A/N: Sorry for the extremely long wait! Blame school on that one! Alright, so, last chapter! Let's get it on!

Roy: Aw... does that mean this is IT? WAAAHHHHH!

Link: (comforts him)

Eliwood: ...I've run out of things to say, so I'll just shut up.

Good choice. Last chappie!

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Chapter 9: A New, Strong Ally

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What they returned to was an overwhelming round of celebration as the Grotto rejoiced at their new heroes' victory. The amphitheres chattered and screeched merrily, some gathering around a flustered Marth, though he welcomed their excited chirps. Link was circling Topwing as the two lunked heads and laughed in triumph.

Pit was kneeling by Roy, who was sleeping in a branch against the tree trunk and oblivious to all the noise around him, when the angel noticed Ryka approaching with a big smile and a hearty "there you are!" He got to his feet quickly to meet her and hear what she had to say.

"So, we saw everything, obviously... I like how you didn't just stick to the sidelines."

"Oh, of course not."

"And..." She grinned knowingly. "...I'm impressed that you had the sheer will to resist your subconscious."

Knowing what she meant, Pit soaked that in, smiling shyly to his feet.

"Not a lot of people can do that, y'know," she pointed out. "But you did, and that gave Roy the chance to stop it for you. And that in turn released the rest of his hidden power."

Pit glanced backwards at the asleep half-dragon. "...do all half-dragons have that much power...?"

"Nope. Only a rare few. It requires a near-complete mastery of your subconscious. I'm still working on that." Ryka gazed fondly at Roy. "...I knew he had it in him. Ever since I met him he had that spark that endlessly fueled him on... He's come a long way in such a short amount of time."

Pit found himself glancing Roy's way as well. "Yeah... I know. After that happened, I... I feel like I know him a lot more personally than others I've known my whole life..."

"Well, your subconscious did meet, which is probably the strongest contact you can make. An exchange like that is bound to happen." She turned his chin back her way. "But you, you allowed that to happen. You were ultimately the key that unlocked his powers. You should feel honored."

"Oh, I do. ...I do."

"And... to be honest, I didn't think you'd be able to handle it, but boy, did you prove me wrong. You stared straight into Ona's eyes and said no. You even delivered that final shot you were all worked up about. And now..." She beamed. "You are curse-free, and dragons have one less threat. Hats off to you, Pit."

The angel blushed modestly, taking her hands. "Oh, but I... it never would've happened without your help, or any of the others... so..." He sniffed and encircled his arms around her. "Th-thank you... so much..."

"...hehe, of course." She smiled, returned the hug casually, and ruffled his chocolate locks, to which he giggled and beamed like a little kid. He looked up and gave her a proud, happy smile, eyes gleaming brightly with no traces of fear behind them any longer. Ryka couldn't help but notice that.

"So... what was that deadline you had mentioned?"

Pit blinked. He had forgotten all about that. "...uh..."

A rustle high up in the trees brought every dragon snout upwards at an angle directed on one spot. A few thumps and grunts of pain followed, and the immediate assumption that an outsider had invaded the Grotto sent the amphitheres into a panic, and they all slithered or leaped back into the trees in bestial fear.

"Huh?" Marth grew confused as the crowd that had surrounded him dispersed and disappeared. He cautiously moved over to Link and Topwing, both their eyes pointing past where Pit and Ryka were standing and at the spot of interest. "What's going on?"

"Shh!" Link shushed him sharply, motioning Topwing into some brush cover for his own personal safety and tugging Marth in with them. "Betcha I can guess who it is, but can't be too careful."

A small hole of light opened up as a figure was bouncing from branch to branch clumsily, popping through clumps of leaves, like tearing through multiple screen doors. Finally, a familiar angel broke into the Grotto, leaves and petals curling in his wake. He looked down at the river below, and let out a scream of terror.

As Pit watched him plummet past, he didn't give it a second thought before he leaped off the bridge and dove from him, honestly hoping to save him. With proper timing, he caught the other angel inches away from the rushing river, his swift movement upward cutting a line in the water. As he flapped back up, he glanced back at his rival's wide eyes of terror. Pit doubted he even realized who had just saved his life.

He landed on the same bridge he was standing on moments ago, laying the angel down to give himself time to recuperate. At last, he looked up to face Pit's unreadable stare, responding with a nasty scowl.

