Ambitious

by Chef FtAaIiRlY

[AU] The boy never had a family to begin with and the loneliness numbed his emotions. He was the kind of kid you noticed and forgot because he wouldn't talk; he was the kid you avoided because he had scary eyes. And here we tell his story of something you'd never see coming, that this boy only needed hope to pull him out of the dark, and save the world. Life is a precious thing.

8. Kid House

Scratchy voice of Mr. Radioman talking to you: Aaaand hello Cheft Family, welcome to another chapter of Surprised. Ah ha but! This isn't your usual surprising meal... Chef cooked up a sample dish for you to have a little taste of what's happening next for Dart! So please! Read all of below, even the paragraphs before the actual chapter starting. It will answer a lot of questions and confusions. Especially because I've been playing around with this story's summary.

Note: When it says scratchy radio voice- try to imagine what a radio announcer in the 1950's would sound like. This is story T for teens- I may have more swears near chapter 30ish or before, I block it out with the exception of 'hell', 'piss' and 'crap'. OKAY I KNOW, there are swears in Pit Academy but that was like two years ago and I was young and stupid. I didn't know better, Cheft apologizes. I also know that swears is a little thing and ten year olds say it, I just want to avoid any "encouraging"? Yeah… Cheft says- keep a clean mouth! Another thing, no M rated stuff: A complete no-no, I am uncomfortable with any detailed kiss scenes and nights. Don't ask, in the past a couple of you guys in Pit Academy wanted it… no. But! Cute scenes is 100 percent A.O.K, yay! I am making this clear because towards the climax of the story, Dart is going to be at least 15, maybe 16. The Dart and Panda relationship has grown even in this chapter (just a bit- more in the real chapter), the Pit and Viridi relationship is getting there later in the story.

WARNING: THIS IS A SLOW PACED STORY. THAT'S WHY CHEF HAS A SAMPLE. By the time I have updated this chapter, the summary and 1st chapter of Surprised will be changed as well as the title.

Chef: I know a lot of you have already read the original and probably want to know what happens next- so here it is, a preview or how I like to say it: Chef Sample Dish. Now if you're being naughty and you're reading this before you finished Surprised... that's okay. CHEF FORGIVES YOU. It doesn't really matter if you read this or not, it shouldn't spoil anything that isn't already obvious. Also this sample dish gives you something to expect later in the story so just roll with the punches and enjoy. BUT if you DO want to continue on with the rewritten chapters, just skip this and head to the next chapter (which Chef deliciously prepared before hand, no problem.) Okay so this takes place probably around chapter 30 to 40. Continuing after the Persephone conflict with her bullies resolve and the introducing of Viridi is met. By the way I haven't even gotten this far in the original so... whatever. And yes I know- ER MER GERSH! WE'RE BEFORE CHAPTER TEN IN THE REWRITTEN AND THIS IS ALREADY CHAPTER 30? NO WAY!

Summary till this point: Shortly after Pit attends Deldinian Middle and the relationship between the four grows, Ashe finally decides to end the matter with Palutena and insists she adopts Dart herself. Upon her departure, a terrible storm quakes the nation leaving the four characters to survive on their own. Dart has already turned 14 by then and his personality has grown dramatically from chapter 1. He becomes more as a leader figure, taking the responsibility of rescuing everyone he is close with. In the powerless control system, all of Deldin bares the- everyone for themselves law, burdening Dart and others with the challenging survival game of rationing their food, forming a group and base, hiding from or fighting insane maniacs and most of all, saving each other.

"The disaster, Ave, tore the country in two- bringing lives to an end and leaving the survivors to rot."

Heads up: I'm also thinking about putting this fanfic in another category that it will fit into since it barely has Kid Icarus. But do not worry, I don't own anything alrighty (except the storyline and my original characters) but other than that, nothing.

Chapter ?

Part 3

Kid House

My eyes blink open to darkness. Little light slipping through the slits and cracks of the boarded window. I twist my neck to the right catching the time, then to the left where Pandora is laying soundly still sleeping. Sitting up I tug the blanket over her shoulders then turn, setting my feet on the ground. It's time to start the day, I've been having headaches lately and it's really pounding a number on me. To sooth some pain, I lean forward covering my face, elbows propped on my knees thinking.

