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Cloaked, Cadaver made her way to Reaper's abode. She knocked gently on the door. She was here to work, but she had no idea what it was he wanted yet.


Answering the door, Reaper nodded to Cadaver. "My son has come; please excuse him. I don't know why he's here either." Damask looked up from the corner in which he sat, noting the female but saying nothing or giving any sign that he cared she was there.

Cadaver peered beneath her skin, the scarred flesh glinting in the moonlight. Her voice was soft as a breeze, "But we agreed to meet alone."

"He's my son." Reaper pleaded. "I could not turn him away."
    Damask snorted. "Why the change of heart now?"
    Reaper looked conflicted but quickly pushed that aside. "In my house you will respect me and my guest." He moved aside from the door, allowing Cadaver access. "Please, if you will."



   Cadaver considered for a moment, then proceeded in. "Fine." She looked around the room and at the boy for a long moment. She blinked and brought her eyes back around to Reaper, "Would you like to speak here or in the other room?"


"The other room. Damask, I'll return shortly." Damask gave him no answer, clearly offended by the scolding he recieved. Reaper walked with Damask into the other room. Damask tiptoed quietly once they entered the room and pressed himself against the wall, listening to the conversation.
    
    "I'm sorry that I did not give you a reason for your being here," Reaper started. "But I was not sure you'd come if you knew."


Cadaver pushed back her hood, and the soft light danced on the dark amethyst earrings that hung down. Her light lilac hair glistend as she blinked her crimson eyes as the blood tears on her check ran down her face but never fell. "What is it that you want of me?" Her voice was still small, like that of a child afraid of being punished.


    "I heard you could do things. Change things as you wish them." Reaper swallowed hard, almost afraid to continue. "I need you to change something about me. My gift - no, curse. The reason I gave my children away. I don't want to hear thoughts anymore. It's driving me mad."
    
    Outside the room, Damask silently gasped. 'That was why he gave us up?' He'd almost feel sorry for Reaper if his reason wasn't selfish.
    
    Reaper picked up on Damask's thoughts. "Damask, come out."
    
    Damask stepped into the room. "And what, oh dearest father, if this woman can help you, do you expect to happen? Do you want to have a happy family with us? Pretend like you were there all those years?" Damask glared. "You're wasting your time," he snapped his head towards Cadaver. "And hers."


Cadaver shut her eyes, and the tears fell quicker in her distress, but never off her face. It was like a never-ending fountain that replenished itself with it's own liquid. "I am sorry..." The voice was even fainter, "I--I can't do that. I am forbidden. He forbade me!" She drew herself a little further away from him.


Reaper was taken aback; both by Damask's attack and Cadaver's emotions. Their thoughts flooded into his mind; anger, fear, concern. He closed his eyes. "Please; I will help you if I must."
       
        Damask tilted his head at Cadaver. "Who forbade you? What scares you so much?" He turned to his father. "You can't force her."


Cadaver averted her thoughts, trying not to let him see anything. "There are things that I cannot weave. I am forbidden to weave that path, because your power is one that she wants. And she must not have it."


Reaper raised a brow. "She? Who is she and why does she want my power?"
    
    Damask stepped forward. "Dad?" He wasn't even concerned that he was sincere in calling Reaper that. "What's going on?"


   Cadaver sank slowly, to a chair, the loose folds of her cloak falling around her. "I--am part of a Faction. My leader has forbidden me to allow your power to be taken. There is one who comes, who can take it from you. But I am not allowed to weave your fate with that one." Her voice was just a soft, a tragic lilt to it. "But another faction, she wants your power...and if she has it terrible things will happen."

She looked up, pained. "Please, dont' make me do this."

"If you take my power away she can't get it! Please. I need this. I don't have anyone else. My herd; we can protect you."
    
    Damask bit his bottom lip. "I can't do much. But I'll protect you. Do this, please." He was shocked to here himself asking for her to help the father who abandoned him.


Cadaver took beneath her cloak a small loom, about the size of a book. Her finger glided and wove the string in and out perfectly in an intricate design, there were dark colorus and one very crimson one in the middle. She sighed, as her hoof paused above the loom. "Are you sure?" She looked up at Reaper, and then her eyes drifted to Damask. "I do this for you." Her voice was softer even than before, almost too low to hear.

Reaper nodded. "I'm sure."
    Damask nodded at Cadaver, trying to reassure her; missing the words she whispered as she looked at him. He would ask her later. She was quite beautiful, he realised as he stared intently at her, but damaged like a swan with a broken wing. He felt a sudden urge to mend her and quickly shook his head; pushing that urge aside.


    Cadaver breathed deeply and finished the last string. "And thus the Fates decree." Her voice was a bit louder. Her eyes filled with blood and a single solitary tear fell on the woven loom. Wiping it away, she put away her loom which was once again bare. "It shall come to pass if things play as they should, but now...I cannot go home. And she will likely obtain your power." Her voice had a quaver in it as she looked again to Damask, then back to Reaper.

