12 comments/ 9677 views/ 10 favorites Shadow Runner By: Dragons_Bane Note: this story is my first and is only a starter there is not yet any sexual encounters in this yet Thanks, Dragons_Bane Preface The year is 2064, and times have changed. Technology is at its best, and magic has returned to earth along with the Dragons, elves, Orc's, ogres, dwarves and many other things that people only dreamed off. In this time and place there is the good, the bad, and lurking in the in between is the shadow runners. They are the ones that do the jobs no one else wants and are unaffected by the laws of this new world. Everyone knows of them but no one dare's to speak their name. The elven lands and the human lands are now what separate the continents. There is the law, the citizens, the outlaws, and the shadow runners. This is the story of all of these people and how they join together to bring the mega corps down and set things right. This is the story of seven people that come together from different lives. Ian and Elizabeth Micheals are two elves on the run from most if not all mega corporations on the planet and over half of the governments including their own. Feonna Micheal is always running from her family and their past. Until one day, she ends up running straight into the middle of it. Kelvin Micheals is a mob boss that goes against all odds to protect his family and friends. David Macalister better known as Mac is an ex-cop that is looking for his brother's killer. Jake Macalister is confused, and trying to figure out who he is and where he comes from. Not realizing that he may get more than he bargained for. EzekielSmits better known as zeeke is a human wizard that is on the run from the law for many different reasons,while trying to break his family curse NOW THE STORY BEGINS! Chapter 1 Feonna was in her apartment getting ready for her job that night, when there was a knock at the door. Feonna you have to come see the new neighbor. The girl from down the hall said. No, I have to get ready for work, I have a feeling that it is going to be a long night, and I want to be ready for it. Feonna replied with a mischievous smile. Oh come on, you might actually get a thrill out of this one the girl said. I do not think so Feonna replied. Just as Feonna was about to ask the girl to leave there was a knock at the door. When she went to answer it there was no one there, but on the floor was an envelope. She picked it up and knowing that she should read this alone she told the young girl that she would see her later and sent her home. As soon as the child was gone, Feonna opened the envelope in it was a note that read: Knights Cavern 12 p.m. Do not be late! Feonna knew this place. She figured that this was either a set up or a job. Feonna decided to be ready for either one. As she was preparing she went through her weapons. She had two short swords, throwing knives, and her favorite bow and arrows. She also grabbed a fresh com card in case she was stopped on the way there. David Macalister was settling into his new apartment, he didn't have much but what he did have he took good care of. David moved around a lot. He was changing his way of life; trying to forget everything, he was ever taught. He had to if he was going to fit in as a shadow runner. With the only lead on what happened to his younger brother being the fact that he was a shadow runner. David had already tried to join the same group that his brother ran with, but what was left of them had scattered to the four corners. He had managed to find out that his brother was the leader of a group of ten. Four females and six men made up the group. They handled all small jobs for the corporations until one day they was were hired for a job that paid very well but was supposed to be simple. That job had gotten his brother killed along with another team member. A sixteen-year-old elven female named Kayla. That was the only name besides his brothers that he had, in which he went by mickey on the streets. David had noticed that no one ever gave out there real name here, so he went by Mac. Mac realized that he had been daydreaming when he heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door no one was there, when he started to close the door he noticed an envelope on the floor. He opened it and all it said was Knights Cavern 12 P.M. DON'T BE LATE! As soon as he finished reading the note, he started putting his equipment together. Mac wanted to make sure that he had everything ready to go. He had two long swords with handles shaped like a dragons head, two pistols, an M16, and a couple of shotguns. As soon as he had everything together, he headed out the door. He then ran into a neighbor that was just as loaded and looked as if she would kill if necessary. He just looked at her and nodded then headed down the flight of stairs as fast as he possibly could. Fay walked into the knight's cavern around eleven P.M.; she had arrived there an hour early so that she could check