Previous Chapter Recap: Last time on Kid Icarus Uprising! While Viridi and Hades's troops were locked in combat, Palutena and Pit seized the opportunity to infiltrate Viridi's Reset Bomb Depot. Fighting his way through numerous Underworld and Forces of Nature troops, Pit made his way to the core of the depot, the Reset Bomb Pod and destroy it, forever ending the threat of the Reset Bomb. But before the two can refocus their efforts on Hades, they must contend with Viridi's commanders. Will he succeed? Find out, now!
"Again today I will go soaring through the sky! My enemies I'll dish 'em up in a stir-fry! Gracious goddess of light watches from up above! At dinnertime I always show the cook some love!" Pit sang as he ran out the door. Pit had a habit of making up songs on the spot, particularly when he was elated. Thankfully, he wasn't a bad singer. This was a special occasion. After all, Pit did destroy Viridi's Reset Bomb Depot, thus destroying her main weapon. So why shouldn't he be happy? He stopped Viridi! Now they could defeat Hades.
"What are you singing?" Palutena asked. Admittedly, she had grown used to Pit's songs. But it still made her laugh at times.
"Just this little victory song I made up." Pit replied. "We stopped Viridi! Now it's time to take down Hades!"
"Not quite." Palutena replied. "We still have to contend with her forces. Specifically, Arlon the Serene."
"Oh, is he one of her commanders?" Pit asked
"Yes, and he has a weapon so lethal, it makes Reset Bombs look like firecrackers." Palutena said. "Arlon's base is close by. You see the moon?" Pit looked around and caught sight of the New Moon. It's presence seemed to illuminate the ebony night sky. "Yeah, it's really pretty tonight." Pit said.
"And what about that?" Palutena asked.
"Like I said, they're pretty." Pit said. That's when Pit rubbed his eyes and did a double take. Surely he was seeing things, because he found himself staring at two moons, one on the right and one on the left. "Wait a sec... There are two moons?!" Pit asked.
"They're like eyes watching you." Palutena said.
"I wish they wouldn't." Pit replied. "I get stage fright." That's when the moon on the right began to do something strange. It began to split in half as four red lights appeared on its surface. "Whoa whoa whoa!" he exclaimed. "What kind of moon is that?!"
"That's Arlon's Lunar Sanctum." Palutena replied. "Clearly, there's more to it than meets the eye."
"Very cool!" Pit said. The fact of a base disguised as a moon was quite fascinating to Pit... at least until this happened. Without warning, the Lunar Sanctum fired a large blue laser at Pit. Thankfully, the angel managed to dodge in time. "And dangerous!" he said as he evaded another laser. "I take it back! It's not cool at all!" Forces of Nature troops in the form of Bladers, Nutskis, and Captain Flares. Pit immediately opened fire with his Orbitars. "We're going in!" Palutena said as she accelerated Pit's wings. Pit tried his best to avoid laser fire and the electric barriers that appeared while taking out the Forces of Nature troops. "I'm getting close!" he said.
"I'll get you there." Paltuena assured him. "Just focus on avoiding fire." And Pit tried his best, taking out enemies as he did. As he moved closer towards the Lunar Sanctum, he was met with more laser fire. Pit couldn't help but be amazed, and a bit scared at the size of the base. It was certainly more imposing up close. "Those lasers are quite the security system." Palutena said.
"You're telling me!" Pit replied as he began flying on the outside of the Sanctum.
"With all this firepower, Arlon must be preparing for a massive attack." Palutena mused.
"Why on earth would I be attacking?" An elderly voice said. "I'm far too busy... defending, my dear."
"Huh?" Pit said as he looked around to find the location of the voice.
"You must be Commander Arlon." Palutena said.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Palutena." Arlon replied. "And yours too, young master Pit. I have heard tales of your prowess from our Mistress Viridi."
"Well, that's... weirdly nice of her." Pit responded for lack of a better answer.
"She said I mustn't let your attacks spread chaos here of all places." Arlon continued. "Before you cause a most unnatural harm, let us sit down for a chat."
"I might consider it if you withdrew your forces..." Palutena began. "And banded with us to face the Underworld Army together."
"Those decisions fall to the will of Mistress Viridi." Arlon replied. "Unfortunately, it's entirely out of my purview. I do hope you understand."
