Shadow Guardian

Summary: Follow the life of a girl named Samantha Miko as she goes from being a shy little girl to being a crime fighting nocturnal vigilante named Night Guardian. But whoever said that crime fighting was gonna be easy?

All rights to Shadow Stalker belong exclusively to me. She's my OC. Every character that appears in this story is owned by me.

Chapter 1

A Nocturnal Beginning

Part 1

Today was a peaceful and calm day at a local elementary school. Various boys and girls were playing on the playground, socializing among each other. They played games like tag, hop scotch, kick ball and many other things. The teacher Ms. Jean, whom was a woman in her mid 20's, was gracefully watching the kids as they had fun. However, she did show concern for one child who wasn't having fun at all.

Sitting up against a tree all by herself was a young black haired, fair skinned, blue eyed 8 year old girl. Her name was Samantha Miko. Out of all the kids in school, she was the only one who stood out from the others. She would frequently distance herself from everyone, rejecting any boy or girl who tried to play with her. Even Ms. Jean had tried getting her to be more active with her classmates, only to fail repeatedly. Though despite her antisocial personality, she was also a gifted young girl with intelligence that surpassed most girls her age.

"Okay kids, recess is over. Everyone back inside." said Ms. Jean.

"Yes Ms. Jean." replied the kids as they all rushed inside, with Samantha walking in last.

"Samantha, may I talk to you for a minute?"

Without saying a word, Samantha turned to look at her teacher, who kneeled down to make eye contact.

"Samantha, I've noticed that for the past two months you've been spending a lot of time alone by yourself. Is there something bothering you?"

"No, nothing's bothering me." she replied in a soft, quiet tone.

"Then why don't you socialize with the others?"

"I just don't feel like I'm accepted among them."

"Why would you say that?"

"I don't know."

"Listen Samantha, I care about you a lot. I know that you're doing well in my class, but I just want you to have friends and learn how to be more social with others, okay?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"There, now that wasn't so hard to talk about, was it?"

Samantha just shook her head.

"Good."

Later on after school was over, Samantha was standing outside waiting for her mother to come pick her up. As she waited, she looked up in the sky, gazing at the clouds above. She thought long and hard about what Ms. Jean had told her earlier. Though she still couldn't help feeling like she wasn't accepted by everyone, even though she was. She figured that she still had a long way to go before she could truly understand what friendship was.

"Hi there." said an innocent young voice.

Samantha turned her head to find herself face to face with a redheaded girl who looked like she was around her age. She had emerald green eyes, and she wore a short sleeved red shirt with a blue flower symbol on the front, a pair of pink jean shorts and some purple, laced up sneakers.

"Who are you?" asked Samantha.

"My name is Kimmy Limker, what's yours?"

"Samantha Miko."

"That's a nice name. Do you have any friends?"

"No, I don't have friends. I've never had any."

Kimmy formed a look of sadness on her face before she continued speaking.

"Why not?"

"I'm not exactly much of a social person, incase you hadn't noticed. I don't see myself as being able to make friends. Other kids look at me like I'm some sort of lonely little girl with a hidden agenda. Most of them have tried to cheer me up, but all I do is just push them away. I'm not cut out for friendship, I have no place in life."

"Don't say that. You may think that you can't make friends because of the way you are, but I know you can. You just have to give yourself a better chance at life. Don't let anyone tell you the opposite. Just do what you think is best.

"Are you sure that I can?"

"Yes."

"I don't know."

"Come on, just give it a try. In fact, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to be your friend."

Samantha's facial expression changed from a frown to a look of surprise. Here she was talking to a girl whom had just met her and already wanted to be friends.

"Why would you want to be friends with me?"

"Because to be honest, I don't really have friends either. Everyone just picks on me and calls me names. I mostly try to ignore it altogether, but it bothers me like a bad dream that won't go away. All I want is someone who accepts me for who I am, that's all. It's nothing major, I just want a friend. Someone I can talk to, play with and so much more."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

For the very first time, Samantha felt joy and happiness inside her heart. All these years she had spent most of her time being alone because she believe she didn't fit in with the others. But after looking at the girl next to her, she could see that they had a lot in common with each other.