LOG 3- “Born when you kissed me…”

Beneath the soft moonlight Cadaver walked close to Damask, saying nothing. It was such a simple pleasure to walk with him, to let the soft smell of honeysuckle drift to them on the breeze. Her cloak fluttered softly in the wind as she stopped to pick a flower. "Isn't it lovely?" Her eyes glistened up at him.


Damask tilted his head. "It is." He almost sighed. "Cadaver, please. There must be a way to save you."


“You are saving me,” she smiled at him as she touched his cheek again. “Do you not understand why I didn’t want to meet you? Why I spent my entire life, making your fate separate from mine?”

Damask shook his head. "I don't, I'm sorry. Tell me, please."

"The fates decided, that I was not allowed to change this." She continued as she looked up into his eyes, "That I was not allowed to seperate myself from you. That though, my time was limited---I cannot deny love." She searched his eyes, hoping he'd understand.

"Why would you want to deny it?" He frowned and shook his head. "Spend your last time with me; however long or short it may be. Maybe we can ask the Fates themselves to spare you. I'd risk it all. I won't deny love; my love for you."


Gently, she brushed back his hair. "Because I'd knew you'd say that. Knew you'd love me beyond hope, beyond reason...and I didn't want to hurt you when it all fell to nothing." She had moved closer to him. "It does hurt. Now that I've met you, dying hurts because I desperately want to live for you." Her eyes searched his again.
"You still can." He closed the space between them and bent his head down to hers. "Live for me now." He kissed her; not waiting for her to respond; though he doubted he could hold himself back if she wanted to.


As his lips touched hers, a thousand emotions flooded her very being. She couldn't believe that this was what it felt like to love. It was more wonderful than she had imagined. Pressing herself closer to him, she clung to him as if he was the only thread that held her to this world, her only anchor in the storm tossed seas of life. Desperate, beyond anything she clung to him because this was living. The first sharp agonized breath of living, the first bitter taste of mortality. Glistening tears fell down her face, clear and opaque as they streamed past the blood and onto his face.

Damask felt his body flood with warmth as she clung to him and he longed for them to stay like that forever; immortal in stone if need be. He felt her tears streak down his face, cold against the warm flush of his skin. He pulled apart and looked at her, worried. "I'm sorry; did I do something wrong?"

"Noo..." Her voice was warmer than before, as she whispered it on his skin. "No...I just." She didn't know how to display the feelings that flooded her body more and more. "I--I've just never experienced love. And you kissed me, the thing thing I wanted most in the world and least. Because--' She blinked rapidly as she blushed, "I want you more. I want to love and be loved by you, but I know that it makes the parting so much harder to bear. And I don't want to hurt you. Please, don't make me hurt you." Her voice pleaded to him, as her body drew her closer to him


"You could do nothing to hurt me; except deny me this." Once again, he closed the space between them, his lips finding hers. This time he would not stop if she cried because he knew that as much as it would hurt him to see her go, it would hurt more to see her go without feeling and experiencing this.

LOG 5- Gone

Damask stepped into the house, making sure to stay close to Cadaver; scared she'd leave him. "Reaper? Dad?" He recieved no answer. "Strange.."
He searched the house; not finding Reaper anywhere. "Bloody hell; what is he getting himself into.." Turning to Cadaver he sighed. "I think he's gone to find a way to save you."
Cadaver brushed her lips against his neck, as she nestled close to him. "I hope not...I don't want him to waste his time."

   "It's not a waste if it's for you; nothing is." He nuzzled closer to her. "I guess we'd better look for him. Do you know where he might have gone?"
Her brows knitted together as she considered the implications, "I...think...He's gone to find Fanta. Fanta...she knows things, she can help with things."
"Can she be trusted?" He was concerned; his dad deserved it, kind of. He was doing something that wasn't completely selfish. "Where is she?"
    "No." Her answer was simple and to the point. "She's a witch of the worse kind."

Damask frowned. "What will she do?" He began to pace; trying to decide what to do. "We'll need help. We're going to have to go to my herd leader. She'll help us figure out what to do."

Cadaver was quiet for a moment, "She entices people with what they want...but they pay a horrible price." Her face was anxious with worry. "She just says one day you'll owe her a favour."

"What is the price? What favours does she ask for?" Damask frowned. "Nevermind. Explain to me when you explain to Gylden."

Cadaver was silent for a few minutes. "There someone...named Benjamin. He loves Jane, but she died...Fanta...Fanta brougth her back. But now she's his servant to her will." Her voice was even lower than it's lower whispery sound, "We should go at once."


    Damask shook his head, clearing it of all thoughts. "I'm not a fighter. We'll need help for this." He left his father's house, not bothering to close the door behind him, and took flight. If something happened to his father he would not forget it.
    