Ugh what day is it? It's been months since Ashe returned, her little trip taking longer than expected. How am I suppose to hold up when all of Deldin is under the 'freeman' law and any time right now someone could just barge through the door and rob our lives? I hate this. There's not one day I go without thinking about death. Just the thought of the Kid House dying before my eyes... me alone again... I just can't- I have to protect them with all I got. James Pit Icarus, Dart, me, I am no longer a nobody. I found my place in this world and I refuse to be taken from it. I will do something with my life, no more blocking people out. I will live; I will breath, I will see; I will save. Over and Over.

Standing, I stretch out my arms and walk quietly to the door- glancing behind me before swinging it shut. Panda's messy hair shimming just a bit in the rays, shading her calm sleeping eyes. Descending the steps, I maneuver my way to the kitchen. With all the windows and doors boarded, getting yourself around is a little tricky. Lucky for me I know this place like the back of my hand. Making an exception and bringing some life back into the shop, I take down the wooden planks that rest up against the back windows of the kitchen. It shouldn't be a problem, there's no one back there to see anyways. Outside is practically dead. Let's get to work. I open up the refrigerator with the key, taking out the leftovers from this weeks stash. I pretty much run the group's supplies, rationing the food. So far we didn't let anything go to waste and there's still that lifetime supply of baking goods in the pantry and cellar. As long as this place doesn't get looted we should be fine. Retrieving the matches, I work both the gas lever underneath and the stove knobs- trying to get a click. The lit match I placed by the output catches the gas and ignites a working stove. I rinse my hands as the fire is set on low. Propping a pan over the flame, I turn to the island counter- wiping down the surface then flicking flour over, beginning to knead.

"Ahh." Pit walks in, arms raised over his head, "Mornin'."

"Morning."

Taking a seat at the island counter to right across from me, my brother asks what's for breakfast. I don't know why he does, he already knows I'm gonna say the same thing. Pit moans as I remind him that this week's storage isn't finished. How our system goes: On Sunday we prepare the food we will have throughout the week. This helps saves power and plans are rationing for the month. Next we plan days beforehand where we do perimeter sweeps and or, scouting. Viridi gathered enough information to imply the specific days and time slots that are the most efficient and most safe to go out. It all depends on the regular hour people chose to wander and what hours relief zones are open. Then in case of an emergency we routed paths to meeting points to get together. We also created a routine to perform if a looter tried to break in- we each play different roles that bring it in all for the team. ...Yeah, as you can tell we have a lot of free time. And we all seen way too many 'end of the world' shows and movies to mess this up. The only thing is, this is reality- play it safe, don't be a hero.

My role is to lead. Calling out the shots and directing everyone when the moment comes. We, especially Panda- get a little drifted when things get hectic. So when it's a downfall look for me and you'll be okay. Also when it's time to scout or leave Kid House, I organize plans and see what we need. Next is my brother, Pit is our hands-on-man if that makes sense. Basically he fixes up the broken also designing how Kid House is set up and protected. Burn outs and wind leaks are common throughout, even the bakery building isn't at 100 HP though this area was least affected. This leaves that guy to shine and do what he gotta do. As you know Viridi is kinda like the genius since we're all pretty stupid and detail isn't at the top of our list. She's the brains behind our little group using her statistics she finalizes my decisions and reminds me what's the best time to scout or store or whatever. Persephone is our medic, it actually suits her really well since she grew up taking care of others. There's more skill about wounds in her then in me and I'm older. She knows just what to do whether one of us is sick, cut or crazy touched (Definition: When one after tragic event loses their self to unstableness. Also known as maniac catch and insane pain.) and really Persephone keeps her sister going without much problems. If it was only me... well I hate to say this but- I don't know what I'd do and I don't know for sure if I can take care of Panda. Speaking of which that girl is our seeker, a pretty easy going job. When some of us are reported to serve at the relief zone or just headin' out Panda watches from the rooftop to make sure we don't get jumped or something. She spends most of her time up there just looking out for us and to breath, keeping calm. Then there's her being a rat- really Pandora is really observant and also watches over us (probably get is from Persephone) there has been times where Pandora would stop one of us and takes over till we're done resting up. I would know. Recently she'd stop me in the morning as if she knew I was sick, seeing that I was up late before and waking up early for everyone else. To be honest that day I was really dizzy and glad that I let her- let me sleep in while she got up to prepare breakfast and accompanied Pit to the unity center for service hours.

