Author's Note: Man, I am on a roll. I'm foreseeing... four more chapters of this story, plus or minus one depending on how I write it out. Maybe more like three. Anyway, this one's another pretty long chapter and I'll just point out the description of this story briefly. Yay for Lucit!

"Why didn't you tell me you were home?!"

"Huh? OOF!" Pit grunted as he found himself being nearly tackled by his daughter, turning around just in time to catch her in his arms as she looked up at him with a wide and relieved smile on her face. "I didn't want to wake you," he replied. "We got back late last night and everybody was dead on their feet. Figuratively, not literally."

"If you say so," Aegle huffed and turned to hug her mother. "Is it over? Did you beat Hades?"

"Not yet, dear," Lucina said as she held her child close. "But we plan to end this as soon as we can." Aegle's smile faded.

"So, you're leaving again?" she asked as she turned back to her father, and he nodded, his heart breaking at the sight of the worry and disappointment on her face.

"We'll be back soon," he promised as he kissed the top of her head. "Now, come on. Let's eat."

He'd ordered what was essentially a feast for breakfast that morning, knowing he and his allies would need all their strength in the coming days. Remiel and Henry had trudged in a short time later, neither in the mood for conversation, and Pit felt a surge of guilt at the thought of the message Nemo had given him the night before. He knew he needed to pass it along to the boys, but couldn't decide when the right time would be to do so.

Despite the buffet available, no one had much of an appetite beyond picking at odds and ends presented before them. The sun was shining outside over Skyworld, but a cloud of despair hung over them. Several times Aegle tried to strike up some comforting conversation or other with Remiel and Henry, but gave up after receiving half-hearted mumbles in reply. Pit sighed as he sat and held a cup of hot cider in his hands, its warmth almost breaking through the melancholy chill in his body. He looked up at the sound of the dining hall's doors opening and found Ephraim arriving with Kuro coming in a moment later, and the twin gods stared at each other- Pit's gaze wide and surprised and Kuro's with his nearly trademark smirk accompanying it.

"Whoa," Pit managed to say as he stood up and looked his brother over. Kuro snorted and shook his head as he walked further into the hall and spread his arms almost mockingly.

"I figured if I'm gonna be a god, I might as well look the part," he said with a shrug. "And my old tunic saw a lot of damage recently." He now garbed himself in a white, gold and blue-trimmed robe slung over his right shoulder with a long sleeve, the other side bare save a gold arm band and a piece of armor colored like Pit's over his forearm. While he wore an ordinary black undershirt, his shorts appeared near identical to the gold-trimmed pair he wore back when he first came into existence. A belt lined in gold was wrapped twice around his waist and held in place with the clasp containing his full armor, and he wore a new style of brown, open-toed boots. His laurel crown had changed as well, being more pointed on the ends and parts of it reaching down and wrapping behind his ears.

"It's a good look for you," Lucina spoke up with a smile, and Kuro nodded to her.

"Yeah," Pit agreed. "Though I bet you feel funny wearing it."

"Details," Kuro chuckled. "It's comfortable if nothing else. I'll get used to it."

"Wait, wait, wait, WAIT," Aegle demanded as she stared at her uncle. "Since when are you a god?!"

"Since about three days ago," he replied as he sat down at Pit's side. "Your uncle is now the god of Calamity. So you had better be on your best behavior." Aegle stared at him a moment longer before slouching with laughter that she tried to keep quiet. He turned to his brother with a rather stoic face. "That's also taking some getting used to."

"Been there," Pit nodded. "Now…" He took a deep breath as his tone became quite serious. "There's no sense waiting. We might as well talk about where we're going from here." The Underworld's princes looked up and focused their attention on him, and Aegle fell silent. He lowered his head and placed his hands against the table before standing and scanning his gaze over his companions- his family. "I…" He wasn't entirely sure how to handle such a delicate matter. "I spoke with Nemo." The gazes watching him intensified to varying degrees, Remiel and Henry stunned most of all.

"You spoke with Father?" Remiel managed to say, trying to keep his voice from breaking.

"I did," Pit nodded. "He said he directed what energy he still has into contacting me through a dream last night. And… He's come to the same conclusion a lot of us have: We have to kill Hades no matter the cost, and it'll likely mean him losing his life." Henry leaned his head back and closed his eyes before bracing his elbows on the table and burying his face in his hands. Remiel placed his arm around his brother and pulled him closer, though his heartbreak was barely masked on his face.

"Father and Hades are one soul now," he said quietly. "So eliminating one means the other is as well." He shut his eyes and lowered his head. "I guess we've known that from the start, but… knowing even he thinks that way…"

"It's hard," Pit agreed. "Rem, Henry, I'm so sorry." Henry said something, though it was muffled, and he withdrew his hands and took a shaky breath.

"And there's pretty much no chance we can make it quick," he said. "Hades is gonna fight us with everything he's got, and as long as he's in Dad's body, then Dad'll take the hit." He frowned and rested his chin in his hands. "Shame I can't just whip up a curse to end all this, but he's just too strong. Plus, I don't really know all that much about souls."

