Dark Shield (The Half-Breed Series Volume One)

By C.J. Pike

**Author Revised 2023**

Elves. They live among us in secret, quietly hiding in the shadows, protecting us from the known and unknown evils of the world, with powers and technology beyond our imagination. A war is slowly building between those who fight for us and those who fight against us. Crey will soon find himself stuck right in the middle.

Crey is a teenager who is ripped from his normal life and thrown into a world he never knew existed, hunted down by an elf named Thalnaar who wants nothing more than to see him dead. To top it off he discovers that he is half elf and isn’t even supposed to exist.

Outmatched and underpowered, Crey will have to pass through a labyrinth of emotional and physical obstacles, defying all the odds and everyone’s expectations, becoming part of the agency that has sworn to protect the world. There he will find the means of seeking revenge on the one who has taken everything from him and nothing will stand in his way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.J. Pike
• Release date: Mar 21, 2014

C.J. Pike

Cory grew up in a small town in central Massachusetts. He showed an interest in telling stories from a young age, and began pursuing that interest in high school through writing and movie making. He went on to earn a degree in Broadcasting and Telecommunications, and discovered a passion for writing through his Creative Writing class. He also writes young-adult fantasy stories called the Half-Breed Series. He currently resides in Central Massachusetts with his wife, Jennifer and son, Oliver. Follow him on Twitter @cjpikebooks.

Book preview

The Half-Breed Series

Dark Shield

Volume One

A Novel

By C.J. Pike

Copyright © 2009 by C.J. Pike

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely accidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted by any forms or means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Contact Information

Email

Facebook

Twitter

Special Thanks

To Mysti, Mary, and Aaron,

for all the help and input.

Also thank you to Elisha and Nate,

for making my dream a reality.

Lastly I want to thank my wife

for all the love and support.

Prologue

Chapter 1

Unique Ability

Chapter 2

Curiosity

Chapter 3

Encounter

Chapter 4

The Past Returns

Chapter 5

Revealed

Chapter 6

Just a Dream?

Chapter 7

A Bit of History

Chapter 8

Unmasked

Chapter 9

A Familiar Place

Chapter 10

Recurring

Chapter 11

Surprises

Chapter 12

Below the Surface

Chapter 13

Learning Control

Chapter 14

Family Secrets

Chapter 15

Heavier

Chapter 16

New School

Chapter 17

Not Impossible

Chapter 18

Day One

Chapter 19

Potential

Chapter 20

Extra Credit

Chapter 21

New Toys

Chapter 22

First Date

Chapter 23

Flying Colors

Chapter 24

New Home

Chapter 25

Unlikely Recruit

Chapter 26

Creature of the Night

Chapter 27

Breakdown

Chapter 28

Dead End

Prologue

Andrea was used to dealing with bad situations. As a lawyer for a large firm, she’d been with the worst of the worst. Nothing, however, could ever compare to this.

Her husband dragged her and their newborn son through the building they came across in the alley, desperately trying to find them an adequate hiding spot. He needed to protect them from the group that had been chasing them for the past thirty minutes. They found a room with a lone desk against the back wall. Various supplies were spread out all over the desk, and a thin layer of dust covered everything like a soft blanket. This room had been empty for a long time.

Upon reaching the other side, they both dropped to their knees and stared deeply into each other’s eyes, praying it would not be the last time. He was stronger than any man she knew, but she saw no way out of this. She trembled, revealing her worries.

I’m sorry, he breathed.

She knelt there silently, not knowing what to say.

He won’t stop, her husband continued, for anything.

I know, she finally managed.

I need both of you to stay here while I go take care of it. Hopefully, I can hold him and the rest of his group off until help arrives.

I don’t want you to go.

He took a deep breath. We will make it through this. I promise.

She nodded her head, knowing it was a lie. I love you, El.

She looked at his strong, thin face before he leaned in to kiss her, and then he took off through the door they had just come from. His long, dark hair trailing behind him. She could hear the group that was chasing them shuffle into the other room to greet him. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, leaving Andrea even more anxious.

Where is he? a voice finally spoke.

Far from here, said El, trying very hard to convince them it was true.

You’re lying. I will find that abomination and eliminate him.

I won’t let you get to him.

Loud sounds of metal scraping against metal and gunshots filled the air. Every few seconds, there was a loud popping sound. Andrea was too nervous to try to imagine what it could possibly be.

Her heart began to beat even faster.

She looked down at her son, cradled in her left arm, who began crying. Quickly, she tried to shush him, hoping that it was not loud enough for them to hear.

