Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean: Till the End of Time nor do I own Princess Tutu. I wish I owned both because I would had added some things in both of them!

Characters I own: Leah((Ceres)), Drave, Christopher, and Lily.

Enjoy!

7. The Heartless

"Albel!"

He gave Nel a glare and gave a side glance to Clair "Leave." he commanded the crimson blade.

Without haste she left Albel and Nel to talk things out. As much as she wanted to stay there and beat the bloody pulp out of Nox. She trusted that Albel will suffer enough at heart for the cruel things he's done. Clair then went to the audience chambers for there were many things to do to prepare.

Nel sat in silence as Albel closed the door and turned to face her. He had the obvious look of anger. Her silence was probably not helping, bowing her head down she tried to busy herself by looking at her hands.

"Zelpher, we need to talk!" he growled.

Finally he had broken the silence but by his voice she could tell he was angry with her. Sighing she lifted her head to stare at him "Nox, we have nothing to talk about."she simply said.

"Nothing? Oh I can think of something!" his right eye twitched and it looked as if he was about to set off like a rocket.

Resting her right hand to her forehead "Nox your giving me a headache."she replied.

Flexing his claw he tried to restrain himself from grabbing at his crimson scourge and threaten her "Listen, I know what happened."he snapped.

"You..do?"

He noticed the startling in her voice and he narrowed his eyes "Yes, why didn't you tell me?" his voice grew more.

"Tell you what?" she glared.

"Don't play stupid!"

"Hmp."

Albel could feel himself losing his temper. He then moved closer to her bed quickly and gripped her hand with his human right hand "Listen! I had the right to know!" he squeezed it firmly.

"Right to know what? Ha, you were out of my life you didn't need to know anything." she smacked his hand away from her hand.

"The children are mine too!" he snapped.

"They where your children. Nox, I didn't want you to know because you found someone..and I didn't want to ruin your life by thrusting unknown children before you."

"Hmp. It's not about me. It's about you!" he growled a bit.

"About me?" she was confused now.

"Your selfish! Keeping the children from me."

She looked away from him and her hands trembled as they rested on her lap. She wanted to cry "Go away, Nox." her voice trembled out.

Snorting a bit "I am not leaving. I want to know why you kept them from me!"his crimson eyes narrowed.

Her shoulders lowered and her face turned to him "I told you why!" she yelled. She didn't bother to hide her tears that managed to escape. Nel crying was rather unlike Nel and she hated anyone seeing this of her.

"What good of enough reason was that?"

"You want me to tell my children that their father is back only now engaged to another woman!" she then broke down as her hands covered her eyes. She hated this feeling, she hated him seeing her cry.

Albel was stunned by the sight and knew little what to do. He was not really good with these type of situations. Resting his right hand on Nel's shoulder he gripped it firmly "It's only right to tell the truth. Even if it doesn't look good. I'd still would had been a father to them. I don't even have to be with you..I'd still be their father. You don't understand, it's not about you or me. It's about them." he then sighed.

Nel was feeling overwhelmed now by Albel's words. She never thought of him as to be a responsible guy. Not bothering to look up at him; she simply gave a nod.

"Now, lets go and look for our children!" Albel said.

"Oh great! Now what do we do!" cried Lily as she watched the dead corpse inch closer to them.

The prince reached down to his right side. Pulling out a long sword, the handle of the sword had a decoration of a carving of two swans. The one swan was white the other was black; little did he know how to use a sword. Pointing the blade at the limping Airyglph warrior "Don't come closer."

Glou rolled his eyes "Yeah. I'm sure telling something that is dead don't come closer it will really listen." he said dryly as he then lifted his right hand. His palm was facing the obviously walking dead creature "Alright, as I remember correctly.." he closed his emerald eyes.

"Brother! Stop if you use anymore you might hurt yourself!" Kira said as he gripped his free hand.

Yanking it away from her "Don't worry, I got this." he said. Keeping his eyes close he began to feel the element of flame dancing inside of him. Opening his eyes with a smirk "Fire ball!" a symbol appeared before the palm of his right hand. A ball of fire was created and he thrust his hand. The fire ball flew towards the Airyglph warrior and hit him at the torso. A screech escaped the monster's mouth

Glou sighed "See I-" he began to feel dizzy. Like he was drained of all his energy. Falling to his knees the boy began to lose his consciousness.

