It's been awhile. Glad to finally have this chapter done. It went through several revisions as I was writing it because I am never happy. (Winky face)
A friend of mine wanted the scene at the beginning and I was happy to oblige. Please enjoy, review, etc.
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With the rainy season ending and summer peeking over the horizon Master Hand put together the annual meet up of the year. The Toads were busy, the Waddle Dees were busy, the Smash residents were busy. Sprucing up the house, lawns, you name it. Everything was going smoothly until Crazy Hand, who hadn't been taking his medication, ran rampant throughout the house, setting back the cleaning by a painful amount. So Master Hand decided to screw it all and rented a carnival for the whole day, just for the Smashers and their old companions.
"So...Your girlfriend's name is...?"
"Paula. Paula Jones," Ness answered his tow-headed friend.
Lucas gave a quiet apology adjusting the hat Ness had lent him for the day. Both boys were in charge of setting up refreshments at the carnival. A fragrant cake covered in sugar roses and icing stood proudly in the middle of the table.
Ness took a sugar cookie from a plate.
"The kitchen staff sure are outdoing themselves, huh?" Ness munched.
Lucas nodded, he was into spicy food but he still wanted that cookie.
"Ooooo, that looks good!" Olimar's son ran over to the table and helped himself to a cookie as well.
Ness lifted his nibbled cookie. "It is!"
Ness and Olimar's son started up a conversation while Lucas continued dressing the table. He felt happy. He got to see his dad, and Boney and all his friends today. He was happy Master Hand had just taken them to the carnival. It was a lot cleaner than he had expected, the rides actually looked safe and the air was invigorating. Today was going to be a good day.
"Oi! Lucas!" Lucas' turned around to see Pokemon Trainer waving.
He looked a little different from the last time Lucas had seen him. His new haircut made him look significantly older. Lizardon, who was so happy to see his trainer back, had attached himself to Pokemon Trainer's leg and wouldn't let go even if the earth shook. Lucas smiled and glanced at Ness before running to meet his old friend. He'd let him finish up.
Pit finished moving the barrel of fireworks into the dark dry room. Placing it carefully on the ground he wiped the sweat off his brow as Mario quickly checked the contents before giving Pit a thumbs up.
"That's-a good. I'll-a see you and Lizardon when the time comes." Mario patted the young angel's back and went back to his work.
Because of his status and seniority Mario had a large amount of work heaped on him by Master Hand. While slightly annoyed by his lack of free time he took his work seriously, so he could wave Pit away knowing he would enjoy himself without bitterness.
Pit adjusted his headpiece and headed to the kitchens. Along the way he marveled at the carnival atmosphere. Sure he had already been to a few before but they never ceased to be fun for him. He caught a glimpse of Pichu riding on Samus' shoulders with Pikachu in tow, all chattering in Poke-speak enjoying themselves. Pit almost stopped to speak with them when he noticed a cardboard box following them. He decided against it.
"Blapi!" Pit exclaimed as he peeped his head into the kitchens.
Sure enough his brother who had been beating cake batter with an aggressive energy, looked up from his work. What looked to be jam stuck to his cheek, it's color matched the glare of his eyes.
"What do you want, Pit?" Black Pit spat.
"You're not done yet?"
Black Pit raised his batter-coated whisk. "Do I look done?!"
Pit gave him a sulky look and Black Pit rolled his eyes.
Peach who was overseeing the kitchen came by, her sleeves rolled up, her hair in a ponytail.
"Oh give me that, Black Pit," she took the bowl from Black Pit's reluctant hand and began to whisk the batter in a more efficient, less angry manner.
"Go enjoy yourself, Black Pit. You've already done enough." Peach gave him a polite smile and nodded at him in a dismissive manner.
Black Pit huffed and removed his apron, making sure not to step on Kirby who was running around throwing ingredients in proper bowls. He walked over to an excited Pit.
"Come on, where do you want to go?" Black Pit threw his apron, almost hitting Kirby. He Poyo'd angrily at Black Pit but the young angel didn't spare him a glance.
"Let's go eat."
Mac watched Ashley the Witch shoot four targets in a row. The prize would be hers. Magic? Maybe. If Mac was actually being paid for this work he might have felt distress at seeing her take out targets with the skill of a sniper. Ike watched in awe at the small girl's precision. Mac tapped his shoulder. The blue-haired hero broke his gaze away.
