Fairytales

Locke believed in Fairy Tales. In his youth he could be found at his Grandmother's listening to fantastic tales of magic and monsters, beautiful princesses, brave knights, and hidden treasure just waiting to be found.

Locke believed in Fate. She was a beautiful girl with Raven hair, ebony eyes, and a smile that made all his cares fly away in the wind. He took fate by the hand and together they explored the world, until one day he watched her fall and everything in his world shattered.

Locke believed his friend who told him to leave Kohlingon, and regretted it with every being of his soul. As she lay dying in his arms she lifted her beautiful hand and caressed his tear streaked face whispering his name before she closed her eyes forever,

Locke believed in vengeance. Taking the body of his beloved he had her preserved. He left Kohlingon spitting on the grave of his friend and her parents. He'd listened to their counsel and now fate had slipped from his fingers, and it was all their fault. Locke joined the Returners; the only form of resistance against the Empire.

Locke believed in redemption. Two other women entered his life, but he could only see his loved one in them. Somehow, he convinced himself, if he protected them he would be protecting her. Then maybe he could forgive himself for his sins. Maybe their faces of gratitude would someday be her smiling back at him.

Locke believed in Miracles. He never gave up hope that someday he would bring her back. He only needed to find a way how. He read every prophecy, every revelation, and every hint of bringing souls back from the dead. The world before him was dead, but he knew that hidden in the depths of a cave, somewhere life was within his grasp.

Locke believed in dreams that came true, and as he stood over the bed holding the cracked and dimly glowing stone in his hands, he watched as his dreams came true and she opened her eyes. She smiled sadly at him.

"Locke, I've dreamed of seeing you. I wanted to hear your voice." Locke clasped her hands, his voice full of emotion.

"I'll never leave you again." He said kneeling beside her.

"Locke…." Locke looked up and she turned her head to him. "The Phoenix has given me so little time… I have to leave again soon…"

"No." Locke chocked out gripping her hand even tighter.

"But I have something to tell you…" She smiled squeezing his hand back. "Locke, with you, I was so happy. When the accident occurred, I thought only of you… and about the joy you brought me." She said even as tears fell from her face. "Locke… I'll never forget you…"

"Rachel… no…" Locke groaned moving his arms around her shoulder and holding her closer to him.

"I have to go now… I'll always love you Locke. You must now cast off the anguish you've been harboring inside for so long. Today I set your heart free! You must learn to love yourself and regain your self respect. Locke, you brought the phoenix for me to live again, but it was not meant to be. I give that gift back to you now… Phoenix! Be reborn again! And give your power to Locke!"

A rush of heat filled the room as the magicite's power filled the room. Locke let out a cry clutching at her body feeling it go limp in his arms, as it had once before. The light faded and the room became cold. Locke buried his head in her chest and cried.

"Locke…" The voice was a phantom in his ears. "Locke, they're waiting for you." The voice whispered… "She's waiting for you…"

When Locke left that room he did not believe in fairy tales, in prophecies or miracles. He believed in love in its purest form. The love she had given him.