It seemed that, by the time Pit had returned, his companions still hadn't thought up a plan of action regarding his sudden disappearance. Nemo and Viridi were arguing over what to do with Mastema while Ephraim was trying to quiet Kuro's bellowing bloody murder at whoever the culprit was and keep the commander from flying off into the blue- again- to find the god.
And it also seemed that Dyntos had known about this, as he dropped Pit a short distance away instead of right in the middle of it all. The blue-eyed god smiled in amusement and walked back over to the group, bow still in hand.
"Well, great!" Viridi was saying. "Mastema heard us planning and decided to get rid of him, huh? Now what?"
"I don't know," Nemo admitted. "We'll just have to hope he finds his way out. You should know as well as anyone that Pit is tough to keep down."
"Commander," Ephraim beckoned all the while. "Calm down! I'm sure he's fine."
"'Fine' nothing!" Kuro replied in a loud voice. "That freak probably thinks he's done enough by now. Pit could be dead for all we know!"
"Actually, we'd probably know," Nemo pointed out. "Well, you'd know, anyway. Wouldn't you be able to sense a change in the state of your soul?" This didn't appear to console Kuro to any degree.
"Maybe, maybe not. But I don't want to wait around to find out. We can't do this without him, and Mastema probably knows that. All the-" And that's when Pit decided to make his presence known.
"Aw, Kuro, you really do care!" he teased, holding his bow behind his back as he stepped forward, silencing those around him. Kuro blinked and stared at him.
"Well, of course he does," Levica agreed with a smile. "He loves you, Pit. You're a brother to him. And even he can't deny it." But by the gods, he was going to try.
"Hey! I'm looking after my own skin and the god of Light! We'd all be in trouble if something happened to him, me most of all. And Lady Palutena told me to keep him safe before she… yeah." He frowned, and Pit smiled.
"Yeah, I love you too, Brother." Kuro again glared at him, but said nothing else. "Anyway, you can all stop worrying so much. It wasn't Mastema that nabbed me- it was Dyntos." Blank, blinking stares watched him for several moments before a group "Oh" rippled through them. "And he fixed up my bow a bit." He brought it forward and smiled. "He said he charged a shot to it that will weaken Mastema if he gets hit with it so he can't just disappear. It'll keep him solid, so we can fight him. But I've only got one shot, otherwise it's pointless."
"So we'll have to find a way to hit him with it. And even getting there will be an issue since he's got the basic strength of all three of our armies," Nemo pointed out. "Plus Pandora and anyone else that he may have recruited."
"I'll handle her," Kuro spoke up, his arms crossed. "It's time she and I settled this once and for all."
"No," Pit disagreed, earning a surprised stare from his twin. "I don't want you focusing only on that. You're arguably Skyworld's best warrior- no offense, Ephraim." Ephraim raised his hands and smiled.
"There's a reason he outranks me, Lord Pit!" he agreed. "I still can't beat him in a fight."
"Regardless, I'll need both of you at the forefront of whatever it is we decide to do. Not just focusing on one target." Kuro frowned, but nodded.
"That then leads us to who will actually be fighting Mastema," Nemo continued. "Who's leading this entire operation? Whoever it is will probably be the one in the final fight, and we'll need to craft our plans around that. So-"
"Oh, come on, Nemo!" Viridi scoffed. "Is that really even a question? Much as I hate to say it, who's the one person here that's actually worth leading this?" Nemo blinked.
"I know, Viridi. There's only one among us who none of the rest of us have ever managed to beat in a fight. Even his own twin." His gaze fell on Pit, who felt his face warm. He turned to find Viridi watching him as well.
"Well, Pit? You think you're up for it? You're the one that'll have to hit Mastema in the first place. Might as well be you that beats him." Pit smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Viridi. And I know that'll mean that victory or defeat is on my shoulders. But I'm kind of used to that." He shook his head. "Mastema has proven in the past that he's more powerful than anyone I've faced before- Medusa, Hades, even you, Nemo. Even if I can hit him in the first place, it'll still be a difficult battle. So I have to ask." His gaze scanned those around him, and he swallowed his fears and concerns as best he could to put on a brave face. "Are you all really okay with following my command?" There was a short silence before voices began to speak up.