the place out. She saw the normal crowd of Orc's, elves, dwarves and few humans. She walked up to the bar and ordered a triple shot of whiskey. The bartender looked at her and said no fights tonight, right Fay. She looked at him and said very casually, no promises, but if there is a fight, it will not be started by me. The bartender handed her the drink and went to the next customer while shaking his head. Just fifteen minutes after Feonna arrived at the cavern, David walked in. He stood in the doorway for several seconds surveying the room. At first, he felt very strange and then the feeling just went away. He went and sat at the bar taking the last seat. The bartender looked at him at asked what can I get for you? David sat and thought for a minute then said, I'll take a double Yukon Jack. The bartender looked at him and said you crazy fool that will put you on your ass! He looked at the bartender and said no sir that just gets me started. He looked at David served him, and walked away, shaking his head without saying a word. After thirty minutes of waiting David began to listen to the bartender's conversation with a young Elvin female that stood about 5ft 4inches, she had the bluest eyes you could imagine, with brown hair past her waste. They were talking about a run he had made a couple of years before. The bartender was telling her that it was because of that run; that he quit the business and found what he thought was a safe, legal, and simple job at the time. The woman looked at him and said I should have been with you guys that night. I was supposed to be Mickey's back up. If I had not gotten sick and was able to do my job, he might still be with us now. Honey it's not your fault it wasn't any of our faults. It was a set up from the beginning we were just too dumb to see it. I just wish that we knew why Kayla disappeared and where she went to. The bartender replied. She looked at the bartender and said Ill figure it out and when I do whoever killed Mickey will pay for it. Mac decided that he should check these people out it might just be a lead on his brother. He noticed that it was right at midnight and no one had come to him about any jobs. Maybe they just wanted to observe him; then again, he may have just not waited long enough. Five minutes after twelve a man walked in the cavern and handed the bartender two envelopes, Whispered something to him, then took a seat at a table in the back of the room. The bartender slipped the first envelope to the Elvin female that he had been talking to. He then handed Mac the second one. Inside the envelopes was a message that read: I am sorry for the inconvenience; this was the first part to a serious of test and the second part begins now! With a confused look Fay read the note, then asked herself: if just showing up was the first test then what happens now? As this came to mind, she stood up and started for the man that received the other envelope. Feonna had only taken a few steps when she felt a sharp pain in her neck. With then just a few moments, she was out cold. Mac watched as the girl opened her envelope, looked around, and took some steps towards him. Then she was out cold on the floor. He then opened his envelope and saw what why she had been confused. He read sorry for the inconvenience, but you have passed the first test, the second test begins now! Mac pretty much figured that what had happened to her was also meant for him. Mac saw the man that shot the girl, he was bent over her and was about to throw her over his shoulder, when Mac plowed into him. He grabbed the man by the shoulders and threw him out of a window. He then picked the girl up off the ground and headed for the front door, before he got there he felt a sharp pain in his neck and feel to the ground hard hitting his knees, the girl flew out of his arms and landed against the bar stools. As Mac tried to reach her, he passed out. Fay and Mac both woke up about the same time. They were in what looked to be a log cabin. They were in a room full of bunk beds, and there was a chair at the end of each one. There were two more people in the room besides them. An elven woman that looked Pissed, scared, and confused all at the same time. Then there was a man that looked to be elven, but you could tell that there was something off about him. When Feonna sat up she was dazed and confused, she looked at the woman and asked where are we? What happened? The woman glared at her angrily and said I have no clue! She then looked over at Mac and asked weren't you at the cavern? Mac simply looked at her and said nothing. There is no use in just sitting here. I think that I am going to look around Fay said. Girl you would be better of getting your bearings about ya, before you try standing up Mac said quietly. Mr. you sound just like a friend of mine with that accent. Thanks for the advice but I think ide fill a little better if I walked around some Fay replied as she stood up and the room started spinning. She