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Chapter 6: Attack

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Yeah, he’s a tough guy. He’ll be fine.”

Marth stirred, and as he opened his eyes, bright light blinded him until his eyes adjusted and he could see the world around him. Pit was staring at him anxiously, “I think he’s waking up.”

Ike appeared into his vision, “What a relief.”

“Where are we?” Marth croaked.

“Don’t try to talk,” Pit soothed, “We’re in the hospital.”

“Water,” Marth said, trying to convey his thoughts in as few words as possible. Talking hurt.

Pit left the room to fetch a glass of water and only then did Marth notice that the poor angel was able to move about, but his wings were carefully wrapped in bandages as were other sections of his body.

Marth turned to Ike, “What I heard back there… Is that the truth? What you’ve been keeping from me this whole time?”

Ike sighed and slouched back into his seat, “Yes.”

“You should have told me!!! I was involved and because of your pride, look at what happened.” Marth remembered another piece of the story, “Clone? You’re my clone?”

“There’s no doubt about it,” Ike said quietly, “Our DNA matches perfectly. I checked after we entered the tournament.”

Marth slumped back, “I don’t believe it. I can’t believe my parents would do something so…”

“Mad scientist-like?”

Marth rubbed his forehead, “I just don’t believe it.”

“They hid a lot of things from you in order to protect you.”

Marth snorted, “Oh, yeah. My destiny.”

“It’s not something you should joke about.”

“Then are you suggesting that I take it seriously?”

Ike sighed, “Don’t be difficult, Marth.”

Marth scowled, “Why me? Why do I have to die to save the world?”

“If everything goes the way it should, you won’t have to.”

Marth stared at him, “You’re okay with this? You don’t mind dying?”

“It’s why I came back. We all die eventually, and I’m glad I could die to save a friend.”

Marth carefully looked into Ike’s eyes, “You’re lying.” He realized what his friend was thinking, “You’re just doing this out of duty. You actually believe in that destiny crap.”

Ike stood up, “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Marth leapt out of bed and grabbed Ike’s shoulder, “You don’t have to be like an emotionless robot all the time. You’re a clone, but you’re still human, aren’t you?”

Pit walked in with a tray in hand and a glass of water and a plate of fruit balanced on top, “Here, Marth. You should eat.”

Ike gently pulled out of Marth’s grip, “I’ll be back tomorrow.” And he vanished out the door.

Pit set the tray on the table beside the bed. He turned to Marth, a stern look in his eye, “You shouldn’t be moving around.”

Marth reluctantly returned to the bed, “Did Ike tell you anything?”

Pit shrugged, “He told me those guys were after you two. Not much else, and I don’t need to know. If you guys want to keep it to yourselves, I understand.”

Marth sipped the water, “So have we been disqualified?”

“Well, after Ike explained what happened, the heads of the tournament decided to start and investigation and so the whole tournament’s been put on hold. It’s not likely that it’ll continue.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure whether to be upset or relieved. How are the wings holding up?”

Pit stretched partially and closed them again, “They’ll be alright. I won’t be able to fly for a while though. But really it’s you we should be worrying about. You were unconscious for three days!!!”

Marth rubbed his forehead, “Three days, huh?”

Pit nodded, “You and Ike are old friends, huh?”

“How’d you guess?”

Pit shrugged, “You guys just seemed to know each other. You fight well together, and for those three days, Ike never left your side. I don’t think he even slept as much as he should have.” He scooted closer and leaned in, whispering, “Is he really Roy?”

Marth nodded, and Pit made an odd strangling sound of exuberance, “No way!! I can’t believe I got to partner up with two of the greatest Brawlers of all time!!”

“It’s not as great as you make it out to be.”

Ike ran into the room, “Ganon’s gone! He disappeared along with the rest of his teammates!!”

“So the coward ran away,” Marth muttered.

Ike shook his head, “He hasn’t given up. He won’t give up until he’s dead.”

“So what do you propose we do?”

Ike looked around warily, “Get out of here ASAP. It’s too open, easily accessed.”

Marth rolled his eyes, “Aren’t you being overtly cautious?”

“I’m supposed to keep you safe, and I’m going to do all I can to make sure of that.”

Marth narrowed his eyes, “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“That’s what you’d like to think. But Ganon’s probably has something planned to kill you, and I can’t let that happen. No matter what.”

“Fine. Where are we going?”

“We can go to my place,” Pit offered, “It should be safe there.”

Ike looked hesitant, “Pit, I don’t want to involve you any more.”

Pit pouted, “Save it. I already know what you’re gonna say, but nothing’ll convince me.”

Ike grinned and patted Pit’s head, “Thanks.”

“No problemo.” Pit trotted out the door, “I’ll go ask a doctor about discharging Marth. I’ll be right back.”

Ike nodded and sat down on a chair next to Marth, “We’ll stay at Pit’s until you’re fully recovered. And then we can worry about what Ganondorf will do next.”

“Explain everything to me.”

“That’s a lot to explain.”

Marth crossed his arms, “I need to hear it. From the beginning.”

Ike sighed, “Alright. You should know. Everything then, from the beginning.”

