Tellis

Shadowghost, Thanks for the constructive criticism (at least that's what i've interpreted it as )

I can only respond by saying that this was never really meant to be a 'serious' calendar, it was meant as more of a joke, which I admit does work better if you know the characters though. In the just under 2 hours it took me to put this together I really couldn't be bothered to research all the dates and stuff.

Maybe next time though!

edit: typos & grammar

[ QUOTE ]
Ms October is the reason I'm known as The Remarkable Dread Cornflakes

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Now I've really gotta get her to explain that one to me!

edit:typo

Well that time has come again when people start looking for that perfect calendar for next year. Well we are proud to present the 2007 Elfling calendar!

January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007

Should you wish to print them out feel free. Each one will print to A4!

Okay I was having a bit of a play with Photoshop and came up with this..

Clicky!

It's not a pic that could be taken in-game as a few of the toons are on the same account but hey, i liked it

[ QUOTE ]
It is mighty fine. I just started using the Double Mire->NovaZappage->Styg Circle tactic, and it is hilariously sick and fun.

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Having finally got my respec and just got Nova I have to agree entirely it is completely sick and funny... and provides hours of endless mindless humour in striga!

Could you also add:

Kalis Elfling - Inv/Axe Tanker
Trik Elfling - Arrow/Energy Blaster
Warlord Elfling - Stone/Stone Tank

Cheers... More to come soon [img]/uk/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

P.s... Slight typo on your list Proverbial. Miasmic Elfling should read Miasmatic Elfling... Cheers

Edit: Typo's

Yay, gratz dude. And to second Moi-Monkey's setiment... Finally! (Y'know I'm kidding lol)

I can imagine. No pressure lol...

Aaargghhh it stopped! Where's the rest FG? Please post it!

Double. Excellent guide. I only wish I'd read it before starting on my WS. Now all i need is that respec

Gratz to Delph Elfling for being the second Elfling to finally hit 50!

It's true... Scrappers do it faster

A couple more for you to add Proverbial...

Blitzwing - MA/SR Scrapper
Desert Elfling - Spines/Regen Scrapper
Delph Elfling - Broadsword/SR Scrapper

Thanks

Very, very impressive. Waiting for the next oen with baited breath

My main is a Inv/Axe tank and I decided to not take the following powers from each set (i have all the others though):

Inv - Dull pain and Resist Elements
Axe - Build up and Whirling Axe

Why? Well, 1) Dull Pain: Early on in the game I was concentrating on getting unyielding, Invincibility and some attacks and just overlooked it, though I do accept it can be very useful if you're soloing or don't have a healer pre lvl 32. 2) Resist Elements, as previously said, you can survive without it though I tooke Resist Energy cos I think I tend to come across far more energy attacks. 3) Build Up. Well this takes so long to activate one of two things tend to happen a) my team mates wipe out the mob before i get an attack off or b) I can get 2 normal attcks off int he same time. and finally 4) Whirling Axe. well great animation, looks cool, totally wimpy damage (if it ever hits) and is maxed out at hitting 5 opponents. Struck me as a complete waste of time, though it can be fun if you're badge hunting against low level mobs.

One last thing though... always, always, always, always take taunt. I overlooked this power until a respec at lvl 40 and I'm amazed I got so far without it. It's probably the most useful power a tank can take

Have fun

Lol, That's sooo cool dude... Cheers for the mention

Huge Gratz to Desert Elfling. The first Elfling to hit 50... yay!!!

Lol - That was pretty cool FG... When's the next one due?

Unfortunately I'm not entirely sure where it should go. If someone could tell me I'll ask Bridger to move it for me. Thanks

Many congratulations to Blitzwing on the Defiant Server for hitting Level 50. Well done mate

That is so cool, Nice one Guardian

and you can read the next part here.

Baros Elfling sighed as he took down yet another Council soldier, this was getting so boring, it was far too easy. I need a vacation, he thought as he shouldered his rifle and searched the unconscious soldier. Having been born without any of the more obvious superpowers Baros had made up for this in other ways and was now considered one of the deadliest marksmen in Paragon City with his assault rifle. Finding what he was looking for he began to head out of the base, past the unconscious forms and destroyed bots. Walking out of the door he spied a familiar figure leaning against the wall. “Hey Ligo.” he said with a grin, his dark mood lifting, “What’s up?” If Ligo was about then he knew things were going to get interesting.

“Fancy having some real fun for a change?”

“Hell yeah, I’m getting so fed up of just running errands for my contacts.” He said, waving the file he had just found in the air.

“Good,” Ligo grinned. “Dump that somewhere and let’s go play.”

“Sure. Where are we going anyway?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

An hour later Baros was standing in front of an ornate door set into the wall of a canyon. Sighing as Kalis and the others came into view he turned to Ligo “And this was your idea of fun? Has anyone told you lately you need your head examining?”

“Yeah,” Ligo laughed “Bris did, last week.”