sat back down after a few minutes but said nothing else. Mac looked at her and said I told you so. I already had the same idea. The elven woman looked at her and said child you look excessively young to be here. If I were you, I would listen to the adults. Feonna looked at her and as nice, as she possibly could, said my name is Fay and I am not a child. The woman asked do you know how old elves can be before they die of old age. No I never really thought about it Fay replied. Well Fay I am 300 years old, so what does that tell you the woman said. Well, Me'lm I guess that tells me that you are ancient compared to the rest of us fay replied with a snort. The woman looked at her and said you may think that I am old, but I can still whoop your ass. Mac looked at them and said as much as ide like to see that I don't think that it's a good idea that we start fighting amongst ourselves. They both looked over at him and agreed that he was right for the moment. The elven woman looked at the others and said they call me Liz. What is your names? Mac answered first he said they call me Mac. The guy in the corner said they call me Zeeke. Fay looked at the rest of them warily and said they call me Fay. Zeeke looked at the rest of them and asked does anyone know why we are here or hell, were is here. I have no clue as to where we are. What I do know is that my husband and I received an envelope telling us to be at a certain place, at a certain time. We went there and were given another envelope that said we past the first test, and the second begins now. There was a small scuffle and the next thing I know is that I'm waking up here and my husband is missing Liz replied. The others looked at her and said the same thing happened to us as well. Fay stood up again this time a little more slowly. She walked around the room and found a note that they had not noticed before. It read; as soon as all of you feel up to it come on out and everything will be explained. Fay showed it to the others and they walked out as a group. All of them wanting to know what was going on. When they went outside, they saw a man sitting in a chair with a wooden table in front of him. On that table was four files and each file had a name on it. The first one was Ezekiel Smits. The man looked at zeeke and started to read the file. There was an arrest record and another paper that read accident-prone human, wizard. The man said I can send you on to jail or you can go through with these test and I can pay you 100,000.00 up front and another 100,000.00 when this is all over. Zeeke looked at him and asked just what are, these test? The man replied if you make it over those hills behind me alive and unharmed you pass and I finish the payment. If not I'll send what's left to your loved ones. Zeeke looked around and said ok where do I sign. The next file read Elizabeth Micheals. When fay saw the name on the file, she just about passed out. Liz swallowed hard and said I think that just about everyone knows who I am. What you need to tell me is where my husband is? Now Mrs. Micheals your husband is right over there, tied to that tree the man replied. The group looked in that direction and saw Ian Micheals hanging from a tree by his hands, beaten and worn from head to toe. The man started reading Liz's file, it said wanted fugitive, married with two children Joe and Feonna Micheals. Feonna is alive but missing, although Joe was killed at 59. Liz looked at the man with tears in her eyes and said his name is John not Joe. The men looked at her, and said take the test and we free your husband along with the 200,000.00. Refuse and we turn you both into the highest bidder. Liz looked at her husband and then at the others and said where do I sign? The next one was David Macallister. The file read ex-cop looking for his brother's killer. Mac looked at the man and asked what do you want with me. No threats just say it out right. Ok tough guy here is the deal; you are looking for the person that killed your brother. Well I can point you in the right direction At least in the direction of his captor. Mac looked at the man and through gritted teeth asked are you saying that my brothers alive. Fay spoke up and said; captor could mean that they are holding his body or his soul. Some wizards keep certain souls bound to them. Mac looked at the man and said let's get to work. Fay watched as one by one they signed the paper either in desperation to save themselves or a family member or for the money. She could see that Liz hadn't taken her eyes off of Ian, but then again neither had she. She couldn't stand the sight of Ian being tied to a tree and beaten. Fay had been lost in thought when the man pulled her file. At first, she cringed at the thought of him calling her name. Then she thought if he does that then he would have nothing over me. The file read Feonna runaway looking for boyfriend's killer. Fay looked at the man and said all right what do you want from me? It simple you take this next test and I won't send you packing back to your family. Although I won't have to send you very far the man teased. In addition, I will put you on the right track to finding your boyfriends killer Fay looked at Mac, Liz, and Zeeke and plainly said in for a penny in for a pound. The only one that had gotten what she said was Ian. He began to fight against his bondage and try to free his hands. Fay realized what she had said and quickly signed the papers and asked where are my weapons. The man looked at the group and said here are the rules. 