“When you were born, there was a prophecy made by a certain wise woman. She said you would save the world from a great disaster, but you would give up your life doing so. It would happen on your eighteenth birthday, so you parents began to make plans to prevent your death. They initiated a cloning program, and after months of research resulted in my creation.

“The rest mainly consists of what you remember. We grew up together, oblivious to what was to be our destinies. Then Ganondorf approached me and told me the truth. After the events of the tournament, I left to confirm what he said.

Ike exhaled heavily, “Unbelievably, it was the truth. Everything. After confirming the truth, I decided I would protect you. Just as I was meant to. But I couldn’t let Ganon figure out it was me, so I fled. So I left, knowing that you’d be safe until Ganon formed a new plan, and I spent the years to form a new persona for myself. And then I became Ike.”

“But he figured out it was you.”

“Yeah. I don’t know how.”

“What do you think Ganon’s planning?”

“This tournament was to taunt us,” Ike said quietly, “It’s how he likes to do things. He’s trying to show us that he won’t be able to escape, that he’ll find us no matter what we do.”

“I think he wants to take revenge on you as well,” Marth said thoughtfully, “Since you ruined his first plan.”

Ike nodded, “There is that.”

“Huh. The only solution, it seems, is to get rid of Ganondorf.”

“Easier said than done.”

Marth rubbed his eyes tiredly; he was starting to feel sleepy, probably due to the wounds.

Ike stood up, “You should get some more sleep. I’ll be outside.”

Marth flopped back into bed, too exhausted to reply. Just talking had drained his strength; his body still wasn’t even close to good condition. The last thing he heard was the door opening and closing as Ike left the room and then he slipped into darkness.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Bowser stomped into the dimly lit room and knelt before Ganondorf, “He has arrived.”

Ganondorf was seated comfortably in a throne chair positioned in the center of a circular dais, legs crossed, and his face resting on his fist, “Let him in.”

Bowser gestured with his head and a winged figure entered the room. His face was obscured by the shadows of the room, but when he spoke, a musical, lilting voice filled the void, “I do hope this is worthwhile. I’d rather you didn’t waste my time.”

Ganondorf smirked, “We know the location of Pit, the one you’re hunting down.”

“Hmph. And in exchange for that location, you want?”

“I want you to bring in his comrades, alive, to me.”

“Too easy. Is there a catch?”

Ganon chuckled, “No catch. But I’ll warn you, these two are strong.”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Where are they?”

I’ll have Bowser take you there. He could prove of some assistance, should you need any.”

“I doubt it.”

“But take it, nevertheless.”

“Fine, whatever. Let’s go, hot stuff.”

Bowser snorted in response and stomped out of the room, gesturing for the figure to follow him.

Ganondorf smiled as the two left the room. Let’s see them avoid this…

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

“Marth? Maaaarth?”

Marth snuggled deeper into the fluff and moaned, “Go away.”

“You need to eat.”

Marth blearily opened his eyes and realized he was no longer in the hospital. He was on a rather comfortable cloud heaped with blankets, comforters, and an assortment of pillows.

Pit was sitting beside him, a tray placed on his lap. A steaming bowl of porridge was at the center along with a spoon and a glass of water.

Marth slowly got up, “Nice place.”

Pit dipped he spoon into the porridge, “Thanks.”

Marth took the spoon from Pit’s grasp; he wasn’t exactly in top shape, but he could feed himself, “Where’s Ike?”

Pit scooted closer so Marth could access his food more easily, “Sleeping in the other room. He carried you all the way here, you know.”

Marth picked at the food, suddenly not quite so hungry, “You know, Pit-”

“Heh. It’s been a long while, angel.”

Pit turned, and his jaw dropped when he saw who was standing at the door, “You!!”

Dark Pit leaned casually against the doorway, cocky smirk on his face, “I have a name, you know.”

“What are you doing here?” Pit snarled. Marth was taken aback by Pit’s harsh tone; normally the boy was soft-spoken and sweet, but this newcomer had caused a complete one-eighty in Pit’s attitude.

Marth glanced at Dark Pit, wondering if the eerie similarity between them had anything to do with Pit’s hostility. Either way, this guy was bad news.

Dark Pit tilted his head, “I’ve been searching for you for a long time, Pit. You see, after you humiliatingly defeated me in our last battle, I scoured the ends of the earth, trying to find where you disappeared to. But I never did find you.” His eyes glimmered, “Until now. But I’m curious. Why did you run?”

“Get out. Now.” Pit’s voice was laced with malice, his face twisted by rage.

Dark Pit’s smirk widened, “You want to attack, don’t you? Just do it.”

Pit’s grip on his daggers tightened until his knuckles turned white, and Marth struggled to his feet, “You heard him. Get out before you’re forced out.”

“Pathetic human. I’d love to see you try.”

“You asked for it.” Marth darted in first, trying to catch Dark Pit by surprise. But he was easily blocked by daggers, which were identical to Pit’s.

