5. Ominous Darkness

Rehearsal was taking place outside in the Aquios Gardens. For Welch did not want anyone not taking part in the play to see them rehearse. Standing on another yet not to steady looking wooden stage Welch had her arms crossed in front of her chest. Indeed they had to be perfect by the next day for that was when they were to preform. Lucky for her, she was able to get the costumes done.

Cliff was sitting on a large rock reading his script he had a rather dull look on his face. Christopher was clinging on to his father's broad back shoulders and glancing down at the paper script "Daddy what is that?"

"A script of the character I'm preforming in this play." a sigh escaped his lips as he flipped the page.

"What character?" Christopher started to wiggle about on Cliff's back taking a tight grip around Cliff's neck.

"Gah-" Cliff dropped the script and reached behind himself with his one arm taking hold of the little boy. His blue eyes narrowed a bit then yanked Christopher over his shoulder and on to his lap.

"Daddy what character?" he asked again giving his father a pout look.

"Drosselmeyer."

"Drossle-who?"

"Ah some old crazy man who died."

"So he is dead? What a stupid character."

Cliff's right eye twitched "Yeah well..somebody got to do it!" he tried to save his pride.

Christopher just smiled and hopped off his father's lap and ran towards a big tree. Staring up at it he noticed legs swaying over a high branch "...it's a monster!" he panicked moving back a bit.

"Monster?" a voice from the tree squeaked out as the figure looked down to see Christopher. A smile drew across the little girl's lips as she swayed her legs more "wooo I'm the boogie-tree!"

Christopher sniffled and kept backing away "Don't...eat me!" he shouted then turned to run away but bumped in to somebody. Causing Christopher to fall back and land on his bottom, rubbing the back of his neck he looked up to see who it was "Gah! You!"

Glou narrowed his emerald eyes at the sight of Christopher. Glancing towards the tree he noticed his sister Kira was hanging on a branch. Smirking a bit he pushed Christopher aside "What were you doing? Eyeing my sister?" he asked while approaching the tree. He watched his sister give Glou a confused look as she climbed down the tree.

"N-No I thought she was a monster." Christopher protested.

"Monster?" Kira asked as she approached the boy who was sitting on the ground half in tears.

"Heh. Well she does look like a monster." Glou said with a smirk then received a smack at the back of his head.

Kira glared at her brother "I am no monster!" she scolded him and took off to find her mother.

Christopher got up and chased after Kira wanting to explain that he didn't think she looked like a monster just that he thought a monster was in a tree.

Glou was not amused by this neither was he amused by that inventor who was making him dress in an itchy costume with black feathers all over it. Him and Christopher were to play just simple roles which were that of the crows that followed the character Rue around. They did the bidding of Princess Kraehe and he for one didn't like this role. Walking towards the banged up stage he noticed Maria dressed up in a simple dress which the non-elicorrdian's called a school uniform.

"Oh Glou. Have you fitted for your costume yet?" she asked while running her fingers through her long blue strands.

"Yeah. I hate being a crow."

"Why is that?"

"Because I don't want to do any bidding to some woman."

"Heh. I guess I can see your point." Maria told Glou as she walked towards a mirror and fixed her blouse collar. At first she was happy she received this role but also disliked having to play a part of a character who was the girlfriend of Mytho. In ways she envied the relationship between Fayt and Sophia. She had feeling for Fayt for some time now but tried to throw them aside when Fayt asked Sophia to marry him. Turning around to see if Glou was there she noticed the boy had already left.

Kira walked in while her mother was changing in to the costume known as a school uniform. Hearing a door open Nel glanced behind her to see Kira walk up to her a small smile crossed her lips "Hm. What is it?"

"Mommy, Glou was being mean."

"Mean?"

Kira gave a nod while tears started to fall down her cheeks "He said I look like a monster." she then dropped to her knees. Cuddling her little form as she cried "Monsters are ugly..so I must be ugly."

"No. No" said Nel as she embraced her daughter then picked her up and rubbed her back "You are no monster. In fact you are a princess."

"A princess? But I'm no princess."

"Well not in reality but indeed you are as pretty as a princess."