"Yeah, Mac?"
Mac began to speak when Ashley taking the rest of the targets out sounded a party alarm.
"Congrats, Ashley, Point to what you want," Ike turned away from Mac and gave a terse clap.
Ashley picked a teddy bear from the shelf that Ike retrieved immediately. Mac noticed the jealous glower Koopa Jr. was giving the witch, he was on his fourth try and his aim was that of a blind man's. The minute Ike turned away from Ashley she began ripping the eyes out of her teddy bear. Mac wished he hadn't noticed that.
"You were saying, Mac?"
"I wanna go on some of the rides. Can you take over my shift? Be back in an hour."
Ike nodded and handed a frustrated Koopa Jr. another set of blanks for his gun. "As long as it's an hour. My sister and the other Greil Mercenaries are begging me to show them how the batting rink works."
Little Mac coughed. "Aren' Diddy and Duck Hunt in charge of the battin' rink?"
Ike nodded grimly.
Mac patted his shoulder. "Good luck with that."
Mac wandered around the area. He had been looking forward to this event until all the work had come in. Working booths in shifts for the various visitors was fun in a way, but he'd rather be slacking, eating and playing the games himself. Early pangs of hunger formed in his stomach. If he remembered correctly during the job handouts Black Pit had taken kitchen duty. Little Mac smiled at the memory, how the doppelganger acted as if he was doing a big favor for everyone.
Near the Ferris Wheel a large spread laid. Amidst the hungry people he could see the Pits hovering over the table darting around trying this and that. Pit spotted him and waved frantically to him. Even from this distance Little Mac could see Black Pit roll his eyes before he nodded in acknowledgement at the boxer.
The table was covered in savory and sweet foods, the redolent and tangy smells rolled off in various directions, being carried far by the wind, inviting people.
Some came, quickly grabbing food before running off to enjoy the rest of the carnival, others meandered around the table picking off their favourite foods, and some only spared a glance at the decadent table.
Little Mac walked over to stand near Black Pit who had finished shoving a stuffed pepper in his mouth. He chewed loudly before swallowing and picked up a cannoli. Black Pit spared Mac a glance.
"What do you want?" Black Pit brought the Italian delight to his mouth. Little Mac watched him poke his tongue into the cream, licking the overstuffed filling from the fried dough.
"Eh, I wanted to see you," Little Mac looked down meaningfully at Black Pit.
The angel stiffened before his mouth twisted in annoyance. He bumped his shoulder hard into Mac's.
"Bastard," he mumbled.
Little Mac snickered. "Your face, you shoulda seen your face."
Black Pit bit the crunchy dough, nibbling at the edges. Licking the sweet cream along the way. Eating as tidily as possible, trying to have equal parts filling and dough with each bite. Black Pit dipped his finger into the tube taking a dab of cream out. He looked at Little Mac before sucking it noisily off his finger.
"Want one?" Black Pit motioned towards a whole plate full of cannolis.
"Huh? Uh, did you make them?"
"Mm! He made half the desserts here! Right, Blapi?" Pit answered, holding an eclair, most likely made by his brother.
Black Pit attempted to kick Pit's shins but Pit hopped swiftly out of the way, turning on his heels with the ease of an ice skater.
"Missed me!" He poked his tongue out in childish glee.
"Goddess shit," Black Pit growled.
Mac chuckled, "If you made it I'd like to try it."
Black Pit felt his ears heat and shoved a plate of food in Mac's hands in order to bury the feeling trying to rise in his throat.
"I like eclairs more than cannolis, but I like ice cream more than eclairs. But if I only eat sweets all day Lady Palutena might get mad at me," Pit said quietly sucking the cream out of a second eclair he had just picked up.
"Sure she wouldn't care considerin' the occasion," Mac said polishing off his cannoli and helping
himself to the rest of the desserts.
"Of course not, Palutena is probably being a glutton herself today," Pit's eclair was tragically ripped from his grip by a slender hand. He turned around to scowl at the thief.
"Eleka! What are you doing here?!" Pit cried.
Eleka's blue scarf crackled. "Ah, don't be that way, Pit! You're really happy to see me, right?" Eleka popped the eclair in her mouth, licking her fingers, floating higher in the air.