1. the four of you will work together as a group 2. there are three check points and at each one, you will receive a weapon 3. at the second checkpoint we will provide a meal should you decide to take it. 4. at the last checkpoint you will receive the last of your weapons and your next set of instructions. I suggest that the four of you get to know each other and figure out who can do what. Because from here on out it will be rough and some of you may not make it. The small group looked at each other and then back at the man, mac said we have all agreed to do what you want and we each have our own reason, but I have one request from you. The man looked at Mac and said ok let me hear it. Let Liz here speak to her husband we can all clearly see that she is hurting and needs to know if he is ok or not she won't be any good to us until she knows that he is ok for sure. The man looked at Liz and said you have five minutes. Liz went over to Ian he was tied to a tree branch by his wrist. There was also a rope tied to his feet. Liz looked at Ian and said I will get you out of this I promise. Ian looked at her and said just get the job done then told her in for a penny in for a pound. Nothing else was said between the two of them. Liz put her arms around her husband and repeated in for a penny in for a pound she then turned and walked back to the group and said let's get this started. The group huddled together and tried to figure out each other's talents. Everyone here knows that I am a wizard. I can do all the magical stuff but I have a slight problem whenever I try to do one thing the exact opposite tends to happen. Like if, I was to try to throw a fireball at one of them it could hit you guys or even your husband over there. Mac said I can do hand-to-hand combat and I am good with a sword or gun. Liz looked at them and said I am at my best when I have a sword in my hand but I can also do hand-to-hand combat. After Liz finished they all looked at fay. Well I can weld any gun or sword that you give me, I am good with any bow, and of course, I can do hand-to-hand combat. With all that, taken care of who is going to lead the group Mac asked? They looked at each other and then at him and said we think that you should. you seem to be the leader type and you seem to have your wits about you. Fay replied Then I say let's get started Mac replied. The group turned to the man and said we are ready to go so show us the way. Shadow Runner Ch. 02-03 A/N For any of you that actually read these here are chapters 2 & 3. I'm sorry about the delay for this one but i have been swamped at work and with college. WARNING!! I write this for my own pleasure and i do like any feedback on this but what you think about my grammar IDC!! It is not my problem. For any that do read this Enjoy ***** Fay, Zeeke, Mac and Liz took their first step on the field as one. Fay in the trees jumping from one limb to the other as if she was as light as a feather scouting for whom ever or whatever their opponents were supposed to be. Zeeke stayed a few feet behind the others just in case he had to use his magic he didn't want to hurt the others in the group. Then there was Mac and Liz walking side by side swords in hand looking as if they could handle anything that came their way. After what seemed to be hours of walking they stopped for a break. Mac Zeeke and Liz sat in a circle and ate some bread that was in the bags that were given to them. Fay sat on a tree branch overlooking the others, so that she could keep an eye out for whatever they were supposed to be up against. Mac looked at the others and said we have walked all this time and still nothing. I'm beginning to wonder if this is some kind of trick. Liz looked up at fay and asked why don't you join us down here on the ground, we don't bite. I can see more up here it gives the advantage of knowing what is coming fay replied. Plus you never know I might bite fay said jokingly. We'll have you seen anything or anyone, Mac asked. Just others heading in the same direction as us Fay bluntly replied. I wonder what they want from us! I mean what are we here for? They kidnap us, give us weapons, and threaten us, but what for. Hell, we haven't fought anything or anyone and this whole thing is starting to bore me Zeeke said angrily. I don't know what they want but it had better be for a damn good reason. Because this is for the birds as you, humans put