Kira used her sleeve to wipe her tears "Am I? Do you think if I be a good girl a fairy will come to me like in fairy tales and grant me a wish?"

"Hm. What wish is that?"

"That daddy comes back to us." Kira smiled.

Nel froze and gave a fake smile "Sure. One day perhaps your wish could be granted." she hated lying her to her daughter. Especially it seemed as plain as day Albel was never to return to her again.

"Alright. I will be a good girl." she jumped out of Nel's arms and walked towards the door. She paused and glanced back at her mother "I'll tell big brother that I am a princess!" then walked out.

Nel couldn't help but let a tear run down her cheek for it was horrible of her. To keep telling them lies after lies about their father. Approaching the mirror she put a necklace around her neck that last piece of her costume then walked out.

On stage Woltar was fixing his fluffy cat ears "Hm. Tell me, Miss Welch. How does Mr.Cat actually meow?"

Welch pondered on the question and eyed Fayt who reluctantly walked on to stage wearing his boy school uniform "Fayt! How does Mr.Cat meow?"

The blue haired boy just eyed Welch as if giving her the look What are you stupid? then he rest his hands on his hips "Well you know..how cats meow!"

Woltar grabbed a hold of his furry cat tail and pinned it on his bottom "No. I do not know how a cat meows."

Fayt just slummed his shoulders and looked down "A cat meow sounds like..." he paused and then took a deep breath "Meeeoooww."

Welch held her ears and stared at Fayt "Seesh. What a horrible sound."

Glaring at them "Well sorry! I'm not a cat." he then stormed over towards a corner grumbling to himself.

Sophia stared at Leah "Um Miss Leah. Can you help me button up this button." she laughed a bit.

"Sure." Leah replied then glanced at Sophia's rather balloon like stomach. Laughing a bit she smiled "I guess this is the price we women pay when pregnant? We loose are figure for some time?" she said to Sophia as she tried to button it.

A pop sound could be herd as a button flicked off and hit a wall. Sophia blushed and laughed "Yep. Oh well I'll just have to do with out one button." she told Leah and walked towards a mirror. Staring back at Leah "You know, you look rather lovely in that."

"Nah. I think you do even with a pregnant stomach."

"Heh, no way you have this face of a angel while I on the other hand..um I think my eyes are out of portion." she sighed and fixed her long brown hair in to pigtails.

Soon everyone was on stage getting ready to preform their lines. The scene where Nel would be in her little duck costume sitting in the lake took place. Fayt sighed while grabbing at his tight white leotard pants and walked uncomfortably on the fake pond set. He was no good at balley lucky for him the Elicoordians couldn't tell the difference. Rising his right leg high his left foot nearly lost it's balance and it caused him to fall over.

"FAYT! What was that!" Welch screamed from a chair and jumped off walking towards him. She raised her hand wand and started to whack him several times "A prince is suppose to be graceful not clumsy!"

"Ouch!" Fayt said as his right arm tried to block the attack. He got up and rest his hands at his hips "Well I'm not the one who picked this role for me!" he shouted narrowing his green eyes.

Nel sighed while grabbing a hold of a yellow feather which kept tickling her cheek "Lets move on. I can't stand being in this costume."

The scene finally got done after three times of trying to get it right. Fayt and Nel had to go back to get changed again. Albel glanced down at his costume and scolded at how tight his pants were "Hmp. I look like a straight up-"

"Quit complaining Nox! Your scene is next!" Welch snapped.

Nel walked on to stage not happy about this scene. It was the scene where Ahiru and Fakir had to dance. Staring at Albel who had this look of dislike of being here. As she walked slowly she could feel her heart pond heavier. She longed to dance with Albel but she knew he didn't long to dance with her.

Standing before him; she noticed his annoyed expression. Averting her gaze from him and just waited for Welch's command.

"Alright you too. This is just a practice so don't kill each other."

"Don't you dare lay a finger on Nel-sama!" Tynave yelled from the right side.

Albel blinked his crimson eyes and chose to ignore Tynave's comment. Frowning he reached out and gripped Nel's right arm. Pulling her closer to him and he noticed how rigid she went. He smirked and then he tried to do his best of the instructions he was given.

