Tellis

The sun rose over Atlas Park, just another day for the inhabitants and heroes of Paragon City. Just another day of struggle and violence, victory and defeat. Not just another day for Shard Elfling though, as she stood gazing up at the giant statue of the mighty hero, Atlas. Mighty hero, she thought with a smirk. Liars, fakes, that’s what they all are she thought as she slowly mounted the steps and approached a tall blond haired human female wearing a bright red white and blue costume.

“Hello there Shard Elfling,” Said Miss Liberty with a warm smile “What brings you to Paragon City?”

“You, you know who I am?” stammered Shard, momentarily confused.

“Of course, it’s my job to know. I know a great many Elflings who make their home here, a great many friends. And I’m sure we’ll become good friends too.”

Shard’s anger, her constant companion these last months, reasserted itself “You think? Why would I want to be your friend?” she asked with contempt in her voice.

“Now Listen to me young girl” stated Miss Liberty in a firm voice, the smile disappearing to be replaced with a stern demeanour “You will find that you will need all the friends you can get around here, and I am in a position to be one of the best ones you could possibly have. Now,” she continued in a calmer voice, the smile reappearing “Do you want my help, or should I put you on the next flight to Mercy Island? Your choice.”

“You’re right,” replied Shard, subdued “I need help.”

“That’s better, now what can I do for you?”

“I need to find two people, Bris and Kalis Elfling, can you help me?”

“Why yes, I can, but one question first. Why?”

Shard looked squarely into Miss Liberty’s eyes with a steady unwavering gaze. “It’s better if you don’t know.” She replied.

Two days later Shard was living in a small run down room in a poor corner of Atlas Park. Slowly she was beginning to understand what Miss Liberty had meant. She needed friends and contacts if she was to carry out her task. Paragon City was not a nice place, nothing like the forests of her home. That fact had been forcibly introduced to her within ten minutes of leaving City Hall with a set of directions and a key to her new home. Not being a natural map reader Shard had become hopelessly lost and wandered down a dark alley. Hearing a noise behind her she realised her mistake. There were many that would try and take advantage of a small, beautiful, apparently defenceless Elfling, and Shard was beautiful, in spite of all that happened. Turning, Shard saw three human thugs standing behind her, all in dark clothing, reds and browns and all holding a variety of unpleasant weapons. Thirty seconds later Shard walked out the alley quite a bit richer, quite a bit happier and leaving behind three Hellions in their own personal world of hurt. Fortunately the huge statue of Atlas was visible from almost anywhere in Atlas Park and it was not long before she managed to find her way to her new home.

Sitting on her bed in the dank, dingy room Shard racked her brain. How was she going to find Bris and Kalis? She had no idea. Miss Liberty had said that there were a great many Elflings living in Paragon City but she had walked all over Atlas Park and had not seen one. Little did she know how much more there was to Paragon City. Finally her eyes were drawn to the money she had taken off the Hellions. Of course, she though, someone will know where I can find them. I’ve just got to ask the right questions of the right people. Shard looked out of the window. Night was falling. Perfect, she thought, there would be plenty of people about who could answer her questions. Plenty of the right type of people, that is. Quietly Shard climbed out of her window onto the fire escape outside. Just as she started to descend the rusty ladder she froze. Someone was watching her. She could feel them. But where? She thought, looking around frantically. She could not see anyone. Gradually the feeling passed and Shard lowered herself down into the darkness, beginning what was to become a nightly ritual of seeking out any scrap of information, however small which would lead her to her goal.

One night, a few weeks later, Shard stepped out of her window and lowered herself down the fire escape. Again the feeling of being watched came to her, so familiar now that she all but ignored it. Landing in the dark, fetid alleyway she was about to walk away when she heard a voice from the darkness.

“I can see you.” came a cold, ghostly voice. Shard turned and saw a pair of cold, dead eyes looking back at her. Palin! He had found her! Suddenly a blinding pain exploded in her back and Shard fell to the floor, unable to move.