it. Liz replied quietly. Fay looked at the others and said I wish I had not answered that letter. I could be on a real job that I know what is at stake and why I am doing it. Mac looked at her and said I think that we all agree on that one, although they would probably have gotten to us one-way or the other. Your probably right Fay said as she stood up. I am going to go check things out up a head. Maybe there will be a change of pace. I will send a signal if there is any trouble headed your way. The group on the ground agreed to watch for her signal as the stood and started to close camp up. Fay got about a hundred feet a head of them when she spotted the hellhounds. There were five of them and they were headed for her newfound friends and mother. Fay spun around and shot off an arrow in the group's direction. It hit a tree about two inches from Macs head. Fay hurried towards her group, hoping from branch to branch while shooting arrows at the hellhounds periodically. She kept this rhythm until she was in sight of her group. Mac looked at the arrow and said well I guess that's our signal, while drawing his sword. Well at least we can finally see some kind of action Zeeke replied, as he started towards the hellhounds, halfcocked. Liz pulled both of her weapons out and looked toward the last place that she saw her husband. As she was turning back around she said in for a penny and Feonna finished with in for a pound as she descended from the trees. Fay looked at the other three and said there are about five of them as far as I could tell I may have wounded one of them, but I am not sure. Fay looked at Mac and winced, I sent the only signal that I could think of at the time I am sorry about that. You mean that you missed my head by just a couple of inches and you call that a signal. You are nuts Mac said with a huff. Next time I will just put it in your ass and I won't Miss Fay replied sarcastically. Liz looked at the two of them and said right now is not a good time for this, here they come! Liz headed back into the trees, while Mac and Liz got into a fighting stance and Zeeke ran at them screaming the big one is mine. The hell hound closest to Mac jumped in the air and lunged itself at him. Mac took is Sword and sliced the hellhounds stomach open. The hellhound hit the ground with a sickening thud and a wrenching cry. Meanwhile standing at a distance watching the skirmish with growing concern Zeeke gathered his powers with great concentration and fear of past events. He focused on one of the hellhounds which was seconds from pouncing on Liz with teeth snarling and eyes as red as fire. As he prayed, he spoke these words Demons black as night Sights without sight Hells fire burn bright Take this demon From our sight! Zeeke repeated this three times and the hellhound stopped in mid stride as he howled with pain. He showed his dagger like teeth, his thick black hair stood on end, as he seemed to grow in size. Blood oozed from the beast ears, nose, and mouth and still he grew in size. In one last painful cry of agony, the beast burst apart in a ball of flames. As the hellhound exploded, Zeeke heard a glorified cry of utter disgust and impatience in the distance. Liz was covered in blood and intriles from head to toe. Liz screamed out, I will deal with whoever did that when I am done with this in suffering beast. At the same time, she spun around and drove her short sword into one of the hellhound's eyes. Blood oozed out of the hounds eye and the hound let out a cry of utter pain. He jumped at her again this time vigorously. Liz went down on one knee and brought her sword up into its belly. The hound fell over with a thud. At the same time, Fay was in a tree shooting off arrows at the hellhound that was jumping at her. As she was, doing this she was, wondering what these people could possibly want with her. In addition, why they have brought her and her parents so close together, and why hold her dad hostage. Fay had gotten lost in thought and the hellhound almost dug its teeth into her leg. It was too close for her to aim her bow and arrow. She kicked at it as she was pulling herself higher up the tree. The hellhound opened its mouth snarling and growling trying for another bite. She shot of another arrow. It pierced the roof of the hellhound's mouth. It made a gargling sound as blood came out of its mouth and it fell over dead. Zeeke was standing back watching the scene ahead of him. There was only one hellhound left. Mac, Liz, and Fay were surrounding it. Fay was serving as a distraction while Mac and Liz were coming up on both sides of the beast neither missing their target. The hellhound hit the ground with its intestines falling out all over the place. All four of them stood together trying to gather their wits about them. Fay looked at the rest of the group and said we need to get moving. I do not know about the rest of you but I am ready to get this over with. They all agreed and Zeeke said there should be a