"What's a purview?" Pit asked as he flew through the opening in the Sanctum, dodging more lasers and troops. " And why do you talk like that? Bad guys are supposed to be more like 'Graaahhh!' and 'I'm gonna KEEL you!'"
"The young master is skilled in impressions, I see." Arlon chuckled. "Would you care to perform more?"
"Uh, that's all I got." Pit said. Unbeknownst to him, just as he was flying out, The Lunar Sanctum's laser was aiming directly at him! "Pit! Watch out!" Palutena shouted. "Huh? Aaaaaugh!" he shouted as he barely managed to dodge the powerful blue beam. "That attack was vicious!" Palutena said. "I see a corridor we can enter through. Hold on!" She then accelerated Pit's wings as he flew out of the line of fire and into a nearby corridor. There he was met by two Lurchthorns and two Bladers as well as more security lasers. "It's not much safter in here!" he said.
"As I mentioned earlier, the Lunar Sanctum is very heavily fortified." Palutena said. "But a victory here could help us contain all of Viridi's army."
"I'll take care of it somehow!" Pit said as he did his best to avoid enemy fire. He managed to destroy the monsters, and its seemed that the laser fire was lessening. "Huh... Their defenses are thinning out." he said. "I'm still detecting enemies, though," Palutena replied. "so be careful." A few seconds later, cycloptic green blobs with scythes for hands appeared. "Augh!" Pit shouted as he opened fire with his Gemini Orbitars.
"Let me introduce you to the Flages, the covert-ops specialists for Viridi's army." Arlon said. "Do they strike your fancy?"
"Uh, no!" Pit replied as he flew into another hallway littered with more lasers.
"Personally, I'm quite fond of them." Arlon stated.
"Right, 'cause I care so much." Pit said with obvious sarcasm.
"Your concern is noted." Arlon replied.
"I was being sarcastic!" Pit said. "I don't care at all!" Pit managed to dodge the lasers without too much difficulty. It seemed like Arlon had run out of cards to play. But before he could take a much needed sigh of relief. Arlon spoke again. "Oh, yes, I almost forgot."
"Forgot what?" Palutena asked.
"To close the gates!" he replied. "And the gates... go... shut." And instantly, the gates in front of Pit began closing. Pit took out his Capricorn Club and used it as a battering ram. "Yikes! Cut it out!" he shouted.
"The Power of Flight is running out! We have to move!" Palutena said. "Find the breakable spots on the gates, and shoot through." Pit continued through, charging through the doors with his Capricorn Club. He eventually made it to a large room filled with gears. "There's an entry point through a duct up ahead." Palutena said. "It's tight, so watch out!" Pit reached the duct and flew through it with an audible grunt. He made it out and landed in the Lunar Sanctum, but what he found was quite unexpected. The interior of the sanctum seemed to be a vast, futuristic city made entirely out of gold and bronze. The ceiling looked more like a sunlit sky with many cloud-like trails crisscrossing it. "Talk about ritzy!" Pit said.
"It's like a whole other world. A classier world." Palutena said.
"I'm deeply flattered by your gracious compliments." Arlon replied.
"Who knew the Lunar Sanctum would be so nice?" Pit asked.
"I could get used to a place like this!" Palutena said.
"Perhaps you could." Arlon replied. "But the Lunar Sanctum doesn't have room for any...more guests."
"Uh, it's not that nice." Palutena said.
I don't care how nice this place is! It won't stop me from taking you down!" Pit declared.
"I understand." Arlon replied. "You have no regard for other people's property." Pit made his way down and was confronted by two Nutskis and an Urgle. Pit dispatched them both and moved on, but that's when he was met with a strange sight. Pit saw two Nutskis flying at him, one of them. Pit immediately opened fire on them with his Centurion Orbitars, but they went right through the green one. The other one fired back, but Pit managed to dodge it and returned fire, killing it. He went further down and caught sight of a Pew Pew. He fired at it a few times, but like before his shots went through it. "Are my eyes playing tricks on me?" Pit asked.
"Arlon seems to have a penchant for visual trickery." Palutena replied.
"It's just a little something I whipped up to whet your appetite." Arlon said.
