Chapter 6
The Surface
Laughter barraged the arched surface of the cave-like roofing. It was cold, the voice deep and mighty echoing to the furthest of corners. Darkness, where Hades is everywhere. This is his domain, low beneath the surface and afar from the skies; The Malicious Caverns. The monster himself sat upon a velvet cushion over a golden throne. The piece of art magnificent and glowing, treasure originated in Pandora's Castle. The warrior stood close with The God of Death beside her, they said nothing only bearing the uproar from Hades.
"Muhahaha! Well done Pandora, I see you have those idiots fooled. This will give us necessary time for him, my assessor and proper ruler of this foreordained world. Sun will rise (Hint for sequel: Risen Day)." Hades raises his hands above himself, smiling with overwhelming power. "Thanatos! Draw up the bomb, the perfect time is approaching us." Before he could say more, Pandora spoke with Thanatos silent as stone aside her. "Soon they will all beg for mercy, paying for what they've done!" In her eyes was the false image of Kuro dying by the hands of Pit and The Goddess of Light.
Lady Palutena froze, "P-Pandora… you, you-!" The shadow behind climbed to reality and sharply masked the goddess. "Don't- Ack! Don't listen to him! Pandora!"
"Hmhmhm," The monster was pleased, small laughs and snickers. "That's right Amazon Pandora. Palutena will hurt Dark Pit no longer. We will cage the light up so that the dark can stay."
Thanatos, "Daaaaang brah."
D: D: D:
Kuro was almost certain that within the windmill he could smell the vague scent of apples. It was extremely faint, respects to Emma hiding them, though she wouldn't say anything about the subject. This left the angel in utter confusion and frustration. But once the sun would rise and the day would begin, he left behind all his troubles in the windmill to meet his two favorite humans. Emma promised to give a complete tour of the city and townspeople in exchange for the night storytelling, so that's what was gonna happen. Of course with Daymein tagging behind.
Already knowing the Maine and the restaurant, Emma showed the secret alleyways where a mysterious friend worked, the corner shops where a caring mother and daughter stayed, a section of land where Day's pals the farm boys lived and finally the clock tower. It's where the two humans sleep, the nights where Emma would work Day headed over to the corner shops, sleeping at the bakery.
The alleyway is basically what you would call a black market. Main shopping like clothes, food, accessories or whatever, is done in the Maine. Main, Maine. But if you wanna buy spell books, potions, or any other crazy thing, it's done in the alleyway. Spook is a cart owner that walks the narrow passage of the alleyway, murmuring memorized text and numbers to herself till sundown, then people lose track of her until finding her the next day doing it all over again. Though odd, she aided Emma before. While Hogs hunted Emma, Spook let the girl crawl into her cart hiding. She did a total analysis prediction right before Emma's eyes and guaranteed safety in the cart, proven trust as Emma watched the Hogs find her original hiding spot.
"Over there!" Daymein pointed in the distance of the alleyway, spotting a familiar owner pushing her cart. He cheered, "Haha I win! I win Kuro!" Day began pulling on the angel's dark hair laughing.
"Watch it," winced Kuro, "and no fair, you're taller than all of us."
The young boy teased, "Haha! I win, I win now you're nothing more than a useless pin!"
"Hey!"
"Quiet now," reminded Emma in her proper voice, canceling the potential idiotic argument between her brother and her friend. "Day, catch up to Spook an- oh dear.."
"WHAT?" Daymein shifted his head searching for the cart owner once more. "WHERE'D SHE GO?" Spook had once been strolling not too far by the crowd, but now she was no where to be seen.
The dark angel laughed, "Haha yes!" Atop his shoulders, the seven-year-old whined shaking his head. "I still have a chance to win!" grinned Pittoo.
"Nope," Day pulled on Kuro's hair towards the direction of Emma currently talking to Spook nearest the opposite wall of the boys. "Emma wins."
"Wha…" Dark Pit sulked, slightly banging his head on the stone wall and looking down. Pulling on his cloak, Daymein sighed reminding him that it was all a game and one shouldn't be too upset over nothing. The alleyway streets were very narrow with endless shops on both wallsides and people rushing in all directions of the stone steps. It was beyond crowded to the angel and the people around forced him to be alert. To his left, rusty old men laughing by a girl, to his right, a customer haggling down the prices to a drunken merchant. Keeping Day close, the two crossed the narrow street to Emma and Spook. At first, Kuro noticed the sudden glare from the cart owner.
