while doing so.
Samuel: You’re right Marcos. I should learn to control myself one day shouldn’t I?
The two then grab the passed out thug and drag him out. While dragging him, Mark then stops walking and starts to look pale.
Marcos: Sup? Need to throw up? There’s a bathroom up ahead-
Mark: * turns away and vomits* (What the hell!)
Marcos: Or you can do it right here…
Mark: *breathing heavily* W-w-what the fuck was all that about!? Is he crazy!?
Marcos: Seriously you’re asking that? Why did you join Cross if you’re asking that? Anyways I gotta go to the bathroom now that you fucking vomited here ya know.
The two stop at the door of a bathroom. Marcos goes inside and before going into one of the stalls; he checks all of them to see if they were occupied. After knowing he was alone in the bathroom he goes into the last stall and takes out his phone.
Marcos: (Pick up, pick up, pick up) Hey I got something you should know. Cross is having a meeting right now with the Latinos. If you guys hurry it up then you can get here and capture them all before the ritual even begins.
Steven: Why in the hell do you have bad timing with this type of thing Marcos. Playing a game whether or not we kick your ass for this late info? Anyways would this place happen to be at a place called Club68?
Marcos: Yeah in the Hollywood district. How'd you figure that out?
Steven: Tapes. Anyways make sure you buy us time before we get there.
Marcos: Wha- *hears the dial tone* Asshole hung up.
He gets out and gets walking with Mark and the knocked out thug. They get to the back and then use the stair to get to the top floor. Once there they see Tracy beating someone with their hands tied up to the ceiling in a nuns outfit.
Mark: Why is she here?
Tracy: Honey gave me a choice that I could bring her so that I can have fun. I wanted to bring the younger one, but this one just kept pushing it. Even though I kept smacking her she just kept getting up, giving me that same fucking look.
Maria: *bleeding from the mouth* Eh? By whatever do you mean?
Tracy: *punches her face* Shut that mouth of yours you slut of god! By the way what’s with that guy you two are holding?
Marcos: Eh, you know Samuel. Long story short, this guy is your new plaything.
Tracy: Oh. Put him over there on the chair. These two big guys are gonna tie him up. Oh I just thought of this. Hey nun, watch as this guy becomes an example of what's to come.
As the huge men tie up the thug, Maria then sees the thug’s face and looks shocked as his nose is gone. Trying to look away she then sees Mark’s face as he seems to be scared.
Maria: Hey you’re that kid from before. Why the long look?
Mark: Huh?
Maria: You look really terrified you know. Isn’t this what you wanted to join?
Mark: …No
Maria: Hmm, why not?
Mark: I just wanted a quick way to get money and I thought I would be using to help my parents out of the tough neighborhood we live in.
Maria: Lord help this child… If that’s what you want then go back to school and earn it like a noble person would. Do you think they would be happy that you’re in this type of group?
Mark: I… I don’t…
Marcos: Let’s go or would you rather stay here.
Maria: He’s right. You should get out before it’s too late for you. *gently smiles*
Tracy: Hey bitches don’t talk. You got something’s to see before it’s your turn you know. And don’t worry; I’ll go back and forth with you two. *widens her eyes*
They turn away but Mark looks back to Maria and for just a bit, he notices that her legs are shaking. The two of them return to where the meeting is held but back on the ground floor one of the bodyguards lays on the ground bleeding. He is then killed as claws tear through his chest. The people there don’t notice as he dies and his killer walks into the club from a back entry. While in there he looks up and sees a balcony.
Cipher: I wonder… would it be too easy or a cliché if he really is in there.
He then sits near the bar and besides him is a woman with red hair, strange tattoos on her face, and wearing glasses drinking rum.
Lisa: Say aren’t you a little too young to be in a place like this?
Cipher: …
Lisa: Ignoring me huh? Well look I’m not one to judge but if you want I can get you a drink if you want.
Cipher: … Why would you offer a minor a drink?
Lisa: Why else would you be here?
Cipher: I don’t have to tell you that.
Lisa: I see.