"Nemo knows he's basically caught in crossfire," Pit continued. "And… I'm not convinced he really cares all that much. He just wants to be free of whatever Hades has been doing to him."

"I can't imagine what he must be going through," Lucina breathed. "To have your very being taken over and used like that…"

"Too bad there aren't two of him," Henry said darkly. "Like Rufure and Grima. Can't just have one kill the other and get rid of the bad stuff."

"Rufure was ready to give her life for peace back then," Pit pointed out. "And Nemo is now. It's not going to be easy- we all know that. But we have to find a way to pull through." He fell silent and looked over as Kuro pushed his chair back and stood up quickly, his lips pressed into a thin line and his brow furrowed as he crossed his arms and clenched his fists, and he started pacing slowly. Despite concern for his twin, Pit pushed it aside and continued. "But… I'll admit I don't know how we're going to deal with this."

"Simple," Kuro grumbled. "We gut Hades and be done with it."

"Kuro!" Pit snapped. "It's not that simple. I want to end this as quickly as possible, for us and for Nemo's sake. We need a plan."

"Then THINK of one!" Kuro growled as he glared at his twin. "All I hear is you making excuses and stalling. You say you know Nemo needs to die for this to end, but I can see it in your eyes. You still think you can find a way to save him. But there ISN'T a way." The hall fell deathly silent as six pairs of eyes stared at him. "We need to finish him before this gets even more out of hand," he said in a low voice. "You're going to have blood on your hands, Pit. You just need to decide whether it's going to be Nemo's or ours, let alone all the humans that'll die and have already. And Hades isn't going to stop there." Pit remained silent for a heartbeat longer, stunned.

"What the heck is wrong with you?" he demanded as he met his twin's glare, and a fire of anger burned to life in Kuro's crimson eyes.

"What's wrong with me is that I'm trying to keep a cap on this destruction inside me!" he snapped as uncrossed his arms and his body stiffened. "I'm a god now, Pit. Deal with it. And I'm not some benevolent leader like you. I'm trying to learn on the job how to deal with this instinct to cause chaos. You don't want that. I don't want that. But I don't have an outlet for it."

"Just because you're having trouble doesn't mean you can just talk about Nemo this way in front of his sons," Lucina said firmly as she watched him, and his blazing glare turned on her.

"Whatever," he huffed. "I didn't ask your opinion. I didn't ask for you to be here butting your way into our business, human!"

"KURO!" Pit yelled, nearly stomping over to his twin. "Don't you DARE talk to her like that!"

"Am I wrong?" Kuro inquired curtly. "You're only supposed to have one angel in Skyworld, remember?" He pointed at Ephraim, who squirmed awkwardly in his chair.

"Then I guess you shouldn't be here either," Pit snapped back, and Kuro's eyes widened. "But you are. So deal with it."
"I'm TRYING to!" the black-haired god nearly screamed and punched toward the wall, dark red flames shooting out from around his hand and leaving scorch marks on it. "I've been trying to deal with it ever since I came out of that mirror!"

"ENOUGH!" Lucina interrupted furiously, and they both turned to find her staring them down while she held a quietly crying Aegle in her arms, and a rush of guilt made Pit feel sick. "You two are brothers," his partner went on, her gaze unwavering. "You're supposed to support each other! We're all stressed right now, but that doesn't mean you need to be at each others' throats. Kuro, find a healthy way to deal with this power you've gained. Pit, don't antagonize him. You two are nothing without each other, and you know it." They both blinked, and Pit relaxed his tense shoulders while Kuro straightened up and lowered his gaze.

"It's not that simple," he grumbled.

"I know it's not," she said in a softer, but still firm, tone. "Kuro, I care about you deeply. I don't like seeing you so at war with yourself. But I've learned, if nothing else, that you can't give in to fear. You have to keep pushing through no matter how dark things get. Even if the ENTIRE WORLD is against you, giving up will only promise that you'll lose the battle." She paused. "You have such strong and powerful abilities now. If you need to use them, turn them against the Underworld Army just like you always have." She turned to her partner. "And you, Pit. You put so much passion into everything you do, and I know this is the first time in a long time you've been so conflicted. But lashing out against those who love you is only going to make your predicament worse." The twins were silent for a moment.

"Sometimes I forget how wise your hardships have made you," Pit finally admitted as he made his way over to her. "You're absolutely right."

"Yeah," Kuro sighed. "Sorry, Lucina. I do like having you around. I didn't mean to insult you."

"I know," she nodded. "You're right about one thing," she admitted and glanced down. "I'm really not supposed to be here according to the laws the Fates have laid down. But I am by their own jurisdiction, and I plan to make the most of it." Kuro nodded as well and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself down while he sat down again. Pit, meanwhile, bent down and placed his hand on Aegle's shoulder, and she turned to him with pleading eyes.

"Please don't fight anymore," she said in a weak voice, and his heart clenched as he hugged her.

"We won't," he replied as he stroked her hair. "I'm sorry I scared you, Aegle."

"Me too," Kuro spoke up, and Aegle looked over to him. "I'm not entirely sure how to deal with what I've got in me, but this isn't the way." There was again silence in the room until Remiel got to his feet and cleared his throat.