"This is so annoying." Pit said. "Lady Palutena help me out here."
"Deploying the Palutena Super Sensor..." Palutena said.
"I didn't know you had a super sensor!" Pit replied.
"Hee hee. I don't." Palutena giggled. "You know I like to make stuff up."
"I can't believe you're messing with me at a time like this!" Pit complained.
"Don't fret. You can use the green arrows to guide your way." Palutena assured him. Pit looked on the ground to find a green arrow pointing at a wall. Pit decided to take a chance and ran right through it. He ran straight through another door into a larger part of the Sanctum. This one had a large meteorite that seemed to stand on a pillar of what looked to be sand. The sand seemed to flow like a river.
"Now, how did you manage to place those here?" Arlon asked. "Ooh, it seems you've infiltrated the Lunar Sanctum's control core, Palutena. That leaves me relatively defenseless. I'd best rectify that posthaste. If you'll excuse me, I must go gird my loins for your arrival."
"TMI! Nobody wants to hear about your loins!" Pit said. Before he could move on further. He was attacked by a Mudrone and a Nutski. He defeated them both and moved on, traversing the river of sand and taking great care to avoid the mines that littered it. He made it to the door and waliked through it to a larger area with a grind rail above an abyss. Pit hopped on the grind rail and moved onward, taking out Forces of Nature troops and hitting switches to keep the grind rail going. He landed on a platform and was faced by a Mudrone, a Skreetle, a Dibble Dop, and a Pew Pew. He defeated them all and was confronted by a Mahva and three Nutskis. He defeated them as well and another grind rail appeared. Pit hopped on and traversed it. Just as he did, a Lurchthorn slowly moved past him. Pit took out his Palutena Blade and bisected it as it passed by him.
Pit hopped off the grind rail and went into a room inhabited by a Toxicap, an Urgle, two Bumpety Bombs, and two Pew Pews. He managed to slay them all, albeit with some difficulty and went into a short hallway with a mirror at the end. It looked like there was no way out. "Now what do I do?" he asked.
"Look carefully at the mirror's image." Palutena replied. "You'll notice some inconsistency." Pit walked up to the mirror and saw a pathway to his right in the reflection. He went to the right and found himself in a room with two green button on the floor. However, when he looked in the mirror, he saw three green buttons. Thinking that this is another of Arlon's tricks, Pit first stepped on the two visible green switches, then looked at the image in the mirror to help press the invisible switch. That unlocked the door and he went into another room with gaps in between the path. But a quick glance at the mirror revealed otherwise.
Pit followed the pathway, stepping on the switch to open the door. He made it through the doo and was confronted by none other than Dark Pit, who was casually leaning against a large blue orb in the center of the room. "Pittoo!" Pit called out, taking out his Palutena Bow and seperating it into two blades
"Seriously, that is the last time I wanna hear 'Pittoo'!" Dark Pit said as he dropped into a fighting stance and charged at Pit, Pit blocked with blades and gave his dark counterpart a kick to the chest. The kick sent Dark Pit back and he fired a charged shot in retaliation. Pit dodged and attacked in kind. His shot hit the orb in the center of the room and it fired a blast of energy. Pit dodged the initial blast but was knocked away by the explosion.
"Arlon, did you call Pittoo here?" Palutena asked as the two angels continued their brawl.
"I most certainly did." Arlon replied.
"He's not usually one to follow orders." Palutena mused. "How did you persuade him?"
"It was quite simple actually." Arlon began. "Just the mention of young master Pit's presence... was enough to send his twin running here."
"Pittoo just isn't happy unless he's fighting someone." Palutena said with a sigh.
"You say that like it's a bad thing!" Dark Pit said, only to get a kick from Pit in response. "You stay out of this!" he said.
"Make me!" Dark Pit shouted as he fired several shots from his Silver Bow. Pit dodged them all and tried to fire off some shots in return, but the dark angel was too quick. He dodged them all and landed a punch in Pit's face. Pit recovered and grabbed his arm and threw him against the blue orb. "Quickly Pit, destroy the Lunar Sanctum's control center!" Palutena said.
