Chapter 7

Although the Faire should have been happy that his tormentor wasn't in the same building as him, Dark Pit couldn't help but feel a bit empty inside. After three days of King Marth's absence, the Faire finally asked Sir Ike when the king would return. The surprise obvious in his eyes, Ike replied that it was difficult to gauge, possibly in a few more days. Dark Pit had to be satisfied with that answer.

He noticed that the castle seemed to breathe a bit easier now that their king was gone. Servants whispered to each other as they passed through the halls yet clammed shut when a soldier or higher-rank passed by. Whenever Dark Pit walked, they would often subserviently glance at the Faire before gossiping in hushed tones once more, making Dark Pit suspect that he was the topic of their discussion. Almost everybody in the castle knew about Dark Pit's failed escape. They were also greatly surprised that the still-alive, and apparently well, Faire explored the castle unhindered, save for the watchdog. Though their curiosity burned as much as Dark Pit's, they wouldn't dare interact with him, recognizing their king's interest in him. Dark Pit, for his part, was glad they avoided him as he was satisfied with the few companions he had, Peach, Doctor Mario, and, to a certain extent, Sir Ike. Yet despite that, the Faire still felt a large void desiring to be filled. He wasn't sure what could satisfy that blank as he felt that only a specific presence could fit.

Dark Pit with Sir Ike became a common sight in the castle as they simply walked down the halls daily. They often visited the garden where the two relaxed in the offered serenity. Dark Pit enjoyed these moments the most as he felt like the garden was the closest liberty he could get here. Although the castle walls separated him from true freedom, the Faire appreciated the open air and tranquility of the garden. He always managed to find something to do there each day. It got to the point that Peach brought his meals outside where he dined near the fountain. Sir Ike, of course, continued to watch over the Faire as his king had ordered him.

However the warlord couldn't guard Dark Pit every minute. He still had his other duties to attend to and couldn't procrastinate any longer. When Dark Pit lazily splashed his hands in the fountain, careful not to get his gown wet, Sir Ike cleared his throat to get his attention. "I…need to do something, Dark Pit. Something important…so I would appreciate it if I could leave you for a moment without worrying that you would try to escape."

Dark Pit froze. Was Sir Ike really going to leave him alone for a while? This was his chance! If Sir Ike really was going to leave, Dark Pit could possibly climb the walls and get the hell out of here! He would finally be free from King Marth's grasp! He was about to lie his cooperation when something stopped him. Dark Pit thought back to how the warlord helped him in the past few days. Although he was extremely less intimate than King Marth, Sir Ike continually stayed by Dark Pit's side and watched him carefully. Sure, it may have been because he was ordered to do so. However, the warlord also went out his way to make sure that Dark Pit was as comfortable as he could be and carry him in whenever the Faire got too tired to walk. Then his mind reverted back to King Marth, an annoying habit he's picked up. If he escaped, what would King Marth think and do? Dark Pit instinctively knew that he would be trading Sir Ike's life for his freedom. It sickened his stomach at the thought of repaying the man who helped him with death. That set his decision.

The Faire nodded numbly. "I won't go anywhere. I promise…" He swayed his hands in the water, sending light ripples across the surface. Sir Ike hesitated. It was the answer he was hoping for, but now he wasn't sure whether it was a good idea to leave Dark Pit alone. He could imagine the Faire immediately bolting to escape the moment he closed the door behind him. However, there weren't many doors leading outside, and the walls seemed too high for the still-healing Faire to climb. Besides soldiers patrolled the archways with clear view of the garden. They would immediately sound the alarm if they saw the Faire act strangely.

Dark Pit looked at the warlord, confused as to why he hadn't left yet. Guessing the reason for his hesitation, the Faire waved a hand at him. "I said I promise, didn't I? I always keep my promises. Don't worry." He turned back to the fountain. Still, Sir Ike wavered. He inhaled deeply before making his decision. He strolled towards the door.

"I won't be long," he muttered, closing the door behind him. Dark Pit didn't respond. He continued to stare at the waters, alone with his thoughts. He sighed in exasperation. The Faire honestly didn't know what was going on with him. Before all this happened, he would have leapt for the chance to be free from King Marth's grasp. Now though he wasn't sure what to think. Dark Pit originally agreed to Sir Ike's request as he could imagine all the torture King Marth would subject his warlord to should something happen to the Faire. Now that he thought about it, Dark Pit wasn't sure whether that was the only reason for him doing so. He noticed that the strange void in his chest grew steadily over the past days. Truth to be told, he missed King Marth's gentle caresses and his warm embraces.

Wait! What the fuck was he thinking?! Dark Pit shook his head angrily to rid himself of those feelings. He shouldn't be feeling that at all! Why should he desire King Marth's touch?! It doesn't make any sense at all! The king was a devil who kidnapped the Faire from his village many years ago! Dark Pit should hate him! Not-!