checkpoint somewhere nearby. Well then, let's get going Mac Said with a smile. As they were walking, Liz was thinking aloud to herself. I wonder what could have made that thing explode like that. Do not get me wrong I am glad that it is gone, but that was just plane nasty. Zeeke looked over at her and said I think that would be my fault. I saw that it was lunging for you while you were occupied with the other one so I cast a spell. It was supposed to disappear but instead it blew up. I am sorry about that! When this is all over I will get even with you Liz replied. Look, a head there is some cabins. I think that this is the checkpoint. Fay said with relief and fear of her father's knowing eyes and what is to come next. Well then, let us pick up some speed. I am sure that we will all be glad of the break and of Liz getting cleaned up. Mac replied. I will just be glad to know if my husband is ok or not. Liz replied and they all laughed. Chapter 3 As they came up on the cabins, Mac noticed there were some tables set up just outside the cabins. There were people eating at them talking amongst themselves. In addition, at the right side of them there was a table to itself. The man that they talked to when this all began was sitting at it with about six bodyguards and Liz's husband. They all noticed that his hands were free. The site of him made the group wonder if Liz and Ian Was a part of all of this. Fay should have known better but it still crossed here mind. As they came to the table, Fay noticed that there was something wrong with her father. Fay elbowed Liz and said he looks like they drugged him. I mean I do not know what he normally looks like but from the stories that I have heard this cannot be it. Fay said nervously. Liz simply looked at her and said your right that is not like Ian and it is not like him to just sit there and let them hold him hostage either. Either they have done something to him or he has a plan. We will know soon enough. They came up to the table and Mac asked what happens now that we've made it through the first round? The man simply said you eat, rest, and for god's sake get that woman cleaned up she stinks. Then I will tell you what happens next along with everyone else here. Liz walked up to the man and said I want to speak with my husband. You can try, but at the moment he doesn't even know his own name the man replied with a laugh. What did you do to him she screamed? Nothing that will last, in fact he will be himself in just a few hours the man replied. Fay needed to think about everything plus her mother really did need to get cleaned up. She took Liz by the hand and said let's get you cleaned up and some food in our stomachs. At least you know that he is alive and that's something. Liz took a look at Ian and then walked away with Fay. I'll be glad when this is all over. Mac looked at the two women and back at the man. He bent down to where he was face to face with Ian and said man you need to get your wits about you and fast, your wife needs you so that she can finish this thing. Ian looked directly into his eyes while looking like a drooling idiot the whole time that he was looking at Mac. Mac heard a strange voice in his head and he soon realized that it was Ian. Ian tells him don't worry about me. Liz will do what is needed of her. Mac smiled and walked away with zeeke following and wondering what just happened. Fay helped Liz get the entrails out of her hair and washed the blood off of her back. As they were cleaning up in the shower room the men were talking about the adventure they had just had with the hellhound Someone had to off been controlling them. But who I mean they had to stay close wouldn't they. Mac asked Zeeke. Not necessarily, they could have brought them here and then let them go it's not something that you have to be right there for Zeeke replied. The real question is who did they get to do this for them. Mac looked at zeeke and said I think that we should discuss this with the girls. I don't think that Liz can take much more and Fay sure acts strange around both Liz and Ian. She is protective of them but skittish at the same time. There is something that girl is not telling us Zeeke said. Your right maybe that is what we should talk to her about, instead of the hell hounds mac replied. And when I got near Ian I heard a voice in my head I think that it was Ian. What did he say Zeeke asked inquisitively? He just said not to worry about him and that Liz would do what's needed of her Mac answered. Well it would have been nice to know that Ian is a telepath a little earlier Zeeke replied. Yes it would have and it would have made a little more since but there is nothing that we can do about it know mac said as the girls joined them. I think that we should sit down and figure out a few things about this little adventure Fay and Liz both agreed and followed him to a table in the room Fay said ok we should probably lay out what we know for sure and then go from