The Artist in Blue

The blue glow from the castle windows cast strange shadows across Canvas Forest. Crayon Phantom stood on his tower balcony, watching the moonlight dance through the trees. His black cape fluttered in the evening breeze as he surveyed his magical domain.

"Master," called Luna, a silver-furred wolf who walked upright like a person. She climbed the spiral stairs to join him. "The gargoyles spotted something unusual at the forest edge."

Crayon Phantom's glowing blue eyes narrowed. "What kind of unusual?"

"A young girl. She's been sitting by the old oak tree for hours, just staring at our castle. She has an art bag with her, but she hasn't touched it once."

The superhero artist tilted his head thoughtfully. Children rarely wandered into Canvas Forest alone, especially not at night. Most were too frightened by the stories they'd heard about his castle and its magical inhabitants.

"She looks sad," Luna added softly. "Very sad."

The Artist in Hiding

Crayon Phantom glided down from his tower, his blue cape billowing behind him. He landed silently near the forest edge where Luna had spotted the mysterious girl.

Behind the massive oak tree sat a girl with short brown hair, clutching an art bag to her chest. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she stared at the glowing castle windows. She looked about ten years old, wearing a paint-stained purple sweater and jeans.

"I'll never be good enough," she whispered to herself. "They all laughed at my drawings. Mom says I should try harder, but what's the point?"

Crayon Phantom stepped closer, his boots crunching on fallen leaves. The girl jumped, scrambling backward against the tree trunk.

"Don't be afraid," he said gently, raising his hands. "I'm Crayon Phantom."

"The scary castle guy?" she squeaked.

"I prefer 'superhero artist,'" he replied with a small smile. "What's your name?"

"Lily," she said, still clutching her art bag. "I was running away from home. Art class was today and everyone made fun of my fox painting again."

Luna emerged from behind another tree, her silver fur gleaming in the moonlight.