Marth pulled back and thrust in with a quick Shield Breaker, but this time he was evaded. He growled in frustration and tried a Dancing Blade, hoping to confuse Dark Pit with his whirling blades, but once again, he was met with failure. Dammit, these wounds were slowing him down too much… If only he was faster…

Dark Pit chuckled, “You’re not exactly proving to be much of a challenge, human.” He spun his dagger around and shoved the blunt heel of it into Marth’s stomach, “So I suggest you stay out of the way.”

Marth fell to the ground, clutching his abdomen. He was still weak… Damn it all. If he hadn’t been so beaten up by that Mewtwo, it would be the dark angel on the floor, not him.

Dark Pit lazily spun his daggers, “So… Are you going to fight or not? I hope you’re not expecting Ike to come in and save you. He’s probably being taken care of by my comrade.”

“NO!!” Pit lunged into action, daggers whirling as he rushed his dark counterpart.

Dark Pit laughed and dodged, “There we go!! You see, isn’t is so much better to just let it all out?”

“Shut up!!” Pit screamed as he sliced at him with a wild barrage.

Dark Pit evaded every blow, “That’s right, Pit. Get angry, just like you did when I killed your family.”

Pit stopped his onslaught, eyes twin pools of burning hatred, “I’m going to kill you.”

“Then come and get me. If you can.”

Pit attacked again, but his movements were controlled, fluid, no longer a disorderly rain of slashes. He danced around Dark Pit, pouncing upon every opportunity, until finally he had the tip of his dagger resting against Dark Pit’s throat.

Dark Pit looked supremely unconcerned, “There you go, Pit. Now… Take it. Steal it from me, just like I did with your parents.”

Pit’s hand shook as he struggled with the choice, and Dark Pit sighed, “Weak.” He knocked aside Pit’s blade and began his own assault, his daggers whirling blurs that attacked from all angles.

Pit was clearly struggling, but Marth couldn’t find the strength to get up and help.

Again, he was helpless.

Again, he couldn’t do anything.

Dammit.

After blocking a particularly tricky blow from Dark Pit, Pit left himself open, and his opponent quickly took the chance to disarm him.

Pit’s daggers went flying through the air and landed a few feet behind him, well out of reach.

Dark Pit advanced forward, running his tongue along the bladed edge of his dagger, “Now, Pit… You die.”

Pit bowed his head down in resignation, but his lips were moving, muttering something.

“Any last words?”

Pit smiled and lifted his arms, “Palutena, give me strength.”

A blinding, but gentle light shone from Pit’s wings, and a howl of pain could be heard.

Dark Pit fled as he snarled, “You got away this time, Pit, but next time I’ll make sure your goddess won’t be there to safe you.”

The light slowly disappeared, and Pit fell to his knees, the exhaustion hit him full force. Thank the goddess… He had only survived with her help.

Ike ran into the room, “You guys alright?” He knelt down beside Marth, “You don’t look too good.”

Marth waved him aside, “I’m fine. Just my pride that’s injured.”

Pit helped Marth back into bed and started cleaning up the mess created by the porridge, which had been spilled in all the excitement.

“Who was that guy?” Marth asked quietly.

Pit scooped up the porridge into an already stained blanket, “I met him back when I served Palutena at the temple. He had been created by the evil goddess, Medusa, to fight me.”

“Is that why he looks like you?”

“Yeah. Medusa knew of my strength, so she wanted it for her own. Even though, he was my equal, I managed to defeat him with Palutena’s help. But he went after my parents as revenge, and...”

“You ran away?” Marth guessed, remembering their earlier conversation.

“Like a coward,” Pit said bitterly, “I was afraid. Afraid that he wouldn’t stop at my parents, that he would go after my friends…”

Ike gently placed a hand on Pit’s shoulder, “That’s nothing to be ashamed of. You were trying to protect them.”

“…Yeah.” Pit stood up, “I’m gonna clean this up.” He exited the room, leaving behind an uncomfortable silence between the two swordsmen.

“We really should move someplace else,” Marth said, “It’s too dangerous to stay here, especially since they know we’re here.”

Ike nodded, “I guess we don’t have much of a choice then. I’ve found a place, and I’ll get us ready to move in an hour or so.”

“Sounds good.”

After thoroughly checking to make sure Marth wasn’t severely wounded, Ike left to make the preparations.

Marth exhaled heavily and closed his eyes.

Just as Ike had said, Ganondorf would not let them slip so easily out of his clutches.

Well, that was just fine. The next time Ganondorf tried to attack them, Marth would be ready.

And that asshole was going to be sorry.

And, everyone say hello to Dark Pit!!! Hehe, just had to include them in there ^_^

And now, you know a bit about Pit’s morbid past, oh the tragedy… the poor kid… But he’s so chipper, I know…

Hope you guys liked it!!!

Little rant, you can ignore everything in this paragraph. You know, its really hard to write a non-yaoi story when there’s a yaoi couple right in your face. I mean, come on… MarthxIke DUH!!! I’m trying to keep it friendly, but its SO hard not to have Ike just jump Marth and rip off his clothes and ravish his skin until dawn… Bleah… Oh, well, I’ll just have to work hard at it. It’s actually kinda entertaining, I suppose, even though I’m bitching about it. Well, I’ll try hard!!! Ganbarimasu!!