"Spook, this is Kuro." Emma smiled taking a step back. She wore different clothes for today, a long and high-waisted blue skirt and a white tucked in blouse. Kuro stayed the same, his cloak and hood. As for Daymein, he wore different clothes as well, though he looked mostly the same since the cloth was pack with dirt. You couldn't even tell the color his boots through the coated layer of dry earth. "Kuro, this is Spoo-"
"Go back where you came from!" She yelled, the cart owner had long black hair but pale grey eyes. Wearing a brown shawl over a thin tan dress, making the girl appear poor. Pale skin with small scratches here and there, no shoes but bandages wrapped around her limbs. "You belong to the clouds, the earth does not welcome you." With that she closed her fingers around the rusted handles of her cart and walked off.
Emma found Kuro's hand softly saying, "let's move on."
"Yeah Spook has bolts in her head. Don't worry Kuro, you belong with us!" Daymein climbed over the angel's back and sat upon his shoulders pointing forward. "Emma I haven't seen Blue in a long time, let's go!"
Replying with a smile over her face, Emma lead Kuro to the other side of the city.
Not too far from the Maine and the perfect distance from the house buildings lay the corner shops. Three small buildings line up next to each other. Though small and only known by a few, the owners recognize the regular customers like family friends. A baker in a small bakery, a librarian in a old library, and an authentic diseur de bonne aventure in her cave-like workshop.
Entering the store farthest to the right, Day had his forehead knock onto the top edging of the door opening. Wincing silently and rubbing the pounding area on his head. But once the scent of sugar and butter filled his senses, a great big grin taped to his face. He called out, "Bluuuuue Daaaaay!" So loud and clear, the windmill panels shook. Little taps, footsteps were heard in the small room, Bluebell descended the staircase at a slow rhythmic tone. And Kuro caught sight of a young girl, after a short breath the door behind the three opened with an adult bearing a basket of muffins.
The bakery is a simple two story shop, upstairs serving as the home of Rosechime and Bluebell Valentine. Rose the overcaring mother and Daymein's Bluebell the shy little girl. Rose and Belle look very similar through their hair, the light hazel color. Though Belle's eyes are two different colors, one a rich amber like her mother's and the other a neutral blue. Because of this, her name Bluebell was found. Her silent figure was formed by the endless chatter of adults, the bullying kids and mad researchers who never left Bluebell alone a few years back. Bluebell was commonly known as Belle by her neighbors and friends, but Day loves calling her Blue for the matched name, Blue Day. They were almost always together and even had sleepovers over a handful of times due to Emma's night shifts. The two grew up together with the farm boys.
Dark Pit noticed the strange appearance of the girl and the memory of the Hog sneering, "No human holds red eyes." Came to mind. In a way Belle was pictured the same way as the people pictured himself. Different, the people were afraid of change. He watched as Daymein hopped off his shoulders and run to his playmate, greeting her with open arms. Slightly dipping his head so their foreheads touched, their eyes were no more than a petal away. Kuro saw Day's bright blue eyes and the girl's light blue one.
"Kuro, meet Rosechime. Rosechime, this is Kuro." The angel's attention was pulled away fronting the kind mother. Her smile gave the angel warmth, comparable to when Pandora smiles at him. That safe haze feeling. Rose's hair was cut short, just below her shoulders and her amber eyes tend to look tired and sad. Bringing her hands together, the mother offered sweets and talking over the table while Blue and Day catch up.
Entering the next room was the kitchen and dining area. They stepped up to a wooden floor that matched the dark maple table, it came together nicely with the dull red brick and black iron kitchenware.
The angel glances next to him after sitting down at the dining bench, "Emma?" noticing the discomfort in the girl had him grow uneasy. She sat beside him.
If you want: (Music on, Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Piano version. Pace your reading with the music, it should match up. Youtube video: uploader, Ricky Tripura. Picture: says, "Playing the Piano" and has some kind of line for the thumbnail.)
