Hello, this is PrincessEmeralds guys. Got to say I'm very excited. I have done some research on this because I want to get this right. If I've done anything wrong please tell me so I can change it and make it right. Please R&R. It would mean a lot to me.

BTW, Thank you SolarFlare Prime for being the first to fav and alert me and my story it means a lot to me :)

Don't own Transformers (but if I did...Mhahaha)

Chapter 1

The cold, harsh wind whips my dark hair back that has escaped my helmet as the sound of my motorbike fills the air leaving a trail of dust behind me. Quickly followed are police cars, their alarms blaring loudly, flashing red and blue. The adrenaline rushes through me, urging me to go faster and speed my bike up with a rev. Thankfully my face is protected by a black helmet so my eyes don't water up as the wind pelts harder against my black leather suit. The night starlight sky surrounds me above what should be a peaceful area if it wasn't for us.

"This is your last chance! Pull over and surrender yourself and the money or we will use force!"

I give out a laugh, amused by what they said. Ha! These amuters really think they can catch me? Greater than them have tried and failed miserably. These must be newbies, Well it's only fair that I show them what they're dealing with. I make sure the bag of money is safely secured around me before I do a 180 on my bike completely surprising everyone, stunning them for a moment, leaving them completely confused. I pull out my long blades and drive in between the cars, slashing their tires, making both cars spin out of control. I put both of my blades back so my hands are free to control my bike. I spare a glance in my mirror to see the two out of control cars spinning into the other two police cars. However, one final police car makes it out unscathed, hot on my trail. I'm momentary distracted as I suddenly hear a beeping in my ear.

"Vi? Where are you?" asks a voice through my ear pod.

Oh great, Rex.

"That isn't any of your business," I answer briefly keeping my eyes on the road.

"Viiiiiii," moans Rex.

"Out, why?" I ask as i swerve round a tight corner.

"I see that. In fact, everyone can! You're on the news!" exclaims Rex, his voice right in my ear.

"What?!" I question surprised. I look up and sure enough, I see a news helicopter above.

"What the heck are you doing?!" shouts Rex, causing my to wince as my poor ears hurt.

"Don't get your panties in a twist, squirt. I'm just having some fun," I reply trying to lose the final police car.

"Some fun? Vi! You robbed Carlton Millers! The biggest billionaire in Chicago for crying out loud!" yells Rex ignoring my little name calling. Seriously, I'm going to be deaf at the end of this.

"Oh? Is that who that doofus was?" I question naively.

"It isn't even me who has their panties in a twist. It's the boss. He doesn't want any attention drawn to us," comments Rex in near panic.

"Ok, let's get something straight. One: He is your boss, not mine. Two: He obviously doesn't know me very well if he expects me to wait in a warehouse for days," I respond, paying more attention to the conversation, than to the road and the cops.

"Whatever Vi, just lose the cops head back. Boss wants to talk to you," replies Rex.

"Piece of cake," I reply cockily.

Suddenly, a bright light surrounds me and I look up to see another helicopter only this time, it's not a news helicopter.

"Ok, maybe not a piece of cake," I comment looking back at the road to see more police cars ahead of me, heading towards me.

"The little punk called backup. I might be late," I say to Rex quickly changing course.

"Vi..." warns Rex, his voice going deep in annoyance.

"Don't worry kid. I've handled worse, trust me. You should of seen it when I killed Monti Courtés," I comment putting more concentration on the cops than what I'm actually saying.

"That was you?" questions Rex shocked.

"Heck yeah! You should of seen it! The police and the mobsters after me! You think killing the top mobster in New York would get you some gratitude from the police but noooo! They still hunt you down," I complain hyped up on the thrill of the chase, with the number of cars chasing me increasing. Normally I'm not nearly this chatty but I'm more focused on the chase, not noticing what I'm saying, which is very unlike myself.

"Didn't you kill the Commissioner?" asks Rex curiously.

"He was corrupted and guilty as well as cheating on his wife. I gave him one chance. That's all he got," I replied in my defense.

"But they didn't know that" counters Rex.

"Well-Woah! What the heck?! Don't they know how to aim? Who taught them how to shoot?! A blind old dude?!" I rant annoyed as I duck down lower speeding up.

"What happened?" questions Rex with amusement in his voice.

"The rookie tried to shoot the tires, instead he nearly got my head," I growl, swerving to dodge the bullets.

"Look I have to go. Please, just don't do anything reckless," pleads Rex.

"You don't know me very well do you?" I ask letting a small smirk cross my face.

"Just be back soon," sighs Rex before hanging up.

Time to wrap this up. I fully a tune myself to my surroundings and look at where I am. I was heading back to my apartment but now I need to go to the warehouse...which is the opposite side of the city. I give a groan before thinking through a plan. I notice a truck parked off to the side of the road with a plank leaned upon it as I speed past it. If I can get the right amount of speed I can...My thoughts trail off and turn around quickly facing towards them, braking. All the cars stop facing me. Some cops lean out the windows of the car pointing their guns towards me. Heh...maybe if they learn how to use a gun properly, it might of been a challenge. I see someone stepping out their car, a badge worn proudly on his coat, standing out from all the other rookies, with a bullhorn in hand.

"This is your final chance"-I'm pretty sure they've said that already- "Put your hands up, step away from the motorbike and the money," orders the man as the bright light remains on me.

I press a button on the side of my helmet which makes a little microphone pop up, letting everyone hear what I say.

"Sorry boys, I don't take orders from anyone," I answer grinning a little.

I see one of the policeman near him take a good look at my motorbike before his eyes widen, and his face goes pale. "Hey boss, isn't that-" he says however is interrupted by me revving my engine loudly before shooting forward in a blink of an eye.

"Is she crazy?!" exclaims another police officer.

I shoot up on the plank flying upward in the air. As I fly over them, I throw some gas bombs at them, creating a thick fog. I hear coughing and orders shouting about but I know they won't catch me as I land behind them.

"See you boys," I say driving through the fog successfully loosing the helicopter and the police cars.

I drive, steering left into the back of a small alley, turning my bike completely off, making me invisible to the world. A minute later, I see all of the police cars zooming past my hiding place, not even looking back. Once I'm sure that they've all gone I turn my bike back on quietly.

"As I said amuters," I whisper rolling forward a little.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand still suddenly, putting me on edge. I've felt this before. Before the start of the robbery. I thought it was too much static in the air or something, but now I don't think so. Actually thinking about it, it's been for a good few weeks now. All the muscles in my body tense up as I hear something. I spin round quickly, blade in hand but there isn't anything there. Weird. I walk forward slowly to investigate but the feeling goes away and the hairs on the back of my neck go down. That was really weird. It felt like I was being watched or something. I could of sworn that I heard something though. It must of been a rodent or something. I step back on my bike, looking to see if the coast is clear before taking odd to the warehouse.