"Ahh..." Eleka continued, "Nachure was so insistent on me coming here. Even though I have much better things to do. It's not like you'll ever appreciate me. Eh, Pit?" Eleka gave Pit a flirty smile causing him to blush.
"I was hoping you wouldn't show. Nachure here too?"Black Pit asked.
Eleka nodded. "She got caught up. Ran into Link you know? He's cuter than the pictures give him credit. Speaking of cute..." Little Mac stumbled as the warrioress flew over to examine him.
Little Mac could feel a blush creeping up his neck as Eleka poked his arm, an impish glint in her eye.
"Mmm...Who are you? Pit's friend? You belong to him?"
Pit balled his hands into fists. "Don't be ridiculous! Little Mac doesn't belong to me! He doesn't belong to anyone!"
"How scary. Pit you're making me tremble!" Pit stiffened as Eleka swooped over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, leaning on him, pressing her breasts into his back.
"No matter where I go there are only a bunch of perverts and old men. Your friend is handsome, I'm jealous!"
"Geez, Eleka! Stop acting like a horny teenager!" Black Pit exclaimed before he could stop himself. His words startled the group and a few people around them, he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Eleka blinked momentarily before her face broke into a smile.
"Oh my gosh, Black Pit? He's yours?!" Eleka let go of an increasingly flustered Pit and floated to Black Pit.
The doppelganger folded his arms. "Don't be crazy, Eleka, like Pit said, Mac doesn't belong to me or anyone else."
"Ehhhhhh..." Eleka looked from Black Pit, to Pit, to Little Mac.
She decided to address the latter.
"So, Mac? Why did you become Black Pit's friend?"
Black Pit was about to tell Eleka to shove her question somewhere that lightning didn't strike when he caught Mac's expression. He looked as if he was thinking about it. Pit noticed as well and focused his attention on Mac.
Little Mac could feel both brother's stares burning holes into him. Eleka had a strange smile on her face. Little Mac scratched the back of his head.
"I guess, because." That was the best answer he could give.
Pit's stare had only become more inquisitive, Mac didn't even want to know what the subject in question looked like. Eleka placed a finger to her chin thoughtfully.
"Because?" She looked at him with genuine curiosity.
Little Mac shrugged. "I guess."
Eleka floated higher in the air.
"Ahh, how boring. I was hoping for a more interesting answer. Whatever. Bye bye, boys! Enjoy yourselves!" Eleka flew out of sight, her scarf brilliantly flying with her.
"Geez, I hope I don't run into Nachure," Black Pit grunted.
Pit shrugged. "Nachure isn't that bad. She just puts on a public face."
"Hey, Pit! I want to introduce my sister to you!" Rockman bounded up to the refreshments table holding the hand of a blond girl. A grey-haired man followed behind them.
"This is my father, Dr. Right, and this is my sister, Roll. None of you are good enough for her," Rockman stated chipperly as his family smiled warmly at the group.
"Thank you for taking care of my brother," Roll smiled. Dr. Right went around and shook each boys' hand.
"I finally get to meet your family! You and Rock resemble each other, Roll!" Roll was startled as Pit took hold of her hand and shook it heartily.
Rockman stood over by Black Pit and Little Mac as Pit continued to chatter to the Right family.
"I wanted to bring Blues but he outright refused. He's always like that," Rockman looked up at Black Pit with a resigned expression. Black Pit shrugged in answer. Rockman gave him an odd smile.
"I think we should get along better for Pit's sake, don't you think?"
Black Pit looked down at the small robot dressed casually in shorts and a polo.
"What did you say?"
Rockman shrugged. "I'm just saying, I'm good friends with your brother, and you're often around. I'd like to be friendly with you as well."
Black Pit let out a scoff. "You say that like you're his wife! And even if you were, I don't have to get along with you. That would be a pain."
He thought that would be it, Rockman's friendly stare had grown cold; a sign that usually meant he'd grow quiet thinking it not worth to continue a skirmish. Instead he turned to Mac.
"I can only deal with Pit! How you deal with both of them I'll never know!" Rockman threw an indignant Black Pit a smirk before moving back to his family and good friend, entering the conversation like it was nothing.
