Human Ch. 9
Disclaimer: I only own Valora and Dion! Nintendo owns the rest.
Samus let loose a loud, unladylike yawn as she lazily walked the well-traversed hallway outside her room. From the moment she stepped out of the shower and threw on the plain set of clothes she'd picked out for the day, a mundane feeling threatened to taint her day. There was no reason to worry though, she had recently found a remedy to slay this recurring problem.
Whenever she was even the slightest bit bored she found herself hunting down Pit. It was a habit that quickly developed after their river-side date. She'd question herself time to time if she was becoming a nuisance for him or not. Once she finally found him, they'd chat for a while, eventually trading a story or two before other matters sent them on their separate ways again. The young man never seemed to mind however.
She had to stop her thought train for a moment, another bad habit had just come to surface. She would mistakenly refer to him as a young man from time to time. Pit was too easy going to get angry at her over it, he would just laugh and remind her that he was nearly a century old. They were alike in that sense, their physical looks were deceiving. She looked like a normal woman, who would guess she had the blood and D.N.A. of various other creatures in her body.
The well-trekked route had come to an end as she stood before a familiar, hard, wooden door that usually separated her and her remedy. Her breath became short as she gently rapped on his door. When she didn't receive the cheerful welcome she was use to her heartbeat quickened , could he of grown tired of her daily visits? When a second period of silence met her she decided to investigate.
She slowly opened the door and peeked inside, not wanting to catch her friend in an embarrassing situation. A Pit-less room was all that awaited her, an unusually tidy room at that. Samus curiously scanned the room. Where ever he was he had his bow and shield with him. The search yielded little until she noticed the other door in his room had been left open.
She step forward and opened it wider, studying the swirling mass of magic inside. He must of had business back on his home world to take care of. A bit disappointed that the one thing that could fix her day wasn't available to her, she turned away and begun to close the door, as the portal caught her eyes a second time she stopped, enticed by it.
Samus never really experienced magic before getting involved with this place and the whole professional fighting business. At first she tried to scientific rationalize everything, but there were no other explanations when it came to things like fire conjuring plumbers and princesses or the arrows that served as Pit's main arsenal.
She carefully reached out to the cream colored portal, a warm radiation washing over her as she got closer. She had to force herself to step away as an argument started to rage in her mind.
It was important that she not influence the other worlds with her technology any more then she had by just being here.
And just how was she going to influence them? Were the electric blue hoodie and jeans she wore really going to blow that many minds in Angel Land?
Still, this was another world she was thinking about invading. Who knows what kind of trouble she could get herself into by just rudely dropping in.
But Pit did promise to show her around sometime, and he could probably vouch for her if something were to happen. Surely they would listen to the man who saved them all.
Her curiosity to see the land she heard so much about finally overtook her, without anymore hesitation she stepped into the portal. Her eyes clamped shut as bright light quickly surrounded her and a somewhat familiar warping sensation washed over her.
Her eyes pried open as soon as her stomach stopped churning. An entirely new room greeted her as she eagerly took in her surroundings. The trip left her next to a quaint little bed, smaller than the standard ones back at the compound but big enough for someone about Pit's size.
Near the center of the room stood a wooden table with a few matching chairs. Against the wall opposite the bed was a three drawer dresser and some sort of mannequin, adorned with a metal, sliver breastplate and helmet. Inspecting it further she could tell it was well taken care of, aside from a few punctures and burns here and there.
She figured this cozy little house must have been Pit's, it was small enough to accommodate one person. It wouldn't make much sense for the portal to connect with someone else's house either, unless there was someone in the angel's life that he failed to mention to her. Finding herself feeling somewhat betrayed by that idea, she made her way to the door, quickly opening and taking her first look upon Angel Land.
Pit's description and stories really did this place no justice. Everywhere she looked floated white and cream colored clouds. They almost seemed unreal as she watched angels in the distance walk across them, and even large marble buildings stood on them. This too was must have been a display of magic. Taking a deep breath she composed herself, and set out to find Pit. She barely made it down the stone steps before someone addressed her.