Cipher: *turns to her* Thanks for the offer though. *grabs the stool and walks to the dance floor*
Lisa: *adjust her glasses* Ahhh… so that’s how you look. Just a child and already have eyes of a cold killer. How nostalgic.
Back at where the meeting is Mark and Marcos arrive back. They see that the meeting is coming to an end.
Samuel: Well, I suppose that all there is to do. It’s been fun talking to you Gomez. Hope we can continue our partnership in the future.
Gomez: … Sure. (Crazy asshole)
Just as the two start to walk to the door, the window overlooking the ground floor is broken by a stool. On the ground Cipher runs and then jumps to the wall closes to the broken window. Once he does, he uses his claws to grip the wall and leaps onto the balcony. Landing at a crouching position, Cipher looks at the group in the room.
Gomez: (Shit did he follow me here!?)
Samuel: So you’re the Bloodstained Crow. The one that’s been hunting down my poor Cross members.
Cipher: *stares with eyes wide open* I found you…
Then one of the Cross members takes out a shotgun and fires at Cipher causing him to be pushed out of the balcony and back at the ground floor. When Cipher threw the stool at the balcony, everyone had stopped what they were doing and then started panicking when the gun shot was heard. Cipher lands on his back and then gets back immediately after.
Cipher: *feels armor breaking* This body armor isn’t going to hold up if I keep this up.
As people start to run out to the exit, others take out their guns and fire at Cipher. He runs towards the bar and ducks behind the counter. While down there, he takes out two smoke grenades from a pouch he still had from the mercenaries he killed.
Thug1: He’s at the bar.
Thug2: We got em trapped!
He takes off the pins on them and tosses them at two different directions. They explode and once they do, Cipher jumps out and starts to cut people down as the smoke hides him.
Samuel: Seems as if he was prepared for war don’t you think. But it seems another coincidence has happened here Gomez… *shoots Gomez on the stomach*
Gomez: Gah! Why the fuck!? *falls to his knees*
The other Cross members then kill off the rest of the crew that came with him.
Samuel: Well I wonder how we should get out of this mess, some of you go down there and distract the crow. While that is happening, I’ll lead rest of us out through the other exit on the second floor. Go!
More people then starts to show up as the smoke cleared and they saw a lot of people dead on the ground. Some had been stabbed on the neck and/or chest, where others had arms or heads cut right off. In front of them is Cipher holding up one of the thugs as his right claw is pierced right through the body.
Cipher: *wide eyes and sinister grin* Found him… I found him… and you’re all in the way!
They shoot him but he manages to get close enough to one and uses one of them as a shield. Holding him, Cipher charges forward with his meat shield towards the others as they shoot. Back where the bar was at, Lisa had hid herself and was watching all that was happening.
Lisa: (Must’ve gotten those grenades from those morons that got themselves killed before me. Seems reckless but can adapt in a fight, but looks like he can only street fight at best. He’s fast, but his attacks are so desperate looking it's laughable.)
As she continued to observe the fight, Cipher had killed more of the thugs before him and the look on his face had gotten more vicious than before.
Cipher: (Damn them… I won’t let you escape. But where is he. Did he run pass me or was there another exit?)
Thug2: Fucking Christ, this guy is a monster!
Thug3: Hell with this I’m leaving, see ya guys later!
Two others follow after thug3 right when Cipher had killed the last thug on the ground floor by slamming the thug’s head onto the ground. The bullets that did hit Cipher started to heal as his healing ability was active during the fight.
Cipher: Well everyone here is dead. So he must be somewhere up there then.
As he runs to the stairs the lead up, bullets start to graze by his ear as thug2 returned to try and kill him. Using a sub-machine gun he relentlessly shoots at Cipher until he ran out of bullets. Cipher then ran at full force and impaled him into the room's wall where the dead Reyes and a heavily injured Gomez were at.
Thug2: *coughs* What are you!?
Ignoring the question, the thug's neck is stabbed by Cipher's claw. Pulling it out, Cipher sees Gomez trying to back away from him as he makes eye contact with him.
Cipher: *steps on Gomez's head* Why are you here? I thought you didn’t know the leader of Cross you lying piece of shit.
Gomez: Agh! I-
Cipher: Whatever. *releases Gomez* Tell me where he is and I won’t kill you today.