Black Pit tried to squash the irritation attempting to rise in his chest when Little Mac patted his shoulder. He expected a continuation of the conversation left by Rockman when Mac surprised him by saying:
"Hey, do you think Rockman's sister is cute?"
Black Pit blanched. "What?!"
"Hey, not so loud. You think I want Rockman on me for asking that question?" Little Mac said lowering his voice.
Black Pit took in the question. "Um..No?"
"No?" Little Mac looked at him a little harder. Black Pit felt the urge to look away.
"I mean...She's like if Rockman had blond hair and was a girl. Why?"
Little Mac shrugged.
"Just was curious. She's cute like a little sister to me. Eleka was pretty...cute."
Black Pit stared blankly at Mac. He felt at a loss. Girl talk. They were talking about girls. They were talking about girls and whether or not they found them attractive. This subject was new to say the least.
"To some I guess she is. You're into blondes so I'm not surprised."
Little Mac looked at him quizzingly. "What makes you say that?" Black Pit tapped his foot against the ground.
"Don't you like Samus?"
Little Mac guffawed. "Why does everyone think that?! I mean yeah she's pretty, but we're friends and I've never really been into her type. I mean, if we're going by hair I prefer dark." Black Pit looked at him with a renewed interest.
"Dark hair? So... like Wii Fit?"
Little Mac shook his head. "Not really. She's just not my type, prefer shorter hair, but she's nice."
"So, Bayonetta."
Little Mac shook his head, a bit of color draining from his face. "No. She uh, she's just, whooo. How do you describe Bayonetta? She's out there. If I'm being completely honest: Lucina is my type."
"I thought you said you liked short hair."
"Jus' because I like one thing doesn't mean I won't think someone is cute if they don't have it."
Black Pit stared at Little Mac, then looked at the ground. Little Mac watched him search around for a
moment before picking something up.
"So, you like this?" Black Pit held up a stick. Little Mac's eyebrow twitched.
"That's mean. Thought she was your friend."
Black Pit shrugged. "She is. It's a nice stick. I picked up the nicest one."
"You picked up the first stick you saw!"
"You're right, I did. Still doesn't change the fact you like this," Black Pit twirled the stick laughing dryly. When he saw the look on Mac's face he dropped it.
"Fine. I'll stop. Why Lucina?"
Little Mac looked shyly at his fingernails. "She doesn' look like a princess. Looks approachable. Not like any of the other women here."
Black Pit knew what he meant. Zelda and Peach besides already taken were of royal blood. Their mannerisms formal, affable, yet still distant. Rosetta was the mother of a galaxy, Samus was a bounty huntress. Though he was useless in this subject even Black Pit knew Lucina was closest to an ordinary girl.
"So what about you?" Little Mac asked.
"Huh?"
Little Mac motioned towards him. "What about you? Anyone your type?"
Black Pit thought about that. He could care less about dating and women. Sure by looking he could tell which people were more attractive than others. That was a given based off of the media he consumed or by other people's words. But as far as a type…
"Black Pit?"
"Huh?"
"You just gonna stare at me?"
"Was I staring?"
"Yeah. If the question hurts your head that much you don't hafta answer."
Black Pit scowled. "It doesn't hurt my head. I don't have an answer, that's it."
"What about Lady Palutena!?" Both Little Mac and Black Pit startled as Pit popped up between them.
"She's a wonderful beautiful woman! Her bust, waist, hip ratio is 33-27-34! How can't she come up in this conversation!" Pit exclaimed. Both Little Mac and Black Pit stared at him.
"How long have you been listening?" Black Pit asked.
Pit tilted his head. "Since Wii Fit's name came up."
"How does he know Palutena's measurements?" Little Mac murmured to himself.
Black Pit opened his mouth to tell Pit to go back to his friend when he realized the Right family was nowhere to be seen. "Where did Rockman go?!"
"They went to go on rides. Because that's what you do at the CARNIVAL! We should go ride something!" Pit grabbed Black Pit's arm. "I wanna ride the Ferris wheel! Come on, Blapi! Mac!" He looked at them with shiny pleading eyes. "Please?"
Little Mac sighed. "I mean. I guess. The Ferris wheel is kinda quiet. Maybe something else, bumper cars?"
Pit shook his head and Black Pit nodded.
