(Chapter 106 Landfall)
"Tsk... Not even a proper farewell."
Furina muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with frustration as she stood on her balcony, watching the ships of the Golden Armada sail away in the distance. Her head rested on her hand, a look of disapproval etched on her face. The cool breeze tousled her hair, but it did little to soothe the simmering annoyance she felt.
She narrowed her eyes as she observed the fleet disappearing over the horizon, led by Tempest, who hadn't bothered to say goodbye in person. For someone who was usually so attentive, it stung her more than she would have liked to admit.
"He leaves without a word, chasing after his ambitions as always..."
She sighed, her fingers tracing the cool stone railing.
"As if he doesn't know how much I-"
Furina paused, catching herself before finishing that thought. She straightened her posture and shook her head, trying to dismiss the feeling gnawing at her. Yet, the disappointment lingered, far deeper than she'd care to show anyone else.
"Fine. Let him go gallivanting off to Natlan. If he's so confident in his strength, let's hope it's enough to match his stubbornness."
She whispered bitterly. Still, a part of her worried, even though she would never voice it aloud. As much as she tried to push it aside, she couldn't shake the sense of unease that tugged at her heart. The thought of him sailing into danger left a hollow feeling she couldn't quite explain.
"Just… come back in one piece."
Furina murmured softly, her voice barely audible against the wind, her eyes still locked on the horizon.
*Caw!*
"Huh?"
Furina looked up, startled out of her thoughts by the sharp cry of a hawk. A sleek messenger hawk swooped down from the sky, its wings beating against the wind as it glided toward her balcony. It landed gracefully on the railing with a soft flutter.
Furina blinked in surprise as she noticed the small scroll tied securely to the bird's back, a ribbon binding the letter in place. Her heart skipped a beat, could it be from him? She moved closer, carefully reaching out to untie the scroll from the hawk. The bird remained still as if knowing its duty was fulfilled.
With nimble fingers, she freed the letter and held it up, feeling the weight of it in her hands. For a moment, she hesitated, a swirl of emotions flickering in her chest. Was it really from Tempest? Or was this some formality, some dull report from the court?
Brushing aside the anxious thoughts, Furina carefully unraveled the ribbon and opened the scroll, her eyes scanning the elegant script written on the parchment. As she read, her heart raced, but her face remained composed.
Whatever it was, it seemed to be important. She glanced at the hawk, which sat patiently on the railing, awaiting her next move.
"Let's see what message you've brought me."
Furina whispered to herself, her fingers tightening slightly on the scroll as she turned her attention fully to the contents of the letter.
Furina's eyes softened as she finished reading the letter, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite the earlier disapproval she had felt.
"I apologize for not saying a proper farewell, My Lady."
The letter read.
"Time is of the essence. When I return, I'll make amends in person. I hope you'll bless my fleet on this journey, though if you'd prefer, I could turn back now if you wish."
She let out a soft sigh, her smile lingering.
"Turn back?"
She mused aloud, gazing out toward the horizon where the ships of the Golden Armada had already vanished into the distance.
"You probably would... just because I asked."
Her voice trailed off, amusement flickering in her eyes. Tempest's offer wasn't lost on her, and though a part of her wished for his presence, she knew he had a mission to fulfill.
With a faint chuckle, Furina retrieved a pen from the nearby desk, the sunlight casting a soft glow on the balcony as she carefully flipped the scroll over. Her elegant handwriting flowed easily across the parchment, each stroke deliberate and graceful as she composed her reply.
"Au Revoir, my dear Admiral."
She wrote with a smirk playing on her lips.
"Safe journeys."
After sealing the scroll, Furina attached it back to the hawk's leg, the bird fluttering its wings in anticipation. She stroked its feathers gently before stepping back.
"Go on, bring him my message."
The hawk gave a sharp cry in response and took off, disappearing into the sky.
Furina watched the bird soar into the distance, her expression softening once more. She stood there for a moment, feeling the cool breeze against her skin.
"Come back safely, Tempest."
