~Cynder's Fate~

-I scowl and say sarcastically- Oh yes, fricken hilarious... Once one of the greatest wizards now reduced to little more than a broken shell of a man, while the mediocre walk around taking pity on him...

Cynder's smile dropped, and a look of concern filled the woman's eyes again.

"... I never meant it that way..." She said almost shamefully, eyeing the man with softness in her expression, "I'm sorry. But... I heard you went missing. The Aurors have been unable to find you is what Artemis said."

Don't pity me.

-Scoffs- That idiot is still playing hero huh? Well if he's an auror it's no wonder they haven't found me. Besides, it's not they'd be able to find me where I am... Amy's done too good a job for that.

"I never said I did."

The woman eyed Crouch again, surprised to have to look down at him for once.

"I can see you're still arrogant as ever. Suppose you wept after Voldemort fell, too? God knows one grows softer with a family."

(( brb. Should be back in a little ))

-I go silent for a couple of minutes-

I was lied to my whole life... By both sides. My meeting the Dark Lord wasn't a random act of kindness, it was a calculated effort to get my power on his side...

Ooc sorry that took so long

(( no worries, I had play rehearsal. ))

Cynder eyed Crouch, a sort of woman's nagging 'I told you so' look in her eyes.

"... I can't fathom how heartbroken you were when you found out, Crouch. But that's the thing I tried to tell you all those years ago, didn't I?"
The woman shook her head, closing her brown eyes.

"What brings you here of all places? I've just got done with another performance. I doubt you saw it, and I don't think you're sight seeing. Surely not a mission, or getting after someone?"

-I groan in annoyance- I'm trying to find someone to fight... to use my power... my damned injury, decimated more than just my ability to walk... much of my former power... reduced...

A small smile creased the woman's lips.

"I do miss fighting, and it's been ages since I tasted your power. But I'm afraid I'm no use to you. One of your petty Death Eater friends sapped me of all my abilities before the end of the battle, and my wand is snapped. I'm no better then a squib now. I've kept up with Occlumency, just in case..."
The woman shrugged, and began walking almost slowly, daring Crouch to follow and keep talking to her, "But for now I'm... what was the word..? Useless."

-I chuckle a bit- Well what do you know? You actually did stay to fight... I was questioning whether you would or not... I thought you would run first chance. Seems I was wrong.

I'm sick of this! I vowed To be half of my former self would be a blessing!

Cynder eyed Crouch for a moment before turning to him, her eyes narrowing.
She spat on the ground in front of the wheelchair, her expression stony.

"You never changed, did you? Just like the rats of the world, you cling to darkness! You know nothing else, and refuse to know anything else. Just like the immature boy you were years ago!"

-I look toward the horizon- I wouldn't say that... now there's only two I serve... but not as a servant, not as a weapon...

Pausing, Cynder turned her eyes to the horizon as well.

"... You serve love as well, don't you? ... I was wrong then. I suppose you have changed. You're heart isn't nearly as dark as it was before.."

Cynder turned again.
She wished she could talk to him. With civil kindness. With the calmness she had talked to Artemis with.
Cynder paused.
And Cynder turned.
And Cynder stared at Crouch with twinkling eyes.

"I am Cynder Dustypaws," She began quietly, "I survived the second war. I am half-blood, a distant relative of the Strayers. I knew a boy at school who hated me..."
Cynder took a few steps toward Crouch, looking down at him with pity and kindness.
"I haven't seen that boy for years until now. And I believe we got off on the wrong foot. Crouch... what say you? I would like to start anew- As Friends."
The woman held out her hand to Crouch, a small smile sneaking across her soft, red lips.

-I look her in the eyes and stay silent-

I wouldn't bother with this were I you. This is most likely the last time you see me. It's clear to me that no one will ever want to fight a crippled man.

My daughter, she'll NEVER be lied to. She'll live her life they way SHE wants... not following orders. Doing what she wants because SHE wants to. I might be a broken shell, but she has twice my potential...

Cynder raised her other hand dismissively, in a quieting sort of gesture.

"Ah..." She corrected, "That's not what I asked, was it. I asked if you would like a friend. A friend who will stay loyal to you. A friend who won't speak of ever seeing you here to any auror or Ministry agent. Or.."
Cynder cocked her head, hand still outheld to Crouch,
"Or are you afraid of being lied to..?"

With all I've done in the past... can't really afford friends. And I've been tricked too many times...