"Wow. They really do look good together." Mirage said to Cliff who was fiddling with his fake beard.

"Yeah. Well to be honest watching them dance is almost sad."

Leah who was watching could feel the jealousy growing. Quickly she stared down at her engagement ring trying to remind herself that Albel was indeed her fiancé.

"This is the Pas de Deux; show some passion." shouted Welch.

Nel sighed while Albel leaned her down and his other hand gripped her leg. She was surprised he removed his claw for this. Being in his arms again was rather nice and her heart was beating as if it was the first time they confessed their feelings.

Albel gripped Nel's waist and lifted her up and remembered how light she was. Smirking he brought her back down and then embraced her from behind.

"Wonderful. Though it could use some more work." Welch commented while watching them.

"Um, you guys can let go now. We have more things to practice." Maria said with a smile.

Albel could feel his cheek burning with embarrassment. For he was indeed still holding Nel and to be honest he didn't want to let go. Though his crimson eyes got a glimpse of Leah staring at him questionably he pulled away reluctantly.

Nel was once again smacked with reality when he let go. Albel was no longer her lover but somebody else's lover.

"Damn were making progress." Cliff said with a smirk. He was amazed how quickly learned everyone was.

Albel just smirked "Progress? Maggot no matter what I believe Leah would had been more appropriate for the role of Ahiru."

Everyone grew in silence after Albel's comment. Cliff's fist was bulging and Fayt was ready to Air Kick him. Tynave gave Albel a rather deadly glare and cracked her knuckles. Drave withdrew his sword preparing a all bloodfest battle. Nel just stared at Albel she didn't bother to comment but to be honest it hurt so much she wanted to let those words slip out.

"NO. Nel is suitable to the part." Welch said as she raised her wand shaking it.

Albel could feel the hate pouring all around him. Smirking to himself it was a feeling he was use to. Running his fingers through his hair he walked over towards Leah putting an arm around her.

"Seeya later maggots."

Albel and Leah began to walk away. As soon as they entered the town Leah stop in her tracks. She had a lot of questions running through her head and she wanted them answered.

"Albel?"

"Yes?" he gave an irritated groan.

"Why are you so desperate of making me have that role?"

"Because I love you." he said calmly but to be honest that was half of it. Part of him loved Nel and dancing with Nel was starting to bring up old emotions. Trying to save his relationship with Leah he had to find a way to replace Nel. He didn't care if Nel was the best for the part he just wanted what was best for himself and Leah.

"Hm." Leah gave a nod and leaned up kissing Albel's cheek. Though she still wondered if that was really the honest truth.

"He so stuck up." snapped Welch as she lifted a box on to the stage.

Nel was in the back room getting back in to her normal clothes. She felt that Albel was making it seem as if she was a burden. Even if it was just a play she was doing something to him. Obviously he was disgusted with her it had to be that.

"Mommy?"

Turning around she smiled at Kira who had her costume on "What is it?"

"Why do you look sad?"

"Sometimes a person can get sad."

"Do you miss daddy?"

Nel kept silent trying to think up an answer "Yes. I do miss him." she could feel it again. The loneliness that was capable of breaking her serious mask and showing her true emotions. She had to hide the sorrow she didn't want Kira or Glou to get hurt in this. Though she was already hurting them and not only was she lonely but she was guilty.

"Don't be sad mommy. If the fairy comes to me I will wish for daddy to return."

"I know.."

Kira smiled and hugged her mother. She stared up and gave a smile "Mommy is a princess just like me."

"Well I don't know about that.." Nel replied as she hugged her daughter.

"But mommy is pretty as a princess."

Nel couldn't help but cry, her daughter was so sweet. It pained her to keep lying over and over again.

Glou and Christopher were watching from outside. Glou was resting his back against a tree and Christopher was waiting patiently for Kira.

"Your father died?"

Glou gave a nod and narrowed his eyes "Because he died my mother is always sad."

"Why don't you get another dad?"

"Don't be stupid, fool." he snapped and then stomped off.