"Let's not."
"Let's go."
Both brothers turned to glare at each other. Little Mac scratched the back of his head.
"Little Mac, you don't want Black Pit near or in a vehicle! Please!" Pit pleaded.
Little Mac sighed. "Let's just do the Ferris Wheel."
Pit let out a triumphant noise while Black Pit flashed Little Mac a look he could only describe as sullen. Nonetheless he went along with them. The Ferris Wheel was the centerpiece of the carnival. When night fell the lights decorating the ride would glow the same brilliant colors of the fireworks show later. Manning the ride was Robot. Though his eyes were metal a confused look resided in them as he spoke with the young girl in front of him. Black Pit contemplated turning back upon recognizing the white-blond ponytail of hers.
Robot saw the three young men approaching and waved (Almost desperately) to them.
"Hello you three," he greeted.
Nachure turned almost angrily to face them. Her expression softened at seeing the angels.
"Finally. Someone who can understand my question."
"I can understand your question. I am answering it. We have no dunk tank."
Pit raised an eyebrow. "Yes we do." Robot shook his head vehemently, the violence of it causing a squeak on his usually well oiled neck.
"No we don't."
"Yes we do."
"No, we don't. Donkey Kong broke it. It was bad. Water everywhere. Mario was mad."
"Ohhhhhhhh. Is that the case? I'm sorry, Nachure, but you can go on the Ferris Wheel with us," Pit smiled.
Nachure sighed.
"I guess since I missed my chance to dunk all these hairless monkeys I have time to waste," Nachure said. She glanced at the trio for a moment before pointing to Pit.
"I'll ride with you," she said. "Not because I want to, but because Black Pit's terrible company and I don't know your friend."
Black Pit scoffed. "Nachure, Mac. Mac, Nachure. She's in love with Link." Little Mac turned his head to control his laughter as Nachure pinkened in indignation.
"Geez! You idiot! Don't go around saying things that aren't true!" Nachure grabbed at her hair and glared at her employee. "You should have more respect for your boss!"
"You're talking to the wrong Pit." Black Pit answered.
Pit let out a shocked cry as Nachure grabbed hold of his chiton and yanked him ahead. "I don't have time for this anymore. Come on, Pit." Pit glanced back at his two companions in distress before being dragged to the Ferris Wheel by Nachure. Robot gave them an equally stressed look.
"She didn't get a ticket," his tone was almost sad. Little Mac patted his shoulder.
"I'm surprised you expected her to."
Black Pit let out a relieved sigh as he slid into his seat. Mac sat across him from him as the Ferris Wheel moved. A small eerie creak whined from it showing a hint of its age. Nonetheless it began to move smoothly. Black Pit looked out the window looking down at the carnival goers.
"Why do people, like these things?" Black Pit murmured. He couldn't see the point of such a slow moving machine.
"They're quiet, romantic, you can see everythin' from up here." Little Mac answered. Black Pit smirked.
"Flying is better than this. It's everything you said and more." Little Mac made a thoughtful noise at Black Pit's words, causing the angel to look back out the window.
"But I guess you wouldn't get it." Black Pit said quietly.
"Your boss is kinda funny," Little Mac said changing the subject, turning his head to gaze out the window.
He could see other members, barely. The greens of trees and grass dotting his vision. The houses looked as if they belonged in a child's room, among dolls. The changing sky stretched far, far, to the cool blue mountains.
"She's, something." Black Pit answered.
Little Mac still staring out the window said: "How did you start workin' for her?" Out of the corner of his eyes he watched Black Pit's legs swing. Mac stopped looking at the window to study him more carefully. Black Pit straightened up and crossed his legs.
"That story?" Black Pit tried to sound bored yet the pitch of his voice stole that illusion.
Little Mac leaned closer in interest. "Yes, that story. You don't seem the working type. How did a guy like you get some little girl as his boss?"
Black Pit looked at Mac. "I haven't told anyone the story. Not even Pit," he ran his hand through his messy hair. "But, I guess I can tell you. Yeah, I'll tell you."
Black Pit cleared his throat. He had no idea why he was telling Mac. Maybe because he had been holding it in, or maybe it was because the stakes didn't feel as high, telling someone who didn't know his past.