"Just a little tired," She sighed. "A headache, nothing big… though it must be amazing to be able to fly, feeling free and atop everyone else. Even though you have great powers, you're most happy of the simplest things." A memory of apples made Emma smile. Her voice was low, keeping her words to only herself and Kuro. He lifted his arm and wrapped it around Emma so she was able to relax and rest her head near his neck. Then naturally, he tilted his head over hers and closed his eyes. Through the opened window, his enhanced hearing gave him the ability to hear Bluebell and Daymein playing out in the yard, the sound of water flowing as Rose filled her bucket just outside shop and the slight wind mixing into the song's of the birds. The peaceful melody, water and little kids made the world seem at its brightest. Like the sun was just a little brighter and the sky was just a little more colorful.
Music: (First break in song, deeper octave - 1:00)
He felt his friend by his side, he will never let go of her even if it kills him. He'll do whatever it takes to stay as a family with Emma and Daymein. If the world corrupts, he will reach up from the rubble and search for them. If evil rises, he will stand to fight until they are able to walk freely and be safe. If their souls face the dark, he will be the light and serve those to fix the hearts. If his powers weaken, he'll become strong by the passion of his humans. He will not stop until he can stay with Emma and Daymein. He won't let anything stand in his way, whatever he does now will forever be for them.
Music: (The tone changes again - 1:40)
"Blue over here! Looook!" Daymein pointed up at a tree, "you'll see the sky better from up there! Come with me and I'll take you up. It'll be awesome!" holding out a hand to his friend, he smiled. "Let's go together, adventures are always fun with others."
She nodded, "okay."
It was a bit tricky at first but Day assured the girl that he won't let her fall, no matter what.. if she goes down, he does too! Even though Bluebell trusted Daymein more that anyone, she held up her pinkie for a promise. "Promise." he smiled. Climbing up the tree first and getting to the branch, the boy looked down and extended his hand once more. He pulled Bluebell up just enough so she could reach another branch, using that to pull herself up too. They repeated the process once more, getting closer to the sky. Blue waiting until Day can reach down and help her up.
Music: (Tone change, faster pace - 2:50)
It was then, a branch snapped causing the girl to lose her balance. Panicking Bluebell called out for Day. Reacting how Kuro does with Emma, Daymein was instantly brought into action. He was currently a branch above Blue, so he quickly used his legs to bend over the branch he was sitting on. Then he leaned back all the way, so now Day hung upside down stretching his arms as far as he can to catch hold of Blue's. And just like that, Day saved the day.
The boy smirked, "promise."
The only problem left was pulling her back up. Now Daymein wasn't strong enough to pull someone nearly the same size as he up and over. So there they were, Day upside down with Blue hanging over a great distance. Spying pass the leaves, he sighed, "hmm, the sky looks the same still."
"But it was fun climbing the tree right?" Blue gazed upwards to Day, a small smile to her cheeks.
Thinking for a breath, Daymein soon joined by Bluebell started yelling, "Emma! Emma! Emmaaaa!"
Music: (Ending - 4:00. Remaining music from 4:00 after is background music for the following, down below, till song is completely finished.)
Over nextdoor, the corner library was owned by a single worker. Aldruss Charstan is in his early twenties living alone, maintaining his family book house surviving off of a low salary and using a bookshelf as his bed. Dedicated his life to finding his sister, he spends his days researching the patterns of storms ever since he witness his twin disappearing by a strike of lightning. Sharing her looks, Aldruss bares spiked orange hair and unique violet eyes (I may be pushing it but I have to say, "The eyes are the giveaway").
"Al?" Emma opened the door slowly, triggering the bell to ring. The man was currently studying a book about wind currents and air habits. Eyes moving fast across the letters and quick page turning to not waste time. "Aldruss may we have a moment?"
His voice echoed from the very back of the shop, "come in." The place smelt of ink and that old scent of paper. It was cozy though, sun shining through the front windows casting shadows of the objects inside, mimicking them. Aldruss was occupied at the very corner, leaning against a wide table. It was topped with layers and layers of maps, wide open books here and there with a lantern flickering near the edge. Finally forcing himself to turn away from his book, Al caught sight of her fellow friends. "Ah," smiling and setting his glasses aside, "a friend of Emma's is a friend of mine." he shook hands with Kuro then attended to his work once more, calling over his shoulder to make themselves at home.
