(Chapter 44 Trial)
"Death to the Proudmoores!"
"Traitor!"
"Send him to the guillotines!"
"Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!"
As Tempest walked down the path leading to the doors of the Opera Epiclese, the crowd erupted with harsh, biting words, their voices full of contempt. Surrounded by a phalanx of Gardes, his hands bound in cuffs, Tempest kept his head held high despite the onslaught. His vision wavered, blurring at the edges as the fever raged within him, compounded by the exhaustion of sleepless nights. Every step was a struggle, his body heavy with fatigue, but he pressed on with unwavering resolve, determined to face whatever awaited him in the trial.
In the crowd, Tempest's eyes caught sight of Callas and Navia standing side by side. Callas regarded him with a look of pity, though his expression was calm and resigned, he already knew the likely outcome of this trial and held little fear for what was to come.
Navia, however, was a stark contrast to her Father's composed demeanor. Her face was etched with sadness, her eyes brimming with tears as she took in Tempest's weakened state. The sight of him, cuffed, feverish, and exhausted, seemed to pierce her heart, filling her with sorrow and despair.
"Tempest!"
Navia shouted at Tempest.
"You're innocent!"
Navia shouted, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. Tempest paused in his tracks, the weight of her words cutting through the haze of his fever and exhaustion. He turned his head slightly, catching her tearful gaze, and despite the pain, he managed to offer her a small smile
"Move! Traitor!"
The Gardes reminded him.
"Right..."
Tempest replied, and finally, as they finally reached the grand doors of the Opera Epiclese. The towering structure loomed above them, its interior already filled to capacity. Every seat was occupied. On the left balcony overlooking the stage stood his Uncle, Gardon, acting as his defender, his face a mask of determination.
On the opposite balcony, Pierre sat, ready to present the case against him, his eyes cold and calculating. Above the giant weighing scale, stood the High Judge Neuvillette, his presence commanding and serene, prepared to oversee the trial that would decide Tempest's fate.
"Ah, the kinslayer has arrived."
"After 500 years, House Proudmoore will finally be abolished."
"I wonder who will hold Stormwind from now on?"
"Why is Gardon Vance, siding with the traitor?"
The crowd's harsh words filled the air once again, a chorus of contempt and judgment directed at Tempest. The guards, maintaining their stoic expressions, signaled for him to move forward, guiding him closer to the stage. As he approached, Tempest noticed a lone table and chair awaiting him at the center, the focus of all eyes.
His every step echoed through the grand hall, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Despite the fever that clouded his mind and the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him, Tempest held his head high, determined to face whatever was to come.
Before taking his seat, Tempest glanced to his side and saw his mother and sister seated in the front row. Worry was etched on their faces, their eyes filled with concern and fear. He managed a small, reassuring smile, trying to convey strength despite his own turmoil. Then, he turned his gaze to the high seat above the stage, where Lady Furina sat. Her face was stoic, her expression unreadable as she rested her head on her arm. With a deep breath, Tempest finally took his seat, ready to face his trial.
"Since Tempest Proudmoore is now seated, and both parties are now present, I declare the trial regarding, Tempest Proudmoore's uprising is now in session."
Neuvillette's voice cut through the opera, officially starting the trial.
"Firstly, in order for the audience to understand why, Mister Tempest, started his whole uprising, I demand an answer coming solely from him."
Neuvillette said his eyes darting Tempest.
Tempest stood up from his seat and took a deep breath before speaking.
"It's simple Your Honor, I started my whole uprising because my Father was-"
Before Tempest could finish his sentence, a sharp, agonizing headache struck him like a lightning bolt, forcing him to collapse into his seat. He tried to stand, but his body was on fire, consumed by the relentless fever. His vision blurred, and suddenly, an unbearable pain gripped his chest. In a terrifying instant, his heart ceased beating. The world around him began to fade, and darkness crept into the edges of his vision as he struggled to breathe, unable to move or call out for help.
High above in her seat, Furina observed Tempest's sudden collapse with a sharp gaze, but she remained silent, misinterpreting his actions as a hesitation or unwillingness to admit to his crimes. She watched intently, her expression unreadable, as the courtroom waited in tense anticipation, unaware of the true peril Tempest was facing.
