Casper's POV.
It's been exactly two years since my first break with the law today! I'm pretty proud of myself; I've done lots to help out the community. Nobody knows it’s me, but knowing what I’ve done is good enough for my books. The city might deem me still worthless but I've become much more now. Sitting in my room I'm reading my secret journal; it’s really a log of all the offendes I've committed. There are a total of fifth-teen crimes in here; not all of them are big and outgoing; but in each one I've done something to help people out. Flipping through the pages I come across a couple of my favourite scandals.

Pg. 7 -Party Time! :)
June 26, 4062 3:17 P.M.
I went to pick up Hunter from the hospital again. He's always hanging out there. I think he likes that girl, Emily, who interns there. Awe crushes are just too cute! Anyways while I was looking for him I walked by the wing with the sick kids. I'm surprised I didn't cry... It was really sad to see them all in there, slowly dying from the plague. Stuck in those hospital beds with nothing much to do, just waiting to either get better or move on to the afterlife... That's where I got the idea for this heist. I'm going to give those kids a memory they'll never forget. I'm going to throw an ice cream party for them! I'll also bring Mya, they'll love her! She’s just a little bundle of dog joy! I could even bring Rain! The kids are on the first floor I could open a window and have her head peak in for all those kids to pet. Who wouldn't love to pet a horse? I'll go through with the plan tonight! I'm excited to see the kid’s reactions!

---

Just got back from the dropping Rain back off at the farm. I wish I had a camera to film those kids! It was amazing! They were so happy. The room was filled with quiet laughter. There was a little girl named Violet whose been stuck in there for months and told me this was the happiest day of her life! Sadly they only know that The Shadow was here and not me but if I can make a child smile, there's nothing I regret. Breaking into the ice cream parlor and snatching a few tubs of ice cream was a breeze! The most difficult part was disguising Mya and Rain. I used washable black dye on Mya and dyed Rain's hair black too. To cover her markings I used a white dye so she appeared all white instead of her usual white fur with brown spots everywhere. They needed an hour bath after we left the hospital; it was definetlyworth it! I think I might go and start seeing those kids every now and then. nobody goes near them because of the plague but I could honestly care less.

A tear makes its way down my cheek as I read this entry. I did go back and see those kids every now and then but as me; not The Shadow. They always had a smile on their face when I walked into the room. I think I was their only visitor. Ever. They'd read me stories and I'd tell them my own. It's a dream I use to have when I was around Aleu's age; about creatures with magic, a far away place, a prince in disguise and a girl who is lucky enough to be a part of it. They loved it! Violet and I became really close. She would always tell me about her dream to have a pet cat and become a teacher. She even told me about The Shadow coming to visit. I smiled and pinkie promised not to tell anyone. I went back three weeks ago only to discover there was a power outage two days before that caused all their machinery to shut down; including every single machine that was keeping those little ones alive. Poor kids... It was upsetting and I cried a lot... but I know their in a better place. I still get upset every now and then...

Pg.10 -Surprise!
Nov 2, 4062 10:40 A.M.
Today the council is having a meeting about what to do with the houses in the poor sectors of Kendrickson. Their plan is to tear them down to build more stores; while the people who live there are forced to move into the apartments that are uptown. There aren't enough apartments for all of us so somehow people will end up on the streets. We can't let that happen now can we? I think not... I'm heading to city hall now. let's see what happens. :)

---

The plan worked perfectly! Well technically I improvised. Before they announced their plans I set up a bunch of timers to go off and when they did bright red paint exploded everywhere swallowing all in its path. Then while everyone was complaining about the paint I gathered all the people who live in the poor sector and had then come down to City Hall with a petition against their plans. IT WORKED!!! Now we can keep our houses and all the council members have red tinged faces! That dye won't come out for days! This heist made my whole week!

While looking back at these jobs of mine I found the one of my earlier ones that was the most interesting. The one where I almost got caught...

Pg.4 -Oh Shit!
Feb 1, 4062 8:07 P.M.

Tonight I plan to break into City Hall and erase my friend, Piper's, criminal record. She was caught stealing food and money at the super market last week and now is in a holding cell awaiting her trial. She's one of my best friends, I can't let this happen. ;)

---

Shit. Crap. I’m Fucking Stupid. This is bad. The plan worked fine. They'll have to release Piper cause there's no more report but on my way home I ran into someone. It was a guy around my age with his hood on. I couldn't see his face and hopefully he didn't see mine. He kept asking me questions like if I was alright, why I came from the window of City Hall, and how I survived a two story jump without a scratch. Instead of replying I ran away. I ran like my life depended on it. At the time I thought it did! While running I dropped my necklace; this could give me away if they found out its mine. Let's hope for the best... But I need that necklace back; it’s the only thing of moms I have left. How will I get it back if I don't even know who I ran into?!!!

Tonight I plan to relax and hang out on the roof of City Hall; the tallest building in Kendrickson. (It has the best view of the town). If you look hard enough you can even see passed the fence that keeps intruders out and us safely in. It feels more like a prison if you ask me. The land on the outside looks dried up and dead. Must be from the plague.

"Ty I'm going out. I'll stay the night at Sam's so don't bother waiting up for me." I yell from the door before I head out. Since becoming the Shadow lying has become second nature to me. I don't like that it has but it does become of use.

"Okay please be safe! Tell Liam I say hi if you see him." Ty shouted from the kitchen. Liam is Sam's older brother. Ty and him are friends.

"Sure. Bye!" I close the door behind me and walk towards City Hall.

Nobody's usually ever out passed eleven. Its 11:30 and Kendrickson is like a barren dessert. It's quiet except for the low hum of the street lamps I pass by. Walking down these familiar roads brings back lots of memories like: when I taught Hunter to ride a bike, taking Aleu to her first day of daycare, and even running into Sam. That's how we met; she was jogging down 7th street while I was running with Mya down 9th avenue. We slammed into one another at the intersection and since then she's been one of my best friends. Her, Piper, and Blaire; their with me through every up and down I face. Unfortunately they don't know about me being The Shadow, I wish I could tell them but that'd put them at risk. If the police ever found out they'd be arrested immediately; or worse having the VMC's after them. They'd be dead on sight.

The VMC's are a portion of the police force that tracks any creature's that lurk in the city. They say creatures are dangerous; with their powers and magic who knows what they could unleash upon the city. Personally I think it's bull-crap. No ones ever seen one before, I don't think they actually exist. Ironically enough the town believes The Shadow is a creature out to destroy Kendrickson. Hah if only they knew that I fix the town's problems and make it a better place.


Sitting on top of City Hall is one of the places where I feel most free in this jail-cell we call a town. Up here it feels like nothing is wrong and I can actually breath without worrying about my family or what The Shadow has to do next. Looking down onto the city I can see the bakeries lights are still on. Someone must be working late. The Gornikin's - old couple who live three blocks away from my house- lights are still on. What's keeping them up so late? I swing my feet over the edge and close my eyes. When I let my mind wander, sometimes it feels like I'm free; feeling the wind beneath my legs like I'm soaring through the air; flying away to a better tomorrow. That is until I hear something. Something sounding like footsteps or shoes hitting cement. I don’t dare turn around, my breathing stops and my skin feels like ice. I realize that the sound isn’t coming from the streets… someone else is now on the roof with me. Shit.

Harry's POV.
Feb 1, 4062

"Good morning Gary!” I call out to Gary, my boss, who owns the bakery with a smile on my face.

“Mornin’ Harry. How’s the day been treatin’ ya so far? Oh yeah I almost forgot, Happy Birthday!” Gary calls from the back where his office is.

“Same as any other. What’s on the agenda for today?” I laugh. Gary always knows how to put a smile on my face. That’s why I love working here; where I’m not expected to act cool because of my popularity. I can just be me.

“I have to bake today’s selection of bread and deliver cupcakes to the elementary school and as for you!” He smiles and points his finger that’s covered in flour at me. “You get the day off it’s your birthday after all. It’s not every day you turn eighteen. Go home and relax or do whatever ya want. Chill with Louis, Liam or even Vanessa.”

“Are you sure? It’s really no problem helping out. I like it around here and helping you out. Maybe I can help you with the cupcakes or” I’m cut off when Gary laughs and shoos me out the front door.

“Go have fun boy. I have Ty helping me out today.”

“Ty? Isn’t that Casper’s older brother? When did he start working here?” I was really confused. Why does he need another employee; and it had to be no other than Casper’s brother. Casper’s! Okay I’ll admit since I was four I’ve had a dumb crush on Casper Moon. I try to ignore it and date other people, hoping the feeling will fade but to my luck every time I see her, my heart flutters, not to mention a warm tightening feeling in my chest. Cheesy right? I remember swimming in the sea by our houses with Sam, Liam and Casper trying to see if we could make it to their house before our oxygen ran out. Sam and Liam are creatures, their Merpeople. They lived in the sea back home; home in the creature realm. I miss it a lot and wish I could go back but it’s not safe anymore.

