Hey everybody! This is a brand new Palutena x Lucina story (not the sequel to A Goddess and a Swordswoman). This story will contain events that happened in Kid Icarus Uprising, so if you haven't played the game or beaten it, I recommend avoiding this story for spoilers. However, if that does not bother you, then go ahead and read this story! I plan on making this story a much more serious story compared to A Goddess and a Swordswoman. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

Another year of the fourth Super Smash Brothers tournament had come to an end. After many hard fought matches, only one came out victorious. The winner was none other than the Umbra Witch herself, Bayonetta. The championship match was between her and the Hylian Sheikah Sheik. After an intense battle of exchanging hits, the witch caught one of Sheik's aggressive approaches by her Witch Time, leading her to clinch the championship title. As she was awarded the gold medal and her trophy, Bayonetta waved her free hand to the crowd as a way of acknowledging her accomplishments. The season had ended, which would mean an offseason for the competitors to relax before the next season came around. Some Smashers were even preparing themselves to win the next year's competition while fans could not wait for another exciting year of Smash.

However, this was not the case.

A large, floating disembodied hand then took the center of the stadium catching the attention of every single person whether on stage, stadium, or the screens. The ceremony was not over until the Creator had conducted his speech. He was going to bring news that would disappoint everyone.

"Thank you to everyone who tuned into the 4th edition of Super Smash Brothers tournament," the crowd cheered vociferously as they just experienced another magnificent competitive Smash. "I am honored to have invited and hosted the mightiest and well-known fighters among each different universe. It truly has given me happiness to see various worlds come together for healthy competition. But alas, all good things must come to end."

Hearing the last words of Master Hand's statement engendered many people to talk amongst one another, wondering what the floating hand was talking about. Soon those sounds became worrisome.

"Many of you are wondering what I had meant just now," he clenched his fist, having a hard time to even admit this to the public. "This is not easy for me to disclose because this has been on my mind for some time now. This is the largest roster of fighters I've ever invited. I can never be certain if I'm able to break that point again. This, in turn, has caused me to suffer health issues. All of this stress has taken a toll on me. So, therefore, the conclusion of this tournament was the final Super Smash Brothers tournament I will host… for now."

A mix of reactions came from the crowd. Others were not pleased to hear their favorite fighters will no longer be in the Smash world ever again while the others understood where Master Hand came from and respected his decision. After the crowded talking superseded his voice, Master Hand unleashed a booming wave to silence the crowd for a moment.

"This is not easy for me to do. I must prioritize my own well-being over this competition. I do not know if I will ever return to hosting this kind of tournament again. My journey here has come to an end. I want all of you to understand and respect my decision for concluding the Super Smash Brothers tournament."

In the end, all had applauded Master Hand for tirelessly putting himself at work to satisfy everyone including the competitors as well.

That was it. Master Hand had closed the final page of his book.

This meant that all other competitors had several days left before returning to their worlds for the rest of their lives. They will cherish the memories of the people they had met in the tournament, and the times they spent together as companions, friends, family, and lovers.

The Smashers had lived in a tall and wide building resembling a resort. Each fighter lived in their own room for their privacy and independency. The resort was located in a hidden location away from the city of the Super Smash World. Master Hand had good reasons for doing so such as ensuring safety for all of his competitors. Each competitor had their own rooms with the living essentials. It was a relaxing home for them all to live in despite housing over fifty competitors.

Three competitors originated from Skyworld, a land where deities and angels lived together while overseeing the Earth to look over humans. One was a white angel who had risked his life to defeat Medusa and Hades who were rulers of the Underworld. During his journey, he met his doppelganger who was different from him in every way. His doppelganger had more of a tough guy attitude and represented the dark thoughts that the white angel kept within himself. Despite that, both angels worked together to save the world. In addition, he also had assistance from an emerald-haired goddess who had raised him his entire life. Through the tough times they both endured, Pit and Palutena needed each other due to their loyalty and devotion to each other.

Their time here in the Smash competition was near its end. They met and developed positive relationships with different people from different universes. Now that their competitive career was finished, it was time to return to their former lives back at Skyworld.