Quickly, my motorbike skids to a stop as I park on the ground floor of the warehouse. I pull my helmet off my head, giving my head a little shake before stepping off my motorbike.

"Rex? Are you here?" I ask, walking around the room towards the door.

I stop walking as something catches my eye, making me go back and turn left to see my own reflection. I see a tanned woman who has jet black hair along with purple highlights, covering the left side of her face, including her eye. It's length down nearly the bottom of her back. The woman has a black leather suit which isn't too tight and not to loose, showing off her hour glass figure along with her 6 inch high heeled boots. Her face shaped like a heart with her lips firm and straight. Her facial expression showing no emotion however her eyes... Her right eye betrays her emotions. A purple colour instead of a normal colour like blue or brown. It shows so much anger, so much pain and suffering, so much hate and...sadness. I give a small sign and so does my reflection as I look away. My heart gives a painful squeeze but I ignore it and look back to the mirror, making sure my long soft hair covers up the left side of my face. After all, I certainly don't want to be reminded every time I look at my reflection on my past. Before my thoughts stray, someone enters the room.

"You're late," states Rex.

"Actually I'm 14 seconds early," I retort smirking a little.

"Come on, the boss is waiting," replies Rex.

I give a grunt and turn to look at him. What I see is a 19 year old with red hair. He's all with some big muscles hidden underneath his jacket. He looks like someone you don't want to mess with, which is true if you anger him, but his personality is totally different. He's a joker, laid back, a real goof ball and...young. Too young to be caught up in this type of stuff. However, I push my thoughts aside and walk ahead, him following quickly. I walk to a set of stairs and walk up them quickly, heading to the main room. I walk in and to my surprise I see three other people in there. My eyes narrow immediately with my muscles tensing up, ready for a fight. In the room, is a woman with blonde short hair, wearing a leather top that shows too much skin and skinny leather jeans that look like it's cutting off her blood circulation. Her light blue eyes fix on me and I can immediately tell under the plaster of make up that she's young. Like 17 or something. Too young to hold a gun which I see is in her hand pointing at me. I immediately pull my small blade out and throw it with precise aim, knocking the gun out her hand. She gives off a little squeak before going for her other gun attached to her hip. However, my voice stops her as I put my long blade to her neck.

"Don't even think about it," I growl making her freeze instantly, her eyes glued to my own.

"Come on guys, knock it off," says Rex grabbing my attention. However, I don't lift my blade away.

"I say let her chop the little brat's head off," growls a deep voice.

I turn my eyes to the voice to see a man who looks like he's been through hell and back. He has scars on his forehead. He's completely bald however his chin is rough with subtle. He has giant muscles everywhere that makes him look like he's on steroids. He also has scars on his big arms. His eyes are ice blue but old with age. He looks at least 40. He looks like he was in the army with his camoflage trousers and white top. His expression is hard but he looks very annoyed probably from this girl who doesn't have her head screwed on properly.

"I...er...I don't think that's a good idea," says a quiet timid voice.

My eyes goes to the person next to him, revealing a 15, maybe 16 year old boy who looks like he's going to wet himself right here, right now His face is full of spots and he has curly ginger hair with dorky glasses covering his brown eyes. He has a weak body and looks like he still belongs in school. Seriously?

"Ah...I see you guys are getting along well," comments another voice as a big screen flicks on.

I don't even have to look at the screen to know who it is. I keep my eyes firmly on her and the blade before I look at the screen keeping an eye on the girl at the same time. We can't see the person on the other side but we can tell from the outline of the body that it's a guy.

"Boss," says Rex revealing little about who he is.

"Why don't you put the blade down and all of us talk and sit down," suggests the 'Boss.'

I keep my blade there and even lean forward a little as she attempts to move.

"After all, we are going to be working together," adds the 'boss.'

No way. My eyes widen a little but I quickly force my face back to expressionless before anyone can notice.

"I'm sorry when you phoned me four months ago, you forgot to mention I'll be working with a bunch of kids," I comment, narrowing my eyes in annoyance.

I can deal with Rex but that's only because we have a common interest and I'm dealing with one of him, but working with a team of kids, no can do.

"That's what I said," grumbles the older guy as I move my blade away slowly.

As soon as the blade isn't pointing at her she runs to the other side of the room.

"What do you mean kids?" asks the girl annoyed.

"What do you think she means? You're a kid!" exclaims Rex by the door.

"That goes for you too Rex," I comment.

"Hey! I thought you liked me!" exclaims Rex offended.

"No, I tolerate you there's a difference," I correct, rolling my eyes.

"Sounds the same to me," retorts Rex smirking.

Before I can open my mouth, someone else speaks first.

"Ahem...I would like to get down to business," says the 'boss.'

Everyone immediately straightens up and sits down at the long oval table except me. I lean against the wall opposite the TV screen and table folding my arms against my chest away from everyone, keeping my distance.

"Good, now the mission is of the utmost importance. That's why I called you here. This mission can't go wrong, we can't afford it," says the 'Boss.'

"This mission is all about retrieving information, You will all need to get into Simlock science facility. It's on the coast of this city except Tech kid here. He's going to hack into the system and offline all the camera's and replace the footage to allow you guys to sneak in. Black Thorn will seduce the guards and distract them," explains the 'Boss.'

"That will be easy," giggles the dizzy blonde.

"Black Thorn? More like a thorn in the-" starts the big man before he is interrupted.

"Ahem! While she does that the rest of you will sneak in. Mr Stone will take care of any other guards inside the facility as he and the others will hunt down the board room. At 1:00AM there will be a meeting. I need you to listen in and try to find out all you can about project Zelta and report back," continues the 'Boss.'

"So are you in?" questions Rex to everyone as I lean back and close my eyes.

"Depends...What's in it for us?" asks Black Thorn curiously.

"$500,000 each," answers the 'Boss.'

"Woah! Imagine all the designer outfits I can get with that!" exclaims Black Thorn excitedly.

"Are you desperate or something? $500,000 is a lot," asks Tech kid.

"Yeah, how do we know that you're going to pay us?" questions Mr Stone folding his arms suspiciously.

"I'll pay you half now and the other half when I get my information," answers the 'Boss.'

"How do you know we don't do a runner with just the $250,000?" asks Black Thorn.

"Because why would you settle with just $250,000 when you can have $500,000 for an easy job?" questions the 'Boss.'

"Well you can count me in," says the Tech kid.

"Me too," grumbles Mr Stone.

"As long as I get the money count me in," cheers Black Thorn.

"Great that's four of us," states Rex.

"But not me," I interject speaking up for the first time. My eyes narrow as i continue, "I'll like to make two points. One: I'm a silent assassin not a spy or a scout sent out to pick up some information, no matter how important it is and two: I don't work with others."

"There's a reason I asked you. Yes, you're a silent assassin, but that makes you perfect. And secondly, there's no garuntee all of you will make it out and I need that information so if someone gets caught you leave them, no point of you all getting caught because someone was clumsy. You don't have to actually work with them, just watch each others back," explains the 'Boss.'

""Thanks but no thanks. I work alone," I reject putting my hand on the door getting ready to leave.

"You're leaving?" asks Rex sounding disappointed.

"Yes," I reply simply.

"Even if this project was your father's?" questions the 'Boss.'

My eyes widen dramatically as I let go of the handle shocked.

"No...That's impossible..." I whisper speechless before whirling round and stomping towards the screen and the table.

"I blew up every one of his factories and killed all his partners and anyone who worked with him!" I yell slamming my fist down on the table, cracking it a little. Rage flowing through me.

"Well apparently you missed one," says the 'Boss' so casually it angers me further.

"If what you say is true, then that facility needs to be blown up," I hiss seething with rage.

"I know you're hellbent on destroying your father's life work but I need o know about it before deciding wether to destroy it," responds the 'Boss' as everyone looks at us, however we both ignore him.

"Decide?! Well I'll help you decide! It needs to be destroyed now!" I yell angrily.

"Your father was a genius, who knows what the project is, it could be the answers to several illnesses or how our technology can advance," explains the 'Boss.'

"Or a nuclear bomb to start World War 3!" I growl out in rage.

I look down and try to control my emotions as the 'boss' starts talking again.

"Whatever we find could help millions of people. Please I'm asking you to help us. If it's dangerous you can go ahead and blow the whole thing up. I just need to see what it is," pleads the 'Boss.'

"Ok, I'll help you, but know this, if that thing is dangerous in anyway, I'm blowing the whole sky high and you or anyone better not be in my way because I will not hesitate to cut through you. Im not doing this for the money, I'm doing this because his legacy should be stopped," I growl out looking back up with burning fire in me, as my body trembles in anger.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Shadow," replies the 'Boss' before the screen turns off happy he has me on his team....for now

Immediately gasps fill out in the room of shock and fear as he said my criminal name.

"You're Shadow?!" exclaims Black Thorn with her jaw low, nearly touching the ground.

I hear a slam and look towards Mr Stone who's fists are bouncing off the table with his eyes wide open.

"The Shadow's a girl?!" shouts Mr Stone shocked.

I give a smirk before standing straight and looking directly at him.

"You have a problem with that?" I question challenging him, eager to let some stress out.

"You can't be the Shadow. It's impossible!" denies Mr Stone.

"And why's that?" I ask with a smirk.

"The Shadow's been around for nearly 20 years and you're what? 20?" asks Mr Stone trying to prove his point.

"22 and don't you know that it's rude to ask a lady he rage?" I retort.

"See? You must of been a kid," replies Mr Stone thinking he's won this little debate.

"Your point?" I reply narrowing my eyes.

Silence roams around the room in thick tension as realization sets in.

"If that's all, I'll be going," I state heading towards the door.

"What's your name?" asks Tech kid curiously.

"Just call me Shadow," I reply.

"I just want to know your real name," presses the kid.

I debate whether to tell him. After all it's nothing to do with him but at the same time it's not going to bring any harm. I sigh before finally speaking.

"...It's Violent. Violent Sedis," I answer before leaving the room.

Next day...7:30pm...

I lean over my motorbike using my wrench to tinker with it, improving it any way I can. I rub my tired eyes and look at my motorbike to see my own reflection, as I look I see bags under my eye (Since my hair is covering my other eye) from a sleepless night. Those stupid nightmares kept me up all night. The visions kept repeating themselves over and over and over. No. I need to stop thinking about before my mind traps me in another painful vision. Luckily for me, I hear someone enter the room so I can keep my mind off it.

"Hey Vi," I hear Rex say.

I give a small grunt and ignore him and continue to work on my baby. I know what you're thinking. Why ignore him when you was acting like good friends yesterday? Well it's simple. We're not friends. Rex talked to me when I was having fun, when I was having a thrill as weird as it sounds, I let my guard down sometimes when I'm being chased because I'm having a little fun. Furthermore, me and Rex have a... common interest. We both enjoy the Dark Knight movies. I think the second movie is the best but he thinks the third one is better. Seriously, the joker is the best villain ever so whatever movie he's in, it's going to out class the others. That isn't all we have in common, we both like the Transformers. He's a bigger fan than me. I've only seen the movies and some cartoons, along with reading fanfictions. Rex collects the comics, the cartoons, movies, everything. In fact, he's such a big fan that he actually hacked into the main database just to watch some spoilers and have some inside information. I don't have a favourite character. I love them all. I mean Optimus Prime and Megatron, they're both amazing and awesome. Ironhide is a trigger happy old geezer. Ratchet is a grumpy, wrench throwing medic. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are amazing pranksters as well as fighters. And then there is Decepticons who are cool villains who mean trouble. What more can you ask for? Anyway we're getting off topic. It wasn't just because of common interest. Rex has been trying to get me to open up for months and no threats will scare him off. Trust me. I even got my blade out and put it inches from his face and he laughed saying how cool it was. Heh... That kid's crazy.

"Hey Vi, can I ask you a question?" asks Rex as he sits on a stool next to my desk with my tools.

"No," I reply simply.

"Aw, come on, Vi. Please?" pleads Rex.

"No," I repeat not even lifting my head.

"Viiiiiiiiiii!" whines Rex. I roll my eyes in return, he's such a kid.

"Fine, what do you want?" I asks giving in, keeping my back to him.

"You told us that your name is Violent Sedis," comments Rex.

"Yeah," I reply not really paying attention. The stupid thing doesn't fit, maybe if I...

"But the Boss said that your father is the head of the facility," continues Rex.

All my muscles tense up as I stop what I'm doing, freezing up and it doesn't go unnoticed. Darn that smart kid.

"Vi?" questions Rex concerned.

"Let me make this clear," I say with my voice dangerously low. "We don't ever talk about my father and we especially don't mention what you just figured out unless you want to end up without a tongue," I growl threatening.

"But-" protests Rex trying to insist on carrying the conversation on.

"Ever," I interrupt stressing it out.

Before he can protest the door opens. I ignore whoever it is and go back to focusing on my motorbike.

"You guys ready? We're leaving in a bit," warns Mr Stone.

"Trust me, I'm always prepared," I say standing up, wiping my hands before putting my gloves on.

"Have you been working on that all day?" asks Rex.

"And early morning. I saw her here at 6:00AM working on that thing," comments Mr Stone.

"6:00AM?! You went to bed at 2:00AM and we have a mission tonight that's going to last who knows how long. Did you even went to bed last night?" questions Rex scolding me.

"Who are you? My mother? Anyway, I did go to bed I just got up early," I retort rolling my eyes.

"How early?" asks Rex folding his arms.

"5:00AM," I state simply although most of my attention is on my motorbike. Ah...it fits now. This means the turbo boost is going to work 150% more efficient.

"Aren't you going to be totally worn out tonight?" questions Rex.

"No, I'm use to it," I reply with a shrug.

"I still can't believe that the Shadow is a girl," comments Mr Stone with disbelief.

"Would you like me to engrave it on your forehead?" I question.

"Ok, now it's a little more believable," chuckles Rex.

"I still don't know. I mean a girl? The Shadow is the most wanted in not only America but Europe. Heck probably everywhere else. The stuff of legend. He's killed hundred and backstabbed more quite literally. You just don't seem the type," explains Mr Stone.

"Asia and Africa too. Besides, looks can be deceiving. You shouldn't always trust your eyes," I reply.

"True but I say until I see solid proof, I don't believe you," replies Mr Stone casually.

Proof? I'll give him proof. I stand up slowly before flicking 4 blades out of my belt and up my sleeve. Before he can blink he's pinned to the wall by two of my blades.

"That blade I used to kill Michael Lewis, Dan Lucas, San Williams the mob bosses of Asia. The other blade was Carlmon Daniels until I killed him along with his brothers who were the mob bosses of Italy, France and Germany..." I explain flipping the other two blades in my hands as I see him stare at the blade that's pinned him to the wall by his army bracelets.

He rips one hand free and picks up the other blade, looking at the engravement on it. I throw the next blade expertly and pin his left leg while speaking.

"This one helped me escape the pit of Lamón before killing the corrupt president of India and his lackeys," I explain before throwing my next blade right in between his legs.

"That one is the Courtés family blade that I stole from Monti Courtés, the mob boss of New York., before I betrayed him and his corrupt siblings by stabbing him in the back," I continue before pulling out a long blade that was hidden on top of my chest looking at it, as it shines from the light, making it seem sharper and deadlier. The word 'Despiadado' on it.

"And this...this was Michael Despiadado's, The only person who deserved worse than burning forever in hell. My only regret was that his death was quick," I explain emotionless.

"You killed Michael Despiadado!" shouts Rex shocked, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"He was one of the worse mob bosses in history!" exclaims Mr Stone looking like his eyes are about to fall out of his socket.

"He should of suffered. For everything he done. For all those innocent lives he ruined," I growl my mind going back in the past as I stare at the blade.

'Stop!'

Screams echoing all around.

'I said press it!'

Screams getting louder.

'Kill them! Kill them all!'

Cries pierce the air along with frightened screams.

'Please don't!'

The wails getting louder and heavier.

'No! Stop!'

"Vi?" questions Rex cutting through my thoughts.

I glare at the blade almost surprised that it doesn't melt at my glare before putting it away.

"Where's Tech Kid and Miss Brat?" I ask changing the topic as Mr Stone rips away from the blades walking towards a different wall leaning against it.

"We're here," announces Tech Kid with the brat, Black Thorn.

"What do you mean, Brat?" squeals black Thorn offended. Her high pitch voice grating against my ears.

"I mean exactly what I meant," I retort.

"Why you-" starts Black Thorn but is interrupted by Mr Stone's deep chuckles.

"What's so funny?" snaps Black Thorn.

"You really think you can take on The Shadow? Kid your head must be screwed on backwards," states Mr Stone.

"Better than you have tried," comments Rex adding into the conversation.

"Ill tell you what kid. If I tie my hands behind my back and blindfold myself and you bring 20 of your friends- if you have any-then it might be a fair fight," I reply with a smirk.

"Wha-?! I have friends and I can take you on easily," states Black Thorn.

I shake my head in disbelief of her stupidity. Is she delusional? Or maybe she has a death wish.

"Sure..." remarks Rex sarcastically, starting an argument between the three.

Come to think of it why is Black Thorn in the criminal business? She's how old? 17? She's still so young. I watch the two of them argue with Mr Stone adding snark remarks every once in a while along with Tech Kid adding a timid sentence or two. I give a small sigh closing my eyes.

"What are you doing here, Black Thorn?" I ask with a sigh.

The argument completely stops and I open my eyes lazily to see 4 confused faces.

"What do you mean?" questions Black Thorn confused.

"I looked into you, Black Thorn A.K.A Holly States," I answer.

"What?! You researched me?!" exclaims Black Thorn with horror and surprise.

"I don't go into business with people I don't know. I don't get it. You come from a rich high class family. Probably spoilt rotten. Good grades until you dropped out at 15. Started stealing, etc. But why? You had a good thing going. You too, Rafael," I explain looking at Tech Kid A.K.A Rafael. I continue, "You had a family, they weren't rich but they weren't poor either. Why?"

"Hmph. Sure it may look good that way. But dearest daddy wasn't exactly a good father. My mother left him when I was little leaving me with him. Sure, he spoilt me, gave me everything I wanted, except one thing, his attention. The maids practically raised me. He neglected me and didn't pay any attention to me. He just gave me a credit card and shoved me out his office. I tried to do everything to please him, until I saw nothing I did got his attention. So I decided to make him give me attention. Dropped out of school which really angered him but that only lasted five minutes so one day I decided to steal some of his most prized possessions. I got addicted to the thrill of stealing, never knowing if someone's gonna catch ya. You know how it is. I got noticed by some crime boss and it kinda started off from there," explains Holly doing her doing her nails.

"And my story is a little similair. My parents practically forgot I exist. Drawn all their attention on my older brother. He is good at sports and that kind of stuff. My parents adored him, giving all their love to him. It didn't really happen until I was five and Billy won his first football match. Then he started picking on me, along with some other people at school. Cause you know, I was the class nerd. So I got bullied everyday, neglected the usual. I thought my parents would come around one day and notice what they're doing but they didn't so I packed and left. They probably don't even notice that I'm gone. Anyway, I have a thing with computers. I learnt how to hack and I got pretty good at it . Let's just say my work got noticed. Someone offered me a job and a place to stay. Somewhere my talents were appreciated and now here I am," explains Rafael with a shrug.

I almost can't believe this.

"So basically you're doing this to get dear old daddy's attention and you're doing this because you feel appreciated," I summarized.

Rafael and Holly look at each other before turning back to face me.

"Basically," says Rafael with Holly nodding.

"You don't belong here," I say with my voice low.

"What?!" exclaims Holly surprised, while Rafael holds a similar expression.

"You don't belong here. You're kids playing an adults game. Go home," I expand, shaking my head before looking straight at the wall in front of me.

"Excuse me?!" asks Black Thorn offended and puzzled.

"Sorry miss, but we're good at what we do and we enjoy it," states Tech Kid.

"That may be so but you don't deserve this. You're good kids who have families and homes, even if they treat you bad. They probably won't if you return home. If you stay in a life like this then you'll ruin your lives. You have a chance to go back and have a fresh start," I reply with a sigh.

They're ruining their lives and they don't even know it.

"You can't talk you're here with us," points out Holly her voice annoyingly high pitched.

"That's true," agrees Rex using my appointed nickname.

"I can't help it. I'm not like you. I was born into this. I never had a choice. But you do," I reply looking away.

"And I believe that this is our choice to make," replies Holly.

"True, but it's important you know what you're doing. There may be no return and no second chances. You just need to be sure," I explain as I start picking my daggers out of the wall.

"That's true. I was in the army years ago. I made a mistake. The wrong choice. Things went down from there and now I can't even see my baby girl. I can't go back so if you're doing this, make sure this is what you want," comments Mr Stone as all our attention heads to him as he tinkers with his guns.

"So did you read up on that, Shadow?" questions Mr Stone looking at me as i pull out my last dagger.

"Yeah, Daniel Richards married to Louise Richards. When your wife was nine months pregnant you got captured by the enemy right when you was on your way back from a mission. You were ambushed along with your team. You were tortured for 7 years and declared dead while back home your wife had the baby, Chloe Ann Richards. 5 years later, Louise moved on and married John McClark while your team mates were killed right in front of you. You finally broke free, went home to see your wife moved on. You snapped and during your moment of insanity you killed him. You got dragged away by police and you went on the run. Wasting your life away with beer until you decided to join the mafia. And well...you know the rest," I explain twiddling my blade.

He gives a small nod, with his eyes closed reliving the past, saying, "I never did get to see my baby girl, not once."

His face remains neutral but I can see the small details that show pain as he thinks about it until his eyes abruptly snap open homing on, on me.

"How did you know that intel? I made sure no one would know I was Daniel Richards. I even set up a fake profile," comments Mr Stone, his eyes narrowing.

"I have my ways," I reply dismissively.

"Either way, it was a mistake. I shouldn't of killed him. I just got back from being tortured for 7 years. She was the only thing to keep me going and to see her in the arms of someone else...It was the last straw. I snapped and killed him with my bare hands. I see it was a mistake, one I paid dearly for. Can't go back now...Can't see them. Can't see the only family I have cause I made the wrong choice. So if you really want to do this, just make damn sure that you know what you're doing," lectures Daniel/Mr Stone as he curls and uncurls his fist, controlling his temper.

Outside, he's pretty composed but I can see it in his eyes. Regret. Pain. Anger. Sadness. Longing. All of it twirling around in his eyes.

"You know she misses you. She has a necklace with your picture in it. Chloe. She still loves you. She just wants her father. She's 15 and she's been wishing for the same thing every year. You. No one could replace you. When John came along, she kicked him in the nuts because she didn't want him as a father. She wanted her real father," I explain with my eyes closed before opening them looking at him.

"Hmph. That's my girl," states Mr Stone proudly.

"Now I know you have your ways but how can you possibly know that?" questions Rex curiously.

"That's only for me to know. I can't give away all my secrets now, can I?" I ask with a small smirk. Besides diary's are good for intel.

"Well since everyone's sharing stories I might as well share mine," states Rex grabbing a chair.

All attention turns to him, including my own as his hands curls round a cup of coffee. But weirdly his head snaps up instead looking towards me as he says, "Actually I want to know what Vi knows of me."

"I know you're an orphan. Your father worked as a doctor and he somehow got involved with the mafia. Your mother was a nursery teacher. You had a 5 year old sister and a baby brother on the way. One day your father got fed up and stopped working with them. They didn't like that so while you was at baseball practice they burnt down the house leaving them trapped in there. You got home and saw the fire, tried to run in there but the firefighters stopped you. You watched the building collapsed. You had no other family so you went from orphanage to orphanage. Someone recognized you years later as your father's son. They tried to kill you but living in an orphanage roughed you up so you fought back. They saw the potential in you, they recruited you and here you are," I say staring at the wall looking everywhere but his eyes.

"Thanks Vi," I hear Rex say.

What? I look straight at him confused. His head is facing downwards along with his hair covering the top part of his face but i can tell easily, his crying. I don't say anything as he continues talking.

"You see I have amnesia. I couldn't remember anything. From 10 years old and no one would tell me. But now after all these years I know thanks to you," explains Rex as tears stream down slowly down his cheeks.

Amnesia?! I didn't know about that. I shouldn't of told him. I thought he knew. Damn it Rex! I don't voice my thoughts but I really want to. Instead I hide my shock, looking neutral and my lips sealed tight.

"But there's one thing I don't get, Vi. That's pretty detailed, some of what you said you wouldn't find it on any report or information, so how did you know?" points out Rex.

My muscles goes tense and I have to force myself to breathe.

"Rex-" I start but I'm interrupted quickly.

"The truth Vi," interrupts Rex before all attention turns to me.

I clench my teeth as he looks up after wiping his face on his sleeve. I look straight into his eyes and I see he's determined to know. I can't give him some lie because he'll see right through it. After minutes of tense silence and inner debating I speak.

"I was there," I state my voice low and cold.

I see everyone's eyes widen in surprise including Rex but his expression quickly turns to anger.

"My father required for me to come with him in his criminal activities. He made me watch. He forced me to watch in the shadows. It was more of a punishment because I was weak in his eyes so he made me watch. When the firefighters came, he and his men ran while I was told to stay and watch to make sure no one survived. Then I saw you. You nearly fell over while rushing to get off your bike. I wanted so badly to go and help, knowing that I helped cause it. Rex...I'm-" I explain as I push the memory down, look at the floor until I'm cut off.

"Don't," commands Rex abruptly.

Ok, now I'm shocked! I unfold my arms and look at him in shock, not caring that I'm not covering it up. Trust me that doesn't happen often.

"What?" I question.

I can't believe he's stopping me from apologizing. I don't apologize often, in fact, it's extremely rare. I haven't apologized in years.

"You don't need to apologize to me Vi, You've done nothing wrong," replies Rex calmly.

I clench my fist and jaw as anger flows through me. How dare he?!

"Nothing wrong? I let it happen and you're not even angry at me? I let your family burn. How can you not be angry as me?!" I yell as I storm over and slam my fist on the table as everyone else remains deathly silent.

"Vi, you was probably a few years older than I was back then. As I see it your as much as a victim as I am," explains Rex.

"No...I don't believe you. I could of done something. You should be angry at me!" I yell enraged. I haven't been this angry in years. What the heck is wrong with this kid?!

"But you saved me," states Rex. Everyone in the room freezes up at that sentence.

