Chapter 10: Unleash the technique within one's spirit.
Dark Pit noted how Zack looked serious. The tension was palpable in the air around him.
"The training I will do to you will be nothing like what you have done. It's the reason why I was given my title as an assassin. Knowing this, are you ready?" Zack questioned.
"I don't have any options. This training may be hellish, but I'll endure it. I'm not backing down." Dark Pit answered.
"Very well. Let me suit up." Zack said.
Zack then changed his appearance. His light brown skin suddenly shifted to a light blue color. The ears were shaped to that of an elf's but were pointy. The ocean blue eyes suddenly became a miasmatic green color, giving off an ethereal aura. His hair was white as snow and the very wings on the back have become nothing but bone.
"So this is what earned you the name, 'Phantom Angel'." Dark Pit deduced.
"This is how I often showed myself to my targets of assassination. I hope you're ready for the intense training." Zack warned.
Before Dark Pit realized it, several weights were attached on his limbs. They felt extremely heavy to him.
"What's the purpose of these weights?" He asked.
"They're for conditioning your body to endure the technique. In order for you to use it, you must be trained sufficiently. Start by doing 100 Hindu Squats." Zack ordered.
Dark Pit didn't question Zack and began performing the squats. He was doing them in a normal pace with one squat every three seconds. Every set of ten squats felt heavier to him.
'I know this hurts a lot, but I must continue... The Flash Burst is the key for me to overpower Gid.' Dark Pit thought as he staggered to pull off his 95th squat.
Zack noted how determined Dark Pit was. He couldn't help but smile in response.
'Dark Pit is determined to learn this technique. I'm impressed on how far he's going. He has the potential to surpass me one day.' Zack thought.
Though it was a harsh task, it took 45 minutes for Dark Pit to complete 100 Hindu squats. His body felt very sore after performing such an arduous exercise.
"Take a breather for 15 minutes. I've prepared the next course for you." Zack said.
He detached the weights from Dark Pit's body. Upon feeling their detachment, the young Dark Featherfolk felt lighter to his opinion.
'The weights... They made my muscle density stronger than before... This place still feels a bit heavy in terms of gravity but now I feel lighter.' Dark Pit thought in surprise.
Dark Pit breathed as he felt exhausted. Zack floated by and provided a water bottle.
"Here. This will help cool you off" Zack said.
Dark Pit opened the bottle and drank the contents at half of the amount. Although it was water, the effect was near immediate in healing his muscle fatigue.
"That's odd... Water from Earth doesn't heal this quickly." Dark Pit noted.
"It is water from Earth, but it also contains mineral essence from our home planet. The mineral deposits were known to have powerful healing effects, capable of curing muscle fatigue to even reattaching lost limbs." Zack revealed.
"I don't know how were you able to obtain such a thing since it is beyond my understanding. Our home planet was destroyed so finding said essences would be like looking for a needle in haystack." Dark Pit said.
"You're correct, but the essence has since become a commodity in the Milky Way Galaxy. It's rather difficult to synthesize it." Zack said.
Dark Pit noted how well appraised the minerals from his father's home world were. He then smiled somberly, remembering his father's words.
"Don't let your enemies gravel on you, son. Become strong to protect those that are dear to you."
Dark Pit looked at the white void of Time-Time-Training-kun. He still had his smile.
'Father, my path may have been dark because of recent events, but I found someone whom I want to protect. Thank you for guiding me, even after death.' He thought.
Zack noticed the light in Dark Pit's body. It began to feel calmer.
'He's starting to let go of his grudge... Your family would be proud of you, Dark Pit.' Zack thought with a proud smile.
The break time elapsed, prompting Dark Pit to get ready for the next exercise. Zack reattached the weights in Dark Pit.
"Now, for this time, I want you to perform 100 push-ups. Your lower body strength has increased but you'll need your upper body strength as well. Now, GIVE ME A HUNDRED!" Zack ordered.
Dark Pit immediately dropped and began performing the push-ups. They were done at the same speed, but it was proving difficult. Upon reaching his 84th push-up, his arms started to feel numb.
'I'm not done with this training... I need to push myself harder to become stronger! I won't let the Deviluke Empire threaten anymore innocent worlds!' Dark Pit thought.
