The Last Shadow

By Michael Hardy

Born with no shadow, a dangerous encounter and an amusement park from hell….

 

Nadia knew she was different. After all, who doesn't have a shadow—except her…

 

A homeless teen seeking an answer, she returned to her favourite childhood place, the Bright Pool Amusement Park. Discovering a broken past, there, she encountered an insidious demonic Ringmaster who used his dark powers to lure her to her demise.

Under attack and helpless, a mysterious child rescued Nadia whose past was intertwined with hers. Together, they dove into the hell-raising carnival of death and discovered the origins of their bond.

 

Can they survive against the powerful demonic Ringmaster and uncover their shadowy past?

Or will the darkness consume them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Hardy
• Release date: Jan 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781729659144

Michael Hardy

Michael Hardy (or just Hardy to his friends) was born in South East Asia and was raised strongly in his country’s culture. Between the ages of 7-9, his family moved to England and he developed a love for western culture, but it unfortunately left a staggering effect on his previous life in his home country, leaving him very out of place there. Even now, that effect still remains. Around the age of 10-13, a family/friend, Oliver, introduced him into the world of anime with “Vampire Hunter D” on VHS, which to him is a hero that he can relate to and has a big influence on him. He bought that same VHS tape from a friend who stole the tape from Oliver. He didn’t read the book or manga until he was in his mid 20’s, which have also influence him as a writer. By the time he went to college and university, his roommate Mike, who wanted to be a film director at the time, inspired him to write a film script, but Mike lost it when he went back to his home country. Hardy tried to rewrite that same story as a novel, but was tired of writing it again, but it still motivated Hardy to become a writer. Then, in the year 2010, influenced and inspired for his love of Vampire Hunter D, the love and hate for certain vampire flicks, video games, Western and Asian monster folklore, and a friend on YouTube, who is also a writer, he created Kris Hellion, a story that he has thought of since his college and university years. He hopes that people enjoy reading his book and would like to hear what people like or dislike about it. Hardy takes heavy influences from anime, live action films, mangas, super heroes, video games, folklore, and pieces of his life that create his vision of his creation, Kris Hellion.

Book preview

Written by Michael Hardy

Don’t be afraid of writing the ridiculous.

Remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Who would have thought a silly idea would make the creators millions.

Michael Hardy

Copyright © Michael Hardy

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1729659144

ISBN-10: 1729659144

C O P Y R I G H T P A G E

The Last Shadow

By Michael Hardy

© 2020 of publication, Michael Hardy

All rights reserved.

Original Creator: Michael Hardy

E-mail: [e-mail]

Cover, Illustration: Michael Hardy

Editing, proofreading: Michael Hardy, Jay Gillies, Russell Matthews and Ken Darrow, M.A.

Other Collaboration: Michael Hardy, Lisa Frederickson (Blurb), Rosie Sim (Beta Reader)

ISBN-13: 978-1729659144

ISBN-10: 1729659144

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This book, including all its parts, is protected by copyright and must not be copied, resold or shared without the permission of the author.

If you liked the book then recommend your friends to download or buy their own copy on Amazon, thebookpatch, Kindle or Smashword. Thank you very much for respecting the work of the author!

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i

CHAPTER  1

The Girl with No Shadow

Despite the sweltering August heat, the children of Saint Margaret’s Nunnery in East Bright Pool, England, played in their backyard. The air was full of laughter as they played on the swings, chased each other playing tag, and whirled on the roundabout. Though they were having fun, a young Chinese girl kept her mouth shut. Like a lifeless tree, she stood there with her arms around her purple jacket. Shade loomed over the girl as she leaned back on the nunnery walls. She dared not step on the hot paved ground.

Sadness weighed upon her. As she scraped her sneaker on the ground, she heard footsteps coming towards her. The steps made the child turn her head. A smile brightened her countenance when Sister Annabelle approached and kneeled before her with an angel’s smile.

Hello, Nadia, she said, patting her on the arm.

Oh, hi sister, the child replied with sweetness in her voice. Where did you come from?

I just came from the nunnery. I had to talk to the mother superior about our next road trip. Her eyes caught the purple leather jacket in the child’s arms. Do you like your jacket?

It’s too big, sister, she answered.

You will grow into it, dear. The nuns and I made it especially for you. Reverend Mother Wendy was very proud of the finishing touches she made. Are you saying we did all that hard work for nothing?

No sister, of course not. I love it, I really love it. She smiled with soft eyes.

I know you do. The nun beamed back.

Nadia’s lips trembled. But for some reason, I can’t separate myself from this jacket. It feels important to me.

The child turned away, staring at where the sun hit the ground. Sister Annabelle noticed Nadia hanging her head low and frowning.

Nadia, what’s wrong? the sister asked. Why are you not playing with the other children? Are you afraid of getting sunburnt?

The girl glanced at her, trying to hold back the tears. I’m ... I’m different, sister, Nadia whimpered. I’m not the same as the others.

What are you talking about? She giggled. Of course you are. What would make you say that?

Nadia pointed to the sky. It’s pretty bright outside.

It sure is. Whew! The nun’s arm dabbed the sweat from below her jaw. The sun is so bright we might as well be in a desert.

Bright enough to have a shadow?

Bright enough to have a shadow? the nun repeated. Well, of course. Everyone has a shadow. Her words made the child cry. Nadia? What is it?