Inside the Aquarian Castle, Clair was rather busy with work. A subordinate had given her a report a few days ago. She re-read the pages over and over again. She was totally stumped by it "Ugh. What does this all mean." she rubbed her forehead.

Adray walked in his daughter's office room not bothering to knock. He gave a sigh as he noticed she was once again busy with her work. Walking behind her, he rest his hands on her shoulders.

Clair tensed up and was about to scream but remembered where she was. Also what time it was for it was only noon. A murder couldn't happen at this time sighing she tilt her head to see it was her father.

"Father! Why can't you ever knock?"

"You're my daughter. Why should I have to knock?"

"What if I was changing?" she glared.

"Heh. Like I never seen what you looked like."

"Father! I was a little girl." she scolded and got up from the chair.

Adray glanced down at the piece of paper laying on top of the desk. He reached for it and started to read it.

"Father, that is my work not yours. Please quit reading."

"What is this? Old test scores?"

"...I did some background checking."

Adray blinked his eyes and started to laugh "Why are you background checking on the male status?"

"That is not it father! It was the test that every crimson blade had to take."

"So what of it..?"

Clair snatched the papers from his hands then walked towards the window. She peered out and sighed "It seems we have a problem."

"What problem is this?"

She was about to say something but a knock could be herd from her door. She walked towards it and opened it to reveal one of her subordinates.

"Miss, you asked for me?"

"Ah yes. I was wondering if you could make sure to rally up some of are members to keep watch at the festival tomorrow."

"Yes'mam." the subordinate said then walked off.

"As you were saying?" Adray asked as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Father, don't bother yourself with this issue. It's something I must handle." she glared and pointed towards the door.

Adray smirked "Is it all that important?"

"Let just say; we might have a spy among us."

Albel was walking through the halls of the Aquarian Castle. Suddenly he froze before a room a room he remembered quite well. Suddenly the door opened and his heart was beginning to pound. Only that someone was not Nel who came out of this room.

"Oh. Lord Nox." said a crimson blade member.

"Hmp. Where is that maggot Zelpher at?"

"She doesn't live in the castle no more."

"Is that so?" Albel gave a confused look. He knew Nel was always one for her job and that she wanted to be close by the Queen at all times. This was odd something did change and he didn't know what it was. She was hiding something from him but was he about to ask, well no he was not.

"Yes. She has her own place outside of the castle."

Albel just gave a look and walked back towards the guest room. As he walked in he noticed Leah sitting on the bed studying her ring.

"Oh your back." Leah said as she lifted her head to get a look at her fiance.

"Yeah."

Leah smiled and got off the bed. Embracing him in a hug "I can't barely wait till we get married." she told him.

"Hm me too."

"Is that so? Then why not get married next week?"

Albel gave a startled look "But that is too soon! No preparations have been made yet and you want to get married next week?"

Giving a light nod "I know, it sounds crazy. It's just..I can't get something off of my mind."

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes, I feel like I'm going to lose you.." she looked down at her feet.

A chuckle came from Albel as he hugged her "Your not going to lose me. What makes you think of this?"

Leah lifted her head and looked in to Albel's eyes "Just something.." she turned her face away.

Albel gently moved her face to view "Don't be silly, your not going to lose me." he told her. Slowly he moved in and caught her lips with his.

Blushing Leah moved forward and kissed him back; she was losing her self. It was a sweet and warm feeling. Her heart was beating like crazy and she didn't want to ever let go of the source which made her like this.

Welch was just about to have Woltar read his lines but the misfortunate happen. It started to rain and it didn't just drizzle it poured. They all started to scramble back to the Castle and figured they would just have to get up early and practice some more. The hours past and soon it was night time. Everyone that was a guest were staying in the Castle and Nel had gone home with her two children.

Nel tucked Glou and Kira in to their beds. Both of them shared a room but had their own beds. She smiled as she leaned forward and kissed Kira's forehead "Goodnight princess." she said softly. Walking over towards Glou she leaned forward but Glou turned his head away from her.

"Mom, I'm to old for that."

"Don't be silly. You'll always be my little boy." she smiled.

