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SHADOW-

Well, hello there. My name is, well, that's not the point there. For now, just like everyone, you call me Shadow.

Why Shadow?

Because I follow closely like an inseparable shadow, I'm always there, but you won't see me unless it time.

I didn't really grow up in a good environment. Home - is a word that felt like a curse to me, until I left there and started fending for myself.

I did odd jobs and earned money. I worked at a hotel and did all jobs there on a condition they provide me a roof and food. The owner was an old lady, and she liked my work, therefore it wasn't a problem.

Some people troubled her for money and stuff. One day when I saw them literally slapping her, my blood boiled. She was like a mother I never had.

So I did, what I could. I was taking boxing lessons along with mixed martial arts and taekwondo. It took me less than 8 months to get a black belt in both. I fought underground and soon became unbeatable. I fought men twice my size and weight, so a few goons were nothing.

I rushed and kicked all five of them on their asses. Broke their wrists, ankles and probably a few ribs too. But that day onwards no one showed up and the old lady thanked me.

Five months later, she passed away in her sleep. I was broken and shattered. The only person who gave me warmth of a mother and a home, was gone. She left her small hotel and the run down house for me in her will. I couldn't be more grateful.

I knew how to cook, so I hired a few people and renovated the hotel and named it after her.

Rosa's Kitchen

She'd be proud of me, I know. I even renovated the house. Didn't build a new one. Because it had memories. So I just renovated. It was cozy that way. Soon, her smell, her warmth all dissipated as if she never existed and it hurt a lot.

I slept in her bed for months after she left. It was getting hard to accept her loss. So I decided to visit her grave and whine about it to her.

Little did I know that day would change my life forever.

As I sat by her grave talking to her, I saw a few men step out of the car and go around. Then another car came and they had four men who were bound and blindfolded.

Injustice and harming innocents never sat with me. I had to help those four men. So I followed the men and came across an abandoned warehouse.

I sneaked in quietly and no one even noticed. I observed for a while and then put my mask on, which I always had on with me. Soon I took down all those men who were guarding the whole warehouse.

Fools. Annoyingly illiterate fools. It wasn't really fun, but hey, I couldn't blame their lame fighting abilities. They all carried guns though. I didn't know much about the guns, but I knew to fire one if needed.

When I started underground boxing and started winning, my boss, Fredco, a man in his early 50s, told me to follow him one day.

He brought me to a shooting range and taught me to shoot. I was confused, but then he told me how he had heard some people talk about using methods that brought shivers to my spine to bring me down. He said he always wanted a son, and I was a son to him. He was also a father figure to me. I respected alot. Hence I learned.

Back to our story, I hung a gun around my shoulder and took three shotguns and stuck them in my waist and shoes, keeping one in my hand. All were loaded, so no problem.

Soon I chose a spot from where I could see everyone, but no one would be able to see me. I was quick and very discrete.

Soon I began shooting everyone in sight. I made sure the four men didn't get hurt. When everyone was down, I quickly ran and held a gun to one of the four men's head.

"Now, I've saved you. But I don't want you to know who I am. It could cause me my life. I will undo your hands and you can undo your blindfolds yourselves. Is that okay?" I asked keeping my voice low.

"Fine." They answered.

"Great, once you get out, follow the bodies, you will come across the graveyard, a cemetry to be specific. There's a car there and the keys are to your right on the table. You are in North Carolina of that helps. You are in the city. But if you go drive a 50kms to South, you will find a gas station along with a motel besides it to reside if you want. Another 50kms ahead and you will find the airport. Once you reach the motel, ask for the Reaper. Once the man meet you, recite this phrase to him.

You reap what you sow and I'm here to collect what's mine.

He will help you with whatever you need. Money, food, clothes, passport, tickets, cars, weapons, anything. Don't try to probe him, he will kill you. Don't try to ask him about me, he will still kill you. Now Run!" I ordered and cut loose the ropes that tied their hands.

I quickly hid myself and watched them.

"He's young and bold." Said one.

"And fast." Said another.

"Like a shadow." Said the third.

"Right." Said the last one.

Little did they know that they indirectly named me that day.

I soon found out everything about them. They were Vipers Mafia leaders. I was thrilled and shocked. Not scared. I loved hacking and stuff so I managed to hack into their system and cameras. I saw them and heard them.

But I never obsessed over them. Never heard anything important. But soon I started doing it. Because I realised, someone who was thier closest man, was betraying them.

I trained harder and harder as days went by and made a name for myself.

Shadow.

People started fearing my name. And I liked it. Just imagine getting killed and not even knowing who killed you. How bad!

Well, I was a shadow. I was meant to be in the dark and not the light.

So I decided to take downt the man. But then I had a very good idea.

I sent them a mail and became their 'Messenger'. I told them about the possible attacks and raids and if anyone was betraying them.

Oh the way they tortured that man and then played with him till he died, was so satisfying. I realised they were all very close to each. They were family and I yearned for it.

I don't know when but I started falling for them. All of them. Weird. I KNOW. I couldn't help it. I never intended on harming them though. Yes, occassionally they fucked around, but I realised it was just to relieve the tension.

But the next day I would kill the person who they were with. Of-fucking-course I was jealous.