"YOU!" The hot exchange was interrupted as Ryka grabbed the new angel's collar and hoisted him up to meet her fiery gaze. "Explain yourself! How'd you find this place?" she demanded fiercely.

"Wha... Unhand me, you wretched woman!" He slapped her hands away, returning her leer. "I was simply given the location of where the battle took place!"

"How do you know that? Spill it!"

"Stop it, both of you!" Pit got between them and held the two hotheads back. "If you'd quit yelling at each other, I could explain!"

Realizing her behavior, Ryka submitted, relaxing her scowl. The angel did the same more reluctantly.

Pit faced Ryka first. "Ryka, this is 2nd Commander Gen..."

"1st Commander," Gen cut in, to which Pit shot him a glare, and surprisingly, he backed down. Somehow those eyes had grown ten times as intimidating as before.

"2nd Commander Gen... the one who banished me from Sky Kingdom. He also gave us the deadline, and if we met it, he'd remove the banishment from the records." Gen sneered at this.

Link, Marth, and the dragons watched this with interest, becoming the audience of the conflict.

"Okay, but that doesn't explain how he knew what was going on or where you guys were," Ryka muttered.

Pit smiled slyly at this, turning on his heel to give the same smirk to Gen, who twitched in response. "Well, that's simple. If he knew about the battle, it means he saw it through Medium Trace's image projections. And that also means everyone in Angel Land saw it because she projects her images throughout the whole city. Isn't that right, 2nd Commander?"

"S-so what if we did?" Gen growled. "What does that prove?"

Pit raised a brow in silent answer, and Gen flinched. Attempting to save face, he blurted, "W-where is the half-dragon I made the pact with?"

"He's currently unavailable, as you should know," Ryka replied, mimicking Pit's tone of cynicism. "I'll serve as his temporary replacement."

But Pit raised an arm to hold her back. "Thanks, Ryka, but that's not necessary. I'll handle it myself."

The audience leaned closer with intrigue, poking their faces out of the branches. To Link and Marth, this was better than cable TV.

"Ah... right, sorry." Understanding, Ryka backed off. "Go right on ahead."

"Thank you." He turned back to Gen, who was becoming unnerved at both the staring yellow eyes around him and at Pit's suddenly cool yet powerful demeanor. "Regardless of who agreed to your demands, the deal was between you and all four of us. We've held up our side, and now it's your turn. And if you don't... Her Grace will know."

Gen glared wickedly at this. "It's only because she favors you, holds you in such high rank...!"

"That's got nothing to do with it! She doesn't 'favor' anyone!" Pit paused to cool down, but his soft voice remained angry. "She simply gave me comfort when other wouldn't. Others like you."

An "ooh" vibrated through the Grotto, which made Gen shiver. It sounded like even the angel back home were disapproving of his actions.

"Ahem, r-right." Gen had become more self-conscious of his next words, as if the Gods themselves were watching him and were one remark away from having his wings. "A-ahh, um, alright..." He fumbled through his toga and shakily produced a scroll, reading from it uneasily. "I-I. 1st com... uh, 2nd Commander G-Gen of the Goddess Palutena's Royal G-Guard, grant the 1st Commander his p-position and reentry to the Sky Kingdom b-by retracting his decommission and b-b-banishment, as the Gods are witnesses to this p-p-proclamation."

He handed Pit the scroll and an inked quill shakily. Pit read other the lengthy declaration smartly, and when he was sure of what he was agreeing to, he sighed his name at the bottom in curvy elegant letters, handing it back. "Okay. I'll meet you up there later."

Gen stuffed it away, that statement flaring his pride. "Hmmp, so you can say farewell to the half-blooded freaks?"

Pit had remained relatively patient whenever he found himself around Gen, even when the proud angel spouted the most insensitive remarks, but that statement he could not stand for. Without warning, Pit clenched a fist and slugged Gen across the face, knocking his helmet clean off to reveal his shiny bald head as he fell over. He whimpered at his bruised jaw, his exposed top, and his beloved helmet as it landed on a lower branch. He watched as Topwing grinned, scooting his snout underneath until it was readjusted to fit his head. Him, Link, and Marth laughed at his ridiculous appearance, to which Gen pouted.