“Oh, what’s this?” exclaimed Palin with a cold, evil smile as he stepped from the shadows, moving to stand over her. “Who have we here?” Bending down he ripped the veil from Shard’s face. “You? Oh this is just too good. I should have finished you off when I had the chance. Did Kalis send you, are you his new lapdog? Well, did he?” Shard just lay there in agony, unable to answer, unable to move. What was going on? What was happening to her? “Answer me!” screamed Palin in sudden fury, but she could not. She could do nothing. Slowly Palin knelt down next to her, a look of cold dispassionate curiosity on his face. “You can’t can you? Hmm, interesting.“ Suddenly Palin paused. “What’s this? I can feel something, where is it?” he mused as he ran a cold hand down and across Shard’s body. “Oh, here it is.” He smiled as he ran his hand across the scars on her back. The shard! The though burst in Shard’s mind. That’s what’s doing this! But how?

“Oh this is just too good” Palin breathed, his eyes widening in a dark glee “Kalis sent you after me because the mighty hero was just too scared to face me and now his precious new pet can’t even move. She can’t touch me!” Palin fell back, laughing an evil, dark laugh. After a few moments he regained control of himself and moved again to kneel next to Shard. Holding his right hand in front of her face he slowly clenched his fist and a dark, glistening claw extended from the back of his hand. “Time to say goodbye, lapdog” he smiled “But still, it doesn’t have to be quick. We have all night, don’t we?” And with that he slowly pushed the claw through Shard’s right shoulder causing her to scream in agony. Suddenly heat washed over her and she heard a strange voice shout “No” before she sank into blessed darkness.

Slowly consciousness returned and as awareness came she jumped to her feet, forcing her body to respond. Promptly hitting her forehead on the lampshade above her bed she fell back in a daze. Looking around she saw she was back in her room and there was a fresh bandage on her right shoulder. How did I get back here? She wondered. What happened? Who had saved her? Kalis, Bris? No, they never would. Then who? Still, she thought, this changes nothing. Palin was here so that meant that Kalis and Bris were still out there. Defiantly Shard ripped the bandage from her shoulder, pleasantly surprised to find the wound completely healed, and grabbed her veil from where it had been left on the bedside table. Covering her face she climbed out the window onto the fire escape. Pausing, she concentrated. No, there was no one watching tonight, whoever had helped her had obviously scared Palin off for the time being. Dropping into the alley Shard continued her search. Days later, just as the sun was rising over the rooftops, Shard crawled exhausted back into her room. She had spent weeks searching and had not found a single sign of another Elfling. She did not understand, Miss Liberty said that there were many Elflings in Paragon City so where were they? Exhausted she fell into a deep sleep.

Night came and again Shard found herself searching yet another dark, deserted alley, yet another dead end. This was futile, she thought as she turned another corner into what was obviously going to be another deserted alley.

“Looking for me?” asked Kalis Elfling, leaning casually against the wall. Spinning around, Shard lashed out with her foot, intending to knock him straight through the wall. Faster than she could have ever imagined Kalis stepped to one side and grabbed her ankle in an iron grip, pulling her off balance. No matter how hard she tried to pull away she couldn’t move an inch. Kalis’ grip was unbreakable.

“Get off me! I’ll kill you!” She screamed, yanking at her leg.

“No, Aeriel, we need to talk.”

Shard lashed out with her other foot at the sound of her old name but only managed to spin herself around in the air, almost dislocating her ankle and landing painfully on her back, knocking the wind from her. “Don’t say that name,” she coughed “You killed her. You and that cow!”

Letting go of her ankle Kalis stepped back “No” he replied, ”We didn’t, but Palin almost did.”

”No, it’s wasn’t. It was you and her. You did this. You betrayed Palin and you used me.” Cried Shard, staggering to her feet.

“No, we didn’t. Palin was my best friend, he was like my brother. I could never do that to him, or you.” Kalis replied, turning away. Taking advantage of Kalis’ distraction she spun and delivered a punishing kick to the back of his neck, knocking him into a pile of old crates. Not wasting a moment she turned and ran blindly into the darkness.

After a few moments Kalis slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head. “Well she can certainly fight.“ he said with a wry smile, looking up into the darkness. “My head is going to be sore for a week and my hand is killing me.”

“Well you will get into these fights” laughed a slender young Elfling, slowly dropping out of the darkness, a large bow in her left hand.

“Yeah, I know, I know. And where would you be now if I wasn’t here to protect you lot! Now help me up.”

“Probably somewhere warmer than this smelly alley! And help yourself up you lazy bugger!” Laughed Trik, flying off into the night. Slowly Kalis dragged himself to his feet. Well, he thought as he ran off after her, this is going to be just a little more complicated than Bris thinks.

