(Chapter 93 Trauma)
A week had passed since Tempest escaped the nightmare, yet the horrors he experienced still lingered, fresh and vivid in his mind, haunting him in ways he couldn't easily shake. Outwardly, he reassured everyone that he was fine, that the ordeal was behind him, but the truth was far darker. Every time he opened a door, his hand hesitated, half-expecting to step back into that twisted game. Even in the safety of his home, he couldn't shake the eerie feeling that someone, or something, was watching him.
Nahida, sensing the turmoil beneath his calm façade, had been offering him some form of therapy. She was the only one who truly understood the depths of what he was going through, the only one aware of the deep-seated fear that plagued his every move. Her gentle guidance and patient conversations had helped him tremendously, though the weight of what he'd endured still pressed heavily on his shoulders.
One thing, however, remained a constant source of torment, the feather. No matter how many times Tempest tried to rid himself of it, whether by burning it, tossing it from a cliff, or casting it into the ocean, it always returned. He would find it resting on his desk, or on his bed as if mocking him with its persistence. After so many failed attempts to destroy it, Tempest finally gave in. He crafted it into a quill, its once-dark significance now serving a more mundane, albeit strange, purpose. Yet even as he dipped it in ink, he couldn't shake the feeling that the feather was more than it seemed, an inescapable link to Columbina and the twisted game he had survived.
"Augh, how does this machine work?!"
Furina exclaimed in frustration, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as she fumbled with Hatsume's latest invention, the Automobile. She kept pressing the brake pedal by mistake, causing the vehicle to jerk forward and then abruptly stop every few seconds. Each time it halted, she sighed in annoyance, her patience thinning.
"Why does it keep doing that?!"
She muttered, glaring at the uncooperative vehicle as if it had a mind of its own.
Tempest, sitting in the passenger seat, couldn't help but chuckle at Furina's growing frustration. His amusement was short-lived, though, as her sharp glare quickly silenced him, causing him to clear his throat awkwardly.
"To move the vehicle smoothly, you need to gently press the accelerator, it's the pedal on the right."
He pointed toward it.
"And if you want to stop, you tap the brake, that's the one on the left, the one you've been stomping on."
Tempest spoke calmly, his tone patient as he tried to help her understand.
"Ohh! I'm doing it, Tempest! Shower me with praise!"
Furina exclaimed triumphantly, as the vehicle finally moved forward without jerking to a stop.
"Congratulations, My Lady."
Tempest smiled, amused by her excitement.
Furina had arrived in Stormwind early that morning. For the first time in hundreds of years, the Hydro Archon set foot in Stormwind Harbor once more. Tempest welcomed her personally, giving her a tour of the Proudmoore mansion, where she met the household staff and marveled at the grandeur of the estate.
While Furina was captivated by the mansion's elegance, it was the newly built testing grounds for Hatsume's inventions that truly piqued her interest. Among the various creations, the automobile caught her eye. Intrigued by the strange, modern contraption, Furina insisted on giving it a try. And so, they found themselves in this situation, her struggling behind the wheel, and Tempest patiently guided her through it.
"This is actually quite enjoyable! I'm thoroughly impressed by this invention!"
Furina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she successfully navigated the vehicle with newfound confidence.
'She's the real, Lady Furina, isn't she?'
Tempest pondered to himself, watching as the genuine Archon reveled in the thrill of driving. The memory of the illusionary Furina from his nightmare loomed large in his mind, haunting him with vivid details, especially the moment when she had stabbed herself. That chilling image still sent shivers down his spine.
He couldn't help but compare the joyful, carefree woman before him to the tormented reflection he had faced in Columbina's game. The contrast was stark, and it made him question everything.
"Uhh, Tempest? H-How do you stop this again?"
Furina asked, a hint of panic creeping into her voice as the vehicle hurtled toward a wall.
Tempest, jolted from his thoughts by her urgent tone, quickly assessed the situation. "
Just press the brake pedal on the left with your foot, My Lady."
He instructed his voice steady and reassuring, aiming to instill a sense of calm amidst her rising anxiety.
He watched as Furina's eyes widened in realization. At that moment, the stakes felt high, and the playful atmosphere shifted into one of urgency. Tempest leaned forward slightly, ready to assist her if needed.
"You've got this, Lady Furina. Just take a deep breath and press down gently."
Tempest encouraged, his tone steady and reassuring.
"O-Okay... I got this."
Furina replied, determination flickering in her eyes as she steadied her grip on the steering wheel.
Taking a moment to compose herself, she inhaled deeply, feeling the rush of excitement mixed with anxiety. With newfound confidence, she pressed down on the brake pedal, feeling the vehicle respond beneath her. The car slowed smoothly, and she let out a small laugh, exhilarated by her success.
"I did it! I actually stopped it!"
Furina exclaimed, her bright smile lighting up her face as she turned to look at Tempest.
Tempest couldn't help but smile back at her, his eyes gleaming with pride. He clapped his hands together in genuine applause, impressed by her progress.
"Well done, My Lady."
His voice was warm and encouraging, reflecting the joy of the moment.
"I'll take it from here!"
Hatsume shouted, her voice ringing with enthusiasm as she sprinted toward the automobile.
Tempest got out of the automobile first, then opened the driver's side door to let Furina out, extending his hand toward her with a warm smile.
"Thank you, my good sir."
Furina replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as she accepted the gesture. As she stepped out of the vehicle, she couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of Hatsume's invention, her mind buzzing with ideas about how it could be improved even further.
"Ah, you must be Hatsume, am I correct? I must say, this invention you have created is truly enthralling and remarkable. It's quite impressive indeed."
