Aki Ai Takehiko Yumi

A flying coach was with Zelda during her test. He took notes and evaluated Zelda's flying abilities during her race through the obstacle course. She seemed to be pulling it off...at least she wasn't crashing into the rings or walls. But she was going rather slow and the flying coach kept trying to encourage her to fly faster.

While this was going on, Palutena had pulled her son away from prying eyes for a mother and son talk.

"Pit, my son, the lady Zelda is passing the test. There's only one left. If she passes that, I will grant her the wings of immortality. After that, what will you do?" Palutena asked.

"Mother...should I answer right away?" Pit asked.

"I want to make sure this isn't a mistake, Pit," Palutena said sternly. "Once she becomes an angel, there is no turning back. She cannot become a mortal again. This is a huge change she's making for herself and it's all for you. But what if something happens between the two of you and you are no longer in love? Her change will become something she will hate and she will be stuck with the regret for all eternity."

"If I was afraid of something happening between us, I wouldn't have brought her here," Pit said, glancing up at the clouds. "I can feel it. All Cupid jokes aside, Mom, I know Zelda's the one for me. It's like we were destined to be together."

"You've lived for many years, Pit. And no one has ever made you feel this way?" Palutena asked.

"No. And I haven't lived for that long, Mom. Zelda and I are close in age. But...well, you know...wings and height and all," Pit said, gesturing towards his wings. He was referring to how angel wings take away the height stature of angels. If he didn't have wings, he might be as tall or taller than Zelda.

"Yes..." Palutena nodded. "I'm certain Venus would agree you two are true soul mates. I've never felt such a strong bond between two beings of different species."

"Mother...do you like Zelda?" Pit asked.

"I do...I think she's a lovely woman. But you have to understand I'm not only testing her to become an angel," Palutena responded.

"Huh?"

"I'm your mother, Pit," the goddess of light said with a smile. "Mothers have the natural instinct to protect their children. I want to make sure she really is the right one for you."

"Mother!" Pit said, embarrassed. His mother loved treating him like a Mama's boy. Palutena laughed and ruffled her son's hair.

"Just like your father. Apollo was embarrassed so easily."

Pit shrugged that off. He looked up towards the area where Zelda was flying. Very soon, the test would be over and she would become an angel. And Pit had a very special question to ask her.

"Mother, do you like Zelda enough to consider her a daughter?"

Palutena looked startled. "I...well, perhaps. I would need time to know her better first..."

But Pit wasn't known for being patient. "I don't want to wait. She's going to become an angel. I should at least show her I want to be with her for as long as forever lasts."

"Pit...you wish to marry her?" Palutena asked. Pit only nodded.

"Of course I need your blessings...but she's doing her part for me. I have to do mine for her as well."

Palutena looked away in silence. It was too fast and too soon. The heaven queen wasn't sure if she should allow it to happen. But Pit was certainly old enough to make his own choices and Zelda really made him happy. And they truly did care for each other or else they wouldn't have come here.

But Palutena wasn't going to give her blessing that easily.

"She must first pass the whole test before I can grant my blessing, Pit. If she fails...she cannot try again. And she will not be permitted to marry you. Understood?"

Panic filled Pit. He always did have a strict upbringing, but this was the toughest thing his mother ever said. Now he had to place all his faith in Zelda or they could never be together. It was a huge risk that they were both taking, although Zelda didn't have a clue, now, that failure would cost her relationship with her angel.

But there was no other choice.

"I understand, Mother."

"Please Zelda...you have to pull through. Eternity will be so empty without you."

Apologies for the lateness and the uber short chapter.

So now we know what Pit's surprise is. Too bad Palutena doesn't want to make it easy for them.

We have about two or three chapters left of this. OMG. ;O And I gotta go back and edit some chapters for the lack of section dividers. fff

Next chapter: The final test...and possibly the most painful of all. Zelda learns the terrible consequences of being immortal. Will it break her or will she overcome her grief and succeed?

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