They’re in the next room! a voice called out, confirming Andrea’s fear.

The fighting became even more intense as the silence between each sword strike became shorter. Bullets flew through the wall, like rocks thrown through tissue paper, right by Andrea and her son. She ducked, and covered her baby, protecting him.

Noooooo! shouted El.

It felt like a bomb had gone off. A bright light flashed, filling the room, as heat swooped in so fast, she felt as if she might burn. The dust stirred when the hot air rushed in, and then there was silence. She sat there motionless, afraid to even move. The only sound was that of the baby crying. She rocked back and forth to try to calm him down until finally his crying subsided. It took a few moments before she felt brave enough to speak.

El? she whispered, but there was no response. El?

She got up and went into the next room, each step feeling like she was bringing herself closer to her doom. When she reached the doorway, she expected someone to jump out and grab her, but there was nothing.

The room was destroyed. Debris from the walls, now only partially intact, lay everywhere. The entire room—walls, ceiling, and floor—was completely charcoaled. Her eyes slowly fell to the floor where she found her husband lying motionless. Andrea ran over to him and put his head in her lap.

El? whispered Andrea.

Nothing.

El?! she screamed, but he still didn’t respond. She felt her eyes burn as tears streamed down her face. She struggled to hold onto her baby as she sobbed uncontrollably.

The love of her life had been taken from her. One of the only two people that really mattered to her was gone. It was as if a part of her was stripped away, leaving her incomplete. Now, she was left there to wonder.

What happened?

She struggled to calm herself, then pulled off his sword tip necklace from around his neck. Andrea stood up then looked down into her son’s eyes. She was left alone to take care of him in the now somber world. She knew what she had to do. Nothing in the world could stop her from protecting her son. They would not get to him.

Brushing his face with her fingers, she spoke as softly, and sweetly as she could manage, I will never let them get you, Crey.

——— Chapter 1 ———

Unique Ability

He stood hunched over the water, waiting anxiously to pierce the surface. The crowd was roaring around him, but Crey only focused on the pool in front of him. His toes were curled up, feeling every bump of the hard diving board. He took a deep breath, and the smell of chlorine rose from the water and invaded his nose, focusing his attention.

The whistle blared, and the swimmers dove into the pool, racing toward the other side. Crey moved like a fish, speeding away from the others. The crowd screamed even louder, but all he heard was the sound of the water rushing past his ears. The clear liquid slammed against his goggles as he searched for the other side. He reached the wall and pushed off with enough force to carry him back halfway across the pool.

Crey kept doing this, gaining a lead with each lap until he finished all four, beating the rest of the swimmers by almost a whole lap with little effort. He climbed out to greet the excited crowd. A freckled faced boy with a wide nose ran up to him, ignoring the coach who was yelling for him to stop.

Awesome man, I think you’re pretty much unbeatable! he exclaimed. Crey looked down at his best friend Alex. He was short and a little pudgy. His dark, brown eyes were barely visible through his thick, red hair. Those eyes were of the very few that looked at Crey with respect.

Thanks, said Crey, but I wouldn’t go that far. He was always modest. Crey did not like to draw attention to himself. He had enough as it was, due to the fact that he looked different from most people. Always feeling like a small giant, he stood tall with black hair that now glistened under the spotlights. However, three distinct features made him stand out from the rest. The first two being that his ears were elongated in a way that they almost came to a point, and his fingerprints were different. Unless closely inspected, it would appear that he had none. There were fewer lines than a typical person, making him more unique. Of course, that wasn’t something that necessarily caught anyone’s attention. His third distinct characteristic was his blue eyes. From the pupil, which was a very dark blue, to the outer edge of his iris, the color became lighter and lighter, creating a gradient look.

One of the other swimmers climbed out of the pool and walked by him. Guy’s a freak, probably part fish! The group walking with him let out a roar of laughter. It took Crey everything he had not to charge him.

Ah, don’t worry about him, he’s just jealous ’cause you crushed him in the race, Alex reassured him.

Yeah, right, muttered Crey.

Crey walked over to the bench, picked up his towel, and dried himself off. Alex followed him, as he always did through all their years of their friendship, but it never bothered him. Alex was practically the only kid in school that actually treated him like a human being. Because that was something that came few and far between, Crey was always happy to welcome it.

Doesn’t matter, said Crey. I’m used to it.

Yeah, but you’re better than people like him, boasted Alex. They both stared as Julia Summers strolled by. Her golden hair bounced off her back as she glided along past them. She looked over at the two of them, and then smiled at Crey while looking into his eyes. Crey looked back at her, as it was hard to resist her bright green eyes.

