CHAPTER 16

Zeus and Poseidon indeed came for Pit and Palutena. They each carried the torn bodies of the tortured souls, whom were speechless. The broken angel could only think of his Goddess, limp within the arms of Zeus. Upon returning to Skyworld they were each placed in blue liquid within the care of Asclepius, the God of Healing. After a while, ensuring their safety, Zeus and Poseidon left to defend their own realms. Within the black void Asclepius bend beside the silent Pit whom was in a pair of spandex shorts.

"Palutena's body was terribly damaged however I do believe that she is surviving. Have faith and trust within her." Looking wordlessly at the God, Pit remained unmoving. "I understand that you as well have suffered. Worry not, all wounds heal with time." The motionless angel regarded the thought but showed not of it. "This isn't about your wounds though, is it Pit?" Painfully looking up at Asclepius, Pit whispered,

"I couldn't protect her." Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, Pit remaining motionless.

"You shouldn't have ever been put in such a position to do so. You did all you could given the circumstances." Closing his eyes Pit sighed shakily. Acknowledging the dry conversation, Asclepius left the now sleeping Pit and entered Palutena's pool. She had worn her underwear as well as modest bra. The God of Healing wanted to ensure that their bodies were comfortable as well as in the optimal attire to heal.

"T-thank you Asclepius," She faintly spoke.

"Think not of it my dear. Tell me, how are you feeling?" Wrapping her arms around herself tightly she replied,

"I should have been able to protect him. I, a Goddess, was powerless."

"You did all you could Palutena. Simply because you are a Goddess does not mean you aren't prone to weakness."

"I should have been able to see through Mesperyian's plans. This shouldn't have happened." Palutena began to sob into her hands, her tears dripping slowly down into the water surrounding her.

"Never focus on what you could have done. Instead try to remember what you did do despite your circumstances. You survived and came out stronger. I want you to now focus on healing, focus on what you're doing right at this moment." Palutena cast her look downward toward the water. She reflected upon Pit and how much pain he suffered through. Remembering how hopeful he was, no matter what Mesperyian did to either of them. He always tried his best to move forward. Even after his first encounter with Mesperyian, Pit returned changed for the better.

"He must have worked so hard to get past the trials he endured," Palutena whispered. Looking up, she saw that she was alone with her thoughts. "I have to work hard as well. I will overcome this." However she couldn't help but remember Mesperyian's twisted grin as well as her insane laugh. Also Palutena remembered the way she touched Pit, the way her body pressed up against his. Bright red with anger, Palutena slammed her fist down, splashing the water.

About a day had passed and Asclepius returned to Palutena, looking rather grim.

"My dear I regret to inform you that your physical state has not improved. With your permission I can take more drastic measures in order to heal you." Palutena sat upright, grunting in pain.

"Do whatever you can to me, as long as I'm healed by the end. Tell me, is Pit okay?" Kneeling down to support her back he replied,

"Yes, he is recovering marvelously. With that I ask that you wear this." Asclepius pulled out a mask of sorts and strapped it around Palutena's head. "Be prepared to be completely submerged." Taking his leave Palutena gave a weak smile. Knowing that Pit was recovering gave her happiness. The light blue liquid slowly began to rise, completely filling what seemed like an endless void. Palutena guided her hand to the back of her head and felt her short, choppy hair. Her body floating within the liquid she gazed down at the scar on her leg. Water, I thought that I would never take another sip again after that.. Holding her gut she remembered the pain she had felt when Mesperyian stabbed her along with forcing her to vomit. Weakly grinning she adverted her gaze to her arm and other areas in which burning metal had been pressed against. Certainly it wasn't pressed as hard as the one upon her leg but it still left marks. The blue liquid began to glow and provide a warming comfort to Palutena. Her pierced wings began to feel blissful as her abdomen felt warm. Closing her green eyes, Palutena relished within the blissful liquid, loosing track of time and the world around her.

Pit sprang up immediately once Asclepius had entered the room. His physical state certainly had improved however the holes within his wings remained.

"Pit I must tell you-"

"Is Palutena okay? Did she agree to go through with it?" Pit jolted. Raising a silent hand, the calmed God continued,

"Yes, she did except my proposal. However as of right now she is completely unconscious. As I was saying, Pit, this liquid had neutralized the bomb within you but once you leave it will activate once more. Will you allow me to perform surgery to remove it?" Pit, masking a brave face clenched his gut, frustrated.

"I will allow you to do so. Can you promise me something?"

"What is it?"

"Promise me that I will see Palutena again." Chuckling warmly Asclepius replied,

"Of course. Now let us remove that bomb within you." Strapping a gas mask upon himself he waved his hand. Yellow gas began to fill the space. Pit's vision swayed fantastically before he slowly slipped away from reality.

Pit had returned to the blackened room that Mesperyian tortured him in; the devious Goddess slowly stroking his chest.

"You know I'll be back; right? I'm going to hunt you down and make you mine. You're awfully fun to play with and I've been thinking of new games to play." Licking along his bare chest, Pit looked away in discomfort. He tried to speak out against the action yet couldn't utter a single syllable. His mouth moving in desperation, Mesperyian continued to feel his upper half. Pit felt that his body was completely paralyzed. Trying to scream for her to stop she continued her soft strokes downward.

Breathing heavily and panting franticly, Pit awoke, placing a shaken hand over his face.

"It- was a dream? It felt so real..She had rap-" Pit cut off his stuttered words and held himself tightly. "I couldn't do a single thing to stop her.."

A day or two had passed before Pit was mobile once more. His torso was heavily bandaged and he wobbled a tad when he walked. The healed angel then asked with a hint of desperation within his voice,

"Is Palutena back yet? Is she awake?!" With his youthful hand upon Pit's shoulder Asclepius replied,

"She is not awake yet. It will be at least one more day before she is able to regain consciousness." Looking slightly disappointed Pit then encouraged,

"Alright as long as she makes a recovery. I suppose I'll check on the army and the temple, make sure things are ship-shape before she comes home!" Dissipating, Pit appeared within the original hot spring, sighing heavily. "I'm sure those idiots have done nothing since I've been gone.."

Upon returning to the temple Pit found every incompetent soldier asleep from parting the previous night. Half-eaten food lay upon the ground and was smothered upon the walls. Togas were also thrown aimlessly on the ground along with their half-naked owners. Garbage as well as shattered glass cups could also be found within the mess. Observing some pots upon the ground he picked them up and began to pound on them loudly.

"GET UP YOU LAZY CENTURIANS!" Most of them stirring awake they immediately jumped up and saluted their superior. "Lady Palutena is coming home tomorrow and I want this place spotless! Down to the last crumb of cake, you hear me?!" At this order every soul arose and began to clean up the remainder of last night.

Thank you for reading this chapter! It's nice not to update on the weekends! I have the best ideas during then and love to perfect them! Remember to review and all that jazz! ;)