Glou groaned and grabbed the blanket then drug it over his head. Hiding himself from Nel and quickly he said "Goodnight."

"Mom!" Kira shouted as she sat up in her bed.

"Yes?"

"Can you open the jewelry box?"

Nel glanced over at the small wooden box sitting on a table close to Kira's bed. Woltar had given it to her for her birthday. Approaching it she lifted the top up and a sound played through the room. A irritated groan could be herd from Glou from under the covers and she smiled "Goodnight, I love you."

"Goodnight mom!" they both said at the same time.

Walking in to her own room she needed to get changed. Putting on a simple blue night gown she stood before the mirror trying to fix her appearance. She looked fine on the outside but in the inside she was hurting and feeling ugly as ever. Hate is all she felt right now not just for Albel but also for herself. She just prayed to Apris that her children never had to hurt like she was hurting.

A loud crack of thunder could be herd outside and lightening was brightening up her room. She sighed "I hate storms." she said to herself. Then it had just clicked to her after the thunder erupted the music stopped playing. The music always played at least till she came in the room to turn it off. Then again she knew Glou could had pestered Kira in to shutting it off.

Though even if that had happen Kira would had ran to her. Nel suddenly felt fear and she opened her door then continued her way through the dark hallway towards their room. Her hand was shaking as she gripped the doorknob and pushed it forward quietly but the door had given out a creek. She was greeted with complete darkness and silence, she was just about to summon up a flame spell until the lightening brighten up the room. Revealing her fear, her children's beds were empty.

She ran in to the room releasing one of her daggers and noticed the one window was open. Rain was getting inside because of the strong winds. She had a fire lit in her free hand and a dagger in the other "Glou! Kira!" she shouted in a frantic manner. Her right eye caught a glimpse of the crack in the mirror on the right side wall. She was not alone in this room, in fact a black shadow was behind her.

The fire in her hand the only light and her image showing clearly in the mirror but there was definitely something behind her. When she was just about to turn around and use her dagger on the criminal a pain surged through her. Staring down a blade was sticking out her through right lower side and blood was filling her lungs. She coughed up the red liquid and her left hand with the fire balled up closing the flame. All she could remember as she stared in that broke mirror was that the shadow had blue eyes.

A note was left near Nel's unconscious body. The figure then made it's exit through the open window carrying the two sleeping children which it had drugged with some sleeping substance.

Albel sat up in his bed startled and he was panting. Looking around the empty room he noticed Leah was not beside him in his bed. Getting up he walked towards the door as he was just about to open it Leah was just coming in. Startled she nearly dropped her candle "What are you doing out so late?" Albel questioned her.

"I apologize if you were worried. I was thirsty." she told him as she raised her glass of water.

Sighing he walked back in to his room and sat down on the bed. She sat down next to him and moved closer to him "I hate storms.." she shivered as she herd another thunder.

Albel stared at the window and watched the lightening brighten up the dark stormy sky. He sighed "So do I. It brings bad memories." he told her.

Taking a sip from her glass of water she then sighed "Yeah, there always a bad omen."

Albel smirked "Bah, I don't believe in that rubbish."

Scratching sounds could be herd from the window. Leah nearly jumped up "What is that?" she said as she closed her eyes and hugged him.

Albel cautiously approached the window, reaching close towards the wall to grab his crimson scourge he lifted the window open. In flew a odd creature, it fell to the ground and flipped around like a fish out of water. Closing the window he approached it and held the sword above it. Staring down he noticed it was an odd creature alright, it was a bird of some sort. It had black feathers and red eyes. The description of a raven from that story that their play was about.

"A raven?" Leah said as she studied the creature as it flapped around on the ground.

"Hmp." in a quick manner Albel swung his sword down. Cutting the bird in half revealing an odd purple color blood oozing from under it.

A/N: I am so sorry I have not updated this for a while! Don't hurt me please! I promise I will make another chapter soon. Heh, I left it at a cliffhanger too. Now the question is who did it? Was it Leah or somebody else? Well anyways thanks for all the reviews and please review. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Note: I don't own Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. Nor do I own Princess Tutu; though I wish I owned both D!