Hi, Crey, hummed Julia, as she continued by. They both watched her walk away.

I don’t get it, man, said Alex.

Get what? asked Crey.

Julia is the hottest girl in school, and she actually likes you! Why don’t you go for it?

I don’t know, she’s just not my type.

She’s Julia Summers. She’s everyone’s type!

Well, she’s not mine.

Tell me then, what is your type? asked Alex.

I don’t know, Alex, answered Crey, but it’s not her.

She was stunningly beautiful—he wasn’t blind. There was just something about her Crey didn’t trust. Of course, he didn’t trust anybody in the entire school, except for Alex. None of them gave him a reason to. They always talked behind his back; some openly taunted him. A few pretended to like him, but like the rest, bashed him when he wasn’t around or thought he couldn’t hear. Deep down Crey knew that the real reason for his trust issues was his mother, even if he would never admit it. His classmates were only a small part of it.

A group of students had been standing off to the side talking. Every so often one of them would look over at Alex and Crey until finally one of them got up the nerve to walk over. It was easy to tell that he was uncomfortable. He kept fidgeting, and he would never look Crey in the eyes.

Listen…uh…a few of us are going out for pizza, he managed to say. You should…uh…come. The kid gave Crey a quick look then walked away. Crey let out a long sigh of disappointment.

At least you’re good at sports, said Alex.

And that’s not enough, fired Crey. That doesn’t change the fact that most people can’t even look at me without wondering what’s wrong with me, let alone look at me at all! It’s a wonder why Julia dares to take the risk. Crey threw his towel against the wall as Coach Williams walked over.

Williams was a tall man, with a shaved head and a strong build. His small gut that stuck out through his overly tight shirt bounced a little as he walked.

Wow, said Williams, adjusting his thin glasses, most people would be happy they just crushed the other swimmers by almost an entire lap.

Crey gave him a forced smile. Sorry, I just…it’s nothing, he assured him.

You sure? asked the Coach.

Yeah, answered Crey.

Alright, I just want to make sure my star swimmer is okay.

He turned to Alex. And you. Don’t run around the pool like that again.

Okay, said Alex as the coach walked away.

So, you want to go for pizza? blurted Alex. Crey looked over at the group of kids waiting for them. Julia stood among them and was looking over at him with an enticing smile, but Crey resisted.

Nah man, you know my mom doesn’t like it when I stay out late, he responded.

Come on man, you’re eighteen now. You’re allowed to go against your mom once in a while, Alex begged. Crey looked over at him and shook his head.

I think I’m just going to hit the showers and head home. Crey picked up his towel and headed for the locker room. I have some calculus homework to do anyway.

But that’s not due till Friday! shouted Alex.

I like to get a head start, returned Crey without looking around.

Crey entered the locker room and draped his towel over the bench. He then buried his face in his palms as he sat down on the cold wooden bench. Although he just won, he pictured the hundreds of faces staring at him, the faces that made him feel like an outsider, like the ugly duckling. They could never really accept him as one of them, and he never understood why. He knew he looked different, but why should that matter? Deep down, I am no different than the rest of them, am I? He always felt like there was something more for him, like a piece of him was missing.

Crey always wondered what life would have been like if his father had been around. He passed away when Crey was no more than a few months old. The pain of never knowing his father was a hole that could never be filled. His mother never talked about him; it pained her too much. Maybe if his dad was around, he could have all these questions answered. Crey dwelled on these thoughts often, too often, and it really ate him up inside.

The steam from the warm water filled the bathroom, giving him the peace he needed to expel the thoughts that invaded his mind. After his moment of clarity, he got dressed. A necklace hung in his locker, swaying back and forth, tapping one side of the metal wall. It was a black leather string with a piece of metal that looked like it belonged on the tip of a sword. The edges were dull, but it was still as shiny as ever. It had been his father’s and grandfather’s before him. Crey had had it as long as he could remember, and he never took it off for anything but swimming.

He approached the fog-covered mirror and stared at it as the condensation faded away, revealing his deformities. He looked deep into his own eyes—his own abnormal eyes. Blending in with everyone else was all he ever wanted, but with ears that went halfway up his head, it was hard not to stick out. He touched his ear and then ran his hand down his long, thin face.

With a quickness that surprised even him, his closed hand collided with the mirror, creating a spider web of cracks across the entire piece of glass. When the gravity of what he had just done hit him, he couldn’t have left the locker room any faster.