    ----
    
    Unity and Rosa saw Damask flying towards their home and Unity raised an eyebrow. 'Strange. He doesn't seem very happy.' He mumbled to Rosa while she tended to the flowers. Looking up she shielded her eyes against the sun. "What do you expect? He was visiting his father. If he was happy, then I'd be worried."
    "This is different." But Unity had no time to explain his concerns. Damask landed in front of them. "Where is Gylden? Get everyone in the herd together. We've got a problem." Turning to Cadaver he sighed. "Is there anyone you know who will be able to help as well?"

Cadaver landed beside him, shielded beneath her cloak. She peeked out at those gathering. "Mikuko. I spoke to her once." Her voice quavered as she tried to shield herself behind Damask

    "I'll have Gylden send word to your leader. They're mated. He will happily help." He looked around at the gathering crowd. "She will be here soon. Faisca, her first born, too." He squeezed her hand. "Do not be afraid. I'm here." Gylden and Faisca walked slowly through the crowd, whispering harsh words to the children and anyone else who was worried.
    
    They both nodded to Damask; no times for formalities. Gylden was first to speak. "What is wrong, Damask?" Her voice was strong, but not loud and everyone listened intently.
    Damask swallowed hard. "My father has gone to a witch." He pursed his lips. "I cannot explain it. This is Cadaver. She is my intended." He turned to her, eyes pleading. "You understand this better than I do. Please."

Cadaver flushed brightly as Damask spoke about her in that way. Pushing back her hood, she revealed the pale lavender of her hair and the blood red of her eyes. She brushed back a strand and spoke loudly, though still in her whispery voice. "I can tie the fates...It's my gift. Reaper...he asked me to perform this action to get rid of his power, I wished not to...but I did. Many things ensued..." Her eyes flickered to Damask as she blushed again, "By morning, he had left on his way to Fanta. They call her the witch. She performs sorcery for those who need it and  then they owe her a favour. Dark, evil favours."


    "This is indeed a problem. We must get to him before he gets to her." Gylden turned to Damask. "I am aware you will need help. Who would like to volunteer their services?" Everyone waited in silence for the first to step out. Synstylae pushed his way through the crowd, wings fluttering to match the beat of his heart. "I will."
    Oscan came froward, grasping his brothers hand. "For my brother and father I will."
    Velecia and Mirage stepped out together. "I offer my magic." Velecia nodded towards Damask, voice soft as velvet.
    "My illusions."
    Gylden was about to speak when a small voice came from the herd. "Don't forget me!" Quirin stepped out and the crowd broke out into whispers. "I want to help!"
    Damask shook his head. "You are too young, little one."
    "I will follow you."
    "Quirin."
    "I want to help."
    Damask looked pleadingly at Gylden but she shook her head. "I'd rather she go with you than run off on her own. She's talented. Mirage and Velecia and guard her." Quirin ran over to the two and Gylden hushed the crowd. "Damask is their anything else you need?"
    "Cadaver speaks of someone who will be able to help. I wish for you to send word to Nite Owl. Mikuko is her name."
    "I will send word immediately. You will leave by nightfall. Rest now."

LOG 7- The Witch for the Desperate

The cave was hidden from sight mainly, and down the many pathways in an indiscreet little corner there stood a cauldron. An eerie glow eminating from it, that flickered even more weirdly on the orangs king of the pony there. Her wild eyes looked at the one who stood across from, her voice acidic and giggling like a mad person, “What is it that you seek?”
Reaper swallowed hard, nervous and afraid. "A woman did something for me at the cost of her life. She is not dead yet, but because of me she will die soon." He sighed. "I want to save her. I want you to help me."


Fanta smiled manically, "And what do you offer me for this service?" Her voice was simpering, "Anything I ask?"


"Anything." Reaper bowed his head. "My son is in love with her. I could not bear to do this to him. Not after all I have done." He looked up, eyes fierce. "I will do anything."

Fanta laughed, a truly terrifying laugh, and then she smiled again. “Give me your hand boy!” She reached greedily as if she was afraid he’d change his mind.

Reaper shuddered at the sound of her laugh and stretched his hand out; closing his eyes, afraid to see what could be coming.


Fanta called out, and Neviah Bakura came in. She looked a bit angry about being summoned. “What do you want?” She sneered.

“To give you a gift.”

Neviah raised an eybrow, “Why?”

“The Queen so deemed it.” She reached out for the girl’s hoof.

Begrudgingly, Neviah held out her leg. She felt the slice of the blade in her flesh, and she saw Fanta do the same to Reaper as her mouth moved every so quickly and silently. Then as Fanta threw he knife in the cauldron, she smiled. “It is…done.”

