This is PART II to my story Tears On The Dock. If you haven't read Part I, GO BACK AND READ IT!
Part II – Piecing From The ShatteredThe Beginning
One by one the memories pieced back together. Like pieces in a massive puzzle the portrait flashed before his eyes. Once again all was clear. He quickly counted on his fingers. His memory had returned.
"Thank you Clefara," he said in a hushed whisper as he gave a quick exhale.
Today he was sitting on his dock in the early hours of the morning. The sun had just rose across the crimson horizon. It was the dawn of a new day in his life.
Two years after the defeat of Kefka . . .
Locke ran a hand through his hair. It had been ruffled throughout this day, the first day in the new home belonging to him and Celes. He had woken earlier to reflect on the dinner they had had to christen the house on the night before. After a few words with his mate they ended up returning to bed.
Locke continued to stare out the window to his right. The sun had started its descent behind the mountains of Narshe. He turned his attention back to Celes to find her stirring in the first signs of waking. He stroked her cheek with his pale hand. A quick glance at the clock reminded him that within the next hour he had been scheduled to rendezvous with Edgar in Narshe.
Celes sighed lightly. "What time is it?"
"Almost five." He continued to stroke her cheek with light grace. Locke seemed to have a grace few men could match. The only person who he thought of as more graceful with love was Edgar. Although Locke doubted the old royal had ever truly felt love for one of his numerous concubines.
At least he fakes it pretty gracefully.
Locke had unfortunately lied to her earlier about their financial situation. They could continue on their current assets for two more weeks at the most; yet Locke felt the need to be ahead. He pondered ways to go about telling her that he was leaving for the expedition with Edgar. They were heading to the site of the old Fanatic's Tower where there was said to be an amount of riches hoarded underground.
He ran his hand through her shimmering hair before he stood up. "Dear, I must go."
As Locke marched down the trodden path to Narshe his mind was a jumble of thoughts and emotions. He was concentrating on Celes. He had left her alone for now, gone to see Edgar for the next mission. It was to be her first time alone in their new residence, and Locke's first time away from it. She had pleaded for Locke to stay, or for Locke to let her accompany him.
Remember the last time you left your woman behind?
He let out a lonely sigh while kicking a stone on the cement path. He stopped for a brief moment to gather the surroundings of this path. The air was dusty from the frequent use of the path. Although it had been freshly laid its use was already common. To the left and right were endless fields garnished with daffodils. Though calm on this particular day one would normally find them billowing in the breezes that stayed consistent around Narshe.
Was I right to leave her behind?
"I really don't know."
"Rachel!" Locke spun around in a split-second.
"Locke, you silly! I'm not physically there."
"So I'm just going crazy."
"No, I'm with you in spirit. Didn't think I'd hold true to my word?"
Locke laughed. "So spirits are real?"
"I thought you would think so. I seem to recall you seeing your fair share of them a few years ago."
Locke laughed once more. "I was just kidding my darling."
"I come back and you waste all our time just kidding around, eh?" Rachel asked from the interior of his mind.
"We're . . . Timed?"
Yes, but we'll have more time if I communicate like this. Just stick to thoughts only. Don't speak. Locke noticed that the voice that seemed to be coming from a distance on the path was gone. Rachel was speaking directly into his mind now. Her voice was clearer than it had ever been before/
Rachel, tell me, am I safe leaving her there?
These aren't times of war anymore Locke. I would definitely assume Celes is safe at your Obel home.
I'm just worried. The circumstances—
They're just as mine were, no?
Yes. I think that's it.
Locke, you worry about her too much. That shows how your love really is true.
Locke chuckled. You always have the right answers Rachel. I love you, more now than ever.
I know.
And then she was gone in a wisp of the common breeze that had finally returned.
DESTROY CORRUPTION!
VOTE KARAN MENGSK FOR PRESIDENT!
As Locke wandered into Narshe he saw a gigantic poster plastered against a large building being removed by a few workmen. The political races had ended the day before. If this Mengsk's poster was being removed it meant he had no doubt lost his race for president.
Arvis wins again. Locke laughed and continued through the narrow street that led to the mountain metropolis. Narshe was now twice the size of Old Vector and making advances in technology faster than ever.
Locke took to the sidewalk to allow the handful of automobiles to pass. This place is getting huge. I used to only see cars in Old Vector.
"Locke?"
Locke turned around to see a middle-aged blonde behind him, wearing what seemed to be a highly fashionable navy blue suit.
"Arvis, congratulations!" Locke exclaimed.
Arvis laughed. "Thank you Locke. What brings you back to Narshe. I've heard word that you have constructed an eloquent home on Lake Obel."
"It's taken me two years but it's done. Perhaps you should stop by some time."
Arvis let out another soft laugh. "If I have the time! Learning the new senatorial procedures will be a long-enduring process."
"Senatorial?" Locke asked with a quizzical expression.
"I have my new son Charles. I don't have time to be the president of Narshe anymore. I decided that I would have more free time as Chancellor of the Senate. Of course for now as I said I'll be bogged down with learning new materials, and also learning how to deal with the president. I used to give the Chancellor such a hard time. God I hope he's not like me."
They both let out a good laugh before Locke spoke. "Well as soon as you get any free time feel free to come by my home. Just take the new trail for about a kilometer."
"Will do."
Locke turned back around and darted back through the crowds of people on the sidewalks.
Get a damned car now that this place supports them.
He reached the usual meeting point of Wurher's Tavern. The yellow neon sign in the front was flickering as usual. He stepped inside to see Edgar sitting at the bar with a glass of water.
"They'll serve that to you here?" Locke asked in a raised voice. Edgar spun around on the barstool with a smile.
"Thought you'd skip this one to stay home and bone your woman some more." They both laughed as Locke took the seat next to him. "You know, never assume a man is drinking water in bar." Edgar shook his glass.
"I stopped that assumption just as you finished that crass remark."
"I'm too drunk for formalities." Edgar said.
"When do we set out?" Locke asked.
"Tomorrow morning at six Setzer is arriving with the airship. The mountains still surround the area." Edgar explained.
"An area of the world that didn't change." Locke mused.
"It's evil. That's why." He leaned back on the barstool, taking a drink from his glass.
Locke nodded. "Well if it's at six I best go to the hotel for the night. The sun was hitting me hard on the trail."
"If your wife was here I'd suspect you were leaving to screw her again."
"My god Edgar, you act like we're rabbits." Edgar had a good laugh. Locke exited the tavern and continued back down Beluah Avenue.
I love that guy.
"Cole?"
Locke turned around expecting another old friend. Instead he saw a brown-eyed stranger.
"Yes, I'm Locke Cole."
"The one from the Returners?"
"Yes."
The stranger stepped closer. "Well, I find you to be my idol."
Locke laughed, and suddenly fell to the ground in pain.
There was blood pouring from his chest.
