Dark Pit jumped and rolled to the side once "Pit" let the Arrow of Light fly, and he quickly retaliated with a shot of his own as his target flew closer. "Pit" brought the Mirror Shield forward and reflected the arrow, but it faded before it could hit Dark Pit. The dark angel blinked.

"The Mirror Shield is supposed to be able to reflect attacks at full strength," he mumbled to himself, then dodged another attack by his opponent. "And the Arrows of Light usually have a higher homing ability. What's going on?"

"My goodness, you're sharp," Dyntos chuckled. "Much sharper than that chicken friend of yours. Quite right: the Three Sacred Treasures were destroyed by Hades, and after seeing them fail like that, I didn't feel like completely recreating them." Dark Pit dodged another of "Pit's" attacks while he listened. "But I figured even a weakened version of them would be a good way to test you. So stay on your toes! Even in a weaker form, those weapons still pack a punch!"

"Noted," Dark Pit grit his teeth and dashed forward, then turned and fired a charged arrow that hit "Pit" in the wing, and he fell with a thud. Before he could get a chance to recover, the dark angel sprinted toward him and slashed toward him, his hands shaking as he struck. "Pit" shouted soundlessly and clutched his wound, his face twisted in pain as blood welled up under his hand. Guilt immediately took hold of Dark Pit's being, but he forced himself to attack again. "Pit" blocked his blade with the Mirror Shield and knocked him back with the bow.

"Ow," Dark Pit grumbled and recovered his balance as "Pit" shot another Arrow of Light at him, catching him off guard as he felt a hot pain pierce his abdomen. He fell and gripped the impacted spot with clenched teeth, but forced himself up again and sprinted forward to hit his adversary with a dash attack. "Pit" soundlessly cried out again and collapsed, dropping the bow. Fear struck the dark angel's heart as he nudged the angel, who didn't respond but only lay there, unmoving.

"What have I done…" the dark angel mumbled, bowing his head.

"Nicely done, Kuro!" Dyntos congratulated. "You pass! Come get your gear." Dark Pit didn't reply as a light illuminated around him and pulled him out of the arena and into a room somewhere in Dyntos's workshop.

"Hey, congrats! You did it!" Dark Pit stared at the source of the voice. Pit stood there, dressed as he usually was, and he grinned brightly. "What? Is there something on my face?"

"WHAT'S THE DEAL?" Dark Pit yelled, turning to Dyntos behind him. "What kind of sick joke is this?"

"What?" Pit tilted his head, confused. "What happened?" Dyntos chuckled.

"Calm down, sonny. I never would have made you actually fight him. That would have defeated any purpose any of us had. That Pit you fought was just another one of my creations." The angels exchanged a glance, one red-eyed gaze of rage and one blue-eyed look of confusion.

"Wait," Pit let out a slow breath. "You made a copy of me?" he demanded, his face turning a shade redder. "What gives you the right to do that?"

"Calm down, he only had one purpose," Dyntos smirked. "And now I won't have to deal with him again. And," he turned back to Dark Pit, "you performed quite well. I'll get you your gear, perhaps a weapon and armor. Any specific requests?" Dark Pit blinked.

"Uh…" he scratched the back of his head. "Um… a bow that an separate into two blades." He shrugged. "And… you said armor?" Dyntos nodded. "Uh… lightweight, and no helmet. I can't stand not feeling the wind."

"That's it?" Dyntos chuckled. "All right. You're pretty low maintenance. All right, I'll be back shortly. In the mean time," he looked toward Pit. "I bet you want to show off your new toys. Behold the new Sacred Treasures, sonny! Some of my finest work." With that, the god of the Forge disappeared, and sighed.

"Well, that was obnoxious," he shrugged. "But, you never would have beat me had it been the real me!" he added quickly. Dark Pit ignored him, his gaze dull. "Hey…" Pit's joking tone became serious. "Are you okay?" He placed his hand gently on the dark angel's shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

"I'm fine, he replied flatly and could tell Pit didn't believe him, but the white-winged angel didn't press it further. "So," Dark Pit forced a smile. "You want to show me your new toys?" Pit chuckled and held up his left wrist, now encased in some sort of brightly colored brace with a gold cuff on either end. It had several light blue lines decorating it that formed a bright green diamond on one side. "Okay," Dark Pit gazed at it curiously. "What is that?"

"Uh…" Pit stared at it, obviously thinking. "I'm still getting the hang of this, but…" he shut his eyes and took a deep breath, and suddenly a barrier of sorts illuminated brightly from the brace. "He calls it the Energy Shield," Pit smiled as crouched behind it. "Just as effective as the Mirror Shield, without being so bulky! Totally out of the way." The barrier retracted back to the brace, and Dark Pit nodded.

"Cool," he smiled a bit. "What else?"

"Well," Pit pointed to the clasp fastening his tunic on his shoulder, and Dark Pit found that it was now a bright green compared to the former red.