Hours later Shard staggered back into her room, her mind in turmoil. When Kalis had said her name all the old feelings, all the old pain had come crashing back. How dare he use that name. After all he had done to her! How dare he! Then another thought came to her, what had been that on his face, grief, guilt, what? No, she thought, unwilling to let go of her anger. He’s just lying to me again! Throughout the rest of the night Shard lay there unable to act, her mind in turmoil. Meanwhile, in a dark, torchlit room three figures sat around a small table.

“So what now?” asked Kalis, laying his axe on the table.

“Well you need to learn to fight properly” replied Trik sarcastically.

“What, like you? Somehow I think not, I’m not that fond of the hospital!”

“Don’t you two ever stop arguing?” interrupted a stern faced Elfling, standing just inside the door.

“No!” Trik laughed as the Elfling moved to a vacant seat.

“Well, give it a break for once.” He sighed as Trik stuck her tongue out at him.

“Yes, please do.” Sighed Bris from the remaining seat. “Ok then Flax,” she continued seriously, turning to the new Elfling “What do we know?”

“Well, he’s definitely out there, that much is obvious. I spoke to a few people who have been keeping an eye on him for us, apparently it’s getting worse.”

“Worse?” asked Bris

“Yes, he’s been seen taking part in their rituals now, and I don’t mean the ones you can see just by walking around Steel Canyon”

“Oh no, how has this happened?”

“I don’t know exactly. Those who have been watching him told me that he started seeking them out not long after he got here. At first it seemed that he was trying to keep them under control, just like everyone else but then he started disappearing off into the woods in Perez Park. Eventually one of my contacts managed to get close enough to see what was going on.”

“What?” asked Trik, an anxious look on her face.

“He was helping them sacrifice a prisoner.”

“Oh no!” Trik fell back into her chair, tears standing in her eyes.

“Yes I’m afraid he was. My contact barely got out alive to bring this information to me.” Flax paused then continued in a stern voice. “So now you know. Now you know why he has to be stopped. The circle’s magic is bad enough as it is, but with his powers too? He would be unstoppable. It would be a nightmare.”

“But how has this happened?” asked Bris “The Circle have always been very secretive, their rituals are very private, why would they take an Elfling into their confidence? No” she continued reflectively “something’s not right and we have to find out what it is.”

“But what?” asked Kalis “How do we do that, how do we stop him?”

“That’s easy” cried Trik, jumping to her feet “We kill him!”

“No” replied Bris “I’ve already told you that won’t work. There is another way, we have another option.”

“What? What option?” Trik shouted.

Bris said nothing, gazing intently at Kalis.

Kalis looked away sighing “Yeah, I know, I know. Aeriel.” Staring at the floor Kalis was silent, an anguished look on his face. After a few moments Trik opened her mouth, obviously about to say something, but was stopped by Bris holding up a hand. Saying nothing they just continued to look at Kalis. After a few minutes he looked up, a resigned look on his face “Ok,” he said, standing and picking up his axe “I’ll go get her.” With that he turned and walked out of the door.

Morning came slowly the next day, bringing a cloudy, overcast sky; a damp steady rain was falling. In her room Shard dozed fitfully, her sleep troubled by dreams of Palin standing over her again. She had lay there all night trying to reconcile what had happened over the last couple of days with what she believed. No matter how hard she tried though, she could not. Something was just not right. She lay on her bed her mind twisting and turning, trying to find a solution, an explanation to all this. Finally, as dawn broke she had fallen into an uneasy sleep. Suddenly she was awoken by a loud crash and the stinging pain of broken glass cutting into her flesh. Bolting upright she saw that her nightmare had come true. There was Palin standing in the shattered remains of her window. Sudden pain exploded in her back and she fell back as he advanced with an evil grin on his face. Raising his fist above his head she could see the claws extending from the back of his hand and knew that she was about to die. “I’ll make it quick this time” he sneered, “Quick and painful.” And with that he lunged down directly at Shard’s face.

“No” she screamed. Summoning strength from somewhere deep inside she managed to roll to one side, just avoiding the claws which struck deep into the mattress. As if that one movement had released all the pent up rage and anger inside her, Shard found the will to move. The pain was still there but it did not matter. Nothing mattered other than killing Palin Elfling. Lashing out with her leg she caught him on the hip, knocking him off the bed. As he fell back she jumped to her feet, circling the bed, trying to find some space to be able to fight. Palin pulled himself to his feet, the grin never leaving his face.