“Yeah, I heard about that, did she ever manage to pull it out again?”

“No, she just hung a picture over it and hoped no one would notice.” Ligo grinned as Baros cracked up laughing.

“Hey guys,” Baros said to the others “So what brings us to this sunny armpit of Paragon City?”

“Palin.” Flax replied grimly.

“Er, okay, but why here?”

“It’s a long story but suffice to say we know he’s here.”

Baros sighed, “Okay then,” he said, unlimbering his rifle “Let’s do this.”

Kalis bent to examine the doors. Finding them securely locked he turned to Flax. “So what do you think, quiet or fast?”

“Hmmm, quiet for now I think, let’s at least get inside before we let them know we’re here.”

“Good point, down to you then.”

Everyone stepped back as Flax moved to stand in front of the doors. Extending his hands he concentrated. At first nothing appeared to happen then after a few moments a faint groaning noise began to come from the rocks surrounding the doors. Gradually the rocks began to move, pulling the doors apart. Slowly they separated until finally the locks parted and the doors swung open. Stepping into the dimly lit corridor Flax saw no one about. “Well,” he said as the others moved to stand next to him and Kalis pulled the doors closed “We’re in.”

“Baros, can you take people down quietly with that thing?” asked Trik, gesturing to his rifle.

“Well, not exactly” he smiled. “I’ve never exactly gone for subtle.”

Looking at Flax, Trik grinned. “Well it looks like it’s down to me to do all the work again isn’t it?”

“So it would seem,” Flax sighed “Just be careful.”

“Don’t worry” she grinned as she faded into the shadows “I always am.”

“Yeah, right,” Kalis laughed as she disappeared “See you in the hospital!” but Trik had already moved off, leaving behind a slightly offended silence.

Quietly she crept down the dimly lit corridor, her bow in her hand, an arrow cocked and ready. Reaching an intersection she paused, which way to go first she wondered. Looking down the side passages she saw that they were dark and appeared rarely used. Straight on it is then she though. Continuing down the corridor, all her senses straining for any sign of habitation, she continued to search. Suddenly she heard a noise ahead of her. In the dim light she could just make out a door being opened. Raising her bow she took aim at the hooded figure coming out of the door. If it turned to her it would be the last thing it did. Fortunately the figure turned away and wandered off down the corridor. Slowly Trik advanced to the door and listened carefully. Hearing nothing she quietly pulled it open. Inside was a small room containing nothing more than a simple cot and a mat on the floor. Leaving the room she continued to search for almost an hour before finally returning to the entrance. Reaching the door she found the others standing over the bodies of several guards.

“Hmm, good job of scouting Trik!” laughed Kalis as she came into view.

“What? Where did you find those?”

“Well it was more like they found us.” Laughed Ligo.

“Well at least you weren’t bored while I was working.”

“Anyway,” interrupted Flax, “Did you find anything useful?”

“No, he’s not in this part of the temple and I couldn’t get to the deeper parts.”

“Right then,” sighed Flax as he headed for the tunnel “So much for subtle. Let’s go.”

Reaching the first junction Flax turned to his right. “Wait a minute,” called Trik from the rear “why that way?

“Well unless this place has changed since we were last here that way and that way only lead to accommodation areas and I would imagine you searched them pretty thoroughly, didn’t you?” he asked with a slight smile.

“Oh…er…. Oh shut up.” she shouted back, sticking her tongue out. Flax just laughed as they headed into the dark tunnel. Rounding a bend they saw light ahead. Creeping forward they saw that they were about to enter the main temple chamber. Stopping the others Kalis crept forward until he could see into the chamber. The chamber was large, just as he remembered it with groups of mages scattered about, many appearing to be involved in one sort of ceremony or another. Standing in the centre of the room was a small group of mages and Palin. He appeared to be deep in conversation with one of them. Pausing he looked over to the entrance to the room. After a few moments he shook his head and looked back to the mage, obviously he had not seen Kalis. Creeping back to the others Kalis explained what he had seen.

“Okay,” he concluded “We need to get Palin. The only way I can see to do this is to get him to come to us.”

“I agree.” Replied Flax “But how do we manage that.”

“I have an idea; just watch my back for me.”

“Don’t I always?” sighed Flax as Kalis walked back to the room. Stepping into the doorway he stopped in plain sight of the mages. He concentrated for a moment and a bright flash of energy exploded from his body. Turning to see what had happened one of the mages cried out in shock at seeing Kalis standing there, axe in hand. Palin looked round and saw Kalis.

”Wait.” He shouted as the mages started to rush forward. “He’s mine!”

“Hello Palin, It’s time to finish this once and for all.” Kalis said calmly, stepping forward.

“Yes, it is.” Palin grinned, gesturing to take in the temple “So how do you like your final resting place?”

Kalis glanced around “I’ve seen better, but you know that’s not going to happen, don’t you? There is no way you could ever beat me.”