Gomez: He... said something about going up...
After leaving Gomez alone, Gomez then sees something he’s never seen before. Moments before the explosion, Tracy had stopped her torturing on the now dead thug and had her attention to Maria. She takes out a leather belt and starts to whip Maria.
Tracy: Looks like I’ma need to whip you harder for you to cry out to your imaginary friend.
Maria: … What do you mean? Doesn’t your cult believe in a similar being, after all you people call yourselves Cross for god sake.
Tracy: Samuel chose that name for the irony of it. We don't pray or hope or have faith in some fucking invisible thing.
Maria: What do you mean?
Tracy: He grew up in a home where he was abandoned by his father but loved by his mother. Day after day he would get hurt by many people but she would always shield him even if she would get hurt herself. She was a kind gentle person that gave us something to be happy about. One day however she was assaulted by some low street thugs and died before she could get to a hospital. Those fucking bastards weren't caught since they pinned it on someone else. Of course those thugs were dealt with by Samuel himself. He made sure they would never walk on this planet ever again.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Maria: So he became a murderer.
Tracy: *whips her on the face* Watch your mouth bitch! Those fucking bastards deserved it!
Maria: Even vermin have families you know. Killing wasn’t the only thing he could have done. From the moment he decided to kill those people, he was on the path his mother would have never wanted him to walk on. I should know...
Tracy: *continues to whip* What the fuck do you know! Have you lost someone dear to you like that! No of course-
Maria: OF COURSE I HAVE! IT WAS YOU PEOPLE THAT TOOK AWAY MY SON AWAY FROM ME 8 MONTHS AGO!
Tracy: 8 months ago? Oh, not sure which one was yours but I still remember one kid. He was fierce. Almost got away if it wasn’t for me breaking his legs, but even after that he still fought hard. But he did stop fighting after his heart got cut out; I swear if my heart didn’t belong to Samuel, I would have fallen for that kid. *smiles*
She continues on about how that kid got involved, as Maria listens on knowing Tracy is only mocking her with what happened.
Tracy: He wasn't part of any gang you know. Fuck since he looked like a Latino I thought he was part of a latin gang, but nope. He just got in only cause he rescued some helpless crying people. Fuck after he let them escape he put up a good fight, until he took a shock from my electric rod.
She then continues to torment Maria by whipping her face and then uses a wooden bat to hit her ribs to the point where she is almost passing out by the pain. Hearing all the gunshots and explosions had her wonder if the meeting had gone wrong. Soon enough Samuel and his crew came into the room moments later.
Tracy: Darling what happened!?
Samuel: Looks like the crow has finally caught up.
Tracy: He’s here!? How did he know we were here!?
Marcos: We didn’t have time to ask him since he got shot by a shotgun. But by the sounds of how things are going down there seems like that didn’t slow him down. Samuel we need to make a stand here, if we can all shoot at him at once then there’s no way he-
Samuel: Marcos my friend, I’ve been meaning to ask by why are you so instant on us doing that instead of leaving now?
Marcos: Well we have to make sure that the crow is dead by our own eyes. If not then this whole cat and mouse game will continue.
Samuel: Tracy, stay here and help the others taking out the crow. They’ll need your help since you have a black belt in kickboxing.
Tracy: Yes! Of course darling, I’ll help if that’s what you want me to do.
Marcos: (Are you serious…) Look Samuel with the amount of noise that’s been made, the police will be here any second-
Samuel: Not another word Marcos! You don’t want your wife and daughter to know that you’re part of Cross the most dangerous gang in Los Angeles to date do you?
Seeing all this Mark had been quiet the entire time and when he sees how bad Maria looks with blood coming down her face and all bruised up, he silently walks up to her.
Mark: Are you okay ma’am?
Maria: …….. You should stay away from me, you get yourself killed.
Mark: I’m… I’m really sorry… Truly I am. I’ll make sure the other girl gets out safely.
He backs slowly away from her only to have Marcos notice, but says nothing about it. After exiting the room and start going to the path towards the alley downstairs, Samuel begins to wonder if the voice he heard from the Bloodstained Crow sounded familiar. It was only seconds later until a few of the thugs got in and told her about the situation downstairs.