"I'm trying!" Pit protested. "But Pittoo's not making it easy!" Just as he said this, Dark Pit charged at him and nearly landed a slash on his chest. Pit jumped over him and landed in front of the control center. "I said don't call me Pittoo!" he snarled. That gave Pit an idea. "You know, Pittoo." he began. "For someone so independent, Arlon seems to have you on a pretty tight leash."
"Shut up!" Dark Pit snapped.
"Oh, did I struck a nerve?" Pit mockingly asked. "Well, if you don't like Pittoo, how about... Pittooey, Pittang, Pittong, Pittooahnialaltion, Pitterio, Pittazz, Pittonian, Pittonium, Pittotalitarian... I can keep this up all night." Each name caused Dark Pit's anger to steadily rise until finally, "I... said... Shut... the fuck... UP!" he roared as he pulled out his Doom Cannon and fired a charged shot. Pit dodged it and the shot hit the control center, causing it to fire off multiple shots. Dark Pit tried to dodge them all, but the explosion from one of them knocked him away. Pit quickly took out his Taurus Arm and knocked him into the Control Center, making a big hole in it and electrocuting him severely. The control center exploded and sent the dark angel flying once again. Pit took out his Capricorn Club and swatted him away like a batter at a baseball game, sending him into a wall. "The Control Center is toast! Now what, fool!" Pit said.
Dark Pit slowly pulled himself back to his feet, staggering a bit. "Just wait till next time!" he said through gritted teeth as he teleported out. With Dark Pit gone and the Control Center destroyed, Pit forged ahead into an elevator. The elevator took him outside in front of four paths. Or at least, he thought he was outside. "Where are we?" he asked. Pit then took a few steps forward only for a meteor to nearly hit him. "Whoa!"
"It's a bit daunting, I agree." Palutena said. Pit made his way across, taking care to avoid the falling meteors. But just as he got halfway across, he heard Palutena sneeze, seemingly causing an incoming meteor to change direction and nearly hit him. "Are you trying to get me smooshed?" he asked.
"Huh? That wasn't my doing." Palutena said.
"Goodness. So sorry." Arlon said. "I must have lost myself in the golden melody of her sneeze."
"That's why you should cover your sneezes." Pit said.
"I would never!" Palutena replied. "A strong sneeze is the sign of a strong spirit!" Pit made it across and went through the door to find himself on a rocky landscape that made him feel like he was an astronaut on the moon. He saw an Exo Tank nearby. "This is so cool!" Pit said. "It's like the surface of the moon."
"Why was the Lunar Sanctum built anyway?" Palutena asked.
"That information is highly confidential." Arlon replied.
"That only makes me more curious." Palutena said.
"Curious or not, I took an oath of silence, and I intend to honor it!" Arlon replied with a more annoyed tone.
"Now, now, no need to get all bent out of shape." Palutena said.
"After all, your name is 'Arlon the Serene'." Pit added.
"I'm well aware of my name!" Arlon said. He then took a calming breath. "But back to the topic at hand. I cannot tell you the reasons why this sanctum was built. But I can say that it runs on my powers. Without me, it's just a husk, an empty shell, an orbiting house of cards."
"Ooh, that sounds fancy." Pit said.
"I don't think we're getting the whole story here..." Palutena mused.
"You are in no position to demand explanations." Arlon replied. "I am beholden only to Mistress Viridi, and you two are thorns in her side."
"You've made your allegiances quite clear." Palutena said.
"Then enough talk!" Pit said. "Let's get back to fighting!" Pit hopped in the Exo Tank and drove through the area, plowing his way through a Mudrone. He drove through the door to another area. This one was littered with small ports that fired lasers when Pit drove over them. He took extra care to avoid those and drove through the door. He hopped out of the Exo Tank and jumped down the ledge and was met by a Megonta and three Zerts. He defeated them all and was confronted by a Lethinum and a small-looking plant creature. Pit killed the Lenthinum to avoid dealing with its laser attack and shot the strange creature. That proved to be a fatal mistake as it changed into a bloated, grotesque monster. The monster immediately charged at Pit, who threw a Smart Bomb in response. The bomb exploded and killed it instantly.
He then used a nearby jump pad to get on a ledge and landed in a Crescent Moon shaped hot spring. After healing himself a bit, he dropped into a nearby port and fell on a pillar of sand. He jumped out and made his way down the stairs and to a door. He walked through and was attacked by two Meebas. He defeated them both and stepped on the large U-shaped object in the room and was lifted up. "So this is an elevator?" Pit asked.