But when he looked up into Pit's furious blue eyes, he realized that his humiliation was the least of problems.

"Shut up! Just shut up, you jerk!" Pit bellowed with raw emotion. "You ignorant jerk! Those 'freaks' helped me! They risked their lives to help me! Because they cared! They, and the real dragons, are in no way as wicked or monstrous as you say they are!" He grasped a terrified Gen's collar. "I don't wanna hear anymore insults or any derogatory things about dragons, from you or any other angel, ever again! Am I making myself absolutely clear?"

Gen blanched. "...C... Crystal."

A tense silence passed. Then a "Woo! Go Pit!" echoed from the mouth of an enthusiastic elf until the cobalt shushed him.

Pit stared at Gen for a moment longer, then delivered another punch as he released his collar, giving his clean cheek a good bruise to match the other.

"Agh!" Gen squealed. "What in Her Goddess' name was that for?"

Pit's eyes narrowed. "For being an all-around jerk."

More silence, than a "W00t, Pit, you are teh roxors!" followed by a "Link, shut up!"

"Now tell Palutena I'll be up there later."

"Don't you dare speak her name so casually!" Gen shot, but his momentum faded when the Grotto growled in urgency. "Er... I-I mean, o-of course!... ehe..."

For the sake of his own skin, he didn't bother to fetch his helmet and flew straight up through the hole he had created. His grunts of frustration as he swept through the layers of leaves echoed until he broke through the canopy.

Pit stared at the hole, wearing the most satisfied smirk that ever did grace his face.

The Grotto lit up with the same satisfaction and laughter as Ryka clapped his back in approval. Link, Marth, and a decorated Topwing climbed to their level to give him their own congrats.

"Dude, that was awesome!" Topwing exclaimed, nudging Pit with his huge snout.

"Way to show that creep up!"

"Didya hear me, didya hear me? I was totally cheering you on!"

"...mm. Yep," said another wispy voice, barely able to be heard among all the excitement, and they turned to a tired smile. "That was awesome. Way t' tell 'em off."

"Roy...!" Ryka hurried over and knelt before him is a disapproving frown. "What're you doing? You should be sleeping!"

The smile remained as he turned his crooked head to the other side and took a tired breath. "...I couldn't very well much miss rubbin' it in Gen's face... or sayin' bye t' you."

"Aw, Roy..." She raised a hand to his cheek, running her fingers through his auburn hair. "...That was an amazing display. I'm so proud of you..."

Roy's grin grew by just a bit. "Only 'cause I learned from th' best."

Ryka mirrored his smile, and simultaneously they slid their eyes closed as she pressed her lips against his. And there they shared the most tender, most soft kiss, between her and the physically exhausted but emotionally on fire mamkute.

Eventually, they parted quite slowly, and Ryka faced the half-lidded eyes of the most happy yet most tired person she ever did see. "Get your rest, Roy...okay?"

Roy mumbled a sound of consent, and those eyes shut instantly, welcoming sleep.

Ryka waited a humble moment before standing and facing the others. "Okay, Topwing, take 'em home."

"Yes, please," Marth agreed. It was a great adventure, but now all he wanted was to return to his nice warm bed back at the SSB Mansion and relax for a while.

"Aww..." Link was more reluctant for obvious reasons. "...Could we come back some other time?"

"Of course!"

"Woo-hoo!" He jumped for joy, losing his balance and almost tumbling over the bridge for about the hundred-millionth time, had it not been for Pit catching him by the wrist.

"I think you've had enough of that for one day," the brunette grinned.

"Nuh-uh!" Link joked, only to get pushed towards Topwing, laughing.

The dragon was less amused as Ryka lifted up an unconscious Roy onto the base of his neck. "Aw, I'll have to carry all of them back?"

"Oh, not me," Pit replied. "I can make it by myself."

Topwing eyed him knowingly. "Oh, really?"

Pit nodded with the utmost confidence.

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And so two pairs of wings graced the skies above that evening, one small and feathery and one great and leathery. The feathered one kept to his word, and it saved the other the trouble.

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It seemed in his bizarre inner frame of time that not much of it had passed before Roy felt the familiar sensations of awakening. When he had strength to do so, he lifted his eyelids tiredly, as if he hadn't opened them in years.