The extra mental push gave Dark Pit more than enough strength to finish the last 16 push-ups. His upper body felt very sore after finishing.
"Chug the last of the contents from the bottle, Dark Pit. Since you endured the 100 Hindu squats and push-ups, it's time that we fight after a half hour break. I suggest meditating to control your light powers." Zack said.
Dark Pit questioned to himself on Zack's suggestion.
'Meditation? Perhaps this would help me earn more control on my energy. Might as well play it safe.' He thought.
The young Dark Featherfolk began to meditate. His aura began to fluctuate in a flame-like pattern. Zack noticed the aura
'Oh? His energy is quite strong for someone his age... He may have potential to unleash such destructive power.' Zack thought with admiration.
Zack watched as Dark Pit's energy flared wildly. The aura was likened to a raging fire, burning with fury.
'It seems not all of his dark emotions have been released. I suspect it may be a subconscious problem... However, this may help provide the emotional push needed for him to achieve his transformation.' Zack thought.
The aura began to calm down and appeared flow smoothly around Dark Pit's body. It outlined him as he meditated in a calm tone. Zack could see the potential of Dark Pit's power.
'He appears to be concentrating his power carefully. Perhaps there is hope for him.' Zack thought.
Thirty minutes have elapsed. Dark Pit was feeling a long lost sensation: serenity. It felt as though his emotional pain was disappearing.
"Times up, Dark Pit. Now, let's start our fight." Zack said seriously.
Dark Pit woke up from his meditative trance and looked calmer. The aura surrounding his body also changed.
"I'm ready, Zack." He said.
Zack summoned a scythe and held it. Dark Pit summoned his Silver Bow in response. Before the fight commenced, the weights reappeared on Dark Pit's limbs.
"Reattaching the weights again... I won't ask their purpose, but let's complete our training." Dark Pit said.
Yui was in her home, wondering on what Dark Pit was doing. She was reading a novel.
'I wonder what Pit-kun is doing... Maybe I should come over to his place and find out.' S thought.
She walked to the kitchen, where her mother is.
"Okaa-san, I'll be heading out for a walk today." Yui said.
"Ara? That's a rare thing I hear nowadays. Is it someone that you like?" Her mother asked.
"H-How shameless! I'm only going for a walk outside to enjoy the day." Yui stuttered.
Before her mother could respond, Yui bolted out of the house.
'She's probably thinking of someone... I have a feeling it's someone close...' She thought, smiling for her daughter.
Yui was heading to Dark Pit's place. Her face was still flustered after being questioned by her mother.
'Need to calm down... My heart is racing after being questioned... I hope he doesn't notice.' Yui thought.
She rang the doorbell and waited patiently. However, what she didn't expect was Momo answering the door.
"Oh, Momo. Is Yami-kun inside?" Yui asked.
"Oh, he's at the Yuuki residence with my eldest sister. I heard he was training himself." Momo said.
"What is Yami-kun training on?" Yui asked with curiosity.
"He didn't specify on what he meant, but he is training with Zack to get stronger." Momo said.
"Do you know where the Yuuki residence is?" Yui questioned.
"I do. Let me get dressed so I show you the way." Momo said.
Yui waited as Momo got herself dressed. After 5 minutes, she got out of the house.
"Let's go." Momo said.
Yui and Momo were on their way to the Yuuki residence. They saw Mikan, who was on her way back to her place with groceries.
"Hi Mikan." Momo called out.
"Oh, hey Momo. Who is the person next to you?" Mikan asked curiously.
"This is Kotegawa Yui. She wanted to know where Lala is." Momo said.
'Thank goodness she came up with a valid excuse.' Yui thought.
"What's the reason?" Mikan questioned.
"It's regarding about Yami Pit." Momo said.
"Oh... In that case, I'll call her down." Mikan said.
She went upstairs and called Lala down. Upon seeing the two girls, she leapt with a childish but jovial manner.
"Momo, Yui! It's a pleasure for you two to come here!" Lala said.
Yui was surprised but she cleared her throat. She adapted her strict personality, but left some traces of her softer side.
"Is Yami Pit in here?" She asked.