"You didn't have to come to my room to help me pack up, Pit," Palutena gave a warm smile as she watched her angel assist her in packing up her belongings. She intended on her doing it on her own but Pit insisted regardless.

"I know Lady Palutena," Pit acknowledged before turning to face his goddess. "It doesn't hurt though that I could lend a hand."

"You're so sweet," she cooed, prompting Pit to smile. "At least we're almost finished with my packing. Have you finished packing up your things, Pit?"

"Well," he sheepishly scratched the back of his brown hair while embarrassingly grinned. "I didn't."

"Why didn't you?"

"It was better if you finished up packing first before me."

"That's very kind and considerate of you, Pit," she graciously responded before walking to her angel and grabbing his right arm. "Let's not worry about me right now. We're going to finish up packing your things first. I can handle the rest of my belongings later."

"Yes, Lady Palutena," he obeyed before both of them exited out of Palutena's room and walked to Pit's room.

As they walked across the hall, there was a room at the end of the hallway. They reached the white angel's room. The room dimensions for all rooms in the resort were identical so that everyone got the same treatment. Turning at the intersection, Palutena and Pit ran into a mysterious individual who had blue hair and an armor similar to the Hero-King himself. However, this particular person wore a blue mask to hide their face. In addition, their hair appeared to be shorter with its length reaching only to the shoulders, but it seemed to be covered by his armor.

"Lucian," Palutena contently said to the individual. "Our apologies for bumping into you. We did not see you there."

"It is alright," Lucian responded with a deep yet soothing voice as if he was hiding something. "I also share the blame as I am in a rush to return home."

"That's a first," the goddess commented, surprised to hear that someone wanted to leave this world as soon as possible. "I was certain that almost everyone except the villains enjoyed their time here."

"My time spent here was for the competition. We all must return to our own universes eventually."

"I won't argue there."

"I sure will miss you fighting, Lucian," Pit said to the swordsman.

"You… will?" He confusingly asked.

"You fought well in this tournament," the white angel responded with a smile on his face. "I wish I could get to spar with you more."

"Despite fighting like Marth, your spirit shows otherwise," the green-haired woman politely added. "I sometimes confuse you with him."

"Thank you for your comments," the Ylissean did not know how to respond to such compliments. "I must carry on my tasks. Farewell."

Lucian then walked away from the two and disappeared from their sights once he was not seen.

"I wonder why Lucian never takes off his mask Lady Palutena," Pit said to his goddess, musing over what the swordsman's face looked like.

"I'll be honest," Palutena responded placing a finger on her chin to think about Pit's comment. "I'm just as curious about Lucian as you are."

"Even Robin doesn't want to talk about either," the tactician was willing to speak about it. However, Lucian requested his mother to not carry on such a task. "I wonder why he's so concealed to himself from others."

"During the years we've been here," the goddess agreed but was not able to identify the swordsman's identity. "No one knows other than his mother. Even if she is willing to disclose it, we must respect their choice to not to."

"Yeah, but I don't think it's best to hide everything about yourself from others who want to be friends with you."

"If only you were able to be the first one to be friends with him."

"If only."

"Great, not a day goes by where I always see one of you two," a voice that Palutena and Pit recognize walked up to them as he was walking to his room. It was convenient for all of them to meet again.

"Pittoo," Pit remarked as he greeted his doppelganger.

"I still don't want to hear that," Dark Pit felt irritated by the nickname he was given by Pit and Palutena ever since he existed. "Anyways, what are you two doing anyway?"

"Lady Palutena is helping me pack up to move back to Skyworld again."

"Hasn't it occurred to you two idiots that no one is moving out until a few days," the black angel was not surprised but was amused that Pit and Palutena were packing up early.

"Now, now Pittoo," the goddess intervened. "This is just preparations to move out soon. It's a terrible idea if Pit and I packed up at the last minute. We're only starting to pack up. You should follow our protocol."

"Thanks, but no," Dark Pit declined. "I'm going to pack when it's necessary. Right now, it's not."

"Well, what are you planning on doing for today?"

"Be by myself for some time, away from everyone for some time," he slowly walked away from the white angel and the goddess. "Whatever you do, do not follow me."

"Just don't go too far, Pittoo," Pit said to his doppelganger.

"You're still never going to get rid of that, won't you?"