Without letting many thoughts like that bother his sleep-muddled head, Roy heaved himself up, recognizing his surroundings as his dorm back at the Mansion, and his location as his good old bed, sheets folded at the foot of it by the cleaning maids and not needed. He gave himself time to register this as he scratched his head.

Smacking his lips, he realized he was thirsty. Glancing to his left, where his side table always was, he indeed found a glass of water, sitting beside a plastic-wrapped sub sandwich. His lethargic hands took the cup and brought it to his lips, and he downed the whole glass in just a few gulps, sighing in content. Putting it back, he noticed a note sitting by the sandwich, taking it and reading it.

If you're reading this, Roy, welcome back to the waking world! Took you long enough, sleepyhead:)

Link and Marth

Roy could only chuckle softly at his friends' usual sense of humor. He cast it aside, eyeing the sandwich to see if it was still fresh, when he felt movement on the bedside and heard a quiet sigh. He looked to his right and smiled warmly as he saw Pit settled on a bedside chair and leaned over the side, sleeping peacefully with his head settled in his folded arms and his wings curved around him as a sort of built-in blanket. It was quite obvious why he was there, and Roy couldn't help but feel warm in the heart for it.

"Pit... Piiiiiiiiiiiit..." he cooed, shakily him slightly. "Wake up, Sleeping Beauty."

The slumbering angel moaned ever so softly, his wings twitching and flittering like an awakening bird's. Stirring from his sleep, Pit yawned and stretched adorably, peeking his eyes open and glancing up at Roy quizzically.

"Unh...?" He let it register for a second. "...well, it's about time."

"How long?"

"Four days."

"Mmm. Not bad, I s'ppose."

Pit noticed how Roy hadn't touched the sandwich yet. "It's fresh, y'know. They made one on the second day and taught me how to make it, so when you didn't wake up, I ate it and made another."

Roy nodded, realizing his hunger and unwrapping the sandwich. It was a little sloppy with inexperience, but still nice and warm and delicious as he crunched into it. He gave out his approving grunt, to which Pit grinned happily.

"So..." Roy spoke with full cheeks, swallowed, and sucked the dribbled sauce off his fingers. "How're things going?"

"Hmm? Oh, fine... Mario says congrats for a job well done... the Foyer's repairs are almost finished... Link and Marth- well, mostly Link- spread around the whole story to the other Smashers, so, yeah..."

Roy smiled. "How're you?"

"Me? Well..." The angel grew reflective. "...Well... I'm more than fine. I had a lot of battles, all without draining all my strength or energy... It's amazing. I feel like a new angel."

"Good. I'm glad." Roy laid back, shutting his eyes serenely. "...and I'm sorry too."

Pit blinked. "Sorry? For what?"

Roy opened them again, looking his way. "...Sorry that you had to have the blood under your circumstances. That it's a blessing for us when it was a curse for you."

Pit frowned. "Well... technically it wasn't the same blood as yours... But... your powers are amazing... if I had another chance, I would've liked to have that blood."

"Mmm." Roy stared at the ceiling for a bit, then glanced back. "... You know, just 'cause your blood was purged doesn't mean it's gone. When you go half-dragon, it's hard to go back."

"I know." The brunette grinned and growled, "I can still remember things pretty well."

Roy laughed knowingly, impressed.

Pit's smile faded as he grew retrospective again. "...Lately I've had the time to really look into myself... and..." His hand glided over his chest. "...I found things in there that weren't there before... knowledge that must've been given to me by your subconscious."

Roy smirked. "Guess that saves me the trouble of teaching you everything." He paused. "...oh, wait... how long are you staying? I mean, you can go back to your home now, so..."

Pit's face lit up in realization. "Oh, yeah!" He stood, clutching Roy's wrist. "Can you get up alright?"

"...uh... I think so... why?"

"I want you to meet someone!" The angel beamed.

Roy blinked, dumbfoundedly looking at the sandwich in his other hand. "But... I'm kinda... not done yet."

"Eat it on the way!" Pit urged. "Come on, she's met everyone except you!"

Unable to pull away, Roy stuffed in a few bites as they hurried down the hallways, though Pit was relatively patient as the half-dragon moved awkwardly after four days of perpetual sleep.

