Hello people! Sentinel07 here with Chapter 8.

As always, thanks to everyone who reviewed, including all the regulars. :)

Italics means a character's personal thoughts.

Bold and italics refers to quotes using telepathy

Disclaimer: I don't own Kid Icarus or any other referenced video game or anime.

Now, let's begin!

(BEGIN)

Chapter 8: Nature vs. Darkness Part 1 - The Path to Strength

Skyworld

"Come on Pit-stain! 10 more reps!" chanted Dark Pit.

Right now, Pit was in the weight room, bench pressing with Dark Pit watching. Right now, Pit was up to 120 lbs., which was a new record for him, but he wasn't satisfied.

Pit grunted harder, his red turning red under the pressure. He tried pushing the weight up, but he could feel his muscles betraying him. Seeing that he was losing it, Dark Pit helped him move the bar back to its resting spot, allowing Pit to catch his breath.

"Well, if it makes you feel better, it's a personal best." said Dark Pit. Pit huffed and puffed, trying to catch his breath before talking.

"It's still not enough." said Pit. "If I'm going to beat Prometheus or Iris, I need to become stronger."

"True, but I don't think just doing weights will help." shrugged Dark Pit. Pit gave that some thought.

"You're right. Time for some jogging. 100 laps around the temple or bust." declared Pit as he ran out of the run, not even giving Dark Pit time to retort.

"That man is going to kill himself." sighed Dark Pit.

(LINE BREAK)

Outside the Temple

Pit huffed and puffed outside Palutena's Temple, jogging until his thighs were begging for relief. He was only at 70 laps so far, another personal best, but still not enough for him.

"Phew….got to…keep going." puffed Pit as he willed himself to continue, taking a sip from his water canteen. However, he didn't get much further.

"Pit! Come in Pit!

"You called, Lady Palutena?" answered Pit.

"Come inside the temple quickly! Iris is attacking again!"

"Coming!" returned Pit. However, before he moved to go inside, he stopped to think. Both Iris and Prometheus showed overwhelming power. Even Pyrrha and Luna were incredibly strong. Pit was beginning to wonder if he could truly protect everyone he cared about. Not just Palutena, but also Dark Pit and Viridi, as well as all his other friends.

Pit sighed as he walked inside. There wasn't much use worrying about it right now. All he could do was trust his strength and move onward.

Inside the Temple

"So what is Iris attacking now?" asked Pit to Palutena.

"We've found Underworld troops swarming around the Valhalla Plains. It's yet another hot spot for Viridi." explained Palutena.

"Wow, she really does have it out for her. I mean, she hasn't even attacked any human cities." said Dark Pit.

"You're right. Iris doesn't seem to be interested in the humans. All of her resources are going after Viridi. And this is a particularly large force. Iris must have decided to turn up the heat after Pit defeated Twinbellows." explained Palutena.

"What are the Forces of Nature doing?" asked Pit.

"Getting decimated right now. Granted, Viridi has plenty more forces, but right now, the Underworld Army is cutting through them like swiss cheese."

Right after that, Palutena turned to Pit. "Pit, we need you to go to the plains and assist in whatever means necessary to make sure Iris doesn't destroy those lands."

"Understood, Lady Palutena!" saluted Pit.

"Am I on the sidelines again?" asked Dark Pit with a bit of a snarl.

"Actually, I would like to ask you something too if you're up for it." said Palutena.

"I'm listening." said Dark Pit.

(LINE BREAK)

Soon enough, Pit was on his way, the Power of Flight carrying him through the air to the Valhalla Plains.

"So what's the story behind the plains?" asked Pit.

"They were once the site of a great battle, long before you were even thought of. To date, you could still say it was the bloodiest battle in human history. It was pretty much the first time the balance of souls got completely disrupted and corrupted." explained Palutena.

"Wow, sounds nasty." replied Pit.

"Yes. Anyway, after the battle, the plains were a barren wasteland. Nothing would grow. However, slowly but surely, Viridi has brought the plains back to life. You could say that it was her first major achievement as the goddess of nature." said Palutena.

"I imagine these plains must mean a lot to her." said Pit.

"Exactly, and that's why we must do what he can to help her." said Palutena.

"You got it!" cried Pit, speeding up his flight path.

(LINE BREAK)

Near the plains

"Lady Palutena! I think the plains are in sight!" cried Pit.

"And so are the Underworld troops." replied Palutena. "Oh, and an old friend is back too." she smiled cheekily. Pit wondered what she was talking about, until he heard a dragon's roar from above him. His heart fell into his stomach at that moment.

"Hewdraw?! Seriously?! She brought back Hewdraw?!" cried an exasperated Pit.