“Good,” he hissed “This will be so much more fun.” Slowly he clenched his left fist and claws extended from the back of that hand too. Making no effort to attack he just stood there, grinning at her. Rage burst in Shard’s chest; she wanted nothing more than to wipe that grin off his face. Lunging forward she aimed a punch straight at him. Palin fell back away from the blow, his left hand coming up in a sweeping arc, the claws slicing deep into Shard’s arm. Blood sprayed everywhere but Shard barely felt it, so great was her rage. Again she lunged at him, again she missed and again the claws bit into her, slicing deep into her side. This time she screamed in agony as she felt ribs crack and blood began to pour from her side. Staggering back she tried to anticipate Palin’s next move but he made none. She coughed as she tried to catch her breath; tasting blood. The tearing pain in her side was unbearable and she could barely breathe. Then she knew; one of her broken ribs had punctured a lung. She could feel her strength sapping and knew that she didn’t have long. She must beat Palin soon, before it was too late. Starting at him she waited for him to attack but he just stood there, the grin growing wider. “Is that all you have?” he taunted “Your keeper should have taught you better.” Screaming in rage Shard launched herself at him with the last of her strength, her foot aimed straight at his heart. Calmly Palin spun on the spot, avoiding her foot and lashing out with both hands, his claws biting deep into her leg and her back, the force of the blow crashing her into the wall. She fell to the floor and could feel her consciousness slipping away as her blood soaked the floor around her. All she could see was Palin’s feet as he moved to stand over her, then nothing….

Palin smiled to himself as he moved to stand over Shard’s inert body. He was going to enjoy this he thought as he knelt next to her, ignoring the blood soaking into his trousers. Looking down at her body he could see that the blood was flowing slower now, her life now measured in mere minutes. He smiled as he thought of how best to arrange her remains, how to cause Kalis the most pain. Absorbed in his thoughts he didn’t hear a slight scratching noise outside the door. Suddenly the door exploded off its hinges, flying across the room. Looking up Palin saw Kalis charging towards him, a look of cold murderous rage on his face. Jumping to his feet he narrowly avoided being decapitated by Kalis’s axe. Falling back he lashed out with his claws but Kalis easily blocked them returning a thundering blow with his axe, the blade slashed through Palin’s robe and left a bloody trail across his chest. Swinging again Kalis left another bloody cut across his chest. Palin could feel himself starting to tire, it was taking all his skill to stay alive and he knew there was no way he would be able to beat Kalis now. Seeing no other choice he turned and dived out of the shattered window, disappearing into the alley below. Kalis took a step after him then realised that it was pointless, he had escaped. Dropping his axe he ran to Shard’s side. Looking down at her he took in her injuries. Damn he thought, why didn’t I bring Bris or Angel, I’m no healer. Seeing no other choice he sheathed his axe, picked Shard up and ran out of the room, past the shocked landlord and out of the building.

Racing down back alleys and across deserted yards Kalis prayed that he would be able to get Shard to Bris in time. He was pretty sure that she did not have an emergency teleporter to the hospital; it would have worked when she fell unconscious otherwise. Looking down at her pale face Kalis sighed and ran faster. Dodging down another alley he felt Shard move in his arms. Looking down he saw a pair of dark eyes gazing back at him, she was awake. Stumbling he almost dropped her; he had seen Shard’s injuries and was convinced that she was going to die. He couldn’t believe that she was awake now.

“What happened?” she mumbled “Where’s Palin?”

“Don’t worry about him now, you’re safe; just hang on.” And with a sudden burst of speed he dashed down another alley into a deserted park. Skidding to a halt in front of an old wooden door he banged on it with his foot. A few moments later the door swung open and Kalis stepped inside.

“So you got her then?” asked Flax, standing just inside the door.

“Yeah, now can we come in? It’s getting cold out here and she needs help!”

“Okay, okay. Bris is in the infirmary.”

“Who was that?” Asked Shard nervously as Kalis carried her down the hall.

“His name is Flax, he built this place. He’s nice enough but whatever you do, don’t annoy him. Now come on, let’s get you looked at” replied Kalis, carrying her towards the infirmary.

Shard gazed around in confusion, seeing a huge complex of rooms and corridors. There were Elflings everywhere.

“Yeah” smiled Kalis looking down at her, “Welcome to our base.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

You can read the previous parts here.