there. Well we know that they brought all of us here the same way zeeke said. We know that they have my husband said Liz. They are holding something on all of us Fay said. Ok that doesn't give us much to go on Mac said in a huff. Maybe we should figure out what we all have in common Liz said sadly. Fay thought that is not good for me and I am the key to why my mom and Mac are connected I think, but what about Zeeke. Where does he come in to the picture were does he fit. My husband and I are outlaws and our daughter is a runaway you already know that from our file Liz said sadly. I am an ex-cop looking for my brother's killer mac said I am a runaway looking for the people that killed my friends and boyfriend fay said sadly. I am also an outlaw and a second level mage I am cursed with my magic going very wrong zeeke said with a shrug. Something is still not right; someone is holding back or we are just not getting it Liz said with a frown. Fay sat quietly at the table while the others talked with questions going through her head. Why have they brought us here? Why put me in the same vicinity as my parents? I haven't seen them since they dropped me at uncle Cals when I was four. Moreover, why do they keep putting macs brother in the same category as my boyfriend. Fay decided to point the ladder part out to mac and see what he thought. When Fay finally snapped out of it, everyone was staring at her. She smiled and said sorry I guess I got lost in thought. Liz asked well would you like to share it with us. I mean your thoughts I just keep thinking about how he keeps bringing up Macs brother and my boyfriend which are both dead Fay said shyly. Mac looked at her and said your right but how could they be connected? Zeeke looked at both of them and said what are their names or in our case there street names? Fay looked at them and said my boyfriend's street name was mickey I never knew his real name and I knew better than to ask. My brother's name was Jake he became a hidden after a friend of his got into some trouble, his street name was also Mickey. He said that he was going to help his friend and then come home. Three years went by with no word and then one day some girl called and said that he was missing and presumed dead. Fay began to realize what the connection between her and Mac was. She realized that Mickey and Jake was the same person. As she explained this to the others, she could see the understanding in Macs face but there was something else to it was a look of relief. Fay wondered what would cause that. I have been trying to find the girl that called but she left no phone number, address, or even a name. Were you the one that called Mac asked? Yes, that was me; he had given instructions on what to do if anything had happened to him. The first thing I was supposed to do was call you fay said with tears in her eyes. What were you supposed to do after that Mac asked? I was supposed to go back home were its safe and I would be protected fay replied. Well did you go home he asked? No, I did not fay replied as she got up from the table. As the two of them were talking, Zeeke and Liz sat back and listened. As Fay walked over two the window Liz watched, her she could see sadness in her eyes and she knew that there was more to what the child was saying. Zeeke spoke up and said that explains how the two of you are connected but what about the rest of us. I do not know but I am sure that we will find out Liz replied. I wonder what they are doing out there. It looks like their sitting up some kind of arena fay said as she watched the people moving around outside. The group looked out the window There is no telling with these people, but I say we go out there get some food in us and watch and see what's going on Mac replied. They all agreed and Zeeke stomach growled. Fay could see that Ian was more awake and once again, he was tied up. She pointed him out to the rest of the group. Then there were the mercenaries they were sharpening swords and cleaning the guns. It looked like there were hundreds of them but they had no way of knowing for sure. The group walked outside together, in step with each other. When they walked out everyone turned to look at them there was a look about them that left an awe effect. They each grabbed some food and something to drink and sat at the table closest to Ian. A strange man looked at them and said I wouldn't sit there if I was you. Mac looked at him and asked why not? Oh, because the last group that sat there was petrified and he didn't even touch them the man answered. I do not think that we will have anything to worry about Liz replied with a smile. Don't say I didn't warn you the man replied. They all laughed and started eating not knowing when there next meal would be. They sat there and watched as the people finished building the small arena. Fay didn't say much as they sat there she just listened and watched. Mac watched fay he pretty much figured what the mercenaries and the arena