Black Hearts

And I, I'm darkness, I'm anger, I'm pain.

Chapter Two

"Amusing…everything is so…amusing, don't you agree?" he looked down at his pet, its pure red eyes flashed as it let out a deep-throated growl. He sat back on the chair petting it, footsteps made his head jerk down, and the creature dissipated like a shadow burnt away by the sun's rays.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, sir! I was preparing a room for you." The girl in the white apron responded she had brown hair, which was tied up in a ponytail, and she had equally brown eyes, like fresh bark from a lush trees trunk. He smirked and got up. He looked her over, as he was a few feet taller than she.

"You said your name was…?"

"Oh um, Chocolat." She responded turning her back to the strange black-eyed man and starting for the hard wood spiral staircase that was found in the Luin inn.

"I see…that's a very…nice name." He purred as a wicked smile flashed across his face, he covered it with something less devious as the girl turned her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Wh-Why thank you…I, I never had anyone tell me that before." She stuttered her cheeks turning a crimson rose color.

"No need to thank me, my dear. I simply say what I believe is the truth, it but common courtesy, don't you agree?" He asked as she moved to the side of a wooden door, all she did was nod a bit her eyes never leaving his glassy facial features. He nodded and walked into the brightly lit room, with its red plush carpet sporting intricate detailed designs that only its creator knew where they came from and a large door leading to a railed balcony, which was to the left of a canopied bed, the sheets matching the color of the blood red carpet. He turned his head to the door and the girl stood there for a moment before realizing what she was doing.

"Oh! Um, dinner will be ready shortly, I'll call you down…once it's done." He nodded and she closed the door quietly behind, he looked out into the purple dyed sky, a smile wrapped across his face.

:Dirk's House Iselia:

Lloyd sighed as he paced about his former dwarven father's lower room. Colette sat on a chair looking at him concerned.

"Lloyd, maybe it's nothing…I'm sure he would've said something if there was a problem." She said reassuringly a slight jump in her tone of voice. He sighed again brushing a brown loose hanging bang out of his eyes, he looked up the stairs to where his father had rushed that morning a look of dread in his eyes. He knew it was dread, never once had Lloyd seen Kratos wearing that expression, from the little the man had shown to him.

"I hope you're right…" he said concerned.

He paced, and continued to for a very long time. His cape was off folded neatly on his untouched bed; he hadn't gotten any sleep since he stayed in the rain sodden city of Meltokio. His purple boots thumped dully on the hard wooden floor as he made yet another round from the window on the far right to the opposing door on the far left. His eyes scanned the room as if they were looking for something to change, anything at all, but every time, every single damn time they went back to that box. That small dainty black box with its sliver clasp and matching key it glinted in the dying sunlight. His eyes narrowed as his hand went to his chin, and he began to pace once more. He spun around his hand going instinctively to where his sword hilt would have been, if he had his sword on him. A patch of blue hair appeared from the doorway, along with a sarcastic remark.

"Don't worry I'm not a monster and if I was I'd be very bored watching to pace, over and over again. I'm just very bored." Yuan said sardonically as he walked into the room hands held up defensively before him. Kratos sighed and sat on his bed, his weight made it creak. The auburn haired man looked up at his blue haired half-elven companion.

"I'm surprised you haven't snuck out yet Raine must be very intimidating." Kratos replied a smirk on his lips. Yuan snorted.

"Quite the contrary, I wouldn't be able to do that not with your son, and the dwarf about besides she'd kill me if she found out, I believe I'm a bit too young to die." Yuan said sitting next to Kratos a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Young you say…" Kratos said his eyes staring blankly at the black box. Yuan noticed and sat back looking over the man, he got up.

"What the hell are you doing Kratos? You've been pacing since this morning! I'm a sick half elf, and I need my rest, and all this noise isn't good for my health." Yuan stated his blue eyes flaring up in anger, Kratos looked at him curiously. The blue haired elf's eyes dashed back and forth between the perplexed man sitting on the bed and to the black onyx box sitting on the dresser across from him. His eyes narrowed mischievously. He sauntered over to the dresser and leaned on it with one arm, the other hanging lazily at his side, he saw Kratos jerk about to get up.