"I saved no one. I only look out for myself," I growl turning my back to him.

"But you did. You could of told them I was still alive but you didn't, why?" questions Rex making all my anger vanish in thin air.

"I was a kid. It was a moment of weakness. Don't worry, I don't have any of those anymore," I reply.

Before anyone can open their mouths to reply a beeping alarm goes off. I look down at my wrist and put the alarm off on my wrist.

"It's time to go. Everyone better be ready," I announce.

I head over to my bike and lift up my seat compartment. Inside, is all my belongings. I don't have much but it's all I have. I also have a secret compartment under the secret compartment which has a few DVD's including the Transformers set. The top compartment has a few fake wigs incase I need to go undercover along with some emergency money. I pick up a small book along with taking out the 'Despiadado' dagger. I open it up and look at the paper inside. A list of names is on there, with every single name crossed out. All the people who were killed by this very dagger for helping my father with all the evil he committed. My gaze turns to the dagger as the light shines on it, reminding me about what I was about to do before the 'Boss' phoned. My mission was complete. I killed them all off. Every last one of them. I had no other purpose. I needed to kill my father's minions off. Destroy everything my father had created. Including myself. It was time I stopped running. But now I have my purpose back. My mission is incomplete. But after this, his work and legacy will be put for a stop once and for all.

At 12:45AM...

Waiting. It's the worst part of any mission but it's vital. Years of training and practice has taught me that. Patience is the key to everything. You seem wearing completely black I fade into the background. But I become invisible to the eye if I stay there for hours. So it makes it easier to hunt my prey. However I still don't like it. It requires great patience or the game's over. It is completely boring but you should never put your guard down. Which is why when Rex came in the bushes to meet me and tried to touch my shoulder from behind, he ended up on the floor with a bruised behind with one of my daggers pointing towards him.

"Hey, Vi relax. It's me," exclaims Rex in a somewhat hushed voice.

"Rex! What is wrong with you? I could of killed you!" I hiss in a whisper putting my blade back into it's slot.

"Yeah and then you'll be upset and miss me," comments Rex getting up and rubbing his sore behind.

"No, I'll be upset because I'll have to clean your blood off my blade," I reply glaring at him.

"Aw..Come on. Are you saying that you won't be the tiniest bit upset if I died?" asks Rex pouting.

"No, I'll comment whoever kills you since it's so hard to kill you considering you keep running," I retort dryly.

"Hey!" exclaims Rex insulted but before he can continue I lift a hand to signal silence.

He looks at me confused but I ignore him as I look around slowly with my eyes. My body is completely tense and ready to fight any intruders. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as a tell tale sign of someone watching me. However, I'm completely confused as I don't see anyone. I had this feeling for a few months but now it's stronger than ever. This feeling always comes when I'm on a mission but only recently. Suddenly, a beeping sound fills my head coming from my ear piece. I hold onto it, pressing down the button.

"Is everyone in position?" questions Tech Kid.

A course of yes replies including my own.

"Ok guys, I've hacked into the system, you are clear to go," says Tech Kid as I look over the bushes in my crouch down position.

I see two guards up front, looking quite young, which is lucky for us. I nod to Rex who gives the signal to Black Thorn to go ahead. She runs out the bushes with fake tears, pretending to be distressed, attracting the guards attention. As the guards run to Black Thorn, myself, Rex and Mr stone runs out to the building. We press against the walls as Mr Stone goes first and knocks the inside guards out. After we hear the all clear me and Rex sneak in. As I come in, I instinctually stick to the shadows, blending into them. I look a

round to see an empty hallway apart from the two unconscious guards on the floor.

"Nice work," whispers Rex while Mr Stone just grunts in acknowledgement.

"So where's the room kid?" questions Rex as I scout ahead looking for any guards.

"It's on the east wing of the sector in room F2," answers Tech Kid.

"And how are we going to get in?" questions Rex as I come to the end of the hallway and press myself against the wall, looking around the corner.

"We don't," I state simply.

"What do you mean?" asks Mr Stone confused as well as curious.

"Kid, can you pull out the ventilation schematic's?" I question ignoring Mr Stone's question.

"Yeah easily, why?" asks Tech Kid as I hear him tapping the keyboard in the background.

"You can guide us through the vents and above the meeting in the boardroom," I reply.

"Ok, well the closest ventilation entrance is in the janitors closet," comments Tech Kid as everyone else catches on.

"So where's that?" questions Rex.

However Tech Kid didn't answer, I did.

"It's down a few corridors on the right of here then take the next left straight after it," I answer from memory.

"How do you know that?" asks Mr Stone suspiciously.

"I told you. I'm always prepared," I answer.

"Now come on," I say eagerly before taking off down the hall.

I stick to the corners and sides where the corridors are, making sure to check down each corridor. Rex and Mr Stone follow after me quickly, keeping up with my fast pace. I finally stop as I catch some guards walking down the next corridor. I cautiously signal the other two to stop.

"Two guards," I comment to their silent question.

"Let me take care of it," whispers Mr Stone.

I move back so Rex is agains the corner instead of me as we all press against the side. As the guards turn the corner, Rex trips one up sending them tumbling over and into Mr Stone.

"Hey! What?!" exclaims the other guard in surprise before Rex jumps him from behind.

They all throw blows except myself, being invisible in the dark shadows. I see Mr Stone knock the poor guy out quickly before Rex does the same.

"Let's go," says Mr Stone stepping forward before we all hear a shout behind us.

"Hey!" shouts another guard heading our way.

I come out the shadows throwing my blade expertly at him. It hits him by his shoulder blade, near his heart, knocking him out instantly. Rex goes over checking his pulse even though he's alive as I pull out my blade.

"Come on quickly," I urge.

We go round the corner leaving the guards as we enter the janitors closet. Rex steps on a box undoing the screws in the vent shaft.

"Nice throw," comments Mr Stone.

I nod in return before speaking, "You two go first, I'll watch out."

"No way lady. I wouldn't put it past you to stab us in the back while our backs are turned," denies Mr Stone.

I roll my eyes in annoyance before growling, "Fine, I'll go first. But either of you stare at my butt, it'll be a knife through your head."

Rex moves out the way and I step on the box pulling myself up.

"Hey do you want any..." Rex trails off as i get in without his help.

"You next kid," I hear Mr Stone say.

I start crawling forward to let them have more room to get in. As soon as everyone's in I start crawling forward with the others following.

"Man! Vi! You have a nice..." exclaims Rex until he trails off as I snap my head round and glare at him, my hand going threateningly on my dagger.

"...hair. You have some nice shiny hair," finishes Rex with a nervous grin.

I give off a warning growl before turning forward.

"Nice save," comments Mr Stone.

"I know. I thought for sure that-Oof!" says Rex until i kick him without looking.