The prince reached down and tried to support Glou at his side "I believe it would be wise if we retreat." he said to the two. He side glanced the Airyglph warrior who still wasn't fully defeated yet.

"Right!" said Lily.

Kira watched her brother nervously; she was afraid he had gone and killed himself. She had warned him of using it but he didn't listen to her. Tears started to spill "Brother! Brother!" she called out.

"Don't worry. He is still alive." said the prince as they made haste. Running the opposite direction of the undead soldier. Humming chants could be herd as they continued to run up the narrow cold hallway. As they grew closer to the end of the narrow path they were stop by a metal bar barricade.

"Let me take care of this!" Lily said as she fluttered through the bars. The fairy glanced around for a lever of some sort.

Kira turned around "He still coming after us!" she pointed towards the fiend.

"Lily, hurry up!" the prince said while his hand kept a firm grip on Glou and his other drew his sword.

The fairy's right eyebrow raised up a bit as felt frustrated that a lever wasn't near "I can't find a lever!" she said in her squeaky voice.

Kira shook her head "Try something else! Anything!" she said while inching closer towards the metal bars.

Lily fluttered up higher and noticed a chain connecting to a wheel "There is no way I am going to be able to turn that!" she stared at it.

The undead solider was drawing closer to the three. Kira panicked as she watch it start to now run towards them. The prince glanced at his sword and to the dead soldier. He didn't know how to use a sword yet. He glanced at Kira who was now clinging on to his arm which was supporting Glou.

"Hurry up!" Kira shouted.

Lily flew towards the wheel and grabbed just a small corner of the cog. She tried to push herself to move it. Nothing was happening "Agh..come on! Everyone is counting on me!" she said to herself. Her little hands were not capable of pushing such a heavy wheel. Still she was going to try at all cost.

At the final push, Kira's scream could be herd. The prince had pushed Kira to the side and he pointed the sword at the fiend. The sound of a chains could be herd as the metal gate was being levered up. Lily couldn't believe did she do this all by herself. Yet after taking a close note she noticed a hand was on the cog of the wheel.

A rather big hand compare to her hand. In fear she cautiously turned around to see a image of a boy with a black cape. He didn't bother to say anything because he left her and walked towards the prince. He took the sword from the boy's hand and with a quick movement of his hand he drove the blade right through the dead soldier. He smirked as the soldier fell to the ground but still wasn't dead for it was already dead.

"Quickly fairy, use some holy water on it." he said.

Lily gave a nod and she fluttered over the soldier. She pulled out a bottle of holy water and sprinkled it down on the monster. It started to wither and twitch turning nothing but ashes on the ground. The boy gave a sigh as he approached Kira helping her up to her feet. Turning around he faced them and his eyes soften "You aren't dead my prince?" he said with relief.

Everyone was gathered in the audience chamber preparing to leave. Sophia was outside on the balcony. Closing her eyes and her hands were closed together in a prayer "Please let Fayt come back safety." she said to herself.

"Hm your praying?"

Sophia turned around to see Fayt with a smile on his face. She gave a small nod "Believe it or not I may know for sure that God doesn't exist. Since Luther is the one who actually created us. Yet it is still go to pray to something." she said.

Fayt walked and stood beside her staring at the view. The sun was setting and the sky was of bright shades of orange and purple. His green eyes glanced at Sophia "Don't worry. I'll come back." he told her.

Resting her right hand on her growing stomach she smiled at him "I believe you will. Yet I like to pray to insure that." she stated.

Shaking his head as he chuckled he leaned forward kissing her cheek. Then gave a sigh "You should come in and see us off." he told her.

"Very well."

With that both of them walked back in to the audience chamber. They noticed everyone was huddled together. Fayt approached the group "Hey, what is going on?" he asked.

"Where thinking of where Romero's hideout could be." said Maria.

Albel rest his metal claw on his sheathed sword "He is in a temple. It's located in the Urssa Lava Caves." he said.

"Are you sure?" asked Cliff.

"Yes I am sure, maggot!"

"Okay, okay." Cliff rolled his eyes and turned around to see Mirage holding Christopher. He approached them. He smiled at Mirage "Don't worry I'll be back." he told her.