The demons have returned; every person has a demon, it’s your evil side that looks like your shadow. The more it feeds off of your own negative energy the more shape it takes until it’s like looking in a mirror, except for their eyes. Their eyes are crimson blood red; those don’t change no matter what. Earth is the one place demons aren’t found so when the creature realm was attacked Casper’s and my own mom –the queens of the creature realm- sent us here as a last attempt to save the creature’s. My mom didn’t cross realms with us; nor did Casper’s mom Luna. Thirteen of us made it through the portal, originally there were twenty of us but the portal closed before they could cross. I haven’t heard from anyone back home since then… it’s been thirteen years since then.

Strangely since that day Casper and her siblings remember nothing from the creature realm; that includes us. It sucks I have to pretend I don’t know her. I can’t run up behind her and give her surprise hugs and kiss her cheeks like I use to when I was six. I can’t sneak into her window at night when I have a bad dream or when I read her mind and find she’s having a bad dream. It sucks I have to ignore her or I my feeling might start to show. Our moms thought we were cute, secretly they hoped we’d end up together but that can’t happen. Not when she can’t even remember who she is. She doesn’t even know she doesn’t know…
I don’t think I could handle it not knowing I was a vampire; or even being able to read minds and the gift of healers touch. It’s a part of who I am. Every creature has a different gift. I know Liam can become invisible, Louis controls all the elements, and I think I recall Casper having mimicry. I remember her watching someone do anything and she could copy it perfectly; she could even read my mind once. I don’t know what she saw in their but she’s never tried to do it again so…

“Harry?” Gary was shouting my name repeatedly and waving his flour covered hands in front of my face.

“Huh? Oh sorry Gar I must’ve zoned out… again. Oops.” I gave a small embarrassing chuckle and Gary laughed along with me.

“Anyways as I was saying; I hired Ty a week ago. With you at school I’ll need some help during the mornings. Ty’s father is a good friend of mine so when I heard the car shop let him go again I offered him one here at the bakery. It’ll do him some good; he might be a better baker than you!” Gary pats me on the back laughing and heads towards the shop where I’m guessing to take the bread out of the oven. “Have a good day Harry!” And with that he’s gone.

“See ya later Gary.” I call knowing he probably can’t hear me.

I make my way back to my house on 6th street. Louis car is out front so I’m guessing he let himself in or Emily did. Hope she doesn’t snap at Louis; he’s like another brother to her but she finds him too care-free and really sassy. They get into weird fights all the time. I walk up to the door and can hear arguing; must be Louis and Em… again. Slowly I open the door and enter our cozy small house. We live in the middle class area of town so houses are a small step up from the poor sectors; our house has three bedrooms, bathroom and large backyard. It’s empty but Cody – my dog- loves to run out there. Maybe I’ll take him to the farm once in a while to run. Harry you idiot you can’t! That’s where Casper works what if you run into her! Looks like the backyard will do for now Cody.

“It’s not my fault your cat got in the way! It was an accident!” That must be Louis.

“Louis, watch where you’re going! Your just lucky Cisco didn’t attack you after.” Good ol’ Em. Louis must’ve stepped on Cisco, her white and grey tabby cat, again.

“I couldn’t see! She blends right into your guy’s carpet! And I was busy reading the paper!” Louis voice gets louder as he finishes talking. Okay Harry time to break it up.

I walk into the living room to see Louis hiding behind the couch and Emily is holding Cisco in one arm and with the other is about to go hit Louis. I rush in between them and grab Emily’s wrist right before it makes contact with Lou’s shoulder.

“EMILY! Your 15 you know better than to hit. Lou said it was an accident to get over it.” I release her wrist from my grasp and she glares at Louis. “Louis next time watch where you step, OK? Apologize to the cat to make Em feel better. Please?” Louis slowly gets out from behind the couch and glares at Emily; then turns to me with a shocked look on his face.

“You really want me to apologize to a cat?! This is ridiculous, I refuse.” He crosses his arms and turns away from me. Not this again. We go through this argument at least once a month. He’ll accidentally step on Cisco and Emily demands he apologize to the cat and every time he pouts until people ignore is pouting and he eventually apologizes.
“Please Louis? I got something to tell ya.” I try to convince him to quickly say sorry so I can tell him about Ty working at the bakery. He doesn’t budge. Guess it’s time to play the birthday card. “You know it’s my birthday so enough of this I will not deal with this; at least not today on MY BIRTHDAY!” There let’s see if that works. He turns to face me again and laughs to himself.

“The birthday card huh? Cheap shot Haz, but well played. I would’ve done the same thing.” Now he’s laughing more and goes up to Emily. “Okay I give up. Hazza over here wins. I’m sorry your cat blends into the carpet so I couldn’t see him. There. I’m done; everything is fine now!” throwing his hands up in defeat he plops himself onto the couch he was once hiding behind.