Dark Pit looked to where a door opened. He started slightly before narrowing his eyes in loathing at the Faire sauntering through the garden. Dark Pit suspected that the newcomer had watched and waited until Sir Ike was gone before entering. He already realized that the hungry gaze from his first garden visit belonged to the person approaching him swiftly. Although he was glad he finally knew who it was, Dark Pit still felt a terrible shiver whenever he came. The negativity wasn't as high as King Marth's, but it was still enough to make him anxious. They met before in the hallways. However Sir Ike stood guard, causing the other to hide his desire. The same desire was more prominent now. The larger Faire smirked at Dark Pit as he strolled up to the fountain. Once close, he leaned towards the smaller Faire.

"Well, if it isn't little Dark Pit. Enjoying the garden?" Ganondorf reached out to caress the angel's cheeks. However Dark Pit quickly swatted away the hand, glaring at the Gerudo. Ganondorf felt a small flame of anger but suppressed it promptly. "That wasn't very nice, Dark Pit."

"Fuck off," the Faire snarled. Although he wanted to back away, Dark Pit knew that it wasn't an option. He had to stand his ground if he wanted to stand up against the Gerudo. Backing away was a clear sign of fear, and Dark Pit wanted nothing more than the oaf in front of him to be satisfied with his fear. "Whoever said I was nice?"

A cruel smirk on his dark face, Ganondorf chuckled at the Faire's statement, "How feisty of you. That's what I like…" His hand attempted once more to touch Dark Pit. Yet again, Dark Pit's own hand slapped the intruder's hand away. Ganondorf revealed more of his emotions this time; he growled at the Faire. Dark Pit still wouldn't back down. He only crossed his arms and raised a bored eyebrow. Despite his brave front, his heart pounded in fear at what the warlord might do to him. His years in his cell left him weaker than he used to be, so the Faire was uncertain whether he could endure what the larger Faire threw at him.

"I could care less of what you like, fucktard," Dark Pit spat.

"That's a pity…because you're everything I desire," Ganondorf shot his hand towards Dark Pit's wrist this time. Expecting another lying touch, the Faire yelped in surprise. He immediately tried to pull away from Ganondorf's iron grip, evidently futile in his state. Dark Pit couldn't stop the blood rushing to his face at the warlord's comment. Ganondorf chuckled at the angel's obvious distress. Now he was getting somewhere. He pulled Dark Pit closer, the latter instinctively leaning away in avoidance. "You must be a real prize in bed." Dark Pit flushed even harder. He tried to drive away the memories of King Marth fucking him, but that only served to heat his face even more as he remembered how pleasuring it was. Ganondorf laughed, enjoying the Faire's discomfort. "No wonder why you attracted His Majesty's attention. It must be lovely to hear your precious voice scream of your lust to the heavens."

"S-shut up!" Dark Pit turned his blushing face away and attempted futilely to pull away. Yet Ganondorf's grasp stayed strong. The angel Faire couldn't believe that the warlord would just say those appalling things. Granted, no ears eavesdropped, but it was still embarrassing for Dark Pit, especially when he held no love for the Gerudo. His arm tugged, and Dark Pit found himself spinning into Ganondorf's clutches. The stronger Faire held him in a tight embrace, his chuckling filling Dark Pit's consciousness. Repulsed by the gesture, Dark Pit tried to pull away again. And again, Ganondorf's arms held him tight.

"Now, now. Don't leave just yet. Why don't you be with me instead of His Majesty? I can assure you that I'll take the utmost care of you, little Dark Pit."

At Ganondorf's proposal, Dark Pit nearly gagged. There was no way in hell he would leave King Marth for this nincompoop-wait! What did he just think?! That wasn't right! Don't think that! The Faire squirmed, causing Ganondorf to frown. "Fuck off," Dark Pit muttered again. "I don't like you, and I don't like that bastard of a king."

"Hmph, what poor manners. Perhaps I should teach you respect…" Ganondorf's cold tone sent shivers down Dark Pit's spine. He knew that out of all King Marth's advisors, Ganondorf was the one to be most feared. His appearance matched his bloodlust, and his bloodlust was terrifying. The only thing that kept Dark Pit resisting was his stubbornness, a stubbornness that endured King Marth's torture even if only for a bit.

Suddenly, the crushing embrace was no more. Ganondorf stepped away from the angel Faire. Dark Pit looked at him, confused at the new development, until he heard a familiar voice in the garden.

"Ganondorf, what are you doing here?" Sir Ike stormed towards them. Hidden from his colleague, Ganondorf's lips formed a sneer of loathing. Dark Pit saw the sneer turn to one of indifference as the warlord turned around.

"Enjoying the garden in Dark Pit's company. That is all, Sir Ike," Ganondorf didn't even attempt to mask the disgust in his voice when he spat the warlord's name. The Human raised an eyebrow in disbelief. He looked to Dark Pit, but the Faire avoided his eyes. He sensed Dark Pit's uneasiness immediately.