"Hey you! Stop where you are!" an armored angel called out as he made his way towards her. Alongside him was a female angel, donned in similar plates and wielding a long spear. Her long red hair contrasting greatly from her partners shoulder long black locks.
It was easy to tell from their weapons and tone of voice that they must been the guardians of Angel Land , the ones that took orders from Pit. Samus put on the friendliest smile she could, determined to prove that she wasn't a threat. She started making her way towards them, only to slip through the clouds that easily held everyone else
Her eyes sealed shut and her stomach turned over and over again as she fell a surprisingly short distance and felt herself hit something metal. As the feeling of vertigo faded a bit she dared to open her eyes. The black haired angel from moments ago held her in his arms as he struggled to keep them both airborne.
"Got her, Dion?" His partner shouted as she glided to them.
"Yeah, I'm gonna need some help getting her back up there though." Despite the tough time he had keeping the two of them balanced in the air, his voice was calm and cool. After a few moments of mid air shuffling Samus was in between the two as they flew her back into the clouds. This time, the clouds felt much more solid as the bounty hunter fell to her knees and wiped the cold sweat from her brow.
"Are you okay?" The female guard asked, keeping a firm hand planted on the blonde woman's shoulder.
"Aside from a little nausea, I think I'll be fine." Samus slowly got to her feet again.
"Just what were you doing in the captain's house?" Dion asked, his brown eyes watching her closely.
"Pit's a friend of mine, I just wanted to visit him."
"A friend huh? We better take her to Palutena just to be safe. Valora, keep a grip on her."
"Yes sir." The red head did as she was told as she urged Samus to follow her partner.
"I'm not here to cause any trouble. I promise to come along quietly, there's no need to keep your hand on me." Samus argued, feeling a bit smothered.
"Well if I were to let you go, miss, you would just fall through the clouds again. They won't support you without Palutena's blessing."Now that she'd mentioned it there was a somewhat familiar warmth radiating from the guard's hand.
The short, awkward walk eventually led to the largest, majestic building the bounty hunter had seen yet. As the three set foot on the stone steps Samus was freed of her temporary leash. The pair of seraphic guards urged her to keep moving as she attempted to quickly take in every new sight that piqued her interest. Before she could ask about the white robed angels or the strange symbols on the walls they arrived at their destination. Alone in the room with a wingless woman.
The wingless woman turned around, her face reflected her slight surprise. "Who do we have here?" Her warm voice helped ease the blonde woman's nervousness.
Samus moved to speak but was cut off by the dark haired guardian.
"We found her sneaking around Pit's house my goddess. She claims to be a friend of his."
"Is that so?" Palutena stared the intruder down for a moment. "You can leave her to me Dion, return to your work."
"Yes my Goddess." he quietly excused himself from the three women's company.
"And Valora, you wouldn't mind fetching Pit for us would you?" Palutena's words suggested something Samus didn't quite catch.
Valora's cheeks flushed a bit, "Of course I will." She spun on her heel and left the two alone.
A moment passed in silence, Samus unsure how she should address the deity.
"Well, why don't you come closer?" The goddess invited, friendly beckoning with her hand. Samus did as she was told. She became more self conscious as she scanned Palutena's body up close. Samus usually didn't doubt her shape, it was the only positive thing that came from a horribly awkward puberty while living on a strange planet with two ancient aliens. The deity however, was nearly perfect with every cloth wrapped curve.
"So, you know Pit?" The goddess turned back to the large cauldron she was focused on before other matters distracted her.
"Yes I am." Samus nervously shuffled.
"Just friends?" Palutena grinned,"He's a very popular young angel you know."
"Just good friends, I wanted to see his home world. I sincerely hope I haven't caused you all too much trouble."
"No worries dear, I'm just glad you're alright. Pit would have been distraught if he lost another friend. I'm sorry, I haven't even asked you your name yet." She silently scolded herself for her lack of manners.
"It's Samus, Samus Aran."
"Samus," Palutena thought aloud for a moment "That's a very lovely name."