"I'll let you roam around," Palutena reluctantly allowed the dark angel to fulfill his task. "However, when I communicate you through your laurel, I will tell you to come back and start packing for departure."

"Easy enough," Dark Pit then was out of their sight.

"Well there's Pittoo for ya," Pit said, feeling disappointed that Dark Pit was acting differently than how he was during their adventure together. "I wonder what's got into him."

"Let's deal with that later," Palutena said. "Right now, you need to pack up some things first."

"Yes, Lady Palutena," his expression changed to a more positive tone afterward.

In an ominous space of unknown darkness, it was only accessible by two floating hands that created the Super Smash World. At the mere center of the void, there seemed to be a veil of dark clouds surrounding a particular round object. The circular object had contrasting colors compared to the blackness of the void. The symbol on the core had resembled the logo of the Super Smash Brothers icon. There were a variety of colors but mostly to reflect the Master Core itself. Master Hand felt uneasy at himself but not at the core. He felt a strange urge inside of him. It felt like the dark emotions inside of himself were growing stronger until he could no longer seize control it.

"Bro," the floating left hand spoke. "Your stresses from work have caused you to feel disdain for people. I can help you. Don't do this."

"I understand, brother," Master Hand responded while keeping himself composed. "The work I've done for this has given me criticism and hatred from others who believe my work has been nothing but poor."

"That ain't true," Crazy Hand disagreed. "Don't listen to those who think that. Everyone else seems to be happy that this had happened. Even the competitors enjoyed meeting other worlds. There's nothing to lose here."

"Except 'everyone' doesn't feel the same way you're thinking," his finger slowly reached the core.

"Please don't do it."

"I need to transfer these negative emotions within me to the core. That way, I can no longer hold those feelings ever again until they come back."

"But the core will only grow stronger by your disdain and anger. Can't you see that this leads to nothing but chaos?"

"Tell me then, brother," he stopped as he was getting irked by the left hand's words. "What other options can you suggest that doesn't risk the Core and my own well-being?"

"I…" Crazy Hand could not formulate any potential solutions. He balled his hand and moved it down to concede defeat. "There's nothing I could think of to resolve this."

"I must not let these emotions take over me. Transferring part of my dark soul means the Core feeds off of it. The Core will then become corrupt, devastate this world and even kill our beloved invitees. I must find some other way. But what? If I kept these emotions, I'll be the cause of my own demise. There has to be a third option."

After a brief moment of silence, Crazy Hand thought of one idea. However, he was unsure if it was a good idea. The idea would prevent his brother and the Core's condition from exacerbating. It was a difficult choice because it also came with drawbacks. It would mean they needed Master Hand's negativity to be transferred to a host. Crazy Hand truly refused to see his brother hand becoming worse the more he continued to act this way.

"Brother…"

"What is it?"

"I… may have a solution to your condition without corrupting the Core itself."

"T-tell me then!"

"Touch that Core and create a host to transfer your negative emotions."

"Can that be possible? No current lifeform is capable of withstanding my powers," Master Hand was not going to agree with his brother's suggestion. However, there was more to it than he initially thought.

"Not a host who is alive right now," Crazy Hand sadly admitted. "What I mean 'create a host', I mean reviving a dead individual since all of your negativity will easily transfer through a corpse."

"Can I select any candidate? There are many deceased individuals across all worlds of the fighters that I've invited. Who is likely to cause the least catastrophe among these individuals?"

"You better choose a good one then."

"The only thing is that the Core doesn't allow me to choose who I can use as a host."

"Are you serious? Are we resorting to chance to prevent you and the Core from corruption?!" Crazy Hand was now having second thoughts of going through the plan. He then began to regret suggesting the idea because the Core could revive the most dangerous individual while containing the dark emotions of Master Hand. "Then let's just figure out something else, brother! We can't risk someone who can wreak havoc to everyone here."

"No, brother," Master Hand was not hesitant on carrying out his brother hand's proposal. "I know that our fighters can defeat our host. I rather have our competitors have a chance of winning rather than letting the creator and his Core get corrupted."

"If you're so sure of that, then go ahead," the left hand conceded defeat since nothing was going to change the right hand's mind. "I just hope our chances go in our favor."