"That's my duty, Lord Pit," Ephraim assured him. "And beyond that, I'll follow you to any end." Kuro smirked and nodded in agreement.
"You're a pain in the neck," Phosphora remarked, "But that's just because you're a heck of a force to be reckoned with. And I want to fry those traitors. So as long as you let me do that, then I'm good!"
"Indeed," Arlon agreed. "Master- rather, Lord- Pit, you've certainly proven yourself and gained Mistress Viridi's trust and affection. I will follow you as long as she allows it."
"Can it, lunatic!" Viridi barked, her face flushing, and Pit blinked.
"Anyway," Nemo chuckled. "Pit, I've already told you that I would follow your command if it came to war. Though our opponent may have changed, that vow stays true." Pit nodded.
"And I'll do the best I can," Remiel agreed. "Both under Father and you, Lord Pit. You have my trust and respect."
"And anyway, you'll have Cragalanche too," Viridi shrugged. "And he finally fixed that little problem on his rear. So he won't be going down easily!" Cragalanche remained as stone-silent as usual, and Viridi turned to him. "Right, Craggy? You'll do what Pit tells you, right? Good." Pit smiled and looked around again, his heart aching to think that there were faces around him that he may not see again after the battle.
"Then," he summoned his staff in his right hand with his bow held in his left, and rested its end on the ground. "We're going to need a battle plan. This isn't just going to be us against Mastema- we're fighting the combined might of the three major armies of the immortal world. And no matter our skill, even we can't keep fighting against wave after wave of enemies without end. We're going to need all our resources to win the day. First, we'll need to choose our battlefield wisely. Somewhere we can keep reinforcements back and isolate Mastema. I don't know how well I'll be able to fight him if I've got others keeping him company."
"What about that mountain pass where you fought Hades? Near the sea?" Viridi suggested. "We could meet his forces on the shore and the reinforcements can keep back in the valley. You could get Mastema down to that peninsula and fight him there. You'd be surrounded by water on three sides."
"Perfect," Pit agreed, and he used the end of his staff to start scratching out a basic map of the area- the mountains, the shore, the sea, and the peninsula. "So, best scenario would be that I fight him here." He drew an X on the peninsula's largest point. "But we'll have to start our attack from back in the mountains." He sighed as he thought over the options. "I'm thinking we divide our forces into two waves- a first strike and reinforcements. We'll have a platoon from all three of our armies headed by a commander in each that will go out to meet the main force of whatever Mastema throws at us and, if need be, take Pandora out."
"So this will have to be the bulk of our strength," Nemo realized. "To deal with that first blow and with her."
"Right," Pit nodded. "Kuro, I want you to lead the Skyworld Army, alright?" Kuro nodded. "Just promise me you won't let vengeance cloud your judgment. Only fight Pandora if she comes after you, understand?"
"I know, I know," Kuro agreed with a sigh. "Don't worry. I'll keep my attention on the overall fight."
"Good." The god of Light turned his attention to Nemo and Viridi. "Who do you want at command?"
"Phosphora?" Viridi turned to the Lightning Flash, who nodded and cracked her fingers. "Good. You'll take my Children, then."
"Can't wait," Phosphora grinned. "I'll be at full charge. Just you wait!"
"And you, Nemo?" Pit asked, though Nemo seemed crestfallen. And once he processed the reasons why, Pit felt a wave of sympathy for him. Nemo had lost everything to Mastema save his family and a handful of troops. He didn't have the extra commander to give.
"I'll do it," Remiel volunteered. "I'm their prince, anyway. And I'll fight for my homeland and the earth itself." Concern and fear made itself apparent on Nemo's face, but he didn't protest. He didn't have that luxury.
"Then Kuro, Phosphora, Remiel, listen up. Rem, I want your troops in the center of the pass, coming out from the valley. Kuro, flank at the top right. Phosphora, top left." He scratched out the battle plan on his makeshift map, drawing lines on the sides of the valley toward the sea. "That way, Rem's forces can't be ambushed from above. Fight on land and in the air as you see necessary. And Kuro, PLEASE make sure you've got your armor, alright?"