"That seems to be the case." Palutena said. Pit looked out the window and saw two Lurchthorns flying by. Pit, being the child he is, gave a raspberry in response. The elevator stopped halfway by another oddly shaped elevator, the two interlocking in place. Pit got on the other elevator and was lifted up into the next room. He walked down the stairs and was attacked by a Nutski, a Lethinium, and a Skreetle. He defeated them all and walked out the door into a rotating platform with three mines and two Clobblers. "Don't just shoot wildly, Pit." Palutena said. "You do not want to get those Clobblers mad. Try luring each one into a mine."
"Good idea." Pit said. He followed her advice and shot one Clobbler to provoke it, then lured the lumbering beast to a mine, killing it. He repeated the same method with the other one. "Pit's lucky to have such an excellent guide." Arlon said. "Though we're on opposing sides, I must commend your work, Palutena."
"Thanks." Palutena replied. "It's just part of my job. Besides, Pit's the one doing all the heavy lifting. Which is especially impressive for someone so small."
"Ha, ha." Pit said flatly. He walked out the door and made his way down a path where he was saw a Toxicap, a Megonta, and a Lurchthorn. He defeated them all with ease and walked through the door. He then saw another door straight ahead. This door was large and gold with four blue orbs decorating it. "Arlon's quarters are directly ahead." Palutena said. "Good luck." Pit walked through the door and found himself on a golden platform with elaborate designs surrounded by many gem-like lamps on elaborate gold posts. The ceiling resembled a starry sky.
A spotlight shined down on a tall, lanky, elderly-looking being with violet skin and gray hair that ended in three points that faced upward, and a mustache that was quite long. He wore very formal yet somewhat futuristic-looking attire that resembled a black suit with golden clasps and a golden broach below his neck. He also wore elaborate white gloves that released purple flames, fancy pointy shoes and a gold colored monocle on his left eye. His overall appearance resembled that of a butler. "Arlon!" Pit said.
"Welcome." Arlon replied as he took a low bow. "Please make yourself comfortable. It is my great honor to represent Mistress Viridi and the Forces of Nature."
"And it's my great honor to represent Lady Palutena and the Centurion Army." Pit replied as he drew his Palutena Bow. "The Forces of Justice!" Pit then charged at Arlon with his Blade. Arlon simply outstretched his hand, which glowed with a dark purple aura. Pit suddenly felt very heavy until he could barely move. "What's... happening?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Perhaps I should have mentioned." Arlon began. "I control everything in the Lunar Sanctum, particularly the gravity within. I am a lunar deity after all. Now then, going up!" He raised his hand and Pit was sent flying to the celing. Arlon moved his hand again and Pit was sent flying toward a wall. Arlon kept up the treatment, knocking him around like a ragdoll. He then let Pit drop to the ground only for him to fire an energy orb at him. Pit got to his feet and fired several shots from his Palutena Blade. Arlon threw up a shield to defend himself only for the angel to leap into the air and slash at him. Arlon let out a pained grunt as purple energy formed around his left hand in the shape of a blade. He slashed away at Pit, but the angel dodged and delivered a sweeping kick that knocked the elderly god of balance. He followed up with a stab but Arlon moved out of the way.
"Impressive." Arlon said. "But how well can you fight during a lunar eclipse?" Arlon then waved his hand as black shadows emerged from it, eventually shrouding the whole room. "I can't see!" Pit said as he began shooting wildly in all directions. "Focus, Pit." Palutena said. "Pay attention to where Arlon's attacks are coming from. Once he attacks, shoot in that direction." Arlon, hiding in the shadows, took out a crescent moon- shaped chakram and tossed it at Pit. Pit dodged it and returned fire, but Arlon had moved away and fired five dart-like energy attacks. Pit then got an idea and used his Celestial Firework to light up the room. This dispelled the darkness and revealed Arlon's location perfectly. Pit fired several shots at Arlon, all of them hitting their mark. Arlon took out three more chakrams and tossed them at Pit. Pit knocked them away and slashed at Arlon. Arlon gave a pained grunt and shot another energy orb at Pit that knocked him back.