Ok, Part II's up. It can be read here. Enjoy

Although Shard Elfling was only very young when her life changed she would remember it like it was only moments ago. She often though back to that night when there was no Shard Elfling, only a young Elfling called Aeriel.

It’s been a strange couple of days, thought Aeriel as she climbed into bed. First, Kalis had left the village and, though he did not know it, broke her heart. Aeriel had never told Kalis but she had secretly harboured a crush on him for the longest of times, even though he was so much older than her. Secondly Palin Elfling had disappeared. Palin was a nice enough boy, but he was nothing like Kalis as far as she was concerned. In her young mind she decided that he had obviously gone after Kalis and would turn up eventually. She could not understand, then, the panic that had struck the village this morning. Someone had said that Palin had been found out in the forest. Well that was a good thing wasn’t it? So why all the panic? For the rest of the day all she saw was villagers running around. Any time she asked what was happening no one would answer. Finally night fell and Aeriel went to bed, falling into a peaceful sleep. Little did she know but it would be the last truly peaceful sleep she would ever have.

Suddenly Aeriel woke. What had woken her, why did she feel so frightened? Then she heard it, heard the shouts and the screams of people in pain. What was happening, she thought, who was doing this? Then she looked over and saw her brother’s empty bed. Fear overtook her and in a blind panic she rushed from the house. Where was Aerin, what had happened? Running outside she was greeted by a sight that may have come from her worst nightmares. Bodies lay everywhere, the screams and moans were so sickening and all that blood. Just as Aeriel felt as though she was about to pass out she saw a sight that chilled her to the heart. There was Aerin, running towards her, shouting something but she could not hear what. What was he shouting, what was happening? Who was that figure raising behind him? Oh my god, he looks so familiar, so different.

“NOOOO!” The scream exploded from her as Palin’s hand slashed downwards into Aerin’s neck and he crumpled to the floor, lifeless. Palin just vanished into the darkness. Rushing to Aerin, Aeriel grabbed hold of his lifeless body, cradling him to her, tears rolling down her face. Suddenly there was a blinding flash of white hot pain in her back and then nothing…

Blinding pain in my eyes, she though. No, wait, that’s the sun. What happened, where am I? All these thoughts swirled in Aeriel’s mind as she awoke. Oh, what a nightmare I had last night, she thought. Then another thought followed; Hang on, this isn’t my room, where am I, why can’t I move? Aeriel’s screams brought Angel Elfling running into the room.

“Where am I?” she cried, “What happened?” Then realisation came, and with it Aeriel broke down. “Oh my god, it was real? Aerin’s dead?” she cried.

“Aeriel, Aeriel, it’s ok,” replied Angel “Aerin’s alive. He’s here. You’re in the hospital.” Slowly Angel calmed Aeriel, slowly explaining what had happened and how she had come to be there. “And when Kalis had chased him off,” he concluded “He grabbed both Bris and I and physically dragged us over to you two, forcing us to look after you. Like we wouldn’t have anyway? The Thug!”

“So I’m ok then, Aerin’s ok?” Aeriel asked, hope lighting up her face. Angel turned his face away, unable to answer. Too late though, Aeriel had seen what was in his eyes.

“What?” She screamed “What’s wrong. Tell me.”

“No” Said a calm voice behind her “You are not okay young Elfling, and neither is your brother.” Aeriel turned to see the cool, calm face of Bris Elfling gazing back at her with a steady, unwavering gaze. Angel took one look at her and gratefully fled the room. “You, both of you,” Continued Bris “Are extremely lucky to be alive. Palin came within the smallest of margins of killing your brother and only through a lot of very hard work by both Angel and I does he live. However I must tell you something and it is not pleasant. He will never walk again. Palin’s attack injured his spine to the extent that he will never again be able to use his legs.”

Aeriel started breathlessly at Bris. This can’t be true, she thought, I must be dreaming, oh why can’t I wake up, why won’t this end.

“And you, well we hope that one day you may be able to walk again but we just don’t know. The damage to your back and spine was extensive. We have healed your physical injuries but there is something else.”

“What, what else, what is it?” Aeriel cried. Never be able to walk again? It was bad enough when it was just her brother. Now both of them? This was unbearable.

“It would appear that when Palin struck you a small shard of one of his claws somehow broke off and fused itself to you spine. It’s this which is stopping you from walking.”