“You call that an apology? First off she’s a HER; not a him. Second I’m pretty sure that was another insult, but it’s the best I’ll get from you so I’ll take it. Now if you don’t mind I’m going out for a few hours to hang out with my friends.” With that she puts Cisco down and leaves with her pink book bag.

“Thank god! I thought she’d never leave me alone.” He sighs. “It was an accident though. I was reading the paper when I saw that an article about Piper; she goes on trial tomorrow for theft.”

“Piper? Huh.” I’m a little surprised but you do what you gotta do right?

“Yeah; anyways you wanted to tell me something? I’m listening now.” He pats a spot on the couch and I sit, putting my feet on the coffee table, making myself more at home.

---

“What? How did you know about Ty’s job and not me? For fangs sake I work there!” How am I the only one who doesn’t know this?

“I have more friends than just you. You know that right?... Right?"

“I know you do. It slipped my mind that your actually pretty good friends with him.”

“Yeah but your still my bro. Since it’s your birthday why don’t you come over. I’ll invite all the lads over. Hmm?” He’s now up and taking food from the fridge; probably eating the leftover pizza.

“Sure, sounds like fun!” He comes out from the kitchen with a slice of pizza in his hand and is already going for his keys. Shoving what’s left of his slice in his mouth we make our way to his house. Be careful Harry; remember Casper’s house is two doors down from Louis. Shit how could I forget? Oh well she’ll probably be at the ranch or out with Piper before her sentencing.

---

The party was great. Liam brought a bunch of food; Lou had his game station hooked up. It’s really old but it’s still fun to play. What is it called again? Xbox or something like that. we played Fifa and another game called COD. It’s past midnight now. Lou and the boys passed out about an hour ago. The moon is bright and the stars look pretty cool tonight, maybe I’ll go for a walk.

Somehow I managed to get downtown; right now I’m sitting on a park bench across the road facing City Hall. The wind is picking up so I pull my hood onto my head covering most of my face. Looking at the Kendrickson flag wave in the night breeze I notice one of the windows on the second story slowly opens. A hooded figure pokes their head through and looks around. They have long hair. It’s too dark to take in any other details; maybe I could read their mind? Focusing my power onto the person -who is now attempting to get their legs over the ledge- my power bounces back. What? That can’t be right why can’t I get into their mind? Try after try I still can’t get my way into their mind. Who is this person? Why are they immune to my gift? No one ever was; at least not that I can remember.

The hooded figure looks around one last time before they push themselves off the ledge. My body tenses. Holy crap! That person is absolutely crazy; they’re gonna get themselves killed! Rushing to see if I can use my healers touch to save this suicidal masked figure; I stop twelve feet from the person. With that body height and shape it’s got to be a girl and young one too; maybe around my age...hopefully she's cute. Stop. Now. Focus Harry! She’s standing tall, with no sign of injury whatsoever. Shouldn’t she be on the brink of death from a jump like that? I was in shock; she seems perfectly fine.

“Hey are you okay? What are you doing in City Hall this late and climbing out the window? Better question how did you land a jump like that without a scratch on you?” no reply. I reached my arm out to make sure she was actually alright but before I could do anything she ran. She must’ve been scared. I call out to her but she obviously won’t come back so I give up. I watch her run down the street but notice a shiny black necklace on the ground by my feet.

Must be the girls, she probably dropped it when she took off. Picking it up I notice it’s made of stone but not any kind of stone; its moonstone, one of the rarest rocks that are only found in the creature realm. Where did she get this? The shaped is so it looks like the head of an animal, probably a cat or dog, too hard to tell in the dark. The clasp that should be holding the leather chain together is missing; that must be how it fell off, the leather is really worn out. My guess is that she doesn’t take this thing off. Ever. I’ll fix it and find who it belongs to; maybe she goes to Kendrickson high. I’m still confused about the moonstone and how she didn’t harm herself while jumping from City Hall’s second story. Questions bombard my mind until one consistent thought stays with me. Could she be The Shadow? It makes sense; I would’ve just caught her leaving one of her heists probably… Holy shit! I just ran into The Shadow! Am I supposed to be scared? Happy I’m still alive? How do I find her again to return the necklace? I know I should be thinking of lots about what just happened and what to do but I can’t help thinking. The Shadow is a girl? I smirk. "Wait ‘til Louis hears about this.' I say aloud. Putting the necklace in my coat pocket careful not to further damage it; I make my way back to Lou’s house.

Notes

Hey guys so this the the actual first chapter! What do you think?

What's Harry going to do now? And who is on the roof with Casper?

Vote, Comment and subscribe!

It's 2 AM. right now in Canada so... goodnight!

~Kayla <3 XXX