"Oh, he's here but not exactly in this place, per se. I'll lead you to one of my inventions." Lala said.
"Inventions?" Yui questioned.
"My sister is a natural to inventing special gadgets. The moment she thinks of one, she can create it immediately. However, in some cases, the gadgets tend to go awry." Momo said.
"I see... That would explain that robotic dog that bit Yami-san's arm." Yui said.
"She tries her best to achieve it. In any case, I think she managed to find the invention." Momo said.
True to her word, Lala brought out what appeared to be a makeshift doorframe. However, she didn't activate the device.
"This is Time-Time-Training-kun. Pit is in there, training. I can't activate the door because it was used today. We have to wait about 24 hours till the door can be opened again." Lala said.
"A full day!? Why did he go in there?" Yui asked in shock.
"Anyone that trains in the dimension of this invention will get a boost of experience. If one were to train for a day, it's equivalent to training a whole year." Lala explained.
"But why is Yami-san training right now? Is he fighting someone later on?" Yui questioned in concern.
"He will. Pit is trying to get himself stronger to face the person responsible for killing his family." Lala said, showing a small frown.
"Gid Lucione Deviluke..." Yui said in understanding.
"So he told you... He is intending to fight him to the death. What you don't realize is, he has been trying to protect everyone he meets." Momo said.
"I know... Anyone associating, even a loved one, with a Dark Featherfolk will die with them." Yui spoke with a sad tone.
"Pit's doing this to make sure he's ready to fight and protect you, Kotegawa-san." Momo said.
In Time-Time-Training-kun, Dark Pit and Zack were fighting furiously. Both were surrounded by an aura of light.
"You're finally achieving the Flash Burst, Dark Pit. This technique has its benefits but it also has negative effects." Zack explained.
"What are the negative effects?" Dark Pit asked.
"You'll have to use it in bursts. Energy and matter are interchangeable so bear in mind of this. Stay too long and the backlash will kill you. Your body will be able to handle short bursts as you train yourself with this method. Your current limit to last in that state is roughly 3 minutes at most." Zack lectured.
"Three minutes... I'll use that time wisely." Dark Pit said.
Dark Pit began to focus on the Flash Burst. He was engulfed in a powerful surge of light.
"Is this the Flash Burst?" Dark Pit asked in surprise.
"Yes... That's the technique I told you about. This is the same technique that gave me the assassin name: Angel of death'. It is now a part of you" Zack said.
Dark Pit felt his power building up from inside his body. An aura of white light surrounded him. His hair, once black, became brown. His irises turned into a pale yellow color. The clothing was slightly brightened than they usually were. The surprising part was his wings. They were slowly turning gray.
"This is what it feels like to use the Flash Burst!? I never thought it would be this strong" Dark Pit said in wonder.
"In any case, come after me! Fight like you haven't fought before!" Zack ordered.
Dark Pit dashed at incredible speeds, surprising the undead Dark Featherfolk. Before Zack could retaliate, Dark Pit managed to land a solid hit on Zack's face.
"Ouch... That's one strong punch you got there. Might as well follow along" Zack said.
Both Dark Featherfolks were using the Flash Burst. Two auras of light clashed as they continued sparring.
Back in Yuuki household, Yui was staring at the entrance of Time-Time-Training-kun. Her longing for Dark Pit grew. Each minute that passed felt longer than usual.
'I hope he manages to attain the strength needed to fight... This person, Gid, sounds like a powerful foe to overcome.' Yui thought.
Rito eventually arrived in the house. He was wearing exercise clothing and appeared exhausted.
"Mikan, I'm home." Rito called out.
Yui heard Rito's arrival. She remained composed but was nervous internally.
"Oh, Kotegawa-san. I didn't expect anyone coming here." Rito said.
"Lala's sister, Momo, told me to come here. I was mainly worried about Yami-kun." Yui responded with a blush.
"'Yami-kun?' You mean, Yami Pit?" Rito asked with confusion.
'Not good...! I accidentally said 'Yami-kun' without realizing it. He did sound confused to me though' Yui thought with a mild panic.
"Y-yes! I'm worried about him..." She said nervously.
"Oh Rito-san. Pleasure to meet you." Momo said.
"Oh, hey Momo. So, why are you and Kotegawa here at my home?" Rito asked.
"Well, Pit-san said he is out, training with Zack on becoming strong." Momo said.
"But why here?" Rito questioned.
"My sister invented a machine to help boost his training. As Lala explained, it'll open when a full day has elapsed." Momo said.
"I see... Ne Mikan. Think we have enough to serve a couple of guests?" Rito asked.
"We have enough for extras. It's fine they can stay here" Mikan said.
Inside Lala's invention, both boys were rather exhausted. They had no energy left to continue their combat.
"I think...we should...take a breather." Dark Pit panted.
"I may have to agree. I used up a lot of energy so I need to rest." Zack replied, exhausted.
They collapsed on the ground. Both were wasted from constant fighting.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing in here that can provide sustenance or a roof." Dark Pit said.
"Lucky for me, I don't need to worry for that. I'm undead." Zack joked.
"Unfortunately for me, I'm living. My body isn't a ghost. It's flesh and bones..." Dark Pit said.
"Speaking of which, I'll have another round of feeling what you feel." Zack said.
"Hey, what are you-!?"
Dark Pit was interrupted as Zack forcefully entered his body, kicking his soul out.
"Man, I can feel your strength increase a lot. I'd say my training helped you more than necessary.
A month has past. Dark Pit and Zackary were still training harshly within Lala's device. Sweat and blood was pouring out of Dark Pit's body as he endured an onslaught of attacks.
"What's the matter, Dark Pit? Are you unable to stand up against one of your kind? Is my title so frightful to you?" Zack taunted.
The live Dark Featherfolk didn't want anything to be reminded of the crushing aura. However, it didn't deter his mind. Rather, he kept himself with a steeled will.
"I won't allow my race be forgotten by that accursed tyrant who lives! I won't give up till he dies!" Dark Pit shouted.
A purple aura rippled on his body for a moment. Zack knew Dark Pit was mastering the Flash Burst.
'He's almost reaching it... One final block and that will help him fully utilize it.' Zack thought.
Outside of Lala's invention, Rito and the others were awaiting Dark Pit's and Zack's arrival. They could hear the session from the gaps of the door.
"They have been training for over a day within the device." Mikan said.
"Yami-san said he wanted to train with Zack to master a new technique. I'm curious as to why though." Lala said.
"We'll find out when he leaves. For now, let's wait." Rito said.
"By the way, Lala... Didn't you said this invention opens every 24 hours?" Mikan asked.
"Yes. I've also sent some food to them through a small wormhole that connects to Time-Time training-kun. In there, staying a day is like having a year of training. Dark Pit and Zack have been in there for a month." Lala said.
"30 YEARS OF TRAINING!?" Rito and Mikan said at the same time.
Yui was worried for Dark Pit. After hearing about his training regimen a few days prior to his disappearance, she couldn't help but be concerned for him.
"Dark Pit-kun..." She said with slight melancholy.
-Flashback-
Dark Pit was with Yui, outside at a park. It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon. They were hiding within a small dome that had enough space for them to fit inside.
"Yui, I'll be undergoing a training regimen to get strong enough to fight Gid. It may take my time being with you, but I have to do this to protect you and the Earth." Dark Pit said.
Upon hearing Dark Pit's explanation, she showed a worried expression. Soon, Yui held him close.
"Dark Pit-kun... This training regimen will be difficult and harsh, will it?" She asked.
"I'm afraid so. It'll unlock a special ability which will turn the tide against Gid. I don't want to lose you just like the other Dark Featherfolk whom lost their lovers as well." Dark Pit confessed.
After hearing his explanation, Yui couldn't keep her demeanor for long. She went close to his face and kissed his lips.
"Please grow strong and protect the Earth, Dark Pit-kun. Come back to me in one piece." Yui said.
Dark Pit held her close as the rain stopped. Yui didn't protest as she felt his warmth.
"You'll find me in the Yuuki household, where Yuuki Rito lives in. Just ask Lala where I'm at. She'll help you find me." Dark Pit said.
-Flashback end-
She recalled the kiss on her lips, which made her blush. However, a smile was shown on her face.
'I'll wait for you, Dark Pit-kun.' She thought.
Soon, her door opened. From outside, a woman reaching her middle age was outside.
"Yui, dinner's ready." The woman said.
"Okay." Yui responded.
Back in Lala's invention, Zack and Dark Pit continued their training. Both showed an unwavering will to not give in.
"I'll admit, you have the endurance to withstand my training. However, you have yet to master the Flash Burst. What is holding you back?" Zack questioned.
"I don't know... I'm not certain what is holding me back..." Dark Pit sneered with uncertainty.
Zack began thinking of Dark Pit's lack of achievement of the Flash Burst.
'Hmm... There's one possible way. He would get angry from this though.' He thought.
The ghostly Dark Featherfolk began thinking of an idea. Soon, he faced Dark Pit.
"Dark Pit... You're in love with that girl... That same girl named Kotegawa Yui, right?" Zack asked seriously.
"What of it?" Dark Pit retorted.
"If you can't achieve the Flash Burst, you won't stand a chance against Gid himself. He will kill her just like all the others whom were with our kind." Zack provoked.
This got Dark Pit to stop momentarily. Soon, he had a vision in seeing Yui's corpse.
'Gid will kill her if I don't succeed... Why am I holding myself back...?' He thought.
Zack could see the shock on his face. He decided to provoke him more.
"Gid would kill you, but he might do things worse than death to Kotegawa." Zack said.
Dark Pit's body began to shake. Uncontrolled anger began to break free, resulting in a white aura surrounding his body.
"That bastard... I WON'T LET HIM GET AWAY WITH THIS!" Dark Pit said, unleashing his aura.
Zack covered his face as he felt the powerful force from Dark Pit's aura.
'He's done it... He finally mastered the Flash Burst.' Zack thought proudly.
Dark Pit realized the incredible sensation he felt after unleashing his anger. He noticed the aura enshrouding his body.
"What is this power...? It feels as though I have better control..." Dark Pit said.
Dark Pit felt the sensation in his body with the Flash Burst's power surging within him. He soon powered down, having recognized the feeling of it.
"Don't forget what I said about this technique. It can give you a boost of power in a heartbeat, but it has a price to pay." Zack lectured.
"Energy and matter are interlinked. If I overclocked the technique..." Dark Pit paused.
"Your body would start to break down... Use it as a last resort." Zack finished.
"Zack... Let's finish this training..." He said.
Yui was walking to the Yuuki household. She was reluctant to do so, but her concerns for Dark Pit pushed her forward.
'I know I'm intruding in Yuuki Rito's household again... However, my primary reason is to make sure Dark Pit-kun is okay... It has been over a month since we confessed and kept it secret. I can't let them realize I have a relation with him.' Yui thought.
Yui was wearing a cream yellow shirt with a blue skirt, and brown flip flops. She was on her way to the Yuuki household.
'A month is a long time to pass, but it felt as though a year has gone by... Dark Pit-kun, I hope everything goes well when I see you.' She thought.
Soon, she came to the Yuuki residence. Yui rang the doorbell and waited patiently.
"Hello? This is the Yuuki residence." Rito's voice said.
"Oh, Yuuki-san. It's Kotegawa. I heard that Yami Pit is still here." Yui said.
"Yes, he's here with us. Why did you come here though?" Rito questioned.
Yui cleared her throat, immediately becoming strict.
"I haven't seen him for over a month. Is he doing okay?" She said, hiding her feelings.
"I'm sure he's doing okay. I can also help find him for you." Rito said.
Yui heard the front door at the entrance open. She went up to the door, where Rito was about to leave out.
"Kotegawa, Yami-san is here, but I should explain when we get there." Rito said.
Rito lead her in the house. Yui was confused till she noticed the device Lala left near the staircase.
'A device that trains a person... This might be a decent backup for Dark Pit-kun to gain strength.' Yui thought.
The device began to beep erratically. Yui and Rito moved back as a portal opened. From within, Zack and Dark Pit arrived, landing in a kneeling position.
"My training...is done." Dark Pit said.
