The Wooden Heart Editing

Chapter 15

A/N: Hey my cool friends! I'm back with chapter fourteen! I'm sorry it took me so long to post this, I just was so busy with Piper, my puppy, and traveling to Portland. And it took me ridiculously long to completely edited this chapter. I didn't like the original chapter because it was a little weird with the way I dealt with the Fate scene, but you're an edited version reader, not the original, it won't matter.

Disclaimer:

I do not claim the original fairy tale, but WH's plot and characters belong to me. Any famous songs, TV show/movies/books and manga names, and brands that are mentioned in this work belong to their rightful owners/

Willa Field

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Fourteen:

New Life

-.-.-.-.-.

Weeks passed since that day and no one could get Michael to say a word or eat anything after that day, and he would just stare out of the window, a blank expression placed onto his handsome face.

He wasn't the same confident, happy young man was before Maria made the choice to free Michael from the fate of being the nutcracker he was cursed when they first met. And all the rest of the group knew exactly why he was acting this way, why he was an empty shadow of his former self:

Fairies are very alike to the Wolves, once they had found their mates, they are mated for life. They live for their mates and their children, they would do anything for them. But if they leave or die, the mates would turn into a shell. Having no reason to live, the both species will be nothing more than a mere shadow of what they were before until neither have they died themselves or their mates returned to them. They need their mates to live and be themselves.

Their mates are their air, their heart, and without them, fairies and wolves won't be the same.

And no one saw that well enough than Locia, who stayed at the hospital with him to show him that she was there for him and she was not going anywhere. Every time she returned to the room, the ginger was reminded of the pain he was in and her heart broke each time, no matter how many times she noticed the far-away stare placed in his hazel eyes.

"Michael, you need to eat something, sweetie, or at least, drink your brew. Please, Maria wouldn't want this and you know that. Do it for her." Locia whispered pleadingly as she held the hot soup to his lips, but Michael just blankly stared straight ahead. He was making no moves to obey her pleading request:

The ginger closed her eyes, feeling the tears coming, and she growled deep inside of her throat as she did something totally out of character for her; she got angry:

She threw the mug at the far-side wall, making it into a million tiny pieces that fell to the floor with a water-like sound, and screamed as loud as her lungs allowed her to, her limbs flinging like she was a child having a fit. But she didn't care how she looked, she was too angry to even care.

Let them hear, she thought childishly with a sneer when the nurses peeked in to see what all the noise was about. It's not like they are helping him, we are doing all the work; Locia mused angrily as she turned to her friend again with her arms crossed over her chest, a sigh escaping from her lips:

"How are we going to help you?" She questioned him in a pained whisper as she stroked his greasy black hair, knowing both that he wouldn't her quiet question and how they would be able to help him. But was she willing to do it? To really make a deal with the Faen devil?

Locia knew that she wouldn't be on her own, but the Fates were rumored to be the cruelest creatures in Da Fae, making requests like this might cost them greatly, because the Fates would either order one of them to live a life without their mate or order the one requesting to give their life for their friend to live a life anew.

She moved her gaze back to her brother with pursed lips, moving her slender fingers again through his inky locks as she mused aloud, knowing that her poor handsome brother would never reply. He was lost in his own sadness to even hear her:

"Should I really go to my Fate and make a deal with whoever they are? I don't even know what they would ask me to do, Mike. But I need to do it, huh? I don't want you to stay like this, you will die if we let you keep going like this. But I….do does not want to go on my own, that scares me to my core."

She smiled a bit at that thought, realizing something. The ginger won't be alone as she would stand in front of the devils, she would not be on her own. She might not have her first real sister to comfort her, but she will have her brother and her two best friends beside her, giving her strength and the courage to do what she has to do.

And young Locia knew that she needed to do this risky meeting with the scariest beings in Da Fae. Not only to prove herself to everyone but for Michael and Maria; the two first family she had. She knew that this was her responsibility, she was the only one that could ask this of the Fates, because she has nothing to lose if they took her life for his.

She had no one now; yes, Locia had her friends, but Alicia and Jasper were just her friends. The winter princess and spring prince were her family and the ginger was willing to give up everything if it meant that they were happy again, to pay them back for everything they did for her:

With that thought and one more stroke, Locia sighed deeply, straightening up and looking out of the window with a grim expression laced to her facial features. She made up her mind and now it is up to her.

With another deep breath, the ginger dug in her jeans' pocket, grabbing her cell phone out and dialing the number of the court of the Fates, knowing she was sealing her fate but Locia didn't time to change her mind as a smooth, deep female voice came through from the other end. She closed her eyes, trying to keep the fear in her chest at bay as the words filled her. Let the game begin, the ginger mused with a sad smile placed upon her lips:

"What is your request?"

-.-.-.-.-.-

A week later, Locia and her two friends stood in front of the court of the Fates with Michael sat in a wheelchair, in their best clothes and their nerves shot to the point they were shaking. Everyone refused to let her do this on her own when she finally told them her decision, no matter how much Locia begged them to stay behind. When that failed, the ginger made all three promise they would let her be the requester, because she couldn't bear it if they lost their happiness as well.

