(Chapter 86 Retrieval)
Shortly after, the Dreadnought arrived at Erinnyes. Tempest's purpose in coming here was clear: to head to the Fortress of Meropide and retrieve Stone. He needed someone with experience to train his Ghost Operatives, and Stone was the perfect candidate.
With Furina's direct approval for the prisoner transfer, Tempest now had the necessary authority to carry out this task.
"Do I need to come with you?"
Nahida asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity as she watched Tempest prepare to leave his cabin.
"No need, I'll be quick. You don't have to accompany me everywhere, Young Pasha. The reason I gave you that vessel was to help you better understand humans, to walk among them, and learn from their lives. You'll have plenty of opportunities to do just that once we head back to Stormwind after I'm finished here."
Tempest replied, his tone reassuring yet firm.
"Okay..."
Nahida replied, a hint of disappointment evident in her voice.
While she understood Tempest's reasoning, she couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to accompany him. The prospect of learning and experiencing more about humanity was incredibly appealing, and the thought of being left behind stung slightly.
"Am I being a burden to you, Tempest?"
Nahida asked, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with uncertainty.
She looked up at him, her emerald eyes searching for reassurance. The question weighed heavily on her mind, and despite her desire to learn and understand humanity, she couldn't help but wonder if her presence was complicating things for him.
Tempest sighed softly before speaking, his expression earnest.
"I will be honest, yes, you are currently a burden, but that will change eventually. Once we arrive in Stormwind, things will be different. You're not here to oversee politics or monitor my actions, Young Pasha. You're here to learn about humans in a way that goes beyond the Akasha."
He gently patted her head, a gesture filled with warmth and reassurance, before continuing.
"And as the God of Wisdom, perhaps you can provide me with insights and advice from time to time."
Tempest said with a slight smile.
"Mm, I'll do my best, Tempest."
Nahida replied, a bright smile spreading across her face.
"Good."
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Navigating through the halls of the Fortress of Meropide, Tempest was accompanied by his commander and captain. Returning to this place stirred memories for Tempest, memories of a time when he himself had been sentenced here.
"You sure he's the right person, Your Grace?"
Falric asked Tempest, his tone tinged with skepticism. He couldn't bring himself to trust Stone, knowing all too well that it was Stone who had been responsible for the loss of his left arm and right eye.
"Believe me, if there were another candidate, I'd choose them over Stone without hesitation."
Tempest replied, his tone firm and unwavering.
He glanced at Falric, understanding the man's concerns, but his decision was based on necessity, not preference.
And don't worry, one mistake from him, and he's gone. I won't hesitate."
Tempest said his voice carrying a note of finality.
"I trust your judgment, Your Grace."
Falric said, his voice carrying a mix of loyalty and lingering doubt.
"I may not agree with the choice, but I trust you wouldn't make it lightly. I just hope Stone knows how thin the ice is beneath him."
Falric said his eye narrowed as he cast a glance toward the path ahead.
"Oh, he will."
Tempest replied confidently, his voice calm yet resolute.
Before he could say more, Rohan's voice cut through their conversation.
"We've got company, Your Grace. Looks like the warden."
His tone was sharp as his eyes locked onto a figure approaching in the distance.
A man flanked by a squad of Mekas steadily made his way toward them, his presence commanding and unmistakable.
"I didn't expect your arrival, Your Grace. Welcome back to the Fortress."
The warden said, his voice echoing with a mix of surprise and respect.
As he approached, the warden's cold, calculating eyes scanned Tempest and his entourage, taking note of their presence with a practiced air of authority. He stopped a few paces away, offering a slight bow, though his expression remained unreadable.
"It's not often that we see someone return to this place willingly. Especially someone who once served time within these walls."
The warden said his tone laced with subtle curiosity.
Tempest nodded slightly, meeting the warden's eyes without hesitation.
"It's a brief visit, nothing more. I'm here for a prisoner transfer."
Tempest said, his tone steady and formal. Reaching into his uniform, he took out a document. With a deliberate motion, he unfolded the paper and held it out for the warden to see. The parchment bore the unmistakable seal of Fontaine, along with the signature of Furina herself. It was a clear confirmation of his authority and the legitimacy of the transfer.
"This is Lady Furina's direct authorization. The transfer has been approved at the highest level, and I expect no delays in the process."
The warden took the document with a practiced hand, his eyes scanning the details quickly. His expression shifted slightly, though whether from surprise or respect was hard to tell.
"Stone, huh? A traitor, a pirate, and a murderer, well, that's not my problem anymore."
With a casual wave of his hand, the warden gestured for Tempest and his group to follow him.
"Come with me, we'll take care of the formalities. After that, he's your responsibility."
He added, his voice indifferent, as if the nature of Stone's crimes was of little concern to him now.
As they walked, the echoes of their footsteps reverberated off the cold steel walls, creating an almost haunting atmosphere. The flickering lights cast shadows that danced along the surfaces, reminding Tempest of the countless stories and struggles that had unfolded within these walls.
"You know, there are many who would rather see him left to rot here for his past crimes."
The warden's voice was low, almost conspiratorial, as he glanced back at Tempest.
"But I suppose a man's skills can be useful, even if his loyalty is in question. What are you planning to do with him, anyway?"
The warden asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Tempest glanced at him, assessing the warden's tone and demeanor.
"That's confidential."
He replied, his expression remaining inscrutable.
"Is that so? Well, I can't pry a Duke for details, can I? This is it, then."
He paused, glancing over his shoulder as they approached a heavy door.
"Oh, and he has a roommate, one that you might find familiar."