"What, you think I'm an idiot?" Kuro rolled his eyes. "I know. I'll be fine."
"I know," Pit sighed. "I just don't want to see anything happen to you- any of you," he added, scanning those around him. "Victory won't mean anything if you're all lost."
"We know, Pit," Viridi said, uncharacteristically softly in an attempt to comfort him. "We're all aware of what we're facing. But we'll win, dang it! Er… you'll win. I'm not much of a fighter."
"I know," Pit nodded again. "Don't worry. I think we'll manage." He looked back up, then down to his map. "So once they're out, I'll give a signal to have the second, smaller wave move from the sides- no direct strike. Ephraim, that's where you'll come in." Ephraim dipped his head. "You'll lead another team of Centurions, probably mostly Archers and Strongarms. The Knights will probably be, for the most part, with Kuro's group. And Arlon, should I assume you'll take command of the Forces of Nature?"
"It'd be a pleasure," Arlon agreed. "We'll trounce these fools."
"Then you'll take command, but I want Cragalanche to fight from the ground," Pit added. "That way, you can focus on the air." He turned his attention to Nemo. "And am I right to assume you'll head the Underworld Army?"
"Right," Nemo agreed.
"Then I want you to command the second group. Arlon, Ephraim, you can give your teams orders as you see fit, but I want you to follow what he tells you, okay?"
"How come?" Nemo wondered, and Pit smirked- not unlike his twin- as he looked down at the map and pointed to the X.
"I need you to keep Mastema's attention. Don't attack him or put him on the defensive, or this entire plan is moot. But distract him so I can slip around and hit him from behind. I also want you nearby in case he does have lackeys nearby." He looked down and his gaze lost focus. "I could tell from what Lady Palutena said that Mastema is going to take everything I've got. I can't have anything else to distract me. And once I beat him, I'll need you to seal him back in his cell in the Underworld. Apparently Dyntos will help you with that."
"Understood," Nemo acknowledged. "Don't worry. I'll keep 'em off you." Pit smiled and nodded his thanks. But before he could continue, a plume of flame suddenly erupted in the trees nearby, singing several branches and catching their leaves on fire. Pit's heart jumped and panic momentarily rendered him frozen before he pointed his staff forward, and the gods and commanders present set themselves for battle.
"And what are we supposed to do?" the source of the flame laughed as he emerged from the smoke. "Sit home and watch?"
"By the gods, Onore," Unda scolded as she set to work extinguishing his work. "Can't you ever just say you're here?" It took the group several moments of processing before they relaxed, and Pit forced a smile.
"Glad you could join us," he greeted as Vis blew away the smoke. "All of you." The Oracle of Winds said nothing nor made eye contact with anyone.
"This is a fight for the Celestial Balance," Onore explained as he approached the map. "You've already got Nemo and Levica fighting with you, not to mention Remiel. The Oracles will give everything we've got to help you win the fight, Lord Pit."
"Thank you." Pit's smile became genuine. "Then… Oi, Vis, come on. We won't bite!"
"Speak for yourself," Viridi grumbled next to him. Vis met his gaze, but didn't move.
"Are you so sure about that?" he inquired. "I doubt any of you are very happy with me."
"For the love of all that's good, that was over two centuries ago!" Kuro pointed out. "Let it go. Don't just hang onto it. And besides, we can't be picky."
"You might as well be saying nothing," Onore sighed. "He's got his pride and he's stubborn as a mule."
"No," Vis said softly and turned to Viridi. "Mistress Viridi, goddess of Nature, please. I beg your forgiveness for my actions. And Lord Pit, I ask yours for standing against you." Pit smiled and shook his head.
"Looks like you've figured out your place," he noticed, and Vis nodded.
"Fine," Viridi surrendered. "But if I think you're taking even half a step out of line, I'm letting Phosphora char you!"
"With pleasure," Phosphora added, and Vis again nodded.