Tracy: Was he following those damn Mexicans here?
Thug3: Who knows! Anyways why you still here, didn’t Samuel and the rest come by here?
Tracy: Yes they did. And I promised that after we killed the crow that we would meet back at the Altar.
Thug3: You don’t get it! That guy is a fucking monster, he had grenades and even though we shot him a lot he still moving!
Tracy: Then you just have to try a little HARDER!
As Cipher goes up the stairs he’s killing whoever is left shooting at him. Using the railings on the stairs, Cipher jumped to the high levels with his cloak covered with blood. He then rams a thug that was standing in front of the door to where the others were going to. The ram causes the door to be broken down and kills the thug instantly as his chest was pierced by Cipher’s claws.
Cipher: *looks at the dead thug* Hmm, maybe that was too much power. Oh well.
Thug3: Shit he’s here already!?
Cipher: You people haven't coward out yet? That's perfect.
He then dashes forward and stabs thug3 and attacks the remaining few with kicks to the neck. Taking no time in killing as his claws cut faces and stabs others. As Cipher looks at the only door in the room he starts to run towards it and stops when Tracy attacks him with an electric rod that hits him on his back. He falls to his side from the shock.
Tracy: You an’t going anywhere near my baby!
She turns him over and is about to go for his neck, but Cipher counters her by kicking her off with a boot to the stomach.
Cipher: Crazy bitch. You could kill someone with that thing you know.
Tracy: *calming her breath* You’re one to talk. You’ve been killing off our people left and right, fuck we even had 15 year olds in the gang and you still killed them. So don’t go saying shit like-
Cipher: Hahaha! You’re a funny one. But that doesn’t concern me. They got themselves into this cult that likes to act all high and mighty.
He teleports right behind Tracy and tries to stab her back but then starts to feel extremely lightheaded and dizzy. Noticing this Tracy then uses her electric rod and jams it into Cipher’s neck. Getting stunned by it, she then starts to punch him repeatedly until his blood starts to get on her face.
Tracy: W-w-what the fuck is this shit!? Is this your fucking blood? Why the fuck is it all black!?
As she is distracted by the color of his blood Cipher then manages to use his knee and smash it right onto her ribs, breaking them. As his face heals, he looks at her as she is in pain from her broken ribs.
Cipher: *Wipes the blood off his mouth* You know you look familiar. But I don’t have time for you right now. I need to catch up to that “baby” of yours and then I'll be back for you.
He walks away from her and to the center of the room only to notice the gang member tied to a chair that looks as if his nose was cut off. He sees that his fingers were cut off, eyes taken out, and stab wounds on his leg. He looks away and then sees a woman with her hands tied up towards the ceiling; he also notices that the woman seems to have on a nuns outfit but proceeds to the door to continue his pursuit.
Tracy: (Fuck what fucking strength he has!? I have to stop him or else… or else he going to kill my one true love.)
Just then demonic spirits appear near Tracy.
Spirit1: Desire Power…
Spirit2: You’re BODY and FleSh and BONE we want IT.
As Tracy is getting possessed Cipher is has already opened the door leading to Samuel but stopped and looks back at the nun.
Cipher: That nun dress… I mean it won’t hurt to just see really quickly. If it’s not her then I can just hurry it up.
Once he gets to the woman and lifts her head, Cipher begins to look mortified. He then cuts off the ropes on her hands and uses his arms to gently place her on the ground.
Cipher: … Mom?
Behind him however, Tracy’s arms, eyes, legs, and speech was being disfigured. The veins from her body pulsing and her eyes become extremely bloodshot. She twitches bit by bit as she starts to speak.
Tracy: I knew IT. This IS A pOwer ThAt loVe is Capable OF!
Cipher: You know what. That bastard can wait. *glares* You’re the one I want now!
He teleports right in front of her and attempts to stab her right in the face. However his arm is caught by Tracy and she uses her other hand to hold up Cipher by the neck. He tries to break free with a kick but has no effect. She lets go but only for both her hands to grab hold of his leg and by sheer force of her grip, she breaks it along with the armor on the leg.