The pans sizzles as the butter brushed dough slice meets the heat. As I finish up cooking more members walk in, filling the kitchen. We greet the ladies with a "Good Mornin'." Like always. Persephone yawns with Viridi right behind her and they all sit across from my kneading station. Starting some small talk and conversations, grinning with snickers. Though it hurts once you know it's all for show. I know it, they know it- everyone is trying to cover up what's really going on. Right now, the situation we're in isn't anything to smile about. Us like many others still try to live on- all trying to forget the dying world outside. Ave took something from all of us- for Viridi, it was her knowledge, her work and research drowning in the flood. For Pit it was his freedom, unable to walk the streets without looking over his shoulder or enjoying life simplest. For Persephone it was her happiness, the children she took care of lost and scattered. For Pandora it was her toughness, losing herself to the hands of tragedy and letting fear take over. The things that make you- you, was taken by Ave. People changed after witnessing a world eaten then thrown back out- for most, people had coped. But for others- they became sick in the head. Anyways for me I lost and I gained, having confidence and love but letting go of the regular days of smiles.

It's been an on and off thing in history so I shouldn't be surprised but after the disaster people categorized each other depending on what they do or how they survive. There's nicknames; the kind that are just unstable or traumatised are RUGEDDIES, they shake and tremble and are dangerous if you get close. POTROCKETS are the stupids that raid homes for supplies for mostly selfish reasons, they kill for themselves and since there's no formal police- they get away with it. Then we have the CROOGERS, basically the people who don't normally do anything 'illegal' and are pretty reasonable. The last group we thought of are NOVANS, they keep to themselves and survive with what they have until scouting. We are novans- or we try to be (for the most part). Anyways we didn't make up the names. To be honest they're pointless, categorizing people is just a whole nother problem to deal with. At the demolished city center with officials there are boards and signs with those names so it quickly spread. Last time going there I remembered seeing the words, 'the strong' spray painted over the potrockets description. If anything I think they're the same as others, people who had been taken over by Ave.

"Awh man..." Pit leans back in his chair after finishing the last of his breakfast. "When's the last time we've been out?" It didn't really cross my mind but it wouldn't hurt to say at least a whole week. I'm being honest here, indoors is the safest place to be. Ave destroyed nearly all of the nation and more, rubble replaced states and crazies are on the loose. "Y'know," Pit starts, "I hear they're rebuilding the unity building."

The brains of our group shakes her head in disapproval. "That's ridiculous!" Viridi pouts, clearly mad. "They should at least fix the hospital. It'd be more useful to the people then the government, even after all this I can't believe they haven't learned yet. " She then looks to me, "The next functional medical zone is a three hour walk from here!" Being disrupting her rant, Viridi looks down to Persephone tapping her shoulder. Reminding all of us about her sister's condition, Viridi sighs. "That's right. Dart how's Pandora-"

"I'm fine your highness." Speaking of the devil, here she is. Fashionably late for some breakfast, Panda steps in- filling the room with the last member of the Kid House. "But thanks for asking." She makes her way towards me greeting everyone in her path. Receiving a quick hug from her younger sister, a smile with Viridi and highfives with Pit. When she's close I pull her into a hug asking how she's holdin' up and all I get is a half hearted, "Stupid I'm fine." With a pat on my back she leaves, eyes on the prize- food. Talking over her shoulder while grabbing a plate she asks, "Today's Wednesday, are we scouting or what?" The time Panda sits, everyone begins to put away their dishes. Viridi and Pit stays as Persephone goes out, probably wanting to be the first to clean up.

"Mail came the other day, it stained your name." Pit mentioned as he dug through the piles of scraps and papers. He handed it over. "It's probably for service hours, you haven't reported since a week in the rising."