was for. He could see what his brother saw in her and if she was the friend that needed help he would have done the same as Jake. Mac was brought out of his thoughts when an older man stood and began making an announcement. Everyone that is sitting here today has been handpicked for the particular skill that each of you have. The ones sitting here have made it through the first test and to the check point. Your second test will begin here shortly and the third and last. Everything will be explained to the surviving team or teams. In one hour the second test will begin. After the man finished talking, the groups began talking amongst themselves wondering what this was about and what they were here for. Liz, Mac, Fay, and Zeeke sat there quietly for a short time and then they began to wonder from there table to visit the other groups. Fay watched as her mother tried to stay as close to her father as possible. She couldn't hear what they were saying but she knew by the way they looked at each other that there was a lot of love between them. After a while Liz stood up and kissed Ian on the forehead and walked away. Fay watched for a few minutes and then went and got some food and two drinks. She walked toward Ian and decided that it was time to speak to him. Not caring if he figured out who she was or not. Excuse me Mr. Micheals I thought that you might like something to drink or some food fay said while remembering that this was the first time that she had spoken to her father since she was four years old. Ian looked down at her and said yes it would be nice, but impossible without the use of my hands. If you will allow me, I will help you with it Fay said while feeling shy and like a small child again. That will be fine but why would you help me Ian asked. I am not sure, maybe because Liz is nice and she cares a lot for you and she really needs you. In addition, she reminds me of someone that I used to know and I thought that ide help her out Fay said. Child your rambling, I would like a drink though and you should be concentrating on what's ahead of you not on helping me or Liz Ian replied with a fatherly tone to his voice. Your right Sir I should probably get back fay replied shyly. As fay started to walk away she thought she heard him say be careful little one.She shook her head and put it off as her imagination, a kind of wishful thinking. That was something that he used to say to her when she was a small child. Liz walked up to fay and thanked her for helping Ian .you didn't have to do that not many people would have cared enough to help someone in his position thank you child Liz said with a smile. Shadow Runner Ch. 02-03 Oh, it was nothing Liz I just know that he means a lot to you and as I told him you remind me of someone that I used to know and I just wanted to help fay replied Well who ever this person is they are lucky to have you around Liz said with a sincere smile. I am not so sure about that and either way that was a long time ago. Why don't we go find the others and get back fay replied with a half-assed smile. Ya I don't want anyone else getting that table Liz said. I don't think that we have to worry about that Liz. Um I believe that your husband has taken care of that for us. Fay said with a smile and slight laugh. Ya you are probably right about that one Liz said. Fay spotted Mac and Zeeke she tapped Mac on the shoulder were headed back to the table I thought that you should know so that you did not go looking for us. Ok we will be there shortly Mac replied. As the two women walked away Fay noticed one of the mercenaries in particular, there was something about him, a look in his eyes that reminded her of mickey. There wasn't any other similarity between him and her love. So fay shrugged it off as her imagination once again, and went back to the table with Liz. A little while later Zeeke and Mac joined the girls and Ian, back at the table. I found out what the next test is I don't think that it will be any problem mac said. Well what is it Fay asked? We will be fighting different groups of mercenaries. They didn't tell me any of the rules but they did say that it would be hand-to-hand combat and that we would be allowed one mage, telepath, or technomancer. The rest are fighters mac replied. Did they say what order wear going in Liz Asked? No but they did say that it would probably last well into the night so rest while you can I think that were going to need it mac answered. After a short time the same man as before stood up and said that it was time for the test to begin. Here are the rules for this stage he began First there will be on magical being to each group. Second each fighter will be allowed to choose a weapon Third each group will be cut in half for the fights. You will be allowed to choose amongst yourselves who your partner is. Fourth and for most it is a fight to the death And the survivors will be given instructions for the final test afterwards you have one hour to prepare.