"So…what's with the box? Is it yet another skeleton of your dreadful past that you've kept buried for all these years? Or maybe, it's a gift, to a lady friend perhaps?" Yuan said smiling, Kratos glared daggers at him.

"Yuan…" he hissed back in no mood for his friends prying questions.

"It's none of your damn business, and I found it." Kratos replied Yuan smirked.

"Don't give me that, Kratos. It's like your afraid to open it or something, why? What secrets are hidden within it, Kratos?" Yuan asked his index finger touching the silver clasp, his eyes widened as he snatched his hand away, and his eyes flashed over to an unperturbed Kratos. He looked at the tip of his finger it was pitch black.

"That's enough Yuan!" Kratos said harshly, getting up his hands clenched into fists. Yuan's eyes flashed warily and he straightened, he turned around and headed for the door his pony tail flying out behind him, he looked back at his long time friend, who was now seated again of the bed with its white sheets and fluffy down pillows. He sighed as he closed the door behind him, he rested his back against the door, and he began to cough, his chest exploding in pain. He regained control of himself as he walked up to the room at the top of another flight of stairs. He looked at his red stained hand and his black tipped finger.

"What…what are you hiding now, Kratos." He said barely above a whisper as he walked tiredly back into his room out of breath and panting to refill his exhausted lungs. He closed his eyes as he slunk to the floor knees above his chest, his arms wrapped around them.

"The sky…the sky will soon be pitch black…Martel, guide us…please." He whispered before falling into a fit full sleep.

He'd heard Yuan's coughing fit from his door but made no move to see how he was doing he was too shaken to. Kratos hung his head his hands on the back of his neck, his auburn hair fell over his face, covering his closed eyes. He raised his head to look at the black box yet again; he got up and walked over to it a deep fear rising in his stomach. He reached for the key but he pulled his hand away hesitantly. A cry of birds outside made his head jerk towards the window, a large craft had landed not too far from the house, his eyebrow rose. Rheiard? But why now? Something must've happened. Kratos grabbed his cape and sword from his bed and rushed downstairs, Lloyd and Colette had their backs to the staircase, and they were both up at the door. Lloyd turned around to see his father who put his cape on and tied his sword to his belt.

"Dad it's Sheena and Zelos." He heard his son say.

"Has something happened?"

"Oh no Mr.Kratos! They're here for the party!" Kratos looked back and forth between the two children, Lloyd had a sheepish grin on his face and Colette's eyes were gleaming with happiness.

"What…party?" he asked positively confused, but also dreading the oncoming answer.

"The one in Meltokio! We're guests of honor!" Lloyd cried happily, the door opened just then and a blackish purple haired ninja walked through the door, a red leather pocket book in her hand and behind her was a red headed chosen his key crest beaming in the moon's light, he smiled and winked giving a thumbs up.

"Yo. Sup we got your outfits. Hey gramps you going to the party like that or what?" Kratos grumbled as both Lloyd and Colette snickered as they went to their rooms to get changed. Zelos handed Kratos a black tuxedo, which he snatched from the former chosen and proceeded to go up to his room.

It took only a few minutes for him to get fully dressed, he never did like wearing tuxedos, not very comfortable and it was extremely hard to conceal ones weapon when wearing it. He sighed and he ran a bare hand through his spiky auburn hair. He even argued with Anna on the evening before their wedding that he hated them. He smiled at the memory.

"Honestly Anna you know how much I hate wearing these sort of things…" Kratos stated holding up the black and white suit with the white cuffs and white collar, he grimaced as his eyes scanned the ugly outfit. A chocolate haired woman sighed she was adding the finishing touches on what seemed to be a wedding dress, it's many layered ripples touching the clean, hard wood floor. Her head shot towards her soon to be husband a smile on her face.

"Oh, Kratos, please. You've done worse, would you rather stand out like a sore thumb with that…purple thing you wear?" Kratos eyebrow rose.