Cipher: Gahh! FUCK!
He uses his other leg and kicks her face so hard the impact makes her fall onto her back. As Cipher tries to stand, he sees all the evil spirits floating around as they start to take over some of the corpses around them. He runs back to where Maria is and can still see her breathing normally and unaffected by the spirits. He touches her as he attempts to teleport, but finds out he is unable to do so.
Cipher: ... Why the hell can't I teleport! If don't get mom out of here, they're gonna go for her! *gets tackled by Tracy*
He crashes onto the wall and tries to get back up. Tracy then holds up the unconscious Maria and begins to choke her with her new found strength.
Tracy: YOU know I hated this nun. She ALWAYS FeLt as if she KNEW wHat was the goodness in people’s hearts are but I hated THAT WAY. No wait I just HATED THIS FUCKING NUN!
Cipher: Let her go!
Tracy: WhY, you want to fuck her? OR IS she important to you?
Cipher: Let her go god damn it!
Tracy: You know now I know WhY you sound familiar. YOU’RE THE BRAT that we killed 8 MONTHS ago aren’t you! I’M Surprised you Lived EVEN after getting your heart cut out. I don’t know how you’re doing this, BUT THAT means this bitch is your mother RIGHT?
Cipher: You’re the one that broke my legs… that woman that tricked me into thinking you wanted me to escape. The same bitch that captured in the first place!
Tracy: Oh THAT’S RIGHT! YOU were so CuTe into thinking THAT. And now look, Im going to kill you mommy right HERE IN front of you! Want to know something, EVEN AFTER I told your mommy that I broke your legs so THAT YOU couldn’t leave. ShE couldn’t bring herself to even ATTACKING me. Pathetic am I right?
Cipher: SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LET HER GO!
Cipher still on the ground trying to get back on his feet but his leg hasn’t healed. He is then forced onto the ground by the possessed bodies that were taken over. Some start of them to bite him.
Cipher: Get off me! (Fuck come on teleport. TELEPORT! Why can’t I teleport to them!?) STOP IT!
Tracy: You know what it’s TIME TO kiLL The NuN!
While being forced onto the ground he struggles more but finds himself feeling weaker. As he sees Tracy start to crush Maria’s neck slowly Cipher begins to feel a burning sensation inside his body as flowing dark miasma appears and covers his body. Bursting out from the pile, the miasma had blown off large parts of the corpses. He reaches Tracy and kicks her on the chest so hard her bones shatter and she breaks through the window behind her, crash onto the wall near the building.
Tracy: *coughs out blood* What was that?
As she jumps back into the building she sees a dark figure covered in a black flowing miasma from head to toe.
Tracy: What-what that FUCK ARE YOU!?
His pupils were now red diamond shaped with his sclera pitch black. She saw Cipher’s eyes were no longer human as they were glowing diamond red and face covered by darkness as his mouth area had a large opening. His claws had grown larger and darkness flowing from them. In his arms was Maria barley breathing after being freed from Tracy’s hold. Placing her down Cipher then charges towards Tracy. Police sirens get closer to the club as the people around are gathering around the building. Above the club, Vice looks down at the chaos and watches the people below in delight. He uses his hands to make a frame like a cameraman does as he narrates to himself.
Vice: And that’s the sound of the local police department to investigate the disturbed calls they’ve received. Unfortunately that certain cop isn’t here yet so it’s not going to be as fun just yet.
He floats above and can see that Samuel has escaped and is headed toward his hideout.
Vice: There’s goes the star of the show, but if the boy still wants to, I’ll lead him right to you.
He then senses a dangerous aura coming from within the club.
Vice: (This feeling seems a little too early… Has he already reached his limit?)
Vice then goes into the club by going through the main entrance, since no ordinary human can see him as he enters. Looking around he can see the small areas where Cipher threw the grenades and sees the broken windows where Cross and the Soldados were at. While he looks around, Lisa is walking up the stairs then looks back toward Vice’s direction.
Lisa: (What the hell is that weird guy doing here? Whatever it’s none of my concern.)