I would see them getting close to make out with each other but they never did till that one day. They all escaped an very dangerous accident. It was probably in the heat of the moment. But after that they were all back to their usual. Nothing changed between them, but yes, they became more stronger and closer. And I felt happy for them.

Seeing them happy made my day. And I promised myself that I'd protect those smiles always.

Which now brings us to today. As usual, my day began. But around mid-day my computer pinged, indicating I had a mission to finish.

But when I read it, my blood boiled.

"How dare they?!" I yelled pulling at my hairs.

"Fine, I will make you regret for even thinking of hurting those who are mine." I gritted, my jaw clenched tight.

I replied it will be done and then started getting ready for the job. But soon I saw image popping up and it was of a man tampering with the car that belonged to Damon.

My eyes went wide. I quickly sent a note through of one my who had filtrated in the Vipers and asked him to plant it in Damon's room hoping he will see it.

But maybe it was fate. And he never went to his room. I smashed the glass in my hand against the wall when I saw him enter the car along with another man.

I hacked into the car's camera. I could hear what they are saying and watch them.

"Damon, something is wrong. I've been having this weird feeling ever since we sat in the car. Like someone's waiting for us to get in the car and then do something." The man, whom I researched and found out was named Christian and a doctor. Also a good friend of them.

"Fine, one count of three, let's jump out of the car." Damon agreed without even hesistating.

Good Damon. Your friend is right and thanks for listening to him.

Soon they jumped out of the car and not even seconds later, the car blasted.

My whole body was trembling with anger. Thinking of various scenarios. Thinking how Damon and his friend would die today. How heartbroken and vulnerable the other three would be.. I wasn't ready to lose either of them. I loved them all in my own weird way.

I longed for them. But I knew I didn't deserve them. They were far beyond my league. So all I could do was watch over them behind a camera and protect them by being in the dark.

My heart ached so bad and I wanted to hold him in my arms and tell him, it'll be all fine. But I hated how I couldn't do anything. I hated how helpless I felt.

A week later-

It's been a week since Damon hasn't been sleeping. I know he saw the note.

I was Shadow. I was coming for them. But not to hurt them, rather save them.

Seeing him shocked and scared, made me feel anger and things I knew I shouldn't feel.

But today is the last day. Because today, all the Syndicate members are gathering together to celebrate the death of the Vipers Leaders.

Nice, I can kill all of you in one place. Saves me time and energy.

I had found out whom the other hits were sent to. It wasn't just me. But who cares. I know I will kill them all. Including the ones who've been asked to kill the men I love so dearly.

I left exactly at 8pm in the evening. It was dark and exactly how I needed.

It was a masquerade party.

What a bunch of fucking fools!

I got in easily. Of course killed a man and stole his invitation. I mixed with the crowd and soon added a sleeping drug to all the water and food provided.

Then I secretly sent a message to the leaders telling them something is wrong and hide themselves in the basement, till I clear out the enemies.

Once they left, I asked a few of my men to start waking up the people and move them out.

Then I went down to the basement. Of course all fuckers were in one place. I switched off the lights and the started killing everyone. I had trained for years now, and my vision was more than okay in the dark.

Some fucker had to shoot at me. And guess what, I got four bullets in me.

Two in my abdomen, one on my hand, one on my leg.

The things I do for you, my loves.

After I made sure that all were dead, I left the place. My men made sure to fill up the mansion with kerosene.

I left a black rose with a note just outside the mansion.

No one can touch what's mine- Shadow

Currently, I am in their mansion. How I got in? Well, I have people for that. The ones who protect them when I can't show up. Normally I'm the one to do everything.

And then I hear the other three- Ezekial, Silas and Mikhail confronting Damon.

I hear them talk but I can't see them. And it's okay. It made me realise how vulnerable they were in this moment which they only be when they are themselves.

I decided to warn them and pushed the vase down. It crashed and soon I heard footsteps.

"H-help me," I whimpered, for the first time.

Just one of them heard me.. I asked for help again and this time the lights werw flicked on.

I mananged to sit up against the wall. They walked towards me and crouched.

*Thank you for being alive*.

I said mentally looking at Damon and then at others. Ezekial ordered his men to drop their guns. They exchanged glances and an emotion flickered in their eyes for a moment, but they masked it all.

I told I'm a well-wisher and I meant no harm. I told Damon I was glad he was fine. Also asked them to watch their backs for a few days. Because I know I won't be able to do my work with the injuries on.

I coughed up blood and their faces morphed into an expression of pain and hurt, but they masked it again.

Mikhail never spoke, but I know he was observing me. Always the cautious one.

Ezekial picked me up and I could smell whiskey and cigar on him. He was warm and how I wished I could be in those arms forever.

A tear made its way down my cheek for the first time in years. And I let it. I let myself be vulnerable and weak in his arms. I loved him. I soon passed out.

I woke up to the smell of disinfectant and a ray of light shining from the window.

I got off quietly and walked to each of them. My heart swelled with warmth, love and pride.

They stayed with me.

No matter what their intentions were. They had stayed and that's what mattered. I took off my mask and left in on the bed. I grabbed a small sticky note and signed my name.

'Shadow'

With one last look at all of them, I decided to leave.

Once I was out, I saw my men waiting for me. I got in the car and we left.

I will see you soon my loves. Just wait for a while more.

I closed my eyes and let it sink in.

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