"That purple thing, mind you, is very easy to maneuver in, in case something attacks us." The room fell uneasily quiet, and Anna's eyes were down casted to the floor. Kratos looked at her his emotionless eyes seeing the sorrow filled within her own.

"Anna…I'm…sorry." He whispered she turned to him.

"Kratos there's no need to be, it's not your fault things happened this way." he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her rocking her gently. She began to close her eyes, which stung with the oncoming tears.

"Forgive me." She heard him whisper into her ear.

"Yo! Kratos! YooHoo anybody home!" the angel blinked and then turned his head to the right to face a smooth crystal blue eyed face. He gasped startled and took a step back Zelos chuckled.

"Reminiscing?" Kratos's eyes narrowed and he grunted.

"I was…" he turned and walked out of the room Zelos in pursuit.

:Luin one hour before the Party:

His finger tapped the table softly creating a rhythm only he knew, only he could understand. He forced a fake smile as a rather large waitress passed by him adorned in the plain blue short-sleeved shirt and matching blue skirt, an apron around her waist. He let out a sigh. It was disgusting being surrounded by all the things he hated, humans, everywhere, he had the sudden urge to kill, the urge to do anything but be here he felt so lonely in this world, his chest felt hollow void of a heart at all.

"Oh I can't wait! In one more hour…that party will begin!" his pointed ear twitched a little as he caught the loud gossiping of two women seated in a bench across from him. His black eyes turned their way.

"I heard the chosen's group is going there as guests of honor!" a women with a lighter tone of voice spoke, his eyes widened at this statement he was about to turn around and ask something.

"There you are!" he looked up.

"Oh. Chocolat." He replied looking into her brown eyes, which she adverted from his deep stare. She was dressed finely, a black dress on encrusted with sparkling beads.

"You're going to that party." She nodded taking a seat across from him. He put his elbows on the table and leaned towards her his chin resting in the palm on his hands. His eyes narrowed slyly.

"Tell me…who is, this chosen group?" she looked at him perplexed, everyone knew about Lloyd and his friends.

"You mean you never heard of them?" she asked confused, he noticed her confusion and laughed.

"Of course I have, I just forgot do tell me again, their names." He asked his eyes flashing in the inn's light. She put a finger to her right cheek.

"Well, there's Lloyd, Genis, Raine, a ninja named Sheena, and a auburn haired man…I don't remember his name though."

"Kratos." She looked at him his eyes dulled half closed.

"Yes. Yes that's right! Kratos! He seemed so…serious all the time." The man before her pushed out his chair and stood up his black cape falling about his feet, he stared forward giving no regard to any of the bystanders' curious expressions. Chocolat looked at him as he walked out. She bit her lip.

"Oh Chocolat you got invited to go!" she couldn't see him as the tiny bell adjacent to the door rang, notifying if someone was entering or leaving, in this case the latter a crowd of women had surrounded her. What was…that about?

"You know…someday this will all be yours, Meridian." The black haired boy stated his black purple striped cape turned towards a younger boy whose hair was tied up in a ponytail to show his pointed ears. The younger of the two was sitting on an old rotting fence his legs swinging back and forth.

"How about you, brother? You're the second oldest, aren't you going to get it before I do?" the older boy turned to his younger brother his eyes emanating a mysterious glow.

"I have no need for such worldly possessions anymore." He replied his voice devoid of feeling and emotion. He looked up at the sky; it was pitch black with beads of white colored stars sprinkled all over it. An ocean of blackness filled with tiny fish.

"What do you mean by that?" the young half elf asked, he brother laughed and ruffled his hair as he sat next to him leaning against the fence, their right shoulders touching.

"I met someone today, a great person, a person who…is a half elf, just like you." The young boy looked at his brother who was grinning.

"What was his name?"

"Mithos. Mithos Yggdrasill."

"Where'd ya' meet him?"

"Out in the plains, he was with his…I believe his sister. He told me how he was going to stop this war, stop everything about it discrimination…everything." The young child sighed.