"I understand, Mistress Viridi. I remain yours to command and will serve as needed to uphold the Celestial Balance."
"Then I guess we've got that figured out," Pit continued. "Unda, I want you to join up with the first wave of the Underworld Army with Remiel. You've got plenty of water to use, huh?" Unda smiled and placed her hands on her hips.
"I've got a terrain advantage no one else does," she agreed. "And I'll show you just how powerful I can be with it!"
"Just don't douse me," Onore pleaded. "Unless you want me to be totally useless."
"Right," Pit went on, "Onore, I want you with Ephraim's team. Beyond that, do as you wish."
"Got it," the Oracle of Fire acknowledged.
"Meaning Vis, you'll be with Arlon's group," the god of Light finished. "The three of you will provide backup for them. Keep each other safe, all of you. I'd sooner not lose any of you!" He stood to point at the map once again. "So, do we all understand the plan?" Murmurs of agreement sounded around him, and he smiled. "Good. We'll see victory. Mastema WILL fall!"
Cheers erupted from the small crowd as taunts, battle cries, and banter sounded off. Once they died down, the commanders formed their trios to discuss strategy, and Pit watched with a heavy heart until he noticed Levica's worried and crestfallen face. Once he caught her gaze, he gestured her over to the side and joined her there.
"What's wrong?" he wondered in a soft voice as her bright green eyes met his.
"You never mentioned what you want me to do," she replied. "I can fight, Lord Pit. You should know that."
"I don't doubt you," he assured her. "But… I personally need you to stay behind. You can keep Viridi safe during the battle."
"But-"
"Listen," he mumbled, glancing up to make sure no one else was listening in. "I… Every time I mention fighting him, I have an ill feeling about it. It may or may not be a premonition, but… I don't know if I'm going to come back, Levica. Even if I do beat Mastema, it may take everything I have to give. Even my life." Panic made itself silently apparent in her eyes. "So I need you to keep watch over the Light if something does happen to me." She swallowed and didn't immediately reply.
"Lord Pit…" she looked down and rested her hand over her chest. "I… Alright, I understand. But please, promise me something."
"If I can, I will," he agreed.
"Come back. Don't you dare fall in this battle. You've come too far for this to be your last!" He smiled.
"I'll do the best I can. I can promise you that." She nodded, not entirely convinced, but that was the best he could give her. "Now, I need to talk to my angel for a moment." She nodded again and they parted, and he waved Ephraim over to him. The angel hurried to join him.
"What is it, Lord Pit?" he asked, and Pit smiled as he dismissed both his staff and bow.
"I've got something for you," he replied and called forth the Winged Bow and Orichalcum Armor's clasp. Ephraim stared at them with a mix of shock and awe. "You'll need these."
"But… don't you need them more?" Ephraim wondered. "You're the one fighting Mastema."
"I've got a lot more at my disposal than you do," he pointed out. "And besides, I'll have to use my bow to hit him in the first place and won't have time to change out. And… I don't want to see you get hurt. This will give me some peace of mind in the battle." Ephraim dipped his head slowly and hesitantly took the Treasures.
"Thank you, Lord Pit. I'll use them well."
"You've come a long way since you first came to Skyworld," Pit smiled softly. "I know I can trust you to win this. I expect great things from you, Captain Ephraim." Ephraim looked up before straightening up like an arrow, and he nodded quickly.
"Yes, sir!" Pit grinned at his passionate response. "I'll give my all in this battle. For Skyworld and for the Celestial Balance!"
"Then you're dismissed. Get to it!" Ephraim again nodded and hurried back to rejoin Nemo and Arlon while he swapped out the clasp on his tunic as best he could. Pit took a deep breath and scanned the small crowd.
His blue eyes met Kuro's red gaze, and he quickly understood everything from the concern, the anger, the pleading, the grief in those eyes that watched him. Kuro had somehow overheard his conversation with Levica. And Pit could tell exactly what his twin wanted to say, but couldn't at that moment.
"Don't you dare get yourself killed. And if you do, then I won't forgive you."