"That's for looking in the first place. Mr Stone? Hit him every time he stares," I say crawling forward.

"With pleasure," replies Mr Stone.

I couldn't see him but I could hear the smirk in his voice, along with Rex gulping nervously. We move forward for a while with Rex's shouts of pain and grumbling all the way. The air began to get hot and stuffy, echoes booming around the vent.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" questions Mr Stone.

I understand why he asked that question, everything looks the same and it makes you feel like you're going round in circles. It makes you feel lost and trapped. But I know we are going to the right way.

"You can hear Tech Kid or do you not trust him as well," I reply dryly.

"It's not Tech Kid who stabs people in the back," comments Mr Stone.

"Don't worry. If I wanted you dead I would of done it a long time ago," I retort.

"Look I know you don't trust her-" starts Tech Kid.

"Don't trust her? She knows everything about us but we know next to nothing about her!" points out Mr Stone.

I can't blame him for thinking that. If it was the other way round I'll be the same but that doesn't mean it isn't annoying.

"My point is we just need to work together now. Bite each other's heads off later," comments Tech Kid.

"Yeah...if we're still alive," scoffs Mr Stone.

I ignore him and carry on going forward. After a few minutes, unfortunately, Rex decides to open his mouth.

"Are we there y-" starts Rex until my head whips round and I glare at him coldly.

"Don't even start," I growl before turning back round.

"Guys just turn right one more time and you're there," announces Tech Kid, bringing relief to me.

I was starting to feel claustrophobic. I hate small spaces. There isn't enough room to turn around. I stop my brain from continue thinking about that topic before I start to panic. I take a deep breath before turning left.

"Vi, Tech Kid said right," comments Rex confused at my actions.

"I know," I state simply confusing him more with my vague answer as I start to crawl backwards making me go in the right direction.

"It was the only way I could turn round. Besides, this way I know you're not staring at my butt. The downside is that I got to look at your face," I explain, my face completely serious.

"That really hurt, Vi. You wounded me deeply." replies Rex with fake hurt across his face.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now shut up, otherwise we'll let them know we are here," comments Mr Stone, ever the gentleman.

I finally stop as I see the vent shaft below but in front of myself and Rex. We keep deadly silent as we listen in the conversation below.

"Sorry for the delay. We had a little problem but it's sorted now," says a man entering the room.

"Deconi," I growl lowly, just so they don't hear underneath.

"Who?" questions Rex but I don't answer.

"He's suppose to be dead," inputs Mr Stone as I growl barely containing my anger.

"Looks like he's not," says Rex stating the obvious.

"He must of faked his own death," says Mr Stone.

"Why would he do that?" questions Rex puzzled.

"To get away from me," I hiss as anger makes my body shake in rage.

"What?" asks Rex confused.

I see from the corner of my eye, Mr Stone's eyes twinkle in confused. 2 years ago heh was on the top of my hit list, pretty close work mates with Michael Despiadado. A few months before I was going to proceed with my plan, he was announced dead. I triple checked but it looks like i must of missed something.

"Mr Ròni, I take it everything is going according to plan," says another man at the long table addressing Deconi.

"Looks like he's changed his name," whispers Rex stating my thoughts.

Anger seethes through me as I thought of how he slipped through my fingers. I've gone against him a few times, him escaping the coward's way out every time but he never escaped unscathed.

"Everything is going ahead of schedule," replies Deconi as he sits down on the head chair, his black eye patch showing clearly.

"What is he? A pirate?" asks Rex.

I give a twisted smirk as I remember that I'm the cause of his missing eye, not telling Rex that.

"Excellent, Im guessing project Zelta is operational?" questions a shareholder.

"Not yet, so far we can not find enough raw power for the machine to be operational. Furthermore, if we want to transport objects, it appears we need another one built," explains Deconi.

"But that's impossible. Mr Despiadado built it. He never shared information to how he built it and the materials required. Even our best reverse engineers don't have a clue to how he's done it," states the same shareholder.

"Project Zelta is a transporting machine," realizes Rex while I ignore him and listen intently leaning forward.

"That's why I purpose we focus on stage 2..." offers Deconi clicking his fingers.

I angle my head so I can see further. Behind him is a huge - and when I say huge I mean massive- object, 2 people remove the huge cloak covering it, displaying a huge round object with a gap in the middle. I look further to see that it's hooked up with wires and machinery that people are operating.

Deconi continues, "...Time travel."

My whole heart stops. In fact, I feel like the whole world has just stopped as dread fills me to the core.

"No..." I whisper my voice breaking quietly.

If it was any other time i would of been ashamed at myself for showing any kind of weakness but at the moment I couldn't care less.

"Vi?" asks Rex noticing my behaviour but I couldn't hear him.

I couldn't even hear Mr Stone's deep voice. I hoped, pleaded, even prayed that he wasn't going to say what I think he was.

"If we could go back and save him before he dies we can get him to build another one," explains Deconi.

I can't believe what he's saying. I find that my whole body is immobile as my face pales. I can't think! I can't breathe! I feel as though reality is slipping away from me.

"Vi...You don't look so good," comments Rex but I couldn't pull myself from my mind.

"That's it. We're leaving. We've got the information anyway," announces Mr Stone in a harsh whisper causing Rex to grab my arm.

That's when I manage to snap out of it.

"No...they can't. We can't go yet," I protest leaning further in.

I need to know more information so I can stop it.

"Vi-" starts Rex but I shush him trying to listen more.

"...in two days we can start the process..." continues Deconi.

"We need to go," insists Mr Stone.

I protest though ignoring him. I need to get closer. I move my hand on the shaft leaning forward putting my weight on it. However, the shaft gives out under me making me fall forward.

"Vi!" exclaims Rex trying to grab me however Mr Stone holds him back.

"No! We need to go! We've been compromised," protests Mr Stone as I flip in midair making sure I land on my feet as I press a button on my belt which is a homing beacon on my bike.

I land right in front of Deconi on the table startling everyone. Deconi's face is priceless as he realizes who I am, however I'm too angry to find it amusing.

"Shadow!" gasps Deconi in shock as other people on the table stand up and back away.

"Deconi," I growl venom laced in my voice.

"What the hell are you doing here?" asks Deconi alarmed stepping back

"I could say the same about you. Last time I checked you was dead," I hiss showing my anger.

"It seems I outsmarted the great Shadow," smirks Deconi annoying me more before getting a gun out trying to shoot me.

However, I jump off the table, dodging it as I flip missing every single one, until he runs out of bullets. He shakes the thing before throwing it at me, running like the coward he is. I jump out the way quickly as he heads for the exit. However, that's useless as my motor bike runs through the door stunning him for a moment but that's all I need to pin him to the wall.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" I growl holding myself back, rage coursing through me.