"What about it?" the dark angel wondered. Pit grasped it and focused, and a light burst forth from it, enveloping his body briefly. When it died down, he had donned armor over his left shoulder, a chest plate, two plates around his sides, and shin guards colored bronze with a pale gold edge. The bottom of his chest plate, protecting the tip of his breastbone, was a bright gold crest bearing the symbol of the goddess of Light. He wore a bronze helmet bearing an attached laurel crown around it, and two bright blue beams of light hovered above it on either side. He grinned. "You know what's funny? This stuff is really durable, but it's actually super light. Really easy to move in." He shrugged. "Orichalcum Armor? I think that's what he called it."

"Isn't Orichalcum supposed to be like… the most durable substance in existence?" Dark Pit wondered.

"I think so," Pit nodded. "And yet the Great Sacred Treasure was made of the same stuff, and Hades still destroyed it."

"But I think it'll still do a decent job protecting you," Dark Pit pointed out. "And you're a lot smaller of a target." Pit grinned and nodded.

"No kidding," he agreed. "Anyway, check this out. This is my favorite." He focused again and his armor retracted, leaving him back in his usual outfit as he hurried over to a mantle of sorts on the wall of the room they were in, then took down and brought back a bright gold, impressive-looking bow. Hovering near it were smaller curves of blue and green light and the bow itself was separated into several sharpened segments that resembled…

"This is the Winged Bow, I think," Pit announced. "Look!" He pulled back a bright light that shot forward in an arrow rippling with power that left a hole in the wall once it made contact. "Oops." Pit smiled, though embarrassed. "Uh… maybe he won't notice?"

"Well, anyway," Dark Pit shoved him gently. "You happy with this new gear?"

"Most definitely!" Pit grinned. "I can't wait to fry Hades." Dark Pit nodded in agreement.

"And this time," the dark angel added, "We'll make sure he stays down. No matter what it takes." He smiled. "Because nothing is more destructive than two Pits, right?" Pit laughed and nodded briskly.

"Two Pits with weapons made by me!" Dyntos joined them again. "And don't worry about the wall for now, sonny. I'll make you fix it after you deal with Hades."

"I will," Pit dipped his head. "Sorry about that."

"Just shows how powerful that bow is," Dyntos chuckled. "Anyway, Kuro. Here you go. Try this on for size." He held out a clasp similar to Pit's, but colored a slightly darker green. Dark Pit hesitantly took it. "Just focus on it," the god of the Forge instructed somewhat impatiently. The dark angel did as instructed and was temporarily blinded, again, by light. When it died down, he found himself wearing armor similar to Pit's, though both of his shoulders had a guard and there was no plate wrapping around his back. He stretched a bit and rolled his shoulders, then looked down to find a gold crest that, like Pit's, sported the symbol of Palutena. He shifted his gaze back to Dyntos, who smiled knowingly.

"So, does this fit your criteria?" the god of the Forge inquired.

"Yes, sir," the dark angel dipped his head. "Thank you."

"I'm glad you still mind your manners," Dyntos continued. "Now, remember. Neither your armor nor your weapon are quite as strong as Pit's. But they're still more than a match for any Underworld minion you come across." Both angels nodded. "So, without further ado," Dyntos grinned, "Here you go- one personalized bow. Try not to hurt yourself with it." The bow he presented was an off-golden color with streaks of red, blue, and green, curving in two sharpened sections on each side. Dark Pit stared at it in awe, suddenly lost for words, and he bowed slightly to the god of the Forge.

"Thank you, Lord Dyntos," he managed to say.

"You're welcome, sonny. Now, both of you! Out of my workshop! I don't like visitors!"

"I'd better get you two back here," Palutena noted and a light enveloped the angels, taking them back to Skyworld.

"So…" Pit began once he and his dark look-alike arrived back at Palutena's temple. "Now what?" He bowed quickly as the goddess approached them. "I mean, what are we waiting around for? Let's get Hades before he can reform!"

"It's not that simple, Pit," Palutena told him with a soft smile. "Just because you've got energy to spare doesn't mean you can just go ahead and leave." She turned her gaze to Dark Pit. "I think you're forgetting what our friend here just went through to get his weapon and armor." Pit's enthusiasm faded.

"Oh, right," he said sheepishly. "Sorry." Dark Pit shrugged.

"Just… give me a little bit to recover," the red-eyed angel said slowly, then nodded to Palutena and headed out of the chamber. Pit blinked as Palutena watched him go, her eyes somewhat distant.

"Something is bothering him," she noticed. "I'm not sure what, but…" she turned to her captain. "I highly doubt he'll tell me about it, but maybe he'll open up to you."

"I don't know," Pit scratched the back of his head. "Getting through to him is harder than breaking Cragalanche's shell with a staff." He sighed. "But I'll try."

"Pit," Palutena continued. "I'm giving you a suggestion, not an order. If you don't want to, you don't have to." Pit nodded and smiled a bit.

"I know, Lady Palutena. Hey, can you order a pizza? I'm starving!" she laughed.

"We'll see," she teased. "Go on, then!" he set a jogging pace and hurried after the dark angel. "Kuro!" he called out once he was outside, scanning the nearby islets, then called out his look-alike's nickname again. He turned around toward the Centurions on guard. "Did you see which way he went?"