"Mister Tempest?"
"I will address this matter, Your Honor! Tempest has confided in me every detail of his plans during the uprising and the reasons behind them. I assure you, Your Honor, that my words are the truth, for I was personally involved in his rebellion and witnessed the events firsthand."
Gardon declared, his voice firm and resolute.
"Very well, you may answer, Mister Gardon."
Neuvillette granted him permission, and the trial continued as planned. Little did anyone realize, that Tempest sat on his seat, lifeless. His eyes were open but devoid of any sign of life, their once-vibrant gaze now blank and empty.
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"No, no, no, no, no! You can't fucking do this to me!"
Tempest's voice crackled with raw anger and frustration. In the darkness that enveloped him, he could feel every ounce of his helplessness and fury intensify.
"Be quiet..."
The same otherworldly voice that had echoed in Tempest's mind during his duel with his father now spoke once more, its tone both commanding and inscrutable.
"And open thy eyes."
Tempest's eyes opened, to see his surroundings completely on fire, everywhere he could see was fire, but its heat was not burning him instead, it felt like standing near a hearth, and in the middle was a golden entity that appeared to be composed entirely of luminous, crystalline structures. The entity has an almost abstract, symmetrical form with sharp, angular features that give it an imposing and majestic appearance.
It emanates an intense light, with brilliant, golden rays shining outward, creating a halo-like effect around its form. The entity, no, the god, standing before him is Ra, the God of the Sun.
*Ra's appearance*
"At long last, the process is fulfilled. Welcome to my realm, Tempest Proudmoore, under the gaze of the divine sun... Me."
Ra spoke in a divine voice.
"Process? I-I died..."
Tempest said gritting his teeth in frustration.
Died? No, no, no. You were merely reborn, forged anew beneath the eternal gaze of the sun.
Ra, the divine god of the sun, radiated a calming warmth as he responded.
"But why now? Just when I was being tried... The fever, were you a part of it? Because I knew that wasn't just a normal fever."
Tempest asked Ra.
"Indeed... It is a sacred process known as 'Reborn.' All your ancestors from five centuries past endured this very trial, subjected to the relentless heat that seared their mortal forms, only to perish in its fury. Yet, through their sacrifice, they were transformed, reborn with the divine blessing of my radiant power. Their suffering was but a gateway to this exalted state, and now, you too stand upon the threshold of this ancient and revered transformation."
"Tempest Proudmoore, you have proven yourself deserving of my divine blessing. Unlike your ancestors of the past five centuries, who faltered in their devotion, you have demonstrated a unique and unwavering commitment. Your willingness to serve the Hydro Archon has shattered the long-standing legacy of disloyalty. Through your actions, you have earned my favor and shown that you are truly worthy of the sun's radiant grace."
The God of the Sun, Ra, speaks to Tempest. With a commanding gesture, Ra takes the Pyro Delusion from Tempest's pocket, and it floats effortlessly toward him.
"This tool radiates a corrupt energy, tainted by the remnants of fallen Gods... Ah."
Ra spoke as he examined the Pyro Delusion with a discerning gaze. With a sudden, powerful gesture, Ra altered its sigil, transforming it from the emblem of the Fatui to the sigil of Fontaine and purifying it, for its tainted energy.
"Adorn it as a badge of honor, for this tool will serve you well in the years ahead. As your body continues to adapt to my blessing, remember this, do not wield my gift to the point where you feel your very life waning. Use it with wisdom and restraint, for its power must be balanced with your endurance."
Ra said, returning the Delusion to Tempest.
"Do you..."
"Mm?"
"Forgive me, I shouldn't be asking these questions."
Tempest said.
"No, but you already have."
"Do you... Do you love the current Hydro Archon, Focalors?"
Tempest asked his question.
"No, my actions are but a favor to Egeria. I extend my grace not for my own purpose, but in service to her will."
Ra replied.
"During the cataclysm, Egeria died, why didn't you interfere? If you don't mind me asking..."
Tempest said hesitantly, a brief silence between them erupted, and finally, Ra spoke.