“Don’t be so sure, Hero.” Palin growled, anger clouding his features. How dare Kalis stand there looking so smug, so confident. Did he really expect to get out of this alive? Then a thought came to him, he knew how to wipe away that confidence. “So how’s your new pet, is she dead yet. She was doing such a good job of it when you interrupted me last time!”

Kalis just smiled, saying nothing.

“Ha!” Palin laughed “She is, isn’t she. Oh what a shame, do you miss her? She had such a nice body. Do you miss that too?” He sneered.

“Come on Palin, stop playing about, or are you still too scared to face me?” replied Kalis, the smile never leaving his face.

With a scream of rage Palin lunged forward, claws extended straight at Kalis’s throat. At the last second Kalis dodged to one side. Lashing out with his free hand he punched Palin in the ribs, knocking the wind from him. “Now!” he shouted as Palin staggered to one side. Suddenly the ground began to tremble and the floor exploded around the advancing mages, trapping them in a rocky embrace. Glancing round Kalis saw Flax standing next to him.

“And this was your plan?” he asked as Kalis kicked Palin’s legs from under him.

”Yeah,” Kalis grinned “You like it?”

“It sucks, as usual!” shouted Trik as she flew into the room and fired off an arrow towards another advancing group. A large explosion threw them backwards as the arrow detonated.

Ignoring her as Palin jumped to his feet Kalis shouted “Ligo, give me a hand.” Again Kalis kicked out but this time Palin was able to block him, bringing his claws round in a slashing arc, catching Kalis on the shin. There was a bright flash as the claws made contact and they rebounded away, not even leaving a mark. Palin looked up into Kalis’s face in shock. He knew that Kalis had some sort of power other than his skill with his axe but had no idea what. Now he knew and now he was really in trouble. Sensing movement to his left he glanced round, just as a huge glowing fist crashed into his face. Flying backwards he slammed into the wall and slid to the floor. Dazed, he looked up as a giant of an Elfling moved to stand over him. Calmly Ligo bent down, grabbed him round the throat with one hand and lifted him off the floor. Unable to breathe Palin lashed out with his claws, striking Ligo in the chest to no effect, the claws just slid off him, not even leaving a mark. Struggling wildly the last thing Palin saw was Ligo’s fist coming towards his face again, then nothing.

Ligo threw Palin’s inert body over his shoulder and headed for the exit. “Okay,” he shouted “Shall we go or can we play some more?”

“Time to leave Ligo.” Shouted Flax, backing towards the door.

In the corridor Baros stood looking back the way they had came, not sure if he had really heard what he thought he had. Creeping back to the corner he glanced towards the junction. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a huge demon striding towards him, less than six feet away. Instinctively he raised his rifle and fired off a grenade, striking the creature in the chest. The resulting explosion was huge, knocking the demon from its feet and slamming Baros back across the corridor into the wall. Dazed, he staggered to his feet; he felt blood pouring from the back of his head, everything was blurry and he could not seem to get his balance. In the distance he thought he could see the demon getting to its feet. Raising his rifle he took aim, ready to finish it off.

Ligo ran into the corridor carrying Palin’s unconscious form, closely followed by Flax while Kalis and Trik covered their exit. Slowly backing into the corridor they suddenly felt a huge explosion behind them. Kalis looked round just in time to see Baros crash into the wall and flames wash over the others, knocking them to the ground. He took an involuntary step forward just as Trik shouted “Look out!” Sudden pain burst in his side. Looking down he could see an arrow protruding from the side of his chest, just below his arm. Turning he saw a robed figure drop to the floor, a crossbow in its hand and an arrow protruding from his chest.

“You really should watch what you are doing.” She teased as Kalis turned.

“Stop moaning at me and pull it out!” he replied. He gasped in pain as she yanked the arrow from his side and dropped it on the floor. Staggering over to the others he reached them just as Flax and Ligo were getting to their feet. They looked a little singed but reasonably unhurt. He could see Angel moving towards Baros who was still on the floor. As he watched Baros staggered to his feet and lifted his rifle, waving it wildly around. Kalis’ eyes widened in horror as Baros took aim at Ligo. He dived forward as he heard the shot ring out, knowing he was already too late. Striking Ligo in the legs they fell to the ground in a heap. Looking up Kalis fully expected Ligo to be nothing more than a bloody corpse. He was amazed to see him completely unhurt. Then he saw Flax holding a hand out towards Baros who was now completely encased in stone, his rifle pointing harmlessly at the ceiling.

Angel rushed over to him and yanked his rifle from his hand. Holding out his hands he encased Baros in bright green glow. After a few moments it faded and Baros sighed as the stone holding him disappeared.

“Did I get it?” he asked.

“Get what?” asked Angel,

“The demon, did I get it? I saw it getting up!” Baros pointed down the corridor.

Angel looked to where Baros was pointing as the others came running up “Ew, gross!”