"He was a summoner you know." The young boy's eyes lit up.

"I wanna be a summoner too Phanos!" Phanos laughed and both of them looked back up at the black-lit sky.

"Maybe someday, Meridian…maybe someday."

He walked through the grassy fields without a course or direction, his body moving on its own accord to his destination Meltokio. His mind was numb with neither anger nor hate, but with a calm cool directive. Revenge, all he wanted was revenge. His heart, which he could swear to anyone, was pitch coal black beat against his chest it's pounding ringing in his pointed ears. His legs burned with pain as he rested on top of one of the many knolls that he had traversed over. He stopped and panted with exhaustion his chest burning for oxygen. He looked to the west, and on the horizon was the glow of the city.

"Atskal." He whispered flicking his hand across the air in a horizontal motion. A growl filled his ears as the air around him filled with black living smoke it wrapped around him like a living being.

"Kill anyone associated with…him." The air immediately became clear once more and he began his treacherous downward decent, to the dazzling city of Meltokio.

Regal let out a sigh as he wiped an unshackled hand across his forehead, he heard the banging of an ax and turned to see Presea her blade flying in the warm night air into a large tree. They'd both decided to, along with closing down Toize Mine, to help in the restoration of Ozette. Even some people of Mizuho had joined in the effort to help the poor people who'd lost their home.

"It's getting late. We should be going soon. They can't hold the party just for us." Regal said a smile on his lips; Presea nodded leaning her ax against a nearby tree stump.

"It'll take awhile, for Ozette to be what it once used to be." The pink haired child stated. Regal nodded in acknowledgement, a cry of fear made both of them both look up then at each other, Presea grabbed her ax and with one deft motion swung it onto one shoulder, they both ran towards the towns center. A man was backed into a corner and a huge beast was before him. He had never seen anything like that before in his entire life. It was on four legs, giant black wings rested on its back. Each foot was adorned with five large sword sharp claws. It's massive jaw opened to reveal millions of sharp teeth and a blood red tongue. It's two shoulders also carried two large pure white crystals. It had no tail since it really didn't need one. It's large neck craned around its red eyes glowing in the dimly lit street.

"What…what is that." Presea whispered taking a step back. Regal's eye narrowed.

"I have no idea I never saw anything like it…ever." The beasts massive jaw opened and a thunderous roar escaped it's throat the man in the corner got up and ran, the beast snorted and pounced upon him killing him instantly. It tore him to shreds as if he was but a chew toy to a dog.

"Kill…kill all." A raspy voice escaped its lips as it turned back to the warriors it's mouth caked with dried blood and fresh as well it's silver teeth shone red in the moon's light, it took a step forward Presea looked at Regal as they both felt the ground shake beneath their feet. It took another step, and then it rushed forward like a flash of lightening, Regal dodged it and its massive size sent it colliding thunderously into a large oak, which it took down with it. Regal jumped into the air his greaves glinting and he landed heel down on the monsters head, he jumped back as it snapped its huge jaws at him. A gust of air flew into him as the beast used its giant large black leathery wings to regaine it's footing, it shook its head growling with anger. The air was filled with the smell of decay, and rotting flesh. The beast cried in pain as Presea swung her ax full force into its heel. A silver clawed hand collided with her body, sending her ax skidding to the dirt and she went flying to the side.

"Presea!" Regal cried out his eyes darting to the grounded girl the beast inched up on her, eyes glowing.

"Damn." He looked around for anything to help. His eyes caught something, nestled in the bushes.

"The Rheaird." He shot a ball of chi at the beast hitting it directly in its skull it's nostrils flared up and it ran forward toward the blue haired man. He ran and jumped onto the machine, and lifted it up off the ground as he heard a loud bang come from below. The black beast had knocked down an old house from the previous settlement. He flew out of town and across the rocky landscape, the beast still behind him. He heard rocks crack and crumble, and the sound of the rushing water below. A glint of silver caught his eyes as he swerved to dodge the beast's outstretched hand, the rocks gave out underneath its weight but not before it slammed its hand into the mountainside sending boulders and debris flying everywhere. A rain shower of rocks was pelting the Rheiard. He dodge them as best he could all the while he watched the creature fall to its doom, his eyes widened as it turned into a large black cloud before it hit the water and it dissipated like a morning mist, leaving him there coughing from the dirt and dust. He looked down to see a girl dragging her ax dully, with little to no strength.