"Very impressive, young master Pit." Arlon complimented. "But now it's time to reveal the true extent of my power!" A green aura surrounded Arlon as he put his hands together. He then fired a large blue beam at Pit. Pit dodged and returned fire, but Arlon cartwheeled out of the way. He then began to... tap dance? He started to dance and as he did, small blue orbs began rolling on the floor. Pit did his best to dodge them and fired more shots from his bow. Arlon raised a barrier in front of him and tossed three more chakrams at Pit. Pit leaped to the side to avoid them. A purple aura surrounded Arlon as several blue orbs appeared around him. He then fired several arrows of light. Pit tried his best to avoid them, but one hit him dead in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Arlon charged his energy beam attack and fired, but Pit quickly countered with his Mega Laser power.
The two beams locked for a while, but the Mega Laser eventually overpowered Arlon's beam and sent him flying to the wall. Pit took the opportunity to fire a charged shot. This proved to be the fatal blow. "Blast!" came Arlon's pained reply. He fell to his knees and began to dissolve into purple particles. "Well played, young one." he said as he faded away.
"Whew! Now I can finally catch my breath!" Pit said. But before he could do just that, The Sanctum began rumbling as pieces of the ceiling began to fall. "Oh, come on!" Pit complained.
"The Lunar Sanctum's falling apart!" Palutena said. "Time to get you out of there!" She activated the Power of Flight just as Pit summoned his Drill Arm. He flew out of the Lunar Sanctum as it fell to pieces. "Lunar Sanctum defused!" Pit said victoriously. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw a kind of green glowing object breaking out of the sanctum as well. It flew past Pit with incredible speed. "But what's that thing breaking free?" Palutena asked.
"Oh, I'm sure its nothing." Pit said.
"I'm not so sure." Palutena said. "But Viridi's forces are still a threat so let's keep the heat on them." She then extracted him back to the temple.
Meanwhile, At Viridi's sanctuary.
ARLON! YOU IDIOT!" Viridi shouted. Viridi managed to revive Arlon, but was none to pleased to learn that the Lunar Sanctum was destroyed. Actually, to say she was displeased wouldn't be an understatement, it would be a compliment. She was downright pissed. Viridi and Arlon were in her room, with Arlon on bended knee as Viridi furiously paced the floor. "How could you let the Lunar Sanctum be destroyed?! You didn't think that maybe, I dunno, telling them why the Sanctum was built would get them to back off?!"
"But milady, I was sworn to secrecy. You know that." Arlon calmly protested. "I took an oath of si-"
"Oh, screw your oath of silence!" Viridi cut him off. She gave an exasperated groan and sat on her desk, clutching her head. "Can this possibly get any worse?!"That's when a Blader flew in with a note. Viridi read the note and gave another exasperated groan. "And now the Underworld forces are attacking. Oh, what joy." She then pointed to the Blader. "Alert Commander Phosphora. Tell her to ready her troops." The Blader gave a salute and flew away. She then turned to Arlon. "Arlon, how fast can the Lunar Sanctum be repaired?"
"Well, now that I've been reconstituted. If I start right away, I should have it repaired in a few weeks, a month at the most." Arlon replied as he got to his feet.
"Well see to it." Viridi said. "Meanwhile, send the Flages. Tell them to scour the earth. Leave no stone unturned. Do whatever they have to do, but find Prisoner C! If it's not contained, then no one's safe."
Just who is Prisoner C? And what threat does he hold for the earth? And who is Commander Phosphora? All this and more will be revealed on the next chapter of Kid Icarus: Uprising!
Next Chapter Preview: Lightning Battle. On the next chapter of Kid Icarus: Uprising! Pit once again finds himself smack dab in the middle of a battle between the Underworld and the Forces of Nature. On the Underworld side, Hades has thrown Thanatos back into play. And leading the Forces of Nature is the beautiful but deadly Commander Phosphora. Will Pit be able to defeat both commanders? Find out on the electrifying next chapter of Kid Icarus: Uprising!
OOC: Sorry if these chapters seem to be coming at a snail's pace. It's just that these chapters are longer than I previously anticipated and things come up at home. But don't worry, I fully intend to finish this story. Once I start a story, I don't stop till it's finished.