"After the events dealing with Hades I went back to my regular life. That might sound strange coming from someone like me but I created a life for myself in the small amount time that was the beginning of my existence. I traveled. Like Eleka I'm nomadic. Was nomadic. Pit and Palutena offered me a home and I declined. I didn't want or need their hospitality. So I continued with my lifestyle prior to that. I hunted, found shelter, and enjoyed the outdoors, yet I felt unsatisfied. I don't know if you know this, but at one point I could fly whenever I wanted. I wasn't confined like Pit to his precious goddess. I thought that even though I was a clone I might have something better than...Pit," Black Pit laughed bitterly. "I was wrong."
Little Mac nodded and motioned for Black Pit to continue, which he did.
"So, here I was living a half-fulfilled life, when Eleka came. She had been trailing me under orders from Nachure. I was in a field. I had missed a kill, meaning I had missed my dinner. Wasn't really in the mood to talk if you know what I mean," Black Pit stopped momentarily.
"Why am I telling you this?" Black Pit suddenly felt awkward, laying himself bare like this.
Mac shrugged. "You can stop if you want, but I'm still curious."
Black Pit sighed and started playing with a loose lock of hair.
"She told me Nachure wished to see me. I was hesitant, but then Eleka promised me a hot meal and a bed for a night. I had lost weight and I'm sure Eleka could see that. She brought me to Nachure who had an offer for me: She wanted me to become an officer of the Forces of Nature. She told me she was confident in her current squad, but felt she was missing something. What she's missing she'll never say, I'm guessing something to combat Palutena."
Black Pit glanced at Mac to make sure he was still listening before continuing.
"She would give me the power of flight, housing, and meals if I worked for her as an officer. I would also um, get funds to buy necessary things and luxuries."
Black Pit sighed. "You're right, I'm not the working type, but Nachure offered me something more than all of that, so I am willing to work for her," Black Pit got a hard look in his eyes suddenly. "But don't think I'll listen to every fucking thing she says because I work for her! I still make my own decisions! I'm in control of my own life!" He ended glaring defiantly at Mac.
Little Mac spoke gently. "I don't think you'll listen to everything someone says, Black Pit. You aren't like that."
Black Pit looked at him oddly. His lips twitching at the side. Mac half-expected the shy smile Pit gave Palutena upon receiving praise. Black Pit looked down instead, answering: "Damn right."
"Can I ask you somethin' else?" Little Mac watched Black Pit nod. "How come you talk to Nachure through a cell phone instead of your hair piece?"
Black Pit looked up. "Oh, my wreathed laurel?" He tapped his head, "This?"
Mac nodded. Black Pit smirked. "I used to allow her to speak with me like Palutena speaks with Pit, but you know they speak to you inside your head, right? Yeah, it's creepy and intrusive. I could be sleeping and hear her nagging voice. No thanks. I cut it off."
Little Mac leaned back, "So, what was that 'more' you were talking about?"
"What?"
"What was that more Nachure offered you?" Little Mac looked at Black Pit, he watched his eyes darken to a color similar to wine.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Black Pit said in low dangerous voice.
"Well..."
"You don't need to know." Black Pit looked at him through his lashes, his voice still low.
Little Mac looked away and out the window again. "How do I deal with you both?" Mac mumbled mostly to himself.
Black Pit gave Mac a look.
"What?"
"Shut up."
"I haven't said anything."
"I can tell you want to," Mac simply smiled but said nothing.
The duo's ride ended, the Ferris wheel letting out another moan before stopping. Robot opened the door for them.
"Did you two enjoy your ride?" Robot sounded much happier than before.
"It was alright," Black Pit said. He could see Pit to the side waving at them while Nachure sulked near him. He wondered what had been said (or not) between them.
"I enjoy the Ferris wheel very much. Everything is so tiny. I also enjoy the shooting rink. Shulk is to take over my shift in a few minutes so I may enjoy the rest of the carnival." Robot blinked at the young men.
Little Mac turned to Black Pit. "That reminds me, I gotta go take over Ike's shift. I'll see you later."
"Have fun with that. I'll see you at the fireworks show." Black Pit replied as Pit suddenly cried: "Oh yeah! I have to go help Lizardon and Mario, soon! I'll see you guys! Bye!"