“Then take it out.” Shouted Aeriel “Get it out of me now!”

“We can’t, not without killing you. I’m afraid it’s stuck there permanently. The only way you will ever walk again is if you learn how to control you body again. And control it completely.” With that Bris turned and walked out of the room.

For days Aeriel lay there, sunk in the deepest despair. Her thought’s chasing around and around, turning in on themselves, feeding her despair. Finally, slowly her thoughts changed to those of anger and hatred and thoughts of revenge began to surface until, in a blinding flash one though came to her. I WILL HAVE VENGANCE. As if this thought had thrown a switch inside her Aeriel slowly, painfully began to move her legs, dragging herself from the bed. She landed with a thud on the floor, her useless legs crumpling beneath her, the sound bringing Angel running into the room.

“What are you doing” He screamed, grabbing hold of her “How did you get out of bed. I’ve got to get you back to bed, quickly before Bris sees you.”

“Get off me, Leave me alone” Aeriel shouted pushing him away.

“But, but, but you can’t get up, you’re not well, you have to stay here. I have to…”

“Leave her alone Angel.” Interrupted Bris from the doorway. “She needs to do this by herself.” Angel rose and backed away as Bris continued coldly “Listen to me young Elfling. I know you’re angry and I know why, far better than you could ever imagine. Angel and I have spent days trying to save not only you but all the other poor souls that Palin hurt. And some of those were hurt far worse than you. So if you want revenge or whatever you want to call it then I won’t stop you. But neither will I help you, that’s not my way. So whatever you feel the need to do, go ahead but you will do it alone.” At this Bris turned and dragged Angel from the room.

Outside the room Bris turned to Kalis Elfling, standing quietly in the corner, anguish clearly evident on her face. “Oh Kalis, why does it have to be like this?” she cried ”What right do we have to do this to her, to use her like this.”

“We have no choice. Palin will never listen to you or me now. We need someone else to get to him.”

“I know, but it’s so hard. I hate lying to her”

“I know,” replied Kalis, “But if she knew that she could walk then how much chance do you think we would have of convincing her to train herself before she went after Palin. This is the only way, believe me.” With that Kalis turned and left the room.

Meanwhile, in her room, Aeriel was lying on the floor, consumed with anger. They won’t help me? She thought. Fine then, I’ll do it myself, I don’t need them. I’m going to find Palin and when I do I’ll kill him. Slowly, with every fibre of her being, Aeriel forced her unwilling legs to respond, dragging herself to her feet and staggering out of the hospital, out of the village and into isolation and solitude.

Months passed and slowly life began to return to normal in the village. No one gave much thought to the disappearance of Aeriel, mainly due to a rumour planted by Bris. Aeriel had been too badly injured to be healed in the village and had to be taken away for further treatment. Life for Aeriel, however was not normal, not anymore. She had found herself wandering in the forest with only one burning desire, vengeance. She had no idea, though, how she would accomplish this, how would she be strong enough. Bris’ words burned in her mind. ‘You must learn control but I won’t help you, you will do it alone’ she had said. So be it thought Aeriel, thinking of the cold, distant look on Bris’s face. But now she began to wonder how was she going to do this alone? She needed help, but who, who could help? Finally her wanderings led her to an ancient Elfling living deep in the forest. Starving, weak and delirious with exhaustion she staggered into his camp, collapsing unconscious at his feet. Hours later she awoke finding herself in a small room with the old Elfling standing over her. Fearfully she sat up, backing away from him.

“Have no fear, young child” said the Elfling calmly. “You sought me out, so here I am.”

“I sought you out? What do you mean? How could you know what I’m looking for?”

“I know. I know all about you Aeriel. I know what you went through and I know what you want. I can help you”

“Help me, how?” asked Aeriel, now thoroughly confused.

“You need to learn how to control you body again, control it completely. I can teach you that. If you will let me.”

“Well it seems that I have no choice.” Replied Aeriel in resignation. So Aeriel’s training began. Weeks turned into months and slowly Aeriel learnt the total control that she needed. The abilities to defend herself with nothing but her bare hands and even to summon her internal energies to heal her wounds were hers and soon, soon she would be ready. One day, near the end of her training the old Elfling pushed her harder than ever before.