"Commander, if I may say something," he prompted, and both Pit and Kuro nodded. "And you as well, Lady Lucina. I'm not happy about the situation we've found ourselves in." Henry nodded in agreement. "If I had my way, my father wouldn't be dealing with this in the first place, or at least we'd be able to bring him a quick and painless end. But that probably won't happen. I am the first prince of the Underworld and I am both an embodiment and defender of the Celestial Balance. I love Father dearly, but I'd rather put an end to this as soon as possible than have us all, including him, continue to suffer because of Hades. And Commander Kuro, I have a feeling that the power you're trying to contain is going to be a great asset to us."

"Maybe so," Kuro replied. "Blasting the Underworld Army into a hellstorm of flaming chaos should calm me down a little."

"I'll help," Henry volunteered. "They'll pay for what they've done."

"Alright," Pit said as he gathered back his emotions. "Tomorrow. We'll go to the Underworld and put an end to Hades. One way or another, this ends tomorrow. So take today to prepare yourselves." He turned his attention to his daughter. "Once again, I need you to stay here, Aegle." He could see her desire to argue in her eyes along with her concern for her family, but she only nodded and said nothing.

"So… no big battle plan?" Ephraim wondered. "Just go in, go after Hades, get rid of any Underworld monsters in the way, and call it a day?"

"Yep," Pit said simply. "That's it."

"No complaints here," the Captain shrugged. "Let's get it over with."

"Aye," Remiel agreed. "Luck be with us all."

Later that evening as the sun had nearly disappeared behind the horizon, Pit sat down on his bed with his head helplessly in his hands. He had bid a good night to the rest of his family and companions save Lucina, who came into their chamber and took a seat next to him. He let out a heavy sigh as she leaned her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm over his back.

"Life can be cruel," she said gently, and he nodded. "Do you remember when your other self was with me and the Shepherds, and I told you I tried to kill my mother?"

"Yeah," he agreed as he turned to her. "But you couldn't. And I'm glad you didn't."

"So am I. I was so desperate to protect my father that I almost let that blind me, but I love her as well. And watching her sacrifice herself to stop Grima permanently… I never want to feel pain like that again." She paused. "My point is that I understand, even if only a little. Nemo is a close friend and ally of yours and I know it's going to be hard to end his life. But you'll be freeing him as well."

"I know," he sighed and leaned against her. "And I want that more than anything. But still, after all we've been through, it's going to be hard. I guess I just have to focus on Hades and hope for the best." He fell silent for a short time. "I remember after you came back from confronting Rufure, you started crying as soon as you saw Morgan. That's kind of how I feel when it comes to Rem and Henry. How am I gonna face them after killing their father?"

"There's no promise that you'll be the one to kill him," she pointed out. "Though knowing you, you're determined not to put that burden on anyone else."

"You know me well, Lucina," he agreed. "Nemo said himself he looks forward to meeting my blade. If anyone's going to live with the guilt, I'm definitely not going to let it be his children."

"They understand," she pressed. "They know it has to be done. I don't think either of them will hold it against you."

"I know, but still," he mumbled. "And if I lost any of you…" He raised his head and looked into her eyes, touching his fingers to her cheek. "If I lost you tomorrow, I wouldn't forgive myself."

"You know I don't go down without a fight," she said lightly with a slight smile. "And I have faith you'll lead us through this. All of us. And I didn't agree to eternity with you to leave you so soon." He let out a short, helpless laugh and pulled her against him to kiss her deeply, almost terrified of what would happen should he let her out of his arms.

"I can't help but worry," he said once he'd pulled back, and her eyes sparkled as they met his and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Forget about tomorrow," she said softly. "Forget about Hades. Forget about fighting." She leaned in, resting her forehead against his. "All I want you to focus on is us." She smiled at the sight of his flushing face as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her again.

"Gladly," he breathed and adjusted to place his lips to her neck while she entwined her fingers in his hair, and he spread his wings and lay back as he pulled her against his chest. A shiver passed through his body as her hand trailed down his side and unhitched his robe, his face turning a darker shade of red as he met her gaze again.

"I love you, Pit," she said with a smile, one he returned as his hands moved gently up her back.

"As I love you, my sweet Lucina," he replied as his fingers brushed against the back of her neck and played with the blue locks of her hair. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she said softly, though kept him from doing so a moment longer with another brief kiss.

"After all this is over," he said once he deemed he was able to, "Will you let your hair grow back out? I like it long."

"I plan to," she agreed and tilted her head to brush her nose along his neck and shoulder. "Hopefully I can finally stop pretending to be someone I'm not. I can just be Lucina."

"I certainly prefer Lucina," he chuckled and pulled free the knot tied around her neck keeping her dress in place, and he lost himself in the soothing warmth of her body as she kissed him again. There was little point in dwelling on what was coming. In that moment, all he cared about was the woman who gave up everything she knew for him, the one who had stolen his heart without him even realizing it, and supported him in ways that he would never be able to repay. The battle would come, and he would be ready, but for now, as his heartbeat quickened and desire overtook his body, all he was concerned with was Lucina.