Just as he finished his meal, they climbed up to the roof, Roy flinching and shielding his eyes when met with the bright cheerful sun above. Pit brought him up top, clutching his bow in giddy anticipation.

"So..." Roy yawned, the pre-summer humidity making him sleepy. "Who am I meeting, exactly?"

"You'll see!" Pit beamed, drawing back his bowstring of light and releasing an arrow into the heavens, sailing into the clouds and flashing like a beacon. They waited for a moment, and then another signal twinkled like a star in response, growing in size.

Pit was bouncing up and down. "Here she comes!"

Roy jumped in surprise as a beam of light shot from the star and landed before him with a magical burst. When the light faded, he gaped at the tall woman standing in front of him. Her thin, lovely frame was varied shades of turquoise, like a statue, her robes loosely wrapped around her flawless, godly figure and her long hair curling at her perfect ankles. Her aura was so pure and strong and maternal that Roy felt the urge to hug her like a loving son, had he not fell to his knees in sheer awe and reverence. Her presence seemed to demand no less respect, even as her beautiful face was soft and kind and loving. Her eyes opened, ivory orbs as clear as purified crystal glass, and at the humble half-dragon before her, she smiled a warmhearted smile she had given to many and was known for.

"Ah, Roy," she spoke in a voice as smooth as warm milk. "At last we meet. I almost feared you'd never awaken."

Roy coughed and made similar noises of nervousness, but it all stopped when she took his hand and helped him to his feet. He stopped short, staring at her enchantedly.

"Roy... this is Palutena," Pit introduced with a big grin.

"...s'pleasure," Roy croaked.

Palutena beamed lightly. "It's my pleasure as well. I've been watching little Pit ever since he was sent to the earth, lost and alone. Some gave him kindness, and he received a home in your Mansion. But you, Roy... you have done more. You offered to solve his dilemma, to take action and do something about it. You are the one who saved him from his fate."

"A-a-ah..." Roy blushed madly. "B-but I... it wasn't me alone..."

"I'm aware of that," Palutena replied patiently. "I met with all the others involved while you were in slumber." She giggled softly. "They all had... similar reactions as yours."

Roy churned in his shoes bashfully, something he rarely did, as he looked away shyly. He internally cursed to himself, as he was never caught being modest around anyone else. When she put her hand on his shoulder, he creaked his way back to her.

"You didn't do it alone, this is true. But you were in the center of all the effort. You were the first to offer aid, and the others followed behind you because they trusted you." She brought Pit into her other arm, bringing him forward. He smiled up at her like a son to his mother. "Even Pit, with his hope near-extinguished, believed in you. Your strong will not only gave him support, but also rekindled the confidence and courage he had lost one year ago. And for that, I grant you the most sincere gratitude."

"...ah... Well, ahh..." Roy cleared his throat. "Ahem, uh, you're welcome!" He grinned stupidly.

She only smiled knowingly. "Also, you must know... after witnessing all your efforts, my people are beginning to see the error in their previous judgments. That was one of your goals as a half-dragon, was it not?"

How did she know? he instantly wondered. Oh. She's a goddess. Duh. "Uh, yeah... that's... one of my goals."

"Well, reaching diplomacy between angels and dragons is not far off. I thought you would like to know that."

"Gee, thanks," he rushed out with embarrassed sincerity. "Ah, but... it'll take a lot more to get humans to do the same..." He chuckled mirthlessly. "...Kinda ironic how I'm a half-human myself... heh..."

"That does not matter," she countered immediately but still softly, shaking her head. "I believe in your power, Roy. Strong enough to defeat a demon... yet gentle enough to touch the heart of an angel. I believe your goal is much closer to you than you think."

Those words touched him deeply, and he gave her an honest smile. "Thank you... for your concern."

"Of course." She straightened up, apparently finished with what she had to say to Roy, and turned elegantly to face Pit, who was twirling an idle strand of his toga apprehensively.

He looked up at her with his big blue eyes and timidly asked, "...Are you sure it's okay if I stay...?"

"Oh, of course it is," she assured, kneeling to meet his small figure. "Your home will be waiting whenever you wish to return, just know that."

"I will."

"My, you've grown so much..." she breathed admiredly, caressing his round cheek. "Going off to explore the world... I remember when you were just born, too timid to leave the confides of the palace... Waddling through the halls, following the guards everywhere and fluttering your fluffy little baby wings in such excitement..."