"Trying to escape," answers Deconi trying to act innocent, full well knowing that I wasn't referring to that.

Something inside me snaps before I hear screams behind me while my hand squeezes around Deconi's neck.

"Don't lie to me. I'm not in the mood for games," I growl, stopping my hand from completely crushing his throat.

"It kills you, doesn't it? To know that he's coming back. That you'll be back in his hands with no escape. And this time, I don't think he'll show you any mercy like last time," says Deconi, angering me more as I hear people rush out the room.

I faintly hear the alarms going off as well as people shouting and screaming.

"Shut up!" I shout, my hand pressing harder, making him choke.

"It's ironic really. Thing is, your just like him. I see it. The hate in your eyes. The same in his. You're the same," gasps Deconi, struggling for air.

"I'm nothing like him! It doesn't matter anyway. I've sent bombs around the building. The machine will be blown sky high along with you," I growl.

It's true, I put them in place hours ago when everyone was a sleep or busy.

"You can't do that!" shouts Deconi, his expression suddenly changes to fear and horror.

"Watch me," I hiss.

Suddenly, a bright light engulfs the room before dying down. I turn my head to see project Zelta. It turned on. Wind is thrown towards us making any stray hair whip back. "It's turned on," shouts a man at the controls.

More voices fill the room of panic shouts.

"That shouldn't be possible!"

"There isn't any co-ordinates set!"

"Where's the power from?!"

"It's overloading! It's gonna blow!"

"Evacuate the area!"

I let go of Deconi, my eyes set on the machine. He runs off like the coward he is, letting a small whimper out as he bumps into my motorbike in his rush to get out. I become memorize by the machine as the light swirls around before blasting out, blinding me as it engulfs the whole room. A powerful wind with it making me fly across the room, hitting the wall. The room spins around me as pain shoots up my back. The air escapes my lungs and I find it hard to breathe. I feel like someone's suffocating me. Black spots start to come into my vision before I finally become unconscious.

Normal P.O.V

"Vi!" exclaims Rex as he tries to grab Shadow, however Mr Stone holds him back.

"No! We need to go! We've been compromised," protests Mr Stone starting to drag Rex back.

"We can't leave Vi!" shouts Rex struggling against him.

"You know our orders. We can't go back," states Mr Stone.

Rex goes goes limp, remembering what his boss said. Seeing that he got through to Rex he wasted no time.

"Come on," orders Mr Stone crawling backwards, Rex doing the same.

They manage to get out unharmed and quickly - apart from Rex who landed on his bum from falling from the vent.

"Thorn, get out of there, we've been compromised," says Mr Stone holding his ear device.

There is a cackle of static before there is an answer.

"Message confirmed. I'll meet you outside," replies black Thorn.

"Come on Rex," says Mr Stone however Rex doesn't move.

"Rex?" questions Mr Stone a little concerned however more worried that they are going to get caught.

"We shouldn't leave Vi behind," answers Rex feeling guilty.

"You agreed to this, Rex," states Mr Stone while pulling him along.

"Yeah, well I didn't expect anyone to get caught, especially Vi. I mean for goodness sake she's the Shadow!" comments Rex as they both run out the building.

"Maybe she's a fake. You know I've seen a lot of people pretend to be the Shadow," comments Mr Stone.

"No, not Vi. You've seen how she is. She's not some desperate fan criminal," denies Rex with a shake of his head.

"Maybe so. Even if she isn't the Shadow, she can hold her own pretty well. She can escape," encourages Mr Stone but before Rex can respond to that another voice is heard.

"Hey Guys! Wait for me!" shouts a high pitch voice behind them.

They both stop and turn around seeing someone run out the entrance of the building.

"Black Thorn," says Mr Stone in greeting, both of them missing Rex's eyes which have a bit of disappointment in them.

"Did you guys get what we needed?" questions Black Thorn as she stops in front of them.

"Yeah, we got it," says Rex looking away.

"Great. Wait...where's Shadow?" questions Black Thorn.

Before anyone can open their mouth to reply, their ears fill with static.

"You guys better be out of their," states TechKid with worry laced in his voice.

"Mostly, why?" questions Mr Stone putting a hand on his ear to press in the communicator.

"Because the place is rigged to blow. I've detected multiple bombs in the building. It's going to explode!" announces TechKid.

"What?!" yells everyone else in surprise.

Suddenly, they're all thrown back by an explosion, making them land face first on the ground. Ringing fills their ears so they all shake their head to try and get their hearing back to normal. Black Thorn looks back to look at the building they was in previously, now in flames with the building collapsed completely. Heavy smoke surrounds them and enter in their lungs causing them to cough heavily as they stand up, using whatever they can to cover their mouths and nose.

"Guys..." whispers Black Thorn in shock as she see's the wreckage first before coughing to clear out her lungs.

"What?" coughs Mr Stone before he looks up with a gasp inhaling more smoke making him cough more.

With strange curiosity and dread he follows where their eyes are laying. Shock fills his entire body as he eyes widen with horror. His legs go numb and buckle underneath, his mouth limply open filling him with a little smoke but he doesn't care.

"No..." denies Rex shaking his head.

"Come on, Rex. The police will be here any minute," says Mr Stone softly, putting a hand on Rex's shoulders as they both look over at the swirling fire of destruction.

"...Vi..." whispers Rex unable to tear his eyes away from the scene.

"She's gone, Rex," states Mr Stone, his eyes hard and cold, understanding that they can't do anything but escape.

Rex tries to get up and run but Mr Stone holds him back.

"No! Get off me! Vi!" shouts Rex in despair, his voice getting louder and more frantic as he tries to reach the site.

"No! Rex, face it! She's gone! She's not coming back!" yells Mr Stone turning Rex to face him, staring hard into his eyes, trying to get through him.

Rex goes slightly limp as he deflates, realization settles in.

"No...She...but she's the Shadow..." whispers Rex barely above a whisper.

"Come on Rex," says Mr Stone dragging him by his arm.

A few tears slip from his eyes as he looks back for the last time.

"...Bye Vi...

This is where life flips on you. Where life was normal and nothing ever changes, just the same old thing. Everything is black and white, no more, no less. But now life has decided to put a twist in to flip everything around. It could be good or bad, or maybe even both depending on your view. It changes things, maybe forever, maybe for a bit. You just got to try and make the most of it. But I don't want things to change. Change is bad, unpredictible, maybe even deadly. I just want everything to be normal, to be the same, but then again I didn't live a normal life. I know where I'm heading and where I'm going. It's my life and I decide the destination no matter what life throws at me. So give me all you got. Things can't go worse. I'll pull through like I've always have. Nothing you throw at me can be worse than the things I've already gone through. So throw at me everything you've got. I'm ready for it.