Author's Note: *insert obligatory note about this not being intended to be Pitcest/PitXDark Pit here*
The graying skies were enough to tell the angels that dawn wasn't far off by the time they finally reached their temporary base of operations, and Pit's feet were complaining. They had entered a rather thick forest and come to a hidden path leading into a beautiful chamber similar to Viridi's temple, with a small stream flowing around its perimeter and fountains on the walls. Rich green grass grew on the ground, and Pit pulled his boots off to find it was wonderfully soft beneath his feet. The pale light of the coming sun streamed in through windows and a skylight above made of intertwining branches, and there were several other paths leading to other smaller chambers. One was an open space that Pit figured would be good for training, and another held a Hot Spring.
"So... Is this like a secondary temple for you or something?" Pit asked the goddess as he glanced around, wiggling his toes in the grass as his darker twin started around the perimeter.
"Something like that," Viridi replied. "It's basically a base I can retreat to in case my temple is attacked and taken over. Palutena really should invest in something like this."
"I thought you used the Overworld Fortress," Dark Pit spoke up as he looked absentmindedly at the stream.
"A long time ago, I did," she agreed. "But ever since those Underworld creeps took over, I just don't feel safe there. Plus this place is nicer."
"You're talking about the Hewdraw, right?" Pit recalled. "I shooed them all out. Why is it still a problem?"
"Would you take shelter in a place your enemies knew as well as you do?" the goddess retorted, and he frowned.
"Guess not," he said with a shrug. "Good point. Anyway, so we can use this place to rest and talk out a plan?"
"As long as you wipe your feet and don't trash it, be my guest," she said with a laugh. "Anyway. There's a big chamber you can probably use to practice in, and another little cavern off it. Head there. I've got a surprise for you!" Pit exchanged a quick look with his companion, and they both headed down the tunnel toward the training grounds. Sure enough, there was another little cavern opposite the way they came in, and when they entered it, Pit let out something between an excited laugh and a sigh of relief.
"Feel free to borrow anything in there," Viridi instructed as he glanced over the weapons in the small arsenal. He set his staff down on an open shelf as he took inventory.
"Your Palm and Claws," Dark Pit noted. "Phosphora's Bow, Arlon's Orbitars, the Cragalanche Cannon... Shouldn't be surprised. It's all here, huh?" He took down the bow. "I think I'll keep this one on me for now." Pit nodded and took down the Viridi Claws, thankful for a change of pace from the Lancer Staff he'd had to tote around.
"I really hope you find some other weapons on the road," Viridi sighed. "You're gonna need them."
"I guess I don't really have time to track down the Zodiac chambers," the white-winged angel muttered. "Especially since I'm pretty sure one of them was in Hades' bowels."
"And I don't feel like ramming the Lightning Chariot through his chest again to save you," Dark Pit said with a smirk. "Not that that's really an option at this point."
"Phos and Lux should be back in Skyworld," Pit sighed as he massaged his forehead. "Too bad I can't at least use them to get around." He paused and blinked. "Wait, why can't I just go back to Skyworld? Even if I don't stay, I could find them and stock up on some of my other weapons."
"You wouldn't make it ten steps in!" Viridi snapped. "You're the one thing standing between what you're fighting and its total victory. It knows Skyworld is your home territory, and it'll do everything it can to keep you from retaking it. So if you even set foot there, you're finished!" Pit flinched at her harsh tone and grit his teeth.
"But one of the santums is there, isn't it?" he asked. "The one for Light, right?"
"Yes, but you're only going there after you've gotten all the other elements. That should weaken this thing enough for you to be able to survive."
"Fine..." the white-winged angel sighed and turned to his darker counterpart. "Then I guess we should get going."
"Hold it!" Viridi interrupted. Dark Pit sighed and rolled his eyes.
"What now?" he groaned.