"Honh?" One replied. "Oh. He went thataway, sir." He pointed off toward the central plaza of Skyworld.

"What are you talking about?" the other wondered. "He went that way!" he pointed toward another area that served as the training grounds and the home of the Light vs. Dark matches.

"Your visor must be too dark!" The first one accused. "He went toward the plaza!"

"Nuh-uh!" the other argued. "He went off toward the training grounds!"

"Guys," Pit sighed, massaging his forehead.

"You're blind!" the first went on.

"No, you are!"

"You!"

"Guys," Pit attempted to catch their attention again with no luck.

"You were seeing things!" the second growled.

"I think I'd know a dark angel if I saw him!"

"And I wouldn't? Come on! How many black-winged angels are around here?"

"How many angels are there in general?" Pit mumbled, his frustration with the Centurions growing.

"Hey! I know we have to keep an eye on him!" the first said loudly, and Pit's eyes snapped open blankly.

"I know that!" the other agreed.

"Well, you're doing one heck of a job," the first said sarcastically.

"OKAY!" Pit erupted, silencing them in shock. "That's enough!" he growled, fuming. "WHAT could possibly make you think that you need to watch him?"

"Well, sir," the first hesitantly began. "I mean… he is… just look at him. Black-winged angels are…"

"Unnatural," the second finished. Pit glared at them, and they both shrunk back.

"Don't ever talk about my brother like that again," he ordered. "You can trust Kuro just as much as you trust me. He's been fighting just as hard as I have against Hades and, well…" he paused. "He may not admit it, but he's loyal to Lady Palutena." He sighed heavily as the Centurions cowered. "And, by the way. His wings aren't black. They're more of a dark teal." With that, he jumped off the edge of the islet and glided over to the next landing, continuing on until he made it to the central plaza, but Dark Pit was nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath and continued on until he reached the structure that served as his housing.

He hurried down the main hall and up the stairs on the right-hand side, then came to a halt in front of the closed door. After a moment of hesitation, he grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. Inside, Dark Pit was sitting on his bed, slouched over and washing his face in a bowl of water. His golden laurel crown sat next to him and he didn't look up once he lowered his still-dripping hands. He let out a soft, slow sigh and lowered his head.

"Kuro?" Pit beckoned, and the dark angel jerked in alarm before he turned around.

"What?" he inquired, his voice strained. Pit frowned.

"Uh… I just… Are you okay?" He walked over and stopped a few feet from his dark look-alike, and noticed that the dark angel's dulled eyes seemed stained redder than usual, and he sniffed a bit as he inhaled. Dark Pit didn't reply, but simply remained silent and dropped his gaze. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sick of it," he replied after a moment.

"Of what?" To Pit's surprise, Dark Pit stood up quickly and glared at him.

"Look at me!" he snapped, breathing heavily. Pit blinked as the dark angel softened his tone. "Look at me, Pit. Dark wings. Red eyes. Is that what I'll always be?" He looked at the floor. "A blackheart. A traitor. A creature no one can truly trust." He looked back up at the stunned, white-winged angel. "You're a hero both here and with the humans. But when they look at me, they see a dark copy of you." He paused. "Look at you. You've got pure white wings. Heavenly. People trust and admire you, and they offer forgiveness if you screw up. But look at me. Dark wings. And that isn't supposed to happen. They probably wonder what I did that was so bad to taint my wings to look like this. They think I'm deceitful. Evil. If I screw up, they offer judgment." He fell silent.

"Kuro," Pit mumbled. "I just got done ranting to a couple of Centurions about how much you fight against Hades, that they should trust you just as much as they do me, and how I think you actually are loyal to Lady Palutena. I don't care if anyone says you're just my dark clone or whatever." He crossed his arms. "You're not, and you know that. So, if people aren't seeing it, then you need to fight to prove it to them." He smiled. "And I'll gladly help you. I don't care if I have to parade around the Overworld shouting it to get it through their heads." Dark Pit sighed and smiled a bit.

"Much as I hate to admit it, you're right." He picked up his bow. "I'll prove it to everyone no matter how much it takes. I am NOT just some poorly designed copy of you."

"Are you talking about Putt?" Pit grinned.

"Who?" Dark Pit stared at him, confusion evident in his features.

"Never mind. Anyway, let's go kick some Hades butt. No one will be able to deny you then." Dark Pit nodded and opened his mouth to reply.

"Pit! Kuro!" Palutena's distressed voice echoed around their heads. "Get your weapons and come back to the temple. Quickly!"

"What's wrong?" Pit wondered.

"Hades has launched a massive attack on another town, and the Reapers are overseeing it. I can't let them destroy another city. Hurry!" The angels exchanged a look.

"Sounds like a perfect opportunity to try out our new weapons," Dark Pit pointed out, and Pit grinned and nodded. They grabbed their bows and started toward the door.

"Oh, wait!" Pit spun around and hurried back to the bed. "You're forgetting something." He held up Dark Pit's laurel crown and smiled. "Come on. You can't go anywhere without this." Dark Pit stared at it for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

"Suppose not." He took it and set it in place among his spiky black locks of hair as they hurried outside.