“Hmmm…your favour….My price is anything I ask, you will be compelled to do. There will be no disobeyment.” She smiled simperingly, “I’ll spare the girl’s life.”

Neviah could feel the powers inside her extend, thoughts were apparent to her now…they made her gift stronger. She reached out and felt Reapers, and as she reached Fanta’s…she felt nothing. That really didn’t surprise her.

Reaper whinced as the knife cut his flesh. He felt new thoughts flood into his mind and then.. nothing. His mind was empty and it was almost haunting. His eyes opened and he suddenly came to realise what had happened. The Queen was the one Cadaver had warned him about and now he'd given her exactly what she wanted. And if this woman worked for her she probably wouldn't really spare Cadaver's life. He fell to his knees and tears fell down his face; both for his stupidity and the sudden silence; the longing for the voices to come back.

“Don’t’ fear. It’s done. I’ll spare her,” the manical voice spoke as she looked at him bent and broken. “A promise…is a promise.”

Neviah looked at the man, and she could feel his thoughts. “This is amazing…” She smiled broadly.

"I let her down. She warned me about this and I did it anyway." He looked up at Fanta. "Will she have a price, too?" He almost growled. "What will you have me do?"

"Tsk, tsk. You should have asked before if you wanted to know, " she simpered.
    ".. Just tell me." He sighed. "A promise is a promise. What is it you wish?"
    "For you to kill," she smiled broadly.
"Kill?" Reaper's voice was loud and he stood, stepping towards Fanta. "Kill who?" He growled, glaring
    "That'll be a suprise." She tilted her head, "Ah...Neviah, lead our guests in."

Oblivion stepped out, letting her ability seep out. She could feel the daze slipping out, confusing targets...
Asavari started sucking energy and life force from those around her.
Fanta laughed as she watched them losing part of their powers, “Hmm…Reaper.” She smiled simperingly at him, “Kill Damask.”

Mirage felt the powers seeping out of her and cursed. She would not be able to give her illusions life now. Still, her illusions were strong; enough to rival her father. Velecia did not feel the drain, the many charms she weaved around herself preventing such an act; though she felt them wavering. "We need to do this quick. I can't hold for long."
    Reaper watched helplessly from Mirage's side and when Fanta sent the command to him he stood, unable to stop himself from moving towards his son; but completely aware that what he was going to do was wrong. "Damask.." He looked up, pleadingly, tears streaming down his face. "Run."

Cadaver felt her body moving without thought to step in front of her beloved. For a moment, all she felt was shock when she looked down at the hilt in her chest. She staggered, blood surging out of her. Her body shaking as she fell. Her heart was beating faster, and the blood pooled quicker than she could breathe--a great tearing gasp. Then her heart slowed…and things became fuzzy as she tried to speak. “Da--mask…” She could see Reaper, standing there freed from the spell by the breaking of a promise. “It’s not..not his fault. It was always--always meant this way.”

Siobhan felt tears sting her eyes as she clung to her sister.

Fiendfyre was being held back by Naim, who was struggling to keep him still when he saw a blue blurr go past. Mikuko was there, a piece of metal in her hands, piercing Fanta to the wall. “I told you I’d pay you back.” She twisted the metal pipe, “If you think I’d ever let you get close to my family. You’re far mistaken.”

Fanta gasped as the blood poured from her, and her head fell sideways as she giggled manically.

    Reaper fell to the ground, a blood curdling scream piercing the silence that filled the room. Damask stood frozen for a moment, unable to move or do anything. When the realisation hit him, he moved, cradling Cadaver in his lap. Blood pooled around them both and he scooped it, desperately trying to put it back into her. "No." He choked, tears now falling. "I won't do this. I can't." No one moved; not a single one from Mirage's herd even noticing Mikuko's return and her attack. All eyes were on Damask, tears falling from every one. Even Mirage who had seemed so strong broke down. She was meant to protect them and she had failed. Velecia touched her shoulder, shaking her head; as if to discourage those thoughts, even though Mirage had not said them aloud. Quirin turned her head away; nestling it into the shoulder of her sister. She was not that strong; she couldn't deal with the site of death.
    Reaper moved to Fanta, eyes ablaze with rage. "You will save her. You WILL bring her back and you WILL give back what is mine." He growled. "I may be able to convince someone to spare your pitiful life."
    Damask stroked Cadaver's face; the skin now becoming cold as the heat of her life was slowly. "I love you, Cadaver. You can't do this to me."

Cadaver’s vision was almost gone as she felt his skin, so warm against hers. “I’ve always been meant to leave you. This was meant to be brief…fleeting. The best…things….can’t last.” Her voice was fading, “Just hold me…I love-love you…Ver-” She gasped, and her unblinking eyes remained looking up at him unseeing.

Mikuko wrenched the metal again, “She’s gone.” Fanta’s head had lolled to the side, “And so is Cadaver.” She let go of the pipe and backed away.