"I believe Dark Pit has seen enough of the garden today," Sir Ike said firmly. He gestured to the angel Faire. "Shall I take you back to His Majesty's room?" Dark Pit hesitated for a moment before nodding. He moved from Ganondorf and walked towards the door. Sir Ike watched him for a moment then turned towards the other Faire. "Don't you dare lay another hand on him, Ganondorf. One more time, and I will make sure His Majesty hears of it," Sir Ike hissed. The warlord made sure the Faire understood the full impact of his threat before walking after Dark Pit, who waited patiently at the wooden door. Ganondorf only glared at Sir Ike's back in response. Oh, he knew the consequences all right. And he was willing to risk it if it could break King Marth. The Faire turned sharply and left the garden whence he came.

The duo walked silently down the halls. Sir Ike made sure to keep a close eye on the Faire for any distressed signs. However, Dark Pit kept his emotions in, making him difficult to read. The warlord didn't like it. When he had returned quietly, he witnessed Ganondorf embracing the smaller Faire. At that point, Sir Ike rushed towards them, wondering what the fuck was going on. It was clear to the warlord that Dark Pit wanted nothing to do with the larger Faire. Still, his curiosity burned at what the two were talking about. If what he suspected of King Marth was true, then he couldn't let this garden incident slide. When they reached King Marth's chambers, Sir Ike stopped Dark Pit from entering. The Faire gave the Human a look.

"What happened with you and Ganondorf?" Ike asked. Something flashed in the Faire's eyes before disappearing. Dark Pit turned away to hide the creeping blush in his cheeks.

"Nothing."

Ike's eyes narrowed at Dark Pit's evasion. He was getting tired of Dark Pit's obstinacy. The Faire would cooperate occasionally, but he still holed up whenever things got too personal or dealt with King Marth. The warlord grabbed Dark Pit's arms, earning a wince of pain.

"What did he do?" he asked through gritted teeth. Dark Pit still avoided his gaze. Sir Ike shook him, "What did he do?!"

"Nothing!" Dark Pit spat. "He did nothing, all right?! Why do you care so much?! Shouldn't you just be watching me like the loyal dog you are?! Why does it matter to you?!" The Faire glared at Sir Ike. The two stood silently, the tension clear around them. Both glared at each other, refusing to move from his position. It was only when they heard somebody cough that they broke their impasse. Sir Ike's eyes widened at the sight of the newcomer, immediately releasing Dark Pit's arms. He inclined his head at the emotionless, purple AlBaest before him. Dark Pit scooted towards King Marth's doors. He could feel the tension shift, from anger to fear at the mere arrival of the advisor.

"M-Mewtwo. I didn't expect you to be here," Sir Ike muttered. The advisor simply stared at the warlord.

Indeed not, Sir Ike. Perhaps this is a bad time.

"Not at all, Mewtwo. I…would just appreciate it though if you don't breathe a word to His Majesty."

I am a simple guide, not a jealous advisor. Mewtwo looked at Dark Pit with his unwavering eyes. I had only hoped to see the calm before the storm. Now that I see it, I am ensured that Fate is on its course.

"What do you mean by that?" the warlord's brow furrowed in thought. An expression finally showed itself on the AlBaest's face, a small smile. Although Dark Pit didn't feel the same terror from this smile as King Marth's smile, Mewtwo's was still fearful in its own way. It held many mysteries, as if it knew the future's holdings.

A crimson pool shall betray the azure sky. The ruby rose doth prick the sapphire prye. The red eyes blind the blues that bind. The blues congeal the reds' repeal. Mewtwo floated away from the two. They stared after the purple AlBaest, his words ringing in their heads. In all honesty, Dark Pit had no idea what the cuckoo AlBaest was talking about. What was with the red and blues he blabbed about? What did that have to do with anything? Dark Pit looked at Sir Ike, the confusion still in his eyes.

"…That was unexpected…" he said.

To his surprise, Sir Ike shook his head. "No…Mewtwo has always talked in cryptic messages. Almost nobody can understand, save for His Majesty. And whenever Mewtwo talks, it usually means that something is up."

"How do you know that?"

"I don't." Sir Ike sensed Dark Pit's subtle disappointment. He mirrored it with a rueful sigh. The warlord looked at the Faire. He knew how the angel was burning with curiosity at Mewtwo's message. He smiled sadly as he ruffled the Faire's hair, earning a slight protest. "Don't dwell on it. It probably did not involve you at all." Sir Ike opened the door to His Majesty's chambers, gesturing for the Faire to enter. Dark Pit hesitated. Even though his "friend" said that Mewtwo's words didn't involve him, deep inside, he couldn't help but feel that the advisor addressed that enigmatic message to him. After all, who else here had red eyes like him? He took one last look down the hall, but Mewtwo already disappeared. Ike gently pushed Dark Pit into the room, the Faire obeying after another moment's hesitation.

All the events today suddenly crashed on Dark Pit's shoulders, exhausting him. He ambled to the bed and collapsed on it. He closed his eyes, taking in the scent of King Marth's bed. It reminded him how the king gently stroked his cheeks at unexpected times and hugged him to drive away his nightmares. Dark Pit clutched onto the sheets tightly, attempting futilely to find the same comfort only King Marth seemed to be capable of giving. He closed his eyes, and, after a moment's struggle, fell asleep thinking about the devil king.

Sir Ike quietly closed the door to leave the Faire alone.