“Faster. Harder.” He would say as she worked herself to the brink exhaustion “You must be ready for anything, at any time. Your body is weak” he repeated for what seemed like the thousandth time “Master it, make it obey you.” Finally the day was done and Aeriel collapsed into her bed and fell into an exhausted, dreamless sleep.

Hours later she awoke. What had woken her? For a moment the old nightmares returned. Had Palin come back to finish what he started? No, she realised, that was not it. It was voices that had awoken her, voices she recognised, speaking quietly just outside the hut. Silently Aeriel crept from her bed to the window. Peering out of a gap in the shutters she could just make out the silhouette of two people. The old Efling and, of all people, Bris Elfling! Aeriel choked back a gasp of shock as Bris said quietly “So, is she ready? Can she do it?”

“I feel no pride in this burden you have placed on me my daughter but yes, she is ready. She will do what you want.” Aeriel saw a small smile of satisfaction cross Bris’ face and flames burst in her mind, blotting out the old man’s next words.

“I warn you though Bris, there is a great deal of anger there, a great deal of hatred. If she ever learns that you lied to her, even for the right reasons, she will turn on you too.”

“Then I will have to make sure she never does.“ replied Bris sadly, turning and disappearing into the darkness.

Slowly Aeriel crept back to her bed, anger and a burning rage consuming her thoughts. What had they done to her? Her brother? It was all Bris Elfling’s doing. She was responsible. Then a staggering thought crashed over her. Had Bris turned Palin against her, had she used him too, just like she was using her? She had to find out. An icy resolve settled over Aeriel Elfling. She would track down them all, Bris, Kalis and anyone else who was involved and make them pay for what they had done. Quietly she gathered her meagre possessions and crept out of the hut, stepping out of the door just as the old Elfling returned.

“Aeriel, what...” he began as he saw her.

“Don’t speak to me” she snarled cutting him off with a wave of her hand “And don’t use that name. Aeriel Elfling is dead, you and your guttersnipe daughter killed her. Yes, I heard you and now I’m going to find her and return the favour.” With that she turned and disappeared into the darkness.

With a sigh the old Elfling turned as two figures appeared from the woods. “I hope you know what you’re doing, I really do.”

“We do,” replied Kalis, looking at Bris. “We have no choice, she’s his only chance.”

Days later a strange young Elfling appeared in the village. Dressed all in dark, tight fitting clothing with a veil across her face the stranger approached a young Elfling sitting on a bench, a pair of crutches lying next to him. “You,” the stranger said in a cold voice “I’m looking for someone, where can I find Bris Elfling?”

“She’s not here “replied Aerin Elfling sadly, ”I haven’t seen her in months.”

“Then where is she?”

“I don’t know, none of us do, though the last thing I heard is that she may have gone somewhere with a friend of hers.”

“Where?”

“Somewhere called Paragon City.”

“I thank you” said the stranger, turning away.

“Wait.” called Aerin, “Do I know you, what’s your name”

The stranger paused, turning “My name, my name is Shard Elfling and no, you do not know me.”

With that Shard walked out of the village of her birth, her sights set firmly on Paragon City and vengeance. Vengance against Bris and Kalis Elfling.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Part 1 can be read here

Hehe.

The sun rose over the village, slowly burning away the mist from between the trees. Despite the early hour the entire village was turned out because today was finally the day when Kalis Elfling was to leave the village in search of his future. Having heard so many stories from Bris and Chel Elfling about the wonders of Paragon City, Kalis had decided to follow them to seek his fortune. Everyone had turned out to wish him well and speed him on his way. Everyone except for Palin Elfling that is. Palin was Kalis’ youngest cousin and had hero-worshipped him for many years. Everywhere Kalis went, Palin was with him. No matter what trouble they got into it was always together and no matter where one went, the other went too. It had been commented on many times that they were inseparable. So, to see Kalis leave was just unbearable for Palin. He just could not face it. He took himself off into the forest so he would not have to watch his best friend desert him.