Back inside, on the second top floor where the back stairs lead up to, the possessed Tracy is barley dodging the attacks of the frenzied Bloodstained Crow. No longer acting or moving like a normal human, his speed has increased as his attacks resemble of a starving beast.
Tracy: What THE FUCK aRe you? Well whatever YOU are you CanNOT DEFEAT-
Her right arm is the caught by him and is immediately broken in half as he starts to rips it off.
Tracy: FUUUUCK! FUUUCKING FUUUUCK!
As she screams in agony, Cipher holds the bleeding arm for a second. Until his mouth begins to drool and start to sink his new sharp teeth onto the amputated arm. Red lines start to show within the black miasma as the blood from the arm drips down from his claws. Thanks to being possessed she can somewhat ignore the pain, Tracy goes to a corpse and grabs one of the guns to shoot.
Tracy: You FUCKING ATE MY ARM HUH!? WELL EAT THIS ASSHOLE! *shoots the gun*
Once he looks back at her, the bullets begin to hit him everywhere. Even after using an entire clip, she drops then gun and grabs another and shoots. The bullets all hit him and manage to push him back and crashing onto some wooden boxes that were in the room. After crashing, there was no movement at all from Cipher.
Tracy: I did it. I… I killED the Bloodstained Crow! He took my arm but still I killed him, ahhhh if only Samuel was heRe to see this. I would finally have my big brothers approval-
Before she can finish her sentence, Cipher gets back up. The bullets that hit him all fall down and show that they never penetrated his body. Before Tracy could even act Cipher moves so fast that he had no need to teleport to her and has his large claws slices her ribs.
Tracy: Gah! *coughs out blood* ….how!?
The black miasma around him starts to make 4 large tentacles and it goes into Tracy’s body. As they are inside her, she gasps for air as if she is chocking until the tentacles tear away the spirits that possessed her. He drops her and she lies on the ground twitching from getting the sprits removed so violently and she begins to feel all the pain from her missing arm to the sliced ribs. However the attack didn’t take her soul, he then gets closer to her and she lunges out a knife to cut his throat, but forced down a tentacle.
Tracy: … You’re… kidding… I won’t let you kill my… brother… the only man… I lov-
He then begins to eat Tracy before she could finish her sentence. As he eats her she screams but eventually silence takes over. The blood sprayed on the floor and walls where they are. Cipher continues to eat and the black miasma moves more excitingly and the red begins to become brighter. Seeing the whole fight, Lisa looks from the side of the doorframe.
Lisa: (Holy shit. I don’t know how the fuck he became like that, but my guess is that whatever that shit around his body is; is the reason he’s still alive. She wasn’t even able to see his attack since she started to get hit. At first I thought it was because her eyes were trying to get used to the dark, but mine adjusted to it and I saw all his attacks.)
She notices her fingers beginning to twitch.
Lisa: (Shit, I gotta calm down. Just watching that whole thing got me all… excited.) *grins madly*
She hears someone coming so she goes behind some boxes nearby. Eventually Cipher stops eating and looks back towards Maria’s direction. Once he get near her, his claws start to go closer to her but is then shot at with a shotgun from the door he came from, which knocks him back.
Steven: Looks like waiting for the SWAT team would have been a bad idea.
As the crow starts to recover from the shot, Steven rushes to Maria and sees that she is badly hurt but still alive. He then hears growling and sees that the crow is besides Tracy’s corpse on the ground, half eaten.
Steven: What the hell? Can this monster be what I think it is?
He then sees Maria in Steven’s arms. As he does the black miasma starts to spread on the ground. Quickly Steven grabs Maria and drops to the ground as Cipher launches himself towards them. Cipher then crashes powerfully onto a wall, breaking through it as Steven pulls Maria up and tries to escape but instead he then hears movement where the wall was broken. He places Maria on the corner of the room and gets his shotgun ready.
Steven: Is this what you really are crow? You and this situation are truly insane.
In front of him, Cipher emerges from the wall and looks at Steven and uses his speed to try and attack him, but Steven shoots around Cipher and manages to shot his leg causing him to fall down. As he does he reloads his gun as Cipher leg heals back faster than before, allowing him to get up.
Steven: (Just how is he able to get back? I shot him on the leg... is the crow even a human!?)