"One of you needs to stay here. You're heading for Phoenix Mountain, and I can't very well protect both of you while you're there. And besides, I can only give the Power of Flight to one of you at a time." The angels exchanged a look, and Pit shrugged.
"Fine," he sighed. "Besides, you probably need a little more time to rest. Who knows what that sludge really did to you?" But alarm briefly flickered in Dark Pit's crimson gaze, much to Pit's confusion. "What's wrong?"
"I should go," the dark angel insisted. "Palutena needs you. And if something happens to you while you're out there..." He frowned. "Well, I already told you. I'll end up dead without even trying." Pit smiled and rested his hand on his companion's shoulder.
"I get you're worried about me," he said. "But I'll be fine. The more time I spend fighting these things, the better off I'll be in the long run. And I know my way around Phoenix Mountain already."
"True," Dark Pit sighed in defeat. "But... Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" the white-winged angel asked, and Dark Pit bit his lip. He didn't immediately answer.
"Phoneix Mountain. Fire. Lots of it," he finally said bluntly, and Pit's eyes lost focus for a moment. He shook his head and forced his smile to return.
"I'll be fine!" he insisted. "Really. I-"
"Forget it!" Dark Pit snapped, his eyes blazing. "You're staying here. I'll go. And that's final whether I have to knock you out and tie you up somewhere!" Pit blinked.
"Pittoo..." He looked down and sighed. "You're really stubborn, you know that?" Dark Pit smirked.
"Yeah, well, I know where I got it from." Pit smiled weakly.
"Fair enough." He paused. "Promise me you'll come back, okay? I lost Lady Palutena and my home. You're all I've got left."
"What about me?" Viridi inquired, and Pit looked up. "I'm still here, aren't I?"
"Barely," he grumbled. "You said it yourself. I'm on my own. At least Pittoo is still willing to help me out here- even fight for me. I KNOW you're getting one of us to Phoenix Mountain," he added before she could argue, "But that's pretty much it."
"You should be glad you're at least getting that," she sighed. "But whatever. Make up your minds! Whoever's going needs to be leaving immediately. We don't have to bat this around. So figure it out!" The angels looked at each other, and Pit shook his head lightly.
"You're really not gonna take no for an answer, are you?" Dark Pit smirked again and shook his head as well. "Fine," Pit said with a huff. "Just... be careful. You're gonna come back, right?"
"Right," Dark Pit grinned and crossed his arms. "I can't let you hog all the action. I need some exercise too!" He started off back to the first chamber with the fountains, and Pit followed him as he tried to swallow his fears.
"So, Pittoo, you're going?" Viridi asked, and he nodded.
"Yeah. So you're stuck with me until I get the elemental charm or whatever. Though I'm not much for pointless conversation anyway."
"Yeah, yeah. You ready to go? I guess I gotta pull you back to my palace. That'll be faster than you walking, anyway. You ready to go?" Dark Pit hoisted up the bow he'd acquired.
"Yeah, I am." Pit bit his lip.
"Wait!" He launched himself forward and hugged his darker twin tightly.
"Oof!" Dark Pit huffed. "P-Pit, get off! Can't breathe..." Pit didn't immediately listen, but loosened his grip slightly as he tried to catch his own breath and calm his rapidly beating heart.
"You'll come back," he tried to tell himself. "You're not gonna get yourself finished out there." Dark Pit sighed and, with some effort, pushed Pit away and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Hey, I'm just as strong and fast as you. I'll be fine. No way I'm gonna let those freaks beat me again! I'm ready for 'em this time." Pit took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself and nodded.
"Right," he smiled- barely. "You'll be okay. Show 'em who's boss." Dark Pit nodded and started toward the entrance.
"See you soon," he said with a glance over his shoulder. With that, Viridi's retrieving light enveloped him, and he disappeared. Pit grit his teeth and clenched his fists, trying somewhat successfully to assure himself that his darker twin would return. He shook his head and hoisted the Claws he'd gotten up, then headed for the training chamber in some hope of distracting himself.