The warden said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
With a final nod, the warden gestured for the guards at the door to be opened. As the heavy steel doors creaked open, a wave of stale air rushed out, carrying with it a sense of unease.
"Y-Your Grace?"
A hesitant voice called out to Tempest, cutting through the oppressive silence of the dimly lit chamber. A figure emerged slowly from the shadows, each movement labored and frail. It was Pierre, the former commander of the Knights of the Golden Hand. His once-mighty frame now resembled little more than a collection of bones draped in tattered remnants of clothing, a haunting testament to the toll of his imprisonment.
As the dim light flickered across Pierre's gaunt features, Tempest felt a wave of disgust wash over him.
Pierre's head hung low, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"I... I didn't expect you to come for me, Your Grace."
He stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Came for you? Seven hells no."
Tempest replied, his tone laced with disdain as he turned away from Pierre, scanning the dark corners of the cell for any sign of Stone.
"P-Please, Your Grace, forgive me..."
Pierre pleaded, desperation seeping into his voice. He dropped to his knees on the cold, hard floor, his frail form trembling as he begged for retribution.
"I wish to serve you. I have realized my mistakes, I should have sided with you the moment I heard about your rebellion."
As he spoke, his eyes, once filled with ambition and pride, now shimmered with regret.
"My eyes have opened, and I wish to follow Ra's champion."
He declared, his voice wavering but earnest.
"Fuck off..."
Tempest muttered, his voice dripping with disgust as he brushed past Pierre, refusing to give him any more of his attention.
Pierre gritted his teeth in anger and swiftly retrieved a shiv from his pocket, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Your Grace!"
Both Falric and Rohan shouted simultaneously, their voices filled with urgency and alarm.
"Ungrateful son of a bitch!"
Pierre spat, lunging towards Tempest with the makeshift weapon raised, intent on delivering a swift, vengeful strike. But Tempest remained eerily composed, unmoving amidst the sudden threat.
In a blur of movement from the shadows, Stone emerged unexpectedly. With precision and speed, he launched a powerful kick directly into Pierre's stomach, the force of the blow sending the frail man sprawling backward, the shiv clattering harmlessly to the ground.
"Still good at hiding even with your Ghost suit, huh?"
Tempest remarked, his tone carrying a blend of amusement and acknowledgment.
Stone, standing tall amidst the aftermath of the confrontation, met Tempest's gaze with a slight nod.
"Old habits die hard, Young Master."
He replied evenly, his voice betraying no hint of remorse or pride. His eyes flickered briefly towards Pierre, still crumpled on the ground, before returning to Tempest.
"Some things you never forget, no matter how much time passes."
Stone said.
"Pack your things, you're leaving with us."
Tempest instructed Stone firmly, his voice carrying the weight of command.
"Hell... It's about time..."
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Shortly thereafter, Tempest made his way to the infirmary of the Fortress, his mind focused on a specific task. He intended to inquire about a certain Melusine, someone Neuvillette had specifically requested to convince her to return back to the Marechaussee Phantom if possible.
"Excuse me."
Tempest announced as he stepped into the infirmary, his eyes quickly scanning the room. He was met with an unexpected sight, Wriothesly and Sigewinne were seated at a small table, casually sipping tea and engaged in light conversation.
"Didn't expect you to return down here."
Wriothesly remarked, his gaze shifting to Tempest with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"Neither did I, but I have a specific reason for being here. Can I sit down?"
Tempest inquired, his tone polite yet direct.
"Go ahead, free of charge."
Wriothesly replied with a casual wave of his hand, a playful glint in his eye.
Tempest nodded appreciatively and settled onto a vacant stool. Sigewinne, with her graceful movements, poured him a cup of steaming tea, the fragrant aroma wafting through the air.
"So, what brought you down here?"
Wriothesly leaned forward, curiosity etched on his face.
"I'm actually here to ask some questions from, Miss Sigewinne."
Tempest said, turning his attention to her.
"Hm?"
Sigewinne replied, pausing mid-sip as she turned to face him, her curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Do you know of a Melusine named, Tirpitz?"
Tempest asked, his tone curious as he leaned slightly closer.
"Tirpitz? Mm, yes, I know her. Why do you ask, Your Grace?"
Sigewinne replied, her brow furrowing slightly in thought as she set her teacup down.
"Please tell me more about her."
Tempest asked.
"Mm, Tirpitz is certainly unique compared to the rest of us. She has these really sharp claws, likes to hunt her own food, and eats them raw sometimes. And wouldn't you believe it, she once wrestled a Vishap! She's one of the first Melusines to leave the village, but what you may not know is that she was actually sentenced here in the Fortress once. That's how I met her."
Tempest's interest deepened.
"What was she sentenced for?"
"She... Once killed a human. As you know, in the past, we Melusines weren't exactly accepted by society. We were often seen as a bad omen, feared and misunderstood. Tirpitz got furious when she witnessed people bullying a friend of hers, and in a moment of rage, she acted. She didn't regret it one bit, she stood firm in her conviction and accepted her sentence here in the Fortress without complaint."
Sigewinne explained, her tone heavy with the weight of the past.
"But she has served her sentence here now. Tirpitz currently works at the Marechaussee Phantom, where she has proven herself to be one of Monsieur Neuvillette's top intelligence gatherers. It's quite the turnaround from her past, isn't it? She's found her place and purpose, channeling her unique skills into something constructive."
Sigewinne continued, her expression softening with a hint of pride.
'I see she doesn't know that she has joined the Golden Armada yet. It seems I may have found my first candidate for the Ghost operatives. My apologies, Neuvillette, but it appears I'm going to keep one of your daughters.'