At the same time this is happening, Marshall arrives to the scene and talks to one of the officers outside.
Marshall: What’s the situation here?
Officer: We got reports of loud explosions coming from the building here. We started to block out the people and check for injuries and questioned what had happened.
Marshall: This place has been rumored to be a hangout for Cross members, wouldn’t strike me at odd if this was done by a rival gang or even the crow himself.
Officer: That’s the thing, some of the witnesses report that someone in a tattered cloak threw a chair onto a stand overlooking the party floor. It wasn’t long till there was gunfire and even explosions inside.
Marshall: Tattered cloak huh? Has anyone gone in?
Officer: SWAT team just arrived but there was one other that gone in. I believe it was Detective Steven Xiao. He said that while the SWAT gets here he would check for anyone else that could need help.
Marshall: That idiot! Has he come back?
Officer: No, he hasn’t returned.
Marshall: Damn it, I’m going in. Hopefully the SWAT team can subdue crow.
Inside, Vice arrives just as Steven is now barley dodging Cipher’s attacks as his speed starts to pick up once more. His clothes now ripped and he is running out of breath since Cipher as been relentlessly going at him. Vice hovers towards Maria as she slowly gains consciousness.
Vice: (Interesting, it’s not much but just seeing this woman like this was enough to awaken this much power. But... looks like it’s not enough for a true release.)
Cipher grabs hold of Steven’ shotgun and toss him to the ground. He then breaks the weapon in two by snapping it. Then he grabs Steven by the leg and tosses him onto some broken boxes. Cipher jumps and lands on the detective’s right arm. His large claw then grabs his face, covering his entire head. Unknown to Cipher, Steven tries to get his pistol out from his back holster. Before Steven can take it out, the SWAT breaks through the windows near them and they point their weapons to Cipher.
SWAT1: Get down on the ground now!
But with no response as Cipher looks at them, all they can see is the black miasma all over him and the glowing red diamond shaped eyes.
SWAT2: What the hell is that!?
SWAT3: There’s blood everywhere… Did this guy do all this?
A growl is then heard and Cipher lets go of Steven and uses his speed as he starts to attack the SWAT members.
SWAT1: Fuck! Shoot him!
As they shoot, Marshall enters the large room and sees the chaos as the SWAT members are being killed. He sees Steven exhausted as he is struggling to get to Maria to safety.
Marshall: You dumb ass what were you thinking coming here all alone? You’ve seen what that monster is capable of.
Steven: Marshall… *points to Maria* Get her out of here. I’ll distract the crow, give you time to escape till-
Marshall: SHUT THE HELL UP! You, Maria, and everyone else aren’t going to die here. The back-up will subdue the Bloodstained Crow.
Screams are then heard behind them, as the two detectives look back to see what was happening. What they see is that one of Cipher’s claws had gone completely through one of the SWAT members. Even though some where still shooting at him, they see that none of the bullets are affecting the crow whatsoever. He tosses the body like trash and goes for the rest. Killing them with his claws as it rips through their protection. As the blood drips down off the claws, Cipher turns his face towards the two.
Marshall: Shit he’s looking right as us.
Cipher then disappears and then reappears in front of them. Two tentacles then emerge from his back and hold up the detectives by the neck. In his arms is Maria as she starts to regain consciousness as she begins to move a bit.
Marshall: Let her go! *points his gun at Cipher*
He is then thrown to the wall as the tentacle is still wrapped around his neck. As lays Maria on to the ground and walks towards Marshall. Behind him the other tentacle releases Steven as he tries to breath once more. He also tries to save Marshall by shooting at Cipher but the bullets only fall off the black vibrant miasma that was still around Cipher.
Marshall: Heh, before you can kill me, tell me crow just who or what in the hell are you?
However all he can get out of him is a growling sound from him as he is about to impale Marshall as he rushes to attack. As the frenzied Cipher charges at Marshall, behind them Steven tries to get up but his injuries won’t allow him to move. Then he notices that Maria is now on her two feet and also running towards the two.
Marshall: Stop get away from here you idiot!