"Presea!" he landed and rushed over to her, the side of her face was covered with blood.

"I'm fine." She replied.

"No you're not, we have to…tell Lloyd." He said hands on the girl's trembling shoulders. She nodded numbly as she boarded the Rheaird. They took off both a mess and battle streaked and they flew to Meltokio.

He smiled as he mixed in with the crowd of gossiping humans. He'd decided to buy a mask, one that would cover his entire face lest he be seen and his entire cover blown. A black orb with two crystals sticking out of it trembled in his hand he clenched it and hissed his eyes darting to his right hand. He walked towards one of the many streets holding shops and entered the shop labeled masks.
"Oh wow! Its…its so beautiful Mister Zelos!" Colette cried her eyes lighting up with wonder. Lloyd sighed it was indeed a beautiful sight though, one that you'd think you would only find in fairy tales. There were tons of people some wearing masks others having expressions of pure joy and amusement on their faces. Everyone seemed used to it, the set up. The golden covered banquet hall was huge, it's ceiling rose up for what seemed miles. There were three large tables to the far right each one adorned with an abundance of delicacies only the rich and prosperous were used to, and even then some were only made for this yearly event. The chef's not wanting to let people get too used to the specials they made for this night. There were three large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, as well. Each one of the chandeliers sported ten or more lights, making the room glow with radiance, like it's own sun. The golden walls and windowpanes glittered and sparkled in the surrounding light, making people pay no heed to the darkness falling around them outside. A sanctuary to those only seated within, at the far back center of huge place was a large staircase with a marble floor and a red carpet covering it. At the top of the carpet were two large thrones for the King and Queen. There was also a second floor, which people had started to occupy, it was a good ten feet above the main dance floor. Colette tugged at Lloyd's shirt cuff he looked at her, her hair was the same style as always but her dress, and she looked gorgeous. Lloyd blushed as she smiled at him.

"Come dance with me Lloyd!"

"Ah, Um…uh okay." Zelos snickered from his spot next to Sheena who elbowed the red head in his gut; she smiled and waved the two on.

"Heh, I see promise in that one." Sheena looked at Zelos quizzically, the thought of what he was talking about just registering, and she growled eyes narrowing.

"Ahh haha I think I'll go get some drinks…be right back!"

"Zelos!" Sheena cried her fist clenched, Kratos chuckled from his position on the wall. In the mix of the crowd Kratos spotted two silver haired people a tall one was engaged in a conversation with a tall man with a brown mustache and brown hair. Raine turned since Genis was tugging on her sleeve.

"Oh, Kratos! You're finally here." Raine said Kratos nodded to both of them.

"Is Lloyd and Colette here too!"

"Yes, they're somewhere dancing." Kratos replied. Genis looked up at Raine who gave the okay to go on his own the young mage ran into the crowd easily slipping through since his size permitted.

"This is Marcus, he's been helping me and Genis with the discrimination." Raine said introducing the man.

"We thought it would be a good idea to get a human man to help us, maybe people will listen to us more now."

"It's really a shame that it's come down to that." The man replied his tone deep but soft spoken. Kratos nodded, an odd sensation starting down in the pit of his stomach. Something is here…something evil.

He walked through the crowd blending in perfectly, his black blue striped cape flying out behind him. His smooth face was now covered with an eloquent mask, which tied at the back covered by his black auburn streaked hair. The mask was part gold, and part onyx a fitting match of colors for his personality. The golden side's eyehole was ringed on the top with black metal, and going down the entire side, through the middle portion of it, was a blue sapphire line. The black side had a similar line only it was white, and the top part of the eyehole was lined with red. The mask went down to his chin it sported a thin lipped smile the black side the lips were red as well as on the golden side. Also sticking out from the top were black bird feathers, which circled around his head like a crown. He walked forward his eyes scanning the room; people made drab comments on his mask expecting him to befriend them for their courtesy. There sitting against the wall was the girl.