Pit ran off with Mac as Robot waved goodbye. Checking his station one more time Robot left to go enjoy the rest of the carnival.
Nachure came to stand near Black Pit.
She studied her employee. "You seem to be getting along well. A little less sour."
"Aww, did you worry about me?" Black Pit said dryly.
Nachure snarled. "I don't hire people I have to worry about. Speaking of which, I was reading your fortune-"
Black Pit cut her off, "My fortune? That's creepy."
Nachure grabbed Black Pit's chiton and pulled him lower. "Listen, Black Pit. People would pay thousands for my fortunes, you know why?" She didn't give Black Pit a chance to answer.
"Because unlike most humans mine are accurate. So why just not be grateful, huh? You seem to have a hard time doing that," Nachure's hazel eyes flashed the greens and greys of the forest, showing the years that didn't appear on her face.
Black Pit exhaled. "So, what is it?"
Nachure let go and put her hands on her hips. "Well, I'll give you the short version. You'll be going through some emotional stress and difficult choices are in your future. Take care of yourself."
Black Pit waited a little before asking: "And? I should believe this?"
Nachure nodded. "Yep. Even Eleka believes my fortunes, but do as you like. Just don't disrespect my them."
"Fine, what should I take from this fortune?" Black Pit couldn't think of anything that would vex him in the rather peaceful household. Nachure shrugged.
"I don't know. Your friendships, job, love life."
Black Pit snorted. "Sorry, I just can't believe I'd have stress in any of those areas."
A smile flickered across Nachure's face. "You never know. Stranger things have happened. I would have never believed you could have existed. Yet, here you are."
Black Pit stood there speechless as the goddess turned heel and walked away.
Black Pit stood in the dew-drenched grass. The night sky twinkled with stars and planets, all which waited for the arrival of fireworks to join them. The lanterns hung around the area emitting a warm glow. Friends and children still playing, others walking off to lone areas to enjoy the soon coming show. Pit would be flying around lighting the fireworks, making sure the accurate shapes and colors shot off.
"Who are you waiting for?" A glowing blue scarf crackled illuminating the approaching floating woman. Black Pit sighed.
"What do you want Eleka?"
Eleka smiled. "Don't be that way, Black Pit. You watching alone?"
Black Pit looked at his clammy feet. "No. I'm waiting for Mac." He heard a humming, he wasn't sure if it was from Eleka or her scarf.
"That's sweet," She said.
"Whatever," Black Pit wished she'd hurry and leave. Instead she grabbed his shoulders and leaned into him. Black Pit didn't shake her off.
"It's nice to watch with friends." She murmured.
"Yeah, it is." Out of the corner of his eye he saw her smile.
"You two are good friends, huh?"
"Who? Me and Mac?"
"Yes."
Black Pit shrugged. "He's, not bad..." He said quietly. For whatever reason he could feel himself becoming embarrassed. Eleka let out a low whistle and let go of his shoulders.
"Someone's in love~" She cooed floating in the air. Black Pit felt himself blush. He turned around to glared at her.
She smiled. "No need to look so angry, it's just a joke." Eleka laughed. "Your face is so precious."
"Leave." He commanded.
Eleka winked. "Enjoy the fireworks with your friend, Black Pit~" she flew away, the blue streak following after her.
Black Pit checked his phone. Mac was late, that was unusual. Black Pit wondered if Mac had been caught up by a customer, or if Ike had started up a conversation with him, or…
"Why do I care?" Black Pit mumbled shoving his phone back into his pocket.
The area was slowly becoming more crowded. Meta Knight was corralling a munching Kirby and talkative Knuckle Joe, Dedede marched in front of them. Diddy and Donkey Kong made their way over chattering in their own language. As groups of twos, and threes, and more flooded the area Black Pit began to feel self-conscious.
He wandered away from the area as it grew noisier. Half looking for Mac, half looking for a quieter area. He came across both the boxer and Olimar's daughter near a large tree with sturdy branches. Black Pit felt a smidgen of anger color his cheeks at seeing Mac preoccupied with what looked to be nothing. He heard Olimar's daughter speak.
"Can you get it?" Her soft voice ended on a lisp. Clutching the front of her dress she watched Mac scratch his head.