"I know Cliff. Your Klausian."

"No not just that. I got a hunch."

"Daddy's hunches are always bad." Christopher said.

Mirage laughed and then put Christopher down. While Cliff gave his son a look "Hey!" he said to his boy. Cliff then smiled while moving closer to hug Mirage and kissed her on the lips.

Christopher covered his eyes with his hand as they kissed. When Cliff noticed this he laughed at his son and picked him up "Be a good boy and protect your mommy." he said.

"I will protect mommy! Because I am brave!" he said.

With that Cliff hugged Christopher and gave him back to Mirage. He walked over towards Clair "Could you make sure nothing happens to Mirage, Christopher, and Sophia?"

"Of course." the crimson blade replied while bowing her head.

They all stood before the Queen of Aquaria. Nel was there and even still not 100 percent well she was going. Even if Albel had protested that she shouldn't go she ignored him and said it was her duty to go as a parent. Fayt was carrying a backpack filled with supplies that he collected for the trip. Maria stood by Cliff while Nel stood in front and Albel to the right side of her.

"May the grace of Apris be with you." the Queen said to them and bowed her head.

The prince gave a confused look "You know me?" he asked the stranger.

"Yes I do. I see so they had already gotten to your heart.." he trailed off while running his hand through his black hair.

Lily was growing annoyed at the stranger "Answer his question! Who are you and how do you know him?" she yelled.

"Calm down, peasant fairy." he snapped and his green eyes narrowed. Looking towards the prince he smirked "I'm Fakir. I'm the Knight Lanzer's son." he said.

The prince still was confused "How do you know me though?" he asked him.

The young boy shook his head "Idiot. I am your best friend!" he said.

"Best friend..?" the prince said while looking down to the ground. He really didn't know who this Fakir was but apparently Fakir knew him.

Kira looked at Fakir "You said something about the prince's heart?" she questioned.

Fakir looked towards Kira then gave a nod "Yes, his heart. Can't you tell he is missing it."

"But he is still alive." Lily pointed out.

"He isn't really missing the organ. Just the feelings and everything else. He doesn't even remember anything of his past." he told them. He notice the prince was holding Glou and walked over "Let me carry him."

"It's okay. I got him." the prince replied.

"Nonesence, you shouldn't carry a peasant."

That comment made Kira angry. Did that guy just call her brother a peasant she thought to herself. Her crimson eyes narrowed and she glared at Fakir "How dare you call my brother a peasant!"

He turned to her with a cold stare "Look I could careless if you peasants wasted down here. I found what I was looking for. I only have one person I want to protect and that is the prince." he snapped.

Lily sighed "Not another one!" she just had it with these ignorant boys. First there was Glou and now this Fakir.

Fakir grabbed the Prince's hand "Come, leave the peasants and we shall find a way out." he tried to tug the prince.

"Okay." he simply said.

"WHAT!" Lily yelled and grabbed the Prince's arm and pulled "No your coming with us!"she said while tugging as well.

This was making the prince even more confused. He didn't know who he should travel with and he just stood there. Looking like a rag doll being pulled between the two.

"Damn fairy. Let go!" Fakir yelled.

"No you little stuck up jerk!"

"That is enough! Can't you see the prince is confused!" Kira shouted at them.

Fakir sighed "Fine, have it your way. We'll travel together with these peasants."

Everyone started to walk up the Mountain of Barr. They knew they should be prepared for some dragon's up ahead. Those dragon's were nasty too because they caused paralysis. As they enter the secret cave. They noticed something odd going on before them.

"Take that and that!" said a rather annoying voice.

"It can't be.." Fayt trailed as the continued to walk closer in. It was confirmed it was indeed Roger the little menodix. He wasn't alone he was with his two other friends and they were fighting off Robin Wind.

"Hey what are you doing here?" Roger asked as he turned away from the battle.

"Bah mind your own business, fuzz ball."

Roger shook his head and his cat ears twitched "Always so mean." he said while watching Robin Wind retreat. He sighed "There goes my fun. I was trying to retrieve a rare item off of him."he said with a sigh. Then a smirk crossed his lips as he noticed Nel standing rather close to him. A small hand went to reach and touch her thigh. He stop though because of the blood lustful look he received from Albel Nox.