"Chocolat, I'm glad you made it, you're very, very important." Beneath the mask his face contorted into a wicked smile. He walked forward, and stopped dead in front of the lonely girl, he held out his black-gloved hand and she looked up at the stranger with confusion.

"Would you care to dance?" the man behind the mask asked she nodded stunned that anyone would dance with a poor working waitress from Luin. They spun in tune with the music, all the men lifting and spinning their lady partners through the air at the same time, it was truly a beautiful sight. She felt the air brush against her face as they spun around one last time ending their moon dance, the moon's rays hit his mask. She looked at him out of breath. Who was he, a rich person? He was certainly different from the others. He led her out side to the one of the balconies, the night's cool refreshing air calming her heat-streaked face.

"Who are you?" she asked the man. The man just stood there un-answering.

"Oh, you know me…Chocolat, you also seem to know the person I truly despise as well." Her eyes widened as she tried to move away, but his grip tightened.

"L-Let go of me!" she cried, he chuckled as he brought her arm around her back pinning it there and then using his free hand he brought it to her mouth dowsing any other oncoming cries for help.

"Sorry, I don't take to kindly to commands." Her eyes began to black out, as the ballroom scene before her became nothing but a deep never ending void.

He swirled his drink in his glass lazily. Zelos sighed, Sheena had gone and danced with another guy while he was out giving Lloyd lessons, he could've sworn it was all a plot to get him, he laughed pushing back his hair. He saw the older auburn haired man sit next to him as Raine walked over to the man named Marcus.

"I'm surprised you know how to dance." Zelos said jokingly. Kratos smirked.

"Yes well I guess it never leaves you I suppose." Zelos nodded spinning his glass again.

"Just like the past." Kratos nodded taking a glass from a passing butler.

"Unlike the past though, dancing isn't very detrimental to one's existence." Zelos looked at the man then shrugged he clanged his cup to Kratos's.

"Cheers to that." Kratos shook his head, a scream made the room go dead silent both swordsmen jumped up their eyes swinging to a balcony some ways up.

"That poor girl! What's going on! Who is that!" they ran through the crowd the peoples comments screaming in their ears. Kratos spotted his son.

"Dad! It's Chocolat!" Kratos looked up his eyes narrowing a tall figure with an oddly ornamented mask held her by the balconies edge.

"Who the hell is that guy?" Zelos asked.

"KRATOS!" Everyone's eyes widened as the masked man cried out the mercenaries name Kratos felt all color drain out of his face.

"I know you're out there somewhere…show yourself you coward!" the masked man cried out tossing his mask off into the crowd below it fell with a deafening clatter. Kratos's eyes were wide…It…it can't be…how, how is he…how is he alive.

A/N Hehehe chapter two...DONE! BWAHAHA! I rock...you know I do...sorry, it's late and I should be in bed...my mom thinks I'm doing school work...I'm really not, duh. Yeah so this chapter...isn't short, at all. HAHA I guess I kinda contridicted myself...I think I spelt that wrong...because I'm not typing this up on Word, because I'm a rebel. Yeah that little beginning quote...it's from Don't Talk to Strangers by Dio...you all should go download it illegally...RIGHT NOW! Hehe, I heart that song, because I was listening to it, and I was like OMG! This fits for my story, so dudes...I put it on! YEAH! Uh huh...don't talk to strangers because they might be revengeful crazy half elves wanting to kill you! XD I make myself giggle hehehe!

Phanos: what's wrong with you?
Me: get back inside your tree!
Phanos: NUUU I DON'T LIKE TREES!
Me: Too bad!
Kratos: that's what you get for being evil.
Phanos: But she's evil! and she doesn't get sucked into trees!
Me: That's because...I rock.
:Phanos grumbling as he walks into the Kharlan Tree: