Shadow of the Night

     "First things first," Stone said, kneeling by one of the bags. "An oath. Nothing too formal—we're not the Defenders with their ceremonies and speeches. But we need to know you're committed."

     Shadow straightened, his tail lifted high. "I am."

     "Then repeat after me," Cinder said, her amber eyes reflecting the firelight. "I swear to protect those who cannot protect themselves. To stand against injustice, wherever I find it. To work in shadow, that others may live in light. And to never abuse the power I've been given, nor forget why I fight."

     Shadow repeated every line perfectly, his voice growing stronger towards the end. When he finished, Cinder nodded, a small smile on her scarred muzzle. "Welcome to the Dark Shadow League, Shadow. You're one of us now."

     Whisper clapped his paws together. "Now for the fun part—getting you properly equipped!"

     Stone pulled out the first bag and began removing items. "You can't go out there in just your bandanas. You need real gear."

     He held up a dark bandit mask, perfectly sized for a Lupe's face. "This first. To protect your identity. Your family can't be connected to your night work—it could put them in danger."

     Shadow took the mask, running his paws over the smooth fabric. It was well-made, comfortable.

     "Lupe Vagabond set next," Cinder said, pulling out boots, gauntlets, and trousers. "Durable, flexible, and designed specifically for Lupes. The boots have reinforced soles for running and jumping. The gauntlets protect your paws without sacrificing dexterity. The trousers have pockets for supplies and won't restrict your movement."

     Shadow stared at the gear. "This must have cost a fortune..."

     "Consider it an investment," Whisper said with a grin. He held up a pair of simple, dark decorative daggers. "These are for you, too. Nothing fancy, but they're balanced well, and the blades stay sharp. We'll teach you how to use them—most of the time, they're just for show, to make criminals think twice. But it's good to be armed."

     "And finally..." Stone lifted a cloak from the bag. But when Shadow looked closer, he saw it wasn't a cloak—it was similar to his fancy purple cape, but this one had the Dark Shadow League symbol embroidered subtly on the inside lining. The crescent moon with a shadow beneath it.

     "The purple actually works," Cinder mused, examining Shadow's existing cape. "It's distinctive without being too bright. Keep wearing that when you're on patrol. But this one..." she held up a small pendant on a thin chain, shaped like that same crescent moon symbol, "...this is your true mark. Wear it under your clothing. When you meet another League member, show them this, and they'll know you're one of us."

     Shadow carefully took the pendant, feeling the weight of it. It was made of some dark metal, cool to the touch.

     "Put your gear on," Whisper encouraged. "Let's see how you look."

     Shadow dressed quickly, pulling on the vagabond trousers, boots, and gauntlets. The mask felt strange at first, but once secured, it settled comfortably across his face, covering the top half and leaving his muzzle free. He strapped the daggers to his belt—which he realised he'd need to adjust later when he wasn't wearing his Woodland Archer Belt. The pendant went around his neck, tucked safely under his hunter scarf.

     "Looking good," Stone approved. "Looking like one of us."

     "Now, for communication," Cinder said, her tone becoming more serious. "We can't exactly send letters—too risky. So we use dead drops. There's a loose brick in the wall behind the Money Tree, third from the left at ground level. Check it once a week. If there's a message, it'll be coded. We'll teach you the cypher."

     "For emergencies, come back here to the fairground at midnight on any night with a full moon," Whisper added. "Someone will be here, or there will be a message telling you where to go."

     "And if you need us urgently?" Shadow asked.

     Cinder pulled out a small, dark purple kerchief. "Tie this to the Money Tree itself. One of us checks every night. We'll find you within twenty-four hours."

     "We patrol in shifts," Stone explained. "Different members, different areas, different nights. You'll learn the patterns eventually. For now, we want you to focus on Neopia Central—it's your territory, you know it best. Keep doing what you did last night. Stop crimes when you see them. Help people who need it. Build your skills."

     "We'll arrange training sessions," Cinder said. "Teach you to fight properly, to move silently, to use those daggers. But that comes later. Tonight, you just needed to meet us. To understand what you're part of."

     Shadow looked down at himself—at the gear, the weapons, the symbol hidden against his chest. He looked like a hero from one of his books. He looked like he belonged.

     "One more thing," Whisper said, suddenly serious. "The mask stays on during missions. Always. No one—and I mean no one—learns your real identity unless we approve it. Not friends, not family, not someone you rescue. Your civilian life and your League life must remain separate. Understood?"

     Shadow felt like that part would be the hardest. Kumar was extremely nosey, and Patch… well, he would be suspicious after a while, if Shadow wasn’t careful enough. That just meant he’d need to be extra careful about his actions for a while. Realising he hadn’t yet answered, Shadow nodded. "Understood," he said firmly.

     "Good." Cinder's expression softened. "You can take the gear home—hide it well. Practice moving in it when you can. And Shadow? We're proud to have you. You're going to do great things."

     Stone clapped him on the shoulder. "Welcome to the shadows, brother."

     *****

      Shadow made it home just as the first hints of dawn were lighting the eastern sky. He'd hidden his new gear in his backpack, wrapped carefully in an old blanket he'd found. His body was exhausted but his mind was racing.

     He was part of something now. Something bigger than himself. The Dark Shadow League.

     Daggle greeted him at the door with a soft whine, clearly having been worried. Shadow scratched behind his ears apologetically and crept back to bed. Kumar was still fast asleep, clutching his train. Patch hadn't stirred.

     Shadow pulled the covers over himself and closed his eyes, the League's pendant still cool against his chest beneath his bandana.

     Tomorrow—well, today—he'd go back to work at the hot dog shop. He'd smile at customers and mop floors and sell veggie corn dogs.

     But tonight... tonight he'd become something more.

     THREE WEEKS LATER

      Shadow had fallen into a rhythm. Days at the hot dog shop. Evenings with his family. And nights—when everyone else was asleep—he'd slip on his mask and patrol the streets of Neopia Central.

     Most nights were quiet. Sometimes he'd help a lost pet find their way home or stop a petty argument from escalating. Twice, he'd chased off shoplifters. Once, he'd helped an Elderly Nimmo whose bag had torn, carrying her groceries all the way to her Neohome.

     Small things. But they mattered.

     He'd met with Whisper once for a training session—learning how to fall properly, how to move silently, how to spot an ambush. His bruised shoulder had fully healed, and he was getting better. Stronger. More confident.

     The 5,000 Neopoints from the League had arrived exactly as promised, hidden in the dead drop. Shadow had given it all to Lupana, claiming Hubert had been especially generous. His owner had cried with relief.

     They were going to be okay. His family was going to be okay.

     *****

      It was nearly eleven at night when Shadow noticed the light still on in the toy shop.

     He frowned, perched on the roof of the neighbouring building. Bethany usually closed at eight. Why was she still there?

     Movement in the alley behind the shop caught his attention. Two figures—a large Darigan Skeith and a smaller Red Acara—were working on the back door with lock picks.

     Shadow's blood went cold. Bethany was still inside. Alone. And these thieves had no idea. Or maybe they did, and they didn't care.

     Shadow watched as the lock clicked open. The Skeith pushed the door slowly, testing it. Then both thieves slipped inside.

     Shadow moved, dropping down from the roof and landing silently in the alley. Then followed them through the back door.

     Inside, he could hear Bethany humming softly from the front of the shop, still organising inventory. The thieves crept forward, their eyes adjusting to the dim lamplight, scanning for valuables.

     The Acara spotted the cash register and grinned, nudging the Skeith. They were halfway across the shop floor when a toy fell from a shelf with a loud clatter.

     Bethany's humming stopped. "Hello?" she called out, stepping around the corner. Then she froze, her eyes going wide with fear. "Who—what are you doing in my shop?!"

     "Easy now," the Skeith said, advancing toward her. His voice was rough, threatening. "Just gonna take what we came for, and nobody gets hurt."

     Bethany backed up against the counter, her paw fumbling behind her for something—anything—to defend herself. "Get out! Get out now or I'll—"

     "You'll what?" the Acara laughed. "Scream? Go ahead. Nobody's gonna hear you."

     Shadow stepped out of the shadows behind them, his voice cold as ice. "I will."

     Both thieves whipped around. The Skeith's eyes widened at the sight of Shadow—masked, cloaked, daggers drawn, looking every inch the predator he was descended from.

     "What the—"

     "Step away from her," Shadow growled, his Lupe instincts fully awakened now. Every muscle was coiled, ready to spring. "Now."

     The Skeith pulled out a crude club, trying to look tough. "This ain't your business, vigilante. Walk away."

     "Can't do that." Shadow's eyes—visible through the mask—locked onto the Skeith's. "Last chance. Leave peacefully, or I'll make you leave."

     The Acara grabbed a toy train from a nearby shelf and hurled it at Shadow. He dodged easily, the train clattering harmlessly against the wall.

     "Big mistake," Shadow said quietly.

     He moved like lightning. The training with Whisper had paid off—he knew how to use his speed now, how to use his weight. He slammed into the Skeith before the larger pet could swing his club, driving him back into a display shelf. Toys scattered everywhere.

     The Acara lunged at him from the side, but Shadow spun, catching her with his shoulder and sending her stumbling.

     "Bethany, get out!" Shadow shouted, keeping himself between her and the thieves.

     But Bethany had grabbed something from behind the counter—a Toy Sword, ironically—and held it defensively, though her paws were shaking. "I'm not leaving you alone with them!"

     The Skeith roared and charged, club raised. Shadow dropped low, letting the swing pass over him, then drove his shoulder into the Skeith's midsection. The bigger pet went down hard, wheezing.

     "I said LEAVE!" Shadow snarled, and there was something in his voice—something primal and fierce—that made both thieves hesitate.

     The Acara helped the Skeith to his feet, both of them backing toward the door.

