Abstract: A toy system for sending and reading hidden secret messages including a toy dart or arrow launcher using a dart/arrow with a surface for preprinted or written messages, a pen if the message is to be written, and a decoder structure. In one embodiment, the dart surface includes a red and white camouflage pattern and the message is in light blue ink. A red filter placed over an opening in the dart launcher is used for reading messages from the outer surfaces of the darts before the darts are launched. A separate decoder may be provided to an intended recipient of secret messages. Other embodiments to read messages use a red flashlight, or invisible ink to write a message and ultraviolet light to decode, or heat sensitive ink to write a message and a heat-generating structure, including a recipient's hand, to read the message.