"Sounds like Iris got the whole gang back together. Well, I'm sure you know what to do now. Just member that if you have trouble, I still have my Sacred Goddess Clobber Laser."

"I thought it was Glam Blaster." replied Pit, but Palutena gave no reply. Pit would have tried to talk back, but he unfortunately had company as a large shadow loomed over him.

"Uh oh." piped Pit.

(AN: To refer to each Hewdraw head, they will be referred by their colors: Blue Head (the right one), Purple Head (middle), and Violet Head (left))

"Well hello little angel." growled Blue Head.

"Long time no see." said Purple Head.

"You look as tasty as you did before." said Violet Head.

"Seriously, why won't you guys stay dead?!" Pit cried out right in front of them.

"Now that's not very nice." said Violet Head.

"You should learn more manners." said Purple Head.

"Come a little closer and say that." said Blue Head, baring his fangs. Pit readied his bow, but his hands were shaky.

"What the? Come on hands. Don't fail me now." said Pit, trying to line up a good shot, but his hands continued to shake.

"What are you waiting for Pit?" asked Purple Head.

"That's none of your business! I'm just….testing my bow string." Pit lied. Unfortunately, Hewdraw wasn't stupid.

"Sure, and I'm an amphibian." replied Purple Head sarcastically. "You've never been this shaky. Are you that terrified of our master's power? Or perhaps Prometheus?"

The fact that the Hewdraw head nailed it perfectly surprised Pit. He didn't want to admit it, but the dragon was right.

"Can't we just eat him while he's distressed?" asked Violet Head.

"I'm hungry." growled Blue Head.

"Shut up both of you! We're having a discussion. No one is eating anyone until we finish." said Purple Head. "Now, as I recall, you never seemed to hesitate when you fought me, or us, in the past."

"I-I know that. I've always known that." said Pit.

"Then why do you hesitate now? You never have before. It's no fun fighting someone who can't fight back." replied Purple Head.

The fact that Pit was getting an inspirational pep talk from a Hewdraw head was quite disturbing, but Pit had to admit that he had a point. Pit never bothered to let his doubts rule him in the past. Whenever he came across an enemy, he would fight to the bitter end, even if it finished him. That was his way. That was who he is.

Suddenly, Pit gave a very familiar smirk.

"Hewdraw….you are going to be sorry for that pep talk." he smiled at he fully prepared his bow.

"Now that's more like it! Have at you!" roared Purple Head, as Hewdraw and Pit rushed in for another clash.

(LINE BREAK)

Overworld Sanctuary

Phosphora ran up the stairs at Viridi's sanctuary, heading towards the central hall, where Viridi was waiting for a report. She finally made it up, huffing and puffing as she came to a stop.

"Phew…huff…maybe next time…I should fly up the stairs." she said as she caught her breath.

"What is your report Phosphora?" asked Viridi.

"Iris' forces are attacking the Valhalla Plains en masse. We've also spotted that Hewdraw is also in the area, but Pit seems to be engaging him." she explained.

"I see." said Viridi. After that, Phosphora looked around.

"Where's Arlon?" she asked.

"He's at the first site." said Viridi.

"You mean…that first site?" asked Phosphora.

"Indeed. It's the first step towards the end." said Viridi solemnly. Phosphora nodded, showing her own sadness before continuing.

"There's something else too." said Phosphora.

"And what's that?" asked Viridi.

"Iris has personally called you out to the plains to confront her. If not, she will burn the place to ashes." said Phosphora.

Viridi wasn't too surprised. She would have been if Iris had said nothing, but she knew that Iris wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted, whatever it was.

"I don't get it. What does she want with you?" asked Phosphora.

"Truthfully, I don't know. Maybe I'll find out once I meet her."

(END)

With this, we have entered the first of a 3-part arc in the story, named "Nature vs. Darkness". Trust me, this little arc will have plenty to offer, including pretty much our first acts of drama.

Don't you just love Hewdraw? Such a classy boss.

Now, for today's bio, we look at the other new character introduced last chapter: Luna.

*****Luna*****

Age: 16 (appearance-wise)

Appearance: She's about the same size as Pyrrha, with short blonde hair that doesn't reach her shoulders. She wears turquoise and white clothing, stylized like a small sleeveless dress. Underneath, she wears black leggings with white boots. On her arms, she wears white elbow-length gloves that have shades of turquoise.

Japanese seiyu: Fumiko Orikasa

English VA: Janice Kawaye

Bio: Luna is Pyyrha's best friend. She's a minor moon goddess, but is a bit of a free spirit. She actually hadn't seen much of the world before meeting Pyrrha, and she has explored many parts of the world since. She uses a parasol in battle.

*****End bio*****

And with that, Part 1 of this arc is finished. Stay tuned for Part 2! Sentinel07, out!