"No matter the outcome, I believe in our competitors can defeat our host and the peace of our world will never be lost."

"…"

Master Hand then proceeded to touch the Core with his index finger. Once he did, his finger remained in contact with the Core.

"Master Core, here my call. For the safety of my well-being and the state of the Core itself, I offer a tribute. I shall offer up the negative emotions growing inside me in exchange to revive a deceased individual. I do not know who will you select as your candidate, but I wish to be one from one of our invited competitors' worlds. This is to ensure the maximum safety of our world. Master Core, accept my plea and rid myself from the corruption within myself!"

His offering was heard. The Master Core began resonating with the touch of Master Hand. Purple lighting started striking the area where Master Hand and the Core stood. Soon a surge of sharp pains had pulsated through the right hand. His entire hand became extremely stiff. As much as he wanted to pull back from the Core, he knew he could not. He had to power through the invigorating pain in order to alleviate his own internal suffering. Crazy Hand did his best to not interfere with his brother's ritual, no matter how much he desired to help his brother.

After enduring through the pain, the ritual had ended. As it ended, there was a bright flash that caused both hands to flinch and look away. The light then diminished, leaving both Master Hand and Crazy Hand to be disappointed that there appeared to be nothing.

"Did nothing happen?" Crazy Hand spoke after a brief of silence. He scanned around the area but there was nothing out of the ordinary. "I don't see anything."

"Brother," Master Hand said as his fingers were slowly regaining control. "The ritual worked."

"Did it?"

"The negative emotions inside me have diminished, rather weakened compared to before."

"If the ritual worked, then who did the Core revive?"

"Well, it looks like it didn't take me another 25 years to come back from the dead," a voice that echoed the ominous void surrounding them. "Now why would two floating gloves bring me back to life? What am I just some toy to you?"

"Of all people chosen, the Core chose you," the right floating hand said with his voice shaking at the sight of the revived host, regretting the chance that he took.

"I'm revived because this Core chose me for a reason. I, too, have some unfinished business to settle."

"Not if we stop you," Crazy Hand balled up his fist and charged at the revived villain.

"What are you going to do? Punch me in the face?" He humorously asked the obvious question before lazily stopping the left hand with his left palm.

"H-how?"

"Brother!" Master Hand quickly balled up into a fist and charged at the revived individual.

"This is getting rather boring," he repeated the same action to Master Hand as he did with Crazy Hand. "Don't you two see that is if you can? I hold part of the Creator's power within me. While I may have all of my powers before I died, I'm just as strong, if not stronger than you two."

"I don't follow," the left hand said in confusion.

"Brother," the right hand explained. "My negative emotions are a part of me. When they transferred to him through the Core, he carries not only that but also the powers I possess."

"That's some bull-"

Before they knew it, the revived individual unleashed a powerful black wave that sent them down to the ground, severely damaging their bodies.

"Where… is this power… coming from?" Crazy Hand grunted as he struggled to get up.

"It's a combination of my power and his power from the Underworld," Master Hand did his best to get up but also struggled due to the poor conditions they were in.

"Now if you'll excuse me," the individual turned away and made his own exit through a black portal. "I have some unfinished business to settle."

"You aren't going to take the Core?" Master Hand asked who was surprised to see that his host did not take the Core.

"Now that you mentioned it," he pretended to muse about taking the Core. "I could borrow the Core to help with my personal vendetta."

"Why did I-"

The host reached for the Core with his right hand. The pulsating reaction between him and the Core began shocking his body. What was peculiar was that he had no intention on stealing the Core. Instead, he was taking most of the power within the Core in order to make him stronger and potentially unstoppable.

"Ah, much better," the revived individual clenched his fists in pleasure before stepping closer to his portal. "Nothing is going to stop me… not even him."

"Who are you referring to?" Master Hand inquired.

"Telling you wouldn't make this fun," his left palm produced a ball of darkness before throwing at the floating hands. "What makes it fun is seeing dead bodies…. everywhere!"

"Brother!" Crazy Hand managed to push his brother aside, dodging the attack.

"That spastic hand is driving me crazy," the host had the urge to kill him and shot a quick ray of black plasma at the left hand.

Crazy Hand was struck and lost all control of his body.