"I fulfilled my role during the cataclysm, for once, I too was a member of the Gods of Celestia. Yet when I pleaded with them to save Egeria, they denied my descent, and as a result, she perished. In the wake of her death, I relinquished my place among the Celestians. They allowed my departure, for they knew they could not extinguish me, doing so would mean snuffing out the light that illuminates countless worlds. And so, here I stand."
Ra explained to Tempest.
"I... I see...I'm sorry to hear that."
Tempest replied.
"She was the singular one I have ever loved... and she was taken from me. I have existed far longer than the Seven Sovereigns, and in all that time, she alone captured my gaze. It is only just that I extend my support to her successor, honoring the legacy of my heart's true affection."
Ra said, Tempest listened intently but chose not to speak.
"I shall be your witness, Tempest Proudmoore. Uphold my three commandments, and my power shall flow to you unrestrained. But before you proceed, I have one final request to make of you."
"Yes? Great one?"
Tempest asked Ra.
"You must find a way to stop the Prophecy. That is my sole request, Tempest Proudmoore. Should you fail in this endeavor, prioritize the preservation of the Hydro Archon's life above your own. Do you understand?"
Ra tells Tempest his voice commanding and threatening.
"I promise you, Great One."
"Excellent. I shall use your body as a vessel to speak through you. Come now, it is time to return, my champion."
Tempest nodded and stepped closer to Ra, who then extended a plate made entirely of radiant light. As Tempest touched it, a blinding brilliance enveloped him, and everything faded into darkness.
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Meanwhile, the trial continued unabated. Not a single person in the packed Opera Epiclese noticed that Tempest, seated before them, had already passed away. The proceedings went on as if nothing was amiss, oblivious to the fact that the convicted was lifeless in his seat.
"Tempest, my nephew, told me that, Mengsk Proudmoore, his Father was planning on a coup against, Lady Furina, on his name day."
Gardon spoke with a steady voice, and the crowd murmured amongst themselves, their whispers echoing throughout the grand hall. Even Lady Furina, perched high above in her ornate seat, raised an eyebrow in curiosity and skepticism at the unexpected claim.
"Preposterous! His Grace simply invited her for a proposal project! The plan was to build an aquabus lane connecting Stormwind to the Court of Fontaine! To accuse him of planning a coup is utterly absurd!
Pierre shouted, his voice ringing with indignation.
"Lady Furina, do you have any questions?"
Neuvillette eyes darting to Furina.
"No, continue."
Furina replied stoically, Neuvillette nodded in response, his eyes then turning to Gardon.
"Mister Gardon, do you have any proof of your claims?"
"He burned all of them, Your Honor."
Gardon replied as he showed a ziplock bag full of burnt papers.
"Lies! I have proof, Your Honor!"
Pierre retorted, holding up a document for everyone to see. The paper, marked with official seals and signatures, confirmed his claims and contradicted Gardon's assertions.
Murmurs against the crowd erupted, and the scales shifted in Pierre's favor.
"Mengsk's own son betrayed his Father out of sheer selfishness. Despite his father's intentions to secure a prosperous future for him, Tempest couldn't wait. He raised an army, turning Stormwind into a bloody battlefield. He ambushed our forces with ruthless tactics and even turned the Duke's own soldiers against him!"
Pierre declared, his voice laced with scorn, and once again the scales turned in Pierre's favor.
Time and again, whenever Gardon attempted to clear Tempest's name, Pierre countered with more evidence, clearly prepared as a contingency. The crowd's impatience grew palpable, they had come to witness Tempest's downfall, eager to see the last Proudmoore successor finally brought to justice. One Proudmoore had already fallen, and they were determined to see the final one meet the same fate. As the trial reached its climax, it was now time for the Oratice to deliver the verdict.
"Enough of this! I request a trial by combat!"
Gardon demanded, his voice echoing through the Opera. The crowd's reaction was immediate and hostile. A wave of boos and jeers surged through the hall as spectators expressed their discontent with Gardon's unexpected demand. The atmosphere grew tense, with the audience clearly frustrated by the delay and the continued drama of the trial.
"Whom shall be Tempest's champion, Mister Gardon?"