"I'll go with you." I say without thought. But as expected I receive stares with Pandora shaking her head. It isn't smart, in case something happens while I'm gone, everything we've worked on would crumble and I'd have to live with the regret. Even though it's like that I can't help but worry about Pandora out of my sight. Especially with her condition... "Hey I just want y-"

A horrendous bang jump scared us followed by a scream of Persephone. We instantly react knowing our positions, I met the little sister on her knees, hands over her head crying. The front door behind her gaped a mug size hole through the center. The banging did not stop, whoever is on the outside doesn't have any intention of negotiation. Potrocket. Looking over my shoulder, Pit and Viridi freeze as stone staring back with scared eyes. They need me, I throw myself at the door trying to keep it from breaking open and call Pit to my side. Then I order Viridi to barricade the back windows with Persephone. In a terrifying flash, Pandora's image takes over my thoughts. But before I can yell her name, the blow of shattering glass breaks through our ears. It came from upstairs. I can feel Pit shaking next to me, fear forming deep in my chest.

"Pit make sure no one gets through the front." I say standing straight, "Viridi guard the entrances in the kitchen. Persephone be our eyes, seek from the bathroom window South wall. Pandora? Pandora!" I find her sitting on the floor clutching her chest. "It's okay," Reassuring her and pulling the girl to her feet. "Seek from the big bedroom West wall." she goes and I return to Pit informing, "I'll be the runner. I need you to take over until I'm back got it?"

My brother looks me in the eye, "Are you craz-"

"On three open the door." I pull over my hood of my red hoodie and tie my shoes tight, also tucking a pocket knife in my grey baggy sweatpants. "One..!"

"Dart they're coming around the corner, surrounding the house!" Reports Persephone, yelling through the house.

Putting on the last board, Viridi gasps jumping back. Potrockets attempt breaking through the backdoor. "They reached the back door!"

"It's now or never." I get into stance, "Two..!"

"Dart!" It's Pandora's voice coming from behind me. She stands near the paying counter, "Give me two minutes, okay. I got your back."

"Two minutes." I give her a smirk then yell, "Three!" Pit unlatches the lock, swinging the door open. I run throwing myself to two men, grabbing their hoodies and pushing them away. The door shuts behind me and I'm on the outside. The sky above is cloud filled, glowing grey. Around me there are flipped cars- looking as if they were toys tossed around by a kid. Some trees are uprooted, the others still standing are crooked slanting to one side. The sidewalk crushed along with the uneven terrain of the road. "Argh." I fall taking the two potrockets down with me. As one attempts to get up, I jab his cheek and jump up breaking into a run. Then, as I gathered with my wolfie senses, the two men run after me. Turning around, the potrocket gets hold of my hoodie and chucks me to the side, I began rolling down the steep dent in the street. Rocks and small debris circling against my body until I hit the bottom. Landing on my back, I caught sight of the two hooded figures sliding down- they surround me. "Heh," I snicker and one guy kicks my side. "3-2-1." Out flying down from the sky, what is it? A bird? A plane? No! It's a Panda! Pandora jumps the guy on my right from behind, I take that opportunity to fight the guy on my left. With a few kicks and hits we take them out easy. "That's my girl." I smirk, opening up my arms.

"Jump a cliff Dart." Then she smacks my arm, walking up the incline. "Come on, there's more by the bakery."

Catching up, I noticed the change of clothes. Looks like she changed before coming out here. "Hey Panda, are those mine?"

"Do me a favor and just… ugh go."

Heh it's true. If you were a spectator, you'll be able to tell who's the enemy by the color of their clothes. Me and Panda with red hoodies, hoods up at all times. The potrockets dressed in all black, also covering their heads with hoods. Coming up to the building, we separate and lucky me I picked the side where two potrockets are busy dwindling with the back door. My instincts say, just go for it. Like the rush of a rollercoaster, I ran and jump-kicked the guy by the door. While he's knocked down for a short time, I body slammed the turning-around-cause-I-heard-something guy by the opposite fence. Jackpot, that guy is stunned and I turn around to an incoming fist from the door potrocket. Don't panic at a time like this, just simply push the punch in a different direction and take the opportunity while his focus is on that. Okay, well at least try. No one is perfect kiddies, I know (and Cheft knows). Well, the time I shoved away the punch, the fence guy came from behind and ringed his arms around my neck. Doing all I could at the time, I kicked as hard as I could to the door potrocket's face. Hoping I did some damage, I was surprised to see the guy fumble back, clutching a bleeding mouth. With my high self esteem, I try a left elbow jab to the fence potrocket trying to choke me. His grip loosens just enough for me to meet my senses and whip around right arm, pushing off I aimed for his jaw. My little surprise so the two potrickets can match. Anyways, I didn't stop there- debating if I went overboard or not, I swung a kick to the staggering fence guy's head. He fell and stayed. Hearing a rising roar behind me, the door potrockets swoops in- tackling me to the ground. With that, I protect my face with bruising arms. The guy is a nonstop motor with punches.