"Palutena..." Pit whined, his cheek tinted in embarrassment.

"Ah, my apologies. I'm becoming more and more sentimental nowadays." Pulling herself out of retrospect, she took the frame of his youthful face with both hands. "...You've become so strong, Pitatinneil. May that strength carry you on."

Pit beamed ear to ear and wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace. She replied with the same, giving a small kiss to his forehead affectionately before a soft glow of light enveloped her figure and took her back to the heavens where she belonged.

Sighing in content, Pit leaned on the roof's barrier and gazed fondly at the clouds. Silent, Roy moved forwards and joined him, mimicking the angel with his chin propped in the palm of his hand. No words were said for some time. Roy's question from before had been answered, and no discussion was needed for it. But now there was something he was just dying to ask once it transferred through.

"...Pitatinneil?"

Pit gave him an odd look before he understood the question. "Oh... my full name."

"So, Pit's short for Pitatinneil, is that it?"

"Yeah... Actually, only Palutena calls me that anymore..."

"Want us to start calling you that?"

"I'd rather you not." He paused before realizing the need for reasoning. "It sounds too... exalted. I mean, we're all friends, right? Link, Marth, Roy, and Pit... nice and simple." He blanched as he glanced Roy's way. "Uh... that is, if you'll let me stay in the group..."

Roy gave it mock thought, tapping his chin. "Mmm, well... I suppose there's room in LMR for P in there somewhere... Let's see, LMPR... PLMR..."

"...LMRP?" Pit ventured.

"Yeah, that'll do! S'got a nice ring to it." He held out his hand. "We'd be happy to have you, really."

Pit didn't hesitate to grasp that hand firmly. With the string handshake, the bond was sealed. To express his joy, the angel pulled the handshake in and turned it into a tight hug, which surprised the mamkute at first, until he eased into the friendly gesture and willingly returned it.

The mood then changed when Roy quietly giggled to himself. "...what?" Pit questioned.

"...fluffy little baby wings..."

"Shut up!" He laughed, throwing a powerless punch that missed as Roy had dodged, leaping onto the barrier with his wings formed.

"Come and get me, then, Baby-Wings!" He then took a diving flight. Pit only smirked and followed suit, and the two laughed merrily as they soared upon the wind's breath in a playful chase.

Dear Ryka,

Sorry for the delay, took me four days to awaken. Amongst all the excitement, I completely forgot to thank you for your help and support. Pit told me he feels like a brand new angel, but it would have not been possible without you or any one of us.

Pit curved aerodynamically, gaining on his prey. The forests didn't even slow him down.

He is staying with us for as long as he can, saying that he wants the pleasure to know us better and explore the world of us ground-dwellers. He has good timing, because come the summertime, when the SSB battles end, my group and I plan to leave the Mansion and travel around to search for dragons in need. I have already contacted the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists in England, so at the very least we shall be in Europe this summer. Once I tell him, I am sure he will simply explode with excitement.

They broke into the clearing, circling in a spiral like a pair of butterflies. At last, Pit tackled Roy into the grass, tumbling on in wild abandon.

I myself am growing excited as well. Once we depart, there will be so much good we can do, help we can give... we may even be able to find another place like the Grotto. The possibilities are endless. I cannot wait.

At the end of their tumble, they collapsed upon their backs, watching the clouds go by dreamily.

But the most fun for me will be working and traveling with my good friends. I suppose you were right before- I could not imagine doing it all alone.

Soon, the sky grew a dusky orange, and Roy looked at Pit to find him dozed off comfortably beside him, tuckered out after a busy day. Roy smiled, got to his feet, and took the angel into his arms, who sighed and curled up closer, and the half-dragon carried him back to the Mansion for his rest.

Thanks again. If you are ever returning to Europe this summer, look for us. Until then, may the winds continue to blow good fortune your way.

Love, Roy

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THE END

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A/N: OMFG, IT'S THE END, PEOPLE!

Link: W00t! (happy dance)

Roy: Aww...

Don't worry! We'll be returning for a kickbutt sequel!

Roy: Hooray!

Eliwood: THAT'S JUST GRAND! T.T

Roy: Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad...

Eliwood: Blargh...

Be sure to watch out for it! Until then, review!