CHAPTER 17

The Goddess of Light was walking upon a lonesome transparent pathway only to lead further into the void surrounding her.

"Where am I going again? What am I doing again?" Blankly staring ahead she mindlessly persisted upon the path. A bright light then locked itself upon Palutena. Her messenger, Pit descended from above. "Pit I'm glad you're safe!" Within one blink his face was in tears with his wings broken and burned.

"Why didn't you save me Lady Palutena? Why weren't you strong enough?" Her face in horror she kneeled before the injured figure and exclaimed,

"I tried my best! I never wanted you to get hurt!" Placing a bloody hand upon her shoulder he then countered,

"Then why did you put me in a cold, dark pit?" Sobbing Palutena cried out,

"W-what was I suppose to do?! You killed innocent children!"

"Even after I had forgotten my past, saved you and all of Skyworld, I am still in servitude to you for as long as my soul persists. Plus I was tortured nearly to death because I followed your orders to kill Hades."

"I'm sorry! I know I've been selfish," The bloody angel glared down at her, waiting for her to continue. "The truth is I just wanted you to always be my side. H-however you deserve the right to choose what to do with your life." Grasping onto his torn toga she splurged out, "I-I'm so sorry." Pushing her away, Pit walked off the pathway into the vast darkness. "C-come back! I need you!" She screamed.

Ensuring that the temple was absolutely clean Pit smiled satisfied with the lazy Centurions' work.

"Perfect! I should make Lady Palutena breakfast as soon as she comes home! I'm certain she's starving!"

Opening her eyes Palutena found herself still submerged within the glowing blue liquid. Her hair had grown slightly, now down to her shoulders. Around her, the water began to drain. Examining her body she could only find the burn scar upon her leg. Other than that she felt completely recharged. Her washed and torn clothes appeared before her. Hastily she slid them on, calling upon Asclepius. Answering her, he materialized with haste.

"Are you ready to be discharged? You seem to be in a hurry."

"I need to get to Pit immediately, is he still healing?"

"No, he went home yesterday."

"Do I need to stay?"

"No but be careful." With a wave of his staff she transported to the original hot spring. Running as fast as she could, Palutena high-tailed it back to the temple. I need to tell Pit. I need to offer him his freedom before it's too late. Pit hearing her loud footsteps turned around to find a gasping Goddess.

"Lady Palutena?!" Tripping over her own foot, Pit caught her, feeling her hot breath upon his chest.

"P-Pit.. I need to tell you something.." Pit, rather shocked, placed her down upon the ground. "Pit.. It's unfair that you have to spend your existence in servitude to me. I've put you through more than any servant- or angel, should have to endure." Pit's heart began to race widely as he held onto her, supporting her weight. Luckily his sturdy body allowed Palutena to lean back upon him. "I hearby grant you the choice of freedom. You may leave me or stay, it's up to you." She had adverted her gaze from him, completely flushed.

"Is that what you came rushing over here for?" Grinning he placed a hand upon her cheek, lifting her gaze toward his. "I am here because I believe in you. I believe in your ideas, your hopes and your dreams for the future. I love being around you and I couldn't imagine my life without you." Deeply staring into his sky-blue eyes she wordlessly placed her hand upon his. "Palutena, tasha delay."

"W-what?" Wrapping his arms around her and shifting into a more comfortable position he continued,

"Tasha delay. It means that I honor the place in which your hopes, dreams, and strength come from."

"Pit.. I.." She was absolutely stunned silent. Palutena took comfort within his words and warm embrace. His heart within his throat, Pit became increasingly nervous about what he was going to ask.

"Palutena, when I'm with you I don't feel alone. I wouldn't want to ever leave your side and I was wondering.. Do you feel the same way?" Holding his breath he awaited her response. Letting tears welt up within the corners of her earthy green eyes she wrapped her arms around Pit and gently kissed him. Very slowly releasing this kiss but still holding onto him she then whispered gently,

"I've always felt that way about you.. Tasha delay Pit.." His powerful wings opening in happiness Pit gave the biggest grin he could possibly smile, blushing in the process.

"W-would you like some breakfast?" Palutena nodded and with that Pit carried her to the kitchen. Pit certainly had gained strength since his second time within the blue water. Setting her down upon the stool he turned around only to bump his head upon the cupboard.

"OW! I guess I really did grow huh?" Rubbing his head Pit laughed it off, grabbing a large metal bowl. He fetched the eggs from the fridge and began to carefully crack them. To break the rather awkward silence Pit spoke, "Hey Palutena, do you remember the bomb that was in me?"

"Oh yes, how can I forget about that! Did Asclepius remove it?" She replied calmly.

"He did." Cracking the final egg he began scrambling them within the bowel then poured the contents within the pan.

"I'm certainly happy he's a friend and not a foe." Neither of them really knew what to say after the pair had admitted their love for one another.

"I like your hair that length by the way, it's a nice change."

"Y-you think so? My head feels much lighter."

"I'm sure it does! I can't imagine how much your hair weighed!" Standing up, Palutena made her way toward Pit and wrapped her arms around him while he stirred the eggs.

"P-Palutena? What is it?" Pit blushed. Hugging him tighter she closed her eyes,

"Nothing I suppose. I just felt too far away from you. Can I ask you something?" Turning off the fire on the stove, he spun around, looking deeply within her eyes.

"What is it?" Wrapping his arms around her he felt his heart skip a beat.

"How were you so strong when Mesperyian-" She cut off, not wanting to say aloud those events.

"I was strong because I had hope. As long as you believe in something, or someone-" Pit paused to give Palutena a little kiss on her forehead. "-Then how could you give up? Besides I couldn't have looked weak in front of you. I am supposed to be the commander of your army after all." Placing the eggs upon two plates he laid out a bowl of mixed fruit alongside it.

"Oh you! Come on! You're the toughest angel out there! There's no need to worry about that kind of stuff." Eating a few bites of the fluffy eggs she then said, "I think I should open up a boot camp to toughen those Centurions up!"

"Haha! That would be great! After this is all said and done let's do that! I'll be sure that they don't slack off!"

Thank you for reading this chapter! I think there's only going to be a few more chapters left to write. Please review and read on!