"We don't have time for this maggot."said Albel as he continued his way towards the entrance of the Urssa Lava Cave.

"Hey! Let me come to!"

"No way. A little kid like you shouldn't be coming." said Maria and followed Albel.

"What? Little kid!"

"Yes Roger, no adventures for you." Nel stated and walked passed the little menodix.

Roger plop to his knees and his hands clasped together "Oh please! Oh please! You got to let me come with you Fayt!" he begged him.

Fayt rest a hand on his hip "Roger you should listen to them. It's too dangerous."

"I don't think he understands the word dangerous." said Cliff.

Roger's tail wagged "You just got to let me come with you!" he said to them. His eyes grew big as he gave it his all to convince Fayt.

"No! Your not coming!" Fayt said sternly and followed after the others.

When Cliff was making his way past the menodix. Roger slipped in to a bag that Cliff was carrying. Cliff turned around and scratched the back of his head "Man that was quick. I thought the little bugger would keep begging until we got in to the cave."

Luther approached Romero's hideout. He ran his fingers through his black hair as he gave the lord a look.

"Oh Luther, you're here early."

He smirked a bit "Well I was wondering if you got what I want?" he asked.

Romero gave a light nod while pointing his rather thin index finger at a large glass case sitting on a black pillar. About seven black ravens were sitting around it not moving just making their ghastly sounds. Luther approached it and peered at the glowing pink orb inside of it. A smirk crossed his lips "With this, I will be able to regain my whole form again." he said.

"It's not fully complete."

"What?" Luther narrowed his eyes and unsheathed his sword.

"No but don't worry. I'll get that little pesky boy back in my hands."

"So he escaped?"

Romero grew nervous and gave a nod "Yes, M'lord you see he had help with a nasty fairy."

"Hmp no excuses!" he shouted and walked out.

Romero bowed his head "Yes, M'lord." and sighed with relief when Luther left. A sadistic giggle could be herd. Causing Romero to turn around and frowned at the sight "Lenore." he said.

"You bow down like a dog to this Luther. What am I to make of you being my lord?" she asked while flipping her long blue hair over her shoulder.

"Call me master. You are just a mere succubus like the other whores I have living down here."

Her fangs barred and she laughed "Oh yes. I'm just one of those succubuses." she said with a laugh. She walked towards the incased heart and her hand pressed against the class. Her fingernails tapped along it.

"Don't play with that!" he scolded her.

Ceres walked through the secret cavern in the Mountai of Barr. Her eyes were glowing as she approached the gates leading towards the Urssa Lava Caves. A smile crossed her lips "Readings Fayt Linegod and Maria Traydor." she picked up their signal.

Fayt and them had reached Crossel's lair. The dragon let out a roar being annoyed at the visitors. He sat up because apparently it looked as if he had been sleeping until they came along "What are you mortals doing here?" he asked.

"Going to the Temple." Fayt simply said.

"Bah, you foolish mortals disturb my sleep for that?"

Nel narrowed her eyes "It isn't foolish at all! My children were abducted and were taken there!" she yelled.

Crossel gave the Aquarian a look and just snorted a puff of smoke "Hm is that so Aquarian Maiden?" he said.

"Yes that is the reason! You over grown lizard." Albel said.

"Then you better be off to it. I want my sleep." the dragon yawned and laid back down. Taking that as their signal to leave. They headed towards a cave to the side which had a portal sitting on the ground. One by one they went on it and appeared on the other portal. Once Cliff was the last one who went on was the minute Ceres walked in Crossel's lair.

Crossel let out another annoyed growl "Another foolish mortal!" he said.

Ceres glared at the dragon "Do not interfere dragon or your praises of being the best will end today." she coldly replied.

This grew curiosity to Crossel and he raised up on all fours. His huge wings stretched out a bit "Did you threaten me little one?" he asked.

Ceres smirked "Do not beg for your death. If you are I will be happy to grant it!" her right arm started to glow. In minutes the skin peeled off to reveal a hug silver laser gun. She aimed it at Crossel and a red dot was glowing on the dragon's head. Crossel gave a ferocious roar causing his den to vibrate. The cavern walls were shaking and dust from above was falling down in several places.