"Brother!" Master Hand floated to his brother who was unconscious and could not move. "You sick bastard! I'm going to-"

"Eat your soul," the host filled in the sentence that Master Hand was not going to say. The soul of Crazy Hand came out of his disembodied hand and drifted closer to the host who then threw it into the portal. "Happy soul hunting! I'm out!"

He disappeared after stepping inside the portal. Soon Master Hand was holding the corpse of his soulless brother.

"Brother," he spoke. "I'll get you back. I promise as your brother."

It was the final day before everyone was scheduled to return to their respective worlds. To make it a memorable one, all competitors decided to host an exclusive get-together in the city. The location was at a large hotel, which appeared to the biggest building in the city. No dress code was required. It was merely for everyone to come together and enjoy themselves.

Pit, Palutena, and Dark Pit decided to go since it was a final goodbye to all the friends they had made through the Smash competition. Upon entering inside, the venue was immensely vast, as wide as one could possibly imagine and as tall as one could think. Since it was an exclusive event for the competitors only, it created the illusion that the venue was larger than it seemed.

Time had passed since the event had occurred. Most competitors were present at the hotel while a few decided to not attend. Those people were likely at their resort just to relax. Dark Pit and Pit were together for the most part as they interacted with newcomers and veterans alike. Palutena, on the other hand, sat by herself just taking in the environment and relaxing before returning to her duties in Skyworld. However, several Smashers came up to her to mostly flirt with her. In the end, she knew their motives and turned them down without any hesitation. The ones who tried to flirt were male Smashers. All of them were not happy with the turnout and continued to persist. It was to a point where she had to threaten them to back off or else she'll vaporize them into nothingness. By doing that, they stopped harassing her. What helped lighten her mood was being accompanied by Princess Peach and Zelda.

"What a nerve for those guys to harass you after you declined their date," the pink princess said as she felt disgusted by their behavior. "It's a shame that some men are like that."

"They are human," Palutena answered back. "Humans are driven by their own desires and would do whatever it takes to achieve it means through immoral ways."

"I'm sure they learned their lesson," the Hylian princess added, hoping to see the good inside people.

"You haven't seen the Goddess of Nature from my world then," the goddess pointed out. "While I appreciate humanity, not everyone is pure. With the Goddess of Nature, she has a disdain for humans."

"I don't think she's met the right people to despise humans," Peach refuted before taking a sip of her tea.

"I'll gladly have you two engage in a nice conversation together," Palutena referred to the two princesses who then laughed from the goddess's comments.

Before Peach could say something in response, there was a terrifying rumble in the city, causing everyone to be concerned and afraid. No one knew what was engendering the earthquake or why it was happening.

"Where's Pit?" Palutena immediately said after getting up and was worried about her angel's well-being. "Pit? Pit!"

"Lady Palutena! I'm coming!" Her white angel ran to the table where the goddess was at. Once he was in front of her presence, Pit prepared to use Palutena's Bow if enemies were to appear. "Where is this earthquake coming from?"

"I don't know," she responded before preparing her staff and shield to defend any enemies that may appear. "I sense an unknown force approaching here at the venue."

"We'll defend this city from this monster, no matter who it is," Pit said with determination.

"You're gonna need some help with that," Dark Pit appeared from seemingly out of nowhere to join his doppelganger. "Now let's beat this monster and get a move on."

"Pit, Pittoo," Palutena communicated to her angels. "Be careful. Make sure everyone else is safe as well."

"Of course, Lady Palutena," Pit smiled and turned to face his goddess. "I'll also make sure you're safe as well."

"Well, if it's isn't Pitty Pat, Pittooty Too, and pretty Palutena," the revived host said in a menacing yet slightly comedic tone. He opened the roof of the hotel without any issues and stared at them. "Fancy meeting the three of you here."

Pit, Dark Pit, and Palutena froze in horror because the voice they heard sent them cold shivers down their backs. They thought Pit had defeated and killed him before, but now he came back with a vengeance.

"It can't be…" Palutena said in shock and horror.

"How is he alive?" Dark Pit asked, refusing to believe what he was seeing.

Pit coldly stared at the revived host while gripping his bow tighter.

"Hades."