"Okay." she said with a small smile.

"You mean you'll be my friend?" asked Kimmy.

"Yeah. It's the least I could do since you cheered me up."

"Thank you, friend." she said while smiling back.

Pretty soon, a red car came pulling up to the front of the school.

"Samantha, I'm here." said a woman from inside the car. She looked like she was in her late 20's, and she had long black hair like Samantha, only it was tied up in a ponytail. She also had hazelnut brown eyes.

"Well, my mom's here. See you later Kimmy." said Samantha as she got in the car.

"Bye Samantha, it was nice to meet you." replied Kimmy as she waved goodbye.

She watched her as the car drove away.

"So Samantha, how was it at school?" asked Samantha's mother.

"It was fine." she answered simply.

"Really, I don't think that's what your smile is saying."

"Okay you got me. I was by myself as usual, not playing with anyone. But this time, things changed."

"Did you make any friends?"

"Yes. That girl I was standing outside with, her name is Kimmy Limker. She's my new friend."

"See, I knew you'd make a friend if you just put your mind to it. Your father is gonna be so proud when he hears this."

"Is he working late again?"

"No, not this time honey, his boss let him leave early. There's a possible chance that he might get promoted sometime this week."

"It's about time."

The two of them laughed together as they continued on their way home. Samantha's smile had never once left her face during the whole drive home. All that was on her mind was how she had finally gained her first real friend. After having spent most of her childhood shunning everyone that came near her, she now felt like a whole new person.

(Later on at the Miko household)

"Well Samantha, your mother here told me that you finally made a friend, correct?" asked her father. He was a man in his early 30's, he worked as an employee at an office building in downtown Desrem City. He was one of the best employees around, most of his co-workers referred to him as *Mr Speedy * since he was able to get all his work done quickly in about 50 seconds or less.

"Yes I did daddy, her name is Kimmy Limker. She's a very nice girl, and I think we have a lot in common." said Samantha as she and her parents were having lasagna and garlic bread for dinner in the dining room.

"Very good."

"By the way daddy, mom says that your boss let you leave work early today."

"Yep, Mr. James said I did such a good job around the place that he decided to let me take the rest of the day off."

"And I'm really glad you did Jacob, being alone in the house all day is just so boring for me." said his wife.

"I know Linda."

"It looks like my life is gonna be a lot better from now on."

"Why is that Samantha?" asked Jacob.

"Nothing really, it's just a thought."

"I see."

"Have you kept in touch with Uncle Gaiyu?"

"Not really Samantha. After all since he's a martial artist, he never really has the time to talk to me. But he hasn't forgotten about his favorite niece."

Samantha just giggled in response. She had always loved her Uncle Gaiyu ever since she was a baby. To her, he was like a surrogate father figure who spoiled her with gifts and kept her company whenever her parents were unavailable. She also remembered when he had told her that when she was much older, he would teach her how to do martial arts, and Samantha knew that he would keep his promise since he loved her so much.

"I sure hope I'll get to see him again. It's been so long."

"We know you miss him dear, he misses you too." said Linda.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"That's a relief."

"You want to know a secret?"

"What is it?"

"Before I married your father, he and your uncle used to try and compete for my affection."

"No way!"

"Yep, it's true."

"She's correct Samantha. Back in our high school years, when we first met your mother she was the most beautiful girl in the entire school. No other girl was able to match her beauty and charm." added Jacob.

"I was the envy of all my friends. Boys couldn't take their eyes off me."

"My brother always had the looks and the words when it came to winning a girl's heart. Girls even called him *Prince Gaiyu*".

"Your father was more shy and quiet than his brother. He couldn't really pluck up the courage to talk to me at first. But that didn't stop him from trying to impress me."

"You must have went all out daddy." said Samantha.

Jacob chuckled before responding.

"Oh yes I did. Although your uncle was almost always ahead of me."

"But of course, they were both persistant. Eventually, it was your father that I fell in love with due to his sweet personality. It didn't take long for Gaiyu to get over me though."

"I wonder if things will go well for me when I start high school."

"They will honey, I guarantee it."

(Many years later)

"Are we still on for the mall this weekend Samantha?" asked Kimmy.

"Uh huh, I wouldn't miss it for the world." said Samantha.

Samantha (18 years old) was now in her senior year at Desrem High School. She and her friend Kimmy (also 18) were known around the school as the top most popular girls by various students. Ever since they met as kids, Samantha and Kimmy have been best friends for years. They always stood up for each other and comforted one another whenever they were upset. Many of the students even called them the "Inseparable Duo" because of how close they were.

"Well, I've noticed that a lot of guys have been admiring you Samantha."

"What can I say, my beauty is to die for."

"I'll say."

"Yeah, right."

"Have you found anyone special yet?"

"Of course not. I may have some potential suitors, but I'm not really interested in dating right now."

"Not even Zach Tiker?"

"Oh please, what would I want with a football player?"

"He's pretty nice once you get to know him. Not to mention, he's been thinking about you."

"How can you tell?"

"Trust me, I can tell."

"Hey Samantha, hey Kimmy." said a male voice from behind.

The two girls turned around to come face to face with a tall, blonde haired guy who looked like he was between the ages of 18 or 19. He was wearing a red, short sleeved shirt with three white stripes, a pair of blue jeans and laced up blue shoes. He had a firmly toned body, white skin and brown eyes.

"Hey Zach." greeted the girls.

"I was just walking down the hall and I happened to notice you two. So I thought I'd catch up and see how things are going." said Zach.

"Everything's fine Zach. How are things going in football practice?" asked Kimmy.

"Uh not so good. Our linebacker Thomas came down with the flu, so he's gonna be out for a while. Luckily our next game isn't until three months."

"Well I hope he recovers soon. The team wouldn't be the same without him." said Samantha.

"He is my best friend, along with David."

"Maybe Kimmy and I will send him some cards just to support him."

"Good, now I gotta get out of here before Mina shows up."

"Before who shows up?"

"Mina Sanbon, the most snobbish and selfish girl in the school. She keeps claiming that she and I are destined to be together. No matter what I do, she won't leave me alone."

"ZACHYKINS, THERE YOU ARE SWEETIE." said a loud female voice.

"Too late."

Before long, Zach was approached by a girl who had dark brown hair and violet eyes. She was wearing a blue tanktop with a white undershirt, red jean shorts and pink tennis shoes. She latched onto his right arm, giggling chidlishly.

"Where have you been Zach, I was looking all over for you. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me."

"It took you just now to realize that." replied Zach as he pulled his arm from her grasp.

"You're just playing hard to get."

"Why can't understand the fact that I don't like you?"

"You can't deny our love."

"We have no love, we're not in a relationship."

"Ooh, you're aggressive, I like that."

But before Mina could do anything else, she was pushed away by Samantha.

"Back off Mina, Zach doesn't want to go out with you." said Samantha.

"Who do you think you are coming between me and my lover?" she asked angrily.

"He's not your lover, and you need to leave him alone."

"I know who you are, you're Samantha Miko, the girl that everyone keeps talking about. If you think this is over, then you're mistaken. No one will stand between me and my true love, not even you."

Turning her back on them, Mina went storming off without even looking back.

"Whoa, thanks Samantha. You helped me dodge a bullet there." said Zach.

"It's no problem. Well anyway, it was nice seeing you Zach, but me and Kimmy have to get to Study Hall."

"Alright, see you later."

After Zach had left, Samantha and Kimmy resumed walking down the hall towards their class.

(Later after school)

Samantha and Kimmy were on their way home from school. Since it was only three blocks away, they didn't feel like driving, even though they each had a driver's license. After Kimmy made it home, Samantha continued the rest of the way by herself.