Furina said, turning her gaze toward Hatsume, her admiration evident.
"That's me! My Lady! Hatsume as your service!"
Hatsume exclaimed energetically, her smile widening as she beamed with pride.
"This baby is just one of the few prototypes I've been working on!"
Hatsume exclaimed, stepping closer to the automobile with a gleam of excitement in her eyes.
"If I could perfect it, this baby could replace horse-drawn carriages!"
She declared proudly, her enthusiasm palpable.
Furina couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the way Hatsume affectionately referred to her inventions as "babies." It was a curious choice of words, but there was something endearing about it.
"That's just what she calls her inventions, My Lady."
Tempest whispered to Furina, a hint of amusement in his voice. He could see the intrigue in Furina's eyes as she observed Hatsume's passion for her creations.
Hatsume continued to gesture animatedly at the automobile, explaining its features with a childlike wonder.
"Please continue your work, Hatsume. I look forward to seeing your new 'babies.'"
Furina said with a chuckle, her amusement evident as she watched the inventor's spirited enthusiasm.
Hatsume beamed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Will do! My Lady!"
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"Tempest, Tempest? Tempest!"
"Mm, My Lady? Is something wrong?"
Tempest replied, jolting from his thoughts once again at the sound of Furina's voice.
"Are you alright? Is something bothering you?"
Furina asked concern etched on her face as she set her cup of tea down on the small table between them. They were enjoying a break in the serene pavilion nestled within the mansion's gardens, surrounded by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the soothing sounds of nature.
Tempest hesitated for a moment, his mind still tangled in the remnants of his nightmare.
"I'm fine, My Lady. Just... lost in thought, I suppose."
He assured her, though the slight furrow of his brow betrayed his inner turmoil.
Furina studied him closely, her expression a mix of curiosity and empathy.
"Tempest, you know you can come to me with any issue, right? Don't hesitate to share your burdens with me. I'm here to listen, and it's perfectly alright to talk about anything you're struggling with."
Her voice was gentle, filled with genuine concern as she leaned forward slightly, encouraging him to open up.
"Then... Please answer this question, My Lady..."
Tempest said, his tone shifting to something more serious as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Of course, Tempest. What's on your mind?"
Furina's curiosity piqued, and she nodded, encouraging him to continue.
"Are you... are you truly the real Lady Furina?"
Tempest asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He had to know, was this the same woman who had saved his life, given him purpose, the woman to whom he had sworn his unwavering allegiance? Or was this just another illusion, another cruel trick of Columbina?
Furina shifted slightly in her seat, caught off guard by the sudden question.
"W-What do you mean by that, T-Tempest?"
She stammered, her usual confidence faltering for a brief moment.
Her hands trembled ever so slightly, betraying the calm facade she tried to maintain.
'Does he know?'
She thought to herself, a creeping sense of anxiety washing over her. Could Tempest have uncovered the truth? Could he somehow know her real identity, who she truly was beneath the title?
"I apologize, that was disrespectful of me... Please, forget I asked, My Lady."
Tempest said, his tone softening as he realized the weight of his question. He bowed his head slightly, the tension in the air palpable.
Furina, still slightly shaken, gave a small nod, trying to regain her composure.
"No... it's alright."
She replied, her voice more measured now, though her hands still trembled slightly.
"W-What made you ask that question?"
Furina asked, her voice trembling slightly as she gazed at him.
Tempest hesitated for a moment before answering.
"A week ago, a woman came to the mansion. She was from Snezhnaya... part of the Fatui. She played with my mind, twisting everything in this cruel game of hers. In that nightmare, I saw you... or rather, an illusion of you. It was so vivid, so real. I just had to confirm... whether I'm truly in reality now or if I'm still trapped in that sick game."
His words hung in the air, and Furina's expression softened with understanding, though uncertainty still flickered in her eyes.
"I'm very much real, Tempest... What can I do to prove it to you?"
Furina replied, her voice softer, tinged with concern. She leaned forward, her eyes searching his for reassurance. The concern etched on her face was genuine, her usual playfulness replaced with sincerity.
"Would... Would you like a hug? To know I'm real of course..."
Furina suggested, her voice hesitant yet sincere.
Tempest's eyes widened in surprise.
Is it... is it okay?"
He asked, a hint of reluctance in his tone.
"Mm, yeah..."
Furina replied, offering a gentle nod, her expression softening.
Furina stood up from her seat, her movements a bit hesitant as she slowly opened her arms. Her head turned slightly away from Tempest's gaze.
"G-Go on then, you want to confirm if I'm real, right?"
She stammered, trying to maintain her composure despite the awkwardness of the moment.
"Y-Yes, My Lady."
Tempest replied, standing up slowly from his seat. His heart raced, his stomach in knots as he approached her. But just as he was about to embrace her, he hesitated.
"Is it real-"
"Gosh, you're making this more awkward than it needs to be."
Furina interrupted with a huff, cutting off his uncertainty. Without waiting, she pulled him into a hug herself.
"See? I'm very much real."
She said softly, her voice light and reassuring.
"Y-You're not gonna stab me with a knife, will you?"
Tempest asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"What kind of question is that? Do you think I'm some sort of lunatic, Tempest?"
Furina replied, raising an eyebrow. A hint of incredulity colored her tone. She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as if to dismiss his fears.
"Sorry..."
"Don't apologize."
Furina replied softly, reassuringly. Shortly after, Tempest returned the hug, accepting her warmth and reassurance.
'This feels nice...'
Both of them had the same thought.