"Constantine will be his champion."
Gardon smiled mischievously, and the Champion duelists watching at the side flinched, and their eyes widened.
"Very well."
Neuvillette's eyes then read the Oratrice's verdict, Neuvillette's eyes widened, he did not expect this at all.
"According to the judgment of the Oratrice Mecanique D'analyse Cardinale, Tempest Proudmoore is-"
"Wait just a minute, Monsieur Neuvillette."
Furina interrupted Neuvillette as he was about to deliver the verdict, she stood from her seat, her voice echoing through the opera.
"Lady Furina?"
"Something doesn't feel right, Tempest Proudmoore. He hasn't moved or spoken at all during this entire trial. Gardes! Quickly assess his condition and check if everything is alright!
Furina spoke with a sense of urgency and authority, her tone conveying a hint of worry as she gave the order.
The Gardes moved swiftly to check on Tempest, their expressions serious as they approached his seat. They placed fingers against his neck, searching for a pulse. When they found none, their eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
"M-My Lady, h-he's dead..."
The Garde said. The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, silencing the entire Opera Epiclese. The once-rowdy crowd fell into a stunned hush, their eyes wide with shock. Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the assembly, as the reality of Tempest's condition began to sink in. Even those who had come to see his downfall were struck silent.
"What?"
Furina's eyes widened with surprise to hear the news.
"Tempest!!!"
Gardon shouted and immediately ran through the stairs, to check on his nephew.
"Tempest!"
Tempest's Mother screamed in anguish, her voice echoing through the grand hall. Desperate and heartbroken, she got out of her seat and started crawling to Tempest's side, tears forming in her eyes.
"Mother!"
Penance shouted, she immediately summoned a Hydro golem to carry her Mother, they both then rushed to Tempest's side.
"Tempest?! Tempest!"
Gardon, his face etched with desperation, shook Tempest's body repeatedly, calling out his name in a frantic attempt to wake him. When there was no response, his heart pounded in his chest as he quickly began performing CPR, his hands pressing down on Tempest's chest with urgent force. He counted each compression aloud, willing life back into his nephew. But despite his best efforts, there was no sign of life.
"Gardes! Call the medic quickly!"
Furina shouted and gestured to the Gardes, her face etched with worry at the unexpected turn of events.
"No, my son, you can't go now..."
Merlyn cradled Tempest's lifeless body in her arms, her tears flowing freely as she rocked him gently as if trying to comfort him even in death. Her sobs filled the air, and soon Penance, who had been silently watching from the side, joined her, wrapping his arms around both his Mother and his brother's lifeless form. The two of them clung to Tempest, their grief overwhelming. Gardon, standing nearby, couldn't hold back his own emotions any longer. His vision blurred with tears as he watched the heartbreaking scene unfold before him.
Suddenly, a surge of pure, radiant lightning crackled across Tempest's lifeless body, illuminating the room with an intense, otherworldly glow. The arcs of light danced over his form, their brilliance so fierce that it caused everyone nearby to step back in shock.
"Tempest?"
Merlyn muttered as she saw the strange phenomenon on her son.
Gardon has seen this before, and his widened.
"Merlyn, step back."
"Why?! Can't you let me mourn my son?!"
"He's not dead, Merlyn!"
Merlyn and Penance's eyes widened in disbelief at the revelation, their shock intensifying as Tempest's body began to crackle even more with lightning made of pure, radiant light. The energy coursed through him, growing in intensity until, with a sudden burst, his eyes snapped open, releasing beams of light that shot outwards.
Merlyn, Penance, and Gardon instinctively knelt down, recognizing the gravity of what was about to transpire. The entire Opera Epiclese began to feel the intense heat radiating from Tempest's body as the energy around him surged. The audience, captivated by the spectacle, could only watch in stunned silence as Tempest's lifeless form slowly began to rise from the ground.
The light surrounding him intensified, enveloping him in a radiant aura. Then, in a blinding flash, the light burst forth, revealing Tempest in his Paladin form, his armor gleaming with divine energy, his presence now transcending that of a mere mortal.
"I shall be the judge."
*Tempest's Paladin form pic*