AN: If this story seems familiar, it's because I posted several chapters already. However, because of school and other significant RL issues, I had not updated in over a YEAR! So, I deleted it and am tweaking the chapters. There should be a new chapter posted every other week. I really hope this keeps your interest. I'm excited to write again and I hope that you enjoy where I lead these characters.

All was still, the hovering steel pathways vacant, as was the norm. The area was nearly always in a state of abandon, only visited when service and maintenance were deemed an absolute necessity. That was until the entrance flew open, a woman abruptly halting her desperate sprint as she latched onto the door's metal edge. Wild eyes searched as best they could to find some sort of corner or closet, really anything that provided some semblance of protection. Out of her periphery, she was just barely able to make out a small alcove, and immediately she ducked into it, her back making harsh contact with the circuit breaker her haven housed.

Her chest was heaving, her lungs burning, the small intakes of breath barely giving her lungs enough air. Though she was under the cover of darkness, she was acutely aware that she was by no means hidden from danger. The unpredictability of the situation was palpable, practically charging the air. It was impossible to ignore, no matter how desperately she tried. Dark shadows and faint outlines were all her eyes could decipher in the surrounding blackness, the eerie red emission of the emergency exits serving as the only illumination.

Despite the supposed futility of the effort, her tired eyes continued to flit around the area, anxiously searching for any sign of her partner. The longer they remained separated, the more time that agonizingly passed, the more she feared she would never see him again. Never see that cocky smirk or his boyish smile. Never have to deal with his maddening yet addictive presence anymore. Never feel her hand in his. That thought alone threatened to send her into a panic, and in that moment, she decided to step out of her seclusion and search for him. It was a risk, that was irrefutable; but there was no other option. She could not, would not leave him. With extreme caution, she crouched and slowly, carefully moved one foot in front of the other. She ventured into the open expanse, and stepped onto the hovering walkway, trying to avoid the fallen cords and praying the aged and swaying metal wouldn't betray her location.

She was halfway across the catwalk when their pursuer emerged from the shadows directly in front of her; the sparse red lights, which once promised to lead her to sanctuary, were now damning, and casting an eerie halo over her adversary. A gasp escaped her, and in her surprise, she stumbled a few steps backwards, causing her foot to become entangled in one of the piled cords. The man stared at her, his eyes as black as the room around them, his smile predatory. She felt her muscles twitch with the urge to flee, but instantly checked that impulse when she saw something glint in his hand.

He clicked his tongue reprovingly as he approached her slowly, menacingly. "Now, now. You've been so clever 'til this point, let's not spoil your track record by doing something as stupid as running."

Her mind was in a whirl as she tried to formulate some sort of plan; but it was in vain. The scenario before her was clearly evident, and she knew it was the end for her. But even with that knowledge, she continued to train her eyes onto the evil before her, unwilling to give him the sadistic satisfaction of seeing her quake with fear. She'd accepted her fate, and now her last and only hope was that the man who had stayed with her throughout it all had been able to escape, that he was safe. A soft smile played upon her lips at that thought, a peace settling over her, and she saw a look of confusion enter her executioner's eyes.

Their standoff was interrupted by the sudden sound of a door opening, and they both turned to see the source. When she saw it was her partner, her heart leapt and then instantly plummeted at the realization that now he was going to share her fate. Why couldn't he, just this once, listen to her?

Without a thought, she moved towards him. However, one step was all she was allotted before she felt a hand grab ahold of her hair and viciously jerk her back, causing her to yelp in pain. Her body slammed into her assailant, his powerful arm seizing her waist, pressing so tightly into her abdomen that it was a struggle to breathe.

Her partner's eyes widened in fear before narrowing in anger, his jaw locking, and body practically seething with fury. He approached them, his steps determined yet cautious.

"Uh-un-uh," their antagonist warned, his voice unnervingly melodic. "I wouldn't keep on if I were you." His smile widened as he placed the cold barrel of his gun against her temple, slowly grazing it downward across her cheek, almost as if it was some sort of sadistic caress. "It'd be a shame if something happened to our pretty little thing here, wouldn't it? Well, to be fair, something is going to happen to her; but it would be less civilized, and frankly, much messier than I planned if I have to finish it up here."

The young woman's eyes met those of her partner, and she instantly recognized the look she saw in them. He was grasping for something, anything to turn the odds in their favor; but she knew there wasn't anything that could be done. As the look faded and his eyes completely focused on her, she saw the tiniest hint of a smile.

"Jeopardy friendly, aren't ya, Tyler?"

She released a faint, somewhat breathy chuckle. "Can't let ya have all the fun, now can I?"

"Oh you two are just adorable!" their adversary snickered. "Shame to break up such a lovely duo," he sighed insincerely. "Unfortunately, that's not how the game's going to end. So, Smith…," he put his put his lips to her ear, "any last words for our girl?"

Her eyes glassy with unshed tears, Tyler silently begged Smith to run while he still had the chance. She wanted him to be safe. No, it was more than that. She needed him to be safe. His eyes softened as they held her gaze.

"Do you trust me?"

"Always," she affirmed without hesitation, her voice somehow remaining firm despite the emotions overwhelming her.

On hearing her promise, Smith whirled around and slammed the lever beside him, plunging Tyler and the madman towards the glass ceiling below them.