She whispered quietly to the wind, her voice carried away as the ships continued their voyage across the sea.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Standing tall at the bow of his flagship, Tempest watched silently as the lands of Fontaine gradually faded from view. The once towering cliffs and shimmering waterways of his homeland shrank into the distant horizon, swallowed by the vast, open sea. His hands gripped the cold railing, the salty air brushing against his face, carrying with it the weight of both duty and ambition.
The wind howled softly, as his fleet cut through the waters, bound for Natlan. His mind was consumed by thoughts of what lay ahead, alliances to forge, resources to secure, and challenges that would undoubtedly test him and his men.
*Caw!*
Tempest turned his head just as the messenger hawk swooped down from the sky, gracefully landing on his shoulder.
"You're back sooner than I expected."
Tempest muttered, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity. The bird shifted slightly, extending its leg where a neatly folded letter was tied.
Unfastening the scroll, he gently opened it, reading the elegantly written words in Furina's familiar script.
"Au revoir, my dear Admiral, safe journeys. I sure do hope a sudden storm, doesn't sweep your fleet~"
A small smile tugged at the corner of Tempest's lips. He could almost hear her voice in the flow of the words, teasing yet sincere. She had chosen not to ask him to turn back, despite the option he had offered. Typical of her to let him sail on, even though he could tell she probably considered it, if only for a moment.
Folding the letter carefully, Tempest tucked it into his coat, the smile still lingering on his face. The wind whipped around him as he straightened up, looking ahead toward the open waters and the horizon beyond. Fontaine was behind him, but Furina's words stayed close to his heart as he prepared for what lay ahead in Natlan.
Shortly after reading the letter, Tempest made his way back to his private cabin, the sounds of the bustling deck outside growing fainter with each step. The room was quiet, the polished wood gleaming faintly in the soft glow of a lantern hanging by the wall. He paused for a moment, letting the door close behind him, and cast a lingering glance around the familiar space.
His cabin was meticulously organized, maps of Natlan spread out on the table, documents piled high, and a half-empty cup of coffee resting on the desk. Yet, despite the calm, something felt... off. Tempest's sharp instincts kicked in, sensing a presence that shouldn't have been there.
With a low sigh, he moved toward the far side of the room, stopping before a modest wooden closet. His hand hovered over the handle as he muttered under his breath, a touch of exasperation in his voice.
"I told you to stay..."
He pulled the door open, revealing exactly what he expected. Inside, Nahida was sitting on the floor, her legs tucked beneath her, a mischievous yet innocent smile on her face. She looked up at him with wide, shimmering eyes, completely unfazed by having been discovered.
Tempest folded his arms and gave her a tired look, though there was no real anger behind it.
"I didn't bring you because we're headed straight into a warzone."
Tempest began, his voice firm but softened by a touch of concern.
"And that's exactly why I left Penance behind as well. I can't risk your safety, Young Pasha, not when we don't know what we're walking into."
Her smile didn't falter.
"I couldn't let you head off to Natlan without me."
She said cheerfully as if hiding in a closet aboard his flagship was the most natural thing in the world.
"Besides, someone has to keep an eye on you."
Tempest let out a resigned sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You are the Dendro Archon, and yet, you've hidden in a closet aboard a ship bound for a war zone. Do you even realize how dangerous this mission is?"
Nahida tilted her head, her expression softening as she spoke with quiet wisdom.
"I know, Tempest. But maybe you need someone to remind you of what's truly important amidst all the battles and deals you're planning."
Tempest let out a deep, weary sigh, his hand resting on the door handle as he prepared to leave the cabin. The weight of responsibility and concern pressed heavily on his shoulders, and Nahida's unexpected presence only added to his already mounting worries.
"I'm getting Falric to send you back."
Tempest said, his voice firm, though tinged with frustration. He was about to step out, fully intent on making sure she returned to safety.
But before he could take another step, Nahida's calm yet resolute voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Nope."
She replied, crossing her arms with a surprising air of defiance for someone so small.
"Your Mother specifically told me to watch over you."
Tempest froze, blinking in disbelief. He slowly turned back to face her, a mix of surprise and mild annoyance crossing his features.
"My Mother?"
He repeated, his tone incredulous.