"Thank you." Samus now noticed The goddess' hands were glowing as they slowly moved over the glowing cauldron. "What are you doing, if you don't mind me asking."
"Come look." Samus was shocked as she glanced in the pot. Looking into the unrecognizable liquid within she could she a vast landscape complete with a small village and tilled farm land.
"That's the world below us."
"The over world?"
"Yes, I was gathering storm clouds for that poor, dry villages down there. I mustn't let the humans down there become too dependent on me, but I try to help them every now and then."
"I see" The amazed woman continued to watch the storm clouds roll in until the goddess spoke up again.
"He's almost here, quick put your hood on!" The green haired Goddess was suddenly excited.
"Why exactly?"
"It'll be a better surprise that way." Samus did as she was told, soon she picked up the sound of incoming footsteps. Pit trotted in and bowed.
"You called for me my goddess?" Pit rose and stood at full attention.
"Ah there you are, how's my guard captain today? It seems like I never get to see you anymore." The tall woman smiled brightly.
"Just fine, my goddess. Things have gotten a bit busy lately in the other world but I promise you it won't get in the way of my duties. Was there something you needed me to take care of?" Pit tried to mentally unmask the hooded figure next to Palutena with no luck..
"This person is here to see you." Palutena gently urged Samus forward.
"Who is it?" The archer tried to peek under the blue hood only for Samus to quickly shift away.
"You mean you don't know? You're bound to make a lot of women mad if you don't recognize them, my little angel."
Pit cringed upon hearing his nickname and the human figured snickered."We'll I'm guessing she's a human, a tall one at that." Pit continued to rack his brain over the mysterious stranger. He didn't know many people from the Over World, angels weren't allowed down there unless it was to stop a demon attack. He was given another clue when a golden lock of hair fell from the mouth of the hood
"Wait...Samus?"
Removing the hood she grinned at her friend and playfully punched his arm. "I've been to see you every day this week, how could you've not recognize me?"
"I'm sorry " Pit chuckled, "I'm not used to you wearing such baggy clothing." Samus's face quickly flushed.
"The whole week, huh? Used to something tighter, huh? Are you sure there's nothing between you two?" Palutena playfully chimed in.
"He wishes." The embarrassed hunter was a bit annoyed now at the angels big mouth.
"Well Pit, your duty as of now is to show your friend around our home and keep her safe. And be gentleman about it! You represent all of Angel Land to people from other worlds after all."
"Of course, let's go Samus." The two quietly left the chamber.
"You may go back to your work too Valora, thank you."
"Not a problem, my goddess." A quick salute and she too was on her way. Palutena returned to her trance like state before the cauldron.
'Samus, she seems like a nice girl.' She stood on the thought for a moment, waiting for a response to her call. From the recesses of her mind a separate voice rang out like an echo from a cave.
'Yeah, I guess so...' the meek voice lamented.
The pair of fighters stood on the steps of Palutena's temple for a moment as Pit decided what sights he should show her on their little tour. The casual chat they were having ceased and the angel's face lit up as he was struck with an idea.
"You wanted to learn more about Angel Land, right?"
"Well, yeah." Samus wasn't quite sure what he was getting at.
"We'll go to a place where you can learn about the history of this land then."
"Alright then, lets go." Samus offered her hand to him, receiving a confused look in return. "You have to lead the way right? And you're really not going to recognize me if I end up a blood stain on some field in the Over World."
"Right of course." Pit took her hand in his, allowing a small portion of his magic to spread to her body.
Their trip started with the two sharing an awkward silence. Every now and then Pit would speak up, pointing out things like bakeries, schools, temples, libraries and green houses.
"Green houses? How does that work?" She asked.
"Well, all these structures are supported by magic stored within special crests."
"You mean those symbols that were on the walls in Palutena's temple?"
"Yeah, and we just use the same technique on large flower boxes."
"I see." Samus pondered on it for a bit.
Pit's mind however was focused on the soft appendage he gripped so firmly in his hand. He would of never guessed a ruthless bounty hunter would have such elegant, soft hands. These rumors that seemed to stalk her had to be worthless, everyone of them. If people were going to fear and avoid her because of rumors then that was their problem. It was just fine if he was one of the few people to know what a great person she was, more Samus for him. As they arrived at their destination he let his bitter thoughts melt away.