The ginger made the deal with the devil the moment she made that call, she knew what she was signing up for. However, she wasn't about to change her mind now, she needed to do this. She and she only was the one that has the ability to free the raven-haired young man from the fate of waiting on end. And she was going to do it:

"You are crazy; you know that?" Michael required in a low voice, a scowl housed on his lips, the first real expression he had since Maria disappeared. Locia smirked as she dusted off her dress, staring at the doubled doors, not exactly wanting to betray the fear she was feeling at that moment.

"Love makes you crazy, brother."

After a snort from Michael, he grabbed a hold onto the smaller teen's hand, sending waves of strength through his body to hers to calm the roaring fear sitting in her chest.

But as a beautiful winged woman made her way to the edge of the raised stage with a sickeningly sweet smile dancing across her perfectly formed lips, the young man got the feeling that it wouldn't be enough.

"Will the requesters step forward, please?" The woman asked sweetly, her bell-like voice rang out in the large room.

With a deep sigh and one more squeeze to her friend's hand, Locia bravely pushed Michael forward while her eyes stayed trained on the woman. She didn't want to show them any fear, so the ginger stayed calm and cool as she spoke.

"I am Locia West, madam Azsei, I am the requester."

"And I'm the reason for the request and also the challenger against it. I don't want her to ruin her happiness and life just because of me." Michael stated harshly as he glared at the ginger, who just stared back at her brother with such a determined glance:

A smile teased the counters of the slightly older blonde's mouth as she flowed down to where the siblings were having their intense stare contest, studying the young ginger hard. She is a brave soul, she thought amusedly as her smile turned teasing.

"Ah, yes, you are the former rat that fought alongside the creatures in the war. You are very brave to fight for the other side when you come from such a dangerous species. What is the request, my dear?" Avery Azsei asked quietly, her smile still growing, but the ginger in front of her showed no emotion. She moved her brown eyes to hers and just stared blankly at her, staying as cold as stone:

"I'm requesting that prince Michael could be reborn along with the winter princess, Maria. He cannot keep waiting like this, he is fading fast and he won't last for much longer. He is refusing to eat or even drink. He's too stubborn to wait for his mate." She stated polity but coldly, her folded hands were placed in front of her as her brown eyes stared still straight ahead while the ink-haired fairy growled at her statement.

"Can you blame me? No matter her thoughts were, my mate chose to be apart from me."

"Because she loved you so much, you i***t. She didn't want you to suffer that fate again." Locia hissed harshly from the corner of her mouth, earning another growl from her bother:

"I'm suffering right now! What's so different from that, being free from being frozen in wood to the world hurts worse! At least then I could've….."

As the soul siblings argued, Avery c****d her head, thinking it was an odd request for the girl, knowing her fate was coming.

But there again, the young woman thought with a wide smile as she watched the two, the two head royals were now the girl's family and she would do anything to see them happy. After all, it was her job to as her Fate to know that:

Which made this much, much harder for her. Yes, she was cocky and she loved to tease the people that stood in front of the court, but the blonde did care for her charges and she hated that she had to the next part. To be honest, she always hated this part, no matter who was standing in the court.

So she sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest, flowing back from the arguing pair. Let's get this over with, she thought bitterly as Avery cleared her throat and her sky blue eyes watched as the ginger's mud brown eyes back to hers:

"And what are willing to do to reassure that would happen, Locia?" Avery questioned, no longer her confident self, causing her charge to sigh before replying.

"I'm willing to lay my life down for him, madam."

"Locia! Think about what you are doing!" Michael's harsh snap was ignored as the two females still locked gazes.

"Such a brave thing for a little girl to say. Are you really willing to give up your life? Your mate might suffer for your choice." She scolded her, reminding her what this choice might lead to. That didn't spark any emotional response from the ginger, she just stared at her:

"I don't have a mate, madam." The ginger said softly, not knowing that wasn't the truth. Both the fairy and fate knew all too well that it was true.

For everyone has a mate, but not everyone can find their mates.

The blonde smiled sweetly, turning to the door before she waved someone in. A few moments later, a handsome young man came striding into the room, his messy reddish-brown hair fell into midnight blue eyes. Locia's eyes widened as the young man came to a stop in front of her.

Michael's heart gave a little squeeze at the wolf's hard, but at the same time, soft and loving stare. Whether it was because it was pointed at his beloved little sister or it was because it reminded him of the way he would've stared at Maria, he wasn't sure. However, the ravenette was sure that Loci wouldn't be able to move forward with her plans. He knew deep in his heart as he saw tears starting to form in her pretty eyes:

"I will like to introduce Aaron Griffiner, the head guard of the Fates. He is the only son of Samuel and Madison Griffiner, and he is, indeed, your mate. You have a mate, Locia, does this change your mind?" Avery asked, folding her hands behind her back as she moved back to stand right in front of the ginger, staring hard into her brown gaze.

This finally got a response from the girl, growling as she twisted her lips into a scowl and her hands balled at her sides.