"Yes, your Mother."
Nahida confirmed, a small smirk playing on her lips. "She entrusted me to keep an eye on you during this journey. So, like it or not, I'm staying."
Tempest groaned internally, running a hand through his hair in exasperation.
"Mother... she really went behind my back with this, didn't she?"
He muttered under his breath.
"She cares about you, Tempest."
Nahida said, her voice softening, the playfulness giving way to sincerity.
"And so do I. You can't always do everything alone, no matter how strong you are. Sometimes, you need someone watching your back, even if it's from the sidelines."
Tempest looked at her, the frustration fading as her words sank in. He knew she wasn't wrong. His mother had always been overly protective, and Nahida, despite her small stature and gentle demeanor, had a quiet strength that couldn't be denied.
After a long pause, Tempest finally relented with a resigned smile.
"Fine. You can stay."
He said, shaking his head.
"But don't think for a second that I'm letting you run around freely. You stick to me like glue, got it?"
Nahida smiled, giving him a small nod.
"Deal."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Five days later...
Tempest sat slouched in his chair near his desk, his head resting heavily on his hand as he slowly succumbed to sleep. The soothing melodies of a Robin song drifted from his record player, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. Just as he was about to drift off entirely, a familiar voice broke through the hazy veil of his dreams.
'Tempest, you might want to see this...'
The voice of Nahida echoed in his mind, snapping him back to reality with a jolt.
"What is it?"
Tempest mumbled, blinking against the dim light of his cabin.
'We're nearing the shores of Natlan.'
Nahida replied, her tone urgent yet steady.
'The entire fleet has stopped, and they're waiting for your orders.'
Tempest straightened in his chair, the drowsiness fading as adrenaline coursed through him. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and focused on Nahida's words.
"Stopped? Why would they stop?"
He asked, his voice laced with concern.
'There's something on the horizon.'
She explained, her voice resonating in his mind.
'You need to see it for yourself.'
Shortly after, Tempest made his way to the deck, where all of his men stood with tense expressions, their eyes fixed on the storm brewing on the horizon of Natlan. The sky was a swirling shade of purple, a foreboding omen that sent a chill down his spine. Though the sounds of battle were muffled by the distance, he could feel the palpable tension in the air, a bloody conflict was unfolding, and it would soon demand their attention.
"Your Grace, what are your orders?"
Rohan asked as he approached, his voice steady despite the chaos looming ahead.
"Get to the lagoon and prepare the landing crafts. Take command, Rohan."
Rohan nodded, his expression resolute, and rushed off to relay Tempest's commands.
"Hatsume!"
Tempest called, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.
"C-Chief?!"
Hatsume startled, her wide eyes still trained on the turbulent sky above.
"Start your plane."
He commanded.
"I can't take off without a runway, chief!"
Hatsume protested, her brow furrowing in concern.
Tempest shook his head, determination etched on his face. "No need."
With that, his entire frame began to glow, a golden light enveloping him as he transformed into his Paladin form. The crew instinctively bowed their heads slightly at the sight of Ra's champion, a gesture of respect that reverberated through the ranks.
"Hatsume, now."
He ordered, his voice deep and resonant.
"Got it!"
Hatsume responded, her trepidation replaced by newfound resolve. She quickly dashed away, her determination propelling her toward the Electro Smasher, which was parked on the deck of the ship.
As she hurried to her aircraft, Tempest turned his attention back to the horizon, his heart racing with anticipation. The battle awaited them, and he knew that every second counted. With his crew ready to follow his lead, he steeled himself for the fight ahead, prepared to face whatever horrors lay beyond the storm.
"To battle! Haha!"
Constantine shouted with infectious excitement as he clambered aboard Hatsume's plane, quickly joined by Tirpitz, who flashed a determined grin.
"Engine's screaming, chief!"
Hatsume called out over the roar of the machinery as she powered up the plane's engines. The four propellers spun into action, generating a powerful hum that vibrated through the deck, ready for takeoff.
"Hold tight."
Tempest said, his voice steady and reassuring as he approached the plane. With a surge of strength, he lifted it effortlessly, the weight seeming negligible in his grasp.