"Course I can get it," Black Pit watched as Little Mac attempted to scale the tree. failing he slid off the trunk, almost landing on his back. On one of the higher branches was the prized lemon-colored balloon.
Black Pit scoffed as Mac tried and failed once again to reach it. He walked quietly to the duo, Olimar's daughter noticing him first. He gave her a quick nod and waited for Mac to fail his third attempt before tapping his shoulder.
Mac glanced at Black Pit before brushing him off. "Give me a minute, I'm doin' somethin'" He grabbed onto another branch to start his next effort.
Black Pit rolled his eyes watching Little Mac struggle to hoist his body up. Olimar's daughter looked nervously at Black Pit before directing her attention back on Mac.
"You don't have to get it...I gotta go to my mom and dad soon too..." She practically whispered.
Little Mac spoke from the branch. "I have this, don't worry about it."
"Yo, Mac," Black Pit motioned for him to come down. Little Mac stood on his branch and swung to the next one, barely making it. The resemblance of a clumsy monkey flashed in Black Pit's mind.
"Yo, Mac!"
"I'll be down in a minute, Black Pit," Little Mac swung to the next branch which held the entangled balloon. Black Pit watched Mac untangle the balloon from the gnarled branch. Though he knew he had the upper body strength he wasn't sure Mac wouldn't fall flat on his ass again.
"Gotcha!" Little Mac cried triumphantly, yellow balloon in hand.
As his cry of jubilance broke the air his other occupied hand slipped from the branch. Black Pit's lips twisted into a dark smile as Little Mac plummeted, hitting the ground with a loud thud. Olimar's daughter ran over and plucked her balloon from his twitching hand.
"Thank you!" She said not sparing another look at the grimacing Mac, dashing away to her family.
Little Mac groaned and rubbed his backside.
Black Pit walked over to him and held out his hand. Black Pit was surprised to see a smirk return to his pain-filled face.
"Thanks!" He said as Black Pit hoisted him up." Y'know, Olimar's kids really look like him."
Black Pit scoffed. "And you looked terrible up there." He said ignoring Little Mac's statement.
"I got the balloon, didn't I?" Little Mac must have landed on his face at some point in his mission, for a small bruise was forming near his lips.
Stupidly thin skin Black Pit thought.
"If you had listened to me I could have gotten that balloon. Would have taken less than a second with the Miracle of Flight," Black Pit said contemptuously.
Little Mac scratched his chin. "Didn't think of that..."
Black Pit smirked. "You never think."
Little Mac glared at him. "You little..."
"I thought I was stood up," Black Pit suddenly blurted. Little Mac was taken aback. Black Pit stared at him through his lashes, his eyes intense. Mac looked down.
"You mad?" Little Mac absentmindedly ran his finger over a callous on Black Pit's. The angel realizing their hands were still clasped together snatched his away.
"That would be a waste of energy." He muttered turning away from the boxer.
"Let's just-" The sound of a soaring object ripped through the air, followed by a crackling boom. Black Pit watched the grass in front of him light up in purple, then orange as another explosion went off. He turned around and looked at the newest image bursting its way into the sky.
Little Mac leaned up against the tree and watched the Blue Falcon etch its way into the sky.
"It's already started." Black Pit grumbled. He joined Mac under the tree, lacing his fingers behind him.
A fire flower burst into the air followed by a 1-Up mushroom and the Falchion sword. Black Pit breathed in the muggy air as green ducks and Palutena's bow flashed next.
"Fireworks are the best," Little Mac said watching the scintillating colors intently.
Black Pit shrugged. "I guess."
"When I was little my parents and I would go to Times Square on New Year's. We'd watch the ball drop, enjoy the fireworks and all the excitement. Ma and dad would kiss, I'd gag like a stupid kid. We'd go get pizza right after, and I'd be really tired, tryna do my best to stay up. Still, always ended up falling asleep on my dad's shoulders the way back. I miss that." Mac continued obvious nostalgia in his voice.
Black Pit looked at him with intrigue. He had never heard him speak of his parents before. Because they had only started recently spending time with each other he didn't know if it was uncommon or not. Mac noticed his keen stare.
"I don't like to talk about them." He mumbled before turning back and watching the fireworks with the same intensity.
Black Pit nodded, holding in the only question he had, and continued to watch the fireworks alongside him.