Kuro wasn't interested, his knowledge is far more vast than one of a human's. But if Emma stayed, he did too. Having Pandora teach him basic text got him started in learning more on his own, before long he was able to read Viridi's diary, Pit's stat book, the historia of weaponry and then some. Striding the aisle of shelves taller than he, the angel caught sight of a title.
The Angel of SkyWorld
A remarkable legend of the savior who brought Hades to his knees.
Snickering Dark Pit pulled the book from its shelf, flipping to a random page. It stated, "Oh the hero with his luscious hair waving in the wind… his superhuman body glistening… and his weapon at hand full of power and beauty!" He couldn't hold it in anymore, laughing the angel said, "what luscious hair? His arms are twigs and his weapon is nothing more than a 200 value! Haha!" The only thing that made Dark Pit smile back in the havens was making fun of his counterpart/rival.
The last corner shop goes to Novaleigha, an old and wise diseur de bonne aventure or fortune teller. Her shop crowded with unopened gifts and priceless treasures. Being very enthusiastic in her job and may seem like a crazy old hag to newcomers. Heavy dark colored curtains drape over the walls and beaten rugs layered over each other in the darkened room. The only light within the room came from the strange glow within the crystal ball.
"Nova this is Kuro." Emma introduced the two then heard Daymein calling her name. "Excuse me." She said running out the door.
This left the angel very uncomfortable in the smoky dim-lit room. The old lady on the opposite side of the crystal ball stared directly into Kuro's eyes, a glare from her pale eyes. Before he could take his leave, Nova raised her arms and voice, "venir ici!" Jumpscare for the angel, he stiffly marched towards the old woman. "Votre fortune?" She asked. The old lady didn't look anything special, hair and body wrapped in layers of silky fabric, her eyes a grey color, and her voice sounding like any other granny. But the accent she had, words mixed with english and her fierce glare gave a crazy impression. She then beckoned the angel to sit, "come! I will read your future." She seemed kind now, having a gentle voice… but that all changed when she snatched the angel's hand. Studying it. "Strange…"she murmured, "skin so flawless and no readable lines… I can't sense your aura either, the crystal ball cannot reflect image without spirit. Hmmm… of course!" Novaleigha pulled out a deck of cards and instructed Kuro to pick three as she fan them out before him. They weren't just any cards, instead of hearts or diamonds, they pictured biblical images with symbols along the bottom. Dark Pit handed over the three cards. "Oh my…"
"What?" Now Kuro didn't believe fortune telling especially from a human. But the shocked expression upon the old lady's face caught the angel off guard.
Holding up the cards, Nova pointed and explained her theory. "Kuro, everything happens for a reason. This here," pointing to the crow above an apple, "shows an unexpected surprise with this card combination" Nova pointed to the next card with a man holding a knife. "And this," Nova pointed to both the last card, which had an image of a forest, and the first card "Tells me that you are lost in your mind."
"You." Kuro stood up, "Are crazy." And with that he left.
Opening the door to a sun setting sky, he bumped into Emma and the little kids. "Oh Kuro, I was just about to get you."
"Yeah, we're heading over to the farms now." Day smiled with Blue by his side. "Onward march! Hup two three four, hup two three four!"
Moving onto the Fifer Farm just outside the walls, Kuro was met with a large family. Papa Fifer, Mama Fifer and the Fifer Farm Boys; Nello, Salis, Ralfen and Raegan, Daymein's best buddies and the ultimate defensive soldiers for Bluebell.
"Hey Nel, Sal, Ralf! THE PRINCESS HAS RETURNED!" Raegan who so happened to walk past the farmhouse front door, spotted his mother greeting his friends and a stranger. Standing at the same height of Daymein, you could only guess they were of the same age. Mama Fifer smiled gently, wearing a big poofy barkshade dress with an apron tied over and a red bandana to pull back her long black hair. Dark Pit noticed another set of grey eyes, through Mama Fifer's were much darker than the slight pale ones of Spook and Novaleigha. Lighter streaks of the color were also visible, pale-ish skin and a quiet figure. Noticing that she never said a word of greetings. "FAMILY FRONT AND CENTER!" The little boy cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "NEW VISITOR!"
"Thank you Rae." Emma ruffled his hair. And not too long after, rumbling throughout the whole house was heard. Little patter from the ceiling, more than one set of feet running downstairs. "Kuro, this is the Fifer Family."