"Loci, see you have a—"

"This is not fair! You had no right to bring him here, this was my choice and I had the right to make it! But, now…" She cried loudly as she fell to her knees, cutting Michael off as the tears hit the floor.

The two boys made a move towards her before Avery frowned deeply as she knelt to her level, bringing her head up to make the girl meet her eyes.

"Sweetie, I did it to show you that this isn't just your life, it wasn't from the moment you were born. This decision will not only ruin your life but his as well."

"Then what do you expect me to do? Because I'm not giving up. This is my responsibility!" Locia growled out, not bothering to hide her anger.

"Oh, sis….."

The bright blonde blew out a sigh before she stood, backing up and looking out of the window with a sad expression laced to her lovely features.

"Your mate will be taking your place as the requester. He came to me before truly knowing you." Avery stated, graining gasps from all in the giant room. Was that really possible? To know your mate before meeting them?

Avery met the man's wicked grin after hearing the gasps, then she lifted her hand in the air and placed it on the dark ginger's head while she spoke in the ancient language of the Fates:

Although the spell was for Aaron, Locia felt the warmth spread through her body, filling her with an odd sense of safety and love as the strange words flowed into her ears. What was the woman doing to him? She wondered idly as she watched the scene before her, looking up at the man while her tongue moved it over her lips.

She should be afraid of the feelings welling up in her chest, but these feelings gave her some sense of something new and exciting was coming her way.

"His parents will be pregnant in a six-month time with a boy, he will be the renewed version of Michael Ashgers. You will be able to watch over him, my dear, and can be able to live your life. You two can have your ways, without worry and guilt, Locia." She smiled, c*****g her head to one side.

Locia gasped, her hand flew to her mouth, not really sure how to react to that news. It truly was alright to agree? She looked over at Michael, who finally had a real smile placed onto his face and with that smile, the steel expression slowly slipped into one more hopeful. Was it really okay now?

"Can I agree? I don't want to do it before you say you agree." The ginger whispered barely audible, turning to him on her knees as she bit her nervously.

Michael smiled lovingly as he made his way to her, carefully kneeling in front of the ginger girl once she was in reach before he tenderly lifted her chin up as midnight blue met brown lovingly:

"I'm going to be alright, sweetie. I know you are scared for me, but it's okay, we'll meet again soon. Go be happy with Aaron and wait for me." He softly stated, caressing her cheek tenderly as he leaned forward to land a kiss on her forehead.

"I'm going to miss you, Michael." Locia lamented in a breathy whisper, her eyebrows furrowing in a sad manner; but the handsome ravenette just grinned, making his deep blue eyes beam gleefully.

"Why Locia, I thought you knew me better. I'm never gonna give up on her and that means I'm always going to try to find her, no matter what happens. Don't worry about me, because I will never stop fighting. I'm tied to her, forever, and I'm just fine with that."

Slowly her own grin appeared, all the doubts and worries suddenly disappeared as she stared into those beautiful blue eyes; those eyes made her realize that everything was going to be okay. That she could do this, no matter where her life would end up at, she was strong enough to do this and she wouldn't be on her own; he would be there at her side to lead her his strength and a helping hand when she needs it, like a big brother.

So with that last thought, he helped her back onto her feet and they once again faced the beautiful blonde, the red headed girl held a serious expression as her brown eyes were lit by a burning passion.

The next words spoken from her were in a firm, but tender tone. This is it, she thought, no turning back:

"I accept this trade. They will raise the reborn prince if it means they would be together again." That statement made the woman smile proudly.

Avery knew that they would see the wisdom of agreeing to this trade, this way everyone in Michael's life would be happy and he would not have to wait endless years for the day Maria will return to them. They would be growing up at the same time without no memories of their lives here in Da Fae and together until they are at an age that they can understand what the memories mean, so they both will have verily normal childhoods.

Which means their parents don't have to worry about their children crying out in the nights. They would be just being kids with a bright future ahead of them.

As her smile grew that thought, her hand reached out to meet the ginger's hand, in the sign of stealing the deal.

"Shake my hand and the deal will be finalized, my dear." She told the young woman as she coaxed her with a nod. After a couple moments, the girl grabbed the Fate's hand tightly and surely, knowing that it would seal the deal and it would be no turning back but Locia had no more doubts about this.

A light beamed out when their hands touched, blinding everyone around the room; the light was a Fate bonding spell, the deal was now complete. When the light died down and faded into a mere flicker on the walls, Avery grinned lovingly at the young couple as she backed away from them with her hands folded at her back, watching as Hans started to fade into just a memory:

"Welcome to your new life, Michael Hans. I hope you will make it well." She smiled sweetly as the teen waved before there was no one on the floor, she smiled once more as she moved her blues to the couple.

"I know he will, with you two in his life. I want you to guide him well, Aaron and Locia. I know you're the best people here to help raise the baby. You two are gentle and you understand this better than anyone here," She paused to wave towards the ginger. "He's too important to lose, don't screw this up." She ordered them, winking playfully.

Locia smiled sweetly at her big mate before she said teasingly:

"We won't, you can relax we'll make you proud."