On his way out, he took the necklace off the hook and headed home to the suburban neighborhood nestled in a town outside of New York City. It was a nice, quiet place, compared to the giant metropolis close by. When he walked in the door, his mother came out of the kitchen and gave him a big hug.

Hi sweetie, she said. How was the match?

Crey looked down at his mother. Andrea was relatively tall for a woman, but still short next to the giant that was her son. Her dark, black hair was held in a ponytail, dangling high from the back of her head. Although her small mouth was set in a smile, her eyes gave away the exhaustion that weighed her down, not just from the time she spent at work, but also from the mental strain. There was something that she was hiding from Crey, something that always stood in between the two of them. He knew that it was big, and that made it very hard for him to open up to her, or anyone for that matter.

I won, he said.

All right, Crey, good job! she encouraged him.

Like we didn’t know I was going to win. He wasn’t bragging. It was in fact out of spite. Andrea just stared at him; the sadness obvious in her smile. After a moment she glanced back at the kitchen.

You hungry? she asked, trying to change the subject as she headed toward the kitchen.

Starved, replied Crey as he followed her. What are we eating?

We’ve got chicken stir-fry, she said with a certain excitement.

A small smile formed on his face. My favorite. I can definitely go for that.

Andrea finished cooking while Crey set up the table before they both sat down to eat.

So how did you get home? she asked him.

I walked, he replied.

She put her fork down. Alone?

Yes.

You know I don’t like it when you walk home alone. You should have gotten a ride or walked with someone or even called me for a ride, she cried.

Mom, I made it home fine, right? It’s okay.

I worry about you, that’s all. I just want to know you’re safe.

I know, said Crey, but I am safe, so let’s eat.

They discussed how their days went. Andrea talked about a new client that they took on, and how she disliked him from the moment she laid eyes on the creep. She knew that he was as guilty as they came. Her boss, however, sees a client as potential money. Innocence meant nothing to him. Andrea worked for a big law firm as an assistant to one of the biggest defense lawyers in the state.

Crey told her about his day at school, and how he beat the rest of the swimmers. She was proud of him, as always.

They finished up their dinner and cleaned up the table. Crey headed to his room, which was always immaculate, and began to do his homework in his head. His memory was just short of photographic. He worked hard in school and got rewarded for it, for he was one of the top students in his class. Most teachers rarely showed interest in him, except for his history teacher, who gave him the attention he deserved. It was no surprise then that history was his favorite subject, and she was his favorite teacher. He often would stay late after class and further discuss the subject with her.

His mother knocked on the door, and even though he heard her coming, it startled Crey.

Yeah? he responded.

Hey, she said. I’m heading to bed, so I just wanted to say goodnight. You all set for tomorrow?

Yes mom, I’m all set, he moaned.

Okay, I just wanted to make sure. I’ll see you in the morning.

Night, mom.

Night, honey. She started to close the door. Oh, and can you take the old TV out to my car in the morning?

Yep.

Crey continued to work on homework for a little while longer before he shut the light off and drifted to sleep.

———

The alarm went off the next morning, and Crey jumped right out of bed. He almost never had any trouble getting up in the morning, even with little sleep. He strolled over to the closet and mindlessly grabbed some clothes. After dressing himself, he headed toward the intoxicating smell radiating from the kitchen. His mother was there cooking up some of her famous scrambled eggs for breakfast. As soon as the food reached his plate, it disappeared.

Have a good day! she shouted as he walked out the door. Crey grabbed the TV, which was an old thirty-seven-inch tube TV they had—they finally upgraded to HD—and it was extremely heavy, but not for him. He was a lot stronger than everyone he knew, and he never spent a minute in the gym. He brought it out to her car and headed to the end of the driveway where Alex waited, kicking his feet into the ground.

Hey, Alex groaned as they began walking down the street.

Sleep well? asked Crey, with a smile.

Yeah, wonderful, complained Alex. Not all of us are morning people, you know. A chuckle escaped Crey’s lips.

———

School. It was his personal hell. Although Crey imagined that even hell might be a better place. It was full of constant torment, and he was there against his own free will.

People were piling through the front doors, like millions of ants marching into their sand hill. As the two went up the walkway to the front steps, there were the usual hushed voices and staring. He got used to ignoring it though, as did Alex, given the fact that he was always around Crey. When they walked into the building, their eyes were immediately drawn to Dean Pole, a senior with dark eyes that always has too much mousse in his hair. He was taunting a freshman. Since Dean was tall and very strong, he was always giving someone trouble, Crey especially.