The cloud of dust made it hard for Ceres to see the dragon. She was not amused by the trick and a smirk grew on her lips. Her free hand moved behind her head and flipped a hooded device over her eyes. A red screen was displayed before her and a black indicator found the large beast coming towards her. She quickly jumped up in the air and the dragon still headed on.

Crossel head almost smashed in to the doors of his den but paused when he lost her scent. Turning around his eyes narrowed and snarl escaped his mouth as Ceres landed behind him on her feet. The dirt was clearing up making both visible to one another. Crossel lowered his head and took a deep breath building up air in his throat. Ceres lifted her hood and aimed her laser gun at the bolding throat of the dragon.

"Your time is up." with that Ceres's finger pressed against the click of the laser and released a large white beam. It hit Crossel's throat and broke through the other side of his neck. His eyes were fading as his mouth opened releasing the flames which he held back. Along with the flames was blood as he fell to the ground causing the den to shake. Blood was pooling under his body at the open wound on his neck.

Ceres approached the dying beast and as her flesh covered the laser gun she unsheathed her sword.

"...Human..your time will...come." the dragon choked out.

"I hope my time comes." she simply said as she raised her sword and with a quick move of her hand she severed the head of the dragon. She stared at the creature's head and raised her sword then flicking the blood off of it. Walking towards the cavern which lead towards the temple she notice large boulders blocked the path. Her laser gun appeared again and she aimed it at the boulders and clicked but nothing happened "Damn. I used all it's energy." she said to herself. Shaking her head "I guess this prolongs the death of Fayt and Maria." she said as she walked towards the entrance of Crossel's lair.

Since she couldn't go kill them first. Her other target Sophia Esteed would have to do. She knew the girl was staying in Aquaria alone. Since she was pregnant it shouldn't be hard to kill her and smirk crossed her lips "A easy kill." she laughed. Walking out she knew she had to go recover before going to Aquaria.

The children were sitting in a small hole in the temple walls. It wasn't big enough for adults to fit let alone most of the beasts around here. Glou was still unconscious and the others just sat there silently. Fakir eyed the prince from across him and sighed while getting up "Look I'll go look for something to eat."

"You can't it is to dangerous." said Kira looking up at him.

"Who asked you!" he glared.

The Prince shook his head "She is right. It would be to dangerous for you to go alone." he said.

"Don't worry. I saw a water stream in the temple. Perhaps it might have some fish." Fakir said while jumping out of the hole and landing on his feet. He didn't wait for any protests that would be thrown at him. As he walked he herd some footsteps behind him and he turned around to find Kira.

"Listen little girl, you should stay with the Prince and your brother."

Kira shook her head "No I want to help. Besides the Prince and Lily will look over my brother."she told him.

He gave a annoyed huff and started to walk quicker. He didn't bother to slow down because he hoped she might go back. As he approached the water stream he crouched down and to his displeasure so did Kira beside him.

"Look a fish!" Kira pointed at the swimming creature in the misty blue water.

Fakir got up and looked for a stick or something to use. Grabbing a piece of wood he returned to find her using her right hand to try to catch it. He just growled "Look stop that or your going to scare the fish!"

"No I'm not!" she yelled.

Growing he sat down on the ground and took his sword out. Gripping the piece of wood in his hand he started to sharpen the end in a point.

Kira looked back "Why are you making that when you have a sword to use." she asked him.

Blinking his green eyes "Because I don't want to ruin my blade." he simply said. Though he honestly forgot he had a sword on him and tried to hide that fact quickly. When he was done he looked up to see Kira still splashing her hand about in the water's surface. He was about to scold her but he stop when he saw a huge shadow form in the water under her hand "Kira get your hand out of the water!" he yelled. Even after yelling she didn't react in time a hand clutched her wrist and pulled her under.

Jumping to his feet he threw the piece of wood to the ground and ran towards the stream. He dived in to the water to his surprise it was deep. Swimming about the blue misty water he noticed a bunch of fish swimming by. Cursing Kira for being a burden he kept swimming down and saw the little girl being dragged under by something. To his surprise it was a creature called a Aquaregia.