     "This isn't over," the Skeith spat.

     "Yes," Shadow said, taking a threatening step forward, daggers still drawn. "It is. If I see either of you in Neopia Central again, if I hear about you threatening anyone else, I will find you. And next time, I won't be so gentle. Understood?"

     The thieves fled, practically tripping over each other in their haste to escape.

     Shadow stood there for a moment, breathing hard, adrenaline still coursing through him. Then he sheathed his daggers and turned to Bethany.

     She was staring at him, the toy sword still clutched in her paws, her eyes wide.

     "Are you okay?" Shadow asked, his voice softer now. "Did they hurt you?"

     Bethany shook her head slowly, then seemed to find her voice. "I... no. I'm okay. You... you saved me." Her legs seemed to give out suddenly, and she sank down to sit on the floor, shaking. "I thought they were going to... I didn't know what they were going to do..."

     Shadow knelt beside her, careful to keep some distance. "You're safe now. They're gone."

     "You came out of nowhere," Bethany said, looking at him with wonder mixed with lingering fear. "Like... like a guardian angel. Or a shadow."

     "Your back door lock was picked," Shadow explained gently. "You'll want to get a better one. And maybe don't work this late alone anymore."

     Bethany let out a shaky laugh. "Trust me, I won't." Then she looked at him more carefully, and Shadow saw recognition dawning in her eyes. "Wait. Are you... Are you the one who helped that Kacheek? At the Money Tree? Everyone's been talking about a Shadow Lupe who chases criminals."

     Shadow hesitated. "I help where I can."

     "You saved her. And now you saved me." Bethany pushed herself to her feet, still a bit unsteady. Shadow stood as well, ready to catch her if needed. "A Shadow Lupe with bandanas..."

     Her eyes dropped to his orange hunter scarf, visible beneath his cloak. Then to the purple bandana tied around his head under the mask.

     Shadow's heart hammered. She was putting it together.

     "I should go," he said quickly. "Make sure you lock the front door behind me. And report this to the Chia Police in the morning—tell them to increase patrols in this area."

     "Wait!" Bethany hurried to the counter, rummaging through something behind the register. Her paws were still shaking slightly. "Please, just... wait one moment."

     Shadow should have left. The League's rules were clear. But something made him stay.

     Bethany returned holding a necklace—the Warrior Lupe Maiden Necklace. It was beautiful, with a golden wolf's head pendant on a leather cord.

     "I want you to have this," she said, her voice still not quite steady. "To thank you. For protecting people. For... for saving my life tonight."

     "I can't accept—"

     "Please." Bethany stepped closer, and Shadow could see tears glistening in her eyes—not from fear, but from gratitude. "You didn't have to be here. You didn't have to help. But you did. You risked yourself for me. That deserves... something. Recognition, even if it has to be quiet."

     She held out the necklace. Shadow found himself taking it, the pendant warm from where she'd been holding it.

     "Besides," Bethany added, a knowing smile appearing through her tears, "I think it'll go well with your hunter scarf. Very... coordinated."

     Shadow's breath caught. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said carefully.

     "Of course not." Bethany's smile grew a bit steadier. "But whoever you are under that mask... thank you. For everything. You're a good person. A hero. A real hero."

     Shadow clutched the necklace. "I'm just trying to help."

     "That's what makes you a hero." She reached out, hesitated, then gently squeezed his paw. Just for a moment. "Thank you for saving me."

     For a long moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with unspoken understanding. With something more than gratitude. Something that made Shadow's heart beat faster for entirely different reasons than the fight had.

     "I really should go," Shadow said finally, reluctantly.

     "Be careful out there," Bethany replied softly. "And... maybe tell your family you're okay? I'm sure someone worries about you."

     Shadow felt his face heat under the mask. She definitely knew.

     "Goodnight, Bethany."

     "Goodnight... Shadow."

     He left through the back door, making sure she locked it behind him. Once outside, he looked down at the necklace in his paw. The warrior pendant gleamed in the moonlight. Shadow carefully fastened it around his neck, letting it rest beside the League's pendant. One symbol for duty. One for... something else. Something hopeful.

     He thought about Bethany's knowing smile. About how she'd given him this gift, not to Shadow the hot dog vendor, but to Shadow the vigilante. The hero. She didn't know for certain. She couldn't prove anything. But she believed in him—both versions of him.

     Shadow looked up at the moon, full and bright overhead, and felt something settle in his chest. Purpose. Direction. The answer to that missing piece he'd been searching for. He wasn't Jeran of Meridell or Garon the Explorer. He wasn't in the Gallery of Heroes or the Defenders of Neopia. But he was making a difference. One act at a time. One rescue at a time. One grateful smile at a time.

     And that... that was enough.

     Shadow pulled his mask down more firmly, adjusted his cape, and began his patrol through the darkened streets of Neopia Central. The Dark Shadow League had a new member. The city had a new protector. And Shadow had finally found what he'd been looking for all along.

     The End.