"Woah! Careful with my baby, Chief!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her eyes widening as she instinctively clutched the controls.
With a determined nod, Tempest hurled the plane high into the sky, launching it into the air like a comet streaking across Teyvat.
Hatsume's heart raced as she gripped the controls tighter, but the sudden change in altitude threw her off balance.
"Whoa, whoa! I've got it! I've got it!"
She shouted, panic creeping into her voice as the plane dipped perilously close to the water's surface.
"Stabilize it, Hatsume!"
Constantine yelled, his excitement quickly turning to concern as he felt the plane lurch beneath him.
With a frantic flurry of adjustments, Hatsume fought to regain control, her hands flying over the dials and levers. Just as it seemed they were about to plunge into the waves, she managed to level out the aircraft, the nose rising just in time.
"Got it! We're good!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her heart pounding as she steadied her breathing.
Tempest watched intently from the deck as Hatsume wrestled with the controls, the Electro Smasher stabilizing in mid-air. He then turned his gaze to Nahida, who appeared so small in contrast to his towering Paladin form.
"Stay safe."
Nahida urged, her voice soft yet filled with concern.
Tempest nodded in response, a silent promise echoing in his heart. He turned his gaze skyward, watching as the plane rapidly disappeared into the clouds, feeling the anticipation of the coming battle pulse through him. With a surge of determination, he took a running leap from the deck. The steel floor creaked ominously beneath him, cracking slightly as he propelled himself into the air.
As he soared high above the ship, his body glowed with a radiant golden light. He shifted back to his original form in midair, feeling the rush of wind whip around him. With a deft maneuver, he reached out and grabbed hold of the landing skid of the plane, his grip firm and assured.
"I got you!"
He shouted, adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Inside the cockpit, Constantine swiftly opened the door, his eyes wide with exhilaration.
"Come on! Let's get you in here!"
He called, extending a hand to help Tempest lift himself into the plane. With a powerful pull, Tempest climbed aboard, feeling the rush of altitude and the vibrations of the engines beneath him.
"Thanks, Constantine."
Tempest said, catching his breath as he settled into the cockpit.
"Full speed ahead, Hatsume," Tempest commanded, his voice firm and resolute.
"Aye aye, chief!"
Hatsume replied, a spark of excitement igniting her spirit as she adjusted the controls, the Electro Smasher roaring to life as it surged into the fray.
The plane sliced through the air, entering the battlefield where chaos reigned below. Villagers fled in panic as the Abyss attacked, Hilichurls and Riftwolves pouring from ominous portals that flickered with dark energy. The sight was one of utter carnage, a stark reminder of the threat they faced.
"Hatsume, provide support from above."
Tempest ordered, his tone calm and steady despite the chaos unfolding beneath them.
"Teacher, Tirpitz, we're going in."
"Ragno-rock and roll!"
Constantine shouted with palpable excitement, his scimitar and katana gleaming in the dim light as he prepared for battle. The thrill of combat coursed through his veins, and he could hardly contain his eagerness.
"Ready."
Tirpitz responded, her voice cool and collected. Her claws crackled with a mix of Cryo and Electro energy, reflecting her determination to engage the enemy head-on.
Without hesitation, Tempest opened the door of the plane, the rush of wind whipping through the cabin as the battlefield loomed beneath them. He exchanged a quick glance with his companions, their expressions filled with resolve. Then, with a powerful leap, he and his allies jumped from the Electro Smasher.
As he fell, Tempest felt his Hydro Vision glow with radiant energy. The sensation enveloped him, and he focused on the ground below, channeling his powers to soften their landing. As he hit the ground, the impact was cushioned by a surge of water, allowing him to spring into action without missing a beat.
Tempest rolled to his feet, quickly assessing the chaotic scene around him. The sound of clashing metal, the cries of the villagers, and the roars of the Abyss creatures filled the air. He could see Hatsume's plane soaring above, the whir of its engines providing a sense of reassurance as it circled around to provide aerial support.
"The abyss doesn't seem to understand, Teyvat, isn't theirs to conquer."