"So what's first?" Samus stared up at the stone structure in front of her.
"Well as long as you don't mind me being a little boastful..." Pit led her away from the entrance to where a statue stood. It was an mirror image him, bow in hand and gazing to the sky.
"It's you!" Samus exclaimed, looking over the finely crafted sculpture. She stepped forward and ran her free hand over the statue's inscription, etched in a script she couldn't decipher. "Whats it say Pit?"
"Dedicated to Pit and all those who fought so diligently to liberate our land." Pit proclaimed proudly.
Samus admired the statue a bit more before something else caught her eye. "Whose that statue of?" She gazed back at the direction they came, past the halls entrance. Pit seemed to drag his feet, unenthused to gaze upon that particular statue.
It was of a young woman, her hands clasped together in front of her heart. Her hair was tied back in a waist long braid, adorned with a large ring on the end. Her eyes were closed, as if she were in midst of a prayer. Although Samus had never laid eyes on the young woman her face seemed familiar somehow.
Pit's eyes were unwavering, locked on to the monument. He squeezed Samus' hand without thinking about it.
"And this one?" She asked, only slightly louder then a whisper.
Pit sighed, not looking away he knew the inscription by heart. "To Anakia and those who gave their lives for all of us."
"Oh, so this is..."
"How about we get inside?" Pit pulled the woman along.
Once inside the hall Pit dragged her past the various pieces of art and shelves of tomes until he found the ones he wanted.
"So what are these?" Samus looked at the first painting quizzically.
"These series of paintings chronicle the origins of Angel Land."
Samus only nodded as she studied the first painting. She recognized one of the only figures in the first painting as Palutena, although it seemed that there were two of her. She looked to Pit, her eyes asking for a explanation.
He cleared his voice,"At first there was nothing, but one day a pair of twin goddesses created our three lands and blessed the Over world with life. Those goddesses were Palutena and her sister Medusa."
The next painting was in the same style as the first, although the tranquil feeling was no longer there, and Palutena and Medusa now stood face to face.
"Things were peaceful for a while until the first handful of humans passed and their soul floated up to Angel Land. Palutena wanted to reincarnate the souls as angels to protect the lands. Medusa agreed for the most part, but disagreed when it came to giving them free will."
"She wanted them to be mindless drones?"
"Pretty much."
"Everything was good again for a while, but Medusa became angry over the fact that she was taking orders from her sister. Then came the day demons appeared on the Over world."
Siblings fighting over power, nearly every world she visited had a similar story somewhere in their past. She silently urged Pit to continue.
"Palutena was enraged that Medusa created the demons. The two fought until Palutena finally managed to gain the upper hand. She banished her sister from Angel Land to the Under World. Then for a while things were peaceful again."
"For a while? Then what happened?" Samus looked to the next painting, depicting an unknown angel. He wore a suit of armor similar to the one Pit had back in his house. His wings were different though, black feathers randomly spotted his wings.
"Maybe we should finish this some other time Samus. I should get back to my other duties soon." Pit felt a little guilty, it seemed like he could never satisfy his friend's ravenous curiosity. .
"Yeah... I shouldn't of just dropped in like this anyways." Samus uttered slightly defeated as she made her way to the hall's entrance.
She stayed silent for the rest of the journey back to Pit's home, only nodding as he said goodbye and she entered the portal that would return her to the smash compound.
Samus retired to her room as soon as she returned, her little trip had exhausted her more then she expected it would. While she stared at the ceiling from the the center of her bed her mind racked itself with concern over Pit's behavior. She hoped she didn't bring up anything too painful for him.
The last thing she wanted was to hurt him.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait, working on a few stories at once and I'm moving again soon. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed. Please do the same here.
In the next chapter: Pit comes bearing gifts but Samus is no where to be found. When he finds her at the bottom of the bottle will he be willing to put up with her?
Thanks for reading everyone.