One, two, more children came running down the stairs. Third appeared at the back door. Fourth already here. And the fifth and sixth standing by his side. Kuro sighed, how many more? He had mixed feelings about the six children, mother, Emma and angel all packed together in one compact area. One side of him felt good being in such a big family, but the other part of him was uncomfortable with constant welcoming. Then out of nowhere a great big voice came behind him.
"WELL LOOK WHAT WE HAVE HERE!" Papa Fifer roughly whacked Kuro's back as a friendly gesture. He was a big man, bulk under his overalls and strong arms. Dark blond hair cut short and green eyes with nicely toned skin from working under the heat. Wearing a straw hat fanning out to shade his faces from the strong high sun but judging by the bucket at hand and the straw sprinkled over his attire, Papa Fifer just came back from the barn. "Why don't we all introduce ourselves now." Papa smiled then glanced over to his wife who patted on his shoulder, "it's getting late, you all can join us for dinner later." he added and the mother nodded.
"My name's Raegan Fifer. I'm the oldest of my brothers!" Snickering, Rae pointed his thumbs towards himself. Fierce golden orange eyes matching with dark velvet spiky hair, his smirk showed a tiny tiger tooth. Often wearing a white sleeveless shirt with dark brown shorts and black boots.
Pushing his brother, the next kid greeted Kuro, "I'm way cooler than him, name's Salis Fifer." light chocolate eyes, freckles and barkshade hair under a hat. He wore black boots as well. Brown pants with black overalls off his shoulders and hanging by his hips and a pale tan button up. He patted the back of the next kid, signaling that he's next.
"Nello Fifer." said the boy. Dark Pit was aware that the kid didn't look directly up at him, his eyes unfocused. They were very pale, almost white eyes, going with his dirty blond shaggy hair. He shared the same sad eyes as his mother.
"And I'm Ralfen!" The last brother rung his arm around Nello, grinning. Bright green eyes with short wavy hazel hair. A white button up under jean overalls with the pants part rolled up to his knees, barefoot.
Papa's big hearty voice, "Very well, work hard play hard kiddos!" The children cheered and flooded out the house. Turning to the angel, Papa Fifer held out a hand, "nice to meet you Kuro. At first glance you looked like a Hog but once I saw this little lass I figured we have a new family member! Welcome to the Fifer Farm!"
After all of that commotion, the angel and his human decided a walk would be nice. The Fifer Family doesn't own a lot, a lot of land but a decent amount. A couple acres for farming, a spot for the barn. The nice thing about it was, the place was just next to the forest so it was a more private field far from the neighboring farms. Walking a good distance away, the two stopped to rest by a tree. There, Emma gave a little more detail. "Mama Fifer can't talk but she's very caring. I think Nello received a similar condition from her since he can't see. It's fun watching the little kids play though, makes you want to get up and run around too!"
:D :D :D
"Hellooooo?" Pit walked the marble floors of the palace searching for anybody. "Laaaaddy Palutenaaaa?"
"Pit?" Called a voice.
Searching for whoever called his name, the angel quickened his pace and peeked in every room and hall. No centurion guarded the doors and it worried him The Goddess of Light's room was locked and no reply from the other side, well respectful the servant knew not to interrupt. The silence was odd but Pit knew no evil-hearted soul can enter the palace now. The power from both the Goddess and the townspeople's joy acted like a strong barrier against the darkness.
"Huh? Oh!" Pit saw two figures in the distance and as he got closer, he noticed it was Palutena and Pandora talking together. "Lady Palutena I was looking for you!" Pandora turned around with a devilish grin.
Chef: Alriiight, as you can tell I had some trouble finishing up this chapter. Towards the end I didn't include as much detail like in other chapters but I'm keeping to my word, chapter out every Sunday so I kinda maybe rushed. Anyways I barely edited his chapter too so I hope there isn't sooo much mistakes, just bare with me.
Oh and hey I put a little hint for Book Two, and basically this whole chapter is prepping for that. Don't worry the story will pick up and I'm estimating Book One to be around 15 chapters.
What's going on with Pandora? I thought she was on our side! And geez whatever Hades is planning, it can't be good. Who's Sun and what do you mean Reset Bomb? Whaaaa?