I hear, "You f(bad word) brat!" with my arms numbing in pain. I struggle to get up.

"Just shut up!" Forcing myself, I shove off the guy and catch my breath. "Seriously, what's your problem?!" I wasn't really screaming but I felt like I had authority with my tone/volume in my voice. Then I smile, 3-2-1.

Pit sneaks out of the back door and signals for an 'okay' to take out the potrocket. I didn't mind at the time, I was just so dang tired. In a flash my brother swiftly gets behind the guy and strangles him, I go in for the finish and knock him out with a finish blow to the head.

Pit snickers, "Awh man."

I raise my hands with a slight smile, "Credits on you hero."

"Crazy guys huh," Pit comments. "And geez, this early?"

A "Yeah," comes from the distance. Pandora comes in through the fence looking relieved. "Someone probably took a dump on their breakfast."

"Perfect logic." I sigh, opening the door and letting my friends in. "Leave 'em, they're smart enough to run once they get the chance."

"No one messes with us." Pit laughs.

End

"Two minutes okay, I got your back."

.

.

.

NOTES:

What will this book become? A growing relationship between four badass students of Deldinian Middle. All enduring their rough childhood and heart tugging problems- these four kids find themselves turning into the better person they never thought they'd be able to be. Sticking together with each others unique skills and personalities, they will rise up to create the best survival team to all but one goal they each strive for- to live a happily in the world and smile.

HISTORY - Beginning where Dart met Pandora and opened up to the world a little bit more. The time when he helped Monster and a bullied victim. When he lived with Ashe and knew little about his real family.

GET TOGETHER - Forming a group with others who share the same pain and different horrid childhoods. Found his brother and tried to fix the gap between him and his mother.

STRIVE - Learn more about each other's situations while surviving in the torn world. The group saves officials and remarks as starks, finds more skills. The search for Ashe and Palutena begins? They move out of Deldin.

GUN SHOT - Dart and gang are older, moved into the city. Apartment equals base. No peace yet, people are searching for Viridi. More badass Pit fight moments. More missions. Project VX9 commences- Vection is not desired.

EYES CLOSED - _h_dfifim_gr_fgjo_ gjfov_ _ghj_ j_jdvlv_ fgj_ error, error.

DART and PANDORA - An epic, cookie baking, cool looking, wolf sensed guy with his candy addict, anger management, ass kicking lady. Their weird relationship of an almost bully and some laid back delinquent is questionable at times but their feelings for each other are legit. Even though most of their affection is hidden with jokes, these two never would never drop a chance to help the other out. Promise to heart, they have always got each others backs.

PIT and VIRIDI - This badass hero out on the battlefield, will stop at nothing for his delicate little princess's protection and happiness. Behind the curtains his girl is actually a super genius machine. The knowledge/data in her brain ups a mountain and her work could easily kill a country if it gets into the wrong hands. Though upon having a complex relationship, with much trust and love, the phone screen between them can shatter and they can truly meet face to face again.

KID HOUSE - Originally Novans, progressed to Starks. Dart: Leader, Pit: Mechanic, Viridi: Brains, Pandora: Seeker, Persephone: Medic. NOVAN STATE/STARKS MISSION - Hideout: Bakery. Dart, Pandora are fighters. Pit is backup, though main job protect base and insiders. Insiders consist of Viridi and Persephone. PROJECT VX9/VECTION - Hideout: Apartment. Pit is the main fighter. Dart, Pandora are more backup kinda fighters. The hacker and eyes is Viridi, she controls almost everything. Persephone is the decoy.

Resranact

Caldenburk

Vascidomn

Bahlasidur

Surprised

Amazed

Stunned