The girl brought her feet into the light, two steps away from the nunnery walls and under the sun. Then Nadia turned to the nun, pointing to the ground, and when the sister looked down, her eyes grew wide. Silent gazes followed as they witnessed the unnatural. Standing for a better view, the young nun circled the child with her eyes locked at her feet. Finishing, she stood before Nadia and took a step back.

How did I not notice this for the past six years? Sister Annabelle’s thoughts left her shivering. As someone who had faith in God, she wondered how to give the child an answer.

The girl had no shadow. Both hearts hurt at this discovery. When the sister looked up, she saw that Nadia’s spirit was shattered. As she wept, Sister Annabelle begged for the girl to come over with her hands. Nadia went to her; they hugged each other, cheek to cheek, as clouds of despair hung over them.

What am I? Nadia’s voice trembled as she grasped her jacket tightly. Her face was full of sadness. The young nun felt her fears. She sensed Nadia’s goodness shattering apart in her arms. The nun kissed her shoulder then held her at arm’s length.

Nadia ... did I ever tell you how we met? The child shook her head. It was a cold Christmas Night. The children were celebrating and Reverend Mother Wendy was giving out cupcakes, cookies and milk at the orphanage. And on that same night, our ears caught a thundering knock at the front door. I opened it and felt the cold winds blast through that door. Brrrrrr! The sister mimicked the effect of the cold by shaking her body. It made Nadia laugh. And on those steps of the foyer, I saw you ... in a woven basket. Her fingers tugged at her jacket. This jacket you have was made from the wrap that kept you warm on that night.

Nadia pressed on her purple jacket. Really?

Really, really. Sister Annabelle smiled. I cried when I saw you. Two of the nun’s fingers brushed the side of the child’s head. My heart was filled with sadness to think anyone would abandon a bundle of joy like you. You captured my soul under a beautiful Christmas moonlight. Nadia threw her head back to keep from crying.

Sister Annabelle took something from her pocket.

I found this in your basket. I laminated it so it wouldn’t decay. Take a look.

A folded laminated letter came out of the nun’s pocket. The child grabbed and opened it. The letter’s header presented a golden diamond with a punched diamond-shaped hole.

It looks like an eye, Nadia commented. The words in the letter read with beautiful cursive writing.

Please take care of my daughter, Nadia. V.

V ... Nadia... said the child aloud. So that’s where my name came from? But is V my father’s name or my mother’s name, sister?

The sister’s breath became uneven as she shook her head at the child. That I do not know, Nadia. I also have no clue why you do not have a shadow. But I believe that the Lord works in mysterious ways for each one of us. There is a destiny for those who seek the truth. I think your destiny is to find your shadow and the one who wrote you this letter can provide the answers you seek. Always keep it with you, okay?

With her advice, warmth slowly grew in Nadia, bringing her back to half a smile. The nun took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from Nadia’s cheek. After that, Sister Annabelle’s hands moved to the back of her own neck.

Here, I also want you to have this, Nadia. A golden crucifix the size of an adult thumb dangled from her hand. Nadia’s hands flew to her mouth at the sight of it.

But... She gulped while it was suspended right in front of her face. But this is your crucifix. You’ve had this for as long as I have known you.

And it is now yours. It’s my gift to you.

Her hands swooped around Nadia’s neck, slipping the thin gold chain around it. The child ogled it as her fingers softly fondled the cross. Such a tiny item slowly brought God’s glow, spreading his compassion within her, bathing her in his light.

You may not have a shadow but you have God in your heart and you also have me. Her words melted Nadia’s heart, leaving her weeping with happiness.

But ... you don’t have a crucifix anymore, the girl uttered while wiping her cheeks.

Oh, but I do. From out of her pocket, a dark wooden crucifix the size of an adult palm emerged.

Ewww! Nadia cried at the new crucifix with its dark rough edges and ragged beads.

Nadia! That is not a good reaction.

Forgive me, Sister Annabelle. I know you’ll be proud of it but... A rending sensation pressed upon Nadia’s chest. She squinted at the sister’s new crucifix. It scares me. It looks like something a fanatic would use on non-believers.

The sister glanced back at it. Hmmm, perhaps. But if there are any devils or demons that bring harm to those who oppose God, I will wield this big crucifix to scare them, to protect the people I love.

Including me?

Especially you. She gave Nadia a soft flip to the nose and laughter followed.

I love you, sister.

I love you too, Nadia.

With both of them together, the worries of the world disappeared before them. Their friendship was theirs to keep, sweeping in the light of joy with them becoming one. Nadia wished never to be separated from Sister Annabelle and hoped they would be forever together. Such a wish was merely an empty dream of an innocent little girl.

But hidden in the depths of Sister Annabelle’s memories were secrets. The Christmas Night when she had met Nadia, a cold mighty wind rattled the slate rooftops of the nunnery. And on those rooftops, the nun beheld an unwelcome visitor, who appeared like a gargoyle on top of the bell tower. The visitor was cloaked in a red cape that flapped with the gusting winds and snow. The being was in sight for a mere second and then it departed, disappearing into the night.

CHAPTER  2

The Ringmaster

The citizens of West Bright Pool, England, celebrated another Guy Fawkes Day. Streams of sparkling light burst through the air. Magnificent patterns shimmered alongside the flecks of golden stars that adorned the night sky, captivating the attention of those below it.

Far from the noise, a 19-year-old stood upon a dead street by the city beach bay, carrying her belongings in a heavy duffel bag. Her brown eyes glittered with reflections of