You were walking down my side of this here hallway, said Dean, pointing down the hall. Now, see, that’s a big problem with me, and I can’t let that mistake go unnoticed or unpunished. Sorry, but that’s the rule. He shoved the kid into his locker and slammed the door. Crey couldn’t watch anymore.

Crey walked up to him and said, Knock it off, Dean. Although he more than matched him in height, Dean was clearly the larger of the two. His overly large mouth stretched into a wicked looking smile.

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the freak of the week, said Dean You got a problem?

I think you’re the one with a problem, Crey answered. Let him out of the locker.

No, I think I’ll let him sweat it out in there for a while. He needs to be taught a lesson.

Let him out, Dean.

Or else what? What are you going to do about it? Dean’s smile faded, and anger took over his face. The two stared at each other for a moment. Crey looked around and noticed everyone was watching them. He looked over at Alex who had a look of shock and hope. Crey had stood up to Dean many times, but nothing ever came of it, just words thrown back and forth.

I’m waiting, said Dean impatiently. Crey looked back at him and let out a sigh. He bumped into his shoulder as he walked by him toward the locker. The anxious crowd let out a sigh of disappointment.

You’re not worth it, muttered Crey.

Just like I thought, Crey, boasted Dean. Not only are you a freak, but you’re a wimp too. Crey stopped. What’s it like, Crey? Being a complete freak, to have everyone always staring at you? Your only friend is an even bigger loser than you.

You got a problem? asked Alex, stepping forward. Dean shot him a look, and Alex fell right back up into the crowd. Dean refocused his attention back on Crey, who let the kid out of the locker.

Are you listening to me? he asked. Your ears are big enough you’d think you’d be able to hear me.

The anger grew inside of Crey, and his hands gradually formed into fists, ready for action.

It’s a wonder anyone will even talk to you, beamed Dean.

Crey turned around. His face had never been so red and so full of rage. Everyone watching backed up just a little bit. Some kids smiled as hope had filled them up once again.

Dean looked around and then back at Crey with an even bigger smile than before. You’re just a big FREAK!

Before he could even blink, Dean hit the floor, and blood started to drip from his nose. No one made a sound. It had happened so fast no one even knew what to think.

Yeah! a voice finally shouted from the crowd. Some kids started laughing, others cheering, and the rest just stared in bewilderment. Alex couldn’t believe his eyes.

Crey was breathing very heavily as he stared down at Dean, his hand throbbing slightly. He had debated whether he wanted to leap on him and continue giving him what he really deserved. What gave him the right to harass him every day? Crey did nothing to him to deserve this. Dean was right where he belonged.

Blinking his eyes, Crey snapped back to reality, back to the horror of what just happened. He looked around the crowd until his eyes met Alex’s. He wasn’t sure if his friend was mad or happy, so he turned around to walk away and find a nice place to hide. Just then, he saw Mr. Wilcox come running down the hallway shouting. Crey knew exactly the fate that awaited him—a trip right to Principal Perry’s office.

———

Crey waited, his face pressed hard into his hands. He had been sent there many times before, but never for actually hitting someone. This was probably the first time he had actually done something wrong. Every other time he would get into an argument with a teacher or another student and always end up coming out at the bottom. The principal himself didn’t even like him, which he made abundantly clear every time they met.

Principal Perry was like the devil himself. He always treated Crey like he was no better than the dirt on the bottom of his shoe. He tried as hard as he could to avoid being in there, but no matter what he did, he always found himself in this type of situation. Of course, this time, it was actually his fault.

He hated being miserable so often, but then again how could he help it? There were few people in his life that he could consider close, and even that was debatable. Most of the time, he would take out his anger on Alex, which he felt awful for. Alex was the one person he felt the closest to and the one person he probably treated the worst. It wasn’t that he liked treating him that way, it was just the fact that he was the only one who would even listen. Aside from that Alex always just took it and let it roll off his shoulder. He never took it personally. Crey was lucky to have a friend like him.

Crey’s mind was racing. The one thing that popped to the front of his mind most was the excruciating lecture he was going to receive from his mother. It wasn’t as if he needed to be told what he did wrong. He was well aware of what he did and should have done instead. A small part of him felt badly about what he had done, but why should he? Dean deserved it.

Crey, shouted Perry. Get in here!

He was in no rush to go in there, so Crey took his time getting out of the chair and walking into the office. He opened the door, and there he was, Lucifer himself sitting on his dark throne, waiting eagerly to deliver punishment. His tiny mouth was pinched together because of his sunken face as he watched Crey walk in behind his thick, horn-rimmed glasses.

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