Chapter 4

I faked a smile and dipped into the training room hot spring to cool off while Arlon left. Dark Pit waltzed in. "Ooh. You vaporized Pandora."

I looked where he was referring to and shook my head. "That was Arlon. Are you here to take down a boss?"

Dark Pit nodded. "I was going to face a Medusa when you were done."

I scurried out of the room to give him some privacy and made my way to Lady Palutena. "Can I complain for a second?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Sure. What's on your mind?"

"When is Phosphora coming?"

"Viridi is working on getting her here next."

So I have to harass Lady Viridi.

I bounded over to Lady Viridi. "When's Phosphora coming?!"

Lady Viridi groaned. "I'm still helping Arlon settle in. Can you have some patience?"

I honestly replied, "No."

Lady Viridi turned around and walked away.

How rude.

A bunch of mahva swirled in front of me. I jumped back. "Uh . . . do you we're together now? So you're friendly?"

The mahva didn't respond but zoomed in the direction of the Lunar Sanctum. Dark Pit joined me. "Arlon's battalion is coming to guard the Sanctum. And yes, every Forces of Nature fighter is aware that Palutena's Army is part of us now."

I scratched my head. "This fusion is taking forever."

Dark Pit shrugged. "Something this big takes a while. By the way, I think Palutena is going to assign you to be a messenger to the humans and announce that they have to worship Viridi now."

Lady Viridi reentered with a look of triumph. "Remember earlier when you asked if there was anything you could do to help?"

I nodded. "Dark Pit said Lady Palutena is going to have me tell the people to worship you."

She smiled. "Perfect! Because that's exactly what I want you to do! I'll grant you the power of flight."

I set off, spinning in the air with glee. No Underworld Army trying to crush me, just the wind and my wings. I glided over ponds, mountains, and valleys until That First Town came into view. Lady Viridi dropped me off gently while I started waving at the people.

An elderly woman beamed. "Oh, it's that cute little angel! He saved us from Twinbellows!"

I hugged her. "Hi! I need everyone's attention. How can I do that?"

A group of teens pointed. "It's the hero!"

Since everyone recognizes me, I'll just go in the center of town.

I sauntered over to the fountain and cleared my throat. All the people noticed me and formed around me screaming thanks and praise.

It feels good to be loved.

I cleared my throat. "As you all know, I am Pit, an angel in the goddess Palutena's Army! Lady Palutena has an important announcement for you."

The citizens murmured amongst themselves. I continued, "She is combining our army with The Forces of Nature! The goddess Viridi is going to permanently be Lady Palutena's partner!"

A man cried out, "We've all heard about the Reset Bomb! She helped you defeat Hades, but how can we trust her?"

I assured, "Lady Viridi has sworn to protect mankind as long as you stop exploiting nature, needlessly cutting down trees, and slaughtering the creatures of the Earth. Lady Palutena would like to add that as an act of goodwill, she would petition you to start worshipping Lady Viridi as you do her."

A woman holding a newborn in her arms asked, "How? Does Viridi want her own temple? A mini shrine in each of our homes?"

Great question. Lady Viridi really needs to get her doctrine together.

I held up my hands in surrender. "I don't know that! Everything's still being straightened out! Just keep her in your hearts and prayers for now with Lady Palutena. In addition, as I am Lady Palutena's messenger, Lady Viridi has appointed Phosphora as hers. The Forces of Nature can whip up a storm to decimate your enemies' fleet. I recommend you take the deal."

The people nodded. "If Viridi keeps her end of the deal, we'll start obeying her!"

Lady Viridi warped me back to Lady Palutena's Temple. "Great work. Just so you know, I want my own temple. Palutena and I are to be equals. If she has a temple, I get one too. We are balanced."

I stretched. "Sure. I'll tell them on my next visit."

"Perfect. By the way, I asked Phosphora to come. You're welcome."

I threw my arms around her. "THANK YOU SO MUCH! You're the best!"

She wrenched me off of her. "It's temporary. She likes to move from one place to the next."

Dagger to the heart.

I sulked. "Still, I can't wait to see her! What should I say?"

"Start with 'hello'. Rest up before I'll have you deliver the message to another town."

This menial work is killing me.