Looking down the corridor the others saw what Angel had seen. Bits of Demon hung everywhere and dark black blood coated the floor and walls.

“Yeah,” laughed Ligo as he hoisted Palin’s unconscious figure again “You got it!” Laying a meaty hand on Baros’ shoulder he smiled again “Come on mate, let’s get out of here.” As they headed for the exit Flax turned back towards the temple. He raised his hands and brought them sharply together. There was a sudden explosion of rock, with dust and stones flying everywhere. After a few minutes the dust settled and they looked to see the corridor completely blocked.

“Well, that’s the last time we’ll be coming here I think.” He smiled as they headed for the exit.

“Damn,” Trik moaned “and I was thinking about buying the place too!”

Later, Bris and Angel stood looking at Palin’s still unconscious figure as he lay strapped to an examination table. This was only the second time they had seen him since his transformation and neither of them could get over just how much he had changed. His skin was still a dead shade of grey and he was covered from head to foot in vivid black burns and scars. Taking hold of one of his hands Bris looked for his claws, seeing nothing. Without looking up she spoke. “Angel, could you go and get Flax for me please, I have to speak with him.” As she turned to an equipment tray she heard him leave. Suddenly Palin’s eyes opened. Looking around he saw where he was, saw Bris standing nearby with her back to him. Quietly he tested his bonds. He smiled to himself as he pulled at his right arm, the bond was weak, and he could break it with no trouble. Slowly clenching his fist, he allowed his claws to extend. Staring intently at Bris’ back he yanked his arm suddenly upwards in a sweeping arc which broke his bonds and ended with his claws buried all the way into her back. She gasped in agony before her eyes glazed over and she fell silently to the floor, blood pouring from her nose and mouth. Quickly Palin slashed his remaining bonds away and was about to jump to his feet when he heard a cry of pure anguish come from the door.

“No!” Flax screamed in rage and grief at seeing Bris’ body. “No! I’ll Kill you!” he shouted as he charged at Palin. Palin prepared to launch himself at Flax when he was slammed bodily backwards off the table as stone exploded around him, crushing him. Barely able to move he looked on as Flax advanced on him, murder in his eyes. The stones were crushing him tighter and tighter, stopping him breathing. Suddenly he grinned an evil, dark grin as he rammed his claws into his own neck. As darkness overtook him there was bright flash as his emergency teleporter activated and he disappeared. Flax stood for a moment, stunned, as the stone collapsed around where Palin had been before turning and running to Bris. “No!” he screamed as he cradles her lifeless body to him. “Angel. Get in here. Now!” Holding her close to him he ignored the blood staining his clothing as he looked for signs of breathing. There was none. After what seemed an eternity Angel ran into the room taking in the situation in a single glance.

“What happened?”

“Palin stabbed her!” Flax cried “Why didn’t her teleport work? Help her Angel, heal her!”

Angel knelt next to Bris’ body and felt for a pulse. Not finding one he closed his eyes.

“What?” Flax screamed.

”She’s dead. The teleport wouldn’t work.”

“No,” Flax cried, cradling Bris’ body tighter to him “You have to help her. I can’t let her go, not now!”

“Okay then, I’ll see what I can do. Get her on the table. And get back.” He said as Flax lifted Bris onto the table.

“No, I’m not going anywhere.” Flax replied, hanging grimly onto her bloodstained hand.

“Then close your eyes. I can only try this once, let’s just hope it works.” Angel replied as he held his hands out over Bris’ body. Taking a deep breath he concentrated as light began to pour from his hands, encasing her. Brighter and brighter until Flax was forced to turn his head away. Still it got brighter, painfully so, before suddenly disappearing, leaving the room in darkness. After a moment the light returned to normal and Flax heard a weak cough. Looking down he saw Bris looking back at him, grasping his hand tightly. Gently she smiled and reached out to lay her other hand against his cheek.

Moments later Kalis, Trik and Shard came running into the room, having been alerted by Flax’s shouts.

“What happened? Where’s Palin?” asked Kalis, confused.

Angel sighed as he collapsed exhausted into a chair. “He escaped. He stabbed Bris and got away.”

“Is she okay?” asked Trik with a worried look.

Angel sighed “She is now, but it was very close. That isn’t something I can do very often.”

In sudden rage Kalis turned and grabbed Shard “Where is he. He can’t get back to the temple so where is he?”

Shard staggered back, momentarily shocked. She paused, concentrating. “Atlas Park. He went to the medical centre there.” Kalis turned and sprinted from the base. Suddenly realisation of Kalis’ intent came to her. “Trik” she cried “he’s going to kill him. Quick we need to catch him.”

Trik looked at her, dazed, before glancing back at Bris and Flax then back at Shard as her words suddenly hit home. “Oh my god, we have to stop him!” and they both ran from the base.

Anger and hatred seethed in Kalis’ mind as he sprinted through the night into Atlas Park. He had been so wrong. All this was his fault. If he hadn’t left Palin behind in the first place everything would have been better and Shard and Bris would have never been hurt. All the pain and suffering that had been caused was all because of him. There was no way to redeem Palin, he should have known that in the first place. He must be stopped. He must be killed and Kalis had to be the one to do it. Racing up to the medical centre he stopped outside the doors. “Palin!” he screamed “Show yourself.”

“Ah Hero,” replied a voice from the shadows of a nearby alley “I thought you’d come.” Palin stepped forward, clear signs of his self inflicted injury visible on his neck. “So you want to be next? First Aeriel, then Bris and now you?”

“I’m going to kill you” screamed Kalis, drawing his axe.

“Not this time. I’m afraid, this time it’s my turn.”

Screaming in rage Kalis charged forward, swinging his axe wildly. Completely missing he struck deeply into the wall, wedging his axe. As he tried to pull it out Palin stepped forward slashing him across the face, causing three long cuts. Kalis screamed in rage and lunged at him, forgetting his axe. Grabbing him round the waist they fell to the floor. Again and again Palin slashed at him opening cut after cut but Kalis felt none of it, he was so intent on killing him. Climbing upwards he grabbed at his face and neck, digging his fingers into his eyes, his skin, anywhere he could grab. Over and over they rolled before coming to a stop at the base of the steps of the medical centre, people scattering as they fought. Again Palin slashed Kalis, cutting deeper each time but Kalis was possessed. Getting on top of him Kalis wrapped his hands round Palin’s throat and began to press down as hard as he could, choking the life from him.

“Kalis. Stop!” a voice shouted.

“No, he deserves to die.”

“No he doesn’t, no one does.” Shard cried.

Kalis just ignored her, pressing harder as Palin’s eyes rolled up into his skull. What did she know? She of all people should have known that he deserved this!

“Kalis. Stop this now.” another voice shouted.

“No!” he screamed as Palin started to shake as his body was deprived of air.

”Kalis. Look at me. Now!” Reluctantly Kalis looked up to see Trik taking aim at him, an arrow drawn hard against her cheek. “Let him go. Let him go or I will shoot you!” For a moment their eyes locked and he could see her pleading with him, pleading with him to stop. She did not want to do this but she would if she had to. Suddenly, as if all the anger with in him had evaporated Kalis let go, falling off as Palin drew a deep shuddering breath. As Palin tried to stagger to his feet Trik moved to stand over him.

“Oh no you don’t, not yet.” She said, kicking him in the head, knocking him unconscious again.

Kalis staggered to his feet and started to turn away. Moving to stand in front of him Trik grabbed his hand. “Oh Kalis, I’m so sorry, but I had to stop you.”

Kalis looked up, pain evident in his eyes. “I know Trik, I know. Thank you.” Reaching out he patted her hand before moving off and sitting on the steps where he lowered his head into his hands and wept. Sighing, Trik watched him for a few moments before sadly turning away and moving to help Shard bind Palin.

Slowly consciousness returned to Palin and with it realisation of where he was. Looking around he could see he was back in the Elfling’s infirmary only this time he could not move at all. Looking down at his body he saw why; he was completely encased in stone. There appeared to be nobody about. Sighing he lay back, waiting to see what they were going to him this time. Well, he thought, at least it won’t be Bris doing anything, I made sure of that. Closing his eyes he started to relax when a familiar feeling came to him, he could feel the shard again. Obviously they have Aeriel’s body somewhere here he thought. What a shame, he though with a smile, Kalis can’t bear to let his poor little pet go.

A short time later he heard the door open and several people walk into the room. Keeping his eyes closed he sensed them standing around him.

“Okay,” an unfamiliar voice said “Let’s see what we can find.”

Palin felt two hands press against the sides of his head and sudden pain exploded in his mind. Opening his eyes wide he saw a human female with red hair looking down at him. For several seconds she stared at him while he could feel her going through his mind, searching his thoughts, his feelings. Eventually she found what she was looking for and smiled, removing her hands. Turning away she said “It’s there, just like you thought.”

Palin looked over, his eyes widening in shock as Bris said “Okay, so what do we do.” She was alive! How that was possible Palin had no idea, he had felt her die. Looking around wildly he received another shock. There was Shard standing next to Bris. She was alive too. Anger burst in his mind, what did he have to do to kill these people? His thoughts were interrupted as Bris said “Okay, we will wait for the others and then we will start.”

Start what? Thought Palin. Then he realised; they must know! I have to get out of here he thought as he started to struggle wildly, however he could not move anything but his head. He was held fast. Moments later Kalis, the thin girl with the bow, the huge tattooed one and the slim one with the serious face walked into the room, taking up places around the wall.

“Thank you for coming.” said Bris “I think it is time for the truth in all this to be revealed. Now I do not know what will happen so please be ready for anything.” Turning to Sister Psyche she continued “Okay, we are ready.”

Moving to stand above Palin Sister Psyche placed her hands on either side of his head and closed her eyes in concentration. Slowly Palin could feel her entering his mind, he could feel all his defences being torn away as she probed deeper and deeper, tearing away at the hold he had on this body. Standing around the room no one could see the titanic struggle going on within Palin’s head. Beads of sweat rolled down Sister Psyche’s forehead as she concentrated, he knuckles turning white as she gripped Palin’s head, holding him still. Suddenly he screamed a long despairing sound of pain and loss as a strange white glow began to appear around his head.

“Get ready!” shouted Bris as the glow began to coalesce into a figure. Everyone gasped in shock as the familiar shape of a Spectral Demon Lord appeared. Suddenly Palin let out a scream of horror and Sister Psyche collapsed to the floor. Before anyone could react the Demon launched itself towards the ceiling and disappeared through the stones. Everyone looked around, dazed as Bris moved to look at Palin.

“Kalis, come here.” She shouted.

As Kalis moved to stand over Palin he saw something he thought he would never see again, a pair of clear brown eyes looking back at him.

With tears standing in his eyes Palin cried “Oh god, what have I done?”

TO BE CONTINUED…

You can read the previous parts here.

Okay, Part 4 is finally up. You can read it here. Enjoy

In the small dark room Palin Elfling lay back on his cot and smiled to himself. Around him he could hear the Circle’s chants and rituals, protecting him, calming him, allowing him to ignore the screaming voice in his mind. Looking down at the deep cuts in his chest he watched calmly as they began to heal themselves. Soon there were just two vivid red scars which eventually faded into two thin white lines before finally disappearing entirely. Palin smiled as he closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come.

Meanwhile, miles away Shard Elfling lay in a bed in a pristine white infirmary room. Gradually the pain slowly began to fade and her body began to heal itself. Staring at the ceiling she thought back over the last few days, it had been so confusing, everything she had come to believe over these last months now seemed so unclear. She had no idea what was going on or how to deal with it. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and tried to force her mind to calmness. She could feel her broken bones mending and the wounds healing, soon she would be whole again, and then she could deal with her thoughts. After a while, just as sleep was coming, a noise from the doorway brought her back to full awareness. Turning her head she saw a figure striding towards her.

“So you’re awake then?” Asked Bris as she came to stand next to the bed.

“Yes, no thanks to you.” Replied Shard angrily.

Sudden pain flashed across Bris’ face and she sighed deeply. “I am so very, very sorry about what we were forced to do to you. I hope that one day you can understand that it was necessary.” She said sadly.

“Necessary? You call this necessary?”

“Again, I am sorry, but yes it was necessary, especially for you. One day I hope I can explain it all to you.”

“Well explain away, I’m not going anywhere.”

Slowly Bris sat on the edge of the bed, her face subdued. “Okay, let me explain. We have no idea what happened to Palin in the forest but whatever it was, the change was immense. We couldn’t save him but we managed to save you and your brother. While you were recovering in the hospital Kalis came to me with an idea. He knows how headstrong you are and knew that there was no way we could stop you going after Palin so he came up with an idea where you would at least be able to look after yourself when you eventually did. And just so you know, I didn’t like the idea but I knew he was right.”

“So it was all a lie?”

“Well, not exactly.”

“Yes it was, I don’t care how you flower it up, you lied to me. Now just get lost and leave me alone.” With that she rolled over and stared hard at the wall, willing Bris to disappear. Sadly Bris stood and walked out of the room, quietly closing the door behind her. For the next two days Shard stayed in the infirmary, her mind seething. Thoughts of all that had happened raced through her mind, the attack in the village, coming to Paragon City, Palin’s attack in the apartment and being rescued by Kalis. Gradually she began to realise that maybe Bris was telling the truth, maybe there was a reason behind what they had done. Little did she know that truth would come as more of a shock than she could ever have imagine.

On the morning of the second day Bris quietly entered her room. Seeing Shard sitting up in bed she walked towards her. “So, are you ready to talk yet?”

Shard stared at her for several seconds before lowering her gaze “Go on then, say what you have to say.”
Bris sat on the end of the bed. “Okay then,” she said “what do you want to know?”

“All of it, why the lies?”

“First let me ask you one question. What happened when you fought Palin?”

“What do you mean, what happened? You can see what happened!”

“Exactly, and you only came out of it alive because of your training didn’t you?”

Shard opened her mouth to reply but suddenly stopped with a surprised look on her face. “You mean...”

“Yes, we knew that we could not stop you going after him so this was then only way we could think of to at least give you a chance of surviving.”

Shard say there, lost in thought for several minutes before again looking at Bris “Okay, what else?”

“Okay then, there is something that we cannot discuss right now, that will have to wait for later but I will tell you the rest. Your brother was badly hurt and we did come very close to losing him, but it was not quite as bad as I told you.”

“You mean he’s going to be okay?” Asked Shard, sudden hope welling inside her.

“Well, not exactly. Or should I say not yet, but yes we do hope that he will eventually regain full use of his legs.”

Finally, for the fist time since she left the village, Shard felt tears come. They were not tears of sadness but tears of joy and happiness. Her brother was okay, he would walk again. Bris sat calmly while Shard cried quietly. Eventually she regained control of herself “So then what?”

“Well,” Bris continued, “you were not injured quite as badly as we said. There is a shard of one of Palin’s claws lodged in your spine like I told you but you were never paralysed.”

“Then why… why did you say that?”

“You know why,” Said Bris patiently. “How long do you think you would have lasted without the training?”

“Yeah, I see, but how did you know I’d find…” Shard paused, unsure of what she had heard that night.

“My father?” asked Bris with a small smile. Shard nodded. “Yes he is my father and to be honest, that was the easy part. Whenever you passed out or slept we would just teleport you closer to him. And of course there was always someone watching you. In the state you were in there was no chance of you noticing anyway.”

Shard turned away deep in thought. Everything she thought she had known was false. She suddenly realised just how much Bris and Kalis had done for her, how wrong she had been. After almost ten minutes she turned back and looked up at Bris.

“Okay then, now what?”

“Well first of all, you need some new clothes and then there are some people you need to meet.” Bris said with a smile as she stood and started walking towards the door.

“What?” Looking down Shard realised that she was still only wearing a skimpy hospital gown. “What happened to my clothes?”

“Well they were covered in blood and ripped to shreds so we dumped them. Funnily enough Kalis was so worried about you that he wouldn’t leave the room.” Bris laughed as Shard suddenly blushed “Don’t worry Aeriel, he’s the perfect gentleman and left before we did anything anyway. There are some clothes in that cupboard over there.” She said, waving to a cupboard in the corner as she reached the door.

“Bris,” Shard called “thank you, but please, it’s Shard, not Aeriel. It’s important.”

Bris paused “Okay Shard, I’ll be outside when you are ready.”

A short while later Kalis, Flax and Trik were sitting round a table in the communal area when Bris walked into the room. “Everyone,” she said “I think there is someone you would like to meet.” She stood aside and gestured to Shard, standing nervously just inside the door. “This is Shard.” They all stood and Trik walked over to her, enfolding her in a hug.

“Welcome,” she smiled “I’m Trik, let me show you around.”

“Thanks, but there’s one think I just need to do first.” Stepping away from Trik she walked over to Kalis and, without any warning, slapped him in the face. “That’s for setting me up!” she said, laughing at the shocked look on his face. She then walked back over to Trik, linked arms with her and they walked out of the room.

The last thing Kalis heard was Trik laugh “I have wanted to do that to him for so long!” before they disappeared. Turning to Bris and Flax, Kalis gave a bemused shrug before storming indignantly out of the door as they collapsed laughing into their chairs. Hours later Trik and Shard staggered back into the room. Shard was still recovering from the shock of finding an entire community of Elflings living in the base. Everywhere she looked there seemed to be new faces, Elflings she had never seen before. At first she had been wary of Trik but the young woman’s open friendly attitude has soon won her around. Relaxing around the communal table Shard looked around, still trying to absorb everything. Finally she smiled to herself, finally accepting how wrong she had been.

For almost a week Shard stayed in the base and was starting to feel at home, she had her own room and anything she wanted was there for the taking. No matter who she talked to everyone was always helpful and friendly. It seemed that everyone knew what had happened to her but no one seemed to pity her or offer false sympathy. They all seemed genuinely concerned for her. After over a year of living a lonely existence where her only thoughts were those of vengeance the change was profound. Early one morning she was awoken by the sound of someone knocking on her door. Sleepily she padded over to the door and opened it to find Trik standing on the other side. “What time is it?” Shard asked fuzzily.

“About five o’clock, we have a lot to do today.”

“Huh? Oh, okay” she sighed “Give me a minute to get dressed.” She said as she closed the door.

Ten minutes later Shard was sat at a large table holding a steaming cup of coffee. Looking around she saw Bris, Trik, Kalis, Flax and Angel looking back at her. “So why the early wake up?”

Bris looked seriously at her for a moment before replying “Do you remember me telling you that there was something that we could not talk about in the infirmary?”

“Yes.” She replied warily, looking around the table.

“Well, it’s time that you knew the rest.” Bris paused before continuing. “Did you ever wonder just how Palin found you so easily when you were living in such an out of the way place?”

“No, not really.”

“It’s the shard. He can sense it and he knows exactly where it is.”

Shard fell back, a shocked look on her face. She never once considered how Palin had always known exactly where she was, now she suddenly realised just what it meant. He could always find her and always would be able to. Would she ever know any peace from him she thought, or would this go on and on until one of them were dead?

“Fortunately Angel has come up with a possible solution.” Continued Bris.

“What, I thought you said it wouldn’t come out.”

“Unfortunately it will not, but that is not what we were thinking of.”

“What then?”

“Well, you now know that Palin can use the shard to find you, yes?”

“Yes, so you said.”

“Well do you think that it may also work the other way round?”

For the second time in as many moments Shard fell back, stunned. Suddenly everything that Bris and Kalis had worked for was perfectly clear. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that this was their plan, but now she knew. They needed her to get to Palin. Looking around the table she could see that Flax and Trik were equally as shocked. It seemed that Bris, Kalis and Angel were the only ones who knew about this. “But… but how? How am I supposed to control this thing?”

“That’s where I come in” said a voice from the door. Turning round Shard saw a tall human female with red hair and a bright green outfit standing in the doorway.

“Who…?”

“My name is Sister Psyche. Bris asked me to come and help you with your small problem.”

“Wha…” Shard looked from Sister Psyche to Bris, now thoroughly confused.

“I can do a lot,” said Bris “but this is something I cannot help you with.”

Almost a week later Shard sat exhausted on her bed. Every day Sister Psyche had pushed her mercilessly, trying to get her to attune her mind to the shard embedded in her back, trying to help her find the psychic link to Pain. At first she felt nothing but eventually she began to feel something, just faint emotions and vague feelings, nothing more. She was not sure whether it was real progress or just her imagination playing tricks on her. Deciding that she was wasting her time second guessing herself she settled down for an early night.

The next day Shard again found herself locked in a room with Sister Psyche. Beads of sweat ran down her brow as she concentrated on the task at hand. She could feel Sister Psyche willing her on, willing her to make that final breakthrough. Suddenly an image flashed in her mind, as clear as if she were there. An ornate door set in the side of a canyon wall surrounded by devastation and fallen buildings. Gasping in shock Shard fell back in her chair. “I know where he is!” she gasped.

“What?” cried Sister Psyche, a look of relief on her face “You’ve found him? Stop,” she said as Shard went to answer. “Wait here, hold onto that thought.” and she ran from the room.

A short while later Bris entered the room and moved to stand in front of her “Is it true, you know where he is?”

“Yes,” she replied in wonder “I know.”

A look of intense relief crossed Bris’ face as she said “Okay, come with me, we need to tell the others.”

A short time later Shard sat nervously in the meeting room. Bris, Flax, Trik, Kalis and Angel were all staring back at her with tense, strained expressions.

“Okay then,” asked Bris “where?”

Slowly Shard took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “The Hollows, He’s in the Hollows.”

“The hollows is a big place Shard.” Bris sighed “Have you any more information?”

“No, I’m sorry, just an image of a door, that’s all.” Replied Shard dejectedly.

“A door?” interrupted Flax, an intent look on his face “Describe it to me.”

“Well,” she paused, gather in her thoughts “I can see a long, narrow canyon, it’s early morning but the door is well lit by the sun, the other side of the canyon is all dark. I can see the door, it’s actually two doors, the surround is very ornate and there’s a symbol carved in the stone over it, an eye with lines coming from it.”

“What?” she asked as Kalis groaned.

“I hate that place” he moaned, looking at Flax.

“What, where, you know where it is?” asked Shard, shocked.

“Yes, we know where it is” replied Flax grimly, “It’s a temple, and we’ve been there a few times. I should have known he would be there of all places!” he continued angrily.

“Now Flax, stop beating yourself up. There was no way we could have known for sure.” Said Bris gently “But now we do, and now you must go and get him.”

“Yes.” Cried Trik jumping to her feet.

“Well then,” continued Bris looking at Kalis “Who is going.”

“Well, I think me, Flax, Trik of course, or we‘ll never hear the end of it…” he ignored Trik as she stuck her tongue out at him.

“Me?” asked Shard.

“No Shard,” replied Bris

”What? Why, if anyone should go it’s me. I can find him!”

“And he can find you. He knows where you are, remember?” Bris replied with a stern look.

“Oh, sorry, I forgot.” Shard replied, subdued.

“Okay, Carry on Kalis.”

“Okay then, I think we need Angel and Baros too. Oh and I’m taking Ligo.”

“Ligo? What’s a Ligo?” asked Shard, confused.

“Me,” said a voice from the doorway “And I’m not an it!”

Shard looked around nervously as the largest Elfling she had ever seen walked into the room. He was huge! She could see the muscles rippling across his tattooed chest as he entered the room. “So,” he asked “where we going?”

“The Hollows, back to that damn temple.” replied Kalis.

“Good, I like that place” replied Ligo with an evil grin.

“We just have to stop off and get Baros on the way”

“Baros? Great!” Ligo laughed with a grin “We’re going to have so much fun.”

With that Flax, Kalis, Trik, Angel and Ligo turned and walked out of the room. The last thing they heard was Bris’ usual shout of “And be careful!”

TO BE CONTINUED…

You can read the previous parts here.

You can read Part III here.