Disclaimer: Does not own WITCH

A/n: Damn I make Cedric speak a lot in this one. Seriously but it somehow feels right.

Love is a Hearts Child: 3 – Two Halves of Dark Hearts

Chapter 4

"Good, then listen carefully." Cedric told Taranee, opening a draw of his desk and placing a file on the desk.

"And do not interrupt. This file is in effect a set of journals I have been keeping. I have been making them so to keep my conflicting set of memories in line. That however is not there only purpose. I have been keeping theories inside them also. Theories as to the nature of certain foes from the past, as well as were they could be now. All these enemies, like myself, have some connection to Meridian. And while it is possible a completely new threat could be the cause of the child kidnapping, it would be pertinent to rule out those who could possibly be involved first.

Firstly there is me. As I found out this morning I do indeed have my powers, which would give me means. I have proven myself, at least a version of me to plot and plan revenge against you and the other guardians in the past. Motive. However while I can rule myself out, I am certain that one of the others would bring up my past. Steven though can attest to being with me this morning, which would leave very little opportunity. I do hope though that I have earned your trust, that this possibly be not considered.

Secondly Ludmoore, he has been the most recent threat that hails from Meridian. As we all know though, with the destruction of the book of elements, this possibly is highly unlikely, he hasn't the mean to return unless someone out there was capable of rewriting that book. As I was the last to do so, I can tell you that pretty much no one on earth with have the skills or know how of magic, and the same is true of Meridian.

Third, as much I wish the possibility did not exist Is Phobos. He desire for power, and hate for you and the guardian has always been evident. He has proven himself capable of returning himself to the worlds even after his apparent imprisonment or demise. Combined that fact with the powers he stole before his most recent defeat, the idea is more than possible.

Which leads us to the last possibly I see. The Collector, we know he was left near powerless. Having his power stolen by Phobos and leaving some behind in Steven, it is possible that even though his mind fled it could have faded away without magic to maintain him. Since then though, I have studied what was left of The Collector's journal, and many of items he described could return him to power if he managed to find a body to get them."

-

Taranee stared wide eyed as Cedric listed of his idea, not saying word as he did, but mouthing a few to herself. She was impressed that Cedric would list himself, she had grown to trust him since she had been working with him, but she couldn't disagree that the other my still have feeling of distrust. None too big though that hadn't agreed to letting the oracle return his powers though. "Alright, we rule out you and Ludmoore. I can't buy that you could have done this straight after discovering you had got your powers back. And even if someone was capable or recreating the book of element they wouldn't of have the time to do so since the last was destroyed." Taranee said. "Thank you." Cedric replied plainly returning the folder, to the draw of his desk.

"I have idea on how we can rule out the others. I need to make sure Will's up to it though." Taranee told him standing up. "Is there anything I could do to assist?" Cedric asked standing also. "Get out the collector book, I need to see it." Taranee replied making her way back towards the basement, Cedric followed. "I do not keep it here, the less reputable texts I have locked up at home, to keep them safe." Cedric explained. "Then take Steven and get it." Taranee told him, as they reached the basement.

"Take me where?" Steven asked looking up. "Just come with me." Cedric said grabbing Steven and dragging him back upstairs. "What was that about?" Irma said turning to look up from where the group had been trying to reassure Will. "The plan for getting Brigitte back." Taranee replied moving between Irma and Hay Lin to crouch in front of Caleb and Will. "Will?" Taranee said putting. "She won't say anything. Have you thought of a way to find her?" Caleb asked holding Will tighter to her chest.

"Yes. Will? I need you to calm down, I have an idea of how to find Brigitte but I need you Will. She needs you to calm down. Taranee told Will in a hushed whisper as she leaned in to join the hug between Will and Caleb. "She needs you." Taranee reiterated. The sobs slowed down, and Taranee stood and turned to the other guardians. "Taranee, what's the plan?" Cornelia asked the same question on the faces of the other 3 women.

"You and Irma need to go to Meridian. Explain to Elyon and Vathek. Tell her to get everyone searching the library for any little thing that mentions The Collector." Taranee told them. "You think he's involved?" Irma said eyes glazing over temporarily with fear. "Maybe, maybe not, either way I think finding out more about him might give us the means to find Brigitte. So don't waste time and go." Taranee ordered voice quivering that she was being rude to her friends, as she pushed the pair to stand in front of the portal. Neither Irma nor Cornelia argued, and jumped through the portal once the castle appeared on it.

"Orube I want you to head to Kandrakar. Stay with the oracle, but don't distract him. I he sees anything meet the other in Meridian. Ask Endarno to keep an eye on the breath of time. We've sent ourselves a message before that way, it be nice to have it as a back-up plan." Orube nodded at Taranee command and jumped through the portal.

"What about me?" Hay Lin asked, pointing at herself. "As much as I don't want to use magic on Will, we need her. Use your powers with music and memories to show her some happy ones. Anything to get her in a more stable state." Taranee replied, the idea of using magic on Will made her gut turn a little, but she didn't see what else to do. "Will that work?" Caleb asked looking up from Will having over heard. "Hopefully Caleb. As soon as Will has calmed down, join the other in Meridian. Tell Steven and Cedric to meet me there once they get back." Taranee said moving towards the portal. "Wait you're not staying with us?" Hay Lin asked. "No I need to check on the portals, I need to see if something is capable of using them without the veil being in place." Taranee replied disappearing from sight.

-

Orube appeared in Kandrakar, glad to the white walls of a place that had been her home for a long time. It was reassuring in times of trouble. "Ahh Orube I was expecting you." Endarno said approaching her. "Endarno the wise." Orube said with a respectful nod. "I have a request from Taranee." Orube added. "I know. Come." Endarno replied. "The Oracle must not be disturbed, he has already told me that he will inform you the second he see anything during his meditation." He said leading Orube toward the hall of secrets where the breath of time was kept.

"I sadly Orube do have other duties I must attend to. As much as I wish to assist in finding Will's daughter, with the oracle already disposed in meditating to assist, Yan Lin and myself must oversee the rest of Kandrakar. You are however, more than welcome to watch the breath of time in hopes to see something the oracle does not." Endarno explained as the reached large hall filled with magical items. "Thank you Endarno." Orube replied heading inside. "The oracle will come straight here if he see's anything. He also wishes that you tell him if you see anything in the breath before leaving if you do." Endarno said. "Certainly Endarno." Orube agreed and went to find the breath.