Kira felt the water flood her throat as she was being pulled deeper in to the darkness of the bottom of the water. Her eyes kept watch of the giant scaley purple fishtail that paddled under her little form. Looking towards the hand which kept a hold on her she noticed it was rather scaley and had long nails. She could feel herself losing her conscious as she was brought deeper down. Many thoughts flood her head at the many second as she was feeling her life being taken away from her.

Am I to die? I haven't even gotten a chance to wish for my daddy to return to us! I haven't even experience that thing called love or got a kiss!

Closing her crimson eyes she took her last breath while mouthing the words "Daddy." with that she went limp. The Aquaregia felt the child go limp in it's grasp and it's golden eyes narrowed a bit. Sensing a vibration behind it's self it turned around to see the boy coming towards her. It let out a shrieking sound as if trying to scare the boy from continuing on . It's tail flapped madly as it tried to move faster.

The raven haired boy gripped Kira's hand and he used his sword to thrash at the Aquaregia's tail. Causing the blade to slice a few scales off and a stream of blood flowed in the water. The Aquaregia let out a shriek and let go of the girl's hand. Quickly he pulled Kira to the surface and swam towards the shore. Laying her on the ground he sighed "Great she isn't breathing. What a pest.." he paused.

Trying to think of what his father told him when he was younger "I must bring her back. I have to try." he said while resting a hand on her chest. He hovered over her form and moved his lips against hers. Breathing in some of his air in to her mouth while he pushed his hand on her chest. Pulling away as he watched her crimson eyes meet his and moved away letting her cough up the water. He sighed as he watched her look at him with blush on her cheeks "It's not what you think! I was nearly giving you CPR!" he shouted at her.

Looking down "I'm sorry I was a burden after all." tears started to form in her eyes.

Shaking his head "Your lucky this time. Did you learn anything from today?" he asked her with a raised right eyebrow.

"Never use your hand to go fishing?"

Fakir just sighed and threw the wood piece before her "Use this. I'll use my sword." he told her as he crouched before the stream.

"I thought you didn't want to dirty the blade?"

"To late. When I went down to get you I had to use it against the mermaid." he told her while eyeing his blade.

Kira smiled while picking up the piece of wood "Thank you." she told him while crouching down by the water and waited for a fish.

Walking through the temple Albel Nox glanced around trying to see if he could remember his way around. He was once here to investigate the temple after the destruction of Luther. To him it was boring work but to his surprise a worthy foe existed in the temple. He nearly died trying to escape this hell. His crimson eyes stared at a staircase leading on to a platform "This place.." he said to himself.

"What is it?" asked Fayt.

A image appeared before them a girl with silver hair in pigtails. She narrowed her eyes and pointed at them "It was your fault that I didn't perform that night at Hydra VI!" she said to Fayt.

"Peppita?"

"No Fayt, it's not Peppita." said Nel as she carefully observed the false Peppita. As she recalled Pepita was a rather energetic girl and never blamed Fayt. Also something was rather off about her and she couldn't tell why.

"Heh. Looks like where going to have to kick around this brat." said Cliff as he pounced his one hand in to his palm.

"Yeah let me at her!" said a voice from Cliff's backpack.

"Huh?" Cliff lowered it and out popped Roger.

"Roger!" they all said.

"Heh the maggot did come. Hmp don't blame me if I end up skewering him right now." he flexed his claw.

Nel sighed "Calm down. We have other things to take care of right now." she looked at the false Peppita while removing her blades of ryusen.

Maria gave a nod "Nel is right. Forget about Roger right now and worry about this." she pulled out her gun.

Albel snorted "I was thinking about killing both at the same time." he said while unsheathing his crimson scourge.

"Aw your so mean!" Roger said while getting in battle stance.

Fayt as well joined with his sword and Cliff dashed in first for the battle. Peppita was a fast kid and she even though false had the same abilities as the original. A laugh escaped her mouth as she stood before them and black ravens flew out from above them. The hideous birds where every where and they pecked anyone who got closer to Peppita.

"Great now what?" asked Fayt.

TBC

A/N: It took me forever to update. I'm so sorry. I been playing Resident Evil 4 and Radiata Stories. Also work itself has been keeping me from updating this chapter. I apologize! So I hope nobody minds the new characters being put in. I think they work well in the fic but that's just me. I hope to update this fic soon. Thanks for the reviews! Please review!

Yay for Alnel!