Palin wandered aimlessly for hours, his thoughts in turmoil ‘How could Kalis leave him behind, was he not good enough, did Kalis think he was too good for Palin now?’ Kalis had tried to explain why he had to leave. He had explained to Palin that he was too young, that his time would come and that Kalis would be waiting in Paragon City for him but Palin would have none of it. Kalis had betrayed and deserted him. Slowly Palin’s thoughts turned to anger and darkness. He would show them, he was better that all of them and he would show them just how good he was. Show them that Kalis was not the only mighty hero. Slowly Palin came to realise that something was not quite right. It was getting dark, the temperature was dropping and the wind rising. What was going on? Palin could not understand. He could clearly see the bright blue sky and blazing sun through the trees, still he felt the cold and could see the darkness closing in. Then the lessons of the elders suddenly came back to him. There are dark places in the forest they said, places that Elflings should not go they said. This was one of those places. Sudden fear gripped Palin and he started to turn away when all the thoughts anger and betrayal came crashing back. Why should he walk away? Was he weak? Kalis wouldn’t have left. He would prove to them that he was better than that. Defiantly Palin turned and stepped into the darkness.

Hours later Palin had still not returned to the village and the villagers began to worry. Everyone knew how close Kalis and Palin were. There was no way that Palin would allow Kalis to leave without saying goodbye. Slowly night began to fall and still Palin had not returned. Fearing that something had happened, the villagers began to search for him. They searched all night and all of the next day without any sign of him. Finally one of the trackers found a footprint and that footprint was leading straight into one of the forbidden glades. Fearing the worst the villagers gathered as many warriors as could be found and entered the glade. Finally they found Palin lying unconscious in the centre of the glade. Wasting no time they grabbed the unconscious Elfling and ran for it, back to the safety of the village. Finally reaching safety they got their fist good look at Palin and could not believe what they saw. He appeared horribly disfigured. His skin was a dead shade of grey and he was so cold to the touch. Worst of all was that all his clothing was burnt and torn away and he appeared to be covered from head to toe in horrible black burns. What had happened to him, who had done this? No one knew and still there was nothing from Palin. Was he unconscious, was he dead. No one knew. They dressed his wounds as best they could and waited.

Finally night settled in and the village slowly fell asleep. Palin’s eyes snapped open, this was his chance. He would show them, never more would they ridicule him. Kalis’ sidekick, Kalis’ lapdog. No more. The thought’s burned in his mind. He would show them all. Slowly, silently Palin raised himself from his bed and became one with the darkness. Palin extended his arms, concentrated and slowly claws began to force themselves out from under the skin of his hands. Palin felt no pain. He felt nothing at all. Quietly, moving with the shadows, Palin approached the guard outside his room. A quick slash and the guard fell, his screams filling the night. Palin never even looked back to see him hit the floor. It was time to show them all. Rushing out into the darkness he sought out those who would betray him. Roused from their beds by the screams the villagers discovered their worst fears come to life. Palin was amongst them, slashing and stabbing with no regard for who was in his way. Family and friends, he cut down them all. Cutting down one after another he would disappear into the darkness only to reappear yards away. No one could anticipate his attacks. All they could do was fall before him. Rushing from the darkness Palin saw a sight he could not resist, a young Elfling girl crying over the body of her fallen brother. Stepping up behind her Palin slashed downwards with all his might taking the girl across her back. Silently the girl fell forward, blood spraying everywhere. Palin raised his hand to finish her off when he heard a sound he thought he would never hear again. An armoured footstep, the sound of an axe being unsheathed. Turning he saw a figure stepping out of the darkness.

“NO” screamed Palin at the approaching figure “You left me, you betrayed me.”

Kalis Elfling stepped forward, pain in his eyes “No Palin, I waited for you to come, but you never did.” Gesturing with his free hand, Kalis took in the devastation and the injured. “This you brought on yourself, this was your doing. You must accept that, let me help you.”

“No. Lies, more of your lies. I’ll kill you.” Screamed Palin, launching himself at Kalis.

Wildly he attacked him, slashing, kicking and stabbing, but he could not lay a hand on him, Kalis was just too strong and quick. Finally Kalis was forced to respond. Lashing out with a blindingly quick blow from his axe Palin was lifted bodily into the air and slammed back into the trees.

Kalis moved to stand over him ”I was wrong,” he said sadly ”There is no hope for you. Go Palin, leave here and don’t come back. If you do I will be waiting and next time I will not be so gentle.”

Screaming in rage Palin ran off into the darkness where he began to plot his revenge against those who had betrayed him, starting with the worst of them all, Kalis Elfling. Planning his return Palin knew just where it had to be done… Paragon City.

TO BE CONTINUED….

Palin Elfling Claws/Dark Scrapper - Yeah he's one of the good guys but that's another story

OMG - LMAO!

Cool - LMAO!

Elflings Rule...