As she walked through the neighborhood, she was greeted by some of the kind neighbors. Being the nice girl that she was, Samantha happily waved at each of them.

"Well, I must admit that Zach Tiker is cute, but I don't seriously think that I'd go out with him. He is a good friend, but with that girl Mina bothering him, I just may reconsider." she said to herself.

When she arrived home, she took out her house keys from her pocket and unlocked the door, pushing it open as she walked in.

"I'm home."

"Well, it's an honor to finally hear from my niece after so long." said a man who was sitting on the couch in a meditating position with his eyes closed. He had a short, black beard and he was wearing a black short sleeved shirt with a dragon symbol on it, along with matching pants.

A smile immediately formed on Samantha's face as she knew who it was.

"Uncle Gaiyu!" she squealed as she ran over and hugged him.

"It's good to see you again Samantha."

"I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you so much."

She then pulled away, allowing him to look at her more closely.

"Oh my, look at you. You've become a beautiful young woman, just like your mother."

"It's in my genes."

"And I assume that you've found a significant other already?"

"Hehehe, no Uncle Gaiyu. I don't have a boyfriend yet."

"Why not?"

"I'm just not into dating right now at the moment."

"I see. Well it's your decision, you can date when you feel that you're up for it."

"Thanks. Bye the way, where are my parents?"

"Your father is still at work, and your mother is upstairs taking a nap."

"Oh, okay."

"Good."

"You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?"

"No, I have not. I never go back on my word."

She gave him another hug and then headed off for her room.

"She's growing up so fast." said Gaiyu to himself.

(During the weekend at the mall)

"It sure feels nice, the two of us hanging out at the mall together, it's awesome." said Kimmy as she sipped on a soft drink while sitting at a table with Samantha.

"No kidding. Back during our early school years, we never had the chance to have fun without some guys trying to talk to us."added Samantha.

"Tell me about it."

"And the best part about it is, we don't have any secrets between us. We know everything about each other and there's nothing to hide."

"You mean it, no secrets between us?"

"Of course, we're best friends for life."

"That's great to know, because there's something that I've been wanting to let you know about."

"Well what is it?"

"I haven't been exactly honest about my true feelings."

"Your true feelings?"

Before she knew it, Samantha felt Kimmy's hand resting on her own, which made her puzzled.

"What are you doing?" she asked with confusion.

"I'm just showing exactly how I feel about you." replied Kimmy seductively as she moved closer to her.

Samantha was starting to become somewhat uncomfortable with all this. She couldn't believe what was happening, Kimmy was trying to hit on her. She tried to pull away, only for Kimmy to wrap her arm around her waist.

"Kimmy, you're starting to scare me."

"It's okay, there's nothing to worry about. I'm in love with you, I always have been. Right now, I just want to be with you, to love you. Please, just let me be close to you."

In a moment of shock, Kimmy leaned in and gently pressed her lips on Samantha's. Her eyes went wide at this shocking experience. It was like a nightmare having come to life.

She was being kissed, by her own best friend.

With only slight hesitation, she immediately pushed Kimmy off of her and stood up from the table, staring at her with a scared and embarrassed look on her face.

"Samantha, what's the matter?" asked Kimmy as she took an advance towards her.

"Don't come near me, stay away." Samantha responded with fear in her voice.

"Wait, don't go. I never meant to-"

"Keep away from me."

"Samantha-"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" yelled Samantha before she turned around and went running out of the mall.

Kimmy just stood there motionlessly, watching Samantha run away from her.

"Samantha, I'm sorry." she said in a hurt tone as a single tear fell from her eye.

To Be Continued

Well everybody. Here's the first chapter.

It took me about a whole week to work on this.

You'll find out more about Night Guardian's origin as this story goes along.

So far, Samantha's life has started to slowly become more complex, especially since she just found out that her best friend is actually bisexual. This may cause problems with their friendship.

Anyway, the rest of her history will continue in Part 2 and so on.

Later folks.