Yui noticed that Dark Pit's physique was muscular than the first time she met him. To top it off, his hair grew longer, appearing wilder and spiked. The Dark Featherfolk noticed Yui and quickly calmed his thoughts before anyone could find out of their relation, save Zack, who was smirking.
"Kotegawa. It's good to see you." Dark Pit said.
"Likewise, Yami-san. I know you informed me of the time for training, but I was curious of the progress." Yui said.
'Though I also wanted to see you as well.' She thought to herself.
"Forgive me for not notifying you, despite me coming to school. I had to risk a month off from school to prepare myself for Lala's father. I have to get strong, for the Earth's survival is now on my shoulders..." Dark Pit said.
"I understand... I may not agree with the lack of communication, but I understand why." Yui said, playing along with her role.
"In any case, I'll head back to my home, along with Zack. I'll have to use the bathroom since I stink terribly..." Dark Pit repulsed, smelling his sweat permeating.
Everyone chuckled as they saw his expression. It was pretty funny to see the interaction.
"Why not take a bath here, Yami-kun?" Mikan suggested.
"Are you sure though? I hope I'm not intruding since I requested Lala to help with my training..." Dark Pit reluctantly spoke.
"Don't worry. You're a decent person whom puts his life for others. I heard what happened from Yami when Lala and Rito were attacked by one of Lala's bachelors..." Mikan said, looking at his hand.
Dark Pit noticed she was looking at his hand that suffered from the acid burns during his confrontation with Lacospo. He gave a soft smile in response.
"Worry not about it, Yuuki-chan. I did what I had to do to ensure your brother's safety. I don't want anymore innocent lives being at risk." Dark Pit reassured.
Mikan smiled, seeing how decent he was.
"Though I wish I could talk more, but my present condition at the moment would make it...awkward." Dark Pit said, heading to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, Dark Pit was nervously washing himself. One couldn't blame him since he felt very uncomfortable in using someone's bathroom other than his own.
'This is embarrassing, but I rather be presentable than smelling like a gym bag.' He mused in thought.
Soon, he heard the door briefly open. Much to his shock, Someone was coming in.
"Someone is in the bath! Please don't come in!" Dark Pit shouted.
The shouting startled who was coming in. Dark Pit was leaving his head partially exposed as he sank in the tub to avoid being seen.
"Um... Dark Pit-kun? I'm sorry if I'm intruding." Mikan's voice said.
"O-oh... I thought you were either Momo or Lala. Knowing those two, they tend to be too forward..." Dark Pit nervously spoke.
"I understand... In any case, I've brought a fresh bottle of shampoo since we ran out. I'll walk away while you get the shampoo." Mikan replied.
Reluctant, Dark Pit moved out of the water, stretching his wings completely. He grabbed the shampoo and began washing his hair. Unknown to him, Yui passed by and noticed his figure through the blind screen of the bathroom.
'Dark Pit-kun's wings... They're beautiful... Wait, why am I staring at him like a pervert!? How shameless of me!' Yui thought, embarrassed.
Despite protesting herself to look away, Yui couldn't. She watched as the wings folded themselves into a veil in front of Dark Pit. He was washing his wings with care.
'I can't look away... He's my boyfriend and I...feel interested in him.' She struggled morally.
Upon washing himself, the wings turned into a ultramafic black color. They were shining in the light. Soon, Dark Pit shook his head to dry off the water in his hair.
"Haaa...~ That was relaxing." He commented to himself.
Yui quickly regained her bearings and left to rejoin Rito and the others in the guest room.
Dark Pit was able to put on his clothes as they were repaired and washed by Peke while he took the bath.
'Glad that I didn't need to wear someone else's clothing. It would make things awkward.' He thought.
Dark Pit made his way downstairs to meet with the others. He noticed Yui was fidgeting nervously.
'Wonder why she looks so nervous...' Dark Pit thought, tilting his head in confusion.
Yui noticed him and had a brief smile before hiding it away.
"Yami-san, is your training done?" She asked.
"Yes. I've mastered the technique. Plus, I wish to go back to my every day life at Sainen High. I'm starting to miss the school." Dark Pit admitted.
Yui has to bite back a giggle, finding it oxymoronic to hear Dark Pit missing school. Most teens would give away anything to find a long break time from school.