Maria then steps in to protect Marshall from the incoming attack. Already close to them Cipher doesn’t hold back the strike, only to have the attack hit the wall besides them. His left hand managed to misdirect the attack as it was about to pierce through Maria and hit Marshall. Marshall then notices that the crow has been twitching and that he blocked his own attack. With Maria still weakened by her wounds she begins to wobble a bit. However her hand then starts to reach towards the crow’s miasma covered face.
Maria: You… I don’t know why but… when that woman had me in her hands, you sounded familiar. Do you know me?
The black miasma then starts to disintegrate as her hand reaches Cipher’s face. His diamond red colored eyes return to normal and his claws shrink back as well.
Maria: …Tears? Are... you... crying? *begins to fall over*
The miasma that covered him begins to fade away. Cipher then catches Maria into his arms and holds her. Tears then begin to fall off his cheeks as he stops himself from touching her with his hands.
Cipher: (What the hell did I just do? All I can remember was mom getting choked and then... nothing.)
Marshall: *points his gun to Cipher* Drop her and put your hands in the air!
Cipher then gently gives Maria to Marshall as he smiles since he can see she is now safe. Noticing Vice as he floats besides the doorway, he can see him pointing towards the corpses as the demonic spirits start to return. Cipher then gets up and walks to the broken windows, as he is about to escape Marshall calls out to him.
Marshall: Stop! Your surrounded Bloodstained Crow, there's nowhere to go!
Cipher: … Take care of her Marshall. *jumps out the window*
Marshall: What?!
After he leaves the spirits in turn disappear with him. On the ground Steven looks at Marshall and sees his face as all he sees is confusion.
Steven: You okay? How is the woman in your arms doing?
Marshall: We’re… good. (How in the fucking hell did he know my name?)
Soon enough back up gets in as they see a massacre and the only three survivors. They help and check on Steven, Marshall, and Maria’s condition from the situation. Not too far Cipher is hiding from the search lights as he managed to get into the sewer system. While in there his memory still hazy, Vice praises him.
Vice: I’m very impressed you had that type of personality inside of you boy. Looks like when your mind is stressed beyond limits, you start to become something else.
Cipher: What?
Vice: Tell me, who was the one that had killed all those ghouls as that woman was holding that nun by the neck?
Cipher: Is that what I-
Vice: And who was the one that tore away the spirits from that woman with tentacles that came from that black miasma?
Cipher: What are you say-
Vice: And who was the one that started to eat said woman that was bringing pain to the nun? Only to attack poor police officers that came after you ate her. That was all you, you may not remember but their blood is all over your mouth.
Wiping his mouth with his cloak he sees blood, as he sees it which causes him to gag and eventually vomits. As he does, some parts of Tracy do come out, which causes him to vomit even more. After finishing, he catches his breath just a bit until he vomits one more time.
Vice: Come on, it couldn’t have been that bad. You look like you enjoyed the taste when I got there. Or are you also sick as you actually killed and somewhat ate people that weren’t with Cross in your frenzied state of mind? There are more than 1 billion humans in the world, not like their endangered species you know. What’s few dozen gonna cost?
Cipher: SHUT THE HELL UP! *tries to strike at Vice*
Vice: Huh, you’re pretty slow. Guess that transformation took a lot from you. Well, I guess your journey ends tomorrow instead of today. Sides, you have some company. *points to the demonic spirits gathering around*
Cipher: Goddamn it... Vice and these shitty souls just can’t let me catch a break. *staggers as he stands* Fine, let’s see which one of us can last till morning.
After the fight, Lisa walks out of the building and is confronted by a cop. The police officer goes to check if Lisa is harmed. As she exits, more polices officers enter the club and a helicopter is heard scouting the area.
Officer: Ma’am are you okay? *no response is given* Ma’am?
Lisa: …What.
Officer: I asked if you were okay. If you’re not then the paramedics can take a look at your injuries.
Lisa: I’m fine. You should go do something about the chaos in there.
Still, the police officer advises and points to where the paramedics are and then returns to prepare to enter the building.
Lisa: Fucking Useless Cop. *walks into the crowd and leaves*
The building is thoroughly checked for survivors, but they are unable to find the crow.